I was one of the few who were not enchanted with the first book in this series. However, I decided to give author J. Scott Savage a second chance and I was one of the few who were not enchanted with the first book in this series. However, I decided to give author J. Scott Savage a second chance and I am happy to report that “Secrets of the Looking Glass” is a winner. This book has many original and imaginative elements while providing background that includes characters from Lewis Carroll’s classic.
Right from the beginning there is an aura of excitement and danger, two things that are sure to capture the attention of younger readers and pull them into the story. This story focused more on Celia and Tyrus rather than using Carroll’s original that must be solved.
Recommended for younger readers who have already been introduced to the original Wonderland tales. Five stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for a complimentary electronic copy of this title....more
I was lucky enough to stumble across a Kate Wolford book years ago, and since then I have never been disappointed with her efforts. “Mothers of EnchanI was lucky enough to stumble across a Kate Wolford book years ago, and since then I have never been disappointed with her efforts. “Mothers of Enchantment” also falls into that category.
Normally when I review an anthology I comment on some of the standouts, including one that I found to be my favorite. Ms. Wolford has chosen a collection of stories that didn’t disappoint, and I am unable to decide. A book of short stories is special when they are all entertaining and hold your attention right to the final words. Here are a few of the reasons why this book is extremely satisfying.
“A Story of Soil and Stardust” was a literary feast that retold the Cinderella story, and Kelly Jarvis’s descriptive prose held my interest all the way through. Her tale was followed by “Real Boy” from the pen of Marshall J. Moore. The title alerts us this will be a Pinocchio-based story, and once again what could have been a dry remake of a childhood memory was anything but. Mr. Moore not only presented an interesting twist with the storyteller but managed to wrap me up emotionally with his words.
Not all the authors revisited the familiar fairy godmother stories. Kim Malinowski introduces us to Flick in “Flick: The Fairy Godmother,” new to her title, unsure of her place in the world, and forced to go to battle in a war she would prefer to prevent. Abi Marie Palmer’s “The Venetian Glass Girl” mixes opposite perceptions such as love and hate, jealousy and appreciation, and its last paragraph is a fitting end for both the story and the book. Five stars. ...more
Is this book as good as Allison Saft’s first novel? No, but two things to remember. Her first novel was incredible, and when you set the bar high on yIs this book as good as Allison Saft’s first novel? No, but two things to remember. Her first novel was incredible, and when you set the bar high on your first try, it might take a while to reach that height again. Judged on its own, it is a book that I recommend readers not miss.
The author builds the world of Weston Winters, a young man who has experienced doors shutting in his face and is now facing his biggest challenge, and one that will decide his entire future. Much of the book is set in the village of Wickton, this year’s host of the hunt for the magical hala. Winters hopes to take on an apprenticeship with alchemist Evelyn Welty, who is currently away on a research trip. Initially rebuffed by her daughter, Margaret, Weston sets his sights on securing the apprenticeship by gaining Margaret’s trust.
Romantic sparks soon begin to fly, and Ms. Saft handles the individual encounters with a surgeon’s care. She does not allow the telling to be melodramatic, nor drop into the sappiness one finds in many novels. The author allows us to look deeply into the minds of the two characters, allowing readers to cheer or cringe as the smallest remark can be a huge obstacle in the elusive love between Weston and Margaret.
The hunt is a large part of the story, and this is where Ms. Saft builds a world that contains both science and magic. Cars and telephones exist alongside alchemy, a science taken seriously and one that offers everything to those with the talent to embrace and conquer it. The characters are interesting, with some being courteous and helpful while others contain an intolerance for those who are different due to their birth or religion. (Ms. Saft only exposes these traits while not trying to solve the evils of the world, and in her book they offer motives that affect the characters). As in her first novel, the author paints colorful descriptions: “…the cold has made itself comfortable at Welty Manor. It waits for her out there in the night, and it waits for her inside, leering from a hearth full of white ashes.” While not as plentiful as the first book, they do enter the writing from time to time and enliven whatever is happening at the moment.
The power of the first novel, “Down Comes the Night,” will certainly entice fans to also read this book. Although it can easily be grouped in the YA category, I would encourage other readers not to let that scare them away. This is a solid tale written by a talented author and should not be left on the shelf. Four-and-a-half stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for a complimentary electronic copy of this title. ...more
Editor Rhonda Parrish scores high marks again with her latest collection. “Trenchcoats, Towers, and Trolls” is an entertaining variety of stories, comEditor Rhonda Parrish scores high marks again with her latest collection. “Trenchcoats, Towers, and Trolls” is an entertaining variety of stories, combining fairy tales, magic, and cyberpunk. Sarah Van Goetham’s “A Beautiful Nightmare” is a fantastic start to this collection, a mysterious tale that blends a fairy tale atmosphere and the choices when confronted with a dystopian future. Ms. Parrish makes an excellent choice by following it with “Firewalls and Firewort,” a fantasy by Wendy Nikel that tells of a female on the lower rungs of the social ladders attempting to make a huge jump upwards.
Thomas Badlan’s “Cumulus” steps into the sci-fi world while “Drift-Skip” (Suzanne Church) caused me to dredge up forgotten memories of early Shadowrun tales. My favorite was “In the Belly of the Whale,” a tale of a power struggle with an end that caught me by surprise and forced my thoughts in a different direction.
I love when I find a book of short stories and finding something good in all of them. This collection is a lot of fun. Five stars.
This is the seventh offering from editor Rhonda Parrish in her Alphabet Anthologies series. “G Is For Ghosts” does not have normal titles, the short sThis is the seventh offering from editor Rhonda Parrish in her Alphabet Anthologies series. “G Is For Ghosts” does not have normal titles, the short stories within known primarily through letters, and full titles assigned to each only at the end. As the ending titles sometimes give away part of the stories, I will use the assigned letters found in the table of contents, or nothing at all.
While each story follows the ghost theme, the genres flip back and forth. Short tales of fantasy caress some passages while tendrils of horror slither in darkness, waiting to grab you when you turn the page. Stephanie A. Cain eases us into the book with a story about finding yourself and love at the same time, and Samantha L. Strong’s “B” is more of a scary story. C.S. MacCath adds science fiction to the mix in an interesting idea over who deserves to be considered to have a soul.
Stories in the book are short. Even if you find one not to your taste, you’re soon into the next. Some of the standouts to me included Lynn Hardaker’s tale of a ghost-filled house with an unexpected ending that I never saw coming. L.S. Johnson’s story of star-crossed lovers contemplates sacrifice for the good of your partner. Jonathan C. Parrish uses an entirely different method of telling his story and is worth the time to closely read it. Rachel M. Thompson’s tale of a ghost’s quest to protect a family member featured an inventive bit of world-building deftly knitted inside a short story.
There are so many good stories here I could just about mention them all 26 of them. Some are whimsical, others have a taste of horror, and there are even some that reminded me of both the ghosts that frightened me when I was a child and those currently living in my dark and sometimes scary basement. Five stars.
My thanks to Poised and Pen Publishing for a complimentary electronic copy of this book. ...more
Sometimes, the sales blurb of a book is so good that I am drawn to reading it, neglecting some of the important information I should pay attention to,Sometimes, the sales blurb of a book is so good that I am drawn to reading it, neglecting some of the important information I should pay attention to, as is the case with “Peak.” I did not notice this was the third in a trilogy, and once I was over the initial surprise, I hoped it would not be too much of an issue. Even though this is the last book in a trilogy, author L. C. Barlow did not feel the need to overwhelm readers with what had already gone before. A sentence here and there, inobtrusive, yet competently serving as gentle reminders of what had already passed were all we received, and it was enough.
I found myself caught up in the story, which I would categorize as an urban fantasy/horror tale. While the genre is not normally my first choice, Ms. Barlow has created an interesting premise and I initially found myself caught up in the story.
I say initially because about halfway through the story took an unexpected turn and slowed to a crawl, losing all its energy as it lumbered to an ending that caused me to feel that the author had painted herself into a corner and this was the only way out. The early promise of the book left, similar to the slow release of air from a leaking balloon.
For those who have followed this trilogy through the first two books, you will probably love this final chapter to the story of Jack. While this could be a standalone, coming in to the story at this point would put you way behind and I would recommend to start with the first book. Bottom line – talented author (so I would definitely give her another chance and read her next book), can be imaginative, with a good start that didn’t sustain all the way through. Three stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and Rare bird Books for a complimentary electronic copy of this book.
As usual, editor Rhonda Parrish chose a different, somewhat quirky tale to lead us into the pages of “Water.” Catherine MacLeod’s dark tale, “The DiviAs usual, editor Rhonda Parrish chose a different, somewhat quirky tale to lead us into the pages of “Water.” Catherine MacLeod’s dark tale, “The Diviner,” was an excellent choice to begin this collection of stories and poems. The author wove the story in such a way as to make it easy to believe in the character of Melly, a seemingly ordinary person possessing out-of-the-ordinary cooking skills.
Everybody has different tastes, and there were some stories that reached out and immediately grabbed my attention like “There’s Something in the Water” by Katie Marie, a scary warning tale about a town with a horrific secret. Rebecca Brae’s “The Witch’s Diary: Adventures in Hut-Sitting” is a whimsical revelation of Hester’s world while she spends time away from college on a summer job (her quick comment on fairies was blunt, unexpected, and hilariously delivered). Colleen Anderson’s vivid “Siren’s Song” described a world that was, before it slipped into the catalog of legends.
There’s a touch of horror that worms into some of the stories, as the accepting way we perceive these legendary beings becomes tainted and the beings morph into monsters. This suited me just fine, and I warily strolled through the paths of what could be. Many of the stories eagerly took my hand and led me into the unknown, including Davide Mana’s “The Man Who Speared Octopodes” and “Bruno J. Lampini and the Song of the Sea” by Josh Reynolds. Horror may contain a huge dose of humor as deftly displayed by Joel McKay’s “Number Hunnerd.”
Bottom line, there is something here for almost everyone and it is not hard to appreciate the imaginative poems and stories contained in this book. While I liked some of the offerings more than others, there wasn’t a throwaway to be found, and the wide variance of styles kept the reading interesting. Highly recommended. Five stars.
My thanks to Tyche Books Ltd. and the editor for a complimentary electronic copy of this book. ...more
Rhonda Parrish, editor of many anthologies, has put on her author hat for “One in the Hand.” This is the story of Autumn, who is not only thrust into Rhonda Parrish, editor of many anthologies, has put on her author hat for “One in the Hand.” This is the story of Autumn, who is not only thrust into a situation she could never have imagined but is expected to play a larger part by exercising magical skills no one ever told her about. It is hard for her to believe the expectations, especially since Autumn has grown wings that she cannot figure out how to use. This plot, normal person suddenly gains magical skills and is expected to now be a major force in a conflict is one that has been used many times before. I was worried that this story, like many before it, would stumble down a mundane path.
There are a few things that prevented that from happening. The interjection of Norse gods into the plotline was different, and this particular mix of gods and humans in “One in the Hand” was a novel concept. For me, the five-star element was having Autumn being the storyteller. It is easy to relate to her. Autumn is your normal person, and has relationship problems, doesn’t always feel recognized for her talents, and at times will work for free to do what she loves. In other words, she deals with the same type of issues as most of us. Her humorous at time but not snarky attitude kept a good pace throughout.
The ending chapters contained a couple of surprises that surprised me, and I was glad to see that the initial plotline concluded before the pages ran out. Yes, it is obvious there will be more books in this series, but this book has a definite ending and is not a cliffhanger. Recommended for urban fantasy lovers. Four stars. ...more
A Rhonda Parrish collection usually has a good lead-in story, and this book did not disappoint. “Finders and Keepers, Its and Not-Its” by J.G. FormatoA Rhonda Parrish collection usually has a good lead-in story, and this book did not disappoint. “Finders and Keepers, Its and Not-Its” by J.G. Formato led the pack, an interesting tale on one path one might take when the world falls in on you. While I did not find that all the stories reached this level, there are enough tales that were engaging.
I was not familiar with the theme that was chosen, so I read the book as a collection of short stories. My favorites included “My Brother’s Keeper” by Beth Cato, a down home story involving magic and family. Sara Dobie Bauer’s “Anime Gamelle” had an ending I never would have guessed but was satisfying. The story I will remember for a while? “The Hermit” by Joseph Halden, a story of one woman struggling to find her way (and her niche) in a world that would rather she didn’t.
Most of the stories in the “Arcana” collection are short, so even if a story doesn’t fit your personal tastes, the next one is right around the corner. Worth checking out. Three-and-a-half stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and Poise and Pen for a complimentary electronic copy of this book. ...more
Author Marina Ermakova offers a second story in the same universe as her first book, “Terrestrial Magic.” Both books take place in the near future, alAuthor Marina Ermakova offers a second story in the same universe as her first book, “Terrestrial Magic.” Both books take place in the near future, although the history of Earth has a twist. There are families, known as Houses, that possess magical powers related to whoever their ancestors were. These families have wielded power over Earth’s inhabitants (usually in a benevolent way), but as the world changes the threat of non-magical people assuming the reins of power does not sit well with all the Houses.
Jordan Sanders studies legendary animals (legimals) which appeared suddenly a few decades ago. The first book introduced some of the Houses and thrust Jordan into their world when she and her crew experience a physical threat to their lives. “Natural Sorcery” begins with Jordan learning about a drought that threatens the food supply, and the lack of water appears to be the result of magic. Once again she finds herself in the middle of politics and House intrigues as she attempts to solve the mystery of who is blocking the absorption of water by the plants, and why.
While this book does not have as much physical action as the first, Ms. Ermakova provides a deeper look into a world quite different than what we are used to experiencing. The worldbuilding and the characterizations are what kept me reading, and would entice me to read a third book. While “Natural Sorcery” can be read as a standalone, my recommendation is to start at the beginning with “Terrestrial Magic.” There are plenty of pages describing the folks on her crew as well as some of the members of different Houses, and there are some relationships that continue into book two. Recommended for lovers of fantasy. Four stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for a complimentary electronic copy of this book. ...more
Author Marina Ermakova offers up a twist to the usual fantasy stories that are all over the market. “Terrestrial Magic” captured my interest right froAuthor Marina Ermakova offers up a twist to the usual fantasy stories that are all over the market. “Terrestrial Magic” captured my interest right from the start, and Ms. Ermakova’s talent shines through in several areas.
Most fantasy stories involve magic, with a focus on the hero or heroine’s prowess in this area. This alternate history story is different, in that a specific type of magic is present in certain families and has been for centuries. Jordan Sanders does not belong to those families (known more formally as Houses) and studies legimals (legendary animals) which appeared on Earth 30 years ago. An attempt to murder Jordan and her team kicks off the book, and she finds herself involved in a web of intrigue as she tries to determine which of the Houses are involved.
I enjoyed the characters in the book. Jordan is level-headed with a touch of snarkiness that is never overwhelming. Her best friend Hayley exudes that breath of fresh air that spices up any conversation. Luca is the newest member of Jordan’s team, and his actions in the story constantly cause her to reassess his skills. Tony and Carter round out Jordan’s team and co minor co be considered minor characters. Even so, when they appear in a scene, you know enough about them that you have a good idea what they might do in a given situation.
One item that I thought the book could do without was the occasional use of strong language, including the f-bomb. Ms. Ermakova is a talented writer, and I didn’t find that the use of coarse words added to the book. While I don’t take off stars for this I know some folks take offense to any vulgarities so consider this an fyi.
Overall, I was happily surprised with “Terrestrial Magic.” It is an inventive tale with good world-building and interesting characters that are different and don’t blend together. As the first book in the series, there is a definite end (no cliffhanger) and I will definitely be moving on to the next book in the series. Four stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for a complimentary electronic copy of this book.
S.B. Divya’s futuristic tale is the most creative sci-fi story I have read in years. The author wastes no time in placing us in the middle of the actiS.B. Divya’s futuristic tale is the most creative sci-fi story I have read in years. The author wastes no time in placing us in the middle of the action, and although there are plenty of imaginative words and images that belong to the future, I found the descriptions easy to follow.
Some of the future world has evolved from things we are already used to. Online tip jars are not new, although it seems almost everyone has one. The thumbs up/thumbs down icons have morphed into a voting system that tracks the believability of whatever is posted in a percentage. To keep up with the artificial intelligence machines, humans must resort to pills that do everything from increase your brain power or reactions to aid with recovery from an injury. Ms. Divya not only builds a future world, but she takes the time to demonstrate how her characters react to this world and how it molds them and their thinking.
The plot centers around what futurists talk about now: what do we do if artificial intelligence becomes sentient? To make it more interesting, how does the world react if those sentient beings release a manifesto, declaring it is time to give all robots rights (yes, not just the awake robots, but all the helpful machines, from medical carebots to the kitchens that create the family dinner). Two characters help tell the tale: Nithya, who enables us to see the reactions of the average family when the world begins to fall apart; and her sister-in-law Welga, whose talents land her smackdab in the middle of the efforts to capture a sentient AI and discover the plans of the robot revolutionaries.
“Machinehood” keeps a steady pace, at times rocketing forward during the action scenes. The ending was quite satisfactory and managed to take me completely by surprise. The author examines some of the social issues without getting caught in a quagmire of political rhetoric. It’s hard to find good, serious sci-fi and this one is a gem. Five stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and Gallery/Saga Press for a complimentary electronic copy of this book. ...more
Seldom do I find myself gushing over a novel and stating this may be the best book I will read all year. After all, we are barely crawling into March Seldom do I find myself gushing over a novel and stating this may be the best book I will read all year. After all, we are barely crawling into March and much can happen in the next ten months. However, author Allison Saft has crafted a gem that fantasy lovers should not miss.
There are many various fantasy elements that Ms. Saft uses like an award-winning chef, sprinkling them here and there while resisting the urge to employ too much of a good thing. Yes there is magic here, yet not everyone can wield it and there are entire countries that find their populace without the talent. Science pushes for its place here, and the use of electricity and horseless carriages are on the verge of becoming commonplace.
The plot involves Wren, a healer recently dismissed from the Queen’s Guard. She is hired by Lord Lowry, who hopes she will be able to find a cure for one of his servants. There are secrets Lowry is keeping from her, and right from the start Wren realizes she will have to be careful. There are also events unfolding that others have put into placed, and Wren soon finds she is caught in the middle of political intrigue involving Vesria, Cernos, and her home country of Danu.
What really captivated me was the description. I have read many books where the author works hard to paint a wonderful landscape of words, but after a few chapters the instances become woefully thin and the detail slips back down into something more mundane. Ms. Saft performs yeoman’s duty here, extending her wonderful use of language from beginning to end. Sometimes a phrase will be inserted, such as “…her hair rippling like a spill of dark water” or “disappointment and relief tangled in his voice.” Sentences can become an entire portrait: “Ribbed vaults laced the ceiling like a corset, and stained-glass panels loomed above them, caged by their leaded frames.” For me, this was a book to be read slowly, as I feared reading too swiftly might cause me to miss something.
I liked the plot, and the author’s ability to paint her characters into corners where escape seems impossible. This kept the tension tight near the end as the book raced toward its conclusion. While I always hope the next book I read is going to be incredible, it’s going to take something special to knock this one off its pedestal. Highly recommended. Five stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for a complimentary electronic copy of this book.
This story has all the expected characters and plot lines one would expect in a recipe for a magical fantasy. Take one despot king who thinks nothing This story has all the expected characters and plot lines one would expect in a recipe for a magical fantasy. Take one despot king who thinks nothing of subjugating his subjects and killing them at will. Add in the heir-apparent, as ruthless as his father. Toss in a brother who has a far softer side than his brother or father. Mix in other characters such as Adley and Lesa, members of the King’s Children (an elite army) and partners in an illicit love; Darek and Markus, brothers and a major part of the revolutionaries. Last, but not least, there is Ren Kolins, a magic wielder who never should have been born but has found a way to survive and keep everyone at bay. One can guess the plot from the above characters and the parts they are sure to play.
Author Jennifer Gruenke stretches this tale out over 480 pages, taking us down the expected paths. While others have taken this same plot and made something out of it, there is nothing that jumps out and makes the story special…which is a shame, as the author has a talent for imagery. One never knew when an image would jump off at the pages. “A long, scarred table sat in the middle of the crowded room, rickety and mismatched chairs jutting out around it” describes the scene as well as hints at the owners of the furniture, while “…it did little to ease the worry eating at his gut like a carnivorous moth” inspires a number of visions. Descriptions like these helped to keep me reading and are the author’s 5-star part of the story.
At the same time, the pages are littered with unnecessary vulgarities, so many in the first few chapters that I struggled to continue reading. Thankfully, the number abated yet returned in force at the very end, raising the stakes to include what could be considered as oaths with a pair of f-bombs thrown in. Ms. Gruenke is certainly talented enough with her descriptive choices and could have found a better way to present the moods of the characters. When coupled with the desired audience (9th through 12th grade) I debated why we would teach 13- and 14-year-olds that this is the only way to illustrate a point.
Bottom line – “Of Silver and Shadow” is not a bad tale, just one that holds nothing new. It could have been stronger with dropping the vulgarities and increasing visual descriptions of the characters’ moods while dropping the info dumps that always seemed to appear whenever an action scene began to pick up speed. Other readers may like the story, and though I could consider checking out Ms. Gruenke’s next novel, this one receives only three stars from me.
My thanks to NetGalley and publishers North Star Editions and Flux for a complimentary electronic copy of this book. ...more
“Franklin Rock” is one of those stories that doesn’t easily find its way into your hands, but when it does, you want to savor it for as long as it las“Franklin Rock” is one of those stories that doesn’t easily find its way into your hands, but when it does, you want to savor it for as long as it lasts.
Franklin is one of those humble heroes, realizing just how important he is without letting that very same idea go to his head. Challenged with a task unlike any other, he knows he must strive to accomplish it. The problem is, he doesn’t have the slightest idea how to make that happen.
Author Mark E. Klein hooks you with the simple things, deftly weaving a sci-fi (with a bit of fantasy) story while making you believe that it is natural for someone to be able to travel through time. Franklin is likable, and this is one of those rare stories where the hero is not striving to accomplish something so that he can feel good about himself. This is a mixture of stories, personal growth, tenacity, and the power of good friends.
Along the way, Mr. Klein allows readers to gather wisdom, if they are so inclined. Franklin’s plan is to follow life where it takes him and trusting that he will make the right choices that will place him in the path of others who might help him accomplish his task. When you think about it, life is like that. We all meet people in our lives, and what we do with those meetings can greatly affect what happens in our lives. The author has merely dressed up those everyday meetings with an entertaining story.
Inventive, fun, and an easy read. Mr. Klein steers clear of pitfalls (such as politics, religion, and quirky or difficult to follow time travel aspects) and concentrates on sharing a memorable story. Five stars.
My thanks to Meryl Moss Media for an advance complimentary copy of this book....more
“Black Sun” contains all the elements one could hope to find in a good, solid read. It is a fantasy, though at times it felt more like a historical fi“Black Sun” contains all the elements one could hope to find in a good, solid read. It is a fantasy, though at times it felt more like a historical fiction (if there was a history to base it upon). Personally, I was content to acknowledge it as excellent tale, one of those stories that has multiple characters and threads and causes author Rebecca Roanhorse to be on her toes the entire time.
It was easy to identify each character, even to the point of becoming a cheerleader for each of them. They’ve all been through a hard life so far, yet somehow found the drive to battle adversity and triumph. This unofficial training will serve them all well as they travel their individual path toward certain collision. One has to like the characters of Naranpa and Xiala, both young and yet strong female characters. Serapio is male, yet has experienced more pain and sorrow than most. These three tell their tales while outlining the motivations of the groups and larger populace. There are problems that are coming to a head, issues that will affect everyone in the world greatly.
The worldbuilding is an impressive part of this book. Ms. Roanhorse explains everything in such a manner that the fictional world appears real to all of us yet the details are handled in such a way that I don’t question any aspects of the people and culture. It is as if I already knew, so it is not a surprise.
I did find the use of neutral pronouns to a distraction. Naranpa uses them for a former lover while Serapio began using them when a new teacher admitted he was bayeki (a third gender). While one could make sense of the reasoning for Serapio to use the neutral pronouns, there seemed to be no reason for Naranpa to apply these pronouns to Iktan.
Overall, I enjoyed the book, even with the abrupt ending. One can only hope that Ms. Roanhorse does not take too long in writing the next book in this series. Four-and-a-half stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and Gallery/Saga Press for a complimentary electronic copy of this title....more
I began reading this book only to discover it was book 2 of a series and it was difficult to truly understand the action without reading book 1 first.I began reading this book only to discover it was book 2 of a series and it was difficult to truly understand the action without reading book 1 first. This turned out to be a gift, as I thoroughly enjoyed “The Gilded Wolves.” I wanted to be able to express the same sentiment for this book as well, but that was not to be.
"The Silvered Serpent” exhibited more of a plodding pace due to the lack of action scenes. The character studies of the first book, a definite strength in “Wolves,” was more of a weight this time around and the problems that were continually rehashed dragged the plot down to a crawl at times. This is a shame, as the originality of the world within a historical era shines, and at times could almost shoulder the entire burden of keeping the book interesting.
I was surprised and shocked that there is a solid cliffhanger ending to this book. Both “The Gilded Wolves” and “The Silvered Serpents” advertise as a two-book series and it is extremely rare for a cliffhanger to compel me to purchase the next entry. If advertised as a trilogy, I would have seen it as a Tolkienesque handling of the story. For me, a cliffhanger plus a slow plot equals no interest in book 3. Three stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for a complimentary electronic copy of this book. ...more
It was not my intention to read this book, but in reading the next book (The Silvered Serpents) I discovered that much of what book 2 talked about hadIt was not my intention to read this book, but in reading the next book (The Silvered Serpents) I discovered that much of what book 2 talked about had been laid out in book 1. I soon found out that this was a good thing.
Severin has put together a team of talented individuals, each important in their own way. As a youth, he lost his inheritance to House Vanth and the Order of Babel has given him an opportunity to recover what is rightfully his. The members of his team are loyal to Severin yet have their own reasons for why they follow him.
Author Roshani Chokshi has taken a period of history and injected her own fantasy within it. However, don’t be looking for an extensive walk through the streets of Paris or endless descriptions of the events of that time. This book is about the characters, and how the plot affects each of them. Ms. Chokshi allots time for each of them to share their thoughts and desires, with the characters taking turns to guide the action through their assigned chapters. Through the dialogue and descriptive passages, the author continually reveals more and more about Severin, Laila, Zofia, Enrique, and Tristan. I was constantly amazed at the author’s attention to the little details that exposed so much.
I also enjoyed the action scenes, and there were enough to keep the book moving forward and not causing it to become bogged down under the secondary character-driven chapters. Ms. Chokshi injects both fantasy and horror into these parts, and I constantly found myself caught up in the adventure.
Although there is a second book in this series, I felt that the storyline of book one was completed. While a reader knows that there is more to come, it felt as if the main tale had been completed and there was enough closure that I didn’t feel the author had left me with a cliffhanger ending. Five stars. ...more
That incredibly loud guttural sound is a dragon, the main focus of another interesting compilation from editor Rhonda Parrish. If you’ve read any of hThat incredibly loud guttural sound is a dragon, the main focus of another interesting compilation from editor Rhonda Parrish. If you’ve read any of her previous collections, you already sense these beasts are not going to be your run-of-the-mill, knights-in-shining-armor types of dragons. Those tired creations have been left at the door. Only the odd, the quirky, the never thought of before are gathered here.
Sixteen tales are presented, and even those featuring dragons that at first glance appear to be recognizable still have a unique twist that separates them from the past. While everyone’s tastes are different, these are a few of the stories that stood out for me:
Krista D. Ball’s “For the Glory of Gold” uses the age-old dragon thirst for riches as a background, mixing in a generous helping of the desire for revenge. “Light Chaser, Dark Hunter” is one of the most inventive tales, as Joseph Halden mixes in the clash of two cultures with its unexpected dragons. Laura Vanarendonk Baugh mixes science with fantasy in “Red in Tooth and Maw,” presenting a problem, a time limit, and the danger that comes when pioneers pursue something new.
My favorite? With this many offerings, I couldn’t decide between two of them. “Blacktooth 500” by Gwen C. Katz takes us on a wild ride, detailing an Iditarod-type race with teams of humans and dragons. For sheer brashness and just good old fun, I have to include with Damascus Mincemeyer’s story (coincidentally, the one featuring the longest title in the book), “Father Christmas, Mother Hubbard, The Dragon (and Other Selected Scenes from the End of the World).” The title alone should give you a good indication of where Mr. Mincemeyer is going to take us.
Overall, a very enjoyable read. The mixture of styles from the various authors kept the book interesting throughout. Five stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and Poise and Pen for a complimentary electronic copy of this title. ...more
I didn’t expect the depth of storytelling that was present in this novel. The jaded feeling comes from the glut of fantasy novels on the market today.I didn’t expect the depth of storytelling that was present in this novel. The jaded feeling comes from the glut of fantasy novels on the market today. Some lack originality while others are good but should be receiving a necessary rewrite. There are a few that almost reach the top, clinging and praying not to experience the inevitable fall. And then there are books like “The Hollow Gods” by A. J. Vrana.
The author has created something original, beginning with a legend similar to those in many small towns. From there it became more than a story to scare children with as there are actual deaths, proof that something is going on. Ms. Vrana then proceeds to take the story to the next level, and then the one after that until she brings us to an ending that was totally unexpected.
The characters of Miya, Kai, and Mason are all connected to the legend (or at least they feel that way), and their perspectives are explained to us as they swap the storytelling duty. With this method, Ms. Vrana is able to fill in all the current events as well as the back story, thus providing a seamless stream of events that lead us closer and closer to the truth.
If there was anything that I felt intruded on the quality of this book, it was the overuse of vulgarities. These do not automatically turn me away from a book or cause me to stop reading, and there are plenty of books on my shelves that could be considered greater in quantity than Ms. Vrana’s novel. If these words add to a story or are necessary to better establish a character, I am in agreement concerning their use. I did not feel that way while reading “The Hollow Gods.”
The author’s powerful writing is always present, exposing what we need to see (and how to see it) and guiding us to an ending that gives a feeling of conclusion and ensures this book – even though it is the first in a series – can identify as a standalone. Recommended for fantasy and horror fans. Four-and-a-half stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for a complimentary electronic copy of this title. ...more
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