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…
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…
I received a free review copy of The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau through Netgalley, and here are my thoughts. The Testing tells the story of Cia Vale from a small village struggling to survive in a post apocalyptic future. The government invites Cia to undergo testing for admittance to the University, an opportunity which could change her life and that of her community. It soon becomes apparent that this is not an invitation Cia can refuse, and that she will become involved in a struggle for her very survival. It is very difficult to read this book without comparing it to Suzanne Collins’s The Hunger Games. Many of the same themes are there: dystopian society struggling after a cataclysmic war; young teens forced by an all-powerful government to compete to the death in a competition for a marvelous prize; heroine torn between two loves; shadowy rebel forces attempting to overthrow the government. What I didn’t like I felt at times this borrowed too heavily from The Hunger Games. The premise is very similar, and many of the same themes are explored. Again, comparing The Testing to The Hunger Games, I felt the setup was lacking somewhat. In The Hunger Games,…
I received a free review copy of The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau through Netgalley, and here are my thoughts. The Testing tells the story of Cia Vale from a small village struggling to survive in a post apocalyptic future. The government invites Cia to undergo testing for admittance to the University, an opportunity which could change her life and that of her community. It soon becomes apparent that this is not an invitation Cia can refuse, and that she will become involved in a struggle for her very survival. It is very difficult to read this book without comparing it to Suzanne Collins’s The Hunger Games. Many of the same themes are there: dystopian society struggling after a cataclysmic war; young teens forced by an all-powerful government to compete to the death in a competition for a marvelous prize; heroine torn between two loves; shadowy rebel forces attempting to overthrow the government. What I didn’t like I felt at times this borrowed too heavily from The Hunger Games. The premise is very similar, and many of the same themes are explored. Again, comparing The Testing to The Hunger Games, I felt the setup was lacking somewhat. In The Hunger Games,…