Ross (3284 KP) rated The Shattered Realm of Ardor Benn in Books
Mar 12, 2021
The second Ardor Benn book is another epic tale of the ruse artist taking on the royal family. The first book saw Ard's efforts depose the current king and save the dragon race (and hence the world). Sadly, the replacement royalty is no better and the Great Chain is now scattered into different, warring islands. Ard finds himself embroiled in a plot to unearth the conspiracy that the new king's dead nephew, and the rightful heir, is not actually dead.
There is also an interesting new subplot where we see a university professor tasked with discovering new Grit types (the world's magic system, whereby different materials once digested and fired by a dragon produce different magical results). This angle, like the industrial/medical revolution is surprisingly thrilling, with additional intrigue as the results become the interests of some unsavoury characters.
Ard and Raek are once again superb and quickly put together a plot to infiltrate a secret criminal underworld and discover the whereabouts of the true king. The secrecy and plotting, and use of the world's magic makes for some excellent exciting passages.
There are the usual twists and turns along the way, as the security measures in place in the secret society make it hard for Ard to progress too quickly.
As with the first book, the true nature of this strange world is unveiled a little more over the course of the book in spectacular fashion.
A wonderful fun read.
Charlie Hunnam recommended Pusher III: I'm the Angel of Death (2005) in Movies (curated)
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated The Vampire Games in Books
Jan 12, 2021
The beginning was a little rocky, I didn’t know what was happening and the style of how it was written felt a little awkward. By the quarter point it had smoothed out a little and I could read it easily and quickly.
Being the sucker that I am for romance books, the first hint of something, even the slightest hint of something, gets me excited. So that meeting of gazes had me smiling like a loony. I like my paranormal romances. From then I was scouring every page for more interactions between Bianka and Phillip. I quickly fell into their story. I was kind of on tenterhooks near the end wondering what she was going to choose.
The other part of the storyline; the fights, was an interesting take. It reminded me of The Hunger Games in the sort of “kill or be killed” way but this is with vampires so it’s all a little more intense. It was also filled with political undercurrents of the vampire society.
I loved the names the author came up with for the fiefdoms: Twilight Falls, Dawn Hold, Nightfall Keep…they just make me think of dark places but at the same time they sound pretty cool, right?
I liked some bits a lot more than others, but I do think I’d be interested in continuing the story at some point in the future when they’re released.
If you like paranormal romances or vampires or dystopian, maybe all three, then you’ll probably like this.
Quit Now - stop smoking today
Health & Fitness
App
Quit Now is for smokers who are ready to quit. The course will take approximately 5 days to...
Ecology of Freshwaters: Earth's Bloodstream
Book
The new edition of this established textbook, now with full colour illustration, has been...
Taking God to School
8.0
Rate It
Book
In Australia's public schools, students are now routinely exposed to evangelism from very...
Metro 2033
7.3
Rate It
Video Game
Set in the shattered subway of a post apocalyptic Moscow, Metro 2033 is a story of intensive...
Only Time Will Tell (The Clifton Chronicles #1)
8.0
Rate It
Book
The epic tale of Harry Clifton’s life begins in 1920, with the words “I was told that my father...
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Fire Magic (Abnormals Underground #2) in Books
Jun 12, 2020
Kindle
Fire magic (Abnormals underground book 2)
By Holly A. Hook
Alyssa's a rare mix of supernatural according to Thoreau, the demonic mayor, and she was every reason to believe him. She's already got a rare gene that turned her into a vampire and now her enemies burn from the inside out whenever she stabs them. On top of that, biting her hot Mage battle partner, Xavier, will strengthen them both and bring her one step closer to becoming the "Dark Pentagram," who will merge Earth with the Infernal world. Therefore, it's best to stay out of Thoreau's clutches unless she wants to see Hell on Earth.
But then Thoreau steals the secret to destroying the Underground, the society of supernaturals that Alyssa now calls home, she and Xavier have no choice but to go after him. Demons? No problem. Crossing the world? No sweat. Finding out whether or not Xavier likes her? That's tricky, along with learning where her strange powers came from. But none of that compares to her growing thirst for Xavier's blood, a thirst she may not be able to resist. Alyssa just might have to become the monster she's vowed never to be...
I’m actually really enjoying this series for a YA it’s a very good concept! I get a bit annoyed with Xavier sometimes he can be a bit premenstral! It’s definitely worth giving it a go if you enjoy the magic in books! I also find it a struggle that a whole powerful council don’t do anything about the big bad bit two teens do!