Mar 8 2013

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

Title: The Pirate King

Author: R.A. Salvatore

Series: Transitions #2

Genre: Role Playing Fantasy

Rating: 4/5 stars

The Overview: Captain Deudermont has sailed to the pirate city of Luskan on a mission—a mission to once and for all defeat the true power behind the corrupt city: a wicked lich and his cabal of evil wizards from the Host Tower of the Arcane. But the Host Tower has some tricks up its sleeve, as do the pirate captains who would like to see both sides fail.

Captain Deudermont is convinced that he can save this futuristic metropolis, but Drizzt knows better. To save the embattled city and his friend, he returns to Luskan.

The Review:

These book are fantastic! I consider them must-reads for fantasy buffs and role playing gamers alike! The author never fails to deliver fast-paced, well-rounded books. I love them because they manage to build momentum off of one-another while still maintaining a fully-developed plot within each book. A lot of fun to read, they set the stage for what has erupted into hundreds of Forgotten Realms spinoffs on the market today.

Salvatore has a great talent of taking you to different parts of his world and making each place vibrant and rich. From the frozen tundra of Icewind Dale to the seaside city of Luskan, you will never go without an excellent setting. So far, he’s written a few novels that deal with seafaring and the pirating community, and I argue with myself on whether or not I like them best. They certainly are different than other books in the saga, and I always find them a breath of fresh air (no pun intended).

While there are so many great attributes to this saga, by far my favorite elements are the characters. There are several throughout this series that I have absolutely loved – including the villains. Fair warning, you’d better be ready to read all 25+ novels because half the fun is finding out what happens next!

by Niki Hawkes

If you like this book, you might also like:

Sorcery Rising by Jude Fisher
Homeland by R.A. Salvatore (the story that started it all)
Ship of Magic by Robin Hobb
The Aware by Glenda Larke
The Thief’s Gamble by Juliet E. McKenna

Mar 6 2013

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Book Review: Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Title: Insurgent

Author: Veronica Roth

Series: Divergent #2

Genre: Teen Fantasy

Rating: 5/5 stars!

The Overview: One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris’s initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.

The Review:

This was one of those books that ended too quickly. I picked it up and before I knew it I was more than halfway through, cursing that I didn’t take longer to savor it. I couldn’t help but read fast – it was just too good. Divergent was also a major page-turner for me, but only after I made it past the first hundred pages or so. Insurgent started off with a bang and didn’t let up the entire time. The plot just kept getting thicker and thicker, setting up for what promises to be an incredible conclusion.

I think part of the reason I was completely absorbed into the story can be attributed to Roth’s talents as a writer. She is excellent at ending chapters with “hooks” which make it practically impossible to find a good stopping point. For me, the reading process was a series of, “Okay, just one more chapter…”. Also, the first-person present-tense writing style that was made so famous by the Hunger Games trilogy was used to similar effect here. It allows the reader to feel like they are involved in the play-by-play and is a good way of making suspenseful moments even more intense.

Overall, Insurgent was an awesome sequel to a strong first book. I plan on recommending it to anyone who enjoyed Suzanne Collins and actually think the series is shaping up to be just as strong as HG. I wont be certain, however, until I read the final book, which just had an announced release date of October 22, 2013. I am stoked!

by Niki Hawkes

Other books you might like:

The Bane by Keary Taylor
Partials by Dan Wells
Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Delirium by Lauren Oliver
Matched by Ally Condie
Pendragon: Merchant of Death by D.J. MacHale

Mar 1 2013

Your Pick for Nik! – February’s Review!

Title: The Drowning City

Author: Amanda Downum

Series: Necromancer Chronicles #1

Genre: Fantasy

Rating: 2/5 stars

The Overview: Symir — the Drowning City. home to exiles and expatriates, pirates and smugglers. And violent revolutionaries who will stop at nothing to overthrow the corrupt Imperial government.

For Isyllt Iskaldur, necromancer and spy, the brewing revolution is a chance to prove herself to her crown. All she has to do is find and finance the revolutionaries, and help topple the palaces of Symir. But she is torn between her new friends and her duties, and the longer she stays in this monsoon-drenched city, the more intrigue she uncovers — even the dead are plotting. As the waters rise and the dams crack, Isyllt must choose between her mission and the city she came to save.

The Review:

I tried… I really did.

I made it 3/4 of the way through, but just couldn’t bring myself to finish this one. It probably didn’t help matters that every other book I picked up this month was truly fantastic. Authors like Richelle Mead, R.A. Salvatore, Veronica Roth, and Kim Harrison to name a few. So a book would really have to shine to keep my attention with so many other heavy hitters on my reading list.

It wasn’t a horrible read, by any means, and under normal circumstances I might have give it a “decent” rating. It just took far to long to get going, and even once it did, I couldn’t find any substance to keep my attention. I was really looking forward to the necromancy involved in the story (after all, it is part of the Necromancer Chronicles) but found that aspect to be a very minor note. Aside from what was on the back of the book (which I would’ve been totally lost without) I couldn’t decipher any overall motives within the story – it all felt sort of meaningless without a main story arc. I kept waiting for that inciting moment to tell me what they were working towards, but it never showed up. Also, the main protagonist (Isyllt) had the least compelling story of all the characters involved, putting me off that much more.

Note for writers: In my opinion, your main character should almost always have the most interesting story. Unfortunately, the main gal in this book didn’t really do much more than act as a facilitator to learn more about other characters and the world around them. It’s a shame, really, because in the authors notes Downum indicated that Isyllt has been a characters she’d been developing since childhood. I feel like she let go an opportunity to let this obviously well-planned character shine. She might have fallen into the trap of assuming her reader already knows how great Isyllt is because she herself is so aware if it. She knows how the character feels but didn’t convey that into action or purpose.

Another issue was the naming and presentation of the characters. I don’t know if I was just being dense, but they all seemed really similar to one-another, in name and personality. I would begin a new section, get confused, then realize I had been thinking of the wrong character. It required a great deal of extra focus, and was probably the biggest reason why I couldn’t get my head wrapped around the story. I find that incredibly sad, as a little renaming could’ve made all the difference.

One very good thing to Downum’s credit was her world-building. Drawing on inspirations of the marshy swamps of Southeast Asia, the world really came alive. She did a great job at providing a convincing atmosphere, and it was my favorite element of the book. Along with its unique qualities, the setting also played an active role in the story – a great writing technique that helps immerse readers into your world.

There were some really neat points to this book, but overall I wish the story had been more clear-cut and defined. I am bummed that I didn’t like it enough to finish it, but I decided not to long ago that life is too short to read books you don’t like. Something to consider: my mom, best friend, and I (who all enjoy the same types of books) had a book club for about a year. It always amazed me how differently we rated each book even though we all like the same stuff. Each person looks for something different when rating a book, so even though this novel didn’t work for me, I am sure others out there would enjoy it.

Now it’s your turn: what did you all think of this month’s selection?

by Niki Hawkes

Here’s a list of other books that also applied great world-building techniques:

To the King a Daughter by Andre Norton and Sasha Miller
The Last Stormlord by Glenda Larke
The Aware by Glenda Larke
A Shadow in Summer by Daniel Abraham
Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson
Ship of Magic by Robin Hobb

Feb 27 2013

Book Review: Poison by Bridget Zinn

Title: Poison

Author: Bridget Zinn

Genre: Teen Fiction

Rating: 4/5 stars

Release Date: March 12, 2013

The Overview: Sixteen-year-old Kyra, a highly-skilled potions master, is the only one who knows her kingdom is on the verge of destruction—which means she’s the only one who can save it. Faced with no other choice, Kyra decides to do what she does best: poison the kingdom’s future ruler, who also happens to be her former best friend.

But, for the first time ever, her poisoned dart . . . misses.

Now a fugitive instead of a hero, Kyra is caught in a game of hide-and-seek with the king’s army and her potioner ex-boyfriend, Hal. At least she’s not alone. She’s armed with her vital potions, a too-cute pig, and Fred, the charming adventurer she can’t stop thinking about. Kyra is determined to get herself a second chance (at murder), but will she be able to find and defeat the princess before Hal and the army find her?

The Review:

The cover of Poison caught my attention right away, and I have to say it was a really fun book to read! I found the storyline totally grabbing – a girl (who happens to be a potion master) is on the run after her failed attempted to poison her best friend… the princess. It was a cool concept, and I thought the author made some excellent plot choices throughout the entire book – I enjoyed it immensely. Initially, I was only planning on reading a chapter or two a day but found myself sucked in each time I picked it up.

Although the writing wasn’t the most sophisticated in the world, the author used a lot of really smart techniques to keep my attention. Most notable of which was the use of really great hooks at the end of each chapter which just begged me to keep going. She also applied the “reveal” tactic successfully quite a few time throughout the book, and did it in a way that wasn’t obnoxious or detracting from the story. Usually when an author does this, they choose to hide silly information, creating a false tension for no compelling reason. Zinn’s application made the book that much more of a page-turner because I kept thinking: “Cool! I wonder what she’s going to reveal next!”

The beginning of the novel was interesting, but not as strong as the rest of the book. It wasn’t until about fifty pages in that I was totally on board. My main issue was a lack of world building. The story evoked a medieval setting, but so many modern terms and images were thrown in that I wasn’t entirely sure where it was taking place. It could’ve easily been in either world. That said, it didn’t take away from the story too much, and after the love interest was introduced, I was hooked.

Overall, for every weakness, there were some major strong points, and I think Zinn did a great job tailoring her writing to her target audience. It was a great first book from a talented new author. Poison is perfect for those wanting a fun, light read!

Other books you might like:

Goose Girl by Shannon Hale
Wings by Aprilynne Pike (read review)
Poison Diaries by Maryrose Wood
First Truth by Dawn Cook (read review)
Fire by Kristin Cashore

by Niki Hawkes

Feb 22 2013

Book Review: Gameboard of the Gods by Richelle Mead

Title: Gameboard of the Gods

Author: Richelle Mead

Series: Age of X #1

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Rating: 5/5 stars!!!

Release Date: June 4, 2013

The Overview: In a futuristic world nearly destroyed by religious extremists, Justin March lives in exile after failing in his job as an investigator of religious groups and supernatural claims. But Justin is given a second chance when Mae Koskinen comes to bring him back to the Republic of United North America (RUNA). Raised in an aristocratic caste, Mae is now a member of the military’s most elite and terrifying tier, a soldier with enhanced reflexes and skills.

When Justin and Mae are assigned to work together to solve a string of ritualistic murders, they soon realize that their discoveries have exposed them to terrible danger. As their investigation races forward, unknown enemies and powers greater than they can imagine are gathering in the shadows, ready to reclaim the world in which humans are merely game pieces on their board.

The Review:

Anything Richelle Mead does is golden, and this book is another example of why she is my favorite author! From the prologue all the way to the last page, I was completely entertained by the story, the world, and the character development. Set as a futuristic urban fantasy, which is original in itself, the novel draws from worldwide mythology, making it one of the most unique books I’ve read in a while. Top that off with crime-solving detective work and just a touch of romance, and you have yourself a killer novel! I always appreciate Mead for her originality and creativity, and I think she might have outdone herself here.

A few weeks ago I criticized an author for switching perspectives and having too many things going on at once for me to feel invested in the story and the characters. Gameboard of the Gods is a shining example of how to weave multiple storylines without losing any momentum. Each perspective was intertwined with the main plot and they were introduced in a way that allowed me time to develop a sense for each person and their inner demons. Every protagonist directly added to the building of the plot, which is the best way to keep readers from becoming distracted when the perspective switches.

I thought the character development was one of the strongest elements of the story. I always marvel about how she can make flawed characters so likable. Maybe it’s because they come across as real human beings, rather than ideal figments of the author’s mind. Right from the beginning, we know a bit about what drives these characters and the inner conflicts they face. The prologue where we meet Mae was incredibly powerful; my only wish is that Mead would’ve represented the physical manifestations of her flaws a bit more throughout the book. In any case, I won’t be forgetting these characters any time soon.

Overall, the storyline was fantastic – plenty of intelligent plot decisions, the perfect amount of complexity, and a snowballing momentum that will keep you up all night. It was truly a well-conceived book, and I am doubly excited to see where she takes it next!

Other books you might like:

Succubus Blues by Richelle Mead (my favorite of her works)
Divergent by Veronica Roth
Survival by Julie E. Czerneda
Moon Called by Patricia Briggs
Grimspace by Ann Aguirre
Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison

by Niki Hawkes

Feb 15 2013

Book Review: Kiss of Frost by Jennifer Estep

Title: Kiss of Frost

Author: Jennifer Estep

Series: Mythos Academy #2

Genre: Teen Paranormal Romance

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

The Overview: I’m Gwen Frost, a second-year warrior-in-training at Mythos Academy, and I have no idea how I’m going to survive the rest of the semester. One day, I’m getting schooled in swordplay by the guy who broke my heart—the drop-dead gorgeous Logan who slays me every time. Then, an invisible archer in the Library of Antiquities decides to use me for target practice. And now, I find out that someone at the academy is really a Reaper bad guy who wants me dead. I’m afraid if I don’t learn how to live by the sword—with Logan’s help—I just might die by the sword…

The Review:

One of the woes (and perks) of working in a bookstore is that I am constantly discovering new series. Because of this, my reading habits have become incredibly scattered as I struggle to read everything that interests me. I’ve got so many series going at the moment that I don’t usually get back to each author for three to six months, sometimes more (even if I really liked him or her). This system works out great when I’m up to date with the releases, but not so good while working through my ten-year backlog of titles. My point is that it’s a true testament to how much I enjoyed the Mythos series that I’ve read three of them within the last few months.

These books, aside from being fun and light reads, just get me excited to read what happens next. I raved about the first book (Touch of Frost) and have to say I enjoyed this sequel even more. The characters were more rounded and established, the plot was thicker, and the romantic tension increased. Although the story was entirely predictable, I loved every minute despite that.

Overall, I think this is a strong paranormal series from an excellent author. The series is currently planned out for six books, and I look forward to their releases over the next couple of years. Fair warning, these are probably most appropriate for older teens.

Other books you might like: