Book Review: "The Shadow of Gods": Book 3 of the Godling Chronicles by Brian D. Anderson

The Shadow of Gods review
Author: Brian D. Anderson
4 out of 5 stars

Book Info: Genre: Epic Fantasy
Reading Level: Young Adult
Recommended for: fans of epic fantasy
Trigger Warnings: a person determined to split up a pair of lovers, murder

My Thoughts: Like the 2nd book in the series, this is much better edited than the first one, but there are still some issues that remain, mostly having to do with the tense. Here are a couple examples to illustrate the problem that was throughout the book: “Selena sat in her chair and motion for Salmitaya to sit across from her.” and “I simply did not want to cause you more grieve so soon after so much tragedy and bloodshed.” These sorts of issues were throughout the entire book. That said, the story is engaging and fast-paced enough that I didn't end up overly distracted by it, instead shrugging it off and moving along to see what would happen next.

Aaliyah really upset me. Like many people, the idea of infidelity is anathema to me, and her initial attempts to come between Gewey and Kaylia had me infuriated. She had noble reasons, but still. She reminded me of the character Mata Hari from Scott Rhine's book The Redemption of Mata Hari.

One thing I've never understood is villains that want to destroy the world. At one point, someone says that the Dark Knight wants to “see the world burn.” I have never understood why these sort of maniacs want to take over the world just to destroy it—like bringing eternal winter or whatever—because what is the point of putting in all the time, effort, and power to take over the world simply to rule over a barren wasteland? Even villains have to eat, and if they've destroyed everything, on what will they survive? What is the point? Am I the only one who is driven nuts by this question?

Well, I'm really rambling on this one. This is my final day on the Godling Chronicles' blog tour—and my final post—so be sure to check all the links below to see what you've missed. This is not the end of the series, but I'm not certain how many books the author ultimately intends to write. Things are kind of drawing to a head here, but I imagine he could string things out for a few more books if he really wanted to. This is the sort of epic fantasy that I tend to really enjoy, so I'll likely be watching for future stories in the Godling Chronicles to see what happens next. If you enjoy epic fantasy, then you should take a look and see if this might be a good choice for you as well.

Series Information: The Shadow of Gods is book three in the Godling Chronicles.
Book 1: The Sword of Truth (or on Smashwords here) (review here where formatting allowed)
Book 2: Of Gods and Elves (or find it on Amazon here) (review here where formatting allowed)
Also, see this author's guest post on my blog, linked here (where formatting allowed).

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from Great Minds Think Aloud Publishing in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis: Valshara has fallen, and the forces of Angrääl are advancing. For the first time, human and elf must shed blood as one, in order to stem the tide of evil. But new hope has arisen. across the Western Abyss, a people long forgotten have returned. However, hope comes at its own price. Gewey must choose between his bond of love, and his duty to the world he is struggling to save.

Of Gods and Elves review
Author: Brian D. Anderson
4 out of 5 stars

Book Info: Genre: Epic Fantasy
Reading Level: Young Adult
Recommended for: Fans of epic fantasy
Trigger Warnings: murder, violence, fighting to the death

My Thoughts: The editing in this book is much better. While I still noticed a few, minor things, they were indeed very minor and hardly noticeable for the most part. So, much better! My copy had some formatting weirdness, but hopefully that won't show up in the ones that are for sale, since mine is a review copy.

We learn a lot more about the elves in this book, which is fascinating. We also have further interactions with some of the more interesting bit players, such as Felsafell, and learn more about the elf Elders. Like the first book, this one ends on a cliffhanger, so be sure to have the third one handy when you're finished, as you'll want to move right on to it. This is a very fast-moving series, and each of the books so far has held a very strong momentum, so you'll be turning the pages quickly. Check it out if you like epic fantasy.

Series Information: Of Gods and Elves (or find it on Amazon here) is book two in the Godling Chronicles.
Book 1: The Sword of Truth (or on Smashwords here) (review here where formatting allowed)
Book 3: The Shadow of Gods (or find it on Amazon here), to be reviewed next.
Also, see this author's guest post on my blog, linked here (where formatting allowed).

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from Great Minds Think Aloud Publishing in exchange for an honest review. I am doing the review now in conjunction with a blog tour set up by JKS Communications. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis: Armies gather for war in the frozen land of Angrääl threatening to set the world ablaze. The elves are divided and scattered and humans fall prey to the dark influence of the Reborn King. Now, Gewey is faced with his greatest challenge yet. Unite the world of elf and human before it is too late...

Book review: "The Sword of Truth" (Godling Chronicles #1) by Brian D. Anderson

The Sword of Truth review
Author: Brian D. Anderson
4 out of 5 stars

Book Info: Genre: Epic Fantasy
Reading Level: Young Adult
Recommended for: Fans of Epic Fantasy, those who enjoyed stories like the Chronicles of Prydain, stories about the fight between good and evil
Trigger Warnings: murder, violence

My Thoughts: I used to read a lot of epic fantasy, sword and sorcery, all that sort of thing, but in recent years my tastes have turned more toward urban fantasy. Still, it's fun to read one of these once in awhile.

The editing was pretty bad, honestly. Lots of the wrong homonyms being used (passed for past, bare for bear and so forth) and extra words, missing words, randomly added or missed punctuation. But if you're willing to look past that, the story is enjoyable enough. It certainly held my attention!

In the end, I found it to be a quick and enjoyable read, and if you're able to ignore the problems with the editing and enjoy epic fantasy, stories about the ultimate fight between good and evil for the ultimate survival of the entire world, you should enjoy this book. I found it somewhat reminiscent of the Chronicles of Prydain, at least at a certain level, with the farm boy going out into the world to fight evil. A lot of fun, and a series I want to finish. I believe I'll be asking if I can't have a review copy of the third book as well!

Series Information: The Sword of Truth is book one in the Godling Chronicles.
Book 2: Of Gods and Elves (or find it on Amazon here), to be reviewed next
Book 3: The Shadow of Gods (or find it on Amazon here), just released, I do not have

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from Great Minds Think Aloud Publishing in exchange for an honest review. I am doing the review now in conjunction with a blog tour set up by JKS Communications. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis: It has been five hundred years since the Great War between Elf and Human ripped the world apart, and the Dark Knight of Angrääl has stolen the Sword of Truth. With it, he has trapped the Gods in heaven. If left unchallenged he will kill the Gods and reshape the world into an unimaginable hell. The only hope for all of creation is a boy named Gewey Stedding, the only being born from the union of two Gods. Aided by Lee Starfinder, the son of Saraf, God of the Sea, and a mortal woman, he must discover the true nature of his power. However, this will not be easy. He is bound to the earth a mortal man, and in many ways is very human. When Kaylia, a young elf woman, joins their party, Gewey discovers that perils of the heart can be as treacherous as any sword. Gewey, Lee, Kaylia and other friends they meet on their journey, must battle the Dark Knight, find a way to heal the hatred between elf and man, and restore heaven itself.

Guest post from Brian D. Anderson, author of The Godling Chronicles

To kick off my reviews of the Godling Chronicles in this blog tour, hosted by JKS Communications and Great Minds Think Aloud Publishing, today I have a guest post by Brian D. Anderson. Watch this blog for the next three days as I bring you the reviews for the first three books of the Godling Chronicles, The Sword of Truth tomorrow, Of Gods and Elves on Saturday and The Shadow of Gods on Sunday (all links are for Smashwords; you can also find the books on Amazon).

Without further ado, here is Brian!

Why Fantasy?

When I tell people that I write fantasy, often their first question is, “why fantasy?” I suppose I could write suspense, mystery, or even contemporary fiction. It isn’t such a stretch for me to imagine myself seeking a story beyond the fantasy genre. But to me, fantasy brings to light the very things that make us who we are.

The ability to contemplate fantasy, is what makes us human. Even as small children, once we’ve learned who mommy is and how to crawl, we are exposed to the fantastical realm of the imagination. Our first stories are of magical creatures, gallant heroes, beautiful maidens, and far away kingdoms. Through fantasy, we learn honor, perseverance, bravery, and love. The noblest aspects of the human character is taught to us through make-believe and flights of fancy.

As adults, we often times forget these beginnings, and choose to leave “childish” things behind. We ground ourselves in stark reality, and set in our mind the bare facts of day to day living. We no longer believe that Snow White was brought back to life by the kiss of true love. We understand that dragons are not real. We fail see the magic that once was as factual as the air we breathe. 

With fantasy, we can revisit the part of us that still wants to believe. Sure, I could choose a different genre, but for me, the wonder I find in fantasy fills my heart with delight. And when I am able to share it with others, I feel as if I have made the magic of childhood come back to life. For a few hours, I have rendered the wicked world of adulthood powerless, and allowed someone to forget how cruel life can be.

Book review: "Throat of the Night" by Karyn Henley and JKS Communications blog tour

Throat of the Night review
Author: Karyn Henley
5 out of 5 stars

Book Info: Genre: Fantasy/Christian fiction
Reading Level: Young Adult
Recommended for: People seeking family-friendly fantasy, those who enjoy epic fantasy
Trigger Warnings: Murder, violence

My Thoughts: As far as I'm aware, this is the final book; I believe this is a trilogy. And it is a most satisfying ending. This is a very fast-paced book, and we're presented with the answers to a number of questions, and a number of secrets are exposed.

I was really enthralled throughout this whole series, which is what enabled me to read all three books in about a 2 ½ day period. I think a wide range of readers will enjoy this family-friendly epic fantasy, which has great character development, an intricate plot, and an uplifting and joyful overall message. I really do recommend it highly, and hope you'll give this great trilogy a chance.

Disclosure: I received an e-galley of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I am part of a blog tour hosted by JKS Communications for this book. A guest post by the author will be posted on Saturday, March 23, 2013. All opinions are my own.

Series Information: Throat of the Night is book 3 in the Angelaeon Circle, published in March, 2013.
Book 1: Breath of Angel, published in June 2011 (review linked here where formatting allowed)
Book 2: Eye of the Sword, published in June 2012 (review linked here where formatting allowed)
More information can be found at Karyn Henley's website, linked here where formatting allowed.

Synopsis: Melaia sends Trevin into enemy territory to retrieve the third harp she needs to restore the stairway to heaven and free the angels trapped in a human world. But an assailant wants Trevin dead, an unknown traitor is passing information to the invading enemy army, and the Firstborn immortal has vowed to destroy all three harps, along with anyone who stands in his way.

Separated, Trevin and Melaia try to keep their faith, hope, and love for each other alive. From the land of Windwing horses to the mountaintop lookouts of Stargazers, from the blight-ridden fields of the Camrithian homeland to the night-dark caverns of the Under-Realm, they face the ultimate test: What are they willing to sacrifice to restore the stairway and save their world? Will they lay aside their love for each other? Will they give up their future together?

Book Review: "King" by Jolea M Harrison

King by Jolea M. Harrison

My rating: 5 of 5 stars




Book Info: Genre: Science Fantasy
Reading Level: Older Young Adults (16+)
Recommended for: Those who enjoy darker stories, epic fantasy, stories about the ultimate nature of good vs. evil and the balance of order and chaos
Trigger Warnings: Murder, violence

My Thoughts: This has been a long series. Each book is long and intricately plotted, and threads wind through from the beginning to the end, occasionally popping up to remind us of their existence. I will say again that I recommend reading this series all together, one book right after another, and definitely do not try to start anywhere but the beginning.

That said, this was an extremely and eminently satisfying conclusion to the series. There were times in the series where I had a lot of trouble and struggle over the nature of the villains, but as I've been reading, I've been thinking about it, and I think the problem I had was that the sense of pure evil in this series was so distressingly close to reality. Jolea Harrison has provided me a guest post where she discussed the nature of that (along with a giveaway), so be sure to go and read it. Link is here where formatting allowed.

There is a slight sense of Deus ex machina in the ending of this book, but it's a realistic one for this universe, and it worked out nicely. The ending is not at all rushed—the denouement actually starts more than 200 pages (in my copy*) prior to the end of the book—and an epilogue provides a lovely sense of completion to the overall series. I can honestly say, now that I have finished, that the entire series was most worthwhile and I plan to re-read it again when I have a chance, in order to better understand all the nuances. I also want to point out that an issue I had with the prior book, where in the review I mentioned being confused, was due to a problem with the ARC file I had, and is hopefully not actually in the published edition.

I still recommend this series be confined to older young adult readers, due to the very dark nature of much of the story, and highly recommend that you read the entire series. While you might be tempted to stop at certain points, I guarantee you will completely revise your opinion of the overall series once you have read this finely crafted finishing touch. Wonderful! I highly recommend this book, and the series as a whole.

*Please note: probably due to the nature of transfer into .epub format, my copy of the book shows as having 819 pages, while the “official” count is 400. Therefore, take the page count with a grain of salt. It is more accurate to say the last quarter of the book encompasses the conclusion.

Series Information: King is the 8th book in the Guardians of the Word series.
Book 1: Chosen, released in 2011, reviewed August 2011, review linked here where formatting allowed.
Book 2: Myth, released 2011, reviewed August 2012, review linked here where formatting allowed.
Book 3: Telepath, released 2012, reviewed August 2012, review linked here where formatting allowed.
Book 4: Legend, released 2012, reviewed August 2012, review linked here where formatting allowed.
Book 5: Union, released 2012, reviewed August 2012, review linked here where formatting allowed.
Book 6: Seer, released 2012, reviewed March 2013, review linked here where formatting allowed.
Book 7: Adept, released 2012, reviewed March 2013, review linked here where formatting allowed.
Please note: On March 18, I started a giveaway on my blog for all 8 books, plus a grand-prize winner will also receive a $25 gift certificate. Link is here where formatting allowed.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this e-book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis:Evil bides its time, ever waiting to breach the thin veil. Action and reaction join to swing the pendulum toward anarchy and destruction. Chaos reigns. The Demon lurks in the dark recesses.

The possibility exists that it can’t be destroyed. Evil will endure. It can’t be taken, cured, or overcome. Night will cover the world no matter what. Faith may not be enough. Love may not survive.

Amidst deception, temptation and fear, the last choice is made, the ultimate sacrifice taken. Father bequeaths unto son. Natural order must be restored. Those who are chosen to die may live, while those who are chosen to live may not make it through.

The fate of the universe, of a kingdom, of a family... of one man is decided. The final battle is at hand.



View all my reviews

New Releases - edited by ME!

So, I've been busy doing a lot of editing lately, but sometimes it takes awhile for things to come out. As a result, a number of books have just been released that I had a hand in helping bring to publication. First of all, for Richard Finney (a shout-out to Hollywood!), I've been doing a few pieces here and there - he asked me not to let anyone know about it until they were released, but here they are!

Drawing Blood by Franklin Guerrero and Richard Finney.

The blurb: With humanity at the edge of self-annihilation...

Vampires, living in the shadows of humans for thousands of years, join the war to end all wars. Their intervention is motivated by the fear that the extermination of their food supply will trigger their extinction as well.

Matt Haynes and Tyra Redmond briefly met in the Green Zone. He was a world weary mercenary. She was working for the State Department trying to rebuild a country.

Years later, when their paths cross again, a war has ravaged the planet and decimated the human population. Both are now prisoners at a "Blood Donation Center," known as CCC197, where they must endure a daily dehumanizing existence of being kept alive only to serve as a source of blood for their captors.

Matt and Tyra must overcome their clashing personalities if they are to plan and execute an audacious escape to freedom which will include all the inmates of CCC197.

Standing in their way is a security team manned by human traitors working for the Vampires. And of course any attempt to escape from the concentration camp will mean defeating a species that has superior strength, cunning, and intelligence.

And for Matt Haynes, there is an even more compelling complication -- one of the vampire commanders of CCC197 is his brother... or was his brother... before he became a member of the undead.

Drawing Blood is a heart stopping, paranormal, thriller about the fight for survival, and the struggle to maintain human relationships in a world that has been re-made by the undead.

This is the first of the RELICT BOOK SERIES, depicting the fall of humanity and the attempt by the Vampires to maintain control of their new world order.

WARNING to all interested readers: this new vampire novel is over 47,000 words, but still "ends" with three words -- "TO BE CONTINUED." This is the first book in a Vampire Books Series.

ANOTHER WARNING: Even if you have read dozens of books about the undead, we bet you will discover Drawing Blood - Book One of the RELICT Series, is fresh & original, and not your typical Vampire book for adults.

This new vampire book is from Amazon Best Selling author Richard Finney. His critically acclaimed books, Demon Days and DEMON DAYS - Angel of Light, are now joined by by a hot Vampire Books Series!

This next book is one I worked on in stages for Mr. Finney - he would send me a short here and a short there, but we "got 'er done" as they say!

The Cake is a Lie by Richard Finney

The blurb: Female characters are at the center of critically acclaimed author Richard Finney’s collection of emotionally charged Feminism Short Stories.

In “Je Regrette Tout,” Nina and her boyfriend break into her father’s barber shop at midnight to confront a past that challenges to break up her romantic relationship.

“The Twilight of a Day Breaker,” focuses on a female vampire who contemplates making the ultimate sacrifice for her human boyfriend… even if he doesn’t deserve it!

Social media is the setting for a secret revealed when “The Caged Bird Tweets” stylistically renders the way one woman breaks free from the Tweet it mask she has been forced to wear for years as

“Moveable Wardrobe” follows Karina as she tries to move on after an ugly breakup… only to discover that her ex-boyfriend isn’t quite finished with their relationship.

What begins as just another bad date for Cynthia turns into a mysterious photo shoot in Chinatown and a “Special Photograph” which allows her the opportunity… to meet the man of her dreams.

A pair of female “Roommates” reunite under trying circumstances. But their meeting rekindles a beautiful memory which has sustained one of the women through difficult times.

The collection concludes with “Life Lines” as a couple’s long relationship ends up being turned upside down by a surprise secret…

The Cake is a Lie is an Online book of unforgettable love stories about Women written by one of today’s most popular writers… about the things that matter in life – Connecting with those around us!

OVER 17,000 WORDS!!!!

Now we go on to a couple of my other authors, Debra Martin and Scott Rhine, both of whom I've done a number of books for.

The Silver Cross by Debra Martin

The blurb: There are two things Boston detective Lacey Gardner knows about killing vampires. Slicing off a head or a hit directly to the heart are the only surefire ways to kill one. Silver is their Achilles heel. A vampire never wears silver.

When she meets bartender extraordinaire, Damon Harte, her heart does a quickstep for the dark hunky guy. She's learned the hard way that having a love interest in her line of work can be heart-wrenching. She's kept to herself for years, but something about Damon captivates her and draws her to him. When she learns Damon's devastating secret, she knows what she has to do: kill the man who has stolen her heart.
Approximately ~212 pages.



And finally:

Empress of Dreams by Scott Rhine

The blurb: Priest, eunuch, and history teacher, Pagaose is rewarded by the gods for his good deeds at the conclusion of the epic fantasy “Dreams of the Fallen.” Reshaped into the perfect image of an emperor, Pagaose is dropped from the sky and given three miracles to guide mankind through the three generations with no contact from the gods. While the College of Wizards plots to discredit or kill him, Pagaose must rally the aristocrats by picking a suitable Empress candidate from each country. Each woman offers him alliances as well as enticements that disturb his dreams—each woman, that is, except the one he wants. Meanwhile, the ruler of the north plans to invade the island of Center, and a nightmarish dragon terrorizes the Inner Sea. After the first few days, this doesn’t feel like a reward anymore.

Scott Rhine presents: "Dreams of the Fallen" free on Amazon

The second book in Scott Rhine's epic Temple of the Traveler series, Dreams of the Fallen, will be free on Amazon 7/20-22-2012. I edited this book and it was just a wonderful continuation of the series, which begins with Doors to Eternity (which I also edited), currently running at just $2.99.

If you enjoy epic fantasy, with a liberal dose of humor, you'll love these books - go and grab 'em while you can get a great deal on the 2nd book!

Scott Rhine presents: Cover reveal "Contagion of the Gods"

Contagion of the Gods is an epic historical fantasy, mixing ancient myths and legends by Scott Rhine (click the link to go to his Amazon page and find his other most excellent books). Isn't this cover gorgeous???

I had the opportunity to look at a very early version of this and, just like his excellent Temple of the Traveler, I absolutely loved it! I pestered him about it until he agreed to dust it off and fix it up and publish it! Yay! While I haven't had the chance to work on this, because I was busy with other projects, I know the folks who are and they'll do an excellent job. I'm so excited about this book! Rhine is shooting for a publication date of sometime around August 1, 2012, depending on the various factors known to all those who self-publish, and you know I'll be pimping it when it comes out. A quick blurb:

Sex, violence, and Greek gods. If Pythias reads the future in the sun one more time, he could go blind. Instead he uses detective skills to solve the problems of Golden Age Athens. An epic fantasy in the vein of Gene Wolfe or Tim Powers.


The contagion of the gods is loose again. Two charming but ruthless princes engage in a titanic battle to become the next incarnation of Dionysus. A member of a secret society known as the Sons of Prometheus, Pythias must find a way to stop them or face another war that involves all the nations of the Mediterranean. A witch and a horse-legged silenus guide them through the secrets behind the Greek legends in an odyssey that travels to the fabled island of the Gorgons--the place where ancient myth meets super-science.