FANTASY BOOK REVIEW: The Sanctuary of the White Friars 2: The Woods of Arcady - Michael Moorcock

Release Date: 08/06/23

Publisher: Gollancz

SYNOPSIS:

In the 1970s, Michael Moorcock, a writer of genre fiction, attempts to save his failing marriage by taking his wife and daughters to Paris. One night in a bar he is amazed to find himself drinking with heroes of story and history. The next day he awakens aboard a sailing ship, kidnapped into another reality by a French highwayman and the four Musketeers, who know Moorcock well from adventures in London's Alsacia...but that was another Moorcock, from another world.

Soon after they reach Africa, the company are rescued from ambush by Antara, a poet-adventurer who offers to lead them across the desert and through several realities to the estate of Lord and Lady Blackstone. The trip is full of wonders Moorcock has read, dreamed, or written: an underground civilization of nonhuman creatures; a magical oasis where the lion lies down with the lamb; a lush garden inhabited by miniature dinosaurs.

They are pursued by the notorious Jacob Nixer, who also remembers the Alsacia and is determined to destroy Moorcock and his companions.

The Woods of Arcady is punctuated by episodes from the story of the Blackstones and by spirited, freewheeling appearances by Captain Buggerly Otherly and his companions from the Second Ether. As readers move deeper into Moorcock's multiverse, it rises up on all sides, ready to astound and delight.


REVIEW:

Michael Moorcock is an author with not only a long history, but one whose imagination at times knows no bounds as he returns to the world of the White Friars, in this, the second book in the series.

As you'd expect with him, the pace if phenominal with great action sequences alongside quieter lulls as you get the chance to get your breath back and get to learn more about those who appear within the pages.  

Its descriptive prose really works well engaging whilst not being overly flowery and when you throw into the mix the appearance of Moorcock himself all round makes this adventure one that is hard to put down.  (Thank you for the very late night Michael.)  

My only criticism of the book is that at times, it suffers from a lot of the same problems that many second books do in a series and whilst it is a solid read, it does at times feel a little like a filler as we wind up for the spectacular finale.  That said, it is above quite a few other authors out there and for me, really does show why the man is not just a legend in fiction but also in our own world.  Cracking

FANTASY REVIEW: Age of Madness 2: The Trouble with Peace - Joe Abercrombie

Release Date: 15/09/20

Publisher: Gollancz

SYNOPSIS:

Second in the AGE OF MADNESS trilogy, THE TROUBLE WITH PEACE is the next instalment of a series which is revolutionising fantasy . . . Conspiracy. Betrayal. Rebellion. Peace is just another kind of battlefield . . . 

 

Savine dan Glokta, once Adua's most powerful investor, finds her judgement, fortune and reputation in tatters. But she still has all her ambitions, and no scruple will be permitted to stand in her way. 

 

For heroes like Leo dan Brock and Stour Nightfall, only happy with swords drawn, peace is an ordeal to end as soon as possible. But grievances must be nursed, power seized and allies gathered first, while Rikke must master the power of the Long Eye . . . before it kills her. 

 

Unrest worms into every layer of society. The Breakers still lurk in the shadows, plotting to free the common man from his shackles, while noblemen bicker for their own advantage. Orso struggles to find a safe path through the maze of knives that is politics, only for his enemies, and his debts, to multiply. 

 

The old ways are swept aside, and the old leaders with them, but those who would seize the reins of power will find no alliance, no friendship, and no peace, lasts forever. 

 

REVIEW:

The second book in Joe's Age of Madness series is another wonderfully written epic tale where twists and turns keep the reader guessing as to what is going to happen. As you'll expect from his writing, the prose is razor sharp, the pace even through quieter sections wonderfully brisk and whilst you do get chance to breath, he knows what to do to keep you on the edge of your seat. 

 

When it happens, action is fast, deadly and precise with no extra fuss, just letting it speak for itself which when backed with top notch characters that you what to spend time around, all round makes this another gem that will be reread (if not before) in time for the next outing.

FANTASY REVIEW: Shroud of Prophecy 1: Fate of the Fallen - Kel Kade

Release Date: 05/11/19
Publisher: Tor UK



SYNOPSIS: Fate of the Fallen is the start of a brand new adventure from New York Times bestselling author Kel Kade

Not all stories have happy endings.
Everyone loves Mathias. Naturally, when he discovers it’s his destiny to save the world, he dives in head first, pulling his best friend Aaslo along for the ride.

However, saving the world isn’t as easy, or exciting, as it sounds in the stories. The going gets rough and folks start to believe their best chance for survival is to surrender to the forces of evil, which isn’t how the prophecy goes. At all. As the list of allies grows thin, and the friends find themselves staring death in the face they must decide how to become the heroes they were destined to be or, failing that, how to survive.




REVIEW: This is a book that I read and then wanted to take the time to think about my review before writing as I wanted to make sense of everything and figure out how to do it without ruining the tale in any way for the reader.

Yes the plotline in the blurb sounds a lot like your typical stereotypical fantasy title however what the author does differently is have the prophecy thing turned on its head, exploring what happens when evil triumphs.

Its a cracking concept, the prose is solid and the overall arc is more than entertaining. The pace keeps up with what the reader would expect of a first book in a series and what the author really has done well is flesh the characters out so that as a reader you give a damn as to what happens to them.

As you'd expect with this, its a title that really does take you for a ride with its quirky twists, some cracking asides and dialogue that will keep you reading late into the night not only because of how hard a time you'll have putting it down but also because of the joy of taking a different tack to a great many other titles out there.

FANTASY REVIEW: Someone Like Me - MR Carey

Release Date: 08/11/18
Publisher: Orbit



SYNOPSIS: Liz Kendall wouldn't hurt a fly. Even when times get tough, she's devoted to bringing up her kids in a loving home.
But there's another side to Liz, one that's dark and malicious. She will do anything to get her way - no matter how extreme.

And when her alter-ego takes control, the consequences are devastating.

Someone Like Me is the intoxicating new thriller from the phenomenal M. R. Carey. A modern take on the Jekyll and Hyde tale, think Gone Girl meets Stephen King - but you won't have read anything quite like this before . . .




REVIEW: Mike is an author that I fell in love with during his Felix Castor novels and to be honest it was his writing style that really struck a chord with me. I loved the gritty darkness within, the odd piece of humour to lighten it slightly and the way that he wove fantasy elements into a world we all recognise so after reading the book blurb, I couldn't wait to begin.

What unfurls within is a story of a person with two minds literally it is a book that has you asking questions and for me, the principle characters had hooks that made you care as well as wonder about them.

The prose is solid, the dialogue works well and for e the paces lulls and peaks were ideally placed to allow you to grab a breath before the next sequence happened so that you could again question what you knew.

All round another cracking outing from Mike and I can't wait to see how many other modern myths he brings fresh blood to. Magic

FANTASY REVIEW: Legion: The Many lives of Stephen Leeds - Brandon Sanderson

Release Date: 24/09/18
Publisher:  Gollancz/Tor US



SYNOPSIS: From #1 New York Times bestselling author Brandon Sanderson comes a new novella collection, including a brand new, never-been-published story.
Stephen Leeds is schizophrenic (. . . probably . . .) and he's in demand. But not for his own skills - his clients want to tap into the imaginary experts that populate his mind - and it's getting a bit crowded in there.
One of his many 'aspects' is a trained soldier, another a psychological expert, a third is a librarian, and all of them want to help him solve problems, making him an exceptionally versatile intelligence agent. If you need a stolen corpse retrieved or a missing inventor found, Stephen Leeds is the man - or rather, the team - for the job. But managing a team is a challenge in itself, all the more so when some of the team feel they know better than Stephen himself . . .
The Many Lives of Stephen Leeds is an omnibus edition of the three amazing Legion novellas: Legion, Legion: Skin Deep and Legion: Lies of the Beholder.


REVIEW: An epic fantasy that works wonders from the fast paced and prolific mind of Brandon Sanderson that really feels like it can do no wrong with the writing. Whilst this is a compendium of the three novella's its a book that has many twists and turns, a cracking concept and of course protaongist(s) that really help move the tales along.
Its got great pace, wonderful prose and to be honest I was surprised at the loss of time when I turned the final page thinking that not long had passed. Add to this a supporting cast that works wonders, a fleshed out world that we can believe in and all round I was a more than happy reader. A real treat, however do not confuse this with the TV series Legion, its completely different both story and character wise.

SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY REVIEW: Warhammer Adventures: Attack of the Necron - Tom Huddleston, City of Lifestone - Cavan Scott

Release Date:  21/02/19
Publisher:   Warhammer Adventures

SYNOPSIS:  
Zelia Lor’s life changes when Necrons attack her home planet and rip it apart! Separated from her mother, Zelia must escape the doomed world, her only hope a scrambled transmission promising safety at a mysterious place known only as the Emperor’s Seat. She is joined by a rag-tag group of survivors – the street-tough Talen, gadget-obsessed Martian boy Mekki and super-intelligent alien-ape, Fleapit.  

REVIEW:  
With Warhammer 40K always aimed at a more adult audience, I was wondering how they were going to translate it for a younger reader and still keep the dark sense of foreboding against the grim reality of a universe full of death and disaster without leaving the audience scared and wanting to continue reading. What has been presented is a cast of characters that not only suit the younger audience but give them hope and a real sense of adventure throughout the danger and death as they use their skills to face one of the deadliest foes known to mankind. Its a great read, it keeps the thrills and excitement going and for me this was a wonderful trip into a familiar world that was not dumbed down for younger readers but gives a different take on the dangers within which all in, really made this a great page turner. Cracking. 
 

Release Date:  21/02/19
Publisher:   Warhammer Adventures

SYNOPSIS: Raised as a slave, Kiri dreams of a better life. That day comes when her barbarian captors are attacked by the noble Stormcast Eternals. Seizing her chance, Kiri flees through a mysterious realmgate to the fabled city of Lifestone! There she meets a special group of children – Thanis, the fighter; Alish, the inventor; Kaspar; the sneak and Elio, the healer. Together, they must lift a terrible curse and save the city from darkness.  

REVIEW:  
A cracking opener to a series that really will hook younger readers into the Warhammer Fantasy world with a lead character who is tough and able to look after herself whilst also being self reliant with a fear of trusting others in the grim world to which she inhabits. Its well written, has great prose and brings the dangers to the fore without concentrating too much on the detail but allows the viewer to see how harsh life can be. Add to the mix a character who will grow, allows the reader to form bonds and care and all round i was a more than happy reader and can't wait to see what will happen in future outings.

FANTASY REVIEW: Poison wars 1: City of Lies - Sam Hawke

RELEASE DATE:  23/08/18

PUBLISHER:   Bantam Press

SYNOPSIS:
I was seven years old the first time my uncle poisoned me . . .

Only a handful of people in Silasta know Jovan’s real purpose in life. To most, he is just another son of the ruling class. The quiet, forgettable friend of the Chancellor’s charming, irresponsible heir. In reality, Jovan has been trained for most of his life to detect, concoct and withstand poisons in order to protect the ruling family.

His sister Kalina is too frail to share in their secret family duty. While other women of the city hold positions of power and responsibility, her path is full of secrets and lies – some hidden even from her own brother.

Until now, peace has reigned in Silasta for hundreds of years. But when the Chancellor succumbs to an unknown poison and an army storms the gates, the so-called Bright City is completely unprepared. It falls to Jovan and Kalina to protect the heir and save their homeland – but first they must make their way through a new world of unexpected treachery, a world where the ancient spirits are rising . . . and angry.

This fabulous epic fantasy debut will appeal to readers of Joe Abercrombie and Terry Brooks, Robin Hobb and Mark Lawrence and all points in between.


REVIEW:
I've been hearing a lot of good things from various friends at Bantam about this book for quite some time, so I was more than happy to dive in when a copy landed upon my doorstep. 

What Sam brings to the fore, in this her debut book, is a tale that has a lot of the elements that I love in modern fantasy, intrigue, double dealing, ruthless ambition blended with solid action sequences and of course morals that give the characters within not only their own codes but their own outlook on their existence that leads to more than some interesting points of view.

The book is delightfully written with great prose and pace that keeps the story moving, also reflecting on presenting a believable world and when you add into this characters that feel fleshed enough to pass on the street, all round makes this a book that was not only hard to put down but for me presented a title that was so much of a highlight that I'm sure it will make my top five books of the year.

I really can't wait to see what Sam has in store for future outings and if the following match this one for quality and development, all round will make her a firm name on fan's buy lists for quite some time to come.  Trust me, get this title now, I really can see the book getting optioned for something soon and personally is a book I can't recommend enough to fantasy fans.

FANTASY REVIEW: The Age of Dread Trilogy 2: Magefall - Stephen Aryan

RELEASE DATE:  06/09/18
PUBLISHER:  ORBIT


SYNOPSIS:

When magic is feared, the mages must learn to fight for themselves in this powerful sequel to the standout epic fantasy Mageborn by Stephen Aryan.

The land is in turmoil. Mages are hunted by men and gods alike. Even their own kind betray each other in the name of safety and protection.

With their last refuge fallen, two young mages must conspire against a god to show the world that their abilities aren't a curse; they are the only way to ensure lasting peace. Under the threat of anti-magic fanatics, Wren struggles to find her place as a leader and to keep her people safe as they build a new home. While Danoph searches for answers on a spiritual journey, determined to find out who he really is and where he came from in an effort to calm the coming storm.

Their world has turned against them, yet only they can save the world.

REVIEW:
The second book in the series and to be honest you can tell that its the middle  book in the trilogy because it feels to have a lot of filler within the pages to me.  That's not saying its bad, the writing is solid, the characters are definitely interesting but for me its the pace that leads me to feel this way as it seems to meander in some places.

All in, I am still enjoying the series and this book has helped add a little extra flavour to the world as well as allowing more character development and I suspect that the way that these events will unfurl will end up with one hell of a climax where we discover that the villain isn't quite as black as we suspect.

FANTASY REVIEW: The Fall of Shannara 2: The Skaar Invasion - Terry Brooks

RELEASE DATE:  21/06/18
PUBLISHER:  Orbit

SYNOPSIS:
Following The Black Elfstone comes the second book in The Fall of Shannara - the epic four-part conclusion to the Shannara series from one of the all-time masters of the fantasy genre.
Tensions in the Four Lands are high. The mysterious force that laid waste to Paranor has revealed a more human face. While some gain a new understanding of the invaders and what they are after, others continue their existing quests even as the peril rises. For what looked to be a formidable invading force proves only the forerunner of a much vaster army - one that is now marching against the Four Lands in all its fury.


REVIEW:
The second book in the Fall of Shanarra series and muddies the waters wonderfully so that the reader isn't quite sure whether the Ohmsford is what the worlds needs or fears.  Its quirky, its a tale that works wonderfully well for me and whilst there are some problems with pacing in the story, the way that it develops feels organic generating a story that was a huge amount of fun to read.

Add to this, solid prose, dlalogue that works well and all round I was a more than happy reader, here's hoping that book three doesn't feel like a filler for the conclusion in book four and continues to develop the overall arc with the characters.  Top notch.

FANTASY REVIEW: The Traitor God - Cameron Johnston

RELEASE DATE:  07/06/18
PUBLISHER:  Angry Robot

SYNOPSIS:
A city threatened by unimaginable horrors must trust their most hated outcast, or lose everything, in this crushing epic fantasy debut. After ten years on the run, dodging daemons and debt, reviled magician Edrin Walker returns home to avenge the brutal murder of his friend. Lynas had uncovered a terrible secret, something that threatened to devour the entire city. He tried to warn the Arcanum, the sorcerers who rule the city. He failed. Lynas was skinned alive and Walker felt every cut. Now nothing will stop him from finding the murderer. Magi, mortals, daemons, and even the gods - Walker will burn them all if he has to. After all, it wouldn't be the first time he's killed a god...


REVIEW:
Fantasy is a genre that many people think of as quite simplistic falling into the "there's a hero, he goes out, kicks some butt and that's about it" camp or "Its Elves, fairies and shit isn't it?"  Well sorry to disappoint but we've evolved as a genre, yes we do still have that sort of stuff but then you get kickass titles like this debut from Cameron Johnston who gives the reader a book of vengeance, high octane action, political double dealing and overall characters that really help to drive not only the story but the world involved forward.

The pose is solid enough and the world is definitely one of interest but for me, its the characters that stand out.  I loved the principle hero who whilst dislikeable at the beginning demonstrated the complexities of his situation who whilst seperated from a lot of others within due to his abilities, also has a caring side alongside being distanced.  Its well done, brings a lot of differing aspects to the fore and for me, I loved every minute of it.

All round a cracking debut and with a few twists and turns is a book that I hope will lead on to others for the author as I really did get a lot from it.  Magic.

FANTASY REVIEW: Kingdom of Grit 1: The Thousand Deaths of Ardor Benn - Tyler Whitesides

RELEASE DATE:  15/05/18
PUBLISHER:   Orbit

SYNOPSIS:

AN EXPLOSIVE TALE OF DARING DEEDS, DECEIT AND DRAGONS
Ardor Benn is no ordinary thief - a master of wildly complex heists, he styles himself a Ruse Artist Extraordinaire.
When a mysterious priest hires him for the most daring ruse yet, Ardor knows he'll need more than quick wit and sleight of hand. Assembling a dream team of forgers, disguisers, schemers and thieves, he sets out to steal from the most powerful king the realm has ever known.
But it soon becomes clear there's more at stake than fame and glory - Ard and his team might just be the last hope for human civilisation.

REVIEW:
To be honest I was really looking forward to this title, I loved the synopsis and couldn't wait to see how the whole thing would pan out, however rather than being a high octane fantasy heist  title, the book was rather a bit of a damp squib due to rather two dimensional stereotypical cast members with no real hooks to get the reader to care about their fates.

The writing was a little lack-lustre for me, the book could have been heavily edited to cut out a lot of fluff and of course that way would have allowed for solid pacing rather than a lot of running about with no real gain for the reader.

Back this up with basic dialogue and sadly all round, its a book that I can forget quite easily.  A great shame.

FANTASY REVIEW: Gods of Blood and Powder 2/2: Wrath of Empire - Brian McClellan

RELEASE DATE:  15/05/18
PUBLISHER:  Orbit

SYNOPSIS:
The country is in turmoil. With the capital city occupied, half a million refugees are on the march, looking for safety on the frontier, accompanied by Lady Flint's soldiers. But escaping war is never easy, and soon the battle may find them, whether they are prepared or not.
Back in the capital, Michel Bravis smuggles even more refugees out of the city. But internal forces are working against him. With enemies on all sides, Michel may be forced to find help with the very occupiers he's trying to undermine.
Meanwhile, Ben Styke is building his own army. He and his mad lancers are gathering every able body they can find and searching for an ancient artifact that may have the power to turn the tides of war in their favor. But what they find may not be what they're looking for.


REVIEW:
Another cracking novel from a favourite author who not only brings guns to the fore in his fantasy world but also brings complicated political situations whilst cleverly weaving action sequences into the book.

Its high octane moments have you running for cover with your favoured heroes, the politicla machinations have you wondering how its going to be twisted and when enemies move alongside counter strike, it really keeps you glued page after page.

Throw into the mix, characters that continue to grow through the ordeal's that they've undergone alongside living with choices they've made, all round makes this a series that I really can't find fault with.  A magical read and one I'd heartily recommend to other fantasy fans.

FANTASY REVIEW: The Winnowing Flame 2: The Bitter Twins - Jen Williams

RELEASE DATE:  08/03/18

PUBLISHER:  Headline

SYNOPSIS:
The Ninth Rain has fallen. The Jure'lia are awake. Nothing can be the same again.
Tormalin the Oathless and the fell-witch Noon have their work cut out rallying the first war-beasts to be born in Ebora for three centuries. But these are not the great winged warriors of old. Hatched too soon and with no memory of their past incarnations, these onetime defenders of Sarn can barely stop bickering, let alone face an ancient enemy who grow stronger each day.
The key to uniting them, according to the scholar Vintage, may lie in a part of Sarn no one really believes exists - a distant island, mysteriously connected to the fate of two legendary Eborans who disappeared long ago.
But finding it will mean a perilous journey in a time of war, while new monsters lie in wait for those left behind.
Join the heroes of THE NINTH RAIN as they battle a terrible evil, the likes of which Sarn has never known.


REVIEW:
I love a fantasy book that takes me not only on a journey but also throws in self discovery for the characters about their own needs as well as desires and how they learn to live with the consequences of their choices and for me Jen is an author that has delivered on this time and again.

Starting not long after the first outing in this series (The Ninth Rain) we get to see how the characters have been changed alongside how they're coping now that they've seen exactly what lies in wait for them.

They're strong, they have flaws and for me, I just love it when new cast is added to help create new tensions as well as possible misdirection's within the series.  All round a cracking read with top notch prose and dialogue that just trips off the page.  Magic.

FANTASY REVIEW: The Drifting Lands 2: Dragon Road - Joseph Brassey

RELEASE DATE:  01/05/18
PUBLISHER:  Angry Robot

SYNOPSIS:
A murderous plot aboard a city-sized flying ship must be averted before a crazed cult sends a million people to their deaths When portal-mage Harkon Bright and his apprentice are asked to help select a new captain for the immense skyship Elysium, they quickly find themselves embroiled in its Machiavellian officer's court. Aboard the Iseult, the warlord Azrael, saved by his former enemies, struggles to adapt to his unexpected gift of life while suffering dark dreams of an ancient terror. As the skies darken and storm-clouds gather on the Dragon Road, the crew of the Elysium come face to face with deadly intrigues, plots from beyond death, and a terrible darkness that lurks in the heart of a thousand-year storm.


REVIEW:
The second book in Joseph's Drifting Lands series and one that really does deliver as our intrepid characters face adversity, distrust and a new crew member seeks to find his place in this city sized skyship.  Its definitely a book that works well with the plot line and when you throw into the mix characters that you want to spend time with political machinations alongside double dealing and backstabbing all round leaves the reader at times wondering which way is up and if those within seek the cities downfall rather than its continual existence as death threatens many aboard.

All round a great read and a title that more than kept me interested as I loved the concept and the explanations as to why the functionality alongside "science" of the ship which help make much more sense of things for me as a reader. 

Finally throw into the mix a solid understanding of pace and it lets you breath just enough to prepare for the next endorphin filled scene. 

FANTASY REVIEW: The Sond of the Shattered Sands 3: A Veil of Spears - Bradly Beaulieu

RELEASE DATE:  22/03/18

PUBLISHER:  Gollancz


SYNOPSIS:

The Night of Endless Swords nearly saw the destruction of Sharakhai, and since then the Kings have come down hard on the rebelloious Moonless Host. Hundreds have been murdered or given to the Confessor King for questioning. Hundreds more have fled. Including Çeda, who has discovered that Onur, the King of Sloth, has returned to the desert to raise an army and challenge the remaining kings.
The Moonless Host - who have taken to calling themselves the Thirteen Tribe - will be trapped between Onur's growing influence and the considerable might of the kings who, with Sharakhai firmly back under their rule, are turning their attention to the desert once more.
Çeda knows that the asirim are the key. If she can lift their curse and free them from their bondage, then they can save Thirteenth Tribe from the the squabbling kings . . . and perhaps the kings themselves are no longer as unified as they once were. As they vie against each other for control of the city, could Çeda make an ally of one of them? And which one, when any of them could betray her as easily as they would their fellow kings.
Whatever the solution, the end is coming: as Çeda focuses on freeing the asirim and weaken the kings' hold on Sharakhai, the kings' forces, the scheming queen of Qaimir, Hamzakiir the ruthless blood mage, and the thirteenth tribe all prepare for a grand clash that may decide the fate of all who sail the desert.

REVIEW:
The third book in the series and remembering that the second jumped straight in from where the original left off I pretty much expected the same with this the conclusion to the trilogy.  Which to be honest was just as well I did as from the start, the book never let up with its top notch pace and plot lines that you had to pay attention to.

However the best bit about the book, is the way that the principle characters have changed over time, they've grown, they've expanded and been affected by previous choices which feels not only organic but a sign that the author has really worked hard to keep the book not only consistant but developed in such a way that you can't help but care as to their fates.


All round a wonderful read and an author I'll be returning to in the future with pure joy.  Magic.

FANTASY REVIEW: Swords and Fire 2: The Defiant Heir - Melissa Caruso

RELEASE DATE:  26/04/18
PUBLISHER:  Orbit
EXCEPT

SYNOPSIS:
Across the border, the Witch Lords are preparing for war. But before an invasion of Raverra can begin, all seventeen Witch Lords must gather to agree a course of action. Lady Amalia Cornaro knows that this conclave might be her only chance to stifle the growing flames of war.
Amalia and her warlock Zaira must go behind enemy lines, using every ounce of wit and cunning they have to avert the coming conflict. If they fail, it will all come down to swords and fire.


REVIEW:
As a reader, I love it when a book takes me on a journey and does something a little different and having read the original book in this series, The Tethered Mage, I was wondering what the author would do with the cast and how the events that were portrayed previously would effect them.  After all with so much having happened, its not like those involved could carry on as they were and the events certainly shaped changes not only in the world but in the characters themselves.

What Melissa did well was carry on with the expansion of her creative world, the magics, the cultures and perhaps best of all, the characters as we got to see how they'd not only changed in thier relationships but personality based on what they'd done.

Back this up with cracking prose, delightfully written plot and of course a pace that gives you chance to breath and think about events as they play out.  Finally throw into the mix, new cast introductions, political intrigue and this YA Fantasy shows that it offers a lot to readers of all ages.  Magic.

FANTASY REVIEW: Winternight Trilogy 2: The Girl in the Tower - Katherine Arden

RELEASE DATE:  25/01/18

PUBLISHER:  Del Rey

SYNOPSIS:
For a young woman in medieval Russia, the choices are stark: marriage or a life in a convent. Vasya will choose a third way: magic...

The court of the Grand Prince of Moscow is plagued by power struggles and rumours of unrest. Meanwhile bandits roam the countryside, burning the villages and kidnapping its daughters. Setting out to defeat the raiders, the Prince and his trusted companion come across a young man riding a magnificent horse.

Only Sasha, a priest with a warrior's training, recognises this 'boy' as his younger sister, thought to be dead or a witch by her village. But when Vasya proves herself in battle, riding with remarkable skill and inexplicable power, Sasha realises he must keep her secret as she may be the only way to save the city from threats both human and fantastical...


REVIEW:
I love a book that presents you with a story that is not just well written, but done in such a way that its more visual like a photo rather than painted on the readers imagination.  This is what Katherine has done not only in the previous novel but also this, the second book in the series. 

It has solid plotlines, cracking prose and perhaps best of all, characters that have evolved from the previous excursion as events have shaped them and for me, as a reader, I just loved to spend time with them as the vivid landscape helped ground them.  All round a cracking book and one that was a pure joy to read.

SCI-FI/FANTASY REVIEW: Terra Ignota 2: Seven Surrenders - Ada Palmer

RELEASE DATE:  05/04/10
PUBLISHER:  Head of Zeus

SYNOPSIS:

The Year is 2454.
The sun is setting on a hard-won golden age. For three centuries, humanity has enjoyed peace and prosperity fuelled by technological abundance, oracular data analytics, careful censorship... and just a little blood.
In a world dominated by seven factions, or 'Hives', the price of peace has been a few secret murders, mathematically planned to ensure political and economic balance. But now the secret is out, the balance is slipping and war beckons.
Convict Mycroft Canner knew this war was coming – he committed his terrible crimes to forestall it. Now, he has just one card left, a wild card no degree of statistical genius could have predicted: a thirteen-year-old child with the power to work miracles. Turning thought into matter, matter in life, this child has the power to save the world, or to doom it.

REVIEW:
When an author comes to the table with quite a unique tale you'll find that they either capture the reader or that they're thrown into a wary state of never going near it as the reviews can be can overly complicate a tale with all the hidden meanings and contexts that can  be drawn between the authors musings and the real world, but there are times when a book has such complexities that it raises more questions for the reader than it answers as well as gets them to question thier own standings and ethics.

Such is the case with this, the secon dbook from Ada Palmer.  Within its rich tapestry of world building, political intrigue and machinations are never far from the fore front with sequences that make you question life as well as how people act alongside seeing it through new eyes as he characters within seek to find thier own way and moral compass.  Its definitely a series that is quite deep philosophically and whilst its a fantasy in some respects, for others its more of a Sci-Fi epic.

Back this up with characters that make the world feel alive, dialogue that takes you from various points with ease alongside an overall arc that whilst at first appearing a little messy is full of little nuggets of info that will later come back to haunt you, so much so that a reread of the both books in the series after completing this, will allow you to pick up details that truly herald something pretty epic for the third outing.  Magical.

FANTASY REVIEW: Blades of the Fallen 2: Nightblade's Honor - Ryan Kirk

RELEASE DATE:  10/04/18
PUBLISHER:  47 North

SYNOPSIS:

In the riveting sequel to Nightblade’s Vengeance, the nightblades must choose a side, and the Kingdom will either rise again…or shatter into pieces.
With the realm on the brink of war, the once-celebrated blades have become an easy target for the rage of its devastated citizens. The nightblade warrior Asa’s lifelong quest for vengeance is over, but now she finds herself on the run from the people she sought to protect. As Asa forges a new course of action in an uncertain world, her path crosses with that of a young noblewoman.
Mari knows that great opportunity lies in the heart of chaos. If the Kingdom is to rise again, Mari will need support, and she can think of no group better than the nightblades. But the nightblades have been betrayed before, and gaining their trust will not be easy.
Mari wants to save the Kingdom. Asa wants to save the people. Both are willing to risk everything. But do their quests make them allies… or enemies?

REVIEW:
As a reader I love it when an author brings characters who are valued for their skills and abilities over their gender and delivers characters that are fully rounded to face the trials and tribulations that the author has them face. 

Here in this tale by Ryan, are characters who jump from the page into your imagination as a feudal style system faces its darkest time where all the warriors have to fall back on is their honour.  Its well written, it has some solid twists and for me the action sequences really delivered as I made my way through the plotline.

Add to this solid dialogue and all round I was a satisfied reader when the final page turned.

FANTASY REVIEW: The Books of Babel Trilogy 1 and 2: Senlin Ascends and Arm of the Sphinx - Josiah Bancroft

RELEASE DATE:  18/01/18

PUBLISHER:  Orbit


SYNOPSIS:
DISCOVER THE EXTRAORDINARY DEBUT THAT HAS GOT EVERYONE TALKING
Mild-mannered headmaster, Thomas Senlin prefers his adventures to be safely contained within the pages of a book. So when he loses his new bride shortly after embarking on the honeymoon of their dreams, he is ill-prepared for the trouble that follows.
To find her, Senlin must enter the Tower of Babel - a world of geniuses and tyrants, of menace and wonder, of unusual animals and mysterious machines. And if he hopes to ever see his wife again, he will have to do more than just survive . . . this quiet man of letters must become a man of action.


REVIEW:
If you want a book that not only breaks the rules but smashes them to pieces in its own creativity that will lead others to follow in this new set of foot steps then you need to start this series from Josiah.

Its beautifully woven selection of worlds (as each layer brings new cast, dangers, contexts and environments) situated around one mans plight to find his beloved.  It has great prose, great twists with manipulations and above all demonstrates what our hero will undergo to be reunited with his wife.

Add to the mix a good solid understanding of dialogue and pace that allows you to take brief breaks in order to catch your breath before the next revelation and all round its the start to a series that if it continues in this vein is going to be epic.  Cracking.

RELEASE DATE:  15/03/18
PUBLISHER:  Orbit



SYNOPSIS:
Forced by necessity into a life of piracy, Senlin and his eclectic crew struggle to survive aboard their stolen airship as the hunt for his lost wife continues. But the Tower of Babel is proving to be as difficult to re-enter as it was to escape.
Hopeless and desolate, they turn to a legend of the tower, the mysterious Sphinx. But help from the sphinx doesn't come cheaply and, as Senlin knows, debts aren't always what they seem in the Tower of Babel.




REVIEW:
The second book in the Books of Babel series and one that really does help expand not only the world but also allows the reader to get more personal with Senlin's crew of characters as they not only fill out a bit more but add complex layers to the story which not only leaves you wondering whats going to happen but how events will twist and turn their goals and beliefs.

Its a delightful read, one that helps add additional depth to the worlds within but also give you mythos that feels like this is an epic quest for the ages as events weave their way where tricks and twists leave you wondering which way is up.

Back this up with a stellar authorly voice that stands out from others alongside great plotlines and use of prose alongside pace and the wait for the final tale will be a long time coming.  Cracking.