Daughter of Mythos by Melissa Drake

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Title: Daughter of Mythos

Author: Melissa Drake
Series: Mythos (Book #1)

Genre: Fantasy

Length: 211 pages

Published: 2013

Publisher: Createspace

Brief Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads) Fifteen-year-old Nora Salvatore thinks wizards, fairies, dragons, and demons are the stuff of myth, but she is wrong. Nora is thrown head first into a life of magic and chaos after learning of a mysterious legend surrounding her birth and the magical powers she is supposed to possess. When an army of demons from a parallel world plans the eradication of mankind, only she can close the portals and keep the demons at bay. Can she learn to harness her new-found powers in time to stop them?

My Review:

I give this book a 5 out of 5.

This was a nice, light fantasy tale. While there is an overall threat that must be vanquished, the story is also about a girl learning about her true heritage and growing up a little. There's a nice lesson about how there is no strict evil or good to people - that everyone lives in a grey area and tend to lean one way or another. For a first novel, this was pretty good, and I look forward to future novels from this author.

You can purchase Daughter of Mythos through Amazon in hard copy or Kindle format. 

Have you read Daughter of Mythos? If so, leave a comment and let me know your thoughts! 

Please note: I was not compensated in any way for this review. It is strictly my opinion.

The Paper Magician by Charlie N. Holmberg

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Title: The Paper Magician

Author: Charlie N. Holmberg
Series: The Paper Magician Trilogy (Book #1)

Genre: Fantasy

Length: 224 pages

Published: 2014

Publisher: 47North

Brief Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads) Ceony Twill arrives at the cottage of Magician Emery Thane with a broken heart. Having graduated at the top of her class from the Tagis Praff School for the Magically Inclined, Ceony is assigned an apprenticeship in paper magic despite her dreams of bespelling metal. And once she’s bonded to paper, that will be her only magic…forever.

Yet the spells Ceony learns under the strange yet kind Thane turn out to be more marvelous than she could have ever imagined—animating paper creatures, bringing stories to life via ghostly images, even reading fortunes. But as she discovers these wonders, Ceony also learns of the extraordinary dangers of forbidden magic.

An Excisioner—a practitioner of dark, flesh magic—invades the cottage and rips Thane’s heart from his chest. To save her teacher’s life, Ceony must face the evil magician and embark on an unbelievable adventure that will take her into the chambers of Thane’s still-beating heart—and reveal the very soul of the man.

From the imaginative mind of debut author Charlie N. Holmberg, The Paper Magician is an extraordinary adventure both dark and whimsical that will delight readers of all ages.

My Review:

I give this book a 5 out of 5. 

Ceony Twill wants to be a Magician. Mostly she wants to be a Smelter: a magician bound to metal magic and able to enchant bullets and other metal items. She's disappointed when she finds out that she has to be assigned to a Paper Magician for her apprenticeship, as all the other slots have been filled and there are not enough Paper Magicians. She takes an immediate, though unfounded, dislike of the magician she is apprenticed to, Emery Thane. 

After a practitioner of flesh magic, an Excisioner, takes her instructor's heart, and his fellow magicians leave him for dead, Ceony takes it upon herself to rescue him. 

This story was phenomenal. I had inklings of a few things (I'm being vague because I don't want to ruin it for you), but was not expecting the attack on Ceony and Thane. I enjoyed everything about this story, and can not wait for the next book in the trilogy, which is due out in November. 

You can purchase The Paper Magician through Amazon in hard copy or Kindle format. 

Have you read The Paper Magician? If so, leave a comment and let me know your thoughts! 

Please note: I was not compensated in any way for this review. It is strictly my opinion.

Unfettered by Shawn Speakman

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Title: Unfettered

Author: Shawn Speakman

Genre: Short Stories, Fantasy

Length: 574 pages

Published: 2013

Publisher: Grim Oak Press

Brief Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads) You define life or it defines you.

In Shawn Speakman’s case, it was both.

Lacking health insurance and diagnosed with Hogdkin’s lymphoma in 2011, Shawn quickly accrued a massive medical debt that he did not have the ability to pay. That’s when New York Times best-selling author Terry Brooks offered to donate a short story Shawn could sell toward alleviating those bills—and suggested Shawn ask the same of his other friends.

Unfettered is the result, an anthology built to relieve that debt, featuring short stories by some of the best fantasy writers in the genre.

With the help of stalwart friends and these wonderful short stories, Shawn has taken the gravest of life hardships and created something magical. Unfettered is not only a fantastic anthology in its own right but it’s a testament to the generosity found in the science fiction and fantasy community—proof that humanity can give beyond itself when the need arises.

After all, isn’t that the driving narrative in fantasy literature?

My Review:

I give this book a 5 out of 5. 

This anthology includes stories from many of fantasy's great authors, many of which are part of the worlds they've built for years: Terry Brooks, Lev Grossman, Robert Jordan & Brandon Sanderson, Naomi Novik, Jacqueline Carey...The list goes on. Some stories are canon for their worlds, and some are not related to the worlds they've created at all. 

All of the stories are excellent - some are super short and others are long. Lovers of fantasy and fans of any of these authors will love this anthology. 

You can purchase Unfettered through Amazon in hard copy or Kindle format. 

Have you read Unfettered? If so, leave a comment and let me know your thoughts! 

Please note: I was not compensated in any way for this review. It is strictly my opinion.

Tuck by Stephen R. Lawhead

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Title: Tuck

Author: Stephen R. Lawhead
Series: The King Raven Trilogy Book #3

Genre: Fantasy

Length: 452 pages

Published: 2009

Publisher: Thomas Nelson Publishers

Brief Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads) "Pray God our aim is true and each arrow finds its mark."

King Raven has brought hope to the oppressed people of Wales--and fear to their Norman overlords. Deceived by the self-serving King William and hunted by the treacherous Abbot Hugo and Sheriff de Glanville, Rhi Bran is forced again to take matters into his own hands as King Raven.

Along the way Friar Tuck has been the stalwart supporter of the man behind the legend--bringing Rhi Bran much-needed guidance, wit, and faithful companionship.

Aided by Tuck and his small but determined band of forest-dwelling outlaws, Rhi Bran ignites a rebellion that spreads through the Welsh valleys, forcing the wily monarch to marshal his army and march against little Elfael.

This epic trilogy dares to shatter everything you thought you knew about Robin Hood as Stephen R. Lawhead conjures an ancient past while holding a mirror to contemporary realities. Filled with unforgettable characters, breathtaking suspense, and rousing battle scenes, Stephen R. Lawhead's masterful retelling of the Robin Hood legend reaches its stunning conclusion in "Tuck."

My Review:

I give this book a 5 out of 5. 

The importance of Friar Tuck to Rhi Bran is extremely evident in the thrilling conclusion to the King Raven trilogy. Bran and his Grellon suffer both losses and victories and the danger escalates as an even larger foe comes at them. This was an epic ending to the trilogy and left me breathless many times throughout. 

You can purchase Tuck through Amazon in hard copy or Kindle format. 

Have you read Tuck? If so, leave a comment and let me know your thoughts! 

Please note: I was not compensated in any way for this review. It is strictly my opinion.

Scarlet by Stephen R. Lawhead

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Title: Scarlet

Author: Stephen R. Lawhead
Series: The King Raven Trilogy Book #2

Genre: Fantasy

Length: 443 pages

Published: 2007

Publisher: Thomas Nelson Publishers

Brief Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads) After losing everything he owns, forester Will Scarlet embarks on a search for none other than King Raven, whose exploits have already become legendary. After fulfilling his quest--and proving himself a skilled and loyal companion--Will joins the heroic archer and his men.

Now, however, Will is in prison for a crime he did not commit. His sentence is death by hanging--unless he delivers King Raven and his band of cohorts.

That, of course, he will never do.

Wales is slowly falling under the control of the invading Normans, and King William the Red has given his ruthless barons control of the land. In desperation, the people turn to King Raven and his men for justice and survival in the face of the ever-growing onslaught.

From deep in the forest they form a daring plan for deliverance, knowing that failure means death for them all.

My Review:

I give this book a 4 out of 5. 

This was a great continuation of the trilogy. The main reason I had to give this four stars instead of five is that I found the beginning half of the book rather confusing as it jumped from Will's first person point of view as he related the story of his capture to the point of view of someone else. It was hard to judge if the chapters not in Will's point of view were happening while Will was relating his story or if they were happening simultaneously. It became much clearer later on in the book that everything was happening at the same time as events in Will's story. 

All in all it was an excellent book, and I'm anxious to get on with the final book in the trilogy, Tuck.

You can purchase Scarlet through Amazon in hard copy or Kindle format. 

Have you read Scarlet? If so, leave a comment and let me know your thoughts! 

Please note: I was not compensated in any way for this review. It is strictly my opinion.

Hood by Stephen R. Lawhead

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Title: Hood

Author: Stephen R. Lawhead
Series: The King Raven Trilogy Book #1

Genre: Fantasy

Length: 490 pages

Published: 2006

Publisher: WestBow Press

Brief Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads) For centuries, the legend of Robin Hood and his band of thieves has captivated the imagination. Now the familiar tale takes on new life, fresh meaning, and an unexpected setting.

Steeped in Celtic mythology and the political intrigue of medieval Britain, Stephen R. Lawhead's latest work conjures up an ancient past and holds a mirror to contemporary realities. Prepare yourself for an epic tale that dares to shatter everything you thought you knew about Robin Hood.

My Review:

I give this book a 5 out of 5. 

Lawhead takes the classic tale of Robin Hood and makes it his own. Probably the best part of this re-imagining is that he takes Robin Hood out of Sherwood Forest and plops him down in Wales. This is probably the hardest part, as well - there are a lot of Welsh & Celtic names and at first it's hard to follow the story because of this. 

Early on, as you follow Bran, you both love and hate him. Through most of the book you wonder when he's going to decide to become Robin Hood and take on the task of rescuing his kingdom and his people from the Ffreinc. Definitely the start of an epic trilogy and an excellent re-telling of Robin Hood.  

You can purchase Hood through Amazon in hard copy or Kindle format. 

Have you read Hood? If so, leave a comment and let me know your thoughts! 

Please note: I was not compensated in any way for this review. It is strictly my opinion.

Winter's Tale by Mark Helprin

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Title: Winter's Tale

Author: Mark Helprin

Genre: Contemporary Literature, Fantasy

Length: 673 pages

Published: 1983

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Brief Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads) New York City is subsumed in arctic winds, dark nights, and white lights, its life unfolds, for it is an extraordinary hive of the imagination, the greatest house ever built, and nothing exists that can check its vitality. One night in winter, Peter Lake, orphan and master-mechanic, attempts to rob a fortress-like mansion on the Upper West Side.

Though he thinks the house is empty, the daughter of the house is home. Thus begins the love between Peter Lake, a middle-aged Irish burglar, and Beverly Penn, a young girl, who is dying.

Peter Lake, a simple, uneducated man, because of a love that, at first he does not fully understand, is driven to stop time and bring back the dead. His great struggle, in a city ever alight with its own energy and besieged by unprecedented winters, is one of the most beautiful and extraordinary stories of American literature.

My Review:

I give this book a 3 out of 5. 

I had a hard time with this one. It was extremely descriptive, and that distracted me from the story itself quite a bit. The plot line was good, but hard to follow because of the excessive description. I understand why the author detailed everything so much, but it was tough to get through. I truly felt like the story could have been told in roughly half the pages. 

I found myself not wanting to pick it up and continue reading because it felt too tedious to devote the time and energy to in order to comprehend the events. In fact I found myself actually skimming a lot of the longer paragraphs, basically catching hold of the most important ideas and I still understood what was going on. 

All in all, the story itself is good. If you have time to kill this nearly 700-page story is worth it.

You can purchase Winter's Tale through Amazon in hard copy or Kindle format. 

Have you read Winter's Tale? If so, leave a comment and let me know your thoughts! 

Please note: I was not compensated in any way for this review. It is strictly my opinion.

Artful by Peter David

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Title: Artful

Author: Peter David

Genre: Fantasy

Length: 288 pages

Published: July 1st, 2014

Publisher: 47North

Brief Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads) Oliver Twist is one of the most well-known stories ever told, about a young orphan who has to survive the mean streets of London before ultimately being rescued by a kindly benefactor.

But it is his friend, the Artful Dodger, who has the far more intriguing tale, filled with more adventure and excitement than anything boring Oliver could possibly get up to. Throw in some vampires and a plot to overthrow the British monarchy, and what you have is the thrilling account that Charles Dickens was too scared to share with the world.

From the brilliant mind of novelist and comic book veteran Peter David, Artful is the dark, funny, and action-packed story of one of the most fascinating characters in literary history. 

With vampires.

My Review:

I give this book a 4 out of 5. 

Let me preface this by stating that I have never read Oliver Twist, so I know little of the original story. I saw this book on the Kindle First page, and the premise intrigued me. The author gives a brief rundown of the events of Oliver Twist, allowing those that have not read it to understand some of the characters that are introduced - most especially the Artful Dodger, our title character. 

Even though I enjoyed Artful immensely, I am only giving it four stars, as I had a hard time getting into the book. I think it was mostly my lack of knowledge of Oliver Twist that made it hard to really get past the first few chapters. I was having a hard time keeping straight the events and getting used to the author's writing style for this book. Once the action truly started, I enjoyed it much more. 

I loved how the author brought in Abraham Van Helsing, the vampyre hunter who hunted Dracula, and showed him as a youth and gave some history on how he became to be a vampyre hunter. This was an excellent story, and I recommend it to anyone who is a fan of Oliver Twist, or vampyres. 

You can purchase Artful through Amazon in hard copy or Kindle format. Artful will be released on July 1st, 2014.

Have you read Artful? If so, leave a comment and let me know your thoughts! 

Please note: I was not compensated in any way for this review. It is strictly my opinion.

Writers of the Future Volume 30 by Miscellaneous Authors

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Title: Writers of the Future Volume 30

Author: Miscellaneous

Genre: Science Fiction, Short Stories

Length: 400 pages

Published: 2014

Publisher: Galaxy Press

Brief Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads) Embark on Voyages of Imagination and Wonder. Discover the new visionaries of imagination. Experience the thrills, laughs, heartbreak and tears that can all be found in this fabulous new anthology. We’ve scoured the globe to find the most powerful new writers, and then paired them with the most gifted new illustrators to bring you L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume XXX.

My Review:

I give this book a 4 out of 5. 

This was a great collection of short stories by several promising writers. I enjoyed all of the stories, though a few of them were a little tougher for me to get into at first. Each story took me into another world with new rules and new characters to fall in love with. 

I love the fact that they include some short stories from established authors, as well as the winners of the contest. The artwork that goes along with each story is excellent and fits in very well with the story the picture is attached to. Definitely a must read for any lovers of the science fiction and fantasy genres.

You can purchase Writers of the Future Volume 30 through Amazon in hard copy or Kindle format. 

Have you read Writers of the Future Volume 30? If so, leave a comment and let me know your thoughts! 

Please note: I was not compensated in any way for this review. It is strictly my opinion.

A Memory of Light by Robert Jordan & Brandon Sanderson

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Title: A Memory of Light 

Author: Robert Jordan & Brandon Sanderson
Series: Wheel of Time (Book #14)

Genre: Epic Fantasy

Length: 909 pages

Published: 2013

Publisher: Tor Books

Brief Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads) Since 1990, when Robert Jordan’s The Wheel of Time® burst on the world with its first book, The Eye of the World, readers have been anticipating the final scenes of this extraordinary saga, which has sold over forty million copies in over thirty languages.

When Robert Jordan died in 2007, all feared that these concluding scenes would never be written. But working from notes and partials left by Jordan, established fantasy writer Brandon Sanderson stepped in to complete the masterwork. With The Gathering Storm (Book 12) and Towers of Midnight (Book 13) behind him, both of which were # 1 New York Times hardcover bestsellers, Sanderson now re-creates the vision that Robert Jordan left behind. 

Edited by Jordan’s widow, who edited all of Jordan’s books, A Memory of Light will delight, enthrall, and deeply satisfy all of Jordan’s legions of readers.

The Wheel of Time turns, and Ages come and pass.
What was, what will be, and what is,
may yet fall under the Shadow.
Let the Dragon ride again on the winds of time.

My Review:

I give this book a 5 out of 5. 

I have been reading the Wheel of Time since I was in high school. I think this is one of the reasons why it took me so long to get around to reading the final book. I knew I was going to cry at the end when it was over. I knew I was going to feel like there was a hole left. I know this is a series that I will re-read in its entirety again someday. I grew up reading it, so it will always hold a special place in my heart. 

And I really did cry at the end, and in a couple of other spots throughout. This book was an emotional roller-coaster. It is literally one 900 page battle. The Last Battle is here, and the armies of the world are uniting to defeat the waves of Shadowspawn which are coming to destroy them. All of the chapters are short except one: the one where Rand finally steps in to battle with the Dark One. That chapter is nearly 200 pages long and it shows every important character as they struggle throughout the battle. I won't lie: people die. And not just nameless soldiers. I won't name names because I don't want to spoil anything. Just prepare yourself. It's not even obvious as to who dies. 

Probably the only negative thing about this book is that some characters are mentioned briefly during the fight but never mentioned again so you don't know if they survived or not. The Wheel of Time wiki goes under the assumption that unless it's specifically stated that someone has died, they managed to survive the Last Battle. 

The final volume of this series is one edge of your seat battle. I could not stop reading and hated putting it down for even a minute. 

You can purchase A Memory of Light through Amazon in hard copy or Kindle format. 

Have you read A Memory of Light? If so, leave a comment and let me know your thoughts! 

Please note: I was not compensated in any way for this review. It is strictly my opinion.

Towers of Midnight by Robert Jordan & Brandon Sanderson

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Title: Towers of Midnight 

Author: Robert Jordan & Brandon Sanderson
Series: Wheel of Time (Book #13)

Genre: Epic Fantasy

Length: 863 pages

Published: 2010

Publisher: Tor Books

Brief Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads) The end draws near....

The Last Battle has started. The seals on the Dark One’s prison are crumbling. The Pattern itself is unraveling, and the armies of the Shadow have begun to boil out of the Blight.

The sun has begun to set upon the Third Age.

Perrin Aybara is now hunted by specters from his past: Whitecloaks, a slayer of wolves, and the responsibilities of leadership. All the while, an unseen foe is slowly pulling a noose tight around his neck. To prevail, he must seek answers in Tel’aran’rhiod and find a way--at long last--to master the wolf within him or lose himself to it forever.

Meanwhile, Matrim Cauthon prepares for the most difficult challenge of his life. The creatures beyond the stone gateways--the Aelfinn and the Eelfinn--have confused him, taunted him, and left him hanged, his memory stuffed with bits and pieces of other men’s lives. He had hoped that his last confrontation with them would be the end of it, but the Wheel weaves as the Wheel wills. The time is coming when he will again have to dance with the Snakes and the Foxes, playing a game that cannot be won. The Tower of Ghenjei awaits, and its secrets will reveal the fate of a friend long lost.

This penultimate novel of Robert Jordan’s #1 New York Timesbestselling series--the second of three based on materials he left behind when he died in 2007--brings dramatic and compelling developments to many threads in the Pattern. The end draws near.

Dovie’andi se tovya sagain. It’s time to toss the dice. 

My Review:

I give this book a 5 out of 5. 

There are a few things to note about this book. Much of Perrin's storyline occurs before Tam is gathered up by the Aes Sedai to confront Rand. It's a little confusing at first as Sanderson went through and interjected a lot of stuff with Rand, Mat, Egwene, etc. which happened after the events in the final chapters of The Gathering Storm. Once you realize the fact that Perrin's storyline is a little bit off from the timeline of everything else, things make a lot more sense. 

A LOT happens in this book. As everyone prepares for the Last Battle and plans start coming together, a lot of little storylines start to be closed out. Everyone is gathering on the Fields of Merrilor while Lan gathers an army of Borderlanders and Malkieri at Tarwin's Gap. At the end, it seems the Last Battle has begun.

Next up, the final volume of the Wheel of Time series: A Memory of Light. I have not read this book yet, so I'm anxious to get through it, and also saddened that something I've been reading since high school has finally come to an end. (I'm pretty sure this is why I've waited so long to finally read this book.)

You can purchase Towers of Midnight through Amazon in hard copy or Kindle format. 

Have you read Towers of Midnight? If so, leave a comment and let me know your thoughts! 

Please note: I was not compensated in any way for this review. It is strictly my opinion.

The Gathering Storm by Robert Jordan & Brandon Sanderson

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Title: The Gathering Storm

Author: Robert Jordan & Brandon Sanderson
Series: Wheel of Time (Book #12)

Genre: Epic Fantasy

Length: 783 pages

Published: 2009

Publisher: Tor Books

Brief Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads) Tarmon Gai’don, the Last Battle, looms. And mankind is not ready.

The final volume of the Wheel of Time, A Memory of Light, was partially written by Robert Jordan before his untimely passing in 2007. Brandon Sanderson, New York Times bestselling author of the Mistborn books, was chosen by Jordan’s editor---his wife, Harriet McDougal---to complete the final book. The scope and size of the volume was such that it could not be contained in a single book, and so Tor proudly presents The Gathering Storm as the first of three novels that will make up A Memory of Light. This short sequence will complete the struggle against the Shadow, bringing to a close a journey begun almost twenty years ago and marking the conclusion of the Wheel of Time, the preeminent fantasy epic of our era. 

In this epic novel, Robert Jordan’s international bestselling series begins its dramatic conclusion. Rand al’Thor, the Dragon Reborn, struggles to unite a fractured network of kingdoms and alliances in preparation for the Last Battle. As he attempts to halt the Seanchan encroachment northward---wishing he could form at least a temporary truce with the invaders---his allies watch in terror the shadow that seems to be growing within the heart of the Dragon Reborn himself.

Egwene al’Vere, the Amyrlin Seat of the rebel Aes Sedai, is a captive of the White Tower and subject to the whims of their tyrannical leader. As days tick toward the Seanchan attack she knows is imminent, Egwene works to hold together the disparate factions of Aes Sedai while providing leadership in the face of increasing uncertainty and despair. Her fight will prove the mettle of the Aes Sedai, and her conflict will decide the future of the White Tower---and possibly the world itself.

The Wheel of Time turns, and Ages come and pass. What was, what will be, and what is, may yet fall under the Shadow.

My Review:

I give this book a 5 out of 5. 

After Robert Jordan died in 2007, fans were left wondering if the series would ever be finished. His wife and editor, Harriet, worked with the publisher to find a suitable author to finish out the series. Jordan had provided his wife all of his notes, as well as a complete outline as to how the series ended. The team found Brandon Sanderson - a fantasy author who had a few books already published. Sanderson took Jordan's already finished scenes, notes, and outlines and filled in the gaps. What Jordan had originally promised was one more novel called A Memory of Light. What Sanderson found was too much story to be contained in one volume. Therefore, the book was split into three parts: The Gathering Storm, Towers of Midnight, and A Memory of Light. 

There are definitely times within this book that you can see Sanderson's writing style, however, it doesn't really detract from the story at all and melds pretty seamlessly with the scenes that had been completed by Jordan before his death. 

A lot happens in this book, which is why it's nearly 800 pages. There was a lot of closure with some events - chiefly major events surrounding Perrin, Egwene, and even Rand. There was also a lot of foreshadowing of events to come. There were a lot of hard decisions that had to be made by everyone. 

The fact that a lot of open events were granted closure, really made this book one of my favorites. 

Next up: Towers of Midnight.

You can purchase The Gathering Storm through Amazon in hard copy or Kindle format. 

Have you read The Gathering Storm? If so, leave a comment and let me know your thoughts! 

Please note: I was not compensated in any way for this review. It is strictly my opinion.

Knife of Dreams by Robert Jordan

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Title: Knife of Dreams

Author: Robert Jordan
Series: Wheel of Time (Book #11)

Genre: Epic Fantasy

Length: 784 pages

Published: 2005

Publisher: Tor Books

Brief Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads) The Wheel of Time turns, and Robert Jordan gives us the eleventh volume of his extraordinary masterwork of fantasy.The dead are walking, men die impossible deaths, and it seems as though reality itself has become unstable: All are signs of the imminence of Tarmon Gai'don, the Last Battle, when Rand al'Thor, the Dragon Reborn, must confront the Dark One as humanity's only hope. But Rand dares not fight until he possesses all the surviving seals on the Dark One's prison and has dealt with the Seanchan, who threaten to overrun all nations this side of the Aryth Ocean and increasingly seem too entrenched to be fought off. But his attempt to make a truce with the Seanchan is shadowed by treachery that may cost him everything. Whatever the price, though, he must have that truce. And he faces other dangers. There are those among the Forsaken who will go to any length to see him dead--and the Black Ajah is at his side....

Unbeknownst to Rand, Perrin has made his own truce with the Seanchan. It is a deal made with the Dark One, in his eyes, but he will do whatever is needed to rescue his wife, Faile, and destroy the Shaido who captured her. Among the Shaido, Faile works to free herself while hiding a secret that might give her her freedom or cause her destruction. And at a town called Malden, the Two Rivers longbow will be matched against Shaido spears.

Fleeing Ebou Dar through Seanchan-controlled Altara with the kidnapped Daughter of the Nine Moons, Mat attempts to court the woman to whom he is half-married, knowing that she will complete that ceremony eventually. But Tuon coolly leads him on a merry chase as he learns that even a gift can have deep significance among the Seanchan Blood and what he thinks he knows of women is not enough to save him. For reasons of her own, which she will not reveal until a time of her choosing, she has pledged not to escape, but Mat still sweats whenever there are Seanchan soldiers near. Then he learns that Tuon herself is in deadly danger from those very soldiers. To get her to safety, he must do what he hates worse than work....

In Caemlyn, Elayne fights to gain the Lion Throne while trying to avert what seems a certain civil war should she win the crown....

In the White Tower, Egwene struggles to undermine the sisters loyal to Elaida from within....

The winds of time have become a storm, and things that everyone believes are fixed in place forever are changing before their eyes. Even the White Tower itself is no longer a place of safety. Now Rand, Perrin and Mat, Egwene and Elayne, Nynaeve and Lan, and even Loial, must ride those storm winds, or the Dark One will triumph.

My Review:

I give this book a 5 out of 5. 

A lot happens in this volume. We get a few glimpses of Rand as he begins to prepare his armies for Tarmon Gai'don, but the majority of the story follows Mat's wooing of Tuon, Perrin's quest to save Faile, and Elayne's quest for the Black Ajah and the crown of Andor. There are a few chapters which follow the rebel Aes Sedai following Egwene's capture, as well as Egwene herself as she begins trying to fight the Tower from within.

We even get to witness the capture of another of the Forsaken. Only three more books left in the series, and I can't wait to finish them off.

Next up: The Gathering Storm.

You can purchase Knife of Dreams through Amazon in hard copy or Kindle format. 

Have you read Knife of Dreams? If so, leave a comment and let me know your thoughts! 

Please note: I was not compensated in any way for this review. It is strictly my opinion.

Crossroads of Twilight by Robert Jordan

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Title: Crossroads of Twilight

Author: Robert Jordan
Series: Wheel of Time (Book #10)

Genre: Epic Fantasy

Length: 704 pages

Published: 2003

Publisher: Tor Books

Brief Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads) Fleeing from Ebou Dar with the kidnapped Daughter of the Nine Moons, whom he is fated to marry, Mat Cauthon learns that he can neither keep her nor let her go, not in safety for either of them, for both the Shadow and the might of the Seanchan Empire are in deadly pursuit.

Perrin Aybara seeks to free his wife, Faile, a captive of the Shaido, but his only hope may be an alliance with the enemy. Can he remain true to his friend Rand and to himself? For his love of Faile, Perrin is willing to sell his soul.

At Tar Valon, Egwene al'Vere, the young Amyrlin of the rebel Aes Sedai, lays siege to the heart of Aes Sedai power, but she must win quickly, with as little bloodshed as possible, for unless the Aes Sedai are reunited, only the male Asha'man will remain to defend the world against the Dark One, and nothing can hold the Asha'man themselves back from total power except the Aes Sedai and a unified White Tower.

In Andor, Elayne Trakland fights for the Lion Throne that is hers by right, but enemies and Darkfriends surround her, plotting her destruction. If she fails, Andor may fall to the Shadow, and the Dragon Reborn with it.

Rand al'Thor, the Dragon Reborn himself, has cleansed the Dark One's taint from the male half of the True Source, and everything has changed. Yet nothing has, for only men who can channel believe that saidin is clean again, and a man who can channel is still hated and feared-even one prophesied to save the world. Now, Rand must gamble again, with himself at stake, and he cannot be sure which of his allies are really enemies.

My Review:

I give this book a 5 out of 5. 

Jordan used this book to cover what was going on with Mat since his escape from Ebou Dar, Perrin's quest for Faile and the Shaido Aiel that took her, the siege of Caemlyn, and what was happening in both the rebel Aes Sedai camp and the White Tower. Not much is shown of Rand, except towards the end where there is quite a bit of foreshadowing of what is to come in Knife of Dreams. 

Next up: Knife of Dreams.

You can purchase Crossroads of Twilight through Amazon in hard copy or Kindle format. 

Have you read Crossroads of Twilight? If so, leave a comment and let me know your thoughts! 

Please note: I was not compensated in any way for this review. It is strictly my opinion.

Winter's Heart by Robert Jordan

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Title: Winter's Heart

Author: Robert Jordan
Series: Wheel of Time (Book #9)

Genre: Epic Fantasy

Length: 668 pages

Published: 2000

Publisher: Tor Books

Brief Synopsis: (Taken from Goodreads) Rand is on the run with Min, and in Cairhein, Cadsuane is trying to figure out where he is headed. Rand's destination is, in fact, one she has never considered.

Mazrim Taim, leader of the Black Tower, is revealed to be a liar. But what is he up to?

Faile, with the Aiel Maidens, Bain and Chiad, and her companions, Queen Alliandre and Morgase, is prisoner of Savanna's sept.

Perrin is desperately searching for Faile. With Elyas Machera, Berelain, the Prophet and a very mixed "army" of disparate forces, he is moving through country rife with bandits and roving Seanchan. The Forsaken are ever more present, and united, and the man called Slayer stalks Tel'aran'rhiod and the wolfdream.

In Ebou Dar, the Seanchan princess known as Daughter of the Nine Moons arrives - and Mat, who had been recuperating in the Tarasin Palace, is introduced to her. Will the marriage that has been foretold come about?

There are neither beginnings or endings to the turning of the Wheel of Time. But it is a beginning...

My Review:

I give this book a 5 out of 5. 

This one is a bit slow to start. At first we follow Perrin for a bit, as he learns that Faile has been captured. We also follow Elayne as she struggles to make Andor hers and take the throne that is hers by birthright. We also get to see (finally!) what has happened with Mat and how he manages to escape the Seanchan and Ebou Dar. We get to learn a little bit more about the Sea Folk, and we get to watch as Elayne and Aviendha finally adopt each other as first-sisters. 

Interspersed are a few chapters with Rand and Min, telling us just what they have been up to. It all comes together at the end, though, as the action suddenly picks up in an exciting battle against the Forsaken while both Rand and Nynaeve are incapacitated. Definitely an exciting addition to the series - especially considering what Rand manages to do by the end of the final chapter. I won't give that away - you'll have to read for yourself!

Next up: Crossroads of Twilight.

You can purchase Winter's Heart through Amazon in hard copy or Kindle format. 

Have you read Winter's Heart? If so, leave a comment and let me know your thoughts! 

Please note: I was not compensated in any way for this review. It is strictly my opinion.