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ARCHMAGE

Posted on September 22, 2015 by Bookwraiths

Archmage by R.A. Salvatore

Genre: Fantasy

Series: Homecoming #1 | Legend of Drizzt #28

Publisher: Wizards of the Coast (September 1, 2015)

Author Information: Website | Twitter

Length: 384 pages

My Rating: 3 out of 5 stars.

Archmage continues the epic Legend of Drizzt series by R.A. Salvatore; a tale that is among the The Longest Fantasy Series ever produced. That is an awful lot of books following this lone Drow, but somehow, Mr. Salvatore continues to keep the stories fresh and exciting after all this time.

The tale begins with the War for the Silver Marches having ended in the defeat of the orcs and their allies the Drow of Menzoberranzan. Naturally, the dwarves of the three citadels are overjoyed at their hated enemies defeat and banishment to the distant mountains, and none more so that Bruenor Battlehammer, who sees this victory as the first step in finishing up business that eluded him in his first life. And so he immediately turns his attention from rebuilding the Silver Marches to rallying a force of dwarves to follow him to their ancient homeland of Gauntlgrym, where he intends to drive out its new inhabitants and reclaim it for his people.

The dwarven task will not be easy, however, because the Drow citizens of the city of Q’Xorlarrin are the main residents of ancient Gauntlgrym, and they intend to keep it. But the Drow (as usual) are distracted by the constant in-fighting of the Menzoberranzan royal houses. These chaotic groups busily weaving intricate webs of intrigue between themselves; each house hoping to raise their own standing by seeing to the humiliation or destruction of the others within Goddess Lolth’s city. And if that wasn’t enough, behind the scenes Lolth herself is busy expertly instigating it all. Her true motives remain hidden, but her initial desire is revealed, as she tricks an unsuspecting ally into slowly planting within Archmage Gromph Baenre’s mind the idea to cast a spell that will surely result in the destruction of the drow themselves!

The Companions of the Hall, meanwhile, come to yet another fork in their road of friendship. The reincarnated companions of Drizzt having helped save him and now having aided Bruenor in setting right the threat of Many-Arrows. In many ways they have fulfilled their obligation to one another. And some among them begin to wonder if they should remain together or part ways to pick back up with their new lives. (Their answer might even surprise you.)

From this beginning, Salvatore weaves his familiar brand of sword and sorcery. This Drizzt concoction filled with rousing sword fights, intricate subterfuge, godly machinations, and brief interludes of character introspection. Yes, there are page after page of Drizzt’s every action and sword stroke during his duels. And, yeah, Catti-brie continues to collect powers like they are pebbles on a mountain hillside. But it is all so very familiar, so comfortable that it doesn’t detract from the story, because this is Drizzt . . . and Catti-brie . . . and Bruenor . . . and all the rest out having their usual amazing adventures. It is suppose to be fun and fantastical and large-than-life. I mean, that is what Drizzt is all about, right?

Even as I ask that question and insinuate my own feelings about what my answer would be, I realize that many might be disappointed in this novel. Well, actually, I know some long-time readers are, because I’ve read their reviews or heard their criticisms spoken aloud. The sentiment being that this is just more of the same. Another quest to retake a long-lost dwarven homeland by Bruenor and his friends. One that is a pale reflection of earlier quests to retake Mithral Hall or uncover Gauntlgrym. Each obstacle, each decision, each personal moment of this band harkening back to previous books and similar situations from earlier in the series.

Well, after hearing and digesting those criticisms of Archmage, I’m not going to try to refute them. It really isn’t my job to do so anyway. I mean, I’m just a reviewer, who expresses my personal feelings about the novels I read. I’m not a Drizzt expert. I don’t pretend to be. So while I might vaguely recall this or that being similar to something I read in the initial trilogy two decades ago, it didn’t keep me from enjoying the sword and sorcery fun dished out by the author here.

So if you haven’t tried Drizzt yet or have been away for a while, pick this one up, because Mr. Salvatore is still brewing a really smooth blend of sword and sorcery adventure, and it goes down really easily.

Wizards of the Coast and Netgalley provided this book to me for free in return for an honest review. The review above was not paid for or influenced in any way by any person, entity or organization, but is my own personal opinions.

Purchase the book at Amazon.

Posted in 3 Stars, Drizzt, Fantasy, Forgotten Realms, Sword and Sorcery | Tagged Archmage, best fantasy series, drizzt, Drizzt Do'Urden, Forgotten Realms, Homecoming, longest fantasy series, The Legend of Drizzt | 3 Comments

FUN DAY MONDAY, OR THE BOOKS THAT WILL HELP ME SURVIVE THE WEEK AHEAD (SEPTEMBER 21, 2015)

Posted on September 21, 2015 by Bookwraiths

The work 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 grind, deep down, I’m not, so I’m going to escape dreary reality by reading some great books.

This week I’m still playing catch up with the novel I started last week while adding an older novel I’ve been wanting to read for a while.

Empire in Black and Gold by Adrian Tchaikovsky

Genre: Fantasy

Series: Shadows of the Apt #1

Publisher: Pyr (July 22, 2014)

Length: 414 pages

“The city states of the Lowlands have lived in peace for decades, bastions of civilization, prosperity and sophistication, protected by treaties, trade and a belief in the reasonable nature of their neighbors. But meanwhile, in far-off corners, the Wasp Empire has been devouring city after city with its highly trained armies, its machines, it killing Art . . . And now its hunger for conquest and war has become insatiable. Only the aging Stenwold Maker, spymaster, artificer and statesman, can see that the long days of peace are over. It falls upon his shoulders to open the eyes of his people, before a black-and-gold tide sweeps down over the Lowlands and burns away everything in its path. But first he must stop himself from becoming the Empire’s latest victim.”

About the Author:

Adrian Tchaikovsky was born in Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire before heading off to Reading to study psychology and zoology. For reasons unclear even to himself he subsequently ended up in law and has worked as a legal executive in both Reading and Leeds, where he now lives. Married, he is a keen live role-player and occasional amateur actor, has trained in stage-fighting, and keeps no exotic or dangerous pets of any kind, possibly excepting his son.

Author Information:Website

Praise for Shadows of the Apt

“Longtime epic fantasy readers will find many familiar elements in this intriguing debut. There’s the peaceful, vulnerable land, in this case the Lowlands, threatened by the Mongol-like Wasp Empire. The lone man who sees the danger is unwilling Lowlands spymaster Stenwald Maker. A charmingly diverse group of agents and allies draws from most of the strictly delineated insect-themed clans (which rather resemble the character classes of role-playing games) and runs the gamut from naïve student to embittered mercenary. Patriotic but conflicted Wasp Thalric puts a sympathetic face on evil. Tchaikovsky exercises considerable talent in assembling these well-worn pieces into a new puzzle, developing an interesting story and world with humor and skillful prose. Readers may be pleasantly surprised to find themselves looking forward to future installments.” — Publishers Weekly

Purchase the book at Amazon.

Posted in Funday Monday | Tagged Adrian Tchaikovsky, Empire in Black and Gold, Funday Monday, Shadows of the Apt | 5 Comments

STACKING THE SHELVES, VOL. 2

Posted on September 19, 2015 by Bookwraiths

Stacking the Shelves over at Tynga’s Reviews is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, whether it be physically or virtually. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!

First up is a novel I’ve been waiting for ever since I closed book two of the Seven Forges series, and now I have it finally: City of Wonders. Thanks Angry Robot and Netgalley!

The other novel I received this week is one several of my friends have recommended — A Crucible of Souls. Can’t wait to get started reading it!

Posted in Stacking the Shelves | Tagged Stacking the Shelves, upcoming fantasy reads | 3 Comments

GERMANICA

Posted on September 18, 2015 by Bookwraiths

Germanica by Robert Conroy

Genre: Alternate History

Series: Stand Alone Novel

Publisher: Baen Books (September 1, 2015)

Length: 352 pages

My Rating: 3 out of 5 stars.

This final alternate history novel from the now deceased Robert Conroy is built around the Third Reich having a National Redoubt at the end of World War II. The idea (as actually proposed by Heinrich Himmler but rejected by Hitler in real world history) was for an Alpine Fortress to be constructed in an area encompassing southern Bavaria and western Austria, so that if the tides of war went against the Nazis, then the government and armed forces could retreat there and attempt to hold out against all comers until a resurgence of National Socialism could take place. And as a theme for an alternate history novel, this really held a lot of promise.

The action starts right away with Hitler dispatching Josef Goebbels, numerous Nazi zealots, and German military forces (mainly SS-type troops) to the National Redoubt after the Battle of the Bulge. With the Russian advance growing closer to Berlin and plans already in place for Nazis to begin committing suicide, Goebbels is delighted to be sent away to keep the flame of National Socialism burning brightly.

Meanwhile, the Allies immediately become aware of the unusual movement of troops and material away from the north and into the Alps. This activity setting off alarms with Dwight Eisenhower, who realizes that he must change tactics to keep the Nazis from actually bunkering down in the Alps, where their removal would be terribly difficult and horribly expensive in casualties. A potential crisis made more pressing since the Allied populations are war-weary and the United States must still deal with the Japanese.

Even as Goebbels and Eisenhower make decisions and take actions that will either extend or shorten World War II, numerous normal grunts are caught up it all. Heroes like new O.S.S. operative Ernie Janek, commando Captain Scott Tanner, and Jewish Czech Lena Bobek. Each of these people doing their individual part in trying to destroy the menace of the Nazis before it can hide itself in the Alps and begin to fester in the rugged heart of the European continent.

Like all Conroy’s novels, this story uses a blend of historical figures like Josef Goebbels and Dwight Eisenhower, regular military grunts, and some war-time romances to move the plot forward from beginning to its ultimate end. There is tons of military action; most of it plausible and well thought out. And, for military history enthusiasts, this is a serviceable and entertaining novels, but it does have problems.

My main criticism of Germanica is that it lacks any real suspense and has a cast of cardboard cutout characters. The narrative progressing from point a to point b just as you’d expect with the good guys doing good things at just the right time to save the day and the bad guys doing bad things at the wrong time to help cause their inevitable defeat. That sort of simple story isn’t a bad thing necessarily – if the author provides a few twists to liven things up. Conroy, however, does not do that, and the story suffers for it.

To sum up, as his final alternate history work, this isn’t Conroy’s best, but it is well worth savoring by his fans – if for no other reason than to pay respects to a wonderful writer taken too soon from this world.

I received this book from Baen in return for a honest review. The opinion you have read has not been influenced by anyone and is my opinion alone.

Purchase the book at Amazon.

Posted in 3 Stars, Alternative History | Tagged alternate history, best alternate history authors, best alternate history books, Germanica, Nazi National Redoubt, Robert Conroy, WWII alternate history | 3 Comments

TOUGH TRAVELING — PORTALS TO ANOTHER LAND

Posted on September 17, 2015 by Bookwraiths

Every Thursday, Nathan over at Fantasy Review Barn hosts a weekly party where blogs set out with Diana Wynne Jones’ hilarious book The Tough Guide to Fantasyland: The Essential Guide to Fantasy Travel in hand to explore all the tropes from their favorite stories. So sit back and enjoy the fun.

17th of September, 2015 – PORTALS TO ANOTHER LAND

Fantasyland often has some unique entry points; not every traveler is born within its boundaries. It is a regular event for someone from a non-magical place to suddenly find themselves in this world of dragons, magic, and danger.

One of my favorite fantasy tropes. Let’s get down to business!

NARNIA

The classic fantasy series which initially sees the Pevensie children wander into a wardrobe and out into the land of Narnia where anthropomorphic animals are the norm. Quickly, these siblings become caught up in the struggle between opposing forces of light and darkness represented by Aslan and the White Witch. Sure, it has lots of religious symbolism to it that might be hard for some to overlook, but it is also a wonderful fantasy series that can be enjoyed without going into that deeper meaning. And it is definitely a portal fantasy series — though the portal changes throughout!

Purchase the novel at Amazon.

THE CHRONICLES OF THOMAS COVENANT

The first “portal” fantasy that I ever read was this one way back in the early 1980s. Sure, Thomas Covenant was an absolute whiny bastard most of the time, and yeah, there are lots of Tolkien-esque tropes that Mr. Donaldson reuses, but when the portal whisks Covenant away to the Land I was really mesmerized by the place. It was such an awe-inspiring world, in fact, that I read the First and Second Chronicles of Thomas Covenant over and over again during my teen years just to visit my favorite locales (Revelstone) and favorite characters (Lord Mhoram). And while I haven’t gotten the nerve up to finish out the Third Chronicles, inevitably, I will, because this portal series is one of my all-time favorites.

Purchase the book at Amazon.

DARWATH SERIES

Another teenage favorite of mine (and all-time favorite, I must add) is this portal fantasy. While it is showing its age with its very seventies main protagonists Californians Gil and Rudy, the story of a world under attack by the mysterious Dark, who have been only legends for uncounted generations, is fascinating, thrilling, and thought provoking. The fact that two normal Americans are witnessing and living the destruction of a whole civilization at ground level really makes it an even more effective story.

Purchase the book at Amazon.

THE FIONAVAR TAPESTRY

Guy Gavriel Kay has written many fantasy novels, but this epic trilogy in the vein of The Lord of the Rings was a portal series that most closely captured the mythical feeling of Tolkien’s masterpiece. Here five unsuspecting students are drawn into the mythical world of Fionavar, where they discover new lives and new destinies to fulfill while they aid the people of the land in a legendary struggle against Rakoth Maugrim, the Unraveller: a vile god, who is the enemy of the Weaver and of all this creator of the universe has crafted.

Purchase the book at Amazon.

GUARDIANS OF THE FLAME

Early 1980s D & D-like portal fantasy about a group of gamers who are magically transported to their RPG world and assume the identities of their role playing characters. Thereafter, the group begins to have adventures, as they try to find a way to return to their home world at a place known as the Gate Between Worlds.

And, yeah, it does sound a lot like the Dungeon & Dragons cartoon from the same time period.

Purchase the book at Amazon.

THE VIDESSOS CYCLE

Yes, Turtledove is most well-known for his alternate history novels, but decades ago he burst onto the scene with this portal fantasy series. Here the clash of two magical swords has opened a portal to another land, displacing a cohort of Roman legionaries, and casting them into a land full of magic. Yes, these novels by the master of alternate history reads like a fantasy retelling of Byzantine history, but they are still fairly entertaining sword-and-sorcery stories that are fast-paced and light-hearted fun.

Purchase the book at Amazon.

SEVENTH SWORD

A “portal” fantasy about Wally Smith: an ordinary guy, who is dying on Earth but wakes up in a strange, oriental-flavored world. Not only is Wally in a new body that carries the tattoo of a master swordsman, but he discovers that gods are real here and he is their Chosen One, which includes his own prophecy, a legendary sword and the ability to wield it. However, there is always bad with the good, and Wally soon discovers that to fit into this world of honor, duty and obedience he must rethink his modern Earth sensibilities, and, even worse, he begins to see that the goddess might have brought him here to destroy the world, not save it!

Purchase the book at Amazon.

MORDANT’S NEED

Another wonderful portal fantasy by the author of the Chronicles of Thomas Covenant. This one is about Terisa Morgan who lives alone in a New York City apartment surrounded by her mirrors. The daughter of rich but uncaring parents, she wonders at times if she even truly exists. Then something amazing shatters her lonely world: a strange man crashes through one of her mirrors and explains that he is on a desperate quest to find a champion to save his kingdom of Mordant from a pervasive evil. Even though Terisa has no magical powers, she decides to travel back with Geraden to his magical world and aid him in saving it.

Purchase the book at Amazon.

MAGIC KINGDOM OF LANDOVER

Ben Holiday is a lawyer who finds little satisfaction in his work. On a lark, he answers an ad in a Christmas catalogue thinking it’s a joke, but instead of getting a laugh, Ben finds himself transported to the magical kingdom of Landover … and as it’s king no less! However, our erstwhile lawyer soon finds his new kingdom has its own share of problems. The Barons refuse to recognize him as king; the land has impoverished peasants; and he must fight to the death in a duel with the Iron Mask, the terrible lord of the demons–a duel which no human could hope to win. And Ben thought being a hated lawyer was bad. A light, entertaining portal fantasy.

Purchase this novel at Amazon.

MAGICIAN

This old-school fantasy begins with two friends (Pug and Tomas) trying to find their way in the world before getting sucked into a huge war between two different worlds! One world — that of our two friends — being a medieval but fairly non-magical world, and the other being a land where the mightiest of magics are mere childs play. This war is possible due to a huge portal that eventually takes one of our friends to a land where he discovers his destiny!

Purchase the novel at Amazon.

THE DARK TOWER

This is a list about portals right? And so the second book of this genre blender series by Stephen King has to be on here.

For those who haven’t read the series, The Drawing of the Three revolves around Roland finding and using three “portals” to modern day earth. Sure, they look like and are called “doors”, which isn’t exactly a classic fantasy portal, but I can’t think of another story out there that revolves so much around the use of portals in its narrative.

Purchase the book at Amazon.

WINDROSE CHRONICLES

Another portal fantasy from the author of the Darwath series which I mentioned earlier.

This story focuses around a mild mannered computer programmer being sucked through an interdimensional portal and having to help a half-mad wizard try to save his world. Naturally, there is much more going on than meets the eye, but you get the general idea of this one.

Purchase the book at Amazon.

SHADER

This series begins on a post-apocalyptic earth, but soon if makes its way to a land full of magic, where the dreams — and nightmares — of a sleeping god come to life around the inhabitants. Naturally, portals are used by the “normal” humans to get access to this fantastical world of magic.

Purchase the book at Amazon.

Those are the portal fantasies that I can remember, what did I miss?

Posted in Tough Traveling | Tagged Barbara Hambly, best portal fantasy books, best portal fantasy series, Narnia, STEPHEN R. DONALDSON, the dark tower, Tough Traveling, Tough Traveling Thursday | 11 Comments

WAITING ON WEDNESDAY — THE DEATH OF DULGATH

Posted on September 16, 2015 by Bookwraiths

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 part three of Michael J. Sullivan’s fantasy series The Riyria Chronicles, which has begun so amazingly with The Crown Tower and The Rose and the Thorn.

The Death of Dulgath by Michael J. Sullivan

Genre: Fantasy

Series: The Riyria Chronicles #3

Publisher: Riyria Enterprises (November 15, 2015)

Length: 432 pages

“Three times they tried to kill her. Then professionals were hired. So was Riyria.

When the last member of the oldest noble family in Avryn is targeted for assassination, Riyria is hired to foil the plot. Three years have passed since the war-weary mercenary Hadrian and the cynical ex-assassin Royce joined forces to start life as rogues-for-hire. Things have gone well enough until they’re asked to help prevent a murder. Now they must venture into an ancient corner of the world to save a mysterious woman who knows more about Royce than is safe, and cares less about herself than is sane.

From the best-selling author of The Riyria Revelations comes the third installment of The Riyria Chronicles. Although part of a series, it’s designed to thrill both new readers looking for fun, fast-paced fantasy and Riyria veterans wishing to reunite with old friends.”

AUTHOR BIO:
After finding a manual typewriter in the basement of a friend’s house, Michael J. Sullivan inserted a blank piece of paper and typed: It was a dark and stormy night. He was just eight years old and mimicking the greatest (or only) writer he knew at the time…Snoopy. That spark ignited a flame and the desire to fill blank pages would become a life-long obsession. As an adult, Michael spent more than ten years developing his craft by studying authors such as Stephen King, Ernest Hemingway, and John Steinbeck. During that time, he wrote thirteen novels but found no traction in publishing. He did the only sane thing he could think of (since insanity is repeating the same act but expecting a different result), he quit and vowed never to write creatively again.

Michael stayed away from writing for a decade and returned to the keyboard in his forties…but with one condition: he wouldn’t seek publication. Instead, he wrote a series of books that had been building in his head over his hiatus. His first reading love was fantasy, and his hope was to help foster a love of reading in his then thirteen-year-old daughter, who struggled due to severe dyslexia. After reading the third book of this series, his wife insisted the novels needed to “get out there.” When Michael refused to jump back onto the query-go-round, she took over the publication tasks and has run “the business side” of his writing ever since.

Author Information: Website | Twitter

Purchase the book at Amazon.

Posted in Waiting on Wednesday | Tagged best epic fantasy series, best fantasy books, Hadrian Blackwater, Michael J. Sullivan, Royce, The Death of Dulgath, The riyria Chronicles, The Riyria Revelations, Waiting on Wednesday | 4 Comments

MISTBORN: THE FINAL EMPIRE by BRANDON SANDERSON

Posted on September 15, 2015 by Bookwraiths

The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson

Genre: Fantasy

Series: Mistborn #1

Publisher: Tor Books (July 25, 2006)

Author Information:Website | Twitter

Length: 541 pages

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

I came late to the Brandon Sanderson show. Numerous things caused this. Marriage, work, and kids did dramatically reduce my reading time just when Mr. Sanderson first arrived on the scene. And, no, I didn’t get introduced to him through Wheel of Time, because my disgust with the middle of that series made me abandon it long before Sanderson took over writing duties. But I did keep having his name whispered in my ear, and the suggestions to “Read Sanderson already!” rose to such levels that I finally picked up Mistborn: The Final Empire just to make it stop.

As for this book, the story can be summed up as a group of Ocean Eleven-type thieves who plan the ultimate heist. These rogues intend to destroy the magical enforcers of the evil and immortal Lord Ruler (The Steel Ministry and the Canton of Inquisition), slay said Lord Ruler (Who has ruled the Final Empire for a thousand years), take over the capital city of the empire, and become the spark to ignite an empire wide revolution that frees the “Skaa” from the ruthlessly abuse they have endured from the noble houses who actually run the empire. (This group of thieves will also become filthy rich, but that isn’t these guys main focus with this heist – well, at least, not most of them.)

Naturally, there are obstacles to overcome for this crew of saviors. First, the Skaa they want to ignite into rebellion are malnourished, magically challenged, and beaten down to the point they have no desire to fight anyone – even their own oppressors. Two, the majority of people with magic (They are called Misted, and if they are trained users of allomancy they are dubbed Mistborn.) are from noble houses, which are nearly unanimously on the Lord Ruler’s side. And three, no one – not even our heroic rogues – know any way to actually kill the Lord Ruler, because he is basically indestructible as well as immortal.

Never fear though, the leader of our pack of revolutionary rogues, Kelsier, is working on a way to get to the Lord Ruler. And when Kelsier puts his mind to something, it inevitably gets done. I mean, this guy is the only person to ever escape the infamous death mines at Hathsin, so if he says he has a plan to make everything work, then everyone believes him and continues on with the mission.

One of Kelsier’s helpers in this endeavor is sixteen year old Vin. This street orphan grew up with her older brother working various thieving crews; her contribution to the gangs being the strange power she seems to possess. And when Kelsier eventually stumbles upon her, he immediately turns her into a reclamation project, seeing in her someone who not only deserves to live a better life but who can help him forge one for all the Skaa in the world.

From the shadowy mists to the brightly-lit ballrooms, Kelsier, Vin, and their crew of thieves lead readers on a thrilling heist, complete with dangerous foes and mesmerizing allomancy duels. And when the final page comes, it is both satisfying and sad that it has all come to an inevitable conclusion – even if it is a most fitting end for this group of brave rogues.

After closing this book, I have to admit that I enjoyed it. Mistborn definitely lived up to its hype in many ways. The magic system of Allomancy (Magic is powered by the ingestion of trace minerals, which then give Mistborn amazing superhuman powers.) was intricate but not overwhelming; the main characters of Kelsier and Vin were easy to empathize with; the post-apocalyptic world where ash falls eternally and mists rule the night was intriguing ; and the allomancy fights were some of most visceral, action-packed magical duels that I ever recall reading. And for all those reasons, I definitely intend to pick up more of Mr. Sanderson in the future, but even with that being said, this novel wasn’t perfect to me.

First, Mistborn: The Final Empire really felt like a dystopian young adult novel masquerading as a fantasy. I know that makes me sound like some disgruntled old man, but it is how I felt when reading it. I mean, all the characters here speak in modern American and exhibit modern sensibilities; Vin is written like a classic YA heroine who rises up from humble beginnings to become superhuman — even as she finds a sensitive man to give her heart too; and the Mistborn were basically metal eating superheroes. Everything just suggested YA dystopian rather than epic fantasy. This “feel” didn’t ruin the book for me, but I do find it difficult to label it epic fantasy.

Second, the beginning of this novel was slow. There were loads and loads of meandering plot lines which had little to do with the main focus of the narrative. Sure, I was glad to see numerous ballroom parties and Vin learning to become a lady, but none of it really fascinated me, especially since the keys to the success of this whole heist were tied up elsewhere. Guess, my disgruntlement could just be labeled a personal preference, but I would have liked to be in the thick of the action rather than at a ball watching Vin learn to play court politics and find a significant other.

Third, the ending was so neat, so clean I really don’t have much of a desire to pick up the next book. I realize that is an odd criticism, but there it is. Obviously, I can’t talk about the conclusion of this one, but those who have already read it completely understand where I am coming from with this. Mistborn: The Final Empire ends, and in a lot of ways (most ways) it is a satisfactory conclusion. One I personally don’t feel a need (right now, anyway) of ruining by continuing on to the next book.

To sum it up, all my friends who told me I should try Sanderson were right. (There I’ve said it. Happy now?) The ones who suggested this novel as my starting point were also right, because I liked it. (Said it again.) And I do intend to read more of this modern master of writing, but I’m just not sure it will be the rest of this series.

Purchase the novel at Amazon.

Posted in 4 Stars, Epic, Fantasy, High | Tagged Allomancy, best epic fantasy books, best epic fantasy series, best fantasy, best fantasy books, Brandon Sanderson, MISTBORN, The Final Empire | 14 Comments

FUN DAY MONDAY, OR THE BOOKS THAT WILL HELP ME SURVIVE THE WEEK AHEAD (SEPTEMBER 14, 2015)

Posted on September 14, 2015 by Bookwraiths

This week I’ll be finishing up two novels I started last week while adding an older novel I’ve been wanting to read for a while.

Valor by John Gwynne

Genre: Fantasy

Series: The Faithful and the Fallen #2

Publisher: Orbit (July 22, 2014)

Length: 640 pages

“War has erupted in the Banished Lands as the race for power intensifies.

Corban flees his homeland searching for peace, but he soon discovers that there is no haven in the west as the agents of Rhin and roaming bands of giants hound his every step.

Veradis leaves the battleground and rushes to his King’s side. But he has witnessed both combat and betrayal and his duty weighs heavily upon him.

Maquin seeks only revenge, but pirate slavers and the brutal world of pit-fighting stand in his way.

Nathair becomes embroiled in the wars of the west as Queen Rhin marches against King Owain. The need to find the cauldron of the giants drives him on.

Sides are chosen and oaths will be fulfilled or broken in a land where hell has broken loose.”

About the Author:

John was born in Singapore while his father was stationed there in the RAF. Up until his father’s retirement, John traveled around the world, generally moving every three years or so.

He now lives with his wife, four wonderful (and demanding) children, and three dogs in East Sussex. While he had many strange and wonderful jobs, including packing soap in a soap factory, waitering in a french restaurant in Canada, playing double bass in a rock n roll band, and lecturing at Brighton University, he now splits his time caring for his disabled daughter and working from home – both writing and helping his wife in her business of rejuvenating vintage furniture.

Valor is book two of The Faithful and the Fallen series. Malice, to Mr. Gwynne’s immense surprise and joy, won the David Gemmell Morningstar Award for Best Debut Fantasy of 2012.

Author Information:Website

Praise for Malice

“It’s exciting when you find a strong new voice ringing out through the halls of fantasy, and John Gwynne hits all the right spots in his epic tale of good vs evil, the first in the Faithful & The Fallen series . . . there’s a lot of pleasure to be had in this debut novel; Gwynne is definitely one to watch.” ― SFX

“With three-dimensional characters, a gripping plot, and a world that became real to me, John Gwynne’s Malice is a great debut. In short, this is the kind of fantasy I love to read and I truly can’t wait for the next volume in The Faithful and the Fallen!” ― Fantasy Book Review

“Malice is easily one of the best fantasy novels I read this year, and one which will appeal to most fans of the genre. With such an epic debut novel, John Gwynne is a writer to watch from now on.” ― Iwillreadbooks.com

Purchase the book at Amazon.

Posted in Funday Monday | Tagged best epic fantasy books, best epic fantasy series, best fantasy, best fantasy books, best fantasy books 2014, Funday Monday, John Gwynne, Malice, The Faithful and the Fallen, Valor | 3 Comments

ALMURIC by ROBERT E. HOWARD

Posted on September 13, 2015 by Bookwraiths

Almuric by Robert E. Howard

Genre: Science Fiction — Sword and Planet

Series: Stand Alone Novel

Publisher: First Published 1939

Length: 155 pages

My Rating: 3 out of 5 stars.

Whenever I write a review on a Robert E. Howard story, I always like to begin by tipping my proverbial hat to this master of pulp fiction. In just 10 years, Howard penned approximately 300 short stories, two novels and countless poems featuring numerous characters in a wide variety of genres, including heroic fantasy, western, horror, historical and humor. While Conan the Barbarian might be his most famous creation, he was a prolific creators who dreamed up characters and worlds seemingly at will, as his stable of protagonists span the gamut from Sailor Steve Costigan (1930s tough guy sailor), to Dark Agnes de Chestillon (red-haired 16th century French swordswoman), and onward to notable heroes like Solomon Kane, El Borak, De Montour, Kull the Conqueror, Bran Mak Morn, last king of the Picts, and Esau Cairn, the hero of this sword and planet novel reminiscent of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ Barsoom novels.

Since this is a classic “portal” scifi story, Almuric begins on earth, where Esau Cairn is a man born out of his time. What makes it worse is that he realizes it, feeling that life holds no challenges for him, and so he spends his days drifting from place to place, adventure to adventure, seeking a challenge worthy of his near superhuman abilities. Or so the narrator tells a reader, introducing this rugged man and his life up to this point, enlightening his listeners on Esau’s fruitless search to find contentment in the modern world when his blood cried out for a less civilized time.

Naturally, this introduction leads to our hero finally stumbling upon someone who can help him. This someone being a scientist, who uses an invention of the modern, civilized world to exile Esau to another planet far from earth.

Once awakening to his new home, Esau Cairn finds himself among strange creatures, who force him to return to man’s natural state of honorable barbarism. His initial tales of harsh survival setting up his later journey across this alien world to find other intelligent beings.

Eventually, Esau encounters a race of huge apelike men (Naturally, they speak English!), who hide behind massive stone fortifications and zealously guard their females, (Who, naturally, bear a striking resemblance to gorgeous human women!) and must use his physical prowess and sword skill to survive and carve out for himself a place upon this alien world.

From this beginning a rousing tale of sword fights, menacing villains, and unlikely heroism and friendship develops. There isn’t too much here that surprises, but it is entertaining, as only pure sugar-coated pulp fiction scifi can be. Sure, it does read a little like a poor man’s version of Burroughs’ Barsoom, but Robert E. Howard pulls his sword and planet tale off admirable, making Esau Cairn’s story compelling, if not enlightening. So give it a try if you like Howard or Barsoom; it will be well worth your time.

Purchase the novel at Amazon.

Posted in 3 Stars, Science Fiction, Sword and Planet | Tagged Almuric, Esau Cairn, less known Howard characters, other stories like Barsoom, pulp fiction classics, robert e. howard, sword and planet stories | 3 Comments

STACKING THE SHELVES, VOL. 1

Posted on September 12, 2015 by Bookwraiths

Like many book enthusiasts, I spend a lot of time sending out emails begging publishers and authors for review copies of novels that I desperately wish to read. Sometimes I get luck and a book shows up in my mail box or my email account, and this is one of those weeks were I got really lucky, so I thought I’d share.

First up is a series that I stumbled upon when it was still a self-published work. The Heresy Within really impressed me, and I was so happy to discover review copies of The Color of Vengeance and The Price of Faith in my email this week. Thanks Ragnarok Publications!

Next up is The Book of Morgaine by C.J. Cherryh. This is a series I always have meant to read but never found the time. Thanks to the very gracious people over at DAW for mailing me a copy of this beautiful novel.

And, lastly, a business trip allowed me to visit one of my favorite used book stores. They have quite the collection of scifi/fantasy novels, and I was able to dig an unknown novel out of the shelves. I noticed the mixed reviews Farlander had received from my Goodreads friends over the years, but the cover looked pretty cool, the premise sounded entertaining, and it was only $2.00, how could I not give it a try.