Tag Archives: Medieval fantasy

A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for book cover a game of thrones

Title: A Game of Thrones
Author: George R.R. Martin
Series: A Song of Ice and Fire #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy, Grimdark, Medieval fantasy
Dates read: 22nd October – 1st December 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Harper Voyager
Year: 1996
5th sentence, 74th page: Sansa had named hers Lady, and Arya named hers after some old witch queen in the songs, and little Rickon called his Shaggydog, which Bran thought was a pretty stupid name for a direwolf.

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Synopsis

Summers span decades. Winter can last a lifetime. And the struggle for the Iron Throne has begun.

As Warden of the north, Lord Eddard Stak counts it a curse when King Robert bestows on him the office of the Hand. His honour weighs him down at court where a true man does what will, not what he must… and a dead enemy is a thing of beauty.

The old gods have no power in the south, Stark’s family is split and there is treachery at court. Worse, the vengeance-mad heir of the deposed Dragon King has grown to maturity in exile in the Free Cities. He claims the Iron Throne.

Thoughts

It’s taken me a long time to get to this story. Like, a ridiculously long time. But now that I’ve finally gotten to A Game of Thrones over ten years after I had a friend first suggested it to me… I can understand why it’s such a well-loved book! Like, wow! I don’t normally plow through a book of this length in such a short period of time. In fact normally books of this length take me a lot of stopping and starting, with whole books in between.

There are some books, that when you finish them, you sit there, in total wonder and just stare out to the horizon. This was one of those books. Although I knew roughly what was going to happen because of seeing fragments of the TV show (I still haven’t watched it, will now start the first season…). I still sat there just staring out my window in wonder. There is just something about Martin’s writing that sweeps you up and away in a completely abandoned way.

Knowing that this novel follows a variety of casts, I was kind of expecting it to be a little difficult to keep all of the characters separate. I normally find it to be a bit difficult to remember who is who and how they’re all related when I read these kinds of novels. Yet, I didn’t find it to be like that at all. The way in which each of the chapters was started and the style that it was written in made it incredibly easy to not only remember who you were reading about, but how everyone was interrelated.

I don’t know if it’s bias from the TV show (because I know who is likely to survive through the published novels), or just the writing. But I already have clear favourites in this series. And I can’t wait to read the next book and find out how they survive the insanity of the Iron Throne.

<- More George R.R. MartinA Clash of Kings ->

Image source: HarperCollins Australia

Dragon Blood by Patricia Briggs

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for book cover dragon blood patricia briggs

Title: Dragon Blood
Author: Patricia Briggs
Series: Hurog Duology #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dragons, Magic, Medieval fantasy
Dates read: 30th November 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Ace Fantasy
Year: 2002
5th sentence, 74th page: Her tail curled around her front paws and she purred when my eyes met hers.

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Synopsis

CALL TO REBELLION

Ward, ruler of Hurog, is striving to restore his lands and people to prosperity, wanting nothing more than a quiet life. But when an old friend, escaping from high King Jakoven’s torturers, seeks refuge in his keep, Ward can no longer ignore the growing rebellion against the tyrannical High King. He realizes that he cannot stand aside – he must join with the rebels.

However, Jakoven has a secret weapon with which he intends to crush the rebellion: Farsonsbane, a magical artifact that has destroyed entire cities. But first, Jakoven needs blood to awaken it. Dragon’s blood. The very blood that courses through Ward’s veins…

Thoughts

I have read this before. So I didn’t think I’d get as insanely hooked… I read the whole book in one day. While I was trying to write a paper. Probably not the best book to sink my literary teeth into if I’m being honest with myself…

Although Dragon Bones would have been fine as a standalone, I’m really glad that Briggs decided to revisit this world. There is just something about Ward and Hurog that makes it difficult to walk away. Plus, interestingly, it is the only one of her series thus far that features a male lead. Yes, there is still a strong, independent woman in this story. But it’s written from Ward’s POV and more so about him. Tisala is his love interest.

Dragon Blood is a fantastic end to this duology. Not only do you feel like Ward and Tisala get to live happily ever after. Their country and peoples’ are finally safe from a tyrannical king and an ancient artefact that could kill them all is also destroyed. A very good, easy happy ending that still lets you know that everyone continues to live and fight their battles – after all, dragons, bandits and magic are still heavy in the air.

If I was asked to describe in one sentence why I love this story so much… I wouldn’t be able to answer the question. As with all of Patricia Briggs’ books, there is something about the writing, the character building and the battles that Ward overcomes that make it impossible not to love the tale. Add in a heavy dose of dragons and medieval sword fight… I’m kind of sad that I read through it so quickly… again. I read this in one day last time too…

 <- Dragon Bones ReviewMore Patricia Briggs reviews ->

Image source: Goodreads

Eragon’s Guide to Alagaesia by Christopher Paolini

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for eragon's guide to alagaesia book cover

Title: Eragon’s Guide to Alagaesia
Author: Christopher Paolini
Series: The Inheritance Cycle Companion
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Dragons, Medieval fantasy
Dates read: 28th August – 4th September 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Graphic novel
Publisher: Doubleday
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: His order, which has endured for a least five hundred years, believes that all knowledge is sacred.

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Synopsis

From the creators of the bestselling books Dragonology, Egyptology, Piratelogy, and others, this is a never-before-seen glimpse into the world of Christopher Paolini’s Inheritance cycle. Alagaësia comes alive in a lush and detailed look at an unforgettable magical land. From elves, dwarves, Urgals, humans, and dragons, to the natural landscape and the magic it contains, Eragon himself offers the reader an unsurpassed tour. This oversized, full-color book provides 15 spreads chock full of spectacular artwork, engaging novelty elements, and fascinating insights into Eragon’s home. With gorgeous jewels adorning the cover and pages filled with envelopes, gatefolds, samples of dragon skin, and more, Eragon’s Guide to Alagaësia is sure to appeal to the legions of fans of Christopher Paolini’s bestselling Inheritance cycle.

Thoughts

This is one of those fun, cute and easy reads. Albeit a little hard to lug around anywhere, hence the fact that it took me so long to actually read this. It’s only about half an hour of reading, but you actually need to be able to sit in a comfortable spot with a ginormous book for that period. With two dogs trying to climb all over me… that’s difficult.

I might be a grown woman, but I love interactive stories and pretty pictures as much as the next girl. They’re just fun. And all of the different textured pieces placed throughout were even more enjoyable. It bought back the enjoyment of my first books as a child. Before I was really able to read to any decent level.

I read this companion before Eldest, and I’m so grateful that there weren’t many spoilers throughout. I was expecting far more, but except for one tiny slip about Eragon’s father, there was nothing to hint at what was going to happen in the future of the series.

This was a really nice and easy read for the last few days when my head has been full of PhD work and event planning. And it just makes me want to pick up Eldest all the more… although maybe I should finish a few books that I’ve already started first…

<- The Fork, the Witch & the WormEragon ->

Image source: Goodreads

Eragon by Christopher Paolini

Book Review, ,
Overview
Image result for eragon book cover

Title: Eragon
Author: Christopher Paolini
Series: The Inheritance Cycle #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dragons, Medieval fantasy
Dates read: 20th – 26th August 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Knopf
Year: 2002
5th sentence, 74th page: He pulled his arms inside his coat and tied the empty sleeves around his neck.

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Synopsis

One boy…
One dragon…
A world of adventure.

When Eragon finds a polished blue stone in the forest, he thinks it is the lucky discovery of a poor farm boy; perhaps it will buy his family meat for the winter. But when the stones brings a dragon hatchling, Eragon soon realizes he has stumbled upon a legacy nearly as old as the Empire himself.

Overnight his simple life is shattered, and he is thrust into a perilous new world of destiny, magic, and power. With only an ancient sword and the advice of an old storyteller for guidance, Eragon and the fledgling dragon must navigate the dangerous terrain and dark enemies of an Empire ruled by a king whose evil knows no bounds.

Can Eragon take up the mantle of the legendary Dragon Riders? The fate of the Empire may rest in his hands.

Thoughts

It’s been a long time since I first picked up this book. So long, that at the time, only the first two books in this series were actually published. And I can’t believe that I hadn’t picked it up again… the fact that it was boxed away while I moved houses over a few years probably contributed quite strongly to the delay too. But, I digress… this is one of those amazing stories that you constantly remember and wish didn’t quite have to end. Whilst rushing towards the end, because you just have to find out how everything happens.

One of my favourite tropes in fantasy is the taking of an ordinary person and turning them into something amazing. The use of their strength and personal traits, their ability to overcome all bought into the limelight because one little, fantastical accident of fate. It’s probably one of the most repetitive tropes I’ve read, but it’s one that genuinely works. After all, we all feel like nobodies at times and wish that we could get swept away into an adventure. Eragon is the perfect example of this. A young, lonely, illiterate farm boy who stumbles upon an egg and is swept up in an adventure of mayhem and good vs evil.

This is one of those stories that is a little difficult to place within a fantasy shelf. It’s not quite epic, it’s not quite young adult. It’s this great version in between. It suits a range of tastes and reading levels. And, as I discovered with this reread years later, lets you grasp a different aspect of the storyline and pick up on different hints and tales whenever you sink your nose into the tale.

This is a story of dragons and swords. Mysteries and battles. A story in which you don’t really know if Eragon is making the right decisions. Whether or not he’s fallen into a political cesspool or actually found sanctuary. It’s this great tale that completely sweeps you up and makes you want to pick up Eldest from the very moment you close the final pages. After all, one battle has been one, but the war is just beginning…

<- Eragon’s Guide to AlagaesiaEldest ->

Image source: Amazon

The Duke of Riverside by Ellen Kushner

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
naked-city

Title: The Duke of Riverside
Author: Ellen Kushner
In: Naked City (Ellen Datlow)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Comedy, LGBTQI, Medieval fantasy, Urban fantasy
Dates read: 12th July 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: Why would you want to go there with me?

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Synopsis

There’s a young man whose decided to come down to Riverside and find his death. What he doesn’t realise is that no one is going to end the life of an unarmed man. But what he finds instead is much, much better.

Thoughts

The wit and dry humour in this story had me chuckling a fair bit. There was something about a strange, lanky scholar who was desperate to be killed roaming the streets and just having absolutely no luck. It got even better when you found out that he was a duke and abhorrent to the rest of his family. The beauty, humour and irony in the story had me cackling more than I should probably admit if I still wanted people to consider me sane (which I don’t, so it’s fine).

Growing up, I never seemed to read many stories which featured LGBTQI characters. But as my reading tastes have grown, I’ve noticed that it’s a theme that shows up more and more frequently. Or it may just be that it’s a theme that is written about more frequently as our society changes. Regardless, it’s something that I always love in my stories. And the unexpected coupling of two men in this story took me completely by surprise. Partly because in the beginning I thought it would be a tale about Alec just being killed in some random, heinous way. And partly because it’s a medieval fantasy-esque story, and I tend to find that that’s not a relationship that is outwardly hinted at.

The final scene of this short story is one of those that is incredibly difficult to get out of your head. The entire time I’ve been writing this review, I have that great, final image struck into my brain. But, you really must read this story yourself to have that fine enjoyment.

 <- On the Slide ReviewOblivion by Calvin Klein Review ->
Image source: Patricia Briggs

Dragon Bones by Patricia Briggs

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for dragon bones patricia briggs book cover

Title: Dragon Bones
Author: Patricia Briggs
Series: Hurog Duology #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dragons, Magic, Medieval fantasy
Dates read: 22nd – 30th May 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Ace Fantasy
Year: 2002
5th sentence, 74th page: “War?” I asked, trying to sound eager, the way an idiot who was good at fighting would say it.

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Synopsis

Playing the fool

Most everyone thinks Ward of Hurog is a simple-minded fool – and that’s just fine by him. But few people know that his foolishness is (very convincingly) feigned. And it’s all that’s save him from death at the hands of his abusive father, who’s always seen Ward as a bitter rival for power. 88 When his father dies, Ward becomes the new lord of Hurog… until a nobleman declares that he is too dim-witted to rule. Ward knows he cannot play the fool any longer. To regain his kingdom, he must prove himself worthy – and quickly.

Riding into a war that’s heating up on the border, Ward is sure he’s on the fast track to glory. But soon his mission takes a deadly serious turn, for he has seen a pile of magical dragon bones hidden deep beneath Hurog Keep. The bones can be dangerous in the wrong hands, and Ward is certain his enemies will stop at nothing to possess them…

Thoughts

I read this book for the first time a very long time ago. Or at least, long enough that I couldn’t really remember anything that happened in the story. Beyond the fact that Ward had to pretend to be stupid to survive, and he couldn’t remember how to act as someone who was… less dumb. But the story is soooooo much more than that. And I honestly can’t believe that it’s taken me so long to get this off my shelves again. It’s just beautiful. And fun. And an incredibly enjoyable read.

Although there are hints of a love interest in a part of the story, there isn’t any overt romance. Rather, this story is about finding one’s own identity and strength. And also reconnecting with long alienated family members. It’s a really sweet, if not slightly violent storyline that deals with abuse and a longing to belong. A need to feel like you fit into your own skin. And figuring out just how to do that. All things that I’m sure almost everyone can relate to in one way or another.

Now that I’ve reread Dragon Bones I just can’t wait to sink my literary teeth into Dragon Blood. Again, I can’t quite remember what happens in it. But the entire tale is one that I know I’ve enjoyed in the past and look forward to enjoying again in the future. Dragon Bones is everything I enjoyed in a good fantasy story as a child. It features a misfit that is completely misunderstood by everyone, his family included. There are dragons. And swords. And lots of fighting and bloodshed. But, as an adult, I also appreciate the difficulties of having abusive parents, and the scars that that can impart. The constant fear that Ward is like his sire and this horror at what he has had to overcome. I didn’t really appreciate that, even in my early twenties when I first read this a few years ago. Now, the whole storyline not only was incredibly enjoyable. But also shook me to the core and helped me to commit wholeheartedly to Ward’s cause.

<- More Patricia Briggs reviewsDragon Blood Review ->
Image source: Amazon

Midnight Thief by Livia Blackburne

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for book cover midnight thief livia blackburne

Title: Midnight Thief
Author: Livia Blackburne
Series: Midnight Thief #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Assassins, Medieval fantasy, Paranormal fantasy
Dates read: 5th April 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Hyperion
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: Kyra grabbed the longer shreddings from the table as they fell.

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Synopsis

Growing up on Forge’s streets has taught Kyra how to stretch a coin. And when that’s not enough, her uncanny ability to scale walls and bypass guards helps her take what she needs.

But when the leader of the Assassins Guild offers Kyra a lucrative job, she hesitates. She knows how to get by on her own, and she’s not sure she wants to play by his rules. But he is persistent – and darkly attractive – and Kyra can’t quite resist his pull.

Tristam of Brancel is a young Palace knight on a mission. After his best friend is brutally murdered by the Demon Riders, a clan of vicious warriors who ride bloodthirsty wildcats, Tristam vows to take them down. But as his investigation deepends, he finds his efforts thwarted by a talented thief, one who sneaks past Palace defenses with remarkable ease.

When a fateful raid throws Kyra and Tristam together, the two enemies realize that their best chance at survival – and vengeance – might be to join forces. And as their loyalties are tested to the breaking point, they learn a startling secret about Kyra’s past that threatens to reshape both their lives. 88 In her arresting debut novel, Livia Blackburne creates a captivating world where intrigue prowls around every corner – and danger is a way of life.

Thoughts

This was one of the books that I just happened to pick up in the Black Friday sales. It was an impulse buy that I am so not regretting! This was such an amazing story. I loved the mix of medieval setting, assassins running riot and a slightly paranormal twist that wasn’t quite what I expected. Kyra was also one of my favourite young female heroines in a while… she had spunk, independence and a lot of gumption.

Midnight Thief combined some of my favourite themes and subgenres in a way that I just wasn’t used to. From assassins to medieval fantasy with a mix of paranormal fantasy, it all worked seamlessly. And this is the first time that I’ve ever seen this unique combination. I also loved the cat aspect that was intertwined throughout the story. Not only Kyra’s unique talents and inclinations, but also the Demon Riders that are constantly showing up. I might not want a pet cat, but I do love any stories that feature them, especially the big cats which are such successful predators.

There was a hint of romance throughout this story that just made you want Kyra to have a happily ever after… but, it wasn’t so overwhelming that you felt a bit gaggy over it. And, of the three men who take centre stage at one point or another, you’re not quite sure what her feelings towards them are. Or what theirs are towards her. It was really nice to read a book aimed at a young adult population that wasn’t gushy romance all the way through. But, there’s enough that you can’t wait to see not only what happens to Kyra next as people begin to unravel her past, but also how her personal relationships are going to end up…

 <- Poison Dance ReviewDaughter of Dusk Review ->
Image source: Amazon

Masques by Patricia Briggs

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for book cover masques patricia briggs

Title: Masques
Author: Patricia Briggs
Series: Sianim #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Medieval fantasy, Strong women
Dates read: 12th January – 5th March 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Ace Fantasy
Year: 1993
5th sentence, 74th page: She can fight, and the gods know we have need of fighters.

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Synopsis

After an upbringing of proper behavior and oppressive expectations, Aralorn fled her noble birthright for a life of adventure as a mercenary spy. But her latest mission involves more peril than she ever imagined.

Agents of Sianim have asked her to gether intelligence on the increasingly popular and powerful sorcerer Geoffrey ae’Magi. Soon Aralorn comes to see past the man’s striking charisma – and into a soul as corrupt and black as endless night. And few have the will to resist the sinister might of the ae’Magi and his minions.

So Aralorn, aided by her enigmatic companion, Wolf, joins the rebellion against the ae’Magi. But in a war against a foe armed with the power of illusion, how do you know who the true enemy is – or where he will strike next?

Thoughts

I read this book for the first time years ago. But, I thought I’d reread it to see if it was as good as I remembered… and it was. It was kind of amazing, incredibly interesting and very difficult to put down. I did… because I have to be an adult, but it was still quite difficult.

Aralorn is a wonderfully strong and independent woman. She is everything I tend to love in a female lead, and the trope that made me fall in love with Patricia Briggs’ writing. I love that she shrugs off the common upbringing of women and finds herself a way to be herself, no matter what the consequences and what other people think of her. I love this independence, and the fact that although there is a love interest, in takes backstage in a major way. Actually, it took me this second read through to realise that the love interest is quite intense from the very beginning, rather than a random development later on in the story (as I originally thought).

This story reminds me a little of the Graceling series in that the villain doesn’t seem all that evil. Until you start to add up what is happening behind the scenes. Yet, there is something far more terrifying about such a bad guy. After all, everyone else loves him, bringing him down will probably mean that everyone decides to kill Aralorn and Wolf, and even they constantly question their motives and sanity. There is something that is just… kind of sinister about such a charismatic evil being. And it makes the ae’Magi all the more evil because he does so many things with a beautiful, kind smile on his face…

 <- Wolfsbane ReviewSteal the Dragon Review ->
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Blood and Roses by Angela Knight

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
burning-up

Title: Blood and Roses
Author: Angela Knight
In: Burning Up (Angela Knight, Nalini Singh, Virginia Kantra & Meljean Brook)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Medieval fantasy, Paranormal romance, Vampires
Dates read: 18th – 19th February 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: Lord Raniero is famous for his incorruptibility.

Synopsis

In Angela Knight’s BB Blood and Roses BB, a vampire warrior and his seductive captor join forces to stop a traitor from unleashing an army of demonic predators on their kingdom.

Thoughts

This is now my second novella by Angela Knight that I’ve had the fortune of reading. And like Mad Dog Love, I found the opening pages didn’t really grab me. However, this time I knew that I had to persevere with the opening, and I would sink into something amazing. And I was completely right!

This paranormal romance novella takes you on a journey through a world with vampires and knights. Wars and traitors. The fact that there is a lustful romance that takes centre stage just helps to build upon the beauty of the storyline. There’s just something so sweet (if in a slightly backwards way) about Amaris and Raniero throughout this tale. Something that completely drew me in and made it impossible to put down this story (you know, once I’d gotten over the first few pages).

Although it is incredibly obvious that the two leads are going to fall for one another, and hard, I still enjoyed the journey. And there were still moments when I wondered if their past hang-ups would lead to a not-so-happily ever after. Not enough to make me frustrated, but enough to help raise the stakes of the storyline.

I might have loved the romance in this novella. But honestly, my favourite character was Marin. There was just something so unbelievably cute, sweet and innocent about her. Something that makes me smile every time I reflect back on this story.

<- Whisper of SinShifting Sea ->

Image source: Nalini Singh

Battle of the Heroes by Kate Forsyth

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for battle of the heroes kate forsyth book cover

Title: Battle of the Heroes
Author: Kate Forsyth
Series: The Impossible Quest #5
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Adventure, Australian authors, Easy reading, Medieval fantasy
Dates read: 20th February 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: They were smelling here and there, their acute sense of smell blunted by the stench of bat droppings.

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Synopsis

Do not lose faith. Remember the words of the story, remember the words of the spell…

Quinn, Sebastian, Elanor and Tom have defeated the black witch Githa and found the last crucial piece of the prophecy – the sea-serpent’s scale. But time is running out. Back now at Wolfhaven, they search desperately through the castle crypts for the sleeping heroes who they hope will save them all… before the dark moon rises and they lose everything.

Thoughts

This is a great ending to a really fantastic series. It ties up all of the lose ends and follows the same level of cuteness that I’ve loved throughout the rest of the storyline. Yet, where most of the finales I’ve read have involved a lot of exposition to tie up all of the lose ends, this ending doesn’t. The vast majority of this story is taken up by the battle.

Battles are hectic, chaotic beasts. Forsyth is able to describe this perfectly by continuously jumping between her four leads. You never get a full sense of what is happening to them and follow an incredibly jumpy timeline. Which of course adds to the stress and wonder at what’s happening and makes it far more difficult to put down the book. Every time I think that I’m getting a handle on what is happening to one character, it jumps to another.

The four heroes that have been the goal throughout the entire story are finally revived, but they’re barely viewed throughout. Which works well. Although the adults are supposed to be the “heroes” it is the four children that the story revolves around that are truly important. And the parts that they accomplish throughout the final fight which really help to win the day.

I love this final book, and I loved this whole series. It is just so easy, cute and fun. And a great reminder that different types of people are able to save the day, no matter what form they take, and how old they are.

 <- The Drowned Kingdom ReviewEscape from Wolfhaven Castle Review ->
Image source: Goodreads