Princeps by L.E. Modesitt, jr

 In some ways this is a bit repetitious.  We have a similar protagonist to the Recluce series but different.  This is a continuation of the Imager Portfolio.   This is the 5^th volume.  The budding journeyman from the first book is coming into his own however he discovers that with increased power comes increased responsibilities. 

Quaeryt discovers that being married to the sister of Lord Bhayar entails considerably more entanglements than even he imagined. 

Melding self awareness with the humbling recognition that your body, soul and talent are seen as a tool to preserve the status quo provides the mental angst typical of Modesitt’s work.

The plot revolves around political necessity and military need.  Quaeryt makes little progress on his own personal goals of increased tolerance for Imagers. 

Modesitt also infuses political commentary and philosophy as part of his story line.   Time Gods World, The Forever Hero and Order Master all illustrate philosophic musings.  There are times where the author seems to pontificate a bit but it always fits the story line. 

The common thread, as I perceive it, in Modesitt’s stories is the lone soul fighting for self identity in a harsh world. 

I highly recommend.  

Body of  work of <a type="amzn" >L.E. Modesitt</a>

Site:  http://www.lemodesittjr.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.

Virtual Blue by R.J. Sullivan

Available  Starting Today!

If the book is as good as the cover it should be a hum dinger!

Amazon

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 King of the Fels by Cathy Benedetto

 This is the final book in the trilogy.  As an avid fan of anthropomorphism, I enjoyed the communication with the Fels (cats of all types) in all three of these books.   The Shala are the guardians of Sandala and the Fels are their companion warriors.  In this final book, we get many questions answered.  Ms. Benedetto does a nice wrap up.

Tahjeen comes to maturity in this book and we find out what destiny has in store for he and his human bride, Ariann.  

There are a couple of good surprises in the last book that really ties the three books tightly.   Do read all three, they are well worth your effort.

I enjoyed all the books and I recommend this one specifically as well.

Web site: http://www.shalafantasy.com/Welcome.php

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

Dark Shala by Cathy Benedetto

 

This is the middle book of the trilogy.  As an avid fan of anthropomorphism, I enjoyed the

 communication with the Fels (cats of all types) in all the books.   The Shala are the guardians of Sandala and the Fels are their companion warriors.

This book introduces the fly in the ointment.   Who are the Dark Shala and what are their origins?

Human greed and perversity abound in this volume.  Anthropomorphic cats are the only unsinged heroes having no down side to their behavior.

This book builds the foundation for the culmination of events in the final volume. 

I enjoyed it and recommend it.

http://www.shalafantasy.com/Welcome.php

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

Out of the Dark by David Weber

A new Weber series is always welcome.  Although after starting the excellent Multiverse series and discovering there are no plans to finish it makes me leery of starting a new Weber series.   Although in this purported series, there is a good wrap up, I guess in case he decides not to continue.   I know I was not the only one disappointed when there was no follow up (and none planned) for Hell’s Gate and Hell Hath No Fury.

Regardless, this book does stand alone well so if there is no follow up, there should be no disappointment. 

This book started very similar to a John Ringo series, the Posleen War.   It had a very similar taste and feel.   Weber does have the ability to craft characters that are memorable in spite of the fact he never hesitates to kill some of them off.  

There are some interesting twists to the book that make it much different than the Ringo series. 

I still recommend the book .

Body of work of <a type="amzn"> David Weber </a>

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

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

Storm Riders by Margaret Weis and Robert Krammes

The book stands alone but would be better if Shadow Raiders had been read first.  A distained portion of the population decides to get even for past wrongs. 

This is a well crafted world.  A back story would have made the book better.  The main characters are nicely done and likeable.  The Trundlers are air borne gypsies and Stephano is a dragonless dragon rider.

The events that they entertain surround the disgruntled Bottom Dwellers.  The conflict with the Bottom Dweller is driving former adversaries into begrudging cooperation.

It is a good story and I recommend it but I do strongly recommend reading the first book first.

Web Site: http://www.margaretweis.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.

Blood And Steel by Steven Shrewsbury Available Today!

Available Today August 13-2013

See my reviews of Previous Gorias La Gaul, the heroic star of the novels Thrall and Overkill.

Gorias La Gaul, the heroic star of the novels Thrall and Overkill.   - See more at: http://seventhstarpress.blogspot.com/2013/08/cover-reveal-of-new-single-author.html#sthash.Vik69IjT.dpuf

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