Book Review: "Hell's Acre" by Lilith Saintcrow

 

New Rome perches upon the shores of the Thamis River, and in its soot-stained depths a teeming mass of humanity lives under the iron fist of an Empire that never fell to Vandals or Christianity. In the shadows, assassins congregate and secret societies bloom—the Priory, dedicated to worship of the criminal Dead God, and the Hellions, thieves and murderers whose aim is mere freedom.

Or so they say.

Gemma Dove arrives in New Rome with a small independence and a burning desire: to gain revenge upon those who murdered her parents and drove her beloved aunt to a premature death. The city is a dangerous place, but Gemma has her own secret skills and isn't afraid to use them. She longs to complete her vengeance and return to her safe, beautiful estate across the Channel, but fate has other ideas.

His name for now is Avery Black, but they call him the Rook. The young Hellion has sunk himself in vice and treachery, and he knows there's more to Miss Dove than meets the eye. He also knows she's playing a dangerous game, one which will end in her death—unless he takes a hand in matters. It might even be connected to his own vengeance against the Priory, but that's fast becoming a secondary consideration.

Under soot-stained skies and flickering gaslamps, from the crowd of thieves and gin-soaked tenements to the glittering whirl of Society, plans, treachery, and counter-betrayal are afoot. Gemma and Avery can deal the Priory a stinging defeat, but that ancient organization has its own plans for Miss Dove, and the Rook might be her only defense… - from Netgalley.com

This eARC was provided by Netgalley.com and I am giving an unbiased review.

Saintcrow has done a wonderful job in creating this new world scenario. It is like modern Europe, but kind of like if the Romans had actually conquered it all, and held sway for hundreds of years. The story is a bit historical, as many names that are somewhat recognized have a 'Latin-ish' sound to them, and they use wood/coal for fires with no autos in the story. So like the 1800s I guess.

This brings us to our two main characters: Miss Dove, a pseudonym for the rich daughter of some married bureaucrats who seeks revenge, and Avery Black, the Rook, a local sort-of Crime boss of the area of London called Hell's Acre. The Rook is actually a man of morals, and is trying to help the Acre, even if violence is necessary. Miss Dove, who has an "uncle" at a type of monastery in the Acre, manages with his help to get a job as a school mistress for an orphanage. I know I am skipping some parts (for you to enjoy) but the interest between Dove and Rook build throughout the story, which leaves us hanging a bit for a future installment.

The world-building in this novel is spectacular. I really liked the idea of a conquered Roman'ish Europe, and love how the names have that Latin quality. My history may not be the best, but there are several religions and deities Romans worshipped, and they have their part in the tale as well. The intrigue as to what is really going on keeps one reading. Dove does find the man responsible for her parents deaths (per the information she had received) but is that really the one. And how is it Rook's interests and Dove's coincide with each other, without the other knowing? Really looking forward to more in this series!

Book Review: "Galaphile" The First Druids of Shannara" by Terry Brooks

 

New York Times bestselling author Terry Brooks makes his triumphant return to the world of Shannara, delving deep into the origin story of the druid order and its enigmatic creator that will change the face of the Four Lands forever.
 
One of the most iconic structures in the Four Lands is Paranor, the fortress home of the Druid Order. Legend holds that it was erected by an Elven leader known as Galaphile Joss. But who was this Galaphile, and how and why did he choose to establish this center of magic and learning?

Within these pages we meet the real Galaphile, following him from a friendless teenage orphan stranded in the Human world to a powerful adult and master mage, studying under the infamous recluse, Cogline. We learn of the forces that shaped him—those he loved, and those he lost; those who aided him, and those who stood against him.

Throughout it all, Galaphile’s goal is a noble one: to bring order to a chaotic world, and to make life better for those trying to survive it. To this end, he commences building the citadel which will one day be known as Paranor with the aid of the King of the Silver River. But there is one other who seeks dominion over the Four Lands—and for far less virtuous ends.

For this foe has been corrupted by an ancient evil—one that will not only reach out and touch Galaphile’s nearest and dearest, but also echo down through the centuries, sowing the seeds for some of the darkest times the Four Lands will ever face.- from Netgalley.com

This eARC was provided by Netgalley.com at no cost, and I am supplying an unbiased review.

Brooks' Shannara series have always been a good read to me. Over the years, I have read them them all at least twice. Each time he comes out with a new trilogy installment, I wonder where it will lead....

Galaphile is no disappointment. This time we are going back to the beginning of the druids, and this book, titled after the first, starts us on the journey that lasts through many books. Well written for those of Young Adult and older are able to enjoy, the worldbuilding is great, and one is able to tell the changes the world has gone through, and yet still faces (based on the other novels).

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel, and look forward to, if not a continuation of Galaphile's story, something that leads into the lives of some of the earlier druids.

Book Review: "Robert B. Parker's Buried Secrets" by Christopher Farnsworth

 Police Chief Jesse Stone investigates the mystery behind a dead body found strewn with photos of murder victims and placed on top of $2 million in cash, before a mob of hit men converge on Paradise.

Just another day in Paradise . . . 

Chief of Police Jesse Stone is on his way home from a long shift when a call comes in for a welfare check on an elderly resident of the wealthy seaside town of Paradise, Massachusetts. Inside a house packed with junk and trash is a man’s dead body. It’s a sad, lonely end, but nothing criminal . . . until Jesse finds the photos of murder victims strewn around the corpse, on top of a treasure trove of $2 million in cash.

Jesse takes on the case and finds a trail leading to an aging mobster who will do whatever it takes to keep the past from coming to light. Before long, Jesse has a price on his head as hit men converge on Paradise to take back the cash and destroy any remaining evidence. But the real danger might be coming from inside his own department. Jesse Stone must unearth the truth buried under the wreckage of a dead man’s life . . . before he winds up in the ground himself. - from Netgalley.com

This eARC was received through Netgalley.com and I am providing an unbiased review.

By my reckoning, and help from some other book sites on the interwebz, this is the 22nd novel in the Jesse Stone series originally started by Robert B Parker. Once again we are following along in the steps of the Paradise, Mass., police chief Jesse Stone as another crime happens in the peaceful town. If you have read previous novels in this series, and have been able to catch at least one of the several movies made from the books (featuring Tom Selleck) you will more than understand how I picture our MC to look.

This is Farnsworth's first endeavor into the realm of Robert B Parker novels (Spenser, Sunny Randall, Jesse Stone) and he does what I consider a very fine job of doing so. I found the writing style similar to previous novels (by other authors, and Parker himself) and the story moved along at the pace that Parker intended all his stories to go (in my opinion). I really liked how he brought into play the issue regarding 'hoarding', as it seems to occur more often these days, or at least we hear more of it happening. I also liked how he brought up issues with the main character himself, and fears he might be facing (spoiler: being old and alone and dying but no one would notice).

I definitely enjoyed this read, and another trip into the world of Jesse Stone, and I think Farnsworth has done a wonderful job with his first novel into this realm.

Book Review: "In Too Deep" by Lee Child and Andrew Child

 

The gripping new Jack Reacher thriller from the #1 New York Times bestselling authors Lee Child and Andrew Child

Reacher had no idea where he was. No idea how he had gotten there. But someone must have brought him. And shackled him. And whoever had done those things was going to rue the day. That was for damn sure.

Jack Reacher wakes up alone, in the dark, handcuffed to a makeshift bed. His right arm has suffered some major damage. His few possessions are gone. He has no memory of getting there.

The last thing Reacher can recall is the car he hitched a ride in getting run off the road. The driver was killed.

His captors assume Reacher was the driver’s accomplice and patch up his wounds as they plan to make him talk.

A plan that will backfire spectacularly . . . - from Netgalley.com

This eARC was received through Netgalley.com and I am providing an unbiased review.

I believe this is the 29th book in the Jack Reacher series originally created by Lee Child, and now being written also with his nephew(?) in these past recent novels. The story continues the exploits of our favorite Major Reacher (Ret.) as he travels across whatever states he feels like, with just some cash, his passport, and the willingness to walk. 

I had some feelings prior to starting this novel. Mostly, it was along the lines of 'where are they going to get a story that hasn't already been used' since we are so far into the series. This one started with Reacher having amnesia, and much of the storyline is him figuring out what/who are involved, while trying to recall the short-term memory lapse he has. Not bad on the story line front...

I did see more of a change int he writing style, compared to earlier novels. I think Andrew is doing much more of the writing now, and though trying to stay in character with the dialogue we are used to seeing in other Reacher novels, it just quite doesn't feel the same. I do believe that given some more time, Andrew could tell the tale as well as Lee has done all these years, and perhaps, bring in some ideas that have not been used to date. Overall, it is a Reacher novel and I just love this series!

Book Review: "Opal" by Patricia Wolf

 

A small mining town. A brutal double murder. A killer among them.

DS Lucas Walker is off duty. He's supposed to be showing his little sister Grace the Australian outback, on her visit from Boston, but instead they're headed out bush- where Walker's cousin has been mining for boulder opal. Something seemed off when Walker heard that Blair wanted to get out of Kanpara, so he and Grace are en route to bring him home to Caloodie.

But Kanpara is in Channel Country, and a major flood is on the way.

The atmosphere in the isolated mining town is already tense with rumours of a big opal find, and when Walker, Grace and Blair wake up the next day they find themselves completely cut off. A deluge far north has run off into the rivers that make up this unique ecosystem, and the roads will be impassable for days. As they take in their predicament, Blair receives a shocking phone call.

Two bodies have been found, brutally murdered.

The husband is an immediate suspect, but Walker is not convinced. And when Blair is taken in for questioning, the stakes couldn't be higher. Before the water recedes, he must work with local police to uncover the killer in their midst. Can Walker act fast enough to save his cousin, and keep Grace safe? - from Netgalley.com

This eARC was received through Netgalley.com and I am providing an unbiased review.

This is the third novel in the DS Walker series, and once again has proven that Wolf has a great story-telling presence. This book starts not too long after the end of the second novel, and finds our MC not only trying to still find the biker leader of previous crimes, but now on a vacation with his visiting little sister from the US. From the synopsis, you can see where this goes from there....

I have been lucky enough to read all three novels of this series, and I anxiously await each one, hoping that this series doesn't just end after a "few books". Not knowing anything about Australia, it's policing system, geography, et cetera, Wolf does a wonderful job of describing ther world detail in a way even a non-resident will enjoy the read.

Book Review: "Robert B Parker's Hot Property" by Mike Lupica

 

Spenser investigates a case that hits far too close to home for his comfort in this latest installment of Robert B. Parker's beloved series.

Spenser is waiting out the latest Boston snow storm when he gets word that Rita Fiore's been shot. Rita's always been a tricky one: nudging Spenser for years, she's an ever-present figure that transcends friendship in Spenser's circle. Like many of them, at the end of the day, Rita is family. And family will always be protected.

Both a pit bull in the courtroom and provocateur outside it, though, Rita is no stranger to controversy. But as one of the city's toughest lawyers, Spenser knows that there's no short list of suspects who might want to enact revenge. With Rita's life hanging in the balance, it's up to him to get to the bottom of things, even if it means unearthing some savory secrets. -from Netgalley.com

This eARC was given to me by Netgalley.com and I am providing an unbiased review.

Where do I start with this one? Well, if you remember from the 1980's, there was a television show called Spenser For Hire starring Robert Urich as a private detective in Boston named Spenser. I did not know then, this was based on the first books Robert Parker had put out, but I grew up loving that show. As an adult, I went back and through the library read pretty much the whole series, and some off-shoots as well. This is around/about book 52 in the Spenser series, with the last dozen (guessing) written by a few different authors.

I always love getting back into the character lives of a large series like this one. I have written a few reviews on other books by Lupica, including a Spenser book or two. He has well-mastered the writing style Parker had created and used for his stories, and it just helps (in my mind) how I play the story out in my imagination as I read it. One of the things I really liked about this story, is the connection to many of the other series that Parker had created (Jesse Stone, Sunny Randall). Both of those characters either made an appearance, or were mentioned, at some point in the tale. This series has always been one of my favorites, and would like to see more, but not sure where the story can go after this many books.

Book Review: "Candle & Crow" by Kevin Hearne

 

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Iron Druid Chronicles comes the final book in the “action-packed, enchantingly fun” (Booklist) Ink & Sigil series, as an ink-slinging wizard pursues the answer to a very personal mystery: Who cast a pair of curses on his head?

Al MacBharrais has a most unusual job: He’s a practitioner of ink-and-sigil magic, tasked with keeping order among the gods and monsters that dwell hidden in the human world. But there’s one supernatural mystery he’s never been able to solve: Years ago, someone cast twin curses on him that killed off his apprentices and drove away loved ones who heard him speak, leaving him bereft and isolated. 

But he’s not quite alone: As Al works to solve this mystery, his friends draw him into their own eccentric dramas. Buck Foi the hobgoblin has been pondering his own legacy—and has a plan for a daring shenanigan that will make him the most celebrated hobgoblin of all. Nadia, goth queen and battle seer, is creating her own cult around a god who loves whisky and cheese. 

And the Morrigan, a former Irish death goddess, has decided she wants not only to live as an ordinary woman but also to face the most perilous challenge of the mortal world: online dating. 

Meanwhile, Al crosses paths with old friends and new—including some beloved Druids and their very good dogs—in his globe-trotting quest to solve the mystery of his curses. But he’s pulled in so many different directions by his colleagues, a suspicious detective, and the whims of destructive gods that Al begins to wonder: Will he ever find time to write his own happy ending? - from Netgalley.com

This eARC was given to me by Netgalley.com and I am providing an unbiased review.

As a big fan of the Iron Druid series, I like this offshoot about Al, our Sigil Agent in the same world setting. This is the third book in this line of story, and pretty much continues a very short period after the last one. Some of the problems from earlier books are still lingering (the curse) and a few new ones come up - nothing that this Agent cannot handle though!

This newer series has been a fun read for me. As a fan of this world build Hearne has done for the Iron Druid, the style of magic and it's use, that this blend of specially prepared inks and uses of sigils, brings out yet another aspect that co-exists with an existing world magic. Great read, fulfilling storyline.

Book Review: "The Hermit Next Door" by Kevin Hearne

 

Kevin Hearne, author of the acclaimed Iron Druid Chronicles, returns with an otherworldly new novella!

Newly widowed and trying to cope with her grief, Winnie Mae Chisholm moves from Tennessee with her teenage son, Pax, to Oregon, hoping the change will let them both heal and move on. She’s warned when buying their new home that the next door neighbor, Mr. Fisher, is a famous recluse and no one has seen him in years, but that’s fine with her—she’s looking for quiet.

She’s not going to get it, however, because when Pax meets the neighbor, he discovers that the reason Mr. Fisher hides from the world is that he isn’t actually from this world. He’s been stranded for decades and he’s trying to get home, and he could really use some help. 

Abruptly part of the best-kept secret on the planet, Winnie Mae and Pax have to protect Mr. Fisher from a nosy neighbor who would ruin his work and doom him to die among aliens, but they also have to ask themselves: How far would they go to escape their grief? Would another world be far enough? - from Netgalley.com 

This eARC was provided through Netgalley.com and I am giving an unbiased review.

Oddly enough, I found this little tale quite interesting. It is easy to read, and if you have an active imagination (I'm sure most of us readers do) you'll read through this tale fairly quickly. Not sure if this is going to turn into a possible series, or if it is just a stand-alone little story, but overall was enjoyable.

Book Review: "Paradise" by Patricia Wolf

 As DS Lucas Walker recovers from his injuries, he heads from Caloodie, Queensland, to the Gold Coast. Surfer's Paradise: a seaside city where gleaming high rises fringe sparkling surf beaches, sunny days lead to wild nights, and criminals and bikie gangs mingle with tourists and dignitaries at five star hotels, clubs and casinos.

Before long, Walker is part of a team trying to solve a horrific home invasion and murder that has claimed the life of a young mother and left her nine-year-old daughter fighting to survive. Can he help them find the perpetrators, and keep the young girl safe? Meanwhile, Vandals head honcho Stefan Markovich is in town - and Walker once again finds himself on a dangerous collision course with the drug gang.

Weak from his injuries, and grieving, can Walker solve a case that is more shocking than anyone expected, and survive the dark underbelly of Australia's Surfer's Paradise?

Don't miss the next instalment in the tense and gripping DS Lucas Walker series. For fans of THE DRY by Jane Harper, Cara Hunter and Chris Whitaker. - from Netgalley.com

I received this eARC from Netgalley.com and am providing an unbiased review.

This is the second book from this author to follow the tale of DS Lucas Walker, and takes place just a short period after the first. He is sent off to the Gold Coast on a 'desk job' type assignment to provide some further training for the local police force there, while recovering from his injuries incurred in the first book. While there, he comes across some other characters from the first book, that relate back to the drug case that got him injured. Also, he hears some stories about the father he didn't know so well, and his father's best friend.

I have really enjoyed both books in this series, and look forward to Wolf continuing the tale of DS Walker in future installments. Being based in Australia, and me knowing pretty much nothing about the places there, it is nice to learn some of the local language ('Yeah, nah') and scenery. Most of the police procedure seems pretty common amongst all countries, but there are still some differences. Good realistic story and writing.

Book Review: "The Copper Man" by Debra Castaneda

 

Some grudges never die.

“The horrible figure from the Prestwich Tunnel hovered there. Not a ghost. Something between a badly disfigured man and a monster. There was a limit to what the human mind could comprehend, and the ghastly thing standing before her was beyond that limit.”

In 1985, the Copper Man killed Leah Shaw’s twin brother, Liam, in the mining town of Tribulation Gulch. Three decades later, Leah is an environmental reporter back in her Wyoming hometown, covering the reopening of the copper mine.

But when people literally drop dead around her, Leah can’t believe it’s the work of the Copper Man. After all, he’s dead… right?

Except Leah can’t stop seeing shadows, and creepy copper nuggets are showing up everywhere. Workers say the mine is haunted, and the words “I CURSE THIS PLACE” are appearing all over the mine—the very words the Copper Man scrawled on a bridge before jumping to his death.

Has the Copper Man come back for Leah, aiming to finish what he started 35 years ago? Is Leah’s young daughter in danger? And what other secrets are waiting for her among the dusty hills of Tribulation Gulch? - from Booksirens.com

This eARC was provided to me from Booksirens.com in exchange for an unbiased review.

This is the third book I have been able to read by this author, and I have really enjoyed them all. Castaneda does a wonderful job telling a story based on local urban legends/lore, that are borderline horror stories. 

I am not sure where to go with this review. There is a slow story start as the author has to reveal our characters, their purpose, and what the actual "lore" that is going on. Within pages I am interested as things just start to happen almost immediately. I don't want to reveal too much.... There is an old flame that has 'come home' and our MC hooks up. Family issues come to head, and end up in a nice way by the end of the story. There are references to mining industrialization and procedures that I did not know/understand, but was able to figure out the good/bad based on content. I am guessing the author did a good job on the background of that information.

Overall I enjoyed the book immensely and am always looking forward to more of these types of stories from this author.

Book Review: "Pearl Sky" by Elizabeth Hunter

 

It was a friendly visit until a priceless artifact was stolen. Now Ben and Tenzin are up to their necks in secrets that can kill.

It’s not just any holiday season in the immortal world. Elder Zhang’s oldest servant is reaching the century mark and Ben and Tenzin are ready to celebrate, but no sooner do they land on Penglai Island than a mystery falls in their path. A valuable seal has gone missing, and the artifact was a gift from an ancient vampire who just happens to be heading to Penglai for a long-overdue formal visit.

The Elders of Penglai may have asked Ben and Tenzin’s assistance to find the lost treasure, but that doesn’t mean that eight ancient vampires, their immortal children, and all the humans who serve them will suddenly become open books. Penglai Island is secret for a reason, and the heart of that reason may just reveal the motive behind the theft.

PEARL SKY is a brand new Elemental Legacy story by Elizabeth Hunter, ten-time USA Today bestselling author of the Elemental Mysteries, the Irin Chronicles, and other works of fiction. - from Netgalley.com 

This ARC was provided to me by Netgalley.com and I am providing an unbiased review.

This is the eighth book in the Elemental Legacy series by this author, who also has other series that are related to the same world as set in this novel. In this particular part of the series, it find Ben and Tenzin returning to their 'creator' 's island for a celebration, only to be asked to help solve the theft of a valuable (and possibly political) seal. As recoverers of lost/stolen artifacts, this is, of course, right in the skill set of these two characters.

Seeing the relationship between Ben and Tenzin grow in the stories has been satisfying. It isn't like instant and true love at first sight. With Ben being a new creature of the night, and matched to Tenzin's hundreds (thousands?) of years as one, makes this relationship very interesting. Add in the mental quirks and old habits, it helps provide a good side distraction to the actual story line - though I guess this would be part of that as well. I have enjoyed this series from book one, and have been trying to get up to date on the side stories of the other series, many of which have interesting information on the side characters of this series line.

Hunter is a wonderful writer, and the ease of reading her novels are one of the many things I enjoy. The 'sexual' sections of stories are not written in the style of a letter to a porn magazine, and I feel the story is realistic (as far as vampires anyways). I would recommend to any adult reader.

Book Review: "No Plan B" by Lee Child and Andrew Child

 

The gripping new Jack Reacher thriller from the #1 New York Times bestselling authors Lee Child and Andrew Child

“No Plan B is not to be missed. A perfectly plotted, fast-paced thriller, with bigger twists than ever before. It’s no wonder Jack Reacher is everyone’s favorite rebel hero.”—Karin Slaughter

In Gerrardsville, Colorado, a woman dies under the wheels of a moving bus. The death is ruled a suicide. But Jack Reacher saw what really happened: A man in a gray hoodie and jeans, moving stealthily, pushed the victim to her demise—before swiftly grabbing the dead woman’s purse and strolling away.

When another homicide is ruled an accident, Reacher knows this is no coincidence. With a killer on the loose, Reacher has no time to waste to track down those responsible. 

But Reacher is unaware that these crimes are part of something much larger and more far-reaching: an arsonist out for revenge, a foster kid on the run, a cabal of powerful people involved in a secret conspiracy with many moving parts. There is no room for error, but they make a grave one. They don’t consider Reacher a threat. “There’s too much at stake to start running from shadows.” But Reacher isn’t a shadow. He is flesh and blood. And relentless when it comes to making things right.

For when the threat is Reacher, there is No Plan B. - from Netgalley.com

This ARC was given to me from Netgalley.com at no cost and I am providing an unbiased review.

Some spoilers may be present.

This is the 27th book in the Jack Reacher series and finds our main character in Colorado, where he witnesses a murder. Of course, being 'on the scene' he has to find out why. Thus our story starts. As usual, the story flows in the same fashion as most of the others in the series, though I don't recall offhand some splits in how the story is told from previous books. This one splits between Reacher and a younger boy, as they both travel and get closer to where the story comes to it's conclusion.

This is the third book that Andrew Child has assisted Lee Child in writing, and I felt like I was reading more of his writing than Lee's. Not a bad thing, just a bit  ... different. The story, of course, is centered more around Reacher, and how he handles things to satisfy his own curiosities. Of course, justice is served Reacher-style, and there is bits of violence throughout the novel. World building was fine, as they traveled Colorado to Mississippi, and I do not know much of the terrain, but felt it was described acurately. There isn't much character building for Reacher himself, but some of the other characters there had development, though we rarely see repeats of many characters from the stories. The main reason Reacher didn't have much for additional character building, well, hey, we are on book 27!

Definitely was a book I enjoyed (as I have the whole series) and look forward to more to come. Also, if you have it available, you should check out the television series, Reacher, on Amazon Prime. Look forward to any additional books to come out.

Book Review: "The Martyr" by Anthony Ryan

 

Times have changed for Alwyn Scribe. Once an outlaw, he’s now a spymaster and sworn protector of Lady Evadine Courlain, whose visions of a demonic apocalypse have earned her the fanatical devotion of the faithful. 

Yet Evadine’s growing fame has put her at odds with both Crown and Covenant. As trouble brews in the kingdom, both seek to exploit her position for their own ends. 

Sent to the Duchy of Alundia to put down a rebellion, Alwyn must rely on old instincts to fight for his new cause. Deadly feuds and ancient secrets are laid bare as war erupts, a war that will decide the fate of the Kingdom of Albermaine and, perhaps, prevent the coming of the prophesied Second Scourge. - from Netgalley.com

Thanks to Netgalley.com and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for a review.

This is the second book of this trilogy regaling the life of Alwyn Scribe. It follows in a simple timeline after The Pariah, advancing the story of the main character. Anthony Ryan has done a wonderful job (again) of creating an epic story and taking the readers on a fantastical journey. Most of this story reminds me of the Arthurian days of legend, where religion and politics fought for control of the country, with large battles against a Duke, or Earl, that did not agree with whatever policy. Ryan does a great job of describing these issues from the viewpoint of our main character, though at this point in the tale he is higher ranking than most.

Ryan has done a wonderful job of worldbuilding. Much of the lands he writes about is easily created in my mind, as well as characters, places and events. I enjoy the lack of reliance upon, the little availability/use of "magic", and how it is used/practiced. The battles were well described, though somewhat slowed down the story for me. Though, looking back, I see how some of it is required for the pacement of this part of the story.

Characters were well developed, and believable for the most part. From zealots, to beggars, the range of personalities, of side characters, or others of minimal interaction, add insight to the growth and developement of the story, as well as the main character. Overall was easy to read and understand, though some concepts maybe above the heads of the teen crowd.

Book Review: "Sierra Six" by Mark Greaney

 

It’s been years since the Gray Man’s first mission, but the trouble’s just getting started in the latest entry in the #1 New York Times bestselling series.

Before he was the Gray Man, Court Gentry was Sierra Six, the junior member of a CIA action team.

In their first mission they took out a terrorist leader, at a terrible price. Years have passed. The Gray Man is on a simple mission when he sees a ghost: the long-dead terrorist, but he’s remarkably energetic for a dead man. 

A decade of time hasn’t changed the Gray Man. He isn’t one to leave a job unfinished or a blood debt unpaid. -from Edelweiss.com

This is the 11th book in the Gray Man series by this author, and having read all the prior novels, I think this is one of my favorite ones from the series. I'll try not to drop any type of spoiler in my short review, but be prepared there may be one, or two.

So the Gray Man, Court Gentry, we have seen for several stories, has been an independent hire, but he had to get his start from somewhere and this is s decent part of that background story, as well as a current job he is on. It was said earlier how he and Hightower had met, through the Sierra Team (Six was Gentry's call-sign) and this story takes us back to how that came to be: twelve years in the past. The tale is unravelled as is moves forward, with a current day job presents a face from Gentry's past. A face that wants to kill millions, that Gentry, once again, needs to attempt to stop.

As I mentioned above, this has got to be the best story of Gray Man I have read, mainly because there is so much more background "fleshed out" on the main character. We learn how he and Hightower met, the whole call-sign thing, why he works alone, and maybe, a glimpse of a first love. His childhood story, I don't think there is much more there, than the few casual comments the author uses, and makes me wonder if this may be one of the last books in this series. We finally have answers about the past of the Gray Man.

The language of the book was easy enough to read. Character development was big for the main character, but there wasn't much on any of the others. Most of the events seemed realistic, though you always have your hero near misses and exact timing opportunities. Would love to see another book or two in this series, but I don't so any decent reason to send this aging merc back out into the world.

Thanks to Edelweiss, the author, and publisher for allowing me to read this early copy, and provide my badly worded opinion on it.

#SierraSix #Edelweiss

Book Review: "True Dead" by Faith Hunter

 

Jane Yellowrock goes back to the city where it all began in the newest installment of this thrilling New York Times bestselling series.

Jane used to hunt vampires, but now she’s their queen. She’s holed up in the mountains with the Yellowrock Clan, enjoying a little peace, when a surprise attack on her people proves that trouble is brewing. Someone is using very old magic to launch a bid for power, and it’s all tied to the place where Jane was first drawn into the world of Leo Pellissier—the city of New Orleans.

Jane is compelled to return to NOLA because someone is trying to destabilize the paranormal world order. And because she now sits near the top of the vampire world, the assault is her problem. She will do what she must to protect what’s hers. Her city. Her people. Her power. Her crown. -from NetGalley.com

Thank you to NetGalley.com, Berkeley Publishing Group, and the author, for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book.

This is book fourteen in the Jane Yellowrock series, so if you feel lost reading this, just remember there was much that happened before.

*** Spoilers Ahead ***

So the tale picks up with Jane still having shifting issues, which is causing stress not only to Jane, but to her clan followers. An attack in the clan territory emphasizes this, plus stresses the issue, because in two weeks, they are returning to NOLA for a wedding. But that return to NOLA, Jane has to BE her titles: Leader of Clan Yellowrock, Master of the City New Orleans, and Dark Queen of the Mithrans. In NOLA they discover a new enemy that is coming against them, and it involves Jane's true Native American, Skinwalker family. Because she is the Queen, it is her duty to find the enemy and wipe it out. Oh, did I forget to mention Leo is back?

May have some spoilers ahead.....

I have really enjoyed this series, and was so happy to get an ARC of this one. I was beginning to wonder if there was going to be any other Yellowrock books, and now know that there is room for the story to continue at least for another book after this one. Plus, I think I might have read somewhere that there may be a second conglomeration book with CE Murphy as well. But back to topic....

Janes character has changed so much through the storyline of fourteen books. Being solely responsible for so long is hard to change, but she is learning now that is has to happen. With a seeming lack of control on the her/Beast changes, whether to/from human/Beast/half-beast it comes randomly with different effects: pain, quickness of change, etc. Her clan, and personal guards have to learn to let her know details of missions/plans to keep her safe otherwise Jane goes nutso and charges right in, putting herself at danger (sense she cannot shift on will, cannot heal herself quickly).

I don't believe there was much world-building going on in this tale. NOLA had been pretty well set-up in previous books, though this time having the higher titles, obviously more money , meant more properties around the town were owned by Jane. There was more background built up on the Mithrans, as they uncover information of 'The Rule of Three' and I look forward to much more of that being shown in the next novel. Also, this Heir, name being revealed, but what level of power are we talking about? With Leo now a second-born, outclan priest, he has gained more power, but he was powerful before - and this Heir being of that line, could they have even more power? Things to make one anxiously await the next book.

Overall, I truly enjoyed this one. This series has been one I have read for the past couple years, having binged through half the series or more to catch up. I like Faith Hunter's writing style, and the way she tells her tale. I am not a romance reader, and the author keeps it at a minimum, with an absence of explicit details (thank you!) that even older YA would enjoy to read. Looking forward to the next book in the series!

#NetGalley #TrueDead

Book Review: "The Tempered Steel of Antiquity Grey" by Shawn Speakman

"It's a perfect post-apocalyptic mech-filled SF adventure―like Pierce Brown's Red Rising meets Robotech.“ ―Aidan Moher

Forever shamed for family actions a century earlier, Antiquity Grey is a young woman living in a far-future city of Erth. It is a life of danger and hardship, dragons and advanced technology.

But when she discovers an outlawed and operational mech buried in the sands of her planet, she realizes its secrets hold the power to reverse her family’s dishonor while challenging the Imperium’s off-world oppressive might. The Imperium is not so willing to loosen its grip, needing Erth’s valuable titanium resources at a time when war spreads among the stars. In response, the Governor of Erth sends Star Sentinel―his mightiest mech, which nothing can stand against―after Antiquity.

As she flees into the wilderness in a desperate attempt to uncover the secrets of her past and free an entire planet, Antiquity learns friendship can mean more than family, even the hardest heart of an enemy can soften, and adventure is not what she thought it would be. - from NetGalley.com

Many thanks to NetGalley and Grim Oak Press for this Advanced Readers Copy.

This was a book I devoured pretty much all in one sitting. I have never been a big fan of dystopian, sci-fi'ish type stories, but this one grabbed me by the eyes, and took me for a ride. Speakman's writing style is easy to read and has a rhythm that keeps the story driving along. Character building wasn't the best, and would have appreciated maybe some more detail. However, the story rolled along well. I didn't get the impression this was NOT a stand-alone story until I was about 2/3 of the way through, so be prepared for a wait for additional titles in this series. Overall, I felt it was a good read and would easily recommend for YA or older readers.

 I also want to add, I REALLY like the cover artwork on this one!

Book Review: "Flame Riders" by Sean Grigsby

The third and final instalment in Sean's rip-roaring 'firefighters meet dragons' fantasy series

In the final instalment of the Smoke Eaters series, the New United States Army has taken over and America has devolved into a full-on dragon apocalypse. Smoke eaters are banned and have gone into hiding to avoid being held prisoner by the soldiers.

Guiellermo Contreras is a private in the NUSA, and when he's accused of potentially being a smoke eater upon pain of death, he escapes and sets out to find the heroes who disappeared years before. But what he discovers is that the NUSA has been working on something unthinkable, and it's going to take more than a few smoke eaters to stop them. -from NetGalley.com

Thanks to NetGalley.com and Publisher/Author for the ARC in exchange for a review.

The Smoke Eaters are back again! I wondered if there were going to be any more stories of these dragon fighters, and was so happy to see another book come out. This one is centered more on a new-to-be Smoke Eater, who went AWOL from the New USA Army. While growing up he was a fan of the Smoke Eaters, who have now been disbanded by the NUSA. Gilly is surprised to become one of them, and finds himself on an adventure with his heroes.

Grigsby has done a good job in creating this futuristic apocalyptic US, and a new kind of hero the average American can do nothing but love. I wouldn't recommend reading this as a stand-alone novel, as part of the story line and characters are developed from earlier books. I was happy to see the return of CB, and the new twist that the Smoke Eaters have to face is not unexpected, though was curious how Grigsby was going to put it in story. Definitely recommend to others to read, if they start with the first one!

#FlameRiders #NetGalley

 

Book Review: "Relentless" by Jonathan Mayberry

 

In New York Times bestselling author Jonathan Maberry's thrilling Relentless, Rogue Team International joins Joe Ledger in a new hunt that spans the globe and journeys deep into the terrifying landscape of the human heart.

JOE LEDGER’s world has been torn apart. The people closest to him have been savagely murdered and Ledger is on the hunt for the killers. His already fragile psyche has cracked apart, allowing a dangerous darkness to overwhelm him.

His hunt takes him deep into the world of the deadly black market weapons sales, and standing in his way are a new generation of private military contractors. These mercenaries have been enhanced with cutting-edge cybernetics and chemical enhancements, transforming them into real-world super soldiers. Stronger, faster, harder to hurt, and fitted with built-in weapons. They are beyond anything Joe has ever faced.

But he is not the Joe Ledger they expected to fight. He is defined by the Darkness now. The attempt to destroy him—to break him—has backfired. Instead his enemies have turned him into a far more fearsome weapon.

Everyone is out for blood. - from Netgalley.com

Thanks to the author and publisher for a free ARC of this book through Netgalley.com.

This is book two of the Rogue Team International series, and kind of like book 10 of the Joe Ledger series - one of those 'cross-over' books. The reasoning behind this 'cross-over' I think is somewhat apparent in this story, and  may or may not get revealed in any part of this review.

Many years ago, I had picked up the first Joe Ledger book as I was in post-apocalytic mood, and the title "Patient Zero" looked like it fit that view. Boy, was I wrong! In picking up this book through Netgalley.com, I knew what I as getting and there was no remorse. There is a bit of backflashes as the story starts, lining up the events of the big ending. Joe has gone rogue, and is untrackable to RTI, creating bloodshed and havoc where ever he winds up. But is it truly himself causing all this? And if it isn't, who, or what, is controlling him?

As usual, I enjoy a good action novel, and 'Relentless' did not fail me. I like how Mayberry included some information from past Ledger novels to help cover some of the character background, and world background, in regards to not only Joe, but the team, and sort of how it came about. The events happening to Joe, the mental changes, were a bit of a twist for me. I suppose I may need to go back and actually read the series (in my near future for sure) to get the slow build-up of it all, but just based on the past information provided, the effects of PTSD (of war or personal trauma) is openly discussed - and I like that. It shouldn't be something no one should NOT discuss, especially in this type of story. I think the only part of the writing I did not like, was I felt the descriptions of guns and ammo were over-detailed. Half the detail just went straight over my head and turned me glassy-eyed.

So, will Joe be back for another story? I think Mayberry may have gotten to Joe's end story, without having to kill him. Though he might still show up in the future in minor ways. Again, enjoyed the book immensely!

#Relentless #NetGalley

Book Review: "Echoes of Germania" by H. B. Ashman

 

A bloody massacre. An ancient curse. One young German holds the course of history in her hands.

Engineering student Amalia Weber is only training in Olympic judo to please her overbearing father. Caught in a storm on her daily run, the screams of a drowning woman draw her to a lake deep within the mystic Teutoburg forest. But when she jumps in to attempt a rescue, she’s pulled under herself… and somehow awakens alive two thousand years in the past.

Now, enslaved by Roman soldiers—including the legendary Germanic-prince-turned-Roman-officer Arminius—Amalia struggles to survive in a world where her life means nothing. And when her twenty-first-century knowledge is discovered, returning to her own time becomes the least of her worries.

Caught between the merciless forces of Rome and the wild Germanic tribes who dare to defy them, can a modern woman forge history as we know it?

Echoes of Germania is the first book in the riveting Tales of Ancient Worlds series. A mix between Vikings, Rome, A Games of Thrones, and Outlander, H.B. Ashman’s new novel is a stay-up-all-night nail-biter. -from Netgalley.com

I received this book for free through Netgalley.com in exchange for a review.

I am not a fan of historical fiction. I never felt comfortable trying to grasp the idea that a person would get transported through time to somewhere in the past (it never seems to be the future). Most instances, the character ends up trying to not mess up the 'time line continuum' or does, and just doesn't care. But mostly I don't care for these types of stories is it dwells on a time period that I obviously know nothing about, so the absurdity of somethings to me, might be a possibility then, and it distracts me from the story. That being said, I really enjoyed this book. Weird, right? I requested it (and received it) just on the description, even though it was describing something I normally do not like. I actually thought on it a couple days before even requesting.

Though the story seems to start off slow, you have to understand the main character. I felt it was pretty vague, and overboard in the abilities, but not unbelievable. The story quickly gets into the whole time displacement and how she gets transported back in time, to the Roman conquering days in the Germanic region of Europe, which is parallel to where she lived in modern-day Germany. Obviously the German of 2000 is different than that of the early A.D. period, and amazingly, our main character has taken Latin in school, though she is a bit rusty in speaking it, AND it happens to be 'High Latin' that usually only high ranking soldiers and politicians use, versus the common Latin used by the masses. Our main character is captured, and through strokes of luck, is able to impress enough of the senior officers that she is worth keeping alive, and off the slave market.

The romance part does enter into play, and there is a romance of a few years. This wasn't all sex scenes and 'oh what a hunk' type of writing, and covered a good four years. Our main character is now being escorted to Rome, from Germania, under the thumb of the death of her romantic interest and their son (though, we don't know they are dead yet, the story likes to make us think so). There she is imprisoned. I'm going to leave out the rest of the spoilers there.

The mix of the possible mystic use of 'magic' by the people in the Germanic region is played throughout this story. The use of Norse mythology is mixed in as well. Our character has at least a couple interactions with a 'witch-woman' that are beneficial to the story, and the choices made/taken by said character. The politics - oh! The politics! I hate them - with passion in a story. But here the author did a well done job of making them part of the story, and yet not so overbearing and controlling in the story, it feels like you are reading a modern-day law book. From my history classes, and a few books, I have always understood the basics of Roman politics, and the machinations of the Senate, and the family/families related to the current Caesar. It is all very slick and nasty.

I am definitely looking forward to the next book, as I would like to find out what happens next. I do not know for sure if this is the first work the author has done, but will be looking for him and possible other works as well. Though there is not much world-building in this story, because we know how the Earth is, and can relate to an early history Germany, I would like to see this author make a foray into a more fantasy world than one history based.

I'm only giving 4.5 stars, only because the start of the story was pretty vague, and the skills given to the main character were obviously in place to make some of the story possible, therefore, making it even harder for me to believe. Expert Judo? Okay... possible. Learned three languages, including not only written, but spoken Latin? Possible, but highly unlikely. And that it would be 'High Latin'? I don't know, but I think 2000 years difference would affect the speech there as well. But I am not a linguistic professor.

Book Review: "Nightshifted" by Cassie Alexander

 

Nursing school prepared Edie Spence for a lot of things. Burn victims? No problem. Severed limbs? Piece of cake. Vampires? No way in hell. But as the newest nurse on Y4, the secret ward hidden in the bowels of County Hospital, Edie has her hands full with every paranormal patient you can imagine—from vamps and were-things to zombies and beyond...

Edie’s just trying to learn the ropes so she can get through her latest shift unscathed.  But when a vampire servant turns to dust under her watch, all hell breaks loose. Now she’s haunted by the man’s dying words—Save Anna—and before she knows it, she’s on a mission to rescue some poor girl from the undead. Which involves crashing a vampire den, falling for a zombie, and fighting for her soul. Grey’s Anatomy was never like this ... - from Goodreads.com

This is the first book in the Edie Spence series.

This looks to be a decent series that I could get into reading. The MC is just been introduced to the "other" world out there, working the night shift at the county hospital. She hasn't been there long when a patient dies under her watch, and leads here to "Save Anna" but she has to figure out who that is and where she is. Once she does, there is a short fight where she kills a vampire. Now the 'council' is taking her to trial for that death, which will mean her death unless she can find Anna and save them both. Add in the beings called the Shadows that govern the hospital and other things that go wrong, and a mission they force on the MC as well.

Definitely had some nice twist and turns I wasn't expecting. World build was nice, and the introduction of those that we don't want to know about, and those that we just don't want to meet. Throw in some romance scenes - because we all need that - though not long and steamy, somewhat straight to the descriptive sex (in my opinion). The book could be read as a stand-alone, and I feel like each book in this series may be the same. Definitely will be reading the next one.