Review: Immortal Reign by Morgan Rhodes

Immortal Reign

Author: Morgan Rhodes
Publisher: Razorbill
Series: Falling Kingdoms #6
Pages: Hardcover, 391 pages
Genre: Fantasy
Release Date: February 6th 2018

Summary:

As two lethal elemental gods set out to destroy Mytica, sworn enemies must become allies in the final fight to save the kingdoms.

Jonas continues to willfully defy his destiny, but the consequences of plotting his own course are drastic. As the fight for Mytica rages on, he must decide just how much more he's willing to sacrifice.

Lucia knows there's something special about her daughter and she'll do anything to protect her, even if that means facing Kyan alone.

Amara is called back home to Kraeshia. Grandma Cortas has her own plans for Mytica's future. She promises Amara power, revenge, and dominance if she agrees to be part of her scheme.

Magnus and Cleo's love will be put to the ultimate test. Dark magic is causing widespread destruction throughout the kingdom. Enemies across the sea are advancing. And unrest is stirring throughout the land. Is their love strong enough to withstand the outside forces tearing them apart?

Review:

Meh. I guess it had more of a dramatic flare than real substance to it? I mean, it's the end of the world and the elementals will be free and would end the human race in Mytica and yada yada yada but there wasn't a single moment when I felt like a character was in peril ya'know? I was anxious for the Magnus and Cleo reunion at first but as soon as that was out of the way there just wasn't anything that made me even want to grab the edge of my seat. It wasn't predictable or slow, it just wasn't intense enough for a finale. The multiple POVs weren't a problem for me (even though they were cumbersome) which is a shocker cause I'm not usually a fan (and there were soo many *rolls eyes*) but I think Rhodes handled it well enough.

I suppose what I'm trying to say is that it's not a bad book but it's definitely not a great finale. I expect the last book in a series to be the best and this one tried to stand out, had the plot set right, the whole "world's ending" storyline in place..but..it just doesn't manage to deliver what it promised.

Disappointed 2.5 stars.



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Review: Carve the Mark by Veronica Roth

Crave the Mark

Author: Veronica Roth
Publisher: HarperCollins
Series: (Carve the Mark #1)
Pages: Paperback, 468 pages
Genre: Fantasy
Release Date: January 18th 2017

Summary:

In a galaxy powered by the current, everyone has a gift.

Cyra is the sister of the brutal tyrant who rules the Shotet people. Cyra’s currentgift gives her pain and power — something her brother exploits, using her to torture his enemies. But Cyra is much more than just a blade in her brother’s hand: she is resilient, quick on her feet, and smarter than he knows.

Akos is the son of a farmer and an oracle from the frozen nation-planet of Thuvhe. Protected by his unusual currentgift, Akos is generous in spirit, and his loyalty to his family is limitless. Once Akos and his brother are captured by enemy Shotet soldiers, Akos is desperate to get this brother out alive — no matter what the cost.
The Akos is thrust into Cyra's world, and the enmity between their countries and families seems insurmountable. Will they help each other to survive, or will they destroy one another?

Carve the Mark is Veronica Roth's stunning portrayal of the power of friendship — and love — in a galaxy filled with unexpected gifts.

Review:

When I was initially excited about reading this book, it was because I had confused Veronica Roth with Victoria Schwab in my head. Stupid, I know. But by the time that I actually came around to reading this, I didn't really care about who the author was. I didn't even read the blurb to refresh my memory and just went straight in. I think the element of surprise really worked well for me this time.

This book has a nice mixture of fantasy and sci-fi elements that kinda blend well together in some places but lack the finesse I'm used to in my fantasy and sci-fi novels at others. I'll start with the things that I like and then talk more about some things that could have been handled better.

So. Things I liked:

• The characters

It's no surprise that I'm a sucker for good characterization. It's one of those factors that can make or break a book for me. Fortunately, Carve the Mark, got that right. I liked how every character was portrayed in this novel and I liked all their quirky characteristics that made them who they were. Cyra steals the show for me though. She hates herself for a lot of things and considers herself a monster but the way she handles herself and tries to be a better person even when doing the wrong thing would be somewhat easier for her, just makes her character such an intriguing one. As a reader, I understood her choices, I sympathized with her situation but I also remarked at her strength, willpower and sensibility throughout the book. She might have made some stupid decisions and she might not have a diplomatic bone in her body but she feels real. Her emotions are sometimes too much and she tries to deal with them on her own cause that's all she's know but you see her inhibitions fall away slowly and see her unfurl into this beautiful, strong woman by the end of the book. It's great! She's just a really good character, okay? As for Akos, he is a likable enough guy but he's mostly in the background for me. He is dedicated, humble, sensitive, brilliant with his potions and kind of a prejudiced fellow but overall, a good fit for Cyra. I would have loved to get more insight on Vas' character and I'm sure there will be more on Isae in the future books but I really appreciated every character's presence in the book. Although, Ryzek could be made a better villain..but that's not a complaint. I'm hoping to see more depth to his character in the sequels.

• The romance

It's always such a breath of fresh air when there isn't instant attraction or feelings of lust (confused with lurvvv) in YA these days. Cyra and Akos were perfect together! I loved the budding romance. If the MC wasn't Cyra, I would have thought that the girl needed to calm down and not give away her life for the first guy she could literally touch, but it was her and the reasons she decided to do the things she did for Akos just made her so much more special for me. It took a while for Akos to really appreciate how amazing Cyra was, but he got around to it. I was pretty happy with the slow pacing of their romance and their eventual confession of feelings. Akos understood when Cyra needed space and Cyra knew just the right to do or not say when Akos needed his space. It was a lovely dynamic to read about and I loved it.



So. Things I didn't like/think could have been done better:

• The world building 

Even though I understand that the story is set up in another solar system, where intergalactic? interplanetary? travel is possible, where the politics encompasses all the planets that an Assembly approves? adds? to the list of "valid" nations/planets, I can't quite picture the constitution of it all? I mean, I get that the Shotet are pissed at the Assembly for not considering them as "nationals" so to speak. But why? Because their people don't get the "government" benefits? Because they don't get recognition and get treated as pirates? I'm speculating because at this point, even after recently finishing the book, I don't get it. Maybe I'm just daft or maybe Ms. Roth needs to work a little better on her world building.

I do like the idea of the current that flows through their world and its symbolic, physical and spiritual impact on different people. It's an interesting concept but the notion of it is still pretty vague to me. What I understand is that it affects everyone in a certain way but the engrossing why or how questions are never touched upon. If this was supposed to be a romance novel, it wouldn't have mattered. But it's not and the world building is a crucial step. There is always a balance an author needs to find but I think Ms. Roth skipped it all together.

• The beginning 

I'm all for changing POVs and alternating timelines if they are executed seamlessly and are necessary to the plot machinations but somehow the introductory choppy, rushed events of Akos and Cyra's childhood didn't really feel seamless or well executed to me. I feel like the extra page time that was devoted separately for their childhood could have been covered as flashback scenes and would have made the story feel more present.

• The pacing 

This is starting to look like a theme and I feel like I'm complaining a lot but believe you me, I did enjoy the story! The pacing though..

The book is slow. Most of it is. I didn't mind reading about Cyra and Akos so it didn't botch the story for me but if someone can't get into the characters, I'm sorry but this book might be a drag for you. Pacing and plot-wise, the book does need refinement.

However, that being said, I still enjoyed reading the book quite a lot. I would definitely come back for more. Mostly because all the flaws I mentioned didn't bother me too much. It's the characters, I tell ya.

Anyway, a solid 3.5 stars from me!

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Review: Flamecaster by Cinda Williams Chima

Flamecaster

Author: Cinda Williams Chima
Publisher: HarperCollins
Series: Shattered Realms #1
Pages: Hardcover, 535 pages
Genre: Fantasy
Release Date: April 5th 2016

Summary:

A burning vengeance.

Adrian sul’Han, known as Ash, is a trained healer with a powerful gift of magic—and a thirst for revenge. The son of the queen of the Fells, Ash is forced into hiding after a series of murders throws the queendom into chaos. Now Ash is closer than he’s ever been to killing the man responsible, the cruel king of Arden. As a healer, can Ash use his powers not to save a life but to take it?

A blood-based curse.

Abandoned at birth, Jenna Bandelow was told the mysterious magemark on the back of her neck would make her a target. But when the King’s Guard launches a relentless search for a girl with a mark like hers, Jenna assumes that it has more to do with her role as a saboteur than any birth-based curse. Though Jenna doesn’t know why she’s being hunted, she knows that she can’t get caught.

Destiny’s fiery hand.

Eventually, Ash’s and Jenna’s paths will collide in Arden. Thrown together by chance and joined by their hatred of the king, they will come to rescue each other in ways they cannot yet imagine.

Set in the world of the acclaimed Seven Realms series a generation later, this is a thrilling story of dark magic, chilling threats, and two unforgettable characters walking a knife-sharp line between life and death.

Review:

Hmm... I don't know how to put into words (or rating) my thoughts about this book. I was kinda sad with how the book started but I guess it was important to get the plot moving? That being said, it didn't take me long to get invested into the story but at the same time, the crux of the story wasn't that appealing to me. I mean, I remember that the King of Arden was an ass but for him to hold a grudge for that long? And then the ending? I don't know man..it could have been spun out a lot better IMO.

As for the characters, I think they were alright. Not great enough to leave a remarkable impression but interesting enough to stand out. Speaking of, what's up with Jenna and her secret powers? I really really wanna know but after reading the blurb of the sequel, I'm kinda bummed that the next book isn't going to focus on Ash and Jenna and also confused about how the author plans to progress with all these secrets.

Anyhoo, I liked the book but it did fall short on leaving a lasting impression. It wasn't bad but it wasn't memorable either. Meh 3 stars.


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Review by Navs

Review: White Sand, Volume 1 by Brandon Sanderson

White Sand, Volume 1

Author: Brandon Sanderson
Illustrations: Rik Hoskin & Julius M Gopez
Publisher: Dynamic Forces
Series: White Sand #1
Pages: Hardcover, Graphic Novel, 160 pages
Genre: Graphic Novel, Fantasy
Release Date: June 21st 2016

Summary:

A brand new saga of magic and adventure by #1 New York Times best-selling author Brandon Sanderson. On the planet of Taldain, the legendary Sand Masters harness arcane powers to manipulate sand in spectacular ways. But when they are slaughtered in a sinister conspiracy, the weakest of their number, Kenton, believes himself to be the only survivor. With enemies closing in on all sides, Kenton forges an unlikely partnership with Khriss -- a mysterious Darksider who hides secrets of her own. White Sand brings to life a crucial, unpublished part of Brandon Sanderson's sprawling Cosmere universe. The story has been adapted by Rik Hoskin (Mercy Thompson), with art by Julius Gopez and colors by Ross Campbell. Employing powerful imagery and Sanderson's celebrated approach to magical systems, White Sand is a spectacular new saga for lovers of fantasy and adventure.

Review:

Brandon Sanderson is definitely one of the fantasy world gurus. He can make you imagine things, make you think about the what ifs and whatnots. It's always a delight to see what he comes up with next and you wonder, what would it be like to spend a day inside the man's head. You can imagine my delight when I found out there was going to be a graphic novel released for one of his old, unpublished story in the cosmere. After all, it's like a window to his brain and the kind of creatures and world he builds in there.

White Sand is set in a world where the planet doesn't rotate, thereby, dividing it into two halves. The Dark side and the light side. As the name suggests, the dark side is where the sun never shines and the light side, where it does. What's interesting though is the fact that the people in the dark side are dark skinned and more technology savvy, whereas people in the light side are lighter skinned and more into "magik".

The "magik" in the light side of the world comes from sand. There are a group of people who can master the sand, meaning they can control the sand and even turn it to water. It's quite fascinating and seeing it all in a graphic novel makes it even more alluring.

Not being a big graphic novel nerd, I would agree that I found the change in scenes and locations a bit choppy. I won't say I'm used to it even now. But overall, the characters are interesting as always, the plot, engrossing and the story, a definite read. I do miss the narration and the writing style that's classic Sanderson but I guess you can't have the best of both worlds, eh?



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Review: Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

Scorpio Races

Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Pages: Hardcover, 409 pages
Genre: Fantasy
Release Date: October 18th 2011

Summary:

It happens at the start of every November: the Scorpio Races. Riders attempt to keep hold of their water horses long enough to make it to the finish line. Some riders live. Others die.

At age nineteen, Sean Kendrick is the returning champion. He is a young man of few words, and if he has any fears, he keeps them buried deep, where no one else can see them.

Puck Connolly is different. She never meant to ride in the Scorpio Races. But fate hasn’t given her much of a chance. So she enters the competition — the first girl ever to do so. She is in no way prepared for what is going to happen

Review:

This is one of the stories that made me wonder what was the point of it all? Although the blurb makes the premise sound promising, it just didn't work out for me. At all.

The story revolves around a special species of horses called capall uisce who are violent sea creatures that feed on anything from a cat to a human and the Scorpio race that they are made to run in every November in a town called Thisby. I'm afraid to say that I don't know what's the timeline for this story, cause travel from America to England/London(?) is possible through ship (maybe?) and cars are around but no phones. It's all really vague and as I mentioned earlier, quite pointless. Anyway, I'm just going to start with all the problems I had with the story.

To start off, I had a huge problem with the premise. I feel like the author had a novel idea but no sense of direction when it came to executing it. I don't understand the concept of the race. Why would you wanna tame beasts and then race them when you're terrified for your life and for everyone else's in the village? From what I understand, those horses were like tigers or say, bears. Do we see anyone being stupid enough to ride a bear and then on top of that race it against other bears that could attack you anytime? Besides, why were those capall uisce only on Thisby? Why weren't they found anywhere else? I wasn't at all satisfied by the flimsy answer that Sean gave Holly.

If I try to move past the big gaping hole in the plot, I don't see any other redeeming qualities in the book either. The book is terribly slow paced and you only see characters trudging from one scene to another being sorry about the problems they have to face in their lives; and problems that we were introduced to at the very beginning of the book. I was hoping to get some background on how the races came into being, how the tradition started, why it was important to carry it on or you know, some action in between before the final race. Alas, I was left disappointed and sorely weary by the time I reached the end of the book.

If you're wondering about the characters and their impact on the story, I'm sorry to say that they were nothing but a complete letdown. Only if they could have made me care about the story line, the book would have a rounded 3 stars rating. *sigh*

I'll start with Puck. She is one of the three orphan Connolly's whose parents died in a boat accident at the sea cause of those horses, I believe. Her remaining family is in tatters and short on money as one would expect. She's making days go by until one day she finds out that her elder brother, the sole caretaker of her and her younger brother Finn, is deciding to leave the town to go the mainland without them. I know it's mighty selfish of Gabe, her older brother, but I can see why he would choose to do that and don't really blame him for his choice. But this doesn't sit well with Puck for the obvious reasons, and on a whim, she decides to participate in the Scorpio races hoping it would make her brother stay. It has the effect, albeit temporary, but it opens up another bag of problems for her. She has to bear the entire town's scorn for being the first woman to participate in the races and on top of that, she has the fear of racing against the giant, powerful and awfully fast horses on her regular, not as powerful, and definitely slower mare, Dove. I don't mind her much as a character and I think she did a good job after all, but that's it. I don't feel too strongly for or against her and that's the main problem.

Same goes for Sean's character. He's been an orphan since his father died in one of the Scorpio races when he was 10. He got his father's job and has been caring for horses for 9 years now. He has a special relationship with his father's horse, Corr. Even though he doesn't trust the beast, he loves him and considers him family. All he wants in life is to be able to be with Corr and have his freedom. The thing is, Sean is just too drab for me. He is too flat a character to be likable IMO.

When it comes to the relationship that Puck and Sean share, I really couldn't care less. I can see why they would bond and I am okay with the direction the author took their relationship to, but I truly don't care.

To sum it all up, I would say that there wasn't anything in this book that could keep me entertained or bothered at all. Thus the 2.5 rating.

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Review: Perfect State by Brandon Sanderson

Perfect State

Author: Brandon Sanderson
Publisher: Dragonsteel Entertainment
Pages: Kindle Edition, 71 pages
Genre: Fantasy
Release Date: March 31st 2015

Summary:

From the author of Legion and the #1 New York Times bestselling Stormlight Archive comes an action-filled novella about privilege, culture clash, and expectations.

God-Emperor Kairominas is lord of all he surveys. He has defeated all foes, has united the entire world beneath his rule, and has mastered the arcane arts. He spends his time sparring with his nemesis, who keeps trying to invade Kai's world.

Except for today. Today, Kai has to go on a date.

Forces have conspired to require him to meet with his equal—a woman from another world who has achieved just as much as he has. What happens when the most important man in the world is forced to have dinner with the most important woman in the world?

Review:

Mr. Sanderson is a brilliant writer without a doubt. I would read anything this man writes. In fact, I would even read ideas or little scratched torn pages in his scribbled handwriting if I could get my hands on those. That said, this novella wasn't the most original piece of work I've read from him.

This story introduces us to a Matrix-esque world where everyone is nothing but code living ordinary lives. The twist being the Liveborns. Liveborns are humans whose brain have been cut out and put into a simulation world for them to ruleIt's an interesting twist but somehow not quite the novel ideas I'm used to reading from Mr. Sanderson.

Nonetheless, he does a fantastic job of keeping me enthralled till the end. The way he ends the novella though is a winner. I hadn't seen that plot twist and it was hella awesome. Mad props to him for that.

I would definitely recommend everyone to try this out. Since, you know, it is Brandon Sanderson after all

Rating: 

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Review: Invaded by Melissa Landers

Invaded

Author: Melissa Landers
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Series: Alienated #2
Pages: Hardcover, 356 pages
Genre: Sci-Fi
Release Date: February 3rd 2015

Summary:

The romantic sequel to Alienated takes long-distance relationships to a new level as Cara and Aelyx long for each other from opposite ends of the universe...until a threat to both their worlds reunites them.

Cara always knew life on planet L’eihr would be an adjustment. With Aelyx, her L’eihr boyfriend, back on Earth, working to mend the broken alliance between their two planets, Cara is left to fend for herself at a new school, surrounded by hostile alien clones. Even the weird dorm pet hates her.

Things look up when Cara is appointed as human representative to a panel preparing for a human colony on L’eihr. A society melding their two cultures is a place where Cara and Aelyx could one day make a life together. But with L’eihr leaders balking at granting even the most basic freedoms, Cara begins to wonder if she could ever be happy on this planet, even with Aelyx by her side.

Meanwhile, on Earth, Aelyx, finds himself thrown into a full-scale PR campaign to improve human-L’eihr relations. Humans don’t know that their very survival depends on this alliance: only Aelyx’s people have the technology to fix the deadly contamination in the global water supply that human governments are hiding. Yet despite their upper hand, the leaders of his world suddenly seem desperate to get humans on their side, and hardly bat an eye at extremists’ multiple attempts on Aelyx’s life.

The Way clearly needs humans’ help . . . but with what? And what will they ask for in return?

Review:


When it comes to books on intergalactic travels and alien life forms, you would always find them marked on my TBR shelf. However when I’m done with them, you would usually find me feeling meh. More often than not, you would also find me poking holes in the storyline or you know, just complaining about things I generally disliked. Unfortunately, Invaded falls into the same category of books I get excited about for nothing.

The first book Alienated was a decent read. I was curious to see which direction the author would take the second book to. I was sort of prepared for the angst (considering the fact that the two MC’s were now in different galaxies and what not) but I wasn’t ready to have it dished out as the only meal with sad, regurgitated tropes you would expect in a story like this as sides.

To recap a little, Alienated ends with Aelyx’s best friend dead and a huge riot on Earth thirsting for L’eihr blood. Amidst the running around in the final pages of the book, Cara and Aelyx decide to bid farewell to planet Earth and fly off to L’eihr for a happily ever after. Cue: Plot twist. The Way intercepts their hasty escape plan and makes a decision that complicates things further for the love birds. Aelyx is forced to mend relations with fellow Earthians by staying on the planet a little longer, while Cara is shipped off to L’eihr as a human representative.

As for the second book, Invaded starts off by showing Cara adjusting to her new life in L’eihr. It comes as no surprise that no one likes her or wants her there. There isn't much happening on her end other than the clichéd typical mean girl making life difficult for new girl trope. For about half the book, we only see Cara struggling with her gym class or being ostracized by her classmates. Meanwhile, Aelyx faces multiple assassination attempts on Earth because he is still the disliked, stiff alien who wooed a human girl. The ambassador from L'eihr threatens on pulling the plug from the alliance. Tensions rise, and so another alien falling for a human sub story is seamed in, cause, duh, one love story isn’t enough. (view spoiler)

I know I might be coming off too strong and maybe some of my dislike is unwarranted. For instance, one could argue that settling in in a new culture is difficult and this is a new planet we’re talking about. So I should give the same old refashioned story line a break. Be that as it may, but I strongly believe that instead of writing about Cara throwing up every day in her gym class, the author could have spent more time on highlighting the history of the planet through classes instead of just throwing it at our faces as facts Cara knew from reading or.. speculating or.. I don’t even know what exactly.

There are many other such tidbits introduced in this book that I didn’t enjoy. To name a few:
- I didn’t like how David’s character was used as a pawn and a means to an end in the story.

- I disliked how Cara became so judgmental after returning from L’eihr.

- I disliked how she changed her mind back so quickly. You know what I’m talking about if you have read the book.

To be honest, I have been bothered about her impulsive decision of leaving her home planet for a guy she barely knew for months from book 1. To a different galaxy no less! I was a little satisfied reading about her change of heart and was really happy when she had the only real fight with Aelyx. It was long overdue anyway. I wouldn't have had a problem if the author decided to drag that longer. Alas, it wasn’t meant to be.

- I disliked how Jaxen’s villainous traits were exaggerated. Don’t get me wrong, he was a megalomaniac. But so much absurdity was thrown in the last few pages that it left me with an impression of him being nothing but an indignant little wimp.

Speaking of endings, I’m still having a hard time wrapping my head around all that happened. I don’t understand why the author thought it was a good idea to a) rush the ending, and b) make it so overly dramatic for nothing. The last few pages felt like the book was suddenly put on fast forward when it was crawling sluggishly all throughout. Actually, those 2-3 pages entirely ruined the book for me.

Anyway, I guess it’s time to mention a few good things, eh? Well, I think it’s a good thing that there is finally an alliance between L’eihr and Earth after all this drama. Additionally, we know a little more about L’eihr’s past and other advanced life forms that may or may not be the good guys. I think it would make for an intriguing plot line in the next book. Most importantly though, I still haven’t lost hope in the series, and that’s a positive sign. I will be interested to see where the author takes the series now.

Overall, it wasn’t a bad read but it wasn’t as fun as I had hoped it to be. 2 stars.


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