High fantasy

Book Review: Match by Emma Grace

Categories Dystopian, Emma Grace, Fantasy, High fantasyLeave a Comment on Book Review: Match by Emma Grace

Book Details:

Author: Emma Grace
Release Date: 1st February 2023
Series:
Genre: Dystopian Fiction
Format: E-book 
Pages: 210
Publisher:
Blurb:
Katie Davis has had her whole life planned out for her since birth. She, along with every other citizen of Carcera, is predestined to marry her perfect Match. She knows that she will eventually have two children, and that none of the citizens will never leave the Border, the wall of stone encircling the city. No one could have predicted, however, the harrowing night that forces Katie and her three best friends to flee for their lives only days after their Matching Ceremony. With nowhere to go, Katie and her friends must make impossible choices at every turn.
They are faced with life-altering decisions, such as whether or not to join the Underground, a resistance army dedicated to overthrowing Borders. The smaller choices seem just as unfathomable as the larger ones-what to eat for dinner, what to do in their free time, and even what to wear. When their luck begins to run out, they are left with only two options: fight, or die.
Match is the first installment of The Matchbook Trilogy.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Match by Emma Grace is an action-packed dystopian novel that will take you on an adventurous and emotions rollercoaster ride. It is the first book in the Matchbook trilogy.

Author Emma Grace has done a fabulous job of creating a realistic and intricate world that pulls in the readers right from the beginning and keeps them thoroughly engaged till the very last page, ending the book on a perfect cliffhanger. This book has rich and well-developed characters and is an excellently plotted novel that is fast-paced and laced with tense and unpredictable twists and turns. Overall, the writing is good and complimented the plot very well.

I would definitely recommend this book to all dystopian fiction fans and fans of elaborate and intrinsic world-building in fantasy novels. This book is a perfect read for anyone wanting to explore a series by a talented new author.

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Book Review: Kojiro by Khalil A. Barnett

Categories Asian Literature, Asian Myths, Fantasy, High fantasy, Khallil Barnett, MythologyLeave a Comment on Book Review: Kojiro by Khalil A. Barnett

Book Details:

Author: Khalil A. Barnett
Release Date: 15th November 2022
Series:
Genre: High Fantasy Asian Myths & Legends, Asian Literature
Format: E-book 
Pages: 436
Publisher: Booklocker.com
Blurb:
A sword & sorcery fantasy novel based on Asian myths & legends.
Tulpas, otherwise known as thought-forms, spring first from the imagination, then go on to live lives independent of their creators. And sometimes, they maintain a hostile, even violent, relationship with said creators.
No one knows this quite like Coletrane Marx, the only son of an eccentric billionaire archeologist, who one night as a child unwittingly created a tulpa himself; one that visited him in demon form in the middle of the night to murder his parents with a samurai sword.

Forever changed by this trauma, Coletrane grows up to inherit his father’s obsession with archeology and to discover that his unfiltered, childhood imagination created not only this mysterious, cursed samurai named Kojiro, but also an alternate feudal history wherein the strong-willed warrior has his own prophetic story in a world full of mythic creatures, powerful humanoid animal Lords, living deities, and evil Tricksters. A world, Coletrane in addition learns, that will overlap with his own in catastrophic ways if he and Kojiro do not reconcile their dark, shared past and come together as one to stop it.

Review

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

Kijiro by Khalil A. Barnett is a sword & sorcery fantasy novel based on Asian myths & legends and tells the story of Kojiro, a malignant manifestation of a young child, the son of a billionaire archeologist.

This book is so different from the usual fantasy stories that one reads, especially the popular culture Fantasy books, as most of them draw heavily from Greek and/or Roman legends. But this book was a real treat for me because it is based on Asian mythology and being an Asian myself it was so gratifying to read a story about the culture I could, if not entirely being a South Asian, at least partially, relate to way more than the European fantasy plots. I could feel more connected to the story and especially the motivations of the character and the stakes in the story for them.

I loved the author’s writing style — it had a great flow, making the book seem like a lullaby, albeit dark. The pacing of the novel is spot on and the tension runs tight throughout the story, keeping the readers engaged right from the beginning to the very last page. The concept is phenomenal, the execution fantastic and the overall story extremely captivating and entertaining.

I enjoyed this book thoroughly and would highly recommend it to all readers, especially to all Asian readers to explore this amazing gem.

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Book Review: Origins of Resilience by Jessica Jane Robinson

Categories Comics/Graphic Novels, Fantasy, Graphic-Novel, High fantasy, Jessica Jane RobinsonLeave a Comment on Book Review: Origins of Resilience by Jessica Jane Robinson

Book Details:

Author: Jessica Jane Robinson
Release Date: 2018
Series:
Genre: Graphic Novel, High Fantasy, Superhero Fiction
Format: E-book 
Pages: 38
Publisher: Resilience Birthright, Inc Presents
Blurb:
On the last day of the existence of her planet, Queen Filoli Vitae, the last of the Evolusarians, is hiding in Mount Altis with her newborn baby daughter only a few hours old, whom she has yet to name. She is levitating in the air holding her child as tears stream from her eyes. With each tear that falls a memory releases; a memory of how her planet and kingdom, Terravitae, fell to destruction with her husband, King Asim. Her life flashes before her eyes, memories of how she became exiled from her home and now in hiding to protect the life of her daughter, the one prophesied to stop the evil force that is destroying her planet and threatens all life within the universe.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Origins of Resilience by Jessica Jane Robinson is a graphic novel about the birth of an environmental superheroine who will take your breath away and turn you into a fan!

This book is beautifully conceptualised, has a sound foundation and an excellent plot (albeit a bit similar to Superhero). I enjoyed reading the storyline because it had a great flow and felt extremely engaging and exciting. The tension was tight and kept the pacing really strung up through the entire book.

The illustrations are excellent, and I loved them. They could have been a little spread out, giving the book a cleaner look. But apart from this, I did not have any complaints at all. The dialogues were good, and the characterisation felt well-developed. I hope this series continues and we get to read more about Terravitae and the prophesied daughter of Queen Filoli Vitae and King Asim.

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Book Review: Victorian Songlight: The Birthings Of Magic & Mystery by Dr. Kathy Martone

Categories Fantasy, High fantasy, Kathy Martone, Supernatural2 Comments on Book Review: Victorian Songlight: The Birthings Of Magic & Mystery by Dr. Kathy Martone

Book Details:

Author: Dr. Kathy Martone
Release Date: 15th October 2019
Series:
Genre: High Fantasy, Supernatural Romance, Mythology & Lores
Format: E-book 
Pages: 215 pages
Publisher: Dreaming Big Publications
Blurb:
The birth of a magical child at the time of the Devil Moon sets the stage for heartache and misery, magic and supernatural love. Beset by unrelenting obstacles and bestowed with remarkable psychic gifts, Kate is often accompanied by fantastical black ravens who carry her through time and space. A well known legend in the Ozark Mountain countryside where Kate lives, Grandfather is a ghost with large golden eyes who frequently rides on the back of Pegasus, another Ozarkian legend.
Victorian Songlight is a tale of redemption and renewal, death and rebirth, triumph over darkness. But most importantly, it is a love story. Alone and utterly forsaken, adrift on treacherous waters, Kate meets Grandfather for the second time in her life and they become lovers fulfilling a prophecy at the moment of her birth.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Victorian Songlight: The Birthings Of Magic & Mystery by Dr. Kathy Martone is a high fantasy supernatural romance novel that has a very refreshing and unique concept and revolves around the legends and lores of the Ozark Mountain countryside known as the Ozarkian legends.

I found this book thoroughly engaging and entertaining and felt that the writing was apt for the plot. The characterisation was good and the overall world-building was also good. The characters felt real and believable and I was able to feel a connection with the main protagonist, Kate. The pacing in the book kept me hooked till the very last page and the ending felt extremely rewarding.

Overall this book made for an excellent fantasy read and I would recommend it to all fantasy readers especially those who like exploring new lores and legends.

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Book Review: Corrupted: Book Two of The Terrian Trilogy by Jenny Benjamin

Categories Fantasy, High fantasy, Jenny Benjamin, Science-Fiction, Science-Fiction Fantasy, Young AdultLeave a Comment on Book Review: Corrupted: Book Two of The Terrian Trilogy by Jenny Benjamin

Book Details:

Author: Jenny Benjamin
Release Date: 2nd September 2022
Series: The Terrian Trilogy (Book #2)
Genre: Young-Adult, Science-Fiction Fantasy, High Fantasy
Format: E-book 
Pages: 267 pages
Publisher: –
Blurb:
Book Two begins ten days after the events of Book One with Jesse, Kate, and Hayden traveling in the found alien ship and trailing the Gelfs who have kidnapped Sofia. Plagued with rage and guilt because of Sofia’s capture, Jesse finds himself losing control of his emotions and the Triumvirate’s mission to bring peace to two worlds—Earth and Terria.
Tensions, attractions, and powers crackle with energy in the second installment of the Terrian Trilogy. Jesse and his friends discover new abilities, face hybrid beasts, and carry out rescue missions on Terria. What else? More revelations about Terria’s corruption? Genetic modification? The unveiling of a terrifying plot by Terria’s faction leaders? Yes. Maybe. Jesse and his friends are called to act.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Corrupted by Jenny Benjamin is the second book in the new young-adult sci-fi-fantasy Terrain trilogy This book begins right where the first book, Enhanced left off so it would be ideal to read this series in order.

This book took the plot of the last book further, exploring amazing new avenues and sub-plots and with some new characters added to the mix that explored the world of this trilogy further, it made for an excellent read. I was able to understand the motivations and drives of the characters better in this part as they were explored on a yet deeper level, facing new perils that tested their strengths and grit.

I am looking forward to reading the next and the last part of this trilogy as I know it would answer some questions that this book had given rise to. But most of all, I really want to see how things end for the main characters, Jesse, Kate and Hayden.

I would strongly recommend this book (and the series) to all science-fiction readers and to high-fantasy enthusiasts who love reading well-developed and realistic young-adult characters.

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Book Review: Enhanced: Book One of The Terrian Trilogy by Jenny Benjamin

Categories Fantasy, High fantasy, Jenny Benjamin, Science-Fiction, Science-Fiction Fantasy, Young Adult1 Comment on Book Review: Enhanced: Book One of The Terrian Trilogy by Jenny Benjamin

Book Details:

Author: Jenny Benjamin
Release Date: 1st October 2021
Series: The Terrian Trilogy (Book #1)
Genre: Young-Adult, Science-Fiction Fantasy, High Fantasy
Format: E-book 
Pages: 260 pages
Publisher: –
Blurb:
Jesse Woods – drum line maestro, track star, honors student – is a standout as one of the only Black students at a suburban Chicago high school. His well-organized world is thrown into chaos when his school is attacked by an alien species, Terrians, who have been playing gods throughout human history. Jesse and two others from the drumline, Kate and Hayden, are pulled into an epic alien conspiracy and forced on a quest to retrieve an ancient artifact that will help decide the victory in the battle for planet Earth. The three teenagers will face impossible odds and fight the powerful enemies, as well as their own demons, to protect their loved ones and save the world they know.
Yeah, right, what else, locusts? Dragons in the sky? Alien ships? War between worlds? Armageddon? Yes. Maybe. Only Jesse and his friends can stop it.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Enhanced by Jenny Benjamin is the first book in the new young-adult sci-fi-fantasy Terrain trilogy. This book marked an excellent beginning of what could be a potentially amazing trilogy. This book had everything that I had expected and SO MUCH MORE!

The concept is brilliant setting a strong foundation not only for this book but for the next two books as well and the author’s writing kept the flow of the story very fluid and smooth making it a flawless experience. The characters were well-built and the world-building was up to the mark, the creatures/monsters were terrific and the detailing in the book was commendable. Overall this book made for a fantastically engrossing read and had me hooked right from the beginning till the very end, making me want to jump into the next book right away (which, of course, I did!)

I would strongly recommend this book to all science-fiction readers and to high-fantasy enthusiasts who love reading well-developed and realistic young-adult characters.

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Book Review: A Council Of Ghosts by Ryan Harper Jones

Categories Adventure, Children's Fiction, Fantasy, High fantasy, Magic, Magic/Elementals, Ryan Harper Jones1 Comment on Book Review: A Council Of Ghosts by Ryan Harper Jones

Book Details:

Author: Ryan Harper Jones
Release Date: 1st November 2021
Series:
Genre: Children’s Fantasy, Adventure Fantasy, Sword & Sorcery
Format: E-book 
Pages: 222 pages
Publisher:
Blurb:
When a sorcerer arrives in Edgings Burrow, Saul, Ruby, and Henry don’t realise the turmoil their lives are about to encounter. Transported into a strange world of sorcerers, vampires, and ghosts, the three children endure a desperate race to return home which takes them to the edge of war, through the clutches of slave traders and kidnappers, before they discover a deep dark secret.

Review

Rating: 5 out of 5.

A Council Of Ghosts by Ryan Harper Jones is a brilliant new fantasy adventure book full of fast-paced twists and turns that’ll keep the reader on the edge of their seats from the beginning of the book right down to the very end. This book was an emotional philosophical rollercoaster ride that left me wanting more!

I absolutely loved the writing as it had a great flow and, at times, showcased a beautiful lyrical quality, especially in the descriptions that helped elevate the narrative to an entirely different level. The characterisation was the best part of the book and I was able to relate to not only the main characters of Saul, Ruby and Henry but also to the secondary characters.

I would strongly recommend this book to all fantasy readers, especially children’s fantasy and adventure lovers because it has a lot to offer to everyone.

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Book Review: The Magicians Of Ysavar by Z.B. Lee 

Categories Fantasy, High fantasy, Magic, Magic/Elementals, Young Adult, Z.B. LeeLeave a Comment on Book Review: The Magicians Of Ysavar by Z.B. Lee 

Book Details:

Author: Z.B. Lee
Release Date: 3rd January 2022
Genre: Young-Adult Fiction, High Fantasy, Magic-Elementals
Series:
Format: E-book 
Pages: 167 pages
Publisher:
Blurb:
Johan Finley dreams of being a warrior for his home, Center City, but he is devastated when his own arrogance costs him his dream. When all seems lost, a cheery little fellow comes knocking on his door. Johan could never expect the fantastic journey that awaits.

There is one problem: Blazer, an enchanted sword, has fallen into the wrong hands. A shadowy enemy seeks to use this powerful weapon to turn the tides in a greater war of good versus evil. Johan must find the strength to face down this sinister foe and take back the sword before it’s too late. 
Under the tutelage of a wise magician and a battle-tested knight, along with the friendship of a courageous halfling, Johan is going to learn what it means to be a true hero in the Order of Ysavar. But when the fate of the world rests on his shoulders, will he crack under the pressure? Or will he rise to the occasion?

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

The Magicians Of Ysavar by Z.B. Lee is a new young-adult magical coming-of-age book full of action-packed scenes that are brimming with conflict, both internal as well as external. I enjoyed reading this book from cover to cover and was not able to put it down once I started!

This book had an amazing pace throughout the book and the tension ran deep and tight right from the beginning to the very end. The book started off on a great note and the build-up was amazing – even better than I was expecting! The characterisation was good, the settings were well-executed and the entire plotting was well done. I thoroughly enjoyed this action-packed ride.

I would strongly recommend this book to all young-adult readers and fans of coming-of-age stories that have magic elements.

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Book Review: The Last Shadow Knight by Michael Webb

Categories Fantasy, High fantasy, Michael WebbLeave a Comment on Book Review: The Last Shadow Knight by Michael Webb

Author: Michael Webb
Release Date: 1st April 2021
Genre: High Fantasy
Series: The Shadow Knights Trilogy (Book #1)
Format: E-book 
Pages: 552 pages
Publisher: KDP
Blurb:
On the unforgiving streets of Karad, Veron grows up hungry, inexperienced, and stealing just to survive. After tragedy strikes, he is forced to decide what path his life will take. 

Opportunity arises when he discovers the last survivor of a secret organization called the Shadow Knights. Apprenticed to learn their ways, Veron begins to develop abilities he never dreamed he could have. 

Meanwhile, an enemy from across the mountains comes to destroy their kingdom’s way of life, and the Shadow Knights are the only ones able to stop him. As Veron fights to survive the city, he prepares to face his destiny.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

The Last Shadow Knight by Michael Webb is an immersive high fantasy read.

I like the cover image of this book and as I read the book and finished it, it started to make sense to me, so I really liked the thoughtfulness behind it. This book was really interesting to read and very engaging. It is a delightful mixture of vivid and elaborate settings, strong characterisation, interesting concept and good writing along with great pacing and tension. So, for me, this book had it all. I enjoyed reading it and I am looking forward to reading the next part of this trilogy.

If you like reading fantasy books then I’d definitely recommend this book!

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Book Review: Twins Of Shadow by Abby Arthur

Categories Abby Arthur, Fantasy, High fantasyLeave a Comment on Book Review: Twins Of Shadow by Abby Arthur

Author: Abby Arthur 
Release Date: 1st January 2020
Genre: High Fantasy, Novella
Series:
Format: E-book
Pages: 104
Publisher:
Blurb:
A crown prince and his twin brother are secretly skilled assassins…
…killing for a cause they both despise.
A crown prince and his twin brother are secretly skilled assassins…
…killing for a cause they both despise.

Bound to a dragon by a powerful spell, Tarrek and Albree are sent on their deadliest mission yet: Overcome an archangel, capture an innocent snake whisperer and smuggle him across foreign soil, alive. If they fail to comply with the spell’s demand, it will drive them to insanity. Yet a deadlier force commands their attention when an ice-wielding slave trader freezes several civilians in a local village, ensnaring Albree’s love interest in the process. Will the twins choose to complete their near-suicide mission or fight insanity to save innocent lives?

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Book Review

Rating: 3 out of 5.

Twins Of Shadow by Abby Arthur is a fantasy novella about assassin twins. I was sold on the idea of the book as soon as saw the cover and read the sub-title as I am a big lover of assassins and the idea of twin brothers being that totally made me want to read it. And thankfully the book turned out to be good!

I appreciate the fact that it was a novella, which Is pretty rare for the genre where you get only these elaborate series. So you can get a taste fo the author’s writing in a comparatively short piece of work which was damn quick to read. Though obviously, it came with another set of problems – the world-building and the characterisation weren’t able to develop as well as they would have done in a full-length novel (there’s obviously a reason why fantasy books tend to be so long.) So it won’t be wrong to say that I really wished that the author would have explored the world further and given us some more character development making it a lengthier book, but well it is what it is.

Still, for a debut work, the book is pretty good, the writing decent, the characters were not overly relatable but I liked them enough to be happy to follow them on their journey and the plot was really good. So, given the length of the book, I’d definitely recommend it to all fantasy lovers.

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Book Review: Dream Chasers (Screamcatcher # 2) by Christy J. Breedlove

Categories Christy J. Breedlove, High fantasy, new adult, New Adult FantasyLeave a Comment on Book Review: Dream Chasers (Screamcatcher # 2) by Christy J. Breedlove

Author: Christy J. Breedlove
Release Date: 24th March 2020
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Series: Screamcatcher
Format: E-book
Pages: 240
Publisher: Melange Books, Fire & Ice
Blurb: Seventeen year-old Jory Pike knows a thing or two about Indian lore from her half-blood Chippewa ancestry. She can trap, hunt and fish with the best of them. She has a team of three other teens friends called The Badlands Paranormal Society. Instead of bagging groceries or playing on I-pods, they think they can excel at banishing evil spirits. They hope to cleanse houses and earn fat paychecks for their services.
Dream catchers aren’t just the chic hoops tourists buy at novelty shops–they work. And sometimes they clog up with nightmares until they collapse under their own evil weight, imploding and sending the dreamer into an alternate world.

Dream catchers aren’t just the chic hoops tourists buy at novelty shops–they work. And sometimes they clog up with nightmares until they collapse under their own evil weight, imploding and sending the dreamer into an alternate world. Jory uses her worst nightmare to enter the dream catcher world. She’s pulled her teammates in deliberately. Everything goes right on schedule but they’ve bitten off more than they can chew. Now Jory and her friends are there, trapped between the people who have confessed their sins to the Great Spirit and are seeking a way out, and the monsters and evil spirits, which are happy to keep them trapped in the web world forever. They were once considered Seekers in the dream world. Now they’ve become vigilantes and call themselves Pathfinders. Is it spiritual enlightenment they after? Or have they now become fatally reckless?

Book Review

Rating: 3 out of 5.

Dream Chasers by Christy J. Breedlove is the second book in the Screamcatcher series. I haven’t read the first book though I had the opportunity to interview the author and I was really intrigued by the idea then.

I really appreciated the fact that enough information was given in this book related tot he first book that I did not feel like I was lost or didn’t;t know about somethings. But that makes me wonder that had I read the first part would this information be too much for me. Anyhow, for me, it served well and I ended up enjoying the book more than I had expected.

The concept was unique and had layers of complexity that are expected from a good fantasy novel. The writing was good and smooth and made reading this book a pleasant experience. I liked the characterisation but only enough as I wasn’t able to relate to the main characters too much.

All in all, it made for an entertaining read and I’d recommend it to young-adult fantasy lovers. 

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Book Review: Heaven’s Silhouette by Melissa Lynn Herold

Categories Epic Fantasy, Fantasy, High fantasy, Magic Realism, Melissa Lynn Herold3 Comments on Book Review: Heaven’s Silhouette by Melissa Lynn Herold

Author: Melissa Lynn Herold
Release Date: 17th September 2019
Genre: High Fantasy, Magic Realism
Series: Iyarri Chronicles (Book #1)
Edition: E-book
Pages: 400
Publisher: Wise Ink Creative Publishing
Blurb:
When I was little, other children called me a monster. A painting proved them right.

A lifetime of cruel taunts and heartbreak has taught Aurelia to hide, to not get too close to anyone. A painter and gallery docent, her only solace is in the art that can’t stare back. When a new piece arrives, depicting an angelic figure who shares the physical features she’s always thought of as monstrous, Aurelia searches for the artist, determined to get the answers her mother has long refused to provide.

But she isn’t the only one searching. There are others who want the artist—and the truth—silenced. Aurelia is attacked by figures from the painting, fierce warriors with wings and sharpened blades. Shaken and bloody, she manages to escape with her life but finds herself hunted by the Iyarri, who are anything but angels. As she comes to terms with her connection to them, Aurelia is drawn deeper into the heart of a millennia-old struggle. If she’s not careful, the consequences will tear her body, her heart, and the Iyarri in two.

REVIEW

★★★★

Heaven’s Silhouette by Melissa Lynn Herold is a new fantasy series about angels but with a twist. This book marks the beginning of the Iyarri series.

The story is well developed and was narrated nicely. I was drawn into the story right from the very start where we are introduced to Au \relia and the heart of the story, i.e., Aurelia is not like other kids; she is different. And it was after reading the prologue that I knew I was in for a good story. And after that, the book delivered as expected – an original fantasy world.

Even though the concept of angels has already been used many times in various books and series, like Penryn And The End Of Days series by Susan Ee (which BTW is my absolute favourite series when it comes to the fallen angel fantasy trope), I still enjoyed this book mostly because of the concept of Iyarri where they are winged beings who take cover in the angel-mythology. So although it might not initially feel that way, but this book’s concept is nothing like the other books with a similar theme. It is nothing like the books that I’ve read.

The world-building in this book is good, it wasn’t entirely fantastic but it wasn’t all bad either. Though we don’t get to explore the Iyarri world in any particular detail, I won’t be judging the entire series right now as that might be an intentional step by the author and this is just the first book, so we’ll see about it in the next books.

One thing needs a special mention here is the language. Now I know we have epic fantasy series like ASOIAF by GRRM with fully-fleshed out languages, but once in a while, I do appreciate not having to deal with a lot of newly-conceived-language jargon. I love it when fantasy authors add a sprinkling of a handful of words from a new language throughout the book in a way that it is easy for the reader to pick it up on their own. That’s exactly what author Melissa did in this book and I am very thankful to her for that.

So so moving on… the writing was simple and fluid. It made the book a very quick read in spite of it being 400 pages plus. The tension and conflicts in the story kept me engrossed into the book from start to end and I ended up finishing this book in only 3 days. And now I am eagerly waiting for the next book in this series to come out so that I can read more and explore this new and exciting world further.

If you are a fantasy fan then you should definitely give this book a read!

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Book Review: Holy Sister (Book Of The Ancestor #3) by Mark Lawrence

Categories Action, Dark Fantasy, Dystopian, Epic Fantasy, Fantasy, High fantasy, Mark Lawrence, Speculative-FictionLeave a Comment on Book Review: Holy Sister (Book Of The Ancestor #3) by Mark Lawrence

Author: Mark Lawrence
Release Date: 3rd April 2018
Genre: High Fantasy, Speculative Fiction, Epic Fantasy, Dark Fantasy, Dystopian
Series: Book Of The Ancestor (Book #3)
Edition: Paperback
Pages: 352
Publisher: Harper-Voyager
Blurb:
They came against her as a child. Now they face the woman.

The ice is advancing, the Corridor narrowing, and the empire is under siege from the Scithrowl in the east and the Durns in the west. Everywhere, the emperor’s armies are in retreat.

Nona faces the final challenges that must be overcome if she is to become a full sister in the order of her choice. But it seems unlikely that Nona and her friends will have time to earn a nun’s habit before war is on their doorstep.

Even a warrior like Nona cannot hope to turn the tide of war.

The shiphearts offer strength that she might use to protect those she loves, but it’s a power that corrupts. A final battle is coming in which she will be torn between friends, unable to save them all. A battle in which her own demons will try to unmake her.

A battle in which hearts will be broken, lovers lost, thrones burned.

REVIEW

★★★★

Holy Sister by Mark Lawrence marks the end to the Book Of Ancestor trilogy and with a gaping emptiness that envelops me every time I finish a series, I have finally managed to review this book (somehow.)

This book served as a good end to this amazing series. It could have definitely done better, but that maybe my bias towards this series so don’t hold it against the series. Most of the questions were answered and the loose ends were tied up pretty well. The ending was apt even though a bit predictable. Just like the other two books in this series, Red Sister and Grey Sister, this book was thoroughly entertaining and full of crazy fighting sequences and intense emotional dramatics.

The characters evolved and the storyline wound its way through various ups and downs, keeping me interested throughout the book. Though, because of my own reluctance to finish this series, I took my own sweet time to finish this book.

Anyway, to know my thoughts further you can watch my YouTube video review for this book here:

Book Review: Grey Sister (Book Of The Ancestor #2) by Mark Lawrence

Categories Action, Dark Fantasy, Dystopian, Epic Fantasy, Fantasy, High fantasy, Mark Lawrence, Speculative-FictionLeave a Comment on Book Review: Grey Sister (Book Of The Ancestor #2) by Mark Lawrence

Author: Mark Lawrence
Release Date: 3rd April 2018
Genre: High Fantasy, Speculative Fiction, Epic Fantasy, Dark Fantasy, Dystopian
Series: Book Of The Ancestor (Book #2)
Edition: E-book
Pages: 409
Publisher: Harper-Voyager
Blurb:
Second novel in the brilliant series from the bestselling author of Prince of Thorns.

In Mystic Class Nona Grey begins to learn the secrets of the universe. But so often even the deepest truths just make our choices harder. Before she leaves the Convent of Sweet Mercy Nona must choose her path and take the red of a Martial Sister, the grey of a Sister of Discretion, the blue of a Mystic Sister or the simple black of a Bride of the Ancestor and a life of prayer and service.

All that stands between her and these choices are the pride of a thwarted assassin, the ambition of a would-be empress wielding the Inquisition like a blade, and the vengeance of the empire’s richest lord.

As the world narrows around her, and her enemies attack her through the system she has sworn to, Nona must find her own path despite the competing pull of friendship, revenge, ambition, and loyalty.

And in all this only one thing is certain. There will be blood.

REVIEW

★★★★+1/2

Grey Sister by Mark Lawrence is the sequel to Red Sister and the 2nd book in the trilogy Book Of The Ancestor. It was a great sequel to an amazing book with lots and lots of things that completely blew my mind to bits and many surprises. This was a much darker read as compared to the first one, so it won’t be wrong to say that this book is not for emotionally weak people. I got attached to some characters that were killed in this part and it haunted me for days.

Over all, the tension and pacing in this book were tighter and faster. The action was more and the perils felt more real. I really enjoyed this book and felt that it was a great sequel that took the story ahead in a way it deserved. But in spite of everything good, I still felt that somewhere this book was not the best one in this trilogy. I guess I just loved Red Sister so much that nothing can ever reach that level of awesomeness, not even its own sequels.

Anyway, overall it was a fantastic and well-written book and I enjoyed it a lot so I’d definitely recommend this trilogy to all fantasy readers, especially to those who’ve enjoyed other works by Mark Lawrence.

BookTube:

Book Review: Red Sister (The Book Of Ancestor #1) by Mark Lawrence

Categories Dark Fantasy, Dystopian, Epic Fantasy, Fantasy, High fantasy, Mark Lawrence4 Comments on Book Review: Red Sister (The Book Of Ancestor #1) by Mark Lawrence

Author: Mark Lawrence
Release Date: 4th April 2017
Genre: High Fantasy, Speculative Fiction, Epic Fantasy, Dark Fantasy, Dystopian
Series: The Book Of Ancestor (Book #1)
Edition: E-book
Pages: 482
Publisher: Harper-Voyager
Blurb:
It’s not until you’re broken that you find your sharpest edge

“I was born for killing – the gods made me to ruin”

At the Convent of Sweet Mercy young girls are raised to be killers. In a few the old bloods show, gifting talents rarely seen since the tribes beached their ships on Abeth. Sweet Mercy hones its novices’ skills to deadly effect: it takes ten years to educate a Red Sister in the ways of blade and fist.

But even the mistresses of sword and shadow don’t truly understand what they have purchased when Nona Grey is brought to their halls as a bloodstained child of eight, falsely accused of murder: guilty of worse.

REVIEW

★★★★★

Watch my review in this video to know how awesome this book is!

Book Review: Six Of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

Categories Dark Fantasy, Epic Fantasy, High fantasy, Leigh Bardugo, Magic, Magic/Elementals, Young Adult6 Comments on Book Review: Six Of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

Author: Leigh Bardugo
Release Date: 12th July 2016
Genre: Dark Fantasy, Young Adult, Magic & Elementals
Series: Six Of Crows (Book #1) & Grishaverse
Edition: Paperback
Pages: 495
Publisher: Orion Children’s Books
Blurb:
Criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker has been offered wealth beyond his wildest dreams. But to claim it, he’ll have to pull off a seemingly impossible heist:
Break into the notorious Ice Court
(a military stronghold that has never been breached)
Retrieve a hostage
(who could unleash magical havoc on the world)
Survive long enough to collect his reward
(and spend it)
Kaz needs a crew desperate enough to take on this suicide mission and dangerous enough to get the job done – and he knows exactly who: six of the deadliest outcasts the city has to offer. Together, they just might be unstoppable – if they don’t kill each other first.

Review

★★★★★

Six Of Crows by Leigh Bardugo, the first book in the Six Of Crows Duology (also a part of the Grishaverse), is DEVILISHLY GOOD!!

When I was starting with this book, I did not even have the slightest of ideas that it would turn out to be one of my all-time favourite fantasy books! I loved, LOVED, the world-building and felt like Ketterdam was indeed a real world of which I desperately wanted to be a part of! This book is like a dream come true for a fantasy reader because this book has so much to offer to its readers that you simply can’t fault it! The conflicts were ridiculously good and lent an air of authenticity to the characters, something that lacks in most of the fantasy books these days. It was pure bliss to have read this book as I was so fed up of reading books that were only hyped up and had literally next to nothing to offer Caraval.

description

This book is a mind-blowing and earth-shattering dark fantasy novel. The story is deliciously complex and suitably grounded and the characterisation very mature, gritty and intricate. The story and the concept are simply out of the world and the author’s meticulous detailing is spot-on. This is a book you’d want to get lost in forever.

It is like a beautiful piece of art that you want to collect and then visit and revisit it again and again and again… This book is so ridiculously good that I can re-read it right now (only after 10 days.) It is one of those books that you wish would never get over… like The Hobbit and the ASOIF series but in a totally different way.

description

THIS BOOK HAS IT ALL!!
✦ A badass anti-hero with gut-wrenching inner-conflicts and an extremely difficult background and who is dubbed by people as the demon or the devil – check ✔︎
✦ A deadly and dangerous heroine who uses her Wraith-like persona to find out everyone’s dark secrets in order to serve the devil himself – check ✔︎
✦ A super-funny, charming and dangerous sharp-shooter side-kick who also happens to have a crush on the devil – check ✔︎
✦ A super-sassy, bold and gifted enchantress with unmatched super-powers who can kill you with a snap of her finger – check ✔︎
✦ A badass warrior-hunter-soldier who cannot be matched for strength – check ✔︎
✦ A naive rich brat who has left all the comforts and riches behind in order to find himself – check ✔︎

And there’s even more…
☛ An impossible heist
☛ Harsh weather conditions
☛ Bitterness amongst some people in the crew
☛ Possibility of backstabbing
☛ The odds are completely against and the stakes are so high that the readers can’t help but get swept away by how things happen the twisty turns that greet them at each and every page turn!

This book is a legitimate un-put-down-able read and I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys fantasy and/or books with a solid plot as well as characterization. I mean, What The Hell Are You Still Waiting For?! Go and get this book today and do yourselves a huge favour!!

this review is also posted on Goodreads

Book Review: Caraval by Stephanie Garber

Categories Fantasy, High fantasy, Stephanie GarberLeave a Comment on Book Review: Caraval by Stephanie Garber

Author: Stephanie Garber 
Release Date: 28th November 2018
Genre: Techno-Thriller, Action, Sci-Fi, Post-Apocalyptic
Series: Written By Blood #1
Edition: e-book
Pages: 238
Publisher: –
Blurb:
The Sunday Times bestseller WELCOME TO CARAVAL, WHERE NOTHING IS QUITE WHAT IT SEEMS . . . Scarlett has never left the tiny isle of Trisda, pining from afar for the wonder of Caraval, a once-a-year week-long performance where the audience participates in the show. Caraval is Magic. Mystery. Adventure. And for Scarlett and her beloved sister Tella it represents freedom and an escape from their ruthless, abusive father. When the sisters’ long-awaited invitations to Caraval finally arrive, it seems their dreams have come true. But no sooner have they arrived than Tella vanishes, kidnapped by the show’s mastermind organiser, Legend. Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. But nonetheless she quickly becomes enmeshed in a dangerous game of love, magic and heartbreak. And real or not, she must find Tella before the game is over, and her sister disappears forever.

REVIEW

★★+1/2

Caraval by Stephanie Garber is one book that I had waited for a long time to read before, finally, I was able to read it for the buddy read of RMFAO‘s Buddy Read for December’s Fantasy Month. To say that I had monumental expectations from this book would be a complete understatement. I’ve always loved reading immersive and elaborate fantasy books, but after having read The Night Circus, I was completely enthralled to have discovered magic in such a conventional form – Circus. And that was the reason why I was so eager to read Caraval which, to me, seemed a lot like The Night Circus.

Unfortunately, as it turns out, comparing both these books would be an insult to The Night Circus as Caraval miserably and unapologetically failed on more fronts that I even care to count. The only reason I even completed the book was the plot because somehow (unbelievably) the plot managed to keep me interested and I wanted to find out how the book ended.

I was appalled to see that the characterisation was so lifeless that I don’t even remember the names of the leading heroine even though I finished the book only a couple of days ago! And this was not even the fault of my huge expectations because I really feel that if a book is a Sunday Times Bestseller, it has to have something going for it, shouldn’t it??

The descriptions were very forced and sounded repetitive, the characterization was weak and immature and the progression of the plot felt weak too. The pacing was not great as at some places it was so slow that I had to skim over portions. The world building was okay but not as it should have been and the dialogues were outright bad at some places.

I hate writing so much negative about this book as I do feel that this book had a lot of potentials but it failed miserably for me in almost every aspect. I won’t be recommending this book to anyone. Though if you love reading fantasy genre, you should really give The Night Circus a read because that book is simply MAGIC!

this review is also posted on Goodreads

Book Review: The Snowtiger’s Trail by Watson Davis

Categories Fantasy, High fantasy, Swords And Sorcery, Watson DavisLeave a Comment on Book Review: The Snowtiger’s Trail by Watson Davis
Author: Watson Davis
Release Date: 12th April 2018
Genre: Swords & Sorcery, High Fantasy
Series:  The Windhaven Chronicles (Book #9)
Edition: E-book
Pages: 315
Publisher: –
Blurb:
Welcome to Windhaven and the Wrath of the Wizard-King!A deposed Wizard-king leads his ragged band of followers to the last town before the Far Waste and hides there from his vengeful queen while building an army to re-take his rightful kingdom. A regular army won’t do for the Wizard-king. He needs something deadlier, something magical, something demonic.When Wallak of the Bright Fox tribe wakes up from a night of carousing in Ancliff, he can’t find his nephew. He can’t return to his tribe alone, but if he discovers his nephew whereabouts, he may never return to his tribe at all.

This is a swords and sorcery tale of dark, soul-twisting magic where no-one is safe.

Review

★★★★★

The Snowtiger’s Trail by Watson Davis is a beautifully written and a very well thought-out high fantasy read that totally blew my mind!

I am a big fan of the fantasy genre but only if it is done right and that was something I was expecting from this book when I got a chance to read it, and this book did exactly that and so much more. It totally exceeded all my expectations and I was sucked into the story right from the very beginning.

The characterization is spot on, the writing style is brilliant, the world-building is simply amazing and the pacing is superb! All-in-all, this book had everything that I expect from a solid and meticulous fantasy book.

What is really amazing is that even though this was the 9th book in the Windhaven series, I did not feel, even for a second, that I wasn’t getting some part of the story or was missing out on some bits because of not having read any of the earlier parts. Initially, I had forgotten that this was a part of an ongoing series and realized it only when I was near the end (that too only when I was checking its cover on my kindle and happened to read the extra pages of the book which had a list of names of the other parts.) So this can be read as a stand alone without any reservations.

I loved this book and I’d recommend it to everyone who wants to read a nice story involving swords, sorcery and fascinating (and totally amazing) animals.

this review is also posted on goodreads and amazon

Audiobook Review: Looking For Dei by David A. Wilson

Categories David A. Willson, High fantasy2 Comments on Audiobook Review: Looking For Dei by David A. Wilson
Author: David A. Willson
Narrator: Tanya Eby
Release Date: 30th March 2018
Genre: High Fantasy
Series: –
Length: 10 hours 7 hours 25 minutes
Publisher: Seeker Press
Blurb:
Join Nara and Mykel on a journey through the Great Land….
Fifteen-year-old Nara Dall has never been good at keeping secrets. Yet it seems that her life has been filled with them, from the ugly scar on her back to the strange powers she possesses. Her mysterious adoptive father refuses to say anything about her origins, and soon, she and her best friend must attend the announcement ceremony, in which youths are tested for a magical gift.
A gifted youth has not been announced in the poor village of Dimmitt for decades. When Nara uncovers the reason, she uses her own powers to make things right. The decision sets her and her friend on a path of danger, discovery, and a search for the divine. In the process, she learns the truth about herself and uncovers the biggest secret of all: the power of broken people.

Review

★★★+1/2

Looking For Dei by David A. Wilson is an interesting new high fantasy read with a believable storyline and an impressive world-setting. I was pulled into the story right from the start and was kept engaged till I hit the middle part of the story, and that was when I kind of hit a brick wall. After about 45% I started to struggle because of the pacing, which was pretty good until that point but then suddenly slacked and the story started to feel like a drag. Fortunately, after a while, the pacing picked up again (albeit a bit slowly) and I was happy to reach the end of the story without any further pacing issues. The story picked up in the ending again and overall I was glad that I picked this read.

I was fortunate enough to get this book in both the formats – e-book from NetGalley and audiobook from Audiobookworm. I started this with the e-book but when I got the audio, obviously I listened to the entire story because that just saved me a hell of a lot of time! Also, the narration was pretty good and I loved the different variation the narrator used especially of the old crone, Ann.

I’d recommend this book to all the fantasy lovers, and even to those who rarely read fantasy and are looking for a new fantasy series to explore.

 

this review is also posted on audible and Goodreads

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Book Review: The Outlander (The Fulfillment #2)

Categories Book Reviews (by Genre), Erin Rhew, Fantasy, High fantasy, Miscellaneous, Romance, Young Adult6 Comments on Book Review: The Outlander (The Fulfillment #2)

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Author: Erin Rhew
Release Date: October 21, 2014
Series: The Fulfillment Series
Genre: YA | High-Fantasy | Romance
Edition: Ebook (mobi)
Pages: 345
Publisher: BookFish Books
Source: Author
Buy it here: Amazon

 

Blurb

With King Jesper dead and Prince Wilhelm mortally wounded, Halfling prince, Nash, and the Fulfilment, Layla, assume the throne of Etherea. They must contend with a new Prophecy Candidate who asserts her position, and Layla is surprised to find her fate intertwined with this challenger. Facing a myriad of choices, Nash and Layla’s decisions affect not only their own futures but that of two kingdoms.

Unbeknownst to the Ethereals or the Vanguards, a slumbering menace stirs in the south, awakened after centuries of slumber. The mysterious Outlanders, a force shadowed in mystery, sit poised to tip the balance of power, sending ripples of fear throughout both warring kingdoms.

Elder Werrick proved a formidable foe, but Layla may yet meet her match in the monstrous Outlander queen. This mistress of the dark’s plans, rooted in revenge and ancient lore, now threaten the livelihood of all three kingdoms.

Racing against time, Layla travels to the Borderlands—home of the Voltons and Ecclesiastics—to discover as much as she can about the war, the First Ones, and the prophecy itself. Lives teeter in the balance, kingdoms sit on the cusp of ruin, and a beast, greater than any she’s ever faced before, plots a catastrophic attack.

Review

5 Stars Black

The Outlanders start right where the first part, The Prophecy, ends. It feels as if you’re reading the book in continuation without any break, which in this case, is a good thing, cause really loved the way the book’s been written.

I enjoyed this par more than the first as there were some amazing detailing in relation to the awesome world build by the author for this series. It had layers and layers of elements which took the entire experience to the next level.

The new characters that were introduced in this book are so amazing that either you’ll love them or completely hate them! I mean, this part evokes such strong emotions that it leaves you crazily craving to know what happens next and wonder “how the hell is everything going to get better!?” The drama added an another layer to this awesome story and the love triangle successfully created a complicated web of suspense (in a good way.)

This is one of those rare instances where the middle book of a trilogy is actually the best part of the story. And I’m happy that i read this book, simply because it is an awesome Fantasy read!

If you’re looking for a kickass Fantasy series then this trilogy is what you need!

You can read my review of The Prophecy (The Fulfillment #1) here.

Other Stuff

Opening Line: Will stared down at the delicate hand gripping his arm.

Highlights: World-building.

Lowlights: None. 

Final Thoughts: An amazing Fantasy read.

You can also read this review at Goodreads and Amazon.