Genre: Epic Fantasy
Subgenre: Magic, kings/knights, quests
Age Appropriate: Teen
Recommended for my sister: Enh. Maybe?
"I count you as my brother." - Reece
Thorgrin is a young 14 year old runt of the litter boy in a small village. He has great aspirations of becoming a knight and joining The Silver, the elite group of soldiers who fight for the King. On Selection Day, his father tries to force him to stay inside, but Thorgrin runs out and yells for his turn to be considered. He's rejected immediately for being to small and scrawny. After running away from town, he stumbles on an older man named Argon. He convinces Thorgrin not to give up, and he begins the walk to the Kingdom to force his way into knight's training. His spunk and skill earn him a grudging place within the recruits, despite the scorn of his brothers and others who'd gotten in the "right way." Still, he impresses others and his young journey to knighthood begins. It all becomes much more complicated when Thor comes up with strange magical powers.
The Sorceror's Ring series is up to 12 books, and the story grows from Thor's younger days to his coming-of-age obstacles, including a budding love affair with the King's daughter, Gwendolyn. The story itself is very reminiscent of King Arthur, including a magical sword stuck in a stone. Each subsequent quest he leaves on includes his closest knightly friends, and a few non-friends who end up being in debt to Thor's heroism. The group journeys throughout the world, both in the safety of their kingdom and the terror of the insecure Empire beyond their borders. The underlying story follows Thor's relationships and what he needs to learn to save his family, his love, his friends and his kingdom.
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I got to book 9 before I stopped. There are another 3 books in the series, but I just don't have the patience to get through them yet. I was pretty excited to begin, even seeing the blatant parallels with King Arthur. I figured it might be fun after taking an entire semester of Arthuriana. I kept waiting for something epic to happen. There were a few journeys here or there with potential, and each one seemed to more closer to a big finish. Unfortunately, I'm on book 9 and I've not been satisfied with anything yet. The further I get, the more tiring the series becomes.
I know that Thor needs to visit his mother. He's been having dreams and visions of her in the Land of the Druids. It's book 9 though and he still hasn't headed that way. It's kinda boring now. I'm hoping that when I do decide to finish the next few books, whenever that might be, the pace picks up or the author decides to wrap it up. Right now, I know that there are 3 more books that have been released in a bundle. So, for now, I'd say not to bother until I can make myself finish them, eventually.
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Oops!: Happy Mother's Day!!!
Showing posts with label fantasy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fantasy. Show all posts
Sunday, May 4, 2014
Sunday, April 27, 2014
The Others - Anne Bishop
Genre: Urban Fantasy/Fantasy
Subgenre: Others vs. humans, magic, blood
Age Appropriate: Teen
Recommended for my sister: Yep (She's already reading them!)
"I'll ask her for one cut." - Simon
In an Other Courtyard, "Human Laws Do Not Apply." After fighting, trading and tragedy, the humans and Others have come to an uneasy truce with Others in tentative power. What the humans don't understand is that there are other Others with more power than imaginable and the ones seen are the most benign. It is mostly a case of whatever happens in the Courtyard stays in the Courtyard, and that includes the mysterious deaths of humans trespassing where they're not allowed. The Lakeside Courtyard is unique in its toleration of humans in their Market areas, even allowing a select few humans to work in those areas.
As a cassandra sangue, Meg Corbyn is invaluable to the institution she's escaped from. She is a blood prophet, and every cut made on her skin pulls a prophecy out of her. In the compound where she, and other like her, were kept, they were strapped to chairs and used for prophecy and money. Each cut could range from 1,000-10,000 dollars depending on who was being cut. She stumbles into Lakeside Courtyard and walks her freezing feet into a story with a Help Wanted sign. The sign is for a Liaison, a person who runs a post office that interacts between the Others and the humans. Now that she's in Lakeside Courtyard, she has to come clean about who she is and where she's from in order to keep her place. The wide community of Others may decide that she's one of their own, and then there will be no going back for her. The Others protect their own.
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I've been a huge fan of Anne Bishop for a long time. It started with her Black Jewels trilogy in high school but each time I've started a new series, I've fallen into it completely. I appreciate that her series don't intersect, and always have a completely different world, without losing anything of her style and story. Written in Blood and Murder of Crows are no different. I had to reread Written in Blood to catch up, and it was still a great story. There are societal issues, supernatural elements and a teeny tiny bit of possible romance.
Obviously, I recommend it. I can't really recommend it to my sister, specifically, because she's waiting for Book 2 already. I'll recommend it to everyone else, though! I actually think that Bishop could probably stop with book 2, if she really wanted, but I hope she doesn't. There are still some great possibilities for the greater battle ahead, and how knows what will happen to Meg's potential love life? Will she actually have one? She's probably not ready, yet. I've heard nothing yet about another book, but I'm crossing my fingers!
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Moar Books: Sorcerer's Ring series
Subgenre: Others vs. humans, magic, blood
Age Appropriate: Teen
Recommended for my sister: Yep (She's already reading them!)
"I'll ask her for one cut." - Simon
In an Other Courtyard, "Human Laws Do Not Apply." After fighting, trading and tragedy, the humans and Others have come to an uneasy truce with Others in tentative power. What the humans don't understand is that there are other Others with more power than imaginable and the ones seen are the most benign. It is mostly a case of whatever happens in the Courtyard stays in the Courtyard, and that includes the mysterious deaths of humans trespassing where they're not allowed. The Lakeside Courtyard is unique in its toleration of humans in their Market areas, even allowing a select few humans to work in those areas.
As a cassandra sangue, Meg Corbyn is invaluable to the institution she's escaped from. She is a blood prophet, and every cut made on her skin pulls a prophecy out of her. In the compound where she, and other like her, were kept, they were strapped to chairs and used for prophecy and money. Each cut could range from 1,000-10,000 dollars depending on who was being cut. She stumbles into Lakeside Courtyard and walks her freezing feet into a story with a Help Wanted sign. The sign is for a Liaison, a person who runs a post office that interacts between the Others and the humans. Now that she's in Lakeside Courtyard, she has to come clean about who she is and where she's from in order to keep her place. The wide community of Others may decide that she's one of their own, and then there will be no going back for her. The Others protect their own.
-----
I've been a huge fan of Anne Bishop for a long time. It started with her Black Jewels trilogy in high school but each time I've started a new series, I've fallen into it completely. I appreciate that her series don't intersect, and always have a completely different world, without losing anything of her style and story. Written in Blood and Murder of Crows are no different. I had to reread Written in Blood to catch up, and it was still a great story. There are societal issues, supernatural elements and a teeny tiny bit of possible romance.
Obviously, I recommend it. I can't really recommend it to my sister, specifically, because she's waiting for Book 2 already. I'll recommend it to everyone else, though! I actually think that Bishop could probably stop with book 2, if she really wanted, but I hope she doesn't. There are still some great possibilities for the greater battle ahead, and how knows what will happen to Meg's potential love life? Will she actually have one? She's probably not ready, yet. I've heard nothing yet about another book, but I'm crossing my fingers!
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Moar Books: Sorcerer's Ring series
Monday, March 24, 2014
Heralds of Valdemar - Mercedes Lackey
Genre: Fantasy
Subgenre: epic fantasy, magic
Age Appropriate: Teens
Recommended for my sister: YES
"Hindsight is ever perfect" - Starwind k'Treva
The Heralds of Valdemar books span over multiple trilogies. While Lackey wrote them in a different order, there is a specific timeline that moves the history along. The first series chronologically is the Last Herald-Mage series featuring Vanyel, a young man who feels separate from his family and is sent to the capital, Haven, to be with his Aunt Savil. His arrival starts the story off with his emotional issues and secrets that lead to great tragedy and discovery of his own mage powers. Through the story the audience learns the special marks of those who are "Chosen" in the kingdom of Valedmar, and is given a good basis for the following story lines.
Throughout all of the trilogies, the main characters are either Heralds or those who become somehow involved with Heralds. IT's the Heralds who are chosen, and to that effect are considered unshakable in their honor and loyalty to their land. The clear designation of a Herald is the presence of their Companion - a magical spirit being in the guise of a horse, who "chooses" their Herald. The tie between Herald and Companion is soul deep and together they will go out and do the hard things done in need of their country. Those "gifts" can range from telepathy - or Mindspeaking - to Firestarting, and in some case the ever mysterious Mage-gift. With the exception of the Mage-gift, all fo the abilities are considered "mind-magic," and the distinction becomes very important as the books go forward.
There are wide varieties of characters, with various idiosyncrasies in either tale. Each kingdom has different rules and histories that cause great conflicts, as often is the case between kingdom and monarchs. On top of that, there are magical beasts running feral, magically tainted lands being watched over by some strange people and even a demon or two thrown in for good measure. All in all, if you put them together, the Heralds of Valdemar books are one long epic. There are even a few short-story companion novels available when you can't get enough.
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I love them. I read my first one when I was probably around 10ish. It was the first Herald-Mage Vanyel book and I was completely hooked. I'll admit that I didn't particularly like the Mage Winds trilogy as some of the others, but each trilogy is fairly important for character development. There are a few that might be considered stand-alone, but I wouldn't recommend it. Find the chronology online and read them all. Even the books that may not be set in Valdemar are important. The things you might miss are small, but they gave me a little boost when I noticed them.
I suppose it's hard to do a full review when you're talking about a series as long as this. While I've read them all recently, I remember the first time being pretty strong emotionally. I still feel strongly when I read the Herald-Mages books and the Arrows books. The sads are as important as the happies. The series is highly recommended, especially if you like epic-type series. I think the splits of trilogies probably helps with consumption levels, but I wouldn't be too shocked if you found yourself buying them all right away.
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Moar!: Chicagoland Vampires - Chloe Neill
Subgenre: epic fantasy, magic
Age Appropriate: Teens
Recommended for my sister: YES
"Hindsight is ever perfect" - Starwind k'Treva
The Heralds of Valdemar books span over multiple trilogies. While Lackey wrote them in a different order, there is a specific timeline that moves the history along. The first series chronologically is the Last Herald-Mage series featuring Vanyel, a young man who feels separate from his family and is sent to the capital, Haven, to be with his Aunt Savil. His arrival starts the story off with his emotional issues and secrets that lead to great tragedy and discovery of his own mage powers. Through the story the audience learns the special marks of those who are "Chosen" in the kingdom of Valedmar, and is given a good basis for the following story lines.
Throughout all of the trilogies, the main characters are either Heralds or those who become somehow involved with Heralds. IT's the Heralds who are chosen, and to that effect are considered unshakable in their honor and loyalty to their land. The clear designation of a Herald is the presence of their Companion - a magical spirit being in the guise of a horse, who "chooses" their Herald. The tie between Herald and Companion is soul deep and together they will go out and do the hard things done in need of their country. Those "gifts" can range from telepathy - or Mindspeaking - to Firestarting, and in some case the ever mysterious Mage-gift. With the exception of the Mage-gift, all fo the abilities are considered "mind-magic," and the distinction becomes very important as the books go forward.
There are wide varieties of characters, with various idiosyncrasies in either tale. Each kingdom has different rules and histories that cause great conflicts, as often is the case between kingdom and monarchs. On top of that, there are magical beasts running feral, magically tainted lands being watched over by some strange people and even a demon or two thrown in for good measure. All in all, if you put them together, the Heralds of Valdemar books are one long epic. There are even a few short-story companion novels available when you can't get enough.
-----
I love them. I read my first one when I was probably around 10ish. It was the first Herald-Mage Vanyel book and I was completely hooked. I'll admit that I didn't particularly like the Mage Winds trilogy as some of the others, but each trilogy is fairly important for character development. There are a few that might be considered stand-alone, but I wouldn't recommend it. Find the chronology online and read them all. Even the books that may not be set in Valdemar are important. The things you might miss are small, but they gave me a little boost when I noticed them.
I suppose it's hard to do a full review when you're talking about a series as long as this. While I've read them all recently, I remember the first time being pretty strong emotionally. I still feel strongly when I read the Herald-Mages books and the Arrows books. The sads are as important as the happies. The series is highly recommended, especially if you like epic-type series. I think the splits of trilogies probably helps with consumption levels, but I wouldn't be too shocked if you found yourself buying them all right away.
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Moar!: Chicagoland Vampires - Chloe Neill
Sunday, February 2, 2014
Green Rider - Kristen Britain
Genre: Fantasy
Subgenre: riders, messengers, kings, intrigue
Age Appropriate: Young Adult
Recommended for my sister: Absolutely
"I am not a Green Rider!" - Karigan
One fateful day, Karigan G'ladheon is expelled from her school, Selium. It is an academy which is widely renowned. After a little swordplay with a spoiled aristocrat, Karigan finds herself running off in a bit of a tantrum at the injustice of it all. In her haste through slightly unknown forests, Karigan stumbles on a dying man is a green uniform, with two arrows in her back. This messenger pries a solemn deathbed promise out of Karigan to complete his mission in getting his messages back to the King. She takes his messages, a spare uniform, and his uniquely intelligent horse and trots off on her new mission.
Along the way Karigan meets various obstacles, both big and small, all in her effort to reach the King with the messages. Each time she's met with an obstacle, or even a new character, Karigan consistently insists that she is not a Green Rider, simply finishing his mission as promised. Things begin to prove differently throughout her journey, but she adamantly denies all of the signs. While stumbling some crazy situation, she realizes that her horse really is unusually smart, and that she's developed some sort of magical gift. There are evil forces infiltrating the kingdom and now she's found herself in the middle of a growing, tainted conflict. In each books of the series, Karigan fights against herself while fighting against the evil spreading through the land. With all of the battles on each front, she manages to add a different aspect when a little bit of romance rears it's head.
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The Green Rider series is pretty fun for me. It's like a younger version of The Deed of Paksenarrion. There are some elves running around, though not much more of the other races often found in similar stories. One of my favorite aspects is how much Karigan rails against her new powers and responsibilities. It's not because I want to see her struggle, but more that heroes (or heroines) often think of how awesome they are, or how cool they could be, and Karigan wants nothing more than to abandon her new life and return to her old one - except that she has an incredible sense of duty hiding behind some of that angst.
I'm keeping this at Young Adult because, although there is a brief encounter that might be considered more on the adult side of things, I don't feel that two pages in the fourth book takes it above the rating. The one big disappointment of the series is that Kristen Britain takes about two years to release a book. I'm glad because they're usually pretty well done, but sad because I'm a bit impatient. There are a few things that don't really sit well with me, but I've enjoyed the series nonetheless. I'd definitely recommend it. It's close to light reading, but still pretty entertaining. Now, the question is...what is going to happen with those romantic entanglements!? (I'm such a girl.)
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Yes, you are!: Elemental Assassin series - Jennifer Estep
Subgenre: riders, messengers, kings, intrigue
Age Appropriate: Young Adult
Recommended for my sister: Absolutely
"I am not a Green Rider!" - Karigan
One fateful day, Karigan G'ladheon is expelled from her school, Selium. It is an academy which is widely renowned. After a little swordplay with a spoiled aristocrat, Karigan finds herself running off in a bit of a tantrum at the injustice of it all. In her haste through slightly unknown forests, Karigan stumbles on a dying man is a green uniform, with two arrows in her back. This messenger pries a solemn deathbed promise out of Karigan to complete his mission in getting his messages back to the King. She takes his messages, a spare uniform, and his uniquely intelligent horse and trots off on her new mission.
Along the way Karigan meets various obstacles, both big and small, all in her effort to reach the King with the messages. Each time she's met with an obstacle, or even a new character, Karigan consistently insists that she is not a Green Rider, simply finishing his mission as promised. Things begin to prove differently throughout her journey, but she adamantly denies all of the signs. While stumbling some crazy situation, she realizes that her horse really is unusually smart, and that she's developed some sort of magical gift. There are evil forces infiltrating the kingdom and now she's found herself in the middle of a growing, tainted conflict. In each books of the series, Karigan fights against herself while fighting against the evil spreading through the land. With all of the battles on each front, she manages to add a different aspect when a little bit of romance rears it's head.
-----
The Green Rider series is pretty fun for me. It's like a younger version of The Deed of Paksenarrion. There are some elves running around, though not much more of the other races often found in similar stories. One of my favorite aspects is how much Karigan rails against her new powers and responsibilities. It's not because I want to see her struggle, but more that heroes (or heroines) often think of how awesome they are, or how cool they could be, and Karigan wants nothing more than to abandon her new life and return to her old one - except that she has an incredible sense of duty hiding behind some of that angst.
I'm keeping this at Young Adult because, although there is a brief encounter that might be considered more on the adult side of things, I don't feel that two pages in the fourth book takes it above the rating. The one big disappointment of the series is that Kristen Britain takes about two years to release a book. I'm glad because they're usually pretty well done, but sad because I'm a bit impatient. There are a few things that don't really sit well with me, but I've enjoyed the series nonetheless. I'd definitely recommend it. It's close to light reading, but still pretty entertaining. Now, the question is...what is going to happen with those romantic entanglements!? (I'm such a girl.)
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Yes, you are!: Elemental Assassin series - Jennifer Estep
Saturday, December 14, 2013
The Deed of Paksenarrion
Genre: Fantasy
Subgenre: soldiers, kings, battles, elves
Age Appropriate: Young Adult
Recommended for my sister: Yes
"Do I have to say?...Yes, for good." - Paksenarrion
The Deed of Paksennarrion is a Tolkien-esque adventure, complete with quests, elder races and evil plots. Paksenarrion leaves home to avoid marrying a farmer who had been promised her hand by her father. After a fight with her father, she leaves home and heads to the nearest town, hoping to catch up with a mercenary recruiting company. After hearing about her cousin's journeys, she decides that she wants to follow her dreams of being a famous warrior and starts her journey with Duke Phelan's company. The story starts the real plot development with the trials that come with being a new recruit within the company, including her disappointments with having to do camp chores.
The story that follows shows Paks growing into herself, and learning about the things that are most important to her. Along the way, she learns of the different races within the realm, becomes friends with some elves, and stumbles upon a small village that will become a strange home-like focal point for her life. While Paks is distinguishing herself among others in the land, she slows becomes aware of long-laid plots that are aimed to dooming another country, and battling internally about her own responsibilities in the matter. The Deed of Paksenarrion is a combination of three novels in one, each a high adventure with both triumph and pain alike.
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For all that the Anita Blake books are my favorite series, The Deed of Paksenarrion is probably my favorite book. It was actually my sister who provided it. I read the copy she gave me enough that I had to buy a second one, as the pages were falling out. I now, thankfully, have the e-version and I can read it without care.
I never finished Lord of the Rings. When I tried to read it when I was younger, I couldn't get past how long it was. Honestly, I don't know that I could read it now. I don't need Lord of the Rings, though, when I have The Deed of Paksenarrion with me. There aren't really any direct parallels between the two stories, with the exception of the presence of dwarves, elves, orcs and other creatures. The important lessons probably have some similarities - but that's true of most epic novels. My mother frequently complains about my reading fantasy novels, but maybe I should sit her down with this one. The morals of the story are hugely affecting. Watching the hardships that Paks has to face, and her responses to them (good and bad), really develop a sense of compassion. Of course, there is a part of me cheering her on every time she prevails. If this were The Neverending Story, I would be Bastien and Paks would be my Atreyu.
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Coming Soon: Mercy Thompson
Special Note: With the holiday season coming up, I can't guarantee how often the posts will come up. It's entirely possible that there won't be any until I'm done with the holidays! Happy Holidays!
Subgenre: soldiers, kings, battles, elves
Age Appropriate: Young Adult
Recommended for my sister: Yes
"Do I have to say?...Yes, for good." - Paksenarrion
The Deed of Paksennarrion is a Tolkien-esque adventure, complete with quests, elder races and evil plots. Paksenarrion leaves home to avoid marrying a farmer who had been promised her hand by her father. After a fight with her father, she leaves home and heads to the nearest town, hoping to catch up with a mercenary recruiting company. After hearing about her cousin's journeys, she decides that she wants to follow her dreams of being a famous warrior and starts her journey with Duke Phelan's company. The story starts the real plot development with the trials that come with being a new recruit within the company, including her disappointments with having to do camp chores.
The story that follows shows Paks growing into herself, and learning about the things that are most important to her. Along the way, she learns of the different races within the realm, becomes friends with some elves, and stumbles upon a small village that will become a strange home-like focal point for her life. While Paks is distinguishing herself among others in the land, she slows becomes aware of long-laid plots that are aimed to dooming another country, and battling internally about her own responsibilities in the matter. The Deed of Paksenarrion is a combination of three novels in one, each a high adventure with both triumph and pain alike.
-----
For all that the Anita Blake books are my favorite series, The Deed of Paksenarrion is probably my favorite book. It was actually my sister who provided it. I read the copy she gave me enough that I had to buy a second one, as the pages were falling out. I now, thankfully, have the e-version and I can read it without care.
I never finished Lord of the Rings. When I tried to read it when I was younger, I couldn't get past how long it was. Honestly, I don't know that I could read it now. I don't need Lord of the Rings, though, when I have The Deed of Paksenarrion with me. There aren't really any direct parallels between the two stories, with the exception of the presence of dwarves, elves, orcs and other creatures. The important lessons probably have some similarities - but that's true of most epic novels. My mother frequently complains about my reading fantasy novels, but maybe I should sit her down with this one. The morals of the story are hugely affecting. Watching the hardships that Paks has to face, and her responses to them (good and bad), really develop a sense of compassion. Of course, there is a part of me cheering her on every time she prevails. If this were The Neverending Story, I would be Bastien and Paks would be my Atreyu.
-----
Coming Soon: Mercy Thompson
Special Note: With the holiday season coming up, I can't guarantee how often the posts will come up. It's entirely possible that there won't be any until I'm done with the holidays! Happy Holidays!
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