book reviews | The Obsessive Bookseller

Title: The Name of the Wind

Author: Patrick Rothfuss

Series: The Kingkiller Chronicles #1

Genre: Fantasy

Rating: 5/5 stars!

The Overview: Told in Kvothe’s own voice, this is the tale of the magically gifted young man who grows to be the most notorious wizard his world has ever seen. The intimate narrative of his childhood in a troupe of traveling players, his years spent as a near-feral orphan in a crime-ridden city, his daringly brazen yet successful bid to enter a legendary school of magic, and his life as a fugitive after the murder of a king form a gripping coming-of-age story unrivaled in recent literature. A high-action story written with a poet’s hand, The Name of the Wind is a masterpiece that will transport readers into the body and mind of a wizard.

The Review:

This is by far one of the best books I’ve ever read! It contains everything I’ve come to expect from a good fantasy novel, and to top it off, it is written beautifully. It is a highly original and unique piece and the basic elements of the story are similar to what made me fall in love with the Harry Potter novels fifteen years ago. The characters are incredibly well-developed and are part of what make this novel so successful. The plot is a masterfully woven together to completely capture your imagination, with elements of humor, danger, intellect, and love. I can’t say enough good things about this book! It is definitely one I will be rereading in the future.

Recommendations: It takes a few chapters to really get into the story, but once you do, you wont be able to put it down! I had the pleasure to hear this one on audiobook, and I have to say that the experience was worth the cost. Nick Podehl does such a good job that you really forget you’re listening to one person tell the story, he truly brings it to life!

Other books you might like:

“Magician: Apprentice” by Raymond E. Feist
“Pawn of Prophecy” by David Eddings
“Assassin’s Apprentice” by Robin Hobb
“Magician’s Guild” by Trudi Canavan
“Heart of the Mirage” by Glenda Larke

by Niki Hawkes

Title: Bloodlines

Author: Richelle Mead

Series: Bloodlines #1

Genre: Teen Paranormal Romance

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

The Overview: Sydney is an alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of human and vampires. They protect vampire secrets – and human lives. When Sydney is torn from her bed in the middle of the night, at first she thinks she’s still being punished for her complicated alliance with dhampir Rose Hathaway. But what unfolds is far worse. Jill Dragomir – the sister of Moroi Queen Lissa Dragomir – is in mortal danger, and the Moroi must send her into hiding. To avoid a civil war, Sydney is called upon to act as Jill’s guardian and protector, posing as her roommate in the last place anyone would think to look for vampire royalty – a human boarding school in Palm Springs, California. But instead of finding safety at Amberwood Prep, Sydney discovers the drama is only just beginning..

The Review:

First I want to preface this review by stating that Richelle Mead is definitely in my top 10 favorite authors of all time. I’ve read everything she’s ever published, and have yet to be disappointed in her works. Her characters are always rich and vibrant, her story lines are interesting and compelling, and her writing style is engaging and fun. Bloodlines is no exception.

Creating memorable characters is one of Mead’s greatest strengths, and she never fails to produce a leading lady that manages to be both kick-ass and totally relatable. This book is the first in a series and focuses a lot on developing the main characters. Although it is not as action-packed as some of her other works, have no fear! She has a way of building an incredible momentum that make for some of the most breath-catching scenes I’ve ever read. Bloodlines is a strong first installment in what promises to be an excellent series!

Recommendations: I highly recommend you read the “Vampire Academy” series before this one, as this story follows chronologically as a spinoff. You wont be disappointed!

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