Lest Darkness Fall by L. Sprague de Camp

This is an older novel that held up well for the second time I read it.  Padway inexplicably finds himself thrown back to Roman times where he strives to hold back the dark ages.

The original version of this story is circa 1939.  Since then I have read many similar stories.  BTW I did not read it in 1939, although I ain’t dead yet, I ain’t that old yet.  The story line holds up well and the author points out the many difficulties in trying to modernize without having a previous infrastructure.  

The amoral, extremely moral and lethally inclined populace is a shock to the modern man.   His rare close encounters with the fairer sex nearly convince him to remain celibate. 

A good story and I enjoyed 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.

Protect the Prince by Jennifer Estep

The second book in a new series taking place in Bellonan, a country with shape shifting and magic.  Evie, a poor Cinderella type of relative lives in the palace of her aunt, the queen.   Evie is tested by Morta and the bastard brigade.   Strength of magic determines so much in Bellonan and Evie still appears to have none.   Evie is forced to defend the kingdom that has denied her existence.

Estep has polished her skills since I read her early Spider works.  She has crafted a kingdom and its neighbors and populated them with colorful characters.   She develops the Evie character and shows the success of determination and courage.

Evie’s personality seems to project what it means to be a Winter Queen.   She finds herself trying to find allies against the predations of Morta by visiting Andvari.  The antipathy of Andvari seems over the top considering the fact that all the Blairs but Evie have been killed.   A surprising secret about the powers of a Winter Queen come into play.  That secret and the interplay with Sully, her Andvarian on and off again paramour add zest to the story.  What Prince is being protected and by whom?

I am enjoying the series.

An interesting book, well written and very entertaining.

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

Endgames by L.E. Modesitt, Jr.

Modesitt is a philosopher.   He hides it behind his works of fiction but in his works he explores relationships, economic systems, the dangers of power and more.  This book follows up with the Rex of Solidar.   Charyn is a very young Rex who do to assorted tragedies and treacheries ended up as Rex.

The friction between High Holders and Factors is exacerbated by both religious upheaval and labor force problems.  Charyn’s efforts to evoke change seem to penalize everyone, himself included.

Modesitt tends to be wordy but he provides a truly in-depth character study along with philosophic underpinnings for actions and decisions.

This was an enjoyable read.  

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

Kill the Queen by Jennifer Estep

A new series taking place in Bellonan, a country with shape shifting and magic.  Evie, a poor Cinderella type of relative lives in the palace of her aunt, the queen.   Her cousin, Vasila, her closest friend or is she?   Strength of magic determines so much in Bellonan and Evie appears to have none.   Evie is forced to defend the kingdom that has denied her existence.

Estep has polished her skills since I read her early Spider works.  She has crafted a kingdom and its neighbors and populated them with colorful characters.   She develops the Evie character and shows the success of determination and courage.   I was somewhat surprised that rage fueled hatred seemed to be more important than a stalwart, cool and pragmatic approach to victory.  

An interesting book, well written and very entertaining.

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

Spark by Sarah Beth Durst

I’ve read several of Ms. Durst’s books which are listed below.  I have enjoyed everyone of them.  I particularly like this one as it is a youth focused book.   Mina is quiet and has not found her voice.  She and Pixit, her lightning dragon discover that their idyllic existence may be based on the suffering of others.

Durst does a super job expressing the unease and insecurities of a young girl.   Many children feel inadequate or up to their tasks.  Durst shows that reticence and quietness are not shortcomings but just traits.  Traits that do not have to define your existence.   In the book she shows Mina’s growth and how you can maintain your identity and break out of your shell simultaneously.  

Mina’s care for not only those like her but for those who seem totally foreign demonstrates that accepting others, hearing their voices and acting in support of their needs is exemplary.

This is a good book to read, regardless of your age.

I highly recommend.

The Deepest Blue

The Queen of Sorrows

The Reluctant Queen

The Queen of Blood

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

Outcasts of Order by L. E. Modesitt, Jr.

This will be the 31^st Modesitt I have reviewed.   I don’t doubt that I read some before I started by blog.   I have to say I am never disappointed.   This is another novel  set in the Recluce environment.   Beltur, identified as a mongrel, in the Mongrel Mage is the focus of this book.  After serving his nation, perhaps too well, in the war, Beltur finds his success and strength engender fear and jealousy in his community.   Beltur is forced to make a change.

Modesitt is a philosopher.   I don’t know that he has ever identified himself as such but his topics and musings certainly indicate that he writes far more than entertainment.   This book deals with discrimination in many forms.  Fear and a climate of intolerance provide some of the settings.   The plight of the poor and uneducated is addressed and society’s obligation to an under-represented segment of the populace is highlighted.  Sound familiar?  Picked up a newspaper recently? You know the paper version of the digital newsfeed.

If you can handle deeply intricate character studies, Modesitt is not for you.   He provides insight to the character’s motivation as well as their insecurities and fears.  

Another excellent, thought provoking book by Modesitt which I highly recommend.  

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