Fantasy

Brotherband Chronicles – Book 1: The Outcasts – By John Flanagan

Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulder, , 1 Comment

Jared,

Finally got around to starting this series and I’m surprisingly disappointed. You’re going to need to read this too and tell me if I’m wrong or crazy……or both.

theoutcasts.jpgTitle: The Outcasts
Series: Brotherband Chronicles; Book 1
Author: John Flanagan
Genre: Fantasy
Audience: Young Adult
ROTS Setting: UU, Medieval, No Higher Magic
Synopsis: Hal is undertaking brotherband training. He’s always had a knack for inventing things but being half Araluen he’s always been a bit of a loner. If his brotherband can win he might finally be accepted.
Recommendation: Don’t know if I’ll read the next one.

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Brotherband Chronicles – Book 1: The Outcasts – By John Flanagan

Dragonriders of Pern – Book 1: Dragonflight – Anne McCaffrey

Jared, , , 6 Comments

Robert,

“Good. I can feel your anger. I am defenseless. Take your weapon! Strike me down with all your hatred, and your journey towards the dark side will be complete!” -Emperor Palpatine

Is this accurate? This is the feelings I’m getting from you because I am reviewing Dragonsriders of Pern first.

Title: Dragonflight61975
Series: Dragonriders of Pern: Volume 1
Author: Anne McCaffery
Genre: Fantasy, Science Fiction
Audience: Adult
ROTS Setting: UU, Medieval, Dragons
Synopsis: Lessa is a young girl who’s life changes when the dragonmen come to her Hold on the Search for a new Weyrwoman. Dragonriders protect the world from the Threads a dangerous enemy from another planet.
Recommendation: I can not say enough good things about this book.

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Dragonriders of Pern – Book 1: Dragonflight – Anne McCaffrey

The Witchlands – Book 1: Truthwitch – By Susan Dennard

Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulder, , 2 Comments

Jared,

I’ve decided to post this review in place of announcing the release of it’s sequel, Windwitch, next week. This is mostly due to my conflicting feelings about the book. Not the greatest of starts to the New Year.

truthwitchTitle: Truthwitch
Series: The Witchlands; Book 1
Author: Susan Dennard
Genre: Fantasy
Audience: YA
ROTS Setting: UU, Higher Magic (sort of)
Synopsis: Safi and Iseult are Threadsisters and as close as any family could be. When they attempt to rob the wrong mark it is but the first act in a harrowing adventure that will take them further than they ever thought possible
Recommendation: I’m on the fence with this one. It’s not completely horrible, but it’s not very good either.

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The Witchlands – Book 1: Truthwitch – By Susan Dennard

The Enduring Flame Trilogy – Book 3: The Phoenix Transformed – By Mercedes Lackey & James Mallory

Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulder, , , Leave a comment

Jared,

I waited too long to write this and now I’m having troubles getting my thoughts together. But that’s what I get for procrastinating. It’s still an amazing book though.

phoenixtransformedTitle: The Phoenix Unchained
Series: The Enduring Flame Trilogy; Book 3
Author: Mercedes Lackey & James Mallory
Genre: Fantasy
Audience: Adult
ROTS Setting: UU, Medieval, Dragons, Higher Magic
Synopsis: Just go read them and if you need more convincing; go read the review of the first book, The Phoenix Unchained.
Recommendation: Adult or late teens. I suggest having read The Obsidian Trilogy first but that technically isn’t required.

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The Enduring Flame Trilogy – Book 3: The Phoenix Transformed – By Mercedes Lackey & James Mallory

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

Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulder, , 3 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.

the-alloy-of-law-by-brandon-sandersonTitle: 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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Wax and Wayne Series – Book 1: The Alloy of Law – By Brandon Sanderson

DNF – Magonia

Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulder, , , 2 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

DNF – Magonia

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

Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulder, , , 4 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.

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

The Royal Institute Of Magic – Book 1: Elizabeth’s Legacy – By Victor Kloss

Lisa, , , , Leave a comment

Hey guys!

As you know, I love to read youth/YA books, in search of another great series, and I’m certain I just found another winner. 🙂

rimTitle: Elizabeth’s Legacy
Series: The Royal Institute of Magic; Book 1
Author: Victor Kloss
Genre: Fantasy
Audience: Youth/YA/Teen
ROTS Setting: EU, Dragons, Higher Magic
Synopsis: Like most normal people, Ben hadn’t the faintest idea there was an Institute of Magic…

Two years ago, Ben Greenwood’s parents walked out the door and never returned. The police have all but given up finding them when Ben stumbles upon a peculiar letter addressed to his dad. “You are the most wanted man in the Unseen Kingdoms. Unless you come to us, we cannot help. For your child’s sake, tell us what you know.”

The letter is from an organization called the Royal Institute of Magic and is dated a day before his parents disappeared. Like most people, fourteen-year-old Ben hasn’t the faintest idea what the Royal Institute of Magic is, but he has his first clue: the logo on the letter.

Armed with nothing but his wits and the help of his good friend Charlie, Ben sets out to find the Institute and, through them, his parents. To succeed, he will have to navigate a land filled with fantastic creatures and Spellshooters, where magic can be bought and sold, to unravel an ancient family secret that could hold the key to defeating an evil the Institute has been fighting for the last five hundred years.

Recommendation: Late youth, teens, and anybody that loves discovering a new world of magic.

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The Royal Institute Of Magic – Book 1: Elizabeth’s Legacy – By Victor Kloss

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

Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulder, , , Leave 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.

phoenixendangered.jpgTitle: 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.

Continue reading “The Enduring Flame Trilogy – Book 2: The Phoenix Endangered – By Mercedes Lackey & James Mallory” →

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