Synopsis

“Pain will become a known brother. Grief, a sister. Hatred will guide the stars like an overbearing parent, and death will be the child spawned from it all.”

Alone and under constant duress, Colton fights to maintain his strength, will, and sanity.

Violet and a group of others struggle through their own hell, battling tyrannical guards, inhumane monsters, and a dangerous new element.

Meanwhile, Ace and the boys are desperate to find Colton. To gain the help they need to accomplish the task, they must travel to the mysterious and, perhaps, unwelcoming sister planets.

Back in the Vintaran System, V-Company does all it can to repel the Flame invaders from Penski. Win or lose: war always costs one’s soul.

If these friends can’t conquer their separate battles and save one another, then darkness will reign, and peace will become a distant memory to the souls of humanity.

The Dark Element is the thrilling third installment of the genre-bending science fantasy series Power of the Stars.

Review

The Dark Element, book three in Bryan Wilson’s The Power of the Stars series, is an incredible entry to an already exciting series and one that should be held in high praise.

In my review for The Son of the Prophets, I mentioned that Bryan accelerated this series to the next level and had created such a fantastic epic. The Dark Element has, unsurprisingly, doubled down on this and thrown this into such a larger scale that I’m not really sure that any words I say will show how amazing it is.

The Dark Element has earned its place amongst the greats. This was a story that was set up perfectly. From start to finish it was brilliantly paced, easy to follow and had me filled with a mix of emotions throughout. Bryan has a poetic way of describing scenes, from action to emotion, and just has you hooked right in.

I enjoyed how much more fleshed out these characters get. The Forsaken Planet was Colton’s book; The Dark Element is everyone’s. We see certain characters go from side characters to favourites and there are so many sections to unpack that there definitely needs to be more discussion on. This is an absolutely wild ride that I was braced right in for.

I compared it to the Wheel of Time in space in a review previously and the scope of this is just outstanding. Bryan is cementing himself as one of the greats. If you haven’t read The Power of the Stars series, I strongly suggest you do.

SYNOPSIS

Centuries have passed since the Dhal’nar fled the Sphere of Man, fearing extinction at the hands of humans. All that remains of the otherworldly race are the forgotten relics and ruins of an ancient age, now coveted by kingdoms.

Aliss Cistalion has never set foot beyond her city’s walls. An untested servant of the Prophet, Dhal’nar history is heresy to her creeds. But someone high in the Empire believes otherwise, deeming her worthy of leading her first expeditionary force. The Empire’s very survival hinges on her to pursue the rumors of a Dhal’nar relic buried behind enemy borders. Intent on restoring the Empire’s glory, Aliss leaves her home and family behind, with no promise of seeing either ever again.

Across the sea, the Protectorate are the long-hated enemies of the Luviatran Empire— and seek the rumored Dhal’nar relics for themselves. Already, they possess a powerful Dhal’nar craft capable of prophecy, and seek to plunder yet another jewel to add to their trove. Having lost their lands to the Protectorate centuries ago, Aliss and her squad of veterans must outrace them, lest their dying Empire be doomed to become a footnote in the annals of man.

REVIEW

Scorn not the mortals, for their sins they will atone. Mourn not the mortals, for they feed us flesh and bone.

Jordan Smith’s Mourn not the Mortals is a strong contender for my book of the year already.

I’ve been following progress of this for a while and with each reveal and tidbit I’ve been on the edge of my seat to digest more. Little did I know that I’d be engrossed in a journey for the ages and find a new favourite series. And one that I haven’t been able to get out of my head.

This was a book that just had me wanting to read it constantly. I was neck deep into this world and I did not want to get out. Jordan has written the story in such a way that we have multiple points of view showing different parts of the world and what impact they have overall. You can tell that Jordan has thought of everything with how vastly different each area is and how each persons POV offers different insights to the world and the area that they are in.

The character work here was outstanding. The multiple points of view felt like their own story and I was constantly excited to see how each persons story pushed forward. These were characters with incredibly written backstory, their own concerns and goals, and their own personalities. It’s hard to pick a favourite but there’s a certain character that is really excited to uncover a long-lost language and I love stories like that. I also enjoyed the character dynamics and how each POV had their own personal story. These character relationships were a definite highlight and Jordan doesn’t shy away from their flaws. The different personalities offered a good flow to the story. We have the scholars, pit-fighters and politicians and each of them offered a unique insight.

Jordan’s writing is easily accessible, but I was a massive fan of how deep the lore was and how we uncovered everything. There are gods, dead languages, hidden corners of the world, mysteries and everything in between. I’m really excited to see where the story goes from here and how Jordan grows as an author. The plot is an exciting one and is only just getting started. I cannot wait for book two to see where this plot is going.

This is a solid debut that I am obsessed with. I’ve never been more gutted to finish a book, due to the sheer enjoyment I was having. From the start of Jordan’s journey until the end of Mourn not the Mortals, I have been utterly fascinated by this, and I can honestly say that it will not end there. This is dark fantasy that will keep your eyes glued to the page for all its length. This is one of those stories that takes you to a faraway land and has you invested until you snap out of that trance.

Synopsis

Thurava of Astrava is intended to become a herder, a most honored position for her dwindling community that clings to life on the banks of the Najimov, the river that’s the lifeblood of the high desert. But the Glass City on the horizon threatens the delicate balance the Astravans have managed to hold on to for centuries, polluting the air and water as the city grows bigger and bigger. The Glass City’s clockwork liaisons offer to bring the Astravans into the Glass City’s walls, but they will have to give up their ways and their precious herds to do so. Thurava must decide who she is without her animals, using the stars as her guide, putting herself on a collision course with the secrets the Glass City holds dear

Review

A Hunger with No Name by Lauren C. Teffeau is a brilliantly written novella filled with critical themes and one that pleasantly surprised me.

The world itself was my favourite part. The way that this setting is described is amazing and I was captured by the way that Teffeau describes the world, the skies and everything else. You can really feel how these people adore the world they live in. The Astravan’s worship this world and Teffeau has an encapsulating gift that holds us to these descriptions.

This helps tie to the themes present. Thurava, the main character, finds herself in the Glass City – a completely different place than the desert we are introduced to and full of technology. Here, the plot unfolds. Teffeau has us questioning existence, be it natural or otherwise. They also have us debating consumption and extinction, and if these go hand-in-hand.

This is a descriptive novel and one that rewards us emotionally and logically. Lauren C. Teffeau has created an important novel that is wonderfully written and I urge you to give this a read.

Rating: 8/10

“—when found, the bodies bore no signs of injuries, other than the eyes that appeared as if they had burned out from the inside and turned into stone; dark, black, like obsidian.”

So reads the report, which Lorian holds in his hands. As an inquisitor and servant to the aristoi—noble and sublime beings revered by the mortals of Askalon—he had taken an oath to uphold their sacred law, to uncover any forbidden magic, and to hunt those who dared to cast it.

Gruesome as these words are, they also remind him of another murder that happened so long ago. And a woman; a woman who seems to have left a mark on his very soul and has not granted him peace to this day.

And so Lorian sets out, through the stormy sea to the north, to the frozen continent, to investigate the murder of two young boys who were killed by a form of magic about which the Inquisition knows almost nothing.

He does not yet suspect the great forces that will soon confront him, nor how the fate of Askalon and all mortals is about to be decided; for the black sun has awakened.

Review

The Black Sun, book one in the Tales of Askalon, by Sebastian P. Melang is a brutal yet epic D&D-style story that started incredibly and ended even better.

I was a fan of the tone that Sebastian set throughout this book. There were dark fantasy vibes and I felt like listening to some ambient vibes whilst reading to be fully immersed in this. We follow Lorian, a servant of Askalon who is oathbound to rid those with forbidden magic. In typical RPG-style, there is a memory that sets the story in motion and we journey with Lorian through unsolved icy and vast landscapes. Sebastian writes these brilliantly as is evidenced by our opening scene – a creepy scene that sets the tone for the rest of the book.

The plot itself is one that keep you guessing. Lorian, as an investigator, uncovers a lot and, in turn, feeds the reader the lore. Sebastian writes descriptions so vividly and that keeps you hooked. There is a tension throughout the novel and everything feels so thrilling until another twist is thrown in.

This is a great dark fantasy that will keep you on your toes and I’m eager to see what the author does next.

Synopsis

Ashiy, a young redtail fox, has been raised in the remote smuggler’s den of Whim’s Haven. Hidden at the heart of a troll-infested forest, its population is full of ruffian raccoons, brigand bears, and snarl-toothed wolves. Ashiy dreams of seeing the wider world beyond its borders, but his mysterious elven godmother is determined to keep him close by her side. He knows she’s keeping secrets—about who she really is, and the past which left him an orphan.

Yet Ashiy discovers more than he bargained for after an illicit and violent encounter with one of animalkind’s oldest foes—man. It sets him on a perilous journey into the vast lands of Altharia, home to animals blessed with intelligence by the good Mistress above. Though Ashiy is at last free of Whim’s Haven, his adventure may prove more bittersweet than joyous.

Shall he ever uncover the truths hidden away from him? And shall fate return him home the same fox he once was?

Review

A Journey’s Beginning by Angola Hone, book one in the Canid Chronology, is an excitingly fresh take on fantasy and one that I highly recommend.

Ashiy is a brilliant character. A sly fox both innocent and intriguing, Ashiy wants to find out the truth, no matter the cost. The animal companions that we journey with besides Ashiy are all unique and I’m reminded that you don’t have to be human to be relatable. There are other characters that are introduced and I was a fan of how Hone intertwined the mysteries between them. It is these characters that had me turning the pages. It was a breath of fresh air to have such wonderfully written characters that make an impact to the story and Hone really mastered this.

I won’t spoil the plot itself but Ashiy journeying felt akin to Bilbo in the Hobbit. Someone wanting to know more and do more and meeting the unlikeliest of characters. The action was cleanly described but the journey itself was one that I rooted for. Hone really impressed with their delicate writing and fantastic descriptions that us on this journey alongside Ashiy. The story itself unfolded beautifully and I was encouraged to keep turning the pages to find out more. 

I really enjoyed book one in the Canid Chronology and am eager to see where Angola Hone takes it from here. A well-written and plotted palette cleanser that turned into so much more. A classic and familiar tale that brought plenty of excitement. Animal characters in fantasy isn’t something new however animal characters being the main focus is something I don’t normally delve into. I have never had the pleasure of reading Redwall but I see this being compared to that. Stuart Little, The Borrowers, Redwall. Each have an influence and I can say for certain that the Canid Chronology will be one to match these.

Synopsis

Welcome to the Abyss

Formaria – a labyrinthine network of underground tunnels – is home to the Fromryr. An alliance of humans, dwarves, elves, and gnomes, they fight an endless war with ancient technologies. Technologies they don’t truly understand but deploy with devastating effect.

Above the surface, exorcist Kalbrayeth Lyander investigates a possible demonic incursion. When he discovers a body imbued with unknown sorceries he finds himself in possession of a secret he never wanted. A secret that threatens to break centuries long alliances and drag Formaria into a war it cannot afford.

Below the surface, Brazier Veranquis, the First Officer of ice miner the Chalice of Amaranth, responds to a distress signal from an unidentified gyre ship. What he and his crew find leaves them fleeing for their lives. When their paths cross Lyander, they realise what they found threatens to bring down all of Formaria. 

War is coming and with an enemy outmatching even the mighty Fromryr. Uncertain of who to trust and embroiled in political intrigue, Lyander and Brazier must do everything they can to prevent Formaria’s fall. The odds are against them. But in the abyss, one ship can change the fate of millions.

Review

This was an absolute blast of a novel. Eluthienn: A Tale Of The Fromryr by Sam Middleton is a dark, fast-paced fantasy meets sci-fi story that has a creative storyline.

The world-building here is amazing and I was a fan of how distinct each character was. We have all sorts from elves to exorcists and this bonds well with the insane politics, magic and science that we see develop over the course of this novel. Middleton has created a brilliant blend of fantasy and sci-fi that is incredibly appealing. The world itself is interesting and a brilliantly unique setting.

The characters themselves are well-established and I enjoyed their dynamic. Lyander, a knight turned exorcist, and Brazier, the son of a traitor, are engaging and whilst they offer a similar adventure, each POV is a mix of action and development. Even the side characters have their own personalities and moments. There were side characters that I rooted for which is something that authors sometimes fail and feel one-dimensional but Middleton encapsulated this world and its inhabitants brilliantly.

The plot itself was surprising. I went into this novel with minimal information but was surprised at how diverse and page-turning it was. It was so creative and enthralling and shows that Middleton’s imagination really flourished and kept me going throughout. This is a fast-paced romp of epic proportions and I’m thoroughly excited to see what else comes from the mind of Sam Middleton.

A fantastic fantasy sci-fi story that ticked all my boxes.

Synopsis

An orphan, without a trueborn name, returns to the city of her birth to uncover her past. Hounded by the servants of the Dark God and dying from the poisonous mist that covers the land, her path leads to one of the magical seals protecting the holy ruin of Eminence.

A father, murdered and reborn, aims to bring down the floating fortress hovering over his homeland. Burdened by loss, he’s willing to sacrifice his soul to free his city and get revenge for the destruction of his family.

A mother, captured and bonded to a daemon, kills in the name of the Dark God so she can free her tortured daughter. Relentless in her vengeance, she hunts the one person who could end her suffering: the man who would destroy her vile master.

A drake, the banished hatchling of a failed advisor, seeks his father’s stolen horns. Untested, he desires to right his father’s wrongs in the eyes of the gods and restore his family’s honor.

As all converge in the occupied desert city where the world’s fuel source is mined, one family’s bond will be tested. Old betrayals will resurface, anger and resentment will flourish, but one thing remains clear: blood rules all.

Review

Thank you to the author for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Sometimes an author will come along and really exceed your expectations on a novel you’ve already been looking forward to. Bill Adam had me glued to the pages with The Godsblood Tragedy so much that I was pestering them with questions and theories throughout only to have my mind blown by the end. 

This is a multi-POV contained story about rebellion and hope, and the burdens that come with it, but there are moments where you just want the action to push this forward. Ashe, who doesn’t know her true name, is this mysterious orphan who sets out to uncover her past. Ashe was written brilliantly. A character that had one goal in mind. Emre, somehow murdered and reborn, wants to bring down Gargantuan – the floating city – and will do anything to accomplish this. Cadrianna, captured and bound to a demon, kills in the name of the Dark God. Lojen, a drake out to find his father’s stolen horns and right his father’s wrongs. Lu Har, who reminded me of Fou-Lu from Breath of Fire IV. A malevolent being and one that is the opposite of our characters. Strix, a talking sword! All these were characters so unique but so essential to the story and I cannot wait to see what happens from here. 

Bill’s writing was easy to follow but that doesn’t take away from how descriptive this was. There were times that you could really feel the mysterious mist, feel how these characters felt in the heat of things, feel the chains of Gargantuan and its surroundings. The dialogue between characters, especially Strix and Cadrianna, was enjoyable but I was a fan of how Bill described these characters’ feelings. There was a sense of these characters being actual people with inner turmoil that led to some rash decisions. We aren’t drip-fed the lore and instead have to piece this together. Bill wants to write this book about these characters whilst giving us hints at the larger story and what worked here was coming to our own conclusions. I like this way of revealing things and Bill masterfully did this.

I was a massive fan of the story here. Bill unravelled things at a steady pace but I just wanted to know more. Who are these Divines? Who is Canlan Carr? What happens in the Void? It’s a testament to Bill’s plot that I’m hurrying for the release of book two because I was so invested in each story arc. The ending itself blew my mind and it was so epic. This is one for fans of magic systems such as Sandersons. We have different forms of aethurgy – Soul, Vision, Burn, Shard and Void – and Bill can do so much with this magic system and where it comes from. This is one of those self-contained stories that opens up massively by the end. As much as I rooted for these rebels, and was left completely heartbroken, this is a story that is just getting started and I dread to think what is on the way because I now know that Bill will not hold back.

This is a series I’m completely here in the long run for. Bill Adams has created something incredibly special and I want everything from the Mistlands injected into my DNA from here on. It is a rare piece of work that I’m glad to have given a chance because now I will not be able to get enough of this. Check this one out!

Synopsis

On Huntsmen Hill, high above the Scottish town of Auchterbarn, lies a hidden secret, known only to a chosen few.

A select squad of ultra-hairy; highly trained; tartan-clad; Jockanese speaking; Haggi warriors with special powers and custom-made equipment, await the call to tackle injustice.

Duncan McPherson, a gifted but socially awkward pre-teen, lives in Auchterbarn with his mum and sister. 

He’s having a tough time; neglected by his teacher; shunned by peers; and targeted by the school bullies, as well as trying to come to terms with his dad leaving home and the death of his grandfather, Hamish.

Unbeknown to Duncan his over-confident and rebellious,
older sister is attracting unwanted attention which will put her in significant danger.

Duncan sees no hope of things improving until a series of prompts are provided from a surprising source.

With the information that Duncan unravels, he devises a plan to make a Connection with the mysterious Haggi warriors and seek their help.

Can he reach the Haggi warriors and will they help him?

Review

What a day to be reviewing The Haggi Connection by Stephen Easingwood. Scottish book. Scottish setting. Scottish author. Scottish reviewer. Scotland opening the Euros. 

This may be centred towards a younger audience but the sentiment is there for those wanting a light-hearted adventure and even those that want to learn Jockanese! You can also read this in a strong Scottish accent to make it that more relevant. Stephen does include a handy guide at the back of the book which you can use in everyday life! This was easily accessible and one that I could imagine everyone reading to children and enjoying it with them.

I was a massive fan of the setting. Scottish has such beautiful rolling hills and such expansive landscapes and Stephen writes these brilliantly. There were times where I felt a tad of nostalgia in reading these which is always a good sign. The characters themselves were fantastically written. Almost caricatures of people we’d grow up with and by the end of the book, they were ones that I didn’t want to leave.

The story itself is heartwarming but there were sometimes difficult topics that Stephen did well at handling within the book itself. There were times I could see this as an adult fantasy book and I’d be eager to see that. The humour itself was also well-placed and relevant, and at times – much like the Scottish people – really funny!

Overall, a wonderfully light story that appeals to all readers and one that I would be eager to see more of in the future. Stephen Easingwood has created something that you can pick up easily but it won’t leave you for a while.

Synopsis

Ser Edward, an experienced sailor, embarks on perhaps the most daring expedition of the Kingdom of Esenworth so far. His mission is to try to earn the blessing of the Reverend Sven, who is none other than his love’s father, probably the most influential man in the realm. But on his journey beset by fierce storms, he and his men encounter something that could shake to the core not only their faith, but their very concept of the world as well. Meanwhile, far from the oceans, his love, Emma, is trying to disentangle herself from the spider’s web of intrigue and scheming, into which she is being drawn ever deeper by Erick the new king.

And the dark clouds just keep gathering above – ancient beasts, stranger than ever, appear at sea, on land and even in the skies more and more frequently. They roar with a metallic screech, their eyes glow with an unnatural light, their skin hard and rigid as armor.

Can order be upheld in this age blind to divine prophecy, in the largest kingdom of the North, where the monarch’s mind is coming undone just like reality itself?

Our heroes must struggle ceaselessly to understand the hidden secrets of their world and their own origins. But what are they going to do once they have the answers?

Review

“Man is made who he is by his memories and his thoughts.”

Sealed Empire by Norbert Zsivicz is an interesting story that I absolutely devoured in around four days. I’d seen this booked hyped up by a few others and it certainly deserves it.

This is a medieval fantasy that does have a trigger warning. It is dark and gritty in such a way that grabs you and thrusts you through the page right until the very last word. Saying more about the genre itself would be a tad spoilery but the epilogue itself was as surprising as it was intriguing and left me eager for more of this. The prologue to the epilogue was well-described and mysterious and I’m glad that I gave this the meticulous attention that it deserved.

I was reminded of the Horizon games in some aspects of this. There are machines that leave us wondering what is happening and how they factor in to the story. Zsivicz deals with multiple POVs, tense storylines and a brutal history that we have unpacking and nitpicking to work out just exactly what is going on here. I really enjoyed how Zsivicz neatly describes the landscape, the religions and the plot and I was impressed with how everything was handled.

The pacing was well organised also. When I needed an info dump, it was there. When I needed to sit with the characters and process what had happened, Zsivicz sat me down and discussed it all. Whatever I thought this story was going to be, it was not, and this was down to how brilliantly Zsivicz kept me glued to the page with their descriptions and unfolding of the plot. I do want to see more expansion of this world and hope that we hear something soon.

The characters are also as gritty as the story. The journey they go through is dramatically intense and just when I thought a character would do something, something different happened and my imagination ran wild.

Sealed Empire isn’t perfect, there were times that I felt repulsed but this was the authors intention. I urge you to stick with it and marvel at how brilliantly crafted this can be. I’m so eager to see where this goes from here because it is not what I expected at all.

Synopsis

The world has stopped turning.

Burned by a blazing sun. Thrust into eternal winter.

Life survives only in the Sunset Forest.

For untold millennia, mankind lived subservient to the dryads, forced into worship of the Earth-Mother, Astea. Then one man ventured into the Scorched Desert and returned with the secret of fire. His rebellion brought the dryad empire to ash. In its place, he founded the Kingdom of Heartsong.

Twelve years later, the new king is missing. The earth trembles. Famine ravages the land, and a mysterious illness creeps through the capital.

Plots of treason and revenge abound, but as the mistakes of the past bear fruit, men will reap what they have sown.

Open now the Book of Astea and learn what has been forgotten.

Review

Epic fantasy is my favourite genre. It’s full of incredible immersion, descriptive landscapes, relatable characters and so much more.
Riven Earth by Zammar Ahmer, and the world of Astea, is no different.

The cover art by Maleski Art is as epic as it gets and really compliments this story. For a debut, I was impressed with Ahmers writing and how engrossed I was throughout. Astea is so mysteriously yet openly described and it’s amazing how Ahmer has drawn me in and left me wanting more from Astea. I enjoyed how descriptive Ahmers landscapes were and how those details envisioned in my head. Not only do we have the visual aspects of Ahmer, but we have great creatures introduced that fill the world and add to its suspense. Ahmer has created a harsh environment that reads like a history book. 

The magic system may be a tad familiar, but it is accurate in its simplicity and so interesting to watch it unfold. The characters themselves were written brilliant. Especially when told through different methods such as diary quotes which I thought was a unique touch. Raia is a fantastic addition to fantasy and Ahmer created someone relatable in their actions with such strong resolve. Other POVs have such strong story arcs that make for a page-turning read. Ahmers strongly written complex characters that will stick with you throughout.

This is a duology that has a strong start and I hope this continues in its conclusion. Ahmer has poured their heart and soul into this, used their influences and added their own personal touch to create a brilliant new voice in this genre. This is a unique and enthusiastic epic story and Zammar Ahmer deserves your attention.