The Power of the Creator

The Path of the Fallen (The Fallen Chronicles) by Dan O'Brien

Disclaimer: I received this book from the author in exchange for a review.

Summary: The world is broken. The coming of the Intelligence pushed the remnants of humanity deep into the tundra. What remained was a vast sea of ice and the machine city, Culouth. E’Malkai Armen, descendent of the Fallen, has been a citizen of Culouth his entire life. A bitter betrayal, and the inception of a war that will destroy millions of lives, forces E’Malkai to confront the past and undertake a pilgrimage that is his by birthright. As he travels to the cold tundra of the north, the realm prepares for war. The Path of the Fallen is a lonely and arduous path, but it must be walked for the sake of all mankind.

Review: An interesting and different fantasy story intertwined with science fiction elements that suffers from being too long.

The Path of the Fallen is an interesting mix of fantasy and science fiction elements. Most of it is heavily fantasy, but a few science fiction elements creep in and add another layer to the story. I am curious as to what other planets are like. This book throws you into the world and I didn't get much of a good feel for the world. My enjoyment also suffered from the book being too long. There were long stretches were not much happened and the big action of the book didn't happen until the last 50 pages.

I'm always a little ambivalent about prophecies, but the prophecies in this book made sense and fit in with the large mythology of the world. I liked all the unique places that E'Malkai traveled to. Since it's almost winter, it was very apt the role that winter and the cold played in the story. I liked E'Malkai. Sure, he was the subject of a prophecy and that he would obtain immense power, but he was very human. He often doubted himself and didn't want the power he obtained.

Rating:






Recommendation: I would recommend this book to those who don't mind slower moving fantasy stories with a dash of science fiction.

The Time Continuum

Black Earth: The Broken Daisy (Black Earth, #2) by David N. Alderman

Disclaimer: I received this book from the author in exchange for a review.

Summary: The stars have fallen, and the world is tilting into darkness…

“From dust you came, to ash you go.” – These terrifying words are found spray-painted on an office wall in Tucson. It is a message left by Legion, an otherworldly entity that traveled to Earth in the fallen stars. Now Legion is enveloping the world in darkness, disintegrating almost everything in its path, leaving nothing to stand in its way of the planet’s destruction.

Nathan Pierce is on the run for forging the president’s mandatory barcode tattoo. With a bounty on his head, Nathan finds an unexpected ally in Cynthia Ruin, who agrees to help him save his sister, Daisy, from being executed for treason. But Cynthia’s mother, Theresa, is the one who betrayed Nathan and Daisy. Surrounded by suspicion and doubt, Nathan struggles to stay one step ahead of the world that’s against him, and keep tabs on Cynthia, who may or may not end up selling him out in the end.

In the midst of the darkness, those still alive are forced to fight against Legion’s malevolence or lose their humanity beneath it.

Review: A decent continuation of the first book although one that goes on for a bit too long and leaves the reader with too many questions.

This book continues the first novel. It's been a while since I've read it, but it all came back quickly enough. I hadn't realize how little time had actually passed since the stars fell. Not much time passed in the second book either although Alderman tried to squeeze as much as possible in the book. This book is also a mix of science fiction and fantasy which works pretty well although it's slowly going to fantasy.

While this book was action packed and there were plenty of times where I had an emotional reaction to events, I felt there was too much in this book, especially for how much time has actually passed. God and Legion (the devil perhaps?) take an even bigger part in this book. There are also plenty of supernatural creatures and alien beings showing up. There are also so many questions. I understand that not everything can be answered, but I would have liked some answers at least. I do like that the action is finally coming to a head and hopefully some exciting things will happen in book three.

Rating:

Recommendation: I would recommend this book and the series for those who like science fiction and fantasy with a touch of the supernatural and mythology.

The Lightbringer

The Whispers of the Fallen by J.D. Netto

Disclaimer: I received this book from the author in exchange for a review. Review based an old edition of the book.

Summary: Ever since the dawn of days, rumors about the Diary of Lucifer echoed throughout Elysium. Hidden from all human knowledge, the Diary was kept a secret, locked away in the small village of Agalmath.

Isaac and Demetre find themselves in a dangerous journey as they uncover the truth about the Diary and those who guarded it for all these years. However, for Isaac and Demetre, danger lies at every step, hidden in the most unexpected places.

Hunted by the Nephilins and the Fallen Stars, they must find others who will join them in the battle against the coming darkness.

Review: A decent read with an interesting fantasy setting with biblical mythology that suffered from flat characters and telling, not showing.

I always enjoy Christian and biblical mythology in a fantasy type setting. Most of what I've read has been in a modern setting on earth so it was nice to read about a different world that still had a Christian mythology. I also liked the addition of the Diary of Lucifer and descendants of the Council being able to open it. It was interesting that Lucifer was still called Lucifer even after he feel since Lucifer means Light Bringer and he lost his light after rebelling.

I enjoyed the story decently well. I did like Isaac and sympathized with his plight along with the Nephilims who kept trying to fight against their nature. Most of the other characters feel flat, especially Nephle. Yes, she was powerful, but she felt like a child. I did enjoy that half of the book was told from her eyes. I must admit to being torn on which side to root for. The book also suffered from telling, not showing, especially when it came to the dialogue. I can tell when someone is upset or annoyed. I don't constantly need descriptive words.

Rating:

Recommendation: I would recommend this book to that enjoy fantasy with Christian and biblical mythology.

Fortune Rules All

The Sound and the Echoes by Dew Pellucid

Disclaimer: I received this book from the author in exchange for a review.

Summary: Imagine that everyone around you has a mirror image living somewhere else. Your world is like a sound, which produced that other world of echoes. And in this land men are governed by a terrible law--every Echo has to die, if his Sound dies.

One Sound especially must die. The Prince's Sound. The Fate Sealers and Fortune Tellers will make sure of that! Because after this Sound dies, the Echo Prince will have to die too.

Now, twelve-year-old Will Cleary is about to discover that he is the Sound the Echoes are hunting.

And so begins his perilous adventure into a see-through, sparkling world, filled with spying crystal balls, an eerie fortress of castaway children, a hunt for clues in an ancient book of riddles, and a last-chance escape through a frozen gem-studded lake into a secret land that holds the key to placing the Prince on the throne and returning freedom to the Echoes.

Review: An enjoyable adventure with unusual creatures, strange lands, and plenty of ice to go around.

I love the idea of Sounds and Echoes. It’s a brilliant idea. Sounds always have echoes and humans certainly make enough sound so why wouldn’t humans have echoes? The echoes live underground apparently in the areas around the poles. Echoes are see through and live in the cold. There is a whole other society underground with a king, Fortune Tellers, Fate Sealers, and plenty of intrigue. There’s much more, but I don’t want to spoil it for you. Part of the fun of this book is making new discoveries about the world Will finds himself in.

This book really starts off with a bang, jumping right into the adventure. The action does slow down after Will arrives at the Orphanage. A lot of Will’s time is spent trying to figure out a big riddle. It does pick back up near the end of the book. The book ends on a happy note although there was some unpleasantness getting there. There were a few loose ends at the conclusion of the book. I would gladly read another book set in this world.

Rating:

Recommendation: I would recommend this book to fans of childrens fantasy or anyone looking for an unusual fantasy read.

God for Short

A Meaningless Sequence of Arbitrary Symbols by Oscar Velikovsky

Disclaimer: I received this book from the author in exchange for a review.

Summary: A young man of 18 is mentored in the Art of Game Design by God.

Review: A very wacky and humorous tale of a young man being taught game design by god with some drawings thrown in.

This is a very different and very weird book. It walked the fine line between being not funny and trying too hard. This was a very strange read, but it was quick to read and the pictures were quite amusing. I must admit to thinking of Godot from Waiting for Godot whenever Godfrey or God for short was around. Is he god or isn't he? And is he a very good god? The book manages to come full circle in the end and really was a meaningless sequence of arbitrary symbols.

Another big aspect of this book is game design. God wants to design a game where you can play Jesus. God meets with his game development team and you get to see how a game development team works. Plus, you also get a whole chapter on it. It was actually very informative. The only way I would be involved in game design would probably be in the writing area, but as someone who plays video games on a fairly regular basis, it was cool to learn about game design.

Rating:

Recommendation: I would recommend this book to anyone interested in video games or video games design or to anyone looking for an unusual, weird, and humorous read.

Under the Sea

Drowning Mermaids (Sacred Breath #1) by Nadia Scrieva

Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher in exchange for a review. 

Summary: Deep under Arctic waters lies an ice kingdom carved into a glacier. Those who dwell within it possess magnificent biological secrets. Due to the dangers of impending war, the Princess of Adlivun is forced to flee her undersea utopia and regroup with her sisters in Alaska.

Captain Trevain Murphy is a successful king crab fisherman who has spent his life building his empire above the sea, and knows nothing of the empire beneath it. When he meets a mysterious dancer whose father has recently died, he extends kindness towards her, unaware of her unique genetics and royal lineage.

Trevain's attraction to the enigmatic Aazuria Vellamo will involve him in dangerous designs that will forever change his life, and his perspective on himself and his world. He embarks on perilous journeys in which he will need to release all of his insecurities and inhibitions in order to survive.

Review: A tale of a mermaid war with unique cultures that falls flat with instalove and sometimes unbelievable characters.

While it was unusual to have mermaids without tales, there have been other creatures of the sea that have been done without fins such as sirens. It may have been possible for humans to develop with the ability to breathe under water although I would have expected a bit of difference in their anatomy, both on the surface and under the skin. I did like the logical limitations they faced on land. Their bodies would suffer since they were not built for it. Their culture seemed interesting and the war was certainly dramatic.

My enjoyment was spoiled by Aazuria. She was hundreds of years old, but would act like a teenager at times and at other times would act high and mighty. I didn’t like how she assumed things about Brynne just because she wasn’t as feminine as Aazuria. While Trevain seems like a decent guy (except a few incidents that I hated), they fall in love much too quickly. It’s unbelievable. I can understand falling for an older man (yes I get that Aazuria is hundreds of years old, but she looks like an 18 year old), but if this was written by a man, I would call it wish fulfillment.

Rating:






Recommendation: I would recommend this book to those that are looking for an unusual mermaid story.

What is a Princess to Do?

Loud, Disorderly & Boisterous by Adam M. Johnson

Disclaimer: I received this book from the author in exchange for a review. 

Summary: Imagine for a moment that you are a dangerously clever, thoroughly over-educated sixteen year old, who feels wholly disconnected from her current station in life and hates her father. Imagine also that you have the further misfortune to find yourself alive during the 13th Century, that your father is the philistine King of a small Central European country, and that he does not approve of the fact that you can quote Aristotle more expertly than you can curtsy. Finally to top everything off imagine that you have just learned that you are to be married off to a German nobleman who believes that you will make an excellent pawn in an ongoing struggle to become Holy Roman Emperor...

What do you do?

If your name is Aletheia––first and only daughter of his Royal Highness Edward IX, and most indubitably born in the wrong century––you proceed to flee. If your name is Aletheia you also find yourself embarking on a bizarre and comic odyssey across perilously chaotic medieval Europe. During her journey our heroine will encounter cross dressing Romanians, bamboozle criminally incompetent highwaymen, crush spherically odious tutors (using only the power of pure logic), and, in at least one desperate instance, impersonate the Virgin Mary, all in the hopes of reaching a final destination that is about to be sacked by an army of waylaid Crusaders...

Review: A fun tale that pokes fun of itself and features much that is incongruous to the 13th century.

I call this book fantasy because of how often it breaks the fourth wall of the 13th century. As far as I know, it's relatively historically accurate to the 13th century. The characters, however, behave much differently than someone in the 13th century behaved, especially Aletheia. She is very spirited, too spirited for the 13th century. Plus there are the mentions of concepts or items that were not invented till later like hotels. It all made for a very hilarious effect although it could get a little much.

The plot, for the 13th century at least, was unbelievable. The king was an idiot, but he certainly would have not allowed his daughter to run off nor would his daughter have done such a thing (although she might thought of it). Despite all that, the adventures of Aletheia, Tom, Will, and Gus were very entertaining. They got into so many scrapes and adventures. My favorite was when Aletheia pretended to be the Virgin Mary. The ending was a little abrupt and the reader is left uncertain as to what will happen. I hope they find their happy ending.

Rating:

Recommendation: I would recommend this book to those that enjoy humorous tales or tales of princesses that do not behave how they are supposed to.

Let Your Talents Emerge

Blood Lilies by T.A. Miles

Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher in exchange for a review. 

Summary: For Korsten Brierly, life already seemed complicated enough. Disinherited from a young age, helping to govern a town of strategic significance to warring countries, keeping his affair with the local governor's son a secret....

When a demon hunting mage arrives at his doorstep at the same time gruesome murders begin, Korsten finds himself quickly swept away by a tide of events and discoveries beyond his darkest dreams. Caught up in a war much deeper and far more dangerous than he ever would have believed it to be, Korsten is forced to abandon the life he knew and everyone in it. Summoned to a duty that terrifies him, by powers he can't ignore, he begins a journey into understanding his own soul and how to protect the souls of others from demons bent on possessing, poisoning, and devouring them through methods that are gradually decaying the world they live in. Struggling to stay afloat in a maelstrom of ancient forces, his own emotions, and dangerous political games, Korsten commits himself to the task, for the sake of his soul and his sanity, and for the sake of the lover he was not supposed to have...a man possessed by ambition and by a demon with goals of its own.

Blood Lilies is the first in a series.

Review: A slow moving fantasy tale with an interesting magic system and different, unusual enemies.

I was looking forward to reading this since it was a m-m romance with a fantasy setting, both of which I enjoy. I know together isn’t necessarily better, but I was still hopeful. Unfortunately, this book was quite slow moving and while action did occur, there were long periods of nothing occurring between the periods of action. So much more could have happened in this book if the fluff had been cut out. It’s really a shame since the world was an interesting one and I would have loved to see more of it.

Despite the slow moving plot, I enjoyed the setting and the magic system. It doesn’t explain where magic and mages first came from (but even Korsten wasn’t sure), but I do love how new mages come about. They are chosen by mages who have died. I loved how the blood lilies functioned. The magic system was quite interesting and I liked how it gave a very logical explanation as to what talents emerged and what talents either didn’t emerge or went away. I did find Korsten a little too weepy for his own good, but he was a decently good person.

Rating:

Recommendation: I would recommend this to those enjoy m-m fantasy stories and who don't mind a slower moving story.

The Altercation of What Now?

The Altercation of Vira by Kenechi Udogu

Disclaimer: I received this book from the author in exchange for a review. 

Summary: The people of Vira have long awaited the arrival of their lost princess, Elve. Legend has foretold a season of great change in the dawn of her return. For the Maracans, she brings the promise of fortified control over their rival kindred. For the Cefans, a glimmer of hope in an existence filled with oppression.

The only problem is their princess is eighteen year old Ama Brown, an ordinary girl living an ordinary life, who has no idea that she is about to be drawn into a world where an age old battle is brewing and nothing is quite as it seems.

Review: A sometimes confusing book about a young girl living in our world who is actually a princess in another world.

On a science level (and science fiction stories) I love the idea of multiple worlds, multiple universes, other dimensions, wormholes, and the like. I will admit that for fantasy and supernatural stories I prefer the story to take place in only one world, unless there is a good reason for another world (such as part of the plot taking place in hell or heaven). I was interested to see how Ama was going to get to Vira and what she would do when she was there.

I will admit that The Altercation of Vira was not as good as The Other Slipper. I am glad I read The Other Slipperfirst since I knew the author could write well. There’s a prophecy that involves Ama and civil unrest in a nation where one group persecutes the other group. It is not clear how Ama gets to Vira and the confusion starts from there. There is very little known about the world and most of what is told is confusing. I am not sure what changes Ama will accomplish that fulfills the prophecy or why she has to do the things she does as queen.

Rating:

Recommendation: I would recommend this book to those that enjoy fantasy that takes place in multiple realms.

If The Shoe Fits...

The Other Slipper by Kenechi Udogu

Disclaimer: I received this book from the author in exchange for a review.

Summary: When Jo finds a lone glass slipper on the night of the royal ball, she realises that there is more to the seemingly ordinary object than meets the eye. Searching for its owner, she is led to the palace where the princess sets her on a journey that thrusts her into an unexpected world of magic and illusions. It soon becomes clear that there is a lot more to her mission as she discovers startling secrets about her past and struggles to embrace her destiny.

Review: An enjoyable retelling of Cinderella that focuses a young girl accidentally caught up in the wake of Cinderella’s grand adventure.

I enjoy fairy tale retellings, especially if there is a twist involved. All the stories that I’ve so far about fairy tale retellings always focused on one of the main characters in the story such as Sleeping Beauty or Cinderella. The Other Slipper focuses on a young girl who happens to find a glass slipper after the ball where Ella meets the prince and manages to mess up the enchantment. Ella was barely actually in the story and the prince even less.

I liked the explanation behind the slippers and why Jo finding the slipper messes up the enchantment. What starts as a seemingly simple request goes very wrong. I liked the connections between the two families and how the slippers (as a magical object) have affected much over the years. There was some magic involved in the story, but the focus was more on Jo and her brother Ron develop over their journey. I mostly liked Jo. She was strong willed, thought with her brain, and was understandably wary of people. She could get a bit too stubborn for her own good and hated to accept help when it was freely given.

Rating:






Recommendation: I would recommend this book to those that enjoy fairy tales and fairy tale retellings.

To Save Them All

Andor Awakening by Brendan O'Keeffe

Disclaimer: I received this book from the author in exchange for a review.

Summary: War is everywhere.

Shae is consumed by a vicious war between the human Imperium and a brutal race known only as the Raz. Humanity stands on the edge of destruction as the Razian forces advance city by city, burning everything in their path. Waking to find no memory of his troubled past and haunted by the implications of his abilities, Andor must find his place in this violent world, discover who he was, who he is, and what all of this means for Shae...

Review: A pretty standard fantasy with evil bad guys, a prophecy, and magic.

Andor Awakening is an enjoyable book although it is a pretty standard fantasy. It involves magic, a prophecy, evil baddies, and a love interest. I am a bit ambivalent about amnesia, perhaps because it was overdone in rpgs at one point. It seems like an excuse to have an info dump and I really don't like those. Thankfully, while this book does reveal information in big clumps to Andor, it is not all at once and follows a pretty logical progression. Andor's past also gets revealed slowly.

I liked the setting of this world with the idea of magical gifts (but a person only gets one), different nations, nations across the sea, werewolves, visions of what may come to pass, and prophecies. I really liked the idea of Andor's multiple abilities. It was a reason for him being special. So this book is a pretty standard fantasy, but is still enjoyable. I couldn't personally connect with any of the characters (even Andor). The characters besides Andor, Vo, and the ranger (forgot his name) all seem to blend together. I would have liked more developed characters.

Rating:






Recommendation: I would recommend this to those that enjoy fantasy with traditional elements such as magic and prophecy.

Dogs in Politics

The Fitzy Resolution by A.D. DeSena, William Bergin (Illustrator)

Disclaimer: I received this book from the author in exchange for a review.

Summary: A fictional book about the sociopolitical world of dogs following one senator's mission to investigate mysterious disappearances of dogs in her government. Through her investigation, she discovers certain truths to be false, and she is in constant conflict to keep government control away from the more ruthless factions of her government.

Review: A story of politics, intrigue, secret alliances, danger from foreign enemies, and political divides – with dogs!

I am really impressed by A. D. DeSena and all the detail that the author put into this book. It really is incredible. DeSena takes the world of dogs as we know it and turns it on its head. I have read books before that are from the point of the animal and sometimes that animal is a part of an animal society (Redwall is an example of this and an enjoyable series too), but nothing this detailed, nothing this complex. It packs so much information in 178 pages.

The Central Canine Government functions just like a government in the book. There are political parties, infighting, alliances, and posturing. While I love the complexity of this book, it does suffer from too much detail. I liked the story the best when it focusing on Casey and the mysteries of the fanamas, the disappearing dogs, the Wilds, and the rats. I like seeing how everything unfolds and how Casey eventually learns the truth. It seems like an ill situation has been worked out and turned for the better. Only time will tell.

Rating:

Recommendation: I would recommend this book to those enjoy books told from animals' points of view, especially dogs.

Better Not Blink

Blink by Lloyd Poast

Disclaimer: I received this book from the author in exchange for a review. 

Summary: A teenage boy wanders into a mystical forest ruled by a gypsy goddess named Amaisia Moon.

The forest changes with every blink or head turn and he discovers an ocean where dreams and nightmares literally come alive.

Review: A quick, but enjoyable fantasy short story read.

I will admit this reminded me of Alice in Wonderland a little, but certainly not in a bad way. Who doesn't want to go exploring in mysterious forests? I like how the forest acted as a place out of time and space and how so many ways lead to the forest. As you can figure from the title, blinking plays a part in this short story. It is amazing how such a simple action can have such great consequences. I would love to see this short story expanded into a novella or even a novel. The world has much potential.

Rating:






Recommendation: I would recommend this short story to those that enjoy Alice in Wonderland-like fantasy stories.

Mechanical Eden

Crashing Eden by Michael Sussman

Disclaimer: I received this book from the author in exchange for a review.

Summary: For one boy and his friends, the path to Paradise comes at a cost—one they may not be prepared to pay.

When a biking accident leaves 17-year-old Joss Kazdan with the ability to hear things others can't, reality as he knows it begins to unravel.

A world of legends exists beyond the ordinary life he's always known, and he is transported to the same Paradise he's studying in World Mythology. But the strange gets even stranger when his new friends build a device that delivers people through the gates of the Garden of Eden.

Now Samael, the Creator God, is furious. As Samael rains down his apocalyptic devastation on the ecstasy-seeking teens, Joss and his companions must find a way to appease Samael—or the world will be destroyed forever.

Review: An intriguing blend of technology, mythology, religion, and many gods.

This is the second young adult book that I have read involving the mixing of mythology, religion, the end of the world, and the modern day. Both happened to be equally good. The use of the Om frequency is very original. I also like the idea that when children turn six they lose the ability to hear the Om frequency. It explains (in the world of the book) why children lose their innocence. It is a happy coincidence that Joss whacks his head and is able to hear the Om frequency.

Through the use of the technology that Shakti and her boyfriend create, people find paradise. Of course there are the people who believe that paradise should be only found through God. What I really liked was how Joss questioned the usefulness of being tuned into the Om frequency all the time. You may gain paradise, but what do you lose? I liked Joss well enough although he could be quite a jerk at time. The confrontation between the seven and Samael, the blind god, was cool to read although I didn't quite believe Samael's very fast transformation.

Rating:

Recommendation: I would recommend this book to those that enjoy mythology and religion based young adult fantasy.

When Pigs Fly

Kingdom of the Nanosaurs (The Kingdoms of Time and Space #1) by David Callinan

Disclaimer: I received this book from the author in exchange for a review. 

Summary: In the tradition of 'His Dark Materials', 'Mortal Engines' and 'Lord Of The Rings', this YA trilogy blends magic with leading edge science and the paranormal with artificial intelligence.

Morgan Lane (15), gifted with a superhuman memory, finds his life and the future of humanity thrown into chaos when chosen by the Guardians to memorise and protect with his very existence ‘The Cosmic Algorithm’, the source code of creation itself.

The Guardians, aware that seismic cosmic events are unfolding and space parasites known as The Shadix are approaching the planet, send a Sun Angel to protect Morgan who, together with companions Lin Rainbow and Winston their pet orangutan, becomes his guide on a journey to where time and space are one.

Morgan’s scientist father has used nanotechnology to create a microbe that will destroy pollution and reverse climate change. Unknown to Morgan, his father’s research is being funded and secretly stolen by a millionaire oligarch, Marius Natzler, controlled by the Shadix.

The comet Cygnus Hyperbole appears causing apocalyptic tsunamis, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions as the Guardians cause every animal on the planet save one to vanish. They transform Winston into a genius with the power of speech – a true missing link.

Morgan’s fate is to keep the ‘Cosmic Algorithm’ safe in order to reprogram the Continuum. Meanwhile, Marius Natzler has used nanotechnology to create ‘nanosaurs’, fantastical replacement animals: winged dogs, perfumed cats, air sharks, monstrous nano spiders and Taurus, a seventeen feet tall minotaur. Natzler craves the ‘Cosmic Algorithm’ to give him ultimate power.

Review: A decent fantasy book that suffers from a sometimes unbelievable main character and a weak sidekick.

Overall, this book had a middle grade school feel about it rather than a young adult feel like the book was supposed to have. That is not a bad thing although the reader must be prepared for a black and white division between good and evil with the good being very good and the bad being very bad. I know it is a fight between good and evil, but it could get a little much at times. I wouldn’t have been surprised if the main bad guy had started to twirl his mustache.

I know Morgan has an incredible memory and that he is a genius character, but he was often too useful and too helpful. He also seemed to deride logical decisions like Lin deciding to take food when them when they were trying to escape. I liked Lin, but I hated how she was a useless character at times. She always seemed to be fainting or passing out. I personally liked the nanosaurs although some combinations of the animals seemed downright silly. I certainly wouldn’t mind having a nanosaur or two.

Rating:

Recommendation: I would recommend this book to those that enjoy middle grade school fantasy.

In Our Memories

Glimmers by Barbara Brooke

Disclaimer: I received this book from the author in exchange for a review. 

Summary: A simple touch and suddenly, Paige is in the past - living someone else's life, seeing the world through their eyes, and feeling their deepest emotions.

Paige used to think memories only existed in one's mind. But now, she knows better. She can't explain how or why, but she has glimmers: special moments that have remained behind - clinging to a letter, a ring, even a worn-out pair of boots.

When Paige returns from each glimmer, a small part of her has changed. Who is this gourmet cook, fashion designer, feisty lover? And how is she supposed to explain this to her family without them thinking she has completely lost her mind?

Paige thought her new talent was a gift, until…she was suddenly transported into her sister’s memory, and caught a glimmer of her secret life.

Take this humorous and romantic journey, as Paige learns about true love through the lives of three extraordinary women.

Review: A tale of an ordinary woman with an extraordinary talent.

Objects, though they are never permanent, can have strong emotional meaning. I personally have a few objects that I hang onto and would be very sad if they were lost or destroyed. What I find more important are the memories that make those objects so special. I like Paige's talent. It's a way to live another life, even if for a few moments, a way to understand other ways of living. It must be somewhat of a pain though since you never know when you will be pulled into a memory.

While I liked all the stories, Emma's was my favorite. It was like reading a historical romance novel, which I do so enjoy. Delilah's story ended sooner than I expected, but I was pleased to see how her story fits into the rest of the novel. Hailey's story was painful since I felt so bad for her fiance and also for Hailey herself. I hope she says satisfied with her decision. The one aspect that bothered me about Paige's glimmers was how she picked talents from the memories she experienced. I can understand getting a little better at sewing or cooking, but she becomes an expert in a matter of hours.

Rating:






Recommendation: I would recommend this book to those that enjoy light fantasy that takes place in the modern world.

Plug Me In

Shaman, Friend, Enemy (Olivia Lawson, Techno-Shaman #2) by M. Terry Green

Disclaimer: I received this book from the author in exchange for a review. 

Summary: Patients with fractured souls, clients threatened by deadly ancestor spirits, and now the paparazzi–it’s all in a day’s work for techno-shaman Olivia Lawson. Livvy has rocketed to the top of the shaman world, bringing old friends with her but also attracting new enemies.

Even as her career soars, her personal life spirals downward. Broken bonds and lost love finally force her to confront the terrible secret of her beginning in shamanism. Despite being attacked by dark shamans and navigating a spiritual plane that seems out of control, Livvy’s single-minded quest steers her into dangerous territory and puts her on a collision course with those dearest to her.

No longer interested in walking a fine line, Livvy discovers that–when the one thing you need is the one thing you can’t have–you’ll risk everything.

Review: A fantasy novel that blends the traditional with technology.

I enjoy a good fantasy story although I most familiar with mages, warriors, elves, dwarves, rogues, and the like. I also did play a shaman for a little in World of Warcraft. So in short, I don't know much about shamans although this book definitely peaked my interest in shamans and I plan on learning more about them. I have not read the first Techno-Shaman novel, but it didn't hurt my enjoyment of this novel. Livvy provides enough information to tell the reader about what happened in the first novel.

The blending of magic and technology was seemless in this novel. Magic and technology are usually at odds, but in this book, they work together. And when you get down to it, electricity is lightning and Livvy is a lightning shaman so technology and lightning go hand in hand. I also enjoyed the romance between Livvy and SK. It was nice to see a romance between characters that are actually human, not just perfect one sided dolls. I will admit to being lost sometimes when it came the actual shamanism but that could be because I kno very little about shamanism.

Rating:

Recommendation: I would recommend this to those that enjoy urban fantasy or fantasy set in the modern age.

I Doth Be a Warlock

The Brotherhood Of Piaxia by Michael Drakich

Disclaimer: I received this book from the author in exchange for a review. 

Summary: Years have passed since the overthrow of the monarchy by the Brotherhood of Warlocks and they rule Piaxia in peaceful accord. But now forces are at work to disrupt this rule from outside the Brotherhood as well as within! Follow Tarlok, Savan and Tessia as their paths intertwine, with the Brotherhood in pursuit and the powerful merchant’s guild manipulating the populace for their own end.

Review: A decent fantasy novel that suffered from stilted conversation and too quick resolution.

I enjoy fantasy although I haven’t been reading enough of it lately. It is a genre that I always enjoy because I do so love the idea of being able to do magic, living with elves, flying on dragons, and going on quests. I usually like my fantasy epic and with a variety of different races, but I can still enjoy less epic fantasy. Since spell casters are the main characters, I thought Brotherhood of Piaxia would be an enjoyable read. It was a decent read and I do like the world that the book took place in.

The interaction of the Brotherhood with the monarchy shows how power can corrupt people and how power can be used for ill means. Piaxia is one country or area and it would be interesting to see what other countries or areas in the world were like. I thought it was cool to have magic users be in charge of Piaxia. I didn’t like that girls did not seem to be magic users. Also, while the characters themselves were decent, the conversation between the characters was stilted. I felt the revolution happened much too quickly although I would be interested to see what the future holds for Piaxia.

Rating:

Recommendation: I would recommend this to those that enjoy fantasy with political aspects.

Get On With It!

Touch of Power (Healer #1) by Maria V. Snyder

Summary: Laying hands upon the injured and dying, Avry of Kazan assumes their wounds and diseases into herself. But rather than being honored for her skills, she is hunted. Healers like Avry are accused of spreading the plague that has decimated the Territories, leaving the survivors in a state of chaos.

Stressed and tired from hiding, Avry is abducted by a band of rogues who, shockingly, value her gift above the golden bounty offered for her capture. Their leader, an enigmatic captor-protector with powers of his own, is unequivocal in his demands: Avry must heal a plague-stricken prince—leader of a campaign against her people. As they traverse the daunting Nine Mountains, beset by mercenaries and magical dangers, Avry must decide who is worth healing and what is worth dying for. Because the price of peace may well be her life....

Review: A story about a group of men in a rush to heal their leader, yet who take their grand old time when they finally have the healer.

Yes, that’s what annoyed me the most about this book. Kerrick has been searching for years to find a healer to heal Ryne and obviously there is a sense of urgency about the quest since other forces are stepping up in the power void. They finally find their healer (the last one!!!) and instead of rushing straight to Ryne, they go on many side adventures. Of course there is plenty of time for bonding and getting to know one another.

The world setting was quite vague. There were fifteen realms, but only a few were actually named and you didn’t learn much about them and how they came about. It was mentioned in the book how plague destroyed the government. A president was also mentioned. Were the fifteen realms created after the plague destroyed the government? Why would there be a president? It felt like the author was trying to create a setting that would fit with her story. There was magic, kings and queens, priests, castles, market towns, forests, and the like. It was a watered down version of a fantasy setting.

Rating:

Recommendation: I would recommend this book to those that enjoy romances set in a light fantasy setting.

Dry as a Bone

The Confederacy of Heaven by Margaret Taylor

Summary: There has been no rain for two hundred years. Nasan Rattlingbones has been exiled from her clan and left to fend for herself in the waste. She discovers she may be at the heart of a heavenly conspiracy involving the curse on her world.

Disclaimer: I received this book from the author in exchange for a review.

Review: An interesting fantasy with unique elements and a realistic main character.

This book was a collection of different elements and genres although fantasy was the main genre. The idea of no rain for two hundred years was an interesting one although I wondered how anyone could have survived without water. It does turn out that there is snowfall, but no water, which does confuse me quite a bit. I also wasn't sure how people still had electricity (the townies) after 200 years nor did I understand how Nasan understood certainly technology so well. The world was not as primitive as I expected.

I really liked Nasan. She was a warrior who doubted her skills and wasn't this incredibly strong super bad ass warrior. She was a very realistic character. The story focuses on her journey and her strength of character, not how attractive she is or how unbelievably talented she is. My enjoyment of this book did wane a little as the book progressed due to what felt like needless complications and plot devices. I am glad that there was a happy ending and I would love to read more about the universe and Stars.

Rating:

Recommendation: I would recommend this to those that enjoy fantasy with elements of dystopia and science fiction.