Tag Archives: 4 stars

books, Fantasy, Reviews, Urban fantasy

Between Kings (The City Between 10) by WR Gingell

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Stars: 4 out of 5

What a great ending to a great series. All the different threads carefully hinted at during the previous books finally come to play and are resolved in a satisfactory manner. All the friendships Pet has cultivated in the previous books come to play as well.

You can really see just how much Pet has grown up between book one and book 10. In the first book, she might as well have been a ghost. She was so afraid of loosing her house that she lived only in order to earn enough money to buy it out. Nothing existed beyond work and hiding in her own home. We watched her gain confidence, both in herself and her abilities. We watched her make friends and stick by them in difficult moments. Most importantly, we watched her open her heart to other people and actually enjoy life instead of trying to exist as a ghost in her own house.

I loved that all the friends she collected along the way came to her help in the end, even the leprechaun. This was a nice juxtaposition to the idea Behindkind has that friendship is a burden and that anyone can stab you in the back, or that there is no such thing as freely given aid. Pet helped all of those people at one point of the other, and didn’t ask for anything in return. So they all showed up to help her, and to save the other heirlings stuck in the King’s arena. Heck, even the old butler had a redeeming moment.

I was surprised by the twist in the end. Not going to mention it to avoid spoilers, but let’s just say that the new King of Behind is… an interesting fellow.

My only complaint is that this book dragged in the beginning. There is a lot of running around doing mostly nothing for the first 50% of the story. So much so that I had to put it down and walk away for a few days because I was getting bored. Once the action picks up again, it’s a fun ride to the end, with satisfactory conclusions all around. The way Pet defeated the former King is a stroke of genius.

I am glad I found this series, and I will definitely check out other books by this author.

books, Horror, Reviews

Rags by Ty Drago

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Stars: 4 out of 5

I didn’t know what to expect when I picked up this book. I knew it was horror, and I knew there was some kind of evil spirit involved. What I hadn’t realized is just how much heart this novel would have. 

Abby is a foster kid. She’s been bounced from foster home to foster home all her life, until she finally ended up in her current foster home with another twelve foster kids that she calls her sibs. It’s a good home, and her foster parents are good people. Problem is, the foster home is a run down hotel right on the broadwalk in Atlantic City, which is prime real estate for casinos and such. And bad people want that stretch of land, and they won’t take no for an answer. But Abby has a a dark power of her own, one she is terrified of, but that she will have to use if she wants to save her family.

I grew to really like Abby and her siblings and feel for them. I heard horror stories about the American foster system, and here the author managed to convey the point of view of a foster child pretty well. The helplessness, the need to have something that belongs to them in a world where all your possessions can fit in a trash bag and your whole world can be uprooted in a moment’s notice by adults for whom you are just a number in the system. So when you find something good, something that feels like family, of course you will hang on to it for dear life.

And the mystery with Rags was intriguing and resolved in a satisfying manner. Rags isn’t your run of the mill evil spirit. It didn’t want to be a mindless killing machine in the service of a vodou practitioner. It wanted to tie itself to someone who had a moral compass. To become a guardian instead of a butcher. 

There is still plenty of violence, mind you, preformed both by Rags and the bad guys. And the bad guys are truly villainous, even excessively so, I would say. I am not sure that crooked cop could have gotten away with as much as he did get away with, but then again, I am an optimist who believes that those who choose to serve (be it in the police or the military) do it mostly from altruistic reasons, apart from a few bad apples. But it sure makes it easy to root for Abby the underdog and cheer when Rags dishes out its brand of justice onto them.

The final choice Abby had to make to save her family was heart-wrenching but logical. There was really nothing else she could do. Yes, she could have run away and decided that it wasn’t her problem, but having followed her from the beginning of this book, I knew that it wasn’t a choice she could ever have made. And now her foster home has a guardian against all the evil people who want to harm her sibs and her adoptive mother.

PS: I received  a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

books, Fantasy, Reviews, Urban fantasy

Splintered Nights by Veronica Del Rosa

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Stars: 4 out of 5.

This was a surprisingly good book by an author I have never read before, since she writes mostly paranormal romance, and I don’t read PNR. It has been languishing on my TBR list since 2018, and I finally got around to it. I’m glad I did.

On the surface, the world is the usual urban fantasy fair – with humans living mostly oblivious of the nasties that live alongside them. And the nasties are also the usual fair – vampires and werewolves. 

Those are not the sparkly vampires and noble soulmate werewolves that you will encounter in other urban fantasy books. These are monsters, and there is nothing noble or beautiful about them.  And I liked that. These monsters are ruthless and downright cruel. Their societies are violent and bloody, and humans are just food or playthings to them. This is honestly refreshing.

I also really loved Pearle. She is what a strong character should be – self-reliant, smart, resourceful, and she always manages to get back up no matter how many times she gets knocked down. She just doesn’t give up, despite the fact that her life sucks. I mean she is homeless, working a thankless job for a boss that hates her guts. Every night is a battle for survival against vampires that keep coming for her. 

She learned to rely only on herself, and the one time when she let that rule drop and chose to become close to someone, that person betrayed her. That was rather messed up. Shows you that even the meekest of the monsters are still monsters. And sometimes the meekest monsters are the most cunning and ruthless.

The ending was also rather sad, because even though Pearle defeated the vampire that had been after her since her childhood, she is still homeless and she made powerful enemies in the werewolf clan. Oh, and the vampires are still after her. So is she really better off than she was at the beginning of the book? At least she knows why the vampires are attracted to her now, or what happened to her father. 

I would have loved to read about her adventures with the vampire hunters, but it seems like this book is a standalone and no continuation is planned.

books, Fantasy, Reviews

Hexes of the Fall (The Hex King 1) by L. Marton

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Stars: 4 out of 5

This is a good story, and a solid first book in a new series. I would argue that you might want to read Sand and Ichor before you start this book, because a couple characters from that novella play a major part in the events happening in this book. Also, it will give you better understanding into Rhaka’s motives, and why he behaves the way he does. 

But ultimately, you don’t have to read the novella to enjoy this book, because this story is about Genry and his difficult journey of trying to grapple with circumstances that are out of his control.

I liked Genry, though he came across as naïve and overly idealistic most of this book. But what else would you expect from a 17 year old boy? He is the youngest of the royal siblings. He never expected to assume any important political role in the kingdom. Everyone assumed that his sister Ellix would be the next Queen and she was groomed for this role since childhood. All Genry ever wanted was to become a knight. That’s what he trained for, that’s what he dreamt about, and he couldn’t care about anything else.

I really felt for him when circumstances conspired against him, and he realized that that dream was now shattered. Talk about a soul-crushing discovery – that in order to do your duty to your kingdom and your family, you would have to abandon everything you ever dreamt about and become basically a puppet in the hands of your family. No wonder he ascended the stairs so quickly and without regret at the end of the book – he had nothing tying him to the world of the living. 

It’s also a very interesting world that the author created. At first, it seems almost a utopia – a thousand years of peace and prosperity… Until you realize that that peace is bought at the price of magical enslavement. The oaths that the citizens make to the crown are binding magical contracts, and attempting to break such a contract causes real physical pain. A kingdom where everything is a contract, where every good deed is expected to put the other person in debt. There is no altruism, only duty. There is no self-sacrifice unless it’s worth something. That’s a sad state of affairs.

And I would say that the mad seer created a self-fulfilling prophecy in the end. Had she not tried to kill Genry, who knows what kind of crown prince he would have become? If his soul had remained intact, he might made different choices when he becomes a king. I’m afraid she created the Tyrant she was so afraid of.

All in all, this is a really good book, even if the story dragged in place, and I felt like we were circling around the drain a couple times with nothing happening. I am definitely looking forward to the next book. I want to see what becomes of Genry, and Ellix, and Rhaka.

PS: I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

books, Fantasy, Ghost Story, Reviews

The Path of Thorns by A.G. Slater

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Stars: 4 out of 5.

This was one dark tale. I don’t know if I should categorize it as a fairy tale or a gothic tale or  just historical fantasy, but that doesn’t particularly matter, does it? It’s a good book.

The world is reminiscent of Victorian England, only with traces of magic still around, and magical creatures still lurking in the shadows of everyday life (though who is to say that is not the case in our world as well?).  Asher Todd arrives at a remote manor in a remote village to assume the role of governess for the three grandchildren of the lady of the manor. Only Asher Todd is not who she seems, and her reasons for arriving here are not altruistic. She has two goals at Morwood Grange – one requested from her by the person who sent her there, and another one very personal. As customary for any gothic tale, things won’t go well for anyone. 

I liked Asher Todd, and I really rooted for her to accomplish her goals and win… until I slowly discovered what those goals were and who she was doing all this for. Then I rooted for her to finally break free of her past and the unhealthy hold her mother has on her. Because Asher never lived for herself a day in her life. Her mother made sure every breath she took was full of guilt and sense of duty. I’m glad that Asher managed to tear herself free of Morwood in the end. 

The other inhabitants of Morwood Grange are rather depictable human beings. I was happy that they got their just desserts in the end. That whole house was like a big jar full of poisonous spiders ready to sting each other to death. The only innocents there were the children, so I’m glad they were spared. 

I liked how the author introduced the world and slowly wove details from Asher’s past into the unfolding story of Morwood Grange. And even though the book dragged a little in the dreaded middle, it still managed to keep me invested in Asher’s quest. I will definitely check out other books by this author.

PS: I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

books, Ghost Story, Horror, Reviews

Black Cranes: Tales of Unquiet Women by Lee Murray

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Stars: 4 out of 5.

This collection of short stories seems better put together than the previous collection I read in this cycle – Unquiet Spirits: Essays by Asian Women in Horror. I think the decision not to add anything to the collection except an introduction and an afterword and let the stories speak for themselves was a good one.

And the stories themselves are good. Some I liked better than others, but all of them kept my attention and made me think about the messages they wanted to convey. I also know that I will check out some of the authors features in this anthology and see what other works they have.

All in all, it was a good collection of short stories that I read between other bigger novels as a palate cleanser and had fun doing so.

PS: I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

books, Dark fantasy, Fantasy, Reviews

The Road of Storms (The Seven Swords 6) by Anthony Ryan

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Stars: 4 out of 5.

This seems to be the penultimate book in the series (Seven swords = seven books, I think?) and a lot of things come to a head here.

In the previous book, we discovered the purpose of the seven blades. Well, of the six blades that are destined to stop the first blade ever forged. In this book, Guyime and his companions are trying to do just that, and if they have to cut through twenty thousand people to do so, then so be it.

I love that we visit yet another new place in this intricately created world… and wreak havoc to it per usual. As one of the other characters in this book mentions, death and destruction follow the cursed blades, wherever they go. It is sad that their target manages to slip through their fingers in the end, but this makes me want to read the last book in the series even more. Also glad that Seeker is finally free of the Morningstar. She was becoming rather one-dimensional while she owned it.

My only complaint is that even thought this book is about the same length as the others in the series, it feels longer. The middle part dragged a little, at least in my opinion. But don’t get me wrong, it’s still a fast and enjoyable read to spend a weekend with.

PS: I received an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

books, Dark fantasy, Fantasy, Reviews

Across the Sorrow Sea (The Seven Swords 5) by Anthony Ryan

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Stars: 4 out of 5.

Guyime and Seeker have come a long way since the Exacration, in endless pursuit of Seeker’s daughter. They traversed several continents and gathered other companions (and cursed swords) along the way. In this book, they finally learn the identity of the demon possessing the sword Seeker’s daughter is carrying, as well as the purpose of the Seven Cursed Swords.

I really enjoy this series. The books are pretty short – more novellas than novels, so they are quick to read and full of action and adventure. The author created a wonderfully awful world that each book explores a little bit deeper. This particular book is a pirate adventure, including sea monsters, a dreaded pirate captain, and a cursed treasure. 

And we finally learn the purpose of the seven cursed blades, as well as how their bearers can finally break the curse and be free of them. I must admit that the prospects are grim. 

I liked the whole sea adventure and the magical Spectral Isle, though I must admit that the author spent too little time on the isle itself. I would have loved to explore it more. But I will have to be content with the sea monsters and a pirate battle instead.

Speaking of the final battle, the dreaded pirate captain that had terrorized the Five Seas is a bit… underwhelming, to say the least. I mean, yes Seeker uses sorcery to defeat him, but even just as a character he was nothing to write home about. He is shown as a husk of a man, possessed by a cursed weapon (curiously, not one of the seven swords), who isn’t even capable of rational thought. I would say there was a whole lot of build up to this encounter, but the result is disappointing.

I am still looking forward to book 6. Will Guyime and his companions arrive at their destination on time to prevent the end of the world? Will Seeker be able to save her daughter’s soul? Or has she damned herself by picking up the Morningstar?

I would definitely recommend this series to anyone looking for a quick read full of adventure and fast-moving action. 

PS: I received an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

books, Horror, Reviews, Zombies

The City Grew Monsters by Hunter Adams

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Stars: 4 out of 5.

This was a surprisingly good book as far as zombie apocalypse books go. Interesting zombie origin here – from a mutated bug bite. The fact that it takes several victims for the virus to mutate enough to fully reanimate a human is also a nice touch. The rate of infection is rather fast, in my opinion, but that just adds to the tension of what’s unfolding on the pages, even if it sounds rather unrealistic. Zombie books aren’t about realism, right?

Though I am still confused as to how the contagion that started in an hospital in LA spread so fast as far as San Francisco in the span of one night. I’m no map expert, but aren’t those cities pretty far apart?

I liked all the characters and loved experiencing the unfolding events from their different points of view. They are all flawed and often selfish, but they are relatable. It was interesting to see the veneer of civilization coming off them when faced with the full horror of their situation. You can’t reason with a zombie. You can’t just give him your wallet and hope that he won’t stab you in response. You have to run or fight and hope like hell that you will kill that walking corpse before it infects you as well. 

The point of view of a six years old child caught in the midst of all this was especially terrifying. Maddy is already traumatized by what happened to her mother a couple years ago and has severe developmental and psychological issues because of that. Add to this the fact that she is in this building illegally, and that she isn’t supposed to talk to strangers because that could get her dad fired from his job, and this adds an additional level of stress and confusion for an already traumatized child. Is it surprising that she makes mistakes and often rather stupid decisions? 

My only complaint was that I didn’t particularly like the ending. It was a little bit too convenient that the billionaire whose penthouse Maddy was hiding in chose to come get his art right at the precise time they needed saving. Also very convenient that he, for some reason, decides to save them instead of his possessions. Yes, Maddy’s father mentions at one point that the man owes him a favor, but that idea is never expanded upon. That’s one heck of a favor to make someone abandon his priceless possessions.

All in all though, I really enjoyed this zombie book and will definitely check out more books by this author.

books, Dark fantasy, Fantasy, Reviews

Dream of Death City (Red Kingdom 1) by P.J. Nwosu

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Stars: 4 out of 5

The Red Kingdom is a fascinating world. It’s dark, brutal, and unforgiving. The caste system is rigid and hopeless, to tell you the truth, and life is hard for anyone who is not a Sun Noble. Resources are scarce, violence is rampant, people are burned at the pyre for the smallest of transgressions, and if you managed to survive that, the black lung will take you to your grave in the end. It should be dark and depressing, right? And it is dark, but it’s strangely beautiful as well. 

You can see that a lot of love went into creating this world. I already had a glimpse of it in A Pale Box on a Distant Shore where we met some of the characters that Thora and Diem encounter in Death City. This book shows us a bigger glimpse of the Red Kingdom and the capital City of Pillars, but you can see that the Frontier and Death city is a favorite of the author’s.

And I can’t complain about it. It’s a wonderfully grotesque city and island where the harsh nature and living conditions, as well as the remoteness from the rest of the Kingdom and its rigid Red Doctrine have created a unique culture seeped in superstition and “low ways”. And it’s hard to blame the citizens of Death City when they have a corpse of a god lying in the waves just offshore, and dead giants walk the sea on hollow moon nights…

I liked the mystery our characters came to unravel as well. What seemed at first glance as a simple kidnaping of a Sun Noble’s daughter led them to uncovering a whole human trafficking ring. And transformed everyone involved in fundamental ways. Nobody left Death City the same as they arrived into it, though some didn’t leave at all.

So why did I give this book 4 stars instead of 5? That’s because I didn’t particularly like Thora, who is one of our main characters. Oh, I understand her motivation and her desire to be more than mere Dust, to prove herself to her masters and have a chance at doing more than scrubbing floors and cleaning bedsheets all her life. What I didn’t like is how selfish she is in her pursuit of that dream and how willing she is to sacrifice everything and everyone to achieve that goal.

Her accusing Diem of taking justice in his own hands and doing things an Investigator shouldn’t sounded very hypocritical when she is the one who planted evidence, obtained false eyewitness statements, and created a diversion that got a lot of people killed. Not to mentioned persuaded a colleague to go against direct orders and do something that she knew could put her in danger. And when it got that colleague killed, she raged at anyone BUT herself. Yes, she didn’t hold her head under the water or hung her from a tree branch afterwards, but Thora was the one who sent her to her death nevertheless. It’s that double standard Thora has towards everyone else that seems hypocritical to me. That self-righteousness when she is definitely in the wrong. 

But this is just a small gripe for what is an excellent book. I am definitely looking forward to reading more book about this world and seeing how things progress in the Red Kingdom and outside its borders.

PS: I received an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.