Book Review: "Codex Born" by Jim C. Hines

Five hundred years ago, Johannes Gutenberg discovered the art of libriomancy, allowing him to reach into books to create things from their pages. Gutenberg’s power brought him many enemies, and some of those enemies have waited centuries for revenge. Revenge which begins with the brutal slaughter of a wendigo in the northern Michigan town of Tamarack, a long-established werewolf territory. Libriomancer Isaac Vainio is part of Die Zwelf Portenære, better known as the Porters, the organization founded by Gutenberg to protect the world from magical threats. Isaac is called in to investigate the killing, along with Porter psychiatrist Nidhi Shah and their dryad bodyguard and lover, Lena Greenwood. Born decades ago from the pages of a pulp fantasy novel, Lena was created to be the ultimate fantasy woman, strong and deadly, but shaped by the needs and desires of her companions. Her powers are unique, and Gutenberg’s enemies hope to use those powers for themselves. But their plan could unleash a far darker evil… - from Amazon.com

Jim Hines has done it again with another fun, fantasy novel in the Magic Ex Libris series. This story continues a short time after the first novel, and I felt was a great sequel. Hines has a easy reading style of writing that even YA readers would love, and carries some great fantasy ideas that even adults will enjoy reading.

Spoilers follow

It was good to see some more background develop: about the Porters, and their creation. Even more additional story about Gutenberg. The introduction of the Asian magic (and it's style) was interesting as well, seeing how ... well, don't want to spoil too much. Though Lena's background as far as her appearance in our world was basic in the first novel, this one centers more around her than Isaac, though as one of her lovers, he plays a major role. I thought the ending a bit blase, but still leaves me hanging on wanting to know what happens next, as I feel Hines has left a nice hook for the next book in this series.

Book Review: "The Royal Ranger" by John Flanagan

The story that brings the Ranger's Apprentice arc full-circle!

Will Treaty has come a long way from the small boy with dreams of knighthood. Life had other plans for him, and as an apprentice Ranger under Halt, he grew into a legend—the finest Ranger the kingdom has ever known. Yet Will is facing a tragic battle that has left him grim and alone. To add to his problems, the time has come to take on an apprentice of his own, and it’s the last person he ever would have expected. Fighting his personal demons, Will has to win the trust and respect of his difficult new companion—a task that at times seems almost impossible.

John Flanagan returns for one final bow to the series that has conquered millions of readers worldwide with this pulse-pounding adventure that brings one era to a close, and ushers in the next . . . - from Amazon.com

I never would have thought the Flanagan would bring this series to an end, choosing to instead let it just sort of hang out there. This book wraps up the series, in my opinion as it has been quite a few years since the previous book. It is great to see Will back in action, even as an adult.

Basic Storyline: Will is torn up by the unfortunate death of his wife, and is on a spree to kill the man./men responsible. To bring him out of this dark side, Halt and Galin propose to give him an apprentice to train. Turns out that Horace and Cassandra's daughter is of an age, and they are currently exasperated with her teenage rebelliousness. Long story short, she is assigned as an apprentice to Will, bringing about the acceptance of females into the Ranger's, as well as a new weapon they can use.

Though much of the story was somewhat predictable, and the writing set obviously for a more YA crowd, I thoroughly enjoyed returning to the tale of the Rangers again.

Book Review: "The High Druid's Blade" by Terry Brooks

Legend has it that Paxon Leah is descended from the royals and warriors who once ruled the Highlands and waged war with magical weapons. But those kings, queens, and heroes are long gone, and there is nothing enchanted about the antique sword that hangs above Paxon’s fireplace. Running his family’s modest shipping business, Paxon leads a quiet life—until extraordinary circumstances overturn his simple world . . . and rewrite his destiny.
 
When his brash young sister is abducted by a menacing stranger, Paxon races to her rescue with the only weapon he can find. And in a harrowing duel, he is stunned to discover powerful magic unleashed within him—and within his ancestors’ ancient blade. But his formidable new ability is dangerous in untrained hands, and Paxon must master it quickly because his nearly fatal clash with the dark sorcerer Arcannen won’t be his last. Leaving behind home and hearth, he journeys to the keep of the fabled Druid order to learn the secrets of magic and earn the right to become their sworn protector.
 
But treachery is afoot deep in the Druids’ ranks. And the blackest of sorcery is twisting a helpless innocent into a murderous agent of evil. To halt an insidious plot that threatens not only the Druid order but all the Four Lands, Paxon Leah must summon the profound magic in his blood and the legendary mettle of his elders in the battle fate has chosen him to fight. - from Amazon.com


I received this book for free through NetGalley.com.

Terry Brooks is back with the start of another series set in the Shannara Universe. This is another story in the Leah bloodline, taking place around 150 years after The Dark Legacy series. If you have read any of these series, as I did as a young teen and on up to now, then you will like the return to Brook's story of magic and swords. I can't add more than what the book description gives without giving some of the story away.

Book Review: "Jack and Kill" by Diane Capri

Jack Reacher: Friend or Enemy? 

FBI Agents Kim Otto and Carlos Gaspar get a lead on Jack Reacher. New Hope, Virginia, welcomed him yesterday. Is he there now? Will Otto and Gaspar stand face-to-face with Reacher? Is Reacher a wanted man? - from Amazon.com (minus other accolades)

Kim Otto and Carlos Gaspar are back in a second short story in the Hunt For Reacher series. Operatinf under the radar to complete their assigned task of getting information on Jack Reacher, Otto and Gaspar are headed to the town of New Hope. Once there, what appears to be a basic traffic accident turns into more than what they expected.

Diane Capri has done a wonderful job creating a secondary storyline to Lee Childs' Jack Reacher series. Look forward to another full length novel in this series.

Book Review: "The Last Dark" by Stephen R. Donaldson

Compelled step by step to actions whose consequences they could neither see nor prevent, Thomas Covenant and Linden Avery have fought for what they love in the magical reality known only as "the Land." Now they face their final crisis. Reunited after their separate struggles, they discover in each other their true power--and yet they cannot imagine how to stop the Worm of the World’s End from unmaking Time. Nevertheless they must resist the ruin of all things, giving their last strength in the service of the world's continuance. - from Amazon.com

Where do I go with this? I started the first Chronicles of Thomas Convenant probably over 20 years ago, and fell in love. I read through the three books, anxiously picking up the three of the second chronicles. What seemed many years later, Donaldson released the start of the third and final chronicles, and each time I have waited anxiously for the next book. That all ends with the release of this one. A great series has come to a close. 

This is book four of the Last Chronicles of Thomas Covenant. It starts off right where book three had ended, though it has been quite some time since I read it, I thought I would be able to just pick up right where book four starts, but easily within the first few chapters, I realized I was having issues. I didn't remember characters doing/being certain things/places, and felt lost for quite a bit of the beginning here. Probably would have been good to go back and re-read the first three books, so everything would be clearer for me.

Either way, once I got started, and knew what was going on with whom,  it became a bit easier. It seemed so much of this book dealt with internal personal issues for the main characters. I found myself getting a bit bored with what felt like lengthy descriptions of inner turmoils, that, quite frankly, made me skip/skim pages at a time. I understand that much of this inner turmoil is necessary to the story, but just seemed repetitive throughout the book. The ending I felt was a bit of a let-down, but honestly couldn't see a clearer way to end such a life-long series. Overall, even with some boring passages, it was a finish to some great characters.

Book Review: "The Uncrowned King" by Rowena Cory Daniells

Thirteen year old Piro watches powerless as her father's enemies march on the castle, while a traitor whispers poison in the King's ear, undermining his trust in her brother, Byren. Determined to prove his loyalty, Byren races to the Abbey; somehow, he must convince the Abbot to send his warriors to defend the castle. And Fyn, the youngest of King Rolen's sons, has barely begun his training as a mystic, but wakes in a cold sweat, haunted by dreams of betrayal... - from Amazon.com

This is the second book of the King Rolen's Kin series by Daniells, and continues from where THE KING'S BASTARD ended. The saga continues as betrayal, war and suffering thrive in Rolencia. Byren, now the heir to the throne, continues trying to warn his father of the invasion of Merofynia. Fyn tries to do the same, and Piro watches as her 'cousin' betrays her father.

I read through this one pretty fast. Same as the first one, that I felt it was written as if intended for a younger audience, but still felt drawn into the story. I should start the next one book soon, so I can find out how everything gets resolved.

Book Review: "Knight Fall" by Joe Ducie

“The Knights of Atlantis created the Infernal Clock, the Roseblades, and other weapons of celestial illusion. Yet today the Knights are less than a pale shadow of their former glory. A bonfire diminished to dying embers. None of the Order could wield Origin with enough conviction to even blemish the Everlasting.” Emily grinned and gave me a wink. “Well, save perhaps one shadowless fool.” 

The peace forged by Declan Hale at the end of the Tome Wars was meant to last a hundred generations. Yet barely six years have passed and the drums of war echo once more across the thousands of worlds of the Story Thread. 

With shadowed enemies loosed from the Void, the Knights Infernal again after his head, and the Everlasting wrapping him in their dark schemes, Declan will have to take the fight across worlds further than he’s ever gone before—or risk True Earth getting swept away in the maelstrom.  - from Amazon.com

What do I say about a book that has me torn in different directions? Declan Hale returns in the third installment of this ongoing saga. After being reinstated as a Knight Infernal, Declan is forced into play against the Everlasting, in an effort to not only save Forget, but to save True Earth. Along the way he allies up with some of his enemies,  fights long-forgotten gods, and all while wearing a waistcoat.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading the continuing adventure of Declan Hale, and at the same time I a bit miffed. As with any good on-going adventure, waiting the next installment is not the most pleasurable thing I imagine. Knowing that there is more to come, I wait anxiously for Ducie to produce.

Book Review: "Wisp Of A Thing" by Alex Bledsoe

Alex Bledsoe’s The Hum and the Shiver was named one of the Best Fiction Books of 2011 by Kirkus Reviews. Now with Wisp of a Thing Bledsoe returns to the isolated ridges and hollows of the Smoky Mountains to spin an equally enchanting tale of music and magic older than the hills….

Touched by a very public tragedy, musician Rob Quillen comes to Cloud County, Tennessee, in search of a song that might ease his aching heart. All he knows of the mysterious and reclusive Tufa is what he has read on the internet: they are an enigmatic clan of swarthy, black-haired mountain people whose historical roots are lost in myth and controversy. Some people say that when the first white settlers came to the Appalachians centuries ago, they found the Tufa already there. Others hint that Tufa blood brings special gifts.

Rob finds both music and mystery in the mountains. Close-lipped locals guard their secrets, even as Rob gets caught up in a subtle power struggle he can’t begin to comprehend. A vacationing wife goes missing, raising suspicions of foul play, and a strange feral girl runs wild in the woods, howling in the night like a lost spirit.

Change is coming to Cloud County, and only the night wind knows what part Rob will play when the last leaf falls from the Widow’s Tree…and a timeless curse must be broken at last. - from Amazon.com

This novel follows the story that started in The Hum and the Shiver and brings back the story that is going on in Cloud County in the Smoky Mountains. Rob Quillen, a musician, is lead to go there to find a song to ease the grief in his heart. He has heard and read a bit about the Tufa, and physically resembles many of them , though he is not of Tufa roots. Once reaching Cloud County, he starts his search, and becomes involved in the local goings-on, and becomes a key factor in the major changes that are being wrought to the Tufa from the wind.

In the first novel, Bledsoe engrossed me in the story of dark-haired, olive skinned people that lived in the backwoods of the Smoky Mountain part of the Appalachians. These people were rumored to have been there long before the first European settlers found the area, and possibly before even Native Americans. They are strong in musical ability be it voice or instrumental, each seemingly to specialize in one area or instrument. They also seem to have a touch of magic to them, and appear to be more, or other, than they are. The background woven into each story has just kept me reading, wanting to know more of where they came from and what will happen to them. I would love to see possibly another tale of these folk from Cloud County, but - not wanting to ruin any persons reading of the books - not sure if there will be another tale tied in after this one. Great read!

Book Review: "The Scars of Ambition" by Jason Letts

"The ancient family sword's immaculate steel blade reminded him that there were still parts of the world where this was the only weapon people had, the old ways were still alive and well, and there were creatures out there and powerful things beyond what he could ever imagine."

Lowell Bracken had complete control. His empire, his ruthless executives, his family's legacy, his wife, his children, they all had a part to play in the near omnipotent control he exerted in Cumeria. But a freak attack exposed how tenuous that control really is, and Lowell scrambles to preserve it, discovering he is only playing a small part in larger, darker schemes for control.

From the shadows, mysterious and disturbing threats disrupt the already-turbulent business landscape in Cumeria. When blood is spilled, the fight for survival becomes more than just a euphemism for going out of business, and the Brackens' struggles to retain order might be the only thing keeping all of Cumeria from plunging into chaos.


I received this book free from the publisher through Netgalley.com. 

Though the plot sounded interesting in the description, I found it hard to get into this story. Most of it seemed to dwell on two companies that supplied energy to the country(s); one by solar power, one by gas. To me it just felt more like a story about how to protect the nature of the planet. Not what I expected. After about a third of the book, I just put it down.

Book Review: 'Chosen" by Benedict Jacka

I don’t publicly advertise that I’m a mage, but I don’t exactly hide it either, and one of the odd things I’ve learnt over the years is just how much you can get away with if you’re blatant enough. Hide something behind smoke and mirrors and make people work to find it, and they’ll tear the place down looking for what’s there.

Alex Verus is a diviner who can see probable futures—a talent that’s gotten him out of many a tough scrape. But this time, he may be in over his head. Alex was once apprenticed to a Dark mage, and in his service he did a lot of things he isn’t proud of.

As rumors swirl that his old master is coming back, Alex comes face to face with his misdeeds in the form of a young adept whose only goal is to get revenge. Alex has changed his life for the better, but he’s afraid of what his friends—including his apprentice, Luna—will think of his past. But if they’re going to put themselves at risk, they need to know exactly what kind of man they’re fighting for…  - from Amazon.com

Again, I got so into this story that it was hard to put own the book. Verus is back in the fourth installment of this series, along with the friends he has made in the previous books: Luna, Sonder, Anne, and Variam. This time Alex is being hunted for revenge for something that happened while an apprentice to the dark mage, Richard. I would share more, but really don't want to ruin the story.

Jacka has done a great job in the series with building up not only new characters in each installment, but greater character development as the the story line continues. I think it was on the first book I had said I would like to know more of Alex's past, and this book helps fill in so much more detail, even if from a slightly different point of view than expected. And the added 'hint' at the end, that there (hopefully) be at least another book to be released in the future (again - no spoilers!). Definitely the best book so far in this series!!

Book Review: "Taken" by Benedict Jacka

This time last year, I could go weeks without seeing another mage. In mage society I was an unknown and, all in all, that was how I liked it. It’s hard to say what changed. Whatever it was, I got involved in the magical world again and started getting myself a reputation. 

Alex Verus’s insights into the future used to be the best-kept secret in London. Now, with the aid of his apprentice, Luna, his unique investigative talents are all the rage. He just has to be careful about picking his employers, because everyone—even the beautiful woman who practically begs him to run security for a prestigious tournament—has motives that can be hard to predict. And Alex doesn’t do unpredictable. 

But his latest gig just might be impossible. Apprentices have been vanishing without a trace—and someone on the Council could be involved. Alex has no evidence, no witnesses, and no suspects. All he knows is that someone is keeping tabs on him. And after assassins target Luna’s classmate, Alex sees that he doesn’t know the half of it—and that he could be the next to disappear. - from Amazon.com

Alex Verus is back in Jacka's third book in this series. Again it continues off the previous book, with an undetermined, though short, amount of time since the last adventure. Just as the previous stories, I was a bit off in guessing what was going to happen next, but was able to guess the end result, for the most part. The enjoyment was in reading how Jacka took the story, and the character interaction, even if they had no part to the end story. Also, after having read the first two books, there is some new character background for some of the secondary characters, which was sort of nice. I like to drop myself into these type of stories dealing with magic in a current time setting. The stories just don't seem long enough, because I am so immersed that I read through it, sometimes in one sitting.

Book Review: "The King's Bastard" by Rowena Cory Daniells

Only seven minutes younger than Rolencia’s heir, Byren has never hungered for the throne. He laughs when a seer predicts that he will kill his twin. But the royal heir resents Byren’s growing popularity. Across the land the untamed magic of the gods wells up out of the earth’s heart. It sends exotic creatures to stalk the wintry nights and it twists men’s minds, granting them terrible visions. Those so touched are sent to the Abbey to control their gift, or die. At King Rolen’s court enemies plot to take his throne, even as secrets within his own household threaten to tear his family apart.
Political intrigue and magic combine in this explosive first book in an exciting new fantasy trilogy. - from Amazon.com

The King's Bastard is the first book of the King Rolen's Kin trilogy. Like most books, I picked it out originally because the cover art interested me. I mean, being a fan of sword & magic fantasy, then seeing this cover ... surely it had to be a good read. Reading the synopsis on the back of the book made me decide to get it, and the others in the series. 

The first book here introduces us to the characters we are going to be seeing, most of them being the four children of the current king of Rolencia, King Rolen. The oldest two, Lence and Byren, are twins, with Byren being 7 seconds later, thus Lence will inherit the throne. They are both grown to about twenty years of age, I would guess. The younger brother Fyn, is magically afflicted (called Affinity) and has been raised at the monks for Halycon. The youngest, and only girl, is Piro.

At the start of the story, Byren is confronted by a seer, and Fyn is as well, seemingly the same one, at approximately the same time. From there, Byren is trying his best to not let the seer's prophecy come true, as is Fyn. During this process, their 'cousin' Illien comes to Rolencia, and is accepted back into the family. Illien's father was years previously banished for ... oh, that's a long story. Either way. Illien is here now, and spreading dissention between Lence and Byren.

I don't want to ruin any details of the story. No spoilers here. Daniells has written the start of a decent story using what I feel is an old story line. The writing style I felt was a bit more for the Young Adult crowd, but still enjoyable and quickly read by adults. Looking forward to the next books, and novellas, in this series.

Book Review: "Doctor Sleep" by Stephen King

Stephen King returns to the character and territory of one of his most popular novels ever, The Shining, in this instantly riveting novel about the now middle-aged Dan Torrance and the very special twelve-year-old girl he must save from a tribe of murderous paranormals. 

On highways across America, a tribe of people called the True Knot travel in search of sustenance. They look harmless—mostly old, lots of polyester, and married to their RVs. But as Dan Torrance knows, and spunky twelve-year-old Abra Stone learns, the True Knot are quasi-immortal, living off the steam that children with the shining produce when they are slowly tortured to death. 

Haunted by the inhabitants of the Overlook Hotel, where he spent one horrific childhood year, Dan has been drifting for decades, desperate to shed his father’s legacy of despair, alcoholism, and violence. Finally, he settles in a New Hampshire town, an AA community that sustains him, and a job at a nursing home where his remnant shining power provides the crucial final comfort to the dying. Aided by a prescient cat, he becomes “Doctor Sleep.” 

Then Dan meets the evanescent Abra Stone, and it is her spectacular gift, the brightest shining ever seen, that reignites Dan’s own demons and summons him to a battle for Abra’s soul and survival. This is an epic war between good and evil, a gory, glorious story that will thrill the millions of devoted readers of The Shining and satisfy anyone new to this icon in the King canon. - from Amazon.com

Years ago, like millions of readers, I read THE SHINING and was scared out of my head. Following that piece of work by Stephen King, I read everything I could get my hands on, from PET CEMETERY, to IT, to SALEM'S LOT, and the list goes on and on. Every time a new book would come out, I had to read it. Though not written so much to be scary, it finds the little boy Danny, grown up and having issues with alcohol. While overcoming his addiction, his shining (the gift he has) brings him in contact with a young girl (a few years have passed during the story). With a great conclusion to this story line, King has made me glad to be a reader.

Book Review: "The Darwin Elevator" by Jason M. Hough

In the mid-23rd century, Darwin, Australia, stands as the last human city on Earth. The world has succumbed to an alien plague, with most of the population transformed into mindless, savage creatures. The planet’s refugees flock to Darwin, where a space elevator—created by the architects of this apocalypse, the Builders—emits a plague-suppressing aura.
 
Skyler Luiken has a rare immunity to the plague. Backed by an international crew of fellow “immunes,” he leads missions into the dangerous wasteland beyond the aura’s edge to find the resources Darwin needs to stave off collapse. But when the Elevator starts to malfunction, Skyler is tapped—along with the brilliant scientist, Dr. Tania Sharma—to solve the mystery of the failing alien technology and save the ragged remnants of humanity. - from Amazon.com

I came across this author via Kevin Hearne (author of the IRON DRUID CHRONICLES) as he was helping get the word out, as well as sharing some promotional event earlier this year. The book sounded interesting enough, and once I was able to get the time I sat down to read it. I feel bad when I admit that I did not finish the book. Though I say I like Sci-Fi/Fantasy, my tastes have seemed to move more towards Fantasy than Sci-Fi. Being space-related to some degree in the story, I just started losing interest, even though the writing was fine. Maybe part of it was the background development, that the more interesting stuff was going to happen later ... I don't know.

Hough's writing style was fine, and the story line sounded interesting. I am sure if I had stuck with it, and the next two books, I would enjoy the entire series. I only feel bad that I just couldn't get into the story.

Book Review: "Cursed" by Benedict Jacka

Since his second sight made him infamous for defeating powerful dark mages, Alex has been keeping his head down. But now he's discovered the resurgence of a forbidden ritual. Someone is harvesting the life-force of magical creatures—destroying them in the process. And draining humans is next on the agenda. Hired to investigate, Alex realizes that not everyone on the Council wants him delving any deeper. Struggling to distinguish ally from enemy, he finds himself the target of those who would risk their own sanity for power... - from Amazon.com

This is the second book in the Alex Verus series that started with "Fated", and continues the story from the first book. Due to events from the first book, Alex has started to receive more (unwanted) attention from those in the magic community, which leads him to the next spot of trouble. I won't go into detail, as I don't want to ruin the story. 

I think Jacka does a great job of creating more character development, and background, as the story continues. The relationships between characters gets more defined, as well. How far will the author be able to take this series? I don't know, but books three and four are out, and I will be reading them as well!

Book Review: "Fated" by Benedict Jacka

Alex Verus is part of a world hidden in plain sight, running a magic shop in London. And while Alex's own powers aren't as showy as some mages, he does have the advantage of foreseeing the possible future--allowing him to pull off operations that have a million-to-one-chance of success.

But when Alex is approached by multiple factions to crack open a relic from a long-ago mage war, he knows that whatever's inside must be beyond powerful. And thanks to his abilities, Alex can predict that by taking the job, his odds of survival are about to go from slim to none... - from Amazon.com

I only picked up the first three books in this series (well, only three that I know of at the moment) just due to the plot synopsis on the back of the book. Within the first 20 pages or so, I was pretty much hooked into the whole story. The plot kept me wanting to find out what the next twist or turn was going to be, and how the characters handled it. After completing this first book, I have many questions that deal more with the main character's background, more than what future adventures/situations he will be in. Perhaps those details will be given in the next book, or the next. Either way, it was a good read, and I enjoyed it very well for a modern day magic story.

Book Review: "Chimes At Midnight" by Seanan McGuire

Things are starting to look up for October "Toby" Daye. She's training her squire, doing her job, and has finally allowed herself to grow closer to the local King of Cats. It seems like her life may finally be settling down...at least until dead changelings start appearing in the alleys of San Francisco, killed by an overdose of goblin fruit.

Toby's efforts to take the problem to the Queen of the Mists are met with harsh reprisals, leaving her under sentence of exile from her home and everyone she loves. Now Toby must find a way to reverse the Queens decree, get the goblin fruit off the streets--and, oh, yes, save her own life, since more than a few of her problems have once again followed her home. And then there's the question of the Queen herself, who seems increasingly unlikely to have a valid claim to the throne....

To find the answers, October and her friends will have to travel from the legendary Library of Stars into the hidden depths of the Kingdom of the Mists--and they'll have to do it fast, because time is running out. In faerie, some fates are worse than death.

October Daye is about to find out what they are. - from Amazon.com

This is the seventh book in the series following the exploits of Faerie Knight October Daye, as she does her best to right some of the wrongs she sees. October is only a Changeling, meaning she is part human and has limited Faerie power, but with the help of her friends, allies, and squire, she takes on the Queen in the Mists, to challenge the Queen's right to the throne.

Having read all the books in this series, I found myself, again, not being able to put the book down. I don't know if it is just the writing style, or the story, but I have thoroughly enjoyed the series. October seems more human than Fae, and though she seems to get the best of every bad situation, it still makes for a good read. Throw in some of the romantic tension from the previous books, her now current interest in this one, and you get yet another kink in the story, that adds to the plot. 

Overall, the book could be read as a stand alone novel, though I suggest reading the series, to learn more detailed background on the characters. I enjoyed seeing October learning to use in more depth some of the power she has, and the fact that now she is being more pro-active in her fight against what she sees as wrongs in the world(s). There was more interaction on a world-scale versus some of the earlier more regionalized story-telling, bringing a larger cast together, yet McGuire was able to still get individualized on the characters, including the romantic stuff. 

I enjoyed the novel, and hope that there may be a few more to be written yet for this series.

Book Review: "Never Go Back" by Lee Child

Former military cop Jack Reacher makes it all the way from snowbound South Dakota to his destination in northeastern Virginia, near Washington, D.C.: the headquarters of his old unit, the 110th MP. The old stone building is the closest thing to a home he ever had.
 
Reacher is there to meet—in person—the new commanding officer, Major Susan Turner, so far just a warm, intriguing voice on the phone.
 
But it isn’t Turner behind the CO’s desk. And Reacher is hit with two pieces of shocking news, one with serious criminal consequences, and one too personal to even think about.
 
When threatened, you can run or fight.
 
Reacher fights, aiming to find Turner and clear his name, barely a step ahead of the army, and the FBI, and the D.C. Metro police, and four unidentified thugs.
 
Combining an intricate puzzle of a plot and an exciting chase for truth and justice, Lee Child puts Reacher through his paces—and makes him question who he is, what he’s done, and the very future of his untethered life on the open road. - excerpt from Amazon.com

Lee Child has brought Jack Reacher back again in this continuing storyline. Following his latest exploits, Reacher returns to Rock Creek, the place of the 110th he used to command when he was in the service, just to meet the current CO, a lady he had only talked to on the phone. From the time he arrives, things get interesting for Reacher as he finds out he has two very big problems to deal with: both of which require him to face justice or run.

I was a bit excited to get my hands on another Reacher novel, but was a bit disappointed with the ending. There is an issue about Reacher being brought back into active duty, but I didn't see any dismissal at the end of the story. Maybe it is an opening for another novel? Either way, the rest of the story is regular Reacher where there is an occasional fight, a little female companionship, and some bad guys getting what they deserve. Great for a day read!

Book Review: "Happy Hour in Hell" by Tad Williams

I’ve been told to go to Hell more times than I can count. But this time I’m actually going. 

My name’s Bobby Dollar, sometimes known as Doloriel, and of course, Hell isn’t a great place for someone like me—I’m an angel. They don’t like my kind down there, not even the slightly fallen variety. But they have my girlfriend, who happens to be a beautiful demon named Casimira, Countess of Cold Hands. Why does an angel have a demon girlfriend? Well, certainly not because it helps my career.

She’s being held hostage by one of the nastiest, most powerful demons in all of the netherworld—Eligor, Grand Duke of Hell. He already hates me, and he’d like nothing better than to get his hands on me and rip my immortal soul right out of my borrowed but oh-so-mortal body.

But wait, it gets better! Not only do I have to sneak into Hell, make my way across thousands of miles of terror and suffering to reach Pan- demonium, capital of the fiery depths, but then I have to steal Caz right out from under Eligor’s burning eyes and smuggle her out again, past demon soldiers, hellhounds, and all the murderous creatures imprisoned there for eternity. And even if I somehow manage to escape Hell, I’m also being stalked by an undead psychopath named Smyler who’s been following me for weeks. Oh, and did I mention that he can’t be killed?

So if I somehow survive Hell, elude the Grand Duke and all his hideous minions and make it back to the real world, I’ll still be the most hunted soul in Creation. But at least I’ll have Caz. Gotta have something to look forward to, right?

So just pour me that damn drink, will you? I’ve got somewhere to go. - from Amazon.com

I received a copy of this book for free for a review from the publisher, PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW. 

Bobby Dollar is back in the second installment from Tad Williams. Bobby is an Advocate of Heaven, sort of a lawyer that deals with certain people when they die, to help plead their case for Heaven in the afterlife. However, after events that happened in the first book, he is on a suspension of service, which leaves him plenty of time to 'rescue' his demon lover from Hell. Williams has created a different viewpoint of how Hell is, and what happens there to souls.  Bobby has a grand adventure trying to survive it all, and get back what he feels is his. Good follow up story line, and I look forward to another book in this series.

Book Review: "Star Wars: Kenobi" by John Jackson Miller

The Republic has fallen.
Sith Lords rule the galaxy.
Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi has lost everything . . . 
Everything but hope.
 
Tatooine—a harsh desert world where farmers toil in the heat of two suns while trying to protect themselves and their loved ones from the marauding Tusken Raiders. A backwater planet on the edge of civilized space. And an unlikely place to find a Jedi Master in hiding, or an orphaned infant boy on whose tiny shoulders rests the future of a galaxy.
 
Known to locals only as “Ben,” the bearded and robed offworlder is an enigmatic stranger who keeps to himself, shares nothing of his past, and goes to great pains to remain an outsider. But as tensions escalate between the farmers and a tribe of Sand People led by a ruthless war chief, Ben finds himself drawn into the fight, endangering the very mission that brought him to Tatooine.
 
Ben—Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi, hero of the Clone Wars, traitor to the Empire, and protector of the galaxy’s last hope—can no more turn his back on evil than he can reject his Jedi training. And when blood is unjustly spilled, innocent lives threatened, and a ruthless opponent unmasked, Ben has no choice but to call on the wisdom of the Jedi—and the formidable power of the Force—in his never-ending fight for justice. - from Amazon.com

I received this book for free in exchange for a review from the publisher, Random House Publishing Group - Del Rey Spectra, through the Netgalley.com website.

Since 1978 when I first saw the movie STAR WARS (episode IV, A NEW HOPE) I was 8 years old, and fell in love with it. Aside from anxiously watching as each new movie episode came out (with years in between) I would grab up any side story of STAR WARS that would appear on bookshelves. After many years, it seemed there were too many books in the STAR WARS universe, covering such a vast time span, I just sort of lost interest if the books weren't about specific people I liked from the main storyline from the movies. When I saw STAR WARS: KENOBI being released, I knew this was one I wanted to read!

This takes place immediately after Obi-Wan Kenobi has fled with the twin children of Darth Vader (Annakin Skywalker) and left one (Leia) with Ambassador Bail Organa of Alderaan, and the other (Luke) with Owen Lars on Tatooine. With the need to disappear, as the Emperor is hunting down any remaining members of the Jedi Order, Kenobi stays on in the deserts of Tatooine, to keep an eye of protection on the young Skywalker. 

While trying to remain aloof and separate from anyone, to not attract undue attention to himself, and possibly young Skywalker, Kenobi assumes the moniker Ben, and tries to avoid getting involved in the small town-like life of a nearby oasis community as it deals with problems of it's own in the form of the Tusken Raiders. However, Ben's Jedi training will not allow him to see evil being done, even if it may expose the secret he is hiding.

This novel kept me reading at a fast pace as the story developed. Being able to invest some time in an area of the STAR WARS story that had not had any description, was a treat, especially concerning one of the last Jedi at that time. Sharing the guilt that Kenobi had following what he thought as as Annakin's death, and the "signs" he felt he should have seen showing Annakin turning to the Dark Side, it brings out a personal side of the Obi-Wan character we usually do not see. 

Overall, I felt the story was well created and told in a third person narrative. There seemed to me to be a good connection of events/characters from my memory of the timeline before, and what is to come, and able to leave room for possible more stories of Obi Wan from this time period he spent on Tatooine while watching of young Skywalker.

Book Review: "Just One Damned Thing After Another" by Jodi Taylor

A story of history, time travel, love, friendship and tea. Meet the disaster-magnets at the St Mary's Institute of Historical Research as they ricochet around history, observing, documenting, drinking tea and, if possible, not dying. Follow the catastrophe-curve from eleventh-century London to World War I, and from the Cretaceous Period to the destruction of the Great Library at Alexandria. Discover History – The New Sex - from Amazon.com

I picked this one up while it was offered for free on Amazon, if I remember correctly. It was a day I was willing to risk reading something that the description was just too vague about. Once I started reading it, I got hooked. The story follows a lady named Max (short for Maxwell, her last name) as she gets to train at this special place called St. Mary's, which is an organization that has the ability to travel through time - specifically the past. Max is a 'Historian' who travels back to certain periods of time for major events to record how it truly happened. Volume one covers a few of her exploits, as things always have a way of going wrong around Max, and people end up hurt, killed, or ... well, leave some stuff to surprise you. I really enjoyed the book, and am looking forward to any future volumes.

Book Review: "The Book With No Name" by Anonymous

Volume one in a fast-paced, cinematic trilogy shot through with supernatural black humor

 

In Santa Mondega, an unnamed book brings violent death to anyone who reads it, a mysterious blue stone—the Eye of the Moon—has vanished, a total eclipse is about to cast the city into utter darkness, and in the shadowed streets lurks the serial killer known only as the Bourbon Kid. Detective Miles Jensen must race to uncover the link between the book, the murders, and the Kid. But as the mystery unravels, he discovers that there's more to Santa Mondega than meets the eye. Not only is the place full of gangsters, martial-arts monks, lowlifes, bounty hunters, and an Elvis-impersonating hitman, there is a whole bunch of vampires, too. - from Amazon.com

I admit I was a bit intrigued by a book that is written by an anonymous author. Did they not want their name on it because it was that bad, or some other reason? I decided I had to find out, since even the plot description made me interested in reading it. I was not disappointed. The story brings us to Santa Mondega, and introduces a character Miles Jensen, who is a specially appointed office to the SMPD. Specially Appointed, as he deals with the more paranormal sort of things for the government. While on this particular case, he is trying to solve several murders that are related to the theft of the Eye of the Moon, a special gem said to have certain mystical properties. To add to the suspense, and eclipse, centered over Santa Mondega, could be halted causing constant darkness over the town if the gem finds its way into the wrong hands. The Bourbon Kid is a serial murderer from five years earlier, when the Eye was stolen previously, and is blamed for the murders cropping up in the current day.

Definitely a dark, humorous read. Though at times I felt it dragged a bit, trying to keep up with some of the multiple plot lines going on. Everything does sort of tie-in together at the end, leaving the reader with the good sense of the good guys winning, and the bad guys losing. Twist in a few angels, vampires, a few other paranormal types, and a gun-toting serial killer, it makes for a gritty action read.

Book Review: "Joyland" by Stephen King

Set in a small-town North Carolina amusement park in 1973, Joyland tells the story of the summer in which college student Devin Jones comes to work as a carny and confronts the legacy of a vicious murder, the fate of a dying child, and the ways both will change his life forever. - from Amazon.com

King has returned to the style of writing I enjoyed with his earlier works of CARRIE, FIRESTARTER, etc. I fell into this while reading, and literally went through it in one sitting. I had just finished CARNIEPUNK, an anthology of carnival stories, and King's usage of carny language, and life, just jumped out to grab me. I felt drawn in to Jones (main character) as he dealt with life in general, and for the first time in a long time, I actually got a bit teary-eyed at the ending. Definitely a thriller, and a hard case crime read, that includes King's bit of twist! If you enjoyed THE COLORADO KID, you'll love this one, too!

Book Review: "Carniepunk" by Rachel Caine, Kevin Hearne, & other authors

Come one, come all! The Carniepunk Midway promises you every thrill and chill a traveling carnival can provide. But fear not! Urban fantasy’s biggest stars are here to guide you through this strange and dangerous world. . . .

RACHEL CAINE’s vampires aren’t child’s play, as a naïve teen discovers when her heart leads her far, far astray in “The Cold Girl.” With “Parlor Tricks,” JENNIFER ESTEP pits Gin Blanco, the Elemental Assassin, against the Wheel of Death and some dangerously creepy clowns. SEANAN McGUIRE narrates a poignant, ethereal tale of a mysterious carnival that returns to a dangerous town after twenty years in “Daughter of the Midway, the Mermaid, and the Open, Lonely Sea.” KEVIN HEARNE’s Iron Druid and his wisecracking Irish wolfhound discover in “The Demon Barker of Wheat Street” that the impossibly wholesome sounding Kansas Wheat Festival is actually not a healthy place to hang out. With an eerie, unpredictable twist, ROB THURMAN reveals the fate of a psychopath stalking two young carnies in “Painted Love.”  - from Amazon.com

Kevin Hearne (THE IRON DRUID series) had announced he was a contributor to this anthology a few months before the release date, and so I felt compelled to get it. Especially since it had a short story from the IRON DRUID series Hearne writes. However, seeing that it had several authors I have read, it added to value of what I was getting.  This was a great read, each story having something to do with carnivals, whether it was twisted and dark, or revenge, or finding a missing person. Hearne's contribution sticks out to me, as does Estep's short of the ELEMENTAL ASSASSIN. As usual, there were a couple stories that didn't hit the mark for me, but overall, was a good read - even if you are afraid of clowns!

Book Review: "Unfettered" by Shawn Speakman

You define life or it defines you.

In Shawn Speakman’s case, it was both.

Lacking health insurance and diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2011, Shawn quickly accrued a massive medical debt that he did not have the ability to pay. That’s when New York Times best-selling author Terry Brooks offered to donate a short story that Shawn could sell tohelp alleviate those bills—and suggested he ask the same of his other writer friends.

Unfettered is the result: an anthology built in order to relieve that debt, featuring short stories by some of the best fantasy writers in the genre.

Twenty-three tales comprise this incredible collection, and as the title suggests, the writers were free to contribute whatever they wished.

Here is the table of contents:

- Foreword by Patrick Rothfuss
- Introduction: On Becoming Unfettered
- Imaginary Friends by Terry Brooks
- How Old Holly Came To Be by Patrick Rothfuss
- The Old Scale Game by Tad Williams
- Game of Chance by Carrie Vaughn
- The Martyr of the Roses by Jacqueline Carey
- Mudboy by Peter V. Brett
- The Sound of Broken Absolutes by Peter Orullian
- The Coach with Big Teeth by R.A. Salvatore
- Keeper of Memory by Todd Lockwood
- Heaven in a Wild Flower by Blake Charlton
- Dogs by Daniel Abraham
- The Chapel Perilous by Kevin Hearne
- Select Mode by Mark Lawrence
- All the Girls Love Michael Stein by David Anthony Durham
- Strange Rain by Jennifer Bosworth
- Nocturne by Robert V.S. Redick
- Unbowed by Eldon Thompson
- In Favour with Their Stars by Naomi Novik
- River of Souls by Robert Jordan & Brandon Sanderson
- The Jester by Michael J. Sullivan
- The Duel by Lev Grossman
- Walker and the Shade of Allanon by Terry Brooks
- The Unfettered Knight by Shawn Speakman

With the help of stalwart friends and these wonderful short stories, Shawn has taken the gravest of life’s hardships and created something magical. Unfettered is not only a fantastic anthology in its own right, but it’s a testament to the generosity found in the science fiction and fantasy community—proof that humanity can give beyond itself when the need arises.

After all, isn’t that the driving narrative in fantasy literature? - from Amazon.com

One of the better Fantasy anthologies I have read in awhile, that included many of my personal favorite authors. I had lucked out and was able to get a special Phoenix ComiCon edition of this book that had like 5 of the stories by themselves, three authors of which had signed it. Overall, I enjoyed most of the stories within, though, like in all collections, there seem to be one or two that just don't agree with me. It is great when authors are able and willing to help put a collection together, as this one - which was to help raise funds for medical bills for Speakman.