Showing posts with label epic-fantasy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label epic-fantasy. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 30, 2019

Epic Fantasy Review: Faith of the Forsaken by Jonathan-David Jackson

Faith of the Forsaken
by Jonathan-David Jackson

Description:
Angels and demons walk among us. Nathan Miller, an assistant pastor in a quiet town, doesn’t believe in them. His life is thrown into chaos when terrorism strikes his town and a reactionary religious militia rises against it, and a surprise encounter with a demon-possessed young woman forces him to face the truth.

The archangel Uriel knows Nathan is heir to supernatural powers and could be the key to victory. While he guards Nathan he must also protect humanity from a terrible secret that could destroy them all. In this blood-soaked epic they are about to learn that evil cannot be bargained with, but is it too late to stop the Apocalypse?

My Review:
I found Faith of the Forsaken intriguing on many levels. The angels and demons roaming around, influencing humans, and battling each other. The humans dealing with their daily lives, finding themselves acting out of character, thinking the terrible things they’re doing were their own idea.

The story was deeper than I’d expected based on having read the other books by this author, whose works tend towards the absurd, but always seem to wrangle up a point and always amuse me in some way or the other.

In Faith of the Forsaken, faith itself is a central theme. Those who have it are bound by it, rely on it, and in the case of the demons, are restrained by it. Those who’ve lost it are devastated, having to find their own reasons to be and do, and sometimes failing to find those reasons.

Despite the heavy nature of some of the things going on, there was still enough of the ironic and the absurd to result in a few chuckles. The demon romance, the slow loris (google it), and the ultimate being reminding folks just why he’s ultimate in quite an ultimate way are just a few.

The characters and the plot are well developed and interesting on both sides of good and evil. The story progresses in a believable way within the confines of the Christian faith assuming one had a window into the unseen. The arguments, the predictions, and the biblical references come across as believable as well. The story doesn’t take itself too seriously, but there’s an attention to detail that I think folks will appreciate.

Overall, I loved this book. Fans of angels and demons, fantasy, and battles between good and evil will very likely enjoy this story. It’s deep and light at the same time. Plenty of action, battles, and build up, as well.

I received the review copy of this book from the author.


About the Author:
Jonathan-David Jackson was born in Gastonia, North Carolina, at 3 in the morning on May 14, 1987. At first, he could not walk, talk, or indeed use the toilet. After a year of intensive training in NC, he moved his family to Kingsport, Tennessee, where he finally overcame those early disabilities. Soon, he was walking and talking as good as anyone, and perhaps better. Walking and talking wasn't good enough, though, so he also learned to write.

He wrote and wrote, and with gentle encouragement from his wife, he finally wrote a book. Then he wrote this biography. Then he wrote other books. Perhaps he'll do more things; that would certainly be exciting.

Amazon  |  Goodreads  |  Website


Tuesday, October 9, 2018

Epic Fantasy Review: Toils of the Valiant (The Lael Chronicles #2) by Julius Bailey

Toils of the Valiant: Book Two of the Chronicles of Vrandalin (The Lael Chronicles #2)
by Julius Bailey


Description:
DOOM COMES. FAITH WAVERS. HOPE HANGS IN THE BALANCE.

The battle for Darfrandor is over, but there is neither time nor mood for celebration. Having received word of the approaching power of the Dread Palace, time is yet again in short supply for Brandegan, Allon, and Merch—and all of Vrandalin with them.

Heeding lessons learned from before and during the battle with the Morkathleam, Brandegan decides to leave Darfrandor without delay. Though he renders a stark warning to the people of the capital that there can be no victory in the fight against Ezirg Haur without the intervention of the Ayestærè, he begins to feel in his heart that the Vellneranians will never again have faith. Urging them to flee south on a desperate journey to Krandarmain Ilse, he leaves them to their choice. Yet the journey south will present Brandegan himself with hard choices to grapple, and force the silver-haired man to confront not only perils of the future, but burdens of the past.

For Allon Bracken, the way forward seems both clear and clouded. His will knows that he is not the same man that fled Varalel, yet his heart will soon discover that some wounds remain tender long. He must come to terms with both shortly, for in this time of final deeds, the hurting and the lost, the fearful and the hopeless, commoner and noble alike, will need someone to lead them.

As for Merch Provender, his difficulties come in many forms. From the worry over his home village, to the increasingly constant necessity to kill or be killed…to the often withheld thoughts and feelings of a new traveling companion. Yet all these difficulties must be overcome, for the clock is counting, and ale won’t last forever.

But for Parma the healer, leagues to the south in the proud city of Mariz, darkness has already arrived. Only newly loosening the grip of cold policies enacted against the southeasterners by Governor Parfidy, she is forced to push back against the malice of mysterious bandits who threaten the lives of those she protects. But in doing so she discovers a sinister plot against Mariz itself, and soon finds herself fighting the ghosts and foes from a past wrought with heartache. It will cost her bitterly.

Sacrifices are made, bonds are broken, and the powers of the realm are shaken in this epic conclusion to the tale that began in Strife of the Mighty. Let the faithful keep strong.


My Review:
Toils of the Valiant is the second in the Lael Chronicles, a story set in a fantasy world beset by a growing evil that threatens the people of Vrandalin. Brandegan, the ageless warrior, leads Merch and Allon, and new companion, Lairen, on a quest to Mariz, while in Mariz, Parma and Lora work against a deceptive threat to the southeasterners who have taken shelter there.

I spent the first 20% or so re-acquainting with the characters and the storyline. The next 30% getting into the story as it ramped up to a mid-book climax. Very exciting and good action sequences. Stopped at around 59% because it felt like an ending. That’s the problem with mid-book climaxes.  Killed the momentum.

But, let me tell you, when I picked it up again after a little break, I enjoyed it and finished it pretty rapidly. The final battle was almost as exciting as the mid-book one, and I really enjoyed how Merch and Allon stepped up as new heroes.

This is the second book I’ve read by this author, and I must say it reads and feels just like I expect from epic fantasy. Merch and Allon still reminded me of hobbits, but other than that, good stuff. There’s magic, battles, and heroism from unlikely sources. Lore and mystical beings, both good and evil. This book felt like an ending, but there was a hint of future adventures.

Overall, I loved this book and would recommend it to fans of epic fantasy.

I received an ARC of this book from the author.


About the Author:


Adventurer, wonderer and wanderer, creative thinker and eccentrically unconventional, Julius Bailey tends to tread the peculiar paths. Born to the humidity, tropical sights, and gators of Florida, he lived in the Sunshine State for fourteen years of his life before moving to the rolling hills and red clay of Oklahoma. At the age of twelve he fell in love with a book called ‘The Secrets of Droon: The Hidden Stairs and the Magic Carpet.’ From thence his love of reading bloomed. Having taken a keen interest in the fantastical realms of Fantasy, his jaunts mainly focus thitherward. He currently resides upon a hilltop thronged with hilltops, and avidly welcomes communication from his readers.

Author Links:
http://juliusbailey.blogspot.com/
Twitter@kingdomwanderer
Goodreads


New to the series?
Check out my review of Book 1, Strife of the Mighty, on the blog at PureTextuality.com here.

Tuesday, July 31, 2018

Fantasy Review: The Immortal Heights (The Elemental Trilogy #3) by Sherry Thomas

The Immortal Heights (The Elemental Trilogy #3)
by Sherry Thomas

Description:
In a pursuit that has spanned continents, Iolanthe, Titus, and their friends have always managed to remain one step ahead of the forces of Atlantis.
But now the Bane, the monstrous tyrant who bestrides the entire mage world, has issued his ultimatum: Titus must hand over Iolanthe, or watch as his entire realm is destroyed in a deadly rampage. Running out of time and options, Iolanthe and Titus must act decisively to deliver a final blow to the Bane, ending his reign of terror for good.

However, getting to the Bane means accomplishing the impossible—finding a way to infiltrate his crypt in the deepest recesses of the most ferociously guarded fortress in Atlantis. And everything is only made more difficult when new prophecies come to light, foretelling a doomed effort…

Iolanthe and Titus will put their love and their lives on the line. But will it be enough?

With The Immortal Heights, Sherry Thomas brings the acclaimed Elemental Trilogy to its breathtaking conclusion.


My Review:
This is a rather awesome ending to the trilogy. It had me guessing all the way to the end, and then some.

Their endgame is all or nothing and I particularly love how they push on and through despite some rather ominous revelations.

Anyhow, don’t want to spoil it. I’ll leave it as strongly recommended.

I borrowed this audiobook from the library.


About the Author:
Sherry Thomas writes both historical romance and young adult fantasy.

On the romance side, she is one of the most acclaimed authors working in the genre today, her books regularly receiving starred reviews and best-of-the-year honors from trade publications. She is also a two-time winner of Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA® Award.

On the young adult fantasy side, there isn’t much to report yet, her debut book, THE BURNING SKY, book 1 of the Elemental Trilogy, has received a starred review from Publishers Weekly and been named to the Autumn ’13 Kids’ Indie Next List.

Sherry writes in her second language. She learned English by reading romance and science fiction—every word Isaac Asimov ever wrote, in fact. She is proud to say that her son is her biggest fanboy—for the YA fantasy, not the romances. At least, not yet…


Author Links:
Website
Twitter @sherrythomas
Amazon
Goodreads


Books by this Author:

The Elemental Trilogy (this series):


Lady Sherlock Historical Mysteries:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/bookseries/B01N5R9HMM/kindle/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll2&tag=ireatoomuc-20&linkId=a647763006601bb4159cb69e9e476f6ehttps://www.amazon.com/gp/bookseries/B01N5R9HMM/kindle/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll2&tag=ireatoomuc-20&linkId=a647763006601bb4159cb69e9e476f6ehttps://www.amazon.com/gp/bookseries/B01N5R9HMM/kindle/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll2&tag=ireatoomuc-20&linkId=a647763006601bb4159cb69e9e476f6e

The Fitzhugh Trilogy:



The London Trilogy:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/bookseries/B00VISQ3Y0/kindle/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll2&tag=ireatoomuc-20&linkId=7097c73e7b263a96386706e48970f48chttps://www.amazon.com/gp/bookseries/B00VISQ3Y0/kindle/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll2&tag=ireatoomuc-20&linkId=7097c73e7b263a96386706e48970f48c

The Heart of Blade:



I'm not exactly certain I found all of Sherry's books. Take a look at her Amazon page to discover more.

Tuesday, July 3, 2018

Fantasy Review: The Perilous Sea (The Elemental Trilogy #2) by Sherry Thomas

The Perilous Sea (The Elemental Trilogy #2)
by Sherry Thomas

Description:
After spending the summer away from each other, Titus and Iolanthe (still disguised as Archer Fairfax) are eager to return to Eton College to resume their training to fight the Bane. Although no longer bound to Titus by a blood oath, Iolanthe is more committed than ever to fulfilling her destiny—especially with the agents of Atlantis quickly closing in.

Soon after arriving at school, though, Titus makes a shocking discovery, one that makes him question everything he previously believed about their mission. Faced with this devastating realization, Iolanthe is forced to come to terms with her new role, while Titus must choose between following his mother's prophecies—and forging a divergent path to an unknowable future.


My Review:
This installment was very exciting.

Another thing I enjoyed was the stacked storyline. It’s like two full books told in parallel. One of the stories picks up where we left off in the last book. The other picks up where the other storyline will leave off, but it leaves so much in question that it adds a great deal of tension. I wondered the whole time what could have possibly happened. Sure, the author could have just told it all in chronological order, but I think this novel approach worked out well.

Highly recommended.

I borrowed this audiobook from the library.


About the Author:
Sherry Thomas writes both historical romance and young adult fantasy.

On the romance side, she is one of the most acclaimed authors working in the genre today, her books regularly receiving starred reviews and best-of-the-year honors from trade publications. She is also a two-time winner of Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA® Award.

On the young adult fantasy side, there isn’t much to report yet, her debut book, THE BURNING SKY, book 1 of the Elemental Trilogy, has received a starred review from Publishers Weekly and been named to the Autumn ’13 Kids’ Indie Next List.

Sherry writes in her second language. She learned English by reading romance and science fiction—every word Isaac Asimov ever wrote, in fact. She is proud to say that her son is her biggest fanboy—for the YA fantasy, not the romances. At least, not yet…


Author Links:
Website
Twitter @sherrythomas
Amazon
Goodreads


Books by this Author:

The Elemental Trilogy (this series):


Lady Sherlock Historical Mysteries:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/bookseries/B01N5R9HMM/kindle/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll2&tag=ireatoomuc-20&linkId=a647763006601bb4159cb69e9e476f6ehttps://www.amazon.com/gp/bookseries/B01N5R9HMM/kindle/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll2&tag=ireatoomuc-20&linkId=a647763006601bb4159cb69e9e476f6ehttps://www.amazon.com/gp/bookseries/B01N5R9HMM/kindle/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll2&tag=ireatoomuc-20&linkId=a647763006601bb4159cb69e9e476f6e

The Fitzhugh Trilogy:



The London Trilogy:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/bookseries/B00VISQ3Y0/kindle/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll2&tag=ireatoomuc-20&linkId=7097c73e7b263a96386706e48970f48chttps://www.amazon.com/gp/bookseries/B00VISQ3Y0/kindle/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll2&tag=ireatoomuc-20&linkId=7097c73e7b263a96386706e48970f48c

The Heart of Blade:



I'm not exactly certain I found all of Sherry's books. Take a look at her Amazon page to discover more.

Tuesday, June 12, 2018

Fantasy Review: The Burning Sky (The Elemental Trilogy #1) by Sherry Thomas

The Burning Sky (The Elemental Trilogy #1)
by Sherry Thomas


Description:
It all began with a ruined elixir and a bolt of lightning.

Iolanthe Seabourne is the greatest elemental mage of her generation—or so she's been told. The one prophesied for years to be the savior of The Realm. It is her duty and destiny to face and defeat the Bane, the most powerful tyrant and mage the world has ever known. This would be a suicide task for anyone, let alone a reluctant sixteen-year-old girl with no training.

Guided by his mother's visions and committed to avenging his family, Prince Titus has sworn to protect Iolanthe even as he prepares her for their battle with the Bane. But he makes the terrifying mistake of falling in love with the girl who should have been only a means to an end. Now, with the servants of the tyrant closing in, Titus must choose between his mission—and her life.

The Burning Sky—the first book in the Elemental Trilogy—is an electrifying and unforgettable novel of intrigue and adventure.


My Review:
I totally adored this trilogy. From the first pages, Iolanthe and Titus just click as heroine and hero.
I think Iolanthe having to hide in plain sight, Titus trying to push down the knowledge of his personal doom, and the two of them trying to disregard their attraction for each other all play to the reader’s advantage.

I also found the humor in this story to be spot on. Iolanthe as Fairfax has quite a charm about her (him). The interplay between her and the other boys at Eton and with Titus feels natural and quick witted.

As for the prophesies, they drive the tension and are woven in just enough to make you want more and hope against hope that some of them won’t come true.

Overall, I adored this and would recommend it to fans of fantasy set in the real world.

I borrowed this audiobook from the library. The fellow who narrates it does a fantastic job of carrying off the humor and the timing.


About the Author:
Sherry Thomas writes both historical romance and young adult fantasy.

On the romance side, she is one of the most acclaimed authors working in the genre today, her books regularly receiving starred reviews and best-of-the-year honors from trade publications. She is also a two-time winner of Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA® Award.

On the young adult fantasy side, there isn’t much to report yet, her debut book, THE BURNING SKY, book 1 of the Elemental Trilogy, has received a starred review from Publishers Weekly and been named to the Autumn ’13 Kids’ Indie Next List.

Sherry writes in her second language. She learned English by reading romance and science fiction—every word Isaac Asimov ever wrote, in fact. She is proud to say that her son is her biggest fanboy—for the YA fantasy, not the romances. At least, not yet…


Author Links:
Website
Twitter @sherrythomas
Amazon
Goodreads


Books by this Author:

The Elemental Trilogy (this series):


Lady Sherlock Historical Mysteries:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/bookseries/B01N5R9HMM/kindle/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll2&tag=ireatoomuc-20&linkId=a647763006601bb4159cb69e9e476f6ehttps://www.amazon.com/gp/bookseries/B01N5R9HMM/kindle/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll2&tag=ireatoomuc-20&linkId=a647763006601bb4159cb69e9e476f6ehttps://www.amazon.com/gp/bookseries/B01N5R9HMM/kindle/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll2&tag=ireatoomuc-20&linkId=a647763006601bb4159cb69e9e476f6e

The Fitzhugh Trilogy:



The London Trilogy:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/bookseries/B00VISQ3Y0/kindle/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll2&tag=ireatoomuc-20&linkId=7097c73e7b263a96386706e48970f48chttps://www.amazon.com/gp/bookseries/B00VISQ3Y0/kindle/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll2&tag=ireatoomuc-20&linkId=7097c73e7b263a96386706e48970f48c

The Heart of Blade:



I'm not exactly certain I found all of Sherry's books. Take a look at her Amazon page to discover more.