Novella Review: Of Sand and Malice Made by Bradley P. Beaulieu
Posted on October 2, 2016 10 Comments
A review copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Of Sand and Malice Made by Bradley P. Beaulieu
Mogsy’s Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Book 0.5 of The Song of the Shattered Sands
Publisher: DAW (September 6, 2016)
Length: 240 pages
Author Information: Website | Twitter
In my review of Twelve Kings in Sharakhai by Bradley P. Beaulieu, I called the book’s main character one of the best female protagonists I have encountered in years. Needless to say, I was thrilled when I learned later that there was also a prequel novella in the works, and that Çeda will once again be the focus of this tale.
And so I read Of Sand and Malice Made, despite my usual disinclination to pick up novellas and short-form fiction, because that’s just how much I adore Çeda. The book opens with an introduction to her as a young teen, but already she has made a name for herself as the indomitable White Wolf in the fighting pits of Sharakhai. Around this time, Çeda also begins her smuggling work for Osman, running contraband for him to earn some extra wages. Life goes on, until one day a problem with a previous delivery comes back to haunt her, landing her in hot water with a wealthy client.
However, there’s more than meets the eye about this client, as she turns out to be the ehrekh known as Rümayesh, a malicious magical creature made long ago by the god of chaos. The ehrekh likes to toy with its victims, possessing their bodies and forcing them to do its bidding. And unfortunately, this demon has fixated her attentions on Çeda, targeting our unsuspecting protagonist with her nasty minions and dark magic. Now it’s clear that Rümayesh is out to take away everything Çeda has ever cared for, including her friends, her secret identity, and her very soul.
Of Sand and Malice Made is structured so that its three distinct parts form a larger narrative detailing Çeda’s encounter with Rümayesh, and even includes some gorgeous illustrations between each section. For a book that’s already on the shorter side though, I wasn’t quite sold on this format which further breaks the story down into even smaller parts, and I think any issues I had with pacing stems from this issue. Still, I liked how each section had its own unique feel, and because of this style we also got to see several sides of Çeda. Taken as a whole, this book does a pretty decent job showing us who she is and, more importantly, what makes her tick.
This novella also serves as a good introduction to the magic-steeped world of the series, showcasing the wonders of the magnificent desert city of Sharakhai. The world-building blew me away when I read Twelve Kings in Sharakhai, and it felt great returning to this setting for another adventure, one that explored a darker and more mythological side of the lore. The story itself is satisfying, and manages to pack a whole lot of action, intrigue, and emotion in this small package.
Still, I can’t stay this one hit me on the same level as the novel, but then again, that was to be expected. Obviously, it would not be fair to compare the content of a novella to what you can get from a full-length 600 page novel like Twelve Kings in Sharakhai, but if you want to start your journey with The Song of the Shattered Sands series, this could be the perfect jumping-off point to get your feet wet. And if you like what you see, do consider picking up the full novel; Twelve Kings was a masterpiece in epic fantasy world-craft and characterization, and if you haven’t read it yet, you should do it as soon as possible. Now I’m waiting on pins and needles for the sequel, and even though Of Sand and Malice Made wasn’t that book, reading it sure sated my hunger a little and made the wait slightly easier to bear.
More on The BiblioSanctum:
Review of Twelve Kings in Sharakhai (Book 1)
3rd Quarter Audiobook Challenge Update
Posted on October 1, 2016 8 Comments
It’s been another busy three months since our last update. Here are our most recent listens.
1st Quarter Audiobook Challenge Update
2nd Quarter Audiobook Challeng Update
Reading Challenge Details:
- Runs January 1, 2016 – December 31, 2016. You can join at any time.
- The goal is to find a new love for audios or to outdo yourself by listening to more audios in 2016 than you did in 2015.
- Books must be in audio format (CD, MP3, etc.)
- ANY genres count.
- Re-reads and crossovers from other reading challenges are allowed.
- You do not have to be a book blogger to participate; you can track your progress on Goodreads, Shelfari, Booklikes, Facebook, LibraryThing, etc.
- If you’re a blogger grab the button (on the sidebar) and do a quick post about the challenge to help spread the word. If you’re not a blogger you can help by posting on Facebook or Tweeting about the challenge.
Levels:
- Newbie (I’ll give it a try) 1-5
- Weekend Warrior (I’m getting the hang of this) 5-10
- Stenographer (can listen while multi-tasking) 10-15
- Socially Awkward (Don’t talk to me) 15-20
- Binge Listener (Why read when someone can do it for you) 20-30
- My Precious (I had my earbuds surgically implanted) 30-50
- Marathoner (Look Ma no hands) 50+
Summer is a great time for audiobooks since it means I spend more time walking, which is when I do most of my audiobook listening. I walk to and from work everyday, enjoying the scenery, catching Pokémon, and listening to my latest reads from the library of Audible. I’ve made it to my long goal of My Precious with 39 audiobooks — but the year’s not over yet! Maybe I’ll make it to Marathoner after all!
I’m so close! I’m aiming for Marathoner, and at the time of this posting my total tally is 45 audiobooks so far for the year. At this point, I think it’s safe to say I’ll make my goal, as there are still plenty more books on my audio-wishlist for the rest of the year.
I actually haven’t had as much time as I’d hope these last three months for speculative literature, but I have listened to quite a few books for work and a couple because of general interest. I’ve beat all my goals, so I am hoping to finish strong on the speculative front by the end of the year.
#SPFBO Book Review: Transition by Olivia Rising
Posted on September 30, 2016 2 Comments
After selecting our shortlist, the Bibliosanctum team is taking a closer look at our potential finalists. We are busy reading the six books left on our original list of thirty and then each of us will review two of them. Stay tuned for our follow-up discussion on all of our picks to see who we choose to go on to the next round!
TransitionReviewer: Tiara
Genre: Superheroes, Urban Fantasy
Series: Anathema #1
Publisher: Olivia Rising (May 7, 2016)
Length: 400 pages
Author Information: Website
Transition revolves around two girls–Christina Chung, an outcast, and Sarina Baumann, a recovering drug addict–who gain powers during an event called The Pulse. During that even, the Earth’s electromagnetic field shifted briefly causing a worldwide blackout while wiping out one minute of everyone’s memory. As a result of this event, some people developed powers beyond their wildest dreams.Sabrina and Christina find their lives becoming considerably more complicated when the rogue hero Radiant enters their lives.
I’m a huge superhero fan. I love superhero themed comics, movies, shows, whatever. I’ll consume superhero stories in whatever format I can get my hands on. I love superhero origins stories, people discovering their true potential to become heroes (or villains), and their path to greatness (or infamy). I enjoyed the origin story that Rising is telling with Christina and Sabina. I preferred Christina’s story over Sarina’s. Christina just seemed the more compelling of the two, but both characters add an interesting angle to the story. While the story itself is familiar since many hero stories start with some type of huge event that gives ordinary people powers, Rising’s storytelling and worldbuilding was excellent. You can tell that she put plenty of thought into this story.
Let’s talk about a few not so great things about this book. I liked this, but it is very much a New Adult story, which may be a bit of a turn-off for some readers. It does fall into some of the Young Adult/New Adult trappings that can make adult readers roll their eyes such as Christina’s whole preferring guy friends to girl friends because girls are petty. However, she seems to be just as petty as the girls she dislikes so much. The story could’ve been knit together a bit better than it was. Some sections of this story just seem to go on a tangent that didn’t feel like it connected to the rest of the story. Parts of this story could also feel a little slow and may tempt readers to skip a few pages until they get to the good stuff.
I think this is a good starting point for the story that she wants to tell. It’s more of a slow burn as you learn about the characters, their powers, and this world they’re in. Despite some hiccups with the narrative, Rising has created a world that might be worth following into another book.
Novella Reviews: Penric’s Demon + Penric and the Shaman by Lois McMaster Bujold
Posted on September 30, 2016 21 Comments
Review copies were provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Penric’s Demon by Lois McMaster Bujold
Mogsy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Genre: Fantasy
Series: World of the Five Gods novella
Publisher: Subterranean Press (May 2016)
Length: 184 pages
Author Information: Website
It’s always a pleasure to return to Lois McMaster Bujold’s World of the Five Gods, which is also the setting of her books like The Curse of Chalion and Paladin of Souls—two of my favorite novels of all time. There’s just so much to love about this world, not least of all the phenomenal world-building featuring some of the richest lore and history I’ve ever encountered in the fantasy genre. One thing of note is the major role that religion plays in this universe. Fate and free will are often recurring themes in the stories set in this world, as well as the question of divine intervention.
The novella Penric’s Demon is a good example of this, following the misadventures of a hapless mortal caught up in the drama of the gods. Lord Penric, our protagonist, is on his way to his own wedding when he suddenly chances upon a halted traveling party on the road. An elderly woman had fallen ill, and like good citizen, Penric decides to lend a hand.
Turns out though, the woman is a Temple divine pledged to The Bastard, one of the five gods in the Quintarian theology, the others being the Mother of Summer, Father of Winter, Son of Autumn, and the Daughter of Spring. As you can imagine, The Bastard is often regarded as the odd one out; His is the domain of all disasters out of season, and though his presence is accepted as a requirement for balance, in some religions he’s even considered to be a demon.
And speaking of demons, the old lady also ends up being a Learned Sorceress—one of those rare individuals who carry within them a sentient spirit with the ability to grant their hosts special powers. These spirits are referred to as “demons” despite them not being inherently evil, though sometimes they can be mischievous and hard to control. The divine ultimately succumbs to her illness and dies in Penric’s arms, but not before bequeathing him her demon, an act that changes the young lord’s life forever.
I admit, my feelings can be real fickle when it comes to novellas. I often find myself disappointed with them because I feel the short format is too limiting, and not enough time is given to the development of the story or characters. However, this one was an absolute pleasure to read. Bujold is a master when it comes to characterization and world-building, and these duo strengths really made this book stand out.
Not only does it offer a closer look at the lore of this world, I also greatly enjoyed the interplay between Penric and Desdemona, the name he decides to give to his new demon. Penric himself is a fantastic protagonist, a kind-hearted and considerate man who realizes he has been given a sacred gift. He also knows he is lucky not to have been destroyed by the entity now riding in his body, because not everyone has what it takes to host a demon. Despite being in way over his head, Penric still tries to do the right thing, striving to learn how to control his powers. His status as an outsider also gives him a unique point of view. For example, even after being with almost two dozen hosts, Desdemona remarks how not a single one of them had thought to give her a name until Penric came along. Their early days together are a source of constant humor and unexpected surprises. The story completely sucked me in, and the ending left me smiling and feeling excited for the next adventure.
Penric and the Shaman by Lois McMaster Bujold
Mogsy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Genre: Fantasy
Series: World of the Five Gods novella
Publisher: Subterranean Press (February 2017)
Length: 200 pages
Author Information: Website
Penric and the Shaman is another bite-sized adventure starring Lord Penric and Desdemona, though four years have passed since that fateful day the two “met” on the road. Our eponymous protagonist has become a full-fledged sorcerer and a divine of the Bastard’s Order, having earned his braids. Now working in the court of the Princess-Archdivine, Penric is content with as a temple scholar spending his days poring over books and scrolls.
However, the peace is broken one day when a Locator of the Father’s Order named Oswyl shows up, hot on the trail of a murder suspect. The wanted man is also purported to be a shaman who has stolen the soul of his slain victim, preventing the dead man’s ghost from being claimed by one of the five gods. After appealing to the Princess-Archdivine for the services of a sorcerer, Oswyl gets assigned Penric, and together with a small group of guards they travel into the mountains in search of the fugitive.
As we soon discover though, nothing is as it seems. This book is told from the points-of-view of three characters: Penric, Oswyl, and Inglis. This last perspective is from the titular shaman himself, the alleged murderer who actually turns out to be a lot more than he appears. When we first meet him early on in the story, his desperation feels different from what you would expect from a truly guilty man.
The three threads here provide a larger picture than what we got from the first novella, which mainly focused on the developing relationship between Penric and Desdemona. This does mean the demon has a smaller role, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t slightly disappointed by her diminished presence. As usual though, Bujold’s characters are her forte, and this book is stronger because of the fascinating dynamics resulting from the increased number of POVs. Penric’s cheeriness, for example, was nicely juxtaposed by Oswyl’s dour and mirthless demeanor. Pen can’t help being the happy-go-lucky nice guy that he is, and half the fun was watching how easily he could push the Locator’s buttons.
Even more groundbreaking were the revelations presented here about shamans and sorcerers, implying strongly that Inglis’ powers may be the flip side of the same coin to Penric’s. We’re also reminded that Penric is more than just a sorcerer; he’s also a divine, and now he’s about to go up against a challenge that will take all his learned skills and abilities. As a sequel, Penric and the Shaman does a first-rate job growing our protagonist and expanding upon his unique role.
Bottom line, this series is a must-read for fans of Bujold’s fantasy, and the best part is, you can even read these two books by themselves, completely separate from the Chalion series. If you’re curious about the World of the Five Gods, this could also be a fine place to start. These charming little novellas feature everything I love about the author’s writing, and don’t underestimate their short length because these compact tales can still pack a lot of punch.
#SPFBO Book Review: The Dragon’s Blade: The Reborn King by Michael R. Miller
Posted on September 29, 2016 5 Comments
After selecting our shortlist, the Bibliosanctum team is taking a closer look at our potential finalists. We are busy reading the six books left on our original list of thirty and then each of us will review two of them. Stay tuned for our follow-up discussion on all of our picks to see who we choose to go on to the next round!
The Dragon’s Blade: The Reborn King by Michael R. Miller
Reviewer: Tiara
Genre: Epic Fantasy, Dragons
Publisher: Acorn Independent Press (November 10, 2015)
Length: 407 pages
Author Information: Website | Twitter
In this debut novel by Michael R. Miller, dragons no longer rule the skies, but have become more humanoid in appearance and walk the lands. Four races roam the land–humans, dragons, demons, and fairies. However, the demons are a thorn in the side of the other races and seem almost unstoppable in nature. Prince Darnuir, the reborn dragon king, knows that the only hope of survival for his people and the other races is to form a unified front against the demons. But how does one accomplish such a huge goal when all the odds seem against you and you’re beginning life anew?
To be honest, when I first started this book, I didn’t know if I was going to like it much. It wasn’t that I hated it, but it took a few–quite a few–pages to really stroke my interest from more than a intrigued, raised eyebrow. When the story did hit it’s stride, though, I found myself invested in the story of these people and their conflict. There are so many threads that this story follows that can keep a reader enthralled by this story. This story is very character-driven. There’s plenty of well-paced action to be found in these pages, but the heart of this story lies in Darnuir and the various people pulled into this journey.
Despite the page count, this is a fast, fun story that doesn’t spend too much dawdling. You follow various characters both “good” and “bad” as they try to navigate the circumstances they find themselves in. The world and its lore is very detailed and did an excellent job of satisfying that part of me that enjoys when a world truly feels like it fits the characters and the tone of the novel. When an author is thoughtful about a world and its mythos, I can’t help but get lost in it. This novel is no exception.
With that being said, this might come off a little tedious to some readers, and if you’re like me and can get a bit impatient with romance in fantasy novels, you may not care much for the romantic interludes in this book. (However, I will say that I didn’t feel like the romance diminished the story in any capacity, but your mileage may vary.) There are parts of this book that can be a little predictable at points, but that doesn’t take away from this being a mostly fun read.
This story is the beginning of a series, and Miller certainly does an excellent job in baiting readers with just enough of the story to keep them hanging on for the next book.
Book Review: The Wolf Road by Beth Lewis
Posted on September 29, 2016 21 Comments
A review copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Mogsy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Genre: Post-Apocalyptic, Thriller
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Crown Publishing (July 5, 2016)
Length: 352 pages
Author Information: Website | Twitter
I didn’t really know what I was getting into when I started The Wolf Road, but once it started going I couldn’t stop! And to be honest, I’m surprised more attention hasn’t been given to the book’s “Western” vibe, as that really deserves to be front and center. Out of the novel’s many strengths, its harsh and gritty frontier-like atmosphere was what really stood out—a definite plus for me, considering there’s certainly no shortage of post-apocalyptic settings in the speculative fiction arena.
The Wolf Road features a world ravaged by war. As a little girl, protagonist Elka learned from her Nana about the “Big Damn Stupid”—the catastrophic event that destroyed everything and set human civilization back to zero. Technology and modern comforts are gone now, along with any kind of social infrastructure or protection. It’s everyone for themselves in the northern wilderness where Elka lives, and what’s left of the law here is swift and merciless in delivering justice to criminals and delinquents.
One day when Elka was seven years old though, she found herself lost and alone in the woods. Against all odds, she was rescued and taken in by a man known only as “Trapper”. He sheltered Elka, when he could have turned away and left her to die. For the next ten years he took care of her, and even taught her how to hunt and to trap and to survive off the land. And in time, Elka came to see Trapper as her father.
However, all that safety and happiness about to be ripped away. On a fateful trip into town, Elka discovers that the man who had raised her for the last decade is not who she always thought he was. Trapper turns out to be a serial murderer wanted by the law, and unfortunately for Elka, her close association with him makes her an accomplice. The law is now after her in the form of a ruthless magistrate named Lyon, a hard woman who will stop at nothing to apprehend her prey. And now that Elka is aware of his true identity, the man she used to call her father is coming after her as well, determined not to leave loose ends.
I don’t know what I expected when I first picked up The Wolf Road, but it really hooked me in from the start. First of all, this is a unique novel that encompasses a number of genre elements, making it a bit hard to categorize. While it doesn’t have the breakneck pace of a thriller, the suspense is so thick it’s almost palpable. The post-apocalyptic setting is also unusual in that it downplays the typical themes of technological collapse and life afterwards in the crumbling cities. Instead, we’re deep in the wilderness, focusing on the remnants of a rural population that has reverted to way of life last seen in the mid-1800s, complete with their own Gold Rush! Lone travelers have to guard themselves against wolves and bears, as well as the predators of a more human sort like scammers, murders, and sex traffickers. Throw in poison lakes, the sudden and devastating weather changes, and all the other lasting effects of the Big Damned Stupid, and you have yourself a fascinating mix.
Elka herself is an intriguing character, a product of her unconventional upbringing. She’s tough and independent, but having spent her whole life in the woods, Elka is also understandably a little naïve and all too trusting when she heads out into the world by herself. While her guilelessness does get her into all sorts of trouble, on the bright side it also leads her to an unlikely friendship. Elka meets Penelope, the daughter of a well-to-do doctor, and though the two young women cannot be any more different, they quickly become family to each other. Gradually, their stories are revealed to us, and that’s when the realization really hits you just how dramatically things have changed in this world. Survival in this post-apocalypse can take many forms, and each individual adapts by playing to their strengths. Together, Elka and Penelope make a great team by combining their skills.
Also, no matter who you are or where you come from, everyone in this world has their secrets. In order to understand Elka, we also have to take in account the tricky relationship she has with Trapper, a man she can’t help but still think of as her father, even though she knows he is a killer. The Wolf Road portrays the different relationships very well, but given Elka’s history, there’s also an element of the unreliable narrator to contend with, and I think that’s where the story stumbled for me a little. I can’t go into any more detail due to risk of spoilers, but I can say that fortunately, this issue only cropped up for me near the end of the book, and the twist didn’t affect my overall experience too much.
Bottom line, The Wolf Road is an outstanding novel, incredibly well-written and carried out with impressive finesse. I loved the atmosphere of this world, and the people in it feel fully fleshed out, brought to life with strikingly vivid imagery and realistic characterization. This was one great read.
Week 4: The Cloud Roads Read-Along
Posted on September 28, 2016 Leave a Comment
We’re starting a new Read-Along this week, with The Cloud Roads by Martha Wells! If you’re interested in participating, visit the SF/F Read-Along group for more information and to join the discussion.
With thanks to Anya for the read-along banner!
Moon has spent his life hiding what he is — a shape-shifter able to transform himself into a winged creature of flight. An orphan with only vague memories of his own kind, Moon tries to fit in among the tribes of his river valley, with mixed success. Just as Moon is once again cast out by his adopted tribe, he discovers a shape-shifter like himself… someone who seems to know exactly what he is, who promises that Moon will be welcomed into his community. What this stranger doesn’t tell Moon is that his presence will tip the balance of power… that his extraordinary lineage is crucial to the colony’s survival… and that his people face extinction at the hands of the dreaded Fell! Now Moon must overcome a lifetime of conditioning in order to save and himself… and his newfound kin.
Week 1 – Wednesday September 7th: Chapters 1-5 – hosted by CoolCurry (Sarah)
Week 2 – Wednesday September 14th: Chapters 6-10 – hosted by Lisa
Week 3 – Wednesday September 21st: Chapters 11-15 – hosted by Anya
Week 4 – Wednesday September 28th: Chapters 16-20 – hosted by Imyril
1. All has been revealed! Any thoughts on the cross breed Fell? What about the Fell in general? What do you think of them as villains?
Mogsy: All has been revealed in indeed! I was actually surprised to find out the Fell had already successfully crossbred, and it just makes their mission all the more insidious. It’s also very troubling to find out that the mere attention of the Fell on Indigo Cloud has caused their colony to fall apart. That’s some strong corruption.
2. Do you think Moon made the right decision staying with Jade? Do you think he’ll grow accustomed to court life?
Mogsy: Moon will probably never feel completely at ease at Indigo Cloud court, but I think he’ll make a home there and be accepted. He’s more than earned his place with his actions in this week’s chapters, and it’s clear he is tired of the nomadic life and being alone. He has also forged a strong bond with Jade, so once they cleared the air it only made sense for them to stay together.
3. Do you have any thoughts on the series’s take on gender roles?
Mogsy: Raksuran culture is largely matriarchal, with certain aspects of their society closely resembling those of hive insects that have a reigning queen. However, the differences in gender roles isn’t portrayed in such a way to make one gender or the other feel more dominant or inferior. I think Raksuran society is more divided in terms of whether one is Aeriat or Arbora, and the types of roles they fill for the colony–Hunter, Warrior, Mentor, etc. Every individual makes an important contribution to the survival of the whole colony, regardless of their sex.
4. What were your favorite/least favorite things about the book?
Mogsy: I love the originality of the world-building. The Raksura are a fascinating fantasy race, and despite their culture and biology being so different, they still come across very human in their emotions and motivations. That said, I wish there had been more description of what everything looked like. I often had a difficult time picturing the environment, or what the Raksura looked like (in all of their various forms), or of what the groundlings and their flying ships looked like, etc.
5. Anything else you’d like to add?
Mogsy: Not much else at this time because I’m out of town right now and can’t go into as much detail as I would like. But I’ll definitely be writing a review soon with all my thoughts!
Waiting on Wednesday 09/28/16
Posted on September 28, 2016 12 Comments
“Waiting On Wednesday” is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine that lets us feature upcoming releases that we can’t wait to get our hands on!
Mogsy’s Pick
Winter of the Gods by Jordanna Max Brodsky (February 14, 2017 by Orbit)
I am so excited about this book. I loved The Immortals earlier this year, when I got the opportunity to read it as well as listen to the audiobook which was superbly narrated by the author. It had me hooked from start to finish, and here’s hoping the sequel will be just as awesome.
“Myth and reality collide in this sequel to The Immortals that sets Greek Gods against a modern Manhattan backdrop.
Manhattan has many secrets. Some are older than the city itself.
Winter in New York: snow falls, lights twinkle, and a very disgruntled Selene DiSilva prowls the streets looking for prey.
But when a dead body is discovered sprawled atop Wall Street’s iconic Charging Bull statue, it’s clear the NYPD can’t solve the murder without help. The murder isn’t just the work of another homicidal cult — this time, someone’s sacrificing the gods themselves.
While raising fundamental questions about the very existence of the gods, Selene must hunt down the perpetrators, tracking a conspiracy that will test the bonds of loyalty and love.”
An Interview with Erin Lindsey + The Bloodbound Series Giveaway!
Posted on September 27, 2016 6 Comments
***The giveaway is now over, thanks to everyone who entered!***
Today it is with great excitement that I welcome back Erin Lindsey to The BiblioSanctum to chat about her latest novel, The Bloodsworn. And in case you missed my review of the book yesterday, I loved it! The Bloodsworn is available in stores now, concluding her fantasy adventure series The Bloodbound trilogy, so there’s no better time to read these books. We’re also honored to be hosting a US/Canada giveaway of all three books in the trilogy, so don’t forget to check out the details after the interview. Please enjoy our Q&A!
Welcome back to The BiblioSanctum, Erin! It’s always a pleasure to have you stop by.
Thanks! It’s nice to be back.
Happy book day, by the way! Huge congrats on the release of your new novel, The Bloodsworn. Since it’s the third installment of the Bloodbound trilogy, can you kick us off by giving us a brief rundown of the series and what prospective readers can expect when they pick up these books?
A little bit of everything, I think. Action, political intrigue, mystery, romance. Oh, and a dash of smut. 😉
I think the main thing to know going in is that although the series is variously billed as epic fantasy or fantasy romance, it’s really a character-driven narrative first and foremost. So while I like to think that the setting is rich and the plot is immersive, my number one goal was to create engaging characters and relationships, and focus on how those are shaped by the big events going on around them.
Ever since the first book, I’ve been dying to ask how these stories and characters came about for you. What was the creative process behind the development for this series? Do you remember when you first got the idea? And what was the impetus behind some of the magical elements in the books, like bloodbound weapons or blood sorcery?
The genesis of these books is actually kind of a weird story. It started as a writing exercise to keep the creative juices flowing while I was posted in South Sudan for work. Juba isn’t the kind of place that offers a lot in the way of entertainment, so I amused myself by banging out this story about a rebellious noblewoman in the king’s army. I really never thought it would go anywhere. But by the time I was a few chapters in, I realized I was having a blast writing it, and that’s always a good sign that you’re churning out something that might actually be worth reading. So I started to take it a bit more seriously and pretty soon I had a manuscript. THE BLOODBOUND was the fastest thing I’ve ever written. Still is, four books later.
In terms of the creative process, there was initially a hodge-podge of influences in there – history, movies, games, even a Disney flourish or two. One thing I set out to do very deliberately was add a love triangle in Book 1. Those have such a bad reputation, and it’s largely deserved; they’re so often angsty and drawn out, yet without any of the heavy consequences that come from real-life love triangles. But I was convinced that if it was handled honestly and, dare I say it, maturely, it could offer some powerful insights into the characters involved. And I think that’s what happens in this series, especially because the triangle itself is resolved relatively quickly and the rest is actually about the aftermath – the consequences of Alix’s choice in Book 1, which reverberate through the rest of the series.
And I guess the blood magic really followed from that. In a series where relationships are everything – not just romantic but those between friends, siblings, comrades-in-arms, even countries – the idea that blood is the centre of power and identity, and therefore a source of potent magic, felt very organic to me. Also, I just thought the notion of having a weapon keyed to your DNA – but through magic instead of science – was pretty cool. 🙂
Yes, I’m totally with you on the relationships being everything. So let’s talk characters! The inseparable trio of Alix, Liam, and Erik have been at the center of this trilogy since the beginning, but over time you’ve also added quite a few members to the very diverse and interesting supporting cast. Are there any particular characters, major or minor, who are particularly near and dear to you, and why?
Ugh, that’s like asking someone to pick one of their children! It’s a boring answer, but I really have come to love them all. Alix for her fierceness, Liam for his warmth and self-deprecating wit, Erik for being such a heartbreakingly good man.
One character who really grew on me was Vel. She was tricky at first. I couldn’t figure out what made her tick. But once I did, I realized she was one of the most complex, conflicted, and interesting characters in the mix. Her relationship with Rig just worked – which made it great fun to put her in Alix’s hip pocket for the bulk of Book 3. Adventuring with your big brother’s scandalous lover… awkward!
And then there’s Rig. He seems to have stolen everyone’s heart, including mine. There’s just something about an Alpha Male, isn’t there? Especially one who’s laid back on the surface but a boiling pit of lava underneath. I honestly didn’t expect him to be so charismatic, but he was undeniably the breakout star of THE BLOODFORGED. That’s the thing about characters, though – they take on a life of their own so quickly.
Haha, yeah, I had a feeling that might have been a cruel question, asking you to pick favorites, but I think you covered everyone’s strengths nicely. From the acknowledgements page, I know that writing this trilogy was an important journey for you. How does it feel now to have completed it?
Bittersweet, definitely. It feels like an accomplishment, but I don’t want to leave these characters behind. There is so much more story to tell, and the more time I spend with them, the more true that feels.
But who knows – if the series does well maybe there will be more. So, you know, if readers want to see more they should talk it up on Amazon and social media (*cough* hint hint).
What were some of the best moments for you when writing this trilogy? And on the flip side, what were some of the most difficult challenges?
Writing Book 3, THE BLOODSWORN, was really cathartic. Certain scenes in that book are just… oof. And I’d grown so attached to the characters by that point that I became quite emotional writing them. I think I cried about three times. Not always sad tears, either; sometimes the scenes were just… emotional. It’s honestly not an experience I’ve had with other books I’ve written, so it was pretty intense – in a good way.
There were tough moments too. THE BLOODFORGED was by far the most complex plot I’ve ever crafted, in the sense of having three separate storylines told from four very different POVs, all of which needed to come together by the end. It was also darker in tone, very Empire Strikes Back, and it’s a tricky balance – upping the stakes and making things appropriately dire without completely bumming out your readers. THE BLOODBOUND was pretty upbeat overall, so I think I challenged readers a bit with Book 2 and really asked them to trust me that the payoff in Book 3 would be worth it, just that much more intense for having been an investment.
The trilogy may be over, but do you think you will ever revisit this world in your writing?
I hope so. There’s a lot more story to tell, as I mentioned before. I’m also toying with the idea of doing some free content on my website. I think it would be a lot of fun if I could find the time to do it, and if there was enough interest to make it worthwhile.
Aside from The Bloodbound trilogy, you’ve also written the fantasy mystery Nicolas Lenoir novels under the name E.L. Tettensor, and the two series are very different in tone and style. What is it like to switch between genres? And are there also other genres you’ve considered writing?
They certainly are different, and I admit I did struggle sometimes to switch gears, like when a Lenoir book came back for edits while I was smack in the middle of a Bloodbound book, or vice versa. It would always take me a few days to adjust. That being said, having written a couple of mysteries sure came in handy while I was writing THE BLOODFORGED, since Liam’s storyline is basically a mystery at heart. As for new stuff, I’ve found a blend of the two styles in my latest project, which is a fantasy mystery with a very light tone and a good hit of romance. I’ve really enjoyed playing in that sandbox, so I might stick around there for a while.
It’s been great talking with you, Erin! To wrap things up, can you please leave readers with three things that they might be surprised to learn about you?
- I spent more than a decade working for the United Nations.
- My worldbuilding tends to draw heavily on Africa and Central Asia.
- I was in the middle of working on The Bloodsworn when a coup erupted in the country I was living in. Quite literally: I was at home on lockdown, using the “down time” to write, when gunfire broke out on my street. The sentence I abandoned midway through is on Page 286: “She turned full circle, gesturing at her surroundings.”
Thank you so much again for the interview! Where can readers find out more about you and your books?
Thanks for having me!
You can find me on Twitter and Facebook, or at my website, erin-lindsey.com. Stop by and say hi!
The Bloodbound Trilogy Giveaway
Interested in The Bloodsworn, or thinking about checking out the The Bloodbound series from the beginning? Well, you’re in luck! With thanks to the publisher, the BiblioSanctum is pleased to be hosting this giveaway for a chance to win all three books in this amazing trilogy. This giveaway is open to residents of the US and Canada. One lucky winner will receive a set of books containing The Bloodbound, The Bloodforged, and The Bloodsworn. To enter, all you have to do is send an email to bibliosanctum@gmail.com with your Name and valid Mailing Address using the subject line “THE BLOODBOUND TRILOGY” by 11:59pm Eastern time on Friday, October 7, 2016.
Only one entry per household, please. The winner will be randomly selected when the giveaway ends and then be notified by email. All information will only be used for the purposes of contacting the winner and sending them their prize. Once the giveaway ends all entry emails will be deleted.
So what are you waiting for? Enter to win! Good luck!
Book Review: The Bloodsworn by Erin Lindsey
Posted on September 26, 2016 17 Comments
A review copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The Bloodsworn by Erin Lindsey
Mogsy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Book 3 of The Bloodbound
Publisher: Ace (September 27, 2016)
Length: 352 pages
Author Information: Website | Twitter
No question, I was particularly eager to get my hands on this third book of The Bloodbound trilogy, especially after that bombshell Erin Lindsey left us with at the end of The Bloodforged. And it appears she’s not done with us yet. The author has saved the best surprises for this final volume, along with some of the toughest battles and most challenging decisions our characters will have to face. The momentum of the war in Gedona is approaching its zenith, and by the time the dust settles, no one will be left untouched.
The Bloodsworn is the excellent result and reward after two books of build-up to this final showdown between the Kingdom of Alden and the invading Oridian forces. Since this is the last volume in the trilogy, the following review may contain mild spoilers for The Bloodbound and The Bloodforged so you might want to be caught up before proceeding. The previous book ended with a troubling revelation about Erik White, the king of Alden, leading to the creation of a secret plan known only to his majesty’s closest friends at court. A rumor is purposely spread that the king is ill and unable to appear in public, while his sister-in-law and bodyguard Alix prepares to go on a dangerous mission to save him—a quest which would take her beyond enemy lines. Erik himself is locked away to prevent him from being a danger to himself and others, while Alix’s husband Liam is left behind at the palace to guard his half-brother and keep up the façade.
Alix also seeks the council of her brother, General Riggard Black. Though Rig is unable to leave his post, he does send his lover the priestess Vel to accompany Alix, knowing that the two most important women in the world to him will be able to help each other. However, despite Vel’s handy healing skills and knowledge of the terrain, the priestess is no fighter, and on this particular mission Alix knows what a liability that is. Speed is of the essence; if they can’t get to what they need in time, terrible things will happen to Erik and Liam back at home and the kingdom of Alden will fall.
This is a book that covers a lot, a lot of ground. The story itself has several peaks as our characters have to deal with multiple disasters in their respective plotlines, until they all eventually converge in one explosive ending. Once more we have diverging POVs as our main couple is separated again in this book, with Alix heading out into the wilderness to mount a daring rescue while Liam continues settling into his new role as prince by trying to fill in for Erik. Their marriage is further strained as Alix’s guilt and Liam’s lack of confidence remains an obstacle between them, but with everything that happens over the course of this story, they soon realize what is truly important. Thus even amidst all the action scenes and battle sequences, I feel that this book might actually be the most emotional one of the series.
Then there’s Erik, who spends the bulk of his time in this novel imprisoned. This doesn’t make his arc any less interesting though, and in fact, after Alix’s POV my next favorite one was probably Erik’s. Out of all the characters, I think he’s the one who has grown the most. While it’s true that most of his battles are internal, without giving away any spoilers, I have to say Lindsey wrote his sections very well, making his personal conflict and the nuances in his personality feel utterly convincing. To be a good man, or be a good king? Those two roles sometimes clash, and Erik’s mettle is tested when that problem arises, though others like Alix, Liam, and Rig are also forced to ask a similar question of themselves when confronted with their own dilemmas. Lindsey has a knack for challenging her protagonists by putting them in extreme situations, which makes for gripping entertainment, but because you know deep down they are all kind-hearted and inherently good characters, their decisions are often predictable.
Still, like the previous two books in the trilogy, The Bloodsworn is meant to be a feel-good read, and I think we can safely say, mission accomplished. Granted, there are some darker undertones here and there (we are dealing with brutal war and plenty of blood magic, after all) but even through the hardships and heartaches, I feel like I can always cheer for these characters. Every book has also added something new to the world and its history, and I love how incredibly deep the setting feels. Mix in the excellent world-building and brilliant characterization with the action, romance, and thrills of the story, and you have yourself the ultimate fun, enjoyable “summer vacation” kind of fantasy novel.
In fact, according to the author’s website, that’s exactly the kind of book she was aiming to write, with the perfect blend of “action, heartbreak, and triumph”. The Bloodbound trilogy is all that and more, with The Bloodsworn being the outstanding conclusion I’d been hoping for. This is a series very much worth exploring if you enjoy fast-paced and adventurous character-focused fantasy. Highly recommended!
More on The BiblioSanctum
Review of The Bloodbound (Book 1)
Review of The Bloodforged (Book 2)
Guest Post: “In Defense of Fluff and Fun” by Erin Lindsey
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