EARTH-2: THE TOWER OF FATE

Posted on October 4, 2015 by Bookwraiths

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Earth-2: The Tower of Fate, Vol. 2 by James Robinson

Genre: Superhero Comics

Series: Earth-2, Vol. 2

Publisher: DC Comics (October 8, 2013)

Length: 176 pages

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Much better story than volume one, in my opinion. Lots of interesting and mysterious stories going on everywhere you look. Several diabolical bad guys; some purely evil, some who might not be. Our good guys are not just fighting, but dealing with personal issues as well as attempting to learn to be heroes. And we have the introduction of one of my personal favorites: Doctor Fate — a character that never gets enough love.

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Equally important to this story is our returning cast: Green Lantern, Flash, and Hawkgirl. Green Lantern uncovering some information about the train crash that killed his partner, which suggests there is going to be some major crap coming down the pipeline. Flash is teamed up with Doctor Fate most of this story line, and I have to say he has really grown on me until he is my favorite character right now. And Hawkgirl is flying around in the mix, not center spotlight but always nearby (though I hope the next volume might make her more of a focus.)

As for foreshadowing of future problems, I really thought the Terry Sloan angle was interesting; this guy being revealed as possibly a force of evil hidden at the center of the U.N. security forces. His motives and desires for the future murky at best, but damn interesting.

What really shocks and awes in this volume is the introduction of a surprise character into the mix: Fury. Promising to really make a splash in the coming issues; this badass villain looks to kick some serious ass for her “foster father” Steppenwolf, the Apokoliptian General hiding somewhere on Earth-2 waiting to unleash hell upon its inhabitants once again.

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As for the artwork, it is above average. Great fight scenes; good storytelling technique; cool shifts between panels, splash pages, and mixed. Really a huge reason I enjoyed this collection so much.

After Earth-2: The Gathering disappointed me a bit, this one did the opposite: encouraged me to continue with this series. I’ve always loved Earth-2 tales; they were some of my favorites when I was a kid in the 1970s; and perhaps they can be again.

Purchase the book at Amazon.

Posted in 4 Stars, DC, Graphic Novels, The New 52 | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

JLA EARTH-2

Posted on October 3, 2015 by Bookwraiths

jla earth-2JLA Earth-2 by Grant Morrison

Genre: Superhero Comics

Series: Stand Alone

Publisher: DC Comics (August 30, 2013)

Author Information: Website | Twitter

Length: 144 pages

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Morrison really perplexes me how he can write such great stories, then throw something absolutely bizarre at you the next time out. Talk about hot and cold. This guy should trademark the term as a description for his writing style. Thankfully, JLA Earth-2 was Morrison at his best.

Here Alexander Luthor discovers a way to travel from his anti-matter earth to the matter earth of the JLA; his desire to beg the JLA for help in stopping the evil rule of the Crime Syndicate. As those familiar with DC already know, the Crime Syndicate (Ultraman, Superwoman, Owlman, Johnny Quick, and Power Ring) come from Earth-2 (at least at the time of this DC continuity), are the evil counterparts of the JLA, and rule their world with iron fists. Luthor is the only “good guy” on this earth.

From this beginning, Morrison crafts an interesting story about the clash of the JLA and the Syndicate, mixing in a few twists and turns that really dash our heroes hopes and plans. The fights aren’t all that much, but the characterization is better than I expected from such a short story. And while Frank Quitely isn’t my favorite artists, I thought the artwork was well done and helped convey the story in a fast paced manner.

All in all, I really liked this one, but it would have been better if it would have focused a bit more on the Crime Syndicate and less on the familiar JLA characters. Not that I don’t love Bats, Supes, and the rest, but it would have been good to see how the bad guys rolled and why.

Purchase the book at Amazon.

Posted in 4 Stars, DC, Graphic Novels | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

STACKING THE SHELVES, VOL. 4

Posted on October 3, 2015 by Bookwraiths

sTACKING THE sHELVES

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!

The first novel is one I missed out on when it was published but was quick to pick up when I found it on sale at Amazon.
the grace of kings
The Grace of Kings by Ken Liu

Genre: Fantasy — Epic

Series: The Dandelion Dynasty #1

Publisher: Simon & Schuster (April 7, 2015)

Length: 320 pages

“Two men rebel together against tyranny—and then become rivals—in this first sweeping book of an epic fantasy series from Ken Liu, recipient of Hugo, Nebula, and World Fantasy awards.

Wily, charming Kuni Garu, a bandit, and stern, fearless Mata Zyndu, the son of a deposed duke, seem like polar opposites. Yet, in the uprising against the emperor, the two quickly become the best of friends after a series of adventures fighting against vast conscripted armies, silk-draped airships, and shapeshifting gods. Once the emperor has been overthrown, however, they each find themselves the leader of separate factions—two sides with very different ideas about how the world should be run and the meaning of justice.

Fans of intrigue, intimate plots, and action will find a new series to embrace in the Dandelion Dynasty.”

Purchase the book at Amazon.

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The other new arrival is by an new author whose book I couldn’t turn down when it was offered.

the sane king
The Sane King by Matt Knott

Genre: Fantasy — Grimdark

Series: Iron Nails #1

Publisher: Warrior’s Oath Publishing (August 27, 2015 )

Length: 396 pages

“Heroes are not born, but forged.

A lone warrior takes up the cause of a hunted boy. A desperate nation seeks to bolster its fragile army. A malevolent god feasts on the nightmares of men and seeks to bring ruin to all.

The wanderer, Rayle stands against the preternatural forces lurking on the edges of civilization and sanity. In the bleak lands of the Wrack, he rescues Bray from brutal men. Swearing to help the boy seek vengeance for the death of his brothers, Rayle finds himself locked in savage contest that tests both his strength of arms and will.

The Younger Union, losing its long war against a tyrannical enemy is moved to enforce ancient contracts. Tensions build as an idyllic farming community becomes the stage upon which the future of the north will be decided.

When events collide, and a monstrous power threatens to drown their world in blood, Rayle and his unlikely allies must fight to stop the tides of carnage. To win they must first survive, and to survive they must overcome their fears, doubts, and regrets.

They must unite and set aside differences, and in doing so they may stand against the madness of The Sane King.”

Purchase the book at Amazon.

Posted in Stacking the Shelves | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

THE POWER OF SIX

Posted on October 2, 2015 by Bookwraiths

the power of six
The Power of Six by Nicholas C. Rossis

Genre: Science Fiction

Series: Short Story Collection

Publisher: Self Published (May 4, 2014)

Author Information: Website | Twitter

Length: 138 pages

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

This book by Nicholas C. Rossis has its feet planted firmly in the age-old question: “How real is reality, really?” Each short story in this collection focusing on a different scenario where things might not be exactly what they seem.

Simulation Over starts things off in fine sci-fi horror style with a lone man desperately trying to escape a monster infested building. But soon it becomes clear that the building’s central computer might be involved in the sudden apocalypse, and our survivor wonders how he can stop a runaway A.I. who has begun to contemplate the very nature of reality.

For the Last Time: a time machine story with a twist. Our lucky (or unlucky) recipient finding that every action — and every attempt to undo an action — only leads to even more unintended consequences.

The Hand of God follows a salty war veteran as he entertains a bar crowd with tales of his heroics during a devastating war. The narrative progresses as expected until the end, where it takes an unexpected turn.

The sci-fi atmosphere of old school classics is readily seen in I Come in Peace. Here a man who has shut himself away from the world is visited by an alien entity. The spirit promising to change his life!

A Fresh Start asks the question “Where would you be if you could be anywhere and do anything?” The main character being given this opportunity after stumbling into a creepy house.

The Sentry is another homage to classic science fiction. Here a young warrior diligently guards his family from monsters. While it sounds fairly standard, the ending surprises.

Big Bang by Amos A. Carpenter is a non-Rossis tale, but it definitely compliments the collection. The focus is on a group of youngsters playing a computer simulation about the creation of the universe; each player assuming the role of “gods” who direct their followers. Wonder if you will catch the twist at the end.

What’s In a Name finishes the collection in straight-forward fashion with a ship and its ultimate fate.

All in all, this was a great read. Each story was entertaining, thought-provoking, and never exactly what it seemed. Especially enjoyable was Mr. Rossis’ writing style: clear, uncluttered with unerring pacing and the innate ability to build a plot to the perfect climax. Needless to say, I will definitely be reading more of Mr. Rossis’ work and encourage others to do so as well.

Purchase the book at Amazon.

Posted in 4 Stars, Science Fiction, Short Stories | Tagged , , , , | 13 Comments

WRAP-UP — SEPTEMBER 2015

Posted on October 1, 2015 by Bookwraiths

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I’ve noticed lots of my favorite bloggers doing monthly wrap ups lately.  A finally tip of the hat to the month behind and all the great (at least, we hope they were all great) books that have been reviewed as well as anything else exciting that happened.  And I have to admit loving these wrap ups.  Mainly because real life gets busy sometimes and I miss posts.  Yeah, even from my favorite bloggers.  So these end of the month wrap ups have really helped me out.  And since imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, I decided to join the group with my own monthly wrap up posts.

dotted lineBOOK REVIEWS THIS MONTH

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SWORD OF THE NORTHTHE DRAGON ENGINE ALMURIC

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mistbornwhen the heavens fallPageflex Persona [document: PRS0000037_00021]
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dotted lineGRAPHIC NOVEL REVIEWS

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injustice gods among usEARTH-2

WW WAR TORN

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SHORT STORY REVIEWS

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when the heavens fall

WHISPER

SEVENFORGES

dotted lineAUTHOR SPOTLIGHTS

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andy remic

marc turner

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TOUGH TRAVELING MEME

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tough-traveling-laborerstough-traveling-portals

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~There were also the regular Funday Monday, Waiting on Wednesday, and Stacking the Shelves Saturday posts as well, so if you missed anything, take a look!

Posted in Monthly Wrap Up | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

FROM THE MOUNDS

Posted on October 1, 2015 by Bookwraiths

SEVENFORGES
Scars by James A. Moore

Genre: Fantasy

Series: Seven Forges

Publisher: Self Published (December 13, 2013)

Author Information: Website | Twitter

Length: 6 pages

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

From the Mounds is a short story chronicling a forgotten episode of The Seven Forges series, specifically a campfire conversation between Andover Lashk, the Fellein ambassador to the Sa’ba Taalor, and Drask Silver Hand and Delil of this mysterious people.

For those unfamiliar with James A. Moore’s sword and sorcery series, it basically begins with a small group of Fellein adventurers braving the inhospitable Blasted Lands to reach the unknown volcanos at its heart: the land of the Seven Forges. But before they can reach said volcanic bastion in the heart of this icy, poisonous wasteland, they stumble upon members of the mysterious Sa’ba Taalor people. And while the Felleins are eager to befriend these strange savages, it gradually becomes clear that the Sa’ba Taalor are hiding something from their discoverers; something that might have dire affects for the rest of teh world.

Naturally, though there is tension between them, two groups of people forced by circumstances to be with one another will talk, ask questions of each other, and familiarize themselves with their companions. Stories, legends, and general gossip will inevitably be shared, and From the Mounds is one of those instances where three companions sit around a campfire telling stories. This time the story being about one of the main Sa’ba Taalor characters in the series, Tuskandru.

Now, this is a very short tale — only six pages.  And, yes, the narrative is short, clipped, and simple.  But it is exactly how you’d imagine a closed-mouthed warrior would talk when relating a story about one of his fellow warriors. And through this snapshot, a little more light is cast on Tuskandru as well as giving lovers of the Sa’ba Taalor another piece of lore to contemplate about this mysterious group of people.

So for those already a fan of the Seven Forges series, From the Mounds is another tasty morsels to wet your appetite while you await more Sa’ba Taalor from James A. Moore.

Read the short story here.

Posted in 3 Stars, Fantasy, High, Short Stories, Sword and Sorcery | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

WAITING ON WEDNESDAY — A KNIGHT OF THE SEVEN KINGDOMS

Posted on September 30, 2015 by Bookwraiths

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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 A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. Sure, these three novellas by George R.R. Martin have been published for a while now, but I’ve never gotten around to reading them and love that they are collected all in one place.

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a knight of the seven kingdoms
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms by George R.R. Martin

Genre: Fantasy

Series: The Tales of Dunk and Egg

Publisher: Harper Voyager (October 6, 2015)

Length: 368 pages

“A century before A GAME OF THRONES, two unlikely heroes wandered Westeros…

A KNIGHT OF THE SEVEN KINGDOMS compiles the first three official prequel novellas to George R.R. Martin’s ongoing masterwork, A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE.

Before Tyrion Lannister and Podrick Payne there was Dunk and Egg.

A young, naïve but courageous hedge knight, Ser Duncan the Tall towers above his rivals – in stature if not experience. Tagging along with him is his diminutive squire, a boy called Egg – whose true identity must be hidden from all he and Dunk encounter: for in reality he is Aegon Targaryen, and one day he will be king. Improbable heroes though they be, great destinies lie ahead for Dunk and Egg; as do powerful foes, royal intrigue, and outrageous exploits.

A KNIGHT OF THE SEVEN KINGDOMS brings together for the first time the first three official prequel novellas to George R.R. Martin’s ongoing masterwork, A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE, set in an age when the Targaryen line still holds the Iron Throne, and the memory of the last dragon has not yet passed from living memory.

Featuring more than 160 illustrations by Gary Gianni, one of the finest fantasy artists of our time, this beautiful volume will transport readers to the world of the Seven Kingdoms in an age of bygone chivalry.

AUTHOR BIO:

George R. R. Martin is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of many novels, including the acclaimed series A Song of Ice and Fire—A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, A Feast for Crows, and A Dance with Dragons—as well as Tuf Voyaging, Fevre Dream, The Armageddon Rag, Dying of the Light, Windhaven (with Lisa Tuttle), and Dreamsongs Volumes I and II. He is also the creator of The Lands of Ice and Fire, a collection of maps from A Song of Ice and Fire featuring original artwork from illustrator and cartographer Jonathan Roberts, and The World of Ice & Fire (with Elio M. García, Jr., and Linda Antonsson). As a writer-producer, Martin has worked on The Twilight Zone, Beauty and the Beast, and various feature films and pilots that were never made. He lives with the lovely Parris in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Author Information: Website | Twitter

Purchase the novel at Amazon.

Posted in Waiting on Wednesday | Tagged , , , , , , | 7 Comments

KING OF THE BASTARDS

Posted on September 28, 2015 by Bookwraiths

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King of the Bastards by Brian Keene & Steven Shrewsbury

Genre: Fantasy — Sword and Sorcery

Series: Stand Alone (Could be the beginning of a series)

Publisher: Apex Publishing (July 21, 2015)

Author Information: Brian Keene’s Website | Brian Keene on Twitter | Steven Shrewsbury Website

Length: 163 pages

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

I don’t always read sword and sorcery novels, but when I do I want them blood splattered, magic filled, politically incorrect, testosterone fantasies that would make the American Civil Liberties Union attorneys immediately file suits against the authors if they ever read them.

Well, with King of the Bastards, I got my wish.

The main character in this homage to the pulp classics of yesteryear is Rogan, an aged barbarian king, who has given his throne to his son and headed west across the ocean in search of adventure. Accompanying him is his nephew, Javan, who is more culturally advanced than his uncle but still a man not to be overlooked.

To say our hero Rogan is portrayed here as a mighty barbarian warrior isn’t really doing him justice.

Conan asks him how to be a barbarian.

His enemies go ahead and cut their own throats when they see Rogan coming.

Rogan has crossed the point of no return — on numerous occasions.

His only real opponent is himself, and Rogan kicked his own ass!

I could go on, but you get the point: this is a dude you don’t want to mess with.

But some people aren’t very smart, and before Rogan and Javan can go very far on their western excursion, conflict finds them.  Monsters, pirates, zombies, wizards, demons, and even a god from another dimension all take turns attacking our aged barbarian. The cursing and fighting ensue fast and furious as each enemy tries to take Rogan down, but while his mighty sinews hold his enemies back with powerful sword strokes, he also is busy espousing classic insults. My favorites being when Rogan kills a guy claiming to be his son and says “If he was a product of my loins . . . [well] Every man can have an off night, Javan.”  Or when a female characters calls him a pig, Rogan immediately replies, “And do you ever lay with pigs?  If so, come here and attend to me.”

Now those were some pretty politically incorrect statements.  And it is just a taste of the hyper masculine Rogan, who cares nothing about offending everyone’s sensibilities . . . because he is a barbarian.  What the hell does he know or care about civilized behavior?  Nothing I tell you, and I for one loved the sword and sorcery mayhem — even if it did get a bit repetitive.

Yes, you did read that last part right.  I said it got repetitive, and I stand by that.  I mean, I love blood-coated combat in a fantasy, but I still prefer it interspersed with enough non-fighting to trick me into thinking something other than killing people is actually going on.  And while Keene and Shrewsbury tried to accomplish just that with a few introspective moments and the foreshadowing of future conflicts, it just wasn’t extensive enough for my tastes.

Even with said criticism though, I readily hail this as the most delicious, abrasive, kickass sword and sorcery novel I’ve read in a long time.  No, it won’t be for everyone.  Yes, some will be offended by Rogan’s “barbaric” behavior.  But then again, Rogan could care less because he’d be happy to show us his feminine side — if God had given him one.

Purchase the book at Amazon.

Posted in 4 Stars, Fantasy, Sword and Sorcery | Tagged , , , , , | 8 Comments

FUN DAY MONDAY, OR THE BOOKS THAT WILL HELP ME SURVIVE THE WEEK AHEAD (SEPTEMBER 28, 2015)

Posted on September 28, 2015 by Bookwraiths

funday-Monday

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.

And this week I’m going to be trying to lose myself into this book.

crucible of souls
A Crucible of Souls by Mitchell Hogan

Genre: Fantasy

Series: Sorcery Ascendant Sequence #1

Publisher: Harper Voyager (September 22, 2015)

Length: 512 pages

“When young Caldan’s parents are brutally slain, the boy is raised by monks who initiate him into the arcane mysteries of sorcery.

Growing up plagued by questions about his past, Caldan vows to discover who his parents were, and why they were violently killed. The search will take him beyond the walls of the monastery, into the unfamiliar and dangerous chaos of city life. With nothing to his name but a pair of mysterious heirlooms and a handful of coins, he must prove his talent to become apprenticed to a guild of sorcerers.

But the world outside the monastery is a darker place than he ever imagined, and his treasured sorcery has disturbing depths he does not fully understand. As a shadowed evil manipulates the unwary and forbidden powers are unleashed, Caldan is plunged into an age-old conflict that will bring the world to the edge of destruction.

Soon, he must choose a side, and face the true cost of uncovering his past.”

About the Author:
When he was eleven, Mitchell Hogan was given The Hobbithogan and the Lord of the Rings trilogy to read, and a love of fantasy novels was born. He spent the next ten years reading, rolling dice, and playing computer games, with some school and university thrown in. Along the way he accumulated numerous bookcases’ worth of fantasy and sci-fi novels, and he doesn’t look to stop anytime soon. For a decade he put off his dream of writing, then he quit his job and wrote A Crucible of Souls. He now writes full-time and is eternally grateful to the readers who took a chance on an unknown self-published author. He lives in Sydney, Australia, with his wife, Angela, and daughter, Isabelle.

Author Information: Website | Twitter

Purchase the book at Amazon.

Posted in Funday Monday | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

WHISPER (DARWATH NOVELETTE)

Posted on September 27, 2015 by Bookwraiths

WHISPER
Whisper by Barbara Hambly

Genre: Fantasy

Series: Darwath Short Story

Publisher: Self Published (July 18, 2015)

Author Information: Website

Length: 46 pages

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

A novelette in the Darwath world.

Six years have passed since the end of civilization, and Ingold Inglorion, Gil Patterson, and Rudy Solis remain in the Keep of Dare. This huge obsidian cubicle (crafted by the magic and machines of a civilization destroyed long ago by a previous rising of the Dark) has kept its occupants from death, but their lives are a daily struggle, as they learn to adapt to a world gripped in a sudden climate change. And now yet another crisis threatens to engulf this pitiful remnant of humanity.

The recently discovered and little understood teleporter at the center of the Keep of Dare is about to open. Its perfect amalgamation of science and magic due to form a portal to another hidden Keep from the ancient times; a keep that Ingold and his apprentices (Rudy included) believe has been lost to humanity for three thousand years. And with Ingold away from the Keep, it is left up to Gil and Rudy to form a team, enter the portal, and deal with whatever might be in the other keep — good or bad. Something that promises to be more difficult than Ingold, Gil, or Rudy ever expected!

Obviously, this is a story that will mean more to followers of Darwath. First, because fans of the series are already emotionally invested in these characters and their world, but also because Ms. Hambly takes it for granted that Whisper readers already know the background, motives, and adventures of the main characters and doesn’t even mention them at all. So to fully enjoy this one you really need, at least, a Wikipedia understanding of the story up to this point.

Once you have the basics of Darwath down, this is a novelette that flows by seamlessly. It keeps you entertained in Hambly’s effortless way by mixing emotions with mystery, dragging you along behind the characters as they find themselves entangled in unusual and deadly situations with the fate of humanity itself on the line. And when it ends, it might not completely surprise you, but the emotions portrayed by the characters still touch you, because you can picture yourself trying to make the choices these guys are forced to.

As you can tell I’m a Darwath fan and I really enjoyed this short story . . . because any chance to revisit Ingold, Gil, and Rudy is always a special treat for me. One I do not take for granted anymore.

Purchase the novelette at Amazon.

Posted in 4 Stars, Epic, Fantasy, Short Stories | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment