This week I finished The Gem Trilogy by Kerstin Gier, which I absolutely adored. I will say though that it is one long book divided into three parts rather than three separate books with an overarching storyline – the first two novels don’t really have a strong ending. For this reason you may wish to wait before starting the trilogy as the final book, Emerald Green, is not due out in English until October – unless you read German, that is. There were several twists in the final volume, some of which were clearly signposted along the way, others more surprising – I found that Gier had a nice balance there. I continued to enjoy the character of Gwen and her adventures. The fact that the subtitle of “love throughout the ages” can be applied to more than one couple was very appealing to me. I would certainly recommend this trilogy, although I recommend waiting a few months until the English translation is available! Check out the Gem Trilogy on Kindle, Kobo, iBook and Audible formats. The next book I read/listened to was Brandon Sanderson’s new YA novel The Rithmatist. As an aside, I would not recommend listening to this…
This week could more easily have been described as “listening roundup” as I’ve been listening more than reading – or rather I have been listening and reading along on my brand spanking new Kindle Fire. Here is what I have been reading and listening to this past week. I recently finished Siege and Storm in both Kindle and Audible by Leigh Bardugo, the followup to Shadow and Bone. To be honest I was rather disappointed in this book. I loved the Russian-style setting of the first book, and my enjoyment of this continued into the second book. However, I found the pacing of this second book rather slow. After a promising start, the story slows down to a crawl. It also annoys me when young protagonists suddenly find themselves in a leadership position with no training or experience, just because they have some unrelated power. On a positive side some new and very interesting characters were introduced, especially Sturmhond. Also the ending picked up again dramatically and I will certainly read the final book in the Grisha trilogy to see how it all ends. I listened to Graceling by Kristin Cashore from Audible which was marked as a full…
This week could more easily have been described as “listening roundup” as I’ve been listening more than reading – or rather I have been listening and reading along on my brand spanking new Kindle Fire. Here is what I have been reading and listening to this past week. I recently finished Siege and Storm in both Kindle and Audible by Leigh Bardugo, the followup to Shadow and Bone. To be honest I was rather disappointed in this book. I loved the Russian-style setting of the first book, and my enjoyment of this continued into the second book. However, I found the pacing of this second book rather slow. After a promising start, the story slows down to a crawl. It also annoys me when young protagonists suddenly find themselves in a leadership position with no training or experience, just because they have some unrelated power. On a positive side some new and very interesting characters were introduced, especially Sturmhond. Also the ending picked up again dramatically and I will certainly read the final book in the Grisha trilogy to see how it all ends. I listened to Graceling by Kristin Cashore from Audible which was marked as a full…
Thieves’ Quarry is the worthy follow up to Thieftaker (The Thieftaker Chronicles) by D.B. Jackson of which I received a free review copy courtesy of Tor. It is a blend of historical novel, murder mystery and fantasy which continues the story of Ethan Kaille, a thief taker in 18th century Boston. I don’t believe it’s necessary to have read Thieftaker prior to reading Thieves’ Quarry, although it does help to appreciate the solid character development and deepening understanding of the magic system. What I liked Unique blend of murder mystery, fantasy and historical drama. This mixture appealed to me in Thieftaker and it continues to work well in the continuation. This time the stakes are higher with the murder – it could have ramifications on the stability of the city of Boston. The setting. Speaking of the city, the author has evoked the setting beautifully. It was easy for me to imagine Ethan walking down the narrow cobbled streets of Boston. It’s incredible to realise this wasn’t the original setting for the series. Character development. Although it’s not necessary to have read Thieftaker before Thieves’ Quarry, by not doing so, you miss out on the subtle but excellent character development….
Thieves’ Quarry is the worthy follow up to Thieftaker (The Thieftaker Chronicles) by D.B. Jackson of which I received a free review copy courtesy of Tor. It is a blend of historical novel, murder mystery and fantasy which continues the story of Ethan Kaille, a thief taker in 18th century Boston. I don’t believe it’s necessary to have read Thieftaker prior to reading Thieves’ Quarry, although it does help to appreciate the solid character development and deepening understanding of the magic system. What I liked Unique blend of murder mystery, fantasy and historical drama. This mixture appealed to me in Thieftaker and it continues to work well in the continuation. This time the stakes are higher with the murder – it could have ramifications on the stability of the city of Boston. The setting. Speaking of the city, the author has evoked the setting beautifully. It was easy for me to imagine Ethan walking down the narrow cobbled streets of Boston. It’s incredible to realise this wasn’t the original setting for the series. Character development. Although it’s not necessary to have read Thieftaker before Thieves’ Quarry, by not doing so, you miss out on the subtle but excellent character development….
I received a free review copy of Oathbreaker’s Shadow via Netgalley. Oathbreaker’s Shadow is a young adult fantasy novel by Canadian writer Amy McCulloch. It tells the story of Raim and how he falls foul of his society’s taboo against pathbreaking. A key part of the novel is Raim’s friendship with the young heir to the realm.
I received a free review copy of Oathbreaker’s Shadow via Netgalley. Oathbreaker’s Shadow is a young adult fantasy novel by Canadian writer Amy McCulloch. It tells the story of Raim and how he falls foul of his society’s taboo against pathbreaking. A key part of the novel is Raim’s friendship with the young heir to the realm.
I received a free review copy of The Cobweb Bride via Netgalley. The Cobweb Bride by Vera Nazarian is a fantasy novel which tells the story of Death’s demand for his Cobweb Bride. The premise of the book is that Death has refused to take any more dying people or animals until his Cobweb Bride presents herself to him at his hidden fortress. It follows the journeys of several potential Cobweb Brides as well as those interested in aiding as well as thwarting them.
I received a free review copy of The Cobweb Bride via Netgalley. The Cobweb Bride by Vera Nazarian is a fantasy novel which tells the story of Death’s demand for his Cobweb Bride. The premise of the book is that Death has refused to take any more dying people or animals until his Cobweb Bride presents herself to him at his hidden fortress. It follows the journeys of several potential Cobweb Brides as well as those interested in aiding as well as thwarting them.
Where Madness Roosts is a stand-alone novella in the Flameforged saga, of which I received a free review copy. I have not read the other two novels in the series, Within Ruin and Everautumn, but that did not impact my reading of this novella. The story centres around two elven twins, Merrill and Almi, whose master/lover/husband Virgil is apparently murdered at a high-level diplomatic conference. It follows their investigation into and attempts at revenge for, the killing. The twins are aided in in this by their psychic bond. The world building is interesting with anthropomorphic furnishings and other creatures. The characterisation of the twins is also nicely done. They are clearly not human, and do not think in human ways, but yet are generally relatable. The description of the grief and depression into which the twins fall after Virgil’s murder is a highlight of the novel. Mr Drake has a distinctive writing style that may not appeal to everyone. He makes use of his extensive vocabulary which some may find distracting. This for me did detract somewhat from the story and the characters and for me, personally, did impact my enjoyment of the story. For this reason I…