Tag: Fantasy

draconian?

Posted on by Greig

Nice Dragons Finish Last

Rachel Aaron

nice dragons finish lastThis is a fun piece of urban fantasy with an enjoyable setting and characters with loads of potential.
Julius is lacking the dragon instincts of his species. He’s trapped in human form and sent out into the world to prove he can be a credit to his clan or be eaten by his Mother.
In the course of events he meets up with a human Mage called Marci and the two help each other survive of draconic malice and the interventions of rival seers.
While this is a very solid book it’s the potential of the world Aaron’s built that has me most excited. In fact I’ve already bought the sequel.

Rating: B+

elf-shot?

Posted on by Greig

A Red-Rose Chain

Seanan McGuire

a red-rose chainThe latest instalment of the Toby Daye story finds her in Portland on a diplomatic mission to avert war between Faerie kingdoms. Obviously this being Toby nothing quite goes to plan.
I seriously really enjoyed this book. I love the whole series so much. I’ve been rating them a bit harshly ever since I started because I’m certain that McGuire is capable of pushing her writing to another level but the consistent B+ rating doesn’t really reflect how much I enjoy these books. Or indeed how excited I am to read what happens next.

Rating: A-

celgas?

Posted on by Greig

The Court Of The Air

Stephen Hunt

Court Of The AirIn two separate threads this book tells the story of two orphans. Molly, a child of a poorhouse and too smart for her own good and Oliver, raised by his uncle but effectively under house arrest as he’s suspected of having been infected by the feymist.
The book is set in an alternative, steampunky, version of Victorian era Britain. Hunt twists the past and traditions of Britain and continental Europe so effectively as to create a very different, yet believable, world.
Of course this being a fantasy the two orphans are vital to the future of a free world under threat from an insane ‘communityist’ under the thrall of ancient evil gods. Their trials and tribulations take place in wonderfully conceived locations with entertaining, if cut out, characters.
I really rather enjoyed this book. It has it’s flaws, to be sure, with weak pacing at times, the lack of character depth, and a couple of loose threads forgotten come the end but it is very much worth a read if you like fantasy novels.

Rating: B+