Rise of Empire: By Michael Sullivan

RISE OF EMPIRE

SUMMARY

Royce and Hadrian have been called upon to aid the struggling kingdom of Melengar as it alone stands in defiance against the newly formed empire. As war approaches a desperate gamble behind enemy lines is their only chance at forming an alliance with the Nationalists to the south.

But Royce has plans of his own and uses this opportunity to discover if an ancient wizard is using Riyria as pawns in his own bid for power. To find the truth, Royce must unravel Hadrian's hidden past. What he discovers will lead them to the end of the known world on a journey rife with treachery and intrigue.

And so continues the second tale of treachery and adventure, sword fighting and magic, myth and legend.

REVIEW

Rise of Empire was amazing .

While the first two books (found in Theft of Swords) were fantastic books, they felt much more like stand alones that happened to contain the same group of characters. Now in books 3 and 4 of the series, Sullivan turns this fantastic series into a continuous series.

Readers finally learn more about the heir, we are introduced to new characters that play huge new roles (such as Modina, Amilia, Merrick and Wyatt). And older characters get to play bigger and more important storylines (especially Arista and Saulder).

That said my favorite new aspect of the books is the introduction to Royce and Hadrian’s pasts. Readers will get to visit the towns these two each grew up from, discover the source of Hadrian’s amazing fighting skills, and even see who put Royce in prison. Each of the two characters are much more flushed out, and we really get to see what makes each of them tick. They are tested in ways we never saw in the previous two books and I have to say they will be tested further in the last installments.

Of course I also loved Arista’s growth and discovery. Arista goes from becoming a smart yet pampered princess to something altogether more. She becomes a real character that readers will sympathize with. Fans of the series will root for as she defies the odds and feel sorrow for as the people in her life die around her. Through Arista readers are also finally introduced to magic. As her powers grow, so does her importance in the story, and lets just say she’s darn important by the end of book 4.

Of course while that’s all well and good, other things to keep in mind are that this book is chalk full of great action scenes, as Hadrian and Royce battle everything from mythical monsters, to religious soldiers, to goblins. All in all this book is fantastic. Sullivan has created quality characters who deepen the story, filled it with non-stop action, and thrown in a good deal of mystery and deception, to the degree that readers themselves wont know what will happen next. All in all a great book and I can’t wait for the last in the series.

RATING

9 out of 10

INFO

Publisher: Orbit

Published: December 14, 2011

Price: $14.99

Theft of Swords: By Michael Sullivan

THEFT OF SWORDS

SUMMARY

THEY KILLED THE KING. THEY PINNED IT ON TWO MEN. THEY CHOSE POORLY.

Royce Melborn, a skilled thief, and his mercenary partner, Hadrian Blackwater, make a profitable living carrying out dangerous assignments for conspiring nobles--until they are hired to pilfer a famed sword. What appears to be just a simple job finds them framed for the murder of the king and trapped in a conspiracy that uncovers a plot far greater than the mere overthrow of a tiny kingdom.

Can a self-serving thief and an idealistic swordsman survive long enough to unravel the first part of an ancient mystery that has toppled kings and destroyed empires in order to keep a secret too terrible for the world to know?

REVIEW

Sullivan’s Theft of Swords is absolutely fantastic. Its characters are humorous and robust, its plot dynamic, and its writing just plain well written. In fact if you’re looking for comparisons Theft of Swords reminded me of an interesting combination of Simon R. Green’s Hawk and Fisher series (with the mystery fantasy element with a witty back and forth between the protagonists) and Joe Abercrombie’s First Law series (with is strong band of characters and dynamic plot full of twists.)

Of course while I enjoyed the book, my favorite aspect of it had to be the characters. They were well written, and as readers go through books one and two (both are contained in Theft of Swords) readers will really get a feeling for Royce and Hadrian. Obviously these two are my favorite characters (especially Hadrian). They are humorous, honorable (yet still maintain the fact that they are thieves for hire), and relatable characters. Not only that but Sullivan has created rich back stories for them that he’s slowly revealing in order to impress upon the readers the importance of each these dynamic character’s histories.

That said, I also very much enjoy Esra (I didn’t like him in book one, but he grew on me by book two and feel like he could present some interesting situations in the rest of the series), the Pickering boys (they’re talented strong willed good natured boys who add a nice element to the story), and Myron (the lovable and hilarious monk.)

All in all this book is filled with pretty much constant action, it’s got great characters, and is just plain fun to read. I can’t wait for the next book in the series, and am happy that Orbit is planning to release them in consecutive months. All in all there’s a reason this book was a Kindle Best Seller before it was published by Orbit.

RATING

9 out of 10

INFO

Publisher: Orbit

Published: November 23, 2011

Price: $14.99

Broken Blade: By Kelly McCullough

BROKEN BLADE

SUMMARY

Once a fabled Blade of Namara, Aral Kingslayer fought for justice and his goddess alongside his familiar, a living shadow called Triss. Now with their goddess murdered and her temple destroyed, they are among the last of their kind. Surviving on the fringes of society, Aral becomes a drunken, broken, and wanted man, working whatever shadowy deal comes his way. Until a mysterious woman hires him to deliver a secret message-one that can either redeem him or doom him.

REVIEW

The Broken Blade series reminded me of a lighter version of the book Among Thieves by Douglas Hulick (a fantastic book if you haven’t read it.)

Broken Blade is perfect for a fan of political/hierarchal conspiracy in a fantasy series.

Aral is a fantastic broken character that readers will love to learn more about, in fact this was one of my favorite parts of the story. McCullough does a fantastic job creating an engaging yet realistic tale of how a once great assassin and religious follow could be broken made into the “jack” acting outside the law we see today. It’s fascinating hearing Aral’s stories how he killed the king, and how he grew up with his fellow followers of Namara. Not only that but the idea that if a religious follower’s goddess died, what the ramifications would be, is a fascinating premise.

Of course Aral isn’t the only interesting character in the book, I also enjoyed Triss. Triss is Aral’s shadow familiar who also looks a little like a dragon when he’s not impersonating Aral’s shadow. Triss has cool powers, and is definitely his own established character. The only issue I have with Triss is that Triss isn’t as complex as I’d want him to be. He’s strong and makes a great sidekick but sometimes I’d be nice if he was a little bit more, or if we knew more about his kinds back story. That said I realize this is an unreasonable expectation as detailing more of Triss’s back story and adventures could in itself be an entire new series.

That said, this book isn’t just great characters and intricate political plots, it’s also filled with some heart pounding action. As Aral is forced to confront great foes and powerful former friends, the story is positively bursting with excitement. McCullough also does a great job creating an interesting world of magic and ramifications. I’d have liked a bit more of a run through with what is possible in this world, but I’m sure readers will get a greater grasp on it as the series goes on.

All in all Broken Blade is a fun first book. It’s got action, appealing characters (especially the librarian), great back stories, and an interesting magic system. Because of all of these things I’d recommend this book, and I’m looking forward to the next in the series, Bared Blade.

RATING

8.5 out of 10

INFO

Publisher: Ace

Published: November 29, 2011

Price: $7.99

Legend: By Marie Lu

LEGEND

SUMMARY

What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic’s wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic’s highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country’s most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths-—until the day June’s brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family’s survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias’s death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

REVIEW

Because of all the hype that was attached to it (it already had a movie deal, it was to be produced by the producers of Twilight, and the general reviews and rumors that had circulated about it) I was both hesitant and excited for Legend. I didn’t want it to turn out as just another hyped up poorly written romance novel.

I never should have worried.

Legend was fantastic. The action is both nonstop and captivating. Lu crafts a seamless story that weaves effortlessly between Day and June’s perspectives, creating an engaging world for readers to be drawn into. The plot is filled with surprises and twists that will keep readers glued to their seat. And the book itself is just well written in general.

That said, yes the action was exciting. Yes, there were twists and surprises in the plot. But most importantly were how well the characters were crafted. I found myself really getting to know Day and June. Readers will feel for both of them and understand why they are each acting they way that they are. Their inevitable love interest was not done in a cheesy manner, and each of their back stories were engaging, believable, and fit perfectly into the structure of the story. I would have wanted to know more about June and Day, but with the amount of time given to each of their stories Lu does a fantastic job really establishing each character. Further I wouldn’t be surprised if we discover more about each of them in the next two books in the series.

Of course June and Day weren’t the only well constructed characters, Day’s brother, John, and partner in crime, Tess, were also great characters that if time permitted could each probably have their own books about them.

All in all I was very impressed with Legend. It was fast paced, well written, and full of interesting characters. I’d have no trouble recommending this book to anyone looking for a good book, and fully intend to recommend it to all my friends. All in all a great book and I can’t wait for the sequel.

RATING

9 out of 10

INFO

Publisher: Putnam Juvenile

Published: November 29, 2011

Price: $17.99

Last Breath: By Rachel Caine

LAST BREATH

SUMMARY

With her boss preoccupied researching the Founder Houses in Morganville, student Claire Danvers is left to her own devices when she learns that three vampires have vanished without a trace. She soon discovers that the last person seen with one of the missing vampires is someone new to town-a mysterious individual named Magnus. After an uneasy encounter with Morganville's latest resident, Claire is certain Magnus isn't merely human. But is he a vampire-or something else entirely?

REVIEW

I've been a fan of the Morganville series since it first came out. I've enjoyed the range of excitement in the series from mildly high (the low setting) to blow your mind and glue you to your seat level of excitement (there are not a lot of down moments for these kids). And all the while Caine has done a fantastic job weaving the story and its characters masterfully through each installment, creating and destroying characters, bringing them back, and doing it all over again in a life or death race for time. Really it feels less like a book series and more like an installment of your favorite tv show (possibly something like heroes or lost, something with a cliff hanger ending each episode.)

Yet while I’ve enjoyed the other books in the series this is by far one of the best. Caine has pulled out all the stops. She (as she did in the previous book in the series) allows readers to not only see Morganville and the story through Claire’s eyes but now readers are able to experience other main characters including, Michael, Eve, Shane, and even Amelie! Reading Amelie had to one of my favorite new additions to the series. The writing is so different, and gives such a different perspective that it’s like gulp of fresh air, shocking the story awake and into the next level of enjoyment.

That said, while the characters are interesting, there is so much excitement and so many new threats that have to be dealt with that it’s amazing Caine was able to fit it all into 352 pages. I really can’t talk about these issues/threats without giving away key aspects of the story, but let me tell you that they are gripping, shocking, and will change the flow of the story pretty dramatically.

If you’ve been a fan of the series then you wont want to miss this book. It’s exciting, filled with great characters, and has so many surprises and twists that even I was shocked. I would have liked more perspective from Amelie, but I can’t complain with what I got (wishful thinking really). And I can’t wait for the next book in the series, because as Caine mentions at the beginning, THERE WILL BE ANOTHER BOOK. (If this message doesn’t kick you in the pants to go get the book, then I don’t know what will.) But it’s definitely worth it, as you wont be able to put it down once you pick it up.

RATING

9 out of 10

INFO

Publisher: NAL Hardcover

Published: November 1, 2011

Price: $17.99

The Always War: By Margaret Haddix

THE ALWAYS WAR

SUMMARY

For as long as Tessa can remember, her country has been at war. When local golden boy Gideon Thrall is awarded a medal for courage, it’s a rare bright spot for everyone in Tessa’s town—until Gideon refuses the award, claims he was a coward, and runs away. Tessa is bewildered, and can’t help but follow Gideon to find out the truth. But Tessa is in for more than she bargained for. Before she knows it, she has stowed away on a rogue airplane and is headed for enemy territory. But all that pales when she discovers a shocking truth that rocks the foundation of everything she’s ever believed—a truth that will change the world. But is Tessa strong enough to bring it into the light?

REVIEW

At some points in time I felt like The Always War was a little juvenile. At others I felt like it was trying to send a message to advanced for its readers. And yet throughout most it I found myself really enjoying it.

I credit this mostly to Haddix’s fantastic writing skills and her ability to maintain constant action and tension throughout the book. This book is great for readers in middle grades who want some fast paced action with short chapters that leave the reader wanting more each time.

While some of the characters leave a little to be desired in terms of complexity, they accomplish their goals in the story and move on. Some readers will enjoy this, and if looking at this in the eyes of a middle grade reader, this level will work fine. Further, while not all the characters are complex, they do deal with more advanced situations and lessons than one would expect, increasing the satisfaction gained from the story itself. In fact the story itself is appealing as it’s full of action, deception, and character realization.

All in all The Always War is like an action movie broken up into mine segments, almost like a soap opera. It is full of action and deception, and for middle grade readers looking for something quick and nonstop, this will be a great read.

INFO

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers

Published: November 15, 2011

Price: $16.99

Dark Inside: By Jeyn Roberts

DARK INSIDE

SUMMARY

Since mankind began, civilizations have always fallen: the Romans, the Greeks, the Aztecs…Now it’s our turn. Huge earthquakes rock the world. Cities are destroyed. But something even more awful is happening. An ancient evil has been unleashed, turning everday people into hunters, killers, crazies.

Mason's mother is dying after a terrible car accident. As he endures a last vigil at her hospital bed, his school is bombed and razed to the ground, and everyone he knows is killed. Aries survives an earthquake aftershock on a bus, and thinks the worst is over when a mysterious stranger pulls her out of the wreckage, but she’s about to discover a world changed forever. Clementine, the only survivor of an emergency town hall meeting that descends into murderous chaos, is on the run from savage strangers who used to be her friends and neighbors. And Michael witnesses a brutal road rage incident that is made much worse by the arrival of the police--who gun down the guilty party and then turn on the bystanding crowd.

REVIEW

Some people may like this book, but I couldn’t get through it. Not because it was poorly written, but because it somehow struck a nerve of fear/disgust that resonated through my entire being, making me physically ill.

Take that as you will. If you are looking for a book that is written with such strength on subjects such as rape, mass murder, bombings, and mass hysteria, that it makes some readers sick. Then this could be the book for you. Personally I’ve ream more gruesome books, and even on related subject matter, but for some reason the combination of the characters, the subjects, the writing, and the vividness of the details struck home with me and I wasn’t able to finish.

Overall not my cup of tea, but because I didn’t finish I’ll refrain from giving a rating.

INFO

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers

Published: November 1, 2011

Price: $17.99