I regularly read and review short stories, novelettes, and novellas, and their reviews don’t always feel long enough to have a whole post for them. Even some novel-length books are really fun but don’t have me writing a ton about them besides proclaiming my enjoyment for them. Instead of keeping them completely from you, I decided to have some mini review collection posts here and there to collect them. Today is my first one for FanFiAddict, but in the future I might connect them with links to the previous ones. Today I have reviews for A Clash of Cakes and Charms by R.K. Ashwick, The Tidelings of Dras Sayve by C B Lansdell, The Knight Saves the Dragon by Rebecca Crunden, The Illusion of Fear by Kel E Fox, and The Emperor’s Soul by Brandon Sanderson.
Synopsis
Famed armorer Sherry loves three things: her forge, her family…and her annual charity bake sale. But when a neighbor sets her charity craft fair for the same day, Sherry’s sweet plans turn sour.
Will the city buy her cupcakes and fund her endangered dragons? Or will her neighbor’s handmade charms lure away her customers?
Review
This was a fun addition to the series. The same mix of competitive, great friendships, and snippets of world building we got to see in the first main book. While big problem was very ideally fixed off-page, I still enjoyed this little package of a story a whole lot and am excited to get back to the main series.
Synopsis
Maverick diplomat Emis Rindar travels to the northernmost clan in the Dras Channel, seeking the assistance of an old friend. After a lifetime of adventures across Knyadrea, a large moon, his next planned endeavour will be unlike anything he has attempted. Isolated and enigmatic, the knyads of Dras Sayve keep even their neighbours at a distance, and few welcome the unorthodox ideas Emis brings from abroad. But all his breakthroughs happen here, and the Sayvians are the most technologically progressive knyads on the moon. Can Emis convince them that he will make a worthy mentor to one of their more curious juveniles?
Review
Not surprisingly, this novelette packed just as much of a punch in terms of world building as the first main book did. I really didn’t expect any less of Lansdell. But again she weaves in interesting characters and politics. Though there wasn’t much action in the plot, I really enjoyed getting to learn more about the clans and the background of one of the protagonists from Far Removed. He was a cool character in that book and this felt like a fitting tribute to him.
Synopsis
The king has sent you to save the princess and kill the great dragon, but you will slay no dragon. You will save no princess.
Review
Second person narratives are usually not a favorite for me. It’s hard to convince me of its necessity and I tend to prefer first or third instead. But it worked really well this story. The narrative voice was strong and consistent, and I was immediately invested. While the ending felt rushed to me, I did enjoy the twist on the usual dragon-slaying knight stories a lot.
Synopsis
A disavowed spy ought to lie low, not investigate art crimes.
After his partner is killed on a mission gone wrong, disavowed spy and magician Del Fevre exiles himself to Acrusi, the only city in the world where his agency can’t find him. But his plans for a peaceful hideaway where he can make illusion art and avoid awkward questions are thwarted when his arrival coincides with a mysterious art theft, and Del might be a suspect.
Danger, daring and a handsome detective conspire to make Del’s exile anything but peaceful.
Review
I don’t have a ton to say besides the fact that I really enjoyed this. The plot had a great pace, the world-building was really interesting, and there was a good variety of characters. I’d love to learn more about the different types of magic and hope we’ll get more stories in this universe.
Synopsis
A heretic thief is the empire’s only hope in this fascinating tale that inhabits the same world as the popular novel, Elantris.
Shai is a Forger, a foreigner who can flawlessly copy and re-create any item by rewriting its history with skillful magic. Condemned to death after trying to steal the emperor’s scepter, she is given one opportunity to save herself. Though her skill as a Forger is considered an abomination by her captors, Shai will attempt to create a new soul for the emperor, who is almost dead.
Probing deeply into his life, she discovers Emperor Ashravan’s truest nature—and the opportunity to exploit it. Her only possible ally is one who is truly loyal to the emperor, but councilor Gaotona must overcome his prejudices to understand that Shai’s forgery is as much artistry as it is deception.
Brimming with magic and political intrigue, this deftly woven fantasy delves into the essence of a living spirit.
Review
What a book to finish the year with! It’s been a while since I’ve read a BS book but this was a great way to get back to them. The world-building was so cool and I loved the plot. What a predicament to be stuck in, but the MC handled it masterfully. I love how her own pride almost made her stumble but she righted herself and got on with things. Great pace, great characters, great world, great plot. If you’re looking for a short and exciting read, give this one a try!
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