Fiction Review: Patrick W. Carr’s “The End of the Magi”

This book was very interesting! Taking a few different historical facts and spinning a “what if” tale is always a fine line to walk – but when done right, creates some of the most enjoyable books I’ve read.

In “Magi”, Mr. Carr pulls the reader in with his trademark rich prose and sweeping narratives, and spins a story that I have continued to think and talk to others about, ever since I closed the final page. That’s the great part of ‘historical fiction’ type works – taking a subject from impersonal arms-length, and giving you a pair of shoes, even if imaginary ones, in which to walk around and become a part of the story.

The character of Myrad, his travels through the towns and deserts, the events brewing around the region all around him – these pieces were artfully designed, combining into the greater whole of what is seriously a fantastic work. 

I would highly recommend this book, especially with Easter right around the corner, as it is a perfect read to whet your appetite to dig deeper into the the Scriptures about Christ and his life.

I received a review copy of this work from the publisher

Non-Fiction Review: Martin G. Long and Chris Lamb’s “Jackie Robinson – A Spiritual Biography”

It’s so easy to assume.
We passively absorb facts about prominent figures of history – be they concise, curated, textbook biographies; an hour-long history channel special; or, if we’re lucky, the feature-length “based on a true story” Hollywood rendition.
And we dust our hands, assume we’ve obtained the measure of the man, and move on to our next interest.

Can a life be summed up so easily?
Of course not.
And authors Long and Lamb do readers the courtesy of not pretending they’re even going to try. The subtitle to their excellent work is “A Spiritual Biography”, and they deliver! This is no fast recap of the highlights of what Jackie Robinson did, this is a deep look at who Jackie Robinson was.  Where he drew his identity from, and how that touched everyone in his life.

This book is meaty, well-researched, and detailed. I learned so many new things about Mr. Robinson, and came away with a completely new perspective on the man he was, not just the ballplayer we learn about. It was a captivating read.

I received a review copy of this work from the publisher through NetGalley

Fiction Review: Le French Book – “Foul Play in Vouvray”

2019 is starting off right – another new Winemaker Detective release! Ah, Cooker and Co., how I’ve missed you.

“Foul Play” is a perfect combination of the quick-paced, puzzle-solving plots that we saw more of at the beginning of the series, and the detailed delving of the characters from the more recent books.  I might even dare to say this is my favorite book in the series so far, just from a pure reading standpoint! I couldn’t put it down!

This time Benjamin and Virgile are caught up neck-deep in the mystery, in addition to all the other people and wines demanding their attention. We get to see several different sides of Benjamin, as well as more of his internal thoughts and processes. I LOVED the banter between the two men in this book. Benjamin is really pushing Virgile to step out from the title of ‘assistant’ and become the “indispensable right-hand man” (his words!), Benjamin knows he can be. I’m very excited to see where the next books take Virgile. 

I often wonder if the authors are purposefully tantalizing their readers with all the beautiful, decadent food they describe, page after page. I know I am ALWAYS hungry after finishing one of these lovely titles. Perhaps, as social media plays such a big part to the plot of “Foul Play”, we readers should start posting “Post-Book Meal” pictures on Instagram, to let the authors know they’ve won, once again. 

This was a delightful read, and I can’t wait for more!

I received a review copy of this work from the publisher

 

2018 – 4th Quarter Roundup

Final quarter of 2018! Here’s what I read over the past 3 months.

The Chronicles of St. Mary’s
   

Blood of Kings Trilogy
  

Mandie Series
  

Future Shock Series
  

Dragon Born Trilogy
 

Dr. Seuss
 

The Kinsman Chronicles

Check out my review here!

Blood and Gold Series

The Uncommon Life Study

IQ Series

Lady Sherlock Series

The Darkwater Saga

Recruits Series

Check out my review here!

Chicago World’s Fair Mystery Series

The Guardians

DC Icons

Claus Series

The Ravenwood Saga

Check out my review here!

Stand-alone works:

My total for 2018: 114 books! Woo!

What was your favorite read in 2018?

Fiction Review: Morgan L. Busse’s “Mark of the Raven”

This book was superb! The world-building, the lore-crafting, the character creation were all expertly executed, topped by a great plot. The large cast of characters and shifting points of view transitioned seamlessly throughout the story, never losing or breaking the reader’s attention.

And now I’m hooked. There are so many unanswered questions, so many narratives crossing each other – I’m eagerly awaiting the next in the series. I feel like the author brought us to the edge of this sweeping lake, and next book is going to push us off to plunge into everything this tale wants to tell.

This was pure enjoyment to read. You should definitely get a copy!

I received a review copy of this work from the publisher through NetGalley

Fiction Review: Thomas Locke’s “Recruits”

This was a fantastic read. I greatly enjoy the fact that while Mr. Locke’s plots move at a brisk pace, his ability to world-build, and make scenes come alive, never wavers or suffers. The reader is pulled deep within the story, and resurfaces at the end of the book asking for more.

I have read different takes on “twins” in stories. Often, those stories suffer for emphasizing either their sameness, or stark individuality, respectively. This was one of the first books where I’ve seen twins on the page that reflected my experience of twins in life. I became invested in Sean and Dillon’s relationship with each other and with those around them. It all felt real, and progression we see between them, natural. It was a highlight of the book for me.

I am so eager to dive back into this world and see what new adventures and mysteries await. I highly recommend you do as well!

I received a review copy of this work from the publisher through NetGalley.

Fiction Review: Jill Williamson’s “King’s War”

To put it simply – this is a darn good book.

I received this book for review, but it turned into a read of pure enjoyment. Getting to finish the adventure we started with Trevn, Hinck, Grayson and everyone else two books ago was a high point of my reading list this summer. 

This book is hefty, I had to read it several times to catch everything. But this is one of those works you WANT to re-read and re-read, and will get satisfaction from every time. Great stories are like that. And Ms. Williamson does an excellent job of keeping the reader engaged moment by moment. She does not overly telegraph what will come next, and even when you have an inkling, she delivers in ways you don’t see coming. 

I love books with an allegorical bent to them, and the allegories Ms. Williamson weaves were rich, layered, and well-written. In all, this book is an excellent read and I can’t wait to experience more from this author!

I received a review copy of this work from the publisher through NetGalley

2018 – Third Quarter Roundup

Looking for something new to read? Here’s what I finished over the past 3 months:

The Chronicles of St. Mary’s Series
  

Mandie Series
  

Lady Sherlock Series

A Wicked Thing Series

IQ Series

Lady Janies Series

Dragon Born Trilogy

Ellie Haskell Mysteries

Kendra Donovan Series

Barnabas Tew Series

Check out my review here!

Red Queen Series

Legends of the Realm Series

Check out my review here!

Stand Alone Works:

Check out my review here!

Check out my review here!

What are you currently reading? Comment below!

Fiction Review: Thomas Locke’s “The Golden Vial”

Legends of the Realm is a series I have enjoyed immensely and even purchased as gifts for others. When this, the third installment was published earlier this year, I was counting down the days until I could get my own copy. And all I can say is I want more, more!

I love Locke’s writing style. His depth of scene pulls the reader headlong into the book, allowing them to experience the story right next to the characters. His pacing when it comes to dialogue is also very well done, allowing for more natural-feeling conversation than I usually find in other works.

Mysteries and riddles that were introduced in the first two books are explored more in “The Golden Vial”, but there are still answers to be had, and a final victory to be won. I look forward to the next installment, whenever and however it comes!

I received a review copy of this work from the publisher through NetGalley

Fiction Review: Columbkill Noonan’s “Barnabas Tew and the Case of the Nine Worlds”

….in which a Victorian detective goes around yelling at Asgardians.

As much as that quick elevator pitch makes me smile, it doesn’t do this book justice. While this is a fun, jaunty read, the reader is immersed in a depth of setting and plot that proves the author has definitely done her research. Think of it like a fine painting or great photograph. While the focus is on the subject in the foreground, without the fullness of the background scene, it would just be a flat, one dimensional moment. Authors will do reams of research, and it is tempting to dump all of that on top of one’s plot in the excitement of writing – “Barnabas Tew and the Case of the Nine Worlds” is a great example of how to highlight your story with the best bits, enhancing overall.

The story was fun to puzzle out, and there were many moments that made me laugh aloud, or stop and re-read a particularly witty moment to whomever was near, to share the fun. I enjoyed getting to know Barnabas and Wilfred, and look forward to going back and reading their first adventure, and will eagerly await all those to come!

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I received a review copy of this work from the author.