Book Review: The Wolves of War by John Gwynne

 Here's the customary plot: 

 THE WOLVES OF WAR ARE BARING THEIR FANGS

The Clans once lived freely, honouring their gods and traditions. Then the northern invaders unleashed a tide of blood and fire. Now the Clans are a conquered people.

Ivan cares not for wars or kings. His only concern is the safety of his family, especially his daughter Halia, whom he would protect with his life. Halia has been trapped in her own body since birth, yet at night she has dreams of running with wolves and speaking with fae creatures of the forest. Many believe her cursed, but Halia's awakening powers may be the only way she and her family can survive the coming storm.

For the wolves of war are stalking the horizon. Two princes have become mortal enemies, and an iron-toothed witch haunts the shadows. As mighty nations clash, Halia must master her strange magic to protect those she loves. To do so, she must accept a terrifying truth.

Sometimes, the only way through the darkness is to embrace it.

 My review:  

Thanks to Netgalley for the approval of an eARC.

I am a huge fan of John Gwynne. I'm looking forward to reading this book.

A few thoughts so far: I'm currently at the 39% mark.  I'm really enjoying the book. We've got monsters of lore...striga, leschen, upin. As I read about these, I think that they could really use Geralt of Rivia. 🤣Ooops...wrong fantasy. 

This book was amazing. The world building, the characters, the folklore. All of it. 

At the 88% mark things really picked up. Not that it was slow to begin with. So much happened in that last part of the book. 

As with any book by John Gwynne, no character is safe. Just when you think that a certain person is safe...BAM! something happens in the story to make you wonder. 

I really want to know what's going to happen next. It ends in a bit of a cliffhanger. We all know how I dislike those. Although, this time, it isn't making me mad. 

Of course there were characters that I didn't like. Not saying who they may be or what their fate is either. There are a couple of characters that we don't know what happened to them. Perhaps, we shall find out in the second book. 

John Gwynne has done it again with another great book. 

"Head and heart" "Truth and Courage" 

Read this book. It's another 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐book. I will definitely be purchasing this book and all the rest in this series when they're available. 

 

 

 

 

A Memory From 10 Years Ago

 This came up in my memories on facebook. I had written this 10 years ago, after my dad passed away. Sharing it here.

Here is my dad's Eulogy. It's more of a recollection of memories of our visits over the past couple of years.

I am not going to bore you with details about dad that most of you already know. Instead, I’m going to talk about the visits that we’ve had over the past few years.

 

Things dad liked: Pepsi, mini chocolate bars, ice cream, strawberry milkshakes, cookies, his album of pictures, our visits, going out for rides to Niverville & then going for lunch at Chicken Chef & not having chicken. He said he was tired of eating chicken, so he’d have a hamburger instead. He enjoyed calling on his cell phone. Then, there were the times that he’d be ticked off at it because he couldn’t get it working right. There were times when we were talking & suddenly he’d say, “Got to go. My ice cream is here”. He loved strawberry ice cream. Then there were other times when I’d call & he’d say, “Can’t talk now. Got company. Talk to you tomorrow”. 

 

The visits were never long enough for him. I could be there for 2 hrs & when it was time to leave, he’d still say “Already?” or “So soon?” Even the past few months, when I’d get there he’d always say to me “It’s about time you came” or “I knew you were coming today. It’s Tuesday”. He would have a big smile on his face. The last time I went to visit him at the nursing home, he was so tired. I woke him for a few min & he had said to me, “You’re still around?” like he hadn’t seen me in forever. I will miss those visits & I cherish all the time that we had spent together.

 

 

  

Book Review: The Splintered Sun by Tad Williams

 The customary plot: 

THE SPLINTERED SUN is a fast-moving adventure that will thrill newcomers diving into the world of Osten Ard for the first time, while weaving together many parts of previously unrevealed Osten Ard history for all the readers who are eager to delve into the pre-DRAGONBONE CHAIR history of Hernystir and Erkynland.

Short summary:
Set in the New York Times-bestselling world of Osten Ard, Tad Williams’s latest novel is an action-packed, fast-moving adventure following the mythic figure of Flann Alderwood and his band of misfit rebels. As the old King of Hernystir’s health worsens, the realm has been thrown into chaos—warlords divide the land up among themselves and questions about the heir to the throne continue to cause conflict. Flann, along with mysterious allies both common and noble, must aid the King’s one legitimate heir in his quest to receive his father’s blessing and attempt to return stability to the realm, while pursued by enemies eager to end his life.

My review: 

I lucky to be approved for an eARC from Netgalley for this book. 

At about half a dozen or so of chapters, you're still getting to know who all the characters are and what's going on with their part of the story. At 17%, things start to pick up more than what they have. The story right from the beginning was not sluggish at all. 

Ooops....wrong about the pacing. The story moves slowly. Very slowly. More than what I usually read and like.  

I'm at the 71% mark and I've decided that I've had enough. I'm going to DNF it at this point, hoping that I will finish it before the end of this year. When a book stops holding your attention and concentration, it's time to let it go. I will rate and review what I have read.

For me to DNF this book, it's definitely not the books fault. It's more of my issues and that is pacing. The other peeve for me is the changing of POV mid chapter. The first half of the book doesn't do this. This happens more frequently in the second half.  

The characters are well developed. The world building is there. Do I still want to know if they're successful in what they're doing? Yes and a little bit of no. The no is for right now. 

Does this discourage me from reading this author again? Nope. I think that I will have to be in the mood for another book or even  to finish this one. 

I still am going to give this book 3 stars ⭐⭐⭐. Like I mentioned, it's not a horrible book where I don't care what happens to any of the characters. At the moment, it's just not for me. 

The cover is really good, that's what drew me into wanting to read it. I still recommend this book to read. 

 

 

 

 

 

New Black Company Book Coming

Oh lookie....a collection of The Black Company short stories is coming out in May 2027. Exciting, even though I'm not a fan of short stories. This is extra with at least 4 total new books of The Black Company. I want all the books that have to deal with The Black Company. 

And, another great cover too. 

 

Book Review: Wicked Bronze Ambition (Garrett PI 14) by Glen Cook

 The customary plot:

 *Garrett is a human detective in the fantastical city of TunFaire. And now he’s getting tangled up in the worst sort of laws...

In-laws.*

Garrett is set to stow his wandering heart with his fiancée, Strafa Algarda. But for Garrett, even true love comes with its share of headaches—namely, the Algarda family.

Strafa’s family needs Garrett’s unique skills in the worst way. Rumors are spreading that someone is organizing a Tournament of Swords—a brutal contest that magically compels the children of sorcerers to battle until only one is left alive. The winner will absorb the power from those he has killed and thus become a demigod.

Strafa and her family want to protect her daughter, Kevans, from being forced to take part in the lethal contest...and they’ve asked Garrett to find out who is organizing the tournament and nip it in the bud. The only problem is that finding the culprit is most likely impossible. But the Algardas are used to getting what they want....

My review:  

This is the final book in the Garrett PI series. We've been through a lot with Garrett. 

I'm just past  33% of the book. Garrett is definitely not himself in this book. Walking around in a daze most of the time. It's very uncharacteristic of him. 

Garrett spends a lot of the book in a daze. Thinking a lot. This is so unlike the Garrett that readers know.

The ending was odd. Sad. And, really weird. To think that we went through all of that just for the book to end that way. Nothing else explained. Just that weird ending.

I give this book 4  ⭐⭐⭐⭐. It didn't get less b/c it kept me reading on. It didn't gain the 5th star b/c it had a weird ending with nothing else to follow.

 

 

While we thought that this was the final Garrett PI book, I found out that there's a new book out in May of 2027. I do hope that it continues from where this one left off and gives readers a bit more from after the last few paragraphs. Either way, I look forward to reading another entry in Garrett PI. 

 

 

There's not much information on what the new book will be about. 

I did enjoy my run of reading all 14, so far, books of the Garrett PI Files. Some were better than others.  

 

 

Book Review: Jaws by Peter Benchley

 First off, the customary plot. 

The shark-versus-man classic that inspired the blockbuster Steven Spielberg movie—now in a fiftieth anniversary edition with an exclusive foreword from the author’s wife, renowned ocean conservation advocate Wendy Benchley.

A great white shark terrorizes the beautiful summer getaway of Amity Island, and a motley group of men take to the water to do battle with the beast. A heart-pounding novel of suspense and a brilliant meditation on the nature of humanity, Jaws is one of the most iconic thrillers ever written.

In addition to Wendy Benchley’s foreword, this edition features bonus content from Peter Benchley’s archives, including the manuscript’s original typed title page, a brainstorming list of possible titles, a letter from Benchley to film producer David Brown with candid feedback on the movie adaptation, and excerpts from Benchley’s book Shark Trouble, highlighting his firsthand account of writing Jaws, selling it to Universal Studios, and working with Steven Spielberg.

After writing Jaws in the early 1970s, Peter Benchley was actively engaged with scientists and filmmakers, and over the ensuing decades, joined many expeditions around the world as they expanded their knowledge of sharks and shark behavior. He encouraged each new generation of Jaws fans to enjoy his riveting tale and to channel their excitement into support and protection of these magnificent prehistoric apex predators.

 

My Review:  

I recall trying to read this a long time ago, like when I was in Junior High, around grade 7 or so. I never did finish it. I think it was b/c it was in mass market paperback. After all, it was from the school library. So, here I am now, reading it.

First off, it's quite different than the movie. That's fine. Normal in most adaptations. 

The characters. Wow are they different than the movie. I really dislike them more in the book. Their attitudes, where they came from, who they know/knew. So, so different. The worst one is Ellen Brody. She's just not a very nice person at all.

The book spends way too many pages/chapters on Ellen Brody. She's not an exciting person at all. I find her neurotic, depressed and trying to regain her youth. Not really a very good wife or person. 

Hooper is so so different too. He's not as knowledgeable about sharks in the book, as he is in the movie. He's more at odds with Chief Martin Brody. Defensive, argumentative. 

The most exciting part of the book was the last 2-3 chapters when they were actually going after the shark. You were wondering if they ever were going to find it and once they did, if they were going to catch it. 

In the final chapter, they caught it. How, I will not say. Did anybody else die? Nope. Not saying that either. Like I mentioned earlier in my review, the book is so so different from the movie. 

This is one time that I can honestly say that I liked the movie better. I think it's the way that the characters were portrayed in the book. 

The book was ok. I give it 3.5 ⭐⭐⭐⯨ stars. It was good, but not great. I did enjoy it, but didn't like some of the characters. 

 

 

 

Book Review: Pippi Goes on Board by Astrid Lindgren (Pippi Longstocking 2)

 Here's the customary plot: 

Outrageous Pippi Longstocking has no parents around and no rules to follow, so she lives according to her own daredevilish ways. She's been treating her friends Tommy and Annika to wild adventures, too--like buying and eating seventy-two pounds of candy, or sailing off to an island in the middle of a lake to see what it's like to be shipwrecked. But then Pippi's long lost father returns, and she might have to leave Villa Villekulla!

From the Hans Christian Andersen Medal-winning author of the classic Pippi Longstocking, this is another rollicking adventure that's sure to please fans of the freckled, fun-loving little girl.

"Lovers of Pippi Longstocking will welcome this rollicking tale of a topsy-turvy world in which Pippi and her next-door neighbors put into practice some ideas about good times." - School Library Journal

 

My Review:

This is a reread of the books that I read as a kid. I always liked reading the Pippi Longstocking books. They're a quick fun read. 

 Rereading this book makes me happy. It's such a fun read. I enjoyed it yet again. 

What's not to love about Pippi Longstocking? She's a fun loving kid. 

I've always enjoyed reading the Pippi Longstocking books and this one is no different. Pippi, along with Tommy and Annika always have such fun and adventures. 

As always, this is a 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ book. Remember, it's always fun to revisit the books you enjoyed as a kid. It's allowed. 

 

Book Review: Engines of Reason (Elder Race 2) by Adrian Tchaikovsky

 To start off with, the customary plot: 

 Visit a world where sorcery intertwines with science by multiple Hugo nominee Adrian Tchaikovsky in this highly-anticipated sequel to his hugely popular Elder Race.

On a planet where stories govern identity, where science and magic are a merely point of view, a fallen princess, a reluctant wizard, and a precocious child must unravel the past to shape the future.

Betrayal, ancient myths, and the clash of worlds converge in this spellbinding tale of courage, friendship, and self-discovery.

A profound exploration of identity, memory, and discovery from one of science fiction’s most compelling voices.

 

My Review:  

I got an eARC from Netgalley. This will be my third attempt at reading something by this author. I did read Elder Race. 

I'm not sure I'm feeling this book or not. I have noticed that it's not quite holding my attention. I will finish it, as it's a very short book. 

The story moved, but not entirely quick. Things did get figured out by the end. 

We have a few new characters in this book. Each one important to the story and how it ends. 

The story picked up pace at the 70% mark. It held my attention a lot more. I actually enjoyed the last 30% more than what I did the rest of the book. I'm guessing that the slower pace was not my thing. 

The ending was a bit of a surprise that I did not expect to happen. Was it a satisfying ending? Yes. The way this story was, the ending was good. 

Does it leave room for another book? Yes, but if there isn't that's fine too. 

I give this book 3 1/2 stars. Why? Only because it didn't hold my attention for most of the book. 

 

 

Book Review: The Wisdom of Crowds (The Age of Madness book 3) by Joe Abercrombie

 First, here's the usual plot:

 From the New York Times bestselling author of A Little Hatred comes a stunning fantasy novel that finds the world in an unstoppable revolution where heroes have nothing left to lose as darkness and destruction overtake everything.

Chaos. Fury. Destruction. The Great Change is upon us . . .

Some say that to change the world you must first burn it down. Now that belief will be tested in the crucible of revolution: the Breakers and Burners have seized the levers of power, the smoke of riots has replaced the smog of industry, and all must submit to the wisdom of crowds.

With nothing left to lose, Citizen Brock is determined to become a new hero for the new age, while Citizeness Savine must turn her talents from profit to survival before she can claw her way to redemption.
Orso will find that when the world is turned upside down, no one is lower than a monarch.
And in the bloody North, Rikke and her fragile Protectorate are running out of allies . . . while Black Calder gathers his forces and plots his vengeance.

The banks have fallen, the sun of the Union has been torn down, and in the darkness behind the scenes, the threads of the Weaver's ruthless plan are slowly being drawn together . . .

 My review:  

This book picks up right where the 2nd book ends. Right away we find out what happens to Leo dan Brock. Savine is still very pregnant at the beginning too. 

This book is non-stop action. You just have to keep reading to find out what happens with all of our characters. 

At the halfway point in the book, there's a battle in the North. Not going to say how that goes. You need to read for yourself. It was a bloody battle. Lots of twists.

When you reach up to Part IV, boy oh boy, does it get intense. The pace picks up even more than it was at the beginning. Some of our character's lives are at stake. Will they make it? Keep reading...

Oh the huge surprises later on. Some people who were not who we thought they were and some were more involved that what we figured. Surprise! We also find out who was behind The Great Change, that was part of this entire series. Again...Surprise! I didn't think this person was the instigator of the entire thing, as well as the person known as The Weaver. 

All loose ends were tied up, by the end. We learn what happened to our characters, at least those that did survive to reach the end.

The ending itself seemed like that there could be an opening left for another series of books. It would be nice to see what will become of  these characters. If not, the ending is perfect too. 

I've really enjoyed this series, this world and all of the characters. I give this book, 5 stars⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

It was well worth the read. 

As always, the covers are great.  

 

 

 

Book Review: Sublimination by Isabel J. Kim

 Here's the customary plot: 

 Doppelgängers, corporate intrigue, heartbreak, betrayal, and the harsh permanence of the border: Sublimation is a thrilling and provocative debut for fans of Severance that asks what you'd sacrifice for a different life from award-winning author Isabel J. Kim.

The border cuts you in two.

When you immigrate, you leave a copy of yourself behind, an instance. One person enters their new country; the other stays trapped at home.

Some instances keep in touch, call each other daily, keep their lives and minds in sync in the hopes of reintegrating and resuming a life as one person. Others, like Soyoung Rose Kang, leave home at ten years old and never speak to their other selves again. Rose, in America, never imagined going back to Korea until her grandfather died and her Korean instance called her home for the funeral.

She doesn’t know that Soyoung plans to steal her body and her life.

How far would you go to live the choice you didn’t make?

 

My review:  

This is an eARC that I was approved for from Netgalley.

I have never read anything that was in the genre of Speculative fiction. So, all this is new to me. This is a good thing to read a slightly different genre.

With my first sit down to read this book, I ended up reading to 19%. So far, it was holding my attention. The concept was pretty good.  

This book is a bit weird. Not in a bad way. Just weird. It's still holding my attention at the 56% mark. Now, I'm at the point that I want to know what happens with the characters. 

There's a little bit of mystery in this book. That's a reason why to keep reading. You want to know what will or will not happen.

After 80%, the story really picked up and got more of a faster pace. You really wanted to know what and how things were going to happen. The ending was a nice surprise. I didn't see that happening. 

Now, this world was well thought out. The way that people split or instanced was well done. The characters were well thought out too. You felt like you knew them personally. 

If this book was a standalone or if there's a part 2, I'd definitely want to read it. If it remains a standalone, that's fine too, as the ending was satisfying. 

I'll give this book a solid 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐. The only reason why I didn't give it 5, was because of the little bit of extra story in each chapter. I understand why it was given. It gave you some explanation as to why this world had instancing. 

All in all, I do recommend you to read this book. I really did enjoy it.