by Jane | Feb 11, 2019 | Books
Court of Fives by Kate Elliott is the story of Jessamy
(Jes for short), a girl who lives in a society in which the Patrons rule and the
Commoners are seen as inferior. Her father is a Patron, a well-respected
military officer, and her mother is a Commoner. She lives with them and her
three sisters raised as Patrons, although her parents could never marry.
Though raised as a Patron, Jes longs to take part in a
game known as the Fives, which she does behind her father’s back. She meets a
Kalliarkos, a Patron boy, in the competition, and they become unlikely friends.
When her family is torn apart by Kaliarkos’ evil uncle, Jes sets herself on a
mission to save the Commoners from their oppression and to uncover secrets of
the Patrons and of the Fives.
Adventure, mysticism, and a growing love between Jes and
Kalliarkos mark this book as a must-read young adult fantasy.
by Jane | Jan 14, 2019 | Books
An Argumentation of Historians by Jodi Taylor is Book Nine in The Chronicles of St Mary’s, a series about time-traveling historians. I came to this book with a disadvantage, not having read any of the previous books. Luckily, Taylor kept me informed with little tidbits about what had happened previously to the protagonist Max and her colleagues. The author also graciously included a humorous list of characters, and while I soon got out of the habit of looking back for each one, it did help me to at least place them by department (i.e, Administration, History, Technical, R&D, Medical, and Security.)
But after I got my footing, it
was a fun little romp. The basic plot of this installment is the attempt to
lure in time-traveling criminal Ronan, whom the Time Police of the future are
after. Long story short, it backfires and Max ends up in 1399.
Taylor writes in an offhand,
humorous style, which I can appreciate, though I generally prefer my time
travel stories of a serious nature. However, I really enjoyed the chapters
devoted to 1399 because those pages contained what I believe all time travel
novels should – a traveler trying to understand the time in which he or she has
landed, getting into trouble, and finding a way out.
Most of the rest of the book
involved Max’s relationships (with husband, bosses, subordinates), as well as
increased subterfuge by the criminal Ronan.
I enjoyed the book, largely due to the flow and the characters, but also the way Taylor describes in detail the historical periods into which the characters travel. I love history and am always open to learning more. So, although I saw the humor almost as a distraction, I am tempted to pick up one or two more books in the series, if only to catch up.
by Jane | Dec 31, 2018 | Books
Parable of the Sower is a dystopian novel by Octavia E. Butler, set in California in the near future, where climate change has wreaked havoc with society. Crime is out of control, poverty widespread, and the government practically useless. People who can afford to, live in walled communities and take their lives in their hands when they venture out. When disaster strikes her community, teenage Lauren has no choice but to set out on foot, trying to find someplace better. Accompanied by two acquaintances from the community, she meets others along the way, but the question is always: Who can she trust?
Lauren is not your usual young woman. She is a “sharer,” a person who possesses hyperempathy, and can feel pain and other sensations that she sees in others. That makes her trip even more dangerous because the government will capture and enslave people with that trait. But her way of coping makes her even more special. She is developing a new belief system known as Earthseed, the culmination of which is to leave the planet and start over again elsewhere.
Parable of the Sower has somewhat of a cult status for its take on climate change, the responsibilities we, as humans, have for the planet, and its relationship to certain Bible passages. It is definitely a book with a message; it is also a well-written science fiction novel, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Come for the story and stay for the message. You won’t be sorry.
by Jane | Dec 3, 2018 | Books
I just discovered a new fantasy series from the 1990’s – The Wayfarer Redemption by Sara Douglass. The first book has the same title as the series and introduces us to the land of Achar, ruled by King Prium. Prium has no children, so his dead sister’s two sons are pretenders to the throne. Borneheld, Duke of Ichtar is her legitimate son and Axis, a bastard son from an unknown father.
The spiritual needs of the kingdom are served by the Seneschal, who teach love for the god Artor and hatred of the Forbidden, creatures defeated in a great war a millennia ago, who are now relegated to the mountains and forest at the edge of the kingdom. The leader of the Seneschal’s fighting forces is Axis, King Prium’s nephew.
As the book opens, other creatures are threatening from the north and bringing with them unnatural winter. Axis is sent to accompany Faraday, Borneheld’s fiancé, to a sanctuary in the east and to make contact with members of the Seneschal who may have access to writings that could help defeat these creatures.
However, Axis discovers a prophesy which reveals much about himself, Faraday, and the creatures known as the Forbidden. All have a role to play in the wars to come, but like all prophesies, nothing is clear, and there is much to be discovered along the way.
The Wayfarer Redemption held my attention though all 600+ pages. There is intrigue, love, mystery, sibling rivalry, back-stabbing, and magic, everything necessary for a good fantasy series. Pick it up today.
by Jane | Nov 17, 2018 | Books
Blood of the Four by Christopher Golden and Tim Lebbon is the story of the kingdom of Quandis. Phela, second in line to the throne, suspects her mother Lysander of using magic, forbidden to all except the highest level of priest. But Lysander is ambitious, as is Phela herself.
On the other end of the social hierarchy are the Bajumen, the most lowly of slaves, hated by all. But Bujumen can elevate themselves by joining the priesthood, as has Blane. Blane also has ambition, but his is noble, the freeing of his people.
As the story progresses, people of all classes (royalty, nobility, priests and slaves) are called upon to take sides, as both Phela and Blane become more powerful, in a battle for control of the kingdom and its magic.
Blood of <the Four is a page-turner, following the journeys of several characters during the difficult times. It’s definitely worth a look.
