E.G. Stone's Blog, page 8

Book Review: Chicken in the City by Cindy Kovacik

Rarely do I get a chance to read children’s stories, despite having a special fondness for them. So I was thrilled to get to read and review Cindy Kovacik’s Chicken in the City.

This book follows Chicken, who wakes up in a strange yard with no memory of who he is or where he came from. With him are Jack the squirrel and Lupito the possum, who offer to help him figure out where he came from. They take him on a journey through cat infested streets, to find answers. But it’s dangerous out there…

Honestly, I had no idea what to expect from this book. My memory of children’s stories was that some were good, but predictable, while others were fun just for the pretty pictures. This book, though, managed to be fun and entertaining without being at all predictable. I really liked the writing and flow of the story, as well as the hints of what’s to come in the next book. For being such a short story, I really enjoyed it!

My one critique is that there is a bit of violence in the book that may not be age appropriate. I don’t actually know the age range for this book, but it seems like maybe elementary school. And, granted, kids are precocious, but the actions of Domino and the mouse seem slightly over the top for this book. Nothing dramatic, and all the details were removed, but even just the hint of it might be a bit much for young children.

Overall, I would say that Chicken in the City is a fun, entertaining book and I enjoyed it quite a bit! A good book.

Book Review: Destiny is Yours by Abigail Yardimci

You know that feeling when you get invested in a story, and no matter where the next journey goes, you have to follow? Yeah, I’m now that invested in Abigail Yardimci’s Destiny is Yours, the second book in her trilogy about overcoming heartbreak and learning to live again.

1. Thoughts on the plot

This book follows Jess and her friend Gilly on their month-long sojourn in Turkey, while they try to figure out what comes next. Jess has already dealt with heartbreak, and the failure of her business. Now, she has to figure out what’s next, and what better place to do that than on holiday in Turkey? Only, once there, she has a series of challenges from a friend to complete, and there are people she may not be able to let go.

Okay, honestly, I had no idea what to expect from this book. The first book, while very good, had a few moments where the character development felt a little textbook. This book was not like that at all. It flowed from situation to situation and felt very natural, but also intriguing in a way that I was not prepared for. Jess’ relationship with Gilly, with Mesut, with Ekrem and all the others…I mean, my goodness! It was really great to read this book, and now I’m highly invested.

2. Thoughts on the characters

Jess’ development definitely started in book one, but I feel like it really took hold in this book, and was done in such a way that it felt perfectly normal. The journey that she went on, the way she started looking at the world, I really enjoyed reading it and was fascinated to think like that. (I’m also just the teensiest bit in love with Mesut.) 

I’m also really curious about Gilly, and what’s going on with her. I feel like that was touched on in just the right amount of depth for this book to set up the next book (or so I assume, as I haven’t actually read the next book yet). 

3. Favourite part

The stars!

4. Critique

The ending. Not because the ending was bad, no, but because I am desperate to know what’s going to happen next. Silly author, making me wait until I read the next book. Pfft.

Overall, I really enjoyed Destiny is Yours and am eagerly arranging my reading schedule so I can get to book three. An excellent book.

Author Interview: M.C. Leavitt

M.C. Leavitt

We’ll skip the “tell us about yourself” because coming up with something on the spot is, truly, the bane of an author’s existence. So, let’s start with something a little easier! Tell me what you’re working on at the moment.*

I’m currently working on three new serials and two books. I started on The Forgotten Wife over a year ago, and when Kindle Vella came out, I jumped on the bandwagon – I feel it fits my style of writing. In Summoned Bride, a completed serial I’m uploading and scheduling, I mention one of my main character’s ‘name’ from The Forgotton Wife, so I want to get that finished as soon as I can. I’m also planning a serial for one of the characters from Summoned Bride, giving them a redemption arc.

I’ve written most of Barbarian King’s Bride, another serial, but I’ve hit a slow moment that’s just too… slow. I love action, weaponry, fighting styles, and something always happening (bring on the drama!), so the really slow moment doesn’t work for me. However, I feel it works for this part of the story – slow is actually what it needs, so I’m thinking of pulling inspiration from manga and anime and maybe making it a little cute. Once I finish setting the scene of Riley’s new temproary life at the academy, I’ll be able to bring in two particular characters (I don’t think readers will be expecting it, but I’m a bit inspired by a couple of web novels on a particular cultivater who’s unbeatable and constantly underestimated. I can’t remember the name of the one main web novel (it had two) that inspired me, but I believe The Peerless Concubine on WebComics is based off it.) to show something highly important that’ll cement just how messed up one of them is. And you won’t believe what’s up with the other!

Another serial will be about one of those two characters.

My third serial I’m also working on is (title subject to change) Bride of the God of Fates.

As for books, I’m trying to finish a few projects, actually, but I for sure want to finish and publish books 3-5 in my SciFi-Fantasy series Kaliah’s Hope. I’ve finally decided to go with an option someone gives Nara in book four to her dilema, which will turn it into a reverse harem – this a a pg-13-ish New Adult series.

I’m also working on An Elf’s Quest, the companion book to A Nymph’s Journey.

In as much detail as you would like, tell me about your book(s) that are already out/on the way.*

Daughter of the Wind is soon coming. It’s one of my favorites – packed with action (different types, but if you love magic, hand-to-and combat, killer battles, I’ve got you covered), betrayal (oh my goodness, everyone and their dog, I swear. But I promise they’re solid and there is justice. Because I love justice and revenge. You have been warned.), awkward moments (in chapter 2 you’ll see the first major moment. I’m so tempted to give spoilers, but my main beta was like, DANG! I, of course, couldn’t help but laugh. And yeah, I so go there with awkward moments. Can’t help myself. Have had plenty throughout my life, so of course I have to torture my poor characters.), and magic. The deadly kind. Because that’s how I roll. Come travel through space with us and to another planet!

As far as the writing process goes—including such things as conception of idea all the way through to money in the bank—what is the least favourite bit? (Everyone has one!)*

Marketing. Because in this day and age, we have to do it ourselves! Which is where publicists and PAs come in. If you can afford them. And if you can, I highly suggest hiring them. I’d rather sit and write my way out of an impossible situation than to have to sit and post everything everywhere, crunch the numbers for paid ads, and follow the analytics. Okay, so, hire someone who can do all that. But I’m doing this one step at a time as I’m able and learning tons.

Conversely, what is the bit of the writing process that gets your writery brain grinning?*

The inspiration and seeing the story unravel and reveal itself to me.

The vast majority of my stories come from vivid dreams where I can hear, see, feel, and at times, evern smell and taste. For the most part, I’m given enough info in my dreams – the MC’s every day life, the inciting incident, and the main arc of the story.

If you could steal any author’s ability to improve your own work, who would you steal from and why? (e.g. Tolkien’s language skills, Douglas Adams’ humour, etc.)*

I’d steal Piers Anthony’s ability to create such in-depth, rich worlds and cultures, like The Magic of Xanth. I found a huge book (with all three sotries!) in a box outside a used bookstore – everything was free, take what you want. And wow! I was completely immersed in another world. That’s my ultimate goal – to make my worlds and cultures so stunning and believable, readers get sucked up in the reality of the main character(s).

Now for some fun! The main character of the book you’re working on (or have recently finished) has kidnapped you for ruining their life. How will you explain that what you’re doing is for the best?

I, uh… *Swallows hard and raises hands to hold Siren off* I was along for the ride, I swear it. And I gave you everything you need. Your life, it turned out good, right? I mean, sorry about the deaths and huge scares, and maybe the heartbreak. But, like… *Points at head* It was all your fault, really. You got inside my head. Or rather, sucked me into yours and Cam’s. And look, everything turned out… uh, you’re alive?

*Siren from Daughter of the Wind is one of the most understanding and patient people. She’s quick to forgive and give people a chance, so of course she’d hear me out. And she’s a bit logical – she’ll know how and why everything worked out for the best. Especially since her world (both figuratively and literally) is at stake.

You, your main character(s), and the protagonist of the last book you read are playing poker. What are the stakes? Who will win and why?

Okay, so, the last completed book I finished reading (again) is actually Dinj of Light. It’s one of my favs. A short, fun, adventurous story I can relax and enjoy. Well, except for one really intense part. Okay, two. It’s kind of like a ScifFi-Fantasy fairytale. With action – fight scenes, the possibility of death, secrets…

So, if I were playing poker with Kita and say, her viss, I think she’d try and let me win, but her viss is much too clever. The stakes – gosh, I have no idea. I’d maybe try to play to get her dad’s dagger because it’s awesome, but her viss would no doubt put a fake there instead of the real deal. Don’t get me wrong, the fake would be epic. But if they’re playing to win, he’d win, hands down. Freaking brilliant, that one.

Let’s face it, writing is hard. What do you think are some traps to avoid in your particular area of expertise? (Whether that be your genre, your knowledge of plot, your character building, your world building, etc.)*

Stage directions. So, stage directions are when characters do things – action beats and body beats – without any frame of mind to break them up. They’re boring and can be overdone, leading to bad proportions.

Uh, lemme give an example:

Emmie sat at her desk and drummed her fingers on the worn surface. She flicked her pencil between her fingers and starerd at the large textbook with too-small print.

A fist rapped on her door, and she jumped. She spun in her seat and blinked. Ryder laughed.

*To me, that’s super boring. What’s she doing at her desk? What’s her why? We can so take this deeper and break up the stage directions by adding in the character’s frame of mind and their why:

Emmie slouched at her desk and drummed her fingers on the worn surface. Science was so boring. Why’d she have to learn the periodic table? It wasn’t like she’d ever use that knowledge in the future (warning – oh, yes she would! I’d make sure of it because I’m a mean author!).

She flicked her pencil between her fingers–it shot from her grasp and pinged off the wall, the tip chipping off.

Great. Just great. She didn’t have another pencil or a pencil sharpener. It was bad enough the tiny text taunted her aching eyes, but she had no way of making notes on the unimportant crap she had to learn.

A fist rapped on her door.

She jumped and spun in her seat.

A tempting Ryder laughed, a glimmer of mischeif flashing in his hazel eyes. Her heart fluttered as her core warmed.

*See what I mean? Now we’re inside Emmie’s head and know what’s going on. And we’re probably going to laugh when she has to use her knowledge (if she’s able to remember anything about the periodic table, because if she can’t this can be funny and add a lot of tension later).

Anything else you’d like to add? Plots to take over the world, for example. Upcoming release dates, links and things, maybe even your favourite chocolate cake recipe.

Oh, goodness. Um, if I told you about my–er, some of my character’s plots to take over the world (yeah, that’s right. My characters. Not me. *Wipes at forerhead with a tissue*), I–uh, they’d have to kill you. Seriously, though, I’m just writing what I love and I hope others love it too. Whether you like SciFi-Fantasy, Fantasy, Romance, Suspense, Paranormal, I do mashups of two or more in most of my work – I’ve got you covered.

Author Interview: JV Hilliard

J.V. Hilliard

We’ll skip the “tell us about yourself” because coming up with something on the spot is, truly, the bane of an author’s existence. So, let’s start with something a little easier! Tell me what you’re working on at the moment.*

I am in the midst of promoting my first book, the Last Keeper, a fantasy-adventure novel set in the realm of Warminster. We launched the book globally on January 5th, 2022 and it is available in eBook, paperback and soon to be released audio book narrated by Victor Bevine of Drizzt Du’Orden fame. My publisher is Dragon Moon Press.

In as much detail as you would like, tell me about your book(s) that are already out/on the way.*

The Last Keeper is a fantasy-adventure novel set in the realm of Warminster. The story features a character named Daemus Alaric, who was born blind but is blessed with the gift of sight by a visiting stranger. The “sight” comes with prophetic visions and when they begin to come to pass, he leaves his noble home to join the fabled Keepers of the Forbidden, wielders of vast arcane knowledge who serve leaders throughout the realm of Warminster.

But Daemus’ ideal life is short-lived as a recurring nightmare takes hold, threatening to catapult him into a terrifying struggle that will leave the fate of the Keepers hanging in the balance.

It is the first in a series of novels and I currently have book two, Vorodin’s Lair in editing and book three, The Trillias Gambit, half-written. I expect book two to be launch in late Spring of 2022 and book three to be launched in Autumn 2022.

As far as the writing process goes—including such things as conception of idea all the way through to money in the bank—what is the least favourite bit? (Everyone has one!)*

My least favorite item to do as an author is editing—and in particular cutting characters or scenes that I love—as the creator—but that may not be best for the book. I store the “cuts” in a separate folder, almost as an emotional remembrance of what almost was, but will never be. Sad, but true.

Conversely, what is the bit of the writing process that gets your writery brain grinning?*

My favorite thing to do is plot and plan. I am not a “pantser,” in any sense of the term as I need to know where every little detail fits so that when the story is complete, every arc connects and the reader leaves seeing the full vision. I have a white board that is nearly the size of one wall in my den where I plot out story arcs, timelines, character intersections and points of conflict. And when it is time to write, I let that story board pop to life.

And yes, I weep gently when I have to erase it and start the next story…

If you could steal any author’s ability to improve your own work, who would you steal from and why? (e.g. Tolkien’s language skills, Douglas Adams’ humour, etc.)*

This one is easy. I think I write pretty decent battle scenes, but the king of battle scenes in my genre is R.A. Salvatore. His descriptions are always on point, memorable and have a tendency at times to lead to “lessons” for the character (and reader). I would steal his ability in a heartbeat.

Now for some fun! The main character of the book you’re working on (or have recently finished) has kidnapped you for ruining their life. How will you explain that what you’re doing is for the best?

“Daemus, you have to understand what I am doing here is for your own good. As a seer—and possessor of the wisdom of Erud, the Ancient of Knowledge—I am certain you can glean from your visions the path to your own fate. I, your chronicler, am only recording what you already know will come to pass. My pen will ink the story that will make you a legend.

Yes, yes… some suffering and personal growth must come at the cost of those that you love to get you there, but can’t you see what I am doing is all for you?”

You, your main character(s), and the protagonist of the last book you read are playing poker. What are the stakes? Who will win and why?

The table is set. As the cards are dealt, Bruenor Battlehammer accidentally reveals his hand to me while trying to avoid spilling beer from his ale-horn. Wulfgar the barbarian, has a hard time card counting and Cattie-brie is shrewd but too trustworthy. Nay, my real opponent at this table is Drizzt Du’Orden, the dark elven Ranger… the drow swordsman of the quickest hands in all the Forgotten Realms. But he’s too honest and can’t bluff. Perhaps he should have used those hands to deal from the bottom of the deck.

Thus, I win. Through patience, cunning and reading the “tells” of my opponents, I scrape the pot in my direction… and in doing so earn the services of one figurine of wondrous power that just happens to be in the form of a certain panther…

Let’s face it, writing is hard. What do you think are some traps to avoid in your particular area of expertise? (Whether that be your genre, your knowledge of plot, your character building, your world building, etc.)*

Keep writing, even it if it stinks. It’s too easy to fall into the trap of laziness, and before you know it, a day with no writing becomes a week. Even if it’s just fifteen minutes or 1000 words, keep at it.

Also, if you experience writer’s block, I always try to call a friend and work through it. Usually hearing others and getting input leads to the free flow of new ideas and breaks that block up quickly.

Anything else you’d like to add? Plots to take over the world, for example. Upcoming release dates, links and things, maybe even your favourite chocolate cake recipe.

www.jvhilliard.com

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Book Review: A Peddler of Chains by Allegra Pescatore and E Sands

I will say, before I even get into the proper review, that once I finished this book, I was up for several hours just running it over in my brain. If I’d had a physical copy, I would have chucked it across the room, because the authors just took my heart and ripped it out. Why would you do that?! I loved it.

Okay, on to the review.

1. Thoughts on the plot

A Peddler of Chains is the second book in the Mountain Fell series, so there are some details that you absolutely need to read book one for (which is also fantastic). But this book follows Willow of Herb as he tries to hunt down the infamous Asherah the Red, a warrior from the other side in the long-ended War that has been his obsession for years. But once he finds Ash, she claims that she isn’t the person he’s looking for. They both have to relive and forgive terrible things, all while discovering why it is, exactly, that they can’t seem to leave each other’s thoughts.

Okay, that’s a poor description for how twisty and imaginative this book is. It’s definitely dark, with some very intense scenes, but the plot itself was just…my goodness. Every time I thought that things couldn’t possibly get more dramatic, more intense, they DID! By the ending, I was engrossed and so sad that it was over. 

2. Thoughts on the characters

Ash and Willow are so very interesting. They’re not my normal favourites for character archetypes (the big bad warrior, that is) but I was fascinated with their depth and development. I really enjoyed the banter, and the way they looked out for each other? Yep. 

All the other characters, too, were quite fascinating in their own way. I really loved Maeve in this, probably because I wasn’t sure whether to throttle her or thank her. I think the way it was depicted was fantastic, and I was rooting for her at the very end. 

I want to know more about everybody! Except Moss. He can stuff it.

3. Favourite part

That ending! My goodness, can you bring any more drama to the table?

4. Critique

My only critique is that it ended, and now I have to wait for the next book. Harumph.

Overall, A Peddler of Chains is an excellent book, designed for really getting into your head and taking over your thoughts. I would highly recommend this book.

Author Interview: Dave Dobson

Dave Dobson

We’ll skip the “tell us about yourself” because coming up with something on the spot is, truly, the bane of an author’s existence. So, let’s start with something a little easier! Tell me what you’re working on at the moment.*

Two books. One is another in my Inquisitors’ Guild series, and the other is a thriller with light sci fi elements. Also, I’m putting together another sequel to my puzzle card game, Doctor Esker’s Notebook. And last but not least, I’m trying to Rule the Universe again on my Attack from Mars pinball machine. Got to do that at least once a year.

In as much detail as you would like, tell me about your book(s) that are already out/on the way.*

My Inquisitors’ Guild series tells the stories of a set of detectives in a medieval city, sort of a cross between epic fantasy adventure and a mystery or crime novel. Or maybe Princess Bride meets CSI. Each story is a separate adventure, and I change narrators between them, so the books all stand on their own and follow different people in the Inquisitors’ Guild and the world of Frosthelm. I also try to make them funny and warm and exciting, with magic and mayhem and bravery and loss. I’ve got a fourth story done and in the editing process. These are really fun for me to write.

My sci fi book, Daros, is more of a space opera, although it happens on one planet rather than many. It’s set in the far future after humanity has expanded to the stars and then suffered through a destructive interplanetary war. All of that is in the past, though, and the few remaining colonies are prospering. The first main character, Brecca, is the daughter of a trader who’s always a little bit on the wrong side of the law. They end up making a stop at nondescript planet, but suddenly it’s invaded by unknown aliens, and they get caught up in that. The second main character is one of the aliens, a member of the invading fleet, but she’s a secret rebel in their midst. We see the story from both sides as the meaning and purpose of the invasion comes to light.

As far as the writing process goes—including such things as conception of idea all the way through to money in the bank—what is the least favourite bit? (Everyone has one!)*

The editing process is the hardest for me. I always love my first drafts, and it’s hard for me to cut parts out, especially if I need to lose a joke I liked. But in the end, it will make the book stronger. Or so I keep telling myself as I murder innocent paragraphs.

Conversely, what is the bit of the writing process that gets your writery brain grinning?*

When I start a book, I tend to write without much of an outline and sometimes without an idea of exactly where the story is headed. There’s usually a point about halfway through, plus or minus, when I start to see the end and to figure out how it’s going to resolve. At that point, I love finding elements (plot points, characters, objects) that I threw in earlier that were cool but didn’t have a point, and then weaving them into the bigger story that I now recognize.

Another favorite bit is when I am going along and expecting a chapter or section to end one way, and then I think of an awesome twist for it to take. This often leads to one of those elements I need to weave in better later, but it’s great fun.

If you could steal any author’s ability to improve your own work, who would you steal from and why? (e.g. Tolkien’s language skills, Douglas Adams’ humour, etc.)*

That’s a tough one! So many choices. George R.R. Martin for complexity, drama and world building, L. Frank Baum for whimsical magic and adventure, Robert E. Howard for fight scenes, Edgar Rice Burroughs for stirring adventure. If I had to pick one, I think I might go for William Goldman for wit, humor, and dialogue.

Now for some fun! The main character of the book you’re working on (or have recently finished) has kidnapped you for ruining their life. How will you explain that what you’re doing is for the best?

Heh. That would be Glynnis Cary, the main character of my thriller. I would only be one in a long line of people trying to ruin her life, and hardly the most important. She definitely wouldn’t believe whatever cockamamie story I came up with, and she’d never kidnap anybody regardless, so it’s difficult to work the hypothetical there.

Actually, I guess I spent much of the book trying to ruin her life, so this isn’t entirely hypothetical. Looked at that way, I really have no excuse, other than it made for a fun story.

You, your main character(s), and the protagonist of the last book you read are playing poker. What are the stakes? Who will win and why?

For my characters, let’s go with Gueran Declais and Urret Milton, the main characters of The Woeling Lass, my upcoming Inquisitors’ Guild novel. Gueran is a minor noble who’s joined the Inquisitors’ Guild to make a name for himself outside the dreary and backbiting world of the court, and Urret is the daughter of a tavern keeper who’s an apprentice in the Guild program.

The last book I read was actually a novel by a good friend and fellow professor, one she’s shopping around to agents. It’s a romance novel, and the main character is Olive, a mid-career theater professor. Olive has an unexpected dalliance with a former boy band star who’s aged out of the limelight. We read each other’s drafts and had a great time talking about them, and she helped me a lot with Glynnis in my thriller.

I would lose the poker game, because I’ve been losing at poker since junior high in 1983. I even lost the $50 I was supposed to be saving for our school ski trip. This was not popular with my parents. $50 was real money in those days, especially for an 8th grader.

Urret would bet small and fold early, so she wouldn’t win, but she’d be watching everybody play and looking for tells. She’d probably win her next game.

Between Olive and Gueran, that’s hard to say. Both are very smart, and both are wise-asses. Gueran is very good at spotting lies and at schmoozing, while Olive knows people, is deeply analytical, and can speak at least five languages. I don’t know who’d win, but it would be a delight to watch.

Let’s face it, writing is hard. What do you think are some traps to avoid in your particular area of expertise? (Whether that be your genre, your knowledge of plot, your character building, your world building, etc.)*

As a geologist, I get a little steamed when natural objects and systems don’t behave the way they should. I’m looking at you, quicksand-on-top-of-air in Rise of Skywalker and not-very-hot-at-all-lava in The Mandalorian. I’m fine if you break natural rules if you acknowledge it and offer at least a teeny explanation. They did not. It was cheesy.

In terms of writing dialogue, my improv comedy background really helps. Put yourself in the mind of your character and say what they’d really say in response to what happened, even if it complicates the scene or the plot. That makes your dialogue real, and lively, and funnier than it would otherwise be.

Anything else you’d like to add? Plots to take over the world, for example. Upcoming release dates, links and things, maybe even your favourite chocolate cake recipe.

My fourth Inquisitors’ Guild book will be out probably by the end of February, and the thriller with Glynnis should be coming later this year. I’ll be doing a box set with the Inquisitors’ Guild series on Amazon, so Kindle Unlimited folks (or people with a few bucks to rub together, less than a hamburger costs, even) will be able to pick up the whole series.

When my kids were small, I often asked them if they had an evil plan to rule the world. They gave different answers through the years, but the most common one was Blues Clues. They’re still working on implementation, I guess. Maybe that’s what Steve is up to now. Playing the long game.

Book Review: Life is Yours by Abigail Yardimci

I am not normally one to read women’s fiction, but I was intrigued when Life is Yours crossed my review desk. So, I gave it a go and was pleasantly surprised.

1. Thoughts on the plot

This book follows Jess as she tells her story of overcoming heartbreak. She and her fiance broke up after seven years of being together, and after that nothing seemed to quite go right with work or her emotions. But she worked and pushed through it to overcome the pain.

In general, I thought the plot was good. A person learning to continue on through grief and pain is a good topic because it’s so relatable. However, I will say that some of the “learning points” that were sprinkled throughout the book, where Jess made significant progress or changed her mental picture dramatically, were very obvious, almost to the point of taking me out of the story. It felt like a textbook for thinking positive rather than a fictional story, which is fine if this were a guidebook, but feels a bit much for a fictionalised depiction of events.

2. Thoughts on the characters

I liked the characters in this book. I think they felt very real, perhaps because they were going through such real circumstances. I think that Jess was really the primary focus, and so a lot of the secondary characters didn’t have quite as much depth or development, but as this was a first person pov story, and the events really revolved around her, that is perfectly fine. I didn’t feel like I was missing a whole lot. 

I will say that Jack didn’t feel like a great person from the beginning, just because of the way that Jess was thinking about him and orienting her life around him. I know that hindsight, and being outside of the relationship can grant clarity, but I really didn’t get why she was so desperate to get back with him, as he seemed very controlling.

3. Favourite part

Taking back the pendants. Can say no more because of spoilers.

4. Critique

My main critique for this book is what I mentioned in section one. The lessons felt very forced, very much straight out of a textbook, and almost unnatural in terms of Jess’ character development. Granted, I’m not massively familiar with women’s fiction, so I don’t know if this is normal, but it really took me out of the story.

Overall, I would say that Life is Yours was a good book about overcoming heartbreak and grief, and living life to the fullest. 

Book Review: Vorodin’s Lair by JV Hilliard

I love sequels to really good books. The possibilities are vast, and the opportunity to learn more about the characters I grew to really love are impossible to deny. So, when I got the chance to read Vorodin’s Lair, the second book in J.V. Hilliard’s Warminster series, I was excited. Really, really excited. And I was not disappointed.

1. Thoughts on the plot

This book picks up where the last one left off. Our hero, Daemus, is fleeing for his life again, but this time with several good friends at his side, and a purpose instead of random hope leading him. There are also problems awaiting Monty as his family tries to wrestle with the fact that their kingdom will soon be at war. Not to mention the looming threat Greytorris still poses. 

As you might expect from an epic fantasy, the plot was twisty. And dramatic. There was a lot going on, which could be overwhelming, but was definitely not. I think the distribution of character pov chapters in this book was not as well distributed as the previous book, but the plot managed to be clear and detailed nonetheless. I really enjoyed it. Also, the ending!

2. Thoughts on the characters

It was really nice to see these characters again. I love the depth that these characters manage to have, even in only a few chapters. They’re all fascinating and so very different. I think that some of the characters could have used a bit more screen time, as it were, but overall, the distribution was pretty good. I do have to wonder at some of the Keepers, though. Are they truly that daft?

3. Favourite part

The drama. This book really had no shortage of it. Just when I thought things were going to even out, that there had to be some down time, nope! Let’s make it worse! 

4. Critique

I haven’t really got a major critique for this book. There was just so much to entertain, and I really enjoyed myself. Of course, the book ended on a cliffhanger, so there is the urge to throw things until the next instalment is available, but I can’t really call that a critique…

Overall, I would say that Vorodin’s Lair was a fascinating, entertaining sequel and I am eagerly awaiting book the third. An excellent book.

Book Review: Path of War By David Green

After reading book one of the Empire of Ruin series by David Green, I had high expectations for book two, and I was not disappointed.

1. Thoughts on the plot

This book follows Calene, Arlo, and the others during the aftermath of the fall of Solitude. Arlo and his Banished companion, Tilo, head north to the lodestone, while Calene and her companions head south to try and save Vettigan from the shadow that consumes him. Only, everything is far more complicated than one might anticipate, and the Empire is poised for change.

The plot of this book was a bit more involved than the previous book, simply because it focused on more characters. I think it worked out reasonably well, and everyone got to where they needed to be without too many unnecessary detours along the way. I think the plot worked out well.

2. Thoughts on the characters

It was nice to see more of these characters, since I had such a good time reading book one. I really think Calene’s journey was the most significant, and I liked seeing her development throughout the book very much. I will say that Arlo’s journey was perhaps the most important to the plot, and I wish we had a bit more about him (book three, I’m guessing, will involve him more). And, frankly, I could have done without Nexes’ chapters entirely, as they didn’t feel massively significant to the plot and he was a bit of a flat character to me.

3. Favourite part

Calene keeps destroying buildings. It’s a thing, now.

4. Critique

My only real critique is just the fact that I didn’t enjoy reading Nexes’ chapters. I get why they were put in there, but they were fairly flat, and his primary characteristic seemed to be that he was a truly terrible guy with some misguided loyalty issues. It didn’t feel very significant to plot and I was a little bored by them.

Overall, though, I would say that Path of War was a good second book to the series. Very entertaining.

Book Review: A Royal Farce by Laura Hefferman

Generally speaking, I’m not a huge fan of royal romance. I think it’s a bit silly in a world where there are a very, very small number of monarchs remaining, so it falls into the really implausible category for me. Yes, I know that it’s romance, and anything is possible (shifter romance, anyone) but for some reason this trope is harder for me to enjoy. Until, that is, I read Laura Hefferman’s A Royal Farce. Why? Because it actually made sense!

1. Thoughts on the plot

This book follows Lila as she tries to repair the massive DIY project her brother left her with after he ran off to Brazil. She needs to sell the condo immediately, os she can get out of the financial pit. Her neighbour, Pierre, offers her a deal which will let her do just that. He needs a greencard, and will pay for the renovations if she marries him. Lila, desperate, agrees. Sparks fly, drama ensues, then she discovers that he is reallya prince of a tiny island nation, and everything gets much, much more dramatic.

A greencard marriage makes a great deal of sense, and, ironically, so do Pierre’s reasons for keeping his royal identity secret. I think the way that this book dealt with what is normally a ridiculous scenario was logical, intelligent, and thoughtful. It was well woven into the story, and made so much sense without drawing attention away from the characters and their love story.

2. Thoughts on the characters

I really like Lila and Pierre. They’re both individuals without becoming caricatures, which is another pitfall of these sorts of stories. They have fun quirks, thoughts on life, and are generally just entertaining characters to read. Especially when they get into trouble.

I even liked the side characters. A lot of stories I read have two-dimensional side characters, which can be fine since they’re not the focus of the story. This book, though, did well with all the characters and I really enjoyed them.

3. Favourite part

Lila’s job. I think it played just a large enough roll in her life to be significant without overwhelming her other characteristics. I think it was extremely well done how this was explored.

4. Critique

I don’t really have a major critique for this book. It was fun, entertaining, and thoughtful.

Overall, I would say that A Royal Farce was a humorous, intelligent romantic comedy, and I enjoyed it thoroughly.