Tag Archives: Fantasy

Assassin’s Quest by Robin Hobb (The Farseer Trilogy, Book 3)

American Literature

Synopsis: The bastard son of a dead king goes on a quest to find his missing uncle, gone to rouse the mythical Elderlings and save the Six Duchies from the fearsome Red Ship Raiders. Review: Assassin’s Quest reminded me why I fell in love with Robin Hobb. Despite some of the missteps in overly broad characterizations, I was swept away by the epic storytelling. I really got tired of the narrator of the audio version, and I have to say I’m a bit relieved that…

Read More »

Kings of the North by Elizabeth Moon (The Deed of Paksenarrion)

American Literature

Synopsis: A continuation of the story of Kieri Phelan, the newly crowned half-elven king at odds with his elven grandmother, and Dorrin, the female Duke of Verrakai, seeking to use her power to pursue vengeance against her family of evil mage lords. Review: I had trouble getting through Kings of the North. It felt like a lot of exposition and water-treading. I love these characters and have been enthralled by the series to date, but just didn’t really enjoy this installment. But will definitely give…

Read More »

Wise Man’s Fear (Kingkiller Chronicles, Day 2)

American Literature

Synopsis: Kvothe the Bloodless continues his tale, which encompasses the furtherance of his studies of the arcane at the University, a quest to hunt bandits for the richest man in the land, a detour into Fae, training among a tribe of elite fighters who do most of their talking with their hands, and continued revelations about the demonic Chandrian. Review: Wise Man’s Fear was over way too soon, despite it’s length–and that’s the sign of a truly great read, in my book. I had a…

Read More »

A Feast for Crows by George RR Martin (A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 4)

American Literature 1 Comment

Synopsis: The aftermath of the war of the 5 kings leaves Westeros in decay and despair, with Cersei the scheming queen and her twin brother the Kingslayer watching all they dreamed of shatter into pieces. Review: So I totally boycotted the audiobook for A Feast for Crows because the good folks at Random House didn’t think we’d care that they couldn’t make it work with Roy Dotrice. I couldn’t stand to listen to anyone else voice Jaime’s distinctive Lannister lilt, or Samwell Tarly and Brienne…

Read More »

Assassin’s Apprentice by Robin Hobb (The Farseer Trilogy, Book 1)

American Literature 1 Comment

Synopsis: The bastard son of a prince gets training in the art of deception, eavesdropping, and murder, while failing to master the royal Skill, a sort of telepathy that is the Six Duchies chief weapon against the Red Ship Raiders, who harry the coast leaving only zombies in their wake. Review: This is my second read of Assassin’s Apprentice, and it’s been an odd experience. Actually, I listened to the audiobook version, and while I enjoyed the narrator’s performance I was disappointed to find Robin…

Read More »

A Storm of Swords by George RR Martin (A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 3)

American Literature 1 Comment

Synopsis: The war of the Five Kings heats up, with intrigue, conspiracy, regicide, betrayal, and black magic abounding. Review: First of all, I am outraged beyond belief that Random House couldn’t get Roy Dotrice to perform the audiobook version of fourth installment of this series. It’s breaking my heart that I can’t continue listening to his incomparable narration. His work is masterful, bringing all the intensity of the plot and subtlety of the characterizations to life. It’s really depressing to me. A Storm of Swords…

Read More »

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss (Kingkiller Chronicles, Day 1)

American Literature 1 Comment

Synopsis: The early rise of the mage who who became the Kingkiller and who now owns a humble tavern. Review: This my second time reading The Name of the Wind, in anticipation of the upcoming release of Wise Man’s Fear. I’m very very very very exciting. The book mostly held up well on a second reading. I was surprised at how fresh it seemed to me, a testament to the depth of Rothfuss’s vision. You can read my original review here.

Read More »

Traitor’s Gate by Kate Elliott (Crossroads, Book 3)

American Literature

Synopsis: The conclusion to a trilogy about a world at war. Review: If I were not the exhausted mother of two small children, perhaps I might be inclined to spend more time writing about Traitor’s Gate. But as it is, I am bummed that I spent my precious reading time on a trilogy with such a lackluster conclusion. I just really feel like I wasted my time.

Read More »

Shadow Gate by Kate Elliott (Book Two of the Crossroads)

American Literature

Synopsis: The Hundred swirls with intrigue, magic, and war as long-gone Guardians awaken and the eagle-riding reeves join with fierce outlanders to make war against a sorcerous foe, while an avenging demon casts new light on the accepted practice of slavery. Review: Shadow Gate was a good second book. It told an exciting, thrilling story while laying the groundwork for a big conclusion. Not much more to say until I read the finale, up next.

Read More »

Spirit Gate by Kate Elliott (Crossroads, Book 1)

American Literature

Synopsis: A democracy known for peaceful governance by reeves riding giant eagles falls into chaos and possible civil war when the reeves of the north stop responding and a military captain fleeing his murderous brother lands right in the middle of it; meanwhile, a slave sells an eerie, ghost-like girl into prostitution in order to free his sister, who, as a temple prostitute called a Devouring girl, has a few tricks up her sleeve as well as a personal stake in the larger story. Review:…

Read More »