The Half-Drowned King by Linnea Hartsuyker

Posted first to Blog Critics as Book Review: The Half-Drowned King,' An Epic Novel by Linnea Hartsuyker.

War and salvage have long been in the world. The days of these tales live on in songs and novels as well as history. In The Half-Drowned King by Linnea Hartsuyker, we are taken into the past as it pertains to the areas of Norway and its surroundings.

We are taken on an epic tale of danger, growth, romance and tragedy as we travel into a past full of Vikings and warriors, as they determine who will oversee the land and how it will affect them all. We follow Ragnvald, the son of a murdered king, and his sister Svanhild as they strike out each on their own to find their way, with each wanting nothing more than their birthright. While Ragnvald seeks fame and glory as well as revenge, Svanhild would like nothing more than to be loved.

Ragnvald has seen a vision of a Golden Wolf, and is determined to make that vison come to pass. He is still both hurt and angered by an incident where his own murder was sought by his stepfather as well as that of a neighboring King. That King’s son, Solvi, was tasked with the murder, and while he tried, he failed. Ragnvald cannot forget. Unbeknownst initially of this betrayal, his sister Svanhild meets and falls in love with Solvi.

When Ragnvald is away, preparing an army for war, Svanhild is taken and wed to Solvi. This is something the Ragnvald cannot allow, and he vows to kill Solvi, and take back his sister. How can revenge trump love, and how can there be any ending to such a task except further tragedy.

Hartsuyker takes us into a world of danger, secrecy, revenge, and glory, as well as savagery and romance. Her characters are amazingly likable with both their own faults and shortcomings as well as a solid dose of common sense. You are drawn to both sister and brother as their paths appear to merge, and you feel a hurtful tension knowing that both are in pain, and yet each has their own idea of what will set it right. In a world so set by visions of glory and revenge, who will prevail? This is a great epic tale that will play on for some time and you will be enthralled by the nuances.

If you enjoy history, epic tales of glory, romance, tales of courage, revenge and war you will find this to be a great read. Be ready to be drawn in and begin rooting for those you feel are in the right, which will be different for each reader.

You will enjoy this work of fiction that draws from bits and parts of history, tales, imagination and superstitions.

Rating 3/5

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

Warriors of the Storm by Bernard Cornwell

Posted first to Blog Critics as Book Review: 'Warriors of the Storm' by Bernard Cornwell-Book Nine of 'The Last Kingdom' Series.

The idea of peace is a concept that intrigues all, but it is mercurial and hard to deliver on. Warriors of the Storm by Bernard Cornwell, takes us into a historical fiction where peace reigns but with a very fragile presence. Edward and his daughter rule the Kingdoms of Anglo-Saxon England, but splayed around them are others who eye the richness of the lands as well as their wealthy churches. As raiding begins, Uhtred, one of the kingdom’s greatest warriors, holds the city of Chester. When local Northmen allied to the Irish, led by a fierce man named Ragnall Ivarson join forces with the Northumbrians they become a force to be reckoned with.

Uhtred has been at the forefront of many of the battles and his trusty sword Serpent-Breath has helped him in numerous skirmishes to turn the tide. Chester is an important outpost, and Brunanburh where the ships are burned is a part of it. He and his crew have routed the first group but Uhtred knows he must find the rebels and save the land for King and Queen. His own daughter is married to Ivarson’s brother who she met through one of his previous battles but can he trust the truth of their possible duplicity. Uhtred must make decisions between family and loyalty to the crown, between his ambition and his commitment to his King, but can he find the way through such a prickly path to maintain the status of his country.

Cornwell brings us a compelling tale of fierceness and bravery, creating characters that are real and down to earth, with fears and concerns that keep you entranced. His story is set in England, during the historical Anglo-Saxon period. His background and ability to stay true to form is amazing and brings to life the danger of the time. He imbues his battles with just enough danger and gruesome fighting it creates a fast paced rumble that threatens the very lives of all concerned.

If you enjoy rich absorbing novels of historical fiction that follow the treads of our own histories you will find this a great addition to your library. He brings back one of his prior heroes, Uhtred of Bebbanburg, bringing his exploits to further light. Cornwell’s characters jump off the pages and the danger keeps you tense and compelled to continue reading to the very end. Part of a series it will leave you looking for more.

This would be a great book for a reading group.

Rating 3/5

End of Days, Book Three of Penryn and the End of Days by Susan Ee

Posted first to Blog Critics as Book Review: 'End of Days', Book Three of 'Penryn & the End of Days,' A Dystopic Novel by Susan Ee.

We often hear of or read stories about the end of days. What will occur–is there truly such a possibility. The apocalypse has been the center of controversy for years, and still, will there be such an end.

In End of Days, Book Three of Penryn and the End of Days by Susan Ee, we follow one such conclusion.  Penryn and her sister Paige are right in the middle of the firestorm of change.  Having gone through much pain and turmoil they have battled many of their demons and hope that soon they can help put an end to the death and destruction of their home. Yet for Penryn all is bitter sweet. Her younger sister is now the leader of an insect culture, while Penryn and Raffe, a fallen angel, take their battle directly into the war-zone.

Raffe though needs some help to replace his own real wings, for his borrowed ones are those of a demon. Who will trust such an angel in any battle?

Beliel, a demon who has tried and failed to destroy Raffe has much to answer for, yet he is only a husk of his former self. He shouldn’t even still be alive after the wounds he sustained. But for now he still has many of the answers needed to end the war.  As Penryn rides safely in Raffe’s arms, she is devastated by the death and pain that is revealed below her. Can they pull on all their resources and stop the angel hordes from completing the work they began–the final task of cleansing the earth.

Ee has given us a war and a world in turmoil. There is darkness and adventure, but also an underlying faith that will hold even in the worst of situations. The strength of will and mental toughness in her protagonists are the secret to moving them forward, especially when the answers to their questions begin to come in. There is more than imagined, and some of the answers can only lead to continued darkness.

If you enjoy reading epic adventures, wars, romance and end of earth scenarios you will find this an amazing work of depth and differences.  Where many look to the angels for help, Ee takes you in an entirely different direction, one where the destruction is caused by such beings. The strength of spirit and the epic battles will keep you guessing and entertained.

While this is the final installment of a series, you are easily able to pick up where the other works left off, although you will find yourself more than interested in finding the other books to learn how Penryn and Raffe have come to be together and why the earth is under attack.

This would be a fun book for a reading group as well as a discussion group. There is usually much to discuss in works that create bits of controversy. This is sure to be one of those works, for how do you choose sides.


Rating 4/5

Saga of Lyn: The Reawakening by Aric Carter

Posted first to Blog Critics as Book Review: 'Saga Of Lyn: The Reawakening', An Epic Fantasy by Aric Carter.

Knowing from the beginning where life will lead, having a plan and knowing exactly what you will do with the rest of your life, can be either a dream or a burden. Yet even that knowing can be changed in a heartbeat with no warning or preparation.

In Saga of Lyn: The Reawakening, by Aric Carter, we are introduced to a wonderful family who own a Tavern, The Hooded Lantern, on the main road of Tulane. This route takes travelers from the main cities to the Hitton Mountains and the sea of Galesh. Here Tegain Hostler lives and operates the tavern owned by his father and his father before him. A good natured amiable man, he makes friends easily, and is married to the love of his life. His wife Shae and his daughter Gwyn round out his world giving him joy and love. Life could never be any better. 

Closing up for the evening Tegain has a last minute visitor, one that troubles him deeply. With his family in the other room cleaning up, he is attacked and barely survives. When he awakes, his tavern is burnt to the ground and his family has perished. He is devastated and vows vengeance. When a regular trader, Karl Dunmire, a man with a military background shows up, he offers what help he can. 

Selling Tegain an old sword for weaponry, they join forces to take down the evil that has visited.

But there is more going on, for suddenly the sword is more than an old used weapon, much more. Tegain will need to come to terms with the secrets of the sword to wield its real power.  Can he with the help of his friend Karl find those responsible for his loss? As they begin their search they find that their entire civilization is in dire trouble. Can two men find the answers and help save Tulane from the scourging evil that has awakened?

Carter has given us a story of love and loss. His description of detail revealing the characters is tender and telling and yet there is a magic and strength of character in both his protagonists that you find both rugged and endearing. His characters are an amazing mix and you find yourself so involved in the story it is hard to put down. He has given us a world of beauty and darkness as events begin to transpire, taking you on a journey of adventure and courage. His fantastic medieval word is believable and the magic is unique and energizing. 

If you enjoy highly adventurous tales full of magic, fighting and romance you will find this tale perfect for your library. Be prepared for once you begin you will find it hard to put down, you are drawn into this world of danger with extremely likable characters, ones you have to stay with to be assured of their safety.  Aric Carter is an author to watch for and this series has just begun with a work that will keep you looking for the next.

Rating 5/5

Bringer of Light, An Epic Fantasy by J. R. Boles

Posted first to Blog Critics as Book Review:'Bringer of Light,' An Epic Fantasy by J. R. Boles.

Stories of magic delegate the phenomena to either evil (dark magic) or good magic. In times of war often the two are pitted in an effort to cleanse the realm and renew life and liberty.

In Bringer of Light by J. R. Boles, we are introduced to a story of such proportions.  The Kingdom of Arten has outlawed magic and has fought for generations against the dark sorcerer, Mercer. With his depth of ability he has surpassed the realm of aging and lives on through time. He has raised armies and fought against Arten  in the past, only to be beaten back and unable to claim his prize. With magic in the Kingdom waning he is preparing for the perfect circumstance to once again attempt his claim. It is time to move forward for who can stop him now with magic hidden or gone forever from the kingdom.

His plan is diabolical, he will take King Wern through foul means, and then use his best student to subvert his mind through whatever means are needed.  Yet Wern’s Queen Arin will do whatever it takes to get him back.

Her own elite guardians are up to the task and it is here that she pins her hope. Champion Lynden Trenadin is chosen as leader for her service has been fierce. Her training and battling at the borders has prepared her for some of what is to come, and she must defend the Queen with her life as they make their way for rescue. But that rescue is against magic and without their own mage; they are putting great risk on their abilities to bring home their King.

As battle goes against them, Lynden finds a power of light within that she had no inkling of, unleashing it in fury and saving most of those who have come to collect for their Queen. The King is saved but at what cost?

Now Lynden who has used forbidden magic must run for her life or be put to death for using a magic she was not even aware of.  The danger for Arten is not over, and the Queen is in even more peril, for Mercer has completed his control of the King. The subversion is subtle but nonetheless lethal and the Queen and the entire nation are in danger. Lynden and her friends must raise their own army in rebellion as they race to rescue their Queen and home. Can she find a way to use her power to help save her Kingdom, and yet not forfeit her life?

This is a book of contradictions that all weave and tie into an extraordinary tale of mystery, magic, defiance and war. The characters are created with an eye to realism, for those who follow the dark or sneaky and relentless, and those who follow the light are Strong, open and dauntless. While magic is forbidden the Queen has become a likable character by turning her head as Lynden escapes, for while she cannot condone a forbidden magic, she is only alive because of it. There is also romance and beauty, along with treachery and anger, holding you enthralled in the Kingdom of Arten.

If you enjoy epic tales of magic and romance, battle and bravery you will find this work an amazing beginning to a series. The strands of contradictions are mysterious and you find yourself wanting to know more.

Rating 5/5

The 5 Moons of Tiiana by Paul T. Harry

Article first published as Book Review:The 5 Moons of Tiiana by Paul T. Harry on Blogcritics.

Escape from worry, work or just wanting an adventure are the things that make reading such a joy. To find a book that takes you in and makes you part of the fantasy is one of the wonders of what a good writer can do.  The adventures become more real and the life outside fades a bit to the surreal.

In the 5 Moons of Tiiana by Paul T Harry, you will find an adventure that takes you into the unknown.  While Harry lists Edgar Rice Burroughs as one of his inspirations I found the experience somewhere between 20 Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne and the Star Wars epic.

We begin with a world in turmoil and a Royal Family soon to be annihilated. The work revolves around Rez Cantor, a captain in the Corin military who is slated to save the princess.  With the Relcor invading their homes and destroying their peoples and way of life, Rez is chosen to save the princess because she knows him well and trusts him. He is a part of her royal guard.

Planning and preparing a rescue and escape is only part of the battle. Once the plan is put into place and escape is eminent, an explosion leaves Rez in a strange new world, one full of a hostile land itself, but the people are dangerous and untrusting as well. He finds himself captured and genetically altered in order to become a slave and work their underwater mines.  After years of abuse he escapes and is rescued by another group of people, and it is in their home he finds that the worlds are actually moons.

He is challenged as being the only one who can save this strange group of people and their homes before he can return to his own world. His destiny has moved him into a different part of the galaxy. As he moves to build an army he finds a few old friends who have also survived the explosion of their escape craft, and with the help of both his old and new friends he is on the precipice of discovery of what is expected of him.  Captured by the King of one of the important areas, Rez also finds his princess, his charge from his own home. How can he rescue her too as his fate is now linked to hers as well?

While I was confused a bit at the beginning, you find the story will fill in the pieces as you are moved through the chambers of this adventure filled mystery.  Full of science fiction and fantasy, and filled with romance and action, Harry sets the pace for a romp of towering proportions.  As you wonder the streets and waterways with Rez, you experience the beauty and danger, the strange and bizarre, and the emotions that emanate from the characters. The descriptions of the land and people take you there, and the experience is as I mentioned above, surreal and exciting, much like the first visions from the mind of Jules Verne.

The dangers take you in, and the people alternately charm you or horrify you, but either way you harbor feelings about them. If you enjoy a great science fiction and fantasy with just the right edge of vision, you will find this one of the books you need in your library. I enjoyed this work and if you are looking for an epic adventure, The 5 Moons of Tiiana will seize your imagination. Take a chance and experience the adventure.  

Rating 4/5

This book was received free from the author. All opinions are my own based off my reading and understanding of the material.

Tears of Min Brock by J. E. Lowder

Article first published as Book Review: Tears of Min Brock by J. E. Lowder on Blogcritics.

Some of the best stories I can remember are those that take me out of my own existence and insert me into a world I have never known. I get to become a part of the story and the adventure and excitement also becomes a part of my own.

In Tears of Min Brock by J. E. Lowder, I have again found one of those fascinating epic fantasy worlds that are daunting and dangerous, yet broodingly beautiful as well. Set in a time after the Dark War, Lowder brings about an adventure that is frightening and visual. His captivating world is filled with the darkness and dread and full of the creatures that cause fear, and yet throughout the story weaves an intricate pattern of light. He takes his characters into untold highs and lows of problems and beliefs as well as concerns for their families. When the darkness fights the light, we often rely on the light to win, yet what happens when it doesn’t? In a world where a darkness rules, Lowder has brought us whispers of light, and a fierce young heroine. Can a young girl along with her best friend bring about the destruction of darkness, or is the light that whispers to her just a figment of her imagination?

In a deep and mysterious world where evil has appeared to win the war, Lowder brings us a story of hope and longing. His descriptions and embellishment’s are both enchanting and dangerous. His young hero, Elabea can hear the whisper of the lightness from the land of Claire that had been rumored to have been destroyed by the Ebon, during the dark war. Elabea is slated as a storyteller, one of the great magic users of time, but will she live to fulfill her destiny? She is young and yet malleable, but her belief is deep and profound.

Her best friend Galadin too begins her journey with her, but he has his doubts. He does not hear the whispers, but he does believe in her. Both of their fathers fought in the war, and were now different men from the proud warriors they once were. Galadin dreams of becoming something more. He knows he will follow Elabea where ever she leads, and soon he too finds his place in this story.

They are joined by others, an old storyteller from before the war, as well as a hero many thought had died during the war. But can they escape the false whispers of the cauldron. How to they decipher which are the true ones, and when they do, will it be too late?

I enjoy fantasy and I found myself unable to put this one down. The evil and danger are inherent, and yet the light finds a way to twist throughout in thoughts and actions. The whisper is exciting and the fight and chase scenes hold you spellbound. In a world where the very darkness seems to hold sway, brightness seems to burn through the pages.

If you love the power of words and enjoy epic fantasy this is a world waiting for you. Our heroine is a 14 year old girl and with her is her young best friend, so while this could be construed as a YA Fantasy, make no mistake, it heralds the themes and storyline that cross over into the adult experience. I found this to be one of my favorite books of the year, and am looking forward to the sequel. Lowder writes a story that does not disappoint.

This would be a wonderful work for your budding reader and one for your long-term reader as well. A wonderful book for your library, Lowder has ratcheted up a notch on the playing field.

Rating 5/5

This book was received free from the author. All opinions are my own based off my reading and understanding of the material.

Quest of the Demon by M.L. Sawyer

Living the life of an average teen always seems like a challenge in itself. Becoming engaged in basketball and excelling at the sport, Darci can feel a burst in confidence. This is something she is good at. After spending the day with one of her friends, she returns home only to find her parents gone for the evening. Leaving a message to let Darci know that they expect to return after midnight, she settles in for the evening. When she does finally retire for the evening, her parents have not yet returned, so she is not at all surprised when a sudden noise wakes her up. Leaving her bed, she becomes concerned when she finds they have not returned. Fear replaces her initial surprise as she picks up her hockey stick as a weapon while she searches for the origin of the noise.


As she enters the main room, she sees light and motion behind a curtain. As she swallows her fear, she darts forward with her weapon only to find a strange vortex behind the curtain. Having ventured too close, she is sucked into the swirling mass, and finds herself deposited in a strange new world.

Suddenly, Darci realizes her whole life has changed. Rescued by a young Wizards apprentice, Taslessian, she quickly finds that all is not well in this strange, new world. Not only that, but she has been selected for a quest to rid this world of evil, before it finds a way into her own. Unaware of why she is chosen, she is afraid. Somehow, the evil presence of Domati is aware she is in the world and is now interested in finding her and learning the secrets of her own world. She is in over her head.

This world is full of magic, elves, wizards, warriors and dragons as well as the evil and twisted creatures that come from the darkness of evil. Her own world would not survive the presence of such perverted and twisted evil. When Taslessian’s mentor dies in battle, it is up to both Taslessian and Darci to find the means to defeat this evil. She cannot return to her own world, the magic is not available for such a feat, and she must follow her path. Chosen for a reason, she cannot fathom what she can bring to the fight.

As this young pair continues their quest with the help of a dragon, they began to gather a small group of heroes. Known as the five of light, they are informed that weapons will be awarded to help them meet the challenge. To begin their quest they must first find their courage, and then their way to the lair of the dragon that holds the weapons. Each step of their journey they must fight for their lives and that of their friends, as they begin to learn more about themselves and each other. Can they really be the ones to drive evil from the land, and save the universe, and all its worlds from the darkness?

M.L Sawyer has written a great story and while it tends to drag a bit through the middle, it picks up a head of steam and the flow evens out as the heroes begin their quest. I found grammatical errors throughout the book that tend to bog the story down, but the story and characters are quite superb.

Sawyer has set the stage for a follow up story, and I truly look forward to seeing what she does to continue her epic saga. She has done a great job with character enhancement; you can picture them quite well in your mind as you follow in their journey. Each has to overcome different flaws to become what they are capable of, and the quest is well written. Sawyer has put some thought into this work and a good grammatical edit would do wonders to put this work in the mainstream.

This story would be a great find for the YA reader; it has all the elements of a courageous and epic journey. Told with a view to the flaws and feeling often addressed by young teens, the journey that each travels helps builds their esteem as well as their courage. This is a fun and adventuress read.

Rating 3/5

This book was received as a free download from the author. All opinions are my own based off my reading and understanding of the material.