Follow Me
Grab my feed
Posts
All Comments
Wanna Shop?
2013 Reading Challenge
Jen (That's What I'm Talking About) has
read 0 books toward her goal of 75 books.
New-To-Me Authors
2013 reading goal:
15 new-to-me authors.
1) Stacy Gail
2) Heather Massey
3) Sidney Bristol
4) Ann Mayburn
5) Thea Harrison
6) Virna DePaul
7) Mary Quast
8) Molly Harper
9) Eleri Stone
10) PJ Schnyder
11) Kait Ballenger
12) Denise L. Wyant
13) Lucy Monroe
Sunday Snippets
More Blogs
original images by marin & papaija2008 at FreeDigitalPhotos.com
banner designed by Jennifer from Books Make Me Happy
Showing posts with label Book of the Order. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Book of the Order. Show all posts
Friday, March 22, 2013
Cover reveal Harbinger by Philippa Ballantine
Today I have the privilege of revealing to you the cover for Harbinger by Philippa (Pip) Ballantine. This is the fourth and final (*sobs*) story in her marvelous Books of the Order Series. Without further ado.... May I present to you Harbinger...
The cover artist for Harbinger is Jason Chan. Once again, what perfect imagery for this exciting series! I cannot wait to read it!
Harbinger (Books of the Order #4)
ACE publishing, July 30, 2013
ACE publishing, July 30, 2013
The Deacons of the Order are all that stand between the wicked spirits of the Otherside and the innocent citizens of the Empire. They are sworn to protect humanity, even when they cannot protect themselves…
After the Razing of the Order, Sorcha Faris, one of the most powerful Deacons, is struggling to regain control of the runes she once wielded. The Deacons are needed more desperately than ever. The barrier between the world of the living and the world of the dead is weakening, and the Emperor has abandoned his throne, seeking to destroy those he feels have betrayed him.
Though she is haunted by the terrible truth of her past, Sorcha must lead the charge against the gathering hordes of geists seeking to cross into the Empire. But to do so, she will need to manipulate powers beyond her understanding—powers that may prove to be her undoing…
About the Author:
New Zealand born fantasy writer and podcaster Philippa (Pip) Ballantine is the author of the Books of the Order and the Shifted World series. She is also the co-author with her husband Tee Morris of the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences novels. Her awards include an Airship, a Parsec, and a Sir Julius Vogel. She currently resides in Manassas, VA with her husband, daughter, and a mighty clowder of cats.
You can find Pip online ...
Reviews in the Books of the Order:
Labels:
ACE,
blog tour,
Book Covers,
Book of the Order,
Cover Love,
Philippa Ballantine
|
2
comments
Monday, September 10, 2012
Review: Wrayth by Phillipa Ballatine
Wrayth
Author: Phillipa Ballantine
Release Date: Aug. 28, 2012
Publisher: ACE
Book of the Order #3
ISBN: #978-1937007751
Genre: Fantasy
Format(s): Paperback (320 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
|
In the Empire of Arkaym, the Order of Deacons protects and shelters the citizens from the attacks of the unliving. All are sworn to fight the evil forces of the geists—and to keep the world safe from the power of the Otherside…
Although she is one of the most powerful Deacons in the Order, Sorcha Faris is still unable to move or speak after her last battle. Even her partner, Merrick Chambers, cannot reach her through their shared Bond. Yet there are those who still fear Sorcha and the mystery of her hidden past.
Meanwhile, Merrick has been asked to investigate a new member of the Emperor’s Court. But when Sorcha is abducted by men seeking Raed Rossin, the shapeshifting rival to the throne, Merrick must choose where his loyalties lie.
What I’m talking about:
|
Welcome back to Ms. Ballantine’s amazing world of Arykham. It’s been two months since the explosive ending to Spectyr, the second Book of the Order. We discover that our heroine Sorcha has been in a catatonic state since those events, only able to move her eyes and push emotions through the bond with her Sensitive partner, Merrick. Her not-quite ex-partner and ex-husband, Koyla is hanging on to their weak bond, attempting to usurp her bond with Merrick. Raed Rossin, Sorcha’s lover and rightful heir to the throne, is off searching for his treacherous sister, possibly never to return. And Merrick, who is still recovering from losing his first love, has been spending a lot of time with the Emperor's sister, the Grand Duchess Zofiya. All of this frustrates Sorcha beyond capacity because she cannot take charge of herself, let alone help those she loves. But wait... there’s more! Sorcha’s first partner, Garil, and Raed’s first mate, Aachon, kidnap Sorcha so that she can lead them to Raed. If you are confused... keep reading!
The opening of the story is full of immediate and intense action. There is no learning curve in Wrayth, and because of this, I highly recommend reading the first two books before jumping into this one. (Also, this series is one of the best out there and you would be remiss if you didn’t read it from the start.) The book follows our three main characters, Sorcha, Merrick and Raed, allowing the reader insight from each character’s POV. Because all three heroes are involved in their own subplot the story is constantly shifting around, which can cause minor confusion to both the reader and the characters. Also, the heroes feel lost and annoyed, each being on their own, especially since they have learned to work together and heavily rely on their special three-way bond.
I was also a bit confused at the beginning, but that was more due to reader issues that the book itself. As I’ve stated in my reviews of the first two books from this series, Ms. Ballantine’s world is an elaborate one, full of rich and intricate details with a unique mythology. The events that occur build upon each other, from the opening paragraph of the first book, to the conclusion of this story. In other words, a lot goes on and one needs to pay attention. Although the author does her best to remind the reader what has happened to date, I was frustrated that I couldn’t remember everything from the earlier books. (I have already decided I’ll be doing a re-read before the next book!) Just like its predecessors, this book is packed with twists and turns, non-stop action and a great deal of story. In other words: PAY ATTENTION!
The primary storylines find our three heroes each fighting their own battles. In order to be revived from her comatose condition, Sorcha makes a deal with a geistlord that leaves her (and the reader) a bit uncomfortable (you know it's going to come back and bite her in the rear!). Raed has been captured by another geistlord, the Wrayth (think creepy version of Star Trek TNG Borg), and he has struck a bargain with the Rossin (the geistlord that shares his body) so that they can work together to survive. Finally, Merrick discovers that a very dangerous man has the ear of the Emperor, but before he can warn anyone is accused of kidnapping the Grand Duchess. I will tell you that for much of the book I felt hopeless. Yet, this is a good thing! I was so caught up in the storylines that I empathized with the character’s plights. I was extremely nervous almost the entire time, and couldn’t put the book down.
I’m not going to try and recap more of the elaborate and spectacular plot of Wrayth, but understand that eventually the heroes make their way back to each other, which makes this reader happy, giving me hope again. I also am grateful that many of the loose ends from the previous two books are brought together, giving explanation to much of what’s been going on.
The continued character development is so satisfying, and probably the best thing about this series. Starting with the first Book of the Order, the characters and their relationships have always been the heart of these books, endearing themselves and this series to me. They have all gone through so much, with each step adding to the whole. In Wrayth we learn more about Sorcha’s mysterious past, which is exciting in its own right. However, it’s Sorcha’s fortitude and how she reacts to the situations that allow her character to shine. Similarly, observing Raed and the Rossin in action together as they make “deals with the devil,” allows both halves of this man to stretch and grow. Just when you think that maybe Raed has figured out how to live with the Rossin, Ms. Ballantine tosses in a twist that has me worried for Raed. Finally, Merrick, the novice Sensitive takes center stage in Wrayth as her learns he can stand on his own two feet without Sorcha to protect and guide him.
In conclusion, there is just so much to love about Wrayth, especially for fans of the series. The action is intense, with a step up in suspense and intrigue. The character development progresses by leaps and bounds. Finally, the overall story arc is peaking, and with only one book left in this series, let me assure you that you will be itching for its release the moment you finish reading Wrayth.
My Rating:
|
Loved it - enthusiastically recommend (A)
Reviews in the Series:
Monday, July 11, 2011
Review: Spectyr
SpectyrAuthor: Philippa Ballantine
Release Date: June 28, 2011
Publisher: ACE Fantasy
Book of the Order #2
ISBN: #978-0441020515
Genre: Fantasy
Format(s): Paperback (320 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
| About the book: |
Though one of the most powerful Deacons, Sorcha Faris has a tarnished reputation to overcome. She and her partner, Deacon Merrick Chambers, find themselves chasing down rumors of geists, but long for a return to real action. So they jump at the chance to escort a delegation sent to negotiate the terms of the Emperor’s engagement. Their destination: the exotic city of Orinthal.
But a string of murders has Orinthal on edge, and Sorcha and Merrick are asked to investigate. Meanwhile the Emperor’s sister has unwittingly released a cruel and vengeful goddess, one who it bent on destroying her enemies, including the geistlord who resides inside the shapeshifting rival to the throne—Sorcha’s lover….
| What I’m talking about: |
Wow - another great story in Ms. Ballantine’s richly-detailed, exotic world of Arkaym! Spectyr picks up shortly after the explosive conclusion of the first Book of the Order, Geist (my review HERE), with the return of key characters and the addition of a few new players. Deacons Sorcha Faris and Merrick Chambers are dealing with the blows of betrayal from within the Order, meanwhile, geist (paranormal) activity has been slow, leaving the pair with little to do. (In Ms. Ballantine’s world, intrusions by creatures from the “otherside” are commonplace and the Order’s Deacons are the “ghostbusters” of society.) Suddenly, strange events begin to occur, leading the Deacons, and a slew of other important players to the desert city of Orinthal.
Just like its predecessor, Spectyr, is full of amazing details, distinctive locals and unique lexicon. It is a beautifully crafted and involving story that requires a reader’s full attention. The action is intense, and the plotlines are elaborately crafted. I will admit that I had forgotten several details from Geist, but Ms. Ballantine did a marvelous job “reminding me” of key events.
Once again, the three-way bond of Sorcha, Merrick and Raed, the ousted heir to the Empire and Sorcha’s lover, was a focal part of the story. The bond penetrated the threesome’s actions and grew in sometimes unexpected ways. The emotional impact of their deep connection reverberated throughout the story, leaving me wanting more.
Ms. Ballantine used their bond as a starting point for this story and then expanded the emotional ties to include new characters and situations. The ramifications of the newer bonds pulled on the threesome, causing emotional dilemmas between old and new friends, family and duty. I believe I held my breath more than once!
As events unfold, sections of the Empire began to crumble and I was left wondering what will happen next. Although this book didn’t have what I would term a “cliff-hanger” ending, it did leave many unresolved issues and open-ended plot lines. I cannot wait to find out what will happen to Sorcha, Merrick and Raed, along with the fate of several new an returning characters. I will warn you, this story is NOT a quick read, and while it may take a bit longer to complete, it is addictive and worth the time!
| My Rating: |
Enjoyed - strongly recommend
Friday, October 29, 2010
Review: Geist
GeistAuthor: Philippa Ballantine
Release Date: October 26, 2010
Publisher: Ace Fantasy
Book of the Order #1
ISBN: #978-0441019618
Genre: Fantasy
Format(s): paperback (304 pgs), e-book
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for the purposes of an honest review.
From the back cover:
Between the living and the dead is the Order of the Deacons, protectors of the Empire, guardians against possession, sentinels enlisted to ward off the malevolent haunting of the geists...
Among the most powerful of the Order is Sorcha, now thrust into partnership with the novice Deacon, Merrick Chambers. They have been dispatched to the isolated village of Ulrich to aide the Priory with a surge of violent geist activity. With them is Raed Rossin, Pretender to the throne that Sorcha is sworn to protect, and bearer of a terrible curse.
But what greets them in the strange settlement is something far more predatory and more horrifying than any mere haunting. And as she uncovers a tradition of twisted rituals passed down through the dark reaches of history, Sorcha will be forced to reconsider everything she thinks she knows. Even if she makes it out of Ulrich alive, what in the hell is she returning to?
What I’m talking about:
Welcome to Arykham, where the presence of ghosts and spirits (geists) are unfortunately commonplace. But thankfully, the geists conform to a set of known parameters, and the Order protects the citizens from ultimate danger. The setting of the book, Arykaham, is historical in nature - no electricity, and horses, ships and dirigibles are the modes of transportation, etc. The society is run by an Emperor, with the Order acting as a quasi-religious group that protects the world from the geists.
The book opens with Sorcha and her husband fighting off a powerful geist attack on a crowd. In this initial attack, Sorcha’s husband is brutally injured by the geist - something that goes against the “known rules” for the Otherside. With her husband (and partner) disabled, Sorcha is given a new partner and sent north to help the town of Ulrich.
Enter novice Merrick Chambers. He has a history with Sorcha, although she doesn’t know it. He is untested and a bit scared. But soon the pair discovers that all of the “known rules” for the Otherside are being tossed out the window, which forces them to rely on and trust each other. And after they meet up with Raed Rossin, the usurped Prince to the throne, they stumble upon a vast conspiracy that rocks the very foundation of the Order.
Ms. Ballantine has created an elaborate world that is rich in details with its own unique mythology. And due to this, the book is not a quick and easy read. Between the lexicon of the Order, the intricate mythology (world) and the complex storyline full of twists and turns, it can be formidable at times. The first part of the book - the “getting to know you” phase - was tough, but soon I got into the “honeymoon” phase, and the story was so interesting and I enjoyed it immensely. My only request: a list of characters/titles/positions and glossary (with the runes listed) in any future books.
Sorcha is frustrated with her situation in life - her loveless (and from the sounds of it emotionally abusive) marriage and being sent up to Ulrich... So she is pleasantly surprised by the depth of the bond that develops with Merrick. And Merrick - scared as a child after watching Sorcha go medieval on some spirits that also left his father killed, learns to trust Sorcha. Watching Merrick grow stronger and more confident was a treat.
Tossed into the mix is Raed, who carries a deep secret of his own - a curse that unleashes a terrible beast when touched by the spirits. He has been an outcast and fugitive for years, and Sorcha is uncertain what to make of him. Yet he awakens parts of her that she no longer believed to be alive. In attempts to leash the beast within Raed, Sorcha forms a unique bond with him, which is the beginning of something much deeper. I loved the passion between Sorcha and Raed, and I was left wanting to know what is going happen next because this clearly isn’t the end of the story.
Although the book is full of exciting action and amazing adventure, the trio created of Sorcha, Merrick and Raed is fascinating and the true heart of the story. Ms. Ballantine does an amazing job with the character development. The trio each sees things in a unique way, bringing a full spectrum of views in each situation. I enjoyed the give and take that makes this relationship work.
With layer after layer unfolding before me - causing several twists and turns, I was on the proverbial edge of my seat. The book came to a satisfying conclusion, yet it was open-ended for subsequent stories. I for one, cannot wait! I want to know more about the secrets of the Sensitives. I want to know more about how the bond works. And I want to know what will become of this amazing trio!
My Rating:
Really enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Grab My Button
