Author Djeli Clark does not waste words, packing much into his short fiction and is especially adept at world building and character development. I haAuthor Djeli Clark does not waste words, packing much into his short fiction and is especially adept at world building and character development. I have been a fan since reading his terrific The Haunting of Tram Car 0015. I also like his usual protagonists, who are strong women, often in traditionally male-dominant societies.
Eveen, the Eviscerator, is a skilled, discreet, professional assassin, and an upstanding member of her local guild in the ancient city of Tal Abisi. She accepts an assignment, tracking down her prey, only to find herself unable to fulfill her contract, putting her own life at risk. Instead, she saves the life of her target, fighting through a small army, and then seeks to find out why the assassination was directed to her first from her guild leader, and eventually, the anonymous client. Finally, she has to demand arbitration with a deity, risking all.
Book #2 in the Song of the Last Kingdom series was not as good as the first one for the following reasons: (1) it seemed slower, with too much unnecesBook #2 in the Song of the Last Kingdom series was not as good as the first one for the following reasons: (1) it seemed slower, with too much unnecessary detail, (2) the protagonist Lan does not appear for too long and then makes serial bad decisions, and (3) characters have multiple names (a serious pet peeve of mine.) ...more
Sophie is a middle school age girl, with no friends, primarily because her parents own a book shop, where they "bottle" dreams captured in dreamcatcheSophie is a middle school age girl, with no friends, primarily because her parents own a book shop, where they "bottle" dreams captured in dreamcatchers and run an illicit business out of their basement. Sophie does not dream, but possesses a gift to pull things out of someone else's dream. This is manifested early when she befriends a monster, and her parents reluctantly allow her to keep Monster, who swears to protect her. By helping a few kids in school who suffer from nightmares, she is on the verge of making friends, when her parents and two of her friends are kidnapped. Monster, her other friend Ethan and she decide a rescue is needed and create some allies to help. Cute....more
The Acknowledgements section at the end of this novel explains Jemisin's decision to change the Great Cities trilogy to a duology, which include the gThe Acknowledgements section at the end of this novel explains Jemisin's decision to change the Great Cities trilogy to a duology, which include the global pandemic and the rise of fascism. If you liked The City We Became, it is probable you will like this sequel, but probably not as much because the novelty of the first book has gone. The boroughs are still trying to figure out how to save the city from a politician with no moral compass trying to Make New York Great Again (Senator Panfilo) and the alien presence hovering over Staten Island: sometimes referred to as the Woman in White or alternatively as Squigglebitch. Padmini/Queens is dismissed from her job allowing her to support Brooklyn's candidacy for mayor. As always, Manny, Neek and the others have to work cooperatively against the competition, especially convincing Aislyn (Staten Island) that she/it is New York and should reject, not accept, the alien presence, who makes it clear that humanity needs to stand aside....more
Book 2 in the Singing Hills Cycle series. Cleric Chih and Si-Yu, their mammoth-riding guard and the small mammoth are chased into an enclosure by threBook 2 in the Singing Hills Cycle series. Cleric Chih and Si-Yu, their mammoth-riding guard and the small mammoth are chased into an enclosure by three shape-shifting tigers, at which point a negotiation commences to see what the trapped parties can trade for their lives. Eventually, it is agreed that they will tell a story about a tiger ancestor, who fell in love with a scholar. The tigers are unimpressed with the errors in Chih's story, but seem content to allow her to live, if only to set the story straight....more
A doting father with a terminally ill son arranges an imaginative gift. He hires a painter who befriends the sick child as he paints what the boy wantA doting father with a terminally ill son arranges an imaginative gift. He hires a painter who befriends the sick child as he paints what the boy wants, creating an expansive adventure for them. Very unique book by one of Italy's most talented writers of children's books....more
Cassie Andrews works in a bookstore, when her ordinary life is forever changes when a favorite customer (Mr. Webber) dies, leaving her with the Book oCassie Andrews works in a bookstore, when her ordinary life is forever changes when a favorite customer (Mr. Webber) dies, leaving her with the Book of Doors. This one of a kind book allows her to travel anywhere in place or in time, accompanied by her good friend Izzy, who has concerns, which are justified. As all Goodreaders know, books are powerful objects, and it turns out there are many other magical books, which can be used for good and for evil. There is a battle going on to see who can collect them, with Cassie's being especially prized, making for dangerous times for Cassie and Izzy. Luckily, they meeting the a librarian named Drummond Fox, who warns them of the dangers they face from the various collectors. Well done, 4.5 stars....more
Starting 500 years after Utomi’s first novella, this story follows the efforts of 17-year old Osi, a junior peacekeeper in the City. His quiet life isStarting 500 years after Utomi’s first novella, this story follows the efforts of 17-year old Osi, a junior peacekeeper in the City. His quiet life is upended by a brutal massacre from the Cult of Tutu, where the leader, known as the Aleke, steals the sacred God’s Eyes. Osi finds himself catapulted to a hero and sent on a quest to stop the madness. Osi is a complex character with flaws, even a disappointment to some, but discovers inner strength even though some of his plans go awry....more
This is the final book in the six-book Pages & Co. series. Tilly, Alessia, Oscar, and Milo team up to find the final ingredients for the potion to wakThis is the final book in the six-book Pages & Co. series. Tilly, Alessia, Oscar, and Milo team up to find the final ingredients for the potion to wake up Horatio up and work to discover the location for the book of books is before the Alchemist discovers it, with evil intent. Anna James manages to weave in elements of Roman, Greek and Nordic mythology, as the group of friends deal with challenges along the way, and continue to follow the ways and means of bookwandering. ...more
A dark fairy tale, with a Hansel and Gretel vibe. Villagers know to stay away from the North Woods, because parents have warned their children about tA dark fairy tale, with a Hansel and Gretel vibe. Villagers know to stay away from the North Woods, because parents have warned their children about the scary things that live there, and always stay in sight of the edge. Unfortunately, this wisdom was not shared with the Tyrant, who conquered the village and established his castle nearby so his two children did not know the dangers. Veris is roused before dawn and brought before the Tyrant, who demands she rescue his children because she is the only living person to venture into the woods and rescue another. The Tyrant threatens to slaughter the village if she refuses so off she goes. Veris bravely battles the evil in the Elmever, but is saved too many times by lessons learned in her first visit, which is revealed only in bits. ...more
The return of left-handed bookseller Merlin is back in his sartorial splendor, but he touches a bee that flew out of a piece of an ancient map and is The return of left-handed bookseller Merlin is back in his sartorial splendor, but he touches a bee that flew out of a piece of an ancient map and is teleported to an ornamented castle wrought in sculpted stone and marble and out of proper time. To escape this horrifying garden and uncover the malign powers behind 26 strange deaths requires the combined help of Merlin's sister Vivien and his reluctant girlfriend, Susan Arkshaw, a young art student and the daughter of an ancient sovereign, who have to follow Merlin to the castle and help him track down a killer. Lots of excellent world building, imagination, fights, plot twists, love, and morality to enjoy here....more
A familiar trope: a unique school for training (Basgiath War College), with a flawed and fragile protagonist: 20-year old Violet Sorrengail. Her bonesA familiar trope: a unique school for training (Basgiath War College), with a flawed and fragile protagonist: 20-year old Violet Sorrengail. Her bones break easily, and her joints and ligaments are weak. She is small, but brilliant. Violet has spent her entire life training to become a historian (scribe) like her father, but her mother, a General in the military, forces her to become a dragon rider instead, where dying during training from grueling tests or competing classmates whittles down entrants fast. And then, the dragon riders have to be chosen by a dragon, who are fewer in number than riders. The dragons in this series are very varied in size, personalities, capabilities, and talents they imprint on their riders.
As the daughter of a General and the appearance of a weakling, Violet is an obvious target, especially for Xaden Riorson, because his father led a rebellion and was executed by Violet's mother. Xaden is a complicated character, including protector of the parentless orphans of the rebellion leaders. As a wingleader, Xaden forces Violet into his wing, but everything changes when Violet keeps a secret and even more so, when perhaps the most powerful dragon chooses Violet for her defense of a small golden dragon, fighting off three riders intent on killing it. The mighty dragon is a mate to Xaden's own bonded dragon creating an unbreakable link among them. When they are out on a training mission, Violet is forced to witness a rebellious act by Xaden, and while it is to protect innocents, those innocents are outside the nation's borders and therefore enemies. Xaden and his comrades stay to fight against much superior forces and darkest magic.
Quality fantasy. 4.5 stars, rounded down for the gratuitous, over-the-top sex scenes (think 50 Shades of Grey.)...more
Set in the fictional town of Newford, this novel centers on Isabelle, a young art student. She meets a famous, reclusive artist Rushkin, who becomes hSet in the fictional town of Newford, this novel centers on Isabelle, a young art student. She meets a famous, reclusive artist Rushkin, who becomes her mentor, but is controlling and abusive: mentally and physically. Isabelle has a gift: her painting opens a gateway to another world, allowing creatures of magic to step into reality, taking physical form in our world. A series of tragic events causes Isabelle to abandon her painting and retreat to an isolated island, but a letter from an old friend forces her to confront the past she has buried under lies and denial. There are substantial discussions of whether the magical creatures are real or not, and what constitutes good and evil. I really wanted to like this book, but found it ponderous. ...more
Dread Lord Gavrax wakes in a destroyed lab with no memory of who he is, but quickly determines he is a dark wizard, as his minion goblins are terrifieDread Lord Gavrax wakes in a destroyed lab with no memory of who he is, but quickly determines he is a dark wizard, as his minion goblins are terrified of him. He goes on to figure out he is part of a cabal, trying to raise true evil, which includes the sacrifice of a neighboring princess. Deciding he wants to start anew, including caring about his town, his staff, and wants to become a better person. Meanwhile, the town is in deep trouble with the only crop that was plentiful was garlic so a festival is planned to help sustain them through the winter. Gav than realizes three other dark wizards are coming to his castle, and he is truly petrified of the boss. He tries to befriend his captive prisoner, the princess Eliasha, who seems caring and brave. Readers will root for Gav as he blunders his way through a personal journey of discovery and self-improvement....more
Probationary Constable Peter Grant longs to become a detective in London’s Metropolitan Police, but is stuck in a dead-end position. In light of a serProbationary Constable Peter Grant longs to become a detective in London’s Metropolitan Police, but is stuck in a dead-end position. In light of a series of brutal and bizarre murders, Peter is recruited as an assistant and apprentice wizard to Thomas Nightingale, who deals exclusively with odd or magical crimes. Peter is able to discern the essence or residual of magic’s use (vestigium), a skill that is helpful for investigating paranormal events, but one that needs to be carefully developed. His inquisitive and analytical mind is able to accept that London has elements, which are not human, such as vampires, trolls, and malevolent ghosts, with dangerous intentions. During the investigations into the many deaths, Peter also realizes that the rivers of London are alive, home to gods and goddesses, and whose help is needed to restore peace in London, and resolve the ongoing territorial dispute between The Old Man of the River and Mama Thames, who both believe that they have a right to rule the entire Thames, and their progeny....more
A prequel to Legends & Lattes, Viv's career with the notorious mercenary team, Rackam's Ravens, is not the success she hoped. Viv is wounded hunting tA prequel to Legends & Lattes, Viv's career with the notorious mercenary team, Rackam's Ravens, is not the success she hoped. Viv is wounded hunting the powerful necromancer Varine the Pale, and is unceremoniously dumped in the sleepy beach town of Murk to recuperate, where she hopes they will return for her. Fern, a foul-mouthed ratkin, owns the local, dying bookstore gets Viv interested in reading by choosing the right materiel, and so begins a true friendship. Also, the local baker extraordinaire (Maylee) is interested in Viv, and the three do amazing things together for the shop and town. Light, cozy fantasy....more
Simply awful. Nothing happened, except gratuitous sex. No progress in the saga. Feyre and Rhys love each other: yeah, anyone who has read this series Simply awful. Nothing happened, except gratuitous sex. No progress in the saga. Feyre and Rhys love each other: yeah, anyone who has read this series knows that. 229 pages of dreck....more
At the morgue, London Police Constable (and apprentice wizard) Peter Grant hear music when viewing a corpse of a jazz drummer who died of a heart attaAt the morgue, London Police Constable (and apprentice wizard) Peter Grant hear music when viewing a corpse of a jazz drummer who died of a heart attack while playing a gig. Worried about his sanity, Peter is comforted by his colleague, pathologist Dr. Abdul Haqq Walid, who also hears the music, suggesting them a supernatural event. Peter discovers a number of similar musician deaths in Soho over a many year period, with his boss and wizard mentor, Detective Chief Inspector Nightingale, and a jazz groupie, Simone Fitzwilliam. Sadly for Peter, the trail leads him to a most unexpected person: a talented trumpet player, who promise as a jazz great, never reached his potential....more
Feyre is now High Lady of the Night Court, Rhysand's wife, and returns to the Spring Court to undermine Tamlin's leadership, especially when Feyre incFeyre is now High Lady of the Night Court, Rhysand's wife, and returns to the Spring Court to undermine Tamlin's leadership, especially when Feyre incites him to violence where she is injured by flying debris. Two royals from Hybern and Jurian come to the Spring Court to inspect the magical wall separating the human and Fey lands, but really to find places they can use the Cauldron to destroy the wall to capture human lands and enslave the people. With this information, Feyre is ready to leave Spring Court and return to the Night Court. Feyre and Lucien thwart their plan. Escaping through the Autumn and Winter lands, Lucien’s brothers try to kill them, but Azriel and Cassian rescue them. But, back in the Night Court, Feyre finds her sisters, transformed into High Fae in the Caldron, angry, depressed and hostile.
With Prythian’s armies so much smaller that Hybern’s, Feyre asks monsters for help: The Bone Carver and his sister, the Weaver, and Bryaxis. The Bone Carver agrees, but only if Feyre brings a magical mirror, which forces a person to see her/his true self, resulting in madness. Rhysand calls a meeting of all the high lords, but before they convene, Hybern attacks the Summer Court and takes over the Spring Court. The meeting of the high lords is held in the Dawn Court, a neutral territory. There is much acrimony, but in the end, the high lords, except for Beron and Tamlin, pledge to work together while Feyre and her family travel to the human lands to warn them of the coming threat. Meanwhile, they find Jurian there, who has been in Hybern. Using Jurian’s information, the Fae ambush Hybern. There is a very bloody battle, Hybern's army is vast so Feyre goes to ask help from another magical creature, the Suriel, who tells her that her sister Nesta's connection to the Cauldron, can find the Hybern king and his armies. The Suriel also tells Feyre that Amren and a spell in the book of magic are the key to winning the war. When Nesta opens a link between herself and the Cauldron and finds its location, the link goes both ways allowing sister Elain to be kidnapped and taken to Hybern’s camp.
This all leads up to a grand showdown, with Feyre retrieving the Ouroborus Mirror, allowing her to rally the Bone Carver and other monsters, with assistance from the other Fae armies. The forces of the Night Court, Rhysand, and Feyre's family also have to face down the crafty king of Hybern and his wielding of the Cauldron.
A satisfying blend of science fiction and fantasy: 4-4.5 stars. The protagonist Valentine is wandering aimlessly, with no memory of his past. A local A satisfying blend of science fiction and fantasy: 4-4.5 stars. The protagonist Valentine is wandering aimlessly, with no memory of his past. A local boy shows him around the city of Pidruid, which is preparing for a festival to honor the planet ruler (Coronal), who mysteriously is called Lord Valentine. As it turns out, Valentine has a talent for juggling, joins a troupe of jugglers, and decides to travel with them. Through events, dreams, and a growing entourage, Valentine discovers he is the true ruler of the massive planet Majipoor, with his memory wiped, his body swapped for another, but with a sense of destiny and fairness, he sets off to restore his position as ruler of the realm. His adventures with various lifeforms, flora, climates, etc. are fun, and the world-building is first rate.
P.S. The books's opening of “and then” is reminiscent (and many years ahead) of the instant classic: Hey Dude, Where's My Car? ...more
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