Book Review: "The Father's Son" by Peter McPhie

 

A determined young man pursues the organization that abducted his father twenty years earlier.

He was seven when he saw his father taken from home by gunmen.

There were no answers as to what happened and why.

Twenty years later he has a happier life, a wife and son.

The terrible past has lost its grip.

Until one day… it comes back.

Clues from a surprising source.

Determined, he undertakes a deadly hunt against an unknown and powerful enemy.

And everything's at stake.

More than he knows. - from Booksirens.com

I had passed over this book a couple times when looking to select a title to read. I had never heard of the author, and the plot synopsis was a 50/50 on me taking a chance to read this one. After a day or so, and having hesitated a couple times, I went ahead and requested it. I am so glad I did! I started reading with some slight trepidation of what I should expect, but the story seemed to flow out well and the character building was better than I was expecting. The opening chapters had their hooks into me and I wondered how this was going to end. When I did reach the end, it wrapped up details nicely, and in a way that to me, at least, seemed normal.

Thoroughly a good read, and I will be looking at other novels by this author. Recommend for those that like action stories.

Thanks to Booksirens, the author and publisher to allow me to receive and review this title.

Review: "Blood Oath No Man's Land Book One)" by Luke Atkinson

 

Calamity Cooper is a wanted man. To avoid capture by the U.S. Cavalry, he exiles himself to No Man's Land, a lawless and untamed territory home to paranormal happenings.

As the age of gunslingers comes to an end, Cal refuses to adapt to quiet life in Hexed Springs, a sprawling boomtown of humans and supernatural beings. He works as a ranger-a monster hunter for hire-but finds the job far deadlier than he expected. An exposure to raw magical energy during a job gone awry awakens Cal's spell-slinging abilities, attracting unwanted attention from mortals and immortals alike.

Cal becomes a pawn in a scheme fueled by humankind's greed when a wealthy financier blackmails him into hunting a vampire, one that happens to be connected to a prominent family. Little does Cal know, but a blood feud is brewing in the shadows, one both ancient and modern, that threatens to destroy supernatural society.

Haunted by his past and conflicted with his identity, Cal must decide between saving his own skin or protecting supernatural civilization. - from Goodreads.com

Thank you to Booksirens and the author for allowing me to read this book and share a review.

Finding this story was a bit of a surprise for me. I started reading it, waiting for the story to fizzle out, or characters lose focus. I was in for a treat! This story is one I instantly jumped into, and each page turn had me actually wondering where the author was going to go with the events happening. The story idea in itself, of a wild west gunslinger, and a supernatural community/environment was quite entertaining, and did not take away from the basic tale of personal redemption.

Character building was pretty decent - there are some places where the story breaks to go back to a memory to help explain characteristics, or references that come up. Side characters did not have much background or it was thin with no extra information. Worldbuilding was bit off - there is not much to add to a desert, old west-type town based in the 'wild west' era of the US after the Civil War. Not much was described in regards to the supernatural city except it was mish-mash of different architectural styles that spanned ages of the world. Wording was easy to understand and wasn't a strain on my vocabulary.

Overall this was a great read that reminds me quite a bit of the PI Garrett series by Glen Cook, or even somewhat of Robert Parker's Spenser for Hire books. There is quite a bit of dry humor and sarcasm throughout the story and I found myself snickering every once in awhile. Young Adult and higher would enjoy this tale.

Book Review: "The Devil Pulls The Strings" by J. W. Zarek

THE DEVIL PULLS THE STRINGS, described as The Librarians meet The Magicians is a 76,000-word epic fantasy adventure with series potential, set in modern-day Wentzville, MO, New York City, and 1813 Genoa, Italy, weaves bromance, Slavic mythology, secret societies, Paganini’s music and time travel.

Boone Daniels (22) has problems, debilitating panic attack, gut-wrenching guilt, a wendigo haunting him since age six, and now he almost killed his best friend in a joust. But when he fills in for his injured friend at a New York gig, he goes to meet the gig’s contact at his NYC brownstone and a body falls from the brownstone balcony and the place explodes with gun fire.

Boone barely escapes but uncovers a sinister plot to perform a rare Paganini piece that summons the Devil to trap Baba Yaga and destroy modern-day New York City. Then finds himself on a race through time to capture the cursed melody.

Along the way, a Romani immortal, steampunk vampires and Baba Yaga set the stage for war, and Boone shall have to risk death for redemption. Because all Boone wants is to keep a promise to a friend. The same friend, he almost killed last Sunday during a joust.

Can a small-town Missouri musician outplay the supernatural and save NYC’s soul?

The Devil Pulls the Strings is the pulse-pounding first tale in the Archivists series.

If you like when tortured heroes, epic battles, time travel, twisted history and secret societies collide, then you’ll love J. W. Zarek’s spectacular page-turner. - from Goodreads

Thanks to Booksirens and the publisher for allowing me to read this book and provide my opinion. 

*** Possible spoilers ahead ***

I'm not going to go into an accounting of the storyline here, but just jump into how I felt about the book. The story description pulled at me (see what I did there?) but left me feeling somewhat doubtful about what I was going to be reading. I was not let down by my suspicions. The story started off well, and before you know it, we find the main character rushed off to a New York City, placed in danger, constantly on the run, with hardly any idea what he is doing ... except to fill in at a gig for a band. From there, 'time displacements' and 'magical' things' happening do not surprise the main character, and everything is taken in stride like it is near normal day occurrences. There was not much background or character development. It was like, there's this guy that suddenly has to do this thing, and this thing happened, then that... with no explanation as to what this organization is, why are they better than that one, which is truly the right side to be on, or is there a right side?

I want to rant and rave about how much I didn't like this story, but I actually liked it. The storyline is a good one, and I like the mixture of 'magic cultures' (bards/druids, slavic Baba Yaga) and a classical composer that has always had stories of being involved in a pact with the Devil. The book itself was not a long read for me - finished in an afternoon. In the description above, I see it is a first in a series, which I will keep an eye for the next story, just to see what the author can come up with. I want desperately to give this a four star, but the lack of background of what is going on, who the character is and develops through the story, and just some 'out of the blue' who are these guys (the taxi drivers) events just make it so much harder for me to grasp what kind of place the author is writing about.

Book Review: "Risen" by Benedict Jacka

 

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

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

*** SPOILERS AHEAD ***

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

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

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

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

#Risen #Netgalley

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

 

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

Do you know what your problem is?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Do you know what your problem is?

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

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

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

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

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

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

*** spoilers ahead ***

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

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

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

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

Book Review: "Oil & Dust" by Jami Fairleigh

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#Booksirens #OilAndDust

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#NetGalley #TheBookbindersDaughter

Book Review: "True Dead" by Faith Hunter

 

Jane Yellowrock goes back to the city where it all began in the newest installment of this thrilling New York Times bestselling series.

Jane used to hunt vampires, but now she’s their queen. She’s holed up in the mountains with the Yellowrock Clan, enjoying a little peace, when a surprise attack on her people proves that trouble is brewing. Someone is using very old magic to launch a bid for power, and it’s all tied to the place where Jane was first drawn into the world of Leo Pellissier—the city of New Orleans.

Jane is compelled to return to NOLA because someone is trying to destabilize the paranormal world order. And because she now sits near the top of the vampire world, the assault is her problem. She will do what she must to protect what’s hers. Her city. Her people. Her power. Her crown. -from NetGalley.com

Thank you to NetGalley.com, Berkeley Publishing Group, and the author, for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book.

This is book fourteen in the Jane Yellowrock series, so if you feel lost reading this, just remember there was much that happened before.

*** Spoilers Ahead ***

So the tale picks up with Jane still having shifting issues, which is causing stress not only to Jane, but to her clan followers. An attack in the clan territory emphasizes this, plus stresses the issue, because in two weeks, they are returning to NOLA for a wedding. But that return to NOLA, Jane has to BE her titles: Leader of Clan Yellowrock, Master of the City New Orleans, and Dark Queen of the Mithrans. In NOLA they discover a new enemy that is coming against them, and it involves Jane's true Native American, Skinwalker family. Because she is the Queen, it is her duty to find the enemy and wipe it out. Oh, did I forget to mention Leo is back?

May have some spoilers ahead.....

I have really enjoyed this series, and was so happy to get an ARC of this one. I was beginning to wonder if there was going to be any other Yellowrock books, and now know that there is room for the story to continue at least for another book after this one. Plus, I think I might have read somewhere that there may be a second conglomeration book with CE Murphy as well. But back to topic....

Janes character has changed so much through the storyline of fourteen books. Being solely responsible for so long is hard to change, but she is learning now that is has to happen. With a seeming lack of control on the her/Beast changes, whether to/from human/Beast/half-beast it comes randomly with different effects: pain, quickness of change, etc. Her clan, and personal guards have to learn to let her know details of missions/plans to keep her safe otherwise Jane goes nutso and charges right in, putting herself at danger (sense she cannot shift on will, cannot heal herself quickly).

I don't believe there was much world-building going on in this tale. NOLA had been pretty well set-up in previous books, though this time having the higher titles, obviously more money , meant more properties around the town were owned by Jane. There was more background built up on the Mithrans, as they uncover information of 'The Rule of Three' and I look forward to much more of that being shown in the next novel. Also, this Heir, name being revealed, but what level of power are we talking about? With Leo now a second-born, outclan priest, he has gained more power, but he was powerful before - and this Heir being of that line, could they have even more power? Things to make one anxiously await the next book.

Overall, I truly enjoyed this one. This series has been one I have read for the past couple years, having binged through half the series or more to catch up. I like Faith Hunter's writing style, and the way she tells her tale. I am not a romance reader, and the author keeps it at a minimum, with an absence of explicit details (thank you!) that even older YA would enjoy to read. Looking forward to the next book in the series!

#NetGalley #TrueDead

Book Review: "The Book of Accidents" by Chuck Wendig

 

A family returns to their hometown—and to the dark past that haunts them still—in this masterpiece of literary horror by the New York Times bestselling author of Wanderers

“The dread, the scope, the pacing, the turns—I haven’t felt all this so intensely since The Shining.”—Stephen Graham Jones, New York Times bestselling author of The Only Good Indians

Long ago, Nathan lived in a house in the country with his abusive father—and has never told his family what happened there.

Long ago, Maddie was a little girl making dolls in her bedroom when she saw something she shouldn’t have—and is trying to remember that lost trauma by making haunting sculptures.

Long ago, something sinister, something hungry, walked in the tunnels and the mountains and the coal mines of their hometown in rural Pennsylvania.

Now, Nate and Maddie Graves are married, and they have moved back to their hometown with their son, Oliver.
 
And now what happened long ago is happening again . . . and it is happening to Oliver. He meets a strange boy who becomes his best friend, a boy with secrets of his own and a taste for dark magic.

This dark magic puts them at the heart of a battle of good versus evil and a fight for the soul of the family—and perhaps for all of the world. But the Graves family has a secret weapon in this battle: their love for one another. - from NetGalley.com

This review is based on a #NetGalley ARC provided in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion.

I am not sure where to start with my thoughts on this book. I have read a couple other series from this author (Mirriam Black, The Heartland Trilogy) and knew Wendig had a somewhat twisted sort of view - which I enjoyed, mind you. But The Book of Accidents has taken me on a roller coaster ride that compares to Stephen King tale. I was looped through supernatural events, with a sadistic twist, thrown into what would be considered a normal family's life. Trying not to spoil anything, but if you are a King fan, you *HAVE* to read this one!

So, I picked this one up, happy to finally been chosen to get an ARC, and I read halfway through it in one sitting, before I had to put it down. At that moment, I realized the train-ride Wendig was taking me on is one I hadn't ridden in quite awhile. I enjoy supernatural stories, even a good horror (if I can find one), but this was just 'a bit more'. The characters' backstories were not real clear at first, as that comes along with the actual storyline, and they never turned deep. The reader doesn't really know what drives them to do/be the way they are, even though we learn 'memories' of theirs that might have made them act a certain way, but not the why. World-building was fine. I think a lot of it was my interpretation of what that area of the geography was like (taking place in a US state, in present time, made it easier) but the detail was in the more specific places an even took place.

I was hoping for a different ending, but was still satisfied with how this one actually came to a close. I fell there is a door sitting slightly ajar, if Wendig wanted to come back and add a second story, but truly this is probably just a stand-alone novel. Normally I would say this is strictly more adult-level reading, but in today's society, upper teens could probably get through and understand some of the actions/situations that take place. I definitely would recommend to any horror, supernatural readers friends you know.

#TheBookofAccidents

Book Review: : "City of Songs" by Anthony Ryan

 

ATHERIA—THE FABLED CITY OF SONGS 

THE SHINING JEWEL OF THE THIRD SEA

WHERE THE MASKED EXULTIA CASTE HOLD SWAY AND VIE TO OUTDO EACH OTHER IN THEIR PATRONAGE OF THE ARTS,

SOMETIMES WITH DEADLY CONSEQUENCES…

Guyime, wandering, dethroned King of the Northlands, is drawn to the Atheria by his quest for the Seven Swords, the demon cursed blades of legend. But to claim the next sword he must first solve a seemingly impossible murder—a puzzle that, once untangled, will unveil secrets so dark they could bring the City of Songs to utter ruin.

Continuing the epic tale of The Seven Swords, City of Songs is an action-packed, darkly magical mystery from the New York Times bestselling author of the Raven’s Shadow and Draconis Memoria trilogies. - from NetGalley.com

Seeing how this is book three in what appears to be a series in progress, I had to go out and read the first two books prior to picking this one up. Definitely worth it! "City of Songs" continues the story of traveling Guyime, who is on his own personal mission to collect the "mythical" seven demon-cursed blades. As legend has it, combining all seven swords will cause the destruction of them, thus releasing Guyime, who is in possession of one of these blades. In each book, another blade is found, and a companion seems to join our main character on his quest. Lead by a 'magical' map created especially for his quest, it leads them in search of the swords.

I found each of these books to be fairly quick reads. There isn't much of world-building, but we discover more of the land as the group travels. Character background is added throughout the storyline, just enough detail to quench either the reader's desire for more personal info, or more for a facet of the story about to take place. The pace is smooth, and moves along fairly rapidly. Large amounts of traveling distances are shortened by lack of content occurring, which is nice. I look forward to reading the additional books in the series if they get written (possibly 4 more) and would definitely recommend for readers YA and up.

Thanks to NetGalley.com and the publisher for the ARC to read! #NetGalley #CityofSongs

Book Review: "Child of Light" by Terry Brooks

 The electrifying first novel of an all-new fantasy series from the legendary author behind the Shannara saga, about a human girl struggling to find her place in a magical world she’s never known

 
At nineteen, Auris Afton Grieg has led an . . . unusual life. Since the age of fifteen, she has been trapped in a sinister prison. Why? She does not know. She has no memories of her past beyond the vaguest of impressions. All she knows is that she is about to age out of the children’s prison, and rumors say that the adult version is far, far worse. So she and some friends stage a desperate escape into the surrounding wastelands. And it is here that Auris’s journey of discovery begins, for she is rescued by an unusual stranger who claims to be Fae—a member of a magical race that Auris had thought to be no more than legend. Odder still, he seems to think that she is one as well, although the two look nothing alike. But strangest of all, when he brings her to his wondrous homeland, she begins to suspect that he is right. Yet how could a woman who looks entirely human be a magical being herself?

Told with a fresh, energetic voice, this fantasy puzzle box is perfect for fans of Terry Brooks and new readers alike, as one young woman slowly unlocks truths about herself and her world—and, in doing so, begins to heal both. - from NetGalley.com

What a wonderful thing to jump into a fresh new world from the creator of the Shannara universe! When I saw this one coming from Terry Brooks, I hoped that I would be able to have an early chance to read/review it, and thank to the publisher and NetGalley.com, I have been provided this chance.

This tale in a new world starts with our main character escaping from a prison with a group of like-aged teens. In the process of escape, Auris is 'ejected' from the vehicle they are in, and knocked unconscious. upon awakening, she discovers she is alone, the others dead or recaptured. She heads on alone and near the shores of a large body of water, she realizes she has been located but the Goblins, the guards of the prison. But before being recaptured, a lone figure near the water is spotted, and the guards turn away. This is where Auris meets Harrow, a Fae, that takes her to his village.

From there the story grows as Auris finds out though looking completely human, she may be a Fae, and trying to find out about her lack of memories prior to being fifteen and in that prison. The road to finding out the truth about oneself, growing up and doing what is right is prevalent in this story. Brooks truly has a fresh start in a what could be a new world, as Humans and some types of Fae interact, though usually to combat some other type of Fae. The story flowed forward in a good, easy-reading way, and didn't feel to slow or stagnate at all.

There were a couple things that brought a little disappointment to my attention. Though Brooks has written many books regarding Fae (of many types) and interactions with each other, and Humans, this story felt some sort of offshoot of the Shannara world, in particular the Genesis of Shannara series. Secluded 'good' Fae (Elves/Dryads/etc) with 'bad' Fae (Goblins) associated with some of the Humans all trying to capture and steal the 'magic' from the 'good' Fae. I just felt it was too similar to earlier works, and it somewhat distracted me from the reading with a fresh look.

Definitely a good read, regardless of small disappointments. I feel it was well written and easy for those of early teens years and up in age to fully enjoy and understand. I don't see anything being mentioned about any additional books to follow to make this part of a series, and definitely could be read as a stand alone novel. I didn't feel that there was an obvious option for a sequel, though, I am sure something could be created through maybe continued story for another sub-character, or some new threat that challenges the Main Character in some event that happens later.

Thanks to #NetGalley and the publisher/author for providing a copy of this novel for me to read and allow my opinion to be shared.

#ChildofLight #TerryBrooks

Book Review: "The Pariah" by Anthony Ryan

 

"A gritty, heart-pounding tale of betrayal and bloody vengeance. I loved every single word." —John Gwynne

The Pariah begins a new epic fantasy series of action, intrigue and magic from Anthony Ryan, a master storyteller who has taken the fantasy world by storm.
 Born into the troubled kingdom of Albermaine, Alwyn Scribe is raised as an outlaw. Quick of wit and deft with a blade, Alwyn is content with the freedom of the woods and the comradeship of his fellow thieves. But an act of betrayal sets him on a new path - one of blood and vengeance, which eventually leads him to a soldier's life in the king's army.
 
Fighting under the command of Lady Evadine Courlain, a noblewoman beset by visions of a demonic apocalypse, Alwyn must survive war and the deadly intrigues of the nobility if he hopes to claim his vengeance. But as dark forces, both human and arcane, gather to oppose Evadine's rise, Alwyn faces a choice: can he be a warrior, or will he always be an outlaw? - from NetGalley.com

Thanks to the publisher/Author and Netgalley for allowing me to read an ARC of this novel.

I actually finished this book four days ago, and I have spent that time trying to figure out how I am going to write this. During that time, I can honestly say that I have referred this book to at least a half dozen people to check out when it is released for sale.

This. Book. Is. Amazing. I have read other works by this author, and enjoyed the Raven's blade and the Raven's Shadow series. But The Pariah is just ... above those. Ryan was able to build a world that I felt was truly realistic, with characters you could not help but have some sort of emotion for. I personally admit to wanting to stab a couple characters at different parts of the story. Truly written by a master storyteller. I am definitely recommending this one to anyone that loves fantasy and medieval stories!

#ThePariah #NetGalley

Book Review: The Second Blind Son" by Amy Harmon

 

A lost girl and a blind boy discover their greatest strength is their bond with each other in a beguiling fantasy by the New York Times bestselling author of The First Girl Child.

An insidious curse is weakening the Norse kingdom of Saylok, where no daughters have been born in years. Washing up on these plagued shores is Ghisla, an orphaned stowaway nursed back to health by Hod, a blind cave dweller. Named for a mysterious god, Hod is surrounded by prophecy. To Ghisla, he’s a cherished new friend, but to Hod, the girl is much more. For when Ghisla sings, Hod can see.

Unable to offer safe shelter, Hod urges Ghisla onward to become a daughter of the temple, where all the kingdom’s girl children have been gathered. But because of a magical rune, the two cannot be separated, no matter the time or the distance.

Now, subject to a ruthless king, Ghisla enters a desperate world of warring clan chieftains and catastrophic power struggles. Uncertain whom to trust, their bond strained by dangerous secrets and feuding loyalties, Ghisla and Hod must confront the prophecies that threaten Saylok while finding a way to save each other. - from NetGalley.com

Thanks to the publishers, author, and Netgalley.com, for allowing me to read an ARC of this book.

I must admit, I goofed up a little on this one. I totally missed it being a second book of a series, but aside from that mistake, let's go on. I couldn't get into it. I read until about halfway, and it was just not holding my interest. Aside from being a second book, I guess it could probably stand on it's on its own as a novel, but I honestly just have no desire to finish this one. Perhaps if I go back and read the first one my interest would be bettter.... but I do not know.

I have read other titles from this author, and have enjoyed them. The stories she writes are very involved and at times I felt as if being dragged into the actual story. Unfortunately, this time that did not happen. The writing was great, very understandable and descriptive. I think it was just maybe the actual story that just couldn't grab my attention.

#NetGalley #TheSecondBlindSon

Book Review: "The Undone Life of Jak Dreadth" by Shawn Speakman

 

In this novella prequel to The Tempered Steel of Antiquity Grey, a young man searches for his place in a world far more dangerous than he knows.

Jak Dreadth lives a life of privilege and comfort in a far-future city of Erth, the son of a powerful house vying for political leverage and a stronger future against ruling House Angelus.

But when a conquering force from the stars returns to subjugate the planet’s people, Jak is thrust into the pilot box of Viridian—a massive battle mech built to keep the peace. Unknown to him though, machinations within House Dreadth sabotage his efforts as war scorches the sky, leaving him for dead in a desert wilderness rife with hardship.

There, Jak meets Agnez al-Kol, a goatherd who could be a Will Master of an ancient religion or just an eccentric old woman. Together, they travel the sands of the Splinter and, as they navigate the harshest of elements, they will discover their lives are intertwined in ways neither could have imagined—for the past is rarely contained in the past, and the future is dependent upon courage discovered in the present.

Grappling with family intrigue, bounty hunters, and dragons, Jak will learn that living a life of consequence is the only life worth living.

Or he will die trying. - from Amazon.com

Shawn Speakman reached out to me, and offered me this novella since I had enjoyed the first book of (what I hope to be) the Antiquity Gray series. I am gladly giving my review.... Many thanks!!

This  tale starts at the time of the mech war between those on Erth and the Celestials. We are introduced to a young Jak Dreadth, who has just crash-landed one of the mech war machines, and is in the middle of the desert. With little in the way of provisions, he plans to set out on foot to return to Solomon Frye, his family home, to return to the war - somehow. He is surprised by Agnez al-Kol, who is a Will Master, who decided to lead him across the desert. This starts a traveling together, the twines their futures.

*** Spoiler Alert ***

So Agnez ends up dying from a wound caused by another soldier, who was trying to rob the two of them. Her staff and pet lizard are left with Jak, as well as her herd of goats. He feels drawn to return them all to Agnez's family of nomad dwellers, the arabi. Once he finds them , Jak discovers that he is not able to relinquish the staff, and the lizard has some sort of bondedness with him as well. The Will, as it is called, requires Jak to be tested, and he begins a journey into the mountains. Events happen that that he meets a dragon-rider, the persei,  who has a male dragon egg (to start a new aerie) that gets stolen by Celestials. This requires them to travel back to Solomon Frye to face the Celestials and his Father. Long story short, the egg is recovered, a Celestial bounty hunter is killed, and the tale ends with Jak and the persei supposedly returning to her family's new aerie.

So, what is there to NOT like in this tale? Well, it was too short. I also feel it was long enough to make me draw my own conclusions as to what truly happens in the time frame between the two stories. It is clear Jak eventually becomes the Head of his Family, who is politically (if not more) against the Grays (Angelus). And he is a Will Master? How does that affect he decisions that are made leading up to Antiquity Gray, and the hidden machinations of her grandmother? I don't recall anything about a staff in the later story, so is there something that happens to it prior to him returning the lead the family? Too much thinking....

This is a great novella and was completely easy to read and understand from a YA reader level. The author has helped expand a bit more on some the cultures in his story, and their "religious" idealisms in such a way that it is easy to understand, and not 'pushy' to the reader. There is only a short area of world travelling, and not much speculation on times/distance traveling when (I am guessing) on foot, and the map at the beginning makes me think there were weeks of walking from point to point. All of this is just some side speculation and doesn't detract from the story. I definitely recommend this series for readers of pretty much any level.