Empire of the Damned continues the bloody and unforgiving tale of the silversaint Gabriel de Leon. Gabriel remains the prisoner of the vampire Margot, the Empress of Wolves and Men, and she wishes for the infamous legend's story to be told to future vampire generations. The historian Jean-François is again the chronicler of these events,... Continue Reading →
Review of ~ J.V. Jones – Watcher of the Dead (Sword of Shadows #4)
In Watcher of the Dead, we join clansman Raif Sevrance as he contemplates what to do next now that he possesses the legendary sword Loss. With Raif's talents at being able to heart kill and the weapon's God-influenced nature, he can stand as a challenge against the upper-tier monstrosities of the unmade and the Endlords.... Continue Reading →
Review of ~ J.V. Jones – A Sword from Red Ice (Sword of Shadows ~3)
A Sword from Red Ice is the third entry in J.V. Jones' epic, dark, and snowy fantasy series, Sword of Shadows. I am completely invested in Jones' grim world and fully engaged with the characters, their adventures, and the turmoil that they face. This novel continues presenting the same elements that have gripped me so... Continue Reading →
Review of ~ J.V. Jones – A Fortress of Grey Ice (Sword of Shadows #2)
A Fortress of Grey Ice is the second entry in J.V. Jones' Sword of Shadows series. The novel is another impressive character-driven epic fantasy, continuing the action that was introduced with A Cavern of Black Ice. The scope has been expanded this time, giving readers more insights into both the happenings of the clan wars... Continue Reading →
Review of ~ Matt Wesolowski – Deity (Six Stories #5)
After reading and being blown away by Matt Wesolowski's Demon in 2021, I am slightly embarrassed that it has taken me this long to return to the Six Stories world. To make matters worse, I am reading the books in the opposite order that they were published. Even with that being the case, I have... Continue Reading →
Review of ~ J.V. Jones – A Cavern of Black Ice (Sword of Shadows #1)
A Cavern of Black Ice is an impressive opening entry in J.V. Jones' dark and snowy fantasy epic, Sword of Shadows. I was invested from the start and gripped throughout as numerous hardships, betrayals, politics, magic, fate and the elements batter the characters that inhabit Jones' world. We are first introduced to a clansman of... Continue Reading →
Review of ~ Steven Erikson – Memories of Ice (Malazan Book of the Fallen #3)
I continue my reread of Erikson's Malazan Book of the Fallen with Memories of Ice. During my first run-through of the series, I counted this novel as being one of my 3 favourites and I am glad that my enjoyment did not diminish on the reread. In fact, my reading experience was heightened because of... Continue Reading →
Review of ~ Brandon Sanderson – Yumi and the Nightmare Painter
Sometimes a book just comes along at the right time and hits all the right notes. Yumi and the Nightmare Painter, the third of Brandon Sanderson's secret projects is such a novel. It is a beautiful and enchanting fantasy read that I raced through, adoring every page. I rarely give 5-star ratings these days, yet... Continue Reading →
Review of ~ J.T. Greathouse – The Pattern of the World (Pact and Pattern #3)
Following the pact-shattering ending of The Garden of Empire, the gods are now able to pursue their war, unwoven monsters stalk the land, time has been distorted, and reality could be coming undone at the seams. Foolish Cur/ Wen Alder has had a habit of making the wrong decisions throughout Pact and Pattern, with his... Continue Reading →
Review of ~ Steven Erikson – Deadhouse Gates (Malazan Book of the Fallen #2)
My Malazan Book of the Fallen re-read continues with Deadhouse Gates. I was looking forward to revisiting this novel, remembering that it contained great characters, memorable journeys, and soul-wrenching heartache. After getting to know the characters that were featured throughout Gardens of the Moon, Erikson introduces a mostly new ensemble in Deadhouse Gates. The events... Continue Reading →