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Secrets of the Elders (#1) by David Matthew Almond

04 Sep 2014 2 Comments

by Amy in 3 Stars, Chronicles of Acadia, Epic Fantasy, Fantasy, General Tags: chronicles of acadia, d. m. almond, david matthew almond, epic fantasy, fantasy, science fiction adventure, three stars

Published: 5th June 2014
Publisher: CreateSpace
Pages: 320
Format: ebook
Genre: Fantasy
★ ★ ★ – 3 Stars

After their peaceful village, Riverbell, is raided by the foul monstrous skex, brothers Logan and Corbin Walker find themselves caught in a race against time, desperate to warn the capitol before the deadly skex arrive to wreak the same havoc upon the unsuspecting people of Fal.

Never could they imagine, that this would only be the very beginning of their unforgettable journey, when Logan is suddenly exiled from the kingdom for a crime he did not commit. On the run, doggedly avoiding his own brother, sent to pursue the wanted criminal, can Logan Walker possibly hope to stay free long enough to unravel the Secrets of the Elders?

And So the Fourth Age of Acadia begins…

The World of Acadia

Ages long past, forced to abandon the surface, mankind descended inside the core of their planet, fleeing an impending xenocide at the hands of the mighty Jotnar invaders and settling a new homeland among the deep forests in the wide caverns of Vanidriell, under the light of the Great Crystal Baetylus.

Note: I was provided a copy for review

This book is a great introduction to the Chronicles of Acadia series and the world in which it is set. There is a gradual development and introduction to the people and environment, increasing slowly through the novel while still being quite intense at times, giving the reader time to adjust to what is happening but without being too slow moving or leaving them without explanation. There is clearly room to grow and develop further in the series allowing new discoveries to be made for the readers to enjoy not only in the story, but also in expanding on the structure of Almond’s world and with his characters,

The main characters are the Walker brothers, Logan and Corbin, but there are numerous others that bring this story to life and give it its intricacies, complexities, and twists and turns and hidden secrets. I liked Logan, he is cheeky, a trickster, and doesn’t take life too seriously. He is skilled and clever, but chooses to look for fun in life rather than work. And while he tries to do what is right, sometimes that does not always go as planned, but he is always willing to help people, even those he has just met.

The best expression of Logan’s character is when he is forced to run after being accused of a crime he didn’t commit. He does his best to understand what has happened, and even though he is helpless, he stays strong and stays determined in his plans. This is where Logan’s character is really shown, away from the jester. He is resourceful and clever, and knows what he wants; something that is evident at other times throughout the novel as well.

Corbin on the other hand is almost the opposite and as a character he is intriguing. As the younger brother he takes things more seriously and it is clear he is easily swayed by those in authority. He is influenced and warped by others with their own agendas, but he is also a caring brother and loves the people around him. He is skilled and trained well, and being a hunter in his village it is these skills he uses to track down his brother and try and bring him back. With his own determination Corbin is driven by loyalty and duty, but there also clear indications of love for his family and friends. I liked that it was the older brother who was immature and played around instead of typically the younger one, and there is also a great dynamic between the Walker brothers that alternates between love, irritation, and jesting.

The world Almond has created is creative and clever, not only with the history and cause for the underworld’s development, but also the intricate society and different towns and cities that make up the world. What was interesting was the culture of the people in Riverbell. They weren’t primitive but they were almost from a combined selection of different eras, somewhat tribal in their culture and society, very proper and formal in their speech and manner, and just clearly a simpler time in their lifestyle, all rolled into one. Each place has a different manner or dialect, but what was curious about Riverbell’s was their somewhat formal nature as well as their naivety to certain things. In a weird way it brought this novel back to reality, seeing these different locations and contrasts reminds you that it is still kind of based in our world, but at the same time it is worlds apart. Being below the surface the people are raised on the culture they are told, with the history of the old world being passed down through generations. I liked that while the world is in the future, and the concept seems advanced and detailed, the people are not always as advanced or futuristic.

There are many moments where you think the story is going in one direction but then it doesn’t. It feels like you are going along a story path only to have it changed suddenly to something else. This means you are never quite sure what will play out, but the world and concept Almond has designed offers a few parallels to the real world, but it also opens up a new place of exploration.

While I enjoyed the start of the book, curious and engaged even with the events, it wasn’t until the end of the book that I really got into it. But that was after getting to know these characters and after new revelations, twists and turns, and a bit more of an understanding is established about the world. I lost a little interest for a bit somewhere around the middle though. I’m not sure why, whether it was pace, the story, or something else, but it soon peaked my interest even stronger towards the end. By the end of the book I wanted to read the next one and I am eager to see where this story is headed. Almond hasn’t given too much away with his first book but what he has revealed shows it is certainly heading towards something captivating and hopefully towards more answers to help unravel the mystery we’ve been introduced to.

Hand of Chaos by J. Hamlet

01 Sep 2014 Leave a comment

by Amy in 3 Stars, General Tags: ebook, fantasy, j. hamlet, supernatural, three stars

Published: 4th September 2013
Publisher: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Pages: 313
Format: ebook
Genre: Fantasy/Supernatural
★ ★ ★ – 3 Stars

Exhausted, cynical, and confused, Anna is always there to report for duty. She’s part of a clandestine government team that defends the nation against supernatural terrorism-which, in all honesty, is enough to drive anyone to drink. Toss in a fear of intimacy with a desire to have friends and lovers like a normal person and, well, Anna is a walking, talking contradiction, albeit one wrapped in a special agent with arcane, magical powers of her own. And at five-thirty in the morning with a zombie-infested apartment building in the heart of Washington, DC, you’ve got the makings of the worst morning…

Note: I was provided a copy for review

When I finished this book I was trying to find the words to describe it and interesting is what I came up with. Hamlet has created a story that is curious and engaging by giving us a supernatural aspect to our world that also looks at religious figures in a different way. Nothing is explained in detail to you, instead snippets and hints are referenced throughout and while there is a lot untold, what is revealed is adequate for the events in the story and still manage to help create rounded and detailed characters.

This style of writing doesn’t leave you confused, though in some ways you really could have a detailed background on each character because they are unique and fascinating, instead you tend to just accept who they are and move on, learning more about them through their actions rather than explanations. Hamlet also uses dialogue and narrative to allow the reader to pick up on details about these characters and still lets you discover more even towards the end.

I enjoyed the story Hamlet has created. It is a good concept and while a little daunting as you take in the grand scale of this supernatural world and the characters in it, it works really well and draws you in, each character playing their role well. Hamlet uses this fantasy/supernatural aspect wonderfully with complicated and complex details and depth making them believable and real, and helps the reader easily understand and accept that it could occur.

We are dropped into this story at the start of a new case for Anna and it is through this initial event that we start to understand the world. The supernatural elements are interesting because while the story takes place very much in the real world, the supernatural side is a hidden and secret part with magic and necromancers involved in our everyday lives, plus there is a curious take on religion that brings out the darker sides.

Since we are thrown into this alternate reality you must work to keep up with not just the story but discovering and learning about it as well. This makes it interesting and Hamlet’s engaging characters pull you alone nicely. They are very real and are able to acknowledge their flaws. With many background people involved though it can easily get confusing at times but nothing over the top and they all play a part in the overall story.

As a villain Ethan plays his role well. His cause is justified in his eyes and he is clever which makes him an interesting and engaging adversary. Anna and the others in the team are all different as well and through the story you pick up more of what they do and who they are. We are casually informed through the narrative and dialogue but there are moments where information and certain details are provided for reader purposes.

I thought there may be a sequel but it isn’t part of a series which is a shame because I could read more about these characters, learn more about who they are and see where the events of this book take them. This doesn’t mean there isn’t enough to satisfy. A good concept, interesting and well executed narrative plus engaging characters bring this novel together and while it is unique and creative, it is also consistently interesting and with enough reality, supernatural, and action balanced together, it keeps you turning the page and makes you wonder if there really is a little bit of the supernatural world hidden in plain sight.

Edit: I have just been informed it is going to be part of a series so that’s great! I look forward to reading the rest and seeing where it goes.

Dangerous Reflections (#1) by Shay West

25 Aug 2014 Leave a comment

by Amy in 3 Stars, Adventures of Alexis Davenport, Science Fiction, Young Adult Tags: adventures of alexis davenport, ebook, historical, science fiction, shay west, three stars, young adult

Published: 17th June 2014
Publisher: Booktrope Editions
Pages: 214
Format: ebook
Genre: Young Adult/Historical/Science Fiction
★ ★ ★ – 3 Stars

Alexis Davenport wants to go home. She hates her new school, her mother for moving her away from her friends, and her father for walking out.

To make matters worse, Alex is haunted by images of strange girls reflected in her mirror. It’s bad enough juggling homework, a relentless bully, boys, and a deadbeat dad; now, she must save the world from an evil presence hell-bent on changing the past – and our futures. Who knew her A+ in history was going to be this important?

Note: I was provided a copy of this book for review.

I like the concept that West has created, it is clever, interesting, and has room to grow and develop. Trying to find out why someone is trying to alter history and change key moments in time is fascinating in itself, but added with the fact Alex is the one to stop them, a girl unaware of her abilities and thrown into this situation makes it an intriguing read. I enjoyed the gradual progression into discovering Alex’s abilities. Starting slow allows a believable development in the emergence of her gift and it also makes it a good introduction for the reader. Once Alex understands more so does the reader, and allows the narrative to move on and increases the enjoyment of the story that one step further. This progression ends when Alex is physically drawn in through the mirror and finds herself out of her own time and out of her own body. Alex is pulled against her will into history, not knowing where she will end up or why.

There is no real introduction into Alex’s abilities, we are confused just like she is, but she handles it surprisingly well. Whether her love of history trumps the fear of what has occurred, or even an ingrained sense of her abilities I don’t know. I think also that when you are living something, regardless of when or where, you get caught up in the situation, something which is evident in the events of not just Alex’s first journey but the others as well. It isn’t until she returns and has time to process that she can reflect on what has happened.

Alex’s ability to travel into the past is not the sole focus of the story. The novel starts with Alex and her mother moving to live with her aunt after her father leaves. This gives us an introduction into Alex and the anger she feels towards her mother and the inconvenience she believes it has added to her life. These feelings balance out somewhat, rearing their head on occasion, but it isn’t long before Alex settles in with new friends and learns to like her new town.

The two sides of the story are not connected by anything other than Alex at this point. Alex is still a regular girl trying to get through high school, survive bullies, and get the attention of the boy she likes. There is a message about self confidence and being yourself, as well as the troubles of being a teenager, especially a fifteen year old girl, trying to fit in. It is sad in the beginning watching Alex try to be a different person, trying to be the person she thought she should be but it’s nice watching this attitude change as the book goes on. Alex experiences new things through her time in the past and gains confidence in herself to be who she is and not worry about what others think.

Having said that she is still prone to the temper tantrums and hissy fits she has in the beginning. I understood Alex’s sullen and angry nature at the beginning when we are told about her dad and the move, but she falls into the whiny teenager very quickly when things don’t go her way. I understand there are factors such as bullying that lead to a few of these, but they seem so extreme and a little childish, not like a teenage outburst at all. I felt that when she got upset about something she almost changed personalities. She doesn’t seem selfish or childish until things don’t go her way and when this happens it doesn’t seem to fit.

I can’t put my finger on it but the writing style didn’t always sit right either. I liked the story when Alex is in the past, the writing feels natural and runs smoothly, but when it came to her everyday life something seemed off, maybe a little bit stilted, it wasn’t enough that it threw you off the story but I did notice a difference. I don’t think that was intentional, certainly the story itself was interesting though you could almost claim the story rushed in places, but perhaps it is because we stay more within Alex’s thoughts rather than alternating to others like her mother and her friends’ thoughts at times.

As I say, when she is in the past or discussing her journeys it is very engaging. The more often Alex goes on these journeys the better she gets at coping and you are able to see that she is learning. She gains more memories of the person she inhabits, hones in on her skills and adapts more easily. In West’s writing you are also able to see the smooth blending of Alex’s mind and the other person’s. She alternates effortlessly between her memories and those of the host, and she inhabits the body well, allowing you to accept for a moment she is actually the other person, not just Alex’s spirit inside another person.

West also gives us a small insight into the other side of the story, the perspective of the man trying to change history. Nothing is given away, but through hints and clues, and combined with what Alex learns the puzzle can be pieced together, but is still nowhere near complete. I like that this is added in the first book, it is a tease of what is happening and gives us a mystery to hang on to besides total uncertainty or having to wait for further books to know more.

What I liked with West’s writing was the way we often understand things after the fact. Through Alex’s journeys and the numerous perspectives, you are able to gain a small understanding about what is happening. Seeing the “villain’s” point on view offers some information, but Alex also helps us understand as she tries to make sense of it to herself. We also learn a little about Alex’s gift through others, but we aren’t told, West lets us piece it together, and even then there are a lot of unanswered questions.

There is a lot more I could say about this book, there is a lot going on from both sides of Alex’s life that are worth mentioning but I would end up with an essay. I enjoyed both sides of Alex’s life and see a great start to a series forming, certainly one that captures the modern and historical. I have no doubt we will learn a lot more about Alex and the mysterious man in the next book and it is evident West has created a premise that is intriguing enough to make you want to keep reading. With a cliff hanger of sorts West leaves enough open ends to tempt you but also enough answers to satisfy you with a creative concept that not only mystifies, but requires a solution and an explanation not just for the characters, but for the readers as well.

Purchase Dangerous Reflections via the following

Amazon

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iTunes

Lycanthor the Werewolf (The Dragon Fyre Blade #1) by Aiden Storm

24 Jul 2014 Leave a comment

by Amy in 3 Stars, General, Junior Fiction Tags: aiden storm, ebook, fantasy, junior fiction, three stars

Published: 1 July 2014
Publisher: Dreaming Empire
Pages: 71
Format: ebook
Genre: Junior Fiction/Fantasy
★ ★ ★ – 3 Stars

Note: I was provided a copy for review

Thirteen year old Jack is spending the summer at his Aunt’s house in the country. Unfortunately, it’s done nothing but rain and he’s stuck in her old mansion without cable or internet. Bored and alone, he sets out to explore the house. When he reaches the attic, he finds an intricate and unusual mural painted on the walls. Life for Jack gets turned upside down when he stumbles and is transported through a portal into a magical world.

For Jasyra, the daughter of the High King, life couldn’t be worse. Her father has been turned to glass, her kingdom has been taken over by the Demon Emperor, and she and her friend, Evooku, have been exiled. The only way to save the land is to reassemble the Dragon Fyre Blade, but the Demon Emperor has hidden all six pieces and each is guarded by great mythical beasts. There is only one person who can help restore peace, but it has been said that he is not of their land.

When Jack awakens in the Great Forest of Karandur, he encounters Jasyra and Evooku. He discovers the only way home is to band together to fight the evil Lycanthor, a giant werewolf that guards a piece of the Dragon Fyre Blade. But first they have to make it through an enchanted land full of danger.

The Queen of Light appears to Jack and delivers a gift, as well as a revelation. He, Jasyra and Evooku form an unlikely friendship along the way and lasting bonds are made when they realize they are Karandur’s only hope. Will the trio be able to defeat Lycanthor and save the kingdom from an eternity of despair?

Lycanthor the Werewolf is the first book in the Dragon Fyre Blade series and tells the story of Jack, a thirteen year old who has found himself in the magical realm of Karandur and must help save the kingdom from the Demon Emperor who has taken control of the land. The story that Storm has presented is interesting and has some great action throughout the story. It has the potential to be a great series but while the story itself was engaging there were some things missing and I felt it lacked the well rounded introduction not just a new land, but to the characters as well.

One of the things I noticed was that for some reason I kept forgetting Jack was supposed to be thirteen, I kept imagining him as younger. I don’t know why, perhaps it was the way he spoke, or how he thought; it didn’t have the voice of a thirteen year old. But I think this was due to the fact that there wasn’t a lot of depth to Jack’s character, or to the others really. There is a lot about the other characters we don’t know, and while Storm provides a little character detail for Jack and Jasyra, we know nothing about Evooku aside from a physical description. Being the first of six books there is a chance that more information will be revealed about these characters, but being a first introduction it seems odd that a little more wasn’t explained to Jack or to the reader, especially about Evooku who is a key character. Understandably, plot wise Jack does arrive in the middle of a quest as it were, but I felt he didn’t ask enough questions. And even though he has a revelation and understands more when he meets the Queen of Light, the readers are still left in the dark about certain things.

Aside from that the story is good, I actually liked how Jack came into the middle of Jasyra’s quest as they were hunting for the blade as it means there is action almost immediately, it follows on well from the prologue. The narrative focuses on a small period of time but makes good use of it, especially with the events that occur. Jack gets thrown into the world at a crucial moment and there is no time initially to stop and take it in and as a result we get to see him think on his feet quite well. Jasyra is also a good character; she is strong and determined and is the person who provides us with a little more information about their mission. Her attitude to Jack is one that starts off harsh but softens as the story goes on. I liked her because she has a clear goal in mind, and while Jack seems to have arrived and interrupted, she is not going to let him ruin her plans and she puts him to work almost instantly to help. Jack’s role in this quest is interesting. How he helps initially is based on the orders he gets and doesn’t come across as a prophesised saviour per se, but you can see hints of it develop as the story goes on, even if it is only slightly, and he soon comes into his own as they hunt down Lycanthor.

With his aunt’s mural being the link between worlds it is clear that Jack is the destined hero the kingdom is after, but this element is not really addressed once Jack is in Karandur. Before he lands in the world there is a great and very detailed description of the mural that creates a great image in your mind, but I would have liked a little bit more focus on the house and what the connection was (if any) between it and Karandur. That may have been a personal issue though and you do get caught up in the story quite quickly to really get to think about it. Hopefully this is something that is addressed in later books though because it could be an interesting addition.

Overall the narrative itself is interesting, and I thought the writing style was suitable for the intended audience and the characters were intriguing. And aside from feeling a little let down by the lack of information in parts and some unanswered questions the story was still engaging and enjoyable to read. There is definitely the start of a good series here, one that Storm will hopefully continue to expand and develop on further as we follow these characters in finishing off their quest to save the kingdom.

Runaway Joe by David Hight

15 Apr 2014 Leave a comment

by Amy in 3 Stars, General Tags: david hight, ebook, literary fiction, three stars

Published: February 8th, 2014
Publisher: Self Published
Format: Ebook
Genre: Literary Fiction
★ ★ ★ – 3 Stars

Note: I was asked for a review by the author

Runaway Joe is the story of a young drifter who has isolated himself from the rest of humanity, both physically and emotionally. Until in the summer of 1972, he meets an exceptional young woman, who introduces him to the magic and power of theatre, taking him on a journey through his own mind, and healing his spirit in the process.
There’s a huge cast of characters that revolve around Joe’s story, and they’ll guide you through tales that run the gamut of human emotion and ethics.
Tragedy and sorrow, as well as triumph and joy are well represented. Grace and elegance, compassion and courtesy are there too. But it’s not all flowers and sunshine, there’s despair so deep, it’s crippling, there is maliciousness, manipulation, unconscionable villainy and horrifying insanity.

The story is about Joe, Vietnam Vet, now a wanderer who sells arrowheads and artifacts he finds in his travels. We’re introduced to Joe as he is heading to the east coast of America, hoping to arrive alongside a mystery letter he has mailed. Through the early chapters we grow to understand Joe through his reflections and flashbacks on his father and his childhood and we begin to understand who he is and why he is in the situation he’s in. These are very powerful chapters I felt, as they show the relationship and impact a parent can have on their child, as well as the lessons that stay with them years later.

Understanding who Joe is entirely is revealed in snippets as he chats to people who offer him a lift or through further reflections, flashbacks, and conversations sparked by events around him. The types of people and the conversations that happen with those who offer Joe a lift are certainly interesting; some people are very open in discussing their entire lives, while others are a key reason why no one should ever hitchhike. Ever.

Writing about the past is no doubt a hard task, trying to write about an era that has already happened with the knowledge and history of the years afterwards influencing how something is written. The social changes and opinions of the present day are established and by talking about the past the tendency to add a philosophical and prophetic tone to the narrative is tempting and it can also make it appear too reflective.

From early on there are many philosophical discussions and moments with characters, between Joe and his father, with Joe and strangers who offers him lifts, and eventually between Joe, Tom, and Laura, a father and daughter he gets to know after arriving in a small town. These discussions were an interesting aspect, for some characters it suited the context and worked well, while others seems out of place, either because of the character speaking or the context.

Whether it is the 70s setting, the United States location, or the literary fiction genre, I found the dialogue on occasion slightly tedious. I thought that sometimes the characters were saying more things than were necessary and occasionally it sounded out of character or unnatural as a realistic conversational tone. Character conversations often sound like narrative rather than believable conversation, especially when it does not always uphold this tone throughout. In doing so it makes the characters seem more than what they are portrayed to be, and when it returns to normal conversation it reads as stilted, I never got comfortable with the conversation tone that was depicted, no matter how casual it was intended to sound. I will admit though that like the philosophical discussions, these in-depth and detailed long conversations worked with some people and scenes and not with others.

Joe is usually very reserved but speaks with experience from what he has seen, and on occasion with an acceptable ignorance, Tom on the other hand speaks in a way that I thought didn’t suit his nature, for a man who holds many jobs in a small town he was often preachy and spoke like someone who knew everything about the world. Though being Police Chief, Judge, as well as running a farm could be explained for Tom’s manner, seeing what he does and having age and experience on his side, but with an air of judgement in his subtle lectures to Joe it always felt slightly patronising.

This highly philosophical and in-depth style of conversation worked well for Tom’s daughter Laura though. I saw her as a girl who was very talkative and passionate, very much the philosophical 70s girl who was going to university to be a playwright and actor and was going to be a star. After awhile the intense dialogue and philosophy lessens and conversations become slightly more natural though remain occasionally stiff and stilted. I never felt entirely convinced that there was a casual nature in the conversations but this perhaps could just be a result of genre.

The plot covers a short space of time, slightly longer if you included the extensive flashback in the middle, and in this space of time the development and evolution of Joe’s character is evident. Under the guise of Laura producing her play for the town we see changes in Joe, influenced by the theatre and the lessons learnt through Tom’s guidance and see him on the verge of becoming the man we are greeted with in the opening pages. He is a seemingly calm person but there is a darkness about him that gets him into trouble and as we see him change there are no quick solutions but an eagerness to try and redemption is clearly visible.

With the understanding this is a literary fiction book, which of course comes with certain tropes and expectations, some of these were a bit too prominent I found. In terms of narrative there was a lot of description, not even necessarily about certain people and their clothes which is common, but more in terms of actions. Every action was mentioned, often in extreme detail, and what could be told in a sentence was dragged out, almost tediously sometimes.

One aspect I found interesting was Laura’s play within the story. I find it rather commendable when authors include other unrelated stories within their stories, the act of creating not one workable story but another entirely different one within it is no doubt a challenge. They are also interesting to assess for quality, is it based on how good the reader thinks it is, or as we supposed to be influenced by how it is received by other characters in the book? Either way, the use of the play was a great marker as it allowed a lot of events and character developments on all sides to stem from this one event.

Overall I enjoyed the story. I understand the intention Hight was going for and the nature of the message that was trying to be conveyed, and in some respects I feel these were achieved, but overshadowed perhaps by difficult dialogue expression, over description, and maybe too little plot expansion, and quick fixes and explanations in some cases.