Tag: bookaddict

Book Reviews

Book Review – The Wolf of the North by Duncan M. Hamilton (2016).

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Synopsis:

It has been generations since the Northlands have seen a hero worthy of the title. Many have made the claim, but few have lived to defend it. Timid, weak, and bullied, Wulfric is as unlikely a candidate as there could be.

A chance encounter with an ancient and mysterious object awakens a latent gift, and Wulfric’s life changes course. Against a backdrop of war, tragedy, and an enemy whose hatred for him knows no bounds, Wulfric will be forged from a young boy, into the Wolf of the North. This is his tale.

Review:

The Wolf of the North is a heroic tale of Wulfric Wolframson, a young boy of Leondorf, a village in the Northlands, whom finds himself a warrior. The story begins with Wulfric as a child and details his growth into adulthood, during which times he overcomes his first foes. It isn’t long before he begins his warrior training and finds himself starting out on a journey he least expects.

I enjoyed the fluent and imaginative prose the story is written in. It makes for a definite page turner and makes the book impossible to put down In certain places. Especially during Wulfric’s warrior training and the events that follow. It is nice to see that there is a little romance in this story, between Adahlaid and Wulfric, which serves to soften the edges of the savage warriors persona. The addition of magic is also a bonus, and it is included in a way that allows it to be part of everyday life for those with the knowledge, but ordinary people can access it with the right knowledge.

Wulfric’s storyline is very fabulous, and watching his growth from young boy to adulthood has been a great read. The author has really made an awesome character who has a heart that is obviously going to place in more danger and difficult situations in the future. I have become very fond of Wulferic within the pages of this novel and I honestly can’t wait to dive into the next novel In the series.

Overall I have found it impossible to find anything negative to say about this book, it has been a joy to read. I would recommend The Wolf of the North, by M. Hamilton to adults who enjoy the fantasy dystopian genre. I give this book a rating of 10/10 stars.

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Book Reviews

Book Review: The Grey Bastards, by Jonathan French (2015).

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Review:

Simply fantastic! The Grey Bastards presents a chance to meet some uniquely brilliant characters in a setting described In a way that quickly flourishes in the readers mind. Once into the depths of the plot, this book is a definite page turner and yet another book I found impossible to put down.

The characters I found most exciting would have to be the 3 mains of this novel. Jackal, Oats and Fetch would have to be three of the most intriguing, and amusing characters I have discovered in a while, and I enjoyed their storyline’s greatly. The stories plot was most definitely a twisting roller coaster that kept my continued interest throughout. With the three characters learning truth of past and present and all of the why’s that go with it, each page revealing some mysterious truth which made the characters struggles more and more real.

The only issue I could define would be the slow start. I’m not sure if it was my own doubts or high expectations going into this novel, or perhaps I am not singular in mind. Whatever the case, I am grateful I persevered and continued to what quickly became a great book to read.

Overall, I have to admit, this has been an humorous and addictive read and recommend it to anyone who enjoys fantasy fiction. I give this book a rating of 9.5 stars.

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Fantasy Fiction

Book Review: Purity, by Claire Farrell (2013).

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This is the final book in the Cursed series authored by Claire Farrell, and I feel that it closes things quite nicely. With Nathan’s family curse broken, everything is in turmoil, most of all Perdy and Nathan’s relationship. Both of them feeling the loss of the infatuation that comes with the curse, it still knowing there is a natural attraction between the two.

The storyline really picks up in this novel and becomes quite fast paced and action really becomes a big part of the novel. There are some gruesome fight scenes involving fangs and fur, which leave the reader wanting more.

As a final book in a series I feel the author has tied up all questions or loose ends readers may have had nicely. Definitely a series for the young adult, but suitable for all ages. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys the fantasy genre and has a liking of werewolves. I give this book a rating of 7/10 stars.

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Book Reviews

Book Review: Aversity, by Claire Farrell (2012).

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There were a lot of questions posed at the end of the last book Clarity. Thankfully, Claire Farrell thought it necessary to fill in holes by producing book #2.5 Adversity. In this novel we learn the story through the eyes of Amelia.

As with the books prior to this in the series, the prose is simple, but the storyline holds much promise. Understanding things through Amelia’s eyes shows yet another side to the story, shedding light on the strangeness of her dreams and illness and her sudden change into a Werewolf. In this book it is her ancestor Kali and her own saga that unfolds before readers, and it has to be said that it is a tale that is hard to put down. Even though this series is written very simply, readers of all age groups can easily get caught up in this series by an amazing author.

Overall I have to admit I have become quite fond of the characters in this novel, especially the main trio, Nathan, Perdy, and Amelia. Each i

Of them fitting together in a bond that can’t really have been all because of a curse, surely! I recommend this book to young adults interested in the fantasy genre or an interest in werewolves. I give this book a rating of 8/10 stars.

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Book Reviews

Book Review: Clarity, by Claire Farrell (2012).

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The second book of the Cursed series by Claire Farrell really picked up the pace and has made for an excellent read. I have actually become quite attached to Perdy, Nathan and Amelia, and their families. I have enjoyed the storyline to this book much more than its predecessor, and I feel that this could turn out to be quite a good series!

In this novel we find the loved up couple in danger and after the death of a family member their whole world’s are turned upside down. Perdy’s father even takes a trip to the hospital and not for work! Amelia being ill bothers everyone, but most of all the reason for the illness is more strange and something I didn’t expect at first.

The second novel in this series has definitely caught my interest and makes for a great light read between heavier novels. I recommend this to the young adult age group that find werewolves enchanting! As for a rating, I have to go with 8/10 stars.

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Book Reviews

Book Review: Verity, by Claire Farrell (2011).

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Perdy is a teenage girl still in school, and who’s home life is far from what’s considered “happy families”. However, it looks like everything is set to change. Claire Farrell has written a great read in Verity, which is also the first of what seems to be a pretty good Werewolf series directed at young adults.

The plot line is fairly simple and it follows the familiar purpose of the main characters finding out and realising who is, and isn’t, a Werewolf. But the twist is the Gypsy Curse that is inflicted on Nathan’s family, the new boy at school. It isn’t long before Perdy realises that the curse also involves her. But that’s after she finds her supposed best friend has gone mad and her whole life has turned completely upside-down!

Basically this has been an easy read with the basic plot of boy meets girl, boy turns into Werewolf and someone gets hurt! With a few extra twists and turns that keep the reader interested. The grammar isn’t the best but the book is more detailed for you do adults than to the older reader. Each of the main characters are developed simply giving readers only a basic connection, though admittedly Perdy is starting to grow on me. I would recommend this title to any young adult branching out in the realms of the fantasy genre. I give this book a rating of 6/10 stars.

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Book Reviews

Book Review: Red Sister by Mark Lawrence (2017). Book of the Ancestor – Book 1. 

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There was a reason I couldn’t wait to read this book and as soon as I began I realised why! Mark Lawrence has out done himself with his latest creation – Red Sister. An amazing book, making it impossible to put down, Red Sister begins with story of Nona, and how she finds herself caged in the clutches of a child-taker after being given away by her village. Mark Lawrence spins an amazing tale for this character and builds her into a person the reader barracks for throughout the novel. 

Of course Nona is not the only character of the book, and she is eventually joined by others when she reaches her destination. She finds herself housed by nuns and befriended by girls she had only dreamt of meeting. Friendship being of utmost importance to Nona, and she shows this numerous times throughout the novel. 

With her sisters, Nona finds herself in a variety of predicaments and adventures. Some of them adding to her learning as a Red Sister, others adding to the bonds of friendship. The most strongest friendships being forged with Clera, Ara and Hessa. Together they learn their trades of magics and fighting with and without weaponry. Each girl showing their own special talent. 

The novel is full of thrilling adventure, love and death. Each page holds the answers to the questions of the pages before and all together form a wonderous story that has the reader glued throughout. Mark Lawrence has revealed his Own form of magic in creating this novel, producing words that create a tale to be remembered long after the last page has been turned. 

I have loved every chapter and every page of this book. From chapter one I have been engrossed in the world the author has created for some amazing characters that can easily be seen in the minds eye, they are written so real. I recommend this book to anyone interested in fantasy of the age of young adult onwards. I have given the book a rating of 10/10 stars. Thank you Mark Lawrence for giving us the most exceptional novel I have read so far this year. 

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Book Reviews

Book Review: The Emperor’s Blades, by Brian Staveley (2014).

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The Emperor’s Blade is an intense fantasy novel full of suspense and adventure. After the death of the King, it is up to his children, Valin, K and Adare, to take up the reins. The there. Have been separated for some time as the two boys were sent away to study whilst their sister was kept behind to learn the running of the kingdom from home.

This book takes on a fast pace from the beginning picking up the story and running with it. Although a little confusing at first, it wasn’t long before I was turning pages far into the night. I particularly enjoy the inclusion of the Kestrel. Not only are the giant creatures important in the storyline they make fantastic characters.

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed the book and recommend it to anyone who likes fantasy novels that travel along the “game of thrones” style. Definitely looking forward to the next book. I give this book a rating of 9/10 stars.

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Book Reviews

Book Review: Lover at Last, by J. R. Ward (2012).

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Blurb:

Qhuinn, son of no one, is used to being on his own. Disavowed from his bloodline, shunned by the aristocracy, he has finally found an identity as one of the most brutal fighters in the war against the Lessening Society. But his life is not complete. Even as the prospect of having a family of his own seems to be within reach, he is empty on the inside, his heart given to another….

Blay, after years of unrequited love, has moved on from his feelings for Qhuinn. And it’s about time: The male has found his perfect match in a Chosen female, and they are going to have a young- just as Qhuinn has always wanted for himself. It’s hard to see the new couple together, but building your life around a pipe dream is just a heartbreak waiting to happen. As he’s learned firsthand.

Fate seems to have taken these vampire soldiers in different directions… but as the battle over the race’s throne intensifies, and new players on the scene in Caldwell create mortal danger for the Brotherhood, Qhuinn finally learns the true definition of courage, and two hearts who are meant to be together… finally become one.

Review:

Lover at Last of the 11th book of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series authored by J. R. Ward. This storyline has been a long wait, to the point where I honestly believed Quinn would continue to live life pretending NOT to love Blay and therefore remain alone forever. Even though Quinn has given the Chosen Layla the gift of a child and will always be the father child deserves, he still would have been pretty much alone if not for his love for Blay. Thankfully in this novel, both Brothers get their act together and sort their fears and emotions out!

Throughout this novel Blay and Quinn run Into numerous issues from the fact Blay is dating Quinn cousin and the fact that Quinn laid with Layla during her needing and Is now pregnant. But even with these issues Quinn never stops loving Blay. And no matter how much Blay doesn’t want to admit it, he still loves Quinn with his whole heart, no matter how hurt he is by all of the rejection his friend throws at him.

Overall, I must say I have enjoyed this novel, but I found it just didn’t have the same pizazz as It’s predecessors. I recommend this novel to anyone interested in romance and the vampire genre. I give this book a rating of 6/10 stars.

Book Reviews

Book Review: Lover Reborn, by J. R. Ward (2012).

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Blurb:

In the darkest corners of the night in Caldwell, New York, a conflict like no other rages. The city is home to a band of brothers born to defend their race: the warrior vampires of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. Now back in the Brotherhood – and unrecognisable as the vampire leader he once was – Tohrment is physically emaciated and heartbroken beyond despair. When he begins to see his beloved in his dreams – trapped in a cold, isolating netherworld – Tohr turns to a self-serving fallen angel in hopes of saving the one he has lost. When he’s told he must learn to love another to free his former mate, Tohr knows they are all doomed . . .

Except then a female with a shadowed history begins to get through to him. Against the backdrop of the raging war with the lessers, and with a new clan of vampires vying for the Blind King’s throne, Tohr struggles between the buried past, and a very hot, passion-filled future . . . but can his heart let go and set all of them free?

Review:

Lover Reborn has become my favourite of the series, The Black Dagger Brotherhood, authored by J. R. Ward. Of all the novels, this one has the most heart felt storyline so far. I have fallen in love with the whole Tohr and Autumn saga, forbidden love, but only of their own accord. One could almost wonder whether or not such a love could survive with the heartache that is ingrained in each of their souls. The fact that their fractured existences combined fill each other’s voids until the create a new whole that is also separate and unique to themselves just in a new light. It really struck me as a fantastic storyline founded beneath brutish modern vampires that speak in a way that makes them seem less than they really are.

The storyline of Xhex and John Mathew is intertwined with the first by the attachment of Autumn being Xhex’s birth mother. The whole revelation from previous novels is still strange and new, so it is still hard to swallow in terms of adding another broken vampire into the mix. But this allows the story of Xhex finding her own path in what is a very patriarchal society. While the brothers continue to take their cues from John Mathew, she will never truly be free to fight and be her own person. Thankfully, although it goes against the nature of a bonded male of the species, she can do such a thing. Freeing herself as well as opening a path for future females to carve their own paths without interference of a male making judgement for what is and what could be. Feminism taken to its utmost limits!

Overall, I have enjoyed Lover Reborn, the tenth novel in the series, quite a bit, giving me hope that the rest of the series will continue to keep my interest piqued. An author can’t continue with a series inevitably without the readers attention laxing or becoming completely non-existent. Hopefully the next few books prove me wrong in this aspect. I would recommend this novel to anyone interested in the Vampire genre, especially if you like a bit of romance added in. I give this book a rating of 7/10 stars.