Shackled Fates is the follow-up to author Thilde Kold Holdt’s 2020 debut novel Northern Wrath (which I absolutely loved. You can read my review here.) Northern Wrath was one of my favorite books of 2020, and I honestly did not think there was any way I could like book 2 more. But something happened on my way to Niflheim…
Review: Mind Trap (A Clay Wolfe/Port Essex Mystery #2) by Matthew Cost
Mind Trap is the second installment in veteran author Matt Cost’s ClayWolfe/Port Essex Mystery series (though each can be read as a standalone). You might also know Cost’s other works, the Goff Langdon Mainely Mystery series. The author clearly has found a niche in the light mystery/thriller genre, and after reading two of his books I can say the writing reflects that fact. (I reviewed the first book in the series, Wolfe Trap, earlier this year).
Review: Nothing But Blackened Teeth by Cassandra Khaw
Nothing But Blackened Teeth is Cassandra Khaw’s latest release. It is a horror novella about a group of friends who spend the night in a haunted mansion. They are down for some shenanigans, but how will they react when things go sideways?
Review: The Bone Ship’s Wake (The Tide Child #3) by R.J. Barker
The Bone Ship’s Wake is the third and final installment in R.J. Barker’s The Tide Child trilogy. This series is known for it’s sea-faring, pirate-y writing style, prophetic storyline, and characters that dynamic characters. I can safely say The Bone Ship’s Wake holds true to form.
Review: The Splinter King (The God-King Chronicles #2) by Mike Brooks
The Splinter King is the second book in Mike Brooks’ God-King Chronicles series, and the author really goes to great lengths to expand the world and the characters. While I did not think it quite lived up to the expectations set by the first book, I did still enjoy it.
Review: The Black Coast (The God-King Chronicles #1) by Mike Brooks
The Black Coast is the first book in Mike Brooks’ epic fantasy series The God-King Chronicles. It is a great start in what appears to be a promising story.
Series Review: The Age of Madness by Joe Abercrombie
The Age of Madness series consists of three books: A Little Hatred, The Trouble with Peace, The Wisdom of Crowds. It is also part of Joe Abercrombie’s First Law universe, but it is hard for me to place exactly when this story takes place in relation to the rest because it was a very long time ago that I read them. Suffice to say, though, The Age of Madness fits perfectly within Abercrombie’s grimdark theater.
Review: Summer Sons by Lee Mandelo
I have had a copy of Summer Sons in my possession for quite some time, but I was waiting until spooky season to read it. I wanted to ensure I had a few reads ready that would really put me in the mood. All in, from the cover to the story and writing, Summer Sons definitely fits the bill.
Review: Phoenix Extravagant by Yoon Ha Lee
While I have been eyeing the author’s book for a long time, this is my first Yoon Ha Lee read. I was drawn in by the cool dragon on the cover, and a synopsis that sounded unique and interesting. In my opinion Phoenix Extravagant lives up to that billing.
Book Tour: Shadow Shinjuku by Ryu Takeshi
Shadow Shinjuku is a Japanese crime thriller and Ryu Takeshi’s first published novel. It is so interesting that the synopsis mentions noir, as well, because that was the vibe I got while reading it. I found the combination of urban fantasy, crime noir, and thriller to be fascinating. The book also has some supernatural elements, too, so it is hard to nail this book down to one genre.
Recommended Reading: Dragons of Terra by Brian Naslund
I had been putting off reading Brian Naslund’s Dragons of Terra series until it was finished because I was afraid once I started reading it I would not want to stop. I had heard it was absolutely addictive, plus adventure fantasy is my favorite, and also, well, you know, dragons, so I was not interested in waiting a year for book 2, and another year for book 3. And I could not have been more right in that decision. Had I had time between books it would have driven me absolutely bonkers. This is the kind of series that makes me want to shout from the rooftops… *ahem*… let me clear my throat:
READ IT NOW!
Now that the yelling is out of the way, let’s get to the details of what makes this series so good.
Review: The Darkest Dusk (Onyxborn Chronicles #2) by D.W. Ross
The Darkest Dusk is the second installment in D.W. Ross’ Onyxborn Chronicles series and the follow up to Cold from the North (which I reviewed earlier this year: review link). In the first book, I noted liking the plot, characters, and setting, but wanting more climactic events along the way to the end. In book 2, I think Ross did a nice of job sticking with what worked in the first book and expanding on those things while doing a better job with the narrative ups and downs.