Book Review: "Dangerous Games" by Jonathan Oliver

In a world ruled by chance, one rash decision could bring down the house, one roll of the dice could bring untold wealth, or the end of everything.
The players have gathered around the table, each to tell their story—often dark, always compelling. Within you will find tales of the players and the played, lives governed by games deadly, weird, or downright bizarre.
Bringing together tales of the weird and the macabre, Dangerous Games is a diverse collection of voices, featuring incredible new fiction by Chuck Wendig, Silvia Moreno-Garcia, Lavie Tidhar, Benjanun Sriduangkaew, Paul Kearney, Libby McGugan, Yoon Ha Lee, Gary Northfield, Melanie Tem, Hillary Monahan, Tade Thompson, Rebecca Levene, Ivo Stourton, Gary McMahon, Robert Shearman, Nik Vincent, Helen Marshall, and Pat Cadigan. - from NetGalley.com

I received a free ebook copy for review from the publisher, Rebellion, through Netgalley.com.

This was a bit of a different compilation of stories I thought I would enjoy immensely. Though, I admit it was more because Chuck Wendig had a story in it, than anything else. However, after reading the stories from these other authors I had not heard of before, I realized I liked some of the stories better than even the author I knew I liked.

Without ruining any particular story, each seemed to be based around a particular game, and even a couple that seemed to include more than one. I expected a bit more dreary stories centered around card games, or maybe some sort of hunting theme, but was pleasantly surprised at the imagination brought into the story off some basic game.

I enjoyed the collection of stories and would recommend to family/friends.

Book Review: "Spectrum" by Alan Jacobson

New York City: home to world-renowned museums, theater, restaurants, iconic sports franchises. Central Park. Wall Street. And an infamous serial killer who’s terrorized the Big Apple for decades.

The year is 1995 and the NYPD has just graduated a promising new patrol officer named Karen Vail. The rookie’s first day on the job is anything but easy when she finds herself at the crime scene of a young woman murdered in an unusual manner. Vail is unsure of what she’s looking at or what it means—but it’s a case that will weigh on her mind for nearly twenty years.

As the years pass, Vail’s career takes unexpected twists and turns—as does the case that’s come to be known as Hades. Now a skilled FBI profiler, will Vail be in a better position to catch the killer? Or will Hades prove to be Karen Vail’s hell on earth?

The character who has captivated readers worldwide—and who won the praise of literary giants Michael Connelly, James Patterson, and Nelson DeMille—returns in a story that captures the experiences that shaped the revered profiler and made her the top cop she is today.m - from NetGalley.com

I received a free ebook copy from the publisher (Open Road Media) through NetGalley.com in exchange for a review.

I had previously read a few of the Karen Vail novels from Jacobson, and enjoyed them, so when I saw this one available, I immediately requested it. Needless to say, Jacobson did not disappoint. Learning a bit about Vail's earlier days and reasons why she reacts to certain things, was a nice insight to the character I had not seen before, and it made for a good read.

The plot twists and jumps in time kept my interest in reading more of the story, though at times I felt a bit stalled. Characters were a bit less detailed as what I recall in the other novels I read, but that could be my memory, not an actual detail. The Autism issue addressed in the story was a nice surprise, and the description of the spectrum was good. I admit I sort of felt like the author had jumped on the Autism bandwagon, but understand that with it being more in public awareness, how does one NOT include it sooner or later.

Overall, I enjoyed the book, and would recommend to friends/family.

Book REview: "The Cold Commands" by Richard Morgan

Ringil Eskiath, scarred wielder of the kiriath-forged broadsword Ravensfriend, is a man on the run from his past and the family who have disowned him, from the slave trade magnates of Trelayne who want him dead, and apparently from the dark gods themselves, who are taking an interest but making no more sense than they ever have. Outlawed and exiled from his ancestral home in the north, Ringil has only one place left to turn Yhelteth, city heart of the southern Empire, where perhaps he can seek asylum with the kiriath half-breed Archeth Indamaninarmal, former war comrade and now high-up advisor to the Emperor Jhiral Khimran II. But Archeth Indamaninarmal has problems of her own to contend with, as does her house guest, bodyguard and one time steppe nomad Egar the Dragonbane. And far from gaining the respite he is seeks, Ringil will instead find himself implicated in fresh schemes and doubtful allegiances no safer than those he has left behind. Old enemies are stirring, the old order is rotted through and crumbling, and though no-one yet knows it, the city of Yhelteth is about to explode. - from Goodreads.com

This is the second book in the A Land Fit For Heroes saga, following the first book, THE STEEL REMAINS, and continues the story of three main characters: Ringil, Egar the Dragonbane, and Archeth.

In short, this second book kept me up at night, and sent me napping on the weekend. There was just enough action to keep my attention piqued, but seemed to drag at places, though I know the information had to be presented. Having jumped into the third book, THE DARK DEFILES, I can say that much of the slow parts are much needed. Morgan does an awesome job bringing together a medieval land, toss in some magical beings, mythological-type gods, and some semi-post-apocalyptic world settings/knowledge, and you have one hell of a put-together tale.

Book Review: "Mr. Mercedes" by Stephen King

In a mega-stakes, high-suspense race against time, three of the most unlikely and winning heroes Stephen King has ever created try to stop a lone killer from blowing up thousands. In the frigid pre-dawn hours, in a distressed Midwestern city, hundreds of desperate unemployed folks are lined up for a spot at a job fair. Without warning, a lone driver plows through the crowd in a stolen Mercedes, running over the innocent, backing up, and charging again. Eight people are killed; fifteen are wounded. The killer escapes. In another part of town, months later, a retired cop named Bill Hodges is still haunted by the unsolved crime. When he gets a crazed letter from someone who self-identifies as the perp; and threatens an even more diabolical attack, Hodges wakes up from his depressed and vacant retirement, hell-bent on preventing another tragedy. Brady Hartfield lives with his alcoholic mother in the house where he was born. He loved the feel of death under the wheels of the Mercedes, and he wants that rush again. Only Bill Hodges, with a couple of highly unlikely allies, can apprehend the killer before he strikes again. And they have no time to lose, because Brady's next mission, if it succeeds, will kill or maim thousands. Mr. Mercedes is a war between good and evil, from the master of suspense whose insight into the mind of this obsessed, insane killer is chilling and unforgettable.

In the gloomy pre-dawn hours of a distressed Midwestern city, hundreds of unemployed hopefuls are lined up for a job fair. Without warning, a merciless driver plows through the crowd in a roaring Mercedes. Eight people are killed; 15 are wounded. The killer escapes into the early-spring fog never to be seen from again. Until now...

Detective Bill Hodges is a battle-hardened and streetwise crime fighter originally assigned to the Mercedes killings. Now retired, Hodges has lost his way in boredom and depression craving the thrills of taking down the region’s most notorious criminals. When a disturbing letter from the Mercedes Killer arrives at his door, Hodges soon finds himself uncontrollably drawn into a cat-n-mouse pursuit with stakes beyond comprehension.

Mr. Mercedes is Stephen’s first “hard-boiled detective tale.” It will transport you into a vibrant and dangerous world filled with gritty characters living on the bleeding edge of reason. Be prepared... - from Goodreads.com

Months ago, I got a little thrill knowing Stephen King was coming out with another book. Even after its release, I still hadn't even read the synopsis of what the story was going to be about, I just got the book and jumped into it as soon as I had a chance. It was like jumping headfirst into the shallow end of the pool, hitting your head, and surfacing all confused. I know King has done some other 'hard-boiled detective' type stories (loved THE COLORADO KID) but it generally is not the type of story I like, and not what I was expecting from King. Yes, I know. I should have read the synopsis.

That being said, I must admit at the time of my reading, that I just was not in the mood for this type of story, and because I was expecting something different, I had to put the book down after reading only about a third of it. Someday I may take it back up and try again, but for now it shall sit there until my reading interest changes (again).

Book Review: "Broken Shield" by J. D. Rhoades

Chief Deputy Tim Buckthorn takes center stage in this scorching sequel to the bestselling BREAKING COVER.

Buckthorn and his beloved hometown of Pine Lake thought they'd seen the last of FBI agent Tony Wolf. But when evidence of a kidnapping literally falls from the sky, Wolf returns to assist in the search for an abducted young girl. Buckthorn, Wolf, and brilliant FBI prodigy Leila Dushane race against the clock to piece the clues together.

When the evil they find follows Buckthorn home, vengeance begets vengeance, and Pine Lake is once again torn apart by the hatred of violent and lawless men. By the explosive finish, Tim Buckthorn, a sworn officer of the law, will have crossed every line he ever knew to protect the people and the place he loves. - from Goodreads.com

If I remember correctly, I got this from Amazon for free at some point, and it has just taken me awhile to get to it. When it comes to books in a series, or containing a sequence using the same character, I always like to read previous stories, but in case, I was needing a book pretty fast, and this one felt right at the time. Not having read the first book, this one seemed to start off just fine, but the further I got into the book, I realized I had gotten more than what I bargained for.

The writing style was pretty easy to follow, and much of the story was easy to figure out what was going to happen next. There didn't seem to be character development for anyone. No 'fleshing out' character backgrounds, and to me, it made them feel like cardboard cutouts. Dialogue was at a minimum, and I just felt like the reader was to make assumptions based on stereotypes. 

I made it just over half way through this book before quitting on it. The abducted girl was safe, and I knew the remaining half of the book would be the supercop and his female FBI/sex partner would chase down the big, bad boss that caused all the hoopla in the beginning. Yeah, and I got tired of the fake sexual tension and wordplay.

Book Review: "Fortress Frontier" by Myke Cole

The Great Reawakening did not come quietly. Across the country and in every nation, people began to develop terrifying powers—summoning storms, raising the dead, and setting everything they touch ablaze. Overnight the rules changed…but not for everyone.

Colonel Alan Bookbinder is an army bureaucrat whose worst war wound is a paper-cut. But after he develops magical powers, he is torn from everything he knows and thrown onto the front-lines.

Drafted into the Supernatural Operations Corps in a new and dangerous world, Bookbinder finds himself in command of Forward Operating Base Frontier—cut off, surrounded by monsters, and on the brink of being overrun.

Now, he must find the will to lead the people of FOB Frontier out of hell, even if the one hope of salvation lies in teaming up with the man whose own magical powers put the base in such grave danger in the first place—Oscar Britton, public enemy number one... - from Goodreads.com

This is the second novel in the Shadow Ops series by Cole, and again, I am amazed at his writing. Like the first book followed Oscar Britton as he became 'Latent', this story tells the story of Alan Bookbinder, as he becomes 'Latent' and also continues the main story that is happening, including Britton, the FOB, etc. It almost sounds like there is too much going on, but the details are clearly explained, and the story just keeps you hooked, wondering what is going to happen next.

Even though I am not one much for heavy military reading, Cole is able to make the reader feel like they are "in the know" with military lingo and routine. What one feels he may have left out, it just isn't needed in the story. Great continuation on the story from the first novel, introducing a new major character, yet keeping the time line constant. Though there are small contacts with previous characters, there is not much additional detail about them, which leaves me to think that Cole did this on purpose to keep the reader focused on the new characters here. In a sense, that he will expand in more detail in a future book (s).

I greatly enjoyed this read, as much as I did the first one. At this time I know there is a third book out, and I will be reading it soon.

"Any Other Name" by Craig Johnson

Sheriff Walt Longmire is sinking into a high-plains winter discontent when his former boss, Lucian Connally, asks him to take on a mercy case outside his jurisdiction. Detective Gerald Holman of neighboring Campbell County is dead, and Lucian wants to know what drove his old friend, a by-the-book lawman with a wife and daughter, to take his own life. With the clock ticking on the birth of Walt’s first grandchild in Philadelphia, he enlists the help of undersheriff Vic Moretti, Henry Standing Bear, and Gillette policeman Corbin Dougherty and, looking for answers, reopens Holman’s last case.

Before his mysterious death, Detective Holman was elbow-deep in a cold case involving three local women who’d gone missing with nothing to connect the disappearances—or so it seemed. The detective’s family and the Campbell County sheriff’s office beg Walt to drop the case. An open-and-shut suicide they say. But there’s a blood trail too hot to ignore, and it’s leading Walt in circles: from a casino in Deadwood, to a mysterious lodge in the snowy Black Hills of South Dakota, to a band of international hit men, to a shady strip club, and back again to the Campbell County sheriff’s office. Digging deeper, Walt will uncover a secret so dark it threatens to claim other lives before the sheriff can serve justice—Wyoming style. - from Amazon.com

This is book ten in the Walt Longmire series, that I fell in love with due to the television show (which is now in season three).  

This story brings Walt in helping out his friend, and former sheriff, Lucian Connally, on a case in a nearby county. Being tenacious as Walt is, he is swept up into the cause of a suicide of an officer, and his family, as he searches for the reason a "solid" officer would kill himself in such a mysterious way (for that officer). Also going on is Walt's daughter Cady, who is in Philidelphia, and is having a baby that she is demanding Walt be there for the birth of. Nothing like some pressure to get the case solved.

Brief appearances by Vic Morelli and Henry Standing-Bear help fill in part of the story, but most of it seems to be Walt following the trail as it leads into the lives and happenstances of three missing women. 

I enjoyed the previous novels quite a bit, but felt a bit let-down on this one. It read more like a possible script for a tv show, than the writing style Johnson showed in his other Longmire stories. Still a decent read, but felt it was a bit more forced to have some more internal struggle in Walt, though he has always been a pitbull when on a case, and always sought true justice for a crime. I hope there will be more stories of Longmire, as I would like to see more develop between him and Vic, and more on Henry.

"Shadow Ops: Control Point" by Myke Cole

Army Officer. Fugitive. Sorcerer.

Across the country and in every nation, people are waking up with magical talents. Untrained and panicked, they summon storms, raise the dead, and set everything they touch ablaze.
Army officer Oscar Britton sees the worst of it. A lieutenant attached to the military's Supernatural Operations Corps, his mission is to bring order to a world gone mad. Then he abruptly manifests a rare and prohibited magical power, transforming him overnight from government agent to public enemy number one.

The SOC knows how to handle this kind of situation: hunt him down--and take him out. Driven into an underground shadow world, Britton is about to learn that magic has changed all the rules he's ever known, and that his life isn't the only thing he's fighting for. - from Amazon.com

This book was a bit of a surprise to me. I had originally picked it up mainly because I saw the author 'hung out' with several authors I had read and enjoyed, on social media. I figured he must write similar stories. I was a bit wrong, but in a totally good way!

This is the first of at least three books by Cole, that tell a story about an alternate Earth. One where we are in a modern day setting, that has had a connection to an alternate dimension that contains "magic". Somehow this magic shows up as abilities in humans to control different things such as elementals (fire, water, air, etc), manipulate the dead, create portals, etc. In an attempt to control people with these 'Latent" powers, the U.S. creates a special army, called the SOC, to enforce laws made regarding the use of magic, etc. I don't want to spend much time breaking that all done.

In book one, we find Oscar Britton, who is in the Army with no magical skill, on a joint mission with the SOC to take down a couple teens that had manifested powers and were on a rampage. Immediately following the take-down, Britton shows a latency for creating portals, a rare form of magic in humans. Portals that open into this alternate shadow world. The SOC apprehend a Britton, while he is trying to flee.

Unknown to the regular world, the SOC have created a Forward Operating Base in this shadow world, where they train those new to this magic, and basically indoctrinate them into the SOC. The story follows Britton as he goes here, his personal battles about what is right/wrong not only with what he believes, but what the SOC is doing, and also follows his building of relationships with others at the FOB, and the indignant peoples, which are described as similar to goblins in look. 

Near the end of the book, the action comes to a head as Britton "escapes" the SOC FOB in the shadow world.

I don't want to share too much of the story, as you will enjoy the writing as I did. I am not into military-type fantasy novels as a rule, but this one just grabbed me up and took me for a ride. The writing was more simplistic and able to be understood (in regards to military terms/meanings/operations/rank) that I actually felt it was pretty much description in the story. Characters seemed to be well-built, though a bit predictable in how they would react, just not as to how. More military than fantasy? Nope! definitely a good mix of both.

Book Review: "The Very Best of Fantasy & Science Fiction Vol. 2"

The magazine Fantasy & Science Fiction continues to showcase some of the most famous authors writing in any genre. Now drawing upon F&SF’s impressive history of classic and contemporary tales, this extraordinary companion anthology revisits and expands upon sixty-five years’ worth of top-notch fiction. These broad-ranging, award-winning tales appeal to readers of genre fiction and beyond, exploring alternate history, time travel, urban fantasy, cyberpunk, modern myth, horror, interstellar travel, epic fantasy, mystery, space opera, and much more. - excerpt from Netgalley.com

A good collection of short stories from the magazine Fantasy & Science Fiction featuring a few from authors I have heard of before, and many I had not. As typical in any collection of shorts, there were stories I did not care for, and a few that I liked. Overall it was a nice collection through many years of publication that the magazine had been around.

Book Review: "Souls of the Damned" by E.S. Moore

Kat Redding would love to take a break from the gruesome, dangerous work of hunting down rogue vampires and werewolves, battling for innocent lives. But there's no peace for Lady Death. Until Kat's young charge, Sienna, appears on her doorstep, escaped from the shadow-paradise of Delai. Sienna is weak, confused, desperate--human in the utmost. If Kat is going to have any hope of breaking the hold of Delai, she'll have to infiltrate the walls around the false sanctuary. And the only way she can do that is to trade in her battle-hardened, bloodthirsty vampire's body--for Sienna's human form.

With no weapons but her wits, Kat has to trust a demon, defeat an angel, and wrestle with her own rebel soul--because with all the fear and death she's conquered, no one has ever offered her another day under a warm yellow sun. . . - from Amazon.com

I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher, Kensington Books, through NetGalley, for a review.

This is the fifth book in the Kat Redding series, and takes off pretty much right after book four. By now hopefully you have read the others and are aware that Kat is a vampire that hunts other vampires, and weres. She has a human room mate that summons a demon, has feelings for a werewolf leader, is oath-bound to another werewolf that wants her, and has so many "fingers in the pot" stuff going on, it makes her more human and likable.

Great continuation of the story line. I like how this one closes a few doors on some things that had happened before, and yet, leaves us hanging for another book to find out what happens next. The 'Supes' (vamps, weres, etc) are described realistically. Though I am not for the romance aspect in many of the paranormal/urban fantasy genres, the little love interests going on through this series is pretty dent, with out going overboard, jumping into some sex scene every page turn.

Time Waits For No One

I have been neglecting getting my crappy reviews up on here of late. Between work and family life, I have barely time enough to get some reading done, but I hope to have some of that fixed in a short while. Over the next few days I will try to get caught up.

Some good news ... I joined in a group for advance reading copies of some of Joseph Nassise's work! Also, several books by authors I enjoy have been released recently, and I hope to get started on them as well!

Thanks for stopping by for my badly worded opinions.

Book Review: "The Valhalla Prophecy" by Andy McDermott

MYSTERIOUS RUNE STONES.
AN ANCIENT VIKING MYTH.
AND A PROPHECY OF LIFE OR DEATH.
 
In a Stockholm museum, thieves steal an enormous Norse rune stone, but not before killing a security guard. When Nina Wilde, head of the International Heritage Agency (IHA), and her husband and ex-mercenary Eddie Chase arrive to investigate, they are told a chilling story: A scholar has discovered that the stone may be one of two keys to finding the mythological site of Valhalla, where the Vikings predicted the world’s final battle would begin. The second lies at the bottom of a Norwegian lake. But when Nina and Eddie race to the scene, they’re hit with a shocking surprise.
 
Covert agents from around the world are drawn into a lethal game, including a ruthless mole in the IHA. Then a disturbing secret surfaces from Eddie’s past, involving a mission in Vietnam and a woman he tried to save. Suddenly suspicious of her own husband, Nina cannot afford to stop the perilous search for the artifact. For somewhere in a remote wilderness, two forces are about to converge: one that could save the world. . . . and one that could destroy it.- from Amazon.com

I received an ARC from Random House Publishing Group - Bantam Dell through Netgalley.com for free in exchange for a review.

I don't recall reading any of McDermott's previous novels in this series of Nina and Eddie Chase. I believe this is approximately book nine in the series, but even so, reading it without knowing previous escapades, it read well. This is definitely a thriller/action/adventure novel that I compare to the Boyd Morrison's Tyler Locke series. Plenty of snarkiness in extreme tense situations, led into with a bit of history as Nina Chase is an archaeologist.  I enjoyed the way McDermott put together some mythological Norse tales, and bring it to a modern day story.

Book Review: "Fool's Assassin" by Robin Hobb

Nearly twenty years ago, Robin Hobb burst upon the fantasy scene with the first of her acclaimed Farseer novels, Assassin’s Apprentice, which introduced the characters of FitzChivalry Farseer and his uncanny friend the Fool. A watershed moment in modern fantasy, this novel—and those that followed—broke exciting new ground in a beloved genre. Together with George R. R. Martin, Robin Hobb helped pave the way for such talented new voices as Scott Lynch, Brandon Sanderson, and Naomi Novik.

Over the years, Hobb’s imagination has soared throughout the mythic lands of the Six Duchies in such bestselling series as the Liveship Traders Trilogy and the Rain Wilds Chronicles. But no matter how far she roamed, her heart always remained with Fitz. And now, at last, she has come home, with an astonishing new novel that opens a dark and gripping chapter in the Farseer saga.

FitzChivalry—royal bastard and former king’s assassin—has left his life of intrigue behind. As far as the rest of the world knows, FitzChivalry Farseer is dead and buried. Masquerading as Tom Badgerlock, Fitz is now married to his childhood sweetheart, Molly, and leading the quiet life of a country squire.

Though Fitz is haunted by the disappearance of the Fool, who did so much to shape Fitz into the man he has become, such private hurts are put aside in the business of daily life, at least until the appearance of menacing, pale-skinned strangers casts a sinister shadow over Fitz’s past . . . and his future.

Now, to protect his new life, the former assassin must once again take up his old one. . . .
 - from Amazon.com

I received an uncorrected proof of this book from the publisher, Random House Publishing Group - Del Rey Spectra, in exchange for a review.

The return to the world of the Fool and Fitz was not to happen, I thought those many years ago when I finished the series. This brings back their return, in about the same amount of time as it feels like it has been in the real world for me. Now Fitz is married, and the unexpected birth of a daughter, though long past the child-bearing years of his wife, brings on a new danger. Most of the book seemed to be self contemplation for Fitz, sharing guilt he holds for things done in the past, and then speculations and fears for the future in regards to his daughter, or whatever event is taking precedence at that moment. The story does evolve eventually, and leaves me guessing as to what will happen in future tales (because there will be, I hope).

Book Review: "The Hero's Lot" by Patrick W. Carr

Riveting Sequel from Christian Fantasy's Most Talented New Voice

When Sarin Valon, the corrupt secondus of the conclave, flees Erinon and the kingdom, Errol Stone believes his troubles have at last ended. But other forces bent on the destruction of the kingdom remain and conspire to accuse Errol and his friends of a conspiracy to usurp the throne.

In a bid to keep the three of them from the axe, Archbenefice Canon sends Martin and Luis to Errol's home village, Callowford, to discover what makes him so important to the kingdom. But Errol is also accused of consorting with spirits. Convicted, his punishment is a journey to the enemy kingdom of Merakh, where he must find Sarin Valon, and kill him. To enforce their sentence, Errol is placed under a compulsion, and he is driven to accomplish his task or die resisting. - from Amazon.com

This is the second book in The Staff and the Sword series, and continues without any time lost from the first novel. This book finds Errol under compulsion from the church, once again, to seek out and stop the rogue Reader in Merakhi. On this journey, he discovers more of the truth of what Martin and Luis had not told him, as well as more inner convictions. The religious tones of the story also come out more, though not overwhelming the reader.

As with the first book, I enjoyed reading this one through to the end to find out what happens to our main character. Though the plot is an often told one, there is enough twists in the plot, and the different kind of "magic" (Readers casting lots moreso than just discovering you can do more sorcerer-like magic)keeps me wondering how this may change with time as our main character has developed it so fast, as well as having a rare form of Reading ability. nothing stopping me from the third book, which I received free through Netgalley and the publisher, Bethany House Publishers, in exchange for a review.

Book Review: "Half A King" by Joe Abercrombie

“I swore an oath to avenge the death of my father. I may be half a man, but I swore a whole oath.”
 
Prince Yarvi has vowed to regain a throne he never wanted. But first he must survive cruelty, chains, and the bitter waters of the Shattered Sea. And he must do it all with only one good hand.
 
The deceived will become the deceiver.
 
Born a weakling in the eyes of his father, Yarvi is alone in a world where a strong arm and a cold heart rule. He cannot grip a shield or swing an axe, so he must sharpen his mind to a deadly edge.
 
The betrayed will become the betrayer.
 
Gathering a strange fellowship of the outcast and the lost, he finds they can do more to help him become the man he needs to be than any court of nobles could.
 
Will the usurped become the usurper?
 
But even with loyal friends at his side, Yarvi finds his path may end as it began—in twists, and traps, and tragedy. - from Amazon.com

I received an ARC of this novel through Netgalley.com by the publisher, Random House Publishing Group - Del Rey Spectra, in exchange for a review.

I have been a fan of Joe Abercrombie since his THE FIRST LAW series. That being said, I dove right into this story as soon as I got my hands on it, and I was not disappointed. This is a shorter than usual tale that Abercrombie shares with us, of the revenge sworn to be taken by a prince who has a malformed hand. Thrust into the King's throne suddenly due to the murder of his father, and older brother, Yarvi is introduced to regicide, though barely escapes with his life. Once he escapes, he is caught by slavers, and his tale begins. 

This is the basic story of revenge for the death of one's father (and family, plus being the rulers of the land), added in with the tale of growing up handicapped in a world where being less than hale is as good as being dead. Yarvi's tale shares how his training for the Ministry (similar to a priesthood, giving up all claims/family, yet serving as an advisor for a king) helped him escape his death, make friends, and complete his revenge oath.

This story was shorter than previous novels by Abercrombie, and thus was a pretty fast read. Being shorter in length, the characters were still pretty well developed and the story contained enough plot twists to keep me wondering how, and when, it would all come full circle. Another good story by Joe.

Book Review: "The Shadow Reader" by Sandy Williams

A Houston college student, McKenzie Lewis can track fae by reading the shadows they leave behind. For years she has been working for the fae King, tracking rebels who would claim the Realm. Her job isn't her only secret. She's in love with Kyol, the King's sword-master-but human and fae relationships are forbidden. When McKenzie is captured by Aren, the fierce rebel leader, she learns that not everything is as she thought. And McKenzie must decide who to trust and where she stands in the face of a cataclysmic civil war.  - from Amazon.com

Not sure where to go on this one. I must have just skimmed over the story synopsis when I picked it out. Either way, I read the whole book.

I enjoyed the story mainline. Two different realms, Faae and Earth (as we know it) where the Fae can "fissure" (appear like through a portal) can travel between realms, but Humans cannot unless with a Fae, and have an anchor stone (a rock that has an imprint of the destination). Few Humans have this gift to see through the illusions, and even fewer are able to "read" the fissures when they close, which reveals the location of where that Fae went. Having this gift, Mckenzie has worked with the Royal Fae, in tracking down the rebels in the Fae Realm, and on Earth, for ten years. From there, I could care less about the book. Obviously it is a romance novel, though there was no graphic sex scenes (thank goodness). The normal love triangle was there, two men fighting for opposite factions, both are desirable hunks, and the girl can't decide which she truly loves. I am sure that carries over into the next book, if not the third as well. I am not reading anymore of this series.

Book Review: The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August" by Claire North

SOME STORIES CANNOT BE TOLD IN JUST ONE LIFETIME.

Harry August is on his deathbed. Again.

No matter what he does or the decisions he makes, when death comes, Harry always returns to where he began, a child with all the knowledge of a life he has already lived a dozen times before. Nothing ever changes.

Until now.

As Harry nears the end of his eleventh life, a little girl appears at his bedside. "I nearly missed you, Doctor August," she says. "I need to send a message."

This is the story of what Harry does next, and what he did before, and how he tries to save a past he cannot change and a future he cannot allow. - from Amazon.com

I received a free ARC of this book from the publisher, Redhoof Books, in exchange for a review.

What a great story! I was drawn in by the idea of living several lifetimes, sort of like the movie "Groundhog's Day". Before I knew it, it was more than just a recounting of one man's journey, but a mission, to stop another from destroying the known world. The intricate story told over fifteen lifetimes of one person, and the detail to historical events was very interesting. Add in personal conflicts, personal debates over moral/ethic issues, and you have this writing. Claire North has done a superb job in creating a tale that makes a reader question things, or sit back and ponder that whole "what if...". 

Book Review: " A Cast of Stones" by Patrick W. Carr

In the backwater village of Callowford, Errol Stone's search for a drink is interrupted by a church messenger who arrives with urgent missives for the hermit priest in the hills. Desperate for coin, Errol volunteers to deliver them but soon finds himself hunted by deadly assassins. Forced to flee with the priest and a small band of travelers, Errol soon learns he's joined a quest that could change the fate of his kingdom.

Protected for millennia by the heirs of the first king, the kingdom's dynasty is near an end and a new king must be selected. As tension and danger mount, Errol must leave behind his drunkenness and grief, learn to fight, and come to know his God in order to survive a journey to discover his destiny. - from Amazon.com

This is the first book in a trilogy called The Staff and Sword, and that is part of the reason I picked it out to read. I have always been a fan of the sword and magic fantasy series, but just the series name brought this book to my attention. Now, having finished this first book, I am anxiously starting the second one as soon as I finish rambling here.

Great epic story that tells of a young man that gets drafted into this huge quest to save the kingdom, and bring a new king to it as well. On this journey started with a priest, a Reader, a captain of the Kings's Watch, Errol, an alcoholic teen, beats his personal problems, learns how to wield a staff, and gains knowledge of the Readers, those that can cast lots (like BINGO balls with words). He turns out to be an omne, a reader that can read the lots of others. As the end nears, there is a climatic battle to save the elderly King, and Errol is given an Earldom.

I was a bit daunted at first, as it seemed like a fairly long book. But the reading was easy and fast. Obviously the story centers more around the events/actions of one character, and though there is not much detail about his background, I found myself liking him, and the others he traveled with. Though Errol seems a bit naive and overly-trustworthy of most anyone, and seems to come out of every fight/bad consequence with little damage, I am still drawn to the next book to find out what happens next.

Book Review: "Three" by Jay Posey

The world has collapsed, and there are no heroes any more.
But when a lone gunman reluctantly accepts the mantel of protector to a young boy and his dying mother against the forces that pursue them, a hero may yet arise. - from Amazon.com

The basic story description does not do much justice to this novel. Set in a future apocalyptic future, similar to Earth, the people are somehow linked to a computer-like network. Through this connection they can access information such as the time, sunrise/sunset times, GPS, etc. People live in communities, to protect them from creatures that run the night, called Weirs. Three is the name of our main character, and appears to be a sort of bounty hunter. When in one community, he is approached for help from a strange woman and child. Though his instincts tell him to not bother, he follows them, and gets caught up in saving their lives. She asks him to help deliver the child to his birth father in another community.

The story tells of their travel, eluding those chasing them - a group called RushRuin, ran by the mother's other child, half-brother to this boy. This group has enhanced abilities that give them added strength, or other attributes. As they travel to this other distant community, Three discovers emotions he had long though hidden, and of the unknown powers the boy child has.

I thought the plot interesting enough, though Posey does sort of just drop the reader into this world without much background information. How did the world get to be this way? How are people wired into this network? What exactly are these Weirs and how/why are the created and what do they hunt for? The second book, MORNINGSIDE FALL, will expand on more of these details I hope. Great read that even the YA crowd will like.

Book Review: "Dryad-Born" by Jeff Wheeler

The struggle to save the plague-ridden kingdoms continues in this captivating second novel in the Whispers from Mirrowen series.

The orphan Phae has kept her innate ability secret since she was young. Not only does she possess the dangerous fireblood, but she can also steal the memories of anyone who looks into her eyes.

Phae has no idea that her combination of powers is extraordinary. She is the unwitting key to discovering the secret origin of the plagues…and she is also now a target. The ruthless Arch-Rike of Kenatos has sent his most menacing servant—the Quiet Kishion—to destroy her.

As Phae struggles to wield her powers and escape her pursuers, a team of allies has already been dispatched on a quest to end the plagues. Some face the horrors in the Arch-Rike’s secret lair, while others search for the fabled lost Shatalin temple.

The determined allies must square off against the Arch-Rike, who is ever steadfast in his aim to kill Phae…and let the plagues rage on. - from Amazon.com

I received this book for free from the publisher (47 North) in exchange for a review.

This is the second book in Wheeler's 'Whispers of Mirrowen' series. It centers around Phae, who is dryad-born, a not heard of, or very rare, birth, combined with the magic of the Fireblood. There is short background on her growing up, and her limited knowledge of the Fireblood and the dryad ability to steal memories from a person. Phae's life is turned around when she is sought out, and she discovers that she is a key figure in ridding the land of the Plague. In her attempt to flee her pursuers, she discovers her real father, joins with the once-enemy Kishion, and learns of her dryad magic, the use which is needed in the Scourged Lands to be rid of the Plague. The characters introduced in the first book ("FIREBLOOD") are also on their quests Tyrus sent them upon. All reunite near the end, and ready to head to the Scourge Lands.

Wheeler first captivated me with his MUIRWOOD series, and again pulls me in with this second novel of Mirrowen. Though the basics of the plot being a group of young persons on quests to discover not only themselves, but save the kingdom, is a pretty common story plot, Wheeler has done a wonderful job of making the events they go through interesting. Characterization is a bit bland, and in my opinion could use some more filling out, but there is enough difference between each person. The cover art is excellent, too.

Book Review: "Blood From a Silver Cross" by E. S. Moore

Trust is a dangerous business.

Some people still call Kat Redding by her hunter name: Lady Death. But she’s not eager to see more violence brought to her doorstep. The neverending tide of hungry supes and vicious humans doesn’t change the math—sooner or later Kat’s one-vamp battle against the nightmares that infest Columbus is going to leave her dead. And she has innocent people—well, a werewolf and a demon-summoner—depending on her now.

But when a rogue werewolf who’s opted out of the bloodbath is found crucified and mutilated with toxic silver, Kat knows she’ll be tangling again with the dangerous Pureblood murderers of the cult of the Left Hand. She already has an undead countess blackmailing her into taking out the city’s garbage and a demon playing with her head. Add to that her serious suspicions about changes at the house of her uneasy ally Jonathan Alucard, werewolf denmaster, and Kat might have finally gotten in danger so deep, not even Lady Death can survive… - from Amazon.com

I received this copy from the publisher for free, in exchange for a review, through Netgalley.

This is the fourth book in the Kat Redding series. It continues the story line created in book one, adding more drama to Kat's life in the form of problems, obstacles, and people that try to get too close to her. This time around, the Left Hand has closed in, jealousy raises it's head with a new member to the Luna Cult Clan, and Beligral has again made an offer that Kat is not sure she can turn down. While spinning from one issue to another, Kat is also learning how to be human again, by being more open and willing to share problems.

Moore, in my opinion, has done a great job in a series, leaving an opening for more (there was an excerpt for the next book)that grabbed my attention and kept me interested. Much of the plot line was not easily figured out as I read, and the though the characters seem too 'good' when they are good, and just 'evil' when they are bad guys, the read was still enjoyable.

Book Review: "The Very Best of Tad Williams" by Tad Williams

This career retrospective from beloved author Tad Williams (Otherland; Tailchaser's Song;Shadowplay) demonstrates why he is one of fantasy's most enduring icons. The Very Best of Tad Williams collects Williams' finest work in multiple genres, including epic fantasy, urban fantasy, and YA. These superlative tales, many of which were previously available only in limited editions, introduce dragons, wizards, assassins, heroes, and fools — even a few cyberpunks.

Readers familiar with Williams' internationally bestselling novels and series will be delighted that in his short fiction he explores myriad new possibilities and adventures. Here are the stories that showcase the exhilarating breadth of Williams’ imagination, hearkening back to such classic fantasists as J. R. R. Tolkien, Ray Bradbury, Peter S. Beagle, and beyond. - from Amazon.com

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

I have enjoyed Tad's GREEN ANGEL TOWER series, and TAILCHASER'S SONG, that a chance to read a collection of short stories was nothing to be sneered at. It was great to have the publisher send me a free Uncorrected Proof!! There are 18 stories in all, and as usual in any collection, there were some that I liked better than others. This particular collection, as I read each story (rather, lost myself in each story)I would be dropped back into reality suddenly after what seemed just a few short pages. Truthfully, the stories are longer than a handful of pages, and take on a few different writing styles. If you are a Tad Williams fan, you will enjoy this collection!

Book Review: "To Walk the Night" by E. S. Moore

Even a vampire has to face her inner demons. . .

Kat Redding is the very thing she hunts: a vampire, thirsting for blood, capable of killing any creature unlucky enough to get in her path. The difference is, Kat kills her own kind in order to protect human Purebloods. She's good at what she does. Good enough to earn the nickname Lady Death--and the enmity of every bloodthirsty being around. But now a vampire Count is intent on merging his House with a werewolf cult to create a force of terrifying power.

Kat can't allow that to happen. Even if it means taking on a den of weres and a vampire more ruthless than any she's encountered before. She has the weapons, the skill, and a few allies. But that may not be enough to eliminate the Count before her own dark nature rises to the surface--and costs her whatever is left of her humanity. . . - from Amazon.com

This is the first novel in the series of Kat Redding, a vampire bent on revenge on her own kind to protect humans. With the help of a human (Ethan) that helps keep her supplied in silver weapons, plus other things (guns, motorcycles, home security) she takes on the courts of other Vampires, who control Purebloods (humans) and Werewolves in a modern-day society.

In this first installment, Kat is approached by a conclave of werewolf devotees (the Luna Clan), led by a sorcerer of unknown ability/power. He has asked her to join with them in order to rescue their leader from a court of vampires that has recently risen to be considered a Minor Court. There are quite a few twists in the story as Kat proceeds to not only defend herself and her home from an unknown adversary, but also being approached by a traitor to the Luna Clan, who has ulterior motives. Kat has to decide who she will help, why she will help them, and which way will get the collapse of yet another court of vampires.

I had a hard time setting this one aside as I was reading it, so it seemed to read through pretty fast. Moore has a great way of telling an action story, with, at least at this time, no major romantic side-story. I look forward to the next book, revealing a new 'enemy', and possibly more back story on the whole Kat & Ethan angle.

Book Review: "The Book of the Crowman" by Joseph D'Lacey

The world has been condemned. Only Gordon Black and The Crowman can redeem it.The search for the shadowy figure known only as the Crowman continues, as the Green Men prepare to rise up against the forces of the Ward.It is the Bright Day, a time long generations hence, when a peace has descended across the world.It is the Black Dawn, a time of environmental apocalypse, the earth wracked and dying. - from Amazon.com

I received an ebook copy from the author/publisher through NetGalley.com in exchange for a review.

This is the second and final (I think) book of THE BLACK DAWN. The first novel, BLACK FEATHERS I reviewed in a previous post. Since I was given the chance to read this one for free, I had to start from the beginning, so I would know what is going on. I may repeat some details from my review of the first novel, then again, I may just add stuff. 

This is the continuation of the early years of Gordon Black. He lives in a seemingly equal time frame of our current times, that has been struck by a sort of technological destruction. Two factions come out of this change: The Green Men, and The Ward. Gordon is searching for the Crowman, a symbolic, mythological person that is centered on man returning to nature. The Green Men support nature, The Ward are more for domination and technology. The typical Good vs Bad.

Megan is a girl seemingly about the same age as Gordon, who is in a future time of main story, learning to walk the "black feathered path", or in short, the way of the Crowman. Her duty is to chronicle the life of Gordon Black as shown to her via 'visions' from the Crowman. 

Most of this novel is of the climaxing and growth of Gordon Black, as he discovers the Crowman. It also brings the final confrontation of the Ward and the Green Men in a big battle. D'Lacey has written an interesting post-apocalyptic story, bringing in religious tones, as well as folk-lore, and of two young people coming of age. I felt it was a different version of a dystopian future compared to what other novels I have read. There were a few things I felt weren't cleared up completely, or at least, I felt I would have liked to known more of what happened, though they probably were not important to the main story line.  Overall, I felt it was well written, and worded so that even younger readers would be able to enjoy.

Book Review: "Black Feathers" by Joseph D'Lacey

Black Feathers is a modern fantasy set in two epochs: the Black Dawn, a time of environmental apocalypse, and generations into the future in its aftermath, the Bright Day.

In each era, a child undertakes a perilous journey to find a dark messiah known as The Crowman. In their hands lies the fate of the planet as they attempt to discover whether The Crowman is our saviour… or the final incarnation of evil. - from Amazon.com

This is the first book in a series (of two, at the time of this review) and I received a free copy through Netgalley.com of the second book. In order to be fair, I had to read the first one. Besides, I hate jumping in on a series in the middle.

The description doesn't share much, so possible spoilers may appear in my rambling. This is the start of an apocalyptic story that takes place in two different times. The more future side brings us to the way of the Keepers, their job being to bring the people to share in the Earth, and other environmental idealisms, as well as protect/share the knowledge of the Crowman, who happens to be basically the messiah of the times. In being a Keeper, they are to train the next one, in this case a female, seeming the first. In becoming one with the essence of the Crowman, this girl is charged with writing His story, which takes us back to a period of time similar to 50 years prior to our current time (a guess from what I recall reading).

The majority of the tale is of Gordon Black, a young man that was born into the world with seemingly bad omens. At a young age, the world has had some sort of major change, and a group called the Ward, have basically taken over the world, not being more in-tune with nature, and seemingly Nazi-like in how they run things. Gordon's family is taken, he luckily is able to elude capture, and in order to save his family, he seeks out the Crowman.

Interspersed in the telling of his story, there are bits of Megan (the female Keeper in training) and how she is coming in the ways of the Keepers, and revealing that there may be more to her than what any expected.

That all being said, as void of detail as I could, the book started off slow, but pulled me by making me want to know what is going to happen to both these main characters, and those around them. As soon as I finished, I started in on the second book, and have not been able to put it down in the small bit of spare time I have to read. It is more than just a "coming of age" story, but holds many similarities of self-growth, but also has some strong environmental idealism. Great read!

Book Review: "The Darkening Dream" by Andy Gavin

The Darkening Dream is the chilling new dark fantasy novel by Andy Gavin, creator of Crash Bandicoot and Jak & Daxter.

Even as the modern world pushes the supernatural aside in favor of science and steel, the old ways remain. God, demon, monster, and sorcerer alike plot to regain what was theirs.

1913, Salem, Massachusetts - Sarah Engelmann's life is full of friends, books, and avoiding the pressure to choose a husband, until an ominous vision and the haunting call of an otherworldly trumpet shake her. When she stumbles across a gruesome corpse, she fears that her vision was more of a premonition. And when she sees the murdered boy moving through the crowd at an amusement park, Sarah is thrust into a dark battle she does not understand.
With the help of Alex, a Greek immigrant who knows a startling amount about the undead, Sarah sets out to uncover the truth. Their quest takes them to the factory mills of Salem, on a midnight boat ride to spy on an eerie coastal lair, and back, unexpectedly, to their own homes. What can Alex's elderly, vampire-hunting grandfather and Sarah's own rabbi father tell them? And what do Sarah's continuing visions reveal?
No less than Gabriel's Trumpet, the tool that will announce the End of Days, is at stake, and the forces that have banded to recover it include a 900 year-old vampire, a trio of disgruntled Egyptian gods, and a demon-loving Puritan minister. At the center of this swirling cast is Sarah, who must fight a millennia-old battle against unspeakable forces, knowing the ultimate prize might be herself. - from Amazon.com

I find it hard to sit here and think of what I need to say about this story. I originally picked it up on a whim based on the story synopsis, and that the cover actually looked interesting, and not some quick, generic-picture photoshop the author did to put it out on the market. It sat on my "to read" list for quite some time, until I started seeing that a few other people I know had started reading it, and I had to jump on the band wagon so we could share/swap ideas about the story.

I was a bit put off at first, as it takes place in the early 1900's, and I am not one for historical fiction. But aside from the time era it takes place, and the location (Salem, Mass. of famed witch trials) that is about as "historical" as it gets. Bring in the religions, myths of vampires, throw in some Egyptian gods of old, and a bit of scare, then you'll find yourself drawn into the story, as I was. 

When I reached the end, I felt a bit upset. To me, there seemed to be something that just left me feeling like a was hanging in the wind. Maybe it was intentional from the author, to leave an opening for a continuation story...? Either way, I felt a tad angry at that feeling as the final page appeared (unexpectedly I might add). It has been quite some time that I have felt this much at the end of a story. Otherwise, was truly well-written in combining many forms of belief in the fight of Good versus Evil. Would love to see a possible continuation, but haven't seen any additional information of such at this time.