Review of book The Black Prism (Brent Weeks) / Lightbringer Series 1

****** 6 / 10 Review of book The Black Prism (Brent Weeks) / Lightbringer 1

Medium rating of The Black Prism (Brent Weeks): 6Stars

Opinion of The Black Prism (Brent Weeks): Entertaining begining of a series of fantastic books. Magic, colour magic, politics, pirates, war, magic dagger, unknown Father, attacked village, assassins, losing magic, magic boy, complicated family, unknown powers.. . It is worth buying.

Guile is the Prism, the most powerful man in the world. He is high priest and emperor, a man whose power, wit, and charm are all that preserves a tenuous peace. Yet Prisms never last, and Guile knows exactly how long he has left to live. When Guile discovers he has a son, born in a far kingdom after the war that put him in power, he must decide how much he's willing to pay to protect a secret that could tear his world apart.



Sixteen years after the war, the Prism receives a note from a woman claiming to be "Lina," instructing him to meet his now 15-year-old son across the world in Tyrea. He had not known of his son's e.. Wiki

First pages / excerpts and first chapters of The Black Prism (Brent Weeks) / Lightbringer Series 1:  

Review of book The Traitor's Kiss (Erin Beaty) / The Traitor's Circle Series 1

Review of book The Traitor's Kiss (Erin Beaty) / The Traitor's Circle Series 1

Medium rating of The Traitor's Kiss (Erin Beaty): 8 Stars

Opinion of The Traitor's Kiss (Erin Beaty): The beginning of a good series of fantastic books of soldiers, damsels, political intrigues, threat of war, betrayals, Military escort.. Advisable for purchase

An obstinate girl who will not be married. A soldier desperate to prove himself. A kingdom on the brink of war. With a sharp tongue and an unruly temper, Sage Fowler is not what they’d call a lady which is perfectly fine with her. Deemed unfit for marriage, Sage is apprenticed to a matchmaker and tasked with wrangling other young ladies to be married off for political alliances. She spies on the girls and on the soldiers escorting them. As the girls' military escort senses a political uprising, Sage is recruited by a handsome soldier to infiltrate the enemy ranks. The more she discovers as a spy, the less certain she becomes about whom to trust and Sage becomes caught in a dangerous balancing act that will determine the fate of her kingdom.

Review of Air Awakens(Elise Kova) / Air Awakens Series 1

 Review of Air Awakens (Elise Kova)  :
5Stars

Library apprentice, Sorcerer prince, Sorcerers, War, Empire, Visions, Magic bond, Conquest, Politics..

Opinion: He lets itself be read. Too much romance


A library apprentice, a sorcerer prince, and an unbreakable magic bond... The Solaris Empire is one conquest away from uniting the continent, and the rare elemental magic sleeping in seventeen year old library apprentice Vhalla Yarl could shift the tides of war. Vhalla has always been taught to fear the Tower of Sorcerers, a mysterious magic society, and has been happy in her quiet world of books. But after she unknowingly saves the life of one of the most powerful sorcerers of them all the Crown Prince Aldrik she finds herself enticed into his world. Now she must decide her future: Embrace her sorcery and leave the life she’s known, or eradicate her magic and remain as she’s always been. And with powerful forces lurking in the shadows, Vhalla’s indecision could cost her more than she ever imagined.





First pages / excerpts and first chapters of Air Awakens(Elise Kova) / Air Awakens Series 1:  

Review of The Fox (Sherwood Smith) / Inda Series 2

 Review of The Fox (Sherwood Smith)  :
5Stars

Prince, pirates, banishment, covert identity, false accusation, marine life, politics, naval battles, marine life..

Opinion: He lets itself be read, it's worse in my opinion than the first book.


Attending the King's Military Academy had been Inda's greatest dream. But Academy reality is far from what he'd imagined for by defending the second son of the king, Inda becomes embroiled in a vicious political struggle among the nobility that he has no hope of winning. But these petty squabbles are only a faint shadow of what is to come. His future holds betrayals he cannot even imagine, and before growing to manhood, his fate will sever him from all he holds dear, thrusting him away from friends, family, and the life he thought he'd been meant to live, onto the perilous decks of pirate ships and beyond...





First pages / excerpts and first chapters of The Fox (Sherwood Smith) / Inda Series 2:  

Review of Age of Swords (Michael J. Sullivan) / The Legends of the First Empire 2

Review of Age of Swords (Michael J. Sullivan):
6Stars

Elves, dwarves, swords, runes, magic creature, dragon, magic, sacrifice, romance, politics, smiths, metallurgy, false gods, outcasts, rebellion..

Opinion: Lower the level a bit compared to the first book. It is worth buying it, giving it away and lending it to whoever likes fantastic literature.

Now the thrilling saga continues as the human uprising is threatened by powerful enemies from without and bitter rivalries within.

Raithe, the God Killer, may have started the rebellion by killing a Fhrey, but long standing enmities dividing the Rhune make it all but impossible to unite against a common foe. And even if the clans can join forces, how will they defeat an enemy whose magical prowess makes the Fhrey indistinguishable from gods?

The answer lies across the sea in a faraway land populated by a reclusive and dour race who feels nothing but disdain for both Fhrey and mankind. With time running out, Persephone leads the gifted young seer Suri, the Fhrey sorceress Arion, and a small band of misfits in a desperate search for aid a quest that will take them into the darkest depths of Elan. There, an ancient adversary waits an enemy as surprising as it is deadly.

The Legends of the First Empire

1. Age of Myth

2. Age of Swords

 
First pages / excerpts and first chapters of Age of Swords (Michael J. Sullivan) / The Legends of the First Empire 2:  

Review of Inda (Sherwood Smith) / Inda Series 1

Review of Inda (Sherwood Smith):
6 stars.
Bulling, politics, militar academy, friendship, intrige, kingdom, children..

Adaptation of a child to life in a military academy of a kingdom, where learning, intrigue, harassment are intermingled.

Opinion: I would buy this book, but I would not give it away. He lets himself be read.



Indevan Algara-Vayir was born the second son

of a powerful prince, destined to stay at home and defend his family's castle. But when war threatens, Inda is sent to the Royal Academy where he learns the art of war and finds that danger and intrigue don't only come from outside the kingdom.



 

First pages / excerpts and first chapters of Inda (Sherwood Smith) / Inda Series 1:  

Review of Age of Myth (Michael J. Sullivan) / The Legends of the First Empire 1

Review of Age of Myth (Michael J. Sullivan):
7 stars.
Magic, war, false gods, mages, elves, dwarves, seer, politics, rebellion, slave, pursuit, revenge, outcasts..

It is worth reading, the beginning of a fantastic series.

It is worth buying it, giving it away and lending it to whoever likes fantastic literature.



Since time immemorial, humans have worshipped the gods they call Fhrey, truly a race apart:

invincible in battle, masters of magic, and seemingly immortal. But when a god falls to a human blade, the balance of power between humans and those they thought were gods changes forever.

Now only a few stand between humankind and annihilation: Raithe, reluctant to embrace his destiny as the God Killer; Suri, a young seer burdened by signs of impending doom; and Persephone, who must overcome personal tragedy to lead her people. The Age of Myth is over. The time of rebellion has begun. 

First pages / excerpts and first chapters of Age of Myth (Michael J. Sullivan) / The Legends of the First Empire 1:  

Kris Longknife Series (Mike Shepherd)

* * * * * * * *     8/10   10

Volume 1 Book Kris Longknife Series (Mike Shepherd): Mutineer (2004)
Kris Longknife is a daughter of privilege, born to money and power. Her father is the Prime Minister of her home planet. Her mother the consummate politician's wife. She's been raised only to be beautiful and marry well. But the heritage of the military Longknifes courses through Kris's blood-and, against her parents' objections, she enlists in the marines.

Reviews of Mutineer:
  The books are military structure, strategy, and battles blended with alien races and technology, long-standing family feuds, and hostile takeovers of corporations and planets. So..
http://readingandwritingcafe.com/review-kris-longknife-series-by-mike-shepherd/

 I liked this novel, don’t get me wrong. However, there are many elements that the reader should just read and not spend another moment thinking about.  This novel (and the charac..
https://aqsreviews.wordpress.com/2011/04/26/kris-longknife-mutineer/


Volume 2 Book Kris Longknife Series (Mike Shepherd): Deserter (2004)
Kris Longknife had no choice about growing up rich and pampered. When she did have a choice, she joined the Marines. But now, a friend needs help halfway across the galaxy and with a military heritage coursing through her blood, it's time for Kris Longknife to be a hero. BUCKLE UP. SHE'S BACK. When Kris Longknife's best friend vanishes, she boards the next ship to Turantic, the last place he was seen alive. But there's more to the rescue than meets the eye. Turantic is not only the moss twisted hellhole in the galaxy, but it's also under quarantine because of a deadly plague. And after a sudden, suspicious loss of communication with the outside world, Kris realizes the length some enemies will go to for a life threatening bait and trap. But she is willing to go even further and deeper into Turantic's secrets to survive...

Reviews of Deserter:
  It's a series which, to read and enjoy, you need to turn off certain analytical parts of your brain, and take a very large grain of salt, and if you're willing to do that, you ca..
http://ianwoodnovellum.blogspot.com/2016/02/kris-longknife-deserter-by-mike.html

  Really entertaining, fast action, mystery and a lot of sass. If you like military scifi with more than testosterone this is a good read...
http://www.cybermage.se/deserter-by-mike-shepherd-kris-longknife-2/


  New characters join familiar ones from the previous books. I found the new characters to be even more interesting and certainly Kris is developing quite a support system. It will..
https://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/2015/05/18/deserter-by-mike-shepherd/



Volume 3 Book Kris Longknife Series (Mike Shepherd): Defiant (2005)
Born into a family of wealth and political power. Kris Longknife turned her back on high society and followed a different family tradition by joining the Marines. But now she finds herself relieved of duty. She's gotten in the wag of someone's agenda to bring down her father, the Prime Minister of Wardhaven. Now, with the fleet off on a propaganda mission. Wardhaven is left vulnerable to enemy warships that establish orbit around the planet demanding surrender. With the remnants of the fleet ordered to stand down. Kris declares herself Commander in Chief and plans a desperate gambit to defend her world. Commandeering every spaceworthy vessel she can get her hands on and recruiting every able bodied person willing to risk their life. Kris leads the most important mission of her career and it may be her last...

Reviews of Defiant:
  That said, this was an entertaining romp if you check you brain at the cover and don't put it back on until the last page is done. On that basis and that one alone, I recommend t..
https://ianwoodnovellum.blogspot.com/2016/02/kris-longknife-defiant-by-mike-shephard.html

  One very good Longknife book...
http://www.cybermage.se/defiant-by-mike-shepherd-kris-longknife-3/



Volume 4 Book Kris Longknife Series (Mike Shepherd): Resolute (2006)
Kris Longknife has been given her first independent command in the very remote system of Chance, an assignment that's as much exile as promotion.But Kris isn't on the job long when she captures pirates hiding the location of an uncharted and unpopulated planet of miraculous technology.

Reviews of Resolute:
  The bits with Kris are pretty decent, as she struggles under the load of remembering what the casualties were like last time she had to do this, but she could really use some sma..
https://blog.firedrake.org/archive/2016/09/Resolute__Mike_Shepherd.html

  It took a while for this story to really engage me, but once it did, I found it a thoroughly enjoyable space opera with some interesting and non-standard characters, a bit of lea..
http://myshelf.com/scifi_fantasy/06/resolute.htm


Volume 5 Book Kris Longknife Series (Mike Shepherd): Audacious (2007)

You can't keep a good woman down Kris Longknife returns.  Once again Kris finds herself caught in the crosshairs of unknown enemies who want her dead. Factions, both legitimate and underground, vie for control of the planet New Eden. And someone is taking advantage of the chaos to unleash a personal vendetta against Kris.

Reviews of Audacious:
  A smart blend of science fiction and spy novel, it is easy to understand why there are four books preceding this one and easier to guess there will be more to come. The witty dia..
http://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=19706

   There is plenty of action and tension as this is a thoroughly enjoyable reading experience for science fiction fans...
http://genregoroundreviews.blogspot.com/2007/09/kris-long-knife-audacious-mike-shepherd.html

  Because I didn’t read any of the previous books, I had no idea of Kris’s past struggles and because of this, she seemed a bit too perfect. There were hints and references to prio..
http://www.ancestralstars.com/wp/sff-books/kris-longknife-audacious-by-mike-shepherd/

  Audacious goes back to the wonderful military feel of the original Mutineer. I know not whether Mike Shepherd is politically conservative or liberal, but Audacious can be read as..
http://literaryurbanfantasyreview.blogspot.com/2011/03/audacious-kris-longknife-series-book-5.html

Volume 6 Book Kris Longknife Series (Mike Shepherd): Intrepid (2008)
Kris Longknife has been assigned to The Wasp, the best warship beyond the Rim of Human Space. But while hunting for pirates, Kris stumbles upon something. It's a plan to kill one of the members of the aristocratic Peterwald family and the would be killers are setting her up as the assassin.

Review of Intrepid:
  An action packed saga highly reminiscent of some of Elizabeth Moon's best work, the Longknife series is an incredible chronicle. Mr. Shepherd has created a highly complex charact..
http://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=22974

   Am I reading too much into things? Perhaps. What counts, though, is that Intrepid is a fun addition to the series, and I'll be looking forward to the next one...
https://www.sfsite.com/04b/kl294.htm


   She will remind readers of David Weber’s Honor Harrington with her strength and intelligence. Mike Shepherd provides an exciting military science fiction th..
http://genregoroundreviews.blogspot.com/2008/09/kris-longknife-intrepid-mike-shepherd.html?m=0

  This may be my favorite thus far. Any hint of the tentative beginning of the series is gone. The characters are well fleshed out and the plot is interesting. Shepherd has also ma..
http://www.books.rosboch.net/2011/10/22/kris-longknife-intrepid-kris-longknife-vi-mike-shepherd/

Volume 7 Book Kris Longknife Series (Mike Shepherd): Undaunted (2009)

Kris Longknife encounters some peaceful aliens who have come to warn humanity of an unidentifiable force that is roaming the galaxy, obliterating everything in its path a path now leading directly toward the human worlds.

Review of Undaunted:
  Mr. Shepherd has injected the same humor into this book as he did in the rest of the series. Kris may be a princess but she answers to so many poeple. She has the computer, Nelly..
http://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=25079

Volume 8 Book Kris Longknife Series (Mike Shepherd): Redoubtable (2010)
Lieutenant Commander Kris Longknife has precise orders: seek out, engage, and destroy pirates, slavers, and drug lords operating beyond the rim of human space without interfering in Peterwald family affairs. But when slavers kidnap a twelve year old girl, Kris's mission becomes personal. And if destroying the pirate compound flattens some Peterwald interests well, to hell with politics.

Reviews of Redoubtable:
  Kris Longknife is an über-competent, unstoppable, always-impressive legend in the making, and it's easy for readers to buy into her legend just like the characters do. This may n..
https://www.sfsite.com/01b/rd336.htm

  This eighth in the Kris Longknife series does not disappoint. Kris Longknife is a hero to the core, with plenty of juice left for future installments...
http://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=27874

 I was disappointed that we didn’t get to see more of the Iteeche, the alien race humans fought decades ago in a crippling war, as I really wanted to know what was going on there!..
http://www.afantasticallibrarian.com/2011/05/mike-shepherd-redoubtable.html

  I enjoyed it immensely but this is the second novel Mike teases an alien threat. Mike, no more suspense and procrastinating in sideshows please. Tell me Kris will take a look at ..
http://www.cybermage.se/redoubtable-kris-longknife-8-by-mike-shepherd-book-review/


Volume 9 Book Kris Longknife Series (Mike Shepherd): Daring (2011)

Lieutenant Commander Kris Longknife leads a reconnaissance mission of the vast uncharted regions of space. No one, least of all Kris, expects to find a hostile alien starship. Now, she must determine the extent of the alien threat and whether to start an interstellar war...

Review of Daring:
  Daring is a great addition to the Kris Longknife series. Yes, it follows roughly the same setup in its narrative as the previous books: we start in the middle of an action scene ..
http://www.afantasticallibrarian.com/2011/12/mike-shepherd-daring.html

Volume 10 Book Kris Longknife Series (Mike Shepherd): Furious (2012)
Having used unorthodox methods to save a world and every sentient being on it Lieutenant Commander Kris Longknife is wanted across the galaxy for crimes against humanity. For her own safety, she’s been assigned to a backwater planet where her Fast Patrol Squadron 127 enforces immigration control and smuggler interdiction. But Kris is a Longknife, and nothing can stop her from getting back to the center of things not when all hell is breaking loose. Now she’s on the run, hunted by both military and civilian authorities and since the civilian authorities happen to be her immediate family, Kris soon finds herself homeless, broke, and on trial for her life on an alien world…

Review of Furious:
  Fabulously written and frenetically paced, the Kris Longknife series is one of the best in science fiction. Each book is complete but ends with a major cliff hanger making it har..
http://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=35139

  Lots of humor, but, if you’re familiar with the series, you’ve heard most of it before. Plenty of excitement and suspense. Likable characters, particularly Princess Kristine and ..
https://havebookswillreview.wordpress.com/2013/11/06/a-review-of-kris-longknife-furious-kris-longknife-10-by-mike-shepherd/

  I found the story itself to be very disjointed. The whole caper was absurd, though it had its moments of fun. Things picked up considerably in th ..
https://www.books.rosboch.net/2013/10/04/kris-longknife-furious-kris-longknife-x-mike-shepherd/

  And what's with the subtitle? Furious? There is no fury here at all. Kris kicks a wall at one time but otherwise there's plodding and endless fantasizing about jack which never g..
http://ianwoodnovellum.blogspot.com/2016/09/kris-longknife-furious-by-mike-shepherd.html

Volume 11 Book Kris Longknife Series (Mike Shepherd): Defender (2013)

Kris Longknife is back in the good graces of the brass and to demonstrate that, they've promoted her to Admiral. Now her mission is to find the home base of the space pirates who are plaguing the fringes of the galaxy. But no mission is ever simple when your name is Longknife. And this time the complications range from the military to the personal, as Kris finds herself reluctantly having to make some command decisions about her future...

Reviews of Defender:
The plot progresses in several interesting directions, as Kris meets aliens, fights other aliens, tries to find out more about alie..
http://www-users.cs.york.ac.uk/susan/books/pages/s/MikeShepherd.htm#12865

Volume 12 Book Kris Longknife Series (Mike Shepherd): Tenacious (2014)
There’s no rest for a Longknife even if you’re a newlywed. Vice Admiral Kris Longknife’s honeymoon gets cancelled when she hears that the space raider’s home world may have been discovered. Finding where the raiders came from could be the key to saving humanity. If only uncovering their secrets was that easy… As Kris returns home, she ends up tangling with a mutinous crew determined to take off on their own. The dissident group leads Kris straight into a new mess a system filled with strange, deadly enemies poised to wipe another sentient civilization out of existence. Kris and her squadron are ready to prevent total annihilation, but the mutineers have other plans…




Volume 13 Book Kris Longknife Series (Mike Shepherd): Unrelenting (2015)

The aliens attacking the planetary system of Alwa are an enemy unlike any Admiral Kris Longknife has ever encountered before. She doesn’t know who they are, only that they worship a being known as the Enlightened One and are unafraid to sacrifice themselves against her fleet. But Kris faces more than just the fanatical behavior of an alien armada. A saboteur has infiltrated the military’s medical facility and unleashed an epidemic that has spread throughout the fleet without warning. Seventy two career military women are down with something not even the aliens could do to them including Admiral Kris Longknife…

Review of Unrelenting:
There is an initial big battle, a bunch of pregnancies, and the final humongous battle. T..
http://www-users.cs.york.ac.uk/susan/books/pages/s/MikeShepherd.htm#13843

Volume 14 Book Kris Longknife Series (Mike Shepherd): Bold (2016)
Despite her role as a fleet Admiral and protector of a planetary system, Kris is still beholden to her great grandfather King Raymond’s commands. She has been personally selected for a mission that, should she succeed, will save millions of lives. The Peterwald Empire is in the midst of civil war. On one side is the tyrannical Empress, on the other is the last person Kris ever wants to see again Grand Duchess Vicky Peterwald. Due to their shared history, the Emperor believes Kris can mediate between the factions and bring about peace. But before Kris even begins her mission, she survives two assassination attempts on her family home world. Someone doesn’t want her interfering in the Empire’s affairs. Kris immediately suspects Vicky or the Empress, only to learn that it could also be a traitor among her own people...

Review of Bold:
 Everything ends rather too easily, as the baddies are too stupid for their own good...
http://www-users.cs.york.ac.uk/susan/books/pages/s/MikeShepherd.htm#13843





Volume 15 Book Kris Longknife Series (Mike Shepherd): Emissary (2017)

Kris Longknife has discovered that this desk job is not at all what she expected. Being desk bound hasn't even decreased the number of assassination attempts! Then Kris gets home to find her two kids playing with an Iteeche. Ron has come back to human space with a request. Should Kris take it? Can she finally get some straight answers for her Grampa Ray, King Raymond to most? Does she risk taking the kids into a situation with a whole lot of unanswered questions? Oh, and what can go wrong? Kris know something will go wrong. Something always goes wrong.

Review of Emissary:
Despite the plot being quite linear, this is very readable. We’ll have to wait for the next instalment to see how the job pans out...
http://www-users.cs.york.ac.uk/susan/books/pages/s/MikeShepherd.htm#13843

Volume 16 Book Kris Longknife Series (Mike Shepherd): Admiral (2017)
Admiral Kris Longknife should have known the job offer was too good. Really, she knew by now that what was too good to be true really, really isn't. Still, she jumped at the chance to be the first human emissary to the Iteeche Empire. Only when she got there, and met the Emperor, a teenage kid swamped by his throne, did Kris find out that there was a little civil war going on in the Iteeche Empire. The loyal forces were losing, and they needed the best fighting admiral they could get. So they got Kris Longknife. Now Kris is sweating out collecting a fighting force that won't make her their first target. Now she's trying to figure out how to fight ships identical to hers, that outnumber her four to one or worse. Oh, and she's got to keep the merchant princes in her embassy from making a mess of everything. A whole lot of people are hoping this Longknife can pull a grizzly bear out of her hat. A whole lot of other Iteeche are hoping the bear takes off her arm.

Review of Admiral
I give this book 8 out of 10. I liked learning some more about the Iteeche culture and the various problems Longknife encountered because of Iteeche beliefs and ta..
http://thegamecalledrevolution.blogspot.com/2018/02/james-review-kris-longknife-admiral.html


Volume 17 Book Kris Longknife Series (Mike Shepherd): Commanding
Grand Admiral, Her Royal Highness Kris Longknife is up to her ears in problems . . . again. While summoned to the Imperial Iteeche Court to be humanity’s Emissary, it turns out that what the Iteeche really want is a fighting admiral! You see, they’ve got this huge civil war going, and the Imperial side isn’t doing so well. Kris now has command of the entire Imperial Combined Fleet. Sort of. The Iteeche Empire has a ten thousand year long history. There is nothing that won’t say, “We’ve always done it that way,” pointing to a track record lasting for thousands of years. Even when Kris reminds them they’re losing, many have a hard time changing. Many Iteeche also wonder if letting a human win this war for them isn’t losing everything already. Kris managed to win a defensive battle with a scratch force. Now she’s thrown together a larger force and is ready to take the fight to the rebels.


Review of Commanding:

  I greatly enjoyed the deeper look into Iteeche culture and how it affected, aka hindered, their military as well as a peek into the mindset of some of the rebels. ....

http://thegamecalledrevolution.blogspot.com/2018/09/james-review-kris-longknife-commanding.html





 
First pages / excerpts and first chapters of The Shadow Reader / The Shadow Reader Series (Sandy Williams):  

Echoes of Empire Series (Mark T. Barnes)

* * * * * * *     7/10   10

Volume 1 Book Echoes of Empire (Mark T. Barnes): The Garden of Stones (2013)
An uneasy peace has existed since the fall of the Awakened Empire centuries ago. Now the hybrid Avān share the land with the people they once conquered: the star born humans; the spectral, undead Nomads; and what remains of the Elemental Masters. With the Empress in shadows an estranged ghost, it is the ancient dynasties of the Great Houses and the Hundred Families that rule. But now civil war threatens to draw all of Shrīan into a vicious struggle sparked by one man’s lust for power, and his drive to cheat death. Visions have foretold that Corajidin, dying ruler of House Erebus, will not only survive, but rise to rule his people. The wily nobleman seeks to make his destiny certain by plundering the ruins of his civilization’s past for the arcane science needed to ensure his survival, and by mercilessly eliminating his rivals. But mercenary warrior mage Indris, scion of the rival House Näsarat, stands most powerfully in the usurper’s bloody path. For it is Indris who reluctantly accepts the task of finding a missing man, the only one able to steer the teetering nation towards peace.

Reviews of The Garden of Stones:
"From the very first page of this epic, Mr. Barnes immerses his first time reader in a world filled with vivid cultures, unusual species, ancient mysteries, an.."
https://bookwraiths.com/2014/01/27/the-garden-of-stones-by-mark-t-barnes/

"The Garden of Stones is a grab-bag of what’s cool – airships, large swords, brightly-hued armor, lost cities, ancient civilizations, epic artifacts, Machiavel.."
http://www.adventuresinscifipublishing.com/2013/11/book-review-the-garden-of-stones-by-mark-t-barnes/

"In the competition between paper and audio, I really do think The Garden of Stones would probably work better in paper, though it’s definitely enjoyable in au.."
http://www.sffaudio.com/review-of-the-garden-of-stones-by-mark-t-barnes/

"The beginning is where my first critique comes in. It’s very confusing. From what I’ve gathered, people are comparing it to the jarring start of Erikson’s Mal.."
https://acerbicwriting.wordpress.com/2013/08/15/the-garden-of-stones-by-mark-t-barnes/

Volume 2 Book Echoes of Empire (Mark T. Barnes): The Obsidian Heart (2013)
A plot to overthrow the Shrīanese Federation has been quashed, but the bloody rebellion is far from over...and the struggle to survive is just beginning. Warrior mage Indris grows weary in his failed attempts to thwart the political machinations of Corajidin, and faces the possibility of imprisonment upon his return to his homeland. Moreover, Indris’s desire for Corajidin’s daughter, Mari, is strong. Can he choose between his duty and his desire…and at what cost? Left alienated from her House, Mari is torn between the opposing forces of her family and her country especially now that she’s been offered the position of Knight Colonel of the Feyassin, the elite royal guards whose legacy reaches back to the days of the Awakened Empire. As the tensions rise, she must decide if her future is with Indris, with her family, or in a direction not yet foreseen.
As he awaits trial for his crimes, Corajidin confronts the good and evil within himself. Does he seek redemption for his cruel deeds, or does he indebt himself further to the enigmatic forces that have promised him success, and granted him a reprieve from death? What is more important: his ambition, regaining the love stolen from him, or his soul?

Reviews of The Obsidian Heart
"Even though The Obsidian Heart begins with a recap of previous events from the first book, the story as a whole owes some of its intense immersiveness to the .."
https://www.readingreality.net/2014/02/review-the-obsidian-heart-by-mark-t-barnes/

"And it is. Where The Garden of Stones created a world and set the table for an epic adventure The Obsidian Heart delivers on that promise in spectacular style.."
https://bookwraiths.com/2014/05/12/the-obsidian-heart-by-mark-t-barnes/

Volume 3 Book Echoes of Empire (Mark T. Barnes): The Pillars of Sand (2014)
Prophecy declared that corrupt politician Corajidin would rule the Shrīanese Federation, even become its new Emperor and sinister magic has helped him defy death in order to do it. But his victory is not assured, thanks to clashing rival factions that hinder any attempts to unify the nation. Though he has taken increasingly brutal measures to eliminate all obstacles in his path, the dark forces supporting him grow dangerously impatient. And the harder they press, the more drastic Corajidin’s actions become. Soon, only his most powerful adversaries will stand in his way: Indris, the peerless swordsman and sorcerer who has long fought to end the Federation’s bloody turmoil; and the warrior poet Mari, Corajidin’s own daughter and the woman Indris loves. Fate has torn them apart, forcing them into terrifying personal trials. But if Indris can bring to bear the devastating knowledge of the Pillars of Sand, and Mari can rise up as a rebel leader, Corajidin’s enemies will rally and the decisive battle for the soul and future of the Shrīanese will begin.


Reviews of The Pillars of Sand :
"I spent my time savoring each word, each drop of philosophy soon rolling into a river of eurekas. Blinding flashes of vivid storytelling I cannot fully compre.."
https://acerbicwriting.wordpress.com/2015/01/12/the-pillars-of-sand-by-mark-t-barnes/

"I received this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. I’d like to thank both of them for allowing me to receive this.."
https://bookwraiths.com/2014/05/19/the-pillars-of-sand-by-mark-t-barnes/
First pages / excerpts and first chapters of The Garden of Stones / Echoes of Empire Series  1 (Mark T. Barnes):  

Seven Realms Series (Cinda Williams Chima)

* * * * * * * *     8/10   10

Volume 1 Seven Realms (Cinda Williams Chima): The Demon King (2009)
Times are hard in the mountain city of Fellsmarch. Reformed thief Han Alister will do almost anything to eke out a living for his family. The only thing of value he has is something he can't sell the thick silver cuffs he's worn since birth. They're clearly magicked as he grows, they grow, and he's never been able to get them off. One day, Han and his clan friend, Dancer, confront three young wizards setting fire to the sacred mountain of Hanalea. Han takes an amulet from Micah Bayar, son of the High Wizard, to keep him from using it against them. Soon Han learns that the amulet has an evil history it once belonged to the Demon King, the wizard who nearly destroyed the world a millennium ago. With a magical piece that powerful at stake, Han knows that the Bayars will stop at nothing to get it back. Meanwhile, Raisa ana'Marianna, princess heir of the Fells, has her own battles to fight. She's just returned to court after three years of freedom in the mountains riding, hunting, and working the famous clan markets. Raisa wants to be more than an ornament in a glittering cage. She aspires to be like Hanalea the legendary warrior queen who killed the Demon King and saved the world. But her mother has other plans for her... The Seven Realms tremble when the lives of Hans and Raisa collide, fanning the flames of the smoldering war between clans and wizards.

Reviews of The Demon King:
"The Demon King is the first book in a brand new trilogy from Cinda Williams Chima (best known for her “Heir” books), and introduces readers to a new, enticing.."
http://thebooksmugglers.com/2009/12/book-review-the-demon-king-by-cinda-williams-chima.html

"Some of the time, the world and the overall plot in fantasy serve as a kind of muted, faded backdrop for the rampant romance in the forefront. The Demon King .."
http://thehonestbookclub.blogspot.com/2016/02/book-review-demon-king-by-cinda.html

"Demon King sets itself apart from most fantasy novels by not giving us an obvious quest-to-save-the-world situation. There’s definitely a villain, and he defi.."
http://community.sparknotes.com/2012/06/11/book-review-the-demon-king

"Slow almost doesn’t seem like the right word. The Demon King wasn’t boring and it didn’t really feel like a slog; it’s just that becoming at all invested took.."
http://readeroffictions.com/2015/01/sadie-hawkins-review-100-demon-king-cinda-williams-chima/

"I don't want to talk too much about the plot of this story because I think the whole fun of reading fantasy is getting to discover the world for yourself but .."
http://www.feelingfictional.com/2016/03/review-demon-king-cinda-williams-chima.html

"The world building in this novel was phenomenal. I haven’t read The Warrior Heir or its series yet, but if this is what all of Cinda Williams Chima’s books ar.."
https://www.emilysreadingroom.com/2010/07/demon-king-audiobook-by-cinda-williams.html

"Like I said, the first half of book one is slow and then the series takes off and does not let up.  I read all four books over the course of a few days becaus.."
http://www.bookhookedblog.com/2012/12/book-review-seven-realms-series-by.html

"This was a book that came highly recommended by numerous people who insisted that I would adore this series. They were right, at least, in as much as I can ju.."
http://enchantology.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-demon-king-by-cinda-williams-chima.html

" I didn’t like either of the wizards at all. But they were well-done bad characters. The progression of the reveals about just how bad the wizards are, was per.."
http://dragonssilver.com/the-demon-king-seven-realms-1-by-cinda-williams-chima-review/

"By Cinda Williams Chima, this fantasy series is a fantastic read for anyone with a taste for complex plots and incredibly developed realms where the gallant a.."
http://tatalonline.blogspot.com/2015/01/teen-review-demon-king-by-cinda.html

"THIS WAS SO FUN! It was close to 5 stars, but it took me a bit to get into the story. I tend to avoid the more “adult” fantasy books (I hate differentiating b.."
http://apagewithaview.com/the-demon-king-by-cinda-williams-chima/

"Honestly, there was only one reason I didn't award The Demon King with five stars. At over 500 pages, it is no quick read. I kept waiting for the story to rea.."
http://www.thereadingaddict.com/2014/01/review-demon-king-by-cinda-williams.html

"This book started off so slowly for me. I listened to the audio version of this book and I probably would have quit listening if I didn’t have a 6 hour car ri.."
http://www.iamareader.com/2010/10/review-the-demon-king-by-cinda-williams-chima.html

"As in her earlier books, Chima's solid storytelling skills deliver. She establishes an interesting premise with the wizard versus nonwizard situation. She tak.."
http://vbplrecommends.blogspot.com/2010/11/demon-king-by-cinda-williams-chima.html

"This book compared another I’ve recently, called, Science Fair by Ridley Pearson. I think this book has a better plot and better characters. It had something .."
http://booksarebetterthanicecream.com/?p=293

"The ending of The Demon King was a bit unsatisfying since nothing really got resolved. It is obviously building up to the second book, but I like the endings .."
http://www.onstarshipsanddragonwings.com/the-demon-king-by-cinda-williams-chima-audiobook/

" Teen reviewer notes that there is fantasy violence and mild sexual themes. She would recommend for teens 13 and up..."
http://www.thereadingtub.com/childrens-book-reviews.php?id=1106

"This book is full of side characters that make he book ten times better.  Cinda Chima not only created two amazing, complex main characters but also an entire.."
http://booklover221b.blogspot.com/2015/12/book-review-demon-king-by-cinda-chima.html?m=1

"This was a good read.  I had some issues with it, but I think it may have just been me.  I read the book over the course of several days and found myself havi.."
http://www.idsoratherbereading.com/2010/08/book-review-demon-king-seven-realms-1.html#.WYO2-YjyjIU

Volume 2 Seven Realms (Cinda Williams Chima): The Exiled Queen (2010)
Haunted by the loss of his mother and sister, Han Alister journeys south to begin his schooling at Mystwerk House in Oden’s Ford. But leaving the Fells doesn’t mean that danger isn't far behind. Han is hunted every step of the way by the Bayars, a powerful wizarding family set on reclaiming the amulet Han stole from them. And Mystwerk House has dangers of its own. There, Han meets Crow, a mysterious wizard who agrees to tutor Han in the darker parts of sorcery but the bargain they make is one Han may regret.  Meanwhile, Princess Raisa ana’Marianna runs from a forced marriage in the Fells, accompanied by her friend Amon and his triple of cadets. Now, the safest place for Raisa is Wein House, the military academy at Oden's Ford. If Raisa can pass as a regular student, Wein House will offer both sanctuary and the education Raisa needs to succeed as the next Gray Wolf queen. Everything changes when Han and Raisa’s paths cross, in this epic tale of uncertain friendships, cut throat politics, and the irresistible power of attraction.

Reviews of The Exiled Queen:

"While I enjoyed The Demon King, I did complain that while the writing and world building were excellently rendered, the book only set the stage for the action.."
http://thebooksmugglers.com/2010/09/book-review-the-exiled-queen-by-cinda-williams-chima.html

"Because even when we spend a solid half to two-thirds of the story in one place, THINGS are always happening, moving the story along, raising the stakes for H.."
https://trippingbooks.wordpress.com/2012/05/11/rewind-and-review-6-the-exiled-queen/

"There were a few things about the story that I think were lacking. There was a lot of story as it related to Han, but very little about Raisa for most of the .."
https://www.emilysreadingroom.com/2010/12/exiled-queen-by-cinda-williams-chima.html

"Though I didn’t see them coming, the threats were well-established. Sometimes twists are achieved by hiding things from the reader. That’s one way to do it an.."
http://readeroffictions.com/2015/01/sadie-hawkins-review-101-exiled-queen-cinda-williams-chima/

"The Exiled Queen had me hooked from the first page, I enjoyed getting to learn more about this world as we journeyed across the country with the characters an.."
http://www.feelingfictional.com/2016/03/review-exiled-queen-cinda-williams-chima.html

"And yet while the plot is incredibly intricate and detailed one of my favorite aspects of The Exiled Queen are the characters that are developed in the book. .."
http://whatchamacallitreviews.blogspot.com/2010/09/exiled-queen-by-cinda-williams-chima.html

"At first it was a little drag and I was trying to remember what happened in the first book. It all came back to me bit by bit as the story progresses and I co.."
http://teenreadersdiary.blogspot.com/2011/11/review-exiled-queen-by-cinda-williams.html

"As with the original, the characters are solid, the authors writing style similar to early David Eddings and above all else the story moves on to allow the ch.."
http://falcatatimes.blogspot.com/2011/02/fantasy-review-seven-realms-2-exiled.html

"The only thing that upsets me about this book is the fact there are only two more books in the series so far. What will I do with my life once the series is o.."
http://booknerdandproud.blogspot.com/2013/02/review-exiled-queen-by-cinda-williams.html

"I love two things the most about it. The politics, and the magic system. I loved how this was leading straight off after where we ended. I liked how Raisa an.."
dabook.club/2016/06/08/review-the-exiled-queen-by-cinda-williams-chima/

"Because this isn't the first book in a series, it's kind of difficult to talk about too much without spoilers, but I will say this: I really liked it.  Han gr.."
http://beautyandthebookwormblog.blogspot.com/2016/06/the-exiled-queen-cinda-williams-chima.html

Volume 3 Seven Realms (Cinda Williams Chima): The Gray Wolf Throne (2011)
Han Alister thought he had already lost everyone he loved. But when he finds his friend Rebecca Morley near death in the Spirit Mountains, Han knows that nothing matters more than saving her. The costs of his efforts are steep, but nothing can prepare him for what he soon discovers: the beautiful, mysterious girl he knew as Rebecca is none other than Raisa ana’Marianna, heir to the Queendom of the Fells. Han is hurt and betrayed. He knows he has no future with a blueblood. And, as far as he’s concerned, the princess’s family as good as killed his own mother and sister. But if Han is to fulfill his end of an old bargain, he must do everything in his power to see Raisa crowned queen. Meanwhile, some people will stop at nothing to prevent Raisa from ascending. With each attempt on her life, she wonders how long it will be before her enemies succeed. Her heart tells her that the thief turned wizard Han Alister can be trusted. She wants to believe it he’s saved her life more than once. But with danger coming at her from every direction, Raisa can only rely on her wits and her iron hard will to survive and even that might not be enough. The Gray Wolf Throne is an epic tale of fierce loyalty, unbearable sacrifice, and the heartless hand of fate.

Reviews of The Gray Wolf Throne:
"This series has not let me down once with its relationship drama, political intrigue, mysteries, magic, and what now sounds like impending war. THE GRAY WOLF .."
http://www.trippingoverbooks.com/2012/05/21/book-review-the-gray-wolf-throne-by-cinda-williams-chima/

"Despite the lack of overt action, the eddy and flow of complex political and personal intrigues is riveting, and Chima navigates with graceful ease through mu.."
https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/cinda-williams-chima/gray-wolf-throne/

"THE GRAY WOLF THRONE is by far the most political book in the series to date, and I have zero complaints about that. Raisa is completely in her element managi.."
http://fineprintblog.com/review-the-gray-wolf-throne-by-cinda-williams-chima/

"In an effort to get caught up on reviews, I’m writing some mini-reviews and The Gray Wolf Throne seemed like the perfect book for that since I didn’t feel lik.."
http://www.fantasybookcafe.com/2013/02/mini-review-the-gray-wolf-throne-by-cinda-williams-chima/

"Let me put it this way. It’s not every book that makes me a shaking blob of jello. I recommend this book highly to everyone that I know who likes fantasy. It’.."
https://www.emilysreadingroom.com/2011/09/gray-wolf-throne-by-cinda-williams.html

"The world building is great, as it is in the previous two installments of this series. The Seven Kingdoms are epic in scope, and the politics and war and clas.."
http://mimosastimulus.blogspot.com/2011/09/review-gray-wolf-throne-by-cinda.html

Volume 4 Seven Realms (Cinda Williams Chima): The Crimson Crown (2012)
A thousand years ago, two young lovers were betrayed Alger Waterlow to his death, and Hanalea, Queen of the Fells, to a life without love.  Now, once again, the Queendom of the Fells seems likely to shatter apart. For young queen Raisa ana'Marianna, maintaining peace even within her own castle walls is nearly impossible; tension between wizards and Clan has reached a fevered pitch. With surrounding kingdoms seeking to prey on the Fells' inner turmoil, Raisa's best hope is to unite her people against a common enemy. But that enemy might be the person with whom she's falling in love. Through a complicated web of lies and unholy alliances, former streetlord Han Alister has become a member of the Wizard Council of the Fells. Navigating the cut throat world of blue blood politics has never been more dangerous, and Han seems to inspire hostility among Clan and wizards alike. His only ally is the queen, and despite the perils involved, Han finds it impossible to ignore his feelings for Raisa. Before long, Han finds himself in possession of a secret believed to be lost to history, a discovery powerful enough to unite the people of the Fells. But will the secret die with him before he can use it?  A simple, devastating truth concealed by a thousand year old lie at last comes to light in this stunning conclusion to the Seven Realms series.


Reviews of The Crimson Crown:
"There’s a betrayal and a secret villain (whose identity is nicely hidden and executed), a buried legacy, and traitorous doings. There are answers, action and .."
http://thebooksmugglers.com/2012/12/book-review-the-crimson-crown-by-cinda-williams-chima.html

" While some of the depth and complexities of the supporting characters—along with the nuanced subtleties of their conflicting worldviews—are sacrificed to help.."
https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/cinda-williams-chima/crimson-crown/

"The book ended very well, but was a bit anti-climactic, with a sudden reveal about a previous plot arc thrown in after what I had assumed was the main ending..."
https://ruthsic.wordpress.com/2017/03/26/review-the-crimson-crown/

"  It is also a story about what our faith is based upon and what we accept as truths. Readers can relate our world and our history to the peoples and lands of t.."
https://novelnovice.com/2012/10/10/book-review-the-crimson-crown-by-cinda-williams-chima/

"  I have to admit there were a few times I teared up. As it is common in Fantasy series, the longer the series is, the darker it gets. This holds true for the S.."
https://itsowlsreads.wordpress.com/2017/02/24/review-the-crimson-crown-by-cinda-williams-chima/

"I was left feeling a bit unsatisfied at the turn of the last page. BUT. The very end is the only thing wrong with this book. Because up until the end, this bo.."
https://www.bookshelvesandpaperbacks.com/book-review-the-crimson-crown-seven-realms-4-by-cinda-williams-chima/

"Being an epic fantasy YA novel, the book doesn’t skimp on being a love story between Han and Raisa. I do find their naive relationship within this book doesn’.."
https://requiemformorebooks.wordpress.com/2012/10/27/the-crimson-crown-by-cinda-williams-chima/



First pages / excerpts and first chapters of The Gray Wolf Throne / Seven Realms 3 (Cinda Williams Chima):