Book Review: "The Wrong Stuff" by MT McGuire

The Wrong Stuff by M.T. McGuire

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Book Info: Genre: Science Fantasy Epic Thriller
Reading Level: Adult
Recommended for: Fans of British comedy AND epic fantasy AND science-fiction/fantasy thrillers AND good stories! Well... most people, I think.
Trigger Warnings: violence, repression, torture and murder (implied/offscreen as well as actual/onscreen)

My Thoughts: Based on the page count on my Nook, this second book in the K'Barthan trilogy is about twice as long as the first.

I managed to go through the whole first book without really noticing it, but then Corporal Puneschment showed up, and I suddenly realized that General Moteurs was a pun. As well as Sir Robin Get, and DI Phillip Softone. I think DC May Gurney might be, too, but I'm not sure. As should be well obvious by now, I'm sort of dim about things like that.
Don't always catch really subtle things. And of course we don't learn General Moteurs' first name until this book (it's Ford)... Anyway, there were times during the book when I wanted to shake The Pan for his obstinate inability to see the obvious... and then I would remember General Moteurs, and realize The Pan and I are really two of a kind... Alas, The Pan is for Ruth, and what an adorable couple they make!

Anyway, I loved this second book in the series. The Pan really comes into his own, and while we don't have quite as much of the delightful Ava and Gladys and Their Trev, Lucy was a great addition, and we had more Big Merv. Not to mention we learn a lot more about him, and about the Grongles and Grongolia in general. I can really see the growth of the writer here, and can not WAIT for book 3! This is like if a heroic epic fantasy were mixed with a science-fiction thriller, and I just love the dry British humor intertwined. Really, very highly recommended.

I have a number of McGuire's short stories I would like to read, but because I'll be in and out all day, and it will be difficult to do the reviews properly, I'll have to put those off for another day. However, watch for my reviews of those soon.

Series Information: The K'Barthan Trilogy
Prequel: Unlucky Dip, review linked here where formatting allowed.
Book 1: Few are Chosen, review linked here where formatting allowed.
Book 2: The Wrong Stuff
Book 3: One Man, No Plan tentatively scheduled for Christmas 2013

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

Synopsis: The Pan of Hamgee is not a natural knight in shining armour. Yet he has escaped from police custody in K’Barth, switched realities and foiled Lord Vernon’s attempt to kidnap Ruth, the Chosen One from the Festival Hall. Pretty good, he thinks.

However, Ruth thinks otherwise. Being pursued by Lord Vernon is bad enough. Now, thanks to The Pan, she’s on the run. They are both alive, of course, but with Lord Vernon on their tail neither of them can be sure how long for.

To save her life The Pan must introduce Ruth, the woman of his dreams, to the person prophesied to be the man of hers. And he knows he must do it fast. Before Lord Vernon finds her. But the gentleman in question is in hiding and no-one knows where. Can The Pan find him? And if he does, can he bring himself to unite them?



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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.



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Book review: "Adept" by Jolea M. Harrison

Adept by Jolea M. Harrison

My rating: 4 of 5 stars




Book Info: Genre: Science Fantasy
Reading Level: Older Young Adults (16+)
Recommended for: Those who enjoy darker stories
Trigger Warnings: Murder, fighting, violence

My Thoughts: Those who survived the first six books are now back on Cobalt and cleaning up the mess, as best they can.

This book just exhausted me. I swear I was screaming at it in frustration every 15 minutes or so. The bad guys just kept coming and coming, and nothing ever stopped them. It was... well, as I said, exhausting! However, it was a very engaging book. Marc and Dain, especially, grow a lot as characters in this book, and Marc really comes into his own.

I'm not really sure what to say about the book. This is a series where you have to really read the whole series in order to follow what's going on, and even then this book has a couple of really confusing sections. There is one section with Marc that I read and re-read and still had no idea what was going on. I just kept saying, “What?? What? What is going on here??” There are mentions of events from very early in the series, so some of that I'd forgotten, since it's been a year since I read the early part of the series. I really do recommend that the best way to read this series is as a whole, all together, one after another.

The final book, King, has been released early, and I'll hopefully have time to read that next, but I have to pause in my reviewing here to do another pass on an editing job. If I don't have time this week to read King, I'll make a concerted effort at the end of next week. At any rate, expect that review as soon as I'm able to provide it. Meantime, series info is below, and a giveaway is scheduled for next week.

Series Information: Adept is the 7th 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 8: King, released March 2013, to be reviewed
Please note: On March 18, I'll be holding a giveaway on my blog for all 8 books, plus a grand-prize winner will also receive a $25 gift certificate. So watch for that!

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

Synopsis: It isn’t so easy to kill a telepath. Or contain him. Those that must hold absolute evil shielded from the world, fight to restore tenuous balance against a force they can no longer control.

Reality mingles with chaos that beats at the confines of its prison – eager for freedom. The thin veil that separates the world of death from the world of life starts to dissolve, shearing as though in a wind that no shield can hold. Those once dead live and those living struggle to survive against the perpetual night. Souls are taken and souls returned, but can they ever be the same, coming back from the land of the damned?

A 1000 year-old ghost tires of his duties and the Gods are weakening. 

The Heir Apparent carries the weight of worlds, holding onto the only things that will get him through; faith and love.

If the demon comes, if it breaches the barrier that has kept it from the world, will love be enough? Will anything?



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Review: "The Magic Wakes" by Charity Bradford

The Magic Wakes review
Author: Charity Bradford
4 out of 5 stars

Book Info: Genre: Science Fantasy Romance
Reading Level: Adult
Recommended for: Fans of romance, fans of science fantasy, people who enjoy a good story
Book Available: February 19, 2013
Trigger Warnings: Some violence, genocide

My Thoughts: This is a very interesting world that Charity Bradford has created. In many ways it is much like ours, but there are enough differences that it feels exotic. I’m especially impressed by how well this book turned out, since it is her debut novel. Overall, I really enjoyed the story. The characters are believable and complex, the world building is terrific, and I really enjoyed the way she blended two of my favorite genres: science fiction and urban fantasy. Plus... dragons! Who doesn’t like dragons, right? There were only a couple things that bothered me, and neither should really bother most other people.

First thing, is that in some ways, there is too much romance in this story for my tastes, including the cliché of love interests reacting to each other with irritation and snappishness without even understanding why. Fortunately there are enough other things going on to hold my interest that it didn’t significantly detract form my enjoyment of the story, and for many people that romance element will probably be the selling point.

The only other thing that really bothered me is that we don’t learn what is planned for the magic users going forward. I’m not certain if this is to be continued in another book, but that one thread dangling is itching at my brain terribly!

However, that wasn’t enough to significantly lessen my enjoyment of the story, and I think most others will agree that this is a very well-written and enjoyable story. I can definitely recommend it if it sounds like something you would enjoy.

I’m also a stop on Charity Bradford’s mini-blog-hop, and you can see that post here.

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

Synopsis: Talia has a secret, one that will save her world and yet rip it apart. Only she can decide if the price is worth it.

Scientist Talia Zaryn has always had visions of an alien invasion and of her own death. She has kept it a secret, hoping they are nothing more than childish nightmares. But when her face in the mirror matches that of her dreams, she fears the dreams are prophetic. Talia must prove that life exists beyond their planet, Sendek; perhaps then people will prepare to fight.

Talia's work at the Space Exploration Foundation leaves no time for personal relationships, but Major Landry Sutton is not looking for a friend. He is looking for a traitor. His ability to sense emotions convinces him Talia is that traitor until a touch sizzles between them. In an instant their minds are connected. Just as the two begin to trust each other, the invading force arrives.

Talia and Landry must uncover the secrets of Sendek’s past if they hope to defeat these terrifying creatures. And Talia is the key—if only she can learn to trust the magic coursing through her veins.

Giveaway: "Apex Predators" by James Rowe

This week I'm giving away 20 copies of James Rowe's genre-crossing book Apex Predators. It contains aspects of science fiction, space opera, Kung Fu, role-playing games, and enough action and adventure for any adrenaline junkie. You can see my review here.

James Rowe will be gifting these e-books directly from Amazon.com, so be aware that you will need to be able to accept an e-book gift from Amazon.com, which means you will need to have an account with Amazon.com. My apologies to those who have accounts with Amazon.ca or Amazon.uk or Amazon.in, etc.

Please enter via the Rafflecopter link below and next week I'll draw the winners. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review: "Union" by Jolea M. Harrison

Union review
Author: Jolea M. Harrison
4 out of 5 stars

Book Info: Genre: Science Fantasy Reading Level: Young Adult

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this ebook from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis: There are no holes in space. None to hide in. None where it’s safe. Life on-board a space ship pursued through the void is precarious at best, where the difference between living and dying is measured one instant to the next.

On the run, Dynan Telaerin’s responsibilities increase to the breaking point while he’s the only one capable of flying the ship and making one repair after the other to his almost-crippled craft, at the same time as trying to be a husband to his new wife, Loren. Bringing her and Marc Talryn into the terrifying danger that is Dynan’s life hardens his resolve to protect them at all cost.

Making it back to the fold of the Brittallia System doesn’t guarantee safety, as betrayals abound where he least expects it. They come from people he has trusted nearly the whole of his life. That life of peace, held for a brief moment in time, is abruptly shattered. Loren is taken from him in an attempt to forestall a terrible vision of death.

The specter of evil haunts every thought and guides every action in the attempt to find her and keep her safe. The man who would take her and make the vision a reality is stalking him...

...driving him ever onward, leading him to the envisioned slaughter. Maralt Adaeryn sees the cruel end of an ancient prophecy and he holds a dreadful secret. There are some things worse than death. 

Additional information: Union, the 5th book of the Guardians of the Word series, is suitable for mature young adults. Chosen, Myth, Telepath, and Legend are available on Amazon.com, and I reviewed most of them just last week (mid-August, 2012); click the link on the title of each to see it. The last three books of the series – Adept, Seer, and King – will be released on an approximate 3-month schedule.

My Thoughts: This book again manages a good combination of action and character development, with the plot proceeding apace. While it is not as long as the previous book, it is longer than the first three, but it reads quickly and smoothly and kept me engaged throughout.

I’m still bothered by Maralt’s level of power, and the fact that absolutely no one can seem to stand up against it. Why is it no one else can seem to develop that level of power? Is it just the lack of boundaries caused by a lack of any ethical constraints that allows him to so easily overpower everyone that would even think about getting in his way? The whole thing is very unbalanced; one would think that between Dynan, Marc, and Carryn they could find a workable plan. Also, how did Maralt become so adept at swordplay and fighting? No one can get close to them on the few times when he doesn’t just make them drop their swords. It’s extremely annoying to me that he’s always right there whenever they stop, always able to drop everyone within seconds, always able to do anything and everything he wants. If the book were about the villain, or even if the villain were a bit more likeable, I might be able to get behind it, but as it is, it’s just seriously frustrating.

While each of these book is subsequently better edited than the previous, typos still get through; as they do in most every book I’ve read in the past 20 years or so. The most amusing one in this book, to me, was “derbis” for “debris”; I’m not certain why it amused me so, but it really made me laugh. Something I have noted being misused through most of the series is the word “askance”, which is being used not in its normal sense of looking at something obliquely, or with disapproval, but as in “ask-ance” as in to look at a person in such as way as to imply asking a question. This is not a word at all, and it’s something that has made me repeatedly twitch when I have read it.

Despite these issues, I enjoyed the story quite a lot. To see my reviews of the previous books, I have placed links on their titles up in the “Additional Information” section for your convenience. I will definitely be continuing this series to its conclusion, and eagerly awaiting the next book in the series, Adept.

Book Review: "The Void" By Brett J. Talley

The Void review
Author: Brett J. Talley
5 out of 5 stars

Book Info: Genre: Dark Science Fantasy Reading Level: Adult Ebook available at Journalstone or Amazon; Paperback or Hardcover copy is available as of today, 7/13/12 on Amazon

Disclosure: I received a free eBook ARC from LibraryThing in exchange for an honest review. To make things even better, I just received a free paperback uncorrected proof from Journalstone in a promotion! This will not, of course, affect my opinion of the book, but it is awesome!

Synopsis: In the deepest reaches of space, on a ship that no longer exists, six travelers stare into the abyss . . . and the abyss stares back.

Man has finally mastered the art of space travel and in a few hours passengers can travel light years across the galaxy. But, there's a catch—the traveler must be asleep for the journey, and with sleep come the dreams. Only the sleeper can know what his dream entails, for each is tailored to his own mind, built from his fears, his secrets, his past . . . and sometimes his future.

That the dreams occasionally drive men mad is but the price of technological advance. But when a transport on a routine mission comes upon an abandoned ship, missing for more than a decade, six travelers—each with something to hide—discover that perhaps the dreams are more than just figments of their imagination. Indeed, they may be a window to a reality beyond their own where shadow has substance and the darkness is a thing unto itself, truly worthy of fear.

My Thoughts: Brett J. Talley burst onto the scene last year with his Bram Stoker finalist, Lovecraftian debut, That Which Should not Be, which I absolutely loved, and so did many others. To say I was anticipating this book would be seriously understating the excitement I’ve felt while anticipating the chance to finally read it.

One thing Talley does really well is to create that form of creeping suspense, that feeling that something …. terrible and terrifying waits just right around that corner up ahead. At first this is done subtly, with minor things happening around the characters that could just be their own paranoia, their imagination, but then it starts to ramp up and pretty soon the reader is hanging on the edge of their seat and ready to jump if there is an unexpected sound in the house.

I had initially figured this to be a form of horror/science fiction blend, but after finishing the book, I don’t think I could define it as horror, although it does have some horrific elements, and is very Lovecraftian. No, I have changed my definition to dark science-fantasy, and I think once you read this book you will agree this is fitting. Highly recommended for fans of Cthulhian/Lovecraftian fiction, for fans of the darker prose, for those who enjoy an element of fantasy in their science fiction. This is a really well-written book, and I think that you absolutely cannot go wrong in grabbing a copy to read.