Prince of Fools by Mark Lawrence
19 May 2014
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: book No.1, Mark Lawrence, Prince of Fools, Red Queen's War
Just finished reading Prince of Fools (PoF) by Mark Lawrence – who is definitely becoming one of those authors that I simply must read and eagerly anticipate his next in series.
Now, the next few sentences, I’ve unashamedly stolen because I don’t want to go too much into detail plotwise (and also I think you just need to read it yourself):
“The Red Queen is old but the kings of the Broken Empire fear her as they fear no other.
Her grandson Jalan Kendeth is a coward, a cheat and a womaniser; and tenth in line to the throne. While his grandmother shapes the destiny of millions, Prince Jalan pursues his debauched pleasures. Until he gets entangled with Snorri ver Snagason, a huge Norse axe man, and dragged against his will to the icy north.”
I’m sure that I’m not the first, and probably won’t be the last to say this but I approached this book with almost equal measures of anticipation, expectation and trepidation. After all, this isn’t Jorg but it is the Broken Empire and I wondered if ML could work his magic again or whether Jal might become a little bit like Jorg in disguise. I don’t think I can deny that when I started reading I was thinking of Jorg. Then I mentally slapped himself as frankly I don’t think it’s fair to an author to have that mindset when you’re reading the next new series. Of course you compare, it’s inevitable, but I wanted to give this the same opportunity as I would have if I’d never read any of ML’s books before – so, yes, mental slapping went on! It may be that some people see similarities between the two but fortunately for me this wasn’t the case. The only similarities that I found was the consistency of the writing, the creativity and the sense of humour that ML undoubtedly manages to inject into some fairly dire situations.
So, we return to the Broken Empire but we not only go back for a visit but we also go back in time and look at things not only from a different kingdom but from a time when Jorg was still on his path of vengeance. We enter the realm of the Red Queen, a woman of iron – but then, seriously, she wouldn’t be ruling in this realm if she wasn’t. At the start of the story, apart from being introduced to Jal as he escapes a compromising situation, all the Queen’s family have been summoned. She’s brought them together to talk to them of grim portents for the future and doors that are opening that should remain closed. Of course, Jal, with his mind on other things is barely listening.
To the characters. Jal is basically a coward and a womaniser. Throw in a bit of gambling, creativity with the truth and the ability to whack a man over the back of the head (when he’s not looking) and you have something of his measure. However, as you find out as you read on, you don’t have the full measure. Jalan is his own worst critic and as the story gains momentum you come to understand that he’s got more to him that he would have you believe. Yes, he wants out of the situation he’s in particularly if it’s a bit hair raising, and occasionally he tries to think of the easiest way to do so, but on the whole he’s not as bad as he likes to make out (and a LOT of people would try and find the easier way out of a tricky situation if they could)! He’s known as a hero in his heartland due to falling into a spot of bother whilst trying to run away from another. But, really, don’t be fooled by Jal’s own self evaluation. Read it and see. Now, on top of this, we have another character who Jal travels with, well becomes inextricably linked with is probably more to the point! Snorri ver Snagason – a gigantic norseman with an axe to grind – and literally he does have an axe – and is on a rescue mission. I could give a little air punch here but you won’t see it so I’ll just say that this story has Vikings!!! And, need I really say more. I really liked Snorri – he’s a great big no nonsense character. He smiles at trouble and definitely laughs in the face of impossible odds. I just loved him down to his (probably) furry boots and his grisly beard. Woof!
The setting – well, we are back to the Broken Empire but in a strange sort of way I felt like I visited more of it in this book than with Jorg. That could be true, or I could just be mislead but this particular plot feels a lot more vast in scope and seems to range far and wide taking in many landscapes! The two of them trek from here to there and then from there to here. Sometimes they get caught up in fights. Occasionally they have horses to ride. There are skirmishes along the way. There are shady characters and even Jorg makes a surprise appearance.
In terms of the writing – ML undoubtedly has a gift with words. He can make you feel comfortable with a character or envision a setting with ease. He doesn’t info dump and his writing flows in a very easy to read fashion.
Without a doubt, what made this novel so good for me was the fact that it almost feels like old school fantasy. We have Jal and Snorri bound on an adventure. Sometimes they find inns along the way, quite often they find trouble and they also find friendship. On top of that I found myself caring about both characters which I think is an accomplishment in itself. Old school-modern style. It of course has a few unexpected twists along the way and for your entertainment there are witches, circuses, fortune tellers and zombie type soldiers.
I received a copy of this book through the publishers. The above is my own opinion and I would certainly recommend this book to fantasy lovers.
I am submitting this for my Once Upon a Time event over at Stainless Steel Droppings and also my 100 books challenge.
Dirty Magic by Jaye Wells (Book No.1 of Prospero’s War)
5 January 2014
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: book No.1, Dirty Magic, Jaye Wells, Prospero's War
Dirty Magic is one of my December reviews that I’m catching up to posting a review about.
I really enjoyed Dirty Magic, I think it’s a good first book in what promises to be a very entertaining series of urban fantasy books. The main character of the story is Kate Prospero. Kate is a cop working the beat. She actually really loves her job and longs to make a difference on the streets where dirty magic has become a major problem. Unfortunately Kate’s attempts at promotion are mostly overlooked due to prejudices. Kate used to be an adept herself and was being raised as the next in line to take over one of the major districts from her Uncle Abe. Abe Prospero was a main player in the field of dirty magic but is now behind bars and Kate has since sworn off all magic cooking and left her family, and former love interest, behind. She spends her time working and trying to make ends meet and bringing up her brother Danny in a safe environment away from the temptations her family are famous for!
At the start of the story Kate chases down a bad guy through the narrow streets which lead to the cauldron – a bit of a boiling pot of badness and quite appropriately named. During the chase the two end up in a fight resulting in the assailant being shot. It turns out that the now dead guy had taken some sort of dirty magic called Grey Wolf that gave him great strength coupled with an uncontrollable blood lust. It also seems that this drug may shortly be more widely available on the market and to say this will give the police a major headache is something of an understatement.
Coupled with this we are introduced to a local businessman, formally part of the dirty magic business, but now supposedly doing good deeds for the community. John Volos – he’s definitely got the attention of the police and Kate certainly suspects him of being less than squeaky clean and has started giving him more attention than she is entirely comfortable with – given that he was the former love interest that she left behind.
I really enjoyed this to be honest. I think the world building is enough to get you into the frame but not enough to bog you down. Kate is likable and easy to read about. She’s your typical cynical, comes from the wrong side of the tracks cop – hardass and capable of looking after herself. She has a pretty tough life complicated by the fact that most people, including herself, can’t get over her background and family connections.
Following the initial opening scene, where it turns out the junkie that Kate killed during her chase was actually an informant, she finds herself coming to the attention of a new magic investigations team. It seems like somebody has finally realised that they can use Kate’s inside knowledge of the cauldrons and that she might finally have her break to become a detective.
Anyway, I’m going to keep this review short – I enjoyed this book. I thought Kate was interesting to read about with all her internal conflict and I will definitely read more. The supporting cast are also an interesting bunch. We have her brother Danny who is desperately trying to find out more about his family and tentatively wondering if he could be an adept – something that Kate is strongly set against. We have her new colleagues, including the rather dishy Agent Morales, and Mez – who is also an adept who uses his skills to aid his forensics. It was interesting to read about Mez and I did like his character – it gives you an opportunity to see somebody using magic and cooking potions for good reasons. We are also introduced to a rather unusual character in Kate’s informant. This is my first introduction to an homonculous – a fully formed, small man who is attached, literally, to his sister – very unusual and the only thing I could think of by comparison was Kuato from Total Recall.
In terms of criticisms – I haven’t really got any. I suppose you could say this is just one more urban fantasy series and does it bring anything new to what seems to be an already quite busy genre? In answer I think it has it’s own uniqueness, it’s interesting to read about dirty magic and the obvious comparisons to drugs and I think I will enjoy reading about Kate’s struggles. Plus Jaye Wells is a writer who has already written quite a number of well liked books and her writing experience clearly shows in this book. Definitely a series that I will continue to read.
This review is based on an Arc that I was gifted.
Stormdancer by Jay Kristoff
22 July 2013
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: book No.1, Jay Kristoff, Stormdancer, The David Gemmell Legend Awards, The Lotus War
Just finished reading Stormdancer by Jay Kristoff. I enjoyed this although I didn’t absolutely love it and it’s difficult to say why exactly. I do think it’s a really interesting idea and it certainly has plenty going for it. Set in an alternative Japan where the air is polluted by toxic fumes and the countryside is being slowly destroyed with many animals becoming extinct as their habitats disappear. Kigen City is the centre of everything. It’s residents wear goggles and masks to avoid damaging their lungs. They travel in airships manned by Cloud Walkers. Kigen is a city of contrasts. The Shogun living in decadent splendour whilst many of the residents live in squalor and die in poverty. On top of this we have the Lotus Guild. A strange organisation seemingly controlled by religious zealots whose aim is to rid the population of the ”impure” (people who have developed certain abilities such as telepathy or the ability to connect to animals (keening). This Guild provides the machines and technology that keep everything ticking over and so there exists between them and the Shogun a strange relationship which basically means they both overlook each other’s imperfections because it suits them to do so. The Lotus Guild are responsible for the production of Lotus. This plant has many uses one of which seems to be to send anyone who smokes it into a temporary oblivion – it is also of course highly addictive!
And so, at the start of the story, and following a dream in which the Shogun sees himself riding into victory on the back of a Thunder Tiger, Masaru, the Emperor’s master hunter, is commanded to hunt and capture such a beast and as much as this may seem like the impossible (or the whim of a madman) Masaru is honour bound to carry out the instruction and so he sets off, aboard an Airship named ‘Child’, with his daughter Yukiko and two companions Kasumi and Akihito. Of course, the Thunder Tiger (or Griffin) does exist and Masaru succeeds in capturing the creature – however, his triumph is short lived as the airship is consumed by flames following a lightening strike. The Griffin, captured and caged aboard the ship is about to plummet to his death until Yukiko makes a heroic bid and comes to it’s rescue and this is the where the story really begins.
Yukiko and the thunder tiger, Buruu, find themselves in the forest where the strange bond they have developed, through Yukiko’s ability to mentally connect to animals, begins to grow. Yukiko starts to look at the world with different eyes and Buruu, through his connection to Yukiko starts to develop a more complex way of thought. For me personally Yukiko and Buruu are what make this story special. Their bond and ability to speak through each others minds are really special. I really did love the griffin and his straightforward, no nonsense, way of thinking. He’s just this beautiful, majestic animal, huge, terrifying and stunning. Wouldn’t everyone love such a companion.
Anyway, Yukiko and Buruu start their journey through the forest. They pick up another companion along the way, Kin. Kin is one of the Guild and as such despised and abhorred by others. He’s lonely and developed a liking for Yukiko whilst aboard the Child but Yukiko must be careful, she wants to help Kin but she has to keep her secret abilities hidden – otherwise she will be taken by the Guild and burned alive to rid the world of her impurities! The three also uncover a strange hidden village and this is where the main thrust of the story really picks up – I won’t go further into detail about the plot. Suffice to say that Yukiko and Buruu are going to return to Kigen and play a strange game of intrigue that will prove to be very dangerous to both of them and their friends.
Okay, I think the world building is one of the author’s strong points. He really does put a lot of thought into this and provides plenty of detail, back stories and myths and legends. However, I think in some respects, although I think he has a lovely style of writing I do think he has a tendency to overdo certain detail. Don’t’ get me wrong, I’m a bit of a stickler for attention to detail but I think that there are certain elements of the story that have become a little bogged the description – almost to the extent that you lose the thread a little and have to backtrack! I certainly wouldn’t say it spoiled the story for me but definitely the first third of the book felt a little slow and I think this was due to the wealth of information – I suppose it’s a trap for some ‘first in series’ books where the author is trying to paint as thorough a picture as possible of his imagined world.
The Characters were a mixed bunch and to be honest not the strong point of the story for me. The father, seemingly a hopeless addict wallowing in his own personal world of grief. The loyal friend Akihito. The tough female warrior Kasumi, strangely devoted to Masaru. The latter two could definitely have done with a little bit more definition although that being said they don’t play a massive part. The father, I felt quite detached from in a lot of ways. I wouldn’t say I disliked him but then I didn’t particularly like him either and I had a similar feeling of ambivalence towards a number of the other characters. I really wanted to detest the Shogun – again, I definitely didn’t like him – but he wasn’t the baddie that you love to hate! His sister was a particularly interesting character and one that I would have enjoyed reading more of – not quite the silly girl that her fancy dresses and make up at first portray. I think the characters are my biggest criticism in a way. I thought the endings were a little rushed, the Shogun’ s character was underdeveloped, his sister could have played a much stronger part and the whole romance issue felt like a token gesture really and not necessary to the plot.
Yet, in spite of the criticisms I didn’t dislike this and it is an impressive debut – I just simply didn’t love it as much as I first thought I would. I will still pick up the next in the series. I would like to see how the story develops from here. I think the author has come up with a really unique fantasy with an interesting central theme. I enjoyed the setting, although how authentic any of this is I really couldn’t say, I liked the style of writing and, on top of that, check out this absolutely gorgeous cover:
Stormdancer, image from Goodreads
I received a copy of this from the David Gemmell Legend Awards in return for a honest review and the above is my own opinion.
A Sorcerer’s Treason, book one of the Isavalta Trilogy by Sarah Zettel
7 August 2012
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: A Sorcerer's Treason, book No.1, Sarah Kettel, The Isavalta Trilogy
Just finished reading a Sorcerer’s Treason by Sarah Zettel. This is my first time reading Sarah Zettel but definitely won’t be my last. I thought this was a great fantasy adventure, the worlds were well drawn and interesting to read about and, although I’m a bit late to read this series, the added bonus of my tardiness means no wait for books 2 and 3. So all good to me!
The Sorcerer’s Treason tells the story of Bridget. Bridget is a light keeper living on Sand Island during the early 19th century (think it was the early 19th c anyway). She is an outcast from the general population due to her past, a child born out of wedlock that mysteriously died, and also because of her strange psychic abilities which give her vivid images of both the past and the future. Bridget lives a very solitary and quite sad life although she takes her duties very seriously. During a storm she rescues a stranger from certain death on the rocks. This stranger has either hit his head harder than Bridget at first suspected or he is a sorcerer from a distant world reached through the land of death and spirit. A world of magic where animals are not always what they seem. This stranger, Kalami, wants to take Bridget to this world where her own magic will elevate her status hugely – and where she’ll be able to help the Grand Dowager protect her realm – Isavalta – from those who would wish to harm it. It all sounds too good to be true!
I really enjoyed this, in fact I thought it was quite captivating. There’s plenty going on and it moves forward at a fairly rapid pace. The characters are well described and well rounded. Both worlds are equally good to spend time in and I think Zettel manages to write in such a way that makes the scenes easy to conjure to the mind.
On top of this we have this strange folklore wound into the story. Witches (Baba Yaga) who reside in curious, chicken legged houses, crows who are not all they seem and the fox spirits led by the Vixen. Not to mention a caged and flaming phoenix, courtly intrigue and an interesting form of magic where spells can be woven into belts and clothing and worn about the person.
I just really liked the way this book was laid out. We have different points of view and lots of different threads coming together, not in a confusing way at all but in a way that just makes you want to turn the pages faster.. And, what I particularly liked was the way that the author made me feel as wondrous and new to the world as Bridget was. It was quite bewitching really and I’m really looking forward to reading the rest of Bridget’s tale.
In terms of characters – there’s plenty of interest. My particular favourite was Ananda and her sorcerer and protector Sakra. I also liked the strange animal spirits who have their own powerful magic and live in a different plain where the rules are all different.
I don’t really have any criticisms. I suppose you could say that this is a fantasy tale in the more traditional fashion rather than the more modern style fantasies that we are all currently enjoying – but this was written about 10 years ago, and this isn’t a criticism really because I really like this style and I think the author succeeds in weaving a great tale.
I would certainly recommend this and look forward to continuing this story.
A sorcerer’s treason
Books and travelling with Lynn 