Review of ~ Sebastien de Castell – Traitor’s Blade (Greatcoats #1)

9/10

Traitor’s Blade is the debut novel by the immensely talented Sebastien de Castell. Many of my friends are racing through and really enjoying Greatcoats so I decided to jump on the bandwagon to see what all the fuss is about.

The Greatcoats were the King’s elite soldiers simply named after their attire. They acted as magistrates, upheld the King’s law and helped keep peace throughout the land. This was until they stepped aside when a battle loomed and allowed the execution of the King at the hands of the Duke’s. Following this catastrophic event which led to the King’s decapitation and his head placed on a spike, The Greatcoat’s disbanded and are seen now as traitor’s.

Review of ~ Sarah Gailey – River of Teeth

6.5/10

I received an advanced copy of River of Teeth via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank Sarah Gailey and Tor.

River of Teeth is an alternative history/fantasy Western adventure where the cowboys and mercenaries ride hippos instead of horses. Winslow Houndstooth is the main protagonist and he has been assigned a mission by government officials which involves brutal feral man-eating hippos and a shady gangster who runs a canal based gambling empire. For this mission, Houndstooth is able to assemble his own entourage which includes a chubby con-woman, an ex-best friend sharpshooter, and a deadly assassin.

Review of ~ R.J. Barker – Age of Assassins (The Wounded Kingdom #1)

8.5/10 – Will be posted to Fantasy Book Review shortly.

I received an advanced copy of Age of Assassins in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank Orbit Books, Nazia, and R.J. Barker for this opportunity.

Age of Assassins was simply unputdownable. It has been a long time since I have devoured a book so fast. From the quality of this tale, it is almost unbelievable that this is R.J. Barker’s debut outing. The main characters that we follow are a 15-year-old disabled assassin called Girton Club-Foot and his Master who is arguably one of the finest and most experienced killers who has ever dwelt within the Tired Lands. After a blistering opening section and certain complications at Castle Maniyadoc they are assigned to take on a deadly business venture which requires them to track down a lurking fellow assassin who is contracted to kill the heir to the throne.

Review of ~ Michael R. Fletcher – Ghosts of Tomorrow

8/10 – Review to appear on Fantasy Book Review shortly.

“Virtuality is the new reality”

Within my online social circles, I have heard many amazing things about the writer Michael R. Fletcher. My peers were so influential that I decided to check out one of his books and I chose this one because of the completely stunning cover, the fact that it is a stand-alone novel and also the point that the description sounded amazing.

Review of ~ Anna Stephens – Godblind

8.5/10

“The Red Gods Are Rising”

*Contains minor spoilers* I received a free advanced copy of Godblind in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Anna Stephens and Harper Voyager. 

To begin with, I must admit that after reading the excellent Godblind I think I will be eternally afraid of betrayal and hammers. 

Review of ~ Tom Lloyd – Stranger of Tempest (The God Fragments #1)

7.5/10

I received a free copy of Stranger of Tempest in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank Tom Lloyd and Gollancz.

I am not ashamed to admit that I was drawn to reading this book by how stunning Jon McCoy’s cover artwork is. The second thing that made me think this novel was well worth my time is that it has one of the best opening chapters that I have read in a long time which begins with…

Review of ~ Nicholas Eames – Kings of the Wyld (The Band #1)

8.5/10

I received a free copy of Kings of the Wyld in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank Nicholas Eames, Nazia, and Orbit Books.

Saga were a world famous band containing five legendary mercenaries who were feared, respected and completely admired. Bards’ sang their praises, ladies wanted their babies, and children wanted to emulate them. Essentially, everyone throughout the lands of Grandual knew the tales of this crew’s awe-inspiring exploits when they tackled the unbelievable dangers in the notorious Heartwyld but that was nineteen years ago…