E.G. Stone's Blog, page 6

Kamatari and Minoru Hate Bones and Ash in their Death Stew by Dan R. Arman

This book was a bit of a surprise to me. I thought it was a full-length novel, and it is…sort of. It’s actually an anthology of short stories that happen in chronological order, featuring the same characters, with recurring themes and scenarios. So it’s kind of like a novel, but different.

1. Thoughts on the plot(s)

These stories follow Komatari and Minoru, two warriors from the Maiden’s army who have now settled in Angers, as well as Rubi, Komatari’s wife, and Natsura, Minoru’s betrothed. These stories all have a tangential food situation, and are about the families settling into Angers and the various situations they encounter. There are difficulties with a festival, family members, people from the past, and so forth. Each story is fully contained, yet fits into the larger picture.

Overall, I would say that these stories were very well crafted. They read like complete stories (yes, I know that’s an odd thing to say, but there are a lot of short stories that sort of just…end) and make sense. I will say that the last story felt out of place with the style of the rest of the stories, as it was more about the past (in previous books) and battle than life in Angers. 

2. Thoughts on the characters

I’ve come to meet these characters a little late, as I haven’t read the original series from which they hail. As such, some of the scenarios and character development has already happened beyond my knowledge. Despite not knowing all these detailsI found the characters entertaining and well crafted. I like the interactions they all have in their daily life, and how this manages to create a community within the stories. Minoru is the only one who doesn’t seem to quite fit to me, but I have a feeling that’s to do with the books I haven’t read.

3. Favourite part (or story)

I liked the story about Sateki the best. It was just the right amount of poignant and entertaining, bringing just enough dramatic tension to stand out from the rest of the stories without diverging from the theme and styles of the other stories.

4. Critique

As mentioned in section one, I think the last story in the book doesn’t fit with the rest of the stories. It brings up a massive sense of the past (previous books) that make very little sense for someone who hasn’t read the previous books. It also, thematically and stylistically, is far more militaristic compared to the rest of the stories, making it feel more like a big long description of a battle than any fully-complete story. I like the rest of the stories a lot, just not that one.

Overall, I would say that this book is a good collection of short stories, and I found them entertaining. I think I may not be brave enough to try the recipes, though.

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Slip by Michael Pogach

I honestly had no idea what to expect when I picked up Slip by Michael Pogach. I know him as a thriller author, so a fantasy was a bit of a divergence. Except, it wasn’t at all. And it was a fantastic read.

1. Thoughts on the plot

This book follows Byron, welder and sculptor, as she returns home to deal with the death of her father, whom she hasn’t seen for seven years. But in dealing with his estate, there are things she can’t quite get around. Like the fact that he left most everything to his friend, David. Or questions about her mother. Her missing friend, Chase. And the fact that her ability to slip a few seconds into the future appears to be morphing? Yeah, that’s a problem, too.

This book is one part fantasy, three parts mystery, and an equal amount thriller. I was fascinated with the plot twists and the various pieces that twined together to really make this book interesting. It had a lot of details, and while that could, in the hands of other authors, be overwhelming, I think Michael Pogach managed to pull it off expertly. I will say that I did figure out the murderer right near the halfway point, but I didn’t mind in the slightest. 

2. Thoughts on the characters

Byron has got snark in spades. I love her snark. It’s two degrees shy of outright cynicism, but is definitely in that category. And why not? As we learn in the book, things are not always what they seem and she’s had a hard life. I appreciate her attempt to reconnect with her past, as well as forge a new future. And while initially she comes off as difficult, it quickly becomes apparent that she is far from it; she is defending herself against a cruel world.

As for the other characters, I think there were only a couple I wanted to know more about. Namely, her father. Why she was considered the intellectual heir to the Romantics, little details about his life. Nothing too extreme, just a couple of things to fill in the very few gaps that there were. On the whole, though, I think all the characters were exceptionally well done.

3. Favourite part

The ending, where things all get sorted out. I like that Byron gives no quarter, despite being in trouble already, and doesn’t let up until things are fixed. 

4. Critique

The only critique I have is that I wanted more. Alas, the book had to end somewhere and I think it ended in the right spot. Still.

Overall, I would say that Slip is an excellent mix of fantasy (though more paranormal than true fantasy), thriller, and mystery. I would highly recommend this book.

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Book Review: Enemy Mine by Stephen Eagles

People like to draw lines between genres, and I enjoy smashing right through them. Enemy Mine by Stephen Eagles is part thriller, part paranormal, part super hero fight story, and it is quite the ride.

1. Thoughts on the plot

This book is the prequel to his Jessie Richter series and thus follows Jessie when she is just starting out. She owns a crossfit gym in Myrtle Beach, and one day her sister comes to her for help with her abusive boyfriend. Jessie uses her superhero/supernatural powers to, for lack of a better term, bodysnatch Terry and rob his bank account. Only, the aftermath makes him furious, and Jessie must turn to the people at Crue Intellis for help. But they’re not all what they seem, either.

In general, the book was quick paced, with very little time to question as the characters were thrown from terrifying situation to terrifying situation. It works well for an action packed thriller type novel, and it felt like you were right there with the characters. I would say things were smoothly written enough to be sucked into the story.

2. Thoughts on the characters

This is an origin story, which means it’s usually written after some number of books in the series are already out. That—generally—means that the characters have already established mannerisms and traits that are prevalent throughout. This is fine, since it’s usually the plot that’s more interesting in these instances. Jessie definitely felt fully-formed, with very few of her traits displaying hesitancy or confusion. Again, this is fine as I want to see what happened to put her into a situation. However, I also am a sucker for character development, and except for external circumstances, it didn’t really feel like there was a lot of development here. (That likely comes in book 1 and onwards.)

3. Favourite part

I think the addition of the superpower was really interesting. It was unique enough to stand out to the plot, but also not weird enough that it didn’t fit or had the other characters questioning reality (as some paranormal stories do). I think it was a nice change from stories where people freak out and wonder if they’re going insane.

4. Critique (may contain spoilers)

As much as I found the characters interesting and the genre unique, I will say that I have an exceptionally difficult time with any novel that has sexual assault as a primary factor in a character’s origin story. Yes, it is something that happens all the time in reality (unfortunately), but that doesn’t mean I want to read about it in fiction. It is highly common in thriller novels for female characters to have rape or abuse in their background, and frankly, I think it’s overdone, not to mention seriously problematic. This is, of course, a normal thing for the thriller genre, and as I said, it does happen fairly commonly in life. However, I don’t tend to want to read about it. So be forewarned that this book does contain scenes of abuse and sexual assault.

Overall, if you want something that is true to the thriller genre, but with a twist, then this is a good book. For me, though, it’s really hard to look past the use of sexual assault as a character defining moment. A good book, but not my cup of tea.

The post Book Review: Enemy Mine by Stephen Eagles appeared first on Quill and Pen Society.

Book Review: Destiny Awaiting by Jan Foster

I love fantasy. It’s one of my most read genres. I am, however, also fond of historical pieces, especially when the details are there. So when the two are combined? I’m definitely pleased. Such it is with Jan Foster’s Destiny Awaiting, the prequel novel for her Naturae series (which, if you haven’t read, you should).

1. Thoughts on the plot

This book follows the first meeting of Aoiffe and Tarl, the main characters in the Naturae series. Aoiffe, a fae, has escaped to the human world and is desperate to explore it. She meets Tarl, a would-be thief trying to pay for atonement for his family. When an encounter with a hungry vampire priest goes awry, Tarl ends up conscripted into King Henry V’s army on their way to France, with Aoiffe in tow. After all, the only thing more difficult than fighting a war is trying to hide a fae while doing it.

I love the detail that went into this plot. It’s absolutely a love story, but it is written over the backdrop of so much richness and plot that it’s hard not to feel like you’re in the middle of the battlefield. The historical pieces and the bits of magic interspersed with fact really just make this book (and the whole series, frankly) so much more vibrant. 

2. Thoughts on the characters

I’ve read the first book in the Naturae series, so I am familiar with Aoiffe and Tarl. But seeing them at their first meeting, reading the development that they endure, it’s just wonderful. Aoiffe is so naive to the way of humans, but it doesn’t feel like that naivete is contrived, only natural. Tarl, on the other hand, goes through such a transformation as he tries to reconcile his actions and beliefs with the clarity that Aoiffe’s questions bring upon things. They’re such lovely characters!

3. Favourite part

The little details that make up real life work so well in this book, because they add such depth to the characters and to the plot. A scene can turn on the sharpness of an arrowhead or the illness of a character. It’s wonderful.

4. Critique

My only real critique is that the love story almost (but not quite) takes a back seat to the historical events. And yes, I know that this is a historical fantasy, not a historical romantic fantasy, but still.

Overall, if you like history, magic, and great writing, this book is one for you. (As is, frankly, the whole series.) Definitely would recommend.

The post Book Review: Destiny Awaiting by Jan Foster appeared first on Quill and Pen Society.

Book Review: The Buchanan Bastard by Dedre Stevenson

I love a good mystery; all the twists and turns really capture my attention. So I was eager to read Dedra Stevenson’s The Buchanan Bastard. And I got a bit of a thriller in the mix as well!

1. Thoughts on the plot

This book follows Laura Buchanan after the shocking murder of her husband, Brian, heir to Buchanan Oil. Framed for his murder, as well as pregnant, Laura must try to figure out who really wanted her husband dead, be it his half-brothers, enemies of his own, or someone much more sinister. With help from her father, Laura traverses the world of long-hidden secrets and the Russian mob, all while trying to keep herself alive.

This book started off as I would expect from a high-drama mystery. There is a murder, an intimate (family, in this case) is framed, and that intimate must try and solve the mystery before they’re put behind bars. This book took that premise and pushed it a little further, edging into the territory of thrillers. There was a lot of mob involvement, as well as some international activity that really took a straightforward frame job and made it quite dramatic. In general, I like drama. This book, I think, had plenty of that, but it also kept escalating the stakes. I don’t mind a bit of escalation, but when it is continuous, when the ending is so far out of context with the beginning, it feels a bit contrived. A bit more Hollywood-ready than book-ready.

2. Thoughts on the characters

I liked most of the characters in this book. Jim, the murder victim’s half brother, especially was fascinating. I think that this book did well in showing a lot of different people from different backgrounds. Unfortunately, Laura, who was meant to be the main character, was a bit of a throw away character for me. She didn’t really do a whole lot except for worry about solving the mystery and being pregnant, which felt a bit more like a plot point to me than anything. She had such potential, especially being a high-society lady; she could have easily been steel-spined and capable rather than relying on others to help her. Still, she wasn’t a character I disliked, either. She just felt more like part of the plot than a distinct personality.

3. Favourite part

I think the set up of this story was excellent. The first fifteen percent or so just laid the groundwork exceptionally and I was really drawn in.

4. Critique

Honestly—and this is definitely a subjective opinion that not everyone will share—this book felt more like the script for a movie to me. I like to read the internal thoughts of a character, the details of the world, the things that are often glossed over in a script because they’ll be seen in the final film. This book had some of that, but it also felt more like a script, where the focus was on big grand gestures and actions than the minutae. That is absolutely a personal preference, and I know not a lot of people will agree with me. I’m just more fond of books than film, I suppose.

Overall, I think this book was interesting and entertaining. I liked the twists and turns, and while it had a bit of an excess of drama, pushing it beyond the realm of believable, it was definitely entertaining. A good read.

The post Book Review: The Buchanan Bastard by Dedre Stevenson appeared first on Quill and Pen Society.

Book Review: Cthuhlu Armageddon by CT Phipps

I am very used to CT Phipps’ books being gritty and humorous, so Cthulhu Armageddon was a great departure from the wild humour of some of the other books. This was dark, unabashedly full of Lovecraftian ideas and philosophy, and fascinating. That is to say, I liked it.

1. Thoughts on the plot

This book follows John Henry Booth, a soldier of the Remnant, one of a few remaining cities that survived the rise of the Great Old Ones when they remade the world. Humanity is dying, and these last dregs are touched by things that the human mind can’t quite comprehend. When Booth is blamed for something that he didn’t do—the death of his unit—he goes on a quest to seek vengeance on the man that truly caused the deaths. Along the way, though, are reanimated dead, monstrosities that boggle the mind, and friends who may not be all they seem.

The plot in this book felt a lot like an epic (or dark) fantasy, only Lovecraftian and Western. There was adventure, a fair amount of death and sacrifice by our antihero, and monsters. Lots of monsters. There’s not a lot I can say without spoiling things, but I really enjoyed the plot of this book. 

2. Thoughts on the characters

The primary character in this book is Booth, and as a narrator he is severely unreliable. I like it, though. Getting into the depths of his mind, seeing the downfall of humanity from the cynical perspective of one right in the middle of it, is a great way to tell a story. It does mean that some of the other characters lose out a bit on explorations of their motivation, but I think it all works out. I do wish there had been a bit more with Richard, but I understand why that situation happened the way it did. 

3. Favourite part

The monsters. How does one even describe things that the mind cannot comprehend? This book will tell you!

4. Critique

I think that the ending, specifically the final battle, was a bit…well, it felt rushed. The lead up was great, the various “side quests” and adventures were perfect, but when it all came down to it, the battle at the end happened so quickly that I was a little stunned. It works, certainly, and I don’t think that it’s illogical, but it was very quick.

Overall, if you’re looking for something dark, gritty, monstrous, and with a bit of humour (let’s be honest, there’s not a CT Phipps book without some humour) then this is absolutely the book for you. Very good.

The post Book Review: Cthuhlu Armageddon by CT Phipps appeared first on Quill and Pen Society.

Book Review: The Mists of Niflheim by Matt Larkin

I like puzzles. A lot. So much so that if I read a book (or, in this case, a series) that interconnects and has twists and turns and puzzles, I am over the moon. Such it is with Matt Larkin’s Ragnarok Era series, specifically The Mists of Niflheim.

1. Thoughts on the plot

It’s been a while since I’ve read the first book in this series, so it took me a minute to remember what had happened. But, if you’re at all familiar with Norse mythology, then this book makes perfect sense. I like the blend of the strangeness of the Norse myths (and let’s be honest, some are quite odd) with the dark realities of trying to survive. I think it works very well, especially the pieces where Odin ventures deep into the ether.

And, of course, the book ends on a dramatic bit that just…I mean…COME ON! Now I have to go read the next one or be severely disappointed that I don’t know what’s going to happen next.

2. Thoughts on the characters

As always with mythology retellings, it can be difficult to have the characters become something more than the stereotype that they were made in the original myths. I think this whole series does quite well at taking a base character and making them something more, something deeper. Tyr especially brought this out, and I really loved the development. I think Sigyn could have used a bit more depth, but frankly, where she was left at the end of the book promises a great deal of depth. 

3. Favourite part

I know that this is accurate to the mythology, but Tyr’s sword being named Gramr made me smile every time. A god of war, battling with grammar. It just warmed my writerly heart. Yes, I know, I know, mythology and homonyms and all that. But still. 

4. Critique

My only real critique is that I couldn’t quite remember what had happened in the first book, so it took a minute to get rolling into the story. But that’s mostly on me and the fact that I read the other book a while back. Definitely do not go into this wondering, though!

Overall, I am perhaps far too eager for the next book. Excellent, as always!

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Book Review: The Inferno of Prometheus by Matt Larkin

This is the third book in the Tapestry of Fate series by Matt Larkin that I’ve reviewed, and may I just say, “AAAAAAAaHHHHHHhhhh.” In the best possible way, of course.

1. Thoughts on the plot

This book focuses mainly on the rescue of Prometheus, and the aftermath. There is more travelling through time for Pandora, as well as appearances by Herakles and Odysseus. And that is all I can really say about the details without spoilers. I can say that things are getting very twisty, and I love how the details of the story and the myths are built upon one another, as well as the earlier events, to just add a layer of complexity to everything. I mean, my goodness!

Of course, we’re also getting hints of a larger plot to this world (which makes sense as this series is part of a larger collection of books in the Eschaton Cycle). And oh my, those extra hints? I love it.

2. Thoughts on the characters

Many of these characters are the same ones that have been appearing in the other books, so there’s not much more for me to add about them. Except for the thing with Pandora, that I can’t tell you about because of spoilers. All I can say is, “Oh my stars and stones! How many more layers can you add? AAAHHHAaahahahaaaaaaaaaaaaaa”

3. Favourite part

Honestly, I can’t quite decide, which just means there are a lot of really good pieces to this story.

4. Critique

No real critique here, only that it ended, and now I need to read the next book.

Overall, I would say that this is a great continuance of the series, and I am eager to see what happens next! Excellent read.

The post Book Review: The Inferno of Prometheus by Matt Larkin appeared first on Quill and Pen Society.

Book Review: The Valor of Perseus by Matt Larkin

Can I just say that sometimes, I read a book and am absolutely ready to exclaim about all the things and elements and pieces, and sometimes I just want to do nothing more than shout, “AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH”. 

This book, the second in Matt Larkin’s Tapestries of Fate series, is more in the latter category.

1. Thoughts on the plot

This book picks up directly where book one left off, which means if you haven’t read book one, you should. There is time travel, intrigue between gods and times and characters, and a whole lot of me going, “Oh, wait. No. That’s not. WAAAATTTT?” (If you want me to actually go into the plot, then know this follows, generally speaking, the myths of both Bellerophon and Perseus, only with Pandora’s involvement. There is also a lot more character development of Hekate and Athene and such.)

That is to say, this plot is fascinating and entertaining and I enjoyed it.

2. Thoughts on the characters

Honestly, this book felt like more of Hekate’s book than Pandora’s to me. Yes, Pandora was still the primary character, but I think a lot of her development (such as we saw in book one) remained a bit stagnant. That’s not a bad thing, not at all, especially since the plot of this book focused more on the heroes and Hekate than anything. I think Pandora actually served as a good counterpoint, since she was so steady. The other characters though, oh my waffles and bacon did they really put me through the wringer. I mean, COME ON!

3. Favourite part

That one bit of the epilogue where every theory I had was confirmed. YAS!

4. Critique

That one bit of the epilogue where every theory I had was confirmed now means that I have to go reread all the other books so I can put more puzzle pieces together. Congratulations, Matt, I now have to reread all your series.

Overall, I would say that this book is a great sequel and I am very excited to read book three, and the books following. Excellent book, as always.

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Book Review: Little Aiden: A Feelings Book for Toddlers by Albert Choi

I remember reading Dr. Seuss as a kid, and enjoying it thoroughly, but I must say that I am impressed with the wide range of children’s books that are available these days. Little Aiden: A Feelings Book for Toddlers by Albert Choi is a very good example of exploring a topic that has, occasionally, been taboo for children. In this instance: expressing and feeling all available emotions, regardless of positivity or negativity, and being allowed to do that.

I thought the content of the book was fairly straightforward. Each page had a different scenario, and little Aiden was feeling a particular emotion. Then, the book said, “that was okay”. It ran the gamut from happy to sad to frustrated to embarrassed to joyful etc. It seems simple, but I really liked how powerful it is, simply because it has often been dictated to children (and adults) that only expressing certain emotions—if any at all—is acceptable. Which is bunk. So I really liked that this was such a powerful message in such a simple form.

I also really liked the illustrations. They really explored the emotions well, in such a way that can be difficult with words (especially for children). How do you explain frustration to a toddler? Well, seeing a picture of a ball that’s just out of reach, and the associated facial expressions, can paint the emotion splendidly. Combined with the words, and being told that it’s okay to feel emotion, I think the book is very illustrative.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this book to any parent wanting to teach their children about emotion and expression. It’s also just great for looking at pictures! Very good book!

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