The Flux by Ferrett Steinmetz
11 October 2015
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Ferrett Steinmetz, Flex, The Flux, The Speculative Herald
I recently read and reviewed The Flux by Ferrett Steinmetz over at The Speculative Herald (below is a condensed version). My review of Flex is here). Basically: I love both these books and can’t wait for No.3.
Be aware that, whilst I try to avoid spoilers, this review may contain spoilers for Flex so if you haven’t yet started this series probably best to stop reading now!
The Flux starts a short while after the conclusion of Flex. Aliyah is now 8 years old and her mancy powers make her something of a handful to manage. Her parents have divorced and Paul, following his heroics at the conclusion of Flex, heads up the task force who track mancers. Of course, being a mancer, and not wishing to be caught (or brainwashed) he uses every trick in the book to fail. His lack of success is starting to attract attention!
As the book begins we have Paul and Valentine cooking up a batch of flex (a powerful drug that is created using magic). Unfortunately, following a tip off from the mysterious King of New York, the task force have honed in on their location and are about to try and apprehend the pair. And that’s when the magic really kicks off.
I went into this story with raised expectations and wondered if the author could sustain the level of enthusiasm I felt for Flex. I’m pleased to say he managed to do just that. In a rather cunning ploy FS brings not only all sorts of game references and characters into play but also creates something of a film geek fest and in fact uses the love of films to create a different sort of mancy. I love the concept here and think FS has given himself massive scope to create all sorts of different magical abilities and super obsessed evil baddies.
The characters. Firstly Paul, his magic seems tame compared with most of the others but it’s actually subtly ingenious. Perhaps not the explosion of fireworks that Aliyah creates or the fun game worlds that Valentine pulls out of the hat but in a world where most people leave a paper trail, bureaucromacy is very effective. Valentine is an amazing character. She’s so full of passion for what she does and who she is that she’s a force of nature waiting to happen. She loves Paul and Aliyah and is protective of their small unit. On top of that she’s about to gain a love interest. Then of course we have the maniacs of the piece. One of them very obvious and one of them not as immediately apparent.
I don’t really have any criticisms. You could say that after the dramatic and horror filled start of Flex, The Flux has something of a tamer start but I think it’s appropriate and allows you to stop and gain a feel for the characters. That isn’t to say the action is in short supply but the author takes the time to show you how Aliyah feels and how she’s dealing with the traumas she’s already suffered. Paul also suffers unimaginable guilt and will go to great lengths to secure his daughter’s happiness (almost forgetting to be a parent in the process). Valentine is also desperate to retain the friendship and closeness she values but needs something more in her life. They all have things to lose and for a while these fears drive a wedge between them.
In a nutshell – this is a great story. It expands on the possibilities created in Flex, has a great plot, excellent writing, action, heartbreak and loss, tempered with fun and laugh out loud moments. Highly entertaining with an addictive comic book/super hero feel. I have no hesitation in recommending. Explosively good fun.
Kushiel’s Avatar by Jacqueline Carey, readalong week 1
Welcome to week one of our readalong of Jacqueline Carey’s Kushiel series. Kushiel’s Avatar is the third in the series and I can say, straight off the bat, what a fantastic start this series gets off to. I’ve literally raced through the first 13 chapters and can’t wait to move forward. So much goodness. All free to join in, we’ve only read the first 13 chapters so not much catching up at this point. Or, if you’ve already read this then please join in with the comments. The full schedule is here and this week Lisa at Over the Effing Rainbow is our lovely host. Before moving on: a word of warning – there will be spoilers lurking below.
Chapters 1 – 13
The book begins with the ending of Phedre’s “ten years of peace”, and with a journey to visit Hyacinthe on his island. It’s a less than optimistic beginning, but the seer Sibeal seems to believe better… What did you make of these opening scenes?
I can’t make head or tail of it – although it certainly steps up the need to try and find a ‘get off the island pdq’ card for Hyacinthe. And, I suppose it does give Melisande the perfect leverage to involve Phedre in her plots (whatever they may be).
I was kind of struggling to think why Sibeal was involved – wasn’t it her sister who had a brief involvement with Hyacinthe? Did Phedre come across as maybe a touch jealous of Sibeal’s interest? Maybe Sibeal’s interest is purely on behalf of her broth – Drustan must be interested in the comings and goings at the straits and so he would be interested in his sister’s prophetic dream. At the moment the waters are clear for him to pass. Also interesting that Melisande was looking into the history of the island as well. Clearly the Straits and Hyachinthe are going to play a larger role in in this story – at least I think so!
Sorry, my mind is a complete jumble.
Before long Phèdre and Joscelin are revisiting Melisande Shahrizai as well, and she’s got yet another surprise for our heroes… Do you have any suspicions yet about who could have taken Imriel, and why? How about any thoughts regarding what Melisande could be up to now…?
Wow, Melisande back on the scene so quickly into the story! I didn’t see that one coming. Or the reason why she requests Phedre’s assistance. Never. Saw. That. Coming.
It seems to me that the one consistent thing that Melisande seeks is power so I feel that will be the case now. Whether this is an elaborate ruse I’m not sure. It seems to me that Phedre has successfully stopped Melisande on two previous occasions so there’s a chance that this is a distraction? Sleight of hand maybe. Perhaps get Phedre’s attention firmly set on ‘x’ and then implement ‘y’ whilst she’s distracted. But, at the back of my mind Melisande always seemed to have a healthy respect in terms of the wrath of the Gods and she did swear that she was telling the truth – still, I find it very difficult to trust her.
As to other thoughts, I’m a bit short on ideas to be honest. Barquel – seems a bit obvious, unless he has killed the boy to eliminate the threat. Don’t really see it though.
The thing that does niggle is that surely none of Melisande’s enemies would know of Imriel’s whereabouts – which leaves the possibility that he’s been taken from somebody in Melisande’s own camp. I don’t know why they would do that – perhaps, even though she thinks not, someone from her own family? I don’t know. As you can probably see!
Taking a step back from the higher drama, what are your thoughts regarding the romantic developments that seem to have taken place for Phèdre and Joscelin over the years? They seem to be in a better place… Do you think it will still last?
I love Phedre and Joscelin’s relationship and their current status and the way they seem to be able to read each other so well is a testament to how well they’re suited to each other. I’ve no doubt that setting off on another mission may once again raise doubts. I think the main issue I could see coming between them is Hyacinthe because clearly Phedre has feelings for him and also, clearly, Joscelin seems to have doubts in that respect (or at least I kind of read it like that).
I like that Phedre is now able to recognise her own love for Joscelin and also that both of them realise that she needs something more on occasion.
And, Joscelin has changed in a lot of respects. That ending to Chapter 13 – very sneaky!!! Plus, in his own way he has found ways of pleasing Phedre – for example after she visited Kushiel’s temple *raises eyebrows*.
It’s going to be interesting!
Anyway, I thought this week’s chapters were brilliant. I don’t know whether it’s just that I’m now so invested in the characters and world but, really, this book got off to an excellent start.
The other participants:
- Susan at Dab of Darkness
- Allie at Tethyan Books
- Lisa at Over the Effing Rainbow
- Me at Lynn’s Book Blog
- Emily at Emma Wolf
“My name’s Jean Tannen, and I’m the ambush.”
8 October 2015
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Creative Cursing, The Fantasy Review Barn, Tough Travelling
Couldn’t help going there!
This week over at the Fantasy Review Barn Nathan is taking us Tough Travelling looking at the tropes of fantasy. This week the topic up for discussion is:
Creative Cursing:
(This is a scheduled post so I may not be linked up over at the FRB – also I might not be able to check out your posts this week but will catch up on my return – also, I don’t have the blurb so I’m taking this title to mean exactly what it says and not be all cryptic – I think Creative Cursing is pretty self-explanatory!)
I very nearly dedicated this book to Scott Lynch for his Gentlemen Bastard series – creative curses seems to be like Lynch’s first language – he comes up with things that are so funny that It’s frankly embarrassing to read his books when using public transport. I’m not going to massively quote but – yes, I love these books and think Lynch is a genius at the art of creative cursing.
The Mechanical by Ian Tregillis – contains a character called Berenice de Mornay-Périgord – she’s a spymaster and her cursing is very funny.
The Anvil of the World by Kage Baker – this story is very intelligent and witty. My favourite character is Lord Ermenwyr – to be honest I can’t actually remember if he was creative cursing or not – he was very amusing nonetheless.
The Dragon Engine by Andy Remic – a fairly recent read – very grimdark and lots of swearing and cursing up a storm so think on!
The Wee Free Men have to make this post – Crivens – and much, much more.
Owl and the City of Angels by Kristi Charish
6 October 2015
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Kristi Charish, Owl and the City of Angels, Owl and the Japanese Circus
Last year I read Owl and the Japanese Circus, the start of a new fantasy series combining archaeology and the supernatural. The series main protagonist is Alix Hiboux, otherwise known as Owl – an international antiquities thief. Owl wasn’t always a thief, she was a grade A student until her work and reputation were left in tatters by her professor and she turned to a different route to stay afloat.
The world here is full of supernatural creatures all hiding in plain sight and although Alix has no love for the supes her natural lack of ability to detect their presence means she now has a boyfriend who is an icubus, a boss and his sidekick who are a dragon and naga respectively, a gaming buddie who is an elf and a bunch of vampires out for her blood (pun intended!) after she accidentally killed their main ‘poobah’.
The focus of the plot here boils down to the fact that a number of ancient items have been stolen from the City of the Dead and due to her previous reckless behaviour the Owl is the chief suspect. In order to mollify her new boss, and prevent him from toasting her alive, Owl undertakes to try and retrieve the aforementioned items and also to try and uncover the real thief who seems hellbent on framing her. Now, these items are cursed, which is bad enough as anybody who touches them usually drops dead within the week, add to that the fact that they are owned by a siren and have also drawn the attention of the vampires and you can see that things are about to get intense!
i do like this series. So far it’s a bunch of fast paced adventures among temples and ruins with mummies and other critters coming out of the woodwork. The author has a great imagination and a crazy sense of fun. She’s not afraid to chuck anything into the mix and the constant sense of anticipation, fast flowing plot and comedy-esque type capers make an excellent combination.
I really enjoy the concept and the Indiana Jane feel of the books. I love that we have a series that takes us to all sorts of exotic places and brings to the pages mummies and curses and other weird and wonderful things. There’s also such a lot of scope yet for the series to develop and whilst I wouldn’t say Owl develops massively this time around I do think the cast of supporting characters are coming together very nicely indeed and I also enjoy the way that the author is slowly revealing little pieces of Alix’s past whilst at the same time revealing more about the supernatural world that she is now surrounded by.
in terms of criticism. Well, oddly, Alix is the main one. I have a hard time seeing her as an international thief. Everybody recognises her, she rushes blindly into any number of situations and, frankly, she’s about as subtle as a hippo on skis. Don’t get me wrong, I like the comedy aspect that her bungling brings to the novel, I quite like that she’s a bit of a beer guzzling potty mouth who isn’t about to kiss ass even if her life is under threat but her ‘whoops I’ve triggered a death trap so better run at great speed’ mantra does puzzle me sometimes’. That being said, this is very much a tongue in cheek type read, it isn’t intended to be deep and meaningful but more a whole bunch of crazy running about and causing turmoil. If you go into the series with that in mind then you’re in for some fun.
I enjoyed the plot and the whole inclusion of pirates and other elements that I won’t go into. I had a bit of a wobble at one point where everything did seem to become a bit convoluted but on the whole I thought this was a great second in series with a surprising ending, that I really didn’t see coming, that provides a great set up for the next book. Treat yourself to some fun.
I received a copy of this book through Netgalley, courtesy of the publishers, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
How to quit ??
6 October 2015
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: The Broke and the Bookish, Top Ten bookish 'things' I want to quit, Top Ten Tuesday
This week over at the Broke and the Bookish the Top Ten Tuesday topic for discussion is:
Ten Bookish Things I Want to Quit
- Having messy book shelves – needs no explanation
- Rushing in and taking on more book reviews than I reasonably have time for. Foolish and as I don’t like to miss a deadline really not a good idea.
- Being unorganised – I need to keep a schedule – but, let’s face it, I’d have to be organised in the first place even to think of having one, or putting it together!
- Wanting all the books (see No.2 above)
- Buying books the second they come out (yes I will wait until the door is unlocked) and then not reading them for months – why, just why?
- Signing up to anything and everything in terms of emails – where they relate to books and bookish things that is – my emails are a mess. A big mess. This is bad because when I’m looking for a really important email – yeah, no chance of finding that little sucker.
- Letting people loan my books – this is a bad idea. First, I’m not a library, 2. I don’t keep track and (c) I very rarely see those books again. ‘goodbye favourite books’ Annoying much.
- Putting books before people – yes, you all know what I’m talking about so don’t even bother to raise your eyebrows or judge. Sometimes, If I’m near the end of the book (or even at the beginning) I’m so caught up that I actually don’t want to be social.
- Not savouring the book as much as I’d like. Again, I don’t think I’m alone. Sometimes I’m enjoying a book so much that I will stay up to ridiculous-o-clock, all by myself, to finish it. This isn’t a good idea really because basically it means I’m racing through the story (not skipping anything I hasten to add). Then, when I reach the end of a book I really loved I feel bereft – why did I rush to the end when I know that’s how I’m going to feel?
- Not writing my reviews quickly enough – I don’t like to come back to book reviews after the feelings have gone cold – this is bad for me. I like to review the book while my emotions are either on a high or in turmoil – or whatever feeling it happens to be – because I want the emotion to come out in the review.
What bad habits do you need to quit???
Books and travelling with Lynn 