The Reaver by Richard Lee Byers

This is the fourth book in the Sundering series and it was a little on the weak side in comparison to the first three.

However this time it did feel as if it was part of a whole instead of a part of a series. The previous novels have a strong flair bestowed upon them by the writers.

It also had a strong faith and religious tone to it, which the others didn’t, and an odd mixture of characters. Pirates, wizards, vampires and prophets, albeit a very small prophet. Again even the variety flowed well and I didn’t even question the fact that thieves of the high seas were in the midst of this story.

Anton starts out as the dodgy reward seeking reaver only to be struck by a case of sympathy and morals. It is all fine and dandy kidnapping for ransom, but even Anton draws the line at a child, well after a while he does.

The Sundering is fantastic way to introduce the Forgotten Realms to people who are discovering it for the first time and taking those that know it right back to where it all began.

I received a copy of this book via NetGalley.

The Threshing Circle by Neil Grimmett

Some authors can transport you straight into the location, environment and setting their story takes place in. Grimmett does that exceptionally well. You can almost feel yourself wandering the dusty roads of Crete, smelling the salty sea air and soaking in the atmosphere.

This tale starts in the past and the events of one night trickle like a ripple of water through time all the way into the present. Secrets once thought buried forever are suddenly alive and well and strutting through town.

One of the issues in the book, which is often swept under the carpet by people in these particular settings, is the way foreigners are perceived by native inhabitants of a country. No matter how long you live in a village, if you are not from there you may be accepted but will always remain a type of outsider.

In a way the story starts with one outsider, is reawakened by another and a third tries to understand the secrets buried deep within the past.

At one point I found myself disliking Kirsty, her actions and reactions. I was rooting for Barba Yiorgos all the way, despite his grumpy personality and demanding nature.Perhaps because I not only identified with the path of vengeance leading all the way back from WW2, I also agreed with the need for closure.

There is a poignant moment a few chapters before the end where the violence peaks and I have to admit I had to put the book down for a while. Why? Because of a very specific scene which is make or break for most of the characters.It is graphic in a sense that the author has created an image you are not likely to forget in a hurry. I came back to the story ready to accept the characters inevitable fate and the destruction which would come in its wake.

Eleni carries the bitter taste of betrayal on the tip of her tongue and deep in her soul. Kirsty begins to doubt the innocent nature of the young woman and wonders whether the ball was set in motion on purpose. At the height of her suspicion the invisible link becomes obvious between two people in the middle of the story. Nature and not nurture, blood and not water. As if it was always meant to be and the end was laid out and drawn in the dusty road with a bloody finger of fate many years ago.

This is a beautiful tale of betrayal, hatred, vengeance and love, and a vendetta stretching the span of a lifetime.
I received a copy of this book courtesy of the author.

Uprising (Heirs of the Demon King Book 1) by Sarah Cawkwell

It is a little long-winded at times, especially the first few chapters but beneath the top layer of British monarchs and their offspring there is a fantasy with potential.

After the initial dance of demon monarchs we get to the main character Matthew, who lives in blissful ignorance of his impending fate.

The path he is set to travel will tear him from his loved ones and make him question his very existence.

The author has combined the Inquisition, heresy and witchcraft with demonic power and ancient magic. Cawkwell has changed the royal lineage by changing the outcome of the Battle of Bosworth.

Matthew and Tagan set off on a quest to gather together a merry band of magical beings. Each one more eccentric and unusual than the next.

All of them are trying to escape the clutches of the vicious Inquisitor Weaver, who just happens to have a direct line to the evil force threatening to consume all that is magical in Britain.

This story takes up the pace mid-book and has a strong ending that suggests a sequel. The build-up and historical explanation at the beginning were sluggish to the point of being detrimental to the story.

It would have been better to serve all that potential straight up at the beginning with the  hors d’oeuvres instead of waiting till the main course to get to the point.
I received a copy of this book via Netgalley.

Destiny: The Girl in the Box #9 by Robert J. Crane

Once again Crane has managed to create a fantastic read. Gripping and surprising until the very last moment.

Characters are dropping like flies as we come to the end of the series. Just one more book to go. The author shows no mercy when it comes to the necessity of culling. Chop, chop, chop many heads on the block.

The relationship between Sienna and her mother has changed, the imbalance has shifted in Sienna’s favour. The daughter becomes the mother and the mother becomes the person asking for guidance.

There is a scene between them towards the end that has been a long time in coming. Sierra finally comprehends her role in her daughters development and the fact she hasn’t been able to change the past, present or the future. What will be, will be.

As for Scott, well I think Sienna needs to slap him round the fish with a wet kipper. I mean come on, now all of a sudden golden boy gets balls of jelly. Not sure he is acceptable bed material if he is unable to accept each aspect of Sienna. The good, the bad and murderous sides.

In the last few pages Sienna is back where we started nine books ago, except for one tiny detail. What was against her and trying to dispose of her in the beginning has just opened the door to a new collaboration.

Book 10 promises to be an epic conclusion to the story of Sienna. A battle for power over humanity and the Meta’s. The question is whether Sienna will lose her last bit of humanity in an attempt to win the battle and save everyone.
I received a copy of this book courtesy of the author.

The Feral Child by Che Golden

It is reminiscent of the Iron Fey by Kagawa. Young girl sets off on a rescue mission and has to deal with an evil Fae queen.

Although suitable for younger readers there are some creatures and scenes that may be a little too vicious. Then again these are the Fae of myth and folklore and not the dust sprinkling kind.

Maddy is the perfect vessel for future faerie assaults and possible friction between the real world and the Fae world. Her inner anger and desire to be with her parents consumes her from the inside, and it is those emotions, which make her such a vulnerable target.

Not that Maddy seems vulnerable, far from it. She has a stuff it and stuff you attitude, which isn’t going down well with her relatives. She seems to be a hard-nosed troublemaker and does her hardest to keep that particular image alive. In reality she is a scared, lonely and hurt little girl.

On one of her many disgruntled ‘I will do as I like, where I like’ walks she accidentally awakens the ire of an otherworldly being and ends up being drawn into the murky world of the Fae.

The relationship between the children changes during the journey. They start to trust each other and the first layers of friendship begin to grow between them.

This promises to be an entertaining series with spirited characters and dangerous adventures.
I received a copy of this book via Edelweiss.

The Good Girl by Mary Kubica

I think this book might just make a bit of a buzz. It is extraordinary in a sense that the pace is comfortable and it works, despite the upsetting scenario and the end is just, well I let's say I wasn't expecting it at all.

The chapters go from past to present, before and after the event and told by multiple characters. This gives the story an almost Dolby surround effect in literary visuals.

The reader wanders through the chapters from the mother to the victim, from the police and then to the perpetrator. Images, events, emotions and realizations

It sucks you in, grinds you slowly through the emotional cogs and spits you out quite unsettled at the very end.

It will be excruciatingly hard not to let any spoilers creep in and yet I do like to get down to the nitty-gritty when thinking back on a read, but other readers deserve to experience that specific element of surprise Kubica has incorporated into the story.

It is the equivalent to being smacked over the head with a cricket bat, after riding a roller coaster.

Is the bad guy a good guy? The lines often become blurred in kidnapping cases, and victims held for a long period of time can suffer from Stockholm Syndrome. They can become attached to their only lifeline in a way that is incomprehensible to outsiders.

One of the other key points in the book is the opinions of the parents, the mother’s instinct about her child and the father’s indifference towards her. Is it indifference or just a recognition and acknowledgement of character, based on past events? Are all her mistakes bound to be set in stone and determine how he perceives his daughter?

A bad penny with a penchant for bad decisions and destined to disappoint? Perhaps that is why one parent doesn't seem to care as much as they should, whilst the other wilts away with worry. Does her father think her past is indicative of her true nature? How very sad to be judged on the difficult teenage years with no possibility of redemption.

The author takes her time drawing a complex relationship between the victim and the kidnapper, at the same time the reader gets a close uncomfortable look behind the doors of her family life.

This was an invigorating read and one I highly recommend.

I received a copy of this book courtesy of Harper Collins Uk..

Buy The Good Girl at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer.

Read Pretty Baby and Don't You Cry by Mary Kubica.

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Shiver of Light by Laurell K. Hamilton

At long last the Merry Gentry book with the big baby reveal is here. I will try to avoid any major spoilers, which will be terribly difficult. What I will say is they are

There is a strong layer of maternal emotion throughout the story. Yes, I know Merry has given birth, ergo it is only natural for that aspect to be part of the story.

I am talking about the way Hamilton has managed to instill that particular emotion with a strength and abandonment I found quite impressive. Exactly the right amount to extract a coo, a sigh and perhaps even an imaginary whiff of baby.

Regardless whether it was by intention or due to the medical necessity of the storyline, I was relieved by the lack of or minimum use of sexual activity.

Hamilton's books are often drenched or rather soaked with so much sexual interaction that it bogs down the story, and is often to the detriment of said story.

Hamilton is a talented scribe with the ability to weave the fantastical with a taste of modern to captivate her audience. Unfortunately that talent is often kicked to the side by the stronger tendency to have her characters romp, ravish and fornicate.

Luckily this time it wasn't the case, well at least not as much as usual.

Merry transfers or awakens powers with skin to skin touch, sexual intimacy and sex in general. She also makes those she interacts with on those levels much stronger. That per se, aside from how often, isn't a problem. What I found questionable is Merry doing it with individuals she doesn't like, doesn't trust and only doing it to awaken their power. Indeed there seems to a waiting list to 'visit' with Merry for a special awakening.

Although this part of the popular series is filled with joy there is also a shock and heartbreak in store for Merry and her small bus load of men.

I think Hamilton could use this deep breath and break she has taken from Gentry to take the series in an entirely new direction. The children offer the opportunity of a fresh start. There could be a spin-off featuring the Gentry offspring, whether as a YA or a new urban fantasy series.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley.