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Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Lost (House of Night Otherworld #2) in Books
Sep 1, 2019
Loved it!
Contains spoilers, click to show
Things have settled down at the Tulsa House of Night since Zoey and the gang closed the tear between worlds and sent Other Kevin back to the Other World. Neferet hasn't stirred. Damien and Jack are falling in love all over again. Stevie Rae and Rephaim are back in Tulsa where they belong. The Depot Restaurant is being rebuilt with the enthusiastic involvement of local humans. A new school year has begun, and Zoey's exchange student program with public schools is really taking off. All is well.But if all is well, why is Zoey increasingly withdrawn and moody?Sadly, Stark is sure he knows the answer to that question. Zoey can't stop thinking about following her brother to the Other World, and Stark isn't deluding himself about why. Of course she wants to be sure her brother is okay. Of course she wants to help defeat Neferet in yet another world and be sure the balance between Light and Darkness is restored. But the real reason Z is so drawn to that other House of Night world is because Heath Luck, her childhood sweetheart, is alive in that world-alive and mourning her death.In Lost, we follow Zoey, Stevie Rae, and Rephaim to an alternative version of the House of Night, where dangers take the form of friends and allies are found in the strangest places. Will Z return to our world and leave Heath to his? And if she does, will Stark forgive her for leaving? Find out in the second part of this exciting new House of Night Other World adventure!
I absolutely love this author and this series! Following Zoey and the nerd herd through more trials just makes me happy. We see Z , Stevie and Repheim travel to Kevin's world to help put things right. With some years of joy at some reunions and tears of sadness at the loss of a beloved character it's definitely worth a read. Also don't be drinking when Neferet drops the C bomb I nearly choked š¤£š¤£š¤£š¤£. As a fan of P C Cast and Kristen these books bring so much joy to the YA and supernatural world.
āāāāā
ļæ¼
I absolutely love this author and this series! Following Zoey and the nerd herd through more trials just makes me happy. We see Z , Stevie and Repheim travel to Kevin's world to help put things right. With some years of joy at some reunions and tears of sadness at the loss of a beloved character it's definitely worth a read. Also don't be drinking when Neferet drops the C bomb I nearly choked š¤£š¤£š¤£š¤£. As a fan of P C Cast and Kristen these books bring so much joy to the YA and supernatural world.
āāāāā
ļæ¼
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Lottie disney bookworm (1056 KP) rated The Prince And The Puppet Thief in Books
Aug 30, 2021
I really loved The Prince and the Puppet Thief. This was a true fairy tale retelling that definitely didn't take itself too seriously.
Simon the Squirm is the son of the (second) most feared bandit in the kingdom and when we meet him he is stuffed into a cannon, ready to be fired to the tallest tower of the castle in order to steal some jewelled slippers. See what I mean about not taking itself seriously?
Simon also loves fairytales and the botched robbery sets into motion his own fairytale adventure, complete with dancing rats, sassy handmaids, the funniest bandits ever and some seriously cute queer relationships.
I loved everything about this book - did I mention I loved it? The writing style was very witty and I loved the little references and "skits" that poked fun at the fairytales we know and love. We even get an alternative version of The Snuggly Duckling pub from Tangled!
The villain of the story is captivating: they are both misunderstood and jaded by their past; trying to help but ruining lives when things don't go their way. The fact that the reader ends up sympathising with them really says a lot about both the writing and character development within this story.
But for me the relationships stole the show: I loved the contrast between one relationship which was very new and tension-filled, where the characters didn't know if their feelings were going to be accepted, never mind reciprocated and the second, forbidden but very settled relationship where the characters had been in love for some time.
There were some moments where the LGBTQ characters were not entirely accepted by others and I can't speak as to whether this would be triggering or not. Thankfully the main characters are very strong, they stand up for themselves and are so sure of their love that, by the end of the book, they are accepted for who they are.
If you're looking for a funny, cute but sassy, camp fairytale-turned-on-it's-head then this is the book for you!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Simon the Squirm is the son of the (second) most feared bandit in the kingdom and when we meet him he is stuffed into a cannon, ready to be fired to the tallest tower of the castle in order to steal some jewelled slippers. See what I mean about not taking itself seriously?
Simon also loves fairytales and the botched robbery sets into motion his own fairytale adventure, complete with dancing rats, sassy handmaids, the funniest bandits ever and some seriously cute queer relationships.
I loved everything about this book - did I mention I loved it? The writing style was very witty and I loved the little references and "skits" that poked fun at the fairytales we know and love. We even get an alternative version of The Snuggly Duckling pub from Tangled!
The villain of the story is captivating: they are both misunderstood and jaded by their past; trying to help but ruining lives when things don't go their way. The fact that the reader ends up sympathising with them really says a lot about both the writing and character development within this story.
But for me the relationships stole the show: I loved the contrast between one relationship which was very new and tension-filled, where the characters didn't know if their feelings were going to be accepted, never mind reciprocated and the second, forbidden but very settled relationship where the characters had been in love for some time.
There were some moments where the LGBTQ characters were not entirely accepted by others and I can't speak as to whether this would be triggering or not. Thankfully the main characters are very strong, they stand up for themselves and are so sure of their love that, by the end of the book, they are accepted for who they are.
If you're looking for a funny, cute but sassy, camp fairytale-turned-on-it's-head then this is the book for you!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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ClareR (5589 KP) rated The Girl with the Green Eyes in Books
Dec 14, 2021
The Girl with the Green Eyes is a science-fiction novel set in an alternative present day - and a book that I very much enjoyed reading. Youāre left thinking that the premis of this book could very well be possible, and itās just that we donāt know about it (I should point out here that Iām no scientist. Not even a little bit of one, unless you count a love of sci-fi. Which no-one doesā¦). But I do like the kind of science fiction where youāre left with the big question of: could this really be happening now?
So, this book is basically all about eugenics. The search for the perfect baby, the perfect human. Someone with perfection in every part of their genetic make-up. And the fact that there are people out there who are more than willing to pay for this service. The novel also shows that however much humans try to control every aspect of this process, there is an element of the uncontrollable. These babies, children and adults still throw up surprises, and show that they are, in fact, individuals, and that genetic manipulation canāt control everything. Not yet (at the time that this story is set, anyway!).
I wonāt rewrite the synopsis, but I will add that this was an exciting game of cat and mouse. The reader is never quite sure who the ābad guysā and the āgood guysā really are, because the whole morality of this is so hazy! What both sides are doing in this is most definitely morally dubious (and as the mother of a disabled son, this is often spoken about in this house - with the opinions of said son being very surprising!).
I will most definitely be looking out for the next two novels in this series. Iām a sucker for a strong, female character, and Bella Dāaccourt has some skills that I can really appreciate!
This is what The Pigeonhole does so well - I would have missed this book entirely if left to my own devices. So thanks, Pigeonhole, and huge thanks to J. M. Briscoe for reading along with us!
So, this book is basically all about eugenics. The search for the perfect baby, the perfect human. Someone with perfection in every part of their genetic make-up. And the fact that there are people out there who are more than willing to pay for this service. The novel also shows that however much humans try to control every aspect of this process, there is an element of the uncontrollable. These babies, children and adults still throw up surprises, and show that they are, in fact, individuals, and that genetic manipulation canāt control everything. Not yet (at the time that this story is set, anyway!).
I wonāt rewrite the synopsis, but I will add that this was an exciting game of cat and mouse. The reader is never quite sure who the ābad guysā and the āgood guysā really are, because the whole morality of this is so hazy! What both sides are doing in this is most definitely morally dubious (and as the mother of a disabled son, this is often spoken about in this house - with the opinions of said son being very surprising!).
I will most definitely be looking out for the next two novels in this series. Iām a sucker for a strong, female character, and Bella Dāaccourt has some skills that I can really appreciate!
This is what The Pigeonhole does so well - I would have missed this book entirely if left to my own devices. So thanks, Pigeonhole, and huge thanks to J. M. Briscoe for reading along with us!
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Sassy Brit (97 KP) rated Chakra Wisdom Oracle: How to Read the Cards for Yourself and Others in Books
Jun 5, 2019
Itās quite possibly a little known fact that I used to review a lot more new age, self-help books and products in the past, hence the name āalternativeā in my website address. So when I saw this available for review it reminded me of those days, and I jumped at the chance of reviewing this ā āHow to Read the Cards for Yourself and Others (Chakra Wisdom Oracle) Tori Hartmanā. Tori is a professional intuitive following a near-death experience some twenty years ago.
Unfortunately, this whole book is built around a set of Tarot style 49 mystical fable cards, revealed to Tori, which do not come with this book. It also focuses on The Chakra Wisdom Oracle Toolkit, which I also do not own. But there is an iPhone app! You can also go online and try them out there for free (an online shuffler).
I really must get these cardsā¦ they look gorgeous and after reading all about them I am definitely curious. I also quite like the idea of the toolkit too. Chakra Wisdom Oracle Toolkit: A 52-week journey of self-discovery with the lost fables.
The book itself explains what the cards mean and how to interpret them. You learn about the Great Servant and the 17 Great Spirits of the Council, which all relate to chakra coloured cards, with different aspects and teachings on. Itās written in a concise and well laid out format. There are also some handy quick reference tables to help simplify the teachings, plus reading techniques and meditative journaling are also covered.
With 320 pages, it is quite full on, which in my eyes is a good thing. It doesnāt skimp on detail. Plus, if you visit Toriās website there are now courses you can take up to train you how to use these cards even further, and more in depth.
I can recommend this book to anyone who is already a fan of spiritual guides and tarot cards, or if this is something that just appeals to you, (thereās a reason for that) just try it out and see. If youāre dedicated enough you can learn so much more by repeated use to better your understanding of what these cards are telling you and how to read them fully.
Unfortunately, this whole book is built around a set of Tarot style 49 mystical fable cards, revealed to Tori, which do not come with this book. It also focuses on The Chakra Wisdom Oracle Toolkit, which I also do not own. But there is an iPhone app! You can also go online and try them out there for free (an online shuffler).
I really must get these cardsā¦ they look gorgeous and after reading all about them I am definitely curious. I also quite like the idea of the toolkit too. Chakra Wisdom Oracle Toolkit: A 52-week journey of self-discovery with the lost fables.
The book itself explains what the cards mean and how to interpret them. You learn about the Great Servant and the 17 Great Spirits of the Council, which all relate to chakra coloured cards, with different aspects and teachings on. Itās written in a concise and well laid out format. There are also some handy quick reference tables to help simplify the teachings, plus reading techniques and meditative journaling are also covered.
With 320 pages, it is quite full on, which in my eyes is a good thing. It doesnāt skimp on detail. Plus, if you visit Toriās website there are now courses you can take up to train you how to use these cards even further, and more in depth.
I can recommend this book to anyone who is already a fan of spiritual guides and tarot cards, or if this is something that just appeals to you, (thereās a reason for that) just try it out and see. If youāre dedicated enough you can learn so much more by repeated use to better your understanding of what these cards are telling you and how to read them fully.
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LilyLovesIndie (123 KP) rated Breeder (Breeder, #1) in Books
Nov 5, 2018
A dystopian future where mankind is bred in special facilities and everyone has a specific place in the world order, Breeder immediately grabbed my attention from the moment I saw the summary. It's an interesting, yet familiar premise, for fiction, but Hoyle develops and delivers her world in a unique and fresh kind of way. Her civilisation is well developed and built up slowly, which in turn encourages the reader to associate with Pria as she also learns about the real world outside of Sanctuary.
Pria is a great character who you immediately associate with. She's cautious, timid yet there's an innate curiosity in her that signposts her from the off as a character you'll be wanting to watch. Pax on the other hand is gritty, harsh and well versed in the reality of the world. He shouldn't be alive, but he is and the mystery that surrounds that fact is a superb piece of writing to filter alongside the main story. He's enigmatic and a real pleasure to read, a source of great enjoyment as you try to figure him out.
The asylum is a truly intriguing place and it draws you right into the alternative world that is presented to Pria. the new characters we meet there are great to read, each of them different and interesting in their own right. Friendly, dangerous, powerful and power hungry, there is a real mixed bag that keep you on your toes as you read and make this book even better than you might imagine.
As you get drawn further and further into Pria's turmoil, the plot moves faster and faster, just like a proverbial snowball downhill and it pulls you right into the story. The ending, as you'd expect for the first in a series, is swift and unexpected, leaving you satisfied yet needing more. It's a superb start to this new dystopian universe, and one I cannot wait to read more of. I devoured this book, ignoring family and friends when it was open in front of me and I am very excited to see where Hoyle will take this series. It's one I've added to my favourites list, and a book I am sure I am going to be recommending to friends and fans of this genre.
*This book was first reviewed on Lily Loves Indie as part of a blog tour, for which an ARC was received in return for an honest review*
Pria is a great character who you immediately associate with. She's cautious, timid yet there's an innate curiosity in her that signposts her from the off as a character you'll be wanting to watch. Pax on the other hand is gritty, harsh and well versed in the reality of the world. He shouldn't be alive, but he is and the mystery that surrounds that fact is a superb piece of writing to filter alongside the main story. He's enigmatic and a real pleasure to read, a source of great enjoyment as you try to figure him out.
The asylum is a truly intriguing place and it draws you right into the alternative world that is presented to Pria. the new characters we meet there are great to read, each of them different and interesting in their own right. Friendly, dangerous, powerful and power hungry, there is a real mixed bag that keep you on your toes as you read and make this book even better than you might imagine.
As you get drawn further and further into Pria's turmoil, the plot moves faster and faster, just like a proverbial snowball downhill and it pulls you right into the story. The ending, as you'd expect for the first in a series, is swift and unexpected, leaving you satisfied yet needing more. It's a superb start to this new dystopian universe, and one I cannot wait to read more of. I devoured this book, ignoring family and friends when it was open in front of me and I am very excited to see where Hoyle will take this series. It's one I've added to my favourites list, and a book I am sure I am going to be recommending to friends and fans of this genre.
*This book was first reviewed on Lily Loves Indie as part of a blog tour, for which an ARC was received in return for an honest review*
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Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Seasons by American Authors in Music
Jun 17, 2019
American Authors is a four-piece alternative outfit based in Brooklyn, New York. Not too long ago, they released a heartfelt music video for their āBefore I Goā single.
āI hope I find peace of mind in all of my woes. I hope the rain, it brings a light To my broken soul. And I hope I lose myself in the city but find my home. I hope I live my life before I go.ā ā lyrics
āBefore I Goā tells an interesting tale of a young guy who doesnāt know where his life is going.
Apparently, heās afraid of whatās to come, and even though he keeps on keeping on, he wonders if he has done all that he can.
Later, he admits that he wants to live life to the fullest before he goes to the Great Beyond.
āBefore I Goā contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and cinematic instrumentation flavored with sentimental elements.
Also, the stunning audiovisual was filmed last October during Matt Sanchezās wedding.
āThe biggest thing is the change American Authors went through to get here. We had to go through all of these experiences and moments of experimentation to reach this body of work, which is the most genuine and pure thing weāve ever done. It encompasses every season of our music: the ups, the downs, the highs, the lows, and everything in between. We let go of where we started, fell into the place of writing from the heart, and captured what came out naturally.ā ā Zac Barnett
American Authors consists of Zac Barnett (vocals), James Adam Shelley (guitar, banjo), Dave Rublin (bass), and Matt Sanchez (drums).
So far, they have impressively generated over 1 billion global streams on a string of alternately striking and soaring smashes.
Their āBefore I Goā single is featured on their latest album, entitled, āSeasonsā, which has amassed close to 30M streams online via Spotify.
āI want people to see a different side of American Authors. I hope they realize thereās a message of hope. But itās transmitted in a new and more exciting way for our band. Growing up, listening to my favorite artists helped me through so many hard times. It was the best therapy. Iāve seen fans take that away from our music in the past, and I hope they continue to do so. Thatās the ultimate goal for us.ā ā Zac Barnett
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/american-authors-before-i-go/
āI hope I find peace of mind in all of my woes. I hope the rain, it brings a light To my broken soul. And I hope I lose myself in the city but find my home. I hope I live my life before I go.ā ā lyrics
āBefore I Goā tells an interesting tale of a young guy who doesnāt know where his life is going.
Apparently, heās afraid of whatās to come, and even though he keeps on keeping on, he wonders if he has done all that he can.
Later, he admits that he wants to live life to the fullest before he goes to the Great Beyond.
āBefore I Goā contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and cinematic instrumentation flavored with sentimental elements.
Also, the stunning audiovisual was filmed last October during Matt Sanchezās wedding.
āThe biggest thing is the change American Authors went through to get here. We had to go through all of these experiences and moments of experimentation to reach this body of work, which is the most genuine and pure thing weāve ever done. It encompasses every season of our music: the ups, the downs, the highs, the lows, and everything in between. We let go of where we started, fell into the place of writing from the heart, and captured what came out naturally.ā ā Zac Barnett
American Authors consists of Zac Barnett (vocals), James Adam Shelley (guitar, banjo), Dave Rublin (bass), and Matt Sanchez (drums).
So far, they have impressively generated over 1 billion global streams on a string of alternately striking and soaring smashes.
Their āBefore I Goā single is featured on their latest album, entitled, āSeasonsā, which has amassed close to 30M streams online via Spotify.
āI want people to see a different side of American Authors. I hope they realize thereās a message of hope. But itās transmitted in a new and more exciting way for our band. Growing up, listening to my favorite artists helped me through so many hard times. It was the best therapy. Iāve seen fans take that away from our music in the past, and I hope they continue to do so. Thatās the ultimate goal for us.ā ā Zac Barnett
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/american-authors-before-i-go/
![40x40](/uploads/profile_image/647/b351b59f-e4f8-46d6-805c-a3c6b2252647.jpg?m=1613142042)
Butch Vig recommended track Even Though Our Love Is Doomed by Garbage in Strange Little Birds by Garbage in Music (curated)
"Spatial Strategy to Success and Happiness." This is the subtitle of Harness the Power of the Invincible Mind by Alex Neumann, but do not be misled into thinking it is a self-help book. Since childhood, Neumann has been interested in studying how some people thrive during challenging times and how, with this determination, society can make the world a better place. This book contains the author's ideas based on these observations; ideas that he has applied to his thought process to develop an "Invincible Mind".
Neumann applies moral stories and real-life scenarios to illustrate the power of a determined mind. He urges readers to never give up, even in the face of adversity, but to use these hardships in alternative ways. Neumann uses examples from Buddhism and Christianity as well as history to show the potential of every individual.
Many self-help books give step-by-step guides to success and dismiss mental and neurological difficulties. Whilst these authors may encourage readers to reach their goals, Neumann acknowledges that it is not always possible. Yet, this does not result in failure. Neumann's insight into the workings of the world reveals there is far more to happiness than an end goal. There is more to life than being the best, being famous and being successful, but more often than not, these lessons are hard-fought. With this book, Neumann attempts to stop readers in their tracks, to stop their destructive power, to realise their true potential and look at the world afresh.
Neumann writes as though he is speaking in front of an audience. Whilst this adds honesty and passion, it disrupts the flow of the text. The book lacks grammar and is oftentimes repetitive. As a proofreader, it is difficult not to pick up on these errors, but it indeed makes the author sound human. Neumann does not use the complicated language of psychologists, does not pretend to have qualifications in counselling or such like but has his readers' best interests at heart.
Easy and quick to read, Harness the Power of the Invincible Mind is a book that stays with you long after completing. It contains so many analogies and examples that readers will want to highlight, share and, hopefully, apply in their day-to-day lives.
Neumann applies moral stories and real-life scenarios to illustrate the power of a determined mind. He urges readers to never give up, even in the face of adversity, but to use these hardships in alternative ways. Neumann uses examples from Buddhism and Christianity as well as history to show the potential of every individual.
Many self-help books give step-by-step guides to success and dismiss mental and neurological difficulties. Whilst these authors may encourage readers to reach their goals, Neumann acknowledges that it is not always possible. Yet, this does not result in failure. Neumann's insight into the workings of the world reveals there is far more to happiness than an end goal. There is more to life than being the best, being famous and being successful, but more often than not, these lessons are hard-fought. With this book, Neumann attempts to stop readers in their tracks, to stop their destructive power, to realise their true potential and look at the world afresh.
Neumann writes as though he is speaking in front of an audience. Whilst this adds honesty and passion, it disrupts the flow of the text. The book lacks grammar and is oftentimes repetitive. As a proofreader, it is difficult not to pick up on these errors, but it indeed makes the author sound human. Neumann does not use the complicated language of psychologists, does not pretend to have qualifications in counselling or such like but has his readers' best interests at heart.
Easy and quick to read, Harness the Power of the Invincible Mind is a book that stays with you long after completing. It contains so many analogies and examples that readers will want to highlight, share and, hopefully, apply in their day-to-day lives.
![40x40](/uploads/profile_image/7f6/954a8d65-8d96-4ecc-a4e7-c89a08bbb7f6.jpg?m=1559813745)
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated New to You by Samie Bower in Music
Jul 10, 2019
Samie Bower is a rising singer-songwriter based in Los Angeles, California. Not too long ago, he released a lovely alternative R&B tune, entitled, āTell Meā, released via Mickey Shilohās BDRM Records.
āForget who you thought was around. What you allow? Let me take you outta town. I know you down. Iāma go show you around. Tell me what you wanna do now. Iām in awe, I called out. Staying with you, me and you. Iāma go start on the car now. Iām with tunes and food now. I donāt stall, I pull out. So demanding, yet monotone. Iām all up in there.ā ā lyrics
āTell Meā tells an interesting tale of a young guy who fears that his significant other will leave him one day for the same guy who she broke up with in order for them to be together.
Now, heās having doubts, bugginā out, paranoid, wondering if she will be around in a monthās time. Later, he admits that he doesnāt want her to do him like she did her ex-beau.
Even though they say they shouldnāt be together, neither one of them really wants to leave their problematic relationship.
āTell Meā contains a relatable storyline, harmonious vocals, and melodic instrumentation flavored with PBR&B (R-neg-B Hipster R&B) elements.
āItās an on-going situation about how the one you left your past for, is now worried youāre gonna leave them and go back to who you left originally. With the chorus saying āI donāt want that done to meā is basically a translation of āyeah, you can do that to get to me. But you canāt do it towards me so you leaveā. Itās a string of webs for a storyline, but a true situation people go through every day. Being in a good relationship, but then suddenly finding someone else, so you leave to be with the new person. But at the same time, as time goes on, you have second thoughts and think about going back to who you were with originally. Meanwhile, the new person isnāt too happy to see it take place. I see it happen so often, and honestly, itās a disappointing thing to see, but then again, depends on your perspective.ā ā Samie Bower
āTell Meā is featured on Samie Bowerās āNew to Youā album. Check it out below via Spotify.
āForget who you thought was around. What you allow? Let me take you outta town. I know you down. Iāma go show you around. Tell me what you wanna do now. Iām in awe, I called out. Staying with you, me and you. Iāma go start on the car now. Iām with tunes and food now. I donāt stall, I pull out. So demanding, yet monotone. Iām all up in there.ā ā lyrics
āTell Meā tells an interesting tale of a young guy who fears that his significant other will leave him one day for the same guy who she broke up with in order for them to be together.
Now, heās having doubts, bugginā out, paranoid, wondering if she will be around in a monthās time. Later, he admits that he doesnāt want her to do him like she did her ex-beau.
Even though they say they shouldnāt be together, neither one of them really wants to leave their problematic relationship.
āTell Meā contains a relatable storyline, harmonious vocals, and melodic instrumentation flavored with PBR&B (R-neg-B Hipster R&B) elements.
āItās an on-going situation about how the one you left your past for, is now worried youāre gonna leave them and go back to who you left originally. With the chorus saying āI donāt want that done to meā is basically a translation of āyeah, you can do that to get to me. But you canāt do it towards me so you leaveā. Itās a string of webs for a storyline, but a true situation people go through every day. Being in a good relationship, but then suddenly finding someone else, so you leave to be with the new person. But at the same time, as time goes on, you have second thoughts and think about going back to who you were with originally. Meanwhile, the new person isnāt too happy to see it take place. I see it happen so often, and honestly, itās a disappointing thing to see, but then again, depends on your perspective.ā ā Samie Bower
āTell Meā is featured on Samie Bowerās āNew to Youā album. Check it out below via Spotify.
![40x40](/uploads/profile_image/375/bb7bc53f-10c3-4e70-9242-d04d4cae2375.jpg?m=1522340026)
Ross (3282 KP) rated The Rage of Dragons in Books
May 21, 2020
Good Africa-inspired fantasy but nothing original
This book takes place in alternative version of pre-historic Africa. The Omehi race were seeking to escape turmoil in their homeland and have invaded a nearby land. They have historically used their magical and strategic advantages to keep the more savage natives, who have significant numerical advantages, at bay.
The story follows the development and move into manhood of one of the lower social classes of the Omehi.
Tau is nothing special, one of the lower classes and only mediocre with a sword. He is hoping to get into the army and find himself so badly injured he can be honourably discharged and have the social standing to ask his love to marry him.
However, early on in his testing for acceptance into the army, he wins a fight with a pathetic noble and his father is subsequently murdered for justice.
The story then follows Tau's travels and training in order to be accepted on his own merit. He is quickly accepted into an experimental set of trainees and his development picks up a gear, thought he keeps hidden his secret desire to kill those nobles responsible for his father's death. Through mixing with magic and extreme training, Tau becomes a force to be reckoned with, but is still to pick the right side to fight against.
The writing style is good, however a number of made-up (I presume) terms are used throughout the book, and it can be quite hard to determine what they mean and who they refer to. This covers the different ranks of the armies, so can largely be ignored, but it is a little jarring for the reader.
The pacing was all over the place. It was slow to get moving, and when it did it quickly ground to a halt again, as we suffered through days and weeks of training. While this was generally for the benefit of the overall story as a whole, it did take some effort to get through. If this was a film, it would have needed a montage for sure.
The plot itself starts fairly basic - one man out for revenge against people he can't possibly beat and using this as motivation to better himself. However the final quarter of the book brings in another aspect and the book significantly improves for that.
The story follows the development and move into manhood of one of the lower social classes of the Omehi.
Tau is nothing special, one of the lower classes and only mediocre with a sword. He is hoping to get into the army and find himself so badly injured he can be honourably discharged and have the social standing to ask his love to marry him.
However, early on in his testing for acceptance into the army, he wins a fight with a pathetic noble and his father is subsequently murdered for justice.
The story then follows Tau's travels and training in order to be accepted on his own merit. He is quickly accepted into an experimental set of trainees and his development picks up a gear, thought he keeps hidden his secret desire to kill those nobles responsible for his father's death. Through mixing with magic and extreme training, Tau becomes a force to be reckoned with, but is still to pick the right side to fight against.
The writing style is good, however a number of made-up (I presume) terms are used throughout the book, and it can be quite hard to determine what they mean and who they refer to. This covers the different ranks of the armies, so can largely be ignored, but it is a little jarring for the reader.
The pacing was all over the place. It was slow to get moving, and when it did it quickly ground to a halt again, as we suffered through days and weeks of training. While this was generally for the benefit of the overall story as a whole, it did take some effort to get through. If this was a film, it would have needed a montage for sure.
The plot itself starts fairly basic - one man out for revenge against people he can't possibly beat and using this as motivation to better himself. However the final quarter of the book brings in another aspect and the book significantly improves for that.