Category: Book Reviews

Book Reviews

Book Review: The Raven Coven, by Emma Miles.

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A fantastic second book to The Raven Tower, this book by Emma Miles, begins straight off continuing on with the story of Kesta and Jorrun. These two were fantastic characters in the first book and have developed even further into unforgettable in the second. After the destruction of Chem, which Jorrun and Kesta along with Osun had instigated they returned to their prospective homes. However, it isn’t long before they find how much turmoil has occurred due to their actions. Many innocent lives are lost, and those who now have power positions, are abusing their positions. It is up to Jorrun and Kesta to attempt to change things for the better.

As its predecessor, The Raven Coven is a well written book with interesting and inspiring characters. It is easy to read, but not written in a way that makes it simple. The storyline is fresh and compelling and I found this to be even more so in this book than the first. I have found it quite difficult to put down in some places! Especially when Jorrun is strangely affected by a mysterious god, and Kesta begins teaching the Coven of the Raven.

I have to admit Kesta’s character remains my favourite. She is strong and powerful and knows what she wants. She has morals and ethics, but she doesn’t lack in empathy or compassion either. She is a natural leader and does well in her role. Her relationship with Jorrun continues to grow as does her love for him. It is quite interesting to watch their relationship develop.

Overall, I feel this is a great book in what’s looking to be quite and exciting series. I have enjoyed the storyline very much and I believe anyone interested in the Epic Fantasy genre would enjoy this book. I recommend this book to anyone of the young teenage age group and older. I give this book a rating of 9/10 stars.

Book Reviews

Book Review: Exiles Return, by Raymond E. Feist.

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What This Book is About…

Tal Hawkins has succeeded in wreaking revenge on Kaspar, the evil Duke of Olasko. Banished to a distant land, Kaspar begins a journey that will take him halfway around the world. Reduced to the role of farm-hand, then common laborer, the former ruler endures dangers and horrors beyond his imagination as he struggles to return home.

But fate, or some dark agency, has more in store for the man who was once tyrant of Olasko. As he travels, he is chosen to play a part in a much larger drama, a struggle between good and evil ages in the making. Dark powers are again in motion, and Kaspar discovers the herald of a threat not seen across the land since the legendary Riftwar and Serpentwar: A dark empire in a distant realm seeks entrance to Midkemia and Kaspar has unwittingly discovered the key. Now it is up to this unlikely hero to save Midkemia from the threat of unconditional defeat―and utter destruction.

What I thought…

Things have changed for Kasper. It’s not an easy existence if your not backed with names and wealth. In fact Kasper not only shows resilience to harsh conditions, he appears to grow personally also. The ideals he once lived by no longer consume him as they once did, as his paths cross with people on a different land to his home.

A well written novel, this book I found to be the most intriguing of the series. Kaspers,growth really captures my attention and I am in quiet awe of his achievements. Although not always perfect, he does redeem himself somewhat.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the Epic fantasy genre and are prepared to follow an ever growing list of books! I give this book a rating of 9.5/10 stars

Book Reviews

Book Review: King of Foxes, by Raymond E. Feist.

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What This Book is About…

Rescued, recruited, and trained by the mysterious Conclave of Shadows, Tal Hawkins, hero of Talon of the Silver Hawk has become one of their most effective operatives. But to destroy the nemesis who annihilated his people, the evil Duke of Olasko, Tad must sell his soul. Masquerading as a noble from the far western territory of the Kingdom of the Isles, he must insinuate himself into the duke’s confidence and carry out his most heinous and dangerous commands―even though it means betraying his own moral code.

Driven to the brink, Tal eventually defies the duke―and is imprisoned and left to die in the Fortress of Despair. But the determined young man will not be beaten. Alone, armed only with his courage and wits, Tal makes a daring escape. Returning to Olasko, he will finally brings revenge on his hated enemy.

What I thought…

The evolution of Tal has most definitely been worth the read. He has found that he has a destiny chosen for him by some other power. This book also delves much deeper into why the Duke of Olasko has any interest in wanting Tal’s people dead. A question that becomes more intriguing the further the story gets.

Overall, the book is well written as always and in a language which puts images into the readers mind with amazing creative settings and characters which I here found to be unforgettable for lack of better words.

I have enjoyed this book and feel that it has made a great second novel to this series. I recommend this book all fantasy lovers, of the adult age group. I give this book a rating of 8/10 stars.

Book Reviews

Book Review: Talon of the Silver Hawk, by Raymond E Feist.

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About this book…

In a distant land, high among the snow-capped mountains, a peaceful nation is mercilessly put to the sword . . . yet one will survive. Little more than a boy, Talon of the Silver Hawk must carry on until, someday, he can take vengeance.

Leaving the icy fastness of his ancient home, Talon descends into the dangerous land of his adversary. Treading a perilous path, he must survive battlefields, court intrigues, treacherous enemies, backstabbing friends, and beautiful yet deadly women to discover the evil responsible for the annihilation of his people.

What I Thought…

What a story! The violent death of an entire people is something that I hadn’t expected. Tal’s response to the situation and his actions after it were also not what I had expected. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel and how things are setting up for further storylines.

Of course Tal has become centre character and one I really enjoy reading about. He definitley has his whole world turned upside down, though given the chance has the opportunity to great things. Most of which he had never imagined!

I recommend this book to all fantasy fiction lovers, I think those who enjoy the game of thrones series would really like these series by a very clever author. I give this book a rating of 8.5 /10 stars.

Book Reviews

Book Review: Shards of a Broken Crown, by Raymond E Feist.

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About this book…

The demon has been defeated and the Kingdom rejoices as the threat to the existence of every living thing on Midkemia has passed, but out of the ashes of war new problems arise, in the brilliant sequel to Rage of a Demon King…The demon is no more…The enemy has been routed, yet peace still eludes the Kingdom. Midkemia lies in smouldering ruins following the Demon King’s siege. Many lives have been lost, including that of the brave James, Duke of Krondor. 

As the people turn their hands to rebuilding their once great nation, a new threat arises from the ashes of war: the fearsome Fadawah, former Commanding General of the Army of the Emerald Queen. He has grasped the fallen reins of command and seeks to forge a personal empire out of the wreckage of the Western Realm. And so it falls to two young men – Jimmy and Dash – grandsons of the late Duke, to gather together the shards of the broken crown and resurrect the Kingdom to its former glory. 

Shards of a Broken Crown is the fourth and concluding book of the Serpentwar Saga.

To check this out on Kindle click here

What I thought…

Jimmy and Dash are two fantastic characters in this book and have easily become my favourites. I mean who can resist Jimmy the Hands offspring! I have enjoyed all of the books of this series and this one is no exception.

Adventurous as always, the author has produced yet another action packed book filled with mystery and suspense, that takes our characters in further quests for the King, lands and Conclave. As usual there are many dangers, however our characters are more than capable at making the rides turn in their favour.

Overall this book has been a wonderful read with characters that give life to the text. I suggest all fantasy lovers take a look at books by this author. I feel you will pleasantly surprised 😁

I give this book a rating of 9.5/10 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Book Reviews

Book Review: The Raven Tower, by Emma Miles.

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This book has been a wonderful surprise. I was asked to review this book via Twitter and found an epic journey that has been a thrilling read. It begins with a request for help, to save the Fulmer islands, a place of magic and the home of Fire Walkers. But it turns out to so much more. An unexpected marriage, a change of life. Endurance in a new place and home. Life is not how Kesta planned it at all, but she shows courage and compassion in this time of change.

This book has been well written with plenty of focus on the main characters, Jorrun and Kesta, though depicts secondary characters in a way that makes them memorable to readers throughout the novel. I have enjoyed reading about Kesta’s journey and her new life with Jorrun, but her interactions and the way she broadens her circle of close of close friends becomes a very interesting area in the book to read. I feel that the book itself is easy to read without being too simple, and readers find it easy to return if the book needs to be set down.

The only down side to this novel would have to be the quest which Kesta takes on when Jorrun is in trouble. I feel as though the scenes were almost too easy to hypothesise. Almost as though it were too straightforward, leaving something lacking in a sense.

Overall, I found The Raven Tower by Emma Miles to be a good read for anyone interested in the fantasy genre. I would recommend it to the young adult age group and up. I give this book a rating of 7/10 stars.

Book Reviews

Book Review: Rage of a Demon King, by Raymond E Feist.

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My Thoughts 🙂

The third book in the series The Serpent War Saga, Rage of a Demon King, is a fantastic addition that really adds the element of Magic ramped up to overdrive! This book is less about Roo and Eric and more about Pug, Nakor and Miranda. There is magic energy abundant in this book and the adventures become even more dangerous, with the possibility of the end of the world.

I have missed Pug’s part in things, and I am glad to see Tomas and him reunited yet again! Nakor has become my most favourite character in these books so far and I am totally in awe of how the author makes him so natural and yet completely supernatural all at once! Nakor ticks all the boxes in what I consider to be a top character, one of the main ones being he is hilarious! I have found myself giggling quite often over some of is “tricks”!

Overall I have really enjoyed this book as I have the entire series. I is one I would recommend to all fantasy lovers, and those of all age groups. I give this book the rating of 9.5/10 stars

Book Reviews

Book Review: Rise of a Merchant Prince, by Raymond E Feist.

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My Thoughts 🙂

Another fantastic book to the Serpent War Saga. Again I found this impossible to put down. But with this author I am not really surprised! Since returning to Krondor, Eric and Roo have received their freedom and have begun to make their lives again in the city. I found that this book both sets scene for the upcoming war and gives the characters a chance to catch their breaths after what would have been some of the most harrowing events they would have ever dealt with. Eric, now a Seargeant isn’t he army goes on to put his men together and find out what he really wants out of the company. Roo, on the other hand can’t wait to be far away from the nightmare his life had become after the death of Eric’s half brother. Instead, he keeps to his plan of making it as a merchant in the hopes of becoming rich!

As in previous books, the story is well written and full of adventure, even though it isn’t as brutal as the first book. The characters still have many different situations that test them and their morals. I have to admit that Eric and Roo remain my favourite characters in this book, and although some of their endeavours remains to be not as ethical as they could be doesn’t take from the story at all.

The storyline itself is one that reflects the humanity of these characters and makes it known that they are more than just soldiers. They have other wants and dreams, and given the chance they have the ability to become more than what they are. This gives the book a little something I had not expected in the slightest.

Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the fantasy genre of all age groups. I give this book a rating of 9.5/10 stars.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Book Reviews

Book Review: Shadow of a Dark Queen, by Raymond E Feist.

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My Thoughts 🙂

This story has had me completely speechless. The last thing I had expected was to be following such amazing characters who have endeavoured on such an emotional roller coaster. I am still dumbstruck at the beginning of all as Erik and Roo become “dead men”. The way the rest of the story is entwined with these characters initial dilemmas is just phenomenal. Thus making this book one that draws readers in and doesn’t let go until the end.

I feel that this book is something that many people would enjoy. Especially readers who like to guess what will happen next and are surprised when they don’t get it right! This book really leaves you guessing.

My two favourite characters have to be Roo and Erik. Even though both are so different from one another they manage to compliment each other in some very peculiar ways. I have definitely loved following their adventure across the seas away from their home and the principality of Krondor.

Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone interested in fantasy fiction. It is well worth the read and gives a great setting for what will most spectacularly the first of a tremendous epic sage. I give this book a rating of 10/10 stars.

Book Reviews

Book Review: The King’s Buccaneer, by Raymond E. Feist.

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About this book:

Set ten years after the events in “Prince of the Blood”, this book is a remarkable adventure of mystery and magic.In Amos Trask’s ship, Prince Nicholas and Squire Harry set sail for a friendly visit to Uncle Martin in Crydee. But while the two are guests in Crydee, disaster strikes.

Nicholas, third son of Prince Arutha, is a gifted youngster, but sheltered by life at his father’s court in Krondor. To learn more of the world outside the palace walls, Nicholas and his squire, Harry, set sail for pastoral Crydee, where Arutha grew up.

Shortly after their arrival, Crydee is brutally attacked. The castle is reduced to ruins, the townspeople slaughtered and two young noblewomen – friends of Nicholas – are abducted.

As Nicholas ventures further from the familiar landmarks of his home in pursuit of the invaders, he learns that there is more at stake than the fate of his friends, more even than fate of the Kingdom of the Isles, for behind the murderous pirates stands a force that threatens the entire world of Midkemia, and only he is destined to confront this terrifying threat

What I thought:

An interesting read, though completely different from what I had expected. I guess my knowledge of sea voyages such as appear is this novel is quite limited. I did however find the story line to remain intriguing. The characters really make the book worth the read. The author has again distinguished himself in his characters as they are well defined and imaginative. Following the youngest son of Arutha on his journey to become a man was quite entertaining even though I feel it’s not quite of the same standard as the Rift War saga. I have enjoyed it nonetheless.

Overall I would recommend this book to the more mature age group who are interested in the fiction fantasy genre. All in all the Sons of Krondor are worth the read. I give this book the rating of 7.5/10 stars.