Book Review: "The Book That Wouldn't Burn" by Mark Lawrence

 

Two strangers find themselves connected by a vast and mysterious library containing many wonders and still more secrets, in this powerfully moving first book in a new series from the international bestselling author of Red Sister and Prince of Thorns.

The boy has lived his whole life trapped within a book-choked chamber older than empires and larger than cities.

The girl has spent hers in a tiny settlement out on the Dust, where nightmares stalk and no one goes.

The world has never even noticed them. That’s about to change.

Their stories spiral around each other, across worlds and time. This is a tale of truth and lies and hearts, and the blurring of one into another. A journey on which knowledge erodes certainty and on which, though the pen may be mightier than the sword, blood will be spilled and cities burned. - from Netgalley.com

This eARC was provided by Netgalley.com and I am giving an unbiased review.

This is the first book in a new series by this author, of whom I have enjoyed the other series he has created. I have generally enjoyed the 'library' stories I have read, and this was no exception. In fact, I think this is one of the best books I have had the pleasure of reading in a very long time.

As I got a couple chapters into the story, I realized that this was going to be written in a two-person view, where a chapter or two will be one view, then they flip-flop throughout the rest of the story. Generally I do not like that type of writing, but it worked very well for this one. I was drawn in by the action that started things out, and grew intrigued about how this library existed once the story got rolling along. Needless to say, I was riveted for a few days as I read this story. As I reached the end, I though this could almost be left as a stand-alone, as the ending is not a huge cliff-hanger, but am glad to see it is listed on some sites as book one of a series.

Mark Lawrence's writing has improved much over the years. The world building in his stories always seems to revolve a dystopian future Earth (to me at least) and this one could fall easily into that category. It revolves around the constant change of cultures and environments, how wars only change the current owner of something - be it land, or a specific 'thing'. Some of the conversations between characters actually had me stop, read again, and set the book down to think about it for a moment. One particular section I did write out about three different quotes, and would share here, but it is an uncorrected proof, and don't want to misquote in case it gets changed (or removed) from the tale.

Very great read, and I definitely give it five stars!

Book Review: "The Guardian" by Joshua Hood

From the “master of action” (Publishers Weekly) and USA Today bestselling author of Robert Ludlum’s Treadstone series comes a new thriller as intense and fast paced as The Bourne Identity.

As a member of the elite Air Force Pararescue, Travis Lane abides by the motto “These things we do, that others may live.” After an injury forces him to consider retirement, he is blindsided when his brother-in-law is killed in the line of duty, leaving Lane as the sole support for his sister and the family farm they can no longer afford.

Desperate for something to help them keep the farm, Lane accepts an offer to join Broadside Solutions, a private company with specially trained military operatives who provide protection for clients all over the world. But it’s trial by fire when his first mission takes him to the Democratic Republic of the Congo to find and retrieve a kidnapped American in the middle of a densely forested jungle.

Infused with the author’s own experience as a parachute infantryman, this high-octane thriller throws the reader deep into the African jungle on a rescue mission where nothing is as it seems. - from Netgalley.com

I received this eARC from Netgalley.com and am providing an unbiased review.

The story synopsis that was provided definitely caught my attention, seemingly a good action/thriller story. I was a bit letdown as I started this novel. The immediate start was rushed in my opinion. You have a quick and pretty vague introduction to a few of the characters, showing very little insight as to their backgrounds, and within a very short time, you are seeing decisions being made by the main character in a 'spur of the moment' type way, that definitely does not fit my idea of how this MC should act. I could understand needing to make seat of the pants decisions, but to blindly jump to a job opportunity, to save the "family farm" which he doesn't even own, to take a job that his BIL was supposed to be doing... just too much stretching for me. I admit, I didn't read any further, as I could only imagine how the rest of the story would go. Overall the writing style was fine, just the storyline felt forced, rushed, and just unacceptable to me.

 

Book Review: "Savage Crowns" by Matt Wallace

 

The final installment in Hugo Award–winning author Matt Wallace’s epic and spellbinding Savage Rebellion trilogy about a utopian city with a dark secret—and the underdogs who will expose it, or die trying.

The final war for the nation of Crache has begun.

At the helm of the people’s rebellion is Evie, the Sparrow General. She has been captured by the Skrian, Crache’s vicious army, and is being brought back to the Capitol for punishment. But reinforcements are coming for her.

Dyeawan, who has climbed from street urchin to Crache’s highest seat of power through clever schemes and ruthless bloodshed, finds trouble on every front once she arrives. The rebellion approaches, and there are whispers of a martyr within the city who holds enough sway to stage a coup. If she doesn’t act quickly, her rule will be short-lived.

As the women who hold the nation’s future meet each other from different sides of the battlefield, will they be able to find a shared vision of Crache, or will they destroy each other first? - from Netgalley.com

I received this eARC from Netgalley.com and am providing an unbiased review.

This is the third book in the 'Savage Rebellion' series, and pretty much takes off in the time frame following book two. I found myself a little lost when starting this book, as I it had been awhile since reading the previous book. Though, just a short way into this story, I easily fell back into the storyline and moved on into the war. Wallace has done a wonderful job of creating some strong female lead characters, and his world-building has been phenomenal. I don't see much that would lead to a fourth book in this series, but could see a possible future for a story or two from spin-off characters, or prequel-type stories.

Book Review: "Broken Trust" by Mike Lupica

 Spenser investigates the past secrets of an elusive tech billionaire in this latest installment of Robert B. Parker’s beloved series, and the first written by celebrated writer Mike Lupica.

The beautiful wife of one of the world’s richest men comes to Spenser in the hope that he can find out what skeletons lurk in her husband’s closet. Though he is a generous philanthropist and loving family man, she is concerned—he recently has become secretive, bordering on paranoid, and she wants Spenser to find out why. As Spenser digs into the billionaire’s past, he realizes that the man may have done terrible things on his rise to the top—but he also may have had good reason to. What he discovers will cause him to question his own views on morality—and place him in grave danger. - from Netgalley.com

I received this eARC from NEtgalley.com and am providing an unbiased review.

This is the fiftieth book in Robert B. Parker's 'Spenser for Hire' series, and I have l very greatly enjoyed every book. Lupica's writing style is similar to Parker's, in not only how the character does his thing, but even the way chapters are done. I constantly think back to the '80's with Robert Urich playing the main character on the television show. I can't think of any greater words to say about this book other than I truly enjoyed reading another story from this series, and Lupica did a fine job.

Book Review: "Paradise" by Patricia Wolf

 As DS Lucas Walker recovers from his injuries, he heads from Caloodie, Queensland, to the Gold Coast. Surfer's Paradise: a seaside city where gleaming high rises fringe sparkling surf beaches, sunny days lead to wild nights, and criminals and bikie gangs mingle with tourists and dignitaries at five star hotels, clubs and casinos.

Before long, Walker is part of a team trying to solve a horrific home invasion and murder that has claimed the life of a young mother and left her nine-year-old daughter fighting to survive. Can he help them find the perpetrators, and keep the young girl safe? Meanwhile, Vandals head honcho Stefan Markovich is in town - and Walker once again finds himself on a dangerous collision course with the drug gang.

Weak from his injuries, and grieving, can Walker solve a case that is more shocking than anyone expected, and survive the dark underbelly of Australia's Surfer's Paradise?

Don't miss the next instalment in the tense and gripping DS Lucas Walker series. For fans of THE DRY by Jane Harper, Cara Hunter and Chris Whitaker. - from Netgalley.com

I received this eARC from Netgalley.com and am providing an unbiased review.

This is the second book from this author to follow the tale of DS Lucas Walker, and takes place just a short period after the first. He is sent off to the Gold Coast on a 'desk job' type assignment to provide some further training for the local police force there, while recovering from his injuries incurred in the first book. While there, he comes across some other characters from the first book, that relate back to the drug case that got him injured. Also, he hears some stories about the father he didn't know so well, and his father's best friend.

I have really enjoyed both books in this series, and look forward to Wolf continuing the tale of DS Walker in future installments. Being based in Australia, and me knowing pretty much nothing about the places there, it is nice to learn some of the local language ('Yeah, nah') and scenery. Most of the police procedure seems pretty common amongst all countries, but there are still some differences. Good realistic story and writing.

Book Review: "Witch King" by Martha Wells

 

From the breakout SFF superstar author of Murderbot comes a remarkable story of power and friendship, of trust and betrayal, and of the families we choose.

"I didn't know you were a... demon."
"You idiot. I'm the demon."
Kai's having a long day in Martha Wells' WITCH KING....

After being murdered, his consciousness dormant and unaware of the passing of time while confined in an elaborate water trap, Kai wakes to find a lesser mage attempting to harness Kai’s magic to his own advantage. That was never going to go well.

But why was Kai imprisoned in the first place? What has changed in the world since his assassination? And why does the Rising World Coalition appear to be growing in influence?

Kai will need to pull his allies close and draw on all his pain magic if he is to answer even the least of these questions.

He’s not going to like the answers.

WITCH KING is Martha Wells’s first new fantasy in over a decade, drawing together her signature ability to create characters we adore and identify with, alongside breathtaking action and adventure, and the wit and charm we’ve come to expect from one of the leading writers of her generation. - from Netgalley.com

I received this eARC from Netgalley.com and am providing an unbiased review.

The story starts off as said above, with Kai, our main character, coming to awareness in some sort of water prison. Why such an elaborate prison? Well, Kai is a demon, of the fourth level. From there our story takes off with Kai trying to unite former friends and allies, and try to figure out what has happened since he was imprisoned. There is a war going on from a race that is trying to dominate the world, and he and his allies are working to prevent it.

There are many types of magic in this story, ranging from demons, to witches, to 'star-touched' magistrates, plus a power of magic from the enemy that is formidable. Most of the story is told centered around Kai, with some sections of 'what happened before' his watery prison. We learn Kai is a demon with some very strong powers that most demons do not possess, and with the aid of friends/allies, he leads them to a final battle.

Good stand-alone story, with a detailed world building with some thought out methods of travel and lifestyles of the many peoples. Story kept a good reading pace, and I don't recall any part that seemed slow, or unneeded for the story.

Book Review: "Night Angel Nemesis" by Brent Weeks

 

Return to the New York Times bestselling world of the Night Angel, where master assassin Kylar embarks on a new adventure as the High King Logan Gyre calls on him to save his kingdom and the hope of peace.

After the war that cost him so much, Kylar Stern is broken and alone. He's determined not to kill again, but an impending amnesty will pardon the one murderer he can't let walk free. He promises himself this is the last time. One last hit to tie up the loose ends of his old, lost life.

But Kylar's best--and maybe only--friend, the High King Logan Gyre, needs him. To protect a fragile peace, Logan’s new kingdom, and the king’s twin sons, he needs Kylar to secure a powerful magical artifact that was unearthed during the war.

With rumors that a ka'kari may be found, adversaries both old and new are on the hunt. And if Kylar has learned anything, it’s that ancient magics are better left in the hands of those he can trust.

If he does the job right, he won’t need to kill at all. This isn’t an assassination—it’s a heist.

But some jobs are too hard for an easy conscience, and some enemies are so powerful the only answer lies in the shadows. - from Netgalley.com

I received this eARC from Netgalley.com in exchange for an unbiased review.

**Spoilers Ahead**

Author Brent Weeks has taken years, but he has finally returned to the world of Night Angel. Most of NA's story can be found in the previous three books. This tale picks up shortly after where the last book ended.

I'm not sure how to express what I think about this story, so I'm just going to throw out my thoughts about it all...so it might sound confusing. I truly enjoyed the Night Angel series many years ago when I first came across them. I was happy I was able to get all three at the same time, so would not have to spend time waiting for 'the next book'. That trilogy ended well, and didn't leave a cliff-hanger for future novels. I was excited to see Weeks had decided to come back to this story world with a new tale(s). The further into the story I got, I started getting an unhappy feeling about where this tale was going. Throughout there is much internal conversation of the main character as to ethics, morals, and decisions he has made. In some places it was fairly long-winded and I would skim to get ahead of the wordiness. Otherwise the story flowed well, and I was happy, until the last few sections.

I didn't like how it ended. There wasn't any finalization, no cliff-hanger, just .. .the story ended. Does that mean the end of this series? I see some possibilities of how the tale could continue - Spin-off to Vi and her issues with the Chantry. It is alluded that Kylar was seeking to end his mortal life, but it was never confirmed, so maybe something happened there that will bring him back around. There is something about the babe, Caeden, one of the King's twin sons, that the story could be more focused there. And whatever did happen to the other twin? I don't remember reading anything happening to him, just that the twins were abducted, yet separately.

It was a lengthy novel to read, and took me several attempts - as I said there were some very wordy sections. In an afterword, Weeks says that he was challenged by another author (Scalzi) to keep it under 125K words, but the end result was still near 325K. So yeah, very wordy. But because I loved returning to the story, I will give it a four star rating.

Book Review: "A Shift in Fortune" by Maddox Grey

 

A fun fantasy novella with a sweet sapphic romance… and zombies…

It was only a few months ago that Bryn was just a girl living in the remote fae village where she was abandoned as a baby. No one knew who or what she was, but the fae still took her in and raised her, despite knowing she wasn’t one of their own. She made a place for herself, accepted it as home. Then everything changed when she befriended a young fae boy.

Now she’s living in the human realm and finally knows what she is—a valkyrie. She’s sworn to protect Finn, the son of the exiled fae King, but that’s not without its challenges. Finn has no shortage of enemies who want to use him, or worse, ensure the dark prophecy surrounding him comes to pass.

As a new valkyrie, Bryn needs help to master her magic. The kind of help she can only get from another valkyrie. So when Nemain brings her to meet Sigrun, an old valkyrie with a complicated history of her own, Bryn thinks she’s finally found the mentor she needs. But the legendary valkyrie wants nothing to do with training a new valkyrie.

Bryn is determined to change her mind, but how? Can she prove herself worthy before their enemies close in? - from Booksirens.com

I received this eARC from Booksirens.com in exchange for an unbiased review.

This is a short story in the Lost Legacies series that takes place after book two. Most of the series so far has centered around a shifter by the name of Nemain, who has spent much of her time tracking down and ending the life of Sebastian. During her time, she settled down on the Washington coast, and has started to make roots. This short story is told more about Bryn, a fae that just came into her powers as a valkyrie. Nemain and friends are trying to help her find a way to learn about her powers, in order for her to protect the one she is bonded to, a fae boy named Finn, who happens to be the heir, and son of the exiled fae king.

I felt just a little lost as I started this story. It had been awhile since I read the last story in this series, and because it was centered more on Nemain, who is in this one as well, but most of the tale is interaction with Bryn. I thought it a fairly quick read, that I am guessing will go to adding some detail and characters that may be appearing in the next regular story in the series. Maddox Grey has done a wonderful job of continuing the storyline, and introducing some new players into the game. An easy day read for anyone that like shifters, vampires, and many types of fae and demons.