Release Date: 16/11/17
Publisher: Orbit
SYNOPSIS:
Jade is the lifeblood of the city of Janloon - a stone that enhances a warrior's natural strength and speed. Jade is mined, traded, stolen and killed for, controlled by the ruthless No Peak and Mountain families.
When a modern drug emerges that allows anyone - even foreigners - to wield jade, simmering tension between the two families erupts into open violence. The outcome of this clan war will determine the fate of all in the families, from their grandest patriarch to even the lowliest motorcycle runner on the streets.
Jade City is an epic tale of blood, family, honour, and of those who live and die by ancient laws in a changing world.
REVIEW:
I love books that try to do something different and whilst this is technically a fantasy novel it fits delightfully into the Urban Fantasy genre. Its quirky, it has a wonderfully eastern flavour and to be honest whilst reading I tended to think of a Hong Kong as a background setting for this tale.
Magic delightfully blends with modern weaponry as the principle character fights to find a balance between their internal struggles and the outer expectations of his clan. The characters are delightfully rounded and when you throw into the mix criminal double dealing all round leaves you wanting more as this tale takes a break in a lull ready to kick back with a roundhouse in the next outing. Cracking.
Release Date: 14/11/17
Publisher: Orbit
SYNOPSIS:
New York Times bestselling author Mira Grant, author of the renowned Newsflesh series, returns with a novel that takes us to a new world of ancient mysteries and mythological dangers come to life.
The ocean is home to many myths,
But some are deadly...
Seven years ago the Atargatis set off on a voyage to the Mariana Trench to film a mockumentary bringing to life ancient sea creatures of legend. It was lost at sea with all hands. Some have called it a hoax; others have called it a tragedy.
Now a new crew has been assembled. But this time they're not out to entertain. Some seek to validate their life's work. Some seek the greatest hunt of all. Some seek the truth. But for the ambitious young scientist Victoria Stewart this is a voyage to uncover the fate of the sister she lost.
Whatever the truth may be, it will only be found below the waves.
But the secrets of the deep come with a price.
REVIEW:
A book of the mysterious that seeks to uncover the events alongside reality of what heppened in the first tale in the series "Rolling in the Deep." Its well written and, as usual with Mira Grant's writing, a tale that glues you from the outset as she continues to help bring to the fore a real flavour of discovery as the story unfurls.
Its well written and whilst i love the pace, for me the real stars here are her characters that feel that they live and breathe in our own world and would be a person that you could easily pass on the street which for me elevates the book straight away as an author who can get you that involved with thier characters has already created a bond that will be hard to break no matter what happens with the further chapters.
Back this up with great prose as well as an overall arc that leaves the novel open to a future outings make this a book that is a real treat and a series I'll be returning to when the mood hits. Magic.
Release Date: 09/11/17
Publisher: Orbit
SYNOPSIS:
For the first time in print as a special hardcover edition, Brent Weeks's blockbuster novella Perfect Shadow tells the origin story of the Night Angel trilogy's most enigmatic character: Durzo Blint. Also includes the short story, I, Nightangel.
Gaelan Starfire is a farmer, happy to be a husband and a father; a careful, quiet, simple man. He's also an immortal, peerless in the arts of war. Over the centuries, he's worn many faces to hide his gift, but he is a man ill-fit for obscurity, and all too often he's become a hero, his very names passing into legend: Acaelus Thorne, Yric the Black, Hrothan Steelbender, Tal Drakkan, Rebus Nimble.
But when Gaelan must take a job hunting down the world's finest assassins for the beautiful courtesan-and-crimelord Gwinvere Kirena, what he finds may destroy everything he's ever believed in.
REVIEW:
Brent has long been an author that I've sat up and paid attention to, loving each of the books that he brings out as they not only deliver what I want in a fantasy novel but also bring together characters that are not simplistic but complicated human beings in an extraordinary setting. Here fans of the Night Angel trilogy are given a deeper glimpse into the character who would become Durzo in that series and whilst its a prequel, you really need to read the trilogy prior as otherwise you'll have it spoiled due to information contained within.
As with the authors other work its fast paced, has great twists and whilst you know that the hero is never in any real danger in this tale due to appearing in the series, all round it is a wonderful excerpt into the environs as well as a chance to get to see how choice made affect things as a whole. Magic
Release Date: 05/10/17
Publisher: Orbit
SYNOPSIS:
Thousands died when mages sundered the earth and split the sky.
It was a war that devastated entire kingdoms.
Now one man believes eradicating magic is the only way to ensure a lasting peace. He and his followers will do anything to achieve his goal - even if it means murdering every child born with the ability.
REVIEW:
Returning to Stephen's world set ten years after his original Age of Darkness Trilogy, we are thrown into a chaotic world where those born with the "ability" to weild magic are murdered in hopes of keeping the fragile peace established after the events in the original series.
As with the first set, its well written, the characters are fun to be around and when thrown in with solid twists, some great story plotting alongside characters I want to spend time around and I have to say that I was more than pleased with this title. Add to this solid prose and of course dialogue that works wonderfully well all round gives me a great beginning to the new trilogy. Magic.
Release Date: 14/09/17
Publisher: Orbit
SYNOPSIS:
'The Oversight is most dangerous when most reduced. There are many dead and gone who did not remember that.'
The Oversight of London has been sworn for millennia to prevent the natural and the supernatural worlds from preying on each other.
Now at its lowest ebb, with its headquarters destroyed and its last members scattered far and wide, this secret society will battle for survival and face the harshest foe it has ever met: itself.
'Exciting, exhilarating, scary and moving in equal measure, The Oversight is a teeming world of dark deeds and dark magics, brilliantly realised' - M. R. Carey on The Oversight
REVIEW:
Having read the previous two titles in the series I have to say that this final outing in the Oversight Trilogy left me feeling pretty damn flat. the characters didn't reach full potential, various plot points felt ignored and threads from the other two titles left the book feeling fairly flat, almost as if the author had either forgotten about them or that they just weren't required and thus dropped to help Charlie hit his deadline.
All round, whilst the writing is still as addictive as usual and the plot points that were addressed satisfying having lost so much made me feel that there is more to come rather than this was the end. Sad to say I was disappointed and hope that Charlie will return at some point to give me (and other readers) some conclusions to these open air threads.
Release Date: 03/08/17
Publisher: Orbit
SYNOPSIS:
Girton Club-Foot, apprentice to the land's best assassin, still has much to learn about the art of taking lives. But their latest mission tasks him and his master with a far more difficult challenge: to save a life. Someone, or many someones, is trying to kill the heir to the throne, and it is up to Girton and his master to uncover the traitor and prevent the prince's murder.
In a kingdom on the brink of civil war and a castle thick with lies Girton finds friends he never expected, responsibilities he never wanted, and a conspiracy that could destroy an entire land.
REVIEW:
As many know I'm the type of reader that enjoys taking a punt on a new author as you know that what arrives is going to be something new, unexpected and at times utter thrilling as you're never sure which way things are going to go.
Here in this title, author RJ Barker brings a lot to the table. Solid world building, intriguing principle characters and of course a kickass plot that should the magical elements been dropped would have fitted well into any historical setting.
Its definitely quirky, has a lot going for it and was a very hard title to put down. Back this all up with good dialogue and solid plotting alongside murder, mystery as well as mayhem and it'll more than satisfy any fantasy reader. Cracking.
Release Date: 09/03/17
Publisher: Orbit
SYNOPSIS:
Enter a war-torn world where gunpowder and magic collide
The nation of Fatrasta is a haven for criminals, rebels, adventurers and sorcerers seeking relics of the past. As insurrection grows, only the iron will of the Lady Chancellor holds the capital city of Landfall together.
Yet an ancient power as old as time is rising, and the fate of this young nation now rests in the hands of a spy, a disgraced war hero and a mercenary general with a past as turbulent as Landfall's present.
Sins of Empire is the bold new epic fantasy from Gemmell Award-winning author Brian McClellan.
REVIEW:
A brand new series for Brian as we return to his inventive world with this epic opener. As expected from the author, the writing is high octane blood and fire, accompanied with top notch prose as well as characters that seek to not only survive but help shape the future by their actions.
Its got a cracking premise, has a wonderful overall arc and when added to a writing style that really just burst out of left field is showing why this author is becoming a firm fan favourite due to his playing for keeps attitude. All round a top notch title and one that has left me demanding more. Magic.
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.
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.
Release Date: 06/04/17
Publisher: Orbit
SYNOPSIS:
Alex Verus can see the future. But he never thought he'd see this day.
Manoeuvred by forces beyond his control, the probability mage has made a terrible choice: he's agreed to work for his old master once more.
Richard Drakh, the sadistic dark mage Alex escaped as an apprentice, has him in his clutches again. And this time, he won't let go so easily.
REVIEW:
If you're looking for a deliciously dark title that has a solid principle character, careful plot twists alongside an overall arc that will have you turning left and right as you try to figure things out, then you may want to pick up this book from Benedict Jacka.
The principle character is one you want to spend time with, has good prose alongside a cracking understanding of pace which in turn makes this a top notch read. The only problem is that this is the eighth book in the series so I wouldn't advise you to start here and lets face it why would you when you've got chance to see how the character has changed from the humble beginnings. OK, so yes it wasn't a must read for me at the beginning of the Alex Verus tales but as its developed so too has the writing of Benedict and for me that is the sign of an author really taking the time to make sure that their readers get the best they can possibly give. Magic.
Release Date: 16/03/17
Publisher: Orbit
SYNOPSIS:
The waters rose, submerging New York City.
But the residents adapted and it remained the bustling, vibrant metropolis it had always been. Though changed forever.
Every street became a canal. Every skyscraper an island.
REVIEW:
Kim is an author that always manages to come up with a book that not only grabs my attention but keeps it glued as he weaves his storytelling magic. Here we get to see a city under siege from not only nature but mans own foibles as each block is a self sustained living unit amongst others.
Its a book that looks at practicalities of mans ability to survive and how we can come together despite the circumstances. Its definitely an unusual title, one that makes you think and for me, at the end of the day, that makes for a truly unique experience.
Release Date: 06/04/17
Publisher: Orbit
SYNOPSIS:
At the end of the day, Death visits everyone. Right before that, Charlie does.
You might meet him in a hospital, in a warzone, or at the scene of a traffic accident.
Then again, you might meet him at the North Pole - he gets everywhere, our Charlie.
Would you shake him by the hand, take the gift he offers, or would you pay no attention to the words he says?
Sometimes he is sent as a courtesy, sometimes as a warning. He never knows which.
The End of the Day is the stunning new novel by Claire North, author of word-of-mouth bestseller The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August.
REVIEW:
Now to be honest I've not read Claire's work before now and I have to wonder why she wasn't on my radar sooner as this tale just pulled me in from the very beginning. I loved the way that she weaved the plot with cracking dialogue as well as great prose, however the real star for me was the way she brought her characters across, especially the principle player Charlie.
He shone for me from start to finish and I was so engrossed to find out what he was up to as well as how things would develop that I didn't notice time slipping away as I read page after page, chapter after chapter.
Its wonderfully inventive, a tale unlike any other and for me this unique outing really is a book that will stay with me for a long time. Magic.
Release Date: 08/12/16
Publisher: Orbit
SYNOPSIS:
A revolution brewing for generations has begun in fire. It will end in blood.
The Free Navy - a violent group of Belters in black-market military ships - has crippled the Earth and begun a campaign of piracy and violence among the outer planets. The colony ships heading for the thousand new worlds on the far side of the alien ring gates are easy prey, and no single navy remains strong enough to protect them.
James Holden and his crew know the strengths and weaknesses of this new force better than anyone. Outnumbered and outgunned, the embattled remnants of the old political powers call on the Rocinante for a desperate mission to reach Medina Station at the heart of the gate network.
But the new alliances are as flawed as the old, and the struggle for power has only just begun. As the chaos grows, an alien mystery deepens. Pirate fleets, mutiny and betrayal may be the least of the Rocinante's problems. And in the uncanny spaces past the ring gates, the choices of a few damaged and desperate people may determine the fate of more than just humanity.
Babylon's Ashes is the action-packed sixth novel in the New York Times bestselling Expanse series, now a major TV series.
REVIEW:
I tend to spend a lot of time with my head in books, so I make a lot of notes of authors that I've loved and have managed to not only thrill as well as excite me so that each time when they have a new book released I get my hands upon it as soon as possible.
James is a very prolific author and whilst a lot of his works have entertained, I've sadly found that the Science Fiction has been going a little downhill. So much so that I found that I hated this book, The principle villain was terrible and not in a good way. Incompetence seemed to strong a word for someone who in previous titles mastered such destruction. Then I found the heroes deplorable and found that I didn't care about them. All wrapped up in a story that left me wondering more about the flaws than enjoying it.
Release Date: 26/05/16
Publisher: Orbit
SYNOPSIS:
Blood and magic will collide . . .
Leofur is the daughter of Arcannen - a power-hungry sorcerer prepared to use the blackest of magic to get what he wants.
But she is also devoted to Arcannen's nemesis, Paxon Leah - sworn protector of the Druids who defend the Four Lands against evil.
When the Druids are forced to flee, having been framed for a murderous rampage which leaves many dead, Paxon knows that the evil sorcerer Arcannen is behind it. As the Druids seek sanctuary, Leofur sets out on a perilous quest to thwart her father's desires to destroy them all .
REVIEW:
There are some fantasy authors that just seem to be gifted to tell stories filled with magic creating a world that whilst unlike our own in some circumstances has heavily taken cataclysmic turns that help to generate something unique. So it is with terry's series and to be honest whilst I'm not a fan of the TV series, I am addicted to his writing.
As with Terry's other titles, the writing is crisp, full of adventure and delivers a wonderful tale that will take you away from our reality. The dialogue works wonderfully well for me and when backed with a principle character that I just loved to spend time with magically transported me away from Earth for a few hours returning me at the tales sated as well as wondering what the hell had happened to the time. (I suspect a time difference as I felt like I spent days there only to return a few hours later Earth time.)
All round a cracking read and another gem for Terry's collection.
Release Date: 25/02/16
Publisher: Orbit
SYNOPSIS:
Artefact is book one of The Lazarus War, an explosive new space adventure series from one of the brightest new stars in science fiction - perfect for fans of The Edge of Tomorrow, Alien and James S. A. Corey's Expanse series. Jack Campbell, author of the Lost Fleet novels calls it 'a gripping read that moves at warp speed'.
Mankind has spread to the stars, only to become locked in warfare with an insidious alien race. All that stands against the alien menace are the soldiers of the Simulant Operation Programme, an elite military team remotely operating avatars in the most dangerous theatres of war.
Captain Conrad Harris has died hundreds of times - running suicide missions in simulant bodies. Known as Lazarus, he is a man addicted to death. So when a secret research station deep in alien territory suddenly goes dark, there is no other man who could possibly lead a rescue mission.
But Harris hasn't been trained for what he's about to find. And this time, he may not be coming back . . .
Artefact is an action-drenched tale of elite space marines, deep space exploration and galactic empires. Discover The Lazarus War - the thrilling new space opera series from one of the most exciting new voices in science fiction.
REVIEW:
If you like your Science Fiction Military novels, then this could be the start of a cracking series for you as Jamie brings an almost Dirty Dozenesque unit to the fore in a tale told from the chief protagonist's (Harris) point of view.
The writing is sharp, to the point (as you'd expect iwth a military type of book) with pace that only gives you a breather a good way into the title and then only to allow you to prepare for a kick ass ending. Back this up with solid dialogue and all round its a book that delviers a cracking yarn of daring do. Cracking.
Release Date: 27/10/16
Publisher: Orbit
SYNOPSIS:
The Blood Mirror is the action-packed new novel in the Lightbringer series by international bestseller Brent Weeks.
The Seven Satrapies have collapsed into four - and those are falling before the White King's armies.
Gavin Guille, ex-emperor, ex-Prism, ex-galley slave, formerly the one man who might have averted war, is now lost, broken and trapped in a prison crafted by his own magical genius. But Gavin has no magic at all. Worse, in this prison, he may not be alone.
Who will fight to prevent a tainted empire from becoming something even worse?
REVIEW:
The latest of Brents Lightbringer series (now set at a five book series rather than the original planned trilogy) and one that clearly proves why the series had to be extended. Whilst some will complain about the extension of the series, having read this book I can see why the publisher and Brent felt that they had to. Its got an organic feel and by allowing the series to continue to develop rather than rush an ending, they're treating the reader to an arc that will feel nicely rounded and give a greater view of the world as events allow it to develop.
As usual the writing is crisp, the characters not only believable but people you want to spend time around and when added to Brent's delightful prose that just trips from the page, delivers all round. Back this up with a great overall plot, alongside top notch dialogue and all round I'm more than a happy reader.
Release Date: 20/06/16
Publisher: Orbit
SYNOPSIS:
HOPE, the lone survivor of a village massacred by the emperor's forces, is secretly trained as a warrior and instrument of vengeance.
RED, an orphan adopted by a notorious matriarch of the criminal underworld, learns to be an expert thief and con artist.
Together they will take down an empire.
REVIEW:
I read this title a while ago and whilst I enjoyed it I wanted time to think it through. There were so many things I loved about if from the outstanding cast of members with their own individual personalities helping to form the world in which they inhabitted, the colourful underbelly of society and of course the almost purity of one of the heroes of the tale.
Its dark, has some deliciously tantalising action sequences, cracking dialogue and of course not forgetting the top notch prose and a pace that if I had to pick a problem with the book whilst OK could be worked on so that we didn't have so many action scenes tightly packed with barely a moment to gather your breath.
It is well written, I have loved spending the time in this world and I really can't wait to see what the evil Biomancers have in store for our heroes next or how their actions will shape the world. Cracking.
Release Date: 25/08/16
Publisher: Orbit
SYNOPSIS:
Following Tracer and Zero-G comes Impact, the explosive conclusion to the Outer Earth trilogy - a heart-pounding thriller set in space where the hero moves like lightning and the consequences for failure are deadly.
A signal has been picked up from Earth.
The planet was supposed to be uninhabitable. But it seems there are survivors down there - with supplies, shelter and running water. Perhaps there could be a future for humanity on Earth after all.
Riley Hale will find out soon enough. She's stuck on a spaceship with the group of terrorists that is planning to brave the planet's atmosphere and crash-land on the surface.
But when the re-entry goes wrong, Riley ends up hundreds of miles from her companions Prakesh and Carver, alone in a barren wilderness. She'll have to use everything she knows to survive.
And all of them are about to find out that nothing on Earth is what it seems . . .
REVIEW:
Having had the characters set up in the original two books and taking the reader to Earth in the final title in the series, the readers have been expecting something pretty damn epic from Rob in the conclusion, so perhaps the question should be more than anything else is does he deliver?
Well in short, yes he does. Its hard hitting, barely lets you grab a breath as one action sequence leads into another and when you throw in top notch prose and plotlines that keep you engrossed all round makes this a cracking end to the series.
Back this up with some solid dialogue and all round its pretty good. The only downside for me is that I did feel that I didn't get any character growth and that it was more based around getting to the tales end rather than anything else. That said it is a niggle for me but having had some solid character development before it can be forgiven to a certain degree. Overall a good bit of fun and whilst practicalities have to be thrown out of the window when reading the series, all round it is good fun and if you know an action fan wanting to embark on something new, its a great trilogy to allow them the escapism that they'd want. Cracking.
Release Date: 04/10/16
Publisher: Orbit
SYNOPSIS:
In this thrilling and hugely entertaining collection of novellas and short stories, Kelley Armstrong returns one last time to her bestselling Otherworld series. Among other tales, the werewolf pack is on the hunt for an old and very dangerous enemy; two very different vampires attempt to settle an old feud; a supernatural date turns hot enough to burn down a building and - in a brand-new novella - Paige and Lucas have a huge decision to make about their future.
Featuring much-loved characters, this final collection completes several important storylines, making it a must-have for Kelley Armstrong's many fans.
REVIEW:
An author I not only like to spend time with but one that always give me goosebumps with her otherworld series as I get to spend time with characters that I've loved over her Women of the Otherworld series. As with other more recent offerings, its a book of short stories and is easy to dive into whether its on travel time or just to help get away from the real world during your lunch.
Each story feels complete, has great characters and dialogue that I just love as Kelley's sassy ladies and sarcastuc gents really give fans that welcome home feel. All round another gem and one that will be read quite a few times during my rereads as I love to intersperse the full books with the short stories when I get in the mood to start the whole series over again. Cracking.
Release Date: 28/07/16
Publisher: Orbit
SYNOPSIS:
Jack Sparks died while writing this book. This is the account of his final days.
In 2014, Jack Sparks - the controversial pop culture journalist - died in mysterious circumstances.
To his fans, Jack was a fearless rebel; to his detractors, he was a talentless hack. Either way, his death came as a shock to everyone.
It was no secret that Jack had been researching the occult for his new book. He'd already triggered a furious Twitter storm by mocking an exorcism he witnessed in rural Italy.
Then there was that video: thirty-six seconds of chilling footage that Jack repeatedly claimed was not of his making, yet was posted from his own YouTube account.
Nobody knew what happened to Jack in the days that followed - until now. This book, compiled from the files found after his death, reveals the chilling details of Jack's final hours.
REVIEW:
If you want something different then you may well want to give Jason Arnopp a go. Why? Well for me this is a book that has a whole heap of things to offer. It is full of humour, has great prose and when added to a storyline that just keeps you going all round offers something that is pretty unique.
Pack this with a principle character who is not only believable but generates reader responses as things start to go upside down alongside cracking dialogue all round makes this a book that finished way quicker than I was expecting as I just flew through the pages. Its solid, it’s fun and above all else, it’s a book that really is a cracking read that goes to show he’s a unique voice on in his own worlds. Magic.
