Wax and Wayne Series – Book 1: The Alloy of Law – By Brandon Sanderson

December.23.2016March.18.2017 Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulderAdult, Brandon Sanderson, Fantasy3 Comments

Jared

Trying to get this written before all the craziness of Christmas. It was great to get back into the world of Mistborn……Yes, I know it has an actual name but it’s odd and can never remember it.

This book began as a writing exercise to clear his head after some of his bigger projects. It obviously became much bigger than that and aren’t we grateful for it. Sanderson also, just did his annual “State of Sanderson” this past week and I’ve crawled though it looking for all the little tidbits.

Title: The Alloy of Law
Series: Mistborn; Wax and Wayne Series; Book 1
Author: Brandon Sanderson
Genre: Fantasy
Audience: Adult
ROTS Setting: UU/Cosmere, Early Industrial, Unique Magic, Steampunk/Western
Synopsis: Three hundred years have passed since the events that reshaped their world. Guns, trains, and electricity are changing every aspect of society, but one thing that never changes are those who break the law……and those who keep it.
Recommendation: Adult or late teen. This book is highly recommended. However I do suggest reading the Mistborn Trilogy first, but that technically isn’t required.

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DNF – Magonia

December.20.2016December.14.2016 Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulderDNF, Fantasy, Maria Dahvana Headley, Young Adult2 Comments

magonia

This is a DNF (Did Not Finish) from a couple of months ago. I didn’t post about it sooner because if I had more I would just post them all at the same time. Anyway, it’s past time. There is really one big enormous reason I could not finish this book.

I have no desire to see into the vapid mind of a high school girl…..ever. With disturbing realism and accuracy, the author captured everything I detest from high school, teenagers, teenage girls, and Teen/YA literature. I would need substantial monetary compensation to endure that book.

Let me be clear. It did not feel poorly written……little though I actually read. But it is contrary to my personal reading preferences so DNF.

Robert

Upon Dragon’s Breath Trilogy – Book 1: Dragons of Wild – By Ava Richardson

December.16.2016January.13.2017 Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulderAva Richardson, Fantasy, Galley, Youth4 Comments

Hey Jared,

This is the first, and perhaps last, “Galley” that I’ve done. For those of you who don’t know what that is; a galley is a pre-published version of a book provided for the purpose of obtaining feedback and reviews. They’re not yet the polished masterpieces they later become. So reviewing them is tricky, and I don’t know if I’m going to do any more.

Title: Dragons of Wild
Series: Upon Dragon’s Breath Trilogy; Book 1
Author: Ava Richardson
Genre: Fantasy
Audience: Young Adult
ROTS Setting: UU, Medieval, Dragons, Higher Magic (sort of)
Synopsis: The once peaceful kingdom of Torvald has been ravaged by evil magic, forcing Riders to forget their dragons and their noble beasts to flee to the wilds. Now, anyone who dares to speak of dragons is deemed insane and put to death.
Recommendation: I do not recommend this book.

A copy of this book was provided free of charge via NetGalley for the purpose of obtaining feedback and a review.

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Available Dec.20.2016 – Insurgence by Ken MacLeod

December.13.2016December.5.2016 Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulderAdult, Coming Soon, Ken MacLeod, Science FictionLeave a comment

insurgenceannouncement — Insurgence by Ken MacLeod (Second Law Trilogy #2, aka The Corporation Wars)

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The Enduring Flame Trilogy – Book 2: The Phoenix Endangered – By Mercedes Lackey & James Mallory

December.9.2016 Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulderAdult, Fantasy, James Mallory, Mercedes LackeyLeave a comment

Jared,

Your review of Fantastic Beasts is garnering a lot of views, so congrats to that. Still haven’t seen it, and probably won’t until it’s out on Redbox…..maybe 6 months? As for this review I was going to do this book next week but I didn’t finish the intended book in time.

Title: The Phoenix Endangered
Series: The Enduring Flame Trilogy; Book 2
Author: Mercedes Lackey & James Mallory
Genre: Fantasy
Audience: Adult
ROTS Setting: UU, Medieval, Dragons, Higher Magic
Synopsis: Tiercel and Harrier have found themselves central to the plans and mechanics of the Wild Magic, the agent of the Light in the world. The myths and legends of the past aren’t just stories anymore and the consequences for failure are just as real.
Recommendation: Adult or late teens. I suggest having read The Obsidian Trilogy first but that technically isn’t required.

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The First Law Series – Two’s Company – By Joe Abercrombie

December.6.2016December.5.2016 Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulderAdult, Fantasy, Joe Abercrombie1 Comment

Hey Jared,

I’ve had my eye on this author months now. Finding a new author is always a mix of exciting and hesitation. In this case, short stories can help break the ice. What makes it even better is when you can get them for free.

Title: Two’s Company
Series: The First Law; Short Story
Author: Joe Abercrombie
Genre: Fantasy
Audience: Adult
ROTS Setting: UU, Medieval
Synopsis: A short story following a pair of unlikely partners in the world of The First Law.
Recommendation: It’s a great introduction to the author, their style, abilities, and a sliver of a much larger world. Worth the few minutes to read.

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The Enduring Flame Trilogy – Book 1: The Phoenix Unchained – By Mercedes Lackey & James Mallory

December.2.2016December.9.2016 Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulderAdult, Fantasy, James Mallory, Mercedes LackeyLeave a comment

Jared,

As you well know, I’d been trying to get a few weeks ahead for November. Well I had a couple of days downtime before the crazy and didn’t want to waste it. I read the entire trilogy in 5 days. There was no pressure, which was nice. A relief really.

Title: The Phoenix Unchained
Series: World of Obsidian; The Enduring Flame Trilogy; Book 1
Author: Mercedes Lackey & James Mallory
Genre: Fantasy
Audience: Adult
ROTS Setting: UU, Medieval, Dragons, Higher Magic
Synopsis: Once again Darkness stirs and the Light selects its champions. The problem is that nearly a thousand years have passed and the Dark is nothing more than myth and legend.
Recommendation: Adult or late teens. I suggest having read The Obsidian Trilogy first but that technically isn’t required.