Tag Archives: Historical fantasy

Wolf Brother by Michelle Paver

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Wolf Brother: Book 1 (Chronicles of Ancient Darkness)

Title: Wolf Brother
Author: Michelle Paver
Series: Chronicles of Ancient Darkness #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy, Historical fantasy, Magic
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2004

Thoughts

I first read Wolf Brother a very long time ago, and I vaguely remembered loving it. And reading the second book, Spirit Walker, before having to wait until the rest of the books got published. And then promptly getting distracted. As with everything I dive back into as an adult, I was intrigued to see how I would enjoy this on a reread. Luckily, this was as brilliant as I remembered, and I absolutely adored the adventure that I was taken on. Paver’s ability to structure the complex world of Torak and Wolf is brilliant, and, alongside the high stakes adventure, made this a book impossible to put down.

When I read this, I was kind of in the mood for a very fast paced book. And, this was a little bit slower than I had anticipated. However, it was still an amazing read. I love the world building and the beginnings of this series. Wolf Brother feels like the perfect set up for the rest of the series. And I can’t wait to meet more of the clans, magic and mayhem that these characters will find themselves in throughout the series.

As a standalone story, Wolf Brother works brilliantly. It is a great coming of age story in which a young boy starts to find out about his past, and fix the mistakes of his father. But, even if the first villain has been defeated, there is a lot of conspiracy and challenges for Torak to overcome. He is the product of a unfavored union, and the consequences of this are just unfolding. I also love that there is just a hint of magic and power throughout the story that I am intrigued by. Paver is phenomenal at creating a sense of suspense that makes me want to dive right into Spirit Walker.

I read a lot of different fantasies, but I rarely get to read one that is based in an ancient civilisation. There was so much nuance and intrigue to the creation of this world. And the genuineness of this historical aspect to the story made it more textured. I loved everything about this novel, and I’m so glad that I chose to dive back into this as an adult. Sometimes revisiting things we loved as children pays off.

<- More Michelle PaverSpirit Walker ->

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Rostikov Legacy by Charlotte E. English

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The Rostikov Legacy
Author: Charlotte E. English
Series: The Malykant Mysteries #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Historical fantasy, Mystery, Supernatural
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2012

Thoughts

The Rostikov Legacy is a wonderful introduction to a great new world and filled with wonderful world building. Plus, it’s an easy read that I really enjoyed. The idea of a historical, regency type world filled with magic pulled me in from the very beginning. Plus, this is one of the few books I’ve read that features a male as the primary character. A nice change of pace that I definitely needed to add to my shelves.

Konrad is an intriguing protagonist. There are obviously layers upon layers to unpack as this series unfolds. Plus, he lives very comfortably alongside of all of his secrets. The lack of feeling hurts my heart, but it’s an angle that I haven’t read in quite some time. Plus, I love that he beginning to look at a different life, one in which he isn’t restricted by the lack of feeling and the position of being the Malykant.

The position of Malykant is kind of intense – being the detective, judge and executioner is a whole lot of responsibility to place upon a person. I understand why it is that when Konrad took up the mantle, he was also asked to give up his emotions. I can’t imagine the weight of the world on my shoulders like this. Whilst the culprit in this was fairly clear, it did open up a whole lot of moral thoughts and questions. Which I absolutely loved. Anything that makes me think and ponder is a good story in my books.

I can’t wait to read more of The Malykant Mysteries, there is so much world building in this shorter novel. And the potential for so much more mischief and mayhem to unfold. I want to know more about the mythological structure of this world and how Konrad’s friendship with the apothecary will unfold.

<- More Charlotte E. EnglishThe Ivanov Diamond ->

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The Dybbuk in the Bottle by Russell William Asplund

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: The Dybbuk in the Bottle
Author: Russell William Asplund
In: Silver Birch, Blood Moon (Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Historical fantasy, Retellings
Pace: Slow, Medium, Fast
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 1999

Thoughts

This was an interesting twist on the traditional (or in my case often read) story of outsmarting a demon. Or at least, I found that there was enough of a surprise in it that I found it intriguing and different.

I love that at the end of this story, the farmer is finally able to recognise how wonderful and rewarding farming truly is. Rather than wanting to perform miracles, he is finally able to see the miracles rhat make up a part of everyday life.

This was my first story with a hero Rabbi. I can’t say that they are a religious figure who feature much in my reading. But I most definitely enjoyed it and wouldn’t be opposed to reading more such stories.

<- The Frog ChauffeurThe Shell Box ->

Image source: Wikipedia

Wyrde and Wayward by Charlotte E. English

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Wyrde and Wayward
Author: Charlotte E. English
Series: House of Werth #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Gothic, Historical fantasy, Magic
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

There is something immediately loveable and adorable about Gussie and her truly insane family. Although, I do generally love stories which feature an off-kilter, dysfunctional, but loving family. And Gussie’s Wyrde family hits that spot exactly. Plus, Wyrde and Wayward is a perfect way to introduce a whole new level of insanity to my bookshelves – I can’t wait to read more about Gussie and the shenanigans she finds herself involved with.

You really can’t go wrong with a story that begins with a woman being kidnapped, and the kidnappers just finding it to be an enjoyable lark. I mean, this story careens from one moment of pure insanity to another. Set in regency England, with all of the societal expectations. Honestly, I thought this might be interesting, I didn’t think I’d find it as hilarious and witty as I did. Plus, there is that whole, gothic, regency feel partnered with magic and the paranormal – a mix that I honestly didn’t know I needed in my life.

It was fun discovering what Gussie’s Wyrde was, and why she has been so sheltered up until this moment. I mean, it was surprising, but also, I love that she has a whole lot of potential that no one has figured out yet. I can’t wait to dive into the rest of this series to figure out what other hidden secrets that she has. Her kidnappers family is certifiably insane, and I’m sure they will at some point reveal their horribleness again in an attempt to take advantage of Gussie.

Wyrde and Wayward is a story full of insanity and wit, partnered with regency manners and society. Plus, there is a family filled with misfits and monsters. I love that Theo and everyone else is limited and expanded by their powers. The setting and the style, partnered with the dry, English humour throughout made this impossible to put down. And now I can’t wait to read more England and the world of the Wyrde…

<- More Charlotte E. EnglishWyrde and Wicked ->

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