Relight My Fire is the fourth installment in the fantasy comedy series The Stranger Times following the motley staff of the titular tabloid of the supRelight My Fire is the fourth installment in the fantasy comedy series The Stranger Times following the motley staff of the titular tabloid of the supernatural. The crew can’t seem to catch a break—Stella has a floating man fall and splatter on the pavement right in front of her, an avenging spirit gives Banecroft a vague mission with a deadline or else he will be dragged into Hell, and a convoluted plot involving drugs, a washed-up rockstar, a ghoul, and a bunch of dig-up graves complete just another typical week of strange for The Stranger Times.
I thought this installment was the best book so far since the very first one. I liked that the characters were mostly together throughout the book, working on the same story (no matter how convoluted and seemingly unrelated it was). The characters are at their best when they interact and banter (and fight) with each other. The book is consistent in delivering witty, funny, and darkly humorous dialogue and situations with a lot of heart and charm.
I would love to have new character Brian added to the regular staff, and I will once again plead for DI Sturgess to be brought into the fold. His will-they-again-or-won’t-they romance with Hannah is just the stuff of awkward heaven....more
Voyage of the Damned is a murder mystery fantasy set on a 12-day ship voyage. For a thousand years, the 12 provinces of Concordia have lived in relatiVoyage of the Damned is a murder mystery fantasy set on a 12-day ship voyage. For a thousand years, the 12 provinces of Concordia have lived in relative peace. Now the 12 heirs of the magical legacy of each province must journey on the emperor’s enchanted ship before they ascend as its leaders. Dee, the slacker heir of the lowest ranked province, is and isn’t one of them as he has been living a lie. But when heirs start dying on this unstoppable journey, he must become the needed heir he wasn’t born to be and find the killer before it’s too late for him and the empire.
I think it needs to be said that this is a young adult fantasy (without even having to change any part of the story or text) and not at all an adult one. And I read it as such so I was feeling more forgiving. The characters feel young (and most of them are), the dialogue and humor quite juvenile, and there wasn’t anything particularly complex or “adult” about the book.
It was a bit of a rough start for me when we are just dropped right in without any context, and it took awhile for the book to actually explain what was going on. I liked the diversity of its characters, and while it did take much longer for me to actually latch on to them, they grew on me as their backgrounds and motivations were revealed. Dee had a very poorly considered plan (bordering on nonsensical) from the beginning, but I thought his heart shined through despite some iffy actions he did.
I love myself a murder mystery, and this Death on the Nile plot was very convoluted so I mostly gave up trying to figure out the culprit and just went along for the ride. It had fun situations, hilarious moments, and even heartfelt ones that carried me through. I liked the queer romance, although the way it was structured by the story didn’t allow it much space and time to really blossom.
Voyage of the Damned is an enjoyable murder mystery fantasy with a few caveats....more
Empire of the Damned is the sequel to the dark epic vampire fantasy Empire of the Damned. Fallen silversaint Gabriel de Leon has saved the Holy Grail Empire of the Damned is the sequel to the dark epic vampire fantasy Empire of the Damned. Fallen silversaint Gabriel de Leon has saved the Holy Grail and betrayed his holy order. Now he must travel with the mysterious vampire Liathe to bring the Grail to the lost fifth vampire family Blood Esani to learn how the Grail can end Daysdeath. Along the way, they are still pursued by Gabriel’s nemesis Blood Voss, the butchering Blood Dyvok, and the shapeshifting duskdancers.
Like its predecessor, this is still told interview-style with Gabriel imprisoned and being interrogated to tell his tale. But this time around, it also adds the perspective of Liathe who is also being interviewed about her part in the Grail’s journey. Rather than the two timelines EOTV had, EOTD is split into two simultaneous storylines that diverge in the beginning and unite in the end. EOTV was about Gabriel’s rise and fall, and now it is about Gabriel as a man with a mission and Dior as a girl on a quest.
While I did like EOTV more because of how epic and novel it felt, EOTD does not disappoint at all, amping up pretty much every aspect. It is just as dark, action-packed, twisty, and grim (with the slightest bit of hope). From the sole focus on Gabriel of EOTV, it widens the world so much by bringing in the rest of the factions and adding more and more different relationships. The expanded roles of Dior and Phoebe really added a different dimension to the narrative. As for new characters, I particularly liked the addition of Gabriel’s old apprentice Lachlan who I hope we see more of.
But with these new additions, we had to give up much of Aaron and Baptiste (I need more of them). They do get one truly truly ICONIC moment because sometimes loved does conquer all (CHILLS). I need Aaron and Batiste to get their happily ever after and absolutely nothing less. They are the one bright spot (despite what they go through here) in the pool of misery this book was. I cried at the heartbreaking ending. Poor Gabriel who just cannot get a break. I really cannot wait for what comes next. Those twists in the end are really hyping me up to see where the story goes (and how it ends of this is just a trilogy).
Empire of the Damned rises to the occasion and delivers a worthy sequel to the spectacular grimdark vampire fantasy Empire of the Vampire....more
Lord of the Empty Isles is a scifi-fantasy debut that was just absolutely spectacular. It’s been five years since Remy Canta’s brother died of a deathLord of the Empty Isles is a scifi-fantasy debut that was just absolutely spectacular. It’s been five years since Remy Canta’s brother died of a death curse, murdered by Remy’s once childhood idol—interstellar fugitive Idrian Delaciel. When Remy finally has the last ingredient needed to cast his own death curse on Idrian, the curse goes wrong and rebounds on himself too, linking their lifespans together. So Remy must hunt down Idrian and infiltrate his criminal crew to find a way to fix the curse before it’s too late. But as Remy gets to know Idrian, he learns that his vengeance may bring more devastating consequences than he could have imagined as Idrian is more than just the evil villain he thought him to be.
Again, I cannot emphasize how much I absolutely loved this book. But be forewarned that this may not be for everyone and some may need to be in the right mindset before reading it. The books is a devastating tale of grief and loss, of the love for family and the bonds that tie people together, and of just how far some people will go for those they love. In the midst of undercover infiltrations, interstellar heists, mysterious curses, a conspiracy to the very top of the government, and a race against the clock, the book still managed to bring me to tears so so many times with its soul.
Remy is a man still reeling from the murder of his older brother, the man who raised him and the only family he had left, and he is blinded by his hate and single-minded quest for vengeance. It was honestly gutwrenching just reading about his love for his brother and his anger for what happened that it will make you actually root for him to get his vengeance. Meanwhile, Idrian is a morally gray man who does what he does for a reason. He is a man beloved by his people for bringing them hope in their bleak existence and hated by others for what he represents. There is a certain parallel you can make with his people’s plight and what is going on in the world right now.
There is no romance here (Remy himself is actually aroace), and that is not to the book’s detriment. Instead, it features queerplatonic relationships, bonds greater than that of friends and beyond that of family or lovers. The book has a magic system of sorts involving different kinds of bonds between people (think tethers), and it demonstrates the different types of relationships from romantic to the platonic. Together, Remy and Idrian help each other grow and heal to break the cycle of violence that has lead them down their dark paths. It is about confronting their conflicts and learning to understand if not forgive the actions that have been done. There are several noteworthy scenes of them just interacting (their initial confrontation when all is revealed and another towards the end) that were so exceptionally powerful that it still manages to make me tear up just thinking about it.
Lord of the Empty Isles is a moving and devastating cozy scifi-fantasy blend featuring an aroace protagonist, a found family, and queerplatonic relationships on top of its epic scifi story. Be ready to cry.
*I received an eARC from Hodder & Stoughton/Hodderscape via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review....more
The Silverblood Promise is the epic fantasy debut novel of James Logan about one young man’s search for redemption in a city of merchants, murderers aThe Silverblood Promise is the epic fantasy debut novel of James Logan about one young man’s search for redemption in a city of merchants, murderers and monsters. Lukan Gardova is the disgraced and bitter heir of a deteriorated noble house just getting through his days drinking and gambling when he learns of his estranged father’s murder. Having lost his chance to reconcile, he is just left with the three words his father wrote as he was dying—Lukan’s name, a distant city, and an unknown word no one seems to recognize. This brings him to Saphrona where he is drawn into a vast conspiracy that will bring the city to destruction as he searching for answers.
This book is a promising start to a series and a delightfully enjoyable read. It is a fast-paced romp through a gritty city where Lukan encounters pickpockets and thieves, merchant princes, corrupt officials and priests, and forgotten magic. He blunders into a dark conspiracy with no choice but to plot and scheme right along with the conspirators. It did remind me of The Lies of Locke Lamora with a little bit of Indiana Jones thrown in. While not quite as sophisticated as its contemporaries, it is a competent debut that is entirely entertaining throughout. Made up of a series of somewhat convenient events leading one to another, it is unrelenting in its twists and reveals (both predictable and not) that deliver on the action, intrigue, and excitement.
Lukan has a dry personality and a sarcastic sense of humor that he uses as weapon and defense to cut his opponents. He doesn’t know when to shut up and can’t help but drink his problems away and mock everyone he encounters. But under all that bluster is a man still reeling from the consequences of his life choices and grasping at the chance to redeem his estranged relationship with his late father. Alongside him is Flea, a street urchin girl who latches onto him who is strikingly competent, funny and badass child that can give Lukan a run for his money. Their dynamic and relationship offers up a lot of heart and not at all dissimilar to Mistborn’s Kelsier & Vin (just with a more questionable degree of competence). Rounding out the trio is Ashra, who enters late into the book so she doesn’t quite have as much presence yet. But I do look forward to what this trio has to offer in future installments.
The Silverblood Promise is a fun romp through a dark gritty city with a charismatic lead duo.
*Thank you to Tor Books for the eARC via NetGalley....more
Faebound is the first in a fantasy trilogy set in a war-torn world where fae and humans have gone extinct, leaving just elves in an endless clan war. Faebound is the first in a fantasy trilogy set in a war-torn world where fae and humans have gone extinct, leaving just elves in an endless clan war. Yeeran was the youngest ever colonel in her clan when she is exiled after a costly mistake. Her diviner sister Lettle and a loyal subordinate Captain Rayan follow her out for the Elf lands when they are captured by the mythical fae after Yeeran accidentally kills a fae prince’s animal companion. Held captive, they become embroiled in the fae court as ancient curses, murky prophecies, and secret histories come to light.
Faebound was a fast-paced, easy read. It delivers a promising start to a trilogy, establishing the lore and history with lush style and competence. The story takes some unexpected turns storywise, but the twists and reveals were kind of obvious (and the characters really should have seen those coming). I appreciated how much of a quick read it was without losing the complexity I like from my high fantasy books. It also had two romances, one of which I loved and the other not as much.
Told from Yeeran and Lettle’s perspectives, they are obviously the most developed of the characters. I do wish we got Rayan’s perspective as well. His and Lettle’s possibly doomed romance was really working for me with the yearning and softness of it and Rayan’s simping (LOL). Meanwhile, Yeeran gets a sapphic romance with the fae warrior princess, but I never really felt any chemistry between them despite their many many interactions, especially with the fae’s obvious disdain for elves and her too quick flip-flopping when any problems arise.
Faebound delivers an easily readable fantasy romance that succeeds as set-up for a trilogy....more
These Burning Stars is a science fiction series opener and debut novel about a conspiracy of vengeance and justice across the human Kindom 4.5/5 stars
These Burning Stars is a science fiction series opener and debut novel about a conspiracy of vengeance and justice across the human Kindom throughout three star systems. Hacker and thief Jun Ironway has finally found the proof she needs to bring about the downfall of one of the most powerful families within the Kindom, a member of which murdered her family. She is being pursued by two clerics Esek and Choro each with their own agenda and secrets. Unbeknownst to them, they may just all be mere puppets of a mysterious figure from their pasts—Six—a foe of Esek’s own creation and a former childhood companion of Choro’s in whom conflicting loyalties are ignited.
This was just a brilliant and thrilling space opera that is twisty and complex and nearly unpredictable. It is told through the perspectives of three women with flashbacks to the past with each’s encounters with the mysterious Six. There is a ton of action, brutality, and a cat-and-mouse hunt through different planets in a puzzle that will be revealed in its explosive and revelatory finale. It also grapples with concepts of colonialism, race (and refugees), oligarchies, and gender (to a lesser extent).
The one thing that held back a perfect 5-star rating was the portrayal of Esek. She was just cartoonishly villainous with over-the-top demonstrations of cruelty, brutality, violence, and hypocrisy that just too unhinged to be believed. Toning her down just a but would have made her a far more realistic character. Otherwise, I liked Jun with her quest for vengeance and sense of justice, Choro with her many conflicting feelings and guilt over her complicity to evil acts, and even Six with their single mindedness to provoke Eske and scheme.
With a complex plot and morally gray female protagonists (and a nonbinary one), These Burning Stars delivers a compelling space opera that feels angry and personal....more
The Tainted Cup is a murder mystery fantasy that just hit all the right notes for me and is my favorite Robert Jackson Bennett book yet. Dinios Kol isThe Tainted Cup is a murder mystery fantasy that just hit all the right notes for me and is my favorite Robert Jackson Bennett book yet. Dinios Kol is an engraver, enhanced to have perfect memory, and a newly minted assistant investigator to Ana Dolabra, an eccentric but brilliant detective, able to analyze clues and find patterns out of them. When a prominent Imperial officer dies in a grotesque and targeted manner within the opulent estate of a prominent wealthy gentry family, they are assigned the case and uncover a vast conspiracy that may bring the Empire’s downfall. All this while set in a world where vast leviathans rise up from the sea to threaten the Empire which has adapted to a militaristic Imperialist system.
I love me a good murder mystery and I love epic fantasies, and The Tainted Cup just blended the two together perfectly. With the ever-present threat of leviathan monsters breaching the outermost of the tiered walls of the Empire, there is this constant simmering tension throughout the story that builds on a rather bleak world where our main protagonist Din only allowed himself to be enhanced and join the Imperial system for the pay in the hopes of lifting up his family into the inner walls. As much as I love me a hard magic system, I thought the book’s plant-based magic system was really interesting and Robert Jackson Bennett was really innovative in how he incorporated the plants into every aspect of his story and world, including the very method of murder (a fully grown tree bloomed out of the person’s body) in the inciting incident.
It needs to be said that this is first and foremost a murder mystery, just with a high fantasy setting. There is undoubtedly a Watson-and-Holmes dynamic with Din and Ana. We see the entire story from Din’s perspective as he observes everything for later recall then analysis by Ana. New to the job and desperate to do well, he hides a shameful secret—he is dyslexic and even his engraver modifications cannot help. That he is gay was also a pleasant surprise, but doesn’t factor in the plot. We don’t get much out of Ana yet, but see her as this brilliant but difficult to deal with figure thar Din see her as.
While Din and Ana are great characters and an excellent pair of neurodivergent leads, this is very much a plot driven narrative. It is about the mystery, and what a twisty one this is. Think Sherlock Holmes or Knives Out. Robert Jackson Bennett manages to build a really effective mystery and leaves enough clues and uncover enough layers that readers may actually be able to figure it out for themselves (I did figure some stuff out but most I did not). Comparing this to his other works, The Tainted Cup is more in line with his The Divine Cities than his The Founders Trilogy.
The Tainted Cup is a brilliant murder mystery in a high fantasy setting with a compelling lead duo of neurodivergent investigators. I am eager for more.
*Thank you to Del Rey/PRH for sending me an eARC via NetGalley....more
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