Thomas Rottinghaus' "Graywulf"

Title: No Connection

“Graywulf” by Thomas Rottinghaus  

Reviewed by T’s Blogging

Good morning family, friends, and page watchers. Let me take a deep breath before I pour out my soul.
      The first few chapters of any book will either force the reader to continue onward or halt their progression, which forces them to find another read. As for Author Thomas Rottinghaus’ fantasy novel, Graywulf, I fell in love with the first chapter. The written artistry is so vivid and imaginative that readers can mentally visualize Lynch and Ned Roark trudging through a mountainous terrain; they can witness the evil and fear of the two children, and see Ned Roark’s soul leaving his body as he reveals that the magii’ri are coming for Lynch. However, something happened halting my connection?

     I am unsure what transpired along my journey into Rottinghaus’s world, but I laid this book down and picked it up a total of four times over the past year. And each time I was unable to proceed pass chapter three. The first chapter truly stimulated my need to figure out what happened to Lynch, who were the magiir’ri, and so forth. However, chapter two really soiled this book for me. I was so captivated by Lynch that I desired…, no I needed the next chapters to be about that character. Instead, when the story began to discuss Scribes and Nish, I was completely turned off and just could not get into the feel of the novel.

     Although my next statement is unprecedented and so unlike me, I have decided not to rate this book. I’ve also decided to write another review on this read once the connection is made. Call me crazy, but I must finish this read to give an honest review. I ask that the author be patient with me, or simply take this review for what it is worth, which is informational. The excitement in chapter one quickly declined, and though Graywulf is only book one of the series as well as the point that some of the boring information or the foundation needs to be established, some readers are unable to remain connected with such a huge falling-off.  

    

Until next time. Happy reading.

T’s Blogging 

Jennifer Malone Wright's "Keeper vs. Reaper

Title: Caught Off Guard
Keeper vs. Reaper by Jennifer Malone Wright

Reviewed by: T's Blogging
2017

Good morning family, friends, and page watchers. I have a new series you must get your hands onto. Of course, there's one major flaw, which I must disclose to you before I give this novel countless accolades. I was distraught when I flipped to the last page or listened to the last track on the CD, only to find that there's a book two but was unable to find the audio version. Talk about being bummed! When you're sitting behind a desk for hours keying information, and the one thing I have to look forward to is getting lost in a world unlike none other. Let's just say the rest of my day didn't go as planned.
     Jennifer Malone Wright's, "Keeper vs. Reaper" offers readers a new world. So what's the story about? Well..., there's this family that's responsible for protecting the souls of those roaming inside the graveyard. And the reapers--I'm sure you can imagine who and what they are. The main character, Lucy, discovers something about herself that changes her life, but what does that mean? Unfortunately, you will have to read the book to find out. However, what I can tell you is this, Wright has brought something worth reading and she has gained a new fan, me.
     Coming from a large family with overprotective siblings, Lucy finds herself attempting to prove that she is ready for the responsibility of keeping the graveyard souls safe. Yet, when all hell breaks loose and Lucy becomes involved with the enemy, things get dicey.

An engrossing, compelling read that deserves more than five stars. Written with a new flare offering something fresh to the world of books that readers desire and crave.

I give "Keeper vs. Reaper" 5 Stars and can't wait to sink my mind into book two.

Happy reading folks.

-T's Blogging  

Jack Alriksson's "The Call of Gelduur"

Title: Adventure for the Ages

“The Call of Gelduur” by Jack Alriksson

Reviewed by M. Windholtz

9/5/16

6:09 pm

Each year, Norrlanders set out to sea from their homeland in search of plunder and glory. Ivar Skullcleaver is a skilled warrior with a fondness for reading, seizes leadership aboard one of the ships in a Norrlander fleet. All seems well for the sailors until they sail into a massive storm and are shipwrecked on the foreign coast of Ingorle. Captured as slaves and forced to fight mysterious creatures of the forest, the Norrlanders rally behind Ivar in their pursuit of freedom and defeat of their Ingorlian captors.

Part adventure, part fantasy, “The Call of Gelduur” is a lively, humorous romp that will have readers laughing and turning the page with equal measure. The characters’ comical banter and fights are extremely amusing and the fast pace of the plot keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The histories of the many peoples that populate the fantasy land are told in stories as recollected to the characters, enriching both their minds and the reader’s as well as further immersing book lovers in the world.

Ivar and his companions are compelling characters, who exhibit their grey morals both thinly and proudly as they fight both friend and foe. No matter how readers feel about some of the greyer moments, they cannot help but cheer for the Norrlanders as they win their fights and hope their situation improves when it is a negative one.

Author Jack Alriksson puts his readers directly in the action with his descriptions of the intense fights, boisterous conversations, and colorful settings. And while the story telling favors telling over showing a few times too many, Alriksson still uses a fresh narrative voice. At times, it is nearly as if the narrator is in the room speaking directly to the reader.

Anyone who enjoys fantasy novels will surely take pleasure in following Ivar’s journey.

I give “The Call of Gelduur” 4 out of 5 stars.

Enjoy!

M. Windholtz

Kim Alexander's "The Sand Prince"

Title: An Epic Behind the Door

“The Sand Prince” by Kim Alexander

Reviewed by M. Windholtz

5/17/16

7:43 pm

The Sand Prince invites readers to step into the lands of Eriis and Mistra, one populated by demons, the other by humans. A mystical Door separates the two realms, and ambassadors between worlds maintain a connection between the two species. That relationship changes forever when a storm of magic wreaks havoc in the demon world.

Author Kim Alexander populates her captivating worlds with vibrant characters, from the fiery demon queen Hellne to Lelet va’Everly, a human socialite wishing for something more. Prince Rhuun, the half-human prince, is both studious and spirited; the perfect hero for a story such as this.

Prince Rhuun struggles to find a place in the demon world. After he discovers a book left behind by its human author, he tries to learn anything he can about the intriguing human world. A series of events leads Rhuun to slip through a crack in the Door and bound to serve a human master. His adventures from there are fun, exciting, and at times comical, especially his awe at the new world he discovers and the characters he encounters.

A tragic flaw of many fantasy novels these days is their often poorly built worlds; foregoing any culture or societal detail to focus entirely on the characters and rushed plots. However, the reader feels transported to Eriis and Mistra with every description of their traditions and landscapes. While some explanations and plot developments do occur later than desired, it is worth the time reading the narrative Alexander puts together in developing the characters’ relationships and personal growth. It would have been even more interesting if there had been further detail about pre-rain Eriis, but the two contemporary worlds were enough to keep readers well engaged.

This is a read that will keep readers wondering what’s next if they have to sat it down. I recommend it to anyone who likes a good epic fantasy.

I give “The Sand Prince” 4 out of 5 stars.

Yours in Words,

M. Windholtz

R. L. Kiser's "The Last Battle"

Title: Spellbound

“The Last Battle” by R. L. Kiser

Reviewed by B. Smart

11/24/15

12:05 p.m.

Imagine a world where all magic stems from a single source; a crystal filled with the knowledge of thousands of souls of generations past. Then imagine that the source becomes the object of desire of the most sinister being in the land; an ancient dark arts user who wishes to use the crystal to commit unspeakable acts of terror. In The Last Battle, the second edition in the Tales of Crystal series, author R. L. Kiser follows the lives of dauntless warriors who are willing to defend that crystal at any cost, even if it means using a destructive weapon that has been forbidden for ages.

The Last Battle is a riveting legend that tells the timeless tale of the fight between good and evil, light and darkness. Kiser creates dynamic, unforgettable characters that are courageous, powerful, and intriguing. His vast universe, which he describes using beautiful poetic imagery, is a living entity itself, acting as much on the characters as they act on it. The picture of his story and its culture that he paints is all at once unique, enticing, moving, and spellbinding.

At times, however, the novel is slow-paced and fraught with lengthy details that do not advance the action or give information about the character. In these instances, it is difficult for the reader to move forward because of the excessive exposition and limited dialogue. On the other hand, the novel sucks the reader in immediately and leaves them hungry for more. As a result, those who appreciate well flushed out characters and expertly crafted worlds will find the novel to be an enjoyable, effortless read.

I highly recommend this book to any fan of the fantasy genre, especially those who love The Chronicles of Narnia and Harry Potter.

I give “The Last Battle” 4 out of 5 stars.

Cheers.

B. Smart

N.R. Eccles-Smith's "Kin Seeker"

Title: A World to Discover

“Kin Seeker” by N.R. Eccles-Smith

Reviewed by R.E. Views

6/28/15

6:17 p.m.

What if you couldn’t remember who you were? Kin Seeker, a fantasy novel by N.R. Eccles-Smith, creates a plot centered on asking this question. The story begins with a dragon, Laeka’Draeon, waking up outside a cave alone with no recollection of his past. He eventually learns that all the dragons have disappeared except for him, but why? On his quest to find what happened he battles monsters, gains friends, and journeys farther than he ever imagined.

Eccles-Smith creates a world where the creatures and settings expand the imagination, as well as allow the characters to experience relatable emotions. Using a combination of known mythological creatures and ones created by the author, the world feels familiar yet brand new. And though the main characters are all young they learn about friendship, loss, and destiny.

This story clearly distinguishes between good and evil, while offering an enjoyable story to young readers; however, while this is an interesting tale some may find issues with the vocabulary, the unclear character personalities, and the plot. The tone of the book is lighthearted and the writing style lends itself to a younger audience. In contrast, the vocabulary is difficult, especially in regard to descriptions of the settings. Parents be advised, this is not a hindrance because even if the reader does not understand the exact word, the context is clear. As for some of the characters’ personalities, at times they are inconsistent but remain likeable. And lastly, there were moments that didn’t add to the plot nor move the story along.

Despite some of the hang-ups I would recommend this book to children who enjoy fantasy books and who are looking for one with a more challenging vocabulary.

I give Kin Seeker 4 out of 5 stars

Best Wishes,

R.E. Views