Author: Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulder

The Dagger and the Coin – Book 1: The Dragon’s Path – By Daniel Abraham

Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulder, , Leave a comment

Hey,

I was very pleased with this book and I can’t wait to read the next one. The author of this book is also co-author of The Expanse series, so I was eager to see if his Fantasy skills were as good as his Science Fiction. I was not disappointed.

dragonspathTitle: The Dragon’s Path
Series: The Dagger and the Coin; Book 1
Author: Daniel Abraham
Genre: Fantasy
Audience: Adult
ROTS Setting: UU, Medieval, Dragons, Magic
Synopsis: A world on the precipice of something grand. A girl, a war hero, an oafish lordling, and the childhood friend of a king. Each plays a part, but no one knows the script. Unbeknownst to all, they tread the dragon’s path to destruction.
Recommendation: Adult, but mid to late teen could probably read it too. I recommend this book and eagerly look to see where the series goes.

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The Dagger and the Coin – Book 1: The Dragon’s Path – By Daniel Abraham

Seventh Tower Series – Book 1: The Fall – By Garth Nix

Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulder, , 1 Comment

Hello Jared,

You may remember this series as the one in which the library claimed we never returned it…..but we did. We know we did.

the-fall.jpgTitle: The Fall
Series: Seventh Tower; Book 1
Author: Garth Nix
Genre: Fantasy
Audience: Youth
ROTS Setting: UU/EU, Stone Age/Medieval, Magic
Synopsis: Tal has lived all his life in the Castle. When his father goes missing it’s up to him to take care of his ailing mother and younger brother and sister. In a world blanketed in darkness, he never realized there was a world beyond the walls of his home.
Recommendation: A great chapter book for an early reader. I wish this was around when I was in second grade.

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Seventh Tower Series – Book 1: The Fall – By Garth Nix

Brian’s Saga – Book 1: Hatchet – By Gary Paulsen

Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulder, , 1 Comment

Hey Jared,

My second grade teacher read Hatchet to our class and while I didn’t truly discover the joy of reading until the next year, it stuck with me. To me, there has always been something very real about this book.

HatchetTitle: Hatchet
Series: Brian’s Saga; Book 1
Author: Gary Paulsen
Genre: Fiction
Audience: Teen
ROTS Setting: CU, Survival, Canada, Beaver, Moose, Awesomeness
Synopsis: Brian is on his way to visit his dad in the oil fields of Northern Canada. When the bush pilot has a heart attack, Brian is left with alone flying above untouched wilderness. Follow Brian has he discovers the wonders and dangers still present in the far reaches of our world.
Recommendation: This a great book for younger readers, however divorce, infidelity, and death are present. I think these elements are handled very well and are more of a positive than a negative.

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Brian’s Saga – Book 1: Hatchet – By Gary Paulsen

Dragon Jousters Series – Book 2: Alta – By Mercedes Lackey

Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulder, , , 2 Comments

I had no intention to review this book when I started reading it. Sadly there are several points that I feel need addressing. So here we are with a review. Please expect at least mild spoilers as it’s hard to make specific arguments or realizations without giving away some details.

Alta-Mercedes-LackeyTitle: Alta
Series: Dragon Jousters; Book 2
Author: Mercedes Lackey
Genre: Fantasy
Audience: Adult
ROTS Setting: UU, Bronze Age, Dragons, Higher Magic
Synopsis: Kiron, the serf formerly known as Vetch, has made it through the desert with his young dragon, Avatre. As he returns to his homeland of Alta, Kiron shows the superiority of tamed dragons over their traditionally wild-caught cousins. Now it is up to him to hatch, train, and lead a Wing of tamed dragons and their riders before it’s too late.
Recommendation: Teen, although with mature themes probably better suited to late-teens or adults. This book isn’t as good as the first, but still passable.

 – – SPOILERS – –

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Dragon Jousters Series – Book 2: Alta – By Mercedes Lackey

Short Story: Mitosis (Reckoners #1.5) by Brandon Sanderson

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Jared,

I have don’t have any intention of reviewing short stories on a regular basis, but since I’m eagerly waiting for the library to get in Calamity, I thought I’d read this one.Mitosis_cover.jpg

It’s set between Steelheart and Firefight, thus the 1.5. David, the main character of the series, is just trying to keep the peace in Newcago (Chicago) after the downfall of Steelheart and his regime. Knowing they’d likely draw the attention of other Epics, the Reckoners have been on alert. Mitosis, an epic that can duplicate himself, shows up with a very specific agenda.

There isn’t too much new information in the story. It does highlight David’s growing hunch that an Epic’s weaknesses aren’t random, but are intimately connected to the person before they became an Epic. This, of course, plays a part in Firefight. It also give a glimpse at how the liberated city operates. Mostly it feels like a warm-up act for the main event. I actually find that appealing and might consider doing something like that myself.

In all, it was pretty good. I don’t know if I’d buy it myself but it definitely got me ready for more Reckoners.

Robert

 

Links

Short Story: Mitosis (Reckoners #1.5) by Brandon Sanderson

Robert’s Failed Attempts (DNF) #1

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Here are some of the books I started reading but couldn’t finish, for whatever reason. They will be put under  “In Dispute” on The List. Sometimes beginnings or circumstances keep good books from getting finished and not because they are bad books. The Final Empire is a perfect example for me of a bit of a dry start combined with my just not being ready or receptive for that particular style. Once I was ready I discovered the awesomeness that is the Mistborn Series. Even now I wonder why I didn’t finish that first book years ago. So, just because I couldn’t finish a book doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a bad book. If it’s a bad book I’ll go out of my way to finish so I can tell you all exactly why it’s bad.

So, here are my recent failed attempts (DNF).

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Robert’s Failed Attempts (DNF) #1

The Obsidian Trilogy – Book 2: To Light a Candle – By Mercedes Lackey & James Mallory

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Here comes the review for the second book in The Obsidian Trilogy. I’ve broken down and ordered used copies of the entire trilogy and those in the next one as well. Public Library: ∞, Robert: 1. Eat that Library who doesn’t bothering to have the best books ever! Best thirty bucks I’ve spent in a long time. They’re all hardcover, which is my preference, and they were as cheap as the paperbacks.

To-Light-a-Candle-Mercedes-LackeyTitle: To Light a Candle
Series: The Obsidian Trilogy; Book 2
Author: Mercedes Lackey & James Mallory
Genre: Fantasy
Audience: Adult
ROTS Setting: UU, Medieval, Dragons, Higher Magic
Synopsis: Kellen Knight-Mage has grown a lot from the boy who was Banished from Armethalieh. His new Wild Magic abilities are increasing daily, but will it be enough to keep the Elves from killing themselves out of tradition? Only Leaf and Star knows.
Recommendation: Adult or late teens. Mild sexual content and innuendos. Moderate violence and high gore, but well balanced and done with purpose. I highly recommend this book!

 – – Spoilers – –

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The Obsidian Trilogy – Book 2: To Light a Candle – By Mercedes Lackey & James Mallory

The Obsidian Trilogy – Book 1: The Outstretched Shadow – By Mercedes Lackey & James Mallory

Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulder, , , 1 Comment

Hey Jared,

I am really enjoying reading some of the iconic books we grew up with. Usually I have difficulty rereading books because I know what’s going to happen. Thankfully that has not been the case. This blog seems to be helping me pick out things I normally don’t pay attention to. Also my parched parental brain has conveniently forgotten much, so I’ll remember the general story lines but very few details.

At this point I plan to review each of the books in The Obsidian Trilogy. My primary reason being that it has a significant influence in how I read and enjoy novels in the Fantasy genre. A pillar of my pantheon.

The-Outstretched-Shadow.jpgTitle: The Outstretched Shadow
Series: The Obsidian Trilogy; Book 1
Author: Mercedes Lackey & James Mallory
Genre: Fantasy
Audience: Adult
ROTS Setting: UU, Medieval, Dragons, Higher Magic,
Synopsis: Kellen doesn’t fit the life his father plans for him. A High Mage, like his father, fulfilling the potential and responsibility of his forefathers. A leader in the Golden City, Armethalieh. However, the perfect life prepared for him has dark shadows. When three books find their way into his possession, Kellen must decide to remain in the relative safety of the City of a Thousand Bells or follow the whims of a greater Power.
Recommendation: Adult or late teens. Mild sexual content and innuendos. Moderate violence and high gore, but well balanced and done with purpose. I highly recommend this book!

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The Obsidian Trilogy – Book 1: The Outstretched Shadow – By Mercedes Lackey & James Mallory