Review Round-up July
Here is my selection of the book that I thoroughly enjoyed reading last month. Which books did enjoy the most?
Cheers,
Jasper
1. A Plunder of Souls by D.B. Jackson, Tor
A Plunder of Souls is
a terrific addition to the Thieftaker Chronicles. D.B. Jackson shows
once again that he knows how to pull all the right strings to create one
creative story. As I have said if you though that Thieves Quarry was great wait till you get your hands on A Plunder of Souls, its even better, D.B. Jackson has really outdone himself. The story of A Plunder of Souls
shows just how deadly conjuring can be but also shows how dangerous
people can be when they are set out for revenge and when they don't shy
away when it comes to sacrificing other for their gain. The
alternate world wherein the Thieftaker Chronicles take place really has
that historical sense working in it's favor, you can see the hardships
of that time, just getting around earning enough money to live another
day, it musn't have been a great time to have lived in. However the
world isn't only painted with dark and grim strokes but there is also
the joy and humor found in Ethan's character and his interactions with
several other characters. A Plunder of Souls is a great book and
features nicely as a standalone, D.B. Jackson has signed a four book
deal so I am curious to see just where the fourth book will take us and
in the meanwhile I will be rooting that it will be extended beyond the
four books! Definitely a recommendation. Read the full review here
2. The Shadow Throne by Django Wexler, Del Rey UK
The Thousand Names was a terrific debut but the transformation of the story seen in The Shadow Throne
makes his series that much better. I did have a few reservations when I
read such a strong debut when it comes down to continuing the series,
but I had none to worry, Django Wexler shows that he knows what he is
doing and does it in an awesome way. He further builds the world of The
Shadow Campaigns; the world itself felt vibrant and alive, the
characters that inhabit the world are just as alive, they are greatly
fleshed out and every character is given it's own personality and has
their own vices and virtues that will make you either root for them or
hate them. I was full of praise for The Thousand Names and am so once again for The Shadow Throne,
obligatory fantasy right here. Managing to create such strong start and
building upon it requires skill. I can only imagine what Django Wexler
will show next. MUST READ Read the full review here
3. Dirty Magic by Jaye Wells, Orbit
Dirty Magic
is a fresh addition to the Urban Fantasy scene, Jaye Wells has created a
unqiyue story that has some very cool idea's working in it's favor and
she steers away from some of the more commonly used urban fantasy
tropes. Yes there are still wizards but they cook up the bad and good
potions that are available for everyone. There aren't all powerful
wizards etc. but everyone can be made into a deadly weapon with said
potions, or just help you along in the field of love to name another
example. The world wherein Dirty Magic takes place is dark and
grim which is only lifted occasional with a happy moment for Kate. The
characters and mainly Kate is complex and has many levels, owing to her
troubled past, she is one of those protagonists that really helps to get
you involved in the story and you will be cheering her on during her
investigations and battles. Dirty Magic is a great story and kick-off an exciting new series. Not to be missed for any Urban Fantasy fan! Read the full review here
4. The Causal Angel by Hannu Rajaniemi, Tor/Gollancz
The Causal Angel is the best yet in the Jean Le Flambeur series. From the start of the series in The Quantum Thief
Hannu Rajaniemi dared something new and defied most of the rules of the
current science fiction genre. Creating a complete new set of rules
with his hard wired science science fiction space opera. There are some
concepts in the books that took me sometime to fully grasp or look up to
what the theories really mean but I am always in for a challenging read
and what made these books even better for me is the limited explanation
of several of the technology that Hannu Rajaniemi uses in his story,
this readily allows you to think for yourself that what it all could
mean. In The Causal Angel Hannu Rajaniemi again hits all the right
spots, the characters and the rich and interesting surroundings from
the spaceships down to the vir's. The bottom line for The Causal Angel
and the Jean Le Flambeur series: it's evocative and can be
mind-bogglingly at times but this creates a highly addictive air around
it, and once you get through to the fine details you will be amazed.
This is must read science fiction. Read the full review here
5. The Buried Life by Carrie Patel, Angry Robot
The Buried Life
is one of those books where you get much more than you had bargained
for. Carrie Patel introduces the reader to a very interesting world,
which besides several explanations only raises many more questions. The
whole setting of the book is cleverly build by mixing up several of the
established genres, Carrie Patel has created a very unique and
intriguing blend. I have to be honest when I say that I expected a
detective series but in the end I was proven partially wrong, yes there
is still a strong current of a detective, but several strict rules can
not be uphold for ever and we see a big change occurring in the final
chapters that will proof interesting for further exploration in the
sequel. if you look back you can say that it was bound to happen, I am
always a big fan in these cause and effect kind of things as we now have
a clear foundation which Carrie Patel can readily use. The Buried Life is a high recommendation, you don't come by these types of books very often, great reading stuff. Read the full review here
Comments
Post a Comment