Assassin's Creed: Heresy by Christie Golden

Posted First to Blog Critics as Book Review: 'Assassin's Creed: Heresy', A Historical Fiction by Christie Golden.

The history of Joan of Arc has been of interest to those who pursue knowledge in the order of Templar’s as well as the actuality of a woman noted by others to be chosen as God’s warrior. In Assassin’s Creed: Heresy by Christie Golden we are taken into the past in the most interesting of ways. A machine known as the Animus has been developed and tested to help pursue historical facts. Somewhat in the technology of virtual reality, the Animus is able to simulate the past and involve its user as one of the past figures of that history as it unrolls.

Members of the Templars, as well as the Assassins, are both interested in the outcome, but Simon Hathaway, being a member of the Templar Inner Sanctum, he is also the new Head of The Historical Research Division. He is ready to use the Animus and enter the body of his own relative, Gabriel Laxart, who fought with Joan of Arc.

Little does he know just how twisted and deep the intents and interests of both the Templars and the Assassins are in the life and death of this strange and dutiful woman. He finds himself just as fascinated with Joan the woman as he is Joan the warrior as he takes on the persona of Gabriel.

What Simon does not realize is just how deep the feelings go, and how strongly he finds himself looking at the truth. There is such a small space between truth and lies, can he reconcile his own beliefs about the who is really the heretic and who is truly the believer? And can he maintain his life as part of the inner sanctum when others may not want the truth to come out? Has his research put his own life in danger as well as that of the young woman helping him in his search for truth?

Golden gives us characters from history, and she uses both fact and fiction to bring us an in-depth and dangerous look into a world that shapes consequences in the future for those whose lineage is just is mired in heresy and truth as those from the past. In a form of history repeating itself, she adds just a touch of both glory and hatred, that makes its way though in a way that connects you, holding you spellbound.


If you enjoy mystery, historical facts and figures, technology, romance, and danger, you will find this work has it all. Mesmerizing and bold, Christie Golden leaves her mark in a twisted and dark tale of courage and truth.

Rating 5/5

Sea Spell: Book Four of the WaterFire Saga by Jennifer Donnelly.

Posted First to Blog Critics as Book review: 'Sea Spell: Book Four of the Waterfire Saga," A Young Adult Novel by Jennifer Donnelly.

In Sea Spell: Book Four of the WaterFire Saga by Jennifer Donnelly we are taken back into the world begun in Deep Blue, the beginning, and while Sea Spell is the fourth installment  and a carryover, it is well written and makes sense enough to stand on its own.

Our villain Orfeo has waited for thousands of years and has finally found his descendant, Astrid. A strong and proud mermaid, she will join him in his stronghold but will he be able to persuade her to turn against all she knows and accept her birthright? He only knows that he will do what it takes to bring her into his own way of living or she will suffer the consequences.

While Astrid is struggling for her life and sanity and all she holds dear, Ava, is tracking a talisman in the swamps of the Mississippi. Being blind my be the only thing that keeps her safe in a world where the vision of the spirits that live there are death to mermaids and others that chance upon their domain. They both search for the charms that will help them to win the war.

The rest of their group are in Kargjord, with the other resistance fighters and their helpers, the goblins.

They are  preparing for war, and while Serafina is in the lead, she worries if she will ever see the one she loves again. He has put himself at risk to aid her quest. He is her eyes and ears from the inside of their enemy. With his help can they take on Volneros and save the fate of all that is at stake?  When she learns of a spy and assassin in her group, someone that will betray them at the last moment, she understands she must find the traitor at all costs. She must hold the line while her missing friends look for the talismans necessary to help them win before their world and that of all they hold dear is turned upside down and gone forever. Can she keep continue to trust those closest to her, or is one of them the assassin set to take her down?

Donnelly has built a world that is fascinating and feels almost fairy tale like, but with danger and darkness just a bit bolder than remembered in many of those stories of old. The journeys taken and the dangers visited are strong and make you feel the darkness and dread beneath.  Her characters are strong and exciting, and their friendships are solid and are the glue that binds them. Without this strength of relationship it would be difficult to move forward and the trust engendered is the most important piece of the plan. Yet what happens when trust begins to erode?

If you enjoy epic battles, danger, romance and just plain great characters you will love this work. While this work is the last of the series, you will still find it fascinating, and may want to find the first three of The WaterFire Saga. Solid entertainment for your young reader and for the adult who is young at heart, this would be a great book for both. Donnelly takes us to a fascinating world, full of characters and creatures that are very interesting and keep you reading late into the night.

Rating 5/5

Flamecaster, A Shattered Realms Novel by Cinda Williams Chima

Posted first to Blog Critics as Book Review; ' Flamecaster,' a Shattered Realms Novel by Cinda Williams Chima.

In Flamecaster, A Shattered Realms Novel by Cinda Williams Chima,she introduces us to a young and powerful healer with a gift of magic named Ash. Son of the queen, he is forced into hiding after a series of murders. He is ready for revenge and is close to the man he searches for, the King of Arden.  He is not sure if he can use his healing powers for vengeance.

While he is planning his move, Jenna Bandelow, a spy, is also planning to strike against the king. She carries a mysterious mage-mark on the back of her neck that will make her a target. She believes that it is only a tale until she becomes hunted by the King’s guard. Unwilling to become a pawn she decides to put an end to the King in her own way.

Ash and Jenna come together in a strange twist as dark magic begins to makes its own mark in the world. With both having more to hide then imagined, can they survive the threats leveled against them? Will their differences hinder them or will it bring them together in ways that will help them grow?

Chima has given us a fierce pair of young people who have grown up way to soon. Their magic’s make them targets, and they both hunt the same man. She takes us into a world of beauty and chaos and litters it with both magic and powers. She delivers on the protagonists as well as the victims in ways that keep you enthralled.

If you have a youngster who loves to read this is a great work of fantasy. For the young at heart you will find your own magic all over again between the pages. The plots and ploys will keep you spellbound and you will find this work hard to dismiss once you have finished. This is a great work for your library, one you can read over and again.

Rating 5/5

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny by Justin Hill

Posted first to Blog Critics as Book Review: 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny' by Justin Hill.

Martial arts and Sword play are at the root of the Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon series. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon:Sword of Destiny by Justin Hill follows on the artistry of Wang Dulu, the creator of the above series. When Duke Te, master of the Iron Way dies, the Green Destiny sword is no long safe in the world. Having been protected by the Duke, at least in rumor, the legend draws those who feel the pull of such beauty.

However, in the wrong hands, such a sword of power can create peril in the martial-arts world.

Yu Shu Lien, the legendary female warrior has been in hiding, in solitude as long as the sword was safe. The sword was in part responsible for her pain and the loss of her own love, Li Mu Bai. She knows she must now travel to Beijing to protect the sword, but there are others whose motives aren’t so pure gathering to strike as well.

From the past comes Yu Jiaolong on the trail of the elusive sword, craving it for her fierce daughter Snow Vase. The Green Destiny pulls together a strong and exceptional group of characters into a battle of bravery, with an anxious but necessary conclusion.

Justin Hill is a great story teller, and brings a strong group of characters together, weaving a fantastic tale of greed and revenge. A take from the above series of Wang Dulu, you find both beauty and symmetry in the sword play, but make no mistake, the danger is constant, and the strength of the characters holds you enthralled.

If you are a fan of the Iron series, you will find this to be an exciting edition, one that gives closure and yet opens your senses to the beauty of a profession that seems more magical then real. Yet that is the beauty of martial arts and sword play. Timing and movement, patience and agility create the beauty of dance, but the danger is powerful, luring you in to the incredible power of both.

This would be a wonderful gift for your avid reader, it would be of interest to those who enjoy action, adventure, mystery, magic, and even epic battles. It has something for most everyone. Hill has given us another great work, one you can enjoy many times over.

Rating 5/5

Contract: Snatch by Ty Hutchinson

Posted first to Blog Critics as Book Review: Contract: Snatch' A Sei Assassin Thriller by Ty Hutchinson.

Ty Hutchinson brings us a bold new character in his recent release, Contract: Snatch, a Sei Assassin Thriller.  Sei had been part of an assassin organization sent on jobs to alleviate problems that could not be solved in other ways. Living as a recluse she keeps few friends and is always on point for she knows the life she had chosen and now put aside puts her in the cross hairs of others. After a birth gone wrong, Sei has hung up her tools and moved on, yet knows that none of her competition will believe her.

Having lost her daughter during childbirth she has moved on, yet always on the lookout for an assassins life is not their own. A phone call turns her life around in a complicated way. Requested for another assassin job she turns it down, but the caller knows about the secret of her lost child. However, this contact also has a story. Having been informed of her daughter’s death shortly after the birth, she is now hearing that the real occurrence was a kidnapping, and that she truly has a daughter being raised by others. The caller offers her information on the kidnapping but only in return for the job he is asking.

With an anger fueled by duplicity and rage, Sei becomes once again a main player in the high stakes game of assignation but at the same time conducts her own investigations. What she finds gives her hope, but also creates pain and hurt. Unaware of why all as occurred as it has, she realizes she is on her own. Who does she trust to help her move forward?

Now, even her closest friends become suspect and she must keep herself out of danger for living as an assassin is extremely dangerous and her own life is now someone’s contract.  Can she stay one step ahead and find the real answers to her past? Can she find her daughter before all trails disappear?

Hutchinson has given us an amazingly strong character in Sei, but the flaws within her character softens the edges of what could be chilling and remote. Her nurturing character is hidden deep within yet it comes to light in several areas keeping you a fan.

The others involved are an interesting array of dark and light, with just enough depth and at times friendships to keep you confused as to who the real bad guys are. Red herrings are littered throughout keeping you guessing as to the events.

IF you enjoy mystery, action and fiery contenders you will enjoy this work. Sword play, hand to hand combat and danger are just a few of the features. The characters stay with you as you continue to mull over the stories long after the reading is complete. Hutchinson brings us an exciting new character to watch for.

Rating 5/5