Nicole's Book Corner

A Feast for Crows (A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 4) by George R. R. Martin (started August 9, 2006)

2006-08-09T10:22:00.000-07:00

A Feast for Crows (A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 4)
by George R. R. Martin

Long-awaited doesn't begin to describe this fourth installment in bestseller Martin's staggeringly epic Song of Ice and Fire. Speculation has run rampant since the previous entry, A Storm of Swords, appeared in 2000, and Feast teases at the important questions but offers few solid answers. As the book begins, Brienne of Tarth is looking for Lady Catelyn's daughters, Queen Cersei is losing her mind and Arya Stark is training with the Faceless Men of Braavos; all three wind up in cliffhangers that would do justice to any soap opera. Meanwhile, other familiar faces—notably Jon Snow, Tyrion Lannister and Daenerys Targaryen—are glaringly absent though promised to return in book five. Martin's Web site explains that Feast and the forthcoming A Dance of Dragons were written as one book and split after they grew too big for one volume, and it shows. This is not Act I Scene 4 but Act II Scene 1, laying groundwork more than advancing the plot, and it sorely misses its other half. The slim pickings here are tasty, but in no way satisfying.

Druids: by Morgan Llywelyn (started August 1, 2006)

2006-08-09T10:21:00.000-07:00

Druids
by Morgan Llywelyn

As every Latin student knows, ancient Gaul was divided into three parts, all conquered by Caesar. Llywelyn tells of that conquest from the viewpoint of the defeated Gauls. Her story is told by the Druid Ainvar, whose"soul friend" Vercingetorix leads the Gauls in their doomed defense of freedom. Llywelyn is most successful in her evocation of Celtic culture and Druidic beliefs, based on harmony with nature. Once Caesar and Vercingetorix join battle, however, the story bogs down in endless marches, raids, and battles. The characters serve the needs of the plot admirably but are never fully fleshed out and compelling in their own right. Less successful than Llywelyn's earlier novels (e.g. Grania: She-King of the Irish Seas , LJ 3/1/86), this one is still likely to please those who enjoy meticulously crafted historical fiction.

A Sending of Dragons: The Pit Dragon Chronicles, Volume Three (Pit Dragon Chronicles) by Jane Yolen

2006-08-09T10:20:00.000-07:00

A Sending of Dragons:
by Jane Yolen

The final volume in the Pit Dragon trilogy which began with Dragon's Blood concludes a riveting saga that intertwines elements of fantasy and science fiction. The planet of Austar, whose climate and history have much in common with Australia's, serves as backdrop to the social hierarchy of the descendents of the original criminal/warden settlers. This book forces Jakkin and his friend Akki who became part dragon in the last book, Heart's Blood underground, where they encounter a horrifying race of not-men, whose society is also based on the breeding and destruction of dragons. Yolen's tightly plotted, adventurous trilogy constitutes superb storytelling. She incorporates elements of freedom and rebellion, power and control, love and friendship in a masterfully crafted context of a society sick with perversion. All phenomena relating to dragons birth, mating, physiology, telepathy, their training, breeding and care are meticulously evoked. The world of the dragons, which are complex creatures, provides a unique foundation for this compelling trilogy.

Heart's Blood: The Pit Dragon Chronicles, Volume Two by Jane Yolen (Started July 11th)

2006-07-20T09:22:00.000-07:00

Heart's Blood: The Pit Dragon Chronicles, Volume Two
by Jane Yolen

When a plea arrives from his beloved Akki, Jakkin becomes a spy and risks his dragon Heart's Blood, her five hatchlings, and his freedom to go to the rescue.

Jakkin (the main character) is an ex-bonder that won his freedom from a dragon that he stole. Heart's Blood (Jakkin's dragon) is a female "mute" dragon. She does not roar when wounded or in any pain. She has won 22 out of 24 fights. One of the greatest parts of this book and the other is the connection between them. They don't speak or use words but they send pictures or images to each other with colors showing their feelings. Then when Heart's Blood is in the pit fighting, the communication is phenomenal.

The book also has a background story that is very exciting. Jakkin has a childhood love that ran away from him to pursue her dreams. Akki (Jakkin's childhood love) has join the rebel's and from some reason needs Jakkin and his dragon's help. The story leads to Jakkin having to be captured by rebels to save Akki. Every page since the 1st story will have you hooked on Jakkin's life.

Dragon's Blood: by Jane Yolen (started July 9th)

2006-07-10T08:11:00.000-07:00

"Dragon's Blood" is an amazing work of fiction. Though I was, at first, strongly reminded of Anne McCaffrey's Pern, the society described in this book took on it's own identity. Yolen creates an amazing planet and culture that arises in the future. While the people do have technology, it is not spectacular. Instead, we are introduced to a charming, though struggling, society built by criminals, a world based on an economy where dragons are raises to fight one another.

The story revolves around Jakkin, a teenage boy, who is, unfortunalty, a bonder (basically a paid slave) He was born free, and his dream is to pay off his bondage and return to freedom. To do this, he steals a dragon hatchling. he plans to raise this dragon into a pit fighter, and thus earn his freedom.

I was impressed with Yolen's vivid desciption and emotion. The story kept an enjoyable balance between light-hearted entertainment and deep meaning. The characters were strongly devoloped and realistic, adding more to the tapestry of the novel.

Like many readers have said, this book may not be suitable for children, for there are subtle references to prostitution. Some may find this shocking, but it fits well with the book's society. Besides, the references are subtle, so a younger, naive child would probably read past these references without a second thought.

Overall, "Dragon's Blood" is a rich, vivid, imaginative novel, and a worthy tribute to Jane Yolen.

A Storm of Swords (Fire & Ice book 3) by George RR Martin (Started June 7, 2006)

2006-06-09T13:22:00.000-07:00

A Storm of Swords
by George RR Martin

Is George R.R. Martin for real? Can a fantasy epic actually get better with each new installment? Fans of the genre have glumly come to expect go-nowhere sequels from other authors, so we're entitled to pinch ourselves over Martin's tightly crafted Song of Ice and Fire series. The reports are all true: this series is the real deal, and Martin deserves his crown as the rightful king of the epic. A Game of Thrones got things off to a rock-solid start, A Clash of Kings only exceeded expectations, but it's the Storm of Swords hat trick that cements Martin's rep as the most praiseworthy fantasy author to come along since that other R.R.

Like the first two books, A Storm of Swords could coast on the fundamentals: deftly detailed characters, convincing voices and dialogue, a robust back-story, and a satisfyingly unpredictable plot. But it's Martin's consistently bold choices that set the series apart. Every character is fair game for the headman's axe (sometimes literally), and not only do the good guys regularly lose out to the bad guys, you're never exactly sure who you should be cheering for in the first place.
Storm is full of admirable intricacies. Events that you thought Martin was setting up solidly for the first two books are exposed as complex feints; the field quickly narrows after the Battle of the Blackwater and once again, anything goes.

Robb tries desperately to hold the North together, Jon returns from the wildling lands with a torn heart, Bran continues his quest for the three-eyed crow beyond the Wall, Catelyn struggles to save her fragile family, Arya becomes ever more wolflike in her wanderings, Daenerys comes into her own, and Joffrey's cruel rule from King's Landing continues, making even his fellow Lannisters uneasy. Martin tests all the major characters in A Storm of Swords: some fail the trial, while others--like Martin himself--seem to only get stronger.

A Clash of Kings (A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 2) by George R.R. Martin (Started May 24, 2006)

2006-05-26T10:23:00.000-07:00

A Clash of Kings (A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 2)
by George R.R. Martin

A Clash of Kings is longer and even more grim, but Martin continues to provide compelling characters in a vividly real world.

The second novel of Martin's titanic Song of Ice and Fire saga (A Game of Thrones, 1996) begins with Princess Arya Stark fleeing her dead father's capital of King's Landing, disguised as a boy. It ends with the princess, now known as Weasel, having led the liberation of the accursed castle of Harrenhal. In between, her actions map the further course of a truly epic fantasy set in a world bedecked with 8000 years of history, beset by an imminent winter that will last 10 years and bedazzled by swords and spells wielded to devastating effect by the scrupulous and unscrupulous alike. Standout characters besides Arya include Queen Cersei, so lacking in morals that she becomes almost pitiable; the queen's brother, the relentlessly ingenious dwarf Tyrion Lannister; and Arya's brother, Prince Brandon, crippled except when he runs with the wolves in his dreams. The novel is notable particularly for the lived-in quality of its world, created through abundant detail that dramatically increases narrative length even as it aids suspension of disbelief; for the comparatively modest role of magic (although with one ambitious young woman raising a trio of dragons, that may change in future volumes); and for its magnificent action-filled climax, an amphibious assault on King's Landing, now ruled by the evil Queen Cersei. The Seven Kingdoms have come apart. Joffrey, Queen Cersei's sadistic son, ascends the Iron Throne following the death of Robert Baratheon, the Usurper, who won it in battle. Queen Cersei's family, the Lannisters, fight to hold it for him. Both the dour Stannis and the charismatic Renly Baratheon, Robert's brothers, also seek the throne. Robb Stark, declared King in the North, battles to avenge his father's execution and retrieve his sister from Joffrey's court. Daenerys, the exiled last heir of the former ruling family, nurtures three dragons and seeks a way home. Meanwhile the Night's Watch, sworn to protect the realm from dangers north of the Wall, dwindle in numbers, even as barbarian forces gather and beings out of legend stalk the Haunted Forest.

Sound complicated? It is, but fine writing makes this a thoroughly satisfying stew of dark magic, complex political intrigue, and horrific bloodshed.

A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 1) (Started on May 9, 2006) by George R.R. Martin

2006-05-12T13:37:00.000-07:00

A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 1)
by George R.R. Martin

In a world where the approaching winter will last four decades, kings and queens, knights and renegades struggle for control of a throne. Some fight with sword and mace, others with magic and poison. Beyond the Wall to the north, meanwhile, the Others are preparing their army of the dead to march south as the warmth of summer drains from the land. After more than a decade devoted primarily to TV and screen work, Martin (The Armageddon Rag, 1983) makes a triumphant return to high fantasy with this extraordinarily rich new novel, the first of a trilogy. Although conventional in form, the book stands out from similar work by Eddings, Brooks and others by virtue of its superbly developed characters, accomplished prose and sheer bloody-mindedness. Although the romance of chivalry is central to the culture of the Seven Kingdoms, and tournaments, derring-do and handsome knights abound, these trappings merely give cover to dangerous men and women who will stop at nothing to achieve their goals. When Lord Stark of Winterfell, an honest man, comes south to act as the King's chief councilor, no amount of heroism or good intentions can keep the realm under control. It is fascinating to watch Martin's characters mature and grow, particularly Stark's children, who stand at the center of the book.

Eldest (Inheritance, book 2): by Christopher Paolini (Started May 2, 2006)

2006-05-03T08:27:00.000-07:00

Eldest (Inheritance, book 2)
by Christopher Paolini

Surpassing its popular prequel Eragon, this second volume in the Inheritance trilogy shows growing maturity and skill on the part of its very young author, who was only seventeen when the first volume was published in 2003. The story is solidly in the tradition (some might say derivative) of the classic heroic quest fantasy, with the predictable cast of dwarves, elves, and dragons--but also including some imaginatively creepy creatures of evil.

The land of Alagaesia is suffering under the Empire of the wicked Galbatorix, and Eragon and his dragon Saphira, last of the Riders, are the only hope. But Eragon is young and has much to learn, and so he is sent off to the elven forest city of Ellesmera, where he and Saphira are tutored in magic, battle skills, and the ancient language by the wise former Rider Oromis and his elderly dragon Glaedr. Meanwhile, back at Carvahall, Eragon's home, his cousin Roran is the target of a siege by the hideous Ra'zac, and he must lead the villagers on a desperate escape over the mountains. The two narratives move toward a massive battle with the forces of Galbatorix, where Eragon learns a shocking secret about his parentage and commits himself to saving his people.

The sheer size of the novel, as well as its many characters, places with difficult names, and its use of imaginary languages make this a challenging read, even for experienced fantasy readers. It is essential to have the plot threads of the first volume well in mind before beginning--the publisher has provided not only a map, but a helpful synopsis of the first book and a much-needed Language Guide. But no obstacles will deter the many fans of Eragon from diving headfirst into this highly-awaited fantasy. (Ages 12 and up) --Patty Campbell

Eragon (Inheritance, Book 1): by Christopher Paolini (Started April 30, 2006)

2006-05-01T13:37:00.000-07:00

Eragon (Inheritance, Book 1)
by Christopher Paolini

Here's a great big fantasy that you can pull over your head like a comfy old sweater and disappear into for a whole weekend. Christopher Paolini began Eragon when he was just 15, and the book shows the influence of Tolkien, of course, but also Terry Brooks, Anne McCaffrey, and perhaps even Wagner in its traditional quest structure and the generally agreed-upon nature of dwarves, elves, dragons, and heroic warfare with magic swords.

Eragon, a young farm boy, finds a marvelous blue stone in a mystical mountain place. Before he can trade it for food to get his family through the hard winter, it hatches a beautiful sapphire-blue dragon, a race thought to be extinct. Eragon bonds with the dragon, and when his family is killed by the marauding Ra'zac, he discovers that he is the last of the Dragon Riders, fated to play a decisive part in the coming war between the human but hidden Varden, dwarves, elves, the diabolical Shades and their neanderthal Urgalls, all pitted against and allied with each other and the evil King Galbatorix. Eragon and his dragon Saphira set out to find their role, growing in magic power and understanding of the complex political situation as they endure perilous travels and sudden battles, dire wounds, capture and escape.

In spite of the engrossing action, this is not a book for the casual fantasy reader. There are 65 names of people, horses, and dragons to be remembered and lots of pseudo-Celtic places, magic words, and phrases in the Ancient Language as well as the speech of the dwarfs and the Urgalls. But the maps and glossaries help, and by the end, readers will be utterly dedicated and eager for the next book, Eldest. (Ages 10 to 14) --Patty Campbell

Shadowsinger: By L.E. Modesitt, Jr. (started April 23, 2006)

2006-04-26T09:43:00.000-07:00

SHADOWSINGER:
THE CONCLUSION TO THE SPELLSONG SAGA

L.E. Modesitt's popular fantasy series, the Spellsong Saga, which began with The Soprano Sorceress (Tor, 1998) now culminates in a fifth and final novel, SHADOWSINGER. SHADOWSINGER is a direct sequel to the previous book in the series, The Shadow Sorceress (Tor, 2001).

With the passing of Anna, the Soprano Sorceress, her protégé, Secca, has moved into a position of power. Young and not fully trained, Secca faced major challenges in proving herself to the ruler of DeFalk—and won. Now, secure in her powers and married to her ally and love, Alcaren, Secca must continue to battle the enemies of her Kingdom. Fearing an attack from the Sturrinese people, she journeys to the islands they call home, hoping to use her power to defeat the enemy at their source. Through the difficult trials she faces, the young sorceress must continue to fight on, knowing that soon she will face the most powerful wizard in the world and the massive army that he controls.

Fans of L.E. Modesitt's earlier books in the Spellsong Saga are eagerly awaiting this final installment and won't be disappointed by SHADOWSINGER. Readers of Modesitt's other series will also enjoy his trademark adventures and fun characters.

THE SHADOW SORCERESS, by L.E. Modesitt, Jr. (Started April 14, 2006)

2006-04-18T11:38:00.000-07:00

THE SHADOW SORCERESS

THE FOURTH BOOK OF THE SPELLSONG CYCLE

Continuing the story he began with the first three books in The Spellsong Cycle, L.E. Modesitt, Jr. turns his attention to the Sorceress Anna’s protégé, Secca, in THE SHADOW SORCERESS.

Anna, the heroine of The Spellsong War (Tor, 1999) was a singer from Earth who brought a new level of magic to the world of Erde through her knowledge of music and singing. Considered to be the power behind the throne, Anna was able to protect her young king for years. But when Anna dies unexpectedly, her successor, Secca, is thrust into a position of power before her training is complete.

The kingdom of Defaulk is in a state of unrest and a possible war is on the horizon. To make matters worse, the Sea Priests have laid a naval siege on Nordwei using their new drumming magic. Now Secca must gather her resources and put her still-developing magical powers to the test to continue Anna’s work and set things right again.

Darksong Rising - L.E. Modesitt, Jr. (Started reading April 4, 2006)

2006-04-05T11:51:00.000-07:00

DARKSONG RISING
THE THIRD BOOK OF THE SPELLSONG CYCLE

Tor Books is excited to announce DARKSONG RISING, the long-awaited third novel and the conclusion of L. E. Modesitt Jr.’s acclaimed trilogy Spellsong Cycle. In this compelling and innovative fantasy world, music is magic.

We first met Anna Marshall in The Soprano Sorceress when she wished to be anything other than a music teacher and singer in Iowa—this was before she was pulled into the world of Erde where her gift of song became a gift of magic. Her musical ability has since given Anna influence, control, and the potential to be an enormously powerful sorceress. Now, as the Regent of Defalk, Anna must battle two men who would destroy her and claim Defalk for their own.

The Spellsong War - L.E. Modesitt, Jr. (Started March 29, 2006)

2006-04-05T11:43:00.000-07:00

THE SPELLSONG WAR
THE SECOND BOOK IN THE SPELLSONG CYCLE

The bestselling author L.E. Modesitt, Jr. started The Spellsong Cycle with The Soprano Sorceress, an innovative and compelling new fantasy series that won Modesitt tons of new readers. THE SPELLSONG WAR will enthrall its readers and continue to build Modesitt's increasingly loyal following.

Anna Marshal is regent of the kingdom of Defalk only a few months after a sorcerer pulled her from her boring life as a music instructor in Ames, Iowa to the world of Erde. With her ability and her integrity she saved Defalk from invasion and became it's regent. Now she must defend it against the greedy rulers of neighboring kingdoms who see a weakened state and a possible opportunity.

The Soporano Sorceress (The Erde Series), by L.E. Modesitt, Jr. (Started March 21, 2006)

2006-03-22T11:48:00.000-08:00

The Soprano Sorceress: by L.E. Modesitt, Jr.

Modesitt takes leave from Recluce, the scene of his successful series of fantasies, in a new take on the classic situation of someone from our world being tossed into a fantasy realm. In this case, the one tossed is singer and music teacher Anna, who is recovering from the death of her eldest daughter. She finds herself in a world in which songs are spells, music is the source of power, and she herself is a potent sorceress. That status promptly makes her the target of at least three villains who, for grittily realistic and unpleasantly plausible reasons, seek to exploit or destroy her. In fact, a tone of gritty realism pervades the whole book, as Modesitt develops his variation on a venerable plot with his usual intelligence, so that more than just his staunch fans will be busily turning pages. Moreover, few will be unmoved when Anna routs a hostile army with her (literally) spellbinding rendering of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic."

Ordermaster (Saga of Recluce) - L.E. Modesitt, Jr. (Started March 15, 2006)

2006-03-15T07:01:00.000-08:00

Ordermaster (Saga of Recluce) by L.E. Modesitt, Jr.

Modesitt's new Recluce novel continues the adventures of Lord Kharl, erstwhile cooper of Brysta, from Wellspring of Chaos [BKL Mr 1 04]. Just settling in on the estate he received from Lord Ghrant of Austra in thanks for helping crush a rebellion, Kharl is summoned to the capital to help Ghrant deal with disloyal nobles. After another revolt is quashed, Ghrant and his lord chancellor ask Kharl to return to Nordla, his original home, as the Austran envoy, for the empire of Hamor has designs on Nordla. Kharl discovers that his consort's murderer, an heir to Nordla, is plotting with Hamor's emperor to supplant his father and rule Nordla as a Hamorian satrap. Kharl must find a way--diplomatically--to stop him. Modesitt's portrayal of a man who prefers honesty and consideration for others to expedience--even when honesty brings ill-fortune on his own head and those of others he cares for--and retains that honesty in good times and bad, is done without any authorial preaching: plot and characters speak for themselves.

Ordermaster" is the 13th volume in the long running Saga of Recluce. This is the sequel to "Wellspring of Chaos", the first book to feature a cooper from Brysta named Kharl, a man who just happens to be a talented order mage. Because Kharl is imbued with this natural sense and talent of order, even though he doesn't know he has the potential to be a mage, he always tries to do what is right and to always do his best. This causes big problems for Kharl, his family, and anyone associated with him, and through an odd series of events Kharl ends up without a family but an order mage and a lord of an estate in Austra. This is where we begin "Ordermaster". While Kharl would much prefer to live out his life quietly and find his sons, we know that is not possible for the order mage.

Lord Ghrant of Austra owes his life to Kharl, but Kharl owes his new life to Lord Ghrant, so it is only a matter of time until Kharl is called upon to assist Lord Ghrant in stopping a rebellion in Austra. In doing so, Kharl becomes more and more adept at being an Order Mage, even without any training (as it always seems to be). Kharl continues to serve Lord Ghrant and protect him (and himself) against those who dishonestly oppose him and try to do wrong. Kharl, you see, always strives to do what is right.

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This was wonderfully done! I really enjoyed following this character and experiencing his highs and lows with him. Very sad parts in this book, though. But ends on a high-note, so all in all, very good book!

Wellspring of Chaos: Saga of Recluse, L.E. Modesitt, Jr. (started March 10, 2006)

2006-03-13T07:28:00.000-08:00

Wellspring of Chaos : The New Novel in the Saga of Recluce (Saga of Recluce)

Kharl is the best cooper in Brysta, one of the major cities in Nordla, and his life has been as ordered and dependable as his barrels. His trouble begins when he saves a neighbor's daughter from the violent advances of two upper-class men. Then he rescues an actual rape victim he finds unconscious in an alley, a blackstaffer -- a young expatriate mage -- from Recluce, and that makes his wife very uneasy. The culprit in both cases turns out to have been Egen, the cruel and corrupt son of the local ruler. When the blackstaffer is mysteriously murdered in Kharl's cooperage, Kharl is jailed, tried, and flogged, and in a shocking turnaround released--and his consort executed for the murder, which she did not commit. Egen again. Kharl ends up on the run, with just a handful of coins and a few clothes, but he also takes the slain woman's black staff and her book, The Basis of Order, which explains the principles of its power. The diligent cooper is about to learn a new, very different skill.Wellspring of Chaos is the twelfth book in the Recluce Saga and takes place roughly 60 years after the close of The Order War (Recluce #4). It is Modesitt at the top of his form, returning to his most famous fantasy world, yet does not require previous knowledge of Recluce to be enjoyed. It's publication is sure to be one of the fantasy milestones of the year.

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This was a great book! Kharl is introduced as a new character in this series and he is quite a captivating character! A man that is a craftmaster who has too kind of a heart. Rescues a couple of young girls and ends up making the local lord's son mad, who has his wife and best friend killed. It is captivating to follow this mans journey trying to survive and trying to mend what is left of his little family. I am just starting the next book in this series and it continues Kharl's story. Cannot wait to find out what happens to our reluctant hero next!

Scion of Cyador: Saga of Recluse, L.E. Modesitt, Jr. (started March 1, 2006)

2006-03-13T07:24:00.000-08:00

Scion of Cyador : The New Novel in the Saga of Recluce (Saga of Recluce)

Lacking the blind commitment necessary for the calling of a mage, Lorn'alt joins the Mirror Lancers of Cyador and quickly rises in the ranks through his tactical brilliance and willingness to break the rules. With success, however, comes rivalryDand as his land undergoes turmoil, Lorn and his family become targets for a host of enemies. Modesitt's latest novel in the "Recluce" series portrays the transformation of a talented young man into a determined and deadly warrior who struggles to maintain his compassion in the face of war's horrors.

Set in the fantasy series the Saga of Recluse and following the characters featured in Magi'i of Cyador, this novel advances the story of Lorn. He is a brilliant man from a respected family who uses his combined prowess as a talented soldier and a magical adept to foresee problems slightly before they occur and then ruthlessly deal with them, so they don't cause worse catastrophes. He's aided in his quest to keep his beloved city of Cyador safe by his magical use of a looking glass in which he can see what his enemies and loved ones are doing. His helpmate and consort, Ryalth, is a singular and exceptionally talented woman, the head of her own merchant house, a rarity for a female in Cyador. Her advice is a constant source of aid and inspiration to Lorn. Making life more precarious is the failure of the magic in the towers that power the army's lances. Also, Cyador's emperor is dying, and he hasn't yet picked a successor. As the story progresses, Lorn becomes ever more able as a commander and magician, and the challenges he faces grow in scope as scores of political enemies, hordes of barbarians and various ever deadlier assassins threaten him and his family. Though the outcome of who will be the next emperor of Cyador is never in doubt, Modesitt meticulously catalogues the details that go into Lorn's rise to greatness. Military buffs should enjoy the stupidity of the army's decisions, while marveling at the fantastic swath one heroic man armed with a magic mirror can cut through politics.

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Several reviewers at Amazon.com think Scion of Cyador by L.E. Modesitt Jr. is nothing more than a retelling of every other story in Modesitt's Saga of Recluse series. I've read the other books in the saga, and though I've loved them all, there is a thread of sameness running through many of the books. However, I've enjoyed the series regardless, and I've always found something exciting and new in each book to keep me hooked. Magi'i of Cyador set the tone, but Scion of Cyador takes the story of Lorn and Ryalth to another level. With political intrigue, deeper emotion, and plenty of action sequences, this book brought me into Lorn's world, where I was certain he was being tested for a destiny I could feel coming but never quite figured out until the end. I think all L.E. Modesitt, Jr. fans will love this book just as much as all the other books from this series.

Magi'i of Cyador, by L.E. Modesitt, Jr. - started reading January 28, 2006.

2006-02-01T11:17:00.000-08:00

MAGI'I OF CYADOR
THE TENTH BOOK OF THE SAGA OF RECLUCE

Bestselling author L.E. Modesitt, Jr. returns to the world of Recluce in MAGI'I OF CYADOR. This, the tenth installment in the popular saga, tells the story of Lorn, a talented boy born into a family of Magi'i.

Lorn is bright and shows remarkable talent. However, he is lacking the one attribute required to become a Magus of Cyador-unquestionable loyalty. Too independent for his own good, Lorn is made into a lancer officer and sent to the frontier to risk his life fighting against the barbarian raids. His enemies don't expect him to survive but is there to more to Lorn than first thought?

Although firmly rooted in the world of Recluce, MAGI'I OF CYADOR can also stand alone. New characters allow this adventure to be the perfect introduction for both readers new to the series as well as those who are already devoted fans of L.E. Modesitt, Jr.

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I had a tough time getting into this book, and it wasn't until I was 3/4ths of the way through that I finally got rolling on it. I love this author and this series, and to be honest, I was kind of disappointed that this one was so tough to get into. However, it finally did captivate me and I found that I cannot wait to read the next one.

Fool's Fate: the third book in the Tawny Man series, by Robin Hobb - started on January 19, 2006

2006-01-20T09:14:00.000-08:00

Fool's Fate (2003) [novel]by Robin Hobb

Synopsis:
The only hopes for an end to war and insurrection in the Six Duchies rests in the hands of the small party that are embarked on a desperate quest to the frozen island of Aslevjal. Here, so legend says, lies the sleeping form of the legendary great black dragon, Icefyre. The beast is of holy significance to the people of the OutIslands, a powerful talisman, but it is this dragon that their Narcheska has challenged Prince Dutiful to kill. All he has to help him in this in the company of his small coterie: the mercurial old assassin, Chade, the gifted but slow-witted servant boy, Thick, and their Skillmaster, Fitz. The other member of the group has been left behind in Buckkeep, but the Fool will do everything in his power to be with them on the island - he has seen that this is his final destiny. When the ship finally reaches the desolate island it seems out of the question that anything could exist on this wasteland, yet the discoveries that Dutiful and his friends make will not only put the quest and their lives in jeopardy, it will also shape the future of the whole world.

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This book was a wonderful end to a wonderful series! Sharing a quote in the book that I just love, "Name it as you will, claim it as you will, the world does not belong to men. Men belong to the world." The main character is one of my favorites in a series, and it was nice to finally see a good/happy ending for him! Man, this poor guy has been through everything, ha ha! Nice to see a happy ending for once. I recommend this whole series, highly!

DARKNESSES: THE SECOND BOOK OF THE COREAN CHRONICLES, By L.E. Modesitt, Jr. - Started reading on 01/10/06

2006-01-12T11:02:00.000-08:00

DARKNESSES

THE SECOND BOOK OF THE COREAN CHRONICLES

L.E. Modesitt, Jr.

In 2002, L.E. Modesitt, Jr., the author of the Recluce Saga and the Spellsong Cycle launched a marvelous new fantasy series with Legacies, the first book of the Corean Chronicles. Called "solidly engrossing" by Kirkus Reviews, it introduced the world of Corus, the first Modesitt imaginary world to incorporate supernatural creatures into its design. Its hero was Alucius, one of the "Talented" few who can use the magic of Corus. Now, in DARKNESSES, Alucius returns to face new challenges.
Alucius' father was a member of the Militia and killed in action when Alucius was very young, leaving him to be raised by his mother and grandparents on their ranch, herding the magical Nightsheep. As he grew up, it was obvious to his family that Alucius possessed a strong Talent and they worried that his skill would be discovered, drawing him into a life of servitude to the rich and powerful who would use his Talents for themselves. In an effort to protect him, Alucius is home-schooled and hidden as much as possible, but when it comes time for Alucius, like all young-men in Corus, to serve in the Militia, he must set out on his own.
Wars are breaking out across the land and the new soldier Alucius is captured and enslaved by the invading slave armies of the Matrial, immortal ruler of the neighboring Madrien. As the state of Corus worsens, Alucius begins to realize that now is the time to put his Talent to use. He is able to escape and has now been named the youngest captain in the militia. With his new rank, Alucius also faces new challenges, both magical and military.
Millennia ago, a magical disaster caused the fall of a great civilization that spanned a continent, and ended a golden age. Corus became a world of small contending countries struggling to survive with little hope of recreating past glories. Now, leading the Horsemen of the Plains, comes a new would-be conqueror, a man with ambitions to recreate the ancient empire. Alucius had retired to his Nightsheep ranch to be a simple herder, but is forced to leave his new bride behind and join the fight against the invaders' sorcerous attack. Alucius's talent and his skills as a military commander will both be put to the test, as he begins to understand the true forces of evil behind the war and finally meets the mysterious ancient Soarers, magical beings who may show him the only way to defeat an enemy he never could have imagined. Alucius and his Talent might be Corus' only hope of survival.

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I have to admit. He kept the story going strong in the second book and developed the main charactere, Alucius, very well! You begin to identify with him and hurt when he hurts, feel heartache that he cannot be near his new wife.... I highly recommend this series to any Sci-Fi/Fantasy lovers out there!

LEGACIES The first book of The Corean Chronicles, L.E. Modesitt, Jr. ~ Started reading on January 1, 2006

2006-01-03T12:26:00.000-08:00

In 2002, L.E. Modesitt, Jr., the author of the Recluce Saga and the Spellsong Cycle launched a marvelous new fantasy series with LEGACIES, the first book of the Corean Chronicles. Called "solidly engrossing" by Kirkus Reviews, it introduced the world of Corus, the first Modesitt imaginary world to incorporate supernatural creatures into its design. Its hero was Alucius, one of the "Talented" few who can use the magic of Corus.
Millennia ago, a magical disaster caused the fall of a great civilization that spanned a continent, and ended a golden age. Corus today is a world of contending countries, of struggling humans, strange animals and elusive supernatural creatures. Though much has been forgotten, it is still a place of magical powers, and of a few people who are Talented enough to use them.
Even as a child, Alucius showed very strong Talent. He was warned never to reveal it, lest others seek to exploit it. But as he grows to young manhood, Alucius must serve in the Militia like his father before him. When his country is invaded by the slave armies of the Matrial, immortal ruler of a nearby land, Alucius is captured and magically enslaved.
A time of changes has come upon all of the world of Corus. If the evil surrounding the Matrial is not ended, those changes will not be happy ones. Alucius and his Talent have a central role to play.

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I have to say that L.E. Modesitt, Jr. did it again! This first book of the Corus series was a bit hard to get into at the start, but after that, it took me on a whirlwind of reading! I couldn't put it down! I enjoyed the main character and the supporting characters and the world descriptions were very believable and made you feel like you were right there with them. Love that! I recommend this book to all Fantasy/Sci-Fi lovers! I am currently starting on the second book in this series which I will post in another blog.