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!