The Ferryman by Justin Cronin

The Ferryman by Justin Cronin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I received an advance copy of The Ferryman in exchange for an honest review.

The characters in The Ferryman captivate from the outset, drawing the reader into the mysteries of Prospera. While some themes are recognizable from Cronin’s previous works, new thought-provoking ground is covered as well. This mind-bending story flies along with action and delivers reveals that satisfy. Five stars for another gripping tale from Cronin.

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Review: Curse on the Land

Curse on the Land by Faith Hunter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I enjoyed the start of this new series so much I was delighted to have the opportunity to review an advance copy of the second installment. I was far from disappointed with Curse on the Land. Nell Ingram is charming and funny, a survivor we can respect. In a Yellowrock world where so much is comfortably familiar, Nell's powers are fresh and intriguing. True to the previous works of Hunter this story runs dark, gruesomely so at times, but this Soulwood series retains a hopeful quality. I could hardly put this book down -- overall, a very enjoyable read.

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Review: Once Broken Faith

Once Broken Faith by Seanan McGuire
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Once Broken Faith offers another entertaining addition to the October Daye franchise. My only tiny complaint is that it doesn't feel like there has been much progression of late to the overarching series plotline. I fear that at some point the hijinks of the October Daye bunch will grow old if that isn’t soon tended to. That day isn't yet here, however, and fans of the October Daye series won't be disappointed in Once Broken Faith.

(Disclaimer: I received an advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review).

Review: All the Little Liars

All the Little Liars by Charlaine Harris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a pleasure to read. The modernization of Roe's world takes nothing away from the original charm of the series and Roe remains delightful. (view spoiler)[ The plot "twist" is rather obvious but I suspect purposely so. Having some idea who the culprit was helped take the edge off what could have been a very dark tale. (hide spoiler)] All in all, another outstanding serving of comfort reading from Harris.

Of Shadow & Stone : They can't all be great books

My last three book reviews were glowing and I have to admit it's been making me nervous.  It's hard to have credibility when all you ever say is "Great job!"  The problem is that I hate reading mediocre books and I carefully pick what I spend my precious little reading time on.  Hence when I was sent an advanced reading copy Of Shadow & Stone along with works by tried and true favorites it's not really surprising that I got to it last.  Eventually, though, its day did come and alas, my 5 star review streak has come to an end.

Of Shadow & Stone by Michelle Muto is not terrible.  I've read worse.  I've read worse just this year.  Most of the book feels like a better than average set up for a new series.  The main characters, Kate and Ian, are likable and Shadow Wood is mysterious and intriguing. 

This story suffers from premature resolution unfortunately.  By the end everything is tied up neatly.  Too neatly, too soon. 

Fantasy writing requires a certain amount of world building and back story in an introductory piece -- the author is giving us a new world and we must be made to understand it. A certain amount of character casting is also required -- the author is giving us new characters and we must be made to care about them.  It feels like Muto was just accomplishing those two things when suddenly everything is fixed and the story is done.  

Of Shadow & Stone gets many things right but ultimately doesn't live up to its promise.  

Skull Throne : more great reading

I received an advanced reading copy of The Skull Throne, the 4th book of Peter V. Brett's Demon Cycle series. What follows is my honest review.


My first impression of this book is that it was very, very long.  I routinely digest large volumes but this story was just so incredibly big. Fortunately it was equally entertaining.

As in previous books the point of view jumps around, this time spending relatively little time with the original protagonist, Arlen.  Some might find this egregious but the time spent with the other main characters is very enjoyable.  The addition of new characters breathes fresh life to the story.  Four books and countless pages deep into this story Brett still surprises and delights, still keeps us caring, and still leaves us with great cliffhanger endings.

This series has grown to remind me of the great work of Robert Jordan.  The shifting points of view, the antiheroes, the feminism, the fight for all of mankind -- the Demon Cycle shares much with the Wheel of Time.  With additions as strong as Skull Throne I can only that hope that Brett is equally prolific.

Vision in Silver starts my literary year off right

I was beyond thrilled to receive an advanced review copy of Anne Bishop's Vision in Silver.  Her series The Others stands out as top tier fantasy fiction and this third installment was on my short list of books that I most looked forward to in 2015.

I expected greatness and that is exactly what was delivered.  Bishop demonstrates once again that she is a master of her craft.  Her world and the characters in it feel real.  The things her characters do are believable and the things they say are credible.  The conflicts and growing pains they experience feel genuine.  The suspense she imbues keeps the pages turning and the payouts she delivers are satisfying.  

In this book, as in the previous two, Bishop takes us to some dark places.  What stands out about this installment is the feeling of hope. Not hope for a rosey rainbow perfect world where everyone lives happily ever after but hope that good things can happen for our heroes.

Vision in Silver is suspenseful, dark, sweetly hopeful, poignant and at times laugh out loud funny. This is sure to be one of the best books this year.