Book Review: The Stormcaller

 

Contributed by Christina Nixon, Contributor

Heir to Insanity

by A.J. Nadir

 

Heir to Insanity tells the story of Jasper and Ethan's quest to obtain the Everflame-an artifact needed to keep Ethan from dying.  The reader learns about the world along with Linna, discovering facts about the Everflame, Jasper and Ethan's history, and magic itself.  The main characters have strong wills.  Their belief in themselves shapes the world around them and keeps them going through enumerable hardships.  Though Jasper's treatment of others is often times harsh, we and Linna receive hints as to why he behaves this way.

The magic system is original and interesting.  A.J. Nadir provides us with clues to guess the characters' Visions along with Linna.

There are two elements I dislike about this story.  There are some campy moments such as the gremlin falling down a hill or an ally falling down the stairs.  The first demonstrates the verve with which Jasper throws himself into battle.  The second example makes me question the prowess of the faller.  This is a minor issue and did not detract too much from the story.  Secondly, I wish the book was longer to allow for even more character development.  I enjoyed the conversations that gave us glimpses into character motivations and vulnerabilities.  I look forward to reading more such moments in the next book.

This story contains several positive elements.  Heir to Insanity is a strong adventure with well-forged characters, realistic dialogue, interesting magic, and small, engaging mysteries to solve.  The combat is well-written and contains a nice mix of physical violence and magic.  Though the synopsis describes Linna as "a young pirate woman," I would not classify this story as Young Adult.  The main characters are well into adulthood.

My favorite aspect of this book is the theme of friendship.  Friendship motivates all of the characters, for good or ill.  It makes them stronger even as it results in heart-wrenching consequences.

Andrew Gibson brings life to the characters.  He has an engaging tone that keeps the listener's attention.

I give Heir to Insanity a solid four stars in Story and Narration. I cannot wait for the next book in the series.  I am excited to hear more about the tragedies and triumphs of this compelling band of friends.

I received this book free of charge in exchange for my honest review.

 

Book Review: The Stormcaller

Book Review: The Stormcaller

Contributed by Christina Nixon, Contributor

The Stormcaller by Tom Lloyd

(Found on Bookshare)

Isak is a White-Eye-a race of people who are extraordinarily strong, violent, and short-tempered.  He struggles to control his weaknesses and grow into his strengths while learning to navigate court life in his new position as heir to the lord of the Fahlan.  He is aided and opposed by an interesting and diverse set of characters.  The setting and the plot make this anything but a typical epic fantasy.  Fans of Joe Abercrombie and Scott Lynch will find The Stormcaller just as enjoyable.

The only disappointment is that the subsequent four books in the series aren't yet on audio.  If you feel likewise, you can visit Tom Lloyd's website at http://www.tomlloyd.co.uk/contact.html and let him know.

Book Review: The Goblin Emperor

Book Review: The Goblin Emperor

Contributed by Christina Nixon, Contributor

The Goblin Emperor

By Katherine Addison

(Found on Bookshare)

Maia is the disregarded half-goblin son of the Elvin emperor.  The emperor and his three eldest sons died in an accident, leaving the unprepared Maia to assume the throne.  He faces many challenges in court-whom to trust, the resentment of his father and brother's widows, learning court politics, choosing a bride, and making the right choices for himself and his empire.  This is a wonderful story filled with intrigue and politics with a hint of romance.  The protagonist Maia is very well developed and he makes mistakes without appearing stupid.  The supporting characters are three dimensional and have interesting personalities and backstories.  Kyle McCarley makes each person come alive with his or her own voice.  Even without the explanatory text, the listener knows who is speaking based upon McCarley's narration alone.  Though the synopsis places this book in the young adult category, the writing, character development, and story are very mature and adult.  Maia is young and naïve and new to court but he faces his situation with remarkable courage and self-awareness.

The setting is highly developed and the dialogue realistic and engaging.  Addison's world contains some magic, some of which is spiritual.  The goblins aren't the typical short treasure-hoarding little monsters usually found in fantasy.  They are more civilized and have their own culture.  Though the goblins and elves are separate species, Addison depicts them more as different ethnicities.  I can't compliment this book enough.  I've been recommending it to everyone I know who has even the slightest interest in fantasy.  My only complaint is that The Goblin Emperor is a stand-alone title.  At this time, Addison doesn't plan to write a sequel.  The story ends very neatly; however, I am disappointed no further adventures are forthcoming.

Book Review: Of Anchors and Aspirations

Book Review: Of Anchors and Aspirations

Contributed by Christina Nixon, Contributor

Of Anchors and Aspirations

By Scott Kellmann

(Found on Amazon)

Of Anchors and Aspirations focuses primarily on several cadets during their first year of military training.  Minor aspects of the story include romance and mischief while the more prominent elements are strong character development, plot, and realistic dialogue.  This first novel in what I hope will be a series spends many chapters introducing the reader to the several heroes and heroines and their strengthening friendships.  Each cadet is unique, likable, and interesting.

The antagonists are well-realized and believable characters with intelligence, individual motivations, and flaws.

While this is a sci-fi setting with space travel and a military focus, the author does not fill the pages with long, technical explanations of space travel and other technology.  The military exercises that are part of the plot are described in such a way that a reader with no military experience can understand and be interested in them.  Though this story is about cadets, I would not classify this as a young adult novel.

I eagerly await the next book in Worlds Afire and look forward to learning what the characters will do next.

Book Review: Magic Slays

Book Review: Magic Slays

Contributed by Christina Nixon, Contributor

The Crimson Campain by Brian Mcclellan

(Found on Bookshare)

Magic Slays, (Book 5 in the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews), was an enjoyable read but an overall disappointment when compared to this author’s other works.  The interactions between Kate and the other main characters such as Julie, Andrea, and Curran were interesting and amusing.  The romance was present but not overdone, new, distinctive characters were introduced, and the setting possessed its usual flare.  The book fell short, however, in its plot.  The subplot concerning what Kate learned about her background was not only unexpected but unwelcome and out of place.  The main plot of the story was more predictable and stereotypical than readers of Ilona Andrews have come to expect.  While the plot is uninspired, Kate’s personal interactions and the setting still make this a good read.

Book Review: The Crimson Campaign

Book Review: The Crimson Campaign

Contributed by Christina Nixon, Contributor

The Crimson Campain by Brian Mcclellan

(Found on Bookshare)

This book starts off with an action sequence and throws us right into the midst of the characters' struggles-Adamat seeking to rescue his wife and children, Taniel's attempts to forget what he's done, and Tamas' efforts to bring his piece of the army to Adro.  We see other familiar characters as well.  (No spoilers)  I have only two complaints about this book.  It is the second book in the trilogy so, while some problems are overcome, many situations remain unresolved.  Given the author's attention to detail and character development, I am certain everything will be wrapped up nicely in the third book.  My second complaint is that this book is too short and too good.  I want more in this series and I want it now.

This book contains sleuthing; military campaigning; characters sinking to greater depths or rising to heights of heroism, understanding, and bravery; a bit of romance, intrigue, treachery, and humor.  Fans of Promise of Blood are sure to love The Crimson Campaign.  I also recommend the Audible short stories set in the same universe-The Girl of Hrush Avenue, Forsworn, and Hope's End.

Book Review: Magic Bites

Book Review: 

Contributed by Chistina Nixon, Contributor

Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews

(Found on Bookshare)

Kate Daniels is a plucky heroine whose smart-aleck comments often land her in trouble.  However, her quick wits and strong morals help her improve the dicey situations in which she finds herself.  The author utilizes Kate's strengths and weaknesses with style and creates snappy dialogue and a fast-paced plot.

The almost post-apocalyptic setting is interesting as are the effects the shifts between "Tech" and "Magic" have on the environment.  Andrews also adds more original flavor to this urban fantasy series with her unusual portrayal of vampires.

The only complaint I have about this book is that it was over too quickly.  Readers who prefer slightly darker urban fantasy will enjoy this first book in the Kate Daniels Series.

Book Review: The Kitchen Witch

Book Review: The Kitchen Witch

Contributed by Christina Nixon, Contributor

The Kitchen Witch (found on Bookshare):

The Kitchen Witch is a fun, captivating read. The characters draw you in from the beginning and keep hold of your interest throughout the book. The heroine Melody is quirky and amusing while Logan, the hero, tries to do the right thing in a way that is touching and endearing. The supporting characters are also well written, the dialogue is realistic-sounding, and the plot is believable and not forced as is the case with so many romance novels.  All in all, it is a very enjoyable story.

I plan to read the other two books in The Accidental Witch trilogy as soon as I can get my hands on them.