I simply can’t say more without revealing elements of the story which I strongly suggest you explore on your own as this second book, Jade War, is as good, if not better, because of its broadened exploration beyond the first book. And like I said and remain steady in my description of this series, if you’re a fan of Urban fantasy deeply set into a world of crime, gangsters and Jade-powered martial arts, Jade War and the remaining book (or all of them if you’ve yet to read the series) will fall right into your TBR. Take Mario Puzzo, a dab of Jet Li and sprinkle it with magic and you’ll get exactly what this book is about. I am excited to complete the Jade journey through the last book of the trilogy.
Heroic Fantasy
Blog Tour Review: Legacy of Light (The Legacy Trilogy #3) by Matthew Ward
Sometimes I struggle with reviews of series finales because I find it difficult to find something new to say. I have already spoken at-length about characters, plot, setting, writing style, emotional connection, etc. I try to stay away from repeating myself too much, because who wants to read that? (By the way, if you want to read my previous reviews, you can find them here: The Legacy of Ash (Book 1); The Legacy of Steel (Book 2).
Review: Bright Steel (Masters & Mages #3) by Miles Cameron
Overall this series has been rife with full tilt action, character and magic badassery, camaraderie moments to die for, and plenty of soft, humorous, and quiet snippets between duos or trios that warm your chest. Cameron’s world has been one that is truly so rich and evocative, borrowing from a cultural setting that isn’t used often enough in fiction.
Review: The Coward (Quest for Heroes #1) by Stephen Aryan
Aryan’s character development is masterful. His worldbuilding is expansive and immersive as all fantasy worldbuilding should be.
Review: Sairo’s Claw (Gensokai #3) by Virginia McClain
Sairo’s Claw is the third installment in Virginia McClain’s Gensokai series, though each book is a standalone set in the same universe. I have not read the first two, but this book is adventurous and fun, with interesting storylines and complex, nuanced characters.
Review: The Shadow of The Gods (Bloodsworn Saga #1) by John Gwynne
Ah Shadow of the Gods, the book I feel is taking book blogs by storm. I mean, just take a quick look on this site to see how many of us have reviewed it (hint: it’s a lot).
John Gwynne has been called one of the best fantasy authors currently working today, and I’m hard pressed to disagree. And for good reason, the Faithful and the Fallen is a great work of epic fantasy and I enjoyed his sequel trilogy, Of Blood and Bone, even more.
While his previous work had hints of Norse and more northern European mythology, Shadow of the Gods truly dives deep into the Norse elements and it completely blew me away. This is easily Gwynne’s best work and my favorite book of the year so far, so if you’re in anyway a fantasy fan, this is a must read for 2021. So, don’t even read farther, just go buy a copy.
Review: Dark One Volume 1 by Brandon Sanderson/Jackson Lanzing/Collin Kelly
m a big fan of anything Brandon Sanderson is involved with, and typically I’m engaged, impressed and enjoy his books. But somehow Dark One Volume 1 couldn’t connect with me.
Review: The Shadow of the Gods (The Bloodsworn Saga #1) by John Gwynne
The Shadow of the Gods is the first book in John Gwynne’s Bloodsworn Saga, and if it is any indication as to how the rest of the series is going to go, readers are in for quite a treat. I enjoyed this book immensely.
Review: Stones of Light (Threadlight #2) by Zack Argyle
Stones of Light by Zack Argyle is the sequel to 2020’s Voice of War and the second release in the author’s Threadlight series. I encourage you to read my review of Voice of War here, as I was impressed with Argyle’s ability to write relatable characters and intriguing, interweaving plot lines while still holding the main thread tight. And if book 1 is was an impressive debut, book 2 is where the author demonstrates his writing chops.
Review: Voice of War (Threadlight #1) by Zack Argyle
Voice of War is the first installment in the Threadlight series and Zack Argyle’s debut novel. It is a very well-written story with boatloads of intrigue built in, fascinating characters, and an interesting and unique magic system. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Review: Mistborn (Book 1) by Brandon Sanderson
Reading Mistborn, formerly known as The Final Empire or book one of the Mistborn series, felt like arriving late at a party when everyone’s drunk—like I had missed out on something special! I bought the Era one trilogy a few years back and never got to it until now, and man was I missing out on the kool-aid. This book took all my expectations, put them in a blender with a high dose of sugar and hit frappe. I haven’t been that much engaged in a book since I read the Harry Potter series.