Klune's writing is some of my favorite in the world
931359
Klune's writing is some of my favorite in the world. I adore this series and these characters with all my heart.
4062970
I really love the vivid description of a world, government and characters at once foreign and familiar interspersed with an intergalactic love story.
2669347
I have been a fan of these books for over 20 years now.  My addiction stared in junior high and has grown into the love that it is today.  Her style along with the descriptions have emersed me in the dragonriding fantasy world of Pern.  The characters are so vivid in my mind that they actually feel like friends or foes.  She is by far my favorite author.  I'm so glad that Todd has picked up and continued on with the story.
4761390
I'm a super fan of Krentz's work. I have hardbacks, paperbacks and sometimes both of her works. I've read it three times since I purchased it. I have one autographed copy of another work requested by me.
634122
The Center of the World by Andreas Steinhofel is by far one of my favorite books. I hate to see it labeled into one category because while the main character, Phil, is coming into his own identity, the book encompasses so many different themes that I hesitate to label it at all. Written so seamlessly and clearly (credit to the translator) and with vivid, interesting, and developed characters it's more than easy to get lost in this 400+ page novel. The scenes are unforgettable and there are no loose ends when the story wraps itself up. The nearest thing I can compare this to is "Lost in Translation" because of its raw emotion and fluidity when almost nothing seems to happen, but in that nothingness lies inherent meaning. I'd advise everyone to pick this up. My only complaint is that the prologue is not nearly as well-written (credit to the translator) or interesting as the rest, though I suggest reading it (the prologue) for the heck of it.

  This is not, however, a book for children as this book does contain sex (not graphic) and violence.
1047718
I just read this in eight straight hours, four of which I should have been asleep for. I don't regret it at all. Katherine Addison's prose saturates her world in the most intense colors, and I loved the subtle and unobtrusive mix of technology and fantasy and magic. And of course I love Maia: while every one of her characters is rich and interesting and wonderful (even when you hate them, or cringe whenever they show up on the page), her protagonist is kind and petty and generous and flawed and impossible to forget. The way he tries to do what's right, while the world and even the definitions of that word seem to shift around him, endears and inspires. I'll be reading this book, and this author, again.
3120231
More than at any point in my life's history, the world changed radically and irreversibly in the 2000s decade. And too, it was when I was working most closely with this mysterious author known by the single name "klipschutz." This book is one that I've read a few times and it is nothing short of a great view of how life was, not only for the author and myself, but the world around us then, (and me and him were talking about the condition of our country, economy and the dirty-details of getting by, quite a bit). klipschutz is unique in that his work always has a subtle and dry humor to it while, at the same time, being top-notch craft-work of the highest order. klipschutz has evaded the traps of the poetry-slam mentality and also side-stepped the emptiness of academia, while bringing to bear certain strengths from those worlds and many other literary worlds. This is a well-thought-out, solidly arranged work from beginning to end. It's a great look at the inner workings of the author and how he views the inner workings of his world. His understated comedy and his mediated tragedies are like a perfectly cooked fish -- (You must be a delicate cook to get the edges crispy brown, but still leave the insides soft and juicy). Everything from the cover graphics to the typesetting are done in the old-world flavor of high-quality production. This book, and the opportunity to buy it, represent a rare opportunity to catch a glimpse at a quality of poetry and a quality of book production that are fast fading from this planet. There will not be many like klipschutz in the future, for the poets to come will most likely be half-ruined by workshop cravenness or language-poetry blandness and over-analysis, or, even worse yet, politically-correct ranting. Within these pages the reader finds balance, a hard-edged compassion, a street-wise tenderness. Do yourself, the publisher, and the author, a favor, and buy this one.
3680795
Just last year, I found myself being talked into taking a small interest in Marcher Lord Press, and what they might have to offer. Thanks to Kerry Nietz and his "DarkTrench Saga" trilogy, I actually had a rekindled (real books, only Kindle if I have to, pardon the pun) in Sci-Fi stuff. After reading the short story collection, "Ether Ore," on Kindle, because YOU HAVE TO read that one on Kindle, I had my first Steve Rzasa experience, and I knew what I wanted for Christmas. So I picked up both of his "Face of the Deep" books from MLP, and was hoping that I picked a winner once again. Yep. I sure did pick a winner!

If the year were 2602, and if it were in our not-so-distant future, would we be able to deal with it like we do today? Well, Captain Simon Haczyk does know what it's like, and his Six-Brace NATALIA ZOJA vessel has stuck with him. So has his boy, Baden. But Baden knows about hanging in there, and although his Mom has been gone a couple years, it is still fresh in his mind. But while a stinging memory can be fresh in his young mind, the Bible that he found is fresh in his hands. And it is illegal! And he's not sure if he cares or not.

Knowing what may happen if caught, Baden chooses to take his chances, regardless if there is war or not. Especially when this precious book speaks to his heart, and with some inside/outside help, he begins to understand what he's got. He has more than a treasure, and maybe dear old Dad can understand a thing or 2 when things don't make sense anymore.

The only thing I really have to go off of is Star Wars, and I'm not sure if this can be entirely compared to it. But it does have a lot of good stuff within, and I just sat back and enjoyed the ride. One thing I will say, don't expect Steve Rzasa to apologize for his message. He is very forthcoming in where he stands, and he isn't afraid to answer WHAT IF questions. If you can appreciate an author doing that, then you'll really love Steve! I've always stood firm in my faith in Jesus Christ, and this was a challenge to step it up even more. And I'm thrilled that I have book #2, "The Word Unleashed," on my bookshelf waiting for me!
2410942
you care about.  Just when I think that it is impossible for W.K. Krueger to top his previous stories....HE DOES!!  Marvelous story.  Just when you think that there is NO way it will end "right"...it DOES!  Beautiful, BEAUTIFUL!!

This man's writing is PERFECTION!!  I had to have my own copy !
892694
Kel is a very good story teller. I love Australia, and Kel describe it, so I am longing back! Until next time, I have to stay in Denmark for a while, but I will be back in Kellie-land
1807908
This book and series is very popular in Russia and has now been translated into English. For that I am grateful. This is great epic fantasy and just what I like to read.

It is the story about Shadow Harold, a thief in Avedoom, the capital of a Northern kingdom. He lives his lief like he always have when things suddenly change. he has two choices, get the horn or rut in jail. The choice is not as easy as it seems. The horn is hidden far away in caves filled with dangers and magics from different races that have buried their dead there. With him he has an elite band of warriors, a Princess, and a jester.
This world has all sorts of races, the elves (dark and light)  who are not as fair looking as you would imagine. Orcs that wants the world for their own as they are the first race of Siala. Ogres, gnomes, goblins, dwarves and of course men. In the far north there is the danger of the Nameless one, but there are more dangers than just him stirring. This world is heading for a war, and this time the orcs might just win.

I liked Harold, but then I do have a soft spot for thieves and assassins. He is an unwilling hero, and they are the best. But my fav is by far the jester Kli-Kli, a goblin who is more than he seems. And I can't wit to see what he really is about, until then I will laugh in amusement. Miralissa, the princess most be some sort of love interest, cos Harold is interested, fangs and all. But I just have to wait and see. The wild hearts are a great bunch too, the constant bickering between the dwarf and the gnome being what i enjoy the most.

Negative part, I love maps, and there was no map. I like to see where everything is located, and where they are going. It gives me a sense of direction that is useful in fantasy. But I am well aware that many forget about those maps.

This had everything I need, a quest, danger of war, and war that is surely coming, a bunch of characters that are both amusing and likable. There was danger, there was darkness, and there was history. Which I of course always want.

Now, oh sighs, why didn't I take that course in Russian in high school instead of German. If I would have I could have read the next book in Russian. Now I just have to wait to get hold of book 2 whenever that one comes out. Because this was a good start to a fantasy trilogy, and it made me want more.
2901083
"Interpreter of maladies" is the collection of the most beautiful short stroies. Among the stories, I most like "temporary matter". It't unexpected ending is so amazing to me. It was so fun for me to think about how their relation is gonna be. I couldn't take eyes off the book while reanding because the development of that was so interesting and fast. "The third and final continent" is also good. I could feel sympathy toward the characters in the story. I can learn a lesson that everybody can be anyone's teacher despite different nationality and color of skin. So read "Interpreter of maladies" and you feel great fun and impression
4735695
Christine Kling is nothing if not a story teller.  She weaves nuggets and facts into exquisite yet plausible stories.  Her Seychelles series were books I was sure I'd miss at the series conclusion.  I was wrong.  I think I'm going to enjoy Ms Riley equally as much.  If I was you I'd get my hands on any and every Kling book.  You can thank me later.
1589499
I LOVE it when I accidentally stumbled upon a new-to-me author.  I gulped down all three Dark books in a matter of a day.  Wonderful.  The writing approaches that of Heinlein in narrative and world building.  I love the story line.  A coalition of races are exploring the universe. One of the pirates snatch an earth girl.  Turns out she is quite a singer.  The species she winds up with loves music but only have like ten artists amongst their whole settled worlds.  She actually does sing to save her soul a couple of times.  Books 2 and 3 also enrich the worlds with introduction of further earth girls and hunky aliens.  Yep, loved this, right up my alley!
4120591
I am so in love with this series and with the writing of SJM! Such fantastic world building and such evocative and decorative language.  I see it all unfold in colour as I read.

Rhysand, Feyre and all the secondary characters (but not really any less integral to the story) are rebuilding the beautiful Velaris which has been devastated during the war when its cloak of invisibility was removed during the war. Face times moves differently but it is marching on.

Each of the family has issues to deal with and most of them aren't coping. So while feeling guilty at her happiness and the gift of being deeply in love and deeply loved, Feyre does what she can to rebuild not just the city but the family and help those in the community that lives there.

Some lovely moments of lightness amidst some heart-rendingly sad moments.

This is a great bridging story between the war and what next.  The characters are well-drawn and strong and weak and loving and (sometimes) hateful.

Tamlins shadow is still there and Lucien is still seeking his grace and favour.

While this novel pretty much centred on life in Velaris with the Spring Court, the cabin and the Hewn City thrown in we hear about other parts of the world and you know more about them is coming in the next book.

I never write a blow-by-blow spoiler but its a good addition to the series, provides some love and light relief while shining a light on the dark side of surviving a war with your family (reasonably) intact when others don't have the same.
4879227
Since this is a T.J. Klune book, I feel the need to begin this review with a disclaimer. The likely hood of rambling is quite high. I apologize in advance, but thats just the affect that a few of my favorite authors have on my ability to write a coherent review. My intentions are always good, but I make no promises consider yourselves warned.

Im also a tad bit guilt ridden. Why, you may ask? Ive been seeing for quite a while how much readers love this book. Ive watched readers wax poetic about Gary, Sam, Justin, Kevin and Tiggy. Why did I wait so long to pick this book up? I have absolutely no idea. I already have Destiny of Dragons, the second book in the Tales from Verania waiting for me on my Kindle. Hopefully that will make up for my tardiness to the Sam of Wilds party. 

On the surface, the premise of this book may be a little silly. Okay, so a story centered around a wizards apprentice who has a knack for getting himself into crazy, sometimes life threatening situations and whose best friends are a half giant and a hornless unicorn cant really be totally serious. But honestly, what fun would that be? And really, even in the most serious of T.J.Klunes books, theres always a touch of humor. Likewise, even the most comedic of his books can have you shedding tears of laughter as well as tears of heartbreak  sometimes in the same chapter. His #evilauthor status and my love/hate relationship with him is well earned.

There was so much to love about this book. The sense of family, love, magic, humor  there is just so much I cant wait to continue this series. I cant wait until I get to spend more time with this merry band of craziness. Id love to tell you more, but I don't want to take a chance on giving away even any minor details. Trust me when I say that The Lightning-Struck Heart is something you have to experience on your own. Speaking of which, theres something else that I need to experience  the audio version of The Lightning-Struck Heart. I haven't had a lot of luck with audio books so far, but so many listeners have told me that Michael Lesleys narration will turn my luck around in a big way, it is destined to be the next book I try. Stay tuned theres much more to come from Verania
4284454
Really lovely writing. All the things I love about fan fiction such as a certain disregard for traditional limits as well as the cohesion and beautiful writing of an actual book written by a brilliant author. It is especially good if you have already read Fan girl, but I don't think that would be necessary to really enjoy the book. I would also recommend getting the audio version. The Baz voice is so perfect that I didn't know whether I should burst into laughter or do a little victory dance.