Another entertaining adventure with Rowan and Bel. Very different from Book 1, but still highly enjoyable. Another road trip, but this one is set in aAnother entertaining adventure with Rowan and Bel. Very different from Book 1, but still highly enjoyable. Another road trip, but this one is set in a different part of Kirstein's world. The flavour is a little like they are travelling with a nomadic Mongol tribe.
I love the original and interesting ideas Kirstein has come up with. I haven't read a book with a setting and characters quite like this one. The plot moved a little slowly at times, but the characters took you with them on their journey. I did not guess the outskirter's secret until it was revealed, and I was taken by surprise (in an interested way). Not what I expected or imagined at all.
The developing mystery about the 'wizard' Slado and his intentions is still holding my interest. I liked the way various tidbits have been revealed. On to Book 3 :)
4.5 stars. I really enjoyed this revisit to the Old Kingdom. Mostly fast-paced, lovely characters, and many familiar aspects from the other novels. Al4.5 stars. I really enjoyed this revisit to the Old Kingdom. Mostly fast-paced, lovely characters, and many familiar aspects from the other novels. Although it's a prequel, it was no problem reading it after the other books - it kinda added to its charm actually, as you recognised bits and pieces of what was to come. Well worth the read. ...more
4 to 4.5 stars. This book was published in 1989. A sci-fi fantasy crossover series. I'd never heard of the books before, until just recently.
Really e4 to 4.5 stars. This book was published in 1989. A sci-fi fantasy crossover series. I'd never heard of the books before, until just recently.
Really enjoyed this very engaging read. A very appealing fantasy world, with likeable and interesting characters. Elements of technology that readers can clearly see are science-based rather than the "magic" the general populace (in the book) believes them to be puts this book into the sci-fi genre as well as fantasy. Clearly more will be revealed about this in other books of the series.
It's mostly a road-trip book, with a different take from many other books of its ilk, in that the two main protagonists are women - competent, brave, clever women with independence and integrity. I really enjoyed this aspect of the book. I also liked that the book does not disrespect or downplay men and their qualities - it's just that men and women are pretty much seen as equally capable. It makes such a refreshing change to read a book like this. In this aspect, the book was ahead of its time, I think.
A fun and intriguing adventure-mystery-fantasy-sci-fi read. It kept my interest the whole way through. There was a bit of violence (mostly off page) that made me uncomfortable, but otherwise I highly recommend. I will definitely read the others in the series....more
I liked the way Garman fell in love with Lenora even though her once-beautiful face was pockmarked from illness. He saw through to the lovely woman beI liked the way Garman fell in love with Lenora even though her once-beautiful face was pockmarked from illness. He saw through to the lovely woman beneath. Lenora clearly did some growing up too, becoming more mature after the challenging experiences she went through at the start of the book.
But for me this pseudo-medieval world of Karadok created by Ms Coldbreath is not fully convincing, and I would rather the books be set in the real (historical) world. I have enjoyed the Victorian-era books she has written, but this one not quite so much. It started to drag in the last third or so. I had to push through to finish it. I might read some others in this series? Not sure....more
I enjoyed this fast-moving YA fantasy romp. As with some of Nix's other books, there were clear references and influences/homage to other books and auI enjoyed this fast-moving YA fantasy romp. As with some of Nix's other books, there were clear references and influences/homage to other books and authors, but Nix puts his own spin on things.
The basic idea is a fun one. It's a little odd that it's set in 1983, but *shrugs* why not? Perhaps future generations of these characters will move forward into the present day.
An easy read that kept my interest all the way through....more
Fast-moving, light entertainment. I liked that the two main characters were older, more mature people who both had integrity. There is a HEA, but the Fast-moving, light entertainment. I liked that the two main characters were older, more mature people who both had integrity. There is a HEA, but there is also clearly more to come with this story.
The sequel, Rogue Charms, does not currently have a release date, although it was originally going to be released a few years ago. I hope Ms Harrison finds her way to getting this sequel published. ...more
3.5 to 4 stars. I liked parts of this book and I feel committed to the continuing saga of Mercy Thompson et al. The new information about Coyote was i3.5 to 4 stars. I liked parts of this book and I feel committed to the continuing saga of Mercy Thompson et al. The new information about Coyote was interesting and added to the overall storyline of the books. I really disliked the big role played by Adam's ex-wife Christy in this book though. I know she was there to add some tension, but she's a horrible character and I did not enjoy the scenes where she was present. For me it dominated this book too much. I also found (view spoiler)[ the volcano god from Tenerife a bit hard to swallow. It seems a stretch to me that he would be wandering around in the USA and just happened to become obsessed with Christy. Also, conveniently, one of the characters had been on holiday to Tenerife and just happened to know the volcano god myth rather well. Just lucky, I guess! Hmmm. It all felt a bit too convenient. (hide spoiler)]
Oh well, all that aside, I did enjoy the read overall. But for me, it's just not one of the best in the series....more
3.5 stars. This book introduces the enigmatic Alpha of the Snowfang wolf shifters pack, Sterling Mortcombe, and his bride Winter. I liked that the plo3.5 stars. This book introduces the enigmatic Alpha of the Snowfang wolf shifters pack, Sterling Mortcombe, and his bride Winter. I liked that the plot of the book wasn't predictable, but built gradually to the climax at the end of the book. It took a while for Sterling and Winter to get to know each other and deepen their relationship. The Manhattan setting was a change from the usual shifter read as well.
This book is a different take on wolf shifters, and overall was an enjoyable read. Clearly the story is not over yet, although it's not exactly a cliffhanger. But I will go on and read the next book....more
A reread. 3.5 stars. I enjoyed this CR. Sam and Lucy are both appealing characters, and they fit together well.
I did find myself wondering what Lucy A reread. 3.5 stars. I enjoyed this CR. Sam and Lucy are both appealing characters, and they fit together well.
I did find myself wondering what Lucy actually saw in the ex-boyfriend who had dumped her at the start of the book (for her little sister OUCH!). He seemed like such a b@stard, and I wasn't entirely convinced that he and Lucy could have stayed together for two years. But the twisted relationship between Kevin, Alice and Lucy, plus Lucy's parents and their back story, did give the book some interest and solidity. And I really liked Sam. His issues resulting from his horrible childhood were quite convincing, and he showed character growth through the course of the book.
Overall an enjoyable read. On my first read I was a bit taken aback by the seemingly gratuitous touches of magic or fantasy in the book. Not what I expect in a CR. However on reread I knew what to expect, and just went with it. I'm still of the opinion that they didn't really add much to the story, which IMO could have stood well on its own two feet without any magical touches. However, in spite of it, I still liked the read. Just not Ms Kleypas' best series though....more
A nice YA fantasy adventure. Best to read the previous books first, though. It's not really a standalone.
Took me a while to get through this one. It A nice YA fantasy adventure. Best to read the previous books first, though. It's not really a standalone.
Took me a while to get through this one. It wasn't as gripping and enjoyable as the first two books in the series - Sabriel, and my personal favourite, Lirael. I really loved those two, but this one was more putdownable. Either it's just not as well written, or else I've grown out of the series a bit. Not sure which. But I just didn't love this one like I did the others. I didn't care as much about the characters (even beloved characters reappearing from previous books), and the magic in this book didn't fascinate me as much.
I'll keep an open mind for future books set in this world, but I don't think I'll be rereading this one....more
A wonderful YA fantasy. Beautifully told, with so many exciting and powerful moments. The clues to Lirael's and Prince Sameth's real identities are hiA wonderful YA fantasy. Beautifully told, with so many exciting and powerful moments. The clues to Lirael's and Prince Sameth's real identities are hinted at and gradually revealed to the reader, till we realise all at the climactic (but kinda cliffhanger) ending. The mysterious Library of the Clayr is one of fantasy's iconic imaginings, and one of my favourite book settings. The section when Lirael makes her big discoveries is so magical and beautifully paced. I love the world Nix has created, For me, this book is the best of the series, and the Disreputable Dog is one of his best creations....more
4.5 stars Nov 2021. I've been inspired to do a reread after reading the new prequel: Terciel and Elinor. This book still stands up well. A well-drawn a4.5 stars Nov 2021. I've been inspired to do a reread after reading the new prequel: Terciel and Elinor. This book still stands up well. A well-drawn and captivating world with interesting magic and two likeable leads, as well as a magical cat. I also love the concepts of the Charter and the bells. ...more