Robin Goodfellow's Blog, page 23

Book Review for Chosen of Trees and of Talons by Jeff Pryor

Chosen of Trees and of Talons, by Jeff Pryor, is an epic fantasy about standing up for the truth, even if enemies watch you from the shadows.

The book is separated into two parts. The first part introduces Daeron, a boy who is revealed to be the true king of the Arneisians. After being chosen in a ceremony that places him directly under the scrutiny of The Ones, a group of elites that have enslaved the Arneisians, he must determine who he can trust, all the while clinging to remnants of a forgotten promise made generations before. The second part deals with the beginnings of a rebellion, entwining various threads of destiny together, if only to greet the true king. Pryor weaves an enchanting tale about friendship, faith, and hope, as the people of Arneisia await for their king to liberate them.

I loved reading about the relationships that Daeron and the boys have formed. Immediately there is distrust in the group when they first arrive, and with Alhearn already being singled out as a “rat”, it seemed to me that Alhearn would betray the group. Denton seemed so adamant that Alhearn can’t be trusted, despite the fact that The Ones have probed all their minds, although I can empathize with his thinking. As for The Ones themselves, it was interesting to see the schism taking hold of them. Delthar was perhaps the most paranoid, and wouldn’t even fathom a future with him not being the leader of The Ones. From not killing a potential threat and locking him in the basement, to training a War Mage, to even considering killing all the Chosen, it was as if I was watching the fear inside of him taking root. I loved Melpharious, but there was only so much he can do against Delthar. I can’t help but think that if there was a way to settle things peacefully, it would’ve been through him.

Something I’ve been quite taken with when I picked up this book was the Eldara Tree. There were special individuals in the book that could talk with these trees, and these characteristics were one of the prominent reasons why people were able to stave off The Ones and The Darkness for so long. Throughout literature, trees represented life and stability, peace even. We teach children about the environment and its importance to humanity, so I enjoyed reading about how these trees protect us in return. I loved the Chosens’ interactions with the tree, and how, in Bregan’s presence, the other Chosen were able to see glimpses of the truth. The way Jonni and his family treat these trees is something to be said, treating them as friends rather than mere obstructions on the ground. Another interesting thing to note was the Gor; unlike what Daeron faces, these monsters are real, horrific, and something that Jonni and his family have had to fight against. It was like I was reading a war on two fronts, with each character showing their heroism in their own way.

Because of this, I would give this book a rating of a 4.7 out of 5 stars. The characters and parallels were well written. What’s more, the Eldara Tree was the very thing that tied this book together, showing how shared destinies could lead to an even greater fate. I would thus recommend this book to those who enjoy The Arena by D. Michael Withrow and Seeds of Hatred by Christian Nadeau.

Book Review for Thread and Other Stories by Eric Halpenny

Thread and Other Stories, by Eric Halpenny, is a series of stories that illustrate different aspects of humanity, unified by a single conversation between an unnamed protagonist and a higher power.

The book has six stories. Thread is about three young children who struggle to survive in a cruel world, while learning how to rely on each other for comfort. Shrink describes a psychologist who is helping a soldier deal with severe psychological problems. Chance follows a young boy who contracts a doll out of hay, which unknowingly invites a witch onto his family’s home. Conflict is about two soldiers who decide to enlist in the army, both of whom have differing opinions on war’s purpose. Oversight is about two space archeologists who are studying the unknown, though soon, they are consumed by the fading boundary between reality and fiction. Perception is about a spy who struggles against his enemy, as he tries to survive a harsh reality where no one leaves with their innocence intact.

I loved the conversation between the protagonist and this higher being. At first, the protagonist came off as arrogant, but as more and more time past, the protagonist slowly began to warm up to this being. I particularly loved the statement, “I can wait”, which is both humorous and meaningful to me. The very sentence alone reflected my own relationship with religion, forcing me to think beyond my own prejudices and biases. With each story as well, Penny introduces a level of humanity that each person needs to deal with, alongside conflicts that the literary genre sometimes takes for granted. I’ve read many stories where humanity was characterized not as a group of individual thoughts, but as a whole being either bent of hatred, or as two thoughts fighting against one another. Perhaps the best thing that could be said about humanity it that whatever our ideas may be, we all try our best to live our own lives.

Because of this, I would give this book a rating of a 4.3 out of 5 stars. The stories were well written, as is the conversation between the protagonist and this higher power. As a whole, the story represented a more refreshing picture of humanity that, in the end, exposes us as imperfect beings that endeavor to live to the best of our ability. As such, I would recommend this book to fans of Abandoned Breaths by Alfa.

Book Review for Feast of Fates by Christian A. Brown

Feast of Fates, by Christian A. Brown, is a dark, dreamlike fantasy about understanding the monsters that are watching you, as well as cruel world that’s destined to leave you behind.

The book is separated into two parts. The first part introduces Morigan, who works as a maiden to the wizard Thackery Thule, whom she regards as a compassionate father figure. When she falls in love with a wolf named Caenith, she begins to cross over from a realm of normalcy into a world of magic and mystery. Armed with her decrypt powers, Morigan must guard herself from the dangers that her visions show her, with aimless warnings demanding that they be heard. The second part begins when Morigan is kidnapped for her powers. Despite their difference, Caenith and Thackery set off to find her in the degraded kingdom of Menos, where wicked ghosts continue to haunt them. In this fantastical epic, madness lurks in every corner, as enemies quietly stalk our heroes all, as they endeavor to follow a fading light at the end of a tunnel.

I loved Sorren, as strange as that may sound. He was a complete, utter monster, so much so he was willing to do anything to see his Lenora again, from kidnapping and killing innocents, to murdering his own brother and niece. It was if he was possessed by a demon, one that caressed his hatred until finally, he was nothing but a former shell of himself. He contrasted sharply to Mouse and Vortigan; their relationship was touching, and I enjoyed watching it blossom when they finally broke free of Sorren’s control. They were a family in the end, and they showed that love does conquer even the strongest of adversities. They parallel Morigan and Thackery quite well in that respect. I admired them, and watched them develop despite the evil trying to devour them. I applaud Brown for these depictions.

This leads me to a prominent idea in the book, and that is that though justice may prevail, evil will not stay silent. The Thule House from which Thackery came from was corrupted by violence, murder, and despair. Thackery has spent decades trying to redeem himself for his family’s sins, but even so he is still trapped beneath the weight of his remorse. He was right to be afraid, especially with what’d happened with Sorren. Menos and Eod were also examples of this. Although they were as different as light and day, there was something nightmarish brewing within these cities. Menos was already suffering as it was, and with the attack and looming war in Eod, it seems that the uneasy peace between these kingdoms is finally coming to an end. Good and evil will be warped, and only shades of gray will remain.

When I read this book, it was like I was being lulled into one of my childhood dreams, where imaginative stories and golden poems came to life. Beginning with a vision, I would love to see how this series plays out. Morigan, Thackery, Caenith, and the aristocracy; I fell in love with them from the moment I first read about them. Although there were a few mistakes, by no means did they detract from the book. As such, I would give this book a rating of a 4.8 out of 5 stars, and would recommend it to all fantasy lovers.

Book Review for Metal-Locks and Other Fairytales by Angela Castillo

Metal-Locks and Other Fairytales, by Angela Castillo, is a collection of mechanized fairytales that reminds readers of the wonders of age-old stories.

Whether it be a girl with a unique ability of observation, or a father of two, loving, robotic children, these tales will bring a sweet familiarity to your heart. The pain of saying goodbye to someone you care about, to casting your chains away for the freedom you long for, to even a quiet portrait with a haunting legacy,;Castillo delves into the world of steampunk, if only to add a modern light to the stories we know so well.

While I was happy to read these retellings, some of the elements were a bit cliche. Needless to say, I loved how machines and magic, and even love, operated. The fairytales all had a bit of a darker atmosphere to them, and carried an almost aristocratic elegance that is consistent with the fairytale genre. I particularly enjoyed The Clockwork People, which tells the story of an old toy shop owner, who built a dancing man and woman and entertained many children with them. The story reminded me of of the small, glass figurines I used to play with, ones that, like the toy dancers, I felt loved me back. I played near an archaic fireplace that collected dust throughout the years, but I still imagined it to be a kingdom, or a small village, or even a castle far, far away. After all these years I still have these figurines, despite the broken glass everywhere. So when I did read this story, Castillo had captured my attention, and enchanted me to no end.

I would give this book a rating of a 3.6 out of 5 stars. While the tales can be a bit cliche, the steampunk world would be well worth your time. This book has a rustic air to it, and has a regal quality that not many other books have. As such, I would recommend this book to fans of Gail Levine Carson and Sally Gardner.

Book Review for Legends of Perilisc by Jesse Teller

Legends of Perilisc, by Jesse Teller, is a short story collection that explores the imperfections of the deities that made this world, as well as humanity’s struggles to go on with their lives.

Each story has a gorgeous narrative, filled with sorrowful realism, the phrases laced with magic. From gods fighting for the souls of humans, to humans trying to usher in a New Age, to even the slaying of a long, corrupted beast; these tales delve into the reality that not everything stays the same, though good and evil are still very real forces in the world. Like its novels, this anthology illustrates the fantastical parallels between life and fiction, and how certain truths of humanity’s perseverance are reaffirmed, regardless of the times.

Though it may be cliche, one story that stuck out to me was the first one, The Second Age. It tells a melancholic legend of how the gods began fighting, the bloodshed that came about, and finally, the pain that stemmed from the war. But still, despite this humanity had managed to survive through the eyes of a forgotten deity, one who watched over both their benevolence and maleficence. What’s more, these short stories were connected through this very seedling. It crafted and gave life to the many tales that soldiers, adventurers, and even enemies will tell, and was something Teller did well.

As such, I would give this book a rating of a 4.1 out of 5 stars. Teller’s universe never ceases to astound me. I enjoyed the meticulous details and fantastical imagery that closely tie this collection to Teller’s other stories. Thus, I would recommend this book to fans of the Perilisc universe, as well as fans of epic fantasies in general.

Book Review for The Blood Within the Stone by T.R. Thompson

The Blood Within the Stone, by T.R. Thompson, is an epic fantasy about surviving in a world where the strong are targeted, and the weak are left behind.

The book is separated into two parts. The first part introduces a young boy named Wilt, who, alongside his friend, Higgs, was recently accepted into the Grey Guild, a thieves’ guild that specialized in surviving the struggling town of Greystone. However, when a Prefect from Redmonis comes for the two boys, they’re thrusted into a city of nightmares. The second part deals with the threats that Redmonis faces, alongside the dangers that are slowly fostering from within the city. Thompson delivers a fast-paced adventure where darkness lurks around every corner, where death awaits the pawns.

I loved the relationship between Wilt and Higgs. Even in Greystone, it was clear that the two looked after one another, with Wilt watching over Higgs as an older brother, and Higgs looking after Wilt with his wit and his Rats. Old Pete, as well as Daemi, were wonderful companions to them, so much so that I felt at home whenever I read about them. Their bond sharply contrasts to the Sisters, who were more of an eerie, collective conscious, rather than individual people. They weren’t human, in my opinion. They stamp out anyone who would get in their way, who was a threat to their way of life. In a way, they represented an illustrious account of Social Darwinism, where the weak die out, and the strong survive.

This idea was a constant theme within the book. A new trade route had been found that bypassed Greystone, and because of that Greystone died out. Thieves began roaming the streets, and only those skilled enough can get into the Thieves’ Guild. In Redmonis, a haunting saying kept coming back to me, and that is that “” the strong is always targeted.” Thompson beautifully illustrates the power struggle between the characters; those that aren’t cut out for this world tend to get weeded out. Red Charley had been one; in fact, for the most part, he was probably the detestable butt monkey readers kick whenever they feel frustrated.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. I loved the narrative and details Thompson weaves into the story. The relationships between the characters and the parallels between Redmonis and Greystone were well done. What’s more, the concept of the strong and the weak was also clearly portrayed within the theme. As such, I would give this book a rating of a 4.0 out of 5 stars, and would recommend it for fans of Chosen of Trees and of Talons, by Jeff Pryor, and Feast of Fates, by Christian A. Brown.

Book Review for Heir of Faxinor, by Michelle Levigne

Heir of Faxinor, by Michelle Levigne, is a tale about a brave young woman who does everything she can to protect her home.

Andrixine is the heir to the Faxinor estates, and had recently survived a poisoning attempt. However, when she, her mother, and her younger sister are attacked at a local inn, Andrixine and her sister manage to escape. Before long, Andrixine resolves to find her mother’s kidnappers and  bring them to justice. With enemies carefully shrouded in darkness, Andrixine must protect her loved ones and preserve the Faxinor legacy, before her foes destroy her completely. This gripping fantasy will bring readers to the edge, as love, mystery, and adventure entwine within the pages, Levigne’s words laced with courage and hope.

I fell in love with Andrixine. She’s a strong, competent heir who will stop at nothing to fight for justice. However, after seeing her maid raped by her attackers, my heart broke for her; in Levigne’s world, women clearly are subservient to men, so I could understand Andrixine’s hesitance with any man. The fact that many people saw her as an unmarried man, rather than a warrior, was also frustrating. Still, she faced her enemies with skill and perseverance, traits that made her just as competent as any warrior. Then there was her relationship with Kalsan, which added a light-hearted element to this novel. Though romance was well integrated into the plot, it did become overbearing at the end. There were also some parts where I felt it was forced, but other than that, their relationship was wonderful. Brother Klee was also a good mentor figure for Andrixine; in his experience, he guided her through times of confusion, and ensured her safety, both physically and mentally.

The theme in the book calls back to ageless issues. Again, Andrixine was a strong woman who didn’t need to swoon over any man, nor did she need to fall in love with anyone to know who she was. She didn’t abandon her mother or sister in their time of need, and she dutifully served Yomnain when she needed to. Brother Klee had also trained Andrixine, even though she was a woman, and served as her biggest advocate.  Her father had seen her as an heir to Faxinor, and though her cousin didn’t agree. For this, I applaud Levigne.

Again, there were a few points in the book where I felt the romance was a bit rushed. The fact that Kalsan and Andrixine were married also didn’t sit well with me. Still, their relationship was enjoyable to read about. The adventure was also portrayed in a way that felt almost fantastical, and the characters, the themes, and the storyline were extraordinary. As such, I would give this book a rating of a 3.8 out of 5 stars, and would recommend this book to those who enjoy the Feast of Fates series, by Christian A. Brown, and Penny White and the Temptation of Dragons, by Chrys Cymri.

Book Review for Battle of Kinds by Clint Gleason

Battle of Kinds, by Clint Gleason, is a fantastical tale about learning to live in a harsh world.

Rawluv is a young traveler who has already seen much of the world. From having an affair with a beautiful slave to avoiding Garmish the Thief, he still knew he had other sights to explore. One day however, he was attacked by Quillers, but then saved by an Efftrul named Waltham, who later takes Rawluv as a slave. It isn’t long before Rawluv realizes just how much more he needs to learn, and what it means to live as a person, rather than a shadow of the world around him.

I’ll admit, when I first read about Rawluv, I was a bit irritated. I kept asking myself why Rawluv kept accepting Madeem’s advances, even when Sima was taking care of him. That very inexperience was what led him to get caught. Even so, he still grew, from seeing the mounting tension between the Efftruls and the Nomooks, to the rising of the Trikilliates, he learned that life isn’t as predictable as he thought it to be. He develops into this mature man who realizes that it is better to settle down than to drift from one place to the next. I saw this chaotic, wild creature turn into a domesticated animal, trying to find another master to take care of him.

This was a part of the book that I enjoyed the most. From a free-spirited man to a spiritually broke dreamer, he’s experienced what fighting over something can do to people, how far many are willing to go to preserve what they perceive to be theirs. In a way, he’s learned more about what it means to be a person as a slave to the Efftruls than traveling the world. Personally, this reminds me of a poem written by Maya de Angelou, called Caged Bid. But instead of a bird seeking out its freedom, hoping its song would be heard, Rawluv has already been broken, and would rather stay in the cage than be freed. He’s a wounded little thing in a dark world, one that he might not be able to survive.

A few of the phrases were a bit awkward, and though I loved the world Rawluv lived in, I did wish there were more details. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the book; Rawluv’s development was beautifully portrayed, as was the symbolism of freedom in the end. Gleason illustrates the darkness of life, as well as how finding a safe haven can shield you from it, even if it means you have to give up your own individuality. As such, I would give this book a rating of a 3.7 out of 5.0, and would recommend this book to those who enjoy the Feast of Fates by Christian A. Brown, and Legends of Perilisc by Jesse Teller.

Book Review for Children of the Incubi: Marriage of Heaven and Hell by Lana M. Wiggins

Children of the Incubi: Marriage of Heaven and Hell, by Lana M. Wiggins, is a dark fantasy novel about a legacy of demented secrets that were hidden away from the light, only to resurface again in a maniacal storm of lust, sin, and lies.

The White One, Amon, and the Black Dragon, Marduk, are both rulers of the kingdom of the Incubi. When their brother, Lucian, stirs up conflict, the two kings decide to concoct a virus that would enslave creatures to their bloodlust. After this virus gets out, they try to search for the carrier, only to find two human women, both of whom with babes. After deliberating, they decide to make the two immortal. Amon’s son, however, falls in love with the tiny baby named Issa, whom he decides to claim as his new Queen. Even so, dark forces wait in the horizon, happily festering on the sides as they watch this spectacle continue on without any abandon. In this twisted fairytale, Wiggins shows just how far people are willing to go to satiate their own lusts, whether it be for love, power, or corruption.

To be honest, when I picked up this book, I was stunned. The incest, the lies, the cheating; nearly half the time, I wanted Marduk to just leave Lilith in her cesspool of lust. It’s why I was so happy he found Hurit, whom he treated as a daughter, as well as her baby, Samoset, also named Samuel. At the very least, she and Samuel were more more of family than Cain and Lilith ever will be. On the other hand, Amon didn’t get into as much drama as he would’ve had he given into his vices. He protected his family the best he could, despite the horrifying way he struck Nahemah. He gave Issa and Makawee a good home, was a good husband to Makawee, and was an overall good king, in my opinion. But the mistakes of the past still caught on to them both. It’s why the ending was as bittersweet as it was.

Amon and Marduk, Cain and Declan, Makawee and Hurit, and even the small, tragic love story between Samuel and Issa; they all remind me of a song covered by Lorde, “Everybody wants to rule the world.” Right from the beginning, I feel that Wiggins sets them up as pieces of a puzzle, as the kingdom of the Incubi erodes away. Though the kingdom is united, it took a lot of heartbreak, horror, and damnation to finally see it through. I kept finding myself hoping that somehow, things would all work out, though I know they won’t. Because in the end, no matter how much I wish it, that isn’t how fairytales work. Someone has to suffer for the sake of others.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. Though there were times when I was a bit fatigued, I was still astonished by the crisp narrative and clear diction, as well as how easily the words flowed from one scene to the next. Before I knew it, I found myself just siting there, wondering how things had gotten so messed up between Amon and Marduk. As such, I would give this book a rating of  a 4.0 out of 5 stars, and would recommend it to those who love historical fiction, fantastical epics, and dystopian worlds.

Book Review for Scribes by James Wolanyk

Scribes, by James Wolanyk, tells the story of a young girl who, through her gift, was able to see the world as how it truly was, both in its beauty and its corruption.

Anna, first of Thomas, was running from trackers alongside her younger brother, Julek. When Julek is killed, she is taken in by a tracker who recognizes her abilities as a scribe. She then goes up North, where she meets a young boy named Shem, as well as a woman named Bora, who shows her the realities of the world. As she continues on her journey, she realizes that sometimes, she has to stand up for herself if she wanted survive. In this fantastical novel, Wolanyk illustrates that not every gift is blessed, and that even power that can heal can lead to the most devastating consequences.

I enjoyed the relationship between Anna and the tracker. While the tracker did seem heartless at first, I did come to admire him. He knew people would do anything for salt, and even called out her parents for it. Not only that, but it’s like he was mentoring her, making sure she knew what to do and how to survive in the world. Bora did the same thing, although even now I still find it hard to trust her. Shem, on the other hand, was completely innocent. He felt like he only had to rely on Anna, that he could protect her and that everything will be fine. He got his first taste when they came to the orza, where she didn’t call him by his name, when he experienced jealously for the first time. All these characters played a role in Anna’s development, forcing her to see what life truly was.

The world Anna grew up in was also astonishing. From being sold out by her parents to being worshiped as as goddess, it was all she could do to not let that perfect life go to her head. On the surface, it seemed like a fairytale come true, but even so, there was still something sinister festering in the darkness. People like the traveler, Bora, and Shem helped her find her way, made sure she wasn’t swept up by the gilded promise the orza promised her. Because in the end, she can’t afford to. She had to grow up quickly, and the only thing she could do was simply live her life, not only as a scribe, but as a human.

I did wish that the relationship between Anna and Konrad were more fleshed out. But more than that, while I did think it cute, I also felt it was a bit out of place in this story. I would’ve preferred more of a transition between scenes; there were times when I had to reread the sentence simply because the locations suddenly jumped from one place to the other.

Nevertheless, I did like the book. While the sudden change in scenes can be dizzying, Anna’s development, as well as her relationships with the other characters, make the book unpredictably wonderful. Wolanyk shows that the world isn’t at all like the fairytale we often dream of, that it comes with its own set of dangers. As such I would give this book a rating of a 3.4 out of 5.0 stars, and recommend it to those who love Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones and Updrift by Errin Stevens.