Book Review: Pendergast: The Beginning" by Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child

 

It only took six months for the life of Special Agent Dwight Chambers to crumble around him. First, he lost his partner, and then, tragically, his wife. Returning to work at the New Orleans Field Office, Chambers is dismayed to find himself saddled with mentoring a brand new FBI agent—a certain A. X. L. Pendergast. As Chambers tries to pull himself together, his enigmatic and exasperating junior partner pulls an outrageous stunt that gets both of them suspended.

Pendergast welcomes the banishment, because it gives him the opportunity to investigate a peculiar murder in Mississippi that has captured his fancy. Chambers grudgingly goes along. What starts off as a whimsical quest swiftly turns into a terrifying pursuit, as Chambers and Pendergast uncover a string of grisly, ritualistic killings that defy any known serial killer profile.
 
Thanks in large part to Pendergast’s brilliance and unorthodox methods, they solve the case and find the killer… and that is when the true horror begins. - from Netgalley.com  

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

Where to start with this one? Having read all prior 22 books in this series (in order) to finally get to read a prequel on our Special Agent was a true treat. Though in other books, there were bits and pieces of Pendergast's past, mostly scattered bits amongst the books, but this jumps right into what appears to be his first FBI assignment (and case).

To go back - what, twenty to thirty years - to a much younger, and supposedly inexperienced rookie agent of the FBI took some skill from the authors. I see Pendergast being a bit more "uppity" and not as well-adjusted and rounded, to dealing with people that just are not as intelligent as he is. And it was a whole book of it! Every page turn I wanted to see more of his past - the secret military-type organization that brought Proctor and himself together. Here this ties in how Proctor ends up working with/for Pendergast. But there is so much more I want to find out about this exceptional, unique character.

Kudos to Preston and Child on completing yet another great work that I very much enjoyed reading.

Book Review: "Silver and Lead" by Seanan McGuire

 Seanan McGuire’s New York Times bestselling and Hugo Award-nominated October Daye series continues as Toby Daye is thrust once again into danger... and this time she has more than ever to protect.

Something is rotten in Faerie. In the aftermath of Titania's reality-warping enchantment, things are returning to what passes for normal in the Kingdom in the Mists—until it's discovered that the royal vaults have been looted, and several powerful magical artifacts are missing. None are things that can be safely left unsecured, and some have the potential to do almost as much damage as Titania did, and having them in the wrong hands could prove just as disastrous.

At least the theft means that Sir October "Toby" Daye, Knight errant and Hero of the Realm, finally has an excuse to get out of the house. Sure, she's eight and a half months pregnant, but that doesn't mean she can’t take care of herself. But with the sea witch offering to stand godmother to Toby's child, maybe there are greater dangers ahead for Toby and her family than it appears....

Old enemies will resurface, new enemies will disguise themselves as friends, and Queen Windermere must try to keep her Hero on the case without getting herself gutted by the increasingly irritated local King of Cats. Sometimes, what's been lost can be the most dangerous threat of all. - from Netgalley.com

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

This is the 19th book in the October Daye series, and again, it does not disappoint.

This takes place very shortly after the end of the last book. Toby is now about 8 months pregnant, and is feeling disgruntled from being cooped up by the over-protective husband, and the "kids" living in her house. She is called forth to bear witness against the Previous Queen, and at the same time, is requested to return to her job as Hero. The royal vaults have been ransacked, and there are several items that would be deadly in the hands of the wrong people, or Fae.

Again, this was a wonderful tale. There are many things I want to say about the details, but will refrain so I not spoil it too much. I look forward to there being more books in this series, and hopefully that will be true.

Book Review: "Spirit Crossing" by William Kent Krueger

 

A disappearance and a dead body put Cork O’Connor’s family in the crosshairs of a killer in the twentieth book in the New York Times bestselling series from William Kent Krueger­, “a master storyteller at the top of his game” (Kristin Hannah, #1 New York Times bestselling author).

The disappearance of a local politician’s teenaged daughter is major news in Minnesota. As a huge manhunt is launched to find her, Cork O’Connor’s grandson stumbles across the shallow grave of a young Ojibwe woman—but nobody seems that interested. Nobody, that is, except Cork and the newly formed Iron Lake Ojibwe Tribal Police. As Cork and the tribal officers dig into the circumstances of this mysterious and grim discovery, they uncover a connection to the missing teenager. And soon, it’s clear that Cork’s grandson is in danger of being the killer’s next victim. - from Netgalley.com

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

Krueger's Cork O'Connor series has been one I have enjoyed over the past couple years, and this newest installment just drops me back into their lives and world. The writing style and character world the author has built is just wonderful to read about. A continuing storyline based on previous books (not really what I could call a stand-alone read) is something I just really enjoy. Krueger has a way to bring attention to events that may be fictional in the story, but real issues in our world: oppression of the Native Americans, and how they are treated not just by general public, but Law Enforcement as well; oil pipe-lines and how they could destroy nature, and the fight against the companies that want to build them.

I considered this t book to be well-written and interesting to read. I appreciate how easy it was to read, and become part of the main characters' lives again. Really recommend going back and starting at the beginning of the series for anyone interested in reading this one, and to also check out some of the author's other works as well.

Book Review: "The Fall of Waterstone" by Lilith Saintcrow

 

An elemental witch and her shieldmaiden navigate a dangerous world of forgotten myth and deep magic in the second volume of New York Times bestselling author Lilith Saintcrow’s sweeping Norse-inspired epic fantasy series.

Solveig and her shieldmaid have finally reached the fabled Elder sanctuary of Waterstone—a city of healing, restful beauty hidden from the Enemy’s gaze. Yet whispers race through the palace halls, and those they have come to tentatively trust have hidden intentions. For not only is the city a refuge for an elementalist, her protector, and a mortal prince, it also holds a great weapon, one that only Solveig’s kind may wield.
 
Yet Sol’s faith in her own magic is perilously fractured. She can rely only her wits and skills of negotiation to be heard, or she will become a pawn in a dark game played by Elder and Enemy alike. The lord of the Black Land is mighty; treachery slithers amid Waterstone’s many wonders, and time is growing short.
 
Before the darkness finds a way in, Sol must decide who to trust, where to turn for aid, and if she will take up a power she cannot hope to control. Even the right choice may doom not just the home she has left behind, but the entire world… - from Netgalley.com

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

This is the second book in the 'Black Lands Bane' series by Saintcrow an continues the adventure of Solveig, as she is led on seemingly blindly. This part of the story brings the group to Waterstone, a city of the Elders, a fae-like race. Whilst here, there is treachery within the Elder ranks and the Black Lands creatures invade the hidden city, forcing all to flee or die. This sends our MC out once again to head for yet another 'hidden, Elder city' but now she is carrying within a piece of Waterstone of great value.

It was wonderful to pick up on this story again! Saintcrow has done a wonderful job morphing Norse mythology into a fantasy tale of adventure. I would like to see many more books in this series, but feel it will probably wrap up in the next (and last) installment. Probably best to have read the first novel, so all the backstory is known, but otherwise is easily read and moves along at a good pace.

Book Review: "Sentinel" by Mark Greaney

 

 An African coup may force Josh Duffy to choose between his mission and his family in this intense thriller from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Gray Man series.

Josh Duffy and his wife Nikki are both working for the State Department's Diplomatic Security Service providing protection for diplomats in the field. They've been sent to Ghana with a team of US embassy personnel who are there to highlight American commitment to the construction of a new dam. 

Since Ghana is a stable democracy, the Duffy children have come along for a short vacation. But stability proves to be fleeting when a Chinese plan to embarrass the US means the destruction of the dam. Now Josh and his protectees are on the run caught between a Chinese hit squad and a rebel army. - from Netgalley.com 

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

This is the second book in the 'Armored' series and continues a time after the events of the first book. It could be read as a stand-alone, but for better background on the characters, probably best read in order. 

The book was fairly action-filled, with many explosions, gunshots, and definitely technical information on so many weapons, places and events in Africa, that it was easy to get a bit lost. There are many things happening back-to-back that it really makes it a bit unbelievable a person(s) could actually survive mostly unhurt through most of the action. But that is what a good action thriller does....

Overall, the book was enjoyable, and I find myself wondering where Greaney will go next with this character.

Book Review: "After Oz" by Gordon McAlpine

 

This gripping and emotionally riveting tale is a dark and timely retelling of The Wizard of Oz where one little girl is forced to face head on the prejudices of the Midwest in the late 19th century.

Kansas, 1896. After a tornado destroys the Gale family farm, 11-year-old Dorothy goes missing. As the days pass by, the Gales are increasingly terrified the worst has happened. But when the girl turns up unharmed four days later, the townsfolk breathe in a sigh of relief. That is, until Dorothy herself relates her account of the events that took place after her disappearance. 

In vivid detail, Dorothy describes a fantastical land and its magical inhabitants, from the scarecrow, the tin man, and the cowardly lion to the wizard and the witch. Her recollections are not only regarded as delusional, but also as pagan and diabolical in nature, especially when the body of a local spinster is found. Making connections between the evil witch Dorothy claims to have defeated and the ill-tempered old crone, authorities find what they believe to be incriminating evidence, sentencing Dorothy to the Topeka Insane Asylum.  

When 28-year-old psychologist Dr. Evelyn Grace Wilford arrives at the asylum to interview Dorothy, she begins to wonder if Dorothy truly committed the crime or if something unfathomable has really occurred. 

In a small town full of insidious secrets, will Evelyn be able to save Dorothy from her terrible circumstances? Or is something menacing lurking just out of sight? - from Netgalley.com

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

There were several things about this book that caught my eye and piqued my interest with a desire to read it. The title and synopsis reminded me of a "movie" I had seen a trailer about, that seemed sort of along the same idea, and I wanted to read a version of the possibilities that took place after the famous book and movie of "The Wizard of Oz" by L. Frank Baum. 

In short, the story starts pretty much near the end of what we know of the original story, but with a little more realistic twist. We find Dorothy survived the tornado, with the unrealistic story of 'Oz'. Then the suspected murder of the local spinster is placed on Dorothy, due to her tale of melting a witch. Dorothy is placed in a  mental asylum, where our MC, a female psychologist, meets her, and the story goes on to the details our MC faces over the course of a few short days in trying to prove Dorothy's innocence.

This was a very interesting read, as so many details of the time period were placed that provided a good background. The year being 1896, in Kansas, which I believe is part of the 'Bible Belt', so very strong religious views and following. A small town that has it's secrets. The misnomer that female doctors of any type were basically taboo. Throw in some of the plot twists, and it turned into a very good reading.

I had not read any previous works by McAlpine, but I see there are a few. I have looked at a couple and they seem to be of a similar type to this novel, and the twisted reality of what could be. I hope to be able to read them as well. Would definitely recommend this novel for those that enjoy historical fiction, mysteries, and plot twist with a possible alternate reality.

Book Review: "Suburban Moon: The Autobiography of Sam Wyatt" by Joe Huffer

 

Sam Wyatt enjoyed life to its fullest until a trio of tragedies leaves him bitter, angry, and lonely. Sam goes through life seeking solace in a whiskey bottle until his new neighbor decides it is her mission to save him, or does he save her? Is it possible to find true love twice in one lifetime? Spanning five decades, Suburban Moon is a story of love and loss and redemption. - from Goodreads.com

This is a tale told by the main character, Sam Wyatt, that spans nearly fifty years of his life. As the story unfolds through remembrances from his teen and adult years, we also learn of his senior years, and how Life brought him to where he is in the current time of the story. The synopsis of the book pretty much covers the gist of the story, but it what makes this book so much better is the writing style. The Author brings out the tug on the heart-strings when sharing about the loss of loved ones, and the bitterness of grief. He also shares some of the boundless joy so many of us have had when we find our first true loves, and the joys of life in a non-descript family. Placed in central Indiana, a town of Jefferson, the author shows one possibility in the life of the average middle-class man.

This book was definitely too short in length, and I wish there was more to add to it, but there isn't. The story was told in a masterful way that even I was a bit teary-eyed at certain portions. Huffer knows how to explain succinctly the ways of the modern man, and doesn't fill pages with meaningless dialogue or over-explicit love scenes. Though a little heavy on adult language (hey, we all said those words as teenagers and adults) I think anyone would enjoy a touching story. I look forward to possible future works.

Book Review: "The Moonshine Messiah" by Russell W Johnson

 

As if being a woman sheriff in the West Virginia coal fields wasn’t tough enough, Mary Beth Cain’s life is complicated by the fact that the local hillbilly crime syndicate is run by her mother, Mamie. It’s an association that, along with Mary Beth’s head-busting ways, has her staring down a corruption investigation when she gets a surprise visit from Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Connelly.

Twenty years earlier, Patrick was Mary Beth’s high school sweetheart, but they broke up because Mary Beth couldn’t cut the loose ties she maintains with her villainous family. Now Patrick’s worked out a deal to wipe Mary Beth’s slate clean if she’ll just do one thing: arrest her brother, Sawyer, who is the cult leader of a booming anti-government militia that’s been giving the Feds headaches.

It’s an offer Mary Beth refuses until Sawyer’s followers blow up a federal courthouse and G-men start swarming into town, preparing for a siege of the commando’s compound. Suddenly Mary Beth is tasked with trying to head off a bloody, Waco-style massacre and the question isn’t whether she should arrest her brother, but if she can do it in time. - from Netgalley.com

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

This story was a bit of a hidden gem that I found (my thought anyways) in the Netgalley gallery. After reading it, I had to look up the author and see if there were any other works he has completed. Unfortunately, the sources I used showed only this one story, and what a story it was! The writing style reminds me of Craig Johnson (Walt Longmire series) telling a tale about a sheriff in the backwoods of West Virginia. Not a big thing, unless you throw in family ties to a 'mountain mafia', and a few rumors of the sheriff using those connections.

Either way, the story is very well told, and I felt like I was 'in the action' as I read it. I also found it quite hard to put down the one night I had to do so. Character backgrounds were good, and the world building was on-spot for what I imagine those small towns and area would be for WV. There were a couple misdirects in the story that caught me, and making the ending come out better than what I thought would happen. Definitely would read more from this author, and almost would like this to become a series if there is somewhere for the stories to go.

Book Review: "The Innocent Sleep" by Seanan McGuire

 

For one bright, shining moment, Tybalt, King of Cats, had everything he had ever wanted. He was soon to set his crown aside; he had married the woman he loved; he was going to be a father. After centuries of searching for a family of his own, he had finally found a way to construct the life of his dreams, and was looking forward to a period of peace—or at least as much peace as is ever in the offing for the husband of a hero.

Alas for Tybalt and his domestic aspirations, fate—and Titania—had other ideas. His perfect world had been complete for only a moment when it was ripped away, to be replaced by hers. Titania, Faerie’s Summer Queen, Mother of Illusions and enemy of so many he holds dear, has seized control of the Kingdom, remaking it in her own image. An image which does not include meddlesome shapeshifters getting in her way. Tybalt quickly finds himself banished from her reality, along with the Undersea and the rest of the Court of Cats.

To protect his people and his future, Tybalt must find the woman he loves in a world designed to keep her from him, convince her that he’s not a stranger trying to ruin her life for no apparent reason, and get her to unmake the illusion she’s been firmly enmeshed in. And he’ll have to do it all while she doesn’t know him, and every unrecognizing look is a knife to his heart.

For Tybalt, King of Cats, the happily ever after was just the beginning. - from Netgalley.com

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

This is the 18th book in the October Daye series, and closely follows the previous installment, not just in story, but in release date. This tale is told from Tybalt's point of view, of the events we read about in book seventeen.

Overall, I liked this telling of events versus the previous one. There was so much going on 'behind-the-scenes' whilst Toby was ensnared and trying to figure out the enchantment Titiana had done. This truly helped round out how involved the actual story was happening. 

With the release of this eARC, there was also a small novella of characters in the same story world.

McGuire has done a wonderful job at continuing the story in this series. I always fear that this 'newest' book will be its last, but so far it has not been true. I am always pleasantly surprised when I hear a new one is coming out, and I wonder where will we go on this ride. 

Book Review:"Sleep No More" by Seanan McGuire

October is very happy with her life as the second daughter of her pureblood parents, Amandine and Simon Torquill. Born to be the changeling handmaid to her beloved sister August, she spends her days working in her family’s tower, serving as August’s companion, and waiting for the day when her sister sets up a household of her own. Everything is right in October’s Faerie. Everything is perfect.

Everything is a lie.

October has been pulled from her own reality and thrown into a twisted reinterpretation of Faerie where nothing is as it should be and everything has been distorted to support Titania’s ideals. Bound by the Summer Queen’s magic and thrust into a world turned upside down, October has no way of knowing who she can trust, where she can turn, or even who she really is. As strangers who claim to know her begin to appear and the edges of Titania’s paradise begin to unravel, Toby will have to decide whether she can risk everything she knows based on only their stories of another world.

But first she’ll have to survive this one, as Titania demonstrates why she needed to be banished in the first place—and this time, much more than Toby’s own life is at stake. - from Netgalley.com

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

This is the 17th book in the October Daye series, and again, I'm just loving this series. I had thought after the last book, that we may have reached the end of line as far as this story could go, but again I am surprised. I enjoyed this look at how things could have been for October if things had been different growing up. I wonder how difficult some of the writing may have been, to take this well-established character, and write of them as a complete opposite of them self, yet, still being driven to be one's self, though hidden behind 'magic'. Truly a well-written tale, and I hope, hope, hope to see more in this series. I'll add I also enjoyed the novella at the end of the eARC, about a couple other supporting characters viewpoints of events at about the same time of the story.

Book Review: "Dreams of Arcadia" by Brian Porter

A captivating story of self discovery and long-buried family secrets.

Nate Holub, a veterinarian with two teenage daughters, takes a job in his father’s hometown, wondering if a city boy has what it takes to be a country vet. As he struggles to adapt, Nate reconnects with his family and discovers that his father’s accidental death thirty years earlier was much more complicated than he realized.

Nate probes the past, afraid of what he might find. He encounters a resentful cousin, a wary town patriarch, a reclusive uncle and his long-sequestered daughter, a beguiling hidden garden, a mysterious illness, and a war widow who shows him that love is still possible. He is drawn to the Holub family farm, where he seeks refuge in nature and tries desperately to reach Viola, his inscrutable grandmother. The farm is a place that haunts his memory, a place where dark family secrets dwell. - from Booksirens.com

I received this eARC through Booksirens.com and am providing an unbiased review.

This was a well-written story of a family tied to the land, and a loss that has been secreted for many years. The writing style was so understandable and gave such detail to the descriptions of not only people, but places. I really felt drawn into the story, and though there needs to be a final stop somewhere, I wish there was more for Porter to share with us. This was a unique look into what many would consider a regular American family over the past 50 or so years.

 

Book Review: "Cult Classic" by Stephen Blackmoore

 

The ninth book of this dark urban fantasy series follows necromancer Eric Carter through a world of vengeful gods and goddesses, mysterious murders, and restless ghosts.

Eric Carter has a lot on his plate.

He's hunting the Oracle of Las Vegas, a literal talking head that manipulates the future to make its prophecies come true. But it has a new trick. It can change the past, too.

Now Jazz Age Los Angeles is invading the present. Long gone buildings suddenly restored, decommissioned Red Car trains appearing on paved over tracks, miles of the city changing back to orange groves.

Throw in a hundred-year-old doomsday cult, time magic, and a terrifyingly powerful spell to raise the dead and it makes for a busy week. Carter knows the Oracle is behind it all but he can't figure out how. Or why.

But he better figure it out soon or he, the city, and everyone he knows might be wiped from existence.

Cult Classic is noir urban fantasy at its finest, with a cutting voice, sharp wit, and a plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat. - from Netgalley.com

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

As stated above in the plot synopsis, this is the ninth book in the Eric Carter series. And for a bit of a spoiler, it is the final one as well, per the author in a tweet from Twitter, unless someone "pays me a lot of money". This saddens me quite a bit, as I have gotten to truly love this series, and was hoping for more, or maybe some other sort of world tie-in.

Our man of Death, Eric Carter is back, and as usual, the least-loved necromancer has his hands full. Between a poly-type relationship that is a work in progress, time flipping things around from a hundred years ago, and just trying to survive, Eric is hunting down the Oracle, a being he helped create in his younger, 'dumber' days. The story is full of the usual snark we expect from this character, and the usual 'I'm figuring out what I can do along the way' attitude. Having been a God, dead (literally), and brought back to life in your grandfather's body, can sure make for an interesting life.

As I stated before, I am pretty sad this is the last book. That being said, I think Blackmoore did a wonderful job wrapping up some little bits that have been floating out there, in regards to certain events. I'm not going to truly spoil them, but there is information about his Grandfather, and his Sister. If you have read the series, you'll probably know what I referring to. As usual, the author has done a wonderful job of creating and maintaining a possibility of what the southwestern US could be (mainly LA and Las Vegas) after a necromancer has had a few battles. His use of snark and sarcasm were spot on, and I just loved how the main character has changed since the first book, into someone that can actually care not only about what happens to them, but about others, whether he knows them or not.

Book Review: "The Traitor" by Anthony Ryan

 

In this “gritty, heart-pounding” (John Gwynne) conclusion to the New York Times bestselling fantasy trilogy, The Covenant of Steel, Alwyn must make a difficult decide between his heart and his morals as he prepares for his final battle.

It’s been a long journey for Alwyn Scribe. Born a bastard and raised an outlaw, he’s now a knight and the most trusted advisor to Lady Evadine Courlain. Together they’ve won countless battles and helped to bring order to a fractured kingdom.    Yet Evadine is not the woman Alwyn once knew. As puritanical fury increasingly replaces her benevolent faith, Alwyn begins to question what her true motives really are.    As the kingdom braces itself for one final battle, Alwyn’s conscience fights its own war with his heart. Now, more than ever, he must decide whose side he’s really on. - from NetGalley.com

This eARC was given to me from NetGalley.com and I am providing an unbiased review.

It is hard for me to even say what I think about this book, let alone the whole trilogy. Following the life of Alwyn has been an experience, one that I would gladly embark on again. How Ryan makes the reader see inside the mind of the MC and understand his values of ethics and morals was so well done. Each book has been a 'growing together' with the MC, as he advances in roles of his life.  I do feel that the ending was left kind of open. I am hoping that it will lead to another series possibly...?

Book Review: "The Book That Wouldn't Burn" by Mark Lawrence

 

Two strangers find themselves connected by a vast and mysterious library containing many wonders and still more secrets, in this powerfully moving first book in a new series from the international bestselling author of Red Sister and Prince of Thorns.

The boy has lived his whole life trapped within a book-choked chamber older than empires and larger than cities.

The girl has spent hers in a tiny settlement out on the Dust, where nightmares stalk and no one goes.

The world has never even noticed them. That’s about to change.

Their stories spiral around each other, across worlds and time. This is a tale of truth and lies and hearts, and the blurring of one into another. A journey on which knowledge erodes certainty and on which, though the pen may be mightier than the sword, blood will be spilled and cities burned. - from Netgalley.com

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

This is the first book in a new series by this author, of whom I have enjoyed the other series he has created. I have generally enjoyed the 'library' stories I have read, and this was no exception. In fact, I think this is one of the best books I have had the pleasure of reading in a very long time.

As I got a couple chapters into the story, I realized that this was going to be written in a two-person view, where a chapter or two will be one view, then they flip-flop throughout the rest of the story. Generally I do not like that type of writing, but it worked very well for this one. I was drawn in by the action that started things out, and grew intrigued about how this library existed once the story got rolling along. Needless to say, I was riveted for a few days as I read this story. As I reached the end, I though this could almost be left as a stand-alone, as the ending is not a huge cliff-hanger, but am glad to see it is listed on some sites as book one of a series.

Mark Lawrence's writing has improved much over the years. The world building in his stories always seems to revolve a dystopian future Earth (to me at least) and this one could fall easily into that category. It revolves around the constant change of cultures and environments, how wars only change the current owner of something - be it land, or a specific 'thing'. Some of the conversations between characters actually had me stop, read again, and set the book down to think about it for a moment. One particular section I did write out about three different quotes, and would share here, but it is an uncorrected proof, and don't want to misquote in case it gets changed (or removed) from the tale.

Very great read, and I definitely give it five stars!

Book Review: "Broken Trust" by Mike Lupica

 Spenser investigates the past secrets of an elusive tech billionaire in this latest installment of Robert B. Parker’s beloved series, and the first written by celebrated writer Mike Lupica.

The beautiful wife of one of the world’s richest men comes to Spenser in the hope that he can find out what skeletons lurk in her husband’s closet. Though he is a generous philanthropist and loving family man, she is concerned—he recently has become secretive, bordering on paranoid, and she wants Spenser to find out why. As Spenser digs into the billionaire’s past, he realizes that the man may have done terrible things on his rise to the top—but he also may have had good reason to. What he discovers will cause him to question his own views on morality—and place him in grave danger. - from Netgalley.com

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

This is the fiftieth book in Robert B. Parker's 'Spenser for Hire' series, and I have l very greatly enjoyed every book. Lupica's writing style is similar to Parker's, in not only how the character does his thing, but even the way chapters are done. I constantly think back to the '80's with Robert Urich playing the main character on the television show. I can't think of any greater words to say about this book other than I truly enjoyed reading another story from this series, and Lupica did a fine job.

Book Review: "The Sword Defiant" by Gareth Hanrahan

 

Set in a world of dark myth and dangerous prophecy, The Sword Defiant launches an epic tale of daring warriors, living weapons, and bloodthirsty vengeance.

The sword cares not who it cuts.

Many years ago, Sir Aelfric and his nine companions saved the world, seizing the Dark Lord's cursed weapons, along with his dread city of Necrad. That was the easy part.

Now, when Aelfric - keeper of the cursed sword Spellbreaker - learns of a new and terrifying threat, he seeks the nine heroes once again. But they are wandering adventurers no longer. Yesterday's eager heroes are today's weary leaders - and some have turned to the darkness, becoming monsters themselves.

If there's one thing Aelfric knows, it's slaying monsters. Even if they used to be his friends. - from Netgalley.com

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

This is definitely one of the best novels I was NOT expecting this year! Having read Hanrahan's previous trilogy (the Black Iron Legacy) he has been an author I check on for future works to be coming out. Somehow I missed this one on my regular radar, and found it through Netgalley. It doesn't state it  clearly, but this is probably going to be at least a two, possibly three, book series, and is certainly what I would consider an epic fantasy story.

In many ways, this makes me think of the LOTR series by Tolkien. I would liken it in the way that thirty years have passed since the completion of the Fellowship's mission, and one of the group is trying to get the group together to fight a new threat because they are the champions of the realm. It's definitely a good D&D type feel ... magical weapons, sorcerers, vampiric elves, wood elves, humans, dwarves, and a slew of histories and cultures spread out amongst them all. Hanrahan has done a wonderful job creating this world, including some maps, with multiple cultures, backgrounds, languages, and history. The MC being a human, shows signs of aging, indifference, regret - so many different feelings, as I could only imagine one would feel having 'lived the life' the author told. I felt drawn to the humanness of this character. Typically, the attitudes of some of the other races in the story were similar to how I picture them (ie. elves haughty, dwarves being loud, and demanding, etc).

Overall this is a well-written novel and I am anxious for a follow-up(s) though I am sure I may be waiting quite some time if it is to match the quality of this first book.

Book Review: "The Doctrines of Fire" by C.L. Jarvis

 

An academic rivalry turns deadly.

Edinburgh, 1779. George Stephens was a decent soldier, but he's a lousy medical student. Lacking the social and financial resources to succeed in Edinburgh’s elite medical school, his dream of becoming a physician appears over before it began.

Then George comes to the attention of two famous professors, William Cullen and Joseph Black. Medical students are dying mysteriously - the professors suspect a disgraced former student is to blame - and they need George’s help uncovering the truth. Believing the partnership will bolster his academic standing, George agrees.

Their investigation pulls them into the murkiest, most dangerous corners of Enlightenment Edinburgh. The professors are secret wielders of fire magic, but their foes are courting even darker forces. With violence threatening to erupt, and George struggling to navigate this confusing city, getting justice for the dead will be harder than he imagined. - from Booksirens.com

This ARC was given to me by Booksirens.com and I am providing an unbiased review.

The story description and basic cover art brought my interest to bear when I requested this book. As I started it, I was immediately pulled into the story, and remained there most of the day as I pretty much read this in one sitting. Usually I am not one for historical fiction, but the author's telling of this tale, and the story itself were very well written.

The use of magic in this historical setting of the medical college in Edinburgh, is quite complicated, and just .... weird. I forget the term they used to describe it, but, as with much of the story, the word used fit in with all the other miscellaneous Latin jargon one would expect at a medical college in the past. Add in a mystery, an old rivalry, and some jealousy, you get this story.

I loved the plot twists, the wording specifically that fit with what I would guess Scots would pronounce words, and the 'high-bred' speech of professors of the time period in a medical college. Add in that our main character, George, was a "late" student, having served in the military prior to being accepted to the college. Plus, he, like many of us in this day and age, struggled financially to stay in school. Yeah. Just a great story. I see it is listed as a 'book one' so looking forward to more from this author.

Multi-Book Review: The Andrew Rufus series by M. M. Crumley

The world isn’t what it seems...
Ripped through time and thrust into a world of supernatural myths and legends, young Andrew Rufus must do the impossible to survive.
A twisted magic has merged Andrew’s mind with the body of Pecos Bill, the most powerful man alive, leaving Pecos powerless to act as countless lives hang in the balance.
Against all hope, Andrew must find a way to harness Pecos’s unfathomable strength or watch as more innocents die in the onslaught of Septimis, the god-snake.
Fighting as one man, Andrew and Pecos will be pushed to their limits to hold back the tides of death; but even with all the strength in the world, will Andrew be strong enough to Embrace the Power and Become the Legend...

If you’re willing to follow a boy down the bloody road to manhood, fighting shoulder to shoulder with legends, then start reading today. You won’t regret it.

Start reading the complete Legend of Andrew Rufus series today!
(All seven books are available now—so you won’t have to do any of that annoying waiting we all hate...) - from Goodreads.com

This is just the plot and book picture of the first book of seven in this series, to give you an idea of what it is about. Take a modern-day young teen, and throw him back into the body of a tall tale hero around 163 years prior, and you get this book. The author, Crumley, also has out the Immortal Doc Holliday series, of which I believe I have posted reviews on a few of the books. Both I highly recommend.

This is definitely a young adult series, and is written as such. The events that happen, well, that is why it is fiction, and being how it includes a tall-tale hero, that would be about right. I enjoyed the character backgrounds and the world building, especially as the series drew closer to the end. Not trying to ruin any story, but having read this second to most of the Doc Holliday novels, I felt a little let down. I say this in the aspect that the DH novels share a history with Andrew Rufus, and after reading the series, I figured out when they take place (but can say or I ruin the end for you). Still, a good starter series for any young reader!
 

Book Review: "The Cabinet of Dr Leng" by Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child

 The tremendous new thriller in Preston & Child’s #1 bestselling series features FBI Special Agent Pendergast and Constance Greene in their most extraordinary circumstances yet.

AN INCREDIBLE JOURNEY

Astoundingly, Constance has found a way back to the place of her origins, New York City in the late 1800s, leaping at the chance, although it means leaving the present forever.

A DESPERATE OPPORTUNITY

Constance sets off on a quest to prevent the events that lead to the deaths of her sister and brother. But along the road to redemption, Manhattan’s most infamous serial killer, Dr. Enoch Leng, lies in wait, ready to strike at the slightest provocation.

UNIMAGINABLE ODDS

Meanwhile, in contemporary New York, Pendergast feverishly searches for a way to reunite with Constance—but will he discover a way back to her before it’s too late? - from Netgalley.com

This ARC was provided by Netgalley.com at no cost and I am providing an unbiased review.

From my sources, this is the 21st book in the Agent Pendergast series, and if you have not read any of them before, you should start them. I believe it is best to read them in chronological order, but to each their own. I am not going on to describe briefly the plot of this particular story, because it is a bit of a continuation from the last book. I will mention (again) you may want to start this series with book one, "The Relic" (which was made into a movie years ago). You won't regret it.

That being said, it was great to return to the Pendergast world, plus the return of some new and old characters. As I stated above, this story continues from the previous book, and answers some, yet not all, of the questions I had at the end of the last book. You may not like me admitting this, but this part of the story raises yet even more questions for me. I am expecting another follow-up story, and that wait will have to be burdened (at least a year, if not more).

Preston & Childs' writing style has always been a good read for me. I have not only read all of the Pendergast series, but some of their individual spin-offs and other stand-alone novels. The Pendergast stories just flow well, considering there are two different people writing them. Once again I give them the applause they deserve.

This where some spoilers may come in...

Thoughts on this story? I don't recall Pendergast ever being so ... distraught? in distress? ... as he was at the start of this novel. What truly are his concerns/feelings for Constance? It was good to see a newer character, Coldmoon, have to return to his 'normal' FBI career, yet cross paths in NY with D'Augustino our earlier FBI agent of several novels.  Their connection to Pendergast will become clearer I think in future writing. And the final question, now the Dr Leng knows what he knows, what will happen? I have my thoughts, but it will be a long wait to find out....

Book Review: "The Drift" by C. J. Tudor

 

Three ordinary people risk everything for a chance at redemption in this audacious, utterly gripping novel of catastrophe and survival at the end of the world, from the acclaimed author of The Chalk Man.

Hannah awakens to carnage, all mangled metal and shattered glass. Evacuated from a secluded boarding school during a snowstorm, her coach careered off the road, trapping her with a handful of survivors. They’ll need to work together to escape—with their sanity and secrets intact.

Meg awakens to a gentle rocking. She’s in a cable car stranded high above snowy mountains, with five strangers and no memory of how they got on board. They are heading to a place known only as “The Retreat,” but as the temperature drops and tensions mount, Meg realizes they may not all make it there alive.

Carter is gazing out the window of an isolated ski chalet that he and his companions call home. As their generator begins to waver in the storm, something hiding in the chalet’s depths threatens to escape, and their fragile bonds will be tested when the power finally fails—for good.

The imminent dangers faced by Hannah, Meg, and Carter are each one part of the puzzle. Lurking in their shadows is an even greater danger—one with the power to consume all of humanity. - from Netgalley.com

This ARC was received from Netgalley.com at no cost, and I am providing an unbiased review.

There isn't much I can say about the story without dropping spoilers. I was drawn into the story easily and actually finished in within a day. I really enjoyed the plot development, and the characters - how they handled their situations, and self-realizations. 

*** Spoiler Alert ***

The plot twist in the final parts of the story are what threw me. It was surprising to me to find out how all three characters stories all came together, and the timeline twist was executed very well. I truly did not see it coming! Well-written in my opinion, gripping my attention throughout the tale. I defintiely would recommend to others, and will be watching for future works from this author.