Fantasy

Spellkeeper Flight – Book 1: The High Road – By Ken Hughes

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Hey Jared,

This was bound to happen eventually, and the more ARC’s we get the greater the possibility. It doesn’t make it any easier though.

TheHighRoadTitle: The High Road
Series: Spellkeeper Flight; Book 1
Author: Ken Hughes
Genre: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy
Audience: Adult
ROTS Setting: EU, Magic
Synopsis: Enter a world of gangs, vigilantes, and magic that’s powerful enough to kill. Mark has never been the survivor his friend Angie is, but when he rescues a mysterious belt from the flames, it’s a decision that changes his life for good. As the two tap into the secret of gravity-controlling magic, they realize the reason Angie’s family tried to destroy the belt. Flying comes at a cost, to their lives and their sanity. Fighting back against a street gang with a vendetta, Mark begins to sense that death waits around every turn. Soon he and Angie come face-to-face with the true danger: hidden masters of other magical forces. The keepers of power want the secret of flying, and they’ll destroy anyone who gets in their way.
Recommendation: I can not recommend this book.

A copy of this book was provided by the author for the purpose of obtaining a review.

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Spellkeeper Flight – Book 1: The High Road – By Ken Hughes

Missing Pages

Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulder, , , 8 Comments

IMG_20170728_152144

I’m almost finished reading through The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss when this happens! 568 and then BAM! 631. My first thought is that since it’s a used copy then some pages must have come out some how. A quick look at the binding shows absolutely zero indication that there had once been 30 additional sheets of paper there. It’s used and well worn but the binding is in perfect condition.

IMG_20170728_165556My second thought is that it must be a printing error. This is a USA first print of the trade paperback edition. But after numerous Google searches and scouring various blogs and websites I can’t find any indication that it’s a wide spread error.

Third, is there someway  I can get these pages to read or am I going to have to hit up the library (just checked and there are 4-6 holds) or buy a brand new copy? I’m not adverse to the latter but for 60 pages that seems silly……then again, if I want to reread it I’ll need them again anyways.

The one and only high point is that this might be a “rare” or one of a kind copy of this book. In the mean time I sit in agony, the book unfinished, contemplating to what extent I would go to finish it.

Robert

Missing Pages

Seventh Tower – Book 6: The Violet Keystone – By Garth Nix

Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulder, , Leave a comment

Hey Jared,

I’m finally finished! If I attempt anything like this again, I think I’m going to try and finish it quicker. A big series, like Animorphs, can be done slower but for 6 books this too a little too long.

violetkeystoneTitle: The Violet Keystone
Series: Seventh Tower; Book 6
Author: Garth Nix
Genre: Fantasy
Audience: Youth
ROTS Setting: UU/EU, Stone Age/Medieval, Magic
Synopsis: Tal and Milla are only one step away from death. Evil is only one step away from triumph. An old war is made new again. The ultimate power is up for grabs.
As shadows rage, ancient spells return, illusion reigns and corruption threatens. The search for hope is the bravest quest. The Seventh Tower is the key to it all.
Recommendation: A great short novel for an early reader. I wish this was around when I was in second grade.

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Seventh Tower – Book 6: The Violet Keystone – By Garth Nix

Seventh Tower Series – Book 5: Into Battle – By Garth Nix

Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulder, , Leave a comment

How’s it going, Jared?

Almost finished with this series, and I’ve got high hopes to finish it this month because I’ve got something planned for next month. Ya, that’s pretty ominous but hopefully you approve.

intobattleTitle: Into Battle
Series: Seventh Tower; Book 5
Author: Garth Nix
Genre: Fantasy
Audience: Youth
ROTS Setting: UU/EU, Stone Age/Medieval, Magic
Synopsis: The Dark World is in danger, for the Veil is vulnerable. War is soon to come. On one side are Tal and the Underfolk rebels, struggling valiantly for freedom. On another side are Milla and the Icecarls, preparing to assualt the Castle in order to preserve their world. And on a third side lies the most sinister force of all–a force of evil that has only now chosen to reveal itself–a force of such power that it could unleash the ultimate destruction.
Recommendation: A great short novel for an early reader. I wish this was around when I was in second grade.

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Seventh Tower Series – Book 5: Into Battle – By Garth Nix

Dragonlance Legends – Vol.3: Test of the Twins – By Margaret Weis & Tracy Hickman

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Hey Jared,

This has been pushed back way too many times but no longer! This is a part of my renewed effort to get back in the habit. This was a great book to start with.

testofthetwinsTitle: Test of the Twins
Series: Dragonlance Legends; Vol. 3
Author: Margaret Weis & Tracy Hickman
Genre: Fantasy
Audience: Adult
ROTS Setting: UU, Medieval, Higher Magic, Dragons
Synopsis: Defying the fate that claimed his evil predecessor, Raistlin opens the Portal to the Abyss and passes through. With Crysania at his side, he engages the Queen of Darkness in a battle for the ultimate prize-a seat among the gods. At the same time, Caramon and Tasslehoff are transported to the future. There they come to understand the consequences of Raistlin’s quest-and Caramon at last realizes the painful sacrifice he must make to prevent his brother’s success. Old friends and strange allies come together to aid him, but Caramon must take the last, greatest step alone. The step into the Abyss.
Recommendation: Adult, maybe late teens. Any admirer of high fantasy should be familiar with this series.

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Dragonlance Legends – Vol.3: Test of the Twins – By Margaret Weis & Tracy Hickman

Trials of Apollo – Book 2: The Dark Prophecy – By Rick Riordan

Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulder, , 1 Comment

Hey Jared,

You’ve been really busy with life lately. Hopefully you’ve been reading/listening to some good books. Me? I read this with trepidation…….with good reason.

thedarkprophecyTitle: The Dark Prophecy
Series: The Trials of Apollo; Book 2
Author: Rick Riordan
Genre: Fantasy
Audience: Youth/Teen
ROTS Setting: EU, Modern, Magic, Mythology/Supernatural
Synopsis: Zeus has punished his son Apollo–god of the sun, music, archery, poetry, and more–by casting him down to earth in the form of a gawky, acne-covered sixteen-year-old mortal named Lester. The only way Apollo can reclaim his rightful place on Mount Olympus is by restoring several Oracles that have gone dark. What is affecting the Oracles, and how can Apollo/Lester do anything about them without his powers? After experiencing a series of dangerous–and frankly, humiliating–trials at Camp Half-Blood, Lester must now leave the relative safety of the demigod training ground and embark on a hair-raising journey across North America. Fortunately, what he lacks in godly graces he’s gaining in new friendships–with heroes who will be very familiar to fans of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians and Heroes of Olympus series. Come along for what promises to be a harrowing, hilarious, and haiku-filled ride. . . .
Recommendation: Still recommended, but only barely.

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Trials of Apollo – Book 2: The Dark Prophecy – By Rick Riordan

Reply: Wax and Wayne Series – Book 3: The Bands of Mourning by Brandon Sanderson

Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulder, , , , 2 Comments

Hey Jared,

It’s been a while since I’ve done a proper Reply post. I suppose I’ll should get used to it especial when it comes to Sanderson. (I know you’ve been working on Way of Kings, the tome that it is.)

bandsofmourningTitle: The Bands of Mourning
Series: Wax and Wayne Series; Book 3
Author: Brandon Sanderson
Genre: Fantasy
Audience:  Adult
ROTS Setting: Cosmere, Magic, Industrial Tech
Synopsis: The Bands of Mourning are the mythical metal minds owned by the Lord Ruler, said to grant anyone who wears them the powers that the Lord Ruler had at his command. Hardly anyone thinks they really exist. A kandra researcher has returned to Elendel with images that seem to depict the Bands, as well as writings in a language that no one can read. Waxillium Ladrian is recruited to travel south to the city of New Seran to investigate. Along the way he discovers hints that point to the true goals of his uncle Edwarn and the shadowy organization known as The Set.
Recommendation: This book (& series) is highly recommended!

– – Major Spoilers – –

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Reply: Wax and Wayne Series – Book 3: The Bands of Mourning by Brandon Sanderson

Dragonlance Legends – Vol 2: War of the Twins – By Margaret Weis & Tracy Hickman

Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulder, , , , Leave a comment

Jared,

This was not as good as the first one. It took me far too long to get through it as a result.

T21805_620_00War2.qxdTitle: War of the Twins
Series: Dragonlance Legends; Vol. 2
Author: Margaret Weis & Tracy Hickman
Genre: Fantasy
Audience: Adult
ROTS Setting: UU, Medieval, Higher Magic, Dragons
Synopsis: One hundred years have passed since the fiery Cataclysm that changed the face of Krynn forever. For one hundred years, the people of Krynn have struggled to survive. But for some, those one hundred years have passed in the blink of an eye. Catapulted forward in time by Raistlin’s powerful magic, Caramon and Crysania find themselves aiding the mage’s unholy quest to master the Queen of Darkness. To his dismay, Raistlin discovers along the way that the annals of time are not so easily bent to his will. Neither are the longings of his heart.
Recommendation: Adult, maybe late teens. Any admirer of high fantasy should be familiar with this series.

Continue reading “Dragonlance Legends – Vol 2: War of the Twins – By Margaret Weis & Tracy Hickman” →

Dragonlance Legends – Vol 2: War of the Twins – By Margaret Weis & Tracy Hickman