Lize Smith

Great start to a series

This was refreshingly different. Julius the dragon's story had me riveted. It's not often that a story is worth finishing in one sitting. The world building was good and the characters engaging. Definitely worth picking up.

Absolutely delightful

This is one of those stories that make the world a happier place. Although there is some conflict in the book, it is not the focus. The characters are relatable and the world building is excellent. If you're looking for an easy, enjoyable read, this is it.

Wither is one of those books you happen upon accidentally and then can't put down. DeStefano's characters are well defined and drew me into the story effortlessly. I am looking forward to start the second book, Fever. If you like dystopian fantasies, this is a must-read.

Very different

The Blacktongue Thief is an unusual story. I was never sure where it was headed, which was a wonderful surprise in a world full of overused tropes.

Unexpected delight

I didn't have any real expectations when I picked this up. The story is built on great character development and takes some unexpected turns. I was swept along and left amazed at the outcome. This is not just about nuns in space but about standing by one's values despite the rules. If you are a closet subversive like me, you will love this book.

I loved the writing. The story was quirky. Unfortunately the ending was trite and twee. This could have been so much better.

I need the next one!

The world building in this series is exactly what I've been missing. The magic system is well thought out and the plot is beautifully crafted. I may have a new favourite author.

I understood maybe 50% of that. I am not sure if a re-read would help. It's an interesting story but the writing style is dense and the author doesn't do a lot of explaining.  

This was even stranger the second time round. I think one suspends belief more easily as a child. I enjoyed the humour and play of words more as an adult, but the strange changes from scene to scene left me feeling a little lost.

I was given this book to review. Having said that, it was a pleasure to read and I would recommend Storm Dancer to lovers of Dark Fantasy. Below is my full review:

I found Storm Dancer by Rayne Hall on Twitter where I have been spending a questionable amount of time lately. The book also came with a warning about the dark nature of the story and the disturbing themes running through it. It's a sensible thing to do if you don't know the person you're recommending a book to but I wish it wasn't necessary. The warning tinges the reader's preconceptions and to be honest, I've read much more violent and disturbing books without warning and thoroughly enjoyed them too (Stephen Donaldson's Thomas Covenant novels springs to mind).

Now that the warnings are out the way, let me get to the book. The story is set in a desert country reminiscent of Ancient Arabia one finds in Arabic fables. The protagonist, Dahoud, has turned his back on his past and his nature. After an illustrious career as one of the most violent and effective war generals in the Quislaki army he returned to the life of a labourer in the hopes of atoning for his crimes. We first meet him when he is summoned back to the Quislaki capital and ordered back into the fray.

I was drawn into Dahoud's battle with himself from the start. Driving his desire for violence is a Djinn that takes advantage of his dark side and goads him to ever worse deeds. The Quislaki ruler, Kirral, is possessed by a similar Djinn, but one that has not been curbed by its host. The contrast between the two makes for some great reading. Add to this a feisty, beautiful magician called Merida who is trapped in Quislak by Kirral's machinations and the scene is set for a great read. Hall's characters are vivid and many faceted and one can't help but empathise with all of them and their personal struggles.

Although the main theme of the book centers on violence against women I found the subtler theme of the struggle and acceptance of one's dark side to be the more intriguing part of the story. Both Merida and Dahoud are unwilling to accept their failings and they are lessened by the limitations they place on themselves. Only with complete acceptance is each able to move forward. There may be a lesson there...

Storm Dancer is a wonderful tale of magic and myth woven into one. I couldn't put this book down and would recommend it to all lovers of Dark Fantasy. You may want to avoid this if you're sensitive or on the squeamish side but if that's the case you should probably steer clear of all Dark Fantasy.

I know it's only January but this is the best book I've read this year. Beautifully crafted, Clarke guides the reader into Piranesi's world through his notebooks.

This was a reread and let me tell you, I was horrified that they let 12-year old me out of the library with this book! The amount of sex! I remember none of it, so perhaps I was too naive to notice.

What I can't figure out is whether attitudes were that permissive towards sex and homosexuality in the 70s (I am surprisingly too young to remember) or whether Pohl was trying to shock. Either way, I actively hated the protagonist. What an asshat. And the psychobabble at his shrink is complete hogwash. 

I always wondered what happened next (South African libraries never seemed to have a full series of anything) so I was planning on reading the series. BUT. I am not sure if I want to sit through more of the protagonist's BS.

Overall rating: 3.25  But only because it's supposed to be a classic.

Delightfully silly

A quaint story with lots of amusing footnotes. Great if you have some time to kill and don't want to commit to a longer book.

Baking and fantasy - my favourite combination. This was a very different story and kept me interested all the way through. I ended up reading all three books in the series.

Intriguing read

Lost Solace is a very different type of science fiction. I enjoyed the way the story was put together, leading the reader to discover pieces of information without divulging the whole.

Unusually entertaining

An unexpected story about an alien invasion and werecockroaches sharing an apartment that was much too short. I definitely need a sequel.

Great story telling

Sharon Shinn's world building is excellent as always. Troubled Waters is another one I couldn't put down. This is quite something as I struggle to finish a lot of books.

The story is much grimmer than I remember. I think memory easily becomes tainted by what Hollywood does to books and they have romanticized this one properly.

Great space romance with plenty of action. It's been a while since I enjoyed a book this much.

I was very excited to have a new Nathan Lowell book to read. Unfortunately (and I think this is because of my high expectations of his work) the characters and story did not grab me as much as in his other books. I'm hoping that he fleshes them out more in the second book. Aside from that, it's still a fun read and worth adding to your reading list.

That was a wild ride

Gideon the Ninth is different from anything else I've ever read. Beautiful writing juxtaposed by Gideon's irreverent dialogue. I didn't think I would enjoy necromancers in space but I LOVED it.
This may have even fixed my reading slump. Excuse me while I enjoy this book hangover.

Non-stop action

I read this book in one sitting. It's fast-paced and kept me riveted all the way through. I'll be starting on the second one as soon as I finish this review.

Great fun

I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked this one up. Timmy the necromancer and his apprentice were very entertaining.

I'm glad I picked this one up

The Thief is a great tale of a daring deed. I was entertained all the way through and finished it in record time. I'll be getting the next one as soon as this review is posted.

A great start

This is an intriguing introduction to an interesting new world. I'm left with more questions than answers and am off to go find the next installment.