Seraphina Review

Seraphina

Rachel Hartman

Publisher: Corgi

Four decades of peace have done little to ease the mistrust between humans and dragons in the kingdom of Goredd. Folding themselves into human shape, dragons attend court as ambassadors, and lend their rational, mathematical minds to universities as scholars and teachers. As the treaty's anniversary draws near, however, tensions are high. Seraphina Dombegh has reason to fear both sides. An unusually gifted musician, she joins the court just as a member of the royal family is murdered—in suspiciously draconian fashion. Seraphina is drawn into the investigation, partnering with the captain of the Queen's Guard, the dangerously perceptive Prince Lucian Kiggs. While they begin to uncover hints of a sinister plot to destroy the peace, Seraphina struggles to protect her own secret, the secret behind her musical gift, one so terrible that its discovery could mean her very life.

Seraphina is a talented musician at the royal court, but she has a secret that should never be told – her mother was a dragon. Growing tensions between humans and dragons mean she gets caught up in political issues, especially when the royal prince is murdered and all suspicions point to dragons as the culprit. Did dragons kill him? Will the peace last? And what if it doesn’t...?

Seraphina is a fantastic character – self-contained by necessity, but brave and smart. She understands both sides of the conflict but is hidden from both. Her growing friendship with the second heir, Princess Glisselda is fun and yet very serious as Seraphina almost incidentally starts to show her how to be more open to other ideas. Prince Lucien is a intriguing character and the relationship between the two of them is realistic and filled with difficulties. And then there are the dragons...  

Typically shapeshifting dragons are portrayed as humans with temper issues (okay – I’m grossly generalising but you get the idea). What I loved about Seraphina was the portrayal of the dragons as a truly alien species – with emotions thought to be common and unworthy of them. However, when in human form they struggle with understanding heir new bodies and the thoughts and feelings this brings. It asks some interesting questions about how much our bodies shape our thoughts and actions verses how much is our minds and spirits.

In total this is a complex and layered story with a history and (hopefully!) a future that will entertain and amuse. There is a murder mystery, complicated political tensions, dragon fights, music, family secrets and dysfunction with just a slight scent of romance. I was pulled in from the beginning and the story never goes for easy or simple making this one of the best YA fantasy offerings out there! Highly recommended!

Recommended for fans of Sarah J Maas & Rae Carson. 9 out of 10 

Early Review: Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass #2)

Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass #2)

Sarah J Maas

Publisher: Bloomsbury - To Be Release 15th August 2013

E-Arc Courtesy of Netgalley and Bloomsbury

Eighteen-year-old Celaena Sardothien is bold, daring and beautiful – the perfect seductress and the greatest assassin her world has ever known. But though she won the King’s contest and became his champion, Celaena has been granted neither her liberty nor the freedom to follow her heart. The slavery of the suffocating salt mines of Endovier that scarred her past is nothing compared to a life bound to her darkest enemy, a king whose rule is so dark and evil it is near impossible to defy. Celaena faces a choice that is tearing her heart to pieces: kill in cold blood for a man she hates, or risk sentencing those she loves to death. Celaena must decide what she will fight for: survival, love or the future of a kingdom. Because an assassin cannot have it all . . . And trying to may just destroy her.

This is what all YA series should be! An independent but passionate heroine caught between her vows and her secrets – check. Two heroes who accept her for who she is but still care – check. Love triangle that makes sense and isn’t frustrating or overwrought – check. Action – check. Soul searching – check, big revelations – check, an increasingly tense wider arc – check, great secondary characters – check. What more can I say, other than this book ticks all the check boxes and creates a few new ones!

As the King’s Champion Celaena has been ordered to kill those the King deems his enemies or traitors, but she finds herself less than enthused to kill for the man who is responsible for the death of her family and continues to dominate and enslave the whole continent. However, if she doesn’t obey him not only her own life is forfeit but also that of her friends, Chaol, Captain of the guard and Princess Nehemia. However, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t other people in the realm unwilling to oppose the king and soon Celaena has to decide how far she will go for those she loves and what she will fight for.

Celaena for young age has been through a lot and is intent on surviving, but at the same time she is starting to open up for the first time. I love that her character has grown so much and yet she is still making selfish choices at times and mistakes. It makes her feel real and the dilemmas she is struggling with even more difficult. That’s not to say Celaena along makes this book work. Both Prince Dorian and Captain Chaol are more than usual romanic interests and both struggling with dilemmas of their own. The balance between personal and  loyalties to the kingdom are strong – at times I just want to shake them both to be more aware of who they are serving as King! There are so many wonderful moments and twists that usually come at the end of a book just sneak up on you in the middle and make you wonder what will happen next. My heart was in my throat on multiply occasions and I never wanted to stop reading.

I am really hoping this is a longer series than just a trilogy as I can see so much possibility and adventures ahead for our assassin and her friends! This is where all other YA books need to look for inspiration.

Recommended for fans of Robin Lafevers and Maria V Synder. 10 out of 10

Guest Review: The Curse of Chalion

So back in May I ran a competition to help choose a birthday book for my guest reviewer, Sarah. She made the decision blind apart from five words...the words that won Sarah's favour were Thrice Dead Foretells Divine Opening and the book was...The Curse of Chalion by Lois McMaster Bujold and here is Sarah's review...

The Curse of Chalion
Lois McMaster Bujold

Publisher: Voyager

A man broken in body and spirit, Cazaril, has returned to the noble household he once served as page, and is named, to his great surprise, as the secretary-tutor to the beautiful, strong-willed sister of the impetuous boy who is next in line to rule. 
It is an assignment Cazaril dreads, for it will ultimately lead him to the place he fears most, the royal court of Cardegoss, where the powerful enemies, who once placed him in chains, now occupy lofty positions. In addition to the traitorous intrigues of villains, Cazaril and the Royesse Iselle, are faced with a sinister curse that hangs like a sword over the entire blighted House of Chalion and all who stand in their circle. Only by employing the darkest, most forbidden of magics, can Cazaril hope to protect his royal charge—an act that will mark the loyal, damaged servant as a tool of the miraculous, and trap him, flesh and soul, in a maze of demonic paradox, damnation, and death.

I had absolutely no idea what I had got myself in for when choosing my birthday giveaway winner blind, and I have to admit, I was a little nervous about what would land on my door step.  So it was with excitement and a little trepidation that I unwrapped The Curse of Chalion.  First thoughts?  I didn’t like the cover, and therefore it would have been an unlikely novel to have grabbed me when browsing Waterstones’ shelves.  Then I read the blurb, and it was with a sense of relief that I realised in my hand I had a swords ‘n’ sorcery tale with a dollop of political intrigue.  Happier, I settled down to read. 

The novel’s hero is Cazaril, a man broken in body, but not in spirit.  Forced to endure slavery as a result of political deceptiveness he is now a free man, but without a job, a home or a purpose.  So he journeys back to the scene of his youthful employment, hoping that the family he once served will allow him to serve them again.  Little does he, or indeed they, know the depths to which he will end up serving them. 

Cazaril is a wonderful lead character – a gentleman in the true sense of the word, but still very much a man.  He possesses an enormous depth of life experience, yet is still only in his 30s, making him the perfect choice to tutor and guide the novel’s equivalent of a princess.  His delight in the simple pleasures of life – good food, good wine, and a good bed – are thoroughly endearing, and ensure that the reader always knows for whom they are championing.

The author has a languid style of writing that builds worlds and characters alike without ever appearing ponderous.  She also introduced me to several new words (peculator and flensed, anyone!?!), which is a feat in itself after however many thousands of books I have read!  All in all this was a thoroughly enjoyable read, and it was also a pleasure to have the whole story in one well-paced novel (another book in this world was published 7 years after The Curse of Chalion, but stars a different character).  Whilst I do like getting to know characters over the course of a series, sometimes it is just nice to know the story is over and done with.  

One for fans of Fiona McIntosh (particularly with the references to Gods and Goddesses) and Karen Miller, 8 out of 10.

Queen of the World Review

Queen of the World

Ben Hennessy

Publisher: Inspired Quill 

In the legends, the Four saved the world from war and poverty. These incredible men walked the lands, seeking an audience with the ruler of each nation. They demanded that mankind focus its efforts on education, trade and culture. No longer would the people face starvation and terror. This commandment was enforced with displays of miraculous power. After all, it is difficult to argue with the Gods. Once finished, the Four left with a promise: If ever your people fall back into darkness, then we shall return. Now, over five centuries later, Sarene grows tired of her village life. Suffocated by the confines of her surroundings and the overbearing protection of her family, she yearns to have an adventure of her own. But the world outside is not as tranquil as it seems. And Sarene is already in danger... 

Queen of the World is an intriguing and realistic fantasy. Covering a lot of similar ground to those big epic fantasy’s such as sheltered young person discovers they are being hunted for no reason, prophecies and stoic protectors, Ben Hennessy manages to take this tropes and make them feel real and true. Our main character, Sarene is mute which makes communication challenging and gives her a unique perspective on people and the world. She might be young but she is someone that is easy to root for and sympathise with. Her protector is strong, loyal but also intelligent and quick witted. Along their way they meet a variety of people, all with their own problems, issues and history. I really enjoyed the way their journey took time and effort and the amount of world building that went into the characters to bring each of them alive.

 One of the best characters was Spasmodic, a demon who follows them in order to enjoy the chaos that occurs around them. He takes a simple pleasure in action, doesn’t understand humans and you’re not quite sure if he is trustworthy or not but he is a lot of fun and adds a certain amount of fission to their journey.

 While I loved the realism, this also holds it back slightly as the events are still very personal and less world impacting so far. I’m sure following books in this world will raise the stakes and open up the world more, but this time around I found myself wishing that Sarene would make some positive decisions to act rather than just react to everything. This is understandable given her youth but I like leading ladies who act and initiate events (for good or bad at times!). 

This would be a good introduction to fantasy for those who don’t read outside the real world and I am interested to see what happens next and how the Four will react now!

Recommended for fans of Jennifer Fallon and Michael J Sullivan. 8 out of 10

The Inheritance Review

The Inheritance

Robin Hobb & Megan Lindholm

Publisher: Harper Voyager

A collection of novellas and stories from one of the most critically acclaimed authors in the fantasy genre, Robin Hobb. Including work written under her pseudonym, Megan Lindholm.
Bingtown heiresses rub shoulders with vampires, tramps and feral cats in this wonderful collection.

In ''The Homecoming'', Lady Carillion Carrock and a few other Jamaillian nobles are sailing to the Cursed Shores after being exiled for plotting against the Satrap. Still, Carillion believes they are bound for wondrous cities, where ancient monarchs dusted their skin with gold and wore jewels above their eyes. But when she is marooned by the ship's unscrupulous captain, she will soon discover the grim reality of what survival in the Rain Wilds entails.
''The Silver Lady'' is a would-be writer, eking out a dull existence by working in a Sears store. Then one day a man comes in: fortyish, pleasant. Nothing out of the ordinary. Except he says his name is Merlin, and he's about to change her life.
In ''Cat's Meat'', Rosemary gets involved with the wrong man. Pell is lazy, good for nothing and a bully. Her best friend, Hilia, knew it and so did her tom cat, Marmalade. Even after she has his child, a beautiful baby boy, he leaves her for another woman. Now he's back, and something must be done...

I have read and loved Robin Hobb’s big fantasy books especially the Liveship Traders but I have to confess I’ve not read and Megan Lindholm despite being Robin Hobb’s ‘other name’, so this anthology was both an introduction and eagerly anticipated. There are more Megan Lindholm stories but there are shorter in length, while the three Robin Hobb stories are much longer and provide little insights into her Rain River and Liveship world.

The Megan Lindholm stories are set in the modern day and are in a different style but have plenty of ideas that intrigue and capture your imagination. A Touch of Lavender is set in a world where aliens have arrived but their touch is addictive. The story focuses on one young boy who’s mum starts living with one of these aliens and the impact this has on their lives. Strays follows a girl who is friends with the queen of stray cats but the queen has an abusive home life. Cut had me squirming in my seat but asks some big questions about how far you can control your own body and when can society interject or if it should. All these stories have a strong initial idea which will stay with you long after the story finishes.

The three Robin Hobb stories all remind me why I adore her fantasy books with Homecoming following the first settlers in the Rain River and the trials and struggles they had with the corrosive river, dreams and changing physical aspects. It made me want to re-read the Liveships again! The other two stories were nice little insights into people in this world as they discover some life changing aspects with Cat’s Meat particularly asking how to fight against someone bigger than you.

Overall, this was a very strong anthology with no real dud amongst the stories and several diamonds. This would be a great introduction to her work for those who aren’t fans and a perfect little appetiser for those of us who do like her books. Right, I’m off to see about buying some Megan Lindholm books...

Recommended for fans of Karen Miller and Tanya Huff. 8.5 out of 10

The Revenge of Eli Monpress Review

The Revenge of Eli Monpress (Spirit’s War & Spirit’s End – Eli Monpress #4 & #5)

Rachel Aaron

Publisher: Orbit

Eli Monpress is vain. He's cocky. And he's a thief.
But he's a thief who has just seen his bounty topped and he's not happy about it. The bounty topper, as it turns out, is his best friend and master swordsman, Josef. He's been keeping secrets from Eli. Apparently, he's the only prince of a rather feisty country, and he's been ordered to come home to do his duty. This means throwing over personal ambitions like proving he's the greatest swordsman who ever lived.Family drama aside, Eli and Josef have their hands full. The Spirit Court has been usurped by the Council of Thrones and someone calling herself the Immortal Empress is staging a massive invasion. But it's not just politics - the Immortal Empress has a specific target in mind: Eli Monpress, the greatest thief in the world.

*Sigh* I have a massive crush on Eli Monpress. He just charms me with every adventure, every outrageous scheme, every wink. I adore Miranda’s stubbornness to stick to her morals no matter what. I love Josef and Nicco’s loyalty to each other and Eli. I love the idea of objects and elements having spirits, thoughts and opinions. I just love this series and I’m so sad that it has come to an end. That one of the reasons I’ve been holding off reading this for so long as I didn’t want it to end. But what an end! Wow! I already read and reviewed Spirit’s War when that came out on kindle last year (read it here) so this review is just for the final book – Spirit’s End.

Spirit’s End is how all fantasy series should end – with the stakes higher than ever before, with each character getting a chance to shine, with each subplot and question answered and the world never being the same as it was before! After the devastation and upheavals of Spirit’s War, things don’t get any easier here with the Shepherdess finally getting her hands on Eli, the Demons outside still scratching their way into the world and the Spirit Court divided. Some of the book is taken up with tying the loose ends from Spirit’s War, with Josef’s island still devastated and in need of recovery and the Spirit’s Court’s refusal to go to war for the Council of Thrones also has consequences. Nothing is forgotten and there are consequences for everyone from their actions.

While the stakes are higher than ever before, Rachel Aaron has retained the joyful banter between characters and Eli can always raise a smile or two no matter what is happening. With the world altering events, these light touches enable the story to balance the dark and light. The characters are all true to themselves – and for most of the final 250 pages I could barely breathe as it felt like there was one climax after another. I kept thinking it couldn’t get any more tense – and then it did! This has been one of my favourite Fantasy series I’ve ever read with a delightful balance of character, plot and world-building that manages to hit all the right notes for frantic fun and deadly consequences.

While I will miss Eli and co and can see the possibility for more adventures in this world, I’m happy with where we end. Plus I’m really looking forward to Rachel Aaron’s next story! I think this series gets stronger with every book and only having five books means it’s not as overwhelming a fantasy series such as The Wheel of Time. Go on, give it a go! The books get better and better as you get to know the characters and the wider world is explored. But remember Eli is mine! J

Recommended for fans of Patricia Briggs and Scott Lynch. 10 out of 10 

Early Review: Black Feathers

Black Feathers

Jospeh D’Lancey

Publisher: Angry Robot – Released 4^th April

Black Feathers is a modern fantasy set in two epochs: the Black Dawn, a time of environmental apocalypse, and generations into the future in its aftermath, the Bright Day.
In each era, a child undertakes a perilous journey to find a dark messiah known as The Crowman. In their hands lies the fate of the planet as they attempt to discover whether The Crowman is our saviour… or the final incarnation of evil.

This is a story of two parts woven together like a piece of rope, strengthening and complementing each other. One element focused on a young boy, Gordon Black set in the recognisable future where everything is breaking down as the world seems to be coming to an end. Certainly the world as we know it! The other thread is on a young girl, Megan in the distant future, where humanity lives much simpler lives, close to the land. They are both on a journey to find the Crowman, but whether he is real or not, good or evil no-one is quite sure...

Gordon’s story is the more disturbing and compelling one for me. The breakdown of society, the Ward’s rise to power and one small boy’s attempt to come to terms with the world has a wonderful mix of secrets, revelations, action and thought provoking conundrums. Not to mention destiny and magic! It was tense, intriguing and involving – I really wanted to give Gordon a hand at times! Megan’s story is also interesting, but much more sedate following a traditional apprentice learning about her powers story. She is a gentle character at heart, if a little impatient and I did like her. However, the story in the future didn’t have the same intensity or urgency that the current day scenes had.

While both stories focus on young people coming into their powers, this is definitely NOT a YA book. There is a lot of extreme violence and the end of the known world does not occur without a fight. The writing was involving and descriptive painting two very different worlds without overloading the background. This was very much a case of the author showing us the world rather than telling us – and that slower exploration of the world builds into a wonderful panorama of humanity. This worked as an apocalyptic novel, a fantasy novel and one that I want to read the sequel too as soon as possible!

Recommended for fans of Peter V Brett and Jennifer Fallon. 8.5 out of 10

Masquerade Blog Tour: More Than This

Today I am very excited to welcome a wonderfully generous person and a great author, Sarah-Jane Lehoux to Mel's Random Reviews to celebrate the release of the third book following the adventure of mercenary, Sevy. I liked book one, Thief (My review here) and I REALLY liked book two, Shades of War. 

I'm lucky enough to be the first stop on this book tour with a wonderful guest post from Sarah-Jane on strong female characters - something that intrigues me as pretty much every book I enjoy has a strong female character - and I do have a pet peeve against stereotyping of women in fiction so I found this fascinating - enjoy!

More than This - Sarah-Jane Lehoux

Anyone who has read anything of mine or who follows me on Twitter knows that I like strong female characters, and I like to bitch about the tropes that plague female characters from certain popular book series.

Yes, I am a feminist. No, I am not a man-hater.

I’m just a woman who looks at the way women are portrayed in current literature, and I think, “We can do better.” We can take a cold, hard look at gender roles in our society and we can re-define them.

What does this mean? It means that women are more than the sum of their parts. They are more than damsels in distress. They are more than femme fatales. They are most definitely more than Mary Sues whose lives revolve around good looking (but abusive) guys.

Women are can be ugly and still be worthwhile. We can be whole without needing a man to complete us. We can be strong without having to fight, but when we do fight, we can kick some serious ass. All that is required is a mind of one’s own. A strong woman knows who she is, or who she wants to be. She knows what she wants out of life, and she goes for it. She doesn’t wait for it to be handed to her.

Sevy, the protagonist for the eponymous series, is what I consider a strong female character. “But wait,” you might exclaim. “Wasn’t Sevy’s goal in Thief (the first of the series) to get her man? Aren’t you being hypocritical?”

Yes and no. Sevy did indeed go to some very dark places to try to win the heart of her beloved, but there is more to her than “I love him,” just as there is more to Harry Potter than “I must defeat Voldemort,” and more to Lestat than “I’m a vampire.” A well rounded, three dimensional character is complex, has faults, makes mistakes, learns, and grows as an individual. And over the course of the Sevy Series, it becomes clear that her journey is so much more than just loving a man. It’s about loving herself.

So let’s take a critical look at how women are portrayed in our favourite books. Are they being allowed to be actual people instead of simply pretty props? There are little girls out there who need role models, who need to read that they are more than just the side-kick or the seductress. There are little boys out there who need to learn that women are not just sexual objects.

Books have power, and through them, we have the ability to influence the future of humanity. Yeah, that sounds highfalutin, but I’m an author. Words are my weapons and the way I will (hopefully) leave my mark on the world.

What’s yours?

Masquerade - Sarah-Jane Lehoux

Publisher: Mundania Press

Released 26th February 2013

Never trust a liar, especially when they’re telling the truth Starting over isn’t easy, especially when the world isn’t ready for you to change. Sevy, thief turned assassin turned mercenary, isn’t having any fun adjusting to a normal, law-abiding life. Luckily for her, an old partner in crime arrives with an irresistible proposition: a getaway to a tropical island, an adventure of a lifetime, and an amazing friendship ready to blossom into an even more amazing romance.Things are looking up for Sevy. That is, until a pack of maniacal fairies with a taste for human flesh arrive on the scene.  Now she must unravel a web of magical intrigue hidden behind the outwardly idyllic atmosphere of the islands of Belakarta. Nothing is as it seems, and no one can be trusted. Trapped under the spell of a handsome and mysterious stranger, Sevy must fight fairies and tricksters to regain her freedom. Or spend an eternity as a sorcerer’s plaything... 

Dark Alchemy Review

Dark Alchemy

Edited by Jack Dann & Gardner Dozois

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Throughout the ages, the wizard has claimed a spot in human culture-from the shadowy spiritual leaders of early man to precocious characters in blockbuster films. Gone are the cartoon images of wizened gray-haired men in pointy caps creating magic with a wave of their wands. Today's wizards are more subtle in their powers, more discerning in their ways, and-in the hands of modern fantasists-more likely than ever to capture readers' imaginations. 
In Neil Gaiman's "The Witch's Headstone," a piece taken from his much-anticipated novel in progress, an eight-year-old boy learns the power of kindness from a long-dead sorceress. Only one woman possesses two kinds of magic-enough to unite two kingdoms-in Garth Nix's "Holly and Iron." Patricia A. McKillip's "Naming Day" gives a sorcery student a lesson in breaking the rules. And a famished dove spins a tale worthy of a meal, but perhaps not the truth, in "A Fowl Tale" by Eoin Colfer.

This is anthology with a lot of top fantasy writers contributing stories and like many anthologies, it’s only as strong as its weakest story. For some reason the theme of wizards and magic didn’t grab me – I only started reading the book when I finished a book sooner than expected and needed something to read on the way home. Unfortunately that lack of need to read all the stories meant it took me a few weeks to finish this and there was some spark missing to make this a top notch anthology.

Only a few of the stories stick in my mind – The Ruby Incomparable by Kage Baker which follows the life of a girl who learns magic but fails to connect to her mother. The emotional heart of that story was about more than the magic and the lovely ending lingers in my mind. I also really enjoyed Tad Williams’ The Stranger’s Hands which tells the story of two vagabonds who bring with them some unusual gifts when they arrive in a new area. This was an easy read, which surprised me as I struggled with the one Tad Williams book I’ve read before and makes me wonder if I should give him another chance. The Neil Gaiman story was warm and focuses on friendships – but was one of the chapters in The Graveyard Book which I read previously.

The other stories aren’t bad – but they just aren’t particularly memorable and cover a number of different wizards stories – some set in the modern time and some in fantasy worlds but in each occasion the use magic changes the world: sometimes for one person and sometimes the whole world. This was an entertaining enough read but not a book to move to the top of the TBR pile.

Recommended for fans of David Eddings and Terry Brooks. 6.5 out of 10

Shades of War (Sevy #2) Review

Shades of War (Sevy #2)

Sarah-Jane Lehoux

Publisher: Mundania Press

Review copy courtesy of the author in exchange for an honest review

Sometimes the past can't be forgotten. Sometimes the truth refuses to be buried. And sometimes the dead won't stay dead.It began as a simple request: Journey to the Northern Jungles and bring a wayward son back to the safety of his farm and family before the racial tension that is building between humans and dark elves erupts into civil war. But life is never simple for Sevy, and she soon finds herself entangled in a bloody battle of good versus evil, love versus hate.Old friends and enemies reunite, familial bonds are broken, and loyalty is tested. And in the midst of the steamy, sultry jungles, the ghosts of a serial killer's victims come out to play. Sevy, as petulant and irascible as ever, must overcome her personal demons in order to expose a madman and bring peace back to the kingdom. But just how much of her sanity must she sacrifice to help her friends? And how can she save anyone when she can't even save her own soul?

This is the second book following the adventure of mercenary ex-thief, Sevy. Sevy is a strong woman but she is stubborn, bias, impulsive, selfish and rarely listens to anyone else. She can be quite infuriating, yet there is something compulsive about her that you can’t help urging her on even when you’re not sure if you like her or not! In this story Sevy slowly starts to listen to those around her and begins to grow up.

Once again my favourite character was the dark elf and Sevy’s friend, Revik. He and his wife are struggling to reconcile their differences when they find themselves in the middle of a conflict between the dark elves of the jungle and the humans who have been expanding their holdings. The relationship between them is complex and layered but throughout I was rooting for them. One of the strongest points of this story are the characters which are varied but realistic. They all have their pasts, biases and feel like real people. Sometimes you just want to shout at them to listen and trust each other, but that is always easier to say from the outside perspective!

The plot twists and turns with some really great action sequences that will have you on the edge of your seat. I liked the first Sevy adventure, Thief but I REALLY liked this story. It was fast paced, exciting and different from any other fantasy I’ve ever read. With the third book in the Sevy sequence, Masquerade out later on in the month, I hope there will be plenty more adventures for Sevy.

Recommended for fans of Karen Miller and Tad Williams. 9 out of 10

Early Review: Pantomime

Pantomime

Laura Lam

Publisher: Strange Chemistry - Published today!

E-Arc courtesy of Netgalley and Strange Chemistry

R. H. Ragona’s Circus of Magic is the greatest circus of Ellada. Nestled among the glowing blue Penglass—remnants of a mysterious civilisation long gone—are wonders beyond the wildest imagination. It’s a place where anything seems possible, where if you close your eyes you can believe that the magic and knowledge of the vanished Chimaera is still there. It’s a place where anyone can hide. 
Iphigenia Laurus, or Gene, the daughter of a noble family, is uncomfortable in corsets and crinoline, and prefers climbing trees to debutante balls. Micah Grey, a runaway living on the streets, joins the circus as an aerialist’s apprentice and soon becomes the circus’s rising star. But Gene and Micah have balancing acts of their own to perform, and a secret in their blood that could unlock the mysteries of Ellada

Pantomime is a wonderfully atmospheric story, invoking memories of fairs and circus and making you almost able to smell the sweet toffee apples and frying hotdogs mixed with straw and animal musk that I remember of childhood visits. Micah is a young runaway who stumbles into training as an acrobat at the circus. At first there is disdain and mistrust but as Micah proves himself, he finds the true heart of the circus but has a secret of his own to protect at all costs.

Set in a fantasy world that feels similar to the 19^th century with well off Lords and Ladies as well as teaming street markets and homeless urchins – think Charles Dickens crossed with CS Lewis. While the world building is somehow familiar and unique at the same time, it is the history of the world with strange creature long thought lost and the mysterious Penglass structures throughout the cities which intrigue and mystify. The story unfolds slowly, like the buds of spring but once revealed it is worth the wait.

For most of the story, it is warm writing and characters that keep you going as it is all about atmosphere rather than action. However, towards the end that all changes as secrets are revealed and new ones raised. The ending will have to crying out to know more – and I hope the wait for the sequel will not be too long! This is different from any other fantasy YA I’ve ever read and stronger for it. This is a book which is better to know less about going in as the joy of the book is in the discovery. Highly recommended.

Recommended for fans of HG Wells and Marissa Meyer.  8.5 out of 10 

Early Review: Scent of Magic

Scent of Magic (Avry of Kazan #2)

Maria V Snyder

Publisher: MIRA Books - Published on 24^th December 2012

E-Arc with thanks to Netgalley and Mira

Hunted, Killed—Survived?
As the last Healer in the Fifteen Realms, Avery of Kazan is in a unique position: in the minds of her friends and foes alike, she no longer exists. Despite her need to prevent the megalomanical King Tohon from winning control of the Realms, Avery is also determined to find her sister and repair their estrangement. And she must do it alone, as Kerrick, her partner and sole confident, returns to Alga to summon his country into battle.
Though she should be in hiding, Avery will do whatever she can to support Tohon’s opponents. Including infiltrating a holy army, evading magic sniffers, teaching forest skills to soldiers and figuring out how to stop Tohon’s most horrible creations yet; an army of the walking dead—human and animal alike and nearly impossible to defeat.
War is coming and Avery is alone. Unless she figures out how to do the impossible ... again

Despite being the second book in the series, I found this story much simpler than the first book and as a result the story was faster-paced, tauter and more exciting. The first few pages mention a lot of names and it took me a while to catch up with all the characters, factions and powers again. There is no quick recap at all so you are thrown straight into the action. However, with Maria V. Snyder’s lyrical prose, it doesn’t take long to remember the details and be fully submersed in Avry’s world again.

Avry is on her own for most of the story and we get to see how strong she is on her own – without her constant mothering of her companions. She is able to use her own skills and intelligence to prove herself and it is refreshing to see such a warm and caring character standing on her own feet without a guy to support her at all. The story focuses on war with most of the action taking place at the army’s training ground. There are some intriguing developments regarding the Peace and Death lilies and the new characters in the army are a nice expansion to the world.

As ever one of the elements I loved the most about Maria’s writing is the relationships between characters as they evolve. The banter is fun and realistic – I always wanted to spend more time with these characters which is a good sign! The romance is not omni-present but just simmering nicely in the background. There are some interesting twists at the end of the book which will make the third book very exciting...do I have to wait a whole year though before reading it..? J

Fun fantasy with great characters and an easy reading style. One of my favourite fantasy reads of the year!

Recommended for fans of Robin Hobb and Sarah J Maas. 9 out of 10

Early Review: Falling Kingdoms

Falling Kingdoms

Morgan Rhodes

Publisher: UK – Puffin Books

Ebook Available 11^th December 2012

Print Book Available 3^rd January 2013

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?

Following teenagers across three lands as their countries come closer and closer to war, Falling Kingdoms weaves multiple strands, religious view points, political differences and romance into a fantastical entertaining and engaging story.

Princess Cleo comes from a land of plenty and a much loved and indulgent childhood. However, her actions and decisions while buying wine starts a series of events which bring the whole country to the edge. Cleo is sweet, but very naive and her character really grows up throughout the story and becomes more aware of the wider world and the consequences of her actions. Jonas, son of a wine seller is a harder character to love as he is bitter and vengeful, but he realises some harsh truths through his encounter with people in power and has the makings of a true hero in the future. However, my favourite characters were Magnus, Prince of the Northern Kingdom who is walking a fine line between his father’s blood thirsty character and his own traitorous heart and his sister Lucia, who’s inheritance could change everything. Meeting all these characters in their late teens means that they are all still figuring out who they are and what paths they should be on. It shows how easy it can be to do the wrong thing, not knowing what else can be done. I loved that the characters aren’t purely good of purely bad – there are so many shades of grey and Morgan Rhodes has done a great job of showing how good can be in the eye of the beholder.

There are comparisons to A Game of Thrones and there are some similarities particularly the alternating chapters across different sides of the story while the action is building towards a major conflict. However, Falling Kingdoms stands on its own with intriguing characters and an interesting plot. The writing is charming and pulls you into this world. I couldn’t put it down! However, while some elements are wrapped up here there is a large question mark left over the future of some of our characters with a quest set up for the second book in the trilogy...it will be a long wait before I can check in again with Magnus, Cleo and Lucia!

Recommended for fans of Sarah J Maas and Kristin Cashore. 8.5 out of 10

Don’t forget to check out the other stops on the blog tour for Falling Kingdoms!

The Viscount and The Witch: Novella Review

The Viscount and The Witch (The Riyria Chronicles Short)

Michael J. Sullivan

Kindle Book

Eleven years before they were framed for the murder of a king, before even assuming the title of Riyria, Royce Melborn and Hadrian Blackwater were practically strangers. Unlikely associates, this cynical thief and idealist swordsman, were just learning how to work together as a team. 

This is a short story set long before the start of the books shortly after Royce and Hadrian have met and are still getting to know each other. I’ve not read the books – although certain bloggers I trust have raved about them so I thought this novella would be a nice introduction to the world to see if I wanted to start the series proper. The short answer is, yes I do!

Royce and Hadrian are fun characters – very different but are learning to trust each other. Each is intelligent and good at what they do. When a bedraggled old woman stops them on the path and asks for their help to evict a drunk from her barn Royce agrees to help, much to Hadrian disgust. After all it’s nothing to do with them. The writing is quick-witted and fun; you can glimpse how much Michael Sullivan likes writing about these characters. While this  a very short story it is a perfect appetiser and I want to know more!  

Recommended for fans of David Eddings and Robin Hobb. 8 out of 10

A Game of Thrones Review

A Game of Thrones (A Song of Fire and Ice #1)

- George R.R. Martin

Publisher: Harper Voyager

Kings and queens, knights and renegades, liars, lords and honest men. All will play the Game of Thrones.
Summers span decades.Winter can last a lifetime.And the struggle for the Iron Throne has begun.It will stretch from the south where heat breeds plot,lusts and intrigues to the vast frozen north,where a 700-foot wall of ice protects the kingdom from the dark forces that lie beyond. The Game of Thrones. You win,or you die.

This book has had A LOT of hype over the years – even more so in the last couple of years with the HBO TV Series wowing viewers and existing fans. However, I have to admit the sheer size of it (over 900 pages!) is intimidating and meant it sat on my TBR pile for a long time. Then at the start of the month you guys evilly choose it for me to read this month. I thought it would take me ages – but actually I found myself so absorbed with events in the Seven Kingdoms that it only took six days in the end. And I can now say that the hype is true this once!

Fantasy books are often described as epic but this one truly is – with each chapter focusing on a character of importance to the realm and major events. In fact each chapter can be read as a short story in itself, but building up to a much wider picture. This story really is a tapestry woven out of characters and events vastly different from each other. I loved how events in one part of kingdom would affect what happened elsewhere – even if they didn’t know about it yet. As always some characters are more interesting than others – the dwarf Tyrion Lannister is fascinating and Jon Snow is a true hero in the making. There are slight hints of magic and otherworldly events, but a large proportion of the story is based on political events leading to forays and battles as the Stark family unwittingly get involved in the ‘Game of Thrones’.

I have seen the first season of the TV show and only now I’ve read the book do I truly appreciate how faithfully the series is. Pretty much every scene in the book is in the show – the only major change is the age of some of the main characters – adding a few years to them in order to make the violence and sex involving them more palatable for TV I guess.

The book is truly absorbing and involving – I wanted to move on to the second book straight away when I finished (always a good sign!). However, I will have to wait a while as I have several review books to read by the end of the year – but I plan to regular visits back to this world in 2013. One of the most adult of fantasy books that is rightly deserving of much praise. Highly recommended

Recommended for fans of Robin Hobb and Jacqueline Carey. 10 out of 10

Guest Review: The Final Empire

Sarah's around again with a book I have to confess I hadn't heard off before....but then Sarah does read more fantasy than me!

The Final Empire (Mistborn #1)
- Brandon Sanderson

Publisher: Gollancz

A thousand years ago evil came to the land and has ruled with an iron hand ever since. The sun shines fitfully under clouds of ash that float down endlessly from the constant eruption of volcanoes. A dark lord rules through the aristocratic families and ordinary folk are condemned to lives in servitude, sold as goods, labouring in the ash fields. But now a troublemaker has arrived and there is rumour of revolt. A revolt that depends on criminal that no-one can trust and a young girl who must master Allomancy - the magic that lies in all metals. 

Ha ha ha, my turn to read a book that Mel hasn’t even heard of, and I’m hoping it is one that she will someday pick up (although, with the size of her TBR pile, it could be a long time coming…).  The Final Empire kicks start the Mistborn trilogy with aplomb, providing a refreshing look at the swords ‘n’ sorcery genre by asking the question ‘what would happen if the Dark Lord won?’

In Mistborn, magic can only be wielded by the nobility, and only by those who have the ability to ‘burn’ specific metals.  Yes, instead of metal ingestion being fatal, if you have the innate gift, you can change the metal into a powerful tool.  The majority of those able to practice allomancy can only utilize one metal, but to a privileged few, all metals can be used to their advantage.  This novel’s Dark Lord is one such person, and his powers are so great that he is able to manipulate the emotions of virtually every underdog in the city at once, keeping them obedient, compliant, and peaceful.  That is, until the (almost unbelievably) charismatic Kelsier, and his thieving crew decide to do something about it.

As Kelsier’s plans progress he is introduced to the heroine of our tale, the untrusting, emotionally broken, but ultimately strongly gifted, Vin, a young, scrawny, teenage girl.  As a reader I really appreciated Vin’s ingrained wariness, and how she doesn't instantly capitulate to Kelsier’s charm.  Too many novels contain characters that change their behavior with little effort from others – in reality, if you have been damaged, you do not heal quickly.  Even in the final chapters, Vin’s past is still affecting the way she interacts with others.

Sanderson as an author has a real way with action sequences, leaving you breathless in the way that very few authors can.  Yes, he is not James Barclay (my Holy Grail of action writer), but Sanderson is definitely in that vicinity in my book.  I have heard that later installments in this series are a little disappointing after this great introduction, but I will be making my own mind up about them in the not too distant future I am sure!  

One for fans of Trudi Canavan and Glenda Larke, 8 out of 10.