Book Review: "Hell's Acre" by Lilith Saintcrow

 

New Rome perches upon the shores of the Thamis River, and in its soot-stained depths a teeming mass of humanity lives under the iron fist of an Empire that never fell to Vandals or Christianity. In the shadows, assassins congregate and secret societies bloom—the Priory, dedicated to worship of the criminal Dead God, and the Hellions, thieves and murderers whose aim is mere freedom.

Or so they say.

Gemma Dove arrives in New Rome with a small independence and a burning desire: to gain revenge upon those who murdered her parents and drove her beloved aunt to a premature death. The city is a dangerous place, but Gemma has her own secret skills and isn't afraid to use them. She longs to complete her vengeance and return to her safe, beautiful estate across the Channel, but fate has other ideas.

His name for now is Avery Black, but they call him the Rook. The young Hellion has sunk himself in vice and treachery, and he knows there's more to Miss Dove than meets the eye. He also knows she's playing a dangerous game, one which will end in her death—unless he takes a hand in matters. It might even be connected to his own vengeance against the Priory, but that's fast becoming a secondary consideration.

Under soot-stained skies and flickering gaslamps, from the crowd of thieves and gin-soaked tenements to the glittering whirl of Society, plans, treachery, and counter-betrayal are afoot. Gemma and Avery can deal the Priory a stinging defeat, but that ancient organization has its own plans for Miss Dove, and the Rook might be her only defense… - from Netgalley.com

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

Saintcrow has done a wonderful job in creating this new world scenario. It is like modern Europe, but kind of like if the Romans had actually conquered it all, and held sway for hundreds of years. The story is a bit historical, as many names that are somewhat recognized have a 'Latin-ish' sound to them, and they use wood/coal for fires with no autos in the story. So like the 1800s I guess.

This brings us to our two main characters: Miss Dove, a pseudonym for the rich daughter of some married bureaucrats who seeks revenge, and Avery Black, the Rook, a local sort-of Crime boss of the area of London called Hell's Acre. The Rook is actually a man of morals, and is trying to help the Acre, even if violence is necessary. Miss Dove, who has an "uncle" at a type of monastery in the Acre, manages with his help to get a job as a school mistress for an orphanage. I know I am skipping some parts (for you to enjoy) but the interest between Dove and Rook build throughout the story, which leaves us hanging a bit for a future installment.

The world-building in this novel is spectacular. I really liked the idea of a conquered Roman'ish Europe, and love how the names have that Latin quality. My history may not be the best, but there are several religions and deities Romans worshipped, and they have their part in the tale as well. The intrigue as to what is really going on keeps one reading. Dove does find the man responsible for her parents deaths (per the information she had received) but is that really the one. And how is it Rook's interests and Dove's coincide with each other, without the other knowing? Really looking forward to more in this series!

Book Review: "The Cartographer's Return" by Lisa Maria Koenig

 

Years have passed since the cartographer Soread from Greenwood has left Snowcreek. Now he returns, driven by trust towards the Lord and the Lady of Eridris and accompanied with secrets he wishes to keep. - from Booksirens.com

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

This is the second novella in 'The Cartographer's Travels" series, and is also a fairly quick read. The tale takes place approximately 17 years after the first tale, and starts with our traveling map-making elf returning to the neighboring lands of his home after all this time. Again, he is wounded physically, though not as bad as the first time. Makes one wonder how clumsy this elf must be.

Either way, this one was a bit slower to read than the first one, as it delves more into the elf's inner turmoil and feelings (ewww, feelings). Obviously there is loads of guilt, anger, resentment, pride... the list just goes on, and flips around each paragraph. I tried to step back from the directness of it all, and saw that this seemed more of a tale of reuniting friends, one full of angst, etc, and one that is just open and loving, that share their burdens with each other.

Not sharing the ending, but from what I read, I don't see any future novellas about Soread coming in the future, though I admit, I always could be wrong.

Book Review: "The Cartographer from Greenwood" by Lisa Maria Koenig

 

In a stormy night, a strange elf stumbles through the doors of Lord Aeglas' manor in Snowcreek. He is injured and it is not his love for drawing maps that has driven him out of his home for many years. Will he learn that he has to fight for what is dear to him or will he continue his travels and avoid the arguments awaiting him at home? - from Booksirens.com

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

I actually came across the second novella of this small series (two books) prior to this one, but saw this one was available to be read and reviewed so requested it as well. Thankfully, both came, so I did not have to read out of order. Though each could be a stand-alone (I believe enough information is given in the second one to cover any possible missing plot).

I really liked the synopsis of the storyline: a wondering elf into neighboring lands, harboring inner feelings that prevent him from returning home to family. Here in this land he finds compassion and friendship, which erodes at his inner feelings, but in the end, we find it is not enough. Let's add in that this elf draws maps, very exquisite maps, and regardless of his wounds received, thus bringing him here, takes little time to recover. It is a novella, and some parts (to me) dragged on a bit longer than needed. I did find myself occasionally wishing this could be fleshed out into a longer tale, maybe including some of his traveling background. Overall well-written, easy to read, and looking forward to the second novella.

Book Review: "The Spore Queen" by Debra Castaneda

 

Forest. Fungi. Family secrets.

Reporter Maria Hart ventures into the depths of Nils Forest chasing a news story about a violent storm, but she never returns. Within months, four other people will also disappear in the woods.

Tech mogul David Eager lives at the forest’s edge. He is haunted by Maria’s disappearance, and something more. Fungus is common in the foggy woodland, but now it’s behaving in unnatural ways, creeping onto his property and into his dreams.

Maria’s friend, Amy Matthews, hears strange rumors about Nils Forest and, motivated by a dark secret, decides to investigate for herself. It’s no easy task. The terrain is notoriously rugged. But Amy is cunning and determined to find her former roommate, dead or alive.

Amy’s not alone. Maria’s mother, desperate for answers about her daughter, joins the search.

Together, they journey into the heart of Nils Forest where they make a chilling discovery—there’s a new fungus in these woods, and it has transformative powers. As they push deeper into the trees, they uncover a terrifying, mind-bending force. Her name is The Spore Queen. - from Booksirens.com 

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

This is another installment into the 'Dark Earth Rising' books from this author. Admittedly, after having read the others, I was a bit disappointed in this particular novel. Though the story follows the general idea of the Earth retaliating in a strange fashion against humans, this one didn't feel the same. The ending was different, as to events that happened that leads one to believe a mysterious disappearance (or possible destruction) of the malignant force of nature, whereas this time, it was not only supported by followers, but assisted in flourishing. Does this mean a possible follow-up novel, that expands on this particular storyline? Not sure, but would be interesting to find out.

Book Review: "The Fall of Waterstone" by Lilith Saintcrow

 

An elemental witch and her shieldmaiden navigate a dangerous world of forgotten myth and deep magic in the second volume of New York Times bestselling author Lilith Saintcrow’s sweeping Norse-inspired epic fantasy series.

Solveig and her shieldmaid have finally reached the fabled Elder sanctuary of Waterstone—a city of healing, restful beauty hidden from the Enemy’s gaze. Yet whispers race through the palace halls, and those they have come to tentatively trust have hidden intentions. For not only is the city a refuge for an elementalist, her protector, and a mortal prince, it also holds a great weapon, one that only Solveig’s kind may wield.
 
Yet Sol’s faith in her own magic is perilously fractured. She can rely only her wits and skills of negotiation to be heard, or she will become a pawn in a dark game played by Elder and Enemy alike. The lord of the Black Land is mighty; treachery slithers amid Waterstone’s many wonders, and time is growing short.
 
Before the darkness finds a way in, Sol must decide who to trust, where to turn for aid, and if she will take up a power she cannot hope to control. Even the right choice may doom not just the home she has left behind, but the entire world… - from Netgalley.com

This eARC was received from Netgalley.com and I providing an unbiased review.

This is the second book in the 'Black Lands Bane' series by Saintcrow an continues the adventure of Solveig, as she is led on seemingly blindly. This part of the story brings the group to Waterstone, a city of the Elders, a fae-like race. Whilst here, there is treachery within the Elder ranks and the Black Lands creatures invade the hidden city, forcing all to flee or die. This sends our MC out once again to head for yet another 'hidden, Elder city' but now she is carrying within a piece of Waterstone of great value.

It was wonderful to pick up on this story again! Saintcrow has done a wonderful job morphing Norse mythology into a fantasy tale of adventure. I would like to see many more books in this series, but feel it will probably wrap up in the next (and last) installment. Probably best to have read the first novel, so all the backstory is known, but otherwise is easily read and moves along at a good pace.

Book Review: "The Chronicles of Earth" by C L Jarvis

 

Edinburgh, 1785. A kidnapped geologist. A bombshell new theory.

George Stephens is weeks away from receiving his medical degree, but he doubts he'll make it as a physician in a crowded, competitive marketplace. Instead, he hopes Professor Joseph Black's friend, James Hutton, might get him a job in his chemical manufacturing works.

But before he has a chance to suggest this, Hutton is kidnapped. The eccentric geologist was about to deliver his bombshell treatise on the true age of the Earth, threatening to upend conventional beliefs about the universe and man's place in it.

Getting Hutton back pits George, Black and friends against a fanatical opponent who will stop at nothing until Hutton's dangerous theories are buried. If George wants to survive long enough to graduate, he'll need every ounce of his courage and skill. - from Booksirens.com 

This eARC was provided by Booksirens.com and I am providing an unbiased review.

This is the third novel in the Edinburgh Doctrines series, and hopefully not the last. Again the story revolves around a couple of professors and a student of theirs that is learning Phologiston (an early word for what many of us would call magic). This particular adventure includes a fellow professor that is kidnapped, a geologist. Jarvis has again created a story placed in an earlier version of Scotland, complete with what I would consider appropriate dress, speech, and lifestyles. Looking forward to what I believe was hinted at, a fourth book in this series.

Book Review: "A Flame in the North" by Lilith Saintcrow

 

An elemental witch and her shieldmaiden journey into a world of ancient myth and unexpected destiny in this sweeping Norse-inspired epic fantasy from New York Times bestselling author Lilith Saintcrow.

The Black Land is spent myth. Centuries have passed since the Great Enemy was slain. Yet old fears linger, and on the longest night of the year, every village still lights a ritual fire to banish the dark.

That is Solveig’s duty. Favored by the gods with powerful magic, Sol calls forth flame to keep her home safe. But when her brother accidentally kills a northern lord’s son, she is sent away as weregild—part hostage, part guest—for a year and a day.

The further north Sol travels, the clearer it becomes the Black Land is no myth. The forests teem with foul beasts. Her travel companions are not what they seem, and their plans for her and her magic are shrouded in secrecy.

With only her loyal shieldmaid and her own wits to reply upon, Sol must master power beyond her imagination to wrest control of her fate. For the Black Land’s army stirs, ready to cover the world in darkness—unless Sol can find the courage to stop it.

They thought the old ways were dead. But now, the Enemy awakens… - from Netgalley.com

This e ARC was given to me from Netgalley.com and I am providing an unbiased review.

This is a wonderful start to what I expect to be an epic story based on Viking imagined living, beliefs, and other mythological/religious lore. Solveig is our main character, that has a skill, similar to what we would call an elementist in the fantasy world, that marked her to train as a Volva (kind of a Viking shaman-woman) but her skill is stronger than has been seen for lifetimes. Do to an unfortunate death caused by her brother, she is sent as weregild for a year and a day with a group calling themselves the Wolves of the North. On their journey returning to the Wolves northern homes, she discovers one amongst them is Elven, and learns of other types of magic. She also learns that truly there is a great evil that is awakening again, and many believe her to be the one last hope to stop it.

Let's just say that when I started this book, I was riveted to it. I have read many of Saintcrow's works, and found them enjoyable, but this tops all of them - hands down. I also believe, that this is her best work to date. I found the reading to be very attention getting with the storyline, though there were parts that felt a bit wordier than needed to be. It is written in first-person, from Sol's point of view, and, like a person's thoughts, there is quite a bit of mental wondering, which I believe kind of adds to the writing style. In my opinion, they were many terms I believe to be Viking lore related, and the lifestyle portrayed, region and climate, all added to what I see as Viking lore. Also brought in is some of the Norse gods (Thor, Odin, et cetera) and some comments even of the 'robed ones' that preach their god that died on a cross, versus going to Valhalla. 

Truly one of the top books I have read this year, and I am so looking forward to the next one, and I am guessing a third as well. I found it easy reading, even good descriptions of many of the Viking terms used, and the inter-mixing of lore and beliefs.

Book Review: "The Olympian Affair" by Jim Butcher

 

For centuries the Cinder Spires have safeguarded humanity, rising far above the deadly surface world. Within their halls, aristocratic houses rule, developing scientific marvels and building fleets of airships for defense and trade.

Now, the Spires hover on the brink of open war.

Everyone knows it's coming. The guns of the great airship fleets that control the skies between the last bastions of humanity will soon speak in anger, and Spire Albion stands alone against the overwhelming might of Spire Aurora's Armada and its new secret weapon--one capable of destroying the populations of entire Spires.

A trading summit at Spire Olympia provides an opportunity for the Spirearch, Lord Albion, to secure alliances that will shape the outcomes of the war, and to that end he dispatches privateer Captain Francis Madison Grimm and the crew of the AMS Predator to bolster the Spirearch's diplomatic agents.

It will take daring, skill, and no small amount of showmanship to convince the world to stand with Spire Albion--assuming that it is not already too late. - from Netgalley.com

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

This is the second book in 'The Cinder Spires' series by Jim Butcher. It has been awhile since I read the first one, so the it took a bit at the start to pick up on what had transpired. A bit of time has passed since the first story, and this one finds us with many of the same characters. The war between spire-states is starting to escalate, and this book is more centered around what is going on around the Olympian Spire. 

I have always enjoyed Butcher's books (Dresden Files and Codex Alera series) and this series has been enjoyable to read as well. I do like the world-building and character development employed, as well as his easy-to-read writing style. I am looking forward to reading more in this series, as I am sure there will be at least one more book (I hope).

Book Review: "Across the Sorrow Sea" by Anthony Ryan

 

THE SORROW SEA—THE MOST FEARED REGION IN ALL THE FIVE SEAS—PLAGUED BY STORMS, PROWLED BY A MURDEROUS PIRATE KING, AND HOME TO INHUMAN TERRORS.

Continuing their quest for the Seven Swords, legendary warrior Guyime and his companions must brave these perilous tides to find the mythic Spectral Isle, where once a demon named Lakorath was captured by a sorcerer of great power. Here ancient plans will be unveiled and the secret purpose of the seven demon cursed blades may finally be revealed…

Continuing the saga of The Seven Swords, Across the Sorrow Sea is a fast-moving tale of seafaring adventure and dramatic revelations from the New York Times bestselling author of the Raven’s Shadow and the Covenant of Steel trilogies. - from Netgalley.com

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

This is the fifth installment in this quest for the fabled Seven Swords. I was a little disappointed it was so short, but truly loved being able to re-visit this world. I feel like there is going to be seven tales to finish this quest, but I could be wrong. Either way, I really enjoyed characters getting more background filled in, and though the story's world seems vast, it is like discovering just a section of it each time a story in this series comes out. Looking forward to the future stories.

Book Review: The Witch and the City by Jake Burnett

 

Trapped in a place of infinite forgetting, a witch must remember how to love.

The prison-city of Osylum floats in the midst of an endless abyss. The reclusive Lady rules it; distant, inscrutable, and never seen. Her will is imposed by the Wardens, eldritch creatures who tend to the convicts’ needs but also ruthlessly purge anyone who tries to escape.

Osylum’s newest inmate, the witch Oneirotheria, has no memory of who she is, where she came from, or why she is imprisoned. Instead, her mind is a mess of spells and lore and other people’s voices. The city mirrors her internal confusion; a jumble of broken buildings covered in hundreds of snippets of graffiti.

As Oneirotheria re-assembles her own shattered past (aided by a few inmates of dubious intent), she learns she may hold not just the key to escape, but the intertwined secrets of the city’s origin and a lost love that transcends countless lives. - from Booksirens.com

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

This was a different find for me. I usually would skip it fairly fast, but for some reason the synopsis sounded somewhat interesting, and after reading an excerpt, thought I would try reading something a little different than my normal material. The writing style was easy to read and understand, though for some reason it stood out as 'different' but I could not pinpoint as to what made it feel that way. Overall the story was interesting, and I felt it was interesting. I would more than  likely try other works from this author.

Book Review: "Runes of Battle" by G. N. Gudgion

 Adelais is on the run.

And the kingdom of Galmandie has never been more dangerous.

In every town square, people whisper of a girl who brought down lightning on her enemies. The king has placed a huge price on Adelais’s head and sent troops to hunt her down.

Adelais flees high into the mountains. But winter is closing in and she cannot hide for ever.

Far to the north, there is a chance of escape. Her homeland has risen in rebellion against Galmandie. To reach freedom and safety, Adelais must cross many miles of hostile territory with inquisitors and royal soldiers always close behind.

If she is captured, Adelais will be burned as a witch. But if she learns to control the storm of magic within her, she could be the spark that sets the whole country aflame.

Packed with intrigue, action and warring gods, The Rune Song Trilogy is perfect for fans of Robin Hobb, Mark Lawrence and Andrzej Sapkowski. - from Netgalley.com

This eARC was provided to me through Netgalley.com and I am providing an unbiased review.

This is the second book in the Rune Song Trilogy and continues the tale after the first book. I was not a huge fan of the first book, but I wanted to see where the author would take us in continuing this journey. Again this was written telling the story from the viewpoint of at least three people (a style I do not care for) and for me, the beginning was hard to get involved with in reading. I place some of that blame on me due to my preferences of single-person versus multi-sided tellings. I felt lost and had to put it aside for awhile. Coming back to it a second and third time, I just could not keep myself interested in the tale.

I am only giving this story a 3-star rating due to that I did not finish it. I did somewhat enjoy the first book, and feel this could be a good tale if only I could stay focused on the tale, and not how it is being told.

Book Review: City of Bones" by Martha Wells

 

Before Martha Wells captured the hearts of MILLIONS with her Murderbot series, there was Khat, Sagai, and Elen, and a city risen out of death and decay…

The city of Charisat, a tiered monolith of the Ancients’ design, sits on the edge of the vast desert known as the Waste. Khat, a member of a humanoid race created by the Ancients to survive in the Waste, and Sagai, his human partner, are relic dealers working in the bottom tiers of society, trying to stay one step ahead of the Trade Inspectors.

When Khat is hired by the all-powerful Warders to find relics believed to be part of one of the Ancients' arcane engines, he, and his party, begin unravelling the mysteries of an age-old technology.

This they expected.

They soon find themselves as the last line of defense between the suffering masses of Charisat and a fanatical cult, bent on unleashing an evil upon the city with an undying thirst for bone.

That, they did not expect. - from Netgalley.com

This eARC was given to me through Netgalley.com and I am providing an unbiased review.

This was a bit different than what I expected when I requested to read this book. Definitely set in a world not like earth, or possibly a dystopian future. Khat, our main character, is of a race that many in the larger city-kingdoms consider beneath them. However, he has certain 'skills' that allow him to find relics and seemingly instinctively find their purpose and value. He ends up somewhat partnered up with the apprentice of a high level magistrate, and discovers he is the product of a race the Ancients created to withstand not only the changes in the world, but the battle from others in a distant other-world.

I have always enjoyed Wells' books, and this is not not I would toss aside. I felt it started off somewhat slow, but I understand the character and world setting had to be built in order to make the story understandable. It is a stand-alone read, so no worries about having to read multiples, or worry about the order.

Book Review: "The Immortal Detective" by D. B. Woodling

 

Sometimes being immortal makes you wish you were dead.

Detective Celeste Crenshaw has survived her parents’ grisly murders, grueling and gender-biased police training, a battle with rogue vampires, and even her own death. While immortality might seem a dream come true, can she accept the strings attached?

Celeste spends the onset of her immortal life within the Hollow Earth, where ancient vampires known as The Elders hone her supernatural powers, but little do they know, Celeste isn’t wholly committed to granting eternal life to those deserving, regardless of her promise.

Upon a return home to her immortal lover, and the Kansas City Detective Squad, she battles mortal foes, not so unlike the demonic undead. And when a fellow detective falls victim to a murderous gang member, and her lover delivers a shocking ultimatum, Celeste not only faces gut-wrenching decisions but also the wrath of the Elders. - from Booksirens.com

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

When I initially came across this book, I thought it could be pretty interesting. Get some fantasy fiction going with vampires, that have a little bit different creation story and powers. Toss in some police work and crimes - could be a good fantasy, crime, thriller, vampire story. Well, it wasn't too bad of an idea.

At first, I felt kind of lost, as I was not aware there is a previous book that covers some details that were mentioned in this book. So I was putting it off to the writer's style, and was not going to be pleased if it was this 'detail empty' throughout the whole story. I liked some of the creation of a vampire, and how they obtain some of their powers process. A bit humorous of who these Elders were, but it is what it is. By the time our main character gets back to the regular human police force, and has a couple criminals apprehended, I was starting to lose interest. These Elders training her, assisting her when she is stressed at her job, making her into some super-cop idea...I just ... nah. So I skimmed the remaining part of the book, and probably lost much of what story there might have been.

I truly did like the concept of Vampirism and it's creation. Cover art looks nice, too. If this had been titled noting it was a second book in a series, or of a story world, I probably would not have requested to read it, as I had not even heard of the first story. 

Book Review: "Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands" by Heather Fawcett

 When mysterious faeries from other realms appear at her university, curmudgeonly professor Emily Wilde must uncover their secrets before it’s too late, in this heartwarming, enchanting second installment of the Emily Wilde series.

Emily Wilde is a genius scholar of faerie folklore who just wrote the world’s first comprehensive encyclopaedia of faeries. She’s learned many of the secrets of the Hidden Ones on her adventures . . . and also from her infuriatingly charming fellow scholar Wendell Bambleby. 

Because Bambleby is more than brilliant and unbearably handsome. He’s an exiled faerie king on the run from his murderous mother and in search of a door back to his realm. And despite Emily’s feelings for Bambleby, she’s not ready to accept his proposal of marriage: Loving one of the Fair Folk comes with secrets and dangers. 

She also has a new project to focus on: a map of the realms of faerie. While she is preparing her research, Bambleby lands her in trouble yet again, when assassins sent by his mother invade Cambridge. Now Bambleby and Emily are on another adventure, this time to the picturesque Austrian Alps, where Emily believes they may find the door to Bambleby’s realm and the key to freeing him from his family’s dark plans. 

But with new relationships for the prickly Emily to navigate and dangerous Folk lurking in every forest and hollow, Emily must unravel the mysterious workings of faerie doors and of her own heart. - from Netgalley.com

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

This is the second book in the Emily Wilde series, continuing the adventures of a college professor that is collecting data about things fae. The story starts off a short time from the ending of the first book, where it was revealed Brambleby is a faerie king and has proposed marriage to Emily. So with this in mind, they are off to the Alps to try to find a nexus to map Faerie, and try to find the kingdom Brambleby is from, to stop the plans of his family.

Overall this was an enjoyable story. Written in a way that was somewhat professor-ish (loved the footnotes and etc throughout) yet easily understood. It definitely is a different look at a story of fae, and their interactions with normal folk. The characters have gotten some more depth to them, though in Brambleby's case, I was sort of ...meh. He seemed more absent-minded and not 'paying attention' as he had in the first tale. I kind of lost interest in the other half of the main character. Emily's character was quite has again shown her to be solid-minded and self-sufficient, even with trying to follow fae etiquette, and the constant wheedling of Brambleby and his marriage proposal. Well written tale I would recommend for anyone.

Book Review: "Cult Classic" by Stephen Blackmoore

 

The ninth book of this dark urban fantasy series follows necromancer Eric Carter through a world of vengeful gods and goddesses, mysterious murders, and restless ghosts.

Eric Carter has a lot on his plate.

He's hunting the Oracle of Las Vegas, a literal talking head that manipulates the future to make its prophecies come true. But it has a new trick. It can change the past, too.

Now Jazz Age Los Angeles is invading the present. Long gone buildings suddenly restored, decommissioned Red Car trains appearing on paved over tracks, miles of the city changing back to orange groves.

Throw in a hundred-year-old doomsday cult, time magic, and a terrifyingly powerful spell to raise the dead and it makes for a busy week. Carter knows the Oracle is behind it all but he can't figure out how. Or why.

But he better figure it out soon or he, the city, and everyone he knows might be wiped from existence.

Cult Classic is noir urban fantasy at its finest, with a cutting voice, sharp wit, and a plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat. - from Netgalley.com

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

As stated above in the plot synopsis, this is the ninth book in the Eric Carter series. And for a bit of a spoiler, it is the final one as well, per the author in a tweet from Twitter, unless someone "pays me a lot of money". This saddens me quite a bit, as I have gotten to truly love this series, and was hoping for more, or maybe some other sort of world tie-in.

Our man of Death, Eric Carter is back, and as usual, the least-loved necromancer has his hands full. Between a poly-type relationship that is a work in progress, time flipping things around from a hundred years ago, and just trying to survive, Eric is hunting down the Oracle, a being he helped create in his younger, 'dumber' days. The story is full of the usual snark we expect from this character, and the usual 'I'm figuring out what I can do along the way' attitude. Having been a God, dead (literally), and brought back to life in your grandfather's body, can sure make for an interesting life.

As I stated before, I am pretty sad this is the last book. That being said, I think Blackmoore did a wonderful job wrapping up some little bits that have been floating out there, in regards to certain events. I'm not going to truly spoil them, but there is information about his Grandfather, and his Sister. If you have read the series, you'll probably know what I referring to. As usual, the author has done a wonderful job of creating and maintaining a possibility of what the southwestern US could be (mainly LA and Las Vegas) after a necromancer has had a few battles. His use of snark and sarcasm were spot on, and I just loved how the main character has changed since the first book, into someone that can actually care not only about what happens to them, but about others, whether he knows them or not.

Book Review: "The Salt-Black Tree" by Lilith Saintcrow

 What happens when you find a way to save your loved one… but the price might not be worth it—the stunning conclusion to New York Times bestseller Lilith Saintcrow’s The Dead God’s Heart

Nat Drozdova has crossed half the continent in search of the stolen Dead God’s Heart, the only thing powerful enough to trade for her beautiful, voracious, dying mother’s life. Yet now she knows the secret of her own birth—and that she’s been lied to all her young life.

The road to the Heart ends at the Salt-Black Tree, but to find it Nat must pay a deadly price. Pursued by mouthless shadows hungry for the blood of new divinity as well as the razor-wielding god of thieves, Nat is on her own. Her journey leads through a wilderness of gods old and new, across a country as restless as its mortal inhabitants, and it’s too late to back out now.

Blood may not always prevail. Magic might not always work. And the young Drozdova is faced with an impossible choice: Save her mother’s very existence…

…or accept the consequences of her own. - from Netgalley.com 

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

I was so happy when I was given the chance to read this book! This is the kind of fantasy story I love to read, especially when we are dealing with divinities of all sorts, and just how one could imagine them getting along with one another. This centers more around the Baba Yaga and seasonal aspects more than other 'gods' but still brings a somewhat humorous interaction amongst the characters. I have enjoyed Saintcrow's previous books, and though this one seems to wrap up the story of Nat (one could hope for future tales?) I would look forward to more from this author.

Book Review: "The Traitor" by Anthony Ryan

 

In this “gritty, heart-pounding” (John Gwynne) conclusion to the New York Times bestselling fantasy trilogy, The Covenant of Steel, Alwyn must make a difficult decide between his heart and his morals as he prepares for his final battle.

It’s been a long journey for Alwyn Scribe. Born a bastard and raised an outlaw, he’s now a knight and the most trusted advisor to Lady Evadine Courlain. Together they’ve won countless battles and helped to bring order to a fractured kingdom.    Yet Evadine is not the woman Alwyn once knew. As puritanical fury increasingly replaces her benevolent faith, Alwyn begins to question what her true motives really are.    As the kingdom braces itself for one final battle, Alwyn’s conscience fights its own war with his heart. Now, more than ever, he must decide whose side he’s really on. - from NetGalley.com

This eARC was given to me from NetGalley.com and I am providing an unbiased review.

It is hard for me to even say what I think about this book, let alone the whole trilogy. Following the life of Alwyn has been an experience, one that I would gladly embark on again. How Ryan makes the reader see inside the mind of the MC and understand his values of ethics and morals was so well done. Each book has been a 'growing together' with the MC, as he advances in roles of his life.  I do feel that the ending was left kind of open. I am hoping that it will lead to another series possibly...?

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: "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: "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.