Thursday, May 19, 2011

John Flanagan - Ranger's Apprentice Book 10

Author John Flanagan's latest in the Ranger's Apprentice series
"The Emporer of Nihon-Ja, The Final Battle" in my opinion is
the best of the series. Of course it does behoove one to read the
others first in order to see how the characters have developed
and grown into their roles.

The Rangers Will and Halt join with their friends warrior Horace,
diplomat Alyss and Princess Evanlyn to fight a fierce, unrelenting
foe on behalf of a much beloved Nihan-Ja Emperor.

As with all of the series, it is suitable reading for teens.
Posted by Patsy :: 4:05 PM :: 9 comments

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Monday, October 04, 2010

The Way of Kings - Briand Sanderson

Brian Sanderson is acclaimed for his own works, but also for
being chosen to, ,and completing, the late Robert Jordan's
"Wheel of Time" series.

The Stormlight Archive, by Brian Anderson, with book one,
"The Way of Kings," begins with intriguing plot lines that
intertwine until characters in each meet. Thus then, does the
story build to its central theme.

A force more malevolent than the petty wars between
races faces those who occupy the world of Roshar.

Those destined to fight them gather one by one amid the
chaos of war, the surreptitiousness of betrayal, poison,
assassination and various nefarious plots.


THE BLACK PRISM
By Brent Weeks

The Black Prism is full of characters who embody, indeed,
emit light as easily as others breathe. The descriptions of
how the colors of light, the differences and how it is achieved
for the purposes of personal use or weaponry are throughout
the tale. The descriptions left me skipping those parts and
going on ahead to the main story line.

The tale was interesting, but of the two books I found the first,
The Way of Kings, more enjoyable.

Posted by Patsy :: 3:58 PM :: 0 comments

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Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Author Nora Roberts as J.D. Robb

Among the authors that write excellent cop stories
J.D. Robb (Nora Roberts) is one of my favorites.

Robb/Roberts features characters cops Delia Peabody,
Feeny, McNab, Morris, mansion manager Summerset,
and of course, Lt. Eve Dallas, Homicide, and her husband,
multi-billionare Roarke.

The setting is New York City in 2050/2060 time
frame, and Robb/Roberts' idea of what that grand
city (and our nation) would be like at that time after
years of urban wars and ecological upset is interesting.

Set mostly in New York, Robb/Roberts uses settings
such as Ireland and off planet resorts where crime
doesn't take avacation.

Cop stories are often gritty, portraying the worst of
human nature. Robb/Roberts peppers her tales with
murder, mayhem, humor, passion and compassion
intertwined with the personal strengths, fears and
foibles of her characters.

As long as she keeps writing the Lt. Dallas series, I'll
keep reading them.

Posted by Patsy :: 11:00 PM :: 1 comments

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Sunday, February 21, 2010

The Magician's Apprentice - Trudi Canavan

A delightful find is Trudi Canavan's "The Magician's
Apprentice."

Trudi Canavan, an Australian writer, is the author of
The Black Magician Trilogy, which includes:
The Magician's Guild, The Novice and The High Lord.

The Magician's Apprentice is set within the world
of the triology, where magic, medicine, and war mingle.

Tessia is the daughter of the village Healer. Unbeknownst
to herself and others, Tessia is a "natural." A magician of
natural ability. Upon the discovery of her hidden talents,
Tessia's life changes beyond her belief. Fighting against
prejudice and ignorance Tessia learns to control her
magical gift and how to use it in healing and helping
others.


Jayan is close to reaching his goal of full fledged magician
with Lord Dakon as his mentor and teacher. At first his
disdain for Tessia is due to having to share his teacher,
although later he will come to understand Tessia's
drive and reasoning towards her goal of melding
magic and healing.

Takado of the Sachakan people is a vicious killer. His
goal in life is to conquer and rule the Kyralian lands
and enslave their people.

Vora is a young woman who's mother is of Elyne and
her father a Sachakan. Used to the freedom of
women under the Elyne's, Vora seeks her father's
approval and wishes to help in his trade. Yet all
she finds is disappointment, an arranged marriage
and a different type of slavery.... until she is able
to use her magic to further not only her cause, but
that of other downtrodden women.

Their lives intersect in a time of war and the
outcome changes them forever.

Posted by Patsy :: 9:50 PM :: 0 comments

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Tuesday, February 02, 2010

Paula Froelich - Mercury in Retrograde

Browsing the library shelves my eye was
caught by the title "Mercury in Retrograde."
Curious, I just had to take a peek and see
what this book was about.

It's a tale of three young women who
suddenly find themselves in different
circumstances than usual. Their
individual lives are tied together through
friends and through proximity by virture
of living in the same apartment building.

The escapades and foibles of these quirky
ladies is told with entertainingly humorous
wit.

Although it's not the type of tale I'd normally
pick out to read, I found this one interesting
and enjoyable.

Posted by Patsy :: 11:02 PM :: 1 comments

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