Category Book Reviews

Oct 7 2012
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“Homeland” (Legend of Drizzt #1) by R.A. Salvatore (5/5 stars)

Title: Homeland

Author: R. A. Salvatore

Series: The Dark Elf Trilogy #1

Genre: Fantasy

Rating: 5/5 stars!

The Review:

“Homeland’ is not just the first of an amazing trilogy, but is also the beginning of the brilliant “Legend of Drizzt” saga. A well-rounded prequel, it takes you deep into the kingdom of Menzoberranzan where dark elves rule with unabashed cruelty. Among them dwells Drizzt, an anomaly with honor and compassion who yearns for a different life. A tad slow to start, the story soon launches to become one of the most epic fantasy adventures in the genre.

There are a lot of positives to this series: Highly, and I mean HIGHLY memorable characters – I swear they’re practically a religion at this point, some of the most stylized and intricate sword-fighting scenes you’ll ever read, epic world-building, and a unique, mold-shattering storyline – I’ve never read such a fantastic tribute to the dark elf culture.

As good as the characterization is, I find it somewhat lacking in one regard: While there are a plethora of beautiful women, there is a distinct lack of relatable feminine characters, as most of them express male personalities and tendencies. While that works for some women (I realize we’re all wonderfully different creatures), it should not be the standard for all. I believe women warriors can be both feminine and dangerous, just examine Kahlan in the Sword of Truth series, and you’ll know what I mean. In any case, I don’t think that distinction bothered many people, and despite my opinion on it, I still loved ALL the characters and Salvatore remains solidly in my top 10.

Overall, if you want a long-term sustaining series that will take you on epic adventures, involve you in fantastic fight-scenes, and make you fall in love with some of the most brilliant fantasy characters in the genre’s history, then these are the books for you! Still going strong, there are over 25 titles that continue the story, and each one is honestly as good as the last.

Recommendations: Although the “Icewind Dale” trilogy was written first, I strongly recommend you start with “Homeland” in the “Dark Elf” trilogy, as it is first chronologically. Not only will that give the story more of a solid flow, but is also a much stronger representation of Salvatore’s works as the series continues, so if you like it, you’ll probably like the entire saga.

by Niki Hawkes

Other books you might like:

  • “Dragons of Autumn Twilight” by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman
  • “The Cleric Quintet” by R.A. Salvatore (a spinoff worth reading after book 10 or so)
  • “Magician: Apprentice” by Raymond E. Feist
  • “Wayfarer Redemption” by Sara Douglass
  • “Wizard’s First Rule” by Terry Goodkind
Oct 5 2012

Book Review: Sword-Dancer/Sword-Singer by Jennifer Roberson (4/5 stars)

Title: Sword-Dancer/Sword-Singer

Author: Jennifer Roberson

Series: Tiger and Del #1 & 2

Genre: Fantasy

Rating: 4/5 stars

The Overview: He was Tiger, born of the desert winds, raised as a slave and winning his freedom by weaving a special kind of magic with a warrior’s skill. She was Del, born of ice and storm, trained by the greatest of Northern sword masters. Together, they discover a kinship and friendship that grows to love while facing dangers of both sword and sorcery.

The  Review:

It’s been several years since I first read Tiger and Del, and I still remember them with fondness. Roberson has a strong first-person narrative not often seen in fantasy novels. It’s a unique blend of characterization and culture-building that really helps get you into the story. The character-development was really successful, and arguably the best element of the series. The protagonists are incredibly engaging and I think a lot of the appeal comes from stereotypical manners expressed in constant opposition to one another; a sort of man vs woman relationship that was surprisingly charming and oftentimes downright hilarious. It wasn’t just the main characters that were great, as Roberson even manages to give the horse a memorable personality.

As much as I enjoyed it, there was a weakness. Apparently, the author wrote the manuscript for the first book in about a week… and you can sort of tell. That’s just simply not enough time to develop a complex plot, so the storyline is fairly straight-forward. This is not necessarily a bad thing, however, because I found some of her other works to be a bit long-winded. A shortened writing schedule means she really had to play to her strengths and jump right into the main plot. As the series progresses, it gets a little more dynamic, but not by much.

Overall, all six books have their own appeal, and I found my excitement for the story as a whole grew with each one. While it’s not the best from a craft standpoint, it was definitely one of the most fun to read. I laughed, I cried, I loved every minute!

by Niki Hawkes

Other books you might like:

Oct 3 2012

Book Review: Grave Mercy by: Robin LaFevers

Title: Grave Mercy

Author: Robin LaFevers

Series: His Fair Assassin

Genre: Teen Fantasy

Rating: 4/5 stars

The Overview: Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others.

Ismae’s most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart?

The Review:

Aside from the striking cover and catching tagline, it was the basic premise of the book that first grabbed my attention: Lucky to escape from a brutal life, Ismae finds herself in the convent of St. Mortian, where she trains to become a handmaiden of death. Along the way, she learns the skills of an assassin, the art of seduction, and the finer points of intrigue. Chosen for her first assignment, Ismae is eager to fulfill her vows to the God of Death, but soon finds herself in way over her head.

“Grave Mercy” had my attention right from the start. At times, it was a little more dark and risque than most teen novels, but still tasteful enough to be appropriate for its target audience. I actually really liked the extra edge, and thought the dynamic of an assassin/seductress made for a fascinating read. Add that to the fact that she is young, inexperience, and practically terrified of men, then throw in a romantic interest on top of it, and you have yourself an incredibly entertaining story. The author is a major history buff, and she does a great job incorporating her knowledge of the time period into the story. Her background comes out in her descriptions and world-building, really bringing the story to life.

Overall, I think this was a strong debut for LaFevers, and I look forward to the next book in the series… I might even read it right away.

by Niki Hawkes

Other books you might like:

  • “Graceling” by Kristin Cashore
  • “Vampire Academy” by Richelle Mead
  • “Song of the Lioness” Quartet by Tamora Pierce
  • “Warrior Heir” by Cinda Williams Chima
  • “Matched” by Ally Condie
Oct 1 2012
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Book Review: Darkness Unbound by Keri Arthur

Titles: Darkness Unbound

Author: Keri Arthur

Series: Dark Angels #1

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Rating: 5/5 stars!

The Overview: Risa Jones is as extraordinary as her heritage. Born from a lab-enhanced clone mother and an Aedh father, she can not only talk to the souls of the dying and the dead, but she can see the reapers and walk the gray fields that divide this world from the next. They are skill she rarely uses, however, preferring to concentrate on the business she shares with her two best friends. But when her mother asks her to help the parents of a little girl locked in a coma, she reluctantly agrees. What she discovers scares the hell out of her. Because the little girl’s soul no longer resides in her body, and it wasn’t death and the reapers that took her.

 The Review:

Keri Arthur is my favorite paranormal author! I love her characters: they are all well-developed and evoking, and their unique personalities get me emotionally attached every time. The reason they affect me so much is partly due to Arthur’s excellent sense of humor – it translates to her writing in a way that makes the characters more realistic, and the overall story more enjoyable. I also love the story-lines of her books: while primarily romances, these books have dynamic and interesting plots that have you unraveling mysteries with the characters from start to finish. Finally, I love the content… these are incredibly sexy books!

As a spinoff from Arthur’s “Riley Jensen” series, “Darkness Unbound” is every bit as good as its predecessors. Not only is there great development of the characters, but the plot is also fresh and interesting – you wont be able to put it down! In fact, I recommend you have the next book already handy. Overall, I enjoyed this book immensely, and look forward to what Keri has in store for us next!

While this was an excellent read, I’m not sure that it would have the same impact as a stand-alone novel. There are countless references to characters and events that took place in Riley’s series, and I can see how the story would be a little flat if you didn’t know the backstory on most of the referred characters. I’ve had nine books to get to know these people, so their thoughts and opinions have a lot more significance and meaning than would any random character. Also, there are certain familial connections that would be quite confusing if you haven’t read the other books. Therefore:

Recommendations: if this is your first introduction to Arthur’s books, I strongly recommend you start with “Full Moon Rising” (Riley Jensen #1). They are sexy, dynamic, engaging, and memorable, and I hope you enjoy them as much as I did! On a side note, readers who dislike strong language and sexual content should proceed with caution.

by Niki Hawkes

Other books you might like:

  • “Blue Moon” by Lori Handeland
  • “Guilty Pleasures” by Laurell K. Hamilton
  • “Moon Called” by Patricia Briggs
  • “Stray” by Rachel Vincent
  • “Succubus Blues” by Richelle Mead
Sep 29 2012
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Book Review: Blood Engines by T.A. Pratt

Title: Blood Engines

Author: T.A. Pratt

Series: Marla Mason #1

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Rating: 5/5 stars!

The Review:

I have read so many urban fantasy books that, after a while, they all start to sound the same. This was not the case for “Blood Engines.” It was an incredibly unique novel, with a great mix of of fantasy, mystery, and just a touch of romance. Although a good deal of Pratt’s works are on the bizarre side, I have to give him major kudos for originality. His perspective is refreshing, and he combines that with interesting plot-lines: As the guardian for the city of Felport (in which most of the other novels take place) Marla finds herself in San Francisco, hunting after a relic that will protect her from a threat back home. While there, things start to snowball and she gets caught up in a lot more trouble than she bargained for. I found the entire book vivid and engaging.

My favorite element of this series was the excellent character development throughout. I’m a stickler for good characters, and that is probably why I liked these so much. While Marla definitely steals the show, everyone from Rondeau (the main sidekick) to the most minor characters have personalities that are rich and interesting.

I also have a particular affection for this author’s works from a writer’s standpoint. From the way he crafts a story, develops characters, and devises his plots, he always leaves me in awe. His prequel, “Bone Shop” was particularly insightful, including author’s notes at the end of each chapter. It gave a wonderfully helpful look into how he tackled each scene, and also alluded to his once a week writing schedule. It was encouraging: if you take writing seriously, you can accomplish great things despite having a hectic schedule. Anyway, I can’t say enough good things about this author. The more you read, the more he blows your mind with intricate plot-lines. I really love these books – if you’re sick of the same old stuff, give this series a try!

Recommendations: These aren’t for everyone, as I said, they are a bit bizarre by typical urban fantasy standards, and also contain some language and sexual references. However, if you liked them as much as I did, I highly recommend you also read Pratt’s short stories as they provide a great back-history on some awesome characters, along with excellent examples on writing well and developing your craft.

Other books you might like:

by Niki Hawkes

Sep 27 2012

Book Review: The Legend of Eli Monpress by Rachel Aaron

Title: The Legend of Eli Monpress

Author: Rachel Aaron

Series: Eli Monpress #1-3

Genre: Fantasy

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

The Overview: Eli Monpress is talented. He’s charming. And he’s a thief. But not just any thief. He’s the greatest thief of the age – and he’s also a wizard. And with the help of his partners – a swordsman with the most powerful magic sword in the world but no magical ability of his own, and a demonseed who can step through shadows and punch through walls – he’s going to put his plan into effect. The first step is to increase the size of the bounty on his head, so he’ll need to steal some big things. But he’ll start small for now. He’ll just steal something that no one will miss – at least for a while.
Like a king.

The Review:

Picking this one up on a whim, I was sold on it before I even cracked a page. As the greatest thief in the land, Eli Monpress is trying to increase the bounty on his head (for his own amusement, of course) so he decides to steal the king. He’s also a wizard, introducing the reader to an awesome new magic system that involves manipulating the spirits of inanimate objects. But this story’s not just about Eli. There are several other characters with equally fascinating plot-lines throughout, and I’d be hard-pressed to say which one I enjoyed reading about more.

Highly original concept, great characters, and page-turning plot – an excellent read! I don’t usually go for the ridiculous, but it really worked in the parameters of this book and still felt like a serious (okay, mostly serious) fantasy. I was so entertained, I will definitely be picking up anything this author puts out in the future.

Overall assessment: Cheeky, clever, and highly entertaining! This book is a hoot!

Recommendations: Aaron has a novella called “Spirit’s Oath” which gives a bit of back-story on one of the most excellent sidekicks I’ve come across in a while. If you like the series, it’s definitely worth your time to read. Also, “The Spirit War” (Book 4) is available now, and “Spirit’s End” (Book 5) will be out November 20, 2012!

Other books you might like:

by Niki Hawkes