#SPFBO X : My First Batch of Books
SPFBO X is now underway and the books allocated. I’ve divided my books into three sets of five. Hopefully tackling one batch of five per month for the next three months.
For those who don’t know about SPFBO (the Self Published Fantasy Blog Off) – this is a competition created and run by Mark Lawrence. The competition is now in its tenth year and you can find more about all the other entrants and judges over on Mark Lawrence’s blog. This year I am again teaming up with the Critiquing Chemist.
This year I am planning on reading the first 25% (or for those larger books the first 100 pages) of all the books in my allocation. This way I will quickly gain an idea of the books that I want to continue to read.
Without further ado, lets take a look at my first five books:
River of Crows by NP Thompson
A cryptic prophecy. A dangerous quest. An explosive family secret. And a crow with a white feather who is more than he appears…
Mortal peril is twelve-year-old Ty Baxter’s new normal when he teams up with the weird girl from school to help an injured bird and suddenly finds himself trapped in a strange, magical world.
Now the target of a brutal tyrant with unfathomable power, Ty grapples with a life-altering revelation about his past and the implications of an ancient prophecy. As he struggles to control his own emerging magical Talent, Ty embroils himself in a desperate gamble to help his new friends save their missing family before the emperor uses his dark sorcery to transform them into birds, enslaving them forever as soldiers in his enchanted avian army.
And if he survives all of that, he’s probably still going to get grounded—if he ever finds a way to get back home.
***
Dark Empathy by Katy Morgan
For an empath, “How do you feel?” is never just a question.
Not when it can kill you.
These are the rules:
1. Rare and powerful empaths never escape the compound.
(Bastian Lucas escaped a year ago, and just because he’s been dragged back doesn’t mean he won’t escape again.)
2. Compound officers don’t ask questions.
(Captain Henry Mortimer has always followed orders, but Bastian’s arrival—and the disappearance of one of Henry’s team—have him wondering things he probably shouldn’t be wondering.)
When Major Valentine orders Bastian and Henry to investigate a series of murders committed by an asset with powers similar to Bastian’s, it brings to light more than just a cover up. Things like why an empath who shouldn’t exist is killing senators, what’s really behind the compound’s sinister asset program, and whether Bastian and Henry will live to see the end of this case.
Because they’re in danger of breaking rule number three as well:
3. Don’t fall in love.
***
Messengers of Ilbeor by TJ Klapprodt
Messengers connect six races of the verdant and beautiful land of Ilbeor, and newly trained messenger Alanda feels the promise of her adult life as she steps into the world to find her fortune. Faithful dog Alis at her side, Alanda traverses the mountainous wilderness only to be punished by storm and sun before becoming the first elf-friend in generations. When she meets charming messenger Tostig and feels the spark of a connection unlike any she’s ever known, she believes her life has truly begun.
After being greeted by tragedy and a brother changed by primal magics she does not understand, Alanda must travel the icy wastes with an unlikely companion to discover the answers to her brother’s prophetic gifts and her own heritage. With only a mysterious artifact to guide her way, she knows only one thing: her entire destiny is about to change. In Tostig’s attempt to race to her side, he is waylaid by the mysterious Sashu toward his own changed future as powerful magician and a hand of the gods themselves.
As Alanda and Tostig uncover who they were fated to be, they learn the appearance of peace in Ilbeor is only given by the lack of outright war…and when they each come to the attention of vengeful elven mage Altoneir, they stand to find out just how much they have to lose.
***
Facing Shadows by Anna J Worthy
“We’re more than our worst impulses, more than the shadows we face.”
When Evaya, a 16-year-old warrior, stumbles into one of the mysterious chasms that have suddenly appeared near her remote island village, she’s determined to find what’s causing them before another one destroys them all.
If only it were that simple.
Her concerns are ignored by her village’s Elders who are distracted by the decades-long feud between warriors and hunters—a conflict that has Evaya questioning which side she should be on. And a desperate power-play made by the volatile Elder warrior, Delcrom, could unravel any hope of unity.
Meanwhile, a prophesy suggests that pairing Evaya with the flawless young hunter, Rykas, would finally end the village feud. But she has developed complicated feelings for Aldric, a brooding cook who’s fallen hard for her. The only thing Aldric wants more than Evaya is to defeat his father, Delcrom, who intends to pair Evaya with Valgrun, a treacherous young warrior who will stop at nothing to claim her.
Evaya must unite her people and confront the mystery of the chasms before it’s too late. But can she save them without sacrificing her heart?
***
Woodspell by CR Collins
Humanity’s time has run out.
She’ll never be a victim again, but Rowena’s new power could destroy her country.
WOODSPELL is Volume 1 in the completed trilogy, TALES OF ARDONNA: WOODSPELL SERIES, a fairy tale for adults.
The series includes the following:
WOODSPELL – Volume 1
THE WILDER WORLD – Volume 2
A WAYWARD WIND – Volume 3
Content Advisory: adult themes, domestic violence, suicidal ideation
Good luck everyone 😀
Winter Lost by Patricia Briggs (#14 Mercy Thompson)
10 June 2024
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Mercy Thompson #14, Patricia Briggs, Winter Lost
My Five Word TL:DR Review : A Bit of a Mystery
By which I mean I rather liked the way that this one involved something of a mystery element. Anyhow. I enjoyed this instalment to the Mercy Thompson series. Briggs manages to bring something new to the party with the introduction of some Norse mythology and some very interesting characters and both Mercy and Adam end up being in a situation like an Agatha Christie locked room murder mystery when they find themselves snowed in at a lodge with some very interesting characters.
As with most of my reviews I try to avoid spoilers but as this is No.14 in the series – hopefully if you’re reading this, you’ve read the others so I won’t be giving anything major away.
As this story begins, we have the usual day to day trials that make up Mercy’s life. She’s struggling from the after effects incurred during Soul Taken and Adam and Zee are both worried. It’s like Mercy has been opened up to everything which, on the one hand gives her so much more knowledge, but on the other leaves her wide open to attack. So, rightfully, everyone is worried. Adam is experiencing difficulties with his work, the pack are struggling a little with issues revolving around too many potential leaders. Then Mercy’s half brother Gary shows up, he’s a bit wild and can’t seem to articulate and it soon becomes apparent that Mercy and Adam are going to need to take action to find out what lies at the bottom of this latest calamity. Oh, and the world might be about to end – but, keep that to yourselves for now.
So, Adam and Mercy find themselves travelling to Montana, and there’s quite possibly the most serious blizzard taking place that has ever been witnessed. Magic is in the air and the two only just make it to the lodge. Upon arrival, or at least in the morning, they discover they’re not the only ones who have sought shelter. There are a number of other guests, some who have arrived expecting a wedding. Some seeking a room until the storms pass. What makes the group really unusual, there are a number of fae, goblins, an elusive spider, a vampire and plenty of ghosts. Slowly but surely you begin to discover that something is going on and time is short.
What I enjoyed about this.
Well, when you’re up to number 14 in a series it’s fairly safe to say that you’re loving the characters. And that is the truth. I really like Mercy, I like her partner Adam and the connection they have, not just the pack bond, but their respect for each other. This is a well written and enjoyable relationship that seems to continue to grow.
I also like the family feel with the pack and Jess and Zee. Although, clearly some of these characters are incredibly dangerous. And, the pack weren’t as involved in this storyline – although we did have the inclusion of interludes to allow us to keep in touch. Personally, I quite enjoyed having a story with just Mercy and Adam.
The writing is consistent. I know when I pick one of these books up it’s going to feel like getting in touch with an old friend after a break, where you just immediately fall straight back where you left off. There’s a comfort in reading a book where you feel totally at ease – even though the characters might be being put through the wringer.
There’s always more layers being added to the world which is something I love. As I mentioned above there is some Norse mythology woven into this story which was interesting – particularly the elements around certain creatures that can call the wolves – I wonder how that might play into future instalments.
This instalment does conclude certain elements that have been left hanging from previous books, but one particular element still remains at large – hopefully this threat will be addressed soon.
In terms of criticisms. I don’t really have anything to mention with this instalment – well, the issue with Gary felt very quickly concluded, I was kind of hoping that we might see Mercy and her brother interact a little – that being said, the ending does leave an opening in that respect.
Overall, this was a good read that has left me, as ever, wanting the next in series.
I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the publisher, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
My rating 4 of 5 stars
Sunday Post/Weekly Wrap Up
9 June 2024
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Caffeinated Book Reviewer, Lucy Foley, Patricia Briggs, Sunday Post, The Midnight Feast, Weekly wrap up, Winter Lost
I’m trying to get back into the habit of doing a round-up of the week just completed and also take a look at my plans for the forthcoming week. I rather got out of the habit of doing so but I would like to reinstate this type of post as I feel it keeps me on track. So, I’m linking up to The Sunday Post over at Kimberly’s Caffeinated Reviewer. Without further ado:
Books read this week:
I’m going on a short break, a few days away in Granada. I have a few posts lined up and will be back on track on Wednesday. This week I’ve read The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley, which I loved. I’ve also completed Winter Lost by Patricia Briggs and made a start on Bitter Waters by Vivian Shaw. I’ve also made a start on my first SPFBO X book. I was hoping to post my first five books this weekend but things have run away with me so later in the week I’ll be highlighting those.
Complete Bitter Waters and make a start on a couple more review books. I’m thinking:
- Small Town Horror by Ronald Malfi
- THe Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley
- The September House by Carissa Orlando
- Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
- When She Was Good by Michael Robotham
- Lying Beside You by Michael Robotham
- Winter Lost by Patricia Briggs
Friday Face Off : Love Letters to a Serial Killer by Tasha Coryell
7 June 2024
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Books, fiction, Friday Face off, Love Letters to a Serial Killer, reading, Tasha Coryell
Today I’m returning to the Friday Face Off, originally created by Books by Proxy). I’ve missed these for the past few months and so would like to get back to comparing covers (and hopefully I will be updating this page with a new banner. This is an opportunity to look at a book of your choice and shine the spotlight on the covers. Of course this only works for those books that have alternative covers (although sometimes I use this to look at a series of books to choose a favourite). . So, if you have a book that has alternative covers, highlight them and choose your favourite. If you’re taking part it would be great if you leave a link so I can take a look at what you’ve chosen.
This week I’ve chosen a book that’s already on my shelves. This is a title that feels like a sideways step in terms of my usual reading but it intrigued me. Love Letters to a Serial Killer by Tasha Coryell. Here are the covers:
I really like both covers this week. But I had to go with the reflection in the knife. I couldn’t help myself.
Which is your favourite?
Join me next week in highlighting one of your reads with different covers.
#SummerofHorror: Small Town Horror by Ronald Malfi
6 June 2024
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: #SummerofHorror, Book Reviews, Books, Books Bones & Buffy, Horror, Ronald Malfi, Small Town Horror
My Five Word TL:DR Review : Ominously Creepy and Darkly Atmospheric
Small Town Horror is my first read for ‘Summer of Horror’.
Unsurprisingly Small Town Horror is written really well, Malfi can certainly set a scene, so well in fact that the setting feeds the anticipation. He has a wonderful way with words that just gives you a prickle on the back of your neck and makes you glance apprehensively into the shadows of the room where you’re reading. I’ve read and loved already two of his books and so was super excited for this one.
Small Town Horror is a story of two halves. One, five young people, in the height of their youth, getting up to hijinx until things go horribly wrong – think ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ – for a loose idea of what to expect. The second half brings these five people back together years later to face a series of chilling intrigues.
This is a book of consequences, it’s a dark and chilling read and there is little of forgiveness or redemption among these pages.
So, Andrew Larimer is one of those friends. He’s managed to escape the small town where he was brought up and is now a successful attorney with a wife and a baby on the way. Then he gets a phone call from an old friend who needs help and he returns to his childhood home, a place he hasn’t visited since his father died.
The story is told in two timelines. We follow the friends as they build up for a double celebration, a birthday and 4th July. We then jump forward to the present day. This is an old and tested method and a way of storytelling that I particularly enjoy. We get to witness the difference between the characters as the years have passed and also see the impact that their actions have had upon them. Something that they all have in common is a feeling of ultimate doom, like they’ve all simply been waiting for something bad to happen. Dale’s wife has gone missing and he’s the prime suspect, he has a serious drink problem and is seeing things in the dark. Eric has become the local police chief, he is married with a family and this ultimately gives him this heightened sense of needing to pull out all the stops to protect what he has. Meach suffers with drug addiction. He is haunted (literally) by the past and can’t escape the guilt. Tig runs a local bar and diner, she has a young daughter who seems to be acting quite unusually, sleepwalking and getting into dangerous situations. Are they all cursed, or has the guilt simply got too much.
Now, all of this is built up gradually, all the while we have this small town feel, the sense of overall dilapidation and negativity. Then throw into the mix the local witch – that one woman who is plagued because she’s different and doesn’t fit the norm. And, Andrew’s childhood home also plays a strange part – it’s full of flies, the cellar is flooded with dark brackish water that steadily rises each day and someone has been squatting. It’s really creepy, I couldn’t actually believe that he could even sleep in the house, particularly with the eerie feeling of being watched.
What I really liked about this. The absolute sense of dread and horror. Malfi is fantastic at making you feel fear as you read. One example, Andrew, before he returns to his hometown, he’s in the bedroom one night, his wife taking a shower, when he becomes aware that he’s not alone, something is watching him from the shadows, something that begins to retreat slowly once it realises it has been noticed. Okay, I’m not a writer so I can’t do that scene justice but it gave me a serious case of the heebies. I found myself looking round the room into the dark corners. And this sense of creepiness keeps on and is increased by the general feeling of foreboding.
There’s also the mystery of what actually happened on ‘that night’. It’s one of those situations that is just staggering, and shattering. The sort of occurence that would make you repeatedly ask ‘if only’. It was captivating, of course you have an idea of what is going to happen, but at the same time you’re almost racing forward to find out what the big reveal is.
In the present day there’s also the mystery of the missing wife. Dale’s wife had been acting very strangely for some time and you could see why the police would have no hesitation in suspecting him of wanting to put a stop to her shenanigans. The situation is placing Dale under enormous stress and there is always the potential that he will give away secrets.
The other thing I really liked was the sense of anticipation and the build up of atmosphere as we head to the finale.
Also, there is a twist that I really didn’t see coming.
In terms of criticisms. Well, even now, as I write this review, I just don’t know how I feel about the ending. It was definitely a surprise. Everything went a little crazy and it all felt so abrupt, and a little sad. I think it was perhaps a bit of a shock and in some ways I feel like I should go back and reread the ending to see what vibes it gives me the second time round. In a nutshell I can’t help feeling that I’ve missed something important.
Anyway, this was certainly a compelling read and very well written and I can’t wait to see what the author comes up with next.
I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the publisher, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
My rating 4 of 5 stars
