"The Philosopher's Flight" by Tom Miller

Disclaimer: I was given a free advance ecopy of this book via NetGalley from the publisher, Simon & Schuster in exchange for an honest review. My opinion remains as forthright as ever.

If you've ever dreamed of flying, have I got the book for you! The Philosopher's Flight is set in the early 1900s in a bit of a different world from our own. Society is matriarchal instead of patriarchal (i.e. women go to work and war, have the most influence, and generally rule the roost, while men stay home [for the most part], take care of the kids, and get catcalled on the streets). It's refreshing to read a fantasy book that doesn't have a patriarchal society, especially when it's alternate history. I find some books with your typical Tolkien-style worlds so true-to-history as far as misogyny goes that they're difficult to read (I'm looking at you, George R.R. Martin).

The first half of this novel is the most difficult to get through due to a complex magic system that involves science, therefore making this a bit of a sci-fi book. I had issues initially imagining it, but as the book went on the magic system made a lot more sense and I really began to enjoy it. Philosophers in this book are a bit like scientific magicians: to them, it's simple science to be able to fly, heal people, and transport things and people across vast expanses, but to those who don't understand the science it seems a lot like magic.

The Plot (As Seen on Goodreads):

'The Philosopher’s Flight is an epic historical fantasy set in a World-War-I-era America where magic and science have blended into a single extraordinary art. 

'Eighteen-year-old Robert Weekes is a practitioner of empirical philosophy—an arcane, female-dominated branch of science used to summon the wind, shape clouds of smoke, heal the injured, and even fly. Though he dreams of fighting in the Great War as the first male in the elite US Sigilry Corps Rescue and Evacuation Service—a team of flying medics—Robert is resigned to mixing batches of philosophical chemicals and keeping the books for the family business in rural Montana, where his mother, a former soldier and vigilante, aids the locals.

'When a deadly accident puts his philosophical abilities to the test, Robert rises to the occasion and wins a scholarship to study at Radcliffe College, an all-women’s school. At Radcliffe, Robert hones his skills and strives to win the respect of his classmates, a host of formidable, unruly women. 

'Robert falls hard for Danielle Hardin, a disillusioned young war hero turned political radical. However, Danielle’s activism and Robert’s recklessness attract the attention of the same fanatical anti-philosophical group that Robert’s mother fought years before. With their lives in mounting danger, Robert and Danielle band together with a team of unlikely heroes to fight for Robert’s place among the next generation of empirical philosophers—and for philosophy’s very survival against the men who would destroy it.

'In the tradition of Lev Grossman and Deborah Harkness, Tom Miller writes with unrivaled imagination, ambition, and humor. The Philosopher’s Flight is both a fantastical reimagining of American history and a beautifully composed coming-of-age tale for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider.'

As someone born and raised in Montana, I expected this book to fail miserably on that end of things, but the setting where Robert Weekes grew up was spot-on for the area (though I did feel like the inclusion of Parmly Library would've amped the setting up a notch). Of course, due to this being alternate history, would the buildings have been the same? I am beginning to doubt that.

The central theme in this book is overcoming obstacles and adversity, along with how diversity should be considered a strength rather than a weakness. Although this book is a lot of fun to read, it does delve deeply into philosophical topics that don't involve magic. The last half of the book I read so speedily I worried I may have missed some of that depth, but when you love a character and their life is in danger, you kind of need to know if they survive that paragraph.

The Philosopher's Flight has the perfect fun to worldbuilding ratio of any book I've read in the past six months. The characters fly off the page at you and you find yourself a bit too invested in their well-being for them to be fictional. I am surprised that this is a debut, because it seems like someone who writes this well has had at least one book under their belt, but stranger things have happened. If you want an immersive fantasy experience that combines all of my favorite genres, The Philosopher's Flight may be the book for you. 

Rating: 4.5 of 5 Stars for an exceptionally exquisite alternate history debut!

Age Advisory: Ages 18+ for sexual content, swearing, racial epithets, and philosophical catastrophes!

Page Count: 432 pages

"The Rules of Magic (Practical Magic Prequel)" by Alice Hoffman

Disclaimer: I was given a free advance ecopy of this book via NetGalley from the publisher, Simon & Schuster in exchange for an honest review. My opinion remains as forthright as ever.

Well, it's time to think back to all the things I loved about The Rules of Magic, because letting it sit without a review irks my perfectionism to no end, especially when the book was as powerful as this one is. It follows three siblings through their adolescence and into adulthood- choosing their own paths, while still trying to avoid the family curse.

I have read many of Alice Hoffman's books. This one, for me, was the best of the bunch- the only two that come close are Turtle Moon and The Dovekeepers. I think the reason this one is 5 stars while the others I mentioned only garnered 4.5 stars is because I read this one precisely when I needed it. My grandmother passed away last year on October 3rd, and I'd only begun to read this book a few weeks prior (and slowly, as I was trying to savor it). This book has themes of death, grief, and injustice that resonated with me as I side-stepped through my own familial dramas.

The Plot (As Seen on Goodreads):

'Find your magic

'For the Owens family, love is a curse that began in 1620, when Maria Owens was charged with witchery for loving the wrong man.

'Hundreds of years later, in New York City at the cusp of the sixties, when the whole world is about to change, Susanna Owens knows that her three children are dangerously unique. Difficult Franny, with skin as pale as milk and blood red hair, shy and beautiful Jet, who can read other people’s thoughts, and charismatic Vincent, who began looking for trouble on the day he could walk.

'From the start Susanna sets down rules for her children: No walking in the moonlight, no red shoes, no wearing black, no cats, no crows, no candles, no books about magic. And most importantly, never, ever, fall in love. But when her children visit their Aunt Isabelle, in the small Massachusetts town where the Owens family has been blamed for everything that has ever gone wrong, they uncover family secrets and begin to understand the truth of who they are. Back in New York City each begins a risky journey as they try to escape the family curse.

'The Owens children cannot escape love even if they try, just as they cannot escape the pains of the human heart. The two beautiful sisters will grow up to be the revered, and sometimes feared, aunts in Practical Magic, while Vincent, their beloved brother, will leave an unexpected legacy.'

What the future would be was yet to be discovered. As for the past, they already knew it too well.

            ~The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman, 73% Kindle edition

Whether you love, hate, or feel some sort of apathy toward your family members, they shape the way you grow up, and The Rules of Magic explores that avenue. I developed an immediate like for Franny and Jet, and a disgust for Vincent, who does typical teen boy stuff (or at least, what some of the typical teen boys I knew did). All of them are a bit lost in the world, and they cope with it in different ways, but in the end I found myself relating more to Vincent than any of the female characters (which I consider quite the miracle due to my initial dislike of him). 

Another of my favorite parts of this book is the fact that all of the Owenses have their own distinct plotline- and yet I never got bored or disinterested, even when most of their behavior was predictable. There was something delightfully operatic about this book that kept me reading even though some of the themes felt a bit too painful for me to touch at the time. Ms. Hoffman brought tears to my eyes and made me smile, even when I didn't want to.

The Rules of Magic is the sort of book you need when you don't know what to do. It is not, by any means, a self-help book, but it helped me nonetheless. Sometimes fiction is a much easier medicine than nonfiction to share ideas and stories, and I feel that is the case with The Rules of Magic. I recommend this book to everyone, whether you want to read it or not. Too bad, it's now my favorite, and therefore will be ruthlessly mailed as a gift to acquaintances and friends near and far for all occasions. 

Rating: 5 of 5 Stars for an extraordinary novel that helped me navigate 2017!

Age Advisory: Ages 16+ for sexual content, drug use, violence, swearing, and themes of grief.

Page Count: 369 pages

"White Hot (Hidden Legacy #2)" by Ilona Andrews

White Hot is the second in the Hidden Legacy series, and this review contains some spoilers for the first book, Burn For Me. My review of Burn For Me is here.

This book contains some of the elements that made Fate's Edge one of my favorite Ilona Andrews' books- animals, ingenuity, and a lot of creative thinking. While the returning characters did sweeten the book, I love the fact that Cornelius returns with his animal menagerie to make this book even more Litha-approved. As you may know, a heavy helping of critters with personality goes a long way in terms of improving my reception to books.

Of course, I must discuss the cover, which basically gives some of the book away: Nevada and Rogan were (1st book spoiler) separated in the first book by Rogan's offer which Nevada refused. Obviously, something romantic is happening in this book. I think a lot of my fears about Rogan and Nevada's dynamic were answered in this book, because they get to know each other a bit more than in Burn For Me.

The Plot (As Seen on Goodreads):
'Nevada Baylor has a unique and secret skill—she knows when people are lying—and she's used that magic (along with plain, hard work) to keep her colorful and close-knit family's detective agency afloat. But her new case pits her against the shadowy forces that almost destroyed the city of Houston once before, bringing Nevada back into contact with Connor "Mad" Rogan.
'Rogan is a billionaire Prime—the highest rank of magic user—and as unreadable as ever, despite Nevada’s “talent.” But there’s no hiding the sparks between them. Now that the stakes are even higher, both professionally and personally, and their foes are unimaginably powerful, Rogan and Nevada will find that nothing burns like ice …'

One of my favorite things about the Hidden Legacy series is Nevada's family, and her grandma, Frida continues to hold a special place in my heart with her mad vehicular modification skills. You get to see more of Catalina and Arabella (Nevada's sisters) in this book, and not just in the annoying lil' sis ways you'd expect of them (although there's more than enough of that too). There is definitely more of a focus on the Baylor clan than there was in Burn For Me, because although Nevada lived and worked with her family then there was less of their input on her everyday activities with Rogan.

I was impressed with the plot of this book probably even more than Burn For Me which was more of a typical series introduction book. Although there are some hodge podge action scenes, the overall story was impressive (especially the bit that involved the animals). This is supposed to be paranormal romance, but there is a lot more urban fantasy-ish situations than I recall a lot of Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance mixes having.

White Hot is the type of paranormal romance that brings me out of a bad mood with ease. I enjoyed it so much I decided to reread it before writing up a review- the Hidden Legacy series is quickly becoming one of my favorites. If you like action-packed books with realistic characters and a side of romance, this series might be for you.

Rating: 4.5 of 5 Stars for an exceptional sequel that exceeded my magical expectations!

Age Advisory: Ages 18+ for violence, animal burglars, and sexual content.

Page Count: 389 pages

"Naked in Death (In Death #1)" by J.D. Robb

I don't know about you, but I tend to have little trust in the writing skills of popular authors. The more books a certain writer has written and sold well, the more I suspicious I feel about them- I guess that is why I seldom pick up any books by James Patterson or Dan Brown (also, I tend to dislike thrillers). So when I saw this in my invisible-pile with the name Nora Roberts on it, my eyes went very narrow- why would I pick up a romance book with thriller in the title, even if it has sci-fi, if it's written by such a popular *narrows eyes even more* writer?

Let me tell you- I was wrong. This book is a gem of sci-fi romance that even I (the notoriously picky about romance reader) can enjoy, even with my thriller-aversion. It's always interesting to read a book set in a future time when a lot of time has passed since its publication, but somehow this one doesn't seem at all far fetched (this was published in 1995, 22 years ago). There are some elements that are a more than a tad off track (they say because prostitution is legalized, rape is very uncommon. I doubt that X1000), but in 1995, I was three years old and considered dirt a delicacy. Needless to say, things have changed.

The Plot (As Seen on Goodreads):
'In a world of danger and deception, she walks the line--between seductive passion and scandalous murder... Eve Dallas is a New York police lieutenant hunting for a ruthless killer. In over ten years on the force, she's seen it all--and knows her survival depends on her instincts. And she's going against every warning telling her not to get involved with Roarke, an Irish billionaire--and a suspect in Eve's murder investigation. But passion and seduction have rules of their own, and it's up to Eve to take a chance in the arms of a man she knows nothing about--except the addictive hunger of needing his touch.'

J.D. Robb/Nora Roberts manages to portray Eve Dallas in a beautifully complex manner. She is a survivor of childhood sex abuse who has made her job into her life when in steps Roarke. I wasn't too sure the author would be able to make me like him at first- he's overbearing and a billionaire (I don't find wealth that attractive, thanks very much), but the way he cares for Eve won me over. This is written in the third-person omniscient perspective, which means there are jumps in point of view during the same scene from character to character. It's hard to believe, but it actually works in this book's favor- if I never saw the book from Roarke's end of things in certain moments, I would've never liked him.

Although this book is set in a sci-fi future, it is a romance, the steam of which may not suit all readers. With most books with this level of steam, I can usually label it mainly a romance, but without the murder mystery and sci-fi elements this book probably wouldn't work- Eve's job is essential to her character, and the sadistic sexual aspects of the murders seem to break down her barriers. You should definitely skip this one if you find those types of things in books distasteful because although it isn't as bad as many other books I've read, it's still on the gruesome side.

Naked in Death is a futuristic romantic thriller with a heroine who can cry and still kick your ass ten seconds (or less) later. I was more than thrilled to find that this one breached the four star barrier, something that has been difficult for many other books I've read in the past few months to do. If you like the lighter side of sci-fi with romance, murder, and a heroine to cheer for, you should pick up Naked in Death for your next read.

Rating: 4 of 5 Stars for an excellent sci-fi romance that kept me guessing!

Age Advisory: Ages 18+ for violence during sexual situations, murder, and sexual assault.

Page Count: 316 pages

New Release: "Age of Swords (The Legends of the First Empire #2)" by Michael J. Sullivan

Disclaimer: I was given a free advance ecopy of this book via NetGalley from the publisher, Random House/Ballantine Del Rey in exchange for an honest review. My opinion remains as forthright as ever.

A review of the first book in the series, Age of Myth is here.

Have you ever read a book and thought to yourself, "I like this, but things are happening too easily"? That was my thought halfway through Age of Swords, and it haunted me as I read the final pages. This book has great characters, adventure, action, and new locations, but it doesn't have enough friction in the politics or between the characters to make it feel like something that could happen feasibly, even in a fantasy world, unless humans are suddenly without fierce convictions, grudges, and all suddenly decide on being agreeable. Sure, there is conflict, but mostly between races: if you've read a comment section on the internet (that wasn't on this blog) in the last ten years, you'll know that people are attached to their opinion, even in the face of facts. The humans of Age of Swords get along in a way that makes the bulk of us look like contrarians.

As I mentioned, there are new locations in this book, but some of those locations were a tad stereotypical for my complete enjoyment. I found the Fhrey side of the story much more interesting, which I hadn't expected given my love of Suri, Persephone, and Roan. Even on the Fhrey side of things, I found a few inconsistencies/annoyances of mine- a leader of a group kept saying the same phrase every time he popped up. It would've been okay, but the phrase was, "Am I right?"

Am I right, people?

Am I right?

Am I right?

Aren't you annoyed yet? And thinking of old television shows in which that catchphrase may have been more suitable? Instead of imagining Orlando Bloom in his Legolas role, winking slightly as he says, "Am I right?"

The Plot (As Seen on Goodreads):
'Raithe, the God Killer, may have started the rebellion by killing a Fhrey, but long-standing enmities dividing the Rhune make it all but impossible to unite against a common foe. And even if the clans can join forces, how will they defeat an enemy whose magical prowess makes the Fhrey indistinguishable from gods?
'The answer lies across the sea in a faraway land populated by a reclusive and dour race who feels nothing but disdain for both Fhrey and mankind. With time running out, Persephone leads the gifted young seer Suri, the Fhrey sorceress Arion, and a small band of misfits in a desperate search for aid—a quest that will take them into the darkest depths of Elan. There, an ancient adversary waits—an enemy as surprising as it is deadly.'

One major negative for me was the focus on fleshing-out characters that had already had enough backstory attached to them. One character in particular is singled out for this, and I was reminded of the logic behind the song A Boy Named Sue. If you've heard the song, you'll know what I'm talking about- as a song, it's okay. But does that logic make much sense in real life, with real people?

I know I've done a thorough job listing the irritating qualities of this book, but I do believe this series is still well worth reading. The reason? Despite indulging in many tropes, there is a lot to enjoy here- a mystery surrounding some of the characters, characters that are enjoyable to read about (despite being too darn peaceable), and various political plots that move the book forward. However, if you're averse to traditional fantasy elements (elves and dwarves- need I say more?) you will want to find a different series.

Age of Swords isn't quite what I had hoped for- and it was on my list of most anticipated books for 2017. It still has the magic of the first book, but perhaps I've become a bit more immune to its charms after the extra pages in this one. Still, if you enjoy traditional fantasy with a wealth of female characters and without the traditional fantasy placement of said female characters, The Legends of the First Empire series may be for you.

Rating: 3.5 of 5 Stars for a great sequel that doesn't quite match the first book's magic.

Age Advisory: Ages 18+ for violence (that includes brutality against vulnerable people), prejudice, and a surplus of annoying catchphrases.

Page Count: 512 pages

"Windhaven" by George R.R. Martin and Lisa Tuttle

I wasn't so sure I'd actually finish this book- lately I've been having hiccups with reading a book start to finish. Even though this book is co-authored by George R.R. Martin, I had my doubts as to whether I'd like it or not: it had things that, given my current, dilapidated state of being might end up irking me or worse. However, once I read past the first half, my concerns were put to rest. Windhaven is a story about how the world changes and the people who manage to adapt to those changes.

Maris is a bit of an unassuming character from the start. Though she was a perpetual dreamer, I wasn't too sure about her until I neared the end of the book. What she does have in spades is determination- enough that even when faced with unlikely odds she perseveres.

The Plot (As Seen on Goodreads):
'The planet of Windhaven was not originally a home to humans, but it became one following the crash of a colony starship. It is a world of small islands, harsh weather, and monster-infested seas. Communication among the scattered settlements was virtually impossible until the discovery that, thanks to light gravity and a dense atmosphere, humans were able to fly with the aid of metal wings made of bits of the cannibalized spaceship.
'Many generations later, among the scattered islands that make up the water world of Windhaven, no one holds more prestige than the silver-winged flyers, who bring news, gossip, songs, and stories. They are romantic figures crossing treacherous oceans, braving shifting winds and sudden storms that could easily dash them from the sky to instant death. They are also members of an increasingly elite caste, for the wings—always in limited quantity—are growing gradually rarer as their bearers perish.
'With such elitism comes arrogance and a rigid adherence to hidebound tradition. And for the flyers, allowing just anyone to join their cadre is an idea that borders on heresy. Wings are meant only for the offspring of flyers—now the new nobility of Windhaven. Except that sometimes life is not quite so neat.
'Maris of Amberly, a fisherman's daughter, was raised by a flyer and wants nothing more than to soar on the currents high above Windhaven. By tradition, however, the wings must go to her stepbrother, Coll, the flyer's legitimate son. But Coll wants only to be a singer, traveling the world by sea. So Maris challenges tradition, demanding that flyers be chosen on the basis of merit rather than inheritance. And when she wins that bitter battle, she discovers that her troubles are only beginning.
'For not all flyers are willing to accept the world's new structure, and as Maris battles to teach those who yearn to fly, she finds herself likewise fighting to preserve the integrity of a society she so longed to join—not to mention the very fabric that holds her culture together.'

I think half of what makes this book interesting is the social hierarchy and interactions between people- flyers and those who are land bound, along with the Landsmen, who rule the land bound people of their island. I almost wished you got to see more of what the different islands were like- the worldbuilding in this book is anything but lacking, and yet I wanted more. Much of the plot involves the politics of Windhaven, so I don't want to reveal too much for fear of spoilers.

Though the story is science fiction in the way the world came about, it has a distinctive fantasy feel that a lot of "stranded on a planet" books seem to pick up. It's not a bad thing for someone like me who enjoys both genres equally, but if you're expecting pure science fiction you'll be disappointed. Most of the time Windhaven sort of reminds me of The Name of the Wind's world- singers/musicians hold a lot of power.

Windhaven may remind me of other books, but I found the concept of human flight to be relatively unique to its world. There's something inherently thrilling about the idea of strapping a pair of wings on and gliding off into the sunset, at least for me, so this book was definitely in my daydreams before I even read it. If you aren't too afraid of heights and enjoy science fiction that may end up more on the fantasy spectrum, Windhaven might be the book for you.

Rating: 4 of 5 Stars for an excellent novel that set my mind adrift.

Age Advisory: Ages 16+ for disturbing politics and violence.

Page Count: 400 pages in my mass market paperback edition

"Star of the Morning (Nine Kingdoms, #1)" by Lynn Kurland

I'm 90% sure this was a Goodreads recommendation, as I can't recall anyone I know that read it. It's put in the category of fantasy romance, so I was expecting something like a historical romance in a fantasy setting... and it really wasn't. I'm still perplexed by the label, as yes, there is an extremely slow-building romance in this book, but there isn't any kissing (except of hands). Mainly, the plot feels more like a YA fantasy with some adult tropes thrown in- but keep in mind that this is the first of a trilogy, so it may get more adult-oriented later on.

Because I was expecting a heavily romantic fantasy, I was continually confused as to why there were no romance-y subplots going on. Instead, this book focuses on Morgan, who is trying to get a magical blade to the king of Neroche, and the king of Neroche and his archmage brother, who are trying to find someone who can wield the magic sword that they possess, since Adhemar's (the king of Neroche's) magic has failed. From what I've read so far, the world of the Nine Kingdoms is a relatively familiar fantasy land (there are mentions of elves and dwarves), but I found myself charmed by it nonetheless.

The Plot (As Seen on Goodreads):
'Darkness covers the north, since the black mage has begun his assault on the kingdom of Neroche. Legend has it that only the two magical swords held by Neroche's king can defeat the mage. Now the fate of the Nine Kingdoms rests in the hands of a woman destined to wield one of those blades...
'In this land of dragons and mages, warrior maids and magical swords, nothing is as it seems. And Morgan will find that the magic in her blood brings her troubles she cannot face with a sword-and a love more powerful than she has ever imagined.'

There were some elements of this story that seemed a bit off to me. One of the stories of a friendship Morgan gained through fending off male attackers, and then allowing another male (who was a stranger to her) to buy her a drink afterwards seemed more than a bit odd. However, she doesn't always seem the smartest girl in the Nine Kingdoms, so I was willing to let that pass. If I see a review touting her as a Mary Sue after this, I might laugh, because although she seems to be "the best" with swords, and picks up magic like it's magic or something (forgive that awkward phrase), she doesn't catch on to things that quickly, and I found her rather gullible.

Miach, the archmage, is probably one of the more interesting characters in this book. I was disappointed that Morgan was really the only female character, but given the plot I was somewhat unsurprised. Miach almost makes up for it- he never lets his "masculinity" get threatened by Morgan's supremacy with blades, despite everyone else being irked by it. Even when Morgan challenges him outright, trying to bait him into acting like everyone else, he refuses to fall for it. He came close to becoming another of my favorite characters, but I'm waiting until the next book to pass judgement on him.

Star of the Morning is a fantasy that isn't particularly light or heavy, nor does it linger on romance overmuch. Instead, it reads more like the perfect diversion for someone weary of the world events right now, or maybe just the U.S. election. In any case, you'll find plenty to love if traditional fantasy appeals to you- magic, enchanted objects, and naturally, horses. If you like fantasy tinged with romance that has the potential to get more romance-infused in the future, you might consider this book for your next read.

Rating: 4 of 5 Stars for a comfortingly traditional fantasy with unusual characters!

Age Advisory: Ages 14+ for fantasy violence, mentions of child-murder, and two adults acting smitten.

Page Count: 336 pages

"Howl's Moving Castle (Howl's Moving Castle #1)" by Diana Wynne Jones

The first thing to tell you about this book is its mood enhancing qualities. Something about my legs not working as they should keeps me a bit more of a grouch to live around, and I was in a terrible mood when I first picked this up. I read 37% of it in one sitting- and normally, when I'm in a foul mood I read only a few pages at a time. Beyond that, it put a smile on my face- which again, due to current circumstances, is a bit of a magic trick in itself.

If you aren't looking for a charming, if a bit light fantasy, you should probably look at some of my other reviews, because this one is rather breezy. Though some things have stuck with me from reading it, it doesn't quite have the resonance of many other fantasy books I've read. However, it proves itself a perfect respite from some of the darker reads that I tend to gravitate towards.

The Plot (As Seen on Goodreads):
'Sophie has the great misfortune of being the eldest of three daughters, destined to fail miserably should she ever leave home to seek her fate. But when she unwittingly attracts the ire of the Witch of the Waste, Sophie finds herself under a horrid spell that transforms her into an old lady. Her only chance at breaking it lies in the ever-moving castle in the hills: the Wizard Howl's castle. To untangle the enchantment, Sophie must handle the heartless Howl, strike a bargain with a fire demon, and meet the Witch of the Waste head-on. Along the way, she discovers that there's far more to Howl—and herself—than first meets the eye.'

The characters in this book are magnificent- from Sophie, who considers herself a ne'er do well but really isn't, to Howl, the obnoxious, vain peacock with a heart of gold, though it takes time to prove it. Sophie endeared me with her newfound elderly-ness and her cane, but Howl continued to irk me due to his personality. Some of the other characters probably weren't as lavishly endowed with personalities as Sophie, Howl, and Calcifer (the fire demon), but one doesn't really read a book for the background characters... or at least I don't.

Although I had seen the movie (years ago) there were aspects that still surprised me. I'm not sure if they were in the movie or not, but I found it interesting the way that the author created the world. Though this was written prior to Harry Potter, some of the elements did greatly remind me of that sort of magical experience. It also has multiple fairytale-esque qualities that helped the plot along. It's a magical book.

Howl's Moving Castle is a delightful adventure that falls on the lighter end of the fantasy spectrum, but that doesn't mean it should be overlooked by the serious fantasy reader. Though many might label this a romance, I'm inclined to liken it to a character-centric fantasy instead, perhaps due to my aversion to Howl's personality. If you enjoy fantasy that isn't that grim, and can even be read by a younger audience, I recommend Howl's Moving Castle for your next reading venture.

Rating: 4 of 5 Stars for an excellent, mood enhancing light fantasy!

Age Advisory: Ages 14+ for violence and some gruesome imagery.

Page Count: 329 pages

Early Critique: "Magic Binds (Kate Daniels #9)" by Ilona Andrews

Note: This review has a few spoilers for those of you who are new to or behind on this series. My review of the first book, Magic Bites, is here.

Disclaimer: I was given a free advance e-copy of this book via NetGalley from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. My opinion remains as forthright as ever.

Expected Publication: September 20th

Kate and company have overcome immense obstacles throughout the course of this series, but the one who has always loomed largest is Roland, the god-like magician. Kate has always assumed she would face him singlehandedly, but along the way she has picked up allies and even friends in her quest to rid the world of his presence. In the previous book I noted I was growing somewhat fond of him, but he (yet again) reveals his true colors in this book.

The ingredients to the perfect Kate Daniels book haven't changed: there must be sarcasm, prolific action scenes, mysterious mythological elements, and the secret sauce that is the wonderfully exuberant cast of characters to hasten things along. Despite a seemingly impervious group of friends surrounding her, her relationships do suffer with the growth of her power and influence- friendships I hadn't believed would falter did. I was a bit disappointed in several characters as a result of that, which might be why I didn't enjoy this one as much as some of the others in the series.

The Plot (As Seen on Goodreads):
'Mercenary Kate Daniels knows all too well that magic in post-Shift Atlanta is a dangerous business. But nothing she’s faced could have prepared her for this…
'Kate and the former Beast Lord Curran Lennart are finally making their relationship official. But there are some steep obstacles standing in the way of their walk to the altar…
'Kate’s father, Roland, has kidnapped the demigod Saiman and is slowly bleeding him dry in his never-ending bid for power. A Witch Oracle has predicted that if Kate marries the man she loves, Atlanta will burn and she will lose him forever. And the only person Kate can ask for help is long dead.
'The odds are impossible. The future is grim. But Kate Daniels has never been one to play by the rules…'

In my Magic Shifts review, I mentioned Kate and Curran having to deal with the consequences of their actions all by their lonesome- and that theme expands in this book. With a wedding to plan, and Kate being not keen on wedding planning, you get to see some fascinating displays of procrastination that even veteran procrastinators (such as myself) can admire. Kate has always had tomboyish tendencies that clash with the impending festivities, giving lightness to a book that is on the darker end of the spectrum with some of its plot elements.

Making this book more complex is the choices Kate must make by herself, that may affect the future in a myriad of ways. I don't envy Kate's role in this book, as she must confront her fears, and her past, in order to envision a new future for herself, even if it means sacrificing something she loves. True to her character, she rises to the occasion, but I felt concerned about events that may or may not come to pass in the next book.

In addition to all the drama listed above, we also have a returning character I was a bit ambivalent about, given the role they played previously. I did a recent reread of this series and became even more opposed to the return of this character, because some of what they did previously doesn't make much sense with how they're acting now. However, I think this may lead to some developments in the next book, as there are many plot threads yet to be woven together for Book #10.

Magic Binds is preparing us for one hell of a finale, which might be why I hesitate to give it five stars. It ends on a semi-cliffhanger, making you eager to read the next volume of Kate and Curran's adventures, which you will have to wait (likely another year) to read. Nonetheless, this installment should prove curative to those Kate and Curran fanatics who require a fix- myself included.

Rating: 4.5 of 5 Stars for exceptional displays of urban fantasy badassery and snark!

Age Advisory: Ages 18+ for the usual Kate Daniels mix of violence against mythological beings and foul mouthed epithets.

Page Count: 384 pages

"Fifth Quarter (Quarters #2)" by Tanya Huff

Though this is the second in the Quarters series, you really don't need to read Sing the Four Quarters to read this book- the magic system is the same, but that's about it. However, I really liked Sing the Four Quarters (and it was funnier), so don't skip it unless you hate books about magic users.

I don't find myself drawn to books about assassins, but I'd never stray from the subject either- as long as it has an interesting plotline to pair with it. Vree and Bannon are a sister and brother who were trained as an assassin team, but end up in trouble when their target body-swaps with Bannon (for lack of a better term), prior to their target drinking some poison. Vree comes to the rescue and Bannon's spirit jumps into her body. Two souls, two differing personalities, in one female body. It leads to some fascinating situations, as you might guess.

My interest in this story grew from the fact that Vree was attracted to her brother Bannon sexually from the start. The author seems to have no qualms with making her characters sometimes unusually sexual beings, given most of her characters would qualify as either bisexual or pansexual (there were no apparent transgender people in this book, so I have no idea on the classification as of yet). However, let me say that the sexual parts of this book often have little to do with romance and more to do with lust- sex is basically given the same attention as what a character might eat or drink in a "normal" book.

The Plot (As Seen on Goodreads):
'THE SONG OF DEATH-
'Bannon and Vree, brother and sister, they are assassins of the highest caliber who have long plied their trade for the Havalkeen army. But all their skill and experience cannot save them from a magic-sprung trap that will see the two forced to share one body when the very man they've been sent to assassinate steals Bannon's body for himself. How long brother and sister can coexist in one body neither can guess. And so they set out to catch and defeat this foe who has already bested them once.
'But when Bannon and Vree confront this master of a magic beyond their comprehension, he offers them a terrible choice - to continue their new dual existence forever, or to betray the Empire they have served all their lives. For it is not control of Bannon's body which is Gyhard's true goal but rather the body - and with it the identity and power - of the Imperial Prince!'

Vree and Bannon are a very close knit pair of siblings- however, there are some dysfunctional aspects to that as well. Vree basically has functioned as Bannon's mother, even though she's just a year older than him. I understand that some elder sibling/younger sibling relationships might function like that, but again, Vree is attracted to her younger brother- it wasn't quite as creepy as you might think, but it did leave this reader with some brain struggles as to why I loved Vree's character so much.

Add in Gyhard, the villain in this book, and there are lots of unusual conversations going on that speed up the plot dramatically. Though there is some action in this book, much of it is conniving or manipulation between Gyhard and the assassin siblings. Vree begins to have a downward spiral near the end of the book, but there are some surprising developments that bring that about. Although I love Vree, I'm not sure that I would want to share a body with either of my brothers' spirits- I guess I'm greedy like that.

Fifth Quarter is a gripping fantasy read that ponders relationships between siblings even as a race to a possibly life-saving solutions occurs. Due to its unusual aspects, I wasn't tempted to compare this with any fantasy book I've read previously, which may have boosted the rating- but then again, Vree's character had me reading with a raised brow from the beginning. If you enjoy fantasy that pushes boundaries, but somehow maintains that classic fantasy feel, the Fifth Quarter might be a good read for you.

Rating: 4 of 5 Stars for an unusual fantasy that had me reading with raised brows.

Age Advisory: Ages 18+ for incestuous thoughts, sexual content, the walking dead, violence, and a whole spectrum of brother/sister boundary-defying stunts.

Page Count: 416 pages

"Mind of My Mind (Patternmaster #2)" by Octavia E. Butler

A Sci-Fi Summer Reading Challenge Pick

Though this is part of the Patternmaster series, due to the way the series was written, each book can essentially be read as a standalone. However, I recommend reading Wild Seed first, as it lends greater depth to this story. There aren't spoilers in this review.

Mary, one of the children Doro selectively bred to have strange supernatural powers, has come of age in this volume of the series, bringing about a time of change for these super-humans. Though Anyanwu was a strong heroine, she had preconceptions about how things should be that were a bit old fashioned- Mary has a new kind of thinking that is potentially dangerous to the way of life Doro has instilled in all of them.

Instead of the few characters that Wild Seed featured, Mind of My Mind has a fairly large cast. Each of these many characters are given unique attributes that make them essential to the plot- even creating the plot themselves at points. Though Doro looms large, Mary becomes a dynamic force in her own right: manipulating other people to accept her new ways (some of which she can't control). I love the version of the cover I chose for my review because of the way it portrays Mary- she looks apathetic, but inside the storm of her power rages.

The Plot (As Seen on Goodreads):
'For 4,000 years, an immortal has spread the seeds of a master race, using the downtrodden as his private breeding stock. But now a young ghetto telepath has found a way to awaken--and rule--her superhuman kind, igniting a psychic battle as she challenges her creator for her right to free her people.'

Though the way the summary and I describe the book may give the impression that this book is plot-heavy, it really isn't. True, all of Miss Butler's books seem deceptively simple when you read them, and then grow more complex as you brood on their ideas, but there isn't a whole lot of action going on in this book- think of the action less as a battle and more as a game of chess. I think that's why it always takes me so long to review these books- I don't want to sound ignorant, but at the same time I can see subtext in this book that I'm likely not entirely aware of.

Because this is such a cerebral book (as I attempted to describe above), it also makes it difficult to fully review without resulting in spoiling parts of it. In Wild Seed, from the beginning it's clear that Doro manipulates things in ways that do not always result in good situations for the women and men at his command, and that also happens in this book. Part of why Mary grows to be so dynamic is the fact that she sees how poorly Doro treats his people at times, and she wants that to change.

Mind of My Mind is a supernatural war within. There are some action scenes, but most of this book consists of Doro and Mary playing games with each other that don't always result in violence. If you have difficulty concentrating, this is a book to skip until you have full brain capacity at your disposal- I picked up on a few of the breadcrumbs thrown my way, but I am still left pondering what this book might mean for the next book in the series. I recommend Mind of My Mind to those who enjoy science fiction that lingers with you after it's read.

Rating: 4 of 5 Stars for an excellent follow up to Wild Seed!

Content: Ages 18+ for adultery, domestic violence, a racial slur, sexual content, and a battle of the super humans.

Page Count: 224 pages

Early Critique: "Age of Myth (The Legends of the First Empire #1)" by Michael J. Sullivan

Disclaimer: I was given a free advance ecopy of this book via NetGalley from the publisher, Random House/Ballantine Del Rey in exchange for an honest review. My opinion remains as forthright as ever.

Expected Publication: June 28th

I'm always a bit apprehensive trying out a book by a new-to-me, but generally well respected author, because there's always the possibility I'll be less than impressed. I had low expectations for this book because of that, though I knew there was always the chance that the author might actually impress me- and that's what happened in this case. Age of Myth has plenty of mythology to satisfy those who might consider themselves a bit of a mythology buff.

This book was easy to dive into for me- several things factored into this, but the main one I noticed was the author made each of the characters distinctive. Sometimes with fantasy, I am so awash with names, goals, and plots that I can barely wrap my head around which is which. From the beginning, I could differentiate characters, which given each character started in a different part of the world, helped a lot to hurry up the plot. Beyond that, the characters were fairly active from beginning to end- no endless travelogues or introspection (other than the few scenes needed for fleshing out the world).

The Plot (As Seen on Goodreads):
'Since time immemorial, humans have worshipped the gods they call Fhrey, truly a race apart: invincible in battle, masters of magic, and seemingly immortal. But when a god falls to a human blade, the balance of power between men and those they thought were gods changes forever. Now, only a few stand between humankind and annihilation: Raithe, reluctant to embrace his destiny as the God Killer, Suri, a young seer burdened by signs of impending doom, and Persephone, who must overcome personal tragedy to lead her people. The Age of Myth is over; the time of rebellion has begun.'

I was pleasantly surprised to find the author had included plenty of heroines in the novel- generally, male authors tend to add a few female characters, then fill up the rest of the world with male characters. That wasn't so with this book- I'd say the female characters almost outnumbered the male. Suri and Persephone both proved their merit, though I prefered Suri of the two because she has a pet wolf(!) and she reminds me ever so slightly of Luna Lovegood (of Harry Potter fame). Persephone is a clear leader-character, but both she and Suri have moments where they aren't as clever as their smarts would suggest they are. Though Raithe was well-characterized, something about him seemed a bit dull- Malcolm was his more dynamic half.

If you've read a few fantasy novels, chances are you'll recognize many of the races in this fantasy world. I think that was one of the disappointing aspects of this book- although I've yet to "meet" all the races, most of them seem pretty much the typical ones you'd find in fantasy. The author does well at weaving lore around them to make them seem unique, but I can't help but feel a bit let down by the fact that they aren't that different. The magic in this book still puzzles me a bit, though I don't mind mysterious magic in fantasy. With the worldbuilding in this book being a bit mysterious as well, it seems to suit the ongoing theme.

Age of Myth came as a pleasant surprise to me- fantasy infused with great worldbuilding set at a quick pace is sometimes hard to come by for me. With passages that bring you straight to the action, while being subtly lyrical, Age of Myth has a lot to offer the vacationing fantasy reader. It's hard to say what might befall the characters in their continuing adventures, but needless to say, I'll be sticking around to read the next book. If you want to visit a land steeped in different cultures and myths this summer and can't afford a plane ticket, Age of Myth might be the book for you.

Rating: 4 of 5 Stars for a mythology rich fantasy that isn't a slow read!

Content: Ages 16+ for violence, prejudice, and magic.

Page Count: 432 pages

Alternate Title: Agent Meth, bestowed by my mother, who always seems supportive of my reading habits, even when she actually misheard me say Age of Myth.

"Sing the Four Quarters (Quarters #1)" by Tanya Huff

I started reading this one out of sheer curiosity. How would one write a traditional fantasy book where the heroine is pregnant for much of the plot? Would the heroine's "impending arrival" dampen the action required to move it along? The answers to those and other questions are easily solved by peeking at my rating for this book- although it did have plenty of awkward moments that were broken up with a distinct injection of humor.

The magic system of this book relies on the four elements: water, air, earth, and fire. If you are born talented, you can control the individual Kigh (elements that populate the world) by singing to them, and generally you specialize in one or two of the particular elements. Annice, the heroine, is one of the few who can sing all four quarters, but her strong suit is generally air. For some reason, I was confused about the magic system for the first hundred pages or so, but that was resolved after I reread some of the previous passages. Sometimes my mind wanders a bit too far when I devour fantasy novels.

The Plot (As Seen on Goodreads):
'The Bards of Shkoder hold the country together. They, and the elemental spirits they Sing – earth, air, fire, and water - bring the news of the sea to the mountains, news of the mountains to the plains. They give their people, from peasant to king, a song in common.
'Annice is a rare talent, able to Sing all four quarters, but her brother, the newly enthroned King Theron, sees her request to study at the Bardic Hall as a betrayal. To his surprise, Annice accepts his conditions, renouncing her royal blood and swearing to remain childless so as not to jeopardize the line of succession. She walks away from political responsibilities, royal privilege and her family.
'Ten years later, Annice has become the Princess Bard and her real life is about to become the exact opposite of the overwrought ballad her fellow students at the Bardic Hall wrote about her. Now, she's on the run from the Royal Guards with the Duc of Ohrid, the father of her unborn child, both of them guilty of treason – one of them unjustly accused. To save the Duc's life, they'll have to cross the country, manage to keep from strangling each other, and defeat an enemy too damaged for even a Bard's song to reach.'

The key element to this book is the characters. Although the plot itself is very interesting, without the character interactions (particularly between Pjerin [the Duc] and Annice) it would be a bit plain. Annice is stubborn and unwilling to compromise with just about anyone. Unfortunately, the Duc/Pjerin is the same way, leading to much of the action of the book being fought with words. There is also Stasya, who is a devoted friend to Annice (and perhaps more- I wasn't paying that much attention in the first 100 pages), who helps enable her sometimes ridiculous schemes. I was surprised to find the attention to detail/personality that was infused in each character- even periphery ones were given an unmistakable voice.

Annice's pregnancy is a key part of the book, but it also helps explore and abolish some fantasy cultural norms. Throughout the book, Annice is given advice she doesn't necessarily want, and constantly told she mustn't do this, that, and the other thing, which given her personality, she naturally does anyway. Never once does she consider giving up the baby, though it would make it a lot easier on her if she considered it. She basically epitomizes the trials and victories of single motherhood throughout the book, but what really clinched it for me was her fortitude in defending herself, even when she knew she didn't necessarily have to. Her conversations with Pjerin were priceless.

Sing the Four Quarters is an unusual take on traditional fantasy. The heroine's pregnancy only benefits the plot, enhancing and invoking drama wherever she goes. Though the magic system sometimes takes the back seat to it, it provides the perfect spectacle for a fitting finale. As soon as I finished this book, I ordered the rest of the series, despite the lack of Annice and Pjerin being present- the author simply grabbed my attention so well. If you're in the mood for fantasy that has both a sense of humor and an uncompromising heroine, you should consider Sing the Four Quarters for your next read.

Rating: 4 of 5 Stars for an excellent fantasy that proves pregnant heroines are for the win!

Content: Ages 18+ for adult-ish references and humor, along with the usual fantasy violence.

Page Count: 419 pages

O.o.O.C.: "Follow the Rabbit-Proof Fence" by Doris Pilkington ~ Nugi Garimara

Out of Orbit Critiques are the reviews on books that stray outside my usual genres. Follow the Rabbit-Proof Fence is a nonfiction account of three girls of Aboriginal and Caucasian heritage traveling back to their families across Australia.

This book is told in a style that isn't quite a memoir and not quite nonfiction. The result is a slightly unevenly paced novel, which is actually quite a short read at 136 pages (or so Goodreads professes). I had seen some of the movie version of this, so my opinion may not reflect what some first time indulgers in this story might feel about reading it. Just something to keep in mind.

That disclosed, I have to admit the true story behind both the book and the film is absolutely incredible (and horrifying to those of us who want the best for children). Molly and her cousins Daisy and Gracie are taken from their home to a "school" (that resembles either an institution or a prison) to learn a trade (a trade they likely could've learned better from their parents). If you aren't just a little bit mad to learn this is a true story, well, you have more Vulcan-like emotional restraint than I do.

The Plot (As Seen on Goodreads):
'This extraordinary story of courage and faith is based on the actual experiences of three girls who fled from the repressive life of Moore River Native Settlement, following along the rabbit-proof fence back to their homelands. Assimilationist policy dictated that these girls be taken from their kin and their homes in order to be made white. Settlement life was unbearable with its chains and padlocks, barred windows, hard cold beds, and horrible food. Solitary confinement was doled out as regular punishment. The girls were not even allowed to speak their language. Of all the journeys made since white people set foot on Australian soil, the journey made by these girls born of Aboriginal mothers and white fathers speaks something to everyone.'

A problem I had with the novel was in part due to my own negligence- the author uses many Aboriginal words and phrases, often not mentioning what they mean. However, there is a glossary in the back, that, had I known it was there, I would have used much more often. Google does not seem to know any of the Aboriginal words in this book.

Since I already knew the trajectory of this book, some of the revelations were anti-climactic to me, and because the writing was on the nonfiction side of things (keeping to the facts and not inserting many flowery phrases) I was a little underwhelmed with some of the book. Luckily, there were things I hadn't recalled happening to surprise me, as well as descriptions of scenery I can scarcely imagine. This is one of my Travel the World in Books picks that really showed me places I have never been before- all through the imagery of the written word.

A glimpse of the writing style:

Patrol officers travelled far and wide removing part-Aboriginal children from their families and transported them hundreds of kilometres down south. Every mother of a part-Aboriginal child was aware that their offspring could be taken away from them at any time and they were powerless to stop the abductors.

       ~Follow the Rabbit-Proof Fence by Doris Pilkington ~ Nugi Garimara, about 29% Kindle edition

Follow the Rabbit-Proof Fence is an epic story of the power and perseverance of girls. Having been the same age as these girls were when they made the trek, I have to admit I feel in awe of their ability to keep going, despite their goal seeming insurmountable. Beyond girl power, this story also educates on the history of the Aboriginal people: I had no idea that many of the things mentioned briefly in the beginning of this book even occurred- and I watched some of the movie version(!). So if you want to learn about the Aboriginal culture and the history of early Colonial Australia, but also want a story of three young (and very determined) girls, there is no other book I'd recommend except this one.

Rating: 3.5 of 5 Stars for a great (and short) eye-opener into a darker time in the history of Australia.

Content: Ages 14+ for racial injustices (including violence and death), hunting and gathering, and survival.

Page Count: 136 pages

"Royal Assassin (Farseer Trilogy #2)" by Robin Hobb

This review is of a book that is the 2nd in the Farseer Trilogy. There may be spoilers for those of you who haven't read Assassin's Apprentice. My review for the first book in the series, Assassin's Apprentice, is here.

With sequels I tend to brace myself for a let-down. I've had so many sequels fail me in the past that when I read one like Words of Radiance I celebrate by reading it in a week (despite its lengthiness). Although one always hopes for the best, I had this feeling Royal Assassin would let me down. As a human with limited prediction capabilities, naturally I was wrong.

During most of Assassin's Apprentice, Fitz spends his time doing what other people want him to do. With this book, Fitz goes a bit rogue- he's more of his own person, even though he does things mostly for people (again) he does it in his own way. By anticipating needs and strategies, he does get himself into trouble, which is part of what makes this book so good- Fitz makes his own choices, with his own consequences. Normally in a book, that wouldn't be a cause for cheer, but with Fitz having his unusual upbringing and unseemly doses of loyalty running through his veins... it was about time.

The Plot (As Seen on Goodreads):
'Fitz has survived his first hazardous mission as king’s assassin, but is left little more than a cripple. Battered and bitter, he vows to abandon his oath to King Shrewd, remaining in the distant mountains. But love and events of terrible urgency draw him back to the court at Buckkeep, and into the deadly intrigues of the royal family.
'Renewing their vicious attacks on the coast, the Red-Ship Raiders leave burned-out villages and demented victims in their wake. The kingdom is also under assault from within, as treachery threatens the throne of the ailing king. In this time of great danger, the fate of the kingdom may rest in Fitz’s hands—and his role in its salvation may require the ultimate sacrifice.'

Beyond Fitz being his own person in this book, Fitz also endures more struggles than before when he was an apprentice. The events of the past book have left their mark on him, causing seizures and moments of weakness that make him less of a fearsome assassin. I didn't find Fitz very relatable in the first book, but the illness he endures in this one mimics some of what I have to contend with daily. Sure, I've never had a seizure (that I know of) but I do have days where I hide in my house for fear of fainting in public (on that vein, I'd like to applaud authors who have the dreaded "fainting heroines" because dammit, that's my life some days). Fitz also adopts a wolf puppy (not a Wolf puppy, an actual wolf puppy) to save him from the trapper who kept him in a cage. Cub, who is later known as Nighteyes, becomes a key part of the book- and naturally, I loved him.

Another feature this book won me over with was the more prominent presence of female characters. There's Patience, queen-in-waiting Kettricken, and Molly (who is undoubtedly the smartest). Kettricken comes into her own in this book as well- at first, it seems like an ill-fated match between her and Verity, but as the book progresses, it becomes clear she was destined to be queen. Molly is as cautious as ever, though with Patience's help, she also grows stronger.

A favorite of mine from the first book, the Fool, is also a prominent character in this book. Something about him just speaks to the obscenely pale side of me that wishes I were a court jester/prophet as well. Although he is a wise one, he is without the profound knowledge of Burrich, as evidenced below:

"Many people have to live with worse. Most of the time you're fine. You're not blind. You're not paralyzed. You've your wits, still. Stop defining yourself by what you can't do. Why don't you consider what you didn't lose?"

              ~Royal Assassin by Robin Hobb, page 10

Royal Assassin was much, much better than I had anticipated. Although I had a slight ambivalence toward Fitz during the first book, I loved how he progressed as a character during the course of this one- he's still single-minded and serves others before himself, but he gains an independent streak. With Nighteyes at his side, he endures despite terrible odds, making this book a "white-knuckle" read. If you've read Assassin's Apprentice, this book is really a must read- I hadn't anticipated the series improving, and yet here I am, rating a sequel five stars.

Rating: 5 of 5 Stars for an extraordinary epic fantasy sequel that kept me reading until morning light!

Content: Ages 18+ for torturous scenes, gore, and unusual courage.

Page Count: 675 pages in my mass market paperback edition