Title: Caitlin and the Mirror Witch Author: Mari Ann Caudill Rating Out of 5: 2.5 (Readable, but not worth reading again) My Bookshelves:Fantasy, Medieval fantasy Pace: Slow, Format: eBook, Novella Year: 2021
This was a pretty easy read. One that I enjoyed, but wouldn’t necessarily dive into again. Enjoyable, but not loveable is what I’d classify this as. Mostly because it was kind of predictable, and didn’t have anything that made me fall madly in love with it. It wasn’t deplorable, and it was well written though.
The very premise of this story, that a bad witch in a mirror tricks a girl into a spell, and she needs true love’s kiss to break it… I don’t know, I read a lot, so this felt entirely over done. Most of the time when I read a story with this kind of premise, there’s a bit of character growth. Or some kind of twist. Or a great world built around a fairly common fairy tale story line. I’m not sure if it was my mood when reading this, or the length of the story, but there was none of this.
All in all, this was a nice happily ever after story and a quick read. One that I wouldn’t suggest people don’t read, but I definitely have far more engaging stories on my shelves.
I’ve heard heaps about the Shades of Magic series, and it’s even been on my wishlist for a while. But I just haven’t gotten around to actually digging into it. Which, of course, made this a great short story and teaser to make me want to dig into this series, and author (since I’ve never read anything by Schwab before). A Darker Shade of Magic is definitely another book that is now sitting on top of my TBR.
Even though you know that there isn’t going to be a happy ending at the end of this story – there’s just a not-happy tone to the whole tale, it’s still a great read. And honestly, the ending was actually a whole lot sadder than what I was anticipating. It also made me ridiculously mad at Alucard’s family. I mean, wow, I’ve read some horrible families. But I think that this one actually took the cake. It physically hurt my heart in some moments to read about how horrifyingly they treat their own kin.
Although it was Alucard that I really felt the connection to (because it’s all told from his point of view), Rhy was still an intriguing and wonderful character. I honestly can’t get the image of gold dust out of my mind, even a day or so after reading this story. There is something about him and the naïve hope that was about that makes me want to find out that this couple gets a good ending…
It took me a little while to actually realise that G.A. Aiken and Shelly Laurenston are one and the same. But, when I did, I dived right into the one Aiken book that I have on my shelves. And boy, I was not disappointed. This was of a totally different flavour to the shapeshifter romances that I’ve read so far, but it was just as good. A little darker, a little less sassy. Just as much fun.
Fearghus and Annwyl are absolutely wonderful characters. You feel connected to both of them from the very beginning. And, honestly, I just loved their names. There was something about the names that gave you hints as to who the characters are, without being painfully obvious. Then you add in their titles which they’ve earnt, and it all just… rolls off the tongue.
I love that as Annwyl is falling in love with Fearghus, she’s falling in love with both aspects of his being. She falls in love with the brain and the wit of her dragon companion, but lust with his human seeming. In fact, it’s that intellectual connection that ends up being the strongest of the relationship and makes you fall in love with this partnership again and again as you turn the pages. Annwyl is also the perfect companion, a fiery, feisty woman in her own right. One who isn’t afraid to go up against a dragon. The blood, gore and fury throughout this story is freaking brilliant. I love how violent the whole tale is, even if it’s primarily a romance. There is just so much fighting. Not only in Annwyl’s fight to claim the crown, but also just in the little squabbles and difficulties along the way. Annwyl’s ability to terrify men and face up to death made me fall seriously in love with her. And then there’s the whole idea of the claiming, it was definitely a painful sounding process, but I love how it worked. And I look forward to seeing how Fearghus’ other siblings go about this process…
Although, chronologically, this novella takes place before Dragon Actually, it is most definitely best read after reading the first novel in this series. It gives a lot more context to the Claiming and also the obsession with chains throughout. Honestly, it just makes the whole storyline that much funnier when you realise how the children of this couple turn out.
I enjoyed Rihannon in Dragon Actually, she was definitely a nutty and off-kilter dragon queen. And her consort, whilst kind of an aggressive idiot, was also a fun character. Reading about their “courtship” just had me falling even more in love with them both. And just this whole series in general.
This whole series so far has been filled with kick ass, strong, fantastic women. And Rihannon is no different. It’s a nice reminder that even those of us who are somewhat volatile and passionate, can find someone who actually admires that strength. I tend to be volatile, this makes me feel a whole lot better about finding someone to put up with my little moments of… let us call them passion.
Although I loved this whole novella, the bit that stuck out the most to me and had me laughing quite a bit towards the end was when it came to what Fearghus and his siblings did to their brothers tail. You hear the story in Dragon Actually, it is SO MUCH funnier in Chains and Flames.
I found this whole Valdemar trilogy a bit of a hard whack. I just didn’t feel emotionally connected with the characters like the other books. And it was even harder with this novel, because it was about the children of the main characters.
In fact, I found this book almost impossible to get through. The leads were kind of whiney and annoying. I mean, I’ve read a lot of stories which feature the children of those famous, and often they complain about the exact same things. But for some reason I found these guys SO MUCH MORE irritating.
I always find it hard to write reviews about books that I didn’t thoroughly enjoy. And, like my enjoyment, they tend to be a bit shorter. Mostly because I still try to focus on what I liked. And whilst I didn’t hate this book, there’s much I can recall that I actually LIKED.
It’s been an age since I read The Black Gryphon. Or really, any Valdemar book. And although this definitely isn’t as fantastic to me as the other Valdemar books, I’m glad I decided to dive back into this world. I love the world building and the action. The fact that there is always a focus on misfits and plenty of emotional tangles to unsnare.
Skan is still a hit of an overwhelming cocky character. A little less painful than in the first book, but still not my favourite of characters. His development did make me like him a whole lot more though. Having a pair of gryphlets alongside definitely helped me warm to him too.
I vaguely (hey, its been a while) remember thoroughly enjoying Amberdrake and Winterheart. There is something fantastically simple about this couple that, whilst it doesn’t inspire fireworks, gives a feeling of comfort and truth. I love the acceptance that shines between them and how it carries throughout this entire story. The fact that they’re the targets of a madman who will make you cringe… well, that makes it all better.
Probably one for the reasons I don’t get as into this as the other Valdemar books is the lore and world building. I get seriously lost I all of the terminologies for the different clans and groups. Not to mention I feel like I’m constantly missing things from the history of the wars… which just inspires me to want to read this all over again.
Title: Furies of Calderon Author: Jim Butcher Series: Codex Alera #1 Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!) My Bookshelves:High fantasy, Magic, Medieval fantasy Dates read: 13th July – 7th August 2021 Pace: Medium Format: Novel Publisher: Orbit Year: 2004 5th sentence, 74th page: Furystorms could be deadly to anyone caught out in the open.
FOR A THOUSAND YEARS, THE PEOPLES OF ALERA HAVE BEEN UNITED BY THEIR UNIQUE BOND WITH THE FURIES – ELEMENTALS OF EARTH, AIR, FIRE, WATER AND METAL. BUT THEIR WORLD IS CHANGING.
Deep in the Calderon Valley, young Tavi struggles with his lack of furycrafting. At fifteen, he has no wind fury to help him fly, no fire fury to light his lamps. And as the Alerans’ most savage enemy – the Marat – returns to the Valley, this weakness will seem more important than ever.
Amara is a spy, seeking intelligence on possible Marat traitors to the Crown. And when the Valley erupts into chaos – when rebels are with loyalists and furies clash with furies – Amara will find Tavi invaluable. His talents will outweigh any fury-born power – and could even turn the tides of war.
This is one of those beautifully complex and intricate story lines that will sweep you up from the very first moment. It was also completely different in tone from Butcher’sDresden Files series. I had no idea what to expect when I opened that first page. But, wow, was I swept away.
All throughout this story, my thoughts constantly bounced to Oh Tavi, what trouble are you in now? It didn’t seem to matter the situation, that boy just seemed to bounce from one chaotic not so good moment to another. Which, of course, kept you turning the pages and wanting to know what was going to happen next.
It took me a little while to get my head around what Furies were. But, once I did, o really enjoyed the variety of powers that the different furies were able to provide to their people. I loved how it was almost a partnership of powers between element and human. One that drew on the strengths of both to enhance their natural powers.
I was so hopeful that the really horrifying bad guys would be dead at the end of this. Or at least, one of them would be. But, instead there is the beginning of a war on the horizon. Alright, I kind of knew that that was going to be the case because this is the first in a series… but I was still kind of hopeful. Yet, the brilliance of the villains is a huge part of why I will be looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
Title: The Silk Blade Author: Natalie C. Parker In: A Universe of Wishes (Dhonielle Clayton) Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves:LGBTQI, Medieval fantasy, Romance Dates read: 30th June 2021 Pace: Slow, Medium, Fast Format: Short story Publisher: Crown Year: 2020 5th sentence, 74th page: I have him exactly where I need him to be, but before I can swing around to his other side, Rabi is there.
It’s the competition of a lifetime – three competitors competing to be the consort to the ruler of them all – the Bloom. But a chance meeting just before the final battle may change everything.
I love that from the get go of this story, gender and sexuality isn’t even a thing. There are multiple attractions and couples, but no set expectations for which genders are together. The way that there is no big deal made out of this needs to happen more frequently in YA stories as far as I’m concerned.
The idea of a great big challenge to be the consort of the Bloom was fun. There was this beautiful poetry and feeling of elegance that I got throughout this book. One that I wasn’t really expecting. But definitely enjoyed. Especially when there is that final challenge / battle at the end…
All in all, I loved this short story. I found it adorable and fun. With a great sense of action and drama. Add to that the romance and connection that weaves through the tale and the fantastic world building… I was sad when this ended.
Title: A Clash of Kings Author: George R.R. Martin Series: A Song of Ice and Fire #2 Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!) My Bookshelves:Fantasy, Grimdark, Medieval fantasy Dates read: 14th June – 16th July 2020 Pace: Medium Format: Novel Publisher: Harper Voyager Year: 1998 5th sentence, 74th page: Fools!
Throughout Westeros, the cold winds are rising.
From the ancient citadel of Dragonstone to the forbidding lands of Winterfell, chaos reigns as pretenders to the Iron Throne of the Seven Kingdoms stake their claims through tempest, turmoil and war.
As a prophecy of doom cuts across the sky – a comet the colour of blood and flame – five factions struggle for control of a divided land. Brother plots against brother and the dead rise to walk in the night.
Against a backdrop of incest and fratricide, alchemy and murder, the price of glory is measured in blood.
And again, Martin does it. There is something amazing about his books that just completely draws me in. For such an intimidating sized book, this is ridiculously impossible to put down. I get why this is such a well-loved series. There is something completely unforgettable and intriguing about his words. Something that I know many of the other long-style fantasy books I read are kind of lacking. Not many draw me in like this.
Normally when I read a story that has some really horrible brutality in it, I either feel physically ill or end up putting the book away. There is just something about Martin’swriting though that makes it less… horrifying. It’s the first time ever that I haven’t thrown a book in the DNF pile because of such intense brutality. Maybe part of that is because quite often the perpetrators of such horribleness are killed off in the next hundred pages or so.
There really weren’t many deaths in this book. Knowing the reputation of the series, I was expecting far more. And when I say not many deaths – to my count, only one major character died in this novel. A bit like the first, A Game of Thrones. And he was a major character that I seriously didn’t like, so I was completely okay with his death if I’m being honest. Turns out that Martin’s writing really brings out the bloodthirsty aspect of my nature…
One of my favourite things about these books, that I’m sure I mentioned in my A Game of Thronesreview is the fact that Martin can jump between multiple characters… and I DON’T get confused. Most of the time, I like jumping between two or three characters and POVs. But once it gets greater than that, I keep forgetting who and what we’re talking about in that moment. That’s seriously not the case in these books… I don’t even know how many different POVs, characters and sub-plots I read in this. And I don’t care. Because I followed them all. And loved them all…
Title: The Black Gryphon Author: Mercedes Lackey & Larry Dixon Series: The Mage Wars #1, Valdemar #1 Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!) My Bookshelves:Fantasy, Mages, Magic, Medieval fantasy Dates read: 18th – 25th May 2020 Pace: Medium Format: Novel Publisher: DAW Fantasy Year: 1994 5th sentence, 74th page: Cinnabar, of course, was as elegant as if she had just come from holding court, her scarlet gown cut to mid-calf, showing scarlet leather boots and slender ankles, her sleeves cut tight, displaying her graceful arms without an unseemly show of flesh.
SKANDRANON RASKAE IS EVERYTHING A GRYPHON SHOULD BE…
with gleaming ebony feathers, majestic wingspan, keen magesight, and sharp intelligence, he is the fulfillment of all that the Mage of Silence, the human sorcerer called urtho, intended to achieve when he created these magical beings to be his champions, the defenders of his realm – a verdant plain long coveted by the evil mage Ma’ar.
And now, as Ma’ar is once again preparing to advance on Urtho’s Keep, this time with a huge force spearheaded by magical constructs of his own, Skandranon is sent to spy across enemy lines, cloaked in the protection of Urtho’s powerful Spell of Silence.
As days pass and Skandranon doesn’t return, all in Urtho’s camp wait anxiously. but there is one among them for whom the possible loss of this great bird will be more than just a major military defeat. Amberdrake – a Healer of boyd, mind, and spirit whose talents are as essential to the army as those of any general – waits on the landing strip with anguish in his heart. For Amberdrake has come to value the vain, cocksure, and brave Skandranon as his closest friend and comrade, and he now fears that this prince of gryphons will never return…
It’s been a little while since I picked up a Valdemar book. Mostly because as much as I love them, they are often pretty heart wrenching. There is always some kind of abuse or emotional turmoil that just doesn’t seem to be as prominent in many of the other fantasy books that I read. So I honestly need to make sure that I’m in a good headspace whenever I pick up one of these novels… which I was when I picked up The Black Gryphon. And boy am I glad. It was enjoyable, fun and an absolutely great read. Even if there was still that signature Lackey tragedy that made the enjoyment a little less… joyful.
Writing this review, it is actually really difficult to pinpoint those aspects of this story that I really enjoyed. It took me a few chapters to really get sunk into the storyline. I think mostly because in the other Valdemar books that I’ve read so far, the characters are somehow known. Mostly they know each other. But even in The Last Herald Mage, the lead character has been mentioned again and again and again throughout the later books in the series. That’s not really the case for this. Not only are there totally new characters and events that I can’t remember being mentioned in the later books (that I read earlier). But there are also whole new species, gryphons and the such and different groups of people who have totally different names. It took quite a bit to get used to.
After I started to get connected to the characters however, I realised what a great series this is. Or at least, what a great novel to start off a series. Skan might not be human, but I think he is one of my favourite characters in this series. He is strong and sarcastic. Plus, I absolutely adored the constant inner dialogue whenever he’s doing something kind of stupid. Even if that stupid has the best of intentions…
Although this isn’t really like any of the other Valdemar books, I can see how the characters and groups of species / people act as the precursors to the rest of the books. You can see a hint here and there of the collegium and the healers and the different schools of learning throughout the books that I’ve already read. And I’m honestly looking forward to understanding more of this as the series unfolds. That and finding out more about Skan, Winterheart and all of the other wonderful characters.
Earth and Skye 