Hero Born by Andy Livingstone
Hero Born is the first book in the Seeds of Destiny Trilogy by Andy Livingstone which brings to us a young boy, just on the cusp of manhood, who on one horrible day loses everything he holds dear. His family are murdered, his home destroyed and his freedom taken when he is captured and thrown aboard a ship sailing to distant lands where he will be sold into slavery.
Hero Born has a coming of age type of feel to it, plenty of action and is a solid first instalment to the series.
The story starts out with a look at village life. The local boys/young men are competing in a team game (akin to early rugby maybe) with a neighbouring village. This is where we are first introduced to Brann and come to realise that in spite of his diminutive stature he’s a tough little nut who refuses to stay beaten. Meanwhile, a stranger watches the games, well dressed, well armed and relatively unnoticed.
At the conclusion of the games and returning home with his brother the two notice armed men sneaking through the woods obviously planning on attacking the village. From there things spiralled downhill quickly – the village was massacred and Brann, whilst attempting to escape, was captured and thrown aboard a ship heading to distant lands to become a slave.
During the trip Brann’s fortune continually fluctuates – he manages to capture the attention of the ship’s soothsayer or wise woman who provides him with a strange prophecy and thereby draws the attention of the captain and also the anger and jealousy of one of the warriors. Eventually, following pirate attack, he becomes a replacement galley slave thus sealing his future.
In terms of the setting we have a pseudo mediaeval period. People use carts and horses and live fairly basic lives. Bow and arrow and sword are the typical weapons of choice. During boat travel we go from Brann’s home – which has a maybe UK/Scottish type feel to one more akin to Norway with cold temperatures, seasons where the sun barely puts in an appearance and viking type warriors are the order of the day.
The characters. The main one is obviously Brann and over the course of the story we begin to understand that something is different about him, not only does he have a prophecy foretold but he seems to have the luck of the Gods not to mention a tough skull The other main characters are Gerens and Grakk, Brann’s onboard mates and fellow rowers and then two additional friends that he becomes attached to in Hakon and Konall. I quite liked the characters, particularly Konall who starts off as a rather arrogant and generally misunderstood and disliked character but goes on to disprove that first impression. They both go on something of an adventure together where they have to learn to trust each other in order to survive. I also found Grakk very interesting and would definitely like to learn more of his story.
In terms of the writing – let’s just say that Mr Livingstone is very thorough! There is plenty of detail about everything whether that be the life of a slave or paige, fighting, weapons and the like. I actually liked the writing but had a couple of criticisms. Particularly toward the start, there was a little bit of repetition where sometimes I almost felt I was reading the same or very similar sentence twice. This did taper off. I would also say that the dialogue could have been sharpened a little. Plus, I’m not going to deny that in spite of the action it did take me 20/30% of the story to get truly into the novel. In fact it really kicked off for me towards the end of the first journey over water. In fairness I think this could probably have been cut a little, I wouldn’t say that the length put me off reading but it might deter some readers and I feel it could have been shortened without any detriment effect.
Anyway, the upshot is I thought this was an enjoyable first instalment with a good ending. We have a decent plot, savage baddies and an evil scheming snake in the grass living amidst them all. I would say it has a YA feel and is a good start to an action/adventure/hero type story.
Now, do I discuss the elephant in the room?? Yes. I couldn’t help making a rather obvious comparison to Abercrombie’s Half a King and I’m sure that others will make the same connection. There are certainly similarities – both about heros in the making, set in similar types of world, the main characters become galley slaves, make friends where least expected, etc. But, whilst I can’t deny there are similarities in terms of those elements I don’t think it extends to the overall story arc. I think it’s probably just a little unfortunate that this story comes so closely on the back of Half a King so comparisons are probably inevitable. Like I said though, I don’t think this story is going in the same direction.
I received a copy of this from the publishers through Netgalley for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
Kushiel’s Dart by Jacqueline Carey, readalong week No.4
1 June 2015
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Jacqueline Carey, Kushiel's Dart, Readalong week No.4
Today is the fourth week in our readalong of Jacqueline Carey’s Kushiel’s Dart. Week four is being hosted by the lovely Susan at Dab of Darkness The questions and answers for week No.4 are below. If you haven’t read this book already be aware of spoilers in the following text. If you have read and want to jump in with your own answers then please do so. If you want to join in with the readalong then leave a comment – the details are here.
Chapters 27-36
1) Alcuin finally talked with Delaunay about being uncomfortable serving Naamah. He spent 3 days in the sanctuary of Naamah and came out with a lighter heart. What do you think occurred there?
I like to think that Naamah knew that this wasn’t truly Alcuin’s real calling in life and that Alcuin would be forgiven. After all people change their minds frequently during the course of their life so you can’t really hold it against Alcuin – plus, he chose this way because of love didn’t he?? So, it’s like he chose the wrong way but for what he thought of as the right reasons.
2) We are introduced to the new protector of the Delaunay household, Joscelin Verreuil. What were your first impressions? Would would you find it harder to pay homage to: Naamah or Kushiel or Cassiel?
First impressions of Josceline – well, I like him, but this is a reread so I’m not totally sure those are my ‘real’ first impressions. As to who I would serve – well, that’s a tough one in some respects. Definitely not, for me, Kushiel, nope, no sirree – I’m just too much of a softie. In some ways I think Cassiel and in others Naamah – in some respects they’re very similar, in that they seem to have no choice over whom they serve? I quite like the idea of serving Cassiel but maybe that’s because I want to be all badass and be all awesome with swords and such like!
3) Phedre visits Childric D’Essoms two more times; once to beg a boon for Delaunay and again because she feels she owes him a debt. Do you think she was right to go on either of these occasions?
Yes. This is what Phedre does so I had no doubt she would go the first time. Plus she wants to help Delauney. The second time, well, again, this is what she is? She went to him in order that he could punish her. I don’t think she owes him a debt personally, if he can’t control his own mouth from giving away secrets then that’s his own fault, he knew that Phedre was Delauney’s ears and eyes so frankly it’s his own mistake. But, Phedre is what she is. Plus she was in a bit of a dark place at the time and needed the release.
4) We meet the Duc Barquiel L’Enver, who has spent much time in Akkad. What do you think lies in the past between him and Delaunay? What do you think of his methods to dealing with Vitale Bouvarre?
To be honest I’m not sure I still grip all the nuances perfectly. I think L’Enver is very dangerous and definitely not to be under estimated. Bouvarre – well, he was definitely a bit of a so and so when you think about it. Even with his dealings with Alcuin – he wanted what he wanted and made promises but was a bit of turncoat resulting in Guy’s death and Alcuin’s injury.
5) At the palace, after a meeting with Clavel, Phedre sneaks off. In the hall, she overhears Isidore d’Aiglemort talking about the Glory Seekers along the Skaldi border. Then she finds herself hiding under some furniture when she witnesses a secret meeting between Delaunay and Ysandre de la Courcel. What do you make of this latest political intrigue?
A bit convenient and also difficult to say too much about as this is a reread. Whilst reading I did enjoy that Phedre ducked out of one tricky situation straight into another. Frying pan : fire.
6) Melisande Shahrizai points out to Phedre that she both despises and loves each of her patrons, if only a little. Do you think this is true for Phedre? For most human relationships?
I think it’s true for Phedre – she enjoys certain aspects – even when she’s not enjoying them they ultimately bring her pleasure. I think all relationships are different – in some there is an equal balance and in others not. That’s just the way it is. But I wouldn’t say all human relationships are made up of love/despise elements. I can see why Phedre would maybe think like that though because she finds pleasure and pain mixed together.
7) Phedre is contracted for the Longest Night by Melisande to be shown off to the Duc de Morhban. What stood out for you the most this night? Now that Phedre can complete her mark, what do you think she will do?
The thing that really stood out was that Melisande seemed to have contracted Phedre to show her off and make sure that everyone knew she wasn’t available! to anyone else including the Duc. I clearly remembered the sheer gown and the gems and the fact that it was a factor in choosing the attire – not only for the aspect of it’s see-through nature but also the pain it would inflict when kneeling! The other thing that came across was that although the pair spent an enjoyable time together Phedre ultimately awoke in a room by herself. I don’t know why but that gave me pause for thought. For me it shows the imbalance between the two.
May brings flocks of pretty lambs…(monthly round-up)
31 May 2015
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Cover spotlight, Events, Monthly round-up, Review Books
My monthly round up – what I’ve read/plan to read, any events, etc:
Books read:
- Hexed by Michael Alan Nelson
- Two Serpents Rising by Max Gladstone
- The Waterborne Blade by Susan Murray
- The Liar’s Key by Mark Lawrence
- When the Heaven’s Fall by Marc Turner
- Angellfall by Susan Ee
- The Awesome by Eva Darrows
- Resistance is Futile by Jenny Colgan
- Eternity by Elizabeth Miles
- Hero Born by Andy Livingstone (review to follow)
Backlist:
- Eternity by Elizabeth Miles
Unfinished series completed:
- Eternity by Elizabeth Miles (how to kill two birds with one stone!)
Books Bought:
- Kushiel’s Dart by Jacqueline Carey
- The Palace Job by Patrick Weekes
- Written in Red by Anne Bishop
Review Books:
- The Insect Farm by Stuart Prebble
- The Devil’s Only Friend by Dan Wells
- Iron and Blood by Gail Z Martin, Larry Martin
- Hero Born by Andy Livingstone
- Skin by Ilka Tampke
- Darkhaven by A F E Smith
- Time Salvager by Wesley Chu
Books Gifted:
- None
Cover Spotlight:
US or UK cover:?? (US for me with this one)
Events:
Once Upon a Time event being hosted by Carl at Stainless Steel Droppings
Readalong of Max Gladstone’s Two Serpents Rise – completed three weeks – Concluded
Readalong of Jacqueline Carey’s Kushiel’s Dart (3 weeks in)
Backlist Backburn is an end of month event organised by Lisa at Tenacious Reader. If you’ve caught up on any of your backlist then call over and link up. I find this a good incentive to dust off some of my books! This month I read
Top Ten Tuesday at The Broke and Bookish (every Tuesday).
Tough Travel by Nathan at the Fantasy Review Barn (every Thursday)
Eternity by Elizabeth Miles
28 May 2015
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Backlist Burndown, Elizabeth Miles, Envy, Eternity, Fury, Mythology, OuaT
Just finished reading Eternity by Elizabeth Miles which is the final instalment in the series about The Furies (the others being Fury and Envy). Whilst I can’t deny that I’ve had niggles with this series on the whole it has been entertaining.
The Furies were part of Greek and Roman mythology. Three women, angry women I might add, deities who dole out vengeance – and at the moment they’re alive and kicking in the town of Ascension. Warning – if you haven’t read the first two books then this review will undoubtedly contain spoilers.
The main character of the Story is Em, unfortunately she has become the target of the Furies following book No.1 and in fact has made a pact with them in order to save her childhood friend and secret love (JD – her next door neighbour). Unfortunately Em didn’t quite realise just how serious it is to make a pact with these ladies and her life is slowly spiralling out of control. It seems that one of the Furies has designs to do something of a life swap and Em has only a short time frame to try to knock things off course.
I enjoyed the characters more in this story – that’s perhaps because they’re all actually afraid now. In the first two books I can’t deny that some of the characters were annoying occasionally but in no.3 it seems that everyone is finally afraid of what has been unleashed upon them and instead of wondering if their best friend’s boyfriend is trying to catch their eye or if they have the best lip gloss they’re now a bit more anxious about staying alive.
The stories are set in Ascension – an everyday town in Maine – where things are currently rushing to the conclusion. Em trying to find a way to banish the Furies back to wherever they came from, JD trying to find what Em is hiding and Crowe – the tortured, talented and mysterious musician (who also happens to be rather fond of Em – and also has prophetic tendencies) trying to make sense of his visions.
In terms of criticisms. Well, the ending I felt was a little rushed but that could be just me and endings. I couldn’t help thinking that people spend a lot of time running around and agreeing to meet to sort things out and yet as soon as they actually got together they ultimately bickered and left again – it just somehow gave a feeling of very little ever being achieved. And, yes, in the grand scheme of things I still can’t help thinking that the Furies could better spend their time and attention rather than on a bunch of teenagers whose worst misdemeanour is sleeping with somebody else’s boyfriend or wanting to be part of the in crowd.
However, in spite of criticisms I thought this was a good conclusion. Miles has a really lovely writing style and is very good at writing to give you the chills on the back of your neck and she has plenty of scope to go at that with the Furies!
On the whole this was a satisfying ending to the series.
I’m submitting this to Stainless Steel Droppings Once Upon a Time Event.
I’m also including it as a backlist burndown book over at Tenacious Reader and an end of series – triple win!
‘The greatest trick the Devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn’t exist..’
This week over at the Fantasy Review Barn Nathan is taking us, once again, travelling through the tropes of fantasy. The topic this week is: HEISTS/CONS
Smash and grabs are not always the best way to illicitly acquire objects in fantasy land. Sometimes these things take planning, a loyal crew, and a little bit of luck. But a good crew can always get the job done.
I simply have to open this up with Scott Lynch’s Gentleman Bastard series which is without doubt the best example I can think of for this topic. The Lies of Locke Lamora, Red Seas Under Red Skies and The Republic of Thieves all contain the most amazing cons you can imagine. I love these books and Locke and Jean are the ultimate masters of deception!
Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson – which involves an elaborate plot by the crew to overthrow the Lord Ruler. On top of that there’s the whole thing with the Kandra – you could kind of call their abilities a con of a certain nature?
The Stainless Steel Rat by Harry Harrison – the main character, James DiGriz, is basically a con man of the future. A criminal, master of disguise and skilled thief.
Black Heart by Holly Black – this series is known as the Curse Workers. Cassell, the main character, has a very unusual magical ability and at the end of the series he pulls off rather a brilliant con which I won’t elaborate upon here!
Red Rising and Golden Son by Pierce Brown – the whole series is based on an elaborate deception to infiltrate the higher echelons of society.
And, the absolute master of deception
One without match
Truly a slippery character
I give you
……
‘Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain…’
Yes
The Wizard of Oz. Not only is he not a wizard, he sends Dorothy on a dangerous mission to steal the Wicked Witch of the West’s broomstick and then he flies away all alone in his hot air balloon. You have to forgive him though – he didn’t really mean it.
