Book Reviews: "Emergence" and "Resistance" both by John Birmingham

EMERGENCE: For fans of Jim Butcher and Kevin Hearne comes an action-packed new urban fantasy series featuring a tough, bleakly funny, down-on-his luck oil rig worker with an unlikely destiny as a monster-slayer and savior of the planet.

 
“Monsters,” said Vince Martinelli. “There are monsters on the rig, Dave.”
 
Dave Hooper has a hangover from hell, a horrible ex-wife, and the fangs of the IRS deep in his side. The last thing he needs is an explosion at work. A real explosion. On his off-shore oil rig.
 
But this is no accident, and despite the news reports, Dave knows that terrorists aren’t to blame. He knows because he killed one of the thingsresponsible.
 
When he wakes up in a hospital bed guarded by Navy SEALs, he realizes this is more than just a bad acid trip. Yeah, Dave’s had a few. This trip is way weirder.
 
Killing a seven-foot-tall, tattooed demon has transformed the overweight, balding safety manager into something else entirely. A foul-mouthed, beer-loving monster slayer, and humanity’s least worthy Champion. - from GoodReads.com

RESISTANCE: For fans of Jim Butcher and Kevin Hearne comes a heart-pounding new urban fantasy series featuring monster slayerDave Hooper and his magical splitting maul.
 
When you drop a monster-killer on the Strip, all bets are off.
 
Holed up in Las Vegas after the tumultuous Battle of New Orleans, Dave is enjoying the VIP perks afforded a champion monster-slayer. He may be a superhero of swag and the toast of the town, but if some fire-breathing dragons have their way, odds are everyone will soon be toast. As the hordes from the UnderRealms regroup for their next attack, Dave parties with celebrities, lunches with A-listers, and gets his ass lawyered up—because his hellacious ex is looking for a piece of that sweet, sweet action.
 
It’s all good, until new monsters roll in, looking to parley with “the Dave.”
 
WTF, monsters. Do you think the Dave can’t spot a trap before he falls into it? And when things go to hell at warp 10, a suit from a shadow operation swoops in to offer Dave a deal he can’t refuse. Now Dave’s about to face off against an opponent who makes battling bloodthirsty behemoths look like child’s play—a ravishing Russian spy with a few superpowers of her own. - from GoodReads.com

I received these both free from the publisher, Random House Publishing Group - Del Rey Spectra, in exchange for a review.

In EMEREGENCE, we are introduced to Dave Hooper. An oil rig safety worker, while returning to the rig, discovers it is under attack by supernatural beings. In fighting one, suddenly he takes on strange new powers, speech, and knowledge. the story continues with the Armed Forces doing their best to prevent the city of New Orleans being overrun by these new demons, which Dave can understand their caste systems, and how they operate. In helping the Armies of the US defeat the new threat, Dave becomes a new superhero. I found this a good start to a series and give it 4 stars.

In RESISTANCE, the fight continues, but it is on multiple fronts around the world. Dave is still the self-centered, "it's all about me" type person we were introduced to in the first book. Except now, he is supposedly starting to realize that his actions have consequences. By this point in the story, I was starting to get pretty tired of Dave and his narcissistic ways, but by the near end of this book, I think he is starting to change. Either that, or he is "into" the Russian spy chick that a secret dept of the US Govt wants him to kill. Funny how Dave never does quite what they want him to do. The story seemed to slow down a bit in this book, and not as action oriented as the first book. Wasn't sure if it was for character development, or the author had no idea where the story was going/trying to connect it up so I give it 3 stars.

Book Review: "Sword of the North" by Luke Scull

In The Grim Company, Luke Scull introduced a formidable and forbidding band of anti-heroes battling against ruthless Magelords and monstrous terrors. The adventure continues as the company—now broken—face new dangers on personal quests…  
 
As Davarus Cole and his former companions were quick to discover, the White Lady’s victorious liberation of Dorminia has not resulted in the freedom they once imagined. Anyone perceived as a threat has been seized and imprisoned—or exiled to darker regions—leaving the White Lady’s rule unchallenged and absolute. But the White Lady would be wiser not to spurn her former supporters: Eremul the Halfmage has learned of a race of immortals known as the Fade, and if he cannot convince the White Lady of their existence, all of humanity will be in danger.
 
Far to the north, Brodar Kayne and Jerek the Wolf continue their odyssey to the High Fangs only to find themselves caught in a war between a demon horde and their enemy of old, the Shaman. And in the wondrous city of Thelassa, Sasha must overcome demons of her own.
 
Because the Fade are coming… - from Netgalley.com

I received a free ARC from the publisher, Penguin Group Berkeley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW through Netgalley.com in exchange for a review.

Spoilers ahead!

This is the second novel by Scull in 'THE GRIM COMPANY" series, and there looks to be a third. This continues the story of the band of misfits that were pushed together by circumstance in the first novel. In the first novel, I entirely disliked a few of the characters, like Davarus Cole, as being too whiny, brattish, conceited, and just a regular pain int he ass. Sasha wasn't much better, coming across as a self-centered bitch. Kayne and Jerek, who seem to be the main characters, though that could be disputed, are back, heading home to the North to find Kayne's wife, now believed to be alive still.

Obviously, I got pulled into this story more ... even with some of the story going off in tangents. Maybe I don't see the necessity of some of the tangents, but I know others show just a small bit of stuff going on, that will affect characters later ... just seemed a bit long for detail. Character development  - wow! I am sure I am the only one surprised that some of those characters I hated in the first novel, have changed somewhat. Scull definitely tricked me in that regard. Cole now seems to have some new purpose (and skills), Sasha seems to have gotten a bit less self-centered (though the drug addiction .... eh). Kayne and Jerek - oh man, learn some history about them, and they make some history - no they ain't gay, at least I don't think so.

Overall, I love the direction the story is going, with demons in the North, the Fehd coming from across the seas, and the regular mess of human tyranny of power-hungry mortals. Definitely will be waiting anxiously for the next installment!

Book Review: "The Last Quarrel: Complete Edition" by Duncan Lay

Gaelland is a nation gripped by fear.

In the country, fishing boats return with their crews mysteriously vanished, while farms are left empty, their owners gone into the night, meals still on the table. In the cities, children disappear from the streets or even out of their own beds. The King tells his people that it is the work of selkies – mythical creatures who can turn from seals into men and back again – and witches. But no matter how many women he burns at the stake, the children are still being taken.

Fallon is a man who has always dreamed of being a hero. His wife Bridgit just wants to live in peace and quiet, and to escape the tragedies that have filled her life. His greatest wish and her worst nightmare are about to collide.

When an empty ship sails into their village, he begins to follow the trail towards the truth behind the evil stalking their land. But it is a journey that will take them both into a dark, dark place and nobody can tell them where it might end ... - from NetGalley.com

I received this copy from the publisher, Momentum Books (Pan Macmillan) in exchange for a review, through Netgalley.com.

This title had crossed my path before, and I had not jumped at it, but this time around it was different. Previously, there were five parts, I believe, and I was not interested in reading a serial series, so did not look twice. However, this selection was the five parts combined into one, and I was intrigued by the story description.

I openly admit I did not read the whole book. The beginning was fine. My attention was grabbed, the characters were being introduced, the on-going conflict beginning to be formed. All that was fine .... until about halfway. By that point, I was struggling to understand what was going on among all the <my opinion> whining the characters seemed to be doing. I started skimming, hoping that this was just a "slow part" that would resolve itself shortly, and get back to the story it had started out to be. I could not find that spot. I skipped a couple pages, then a couple more. I could tell the story was still on-going, but just couldn't tolerate the writing.

That being said, it truly felt like five separate sections/serials were lashed together to form this novel. Unfortunately, the writing style seemed to suffer, as once about halfway, I am not sure if the author's tone while writing the story changed (be it from life events, tiredness, etc) or what happened, but it felt completely different than the start of the story. I would still recommend the book to one that likes YA.

Book Review: "Trial of Intentions" by Peter Orullian

The gods who created this world have abandoned it. In their mercy, however, they chained the rogue god--and the monstrous creatures he created to plague mortalkind--in the vast and inhospitable wasteland of the Bourne. The magical Veil that contains them has protected humankind for millennia and the monsters are little more than tales told to frighten children. But the Veil has become weak and creatures of Nightmare have come through. To fight them, the races of men must form a great alliance to try and stop the creatures.

But there is dissent. One king won't answer the call, his pride blinding him even to the poison in his own court. Another would see Convocation fail for his own political advantage. And still others believe Convocation is not enough. Some turn to the talents of the Sheason, who can shape the very essence of the world to their will. But their order is divided, on the brink of collapse.

Tahn Junell remembers friends who despaired in a place left barren by war. One of the few who have actually faced the unspeakable horde in battle, Tahn sees something else at work and wonders about the nature of the creatures on the other side of the Veil. He chooses to go to a place of his youth, a place of science, daring to think he can find a way to prevent slaughter, prevent war.

And his choices may reshape a world . . . . - from NetGalley.com

I received an ARC of the preview excerpt of this book from the publisher, MacMillan-Tor/Forge, through NetGalley.com, in exchange for a review.

This is the follow-up novel to Orullian's first novel "The Unremembered" (which just had the Author's Definitive Version released). It continues the tale of Tahn and his band of followers, as they continue to grow in knowledge, and in some cases, assistance, in the fight against the creatures coming through the Veil.

I have been waiting for this book for quite some time, after having read the first one about three years ago. Orullian has a wonderful way of shaping the world and characters throughout the tale, that drew me into the story rapidly. Having gotten my greedy hands on a preview was great, but such a let-down for me, as now I have to wait until the release date to actually read the whole novel (the release date according to Amazon.com at this writing is May 26, 2015).

Thanks to the publisher (and author) for at least allowing me to get a preview to keep my excitement up until the release date.

Book Review: "Hellbender" by Dana Cameron

I-Day is near at hand, and soon the Fangborn will reveal themselves to humankind. As a member of this secretive race of werewolves, vampires, and oracles, will archaeologist Zoe Miller be prepared?

Still grappling with the newfound powers she gained after opening Pandora’s box, Zoe shares the responsibility of protecting “Normal” humans. Having long preferred to keep to the shadows, she knows the pending revelation of the Fangborn will set the world on fire. With Fangborn enemies in the Order of Nicomedia forcing their hand, Zoe and her supernatural Family have no choice but to step into the spotlight. But that decision has garnered the attention of the powerful and otherworldly beings known as the Makers. They claim to have created the Fangborn—not as saviors, but as predators. And it seems they have their own plans for Zoe…and for the fate of all the Fangborn.

Filled with stunning twists, Hellbender takes the Fangborn series to a thrilling new dimension. - from Netgalley.com

This is the third book in the Fangborn series by Dana Cameron, and I was a bit surprised when I saw it being available. I thought it might be a longer time period to get it out, by I am definitely not complaining! I started reading it as soon as I had a chance. The story pretty much takes off from the end of the second book, with Zoe finding out another new mystery power. From that point, as I got further into the story, my expectations gradually decreased. 

The existing struggle between Fangborn and the Order, and bringing the knowledge of the Fangborn to public knowledge, was to be expected. I enjoyed the results of the novel in the conflicts between these two groups. Zoe is a obviously still trying to understand how her artifacts work, and what powers they provide, or with most of them, what they may provide and how to access that power. More artifacts are gained in this telling. 

What I didn't care for, was the way I felt while reading, that things were sort of 'crammed' into this book to bring everything to a finish. It seemed some parts were glossed over (details about the Celtic sword - aside from how it was used at the end, finding out about her father, I-Day coming about). I received the impression that this may be a third and final book in this particular part of the Fangborn world, though, there is much that another book (or more) would be open to explaining in more detail (Zoe's powers - how they come about, possible searching for more artifacts, etc.). Overall I was a bit let-down about the 'rush to the finish' feeling I had while reading it, but still a great story. I would definitely be interested in reading more in this series, or even possibly other tales from the Fangborn world. 

I received a Kindle version ARC from the publisher, 47North, through Netgalley.com.

Book Review: "The Dark Side of the Road" by Simon R. Green

Ishmael Jones is someone who can’t afford to be noticed, someone who lives under the radar, who drives on the dark side of the road. He’s employed to search out secrets, investigate mysteries and shine a light in dark places. Sometimes he kills people. Invited by his employer, the enigmatic Colonel, to join him and his family for Christmas, Ishmael arrives at the grand but isolated Belcourt Manor in the midst of a blizzard to find that the Colonel has mysteriously disappeared. As he questions his fellow guests, Ishmael concludes that at least one of them – not least Ishmael himself - is harbouring a dangerous secret, and that beneath the veneer of festive cheer lurk passion, jealousy, resentment and betrayal. As a storm sets in, sealing off the Manor from the rest of the world, Ishmael must unmask a ruthless murderer they strike again. - from Netgalley.com

I have enjoyed several of Simon Green's books over the years, and this was no exception. For some reason, I was a bit leery of reading this, thinking it was possibly a book in the middle of a series, and having maybe not read the possible prior stories, I would be left on the darkside of the road (sorry for the pun). There need be no worries. Whether this is a first or a stand-alone novel, I felt there was enough background on characters and their history to make the story enjoyable, yet also leave me wanting to know more about the main character, Ishmael Jones. The overall plot was a bit boring, reminding me of an old movie I saw many years ago, and when I was explaining the book to a friend, they said "Oh, like CLUE" and I had to agree it sort of was similar. Either way, the story had a few different twists than just a normal 'the butler did it'- type mystery. Was a delightful read, and I shall keep my eyes open for future Ismael Jones stories!

I received an ARC from Severn house publishing through Netgalley.com in exchange for a review.

Book Review: "Poisonwell" by Jeff Wheeler

The battle to save the kingdoms devastated by the Plague culminates in this exhilarating finale to the Whispers from Mirrowen trilogy.

If there is anything more dangerous than the Plague itself, it is the journey that awaits those sworn to stop it. Tyrus, the renegade magic-wielder exiled from Kenatos, knows this firsthand. His original mission through the Scourgelands met a tragic end, leaving him as the sole survivor.

Now all hope lies with his daughter, Phae, the uniquely gifted Dryad-born who can not only steal memories but also summon the power of the fireblood—and who alone has the power to breach the lost gate of Mirrowen. But first Phae and the comrades who have come to her aid must survive the most dangerous place on earth: the Scourgelands.

The menacing woods prove every bit as treacherous as reputed. Murder, sacrifice, deception, and an epic battle with a beast ensue. Will Phae reach the land beyond the grasp of the deadly Plague…or will the quest through the Scourgelands end in tragedy once again? - from NetGalley.com

This is the third book in the 'Whispers of Mirrowen' series by Jeff Wheeler, which I received in free in exchange for a review via Netgalley.com and Amazon Publishing.

I originally came across this author when I found THE WRETCHED OF MUIRWOOD on Amazon.com in the free ebook section. Now idea how long it had been lited there, but it sounded interesting. Since that time, I have not been able to NOT read any of his books I get my hands on. This trilogy is no exception, and in my opinion, shows how Wheeler's writing style has become smoother, and more involved than the earlier trilogy.

While reading the first two books of the series, at times I felt there were too many characters for me to keep track of, but by the end of the second novel, it could be no other way. As the final leg of their journey takes place, many of them grow in character and purpose. For a younger reader, I am sure they would love the way some of the characters mature from their childhood ideals.

What another great trilogy from J. Weaver! When I requested this book, I was happy I didn't have to wait long to get started on it, and it completely ended differently than what I expected. Wheeler did a wonderful job in creating and orchestrating this world and I have thoroughly enjoyed both series he has shared with the world. Looking forward to many more books from this author!!