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.