Book Review: "Prince of Thorns" by Mark Lawrence

When he was nine, he watched as his mother and brother were killed before him. At thirteen, he led a band of bloodthirsty thugs. By fifteen, he intends to be king… 

It’s time for Prince Honorous Jorg Ancrath to return to the castle he turned his back on, to take what’s rightfully his. Since the day he hung pinned on the thorns of a briar patch and watched Count Renar’s men slaughter his mother and young brother, Jorg has been driven to vent his rage. Life and death are no more than a game to him—and he has nothing left to lose. But treachery awaits him in his father’s castle. Treachery and dark magic. No matter how fierce his will, can one young man conquer enemies with power beyond his imagining? - from Amazon.com

I can't believe I have waited this long to read this book. When I found out this was going to be, at minimum, a trilogy, I had set it aside as I didn't want to be kept waiting for the next book(s) to be released. I held on even as the second book became available. Finally, I could wait no longer, and I sort of kick myself. I totally enjoyed this read! Lawrence has a bit of a darkness inside to create a story about a revengeful 9-year-old coming to age in a bloody and murderous rampage. One of those "I wish I could have done that when I was pissed" kind of stories. I read through this book in just a matter of hours, as I had a hard time putting it down. Needless to say, I have started the next book in the series, KING OF THORNS, and expect to have it completed soon.

Book Review: "Sh*t My Dad Says" by Justin Halpern

Tuesdays with Morrie meets F My Life in this hilarious book about a son’s relationship with his foul-mouthed father by the 29-year-old comedy writer who created the massively popular Twitter feed of the same name. - from Amazon.com

This was a pretty short read, as one would expect being it is a collection of sayings from a Twitter feed. It was nice that Halpern included some short stories to help explain some of the sayings, and filled some space between recollections with other random things his Dad said. Not as funny as I expected, though I admit I did snicker a time or two as I read about some mishap.

Book Review: "Remember the Blood" by Vicki Pettersson

New Year’s Eve is a night of celebration and remembrance for some … but for others it’s a time to forget. While the years might pile up easily behind vampires Ina and Alexander, the memories do not. Forgetting is the price they must pay for the gift of eternal life, but Ina and Alexander will do anything to stay together … and for that they must remember the blood. 

Previously published in The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance. - from Amazon.com

I have not read any of Vicki Pettersson's books as of yet. I do have a couple lined up to follow through with now. This was a great short story I bought after being directed to it via the author's Twitter feed. Having a couple books that the synopsis read interesting, I was a bit daunted by this tale, mainly because I am not much into the romance stuff. However, I loved the ideal of the story, a different possibility of vampirism, let alone that vampires could 'love' each other rather than the usual vampire/human relationship as in most books. I don't know if I would read this id the author expanded it into a regular book, or series, but I think it a good deal at the price I paid.

Book Review: "The Daylight War" by Peter V. Brett

With The Warded Man and The Desert Spear, Peter V. Brett surged to the front rank of contemporary fantasy, standing alongside giants in the field such as George R. R. Martin, Robert Jordan, and Terry Brooks. The Daylight War, the eagerly anticipated third volume in Brett’s internationally bestselling Demon Cycle, continues the epic tale of humanity’s last stand against an army of demons that rise each night to prey on mankind.
 
On the night of the new moon, the demons rise in force, seeking the deaths of two men, both of whom have the potential to become the fabled Deliverer, the man prophesied to reunite the scattered remnants of humanity in a final push to destroy the demon corelings once and for all.
 
Arlen Bales was once an ordinary man, but now he has become something more—the Warded Man, tattooed with eldritch wards so powerful they make him a match for any demon. Arlen denies he is the Deliverer at every turn, but the more he tries to be one with the common folk, the more fervently they believe. Many would follow him, but Arlen’s path threatens to lead to a dark place he alone can travel to, and from which there may be no returning.
 
The only one with hope of keeping Arlen in the world of men, or joining him in his descent into the world of demons, is Renna Tanner, a fierce young woman in danger of losing herself to the power of demon magic.
 
Ahmann Jardir has forged the warlike desert tribes of Krasia into a demon-killing army and proclaimed himself Shar’Dama Ka, the Deliverer. He carries ancient weapons—a spear and a crown—that give credence to his claim, and already vast swaths of the green lands bow to his control.
 
But Jardir did not come to power on his own. His rise was engineered by his First Wife, Inevera, a cunning and powerful priestess whose formidable demon bone magic gives her the ability to glimpse the future. Inevera’s motives and past are shrouded in mystery, and even Jardir does not entirely trust her.
 
Once Arlen and Jardir were as close as brothers. Now they are the bitterest of rivals. As humanity’s enemies rise, the only two men capable of defeating them are divided against each other by the most deadly demons of all—those lurking in the human heart. - from Amazon.com

I was a bit miffed at Brett's third book of the Demon War series. I had read quickly through the first two, and even the additional short stories. This one made me feel a bit daunted. Or maybe it was the material content.

The story continues the ongoing war of humans versus the demons that rise at night. Whereas the first book brought us Arlen Bales, the changed (and warded) man, and book two gave us Jardir's background more in-depth. Book three seemed a bit of a waste as it spent much of the time backtracking about Inerva, Jardir's first wife. I never cared how she came to be his wife, and still don't see the relevancy to the whole story line of why we need to know this.

Also, Arlen hooks up with Renna, and they get Promised (married). This gal is a brat! Defies all warnings, suggestions to the good, and does whatever she wants. And the dialogue she has with anyone is like a third-grade kid. Yes, I know she is supposed to be 'backwoods' and thus uneducated, but it's cheesy stuff. 

I did like the advancement of the current story line, though I am a bit miffed at the ending. Obviously there is a fourth book to come, as it would suck for Brett to end the series this way. I do hope the next book will stick more to the current story, instead of going back over every character's life up to the point where they enter the story.

Book Review: "The Great Bazaar & Brayan's Gold" by Peter V. Brett

Humanity has been brought to the brink of extinction. Each night, the world is overrun by demons--bloodthirsty creatures of nightmare that have been hunting and killing humanity for over 300 years. A scant few hamlets and half-starved city-states are all that remain of a once proud civilization, and it is only by hiding behind wards, ancient symbols with the power to repel the demons, that they survive. A handful of Messengers brave the night to keep the lines of communication open between the increasingly isolated populace.

But there was a time when the demons were not so bold. A time when wards did more than hold the demons at bay. They allowed man to fight back, and to win. Messenger Arlen Bales will search anywhere, dare anything, to return this magic to the world.

Abban, a merchant in the Great Bazaar of Krasia, purports to sell everything a man's heart could desire, including, perhaps, the key to Arlen's quest. - from Goodreads.com

This book is part of the The Demon War trilogy, but moreso as a fill-in/short side stories way. The first story is The Great Bazaar, which recounts Arlen's time as a Messenger, his relationship with Abban, and leads into how he finds the lost city of Anoch Sun. This was a nice tie-in to the trilogy, and basically only provides minimal needed information to the trilogy. I have enjoyed the character Arlen, that I found this to be a nice read.

The second story is Brayan's Gold, and it actually takes place before The Great Bazaar. It is a story about Arlen's early Messenger days, and his first 'solo' run to the Brayan's Mine. This was a great character development short story, and gives a little more insight to Arlen's way of thinking and beliefs. Also, it introduces a different kind of demon that had not been mentioned in the trilogy (at least the first two books).

Book Review: "The Desert Spear" by Peter V. Brett

The sun is setting on humanity. The night now belongs to voracious demons that prey upon a dwindling population forced to cower behind half-forgotten symbols of power. Legends tell of a Deliverer: a general who once bound all mankind into a single force that defeated the demons. But is the return of the Deliverer just another myth? Perhaps not. Out of the desert rides Ahmann Jardir, who has forged the desert tribes into a demon-killing army. He has proclaimed himself Shar’Dama Ka, the Deliverer, and he carries ancient weapons—a spear and a crown—that give credence to his claim. But the Northerners claim their own Deliverer: the Warded Man, a dark, forbidding figure. Once, the Shar’Dama Ka and the Warded Man were friends. Now they are fierce adversaries. Yet as old allegiances are tested and fresh alliances forged, all are unaware of the appearance of a new breed of demon, more intelligent—and deadly—than any that have come before. - from Amazon.com

This is the second book in The Demon War trilogy by Brett. The story continues the stories of Rojer, Leesha, and Arlen, as well as does a more in-depth background on Jardir, leader of the Krasians. I read through this one just as fast as the first one, trying to anticipate what would happen. I enjoyed how the story filled in some background that previously had been missed, which I felt added to the overall story. I don't know if that was the author's intent, but it worked fine. Continuing on!!

Book Review: "The Warded Man" by Peter V. Brett

As darkness falls, demon corelings rise — multitudes and giants, strong from fire, wood, and rock, hungry for human flesh. Centuries ago, humans knew magic wards to protect and attack, now human numbers dwindle. Only the men of a single desert tribe, worshipers of theDeliverer, fight back. 

Three young survivors of vicious demon attacks dare the impossible. Arlen, Leesha, and Rojer step beyond the crumbling safety of the few remembered wards in remote rural villages, and risk everything in a desperate quest to regain the secrets of the past. Together, they will stand against the night. - from Goodreads.com

What a great read! I had a hard time putting this book down, as I just had to keep reading to find out what would happen next. Peter V. Brett did a wonderful job of linking the characters together from separate beginnings, and leading them on the start of a great adventure. I found the action moved along well, and descriptions were well written. This is the first book of The Demon War trilogy.

Book Review: "Nikkoleth" by Angel St. Clair

In a city where werewolves dealt drugs, kidnapped teenagers and crime was on an all time high, Nikkoleth, ancient vampire, and hired assassin was called in to clean up the mess. She finds herself tangled in a web of lies, deceit, and mystery, both of the present and the past. "Who are you?" "I am Nikkoleth. i am Death". -from Amazon.com

This book I received just a few short weeks ago. I "won" it in a giveaway on Facebook, by being the 50th person to 'Like' the author's page. I also know the author, though did not receive the book for that reason. It is an autographed, paperback edition.

Nikkoleth is a vampire that works as an assassin for an unknown, except for his name, employer. She is sent on a mission in Southern Arizona, that suddenly puts her in a situation where her morals and ethics come into play. As she finishes up her mission, it suddenly changes into a more in-depth job, that does nothing but go along with her feelings of anger and revenge. While the story unfolds, we learn a bit more about Nikkoleth, some of her 'co-workers' and as usual in these types of books, a handsome love interest. This is the first of a possible series by St. Clair, (as on Amazon, it is listed as The Daughters of Darkness, Volume 1).

If you are into the urban fantasy genre, with vampires and werewolves, you will enjoy picking up this book. I breezed through it in just a few short days, reading a few hours a day. I enjoyed the development of the main character, Nikkoleth, throughout the story, though I felt not much was really revealed about her. Perhaps this is something that is to come in future books. The story moved quickly, with decent action sequences where needed. The couple 'token love scenes' were not overboard in exhausting detail (I hate pages of sex smut). Based on some of the language, and maybe a little of the sexual content, I would say this is not a YA novel.

That all being said, there were a few negatives to the book. The copy I received was average in thickness, but once opened appeared to be maybe a large-print edition, or maybe it was all double-spaced, which was not a major issue, but my first thought was how fast I was going to read through it. There were many errors in punctuation, capitalization, and spelling throughout the book. I think most of it is easily correctable with a good detail reader prior to publishing, or even an actual editor. In the self-publishing market, this happens quite a bit though, and it isn't so bad to detract from the book. I also noticed a few smaller scenes a bit out of sequence nearer the end of the story. My guess is they were sections re-worked to fill in some detail, and some details were inserted too early by accident.

I did enjoy the story, and would purchase (if not win possibly) more books in this series. I thought St. Clair did a fine job for a first work, and with use of an editor or such, her future works should be fine to read.

Book Review: "Best Served Cold" by Joe Abercrombie

Springtime in Styria. And that means war.

There have been nineteen years of blood. The ruthless Grand Duke Orso is locked in a vicious struggle with the squabbling League of Eight, and between them they have bled the land white. While armies march, heads roll and cities burn, behind the scenes bankers and priests and older, darker powers play a deadly game to choose who will be king.

War may be hell, but for Monza Murcatto, the Snake of Talins, the most feared and famous mercenary in Duke Orso’s employ, it’s a damn good way of making money too. Her victories have made her popular – a shade too popular for her employers' taste. Betrayed, thrown down a mountain and left for dead, Murcatto’s reward is a broken body and a burning hunger for vengeance. Whatever the cost, seven men must die.

Her allies include Styria’s least reliable drunkard, Styria’s most treacherous poisoner, a mass-murderer obsessed with numbers and a Barbarian who just wants to do the right thing. Her enemies number the better half of the nation. And that’s all before the most dangerous man in the world is dispatched to hunt her down and finish the job Duke Orso started...

Springtime in Styria. And that means revenge. - taken from Goodreads.com

I really enjoyed Abercrombie's 'The First Law' series, and it is nice to pick up a story taking place in the same setting. Abercrombie's writing style is definitely dark. I loved the way some of the secondary characters (from the First Law series) have come to life on their own in this book. Nothing like a bit of dark revenge.

Book Review: "Grimoire of the Lamb" by Kevin Hearne

From the author of The Iron Druid Chronicles comes a rollicking, all-new urban-fantasy adventure featuring Atticus O’Sullivan. Atticus has a history of messing with the gods, and in this eBook original novella, he’ll have to outfox a deity at her own deadly cat-and-mouse game.

When he’s not vanquishing villainous gods or dodging demons, two-thousand-year-old Druid Atticus O’Sullivan can be found behind the counter of Third Eye Books and Herbs in modern-day Tempe, Arizona, literally minding his own business. But when an evil sorcerer—and amateur shoplifter—snatches an ancient Egyptian tome of black magic, The Grimoire of the Lamb, Atticus is not sheepish about pursuing him to the ends of the earth . . . or at least to the Land of the Pharaohs.

Unfortunatel,y Atticus already has enemies in Egypt—including cat goddess Bast, who wants her own book of mischief back from the Druid. In the streets of Cairo, she sends a feline phalanx after Atticus and his Irish wolfhound, Oberon. With fur still flying, Atticus must locate the sorcerer’s secret lair—where he will face killer crocodiles, spooky sarcophagi, and an ancient evil Egyptian who’s determined to order the sacrificial lamb special tonight.

Includes a preview of Kevin Hearne’s highly anticipated new novel in The Iron Druid Chronicles, Hunted! - from Amazon.com

How does one NOT like the Iron Druid series? Having spent many years here in the Phoenix area (near where the author - and main character - reside) it is great to find some references I am able to say I've been there. Reading about a druid, that seems to be pretty 'hip' and into the current times, is a nice change instead of being based on times back during the medieval time periods. Kevin Hearne has mixed in regular mythology from several cultures, and a few weird ones, to combine it into a great read. Looking forward to the next book due this summer, HUNTED.

This is just a short story of Atticus O'Sullivan, the last druid on Earth, prior to the start of the Iron Druid series in book one, HOUNDED. 

Book Review: "Tome of the Undergates" by Sam Sykes

Lenk can barely keep control of his mismatched adventurer band at the best of times (Gariath the dragon man sees humans as little more than prey, Kataria the Shict despises most humans, and the humans in the band are little better). When they're not insulting each other's religions they're arguing about pay and conditions. So when the ship they are travelling on is attacked by pirates things don't go very well. 

They go a whole lot worse when an invincible demon joins the fray. The demon steals the Tome of the Undergates - a manuscript that contains all you need to open the undergates. And whichever god you believe in you don't want the undergates open. On the other side are countless more invincible demons, the manifestation of all the evil of the gods, and they want out.

Full of razor-sharp wit, characters who leap off the page (and into trouble) and plunging the reader into a vivid world of adventure this is a fantasy that kicks off a series that could dominate the second decade of the century. - from Goodreads.com

Take a group of adventurers, that seem to have never met one another before, across several races, then send them out to retrieve something stolen from you, and you have TOME OF THE UNDERGATES. This is only the first part of the series, as I see there are two more books that follow, and I am sure looking forward to reading more about Lenk and the band of adventurers.

I have seen the name Sam Sykes for awhile now, speaking of his work in the fantasy genre, and now see why he deserves such mention. The skill that he employs in managing not only an interesting story, but the constant interaction among the six-member adventure group. Add to that the background details for each, that grabs your attention, and makes you want more.

This isn't your Young Adult fantasy, folks. This is hard-core, but totally SFW.