Fractured Throne

 

Author Lee Haywood provided a print copy of Fractured Throne for review.

It is interesting to note that the cover art for this book on Amazon shows the same artwork but with the added title The Promise of Dragons. My deduction; an early printing. No matter, the book is great.

Your basic fantasy quest tale, but very well presented. Good character development and enough background that the reader does not feel lost jumping directly into the heart of the story. 

Our hero, Emethius, is a Soldier of the Faith, a group that sounds somewhat Christian although not specifically so. He is tasked with finding the cure to the Blackheart, a plague destroying the population without regard to station or status. 

All the best aspects of the quest are here including a partner who provides the comedy relief. No sex, good action, intrigue and political maneuvering.

If you like medieval quest settings this should be your cup of tea (or pages of a book if you prefer).  Fractured Throne does appear to be the first in a series. As evidenced by the fact (SPOILER ALERT!) that our hero does not find the cure in this volume. The detective in me figured that out all by myself!

Anyway, good escapist fun for fantasy enthusiasts like me. Enjoy!

Mike

The Refugee: Valiant

 

I was provided a print copy of  The Refugee: Valiant for review.

Regular kid Valiant is struck by lightening and transported to another world where he turns out to be someone very special.

He finds himself hunted by the authorities who want him for nothing he will like. On the run he is aided by an eclectic group of people sworn to help his kind.

This is the first book in a series and not much is resolved at this point. A lot of "Oh look what I can do" moments. Some of his helpers are less than enthusiastic participants in the adventure. Lots of great action, no romance even between teenagers. Intrigue, deception and hot pursuit are the fare of the day.

I did overall enjoy the story, but had a bit of trouble with the rancor demonstrated by those we assume are allies. This, for me, is what held back the fifth star.

Still a very good read worthy of your time. I am interested to read how the story plays out in future volumes. Enjoy!

Mike 

The Wizards of Central Park West

 

I received a print copy of The Wizards of Central Park West from author Arjay Lewis for review.

This book surprised the "H-E-double toothpicks" out of me. I'm not sure what I was expecting but the NYC setting kind of threw me. Author Lewis does an outstanding job of blending myth and magic with a contemporary setting.

Our reluctant hero Eddie (the detective) doesn't just think outside the box, he seems to live there. He takes in stride (more or less) the bizarre goings on of his magical mystical new colleagues while investigating a murder. He definitely becomes the alpha male in his new group, whether they like it or not. 

He winds up in a fight to (you guessed it) SAVE THE WORLD from the EVIL ONE. While offered many opportunities to compromise his values he holds fast. Great supporting characters like his wife and his partner, flesh out the story and provide relief from the intense drama. 

Lots of action both normal and paranormal, interoffice politics, mythic/magic politics, some sexuality though very mild.

This would make an awesome movie, I think Delroy Lindo would make a great Eddie Berman.

Great sword and sorcery in a contemporary setting! Enjoy!

Mike

The Refuge

 

I finally get to review this book! I am on the road on an extended trip and internet has been very sketchy at best. I've actually been sitting at my computer for over an hour waiting to be able to post. Apologies for the poor quality of the cover art, I can't seem to improve it.

But enough of my whining.

Author John A. Heldt provided me with an e-copy of The Refuge for review. I am a great fan of Mr. Heldt's writing. It's hard to believe this is the 19th book I've read of his.

The Refuge continues the story of the Lane family as they try to protect themselves from an unscrupulous businessman bent on their destruction. 

This time the story took a few interesting turns. The bad guy, Silas Bain shows a new and interesting side, making him almost an object of pity or at least some compassion. We also see an increase in the resolve of at least one Lane in turning the tables on their pursuers. There is a bit less focus on the light romance than in earlier installments, a bit more dramatic. To be expected on the eve of the attack on Pearl Harbor. I don't think the story would have played as well any other way.

Mr. Heldt has not lost his ability to manipulate our emotions however. Several times I had strong emotional reactions to the action. Jeremy's emotional struggles in particular elicit my strongest reactions. It is great fun watching his writing talent grow and evolve.

Although our intrepid author did not use the dreaded cliffhanger ending (a fact for which I cannot truly express my delight), I did feel less settled at the end of this book and find myself even more anxious to read the fifth (and if he follows established procedure) final installment of The Time Box series.

Before the internet goes away I will just say, Read this book, read this series, read all of John A. Heldt's work. Good clean light romance/ comedy/drama, action, intrigue, adventure and even a fair dose of history. What more could a reader want?  The Refuge, as all his work will leave you feeling satisfied and even uplifted. A lot of value from one book. Enjoy!

Mike