The Forgotten Kingdom

 

I won a print copy of The Forgotten Kingdom by Signe Pike in a Goodreads Giveaway,

The Forgotten Kingdom is the second volume in the Lost Queen Trilogy. I have not read the first volume and am sorry that I haven't. It doesn't seem as though this was a detriment to enjoying this installment. And boy did I enjoy it.

Set in the Arthurian timeframe with all that entails, we follow the stories of Languoreth, her daughter Angharad, and Languoreth's twin brother Lailoken (AKA Merlin). We see the tensions between followers of the "Old Gods" and the new Christian God. Although Arthur himself does not appear on these pages, we hear the name Pendragon used. 

I was completely entranced by this book. The depth is amazing as is the detail. Considering the amount of literature based in this time period, that says quite a lot. I can not claim any great Arthurian expertise so I can't speak to the authenticity of the story. But reading the accompanying authors notes demonstrates that this author knows of what she writes. 

A lot of action, I mean it is wartime after all so that may be a given. But the depths of personal relationships, familial and otherwise, is just mind blowing. Such an intricate, well developed plot.

The Kingdom may be forgotten but this book should certainly not be. Historic fiction, fantasy, mythic legend, sword and sorcery, Druidic spirituality lovers and anyone even mildly interested in the genre, take the time to read this book! You will be glad you did. Enjoy!

Mike

The Guest List

 

I won a print copy of Lucy Foley's The Guest List in a Goodreads Giveaway.

I'm not entering un-trodden territory with this review. I usually read and review works from indie writers who have not yet had much mass exposure. I'm about the 36,000th reviewer for this book so I don't expect to share any great new insights here. Such is life.

As a murder mystery this was well presented, lots of twists and turns and not at all predictable (at least for me). Many potential perpetrators to choose from and to keep you guessing. Rivalries, new and old, secrets also new and old as well.   I really liked the authors use of short scenes from various points of view. These kept me engaged and turning pages, short chapters encourage me to read longer than I plan.

The mystery takes place during a wedding being held in a suitably eerie setting; a resort on a remote island with its own history. The main characters move between sympathetic and despicable with ease. Very well portrayed and developed.

Mystery buffs will have fun unraveling this story (36,000+ already have). So I'll add my endorsement to theirs and recommend The Guest List to mystery lovers everywhere. Enjoy!

Mike

Horseback Across Three Americas

 

Author Verne Albright provided an e-copy of Horseback Across Three Americas for review.

I usually pass on non-fiction books but since I have read two of Mr. Albright's fiction works, I agreed to give this one a look. My personal complaint is that non-fiction often read like a report, rather dry.

I am glad I accepted this book as it turns out it is a very well written interesting story. It held my interest and actually informed me in a pleasant fashion. What I know about horses could be printed on the head of a pin with left over space, ditto regarding my knowledge of South and Middle American culture. Mr. Albright weaves much of both topics into an adventure most people (myself included) will envy.

We learn about the Peruvian Paso horse (although I am still unsure what a pastern is) and meet many colorful characters as the author relates the tale of his horseback ride from Peru to the U.S. We see a side of the locals that many readers may otherwise never see. 

As the story unfolds, the reader get continuous reminders that this is not a fictional story. The heroics of fictional characters is not present. The horses are horses with the plusses and minuses inherent in any real animal. Same with the people. I enjoyed the story, feeling like I was there when he described travelling through the desert and the heat that he had to endure. 

Overall, I would say that Horseback Across Three Americas is an eye opening adventure, made more special given that it is a true story. I recommend it to those who like horses, other cultures, adventure and lighthearted pleasant reads. There is humor, drama, suspense, political bureaucracy and even a bit of romance. An all around good read. Enjoy!

Mike 

dysphoria and Grace

 

I won a print copy of dysphoria and Grace by Chistina Rozelle in a Goodreads Giveaway.

It took me a while to like this book. Although I like apocalyptic/post-apocalyptic/dystopian stories, this one bordered on being too far over the top for me. I couldn't relate to the characters. As the cover says, "You can't break someone who's already broken" and Grace, the lead character, is well beyond "broken". Granted, the government is dystopian in spades, but Grace starts out offering little to find endearing to the reader. She absolutely and unapologetically revels in her brokenness. 

Very graphic scenes of drug use, sexuality, and rape. Very, very dark. When we start to think things may be improving for Grace; BAM! Slapped down again. No secret that as a reader I was waiting for the "redemptive" portion of the story. Mini spoiler; it does not come in the I was expecting. I believe this is the first installment of a series so perhaps in forthcoming books it will be more of a comfortable read for me. Perhaps that is the crux of my review, dysphoria and Grace is not a comfortable read. As we all know, an uncomfortable read does not equate to a bad read. So, be prepared to leave your reading comfort zone. Enjoy!

Mike  

Morgan Le Fay: Children of This World (book 2 in the Fata Morgana Child of the Moon Trilogy)

 

I received a print copy of Morgan Le Fay: Children of This World book 2 in the Fata Morgana Child of the Moon Trilogy from the author for review. Whew! That is a lot of title.

In this second installment we continue to follow the growth of the young Morgan as she grows into her power/gift. A lot of court intrigue mixed with interactions with the magical realms. The story comes to a head at the observance of Samhain and takes a decidedly darker turn. 

I still fight with my previous, admittedly limited, knowledge of the Morgana tradition, so this story continues to be new territory for me. Not a bad thing, in fact it keeps me in the story because I can't assume I know what's going to happen.

I am greatly impressed by the amount of detail the author has put into the story. This book is markedly longer that the first installment. But MS. Blanco does a great job of extending the story in such a way that I did not feel a loss of the storyline. The age of Morgan still surprises me as one so young takes in stride such world shattering situations. 

An aside: For what it is worth, the cover art I have posted here is not the cover shown on Amazon.  

For readers who wants to immerse themselves in the Arthurian legends (although he's not here...yet anyway) , the realms of Fae, and mythic gods and goddesses, this is the series for you. I look forward with anticipation to the third and final installment in the trilogy. Enjoy!

Mike