Runelight follows Kate, a Keeper (a storyteller-mage) on a quest to find her missing brother and the mysterious box linked to his disappearance. It stRunelight follows Kate, a Keeper (a storyteller-mage) on a quest to find her missing brother and the mysterious box linked to his disappearance. It starts strong - with mystery, high personal stakes, and a promise of adventure. It also delivers a female-led buddy adventure, which is cool, since epic fantasy rarely features platonic relationships between women.
Kate forms alliance with Venn, a grumpy, emotionally scarred elf. It soon turns into a meaningful friendship. There’s no romantic tension, no enemies-to-lovers, just two women figuring out how to trust and fight alongside one another. For me, Kate and Venn’s friendship is the best part of the story.
Set in the same universe as the author’s Keeper Chronicles, Runelight brings in familiar lore but has a different vibe. The tone is adventurous with an Indiana Jones-style flair. Puzzles, peril, ancient secrets, you name it. The antagonist remains mysterious, and it fits the story’s atmosphere of solving a long-buried mystery.
But� I gotta be honest, this book felt way too long. Like, not just “epic fantasy long,� but bloated long. A lot of the middle felt repetitive - characters rehashing the same questions, Kate talking out loud to herself (a lot), and not much actual movement on the mystery front. I kept waiting for some big reveals or momentum to kick in, and instead the book kind of� wandered. And then, just when you think it’s building to something big, it pivots into a long flashback. That was a weird choice and kind of killed the tension.
I also didn’t totally buy Kate as a thirty-something protagonist-she read way younger to me-and some of the worldbuilding leaned too heavily on characters sitting around explaining things to each other. There’s definitely cool stuff in the lore and magic system, but I wanted to experience it through the story, not just be told about it.
Overall, Runelight had some really cool moments, but it dragged and left too much unresolved. Still, if you prefer heart and wit over blood and grit, chances are you’ll dig this one :) Also, the audiobook narrator does a great job!...more
So, I’ve found my new favorite book of 2024. I’ve always enjoyed political intrigue, deeply personal stakes, and secondary Machiavellian characters. ISo, I’ve found my new favorite book of 2024. I’ve always enjoyed political intrigue, deeply personal stakes, and secondary Machiavellian characters. In Navola, Paolo Bacigalupi brings goods to the table!
The story follows Davico di Regulai, the reluctant heir to a powerful banking family in the city of Navola. Unlike his ruthless father, Devonaci, who controls the city from the shadows, Davico dreams of a simpler life, one filled with honesty, connection to nature, and kindness. Power and manipulation don’t appeal to him, but alas, he has little choice since his life is just a piece of the giant, ambitious puzzle played by his father.
Some reviewers complain about following the story through the POV of the least interesting character, but I disagree. I think Davico’s goodness and naivete make characters like Devonaci, Lady Furia, and Stilettotore even more fascinating and mysterious. I mean, think of Lord Vetinari in Discworld novels - he’s so fascinating because we witness his machinations mostly through the eyes of lesser minds and this trick emphasises his cunning and ingenuity.
Davico feels inadequate and trapped in a world that perceives kindness as a weakness to exploit and use against you. But I love coming-of-age arcs, and Bacigalupi is shockingly good at writing them. A word of caution, though—he’s also extremely good and ruthless at destroying kind characters. Davico’s foster sister, Celia, plays a crucial role in his life as his closest friend and potential love interest. The dark machinations of his father and his enemies make everything much harder for them and lay the groundwork for shocking twists and turns that left me staring blankly at the pages, muttering WTF.
There’s a fantasy element too—the dragon’s eye kept by Devonaci plays a pivotal role in Davico’s fate. But why on earth would I spoil it for you? Anyway, the relic, a remnant of a long-lost age, suggests the lingering presence of magic in a world increasingly dominated by human ambition and greed. And it’s not looking kindly at the world or its inhabitants.
Navola is a brilliant book. It takes the classic coming-of-age story, sets it in a fascinating Renaissance Italy inspired world and makes it a part of a brutal power play and political intrigue. It plays with coming-of-age storyline beats but twists them significantly. Things you’re sure will happen, won’t happen. Things you’re sure won’t happen, will happen.
Bacigalupi’s world-building is excellent—Navola comes alive through its detailed landscapes, complex societal structures and interactions, and the language filled with faux-Italian / italiante words. The di Regulai family’s influence over the city is immense, and Bacigalupi captures the tension between power-hungry factions and players. He also shows that sometimes calculated violence and unrelenting political maneuvering is the only way to maintain power.
I loved the prose and found it elegant and immersive. The novel’s pacing, while slower in its beginning, builds to a shocking twist that will change everything about the story. Anyway, the opening chapters consist of vignettes that shaped key moments in Davico’s coming-of-age arc. I found them incredibly effective at setting the tone and making readers lower their guard.
In short, Navola is brilliant and juggles heartfelt moments with outbursts of calculated violence and extreme bleakness. I loved every second of it. Some reviews mention it’s a standalone story and while it can be read as such despite an open ending, I choose to think it’s just the beginning of a brilliant epic series. ...more
Fool’s Promise is a brilliant sequel that not only lives up to the high expectations set by the Fortune’s Fool but surpasses them in many ways. The stFool’s Promise is a brilliant sequel that not only lives up to the high expectations set by the Fortune’s Fool but surpasses them in many ways. The story picks up some time after where the previous installment left off, and gets more complex, more twisted, and more thrilling.
Now, if you’ve been reading my reviews, you probably know I tend to avoid longer books (over 450 pages). I make an exception for a few authors, and Angela Boord is one of them—and for good reason. I love how she writes complex characters, how tightly she plots her stories, and how deeply she explores politics and relationships.
Fool’s Promise deepens the already complex plot and expands the world by following current events through multiple points of view. It also shows its history through Arsenault’s chapters, which are set in the past and in various locations. Arsenault has lived long enough to experience the world and its brutal ways, and this perspective adds nuance to the story and kept me at the edge of the seat.
This sequel is probably more Arsenault’s story than Kyrra’s, and I’m happy with it - his history is as fascinating as it is bleak. Of course, Kyrra still gets (and steals) some of the spotlight, since their relationship is central to the plot. However, a significant portion of the story takes place in the past, and allows readers to understand what led Arsenault to these lands and just how much the gods hate him.
Angela Boord writes some of the best characters in modern fantasy. Here, these characters—already well-developed—continue to grow and evolve, and face challenges that test their limits. Lobardin, Mikelo, and even Cassis have excellent chapters, and secondary (or non-POV) characters feel perfectly three-dimensional. You’ll also get to know intriguing characters like Job Barra better and witness how wild the magic can be in the Eterean Empire.
What makes Fool’s Promise truly great is its ability to balance deeply personal stakes with dark and epic political fantasy. In my experience, very few books achieve this balance—some focus too much on relationships, others on politics, while still others obsess excessively on world-building. Angela Boord has nailed the balance (for me), and I loved it.
The book has everything I’m looking for: a gripping plot, complex characters, personal stakes, and rich world-building that is not only essential to the plot but also never boring. It introduces new storylines and twists that keep the narrative fresh and exciting. The pacing is tight, though it may feel a bit slow to readers who prefer more action-oriented stories.
In short, Fool’s Promise is a sequel that not only meets the high bar set by the Fortune’s Fool but raises it. If you loved the first book, this sequel is a must-read....more
A wild ride filled with high stakes, heists, careful planning, and imminent danger. Unexpected twists and turns keep the suspense high, and likable chA wild ride filled with high stakes, heists, careful planning, and imminent danger. Unexpected twists and turns keep the suspense high, and likable characters make it addictive. Also, it's effortlessly readable. ...more
I devoured the first two books in The Ranger of the Titan Wilds series. The Hidden Guardian ramps things up tenfold, and avid epic fantasy reader3.5/5
I devoured the first two books in The Ranger of the Titan Wilds series. The Hidden Guardian ramps things up tenfold, and avid epic fantasy readers will adore its "more is more" approach.
Here's the thing, though. I'm not really a fan of epic fantasy. What I admired about the previous two books was their ability to balance personal stakes with a touch of politics and broader danger. Here, though, everything gets bigger.
Is it better?
Yes, for most fans of epic fantasy. You'll be thrilled guys!
For me - not necessarily; I prefer tighter narratives and shorter books. The Hidden Guardian hasn't lost its heart, but at 711 pages long, I certainly felt its length....more
I devoured ‘The Last Ranger� and jumped into the sequel almost immediately. In ‘The First Ancestor,� Leiyn ventures north to aid the Gasts in the4.5/5
I devoured ‘The Last Ranger� and jumped into the sequel almost immediately. In ‘The First Ancestor,� Leiyn ventures north to aid the Gasts in their ancestral war. Fighting comes naturally to her, more than thinking ahead, but she finds herself out of her element in the Gasts' land.
First, people expect diplomacy from her; Not her forte. Second, one warrior has a strange effect on her. Third, she may have an innate talent for magic, but she lacks the discipline and balance to master the skills and tricks necessary to survive.
Trouble, trouble.
The sequel answers many questions about how the magic works and introduces new creatures. Rather lethal, these guys. The writing remains strong and evocative, but the pacing slows down. Probably a good thing, since the story gets more complex, more introspective, and romantic.
There’s still plenty of action and mayhem, but quieter moments balance the pacing. And one more thing, the sequel lacks the journey element that made the first book so exciting. Here, the author focuses on different things. I loved an in-depth look at Gasts' beliefs and culture.
There’s not much I didn’t like about The First Ancestor. Perhaps some developments are rushed and some events are easy to guess, but, y’know, we’re here for an exciting character journey. And Titans. And we get more than a fair share of it!
What counts for me is that the series is so readable that I literally blasted through it and wanted more....more
I’m a huge fan of Raymond St. Elmo’s writing. I love his unique stories that blend fantasy and magical realism with witty prose and sharp observationsI’m a huge fan of Raymond St. Elmo’s writing. I love his unique stories that blend fantasy and magical realism with witty prose and sharp observations. His newest book is quite different; it offers a unique take on Epic Fantasy and Sword & Sorcery tropes. The page count is daunting (800+), but the story is entertaining. Occasionally, it may lack focus and feel somewhat meandering, but overall, it proves to be a fun journey.
The story revolves around Barnaby, a miller’s son and the somewhat village fool, who embarks on a journey. Soon, he is joined by intriguing companions—a cat tutor and a brooding ghost—who follow him on his adventures. Together, they face challenges like fighting a giant rat that writes bad poetry. As the tale progresses, it becomes more complex and introduces additional characters. In the second part of the story, the focus shifts from Barnaby to the entire team as they undertake their epic quest that includes the cursed tower.
As expected, I loved the writing and the author’s vivid imagination. St. Elmo’s voice is instantly recognizable and distinct. However, there is a flip side to the way he plays with language—sometimes, it feels like the storytelling takes a backseat to the manner of telling the story and numerous asides. There’s nothing inherently wrong with this approach, except in a book that counts 800 pages it makes readers feel it’s 800 pages.Â
Other than that, though, Barnaby The Wanderer tells an engaging story and its characters are instantly likable. Take Barnaby, whose (naïve) curiosity, empathy, and innocence are quite endearing. Or his cat tutor challenging Dark Michael:
“Few things walk the earth as dangerous, as terrifying, as lethal in power as the instructional knowledge held in my little kitty head, you wispy pointless remainder of a thuggish noble.�
All characters are distinct and memorable, and all develop nicely throughout the story.
Overall, Barnaby The Wanderer captivated me with its imaginative storytelling, witty writing, and emotional depth. It’s a long book, and it could be tighter and more focused. Despite this, it offers an old-school vibe that some readers yearn for in their tales. Well worth a shot, folks! :)...more
Wesley Chu’s “The Art of Prophecy� was one of my favorite reads of 2022. It’s phenomenal. I was thrilled to dive back into the world of The War Arts SWesley Chu’s “The Art of Prophecy� was one of my favorite reads of 2022. It’s phenomenal. I was thrilled to dive back into the world of The War Arts Saga.
Set a few years after the events of the first book, the story shows the main players changed, both physically and emotionally. It’s fascinating to see someone like Maza Quisami express genuine human emotions. You might even expect her to embark on a redemption arc of sorts, but Chu shatters those dreams.
“The Art of Destiny� is emotionally engaging, imaginative, and filled with excellent character arcs. The vivid descriptions of the world and the intense battles between the War Arts Masters are truly spectacular. Some of the fight scenes run for several pages. They're vivid, and kinetic, and made me think of visually stunning fight sequences from kung fu movies (think Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon).
On the flip side, I felt that this sequel was a bit too long and contained scenes that contributed little to the overall story. They lengthened it without adding impact. Did it diminish my enjoyment? Absolutely not. It’s still a wonderful and heartfelt tale, featuring larger-than-life characters with strong emotional journeys. Chu has created the world I love returning to, and characters I adore.
I can’t wait to dive into the next book in the series!...more
This book is HUGE! At 1323 pages, it's probably the longest book I've ever read. Was it worth it? Or have I finished it through stubbornness alone?
I'This book is HUGE! At 1323 pages, it's probably the longest book I've ever read. Was it worth it? Or have I finished it through stubbornness alone?
I'm still trying to find a simple answer. Through Dreams So Dark tells a complex, immersive story. It contains enough material for two-three great books. However, as a single HUGE tome, it's sometimes daunting and, to be brutally honest, tiring.
Don't get me wrong. It's a good book that requires a lot of attention and slow reading. Angela Boord's writing style is rich and elegant. She keeps the plot twisty, the worldbuilding intricate, and the characters complex and believable. But she also takes her time ( a LOT of time ) to build relationships, and I wonder if a tighter story wouldn't have greater appeal. Even splitting it into two volumes would give readers a breather (especially since there are natural pauses - the book is divided into parts). But I digress: Instead of focusing on its length, I should focus on its content. Besides, I've heard that some readers are into elephant-sized shelf-destroyers :P
Through Dreams So dark is a multiverse portal fantasy with romance (and bromance), magic, and great characters. It's emotional; even when it gets dark and gritty, it's never hopeless. In Through Dreams So Dark, people can access a portal (called The Lake of The World) that connects different realities in their dreams.
The worlds on opposite sides of the Lake differ a lot. On "our" side of the Lake, we begin in a college town in Illinois in 1988; on the other side hides a very different world with a post-apocalyptic feel. It used to be ruled by gods who were overthrown by their subjects. It resulted in two groups of people fighting for centuries (the pro-magic Miroko and the Tarani, who execute magic users so their gods can't choose new avatars). The book opens with the Tarani claiming gods are going to return to bring a new Deiocracy.
In our world, Sergei deals with a broken family and shadowy government organization trying to dig encoded information out of his nightmares. He agrees to it to learn what they know about his mother, who sacrificed herself to get her family across the Iron Curtain. Sergei has a friend, Cam, but he wants to keep him unaware of everything. With no results. It seems Cam has a sixth sense that allows him to show up to save Sergei whenever he's in trouble.
Cam has a sister, and Sergei used to have a girlfriend, but... But I think I'll stop here. I would have to write an essay to describe what happens in Through Dreams So Dark. With footnotes and an appendix. As expected, Sergey crosses the portal into a world that's different from ours. And that's where the good stuff starts. I want to emphasize here that the scene where the characters cross realities is insanely good. Like, absolutely brilliant and moving, with powerful imagery.
Angela Boord writes gorgeous prose that's always a pleasure to read. Her characterization skills continue to impress me. Her ability to keep things tight... Well. It's not perfect. The story combines many things, and although I read for the characters, in this case, I felt that their stories and backstories and romance arcs slowed the pace and muddled the main plot lines. That's subjective and I'm sure many readers will love parts that I found tiring.
I have a hard time rating and reviewing Through Dreams So Dark - it's full of brilliant moments and intelligent intrigue. At the same time, it's too slow at times, and I had to force myself to keep reading. In the end, I'm glad I finished reading it. It's an immersive and memorable mix of urban, portal, and epic fantasy with great characters. But I still feel like it would work better as two or three smaller books....more
The Art of Prophecy blew my mind. Its delicious blend of wuxia, epic fantasy, and drama works on every level. Excellent characterization makes the stoThe Art of Prophecy blew my mind. Its delicious blend of wuxia, epic fantasy, and drama works on every level. Excellent characterization makes the story memorable and impossible to put down. It’s at once pulpy and profound, and it never forgets to have fun.
The story opens with Ling Taishi, one of the greatest war masters of her generation, meeting Jian, the Chosen One who’s prophesied to defeat the Eternal Khan, the immortal god-king of the Katuia hordes. She’s not impressed. The boy is spoiled, arrogant, and not ready for the challenge. Just when she decides to train him, unexpected events prove the prophecy was a sham, and the boy’s existence becomes a political problem. That’s all you need to know - a more in-depth synopsis would only spoil part of the fun.
The narrative follows four POV characters - Jian and three fascinating female warriors, each the Master of a different War Art. Ling Taishi sides with Jian, and she may be my favorite female character ever. One-armed, aging, and hot-tempered, she’s still a brilliant warrior, and she owns this book with her personality, skill, and heart. Taishi is a formidable warrior and a skilled Windwhisper able to fly on air currents or use them to strike opponents or carry her voice. Each of her fight scenes is a thing of beauty.
Jian starts as a delusional and entitled brat, but he’s a good kid inside, and his coming-of-age arc proves it with humor and a knack for drama. Two remaining POV characters, Salminde and psychopathic shadow assassin Qisami want Jian dead, one for ideological, the second for monetary reasons. As a Shadowkill, Qisami can dive in and out of shadows. How would I describe her? Unhinged. There’s something of Harley Quinn and Deadpool in her. Salminde, on the other hand, has the coolest weapon ever - the so-called Tongue, a hybrid of a rope dart and spear. I wouldn’t call her the story’s protagonist, but it’s hard not to see her side of things.
The fantasy world depicted in The Art of Prophecy is vivid and fascinating. Based on familiar and expected, it adds unique worldbuilding (from the setting and the creatures that inhabit it to the weapons and techniques used by War Masters). Take the Grass Sea and its harsh ecosystem, for example. An endless plain of indestructible plants, each as tall as a tree. Katuia children inhabiting the area practice blade jumping, which is as exhilarating as dangerous because of the risk of the fall or being eaten by the whale-birds or other creatures.
Chu’s smooth prose and effortless, often sharp and humorous, dialogue make The Art of Prophecy easy to read. While the story explores darker themes and death occurs on the page, it always balances darker moments with levity and brilliant character interaction.
As you probably guessed, I loved The Art of Prophecy. It’s excellent entertainment for fans of wuxia, martial arts, and deeply personal stakes. Highly recommended....more
As a huge fan of Maberry's Joe Ledger series, I was excited to read his fantasy debut. Kagen The Damned opens with the world burning and the Elder OneAs a huge fan of Maberry's Joe Ledger series, I was excited to read his fantasy debut. Kagen The Damned opens with the world burning and the Elder Ones beginning to stir.
Kagen Vale wakes up with a massive hangover and learns that the Hakkian army had killed his family and the Empress. Gethon Haklan, the Hakkian Witch-king, has won. No one can resist his dark magic. The usurper prepares for a coronation to gain complete (and official) control of the Empire. Kagen flees certain death but falls into despair and drowns his sorrow in alcohol. Meanwhile, magic seeps into reality and changes everything.
Maberry excels at writing action scenes. But, it turns out he's also a skilled world-builder. I loved how he defined and introduced people's beliefs and then crushed them. I loved how he mixed folkloric elements with the Cthulhu mythos and politics. Readers get a strong sense of a place and its customs, but they don't need to follow the backstory pages. Just the way I like it. On the other hand, enthusiasts of deep worldbuilding will probably feel that the setting lacks depth. Maberry focuses on the plot and characters, giving enough context to understand their circumstances, but he never gets the story bogged down with unnecessary explanations.
The publisher markets Kagen as grimdark. I agree. It's a bleak and brutal story, not without some humor, but gritty and unforgiving overall. Some passages require the reader to have a strong stomach (like a necromancer "reading" entrails). I didn't mind, but here's the thing. Kagen The Damned is a violent pulp read, fast and furious, with fantastic ideas and creepy mythos, but without the nuance that some grimdark books offer.
As a character, Kagen falls on a flattish side. He's young, brash, and highly-skilled, a superior fighter who doesn't think much of himself. Of course, we are supposed to cheer when he finds a goal (kill the Witch-king ) and stops drinking, but such a change is hardly surprising.
Maberry's characters have well-defined personalities and are all memorable but rarely complex. I love it in his Joe Ledger series, but I could use more character-building in Kagen. Now, don't get me wrong. Kagen and other protagonists are distinct, and you won't forget them anytime soon. It's just that their motivations and development aren't "organic."
Cthulhu mythos plays a vital role in the story. Maberry impressed me with his take on Elder Ones. The series's opening suggests Elder Ones (Hastur, Cthulhu) have plans for this world, and humans are merely pawns. I'm excited!
As an experienced writer, Maberry has good control over pacing and structure. His writing is mostly accessible, but sometimes he indulges in vivid comparisons ("She was very tall, with flowing hair the color of midnight and lips red as all the sin in the world"). I like his style, though I suspect it won't appeal to everyone :)
I had a great time reading it despite minor reservations and finished the book in two sittings. Short chapters and excellent pacing make it difficult to stop and do something else :) I'll preorder the sequel as soon as it's listed for sale.
TL;DR: Cthulhu mythos + magic returning to the world + antiheroes doing the right thing. I had a good time reading it.
Just look at this cover. So intense. I love it! The story is intense, too. Shade Nox likes to dress like a man and she won’t allow anyone to mess withJust look at this cover. So intense. I love it! The story is intense, too. Shade Nox likes to dress like a man and she won’t allow anyone to mess with her. With her obsidian blades at her hips and the immense power coiled inside, she is even more special than one might suspect. Unlike most bloodwizards she can access The Wild Power. The one that makes the earth tremble and skies crackle with thunders.
Whew.
Daley has a knack for world-building and creating characters filled with inner angst. And longings they can not fulfill. The magic system is dope. Bloodwizards gain access to elemental powers by cutting themselves with blades made of various minerals (obsidian, quartz, tanzanite, garnet, etc.). They all wear magic tattoos that heal self-inflicted wounds. I like the idea, but the image I have of these guys feverishly cutting themselves to go berserk before entering the fight walks the line between serious and ridiculous.
I liked the world: Shade lives in the Wastes protected by Veil from the abominations hiding “outside�. Shade believes she can raise a powerful Veil, but the Brotherhood (folks convinced only wizards should do magic and that blood witches are an abomination) won’t have any of it. I liked the dangerous and cinematic magic and the imagery of the Wastes.
Shade’s motives and determination are clear and understandable. I admired her determination and willingness to delve into dangerous magic. Unfortunately, she comes across as arrogant rather than complex. It seems that the men in her world can not resist her. I did not enjoy the romance part of the story; I just could not understand why the characters were into each other. Passion is all well and good, but I can’t say I bought it all.
Obsidian is a solid book with lots of action and mayhem. It may take itself too seriously (and feel goofy to some readers), but if you’ve been missing spectacular displays of magic, this is it.
Hall of Bones is a gritty epic fantasy that kicks off Hardy's The Brotherhood of the Eagle series. With its well-crafted Norse-inspired setting a3.5/5
Hall of Bones is a gritty epic fantasy that kicks off Hardy's The Brotherhood of the Eagle series. With its well-crafted Norse-inspired setting and character-driven plot, it should appeal to fans of epics.
Rothgar Kolfinnarson aspires to become a great warrior like his father, the chief of the Reavesburg clan, and his older brother, Jorik. He's not there yet, but give him time and he'll get there. Unfortunately, time is one thing he doesn't have.
Rival clans and dark magical forces pose a deadly threat to his family's survival. And when they strike, it's brutal.
Rothgar's narration is engaging and nuanced. He undergoes a dramatic change, both physical and mental, and Hardy does an excellent job of making it believable. The supporting characters, though... Well, I feel Hardy overdid it with the number of characters he introduced in his debut (more than 100!). Way too many to keep track of or care about. Some of them seem nuanced, others seem like pieces of scenery. To be fair, the antagonists are quite complex; cruel, yes, but also believably human.
The pacing did not impress me as much as the world or characters. The first half of the story develops slowly, setting the stage for two devastating twists. Once the twists occur, the pacing slows and remains uneven. The whole blocks of Rothgar describing various things do not help matters. They are dense and tiring (though quite atmospheric.)
Hardy's writing style can be very descriptive at times, especially when describing landscapes and locations, but his action scenes were so engrossing and vicious that they kind of balanced it out. I feel varying the sentence length and limiting whole pages of Rothgar describing stuff (places, people, his inner states) would make the story tighter.
Hardy's control of relationships, plot twists, and politics throughout gets high marks. As mentioned, the narrative occasionally falters when the writing gets tangled up with too much, but it recovers quickly. All things considered, I found Hall of Bones well worth exploring....more
I liked it and perhaps I'll end up giving it 4 stars. For now, it's 3.5/5. Longer review to come.I liked it and perhaps I'll end up giving it 4 stars. For now, it's 3.5/5. Longer review to come....more
The Empire’s Ruin opens a new chapter in the Unhewn Throne world’s history. It follows separate (but converging) plotlines for three characters, all (The Empire’s Ruin opens a new chapter in the Unhewn Throne world’s history. It follows separate (but converging) plotlines for three characters, all (except one) known to Staveley’s fans. The story opens in the middle of the action and never slows down.
The world is a mess, and the Annurian empire is in shambles. Wherever you look, things are going from bad to worse. And for Gwenna, things turned disastrous. After failing both her team and her empire, she’s stripped of rank. Because of her unique skills and training, The Emperor sends her beyond the edge of the known world to find the nesting ground of the Kettral (giant war hawks). And, perhaps, to redeem herself.
Staveley’s characters are distinct, fleshed-out and memorable. Gwenna’s struggles with self-loathing and apathy felt nuanced and convincing. She’s a badass, but everyone has limits and in The Empire’s Ruin Staveley crossed them. No, not crossed. He scorched them with napalm. Gwenna’s deconstruction and the amount of pain she went through would destroy lesser characters. The other two POV characters, Ruc Lakatur Lac Lan (a child of a killer raised by apex predators, turned the Priest of The Goddess of Love) and Akiil (a shin monk and a thief) have compelling arcs too. Ruc wants to share love but has to fight for survival in the arena (with other warriors and his violent instincts). Akiil proves that monastic discipline can serve as the perfect foundation for a life of crime.
Staveley's characters have origin stories rooted in trauma and violence, and he captures it all masterfully. He writes violence with a distressing matter-of-factness and graphic detail without luxuriating in it. No one really thrives in this brutal world, and perhaps one way to survive it requires losing sensitivity? But that's the easy path and his characters rarely take the easy way.
As the plot of The Empire’s Ruin unfolds, more and more information about the past and the Csestriim’s heritage seeps in. They have eradicated the Nevariim, but have you ever wondered at what price? The answer may lead to the undoing of the world, especially if the inconspicuous weapon falls in the wrong hands.
There is much in The Empire's Ruin that follows the conventions of the fantasy genre, but Staveley finds a way to make it feel fresh. I mean, we get fantasy BlackOps flying on giant birds (Kettral) and godlike members of ancient races fighting for power (Nevariim) or understanding (Csetriim). Thanks to his imagination, great prose, as well as twists on familiar cliches, Staveley's work stands head and shoulders above the mass of multi-volume fantasy series.
Besides providing action, drama, and perilous adventures, The Empire's Ruin explores deeper themes � love and death, humanity, and the meaning of life.
In theory, The Empire’s Ruin opens a new trilogy with new players and new stakes. In practice, readers who haven’t read The Chronicles of the Unhewn Throne or Skullsworn will lose a lot of nuances and probably won’t enjoy it as much as those who already know the world and the characters. I strongly advise you to start at the beginning and enjoy the wild ride.
CONCLUSION: The first book in a series has the difficult job of being a compelling novel in its own right while preparing for what will follow. The Empire's Ruin delivers on both fronts. This ferociously gripping, blood-soaked, and character-driven epic is outstanding.
Black Sun focuses on the cost of vengeance, religious corruption, generational trauma, and politics. It features fascinating (and fuYeah, it was dark.
Black Sun focuses on the cost of vengeance, religious corruption, generational trauma, and politics. It features fascinating (and fun!) characters on their paths to change the balance of powers in their world.Â
Serapio, a young boy raised (and maimed) to become the vessel of the god Grandfather Crow, has one goal - to end the Sun Priest’s reign. To do so, he needs to get to the city of Tova before the solar eclipse. Almost impossible, unless you can count on someone with the right skills. Enter Xiala, a foul-mouthed and hedonistic Sea captain, and general badass. Only she (and her magic) can make the seafaring adventure possible.Â
Sun Priest Naranpa, the highest religious authority in the holy city of Tova, is a decent woman caught in political and religious machinations. Others judge her for her low birth and resent her drive to make priests more accessible to Tova’s people. Their stories, set on a collision course, reveal their layered and compelling personalities. Also, each POV character has a different perspective on the story’s events; highly appreciated, as it adds complexity to the world and characters� fates.
Roanhorse digs into the worldbuilding right away. Ancient powers, god’s avatars, sentient crows, gigantic insects, mysterious powers don’t even begin to cover it. We get lots of detail and symbols that draw inspiration from the indigenous cultures of North and Central America. It felt fresh to me; while we observe a welcomed shift from pseudo-European settings, I haven’t read another epic fantasy inspired by the pre-Columbian culture and beliefs.Â
Even more impressive, however, are Roanhorse’s characters, who keep her tale from getting bogged down in details, no matter how fantastical. Each is an outsider. Serapio is an avatar of the god, but he’s also a young boy speaking to crows and playing with shadows. Raised as a vessel destined to revenge his people, he deals with trauma and a rather narrow outlook on life. I mean, he is a chosen figure, only he’s not here to save the world... Xiala is a Teek, and most people loathe Teeks and see their value mostly as body parts worth a decent price (paid in cocoa). She’s brash and impulsive, but the story reveals her more vulnerable side. Naranpa, despite her high rank in the religious structures of Tova, doesn’t belong there because of her poor background.Â
The ensemble of characters feels inclusive–we get queer, trans, and non-binary characters (Roanhorse uses neopronouns xe/xir/xirself to address them), as well as impaired or members of minorities. There’s no social stigma coming with gender-identity or sexual orientation.
I found the worldbuilding impressive, but Roanhorse takes her time setting the stage for the next books in the series. As a result, Black Sun ends on a lackluster cliffhanger and leaves many unresolved loose ends. Readers craving a satisfying closure won’t find it here. I found the characters� interplay, magic, and the world engrossing and I have no problem with waiting for another fix....more
Just do yourself a favor and preorder this book. Pretty darned brilliant, especially if you appreciate un-cliched characters, excellent but restrainedJust do yourself a favor and preorder this book. Pretty darned brilliant, especially if you appreciate un-cliched characters, excellent but restrained worldbuilding, and Parker-Chan's gift for breaking you.
The Lost War has a lot going on. A lot. And it has an exciting and unexpected climax (no spoilers � but wow!). It's not perfect, I have a few issues wThe Lost War has a lot going on. A lot. And it has an exciting and unexpected climax (no spoilers � but wow!). It's not perfect, I have a few issues with it, but they're all minor. I'll buy the sequel as soon as it gets published.
I rarely enjoy epic fantasy told from multiple points of view, but I loved this one. Scarlet Odyssey offers enough fresh ideas to make the story addicI rarely enjoy epic fantasy told from multiple points of view, but I loved this one. Scarlet Odyssey offers enough fresh ideas to make the story addictive. It blurs the line between sci-fi and fantasy and finds inspiration in African mythology and culture.
The story follows Salo, a young man whose affinity for magic puts him at odds with the rest of his tribe. As the first-born son of a chief, he should become a warrior, but he prefers to read and study arcane arts. His society perceives such interests as feminine and emasculating. As often seen in coming-of-age stories, circumstances force him to embrace who he is despite his people’s disapproval. There’s a quest ahead of him and an evil plan to stop. People to meet, creatures to kill, the power to unleash. We’ve all seen it, true. What makes it exciting is Rwizi’s knack for characterization, unique world-building, and engaging plot.
The narrative introduces a complex and intricate magical system, unlike anything I can think of, and connects stories from the past with the present storyline. It even explores different planes of existence (like the Void). The remaining protagonists include Ilapara, a female mercenary who goes against her tribe’s ideas of male and female roles; Kelafelo, a woman with tragic past who apprentices in sorcery to destroy those who destroyed her life; Isa, a young princess forced to rule her people. There are other POV characters, but I’ll allow you to discover them and their connections to the main cast by yourself. Secondary characters include Tuk, a mechanical man, and a techno magical cat wreaking havoc amongst those who want to harm Salo.
Rwizi’s characters feel complex and multi-faceted. They face convincing dilemmas, make mistakes, and learn along the way. I liked Salo’s and The maidservants� chapters most. Salo’s story is most intimate whereas The maidservant’s one is most thought-provoking and painful. I applaud Rwizi’s skill in creating a three-dimensional antagonist, a monster you can’t help but understand and want to forgive. Even though I liked most characters, I feel the author introduced too much of them. Introductions of new players and tribes slowed down the narrative, and I’m not sure if all sublots were necessary.
The book has a distinct African feel. I applaud Rwizi’s ability to use characters to show the complexity of society - each tribe has its own customs, norms, and even architecture (dry-stone architecture versus straw huts, for example). We get the real diversity and color, the feel of a primeval land and its inhabitants. As far as I can tell, the magical creatures that appear in the book (the tikoloshe, grootslang, impundulu, the ilombo, the konggamota) have a source in African tribes folklore. But we also get tronic beasts. A fascinating mix of magical and technological.
The existence of magic makes this continent fraught with danger. Its people face the pestilences of tribalism and constant warfare. Things get violent and gory in places, and many characters stain their souls. As I went deeper into the story, I saw that not all was as it initially seemed. Starting with Salo’s and Ilapara’s struggles against their society’s strict gender roles, finishing with the direction of the plot, the author impressed me with his subtle touch and sound ideas.
Good ideas and rich world-building require time to introduce. As a result, the story gets going around halfway through, a bit late if you ask me. As stated above, some sublots added little to the narrative and slowed down the plot. Even though all point of view characters grew on me, I didn’t enjoy them equally and my enjoyment of the story followed a sinusoid where I cheered for some, and felt slightly bored by others. The sequel will prove if the author was too ambitious or if he knew where ha was going.
One more thing. The writing. It’s gorgeous and rich. But also dense and filled with vivid descriptions and long sentences. Some readers will need time to get used to it. I kinda loved it.
Scarlet Odyssey is the first book in the duology, and I can’t wait to put my hands on its sequel, Requiem Moon, due in Spring 2021. I found the book immersive, exciting, and difficult to put down. Try it....more
Cycle of Blades is a fast-paced epic fantasy with plenty of anime-like battles and training sequences. Thanks to the mastery of Lunari symbols charactCycle of Blades is a fast-paced epic fantasy with plenty of anime-like battles and training sequences. Thanks to the mastery of Lunari symbols characters gain preternatural skills (inhuman speed, teleportation, ability to fly, or to control blades). For ages, Lunari kept symbols secret, but nothing lasts forever. A Lunari renegade teaches them to Kessler, a mercenary hungry for revenge, who, in turn, teaches them to Faulk, a soldier-turned-mercenary and our protagonist.
The less you know about the plot the better. Suffice to say it involves heresy and schemes that impact the world of humans and gods. Lunari symbols are ridiculously powerful. A weakling will trash powerful opponents moments after learning them. A skilled Lunari user will single-handedly massacre armies leaving only a trail of the dead.
There's a lot to like here. The magic system is imaginative, and the characters well-rounded. Plots and subplots tie nicely in a satisfying conclusion. Plus, you know, controlling blades with your mind is dope. That being said, if, like me, you're not a fan of anime aesthetic some of the battle/training sequences will tire you. Too much cool stuff is still too much. Because of Lunari symbols' instant effect, character development was rushed or, in one case, lacking. While the main characters feel distinct, I'm not so sure about secondary ones.
Cycle of Blades has plenty to offer to action-hungry fans of epic fantasy and anime. It's well-written, polished, fast-paced, and engaging. Plus, it does contain a lot of cinematic scenes that beg to be translated into visual media.
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