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.

The Stone of Destiny by Jim Ware

A sick Mom, an obsessed junior alchemist, wee people, giants and magic combine in a hunt for treasured stones.

Morgan Izaak is trying to follow in his father’s footsteps, striving to save his mother from dying.   His friend, Eny, finds her self embroiled in her own mystic journey.     The book ties together typical fantasy components with Christian overtones.   I found it a bit confusing. 

I didn’t get wrapped in the characters.   I felt all the ingredients were there but they just didn’t captivate me.  I don’t know if it is my mood or the book so take my lack of enthusiasm with a grain of salt.   It is worth reading and even redeeming in some ways and most definitely faith affirming.    

Body of work of Jim Ware

Web site: http://www.randomhouse.com/author/54782/jim-ware

Web of Lies by Jennifer Estep

Retirement is difficult for Gin Blanco. Running the Pork Pit is enjoyable and cooking is wonderful but a lack of action is creating some boredom. The intrusion of an immature giant and a cowboy dwarf miner provides the impetus to reengage her assassin skills but this time for free.

Gin is a likeable rogue. (rougette?) Her tenacity is awe inspiring. She kicks butt with the best of them. Her unrequited love for Donavan Caine is a bit confusing. Owen Greyson seems like a better fit and has far fewer emotional hang-ups.

Finn, Sophia and Jo-Jo are loyal friends. I enjoy stories that highlight things like altruism, loyalty and honor. Gin as a character would reject all those attributes but exhibits them all. There is plenty of action and intrigue to the story. The end leads gracefully into the next book in the series, Venom.   This book was a good follow up to the first Elemental Assassin book, The Spiders Bite.


I love butt kicking female protagonists and Gin kicks butts with gusto.

I highly recommend the book.

Body of work of Jennifer Estep

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