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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
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Showing posts with label sci-fi/fantasy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sci-fi/fantasy. Show all posts
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Review: A Spy to Die For by Kris DeLake
A Spy to Die For
Author: Kris DeLake
Release Date: July 2, 2013
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Assassins Guild Series #2
ISBN: #978-1402262852
Genre: Sci-fi Romance
Format(s): Paperback (320 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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Jack Hunter is a double agent. Skye Jones is a pirate...or is that just a cover? One thing is for sure—neither of them are competent assassins. Thrown together on the Krell space station during an important Assassins Guild meeting, each is determined to get to the truth and prevent catastrophe. But when Jack and Skye are matched against two master killers, they find themselves caught in the crosshairs between their willingness to trust each other and the undeniable attraction coursing through them. Both knows that a long-term relationship is tough in their profession, but the chemistry they've got is too good to deny. Now all they have to do is stay alive.
What Nima’s talking about:
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Kris DeLake is one of multiple pen names for multi-genre author Kristine Kathryn Rusch. Although it is the second book in the Assassins Guild Series, it does stand on its own as a single book read.
I felt the plot of A Spy to Die For was very weak. There is a single plot line which has a few periphery characters coming in and out of it, but we never leave the point of view of its two main characters, Sky and Jack. They are rival spies and they must decide if they should trust each other or not to survive and thwart and assassination plot. I wish I could say there were no spoilers there, but that’s the entire book in a nut shell. I wish there was more to review.
In lieu of the drama that could have been created by subplots, we get more sex. Was the sex good? Sure. Sweaty, playful, not overly graphic. Female-friendly. Overall, it is good—not bad, not great. It makes for a quick poolside read, but it was easy to put down and pick up again as was convenient. I was never compelled to get to the end or had to work at remembering where I was in the story.
Nima’s Rating:
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Liked it, but I had some issues (B)
Purchase Info:
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Review: Enthralled Anthology
Enthralled
Author: Lora Leigh, Alyssa Day, Meljean Brook, Lucy Monroe
Release Date: July 2, 2013
Publisher: Berkley Trade
ISBN: #978-0425253311
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Steampunk, Fantasy, Anthology
Format(s): Paperback (464 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Received as a gift
About the book:
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Lora Leigh - The Devil’s Due (Breeds #28)
Leigh's stubborn Breed meets her match, and can deny neither him nor herself.
Alyssa Day - The Curse Of The Black Swan (League Of The Black Swan #1.5)
Day introduces the League of the Black Swan, and a woman cursed to kill the man she loves.
Meljean Brook - Salvage (Iron Seas #3.5)
In Brook's steampunk Iron Seas world, a man bereft of everything finds his marriage in jeopardy, and sky pirates stealing his wife.
Lucy Monroe - Ecstasy Under The Moon (Children Of The Moon #3.5)
Monroe unleashes a werewolf's passions on the body, mind, and soul of his prey, his lover, his lifemate.
What I’m talking about:
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The Devil's Due by Lora Leigh (Breeds series)
Katie is a unique woman whose Breed DNA did not manifest until she was in her twenties. Due to this, and the imposing testing requirements of her homeland in Europe, Katie seeks asylum in the US with Callan Lyons and the US Division of Breed Affairs. Here she is a protected guest, with the notorious Devil as her body guard.
Although the opening prologue was confusing, these early events do not have a big impact on the entire novella (although for readers of the series, it will probably come into play down the road). The entire story flows smoothly after the group move to the US and settle in.
Katie and Devil are SO HOT together! This is the Breeds I’ve been missing in the last few titles. The pair are overcome by the Breed’s mating hormone - and since both are Breeds, they both exhibit the signs, including insatiable lust and desire. What makes the story fun is that Devil realizes immediately that the mating hormone is being produced, even though he had thought it was just rumor prior to his own experiences. And poor Katie--she has no clue.
The novella takes place within the timeline and plot of the larger Breeds series story arc. For fans of the series, there are a few clues for the overall story and some fun surprises. I feel someone new to the series could read this novella, but it would probably not be as enjoyable since there is a lot going on, and it does tie into the bigger story.
Overall, The Devil’s Due is a hot and sweet story of two breeds coming together. They both enjoy their mating heat and don't fight the coupling--in fact they want it, which is a refreshing change from most Breed books. There is little conflict within this story, but hints of a war brewing in the larger story arc. Things were left open ended with respect to the bigger picture.
4 stars.
The Curse of the Black Swan by Alyssa Day (League of the Black Swan prequel)
Sean, half human-half fire demon, is a firefighter in Bordertown. Although it is a paranormal friendly area, being part demon isn’t something accepted in town, and so Sean and his family hide their true natures.
Brynn Carroll is a woman cursed to turn into a black swan and sing songs to the moon every third night. She is determined to break the curse by never falling in love. Then one night, Sean witnesses Brynn transform, and the pair hit it off immediately.
The story is sweet and fun. I adore both Sean and Brynn - two lonely people who come to realize that they can be themselves and be accepted. The story follows their courtship while Sean attempts to solve the mystery as to who is starting magically enhanced fires.
Without spoiling the story, my only negative is that I wish we'd been told how “things” transpired at the end to come to the conclusion it did. The Curse of the Black Swan is a wonderful little story, happy and sweet. I adored both the romance and mystery. Although it ties into the overall mythology of Ms. Day’s new series, it can be enjoyed as a stand alone.
4.5 stars
Salvage by Meljean Brook (Iron Seas)
When Georgiana and Thom married years ago, she thought he understood her desire to have a husband who stayed home. Her expectations were shattered when Thom sailed off the morning after they were married. She may have been able to forgive that one time, but his last trip has kept him away for four years (and he abandoned her while they were copulating)!
Georgiana discovers Thom (whom we met briefly in Heart of Steel) badly injured and washed-up on shore near their home. She drags him back home, and together with the doctor, she nurses Thom back to health. Before she can ask Thom to leave for good, the pair are kidnapped and forced to make a daring salvage expedition.
Ah... I just love Ms. Brook’s world. Salvage is yet another marvelous stand alone story in her amazing Iron Seas series. Thom and Georgiana are wonderful characters, both strong as individuals, but not so much as a married pair. The reader learns so much of their situation through their individual POVs. Thom's POV is so sad. He loves and craves Georgiana; he just never figured out how to give her what she needed. And Georgiana thought she was so clear in her coversations with Thom, but it’s not until the pair are held in captivity do they really talk it all out.
Salvage reads with the details and descriptions usually found only in a full-length novel. The action is fairly intense and exciting; the plot is engrossing. All of the characters are well-developed and fun. It is a wonderful story about second chances. Being kidnapped and threatened with death allows Thom and Georgiana to share their feelings and passion uninhibited.
4 stars
Ecstasy Under the Moon by Lucy Monroe (Children of the Moon)
Ecstasy Under the Moon is the only title in the anthology that is a new-to-me author and series. Thankfully, Ms. Monroe includes a detailed prologue; however, even with the details, I was lost for a while.
Ean are bird shifters that have stayed hidden for years. The Faol are wolf shifters. There is a bad history of the Faol hurting and killing the Ean. So it comes as a great shock that the high priestess of the Ean, tells of visions that the Faol and Ean will need to merge tribes.
Una and her father are not pleased with the news that emissaries of the Faol shall come to live with the Ean. However, once Una meets one of the Faol warriors, Bryant, in the Chrechte spirit realm (in her dreams), her attitude begins to change. Even her long-held fear of the Faol begins to dissipate.
Ecstasy Under the Moon has a traditional fantasy feel, more so than a paranormal romance. The world-building is extremely complex and intense. I enjoy fantasies, so this did not bother me; however, if you are looking for more of a light-hearted PNR, this one may not be for you. The highland/Scottish clan setting also gave it a historical feel.
I liked the easy-going nature and flow of the story after I became grounded in the world. Bryant is a noble man/wolf, and I admire what he is trying to accomplish with his Faol brethren. I enjoyed the stories of his history, which piqued my interest and left me wanting to know more. The story had a strong message of good over bad and “never judge a book by its cover.” It never got deep, but had a solid message.
There was also a bit of humor - subtle, but fun.
Overall, Ecstasy Under the Moon was enjoyable. It was my first introduction to Ms. Monroe's series. Even though it is obvious that there is much to Ms. Monroe's world, and possibly several other books, I was able to enjoy this as a stand alone.
3.5 stars
In conclusion, Enthralled is an extremely enjoyable anthology, especially for those that read some or all of the series represented.
Overall Rating:
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Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Reviews in the Series:
Friday, April 19, 2013
Review: Sharp by Alex Hughes
Sharp
Author: Alex Hughes
Release Date: April 2, 2013
Publisher: Roc
Mindspace Investigations #2
ISBN: 978-0451465047
Genre: Science Fiction
Format(s): Paperback (339 pages), E-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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HISTORY HAS A WAY OF REPEATING ITSELF, EVEN FOR TELEPATHS.…
As a Level Eight telepath, I am the best police interrogator in the department. But I’m not a cop—I never will be—and my only friend on the force, Homicide Detective Isabella Cherabino, is avoiding me because of a telepathic link I created by accident.
And I might not even be an interrogator for much longer. Our boss says unless I pull out a miracle, I’ll be gone before Christmas. I need this job, damn it. It’s the only thing keeping me sane.
Parts for illegal Tech—the same parts used to bring the world to its knees in the Tech Wars sixty years ago—are being hijacked all over the city. Plus Cherabino's longtime nemesis, a cop killer, has resurfaced with a vengeance. If I can stay alive long enough, I just might be able to prove my worth, once and for all...
What G & U are talking about:
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Gikany and Una are so excited about this new-to-us series. In order to start off on the right foot, we started with the first book, Clean in this Mindspace Investigations series. Do yourself a favor and read the first book – it’s awesome! It is also the best introduction into Sharp – a truly gritty and gripping novel.
This series is told from the first person perspective of the Telepath. He is disavowed from the Guild (the group that trains and controls those with Ability) and barely holding on to a clean existence as it is. If it wasn’t for Cherabino, Bellury, and Swartz, we feel he would dive into the abyss until he winked out of Mindspace forever.
Gikany and Una cannot stress what a fascinating world that Ms. Hughes has created. We are riveted by this futurestic view of our world. The past Tech Wars which has caused a reversal in the use of technology, the pollution, the seemingly precious real resources left (like fresh produce and meat) and the abundance of those with Ability. This world is gritty and seen through the eyes of our recovering addict – who stays alive and sober by true grit and gumption. Not to mention – his safety net of those cops and his sponsor who know what he will be capable of if he can just keep on the straight and narrow.
What truly rounds out the Sharp is the continuing pressure, guidance and opportunities that the police force give our Telepath. Paulson (his boss) seems to want to see him succeed – she must have something for hardluck/impossible cases and our Telepath could be the poster boy. However the interactions between him and Kara – his ex-fiance, Cherabino – his sometimes partner and certain crush, Swartz – the stubborn sponsor, and Bellury – the aloof but supporting babysitter, they all combine to make his own true but complicated family. The great contrast seen between Clean and Sharp is the self-sacrificing our Telepath makes this time. He sees how precarious and precious his life is and wants to keep his job, his family and not lose everything to the addiction his body and mind still crave. It is difficult to not root for this underdog – to hope something comes from his tentative and rocky relationship with Cherabino. We are also fascinated to know there are other Guilds and would like to know more. This is a fresh and intriguing world that we cannot wait to visit again.
We apologize for this review being a little vague. There are nuances in the first book that really stuck a chord with Gikany and Una. These nuances are so subtle and genius we would hate to spoil you. Since we just discovered this series, we hope there are others reading this review that will be intrigued and pick it up. We found the unveiling of the story very well done. Therefore in order to have the full impact of Sharp, please read Clean. We eagerly look forward to what adventures and cases await in the Mindspace Investigations.
Their Rating:
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Loved it - enthusiastically recommend (A)
Purchase Info:
GIVEAWAY: for a chance to win a copy of the first Mindspace Investigations book, Clean, please see the guest post from author Alex Hughes HERE.
Friday, April 12, 2013
Review: Assassin's Gambit by Amy Raby
Assassin’s Gambit
Author: Amy Raby
Release Date: April 2, 2013
Publisher: Signet
Hearts and Thrones #1
ISBN: #978-0451417824
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Format(s): Paperback (400 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher/ NetGalley
About the book:
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Vitala Salonius, champion of the warlike game of Caturanga, is as deadly as she is beautiful. She’s a trained assassin for the resistance, and her true play is for ultimate power. Using her charm and wit, she plans to seduce her way into the emperor’s bed and deal him one final, fatal blow, sparking a battle of succession that could change the face of the empire.
As the ruler of a country on the brink of war and the son of a deposed emperor, Lucien must constantly be wary of an attempt on his life. But he’s drawn to the stunning Caturanga player visiting the palace. Vitala may be able to distract him from his woes for a while—and fulfill other needs, as well.
Lucien’s quick mind and considerable skills awaken unexpected desires in Vitala, weakening her resolve to finish her mission. An assassin cannot fall for her prey, but Vitala’s gut is telling her to protect this sexy, sensitive man. Now she must decide where her heart and loyalties lie and navigate the dangerous war of politics before her gambit causes her to lose both Lucien and her heart for good.
What B is talking about:
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Trained to be an assassin from the moment she was sold as a child to the Obsidian Circle by her Riorcan parents, Vitala Salonius is as cold and deadly as the weapons she yields underneath her skin. Armed with her beauty, magic, strength, and intelligence, she’ll do anything to lead her people to freedom from the empire that subjugates them, even if she has to sacrifice herself to do so. But, when a hostile faction within the Kjallan empire itself attempts to murder her target and seize power for itself, her straightforward mission is thrown into chaos, leaving Vitala with no choice but to act on her own in order to succeed. As she embarks on the unlikeliest of alliances, the game changes, and she risks losing something she’d never been allowed acknowledge until now: her heart.
Lucien Nigellus, the youngest, and only surviving, son of an unpopular emperor, is well aware of the sacrifices he’ll have to make in order to hold on to his precarious claim to the throne. More prone to utilize strategy than brute force in his bid to establish stability in the region, he seeks to learn from the reigning champion in his favorite board game, Caturanga, in order to hone his skills, both at play, as well as in politics. As betrayal strikes from within his own inner circle, and war threatens to spread across his lands, Lucien realizes that the one person he can rely on is the last person he should ever trust, and wanting her for his own could cost him everything.
Assassin’s Gambit is largely a tale of strategy. As is true with Caturanga, the game so heavily referenced throughout the novel, the characters themselves act as pieces on a game board, no move being made by either side without thorough consideration of its effectiveness towards the end goal. Every word Vitala speaks, and every action she takes initially has one purpose: to win freedom for her people. But, Vitala, who is a strong and clever woman, knows that she is an expendable commodity in the game, a possibility she’s embraced fully until now. Lucien’s misjudgment of his own situation likewise makes him a pawn in the machinations of others, neither of them being able to exert any real control over their situation until they begin to break the rules they’ve been trying to play by.
While the strategic aspects of Assassin’s Gambit were intriguing, I found a connection to the main characters difficult to establish. Vitala is certainly a strong woman, and worthy of the chance to aid her people however she can, but the aloofness with which she plays her part in the scheme was difficult to empathize with. Lucien is likewise difficult to become attached to, not truly beginning to shine until his priorities began to shift to accommodate his growing attachment to, and dependence on, Vitala.
One of the things I did especially like about the story was that Vitala is the real hero of Assassin’s Gambit, and her ability to outplay Lucien in nearly every respect was very entertaining. Whether they’re playing Caturanga in the palace or mobilizing troops in the field, she repeatedly outmatches him, a fact that proves especially irritating to Lucien when it’s to his benefit. Because of an injury that cost him one of his legs long before this story takes place, Lucien is almost entirely dependent on Vitala during their escape from their enemies, shifting her from the role of assassin to that of defender and provider.
Although I had a few issues with parts of Assassin’s Gambit, I think opens the door for a lot of possibilities for the series as a whole. Having a female lead strong enough to literally carry the role of the hero for an entire novel of this length is both unique and impressive, and I’m curious to know whether we’ll learn more about Vitala and Lucien in future novels in the series. Though it took me a while to warm up to both characters, by the end of the story I was in their corner, and I would definitely welcome the chance to see what Ms. Raby has in store for us next.
B’s Rating:
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Liked it, but I had some issues - recommend (B)
Purchase Info:
Labels:
3 stars,
Amy Raby,
Bs-review,
Hearts and Thrones,
romance,
sci-fi/fantasy,
Signet
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Monday, March 18, 2013
Review: Her Knight's Quest by Alexis Morgan
Her Knight’s Quest
Author: Alexis Morgan
Release Date: March 5, 2013
Publisher: Signet
Warriors of the Mist #2
ISBN: #978-0451239594
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Format(s): Paperback (336 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher/ NetGalley
About the book:
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For centuries, five legendary warriors have braved battles shoulder to shoulder. But now they must divide and conquer as lone champions against evil.
Duncan, a scholar at heart, is drawn to an isolated abbey rumored to hold the answers to countering the terror unleashed by Duke Keirthan. Inside the cloistered walls lies the hidden collection of forbidden lore on dark magic. But the real key to the salvation Duncan seeks—both for the people of Agathia and his soul—is the abbess herself, Lady Lavinia. Hunted by the duke, who seeks to harvest her powers, Lavinia knows Duncan wants to help her. But can she trust the tortured warrior with her secrets?
In the end, it is only by joining forces that they can save not only those they are sworn to protect but each other.
What I’m talking about:
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Duncan is one of the five fabled Warriors of the Mist who sleep within the River of the Damned. When a darkest began to descend over her estate, Lady Merewen called forth these ancient warriors to help rid the land of evil. At the end of the first book, My Lady Mage, Duncan set out in search of answers to help destroy their enemy. At the beginning of Her Knight’s Quest, Duncan is en route to an abbey which is rumored to hold ancient, magical texts. He is playing the part of a scholar looking for work as a scribe.
Lavinia is the head of the abbey and sworn to protect the secrets within its walls. She is all to aware of the evil at hand and the man at the root of the dark magic, Duke Keirthan. Lavinia is able to perform magic of her own, including scrying for visions of what the future may hold. So when the magic waters share more than one image of Duncan, Lavinia realizes he will be someone significant in her life.
Her Knight’s Quest is the delightful sophomore story in the Warriors of the Mist series. After providing basic framework for the world and mythology in her first book, Ms. Morgan takes the time to further explore several of the characters, including backgrounds and talents. There is a much deeper explanation of what is occurring to the land and its citizens, plus there are several scenes from the POV of the Duke - providing excellent insight into his desires and motivations. I was drawn in by the additional details and supplemental mythology regarding the magic at hand. Despite the fact there is a lot of new information provided, the plot progressed forward with an exciting intensity.
Although I would classify this series as fantasy, romance is a crucial part of its core and story lines. In Her Knight’s Quest, we witness the pairing of Lavinia and Duncan. However, there is also follow up with Merewen and Gideon, the primary couple from the first book. In addition, we witness the beginnings of a relationship between Murdoch and Alina, who we also met in the first book.
Lavinia and Duncan feel sparks of attraction right from the start, however both are duty bound and feel there is no time or place for any type of relationship. Their first kiss is sexy, yet hesitant, knowing that their responsibilities come first. Both Lavinia and Duncan appear simultaneously mature and innocent, able to focus on task yet full of wonder from the brush of romance. The juxtaposition of these seemingly conflicting needs creates a smoldering desire brewing beneath the surface.
As the pair grow closer, they individually struggle with the conflict between duty and heart. One of my favorite scenes involves such conflict. The pair disagree on the direction the other should take - and whether to leave the abbey. Yet when it comes down to it, Duncan pushes to claim and love Lavinia, even if they may never see each other again. Both put their heart out there, knowing love may be lost. The scene was emotionally intense and passionate.
The conflict between duty and love is echoed in the other romantic relationships within the story. Although Merewen and Gideon made peace with the fact that once the battle is over, he will have to return to the river and leave, the pair shared tender moments in Her Knight’s Quest as the realize the truth of the situation. This sentiment is echoed in a touching scene between Murdoch and Alina. I adore Alina’s courage in sharing her feelings with Murdoch, and for Murdoch to graciously accept her offer rather than push her away “for her own good.”
By the end of Her Knight’s Quest, I was thoroughly hooked on Ms. Morgan’s series. The fantasy elements and overall mythology are engrossing and exciting. The added components brought forward in this book helped to enrich the overall story arc. In addition, the character development was stronger in this book, and I have come to care for the Dammed Warriors and their companions. I admire that both persons in each of the pairings is willing to give one-hundred percent of themselves and their love, even knowing that heartache is ahead. I look forward to finding out how the Warriors of the Mist fair against the darkness of Duke Keirthan.
My Rating:
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Liked it - recommend (B+)
Reviews in the Series:
Labels:
3.5 stars,
Alexis Morgan,
romance,
sci-fi/fantasy,
Signet,
Twimom Review,
Warriors of the Mist
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Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Review: A Kiss for A Cure by Sidney Bristol
A Kiss for a Cure
Author: Sidney Bristol
Release Date: Feb. 4, 2013
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Fuller Center #1
Genre: Sci-fi Romance, Novella
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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What’s a girl to do when her parents gift her with a man for Christmas?
Caught between two kingdoms, Jordan has given up the privileged world of intergalactic court life to become an interstellar biologist researching space sharks. Unexpectedly saddled with a husband from a race who are rumored to be sex fiends, her life is yanked in a direction she doesn’t want.
But Cai isn’t human and he must have the emotional feedback of a mate in order to survive. Charged with protecting Jordan, can he win her heart and keep her safe from harm?
Will they survive the challenges that arise…sexual, emotional and political? Time is ticking away and it’s not on their side.
What I’m talking about:
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Living alone on a space research center, Jordan didn’t plan to do much for the Christmas holidays. In addition, as the illegitimate daughter of two powerful parents (who were forbidden to marry) from neighboring kingdoms, Jordan is used to being alone. So when Jordan discovers that the package from her parents contains a male - a husband none the less, she doesn’t know how to respond.
Cai is from a race of people that requires emotional feedback and physical intimacy in order to survive. Agreeing to marry Jordan seemed like an ideal opportunity to Cai, and he can’t understand why Jordan finds the situation so appalling. Now he’s stuck between wanting Jordan and wanting to give her the freedom she desires.
I completely adored A Kiss for a Cure. The opening sequences as Jordan watched her “present” open to reveal a man were priceless. The humor was subtle but stellar. Lines like “Sane people did not receive men in boxes for Christmas from their parents,” made me smile and sometimes laugh out loud.
I am a science-nerd at heart, and sci-fi is my first love. I totally geeked out over the wonderful play-by-play as Jordan attempted to scientifically break down Cai and his race's need for physical and emotional feedback. Her responses as a scientist and her need to find a “cure” were perfectly played. The premise behind the story and Cai’s “condition” was well thought out and presented to the reader in an effective and entertaining manner.
The story is full of wonderful descriptive scenes such as the pair’s trip to the space reef (yes, there are sharks in space!). In addition, it is light-hearted scenes such as the reef excursion that allow the couple to develop their friendship. Not only is it fun to read, but the tender moments permit for an emotional connection between the reader and the characters.
Because Jordan has had a strained relationship with her parents most of her life, the conversation she has with her mother about Cai is especially touching. Ms. Bristol finds an effective way to convey important facts needed to further the story and blends it with an emotional punch that drew me even further into her world.
Overall, A Kiss for a Cure is a wonderful little story. The characters are well developed in the confines of a novella. The plot is expertly crafted with an enjoyable blend of humor, romance, science and action. The scientific premise behind the story was well planned and not hokey in the least. I adored Jordan and Cai right from the get go, and the ending was ideal for this couple. I hope that Ms. Bristol makes a return trip to The Fuller Center soon.
My Rating:
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Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Review: Dreamspinner by Lynn Kurland
Dreamspinner
Author: Lynn Kurland
Release Date: Dec. 31, 2012
Publisher: Berkley Trade
The Nine Kingdoms #7
ISBN: #978-0425262191
Genre: Fantasy
Format(s): Paperback (384 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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Aisling of Bruadair has lived a provincial life, removed from the evil creeping over her land. Her ordinary existence changes forever, though, when she is sent to the opposite end of the world to find a master swordsman. If she fails, her life–and her country’s safety–will be forfeit. She just never expected that swordsman to be a wounded elven prince masquerading as a simple soldier.
Powerless and scarred from long-ago conflict, Rùnach of Ceangail has spent years in obscurity, ignoring battles he can no longer fight. And although he has been drawn back into the world, he fully intends to live an unremarkable life far away from events he knows he cannot change . . .
Until Rùnach meets Aisling and realizes that she is far more than what she seems, that their alliance has attracted unwelcome notice, and that some battles must be fought.
What B is talking about:
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Sold into a life of hard labor by her parents when she was only a girl, Aisling dreams of nothing but gaining her freedom on her next birthday. Fate has other ideas, however, and Aisling is forcefully thrust into the battle between good and evil that is threatening the Nine Kingdoms. Sent, under a curse of death, on a quest to find a savior for her country, she can trust no one, not even the kind, scarred soldier who insists on accompanying her on her journey.
Robbed of his magic by his own father years before, Rùnach of Ceangail wants nothing more than a simple life as a soldier of fortune, living out his extremely long life alone. But, when his path crosses that of a mysterious young woman in disguise, his curiosity overrules his better judgment, upending all his carefully laid plans.
As the seventh of the Nine Kingdoms novels, Dreamspinner relies so much on the series’ history that I would highly recommend it be read as part of the bigger story. References to minor characters, as well as those completely absent from this novel, left me feeling somewhat detached at times, and unable to appreciate all of the characters’ reactions within the narrative. This is entirely understandable, however, given that each novel of the Nine Kingdoms is substantial in its own right, and I imagine that devoting the required time to make every subsequent novel stand independently of the rest might weigh the story down considerably.
Aisling and Rùnach are very sweet together, the gradual slide the two make from being merely traveling companions to forming a real attachment as inevitable as it is endearingly awkward. Watching Rùnach’s consternation increase alongside Aisling’s awakening to the magic all around her is likewise extremely entertaining. Eventually, Rùnach gives in to his feelings without much of a fuss, going from comparing her to the beauties of the Elven court through much of the novel in an attempt to distract himself, to describing Aisling as being past “pretty” when a rival describes her as such. The pair’s protests become increasingly amusing to the other characters of the novel, resulting in quite a few smirks and snickers that leave Rùnach pondering his options to do them all violence for it.
I found Ms. Kurland’s secondary characters to be particularly enjoyable, Weger and Rùnach’s sister Mhorghain, most especially. These characters, as well as other minor characters, supply not just the only tie we’re given to the rest of the series, but the majority of the comic relief as well. They all seem to know exactly how to drive Rùnach thoroughly insane, which made for some of the funniest parts of the novel.
Dreamspinner is at heart, an epic tale of magic and adventure. Although I felt distanced from the story earlier on, I was able to connect more easily with the characters as their journey progressed. Aisling and Rùnach are both unwilling participants in a battle to save their world from darkness, each left embittered by the burdens they’ve had to carry. Together, they learn hard lessons about destiny and responsibility, but find purpose and happiness as well. Ms. Kurland makes visualizing the world she’s created easy, painting scenes rich in detail and texture. While the scope of the entire series is too intricate to be contained within a single novel, Ms. Kurland leaves her heroes with plenty to do in the next story, and it’s one I’m looking forward to.
B’s Rating:
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Purchase Info:
Labels:
3.5 stars,
Berkley Trade,
Bs-review,
Lynn Kurland,
sci-fi/fantasy,
The Nine Kingdoms
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