Archives

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 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 30 2012
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Coming Soon: A Memory of Light by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson

Title: A Memory of Light

Series: Wheel of Time #14

Author: Robert Jordan & Brandon Sanderson

Release Date: January 8, 2013 Now Available!

The Overview: When Robert Jordan died in 2007, all feared that these concluding scenes would never be written. But working from notes and partials left by Jordan, established fantasy writer Brandon Sanderson stepped in to complete the masterwork. With The Gathering Storm (Book 12) andTowers of Midnight (Book 13) behind him, both of which were # 1 New York Times hardcover bestsellers, Sanderson now re-creates the vision that Robert Jordan left behind. Edited by Jordan’s widow, who edited all of Jordan’s books, A Memory of Light will delight, enthrall, and deeply satisfy all of Jordan’s legions of readers.

The Wheel of Time turns, and Ages come and pass.
What was, what will be, and what is,
may yet fall under the Shadow.
Let the Dragon ride again on the winds of time.

 Nik’s Notes:

The final volume of the Wheel of Time series is almost upon us! If you haven’t read Robert Jordan yet, now’s your chance! You only have to wait a few months for the conclusion, not 20 years like the poor folk who’ve been following the series from the beginning.

by Niki Hawkes

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 25 2012
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Book Review: The Last Stormlord by Glenda Larke

Title: The Last Stormlord

Author: Glenda Larke

Series: Stormlord #1

Genre: Fantasy

Rating: 5/5 stars!

The Overview: Shale is the lowest of the low-an outcast from a poor village in the heart of the desert. In the desert water is life, and currency, and Shale has none. But he has a secret. It’s the one thing that keeps him alive and may save all the cities of the Quartern in the days to come. If it doesn’t get him killed first…

Terelle is a slave fleeing a life as a courtesan. She finds shelter in the home of an elderly painter but as she learns the strange and powerful secrets of his art she fears she may have traded a life of servitude for something far more perilous…

The Stormlord is dying in his tower and there is no one, by accident or design, to take his place. He brings the rain from the distant seas to his people. Without a Stormlord, the cities of the Quartern will wither and die. 

Their civilization is at the brink of disaster. If Shale and Terelle can find a way to save themselves, they may just save them all. Water is life and the wells are running dry..

 The Review:

I’ve read everything Glenda Larke has published (even the stuff I had to get overseas), and I love her. This particular series is probably the best so far. Her strength has always been world-building, and in the “Stormlord” books, she really takes it to the next level. Between the vivid landscape, unique creatures, and the cultures of the people, she really succeeds in bringing the story to life!

I also thought the plot was excellent: The people who live in the desert cities of Quartern are completely dependent on the stormlords to fill their wells with precious water. The trouble comes when the last stormlord powerful enough to bring rain falls ill. As if the story and cool magic system wasn’t good enough, there is also a character who’s heritage allows her to turn her paintings into reality. I found the whole thing enthralling – it was definitely an “up ‘til 3 a.m. to finish it” novel. What’s more, the story bounces around between different characters, and while sometimes that can bore a reader, I thought each character was well-developed and interesting, with every perspective enriching the overall plot. There wasn’t a single character that I wasn’t eager to read more about.

Overall, I think Larke is a seriously under-appreciated author, between the excellent, unique world, the interesting magic systems, a great plot, and amazing characters, her stories easily rival some of the best fantasy books out there. A well-rounded book, I think it’s a must-read for fantasy fans looking for something new!

Recommendations: If you liked Larke, give “The Isles of Glory” and “Mirage Makers” a try! You’ll be blown away by this woman’s creative range.

Other books you might like:

  • “The Way of Shadows” by Brent Weeks
  • “A Shadow in Summer” by Daniel Abraham
  • “The Thief’s Gamble” by Juliet E. Mckenna
  • “Heart of Myrial” by Maggie Furey   <– arguably my favorite book of all-time!
  • “Mistborn” by Brandon Sanderson

by Niki Hawkes

Sep 23 2012
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Book Review: The Candy Shop War by Brandon Mull

Title: The Candy Shop War

Author: Brandon Mull

Series: The Candy Shop War #1

Genre: Young Adult Fiction

Rating: 4/5 stars

The Overview: What if there were a place where you could get magical candy? Moon rocks that made you feel weightless. Jawbreakers that made you unbreakable. Or candy that gave animals temporary human intelligence and communication skills. (Imagine what your pet would say!) Four young friends, Nate, Summer, Trevor, and Pigeon, are befriended by Belinda White, the owner of a new candy shop on Main Street. However, the gray- haired, grandmotherly Mrs. White is not an ordinary candy maker. Her confections have magical side effects. Purposefully, she invites the kids on a special mission to retrieve a hidden talisman under Mt. Diablo Elementary School. However, Mrs. White is not the only magician in town in search of the ancient artifact rumored to be a fountain of youth. She is aware that Mr. Stott, the not- so- ordinary ice cream truck driver, has a few tricks of his own.

 The Review:

I decided to read “The Candy Shop War” mostly because I am a huge fan of the Fablehaven series, and thought I would give this one a try. He did such a good job capturing my imagination in Fablehaven that I’ve reread it several times. If it weren’t for Harry Potter novels, which stand on a pedestal and always will, I would argue that they are my favorite YA books of all time.

This book is about four kids who get caught up in a war of magicians. Going on special missions for these magicians, the kids are given candies that bestow on them several magical abilities. The story is definitely meant for a younger demographic, and I think it does a good job hitting it’s target audience. While some YA books have the ability to transcend generation, I unfortunately don’t think this was one of them. The storyline was fun, and the characters felt like kids we all grew up with, but it was just a little over the top. I don’t usually go for totally fantastical stories, but there are plenty of people who do like them and would probably enjoy it. I also found it a bit anti-climatic.

While the plot is juvenile in nature, the writing is surprisingly sophisticated. Mull is a great example of an author who doesn’t “dumb it down” when writing for a younger audience. Because of this, along with the study-guide at the back, I think it’s an excellent tool for educators to teach their students vocabulary, critical thinking, and ethics. As for the rest of us, if you’re in the mood for something to make you feel like a kid again, this one will certainly do the trick!

Recommendations: Although this one was fun, I would definitely recommend you read the Fablehaven series first as an introduction to Mull’s works. If this one sounds like the perfect book for you, be on the lookout for the sequel “The Candy Shop War: Arcade Catastrophe” out October 23rd!

Other books you might like:

  • “Fablehaven” by Brandon Mull
  • “The Lightening Thief” by Rick Riordan
  • “Leven Thumps and the Gateway to Foo” by Obert Skye
  • “Magyk” by Angie Sage
  • “The Amulet of Samarkand” by Jonathan Stroud

by Niki Hawkes