Barren by Peter V. Brett

This is a novella which surprisingly does not mean a small nova.   If you have read any of my reviews you have to be aware that my sense of  humor is an acquired taste.   The book takes place as part of the Demon Cycle that is Brett’s bread and butter.   Selia, the town speaker, is forced to defend both her body and her reputation as the demons demonstrate new threats.

The author attacks preconceived notions on sexuality.  He does a very good job on showing why prejudice is short sighted.  In the book, prejudice isn’t short sighted but dangerous to boot.

I am not familiar with Brett’s universe but this novella impressed me with both its willingness to address societal issues and the vibrant color of its setting.

I recommend the book. 

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

Spotlight on The Rift Uprising Trilogy by Amy S. Foster

THE RIFT CODA

Book Three of the Rift Uprising Trilogy

10/9/2018

Harper Voyager Hardcover | $24.99

ISBN  9780062443236

 The Rift Coda

The Rift Frequency

The Rift Uprising 

The exciting, action-packed finale to The Rift Uprising trilogy that rivals the thrills and action of The Hunger Games and Red Rising.

Ryn Whittaker started an uprising. Now she has to end it.

Not long ago, Ryn knew what her future would be—as a Citadel, a genetically enhanced super-soldier, it was her job to protect her version of Earth among an infinite number of other versions in the vast Multiverse at any cost. But when Ezra Massad arrived on Ryn’s Earth, her life changed in an instant, and he pushed her to start asking why she was turned into a Citadel in the first place.

What began as merely an investigation into her origins ended up hurling Ryn, Ezra, and Ryn’s teammate Levi through the Multiverse and headlong into a conspiracy so vast and complex that Ryn can no longer merely be a soldier . . . she must now be a general. And in becoming a true leader, she must forge alliances with unpredictable species, make impossible decisions, and face deep sacrifices. She must lead not thousands, but hundreds of thousands of troops under her command and in doing so, leave any trace of her childhood behind.

Ryn always knew that she was created to fight. But now she must step forward and lead.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Amy S. Foster was born in Victoria, Canada, and studied international business at American University in Washington, DC. Her debut novel, When Autumn Leaves, was published in 2009. She lives in Portland, Oregon, with her husband and their three children.

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

Dragon Shadow By Elle Katharine White

Dragon Shadow By Elle Katharine White

This is the second book of the Heartstone Series.  Heartstone was the first book of the series and it was great.  Aliza and Alastair Daired are the protagonists and now a married couple.   They accept a contract to rid the Lake Meera area of an unknown monster.   Akarra, Alastair’s dragon did not have a major role in this book, much to my disappointment.  

White tackles some marital issues that are not normally addressed in a fantasy novel.   She does it tastefully and points out that tragedy can be over come.   Her story is populated, once again, by fantastic creatures some of whom are even likeable.

White address love and its nuances quite well.   Some good lessons can be learned.

I enjoyed the book. 

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

Stranger Magics by Ash Fitzsimmons

I had no clue what to expect from this book.  It is an urban fantasy which brings the Fae into conflict with mere mortals and wizards while demonstrating the dangers of sibling rivalry.

The author did very good character development, particularly with Colin.  Colin is Fae or at least partial Fae.  He has lived a long, long time and has done things he has later regretted.   His current occupation is working with a priest in pseudo exorcisms. 

The character interplay was good as well as the soul searching by Colin.   The sibling rivalry with his brother was well played.  

Fitzsimmons wrote an excellent book that I enjoyed greatly!

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

The Caledonian Gambit by Dan Moren

A repressive galactic imperium intends to conquer another star system when said star system destroys their access to the galaxy.   A lone prisoner, Eli, finds himself scrubbing toilets for the intended victim.   After five long years, Eli finds himself free but immersed in a plot to thwart the imperium he had served.

Moren does a nice job with his characters.   Eli and his PTS is sadly demonstrative of many of our current service people coming home from the wars.   Eli’s teaming up with enemies of his former employer is not far fetched as his home had been a former victim of the imperium. 

Kovalic’s special operations squad tackles a mystery and Eli ends up being torn between sibling rivalry, operational success and self loathing.

I enjoyed the book.

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

The Accidental War by Walter Jon Williams

I haven’t read any Walter Jon Williams in quite awhile.   This book is a novel of the Praxis and I’m guessing part of a series.   The story ends without a conclusion so I expect to see a sequel.  The two main characters are Sula and Gareth.   Former lovers and now no more than associates or so it seems.  I just opened the book again and see this isn’t a first book of the series but at least the third.  I guess I have some back reading.

An association of species brought together as an empire by a now deceased race is struggling to maintain the status quo.  A society wrapped in layers of bureaucratic rigmarole and entrenched hereditary leadership is starting to crumble.   Sula and Gareth are both symptomatic and causative. 

The story had enough nuances and action to keep me entertained.

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

Silverhorn by Marri Champie

This is a complex book to describe.  It is historical fiction, fantasy and urban fantasy in one slim volume.   An upcoming rocker comes face to face with a blast from the past, that is way back in the past.  In the meantime she is forced to discover some things about her self and her ancestry.

The story illustrates the adage of love conquers all.   The love between friends, family and lovers is shown.  The depth of love for one’s child is demonstrated.  

Willa was and is a wild child.   Close cropped hair, attitude and talent set her apart.   Her band is becoming successful and she is coping with stardom and driven by a need to find her inter-being. 

The historical aspects are intriguing suggesting several well known theories of early migration and tying them to Celtic fantasy.

Corwyn brings fantasy to life and he and Willa discover each other.   I enjoyed the interplay with the bandmates and the anthropomorphism.  

This was a treat to read and I highly recommend it. 

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.