I am in absolute awe. I truly have no idea how Cahill is doing this, but after reading his largest book yet, The Bound and the Broken is now undisputeI am in absolute awe. I truly have no idea how Cahill is doing this, but after reading his largest book yet, The Bound and the Broken is now undisputedly THE BEST fantasy series being written right now.
Of Empires and Dust is the best book in the series so far. Reading the uncut ARC, it was over 1800 pages on my kindle which is easily the longest book I've ever read. I was expecting it to take me well over a month, maybe two. Imagine my surprise when I finished the last page in only two weeks. As long as the book is, I found myself wanting even more. The narrative was utterly addicting and I think I had reading sessions that lasted 4-5 hours straight.
This was the darkest book in the series so far which I really liked. Our characters are put through the ringer like they have never been before. The action and battle scenes have somehow gotten even better, which I didn't think was possible. Cahill is able to write these GIANT cinematic battles without being confusing or repetitive. I thought John Gwynne was the best at writing battle scenes until reading OEAD, but now I think Cahill gives him some real competition.
The character work has also improved. As long as this character list is, there wasn't a single one that I wasn't invested in. They feel like real people with real motivations. I love how a lot of the characters are starting to meet up again after being seperated and spread out around the map in previous installments. Some of the bigger reunions really tugged at my heart strings:)
This was an absolute banger. The best of the best, right up there with A Storm of Swords. I'm convinced Ryan must have sold his soul to the devil or something lol. How else can he write something so powerful and addicting? There is one novella and one main book left in the series, and if they are anywhere near as good as this one, The Bound and The Broken is bound to rise to the rank of the best of modern fantasy alongside other titans of the genre like Martin, Sanderson and Gwynne. Read this now! Long live the King of self-pub Ryan Cahill :)
Merged review:
I am in absolute awe. I truly have no idea how Cahill is doing this, but after reading his largest book yet, The Bound and the Broken is now undisputedly THE BEST fantasy series being written right now.
Of Empires and Dust is the best book in the series so far. Reading the uncut ARC, it was over 1800 pages on my kindle which is easily the longest book I've ever read. I was expecting it to take me well over a month, maybe two. Imagine my surprise when I finished the last page in only two weeks. As long as the book is, I found myself wanting even more. The narrative was utterly addicting and I think I had reading sessions that lasted 4-5 hours straight.
This was the darkest book in the series so far which I really liked. Our characters are put through the ringer like they have never been before. The action and battle scenes have somehow gotten even better, which I didn't think was possible. Cahill is able to write these GIANT cinematic battles without being confusing or repetitive. I thought John Gwynne was the best at writing battle scenes until reading OEAD, but now I think Cahill gives him some real competition.
The character work has also improved. As long as this character list is, there wasn't a single one that I wasn't invested in. They feel like real people with real motivations. I love how a lot of the characters are starting to meet up again after being seperated and spread out around the map in previous installments. Some of the bigger reunions really tugged at my heart strings:)
This was an absolute banger. The best of the best, right up there with A Storm of Swords. I'm convinced Ryan must have sold his soul to the devil or something lol. How else can he write something so powerful and addicting? There is one novella and one main book left in the series, and if they are anywhere near as good as this one, The Bound and The Broken is bound to rise to the rank of the best of modern fantasy alongside other titans of the genre like Martin, Sanderson and Gwynne. Read this now! Long live the King of self-pub Ryan Cahill :)
Merged review:
I am in absolute awe. I truly have no idea how Cahill is doing this, but after reading his largest book yet, The Bound and the Broken is now undisputedly THE BEST fantasy series being written right now.
Of Empires and Dust is the best book in the series so far. Reading the uncut ARC, it was over 1800 pages on my kindle which is easily the longest book I've ever read. I was expecting it to take me well over a month, maybe two. Imagine my surprise when I finished the last page in only two weeks. As long as the book is, I found myself wanting even more. The narrative was utterly addicting and I think I had reading sessions that lasted 4-5 hours straight.
This was the darkest book in the series so far which I really liked. Our characters are put through the ringer like they have never been before. The action and battle scenes have somehow gotten even better, which I didn't think was possible. Cahill is able to write these GIANT cinematic battles without being confusing or repetitive. I thought John Gwynne was the best at writing battle scenes until reading OEAD, but now I think Cahill gives him some real competition.
The character work has also improved. As long as this character list is, there wasn't a single one that I wasn't invested in. They feel like real people with real motivations. I love how a lot of the characters are starting to meet up again after being seperated and spread out around the map in previous installments. Some of the bigger reunions really tugged at my heart strings:)
This was an absolute banger. The best of the best, right up there with A Storm of Swords. I'm convinced Ryan must have sold his soul to the devil or something lol. How else can he write something so powerful and addicting? There is one novella and one main book left in the series, and if they are anywhere near as good as this one, The Bound and The Broken is bound to rise to the rank of the best of modern fantasy alongside other titans of the genre like Martin, Sanderson and Gwynne. Read this now! Long live the King of self-pub Ryan Cahill :)...more
The undisputed king of self pub Ryan Cahill does it again with his short story The Blood That Burns the Winter Snow. Originally published as part of TThe undisputed king of self pub Ryan Cahill does it again with his short story The Blood That Burns the Winter Snow. Originally published as part of The Advent of Winter, this is a short tale set in the world of Epheria.
The story follows Vars Bryer, father to the main character in the series Calen. It takes place when Calen and his siblings are still young. Vars' past comes back to haunt him, as people he never wished to see again end up finding him at his home in his families village. There is a great dueling scene here and it just confirms my feeling that Ryan Cahill writes some of the most vivid action scenes whether it be a huge battle, or a smaller contained fight like we get here.
I would recommend reading this after Of War and Ruin but I suppose it can be read whenever being that it is such a short and contained story. Like his other novellas, this just adds to the background and lore of what has become my favorite ongoing fantasy series in The Bound and the Broken. Cannot wait for book 4 now. Vring on Of Empires and Dust!...more
Eruption is a Michael Crichton novel 20 years in the making. After Crichton's widow found his half completed manuscript and finally finding an author Eruption is a Michael Crichton novel 20 years in the making. After Crichton's widow found his half completed manuscript and finally finding an author who could finish it and do the story justice, Eruption came together perfectly and stands as one of my favorite Crichton novels to date.
The story revolves around a large volcano on an island in Hawaii. An eruption is due very soon, and alot of the plot revolves around the planning and execution of trying to limit the damage and save as many lives as they can. There is a twist here though. The army has been secretly storing unstable nuclear waste in cannisters inside this active volcano. If the lava from the eruption reaches these cannisters, the damage would be potentially the end of all life on earth.
As with any Crichton thriller, a lot of research was done on the scientific aspect of volcanoes and eruptions. Just like his other well researched novels like Jurassic Park, Congo, and Next, he is able to relay all of these scientific facts to the reader which makes the storyline so much more real and believable. His real talent lies in his ability to relay all of this information in a way "normal people" like me can understand and follow along with all without dumbing it down.
The plot moves along at a very fast pace. All of our characters have their own roles to play, and they all have to work together to solve this problem. All the while the timer is ticking, and if things aren't figured out on time....BOOM! There was a level of suspense to this novel that never let up, I really just had to keep reading that one more chapter:)
This is another perfect example of why Michael Crichton is the king of the Techno-thriller. I'd go as far as to say he damn near created his own sub genre of scientific thrillers that are so addictive you have to read them in one sitting. James Patterson did a great job finishing off the original manuscript by keeping true to the original style while also adding his own flair such as short chapters and out of nowhere twists and turns.
Overall Eruption stands as one more amazing Crichton thriller that I think stands right up there with all his other hits like Jurassic Park, Congo, Sphere and Prey. I'm a bit bummed out that this will most likely be the last Crichton book ever put out, but if there had to be a last one then this was perfect. Any fans of Crichton, Patterson or the Techno-Thriller genre simply cannot miss this read.
My favorite ongoing fantasy series right now and it's not even close. Of War and Ruin was an incredible 5 star ride. Now, after reading book 4 Of EmpiMy favorite ongoing fantasy series right now and it's not even close. Of War and Ruin was an incredible 5 star ride. Now, after reading book 4 Of Empires and Dust, I can say with all the confidence in the world that Ryan Cahill deserves to be at the very top of the list for the best fantasy writers. Not only at the top of the list, but sitting in a throne reigning over everyone else!
I cannot wait to see how Ryan completes this epic series. I just know that whenever this comes out it'll be perfect and will cement The Bound and the Broken as one of, if not THE BEST, epic fantasy stories ever written....more
While a much different book than The Blacktongue Thief, I had a blast reading this prequel. I flew thew it in one day and would have loved even more..While a much different book than The Blacktongue Thief, I had a blast reading this prequel. I flew thew it in one day and would have loved even more...
Christopher Buehlman's first book in this series was a much more lighthearted and humerous type of narrative. Finch was a great character and following his exploits were a lot of fun. The Daughters War has a much darker tone and focused more on the militeristic aspect of the war between the humans and the goblins.
I was very invested in our main character throughout the story, but not just her. The backstories about her three brothers and all different members of the army were a delight to follow.
Tons of gritty bloody action here. If you enjoy military fantasy like I do, you'll love this. I ate up everything I could about the goblin enemy and I found them to be a frightening and fascinating race to read about.
Fans of Blacktongue will love this, but being this uis a prequel, it's not necessary to read that first. In fact, I would even recommend starting here and I cannot wait for the next installment in this series. A very strong 5 stars!...more
My first Douglas Preston book. Not only was this an easy five stars, it is quite possibly one of thest books I've read this year!
Extinction is the stoMy first Douglas Preston book. Not only was this an easy five stars, it is quite possibly one of thest books I've read this year!
Extinction is the story about a park in the Colorado Rockies, where scientists have opened a nature preserve where they have "de-extincted" several huge animals from the Ice Age such as Wooly Mammoths. When a couple takes their honeymoon in the park, they are savagely murdered seemingly out of nowhere. The man was the son of a billionare businessman, the women his wife who we find out was also pregnant.
The plot follows along with the investigation of the murders, but turns into so much more. I have always been a fan of vintage Michael Crichton's "tencho-thrillers" and this novel took me back to the first time I read Jurassic Park and Congo.
Fun and relateable characters, a plot with a blistering pace, and more twists and turns than I ever thought possible. Seriously, this ending blew my mind and I was literally staring at the wall for a few minutes upon finishing the book trying to gather my thoughts.
Anyone looking for a thriller that will have you frantically turning the pages, do yourself a favor and pick this one up! I will forsure be checking out some of this authors other books after enjoying Extinction so damn much.
One of the years best books, an easy 5 stars!...more
As much as I enjoyed The Blade Itself, this book exceeds it in almost every way.
Most peoples issue from book 1 is the slow building plot. Not much haAs much as I enjoyed The Blade Itself, this book exceeds it in almost every way.
Most peoples issue from book 1 is the slow building plot. Not much happens. I didn't find this to be much of in issue, because I love me a lil character development and world building in the beginning of a series. Luckily, Before They are Hanged really starts to branch out and get more plot focused now that we know the layout of the story. More action, great battles, and the now trademark dark humor that we know and love.
"As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a gangster." A timeless quote from a timeless movie. Everyone has seen the classic gangster film"As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a gangster." A timeless quote from a timeless movie. Everyone has seen the classic gangster film Goodfellas. I can sincerely tell you all that Wiseguy by Nicholas Pileggi is every bit as good, if not a bit better even. The movie was based off of this book and while reading it I noticed that the movie left out a lot of stuff from Pillegi's version. Most movies do this as they need to account for run time, but some of the major plot points and moments were taken out in the movie and I found the book to be all the more enjoyable for including them. I have read a TON of mafia related gangster books and Wiseguy has to be up there in the top 3 for me, this one made even better because of the fact it is based on a the true story of Henry Hill. An easy 5 stars for this classic! Next up I really want to read Pillegi's other mob book "Casino"....more
Jurassic park - My favorite book from one of my favorite authors. Crichton pretty much coined the term "techno thriller" and Jurassic park is the prefJurassic park - My favorite book from one of my favorite authors. Crichton pretty much coined the term "techno thriller" and Jurassic park is the prefect example of this kind of book. Everyone has seen the movie, and I'm here to tell you the book is every bit as good, if not better. The novel has more of a horror feel to it and just felt more suspenseful and creepy than the movies did. Everything about this book is perfect in every way and I will never stop recommending it to everyone who likes Michael Crichton, sci-fi thrillers, or anything to do with dinosaurs! Easy 5/5 stars!
Congo - One of my favorite Crichton novels! Right up there with Jurassic Park. Written during Crichton's "hot streak", this takes place in the jungles of Africa. Plenty of action and technology (similar to Jurassic Park) making this one of his most beloved "techno-thrillers". I loved the setting, the adventure feel to the novel, and everything to do with the talking gorilla Amy:) If you like Crichton or Sci-Fi adventure books, chances are this one will be right up your alley. 5/5 stars! ...more
I love it when the last book of a series is the best of the bunch. Tyrant's Throne ended The Greatcoats with a bang and solidified the quartet as one I love it when the last book of a series is the best of the bunch. Tyrant's Throne ended The Greatcoats with a bang and solidified the quartet as one of my all-time favorites.
Starting with book one, this was my first taste of Sebastian De Castell, and almost right away I knew his style was for me. It reminds me a lot of Joe Abercrombie. Very witty and funny dialogue from hilarious and realistic characters. He somehow finds the perfect balance between dark and grim, and funny and light. The group of greatcoats is the core of the character cast but the supporting characters that are added in each installment are just as good and important.
The action and fight scenes are all top notch, whether it's one on one duels or large scale engagements and battles like in this book, Castell makes you feel like you're right there with Falcio and the boys.
The pacing in this book was damn near perfect just like the others, slowing down in between action scenes just enough to let you breathe and get ready for the next showdown. The final battle at the end was a perfect way to end the series, while also leaving room for spin-offs and sequels. Speaking of which, I just found out Castell is writing a new series set in this same world, years after the events of Tyrant's Throne. While there are now many other Castell books I now want to try, like the standalone Malevolent Seven, I'll definitely be picking up the sequel series ASAP.
This book and entire series have been 5 stars, and they are all now on my favorites shelf. I am so glad to have discovered this author and can't wait to go through his back catalog :)...more
The best Sun Eater book by far so far in this awesome series!
It has both the biggest and best battles with the alien Cielcin and tons of other action.The best Sun Eater book by far so far in this awesome series!
It has both the biggest and best battles with the alien Cielcin and tons of other action. We get to visit several different worlds and ships. Worldbuilding is off the charts, literally. I also liked the subplot of the detective kind of work by our main characters and what they find out about the mysterious godlike "Quiet". If you enjoyed books one and two, pick this one up now as it's damn near perfect. I did half physical and half audiobook and the narrator was incredible. Highly recommended!...more
Great prequel novella. Good, quick, action packed read. I am glad I started with book 1 rather than the novella. It made The Fall more enjoyable for mGreat prequel novella. Good, quick, action packed read. I am glad I started with book 1 rather than the novella. It made The Fall more enjoyable for me as I knew what I was reading about and understood the significance of the event the novella portrays. Whether you start here, or with Of Blood and Fire, you are in for an amazing ride!...more
After finishing book one Empire of Silence, I was chomping at the bit to dive right into this one. After reading Howling Dark not only am I satisfied After finishing book one Empire of Silence, I was chomping at the bit to dive right into this one. After reading Howling Dark not only am I satisfied with the book, but I am even more excited to continue this series which has the potential to become my favorite sci-fi series of all-time.
Howling Dark picks up right where we left off from book one. Most of the book takes place on a certain planet that the crew is looking for. There is a bit of a time jump and I was a bit dissapointed we didn't get to see what happened in that time. What we do see is Hadrian doing what he can to bring peace to the Empire and an end to war with the Cielcin. The plot goes too weird and crazy places and gave me an almost Eldritch like feel. The pacing was perfect and the character work is even better than book one.
As much as I loved Empire of Silence, I think Howling Dark was definitely a step up in quality. Almost everyone says book 3 is even better which seems impossible to me, but makes me very excited to pick it up immediately. Anyone looking for a space opera science fiction series to read, Sun Eater is right up there with the best of them. Very strong 4 stars for book 2!...more
A much loved prequel story from the master of classic fantasy J.R.R Tolkien does so much more than stand the test of time.
The Hobbit has a reputation A much loved prequel story from the master of classic fantasy J.R.R Tolkien does so much more than stand the test of time.
The Hobbit has a reputation that is hard to live up to, but in my opinion it does just that and more. With a lighter feel than the following Lord of the Rings trilogy, this can be read and enjoyed by a younger audience or anybody who wants to experience middle-earth without having to jump right into the much longer trilogy. As stated above, I also think The Hobbit has aged much better than the LOTR books. Simpler writing and dialogue, less songs and a better pacing all around make this just as great of a reading experience as I'm sure it was way back when it was published.
I absolutely loved the quest in this one, the characters where all very likeable and relatable to me and the pacing was better than the trilogy. The quest based plotline was fun to follow and had plenty of action to keep readers interested and on the edge of their seats.
I also have to mention just how great the audiobook was. The narrator did an amazing job, but more than that they decided to add music and sound effects in the background which really did add to the atmosphere and really helped immerse me into the world. It also helps when they use the best music ever created for a fantasy movie:) Seriously, check out the soundtrack for LOTR, it's amazing!
I did enjoy all three of the movies, but after doing an audiobook re-read of the novel, I can safely say the original story told in the book is the best way to experience the sheer genius of Tolkien. If you have any interest in classic fantasy or quest based family friendly adventure, you'd be hard pressed to find a better book than The Hobbit. A very fun 4.5/5 stars!...more
Another great installment in my favorite science fiction series of all-time:)
While reading both Iron Gold and Dark age, I couldn't help but miss the aAnother great installment in my favorite science fiction series of all-time:)
While reading both Iron Gold and Dark age, I couldn't help but miss the action and pacing of books 2 and 3. I feel like I got more of that and then some in Lightbringer:)
We get back to the action, war and space battles in book six, while also pushing plotlines and character development further along. The ending of this was amazing, and also set up the final book of the series Red God for a glorious end.
