Book Reviews Part 3 : Adult

[kikotei]

Again these are from my work blog, just sorta plopped here. Links included ^___^
And with that I'm done book spamming you for now.


The Book of Obeah by Sandra Carrington-Smith

When Melody Bennet’s beloved grandmother passes away things in her relatively stable and quiet life begin to change. Whether this change is for good or ill will be up to Melody.

As part of Grandmama Giselle’s final wishes, Melody must take her ashes back to her childhood home in Louisiana, specifically the southern bayous, to be blessed and then scattered in Bear Bayou. Once there Melody finds that Giselle had once been a follower of Voodoo, which is based an ancient West African religion. Immersing herself in Giselle’s past, Melody is trying to understand what drove her from her home so many years ago.

Now Melody finds herself trapped in struggle going back to her great grandmother and a Voodoo book that she took and hid before leaving the bayou. The contents of the books are considered by many to be powerful and some will even kill to keep the book for themselves.

This book was definitely geared toward more mature readers, but it was still an appealing choice. The setting of post-Katrina New Orleans is wonderfully timely, but the author’s treatment of religion may feel a heavy handed in places. Still The Book of Obeah was an excellent and intriguing read.

Original Review



Changeless by Gail Carriger

The sequel to Soulless, Changeless picks up several months into Alexia Tarbotti’s new life as the Lady Maccon, married to Lord Conall Maccon. Besides being the leader of BUR, the Bureau of Unnatural Registry, Conall is also the alpha werewolf of the Woolsey pack. Since marrying and becoming the alpha female of a werewolf pack, Alexia has become the muhjah, a member of the supernatural council, for the Queen.

When a mysterious illness begins to hit London the supernatural sets begins to worry. This illness attacks only them, rendering every vampire and werewolf completely mortal and exorcizing ghosts left and right. But as quickly as the illness hit, it vanished. And then began moving across the countryside.

Following both the ‘illness’ and her husband to Scotland, Alexia must now content with Conall’s old pack, and the search for whatever could be causing the humanization of the supernatural. All that pales in comparison when Alexia gets some unexpected news that could change her relationship with her husband forever.

Definitely a great sequel, Changeless is just as absorbing as the first book. While this book is definitely geared for more mature readers, it still makes for an appealing teen read. I for one can’t wait to read the third book this fall.

Original Review



The Summoner by Gail Z. Martin

As the second son of King Bricen of Margolan, Martris “Tris” Drayke is relatively free of responsibilities. He’s spent time learning strategy and all the things important for kingship, but as long as his older half-brother Jared is around Tris is happily destined for a life of more scholarly pursuits. However, Jared is not remotely king material. With a vicious temper and casual cruelty, most are hoping desperately that he will somehow mature soon. But Jared, not content to wait for his turn at the throne, commits regicide, killing the king and queen, Tris’ sister Kait and all those loyal to King Bricen.

Barely escaping with his life, Tris manages to escape the palace. Along with him are two of his closest friends Soterius, captain of the guard; Carroway, a master bard; and Harrtuck, one of the royal guard. Together the four men attempt to flee Margolan before Jared and his dark mage, Foor Arontala, can complete their takeover. Along the way it becomes apparent that the trauma of the murders has unlocked memories and talents that Tris himself had long forgotten about. Tris may be the heir of his grandmother, Bava K’aa, one of the greatest sorceress in recorded history capable of communicating (and even perhaps raising) the dead. If Tris really is his grandmother’s heir, this may be the key he needs to remove Jared from the throne before all of Margolan falls.

The first in a new series, The Summoner is an excellent start. Martin’s world building is solid and realistic, not feeling at all alien or off kilter, which can happen with fantasy novels of this nature. The author’s character are also well fleshed out, Jared avoids the shallow villain characterization later in the book, even evoking a smidgen of sympathy. More than a little intimidating at well over 600 pages, the series is a good choice for fans of the epic/high fantasy series like Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, Brooks’ Shannara or Jordan’s The Wheel of Time.

Original Review



Throne of Jade by Naomi Novik

Naomi Novik’s alternate history series continues with Throne of Jade, starting just a few short months after the conclusion of His Majesty’s Dragon. Former naval captain and now dragon captain, Will Laurence and his dragon Temeraire proved themselves invaluable at the battle near Dover. But the truth of Temeraire’s heritage as a Celestial Dragon has come to the attention of the Chinese Emperor, who had originally gifted Temeraire’s egg to Napoleon. The Emperor’s brother, Prince Yongxing has traveled to England, demanding that Laurence return Temeraire home. But Temeraire has no intention of leaving Laurence and Laurence has no intention of forcing Temeraire to go anywhere.

For his defiance, Laurence may have to face the gallows, but in a risky move to sooth tensions Laurence will accompany Temeraire on a diplomatic visit to China to allow the dragon to choose for himself. The journey is far to long for Temeraire to fly safely, so the most sensible option is to sail. But the barely explored oceans are fraught with their own perils. And if they manage to survive the sea, what political intrigue and danger awaits them in the Emperor’s court?

An excellent follow up to His Majesty’s Dragon, Throne of Jade does not fail to disappoint. Fortunately, knowledge of the Napoleonic wars isn’t necessary to enjoy the series, but a basic knowledge of the times in general is helpful.

Original Review