The Kingmakers by Clay and Susan Griffiths
23 September 2015
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Clay and Susan Griffith, The Kingmakers
The Kingmakers is the final instalment of a vampire series written by the Griffiths and encompassing steampunk, war, love and vampires. The Griffiths have managed to bring an alternate history to life where great swathes of the world have been overtaken by vampires. They’ve taken the idea of vampires and using a combination of fresh ideas and old myths created something very original. If you haven’t read the first two books you may want to step away from this review now as it will undoubtedly contain spoilers. You have been warned.
Kingmakers gets off to a fairly immediate start. The war between the vampires and humans is on and the battles are becoming desperate and bloody. The Greyfriar (or Prince Gareth) does his best to even the odds fighting out at the front with the army but even his expert fighting and swordsmanship cannot deny the simple fact that the vampires seem to be gaining ground. Desperate times call for desperate measures and so Adele takes a different and more cunning route and using her geomancy sneaks into the very heart of the vampire lair to practice her own special weapon of mass destruction. This of course brings inevitable qualms about using such a weapon.
Meanwhile the jilted Senator (Clark) has returned to the US and has begun his own war with the vampires using his ruthless policy of ‘killing the herds’ – yes, he’s killing the people who the vampires feed from. He’s decided that they’re little more than cattle and has managed to justify it to himself – it doesn’t seem that others from his immediate circle are quite as comfortable with his methods.
Gareth is also facing his own personal demons. King Dimitri has been declared dead and Cesare is about to call a meeting of the vampire leaders to choose a new ruler. Of course he is expecting to be uncontested and just to help sway the vote will be inviting along a number of dignataries from those countries who have now allied with him. Gareth seems finally to be experiencing a moment of doubt and comes up with a plan to once again join with Flay in a bold attempt to kill Cesare and be crowned King of England.
Oh, and Mamarou – well, we’re about to find out a little bit more about what really drives him and to exactly what lengths he’s prepared to go to in order to succeed.
So, all the pieces are set out nicely with all the key players poised to jump into the fray.
I thought this was a very satisfying conclusion to the series. I did wonder how the authors would pull it off but I think they did a great job. This book undoubtedly has a slightly different feel than the first two. In fact I think all three books have differed in certain respects. In Kingmaker the action is virtually instantaneous and non stop. There are plenty of tense moments when key characters seem to take incredible risks and you actually wonder how they’re going to survive. There is betrayal and politics and a little bit of heartbreak but the plot is lightened by the interaction between Gareth and Adele and the humour they share. Adele has really come into her own as a ruler and her people certainly do love the idea of her and the Greyfriar. Gareth on the other hand, whilst still playing his loving self, coupled with the aloof and cool exterior that he shows to others, seems to suffer from a little bit of anxiety about what is place is going to be exactly. In fact there’s a question mark hanging over the future of the the Greyfriar.
Given the ending – which I’m not going to share at all – it’s going to be very interesting to see where the next series, that starts very soon with the first instalment called The Geomancer, takes us next.
I think this has been a really good series and I can’t wait to pick up the next book.
I was provided with a copy of The Kingmakers courtesy of the publisher for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
Also – I do love the covers for this series. Check them out:
What next?
22 September 2015
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: the broke and bookish, Top Ten Books for Autumn, Top Ten Tuesday
So, Autumn is upon us. It matters little that we’re not ready or that the Summer wasn’t long enough because the nights are drawing in and so with that in mind this week’s Top Ten Tuesday topic is Top Ten Books for Fall/Autumn 2015. Stop over at the Broke and Bookish for more on this topic.
I find that I read quite a lot of dark and creepy books throughout the year to be honest – I just like that type of novel! But, I do like to step it up a little as Halloween approaches.
- Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo – I haven’t read the Grisha series although i do have the books (one day when I invent a time turner for real) I love the look and sound of this book – can’t wait
- The Flux by Ferrett Steinmetz – I simply loved the Flex so can’t wait for this one.
- The Beast of Barcroft by Bill Schweigart – dont’ know what to expect with this one but the title and premise is very intriguing.
- The Geomancer by Clay and Susan Griffiths – excellent Vampire series with two very strong main protagonists.
- Red Delicious by Kathleen Tierney – nasty, urban vampires and all sorts of other creatures.
- The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black – I love Holly Black and I’ve been waiting to read this one.
- Horns by Joe Hill – still not read Joe Hill but bought this book with Autumn in mind so hopefully….
- Beyond Black by Hilary Mantel – this is a lesser known book by this author but I loved the sound of this – it sounds very dark.
- Rot and Ruin by Jonathan Maberry – had this one waiting for a while now – this seems like a good opportunity and having just read Deadlands by this author I’m quite keen to read more of his books.
- …………………..I’m leaving this blank so that everyone can recommend something to blow my socks off. I want something dark and creepy, I fancy something with either ghosts or witches (or both!)
That is all for me this week. What do you have on your autumn list – do you change your style to reflect the time of year??
The Bloodforged by Erin Lindsey (Bloodbound No.2)
21 September 2015
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: (Bloodbound No.2), Erin Lindsey, The Bloodforged
I only recently read and enjoyed The Bloodbound and so was looking forward to seeing where Erin Lindsey would take us with book No.2. I’m very pleased to say that this book surpasses the first in scope and execution, I thoroughly enjoyed it and was completely hooked. (If you haven’t read The Bloodbound then you may want to stop reading for fear of potential spoilers.)
At the start of The Bloodforged King Eric is forming drastic plans to try and protect his kingdom. HIs enemies are again rallying and being greatly outnumbered Eric needs to come up with other measures and allies need to be found. In order to fully utilise his available forces Eric decides that he (and his bodyguard Alix) will head in one direction to try and persuade their neighbours in the Capital of Harram to join forces with them. This will involve a perilous journey over dangerous mountains populated by tribes who forbid any sort of trespass. Meanwhile Prince Liam will head in the opposite direction. The King awaits the construction of a naval fleet that seems to have been experiencing inordinate delays. Unfortunately there seem to be a number of different forces at play between the people of Onnan and Liam is ill prepared to deal with the political web he’s found himself stuck in. Nevertheless he must make the best of the hand he’s been given. Meanwhile (back at the fort) Riggard (Rig) Black (Alix’s brother and Commander of the Army) is preparing for war at the front – greatly outnumbered and with spies running amok he’s going to need his wits just to keep the enemy at bay.
Whilst I enjoyed book 1 the second instalment definitely has the wow factor. I particularly enjoyed the fact that we follow three different storylines and povs. Rig is a very welcome addition. He already made an appearance in book No.1 but his character is further developed here and he kind of puts me in mind of a big grizzly bear. I really like this chap I must admit. He’s clever, witty, impulsive and frankly very easy to read about. Liam also shares more page time in this story and I thought this was also a good ploy. I loved getting an insight into his character and also taking a look at his inner thoughts, particularly the turmoil and insecurities he feels since having been thrust into the limelight. I found myself a little ambivalent towards Liam in the first story and in fact Alix’s decision puzzled me slightly. This instalment banished those doubts completely.
On top of the additional point of views this story is packed with action. Seriously, there was never a dull moment and even though we followed three storylines the plot was clear and concise. There are no long winded history lessons about the different cities and politics, in fact I thought all the information supplied wove seamlessly into the story. The action scenes are easy to visualise and the author manages to create a level of tension that makes the read absolutely compelling.
There is still an element of romance to The Bloodforged but not as much as The Bloodbound. In No.1 we were getting to know the characters and get a feel for them, there was plenty of romance mingled with intermittent battles. No.2 goes to the next level and the romance becomes much more a peripheral element to the story so that you’re aware of the feelings that the characters share but they’re no longer central to the story. There’s a lot at stake here and frankly there isn’t as much time for distraction!
Then of course we have the ending with a perfect twist and set up for book No.3.
Being a second in series can sometimes result in that horrible middle book syndrome. Fortunately The Bloodforged doesn’t suffer in that respect. The story is good, the pace is fast and the characters have come along in leaps and bounds.
I very much look forward to No.3. If you like action, adventure, historical settings, battles and political intrigue, a little romance and fairly light fantasy this could be for you. I definitely recommend this series.
I received a copy from the publishers through Netgalley for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
Kushiel’s Avatar Read Along! The Schedule
Kushiel’s Avator readalong – starting soon. Don’t miss it!
Claudie snoozing with a very good book.
Everyone! We are continuing to explore Jacqueline Carey’s D’Angeline Cycle with Book 3, Kushiel’s Avatar. Anyone and everyone is welcome to join us. If you aren’t already on the weekly email list (for discussion questions) then just leave a comment asking to be added. Our first post date will be October 11th. So you have some time to find a copy of the book and read the first section.
The read alongs for Book 1 (Kushiel’s Dart) and Book 2 (Kushiel’s Chosen) were so excellent. I have read these books many times and I was surprised by how much more I gleaned by reading these books with a group. So I very excited to be continuing on with Kushiel’s Avatar.
Many, many thanks to Lynn of Lynn’s Book Blog for putting together the schedule. She graciously…
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Deadlands: Ghostwalkers by Jonathan Maberry
18 September 2015
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Deadlands: Ghostwalkers, Jonathan Maberry, Pulp horror/zombie
Just finished reading Deadlands by Jonathan Maberry. This is one super strange read! It’s a fantasy smorgasbord. Set in the weird wild west with a larger than life gun toting bad boy cowboy gun for hire who, with his almost Tonto-but-not sidekick, is about to come to the rescue of a sleepy backwater town where the inhabitants are being driven out by a greedy rail magnet type. I actually enjoyed this. It’s larger than life, totally hammed up and full of every trope imaginable but it felt like a cheeky read and I would definitely continue with this series.
The setting, clearly the Wild West, California, or what remains of it, following the great quake of 1868. This place is weird to say the least. If you’ve read Journey to the Centre of the Earth for example, now imagine the earth’s crust has split open and revealed all these caverns beneath – and all the unimaginable creatures that lurk therein. On top of this the quakes have revealed ‘ghost rock’ – forget about panning for gold, everybody wants ghost rock and unfortunately it’s in fairly short supply. Basically ghost rock is a strange substance that can create great power, curiously, when it’s burned it emits a screaming noise that sounds like the minions of hell writhing in a fiery pit! The discovery of this strange fuel is a game changer. The US has found steampunk and is now filled with dirigibles and other creations. On top of this, we have a strange alchemist who has come up with a diabolical use for this new fuel and now, with dreams of world dominion is about to unleash utter chaos upon the an unsuspecting population.
The main characters are Grey Torrance. Torrance is a tough, weathered character and a dab hand with a gun. When he says he’s running away from ghosts he’s not talking about memories that trouble his thoughts – he’s talking about actual ghosts that are following him to presumably seek their revenge. Thomas Looks Away is a sioux scientist, classically educated in the UK and consequently with a strange stiff upper lipped vocabulary. The two of them are something of a comical pair and have a strange friendship that oftentimes borders on irritation. There are plenty of other characters. Not least a young former ranch woman and a disgraced man of the church. And, of course, the crazy, mad eyed alchemist who has delusions of grandeur.
There is such a lot going on here that it practically boggles the mind. Necromancy, zombies, manitou, harrowed, disappearing ghost-like/vampire(ish) towns. I’m just going to stop there because if you can imagine it – it’s probably in this book. So, yes, it’s kind of crazy and almost a little bit overpowering. Did I mention that there’s a lot of death? People lose their heads and much more. Blood and viscera fairly liberally paint the landscape – not in an overly graphic way but just thought I should mention it for good measure.
I did have a few criticisms. Fairly minor to be honest. There’s a little bit of an info dump feel to the way Looks Away provides information about the mines and the rocks, etc. There was also at the beginning of the story a bit of a disjointed feel. I don’t know how else to phrase it other than it felt as though we were going to jump from one adventure to the next. Fortunately that didn’t turn out to be the case. The only other thing that did bring me up short was a tendency to either repeat certain phrases or, as the action stepped up to use word repetition such as ‘Fired. Fired. Fired’. To one extent I understand the use of it – it almost comes across like the use of ‘wham’ and ‘kerpow’ in comic books.
I understand that this is based on a RPG – I confess, I have absolutely no idea how this compares so I’m not going to go there. What I can say is that if you like weird, wild and whacky pulp horror fiction then you might enjoy this.
I received a copy of this from the publishers through Netgalley for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
