Book Review: "Risen" by Benedict Jacka

 

Mage Alex Verus has gone from a Camden shopkeeper to one of the most powerful mages in Britain. Now his last and most dangerous battle lies before him.

Alex's girlfriend, the life mage Anne, has fallen fully under the control of the deadly djinn she made a bargain with, and it is preparing to create an army of mages subject to its every whim. Alex, the Council, and the Dark mage Richard Drakh agree to call a truce in their war, and plans are made for a joint attack. Alex knows that it's only a matter of time before Drakh and the Council turn on each other . . . and neither cares about keeping Anne alive. Can Alex figure out a way to stop Anne and to free her from possession before time runs out for the people he loves? - from Goodreads.

*** SPOILERS AHEAD ***

From the plot description for this book, it pretty much sums up what is happening throughout the story. Much of the story is the description of how this battle against the djinn is going from Alex's view. Of course, throughout the story it is being mentioned about his love for Anne, and how saving her is his ultimate goal, as well as stopping the djinn and Drakh.

Where should I go from there? The main character has reached the apex of his power, not only magically, but politically, and has no where else to go. He has a magical device (the Fateweaver) turning his body to stone. Currently it has taken his arm and shoulder. The more it is used, the faster it grows. So taking out Drakh, and a powerful djinn, and what other entities get in the way, kind of gives you a good idea where this is heading.

I have really enjoyed this series, growing with the character as he does into his powers, making friends, making alliances ... and in short, becoming who he is in this book. I was not happy when I reached the end, but am content we have reached a conclusion. As I sat and thought about it, I realized, there was not much more Alex could do - no place for the story to continue without splitting to another character (possibility?). Thanks Benedict Jacka for a well-written series!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book and write a review.

#Risen #Netgalley

Book Review: "She's The One Who Cares Too Much" by S.R. Cronin

 

Can Coral raise a baby, placate an absent military husband, and help her sister save her homeland?

Do you know what your problem is?

Coral knows hers. People have been telling this tenderhearted 13th-century woman for years. So when a heroic army officer proposes, she decides she’s stronger than people realize and her dreams have come true.

Except, the perfect man turns out to be less than ideal. And she’s gotten pregnant. And her homeland is gripped with fear of a pending Mongol invasion and she cries about everything now that she’s with child.

When a friend suggests the ever-caring Coral possesses a power well beyond what anyone imagines, Coral’s sister decides this formidable talent is what the realm needs. Can Coral raise a baby, placate an absent military husband who thinks he’s stopping the invasion, and help her sister save her homeland?

This is just the sort of predicament that arises when a woman cares too much. - from Booksirens.com

This is the second book in "The War Stories of the Troublesome Seven Sisters" and I am safe to say that there will be some ***SPOILERS AHEAD***.

Thanks to Booksirens and the author for an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

There is a difference in this second book of the series. The timeline in the tale of this sister, takes place over the same period as the first book. So what you are getting is basically the same timeline, but from the viewpoint of the second sister, in this case, Coral. From reading the first book, about Ryalgar, the one who thinks too much, We know the lands are going to be attacked from the Mongols, and that the people were being led to build defenses for when the horde comes. During this time, Coral gets pregnant, married and moved off to a new home. She finds out she also has some "magical power" as a Luska, basically someone that can control another through the sound of their voice. So she ends up living with the witches of the woods, the Velka, and learns more of her skill, has the baby, and assists Ryalgar with planning the defense of their nation.

I was a little let down while reading this one. I knew it was going to, at least partly, play over the same timeline as the first story, but I was looking for something more. I felt that there wasn't much character building for this sister going on. For being one that cares too much, she carried herself around like she could give a rat's ass about anyone or anything. Maybe she was bitter from falling out of love with her husband. I don't know. Either way, I ended up skimming sections, rather than reading them, as it just couldn't hold my attention. 

This is not a stand-alone book, as you will need details for reference from the first tale. I am presuming that the following books will be like this one, going over the same time line but in the view of the next sister. At least until maybe the last book, where the story will move forward and the horde attack, and the people defend. I just don't think I will be along for that ride. I do love the artwork on the covers though!

Book Review: "She's the One Who Thinks Too Much" by S.R. Cronin

 

Do you know what your problem is?

Ryalgar knows hers. People have been telling this over-educated 13th-century woman for years. So when an equally intellectual prince decides he loves her, it looks like everyone was wrong and her dreams have come true.

Except, this prince is obligated to marry another. He is leading the army training to defend their tiny realm against an expected Mongol invasion. And he is considering sacrificing Ryalgar’s home nichna by abandoning it’s rich farmlands to their foes.
If only he wasn’t such a nice guy. Another woman would …..

Ryalgar has no idea what another would do. All she knows is she has a multitude of university intellectuals and a family of tough farmers behind her, and a newfound connection with the witches in the forest. Why not devise her own strategy to keep the invaders from destroying her home? Then she can figure out what to do about this problem prince.

It’s just the sort of thing that happens when a woman thinks too much. - from Goodreads website

This is the first book in the 'The War Stories of the Seven Troublesome Sisters' series. I received an advance review copy for free through Booksirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I have to start this off with, look at the artwork! I got drawn into book four of  the series when I saw it on Booksirens. I did a little research, found out what the first three books were about, and decided to 'let loose' in my reading to check this series out. Fantasy genre is my favorite read, but parts of this story were a little more out of my regular reading. Doing my best not to spoil anything....but to be safe ...

*** spoilers ahead ***

One can tell from the title of the series, that there are seven sisters, and all were introduced in this first book. This one centers around the oldest, Ryalgar, who happened to be the most studious of the brood. She lands in romance with a Prince, who is obligated to marry another, then joins a witch clan. Invaders from another land are coming, and they all have to find a way to save their country. So I am a little put off here. I don't generally read Historical Fantasy, and this one fits that category. It takes place in 13th century, in a country that doesn't exist, implanted in the European area. I think it was south-eastern Europe, but cannot recall exactly.

So invaders, 13th century, independent thinking, school studied, head-strong female lead, meets a Prince, falls in love, joins some witches. Yeah, there is seemingly a lot going on here - and this is just the first Sister! 

Thoughts: Love the cover art, on all the books out currently. I was a little let down on more of the backstory of not only the country, but of most of the characters. It was very lightly touched upon, if at all. When referencing other countries, there was next to nothing to identify this was a similar to Europe area. The Author created an pretty exclusive language for the people, and once you figure out what word is for what, the story moves smother. The author did include a map, and words translations, but I find it difficult to flip back and forth while reading, and generally just learn to read it all in context. I was a little let down about the characters in that they are all perfect. The parents of the main character were 'farmers' yet let all their daughters pretty much do what they wanted. The grandmother was the leader of the witches. The Prince is head over heels in love the first time they meet - at a local celebration of some holiday (sounded pagan as sex was involved afterwards). For the most part, no one argues what this Daughter wants to do in regards to thwarting the invasion. Seemingly, nothing can go wrong, with anything.

That all being said, I am still going to read the next book. This was a pretty short/fast read for me, and even with what I see as little faults, I was drawn into the story, and feel a need to find out what happens, especially with the next Sister being the one centered upon.

Book Review: "Oil & Dust" by Jami Fairleigh

 

Politics, Money, Power, Religion, and Greed. These are the things we never again need.

Artist Matthew Sugiyama can alter the physical world with his art. As the top student graduating from the prestigious Popham Abbey, Matthew Sugiyama’s future is secure… until he bucks convention and begins a journey to find answers about his birth family. The trouble is, he doesn’t know who or where they are.

Determined to find answers, but without a clear destination, Matthew sets out on horseback across a post-technology world, guided only by random flashes of a vision or long-buried memory. Using his skills as an artist to barter for hospitality and supplies, Matthew soon learns his sheltered upbringing has left him wholly unprepared to face the obstacles on the road or his unexpected yearning to join the communities he encounters. When he uncovers a mysterious adversary’s plan to harm the people he’s come to care for, Matthew must decide what’s more important; the adopted family he has created, or his need for answers about his past. - from Goodreads.com

I had skipped this title a couple times, when I was going through possible books to request at a couple websites. The description made the story feel a bit too Young Adult to me, and I just was not in the mood for that style of writing. However, I took a chance, and am glad I did.

Sure it sounds a little cheesy... an orphaned boy trained in a magical art, out in the real world realizing he has no social skills. But Fairleigh makes it come together, and I felt pulled into the story. The world building was not the greatest, as all we can tell is it is a dystopian future, and I felt there were some parts that were not explained well. Characters come into the story easy enough, and there really isn't much background on them either. Almost as if they were written in, and that was when their lives began. 

The story rolled along well, and I found myself drawn in. The main character's lack of social skills made for a couple humorous events, yet it felt good for him to learn from those mistakes. The search for his family, and information that was revealed in the story, make we wonder how long we will have to wait for the next book in the series.

I received this book through Booksirens and Kitsune Press, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. 

#Booksirens #OilAndDust

Book Review: "Hunting the Five Point Killer" by C.M. Wendelboe

 

On the tenth anniversary of a series of unsolved murders, the Five Point Killer is back for blood—and retired cop Arn Anderson could be the next investigator who gets too close to the truth.

Retired detective Arn Anderson never thought he’d be broke enough to take on a cold murder case. Or desperate enough to team up with a TV reporter. Or pathetic enough to go back to his rundown childhood home after he swore he’d left Cheyenne for good. But here he is, hunting a serial killer who also appears to have come out of retirement. On the anniversary of the Five Point Killer’s crimes, Arn’s only option is to survive the carnage of a murderer who may be too twisted—and too brilliant—to catch. - from Goodreads.com

I have really enjoyed the books by Wendelboe. They feel realistic and gritty like a western, yet take place in current times. Much similar to Craig Johnson's 'Longmire' series.

In this first book of the series, we meet our main character, Arn Anderson, a retired Denver Metro Police officer, as he is hired as a detective/consultant on a 10-year old case in the town he grew up in Wyoming. As he searches for missed clues, he is trying to restore his parents' home (which has been abandoned for many years) and we meet Danny, which seems to be the comedic release of the story. Danny is a Native American that "finds" things from chairs, to refrigerators (from the fridge fairy).

All in all, the story felt like it dragged just a bit around the middle, but by then, I had no clue who the actual killer was, and even was wildly guessing people who were barely involved at all. Obviously being a case(s) several years old, there is a bring up of old memories, which over time has built feelings that skew how things were looked on ten years previously. Nearing the end of the story, I still was surprised with the actual final details, and how they are "coerced" from anyone involved. More surprised was I to read of how the charges/sentencing were handled.

This was a great story, and when I find the time, I would love to go back and read the next book(s) in this series, as well as more of Wendelboe's works.

Book Review: "The Bookbinder's Daughter" by Jessica Thorne

 

The song surrounded her now, the murmuring of the library insistent, and her foot took the first step on the winding stairs. She knew it wasn’t entirely a dream. It was the library calling her, its magic driving her.

When Sophie is offered a job at the Ayredale Library – the finest collection of rare books in the world, and the last place her bookbinder mother was seen when Sophie was just a teenager – she leaps at the chance. Will she finally discover what happened to the woman she’s always believed abandoned her?

Taking in the endless shelves of antique books, the soaring stained-glass windows, and the grand sweeping staircase, usually shy Sophie feels strangely at home, and is welcomed by her eccentric fellow binders. But why is the Keeper of the Library so reluctant to speak about Sophie’s mother? And why is Sophie the only person who can read the strange spells in the oldest books on display, written in a forgotten language nobody else understands?

The mysteries of the library only deepen when Sophie stumbles upon an elaborately carved door. The pattern exactly matches the pendant her mother left behind years ago, engraved with a delicate leaf. As the door swings open at her touch, Sophie gasps at the incredible sight: an enormous tree, impossibly growing higher than the library itself, its gently falling golden leaves somehow resembling the pages of a book. Amidst their rustling, Sophie hears a familiar whisper…

‘There you are, my Sophie. I knew you’d come back for me.’

An absolutely spellbinding read about long-hidden family secrets and the magic that lurks between the pages of every ancient book. Perfect for fans of The Ten Thousand Doors of January, The Night Circus and The Binding. - from NetGalley.com

Thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture, and the author for giving me this ARC for free to share my opinion on this story.

The book cover art, the title, and the synopsis of the story all drew me into reading this one. I felt hesitant, as I was expecting it to turn into some sappy romance between some Librarian and some mundane damsel that was hired to put books on the shelf. I admit, I was truly wrong, and fully enjoyed the story.

The short plot description tends to make this an almost make-believe story: hired at the most prestigious of libraries of rare books even, where her mom used to work when she was younger. Oh my, vomit and drivel. Yet, that is where this story really starts at. But let's throw you some more bones - SPOILERS AHEAD!!!

All this takes place in England, as the story opens in London. Our main character, Sophie, is a simple compliant book binder with extremely talented skills) living with her controlling 'boyfriend'. She finds out she has been offered this prestigious position as a rare book binder for this library, where both her parents worked, at double the salary she makes and other perks. Of course, she remembers her family living at this library (large property) and her mom's disappearance, then her father taking her and leaving... blah blah.... forgetting the past, therapies, memories might come back. The usual hoo-hah. Wanting to think it over, she ends up catching her 'boyfriend' shagging another chick, and immediately leaves for this new job.

Now the job offer came from her Uncle, who also works for the library. Starting to sound like some weird family tree twisting and nepotism, right? Story moves on ... she does start to remember certain memories, and finds strange happenings occurring around her. Romance starts to blossom with Will, whom she was friends with before she was taken away. I wanted to be sure to get the romance in there.

So not to completely ruin it for you, Sophia finds out she has some 'magical' powers, as do some of the others around the library. Her family has been associated with the library since its creation many millennia before our story. Her romance blossoms with Will, though thankfully not in exquisite, sexual detail, and not so much that it takes from the story. 

All in all, this was quite a good read. I was pulled in by storyline, as I have always enjoyed magical library stories (because libraries are truly magical places). The magic wasn't hocus-pocus related, and had quite a few distinctions on/of its use (only by certain people, and only certain types of 'magic'). There wasn't much really to do with the library itself, except as it being the repository of 'special' books, and how they were protected. Obviously, being "rare books" one just couldn't walk in and check out any book.

Character development was a bit lacking. Simple-minded girl, dumps cheating boyfriend for new job (double the perks!) and location, meets new love, large fantastical problem solved by simple girl, who know is in control of everything, and the world goes rosy once again. Yeah, there wasn't much to building the characters. A few look-backs of the time when they were younger, to explain certain things happening, or memories recollected by Sophia, but otherwise just so-so.

World build was somewhat interesting. I mentioned the magic, and how it is limited to certain characters, and the type of 'magic' they have the use of. The library itself consisting of what I will call, a living entity, that provides this magic, and the protections (through a Guardian) of not only itself, but its repository of knowledge (the books), in the simple form of a 'tree' living in the depths. And that this tree was the root of knowledge, and that creativity was shared through the binding of its leaves into books, and shared where needed around the world at times. Very different idea. I liked it.

Overall I found the book to be very enjoyable. Definitely a stand-alone, though, with some imagination, I'm sure future books could be tied to this one. Was easy to read and comprehend ideas. I saw no major differences of spellings between US English and British English, or words that are different for the same things. Definitely would recommend in the Young Adult and Fantasy genres.

#NetGalley #TheBookbindersDaughter

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