Release Date: 16/03/17
Publisher: Gollancz
SYNOPSIS:
After walking through a portal in the Tower of the Swallow, thus narrowly escaping death, the Witcher girl, Ciri, finds herself in a completely different world... a world of the Elves. She is trapped with no way out. Time does not seem to exist and there are no obvious borders or portals to cross back into her home world.
But this is Ciri, the child of prophecy, and she will not be defeated. She knows she must escape to finally rejoin the Witcher, Geralt, and his companions - and also to try to conquer her worst nightmare. Leo Bonhart, the man who chased, wounded and tortured Ciri, is still on her trail. And the world is still at war.
REVIEW:
OK I mainly discovered Andrzej after he won the inaugral David Gemmell Legend Award for Fantasy and whilst I've been a fan of the Witcher games, I have been delving into his work. Whilst it may come across as a little clunky at times, I do believe that its down more to translation problems rather than the authors ability to write a story.
In addition to this, I do not quite feel that this is the end of the series (despite what the book says) as there's so many other threads that can be delved into within the world. Anyway, the writing is solid enough, the action sequences reasonable and when you throw into the mix the way that the author likes to add some twists alongside established mythology all round delivers a book that will satisfy fans. If you haven't read any others in the series then don't start with this, go back to the beginning when the world building sets it all up for you. That way you'll get the full flavour and get to see what has made this author so popular.
A place to find out author interviews along with book reviews of thier works in the following genres: science fiction, fantasy, historical fiction, crime, horror, history, arts and crafts, hobby, true life, real life, autobiography, zombie, paranormal, demons, vampires, religion and spirituality, thriller, mystery, psychological thriller, spy tory, techno thriller, humour.
Friday 30 June 2017
Thursday 29 June 2017
GUEST BLOG: Scott Oden
Robert E. Howard once wrote: “There is no literary work, to me, half as zestful as rewriting history in the guise of fiction.” For my own part, I would agree – but with a single caveat. To me, there is no literary work half as zestful as rewriting history in the guise of fantasy. It is well known that some writers spend decades creating elaborate worlds wherein to set their stories, worlds with deep histories, complex politics, eerie religions, and civilization-shattering wars. They reveal these layers chapter by chapter, story by story, until the whole is laid bare. This, some say, is where the artistry of the genre resides – in the painting of a masterpiece on the blank canvas of imagination.
Other writers invest the same amount of time researching our collective historical past for their stories, learning the deep histories, complex politics, eerie religions, and civilization-shattering wars of the real world. And into the chapters and stories they winnow from history, they introduce magic. Gods made manifest; monsters given life. Thus, if traditional fantasy represents the Dutch masters, historical fantasy would be the equivalent of art restoration mixed with forgery. The historical fantasist does not start with a blank canvas; she works with an expanse that already has color, texture, patina – along with some scrapes and tears and lacunae. In those empty quarters is where the fantasy takes root and grows.
The world of our ancestors is perhaps the richest, most vibrant fantasy milieu ever. It is replete with blood and thunder, with pageantry and pestilence, with good and evil, and with a deep, almost pervasive belief in the mythic, in the supernatural. The Hyborian Age, Middle-earth, the Young Kingdoms, Westeros . . . these are but echoes of this frightening and magnificent world of the past. Of course, not every author agrees. “Fantasy is escapism,” some say. “All that cannot be. All the sweetest unfulfillable dreams and the sweaty sheet nightmares.” The historical past is not these things. It is grim. It is bloody. It is a tapestry of woe against which the life of you or I matters as much as a single grain of sand.
“Yes,” I reply. “But it doesn't have to be.”
As far back as 1931, Robert E. Howard – whose work serves as a pillar of fantasy – saw the potential in the literary mining of history: “I’ve been thinking of writing a tale about him for a long time. And Babur the Tiger who established the Mogul rule in India - and the imperial phase in the life of Baibars the Panther, the subject of my last story - and the rise of the Ottomans - and the conquest of Constantinople by the Fifth Crusade - the subjugation of the Turks by the Arabs in the days of Abu Bekr - and the gradual supplanting of the Arab masters by their Turkish slaves which culminated in the conquest of Asia Minor and Palestine by the Seljuks - and the rise of Saladin - and the final destruction of Christian Outremer by Al Kalawun - and the First Crusade - Godfrey of Boullion, Baldwin of Boulogne, Bohemund - Sigurd the Jorsala-farer - Barbarossa - Cour de Lion. Ye gods, I could write a century and still have only tapped the reservoir of dramatic possibilities.” (Robert E. Howard to Tevis Clyde Smith, August 1931). Draw a thread of magic and the supernatural through this list and you begin to apprehend the awesome promise of historical escapist fantasy.
A Gathering of Ravens, which debuts Tuesday, June 20th, is pure historical fantasy. The world it inhabits is built from our own: the color, texture, and patina of its foundation is indistinguishable from 10th/11th century Western Europe. Its brush strokes, however, have been altered; threads have been drawn from its canvas and replaced by forgeries wrought of sorcery and myth. It is not just our world, but our world where the magic of the Old Ways – and the creatures that sprang from it – are fading, vanishing before the inexorable tide of Christianity. Where silence reigns in the once-mystical places, and where decay has begun its slow and destructive creep. Where ancient trees that once housed spirits are empty, now, rotted husks awaiting the woodsman’s axe.
I could have created this world whole cloth; digested and distilled history mixed with fancy into a secondary world where Denmark, England, and Ireland existed but under assumed names. That would have been easier, actually. But it also would have severed my connection to thousands of years of shared history. There is an innate sorcery to words burnished by time: the Danemark, Britain, Ériu . . . they resound with a weight of antiquity not commonly shared by words of recent make. From an artistic standpoint, this connection to a shared undercurrent of emotion allows the writer conjure more from a scene with less effort. Here, for example, I introduce the city of Badon (modern Bath):
Badon was an ancient city and its stones reeked of blood. Étaín could smell it: a metallic stench like wet copper mixed with the miasma of damp rot and sulphur – a distillate of the decay and violence which diverse hands had worked into the foundations of the city. A thousand years before Alfred the Great forged the West Saxons into a race of conquerors, the legions of Caesar had come into this land and driven out the native tribes, the Britons and the enigmatic Cruithne. Roman axes laid low the tree-garth of Sulis, fierce goddess of the waters, and Roman priests extinguished the eternal flame that had burned since time out of mind in her sanctuary. Cunning in the ways of stone, these Romans had raised walls of ashlar around the sacred spaces; they had carved a forest of marble dedicated to the healing goddess Minerva, and tamed the hot springs by diverting its mineral-rich flow into artificial lakes and fountains.
But as the wagon trundled through the muddy streets, a sulphurous yellow mist pooling in the low places, what Étaín could see of the Romans’ stone-cunning was not particularly impressive. The city’s walls were as ragged as a crone’s smile. Timber baulks shored up crumbling defensive towers, with palisades of rough planking and crude brickwork plugging fissures torn in the walls from the infrequent convulsions of the earth that shook the region. Huts squatted amid the ruins of Roman villas like scavengers, their broken columns supporting roofs of wood and thatch. Underfoot, a slurry of dung, mud, and chaff covered intricate mosaics; their fanciful and half-glimpsed designs bore the heavy tread of Time, defaced by hoof and by wheel and by hob-nailed boot, the spaces left by shattered cubes of glass and stone filled in with the filth of countless years. Herds of cattle meandered through the once-opulent arcades of the Temple of Minerva to graze in the overgrown ruin of some nobleman’s pleasure garden. And on a hillock overlooking the city, Étaín spied a massive fortification, a walled cathedral still partially sheathed in scaffolding. She apprehended this to be their destination, the haunt of the feared Hrothmund, lord of Badon.
Though it describes a real place – Bath in the heart of Somerset, England – the passage is actually pure fiction. It is inspired by the ruins of Roman-era Bath, but no such place existed as it appears in the example, above. This is the sorcery of historical fantasy: to take a jumble of ancient stones knitted together by the power of a name and restore them to life – but not just mundane life. No, the trick is to weave the enchantment of what never was into the fabric of reality, and to do it with all the elegance and prowess of a master forger.
I leave you with one final thought: even if you reject the argument that the historical past is the finest fantasy world in existence, it is the undisputed source of countless worlds. From the splintered kingdom of Arnor to the pitiless mountains of Cimmeria; from formidable Dros Delnoch to simmering Darujhistan; from Winterfell to Luthadel . . . every fantasy world is descended from the one our ancestors helped create: ancient Earth. A world of gods and monsters, whose deep histories, complex politics, eerie religions, and civilization-shattering wars provide, to paraphrase REH, enough action and drama enough to fill countless volumes of fantasy.
HISTORICAL FICTION REVIEW: A Gathering of Raven's - Scott Oden
Release Date: 20/06/17
Publisher: Transworld
SYNOPSIS:
To the Danes, he is skraelingr; to the English, he is orcneas; to the Irish, he is fomoraig. He is Corpse-maker and Life-quencher, the Bringer of Night, the Son of the Wolf and Brother of the Serpent. He is Grimnir, and he is the last of his kind--the last in a long line of monsters who have plagued humanity since the Elder Days.
Drawn from his lair by a thirst for vengeance against the Dane who slew his brother, Grimnir emerges into a world that's changed. A new faith has arisen. The Old Ways are dying, and their followers retreating into the shadows; even still, Grimnir's vengeance cannot be denied.
Taking a young Christian hostage to be his guide, Grimnir embarks on a journey that takes him from the hinterlands of Denmark, where the wisdom of the ancient dwarves has given way to madness, to the war-torn heart of southern England, where the spirits of the land make violence on one another. And thence to the green shores of Ireland and the Viking stronghold of Dubhlinn, where his enemy awaits.
But, unless Grimnir can set aside his hatreds, his dream of retribution will come to nothing. For Dubhlinn is set to be the site of a reckoning--the Old Ways versus the New--and Grimnir, the last of his kind left to plague mankind, must choose: stand with the Christian King of Ireland and see his vengeance done or stand against him and see it slip away?
Scott Oden's A Gathering of Ravens is an epic novel of vengeance, faith, and the power of myth.
REVIEW:
I've known Scott's work mainly as Historical Fiction and in more recent times, I had the honour of watching his FB feed to see him asking questions about this story and seeing how fans would like to see it go as well as garnering suggestions which upon reading, brought a tale to the fore that felt realistic, had great action alongside some top notch sequences that took the reader on a journey in historical times but with an Orc as the principle player.
Its well written, I loved the prose and for me, the action sequences really brought the brutality to life in such a way that it felt like a final solution for the last of his kind. Add to this some wonderful twists, support characters that felt rounded enough to be able to accompany the anti hero alongside kick ass plot and I was a more than happy reader. Top notch.
Publisher: Transworld
SYNOPSIS:
To the Danes, he is skraelingr; to the English, he is orcneas; to the Irish, he is fomoraig. He is Corpse-maker and Life-quencher, the Bringer of Night, the Son of the Wolf and Brother of the Serpent. He is Grimnir, and he is the last of his kind--the last in a long line of monsters who have plagued humanity since the Elder Days.
Drawn from his lair by a thirst for vengeance against the Dane who slew his brother, Grimnir emerges into a world that's changed. A new faith has arisen. The Old Ways are dying, and their followers retreating into the shadows; even still, Grimnir's vengeance cannot be denied.
Taking a young Christian hostage to be his guide, Grimnir embarks on a journey that takes him from the hinterlands of Denmark, where the wisdom of the ancient dwarves has given way to madness, to the war-torn heart of southern England, where the spirits of the land make violence on one another. And thence to the green shores of Ireland and the Viking stronghold of Dubhlinn, where his enemy awaits.
But, unless Grimnir can set aside his hatreds, his dream of retribution will come to nothing. For Dubhlinn is set to be the site of a reckoning--the Old Ways versus the New--and Grimnir, the last of his kind left to plague mankind, must choose: stand with the Christian King of Ireland and see his vengeance done or stand against him and see it slip away?
Scott Oden's A Gathering of Ravens is an epic novel of vengeance, faith, and the power of myth.
REVIEW:
I've known Scott's work mainly as Historical Fiction and in more recent times, I had the honour of watching his FB feed to see him asking questions about this story and seeing how fans would like to see it go as well as garnering suggestions which upon reading, brought a tale to the fore that felt realistic, had great action alongside some top notch sequences that took the reader on a journey in historical times but with an Orc as the principle player.
Its well written, I loved the prose and for me, the action sequences really brought the brutality to life in such a way that it felt like a final solution for the last of his kind. Add to this some wonderful twists, support characters that felt rounded enough to be able to accompany the anti hero alongside kick ass plot and I was a more than happy reader. Top notch.
Wednesday 28 June 2017
PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER REVIEW: The Apartment - SL Grey
Release Date: 23/03/17
Publisher: Pan Macmillan
SYNOPSIS:
From S. L. Grey comes this suspenseful psychological thriller.
Mark and Steph are struggling to move on with their lives after armed robbers broke into their home and brutalized them. Shaken, they decide to get away and leave their troubles behind. A house swap in Paris with a couple they meet online, the Petits, seems to provide the perfect escape. But upon arriving for a week's luxurious break, they find themselves in a festering, run-down apartment. And when Steph attempts to contact the Petits, she gets no answer.
Mark and Steph try to make the most of the trip, but they are unable to relax. After a series of increasingly unsettling events, they decide to return home. Yet when they arrive, neither of them can shake the feeling that there's now something sinister about their own house. As time passes, Mark is terrorized by a series of unsettling visions. But is it all in his imagination or is there a far more worrying explanation . . . ?
REVIEW:
I was looking forward to a cracking psychological thriller due to the blurb and what unfurled was a massive let down for me. The concept whilst OK had quite a few problems especially when you sit down and do your maths on what this couple were prepared to do. Back this up with a lacklustre pair of protagonists and I felt that I really didn't care if they lived or died.
Add to this prose that didn't really leap off the page, pace that felt sluggish and all round it was a title that I wish I'd ignored. A great shame.
Publisher: Pan Macmillan
SYNOPSIS:
From S. L. Grey comes this suspenseful psychological thriller.
Mark and Steph are struggling to move on with their lives after armed robbers broke into their home and brutalized them. Shaken, they decide to get away and leave their troubles behind. A house swap in Paris with a couple they meet online, the Petits, seems to provide the perfect escape. But upon arriving for a week's luxurious break, they find themselves in a festering, run-down apartment. And when Steph attempts to contact the Petits, she gets no answer.
Mark and Steph try to make the most of the trip, but they are unable to relax. After a series of increasingly unsettling events, they decide to return home. Yet when they arrive, neither of them can shake the feeling that there's now something sinister about their own house. As time passes, Mark is terrorized by a series of unsettling visions. But is it all in his imagination or is there a far more worrying explanation . . . ?
REVIEW:
I was looking forward to a cracking psychological thriller due to the blurb and what unfurled was a massive let down for me. The concept whilst OK had quite a few problems especially when you sit down and do your maths on what this couple were prepared to do. Back this up with a lacklustre pair of protagonists and I felt that I really didn't care if they lived or died.
Add to this prose that didn't really leap off the page, pace that felt sluggish and all round it was a title that I wish I'd ignored. A great shame.
Tuesday 27 June 2017
CRIME THRILLER REVIEW: The Fourth Monkey - JD Barker
Release Date: 27/06/17
Publisher: Harper Collins
SYNOPSIS:
That’s the Four Monkey Killer or ‘4MK’. A murderer with a twisted vision and absolutely no mercy.
Detective Sam Porter has hunted him for five long years, the recipient of box after box of grisly trinkets carved from the bodies of 4MK’s victims.
But now Porter has learnt the killer’s twisted history and is racing to do the seemingly impossible – find 4MK’s latest victim before it’s too late…
REVIEW:
"A criminal thriller that grabs you from the get go and rubs your face in the blood and guts of the killer deed. " is the best way I have of describing this title by JD Barker. After all she really does delivery in a high octane crime novel that really doesn't want to let you go.
As expected the pace is exhausting and with elements like taunting a detective that sets to chase you with your diary are thrown into the mix, you know that its going to have to end in one way. A cracking showdown.
This title for me did it all, it made me emotional with the way that the descriptions took place really adding flavour to the dish, it made you scream internally, it made you emotional and all round more than delivered with a pretty slick arc.
All round a cracker and I tell you now, get this book sooner rather than later, you'll feel a chill even in the summer heat. Magic.
Publisher: Harper Collins
SYNOPSIS:
That’s the Four Monkey Killer or ‘4MK’. A murderer with a twisted vision and absolutely no mercy.
Detective Sam Porter has hunted him for five long years, the recipient of box after box of grisly trinkets carved from the bodies of 4MK’s victims.
But now Porter has learnt the killer’s twisted history and is racing to do the seemingly impossible – find 4MK’s latest victim before it’s too late…
REVIEW:
"A criminal thriller that grabs you from the get go and rubs your face in the blood and guts of the killer deed. " is the best way I have of describing this title by JD Barker. After all she really does delivery in a high octane crime novel that really doesn't want to let you go.
As expected the pace is exhausting and with elements like taunting a detective that sets to chase you with your diary are thrown into the mix, you know that its going to have to end in one way. A cracking showdown.
This title for me did it all, it made me emotional with the way that the descriptions took place really adding flavour to the dish, it made you scream internally, it made you emotional and all round more than delivered with a pretty slick arc.
All round a cracker and I tell you now, get this book sooner rather than later, you'll feel a chill even in the summer heat. Magic.
Sunday 25 June 2017
HISTORICAL FICTION REVIEW: Eagles of Rome: Eagles in the Storm - Ben Kane
Release Date: 23/03/17
Publisher: Preface Publishing
SYNOPSIS:
AD 15. The German chieftain Arminius has been defeated, one of the lost Roman eagles recovered, and thousands of German tribesmen slain.
Yet these successes aren’t nearly enough for senior centurion Lucius Tullus. Not until Arminius is dead, his old legion’s eagle found and the enemy tribes completely vanquished will he rest.
But Arminius – devious, fearless – is burning for revenge of his own.
Charismatic as ever, he raises another large tribal army, which will harry the Romans the length and breadth of the land.
Soon Tullus finds himself in a cauldron of bloodshed, treachery and danger.
His mission to retrieve his legion’s eagle will be his most perilous yet…
REVIEW:
I love spending time with the Roman Legion and one of the foremost authors featuring this band of soldiers is Ben Kane. He brings history to life with each outing and whilst this is the end of the road for this particular group of warriors in Ben's world it means that all bets are off and anything can happen.
Ben always bring top notch action to his writing and when blended with a cracking understanding of pace, wonderful prose and of course dialogue that makes it sing, all round gives the reader what they want. I'm sad to see these guys go for now, but also looking forward to seeing what Ben will return with. Great stuff.
Publisher: Preface Publishing
SYNOPSIS:
AD 15. The German chieftain Arminius has been defeated, one of the lost Roman eagles recovered, and thousands of German tribesmen slain.
Yet these successes aren’t nearly enough for senior centurion Lucius Tullus. Not until Arminius is dead, his old legion’s eagle found and the enemy tribes completely vanquished will he rest.
But Arminius – devious, fearless – is burning for revenge of his own.
Charismatic as ever, he raises another large tribal army, which will harry the Romans the length and breadth of the land.
Soon Tullus finds himself in a cauldron of bloodshed, treachery and danger.
His mission to retrieve his legion’s eagle will be his most perilous yet…
REVIEW:
I love spending time with the Roman Legion and one of the foremost authors featuring this band of soldiers is Ben Kane. He brings history to life with each outing and whilst this is the end of the road for this particular group of warriors in Ben's world it means that all bets are off and anything can happen.
Ben always bring top notch action to his writing and when blended with a cracking understanding of pace, wonderful prose and of course dialogue that makes it sing, all round gives the reader what they want. I'm sad to see these guys go for now, but also looking forward to seeing what Ben will return with. Great stuff.
Saturday 24 June 2017
CRIME THRILLER REVIEW; The Legacy - Yrsa Sigurdardottir
Release Date: 23/03/17
Publisher: Hodder
SYNOPSIS:
The first in an exciting new series from the author of THE SILENCE OF THE SEA, winner of the 2015 Petrona Award for best Scandinavian Crime Novel.
The murder was meant as a punishment - but what sin could justify the method?
The only person who might have answers is the victim's seven-year-old daughter, found hiding in the room where her mother died. And she's not talking.
Newly promoted, out of his depth, detective Huldar turns to Freyja and the Children's House for their expertise with traumatised young people. Freyja, who distrusts the police in general and Huldar in particular, isn't best pleased. But she's determined to keep little Margret safe.
It may prove tricky. The killer is leaving them strange clues: warnings in text messages, sums scribbled on bits of paper, numbers broadcast on the radio. He's telling a dark and secret story - but how can they crack the code? And if they do, will they be next?
REVIEW:
I love spending time between the sheets with a dark crime novel and when it come to bringing the topography of the land to the fore, there are few better authors out there than Yrsa. I love the way Iceland is brought over to the reader, the harsh landscape, the ever changing weather and of coursse a stoic people that deal with the good and the bad of thier home.
Its a pure delight to read and when Yrsa's dialogue appears it really helps draw me into her story by allowing me to get to know the characters. All round a cracking read and one that will keep me company for some time to come.
Publisher: Hodder
SYNOPSIS:
The first in an exciting new series from the author of THE SILENCE OF THE SEA, winner of the 2015 Petrona Award for best Scandinavian Crime Novel.
The murder was meant as a punishment - but what sin could justify the method?
The only person who might have answers is the victim's seven-year-old daughter, found hiding in the room where her mother died. And she's not talking.
Newly promoted, out of his depth, detective Huldar turns to Freyja and the Children's House for their expertise with traumatised young people. Freyja, who distrusts the police in general and Huldar in particular, isn't best pleased. But she's determined to keep little Margret safe.
It may prove tricky. The killer is leaving them strange clues: warnings in text messages, sums scribbled on bits of paper, numbers broadcast on the radio. He's telling a dark and secret story - but how can they crack the code? And if they do, will they be next?
REVIEW:
I love spending time between the sheets with a dark crime novel and when it come to bringing the topography of the land to the fore, there are few better authors out there than Yrsa. I love the way Iceland is brought over to the reader, the harsh landscape, the ever changing weather and of coursse a stoic people that deal with the good and the bad of thier home.
Its a pure delight to read and when Yrsa's dialogue appears it really helps draw me into her story by allowing me to get to know the characters. All round a cracking read and one that will keep me company for some time to come.
Friday 23 June 2017
URBAN FANTASY REVIEW: A Psy-Changling Trinity Novel: Silver SIlence - Nalini Singh
Release Date: 15/06/17
Publisher: Gollancz
SYNOPSIS:
Control. Precision. Family. These are the principles that drive Silver Mercant. At a time when the fledgling Trinity Accord seeks to unite a divided world, with Silver playing a crucial role as director of a worldwide emergency response network, wildness and chaos are the last things she needs in her life. But that's exactly what Valentin Nikolaev, alpha of the StoneWater bears, brings with him.
Valentin has never met a more fascinating woman. Though Silver is ruled by Silence - her mind clear of all emotion - Valentin senses a whisper of fire around her. That's what keeps him climbing apartment buildings to be near her. But when a shadow assassin almost succeeds in poisoning Silver, the stakes become deadly serious . . . and Silver finds herself in the heart of a powerful bear clan.
Her would-be assassin has no idea what their poison has unleashed . . .
REVIEW:
I originally read Nalini's work thanks to a friend on a forum (yep, there you go Jade, a mention) who told me I absolutley must read her work. As after all if I liked Kelley Armstrong, then Nalini would soon make a grab for my affections with her work in Urban Fantasy.
What unfurled was a whole set of novels that took me on journey after journey where romance leads the way and at the end of the day, we all know that love is the most powerful force in the universe. (Or if not it should be.)
OK yeah, that made me sound a bit mushy, but I love to be taken on an emotional rollercoaster, I want to see characters break from their comfort zones, to learn what makes them tick and to get under the covers to get to thier emotional aspect.
Here within this title we're treated to a tough kick ass heroine who seeks to recover and get back for vengeance but as she is in rehab we get to see her softer side. One that accompanied by a skin walker works wonderfully well as we get to see all sorts of changes along the way. I'm not going to say its for everyone, but if you want escapism wrapped up with romance and a good solid dose of whupass then give Nalini a go.
The only thing left is to filk a certain teddy bear show: "I wanna be a Were-Bear, like you...." LOL
Publisher: Gollancz
SYNOPSIS:
Control. Precision. Family. These are the principles that drive Silver Mercant. At a time when the fledgling Trinity Accord seeks to unite a divided world, with Silver playing a crucial role as director of a worldwide emergency response network, wildness and chaos are the last things she needs in her life. But that's exactly what Valentin Nikolaev, alpha of the StoneWater bears, brings with him.
Valentin has never met a more fascinating woman. Though Silver is ruled by Silence - her mind clear of all emotion - Valentin senses a whisper of fire around her. That's what keeps him climbing apartment buildings to be near her. But when a shadow assassin almost succeeds in poisoning Silver, the stakes become deadly serious . . . and Silver finds herself in the heart of a powerful bear clan.
Her would-be assassin has no idea what their poison has unleashed . . .
REVIEW:
I originally read Nalini's work thanks to a friend on a forum (yep, there you go Jade, a mention) who told me I absolutley must read her work. As after all if I liked Kelley Armstrong, then Nalini would soon make a grab for my affections with her work in Urban Fantasy.
What unfurled was a whole set of novels that took me on journey after journey where romance leads the way and at the end of the day, we all know that love is the most powerful force in the universe. (Or if not it should be.)
OK yeah, that made me sound a bit mushy, but I love to be taken on an emotional rollercoaster, I want to see characters break from their comfort zones, to learn what makes them tick and to get under the covers to get to thier emotional aspect.
Here within this title we're treated to a tough kick ass heroine who seeks to recover and get back for vengeance but as she is in rehab we get to see her softer side. One that accompanied by a skin walker works wonderfully well as we get to see all sorts of changes along the way. I'm not going to say its for everyone, but if you want escapism wrapped up with romance and a good solid dose of whupass then give Nalini a go.
The only thing left is to filk a certain teddy bear show: "I wanna be a Were-Bear, like you...." LOL
Thursday 22 June 2017
FANTASY REVIEW: You Die When You Die - Angus Watson
Release Date: 22/06/17
Publisher: Orbit
SYNOPSIS:
YOU DIE WHEN YOU DIE . . .
You can't change your fate - so throw yourself into battle, because you'll either end the day a hero or drinking mead in the halls of the gods. That's what Finn's people believe.
But Finn wants to live. When his settlement is massacred by a hostile nation, Finn plus several friends and rivals must make their escape across a brutal, unfamiliar landscape, and to survive, Finn will fight harder than he's ever fought before.
The David Gemmell Award-nominated author of Age of Iron returns with You Die When You Die - an epic fantasy adventure in which a mismatched group of refugees battle animals and monsters, determined assassins, an unforgiving land and each other as they cross a continent to fulfil a prophecy.
REVIEW:
I love a story that takes me on a journey and Angus has always done that for me, so I had high hopes with this his latest novel after having loved his Iron Age Trilogy. Thrust into a fantasy world with Norsemen we are taken on a journey of survival against the odds where every battle seems stacked against our hero and his companions.
Its edge of the nails stuff with cracking prose really adding to the tension as we see each event play out. The pace is breakneck, the dialogue solid and for me, its the action sequences that really make this a title that is hard to put down. Finally throw into the mix a lead hero that I wanted to hang around and all in I wa s a ore than happy bunny. Great stuff.
Publisher: Orbit
SYNOPSIS:
YOU DIE WHEN YOU DIE . . .
You can't change your fate - so throw yourself into battle, because you'll either end the day a hero or drinking mead in the halls of the gods. That's what Finn's people believe.
But Finn wants to live. When his settlement is massacred by a hostile nation, Finn plus several friends and rivals must make their escape across a brutal, unfamiliar landscape, and to survive, Finn will fight harder than he's ever fought before.
The David Gemmell Award-nominated author of Age of Iron returns with You Die When You Die - an epic fantasy adventure in which a mismatched group of refugees battle animals and monsters, determined assassins, an unforgiving land and each other as they cross a continent to fulfil a prophecy.
REVIEW:
I love a story that takes me on a journey and Angus has always done that for me, so I had high hopes with this his latest novel after having loved his Iron Age Trilogy. Thrust into a fantasy world with Norsemen we are taken on a journey of survival against the odds where every battle seems stacked against our hero and his companions.
Its edge of the nails stuff with cracking prose really adding to the tension as we see each event play out. The pace is breakneck, the dialogue solid and for me, its the action sequences that really make this a title that is hard to put down. Finally throw into the mix a lead hero that I wanted to hang around and all in I wa s a ore than happy bunny. Great stuff.
Wednesday 21 June 2017
FANTASY REVIEW: The Fall of Shannara 1: The Black Elfstone - Terry Brooks
Release Date: 15/06/17
Publisher: Orbit
SYNOPSIS:
The first book of the triumphant and epic four-part conclusion to the Shannara series, from one of the all-time masters of fantasy.
The age of peace that has reigned across the Four Lands is now at an end. An army of invaders, wielding a terrible new magic, is cutting a bloody swathe across the far north . . .
The fate of the world now rests on the shoulders of an exiled druid, a conflicted warrior and a young woman struggling to master a powerful magic. As the conflict grows, they will face dangerous adversaries and deadly challenges - and the consequences of their actions will determine the future of the Four Lands.
Through twenty-eight novels written over the course of forty years, Terry Brooks's Shannara series has entranced millions of readers around the world. Now, with the Black Elfstone - the first book in the Fall of Shannara - Terry begins to bring his epic vision to a grand conclusion.
REVIEW:
I always have a soft place in my heart for Terry Brooks and his Shannara series, as after David Gemmell, he was an author that I always shared with my Dad. We constantly vied to see who would get the next book first and as our saying went "He who buys it gets first read." (Although to be fair my Dad cheated as he'd nick my book when I went to school and read it for a couple of hours before he had to go to work.)
Each new addition to the series has added flavour and depth and with this new series we get to see the world fall as everything has a lifespan. How this will occur and whether this is a final death knell we'll have to wait and see but we know that the heroes within won't let it go without a fight.
As with his other books we get good solid pace, a good story arc and for me characters I not only care about but want to spend time around. Terry brings his A game with this outing and whilst its going to be gripping whatever happen in the future titles in the series, if this is the true end its going to be the closing of a large part of my life. All round a cracking start and one that will have me on tenterhooks until the final page.
Publisher: Orbit
SYNOPSIS:
The first book of the triumphant and epic four-part conclusion to the Shannara series, from one of the all-time masters of fantasy.
The age of peace that has reigned across the Four Lands is now at an end. An army of invaders, wielding a terrible new magic, is cutting a bloody swathe across the far north . . .
The fate of the world now rests on the shoulders of an exiled druid, a conflicted warrior and a young woman struggling to master a powerful magic. As the conflict grows, they will face dangerous adversaries and deadly challenges - and the consequences of their actions will determine the future of the Four Lands.
Through twenty-eight novels written over the course of forty years, Terry Brooks's Shannara series has entranced millions of readers around the world. Now, with the Black Elfstone - the first book in the Fall of Shannara - Terry begins to bring his epic vision to a grand conclusion.
REVIEW:
I always have a soft place in my heart for Terry Brooks and his Shannara series, as after David Gemmell, he was an author that I always shared with my Dad. We constantly vied to see who would get the next book first and as our saying went "He who buys it gets first read." (Although to be fair my Dad cheated as he'd nick my book when I went to school and read it for a couple of hours before he had to go to work.)
Each new addition to the series has added flavour and depth and with this new series we get to see the world fall as everything has a lifespan. How this will occur and whether this is a final death knell we'll have to wait and see but we know that the heroes within won't let it go without a fight.
As with his other books we get good solid pace, a good story arc and for me characters I not only care about but want to spend time around. Terry brings his A game with this outing and whilst its going to be gripping whatever happen in the future titles in the series, if this is the true end its going to be the closing of a large part of my life. All round a cracking start and one that will have me on tenterhooks until the final page.
Tuesday 20 June 2017
SCIENCE FICTION REVIEW: Xeelee: Vengenace - Stephen Baxter
Release Date: 15/06/17
Publisher: Gollancz
SYNOPSIS:
Half a million years in the future, on a dead, war-ravaged world at the centre of the Galaxy, there is a mile-high statue of Michael Poole.
Poole, born on Earth in the fourth millennium, was one of mankind's most influential heroes. He was not a warrior, not an emperor. He was an engineer, a builder of wormhole transit systems. But Poole's work would ultimately lead to a vast and destructive conflict, a million-year war between humanity and the enigmatic, powerful aliens known as the Xeelee.
The Xeelee won, but at a huge cost. And, defeated in a greater war, the Xeelee eventually fled the universe. Most of them.
A handful were left behind, equipped with time travel capabilities, their task to tidy up: to reorder history more to the Xeelee's liking. That million-year war with humankind was one blemish. It had to be erased. And in order to do that, a lone Xeelee was sent back in time to remove Michael Poole from history . . .
REVIEW:
Stephen is one of those authors whose writing hooks you from the beginning, His prose is wonderful, the pace ideal and when added to an arc that really delivers what you want from one of his titles, all round generates a title that is hard to put down.
Here in his latest title we have a real treat as we get to observe the Xeelee as they try to eradicate a "blip" on thier history by taking out the man who made it all possible. Its engaging and with the authors ability to bring the characters (both human and alien) across makes this more than approachable. The only thing I'll say is remember to read the original novel first (Xeelee: Endurance). You don't have to but you won't get the full flavour or the pleasure by missing it.
Publisher: Gollancz
SYNOPSIS:
Half a million years in the future, on a dead, war-ravaged world at the centre of the Galaxy, there is a mile-high statue of Michael Poole.
Poole, born on Earth in the fourth millennium, was one of mankind's most influential heroes. He was not a warrior, not an emperor. He was an engineer, a builder of wormhole transit systems. But Poole's work would ultimately lead to a vast and destructive conflict, a million-year war between humanity and the enigmatic, powerful aliens known as the Xeelee.
The Xeelee won, but at a huge cost. And, defeated in a greater war, the Xeelee eventually fled the universe. Most of them.
A handful were left behind, equipped with time travel capabilities, their task to tidy up: to reorder history more to the Xeelee's liking. That million-year war with humankind was one blemish. It had to be erased. And in order to do that, a lone Xeelee was sent back in time to remove Michael Poole from history . . .
REVIEW:
Stephen is one of those authors whose writing hooks you from the beginning, His prose is wonderful, the pace ideal and when added to an arc that really delivers what you want from one of his titles, all round generates a title that is hard to put down.
Here in his latest title we have a real treat as we get to observe the Xeelee as they try to eradicate a "blip" on thier history by taking out the man who made it all possible. Its engaging and with the authors ability to bring the characters (both human and alien) across makes this more than approachable. The only thing I'll say is remember to read the original novel first (Xeelee: Endurance). You don't have to but you won't get the full flavour or the pleasure by missing it.
Friday 9 June 2017
VIDEO GAME NEWS: Agents of Mayhem: Gat is Back - Koch Media
Hail Mighty Readers and Followers of the Calloused Thumbs,
Our friends at Koch Media, have let us know about the latest trailer for the forthcoming Agents of Mayhem. We can't wait to get our hands on it and to be treated to the return of our old friend Johnny Gat from Saints Row, means that we're in for a real treat.
Get your fill of Gat in this trailer:
Finally Agents of Mayhem will be released 18th August 2017 from Koch Media.
Get those guns warmed up people,
Gareth and Lady Eleanor
VIDEO GAME NEWS: Kingdom Come Deliverance Release Date and Story Trailer - Deep Silver
Hail Mighty Readers and Followers of the Calloused Thumbs,
Our friends at Warhorse Studios and Deep Silver, let us know that this title that we've been watching for quite a while will be out 13th Feb 2018.
We can't wait to see what these developers have in store for us.
Here's the story trailer:
We hope that you're getting as excited as we are,
Gareth and Lady Eleanor.
Wednesday 7 June 2017
VIDEO GAME ANNOUNCEMENT: Strange Brigade - Rebellion
Hail Mighty Readers and Followers of the Calloused Thumbs,
Here at Falcata Times we love to find the weird and wonderful and Rebellion seem to have brought all that to the fore with this announcement trailer for The Strange Brigade.
We love the fact that it has a feel of all the old B-Movie Creature Features and can't wait to get our hands on it but here, check out this awesome trailer:
All the best,
Gareth and Lady Eleanor
VIDEO GAME REVIEW: The Surge - Koch Media, Focus
Release Date: 19/05/17
Publisher: Koch Media
SYNOPSIS:
Set in a heavily dystopian future as Earth nears the end of its life, those who remain in the overpopulated cities must work to survive as social programs become saturated by an ageing population and increasing environmental diseases.
As the intelligence of technology incrementally increased over the years, many jobs for the human race had been made redundant, forcing Earth's citizens to head out into the suburbs seeking labour, aided by exoskeletons to improve their efficiency. The world of The Surge offers a very grim vision of the future, where the evolution of our technology, our society and our relation with the environment led to a decadent state of the Human civilization.
The Surge features innovative combat mechanics and an original character progression system based on modular upgrades gained through tight, visceral combat.
REVIEW:
To be honest, I'm a gamer who likes to take their time when playing, I like to make sure that I don't rush my review and give the game not only a fair play but also allow myself the chance to explore various options with the gear and items before deciding on my favourite combo for my style of play.
So after giving the game a huge amount of time here's what I have to say Firstly before purchasing there are a few things you have to know. The first and perhaps most important is that this is a title in which you will die, a hell of a lot. If you don't like that in a game bypass this title now. Secondly if you're a fan of this type of game and love a Sci-Fi post apocalypic future then this title is all the candy that you can eat and then some.
Yes the camera can be a little clunky in places but that beginning animation where you get set up for your suit is not only gruesome but oddly satisfying letting you know just how much you're going to have to go through.
I was hooked.
I loved a lot of the game, the way that the enemies upped in difficulty, how even the smallest foe could kill you and the way that you had to strategise for each combat prior to taking part, working out how to deal with multiple foes and their strengths and weaknesses. However my biggest gripe was if you found certain fights way to hard, the best you could do was up your power (which only gave you access to more "chip" slots and access to doorways and you have to settle for basic gear and couldn't upgrade it if you found fighting the bosses too hard to begin with.
Its damn frustraing and whilst a good many gamers will give up with their lack of progress it was a game that I did have a lot of fun with all in. Yes it took me a lot of time to get past that initial baddy but the high I got when I finally kicked his ass was immense. All round a solid game and whilst its going to be a marmite title for a good few gamers, I happened to love it. Magic
Publisher: Koch Media
SYNOPSIS:
Set in a heavily dystopian future as Earth nears the end of its life, those who remain in the overpopulated cities must work to survive as social programs become saturated by an ageing population and increasing environmental diseases.
As the intelligence of technology incrementally increased over the years, many jobs for the human race had been made redundant, forcing Earth's citizens to head out into the suburbs seeking labour, aided by exoskeletons to improve their efficiency. The world of The Surge offers a very grim vision of the future, where the evolution of our technology, our society and our relation with the environment led to a decadent state of the Human civilization.
The Surge features innovative combat mechanics and an original character progression system based on modular upgrades gained through tight, visceral combat.
REVIEW:
To be honest, I'm a gamer who likes to take their time when playing, I like to make sure that I don't rush my review and give the game not only a fair play but also allow myself the chance to explore various options with the gear and items before deciding on my favourite combo for my style of play.
So after giving the game a huge amount of time here's what I have to say Firstly before purchasing there are a few things you have to know. The first and perhaps most important is that this is a title in which you will die, a hell of a lot. If you don't like that in a game bypass this title now. Secondly if you're a fan of this type of game and love a Sci-Fi post apocalypic future then this title is all the candy that you can eat and then some.
Yes the camera can be a little clunky in places but that beginning animation where you get set up for your suit is not only gruesome but oddly satisfying letting you know just how much you're going to have to go through.
I was hooked.
I loved a lot of the game, the way that the enemies upped in difficulty, how even the smallest foe could kill you and the way that you had to strategise for each combat prior to taking part, working out how to deal with multiple foes and their strengths and weaknesses. However my biggest gripe was if you found certain fights way to hard, the best you could do was up your power (which only gave you access to more "chip" slots and access to doorways and you have to settle for basic gear and couldn't upgrade it if you found fighting the bosses too hard to begin with.
Its damn frustraing and whilst a good many gamers will give up with their lack of progress it was a game that I did have a lot of fun with all in. Yes it took me a lot of time to get past that initial baddy but the high I got when I finally kicked his ass was immense. All round a solid game and whilst its going to be a marmite title for a good few gamers, I happened to love it. Magic
Tuesday 6 June 2017
VIDEO GAME REVIEW: Injustice 2 - Warner Brothers Interactive
Release Date: 19/05/17
Publisher: Warner Brothers Interactive
SYNOPSIS:
Injustice 2 continues the epic cinematic story introduced in Injustice : Gods Among Us as Batman and his allies work towards putting the pieces of society back together while struggling against those who want to restore Superman's regime. In the midst of the chaos, a new threat appears that will put Earth's existence at risk. Players can play from the biggest DC roster ever offered in a fighting game, from classic fan favourites such as Batman, Superman, Supergirl and Aquaman, to astonishing new villains like Atrocitus and Gorilla Grodd. Battles will take place across arenas that have evolved in scale and span across iconic locations such as Metropolis, Gotham City and Atlantis.
REVIEW:
OK, I'm going to be honest here, the main fighting games that I've picked up before were Tekken and whilst many would say that the war for the king of fighters is generlaly won by Mortal Kombat I love a game that gives me not only fun but the chance to compete against not only my other half or the AI but with people the world over.
This title from Warner does not only bring all those elements together but brings it with a flair that I have to say was near perfect for me. The graphics are beautiful, each polygon making it look flawless with each character having multiple costumes and gear items that improve certain traits over others. Yes my review is behind quite a few others, but I'm not a guy to rush through things and wanted to give it a through play through (with multiple characters) in order to give it a fair review.
Add to this great sound with solid voice acting and accompanying music alongside a playable story arc all round gives you a title that was a pure joy to play. FInally add to this great end sequences for each of the characters and all round I was a more than happy gamer. Cracking.
Publisher: Warner Brothers Interactive
SYNOPSIS:
Injustice 2 continues the epic cinematic story introduced in Injustice : Gods Among Us as Batman and his allies work towards putting the pieces of society back together while struggling against those who want to restore Superman's regime. In the midst of the chaos, a new threat appears that will put Earth's existence at risk. Players can play from the biggest DC roster ever offered in a fighting game, from classic fan favourites such as Batman, Superman, Supergirl and Aquaman, to astonishing new villains like Atrocitus and Gorilla Grodd. Battles will take place across arenas that have evolved in scale and span across iconic locations such as Metropolis, Gotham City and Atlantis.
REVIEW:
OK, I'm going to be honest here, the main fighting games that I've picked up before were Tekken and whilst many would say that the war for the king of fighters is generlaly won by Mortal Kombat I love a game that gives me not only fun but the chance to compete against not only my other half or the AI but with people the world over.
This title from Warner does not only bring all those elements together but brings it with a flair that I have to say was near perfect for me. The graphics are beautiful, each polygon making it look flawless with each character having multiple costumes and gear items that improve certain traits over others. Yes my review is behind quite a few others, but I'm not a guy to rush through things and wanted to give it a through play through (with multiple characters) in order to give it a fair review.
Add to this great sound with solid voice acting and accompanying music alongside a playable story arc all round gives you a title that was a pure joy to play. FInally add to this great end sequences for each of the characters and all round I was a more than happy gamer. Cracking.
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