Family Ties

Crossroads Chronicles #1

by B.R. Kingsolver

Sometimes family is there to love you, and sometimes family is there to kill you...

When a man came into my shop in the Great Marketplace at the Crossroads of the Worlds and tried to kill me, it completely ruined my day. Not only did I have to clean up the blood, but disposing of his body made me late to meet my friends for drinks.

A nagging little detail kept bugging me, though. As he died, he said he was hired by my mother’s family—people I hadn’t seen for more than a decade. Then I discovered that assassins had made attempts on my brother and sister as well. As much as I didn’t want to, I decided I should find out who wanted us dead, and put a stop to it

Talk about stepping out of the pan into the fire…

Genres: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Audiobook, Adventure, Fae, Magic

281 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 23, 2022

About the author

I made silver and turquoise jewelry for almost a decade, ended up in nursing school, then took a master’s in business. Along the way I worked in construction, as a newspaper editor, a teacher, and somehow found a career working with computers.

As to my other interests, I love the outdoors, especially the Rocky Mountains. I’ve skied since high school, with one broken leg and one torn ACL to show for it. I’ve hiked and camped all my life. I love to travel, though I haven’t done enough of it. I’ve seen a lot of Russia and Mexico, not enough of England. Amsterdam is amazing, and the Romanian Alps are breathtaking. Lake Tahoe is a favorite, and someday I’d like to see Banff.

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Reviews

[Mara · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’ve read quite a few books from BR Kingsolver. They are not an author I root for, but until now I thought their books decent, if not necessarily good.
Family ties was utterly flat, boring, confusing with cardboard characters (sll of whom seemed pretty damn stupid) and a mess of a plot.
As this is the first review, I’ll avoid the one star, but heck it’s really that and not much more.

Edited to add that as this isn’t anymore its only review I rated 1 star.

[Chrissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable Urban Fantasy

I’d probably give this book 4.5 ⭐️ if I could.

This is the first book in a continuing series, however the book ends at a natural break in the narrative. There is no cliffhanger.

Diana is a half-elven smith, who specialises in the creation of blades and jewellery. Her shop at the market at the crossroads of the worlds provides a good living, but she chooses to live in Dublin on Earth. She manages this because one of the magical traits she inherited from her mother was the ability to Walk between worlds. When an assassin walks into her shop she finds herself having to work out why she has been targeted and by whom. This is the first step on a journey that returns her to her elven roots and on her way she begins to understand exactly why her mother wanted nothing to do with her heritage.

This is a fast paced thriller with unbeatable world-building. I have really loved most of BR Kingsolver’s books and this new series is no different in quality. Diana is an interesting character, the oldest of three siblings who have a unique upbringing. Her parents have two different types of magic and she and her siblings have inherited both types but at a weaker level. Diana is proud of her skills as a Smith and she is adept with a blade. She’s competent and self-aware, which I always find attractive in a character. She is complex with a deeply constructed history that is unveiled slowly through hints as the story progresses. Her history sounds as interesting as her present adventures.

The other characters that surround Diana are all fascinating too. Her brother and sister both have rich backgrounds that are fleshed out to give context to Diana’s personality. There is a large cast of characters and all have distinct personalities, motives and histories. Something tells me we may see more of them in future books in this series.

There are plenty of magical and sword based battles in this book, along with political intrigue and assassination plots. The plot is constantly moving forward and kept me wanting to just finish another chapter. I love the way this author weaves world-building, fast paced and intricate plots and well-rounded and intriguing characters. I can’t wait to see what the next book has in store!

[Elizabeth]

DNF at 18%.

Everything comes way too easily for our heroine. She is attacked and she prevails with no issues. And she’s attacked a lot. She’s got special powers and can walk between worlds. But this isn’t a travel story so each day takes about a page. She’s whipping through worlds and using her magic left and right.

Sadly, it is boring and I’m going to mosey on.

[Emmalynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad, this had a lot of world building and revelations about the magical abilities of the heroine. She’s pretty strong and things seem to come easy including magic and overpowering enemies.

[John Loyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diana is about to close shop when she gets a last minute customer asking for a custom made sword. A minute or two later another man comes in, this time it's an assassin. The attempt fails and she gets one word out of him. Schlekek. Her mother's family in Galondril. She thought that was all left behind when her mother renounced any interest in succession. She visits her parents. Then on to her sister who also thwarted an assassination attempt. Now she has to do something, but first a stop to get some backup. Turns out her brother Bjorn was also targeted. Diana and her siblings weren't the only targets. Uncle Fedor has recently died in an accident. More attacks, some successful. Diana and Bjorn try to root out the culprit(s). Then a neighboring kingdom starts a war.

Lots of action, a mystery, nice world building. Diana is pretty badass. The opening pages aren't the only time she is attacked and comes out on top. She has a fairly rare gift of being a Walker, someone who can move between worlds, other magic that she inherited from her mother and smart. A really enjoyable protagonist. 4.7 stars.

[Tony Hisgett · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed a big chunk of this book, but I began to get a bit fed up of keeping track of all the Elf noble women and by the end I wasn’t bothered who was causing all the problems. After a good start it almost felt like the author had nearly given up towards the end.

[Marsha · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sometimes a tried and true author starts a new series that just doesn't click with you. That is the case for me with "Family Ties." I love a good family story but this read lack sufficient world building as well as good characterization to make it memorable or tolerable. It started off well enough but it quickly grew into one attack after another and not much else to recommend it. I won't spend a lot of time reviewing this book because it's taken up enough of my time reading it. It had the potential to be reallly good but failed early on (roughly 35% into the read). I am a fan of B.R. Kingsolver but this book just wasn't up to the author's usual standards. I can only speak for myself when I say that I will not be going on to other books in this series. Too many good books and not enough time for bad ones! Sorry B.R. but this is not your best!

[Eden · Rating 5 out of 5]

2022 bk 323. An excellent beginning to what I hope will be a multiple book series. I enjoyed the interaction between Diana and her sibling Bjorn and add to that mix an estranged family, well you just know tensions will run high. Since the estranged family includes their grandfather who has his own kingdom, well, you've just added war, invasion, assassination attempts (my goodness this author is inventive in ways and means), and other devious plottings. 'Twas a fun read and made me thankful for my own family.

[Red Tide]

Rating: minus 2 on a scale of minus five to plus five. I am doing yet another rewrite of an original review to clarify my writing. Annoying hateful Goodreads idiots is a bonus.

Before I begin, I must recharge my enthusiasm with a YouTube visit. This review was made possible by Doctor Who/They Break My Heart - RecklessGirl100, Lily Simpson, LuckyBlackCat, ScaredKetchup, Willow Talks Books, Sailing Melody, Kris Atomic, Red Glasgow, Lena Down Under, Riverboat Jack, kgb detected, aidan knight, Biz, Don't F@ck With Ukraine, Leeja Miller, Shades of Orange, Outlaw Bookseller, Subha Reads, A Cosy Creative, Authentic Observer, Reads with Rachel, Hardy's Books, The Brothers Gwynne, Jean's Thoughts, Lily Alexandre, Owen Jones, Keffals, PPR Mundial, KernowDamo, Sakhalia Net, Operator Starsky, Real Time History, Kings and Generals, Anna from Ukraine, Ukraine Calling, Boat Time, Northern Narrowboaters, Narrowboat Pirate, Lily Simpson, Just in Time Worldbuilding, Kyiv Independent, Matriarchetype, Ukraine:The Latest, The Confused Adipose, Fit 2B Read, BobbyBroccoli, Wednesday Addams -Paint it Black, Tom Powell, Reese Waters, Jen the Librarian, Acollierastro, NFKRZ, Lena Petrova, Unlearning Economics, Rats That Enable, Silicon Curtain, Truth to Power, The Queer Kiwi, Queen Coke Francis, Skyscraper Museum, Lynn Saga, Sweet but Psycho, Kady 2.0, Scottish Independence Podcast, Dan Davis History, Military History Visualized, Dungeons and Discourse, Ministry of Miniatures, Military Aviation History, Erutan, Drop It Like Spock, Kyiv Independent, Cruising Crafts, Nomadic Crobot, Turn Left, Econ Lessons, Think Ukraine, Yanis Varoufakis, Today I Found Out, Bobbing Along, Ben and Emily, Kimberly Reads, Miranda Mills, A Sunny Book Nook, AuroraTrek, Combat Veteran Reacts, Wednesday Addams -Safety Dance, A Very Casual Librarian, Mom on the Spectrum, ThePrimeChronus, Radio Retrofuture, Fantasy and World Music by the Fletchers, Verilybitchie, Eugenia from Ukraine, EssenceOfThought, Philosophy Tube, Songs Sped Up, Rick the Ukrainian, France24, Steve Shives, Venom Geek Media, Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox, Jessica Kellgren Fozard, CBC News, The Military Show, Artur Rehi, Dr Ben Miles, Michael Lambert, Roads with Belle, Jessie Gender, Roisin's Reading, Well Deck Diaries, Cruising Alba, Girl Gone London, Geo Girl, A Clockwork Reader, Roughest Drafts, Don't Fret, Sumatha Reads, Yoyomi, Irish Myths, Gracey D, Claus Kellerman POV, Reese Waters, Agro Squirrel Narrates, Parkrose Permaculture, I've Had It, SiegeMental, Dr Ben Miles, Paul Warburg, Clouds and Sky, Wes O'Donnell, Historical Africa, Nicole Chilaka-Ukpo, RevolutionarythOt, Andrewism, Grace McGuire, Mythic Concept, Britta Bohler, NerdForge, Mercado Media, PPR Mundial, Anka Daily News, Shannon Makes, Hat Historian, Bernadette Banner, Caolan Robertson, Debs Unfiltered, FAFO, The Historian's Craft.

One idiot whilst attacking a trans woman essayist complained to her that I included trans women creators among the channels I mention. It no longer amazes me how unselfaware US males can be. To that Idiot and his ilk, be aware that the channels which I mention include primatologist, cis, anthropologist, gay, WOC, Irish, het, physicist, science communicator, bi, archaeologist, psychologist, trans, Scottish, economist, older, intersex, book tuber, linguist, German, boater, gamer and other female creators or as the sane refer to them Women. Almost as disturbing are channels which include the other BIPOC, anarchist, fashion historian, redhead, Canadian, communist, physicist, other LGBTQ+, mathematician, Danish, socialist, archaeologist, modeller, Australian and others or as the healthily socialised refer to them Human Beings. If the voices still drive you to seek these out, seek emergency therapy, take up a hobby (not to include assaulting women, which is mental illness) or apply for our Catholic exorcism. My feelings towards these arrogant morons are similar to that of the 13 Ukrainian marines defending Snake Island, when their surrender was demanded by the Russian navy. Their response was "Russian warship, go f@ck yourself." Glory to Ukraine. Glory to the Heroes. Crimea is Ukraine.

The writing is uneven. Her prose is solid. Where she placed her attention characters and description were good. Where it slipped characters, description and plot suffered.

The great weakness is the deficiency in worldbuilding. Because of the holes in and general vagueness of the background, characters were often emotionless, reactions and plot points seemed disjointed.

The society is a sketch of 17th or 18th century Scotland in an alternate world dominated by wizards. Wizards have no responsibilities it seems, other than to terrorise the population and murder women who give birth to wizards. An article of faith is that women do not possess magic, therefore women who possess magic are also murdered? There is no governmental structure and so no one to maintain the roads, dispose of waste, provide emergency services, maintain sanitation, provide medical care, policing, collect taxes even. The economics are a black box. The class divisions are never discussed.

It is mentioned in passing that the town is part of a larger polity "organised" in a similar fashion. This is a sad representation of a feudal society. There are more story elements which make little sense to me but I am not invested enough to bother to list them.

I need a stepaway to reset my mood. This next was courtesy of YouTube's M -The Ritual Kitchen with Laura May, The Norse Witch, Diary of a Ditch Witch, Narrowboat, Serena Skybourne, Hej Sokoly -Eileen, The Queer Kiwi, Jack Edwards, ScaredKetchup, Supertanskiii, Lily Simpson, Shitty Book Club, CTV, Eva Schubert, Gutsick Gibbon, Read Rant Review, The Council of Geeks, The Life Guide, Cindy's Villa, Guard the Leaf, Mom on the Spectrum, Queen Penguin, Nikki Carreon, The New Enlightenment, declassified UK, FPR Global, DW2012, Aid Thompsin, AllShorts, Kyiv Post, Ukraine Matters, Horses, HBomberGuy, James Tullos, Elyse Myers, Jean's Thoughts, Quinn's Ideas, Andrew's Wizardly Reads, Princess Weekes, Tibees, Angela Collier, Dr Fatima physicist, Dark Brandon, Jay Exci, James Tullos, Think that Through, UATV, Central Crossing, Verilybitchie, Fundie Fridays, Ukraine Matters, It's Black Friday, Reads with Rachel, The Great War, Terrible Writing Advice, It ain't half hot mum, Military Aviation History, Veritas et Caritas, Kat Blacque, DW News, The Bands of HM Royal Marines, Processor Gerdes Explains, Friendly Atheist, Ukraine Today, Alex Fleev, Mythology and Fiction Explained, A Clockwork Reader, Shades of Orange, United 24, Xiran Jay Zhao, Raw News and Politics, Political CUSTARD, Knowing Better, Gabi Belle, Ember Green, Prose and Petticoats, Evie Lupine, Foster on the Spectrum, Fun Size Reader, Ian Gubeli, Hoots, Books and Things, Skip Intro, Lexi aka NewlyNova, Self Publishing Central, The Welsh Viking, Savy Writes Books, Steve Shives, Keffals, Kathy's Flog in France, Angelisa Reads, CriminOlly, Yoyomi, Ukraine Matters, D'Angelo, Brandon Fisichella, Amie's Literary Empire, Kazachka, Atun Shei Films, Wizards and Warriors, Dungeons and Discourse, DUST, Mandy, Tale Foundry, Candlelit Tales, The Grungeon Master, Living Anachronism, Radio Retrofuture, Deerstalker Pictures, Riverboat Jack, Weirdo Book Club, 3rd Regiment SOF, Professor Tim Wilson, Don't F@ck with Ukraine, OrangeRiver, Jessie Gender.

I also watched KAOS, Kim's Convenience, Dark Winds, Landscape with Invisible Hand, Kath and Kim.

The absence of elves, dwarves, trolls and others are noticeable and a shame. These beings exist in her wider universe in sufficient numbers as to be major characters in other books. Her descriptions can be first rate and almost distract from the world building problems and the major character decisions and actions. It was not her best book and the breezy first and last chapters sandwich a dark story with all its flaws. She devoted little thought to background universe, the various interactions and in place of plot created a loosely logical string of interesting scenes instead.

Current US speculative fiction sometimes seem to have only four categories: the Serviceable; the Low Effort; the Minimal Effort; the No Effort. Very little of the Kindle collection do not fall into the latter three categories. If you find a book in the first category, the natural inclination is to hold it close to the bosom, lest the gods snatch it away. I believe that acceptance of the substandard, leads to erosion of the ability to discriminate between good, mediocre and Godawful. Current US publishers and writers have had a negative global impact on the genre, I think. It is sad that this was not always true. My disappointment with loan options led me to end my Unlimited sub.

I found myself applauding books, whose main virtues were no misspellings, avoidance of word misuse, no overtly racist/sexist dialogue, no plot holes, no contrivance as plot driver, no uninspired use of language, no poor world building. The YA label being applied to adult science fiction puzzled me at the start. The average reader level for romance is the eleven years old and for science fiction seems to be ten years. That judgement is based on my 1000+ attempts at Kindle loans science fiction.

Consider treating this as a potentially hostile site. 🤔

Goodreads discourse does not exist. As example, I wrote a short negative review of Powers of the Earth, a poorly written, juvenile salute to the psychotic January 6,2021 hero. The writer Travis Corcoran self-described as libertarian and vocal advocate for the return of chattel slavery, veteran, employee of an unnamed US agency and admirer of Putin. Truly a MAGA exemplar.

I found the premise of a newly wealthy twat enrolling the military to overthrow the US government in order to not pay taxes on his inheritance to be dangerous and unhealthy. The theme is incredibly popular in the Kindle library. The writer and six fellow patriots took exception to my opinion. There followed a year long demand that I respond to their unhinged comments. My refusal to engage was labelled narcissistic.

The final comment was delivered by Claes Rees Jr aka cgr710 now ka Clayton R Jesse Jr who no longer identifies as Nazi, it seems. He grandly declared that They had "won" (?). I discovered that They had launched a year long deluge of vile sexual, racist and anti-LGBTQ I attacks against it seems, every channel which I mentioned and continues still. While They failed to impress the physicist, boater, archaeologist, historian or other female creators, They certainly increased the globe's overabundance of ugliness. In addition They also delivered a splendid self-portrait of the snowflake (stupidly vicious US man-child) to a multinational audience. I imagine this was Their Victory. Goodreads discourse, Yay ?? USA, Yay ??

I wandered onto YouTube for science fiction commentary. From there I stumbled upon the book channels. 😍 BookTube include a variety of reader communities, which are home to readers curious, thoughtful and most of all who love all aspects of the the bookish experience. These are far different to the Goodreads environment.

Another reset is needed. This next was made possible by YouTube channels - Russian Media Monitor, The New Enlightenment with Ashley, Kanal 13, Probably Off Reading, With Cindy, EarleWrites, Female Warriors -Teresatessa, Nomadic Crobot, Natasha's Adventures, Red Viburnam Song, Ship Happens, Yugopnik, Honest Government Ads, Well Deck Diaries, Winging it on a Budget, Cossack and Caucasus Sword Dance, Rachel Oates, D'Angelo, Times Radio, Haley Pham, The Book Leo, Emma Thorne, Girls Rock Asia, Caspian Report, The Researcher, Hardy's Books, Agro Squirrel Narrates, Think Ukraine, DUST, Covers with Cassidy, Rowan is Reading, Adiemus -Carmina Slovenica, Lexi aka NewlyNova, Abby Cox, Stevie Emerson, Trae Crowder, Hej Sokoly, The Juice Media, Songs Sped Up -MSI, According to Alina, Kiko1006, Alina Gingertail, The Snake Charmer, Karolina Zebrowska, Matriarchetype, Reads with Rachel, UNTV, I'm Rosa, With Olivia, Katy Montgomerie, Joe Blogs, Unlearning Economics, Verilybitchie, Bitchuation Room, Gutsick Gibbon, Planarwalker, Dr Ben Miles, Mech West Show, History with Kayleigh, Kings and Generals, Lives and Histories, The British Museum, Bella Ciao -Nikolay Kutuzov, Annamarie Forcino, Shoeonhead, Brigitte Empire, Yarmak -Ragnarok, Amie's Literary Empire, Tibees, Munecat, Reporting from Ukraine, Cambrian Chronicles, Belle of the Ranch, Fit 2B Read, Gabi Belle, Swell Entertainment, Welcome to Ukraine, David and Romany Gilmour, Mercado Media, Some More News, Depressed Russian, The Institute of Art and Ideas, Emilie's Literary Corner, ATP Geopolitics, Wizards and Warriors, Nini Music, Yoyomi, Not the Andrew Marr Show, Ryan McBeth, Jake Broe, Anders Puck Nielsen, Li Speaks, Ro Ramdin, Kirkpattiecake, Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox, Lily Simpson, Elina Charatsidou, Tara Mooknee, Political X, Russian Dude, No Justice.

Ominous music begins. 😊 I have seen similar comment storms to mine when I was Allowed to scan other reviews. It is a shame that science fiction reader abuse does not receive more attention. In any case the practice of attacking fellow readers is common. Amazon/Goodreads have never acted against mental members, writers leading gangs against the one star reviewer or the employees who enable them. Gang activity includes stalking. doxxing, threats against one star reviewer's friends and family.

There is a member culture which attacks any reviewer who gives a negative reaction to a popular low end science fiction. Female readers attract comments ranging from their gender can not understand science fiction to suggestions that they should get the stick out of their butt to suggesting that their opinion must be a reaction to recent anal rape. High level literary discussion of varied perceptions of a book? Perhaps not.

My limited history was given over to these madmen. They used it to generate a request of Australian security through Pine Gap Centre to interrogate for my personal history the one friend whom I messaged occasionally. The Corcoran must have been terribly butthurt. The attempt failed and left two outraged customers. Amazon only became concerned after we began publicising the event. Suddenly the lurkers whom Goodreads had not Allowed me to remove all disappeared, as well as harassment visible to other readers such as comments and Altered pages. The year long distortion of my Kindle keyboard was removed and no multiday disruption of Kindle access to the internet has occurred since. I received a message that Kindle will no longer support Goodreads, as if removing the Goodreads icon reflects an internal separation between Goodreads and Kindle. That Amazon employees are vicious, cowardly and more, surprised me slightly at the beginning but Their idiocy insulted.

Recently the seventh ex-employee of EBay was sentenced as a result of harassment against a couple producing a small ecommerce channel deemed unkind to EBay. They were awarded multi-millions of pounds and the ex-employee had been the EBay Chief of Security. These are things worth a thought or three.

I recommend a few precautions which have served me well. Remove personal information on Goodreads profile which might allow tracking of your address or history and avoid messaging. Remove lurkers, those friends who never post. They are monitors not admirers. Given the Goodreads penchant for customer page Alteration, the screenshot of the odd, the ugly and threatening can be invaluable.

There are other ereader options. Do Not use Kindle Files, Email, Calendar or Contacts, if concerned with safety. Do Not buy ebooks through Kindle for a number of reasons. I began buying ebooks and now regret that choice. Amazon sell the device but I recently discovered that my book purchases are leases. Amazon own them and can remove them on a whim. Jared Henderson did an interesting video concerning this issue. Searches on Silk should be innocuous and non-critical. To implement the above costs nothing, to not is dangerous.

Please consider that these unhinged mostly male employees and members alike adhere to no non-Randian morality, are often openly fascistic, despise women especially but above all are US patriots. Ominous music ends. 😊

Be safe. May we all find Good Reading. 🤗

Some of my favourite YouTube channels.
UATV English, Munecat, Ship Happens, Savy Writes Books, J Draper, RobWords, Answer in Progress, Emma Thorne, Novara Media, Tara Mooknee, Some More News, Eleanor Morton, Tulia, VerilyBitchie, SciFi Odyssey, May, Planet D, Karolina Zebrowska, Lady of the Library, Books and Lala, Epimetheus, Crecganford, Amie's Literary Empire, Cruising Alba, Ben and Emily, Weir on the move, Sabine Hossenfelder, Ancient Americas, Paleo Analysis, Adult Wednesday Addams - 2 seasons, Northern Narrowboaters, Boat Time, 2Cellos, Ash L G, Engineering Knits, Bernadette Banner, Cruising Crafts, Sarah Z, EarleWrites, Yanis Varoufakis, Perimeter Institute, History with Kayleigh, Kohto Yamamoto, Spacedock, The Piano Boat, Travelling K, No Justice, Political X, Patrick is a Navajo, Discourse Minis, Thirdworld Booknerd, The Templin Institute, Tibees, World War Two, Eckharts Ladder, The Sunny Book Nook, Books N Cats, Jess Owens, Lady Knight the Brave, Para Bellum, Just in Time Worldbuilding, Renegade Cut, The New Enlightenment with Ashley, Books with Emily Fox, Abbie Emmons, Snappy Dragon, Perun, The Piano Guys, IzzzYzzz, Ancient Geographics, Naughty Nana DUZ, Thersites the Historian, What Vivi did next, The Historian's Craft, Philosophy Tube, The Ritual Kitchen with Laura May, Sarah C M Paine, PolyMatter, Diane Callahan Quotidian Writer, The Indigo Life, Engineering with Rosie, Serena Skybourne, Lisa McLeod, Dr Becky, Dr Rian Ridden, FAFO, Media Death Cult, Gary's Economics, Cecilia Blomdahl, DM IT All, Tale Foundry, Captured in Words, Venom Geek Media, Battle Order, Kings and Generals, Thought Potato, Prime of Midlife, Chris Animations, Anthropology Club, History Valley, David John Wellman, Rowan J Coleman, Tech Space, Slaggy Book Club, Kathy's Flog in France, Gingers are Black, The Yankee Farm Wife, Alt Shift X, Ben G Thomas, Austin McConnell, Lindsey Stirling, Then & Now, Mythology and Fiction Explained, Brittany Page, Hello Future Me, Maggie Mae Fish, Linguoer Mechanic.

I wish for you a glorious morning, a gorgeous afternoon, a splendid evening, a pleasant night and may we all continue learning. Elbows Up.

A person's Humanity is measured by their Empathy.

[Sheryl · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was very fine. Nothing really wrong with it but nothing really right either. For a book with lots of “action”, it was incredibly boring. Audio narration was good. I will likely skip the rest of the series though.

[Spinneretta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

Diana Smith is half elf, a world-walker, and a gifted metalsmith. Happy with her life, she is surprised when an assassin tries to kill her, forcing her to go to the elven realm for answers. There, she and her brother discover life threatening plots aimed at their family, while a war brews on the doorstep…

This is a traditional fantasy story, and the riveting first book in a new series. Diana is a force to be reckoned with, a powerful mage (though not nearly as powerful as a full blooded elf), and the eldest of triplets- with a twin sister and brother.
Her elven family is as ruthless as the old stories here make them out to be, their plots and actions complex and a little confusing (even for Diana).
The world building is elaborate, the people populating the book intriguing, and although there is no romance, the fact that it’s an action packed story with a convoluted plot will keep the reader entertained.

A thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining fantasy for fans of the genre.

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Diane is a half-Elf who works out of the Crossroads - an enormous market at the center of the local multiverse. Like her father, she is a Smith. (She claims to be the best sword smith in the Crossroads, and we have no reason to doubt her.) Like her mother, she doesn't start trouble - but she does tend to finish it. She is an engaging protagonist - competent, fun, occasionally funny.

In this case, trouble comes visiting in the form of a would-be assassin. In fact, it comes visiting a number of her relatives, and she travels to her mother's homeland to find out who has been reaching out. (Turns out her mother renounced a throne, but at least some of her Elven relatives would like the line of succession to be uncluttered.)

"Family Ties" is what you hope for in a good series starter. It tells a mostly-self-contained story that introduces the series without being blatant about it.

[marie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unusual

Although I love most of her books this one wasn't for me. It's too convoluted and I didn't care for the MC much.

[Terps2225 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good concept but not sure why the reader should care about what’s going on when the main characters didn’t care about what was going on

[Laur Laur · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up. A fun, action-packed adventure with a kickass heroine. No romance or love interest at all though ☹

[Dusty · Rating 4 out of 5]

RATING: 4 STARS

Family Ties, the first book in the Crossroad Chronicles series by BR Kingsolver, is a new entertaining and engaging urban fantasy release. If you like the author’s other series The Rift Chronicles or Rosie O’Grady’s Paranormal Bar and Grill, then I think you’ll enjoy this book.

The main characters in this book are all very headstrong; I love how BR Kingsolver’s books feature badass fierce heroines. Diana reminded me a lot of the main characters from other series, like Danica James (The Rift Chronicles) and Libby Nelson (Chameleon Assassin). I was quite amused by the dynamic between Diana and her siblings in this book. I would love to see more of a spotlight on Karina (Diana’s sister) in future installments of the series; I would also love to see some action scenes featuring the triplets' mom (from all accounts in the book, it seems like she’s a superpowered badass elf).

Worldbuilding has always been one of my favorite parts of any of BR Kingsolver’s books. The author took that to another level with Family Ties, given that the main character and her family are Walkers (magical beings who can literally walk between worlds). It was fun to get to explore different worlds on Diana’s travels - I hope future books explore even more worlds. I was also very intrigued by the magic system and how the inheritance of power works (especially for half breeds). This book is all about political intrigue, and as the name suggests it's even more complicated with the family aspect.

Overall, another amazing urban fantasy read from BR Kingsolver (though I don’t think there’s been a book she’s written that I haven't enjoyed). I would recommend this book to fans of Patricia Briggs or Lisa Shearin. I look forward to reading future installments in the Crossroad Chronicles series (though it was unclear in the book as to when they may be coming out, given that the author is also working on the Wicklow College of Arcane Arts series).

[Ken Finlay · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Family Ties", first in the 'Crossroads Chronicles' series is all about intrigue.
Siblings Bjorn, Karina and Diana are Walkers - i.e. they can walk between different worlds.
Their mother, an Elven mage, bucked tradition and married an outsider.
But, marital mistakes aside, that doesn't disbar the siblings from inheriting the Elven throne.
None are particularly interested - Bjorn is happily married, Karina is a scholar, and Diana takes after her father and is a skilled metalworker.
Diana is based in Dublin, Ireland, but to be perfectly honest it could be anywhere. There nothing that really suggests a connection to the city or the country. Well, except for the very last paragraph in the book - I've done that many times in the past.
When all three are attacked ... well, it makes you wonder if the relatives back in Galondril might be reducing the numbers when it comes to the selection of a new ruler.
Diana is as ruthless as she needs to be and is positive that the best way to maintain her health is to find the plotters:- "I’m happy as a clam. I get to take my frustrations and aggressions out on inanimate objects, screw whomever I please, and take long, relaxing vacations in exotic places anytime a few coins start to burn a hole in my pocket. Or, that was my life before someone here decided I was a threat to them."
Galondril has a minor civil war and a greater problem with an invasion by a neighbouring state. And the attacks on the line of succession continue, some with more success than others.
For a long time I thought "Families Ties" concentrated too much on the plotting, and not enough on the characters, but it builds quite nicely to a satisfying ending.
3.5 Stars, raised to 4 Stars.

[Blake · Rating 4 out of 5]

(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I completely change my mind on a series, so want to change my scoring.)


First time read the author's work?: No -- I really enjoy most of her books.

Will you be reading more?: Yes

Would you recommend?: Yes


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How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)

All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked

Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)

[S. L. Daugherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable world walking, intrigue, magic, warfare

Liked the family ties of the title. Especially because both parents and two siblings are all alive, healthy and affectionate. No deep dark " they killed my family my sensei and my little dog too" so it is now OK if the lead character kills many many people. I like that the main character is tough, but not invulnerable, smart but not a foul mouthed smartass which some authors seem to equate with toughness. I also like those times when fantasy world characters have problems just like ours, such as picking age appropriate gifts for other peoples kids or encountering dishonest taxi drivers. I want more of this series. The plot in this one is also driven by family ties of a more remote sort - a dynastic fight on her maternal grandfather's world. I do almost feel I should roll some D & D dice and declare Chaotic Neutral. If you like Tanith Lee or the Silverglass series you will like this. Five silver stars.

[PepperP0t · Rating 3 out of 5]

Semi-irritated the day’s last customer caused a change of plans, elven/mage triplet Diana Smith’s next intrusion to her Great Marketplace shop wasn’t as interested in her wares as he was in killing her! Unfortunately for him Diana was better at saving her life than he was at taking it but she did gain a clue before witnessing his dying breath.

The attempt and clue are worrisome enough to set Diana off to visiting her siblings and parents. Conversation with them all confirm attempts on the sibling lives and they share the impression the botched murder attempts are related to their lineage and ascension to the royal throne. Traveling to the grandfather doesn’t uncover as many answers as it does more murders!

Unfortunately, the characters, story and tone of this outing weren’t to my taste, much to bland overall to hold my interest. While I can’t say I hated the read, I can certainly say I didn’t care for it and won’t continue even if the series does.
Rating: 2.75stars

[Rick Waugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Diana is a smith, a master at making both perfect weapons, and beautiful jewelry. She’s also the daughter of an elvish princess who gave up her claims to the throne.
Working at night, Diana is attacked by an assassin, and finds proof that he may have come from her mother’s home world, where her clan controls a powerful kingdom. Walking between worlds, she finds that her brother and sister have also been attacked. This leads her and her brother to go and visit the elf kingdom.
I was looking for some sword and sorcery, less epic fantasy, and I found it in this book. I enjoyed it quite a bit, the world, the main character, the political machinations. These did get a bit confusing at the end, and I felt there could have been more tension, but this was essentially a quick, fun read, with a kickass main character. The universe has enormous potential, as it’s possible to travel to multiple worlds, and they’re all different.

[Sam · Rating 2 out of 5]

Somehow I didn't connect with this story too well, and gave up about halfway through. It has all the elements I like in a fantasy: strong heroine, complex world, dramatic action, etc. But the narration felt dull and wooden, it never got me engaged with any of the characters.

Also, this is a pet peeve of mine in many stories: many decisions and non-decisions by various players, including our heroine, just didn't make a lot of sense. The attitude that pervaded seemed to be: "Hey, bad guys are planning/doing bad things, but let's just be passive and wring our hands, surely that will work out well." Even simple decisions sometimes made no sense: the heroine chooses a very risky path to her family's world, because it'll save time, but the risk is very high, and she's just depending on dumb luck, she doesn't have defenses strong enough to protect herself if certain bad actors show up. She gets lucky and scrapes by. Good plan, let's do that again. Why was it so urgent? That's not all that clear, especially since her presense doesn't seem to make a huge difference in what follows anyway.

[Fred Hewett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another M/C with practical ethics

I notice that many of BR Kingsolver's main characters are women with what I would call practical ethics. For the most part, when she kills someone, she doesn't get upset; she's more concerned with how to dispose of the body.

Diana (the M/C) lives in a large marketplace, but very little of this story takes place there. The early part of the book introduces her skill, her ability to Walk to other worlds, her parents and siblings, and finally to her mother's family. Most of this book is here. Very bloody. Amusingly, when she reads some romance novels, she finds that they are all very bloody.

I expect that with this setup, future books will take place in a variety of places. The possibilities are endless. I shall look forward to reading them.

[Leo1962 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family Ties - a rollicking read

BR Kingsolver has added another series to her list of books to read.

Family Ties has another great cast, but Diana and Bjorn are the stars of this one. A dynamic brother and sister duo who end up going back to their mother’s World after assassins unsuccessfully try to kill them and Diana’s twin, Karina.

Once they reach their grandfather’s eleven World the magic and mayhem really gets going. Plot within plot within plot and Bjorn and Diana hardly know who to trust.

Friendships are made, murderous alliances are uncovered and new friends lost but the ending of the first book is satisfying and you know you have a second in the series to look forward to.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

21/2 stars really

This author does have books I like. This one, while well written, wasn’t my preference. It starts out with a lot of traveling I found boring with unfulfilled potential. I liked the main character and her immediate family, overall there was to many characters. It reads like a period royalty drama (a flat one) set in a stronghold, surrounding town, and elves. A bit of a who done it. The why isn’t really satisfying and who isn’t shocking. The only sensory output the book gets right is making you hungry. It is short so there was plenty of space and material to write more engrossing richer world. A talented writer being lazy? I might read the next if it’s available with my kindle subscription and between better releases.

[AlitaConejita]

What a weird book. Are elves naturally high on the sociopath scale in this world? Until the end of the book - almost no one reacts with any emotion to all the deaths. That includes the main character. There are two, maybe 3 times, that you get a hint she is not ok with so much death (specifically the battle scenes when she says she doesn’t want to do this kind of thing anymore or how being a mercenary back in the day still gives her nightmares). BUT there is also a guy she likes and goes on a date with and he ends up dead. She thinks about him a few times later in the book but only to reflect on how hot he was with zero thought to his death or anything else.

I agree with others that there were too many characters and keeping track of who was who’s child/cousin/whatever was a challenge.

[Hanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sooo, not quite sure what to make of it much less how to rate it...
I liked Diana, competent, practical, doesn't take herself too seriously with brains and skills she knows how to use.
It was also a welcome change that she wasn't yet another 20-something with mystery parent and newly discovered powers.
I also liked the concept of the Crossroads, the different Worlds, Roads and the Walking

It was more the particular plot in this book that I never really connected to/ got invested in.
All that political intrigue and in-house scheming, mongering etc was rather convoluted and impersonal since most of victims remained abstract figures we barely knew or never even met in the first place

Might give the 2nd one a go to see how it continues...

[Kristian · Rating 3 out of 5]

a good start

I like the worlds being built and the concept of the story. At times a bit to fast paced where I felt it was skipping ahead or not giving a lot of insight into characters. On one hand a few were out of the picture quick enough but at times there were a lot of people introduced and part of scenes that I was given a brief introduction to (very brief) which at times made there place in the family lines or in the worlds confusing. However, any parts that seemed under done in this first book were not game changing enough to stop me from finishing the book. I look forward to seeing what book 2 might serve up for the characters.

[Lisa Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this because of a book group recommendation

This was presented as a choice for an independently published book so I didn't have high expectations. I'm so happy to be surprised! I felt fully immersed in this other reality and experienced strong emotions because of the events that took place. I don't think there could be higher praise than that.
In this book, there are people who can walk to other worlds, and the main character goes to visit her brother after someone tries to kill her. There is palace intrigue and interesting lore, and I really liked the main people. I'm excited to read more by this author.

[2TNWalkers · Rating 2 out of 5]

Zero steam for those who might be expecting it from a group of elves who put all their wares on display. Lots of information in this story, lots of background and pretty much a who dun it story. It was very long and drawn out. Kind of figured out who was the culprit half way through. Story itself was kind of flat, it needed some spice/steam to spark my interest more. The last chapter was quite boring as Diana was showing Marleena around, it was like a filler chapter. this was a first book not sure if I will look for second book or wait until non-inflated reviews come out on it.