Masters of Deception is an enjoyable epic fantasy that blends political intrigue, subterfuge, and magic. Set in a world infused with Asian elements itMasters of Deception is an enjoyable epic fantasy that blends political intrigue, subterfuge, and magic. Set in a world infused with Asian elements it offers a nice break from western settings. The book gathers a motley crew of characters from different cultures (a diviner, a mystic trying to restore her clan’s honor, a paladin searching for his lost love, a half-elf ninja and spy) whose missions converge at one point or another.
The story itself is entertaining, and there is always another surprise to keep the readers on their toes. The cast of characters is diverse and it’s good to see the female characters playing leading roles as convincingly as their male counterparts. The subversion of male/female sexual dynamics in society (women initiate intercourse, men are shy creatures who may panic just before things get serious) surprised me.
Some readers might cringe, however, at the way some conflicts develop. While Brehane and Makeda’s magical and sexual rivalry offered some comic relief, I found it rather shallow and moderately funny (unless transforming soup into cat urine makes you roll on the floor laughing, that is).
All in all, readers fond of fast-paced.conflict-driven epics should enjoy it. Even though I wasn’t crazy about characterization, Masters of Deception is still a fun and entertaining read.
Ben Galley becomes my go-to dark-fantasy author. His books are compulsively readable, dark, surprising, but also funny in places.
Grim Solace complicatBen Galley becomes my go-to dark-fantasy author. His books are compulsively readable, dark, surprising, but also funny in places.
Grim Solace complicates things for all characters, especially for Nilith. We learn more about her goals and her dysfunctional marriage with Farazar.
Caltro’s darkly-humorous voice entertains, but don’t let it fool you, his story is probably the darkest one. We just don’t feel it thanks to his unique narration. Also, Caltro gets some mind-blowing upgrades and I can’t wait to see them thoroughly explored in the last book of the series.
A great, imaginative sequel that blends dark story with humour and distinct characterisation. Highly recommended....more
I’m tired of a western setting in fantasy books. It seems many authors feel the same, and they set their stories in more exotic pActual rating: 3.75/5
I’m tired of a western setting in fantasy books. It seems many authors feel the same, and they set their stories in more exotic places. Prince of Cats takes place in a secondary world influenced by Middle East traditions and landscapes.
The dexterity of hands determines how well a surgeon, a musician or a thief perform their art. PoC’s protagonist Jawad is a skilful thief, maybe not as good as a legendary Prince of Cats who can steal the silver teeth from your mouth in the blink of a smile, but he knows what he’s doing.
Jawad has plans and schemes he wishes to accomplish, but things don’t go as planned and he suddenly finds himself in the centre of the conflict between rich merchants, cutthroats and the Prince himself. Time plays against him, and he must find answers soon. Otherwise an appointment with the executioner may look like a decent option.
I liked Jawad and his voice. He makes an impression of a kind-hearted smartass and he's difficult not to like. Even Sahal warms to him with time.
Side-characters and antagonists felt real. While there aren’t many women in the book, the one we get presented closely doesn’t come across as sex-fantasy or damsel in distress. I appreciate it.
A well-crafted combination of humour and drama keeps the reader’s attention, lending moments of honest excitement to the story. The plot is not without its flaws. Prince of Cats identity isn’t difficult to guess, but Olesen handled developments well enough to keep me invested in the story.
TL;DR - short, sharp, fast and witty with a good sense of place.
Sigil Independent Guild members’ releases continue to impress me. If you’re looking for a way to discover quality self-published books, have an eye on them....more
Wuxia is violent and anti-Confucian. But also fun.
Hayes delivers a thrilling take on classic principles and conventions of wuxia while casting them iWuxia is violent and anti-Confucian. But also fun.
Hayes delivers a thrilling take on classic principles and conventions of wuxia while casting them in a new light (and in a secondary world based on east-Asian influences). Wandering warriors are mostly, but not fully, alive. Some follow a code of honour, others don’t care about such nonsense.
A mysterious murdered eight-year-old boy - Ein sets on a mission to kill Emperor of Ten Kings. He can’t do it alone. He needs the help of heroes, preferably legendary ones. To serve him, they must first die.
A plot summary barely conveys the extraordinary energy of this book. At first glance, it sounds like a simple story. Ein recruits the team and they confront the bad guy in an explosive final battle. Such a description, while sound, doesn’t do the justice to the characters and their dynamics. Never Die blends reversals, unexpected meetings, betrayals, cliffhangers and lovingly described combat.
Each character has a special skill (in some cases reflected by his/her name - Whispering Blade, Iron Gut) crucial to the success of the team. Each feels distinct and memorable. I especially liked Bingwei-Ma and Itami-Cho, probably two most honourable team members. That said, others were intriguing and likable as well. Iron Gut and Emerald Wind's banter brought life and humor to the pages, while Death's Echo behaviour rose many questions.
I will stop here because Never Die is so full of nail-biting twists and turns that I don’t want to spoil the experience. For me, it’s a fantastically entertaining piece of suspenseful action storytelling with a killer ending.
Most people think djinns live in lamps and grant wishes while dressed in turbans. Nothing further from the truth. Djinns are terrifying, capricious anMost people think djinns live in lamps and grant wishes while dressed in turbans. Nothing further from the truth. Djinns are terrifying, capricious and proud creatures. Made of fire, they're stronger, faster and deadlier than any human. When you meet one, don't ask him for a favour. Be polite and careful not to offend him. Who knows, maybe you'll survive?
Shah's Fire Boy and Earth Boy duology (in some regions published as a single volume called Boy of Fire and Earth) blew my mind. I loved this book. It's a dark, funny, and compelling urban fantasy tale based in Pakistan's biggest city - Karachi. A young boy, Wahid, comes to terms with his unique abilities and sets out on an adventure to recover the soul of the girl he loves from vengeful djinns.
Helped by the devil himself, Wahid will cross the line between worlds and explore Sufi mysticism. Sounds New-age-y? It shouldn't. Shah's raw talent, unexpected turns and twists, and an intelligent plot make this tale compelling and genuinely surprising.
As a westerner, I found the eastern setting and mythology fascinating and fresh. From Dajjal to the djinns or Pichal Pairee — the novel introduces various Islamic mythical creatures in all their splendour. The mythology and cosmology derived from Qur'an explore the notion of the multiverse and thin layers between mythical and physical. I absolutely loved the passages of the book that delved into metaphysics and theology. Plus, Iblis (The Devil himself) shines as a secondary character.
Wahid is a dorky, instantly likeable protagonist. He loves comic books and fantasy and has no idea how to approach the girl he likes. Following him on the journey of self-discovery never failed to entertain (or terrify). While Wahid's arc builds upon Chosen One and Coming of Age tropes, it does so with great style.
I think some readers may have a problem with females' representation in the book - the ones we meet are perfect victims, old hags, or flirtatious types.
The tone of the book switches between funny and gritty. When the story gets violent, it pulls no punches. Some scenes and deaths shocked me. Djinns get terrifying and I'm thoroughly impressed with their portrayal.
The city becomes a character as well (literally). Shah loves Karachi. Deeply. I've never been to Pakistan, but somehow he made me feel what it would be like to walk through vibrant and dangerous streets of this city. Home to over a dozen ethnic communities, Karachi is diverse and volatile, sometimes frightening but also magnificent. The Fire Boy reads like a dark ode to Karachi displaying its darkest secrets. I need to go there one day.
It seems the author intended the duology to be a single volume. In the West it's published as two books, in India as one. My advice - don't treat it as a duology. It doesn't work as one at all. That's why I rate both books as one.
Shah's Reap short story shines in Djinn Falls in Love anthology. The combination of Shah's talent, creativity and engaging storyline propel Fire Boy and Earth Boy to my 2018' best reads....more
Most people think djinns live in lamps and grant wishes while dressed in turbans. Nothing further from the truth. Djinns are terrifying, capricious anMost people think djinns live in lamps and grant wishes while dressed in turbans. Nothing further from the truth. Djinns are terrifying, capricious and proud creatures. Made of fire, they're stronger, faster and deadlier than any human. When you meet one, don't ask him for a favour. Be polite and careful not to offend him. Who knows, maybe you'll survive?
Shah's Fire Boy and Earth Boy duology (in some regions published as a single volume called Boy of Fire and Earth) blew my mind. I loved this book. It's a dark, funny, and compelling urban fantasy tale based in Pakistan's biggest city - Karachi. A young boy, Wahid, comes to terms with his unique abilities and sets out on an adventure to recover the soul of the girl he loves from vengeful djinns.
Helped by the devil himself, Wahid will cross the line between worlds and explore Sufi mysticism. Sounds New-age-y? It shouldn't. Shah's raw talent, unexpected turns and twists, and an intelligent plot make this tale compelling and genuinely surprising.
As a westerner, I found the eastern setting and mythology fascinating and fresh. From Dajjal to the djinns or Pichal Pairee — the novel introduces various Islamic mythical creatures in all their splendour. The mythology and cosmology derived from Qur'an explore the notion of the multiverse and thin layers between mythical and physical. I absolutely loved the passages of the book that delved into metaphysics and theology. Plus, Iblis (The Devil himself) shines as a secondary character.
Wahid is a dorky, instantly likeable protagonist. He loves comic books and fantasy and has no idea how to approach the girl he likes. Following him on the journey of self-discovery never failed to entertain (or terrify). While Wahid's arc builds upon Chosen One and Coming of Age tropes, it does so with great style.
I think some readers may have a problem with females' representation in the book - the ones we meet are perfect victims, old hags, or flirtatious types.
The tone of the book switches between funny and gritty. When the story gets violent, it pulls no punches. Some scenes and deaths shocked me. Djinns get terrifying and I'm thoroughly impressed with their portrayal.
The city becomes a character as well (literally). Shah loves Karachi. Deeply. I've never been to Pakistan, but somehow he made me feel what it would be like to walk through vibrant and dangerous streets of this city. Home to over a dozen ethnic communities, Karachi is diverse and volatile, sometimes frightening but also magnificent. The Fire Boy reads like a dark ode to Karachi displaying its darkest secrets. I need to go there one day.
It seems the author intended the duology to be a single volume. In the West it's published as two books, in India as one. My advice - don't treat it as a duology. It doesn't work as one at all. That's why I rate both books as one.
Shah's Reap short story shines in Djinn Falls in Love anthology. The combination of Shah's talent, creativity and engaging storyline propel Fire Boy and Earth Boy to my 2018' best reads.
Why haven’t I heard about this book before? It’s a gripping, meticulously researched blend of urban and historical fantasy set in modern Tokyo.
MarikoWhy haven’t I heard about this book before? It’s a gripping, meticulously researched blend of urban and historical fantasy set in modern Tokyo.
Mariko Oshiro, the only female detective in the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, deals not only with complex cases but also with sexism in her workplace. Her new boss is determined to demote her. He assigns her to a seemingly mundane case involving the attempted theft of a sword. It turns out the case involves a ruthless killer and ancient magical swords.
The author does his best to connect four timelines - segmented storyline switches between Mariko’s present-day adventures and historical accounts showing other owners of the swords. An ambitious approach for sure. Does it work? Yes, mostly.
I loved the Japanese setting and well-researched details. The author shows surprising policies of Tokyo police (stun guns used instead of firearms), social hierarchies and dynamics, and historical accounts on the samurais of feudal Japan.
The swords crafted by Master Inazuma have a deep history and legendary powers. These powers are never displayed directly. The reader starts to see more than a coincidence in the way swords owners' lives develop but don’t expect to witness Mariko cutting hordes of demons to pieces with her sword. It’s more subtle.
Mariko’s foe wields a cursed Inazuma blade and he’ll do anything to put his hands on two other swords. Both Mariko and her antagonist are complex and interesting individuals. Mariko is an outsider in private and professional life. Her colleagues at work disregard women and make her feel it on every step. Her mother usually takes side of Mariko’s drug-addicted younger sister. And yet Mariko clenches her teeth and does her job. I like her and her determination.
There’s no romance, guys. Awesome and almost unheard of in UF. Bravo Mr Bein.
Mariko’s story is engaging and well-plotted. Unfortunately, Bein’s decided to interrupt it few times with lengthy historical backstories involving other Inazuma Blades’ wielders. I understand the idea, but I dislike the execution. Inserting these short stories/novelettes distracts the reader from the main plot and make it harder to connect with Mariko.
I enjoyed Daughter of Sword a lot. Were it shorter and focused on Mariko’s investigation, I would call it brilliant. ...more
I deeply enjoyed Galley’s Heart of Stone. This guy knows how to grab the reader’s attention. Once I learned about his new book, I put it near the top I deeply enjoyed Galley’s Heart of Stone. This guy knows how to grab the reader’s attention. Once I learned about his new book, I put it near the top of my TBR list. How could I say no to an early ARC of Chasing Graves?
You’re right. I couldn’t.
The story is nuanced, dark and complex. A master locksmith, Caltro Basalt, dies a gruesome death on his first night at Araxes. He won’t enjoy eternal rest though. Soulstealers led by Boss Boran Temsa turn him into a Shade (a ghost slave) and sell him to serve the rich.
Somewhere between life and death, Caltro struggles to “survive” and make things right. He doesn’t realise he had a role to play in a cutthroat game of power. Now, that he’s dead, dead gods have a business with him.
Castro’s arc intertwines with other complex stories featuring a cast of intriguing, morally grey characters. I especially enjoyed Boss Boran Temsa - a consummate and cruel player of games of power. I can’t say I like him as a person, yet he intrigues me. Sisine, a young princess, willing to purge some nobles stood out as another interesting character. Not to mention older Shades who may have an agenda of their own.
World-building, influenced by Egyptian and Greek mythology, hooked me early in the book. To say it’s great wouldn’t make it a justice. It’s engrossing and introduced in a skilful way.
As Chasing Graves opens new trilogy, you shouldn’t expect it to work as a standalone. It doesn’t. To make things worse, it ends with a cliffhanger. I don’t mind as I expect to read the sequel in 2019.
As you see I enjoyed the novel. Asked about Chasing Graves’ issues I would admit that choice of narration troubles me. Ben Galley did something unorthodox, you see. He tinkered with the expected narrative flow and told the story mixing first and third-person point of view. Caltro’s chapters are told in the first-person, other in third-person limited. While not jarring, at times it felt a bit off to me.
It made Caltro’s voice much more intimate and much stronger that other characters. I assume it was a deliberate choice. As a result, though, I cared much less about other characters and their stories. Despite excellent plotting of all story lines, I grew impatient when separated from Basalt’s POV for more than one chapter.
It didn’t bring me out of the story, but I can’t say this POV mix became my instant favourite. I recall few books written in this way, for example, Feersum Endjinn by Iain Banks. So, yes, writers do it, readers read it, life goes on. And yet I don’t fully embrace it.
But it’s just a minor gripe.
Chasing Graves, with its well paced and tight plot is complex, intricate and rewarding. I can’t wait to put my hands on the sequel....more