Was this an easy read? Uh, that is a big NO. However, Wang won me over with The Sword of Kaigen, and 4 Stars
Stunning in scope but heavy on all fronts.
Was this an easy read? Uh, that is a big NO. However, Wang won me over with The Sword of Kaigen, and though that story is an entirely different beast, this was no less impactful.
Here, Sciona is the lone woman to have ever achieved highmage status in a world that thinks very little of a female’s place in anything other than nurturing the home. She is ready to impress, and no one is going to stop her. When she “jokingly” gets saddled with a janitor for an assistant, what Sciona and Thomil discover in the search for bettering the city of Tiran will change not only themselves, but everyone else’s belief system and their place in the world.
Be prepared to encounter a bunch of hot topics - misogyny, racism, oppression, prejudice, bigotry, religion, overpopulation and dwindling resources are just to name a few.
It’s best not to discuss too many details so one can be equally affected as Sciona and Thomil were. You will be challenged. You will be struck by an ingeniously complex magic system that relies heavily on religious justification. You will be impressed with a totally original fantasy world and its varied peoples that inhabit it and how close it mirrors our own dark history.
Overall, I think if you are a fan of Wang, or if you want to take a chance on something different, this author doesn’t shy away from tough subject matter. Again, so very far from being an easy read, but like The Sword of Kaigen, the truth is devastating and tragic, and there are plenty who will fight with their whole being to maintain the status quo, who will hide behind a system that doesn't want to upset their divine given entitlement, but because of a select few, there is a chance for something better. This author won’t sugarcoat things nor give you a perfect HEA, and the result is a moving tale that will make you ponder one’s own humanity and question what is just, fair, and kind. There is triumph, there is the start of change, and most of all, there is hope.
Just like Sciona and Thomil can never unsee or unknow what they find, I too was affected the same way and won’t soon forget.
Thank you to the author and Del Rey via NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review...more
A highly enjoyable off-kilter story of revenge and mayhem, this presents an intriguing spin to the protagonists who are animal representations,4 Stars
A highly enjoyable off-kilter story of revenge and mayhem, this presents an intriguing spin to the protagonists who are animal representations, making their unique characteristics fit a human construct.
Reminiscent of The Magnificent Seven this is a no holds barred story of a reticent demanding mouse captain, recruiting his old gang of soldiers for one last hurrah to give a deadly response to a long ago betrayal.
Despite cute furries, this is obviously no bedtime story to tell the kids. With its fast pace and witty repartee, the characters are quite vivid, the violence impressive, the conclusion vindictively appropriate and equally tragic.
Granted, this is only the second book, but what makes this nonlinear series interesting is that so far, there’s been a central mystery that MC 4 Stars
Granted, this is only the second book, but what makes this nonlinear series interesting is that so far, there’s been a central mystery that MC Vlad must figure out to solve his current predicament, and Brust delivers on the smart, convoluted threads that interconnect across race, politics, and the past. When the majority of this world lives for centuries, these beings can afford the time and energy to see their plans pan out over many many decades, and it’s a fascinating testament to their scheming and patience to see if they can manipulate others, exact their revenge, or influence events for their own righteous desires.
Here, the reader is introduced to an earlier point in Vlad’s life where he fights a competitor and in the process finds love. Know that Vlad is a human existing in a world dominated by long lived Dragareans (think several hundreds of years or more), and he’s determined to make his mark and succeed in a part of society that looks down on his kind. Here, he’s a newly minted boss overseeing a territory that deals with the seedier side of life and when his business is threatened, he’ll be damned if he lets someone encroach on his turf without a fight.
Overall, a truly original fantasy, complete with again, captivating world building that slowly lays down a historical foundation that I’m sure will continue to build upon itself. The fact that this also applies to the varied characters that play an important part to Vlad’s inner circle, as well as himself, is impressive. All I can say for now is my curiosity is piqued for many good reasons, and I’m happy to know there’s plenty more for me to sink my teeth into.
Not so surprisingly, I found this quite the charming read!
Make no mistake. This isn’t all prim and proper (though there is plenty of that) but 4 Stars
Not so surprisingly, I found this quite the charming read!
Make no mistake. This isn’t all prim and proper (though there is plenty of that) but more about one woman’s attempts at chronicling her remarkable life in how she became a renowned expert in dragons.
This first volume recounts Lady Trent’s interests that spans from the young age of 11 to about 20 years old after her first attempt at studying said wondrous creatures. It’s mainly about how much she tries to follow her obsession while still playing by the societal rules that severely limit a woman’s very choices and voice.
I don’t want to spoil any of the events that had a huge emotional impact. Just know there’s a lovely father, a marriage, an expedition, and several dangerous encounters with not only dragons but a sinister conspiracy to unfold as well. This is an alternate European historical fantasy with deep Victorian era roots. It’s a memoir told by the now quite elderly infamous Lady Trent who no longer gives one whit about being unconventional or scandalous.
Quaintly scientific and drolly cheeky, this woman is not without her many many faults, but she is determined and devout in her singular passion, and I look forward to reading about her next adventure!...more
”Power is much easier to acquire than it is to hold on to.”
And really, that is the rub.
Jude has dug herself a hole that she might not be ab3 Stars
”Power is much easier to acquire than it is to hold on to.”
And really, that is the rub.
Jude has dug herself a hole that she might not be able to get out of, especially when she has manipulated everyone around her and built her base of influence on lies and deception. It’s a sad state of affairs when you can’t trust anyone, not even your own family.
Admittedly, I really wanted to sink my teeth into this, but for the most part, I was left wanting.
Unpopular opinion here. I pretty much felt absolutely no connection between Jude and Cardan. It doesn’t help that they don’t use their words to form what’s needed - an unbreakable alliance. However, they really can’t due to the power imbalance between them, as it prohibits them being vulnerable with each other and sadly, it comes too late in the game. A few kisses does not a grand intense love make.
Surprisingly for me, Jude continues to be the best part of this story. She’s treading water 24/7 and can’t catch a break. Jude thwarts some big enemies, and even though she’s out of the pot and into the fire, the girl’s got grit. She really has no one to count on but herself, and yet she has and will persevere. That, I have no doubt.
Overall, perhaps I’m expecting something of this that it is not. For me, this was a disappointing second installment (minus the devastating twist at the end) mainly in the romance department. We shall see if the finale changes my mind.
I came across this on The Quill to Live blog and was intrigued by the idea of a nonlinear series about a central character, where each book ex4 Stars!
I came across this on The Quill to Live blog and was intrigued by the idea of a nonlinear series about a central character, where each book expounds on key moments of the life of assassin Vlad Taltos. Interestingly, this takes place in an alternate universe that is ruled by a revolving 17 houses embodying different talents, ideals, and strengths that mirror a particular animal’s core traits.
This first book is about the House of Jhereg, a cunning, ruthless dragon-like creature the size of a cat, and the only house who allows admittance of humans into their ranks. It is here that lowly human Vlad survives and thrives, and the reader is introduced to him as he tackles his most profitable offer to date - assassinate a thief who stole from the aforementioned house - a task with many mission constraints including an unfortunate tight deadline.
What Vlad encounters are repeated impossible roadblocks and multiple attempts on his own life. In and amongst his going about this frustrating job, Brust slowly peppers this story with fascinating reveals about the cultural intricacies and history of this intriguing world.
Overall, this has impressive political intrigue, long lived races, sword fights, crazy heists, plentiful magic, and a cheeky cutthroat familiar. Vlad is as cunning as he is resourceful, who has built a steady network of varied allies to help in his dubious dangerous endeavors, and curiously, was someone who I enjoyed rooting for.
A solid start and one that I am going to continue to follow through!
Admittedly, I checked this book out because of the hype, and my best bestie Meags was reading it as well. Typically, most everything this book4 Stars!
Admittedly, I checked this book out because of the hype, and my best bestie Meags was reading it as well. Typically, most everything this book offers is something that’s not on my top list of things I gravitate towards - things like secrets, MC’s being journalists, historical setting, secrets, omnipotent meddling gods, did I say secrets?
However, every time I got an anxious feeling or a bit perturbed, Ross turned it around quickly, allowing her characters to grow and not dwell too long in self pity or stubbornness.
Iris and Roman are classic rivals. One step in the wrong direction, one taken out of context conversation, multiple misunderstandings, rash judgments all run amok, but again, Ross depicts these two characters with depth, making them truly deeply conflicted but sympathetic individuals - individuals who are just trying their damnedest to be better and slowly, fall for the other as they lay their fragile selves bare.
So yes, Iris and Roman start out not liking each other. The magic imbuing their universe somehow allows them to send typewritten letters anonymously under their wardrobes, all amidst tragedy, guilt, grief, and a bloody relentless battle between two gods where humanity is the unfortunate collateral damage.
What I want to impress upon is that this is wholly romantic with a stunning amount of vulnerability that culminates in a fiery (though tame on page) intimate passion.
Ross truly has a beautiful way with words that portrays exceptional heavy emotion and poignancy to her protagonists and the devastating war they’re tangled up in. This ends both hopeful and heartbreaking, but I’m confident the author will deliver a finale truly worthy of Iris and Roman’s sure to be perilously painful, but well worth it, journey back to each other....more
Despite my contentious feelings about YA, time and again, I return to give it a go.
Admittedly, I had my doubts for the m3.5 Off to a Good Start Stars
Despite my contentious feelings about YA, time and again, I return to give it a go.
Admittedly, I had my doubts for the majority of this book as it shares with its fellow contemporaries many similar aspects. However, an uncommon thread runs throughout regarding the heroine which garners points for going outside the usual box.
Jude is a human living in the fairy realm Elfhame and is a glaringly obvious outsider. She longs to become a part of the fae world but is pretty much stymied at every step she takes.
Like many a young heroine that I’ve read before, Jude is stubborn and willful, often acting rashly incurring the unwanted attentions of Prince Cardan and his cronies. It’s no wonder her confrontations often end in unpleasant consequences for herself and her twin sister. Jude simply cannot help but poke the proverbial bear over and over, but under that rebellious nature is a strength she finds in her very real fear of being prey. Her willful need to not be an easy mark sets her apart as she tries to dictate her own fate, and that is a thing to respect. I appreciated the morally gray areas of this entire story and especially that of Jude. She struggled internally but not too much and went forward, determined to not be a helpless victim no matter the consequences and no matter who was collateral damage.
This for sure lives up to every expectation of classic fae politics where machinations and betrayals abound and personal agendas always take precedence over the good of the many. This does not disappoint in the ruthless scheming and bloody power struggles, where death and war are always imminent.
Overall, my main disappointment was the lack of romance in this first installment. I’m sure Cardan is a multilayered tortured hero that we will come to love but this ends with him an unwilling pawn in Jude’s plans for the future. It remains to be seen how these enemies become lovers, but I look forward to how Black will convince me.
In the spirit of You’ve Got Mail, this was a sweet romance set in the Underworld where Marshal Hart and undertaker Mercy are long time nemese3.5 Stars
In the spirit of You’ve Got Mail, this was a sweet romance set in the Underworld where Marshal Hart and undertaker Mercy are long time nemeses built on misunderstandings and preconceived notions. When the magic of their realm allows their anonymous letters to find each other, they bare their tender souls blindly making them hope for more from their lonesome lives.
Overall, this was a pretty cozy read (minus some violence with zombies) showcasing enemies to lovers, grumpy sunshine, with a touch of nice that I think most will enjoy. My small niggles revolve around Mercy’s family dynamics and how she deals with them, and the fact that there are secrets that are just begging to be found out.
However, I liked the evolution. I liked how once Hart and Mercy’s guard was down, they finally started seeing each other in a different light that progresses things quite quickly until the aforementioned inevitable dreaded reveal. Again, an interesting take on the denizens that border and work the Underworld with plenty of mythical creatures and gods, all tied up in an enjoyable love story....more
As per the blurb our beloved cleric Chih finds themselves accompanying a would-be bride to 3.5 Stars
Well, that certainly took a very unexpected turn!
As per the blurb our beloved cleric Chih finds themselves accompanying a would-be bride to meet her potential husband to engage in a 3 day event of negotiations and hopefully, celebration. However, suspicious event after suspicious event makes Chih slowly realize that everything is not as it seems.
I really don’t want to spoil things. I applaud Vo for throwing such a curveball as Chih’s usual efforts at discovering any story they can results in finding themselves eyeball deep in the making of one.
My personal favorites of this series are those with more of an emotional heft such as The Empress of Salt and Fortune and Mammoths at the Gates, but despite a more mystery vibe with layers of horror, this was still a captivating look at a fantasy world reminiscent of Imperial China.
Overall, I have enjoyed myself with these varied adventures of Chih and their companion bird Almost Brilliant, and I will do so for as long as Vo continues to write them!
Thank you to the author and Tordotcom via NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review
I admit that I was mostly lured into reading this because of the beautiful striking cover. However, despite having chosen this book for its s3.5 Stars
I admit that I was mostly lured into reading this because of the beautiful striking cover. However, despite having chosen this book for its shiny exterior, I was mostly not disappointed.
Just know that this is standard YA fantasy in the same vein as The Hunger Games, Divergent, and The Lunar Chronicles, where one deals with an awful society or an unjust big bad, bringing endless amounts of tragedy, violent brutality, and all the death that you could ever want. Regardless, the heroine was strong, the hero was intriguing, and the supporting cast was worthy enough to root for.
I can’t say I enjoyed myself because of the very grim subject matter, but the writing was propulsive and there were no frustrating plot holes. I will read the conclusion because I need some amount of happy (no matter how small) for these beleaguered tragic characters.
An unique fantasy world, leaving a lasting impression.
As highlighted in the blurb and other reviews, this novel offers a distinctive setting wi4 Stars
An unique fantasy world, leaving a lasting impression.
As highlighted in the blurb and other reviews, this novel offers a distinctive setting with an unconventional hierarchy. Here, children possess decision-making powers to protect the adults from a looming threat of a mysterious, magical fog that only negatively affects grown-ups, creating a different dynamic amongst the various characters. There’s an element of dark intrigue and oppressive anxiety that shapes the daily lives and habits of all, where the contrast between the innocence of youth and the burdens of adulthood is nicely portrayed.
The story follows Ogma, a brave 14-year-old girl on the brink of leadership, who demonstrates fierce love for her people and resilience in the face of adversity when their safety is threatened. I appreciated how Lehnen weaves together past and present, legend and lore, unveiling an ancient war among powerful wizards and its lingering negative repercussions.
Overall, the writing is engaging though at times, a bit meandering. However, while the protagonist is young, the story's fantastical elements seen in this richly imagined world will surely resonate with readers of all ages. With the promise of magic, wondrous beings, horrific monsters, awakening gods, and more books to come, this is a journey worth checking out!
Thank you to the author and Aspen & Thorn Press via NetGalley for an ebook in exchange for an honest review...more
If you’re looking for a light adventuresome quasi-fairy tale, then this is not it.
The world that Mohamed has created is far from kind or pictur4 Stars
If you’re looking for a light adventuresome quasi-fairy tale, then this is not it.
The world that Mohamed has created is far from kind or picturesque. It is a world whose lands have been conquered with brutal force by the Tyrant, and what he wills, goes without argument or hesitation. To resist means death to you and all you hold dear.
So, when Veris is tasked to find the Tyrant’s children who have wandered into the dangerous Elmever woods, the chances of her success are pretty much zero, but she must venture forth to have a miniscule shot at saving not only herself, but also her family and ultimately, her village from the retribution if she fails.
What Mohamed reveals is a dark sinister place within the forest, full of all sorts of horror ready to trap and bind or pounce and consume. Beware unseemly gore, menacing creatures beneath a benign facade, and an oppressive feeling of inevitable doom for all those who have never made it out.
Here, Veris is another heroine to root for. She’s brave, steadfast, and with an iron will to continue on in the face of failure and hopelessness. On the surface, this is a quest in an alternate fantasy realm, but it also seems an outlet for a contrasting commentary on what’s left behind war’s conquering annihilation. What Veris and her people have suffered shows the tragic inhumanity and the justified compartmentalization of evil that is doled out and the evil that is endured.
Overall, despite this book’s grim atmosphere, the ending is impactful with its not so neat, imperfect unidealistic ending. It shows that there is triumph in survival and though at times nebulous, the drop of hope given represents a balm to possibly start healing, and that’s what left a mark on me having read this.
Thank you to the author and Tordotcom via NetGalley for a copy in exchange for a honest review...more
A successful first read with Atwater, and I'm definitely intrigued!
I will say the blurb doesn’t tell you everything about what’s going3.5 Solid Stars!
A successful first read with Atwater, and I'm definitely intrigued!
I will say the blurb doesn’t tell you everything about what’s going on, and I’m reluctant to reveal more. Just know that Winnie isn’t all that she seems to be, and though she’s hired to be a governess, past sentiment compels her to promise more than she expects to, and she soon finds herself caught in the middle of a curse plaguing Witchwood Manor.
This was densely eerie and atmospheric, steeped in all sorts of faerie lore, filled to the brim with unsaid truths, dark subterfuge, and dangerous bargaining. As Winnie races against time to rescue her charge, she plays a perilous back and forth with the enigmatic butler Mr Quincy. However, she is honor bound and stubbornly ventures into the fray despite the mortal risks.
This for sure capitalized on its Victorian setting with lots of prim and proper rules and societal class division, all intertwined with various faerie tales and complicated protocol. If you are well versed in such, then you know the fae are very tricksy, always after their own interests and advantages and ready to bind one into an unbreakable promise.
Overall, I liked Winnie. She’s a strong heroine contrasting smartly with the alluringly mysterious Mr. Quincy who in turn, makes an interesting tortured tragic hero. I enjoyed seeing their antagonism turn to grudging respect to more, but beware a bratty child and a very chaste, but layered, romance (which I quite enjoyed). Admittedly, I have a love/hate relationship when it comes to the fae because while a fascinating folk, they come with a bazillion rules of engagement, their cunning and cruelty knowing no bounds. Atwater’s rendition is no different and again, I was intrigued nevertheless.
This neatly concludes the first act of this story arc but leaves the reader wanting more as the challenges ahead have only just begun for Winnie, Quincy, and their allies. Luckily for me the next installment comes out later this year, and I look forward to what's in store for these characters! If you want a historic, gothic faerie infused tale, then this should deliver on all points!
Thank you to the author and Starwatch Press via NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review...more
Bridging fantasy with a touch of steampunk, this is a world where magic and sorcery are abundant, class division i4 Stars!
What an entertaining story!!
Bridging fantasy with a touch of steampunk, this is a world where magic and sorcery are abundant, class division is sharply noted, and guilds of hired killers are a dime a dozen ready to carry out a job if the price is right.
Our heroine Eveen is one of those hired killers, having agreed to be resurrected and undead but with many side benefits. She is beholden to the goddess Aeril who demands a strict code of conduct that’s in place for civilized reasons, mainly to minimize collateral damage but always in the goddess’s favor. Aeril obviously has the power to bestow existence after death, but she can easily take one’s life force if they don’t play by her rules.
When Eveen is given what seems like a standard contract, what she uncovers about her target tilts the axis and all bets are off where unbreakable vows just might need to be broken.
To say the least, I loved how this was set in the fictional port city of Tal Abisi, evoking a Middle Eastern historic vibe with hints of New Orleans and India as well. This is a place with opulent trade filled to the brim with luxuries and exotic items but also with dangerous depravity, violence, and horror. Magic is everywhere, forbidden thaumaturgy lurks in dark corners, and the atmosphere is rich with strange occurrences and offbeat creatures.
Clark caught my attention with A Master of Djinn, and this has solidly put this author on my radar! Adventurous, filled to the brim with action, Eveen is a scrappy skilled assassin who knows her way around varied fighting techniques and weaponry, all with plenty of tricks up her sleeve and the talent to take advantage of her surroundings as her back up plans have back up plans. She must race against time to find a way out of her binding contract as well as save herself from its fatal repercussions. Will she succeed???
Overall, this was a lot of fun despite the grim tones and themes, and I can only hope Clark brings more to this fascinating world he’s created. The last sentence was perfect, making me cackle with a well placed nod to the reader!
Thank you to the author and Tordotcom via NegGalley for an ecopy in exchange for a honest review...more
If you need a quirky quickie to believe in the intoxicating encompassing way that love can be transcendently magical, then this might just melt3 Stars
If you need a quirky quickie to believe in the intoxicating encompassing way that love can be transcendently magical, then this might just melt your cynicism a bit and bring a smile to your face.
Free for Amazon Prime members for March 2024 ...more
My recent foray back into more and more fantasy stories has brought to my attention Robert Jackson Bennett, and my first novel with this autho4 Stars!
My recent foray back into more and more fantasy stories has brought to my attention Robert Jackson Bennett, and my first novel with this author was a very nice win!
Bringing to life a truly unique world, Bennett has created an intricate universe where a mighty Empire rules, and its power over its citizens depends on the confidence they have in the ability of that Empire to protect them. Unfortunately, the Empire is under constant threat of powerful sea creatures known as leviathans who yearly try their beastly best to destroy and conquer the landscape. The only thing keeping them at bay are specially designed fortifications bordering the coastline. It’s not a far stretch to realize that massive amounts of manpower and resources go towards protecting the country, and it will come as no surprise that corruption willingly comes along with it.
Supporting this set up is an intricate class system with a very distinct line between the haves and the have nots, and our hero Din is squarely in the have nots being a low ranked Imperial officer with very limited life choices. He’s gone through extensive training and preparation having become an Engraver, one with the ability to remember everything he sees, hears, and experiences. This makes Din the perfect person to be the apprentice assistant to the infamous investigator Ana Dolabra. She’s eccentric, brilliant, and not afraid to step beyond propriety and protocol to find the truth, so when a prominent officer from the renowned Engineering team has a sudden gruesome violent death, she and Din are assigned to figure out the hows and the whys.
What originally pinged my radar about this book was the promise of a Holmes and Watson type dynamic which holds a very soft spot in my heart for such tales. Ana definitely has unorthodox methods, and by-the-books Din is a foil for her, stating the facts (amongst often reminding her of the rules) so her ingenious mind can make astounding leaps and bounds to bring about the killer. Admittedly, this started off a bit slow, what with new words and terms and trying to gain a basic understanding of this unusual world and its people who are often grafted with abilities to help them in their profession or suffused with talents to hone their skills. However, as more is learned throughout the investigation, the sobering truth that the very safety of the Empire is at stake really fueled my reading momentum as the last half of the book was hard to put down.
I highly enjoyed the smart writing, the layering of the plot’s twists, the intriguing cast of characters Equally captivating was the evolving relationship between Ana and Din, which was tentatively resigned at first on Din’s part, but slowly turned into more, making me look forward to the strengthening of their entertaining working (not romantic) dynamic in future books. Though this is heavy in tone with the feeling of constant danger and touches of horror and treachery, the bits of exciting action, biting banter, and some well placed humor throughout was a nice counterbalance.
Again, this world and the caste system is fascinatingly complex. It’s idealistic at times, cynical and sad often in contrast, but hopeful in the loyalty of many that serve the Empire. I loved the ending as it hints at more to come, possibly a larger threatening conspiracy, and Ana definitely has set her sights on the inevitable fight ahead, dragging poor Din along whether he wants to or not! Hence, I impatiently wait for Bennett’s next installment which is sure to reveal more of the dirty underbelly I suspect we readers only got a glimpse of!
Thank you to the author and Del Rey of Random House Publishing Group via NetGalley for a copy in exchange for a honest review...more
As per the blurb, it hasn’t been long since witches were bloodily and brutally deposed from th4.5 Stars!!
A wonderful compelling start to this duology!
As per the blurb, it hasn’t been long since witches were bloodily and brutally deposed from their exalted position. Once held in awe and revered, their abuse of their power inevitably heralded a revolution, and many have been killed and many still hide. This is a world divided, and we find our heroine Rune caught in the middle.
Rune, forced to betray the woman who raised her, is forever on a quest to help her own kind survive the ongoing purge, chasing an endless penance she can never repay. Desperate times push her to seduce Gideon, captain of the Blood Guard, for valuable intel. He’s a man who is both terrifying in his deadly capabilities and alluring in his mysterious dangerous demeanor.
Gideon, too, has his own personal mission, forever on a quest to kill those who represent all that he thinks is evil in the world. He is single minded in his devotion, hell bent on finding the elusive Crimson Moth who has been saving witches right under his nose. When he’s pointed in Rune’s direction that she might be the culprit, he has no choice but to seduce her to find the truth.
What unfolds is a fast paced game of cat and mouse, where both Rune and Gideon try to entrap the other. The fear, the suspicion, the anxiety and worry amplify as these two try to achieve their goals, unable to stop revealing small bits of their past trauma, shedding the facades they’ve both put up to survive.
This is a fantasy world with witches and magic, fraught with danger and dark themes all with a twisty enemies to lovers plot overlaid with a subtle triangle dynamic. Points for Rune being a heroine to root for. Points for the lovely portrayal of both these two trying not to fall for the other but unable to resist the inevitable. Points for equally building a case for each to stand on regarding why they do what they have to do.
Admittedly, I’m very hard to please, and I was continuously and pleasantly surprised that Ciccarelli created two strong characters, each with their own values and understandable convictions in what they think is right, and despite knowing the other is the enemy, they can’t help but fall for the other. Neither was naive, neither went into things blind, nor did they fumble in trying to fit a plot point. I completely appreciated that despite Rune and Gideon being adversaries, the author made me hope for a better outcome for both, regardless of whether they ultimately find that happiness with each other or apart.
Overall, I applaud Ciccarelli for the propulsive and compelling writing. I loved the alternating POV’s showcasing Rune and Gideon’s internal struggles and insecurities as both dig themselves deeper, lying through their teeth (until they aren’t), all for what they believe is absolutely necessary.
Be forewarned. This ends on a cliffhanger, and what I look forward to the most is how the author is going to find peace for Rune and Gideon as the emotions and vulnerabilities and intimacy shared were basically annihilated by the end of this book. There is an unscalable mountain of issues for both to overcome, and I’m hopefully confident that Ciccarelli can pull it off. I’ll be here waiting impatiently for the conclusion!
Thank you to the author and Wednesday Books of St. Martin’s Press via NetGalley for a copy in exchange for a honest review...more
A thoroughly enjoyable prequel (aka sequel) to Legends & Lattes!
Meet orc Viv as a young mercenary, new to the “business”, trying to maAnother 4 Stars!
A thoroughly enjoyable prequel (aka sequel) to Legends & Lattes!
Meet orc Viv as a young mercenary, new to the “business”, trying to make a name for herself as part of the venerated crew Rakam’s Ravens. She's chomping at the bit, eager to put her orc energy into kicking ass and taking names, but on her first fight she’s injured severely and must convalesce in the small town Murk, hoping her party will pick her back up after they accomplish their current bounty hunt.
Consistently a warm cozy read, I grinned to myself watching how Viv’s boredom leads her towards a dusty old bookshop, awakening a love of reading she didn't know she had. Over the ensuing weeks, she makes friends, dates a dwarf, goes on mini adventures, and defeats a big bad, all the while indulging in a variety of bookish wonders and indulging in tasty baked goods!
This had a bit more pep and action to it than its predecessor, but totally capitalized on the love of reading, perusing and buying books, and how such things can bring all sorts of people together. Also, the reader gets to see how gnome bestie Gallina came into Viv’s life as well as how she acquired her deadly sword Blackblood.
I really had a great time in this fantasy world Baldree has created, and I’ll be there again should he give us more adventures of Viv and company!
* A Reader Obsessed *
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