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Author Feature: Charles Yallowitz

Posted on October 15, 2014 by Bookwraiths

Check out this interview with a great indie fantasy author, then go check out his entertaining fantasy YA series.

Regular visitors will surely recognize Charles Yallowitz, author of Legends of Windemere. Charles is one of the top commentators over here, and I am always looking forward to his witty, thought-provoking comments. As such, I consider him one of the great new friends I’ve made since publishing my epic fantasy series Pearseus a little under a year ago.

Thinking it’s high time we got to know a little more about this lovely gentleman, I asked him to be interviewed and he kindly agreed. You can also watch him live on Sally Sue Ember’s show CHANGES on Wednesday Oct 22nd, from 10-11 AM (EST).

The Usual Questions

Hi Charles, it’s great to have you here! What inspired you to write Legends of Windemere?

This book series is loosely based on a Dungeons & Dragons game that I played in college. At the time, I was working on earning a…

View original post 2,034 more words

Posted in Author Spotlights, Interview | Tagged author spotlight, Charles E Yallowitz, Legends of Windemere | 3 Comments

THE ROADS TO BALDAIRN MOTTE by GARRETT CALCATERRA, CRAIG COMER, and AHIMSA KERP

Posted on October 14, 2014 by Bookwraiths

My rating is 3 out of 5 stars.

The Roads to Baldairn Motte is an epic fantasy in the vein of Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire and Erikson’s The Malazan Book of the Fallen, in that it has a large list of characters, each with different plots, all of whom are caught up in a continent spanning war. Where those more famous epic fantasy series are crafted by one author, however, this novel was penned by three – Garrett Calcaterra, Craig Comer, and Ahimsa Kerp, and with that in mind, this book is amazingly cohesive and easy to follow along with, even though each story is different in tone and style than its sister tales.

Here the stories show a huge war being played out in a well-developed land of medieval times. There are political machinations ongoing in these realms of kings and nobility; upheaval is ripping the land apart; and armies and navies are being sent out to wage war. Where other series tend to focus on the “power players” of these types of conflicts, here the three authors decided to take a different approach, shining the spotlight on the more common folk in the tale, showing how these whores, sailors, and other “normal” people find their life impacted by the conflict between their “betters.” Something that gave this fantasy a very different flavor than my normal reads.

The other thing that made The Roads to Baldairn Motte a bit different was the writing approach to this tale – the novel being divided into three distinct sections. Here, Garrett Calcaterra, Craig Comer, and Ahimsa Kerp each developed their own vision of this ongoing conflict with different characters in their own unique sections of the novel. Nothing about the world itself or its ongoing conflict changed, but the stories themselves were distinctly different in focus and viewpoint. And while there were recurrent characters who appeared throughout, each of these was seen in different lights in each author’s story. Something that caused the reading of this story to be out of the ordinary, feeling more like an anthology tale than a single novel.

Now, naturally, all was not completely rosy when three authors are writing what is basically one long tale. Honestly, there were points in the tale where it seemed the current author was trying to wrap up a lingering thread from his coauthors’ section as quickly as possible. And many times, I felt that there was not enough groundwork laid for scenes or plots that were going to continue in the next section of the book, or to put it another way, things were told to me instead of being shown to me. But other than those complaints I had no major issues with the story as a whole.

Overall, this was a well developed and crafted fantasy novel. It had enough world building to establish the reasons for the war and its combatant’s motives and desires as well as enough description of important events to build the story to its conclusion. There were more than a few memorable characters to keep me interested, so while this story did not blow me away, it was definitely an entertaining read and well worth a try for epic fantasy fans.

Buy The Roads to Baldairn Motte at Amazon.

Posted in 3 Stars, Anthology, Fantasy, Low | Tagged AHIMSA KERP, Baldairn Motte, best independent fantasy series, best indie fantasy novel, CRAIG COMER, epic fantasy, epic fantasy series, GARRETT CALCATERRA, THE ROADS TO BALDAIRN MOTTE | 1 Comment

FUN DAY MONDAY, OR THE BOOKS THAT WILL HELP ME SURVIVE THE WEEK AHEAD (OCTOBER 13, 2014)

Posted on October 13, 2014 by Bookwraiths

The work week begins. Time for me to strap on my business suit and head back into the office to save the world one case at a time. And usually, I have a list of books that are going to help me through the trials and tribulations of life, but last week, something horrible happened: real life interfered in my reading!

The nerve of work deadlines and family problems rearing their heads!

Since I’m still trying to finish up reads from last week, I wondered what I should post here, then I decided I’d list a few fantasy series I really need to try out and see which one you guys think I should start first.

So help me out a little with my next reading choice.

1. MISTBORN: THE FINAL EMPIRE (MISTBORN) by BRANDON SANDERSON

Most of you are Sanderson fans. On the other hand, I’ve never read any of his books. When I tell my reading friends this, they understandable get upset. After they can breath again, they inevitable tell me I have to fix this terrible problem right away. Mistborn is the book that they always instruct me to start my journey into Sanderson fandom with.

So is this the Sanderson epic that will blow my mind, or should I begin somewhere else?

2. THE LIES OF LOCKE LAMORA (GENTLEMAN BASTARD) by SCOTT LYNCH

“In this stunning debut, author Scott Lynch delivers the wonderfully thrilling tale of an audacious criminal and his band of confidence tricksters. Set in a fantastic city pulsing with the lives of decadent nobles and daring thieves, here is a story of adventure, loyalty, and survival that is one part “Robin Hood”, one part Ocean’s Eleven, and entirely enthralling…” – Goodreads

Does it live up to that description?

3. THE BLADE ITSELF (THE FIRST LAW) by JOE ABERCROMBIE

This is the book that began the grimdark revolution according to some articles. Not going to waste the time posting a synopsis, since most of you have read this series. (At times, I think I’m the only fantasy fan who hasn’t.) And this novel has been toward the top of my “To be read” list for a while, but then I tried Half a King (Abercrombie’s YA fantasy novel) and I wasn’t quite as eager to start this one. Should I be?

4. THE NAME OF THE WIND (THE KINGKILLER CHRONICLES) by PATRICK ROTHFUSS

This epic fantasy masterpiece, as it is called, gets lots of hype. But even people who seem to love it also scatter in tidbits of negativity about Kvothe being a bit Gary Stu, or the writing being long winded, or nothing much happening for large parts of the novel, or that a reader knows more about Kvothe’s current financial situation than anything else. All these things flashing before my eyes as warning signals of a dull reading experience.

Just so you know, I’m a simple man with humble demands from my stories. I simply want an interesting tale that will transport me to a world far away where I can tag along behind some people having a grand or exciting or suspenseful adventure. Poetic language is fine, but I personally do not read fantasy to be awed by the stellar sentence structure and immaculate usage of punctuation or for philosophical theories. I’m past that point in my life journey.

So what I want to know is if this is an exciting story?

5. THE BLACK PRISM (LIGHTBRINGER) by BRENT WEEKS

“Gavin Guile is the Prism, the most powerful man in the world. He is high priest and emperor, a man whose power, wit, and charm are all that preserves a tenuous peace. But Prisms never last, and Guile knows exactly how long he has left to live: Five years to achieve five impossible goals.

But when Guile discovers he has a son, born in a far kingdom after the war that put him in power, he must decide how much he’s willing to pay to protect a secret that could tear his world apart.” – Goodreads

Interesting. But I have to admit I’m wary of Weeks, because of the numerous negative reviews of his writing style. Things like “teenage boys fantasy” and “video game storytelling” have been used by a few reviewers. That isn’t what I’m looking for. So should I be concerned or not?

6. GARDENS OF THE MOON (THE MALAZAN BOOK OF THE FALLEN) by STEVEN ERIKSON

“Bled dry by warfare, the vast Malazan empire simmers with discontent. Sergeant Whiskeyjack’s Bridgeburners and surviving sorceress Tattersail wanted to mourn the dead of Pale. But Darujhistan, last of the Free Cities, holds out, Empress Lasseen’s ambition knows no bounds, and the gods intend to intervene.” – Goodreads

I’m not intimidated by many things. Dealing with murderers on a daily basis will toughen your skin, I suppose. But I’m not ashamed to confess that the sheer immensity of this one terrifies me. So should I even try? Help me decide.

7. BLOOD SONG (RAVEN’S SHADOW) by ANTHONY RYAN

“Vaelin Al Sorna was only a child of ten when his father left him at the iron gate of the Sixth Order. The Brothers of the Sixth Order are devoted to battle, and Vaelin will be trained and hardened to the austere, celibate, and dangerous life of a Warrior of the Faith. He has no family now save the Order.

Vaelin’s father was Battle Lord to King Janus, ruler of the unified realm. Vaelin’s rage at being deprived of his birthright and dropped at the doorstep of the Sixth Order like a foundling knows no bounds. He cherishes the memory of his mother, and what he will come to learn of her at the Order will confound him. His father, too, has motives that Vaelin will come to understand. But one truth overpowers all the rest: Vaelin Al Sorna is destined for a future he has yet to comprehend. A future that will alter not only the realm, but the world.” – Goodreads

I’ve heard all the hype, but what I need to know is the hype true.

8. FURIES OF CALDERON (CODEX ALERA) by JIM BUTCHER

“In the realm of Alera, where people bond with the furies-elementals of earth, air, fire, water and metal, fifteen-year-old Tavi struggles with his lack of furycrafting. But when his homeland erupts in chaos-when rebels war with loyalists and furies clash with furies-Tavi’s simple courage will turn the tides of war.” – Goodreads

Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files speaks for themselves, but epic fantasy is a different genre that his talents might or might not translate to. Plus, I’ve heard this series is ancient Rome with Pokemons. I can’t think of a description that is a bigger turn off. So what is the truth?

9. BLACK SUN RISING (THE COLDFIRE TRILOGY) by C.S. FRIEDMAN

This one has been on my radar for years, since I really enjoyed Friedman’s In Conquest Born series back in the day. Naturally, though, I’ve kept putting it off until a day when I was caught up with my reading. Something that obviously isn’t going to happen. But it sounds really interesting.

“On the distant world of Erna, four people–Priest, Adept, Sorcerer, and Apprentice–are drawn together to battle the forces of evil, led by the demonic fae, a soul-destroying force that preys on the human mind.” – Goodreads.

10. WIZARD’S FIRST RULE (SWORD OF TRUTH) by TERRY GOODKIND

I’ve had this book on my “to be read” list ever since it was first published long ago. I even watched the short lived “Legend of the Seeker” television series and thought it was okay. Nothing special, mind you, but not so horrible I immediately turned the station. But I’ve never tried the novels out. So what is stopping me, you ask?

Reviews. The sharp divide between people who love it and hate it has always scared me off. The sexual brutalization, political rants, and Gary Stu main character being my main turn offs.

So should I give it a try or not?

11. HIS MAJESTY’S DRAGON (TEMERAIRE) by NAOMI NOVIK

“Aerial combat brings a thrilling new dimension to the Napoleonic Wars as valiant warriors ride mighty fighting dragons, bred for size or speed. When HMS Reliant captures a French frigate and seizes the precious cargo, an unhatched dragon egg, fate sweeps Captain Will Laurence from his seafaring life into an uncertain future – and an unexpected kinship with a most extraordinary creature.

Thrust into the rarified world of the Aerial Corps as master of the dragon Temeraire, he will face a crash course in the daring tactics of airborne battle. For as France’s own dragon-borne forces rally to breach British soil in Bonaparte’s boldest gambit, Laurence and Temeraire must soar into their own baptism of fire.” – Goodreads

Sounds good. Your thoughts?

12. THE DEEDS OF PAKSENARRION by ELIZABETH MOON

“Paksenarrion, a simple sheepfarmer’s daughter, yearns for a life of adventure and glory, such as was known to heroes in songs and story. At age seventeen she runs away from home to join a mercenary company and begins her epic life . . . Book One: Paks is trained as a mercenary, blooded, and introduced to the life of a soldier . . . and to the followers of Gird, the soldier’s god. Book Two: Paks leaves the Duke’s company to follow the path of Gird alone—and on her lonely quests encounters the other sentient races of her world. Book Three: Paks the warrior must learn to live with Paks the human. She undertakes a holy quest for a lost elven prince that brings the gods’ wrath down on her and tests her very limits.” – Baen publishing

I tried the first book in the series when it was initially published years ago. We didn’t hit it off. Now, though, I’m older and wiser. Is it worth giving it another go?

Posted in Fantasy, Funday Monday, Lists | Tagged ANTHONY RYAN, BLACK SUN RISING, BLOOD SONG, Brandon Sanderson, BRENT WEEKS, C.S. FRIEDMAN, CODEX ALERA, ELIZABETH MOON, epic fantasy, FURIES OF CALDERON, GARDENS OF THE MOON, Gentleman Bastard, HIS MAJESTY’S DRAGON, Jim Butcher, Joe Abercrombie, LIGHTBRINGER, MALAZAN BOOK OF THE FALLEN, MISTBORN, MISTBORN: THE FINAL EMPIRE, NAOMI NOVIK, patrick rothfuss, RAVEN’S SHADOW, Scott Lynch, STEVEN ERIKSON, Sword of Truth, TEMERAIRE, TERRY GOODKIND, THE BLACK PRISM, THE BLADE ITSELF, THE COLDFIRE TRILOGY, THE DEEDS OF PAKSENARRION, the first law, THE KINGKILLER CHRONICLES, THE LIES OF LOCKE LAMORA, THE MALAZAN BOOK OF THE FALLEN, THE NAME OF THE WIND, WIZARD’S FIRST RULE | 8 Comments

JIM BUTCHER’S THE DRESDEN FILES: WAR CRY

Posted on October 12, 2014 by Bookwraiths

My rating is 4 out of 5 stars.

The Dresden Files: War Cry is a comic collection of the series written by Jim Butcher and Mark Powers. And while I have just begun my travels with Harry Dresden, I have to say that this tale was just as gripping and entertaining as Storm Front (which is the only book I’ve read in the series thus far.)

The story itself is set four months after the events depicted in Dead Beat, the 7th novel in The Dresden Files. As constant readers of the series will know, at this time, the White Council is waging what appears to be a losing war against the vampire forces of the Red Court. In fact, things are so desperate that they’ve “drafted” the inexperienced and the outcast wizards to help reinforce the ever thinning ranks of the Wardens.

Naturally, Harry Dresden, a wizard for hire from Chicago, is one of the misfits enlisted, even though the White Council has long viewed him with suspicion for things that happened in his past. But the threat from the Red Court being what it is, all that is temporarily forgiven, and Harry is sent out on a Warden mission.

And boy what a mission it is! Harry is dispatched with a small team of inexperienced Wardens to rescue a handful of mortals who live in a snow-covered town in the middle of nowhere.

Naturally, things start going wrong from the get-go for the group. First, Harry’s ever dependable car breaks down. Then they find that they have no time to evacuate the premises but must make their stand at the mortals home. And worst of all, no one, not even Harry, knows why they are doing this? Why these people are so important to the Red Court? Why the White Council wants to save them? And if these mortals are important, why did the Council only send Harry and a few misfit Wardens to protect them?

The story that develops from this setup is pure Harry Dresden fun. It reads like a comic version of a Dresden book. The dialogue between characters is the same. Harry’s internal monologue is the same. But here, that great Jim Butcher story is coupled with stellar artwork by Carlos Gomez, who absolutely captures the frenetic nature of the tale, bringing to life all the magic fights, the mystical creatures, and the characters themselves. And always, Jim Butcher adds just the right amount of narration and explanation to move the story along without detracting from the artwork.

To make it perfectly clear, I loved this comic collection. As a new fan of Harry Dresden, I found this story to be yet another example of how Jim Butcher has caught lightning in a bottle with this urban fantasy hero, allowing him to turn even the simplest story into something very Wow! worthy. I highly recommend this one to all Dresden fans, urban fantasy fans, and lovers of great stories!

I received this ARC from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. I’d like to thank them both for allowing me to receive this review copy and inform everyone that the review you have read is my opinion alone.

BUY Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files: War Cry AT AMAZON

Posted in 4 Stars, Dresden Files, Graphic Novels, Urban Fantasy | Tagged Dynamite Comics, Harry Dresden, Jim Butcher, THE DRESDEN FILES, The Dresden Files comics, War Cry | 1 Comment

FEARSOME MAGICS by JONATHAN STRAHAN

Posted on October 11, 2014 by Bookwraiths

My rating is 3 out of 5 stars.

Fearsome Magics is the follow-up anthology to Jonathan Strahan’s Fearsome Journeys. Here fourteen tales set out to explore the essential element of all fantasy: MAGIC!

There are novellas looking at magic in other worlds, magic in the form of mathematical formulas, magic letters, magic superstitions, and even magic chairs. And while there were a few stories that seemed a bit out of place in the anthology, Mr. Strahan generally did a great job of putting together an entertaining anthology, but like every reader, I had my favorites — some that entertained me, some that touched me, some that horrified me, and some that just made me think.

“Home is the Haunter” by Garth Nix is a story that entertained me. The focus here is on Sir Hereward and his magical puppet Master Fitz. These two have been ordered by their liege lord to transport a huge cannon to an allied kingdom by the (supposedly) shorter route of crossing an endless steppes-like plain. Naturally, though, things go awry when they stumble upon a strange tower set beside a shallow sea and discover that they are now the intended victims for a ghostly goddess called the Hag of the Shallows. The tale that follows has lots of world building and spends a great deal of time fleshing out our two protagonists. Sure it could have been more focused, but other than that, “Home of the Haunter” was a fairly entertaining tale.

“Grigori’s Solution” by Isobelle Carmody was a story that touched me. Here an old academic is watching a late night American program when he realizes that the end of the world is announced. As the story progresses, Ms. Carmody deftly crafts a tale where a mathematical equation sets about the end of the universe and explores how a math deficient population would be slow to understand the significance of it all before finally giving into their grief and abandoning civilization and its social norms. Great idea coupled with some excellent writing.

“The Changeling” by James Bradley was a tale that horrified me, not in abject terror but rather in the terrible choices people will make. Here Hannah O’Rourke goes against her family’s wishes and marries the man she loves. When he dies, she finds herself pregnant, ostracized by her family, and her happy life at an end. After her son Connor is born and becomes a strange, almost ethereal creature, the superstition of the village witch and Hannah’s own desire for a better life drives her to a choice that no mother wishes to make. This is definitely a dark tale with a strong horror influence.

“Safe House” by K.J. Parker was a tale that made me think. Here an unlucky wizard is sent to a neighboring country to locate and rescue an untrained magic user. The reason he is selected for the job is that he is more gifted at dying and then magically reforming his body after the locals inevitable catch him, torture him, and execute him as a heretic wizard. The story makes one think about magic, the death of mages, and even has a twisted ending that is a bit humorous.

Overall, Fearsome Magics was an entertaining read. Sure, there were a few stories that I personally could not get interested in. And yes, there were a number of them that did not seem to really explore the central idea of the anthology. But there were also several that I really enjoyed for different reasons. So pick it and give it a try. I’m sure, there is something in this book you will enjoy reading and thinking about.

Posted in 3 Stars, Anthology, Fantasy, High | Tagged Christopher Rowe, Ellen Klages, fantasy short story anthology, Fearsome Magics, Frances Hardinge, Garth Nix, Genevieve Valentine, Isobelle Carmody, James Bradley, Jonathan Strahan, Justina Robson, K.J. Parker, Kaaron Warren, Karin Tidbeck, Nina Kiriki Hoffman, Robert Shearman, Tony Ballantyne | 1 Comment

FLASHBACK FRIDAY: THE IVANHOE GAMBIT (TIME WARS #1) by SIMON HAWKE

Posted on October 10, 2014 by Bookwraiths

During my teen years back in the early 1980s, my reading consisted of D&D modules/rule books, comics (mainly Marvel), “Choose Your Own Adventure” books, and Star Wars novels. Everything else I sort of stayed away from. But then one day I stumbled on this book by Simon Hawke.

I mean, you have to admit that is a really cool cover. Knight holding a shield and a tommy gun does, sort of, grab your attention. So naturally, I bought it and took it home, and never regretted the decision, because this time-traveling scifi serial began my descent into bibliophile-hood.

The central idea in the Time Wars series is that wars are outlawed in the 27th Century. Well, at least, wars in the present. Instead of laying waste the world, countries have agreed to resolve their disputes by “clocking” soldiers from the present into conflicts of the past. Each nation sends their soldiers back to the agreed upon conflict, and whichever nation has the most soldiers left alive at the end of the war wins. Obviously, there are also “referees” monitoring the count to decide who “won.”

This seemed like a great compromise for a war weary Earth. It was simple, elegant, and effective. The huge military-industrial complex kept getting to fleece humanity for profits. Countries still continued sending young people off to die over ridiculous political issues. But there would be no more collateral damage to anything in the world. All the dying and destruction would happen in the past during a historic war, so a few more dead bodies really wouldn’t change anything. And since the “experts” said nothing the soldiers from the present did could change history, time wars seemed absolutely safe.

Lucas Priest is one of these modern soldiers, and as a member of the U.S. Army Temporal Corps, he has marched with the Roman legions against Hannibal, fought against Crazy Horse with Custer’s 7th Cavalry, and even rode along with Attila the Huns’ horde. But none of those conflicts have prepared him for what he is about to get into, for it seemed that the “experts” were wrong.

About many things.

Specifically that history could be changed.

In fact, it seems that history could not only be changed it could be absolutely, totally screwed up until no one in the present would even exist anymore – 27th Century Earth disappearing like an unused thread snipped from a pair of pants. Everything Lucas knew his whole life erased from history in a blink of an eye.

Thankfully, Temporal Corps has uncovered this plot by one of the “referees” to change history. Unfortunately, discovering the plot and stopping it are two different things. And since two elite commando teams have already tried and failed, Lucas Priest finds himself drafted into the third and finally team; his part being to impersonate a historical figure close to King Richard the Lion-hearted, so that he can locate the traitor. But can he find the madman and stop him before time runs out? And can he do it without changing history himself?

I really enjoyed this book back in the ’80s. It was a genre blending work of history, fantasy, literary classics, military and science fiction. So much so that it is difficult to describe, because in one chapter you will have military time travelers conversing in a future world only to see them in the next chapter playing out roles as Ivanhoe or Robin Hood, attempting to mimic these people from history without letting their own personalities and feelings bleed through. The fact that sometimes these classic adventure characters were not portrayed in their traditional light made it even more exciting. And that is why The Ivanhoe Gambit was such a sharp, witty, twisted, fun book to read back then and still is today.

Oh, by the way, if you enjoy this book, there are several more novels in the series – each focusing on the same band of time traveling soldiers attempting to fix some temporal screw up or other by exchanging places with or interacting with different literary and historical characters. Each book is a stand alone story, and while they are all out of print, I personally think they’d be well worth a buy at your local used bookstore or as an e-book on Amazon.

Have fun reading!

Buy The Ivanhoe Gambit (Timewars Book 1) at Amazon.

Posted in 4 Stars, Flashback Friday, Science Fiction, Time Travel | Tagged BEST 1980S SCIENCE FICTION SERIES, BEST TIME TRAVEL SERIES 1980S, Flashback Friday, SIMON HAWKE, THE IVANHOE GAMBIT, TIME TRAVEL SERIES, TIME WARS | 6 Comments

TOUGH TRAVELING — DARK LADY!

Posted on October 9, 2014 by Bookwraiths

Every Thursday, Nathan over at Fantasy Review Barn hosts a weekly party where blogs get to follow along with Diana Wynne Jones’ hilarious book The Tough Guide to Fantasyland: The Essential Guide to Fantasy Travel listing their favorite books with a particular fantasy trope. So sit back and enjoy the fun.

9th OF OCTOBER, 2014 – DARK LADY

There is never one of these – so see DARK LORD instead.

I hate to disagree with you there, Diana Wynne Jones, but actually, there are lots of really vile and cunning Dark Ladies, who could give any Dark Lord a run for their money. So sit back and take a look at my favorites.

MATRON MOTHER QUENTHEL BAERNE – LEGEND OF DRIZZT

Quenthel is the reigning Matron Mother of Menzoberranzan and Mistress of Arach-Tinilith, which means she pretty much is the ruler of the drow and has turned into one wicked Dark Lady. Once considered weak and stupid, her brother helped her infused herself with the wisdom and experience of her mother Yvonnel Baenre. Through this process, Quenthel became much more intelligent and manipulative, besides having a much greater understanding of the wishes of Lolth, the Queen of Spiders. Soon thereafter, she unleashes a war to destroy the Silver Marches and the legend of Drizzt Do’Urden forever.

Buy Homeland: The Legend of Drizzt, Book I: Bk. 1 at Amazon

MORATHI, HAG QUEEN OF NAGGAROTH – WARHAMMER UNIVERSE

Morathi was the second wife of Aenarion, First Phoenix King of the Elves of Ulthuan, and mother of his son, Malekith. Though saved by Aenarion from a warband of the Chaos gods, this powerful sorceress quickly turned to these same evil forces, making numerous daemonic pacts to further her own power and eventually introducing the pleasure cults to Ulthuan, which directly led to the Sundering. Afterwards Morathi went into exile with her son and his followers, creating the blood-soaked realm of Naggaroth, where she became the First Hag Queen of the Witch Elves. Constantly adding her son in his efforts to return to Ulthuan and destroy the elves who had rejected him, this beautiful, intelligent, cruel, and bloodthirsty elf has spent 5000 years perfecting her evil powers. She is definitely a Dark Lady to fear.

Buy Malekith (Time of Legends) at Amazon

SOULCATCHER – THE BLACK COMPANY

This member of the Ten Who Were Taken was among the most powerful servants of the Dominator and the elder sister to the Lady, though they are almost the same age. Soulcatcher is herself a remarkably powerful Sorceress, exceeded only by the Lady at the height of her power, and the buried Dominator. Her name comes from the fact that she often speaks in different voices — voices that supposedly belong to the souls of those people she has caught. In The Books of the South, she truly becomes a Dark Lady, who even Lady is wary of.

Buy Chronicles of the Black Company at Amazon

LANFEAR – WHEEL OF TIME

This stalker of the Dragon, Lews Therin Telamon, and the Dragon Reborn, Rand, is the second most powerful Forsaken after Ishamael, a lover of power above all things, one of the most beautiful women to ever live, and, in the Age of Legends, one of the discoverers of the Dark One’s prison. After turning to evil, she choose her name of Lanfear, which means “Daughter of the Night.” Though supposedly a servant of the Dark One, Lanfear’s ultimate plan was to use the power she gained to destroy both the Creator and the Dark One so that she could rule alone as god of the world. Whether she really had an overinflated opinion of her true powers or not, Lanfear was definitely a seriously powerful Dark Lady.

Buy The Eye of the World: Book One of ‘The Wheel of Time’ at Amazon

THE WHITE WITCH – NARNIA

In The Magician’s Nephew, C.S. Lewis introduced Jadis, the final queen of the world of Charn, who destroyed all living things there with a single word. Once this arrogant creature arrives in the newly created world of Narnia, she immediately begins trying to conquer it, going so far as to eat the Fruit of Everlasting Life, which immediately turns her skin pale. Hiding until an opportunity presents itself, Jadis later succeeds in taking over Narnia, freezing it for a hundred years before the story which takes place in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Evil, arrogant, cruel, and willing to hurt anyone who gets in her way, this White Witch is a fine addition to the Dark Lady list.

Buy The Magician’s Nephew: The Chronicles of Narnia at Amazon

MORGAN LE FEY – ARTHURIAN LEGENDS

An original Dark Lady, Morgan is more often than not portrayed as a villainess: a seductive, megalomaniacal sorceress who wishes to overthrow King Arthur, a fierce rival of the mage Merlin, and the mother of Arthur’s bastard son Mordred, the wicked knight. By her actions, the legends say that Camelot fell and the Arthurian age ended. For those and many other reasons, Morgan Le Fey is on the list.

Buy The Acts of King Arthur and His Noble Knights: (Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition) at Amazon

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT MY BEST OF FANTASY LISTS.

Posted in Fantasy, Lists, Tough Traveling | Tagged C.S. Lewis, Camelot, Chronicle of Narnia, Chronicles of the Black Company, King Arthur, Lanfear, Matron Mother Quenthel Baerne, Morathi, Morgan Le Fey, robert jordan, Soulcatcher, The Black Company, The Legend of Drizzt, The Wheel of Time, The White Witch, Warhammer | 16 Comments

GRIMM FAIRY TALES: ROBYN HOOD LEGEND

Posted on October 8, 2014 by Bookwraiths

My rating is 3 out of 5 stars.

Grimm Fairy Tales: Robyn Hood Legend continues the story of our female Robyn Hood who has escaped from a dark, brutal Nottingham into the modern times. Once in the big city, our heroine turns herself into a Green Arrow type vigilante, patrolling the city and taking from the criminal rich and giving to the poor. But, even though she is trying to let the past go and embrace her new life, she can’t seem to escape it. Her old choices and her old mistakes haunt her dreams, making her shun companionship, and keeping her sealed tight in a world of self-imposed despair. And then things suddenly get even worse!

For one night, Robyn’s past literally comes to life. Maid Marian, Guy of Gisbourne and Will Scarlett, who she thought was dead, appearing in this world. And they have come in search of her, to take her back to Nottingham, so she can help their ragged tag group of former enemies defeat the Dark Horde that she left behind.

From reading a few comic collections from the Grimm Universe, I generally expect these stories to have two essential features: really hot chicks and incredibly dark stories. Here there is definitely the former (Robyn is a scantily clad vigilante, of course), but the creative team has toned down the darkness and gore, making this comic story more about the character’s relationships with one another. And that actually works, because the narrative about Will’s love for Robyn (especially our female archer’s inability to embrace the love being offered) and the flashbacks about Sir Guy of Gisbourne’s past were both well handled, turning what could have been ho-hum plot lines into something a bit deeper and more meaningful. Hell, the creative team even transformed Maid Marian into more than just a damsel in distress.

Overall, Robyn Hood Legends was a well written and illustrated comic collection. Patrick Shand did a really good job of creating a new wrinkle in the Robyn Hood legend while tidying up the past storylines. The art was very nice, if not spectacular, and the covers were stellar as always. You might not find anything earth shattering here, but it is still a fun comic collection to try out.

This one is recommended for people who like fairy tale re-imagining, Zenescope, masked vigilantes, bows and arrows, and really hot chicks.

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Posted in 3 Stars, Fairy Tale, Graphic Novels, Grimm Fairy Tales | Tagged comic collections, Grimm Fairy Tales, Robyn Hood, Robyn Hood Legend, Zenescope | 1 Comment

RISE OF THE KING by R.A. SALVATORE

Posted on October 7, 2014 by Bookwraiths

Rise of the King by R.A. Salvatore

Genre: Fantasy

Series: Companions Codex #2 | Legend of Drizzt #26

Publisher: Wizards of the Coast (September 30, 2014)

Author Information: Website | Twitter

Length: 368 pages

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Rise of the King is the type of R.A. Salvatore novel that all his fans crave. It is quite simply a tour de force of action with fights scenes galore, warfare on a regional scale, personal acts of valor, and even a little time in between the sword blows for some emotional interaction by the Companions of the Hall. Or to put it another way, everything that readers love about Drizzt Do’Urden is on center stage here with none of the usual negatives to drag them down. Honestly, it is about as perfect a Forgotten Realms story as I think Mr. Salvatore can deliver, which means it is pure sword and sorcery fun.

As the second volume of the Companions Codex, this novel picks up were Night of the Hunter left off. The drow of Menzoberranzan under the control of Matron Mother Quenthel Baenre have unleashed their plan to destroy the Silver Marches and blame it upon Drizzt’s former House of Do’Urden. With a magic induced darkness covering the land, the orcs of the Kingdom of Many Arrows and their allies fall upon the dwarves, humans and elves of the region in overwhelming numbers.

As disaster after disaster mounts against the surprised defenders, they turn upon each another: human blaming dwarves, dwarf blaming human, elves blaming dwarves and humans, and everyone blaming dead King Bruenor. And with this animosity standing in the way of the formation of a coordinated defense, the great cities of the region find themselves isolated and alone, facing an enemy that is stronger than they ever imagined.

Into this situation stumble Drizzt, Bruenor, Catt-brie, Regis, and Wulfgar. Soon, they find themselves trapped in a besieged city, desperately trying to hold back their enemies, and hoping to discover some way to help stem the rising tide. But even as they fight to survive and Bruenor continues to tell Drizzt “I told you so” about the orcs, the drow and his wife Catt-brie attempt to come to term the idea that some races are beyond saving and must be hunted down and annihilated – an idea that chills Drizzt to the core, making him wonder at the fate of his own people.

In the background of our heroes struggle, the story of Drizzt’s former comrades Ambergris the dwarf cleric, Dahlia Sin’felle the elf warrior, and Afafrenfere the human monk continues to play out, promising that they will soon reappear to take a role in this titanic struggle taking place in the Silver Marches. And as always the ever mysterious and conniving Jarlaxle lurks in the background, pushing pieces around on the game board – his motives, as always, his own.

As I mentioned, this is about as good a Drizzt story as I can imagine Mr. Salvatore penning. Besides the stellar action sequences, there are the scattered interludes with Drizzt passing along his inner thoughts, the slowly budding friendship of the new Companions, and just enough of the drow political machinations to keep a reader turning pages. At the same time, Mr. Salvatore inserts enough references to old adventures by Drizzt and companion to make these people truly feel like old friends newly reacquainted. Because, honestly, wouldn’t Drizzt tell his wife and companions about struggles he went through or exciting daring-do they missed during their sojourns in the realms of death? Of course, he would, and while it does interrupt the narrative flow a bit, these tidbits of history really ring true for this resurrection of the Companions of the Hall.

All in all, Rise of the King is sword and sorcery at its finest. Mr. Salvatore might not be reinventing the wheel here, but what he does do is craft an entertaining tale that will sweep a reader away to the Forgotten Realms for a few hours. And isn’t that what most Drizzt fans really want? Of course it is, so go read this book already.

I received this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. I’d like to thank both of them for allowing me to receive this review copy and inform everyone that the review you have read is my opinion alone.

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Posted in 4 Stars, Drizzt, Fantasy, Forgotten Realms, High, Swashbuckling, Sword and Sorcery | Tagged Companions Codex, Drizzt Do'Urden, Forgotten Realms, new fantasy books october 2014, R. A. Salvatore, Rise of the King, The Legends of Drizzt Do'Urden | 6 Comments

FUN DAY MONDAY, OR THE BOOKS THAT WILL HELP ME SURVIVE THE WEEK AHEAD (OCTOBER 6, 2014)

Posted on October 6, 2014 by Bookwraiths

The work week begins. Time for me to strap on my business suit and head back into the office to save the world one case at a time. And helping me forget about all the trials and tribulations of life will be a few books that I hope are really, really good. Since I didn’t have time to finish up Veil of the Deserter last week that will come first, then I’ll move on to a few other books.

VEIL OF THE DESERTERS (BLOODSOUNDER’S ARC #2) by JEFF SALYARDS

“History, Family and Memory… these are the seeds of destruction.

Bloodsounder’s Arc continues as Captain Braylar Killcoin and his retinue continue to sow chaos amongst the political elite of Alespell. Braylar is still poisoned by the memories of those slain by his unholy flail Bloodsounder, and attempts to counter this sickness have proven ineffectual.

The Syldoonian Emperor Cynead has solidified his power base in unprecedented ways, and demands loyalty from all operatives. Braylar and company are recalled to the capital to swear fealty. Braylar must decide if he can trust his sister, Soffjian, with the secret that is killing him. She has powerful memory magics that might be able to save him from Bloodsounder’s effects, but she has political allegiances that are not his own. Arki and others in the company try to get Soffjian and Braylar to trust one another, but politics in the capital prove to be far more complicated and dangerous than even Killcoin could predict.

Deposed emperor Thumarr plots to remove the repressive Cynead, and Braylar and his sister Soffjian lie at the heart of his plans. The distance between “favored shadow agent of the emperor” and “exiled traitor” is an unsurprisingly short road. But it is a road filled with blind twists and unexpected turns. Before the journey is over, Arki will chronicle the true intentions of Emperor Cynead and Soffjian. And old enemies in Alespell may prove to be surprising allies in a conflict no one could have foreseen.” — Goodreads

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THE FREE by BRIAN RUCKLEY

“From the bestselling author of Winterbirth comes a magnificent new epic fantasy about The Free – the most feared and revered band of mercenaries the kingdom has ever known . . .

They are the most feared mercenary company the kingdom has ever known.

Led by Yulan, their charismatic captain, the Free have spent years selling their martial and magical skills to the highest bidder – winning countless victories that shook the foundations of the world. Now they finally plan to lay down their swords.

Yet when Yulan is offered a final contract, he cannot refuse – for the mission offers him the chance to erase the memories of the Free’s darkest hour, which have haunted him for years.

As The Free embark on their last mission, a potent mix of loyalty and vengeance is building to a storm. Freedom, it seems, carries a deadly price.” Goodreads description.

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MISTBORN: THE FINAL EMPIRE by BRANDON SANDERSON

“In a world where ash falls from the sky, and mist dominates the night, an evil cloaks the land and stifles all life. The future of the empire rests on the shoulders of a troublemaker and his young apprentice. Together, can they fill the world with color once more?

In Brandon Sanderson’s intriguing tale of love, loss, despair and hope, a new kind of magic enters the stage – Allomancy, a magic of the metals.”

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