A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab

A Darker Shade of Magic (Shades of Magic #1)




Most people only know one London; but what if there were several? Kell is one of the last Travelers—magicians with a rare ability to travel between parallel Londons. There’s Grey London, dirty and crowded and without magic, home to the mad king George III. There’s Red London, where life and magic are revered. Then, White London, ruled by whoever has murdered their way to the throne. But once upon a time, there was Black London...

My Review:

Delicious. Even though not all the ideas in this book are original, the world-building, characters and magical system make up for anything we might have seen or heard before. Victoria (V.E.) Schwab's almost lyrical writing style is very pleasant and the pages seem to turn themselves in this must-read book!

The use of blood-magic, alternate Londons, and the creation of doors to reach these alternate worlds might remind us of plenty of other books, but the author puts her own twist on this, making for a very pleasant and thrilling read.

The characters are believable and well thought out and the two main characters (Kell and Lila) seem to have a chemistry that I hope will continue in future books.
The world building is spot on and the descriptions the author uses to describe the various Londons, placed me right in the action and I was able to 'feel' as if I was there.

White London and the Danes were definitely my favorite and I wish we could have spent a little more time there and found out a little bit more about this monarchal duo. I also wish I'd been given more info on the Holland's character, and of Vitari. I'm hoping that my questions regarding Vitari and Holland will be answered in the subsequent books.

All in all, a very entertaining and lovely dark read. The author succeeded on placing an original spin on ideas that have already happened before in other books. The dark and gritty feel of this story is certain to please readers across a wide range of genres. I look forward to reading the second book in this trilogy, 'A Gathering of Shadows', very soon. Happy Reading!

Iron Fist: The Fury of Iron Fist

Iron Fist Epic Collection: The Fury of Iron Fist








A Himalayan expedition to find the mystical city of K'un-Lun left nine-year-old Daniel Rand's parents dead, but he found the path to the K'un-Lun and there spent a decade training under its immortal inhabitants. He became an unmatched master of martial arts and spiritual control; armed with the shattering power of the iron fist, Daniel left immortality behind to set out into the Western world and avenge his parents' deaths. Packed with wall-to-wall kung fu action, Iron Fist runs a gauntlet through the Kara-Kai death cult, ninja adversaries, and mystic dimensions. COLLECTING: Vol. 1; Marvel Premiere (1972) 15-25, Iron Fist (1975) 1-15, Marvel Team-Up (1972) 63-64

My Review:

He channels his Chi, sends it down his arm, where his fist begins to glow, and then to smolder... to finally become like unto a thing of iron!!!

The awesome origin story of Iron Fist aka Danny Rand! This great volume collects the origin of Danny Rand along with his quest for vengeance for the death of his parents at the hands of a ruthless corporate powerhouse.
This volume collects issues from 1974-1977, a time when things were both simpler and much crazier in comics. The artwork is typical of the time and Byrne is able to shine with his penciling in a way that will leave the reader very happy. Storyline is good and interesting, even if the language of the 70s does irritate somewhat (albeit in a smirk-inducing way).
This origin story is quite different from the Netflix series currently on TV. It works for the comic, while the story on Netflix works for the show. If you've watched the show and think you know Danny Rand... think again! Pick this comic up and see what he's really made of.
Filled with lots of villains and surprise appearances by the X-Men, Wolverine and Spider-Man, this volume is not to be missed. Even Sabretooth had his first appearance in Iron Fist #14!
For lovers of 60s and 70s comics, kung-fu style action and comics from an era which was much simpler, I definitely recommend you pick this book up!
Happy Reading!

Inspector Hobbes and the Bones (Unhuman #4) by Wilkie Martin

Inspector Hobbes and the Bones (Unhuman #4)



There’s going to be trouble. Andy Caplet’s wife goes away, someone is out to get him, and he loses nearly everything in a storm. Amazing both himself and his unhuman friend Inspector Hobbes, he heroically rescues flood victims and uncovers something shocking.
Is Andy being set up for blackmail by the apparently charming young woman who attempts to seduce him, or is something even more sinister afoot? Hobbes certainly believes so, and he’s getting worried.

This is the fourth in Wilkie Martin’s unhuman series of cosy comedy crime fantasies.

My Review:

Wilkie Martin's fourth installment of the Inspector Hobbes series (cosy comedy crime fantasies), titled 'Inspector Hobbes and the Bones', was definitely the quirkiest book I've read in 2017!

I haven't read the previous three books yet, as I received this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Normally, I don't enter a series in mid-swing, but with this one I simply didn't have much choice. Despite myself being thrown in the cold water, the author did a good job of including details from past books (without giving away too much either), and I never felt like I was missing out on too much. If anything, I've been left with a desire to find out more about the origins of the characters and to find out about past cases which were mentioned in this book.

The characters are well thought out and charming. Inspector Hobbes is definitely a smooth operator and loves 'bending' the rules in order to get his man. I felt bad for poor Andy, as he certainly had the universe working against him at every turn in this book. 'The old gal' (Inspector Hobbes' cook), was also a hilarious character but also kind of scary at times. Again, it makes me want to read the previous books to find out more about these characters.

The plot was twisty and filled with lots of hilarious encounters. Again, poor Andy!
I didn't have the feeling that too much had been given away, nor did I see the ending coming before it was there.

I really believe, that readers interested in crime, supernatural elements, the undead, and easy going quirky books will absolutely love this one!! Despite joining the series on book four, I thoroughly enjoyed the story. The book definitely works as a stand-alone as well. Since reading this book, I've purchased the first book in the Unhuman series, 'Inspector Hobbes and the Blood'. I look forward to starting the series at book one, and will certainly leave a review on Goodreads and my blog.

Happy Reading!!! 







 

Our Lady of Fatima: 100 Years of Stories, Prayers, and Devotions by Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle

Our Lady of Fatima: 100 Years of Stories, Prayers, and Devotions

 

On May 13, 1917, the Virgin Mary first revealed herself to a trio of shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal. She would appear to them five more times over the course of the year until the great miracle of the sun on October 13, 1917. She brought a message of love and peace that was heard around the world—a sorely-needed antidote to the ravages of World War I. To mark the 100th anniversary of the apparitions, Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle provides a one-stop guide to the tradition, history and spirituality of Our Lady of Fatima, including the testimonies of those who have made the pilgrimage and prayers for those who share this devotion.

In Our Lady of Fatima, award-winning author, journalist, pilgrimage host and host of EWTN’s Everyday Blessings for Catholic Moms and Catholic Mom's Café Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle offers a mini-Fatima retreat—an “armchair pilgrimage,” if you will. This collection of prayers, testimonies and reflections will bring to life the events of Fatima and help you find ways to apply Mary’s Fatima message to the nitty-gritty details of your daily life.

Each chapter begins with a quote by or about the Blessed Mother before delving into a key aspect of the story of Mary’s appearances to nine-year-old Lúcia Santos and her cousins, Jacinta and Francisco Marto. A prayer, a simple reflection and a doable call to action transform this book from a simple historical retelling into a practical devotional.
The Blessed Mother’s Fatima message is needed now more than ever. The uncertainty of global events can seep into our daily worries, creating fear and anxiety that’s difficult to overcome. Our Lady of Fatima is a welcome remedy for that worry. In it, you’ll find a chance to grow in faith and holiness, as well as a needed dose of inspiration, hope and peace in following its advice and suggestions, and in praying the prayers.

 My Review:

Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle has written a beautiful and deeply devotional book in 'Our Lady of Fatima: 100 Years of Stories, Prayers and Devotions'. A must read book, especially in 2017 to celebrate the 100 year anniversary of the start of the apparitions in Fatima, Portugal.

The author tells the story of Lucia, Jacinta and Francisco in parts which are very easy to read and each part includes prayers and devotions that help the reader grow spiritually and to internalize the messages of Our Lady of Fatima.

Of particular interest are the included quotes and writings from church leaders such as St. Pope John Paul II and of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. It helps the reader to further see the importance of these events that occurred one hundred years ago, on a larger scale, particularly how the messages and petitions of Our Lady of Fatima affect numerous nations.

A significant part of the book is also about Mother Theresa, and her efforts to have a Miraculous Medal present in the Kremlin at the time of the Consecration of Russia to the Immaculate Heart. Of further interest, are the devotions that Our Lady calls all people to, such as the 'Five First Saturdays' devotion. A devotion that has been largely placed aside and forgotten, as many people simply concentrate on the prophesies of Fatima.

This book is a gem that will help anyone to live out the messages of the Blessed Mother of Fatima. It is a book very much directed at a Catholic audience already familiar with either the Catholic Church or some of its doctrines. It is also a very prayerful and devotional book that helps the reader integrate the extremely important messages of Our Lady of Fatima into their daily lives.
I recommend this book for readers who are curious about the apparitions of Fatima, and I extremely recommend this book for those who already know about Fatima. This book will help the reader deepen their faith and help them to integrate their efforts and actions with the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

The Crusader Road by Michael A. Stackpole

The Crusader Road (Pathfinder Tales #21)

When the aristocratic Vishov family is banished from Ustalav due to underhanded politics, Lady Tyressa Vishov is faced with a choice: fade slowly into obscurity, or strike out for the nearby River Kingdoms and establish a new holding on the untamed frontier. Together with her children and loyal retainers, she’ll forge a new life in the infamous Echo Wood, and neither bloodthirsty monsters nor local despots will stop her from reclaiming her family honor. Yet the shadow of Ustalavic politics is long, and even in a remote and lawless territory, there may be those determined to see the Vishov family fail...

My Review:

I've read quite a few Pathfinder Tales already by a variety of authors. I believe that the Pathfinder Setting is very exciting and should be worth a peek from Dungeons & Dragons (Forgotten Realms) fans. I know there is some animosity between D&D and Paizo (Pathfinder) roleplaying systems and each have a fan-base that is usually very supportive of only one of the roleplaying systems. I feel that great fantasy books by good authors rise above their roleplaying settings and are there to give us (hopefully) a good and entertaining experience.

Michael A. Stackpole doesn't disappoint in this exciting frontier tale that takes place in the Echo Wood. These woods have a mind of its own. Add Fey such as sprites, or goblins and blood-thirsty ogres, and things can get very challenging very fast.

The book starts off with an exiled family having to relocate to Echo Wood. They try their best to tame the surroundings so that they can live out their exile in peace. Unfortunately, the peace they seek is very hard and very slow in coming.

The Crusader's Road is a solid fantasy story with good action, but it is also a coming of age story with a dash of young romance. For this, I also recommend this book for our much younger readers as well.

The story moves along at a good pace and none of it seemed too heavy or slow. Action was spread out well. The author's use of  his military knowledge in this book is also very well done. It didn't seem overly martial though. Character development was well done, but I wished we had a bit more insight into certain characters. Naturally, as a fan of magic, I wish the book would have included even more magic in this story.

The author wrote a very fine story here of frontier lawlessness and good old monster bashing fun!

Like so many Pathfinder Tales before, The Crusader Road is a good fantasy story that should attract many readers of the genre. It is certainly a book you might want to give a try even if you are currently only reading Forgotten Realms or Dragonlance books.

I'm sure fantasy readers would be pleased to end up having this book on their shelves at home (or cave). Happy Reading!!

The Defenders of Shannara Trilogy by Terry Brooks

The High Druid's Blade (The Defenders of Shannara #1)

Legend has it that Paxon Leah is descended from the royals and warriors who once ruled the Highlands and waged war with magical weapons. But those kings, queens, and heroes are long gone, and there is nothing enchanted about the antique sword that hangs above Paxon’s fireplace. Running his family’s modest shipping business, Paxon leads a quiet life—until extraordinary circumstances overturn his simple world . . . and rewrite his destiny.

When his brash young sister is abducted by a menacing stranger, Paxon races to her rescue with the only weapon he can find. And in a harrowing duel, he is stunned to discover powerful magic unleashed within him—and within his ancestors’ ancient blade. But his formidable new ability is dangerous in untrained hands, and Paxon must master it quickly because his nearly fatal clash with the dark sorcerer Arcannen won’t be his last. Leaving behind home and hearth, he journeys to the keep of the fabled Druid order to learn the secrets of magic and earn the right to become their sworn protector.

But treachery is afoot deep in the Druids’ ranks. And the blackest of sorcery is twisting a helpless innocent into a murderous agent of evil. To halt an insidious plot that threatens not only the Druid order but all the Four Lands, Paxon Leah must summon the profound magic in his blood and the legendary mettle of his elders in the battle fate has chosen him to fight.




The Darkling Child (The Defenders of Shannara #2)

After taking up his enchanted sword against the dark sorcerer Arcannen, Paxon Leah has become the sworn protector of the Druid order. Now a critical hour is at hand, as a beloved High Druid nears the end of her reign and prepares to pass from the mortal world to the one beyond. There is little time for Paxon to mourn his friend and benefactor before duty summons him. For in a distant corner of the Four Lands, the magic of the wishsong has been detected. Paxon must accompany a Druid emissary to find its source—and ensure the formidable power is not wielded by the wrong hands.

But danger is already afoot in the village of Portlow. Gentle traveling minstrel Reyn Frosch possesses the uncanny gift, and curse, of the wishsong. And now his coveted abilities have captured the malevolent interest of none other than Arcannen—whose quest for power is exceeded only by his thirst for vengeance. The lone survivor of a brutal assault on a notorious pirate city, the sorcerer is determined to retaliate against the Federation’s elite military guard—and use the devastating power of the wishsong as his ultimate weapon.






The Sorcerer's Daughter (The Defenders of Shannara #3)

The daughter of a reviled sorcerer, Leofur is nothing like her dreaded father. When her life-partner, Paxon Leah, leaves on a dangerous mission, Leofur protects Paxon’s sister. When she is abducted Leofur is forced to choose between saving Paxon from a mission gone badly awry, or hiring the services of the best tracker in the world to go after her life-partner’s sister.

My Review:

As you will notice, this book review is a little different than my usual. I've decided to rate this trilogy by master-storyteller, Terry Brooks, in one review (with special emphasis placed on The Sorcerer's Daughter). Each book in this series, which is set in the world of Shannara, has its' own weaknesses and strengths. I will also be looking at the trilogy as a whole as well. For those who are new to the world of Shannara and are looking for a good place to start, this is definitely not it!! I recommend 'The Sword of Shannara' (Book 1) for newbies who wish to jump into this epic and utterly amazing series.

'The High Druid's Blade' (5 stars):

Bold, thrilling, chilling and just Terry Brooks at his best!!
This book received the full five stars from me, due to Terry Brooks' easy to read style, his attention to detail and for weaving a suspenseful tale. The characters are constructed very well and are three dimensional. When Paxon's younger sister is abducted by an evil sorcerer named Arcannen, we feel for the brother-sister duo. High action and wonderful magic with great suspense make for a fantastic read. In my eyes, the trilogy doesn't get any better than this book.

As far as the abduction of Paxon's sister: Fool me once, shame on you.

'The Darkling Child' (3 stars):

Unfortunately, I don't have much praise for the second book in this trilogy. In most parts this book felt drawn out and repetitive. It did have great action, suspense and good magic, but it felt a bit like a repeat of the first book and felt redundant on a few levels. I felt mislead by the title of this book. For those of you who have read 'The Dark Legacy of Shannara' trilogy, we came across a child referred to as a darkling (who was later locked away in the forbidding). I'm sure I'm not the only one who wishes we had a bit more knowledge on what happened to this misunderstood individual. I felt the title awakened a false sense of hope in me.

As far as the second kidnapping of Paxon's sister: Fool me twice, shame on me.

'The Sorcerer's Daughter' (3 stars):

The third book in Mr. Brooks trilogy, was a lot more fun for me to read. We are introduced to a variety of new characters in this book. A Shapeshifter plays a large part in this book which was nice to see. Again, the book had good action and suspense, but I figured out certain things about what was happening behind the scenes maybe a bit before I was supposed to. At a point, it was only suspenseful because I was wanting to see if I was right and not actually because I wanted to know what would happen next. The growing relationship between two particular characters felt quite awkward to me, and I had trouble justifying the actions of those two to myself.
The part I enjoyed the most was the trek (rescue mission) into the Murk Sink (swamp). The description that went into this part was very enjoyable and made me feel like I was right in the middle of this humid, foggy, lightless and dangerous place. Unfortunately though, I felt this was a rewriting of many ideas and scenarios that have happened in the previous two books. Besides the Murk Sink, I didn't really feel that anything amazing happened in this book. Lastly, I was very troubled and unsatisfied by the ending. I believe the interaction of the two individuals at the end of the book was forced and very one-sided. I started to feel for these characters through the previous books and felt betrayed by their actions at the end. This might have been the intention of the author.

As far as the THIRD ABDUCTION of Paxon's sister: (I'm utterly speechless for it having happened a third time...)

Even though I feel the second and third books have some issues with them, taken as a whole this trilogy is very satisfying. Terry Brooks is a master story-teller that is already a part of fantasy history and I've been enjoying his work since the early 90's. 5 stars, 3 stars and another 3 stars should give an average that would normally be rounded up to a 4 star rating. I feel that the trilogy as a whole would be better left with a three star rating however.

As mentioned above, please check out 'The Sword of Shannara' as a good starting point if you are new to this author's Shannara books.
I'm excited and looking forward to the next (and last) trilogy by Mr. Brooks, 'The Fall of Shannara'.
Happy reading!

Abomination (The Pathfinders #1) by Jane Dougherty

Abomination (The Pathfinders #1)

As the end of the world begins, Carla and Tully hurtle through a wormhole five years forward in time, only to find they haven’t missed the Apocalypse after all.

Carla and Tully are picnicking in the quad of their international high school in central Paris when the end of the world begins. They are sucked into a wormhole that spits them out five years later to find that the world is a freezing desolation but still hanging on, waiting for something even worse to finish it off. The something worse turns out to be the Burnt Man and his horsemen. Taken prisoner by the Flay Tribe to their lair in the ruins of a shopping mall, Tully is forced to become a warrior, while Carla joins the other girls as a kitchen slave and comfort woman.
Tully might like the idea of playing soldiers, but Carla knows what is waiting for the girls when the food runs out, and it isn’t pleasant. The supermarket holy man’s vision of the return of the Burnt Man and his demon friends drags Tully back to reality. When the four fiends are reunited, the Apocalypse will really begin. Carla and Tully don’t plan on being there when that happens.
But in this post-Abomination world where only the young and brutal have survived, where food and fuel are running out and the climate is plunging into another final ice age, there is nowhere to run—except down another wormhole, with no idea of what might be waiting for them at the other end.

 

 

My Review:

'Abomination' is the first book in 'The Pathfinders' series by Jane Dougherty. I will start off by saying that I immensely enjoyed this apocalyptic novel. It was dark, gritty, and raw and had me completely pulled into the story. 'Abomination' is a fantastic read which is very well written and the story (even though apocalyptic /post-apocalyptic has been done before), is very original and engrossing.
One of the first things I noticed, was seeing parallel elements from 'Lord of the Flies' by William Golding, and I feel has elements in common with 'The Walking Dead' also. As I've mentioned above, it's simply a very dark and brutal book. I would not hesitate to recommend it to young adults, as that is that is also the intended audience. There is strong language throughout the book, so those who are very sensitive, should be forewarned.

The story starts off quite harmlessly, but things go down the drain very quickly for Carla and Tully, as they are hurtled through a wormhole five years into the future just as the end of the world is beginning. Unfortunately, this just takes them out of the frying pan and into the fire. There they must battle against blood-thirsty youngsters, gangs, mutated animals and against other characters which I will only describe here as supernatural or demonic (i.e. the Burnt Man).
It is a story of adapting oneself to a new environment and dire situations while still trying to hold onto one's values and to rise above the despondency and cut-throat ways of the gangs who have had to live through five years of hell and destruction. Just as in 'Lord of the Flies', any semblance of society has fallen apart and the youngsters are not concerned with growing food or following rules (except their own twisted law), but are only interested in fighting and with attaining/holding onto power.

'Abomination', isn't just about the struggle of humans against nature and other humans, but is a struggle against mutated animals and supernatural forces which wish to destroy the world. These elements, due to spoilers, will not be talked about in this review, but needless to say, 'Abomination' is an action-packed supernatural thriller which borders on horror.

What makes this story believable, are the actions of the characters in the book. The characters act in a very believable and natural way, which pulls us in as the reader and makes us feel for these characters. Furthermore, the author's writing style is easy to read and her descriptions pull the reader in and fully immerse them in this experience.

The book ends with a very good cliffhanger which just makes me want to pick up the second book, 'Devastation', in order to continue the journey with Carla and Tully.
'Abomination' is an action-packed apocalyptic novel which borders on horror. Due to its original take on the end of times, and for the superb writing style of Jane Dougherty, I highly recommend this book to others who enjoy supernatural thrillers. I would absolutely love to see this book get a movie deal or even better, a Netflix series, as I believe the story would find a huge fan-base across wide audiences.

At this point, I also wish to take the time to thank the author for having written this book and for all the hours of great entertainment it has given me. I'm sure future readers of 'Abomination' will not regret picking up this gem! Happy reading!