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: 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. 

HISTORICAL FANTASY REVIEW: The Sisters Mederos - Patrice Sarath

RELEASE DATE:  05/04/18
PUBLISHER:  Angry Robot

SYNOPSIS:
House Mederos was once the wealthiest merchant family in Port Saint Frey. Now the family is disgraced, impoverished, and humbled by the powerful Merchants Guild. Daughters Yvienne and Tesara Mederos are determined to uncover who was behind their family's downfall and get revenge. But Tesara has a secret - could it have been her wild magic that caused the storm that destroyed the family's merchant fleet? The sisters' schemes quickly get out of hand. Gambling is one thing, but robbing people in the night is another… Together the sisters must trust each another to keep their secrets and save their family. 

REVIEW: 
An historical fantasy that delivers mystery, double dealing and murder in a tale of vengeance alongside redemption. 

Well written with two extremely likeable female lead protagonists who probably wouldn't be out of place in a Charlotte Bronte tale, which when blended wtih a solid supporting cast (some of whom felt like I wanted to spend more time around to see what they got up to, yes Uncle this means you)  and hopefully they'll be explored a bit more in future outings.

Add to this acceptable dialogue and a dash of romantic banditry which when accompanied with well laid plans that allow you the chance to escape into a brand new world full of opportunites.  A fun read and one that will break the monotony of some of the heavier tomes out there.  Cracking.