'Writing for me is not about speeling, grammar or punctuation – that’s why we have editors.... No, writing for me is the ability to capture a story and put it in words.' - Fantasy Muse
The Son of the Morning: Book One of The Nightfall Wars by Jacob Peppers.
Front Cover
Synopsis
Fifty years ago, the nightwalkers appeared, creatures of shadow and darkness, thirsting for blood and death. Thousands died and the kingdom of Entarna was brought to its knees. Then the Chosen came, six men and women endowed with powers by Amedan, the God of Fire and Light. The Chosen joined with the kingdom’s armies and together they managed to defeat the night’s creatures. At least for a time.
Alesh, servant to Chosen Olliman, the greatest of Amedan’s priests, knows well what the darkness holds. He saw it, as a child, when his father and mother were killed, and he was left with a blackened, festering scar that refuses to heal.
The day wanes and the night comes again, but when those chosen to protect the kingdom are unable or unwilling to help, when the fellowships of the past have crumbled, it is left to an orphaned servant—a man many believe to be cursed—to stand against the rising darkness.
My Review
My second review of the year, and in quick succession too, I guess I must be on a roll.......anyway on to the review.
This book in many ways reminds me of The Painted Man Novel by Peter V. Brett. The premise is very similar for those who have read the book, in that once night fall descends, monsters begin to roam the land and the only defence is light.
The main protagonist is called Alesh, who is an apprentice / servant to a powerful priest, called Olliman. The story starts of fine but really picks up once the city revolts. After that the pace quickens and you fly through the pages with action.
There are two other main characters, and their POV switch often, which stunted my enjoyment a little bit at first, but the pieces started to come together near the end and you got that 'a-ha' moment.
A word of warning, the book is deceptively - for me at least - more violent than I had assumed, but I liked that, it wasn't the tasteless violence you see in books nowadays, but rather added a mature edge to it.
Conclusion
I really enjoyed this book, and I can't wait for the sequel. If you're looking for a darker fantasy, with an interesting story that's similar to The Painted Man Novel by Peter V. Brett, then this is a must read.
Out of 10 Stars:
8 Stars
Buy it here:
Amazon US
Lady of the Forest: Robin Hood & Marian, Book 1 by Jennifer Roberson
Front Cover
Synopsis
As the gates of Ravenskeep swing open and a young woman flees into the primeval depths of Sherwood Forest and into the arms of the man she loves, a saga of exceptional power and remarkable passion begins...
He is Sir Robery Locksley - the heroic nobleman who has turned his back on all he knows to embark on a dangerous quest for justice in an England torn apart by treachery, betrayal, and war.
She is Lady Marian of Ravenskeep - the proud, defiant knight's daughter who leaves her sheltered life behind to join a shadowy band of outlaws who follow no law but their own.
Robin Hood and Maid Marian - their love has belonged to legend for centuries, and now it belongs to us all, stunningly brought to life by the masterful pen of a truly gifted storyteller. Against a medieval tapestry of color and pageantry, Jennifer Roberson has woven a rich, sweeping tale of a woman whose courage and passion could forever alter the destiny of that mist-shrouded land of lore we know in our hearts and see in our dreams.
My Review
I am a little embarrassed that I haven't posted since July of last year. All I can say is that I've been busy and also a part of me wanted a break, but I am back and hoping to post at least once a month.
And so moving on to the book. I've always been interested in the famous tale of Robin Hood (I've watched the Kevin Costner film a few times) and Jennifer Roberson is the author of one of my favourite books, Tiger and Del, and so it seemed like a match made in heaven.
Unfortunately it didn't quite end up like that.
The story follows Robin (Robert of Locksley), who has returned from imprisonment by Saxons whilst on crusade and Marian, who has just learned about her father's death who was also on crusade.
The book has other familiar characters, Sheriff of Nottingham DeLacey, Guy Gisbourne, Big John, Friar Tuck etc.
The biggest gripe that I have with the book, is how much inconsequential words flood this book to make it 600 odd pages long. I struggled to read through it, as every characters thoughts and actions were described in painstaking detail. Roberson also structured the book so multiple POV were exchanged within the same passage of text, which just adds to the intricate book.
As a result the plot seemed relatively short and by the end of the book, I felt that not a lot had happened.
Conclusion
It wasn't all bad, and if you take away all the flowery passages then you are left with a half decent book, that despite all the faults I've just described kept me hooked to the end. Jennifer Roberson is without doubt a talented author and I am sure I will read more books from her.
So my advice; if you are a desperate Robin Hood fan, then this book will offer you some pleasure, but otherwise, one to miss.
Out of 10 Stars
5 Stars
Buy it here:
