Waiting on Wednesday 12/27/17

Posted on December 27, 2017 13 Comments

“Waiting On Wednesday” is a weekly meme that first originated at Breaking the Spine but has since linked up with “Can’t Wait Wednesday” at Wishful Endings now that the original creator is unable to host it anymore. Either way, this fun feature is a chance to showcase the upcoming releases that we can’t wait to get our hands on!

Mogsy’s Pick

Record of a Spaceborn Few by Becky Chambers (July 24, 2018 by Harper Voyager)

In A Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet, we followed the motley crew of the Wayfarer on an exciting journey through space. Next, we got to know Pepper and Lovey better in A Closed and Common Orbit. Now it seems we’ll be getting another new adventure in book three, and I wonder where Becky Chambers will take us next?

“Return to the sprawling universe of the Galactic Commons, as humans, artificial intelligence, aliens, and some beings yet undiscovered explore what it means to be a community in this exciting third adventure in the acclaimed and multi-award-nominated science fiction Wayfarers series, brimming with heartwarming characters and dazzling space adventure.

Hundreds of years ago, the last humans on Earth boarded the Exodus Fleet in search of a new home among the stars. After centuries spent wandering empty space, their descendants were eventually accepted by the well-established species that govern the Milky Way.

But that was long ago. Today, the Exodus Fleet is a living relic, the birthplace of many, yet a place few outsiders have ever visited. While the Exodans take great pride in their original community and traditions, their culture has been influenced by others beyond their bulkheads. As many Exodans leave for alien cities or terrestrial colonies, those who remain are left to ponder their own lives and futures: What is the purpose of a ship that has reached its destination? Why remain in space when there are habitable worlds available to live? What is the price of sustaining their carefully balanced way of life—and is it worth saving at all?”

Book Review: One of Us Will Be Dead by Morning by David Moody

Posted on December 26, 2017 16 Comments

I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.

One of Us Will Be Dead by Morning by David Moody

Mogsy’s Rating (Overall): 3.5 of 5 stars

Genre: Horror

Series: Book 4 of Hater

Publisher: Hardcover: Thomas Dunne Books; Audiobook: Macmillan Audio (December 5, 2017)

Length: Hardcover: 336 pages; Audiobook: 9 hrs and 24 mins

Author Information: Website | Twitter

David Moody’s One of Us Will be Dead by Morning might be the first zombie-style book I’ve ever read that doesn’t involve actual zombies. All the post-apocalyptic themes may be there along with the survival elements and violent carnage, but instead of the living dead we have the “Haters”—normally sane, rational and self-controlled people who suddenly and inexplicably turn into feral, vicious killers. It sounded like a fascinating premise, so I decided to give this book a try after learning that the original Hater trilogy was not a prerequisite, since the story covers the events of the outbreak from the perspective of a whole different group of people.

We begin this tale on Skek, a tiny remote island somewhere in the middle of the North Sea between the coasts of the UK and Denmark. A group of corporate employees are on a team building retreat run by the staff of Hazleton Adventure Experiences, an outdoor recreation company. All together there are fifteen people on the island, which has no cellular coverage and little to no supplies beyond what might be necessary for immediate use. When the mangled body of one of the corporate employees is found shattered on the rocks beneath a tall crag, a co-worker is immediately blamed for her murder, though he insists that he was only acting in self-defense when he pushed her over the edge after she savagely attacked him. With no witnesses to the event, all anyone can do is wait for the next boat to ferry everybody back to the mainland.

The boat, however, never arrives. Instead, the islanders find the remains of it broken against Skek’s rocky shore, and within its hull they find a ghastly sight. As the days go by, their numbers start to dwindle as more of the group start dying under mysterious and violent circumstances, with repeated calls for assistance over the radio going unanswered. Cut off from the rest of the world, no one has a clue what’s happening on the mainland, and soon there’s even talk of having to ration food in case help never comes. As the situation becomes increasingly desperate, a rift begins to form between the survivors who are all paranoid and fearful that anyone around them can suddenly turn into a mindless homicidal maniac.

I’ll give the book this: it’s a fun, relatively quick read, and while you’ll probably forget the names of all the characters a few days later, that’s okay! It certainly got the job done and was entertaining while it lasted. Unflinchingly gory and brutal, the story will be a real treat for fans of post-apocalyptic survival horror. The remote setting also meant a small-scale but intense thriller, where powerful emotions like fear, anxiety, and anger drove most of the plot. To give you an idea of what that was like, try to recall the worst stress you’ve ever experienced while dealing with a boss or co-worker you despise. Now imagine that office drama multiplied by an order of magnitude unfolding on a tiny barren island upon which all of you are trapped, knowing that at any moment, anyone might lose their mind and tear your esophagus out with their teeth. Drain away all hope, and the stage is set for a darkly claustrophobic and terrifying tale featuring a modern twist on a classic idea.

On the other hand, characters in novels like these tend to be weakly sketched, as I alluded to before, given how most of them are written solely as fodder for their various gruesome deaths. With the exception of a few key characters, no one was all that well developed, and my memories of those who died early are limited only to vague impressions and snippets of conversations. Like watching a paint-by-numbers slasher film, there were no surprises involved and the emotional impact was minimal whenever something disastrous or tragic occurred. It also didn’t help that the majority of characters were very unpleasant, and I was glad to see the end of many of them if for no other reason than knowing I didn’t have to read about them anymore. Still, what you see is what you get when it comes to this genre, so as long as you know what to expect, you won’t be disappointed.

For that reason, I think I would like to continue with the next book. Novels like One of Us Will be Dead by Morning are designed to scratch a certain itch for me as a horror reader; they’re like candy for the brain and occasionally the mood for a fun popcorn read like this will strike. The book also ends on a mild cliffhanger, and I’d very much like to know what will happen next. I’m definitely going to be keeping my eye out for more from David Moody.

Audiobook Comments: This book is also available as an audiobook, which I also want to say a few words about. The narrator Gerard Doyle delivered a decent performance, though because of his accent, I sometimes found him hard to understand. Still, this was just a minor issue, certainly not a deal breaking one, and overall there’s nothing that would stop me from recommending this to audiobook fans.

Best of 2017: Notable Debuts

Posted on December 25, 2017 32 Comments

I’m always excited at the end of each year to have discovered favorite debut novelists or new authors who have broken onto the scene for the very first time, and 2017 was no exception. Today on this special day I want to wish everyone a merry Christmas and a joyous holiday season, and also to shine a spotlight on these rising stars and thank them for the gifts of their wonderful debuts.

Kings of the Wyld by Nicholas Eames

Kings of the Wyld follows a motley crew of aging yet charming mercenaries as they reunite to rescue a bandmate’s daughter trapped behind the walls of a city under siege. After years of questing and brawling, Clay Cooper is ready put his past behind him. He’s married now with a young child, and he’s looking forward to retiring to a life of quiet and leisure. Fate, however, has different plans. One day, his old bandmate Gabe shows up with a desperate request for help. It seems Gabe’s daughter Rose has run off and gotten herself into trouble again, only this time it’s a matter of life and death. This book has it all: gritty anti-heroes and twisted villains, epic battles and heart-stopping fight scenes, exotic locales and all manner of fantastical creatures. Nicholas Eames has reworked the classic quest narrative and presented it to us in a fun and refreshing package. If this sounds like your kind of story, then you’re in for a treat. You might even find yourself laughing out loud along the way. (Read my full review…)

The Nine by Tracy Townsend

Taking place in an alternate universe in which science has become a religion and God is seen as the great Experimenter, The Nine involves a magical self-scribing book which lists the nine people whose actions will determine the fate of world. It’s the mother of all experiments, and needless to say, there are various factions who will go to great lengths to affects its outcome. I love reading fantasy, I love reading science fiction, and occasionally I’ll even be in the mood for a bit of both at once. Is it any wonder then that this book hooked me on page one? Defying genre traditions and labels, Tracy Townsend’s debut is a fresh and bold novel that marches to the beat of its own drum, delighting me at every turn. By blending together a number of speculative elements, the author has created something that’s altogether different and new. (Read my full review…)

The Tethered Mage by Melissa Caruso

Although there’s no magic formula to determine what makes a good novel (not to mention I can’t always explain why certain books simply work well for me while others do not), there are still a few key elements I generally look for, including believable and compelling characters, realistic atmospheric and world-building, and writing that is smooth and easy to get into. The Tethered Mage managed to check all these boxes and also succeeded in delivering an absorbing plot with an altogether rewarding blend of intrigue and fantasy. Though not the most original story ever, the familiar elements still resonated strongly with me because of how well everything was put together. If you’re looking for a traditional fantasy that hits all the right buttons of a great debut, I highly recommend checking this one out. I am already craving the sequel. (Read my full review…)

The City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty

Meet Nahri, a young hustler who makes a living scamming the superstitious and gullible on the streets of 18th century Cairo. Even though she has the uncanny ability to sense illness in a person simply by touching them, she’s never truly believed that what she does is magic. But then one day during a zar ceremony, in which Nahri was just supposed to go through the motions, she accidentally calls forth a daeva warrior. But said daeva isn’t just any spirit to be summoned, for he is Dara, the greatest warrior to have ever lived. Right away, he recognizes Nahri for what she really is—something not all entirely human—and soon the two of them are on the run, trying to say one step ahead of the dark forces pursuing them. Their only safe haven would be Daevabad, the city of gilded brass walls and enchantments, where Dara claims there will be protection to be found. Many authors have endeavored to tell a similar story, but S.A. Chakraborty has achieved something quite unique and remarkable with City of Brass, incorporating elements from Middle Eastern folklore along with a heady infusion of magic combined with the rich history and culture of the time period. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it! (Read my full review…)

Age of Assassins by R.J. Barker

“To catch an assassin, use an assassin…” This is the situation Queen Adran has found herself in when she discovers a plot to murder her son, the royal heir Prince Aydor. But rather than showing her hand, the queen has decided to handle the matter quietly, privately seeking out the services of an expert in the field. Setting a trap, the queen lures her old friend the accomplished killer-for-hire Merela Karn to Castle Maniyadoc, tasking her to root out the would-be assassin. Enter our protagonist Girton Clubfoot, who is Merela’s young apprentice. Pretending to be a squire, Girton is put through combat training with the other castle boys to maintain the deception. Hiding behind a mask of clumsiness and ineptitude, he begins to ingratiate himself with the other noble sons, when all the while he is actually keeping his eyes and ears open, discreetly gathering information that would help them discover who might want Prince Aydor dead. If you’re looking for a compelling mix of fantasy and mystery along with a bit of wisdom and heart to go with your deadly intrigue, then I strongly urge you to pick up this book as soon as you can. (Read my full review…)

The Empire’s Ghost by Isabelle Steiger

The Empire’s Ghost was a book that sounded right up my alley: an epic fantasy that touts a complex, multi-faceted story complete with a rich cast of characters and many points of view, not to mention the potential of a brand new setting filled with unique cultures and warring kingdoms—all set within a world where magic has once been lost but is ready to be found again. As you can imagine, there are a lot of character POVs involved, and with a large number of characters also comes a large number of plot threads. I enjoyed the story weaving Isabelle Steiger has done here, and by the end of the book I was really starting to appreciate how everybody and everything was coming together. Though it does take bit of time and patience to realize the author’s vision, The Empire’s Ghost is a solid entry into the epic fantasy genre and an admirable debut. I expect the sequel will be throwing us straight into the action, and I’m looking forward to more revelations and answers. (Read my full review…)

An Alchemy of Masques and Mirrors by Curtis Craddock

An Alchemy of Masques and Shadows turned out to an incredible surprise and one of the most engrossing reads I’ve had in a long time. In truth though, I hadn’t known what to make of the novel’s description when it first crossed my path. Its story’s scattered allusions initially prompted me to approach this one with a wariness I usually reserve for unknown quantities, but ultimately this mishmash of genre elements ended up being one of my favorite aspects of the book. There seems to be something for everyone, whether it’s science fiction, fantasy, historicals, steampunk or action and adventure that tickles your fancy. Lovable characters made this one a joy to read, not to mention my delight at how almost every page would bring something new and awe-inspiring about the world to the table. If you haven’t made reading this a priority yet, you should get on that right away. As a series opener, this book made a huge impression on me, and I can’t wait to see where the story will go next. (Read my full review…)

The Court of Broken Knives by Anna Smith Spark

The Court of Broken Knives follows a rough crew of mercenaries as they close upon their destiny of Sorlost, the Sekemleth Empire’s seat of power. Nervous and inexperienced, Marith is the new recruit, a young Adonis with the face of an angel and a dark secret in his blood. Tobias is his squad captain, a thoughtful but pragmatic leader who keeps his purpose close to this heart and his eye on the prize. But the mercenaries are just a small piece of the big picture. They follow the orders of Orhann Emmereth, a powerful nobleman and counselor to the Emperor. A hardened and jaded politician, Orhann fears for the future of the Sekemleth Empire and believes that doom will come to them all come unless he can bring about a new leader to rise from the ashes of the old. It is he who has hired Tobias and his mercenaries, tasking them to kill the Emperor and everyone else in his court. Using multiple perspectives, the author weaves a tale of intrigue, passion, and betrayal about the complexities of human nature and war. The book is more than the sum of its parts, and the plot follows a slow-burn approach that gradually builds to a violent climax. (Read my full review…)

The Waking Land by Callie Bates

The Waking Land encompasses a lot of the elements I love, including a courageous heroine, an evocative magic system tied to the living earth, and a complex world built upon the political alliances and animosities between various kingdoms. Books like these are usually well represented in my reading repertoire despite their familiar elements, simply because I always know I’ll have a good time with them and they remind me of why I love the genre. Plus, there are certain aspects which were handled extremely well, like the world-building and magic. Under Bates’ deft touch, some of these well-known tropes are transformed into something slightly different—just enough to offer a bit of flavor without too much distraction. A strong protagonist, an entertaining plot, and a well-crafted world are all reasons why this would make a great pick for any fantasy reader, especially if you enjoy a dash of enchantment and magic. The author has a bright future ahead of her, and I look forward to her next project. (Read my full review…)

The Punch Escrow by Tal M. Klein

The Punch Escrow all the makings of a runaway hit which will no doubt strike a chord with a broad range of readers, reaching even those who might not normally read sci-fi. While there’s a lot of techno-jargon in this story, as well as—I won’t lie—a significant amount of quantum theory involved, much of it is presented in an engaging, entertaining and often humorous way. The ideas are like nothing else I’ve read before, which makes the story difficult to describe, but maybe it’s just as well because I would be loath to spoil anything for prospective readers. This is a book full of amazing surprises, and it’s really no exaggeration to say that it’s best to go in with fresh eyes, knowing as little as possible about the plot. All I’ll say is that it’s extremely fun, fast-paced, and thrilling, yet there’s also a deeper, tender side to our protagonist’s existential journey and moments where he experiences meaningful philosophical reverie. I can’t recommend it enough! (Read my full review…)

Devil’s Call by J. Danielle Dorn

From the moment I started reading Devil’s Call, I was rapt. J. Danielle Dorn masterfully draws the reader in with her incredible debut, a horror-fantasy western featuring an emotional and gritty tale of revenge. I have a predilection for western-flavored fantasy, and this book is easily the best I’ve read in years. First and foremost I loved Li Lian AKA Lily, a unique heroine who is as fierce in her pride of her magical heritage as she is in her devotion to those she loves. She felt like a genuine character from the start, her words in this novel ringing true to the depths of her experiences and emotions. All told, this book was a poignant and riveting experience that took me by surprise. Westerns are always fun, and westerns with revenge plots are even better, especially when the struggle between good and evil is portrayed in such a heart-wrenchingly personal and visceral way. Devil’s Call had everything I wanted, from a strong and compelling heroine to a mesmerizing fast-paced plot that is guaranteed to engage, captivate and leave you breathless. (Read my full review…)

Heartstone by Elle Katharine White

Pride and Prejudice retellings and other Austenesque-inspired stories have traditionally been hit-or-miss with me, but there was something about Heartstone that drew me to it right away. Might it have been the dragons? Okay yeah, it was the dragons. This book is actually a pretty faithful rendition of the original, in some places following the plot so closely that I was surprised the author took such a direct route. The publisher blurb for this book describes it as Elle Katharine White infusing Austen’s classic with her own brand of magic, and I find that wholly accurate. But with the exception of the ending, I wouldn’t say that the strength of Heartstone is in its story since most of the plot closely mirrors the original, but where it really shines is the world-building. White has fleshed out the world with a vibrant culture that’s entirely of her own imagination, and there’s no denying the book was at its best when it was doing its own thing, delving into the fantastical. All told it was a delightful experience that felt comfortably familiar and fresh all at once, and I highly recommend it. (Read my full review…)

The Return by Joseph Helmreich

The Return is what I would describe as hard science fiction—lots of heavy emphasis on technical details, especially surrounding the fields of astronomy and quantum physics. The result is a lot of complex and advanced scientific theory going over my head and plenty more technobabble I’m sure I didn’t quite grasp. So why did I enjoy this book much? Well, for one thing it was thoroughly addicting. Combining an altogether engaging sci-fi premise with the fast-paced intensity of a breathless thriller, Joseph Helmreich’s clever debut is a wild and unexpected journey worth taking. If these are the kinds of stories you like, then this book will work very well for you. From the very start, I was impressed with Helmreich’s sleek and polished writing style and the clever way he structured the plot. and despite the amount of scientific jargon, reading this never felt like a chore thanks to the writing being very readable and the punchy pace keeping me from putting the book down. (Read my full review…)

Magicians Impossible by Brad Abraham

Brad Abraham’s Magicians Impossible is a fascinating debut that blends together many genres, reading much like a magic school story for adults wrapped in a part-urban fantasy, part-spy thriller package. The novel stars protagonist Jason Bishop, a 30-year-old bartender from small town New York who has always felt deep in his heart that he was meant for bigger things. For many, such desires are nothing more than a pipe dream, but unbeknownst to Jason, the potential in him has always been in his blood. The existence of a magical secret world was a shock to him, when at his father’s funeral, a mysterious stranger told Jason the truth: his father was part of a coven of mages known as the Invisible Hand, and he did not really commit suicide—he was murdered by another shadowy society of magic users called the Golden Dawn. Now the Invisible Hand needs Jason to complete the work his father started. But first, he will have to undergo and complete his secret agent mage training—and he’s got a lot of catching up to do. (Read my full review…)

Strange Practice by Vivian Shaw

I was both excited and a little nervous about starting Strange Practice, but as it turned out, I ended up really enjoying it. Swiftly paced at times, but also slow-moving at others, I can see how some readers would be put off by the story’s hodgepodge construction and eccentric writing style. Fortunately though, the book’s mix of humor, mystery, urban fantasy, and gothic horror ultimately struck all the right chords with me. The language in Strange Practice is quite formal, despite the novel being an urban fantasy story set in the present day, but I was completely charmed by its tone and wry sense of humor. The result is both strange and alluring, frequently transporting my mind back to the Victorian era, even though the text is peppered with references to modern day amenities and technology. For me this was a quick read which I found it hard to put down, and I’m already looking forward to the sequel. (Read my full review…)

YA Weekend Audio: The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

Posted on December 24, 2017 29 Comments

I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

Mogsy’s Rating (Overall): 4 of 5 stars

Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult

Series: Book 1 of The Folk of the Air

Publisher: Hachette Audio (January 2, 2018)

Length: 12 hrs and 36 mins

Author Information: Website | Twitter

Narrator: Caitlin Kelly

This was my first Holly Black book and I think I’m in love. And to think, I wasn’t sure I was going to like it when I initially heard it was going to be about faeries, figuring I’m going to get a slightly different version of something I’ve seen a thousand times before. Well, I couldn’t have been more wrong! If you find yourself sick and tired of the boring, formulaic YA novels that are flooding today’s market, then The Cruel Prince may be the answer to your woes.

This is a story about Jude, who was only seven years old when she witnessed her parents slaughtered before her eyes. Their killer, a Fae general named Madoc, next proceeded to drag her and her sisters back to his realm, where the girls were raised as his own daughters. Ten years later, all Jude wants is to be accepted at the Fae high court, but instead, she and her twin sister Taryn are treated as outsiders and bullied mercilessly because of their mortal blood.

Cruelest among their tormentors is Prince Cardan, the youngest son of the High King. His older brother, however, is a lot more politic and judicious, recognizing Jude’s ambitions as an opportunity for an alliance. Thinking she’ll earn a place in his court once he becomes king, Jude agrees to work for him, only to inadvertently place herself in the crosshairs of a bitter battle for the throne.

No joke, The Cruel Prince may well be one of the best YA novels about faeries I’ve read in ages, simply because it does not unfold in an expected manner. The story actually took a long time to build with the crux of the conflict not revealing itself until almost halfway through the book, but when it did come, it hit me like a bombshell and from that moment on I was hopelessly and helplessly hooked.

And while I may be new to the author’s writing, already I’ve read enough to know I love her style. Holly Black left me utterly spellbound with her lusciously rich and dark prose, bringing the dangerous, seductive world of Faerie to life. She’s also a master at creating tension, beguiling me both with scenes of brutal gut-wrenching violence and descriptions of intricate political maneuvering and power plays.

But my favorite part of the book was the character development. While I might not be Jude’s biggest fan, I nonetheless found her extremely well-written and genuinely interesting. Her personality is also a bit of a mess—but in the good way. I know that doesn’t really make sense, and it’s a little tough to explain her appeal, but if you’ve ever had the pleasure of rooting for a damaged and morally ambiguous character, then perhaps you understand.

Then there’s Prince Cardan. What a piece of work he is. But here’s the thing: I want to believe that even the most loathsome characters can have a chance at redeeming themselves. And while Cardan may have burned his bridges with Jude by being such a nasty little shit, part of me still wanted to see that he was capable of doing the decent thing. But as much as I adore a good character redemption arc, the sad fact is, very few authors can actually pull one off. However, Holly Black managed to open my eyes to a whole new way of doing things. More than that, I don’t want to say for fear of revealing too much, but I’ll just say there’s a third-act shocker that will have you reeling.

In case you couldn’t tell, I really enjoyed this book. Blurring the lines between love and hate, kindness and cruelty, truth and deceit, The Cruel Prince was a powerful, lyrical, and captivating read. I think we can safely call my first experience with the work of Holly Black a great success, and I’m definitely signing up for more.

Audiobook Comments: I truly think one of the reasons why I was so engrossed in this audiobook was because of Caitlin Kelly’s narration. I’ve not heard any of her other performances before, but if I get another chance to listen to her read again, I wouldn’t hesitate for a second. Well narrated and well worth it.

Audiobook Review: The Disappearance of Winter’s Daughter by Michael J. Sullivan

Posted on December 23, 2017 11 Comments

I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.

The Disappearance of Winter’s Daughter by Michael J. Sullivan

Mogsy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Genre: Fantasy

Series: Book 4 of The Riyria Chronicles

Publisher: Audible Studios (December 5, 2017)

Length: 13 hrs and 41 mins

Author Information: Website | Twitter

Narrator: Tim Gerard Reynolds

As much as I’m enjoying Michael J. Sullivan’s other series The Legends of the Lost Empire right now, I have to say, nothing quite beats the feeling of coming back to good old Hadrian and Royce. The Riyria Revelations may have concluded years ago, but I swear I will never ever stop loving this awesome duo, and one of the best things the author did for his fans was to continue their legend in a series of standalone prequel stories called the Riyria Chronicles, intended to explore the early years of this partnership.

Like the other books in the series, The Disappearance of Winter’s Daughter is a self-contained adventure featuring Hadrian, an idealistic ex-mercenary, and Royce, a cynical former assassin. Approximately three years have passed since the two were first brought together by fate, becoming the clandestine enterprise known as Riyria, selling their services as rogues-for-hire. Their latest client is Gabriel Winter, a wealthy merchant who has traveled a long way to seek out Royce, having heard of his reputation as a ruthless killer. That’s because Winter wants bloody vengeance—six months ago, his daughter Genny was wed to the Duke of Rochelle, a marriage that her father was vehemently against. Now she is missing, presumed dead after her carriage was ambushed on the way back from the market and left in a gore-soaked ruin. Suspecting that the Duke and his people are behind Genny’s death, Winter wants Riyria to put a violent end to those responsible.

Ever the optimistic one, Hadrian is not entirely convinced that Genny is dead, but nevertheless he and Royce agree to travel to Rochelle to investigate and see if they can suss out any information regarding what happened to Winter’s daughter. When they arrive though, they discover an uncooperative and tight-lipped citizenry, cagey about the fact that a couple of outsiders are poking around. The people in this old-world city with its murky history and tangled political relationships don’t seem to want to talk about their missing duchess, and Royce and Hadrian’s line of questioning soon lands them on the receiving end of some unwanted attention.

The Disappearance of Winter’s Daughter was another solid entry in the Riyria Chronicles, and I daresay it might even be my favorite of the four books out so far. As a reader, it always amazes me to watch an author’s skill grow over time, and indeed Sullivan’s writing has become a lot more polished since the days of The Riyria Revelations and even when compared to The Crown Tower and The Rose and the Thorn. His stories are also becoming more interesting and complex, as this latest installment shows—proof that this series is showing no signs of slowing down or growing stale. It is truly impressive how Hadrian and Royce’s adventures have stayed so fresh and utterly captivating even after all these years and so many novels.

On the subject of the plot itself, I always love a good mystery, so this book was perfect for me. From the very first chapter, I was trying to figure out what happened and how everyone was involved. Rochelle also made for a compelling setting, with its strict customs and superstitions. It’s a city of extremes where the nobility live in decadent excess, claiming descent from imperial aristocracy, while the Mir and other non-humans scrounge for scraps in dirty alleyways. Royce and Hadrian arrive in town during the festival in which a new king will be crowned, so the inns and taverns are also full to bursting and the streets are packed day and night. Despite the atmosphere of revelry, however, the tensions in the air are palpable, with undercurrents of hopelessness, anger, and resentment. Hats off to Sullivan for managing to capture this soupy mélange of chaos and confusion, using descriptive prose to arouse vivid imagery in the readers’ minds so that we are transported right into the heart of Rochelle.

But of course, no review of a Riyria novel would be complete without mentioning the relationship between Hadrian and Royce. It’s the essence of this series, after all, and when The Disappearance of Winter’s Daughter begins, the boys are just starting to get used to working as a team. Minor personality clashes aside, they’ve become accustomed to each other’s styles, with genuine fondness to be gleaned from their banter even during disagreements. There are some great moments in this book where we get to see their bond strengthen, with trust forming as they learn to depend on one another and watch each other’s backs.

Overall, I couldn’t have been more pleased with this newest addition to the chronicle. Fans of Riyria, I guarantee you will not be disappointed! Not only is this another prequel novel done right, I believe it to be the strongest of the bunch. Even after four books, there’s still so much potential in this series for more exciting and new adventures, and I hope Michael J. Sullivan will continue to keep these Hadrian and Royce stories coming for those of us who simply can’t get enough.

Audiobook Comments: There’s no doubt that Tim Gerard Reynolds is the voice of Riyria. Once again, he delivers a fine performance, capturing the novel’s humor and heart with his pitch-perfect narration. He’s the main reason I opted to listen to the audiobook even though I’ve had the ebook version for weeks now, because I know anytime he reads a Michael J. Sullivan book, he’ll do an amazing job. Glad I was right!

More on The BiblioSanctum:
Review of The Crown Tower (Book 1)
Review of The Rose and the Thorn (Book 2)
Review of The Death of Dulgath (Book 3)

Friday Face-Off: Game or Puzzle

Posted on December 22, 2017 23 Comments

Welcome to The Friday Face-Off, a weekly meme created by Books by Proxy! Each Friday, we will pit cover against cover while also taking the opportunity to showcase gorgeous artwork and feature some of our favorite book covers. If you want to join the fun, simply choose a book each Friday that fits that week’s predetermined theme, post and compare two or more different covers available for that book, then name your favorite. A list of future weeks’ themes are available at Lynn’s Book Blog.

This week’s theme is:

“Oh, we loves games! Doesn’t we, precious?”
~ a cover featuring a GAME OR PUZZLE

Mogsy’s Pick:
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

Did someone say “Game”? I have just the book! Ready Player One is a sci-fi dystopian set in the year 2044, and the world has become a very grim place. However, a man by the name of James Halliday has created a virtual world known as the OASIS which people can plug into and escape their daily troubles. Upon his death, Halliday revealed that he has hidden the key to his vast fortune somewhere inside the OASIS, and our protagonist Wade Watts is determined to find it first. He has devoted the last five years studying all facets of Halliday’s life, hoping to glean something from the man’s obsession with 1980’s pop culture which would help Wade navigate the puzzles inside the virtual world.

This is by no means a comprehensive list of every available cover for this book (there are just way too many), but I’ve rounded up some of the more popular ones and those that are more puzzle-y or game-y.

From left to right, top to bottom:
Crown (2011) –Broadway Books (2012) – Cornerstone Digital (2011)
Czech Edition (2012) –Estonian Edition (2017) – Finnish Edition (2012)
French Edition (2013) –French Edition (2015) – German Edition (2012)
Spanish Edition (2011) –Norwegian Edition (2011) – Portuguese Edition (2016)
Serbian Edition (2011) – Romanian Edition (2016) – Turkish Edition (2016)

Winner:

Truth is, there was ever only one possible winner for me this week. I’ve always had a soft spot for the Broadway Books edition, which captures the gritty reality of Wade’s world. Sure, it’s not as awe-inspiring or glamorous as anything you can find inside the OASIS, but that’s part of why I like it so much.

But what do you think? Which one is your favorite?

Mogsy’s Best of 2017 and the Year in Review

Posted on December 21, 2017 44 Comments

It’s once again that time of the year where I look back at the last twelve months and round up my favorite reads! As always, my methods are going to be rather haphazard, but as you know I read a TON of books and having to narrow it down to just “Top 10” or even “Top 20” is a difficult (if not impossible) task. That’s why I’ve opted not to do a traditional list, and instead I’m going to be breaking this post down into different genres/categories to highlight all the books that 1) were my favorites of the year, 2) I thought were most memorable, or 3) I think should be getting more love and attention. The one thing they have in common is that I loved them all.

You can see my reviews and more information about the books by clicking on the images and following the links.

Fantasy

As always, we begin with Fantasy which is always the biggest category, and this year saw some epic sequels like Brandon Sanderson’s Oathbringer, Sebastien de Castell’s Tyrant’s Throne, Katherine Arden’s The Girl in the Tower, and Michael J. Sullivan’s The Disappearance of Winter’s Daughter. In addition, Angus Watson also started a brand new series with You Die When You Die, and Brian Staveley made a return his world The Chronicle of the Unhewn Throne with the standalone Skullsworn. It was also a big year for fantastic debuts, including Devil’s Call by J. Danielle Dorn, The Nine by Tracy Townsend, Age of Assassins by R.J. Barker, An Alchemy of Masques and Mirrors by Curtis Craddock, and Kings of the Wyld by Nicholas Eames. My 2017 also had one big surprise in the form of The Grey Bastards by Jonathan French, which won SPFBO 2016 and has since been picked up by a traditional publisher.

Science Fiction

This was also an excellent year for Science Fiction. Top reads include Children of Time by new-to-me author Adrian Tchaikovsky, The Punch Escrow from debut author Tal M. Klein, and brilliant sequels like The Last Iota by Robert Kroese and Persepolis Rising by James S.A. Corey. A couple of my favorite authors also made it onto the list, like Brandon Sanderson’s Snapshot and Michael R. Fletcher’s Ghosts of Tomorrow.

But wait, there’s more! This year The BiblioSanctum once again participated in the month-long Sci-Fi November event, so if you’re interested in seeing a more detailed list of all my favorite sci-fi reads this year, be sure to check out the Top Ten post I put together for the wrap up!

Horror

Compared to last year, 2017 was not exactly a big year for Horror releases, but there were still a few standouts, including The Boy on the Bridge by M.R. Carey, Kill Creek by Scott Thomas, and Ania Ahlborn’s spine-chilling The Devil Crept In.

Urban Fantasy/Paranormal

I didn’t read as many Urban Fantasy or Paranormal books this year, so the ones I loved really stood out. Mishell Baker’s Phantom Pains was actually my first five-star read of the year, Daryl Gregory impressed me once again with Spoonbenders, and I also discovered a new favorite series with G.S. Denning’s Warlock Holmes: A Study in Brimstone.

Children’s and Young Adult

Hate to say it, but overall it was a disappointing year for me when it comes to the Young Adult and Middle Grade categories, with many highly anticipated releases that fizzled. But thankfully, there were also a number of amazing reads that balanced out those disappointments. Among them are books like The Fall of the Readers by Django Wexler, The Valiant by Lesley Livingston, Royal Bastards by Andrew Shvarts, and Defy the Stars by Claudia Gray. New favorite author Frances Hardinge even appears on this list twice, with A Skinful of Shadows and A Face Like Glass!

Mystery/Suspense/Thriller

This is a brand new category, because in 2017 I read more in the Mystery, Suspense, and Thriller genres than I had in any previous year. There were quite a few that I loved too, like 13 Minutes by Sarah Pinborough, The Naturalist by Andrew Mayne, and Stillhouse Lake by Rachel Caine. I can hardly wait for all the authors’ next projects.

Overview: Books Read in 2017

We still have about a week and a half left in the year so these numbers aren’t going to be final, but the below charts and statistics taken from Goodreads should provide a good general overview of my 2017 in books.

Goodreads Ratings:

On My Shelves…

By a Male Author: 49.5%
By a Female Author: 48.0%
Unknown/Male & Female Co-Authored: 2.5%
Audiobooks: 24.5%
For Review: 96.4%

Genres (some crossover):
Fantasy: 44.4%
Science Fiction: 30.6%
Horror: 9.7%
Urban Fantasy and Paranormal: 17.3%
Children’s and Young Adult: 19.4%

More on The BiblioSanctum:
Mogsy: Best of 2014 and The Year in Review
Mogsy: Best of 2015 and The Year in Review
Mogsy: Best of 2016 and The Year in Review

Waiting on Wednesday 12/20/17

Posted on December 20, 2017 12 Comments

Mogsy’s Pick

European Travel for the Monstrous Gentlewoman by Theodora Goss (July 10, 2018 by Saga Press)

Today I’m featuring the sequel to The Strange Case of the Alchemist’s Daughter, which I’m excited to learn is releasing next summer! I had a great time with the first book, and I’m looking forward to catching up with Mary Jekyll and the rest of the daughters of literature’s most notorious mad scientists.

“In the sequel to the critically acclaimed The Strange Case of the Alchemist’s Daughter, Mary Jekyll and the rest of the daughters of literature’s mad scientists embark on a madcap adventure across Europe to rescue another monstrous girl and stop the Alchemical Society’s nefarious plans once and for all.

Mary Jekyll’s life has been peaceful since she helped Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson solve the Whitechapel Murders. Beatrice Rappaccini, Catherine Moreau, Justine Frankenstein, and Mary’s sister Diana Hyde have settled into the Jekyll household in London, and although they sometimes quarrel, the members of the Athena Club get along as well as any five young women with very different personalities. At least they can always rely on Mrs. Poole.

But when Mary receives a telegram that Lucinda Van Helsing has been kidnapped, the Athena Club must travel to the Austro-Hungarian Empire to rescue yet another young woman who has been subjected to horrific experimentation. Where is Lucinda, and what has Professor Van Helsing been doing to his daughter? Can Mary, Diana, Beatrice, and Justine reach her in time?

Racing against the clock to save Lucinda from certain doom, the Athena Club embarks on a madcap journey across Europe. From Paris to Vienna to Budapest, Mary and her friends must make new allies, face old enemies, and finally confront the fearsome, secretive Alchemical Society. It’s time for these monstrous gentlewomen to overcome the past and create their own destinies.”

Book Review: Persepolis Rising by James S.A. Corey

Posted on December 19, 2017 15 Comments

I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.

Persepolis Rising by James S.A. Corey

Mogsy’s Rating: 5 of 5 stars

Genre: Science Fiction

Series: Book 7 of The Expanse

Publisher: Orbit (December 5, 2017)

Length: 608 pages

Author Information: Website | Twitter

What do you do when your epic space opera series is seven books in, you’ve already put your readers through some of the most intense storylines they can imagine, and now you need to do something even bigger and better to usher it into the next phase with style? Well, you hit the “soft reset” button, so to speak. Not exactly starting things over, but there is certainly a sense we’re getting a new beginning of sorts in Persepolis Rising. That’s the impression I got anyway, when I opened the book, and the first line literally started with “Almost three decades had passed…”

I confess, at first there was a momentary feeling of panic. Were we really skipping ahead thirty years? That’s one heck of a time gap between this book and the last, and never has this series seen such a huge jump forward. But it’s true; Persepolis Rising returns to our heroes who are now quite a bit older, maybe a little wiser, and the solar system and the new colony planets beyond the ring gates are enjoying a protracted period of peace not seen since before the arrival of the protomolecule. That being said, life has not been easy for the fledgling colonies. Survival depends on the flow of supplies through the gates, and some planets have attempted to gain an advantage by cheating the Transport Union systems. Minor as they are, these transgressions cannot be tolerated, lest things descend into chaos, so Transport Union President Drummer hires teams like Holden and the crew of the Rocinante to lay down the law.

Decades of doing such odd jobs can take their toll though, and now that Holden and Naomi are getting on in years, they’re thinking it’s time to call it quits. But of course, it’s inevitable that a momentous decision like that will precipitate something big, and indeed, Holden’s retirement has barely begun when an old foe makes his return. For close to thirty years, this enemy has been hidden away on the lost colony world of Laconia, developing new technologies and amassing the strength required to invade the solar system and make all of its Union worlds a part of their new empire.

The Expanse series definitely has a special place in my heart. For years I have followed these characters, come to know them and love them. It would be impossible overstate my relief at finding them all here in Persepolis Rising, even after the passage of almost three decades in the timeline. We’re talking the entire crew of the Roxi—Holden, Naomi, Alex, Amos, Bobbie, Clarissa—and even my favorite foul-mouthed UN politician Chrisjen Avasarala. Older they may be, but in all the ways that matter, they are still the same. It felt very much like returning home to good friends.

It was while reading this book, however, that it really hit me just how far we’ve come since Leviathan Wakes. As much as I’ve enjoyed the earlier installments, they feel almost simplistic and jejune now compared to some of the more intricate plot lines since Cibola Burn. Clearly, we’re well beyond the days of vomit zombies, though I was also happy to see that the protomolecule still had a role to play in Persepolis Rising. The difference is, the concept has now been adapted and expanded on a scale that affects thousands of worlds and a countless number of people, and if you thought things couldn’t get any bigger and badder than what we’d already seen in the last couple books, think again.

But as I’ve stated before in my reviews of the previous novels, the reason why I keep coming back to this series is because of the characters and their relationships. If the crew of the Rocinante felt like they were a family before, they’ve only gotten even closer since the last time we saw them together, and if I have one regret about the thirty-year time skip, it’s that we’ve missed all those interactions between them in the intervening period. Still, some things haven’t changed, thankfully. Holden is still a hopeless do-gooder. Bobbie is still a total badass. Avasarala is still a master maneuverer. I loved how we got to fall back into the old conversations and routines like no time has passed at all.

Plus, let’s not forget the other side of the story. To me, the fact that the focus is not solely limited to the “good guys” is what makes The Expanse a special series. This time, Persepolis Rising includes the perspective of Governor Singh, a young and inexperienced officer tasked to bring the rebellious inhabitants of Medina Station into the fold of the Laconian Empire. Grossly underqualified for the job he must do, Singh is a tragic figure who engenders feelings of both dislike and sympathy due to his duo roles as severe authoritarian in public versus the loving family man he is in private. Believing wholeheartedly in the Laconian cause, he will become the ruthless soldier he needs to be if it means securing a better future for his young daughter.

Before this, I wouldn’t have thought it possible to be more excited about The Expanse, but authors Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck AKA James S.A. Corey have managed to fire me up once again. Their decision to jump ahead so many years after the previous novel may have been a bold move, but it’s one that ended up paying off, giving the series the shakeup it required. More than just a brilliant sequel, Persepolis Rising is also a beginning, and indeed, in a series that is supposed to include nine novels, it wouldn’t be unreasonable to assume this is the first book of a concluding arc. Regardless, whatever happens next is bound to be exciting, and I wouldn’t miss it for the world.

More on The BiblioSanctum:
Review of Abbadon’s Gate (Book 3)
Review of Cibola Burn (Book 4)
Review of Nemesis Games (Book 5)
Review of Babylon’s Ashes (Book 6)

Book Review: The Tethered Mage by Melissa Caruso

Posted on December 18, 2017 18 Comments

I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.

The Tethered Mage by Melissa Caruso

Mogsy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Genre: Fantasy

Series: Book 1 of Swords and Fire

Publisher: Orbit (October 24, 2017)

Length: 438 pages

Author Information: Website | Twitter

Looks like my list of best fantasy debuts of 2017 grows yet again, and I have another new author to keep my eye on. Although there’s no magic formula to determine what makes a good novel (not to mention I can’t always explain why certain books simply work well for me while others do not), there are still a few key elements I generally look for, including believable and compelling characters, realistic atmospheric and world-building, and writing that is smooth and easy to get into. The Tethered Mage managed to check all these boxes and also succeeded in delivering an absorbing plot with an altogether rewarding blend of intrigue and fantasy. If this is what Melissa Caruso has to offer for her debut effort, then she will go very far indeed.

Set in Raverra, a canaled city reminiscent of Renaissance Venice, The Tethered Mage is the first novel of the Swords and Fire trilogy which introduces us to a pair of young women who come from very different backgrounds. As the only daughter of Lissandra Cornaro, who is also known as La Contessa because of the powerful position she holds on the ruling Council of Nine, Lady Amalia is heir to one of the most powerful aristocratic families in the Empire. But unlike her mother, Amalia doesn’t have much of an interest in politics, preferring to involve herself in more bookish pursuits, secretly tracking down and acquiring rare texts in her spare time.

But on a fateful day while returning from one of her book-hunting excursions, Amalia happens to stumble upon a thin and bedraggled young woman being harassed by a group of thugs, prompting her to step in and lend a hand. Of course, that was before Amalia realized the other woman was fire warlock, who’s more than capable of taking care of herself—and burning the whole city down with her. To save Raverra, Amalia makes the split second decision to help Lieutenant Marcello Verdi of the Falconers, the only magical enforcer on the scene. However, by doing so, she has unwittingly broken a law forbidding any members of a ruling family to bind a mage. Whether she likes it or not though, Amalia is now a Falconer, and the political implications of this are profound.

The fire warlock, a young runaway named Zaira, is not entirely happy with the new arrangement either. She’s spent most of her life trying to avoid the Falconers, only to now find herself tethered to, of all people, the heir of La Contessa. For their own safety (and for the safety of the city), mages are typically identified as children and brought under the care of the Falconers in a comfortable and secure place known as the Mews. It’s not a bad life by any means, but for Zaira who has tasted freedom, having her powers controlled and being monitored at all times does not sit right with her. Above all though, what Zaira hates most is being treated like a pawn—and unfortunately, that is exactly what the powers that be have in mind for her, hoping to use Amalia’s connection to a fire warlock to their advantage.

From beginning to end, The Tethered Mage was a joy to read. Though not the most original story ever, the familiar elements still resonated strongly with me because of how well everything was put together. Characterization was excellent, which for a book like this is essential, since relationships make up the bulk of the narrative. And of course, at the heart of this weave of bonds and attachments, our protagonist Amalia acts as the thread that binds everyone together. Readers also get to discover Raverra through her eyes, and learn of the complexities and dangers behind the politics of the Empire.

But first, like I said, The Tethered Mage is all about the relationships. For one, there’s La Contessa, our protagonist’s mother. Initially, her disapproval of Amalia’s hobbies and clandestine trips out to the city made me picture a strict and uncompromising woman, but don’t be fooled. While the matriarch of the Cornaro family is not someone you would want to cross, that exterior harshness actually belies a fierce love for her daughter. On occasion, she even allows Amalia to spread her wings and explore her interests—unless, of course, that interest is Marcello Verdi, whose status as a Falconer puts him well below the station of a Cornaro heir. Still, despite herself, Amalia is attracted to the Lieutenant, and he is drawn to her as well. This might be a good time to mention that I am very picky about my “forbidden love” stories, but Amalia and Marcello’s romance actually turned out to be very beautiful and sweet, especially since it developed so naturally.

And then, of course, we come to the most important relationship of all—the one between Amalia and Zaira, the mage and her Falconer. In my opinion, between romances and friendships, I actually think the latter is tougher to write convincingly. Book reviewers often slam “insta-love”, and for good reason because it’s just not realistic. Friendships are the same way—they have to be earned, and trust has to build. These things take time and can’t be rushed. And while for many readers, Amalia and Zaira eventually becoming friends may have been a foregone conclusion from the start, this doesn’t mean Caruso ever stops trying to make her characters’ journey to trust and friendship as plausible and compelling as it can be. The vast effort and level of detail the author puts into these kinds of things is obvious, and I respect that tremendously.

I haven’t even really talked about the plot yet, but I think it is enough to say I was kept entertained through the entire novel, even when we got the slower chapters which were dominated by Raverran politics. There’s a good amount of tension as well as deftly crafted intrigue in this story, which also throws us plenty of action and danger to keep us on our toes.

All in all, I am pleased beyond all my expectations. If you’re looking for a traditional fantasy that hits all the right buttons of a great debut, I highly recommend checking out The Tethered Mage. I am already craving the sequel.