I don't review every book I read. Contrary to what you may think, this isn't because the books that don't make it here are crap. My reviews are somewhat critical in nature, and its important to me that I not only explain why I liked certain things, but also that I list things I didn't like. Both the balance and the logic of this format are what works for me, simple as that.
But sometimes I fall in love with books. I get so swept away in my enjoyment of the story that my heart beats faster, my eyes well with tears, or I burst out laughing. These are all good things, and while I do experience them with the books I review as well, some stories aren't so easy to be logical about.
Anyway, I've decided its terribly unfair of me not to say something about the stories that held me in rapture recently. Here they are:
But sometimes I fall in love with books. I get so swept away in my enjoyment of the story that my heart beats faster, my eyes well with tears, or I burst out laughing. These are all good things, and while I do experience them with the books I review as well, some stories aren't so easy to be logical about.
Anyway, I've decided its terribly unfair of me not to say something about the stories that held me in rapture recently. Here they are:
The Oracle of Philadelphia by Elizabeth Corrigan
An angels and demons themed Urban Fantasy. The main character is an immortal who goes by many names who sets out to save a man’s soul by releasing him from a demonic deal. Her journeys through the demonic realm are fascinating, as are the glimpses into the character’s past.
I was enthralled from start to finish, and caught off guard by the twist at the end. The author’s take on the often stale and clichéd angel/demon element is refreshing, and she proves that well placed flashback can work. Then there’s Bedlam…this character literally had me laughing out loud.
Get it on Kindle
An angels and demons themed Urban Fantasy. The main character is an immortal who goes by many names who sets out to save a man’s soul by releasing him from a demonic deal. Her journeys through the demonic realm are fascinating, as are the glimpses into the character’s past.
I was enthralled from start to finish, and caught off guard by the twist at the end. The author’s take on the often stale and clichéd angel/demon element is refreshing, and she proves that well placed flashback can work. Then there’s Bedlam…this character literally had me laughing out loud.
Get it on Kindle
The Sunken by S.C Green
This was my first foray into Steampunk. There’s a generous mix of Alternate History in this book alongside the Steampunk elements, this is primarily noticeable in the ‘dragons’, the Industrial Religious sects, and the mention of historical figures like Charles Babbage.
The infamous madness of King George takes on a far more sinister element in this book, and the end result is amazeballs. Intrigue runs high, and it’s hard to know who to trust among the characters sometimes. I found it hard to get into the formal language at first, but it's worth persevering.
Get it on Kindle
This was my first foray into Steampunk. There’s a generous mix of Alternate History in this book alongside the Steampunk elements, this is primarily noticeable in the ‘dragons’, the Industrial Religious sects, and the mention of historical figures like Charles Babbage.
The infamous madness of King George takes on a far more sinister element in this book, and the end result is amazeballs. Intrigue runs high, and it’s hard to know who to trust among the characters sometimes. I found it hard to get into the formal language at first, but it's worth persevering.
Get it on Kindle
Ghostwalker by Nicole Martinsen
An epic fantasy that takes place over a long period of time. While the elves, humans, and dwarves populating this book are a familiar notion, there’s a unique take on the races’ origins.
This is my favourite book on this list, so of course, I find it the hardest to explain. There are some minor editing issues, and the cover isn’t great, but in terms of plot, characters, magic system etc. I think this book could hold its own when compared to greats such as Lord of the Rings and The Darkness That Comes Before. It may be better than the Fionavar Tapestry. Fans of sword and sorcery, or epic fantasy should definitely give this book a read.
Get it on Smashwords
An epic fantasy that takes place over a long period of time. While the elves, humans, and dwarves populating this book are a familiar notion, there’s a unique take on the races’ origins.
This is my favourite book on this list, so of course, I find it the hardest to explain. There are some minor editing issues, and the cover isn’t great, but in terms of plot, characters, magic system etc. I think this book could hold its own when compared to greats such as Lord of the Rings and The Darkness That Comes Before. It may be better than the Fionavar Tapestry. Fans of sword and sorcery, or epic fantasy should definitely give this book a read.
Get it on Smashwords
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