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Book Review: The Lost War (Eidyn 1) by Justin Lee Anderson

1/31/2020

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The war is over, but something is rotten in the state of Eidyn.

With a ragged peace in place, demons burn farmlands, violent Reivers roam the wilds and plague has spread beyond the Black Meadows. The country is on its knees.

In a society that fears and shuns him, Aranok is the first magically-skilled draoidh to be named King’s Envoy.

Now, charged with restoring an exiled foreign queen to her throne, he leads a group of strangers across the ravaged country. But at every step, a new mystery complicates their mission.

As bodies drop around them, new threats emerge and lies are revealed, can Aranok bring his companions together and uncover the conspiracy that threatens the kingdom?

Strap in for this twisted fantasy road trip from award-winning author Justin Lee Anderson.

Review

A dark fantasy brimming with intrigue that concludes in a jaw-dropping plot twist.

The kingdom of Eidyn has just emerged from a devastating war. Thousands are dead, demons still roam the countryside, Reivers lurk in the wilds, and plague is spreading in the south. They didn’t quite win the war either, having merely trapped Mynygogg, a draoidh with demon summoning and necromancy skills, within Dun Eidyn. A detailed, but not obtrusive history and strong focus on social and political aspects all add depth to a world with distinct Celtic influences.
 
Aranok, King’s Envoy and the first draoidh to receive such a title, is tasked with restoring an exiled queen to her throne in a move that King Janaeus hopes will win Eidyn a grateful ally. This mission chafes Aranok, who feels his skills would be better utilised in dealing with a demon laying waste to the crops in Eidyn’s agricultural heartland, or aiding a major city besieged by plague. He’s prepared to bend his orders to help the public, but not all his companions share the sentiment. This causes interesting group dynamics as these strangers bond, bicker, and battle together on the road. All the characters have nuanced, convincing personalities but Samily is my clear favourite. I loved the series of awkward conversations that reveal her asexuality and her straightforward, black or white, get the job done attitude. Her absolute indomitability in battle is pretty awesome too.
 
This novel is all about the side quests and although that can make it feel a little ponderous at times, every encounter yields important information. Aranok and his companions unearth several mysterious anomalies on their travels that lead in to a twist so unexpected that the only thing I can compare it to is that time a horse threw me into a river.

Book provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review


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10 Best Books of 2019

12/31/2019

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This post is dedicated to the best, most memorable books I read this year. Every book on this list stands out for a variety of reasons, such as originality, great writing, or even just being a heck of an entertaining read.

The Red Veld by Nicholas Rinth

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My first read of 2019 was a knockout. This indie published series is one of my all time favourites. It has an awesome slow burn romance and an intriguing plot.

Think Dragon Age but with the Circle and mages foremost in the plot.

Read my full review here

Walk on Earth a Stranger by Rae Carson

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Because gold magic and incredible POV writing. I could hear Leah talking as I read this.

Full review here

The Night my Dead Girlfriend Called by Feyisayo Anjorin

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This novella presents a complex and surprising dystopian vision of Nigeria as the main character questions his sanity.

Full review here

Shammed by Bernadette Franklin

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This romantic comedy revolves around an eternal, friendly, prank war between two legal firms. It's an addictive, feel-good read.

Full Review here

Heshayol by Joshua Robertson and JC Boyd

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The Thrice Nine Legends Saga is Epic Fantasy of the highest calibre, the sort of books you want everyone to read so they can love it as much as you do. It's like Tolkien, but darker and without the emphasis on language.

Full review here.

The Ghosthunter's Daughter by Caroline Flarity

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A truly remarkable YA Urban Fantasy featuring a magical world that will please Supernatural fans while touching on complex psychological and social issues.

Full Review here

David Mogo, Godhunter by Suyi Davies Okungbowa

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This was one of my most anticipated reads of 2019 and it did not disappoint.

Full Review here

Operation Sustainable Human by Chris MacDonald

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A simplified yet efficient approach to combat climate change that is encouraging rather than fatalistic.

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

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This book deserves all its hype.

Skyward by Brandon Sanderson

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I listened to the audiobook and it was amazing!

Also, Spensa's ridiculous thigh gap on the cover cracks me up every single time. If the cover for Starsight is anything to go by, it's only going to get better (worse?)
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Cover Reveal: Elai Nelson and the Gate of Fire by Michael Ban

12/13/2019

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Cover reveal Elai Nelson and the Gate of Fire book three of the Fire on the Clouds trilogy by Michael Ban YA fantasy parody portal fantasy chosen one
I'm thrilled to be able to post a cover reveal for one of my absolute favourite YA fantasy series!

Elai Nelson and the Gate of Fire is the final installment of Michael Ban's Fire on the Clouds trilogy, and I am so stoked to read what happens next!

Read my review of Elai Nelson and the Prophecy of the Child (Fire on the Clouds 1)

Read my review of Elai Nelson and the Storm on the Sands (Fire on the Clouds 2)

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    Author

    Caitlin has loved fantasy from a young age. She started writing in earnest because she couldn’t find the book she needed to read.
     
    Caitlin enjoys listening to music, watching anime, researching random subjects so she can be a better know-it-all, and playing the odd game.   
     
    She lives in South Africa with her son.

    Her work received highest honours in the 2017 SAWC Short Story Competition.

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