Amaranthe, Sicarius, Books, Maldynado, Akstyr, and Basilard (one of the later additions) are back in Dark Currents, the sequel to The Emperor's Edge. A solid group that runs from the law while trying to redeem themselves, the Emperor's Edge stumble upon a worthwhile venture. Tainted water and dead bodies soon have them trekking off into the mountains searching for the source, discovering more about each other as they go.
Buroker did not disappoint in this fantastic sequel. The known characters are still beautifully portrayed and all of the new ones intriguing as well. As far as character development goes, the book is still focused primarily on Amaranthe, but on Books as well. We find out more about Sicarius's back story and his and Amaranthe's relationship continues to develop. Buroker also sheds some light on Basilard and his country, and Akstyr's magic is put more to use.
All in all I found the book to be engaging and unlike a lot of sequels, it is no less of a good book than the first.
As a side note, you can find out more about Lindsay Buroker and her books here.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
The Emperor's Edge by Lindsay Buroker
Stuck in a patriarchal society, all Amaranthe Lokdon has ever wanted to do is be a good enforcer (essentially a police officer), doing her job and getting the occasional promotion like everyone else. Easily one of the best enforcers around, Amaranthe finds herself stuck with the rookies. After an impressive display of justice the emperor just happens to see, she suddenly finds herself with the opportunity she needs. All she has to do is complete one simple task: beat the notorious assassin Sicarius at his own game. But with more going on than Amaranthe ever thought possible, it's not long before she finds out who the true enemy is.
The first thing I noticed about this book was the superb writing. It made me realize how long it's been since I've read a really really good book. When I pick a book to read I usually disregard the writing style completely (unless it's absolutely atrocious), so it was a pleasant surprise to see the story unfold with such beautiful writing, and even better: the plot was great as well. The story was incredibly engaging and I stayed up way later than I should have to finish it. The only problem I noticed about the story was that there were almost a bit too many near escapes made on the part of Amaranthe, but she is quick witted enough for this not to be too big of a flaw. My favorite part however was not the writing or the plot, but the characters. Amaranthe is a truly intelligent woman, which made me realize how many of the other books I've read are inconsistant with intelligence level (i.e. when characters figure out a bunch of difficult things and then get stuck on the most obvious bits of all). Buroker also managed to pull of Amaranthe's intelligence level without making it totally unrealistic and making her all-powerful (though it was a bit of a close call with the almost excessive amount of escapes from near death experiences). My second favorite part about Amaranthe is that she is almost OCD. That truly shocked me (and excited me at the same time). I don't usually see authors include such specific character information like that unless it's totally essential to the character (which it was not in this case. She could have made it through the story events without that bit of OCD perfectly fine). But it's not just Amaranthe who Buroker portrays in such depth, it is the majority of the characters. They each have their own distinct personalities that make them so lovable (or hatable). Another thing I admire about the characters: none of them are completely helpless. I appreciated that most in one particular character that I won't spoil for you.
All in all: Fantastic book. I think most people (at least anyone who likes any of the other books I've reviewed) would enjoy this immensely. I only hope I can find another book just as good (of course that's after I read the rest of the books in the series).
The first thing I noticed about this book was the superb writing. It made me realize how long it's been since I've read a really really good book. When I pick a book to read I usually disregard the writing style completely (unless it's absolutely atrocious), so it was a pleasant surprise to see the story unfold with such beautiful writing, and even better: the plot was great as well. The story was incredibly engaging and I stayed up way later than I should have to finish it. The only problem I noticed about the story was that there were almost a bit too many near escapes made on the part of Amaranthe, but she is quick witted enough for this not to be too big of a flaw. My favorite part however was not the writing or the plot, but the characters. Amaranthe is a truly intelligent woman, which made me realize how many of the other books I've read are inconsistant with intelligence level (i.e. when characters figure out a bunch of difficult things and then get stuck on the most obvious bits of all). Buroker also managed to pull of Amaranthe's intelligence level without making it totally unrealistic and making her all-powerful (though it was a bit of a close call with the almost excessive amount of escapes from near death experiences). My second favorite part about Amaranthe is that she is almost OCD. That truly shocked me (and excited me at the same time). I don't usually see authors include such specific character information like that unless it's totally essential to the character (which it was not in this case. She could have made it through the story events without that bit of OCD perfectly fine). But it's not just Amaranthe who Buroker portrays in such depth, it is the majority of the characters. They each have their own distinct personalities that make them so lovable (or hatable). Another thing I admire about the characters: none of them are completely helpless. I appreciated that most in one particular character that I won't spoil for you.
All in all: Fantastic book. I think most people (at least anyone who likes any of the other books I've reviewed) would enjoy this immensely. I only hope I can find another book just as good (of course that's after I read the rest of the books in the series).
Monday, April 23, 2012
Betraying Season by Marissa Doyle
Betraying Season, the sequel to Bewitching Season, features Pen (Persy's twin sister), on her trip to Ireland where she seeks to remedy her lack of magical knowledge while she stays with Ally (her once-governess). Left to her own devices due to Ally's painful pregnancy, Pen is delighted to encounter the grand Lady Keating, who, in addition to a daughter, just so happens to have a handsome son named Niall. What could possibly go wrong with such a charming family?
I enjoyed the book, but it wasn't so different from the book before it. Pen is portrayed as the strong flamboyant twin in Betraying Season, but she appears much weaker in the sequel. The book blatantly states that Pen has decided that the London season is tiring, which almost contradicts her behavior in the earlier book, considering all her earlier excitement about coming out into society. Niall is somewhat unoriginal. Charming and handsome, he is your every day attractive male. The only real interesting thing about him is the conflict he faces, which he deals with none too intelligently. I'd say that the more minor characters were much more exciting: Doireann (Niall's sister), Cornwobble (the fairy creature who lives in the cellar), and Eamon Doherty (one of Pen's fellow magic students).
All in all I'd say that the book was enjoyable, but somewhat unoriginal. The main characters are pretty standard, and Pen somewhat changed. However, if you liked the first book, you'll probably like this one as well as it is the same type of story.
Note: Beginning with this review I'm trying to be a bit more critical of the books. I figure that if all I give is praise, it's not a totally valid review. My point in mentioning this is that you shouldn't think this book is any worse than the books I reviewed before it, I just failed to include enough criticisms in the others.
I enjoyed the book, but it wasn't so different from the book before it. Pen is portrayed as the strong flamboyant twin in Betraying Season, but she appears much weaker in the sequel. The book blatantly states that Pen has decided that the London season is tiring, which almost contradicts her behavior in the earlier book, considering all her earlier excitement about coming out into society. Niall is somewhat unoriginal. Charming and handsome, he is your every day attractive male. The only real interesting thing about him is the conflict he faces, which he deals with none too intelligently. I'd say that the more minor characters were much more exciting: Doireann (Niall's sister), Cornwobble (the fairy creature who lives in the cellar), and Eamon Doherty (one of Pen's fellow magic students).
All in all I'd say that the book was enjoyable, but somewhat unoriginal. The main characters are pretty standard, and Pen somewhat changed. However, if you liked the first book, you'll probably like this one as well as it is the same type of story.
Note: Beginning with this review I'm trying to be a bit more critical of the books. I figure that if all I give is praise, it's not a totally valid review. My point in mentioning this is that you shouldn't think this book is any worse than the books I reviewed before it, I just failed to include enough criticisms in the others.
Monday, April 16, 2012
Bewitching Season by Marissa Doyle
Well, I must say that was a delightful read! Though somewhat predictable, the many events Percy (Persephone), her twin Pen (Penelope), their little brother Chuckles (Charles), and the enchanting Lochinver go through to find the kidnapped governess Ally are extremely engaging and well told. The combination of the search with Percy and Pen's coming out season adds even more excitement to the story. All in all the wonderful characters and engaging plot make it a worthwhile read that goes right along with all of the other books I've reviewed so far.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Princess Ben by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
Princess Ben is a wonderful little book, breaking away from the norm of a beautiful female lead while incorporating little bits of many widely know fairy tales and fables (which I found utterly charming). Spared from death by having to stay home sick in bed, Ben (short for Benevolence) soon finds herself the sole heir to the throne, currently being maintained by none other than the ruthless Queen Sophia due to her husband's tragic death. A spoiled little glutton of a girl, Ben is now faced with a demanding life of court rules, endless dancing, and limited amounts of food under the Queen's care. Left broken hearted by the kingdom of Drachensbett's slaughter of her mother, father, and uncle (the king), Ben has to get her priorities straight. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader entertained as well as some interesting characters along the way (not all of them human either). Princess Ben is an enjoyable read that's not too heavy on the intricacies of world building, but nonetheless creates a believable (in terms of fantasy of course) and charming story.
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