Seven Blades in Black by Sam Sykes

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Category: Adult
Genre: Fantasy
Content: Lots of the F word; A brief, mostly non-descript, sex scene between two women; Revenge killings


Among humans, none have power like mages. And among mages, none have will like Sal the Cacophony. Once revered, now vagrant, she walks a wasteland scarred by generations of magical warfare. The Scar, a land torn between powerful empires, is where rogue mages go to disappear, disgraced soldiers go to die and Sal went with a blade, a gun and a list of names she intended to use both on. But vengeance is a flame swift extinguished. Betrayed by those she trusted most, her magic torn from her and awaiting execution, Sal the Cacophony has one last tale to tell before they take her head. All she has left is her name, her story and the weapon she used to carved both.

Vengeance is its own reward.


This is a fantasy that reads like a revenge western, and I knew going into it, that it would be dark and not my usual cup of tea. That being said, I actually liked this book quite a lot. Sal was a hardened person who had seen a lot of betrayal, but she was also funny, and I found myself laughing at things I never thought I would laugh at...like dead bodies stuck in wheels. It was due to the bits of humor in the book that I was able to like it as much as I did. Otherwise it would have been so dark, that I probably would have set it aside and never looked back.

The reason it's getting 3.5 instead of 4 stars from me is that I thought it was 200 pages longer than it needed to be. It started to drag at around the 400 page mark and it felt like it was never going to end; something I also said about the last book I read, that also happened to be over 600 pages long. In the future, I really need to make sure I don't schedule two long fantasy reads back to back like that. The other reason for the 3.5, is that there was an excessive amount of the F bomb thrown in. That last thing is a personal preference, that may not bother other people, but personally I prefer less of it, or even better, none at all. I also thought that the love interest was a bit too whiny over Sal, and what she chose to do with her life, not that I couldn't sympathize, but it got old after a while.

This looks to be a trilogy, but I think I'm good with stopping here.

The Shadow of What Was Lost by James Islington

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Category: Adult
Genre: Fantasy
Content: Strong language

 
It has been twenty years since the god-like Augurs were overthrown and killed. Now, those who once served them - the Gifted - are spared only because they have accepted the rebellion's Four Tenets, vastly limiting their own powers.
As a young Gifted, Davian suffers the consequences of a war lost before he was even born. He and his friends are despised beyond their school walls for the magical power they wield: a power that Davian, despite his best efforts, cannot seem to control. Worse, with his final test approaching and the consequences of failure severe, time to overcome his struggles is fast running out.
But when Davian discovers he wields the forbidden power of the Augurs, he unwittingly sets in motion a chain of events that will change his life - and shake the entire world.

I've wanted to read this book since it was released, but didn't get to it until now. With comparisons to Wheel of Time, LOTR, and Sanderson, I was sure I was going to love it, but unfortunately it disappointed me. In fact, I'm coming up blank when I try to think of anything truly memorable about it. I can't say what went wrong for me, other than it was just good, not great, and nothing that happened really moved me. It also wasn't what I was expecting. The main reason for that is the element of time travel that was introduced into the story. While time travel itself didn't bother me, the fact that it took the story in a completely different direction than I was hoping, did.

This book is pretty long at over 600 pages, and it moves at a fairly slow pace. This caused me to feel as though I would never reach the end! I don't consider it a good thing when I'm actually looking forward to the end of a book. There were some good things though. I liked the characters a lot, especially Asha, who I thought had the most compelling story. There were also a couple of good twists. Too bad the characters were practically spoon fed everything. They were always in the right place at the right time, or happened to meet just the right people they needed to meet.

Overall this wasn't a bad book, but if I'm going to spend the time reading a 600 plus page book, I want it to be great. With the sequels being over 700 and 800 pages long, I'm leaning towards abandoning this series.

Supernova by Marissa Meyer

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Category: Young Adult
Genre: Fantasy
Content: Clean


Nova and Adrian are struggling to keep their secret identities concealed while the battle rages on between their alter egos, their allies, and their greatest fears come to life. Secrets, lies, and betrayals are revealed as anarchy once again threatens to reclaim Gatlon City.

What a let down this series ended up being. I loved the first book. The second book ended up disappointing me, mainly because of Nova and the way she side-stepped every opportunity to do the right thing. Needless to say, I wasn't very excited to read this one, but I still had hopes that Nova would be redeemed. Well, now that I've finished the last book, I almost wish I had just abandoned this series after book two and just moved on. What was wrong with it? Let me start by saying that every single character in this book was brainless. They can't figure anything out to save their lives, even when the evidence was staring them right in their faces. The dumbing down of characters for the sake of a story is one of my biggest pet peeves, and this book was by far, the worst offender I've ever read. Add on top of that, decisions that were made that made no sense, and had no explanation, a total lack of any sort of planning or strategy on the Renegade's part, and this book had me throwing up my hands in disbelief. How did these characters ever win the first battle? From figuring out the obvious, to utilizing their super powers to the fullest, they are so stupid and inept at everything they do in this book.

Honestly I got so frustrated with this book that I felt like throwing it at the wall a few times. Nova once again declines every opportunity to do the right thing. I was expecting Nova to have a change of heart in book two, with certain people coming together in book three to be the catalyst for change. When that didn't happen, I was hoping Nova wouldn't take so long to make that change in book three, but it's just more of the same here, with Nova disappointing me over and over. **Minor spoiler here- And I'm sorry, but I don't buy that right at the last second she would finally do the right thing, and all would just be forgiven. Too much happened for a happy rainbows and unicorns ending for her.

Overall this book is longer than it needs to be, and things just keep repeating for too long. And once I got to the last 150 pages or so it felt like the book would never end, with the end battle being too long and drawn out. The big reveals in the book were also not surprising as I had figured them out already. The one about Ace, I figured out when I read the first book. The one thing I kind of liked about the book was the epilogue. The reason, is that I absolutely agreed with Magpie and her thoughts on how things had ended up. It wouldn't last. This looks like a setup for a spin off series with the revelation about Magpie, and the way it all ends. We're supposed to believe there are no villains? Give me a break! There were villains in this book who did terrible things, and they are celebrating one of them at the end of this book like they were no different from anyone else. There is something seriously wrong here...


I'm going to put some of my complaints behind a spoiler because I just really need to gripe! 

***Spoiler- The Renegades, after being so clueless they couldn't see the noses on their own faces, are finally told by Danna that Nova is Nightmare. And why couldn't Danna have come up with some way sooner, to tell them when she was stuck in butterfly form? She could have had her butterflies land on letters to spell it out or something ages ago. But now that I'm thinking about this, they would have been too dumb to figure it out anyway. I mean, they were trying to figure out which Renegade had betrayed them all, and every one of her butterflies landed on Nova and they couldn't figure that enormous hint out. Plus, there were so many clues pointing to the fact that Nova betrayed them, that Danna shouldn't have had to tell them. Then after Danna finally is human again and tells them, and Nova is in prison, they suddenly realize they only have circumstantial evidence against Nova, just because someone else dressed up like Nightmare while Nova was in custody. It was obvious it could have been anyone dressed as her, and the evidence didn't change because of that. They were going to execute her based on circumstantial evidence without even having a trial (which shows how terrible their justice system is), then they suddenly let her go and apologize, because they fell for the trick of someone else dressing up like Nightmare. There is no dialog where this decision is made either. We aren't shown the argument for releasing her at all. They are just suddenly going to release her and apparently Adrian had no trouble convincing the council that this was a good idea. 

Then there is Adrian, who has this amazing ability that he hides from everyone to the detriment of others. He tattooed a copy of the vitality pendant on his chest to protect himself from the Agent N serum that strips people of their super powers, but was too afraid others would find out about his secret abilities and his alter ego if they knew he could do that, so he wouldn't tattoo them onto anyone else. First off that was selfish, because he could have helped everyone else, but there is also another simple solution to this problem. Everyone knows he can sketch things and make them come to life. Why didn't he just draw copes of the pendant for everyone to wear? Also after everyone else finally knows his secrets and they go off to the Anarchists lair to confront them, he STILL doesn't think to make copies of the pendant for everyone else, not even in tattoo form, so they go in unprotected, and of course all his friends lose their powers.

And about the loss of powers. It looked like everyone was going to end up without powers, and you know what? I would have been fine with that. But then the book ends up with this ridiculous ending were everyone on earth has them.  [ The Renegades, after being so clueless they couldn't see the noses on their own faces, are finally told by Danna that Nova is Nightmare. And why couldn't Danna have come up with some way sooner, to tell them when she was stuck in butterfly form? She could have had her butterflies land on letters to spell it out or something ages ago. But now that I'm thinking about this, they would have been too dumb to figure it out anyway. I mean, they were trying to figure out which Renegade had betrayed them all, and every one of her butterflies landed on Nova and they couldn't figure that enormous hint out. Plus, there were so many clues pointing to the fact that Nova betrayed them, that Danna shouldn't have had to tell them. Then after Danna finally is human again and tells them, and Nova is in prison, they suddenly realize they only have circumstantial evidence against Nova, just because someone else dressed up like Nightmare while Nova was in custody. It was obvious it could have been anyone dressed as her, and the evidence didn't change because of that. They were going to execute her based on circumstantial evidence without even having a trial (which shows how terrible their justice system is), then they suddenly let her go and apologize, because they fell for the trick of someone else dressing up like Nightmare. There is no dialog where this decision is made either. We aren't shown the argument for releasing her at all. They are just suddenly going to release her and apparently Adrian had no trouble convincing the council that this was a good idea.  (hide spoiler)]

Follow You Home by Mark  Edwards

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Category: Adult
Genre: Mystery, Thriller
Content: Lots of F bombs, rape, and other atrocities that I won't mention because of spoilers

 
It was supposed to be the trip of a lifetime, a final adventure before settling down. But after a perfect start, an encounter with a young couple on a night train forces Daniel and Laura to cut their dream trip short and flee home.

Back in London, Daniel and Laura vow never to talk about what happened that night. But as they try to fit into their old lives again, they realize they are in terrible danger—and that their nightmare is just beginning…

Well that was quite a ride! I spend most of the book trying to figure out what the heck was going on. This was a twisty thriller, and I actually got a bit frustrated with how long the author drew out the suspense. For goodness sake, I just wanted to know what happened at that creepy house in the woods! Needless to say, this book kept me reading. At times I thought both Laura and Daniel were loony toons, and I was beginning to wonder if some things really happened.

I was convinced that since there was so much suspense leading up to what happened, it was going to be a big let down when it all was finally revealed. In the end, it wasn't a let down, and I was so glad of that, even though once we started getting those parts of the story, it was easy to piece together what was going on in that house. The thing that kept me most intrigued was trying to figure out how all the events fit together, or if they were completely unrelated. Some of the events seemed a bit far-fetched, while others seemed pretty plausible.

I loved that this book kept me guessing, so that automatically gives it 4 stars, and I didn't see that last twist coming at all, so that was another plus. The thing I had a hard time with, was some of the things that happened were pretty hard to read about. After reading this, I am most certainly going to try another book by this author.

Empress of a Thousand Skies by Rhoda Belleza

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Category: Young Adult
Genre: Space Opera
Content: Strong language, a couple of rather gruesome deaths

 
The only surviving heir to an ancient Kalusian dynasty, Rhee has spent her life training to destroy the people who killed her family. Now, on the eve of her coronation, the time has finally come for Rhee to claim her throne - and her revenge.

Alyosha is a Wraetan who has risen above his war refugee origins to find fame as the dashing star of a DroneVision show. Despite his popularity, Aly struggles with anti-Wraetan prejudices and the pressure of being perfect in the public eye.

Their paths collide with one brutal act of violence...

Bound together by an evil that only they can stop, the two fugitives must join forces to save the galaxy.


This has been on my to-read list for a long time, and I was a little afraid to read it because of the low rating on Goodreads. I ended up liking it but not loving it. For the first half of the book, it felt like not much happened, but it picked up in the second half. It was a pretty standard space opera, which is usually right up my alley, but it lacked something to make it truly memorable. On the other hand I don't think it was as bad as the 3.38 rating would suggest. There were a couple of cool moments in the book, one being a rescue with a jet pack. I also liked the robots a lot. I just wished that it had been more exciting. There is a second book, and I may read it to see how things end up. I haven't decided yet.

Cloak of War by Rhonda Mason

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Category: Adult
Genre: Space Opera
Content: Strong language, A fade to black love scene


 
The bloody tournament to determine the new empress of the intergalactic empire may be over, but for exiled princess Kayla Reinumon, the battle is just beginning. To free her home planet from occupation, Kayla must infiltrate the highest reaches of imperial power. But when a deadly nanovirus threatens to ravage the empire, it will take more than diplomacy to protect her homeworld from all-out war.

I read the first book in this series The Empress Game 4 years ago, and although I liked it, for some reason I didn't get around to continuing until now. I think I liked this book a little better than the last one, although I felt it dragged a little at one point. I also feel like the character development could be better, but this is a good mid-series book. It didn't feel like filler the way a lot of middle books can, so I was pleased with that..

There were several things that I had forgotten in 4 years, but most of it came back to me as I read. Quite a bit happens in this book as it switches back and forth between where Kayla is, to where her brothers are. I enjoyed the parts with Kayla the most, but both were good. One thing I find interesting about this series is that, despite it being a space opera with all that technology, the main character still prefers to use her kris blades in a fight. She is very good at hand to hand combat, so this makes sense. In my opinion, the best part of this book, was the kick Kayla gave someone who so deserved it! Talk about satisfying! I felt as betrayed by this person as she did.

While I liked this a lot, I will say that, despite the predicament the characters are left in, I am not eager to start the last book in this series any time soon. I'm not sure why I don't feel that urgency to read on, but maybe that is why it took me 4 years to come back in the first place. I am not going to wait another 4 years to finish this trilogy though. I plan to finish it up some time in the next couple of months.

The Queen's Poisoner by Jeff Wheeler

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Category: Young Adult
Genre: Fantasy
Content: Clean

 
King Severn Argentine’s fearsome reputation precedes him: usurper of the throne, killer of rightful heirs, ruthless punisher of traitors. Attempting to depose him, the Duke of Kiskaddon gambles…and loses. Now the duke must atone by handing over his young son, Owen, as the king’s hostage. And should his loyalty falter again, the boy will pay with his life.

Seeking allies and eluding Severn’s spies, Owen learns to survive in the court of Kingfountain. But when new evidence of his father’s betrayal threatens to seal his fate, Owen must win the vengeful king’s favor by proving his worth—through extraordinary means. And only one person can aid his desperate cause: a mysterious woman, dwelling in secrecy, who truly wields power over life, death, and destiny.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The characters were endearing and the plot kept me reading. It was an easy, but fulfilling read. I enjoyed reading this from 8 year old Owen's point of view. That could have been an iffy thing, as it could have made the book feel too middle grade for me, but it worked here. I also liked that we got a different perspective of the king, other than he was bad for the sake of being bad. He ended up being a more complex character than I was expecting.

For a good portion of the book I was left wondering about the queen's poisoner. Who it would be, how they would play a part in the story? When I finally met her, I liked the way she was both, tied into things and introduced.

Overall I like this author's writing style, and I'm eager to find out what happens in the next book.

March 2020 Book Club: Guards! Guards!

Guards! Guards! by Terry Pratchett

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Category: Adult
Genre: Fantasy
Content: Strong language



Long believed extinct, a superb specimen of draco nobilis ("noble dragon" for those who don't understand italics) has appeared in Discworld's greatest city. Not only does this unwelcome visitor have a nasty habit of charbroiling everything in its path, in rather short order it is crowned King (it is a noble dragon, after all...). How did it get there? How is the Unique and Supreme Lodge of the Elucidated Brethren of the Ebon Night involved? Can the Ankh-Morpork City Watch restore order – and the Patrician of Ankh-Morpork to power?

Magic, mayhem, and a marauding dragon...who could ask for anything more?

This was our book club book for March and being stuck at home because of the pandemic, we had to conduct our book club meeting via video chat. This book ended up being just what we all needed. Some laughter and lightheartedness in this time of uncertainty is the best medicine for the soul. This is the first Discworld book I've read, and it was delightfully funny! As a friend of mine put it, it's Monty Python,

meets The Lord of the Rings.

I loved the characters so much. From the 6 foot "dwarf" to the lady who was the expert on dragons, they each were so fun and unique. I know I will never read the whole Discworld series, but I wouldn't be opposed to reading another book in this series if it is as funny as this one. If you've been thinking about trying this series, this book is a good place to start. It's not the first book in the series, but it was pretty self-contained. Plus I hear that there are multiple sub series within this series, and this is the first book in one of them.