I’ve seen this series described as a police procedural, and that is very accurate, IF that moniker is placed in a fantasy realm and seen throug4.5/5.0
I’ve seen this series described as a police procedural, and that is very accurate, IF that moniker is placed in a fantasy realm and seen through the eyes of that world. It is methodical in its unraveling of the mystery in each book but there is SO much more! There is a virtual multitude of layers within each story that it never gets boring (as some procedurals can do).
I absolutely love the world and the characters. They are unique yet very nuanced. There are so many different factions within each race that the possibilities are endless and interesting - and Kaylin, Severn and the rest keep us delightfully entertained, as well. My only complaint is that Kaylin’s character REALLY needs to develop more at this point! This is the third book and she is still stuck refusing to learn and realize her potential. It is past time for the character growth to begin. Also, it is also way past time to see at least a little romance between her and Severn!
This is an extremely good story. It is rich in Norse mythology without being heavy handed, and ties so much history into a riveting fantasy.
My only cThis is an extremely good story. It is rich in Norse mythology without being heavy handed, and ties so much history into a riveting fantasy.
My only complaint is I didn’t like Freya (FMC) at ALL! Even though she has a loving, loyal heart, her personality is harsh and acerbic. Yet, she allows everyone else to control her life, when she actually holds all the power! Drove me NUTS! Bjorn (MMC) on the other hand was much of the reason I loved the story and will probably pick up the next in this duology. He is the epitome of strong, loyal and loving without being seen as weak in anyway. I loved him even more because he put up with Freja, as he was the brunt of most of her nastiness.
Still, I would highly recommend the read to anyone who loves great fantasy that ties in with historical mythology. It really is very well done in this instance. ...more
Love this world and the characters. This installment was kinda confusing and a bit muddled in places for me, however. It’s probably because I r3.5/5.0
Love this world and the characters. This installment was kinda confusing and a bit muddled in places for me, however. It’s probably because I read it in bits and pieces while traveling rather than in a couple of yummy sit-downs, though, so I wasn’t able to keep the consistency (and understanding) going. Will absolutely be diving into the next one! ...more
Great novella that gives lots of insight into Kaylin as a thirteen year old and how she came to be such an integral part of the Hawks at such a young Great novella that gives lots of insight into Kaylin as a thirteen year old and how she came to be such an integral part of the Hawks at such a young age. Wish I had read it before starting the series, it would have added a lot of depth to the first book, especially. ...more
I actually really enjoyed this start to what looks like a very long series (didn’t know that when I opened the book)! There are a lot of unanswered quI actually really enjoyed this start to what looks like a very long series (didn’t know that when I opened the book)! There are a lot of unanswered questions and things I wish the author had helped us understand a bit more, but it is still intriguing enough that I want to continue and uncover all the depths that are hinted at!...more
LOVING this series! And, as anyone who has read its previous books knows, it isn’t a high action, kick-butt heroine type of book. But rather, it is anLOVING this series! And, as anyone who has read its previous books knows, it isn’t a high action, kick-butt heroine type of book. But rather, it is an extremely addictive and warm series about a 40ish woman who, after the death of her grandmother, is thrust into the role of arbitrator/moderator of seven different realms - something she knew nothing about beforehand. It has magic and humor and conflict galore, just on a more human and endearing level.
This specific book did get a bit long and rambley, though. And I was ready to shove the book at the wall with Rollo’s constant “I don’t want to deal with it now, I’ll do it tomorrow” attitude. That expression was literally repeated infinitum through over 80% of the 776 PAGE book. Even with a kinda reason, it made him look weak and wimpy, which (I hope) he is not going to be going forward. Happily it finally resolved at the end and everything is left looking peachy in the Gateway and in Niki’s life… at least for now. :)
And, I’m still reveling in this fun world and watching its characters grow. So, I’ll be (im)patiently waiting for the next installment to publish!...more
Oh my goodness, how much fun was this?!? For the first bit, I wasn’t sure I was even going to like the book because Niki (FMC) was such a doormat, I cOh my goodness, how much fun was this?!? For the first bit, I wasn’t sure I was even going to like the book because Niki (FMC) was such a doormat, I could hardly read it. BUT…. Once one gets past the 20% mark or so, she bucks up and decides, “no more!”. Then, we get to watch her grow and learn to stand up for herself, while enjoying one of the most delightful stories of magic and realms and intrigue and friendships and growth that I have fancied in a while! Off to the next book quick!...more
This book rates that rare 5 stars for the absolute jaw-dropping, masterful writing and exquisite execution of an intensely creative story. It i4.5/5.0
This book rates that rare 5 stars for the absolute jaw-dropping, masterful writing and exquisite execution of an intensely creative story. It is multi-leveled, nuanced and yet carries a surprisingly warm and touching pen whenever the main characters are on page.
When reading the synopsis, however, I wasn’t sure if I would even like it. It seemed a bit confusing with more of a technical bent. Upon reading, however, I realized that couldn’t be further from the truth! It didn’t take long at all before I was completely engrossed and enjoying the tale as it unfolded. I was especially impressed with how well the author wove the very intricate world-building so effortlessly into the burgeoning plot. There is not a dump in sight! And that is huge considering all the differing aspects that must be explained and come together. Now, that doesn’t mean it didn’t take a bit of time to really understand how everything fits. It is just that it is written in a way that I enjoyed the journey to that understanding.
The story unfolds from three different perspectives. First, Robinson Dickemore Hawksley (Rob) the MMC. Rob is a gifted young man who is prone to getting so engrossed in his scientific and magical inventions that he forgets to eat or sleep. Next is McKenna Aurora Foster, the FMC, a young lady who suffered from a childhood disease that left her deaf. Then there is Joseph Crossthwait, a highly trained soldier assigned the task of uncovering secret Aesir agents embedded in society. The Aesir are a magical race of people who originally inhabited the world - until humans grew and took over. These ancient beings cannot exist in climates that are warm, so hibernate until winters and climate are cold enough for them to awaken. Then, however, they wage all out war to exterminate the human population. This is the time that our main characters find themselves in… And, the excitement begins!!
It is a delightfully unique story, where magic is melded into technology - giving it an almost steampunk vibe, yet it is accomplished in such a creative way, that the fantasy aspects still shine. Because the reader is just getting to know the world and characters, there isn’t an overload of action in this specific book, although there is some. The intrigue is by far the overarching point that keeps the reader turning pages. Well, that and the wonderful development of the characters! Yes, there is a touch of romance (yay!) As well as some twists one can never guess. Suffice it to say, it is the start of what looks to be a riveting and absolutely addicting series, for sure!...more
I usually thoroughly enjoy Ms. Kova’s books, and fly through them in a day - two at the most (for the longer ones). This one took me almost fiv2.5/5.0
I usually thoroughly enjoy Ms. Kova’s books, and fly through them in a day - two at the most (for the longer ones). This one took me almost five days to finish. So I’ve really had to contemplate why…
Reasons:
1. There is so much filler wrapped around what is actually happening! So many words that don’t progress the actual story - explanations of stuff that don’t matter etc. I would often find my mind wandering as I read, then decide to do something else because I was BORED!
2. Faelyn is the most vapid FMC I have read in a Looooong time. And, I honestly love female characters who are kind and optimistic, so it’s not that. Her actions and responses were just so… childish? Wimpy? Wish-washy? I honestly can’t find the words… and then what was still a three star read hit one star FAST! ⬇️
3. Chapter 32 nailed the coffin on ANY enjoyment I found in reading a book with this main character. Here, Faelyn exhibited the most STUPID, RIDICULOUS, UNFORGIVABLE actions for any woman that can process a sentence in her brain! Luckily the overall story’s action and suspense near the end caught my interest enough that I could squeeze that rating up a bit later.
4. Evander’s secret is eye-rollilngly obvious from the minute his character hits the page. Ms. Kova must have done that intentionally. Just not sure why, because it just makes Faelyn look that much worse.
5. Also not sure why, but the over abundance of time spent on sex scenes just didn’t fit well. Maybe it’s Faelyn’s character, maybe this particular storyline didn’t progress smoothly with the sex. *shrugs*
6. The ending. While there is a quick HEA, this book is supposed to be the ending of a series. So, one would think we would get an overall wrap-up and HEA for the world as a whole. In fact, when the topic of the Elf king and his human queen was introduced, I was almost sure we would get to see everyone we fell in love with in previous books - then mold it all into one great ending. More fool, me. Nothing. Nothing at all.
*sigh* My disappointment is deep - yet my faith in Ms. Kova still stands....more
Thoroughly enjoyed this enthralling debut novel! It embodies so many aspects that historical or fantasy readers absolutely love and ties them togetherThoroughly enjoyed this enthralling debut novel! It embodies so many aspects that historical or fantasy readers absolutely love and ties them together beautifully! To do this, the author takes a horrific time in world history, sets the story in 14th century Florence, Italy, one of the most intriguing and rich cities of that era (or any, really), weaves a bit of ancient folklore and adds a touch of fantasy to create a riveting story. The history is spot on, the folklore is factual, but it is that little bit of fantasy that gives the book the magic that makes it resonate and keeps it enjoyable where others may become tedious.
Ginevra is a young lady who has been tortured, disfigured and banished for using "witchcraft" to help heal. Yet, when the Black Plague ravages Italy, the bishop of Florence remembers her and calls her back to help save the city. Admittedly, Ginevra is a gifted healer who uses the old legends that precede Christianity, to manipulate stones and gems in her work. This is made especially interesting as the author herself is a noted gemologist, making the plot ring real and bringing a depth and richness to the narrative. Then, the added and documented folklore is woven in to make the entire fantasy aspect shine, as it wraps the reader completely up in both the era and the intrigue.
Yes, there are a points that stretch believability and others that tip into the slightly confusing and somewhat silly, as Genevra races to the climax of the conflict. But, even with those small blips, the overall adventure twists and turns its way to a very happy and satisfied smile as the last page is turned.
Great insight into a side character from the Kate Daniel’s series. I loved Roman in this short book! He is kind of an Eeyore (love the PJs, btw!!!) chGreat insight into a side character from the Kate Daniel’s series. I loved Roman in this short book! He is kind of an Eeyore (love the PJs, btw!!!) character who must represent the God of Destruction but he does so with a surprisingly good and kind heart. I wasn’t all that into all the “Gods” stuff, and of course, I wish the story were a full novel… but that happens every single time I read an IA book. I just want more!! ...more
Guess I’m the odd man out on this one. I have loved the first three books in this series, and this one started out just as promising. Two things happeGuess I’m the odd man out on this one. I have loved the first three books in this series, and this one started out just as promising. Two things happened, though, that threw me completely for a loop - and not a good one.
First, the storyline of defeating Melgar and his nefarious plans to take over the empire that has been the moving factor of the series, suddenly took a huge detour and the characters spent the rest of the BOOK chasing evil wraiths in a totally unrelated adventure! Huh? All the questions about the queen, what is going on in Garimore and the road ahead to save Farhall is completely ignored! At the very end (the VERY end) we do pop back into the regularly scheduled plot, but…. Very weird and annoying.
Second, *hopefully this isn’t a serious spoiler for anyone, but be warned just in case* It took an entire book plus three quarters of another before those three words are said! We spend THAT LONG reading, “Should I? I don’t know if I should. Is it too soon? Maybe he/she doesn’t want to hear it” over and over and over and over…. (You get the picture) again! By the 50% point of this book I was head screaming “Good grief, blurt it out already!!!!” By the 76% point when it actually happens (that’s just shy of 10% left of two freaking books worth of pages!) It was so overdue that I hardly cared. Melodrama to that point is just a turn off.
SO… as much as I loved the series to this point, I think I need a breather before continuing. I still want to see what happens in the overall arc, and I am curious about Vaniell, the absent prince whose story is coming up in the next two books. Just annoyed enough at this installment that I’mma need a break....more
At first I wondered if I would like a complete switch in main characters every two books while the storyline was still progressing. But, I ende4.5/5.0
At first I wondered if I would like a complete switch in main characters every two books while the storyline was still progressing. But, I ended up loving Everaine and enjoyed getting to discover all her depths while still seeing the progress of the overall story-arc immensely! Love this series, so far!!...more
The first half of this book the storyline is pretty much lost amidst all the yearning and obsessing between the two main characters (see highli3.5/5.0
The first half of this book the storyline is pretty much lost amidst all the yearning and obsessing between the two main characters (see highlights). The second half picked up and by the 70% mark or so it was the awesome, wonderful Horde King stuff that I fell in love with in the first couple of books of this series. All the feels for that last 30%!!...more
Ever have one of those books where you don’t want to put it down but you don’t want to continue either, because you are afraid of what will happen nexEver have one of those books where you don’t want to put it down but you don’t want to continue either, because you are afraid of what will happen next? That is this story! I loved it but kept wanting to stop reading because I knew what would probably happen and didn’t want to see it!
Happily, the big, feared event didn’t materialize. There is a twist that takes us in a different direction and that made it even better than I anticipated. The story doesn’t end, though. It just walks off the page and (I’m assuming) into the next book. SO… I guess I’m off to find that next book! (Annoyed but not enough to let that stop me)....more
Enjoyed this one almost as much as the first. It is a bit slower in places, and Duren always having to flinch and cow-tow to Lisika makes her a bit haEnjoyed this one almost as much as the first. It is a bit slower in places, and Duren always having to flinch and cow-tow to Lisika makes her a bit hard to like at times. But those are small things in the overall awesomeness of the story. It is fantasy at its very best and a series I would absolutely recommend!
*Be warned, however, the editing is still a major problem for those who notice*...more
Now THIS is why I do what I do! Positive proof that one doesn’t have to be “traditionally” published to be an incredible novelist. Before we go any fuNow THIS is why I do what I do! Positive proof that one doesn’t have to be “traditionally” published to be an incredible novelist. Before we go any further, however, I will warn any readers who can’t get past editing errors, that this one will be a frustrating challenge in that area. Because, while it is the very best of storytelling, it is also the perfect example of why so many people get frustrated at indie books. There are a plethora of editing mistakes. Still, if one can look over those shortcomings, this story is AWESOME!
The plotline revolves around Duren, a young man whose family were murdered by bandits. When the legendary swordsman, Holviti, happens upon the carnage, he discovers a baby underneath its mother, who died trying to protect the child. Holviti takes the child and raises him in the wilderness as his own while teaching him everything he knows about swordsmanship, life and the world. Then, he sends Duren into that world to find his own fortune.
This begins a saga that is absolute can’t-put-down action, humor, intrigue and fun! Duran’s humility and naïveté, combined with his stunning prowess is such an addicting combination. And the author really knows his stuff when it comes to the subject matter. Building the world, explaining the intricacies of battle, swordsmanship etc. are all weaved into the storyline with such a fine touch that one learns without even noticing!
The secondary characters are just as expertly crafted as Duran, himself. Michaeleen is the womanizing but big-hearted best friend and of course, Lisaka, the love interest who is an accomplished swordsman, as well. I did have a bit more trouble relating to her because of her cranky and sometimes off-putting demeanor, but she, too, has a big heart underneath all her bluster.
SO… IF one isn’t OCD with editing, I would highly recommend giving this story a gander. I know reviews are often such a personal preference thing but the fact it rated a rousing five stars from me, despite the mistakes that could drag it down, should attest to how much fun I had reading it....more
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