An adventurous and humorous romp through a vivid fictional realm
921414
I'm a long time fan of Mike Mott's writing, and also a fellow envious writer who wishes he could put pen to paper and create fiction like this guy does. Though I've enjoyed a lot of his writing over the years (including some short stories, and his nonfiction works as well), perhaps the most enduring (and at times endearing) character I've found throughout Mike's ver-growing Mottimorphic mythos is none other than Calim Pulsifer, the roguish vagabond traveler featured throughout the two-novel edition of The Pulsifer Saga: Omnibus Edition.

Short sword at his side and hunger in his belly, the outlandish traveler and master thief manages to find his way into the most terrifying and involved encounters with mages, monsters and demiurges (extra-dimensional beings which even the smartest thieves shouldnt smart off at). Whether it be devouring pig-like monstrous devils and lying about the deed, feeding aphrodisiacs to wizards and tossing them to cannibalistic sub-humans in heat, or setting rampaging wood-ogres ablaze while escaping into the cavernous underneaths of Zev Grotto and Lunkin Karst, Pulsifer The Velvet Knife still manages to endear himself to the reader, all the while shooting himself repeatedly in the foot. And in doing so, what we love about Pulsifer is that the author himself isn't so righteously beholden to his creation that he can't allow him to stumble from time to time... or even tumble, if necessary.

Such unconventional characterization of a lead for his stories brings Mott to the forefront of a unique brand of fantasy and science fiction that appeals to the inkling Tolkien or Lewis or Salvatore in any of us. One day, Mike will no doubt be appreciated among the halls of classic adventure writers the likes of Burroughs, Lovecraft, and Verne... and the rest of us "wannabee" fiction writers will continue looking to the Pulsifer Saga for inspiration just as well.
1677922
I enjoyed this, a cozy fantasy novel set in modern California. It reminded me a bit of Freda Warrington's Elfland, with its real-world though non-urban setting and its focus on a close-knit and eccentric family with hidden magical powers - though A Fistful of Sky lacks the romance and melodrama of Elfland, as well as Elfland's ethereal qualities. There's lots of magic in this book, but it's grounded in mundane reality.

Gypsum LaZelle is 20, but she still lives in her parents' mansion, along with three of her four siblings. She's accustomed herself to being the only "normal" member of her family, when she suddenly discovers a powerful and potentially sinister magical talent. Most of the book is about Gyp's struggles to understand her new powers, her changing family relationships and her search for her own identity. Coming-of-age stories are common in fantasy, but this one is handled well, in particular the positive message about body image. Gyp is chubby, and perfectly comfortable with that, a state of affairs even her image-conscious mother is forced to accept. (Too bad the cover artists couldn't accept it too; that's a beautiful design, but the slender silhouette does not fit this character.)

This is a quick read, often humorous, with lots of dialogue. Gyp has a good first-person voice and is endearing, though it's hard to tell what we're meant to make of her family; she loves them very much and yet they have a nasty tendency to use coercive magic against each other, and her, at every opportunity. In many ways the book reads as if it were Gyp's diary, sometimes bogging down a bit in the record of her every spell and the mechanics of her magic, sometimes with an eye to insignificant details such as seating arrangements. And the phrasing often sounds more like the way a young person would speak than polished prose. But it managed to pull me into Gyp's life, and the uses to which she puts her magic are funny and entertaining. She and her siblings are liable to run amok experimenting with their powers, and no one gets too worked up about the results, which sort themselves out one way or another; for a fantasy novel, this is remarkably chill.

So, I would recommend this book, when you're in the mood for fantasy without dire happenings or much in the way of plot, just growing up and having fun with magic. The fantasy genre can be dark and violent, so this is a nice change of pace. The story is set around Christmastime and would make an enjoyable Christmas read.
1135104
I'm a big fan of both Sci Fi and Fantasy literature and love when authors tastefully combine the two.  Berin has down a great job on this task, in a fiction debut that had me anticipating the series that is sure to come.
In "The Dragon War Relic", Berin takes the role of an American Douglas Adams in crafting a humorous Sci Fi/Fantasy epic.  There are so many little touches and allusions for the longtime Sci Fi/Fantasy reader (This book will probably appeal most to a reader who is two parts Trekkie and three parts Tolkienite.)  I love what he did with creative and witty chapter titles, such as one of the final chapters "The Scouring of the Desert Table" which points to the final section of "The Return of the King" called "The Scouring of the Shire."

He also does this funny short of running joke where he pokes fun of product placement by creating off brands of popular products to put in his books.  Things like "Pizza Cottage" and my personal favorite "the Zboz" with its hit game "Havoc".  Another nice touch is the author's inclusion of an original song called the "Havoc Stomp" which he works into the plot.  He includes the words in the back and even has a version you can listen to on his website.  [...]

"The Dragon War Relic" follows a pair of unassuming "Earthers" Jared and Doug, who find themselves tangled up in a galactic plot after Jared is given a pair of strange objects to look after by a strange man.  Just after he is entrusted with these objects , the man who gave them perishes in a mysterious explosion.  Jared finds himself as Earth's representative  on the galactic council and teamed up with elves, angels, ogres, and others in order to untangle the riddle of the objects Jared has been entrusted with.

In short, a hilarious, enjoyable read.  Set your course for the nearest bookstore.

Engage.
1123504
This is one of the most well-built fantasy worlds I have ever had the pleasure of reading about. Although it is built around many familiar Tolkeinesque tropes, it has an uncommon depth of characters and settings that really set it apart. The book feels like it takes place in a living, breathing world with its own history and politics.

The plot is the perfect mixture of epic adventure and down-to-earth realism. It blends that amazing sense of the world hanging in the balance of the characters actions with a sense that these same characters are not merely unreal archetypes, but real people with real lives, that lends a sense of authenticity to the story and allows the reader to feel emotionally invested.

And, beyond all of that, it was an entertaining read, which, in my opinion, is the most important thing in a fantasy book. I was engrossed from beginning to end, and I plan to read the rest of the series.
1653095
If you like Terry Pratchett, you'll enjoy this new author and the first book in what is sure to shape up as a delightful series. Dark Tidings weaves a complicated plot  entangling heroes from the far past with a hero from the present who all share a common and formidable enemy.

I especially enjoyed how Mr. Magee interwove modern conspiracy theories and current events into his story. It added a fun touch of modernism to the adventures of Tung, Madrick and Michael. There were also plenty of laughs added in to the suspense, magic and technology of the story, which all worked to keep me entertained and enthralled.

The ending left me a little dissatisfied as it felt incomplete, but it does pave the way for Magee's next book,&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/The-Black-Conspiracy/dp/B0095KJ692/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">The Black Conspiracy</a>, so I wasn't too put out about it.

All in all, Dark Tidings is an entertaining read and sure to please any fan of fantasy/scifi.
1964401
"Ambril's Tale" is a story of realism and fantasy with unique phrasing and exciting happenings, told with sly humor and vivid imagination.  The author has a style all her own, with an occasional word creation, such as "thrum."
I enjoyed meeting the story's characters and found them to be distinct individuals that I could picture in my mind and take to my heart, with their unusual names and accents .  Ambril's devotion to her family is apparent, and I look forward to her solving the mystery of her father's death.

Bring on the next book!

<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Ambril-s-Tale-The-Return-of-the-Dullaith-Volume-1/dp/0985714719/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Ambril's Tale, The Return of the Dullaith (Volume 1)</a>
83415
Don Bisdorf's wry sense of humor, coupled with Cahtri's tempestuous adventurous spirit combine to create a magical world filled with vivid imagery, tense relationships, and supernatural villains.  Cahtri's journey has filled me with unforgettable moments, visions, and insights.  I know the world is a better place now for this story having been a part of it.
254634
Fun, light, and whimsical.
Winterreise is a welcome escape for those who enjoy urban fantasy interspersed with well-placed humor.
Penny, the protagonist, is on a quest of sorts that takes her from her "normal" world as a music student into a fairy tale land filled with mythical creatures from common stories (think dwarves, gnomes, fairies, snow white - kind of, etc.). She seeks the Erlking, a fun, devious character, who "accidentally" left her a locket.
Read this if you enjoy a fun quest book that doesn't take itself too seriously. This book takes a little bit to wind up, as the characters and world are introduced, but I find any good book worth reading develops its world and characters for a greater reward to the reader as the book comes to a close.
1408943
I thoroughly enjoyed this very funny book. Its set in a delightfully odd place which is populated by a bunch of even odder characters and it tells the story of Bob Bobbins unlikely rise to fashion-fame. Along the way he runs into trouble in the form of Veronica van Hausen, the high priestess of fashion.

The author plays with language in a uniquely comic way to deliver this surreal fantasy set in Titan, a living city with its own sense of humor. The characters are a triumph. My personal favorites are Ponder and Primal, Bobs useless shop assistants. Theyre a bit like Laurel & Hardy but much dumber. And then theres Detective Dan whose attempts to detect the identity of the assassin involve hiding in a dustbin and dressing in a palm tree costume. And who can forget Clyde the butcher turned fashion guru with his range of off-the-stomach blood stained butchers aprons. All his comic creations poke fun at the real world. I could carry on with a long list of weird and wonderful characters but I suggest you read the book; you won't regret it.

Great stuff! Thoroughly recommended. Looking forward to the next Titanic Tale.
4468416
With The Misadventures of Molly Fitt, Patrick Boland has crafted a delightful novel that is part whimsical fantasy and part heartfelt coming of age story.  He has succeeded in giving us compelling characters in an amusing and delightful narrative that is both entertaining and engaging.  At the same time, he delicately challenges us to examine the prejudices and prejudgements that are present not only our society but also in our own hearts.  The Misadventures of Molly Fitt succeeds in not only entertaining us but validating and affirming the Miss Fitt that exists in all of us.
2833882
This is a book that will be enjoyed by children & adults who enjoy an unreal adventure.
It won't win a literary award, the writing is simple and that is, in part, it's attraction.
Two children and a faithful dog (of course) living in an occupied country, face brutes & dangers in a wildly imaginative world.
Fantastical creatures and cruel invaders, with wonderfully descriptive names add depth.
Lots of wordplay and puns but courageous acts and bravery too.
Fun story telling, a delightful begining to a weird and wonderful saga.
3513966
This book is a lot of fun. Weir seems to have done a ridiculous amount of research into how a manned NASA Mars mission would probably work, and turns this knowledge into a suspenseful adventure with a likable protagonist and a healthy dose of humor. The story begins, in classic castaway fashion, from the journal entries of an astronaut named Mark Watney, who's stranded on Mars after an emergency forces the rest of his fellow astronauts, who think him dead, to abort the mission and depart.

Now alone with his expedition's equipment, including rovers, space suits, a habitat, and some botany experiments (but no radio), Watney must improvise ways to stay alive and contact Earth. A lot of science and engineering geekery soon follows, but Weir does such a good job of explaining it, using Watney's informal voice and snarky, quip-ready "engineer" humor (the opening f-bomb sets the tone), that I don't think it will be too hard for the average reader to understand. Being an engineer myself, I could easily relate to how this guy's mind worked, as he took apart different systems and put them to use in ways they weren't quite meant to be used, yet did so in a careful, controlled manner. I had one of many smiles at the part where he contemplates international law and decides that one of his actions makes him a pirate. A SPACE PIRATE! Yep, engineer.

I don't think it's much a reveal to say that the narrative eventually expands to include people back on Earth. If you recall the movie Apollo 13, a lot of similar action follows, as NASA and other organizations put their best minds to work on the problem of how to save Watney. I won't spoil the series of mishaps, setbacks, and narrow escapes that follow as he hangs on for a rescue attempt, but suffice to say that Weir makes good use of his setting and contrives some creative but plausible solutions. The supporting characters could have been developed a little more, but their banter is entertaining. Weir is clearly a fan of NASA, but isn't above poking fun at bureaucracy, PR machines, and the various personalities that inhabit the organization.

I hope someone sees fit to make a movie, because all the right ingredients are here. There's a crowd-pleasing survival story and a likable hero. There's a long-shot plan and a big-screen-ready nail-biter of a climax. And it's a heckuva a lot more believable than other Mars-themed stuff that Hollywood has given us (I'm looking at you, Red Planet). But, if there's never a film, audiobook narrator RC Bray is the next best thing, with a boyish voice that's a perfect fit for Watney, and different affectations for his various quips.
4671933
Picaresque, coming-of-age adventure that combines several fairy tales and sets Jack in Britain at a time when representatives of the Roman Empire are thin on the ground and Saxons are the latest threat to survival  Saxons and giants.  Young Jack is the smallest of their mothers 3 sons, but he is quick, inquisitive, and resourceful, not a fool who trades a cow for beans on a strange womans mere say-so that they are magic. His foray into the cloud realm is described with captivating humor and detail.
Back on earth, his mother has to fend off charges of witchcraft  how else explain the familys sudden wealth?  and Jack finds that a grieving princess needs the singing harp even more than he does. An apprenticeship to a magician proves to be an even stranger experience than the beanstalk adventure. Later, he sets off on a quest that takes him across Hadrians Wall, into wastes where wild people live beyond the pale of civilization. But Jack doesnt find his destiny until he reverses his steps and returns home, even if it is only to tread briefly, and lightly, in a place he has outgrown.
I am quite impressed by this blending of fairy tales and historical setting. The author is himself a wanderer, and he imbues this story with some of the compulsion a wanderer feels for the roads and ways that lead out to the world beyond ones doorstep.  Here is a very human Jack who may be of immediate appeal to readers of all ages, but especially YA.
3553222
Using vivid descriptions and remarkable imaginative effort, Matt Thomas has created a startling alternate reality to provide the narrative framework for this engaging story.  The action is fast-paced, and the dialogue often entertainingly snappy, making for a fun read.  But it may be superficial to focus only on the blow-by-blow, exciting though it is.  What is most impressive--and most rewarding for this reader--is that Thomas has artfully invented a world that differs from our own in a truly fundamental way; it is a fantastical world that should defy belief, and yet Thomas makes it both plausible and intriguing.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
4357546
Books like this are the reason I keep going to the indy-published pool to fish for new reading material! Sometimes you have to dig around for a while before a gem like this comes up! This is a unique and fun fantasy romp through 1930's Hollywood. It's history with satirical strokes and a touch of the supernatural. The characters are colorful, and the writing is a delight. I laughed out loud many times at an entertaining turn of phrase or wry observation. This book was a departure from my usual fare, and more welcome for that. Give it a chance; you won't be sorry.
2049775
I'm a huge fan of Rob J. Hayes' writing. I am waiting with anticipation for his Ties That Bind books to return to print as I maintain they are some of the best grimdark fantasy which has come out in the past few years and the best produced by Ragnarok Publications. So, when I heard he was working on a second series, I was intrigued and immediately picked up a copy.

 The premise of the novel was surprising as it's a steampunk fantasy version of Regency Europe. It avoids the usual Medieval fantasy setting as well as the Hyborian Age mismash so common in fantasy but is also a good century or two before steampunk is usually popularized. England and France-like nations are set against one another with airships on one side as well as spellcasters on the others. The spellcasters, unfortunately, have the advantage and it's kept Sassaile from conquering its neighbor Arkland.

 Jacques Revou and Isabel de Rosier are a pair of extraordinarily skilled con men and cart burglars who possess Lupin the Third levels of ability to bullmanure their way out of situations. Jacques is a alchemist of no small skill and capable of creating any number of devices or effects to assist their cons while Isabel is a master of disguise as long as said disguise is someone gorgeous. They're deeply in love and play off each other in a hilarious style, even as they're nearing retirement despite being in the prime of their lives.

 The lovers-in-crime hit a brick wall, though, when Sassaile's spymaster proceeds to confiscate their accumulated fortune and dragoons them into the secret service. The protagonists HATE this even as they're forced to become spies in the Arkland court with the knowledge they're probably going to be executed no matter how well they do. What follows is a complicated story about the couple trying to play their masters against the nation they're spying on which wants to execute them while looking for an out. It all ends with an amazing airship story, frustrated love, and a bunch of humorous twists.

 The book is not remotely like the Ties That Bind, lacking the gruesome murder of moral ambiguity which made that story so good. Indeed, it may be a little too much on the lighthearted side for me. Despite this, I enjoyed it as an adventure story and the humor kept it a breezy read from start to finish. I would have appreciated some more moral ambiguity and, honestly, I was on Renard's side against the Queen but that didn't reduce my enjoyment factor one bit.

 This is a good novel for anyone who wants to enter into the steampunk setting and works well as a non-traditional fantasy novel. It's certainly well-worth the money and I'm surprised to see such range in any author as normally you wouldn't expect someone who did such dark fiction as The Colour of Vengeance to do something as relentlessly cheerful. I think the books are something akin to a brighter Gentleman Bastards and would recommend them to fans of Scott Lynch.

 In conclusion, I recommend this book all round and don't have any real complaints about it. I've bought the second book in the series and hope to get to it immediately. It may not be the best book I've ever read but it's simply FUN and that goes a long way.

9/10
2184371
I devoured this book. Though Im not much of a fan of fantasy or science fiction, the story grabbed me, and Mark Pattons writing enthralled me from page one.  The book provides a perfect antidote to the stress of everyday life, a delightful way to get away from the boredom of reality, and to dig into the fascinating world of what ifs and just maybes.  Patton feeds his readers a good dose of fact amid the fanciful, placing the book into the unique category of historical fantasy, while his wit and imagination places it in the higher echelon of hysterical fantasy.  Patton is a talented writer, who has mastered the dialogue of ghosts and witches, the plot twists one could only find in an English Abbey, and the character development of mortals who have been dead for centuries.  None of this is an easy task.  I look forward to more surprises from this talented author.