Monthly Archives: October 2012

Oct 19 2012

Book Review: The Orc King by R.A. Salvatore

Title: The Orc King

Author: R.A. Salvatore

Series: Transitions #1

Genre: Fantasy

Rating: 5/5 stars!

The Overview: An uneasy peace between the dwarves of Mithral Hall and the orcs of the newly established Kingdom of Many-Arrows can’t last long. The orc tribes united under Obould begin to fight each other, and Bruenor is determined to finish the war that nearly killed him and almost destroyed everything he’s worked to build. But it will take more than swords and axes to bring a lasting peace to the Spine of the World. Powerful individuals on both sides may have to change the way they see each other. They may have to start to talk. But it won’t be easy.

The Review:

As the first book in the Transitions trilogy, “The Orc King” is actually around book #20 for the series as a whole. Because I’ve already highlighted the overall qualities of the series in a post for book #1, “Homeland,” I wont go into too many details here.

Having so many books under his belt, it always amazes me when Salvatore continues to produce quality, page-turning novels. This was no exception, containing a great story, strong characters, and an awesome plot advance that boded for more great novels in the future. My favorite element to this book is its examination of motives within a inherently “evil” race. It highlighted that mortal enemies just might have more in common than they first thought. Salvatore did such a good job expanding on the orcs that at times they almost felt… human.

I once watched an interview with the author, in which he made the claim that everything book within a series he tries to write well enough to become a stand-alone. While he definitely succeeds as far as plot structure and overall craft, I don’t think this would be NEAR as enjoyable without the significant back-history behind it. In fact, I’m not even sure it would make sense. There were a lot of events that eluded to prior events, and the whole series summarized in a few pages sounds convoluted and confusing. If he truly wanted a stand-alone book, his books would be twice as thick filled with all the extensive back-history.

Recommendations: If this is your first introduction to Salvatore’s Drizzt books, I highly recommend you start with “The Dark Elf” trilogy.

by Niki Hawkes

Other books you might like:

Oct 18 2012
Image

Your Pick for Nik!– October’s Selection!

The votes have been tallied, and the winner is… “Bitterblue” by Kristin Cashore!

For those of you reading along with me, I will be posting a thorough review on November 2nd, which is about two weeks from now. I am thrilled with this month’s selection, and look forward to hearing what all of you think about it as well!

Happy reading! :)

by Niki Hawkes

Oct 18 2012

Coming Soon: Magic for a Price by Devon Monk

Title: “Magic for a Price”

Series: Allie Beckstrom #9

Author: Devon Monk

Release Date: November 6, 2012 Now Available!

Allie Beckstrom is one tough chick. I read the first book several years ago and really liked it, but somehow never got around to continuing the story (stupid college/homework). Anyway, this series has moved back to the top of my TBR list and I’m really looking forward to giving it the attention it deserves. Although I’m not very far along, I know this much – if you like Kim Harrison an Patricia Briggs, Devon Monk is right up your alley!

by Niki Hawkes

Oct 17 2012
Image

Book Review: Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison

Title: Dead Witch Walking

Author: Kim Harrison

Series: Rachel Morgan #1

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Rating: 5/5 stars!

The Overview: Creatures of the night gather in the Hollows of Cincinnati, to hide, to prowl, to party, and to feed. Vampires rule. Bounty hunter and witch, Rachel Morgan keeps that world civilized. With serious sex appeal and an attitude, she’ll bring ’em back alive, dead, or undead.

The Review:

You might have noticed that I include five recommends with each of my reviews. When I’m considering which ones to choose, “Dead Witch Walking” somehow always comes to mind. It has long been a series that I pick up when I’m in the mood for a “solid” read. Not only is it one of the best urban fantasies on the market, it is also an exception example of many of the things I value in a book: fantastic character development, great world-building, an element of cleverness or humor, a love interest, and an engaging storyline. Harrison has become the ultimate go-to author for great urban fantasies.

Since books of this genre are often set in familiar cities during the present day era, you would think world-building aspects would be simple. Well, Harrison doesn’t do anything halfway. She gives us an urban fantasy set in the future where half of humanity has been decimated by a genetically engineered virus. Rachel Morgan, a feisty redheaded witch, is just trying to make a living in this alternate society of interlanders (the supernatural beings). Forever a magnet for trouble, she gets herself into one mess after another that requires a lot of wit and charm to get back out.

Although this series is not particularly fast moving, it is so character-driven that I was completely absorbed nonetheless. Totally engaging, there is not a single character that I didn’t like. Harrison is a master at creating dynamic and interesting characters – and for me, they are unforgettable. If that wasn’t good enough, she is also the official queen of sidekicks! I’ve yet to read a series in any genre that had such great companions for the protagonist. They really added a lot of fun to the story!

I have no complaints – I absolutely loved this series!

by Niki Hawkes

Other books you might like:

Oct 16 2012

Your Pick for Nik!

Don’t forget to vote for your favorite book in the new feature: Your Pick for Nik!

You have until 10:00 pm (MST) on October 18th to make your selection. I will be revealing the winning book shortly after!

Here’s a copy of the initial post if you missed it:

For the first time, I’m turning over control of my reading list to you in this new feature: Your Pick for Nik!

Each month, I will be nominating 5 to 10 titles from my TBR list and YOU will choose which one gets featured. It can be one you’ve already read and want to discuss, one you want to read but wish to see my feedback first, or – and this is my favorite part – you can read it along with me!

Depicted below are my 10 nominees* for October. Simply vote for your favorite, and let the best book win! On Thursday the 18th, I will announce the winner. Come the end of the month, I will post a thorough review of the chosen title – and hopefully find out what you thought of it as well!

*Click on the link above to view the nominated titles.