Synopsis Varg, the thrall with a secret. Orka, the mother with a past. Elvar, the princess with a dream. Spread across The Banished Lands, a land near-destroyed by the war, and death, of the gods, they must fight for what they love. In the shadow of the gods lies dark magic, revenge and…The Bloodsworn. Review […]
Sword and Sorcery
Review: The Blood of Outcasts (The Bane Sword Trilogy #1)
There’s a lot to love about TBoO, especially its acronym, but it’s an incredibly bloody, gritty, ronin romp that’s well worth checking out.
BOOK TOUR/REVIEW: The Blood of Outcasts (The Bane Sword Trilogy #1) by D. A. Smith
Synopsis What if spilling your own blood was the only way to save yourself? Masako escapes the Lord Council with only her life intact, her clan shattered and master dead in wake of disaster she wrought. It is her cursed blood that cries out, and a godsborne that answers. By the power in her blood, […]
Review: The Blood of Outcasts by D.A. Smith
The Blood of Outcasts is author D.A. Smith’s first published full-length novel and the premier book in The Bane Sword Trilogy. It is a dark and gritty story about the price paid for loyalty and honor – plus there are cool weapons, fights, and a little bit of magic.
Review: The Sword in the Street by C.M. Caplan
The Sword in the Street is C.M. Caplan’s debut novel and was a 2021 SPFBO semi-finalist. Interesting characters, well-written prose, and fun sword fights make this book one definitely worth reading.
Review: Gods and Dragons (Wake the Dragon #3) by Kevin J. Anderson
Gods and Dragons is book 3 and the final release in Kevin J. Anderson’s epic fantasy series Wake the Dragon (my reviews of the first two books can be found at the following links: Spine of the Dragon, Vengewar). While those reviews were short of glowing, I felt the need to continue with the series because I thought there was potential for a great ending. I wanted to see the storylines play out, hopeful for a fantastic finish; and, while I would not necessarily describe it as “fantastic”, it ended up being pretty good.
The Blood of the Spear (The Eye of Eternity #1) by Mark Timmony
Synopsis Two brothers. One prophecy. A world on the edge of destruction. Living in the dangerous Borderland Wilds, Kaiel and Darien have supported each other and looked after their fragile mother for as long as they can remember. Honing his skills to protect his home, Kaiel has trained to become a Daemon Hunter while Darien […]
Review: The Coward by Stephen Aryan
Synopsis The Coward, by Stephen Aryan, is an adventure that takes place a decade after the world was saved from the Ice Lich thanks to the young hero Kell Krissia who returned alone after all the other heroes perished alone the way. Understandably so, that’s not the kind of life Kell wants to be a […]
Review: Of Blood and Fire by Ryan Cahill
Synopsis Born in fire. Tempered in blood. Epheria is a land divided by war and mistrust. The High Lords of the South squabble and fight, only kept in check by the Dragonguard, traitors of a time long past, who serve the empire of the North. In the remote villages of southern Epheria, still reeling from […]
Review: Servant Mage (#1) by Kate Elliot
Fellian is a Lamplighter, able to provide illumination through magic. A group of rebel Monarchists free her from indentured servitude and take her on a journey to rescue trapped compatriots from an underground complex of mines. Along the way they get caught up in a conspiracy to kill the latest royal child and wipe out […]
Review: Paladin Unbound by Jeffrey Speight
Synopsis Paladins were at one time a feared holy warrior in Evelium. Trained by the church and dedicated to the gods, they protected the world from evil. However, their power was so great it scared the rulers of their day and the church was forbidden from training any more Paladins. Hundred of years later the […]
Review: The Pariah (The Covenant of Steel #1) by Anthony Ryan
The Pariah is the opening act in The Covenant of Steel series and what an opening it is! We follow Alwyn Scribe in first person, as he shares with the reader his tale through the benefit of hindsight. I’ve grown really fond of this type of narrator over the years because, especially if the attitude is right, it makes for some really fun reading, rife with asides and commentary that add a certain dimension to the story that, be it because of ominous foreshadowing or amusing snark, sass, or dry humor, regularly gives you a solid chuckle. The Pariah had all of that and more.