Hell (The Afterlife Series #2) by Mur Lafferty

Release Date: June 2, 2011 (first published 2007)
Publisher: Restless Brain Media
Series: The Afterlife Series, Book 2
Author Website:  http://www.murverse.com

Rating: 4 out of 5stars.

Synopsis:
Kate and Daniel came together once again as their duties in Heaven ended. Their mission to recover the remaining stolen souls directed them to wander through the various versions of Hell and deal with the rulers therein. One by one, the souls were sent to their rightful homes by both Kate and Daniel, but the duo found themselves dealing with long hidden secrets and feelings.

With each touched by the Divine in different ways, Kate and Daniel worked their magic upon the Underworld until they reached the end of the line. One last soul needed to be collected. It would decide the fate of the Cosmos, the Afterlife and their friendship. Can all the differences be reconciled before it's too late? Will Kate and Daniel be separated forever?

Review:
As with the other books in the Afterlife series, I first took note of them when they were released in audio-book form by the author on Podiobooks, a podcast reading of her written material. Once I saw them in Kindle format, I snagged each one of them. Reading through the books brought back all the feelings and excitement of listening to them for the first time. To be honest I found this book as good the second and third times as I found it the very first time.

While the second book followed the further adventures of Kate and Daniel, many other characters were introduced into the mix as well. The reader was given a front row seat to the many different versions of hell that exist within the various religions around the world and from past civilizations. As with their adventures in Heaven, the duo challenged the rulers of the different areas of the Underworld and began a significant change in the structure of the particular Hell they visited. In some instances they made such a difference that the Hell no longer existed after their intervention. Along the way Kate and Daniel had to deal with their feelings for each other that they revealed at the end of the first book.

They weren't the only players to wreak havoc in the Underworld though. Familiar faces reappeared in this book to reveal their own agendas that included Kate and Daniel from the very beginning. At one point Daniel faced one of his most guarded secrets. (No spoilers!) Not only did the stolen souls play a part in shaping the story, but Daniel's anger as well as Kate's sadness became characters in the latter part of the story. Toward the end of the book, everything they went through shaped them into the perfect vessels to complete the next stage of their journey through the Afterlife.

From the start there was action, drama and bits of comedy that maintained a steady pace throughout the rest of the book. I was surprised at how well the story continued from the first book. It was very evident that a lot of research went into the different layers and versions of Hell that the duo walked through. By the time I connected all the dots near the end, I was already invested into these characters. I wanted to see them succeed, felt sad when their darkest secrets came out to test them, and celebrated when Kate and Daniel were able to reach common ground. Overall, I enjoyed this story the third time reading it as much as I did the first time I heard it in audio-book version. If you're looking for a different take on the "downside" of the Afterlife or want to know what happens to Kate and Daniel, then you definitely have to pick up this book!

Hell (The Afterlife Series #2) by Mur Lafferty is currently available at several online retailers in digital formats including Kindle. You can purchase the book from Amazon at the link provided below.
Hell (The Afterlife Series #2) by Mur Lafferty

Trail of the Torean (Saga of the God-Touched Mage #2) by Ron Collins

Release Date: November 30, 2014
Publisher: Skyfox Publishing
Series: Saga of the God-Touched Mage series, Book 2
Author Website: http://typosphere.com

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Two sects of magic users, the Lectodinians and Koradictines, joined forces in order to rid the world of the Toreans, including Garrick, but they never counted on Garrick becoming an integral part of the Gods' plans. In order to either learn more about his newly-discovered powers or rid himself of the curse completely, Garrick accepted a contract alongside Darien, another hiding his true identity to be his own man.

As they journeyed together, they found themselves in the midst of turmoil at every turn. Whether they fought for their own lives or helped a fellow Torean escape the clutches of the others, Garrick struggled to find a balance between the part of him which wanted to heal and the part of him that sought destruction. Can he find a way to reconcile the two halves before time runs out for both him and Adruin?

Review:
I was thrilled to have time to get back to this series of books written by a local author. The second release, which began with Glamour of the God-Touched, continued Garrick's tale after the discovery of new powers, his master murdered, and his whole world turned upside down. This book revealed more about the three mage orders as well as some history about other mages who were also known to be God-Touched. Information about the God-Touched's full potential was shrouded in myth and lore. Each side of the magical triad had their own and wanted to be better than the others. Therefore, the reader was left to explore the limits and consequences alongside Garrick throughout the book.

As with the first book, Garrick was the central character in this tale, but he wasn't alone in his adventures. In order to complete a contract for coin, he agreed to ride with a companion, Darien, as an insurance policy that one of the riders would return with the merchandise. The differences between the two men were noticeable from the start. Where Garrick was quiet and guarded, Darien was jovial and likely to sing in order to pass the time. I really liked the relationship that grew between them as they were tested with several situations where trust played a factor. Along with these two, more individual mages were introduced. I got the feeling that these men and women weren't people who would be toyed with or taken lightly. They possessed great powers and each of them knew they were revered or reviled for those powers.

Not only did the book have new characters and meatier interactions to savor, but this book also featured new cities. While one appeared to be a larger version of the village Garrick lived near, the other was located in a desert-like place. These places and the landscape between offered several occasions for action and adventure for the duo and became character-like themselves.

From the first chapter the pace of the novel was quick, yet steady. As more secrets were revealed and action took place, the pacing gathered speed. I wasn't surprised at the end when the mad dash to freedom was matched by dialogue and what was occurring in the scene. The author did a great job allowing the reader time to breathe between battles before leading them into the fray once again. Even in the very last chapter, the pace mimicked the story in such a way that I felt the sense of acceptance that washed over the characters.

Overall, I found myself invested in both Garrick's history and his future now that new information was known. With well-thought fight scenes and descriptive spell work, the author continued laying the foundation of a series worth further exploration. New characters on all sides with their own agendas for Garrick impacted the story thus far, and possibly in the future as well. I'm curious to see how Garrick settled the war within himself while fighting continued all around him. What future role does Darien have in this whole thing? This book answered some of the questions I had after book one, but left me with new questions. I'm very much looking forward to delving into the next book. For those who love a great adventure tale full of political intrigue, gods who love using humans as playthings, and seeing the underdog fight his way to the top, I recommend this book be placed on your TBR as soon as possible!

Trail of the Torean (Saga of the God-Touched Mage #2) by Ron Collins is currently available online wherever books are sold. It can be purchased in either paperback or digital (Kindle) download. It's also available in a bundle package with all the books in the saga. The following link will bring up the book's page at Amazon for purchase.
Trail of the Torean (Saga of the God-Touched Mage #2 by Ron Collins

Seeker (Seeker #1) by Arwen Elys Dayton

Release Date: February 10, 2015
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Series: Seeker series, Book 1
Author Website: http://www.arwendayton.com

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Quin spent her whole life training to become a Seeker, a noble occupation that only few in the world were granted access to do. She worked alongside her cousin and another apprentice to achieve the goal, but she found out too late that becoming a Seeker wasn't as glamorous as the old tales made it out to be. After a series of grueling assignments, Quin was left to wonder if her whole life was a lie or if there was even a way to right the wrongs.

Everything changed the night her homestead in Scotland was attacked. She and a few survivors escaped, at the cost of her memories of her former life. When people from her past came calling, she was forced to remember the painful things in order to protect those she loved and the world as she knew it. Will she be able to cope with the monstrous memories which hide behind the veil of amnesia? Can she keep the tools of her trade from falling into the wrong hands?

Review:
One of the best perks in being a member of NetGalley were the emails alerting me to interesting, new books that I may not read otherwise. This book was among several that I received in the past few months. The idea of being the "Seeker" intrigued me. Being the first book in a series, the author did a good job setting the foundation for both the world in which the characters lived and describing the many responsibilities that the Seeker has. According to the history learned throughout the book in bits and pieces, there were once many Seekers who kept the balance of good and evil within the world. Each Seeker came from a particular family which was assigned an animal to represent them in documents or tools. Some of these tools were more important than others, important enough to kill to obtain.

Right away three young apprentices were introduced right before the Seeker's initiation ceremony. Quin, Shinobu, and John held hopes that they would join the noble class of Seekers. Tension between the three initiates and their instructors was obvious from the beginning. The three of them were each main characters as the chapters denoted which point of view was being followed at the time. Being young adolescents their interactions with one another, as well as others, were pretty close to real life. The added pressure of their Seeker responsibilities also hampered some of their reactions and decision-making abilities. Add to all of this another character named Maud and you've got quite a soup of emotions, beliefs and actions pushing the story forward.

Though the first few chapters began with a touch of action, there were some moments when the story dragged along until the next bit of action prevailed. Once the first of many showdowns happened, the pacing picked up quite a bit. Each chapter pushed the characters closer and closer to another showdowns. The interesting thing about much of the story was how some of the characters would act outside their usual boundaries. Especially in Quin's case due to circumstances beyond her control, many decisions impacted which path was taken or whether another lived or died. A number of unanswered questions lingered after reading the end of the book, so I'm glad that this was simply the first book in a planned series.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. There were many wonderful descriptions of beautiful landscapes within Scotland and the busy, decorative streets in Hong Kong. Not only were the settings used to create mood, they were at times characters themselves as they impacted the action by their restrictions and/or climate. While there were times when I had to push myself to finish the book, I'm glad to have done so. The many secrets kept by Quin's family and the hunt in which John has been trapped were all interesting enough to keep me turning the pages. I was also very happy to see that Shinobu found a purpose for his life other than to simply waste it. What part he'll play in the grand scheme of things, I'm not entirely sure, but it will be interesting to find out. If you're a lover of YA Fantasy series or simply enjoy catching something slightly outside the norm from its beginning, then this book is the one for your TBR list.

Seeker (Seeker #1) by Arwen Elys Dayton is currently available in hardcover, Kindle or audiobook formats at many online retailers and local bookstores. The link below will take you to the book's Amazon page for purchase.
Seeker (Seeker #1) by Arwen Elys Dayton

Heaven (The Afterlife Series #1) by Mur Lafferty

Release Date: April 27, 2011
Publisher: Restless Brain Media
Series: The Afterlife Series, Book 1
Author Website:  http://www.murverse.com

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Kate and Daniel were best friends, sharing everything from intimate details of their lives to most of their secrets. When their lives reached the end of the line, it came as no surprise that they went together. Each of them found their versions of Heaven, enjoying everything that was offered until questions began to scrape away the glitz and glamor.

Kate and Daniel decided to strike out on their own journey, to see everything that Heaven had to offer those who made it through the gates. Along the way, they discovered that nothing was really what it seemed and something wrong bubbled beneath the surface of happiness and joy. Their adventure began a series of changes throughout the other versions of Heaven and left them rushing off into unknown lands. Can they discover the truth behind the changes before it's too late? Will they be lost forever in the vast open road around Heaven?


Review:
Thanks to Podiobooks I discovered this series and other writings by the author many years ago. To be honest, it was one of the few audiobooks that I really wanted to see in print. When I came across the Kindle version on Amazon, it took less than a minute of debating before I purchased the series. It was interesting to read the words on the page and still hear the author's voice in my head. Even after a number of years, the book still captivated me as I delved deeper into the adventures of Kate and Daniel in the afterlife.

Much of the book focused on Kate and Daniel after their untimely deaths. Seen through Kate's eyes, Heaven was very much a place determined by the person's ideas, wants and how he or she saw the afterlife.  Kate's personality, quirks and beliefs stayed the same after she awoke in Heaven, as did many of her likes and dislikes. The same occurred for Daniel, although they didn't share the same vision of Heaven. The fact that their relationship carried over into the afterlife made it easy for me to keep up with the various changes around them as they journeyed through different times, places and even some versions of paradise that I wouldn't have imagined. Gods, Goddesses, Heroes, and Demi-gods from a wide spectrum of belief systems made appearances in the story. They did more than simply stand around while the Travelers went about their adventure. These Supreme Beings also impacted the duo's thinking and actions, causing all kinds of chaos for everyone.

Because both Kate and Daniel were early twenty-somethings at the time of their deaths, it was easy to relate to their thoughts and feelings. The dialogue was current, brash and honest at times. I liked the descriptions the author used to relay the differences between the different versions of Heaven that they encountered. The way the people dressed, the food they ate, how the religion of that particular section affected the daily life - all were written in a such a way that the reader could understand even if the reader had little or no knowledge about that particular religion. The action came quickly and propelled the story forward. At a steady pace, the story led from one idealized version of Heaven through various others. Each time the two of them left for another, there were consequences. Sometimes a lot of the consequences weren't always on the good side of things.

Overall, I really liked this book. I actually noticed a few things about their time in Greece and Dog Heaven that I didn't catch when listening to the audiobook. Having the Kindle format allowed me to zero in on these additions and it added a hint of comedy to the book. There's so much more going on with the story, I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. Between the changes Kate and Daniel brought to the afterlife and the awkwardness of the love triangle developing, I can't wait to see what happens. If you're looking for a different take on what happens when one leaves their mortal life behind or a wondrous new adventure filled with gods, goddesses and more, then this book is something you need to have on your shelf.

Heaven (The Afterlife Series #1) by Mur Lafferty is currently available at many online retailers in digital format. The following link will bring up the book's page at Amazon.
Heaven (The Afterlife Series #1) by Mur Lafferty

Queen Mab: A Tale Entwined with William Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet by Kate Danley

Release Date: January 14, 2013
Publisher: Createspace
Author Website:  http://www.katedanley.com

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Betrayed by a member of House Montague, Queen Mab vowed to see all in the house crumble and die as punishment. She put her plans into motion through her dominion over the world of dreams until her plans were revealed to Juno, the Goddess. She vowed to follow through with ending the Montagues after she was punished, forced to live within a frozen world and ice encaged her heart.

As she began to plant the seeds of failure, she happened upon a mortal man who possessed the key to melting her frozen heart. The spark of love beating within her chest gave her a new outlook on how the events of Verona were unfolding. To prevent losing everything she now held dear, she would go to any length to protect the man of her heart against any foe - especially another demi-god's jealousy.

Review:
One of the many books I've discovered thanks to OHFB, I was intrigued by the idea that the events of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet were orchestrated by something otherwordly. The author was able to create another dimension to the world that Shakespeare created in his work. Therefore, the reader was provided another view of the tragedy which occurred. Though the two works shared the same setting and much of the same cast, this book expounded on the history and lessons put forth in Shakespeare's novel. The mixture of opposites, including love, loss, trust and betrayal, gave the various political maneuverings a deeper level of impact during the course of the book.

Much of the novel centered around Queen Mab and the consequences of her actions. She wasn't the only demi-god that meddled with the lives of the people who went went about their normal lives in Verona. Faunus, the pipe-playing demi-god with cloven feet, sought win Mab's realm by coercing her into a wager. Each would chose a champion from either the House Capulet or House Montague. This champion determined which of the houses would fall and by proxy, which demi-god would win. Familiar characters from the original work danced through the novel to their intended ends. Romeo and Juliet, Mercurito and Tybalt - all of them followed the trajectory of the original, but the author of this book gave all the characters an emotional depth. With the primary focus on someone other than the couple, it allowed the secondary characters to come alive in a way that differed from the original.

It took a little while for me to become hooked by the story, but within a few chapters, I kept wanting to read more than the time I allotted myself. Because Queen Mab was a demi-god and ruled the world of dreams, she affected the lives of the people for centuries. Once the first betrayal revealed the players, the game was afoot. Wheels of time began turning at a quicker pace when Romeo met Juliet during the masked ball thrown by her father. The multi-layered designs that both Mab and Faunus put into play rushed the downfall of both houses and ushered in the rebirth of said houses with a deeper emotional connection. For me, the book's pace became steady the moment that Faunus stole something from Mab and lasted until the very last word.

Overall, I found this book quite entertaining and an interesting way to look at a work that I first read in middle school. It presented the tragic love story in such a way that the reader experienced the full gamut of emotions. From anger, lust and betrayal to love, acceptance and empathy - all these made an appearance at some point in the book. By using a feud between two demi-gods, the author explored more of the cause and effect of decisions made in haste. I enjoyed the transformation of Mab as she learned the lessons through experiencing some of these same emotions herself. It made the story more intimate in a way that I enjoyed. If you're looking for a fresh take on a beloved classic or need a dose of political intrigue among supernatural beings, then this is the book you should be reading!

Queen Mab: A Tale Entwined with William Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet by Kate Danley is available at a number of online retailers in either paperback or Kindle (digital) formats. The following link will take you to the book's page at Amazon.
Queen Mab: A Tale Entwined with William Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet by Kate Danley
 

Glamour of the God-Touched (Saga of the God-Touched Mage #1) by Ron Collins

Release Date: November 15, 2014
Publisher: Skyfox Publishing
Series: Saga of the God-Touched series, Book 1
Author Website: http://typosphere.com/ 

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
From the moment his mother sold him to a merchant, Garrick never knew an easy life. He lacked control over his life as the merchant ordered about as a servant. It wasn't until the merchant needed to pay a debt that glimmers of hope and change surged within Garrick. This was his chance to walk a different path, be his own man, and have the power and privilege that witnessed in others.

Becoming a mage's apprentice was simply the first step in his path. Though tedious, it provided the structure and doorways to a new world that he craved. After a devastating accident left him in a position to make a life or death decision, everything Garrick had planned for his life was turned upside. Now he must learn to control the power which threatened to destroy everything he held dear. Can he learn to rein in the power before it's too late?

Review:
I found this novel when it was advertised by the author on his Facebook page. After reading the description, I knew it was going to find a place on my TBR list. I was somewhat sad that the book was short in terms of length. However, I found that the lack of pages didn't hamper the progression of the story at all. There was quite a lot of information about the world and its key players packed into the short amount that it still hit all those adventure or fantasy notes.

Like many adventure/fantasy books, there was a central character in which the story revolved around. Garrick's strange, painful journey impacted the entire world, the people within it, and even the plane where magical gates were opened to perform spells. From the beginning of his life, Garrick was nothing more than a throw-away type of individual. He didn't have much to offer anyone around him. He was treated as a piece of property until he became a mage's apprentice. That moment changed the way he thought about himself and what he wanted for his future life. However, he wasn't the only one to be explored in the book. There were also two sects of mages that sought to control the entirety of magic use. Their differences were as drastic and deeply rooted as the way they practiced their craft. Their distrust of one another (and for the free-thinking mages as well) was apparent the moment they appeared in the story. I really liked the fact that each of the three types of mages had their own dress code and also a different "taste" to their magic. I don't think I've come across another book where the magic user described the magic having a taste such as honey or mint. It was unique and intriguing for me.

Now, this book was a quick read for two reasons. One, it did have less pages than I expected for an introduction to a new world and its inhabitants. While the length didn't take away from the quality of the story, it truly did leave me wanting more. The other reason was simply the pace of the book. From the first chapter, the pace was set at a steady clip. When the events of the story began unfolding, there was absolutely no way to stop them. Once those wheels of time and magic turned, no brakes would've stopped them. The end of the book definitely revealed the fact that there were more books to come in this series. Something much larger than Garrick's simple life was at stake, but we have to wait and see what terrors they hold for Garrick and the rest of his world.

Overall, I liked the book because it was a quality read and it left me questioning what was to come. It was easy to relate to Garrick's desire to be his own man, something more than a simple pawn in the game of life. When the one bit of happiness in his life was taken, he became desperate to have it once again. I think nearly everyone has been in this position at least once in their life. Because the decision he made had horrible consequences, he needed to find a way to fix what he'd done - something else that many can relate to as well. If you're looking for a well-written introduction into a world where mages still exist or simply want a quality book to pass the time, this is the book to fulfill both of those and more.

Glamour of the God-Touched (Saga of the God-Touched Mage #1) by Ron Collins is currently available at several online retailers in either paperback or digital formats. The following link will provide the book's Amazon page.
Glamour of the God-Touched (Saga of the God-Touched Mage #1) by Ron Collins

Liesmith: Book 1 of the Wyrd by Alis Franklin

Release Date: October 7, 2014
Publisher: Hydra
Series: the Wyrd series, Book 1
Author Website: http://alisfranklin.com/

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Sigmund Sussman didn't want much from life. He had it pretty good at home with his dad, a decent though boring job doing low-level IT for a major technological company, and two of the best, geektastic friends a guy could ever want. When Lain, newest recruit to the IT floor, became his to mentor, Sigmund found himself caught up in something strange, exciting and new. It was almost like a secret.

Lain has a multitude of secrets to keep buried, but nothing kept them down for long. As past and present collided, Lain and Sigmund were thrown into situations that would have driven a normal human insane. Fighting for their lives and trying to solve the mysteries of long-forgotten prophecies, each must draw on gifts which lay dormant for centuries. Can they beat back the hands of Fate to unravel all the knots of time? Will they make their relationship work despite the otherworldly connections?

Review:
NetGalley has a wide variety of books to sample, including ones that may slip through the cracks. The strange mix of Norse mythology and modern living seemed like an interesting mix. I took a chance and requested the book. I have to admit that I'm not a scholar of Norse mythology, but I do know the basics of the relationships within it. This book sort of threw everything into a blender, pressed pulse a few times and dumped it all back out to sort through the mix - in an interesting way.

The point-of-view shifted between characters. I really had to pay attention to the chapter to make sure I wasn't getting lost or missing something that was important. Much of the novel was written from Sigmund's point-of-view with a lot of emphasis on what he was thinking and feeling. Then there were chapters in which we (the readers) looked through Lain's eyes. The people that Sigmund loved the most also played important parts in both past and present. These characters were some I related to easily as they were into many of the same things I enjoy such as video games, computers, books and other nerdy pursuits.

A lot of the action in the book happened quickly once it began. While the pace of the novel was steady, there were some parts of the book where I became a little confused about who was doing what or when it actually happened. Because Norse mythology was woven throughout, there were scenes in which the characters were alive centuries earlier. Turn the page and they were busy living life in the present day. Yet, no one escaped the consequences of their actions - no matter when the actions took place. For me, there seemed to be betrayal upon betrayal upon betrayal. So many layers to unfold, it took a little work to fully understand what was on the line.

Bottom line, I found this book to be both surprising and more interesting than I perceived it at first glance. The author delved deeply into the various mythologies surrounding all the Norse gods. The hard work and research showed whenever their realms were explored in the book. With this being the first book in a series, I'm quite sure that there is much more to come with Sigmund, Lain (if that's who he is now) and the rest of the gang. Just because one world ended, that doesn't mean everything has come to end. Does it? You'll just have to read this book in order to figure it all out for yourself.

Liesmith: Book 1 of the Wyrd by Alis Franklin is currently available at many online retailers in Kindle format. Click the link below to check out the book at Amazon.
Liesmith: Book 1 of the Wyrd by Alis Franklin

Fire in the Blood by Erin M. Evans

Release Date: October 14, 2014
Publisher: Wizards of the Coast
Author Website: http://slushlush.com/

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
As the events of the Sundering continued across the land, Farideh and Havilar found themselves secreted away in a house owned by Havilar's beloved, Brin, in the very city he tried to flee. Unfortunately, Brin also happened to be the betrothed of the Princess of Cormyr. Along with all of the conflicts and trials brought on by the fact they were tieflings in a city which rarely saw different species, the war against the Shade left the Crown Prince missing and his son gravely wounded.

In the middle of all the chaos, Sharran invaded the royal court and only Farideh was able to root them out before they did damage enough to allow the Shade to overrun Cormyr. Her life as a Chosen complicated her missions as well as the lives of those she loved, but she must put all that aside in order to do what must be done. Was she able to solve the puzzle of Shar's plan before it's too late? Will lives be lost including her own?

Review:
I first entered Farideh's world when I explored the Sundering Series last year through NetGalley.  The series was comprised of six distinct novels about the separation of two worlds and its impact on their respective peoples and gods. Farideh and her journey as a Chosen, one blessed by a specific deity for an unknown purpose, were explored in the third book of the series entitled The Adversary. Her journey continued in this new novel and involved many of the same characters that interacted with her in the previous book.

While much of the story centered around Farideh and her search to understand why she was called to be a Chosen, there were many moments when other characters had their moment in the spotlight. Her companions from the previous novel, including Havilar, her twin; Mehen, their father; Brin, lover to Havilar and betrothed to Readra; and Lorcan, archdevil that has Farideh under a pact, made up a large portion of the action and adventure in this novel. Even though much of what happened in the book followed the events of The Adversary, the author did a wonderful job inserting necessary information about the characters and their past decisions that I could have learned about them without having read the previous book beforehand. They were very much a mixture of good and evil, sinner and saint. Some were happy to switch sides whenever necessary while others were bothered greatly by the mere thought of going against their beliefs.

Struggles of the heart, struggles within the royal court and struggles on the battlefield were all on display in this particular novel. The pace of the story varied according to whatever was happening in the chapter at hand. Some of the chapters went by fairly quick as there were battles or fighting which propelled the story forward. Others moved slower as the intrigue and political maneuvering within the royal court between the nobles weighed the story down. There were three vastly different settings in which events took place. Each of these places also played a part in the speed at which the action occurred.

By the very end of the book, I was happy that I requested the book. The story answered many of the questions that lingered after reading The Adversary. It also left its own set of questions that I hope will be answered in another visit to Farideh's part of the world. Even with the few bumps in the road, there were many funny, sweet moments that mixed well with the serious ones. This book was written as a sequel of sorts, but it did very well as a stand-alone type of novel, in my opinion. If you're looking for an unusual heroine to root for in an abnormal adventure or simply love the world within the Forgotten Realms, then this book should be among your TBR pile.

Fire in the Blood by Erin M. Evans is currently available through both online retailers and local bookstores. It can be purchased in hardcover, paperback, audio-book and Kindle. The following link is for the book's Amazon page.
Fire in the Blood by Erin M. Evans

Banished: The Gods Among Us (Book #1) by William L. Deen

Release Date: December 7, 2011
Publisher: White Eagle Publishing
Series: The Gods Among Us series, Book 1

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Based upon the tales of Ancient Sumeria, gods and goddesses live their day-to-day lives in the realm of Nibiru. When Inlil viciously assaults Sud, he is banished to Earth to live in the form of a wolf and admonished to stay away from humans. The ruling leader of Nibiru, Anu, warns Inlil that he would be imprisoned within Irkalla should he break that one rule.

But Inlil is unable to stop once the temptation comes before him. Not only does he thrive on the power, he now has a taste for blood and believes himself unstoppable. Anu must fulfill his decree or risk losing his hold on the realm he rules and those within it. Can Anu stop the fragmenting of his realm before Inlil brings ruin to Earth?

Review:
I came across this book while searching through Amazon's free Kindle Top 100 one day. The idea that gods had their trials and tribulations always interested me, so I opted to get this book. To be fair and honest this was a very quick read as the book was under 100 pages in length. I almost felt as though this was half a book with so much more to be explored than the foundation of a series. I found the entire story to be engaging and well written despite the short length.

The main action took place within the realm of the Sumerian gods, known as Nibiru. For a portion of the story, there was a cast of characters as the main focus including Anu, the ruling leader, his family and the lesser gods which comprised his court. The focus was then split between the two realms of Nibiru and Earth when Anu banished his youngest son, Inlil, as punishment for the brutal assault on the goddess, Sud. It was interesting to see the gods having as much trouble navigating their lives and world as we, humans, do here on Earth. I thought the author did a good job of keeping each god/dess within the tradition of the one in which he or she was based. So many distinct personalities and immortal grudges made for fiery interactions between quite a few of them.

As far as the pacing, events took place rapidly once the first chapter opened with the assault on Sud. From there, the pacing was consistent until the end of the novella. It seemed like the story got interesting as the end came near because of the story's short length. Dialogue and Inlil's exploration of Earth moved the story to the point where a showdown was imminent between Inlil and whichever god would be sent to punish him further for breaking the one rule he was given to obey - not to interfere with the humans.

I did enjoy the story from beginning to end. Overall, it was a complete story with enough of a foundation to base the series that followed. A number of questions asked within the first book were left unanswered. Plots thickened and actions taken by many were left unopposed and without repercussions. I think the author is onto something with this series. Hopefully the length will be longer in the other books! If you're looking for a nicely developed retelling of the lives of the ancient gods, give this series a try.

Banished: The Gods Among Us (Book #1) by William L. Deen is currently available at many online retailers in digital formats such as Kindle. Clicking the link provided below will bring up the book's Amazon page.
Banished: The Gods Among Us (Book #1) by William L. Deen

The Herald: The Sundering, Book VI by Ed Greenwood

Release Date: January 1, 2014
Publisher: Wizards of the Coast
Series: The Sundering, Book VI

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Every scrimmage, every battle had lead to this thrilling conclusion. The fate of both Toril and Abeir came down to the success of Elminster, the Chosen of Mystra, and his few trusted companions. Without Mystra's direct help, they must rely on the Weave, the fabric of magic that she wields that they have been strengthening for years.

Agents of Shadovar pushed forward with their sieges, covering the world in order to usher in Shar's rule. Elminster must find a way to prevent Shar from blanketing the worlds in her shadow weave without losing their world entirely as the Sundering continues. Will he fulfill his duty to his Goddess? Will he lose everything he cares for in the process?

Review:
The thrilling conclusion to the Sundering was made available for request through NetGalley. Of course, I had to request it. I needed to know how the series came to its end after reading the earlier books. While each of the books were written to chronicle the separation of Toril and Faerun froom one another, they were also able to stand on their own. Each book told the journey of a different Chosen or set of Chosen companions as they fulfilled their part of the overall prophecy. 

Book VI centered around the Chosen of Mystra, the Goddess who became the magical fabric known as the Weave. The Weave allowed all the magic users to work their spells and enchantments. Elminster and his consort, Storm, spent the years working to strengthen the Weave and place various wards which would allow the Weave to continue if certain key targets were to fall. They were also instructing the next Chosen of Mystra along the way. It's the close kinship and relationship that created the feeling that this war would be one of sacrifice so that another may live. Each of the character introduced in the book, whether good or evil, faced a point at which they must make a decision. There was a definite distinction between those that were to use the Weave for the good of all in the world of Toril and the Shadovar which would have ruled without mercy.

While some of the other books in this series started off with a bang, this one began slowly, almost methodically in setting up the main characters and the circumstances in which they would soon find themselves. Once the foundation of the story was out of the way, the action kicked in and left little doubt in my mind that this was the deciding battle. Myths, legends, and lore worked with sword, dagger and shield to make their side the winning one. Though there were plenty of lulls in the action or battles, there were many moments where the characters savored life's moments. It was a brilliant balance of peace and war. While the fighting dominated most of the book, the aftermath tied the loose ends of the series together. There's the slightest hint of more to come as some questions were left unanswered and doors open.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book as well as the entire series. Each of the authors taking part in this story arc brought their own favor and flair to their parts of the journey while this book brought everything to a center point. Knowing some of the characters from previous works enhanced my enjoyment. They were friends I hadn't seen in a long time and I enjoyed their visit very much. I cannot wait to see what comes next for Elminster or the other Chosen in the Forgotten Realms worlds. If you're looking for a magic-packed, action adventure with some comedic moments laced throughout, this is the series for you. I'd recommend picking up a copy of this book. Oh, heck. Buy the entire series.

The Herald: The Sundering, Book VI by Ed Greenwood is currently available hardcover, paperback and digital versions including Kindle. The link below will bring up the book's page at Amazon.
The Herald: The Sundering, Book VI

The Younger Gods (Younger Gods #1) by Michael R. Underwood

Release Date: October 13, 2014
Publisher: Pocket Star
Series: The Younger Gods series, Book 1

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Jacob Greene was born and raised within the confines of a loving, religious family in Minnesota. Homeschooled in both formal and religious education, he did as his family needed him to do. His main job was to collect supplies for the family from a nearby store. All was well in his world until the night he brought home a friend to meet his family. The awful truth that had been his entire life lay before him.

Disgusted by his family and fleeing far from its reach, he settled into life as a college student in New York. He worked to forget and free himself from the terrors of his cultist family only to discover that not all his ties had been severed with his departure. Someone followed him to the Big Apple with intentions of fulfilling a long-held prophecy to bring about the end of the world. Only Jacob knew how strong this person was and sought out allies to help. Will they be able to stop the prophecy from unfolding? Can Jacob come to terms with his past in order to save the future?

Review:
I first found this title while browsing through the offerings at NetGalley. After having requested it for review, I received an invitation from the publisher to read and review this title. It's a wondrous thing when great minds think alike. The whole premise of the story grabbed my attention. Many books were written on the basis of the world ending due to some group wanting to have dominion. However, I can't think of very many which feature the outcast of a cult trying to prevent the end of the world for the good of humanity.

The story was told from Jacob's perspective, using his peculiar way of thinking and talking that was beaten into him as a child. Younger than nearly everyone at his college, he had trouble finding common ground with anyone who crossed his path. This included his roommate who was Jacob's polar opposite in nearly every respect. Since the story was set in New York, a variety of races, religions and dialects came into play during the journey that took the characters through each of the city's five boroughs. It can be difficult to keep the different personalities of the characters from blending as the story progresses, but I felt the author did a great job keeping each one of them distinct from the other. I also enjoyed the various reactions to Jacob as he revealed his lack of knowledge in the area of popular culture. In this day and age, not knowing about television or celebrities is nearly a sin unto itself.

For me the beginning of the book was a little slow. It took some time for me to be accustomed to Jacob's way of speaking and thinking. Once I was used to him and the events of the story began to push the action to the forefront, the pace quickened and remained steady until the next discovery or battle took place. A lot of legend, myth and lore that the cult and other practitioners of magic within the city believe were woven through the story. Included were bits of information about the gems, tools and books used in the preparations and battles between the forces of good and evil. I liked the way the author wove that information into the story so as to not overwhelm the reader with everything at once. Some of it was a little unbelievable with today's way of thinking, but worked exceptionally well within the confines of the book.

Having a really good start to the series, I can see much more happening in the books to come that will not only expand the roles of the key characters, but those of the civilians as well. There's definitely more to this prophecy than we readers know. I enjoyed this book, even coming to enjoy the awkwardness that Jacob's personality creates in social environments. His sister, well, she can get what's coming her way as far as I'm concerned. I'm curious to know more about these hidden guardians that protect us from the unseen. If you enjoy the supernatural realm with a hint of possibility or are a regular lover of books just to the left of center, then this book (and series) will be perfect for you.

The Younger Gods (Younger Gods #1) by Michael R. Underwood is currently available at many online and soon to be at your local retailers. It can be purchased in digital formats including Kindle. The click provided below will bring up the book's Amazon page.
The Younger Gods (Younger Gods #1) by Michael R. Underwood

A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire #1) by George R.R. Martin

Release Date: March 4, 2011 (First published August 6, 1996)
Publisher: Bantam
Series: A Song of Ice and Fire series, Book 1

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
In a world where summer can last for years and winter is harsh for even the most hardy of person, Westeros was home for families who traced their lineage back to the founding fathers. Knights and nobles traveled the land while their peasants kept the grand houses running. When the King came calling at Lord Stark's household, he could hardly refuse with their bond a deep as siblings. It was during the King's stay that Stark's world changed forever.

Soon the Stark family has been scattered upon the winds as some travel in company of the King and others had their own agendas to fulfill. Secret deals and bloodied hands tested the most stalwart of nobles. After the kingdom sees the death of one king and the rise of another, the cold winds of winter began to sweep through the land. Prophecies long forgotten by many started to unfold before the eyes of the current generation. Where will it leave the land of Westeros? Will all the answers ever be found?

Review:
I reviewed Book III of this series last year as I had bought up to that particular book. Now that I own the complete released set which includes all five books, I decided to read the series from the beginning. To keep from repeating myself, I won't be reviewing the third book but I will read it again so I can keep track of the intricate layers of theory and revelation going on within the saga. Truth be told, I actually read the second book years ago without realizing it was a series. It wasn't until word about the television show began to spread that my interest was piqued once again.

The first book in the series set the groundwork for the world in which the characters lived. Many of the characters were enmeshed in centuries old prophecies and allegiances that weighed on them in their present day. There was no central character for the entire book to revolve around, but each chapter was headed by a different person. All manner of people filled the world of Westeros. Rich, poor, honorable, dishonorable - nearly every part of society was present in the different areas of the book. Those we thought admirable have a bleaker, darker side that slowly revealed itself. The grey areas made the large book enjoyable for me.

With a lot of ground to cover and such a large cast of characters, it wasn't unexpected for the pace to be slow in some areas of the book. I did find myself skipping a paragraph here or there when the descriptions of the areas went on a bit long, but ultimately went back to read them because I had missed something. When the intrigue or battles began, there was a feeling of anticipation within the writing as events headed toward conflict. Now, with so many pieces in the game, it will be interesting to see how the entire saga concludes in the future books.

Overall, I liked this book even if I struggled through the slow parts of the story. I'm curious to re-read the other books and find more of the secrets that I missed the first time through the stories. Even though many have voiced their favorite houses or characters, I'm still undecided with this book. I loved how sassy Tyrion was but also how deep honor was ingrained in Eddard's character. Maybe the second book will help me to narrow down the field. If you're a lover of long, sweeping sagas or enjoy a large-scale adventure novel, this will be the series for you to begin - whether you've seen the show or not.

A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire #1) by George R.R. Martin is currently available both online and in many local retailers across the globe. The book can be purchased in hardcover, paperback, audio-book, and Kindle formats. Clicking on the link below will bring up the book's Amazon page.
A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire #1) by George R.R. Martin

The Sentinel: The Sundering, Book V by Troy Denning

Release Date: April 1, 2014
Publisher: Wizards of the Coast
Series: The Sundering series, Book 5

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
As Toril descended into chaos, the dark threat of the Shadovar continued to spread throughout the world and brought the chaos into the heart of Marsember. Kleef Kenric, a member of Marsember's Watch and devotee to Helm, didn't hesitate when the Shadovar showed themselves within his city. He pursued them, subdued them and discovered their threat was much greater than he had anticipated.

With a member of Marsember's nobility in peril, Kleef joined with a band of others who were Chosen, those called upon by various gods in order to save their world. Through numerous struggles, each of the group must complete the dangerous mission given to them without giving in to the tempting rewards of the Shadovar. However, not all of the gods want happiness and light to surround Toril. Some want to plunge it into darkness and strife. Can the world survive if Kleef and his gang achieve their mission? Or will it all be for nothing?

Review:
The publisher had graciously allowed access to this series throughout the books' releases at NetGalley and I was very fortunate to enjoy them. This book was the fifth one of the series (see reviews for Book I, Book II, Book III and Book IV by click the links). More information about the origin of the wars and the sudden emergence of gods who were thought dead was intertwined with the introduction of more Chosen warriors in this story. As with the other books, this one began by revealing a group of main characters before they embarked on their part of the journey to fulfill the overall prophecy.

Because there are as many Chosen as there are gods in Toril, each of the books was able to focus on a few at time without becoming overwhelmed. In this particular novel, Kleef Kenric found himself a Chosen only after he rushed into battle in order to protect two other Chosen. Thus, he and Arietta Seasilver joined the others on a mission that may very well tip the balance of the war in their favor. Within the group there were the usual allegiances between the warriors and yet, jealousy and deceit crept within as well. Just when the four companions believed their group to be well on their way to finishing the task at hand, the secret, hatred-filled plans made an attempt to undo everything.

The book opened with an introduction to the four companions as well as a battle with the Shadovar. From that moment the chase was on and the momentum increased steadily throughout the following chapters. I definitely felt there were moments where the warriors and I could catch our breath, but they were promptly interrupted. The chase continued! Between all of the fighting and escaping, there was a lot of inner reflection among this group of warriors. I'm not sure if it was the result of the particular gods these Chosen followed or simply the way the story unfolded. It added a certain amount of depth to the story, in my opinion, and made it more than a hack-and-slash type of novel.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was a great addition to an already entertaining series. I loved the fact each of the books does well on its own, but they bring something special to the series. I think this book took a look at love, duty and honor as many of the characters (and gods) battled their own thoughts about those very subjects. It will be exciting to see how the entire series comes together in the end. If you enjoy a great fantasy series filled with intrigue, double-crossing shadows, and campaigns with surprise endings, then this book is one you should definitely consider!

The Sentinel: The Sundering, Book V by Troy Denning is currently available at all online retailers and many local bookstores. You can purchase a copy of this book in hardcover, paperback, audiobook and Kindle formats. Clicking the link below will take you to the book's Amazon page.
The Sentinel: The Sundering, Book V by Troy Denning

Horns: A Novel by Joe Hill

Release Date: February 18, 2010
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishing

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Ignatius "Ig" Perrish came from a very well-to-do family but often found himself on the fringes of acceptance, both at home and everywhere else. The youngest child who spent many of his days fighting his asthma, Ig wasn't able to continue the family's musical legacy as his father and older did. There seemed nothing special in his life until the day he met Merrin. Inseparable from their first meeting, the young couple appeared to have everything planned with nothing but good futures ahead of them.

So it was until the night Merrin was found dead beneath a tree where everyone used to play as children. With fingers pointed at him, Ig weathered the brutal storm of accusations and prejudice as he struggled to find his way in life without the goodness Merrin brought to his life. After having a horrible hangover on the anniversary of his beloved's death, Ig discovered something about him was different and it directed his feet on the path to discover the truth behind Merrin's death and his new lease on life.

Review:
I have wanted to read Hill's books for some time now, but I wasn't able to afford them for a period of time. When I discovered this book on sale, I wasted no time in picking up a copy for my Kindle. The book's description intrigued me from the first paragraph, so I was excited when I entered Ig's part of the world. There's a sense of something stolen from Ig in the beginning of the book as the foundation of the story was being built. With each passing page it became clear how deeply he felt the absence of Merrin and how much of a toll the loss had taken on Ig and their circle of loved ones.

In the first part of the novel, a small cast of characters were introduced, but the spotlight shone brighter on a trio which included Ig, Merrin and Lee. The story followed the blossoming friendship between the three of them as well as the romance between Ig and Merrin. Even as their lives progressed into adulthood, the ties between the three of them wove their paths in and around one another until the night Merrin was killed. Ig's world shattered in more ways than one. What was good inside him died the night Merrin was murdered. Every day after was one day closer to revealing his true nature and helped prepare him for his biggest test. While not all of the characters were given a lot of time in the spotlight, they did feel real to me. Their emotional reactions to the events in the story made it easy to empathize with them, cheering some along while despising others.

With a steady pace, the story easily carried me along its tracks. Although I did expect it, I found the beginning a little slow until I reached the middle of the first chapter. That's when the first of many, many weird things began to take place and the story had its hooks in me. Each passing chapter introduced another level of either weirdness or background. Around the middle of the book, I thought I had everything figured out and tried to guess what was going to happen in the next chapter. Boy, was I ever wrong to try and do that. Nothing I guessed came to pass how I envisioned it. I'll just sit in the ride and follow along with the next book of Hill's that I read.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. There were a lot of little jokes, cliches and interesting twists that I didn't find myself bored for a moment. I so wanted an ending that wasn't really feasible, but the one given wrapped up all the ends neatly and very creatively. I am looking forward to reading more of Joe Hill's books in the future. If you are a lover of the strange, the slightly outside-the-box or a time-defying love, this book is one you need to look into reading.

Horns: A Novel by Joe Hill is available at many online retailers and local bookstores. It can be purchased in hardcover, paperback, Kindle/e-book and audio book formats. Below is a link to the book's Amazon page.
Horns: A Novel by Joe Hill

The Reaver: The Sundering, Book IV by Richard Lee Byers

Release Date: February 4, 2014
Publisher: Wizards of the Coast
Series: The Sundering, Book IV

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Anton Marivaldi was a reaper of dubious reputation. Stedd Whitestone was a boy of a faith for a long dead god. When Anton was dispatched to find and abduct the boy, he never imagined that the mission would be one to change his life. Thrown together in the worst of moments, the two scrambled to find a way to fulfill Stedd's mission while staying alive.

The Chosen of the Sea Goddess also wanted Stedd for his own purposes. When he failed to recover the boy after a few futile attempts, Evendur had no choice but to do as his goddess commanded. His companions and followers prepared to wage war on the towns which could be helped the most by Stedd. Will the boy survive to fulfill his mission? Or will the darkness win again?


Review:
Thanks to NetGalley, I've been able to enjoy the series of books in The Sundering series offered by the publisher, Wizards of the Coast. Being the fourth book in the series, I had a lot of questions and a few expectations. All the previous books were packed with action, adventure and prophecy. This book was a perfect addition to the series because all those things and more were written in its pages. In the opening chapter, Anton Marivaldi battled his way through a village in order to apprehend Stedd Whitestone for the highest bidder. Unfortunately for Anton, Lathandar had bigger and better plans for his Chosen.

Not only were there plenty of fighting between those protecting Stedd and those wanting him for darker purposes, but other gods were after the poor boy as well. Pirates, demi-gods, elves, vampires and so man more are swept up in the battle of light and dark. There were several points in the book where those who started as bad guys became good and the good guys betrayed their own. Without giving a lot of the surprises away, I will say that the characters were complicated and yet I was able to connect with them. Their inner battles often mirrored the ones waged upon the seas or land to achieve their goal.

Because this was the fourth book in the series, I kept my eyes open for any threads tying the books together. I was happy to find word of previous deeds reaching the lands featured in this book. I also noticed that the previous books had an underlying elemental theme to them. Earth, Air, Fire and now Water for book #4. Since these were covered, I'm wondering what the next two books in the series will revolve around. Legends and myths played a huge part of the previous books. It was the same for this one as well. With each book, the day of Judgement grows closer and I'm worried about these characters we're come to know.

All throughout the book the action kept a steady pace. There were moments of reflection and pondering about the next step each of the characters needed to take. For the most part, a sense of urgency came through the pages as the characters moved into position for the final battle. Not just the characters within The Reaver, but many characters from the previous books were mentioned as well. I'm excited to see how it all comes together in the end and how the Morninglord is going to reclaim his proper place.

Overall, the book was a great read. I found there to be as many touching moments between the characters as there were battle scenes. With the way things are shaping up, the final two books of the series look to be an exciting, well-informed thrill ride. If you love action, adventure and heart, this book is definitely one that you should pick up (and the rest of the series as well).

The Reaver: The Sundering, Book IV by Richard Lee Byers is currently available for purchase at many retailers. You can choose between hardcover, paperback and Kindle formats. Click the link below to purchase from Amazon.
The Reaver: The Sundering, Book IV by Richard Lee Byers

Fire-Heart (Tales of Alterra, The World That Is #2) by C.S. Marks

Release Date: October 16, 2013
Publisher: Parthian Press
Series: Tales of Alterra, The World That Is, Book 2

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Not long after the battle, the Elfhunter went into darkness in order to heal, but vowed that he would one day enact vengeance upon the one who hurt him most - Gaelen of the Greatwood. The Company found themselves upon a different path filled with trepidation and new adversities as they follow Rogond in his quest to find more information about his past. The quest sent them into the far southern regions of Alterra, where the land itself can be an enemy.

Vast areas of dry sand, little or no greenery for miles, and a culture that places restrictions on freedoms people enjoy, Gaelen and her fellow Elves were hard-pressed to find joy in their latest venture. Adversity came in the guise of friendship and the group found themselves betrayed, not once, but twice as they continued their southern course. In the midst of arduous travel, unexpected trials and an impossible battle, an old evil trailed behind them and was determined to put right the many wrongs committed. Will The Company survive, much less find the information they seek?

Review:
Having completed the first book in the Alterra series, I was worried for the cast of characters which make up The Company. It wasn't a difficult decision to purchase this book in order to find out what happened since the great battle between the Elfhunter and the army of elves who call the Greatwood home. As with the first book, there was a core group of characters and many of them were introduced in the first book. Yet, this book did a wonderful job of reintroducing those familiar characters without dumping a lot of information into the story at hand. Though this book is the second within the series, the story within helped the book stand on its own so that you needn't have read the first to enjoy it. I would recommend reading the first one as it was a really good read as well.

The story built upon much of what occurred in the previous one but went a different direction than I expected. I was fully prepared for Gaelen and her merry band of companions to pick up the hunt for the Elfhunter in order to end the sense of doom hanging over them. I felt surprised when the story took the group on a quest centered around Rogond and his thirst for knowledge of his family. This quest led them to a region of the world of Alterra that I didn't know existed. It was exciting to experience the new realm alongside the elves who had never been out of the northern lands either. There were many things in the southern lands that the reader may recognize in the world today. I thought it was an interesting twist to combine the real world with Alterra, bringing more life to the world and the characters themselves by doing so.

Action took a little while to get into, but stayed steady until the very last word. There was a steady build-up of excitement as one thing after another befell The Company. Much of the trouble they experienced was forced upon them instead of the usual bringing it upon themselves. For me, this made some of what happened hard to read and at a couple of points, I really had to muster through. My perseverance paid off when the climax of the book happened and much of the resolution gladdened my heart. I say much because there was a door left open that left me wanting more. I will find the answers!

There's so much going on in this book that it was hard to review without giving a lot away. However, I very much enjoyed this book. It was a great continuation of events that took place within Elfhunter, the first book of the series, but it stood on its own two pages as well. Seeing familiar faces and meeting new ones that played important roles helped to give the book an engaging atmosphere. I feel like many of them are my old friends by now, including the horses which never failed to make me laugh with their antics. They were very much part of the story in both of the books. If you love a good, action-packed, fantasy tale with various species and unexplored lands, I'd say this is the book for you.

Fire-Heart (Tales of Alterra, The World That Is #2) by C.S. Marks is currently available at many online retailers. It can be purchased in either paperback or Kindle versions. Click the link below to buy a copy from Amazon.
Fire-Heart (Tales of Alterra, The World That Is #2) by C.S. Marks

The Adversary: The Sundering, Book III by Erin M. Evans

Release Date: December 3, 2013
Publisher: Wizards of the Coast
Series: The Sundering, Book III

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Farideh had one mission in life - keep her twin, Havilar, safe from whatever life threw their way. Of course, this included making pacts with devils and working for a wizard who was trying to discover a way to single out the Chosen among ordinary folk. No matter how rough or narrow the path became, Farideh walked further down to ensure Havi's safety. She'd walk straight into the Hells if necessary.

After disappearing for a number of years per one of her pacts, Farideh found herself in the middle of a much larger scheme between devils that could cost her way more than her simple soul. As her family and friends rally to rescue her, a sudden turn of events launched them all into a battle where the lines separating good and bad were blurred. Can she continue to protect her sister without damning herself? Will she be able to stop the madness of a wizard once the full truth is revealed?

Review:
Book III of the six-part Sundering arc began with a bang - literally and in several ways. Within the first couple of chapters, the main characters are introduced and immediately thrown into action. The story captured my attention quickly with the early action and the use of twins as the main characters. It was interesting to see the strength of the bonds between Farideh and Havilar as well as the affects of those bonds in both positive and negative manners.

As with the previous two books of the Sundering arc, the events of this book were able to affect the world of Toril while examining the current happenings contained within one part of the world. While the story stood well on its own, there were several noticeable threads connecting it to the other novels in the series. Nearing the end of this book, I wondered exactly how the entire arc was going to end and whether any of the characters I've met along the way would survive. I must admit, I felt close to the characters in this book because the author did a wonderful job in creating in-depth characters with the capacity to make mistakes, seek redemption and change their paths as we often do in real life.

There were quite a few fight scenes, each with some brilliant moves made by the characters involved. While I enjoyed the energy and story movement they provided, I really found the lingering consequences of the scenes more important to the overall story. It was in the precious seconds during the fighting that snap decisions were made. Often they led to repercussions with devastating results. However, the unique mix kept me turning pages to find out what else was in store for everyone! And yes, there were a number of moments when my heart broke. I felt especially bad for Farideh because she continually tried to do the right thing and yet it kept turning out wrong. I began to believe she was being haunted by Murphy's Law!

All in all, I really liked this book and I was glad that my request to view it at NetGalley had been granted. It held a bunch of surprises throughout the story and not only in the usual places. I was swept up in Farideh and Havilar's world, coming to think of them both as long-lost friends. I can't wait to find out what will happen in their next set of adventures. There were quite a few open doors in the story that I'm interested in searching as well. If you love action, fantasy and some good-natured sibling rivalry tiefling-style, then you must put this book on your TBR list!

The Adversary: The Sundering, Book III by Erin M. Evans is currently available at many retailers in hardcover, mass market paperback and Kindle formats. You can click the link below to purchase a copy of your own at Amazon.
The Adversary: The Sundering, Book III by Erin M. Evans

The Godborn: The Sundering, Book II by Paul S. Kemp

Release Date: October 1, 2013
Publisher: Wizards of the Coast
Series: The Sundering

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
When Vasen Cale was born, his appearance set him apart from the others who served in the Abbey of the Rose. His father's shadow legacy apparent in his skin, his eyes and the swirling, unsettling shadows which marked him. But his faith in the Dawnfather, the God of Light, was equally matched within his soul, making him a walking contradiction.

As Vasen attempted to find his place in the world, plans and schemes from gods and men alike rippled throughout the plains. For many, he was the key to correcting a grievous wrong that was committed centuries before his birth. But others wanted him in order to end the world of Toril forever. Will he learn the secrets of both his light and dark half? Which warring faction will count him among their number?

Review:
Another book I requested from NetGalley, The Godborn was the second in a series of six fulfilling the telling of The Sundering within the Forgotten Realms. As with the first book I reviewed, the book was very much a stand-alone story but tied very nicely into the events that were started earlier. In my opinion, the author did a wonderful job of making the novel his own while maintaining the overall story arc of the series thus far.

This was one of those novels where the action began on the first page and didn't let up until the very last word. A child, born of shadow and light, has an impossible task set for him. A world, ravaged by dark forces, was witness to another a piece of the puzzle that was the Sundering. It all created an engaging and action-packed novel that I couldn't stop reading. Each of the players within this novel were so realistically crafted that it was easy to close my eyes and picture them as the events unfolded. That's not an easy task when devils and other ungodly creatures were focal points in the story. Still, the strange group of companions which faced down one of the lords of Hell itself were well written and fleshed out, complete with their own unique abilities.

Many of the fight scenes were concise, flowing well from one movement to another. Seamlessly written, I had no trouble following along as I sometimes do. By the middle of the book, so much blood was shed and I was emotionally invested in the characters and their need for vengeance. It became clear that the events of the first two books of the series were going to have a big impact on the world by the end of the sixth book. But the action wasn't the only thing I appreciated. The author's descriptions of the landscapes brought a clear picture of them to mind. Even places which were shrouded in darkness retained a sense of vibrancy that rose from the page through the author's words.

I truly enjoyed this book, perhaps a bit more than the first one. With all the above elements combined, the book was a really good, quick read. I'm hoping to see the characters in the future books, but that remains to be seen. The Sundering series was to breathe new life into the Forgotten Realms. With the first two books, I believe there's definite signs of life. I can't wait to read the others. If you were a fan of the Forgotten Realms or simply enjoy a good fantasy/adventure tale, this book is the right one for you.

The Godborn: The Sundering, Book II by Paul S. Kemp is currently available at various retailers. It can be purchased in hardcover, paperback or Kindle versions. You can click the link below to buy a copy from Amazon.
The Godborn: The Sundering, Book II by Paul S. Kemp

Elfhunter (Tales of Alterra, The World That Is #1) by C.S. Marks

Release Date: November 24, 2012
Publisher: Parthian Press
Series: Tales of Alterra, The World That Is

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
All his life Gorgon knew one mission - to wipe as many Elves as possible from the face of Alterra. He was an abomination, created by the Darkness for the very purpose, and he relished each life he took. At least, he did before the day he crossed paths with a Woodland She-Elf by the name of Gaelen Taldin and her cousin, Nelwyn.

After the Elves witnessed his destruction first-hand, they swore an oath of vengeance for the lives lost and set out to exact their revenge. Their company increases in number along the way as they encounter others who join the quest, but for reasons of their own. Will the company be able to stop Gorgon before he accomplishes his task? Will the Elven realms fall, one by one, beneath the blade of the Elfhunter?

Review:
For as long as I remember, I loved stories with elves, dwarves, men and campaigns.  When I was told about this series, I put it on my list of books to check out and I wasn't disappointed. It was a bit slow at first as the author began to build the foundations of both the story and the world of Alterra itself. In my opinion, it needed to be slow because everything within Alterra played a part in the story. The characters, the land, the animals - they all played a role in the events which came to pass.

Right away the reader was shown why Gorgon was given his nickname. From the first strike of the sword, he set into motion a series of events that spanned the world of Alterra and came back upon him. The author did a great job in conveying how devastating the deaths were for all those affected by them. Gaelen and Nelwyn reacted realistically to the knowledge of the deaths of childhood friends. Thus, they began on their journey to find the party responsible and bring him/her to justice.

Of course, they encountered several obstacles and setbacks along the way. I was relieved that the two She-elves weren't left to go through all of them alone. Along the way they began to pick up companions whose destinies became entwined with Gaelen and Nelwyn's. Each one of the characters stood out in their own way. Rogond was stalwart and loyal to a fault. Galador's past blurred his perception of the present almost to the point of turning away the very thing he wanted. There were a number of other characters which impacted the story though they weren't among the main characters.

In the depths of darker times, there were moments of comic relief which provided a welcomed contrast to the battle and death scenes. Not only between the members of the Company but from the horses themselves. Rogond's horse reminded me so much of people in my own life that I couldn't help but laugh at his antics. I loved the descriptions of the horses and the insight of how their minds worked. The descriptions of the land and various realms painted vivid pictures in such a way that I could very easily envision them for myself as I continued reading.

Once the foundation was set, the pacing of the story picked up and continued on a steady path until it reached a fevered pitch. I was caught up in the world of Alterra by the first third of the book. By the end, I was scrambling for the next book in the series. Overall, I enjoyed spending time in their world and look forward to the sequel. Familiar to other adventure or fantasy stories, the author did a wonderful job of including enough differences and unique quirks to create a world and exciting saga all her own. If you're a lover of adventure and fantasy or merely attracted to Elves and Dwarves, this is the series for you. Be sure to pick up a copy of this book and its sequel!

Elfhunter (Tales of Alterra, The World That Is #1) by C.S. Marks is currently available at various retailers in either paperback, hardcover or Kindle formats. You can pick up a copy from Amazon by clicking the link below.
Elfhunter (Tales of Alterra, The World That Is #1) by C.S. Marks

The Necromancer's House: A Novel by Christopher Buehlman

Release Date: October 1, 2013
Publisher: Ace Hardcover


Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Andrew Ranulf Blankenship is a handsome, stylish nonconformist with wry wit, a classic Mustang, and a massive library. He is also a recovering alcoholic and a practicing warlock, able to speak with the dead through film. His house is a maze of sorcerous booby traps and escape tunnels, as yours might be if you were sitting on a treasury of Russian magic stolen from the Soviet Union thirty years ago. 

Andrew has long known that magic was a brutal game requiring blood sacrifice and a willingness to confront death, but his many years of peace and comfort have left him soft, more concerned with maintaining false youth than with seeing to his own defense. Now a monster straight from the pages of Russian folklore is coming for him, and frost and death are coming with her. *synopsis provided by Goodreads*

Review:
As with many of the books sitting on my TBR, the description suckered me into giving it a chance. So when I won a free copy from a Goodreads giveaway, I was excited to have it on the list. What I didn't anticipate was how uncommon the book truly was. The writing style was different than what's on the market today in the sense that it was uninhibited, openly brash and at times, crude. Yet, that's exactly why I enjoyed it.

I had some trouble adjusting to the author's style as I began the book, but became more comfortable by the middle. Not unlike stepping into foreign country for the first time, I had to find my footing within the world that the author created because his world allowed for the use of magic in the everyday lives of his characters. Sure, it was similar to the world I currently live with its use of computers and cellphones, but there were also a clear tether to a much older time with the inclusion of myths and legends from centuries earlier.

The characters were very much like modern day people who made a lot of bad choices and yet there was also a spark of hope that they might redeem themselves. Andrew, Anneke, Chancho and others were recovering alcoholics, plagued by the events in their past either directly or indirectly caused by their substance abuse. Not everyone in the story was a magic user. Many were regular people who had no clue what was going on around them. That layer of secrecy gave the users (people who wield the magic) a bond akin to that of a fraternity, sorority and the like. It allowed for some pretty interesting interactions between the two groups, in my opinion.

Now, this story asked me to suspend a lot of belief, but the reward was worth the effort. There were a lot of themes that played out within the story. The use of magic was simply an added element by the time I hit the middle of the book. Mainly the journey of the story covered the principle of Karma, the idea that what you do or put into the universe comes back to you. It was repeated time and again in several of the character's actions. Toward the end of the book, there was a sense of completion, having come full circle.

Not everything that occurred was pretty or filled with rainbows. There were a lot of scenes filled with dark, morbidly occult writing in line with many of the characters being magic users and performing tasks as such. Humor was present in many of the scenes which provided a nice contrast to the darkness. Overall, I enjoyed the book once I found my footing. It was a different way of looking a world filled with people who could use magic and those who couldn't. If you're looking for an off-the-wall, magical journey into something slightly different the world around you, pick up this book. It's a great way to escape the doldrums of normal life for a while.

The Necromancer's House: A Novel by Christopher Buehlman is currently available for purchase at many retailers in hardback, Kindle and audio-book formats. By clicking on the link below, you can purchase a copy from Amazon.
The Necromancer's House: A Novel by Christopher Buehlman