So, I’ve found my new favorite book of 2024. I’ve always enjoyed political intrigue, deeply personal stakes, and secondary Machiavellian characters. ISo, I’ve found my new favorite book of 2024. I’ve always enjoyed political intrigue, deeply personal stakes, and secondary Machiavellian characters. In Navola, Paolo Bacigalupi brings goods to the table!
The story follows Davico di Regulai, the reluctant heir to a powerful banking family in the city of Navola. Unlike his ruthless father, Devonaci, who controls the city from the shadows, Davico dreams of a simpler life, one filled with honesty, connection to nature, and kindness. Power and manipulation don’t appeal to him, but alas, he has little choice since his life is just a piece of the giant, ambitious puzzle played by his father.
Some reviewers complain about following the story through the POV of the least interesting character, but I disagree. I think Davico’s goodness and naivete make characters like Devonaci, Lady Furia, and Stilettotore even more fascinating and mysterious. I mean, think of Lord Vetinari in Discworld novels - he’s so fascinating because we witness his machinations mostly through the eyes of lesser minds and this trick emphasises his cunning and ingenuity.
Davico feels inadequate and trapped in a world that perceives kindness as a weakness to exploit and use against you. But I love coming-of-age arcs, and Bacigalupi is shockingly good at writing them. A word of caution, though—he’s also extremely good and ruthless at destroying kind characters. Davico’s foster sister, Celia, plays a crucial role in his life as his closest friend and potential love interest. The dark machinations of his father and his enemies make everything much harder for them and lay the groundwork for shocking twists and turns that left me staring blankly at the pages, muttering WTF.
There’s a fantasy element too—the dragon’s eye kept by Devonaci plays a pivotal role in Davico’s fate. But why on earth would I spoil it for you? Anyway, the relic, a remnant of a long-lost age, suggests the lingering presence of magic in a world increasingly dominated by human ambition and greed. And it’s not looking kindly at the world or its inhabitants.
Navola is a brilliant book. It takes the classic coming-of-age story, sets it in a fascinating Renaissance Italy inspired world and makes it a part of a brutal power play and political intrigue. It plays with coming-of-age storyline beats but twists them significantly. Things you’re sure will happen, won’t happen. Things you’re sure won’t happen, will happen.
Bacigalupi’s world-building is excellent—Navola comes alive through its detailed landscapes, complex societal structures and interactions, and the language filled with faux-Italian / italiante words. The di Regulai family’s influence over the city is immense, and Bacigalupi captures the tension between power-hungry factions and players. He also shows that sometimes calculated violence and unrelenting political maneuvering is the only way to maintain power.
I loved the prose and found it elegant and immersive. The novel’s pacing, while slower in its beginning, builds to a shocking twist that will change everything about the story. Anyway, the opening chapters consist of vignettes that shaped key moments in Davico’s coming-of-age arc. I found them incredibly effective at setting the tone and making readers lower their guard.
In short, Navola is brilliant and juggles heartfelt moments with outbursts of calculated violence and extreme bleakness. I loved every second of it. Some reviews mention it’s a standalone story and while it can be read as such despite an open ending, I choose to think it’s just the beginning of a brilliant epic series. ...more
Nicked is an entertaining take on the bizarre but true story of a relic heist. The book follows a group of people on a mission to steal the bones of SNicked is an entertaining take on the bizarre but true story of a relic heist. The book follows a group of people on a mission to steal the bones of St. Nicholas from Myra. The author's wit and satirical style will divide readers, I think.
The protagonist, Brother Nicephorus, is a humble monk who dreams of St. Nicholas. Grand adventures aren’t necessarily his passion. But he has no choice. Accompanied by Tyun, a charismatic saint hunter, and Reprobus, his dog-headed companion, Nicephorus is doing his best not to fail. The dynamic and contrast between the earnest monk and the roguish Tyun adds humor to the story and works well most of the time.
I usually enjoy stories that mix humor and seriousness, and Anderson finds a solid balance between satirical commentary and a thoughtful take on faith, morality, and the nature of miracles. It gives Nicked a unique voice, but, honestly, the one I didn’t fully connect with.
I suppose the world-building deserves applause, but I found author’s attention to detail overwhelming. Thankfully, action-packed sequences, from sea battles to cunning deceptions, kept me (mostly) interested.
In summary, Nicked is a good read that combines historical fiction with fantasy and humor. It’s getting rave reviews and while I didn’t enjoy it as much as others, I’ll be the first to admit it’s the classical case of “It’s me, not you”.
If you enjoy well-researched historical adventures with a quirky twist, this book is for you....more
Leigh Bardugo is an excellent writer. She has mastered the skill of setting the tone and hooking the readers in the first chapters.
The Familiar is heLeigh Bardugo is an excellent writer. She has mastered the skill of setting the tone and hooking the readers in the first chapters.
The Familiar is her first adult novel, but I confess it felt more YA to me. Now, I dislike romance in books, and The Familiar is driven by the romance between a brooding immortal who falls for a young (but oh so unique) girl. Shocking, I know. And unheard of. On a serious note, the romance is done well. When things get spicy, they're done tastefully.
So, if you're a romance reader with a soft spot for dark themes and bittersweet endings, you'll love The Familiar. Me, I would prefer it to focus on the historical background and have much less romance as a driving force.
A cracking read! Amina Al-Sirafi is a mother in her 40s with a bad knee. She’s also a legendary pirate queen. Balancing parenting and piracy prov4.5/5
A cracking read! Amina Al-Sirafi is a mother in her 40s with a bad knee. She’s also a legendary pirate queen. Balancing parenting and piracy proved challenging, hence a reclusive lifestyle. Exciting stories require action and stakes, so Amina gets more of those than she can handle alone.
The old team reunites.
Secrets are revealed.
Adventures and twists abound.
I might get around to writing a longer review, but seriously, if you're up for a ride filled with adventure, lovable characters, and a cheeky vibe, this one's worth checking out!...more
Wow. An incredible retelling of the Galatea's story. It's just 30 pages long, but packs a lot!Wow. An incredible retelling of the Galatea's story. It's just 30 pages long, but packs a lot!...more
The Fall of the House of Thomas Weir is set in Edinburgh at the time of the Scottish Enlightenment, a turbulent time when superstition and the Age of The Fall of the House of Thomas Weir is set in Edinburgh at the time of the Scottish Enlightenment, a turbulent time when superstition and the Age of Reason collide and wreak havoc. It follows two famous Scotsmen, Dr. Johnson, a polymath who wrote the first proper English dictionary, and his friend James Boswell, a patriot and a biographer. The story gives them a strong Holmes and Watson duo vibe.
They try to unravel the supernatural mysteries that haunt Edinburgh. Initially, the setup feels like a historical thriller with occult themes; as the story progresses, horror elements, including other-dimensional beings and cosmic horrors, come to the fore. The second half of the story gets brutal and pulpy (but in a good way, especially if you dig horror tropes). Not only is there a hidden conspiracy, it’s alien and threatens all of humanity. Prepare to experience ear-shredding cries rising from the darkness, shape-shifting entities replacing humans, bodies broken.
Johnson and Boswell are a likable pair of adventurers, though their voices are quite similar. Johnson has a vast knowledge of arcane disciplines and he finds solutions way too easily. Boswell has nightmares and doesn’t shy away from a bottle.
It’s a solid historical fantasy / horror story. The author mentions a huge amount of research that went into keeping things period-accurate and I see no reason not to trust him. Edinburgh’s inhabitants will appreciate seeing their city in a new light....more
Robert McCammon's Matthew Corbett series rekindled my love of historical thrillers. Dawid Mark proved the genre could be darker than most grimdark boo Robert McCammon's Matthew Corbett series rekindled my love of historical thrillers. Dawid Mark proved the genre could be darker than most grimdark books.
Anatomy of a Heretic is as good as it is gritty. The story follows two assassins whose paths cross and lead to a bloody finale. The disfigured Jeronimus Cornelisz has big plans, and he will destroy anyone who stands in his way. Nicolaes de Pelgrom, assassin and devoted servant of George Villiers, will do whatever his master demands. Both find themselves on the same ship sailing to India.
The blurb suggests an exciting and bloody battle between two assassins, which is somewhat misleading. The first part of the book introduces the protagonists and their circumstances. The second part follows their perilous sea voyage. At this point, however, they have little contact. Without giving too much away, Jeronimus is busy planning a mutiny. Nicolaes tries to hide his identity and bring justice to others.
Mark's writing style is descriptive and literary. He impressed me with its richness. Vivid descriptions immersed me in the time and place. His primary and secondary characters are three-dimensional and fit into the world.
Cornelisz believes there is no good, no bad and that evil within us must have been put there by God. He can not fight, but he can kill. He knows how to manipulate people and their weaknesses. He has a pathological need to win. Many readers will find his chapters, personality, and reasoning disturbing. They should! And yet, through it all, I never felt he was a caricature.
Nicolaes is likable. He wants to atone as much as he can before his time comes. There are other impressive characters, but it's best to discover their storylines without hints or spoilers.
As mentioned at the beginning, Anatomy of a Heretic contains disturbing content. It's suspenseful and exciting, but also violent and bloody. The opening chapter delivers one of the most terrifying murder scenes I've ever read. Not gratuitous, but so cruel and cold and terrifying that it shook me to the bone.
Fans of dark historical fiction will be delighted by it....more
Wow. Just wow. As a huge fan of Claire North's writing, I had no doubt that I would enjoy Ithaca. But the sheer brilliance of this retelling exce4.5/5
Wow. Just wow. As a huge fan of Claire North's writing, I had no doubt that I would enjoy Ithaca. But the sheer brilliance of this retelling exceeded my wildest dreams. The story is intimate, emotional, and full of drama.
Fans of fast-paced, action-packed stories won't like it, though, so keep that in mind.
Ithaca is the first book in a trilogy telling the story of Penelope of Ithaca. When Odysseus went to war, he left Penelope to rule the western isles. He was supposed to return after Troy's fall, but he didn't. This left Penelope with a big problem. How could she protect her island and her people when not only did she have no army, but the idea of women being in charge was seen as ridiculous?
Additionally, Ithaca was valuable enough to be worth conquering. Powerful suitors wanted to marry Penelope, and she couldn't say yes or no to any of them. Personal preferences aside, there was politics involved. If she married one of the suitors, she risked the others becoming enraged and attacking her isles. And with no men of fighting age to defend it, Ithaca would be doomed. Unfortunately, some of the suitors were tired of waiting and decided to break all the rules to get what they wanted before someone else does.
The story is narrated by Hera, queen of the gods. She has a biting tongue but she's a gifted storyteller. Her narration resembles omniscient narration but at times she starts to rage about her position among gods, her conflict with Athena, or pathetic men. Because she's a goddess, she's able to comment on Penelope's thoughts and actions, as well as those around her. She even mentions what is going on with Odysseus and some of the other famous faces of Troy. It's all fun and full of ATTITUDE. And delightfully feminist.
Ithaca is a fantastic opening to the series. Ancient geopolitics, espionage, treachery, and games of power make it thrilling, and deeply personal stakes make it intimate and focused. I loved it....more
Cardinal Black, the seventh novel in Matthew Corbett's series, picks up the plot from Freedom of the Mask. First, Matthew has to strike a deal with PrCardinal Black, the seventh novel in Matthew Corbett's series, picks up the plot from Freedom of the Mask. First, Matthew has to strike a deal with Professor Fell to save his love and friend. Then, with a charming assassin, Julian Devane, he needs to recover the book of botanical wonders (potions, poisons, drugs) from Cardinal Black. It's one of the fastest and most brutal books in the series. However, it also suggests Satanic forces may be at play, a thing to explore in the next book. The series is brilliant, and McCammon's characterization skills are uncanny. Without spoiling too much, Matthew realizes sometimes you need a bad man (or to become one) to get the job done. I can't wait for the next book in the series. I've binged seven books, 3 545 pages in a month. It's one of the finest series I've ever read. ...more
Freedom of the Mask is amazing. Brutal, tragic, exciting, and unrelenting. Matthew Corbett attracts problems and in Freedom Can I give a book 6 stars?
Freedom of the Mask is amazing. Brutal, tragic, exciting, and unrelenting. Matthew Corbett attracts problems and in Freedom of The Mask, he has to deal with more than ever. With his formidable adversary Professor Fell who's angry at Matthew for destroying his island. With a stay in a hellish jail. With a new and terrifying adversary.
I'm starting the seventh book right now and I'm not sure what am I supposed to do with myself once I finish it? Sit, wait, and hope the eighth one comes as soon as possible....more
Matthew returns to Charles Town. Of course, he wouldn't be himself if he hadn't gotten into trouble. He joins a search for three escaped slaves. One oMatthew returns to Charles Town. Of course, he wouldn't be himself if he hadn't gotten into trouble. He joins a search for three escaped slaves. One of them might have committed a brutal murder. Only, Matthew suspects someone tries to frame the poor guy.
What follows is a frenetically paced journey through the jungle. Prepare for macabre scenes and a strong cliffhanger ending. ...more
Matthew's nemesis, Professor Fell, invites him for a trip. And blows a few buildings before Matthew starts to listen to the voice of reason. Fell needMatthew's nemesis, Professor Fell, invites him for a trip. And blows a few buildings before Matthew starts to listen to the voice of reason. Fell needs Matthew's skills to identify a traitor among his associates.
The Providence Rider is fast-paced (frenetic might be a better word), brutal, and addictive (like the whole series). I'm starting the fifth book today. And then sixth and seventh till I'm done and hungry for more....more
McCammon's Matthew Corbett series is brilliant. It's one of the finest series ever written. That's all you need to know. Of course, I'll be happy if yMcCammon's Matthew Corbett series is brilliant. It's one of the finest series ever written. That's all you need to know. Of course, I'll be happy if you continue reading this review, but my job is done if you give the series a chance.
Mister Slaughter picks up a few months after the events pictured in The Queen of Bedlam. Matthew earns good money as a problem - solver, and he spends too much on fancy clothes and shoes. His vanity gets the better of him, and his selfish attitude has dire consequences.
Matthew and Hudson Greathouse escort a brutal murderer, Tyranthus Slaughter, to prison in Philadelphia. Tyranthus is vicious and cruel. His sharp intelligence and uncanny ability to "read" people and identify their weaknesses make him truly dangerous. He finds a way to tempt Matthew and Hudson. The outcome will leave scars on everyone involved. And a lot of corpses around.
The plot of Mister Slaughter is relatively simple and focuses on a brutal manhunt. But, of course, McCammon finds a way to enrich it with fascinating historical details and excellent characterization. Additionally, all the events, even small ones, set the stage for the following books in the series. Like Matthew's short stay with a tribe of Indians that will change Matthew's life in more ways than one.
Tyranthus Slaughter is genuinely terrifying, a psychopath who revels in inflicting pain on others. Butchering entire families or innocents makes him happy. He turns Matthew's life into chaos. Lessons learned during the gruesome chase through the jungle changed Matthew forever.
Without spoiling too much or speaking about specific scenes, McCammon is, for me, a true master of characterization. His vivid prose and perfect scene-setting (Tom and his dog, Matthew, and Hudson in the well) evoke unforgettable and powerful images of humanity at its best and its worst. Amazing writing.
If you wonder if you can start the series with Mister Slaughter, the answer is yes. But don't do it. You won't appreciate all details and won't get all the nuances. Also, why on earth would you devoid yourself of the pleasure of reading Speaks the Nightbird and Queen of Bedlam?
Mister Slaughter is a frenetically-paced and harrowing manhunt story with fantastic characterization and a terrifying villain. I've already read all available books in the series, and I'm reviewing them after completing all of them. It makes me appreciate McAmmon's brilliance even more.
Matthew Corbett is one of the finest series ever written. Period....more
Matthew Corbett's series continues to impress. Three years after the events of Speaks The Nightbird, Matthew works in New York. A vicious killer 4.5/5
Matthew Corbett's series continues to impress. Three years after the events of Speaks The Nightbird, Matthew works in New York. A vicious killer targets respected citizens with no apparent links to one another. Matthew can't resist the mystery and starts to investigate the murders.
His particular skills and obsession for getting all the answers get him in trouble but also allow him to gain powerful allies.
The novel draws the reader into the life and times of early New York City. McCammon is obsessed with historical details and includes lots of them in the story. Fortunately, he also has the skills to make everything work and make detailed descriptions fascinating, not tiring. ...more
Speaks the Nightbird is a masterpiece. It's been on my Kindle for a while, but the daunting page count terrified me. Silly (or lazy?) me. It's magnifiSpeaks the Nightbird is a masterpiece. It's been on my Kindle for a while, but the daunting page count terrified me. Silly (or lazy?) me. It's magnificent.
Set in Colonial America in 1699, the story follows Matthew Corbett - an apprentice of magistrate Isaac Woodward. The pair travels to Fount Royal to investigate the case of a young woman accused of two murders and witchcraft (plus terrible weather and everything that drives settlers away.) Town leaders press for quick execution - there's nothing like burning of the witch to calm the masses.
Evidence and testimonies speak against Rachel, but Matthew, impressed by her beauty, has doubts. Small inconsistencies in testimonies, minor clues, and observation of people lead him to challenge his Master and everyone around. It also appears many of her accusers have a lot to gain by her execution.
McCammon presents the era with all the filthy details. It's clear he's done a lot of research. The use of anachronisms the period's tone and linguistic conventions. The level of care put to present shocking customs and beliefs of the era (like treating bloodletting as a panacea) impressed me.
A note about McCammon's writing - he paints an amazingly detailed picture of pretty much any scene. I found myself totally immersed in his writing but it won't appeal to everyone. Be warned; it is not a quick read, but rather an immersive and detailed study of the era and human soul. Yes, yes, I know, it sounds dramatic but it's also true. The narrative presents the hardships of day-to-day living during Colonial times and superstitions that made people to behave in the most hideous manner toward others. McCammon doesn't shy away from portraying grittier aspects of human nature. Have that in mind.
I immediately liked Matthew. I admire his single-minded desire to know the answers, all of them; to learn new things and unravel mysteries. Matthew is a peculiar man. The type who relaxes by solving mathematical problems. In Latin, of course. The sort of man ready to stand against the beliefs of his era to learn the truth. In Speaks the Nightbird, he gains a new level of understanding of himself and the world. But to get there, he needs to challenge hundreds of years of medieval knowledge built into the legal system at the time.
He's also a twenty year old virgin and an orphan; his relationships with both his master and Rachel (accused of witchery) are nuanced and fully believable. His dynamics with Woodward is amazing and gut-wrenching. Perfectly portrayed. Matthew's journey into manhood is difficult but he gets there by trusting his instincts and refusing to give up when faced with the impossible.
As mentioned, McCammon loves details. Such focus forces readers to be with characters every step of their way, to live through each choice and action they make. And in my opinion McCammon managed to flesh out every single character in his novel. I can't name any flat character in here. Sure, some are grotesque (a blacksmith who loves his horses, perhaps too much, or certain lady hoping Matthew will take interest in her vulgar daughter) but not forgettable.
Speaks the Nightbird is one of the best book I've ever read. A scary slow burn, sure, but with depth, intelligence, and a fascinating story to tell. Despite tackling dark themes and showing both violence and disturbing deviations, it doesn't lack subtle humor and hope....more
What a stunning cover! I mean, just look at it. Glorious. And, even better, it ties with the story, shows the setting and the story's Byzantine inspirWhat a stunning cover! I mean, just look at it. Glorious. And, even better, it ties with the story, shows the setting and the story's Byzantine inspirations. The Wind from The Wilderness tells an engaging story of Lukas Bessarion - son of a Roman aristocrat who finds himself transported to a world where he has no family or connections. Enemies from the past are closing in on him, and his only ally has good reasons to kill him. All of this happens in the times of the First Crusade.
I rarely read historical fantasy and I don’t care about historical details so I won’t comment on this aspect of the story. I’m more interested in characters, intrigue, and pacing. Rowntree intertwines her protagonists’ stories with real events. We get characters who should be enemies but get close to each other. We get romance, redemption, self-exploration, and growth. And a richly detailed world. While the pacing could be better in places, the story immersed me and made me root for the cast.
Lukas alone wouldn’t gain my full sympathy - he starts way too pompous and arrogant to be relatable. Happily, Ayla - a resourceful and honorable Turkish girl makes up for his shortcomings. Plus, they have great chemistry, and they’re fun together. The third important character, Raymond St Gilles, the crusading count engaged in the complex strategizing and politicking felt more distant to me. He’s so focused on his obligations to God, his people, and his oaths that we rarely see his more relatable side.
Rowntree’s prose is elegant without getting flowery. Don’t let the dense prologue mislead you - the story reads well and has (mostly) a good pacing. In AWftW, historical elements outweigh fantasy elements. The theurgic magic system is there, but it’s not fully developed. Or understandable. Supernatural beings (angels, demons, saints, and djinn) have their hands in the described events, but they remain in the background. Instead, the story focuses on people and their beliefs about the supernatural.
I suspect some fantasy readers would prefer to get a clearer look at the magic system, and perhaps they’ll have a chance in the sequels.
By turns tragic and triumphant, poignant and joyful, this is ultimately an engrossing read. Rowntree combines historical adventure with fantasy and excels at portraying the emotionally charged interplay of her memorable characters....more
Claire North's ideas continue to impress me. William Abbey is cursed - a shadow spirit's presence follows him around the world. When close, it gi3.5/5
Claire North's ideas continue to impress me. William Abbey is cursed - a shadow spirit's presence follows him around the world. When close, it gives him the power to see the truth of men’s hearts. When it catches him, it will kill those he loves.
Abbey spends most of his life running away from the shadow, working as a spy (government sees a perfect tool in him and his unique skills), becoming a traitor, falling in impossible and dangerous love. His story doesn't lack suspense but it's dense, dark, and bloody.
Parts of the story amazed me, parts of the story bored me. I had to force myself to get through some chapters. North tackles big questions about the nature of truth, love, and questions if we can ever really know one another. I liked it but didn't love it.
It was fun and I liked it. In short, it's an LGBT friendly steampunk western. Rather suspenseful, and just a bit sentimental. Karen Memery works 3.5/5
It was fun and I liked it. In short, it's an LGBT friendly steampunk western. Rather suspenseful, and just a bit sentimental. Karen Memery works as a “seamstress”(a prostitute) at Madame Damnable’s Hôtel Mon Cherie in Rapid City. Bear's alternate reality is filled with airships, surgical machines, and other mechanical creations.
Karen has a distinct voice that will divide people. Some will love it, some will need time to get used to it. I was in the second camp and as much as I liked Karen as a protagonist, each time I opened the book I needed a few minutes to stop paying attention to butchered (deliberately) grammar. The ending was explosive but also strained my sense of immersion.
I’m glad I’ve read the book. I liked it more than not, but some things irked me....more