Tag Archives: fantasy books

Sep 2 2013
Image

Your Pick for Nik – August’s Review: The Sharing Knife: Beguilement by Lois McMaster Bujold

9780061796753_p0_v1_s260x420Title: The Sharing Knife: Beguilement

Author: Lois McMaster Bujold

Series: The Sharing Knife #1

Genre: Fantasy

Rating: 4/5 stars

The Overview: Troubled young Fawn Bluefield seeks a life beyond her family’s farm. Enroute to the city, she encounters a patrol of Lakewalkers. The necromancers armed with human bone knives fight “malices”, immortal entities that draw out life, enslaving humans and animals. Dag saves Fawn from a malice – at a devastating cost. Their fates are now bound in a remarkable journey.

9780061796753_p0_v1_s260x420

The Review:

Story: I have read dozens of romance novels with a fantasy twist, but I have never before read a robust, rounded fantasy with a full romance focus. It was the very first true hybrid of the genres in my eyes and I have to say, if all romances were presented in this format I doubt I’d read much else. Usually, the biggest draws for a fantasy novel are world-building and events (fight scenes, magic/spell casting, etc. – basically: external conflicts). Romances, on the other hand, often focus exclusively on character and inner conflicts. To find a romance with such an authentic, rich fantasy world kind of blew my mind. I daresay this series is a sub-genre all its own and the unique mix of the two worlds was my favorite element of this story.

Pacing: As a strong character-driven story, most of the conflict was centered around the two main characters’ relationship and, as a result, was very slow-developing. While fantastic for a love story (because as far as I can tell, no one likes an insta-love) readers expecting a lot of action would probably have gotten bored. Personally, I enjoyed the relationship focused so much that I was totally engaged throughout the entire novel. In fact, some of my favorite parts took place when the pacing was at it slowest. Every scene in Beguilement was absorbing, and I lost myself to the internal conflicts of these characters more than once.

World-Building: I am always impressed when an author can come up with a compelling magic system. The magic in the story wasn’t earth-shattering, but it had some really cool history behind it, and I liked what it added to the story. The magic wasn’t the only thing with great history – the different cultures highlighted in the book were fascinating, and you can tell the author spent a lot of time on their development. Also, the villains in this book stems from and enhanced the history of this land (and, in my opinion, are what sold the book to me as a true fantasy). It really set up a strong foundation for what promises to be an excellent series!

Writing: This author screams of awareness. Although the story came across effortless, while analyzing it I could see several conscious decisions made by the author to shape this book into something amazing. Everything from side characters to settings were carefully orchestrated to build up the conflicts and draw you in further. I wish I could break it down more clearly, because it really was all the little things added up that made this a good novel. I applaud this author for not only understanding enough about story and genres to produce this amazing hybrid, but also for her talent as a writer to make everything in this world come alive!

Overall, I am thrilled this book was chosen for the YPFN book club, and I genuinely look forward to seeing where the story goes next!

Recommended Reading: As this one is heavily romance based, I would probably be more inclined to hand it to someone who likes love stories. It is an excellent crossover book for people who love romance and want to try fantasy, and vice versa.

by Niki Hawkes

Other books you might like:

Discussion time! (May contain spoilers):

Who was your favorite character?

I think Dag (although I really enjoyed Fawn’s aunt). I see him as an honorable character, and loved how he coped with villains, troop mates, and Fawn’s family.

What was your favorite part of the story?

The fact that it was a true mix between fantasy and romance… And done so in a way that brought out the best of both worlds.

We learned part way through the book just how much older Dag was than Fawn… did the significant age difference bother you?

For a while, I felt like it should. I think what saved it for me as that we got a chance to see just how genuinely Dag cared for her and there were no creepy alternative motives surrounding his relationship with this much younger girl. The characters evolved into so much more than age that I ended up coming out with a positive opinion of it. I don’t know that that positive opinion of the gap would transfer over to real life, however.

Did the lack of action after the first quarter of the book bother you?

No, Because I could see that wasn’t the point of the story. If you are going to focus so much on internal conflicts that the external take a backseat, it better be brilliant. And you know what? It was.

The questions are meant to generate conversation, so feel free to answer any or all in the comments area. If you also wrote a review for Beguilement, let me know and I will add a personalized link in this review. 

Aug 31 2013
Image

Stacking the Shelves – August Edition!

stalc

Let’s face it, I’m no longer at the point my life where I can just blow all my money on books (these days, I have to settle for half). Therefore, I only compile a Stacking the Shelves (hosted by Tynga’s Reviews) once a month rather than weekly. In July’s STS, I featured my adult library, this week figured I’d share my YA shelves:

IMG_3280

I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve thinned out this collection to make room for new titles, but I think I finally reach the point where I can’t bear to get rid of anything else. The problem is, I’m completely out of room! I might have to try and convince my husband to sell the bed so we can fit more bookshelves. After all, our couch is pretty comfortable…

So now that you’ve seen the shelves I’m stacking, here’s a look at my new acquisitions this month:

Purchased:

IMG_3286

 As you can see, I was on a bit of a science fiction kick this month. I originally purchased Leviathan Wakes as an e-book but liked it so much I decided to invest in the hardcopies. The Jack Campbell books were actually for my husband’s birthday, but I’m sure I will be reading them one day.

ARCs:

IMG_3276

 (Thank you Scholastic Books!)

(Thank you Net Galley!)

 What books stacked your shelves this month? 

by Niki Hawkes

Aug 30 2013
Image

August 2013: Review Recap / ARC August Challenge

pink-heart-love-coffee-cup-pattern-facebook-cover 3

I read quite a few books this month, and a lot of them were ARCs for my ARC August challenge (see below). In fact, I read so many books that I didn’t have enough time in my blogging schedule to feature them all (the one’s I didn’t get to will be featured in next month’s recap).

Here’s a look at this month’s books:

(click the covers for the full review)

Spartan Frost – 1/5 stars

Spartan Frost by Jennifer Estep

Spartan Frost by Jennifer Estep

Never Fade – 4/5 stars

Never Fade by Alexandra Bracken

Never Fade by Alexandra Bracken

Zenn Scarlett – 3/5 stars

Zenn Scarlett by Christian Schoon

Zenn Scarlett by Christian Schoon

 Hexed – 4/5 stars

9595650

Legend – 5/5 stars!

13042002

Broken Forest – 2.5/5 stars

Broken Forest by Eliza Tilton

Broken Forest by Eliza Tilton

Countdown – 2/5 stars

Countdown by Michelle Rowen

Countdown by Michelle Rowen

And my favorite:

Dragon Keeper – 5/5 stars!

The Dragon Keeper

The Dragon Keeper

Statistically, I find this month fascinating. It has the lowest average rating so far this year, and I can’t help but think that it has something to do with the fact that I read mostly “obligation” books (Aka: books I read because I feel like I should). I made a deal with myself at the beginning of the year that I wouldn’t read anything because I felt like I had to – and you know what? It’s made for this single best year in reading I’ve ever had! The moral of the story? Don’t bog yourself down by mediocre books just because they are free. That’s not to say there aren’t some truly amazing titles available as ARCs, it just pays to be picky.

Now for the ARC August challenge recap:

ARC-August-Banner

 I am super excited that Octavia at Read. Sleep. Repeat. hosted this challenge because it gave me the motivation I needed to work through all of my outstanding ARCs. I’m happy to say that of the original six I plan to read, I got through four of them… And then read four additional acquisitions to boot! I never thought I would be at this point, but I finally have my Net Galley ARCs down to just two books – and it’s going to stay that way this time (by the way, for this challenge I considered only current ARCs eligible… it’s incredibly sad how many past ones I never got to before their release dates)!

ARCs Read:

You can definitely see what kind of arcs draw my attention. The clear winner for my favorite arc read this month is: All Our Yesterdays! I haven’t officially written a review for it yet, but suffice to say it was a 5/5 star rating and one that I will be talking about for months – I loved it! Spirit Animals was a close second, and that review is also forthcoming.

by Niki Hawkes

Aug 26 2013
Image

Top Ten Tuesday–Top Ten Most Memorable Secondary Characters! (8/27/2013)

hhh 2 Top Ten Tuesday is a feature hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. This week’s topic celebrates our favorite sidekicks:

Top Ten Most Memorable Secondary Characters!

 I’ve probably chosen a few who are considered main characters, so let’s say my criteria was that they were neither the main protagonist or love interest.

#1 Dead Witch Walking – Jenx: not only is this feisty, loyal pixie in my top ten, so are all of the side characters in this book.  Kim Harrison is the queen of side characters. They are all creative, memorable, and 100% entertaining – they honestly are what tips this series from great to amazing!

#2 Darkest Minds – Chubs: if you’ve read this series, I bet you haven’t forgotten about this character. He has such a lovable personality because it stems from a place that’s both loyal and compassionate. I would recommend this book for him alone. 

#3 Harry Potter – All of Them: need I say more?

#4 Wizard’s First Rule –Cara: the mord-sith are a totally fascinating organization. Quite a bit sadistic, but it was one of my favorite moments in the series to watch one struggle to breakaway from their horrific way of life. I don’t believe Cara actually shows up until the second book…

#5 Hunger Games – Cinna: I think he was Katniss’s rock and the only person who didn’t demand anything from her. He always did his best by her and I think that’s why I love him most.

#6 Sword-Dancer – the horse: this beast was the most ornery animal, and reading about the main protagonist trying to get it to follow direction was hysterical. It’s been ten years and I still remember how funny that stupid horse was.

#7 Blood Engines – Rondeau: aside from the really cool concept surrounding this character, I thought he was an excellent counterpart to the main protagonist. This is yet another series where I enjoyed all of the side characters.

#8 Poison Study – Rosie: animals tend to make an impression on me, and no more so recently in this tiny little pig. She may not stick with me as long as some of the others on my list, but she sure deserves a shout out.

#9 Grimspace – The Ithtorian: this character was so delightfully alien that I’m not really sure how I managed to form such a fondness for him. You would think any one of the amazing human characters would’ve appealed to me more. 

 #0 Assassin’s Apprentice: The Fool: I dare say this character is my favorite on the list. After nine novels, I love this character but I’m sure there are still more things I could learn. His complexity blows my mind and I would be really sad if Hobb doesn’t bring him up again. 

Now that the list is complete, I’m realizing that several of these books are in my all time favorites… Maybe side characters are more important than I initially thought. :-) My

Who are your memorable characters? 

Aug 24 2013
Image

Book Review: Dragon Keeper by Robin Hobb

4703450Title: Dragon Keeper

Author: Robin Hobb

Series: Rain Wild Chronicles #1

Genre: Fantasy

Rating: 5/5 stars!

The Overview: Too much time has passed since the powerful dragon Tintaglia helped the people of the Trader cities stave off an invasion of their enemies. The Traders have forgotten their promises, weary of the labor and expense of tending earthbound dragons who were hatched weak and deformed by a river turned toxic. If neglected, the creatures will rampage–or die–so it is decreed that they must move farther upriver toward Kelsingra, the mythical homeland whose location is locked deep within the dragons’ uncertain ancestral memories.

Thymara, an unschooled forest girl, and Alise, wife of an unloving and wealthy Trader, are among the disparate group entrusted with escorting the dragons to their new home. And on an extraordinary odyssey with no promise of return, many lessons will be learned–as dragons and tenders alike experience hardships, betrayals . . . and joys beyond their wildest imaginings.

4703450

The Review:

In my eyes, Robin Hobb is the epitome of an amazing fantasy author. Every element of writing I expect from my books she always delivers brilliantly, and is easily one of my all-time favorite authors. I didn’t think she could do anything to make me love her more… until she wrote a series about dragons!

She has written about dragons before, but takes it to the next level of brilliance in this latest, amazing series: The Rain Wild Chronicles. It follows the life cycle of dragons, makes them just as important as the humanoid protagonists, and celebrates just how beautiful and shall we say unhuman they really are.

I love how well-developed Hobb’s characters are. They always feel like real people, and their flaws make them endearing. What’s great about Dragon Keeper is that she applies that same talent for character development to dragons. I found the whole thing entirely fascinating and loves how much of an active role the dragons had in the story – we even get several chapters from the dragon’s POV.

Part of the reason Hobb’s characters are so memorable is that she takes a lot of time within the story developing them to their fullest. Her novels, while not lacking in either setting, plot, or events, are strongly character-driven. A lot of times the larger scope of the story takes a backseat to the inner conflicts of her characters. I have to say, I’ve never been bored despite the slower pacing. Hobb’s works are like trickles of water running into streams – A bit narrow and unremarkable at first, but eventually growing into raging rivers that give you an exhilarating ride to the end. I have never been anything less than completely engaged, and I absolutely love that about her works.

Overall, if you are a dragon-lover like me and haven’t yet picked this up you’ll kick yourself for waiting so long when you finally do (I know I did).

Recommendations: While this series can be read as a standalone, the characters within are ones we’ve seen before. In fact, this book is the culmination of everything we’ve been working towards in a previous series. Even though dragons don’t play a huge role in the earlier novels, they are still well worth your time to read. The last book in the Tawny Man series was so profound that it was one of the main reasons why I started this blog (I’d read a phenomenal book and had no one to tell… that had to change). :-)

So, if you’d like to start from the beginning (the recommended path) consider following the order below from left to right:

by Niki Hawkes

Other books you might like: 

Dragon Champion Review

Aug 19 2013
Image

Your Pick for Nik! – September’s Selection!

bbbbThank you all for your votes!

60510This month’s winner is… Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder!

A thorough review and discussion for this book will take place on Monday, September 30th, so there’s plenty of time to pick it up if you want to participate. For more information on the Your Pick for Nik! book club, click here. 

If you want to participate officially, all you have to do is answer the questionnaire at the end of the book review when it posts (which will hopefully generate some awesome discussion). If you post your own review of the book, send me the URL and I will include a personalized link at the end of the review.

Here’s a look at what the book is about:

About to be executed for murder, Yelena is offered an extraordinary reprieve. She’ll eat the best meals, have rooms in the palace—and risk assassination by anyone trying to kill the Commander of Ixia. And so Yelena chooses to become a food taster. But the chief of security, leaving nothing to chance, deliberately feeds her Butterfly’s Dust—and only by appearing for her daily antidote will she delay an agonizing death from the poison. As Yelena tries to escape her new dilemma, disasters keep mounting. Rebels plot to seize Ixia and Yelena develops magical powers she can’t control. Her life is threatened again and choices must be made. But this time the outcomes aren’t so clear…