So far I've put every one of these on my favorites shelf. The story here goes back to the beginning of Riyria ((view spoiler)[in the book an elvish woSo far I've put every one of these on my favorites shelf. The story here goes back to the beginning of Riyria ((view spoiler)[in the book an elvish word. It means something like 2 working together as 1...sort of. I gather it doesn't translate directly (hide spoiler)]).
Before I elaborate any more, I'll say I recommend this. It's an excellent read and a good addition to the epic fantasy genre.
Now, in more detail. It's possible to start here with this volume (as it's labeled "Book 1") or to read the series first. As The author doesn't give a number of books he plans to write (which isn't a problem for me as long as they stay this good). He could I suppose write many, many adventures for Royce and Hadrian. ((view spoiler)[ The series comes at what is apparently the close of their career. (hide spoiler)].) If you start with the series this will be an extended prequel filling in details of things you've already read about and telling stories of things we saw culminate in the said series.
If you start here then a lot of the book will be foreshadowing and things will be said that are "pregnant" with possibility and portent (there are even oblique prophecies..."to be fulfilled later").
Of course the only problem is that if you're like me you'll read this and run right out to get the series...then when other books come out, they'll be prequels.
So the series ties up and it does the thing that for me anyway says it's a great series. It leaves you wanting more.
From the climax of the fifth novelSo the series ties up and it does the thing that for me anyway says it's a great series. It leaves you wanting more.
From the climax of the fifth novel we spring into a finale that doesn't disappoint. We were left with a bad situation in one way and a sort of "finished" situation in another. From there we move into another fast moving, hard hitting thrill ride that will...as I noted leave you wanting more.
The big reveal comes here though I suspect many or most will have seen it coming...and that doesn't matter. While no one will claim this is a great literary work I think most readers will realize that it's going to last. The more readers who find these and recommend them to their friends the more it will stay around.
I have enjoyed them greatly, I look forward to the prequels that are due out later this year. I can strongly recommend this series.
I finished this a few days ago but hadn't taken time to review it. I must say that I have enjoyed this series and can recommend it. This series and thI finished this a few days ago but hadn't taken time to review it. I must say that I have enjoyed this series and can recommend it. This series and these characters are so well done I'm very glad I found it. I'd had it recommended to me some time ago but never got around to reading it. If the same is true with you try it...really.
This is the 5th out of 6 volumes and it's another good story. The plot takes a darker turn (as it's been headed that way from the first). We get to know these guys and the supporting cast from book one and they fill out rather than shift or change as we go along.
I wasn't actually surprised by the major turn here but I must say a part of me didn't really think "it would go that way" so to speak.
This story, as Tolkien said, grew in the telling. I'm not going to run down the story as this is the fifth volume and spoilers would be unavoidable...I will simply say that if you are a fantasy fan of most any stripe, don't miss this one.
This is the way I read these. While I gave each individual volume a positive review I can also recommend them in this form...two volumes per volume soThis is the way I read these. While I gave each individual volume a positive review I can also recommend them in this form...two volumes per volume so to speak.
I have already recommended them and I want to do it again. These may not be tomes of learning or have depths of philosophical thought in them (though don't sneeze at the sub-context it's there just placed in a ripping good story) but it is immensely readable and enjoyable.
I've read many epic fantasy novels and only a few get into my all time favorites category, these will join them. Fast moving, page turning, thrill ride of an epic I look forward to rereading it many times...God willing I stay alive, LOL.
Highly recommended and I'm looking forward to the prequels due out this year. ...more
I've been in a reading slump of late. I think I'm harder to please now, maybe I've just read too many books over too many years I don't know. Now I loI've been in a reading slump of late. I think I'm harder to please now, maybe I've just read too many books over too many years I don't know. Now I look for a book to draw me in at some basic emotional and intellectual level. I don't care if it's deep or if it's brain candy it seems that somehow I need to connect or something.
So, I've had a lot of mediocre reads and not a few disappointments lately. This happily isn't one of them
I've had this book on my shelves for some time, I've nominated it for group reads in a couple of fantasy groups but it's never won so I just kept putting it off. Last week I decided I'd go ahead and read it (I have the next 2 in the series setting on my shelves). I'm glad I did.
This is an excellent read. First let me say this is not a light book. You won't find jokes and a snarky hero, you won't find a jaunty adventure. What you will find is a gritty, realistic story of war. In the beginning there are really no good guys or bad guys here. This is the story of mercenary troops in war. These are men who fight for pay are dangerous to even be around and are described by one of their commanders as "the scum of the Earth"....when not at war.
The book is very much a retelling of the story in Anabasis by Xenophon. He tells the story of 10,000 Greek mercenaries hired by Cyrus the Younger in 401 BC to overthrow his brother. In an ironic twist the Greeks won the war but in the last battle their employer Cyurs was killed leaving the Greek army alone in hostile Persian territory. They had to fight their way back to the sea. Xenophon relates how he was elected one of the new leaders of this army.
Here the Macht is/are a legendary people who live across the sea from the Great King's Empire of Kuf. This is a fantasy retelling and the Empire is populated by three species different from each other and humans. Inside these are different castes of people. The Kufr rule here, at least the top caste do. They are taller than humans with golden skin. The Macht are thought of as barbarians, but also they are seen as horribly dangerous warriors.
The Great King's brother hires a great army of Macht to overthrow his brother and take the throne. This is the greatest army of Macht ever brought together, and they must cross the empire.
I....LIKE....THIS....BOOK.
This is a fantasy story with fantasy races set in a fantasy world. If however you like your fantasy full of overt magic you probably won't care for this one. There are no wizards shooting fire-bolts (or fireballs) across the battle field. No one has a healing potion. There is really only one piece of what I'd call overt magic in the book and it's simply described. It could end up being/turn out to be a piece of lost technology from a past age of the world (see Arthur C. Clarke's statement, "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic..."). I'd call this "military fantasy" and have established a shelf for that. The story is told with lots of sweat, swearing, blood, viscera, stink and violence. The story breaks out of the gate at a full run and seldom slows down. The characters are there and I think very well filled out, but it's largely done on the run as is our outline of the world.
The story isn't openly hopefully. The people in it are flatly human (even the other races/species of humanoids). You'll see the worst on humanity here but oddly you'll also see other things. See there's an odd truth about "us humans" and that is that pressure...struggle, brings out what we really are. Like the "super-soldier serum" that Captain America took, pressure, struggle, hardship makes us "more of what we already are". The craven, the selfish, the ambitious become more so. The noble, the honorable, the brave also become more so.
The book has an almost anticlimactic ending (though I won't say how) yet it's also oddly satisfying and apropos.
I'm giving this book 5 stars and enthusiastically recommending it. Be aware going in that it's a military book full of fighters. Anyone who's ever been in the military (or probably had family in the military) will know to expect crudity and foul language...and as I said, blood, sweat, tears and stink. The book almost seems to wreak of unwashed bodies, excrement, fear sweat, urine, blood and the battlefield covered with sun bloated corpses. It pulls no punches. But it tells an enthralling story. Know that going in and you'll get an exceptional book.
This book came closest to losing a star than any of the others...but only because I just don't care for "sea adventures". There are a few books howeveThis book came closest to losing a star than any of the others...but only because I just don't care for "sea adventures". There are a few books however that "overwhelm" my basic "blah" attitude about sea stories. So, like the Hornblower novels, or Captain Blood this book drew me in just because I like the characters and I like the story.
In this novel we get a little more of a look at Hadrian and Royce. The overall plot moves forward and what could in the hands of a less skilled writer become a tedious over done conspiracy it stays interesting, even enthralling.
I like this/these books and I'm enjoying them. This is the first time in a long time I've found a series of books I think I'll miss once I finish it. Like a few other epic fantasies here we have a world we can look around in and get to know with well constructed characters we can also get to know. People we can get involved with.
While we still have moments of levity here...some gallows humor and so on, the story is getting a little darker and there are hints of the dark coming after the twilight. The understanding that one challenge met and one danger overcome does not mean that there won't be others.
I like these books and I recommend them, enjoy. ...more
So I had said recently that I was in a reading slump. That happily has passed at least as far as a couple of books are concerned. This is the third inSo I had said recently that I was in a reading slump. That happily has passed at least as far as a couple of books are concerned. This is the third in the Riyria Revelations (or the first half of the second compiled books series). The story continues apace here and stays fast moving enough to hold the interest while still filling in backgrounds and expanding characters.
Royce and Hadrian are having their troubles, still life is interesting. The "revelation" that "came to light" last book has now "come into play" (sheesh trying to be interesting without spoilers is a pain). People and plots move forward, things are hairer for some of our characters and sadder for others. The new Empress is having her problems and (view spoiler)[ someone dies (hide spoiler)].
All in all still a fast moving adventure full of interesting characters. I have a few library books to finish and get back to "said library" and I'm also caught up in another fantasy series ("reading these in audio" and the other series in print).
These/this goes onto my favorites shelf, recommended. ...more
Maybe I should set up an "Epic Fantasy" shelf? Not sure if I want to go through my shelves and add another. Whether I do or not I can recommend these Maybe I should set up an "Epic Fantasy" shelf? Not sure if I want to go through my shelves and add another. Whether I do or not I can recommend these heartily.
This is the way I actually read these books, in the "two volume-volume" so to speak. It helps when the books are good to have the next one waiting. That was/is the case here and it's also good to have the 5th and 6th ones waiting, at least it was for me.
While there are a lot of Epic Fantasies now-a-days, there are very few really good ones. In my humble opinion this series is one. It took me a long time to pick it up and get started, I don't know why. Maybe it's just that there are so many books out there waiting...so many just on my shelves waiting? Finding this series gives me hope that there are other treasures out there waiting to be found.
Every now and then it happens that we find a book or a series of books that we really enjoy. That's very nice when it happens after a long run of mediEvery now and then it happens that we find a book or a series of books that we really enjoy. That's very nice when it happens after a long run of mediocre..."meh" reads. That's what happened here. I like the first book in this "series" and I liked this one just as well.
(complete disclosure I'm reading these in a compilation volume that contains volumes 1 and 2.)
We are slowly learning about "Riyria" here and as we do so we get an exciting and enjoyable story of what's happening "currently". These to characters a somewhat fun, have a prickly friendship where they poke at each other and "razz" each other. "Wobbling" between what they "ought" to do and the amount of money they can make and frustrating each other (a bit) as one pulls one way and one the other there's lots of wise cracking dialogue amid the action and adventure.
The plot here stands well on it's own legs as it adds another thread to what's going on in the background...with thrones royal and imperial are up for grabs and nationalist groups that want self rule also get into the action. Each person we meet get's attention and the characters are drawn in full colors with few of them being shallow. We already have a good idea who is who, from the "young immature" king to his competent sister, from the plotting "church" leadership to the people who surround Riyria" they stay true to themselves.
I have enjoyed these 2 volumes and have already purchased the rest of the series.
The bad news? I have some library books I need to finish before I go on with these. I started the next last night but need to read 2 other books first... oh well. I'll start it over from the beginning when I finish with the library books as I'm enjoying it.
Yeah, I can recommend these. Try them and enjoy. ...more
Okay...this is one of those books where I think an initial reaction would be, "score". I really enjoyed it. While I haven't moved them to my favoritesOkay...this is one of those books where I think an initial reaction would be, "score". I really enjoyed it. While I haven't moved them to my favorites shelf (the jury is still out on that) I can and do highly recommend them. After a long dry spell where I hadn't found a really "good" read I stumbled on this/these. As a friend on mine here might say...wooohooo.
Only on occasion do you find a book you can wholeheartedly recommend but in this case I can. I realize that others won't like these as well as I do (this book is actually the first 2 in the Riyria Revelations) but for me I can as I said, recommend it/them.
We have here the story of "Riyria"...apparently 2 guys. They are "well known" (apparently that's why we have a "trade name" here) thieves and possibly assassins. You need something stolen that can't be stolen? You need a job done that...can't be done? These might be your people. There's a rumor in the kingdom that a couple of guys stole the crown jewels one night and put them back the next....wonder why anyone would do that?
Of course these two will, or might work for the highest bidder. They might consider stealing something for...one party, and then for enough money stealing it back.
They might be very, very sharp....but then they also might, sometimes get involved in something, just because it's, the right thing to do.
I have already bought the rest of this series and look forward to getting into them (actually I already started the next but have 2 library books to read first).
So, action adventure, fantasy, wizardry, well done characters well plotted stories, it's all here. I can recommend these and do.
I've had this on my currently reading list for a while, thought I ought to get around to reviewing it.
These are joining my favorites list. I think theI've had this on my currently reading list for a while, thought I ought to get around to reviewing it.
These are joining my favorites list. I think the first Urban Fantasy I ever read was Harry Dresden. I burned through the ones that were already published then and have snapped up each as it's been released since. It also set me off on trying to find other UF books or another UF series that I'd like as well. Mostly I've been disappointed. I find that a huge percentage of what gets labeled urban fantasy turns out to be paranormal romance (PNR)...it seems to me about 90% of what I pick up looking for UF turns out to be PNR. Of the actual UF I've found only a few were really good and I didn't think any came close to Jim Butcher's Harry Dresden series.
Till I found these. I am I believe a fan of Benedict Jacka and plan to snatch the next Alex Verus book up as soon as I can.
If you've followed the series up to this point you've gotten to know Alex and he's sort of building a reputation (that he'd often rather not have) with the magic community. As a diviner he isn't any great shakes in combat type magic. Things like blowing stuff up, setting stuff on fire, smashing stuff with force, these just aren't Alex's forte'. Still, he keeps going up against these types, completely out of his league, yet he's the one who comes through alive and walks away...
Go figure.
Now, apprentices are coming up missing. They're vanishing without a trace and even the best mages can't find a sign, so the powers that be "sort of" call Alex.
Like an idiot he accepts.
What follows it an exciting well crafted story that holds the interest (in my case this time in spite of my having to put the book down and read other things before I could get back to it). So, good characters. Both the characters and the story are pretty original. Okay I mean there are only so many places to go and most ideas have been touched on and if you really want to you can spot a few places where that's so here. That doesn't hurt the books however as it's all handled so well. You're not running on friendly, romantic vampires here...no vampire girlfriends or werewolf boyfriends and so on. Some magic creatures here are friendly and have to dodge notice as they've been largely killed off. Others hunt humans and seem to find us...toothsome.
So, another in an enjoyable and well crafted brain-candy series. Highly recommended. Enjoy.
Update note: I think the series has held up. I've read all that are in print and look forward to the next which is due out soon. I can recommend these. ...more
Okay....listen very carefully, or if you're a stickler for accuracy...read very, very carefully:
If for some reason, curiosity, accident or whatever yoOkay....listen very carefully, or if you're a stickler for accuracy...read very, very carefully:
If for some reason, curiosity, accident or whatever you have decided to look at this review and you HAVEN'T read Jim Butcher's Harry Dresden books, stop whatever you are doing...reading this review, eating a meal, pretending to work as you browse the internet, surgery, having sex, whatever it takes, disconnect your IV tubes, put your oxygen tank on wheels NOW. Pick your favorite way to read a book, E-book, print book, audio book and go immediately to your favorite bookstore or download sight and buy them...all of them.
Right now. Do it....I'll wait....
Now start with the first Storm Front which is a good to excellent book. You have one of the most enjoyable reading experiences imaginable before you and you can't imagine how much I envy you the chance to read them all for the first time. The books hit their stride somewhere in the first few (a lot of us disagree whether they cross into the exceptional range in book 3 or 4) and they just get better. This one is I think the best yet...and I've said that before.
This book may just set the standard for popular fiction.
I love this book!
We have often discussed the failings of our 5 star system here wishing for half stars or a 10 star system. A friend of mine suggested that we might assign the stars Gold and Silver ratings so you could have a 5 silver stars as opposed to a 5 gold stars rate. Here I'd have to go 5 Platinum stars.
Really...not kidding, not hyperbole.
From the first humorous lines to the last touching yet foreshadowing scene the book never once falters or gives a false note. For me and others who have read all these books this is a visit to friends we've made over years. We know Harry will inevitably say something he just shouldn't when being a wise-ass can only make things worse. We know that Karen has depths she's been holding in...and we know oh so much about others.
Mr. Butcher brings my favorite supporting character back into the fray here and does it as close to perfectly as I think any writer could. Reading this book I was brought to tears no less than 3 times...
And really, I'm a macho manly man...I drink sippin' whisky (note spelling) straight, I can shoot out a fly's eye at 100 yards...really, it still moved me. I cried like I would at a good steak.
Look...bottom line before I say a few things more specific and under a spoiler warning...get this book. If you haven't read the Dresden books get them all. This book gets my highest recommendation...I almost need to start a new shelf, "POPULAR FICTION THAT STANDS ALONE".
The story here picks up with Harry in the situation where we left him. Something is trying to get out of his head. Demon Reach and Mab have told him it will blow his head apart. He's been living on the Island unable to leave it as Demon Reach is keeping the thing in his head at bay.
Then Mab shows up...and if I tell you anymore it will be a spoiler and I just wouldn't do that to you.
I have one other thing to say but I'll put it under a spoiler warning:
(view spoiler)[ The character who comes back "into play" here is Michael. I won't say how as it's not necessary for what I want to talk about and I want you to have the pleasure of reading all you can as it comes.
That said I'm a Christian...an actual practicing one (a non-Catholic one, not that it matters but Michael is Roman Catholic). Don't come here for theology or something like that. The relationship with angels and the way Grace works as well as God's plan aren't what you come here for. Study that on your own. All that said Mr. Butcher treats Christianity with respect and dignity you often don't see.
I'm a Pastor and I just wanted to say thanks Mr. Butcher. (hide spoiler)]
Okay...just in case you didn't get the point: My highest recommendation...great book, beyond great amazing.
Enjoy.
Update, Jan. 27, 2015By the way Mr. Butcher...Jim, it's come to our attention that you're working on a new series. Could be good news, but sheesh, I'm 62 years old (update Aug. 15th...now 63). How long can I have to wait on the rest of the series Jim.
I mean do you really need to take vacations? sleep more than 3 or 4 hours at a time? eat? Really?...more
If I were wont to use such phrases I might open this review with "HOT D**N this is a good book!" But I don't use those phrases so I'll just say...now If I were wont to use such phrases I might open this review with "HOT D**N this is a good book!" But I don't use those phrases so I'll just say...now among my favorites!
Get this series. Start at book 1 (Monster Hunter International) and follow the series. As I've said before, this is prime, 100% grade A brain candy. It's an action treat for lovers of Urban Fantasy, Action, Horror, thrillers and so many crossover genre areas that it will appeal to a great many readers and groups of readers. And among these let's not leave out the gun enthusiasts among us.
I've had some "shots" taken at me and those who enjoy these books by people who consider themselves the literati among us...and those who are very involved in anti-gun matters. I've been insulted because you see, these books are obviously not up to the standards of some among us.
Cool. I admit this is wonderfully fun literary junk food. It appeals to our need to escape now and then from the day to day grind. It fulfills a need to vicariously fight a grand battle where good and evil face off and you are part of trying so save a world that is unable or unwilling to participate in it's own defense.
So enjoy. I can list other series and other books I like better. I can list other books that have "moved me" more but that's not what we're doing here. We're taking a vacation...for your brain. And while we must inevitably come back from a vacation it still rests us and renews us for the day to day grind we live.
Highly recommended, high octane action fun. Enjoy. ...more
As I said in another review today...SCORE!. This week I've finished 3 books that I rate 5 stars! I had trouble making time to get to this one, but burAs I said in another review today...SCORE!. This week I've finished 3 books that I rate 5 stars! I had trouble making time to get to this one, but burned through it once I got to it. This is a good to great book in a great series with a great character. Alex Verus in definitely my #2 UF character (Harry Dresden being #1 by quite a margin).
There's a thread here called "Books to Read While Waiting for the Next Dresden Book"...I found these recommended there. Seeing Jim Butcher's recommendation of them helped and I've really enjoyed the first 2 with the next (the last one in print so far) on my shelf waiting.
So, where are we? Alex is still the same retiring, non-offensive, low powered mage about town we came to know and love in Fated. Of course now he has a sort of...rep. The Battle Mages that can knock down buildings (if they want to be restrained) are a little slow about crossing this "low power diviner". Strange that.
As the book opens Alex has been contracted by a Council Mage to help in tracking down a human killing creature. After all Alex can see paths into the future, a handy thing when a slavering, toothed and clawed beast might be planning an ambush to rip your entrails out and make use of them as food, decoration, garters or whatever.
From here Alex and his apprentice get involved in things that are actually dangerous.
Sound good? It is. Great story telling, great characters and lots of twists. There's humor here and that's something a lot of UF authors go for but only a few pull off. Yep a good book and highly recommended.
I just may have another series I'll be waiting to snatch up as soon as they're published...cool, but I hate waiting.
Update note: I think the series has held up. I've read all that are in print and look forward to the next which is due out soon. I can recommend these. ...more
Okay...takes deep breath...I'm feeling alright at this time so I better get this reviewed before the cravings and shakes start again. I got the latestOkay...takes deep breath...I'm feeling alright at this time so I better get this reviewed before the cravings and shakes start again. I got the latest volume in Jim Butcher's Dresden series, and finished it. Now the waiting begins, the continual search for some book that's remotely like the Dresden books, nearly as involving "brain candy" as Dresden, something to stave off withdrawal. Many of us who follow these books live in great fear for Mr. Butcher. Will he be safe? How's his health? Maybe he should be kept in isolation, locked away in protective custody. No more risky activities such as camping in the woods or...horrors "LARPING".
Oh I know he's free, this is to him a livelihood (or should that be "lively hood"), a way to make a living an irk...job. At most, it's art. But YOU Mr. Butcher are the one who came up with smart ass err smart-alack wisecracking Harry Dresden. You wrote books that are so enthralling and well constructed, came up with the subtle hanging plot points, the other characters we care about, you're the one that has brought this about! Think of the plight of millions of readers who simply wait a year or a year and a half for the next book.
Mr. Butcher....Jim....you're a junky dealer!!!!!!!
Alright sigh you, my fellow Goodread's member came here for a review of the book. I will attempt it, though that gnawing hunger in my gut, the one we all know so well has started already.
This is a fantastic read. I will recommend without reservation that you read this novel. Yes even if you pick it up with no background in Harry at all I think most will enjoy it...but oh my would you be short changing yourself. I've loved the entire series, though as individual books there are some I'd rate a little better than others (though I leave them all at a 5 star rating). This one however may just have nudged it's way to the top...or at least to the top 2 or 3 of the series.
Harry's life, already complicated seems to find ways to just continue spiraling away and Harry continues to try and bring order out of the swirling chaos that surrounds him. This time the maelstrom is no easier to navigate through...or survive (view spoiler)[ though survival at this point may have another totally different connotation, as Harry has already been dead or at least "mostly dead" (yeah we know you got the reference) once (hide spoiler)]. I won't give spoilers here (unmarked that is) and I'm even being careful to dance far back from the edge in case readers look at this who haven't read this far in the series or for that matter, even started it. I will say that a few more running questions get answered here and a couple get answered in ways that simply open new questions. Some of us spotted things early on and saw some of these coming (and we feel so smug when JB's ideas are the ones we figured out) others probably surprise us (those we smile at, enjoy and so on, but don't talk about as much. Embarrassment.) All these things, the cast of characters and of course Harry himself keep us reading.
I do want to say this. If you haven't read this series...stop whatever you're doing right now, even reading this amazing, enthralling, insightful review, and GET Storm Front. Drive to you're nearest book store...get the E book...download it from Audible, whatever you need to do. If you are a fan of fantasy, urban fantasy, action or even horror or noir/hard boiled detective fiction try these. The Dresden books or Dresden files books are almost unique in several ways. For one thing they can each be read as stand alone novels (the earlier ones more so than the last 2 or 3) yet in the "background" another story is building. The clues come a little at a time the pressure builds like a steam kettle on a stove with the heat set on low. It takes a while but it's going to happen. That's why even though each book can be enjoyed individually I strongly recommend, I beg you to start at the first novel and read them. Meet the people in and other characters in Harry's life. Follow the changing relationships enjoy the wiseass errr... wiseacre comments and humor. It's true that "I think"...that is it's my opinion...that the books really begin to hit their stride in book 3 or 4. BUT that could mislead. I still rate book "one" a 5 star read. I mean it's like excellent and getting better. I love these books. (By the way Mr. Butcher, Jim I'm 60 years old so don't take too long, okay?)
Really, don't miss these. I give this book...I give these books my strongest, highest recommendation.
UPDATE Jan. 27, 2015 This was written the night after the book came out...but an update is called for!
Mr. Butcher...Jim....another book series?!?!?!?!?! Didn't I make myself clear??? I'm getting up there Jim, I'm 62! How much longer can I have? Jim, please....consider us, your older readers. What if we shuffle off, take the big sleep, move on...pass away before you finish the series?
Think of all those ticked off ghosts haunting you. ...more
I was intro'd to Urban Fantasy by the Harry Dresden books and (frankly) since I found them I've been trying to find other YES it gets a "Big Ol' 5"...
I was intro'd to Urban Fantasy by the Harry Dresden books and (frankly) since I found them I've been trying to find other UF books I like as well. The Twenty Palaces series turned out to be pretty good...but their publisher dropped them. Rob Thurman's Leandros books are okay. I also kind of liked Aaronovitch's books. None were nearly up to (in my opinion of course) Mr. Butcher's Dresden books.
Now, while I can't say I like this book "as well as the Dresden books"...it is the closest I've found yet. I REALLY LIKE THIS BOOK. I have already ordered it (as the one I read came from the library) and the other two in the series that are in print.
Okay, that said what have we got here? Wwwwweeeeellllllll, this is the story of (and told by) Alex Verus a mage who runs a "magic shop". His "powers" aren't any great shakes when it comes to blowing things up, causing death or doing other "flashy" things. You see Alex is a diviner...he can look down the various paths that events "may take" based on decisions and actions taken by himself and those he interacts with.
He manages very well...and he tells a great story. I can recommend this book wholeheartedly. As I said, I've already ordered the rest of the series that's in print. I will quite likely move them to the front/top of my "to be read list", putting them right on the currently reading list when I receive them. Yes, a series of books I'm glad I was introduced to, I really hope this series holds up.
Yes, enthusiastically recommended.
Update note: I think it has held up. I've read all that are in print and look forward to the next which is due out soon. I can recommend these....more
This is a good series and it continues a longer story that Ms. Moon began (and I'm not sure how much of it was planned as there was a long interval beThis is a good series and it continues a longer story that Ms. Moon began (and I'm not sure how much of it was planned as there was a long interval between publication of the "beginning") with The Deed of Paksenarrion and the two prequels (though I really never got into the prequels). This book picks up the story (in a pattern Ms. Moon has set) at the exactly moment the last book ended. King (formerly Duke) Keri Phelan is in a "pickle" (seemingly) as things ended and that is the first thing we have to deal with.
To say much here about the story/plot itself or even the characters this far into the series would almost have to entail spoiler. What happens with each one even who participates would tip the hand. I will say a couple of things "in general" to help (I hope) give an idea of how things are going.
First let me say that in spite of one concern I have this is still going among my favorites. I became hooked on the story of Paksenarrion and have followed the story ever since. I will also say that I'm glad to see Paks make a reappearance here and have hope that the next volume might tell us where she's been as it obviously has something/a lot to do with the continuing storyline.
The concern/concerns I have is that the story is spinning out with several new threads and has really only tied up a couple. Ms. Moon has not lost control of the story and it stays very interesting. I was caught u8p in the story from the first and wish I had the next waiting. Ms. Moon has told this story from the first with a multiplicity of viewpoints and as noted she handles them well. Unlike many books told from several points of view this one doesn't really have one I'm not interested in.
All that being said I think my experience with Robert Jordan has made me wary of "multiplying story threads". LOL
The way the book ends? Well, it just "ends", stops with the action "in action". It's more like the end of a chapter than the end of a novel, frustrating.
So...as always with this series of books highly recommended...and hope that the next volume comes out soon...and of course I live that long.
By the way, if you haven't read The Deed of Paksenarrion while you don't have to to follow this series I would highly recommend it..it's one of those books I feel is "not to be missed".
Somehow I don't look at this as a "book" it's more of a document. But I do wish every American would read it. Get through the construction parts, see Somehow I don't look at this as a "book" it's more of a document. But I do wish every American would read it. Get through the construction parts, see what's been changed over the life of our country by reading the amendments (the shameful attempt to allow slavery, the repudiation of slavery. the change from senators being selected by the house to being elected directly, etc., etc.).
Read, understand and treasure the rights guaranteed to every American in the Bill of Rights...note that, "The Bill of RIGHTS". Then realize they apply to all Americans.
Learn and treasure what it is to be an American. ...more
This is the third in the "Monster Hunter International series" and frankly...it's great.
Well, if you're a card carrying member of the high-brow, elitThis is the third in the "Monster Hunter International series" and frankly...it's great.
Well, if you're a card carrying member of the high-brow, elite, avant-garde, literary snob society then maybe not. You my friends are far too good for this and all the other "stuff" read by all we action loving readers of brain candy.
You poor things, I feel for you.
That said, this book will appeal to so many people. Urban fantasy readers, action readers, horror readers...it's all here. The book is a thrill ride that doesn't slow down from start to finish. It has fun and pathos, there are laugh out loud moments and moments so melancholy as to bring tears.
I really liked the first in this series, I liked the second though not so much...this one is at least neck in neck with the first.
We got to know Earl (and his furry little problem) throughout the series, but here it's Earl in the spotlight. We get the tale of his background how he got where he is and the consequences of his actions (and the actions of others). We also get more of the background and history of the world we are functioning in.
(view spoiler)[ We also get reams of paper full of bloody combat, werewolf carnage and exciting battle. (hide spoiler)]
You'll not only come away from this one knowing more about Earl, more about the world, and more about MHI...you'll also come away highly impatient for the next installment. Oh and possibly a big cleaning bill...the blood spatter is a bitc mess, yeah that's it a mess.
Yes, you're seeing that right. I'm giving this book 5 big stars. This is unabashed brain candy. This is a mental big mac with a large side of fries, aYes, you're seeing that right. I'm giving this book 5 big stars. This is unabashed brain candy. This is a mental big mac with a large side of fries, an extra large Coke and the meal includes your favorite pie smothered in ice cream. This is the sixth Bob Lee Swagger novel and it's my favorite so far.
This one goes back to the roots of the Bob Lee story, back to the Sniper story. The book has a cast of characters "who are completely fictional and if they bear any resemblance to any actual person living or dead" it's completely coincidental...really...completely coincidental...no doubt.
Anyway, as the book opens several people are killed by a sniper. The FBI has a plethora of evidence that leads them to one man. That man is "Carl Hitchcock" legendary sniper from Vietnam http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlos_H... (I had a military reference here but they changed where the link led so I replaced it with a Wiki link). The case seems open and closed, air tight, iron clad...except when Bob Lee looks into it, things don't hold up.
There is also a sort of inside joke that runs through this book that older readers (Vietnam era readers) and many country music fans will get. I found myself laughing out loud a few times. I'll say more about that under a spoiler tag later.
So, if you like a good action read I believe you'll like this one. If you're a gun enthusiast I think you'll like it (some humor here to). Anyone who's a shooter target or whatever has seen the "looks" and dealt with the attitude that "you must be just a bit off" if you..."like guns". You know...you're a, "gun nut". Right? Mr Hunter gets some humor from that. The action here picks up as Bob looks into things and then gives us one of those slam bang page turning rides that the best action books manage.
There is a bit of...sliding close to the edge of the "suspension of disbelief" precipice here. But it didn't push me over (as he, Mr. Hunter did a bit in The 47th Samurai). I can enthusiastically recommend this one. Enjoy.
Now...are you one who picked up the slightly inside joke? If your are you might enjoy what I put under the spoiler tag. If you've read the book but don't know what I'm talking about or have just an idea...here:
If you know what this is enjoy. If you don't and you've read the book you'll really get a laugh from it. Even if you're not a huge fan of country music play it through and listen to the lyrics. This song was a hit in 1960....as I said, enjoy. Oh and if you haven't read the book if you listen to the song now then you can laugh along as you read the book, especially in the final climatic scene. (hide spoiler)]...more
Mike (the Paladin)
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