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The Fae War Chronicles #1
The Dark Throne
After reaching the Seelie Court, Tess O’Connor has freed Queen Titania….and crowned a new High Queen, imbuing an outcast of the Fae world with incredible power. With Brightvale destroyed by her coronation, the High Queen leads her new Wild Court into the Deadlands, determined to fight the malevolent ancient deity spreading its shadow over Faeortalam. Tess must navigate between old friendships, new loyalties, and her own desires as the world of the Fae collides with her old life in the mortal world. The Bearer of the Iron Sword stands with the three Courts of the Fae realm as they unite to face the evil holding the Shadow Throne and fight the last battle in the war for their world’s freedom.
590 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2011
806 people are currently reading
2504 people want to read
About the author
Jocelyn A. Fox
6 books120 followersStep into worlds of dark magic, warrior queens, and dangerous bargains. Jocelyn A. Fox writes the kind of epic fantasy she always wanted to read—fast-paced adventures with fierce heroines, a touch of romance, and plenty of monsters to slay. Author of The Fae War Chronicles and the Athena Ellison series, Jocelyn believes every reader deserves to lose themselves in a story that feels like stepping through a portal. Come join the fight—you just might discover your new favorite world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 283 reviews
June 8, 2016
The book starts out in the Texas hill country.Two girls Molly and Tess,best friends and college buddies.For a little background,they met in a hand-to-hand fighting class.
It's some kind of college break and Molly,who lives there,invited Tess.
This is the opening of the book,and then the Gate to the fae world is found.Once there the world building is pretty amazing.And the creation of characters was un-founded.
It was a book where a young person finds an amazing artifact and must save the world,we've all read those.
But this is the first in a trilogy,and I think it's a good one.
It's some kind of college break and Molly,who lives there,invited Tess.
This is the opening of the book,and then the Gate to the fae world is found.Once there the world building is pretty amazing.And the creation of characters was un-founded.
It was a book where a young person finds an amazing artifact and must save the world,we've all read those.
But this is the first in a trilogy,and I think it's a good one.
Want to read
July 15, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/15/2020)! 🎁
January 4, 2015
The Iron Sword
A tale without of the old fashioned elements of fantasy. A new Mix to be sure, but then again who said Texas could not be the launch point into the world of the fae.
A tale without of the old fashioned elements of fantasy. A new Mix to be sure, but then again who said Texas could not be the launch point into the world of the fae.
Read
January 4, 2015DNF after 10% This was a freebie and I downloaded it to try it out like a sample.
And I didn't like it. I thought at first that the unique setting with the heroine not being the "speshul" one, but her best friend would be refreshing and new.
Actually it was annoying. The heroine came across as a needy tag-on. Her BFF came across as strange and cold. Her family as creepy.
And our heroine has no problems to believe in fairies. She just accepts this because BFF. Really? If my sister, my husband, my best friend, my mother or ANYBODY ELSE came to me telling me that there are fairies and they have been summoned by the dark queen of the Unseelie court, I would have MAJOR problems to believe that. Not so our heroine.
I found the writing disjointed and confusing and the setting didn't work for me, so I will stop reading.
I am sure that for other reader's this works, and it's very possible that the novel and the series improve a lot.
I am just not into it enough to go on reading.
And I didn't like it. I thought at first that the unique setting with the heroine not being the "speshul" one, but her best friend would be refreshing and new.
Actually it was annoying. The heroine came across as a needy tag-on. Her BFF came across as strange and cold. Her family as creepy.
And our heroine has no problems to believe in fairies. She just accepts this because BFF. Really? If my sister, my husband, my best friend, my mother or ANYBODY ELSE came to me telling me that there are fairies and they have been summoned by the dark queen of the Unseelie court, I would have MAJOR problems to believe that. Not so our heroine.
I found the writing disjointed and confusing and the setting didn't work for me, so I will stop reading.
I am sure that for other reader's this works, and it's very possible that the novel and the series improve a lot.
I am just not into it enough to go on reading.
June 6, 2024
I liked the book, I like how Jocelyn Fox writes, her characters are really fleshed out. The fae world that she has created is amazing and fun to read about.
April 22, 2024
I completed this and really enjoyed it. It takes place in the "Fae" world so A+ on the worldbuilding.
And Jocelyn Fox does a great job with character creation, any time there's dialogue it comes off so natural. Natural seems like an odd term here, we are dealing with one human in a land of elves, fairies, and dryads. And other creatures I'm not sure what to call.
But the writing flows really well.
And Jocelyn Fox does a great job with character creation, any time there's dialogue it comes off so natural. Natural seems like an odd term here, we are dealing with one human in a land of elves, fairies, and dryads. And other creatures I'm not sure what to call.
But the writing flows really well.
October 14, 2024
At the end of the previous book a major battle took place. A portal was opened causing three men from the Fae world to fall into the mortal world.
And that's where this book takes off, and the adventure begins.
The fae that are inadvertently in the mortal realm is one story. The other story is the people in the Fae world know these three are missing and are planning for a way to "rescue" them and also get the Lethe stone.
And when the two stories combine the excitement level increases.
And that's where this book takes off, and the adventure begins.
The fae that are inadvertently in the mortal realm is one story. The other story is the people in the Fae world know these three are missing and are planning for a way to "rescue" them and also get the Lethe stone.
And when the two stories combine the excitement level increases.
December 31, 2014
I liked the story, but clunky writing left me cold.
August 20, 2025
I can't believe it! An actual STANDALONE medieval fantasy. That doesn't lock me into a series, or even a trilogy. And one that doesn't force you to wade thru several chapters of world building or angst-ridden mundane character interactions before any stakes are revealed or action begins. And one that isn't 600 pages long!
This book is immersive, tight, polished, articulate. And I've read it, and now I can move into another book instead of a dang book 2 😄 Extremely grateful to the author for that!
This book is immersive, tight, polished, articulate. And I've read it, and now I can move into another book instead of a dang book 2 😄 Extremely grateful to the author for that!
January 1, 2015
Well, I did better with this book than I did with The Iron King.
Twenty one-year-old chemistry major Tess O'Connor (who comes off more like a sixteen-year-old) has absolutely no problem accepting that her best friend, Molly Jackson, is half fae. With nary a thought about consequences nor the family she leaves behind, Tess insists on accompanying Molly to the court of Queen Mab as there's trouble afoot in fairyland. Once there our heroine forgets all about finishing college and takes up training to become a warrior. Since this is the first book in what I'm sure will be a trilogy there's lots of world building and back stories to cover.
I do have a couple quibbles. The whole reason Tess travels to the other side is to protect her best friend/blood sister Molly. Yet after the first couple of chapters Molly basically disappears completely from the book. By the time she returns at the very end of the story she's been remade into almost a brand new character.
Also, Tess is being set up to fall in love with Fae Knight Finnead. But like Molly, Finnead is absent for a large chunk of the book. Makes it hard to form a connection with his character and root for their love story.
Twenty one-year-old chemistry major Tess O'Connor (who comes off more like a sixteen-year-old) has absolutely no problem accepting that her best friend, Molly Jackson, is half fae. With nary a thought about consequences nor the family she leaves behind, Tess insists on accompanying Molly to the court of Queen Mab as there's trouble afoot in fairyland. Once there our heroine forgets all about finishing college and takes up training to become a warrior. Since this is the first book in what I'm sure will be a trilogy there's lots of world building and back stories to cover.
I do have a couple quibbles. The whole reason Tess travels to the other side is to protect her best friend/blood sister Molly. Yet after the first couple of chapters Molly basically disappears completely from the book. By the time she returns at the very end of the story she's been remade into almost a brand new character.
Also, Tess is being set up to fall in love with Fae Knight Finnead. But like Molly, Finnead is absent for a large chunk of the book. Makes it hard to form a connection with his character and root for their love story.
Read
August 21, 2025Rating: minus 3 on a scale of minus 5 to plus 5.
I am revisiting many of my reviews to replace scribbles and rants to myself. I expected no one to read my reviews. After several years of sometimes threatening diatribes and ugly comments none of which addressed literary issues (bad enough) but all of which concerned my presumed politics, intelligence and the driving need to correct my wrong opinions (now Neoliberal and MAGA standard practice), corrections are being made. Revisions are my more legible reactions and thoughts .
Before I begin I must visit the YouTube. This was made possible by the channels Doctor Who/Be Kind -Reality Genre Studios, NCMI, AllShorts, ATP Geopolitics, The Military Show, Guard the Leaf, FAFO, Red Glasgow, RevolutionarythOt, LuckyBlackCat, Welcome to Ukraine, TallGirl6234, Shades of Orange, ScaredKetchup, Lily Simpson, Cindy's Villa, Lily Simpson, Welcome to Ukraine, Aid Thompsin, Supertanskiii, Some More News, Mythic Concepts, Irish Myths, Mia Mulder, Fun Size Reader, Jake Broe, Katie Phang, Lynn Saga, Yoyomi, Adebola, TableTop Turtle, Michael Kist, Caolan Robertson, Wes O'Donnell, TVP News, Anka Daily News, Weirdo Book Club, Heather Cox Richardson, Sunny Book Nook, Keffals, BookishDadReads, Legendary Tactics, Ukraine Today, DW News, FirstPost, Caspian Report, Ministry of Miniatures, Roisin's Reading, Winging it on a Budget, Purple Sweater, Dreamloop Cinema, Jay Reed, Dark Brandon, Interesting Times, Sort of Interesting, Ship Happens, Sailing Melody, Cruising Alba, Miranda Mills, The Researcher, Jen the Librarian, Monte Mader, Kozak Siromaha, RFU News, Boat Tine, Matriarchetype, Arctic, CBC News, Dark Brandon, Amie's Literary Empire, Queen Penguin, Verilybitchie, Gingers are Black, SoulHikers, Council of Geeks, Read Rant Review, Global Update with Sosan, Reads with Rachel, Fit 2B Read, Honest Government Ads, Tibees, Mynameismarines, The Bands of HM Royal Marines, Raw News and Politics, Shitty Book Club, Gloves Trains, Naughty Nana DUZ, Scotland History Tours, Bitchuation Room, Fall of Civilisations, Cruising the Cut, Tale Foundry, Riverboat Jack, Wyrmwood, Board Game Nation, The Discriminating Gamer, The Military Show, Dark Skies, fig tree, Canadian Dominion.
I recently saw that an idiot who whilst insulting a favoured essayist, complain to her that I list trans creators. The epidemic of presumptuous and poorly socialised US males continues still. A warning then to that idiot and fellows. The channels which I list include train enthusiast, tall, bi, Scottish, mathematician, anarchist, modeller, asexual, marine biologist, older, het, Ugandan, physicist, trans, archaeologist, redhaired, model, intersex, pensioner, communist, lesbian, Canadian, linguist, WOC, musician, cis, military historian and other female creators known as Women. Almost as damaging to the incredibly stupid US male are the channels with hobbyist, short, zoologist, other BIPOC, Australian, linguist, chemist, anarchist, boater, RPG gamer, other LGBTQI+, artist, economist, French, linguist, neurodivergent, boat builder, lumber yard worker, table top gamer, Danish and other creators known as Human Beings. Should the voices still demand, apply for the exorcism, seek emergency pastoral counselling or develop a hobby not to include assault against women. My feelings towards the dullard are similar to that of Ukrainian officers and enlisted towards the Moscow savage. Glory to Ukraine. Glory to the Heroes. Crimea is Ukraine.
This book is a romance set in a thin fantasy setting. It accordingly manages to disappoint twice. I suggest a scan of other low rating reviews, though I can not see them.
It is sad to admit but I do not remember finishing the book. I think that I did not. It is not a memorable series to me at least. I know that this was the last book in the series that I tried to read.
The word building is shoddy, if I am being generous. The mythology that underlies the books does not make sense to me and if there is a plausible logic to the magic, I do not see it. The struggle somehow is meant to be a slightly modified standard good vs evil battle.
The factional infighting among the good factions is incomprehensible. It occurs, simultaneously with a supposed urgency in besting the enemy. There is a contradiction there that goes beyond cross purposes. It undercuts the tension that was supposed to be building. There is no character development to speak of across three books.
Editing might have created more fluidity to scene charges at least. It would also have added more heft to the prose. Mythology and Fiction Explained and Mythic Concepts are two YouTube channels which might have aided the writer. Just in Time Worldbuilding would certainly have provided the writer tuition in creating a vibrant and plausible background.
Good editing would have added at least more fluidity to the scene changes. It might also have added more heft to the prose, I think. It is at best, a light afternoon read and I do remember that it was not overtly offensive nor did it push some insane political agenda, which is common to Kindle Unlimited selections.
If you like the supernatural romance genre and do not require much by way of world building or character depth, it may satisfy you.
Because Low Effort storytelling is the standard at the low end of US print, I have stopped reading much current science fiction or fantasy. I only feel comfortable with that written by top tier writers who wrote books before 2010 to 15. It is easier to pop into a streaming service and browse the science fiction than trying to guess which print science fiction is serviceable or not.
Another stepaway is earned. This next is courtesy of Doctor Who/Never Cruel or Cowardly - Ozar, NCMI, fig tree, AllShorts, Dakota Warren, Sarah C M Paine. No Justice, AllShorts, Kirkpattiecake, Anne Applebaum, Democratic Penguins Republic, Katie Montgomerie, Zilla Blitz, Legendary Tactics, Amid the Chaos, Board Game Hangover, Lee Francis, One Stop Co-op Shop, CBC News, The Enemy from Within, Kings and Generals, Blossoms and Greens by Chloe, Cruising Crafts, Sally 4th Miniatures, Elina Charatsidou, Travelling K, Strange Aeons, Ian Gubeli, Delamer, Lily Simpson, League of STEAM, Reese Waters, A Very Casual Librarian, Dust and Glory, Miracle Aligner, Dan Davis History, Past Perfect, Gutsick Gibbon, Invicta, Planarwalker, FAFO, Cambrian Chronicles, Mythology Matters, Candlelit Tales, Agro Squirrel Narrates, Yarmak, CoachD, Aubrey Janik, Peachy Tips, Crimsonboardgames, Cecilia Blomdahl, Yanis Varoufakis, Unlearning Economics, Sanna Vaara, Dropkick Murphys, Brigitte Empire, Shelfside, Emilie's Literary Corner, The Histocrat, The Irish Pagan School, TizzyEnt, Lives and Histories, Ben and Emily, Bobbing Along, Nomadic Crobot, A Lil Bit Mads, Sumatha Reads, Up and Atom, Claus Kellerman POV, I'll Read What She's Reading, Broken Peach, FAFO, Jack Edwards, Dr Ben Miles, Megalithhunter, Ancient Americas, HIstory with Kayleigh, Amodelwhosread, According to Alina, Your True Shelf, Library Ladder, Alt Shift X, Jay Exci, With Cindy, Roomies Digest, Reader Archives, Grumpye Old Crone, Ardwulfs Lair, Asturia Quartet, Strange Lucidity, Willow Talks Books, Girls Rock Asia, Carl Walmsley, Britta Bohler, Extremely News, Hardy's Books, SciFi Odyssey, Lily Alexandre, Artur Rehi, Supertanskiii, Kiko1006-Empire of Angels, Total Burnout, Parkrose Permaculture, Verilybitchie, Jason Jay Smart, CBC News, Yankee Farm Wife, Charlie Angus, Bitchuation Room, Puddles Pity Party, Keith Edwards, Brittany Page, Mia Mulder, Subha Reads, Geo Girl, Octopus Lady, Guard the Leaf, Kady2.0, Gingers are Black, Naughty Nana DUZ, Extra Credits, Professor Tim Wilson, Novara Media, Welcome to Ukraine, Warthog Defence, Lee Francis, Heather Cox Richardson, David Murphy, Foster on the Spectrum, The Blazing Redcoat, Imperial War Museums, Isaac Arthur, Guard the Leaf, The Lincoln Project, White Witch in a Van, Grammaticus Books, Outlaw Bookseller, Agro Squirrel Narrates, Ember Green, John at Falstaff Books, Hat Historian, Bernadette Banner, Engineering Knits, Snappy Dragon. Just in Time Worldbuilding.
I found the book tube on accident, which channels discuss all things bookish. 😍 The reader communities are thoughtful, usually courteous, have varied tastes or interests and are excited by all things bookish. I promise that the environments created are the antithesis of whatever Goodreads have become. Fortunately there are a number of alternatives which BookTubers will discuss.
Consider this a potentially a hostile site. 😐
Goodreads do not encourage discourse or arguably allow it. As example, I wrote a short negative review of Powers of the Earth, a very poorly written, juvenile salute to what would now be called the sociopathic January 6, 2021 hero. The writer, Travis Corcoran self-identified as libertarian (now anarcho capitalist without the wealth) and advocates the return of chattel slavery (popular US stance), which is odd for a country in which the educational system of more than half of states now deny it ever existed in the US. He also claims veteran status, being an employee of an unnamed US agency and being an admirer of Putin.
That book was a tale of a rich twat enlisting the US military to overthrow the US government in order that the rich not pay taxes. I wrote that I found the book dangerous and unhealthy, despite it being common to Unlimited titles. He and six fellow patriots were outraged and over a year wrote increasingly unhinged comments. The irony warms my communist soul.
The final comment delivered by Claes Rees Jr aka cgr710 now ka Clayton R Jesse Jr declared that They had "won" (?). I discovered that They and many recruits had launched a year long tsunami of racist, anti-socialist and sexist comments against apparently every female creator whose channel I mentioned (it continues still). The 13 year old boater and her mother, physicist, artist, historian and other creators were not impressed. Despite that failure the world's overabundance of ugliness was certainly increased and They did deliver an accurate self-portrait of the Snowflake (vicious, poorly educated US man-child) to a multinational audience which together seem a Victory. Goodreads discourse, yay ??
Ominous music begins. 😊 The comment gangs exist on romance/romantasy and speculative fiction. Beyond comments, their behaviour includes doxxing, stalking, threats to one star reviewers and as US devolve into a police state, I imagine Swatting in the future.
My experience included the giving over to nutters my limited message history. From that followed a request through Pine Gap Centre that Australian Security interrogate the one friend whom I messaged occasionally. The attempt at my personal history failed, though two outraged customers were created. I was also treated to my first hacking attempt, which may not have originated with Kindle. I cared little enough to not bother tracing it. To write a review may feel the epitome of tedium but dangerous I never expected.
I saw that a seventh EBay employee was sentenced for harassment of a couple whose small ecommerce channel was deemed unkind to EBay. The couple were awarded several millions and the ex-employee had been the Global Chief of Security or some such. If not a US reader, you are probably aware that US data corporations have been given free rein. Note that my adventures began years before the present.
Amazon expressed no concern until we widely shared our experience. At that point various harassment disappeared from my pages. Deleted page options were restored, all comments masked, all lurkers disappeared whom I had not been Allowed to remove, etc.
To have a safer experience on this site I have suggestions. Remove all personal information from profile and avoid messaging. Remove all Lurkers, those who never post. They are monitors for a gang probably and not admirers. Given the Goodreads penchant for Altering customer pages, the screenshot of the odd, ugly or threatening is very valuable. This might suffice.
Kindle is a more serious danger. Do Not use Kindle Files, Calendar, Contacts or Email. Amazon even read email with neither notice or permission. Do Not "purchase" Amazon ebooks, as you own only your device, not the downloads. Those may be altered or deleted at Amazon's whim. All searches on Silk should be innocuous and non-critical.
On both Goodreads and Kindle, you are vulnerable to both mental members and the employees who enable them. Neither group will ever ask "Are we the Baddies". They lack morality but They are US patriots with all that implies. Ominous music ends. 😊
Be safe and may we all experience good reading. 🤗
Some of my favourite channels are.
NCMI, Fiona Hill, Tara Mooknee, AllShorts, Bobbing Along, Some More News, Candlelit Tales, Munecat, Novara Media, Swell Entertainment, The Juice Media, Chloe Stafler, Philosophy Tube, Hailey in Bookland, GhostTime History, Zoe Baker, The Mindful Narrowboat, Boat Time, Tom Nicholas, Lily Simpson, Sarah Z, The Narrowboat Pirate, Sabine Hossenfelder, Cari can Read, Maiorianus, Material Labs, Enby Reads, Noelle Gallagher, Abbie Emmons, The Irish Reader, Lady of the Library, Epimetheus, Crecganford, Renegade Cut, Tulia, UATV English, Prime of Midlife, Engineering with Rosie, Olly Richards, Ancient Americas, History of the Universe, Mythic Concepts, Alize, Alice Cappelle, Jessica Gagnon, France 24, Alt Shift X, DW News, Joe Scott, Tibees, Austin McConnell, Books with Emily Fox, Scallydandling About the Books, Randy Rainbow. Tom Powell Jr, Chris Animations, The Templin Institute, Diane Callahan Quotidian Writer, Quinn's Ideas, Armoured Archives, Cruising the Cut, Ula and Josh, Betty on a Boat, Reese Waters, Camper Vibe, What Vivi did next, Serena Skybourne, Adult Wednesday Addams -2 seasons, Mrs Betty Bowers, League of STEAM, Cover in French, Katie Colson, Books and Lala, Lady knight the Brave, Tank Museum, IzzzYzzz, The Paranormal Scholar, IL Neige, Bardcore, Pentatonix, The Welsh Viking, Dr Fatima, Told in Stone, Celtica, kokpe613, Caitlin Speaks Out, A Life of Lit, Brittany the Bibliophile, Jean's Thoughts, Practical Engineering, Linguoer-Mechanic, Crow Caller, Hawk's podcast, World of Antiquity, Tabithaspeakspolitics, Book Odyssey, Electro Swing, Then and Now, Kathy's Flog in France, Lindsey Stirling, Capital Lumber Log Yard, Yoyomi, Hello Future Me, Reese Waters, Secret Sauce of StoryCraft, Art by Annamarie, Ship Happens, Books with Emily Fox, Times Radio, Mike's Book Reviews, We're in Hell, Eleanor Morton, TizzyEnt, Rowan J Coleman, Lena Down Under, Verilybitchie, Reads with Rachel, Mann's Model Moments, Nick Badley, History of Everything, Rebecca Watson, Munecat, Cindy's Villa, Fran Blanche, The Principles of War, Historia Civilis, danainspired, Lucy Darling, KernowDamo, Zoe Bee, Business Basics, Military History Visualised, Library of a Viking, Knitting Cult Lady, Cosy Creative.
I wish you a glorious morning, a splendid afternoon, a cosy evening, a wonderful night and may we all keep learning.
With Hope we are never alone.
Operations, Eyes of the Old Man
I am revisiting many of my reviews to replace scribbles and rants to myself. I expected no one to read my reviews. After several years of sometimes threatening diatribes and ugly comments none of which addressed literary issues (bad enough) but all of which concerned my presumed politics, intelligence and the driving need to correct my wrong opinions (now Neoliberal and MAGA standard practice), corrections are being made. Revisions are my more legible reactions and thoughts .
Before I begin I must visit the YouTube. This was made possible by the channels Doctor Who/Be Kind -Reality Genre Studios, NCMI, AllShorts, ATP Geopolitics, The Military Show, Guard the Leaf, FAFO, Red Glasgow, RevolutionarythOt, LuckyBlackCat, Welcome to Ukraine, TallGirl6234, Shades of Orange, ScaredKetchup, Lily Simpson, Cindy's Villa, Lily Simpson, Welcome to Ukraine, Aid Thompsin, Supertanskiii, Some More News, Mythic Concepts, Irish Myths, Mia Mulder, Fun Size Reader, Jake Broe, Katie Phang, Lynn Saga, Yoyomi, Adebola, TableTop Turtle, Michael Kist, Caolan Robertson, Wes O'Donnell, TVP News, Anka Daily News, Weirdo Book Club, Heather Cox Richardson, Sunny Book Nook, Keffals, BookishDadReads, Legendary Tactics, Ukraine Today, DW News, FirstPost, Caspian Report, Ministry of Miniatures, Roisin's Reading, Winging it on a Budget, Purple Sweater, Dreamloop Cinema, Jay Reed, Dark Brandon, Interesting Times, Sort of Interesting, Ship Happens, Sailing Melody, Cruising Alba, Miranda Mills, The Researcher, Jen the Librarian, Monte Mader, Kozak Siromaha, RFU News, Boat Tine, Matriarchetype, Arctic, CBC News, Dark Brandon, Amie's Literary Empire, Queen Penguin, Verilybitchie, Gingers are Black, SoulHikers, Council of Geeks, Read Rant Review, Global Update with Sosan, Reads with Rachel, Fit 2B Read, Honest Government Ads, Tibees, Mynameismarines, The Bands of HM Royal Marines, Raw News and Politics, Shitty Book Club, Gloves Trains, Naughty Nana DUZ, Scotland History Tours, Bitchuation Room, Fall of Civilisations, Cruising the Cut, Tale Foundry, Riverboat Jack, Wyrmwood, Board Game Nation, The Discriminating Gamer, The Military Show, Dark Skies, fig tree, Canadian Dominion.
I recently saw that an idiot who whilst insulting a favoured essayist, complain to her that I list trans creators. The epidemic of presumptuous and poorly socialised US males continues still. A warning then to that idiot and fellows. The channels which I list include train enthusiast, tall, bi, Scottish, mathematician, anarchist, modeller, asexual, marine biologist, older, het, Ugandan, physicist, trans, archaeologist, redhaired, model, intersex, pensioner, communist, lesbian, Canadian, linguist, WOC, musician, cis, military historian and other female creators known as Women. Almost as damaging to the incredibly stupid US male are the channels with hobbyist, short, zoologist, other BIPOC, Australian, linguist, chemist, anarchist, boater, RPG gamer, other LGBTQI+, artist, economist, French, linguist, neurodivergent, boat builder, lumber yard worker, table top gamer, Danish and other creators known as Human Beings. Should the voices still demand, apply for the exorcism, seek emergency pastoral counselling or develop a hobby not to include assault against women. My feelings towards the dullard are similar to that of Ukrainian officers and enlisted towards the Moscow savage. Glory to Ukraine. Glory to the Heroes. Crimea is Ukraine.
This book is a romance set in a thin fantasy setting. It accordingly manages to disappoint twice. I suggest a scan of other low rating reviews, though I can not see them.
It is sad to admit but I do not remember finishing the book. I think that I did not. It is not a memorable series to me at least. I know that this was the last book in the series that I tried to read.
The word building is shoddy, if I am being generous. The mythology that underlies the books does not make sense to me and if there is a plausible logic to the magic, I do not see it. The struggle somehow is meant to be a slightly modified standard good vs evil battle.
The factional infighting among the good factions is incomprehensible. It occurs, simultaneously with a supposed urgency in besting the enemy. There is a contradiction there that goes beyond cross purposes. It undercuts the tension that was supposed to be building. There is no character development to speak of across three books.
Editing might have created more fluidity to scene charges at least. It would also have added more heft to the prose. Mythology and Fiction Explained and Mythic Concepts are two YouTube channels which might have aided the writer. Just in Time Worldbuilding would certainly have provided the writer tuition in creating a vibrant and plausible background.
Good editing would have added at least more fluidity to the scene changes. It might also have added more heft to the prose, I think. It is at best, a light afternoon read and I do remember that it was not overtly offensive nor did it push some insane political agenda, which is common to Kindle Unlimited selections.
If you like the supernatural romance genre and do not require much by way of world building or character depth, it may satisfy you.
Because Low Effort storytelling is the standard at the low end of US print, I have stopped reading much current science fiction or fantasy. I only feel comfortable with that written by top tier writers who wrote books before 2010 to 15. It is easier to pop into a streaming service and browse the science fiction than trying to guess which print science fiction is serviceable or not.
Another stepaway is earned. This next is courtesy of Doctor Who/Never Cruel or Cowardly - Ozar, NCMI, fig tree, AllShorts, Dakota Warren, Sarah C M Paine. No Justice, AllShorts, Kirkpattiecake, Anne Applebaum, Democratic Penguins Republic, Katie Montgomerie, Zilla Blitz, Legendary Tactics, Amid the Chaos, Board Game Hangover, Lee Francis, One Stop Co-op Shop, CBC News, The Enemy from Within, Kings and Generals, Blossoms and Greens by Chloe, Cruising Crafts, Sally 4th Miniatures, Elina Charatsidou, Travelling K, Strange Aeons, Ian Gubeli, Delamer, Lily Simpson, League of STEAM, Reese Waters, A Very Casual Librarian, Dust and Glory, Miracle Aligner, Dan Davis History, Past Perfect, Gutsick Gibbon, Invicta, Planarwalker, FAFO, Cambrian Chronicles, Mythology Matters, Candlelit Tales, Agro Squirrel Narrates, Yarmak, CoachD, Aubrey Janik, Peachy Tips, Crimsonboardgames, Cecilia Blomdahl, Yanis Varoufakis, Unlearning Economics, Sanna Vaara, Dropkick Murphys, Brigitte Empire, Shelfside, Emilie's Literary Corner, The Histocrat, The Irish Pagan School, TizzyEnt, Lives and Histories, Ben and Emily, Bobbing Along, Nomadic Crobot, A Lil Bit Mads, Sumatha Reads, Up and Atom, Claus Kellerman POV, I'll Read What She's Reading, Broken Peach, FAFO, Jack Edwards, Dr Ben Miles, Megalithhunter, Ancient Americas, HIstory with Kayleigh, Amodelwhosread, According to Alina, Your True Shelf, Library Ladder, Alt Shift X, Jay Exci, With Cindy, Roomies Digest, Reader Archives, Grumpye Old Crone, Ardwulfs Lair, Asturia Quartet, Strange Lucidity, Willow Talks Books, Girls Rock Asia, Carl Walmsley, Britta Bohler, Extremely News, Hardy's Books, SciFi Odyssey, Lily Alexandre, Artur Rehi, Supertanskiii, Kiko1006-Empire of Angels, Total Burnout, Parkrose Permaculture, Verilybitchie, Jason Jay Smart, CBC News, Yankee Farm Wife, Charlie Angus, Bitchuation Room, Puddles Pity Party, Keith Edwards, Brittany Page, Mia Mulder, Subha Reads, Geo Girl, Octopus Lady, Guard the Leaf, Kady2.0, Gingers are Black, Naughty Nana DUZ, Extra Credits, Professor Tim Wilson, Novara Media, Welcome to Ukraine, Warthog Defence, Lee Francis, Heather Cox Richardson, David Murphy, Foster on the Spectrum, The Blazing Redcoat, Imperial War Museums, Isaac Arthur, Guard the Leaf, The Lincoln Project, White Witch in a Van, Grammaticus Books, Outlaw Bookseller, Agro Squirrel Narrates, Ember Green, John at Falstaff Books, Hat Historian, Bernadette Banner, Engineering Knits, Snappy Dragon. Just in Time Worldbuilding.
I found the book tube on accident, which channels discuss all things bookish. 😍 The reader communities are thoughtful, usually courteous, have varied tastes or interests and are excited by all things bookish. I promise that the environments created are the antithesis of whatever Goodreads have become. Fortunately there are a number of alternatives which BookTubers will discuss.
Consider this a potentially a hostile site. 😐
Goodreads do not encourage discourse or arguably allow it. As example, I wrote a short negative review of Powers of the Earth, a very poorly written, juvenile salute to what would now be called the sociopathic January 6, 2021 hero. The writer, Travis Corcoran self-identified as libertarian (now anarcho capitalist without the wealth) and advocates the return of chattel slavery (popular US stance), which is odd for a country in which the educational system of more than half of states now deny it ever existed in the US. He also claims veteran status, being an employee of an unnamed US agency and being an admirer of Putin.
That book was a tale of a rich twat enlisting the US military to overthrow the US government in order that the rich not pay taxes. I wrote that I found the book dangerous and unhealthy, despite it being common to Unlimited titles. He and six fellow patriots were outraged and over a year wrote increasingly unhinged comments. The irony warms my communist soul.
The final comment delivered by Claes Rees Jr aka cgr710 now ka Clayton R Jesse Jr declared that They had "won" (?). I discovered that They and many recruits had launched a year long tsunami of racist, anti-socialist and sexist comments against apparently every female creator whose channel I mentioned (it continues still). The 13 year old boater and her mother, physicist, artist, historian and other creators were not impressed. Despite that failure the world's overabundance of ugliness was certainly increased and They did deliver an accurate self-portrait of the Snowflake (vicious, poorly educated US man-child) to a multinational audience which together seem a Victory. Goodreads discourse, yay ??
Ominous music begins. 😊 The comment gangs exist on romance/romantasy and speculative fiction. Beyond comments, their behaviour includes doxxing, stalking, threats to one star reviewers and as US devolve into a police state, I imagine Swatting in the future.
My experience included the giving over to nutters my limited message history. From that followed a request through Pine Gap Centre that Australian Security interrogate the one friend whom I messaged occasionally. The attempt at my personal history failed, though two outraged customers were created. I was also treated to my first hacking attempt, which may not have originated with Kindle. I cared little enough to not bother tracing it. To write a review may feel the epitome of tedium but dangerous I never expected.
I saw that a seventh EBay employee was sentenced for harassment of a couple whose small ecommerce channel was deemed unkind to EBay. The couple were awarded several millions and the ex-employee had been the Global Chief of Security or some such. If not a US reader, you are probably aware that US data corporations have been given free rein. Note that my adventures began years before the present.
Amazon expressed no concern until we widely shared our experience. At that point various harassment disappeared from my pages. Deleted page options were restored, all comments masked, all lurkers disappeared whom I had not been Allowed to remove, etc.
To have a safer experience on this site I have suggestions. Remove all personal information from profile and avoid messaging. Remove all Lurkers, those who never post. They are monitors for a gang probably and not admirers. Given the Goodreads penchant for Altering customer pages, the screenshot of the odd, ugly or threatening is very valuable. This might suffice.
Kindle is a more serious danger. Do Not use Kindle Files, Calendar, Contacts or Email. Amazon even read email with neither notice or permission. Do Not "purchase" Amazon ebooks, as you own only your device, not the downloads. Those may be altered or deleted at Amazon's whim. All searches on Silk should be innocuous and non-critical.
On both Goodreads and Kindle, you are vulnerable to both mental members and the employees who enable them. Neither group will ever ask "Are we the Baddies". They lack morality but They are US patriots with all that implies. Ominous music ends. 😊
Be safe and may we all experience good reading. 🤗
Some of my favourite channels are.
NCMI, Fiona Hill, Tara Mooknee, AllShorts, Bobbing Along, Some More News, Candlelit Tales, Munecat, Novara Media, Swell Entertainment, The Juice Media, Chloe Stafler, Philosophy Tube, Hailey in Bookland, GhostTime History, Zoe Baker, The Mindful Narrowboat, Boat Time, Tom Nicholas, Lily Simpson, Sarah Z, The Narrowboat Pirate, Sabine Hossenfelder, Cari can Read, Maiorianus, Material Labs, Enby Reads, Noelle Gallagher, Abbie Emmons, The Irish Reader, Lady of the Library, Epimetheus, Crecganford, Renegade Cut, Tulia, UATV English, Prime of Midlife, Engineering with Rosie, Olly Richards, Ancient Americas, History of the Universe, Mythic Concepts, Alize, Alice Cappelle, Jessica Gagnon, France 24, Alt Shift X, DW News, Joe Scott, Tibees, Austin McConnell, Books with Emily Fox, Scallydandling About the Books, Randy Rainbow. Tom Powell Jr, Chris Animations, The Templin Institute, Diane Callahan Quotidian Writer, Quinn's Ideas, Armoured Archives, Cruising the Cut, Ula and Josh, Betty on a Boat, Reese Waters, Camper Vibe, What Vivi did next, Serena Skybourne, Adult Wednesday Addams -2 seasons, Mrs Betty Bowers, League of STEAM, Cover in French, Katie Colson, Books and Lala, Lady knight the Brave, Tank Museum, IzzzYzzz, The Paranormal Scholar, IL Neige, Bardcore, Pentatonix, The Welsh Viking, Dr Fatima, Told in Stone, Celtica, kokpe613, Caitlin Speaks Out, A Life of Lit, Brittany the Bibliophile, Jean's Thoughts, Practical Engineering, Linguoer-Mechanic, Crow Caller, Hawk's podcast, World of Antiquity, Tabithaspeakspolitics, Book Odyssey, Electro Swing, Then and Now, Kathy's Flog in France, Lindsey Stirling, Capital Lumber Log Yard, Yoyomi, Hello Future Me, Reese Waters, Secret Sauce of StoryCraft, Art by Annamarie, Ship Happens, Books with Emily Fox, Times Radio, Mike's Book Reviews, We're in Hell, Eleanor Morton, TizzyEnt, Rowan J Coleman, Lena Down Under, Verilybitchie, Reads with Rachel, Mann's Model Moments, Nick Badley, History of Everything, Rebecca Watson, Munecat, Cindy's Villa, Fran Blanche, The Principles of War, Historia Civilis, danainspired, Lucy Darling, KernowDamo, Zoe Bee, Business Basics, Military History Visualised, Library of a Viking, Knitting Cult Lady, Cosy Creative.
I wish you a glorious morning, a splendid afternoon, a cosy evening, a wonderful night and may we all keep learning.
With Hope we are never alone.
Operations, Eyes of the Old Man
Read
August 5, 2022Rating: minus 2
I do not remember the book very well. I wanted to refer you to the other reviewers but as usual, I can not access the other reviews. Write one negative review of a bit of libertarian trash (Powers of the Earth) and Goodreads employees get snippy.
Before going further, please read either my review of "Dark Horse", a fine story by Diener or Powers of the Earth (a sorry book) and comments from a US patriot Claes Rees, Jr/cgr710 (also a self-identified NeoNazi).
Claes Rees, Jr/cgr710
Don't be a numpty, be a smarty. Come and join the Communist Party.
GLORY TO UKRAINE !!!!
I welcome the socialist, the communist and anyone who will at least not openly espouse racism as a value. With the worst sort dismissed, let's talk books. This is a generic fantasy novel with a not quite urban versus straight fantasy feel. It does not work particularly well in either sphere.
The main character wears her entitlement like a riding cloak. With that sentence, I have fully described her. From there it devolves into romance with the Elves. There is magical combat which did not make much sense, either in the moment or as part of that universe. When Dresden fights, the enemy is clearly defined, it's purpose in the moment at least is clear, there is a path forward to resolving the ongoing battle and the battlefield is in this world or the land of elves for good reasons and with sound logic. All of that is missing in this book.
The dialogue sometimes feels disjointed as if written as an afterthought and not corrected by the editor. It is not as bad as an Anderle exchange but only because this series does have a plot, however bland or derivative or lacking in vitality.
As a distraction without any gross and unexpected side steps into the misogynistic, racist or ethnosupremacist, it is a standard elven-human romance filled with "Will they?, Won't they?" moments.
It is a light read with which to pass the time.
This is fluff but not as bad as much of the fantasy that I've tried from Amazon's selection. Books like this has not done much to reignite my interest in fantasy. I will watch the streaming services for science fiction and fantasy. Netflix offers a large multinational library of fantasy, horror and science fiction which is better written and told than Amazon's print. I do not even watch Prime Video at the moment.
I have moved away from Amazon/Goodreads for book information towards YouTube. I discovered educational video sites from YouTube channels. Curiosity Stream/Nebula at $15 USD per year, was a good deal. Being skeeved by Goodreads, I was excited to find the book channels on YouTube. I urge you to visit YouTube channels for a community of serious, cosmopolitan readers excited by the bibliophilic. I have listed some book channels below. Some of my favorite channels are.
Ship Happens, Tulia, Some More News, Tara Mooknee, Sarah Z, Eleanor Morton, Munecat, Novara Media, Beautifully Bookish Bethany, Dark Seas, Mythic Concepts, Invicta, Between the Wars, 2Cellos, Second Thought, Sort of Interesting, The Mindful Narrowboat, Sabine Hossenfelder, Lady of the Library, Double Down News, Natasha's Adventures, The Narrowboat Pirate, Traveling K, Zoe Baker, Neringa Rekaslute, 2 Steps from Hell, Jay Exci, What Vivi did next, Lady knight the Brave, Books and Lala, Autumn's Boutique, The Armchair Historian, Dakota Warren, The Paranormal Scholar, Cari can Read, Hello Future Me, All Shorts, Swell Entertainment, Chugging Along, Adult Wednesday Addams, Austin McConnell, Dead Good Books, Niki Proshin, Mythology and Fiction Explained, Maggie May Fish, AstronautX, Renegade Cut, The People Profiles, Reading Wryly, Denys Davydov, Rowan J Coleman, The Juice Media, Lily Alexander, With Olivia, Yanis Varoufakis, Celtica, Noah Sampson, Three Arrows, Philosophy Tube, The Shades of Orange, Ancient Americas, Cold Fusion, Chris Animations, Depressed Russian, Casual Navigation, Lilly's expat life, Ask a Urologist, The Templin Institute, Karolina Zebrowska, Kalyn Abridged, Boat Time, Savage Daughter, With Olivia, DUST, The Everyday Astronaut, Spacedock, The Gravel Institute, Avalishvili, Elliot Brooks, Brittany the Bibliophile, The European, Jessie Gender, Jack in the Books, Nerd of the Rings, The Sweet Spot, Perun, MWG Studios, Prime of Midlife, History of the Universe, Dr Becky, Anton Petrov, Melodie Rose, Tom Nicholas, Owen Jones, Books with Emily Fox, Terra Mater, A Clockwork Reader, Kathy's Flog in France, A Cup of Nicole, Maximillien Robespierre, UA Courage, Art by Annamarie, Overly Sarcastic Productions, Ben and Emily, The Piano Boat, Boat Time.
I wish you a gorgeous morning, a glorious afternoon, a relaxing evening and a restful night.
To the extent a person lacks Empathy, so do they lack Humanity.
Dictum, Sisters of the Light
I do not remember the book very well. I wanted to refer you to the other reviewers but as usual, I can not access the other reviews. Write one negative review of a bit of libertarian trash (Powers of the Earth) and Goodreads employees get snippy.
Before going further, please read either my review of "Dark Horse", a fine story by Diener or Powers of the Earth (a sorry book) and comments from a US patriot Claes Rees, Jr/cgr710 (also a self-identified NeoNazi).
Claes Rees, Jr/cgr710
Don't be a numpty, be a smarty. Come and join the Communist Party.
GLORY TO UKRAINE !!!!
I welcome the socialist, the communist and anyone who will at least not openly espouse racism as a value. With the worst sort dismissed, let's talk books. This is a generic fantasy novel with a not quite urban versus straight fantasy feel. It does not work particularly well in either sphere.
The main character wears her entitlement like a riding cloak. With that sentence, I have fully described her. From there it devolves into romance with the Elves. There is magical combat which did not make much sense, either in the moment or as part of that universe. When Dresden fights, the enemy is clearly defined, it's purpose in the moment at least is clear, there is a path forward to resolving the ongoing battle and the battlefield is in this world or the land of elves for good reasons and with sound logic. All of that is missing in this book.
The dialogue sometimes feels disjointed as if written as an afterthought and not corrected by the editor. It is not as bad as an Anderle exchange but only because this series does have a plot, however bland or derivative or lacking in vitality.
As a distraction without any gross and unexpected side steps into the misogynistic, racist or ethnosupremacist, it is a standard elven-human romance filled with "Will they?, Won't they?" moments.
It is a light read with which to pass the time.
This is fluff but not as bad as much of the fantasy that I've tried from Amazon's selection. Books like this has not done much to reignite my interest in fantasy. I will watch the streaming services for science fiction and fantasy. Netflix offers a large multinational library of fantasy, horror and science fiction which is better written and told than Amazon's print. I do not even watch Prime Video at the moment.
I have moved away from Amazon/Goodreads for book information towards YouTube. I discovered educational video sites from YouTube channels. Curiosity Stream/Nebula at $15 USD per year, was a good deal. Being skeeved by Goodreads, I was excited to find the book channels on YouTube. I urge you to visit YouTube channels for a community of serious, cosmopolitan readers excited by the bibliophilic. I have listed some book channels below. Some of my favorite channels are.
Ship Happens, Tulia, Some More News, Tara Mooknee, Sarah Z, Eleanor Morton, Munecat, Novara Media, Beautifully Bookish Bethany, Dark Seas, Mythic Concepts, Invicta, Between the Wars, 2Cellos, Second Thought, Sort of Interesting, The Mindful Narrowboat, Sabine Hossenfelder, Lady of the Library, Double Down News, Natasha's Adventures, The Narrowboat Pirate, Traveling K, Zoe Baker, Neringa Rekaslute, 2 Steps from Hell, Jay Exci, What Vivi did next, Lady knight the Brave, Books and Lala, Autumn's Boutique, The Armchair Historian, Dakota Warren, The Paranormal Scholar, Cari can Read, Hello Future Me, All Shorts, Swell Entertainment, Chugging Along, Adult Wednesday Addams, Austin McConnell, Dead Good Books, Niki Proshin, Mythology and Fiction Explained, Maggie May Fish, AstronautX, Renegade Cut, The People Profiles, Reading Wryly, Denys Davydov, Rowan J Coleman, The Juice Media, Lily Alexander, With Olivia, Yanis Varoufakis, Celtica, Noah Sampson, Three Arrows, Philosophy Tube, The Shades of Orange, Ancient Americas, Cold Fusion, Chris Animations, Depressed Russian, Casual Navigation, Lilly's expat life, Ask a Urologist, The Templin Institute, Karolina Zebrowska, Kalyn Abridged, Boat Time, Savage Daughter, With Olivia, DUST, The Everyday Astronaut, Spacedock, The Gravel Institute, Avalishvili, Elliot Brooks, Brittany the Bibliophile, The European, Jessie Gender, Jack in the Books, Nerd of the Rings, The Sweet Spot, Perun, MWG Studios, Prime of Midlife, History of the Universe, Dr Becky, Anton Petrov, Melodie Rose, Tom Nicholas, Owen Jones, Books with Emily Fox, Terra Mater, A Clockwork Reader, Kathy's Flog in France, A Cup of Nicole, Maximillien Robespierre, UA Courage, Art by Annamarie, Overly Sarcastic Productions, Ben and Emily, The Piano Boat, Boat Time.
I wish you a gorgeous morning, a glorious afternoon, a relaxing evening and a restful night.
To the extent a person lacks Empathy, so do they lack Humanity.
Dictum, Sisters of the Light
March 5, 2015
I read Jocelyn Fox's first story The Iron Sword in less than two days. I fell in love with the characters and the story premise. She includes many original perspectives on familiar fae themes: dark and light queens and faery kingdoms, Sidhe warriors, mythical creatures, and so much more. In the first book we learn about Tess, a mortal college student who finds out her best friend Molly is half-fae. When a knight sent by the dark queen Mab shows up to escort Molly to the faery realms Tess demands she be allowed to go with her friend. Oh, and there's a prophecy and a powerful weapon that only someone with mortal blood can wield.
In the Crown of Bones, Tess has accepted that she is the heir to a powerful sorceress and can use a powerful weapon dangerous to all Sidhe. She may be the only safeguard against an evil force trying to take over the faery world and maybe even the mortal world. Tess and her friends and allies must find a way to protect not only Mab and the dark kingdom but also prevent the capture of Titania and the downfall of the bright kingdom too. The action is non-stop and Tess discovers she is made of stronger stuff than she ever thought. We learn more about the faery kingdoms, past events that play into what is currently happening, and are introduced to new characters. We even learn more about Tess' brother Liam, a special ops solder deployed to the middle east, and get a glimpse of how he may be involved in future action.
I loved the characters, especially Vell and the wolf Beryk (he's not her wolf) and the small Glasidhe that accompany Tess. Tess is no whiny uncertain female - she kicks butt and takes names. And, while this is not a romance, there is the attraction factor developing between Tess and two of the Sidhe warriors. Personally, I hope Tess gives both Finnead and Luca a chance because I think they represent different strengths and passions. And I like the idea of the sexual tension that can spark when there is a love triangle. Besides, the way they are described makes them both sound yummy.
In the Crown of Bones, Tess has accepted that she is the heir to a powerful sorceress and can use a powerful weapon dangerous to all Sidhe. She may be the only safeguard against an evil force trying to take over the faery world and maybe even the mortal world. Tess and her friends and allies must find a way to protect not only Mab and the dark kingdom but also prevent the capture of Titania and the downfall of the bright kingdom too. The action is non-stop and Tess discovers she is made of stronger stuff than she ever thought. We learn more about the faery kingdoms, past events that play into what is currently happening, and are introduced to new characters. We even learn more about Tess' brother Liam, a special ops solder deployed to the middle east, and get a glimpse of how he may be involved in future action.
I loved the characters, especially Vell and the wolf Beryk (he's not her wolf) and the small Glasidhe that accompany Tess. Tess is no whiny uncertain female - she kicks butt and takes names. And, while this is not a romance, there is the attraction factor developing between Tess and two of the Sidhe warriors. Personally, I hope Tess gives both Finnead and Luca a chance because I think they represent different strengths and passions. And I like the idea of the sexual tension that can spark when there is a love triangle. Besides, the way they are described makes them both sound yummy.
December 23, 2015
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
This is a bittersweet moment for me. I am so glad to have read more of the world but I am also sad that I finished it. I always find myself missing this world the second I am stop reading about it. The characters are even more incredible than the last book, The Iron Sword, and I can't get enough of them.
I must bow down to Tess, she is growing to be quite the powerful character and I love it! Her character development is pretty spectacular and I enjoy following her around this magical world immensely. The relationships she builds in this book are pretty amazing and I loved meeting so many new characters. I swear, they seem so real that I find myself heartbroken when I remind myself that they aren't.
I was incredibly irritated with Finn for most of this book. I know, I understand why he's the way he is but UGH!!!!! I still wanted to reach into the pages and slap him around a couple times. He would definitely intercept me before I made contact but... I still want to do it. I got intense whiplash because of him and that wasn't fun.
Talking about male characters, cue in Luca! At first I didn't really believe that he could be a love interest for Tess but... I was converted before the end of the book. I love Luca!! And because I am super irritated at Finn, I stand behind Luca and Tess full force!! That man (Luca) is something fierce and I seriously want to see a relationship develop between those two... Oh, do I. Please Jocelyn! My heart needs that romance!
For the negative comments: I found some of the conversations to be a little too repetitive. I understand why they were repeated but I honestly didn't need to read the same thing over five times. This happened with quite a few conversations, not just one. I also saw a main plot twist coming a million miles away which was sad but others hit me unexpectedly.
I am so in love with this series!! Despite the massive size of these books, once I open them, I devour them greedily. Jocelyn, I need more of your world!! I am dying here!
This is a bittersweet moment for me. I am so glad to have read more of the world but I am also sad that I finished it. I always find myself missing this world the second I am stop reading about it. The characters are even more incredible than the last book, The Iron Sword, and I can't get enough of them.
I must bow down to Tess, she is growing to be quite the powerful character and I love it! Her character development is pretty spectacular and I enjoy following her around this magical world immensely. The relationships she builds in this book are pretty amazing and I loved meeting so many new characters. I swear, they seem so real that I find myself heartbroken when I remind myself that they aren't.
I was incredibly irritated with Finn for most of this book. I know, I understand why he's the way he is but UGH!!!!! I still wanted to reach into the pages and slap him around a couple times. He would definitely intercept me before I made contact but... I still want to do it. I got intense whiplash because of him and that wasn't fun.
Talking about male characters, cue in Luca! At first I didn't really believe that he could be a love interest for Tess but... I was converted before the end of the book. I love Luca!! And because I am super irritated at Finn, I stand behind Luca and Tess full force!! That man (Luca) is something fierce and I seriously want to see a relationship develop between those two... Oh, do I. Please Jocelyn! My heart needs that romance!
For the negative comments: I found some of the conversations to be a little too repetitive. I understand why they were repeated but I honestly didn't need to read the same thing over five times. This happened with quite a few conversations, not just one. I also saw a main plot twist coming a million miles away which was sad but others hit me unexpectedly.
I am so in love with this series!! Despite the massive size of these books, once I open them, I devour them greedily. Jocelyn, I need more of your world!! I am dying here!
December 5, 2018
++spoilers++
The story is about a girl who goes into the fae realm to support her best friend who is half fae. When they arrive there her friend is whisked off to learn all she needs to know to fulfill the prophesy that the few believes is about her. During that time our MC trains in firefighting etc and makes friends w everyone. The backstory is that there is an evil fae trying to take over the Seelie and Unseelie kingdoms and a prophesied half mortal would bring the means to stop him. She just has to find the iron sword. While Molly the half mortal trains, our MC goes off to help the knights fight on the battleground.
While the descriptions were beautifully written, they were just too dang much. 1 moment would be described with so much flourish that it would take up and entire page (4-6 paragraphs). This was great for some things like the landscapes but was just too much for the much littler and unimportant things that could be easily described in a sentence or two. Ultimately, I started skipping paragraphs to fill pages just to get past a single easily described moment in the book. This was why took so many of the stars from my rating because it was so constant. There were often some discrepancies as well that caught my ire as that I'm surprised were not caught by the author.
So if you absolutely love drawn out descriptions of things (and well written they are, to be sure) then you'll like this. There's no sex or anything steamy and no cussing.
The story is about a girl who goes into the fae realm to support her best friend who is half fae. When they arrive there her friend is whisked off to learn all she needs to know to fulfill the prophesy that the few believes is about her. During that time our MC trains in firefighting etc and makes friends w everyone. The backstory is that there is an evil fae trying to take over the Seelie and Unseelie kingdoms and a prophesied half mortal would bring the means to stop him. She just has to find the iron sword. While Molly the half mortal trains, our MC goes off to help the knights fight on the battleground.
While the descriptions were beautifully written, they were just too dang much. 1 moment would be described with so much flourish that it would take up and entire page (4-6 paragraphs). This was great for some things like the landscapes but was just too much for the much littler and unimportant things that could be easily described in a sentence or two. Ultimately, I started skipping paragraphs to fill pages just to get past a single easily described moment in the book. This was why took so many of the stars from my rating because it was so constant. There were often some discrepancies as well that caught my ire as that I'm surprised were not caught by the author.
So if you absolutely love drawn out descriptions of things (and well written they are, to be sure) then you'll like this. There's no sex or anything steamy and no cussing.
May 12, 2015
Satisfying 2nd installment. We get to meet some new characters and interesting background information about the mysterious “Northerners” is slowly revealed. Pieces of the puzzle are slowly being put together for the reader. I felt a bit too much time was spent on the Sirens and the cliff but there is a reason for the Siren encounter. I particularly enjoyed the introduction of the new characters who join Tess’s little band. I think their characters will become more rounded as the story progresses. Vell is another of the main characters I have enjoyed “getting to know better” in this 2nd book as she has kept her history to herself and tried to keep her distance from Tess and company thus far. I like her growing friendship with Tess, her loyalties, and her courage. As the story unfolds the reader begins to really understand where her anger and bitterness are rooted. Tess’s relationship with Finnead (and now throw one hot Northerner into the mix) is confusing for her as well as for the reader, but I’m sure more will be revealed in the next installment. Looking forward to the 3rd book, Ms. Fox!
December 20, 2018
I stumbled upon Jocelyn's first book The Iron Sword through a book recommendation app and gave it a chance. I was initially pleasantly surprised at the quality of the story and writing. I have been continually surprised that this series of books has been chugging along from book to book with no real weakness and fresh ideas for each book.
Druid's Daughter is the first book in a trilogy providing some prehistory to the Fae series. This book is an origin story surrounding Gwyneth and transitional times in Ireland. While some folks are moving towards Christianity and more "modern" ways, Gwyneth remains grounded in the old ways. Miss Fox does a nice job of developing her protagonist and sharing the mindset and thought processes of Gwyneth. We journey along with Gwyneth as she is pulled into the foreign environment of the fae and begins to learn of her possible destiny.
Give this book a chance. It is a wonderful read. Then read all the others Miss Fox has published. You won't be disappointed.
Druid's Daughter is the first book in a trilogy providing some prehistory to the Fae series. This book is an origin story surrounding Gwyneth and transitional times in Ireland. While some folks are moving towards Christianity and more "modern" ways, Gwyneth remains grounded in the old ways. Miss Fox does a nice job of developing her protagonist and sharing the mindset and thought processes of Gwyneth. We journey along with Gwyneth as she is pulled into the foreign environment of the fae and begins to learn of her possible destiny.
Give this book a chance. It is a wonderful read. Then read all the others Miss Fox has published. You won't be disappointed.
November 28, 2017
I downloaded this book when it was a digital freebie....I mean why not, right? The premise of the story interested me because the magical, immortal being wasn't the MC and there was no apparent love at first sight storyline. Complaints about the MC automatically believing in fairies and fae is kind of moot since this IS fantasy fiction and we are obviously reading it because WE would like to believe in fairies and fae lol. I really liked this book and purchased the second in the series before I was finished just so I wouldn't have to wait to continue with the story. As the story progresses Tess is more than she appeared to be and even though she has some fear of the new world she enters, she does not let fear rule her. I would recommend this book for an enjoyable read.
July 21, 2015
The iron sword by Jocelyn A. Fox is one of the best fantasy's I've read in quite some time. When Tess insists in going with Molly to the unseelie court the drama hitches up another notch. When Molly's fae half is unbound she loses her memories. Doesn't even recognize Tess though they were like sisters. Tess has eyes on Fiannen, one of Queen Mab's named knights. They set off to rescue the border patrol attacked by the forces of an old evil threat.
March 2, 2017
Where's the next book?
I really enjoyed this series. However, what a cliffhanger!
I hope it doesn't end like this. So many questions unanswered. My review would be a 5 star except for having no indication of another book
Trina
I really enjoyed this series. However, what a cliffhanger!
I hope it doesn't end like this. So many questions unanswered. My review would be a 5 star except for having no indication of another book
Trina
April 28, 2019
I don’t need a social justice lecture
I stopped reading in the second chapter. The social justice lecture on bisexuality ended all interest in the book. It read like the horrible PJ boy commercials about Thanksgiving. Thanks but no thanks.
I stopped reading in the second chapter. The social justice lecture on bisexuality ended all interest in the book. It read like the horrible PJ boy commercials about Thanksgiving. Thanks but no thanks.
January 30, 2023
a nonstop read
This is a prequel to the Fae wars series. At first I thought it should be read first, but I think it may spoil some of the surprises of the Fae Wars. Either way it’s a great read.
This is a prequel to the Fae wars series. At first I thought it should be read first, but I think it may spoil some of the surprises of the Fae Wars. Either way it’s a great read.
August 2, 2015
The story is interesting, but needs better editing.
June 29, 2020
Cliffhamger
Absolutely loved book 4! Seamless timeframe, same and new characters and a great read. I'm going to be impatiently waiting for book 5.
Absolutely loved book 4! Seamless timeframe, same and new characters and a great read. I'm going to be impatiently waiting for book 5.
January 21, 2023
another great book in the series
Fantastic read this whole series has been so much more than I expected. I recommend it to anyone who likes fantasy.
Fantastic read this whole series has been so much more than I expected. I recommend it to anyone who likes fantasy.
February 9, 2023
another great side story of the Fae wars series
Good introduction to a new tangent. I had wondered about Murphy’s family when he got back to the mortal world.
Good introduction to a new tangent. I had wondered about Murphy’s family when he got back to the mortal world.
February 14, 2023
very good read
Andromeda is one of the best characters of all. She is broken and caustic at times. How she becomes redeemed is very interesting.
Andromeda is one of the best characters of all. She is broken and caustic at times. How she becomes redeemed is very interesting.
Read
August 24, 2025Rating: minus 2 on a scale of minus 5 to plus 5.
Another review which no one will read. The revision is much more satisfying than the original and perhaps illustrates the lens through which I view the site, membership and titles offered by Kindle Unlimited.
Before I start, I will must the YouTube. This was made possible by channels Doctor Who/Be Kind - Reality Genre Studios, NCMI, AllShorts, Anark, RevolutionarythOt, Red Glasgow, Munecat, Keffals, LuckyBlackCat, ScaredKetchup, Fiona Hill, Leeja Miller, Heather Cox Richardson, Dark Brandon, Library of a Viking, Geo Girl, Reese Waters, Scallydandling About the Books, Willow Talks Books, Jake Broe, Atun Shei Films, Welcome to Ukraine, The Great War, Yao Hui, Matriarchetype, Narrowboat Pirate, Ship Happens, Sailing Melody, The Narrowboat that James built, Ukraine Today, The Leftist Cooks, Jessie Gender, elder gal, The Gaze, Dungeons and Discourse, The Players Aid, Avoid the Chaos, Kyiv Post, Miniature Adventures, FightYourOwnBattles, This Bahamian Gyal, Outlaw Bookseller, Prime of Midlife, Matthew Thomas Gillespie, Amie's Literary Empire, Paul Warburg, RFU News, Depressed Russian, Miniminuteman, JimmyTheGiant, Tod Maffin, Farron Balanced, Georgia Fawcett, Up and Atom, Amadeus Quartet, Amanda's Wild Takes, FAFO, Tale Foundry, Chem Thug, Gutsick Gibbon, Octopus Lady, Library Ladder, Princess Weekes, Jay Exci, Kat Blacque, Business Basics, Isaac Arthur, Science Fiction with Damien Walter, Mythology Matters, Josh Johnson, Ukraine Matters, The Ritual Kitchen with Laura May, Nomadic Crobot, Kathy's Flog in France, Delamer, ATP Geopolitics, ExtinctZoo, Honest Government Ads, Nini Music, KernowDamo, Times Radio, Sort of Interesting, The Mindful Narrowboat, Lore Reloaded, Reads with Rachel, Parkrose Permaculture, Interesting Times, No Justice, Belinda Strnad, Acollierastro, Fun Size Reader, Shitty Book Club, Yanis Varoufakis, Renegade Cut, Chasing Oz, Natasha's Adventures, Tom Powell, Political CUSTARD, Art by Annamarie, Read Rant Review, Scientific American, Postmodern Jukebox, Professor Tim Wilson, Your True Shelf, Underthedesknews, KernowDamo, Jess Owens, Hawk's Podcasts, Broken Peach, GLOBAL PRINCESS, The Logical Leftist, Petticoats and Prose, Irish Myths, Owen Jones, Tom Nicholas, The Bands of HM Royal Marines.
I saw recently that an idiot who whilst insulting an essayist, complain to her that I list trans creators among my channels. The epidemic of the poorly socialised, uneducated and whiny US male continues unabated. That explains much about the current state of the USA as I think on it. Trigger warning to that idiot and fellows then. Among the channels which I list are included the military historian, geologist, bi, WOC, Canadian, het, architect, model, tall, intersex, marine biologist, economist, asexual, socialist, Bahamian, older, trans, redhaired, married, queer, anthropologist, linguist, physicist, lesbian, Indian, autist, musician, culture critic, primatologist and other creators known as Women. Almost as threatening to the proudly stupid US male are channels featuring the futurist, train enthusiast, Danish, archaeologist, philosopher, zoologist, fashion historian, book reviewer, other LGBTQI+, Estonian, Welsh, hishort, other hobbyist, anarchist, boater, ginger, mathematician, other neurodivergent, military boardgamer, chemist, Australian, other BIPOC, modeller and other creators known as Human Beings. If the voices are not stilled, seek emergency therapy, convert to Taoism or apply for an exorcism.
My judgement of these clods is that they are beyond self-correction, yet their comments must be challenged. The passivity of membership is eerily similar to that of the two Party electorates, whose prevailing attitudes are not solidarity but to ignore that which is not yet seen to affect themselves.
This like the previous book is a magical backdrop for a standard elf-human romance. The characters do not really carry much depth. The elves actually seem more real than the humans, which is strange.
I do not remember details but I expect that there will be battles against evil forces and minor victories. In the background, there is intrigue for the needed tension. In the foreground the action will consist of "Will they, Won't they".
There is nothing wrong with this if you are expecting a romance. The book is not particularly memorable but still has more heft than most of the Unlimited science fiction selections.
I did not note any particularly anti-human elements in the character representation, interactions or the story itself. This is a pleasant, if thin story that passes time.
It seems that the quality of most current US science fiction, fantasy and romance is not very good. Even editing seems to be optional in Amazon's selection. I watch rather than read science fiction/fantasy for the first time. I appreciate the products of the video services, the worst of which is superior to Low and No Effort print, if only for interesting visuals.
For recommendations in fiction, Goodreads are almost useless to me. On the YouTube there are myriad channels but the finest discovery was that of the book channels. The reader communities hosted are of varied interests, tastes and histories. If interested in all things bookish, including an excited community with critical fellow readers, these will fill the void. They are far different environments to the horror which Goodreads are become.
Consider treating this as a potentially hostile site. 🤔
Goodreads do not encourage discourse. As example, I wrote a short negative review of an awful political rant posing as a novel which had been blurbed by Goodreads/Amazon as akin to a Heinlein classic. It is not and the blurb has since been changed. The book, Powers of the Earth is a poorly written, juvenile salute to what would now be called the sociopathic January 6, 2021 hero. The writer, Travis Corcoran self described as libertarian (now anarcho capitalist without an impressive portfolio, investment or literary), advocate of chattel slavery (popular US position with pending enabling legislation in its support), veteran, employee of an unnamed US agency and admirer of Putin (another popular US stance, unsurprisingly). He is certainly a MAGA hero, at least until he realises that he is not a member of the ruling class.
The outraged writer and six fellow patriots spent a year and pages of comments demanding my response. With none forthcoming I was accused of narcissism. I admit to being a communist, the other not so much. The book is the heroic tale of a barely literate twat enlisting the military in overthrow of the US government in order that he not pay inheritance tax. I found the book to be dangerous and unhealthy, they took exception. Seeing the USA in 2025, the levels of irony are almost overwhelming.
The final comment was delivered by a Claes Rees Jr aka cgr710, now ka Clayton R Jesse Jr who proclaimed that They had "won" (?), after referencing the contents of the last message exchange between myself and a Goodreads friend.
It seems that apparently, They had launched a year long campaign of vile sexual, racist, anti-LGBTQI and similar comments against every channel I mentioned (which continues in a muted form). They failed to expand their social life and the archaeologist, linguist, boater, mathematician and other female creators were not impressed. Despite that failure, They did certainly increase the global overabundance of unpleasantness and also delivered a splendid self-portrait of the Snowflake (vicious, poorly educated US man-child) to a multinational audience. Quite the Victory. Goodreads discourse at its finest ??
Claes Rees Jr.
Don't be a numpty. Be a smarty. Come and join the Communist Party. 🙂
Glory to Ukraine. Glory to the Heroes. Crimea is Ukraine.
I have earned a stepaway before continuing. This next is courtesy of Doctor Who/Never Cruel or Cowardly -Ozar, NCMI, Silicon Curtain, Ukraine Calling, Roisin's Reading, CBC News, Julie and Martin on Rhapsody in Blue, World of Antiquity, British Museum, Canadian Dominion, NFKRZ, Miniature Adventures, Viva La Dirt League, Deerstalker Pictures, Lena Down Under, Haropones, Reese Waters, Mom on the Spectrum, Tod Maffin, Ukraine News TV, NerdForge, Esther Natukunda, Russian Media Monitor, Anne Applebaum, Mr Newberger's AI Funnies, The Military Show, TheMonsterPainter, CoachD, Vanwives, Caleb Howells, Megalithhunter, Joseph Reads Books, Jean's Thoughts, Roomies Digest, Owen Jones, Cruising the Cut, Cruising Crafts, Uia and Josh, Paper and Moose, Whitenoiz CA, Brigitte Empire, Raw News and Politics, Your New Zealand Family, Dark Brandon, Kirsten and Joerg: 2 Germans in Britain, WhoCulture, Military Aviation History, Chris Norlund, Anton Petrov, Shades of Orange, Clockwork Reader, Emily Linge, ThatDaneshGuy, Sean's Journal, Words in Time, danainspired, Irish Pagan School, 5Minute School, Narrow Gauge Shop, AllShorts, Jason Jay Smart, DW News, TLDR News EU, CBC News, Purple Sweater, Professor Gerdes Explains, Bell Tube, IMY2 - Mad Mad World, The Hickson Diaries, Kistreadsbooks, Fran Blanche, TonyMichaelsPodcsst, The Military Show, Greeno Eats, The Irish Rose, The Korean Vegan, The Enemy from Within, Jason Jay Smart, Parkrose Permaculture, Jay Reed,Diaries.of Creativity, Brit Telly, South Flicks, Mr Newberger's AI Funnies, Dark Skies, Dark Seas, Central Crossing, Cappy Army, Tom Powell Jr, Jesse Dollemore, Agro Squirrel Narrates, TheWolfPit, The Mindful Narrowboat, Dry Bar Comedy, Bo Time Gaming, Savy Writes Books, Quinn's Ideas, The Odd Show, Kaeluynn Partlow, JoeFish, Green Face Media, Kaelyn Grace Apple, Econ Lessons.
Ominous music begins. 😊 There is a curse on criticism first labelled by Noam Chomsky as manufacture of consensus. That is the primary function of this site which benefits the political culture and profit from more than books but film and other art. The ratings reflect the erosion of critical thought and mindless consumption. US readers are dedicated to the cult of the mob. I am not surprised to see member gangs engage in doxxing, stalking, threats and soon I suspect, Swatting against the one star reviewer. This occurs across Goodreads science fiction and romance, with no acknowledgement from Amazon.
Before Goodreads I had assumed that the stupidity associated with US citizens, was limited to a small percentage. After several years of Goodreads comments, scanning US YouTube and revisiting other US media my opinion changed. Americans are as a nation in fact terminally stupid. 25% of the population gleefully marched towards fascism expecting a white working class utopia. The rest of the population can not be bothered to save themselves, pretend that the police state will not impact them or do not notice it developing. It is a sad realisation.
Recently I saw that a 32 year old white male had shot a 68 years old or so, wheelchair bound retired black veteran in broad daylight on a crowded "progressive" Seattle, Washington beach in full view of a crowd. The black veteran had declined to provide his ID to that thug, who publicly verbally abused and demanded proof of his victim that he was a veteran. This white male then shot the wheelchair bound black veteran in the chest.
The most stunning aspect of the episode was not that the shooter loudly shouted that he felt his life threatened. It was not the video showing him calmly aiming and firing his weapon from perhaps twelve feet distance. It was not that the victim survived. Since it occurred in the US, it was not even that the shooter was charged with simply "assault" only, as the victim was black. It was to me that no progressive Seattle news outlet covered the story. I found it only after the video reached YouTube and white YouTubers did comment on the lack of publicity.
My second shock was that none of the hundred or so nearby white onlookers, challenged the attacker. He would certainly have not dared shoot or even threaten a mother or father of one the many white children present, especially after loudly declaring that he was defending himself against an elderly disabled "black". There are limits even in the US, after all. This is the pool from which your fellow US Goodreads member is drawn. This is what is normalised by a very large percentage of US readers. Something to consider.
My message history was shared with these mental members, which allowed a request from Pine Gap Centre of Australian Security that they interrogate the one friend whom I occasionally messaged. The attempt on my personal information failed but two outraged customers were created.
Amazon were unconcerned until we advertised our experience. No acknowledgement, No apology, No explanation but all visible harassment on my pages was reversed or masked. I did receive a notice that Kindle would no longer support Goodreads and the icon was removed. For some reason I do not feel safer. 🙂
I saw that a seventh ex-employee of EBay was sentenced for harassment of a couple whose small ecommerce channel was deemed unkind to EBay. The couple were awarded several millions and that ex-employee had been the EBay Chief of Global Security or some such. All of the above occurred before the present restructuring of the US government. I would remain wary of any US data corporation.
Some precautions are recommended. Remove all personal information from Goodreads profile and avoid messaging. Remove the Lurker, those friends who never post. They are monitors for comment gangs (very American), not admirers. Given the Goodreads penchant for Altering customer pages, the screenshot of the odd, ugly or threatening are valuable. That should suffice. There are alternative sites and BookTubers will discuss them.
Kindle are another matter. Do Not use Kindle Files, Contacts, Calendar or Email. Amazon read emails without notice or permission. If not American, nothing further need be said. Do Not "purchase" Amazon E-books, as you own only the device not the download. These may be altered or deleted at Amazon's whim. Searches with Silk should be innocuous and non-critical. There are alternatives ebook sellers and again BookTubers will discuss them.
To implement these cost nothing, to not may well do. It is good practice to remind self periodically of the nature of members and employees drawn from that population. Healthy socialisation and morality are considered bad form among US patriots. Ominous music ends. 😊
Be safe and may we all discover good reading. 🤗
Some of my favourite YouTube channels.
NCMI, The Blazing Redcoat, AllShorts, Sarah Z, The Ritual Kitchen with Laura May, Tara Mooknee, Munecat, Some More News, Brittany Page, Novara Media, Ship Happens, The Juice Media, Linguoer Mechanic, Owen Jones, Philosophy Tube, Sort of Interesting, Holly the Cafe Boat, Ben and Emily, Tom Nicholas, Mythology and Fiction Explained, Books and Lala, The Piano Guys, Lady of the Library, Prime of Midlife, Natasha's Adventures, The Narrowboat Pirate, Sabine Hossenfelder, Naughty Nana DUZ, Answer in Progress, FAFO, Cruising the Cut, Boat Time, Crecganford, Medieval Madness, Jill Bearup, Karolina Zebrowska, Evie Lupine, Bernadette Banner, Adult Wednesday Addams -2 seasons, Celtica, Swell Entertainment, Reese Waters, Practical Engineering, The Piano Boat, Tulia, TVP World, Cari can Read, Elliot Brooks, Emmie, With Olivia, Jessie Gender, The Templin Institute, Dakota Warren, Alizee, Alice Cappelle, Katy Montgomerie, Jessica Gagnon, Kozak Siromaha, France 24, What Vivi did next, DW News, Merphy Napier, The Irish Reader, Noelle Gallagher, Abbie Emmons, Lily Alexandre, Daniel Rubin, Kathy's Flog in France, Red Viburnam Song, Olly Richards, Dan Davis History, Luciana Zogbi, Cindy's Villa, Dead Good Books, Reading Wryly, Kazachka, Three Arrows, The People Profiles, Kalaripayattu, Mythic Concepts, Steam Punk, Lee Francis, Emily Linge, Venom Geek Media, The Welsh Viking, Travelling K, Rebecca Watson, Eleanor Morton, Mrs Betty Bowers, Yarmak, Zoe Baker, Kelly Hays, Maggie Mae Fish, Invicta, Vlad Vexler, Tibees, Gingers are Black, Up and Atom, Filaxim Historia, The Carpenter's Daughter, Anka Daily News, Brittany the Bibliophile, Guard the Leaf, Britain Archive, Bookshop by The Sea, Art by Annamarie.
I wish you a gorgeous morning, an invigorating afternoon, a cosy evening, a splendid night and may we all continue learning.
Hope and Courage are never long separated.
Dictum, Sisters of the Light
Another review which no one will read. The revision is much more satisfying than the original and perhaps illustrates the lens through which I view the site, membership and titles offered by Kindle Unlimited.
Before I start, I will must the YouTube. This was made possible by channels Doctor Who/Be Kind - Reality Genre Studios, NCMI, AllShorts, Anark, RevolutionarythOt, Red Glasgow, Munecat, Keffals, LuckyBlackCat, ScaredKetchup, Fiona Hill, Leeja Miller, Heather Cox Richardson, Dark Brandon, Library of a Viking, Geo Girl, Reese Waters, Scallydandling About the Books, Willow Talks Books, Jake Broe, Atun Shei Films, Welcome to Ukraine, The Great War, Yao Hui, Matriarchetype, Narrowboat Pirate, Ship Happens, Sailing Melody, The Narrowboat that James built, Ukraine Today, The Leftist Cooks, Jessie Gender, elder gal, The Gaze, Dungeons and Discourse, The Players Aid, Avoid the Chaos, Kyiv Post, Miniature Adventures, FightYourOwnBattles, This Bahamian Gyal, Outlaw Bookseller, Prime of Midlife, Matthew Thomas Gillespie, Amie's Literary Empire, Paul Warburg, RFU News, Depressed Russian, Miniminuteman, JimmyTheGiant, Tod Maffin, Farron Balanced, Georgia Fawcett, Up and Atom, Amadeus Quartet, Amanda's Wild Takes, FAFO, Tale Foundry, Chem Thug, Gutsick Gibbon, Octopus Lady, Library Ladder, Princess Weekes, Jay Exci, Kat Blacque, Business Basics, Isaac Arthur, Science Fiction with Damien Walter, Mythology Matters, Josh Johnson, Ukraine Matters, The Ritual Kitchen with Laura May, Nomadic Crobot, Kathy's Flog in France, Delamer, ATP Geopolitics, ExtinctZoo, Honest Government Ads, Nini Music, KernowDamo, Times Radio, Sort of Interesting, The Mindful Narrowboat, Lore Reloaded, Reads with Rachel, Parkrose Permaculture, Interesting Times, No Justice, Belinda Strnad, Acollierastro, Fun Size Reader, Shitty Book Club, Yanis Varoufakis, Renegade Cut, Chasing Oz, Natasha's Adventures, Tom Powell, Political CUSTARD, Art by Annamarie, Read Rant Review, Scientific American, Postmodern Jukebox, Professor Tim Wilson, Your True Shelf, Underthedesknews, KernowDamo, Jess Owens, Hawk's Podcasts, Broken Peach, GLOBAL PRINCESS, The Logical Leftist, Petticoats and Prose, Irish Myths, Owen Jones, Tom Nicholas, The Bands of HM Royal Marines.
I saw recently that an idiot who whilst insulting an essayist, complain to her that I list trans creators among my channels. The epidemic of the poorly socialised, uneducated and whiny US male continues unabated. That explains much about the current state of the USA as I think on it. Trigger warning to that idiot and fellows then. Among the channels which I list are included the military historian, geologist, bi, WOC, Canadian, het, architect, model, tall, intersex, marine biologist, economist, asexual, socialist, Bahamian, older, trans, redhaired, married, queer, anthropologist, linguist, physicist, lesbian, Indian, autist, musician, culture critic, primatologist and other creators known as Women. Almost as threatening to the proudly stupid US male are channels featuring the futurist, train enthusiast, Danish, archaeologist, philosopher, zoologist, fashion historian, book reviewer, other LGBTQI+, Estonian, Welsh, hishort, other hobbyist, anarchist, boater, ginger, mathematician, other neurodivergent, military boardgamer, chemist, Australian, other BIPOC, modeller and other creators known as Human Beings. If the voices are not stilled, seek emergency therapy, convert to Taoism or apply for an exorcism.
My judgement of these clods is that they are beyond self-correction, yet their comments must be challenged. The passivity of membership is eerily similar to that of the two Party electorates, whose prevailing attitudes are not solidarity but to ignore that which is not yet seen to affect themselves.
This like the previous book is a magical backdrop for a standard elf-human romance. The characters do not really carry much depth. The elves actually seem more real than the humans, which is strange.
I do not remember details but I expect that there will be battles against evil forces and minor victories. In the background, there is intrigue for the needed tension. In the foreground the action will consist of "Will they, Won't they".
There is nothing wrong with this if you are expecting a romance. The book is not particularly memorable but still has more heft than most of the Unlimited science fiction selections.
I did not note any particularly anti-human elements in the character representation, interactions or the story itself. This is a pleasant, if thin story that passes time.
It seems that the quality of most current US science fiction, fantasy and romance is not very good. Even editing seems to be optional in Amazon's selection. I watch rather than read science fiction/fantasy for the first time. I appreciate the products of the video services, the worst of which is superior to Low and No Effort print, if only for interesting visuals.
For recommendations in fiction, Goodreads are almost useless to me. On the YouTube there are myriad channels but the finest discovery was that of the book channels. The reader communities hosted are of varied interests, tastes and histories. If interested in all things bookish, including an excited community with critical fellow readers, these will fill the void. They are far different environments to the horror which Goodreads are become.
Consider treating this as a potentially hostile site. 🤔
Goodreads do not encourage discourse. As example, I wrote a short negative review of an awful political rant posing as a novel which had been blurbed by Goodreads/Amazon as akin to a Heinlein classic. It is not and the blurb has since been changed. The book, Powers of the Earth is a poorly written, juvenile salute to what would now be called the sociopathic January 6, 2021 hero. The writer, Travis Corcoran self described as libertarian (now anarcho capitalist without an impressive portfolio, investment or literary), advocate of chattel slavery (popular US position with pending enabling legislation in its support), veteran, employee of an unnamed US agency and admirer of Putin (another popular US stance, unsurprisingly). He is certainly a MAGA hero, at least until he realises that he is not a member of the ruling class.
The outraged writer and six fellow patriots spent a year and pages of comments demanding my response. With none forthcoming I was accused of narcissism. I admit to being a communist, the other not so much. The book is the heroic tale of a barely literate twat enlisting the military in overthrow of the US government in order that he not pay inheritance tax. I found the book to be dangerous and unhealthy, they took exception. Seeing the USA in 2025, the levels of irony are almost overwhelming.
The final comment was delivered by a Claes Rees Jr aka cgr710, now ka Clayton R Jesse Jr who proclaimed that They had "won" (?), after referencing the contents of the last message exchange between myself and a Goodreads friend.
It seems that apparently, They had launched a year long campaign of vile sexual, racist, anti-LGBTQI and similar comments against every channel I mentioned (which continues in a muted form). They failed to expand their social life and the archaeologist, linguist, boater, mathematician and other female creators were not impressed. Despite that failure, They did certainly increase the global overabundance of unpleasantness and also delivered a splendid self-portrait of the Snowflake (vicious, poorly educated US man-child) to a multinational audience. Quite the Victory. Goodreads discourse at its finest ??
Claes Rees Jr.
Don't be a numpty. Be a smarty. Come and join the Communist Party. 🙂
Glory to Ukraine. Glory to the Heroes. Crimea is Ukraine.
I have earned a stepaway before continuing. This next is courtesy of Doctor Who/Never Cruel or Cowardly -Ozar, NCMI, Silicon Curtain, Ukraine Calling, Roisin's Reading, CBC News, Julie and Martin on Rhapsody in Blue, World of Antiquity, British Museum, Canadian Dominion, NFKRZ, Miniature Adventures, Viva La Dirt League, Deerstalker Pictures, Lena Down Under, Haropones, Reese Waters, Mom on the Spectrum, Tod Maffin, Ukraine News TV, NerdForge, Esther Natukunda, Russian Media Monitor, Anne Applebaum, Mr Newberger's AI Funnies, The Military Show, TheMonsterPainter, CoachD, Vanwives, Caleb Howells, Megalithhunter, Joseph Reads Books, Jean's Thoughts, Roomies Digest, Owen Jones, Cruising the Cut, Cruising Crafts, Uia and Josh, Paper and Moose, Whitenoiz CA, Brigitte Empire, Raw News and Politics, Your New Zealand Family, Dark Brandon, Kirsten and Joerg: 2 Germans in Britain, WhoCulture, Military Aviation History, Chris Norlund, Anton Petrov, Shades of Orange, Clockwork Reader, Emily Linge, ThatDaneshGuy, Sean's Journal, Words in Time, danainspired, Irish Pagan School, 5Minute School, Narrow Gauge Shop, AllShorts, Jason Jay Smart, DW News, TLDR News EU, CBC News, Purple Sweater, Professor Gerdes Explains, Bell Tube, IMY2 - Mad Mad World, The Hickson Diaries, Kistreadsbooks, Fran Blanche, TonyMichaelsPodcsst, The Military Show, Greeno Eats, The Irish Rose, The Korean Vegan, The Enemy from Within, Jason Jay Smart, Parkrose Permaculture, Jay Reed,Diaries.of Creativity, Brit Telly, South Flicks, Mr Newberger's AI Funnies, Dark Skies, Dark Seas, Central Crossing, Cappy Army, Tom Powell Jr, Jesse Dollemore, Agro Squirrel Narrates, TheWolfPit, The Mindful Narrowboat, Dry Bar Comedy, Bo Time Gaming, Savy Writes Books, Quinn's Ideas, The Odd Show, Kaeluynn Partlow, JoeFish, Green Face Media, Kaelyn Grace Apple, Econ Lessons.
Ominous music begins. 😊 There is a curse on criticism first labelled by Noam Chomsky as manufacture of consensus. That is the primary function of this site which benefits the political culture and profit from more than books but film and other art. The ratings reflect the erosion of critical thought and mindless consumption. US readers are dedicated to the cult of the mob. I am not surprised to see member gangs engage in doxxing, stalking, threats and soon I suspect, Swatting against the one star reviewer. This occurs across Goodreads science fiction and romance, with no acknowledgement from Amazon.
Before Goodreads I had assumed that the stupidity associated with US citizens, was limited to a small percentage. After several years of Goodreads comments, scanning US YouTube and revisiting other US media my opinion changed. Americans are as a nation in fact terminally stupid. 25% of the population gleefully marched towards fascism expecting a white working class utopia. The rest of the population can not be bothered to save themselves, pretend that the police state will not impact them or do not notice it developing. It is a sad realisation.
Recently I saw that a 32 year old white male had shot a 68 years old or so, wheelchair bound retired black veteran in broad daylight on a crowded "progressive" Seattle, Washington beach in full view of a crowd. The black veteran had declined to provide his ID to that thug, who publicly verbally abused and demanded proof of his victim that he was a veteran. This white male then shot the wheelchair bound black veteran in the chest.
The most stunning aspect of the episode was not that the shooter loudly shouted that he felt his life threatened. It was not the video showing him calmly aiming and firing his weapon from perhaps twelve feet distance. It was not that the victim survived. Since it occurred in the US, it was not even that the shooter was charged with simply "assault" only, as the victim was black. It was to me that no progressive Seattle news outlet covered the story. I found it only after the video reached YouTube and white YouTubers did comment on the lack of publicity.
My second shock was that none of the hundred or so nearby white onlookers, challenged the attacker. He would certainly have not dared shoot or even threaten a mother or father of one the many white children present, especially after loudly declaring that he was defending himself against an elderly disabled "black". There are limits even in the US, after all. This is the pool from which your fellow US Goodreads member is drawn. This is what is normalised by a very large percentage of US readers. Something to consider.
My message history was shared with these mental members, which allowed a request from Pine Gap Centre of Australian Security that they interrogate the one friend whom I occasionally messaged. The attempt on my personal information failed but two outraged customers were created.
Amazon were unconcerned until we advertised our experience. No acknowledgement, No apology, No explanation but all visible harassment on my pages was reversed or masked. I did receive a notice that Kindle would no longer support Goodreads and the icon was removed. For some reason I do not feel safer. 🙂
I saw that a seventh ex-employee of EBay was sentenced for harassment of a couple whose small ecommerce channel was deemed unkind to EBay. The couple were awarded several millions and that ex-employee had been the EBay Chief of Global Security or some such. All of the above occurred before the present restructuring of the US government. I would remain wary of any US data corporation.
Some precautions are recommended. Remove all personal information from Goodreads profile and avoid messaging. Remove the Lurker, those friends who never post. They are monitors for comment gangs (very American), not admirers. Given the Goodreads penchant for Altering customer pages, the screenshot of the odd, ugly or threatening are valuable. That should suffice. There are alternative sites and BookTubers will discuss them.
Kindle are another matter. Do Not use Kindle Files, Contacts, Calendar or Email. Amazon read emails without notice or permission. If not American, nothing further need be said. Do Not "purchase" Amazon E-books, as you own only the device not the download. These may be altered or deleted at Amazon's whim. Searches with Silk should be innocuous and non-critical. There are alternatives ebook sellers and again BookTubers will discuss them.
To implement these cost nothing, to not may well do. It is good practice to remind self periodically of the nature of members and employees drawn from that population. Healthy socialisation and morality are considered bad form among US patriots. Ominous music ends. 😊
Be safe and may we all discover good reading. 🤗
Some of my favourite YouTube channels.
NCMI, The Blazing Redcoat, AllShorts, Sarah Z, The Ritual Kitchen with Laura May, Tara Mooknee, Munecat, Some More News, Brittany Page, Novara Media, Ship Happens, The Juice Media, Linguoer Mechanic, Owen Jones, Philosophy Tube, Sort of Interesting, Holly the Cafe Boat, Ben and Emily, Tom Nicholas, Mythology and Fiction Explained, Books and Lala, The Piano Guys, Lady of the Library, Prime of Midlife, Natasha's Adventures, The Narrowboat Pirate, Sabine Hossenfelder, Naughty Nana DUZ, Answer in Progress, FAFO, Cruising the Cut, Boat Time, Crecganford, Medieval Madness, Jill Bearup, Karolina Zebrowska, Evie Lupine, Bernadette Banner, Adult Wednesday Addams -2 seasons, Celtica, Swell Entertainment, Reese Waters, Practical Engineering, The Piano Boat, Tulia, TVP World, Cari can Read, Elliot Brooks, Emmie, With Olivia, Jessie Gender, The Templin Institute, Dakota Warren, Alizee, Alice Cappelle, Katy Montgomerie, Jessica Gagnon, Kozak Siromaha, France 24, What Vivi did next, DW News, Merphy Napier, The Irish Reader, Noelle Gallagher, Abbie Emmons, Lily Alexandre, Daniel Rubin, Kathy's Flog in France, Red Viburnam Song, Olly Richards, Dan Davis History, Luciana Zogbi, Cindy's Villa, Dead Good Books, Reading Wryly, Kazachka, Three Arrows, The People Profiles, Kalaripayattu, Mythic Concepts, Steam Punk, Lee Francis, Emily Linge, Venom Geek Media, The Welsh Viking, Travelling K, Rebecca Watson, Eleanor Morton, Mrs Betty Bowers, Yarmak, Zoe Baker, Kelly Hays, Maggie Mae Fish, Invicta, Vlad Vexler, Tibees, Gingers are Black, Up and Atom, Filaxim Historia, The Carpenter's Daughter, Anka Daily News, Brittany the Bibliophile, Guard the Leaf, Britain Archive, Bookshop by The Sea, Art by Annamarie.
I wish you a gorgeous morning, an invigorating afternoon, a cosy evening, a splendid night and may we all continue learning.
Hope and Courage are never long separated.
Dictum, Sisters of the Light
March 29, 2019
The battle has just begun
I had a bit of trouble with this story at first. It was a bit choppy and awkward. But after a while the rhythm evened out and the tale hit its stride and the ride was a great adventure.
We meet Molly and Tess, college roommates and friends - a bit like sisters really. I had a bit of trouble seeing what Tess saw in Molly. Molly was *itchy and cold - even before we find out about her being 1/2 fae.
Tess on the other hand was really no one special and even a bit of s klutz. It was easy to start liking her.
Well, low and behold we end up with not one but two special snowflakes. For me that didn’t deter me from enjoying the adventure as it played out.
Looking forward to my next trip and continuing the journey.
I had a bit of trouble with this story at first. It was a bit choppy and awkward. But after a while the rhythm evened out and the tale hit its stride and the ride was a great adventure.
We meet Molly and Tess, college roommates and friends - a bit like sisters really. I had a bit of trouble seeing what Tess saw in Molly. Molly was *itchy and cold - even before we find out about her being 1/2 fae.
Tess on the other hand was really no one special and even a bit of s klutz. It was easy to start liking her.
Well, low and behold we end up with not one but two special snowflakes. For me that didn’t deter me from enjoying the adventure as it played out.
Looking forward to my next trip and continuing the journey.
June 21, 2019
An intelligent YA fantasy
The Iron Sword doesn’t break new ground for a YA fantasy, but it is still a really good story. There’s a strong heroine protagonist that struggles with life and death issues, all while learning to fight the enemies of her best friend Molly. There’s a romantic interest, but the story revolves more around Tess and how she maneuvers through political and relational challenges. The author’s military background shines through and adds depth to the battle scenes and the overall feel of the story. It’s a good YA fantasy, but I would recommend it for older teens. There’s some sexual innuendo, though no sex, a drunken scene and, like I said, life and death issues are addressed that might be upsetting for younger teens
The Iron Sword doesn’t break new ground for a YA fantasy, but it is still a really good story. There’s a strong heroine protagonist that struggles with life and death issues, all while learning to fight the enemies of her best friend Molly. There’s a romantic interest, but the story revolves more around Tess and how she maneuvers through political and relational challenges. The author’s military background shines through and adds depth to the battle scenes and the overall feel of the story. It’s a good YA fantasy, but I would recommend it for older teens. There’s some sexual innuendo, though no sex, a drunken scene and, like I said, life and death issues are addressed that might be upsetting for younger teens
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