Tag Archives: Fantasy

Magic’s Promise by Mercedes Lackey

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

Magic's Promise

Title: Magic’s Promise
Author: Mercedes Lackey
Series: The Last Herald Mage #2, Valdemar #5
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy, Romance
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Daw fantasy
Year: 1990
5th sentence, 74th page: The Inn had certainly marked his passage into a different world, though young Vanyel Ashkevron, more than half a prisoner of his escort, had not gotten the attention that Herald-Mage Vanyel got now.

Synopsis

The wild magic

Is taking its toll on the land. Many Heralds and Herald-Mages have died fighting to preserve peace. Even Vanyel, the most powerful of the Herald-Mages is almost at the end of his strength, in need of a respite from the dual threats of war and dark magic.

But for Vanyel, there can be no reast. Not when his Companion, Yfandes, receives a summons which can’t be ignored – a desperate cry for help which draws them both into the heart of a magical holocaust in the neighboring kingdom. Almost overwhelmed by the devastation they discover there, Herald-Mage and Companion must try to unravel this tragic mystery. Is the young Prince Tashir, a newly Chosen Herald who can’t control his own magic, responsible for the destruction? Or is Tashir a pawn in a deeper, more deadly game – and, if so, will Vanyel be able to find and defeat the true destroyer before this master of dark powers can strike again?

Thoughts

It took me a while to pick this one up after the first book in this series. Actually, I had to go and read an entirely different, but happier book to be able to face more of Vanyel’s tale. But, on the same token, I was just itching to find out what happened next in his journey. And, let me tell you, I wasn’t disappointed!

The book starts years after Vanyel has learnt to deal with the pain of his loss. And I say deal with, not accept. And not move on. Sometimes there is only one true love in life, and I can’t fathom losing such a one so early in life. I found that very thought to be so incredibly gut-wrenching and heart-breaking. But, also in dealing with such loss in life to serve and protect others, a kind of light and inspiration. That we may feel pain, and we may lose loved ones, but there is always someone left behind who needs you. I think that this is a tie for many people to the living world, and it very much struck me that this was the case with Vanyel.

Not only has Vanyel found a purpose in a life without romantic love, but he also has managed to gain control of an unfathomable amount of power. I loved that this was a story about a man with power – who used it for the greater good.

Even though I still think that this is the darkest series I have so far read by Lackey, I also found it to be the most inspiring. It’s true that there is no light without the dark, and I think that this is just so beautifully highlighted in this book. Just make sure you have some chocolate next to you to light your way in the darkest moments…

<- Magic’s PawnMagic’s Price ->

Image source: Goodreads

Magic’s Pawn by Mercedes Lackey

Book Review, , , , , , , ,

Overview

Magic's Pawn

Title: Magic’s Pawn
Author: Mercedes Lackey
Series: The Last Herald Mage #1, Valdemar #4
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy, Romance
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Daw fantasy
Year: 1989
5th sentence, 74th page: She watched the power-barrier he had built about himself with her Mage-Sight, and Saw the pale violet half-dome waver as he turned his attention to her question and lost a bit of control over the shield.

Synopsis

Mage-craft

Though Vanyel has been born with near-legendary abilities to work both herald and Mage magic, he wants no part of such things. Nor does he seek a warrior’s path, wishing instead to become a Bard. yet such talent as his if left untrained may prove a menace not only to Vanyel but to others as well. So he is sent to be fostered with his aunt, Savil, one of the famed herald-Mages of Valdemar.

But, strong-willed and self-centered, Vanyel is a challenge which even Savil can not master alone. For soon he will become the focus of frightening forces, lending his raw magic to a spell that unleashes terrifying wyr-hunters on the land. And by the time Savil seeks the assistance of a Shin’a’in Adept, Vanyel’s wild talent may have already grown beyond anyone’s ability to contain, placing Vanyel, Savil, and Valdemar itself in desperate peril…

Thoughts

This is one of the most hard-hitting books that I’ve read in a long time. Ever since I read The Pact by Jodi Piccoult, actually. I think that it probably impacted me so heavily because Lackey investigated ideas of depression and not really believing that you are worth the air you breath. Feelings that I experienced a long time ago. This reminded me of those moments, but it also reminded me that I got through it and the strength that it can take to overcome such a debilitating illness.

This book for me was about not only dealing with depression and suicidal thoughts, but also about coming to terms with who you are. Which, for me, is a large part of overcoming such mental illnesses (I am well aware that this is different for everybody). Vanyel does this through the acceptance of his sexuality – as I said, this is a pretty hard-hitting book, not only does it investigate mental health, but also the struggles of the LGBTQ community. I haven’t read many books about this aspect of life that I have enjoyed so thoroughly and that have made me think and connect with my LGBTQ friends.

At the beginning of the book, Vanyel appears to be a very selfish, and almost unlikable hero. But, as it develops, you understand this is a coping mechanism (we all have them, and it’s fascinating how different people cope in different ways). Following him on his journey you discover more about how systematic abuse can seriously damage and change people and how the understanding of self and sexuality can be so integral to a healthy outlook on life and self. Thus far in reading the Valdemar books, Vanyel is definitely the most flawed and damaged hero. But in the end, this unique vulnerability and incredible journey is what really pulls on the heartstrings.

I haven’t felt so emotionally distraught and vulnerable after reading a book in a long time, and for that I’m glad. This was a book that made me think about my own past experiences and sympathise with what others around me are going through in their quest to accept themselves.

<- The Silver GryphonMagic’s Promise ->

Image source: Goodreads

Raelia by Lynette Noni

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

Raelia

Title: Raelia
Author: Lynette Noni
Series: The Medoran Chronicles #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Easy reading, Fantasy
Format: Novel
Publisher: Pantera Press
Year: 2016
5th sentence, 74th page: Suffice it to say, after that display, Professor Marmaduke had given them theory exercises for the rest of the lesson.

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

Synopsis

“Life is full of crossroads, Alex. Full of choices.”

Returning for a second year at Akarnae Academy with her gifted friends, Alexandra Jennings steps back through a doorway into Medora, the fantasy world that is full of impossibilities.

Despite the magical wonder of Medora, Alex’s life remains threatened by Aven Dalmarta, the banished prince from the Lost City of Meya who is out for her blood.

To protect the Medorans from Aven’s quest to reclaim his birthright, Alex and her friends seek out the Meyarin city and what remains of its ancient race.

Not sure who – or perhaps what – she is anymore, all Alex knows is that if she fails to keep Aven from reaching Meya, the lives of countless Medorans will be in danger. can she protect them, or will all be lost?

Thoughts

I thought that Akarnae was good, but I couldn’t put Raelia down! My poor partner was forced to deal with a book faced girlfriend for the ten or so hours that it took to read this. He was so frustrated that he offered to throw this amazing book in the bin. So needless to say, it is one of my new favourite books. I mean, you know a book is fantastic when someone can’t put it down and completely ignores their entire family for a whole day (alright, I do this often, but still…)

Noni’s extension of the world of Medora continued to pull me deeper and deeper into Alex’s reality. I’m so in love with it that part of me wishes that Medora was an actual place! Sometimes it’s hard to relate to created realities. I love Anne McCaffrey, but I have to keep reading passages to understand the world of Pern. But Medora isn’t like this. It’s so damn similar to what we all experience every day that it’s like stepping into your own skin – easy, comfortable and right.

Raelia took me on a rollercoaster of emotions as I travelled with Alex and her friends – it made me laugh, cry and gasp out loud. It was just lucky that I was reading at home (I might have been a little scary if I had have done this on the bus…) The emotions just kept on building until finally it ended in an incredibly heart stopping conclusion! I love when books do this, but I also hate it when the next book in the series isn’t out yet. So now I will just have to wait until next year before I can read more about the fantastic world of Medora.

<- Akarnae Review Draekora Review ->
Image source: Lynette Noni

Akarnae by Lynette Noni

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

Akarnae

Title: Akarnae
Author: Lynette Noni
Series: The Medoran Chronicles #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Easy reading, Fantasy
Format: Novel
Publisher: Pantera Press
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: Talk about high definition.

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

Synopsis

With just one step, sixteen-year-old Alexandra Jennings’ world changes – literally.

Dreading her first day at a new school, Alex is stunned when she walks through a doorway and finds herself stranded in Medora, a fantasy world full of impossibilities.

Desperate to return home, she learns that only a man named Professor Marselle can help her… but he’s missing.

While waiting for him to reappear, Alex attends Akarnae Academy, Medora’s boarding school for teenagers with extraordinary gifts. She soon starts to enjoy her bizarre new world and the friends who embrace her as one of their own, but strange things are happening at Akarnae, and Alex can’t ignore her fear that something unexpected… something sinister… is looming.

An unwilling pawn in a deadly game, Alex’s shoulders bear the crushing weight of an entire race’s survival. Only she can save the Medorans, but what if doing so prevents her from ever returning home?

Will Alex risk her entire world – and maybe even her life – to save Medora?

Thoughts

I bought this book last week because it was $10 – and I wanted a new book. I finished it in a day because it was just AMAZING. I’m actually at a loss for words to explain how much I loved this book (which is rare, I assure you!) The fact that Lynette Noni is also Australian just made me want to buy the sequel even more. Which is exactly what I did the morning after I finished the book.

So what made this such an amazing book to read? Not only is Noni’s just beautiful technically speaking, she draws you right into Alex’s world. From that point, believe me, you are lost. Noni has created this beautiful, relatable and inherently sweet heroine who I couldn’t stop thinking about long after I finished reading her books.

The creation of Medora ticks all fantasy world boxes for me. It is so similar to our own reality that you can’t help but feel at home in the first few paragraphs. Yet it is different enough that I was constantly turning the page to discover the next adventure Noni was going to take me on.

I think that the part of the book that really drove Akarnae into my heart was Alex’s friendships with Bear and Jordan. These boys embodied everything that anybody could ever want in friends. They’re unerring, loyal and accept Alex EXACTLY as she is (coming from a different world and all).

<- More Lynette Noni reviews Raelia Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Mister Monday by Garth Nix

Book Review, , , , , ,

Overview

Mister Monday

Title: Mister Monday
Author: Garth Nix
Series: Keys to the Kingdom #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Easy reading, Fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Year: 2003
5th sentence, 74th page: Noon frowned again, then slowly and deliberately hung up the earpiece, let it sit for a moment, then took it up again.

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

Synopsis

Arthur Penhaligon is not supposed to be a hero. He is, in fact, supposed to die an early death. But then he is saved by a key shaped like the minute hand of a clock.

Arthur is safe – but his world is not. Along with the key comes a plague brought by bizarre creatures from another realm. A stranger named Mister Monday, his avenging messengers with blood-stained wings, and an army of dog-faced Fetchers will stop at nothing to get the key back – even if it means destroying Arthur and everything around him.

Desperate, Arthur ventures into a mysterious house – a house that only he can see. It is in this house that Arthur must unravel the secrets of the key – and discover his true fate.

Thoughts

This is a nice, easy read. Mister Monday is so obviously aimed at children (unlike a lot of other young adult books I have read) that it brings you back to the simplicity and innocence of childhood. Reading this reminded me of the joy of reading a book for the first time as a kid. The times when I would spent entire days locked up in my room reading – because I quite simply didn’t HAVE to do anything else.

Garth Nix has been one of my favourite writers for a long time and his use of a very obvious physical ailment in his hero was kind of brilliant. I am so used to heroes and heroines having a very drastic internal flaw, that reading about a kid with asthma, a kid with an external issue was entertaining, engaging and just fantastic.

I’ve noticed it before in Garth Nix’s books, but his creation of an entire world and reality, different from our own is so well done. He takes aspects of our known lives and weaves them into a world that often exists parallel with us. Mister Monday and the Keys to the Kingdom series are no different. His creation of Monday’s domains is both familiar and starkly contrasting to our own.

I can’t wait to buy and read the next book in this series. It such a nice change of pace to many of the fantasy novels that fill my shelf. A welcome return to childhood innocence.

<- More Garth Nix reviews Grim Tuesday Review ->
Image source: Wikipedia

Arrow’s Fall by Mercedes Lackey

Book Review, , , , , ,

Overview

Arrow's Fall

Title: Arrow’s Fall
Author: Mercedes Lackey
Series: Heralds of Valdemar #3, Valdemar #25
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fantasy, Strong women
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Daw fantasy
Year: 1988
5th sentence, 74th page: I’ve told you that before.

Synopsis

VALDEMAR’S PERIL!

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

But just as Talia is about to uncover the traitor behind all these intrigues, she is sent off on a mission to the neighboring kingdom, chosen by the Queen to investigate the worth of a marriage proposal from Prince Ancar. And, to her horror, Talia soon discovers there is far more going on at Prince Ancar’s court than just preparation for a hoped-for royal wedding. For a different magic than that of the Heralds is loose in Ancar’s realm – an evil and ancient sorcery that may destroy all of Valdemar unless Talia can send warning to her Queen in time!

Thoughts

Arrow’s Fall was an epic end to my first Mercedes Lackey trilogy. The climax that had slowly been building in the previous two books finally reached a crescendo, and I’m not ashamed to say that I shed more than a tear or two.

Talia is finally strong enough to face her demons; both internal and external, and her ability to triumph in the worst of situations is awe inspiring. Not only does she overcome her own ragged insecurities, she survives torture and loss to eventually come home to love in the final chapters.

The highly climatic end to the trilogy perfectly sets the storyline of Valdemar for the next trilogy (Mage Winds) which I have yet to read. The series leaves you content because Talia’s battle has been won, but also tense because you know that your beloved characters are on the precipice of war. I really loved this combination of tying up loose ends and setting the reader up for the next series.

All of the Valdemar books tend to do this – they are very interrelated and once you have read one series, you generally have access to main characters in another. But they are also easily read in isolation of one another, so you can start reading these emotionally turbulent books at any point within the chronology of the Valdemar universe.

<- Arrow’s FlightBy the Sword ->

Image source: Fantastic Fiction

Arrow’s Flight by Mercedes Lackey

Book Review, , , , , , ,

Overview

Arrow's Flight

Title: Arrow’s Flight
Author: Mercedes Lackey
Series: Heralds of Valdemar #2, Valdemar #24
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fantasy, Strong women
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Daw fantasy
Year: 1987
5th sentence, 74th page: “So that you have an excuse to carry arrows wherever you go,” Kyril replied.

Synopsis

HERALD’S CHALLENGE!

Talia could scarcely believe that she had finally earned the rank of full Herald. Yet though this seemed like the fulfillment of all her dreams, it also meant she would face trials far greater than those she had previously survived. For now Talia must ride forth to patrol the kingdom of Valdemar, dispensing Herald’s justice throughout the land.

But in this realm beset by dangerous unrest enforcing her rulings would require all the courage and skill Talia could command – for if she misused her own special powers, both she and Valdemar would pay the price!

Thoughts

Lackey is a unique writer. She takes insecurities and some (very) deep seated issues and turns them into a sort of power, or a hurdle to jump. It’s why I love her books, depression, anxiety, even a variety of forms of abuse are taken and help to shape her characters into stronger people. I know that it doesn’t always work like that in real life, but the idea that you can take all of those bad things and become a stronger person is somewhat inspiring. It’s what I’ve spent my life trying to do.

Arrow’s Flight takes the insecurity and unsurity of person that Talia felt in Arrows of the Queen and investigates what happens when these feelings are amplified. It asks what happens when others prey upon your insecurities? What happens when they get amplified tenfold? The addition of supernatural powers just helps to illustrate her point even better. I loved this take on a main character; the fact that she is just so damn vulnerable makes her a heck of a lot more relatable and loveable.

Not only were Talia’s insecurities explored, but through this journey, her strength and abilities were found. This, along with her growing sense of self and relationship with her mentor made Arrow’s Flight an incredible journey. The growing relationship between Kris was one of my favourites of the whole series. For all of Talia’s softness, she has a backbone and when Kris oversteps his bounds, she puts him straight back into his place. It’s a mixture of comradery, passion and familial love and it just works beautifully.

The juxtaposition between strength and vulnerability in this book is awe-inspiring and made me realise that I have flaws, but I have strengths too. And we can all use these.

<- Arrows of the QueenArrow’s Fall ->

Image source: Goodreads

The Magician’s Guild by Trudi Canavan

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

The Magician's Guild

Title: The Magician’s Guild
Author: Trudi Canavan
Series: The Black Magician Trilogy #1, The Black Magician World #3
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Fantasy, Mages
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Publisher: Orbit
Year: 2001
5th sentence, 74th page: He taught me lots of stuff, though.

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

Synopsis

Each year the magicians of Imardin gather to purge the city streets of vagrants, urchins and miscreants. Masters of the disciplines of magic, they know that no one can oppose them. But their protective shield is not as impenetrable as they believe.

As the mob is herded from the city, a young street girl, furious at the authorities’ treatment of her family and friends, hurls a stone at the shield, putting all her rage behind it. To the amazement of all who bear witness, the stone passes unhindered through the barrier and renders a magician unconscious.

It is an inconceivable act, and the guild’s worst fear has been realised – an untrained magician is loose on the streets. She must be found, and quickly, before her uncontrolled powers unleash forces that will destroy both her, and the city that is her home.

Thoughts

The Magician’s Guild was a great introduction to a new author. I’m always on the hunt for authors who have good, strong, female heroes. Trudi Canavan does this perfectly in The Magician’s Guild. Not only is Sonea’s tale one of the oppressed gaining power against the oppressors, it’s also a great story of inner power and doing the right thing.

I love the investigation of classes through the idea of Magicians of Imardin and the city’s undesirables and the way that Sonea is able to permeate through these boundaries. It’s not just about the two sides of a difficult story; the biases that each side have had created by their circumstances, it’s also the journey of one uniquely vulnerable heroine to find out what her future may hold.

Sonea isn’t an in your face, tough heroine. She spends much of the book running from her circumstances and fleeing her fear of the unknown. But it was this that I found endearing. By telling the story from Sonea’s point, and the point of her potential mentor, you could both understand her fear, and hope for a better future.

I’m really looking forward to reading the other two books in this trilogy – I think that with such an amazing start to the series, it will be a fantastic journey.

 <- The Mad Apprentice Review The Novice Review ->
Image source: Trudi Canavan

The Assassin’s Blade by Sarah J. Maas

Book Review, , , , , , ,

Overview

The Assassin's Blade

Title: The Assassin’s Blade
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: Throne of Glass Companion
In: The Assassin’s Blade (Sarah J. Maas)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy, Romance, Short story collections, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Collection
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: Roalfe croaked as she held it up in her free hand, the garnet flashing in the light.

Synopsis

Contains all five novellas.

Celaena Sardothien is Adarlan’s most feared assassin. As part of the Assassin’s Guild, her allegiance is to her master, Arobynn Hamel, yet Celaena listens to no one and trusts only her fellow killer-for-hire, Sam. In these action-packed novellas – together in one edition for the first time – Celaena embarks on five daring missions. They take her from remote islands to hostile deserts, where she fights to liberate slaves and seeks to avenge the tyrannous. But she is acting against Arobynn’s orders and could suffer an unimaginable punishment for such treachery. Will Celaena ever be truly free? Explore the dark underworld of this kick-ass heroine to find out.

Thoughts

I loved this prequel. Side stories that were mentioned in the main Throne of Glass series are told in full in The Assassin’s Blade. We also FINALLY get to find out more about Sam – how Celaena fell for him and what happened to him. I honestly love everything about Celaena, so of course I was going to love this book. But I’m not entirely biased… or maybe I am.

I loved the format of this book; it was a series of five short stories. I liked that you could read them as entirely separate novellas, or you could read the whole lot. There was a nice thread that followed through between each story. It provided good breaks to put the book down, but it also allowed for large periods of time to pass. Unlike the main books, there are months of inaction between each story. Even though one story is the catalyst for the actions in the next, there are periods that would quite honestly be a little boring to read about.

My absolute favourite thing about this series of short stories is meeting the man who created Celaena. The complexity that Maas lends to this character is tremendous. He is impossible to completely hate, but you kind of despise him at the same time. Just read the book, you’ll understand exactly what I mean.

<- More Sarah J. MaasThe Assassin and the Pirate Lord Review ->

Image source: Super Space Chick

Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas

Book Review, , , , , , , ,
Overview
Heir of Fire

Title: Heir of Fire
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: Throne of Glass #3
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy, Romance, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: So out they went, into the freezing night.

Synopsis

Consumed by guilt and rage, Celaena can’t bring herself to spill blood for the King of Adarlan. She must fight back…

The Immortal queen will help her destroy the king – for a price. But as Celaena battles with her darkest memories and her heart breaks for a love that could never last, can she fulfil the bargain and head the almighty court of Terrasen? And who will stand with her?

Thoughts

The third book in the Throne of Glass series takes some of the things we learnt about Celaena’s past become crystallised. The greater focus on her personal journey and self are a great change of pace. Understanding her pain and past just made me love the her even more and honestly, not many series send me through the amount of emotional turmoil and ups and downs as this series.

I love that in the Heir of Fire, Celaena creates new relationships and friendships. The main relationship throughout the book – with Rowan – is complex and slowly built. It reminds us that not everyone in our lives is friendly from the beginning or even accessible. But some things are worth the fight.

The stakes become so much higher in this book. Not only does it mean that it is a lot longer than the first two books, you are also WAY more likely to cry. Or in my case, throw the book across the room in shock of the latest plot twist. It’s a testament to how well Maas can write. Her characters and plot lines are so relatable – you can’t help but fall in love!

<- Crown of MidnightQueen of Shadows ->

Image source: Live Journal