Shadow Blizzard by Alexey Pehov

Shadow Prowler was the first book in the Chronicles of Siala.  Shadow Chaser was the second.   Pehov may be well known in his native Russia but I had never heard of him until I read these books.   I think the quality of that book will insure that Pehov will be known far and wide as well as in Russia.   Shadow Harold, a master thief, finds himself enmeshed with the establishment to save the world as they know it.   This book finishes the story and gets the band of misfit compatriots further along in their journey. 

The imagination of Pehov has to be read to be believed.   The gamut of scenery and beings and animals is beyond broad.  Saying the descriptions are colorful is doing them severe injustice.   The imagery is practically poetic.   Then there is Harold.  I can safely say I have no recollection of a protagonist named Harold.   Harold visualizes himself as the ulltimate pragmatist but has a very broad streak of conscience much to his verbal dismay. 

Shadow Harold, an enjoyable rogue continues as the main protagonist.  However other characters such as Kli-Kli, the jester, become more important as the story progresses, this final book reveals a surprising fact about Kli-Kli.   Harold, a master thief of exceptional skill and a healthy interest in avoiding heroics, finds himself changing and to his horror perhaps even becoming heroic.  

The philosophic under pinning’s are more fully explored in this third volume.  The term Shadow Dancer is clearly explained as well as leaving doors open for future works.

I can only hope the person who translated one of my books for me does as masterful job as Pehov's translator. This trilogy should end up regarded as one of the classics.

I highly recommend the book and the series.

Web site:   http://www.alexeypehov.com/

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

Shadow Chaser by Alexey Pehov

Shadow Prowler was the first book in the Chronicles of Siala.  Pehov may be well known in his native Russia but I had never heard of him until I read that book.   I think the quality of that book will insure that Pehov will be known far and wide as well as in Russia.   Shadow Harold, a master thief, finds himself enmeshed with the establishment to save the world as they know it.   This book carries on the story and gets the band of misfit compatriots further along in their journey. 

Shadow Harold, an enjoyable rogue continues as the main protagonist.  However other characters such as Kli-Kli, the jester, become more important as the story progresses. Harold, a master thief of exceptional skill and a healthy interest in avoiding heroics, finds himself changing and to his horror perhaps even becoming heroic.  

Pehov provides suitable mystery and excellent action.  

I highly recommend the book and am looking forward to the sequel.    

Web site:   http://www.alexeypehov.com/

  

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

Sela by Jackie Gamber

This is the sequel to Redheart, Jackie’s first book in the Leland Dragon Series. 

I first posted my review on Redheart at  Book Review: Redheart by Jackie Gamber on Blogcritics which will theoretically get me more traffic on my posts.  I still don’t know if that is true.   Sela is every bit as good as Redheart and deals with the coming of age of some young dragons.  

The cast of characters and location are familiar in this book.  Leland is the province where Kallon Redheart, a red dragon, resides.  The province is in a drought and tensions between dragons and humans are at an all time high.  Fordon Blackclaw, the Dragon Council Leader, is using the tensions to further his personal ambitions.   Riza Diantus epitomizes or perhaps symbolizes the plight of the woman in un-enlightened cultures.  That is making the assumption that we live in an enlightened culture which isn’t always guaranteed.   Equal opportunity often seems to be a cliché not realized in our tumultuous economic environment of today let alone in a rural agriculture set in a medieval style setting.  

Jastin, the dragon hunter, returns as merciless as ever and the wizard, Orman is here again.  

There are new characters as well.   Drell and Sela are second generation characters who bring new viewpoints to a tumultuous story.

There are dragons of all colors.  Desert dragons and mountain dragons, good dragons and bad dragons, the book are infested with dragons.   That is one of the reasons I loved it.  

Gamber has created loveable and despicable characters.   She imbues them with real feelings, emotions and frustrations.   Jackie Gamber brings alive dragons and adventure with colorful, involved storytelling.   Once again, the warm characters and very believable emotions produce a book that will be remembered and cherished.

I highly recommend the book, it was an excellent sequel and I look fervently for  the next chapter in the tale.

Body of work of <a type="amzn"> Jackie Gamber </a>

Web site:  http://www.jackiegamber.com/

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

Fantasy Classics: Gene Wolfe’s The Book of the New Sun--A Guest Post

If you’re an avid reader of fantasy books with nothing new read, I highly recommend reading Gene Wolfe’s masterpiece tetralogy, The Book of the New Sun. Published from 1980 to 1983, Gene Wolfe the books chronicle the life of Severian, beginning with his youth raised by a guild of torturers in a post-apocalyptic depiction of a world called “Urth.” In four relatively short volumes (each about 200 pages), Gene Wolfe manages to unveil a rich story filled a dizzingly diverse cast of characters; aliens disguised as humans, giant sea creatures, cyborgs, and otherworldly animals among others populate the books. Even for the experienced fantasy reader, this series will offer new dimensions to the genre that will leave you begging for more.

Dense and complexly written, but an ultimately satisfying read

The four books in the series (Shadow of the Torturer, Claw of the Conciliator, Sword of the Lictor, and Citadel of the Autarch) are written in a first-person narrative style from the trained torturer Severian’s point of view. Severian recalls the events of the books from a point in the distant future, prefacing his tale with the claim that he has a perfect memory and can thus recall events from years ago without difficulty. Throughout the books he ruminates on past events with a linguistic complexity that may initially turn off readers, but give it time; The Book of the New Sun gradually yields deeply rewarding insight as the story progresses.

What to expect

The Book of the New Sun challenges the reader to stop and consider every aspect of its far-reaching and ambitious story. The books differ from many fantasy series in that the action is slow building and subtle; there are few instances of epic face paced battles or dramatic showdowns between rival characters. But the story’s restraint is perhaps its biggest asset. Pieces of the story are woven together with such slow and steady intricacy, and when disparate storylines finally emerge and clash the effect is nothing short of breathtaking.

There are other narrative styles at play in the series in addition to Severian’s first-hand recounting of his story. There are stories within stories such as entire chapters dedicated to a character telling a tale from their perspective or, in the case of one chapter, the rehearsing of a play between characters. Seemingly insignificant characters appear and disappear only to remerge much later suddenly to contribute a stunningly profound dimension to the story.

Gene Wolfe as a master of the genre

Gene Wolfe is well known in the fantasy world for crafting masterful stories at since he began publishing his work decades ago. His works have received rewards and accolades from fantasy and literary institutions the world over. The Book of the New Sun alone won a World Fantasy Award, a Nebula reward, and multiple Locus Awards. If you’re more interested in fantasy short fiction, check out one of Gene Wolfe’s many short story collections.

In short, Gene Wolfe is a treasure to the fantasy community— I encourage any reader with a slight interest in the genre to delve into his work. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed with what you discover.

Contract for attached picture: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/2.0/deed.en

 

By-line:
This guest post is contributed by Lauren Bailey, who regularly writes.  She welcomes your comments at her email Id: blauren99 @gmail.com. 

This is a guest post, I look at the links before I post them to insure they aren't offensive.(my subjective decision).

The Shattered Vine by Laura Anne Gilman

Jerzy, the apprentice Vineart, accepts the changes the magic has made in him and realizes the needs his friends have met.

The rogue Vineart makes his move to control the known world.   His despicable brand of magic has successfully created chaos in his major foes.   Jerzy and his small band are the only obstacle in his insidious way.

Strange bedfellows perhaps best describe this third book in a marvelous trilogy.   Ms. Gilman has portrayed a very stratified society where everyone knows their place and contentedly remains in that place.   This final book shows that no matter how it turns out, society’s stratification and stagnation is going to end.  

Jerzy struggles with his growing power and fights the lure of maniacal magic.   In spite of the way things have always been, he also has the dawning awareness that companions and their accompanying loyalty not only improve his chances for success but alleviate his loneliness.  

The series wraps up in a very satisfying manner with the loose ends tied off and the main characters reunited.   I was more than impressed with how Ms. Gilman grew the character of Jerzy and how she so thoroughly crafted a way of life centered around vineyards, grapes and magic.   I have, on occasion, found a magical Pinot Noir or Pinot Grigio none of which have imbued me with a more than temporary euphoria.  They certainly didn’t fuel the imaginative creativity of a society based on the grape. 

I strongly recommend the book and I highly recommend the entire series!

My review of Flesh & Fire. 

My review of The Weight of Stone look down two posts.

 Body of  work of Laura Anne Gilman

Web Site:  http://www.lauraannegilman.net/

Weight of Stone by Laura Anne Gilman

Jerzy, the apprentice vineart is back with friends combating the mysterious attacks on the Vin lands.

The Vin Lands are plagued by a mystery.   Unknown magic stalks the land hidden in chance occurrences.  Vineart Malech takes an apprentice, Jerzy, who shows surprising adeptness.   The book changes focuses on how Vineart Malech and his apprentice Jerzy approach the strange occurrences in their land to focusing on Jerzy and his three unlikely friends.   Jerzy’s experience as a slave makes it difficult for him to accept the concept of a friend, let alone the reality.

A Vineart, a Princeling, a merchant and a want to be warrior are an unlikely group to oppose the disasters stalking their lives.   The Washers, who are suppose to provide balance to the world see Jerzy and his friends as a threat.

The book has an intricate plot, likeable characters, a despicable villain and a wealth of character actors to fill out the plot.  I really love this series and am currently reading the final book of the trilogy.  

I strongly recommend the book and being half way through the final book of the trilogy, I highly recommend the entire series!

 Body of  work of Laura Anne Gilman

Web Site:  http://www.lauraannegilman.net/

The Wizard and The Floating City by Christopher Rowley

This book is set in the same world as Bazil Broketail.  Bazil Broketail is the famous fighting dragon featured in an entire rollicking series.   This book features a disposed Prince and his reluctant lover’s battle against despicable evil. 

First I really enjoyed Christopher Rowley’s Bazil series.   I did not think met the bar he established with that work.   The book was entertaining but it wasn’t nearly as captivating as Bazil.   Prince Evander and Princess Serena were not loveable characters, likeable but not loveable.   The realm was richly populated with all manner of interesting peoples and critters.   There was reference to Bazil and his ilk.

The evil protagonists were thoroughly evil with strange chinks in their power.   There was a good segue into intolerance and acceptance of change in the Neild and Eleem relationship.   The carpet’s personality was puzzling.   Overall it was a quick and amusing read but do not look at it as a primo example of Rowley’s work.   If you enjoy this book a little, you should really enjoy the Bazil Broketail series.

I recommend the book.

Body of work of Christopher Rowley

Web site:  http://www.christopherrowley.net/

SciFi/Fantasy Readers Are Reliable

                                    I write three blogs.  

Pick of the Literate  http://bookrevues.blogspot.com/

Money Saving Tech Tips and Philosophic Musings

http://money-saving-tech-tips.blogspot.com/

Azure Dwarf’s Horde of SciFi & Fantasy http://azuredwarf.blogspot.com/

I get weekly stat reports on number of visitors, frequency of visitation and returning.   I have the fewest number of visitors at Dwarf.   Keeping in mind that it is my newest blog by several years, I am not overly concerned and certainly intend to keep plugging away to get more readers.   What is interesting though is that, in spite of the smaller overall numbers, Dwarf has the most returning visitors.   From that stat I have jumped to the following, possibly erroneous, conclusions.  

SciFi and Fantasy readers are more reliable.   They tend to revel in their genre and don’t wonder (pun intended) far from its borders.   They are loyal, if they find something they like, they return again and again.   I know I love Jim Butcher’s books and buy everyone that comes out.  

One of the joys of reviewing books is receiving so many advanced reading copies from publicists and authors.   Oddly, the genre’s that are my favorite, scifi and fantasy, I get the least number of ARCs.   In fact it is rare when I get any science fiction or fantasy with the exception of books from Seventh Star Press.   For the most part, the reviews I write on SciFi and Fantasy are from books I have purchased myself.   Since I have done that for over 50 years, it isn’t a hardship.  What is mystifying is why there is such a dearth of my favorite genre being offered to bloggers.   The obvious possibility is that my blog lacks significant numbers and thusly does not attract the “main stream” SciFi and Fantasy publishers.   The flip side of that is that the readers I have are loyal and return frequently which should off set their smaller numbers. 

I digress which is one of my less favorite quirks.   Whether I get books to review by my own purchases or from publicists, I will continue to let you know what I think about books in my favorite genres.

My thanks to those of you who are here for the first time and to that core of returning readers, a huge thanks for your loyalty.  

Redheart by Jackie Gamber

Article first published as Book Review: Redheart by Jackie Gamber on Blogcritics which will theoretically get me more traffic on my posts.

Redheart is book one of the Leland Dragon Series.   Leland is the province where Kallon Redheart, a red dragon, resides.  The province is in a drought and tensions between dragons and humans are at an all time high.  Fordon Blackclaw, the Dragon Council Leader, is using the tensions to further his personal ambitions.   This is the cauldron that a young woman named Riza finds herself embroiled in when she flees a life of mundane existence. 

Riza Diantus epitomizes or perhaps symbolizes the plight of the woman in un-enlightened cultures.  That is making the assumption that we live in an enlightened culture which isn’t always guaranteed.   Equal opportunity often seems to be a cliché not realized in our tumultuous economic environment of today let alone in a rural agriculture set in a medieval style setting.  

Riza questions all, not just those in authority, she questions everyone.   Her lust for answers and her refusal to be bound by a rigid role proscribed by her agrarian life makes her a heroine in my estimation.   She refuses to accept the role of victim and fights for what she wants and what she feels is right.  

Jastin, the dragon hunter, is on a quest of vengeance.   He is conflicted regarding his feelings for Riza.   He perceives himself as a merciless mercenary but is surprised when Riza touches feelings he thought long abandoned.

Kallon, too,  is far more than a cardboard cutout of a dragon.   He deals with feelings of alienation and inadequacy.   Kallon’s struggles with his fears and his relationship with Riza, Jastin and the wizard, Orman, become entwined with Blackclaw the Dragon Council leader.

Gamber has created loveable and despicable characters.   She imbues them with real feelings, emotions and frustrations.   Jackie Gamber brings alive dragons and adventure with colorful, involved storytelling.   The intricate details of a Stephen Zimmer or Tolkien are not there but the warm characters and very believable emotions produce a book that will be remembered and cherished.

I highly recommend the book and look fervently for a sequel.

Body of work of Jackie Gamber

Web site:  http://www.jackiegamber.com/

 To celebrate the launch week of Jackie Gamber's Redheart, Seventh Star Press is announcing

a very special sale.  The good news is that they've got a title in multiple areas of fantasy, so that you can try Seventh Star Press eBooks out in this special sale that will be running through Mid-June.  Only $1.99 for Redheart, Thrall, Crown of Vengeance, and The Exodus Gate.

What are you waiting for?  Just two bucks and you'll be on a grand adventure.  Find out what readers around the world are discovering...there's a growing constellation of quality titles at SeventhStar Press!

All eBook titles include the Matthew Perry illustrations that are in the print editions.

Visit this page for further information and direct links to eBook  titles.

Dragon’s Path by Daniel Abraham

This is a tale of a society that has plunged into a dark age of battle, politics, fallen heroes and troubled heroines.

Marcus Wester, a leader of armies, is now a modest captain of a small band of bravos when he loses all but his sidekick in a city’s impressments program.   Bereft of his men, he contracts with a highly unlikely source to guard the caravan he is contracted to see safely to Carse.  

Cithrin, a naive orphan, is thrust into an area so far beyond her comfort zone that she spends months in a daze trying to deal with the changes.  

Geder, a reader of books in a society that honors sword play and bravado, finds himself seeking revenge for a lifetime of insult.

Daniel Abraham’s first novel is exceptionally good.   I really enjoyed his characterizations.  He provides sufficient detail to identify and sympathize with them.   The variety of characters is almost daunting but allows a rich melange of reading.   The various sub-plots are clear and there is no difficulty following them.

I think Abraham captures the feelings and emotions of people thrust into untenable situations and help them find their way through them.  

The plots were great, the color and diversity of the characters and landscape were great, the vividness of descriptions were outstanding. (Ya think I liked the book?)

My only negative remark is that I was reading a DRM version on my Augen ebook and occasionally the last few lines on a page were lost.  I had to open Adobe digital editions on my desktop to see what they were.  I don’t know if it is the Augen or DRM or what but I found that annoying.  I have not had that problem with any non-DRM books that I have downloaded from places like the Baen Free Library.   That does not in any way detract from this book, it is just an aside on eBooks and DRM.

I highly recommend the book.

Body of work of Daniel Abraham

Web site:

A New Giveaway
Thrall

a new heroic fantasy novel

by Steven L. Shrewsbury

Inter-Galatic First prize

is a copy of the book, a poster and Thrall T-Shirt!

(Shipping is restricted to the known universe and this dimension only, alternate worlds and universes need not enter.)

2nd Prize is a copy of the book but limited to mono-dimensional United States shipping only. 

Third Prize is a Thrall T-Shirt

also restricted to US Only.

Shipping restrictions are at the request of the publisher due to the exorbitant costs of international/intergalatic shipping.

From the press release: 

Seventh Star Press is proud to announce the release of THRALL, the new heroic fantasy novel from author Steven L. Shrewsbury.  Now available for pre-order in limited edition hardcover and trade paperback, THRALL is the first published adventure of a brand new hero in fantasy literature, Gorias La Gaul.

Gorias

Set in an ancient world, Thrall is gritty, dark-edged heroic fantasy in the vein of Robert E. Howard and David Gemmell. It tells the story of Gorias La Gaul, an aging warrior who has lived for centuries battling the monstrosities of legend and lore. It is an age when the Nephilum walk the earth, and dragons still soar through the air … living or undead. On a journey to find one of his own blood, Gorias' path crosses with familiar enemies ... some of whom not even death can hold bound.  

Celebrated illustrator Matthew Perry has done the illustrations

Each person who comments and leaves an email address on my blog expressing a desire for a copy of Thrall will be entered to win a copy of Thrall by Steven L. Shrewsbury. Each comment will be assigned a number based on the order the comment was received. The numbers will be input at www.random.org to determine the winner. The winner will be notified by email and will need to provide a physical address for shipment of the book. If there is no response from the winner in 48 hours, another winner will be chosen. The winner will be announced on Pick of the Literate and Azure Dwarf.

Drop by, read the review, make your comment and sit back and hope you win. Contest begins today, December 1, 2010 and ends on December 21st, 2010 midnight east coast time, the Seventh Star Press will ship the prizes to the winner.   Winners will be contacted by email and will need to email me back with their shipping address.   Please no PO boxes, physical address will be needed for shipping.

Want to improve your odds?

Follow me on Twitter to get another numeric entry.

If you blog, put a link on your blog to my blog and I will add another entry for you.

Comment here on any of my other posts or comment on my other blogs and I will add another entry for you.

Money Saving Tech Tips

Pick of The Literate

There are many ways to increase your chances, how much you want to do so is up to you.

Oh,contest is for anywhere on this planet as far as I can determine.  Aww, what the heck, anywhere in our solar system for the first prize.   I will be reviewing the book and posting my review on this blog.  I also will be interviewing Steven and posting the interview here as well. Thanks for reading and good luck. 

Renegade’s Magic by Robin Hobb (a.k.a. Megan Lindholm)

This is the third and final book in the Soldier Son Trilogy. Nevare Burvell, a second son, is destined to be the family soldier. His naïve acceptance that birth order is responsible for all aspects of life is challenged by his life experiences. The changes he undergoes as the magic attempts to integrate his personality are daunting.

"The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever” by Stephen R. Donaldson or David Feintuch’s Seafort’s Hope came to mind when reading this trilogy. Nevare’s experience seem to spiral down to despair in the second book and struggle to get beyond despair. There were times I felt so badly for the character I had to put the book down and read something else. His resiliency is remarkable. The faith that Spink, Epiny, Yaril and Amzil have in Nevare is a bit beyond belief. His perceived actions would sorely try anyone’s faith. Hobb does a nice job keeping even minor characters in the action. Tiber, the scout, shows up as well as the scout we met very early on in the first book. A masterful job of pulling together the many threads of the story was done. This is not a quick read, nor should it be. By the time you are finished with this trilogy you will know Nevare Burvell better than some of your own family members.

I highly recommend the book.

Body of work of Robin Hobb
Body of work of Megan Lindholm

Web Site: http://www.robinhobb.com/

Jackie Gamber’s Redheart Has Been Picked Up By Seventh Star Press



Generic Dragon, not related to the series, credit
to whoever owns it, with apologies that I don't
have a clue where I got it.



As some of you know I am fond of all things dragon. Jackie Gamber’s Leland Dragon Series looks very interesting. Kellon Redheart, one of the protagonists, is a talking dragon. How can you go wrong on that!

Seventh Star Press’s recent announcement precedes the re-release of Redheart early next year.

I have requested a review copy and will keep you apprised. Seventh Star is developing an exciting stable of Fantasy authors.

Forest Mage by Robin Hobb (a.k.a. Megan Lindholm)

This is the second book in the Soldier Son Trilogy. Nevare Burvell, a second son, is destined to be the family soldier. His naïve acceptance that birth order is responsible for all aspects of life is challenged by his life experiences. The forest magic forces Nevare to abandon hope and look to the Specks.

Despair comes to mind when analyzing Nevare’s life. Every time he turns around what ever he strives to achieve blows up in his face. He finds his own behavior is often inexplicable. The ties to his old life are frayed beyond salvage and he is forced to look at the Specks in a new way. The metaphor here may be that circumstances beyond your control can force you into a life you may not want to live. So much can be read into Robin Hobb’s work. The beauty of her storytelling is that each of us can find a unique way of perceiving and experiencing it. This is an excellent series. Not an easy read but a rewarding read, take your time, savor and ponder it.

I highly recommend the book.

Body of work of Robin Hobb
Body of work of Megan Lindholm

Web Site: http://www.robinhobb.com/

GuildWars Ghosts of Ascalon by Matt Forbeck and Jeff Grubb

Seeing what I post here most of you will be surprised that I am not a gamer. I view RPG as crack for the scifi fan. I am frightened of the possibility of immersion and a subsequent sublimation of my personality. In other words, I’m afraid I could get hooked on a game and spend all waking hours playing it. Since I am already hooked on reading and donuts, I avoid the temptation of RPG.
Getting on topic, Ghosts of Ascalon supposedly is setting the stage for the the role playing game Guild Wars 2. Haven’t played it and so I don’t know if that is true but it is what I have read. A typical quest band of intentionally mismatched adventurers set out on a quest for an artifact that can bring world peace. The pitfalls and pratfalls along the way feed the plot.

This is not an intellectually challenging read but frankly my intellect needs a rest now and again. I enjoyed the characters and their bold characteristics. I liked the introspection and need for redemption exhibited by Dougal. I found the book entertaining and enjoyed reading it. What more can you ask? I’m looking forward to the likely sequels.

I recommend the book.

Body of work of Matt Forbeck
Body of work of Jeff Grubb

Web Sites: 
Guild Wars
Forbeck
Grubb

Every Which Way But Dead by Kim Harrison

This is the first book of Harrison’s that I have read. I expected a Jim Butcher level of entertainment. I didn’t get it. I gave it a good effort but I just couldn’t get into the story, the characters, the setting, nothing. I wanted to like the book, I have already got a couple more of her books, assuming I would like it but alas, I didn’t. The book had too much soap opera overtone for my taste. Now I am not foolish enough to suggest that it may be more suited in the romance category of vampire loving teens but maybe… Rachel Mariana Morgan is a witch, rooming with a living vampire and a bunch of pixies and she is the familiar of a demon. Sounds like it should be page turner and obviously from Harrison’s sales for many people her books are page turners, just not for me. I do not recommend it.

Body of work of Kim Harrison

Review: http://www.sfsite.com/10a/ew209.htm

Web site: http://www.kimharrison.net/Every%20Which%20Way.htm

Venom by Jennifer Estep

Dark, gritty urban fantasy at it’s best. I know, I said that on my Spider’s Bite review. Well this book is outstanding as well. Gin is absolutely ferocious in defense of those she loves. Her ability to take a beating is only surpassed by her willingness and ability to dish out a beating. When the entrenched villains go after her friends, Gin runs amuck.

Superficially this is just another action adventure in the urban fantasy genre. There is plenty of action and adventure but the underlying loyalty and honor are what make Jennifer Estep’s books stand out. Her characters aren’t two dimensional. She provides depth and background. The emotions and character of the cast are what gives the Spider series such appeal to me.

Overcoming daunting odds is Gin Blanco’s hallmark. A willingness to give her all for her admittedly questionable principles characterizes this extraordinarily tough woman. She depends on her physical skills with very little use of her elemental magic. Surrounded by a small cadre of stalwart friends she battles for revenge and her specific brand of justice.

Gin is not sweetness and light, she is razor wire, beautiful, sparkling in the sunshine and thoroughly deadly. Admittedly I am a fan of strong female protagonists and Jennifer Estep has graciously provided a multifaceted, butt kicking prime example.

I highly recommend this book and Spider’s Bite and Web of Lies.

Body of work of Jennifer Estep

Web Site: http://www.jenniferestep.com/

Shaman’s Crossing by Robin Hobb (a.k.a. Megan Lindholm

This is the first book in the Soldier Son Trilogy. Nevare Burvell, a second son, is destined to be the family soldier. His naïve acceptance that birth order is responsible for all aspects of life is challenged by his life experiences.
Once again Hobb creates a believeable society. Her characters have depth and passion. The stratitied nature of Nevare’s society is the basis for much of his behavior. A clear metaphor regarding progress and environment is illustrated. I enjoyed the relationship between Epiny and Nevare. The lack of women’s rights in the story helps to point out some of the continued inequities in today’s world. The author does a nice job of combining modern themes in a fantasy scenario that is extremely entertaining without pontificating.

I highly recommend the book.

Body of work of Robin Hobb
Body of work of Megan Lindholm

Web Site: http://www.robinhobb.com/

The Wee Free Men: The Begining by Terry Pratchett

This book contains the stories The Wee Free Men and A Hatful of Sky. Tiffany Aching is a witch. A pointy hat witch with no warts but never-the-less she is a witch. She demonstrates to her peers and constituents that she is a competent witch. This book chronicles her development into a witch and her early encounters with weird things and weirder teachers.

I hate saying I was wrong. My review of I Shall Wear Midnight was not terribly flattering. Well, I’m a convert. I loved this book and I think if I had read this first I would have loved I Shall Wear Midnight as well.

Prachett is known for his wacky humor but perhaps less obvious is the wealth of positive moral or value lessons that are adroitly inserted into the humorous rendition in this book. The Wee Free Men embody the characteristics of intoxicated soccer/football fans the world over. The innate moral fiber of Tiffany is stretched when she inadvertently leaves out some of her less beloved personality facets. She rebounds nicely and is able to integrate her first, second and third thoughts.

I am now a fan, I liked the value teachings, the humor and the stories.

I highly recommend the book.

Body of work of Terry Pratchett

Web Site: http://www.terrypratchettbooks.com/

The Elder Gods by David and Leigh Eddings

This is your basic omnipotent evil villain vs. the good guys with minor gods assisting the good guys.

I haven't read any Eddings in awhile so I don't quite know how to feel. I wasn't as fond of this book as I have been with some of the past Eddings work. I always enjoy the banter and humor illustrated by the protagonists. The plot just didn't seem all that complicated. I guess it just didn't capture me like some of the other stuff they have written.

I do recommend it and plan on reading the rest of the series unless I get totally bummed out after all I bought the four book Dreamer series, I may as well read it.

Body of work of David Eddings

Review: http://www.sffworld.com/book/804.html

Web Site: http://eddings.fantastyka.art.pl/english.html