Review: Shadow Kin

Shadow Kin (The Half-Light City, book 1) by M.J. Scott

Genre: Urban Fantasy (Steampunk-ish)
Edition Reviewed: eBook
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
Goodreads: Shadow Kin (1)

Welcome to the Half-Light City.

Imagine a city divided. On one side, the Night World, ruled by the Blood Lords and the Beast Kind. On the other, the elusive Fae and the humans, protected by their steadfast mages. A city held together by nothing more than a treaty-and even then, just barely...

I was born of a Fae mother, but I had no place amongst her kind. They called me "soulless." An abomination. Perhaps they're right...I'm a wraith, a shadow who slips between worlds. I was given into the service of a Blood Lord who raised me to be his most feared assassin. Still, I'm nothing more than a slave to my master, and to the need that only he can fulfill...

Then he orders me to kill Simon DuCaine, a powerful sunmage. In the blaze of his magic, my own disappears. Instead of seeking revenge, Simon shows me mercy. He wants to free me. But that's one thing my master and his kind will never allow.

And even if I thought I could trust Simon, stepping from the shadow into the light isn't as simple as it sounds...

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Review:

This was the perfect book to get me out of my stupid female lead syndrome. Shadow was everything I wanted her to be (I won't use her name just incase you haven't read the synopsis. That way it will be a treat/surprise). A wraith assassin! A half breed of the Fae sold to an evil vampire named Damon. She's lived in darkness her entire life.

So when her job to kill a Sunmage clearly turns into the setup of a romance I wasn't bummed. Because Simon was actually a cool character. Not to mention it felt like the setup for Kate and Curran from the Kate Daniel's verse. In fact this is the perfect blend of epic fantasy, some steampunk flavors, and urban fantasy genre meld. Not to mention that when Shadow meets Simon she tells him she doesn't need a “white knight”. Yes, she's her own hero.

The world and politics are awesome. I love the idea of the Blood (vampires), Fae, Beast (animal shifters) and humans residing in world that is fully aware. The politics and history that make them coincide together. There's intrigue, violence, sexy times, a fantastic world, and wonderful characters.

Sadly Scott did a lot to make her amazing female lead into a damsel. Don't get me wrong, Shadow is wonderfully realized. However, the reason for her change of heart will always be in question. Was she strong enough to do it? Or was it Simon taking the matter out of her hands? Not to mention that Shadow is supposed to me this great fighter.

But when she attacks Simon out of rage she loses, her second time losing to him. Then when she starts fighting Simon's brother, Guy a pretty awesome character, she can go toe to toe with him. Despite the fact that Guy is supposed to be the better fighter. Simon was always trying to beat Guy. I got the first time that Simon's Sunmage skills took her buy surprise and is basically the perfect weapon to defeating her powers. But this was sloppy. Not to mention she doesn't get to take out the villain. Because Shadow deserved to take out this particular villain. No matter what I would have been disappointed. The fact that Shadow was the bait and Simon was the hero. OK, what she did took guts. Maybe I'm being overly sensitive because I got done reading some stupid female leads prior.

All the questionable scenes were simply verified by Shadow saying at the end that she really did need a white knight to save her. Yuck. It didn't help that Simon demanded Shadow's trust but he threw her to the wolves. Oh, but he could still give a good #*%@*%&.

Overall I love the world. I want to know more about it, explore it. Not to mention that I really enjoy the cast of characters. Hopefully Simon and Shadow can reach a balance of equality in later books. You know, no more forced losing scenes or damsel scenes created to obviously have Simon be the hero. Either way I want to see Shadow create a life with Simon. And in general I just want to see how she lives her life with her new found freedom. This was a promising start and I truly love the dark gritty world Scott has created.

Sexual Content: Sexual humor, some dark themes, and sex scenes.

 
3/5- Adored it, just a few minor details held it back.

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Previous book(s) in series:
Reviewed on BW:	Amazon:	Goodreads:
Shadow Kin (1) Blood Kin (2) Iron Kin (3) Fire Kin (4)	Shadow Kin (1) Blood Kin (2) Iron Kin (3) Fire Kin (4)	Shadow Kin (1) Blood Kin (2) Iron Kin (3) Fire Kin (4)

Review: Through Wolf’s Eyes

Through Wolf’s Eyes (Firekeeper Saga, book 1) by Jane Lindskold

Genre: Epic Fantasy
Edition Reviewed: Paperback
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
Goodreads: Through Wolf's Eyes (1)

Firekeeper only vaguely remembers a time when she didn't live with her "family," a pack of "royal wolves"-bigger, stronger, and smarter than normal wolves. Now her pack leaders are sending her back to live among the humans, as they promised her mother years ago.

Some of the humans think she may be the lost heir to their throne. This could be good-and it could be very, very dangerous. In the months to come, learning to behave like a human will turn out to be more complicated than she'd ever imagined.

But though human ways might be stranger than anything found in the forest, the infighting in the human's pack is nothing Firekeeper hasn't seen before. That, she understands just fine. She's not your standard-issue princess-and this is not your standard-issue fairy tale.

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Review:

Epic Fantasy has become a pretty strong hit or miss genre for me.  There once was a time I would OD on them, reading anywhere from 5-10 books a month—if not more.  Authors were constantly coming out with new series.  That’s when things started going sour for me; the genre was just getting beaten into the ground with a stick.  Soon the books became faceless comfort food, and anyone who eats too much of their favorite comfort food can soon become stale. The plots, worlds, characters, and stories all felt like they were being pulled out of the indispensable magic hat of epic fantasy writing. Soon I stopped anticipating reading anything by new authors and only went with re-reads and authors I knew were good.

When I picked up Through Wolf’s Eyes I was going on a huge leap (more like head first plummet) of faith.  It didn’t sound like anything new.  A young girl pulled into high society and forced to try and make a bid as the next heir to the throne.   So what’s new?  That young girl has lived with wolves all her life. Raised by wolves.  When the humans come seeking her out to try and find the lost Prince’s daughter she’s never seen another human. She’s a wolf in heart and mind—only lacking the body.  Lindskold doesn’t lose sight of anything as Firekeeper—the wolf girl—joins the humans and tries to learn their ways. She balances high political intrigue with human and wolf nature. Each line is a beautiful example of the type of lyrical words that I love from the Epic Fantasy genre, especially when it’s tempered by Lindskold’s fantastic sense of humor.

The biggest thing about Through Wolf’s Eyes are its characters.  Most EFs forget that they actually have to realize the characters, not just barrow from the stereotype pool.  Each one of Lindskold’s characters found their way into my head, and sometimes straight to my heart.  Not only was I reading for the plot and intrigue I wanted to know what was happening with each character. Many felt like a dear friend. The third person POV would change periodically spending time with a number of them.  Their interactions with each other felt real and their thoughts felt genuine. Watching them grow before my eyes was beyond AWE-some.  Even the current villain(s) of this book enchanted me with the depth of development Lindskold put in them. Many times I found myself smiling ridiculously or getting angry—my emotions were being played.

This book reminds me why I always come crawling back to the Epic Fantasy genre. It proves that new authors can still come up with great stories—maybe even beating out some of the “legends” of the genre. The court politics are sublime! The battles are fought with words as well as swords, a heady mix of intrigue and action.  All of the characters will become like dear friends, and none of them are just stereotypes of the EF genre.  It gives me hopes that good EF still gets published. We shouldn’t give up on the genre.

(Sadly it looks like the paperback issues are no longer in print, it’s still available in eBook format.)

Sexual Content: Firekeeper doesn’t know some of the basic bits of human modesty so that leads to some funny moments.  Topics of sex both politically and personally, and some not overly detailed sex scenes.

 
5/5- Fabulous, a beautiful obsession!

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Previous book(s) in series:
Reviewed on BW:	Amazon:	Goodreads:
Through Wolf’s Eyes (1) Wolf’s Head, Wolf’s Heart (2) The Dragon of Despair (3) Wolf Captured (4) Wolf Hunting (5) Wolf’s Blood (6)	Through Wolf’s Eyes (1) Wolf’s Head, Wolf’s Heart (2) The Dragon of Despair (3) Wolf Captured (4) Wolf Hunting (5) Wolf’s Blood (6)	Through Wolf’s Eyes (1) Wolf’s Head, Wolf’s Heart (2) The Dragon of Despair (3) Wolf Captured (4) Wolf Hunting (5) Wolf’s Blood (6)

Review: Arrow’s Fall

Arrow’s Fall (Arrows of the Queen, book 3) by Mercedes Lackey

Genre: Epic Fantasy
Edition Reviewed: eBook
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
Goodreads: Arrow's Fall (3)

With Elspeth, the heir to the throne of Valdemar, come of marriageable age, Talia, the Queen's Own Herald returns to court to find Queen and heir beset by diplomatic intrigue as various forces vie for control of Elspeth's future.

But just as Talia is about to uncover the traitor behind all these intrigues, she is sent off on a mission to the neighboring kingdom, chosen by the Queen to investigate the worth of a marriage proposal from Prince Ancar.

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Review:

This is the book that truly changed everything for me in the world of Valdemar.  The other two books clearly show how hard and trying the life a Herald is.  They emphasize how every Herald from 11-90 is ready to die for their country.  Lackey isn't afraid to kill off characters through the course of Arrows of the Queen and Arrow's Flight, but this one drives the knife home.

Talia is just coming back from her circuit run and will be joining the court as the official Queen's Own with her own vote and everything.  She still has to deal with the political drama that she had left behind, and the enemy in the dark who has been trying to chip away at her from the very first day she came to the Herald Collegium. Not only that but she has to deal with a proposal for the Princess (who still needs a little schooling in the sacrifices of being a Queen), her mentor Kris isn't happy with her, and her potential life-bonded partner is running away from her.  The drama is higher than ever, but Lackey handles it well.  Avoiding what could have been a cheesy soap opera.

Before long Talia and Kris have to go as ambassadors to a neighboring kingdom about the proposed proposal of marriage to the princess.  The events that unfold are clearly chilling as the truth behind everything comes stalking out of the dark.  Valdemar has been betrayed by one of it's very own, and dark power of the old Mages are coming out to threaten Valdemar.

The previous two books have brought me to silent tears, and many times watery eyes.  However this book will bring out sobs of loss as the true meaning and price of a Herald takes center stage.  Death isn't the hardest thing to deal with.  Talia is tortured mercilessly for the pleasure of sadists, raped, and left to the simple solution of suicide.  Even through it all her Herald duty keeps her alive. 

For fans of epic battles this last book in the Arrows series does a fine job of it.  There's resolve and hope at the end.  However, the new enemy of Valdemar is not done with them, and will clearly be popping up in Elspeth's(the Heir apparent) books.  From here I would highly suggest reading Vanyel's book in the Magic's Price series.  It may being going back in time, but it explains a lot of things about the loss of Herald-mages and the "protection" that Valdemar has.  It will also help greatly in Elpesth's Mage Wind series.

Sexual Content:

Rape, dirty humor, and violent torture.

 
5/5- Fabulous, a beautiful obsession!

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Previous book(s) in series:
Reviewed on BW:	Amazon:	Goodreads:
Arrows of the Queen (1) Arrow’s Flight (2) Arrow’s Fall (3)	Arrows of the Queen (1) Arrow’s Flight (2) Arrow’s Fall (3)	Arrows of the Queen (1) Arrow’s Flight (2) Arrow’s Fall (3)

Review: Arrow’s Flight

Arrow’s Flight (Arrows of the Queen, book 2) by Mercedes Lackey

Genre: Epic Fantasy
Edition Reviewed: eBook
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
Goodreads: Arrow's Flight

Set in the medieval fantasy kingdom of Valdemar, this unique and exciting novel continues the story of Talia. Having mastered the powers necessary to a guardian of the kingdom, she faces the final preparation for her initiation as adviser and protector of the Queen.

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Review:

Talia's 4-5 years of Herald training has come to an end and she's finally getting into her whites.  Now all that's left is her 2 year circuit riding where she's partnered with a Senior Herald and learns to dispense justice.  As suits her upbringing she's put on a circuit that's right on the border of Valdemar near the Forest of Sorrow where the legendary Vanyel died and laid a curse upon the woods.

Talia's partnered with pretty boy Kris who is Talia's opposite.  He was born to a privileged elite family and is sheltered in the manners of border life and the hardships that the people have to deal with.  The two balance each other out nicely and Talia is good and knocking Kris off his pedestale of "women worship."  Kris has some inner depth that made me forget how conceded he could be at times.  Their relationship is put to the test as Kris tells Talia about some rumors about her misusing her Empath gift.  Spiraling her into a destructive state of mind that sends her emotions and powers against her.

It's definitely a good read dealing with the laws that need to be upheld in the rural areas.  Things as mundane as taxes to sadistic raping fathers.  Those scenes where thrilling and kept me guessing as the mundane and life threatening issues popped up to test Talia.  The thing that really slowed this read down—probably making it one of the less appreciated book in Talia's trilogy—is that a vast majority of the novel takes place in a Herald waystation where Talia and Kris are snowed in with their Companions and pack animals.  The two's relationship clearly grows and becomes something beautiful.  Looking back on my previous re-reads of this book I confess I never really appreciated the time spent with Talia getting retrained in her gift.  At times it can be a bit boring as they dig themselves out, survive getting snowed in, and the stress of Talia's out of control gifts and self-esteem.

Another thing that was fantastic about Arrow's Flight is the sexual relationship.  Lackey shows readers that love can develop between two people/characters with out it being some kind of huge "soulmate" thing.  They share something sweet and endearing, but still can manage to remain friends.  It was one of the first love scenes I had read, up until then male authors I had been reading had kisses then implied that the two had a slept together.  Even today I will say that the love scenes are nicely done.  They don't have the graphic detail that some of todays writers go into detail about, but it definitely gets the deed done.  Lackey doesn't gloss over the bits about Talia's lost virginity nor does she paint her ladies who enjoy a little bedroom time as sluts.  After all a little randiness among Heralds is quite fine.

Just like in the first book Lackey uses her page time wisely.  Characters from the previous book still get page time and their stories told even if they never make an appearance.  The plot may not be as complicated as the first book, but this one still manages perfectly with the political drama even though the two are out in the middle of no where.  Key things are still being setup even if there was some isolation time for the characters.

This may be the slowest book in the Arrows of the Queen trilogy, but it's still well worth the read.  Talia's journey to become Queen's Own is finally truly beginning, and the emotional growth helps to show Talia that she needs to accept help from other people.  The adventure clearly shows the tough decisions that Heralds have to deal with even if they aren't the Queen's Own.  It also emphasizes the different types of love that people can feel for friends with out turning into a soap fest.

Sexual Content: There is no mistaking what's going on, but it's clearly not as graphic as some of the newer books out there.  Again there are some homosexual themes, though not with the main character.

 
4/5- Great! Really enjoyed it.

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Previous book(s) in series:
Reviewed on BW:	Amazon:	Goodreads:
Arrows of the Queen (1) Arrow’s Flight (2) Arrow’s Fall (3)	Arrows of the Queen (1) Arrow’s Flight (2) Arrow’s Fall (3)	Arrows of the Queen (1) Arrow’s Flight (2) Arrow’s Fall (3)

Review: Falling Kingdoms

Falling Kingdoms (Falling Kingdoms, book 1) by Morgan Rhodes (AKA Michelle Rowen)

Genre: Epic Fantasy Young Adult
Edition Reviewed: eBook
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
Goodreads: Falling Kingdoms

The gripping New York Times bestseller that is Game of Thrones for teens

In a land where magic has been forgotten but peace has reigned for centuries, a deadly unrest is simmering. Three kingdoms grapple for power—brutally transforming their subjects' lives in the process. Amidst betrayals, bargains, and battles, four young people find their fates forever intertwined:

Cleo: A princess raised in luxury must embark on a rough and treacherous journey into enemy territory in search of a magic long thought extinct.

Jonas: Enraged at injustice, a rebel lashes out against the forces of oppression that have kept his country impoverished—and finds himself the leader of a people's revolution centuries in the making.

Lucia: A girl adopted at birth into a royal family discovers the truth about her past—and the supernatural legacy she is destined to wield.

Magnus: Bred for aggression and trained to conquer, a firstborn son begins to realize that the heart can be more lethal than the sword. . . .

The only outcome that's certain is that kingdoms will fall. Who will emerge triumphant when all they know has collapsed?

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Review:

Yesssssssssssssssss! Amen! All right! Beyond a doubt this is the type of fantasy I've been waiting for to enter the young adult genre. Don't get me wrong I love YA fantasy. Yet so few barely ever can claim to be epic (epic/high) fantasy. Bless you Morgan Rhodes (AKA Michelle Rowen) for listening. Or more likely deciding that readers needed this! After reading Throne of Glass I feared this was just another attempt at marketers to hype up a book by calling it “the Game of Thrones for young adults.” Oh it is. In one shocking instant Rhodes killed one of my favorite characters and I was heart broken. And yet, happy to finally read a fearless YA author again!

There are four main characters that the POV changes between and I found them all fascinating.  The spoiled Princess Cleo who's lived a sheltered life actually became my favorite. Rhodes does a wonderful job of showing how despite Cloe's wealth she's still trapped by her rank and apparent position. Her determination and hope is so powerful that I couldn't help but love her. Jonas is a strong willed lad who loses his brother. The injustices of the world cause him to become a rebel and lead his country into an uprising. Magnus is the first born Prince to a an evil king and ice cold queen. His journey was the most fascinating as he can either turn into the biggest hero or the most dastardly of villains. Lucia is the girl who finds out she's not only adopted, but has powers that are awakening. Her moral battle is just the beginning. The other minor characters that take turns with the POV are also just as interesting. At first they all seem like the stereotypical characters for the genre, but then readers go deeper.

The world of Mystica and the three kingdoms that comprise it. Spending time in each kingdom was a treat. From the lush and wealthy Auranos to Paelsia a starving and dying land. Even the violent and cruel land of Limeros is . . . chilling . . . but awesome! The historical points and lost magic is an engaging plot line as it’s slowly revealed. The idea of all these magical beings lurking in the background—supposedly good—waiting for the magical artifacts makes my High/Epic Fantasy soul rejoice.

YA Fantasy readers have been enjoying the genre, but we've been mixing the complexity of the epic! Readers can't snooze with this one! Politics, battles, backstabbing, death, moral gray areas, good and evil, love, horror, and so much more! This title and world is so well realized that I believe “adult titles” only readers will enjoy this one. If you were disappointed in Throne of Glass and Shadow and Bone to deliver High/Epic fantasy, don't worry. Falling Kingdoms is here to kiss your boo-boos and make it all better.

Sexual Content: References to sex, kissing, sexual humor, and such. This is not a clean YA title, it’s pretty mature. Dealing with death, sex, betrayal, and more.

5/5- Fabulous, a beautiful obsession!

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Previous book(s) in series:
Reviewed on BW:	Amazon:	Goodreads:
Falling Kingdoms (1) Rebel Spring (2) Gathering Darkness (3) Untitled (4)	Falling Kingdoms (1) Rebel Spring (2) Gathering Darkness (3) Untitled (4)	Falling Kingdoms (1) Rebel Spring (2) Gathering Darkness (3) Untitled (4)

Review: Arrows of the Queen by Mercedes Lackey

Arrows of the Queen (Arrows of the Queen, Book 1) by Mercedes Lackey

Genre: Epic Fantasy

Chosen by the Companion Rolan, a mystical horse-like being with powers beyond imagining, Talia, once a runaway, has now become a trainee Herald, destined to become one of the Queens's own elite guard. For Talia has certain awakening talents of the mind that only a Companion like Rolan can truly sense.

But as Talia struggles to master her unique abilities, time is running out. For conspiracy is brewing in Valdemar, a deadly treason which could destroy Queen and kingdom. Opposed by unknown enemies capable of both diabolical magic and treacherous assassination, the Queen must turn to Talia and the Heralds for aid in protecting the realm and insuring the future of the queen's heir, a child already in danger of becoming bespelled by the Queen's own foes.

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Review:

Terry Brooks, Robert Jordan, David Eddings, and other popular male authors where about it for Epic Fantasy exposure when I was first starting out in the genre. So it came as a shock when the allure of a female voice was so addicting after being bombarded with male writing—in fact Lackey was the first female EF author I had ever read back when.  It was a shock to read a book that actually had emotions and plots that worked with them.  Of course the idea of mystical horses that can mind-link to humans and have the same intelligence (if not smarter) of their riders is any little or grown-up girls dream. 

The horses are mystical—maybe even divine—creatures that protect the kingdom in more ways then even their Heralds.  Considering their Heralds act as enforcers of the law, spies, ambassadors, negotiators, warriors, assassins, and so much more—it's pretty impressive.

Talia comes from a repressive society of Holder Kin, that believe women are no better then housewives. The villages are basically polygamist settlements where women marry at thirteen, or are vowed into silence as priestesses.  Talia is immediately relatable as a young girl who dreams of more and finds her escape in the few books that she can get her hands on.  So when she's confronted with an arranged marriage, I was only too willing to follow along Talia's escape into the world of Heralds and Companions.  Where outside of Holder Kin society women are equal to men. 

Lackey's "emo reputation" probably comes from the fact that she is not afraid to deal with negative emotions. Talia has been repressed by her abusive upbringing, she suffers from low self-esteem and doubts.  Heralds are asked to justly serve the kingdom and set aside personal feelings and prejudice. Talia is also Queen's Own, which is a position as the main advisor and friend to the current ruler.  Even though Talia's Companion makes her Queen's Own by picking her, this book is still a journey on Talia truly becoming a person to fit that role. 

Life-bonded couples—much like soul mates—are a favorite topic of negative opinions from other reviewers. While some characters state it was love at first sight, the relationships don't start then. Lackey is all about character growth and nothing is ever easy, so don't be afraid about mushy-gooey soul mates spoiling the storyline.

Arrows of the Queen may only be a 230 page book, but it covers more story then most 700 page books. Lackey's writing style is easy to get into, and is classy enough to forget the few typo issues at the beginning. Even though some characters don't even get a page appearance, as they're only brought up in conversation, you know who they are and what happens to them—even caring about them.

This is my third time visiting this book, and it still manages to enchant me.  It covers the training years of Talia, being the time honored tale of escape from the mundane lives we live to something incredible.  Political intrigue adds flavor to the pages as the current Queen has old and new enemies who want her gone. Leading to attempts on Talia's life and the brainwashing of the Heir. The cast of characters here will become well loved friends that you constantly look out for each book.

Sexual Content:  Homosexual themes for some cast members and secondary characters clearly have sex lives. There are some mature scenes where Talia tries to get involved sexually—but it ends up being rather comedic and nothing happens. All in all nothing truly outrageous.

Rating – 5/5 Fabulous, a beautiful obsession!

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Add it:

Amazon: Arrows of the Queen ( The Heralds of Valdemar, Book 1)

Goodreads: Arrows of the Queen