Robin Goodfellow's Blog, page 22

Book Review for Chaste: Tales of Perilisc by Jesse Teller

Chaste: A Tale from Perilisc, by Jesse Teller, is a dark fantasy novel that deals with difficult issues through complex character dynamics, such as staying true to yourself, and having faith and hope in difficult times.

The book introduces several characters; Cheryl, the young barmaid who is being abused by her spouse; our adventurers, Sob, Sai, Ruther, Trevonne, and Ambul; and two supposedly religious men, both of whom have been corrupted by a mysterious, malicious monster during their travels. These characters’ interactions and development revolve around Chaste, a once faithful town now devolved into a place filled with decadence and decay. When Ambul is taken, the adventurers decide to investigate his disappearance. However, what they hoped to find was their friend, they only see scandals filled with murder, blood, and sacrifice. Cheryl, meanwhile, decides to seek out the truth behind Chaste’s taint, and as the story progresses, discovers that during difficult times, she needs to stand up for what she believes in, even if no one will.

Teller weaves a masterful tale that combines excellent imagery and character dynamics. The relationships between the adventurers are incredibly strong, so much so that when one is corrupted, they all fall. Though each is beset with their own problems, in the end, they still come back to each other. The closeness between Ambul and Sai is especially gratifying, which shows just how much they rely on one another to get through troubled times. This sharply contrasts to Timothy and Frank; though they were just as close, Teller clearly illustrates how much their relationship has degraded. It gets worse and worse for Timothy until finally, Frank inevitably sacrifices the boy for his own gain, as he allows his own demons and his obsession for power to cloud his judgements.

What I also liked about the book is Cheryl’s development. As the story progresses, she realizes the importance of having faith and hope, as well as believing oneself. Teller describes, in stunning detail, the downfall of the once holy Chaste. The dilapidated buildings, the haunting settings, the mobs, even the character’s mental states and the sins surrounding them; he establishes these constants so well I remembered being frightened at times. However, Cheryl still continues to brave this. Despite her suffering, she manages to fight back against the priest, not only by offering refuge to the town’s residents. She is an admirable character, and though she may not fit in with the rest of the adventurers, she is a hero in her own right.

Personally, I loved the book. Teller gave an eerily beautiful feeling about the strange world Chaste was in, as well as the horrifying sense of the darkness within. He illustrated the characters and themes proudly, both their strengths and weaknesses, and though the ending was bittersweet, the book captivated me. Overall, I would give this story a rating of a 4.8/5 stars, and would recommend it for anyone who enjoys fantasy, adventure, and horror.

Book Review for Milk Teeth and other fairytales with a bite by Lizella Prescott

Milk Teeth and other fairytales with Bite, by Lizella Prescott, is a collection of fairytale retellings that range from heartwarming to bloody.

Each fairytale exposes a different mature element to the innocent stories we knew. From Cinderella burning her stepmother alive, to the little mermaid eating humans, the tales offer morbid elements, sometimes with a sense of humor to them. Organized into twelve different stories, each tale is reminiscent of the stories we all loved. However, despite that, they’re still tainted, falling from our expectations like the angels who fell from heaven.

As you may or may not know, I love fairytales, especially macabre ones such as these. Though the language is simple, the ideas are not, and thus, I’ve watched these tales mature before my very eyes, crafting weeds and thorns and thistles in the place of the iconic rose. Because of this, I would give this collection a rating of a 4.5 out of 5 stars, and would recommend it to anyone who enjoyed dark fantasy.

Book Review for Pnaramakhia by Flavio Santonocito

Pnaramakhia, by Flavio Santonocito, is a dark fantasy epic that details the journey of Sebastophian, Calliriene, and Nicoremios, as they struggle with their demons and prejudice, all the while endeavoring to survive the harsh madness of a world they refuse to comprehend.

The book takes place in Pnarakon, a fantastical, dystopian world filled faith, hopelessness, and despair. It is separated into three parts. The first part deals with these three individuals interacting with one another. The second part shows what happens in the complex, political society of Pnarakon, as well as the vain elitism that surrounds many of the politicians. The third part finally details the fall of all characters, some of whom by recognizing the futility of their existence, others by abandoning themselves to their own pathetic morals, all the while dragging their loved ones down with them.

I enjoyed how Sebastophian, Calliriene, and Nicoremios’s development centered around what others have told them. Sebastophian and Calliriene are siblings and fellow knights, who were led to believe that all Pnarakons are horrible scoundrels, which is shown in their treatment of Nicoremios. What little character development these two do have is crushed effortlessly, whether it be beneath the weight of their own insanity, or their beliefs in justice and other people. Also, when confronted with dissenting opinions, the siblings tend to resort to violence. But Nicoremios isn’t entirely blameless either; he discriminates against gender, and naively pushes his values on others without any regards for those around him. I saw that especially when looking at his mentor, along with the people he surrounds himself with. To think that he believed his mother was beneath him was shocking, to say the least. Perhaps the only resolution these two sides managed to claim was through Nicorielle, a blend of Calliriene and Nicoremios after a series of unfortunate events. And even then, the poor thing doesn’t get a happy ending.

This leads me to one of the most prominent themes found in the book; the clashing of ideologies. Whether it be religious, political, or anything in between, both sides have their prejudices. Unless these sides compromise somehow, no one will be able to solve anything, as the undead creatures within the book have so tragically shown. In our world, this clash can be seen, whether it be with the Republicans/Democrats, communism/democracy, or perhaps even freedom of speech in general. Santonocito has brought many interesting points-of-view to the fold, and shows just how destructive these ideas can be, especially with no moral compass to guide you.

That being said, this book is not for everyone. It contains a lot of unfamiliar terminology that could potentially confuse the reader, even with the glossary in the back. Still, the story has so many complex plot lines that accurately reflect the real world, along with interesting characters that you can not only support, but also condemn. I would give this book a rating of a 4.5 out of 5 stars, and would recommend it to fans of the Harry Potter series and The Lord of the Rings.

Book Review for Sin Eater by Alesha Escobar and Samantha Lafantasie

Sin Eater, by Alesha Escobar and Samantha Lafantasie is a supernatural mystery that reflects the various perceptions of good and evil, and whether or not humanity can be saved.

Aria Knight is a sin eater, a creature who helps cleanse a soul by removing them of their sin before they pass on. She is hired by a man named Dominic Belagio to perform a sin eating ritual, promising her not only a substantial reward, but also help for finding her mother, a witch who could help her become normal. However, when she arrives and stumbles across a dead body, she is suddenly forced into the political arena filled with Watchers and Wizards, as she tries to seek out the truth behind the murder. Meanwhile, Harry is a man who is cursed by the wizard Warren Bright. Struggling to find the wizard, Harry has to prove himself against the curse, as he unwittingly unravels the twisted legacy that details the animosity between humans and wizards. Both Aria’s and Harry’s stories intertwine magically, as half-truths ad lies are uncovered, with a veil of deception lingering near.

Personally, I loved Aria. She takes her jobs, both as a sin eater and a Nanny, seriously. It’s clear she cares for her loved ones, and though she is a bit rough around the edges, she stays true to her morals. She’s strong, but she also has a soft side for humanity, no matter how much she says she doesn’t. What’s more, she doesn’t impose her own rules on others, which makes her convincing enough as a hero. While Harry was a bit more of a mystery to me, I enjoyed the way he deals with his curse. It adds to his already growing repertoire of skills, and though this might sound horrible, I like his curse.

The theme of how human one is enshrouds them. Like I said before, Aria will not force her own morality on others. All the same she does wish to die, having lost faith in humanity so very long ago. She’s humble enough to where she knows she can’t judge others, and it’s a source of constancy throughout the novel. In a world where humans threaten wizards, and wizards and vampires abandon their own conscience to try and seduce their demons, it’s as if Aria is a fairy godmother, simply waiting for the right moment to come out and save everyone. Though Aria might not fit the goody-two-shoes mold of a fairy, nonetheless the theme was well done.

Overall, I would give this book a 4.3 out of 5 stars. I loved both Aria and Harry, and their interactions leave something to be desired in the upcoming books. I also enjoyed the theme of morality and humanity, and how the characters’ particular personalities and conflicts illustrate how these themes are used. The book was like a modern take on the fairytale genre, but without the gore of the Grimm Brothers. I would recommend this book to fans of J.K Rowling, mystery, and extremists with too much time on their hands.

Book Review for Azaroth and Sefalin by Leonard G. Mokos

Azaroth and Sefalin, by Leonard G. Mokos, is an epic fantasy about two men, both of whom, despite the folly of their youth, have shown their loyalty to one another time and time again.

Azaroth is a middle-aged wizard whom, along with his companion Sefalin, set out to Lonsea, where the Coda Uma, a book that codes for the apocalypse, resides. In order to bring back his master’s past glories, Azaroth resolves to steal the book with his friend in toll. After a very amusing near-death experience, the two friends manage to retrieve the book and part ways. However, when word of the stolen book reaches Helix, a scorned Prince lusting for power, he scours the lands to find the thieves. With a kingdom falling, the undead marching on, and the enemy closing in, Azaroth and Sefalin discover that it is their friendship that helps one another, and, at the very least, makes life worth living.

I loved the dynamic between Azaroth and Sefalin. Whereas Sefalin is humorous, Azaroth is serious; Sefalin born with a silver spoon, Azaroth a lowly orphan. Even so, the two share a common trait that if their loved ones were demeaned or threatened, they would do anything to protect them, no matter the cost. Whether that means groveling at the feet of another king, or transforming into a monster, it’s clear they hold each other and their loved ones in high regard. This is shown many times over when they go to risk their lives for each other, when they are willing to even abandon others if only for the sake of an adventure they could go on together. It goes to show that they really are lifelong companions, and that they do have each other’s backs in the darkest of times, something Mokos illustrates fully.

Their relationship also shows a major theme in the book, that true friends will always stay by your side, no matter how badly you screw up. Personally, it reminded me of a comic I once read, of how a good friend would bail you out of jail, but a true friend would be sitting in the jail cell right beside you. Azaroth and Sefalin have been burned by each other’s actions, but even then, they still decide to go on their many misadventures together. It makes for a bittersweet ending, but I can’t imagine any other place for these two aside from together.

Overall, I would give this book a 4.6 out of 5 stars. The book’s meticulous details brought to life horrifying scenes that made me want more. The friendship between the two main protagonists, as well as the political battlefield waged behind the scenes, was well done. The book was thorough, and is recommended to those who enjoy adventure and dystopian genres.

Book Review for Susurrus by B. Morris Allen

Susurrus, by B. Morris Allen, is a touching epic that illustrates the harsh realities of life, as well as the beautiful follies of reality, as a sorceress strives to find happiness despite the destruction that follows her.

Iskra was a young girl who was orphaned when her father died from starvation. She was found by Neris, a peddler who had cared for her and unwittingly became a second father to her. As her journey throughout the book continues, she learns about the different types of magic, as well as the tragedies that are associated with them. From bloody promises to ill-conceived gales, in the end all Iskra felt she could do was watch the world continue on without her. But despite that, she manages to continue living, carrying the memories of her precious loved ones with her.

Allen masterfully executes how risky magic can be, and that no matter how tempting it may seem, there’s no room for naiveté. Iskra has tried over and over again to protect her friends, but in the end is only able to save herself, sometimes accidentally, sometimes unwillingly. Initially, she could only continue cursing herself, but eventually she manages to find her way back to the feelings she had way back to when the prospect of magic was still so new to her, and when everything seemed so simple at the time. What captured my heart the most was how Iskra began as a young slate, and was continually shaped by the people around her, the hopes and dreams she had, alongside the bloodshed she caused.

What I also loved about the story was Iskra’s character development, as she deals with the blissful ignorance of youth. Throughout the book, I saw just how much she changed, as she went on meeting friends and lovers. Though she tries to seek out her power for her own happiness, she learns that, in the end, it was the lessons of her loved ones that finally made her content. Though the ending was a bit bittersweet, it was nevertheless appropriate.

Because of this, I give this book a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. Iskra’s use of magic at the beginning was, at best, like the Faustian contracts that are so very prevalent in our culture. She achieves a powerful skill, but because she doesn’t know how to use that skill, she can only watch her loved ones die. And yet, even then she still could carve out a place in the world for her to being to. I would, thus, recommend this book for fans of George R.R. Martin and Steven Erikson.

Book Review for The Hall of Heroes: A Fellowship of Fantasy Anthology by H.L. Burke and others

The Hall of Heroes: A Fellowship of Fantasy is an anthology detailing the harsh struggles of nameless heroes as they endeavor to prove themselves and to others that heroes aren’t just people you read about in fairytales.

All the stories in the anthology have a magical realism to them. Whether it be about slaves breaking free from their confinement, or teenagers rescuing others from burning buildings, these protagonists show the world that they aren’t worthless. The feats aren’t all that unique; a knight saving a girl from her abusive family after all, isn’t going to garner as much attention as slaying a dragon, but it’s significant all the same. They demonstrate the simple fact that no matter who you are, or where you come from, you can be someone’s hero, and it’s something I loved seeing with each new narrative.

Personally, these stories reminded me of the Mother Goose Tales. Although there wasn’t nearly as much bloodshed as in The Hall of Heroes, the lessons are transparent. The values shown are what we carry through to our adult lives, and it’s because of these values that we’ve carried through our lives without too much regret or remorse. The stories also describes an innocence we’ve carried from long ago, and brings it to the fore front of the book.

Thus, I would give this anthology a rating of a 4.6 out of 5 stars. The elegant way these authors tell their stories, as well as the spiteful characters that encompass them, help me recall memories from before. They show me that not every action has to be “grand” to be considered special, and in fact sometimes, the greatest acts of heroism come from the compassion every day people show each other. Still, because of its fantastical nature, I would recommend it to fans of Cassandra Clare and Suzanne Collins.

Book Review for Sons of Trillion: Part One by David J. Khan

Sons of Trillion: Part One, by David J. Khan, is a fantasy about a father who is willing to do whatever it takes to protect his son, and a boy who struggles with controlling his power and learning about the world around him.

Set in the magical world of Talos, magic is separated into three different trees of power: Spoken, Thought, and Gesture. When a child doesn’t fit into any of these trees, they were to be executed. The ones who oversee these executions were known as the Council of Light and Order. However, when a powerful councilman named Trillion has a son who doesn’t fit into these trees, he flees and raises his son in isolation. Years later, a girl named Valora meets Caliga, a boy who has led a sheltered life in the mountains. As she shows him the joys of the outside world, she unwittingly introduces him to the very people who want him dead, and their once simplistic friendship has taken a dark turn.

I enjoyed the dynamic between Trillion, Caliga, and Valora. Trillion is trying to look out for his son, and would do anything to protect him, even if it meant abandoning the world. Valora unwittingly invited Caliga to seek out answers he wasn’t getting anywhere else, all the while believing he was innocent from any wrongdoing. Finally, there’s Caliga, the boy who’s recklessness nearly costed him everything. Personally, these characters reminded me of Romeo and Juliet, who allowed their carelessness to get the better of them, which, of course, resulted in tragedy. I look forward to seeing how these three interact in the future.

It was also interesting to see how the council members were willing to kill an innocent child, and how Trillion had simply taken his son, despite the legitimate fears the members had; already Khan has brought up the age old debate of Nature vs Nurture. Out of fear, loyalty, or even their own ego, Khan manages to show a parallel between Trillion and the Council members; the two parties are determined to do whatever it takes to protect their loved ones and themselves. However, while Trillion was able to save his son, the Council members couldn’t save their own, and allowed their own paranoia to take hold and cloud their judgement.

Overall, I would give this book a rating of a 3.9 out of 5 stars. I enjoyed the dynamics between the characters, as well as the parallels between Trillion and the Council members. Although the wording was a bit awkward, it was an enjoyable book. Thus, I would recommend this book to those who enjoy The Hall of Heroes; A Fellowship of Fantasy anthology, and B. Morris Allen.

Book Review for Seeds of Hatred by Christian Nadeau

Seeds of Hatred, Christian Nadeau, is an epic fantasy about political pawns endeavoring to survive in a world filled with the tragic beauty of war.

Marac is a former assassin who was hired to guard the blood sorcerer Elyas. Alex is a sheltered Lightbearer who must travel to Morador to warn the monasteries of the savage purges taking place. Soren is a young, naive military officer who becomes embroiled with the corruption of his own organization. Their seemingly distant stories come crashing down the moment three powerful organizations decide to attack one another, both on the war front and through polite society. Heartbreak after heartbreak, with betrayal lingering near, Marac, Alex, and Soren must use their wits to stay alive and bring down those who seek to ruin them.

I loved reading about these three characters, and how their interactions inadvertently affected one another. It was like I was looking through mirrors during a sunset, with the light bouncing against each surface, creating a kaleidoscope of colors that I could stare at for hours. Nadeau even shows just how important the supporting characters, from Elyas attempting to avenge his family, to Caras’s manipulative games. Each had something to offer to the story, and it helped the main protagonists with their development.

Not only that, but I also enjoyed what appeared to be a complex chess game between the nobles, the Fey, and the Brotherhood; characters like the noblewoman Laera, whose daughter was just murdered, and Aldazar, who had only wanted to live with his human bride, were all wonderfully written. Whatever side they were on, they all had loved ones, and they all had reasons for doing what they did. Nadeau illustrates just how convoluted war can truly be, where one side is neither truly right. Whenever I read about these characters, it was as if I was seeing at the various governments of the real world, whether that be from America or Russia. And personally, I saw a part of myself in each of them.

But while the book was good in those two respects, a major detractor was the fact that there were so many characters to keep track of. While their backgrounds were incredibly interesting, there were times I had to refer to my notes just to remind myself what character I was reading about. I also wanted certain character’s story lines to be a bit more fleshed out, and would’ve preferred reading more about the supporting characters, rather than the main protagonists themselves.

Nevertheless, I did like the book. The characters and political background was good, though I had trouble keeping up with the various characters. The prose was also vivid, so much so I could practically see myself walking alongside Marac, or being with Alex as she was ambushed. Thus, I would give this book a rating of a 3.8 out of 5 stars, and would recommend it to those who are fans of Flavio Santonocito and Jesse Teller.

Book Review for My Shorts by Arthur M. Doweyko

My shorts, by Arthur M. Doweyko, is a collection of short stories dealing with humanity’s curiosity, conflicts, or otherwise imaginative situations that are amusing.

From going back in time to save a loved one, to saving the world from an alien invasion, these stories are whimsical as they are sophisticated. Each one possesses a unique narrative not completely alien from our own, and how these characters can sometimes fall victim to their own pride. But despite that, there’s a strong resilience in each of these characters, so much so that their stories they come alive.

I liked reading through the anthology. They remind me of the long, controversial debate of how machines and humans could coexist with each other, especially with humanity’s manipulative nature. To be honest, I can imagine myself sitting on a windowsill, overlooking an abandoned city with a shimmer of hope here or there. It made me reminisce on the thoughts I had of the degradation of civilization, but also on the science behind it. It also helped that the author himself is a scientific man who provides sound reason for each of the stories. While the collection isn’t as dark as I would’ve liked it be, it was good.

As such, I would give this book a rating of a 4 out of 5 stars, and would recommend it to fans of Chris Wright.