FUNDAY MONDAY, OR THE BOOKS THAT WILL HELP ME SURVIVE THE WEEK AHEAD (NOVEMBER 6, 2017)

Posted on November 6, 2017 by Bookwraiths

funday-monday

Another week begins.  I quickly slip into my business suit and head back into the office to save a few innocent people. But while I try to fool myself into being excited about the promise of a new year and the continuation of the regular grind, deep down, I’m not, so I’m going to escape dreary reality by reading some great books.

Here is what I’ll be reading!

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VALLISTAVallista by Steven Brust

Genre: Fantasy

Series: Vlad Taltos #15

Publisher: Tor Books (October 17, 2017)

Author Information: Website | Twitter

Length: 352 pages

Vlad Taltos is an Easterner an underprivileged human in an Empire of tall, powerful, long-lived Dragaerans. He made a career for himself in House Jhereg, the Dragaeran clan in charge of the Empire s organized crime. But the day came when the Jhereg wanted Vlad dead, and he s been on the run ever since. He has plenty of friends among the Dragaeran highborn, including an undead wizard and a god or two. But as long as the Jhereg have a price on his head, Vlad s life is messy.

Meanwhile, for years, Vlad s path has been repeatedly crossed by Devera, a small Dragaeran girl of indeterminate powers who turns up at the oddest moments in his life.

Now Devera has appeared again to lead Vlad into a mysterious, seemingly empty manor overlooking the Great Sea. Inside this structure are corridors that double back on themselves, rooms that look out over other worlds, and just maybe answers to some of Vlad s long-asked questions about his world and his place in it. If only Devera can be persuaded to stop disappearing in the middle of his conversations with her.

Purchase the book at Amazon

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gryphon's eyeGryphon’s Eye by Kevin Weston

Genre: Fantasy

Series: Casting Shadow’s #1

Publisher: Wave Train Books (October 22, 2017)

Author Information: Website

Length: 439 pages

Traejon Frost has spent the last five years of his life roaming the mist-shrouded forests and mountains of the kingdom of Fyngree in service to the famed sorcerer-king Owyn Suntold. His mission? To guard the king’s wild familiar, a falcon that is the wellspring of Owyn’s prodigious spellcasting abilities. It’s a lonely life, but what of it? At least out there, sleeping under the moon and stars, Traejon is not so haunted by the harrowing memories of his violent past.

In the Fyngrean capital of Kylden, meanwhile, young Jessalyn Suntold leads a life of luxury and ease. But despite her status as the only heir to her father’s throne, Jess feels forsaken. For she has spent her life pining for a visitor that has never arrived. A familiar of her own, one capable of unlocking her dormant magical abilities so that she might defend herself against Fyngree’s enemies. And now she can see the fear in her father’s eyes—a dread that the centuries-long rule of the Suntold line will come crashing down when he draws his last breath.

And so it goes, warrior and princess each grappling with their own private demons. Until a night of terror in which Jess learns of a sinister plot to drag King Owyn from his throne. But when she unites with Traejon in a desperate quest to unmask the conspirators, they discover that allies can turn into enemies in the blink of an eye. And that monsters come in human as well as fantastical form. Yet still they press onward, searching for the truth in an empire teetering on the brink of collapse. Until they stumble upon the most stunning revelation of all—that everything they know about the world of magic around them is a lie.

Purchase the book at Amazon

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INDIE WEDNESDAY: STEEL, BLOOD, & FIRE

Posted on November 1, 2017 by Bookwraiths

Indie-WednesdayAlong my reading journey, I’ve made a conscious decision to include self-published and small press works in my reading schedule.  But it is difficult to know where to start: So many new authors and books to examine to find the perfect fit for my tastes.  And to help others with this same problem, I’ve decided to talk about any indie/small press books which I have recently been enjoying.

Well, this past weekend I finally got around to reading Allen Batchelder’s grimdark offering Steel, Blood, & Fire; this novel a damn fine page-turner, filed with everything I enjoy about the genre!

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steel blood & fireSteel, Blood, & Fire by Allan Batchelder

Genre: Fantasy – Gridmark

Series: Immortal Treachery #1

Publisher:  Self Published (January 2, 2013)

Author Information: Facebook

Length: 548 pages

My Rating: 3.5 stars

Steel, Blood & Fire is a dark, gritty, and brutal fantasy novel in the grimdark sub-genre.  People are tortured, raped, and killed in the George R.R. Martin style.  The setting is medieval, portrayed in a realistic way with splendid touches of historical authenticity, and there is even quite a bit of magic, magical creatures, and god-like beings making appearances to spice up the ho-hum world.  What sets Steel, Blood & Fire above many dark fantasy offerings, however, is Allan Batchelder deft ability to use this grimdark setting to weave an entertaining, fast-paced narrative which keeps you desperately turning the pages to see how things turn out.

Told through multiple point-of-view characters, the story seamlessly weaves back and forth between several individuals.  The most important of these people are Tarmun Vykers aka the Reaper, Arune, and Long Pete.  All of these individuals experiencing the turmoils of their time in a different way, allowing readers to see unique views of events through very different eyes, but each caught up in the same horrible circumstances, specifically the crusade of a man known only as The-End-of-All-Things, who is determined to destroy everything on the world, wipe it clean of every form of life.  This monster leading a huge army which follows him not for riches or glory but out of abject fear of his sorcerous power and his utter ruthlessness.  The path this evil one and his horde carve through our protagonists’ world easy to discern due to the trail of corpses and total destruction that stretch behind them.

From the above plot description, it is not difficult to surmise that Steel, Blood & Fire is a brutal novel at times.  The narrative almost literally drips blood and revels in the dark side of humanity at certain points.  Horrible deeds are done over and over again to innocent people.  Thankfully, though, Allan Batchelder never allows those nihilistic tenants of grimdark to overwhelm what is, at its heart, a character driven story about an unlikely villain-turned-would-be-savior, a troubled healer, and a gigolo-turned-warrior.  Vykers, Aruna, and Long gradually developing from one-dimensional people at the the beginning of this tale into fully realized individuals by the conclusion; people who have went through hell, learned many things, and come out the other side better human beings — we hope.

As for the writing itself, it was equal to anything being put out by traditionally published grimdark writers.  In fact, Allan Batchelder surpasses many a dark fantasy writer, especially in his ability to tell an entertaining story with a fluid plot and non-stop character development.  Certainly, I could complain about Vykers transformation from villain to hero being a bit too easy, Arune’s plot “telling” instead of showing too often, or the villain’s evilness being a bit too one dimensional, but the simple fact is none of those flaws in the book distracted me overmuch from what was an engaging, grimdark romp.

Steel, Blood, & Fire is an impressive work of dark fantasy which is both epic and horribly realistic, one I do not hesitate to recommend to other fans of the grimdark genre.  Allan Batchelder now a writer I will be following and will be purchasing his continued writings in this series.  And, so, for whatever it is worth, I’d strongly recommend others give this novel as try as well.

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

Purchase the book at Amazon

Posted in 3 Stars, Fantasy, Grimdark, Indie Wednesday | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

TOP TEN TUESDAY

Posted on October 31, 2017 by Bookwraiths

TOP TEN TUESDAYS

Welcome to Top Ten Tuesday! This is a weekly feature hosted by The Broke and the Bookish, where a new top ten list hits the web every week!

This week we have a great topic to explore …

TOP TEN SPOOKY-CREEPY-SCARY SFF BOOKS

I couldn’t think of a better topic to dive into for Halloween!  Plus, it was a difficult topic, since fantasy and science fiction aren’t known for including many spooky, creepy, or scary elements.  Most of the time, anyway.  But this list includes those speculative fiction stories I felt best fit the description of this topic.

REND THE DARK10. Rend the Dark by Gelineau & King 

This short story series was set in a fantasy world with magic, monsters, and a medieval-type society.  The heroes of the tales are Ferran and his fellow witch hunter Mireia, who travel around the realms uncovering and destroying infestations of demons; these filthy monsters constantly tormenting the living.  And what drew me to these shorts was the wonderful fusion of fantasy and horror elements, as well as the compelling characters.

the-last-sacrifice9. The Last Sacrifice by James A. Moore

This one comes as no surprise to those who already know James A. Moore is a prolific horror writer, so, naturally, his fantasy offerings are greatly infused with horrific elements.  The Last Sacrifice is no exception with its strange creatures, god-like entities, and a plethora of supernatural creatures.  Plus, the book is about the end of the world with all hell breaking loose everywhere.

the ghoul king8. Dreaming Cities by Guy Haley

A post-apocalyptic genre blender which fused fantasy, horror, and a bit of scifi into a creepy page turner.  The protagonist here is a “knight” who is caught up in a mysterious quest against the “Angels” who created him and might or might not be the saviors of humanity they are viewed as.  Thrown in zombies, ancient technology, dragons, ghouls, and creepy robots and you have a damn fine speculative fiction offering.

7. Beyond Redemption by Michael R. Fletcher  Beyond Redemption

Technically, this is a tale of grimdark fantasy with a really creative magic system built upon the concept that magic is directly tied to the insanity of the wielder.  It is much more complex however.  But what is noteworthy is that many of the magic users in this place are creepy as hell. Cotardist.  Doppelgangist.  And even worse mentally ill magic wielders bestride this place.  Great, creepy, grimdark fun!

nagash-the-sorcerer6. Nagash the Sorcerer by Mike Lee 

Warhammer isn’t for everyone, I understand that, but this tale of a royal priests descending into the depths of depraved necromancy is a real creep-fest at times.  Honestly, the title character is about as bad as they come, willing to do anything to anyone to obtain more power; his vileness really driving this book from first page to last.  Nope, I’m not a huge horror aficionado, but I thought this one was damn creepy.

wizard and glass5. Wizard and Glass by Stephen King

I am not a huge fan of The Dark Tower series because I felt it had a pretty pathetic conclusion, but even I can admit there were some amazing bright spots along the epic journey Mr. King took his readers on.  Wizard and Glass was the peak of the highs for me, delivering the perfect mixture of western, post-apocalyptic, fantasy, and horror which I found myself drawn to the most.  And, yeah, it was damn spooky more than a few times.

the road4. The Road by Cormac McCarthy

Spooky, creepy, scary, and damn horribly depressing.  You can use these or many more adjectives to describe this post-apocalyptic story about a father and son desperately attempting to survive in a wasteland where the preferred meat of choice is human meat.  I’d also like to add that this book is not recommended to those with a tender heart, small children, or any amount of empathy for families.  Brutal story.

i am legend3. I Am Legend by Robert Matheson

Robert Neville is the last living man on earth, surrounded by a population of vampires.  His time is split between killing sleeping vampires and attempting to survive the terrible nights.  His story alternating between spooky, creepy, scary and depressing, as Robert’s horrible life seem to revolve around isolation, desperation, and perseverance.

the walking dead2. The Walking Dead by Robert Kirkman 

Zombies.  Survivors.  (Survivors, I might add, who survived by being the most heartless assholes on the planet basically.)  The complete collapse of society.  People getting killed by survivors, eaten by zombies, or put down by survivors when they get infected and are going to turn into zombies.  This series really is horror writing at its creepiest and best.

the_stand_uncut-21  The Stand by Stephen King

You can’t go wrong with a Stephen King horror novel on this sort of list, I guess, but the reason this one finds itself at the top is due to it being the first pandemic, post-apocalyptic story I ever read which felt like it could actually become a reality.  Sure, the supernatural elements were a bit over-the-top at times, but the flu epidemic and its aftermaths was spooky, creepy, and scary in equal measure.

Well, that is my list.  Agree?  Disagree?  Tell me why.  And feel free to add some other characters to the list.

 

Posted in Top Ten Tuesday | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

FUNDAY MONDAY, OR THE BOOKS THAT WILL HELP ME SURVIVE THE WEEK AHEAD (OCTOBER 30, 2017)

Posted on October 30, 2017 by Bookwraiths

funday-monday

Another week begins.  I quickly slip into my business suit and head back into the office to save a few innocent people. But while I try to fool myself into being excited about the promise of a new year and the continuation of the regular grind, deep down, I’m not, so I’m going to escape dreary reality by reading some great books.

Here is what I’ll be reading!

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blade of empireBlade of Empire by Mercedes Lackey & James Mallory

Genre: Fantasy

Series: The Dragon Prophecy

Publisher: Tor Books (October 24, 2017)

Author Information: Website | Twitter

Length: 608 pages

Set in a masterful fantasy world filled with elves and demons, unicorns and goblins, and mages and warriors, BLADE OF EMPIRE continues the legend of Vieliessar Farcarinon, the first High King.

As Vieliessar confronts the first waves of the forces of Darkness, her destined Bondmate, Runacar, leads a rag-tag group to war. For centuries, the Elves have hunted the Otherfolk minotaurs, gryphons, dryads, and more considering them beasts. But they have a complex society, Runacar discovers, and though he is an Elf, takes it as his mission to help them reclaim their lands from his former friends and allies.

The Dragon Prophecy is a tale of loyalty and betrayal, of love and loss, of sacrifice and salvation. And of the never-ending battle between Light and Dark.

Purchase the book at Amazon.

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the nineThe Nine by Tracy Townsend

Genre: Fantasy-Mystery-Crime-Steampunk

Series: Thieves of Fate #1

Publisher: Pyr (November 14, 2017)

Author Information: Website | Twitter

Length: 400 pages

In the dark streets of Corma exists a book that writes itself, a book that some would kill for…

Black market courier Rowena Downshire is just trying to pay her mother’s freedom from debtor’s prison when an urgent and unexpected delivery leads her face to face with a creature out of nightmares. Rowena escapes with her life, but the strange book she was ordered to deliver is stolen.

The Alchemist knows things few men have lived to tell about, and when Rowena shows up on his doorstep, frightened and empty-handed, he knows better than to turn her away. What he discovers leads him to ask for help from the last man he wants to see—the former mercenary, Anselm Meteron.

Across town, Reverend Phillip Chalmers awakes in a cell, bloodied and bruised, facing a creature twice his size. Translating the stolen book may be his only hope for survival; however, he soon realizes the book may be a fabled text written by the Creator Himself, tracking the nine human subjects of His Grand Experiment. In the wrong hands, it could mean the end of humanity.

Rowena and her companions become the target of conspirators who seek to use the book for their own ends. But how can this unlikely team be sure who the enemy is when they can barely trust each other? And what will happen when the book reveals a secret no human was meant to know?

Purchase the book at Amazon.

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FLASHBACK FRIDAY: MORGAINE SAGA

Posted on October 27, 2017 by Bookwraiths

flashbackfriday

Flashback Friday is something I do here at Bookwraiths every once in a while; a time when I can post my thoughts about books that I’ve read in the past. With the hectic schedule of day-to-day life, there never seems enough time to give these old favorites the spotlight that they deserve, but with a day all to themselves, there is no reason I can’t revisit them.

Today, I’ll be taking a look back at a genre blender series from the past: Morgaine Cycle!

complete morgaineThe Morgaine Cycle by C.J. Cherryh 

Genre: SciFi / Fantasy

Series: The Morgaine Cycle #1-4

Publisher: DAW (September 1, 2015)

Length: 817 pages

Author Info: Website

My Rating: 3 stars

This four volume series from C.J. Cherryh is an epic, dark fantasy/science fiction hybrid of the highest order.  Begun in the 1970s (The first three volumes were published in 1976, 1978, and 1979.) and completed in 1988, the series certainly sees an evolution in the skill level of the author and a shift away from a lyrical fantasy voice to a more modern tone, but one thing which does not change from beginning to end is the beauty, intelligence, and excitement of this under appreciated genre blender.

The tale itself is about Morgaine: a mysterious, driven woman committed to a quest which takes her from world to world, as she seals ancient star gates. These gates believed to be relics of a lost era when the Qual Empire used the portals to travel across Space and Time. The Science Buereau of Morgaine’s home world coming to believe that at some point in the past an unknown person used the gates to warp the fabric of the universe, and thus these monuments to the past are too dangerous to continue to exist, which is why Morgaine must destroy them all!

Throughout the four books, Morgaine remains a fairly mysterious enigma.  All information concerning her past, her motives, and her persona gained through her interactions with and the observations of her steadfast traveling companion Vayne.  This honor bound warrior never leaving Morgaine’s side, even when a normal person would have grown weary of the rather thankless yet dangerous mission they are on.  The only thing holding these two platonic companions together Vayne’s strict adherence to a code of honor.

Like all of Cherryh’s books, The Morgaine Cycle is filled with intriguing characters, an interesting plot, and dangerous excitement.  The fact that Morgaine is a strong, female  protagonist whose companion and helper is a man probably made these stories somewhat progressive and novel for the time period, but that really isn’t the focus of the tales told her, just an added flavor for those who care about such things.

The books aren’t perfect though, and I’d probably center my criticism around the rather formulaic installments of each book and the lack of resolution to any of the plot threads.  Quite honestly, every world our two companions travel to seems very similar to the last in technology level, societal structure, and general attitude, resulting in a plot which is nearly the same as the last.  How it is possible for so many worlds to resemble one another and for each of them to react to Morgaine’s quest in almost the exact same manner isn’t ever answered very well by Cherryh.  And as for an ending to Morgaine’s quest, the author does not even touch upon it, deciding intend for a conclusion to book four which suggests only an eternal journey from portal to portal for our pair.

Whatever the issues I had with the novels overall, I did find all of them to be exciting, page-turning affairs which left me craving more.  And I truly believe other readers would feel the same if they’d only give them a try.

Purchase the book at Amazon.

Posted in 3 Stars, Flashback Friday | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

DEATH AND DIGNITY

Posted on October 26, 2017 by Bookwraiths

SKELETON WARRIORDeath and Dignity by Michael R. Fletcher

Genre: Fantasy

Series: Stand Alone Short Story

Publisher: Heroic Fantasy Quarterly (October 2, 2012)

Author Information: Website | Twitter

Length: 12+ pages

My Rating: 4 stars

Continuing the story of Khraen the Corpse begun in Death at the Pass, Death and Dignity is an even more thoughtful yet devilishly funny Michael Fletcher short.  My favorite grimdark author delivering yet another damn fun read.

In life, Khraen was Fist of Sorhd-Rach, First General of the Invincible Hand, powerful demonologist, and loyal servant to the Emperor of eternal Palaq Taq, who wielded the demon-infused sword Kantlament against his enemies.  In undeath, he is a dead man trapped in the prison of his own rotting flesh hunted by sorcerers.  Talk a horrible turn of events.

The story which flows out from this set up is not really about Khraen being hunted as much as it is the emotional turmoil our undead corpse is dealing with and his feelings of helplessness, as well as a brief character study of those hunting him.  The best moments of the narrative where the author’s dark, gallows humor springs to life unexpectedly.  The fact that the ending is rather surprising and open-ended merely an added plus.

Just as with the first installment of this series, Khraen, our animated dead guy, is the star of the show, the reason to keep turning the e-book pages. His struggle to accept his new undead life, reconcile his current state with his past life, and find some reason to keep existing damn interesting and a bit emotional at times.  I mean, Khraen finds a way to laugh at his circumstances and trade a few jokes here and there even though he wishes he was still dead, and this refusal to give up made me really learn to like this dead guy, made me eager to read more about him and his journey.

But will you personally like this tale of Khraen the Corpse?

Well, it’s fast-paced, emotional, has some humor, can be read for free here, and shouldn’t take too long for you to finish.  How could you not like that deal?

Posted in 4 Stars, Fantasy, Short Stories, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

BOOK TRAVELING THURSDAY: A BOOK FEATURING MY FAVORITE MORALLY AMBIGUOUS CHARACTER

Posted on October 26, 2017 by Bookwraiths

booktravelingthursdays5Book Traveling Thursday is a weekly meme hosted by Catia and Danielle.  Each week everyone picks a book related to that week’s theme, then you write a blog post explaining explain why you choose that book and spotlight all the different covers from different countries. To find out more check out about BTT go to the Goodreads group!

This week’s theme is: A BOOK FEATURING MY FAVORITE MORALLY AMBIGUOUS CHARACTER!  

Morally ambiguous characters.  Individuals who are more villain than hero, but they have a few redeeming qualities which keep them from completely slipping over into the darkside. At least, that is my personal definition of them.

There seems to be a lot of these “type” of characters inhabiting the pages of recent fantasy novels.  So many, in fact, that it is becoming hard to keep track of them all, or for any of them to stand out from the crowd.  Strange how the genre has changed during my life, because years ago it was all about the heroes.  Now, it is really about the villains, and my favorite “morally ambiguous character” of the moment is the drug dealer known only as the Warden!

ORIGINAL COVER 

 

A tie!  These two editions of Low Town published on the same date (according to my hasty research) by two different publishers: Doubleday and Anchor.  Another thing each of these covers has in common is the very simple, plain, white style.  Not my favorite sort of cover, but I’m sure others might like them.

FAVORITE COVERS

I love the moody atmosphere of each one of these pieces.  Certainly, the shadowy figures portrayed in each one adds to the tension, but I’d have to say the one of the right does the best job of using the figure, cityscape, and the bloody color to best effect.

LEAST FAVORITE COVERS

Just no.  No. No.  No.  None of these covers does Daniel Polansky’s amazing grimdark story justice, and I have to just say so emphatically.

So what do you think.  Agree?  Disagree?

Posted in Book Traveling Thursday, Cover Lover | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

CHILDREN OF THE FLEET

Posted on October 25, 2017 by Bookwraiths

children of the fleetChildren of the Fleet by Orson Scott Card

Genre: Science Fiction

Series: Fleet School #1

Publisher: Tor Books (October 10, 2017)

Author Information: Website | Twitter

Length: 384 pages

My Rating: 3 stars

With Children of the Fleet, Orson Scott Card delivers the fast-paced, exciting space adventure he has long been synonymous with.  This tale of teen genius Dabeet Ochoa riveting both in its re-purposing of battle school as well as its focus on the trial and tribulations of its new protagonist, as he encounters manipulation and mysteries along his way toward fulfilling his dreams.

After Ender Wiggin ended the Third Formic war, the focus of the International Fleet changed.  Now, the old Battle School has been re-purposed as a Fleet School, tasked with producing a new generation of leaders, who will lead the Ministry of Colonizations’ expeditions to settle humans across the habitable worlds of the Formic Empire.  The only thing which hasn’t changed is Hirum Graff is still involved, and child geniuses are still the preferred students for the new Fleet School.

Enter Dabeet Ochoa.  This teenager is an immigrant to the United States and also a genius by any standard.  He is driven, arrogant, yet cunning enough to cover-up his inner feelings of superiority with a veneer of politeness and harmlessness.  Naturally, Dabeet aspires to attend Fleet School, though he doubts he will ever be accepted since he has no ties to the Fleet, but his motivations to do so are less grand or altruistic than others.  All Dabeet really desires is to get away from his over-protective and smothering mother, who never tires of telling everyone elaborate lies (At least, Dabeet believes them to be untrue.) of a Fleet officer who impregnated her then abandoned her and Dabeet.  The constant annoyance of his mother the driving force behind Dabeet’s success.

For all his plans and triumphs however, Dabeet never dreams of actually being accepted into Fleet School.  At least, he doesn’t until one day he has a rather notorious visitor: Colonel Graff.  The old teacher of Ender Wiggins having taken a personal interest in this gifted youth.

As many of you will have no doubt guessed, Children of the Fleet is a coming-of-age tale about Dabeet Ochoa, involves military-like training, and it definitely has some similarities to Ender’s Game in its general execution.  But make no mistake, this is a completely different beast with new characters, different themes, and a more detailed build.

The main focus of the narrative and its greatest success is the character of Dabeet Ochoa.  Orson Scott Card crafting a complex youth who has exceptional abilities yet severe weakness, specifically his difficulty making friends, judging people, and not allowing his arrogance and disdain for others to get in the way of being able to work with them.  His flaws major hurdles to overcome if he ever wishes to become an expedition leader, who must lead large groups of people into space. This story a tale about Dabeet attempting to mend his ways, mold himself into the new sort of hero which the world now needs.

Complimenting this character study is a very intriguing undertone of political lies and intrigue.  Something is going on in the Ministry of Colonization; their motives not as altruistic as one would expect from this organization.  But what the Ministry is hiding and what their true motives are is never revealed, merely teased, and promise an unwelcomed surprises as the series progresses.

The only criticism I can level at the book is the fairly numerous explanatory sections of the narrative, which were lengthy at times.  Certainly, new visitors to the Enderverse need to be brought up to date on everything which occurred with Ender Wiggins, but these interludes of tell-not-show were used a bit too much for my personal tastes, though others might not necessarily agree.

Overall, Children of the Fleet did a great job introducing a far different kind of character in Dabeet Ochoa, placing him on the pathway to exciting adventures and real character growth, and teasing readers with suggestions of far more dangerous and ominous intrigue taking place just outside their perceptions.  Plus, it did something even more noteworthy to Enderverse fans: it returned Orson Scott Card to this beloved setting and promises even grander stories to come.

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

Purchase the book at Amazon.

Posted in 3 Stars, Science Fiction | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

WAITING ON WEDNESDAY:THE REALMS OF GOD

Posted on October 25, 2017 by Bookwraiths

waiting-on-wednesday
Waiting on Wednesday is a meme hosted by Breaking the Spine to let readers share their excitement for books coming out soon, and the novel I’m eagerly awaiting is . . .

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THE REALMS OF GODThe Realms of God by Michael Livingston.

Genre: Historical-Fantasy

Series: The Shards of Heaven #3

Publisher: Tor Books (November 7, 2017)

Author Information: Website | Twitter

Length: 400 pages

The Ark of the Covenant has been spirited out of Egypt to Petra, along with the last of its guardians. But dark forces are in pursuit. Three demons, inadvertently unleashed by Juba of Numidia and the daughter of Cleopatra, are in league with Tiberius, son and heir of Augustus Caesar. They’ve seized two of the fabled Shards of Heaven, lost treasures said to possess the very power of God, and are desperately hunting the rest.

Through war and assassination, from Rome to the fabled Temple Mount of Jerusalem and on to the very gates of Heaven itself, the forces of good and evil will collide in a climactic battle that threatens the very fabric of Creation.

The Realms of God is the thrilling conclusion to Michael Livingston’s historical fantasy trilogy that continues the story begun in The Shards of Heaven and The Gates of Hell.

Purchase the book at Amazon.

Posted in Waiting on Wednesday | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

TOP TEN TUESDAY

Posted on October 24, 2017 by Bookwraiths

TOP TEN TUESDAYS

Welcome to Top Ten Tuesday! This is a weekly feature hosted by The Broke and the Bookish, where a new top ten list hits the web every week!

This week we have a great topic to explore …

TOP TEN UNIQUE FANTASY BOOK TITLES

Great topic!  Besides a fabulous cover, nothing grabs my attention quicker than a great book title.  When the title also captures the essence of the plot itself, I can’t wait to buy the novel and dive right in.  Below are a list of my ten favorite fantasy book titles!

evil is a matter10. Evil is a Matter of Perspective

An anthology filled with vile villains and their twisted motivations for their actions.  Well, at least, I thought they were villains, though I’m certain the majority of those portrayed probably wouldn’t label themselves as such.  And if they did, they’d be damn proud of the fact. And what better name for such a book of villains than this one.

the straight razor cure9. The Straight Razor Cure

In Low Town, the simplest solution to nearly every problem is a quick slice of the throat.  It might be messy, but it is quick, clean and cuts through all the delusions of civilization that people trick themselves into believing.  Hell, even our morally ambiguous protagonist the Warden resorts to such tricks on numerous occasions.  So what better way to capture the realities of this place than this title.

mirror of her dreams8. The Mirror of Her Dreams

Donaldson was the master of portal fantasy tales back in the day, and this one was quite good.  Here a world exists where craftsmen can create magic mirrors which open upon every type of world: both good, bad, and horrible.  Into this land comes a modern woman who is out-of-place in our world and dreams of finding something else.  This title perfectly capturing the emotional quest she will soon embark upon.

surrender to the will of the night7.  Surrender to the Will of the Night  

Glen Cook has damn fine book titles.  (Hell, no, this isn’t the only one on this list.), and this fine descriptive one is a tantalizing glimpse into the story itself.  I mean, the series revolves around a world fighting against a return to the ancient past when creatures of the night ruled all.  And while the protagonist isn’t necessarily a hero, he does find himself being tempted by opposing forces to surrender to their will, just like the title suggests.

Untitled-146. The Slow Regard of Silent Things

No, I’ve never read this book or any story by Patrick Rothfuss actually.  Yeah, I’ve familiar with all the gushing praise heaped on the author, heard the screaming fangirls/boys, and told myself time and again to get to this series already.  Have to admit that the really cool book titles make me want to read Rothfuss more than all the hype.

with mercy toward none5. With Mercy Toward None

Cook’s second title on my list is pretty self-explanatory actually.  The story is about a man whose family is killed, and he becomes a prophet of a god who demands unity through any means necessary, including killing anyone who refuses to take a knee.  The title perfectly captures the tone of the book, preparing you what lies ahead.

the many deaths of the black company4. The Many Deaths of the Black Company

Anyone who reads fantasy for the fights, battles, and deaths has to be like me and think this title is damn great.  The Many Deaths!  How damn cool is that?  Amazingly simple, descriptive, yet perfectly captures the tone of the book.  This one all about the Black Company fighting for its survival as its enemies seem to have completely destroyed it.

shadow of what was lost3. The Shadow of What Was Lost

This is another novel which I have not found time to read, but I definitely intend to in the near future.  Naturally, the story appears to be about a shadowy evil from the past waking up and having to be faced, even as characters come to terms with things done in that past.  All of which is pretty easy to guess after reading the book title.  A title I might add that immediately gets you thinking about what it is referring to.

an empire unacquainted with defeat2. An Empire Unacquainted With Defeat

How great is that title?  Really.  I mean, a fantasy which proclaims in a polite way that this is about a badass empire which has never been defeat and will kick your candy ass whenever it feels like it.  Yet, at the same time, the author is suggesting to the readers that somehow, someway, this book is going to show how this empire learns what defeat is all about.  Makes me want to read it again just talking about it!

shadows of silence in the forest of hell1. Shadows for Silence in the Forests of Hell

Okay, I’m cheating a little bit here since this is a Cosmere novella from Brandon Sanderson and not a book title, but I had to do it.  I mean, this has to be one of the best fantasy titles ever created.  Can’t you just feel the creepy atmosphere and cringe worthy events lurking behind that cover.  I did anyway, which is why I had to immediately read this story.

Well, that is my list.  Agree?  Disagree?  Tell me why.  And feel free to add some other characters to the list.

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