Remember when we all thought KJ Parker was a woman? In no way does it have anything to do with this book, but wow, it seems so long ago now.
Anyway... Remember when we all thought KJ Parker was a woman? In no way does it have anything to do with this book, but wow, it seems so long ago now.
Anyway... this is probably Parker/Holt's best book. It takes everything I loved about the Engineer trilogy and jams it into one quick and easy book. A fun protagonist saves the city under siege while fighting with the people within the city just as much as those looking to sack it....more
One of the better outings from Moore. I have always enjoyed the author, but inconsistent endings often derail the final quarter of each book. Not so hOne of the better outings from Moore. I have always enjoyed the author, but inconsistent endings often derail the final quarter of each book. Not so here, the ending was strong and wrapped up most the major plot points..
Started a bit rough, fake noir writing may have been the whole point but it still isn't exactly good writing; either the 'noir' got turned down a bit as the book went on or I just got used to it.
Anyway, a funny book where the butterfly effect causes chaos for the main character. Nothing ground breaking, but fun....more
I think this was better than the first book, which was highly entertaining Peaky Blinders fan fiction (not really, but maybe really). I like how the sI think this was better than the first book, which was highly entertaining Peaky Blinders fan fiction (not really, but maybe really). I like how the stakes were raised to a new level without diminishing the importance of the of the first book's struggle. I also like that when the protagonist had to go on a journey we just saw the important stuff going down at the destination instead of wasted pages spent on the trip.
Pretty solid outing, I think I would now call this a recommended series... for fans of Peaky Blinders, Low Town, and jackass protagonists getting routinely outmatched by women who are much smarted than them.
I do hope the author moves past the 'show a character is really bad with rape' trope, but it isn't a huge piece of the book. Still, fair warning for some.
Not everyone one loves non-linear plot lines so in order to make Station Eleven accessible to all I took it upon myself to chart th
Not everyone one loves non-linear plot lines so in order to make Station Eleven accessible to all I took it upon myself to chart the timeline out for everyone and have included it for reference below.
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You're Welcome.
Station Eleven has one of the more interesting set ups I have seen. It is nominally a post apocalyptic tale that deals with a select few survivors of a civilization ending strain of flu. Many of the familiar trappings are there; wandering bands of survivors, fascinating looks at a new life without old technologies, even a prophet emerging from the chaos consolidating power for his own vision.
But the base of the story is more Citizen Kane than Mad Max. The Rosebud of the story is an aging actor named Arthur who dies on stage in the opening scene of the story. His life and death have nothing to do with the death of humanity, in fact he dies the day the 'Georgian Flu' hits North America and is never aware of what is coming. But everyone in the book is in some way tied to him, directly or through his works, and it is one story at a time building to a larger connection that brings the whole cast together.
This is a slower paced book but incredibly well crafted. Each story drops a small hint, be it in the time of rebuilding, the hectic final days of modern humanity, or at times years before when everything was normal and problems much more mundane. The story is interesting, and questions will be answered, but it is tough to say whether there is any sort of payoff so a readers satisfaction will probably vary based on expectations. Personally I loved it; a complete memoir of life and fame hidden in the end of the world. But with its slow pace and lack of any major, central question your mileage may vary.
If there is a weakness in the book it comes from the believably of the post collapse world and in some ways the collapse itself. Yes, the very set up of the novel is the hardest to buy. The speed the sickness spreads world wide is quite insane and near complete start over humanity is going through doesn't add up. Is there no mechanical lathe still around? Scavenging is effective but manufacturing shouldn't have stopped. But since in reality all the post apocalyptic setting is just staging for a larger story it doesn't' really matter.
This is more quirky indie film than summer blockbuster. It is smart and interesting and worth reading but nothing really memorable. The setting works because of its small scale and unanswered questions but doesn't beg for further expansion. Station Eleven is a book I am glad to have read but it is a style that really could only work once. It's uniqueness is part of its charm and covers up for some of its weaknesses.
Nicky Drayden answered a few questions about her debut novel in
There are time when all the pieces come together. Sometimes that iNicky Drayden answered a few questions about her debut novel in
There are time when all the pieces come together. Sometimes that is because the pieces are made to be together; a dark lord chasing the orphaned farm boy and the like. But to make all the pieces come together when said pieces are a virtual grab bag of randomness takes a bit more skill. Robot uprising, pissed off demi-god, young girl with the power to naturally nuke a town, hallucinations that are real and not real and real again. All tied together in a neat little...oh who I am kidding, it was a glorious mess. But a glorious mess that all works out if one is really paying attention.
The Prey of Gods starts with a young man worrying about the state of of his private parts and mentally cussing out the man who decided circumcision should come by ritual in the teens rather than infancy. We can go ahead and call his story the sanest plot line of the book followed by a politician with a secret wannabe pop star identity. From there all the crazy elements are introduced one by one, then moved around in a wonderful whirlwind until everything important comes together in flash bang of a conclusion. Yes I just mixed metaphors like a boss, but that is only because I wanted to get in on this crazy game.
Make no mistake one would have to enjoy a health dose of weird to enjoy this book. I wish I could recommend this book with no reservations but there are still a good number of people who don't enjoy Bas Lag so obviously some will be put off by people discovering their inner sexual crab. Assuming that is you then you have permission to skip reading this review but please know you are missing out.
Are all the boring people gone?
Cool.
Beyond the weird The Prey of Gods is a book that has a whole lot to say but makes the reader work to decide what exactly that is. In a near future where things generally seem to be getting better there is a bit of optimism. Yet a pissed off ancient demi-goddess threatens to tear it all down; a decidedly fatalistic look at was an optimistic future. Another character goes from young innocent to monster before possibly making the turn back. Hell the entire pop star's story-line had enough going for it to be its own contemporary novel (minus the mystic drug dealer, perhaps).
I suppose the real question is how many times in a year I can call different books 'debut of the year' and get away with it (by my count this might be the third). The Prey of Gods has the depth, excitement and action, and just enough humor to make up for its apocalyptic body count. Each character's point of view feels unique and not one character of the diverse cast feels unneeded. It may requiring altering ones mind to accommodate the insane set up but the payoff is worth it in the end.
Another highly anticipated debut that didn't disappoint.
Even have a complete disaster work out in your favor? Josette Dupris wakes up after her airship crashes a hero. This is not a Flas
Even have a complete disaster work out in your favor? Josette Dupris wakes up after her airship crashes a hero. This is not a Flashman scenario; her quick thinking after the commanding officer bites it truly are worthy of some accolades as the tide of battle was turned by her controlled crash. But deserved accolades or not Dupris finds that the disaster she survived is only going to lead to more problems in the future. Specifically, press she doesn't want and a promotion that no one wants to give her.
For you see the new coed army thing isn't going over well among some in the Garnian command. Women are only supposed to be auxiliaries and not actually brought to combat. So taking over a airship, saving the day, and having the nation's press fall in love with your exploits? Probably not going to go over well with the Brass. Dupris soon finds herself with her own airship, an experimental specimen called the Mistral. And the first Captain's pins for a woman in the land. But with this comes the certain knowledge that taking the spotlight from her commanders is not going to bode well when it comes time for her new assignment.
Airship battles are cool, even if they can become a bit confusing as they bog down in the minutia. Military fantasy is always a balancing act between accessibility and those gritty little details of who is standing where and doing what. For the most part The Guns Above toes this line just fine; only a couple of times did I want it to get on with things. But be warned, there is plenty of maneuvering and a minutia of detail during battle that stand out dramatically from the books style the rest of the time.
A small airship is a strong setting for a book with a small cast as it forces constant character interaction without it ever feeling forced. In this case the cast mostly consists of Dupris and her resident spy Lord Bernat, spoiled noble placed on the ship only to help bring Dupris down. Dupris is a character I loved. Her struggle at the forefront of a political shift is something she recognizes and doesn't dismiss but being the best Captain she can is her number one priority. She is also genuinely funny, using a biting sort of humor that allows her to keep some distance.
Bernat was more of a mixed bag. He is first shown as something of a useless fop, my first thought was Jezel from The First Law as a comparison. But luckily he instead proves to be a capable young man without much motivation. He is also funny, and most of his conversations with Jezel are a riot to read. But as real as Dupris felt, Bernat rang a bit false for this reader. His actions at the end of the book don't necessarily match the man we met at first. And while I concede a first hand look at war could cause major changes in a man I think one extreme to the other is something of a stretch.
Overall this was quite an enjoyable read. Good characters, good humor, and a very quick and fun plot. But layered into it is a story of society on the move along with all the political ramifications that go with it. So while I didn't fall in love with the book as much as I hoped it is a book to be recommended. A secondary steampunk world with a kick ass air captain is absolutely worth checking out.
A boy chases laughter through the city. Followed by a presence he can't see the boy keys in on laughter, any laughter, and throws h
A boy chases laughter through the city. Followed by a presence he can't see the boy keys in on laughter, any laughter, and throws himself desperately toward it looking for shelter or a way out. In a land once ruled by miracles the unnamed boy uses the only one he has at hand hoping for it to prove useful just one more time. And when finally hitting a laughter that rings a bit false...
Well that is where City of Miracles really begins.
One of the finest fantasy series of the decade is getting its conclusion. And with it some major questions will finally be answered, especially those surrounding Sigrud, a character who always stole the reader's attention but never was able to get out of the other protagonists' shadows. But City of Miracles doesn't lazily ride off into the sunset, oh no. In City of Miracles the action is turned all the way up, all the feels are given at regular doses, and (spoiler alert) there are miracles abound. Yes, questions will be answered. And a whole wide world of questions will be left to wonder about.
This has been a series in which every book felt like it belonged in the same series yet all were very different in tone. City of Stairs had action but was more focused on the mystery and a real sense of wonder. City of Blades somehow ups the mystery and politics. And City of Miracles feels like a summer blockbuster until one looks back and realizes it couldn't never work without the reader already being invested in the wonder and magic of the world.
This works for and against the narrative in some ways. It is a very different feel than the first two books and it is almost jarring to jump right into the action. Sigrud is a tougher character to follow and relate too than either Shara or Turyin Mulaghesh before him; his near invulnerability compared to their very human nature is not always endearing. And while those all important explanations eventually come I found that I preferred Sigrud when the more diminutive Shara was still the most dangerous person in the scene.
BUT, and this is a big but, those reservations I had eventually were for naught. And it would take major spoilers to explain why but Sigrud's humanity does start to show, and eventually becomes the key to everything. City of Miracles isn't necessarily a tear-jerker but the emotions do start to run high. And while the action never really slows it is always action with intelligence; each scene builds on the last and each piece of information Sigrud and his supporting cast learns will be needed to stop the new threat.
What a threat it is too. Villains have not really been present in this series before. The Gods were slaves to their nature; capable of much destruction but just as tied to the people expectations as they were to their own whims. But the new threat is certainly evil. World destroying evil. Yet even this creature, most evil seen in the series, has just enough humanity to make a reader hope for redemption
As a series conclusion City of Miracles was all I could hope for in a series I never wanted to see end. Though City of Stairs has remained my favorite of the trilogy each successive book has added much to the story. Sigrud dominates the page but both Shara and Mulaghesh (plus some important newish characters) get their own successful conclusions. And I can't help think I am due for an entire series reread sometime in the very near future.
A simple enough novel in which a woman runs from those trying to do her harm after a drug war spills over to something more persona
A simple enough novel in which a woman runs from those trying to do her harm after a drug war spills over to something more personal. Only the major parties involved happen to be vampires. Which makes things a little more...not simple?
Certain Dark Things is completely engaging yet very simple in execution. The story follows Atl as she ends up in Mexico City while on the run from the rival family who killed her sister. Mexico City is not a good place to be a vampire; sanitation crews are always on the lookout in an attempt to keep the city bloodsucker free. A hunger for young human blood makes hiding out even harder so Atl recruits a teen street kid for a meal. She then makes a decision that could be a mistake by letting young Domingo live.
It is dark and emotional. Domingo goes from crush to possible love interest but Atl always knows her past and future involve blood and heartbreak. A jaded police officer on her trail fights her conscience when the system doesn't provide the support but a human gang does. And Nick, the spoiled son of a vampire lord, provides the perfect mix of evil and youthful arrogance while acting as the main villain.
There is a bit of a role-playing influence at work as the different vampire sub species are introduced. Atl can trace her heritage back to the Aztecs; she requires younger blood than some and can fly when she has the energy. Nick's group are bit more Dracula; making puppets out of their human victims through some sort of blood induced mind control. And hints of even more are seen throughout.
On the one had all this is fascinating and the distinctions are not gratuitous; the vampires use their various advantages in a the battle to get the upper hand on each other and a reader who stays aware will have something of a head up before each twist and turn of the plot. On the other hand there is a lot of excess world building that may never pay off; the history of vampires outings could be fascinating but is only a background detail.
As vampire tales go this is one of the better recent releases. It carefully builds a lore that could easily lead to our current myths while adding enough originality to stand on its own. The simple story was a page turner, never a bad thing. And the ending fit the personalities of the characters perfectly, not coming as a surprise but with just the right mix of melancholy and heartbreak.
A strong book with a cool take on vampire lore. Perhaps not the most memorable nor is it a genre changer but well worth reading.
A bit out of place on this humble blog as unless I missed something there were no dragons involved in this non-fiction book about t
A bit out of place on this humble blog as unless I missed something there were no dragons involved in this non-fiction book about the history of baking powder. Nor did any of the major companies involved prone to hiring any type of magical assistance. So feel free to skip this review if the riveting battle between companies trying to sell flavorless white powder does nothing for you.
The Baking Powder War caught my eye because I am fascinated by the history of marketing and the blurb promised plenty of this. I was not disappointed on this front but I also got so much more than I expected. This was not a minor marketing battle between rival companies; the 'war' statement in the title of the book was in no way hyperbole. It can also not be overstated just how important the creation and distribution of this product was both in its time and leading up to today.
For those that don't cook baking powder is a product that leavens bread. Almost any bread product bought today (outside of artisan loafs) as well as most cakes, cookies, etc contain this product. If you put it in an oven and it gets bigger, or if it is soft and fluffy, you know it has baking powder. If it can be cooked in less than an hour the same statement holds true.
Starting with the introduction of bread making in colonial America the author takes her time showing just how important bread making was in the time period; setting up just how revolutionary this simple product ended up being. From there the focus slowly shifts down two paths; how the product was changing society and what four major companies were doing to ensure they profited the most off it. Both of these aspects were fascinating.
On the societal change front it is almost shocking how much impact this simple product has. Bread making went from something that went on all day (and took constant prep to ensure the baker had yeast at hand as a dried version is years away still) to something that could be done on more of a whim. This leavening was so important that the first patent issued in America dealt with a baking powder predecessor. Many diverse aspects were looked into, often briefly. The rise of the tin industry (baking pans were suddenly needed for breads that didn't stay self contained), the start of chemical additives to food (baking powder is convenient but it adds neither flavor nor nutritional value) and eventually the rise of chain grocers.
But the majority of the book focused on the cut throat war the various companies engaged in during a time with less ease of consumer information. Wholesale bribery of state legislature type of warfare; these companies were robber barons every bit as crafty as any steel tycoon. Early marketing was as horrifying as it is fascinating; one ad basically told women that a can of baking powder saved so much time it was like owning a slave!
I don't review non-fiction much and this certainly isn't an academic journal. Unlike fiction reviews I don't see any need to discuss pacing or narrative style. I found The Baking Powder War to be easy to read and completely fascinating. I was expecting more on marketing and was slightly disappointed that it only came up sporadically but I got so much more than I realized from this book.
Recommended for those interesting in marketing, American history, and the quality of their food.
So I have an honest question. How much does a first person narrative absolve semi-pragmatic aspects of an otherwise good to very good story? If a thirSo I have an honest question. How much does a first person narrative absolve semi-pragmatic aspects of an otherwise good to very good story? If a third person account says someone speaking a foreign language is jabbering it is quite often called out; but if a criminal overlord with some mild racist tendencies brings it up it is not necessarily the lore of the land but rather one man's train of thought. I really don't have an answer to this question at all, and it didn't affect my personal enjoyment, but it was certainly something I noticed and thought about.
But I am doing this wrong. Reviews shouldn't start with a negative should they? Ok, back it up, start with what I liked.
1. I like the first person noir feel Low Town had. The story starts with the protagonist finding the murdered victim of a well publicized missing child case and against his own best interest getting involved in the investigation. The narrative voice was STRONG. 'The Warden' has an obvious feel for the streets and quite realistically moves between the underworld he currently owns a piece of and the law he used to be part of. Take the best parts of Sam Vimes (feeling the street trough the souls of his feet) and Tracer Bullet (giving just a bit of levity to the proceedings).
2. I like the city that the book entirely takes place in. Getting an actually grasp on it is tough; it feels like Dicken's London but in a timeline without any advances in gunpowder. Mostly we see it through the underbelly; drug lords and minor traffickers. But making the protagonist a drug lord opens up the whole city; there is nothing out of place with his travels taking him anywhere from the slums to the house of nobles. When we do see the lawful side of things we see exactly the corrupt force one would expect; complete with a real monster at the top that deserves his own book.
3. And finally I can't fault the pacing or story at all; it kept me hooked throughout. Some of the twists are telegraphed a bit too hard but that is forgivable. Flashbacks are short but interesting and while they don't answer everything they help fill in the protagonist's rise and fall in society. It is a dark story for sure; the Warden is not against using violence to keep his territory and a reader can never forget he is only temperately back on the investigative trail.
Ok, I have had time to think about it and I do admit I am still kinda annoyed by the way race was portrayed at times. There was a culture that was very much a Chinese stereotype and while the protagonist himself doesn't know how much they are playing to the part it is a deliberate choice. Women also didn't a strong showing in Low Town; those with any ambition especially . This is a book that wouldn't have seemed out of place on the shelves ten years ago and yet it is not weird to see a semi-recent release fail the Betchel test completely.
Reservations aside I enjoyed this book quite a lot and will be rating it higher than some of my criticisms suggest. I am already cussing that my library doesn't have the sequel in audio format; I will have to track down that book in another form it appears. Low Town was a good blend of fantasy and Noir it is an author I will certainly be reading again.
Scavengers in the air tip off three people biking across the vast desert of the planet on their way home. Hob draws the short straw and checks out the body finding someone she knows well. When a body is found out in the dunes of Tanegawa’s World there is no real secret as to how it arrived there; the corporation TransRift runs everything on the planet and unofficial deaths are not uncommon. But events will soon prove that her now dead 'Uncle' got into something over his head. There are secrets that TransRift means to keep.
Hunger Makes the Wolf is a fast paced adventure novel with a surprising amount of depth. Though it has two central characters who hold their own it is Tanegawa's World itself that takes center stage. Through it we learn very little about the universe around it but enough to know that it is much more important than its status as small mining colony suggests. The company controls everything, being blacklisted from work is a death sentence of its own but as seen in the opening so is a push from a moving train with multiple bullet wounds.
Through flashbacks we see glimpses of how TransRift controls this land. Long hours with little concern for safty. The aforementioned blacklisting of employees stuck on a world with no other options for work. And soon enough, when Mag's family finally saves the money to send her off world to another life, we see just how far the company is willing to go in order to keep their secrets.
Hob takes the main role in this adventure, acting as the glue between several story lines that all come back to TransRift's control. She is one of the Gray Wolves, a mercenary crew living on the edge of society. She is also a witch, controlling fire though not quite understanding why or how. This and her non-company sanctioned employment make her a prime target for TransRift's wraith. Mag is her longtime friend, though an old wound has kept them apart, who starts as a damsel in distress that quickly comes into her own. The two of them are fun to read about; make no mistake they carry the story through their own decisions and actions. But as stated above, it is the world of Tanegawa's World and TransRift's control of it that drive this book.
The problem is the proprietary information TransRift holds; especially the mysterious 'Weatherman' who are necessary for space travel and so much more. For those looking for just a bit of horror in their sci-fi the Weatherman should meet all needs nicely; deliciously creepy and plenty powerful without seeming completely invincible(just mostly so). How Tanegawa's World fits into the big picture, and what the seemingly benevolent but fairly powerless government plans to do about it, are just a few of the mysteries Mag and Hob may find themselves involved in.
There are a lot of cool aspects to Hunger Makes the Wolf. It is an adventure novel. It has cool mysterious beings like the Weatherman (oh, and wait until you meet the Bone Collector). It has universe spanning implications going on in the small scale; always focused and never to ambitious for its scope. But it also does have two kick ass heroines; they are who they are because of the world they live on sure, but also because they learn from mistakes and take charge of situations.
Obviously a first book in a series there are answers to be found but many more questions to be asked when all is done. There were a few quibbles to be had about the Gray Wolves and their longevity in a world under such strict production control, and a few things about their structure were either underdeveloped or coming in upcoming books. But never did it really affect my enjoyment of the story.
Angry Robot has really upped its game lately; this is one of their best recent releases. Strong debut and I hope for a sequel to start answering a few more of my questions.
“Leaves are falling all around, It's time I was on my way. Thanks to you I'm much obliged, such a pleasant stay.�
Humor is tough to pull off.
“Leaves are falling all around, It's time I was on my way. Thanks to you I'm much obliged, such a pleasant stay.�
Humor is tough to pull off. Inside jokes can fail if they are too deeply buried to be noticed or so obvious they are less a joke and more a reference (hello Scary Movie and all of its knockoffs). Running gags can fall flat if used too often; or worse if they were not even funny in the first place (look up a Nakumara). So when an author proves within pages to be a deft hand with the dealing of jokes I already know I hold a book worth reading.
Dark fantasy can likewise be hit or miss. Without some sort of levity, be it through hope or humor, it has to be damn near perfect to justify the grimness or risk losing a reader who tires of nothing but bleakness. Kings of the Wyld is a book that knows how hold the balance and as such proves to be a stand out debut.
The premise is grim. Clay is living a happy life, married with a young daughter, when an old friend and 'band' mate shows up with a plea for help. A city under siege is where Gabriel's daughter is trapped and he knows only Clay has the pull to bring all the old members of 'Saga' back together for one last impossible fight. Leaving his own happy life behind Clay joins Gabriel as they reunite with each of the scattered old legends; a wizard, a thief turned king, and a pure killing machine turned...well that would be a spoiler. Yes friends they are getting the band back together in one of the more obvious winks a reader can expect in their hilarious journey.
There is a hope to this book that separates itself from so much dark fantasy. The entire quest is driven by love; Gabriel for his daughter of course (and Clay out of respect to his own) but also out of a bond between the band themselves. Clay is a protagonist from another era; genuinely good who occasionally has to do bad things. He is Logan Ninefingers as Logan wanted to be, or rather how Logan pretended to be (I can do references too you know). Despite the bleak outlook for their particular quest the group never really loses hope or even thinks of turning back. And one particular side character's amazing journey to put the best spin on everything for a friend is down right heartbreaking! Just wait until you see to whom I refer.
But it is the humor that sets Kings of the Wyld apart. Small pop cutler references litter the pages (I saw Princess Bride and Spinal Tap among others). But the references never stop and wave to try to call attention to themselves; they are dropped subtly and left where those looking can find them. It isn't just pop culture references though as even fight scenes turn hilarious once the bands mage, Moog, joins the fray. I am still laughing about a horn that supposedly turns swords into snakes. Eames has great comedic timing, seamlessly going between action, seriousness, and humor between one line and the next.
Most impressive of all is just how tightly written Kings of the Wyld is. Most would be happy to read this book for the laughs or the rock and roll quest alone. But despite its simplistic premise, or perhaps because of it, this is a book that one would be hard pressed to poke holes in. It has an ending every bit as satisfying as the journey to took to get to it. Loose ends are tied up, side characters are not forgotten and main characters each get something out of the quest. Just enough is left for a future sequel to peak interest without being infuriatingly open.
I didn't love every character and there were a few portions of the quest that could have been edited down a bit more (everyone has their own tolerance for 'random encounters' in a book and I hit mine). A few of the Saga's problems were solved a bit too easily (though when done with comedic effect this wasn't always a negative). But all I can offer is nitpicks here, overall I was quite happily surprised by this book.
Joe Abercrombie meets Terry Pratchett, and that is not praise I would give lightly.
A new take on an old tale... Scratch that. A new take on a lot of old tales. Cold winters are a fertile ground for stories to be Posted at
A new take on an old tale... Scratch that. A new take on a lot of old tales. Cold winters are a fertile ground for stories to be told around the fire. And even as the people in Pyotr's village practice Christianity they still take heed of the old stories. It is into this life that young Vasha is born; her birth the dying wish of her enigmatic mother. She grows up on the stories and has no need to believe in them because she can see the truth on her own. Vasha is a wild girl, beloved by her family but never quite understood.
Especially by her father's new wife, Anna. Every story needs its central point of conflict and the stepmother is an old classic. But what if the stepmother isn't evil but scared? Seeing daemons that no one else can see has left Anna shaken; only the villages small church gives comfort. A young priest sees Anna's fear and with it sees his own path to greatness. Sermons gain brimstone and fire and the old ways come under attack. Villagers who once left bread crumbs for creatures of the old stories become more fearful of the vengeful god Konstintine preaches. And fear only grows as the already tough winter starts to bite harder. As the village starts to look with suspicion at the strange girl in their midst Vasha will find herself face to face with two brothers known only in the old stories.
This is a seemingly simple story with a lot of depth. At times it seems to be Vasha vs the world but despite her 'strangeness' she is never short of allies. Nor is it purely a Christianity vs Pagan story as clearly both have power in Arden's version of Russia. It is also not a traditional 'retelling' as it mashes multiple folk tales into a defined historical context. What it is is a strong, original telling of a special girl and her journey between two competing worlds.
There is a lot to love here. Fans of Juliet Marillier should be happy with this debut and not just because of the folk tale influence. In fact when it comes to the prose and imagery The Bear and the Nightingale is probably a step above. This is probably also a good book for fans of Gaiman's American Gods as it deals with a battle between old and new beliefs in a much tighter and smaller focused way. The story is very polished and smartly leaves behind several years in chunks when appropriate. Most importantly the author weaves in the folk tale aspects but makes Vasha's Russia her own. For this The Bear and the Nightingale is worth a strong recommendation.
But it is not a perfect book. A strong character study it is not. Perhaps the most disappointing thing is Vasha's path is mostly laid out for her despite her fight against a predetermined path being her major drive in the book. With a few exceptions other characters fit an archetype (beloved tutor, firebrand preacher) rather than act as full characters. Anna showed a bit more depth than evil stepmother as she fights her own daemons (pun maybe intended) but often it was hard to remember she is more than her spiteful side. Of course this may be a losing battle as the characters are literally competing with the entities of Frost and Death and fairy tales for page space but it makes connecting with characters rather tough.
Overall a strong debut. With a unique voice and beautiful setting this may be a book with some staying power. More importantly Katherine Arden has set herself up as an author to keep an eye on.
Living world ships move through space; if there is any destination the people on the ships don't know it nor any history of another wa link:
Living world ships move through space; if there is any destination the people on the ships don't know it nor any history of another way. Sadly for these women the worlds are dying as entropy finally seems to be beating out their long living systems. Rival factions war for resources; recycling what they find in an effort to extend the life of their own piece of the sky. Zan wakes among one of these factions and slowly learns she has an ambitious plan for a rebirth of kinds. Problem is an almost complete memory loss gives her no idea what the plan is.
The way Hurley uses such a short page length to build multiple worlds and still have space for a story should be taught in school. No spare time is spent on wasted details yet characters' travels and conversions tell the reader everything that is needed to be known and more. This dying earth space opera checks all the right boxes. It is unique and alien. Dark, occasionally gross, and full of mystery. Strong imagery lets you see experience what Zan and her collected group of outcasts are experiencing. The world ships are a thing of wonder; but also horror as the curtain is pulled back to see exactly what it takes to keep them living for so long.
This is an author with a track record of making readers care for bad people doing bad things; even if there is occasionally justification for each action. Zan seems to be a basically good person; collecting a mixed group of allies as she works toward her unknown cause. Yet she has snatches of memories that make her doubt even her own intentions. Her path seems interlaced with Jayd's, a women who appears to be a friend (or more) but obviously has her own secrets. Both of these women are playing politics with monsters as the rival factions of the Legion cut deals, war, and otherwise live brutal lives on the unforgiving ships.
Though quickly paced the reader is always left one step behind. Because of Zan's memory loss the long game is as much a mystery to her as it is to the reader. Chapters focusing on Jayd are completely unreliable as her mind is so twisted its one is left to wonder if she even knows what she is hiding from who. This is both a pro and a con though. It makes each chapter a must read, one more page, 'oh didn't see that coming' experience. But by playing the cards so close close to the vest surprises can fall a bit flat. Questions of what is a betrayal and what is planned make it hard to get emotionally involved in the proceedings, even if intellectually one is 'all in.'
It is that lack of emotional connection that keeps this from being a really great book; though settling for really damn good is no insult. It is still completely unique, very engaging, and a stand alone to boot allowing one to avoid any fear of commitment. Come award season expect to see it get some run. Though the 'Lesbians in Space' tagline has already got a lot of internet traction please know that The Stars are Legion has an all women cast but is not solely defined by it. Men have no place on the legion and it both works and makes sense; a statement it may be but not one that doesn't back itself up within the narrative.
The Stars are Legion is yet another highly ambitious book from Kameron Hurley and once again she comes through with the good stuff. It has the scope space opera needs, the alienness that anything set in the future should have, and a strong enough story to carry it.
Typically the third book of a trilogy forever sets the tone for how readers will remember the entire series. The first book, say Posted to
Typically the third book of a trilogy forever sets the tone for how readers will remember the entire series. The first book, say Dreamer's Pool, is what is responsible for sparking interest in the over reaching plot and (hopefully) major players in the coming story. In many cases this may be a readers introduction to the author as well; life long love may follow from a suitable impressive start. Dreamer's Pool was indeed a book like this, a beautifully crafted fairy tale that introduced many to Juliet Marillier. Most importantly it introduced readers to Blackthorn and Grim, a duo sure to entertain for books to come.
Something different was going on here; a broken 'couple' who needed each other but not in a way typically seen on page. Blackthorn (not her real name) in particular always jumped off the page. She is intelligent, emotional, and complex; a mostly good person who is currently clouded by thoughts that are assuredly not so good. A fae enforced bargain ensures she stays in one place helping the locals as a wisewoman/healer instead of focusing on the revenge she so eagerly seeks. Her partner, Grim (probably also not his real name), provides a balance that she comes to rely on to remain sane. They learn a bit about each other, solve a sticky mystery, and entertain anyone who wants a fairy tale they have not seen re-spun twenty times already.
The second book of a series must then provide a reason to keep reading through the trilogy. Tower of Thorns was not the same magical experience Dreamer's Pool was but it held its own. The two protagonists learn a bit more about each other and confront the fears that may keep them apart. A new mystery is solved. If one was already a fan of the series, and more importantly, already all-in on Blackthorn's plight thenenthusiasm doesn't wane and that third book is eagerly anticipated.
Back to that third book. The one that forever sets the memories in place, Den of Wolves. A book that not only must set up a whole new sub plot (that in reality takes up the majority of the page count), but also must start tying up the dangling plot lines two books before it have left it. Success gives the Blackthorn and Grim series lasting memory. Failure (or worse, mediocrity), dooms it to the dustiest shelves of used book stores everywhere.
Something Marillier seems to excel at is letting the reader think they know where everything is going and rather than shatter that feeling gradually showing that there is way more than even the most astute reader could guess. Having the cake and eating it, who could ask for more? The serial mystery format works surprisingly well and is no exception in Den of Wolves. A construction project with a mysterious history leads both Grim and Blackthorn to question everything about the family financing it. A man with obvious fae ties may be the key to unraveling the mystery but the past is almost a blank to him. All the while Blackthorn suddenly finds herself with an opportunity to provide some closure to her own past (and thus the series). But is she willing to pay the cost?
The two plot lines are woven so tightly they almost feel like one; at no point does it feel like the author is fighting her own story to fit everything in. The frustration with this book may come in how easy it seems the long game comes together. Through two books Blackthorn was defined by her past; at least in her own head. Readers hoping for the epic confrontation with the man her hatred burns for may be disappointing by the almost casual nature of the final showdown. On one side of the coin it actually feels real; it takes more than one person to solve large problems. It also allows the protagonist to fully show her growth, specifically in the decisions she makes when her change at vengeance comes. On the other side of the coin it comes down in a fairly anti-climatic form. Still a bit heart wrenching, but not exactly exciting.
How this series is remembered reader to reader will most likely hinge on how that ending is perceived. Overall this has been a very strong series and a worthy read for any lover of fairy tales tired of the same old thing. Den of Wolves shouldn't disappoint anyone already invested. And those who haven't started Blackthorn and Grim should probably give it a chance. That all important third book did exactly what it is supposed to for the series.
Still a good book but but missing the wonder of the first book. Blackthorn isn't really surprising anymore; we know her tendencies. Grim gets a bit ofStill a good book but but missing the wonder of the first book. Blackthorn isn't really surprising anymore; we know her tendencies. Grim gets a bit of backstory and it is actually pretty meh. And when it is all done I am not sure Blackthorn actually solved anything as opposed to just being drug along.
That said, it was a page turner and still a more hopeful book than many I read so a good change of pace. Consider this series a must read for me still. ...more
Pen name of Delilah S. Dawson, Wake of Vultures sets up to be a book tailor made for the likes of me. Diverse cast, Old West vibe, and a quick pace arPen name of Delilah S. Dawson, Wake of Vultures sets up to be a book tailor made for the likes of me. Diverse cast, Old West vibe, and a quick pace are all present. And for the most part it was a hit for me. I flew through it, the protagonists� place in the story and the overall vibe. A nice big disclaimer warns the reader that this is based on a U.S. Old West that never was; a very smart move to keep us history majors from trying to dissect the exact time frame.
The story starts with Nettie, a girl of mixed blood living with her white adopted ‘parents� and doing all the failing farms work. A short setup lets us know that she is great with horses, treated like dirt, and convinced that as bad as things are on the farm they would only be worse in the wider world due to her skin color. But a night time run-in with a human not entirely human opens her eyes to a supernatural world that she will never be able to escape from. Suddenly she can see past the mundane, and a drowned woman is going to force her on a geas whether she wants one or not.
The author makes no bones about the purpose of the book, bring up the #WeNeedDiverseBooks hashtag and giving us a heroine of mixed blood and confused sexual and gender identity (as in confused due to cultural conditioning, Nettie knows just what she is) in a world where neither is exactly accepted. Wake of Vultures was designed to give a presence to the oft forgotten in fantasy; people of color, LGBT characters, and oppressed natives. How well this works will never be my domain, I admit that seeing the only natives present having supernatural powers while most of the whites don’t is a bit of a flag. Still, I am a believer that natural screen time is better than writing entire groups out of the story through omission. And throughout this is a book with an agenda that manages to stand on its own through quality writing and a (mostly) tight story; it is not a story of style without substance.
Only a few issues, none of which are deal breakers. As much as I love this new wave of Old West fantasy this particular outing had a strong feel of urban fantasy. Specifically the middle of the book bogged down in the overload of myths and fantasy creatures being introduced page after page that felt more like filler than anything crucial to the plot. And I would like to make a new rule for everyone to follow. Once a character discovers that the supernatural is real they are not allowed to still be surprised when they find yet another example of the supernatural in their world. The existence of vampires should leave the mind open that there also may be werewolves, sirens, or anything else that crawls out of the woodwork.
I would recommend the book almost without reservation for the entertainment value but I am not sure I saw much to make it memorable. Overall? Pretty solid....more
I can look back at a lot of so called dark fantasy and laugh in its face at this point because The F
This one may have broke me.
I can look back at a lot of so called dark fantasy and laugh in its face at this point because The Fifth Season is a whole different level. Jemisin had my heart in hand from the first chapter and while I never quite hit tears it can only be explained by my reading in a quiet shock and awe of where she was willing to take us readers. Broken families, casual acts of violence, persecution and exploitation of those with gifts (curses?) is woven into each chapter. This book was never easy to read but always worth the journey. Do I want more? Oh yes please. Just give me a light hearted comedy to cleanse the pallet first (I had a very similar reaction to The Road by Cormac McCarthey).
With three separate plotlines the story focuses on people with the magical abilities that allow them to work with stone and the minerals within them. Those smarter than I should be able to spot the central link that holds the threads together but there is no doubt it is very cleverly crafted in its presentation. Each is compelling on its own; I never turned the page and wished I could go back to that other character’s story.
The world very well could be earth in the far future but doesn’t have to be. There are no hidden Easter eggs to search for, no game of guess the real life location because none of that matters. What does matter is that this is a land that isn’t just post-apocalyptic but is post-apocalyptic many times over; human life has been nearly extinguished more than once and is being challenged yet again within the course of the story. Earth appears to be forever broken, even if it can feign normalcy for a few centuries at a time there are too many factors that can set it all off again.
The Fifth Season is a book about survival, love and lust, duty and cohesion, persecution, and quite a few impressive magical acts. I pity anyone who tries to wrap the plot into a tight little synopsis because it doesn’t lend itself to an easy explanation. Along with its ability to shred my emotions I found one of its most impressive aspects to be how alien it makes the unknown aspects of this world feel. Creatures called stone eaters play a big part in this story line but their motivations are completely unknown to all; the reader gets no insight that the flummoxed characters don’t have. Giant floating obelisks dot the landscape with obvious purpose but no explanation. Even the land’s history is shattered; a combination of lost records and a dominate cultures� manipulation leaves people in roles without other options. Until of course the land shatters again at which point the Stonelore they follow is nothing more than a guideline.
It is almost trite to talk about characters that seem real at this point; what should be the expectation in a good book is still noteworthy though. I love characters that I care about without knowing if I really like them. Who sometimes do the right thing. Who have obvious soft spots and bias and act upon them or occasionally against them with reluctance. And with a book that focuses on only a few characters these type of characterizations are only more important. Jemisin has given me characters to care about before and she does it here again.
The Fifth Season has been one of my most anticipated books for quite some time. It was delayed for quite a while but I am happy to say it has been well worth the wait. One of the most emotional reads I have had in a long time.
4 Stars
Copy for review provided by publisher
First posted on Fantasy Review Barn in 2015....more
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