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TOUGH TRAVELING — COMPANIONS

Posted on September 25, 2014 by Bookwraiths

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

25th September, 2014 – COMPANIONS

COMPANIONS… You will normally meet them for the first time at the outset of the tour. They are picked from among the following: Bard, Female Mercenary, Gay mage, Imperious Female, Large Man, serious soldier, Slender Youth, Small Man, Talented Girl, Teenage Boy, Unpleasant Stranger, and Wise Old Stranger.

Okay, I’m going to kill this topic!

JAKE CHAMBERS, OY, EDDIE DEAN and SUSANNAH DEAN – THE DARK TOWER by STEPHEN KING

The star of this series might have been Roland the Gunslinger, but it would not have been nearly as enjoyable without his ka-tet of Jake Chambers, Oy, Eddie Dean and Susannah Dean. This group of rich kid, drug addict, and wheelchair bound rich girl drove this series forward through the good and bad (No, Mr. King, I have not forgotten nor forgiven the conclusion to The Dark Tower saga), and without them, we all know that Roland Deschain’s quest to reach the Dark Tower would never have succeeded. Honestly, I loved each and every one of these characters for a different way, and I can’t think of any other companions that contributed so much to the series they co-starred in.

See my reviews of three of the novels in the series.
The Gunslinger Wolves of the Calla The Dark Tower Book VII

BUY THE NOVEL AT AMAZON.

INGOLD INGLORION – DARWATH by BARBARA HAMBLY

As I’ve said before, this is one of my favorite old school fantasy series with Ingold Inglorion being my favorite wizard this side of Gandalf. Without a doubt, this robed guy has some bad mojo with a staff or a sword, and he has taken upon himself the task of trying to save his entire planet from nearly invisible creatures called the Dark, whose meal of choice is humankind. But you know what? He isn’t the main character in the series. Nope, two, twentieth century Americans are the stars, which made Ingold one of the best companions I’ve ever read about!

Read more about the Darwath Trilogy. 17 Overlooked Fantasy Series TIME OF THE DARK

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LADY – THE BLACK COMPANY by GLEN COOK

As this series begins, Croaker is the main character. Naturally, as the annalist of the Black Company, it is his job to write this account of their ongoing exploits in the world. In the first book, a reader sees relatively little of Lady; the second novel is even less; and the third book, she plays a bigger part, especially toward the end. Even in the later books of the series, Lady is rarely the main character, but somehow she always finds a way to steal the spotlight from everyone in the book and is one of the most interesting “companion” characters that I’ve ever read about. I mean, wise old stranger and talented girl are great companions, but how about world conquering sorceress supreme who will kill you as soon as she spits on you but has the grace and sophistication of a true lady? Yeah, I do have a horrid thing for her, which means the Lady is one of my favorite companions.

BUY THE NOVEL AT AMAZON.

MERRY, PIPPIN, SAMWISE, ARAGORN, LEGOLAS, GIMLI, GANDALF, and BOROMIR – TOLKIEN’S LORD OF THE RINGS

While it might not be completely true, I’d say that all these guys are companions to Frodo, whose quest they join and attempt to help him complete. Sure, several of them become the main focus of chapters and chapters of the novels, but to me, they are still merely members of the Fellowship of the Ring, whose job it is to be companions and helpers to the ring-bearer Frodo. So for those reasons, this group of characters are companions to me, and they will always deserve to be on any list of the best companions in fantasy.

BUY THE NOVEL AT AMAZON.

SIGURD THE DREYLING – CITY OF STAIRS by ROBERT JACKSON BENNETT

Now, Shara Thivani, great granddaughter of the Kaj, and operative for the Saypur Foreign Affairs Ministry is the main character in this fantastic fantasy genre blender, but her bodyguard Sigurd slowly becomes a companion who steals more than a few scenes from Shara. Wild, barbaric and mysterious, this huge man who can wipe out a whole squads of armed men by himself has a shadowy past that is slowly revealed and turns him into something so much more addictive than just the strong, silent murderer. Honestly, this companion really deserves his own novel or at least a novella spotlighting his intriguing life and future.

See my review of the first book in the series.
CITY OF STAIRS

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OBERON – THE IRON DRUID CHRONICLES by KEVIN HEARNE

I might have come late to the urban fantasy feast, but in Oberon of The Iron Druid Chronicles, I’ve already found my favorite UF companion. This Irish wolfhound’s constant banter with his human slave, twenty-one centuries old druid Atticus O’Sullivan, is the motor that runs this UF series. Sure, witches and werewolves, gods and goddess, magic and curses are great and all, but you just can’t beat a wisecracking dog, making his human’s life happier and more miserable in turn. As I try to find time to continue my read of The Iron Druid Chronicles, do you know my reason for wanting to do so is? Yeah, I want me some more Oberon. You just beat a talking dog, people. We really need one in every fantasy book.

See my review of the first book in the series.
HOUNDED

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THE NAMELESS DWARF – SHADER by D.P. PRIOR

I’ve called the Shader series the best indie fantasy series that I personally have ever read, and while I really adore the hero of the series, Deacon Shader, Nameless (as his friends call him) is the best sword and sorcery companion that I’ve run into lately. This blood drenched dwarf who was so evil that he began to commit genocide of his own people is completely rehabilitated by Mr. Prior, showing himself to be a fighting man’s ideal companion. Nameless drinks, laughs, fights, and embraces nearly everyone in friendship. In fact, he becomes such a shining character that in the third book of the Shader series he began to actually steal the show from the star. Now, Nameless you are just going too damn far there. Companions have to know their place.

See my reviews of two of the novels featuring The Nameless Dwarf.
THE UNWEAVING THE ANT-MAN OF MALFEN

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GARION’S COMPANIONS – THE BELGARIAD by DAVID EDDINGS
Credit for Image to Evolra
Throughout this series, Mr. Eddings continually adds more and more companions to this group led by Belgarath and Polgara, as they crisscross the world after the stolen Orb of Aldur. Sure, each of these people seem somewhat one dimensional, but even the most cardboard cutout characters has his or her moment to shine and do something necessary for the group as a whole to succeed. So while I wish I could pick just one of these companions, I’m going to throw them all in together. Honestly, how can I pick between Durnik, Silk, Barak, Hettar, Lelldorin, Mandorallen, Ce’Nedra, Relg, Taiba, or Errand, not to even mention Belgarath and Polgara. These guys were all great companions, and some of my favorite Young Adult fantasy characters.

See my review of the first book in the series.
Pawn of Prophecy

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ALARIC MORGAN – THE DERYNI CHRONICLES by KATHERINE KURTZ

This seventh Duke of Corwyn and Lord General of the Royal Armies of Gwynedd is a close advisor and friend of both King Brion Haldane and King Kelson Haldane of the Deryni series. He is a man dedicated to protecting not only his liege lord but also trying to somehow ease the transition of the hated and cursed Deryni people back into society. A warrior, politician, and fast friend, Alaric is one of the most interesting companions that I’ve ever read about. While George R.R. Martin’s Song of Ice and Fire is a masterpiece of medieval noble genocide, Kurtz’ Deryni series is very similar in tone and can’t be beat for royal political treachery and backbiting – with Alaric being a big reason why.

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LORD MHORAM and SALTHEART FOAMFOLLOWER – THE FIRST CHRONICLES OF THOMAS COVENANT by STEPHEN R. DONALDSON

These two companions of the whiny leper Thomas Covenant are introduced in the first novel of the series, Lord Foul’s Bane, but they continually grow and change so that by the third novel, The Power That Preserves, they are nearly completely different people. (I suppose, war with a Dark Lord will do that to anyone.) However, throughout their tumultuous relationship with Covenant, they are really some of the best companions that I have ever read.

BUY THE NOVEL AT AMAZON.

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT MY BEST OF FANTASY LISTS.

Posted in Fantasy, Lists, Tough Traveling | Tagged Alaric Morgan, Barbara Hambly, best fantasy companions, Chronicles of the Deryni, City of Stairs, Companions, D.P. Prior, Darwath, David Eddings, Glen Cook, Ingold Inglorion, Katherine Kurtz, Kevin Hearne, Lady, Lord Mhoram, Lord of the Rings, Oberon, Roland Deschain, Saltheart Foamfollower, SIGURD THE DREYLING, Stephen King, STEPHEN R. DONALDSON, The Belgariad, The Black Company, the dark tower, The Iron Druid Chronicles, The Nameless Dwarf, thomas covenant | 18 Comments

CITY OF STAIRS by ROBERT JACKSON BENNETT

Posted on September 24, 2014 by Bookwraiths

City of Stairs by Robert Jackson Bennett.

Genre: Fantasy

Series: The Divine Cities #1

Publisher: Broadway Books (September 9, 2014)

Author Information: Website | Twitter

Length: 452 pages

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Imagine yourself in a place called the Continent – a land graced by the presence of the six gods themselves; deities who live and walk among their chosen people for a thousand glorious years.

In this world, the earth is merely a canvas upon which the gods paint reality to their liking, making it more beautiful, more hospitable, and crafting works of wonder that rival nature’s innate splendor. Some of their creations are for nothing more than a godly whim, but others are there to protect their chosen people, ward off illness, feed them, house them in safety, and allow them to live in magnificent cities alongside deities come to earth. The most glorious of these abodes being the gods’ capital city of Bulikov, from which they ruled the world – including an island of slaves called Saypur, who had no god of their own.

What a glorious age it was, a time of paradise on earth for the Continent! But then seventy-five years ago, something horrible happened: the age of gods came to an end! A man known only as the “Kaj” rising up in Saypur, creating a weapon capable of killing the gods, methodically executing each of them, and thereby unleashing upon the Continent “The Blink.”

The children of the gods saw their world end in “The Blink.” Not only were the six divinities destroyed but with them instantly vanished all their creations. Cities disappeared. Mountains crumbled. Fertile lands turned to dust. The temperate climate turned cold and snowy. Paradise died. Chaos erupted. Starvation was born. Plagues ran rampant. Poverty reared its ugly head. Death’s pale visage loomed over all. It truly seemed that every person on the Continent would surely perish.

But before complete annihilation occurred, the Saypur forces took control. Their Kaj had come before as the divinity destroyer, but now that the Blink has taken its tole, his people return to the Continent as conquers. They take over the land. Divinity of any kind is outlawed. Words, symbols, or deeds relating to the vanquished gods are punishable by the harshest means possible. The Continent survives, but it is now a backwater filled with broken people, full of darkness, lost dreams, and hopelessness – slaves who were once the chosen of the gods.

As City of Stairs opens, the world is changing once again: civilization writhing in the birthing pains of an industrial revolution. And the Continent is caught up in this evolution, as two groups vie with one another to lead the journey into this brave, new world. One wishing to restore the old ways of the gods, and the others wanting to abandon the past and forge a new future.

Naturally, all this societal change causes a destabilizing pressure on the Continent – one that regularly erupts into violence, many times against Saypurians. And so when noted Saypurian Historian Dr. Efrem Pangyui is murdered in the old capital city of Bulikov, important people take notice.

One of these observers is Shara Thivani, great granddaughter of the Kaj, operative for her Aunt Vinya, who heads up the Saypur Foreign Affairs Ministry. Shara is a young woman banished from home due to a political act of conscious who has spent most of her adult life on the Continent accompanied by her bodyguard Sigurd, a barbarian Dreyling. While not knowing Dr. Pangyui for very long, Shara greatly admired him, counted him one of the few friends she has on the Continent, and after hearing of his fate, she voluntarily travels to Bulikov determined to uncover who killed him and why.

Naturally, as Shara begins turning over stones, she finds that this is no simple murder nor a random act of violence by a subjugated race. Rather it’s a complex puzzle with pieces carved from ancient history, the mystery of the Kaj, the destruction of the Continent by the Blink, and the conquest by Saypur. Involved in it all may even be a man from her past, who now finds himself as the leader of the Continental party for change in Bulikov. And while Shara tries to safely journey through the political minefield she has inadvertently wandered into, she soon discovers that lurking behind all these things might be a secret so dangerous that it would not only destroy her family but also the world Saypur rules over!

After finishing City of Stairs, all I could say was wow! It is by far one of the most impressive writing performances that I have had the privilege of reading. Robert Jackson Bennett has crafted such a uniquely original tale incorporating epic fantasy, urban fantasy, mystery, political thriller, and mythology that it is really breathtaking, and for that, he deserves the accolades this novel will surely earn him.

And as much as the story deserves praise, the world building itself also must be recognized. Here, Mr. Bennett has created a land filled with magic. There is the modern magic of an industrial revolution Saypur, filled with ships, guns, and the bureaucracy of a modern nation, while behind it is the lingering glimmer of the gods’ magic, highlighted by miraculous objects, glimmering portals, and vanishing stairs – though each is difficult to find anymore. And while some might say all this world building slows the story down, I can’t agree because by the time Mr. Bennett was done with it I was so fully committed to the story that I simply flew through the last half of the novel.

Truly, City of Stairs is a genre-blending novel that succeeds where so many others have failed. In it, Mr. Bennett has created a lush world, dripping with mythology and history, with intriguing characters, romantic tension, political mysteries, and more than a few action scenes. The book is philosophical. It is entertaining. It has a great cover. And it is a novel sure to be on most readers Best Books of 2014 lists.

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

PURCHASE THE NOVEL AT AMAZON

Posted in 4 Stars, Fantasy, Low | Tagged best genre blending books, best urban fantasy series, City of Stairs, Kaj, ROBERT JACKSON BENNETT, Shara Thivani, The Blink | 12 Comments

THE LAST COLONY (OLD MAN’S WAR #3) by JOHN SCALZI

Posted on September 23, 2014 by Bookwraiths

My rating is 3 out of 5 stars.

I have to admit I was a bit excited to finally get to read The Last Colony. Old Man’s War was a great scifi novel and The Ghost Brigades was only a notch below it, in my opinion, so when I opened this one up, I had really high expectations – expectations that were not met by this novel, unfortunately. Oh, it was still an enjoyable read, just not the military extravaganza I was expecting.

The Last Colony opens with John Perry and his wife, Jane, living a relatively normal and boring life on a small, farming colony. The only thing that breaks up the monotony is settling quarrels between farmers and the snarky conversations with their adopted daughter Zoe, who is followed around by her two Obin bodyguards, Hickory and Dickory. Naturally, however, things are about to change and quickly.

One day, out of nowhere, an old military commander of John Perry shows up and extends a unique opportunity to him and Jane: become the leaders of a new, human colony to be built on the planet dubbed Roanoke. Along with their daughter and her bodyguards, they would be shepherding two thousand five hundred colonists chosen from ten of the human colonial worlds, something that has never happened before. And due to the political nature of this new colony, the Colonial Union needs some non-political people to head up Roanoke; a fact which led the CU search committee to Jane and John, who seem like great candidates with their military backgrounds and John’s experience as a colonial war hero.

Naturally, Jane and John are suspicious. Having been Colonial Union soldiers, they know through first hand experience how thoroughly devious the CU can be, and how the CU is more than willing to sacrifice anyone to further their secretive plans to expand the reach of Humanity in the stars. But being assured everything is on the up and up (as well as John and Zoe wanting to add some excitement to their dull life) the family agrees to take the jobs.

Do I need to even say what happens next?

Yeah, John and Jane immediately begin to suspect they were lied to. Things do not add up about Roanoke, and inevitable, the mission takes an unexpected turn for the worst – at least from John and Jane’s perspective. The Colonial Union is shown to have been deceiving everyone – about pretty much everything including its promises that the colony would not cause issues with The Conclave (an alliance of alien races determined to stop interstellar warfare by controlling colonization.) In fact, even the name of Roanoke turns out not to be for commemorative purposes but rather a dark joke. And it seems that John and Jane are going to need all their military expertise and more than a little luck to escape the political machinations of the CU and its enemies and keep from dying on this primitive, already inhabited, colonial world!

I really wish that I could say that this was a fitting ending to the Old Man’s War trilogy, but I can’t, because The Last Colony is not up to the level of its predecessors (which were two of the best military science fiction that I’ve ever read.) Where Old Man’s War introduced readers to a harsh universe where humanity turns its soldiers into genetically modified, green-skinned supermen to defend against all the nasty alien races waiting to devour humanity and The Ghost Brigades masterfully touched upon the idea of “How can a race be morally correct in destroying another species to save itself,” this novel reads like a show on the Scyfy channel about a lone man outwitting an entire galaxy. Or to put it another way, Perry-nado!

Honestly, I don’t like writing the above, because I really liked John Perry and Jane Sagan in the prior novels, but this time Mr. Scalzi turned them into overpowered caricatures of themselves. Jane becomes a near-invulnerable character, who always knows best, can kill practically anything or anyone on a whim, and is even able to read minds. (No, I’m not making that last part up.) John Perry, on the other hand, is his normal sarcastic self, but this time he is able to outwit, outplay, and outlast (Yeah, I stole that from the Survivor television series) every diplomat, soldier, and politician in the Colonial Union and the Conclave. Even teenager Zoe and her two, Obin bodyguards somehow are imbued with the innate abilities needed to help change the course of interstellar history.

And as for our heroes’ enemies, they are one-dimensional caricatures without any real depth. On one hand, there is a galactic leader who is so good, so honest that he looks like he stepped directly out of a Disney channel cartoon, continually espoused interspecies brotherly love and immediately believes anything John Perry says, because, I mean, it’s John Perry so you have to believe him after a five minute conversation, right? And the other villains are the exact opposites: evil 100%. All their motives are self-serving, obviously hiding a desire to cause mass genocide, and their refusal to join the interstellar love in is absolutely ridiculous without any merit.

I wish I could say that the secondary characters were more interesting, but Mr. Scalzi didn’t really spend much time developing them. Even the most visible members of the Roanoke colony is introduced, described and never developed from that point forward. It was like they were just there for John, Jane, and Zoe to have someone to make sarcastic remarks to or to save.

Added to these somewhat lacking characters, Mr. Scalzi throws into the mix some good, old deus ex machina plot lines to help John and Jane out with their plan to outfox the entire universe, machinas that are the only things standing between certain death for the Roanoke colony and certain defeat for John’s plan to transform the galaxy.

Now, I could also mention how certain plot lines were built up in the narrative until they seemed of paramount importance only to POOF! disappear without a trace, never to be seen or heard from again. But I won’t do that, because obviously they weren’t that important. If they were, Mr. Scalzi would have actually finished the plot line, wouldn’t he?

Now, does all that mean this novel isn’t worth reading?

Absolutely not, The Last Colony is entertaining enough. Mr. Scalzi’s still finds time to somewhat explore the logic of an imperialistic state; the constant banter and sarcasm of John Perry, Jane, and Zoe are still humorous; most of the plot lines are wrapped up by the conclusion of the novel; and the main characters generally have happy endings. Honestly, this is the perfect “Hollywood-ending” for the Old Man’s War trilogy, and if that sort of straightforward story is to your liking then you should give this novel a go. But if you are expecting a gritty, military story like the previous novels in the series, then it might be best if you skipped this one.

PURCHASE THE NOVEL AT AMAZON

CHECK OUT MY REVIEWS OF THE SERIES
OLD MAN’S WAR
THE GHOST BRIGADES
ZOE’S TALE

Posted in 3 Stars, Science Fiction, Soft | Tagged best military science fiction, best science fiction series, Jane Sagan, John Perry, John Scalzi, Old Man's War, The Colonial Union, The Ghost Brigades, The Last Colony, ZOE'S TALE | 3 Comments

STORM FRONT

Posted on September 22, 2014 by Bookwraiths

storm front

Storm Front by Jim Butcher

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Series: The Dresden Files #1

Publisher: Roc Books (April 1, 2000)

Author Information: Website | Twitter

Length: 352 pages

My Rating: 3 stars

What can one say about The Dresden Files that hasn’t already been said?

Not much really. It is hailed as a brilliantly written, amazingly addictive, and fabulously inventive story that is the measure by which most Urban Fantasy novels are judged. Its hordes of fans love it, and many, many authors have desperately tried to create the next Harry Dresden. And you know what? I can’t blame either group, because I can totally see how many readers would come down with a bad case of Dresden Fever after being introduced to this guy, and if I was an author I know I would absolutely be dying to create the next Harry.

As for Storm Front itself (which I’ve actually been told by Dresden fans is one of the weaker books in the series), this is Jim Butcher introduction of his wizard for hire, and quickly it becomes clear this isn’t your average dick or gumshoe, but a new age man of mystery with modern sensibilities who just happens to be a sorcerer of the secret, powerful White Council. But even still, the author sets the stage for Harry’s initial adventure as if this were merely another old school private eye story.

The building was quiet – absolutely devoid of sound except for the gentle tap of someone rhythmically counting out his boredom. A noise that unerring led down an empty hallway to a small office.

From under the wooden entryway escaped a bar of light, a pure light from the sun shining through a window rather than the metallic light of fluorescents, and if one followed back along that brilliant gleam, he would find himself in a simple office occupied by a lone man, who sits behind the only desk in the room. Clad in black, it is easy to see that the tapping heard down the hall is his doing. For while he sits stoically behind his desk, looking outwardly calm, it is easy to perceive that he is impatiently waiting for a call or a visitor. Someone, anyone who might need his help. Because he has that look about him: the visage of a helper; someone a person in need can go to for answers to shadowy problems or rescue from dangers he can barely perceive.

Naturally, there will be a price for his help. No one in this world can live on appreciation alone, not even this strong, silent man with the strange staff sitting within easy reach of his long, finely boned hands. (Hands that a person with discernment could tell were equally capable of punching someone in the jaw or weaving a spell of magic.) And Harry (for the letters on the door clearly labeled him as Harry Dresden) seemed to need someone to walk into his office, or for the dusty phone he stared at to ring. Perhaps the stack of unpaid bills on his desk attested to the why of his current desire.

Ring! Ring! Ring!

With carefully practiced professionalism, our dark-haired detective answers the phone, listens patiently to the caller’s problems, explains how he can help, and sets up the appointment with a lady who sounds like she desperately needs his help, a woman who also seems more than willing to pay him a nice fee to find someone. Sure, it is a job too easy for one of his obvious skills, but a paying customer is a paying customer.

Before Harry can pat himself on the back too much for the luck, the phone rings again. A job with the police. One of his special jobs. The kind that no one except a wizard like himself could undertake — which means there is a corpse somewhere that died by less than normal means.

With two people needing his help, Harry Dresden unfolds from his office chair, prepared to head out into a world that denies magic in order to save these very unbelievers from the very things they so vehemently deny exist!

The story that progresses from this point is a light, fast-paced and entertaining urban fantasy tale, part detective/part paranormal mystery. One that is incredibly easy to get sucked into. There is so many positives about the narrative, in fact, that it is difficult to isolate only a few things, because the characters, plot, and aesthetics of Butcher’s story just all work, blending together to create a compelling story. But if I was forced to name the most impressive element of Storm Front, however, I’d point directly at the main character himself. Harry’s constant inner monologue so natural, so lifelike that by the end of the book readers will feel like they know this wizard for hire, count him as one of their friends. Every stumble he makes sure to elicit a gasp of shock, an inner despair. Every fight causing Harry’s new fans to desperately root for him to survive unscathed. And by the end, most people will be happy beyond belief that there are many more books where they can continue to visit their new, wizardly friend.

Like I mentioned, there isn’t too much I can say about Harry that hasn’t been said before and said more eloquently by others. Sure, there were weaknesses in the narrative, elements which I personally didn’t love. But, overall, Storm Front was a fine read. I can’t say it turned me into a fan of either The Dresden Files or urban fantasy in general, but I definitely do not regret reading it to experience the hype first hand.

Purchase the book at Amazon

Posted in 4 Stars, Dresden Files, Fantasy, Urban Fantasy | Tagged best urban fantasy, best urban fantasy series, Dresden Files, Harry Dresden, Jim Butcher, Storm Front, THE DRESDEN FILES | 6 Comments

FUN DAY MONDAY, OR THE BOOKS THAT WILL HELP ME SURVIVE THE WEEK AHEAD (SEPTEMBER 22, 2014)

Posted on September 22, 2014 by Bookwraiths

The work week begins. Time for me to strap on my business suit and head back into the office to save the world one case at a time. And helping me forget about all the trials and tribulations of life will be a few books that I hope are really, really good. So without any further talking, here are a few indie novels that I’ll be reading this week.

THE WARDED MAN (DEMON CYCLE #1) by PETER V. BRETT

In his debut novel, Brett catapults readers into a world in which demons rise at night and the human population lives in fear and seclusion. Only those who brave the unsheltered night and survive see what lies beyond their birth town or city. The setting itself is spare and underdeveloped with the focus instead being on the flawed heroes of the tale. Brett spends a majority of the novel—the first of a series—establishing the backstories of the main characters, three humans who come from different towns and backgrounds and are thrown into the battle at a young age. Readers are held in suspense until the three finally meet. Brett uses the demons and magic to examine issues prevalent in our own society, such as religion versus science. The book is captivating and well written, quickly drawing readers in. The Warded Man is a must-read for anyone looking for a new fantasy world to explore.— Kelliann Bogan, Colby-Sawyer College, New London, NH

BUY THE NOVEL AT AMAZON

SCOURGE OF THE BETRAYER (BLOODSOUNDER’S ARC #1) by JEFF SALYARDS

Many tales are told of the Syldoon Empire and its fearsome soldiers, who are known throughout the world for their treachery and atrocities. Some say that the Syldoon eat virgins and babies–or perhaps their own mothers. Arkamondos, a bookish young scribe, suspects that the Syldoon’s dire reputation may have grown in the retelling, but he’s about to find out for himself.

Hired to chronicle the exploits of a band of rugged Syldoon warriors, Arki finds himself both frightened and fascinated by the men’s enigmatic leader, Captain Braylar Killcoin. A secretive, mercurial figure haunted by the memories of those he’s killed with his deadly flail, Braylar has already disposed of at least one impertinent scribe … and Arki might be next.

Archiving the mundane doings of millers and merchants was tedious, but at least it was safe. As Arki heads off on a mysterious mission into parts unknown, in the company of the coarse, bloody-minded Syldoon, he is promised a chance to finally record an historic adventure well worth the telling, but first he must survive the experience!

A gripping military fantasy in the tradition of Glen Cook, Scourge of the Betrayer explores the brutal politics of Empire–and the searing impact of violence and dark magic on a man’s soul. — Goodreads

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What will you be reading?

Posted in Fantasy, Funday Monday | Tagged BLOODSOUNDER'S ARC, JEFF SALYARDS, Peter V. Brett, SCOURGE OF THE BETRAYER, THE DEMON CYCLE, THE WARDED MAN | 5 Comments

ARTFUL by PETER DAVID

Posted on September 21, 2014 by Bookwraiths

My rating is 2 out of 5 stars.

Artful by Peter David is a novel which expands on the world of Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist by taking a look at the continued life of Jack Dawkins, better known as the Artful Dodger. While it has its high points, the story falters a bit in its execution, but it was still an entertaining read.

Here, the Artful Dodger is the star of the show. The narrative begins by explaining how our young cat purse managed to escape his expulsion to Australia and reestablish himself on the streets of London, albeit in different circumstances than during his Oliver Twist days. While still following his thieving ways, Artful has grown and matured, becoming a young man who maintains a sense of dignity and morality, even while attempting to do anything to survive another day. He is especially kind to the young ladies of the night, who sell their company of the street corners, and this is where Artful meets a mysterious, young woman, in whose behalf he intervenes to put a stop to a very demanding “customer.” After this gallant “rescue,” he bares his soul to the guarded, young woman and gives her the nickname Drina. Thereafter, the two become fast friends and stumble into the middle of a grand conspiracy involving – vampires!

For Oliver Twist fans, the highlights of this novel might well be the first few chapters, where Peter David attempts to mimic the descriptive, exposition, Victorian style of Dickens and succeeds in great measure. Not only that, but he even does a wonderful job of capturing the flavor and core of the Artful Dodger himself, making this story seems like a true sequel to its famous predecessor. Naturally, however, this is a two-edged sword, because those readers who are not fans of Dickens will likely hate this section of the book, since there are pages of descriptions and meandering narrative were nothing much seems to actually be happening. But, never fear, because after the beginning, the writing shifts into a very modern style, something that will either disappoint or please based upon your perspective.

The other group who will, no doubt, adore this novel is aficionados of vampires as true horror figures, not sparkly, paranormal romance stars. For in Artful, the vampires are archetypal bad guys, worried more about sustenance and power than self-denial of their hunger or longing for human love. Something that will keep even those readers weary of vampires (I’m raising my hand for inclusion in this group) from being turned off by the revelation that Artful is actually Artful Dodger: Vampire Hunter.

Overall, this was an okay story. Sure, it had excessive amounts of exposition (which – though mimicking Dickens – falls short of Oliver Twist’s brilliance), a few too many historical figures included into the narrative, and major plots not thoroughly disguised, but even with these problems, it was succeeded in being exactly what Peter David intended it to be: an entertaining, vampire story. And if that sounds good to you, you should definitely pick this novel up.

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Posted in 2 Stars, Fantasy, Urban Fantasy | Tagged Artful, Artful Dodger, Charles Dickens, Jack Dawkins, Oliver Twist, Peter David, Urban Fantasy, urban fantasy vampire novels | 6 Comments

FLASHBACK FRIDAY: THOR VISIONARIES – WALTER SIMONSON #1

Posted on September 19, 2014 by Bookwraiths

Flashback Friday is something I’ve been doing here at Bookwraiths for a while now: a time when I can post my thoughts about books and graphic novels that I’ve read in the past and never gotten around to reviewing. With the hectic schedule of day to day life and trying to review new books, I never seem to find the time to give these old favorites (or vile offenders) the spotlight that they deserve. But with a day all to themselves, there is no reason I can’t revisit these blasts (or bombs) from the past, so let’s take a look at a FLASHBACK FROM THE PAST!

My rating is 5 out of 5 stars.

Winter of 1983. I was a full-grown and mature thirteen (13) year old. That is what I believed anyway. By this point, I had put all the things of childhood behind me – even my beloved D&D mostly – to focus on grown up things: sports, music, girls, and cars. Not necessarily in that order. This meant the days of me sitting around reading comics was over. Forever! Sure, I still ran an eye over the comic rack at the local gas station or the bookstore at the mall, but other than just looking at them, I didn’t read those kids books anymore. But then something strange happened to me one day at the mall: I saw the cover to Thor #337.

Even though I had never been a Thor fan, I was drawn to the book like a fly to a bug light. The image of this strange alien destroying Thor’s name on the cover just got my attention, and I could not resist picking it up to see who he was.

Now, honestly, I didn’t have much optimism that the book was going to be worth reading; I mean, comics had really cool covers all the time but weren’t really worth reading – especially Thor in those days. But since the artwork was cool, I just had to open it up and look at the first few pages. That naturally led me to reading those pages which caused me to read more and . . . You get the picture.

As I finally closed Thor #337, my mind was filled with Simonson’s breathtaking images of immortal Asgardian gods, the honorable Beta Ray Bill and his beloved fleet, and the promise of an ominous bad guys waiting just outside everyone’s notice, and it was then that I had an epiphany only a 13-year-old could believe was an epiphany: comics were not just for kids. The proof was here in my hands with a book which rivaled any movie or “literary” work I’d ever read in sheer storytelling brilliance.

Needless to say I started reading Thor on a monthly basis at that point, and for the next – almost -three years, I waited patiently every month for the next issue to arrive in my mail box. The story of Beta Ray Bill, which had began in Thor #337, was just the tip of the iceberg I found as Simonson led me on a whirlwind of adventures with the God of Thunder. Adventures that I still recall with great pleasure to this day, and before you even ask, yes Thor is still my favorite Marvel character, because your first “love” is always the best remembered and most fondly recalled I’ve found.

I rated this collection (5) stars. I do not give 5 stars lightly. However, these issues of Thor by Simonson deserve five (5) – maybe six (6) stars – because this is without a doubt one of the greatest runs on a comic book ever! Of course, I read this collection having fallen in love with Thor issue by issue long ago, but I still believe you will love it to. You just won’t have to wait a month before your next fix.

`Nuff said

Posted in 5 Stars, Flashback Friday, Graphic Novels, Marvel | Tagged Asgard, Beta Ray Bill, Comic book, God of Thunder, Graphic novel, Marvel Comics, Simonson, Thor, Walt Simonson | 2 Comments

TOUGH TRAVELING — WITCHES

Posted on September 18, 2014 by Bookwraiths

18th September, 2014 – WITCHES

WITCHES are special and probably at least the equal of WIZARDS.

This has to be a fantasy list that could stretch out for pages, right? Well, let us see who I nominate as the best fantasy witches of all time.

MELISANDRA OF ASSHAI – SONG OF ICE AND FIRE by GEORGE R.R. MARTIN

Melisandre, often referred to as The Red Woman in the Game of Thrones television series, is a priestess of R’hllor and a Shadowbinder, hailing from the eastern city of Asshai. Born a slave in Essos, she rose through the ranks due to her powerful magical abilities – including the power of prophecy. Ultimately, she joins the entourage of Stannis Baratheon, believing him to be Azor Ahai reborn, a hero destined to defeat the Great Other, who is the sworn enemy of her god. Beautiful, deadly, and powerful, Melisandra is a witch that must be tops on this list.

RHEA OF THE COOS – THE DARK TOWER by STEPHEN KING

Rhea Dubativo, more commonly known as Rhea of the Cöos, is a witch who makes Roland Deschain and his friends time in the town of Hambry one they will never forget. During her appearance in Wizard and Glass, this vile witch lives on Cöos Hill outside of town with her two mutant pets, Ermot and Musty, takes John Farson’s “Bend o’ the Rainbow” for safekeeping before becoming “glammered” by Maerlyn’s Grapefruit, and is a hater of Susan Delgado, who is the love of Roland’s short life. Ugly, spiteful, and a trickster, Rhea is a witch that Roland nor I will ever forget.

MORAINE DAMODRED – THE WHEEL OF TIME by ROBERT JORDAN and BRANDON SANDERSON

I know technically Moraine is an Aes Sedai, but the slang term for them by their enemies is “witches,” so I am going to include her on this list. The Aes Sedai who tracked down the Dragon Reborn, faced down more than a few of the Forsaken, and ultimately played a major role in the epic quest to reseal the Dark One’s Prison is one badass Aes Sedai, if there ever was one. Add to this her cunning, intelligence, grace, and beauty, and Moraine is a “witch” that even I found myself liking – but unlike Rand, I never trusted her.

EMILY and MALINA SOKOWSKIE – HOUNDED by KEVIN HEARNE

When I read Hounded, it was my first foray into the urban fantasy genre. (Yeah, I know I’m behind the times.) And while Atticus O’Sullivan and Oberon were definitely the stars in this one, I have to say that these two witches and their diverse personalities and behavior really livened the book up a bit. Celtic gods and goddess are cool, but there is nothing like some devious witchery to liven up an urban fantasy. Wow, I’m starting to sound like an urban fantasy aficionado.

MARIKA OF THE DEGNAN PACKSTEAD – DARKWAR by GLEN COOK

Marika is the star of this little known series by Mr. Cook. She starts off as a young pup (Yeah, these people are not Western civilization humans) living in a very primitive tribe on the fringes of civilization before the cannibalistic northern tribes invade. From this point, Marika becomes introduced to the deadly Silth, who are female witches that can deal death with their minds and who rule over the whole world, and begins her rise to the legendary status of Doomstalker! Great series filled with fantasy and science fiction elements, but which never stops focusing of this race of witches!

JENNY WAYNEST — DRAGONSBANE by BARBARA HAMBLY

This half-trained hedge witch from the Winterlands accompies her significant other, John Aversin, to the southern empire that abandoned their land years before to kill a mighty dragon. Jenny is a woman of learning, who is committed to John but longs to reach her true potential as a witch. However, when the opportunity is presented her, she finds that sometimes its not so easy to make the right choice. Jenny was a great witch: smart, funny, dedicated, loving, skilled, and understanding, but she was still a hedge witch, which means that she might not be completely trustworthy.

THE WICKED WITCH OF THE WEST — THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ by L. FRANK BAUM

Yeah, I had to add this one to the list.

During my childhood (long ago in the 1970s) witches generally brought to mind this green-faced lady from the Land of Oz. Honestly, I cannot remember how many times I’d wake up from a childish nightmare and be afraid because this cackling lady had been chasing me on her broomstick.

So for that reason as well as the fact the Wicked Witch of the West is such an iconic figure, I couldn’t make a list of the best fantasy witches without at least paying my respects to her.

Who are your favorites?

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT MY BEST OF FANTASY LISTS.

Posted in Fantasy, Lists, Tough Traveling | Tagged Aes Sedai, Atticus O'Sullivan, Barbara Hambly, Best Fantasy Witches, Brandon Sanderson, Darkwar, Diana Wynne Jones, Dragon Reborn, Dragonsbane, Game of Thrones, george r.r. martin, Glen Cook, Hounded, John Aversin, Kevin Hearne, L. Frank Baum, MARIKA, Melisandra, Moraine, Rhea of Coos, robert jordan, Roland Deschain, Silth, Song of Ice and Fire, Stephen King, Susan Delgado, the dark tower, The Iron Druid Chronicles, The Wheel of Time, The Wicked Witch of the West, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Urban Fantasy | 23 Comments

THE UNWEAVING (SHADER #3) by D.P. PRIOR

Posted on September 17, 2014 by Bookwraiths

My rating is 3 out of 5 stars.

The epic conclusion of the Shader series! So many questions still demanding answers. Can anyone forgive Deacon Shader for failing to stop Sektis Gandaw when he had the chance? Is there a way to reach Aether, the world of the dreaming, to even try to stop the unweaving? What are the real plans and purposes of the mysterious Aristodeus? Is the Technocrat his own man, or is he being manipulated by older and more powerful beings than himself? And so many more. Questions that Mr. Prior dives right into answering with The Unweaving.

After the stunning defeat at the hands of the undead armies of Sektis Gandaw, despair hangs over the survivors of the armies of Sahul and Aeterna. With the Technocrat retreating to the alien world of Aether with his prize, the heroes of this post apocalyptic Earth cannot reach their enemy and even attempt to stop the unweaving he intends to let loose upon the entire universe. And so, they care for their wounded and dead, each waiting patiently for the end of everything!

But hope is not entirely lost. For the strange thief Shadrak the Unseen has uncovered what he believes is a means to travel to Aether. And if he, Shader, and Rhiannon can cross the innumerable distance to the world of the dreaming, they know that Sektis has taken the Statue of Eingana to a conical-shaped, black mountain at the heart of a dead plain upon Aethir. All they need to do is reach the Technocrat, and Shader promises himself this time he will not fail to strike when fate presents him with a chance.

But once on Aethir, these three unlikely companions find themselves on a strange world with dangers and questions all its own. How can they gain entrance to Sektis’ mountain stronghold when it is ringed round about with flying death machines? How do they escape the Sour Marsh with its living, oozing malignancy that has slowly spread from the nightmare realm of Qlippoth? If they do escape, where would they go to obtain help? And does Shader still have the internal fortitude to kill Sektis if given another chance, or must someone else rise to the challenge?

For this amazing setup, the author delivers a pulse-pounding, fantasy finale!

In The Unweaving, Mr. Prior chooses not to rest on his laurels and allow the final installment of the series to take place in the post apocalyptic Earth he had already lovingly created but instead introduces yet another amazing setting. This time it is Aether, world of the dreaming; a land full of fantastical creatures, science run amok, and innate magic, dreamed into existence by a sleeping god whose wistful and nightmarish thoughts instantly spring to life. Here, a reader is introduced to new civilizations and races, slowly acclimated to its myriad environments, and shown its deep history. And it is an amazing experience.

Upon this new canvas, bold, new characters also strut their stuff. And these new “stars” are not just throw away “red shirts,” but rather people who come to life and even steal the spotlight from our returning heroes: Deacon, Shadrak, and Rhiannon. The most amazing of these new characters being the Nameless Dwarf, who leaps from the pages like some sword and sorcery god, making you rout for him even though he is covered with the innocent blood of his own race. But there are many more. Each person growing into a real person before your eyes – whether you like them or hate them.

But never fear, the intriguing and spiritually torn Deacon Shader is still the pivotal character in this tale. His devotion to his faith and fear that it might all be a lie tearing him apart. His former love for Rhiannon a splinter of confusion within his soul; its ending something that he is learning to accept and deal with. His mistrust of his mentor Aristodeus the catalyst for a raging vortex of doubt that infects his entire being, making him wonder if he can indeed end Sektis Gandaw. And his unexpected confrontation with an Aether man of faith, a pivotal moment in Shader’s life and his quest to stop the unweaving!

I have to say I really think Mr. Prior nailed this conclusion. It had everything I was looking for: answers to questions, intense combat, intriguing world, dark humor, and interesting characters in Deacon Shader, Shadrak the Unseen, and the Nameless Dwarf. In my review of the first book in the series ( Sword of the Archon) I said that this was one of the best indie fantasy I’d ever read, and The Unweaving cemented that status for me. Sure, there were a few things in the narrative that I could complain about, or a character here and there I believe was one dimensional, but overall, the Shader series absolutely delivered on its promise to be a fun, inventive, fantasy ride. One that I would encourage you to jump on and enjoy as well.

Posted in 3 Stars, Fantasy, High, Post-apocalyptic, Self-Published | Tagged best indie fantasy, best indie fantasy books, best indie fantasy novels, best indie fantasy series, D.P. Prior, Deacon Shader, Shader series, Shadrak the Unseen, The Nameless Dwarf, The Unweaving | 1 Comment

A PEHOV DUET by ALEXEY PEHOV

Posted on September 17, 2014 by Bookwraiths

My rating is 2 out of 5 stars.

This is a free download from Alexey Pehov that features two, original, short stories about master thief Shadow Harold. Harold is the protagonist of The Chronicles of Siala fantasy series.

In the standalone story “The Snake,” Harold takes a lucrative contract to steal something, but, once at the scene of the prospective crime, he discovers the item is somewhat unorthodox and a tad bit more dangerous than he had been led to believe. In fact, the situation is so hairy that even our master thief is unsure if he can fulfill his contract and escape with his life.

Having no experience with Harold or The Chronicles of Siala , I came into this read without any pre-conceived desire to enjoy this story, but quickly, the first-person narrative and snarky voice of Harold drew me in, and the introduction to this fantasy world piqued my interest enough for me to consider giving the Siala series a try. Overall, I enjoyed “The Snake” and would give it a solid, 3 star rating as a standalone story.

The second short story is the “Battle of the Margend Horseshoe,” which is labeled as an additional scene from the novel Shadow Blizzard. Here Harold and his companions are preparing for a major attack on the Orc army after having cornered their enemies at the Margend Horseshoe river bend. Thereafter, a fast-paced and exciting battle takes place.

This one was a bit more difficult for me to get interested in due to my lack of knowledge about the events leading to this point, and quickly, I felt a bit lost in all the history and strong feelings of the characters. Not to say I didn’t enjoy the tale itself, but rather that I didn’t enjoy it as much as I would have if I’d read all the lead up to this clash of peoples. So, “Battle of the Margend Horseshoe” gets a 2 star rating.

Overall, you can’t beat two, free stories, especially if you’d like to try Mr. Pehov’s work and see if it is to your tastes. However, I can’t rate the compilation as anything but “Okay,” because of the letdown of the second story.

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