Category Archives: Book Review

The Assassin and the Underworld by Sarah J. Maas

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

the-assassin-and-the-underworld

Title: The Assassin and the Underworld
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: Throne of Glass #0.4
In: The Assassin’s Blade (Sarah J. Maas)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy, Romance, Strong women
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: Even after her fourth bath – which had been immediately after her liquor-bath – she felt like grime coated every part of her.

Synopsis

When the King of the Assassins gives Celaena Sardothien a special assignment that will help fight slavery in the kingdom, she jumps at the chance to strike a blow against an evil practice. The misson is a dark and deadly affair which takes Celaena from the rooftops of the city to the bottom of the sewer–and she doesn’t like what she finds there.

Thoughts

Although for me, this story was mostly about the beginning of Celaena’s change to Aelin, it also finally gave an insight into just why Celaena and Sam became an item. Although his death and their love is a driving factor for much that she does, I never quite understood what a reportedly sweet man could be doing falling head over heels for a thorny, indulged assassin. Yet, finally, with The Assassin and the Underworld, this made sense.

While falling for Sam was the true reason Celaena was eventually betrayed, her future betrayal and bitterness at Arobynn was laid out within this tale too. His maliciousness and ability to set Celaena and Sam up in the most excruciating of ways begins in this way, and it is this long-term foresight and possessiveness that creates a truly terrifying villain in the King of Assassins. The inklings of what he is truly capable of and the uncaring way in which he is willing to pit members of his own court against one another sent goosebumps down my spine. There is something truly horrifying about a villain who has no conscience and is driven purely by their own needs.

 <- The Assassin and the DesertThe Assassin and the Empire ->

Image source: Goodreads

The Assassin and the Desert by Sarah J. Maas

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

the-assassin-and-the-desert

Title: The Assassin and the Desert
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: Throne of Glass #0.3
In: The Assassin’s Blade (Sarah J. Maas)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy, Romance, Strong women
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: After so many hours of silence, the word was jarringly loud.

Synopsis

The Silent Assassins of the Red Desert aren’t much for conversation, and Celaena Sardothien wouldn’t have it any other way. She’s not there to chatter, she’s there to hone her craft as the world’s most feared killer for hire. When the quiet is shattered by forces who want to destroy the Silent Assassins, Celaena must find a way to stop them, or she’ll be lucky to leave the desert alive.

Thoughts

This, by far, is my favourite of the five prequel stories in The Assassin’s Blade. The idea of a society of assassin’s based out in the middle of the desert is very poetic and the picture that Maas paints of the landscape in which Celaena finds herself is so tranquil and isolatingly beautiful. Her quick friendship with Ansel is another echo of this isolation – a great deal of symbolism for Celaena’s life up until this point. She is isolated and beautiful, unable to open herself to the hearts of others.

The teachings which Celaena undergoes are not in the slightest what are to be expected. They leave fluidity, flexibility and peace as the true trophies of the art. Not brutality and violence. Those within the community are taught with kindness and care, although, it is an incredibly abstract way of teaching – much of the time, it is difficult to understand what the lesson even is until it is finally explained. Maas is able to use this to remind us that we are constantly learning, changing and shifting, but it isn’t always clear what the outcome of these life lessons will be until we have come out the other side.

<- The Assassin and the Healer ReviewThe Assassin and the Underworld Review ->

Image source: Goodreads

The Assassin and the Healer by Sarah J. Maas

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

The Assassin's Blade

Title: The Assassin and the Healer
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: Throne of Glass #0.2
In: The Assassin’s Blade (Sarah J. Maas)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy, Romance, Strong women
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: Yet there, deep in her gut, was a small but insistent tug.

Synopsis

Meet the Assassin: beautiful, defiant, destined for greatness. Celaena Sardothien has challenged her master. Now she must pay the price. Her journey to the Red Desert will be an arduous one, but it may change the fate of her cursed world forever…

Thoughts

Although The Assassin and the Healer is a short story between Celaena’s adventures (literally), it helps to further her character development and cast shadows across her relationship with Arobynn. Her willingness to do what is right, and even to suffer the punishment for this (as she is now doing after her actions in The Assassin and the Pirate Lord) shine throughout the story. Even amidst the loathing and self-righteousness she feels at her self-imposed exile.

Yrenne Tower also appears, albeit allusively in later stories, and it is the one small act of kindness which Celaena performs in this short story which leads to her future actions. Likewise, this story is a reminder of the lack of power which the women in this society often hold. Their inability to find their own reality and fight for themselves in an often cruel world. The Healer’s ability to finally stand up and fight for herself shows a mass of gumption and inner strength that not only helps her find her own way in life, but is also what inspires Celaena to act on her behalf.

<- The Assassin and the Pirate Lord ReviewThe Assassin and the Desert Review ->

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The Assassin and the Pirate Lord by Sarah J. Maas

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

the-assassin-and-the-pirate-lord

Title: The Assassin and the Pirate Lord
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: Throne of Glass #0.1
In: The Assassin’s Blade (Sarah J. Maas)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy, Romance, Strong women
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: Roalfe croaked as she held it up in her free hand, the garnet flashing in the light.

Synopsis

On a remote island in a tropical sea, Celaena Sardothien, feared assassin, has come for retribution. She’s been sent by the Assassin’s Guild to collect on a debt they are owed by the Lord of the Pirates. But when Celaena learns that the agreed payment is not in money, but in slaves, her mission suddenly changes—and she will risk everything to right the wrong she’s been sent to bring about.

Thoughts

This short story shows two aspects to Celaena as such was before the beginning of Throne of Glass. And, whilst they are so at odds with one another, they are a great insight into the woman she slowly becomes throughout the rest of the Throne of Glass series. The spoilt, petulant child that she is at the beginning of the series is completely offset by the even more self-centred and indulged child that she is in this first prequel.

The first chapter of this novella is exactly how I pictured Celaena in her days as “the world’s greatest assassin”. She is rude, conceited and incredibly difficult to like. In fact, if I hadn’t read the first three Throne of Glass books, I probably would have wondered what this young character had going for her. However, as the story progresses and her care for others is heightened, you can see where he consciousness started to affect the rest of her life. Without that, she wouldn’t have been able to fall for Sam, get caught by Arobynn. In other words, this was the perfect catalyst story for everything that follows.

<- The Assassin’s Blade ReviewThe Assassin and the Healer Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Black Lament by Christina Henry

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

black-lament

Title: Black Lament
Author: Christina Henry
Series: Black Wings #4
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this),
My Bookshelves: Angels, Ghosts, Paranormal fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Ace Fantasy
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: I acknowledged this with a nod.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

As an Agent of Death, Madeline Black deals with loss every day. But when tragedy touches her own life, Maddy will have to find the strength within to carry on…

Devastated and grieving, Maddy unexpectedly finds hope with the discovery that she is pregnant. But her joy is short-lived when Lucifer informs her that he wants the baby, hoping to draw on the combined power of two of his bloodlines. Maddy is determined that her grandfather will never have her child, but she’s not sure what she can do to stop him.

Being pregnant is stressful enough, but Maddy suddenly finds herself at odds with the Agency, which forbids her from meddling in the affairs of the supernatural courts. When a few of her soul collections go awry, Maddy begins to suspect that the Agency wants to terminate her employment. It should know by now that she isn’t the sort to give up without a fight…

Thoughts

Black Lament had a very drastic change in tone to the first three Black Wings stories. And honestly, I’m not sure how I feel about it. On one hand, it showed an amazing ability to have a changing and dynamic character; on the other, I love Maddy Black for her sass, sarcasm and wit, all of which were tainted by a black halo of depression. When they were present. However, this change in the general ambiance of the tale really should have been obvious from the title of the novel.

Although the black haze through which Maddy travels in Black Lament was incredibly bothersome, it was really her slow greying of morals that I found difficult to stomach. Throughout the series she has clung stubbornly to her morality and sense of self, yet, the moment her unborn child is threatened, she does everything she always swore she wouldn’t. Yes, it is a fantastic testament to the lengths that a woman will go to for her child, but, mostly I just found it difficult. The change seems totally plausible in a character’s development; it wasn’t one that I truly appreciated. I suppose because this character had always conducted herself in very much a ‘right and wrong’, ‘black and white’ way, and all of a sudden the lines are incredibly blurred.

Honestly, it was Beezle and Samiel who really saved this story for me. Where Maddy is almost difficult to really sympathise with throughout this story, Beezle and Samiel stay true to themselves, and even to Maddy. Although Beezle is often a voice of conscious to her, and constantly questions whether she has already crossed the line, he is still loyal. Both characters seem to be determined to save and protect her, even if it is just from herself.

<- Black Howl Review Black City Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Black Howl by Christina Henry

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

black-howl

Title: Black Howl
Author: Christina Henry
Series: Black Wings #3
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Angels, Ghosts, Paranormal fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Ace Fantasy
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: I thought the Romans would protect him.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

Madeline Black is an Agent of Death, meaning she escorts the souls of people who have died to the afterlife. But lately, some spirits don’t feel like crossing over…

Something is wrong with the souls of Chicago’s dead. Ghosts are walking the streets, and Maddy’s boss wants her to figure out why. At the same time, the pact that Maddy unwittingly made with the local werewolves comes back to bite her when their alpha is kidnapped. As Lucifer’s heir, she should be able to discover who – or what – is responsible for both occurrences, but the fallen haven’t been too happy with her since she agreed to harbor Gabriel’s half brother, Samiel.

And while work is bad enough, Maddy has a plethora of personal problems, too. Now that Gabriel has been assigned as her thrall, their relationship has hit an impasse. At least her sleazy ex-fiance, Nathaniel, is out of the picture – or so she thinks…

Thoughts

The end of this story was one of the most insanely powerful stories that I have read in a long time – it both made me want to cry and whoop for joy. Maddy’s constantly dramatic tale gets more intense with each book in the Black Wings series, and I’m not really sure how it can get any more potent than Black Howl. I read the entire book in about three hours – it was just IMPOSSIBLE to put down! And even four hours after finishing the last page, my head is still spinning and twirling with the tale I just read.

There is a lot of use of Christian lore within the Black Wings series – starting with Lucifer and the Grigori. This theme continued with the introduction of Judas (yes, that Judas), and a poignant reminder that Lucifer is a multi-faceted creature with inconceivable and convoluted goals for each and everyone of his actions. Yet, he isn’t inherently evil – after all, Lucifer was originally beloved by God, although this fact does depart from the mythos created in the series. However, it is the politics and Lucifer’s manipulations and disregard of others which are truly concerning about his actions and intents.

Maddy’s small entourage and her courage (and gumption) in protecting them, no matter the cost are incredibly enviable qualities. Granted, they constantly get her into much more trouble than she really needs, but it is her loyalty and brutal honesty that is a constant reminder of her inner strength. Her ability to stay true to herself and her small family are a great way to highlight the importance of family – the family that you find for yourself, not the one with which you share blood.

<- Red Isn’t Really My Color Review Black Lament Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Body Double by Tess Gerritsen

Book Review, ,

Overview

body-double

Title: Body Double
Author: Tess Gerritsen
Series: Rizzoli & Isles #4
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Crime, Strong women
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Transworld Publishers
Year: 2004
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘What else are you talking about?’

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

It’s my body there on the table

Forensic Pathologist Maura Isles has dissected her fair share of corpses. But this time it’s different, because the victim looks exactly like her.

Detective Jane Rizzoli is assigned to investigate, and finds herself tracking a twisted killer across the country. To catch him, Maura is forced to delve into a dark and dangerous family history – her own.

Blood ties are the hardest to escape…

Thoughts

The nature versus nurture debate has fascinated me ever since I first heard of it in my first year of University. Is it our genetics which define who we will be, or is it the way in which we are bought up? Personally, I’ve always believed that it is a mix of the two, but the discussion and the extent to which aspect of ourselves has the most impact is always an interesting one. One which Gerritsen explores beautifully through Maura Isle’s parentage in Body Double.

Maura’s discovery of her previously unknown twin sister is one of the best ways imaginable to investigate the nature versus nurture debate. It has been found that identical twins that are separated at birth do have a tendency to have the same tastes, follow similar career paths and generally have quite similar lives. This was eerily evident in Gerritsen’s writing, Maura’s gradual discovery of this and discomfort at the fact a testimony to how truly unsettling this would be to a person who has always thought themselves different and independent – a virtual stranger walking around, wearing their face, their clothes, living almost the same life.

Gerritsen’s creation of a mother who is as sick and sadistic as Isles’ provides a great counterpoint to the twin connection which Maura feels. Somebody who is embroiled in the midst of many murders and feels no remorse for her actions is so starkly against the character that we know and love. It is a poignant reminder, that regardless of our genetics, our circumstances even, it is the choices we make as humans that turn us into the person we are and choose to be. Something which, eventually, even Maura chooses to acknowledge.

<- The Sinner Review Vanish Review ->
Image source: Amazon

The Sinner by Tess Gerritsen

Book Review, , ,

Overview

the-sinner

Title: The Sinner
Author: Tess Gerritsen
Series: Rizzoli & Isles #3
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Crime, Strong women
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Transworld Publishers
Year: 2003
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘Thanks.’

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

A scene of unspeakable carnage

Two nuns are brutally attacked within the walls of their convent. There seems to be no shred of motive. but during the autopsy Forensic Pathologist Maura Isles discovers something entirely unexpected.

And when a second, heavily mutilated body is found and linked to the case, she and Detective Jane Rizzoli find themselves in the midst of a terrifying investigation that seems to implicate everyone.

Because who can really say they’re free from sin?

Thoughts

The first two Rizzoli & Isles books deal almost exclusively with Rizzoli, so it is really refreshing and nice to understand crime from the point of view of an ME. Maura is the complete opposite of Rizzoli, although both women are fighting for respect and their own place in a man’s world. The ‘Queen of the Dead’, like Jane has her own hang-ups, her own past and her own battles to fight within the male dominated society.

There is something that is inherently wrong with the brutal attack of nuns. Regardless of my (or anyone else’s) religious beliefs, attacking a woman who has cloistered herself away from the world for life seems incredibly wrong. The horror of the attacks just furthers the injustice of the world. Especially when those attacked are elderly and unable to defend themselves at all.

Rizzoli is incredibly rigid and unyielding in her actions and beliefs, that much is obvious in the first two books. The Sinner delves further into her rigidity and inability to compromise. It investigates her familial life and past, why her daily struggle to hold her own is so personal and professional at the same time. I loved delving into this aspect of Jane’s life – it is a great reminder that as a parent, your words and actions can have far larger effects than one would realise.

<- The Apprentice Review Body Double Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

The Kings of Clonmel by John Flanagan

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

the-kings-of-clonmel

Title: The Kings of Clonmel
Author: John Flanagan
Series: The Ranger’s Apprentice #8
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Easy reading, Medieval fantasy
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Publisher: Random House Australia
Year: 2008
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘Then, on the far bank, the ground rose again to create the natural defensive position where Redmont stood – massive, solid and beginning to glow red in the late afternoon sun.

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Synopsis

Will is at the annual Ranger Gathering but Halt is investigating mysterious happenings in the west. When he does finally return, it’s with bad news. Hibernia is in turmoil. A false religious cult calling themselves the Outsiders are sowing confusion and sedition, and five of the six Hibernian kingdoms have been undermined. Now the sixth, Clonmel, is in danger. Halt, Will and Horace set out to restore order. Can the secrets of Halt’s past help them in their mission?

One Ranger can stop a riot, but this time two Rangers may not be enough…

Thoughts

It was really enjoyable to delve into Halt’s history and his past. He is the perfect enigmatic mentor for Will (and even Horace), so his history and what led him to become the mysterious hero that we love and know has fascinated me since the inklings of it in Oakleaf Bearers. The presence of his twin brother, and the reminder that no matter how many genes two people have in common, they can still become completely different characters. Halt’s steadfastness and admirable sense of self are severely juxtaposed by his brother’s entire persona – a great reminder that it is our choices that create us, not our parentage.

The Kings of Clonmel is the beginning of another great story arc in The Ranger’s Apprentice series. The presence of the Outsiders, and more specifically, Tennyson lead to an even more sinister storyline for Halt throughout Halt’s Peril. However, it is the idea of cults, mass hysteria and the ease with which people can believe a lie that really pulls you in. Although we all like to believe that there is absolutely no way in which we could be taken in by such baloney, even Will and Horace admit to how alluring such a group is. It is a great reminder that we are all susceptible to mass opinion and can be fooled when the circumstances are right.

I loved Will’s new assignment in this story – his removal from Redmont in The Sorcerer in the North and The Siege of Macindaw just didn’t seem quite right to me. Especially after he falls for Alyss, so his return to his home and the masterful juggling of the Ranger Corps to allow for this left me feeling incredibly happy and grateful for Flanagan’s ability to manipulate his characters. Aside from the pursuit of The Outsiders in Halt’s Peril, it is Will’s new role based at Redmont that makes me keen to open the pages of the next Ranger’s Apprentice book.

<- The Roamers Review Halt’s Peril Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Erak’s Ransom by John Flanagan

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

eraks-ransom

Title: Erak’s Ransom
Author: John Flanagan
Series: The Ranger’s Apprentice #7
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Easy reading, Medieval fantasy
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Publisher: Random House Australia
Year: 2007
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘So is Alyss.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

When the Skandian Oberjarl is taken hostage during a raid on the desert land of Arrida, his second-in-command Svengal, asks the Araluans for help. Halt and Will must go with him to deliver the ransom and The Princess Cassandra – or Evanlyn, as Will knows her – persuades her father to let her go with them. Horace and the Ranger Gilan round out the group to make sure that Evanlyn is well protected. But will violent sandstorms, warring tribes and danger at every turn keep them from reaching Erak in time?

Thoughts

It was fun to flash back in time after the conclusion of The Siege of Macindaw. Will’s last year as a Ranger was always going to be an important story, if not just for his graduation, but also his hopes and dreams for his own future. The fact that this gets wrapped up with rescuing Erak from another fascinating nationality (the Arridi) just added to the feeling of excitement and closure at Will’s final year of apprenticeship.

Horace and Will’s reuniting with Evanlyn and their joy at being able to adventure together again added to the joy of the story. Especially for Will and Evanlyn, the removal of the stigmas and airs attached to their status in life helped them to finally rejoin in friendship. It is also nice to see the transition of Will’s feelings from Evanlyn to Alyss, whilst he and the princess are still close, there is no romantic entanglement left. This not only makes the storyline of The Sorcerer in the North and The Siege of Macindaw more justifiable – Will didn’t suddenly fall for Alyss, but instead slowly let the feelings grow.

I’ve always loved the relationship and connection between Will and Tug, as someone who feels that her pets are a part of her family, this ideal is incredibly welcome. The idea that an animal is more than a pet or service animal is welcome, and the lengths to which Will is willing to go to rescue his friend and companion is a great reminder of how important these creatures are in our lives.

<- The Siege of Macindaw Review The Roamers Review ->
Image source: Goodreads