An intriguing fantasy tale
927811
The book is an interesting setting: a pseudo-roman fantasy world, connected across a blood veil to an alternate world of magic and dreams.  It's pretty standard fantasy fare outside of that, but as a big time reader of fantasy, I found it immensely entertaining.  Will keep you turning the page long into the night, and you'll be sad when it finally ends.
3431193
The Lord of Snow and Shadows is the first in a new fantasy series.  Although there are many familiar fantasy elements in this novel (sword fights, magic casting, dragons), Sarah Ash manages to put a little twist into her world by injecting some gothic romance into the mix.  Thus, on the one hand we have a young innocent painter as our protagonist, who quickly finds himself under the power of the family curse (he is becoming a creature he does not want to become) while on the other hand we have the young serving girl who eventually begins to walk the path of her own magical destiny.

  Ash keeps the story moving quickly as she cuts quickly to each scene, describing where necessary to create her version of frozen Russia, but never letting the prose bog the story down.  At the same time, she unveils the plots and politics of her world in a clear manner.  Characters are developed over the course of the novel; Ash reveals new layers of personality as the story progresses (although sometimes these revelations tend to the melodramatic).  There is also a nice balance of story and action.  In one chapter characters may be exploring secret hallways and uncovering secret tomes within the mysterious castle and in the next, they are battling werewolf type beasts out in the frozen wasteland.

  Overall, Lord of Snow and Shadows is a nice start to a potentially fine fantasy series.  It seems to me a particularly well paced and engaging novel, one that has the potential to engage both younger and older readers.
4884545
Although I have rarely read any fantasy novels, I found this one quite intriguing. The story line maintained my interest, and concern for the characters. There was enough medieval mystique without going overboard as many fantasy novels do(eg.no one could fly).
For me, the novel seemed similar in tone to a short story I recently read by Mark Twain called The Mysterious Stranger. I would highly recommend the novel By The Blood.
4699592
A clever fantasy tale woven around the legend of Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow, but set in the modern day. When Ireland Crane moves to Sleepy Hollow, and accidentally stumbles across a Rip Van Winkle who has been sleeping for hundreds of years, something else is awoken too. As people in the town begin to lose their heads ( literally) can Ireland suspend her disbelief, believe what Rip is telling her, and save herself from a cursed fate?
Full of intrigue and adventure, this was a very enjoyable jaunt that hit the ground running, and never let up. While the bulk of the action is set in the modern day, several chapters set in the past and told from Ichabod's perspective run through the book and cleverly connect this new tale to the older one. The character of Ireland is well rounded, she's smart, brave and a little sassy, in the best possible way, and reads like a modern heroine for a modern reader. While there is a hint of romance in the book, it's very well handled, and feels like a natural part of the story rather than something that was shoe horned in. While this book is described as the first in a series, and there are hints of what characters to expect in future books, there is a well resolved conclusion that fits the book, and does not leave the reader feeling cheated.
2491841
Kyra Halland's Urdaisunia takes on a big task - combining an epic fantasy tale with a very personal and heartfelt story - and it succeeds completely.

Urdaisunia tells the story of the battle for the throne of a land called Urdaisunia, the land between two rivers. Three generations ago, it was ruled by the Urdai, a strong and wise people. But, depending on who's telling the story, they either grew decadent and weak, or simply turned away from their gods and were turned away by their gods in return. Either way, they were conquered by a nomadic, "barbarian" people, the Sazar, who have ruled ever since, and severely oppressed the Urdai as well.

The story begins with a chance encounter. Rashali, a recently widowed Urdai peasant woman, literally crosses the path of Prince Eruz, the heir to the Sazar throne. But rather than grovel at his feet, she defiantly stands up to him, intriguing him. He must know where this poor, weak, oppressed woman finds the strength to look her oppressor in the eye. That sets in motion a relationship that leads Rashali to the Prince's chambers in the royal palace, then to the dungeons, and then on the run, fleeing for her life. And it sets Eruz on a new path himself, one that he never could have expected. And then there are the gods, who are quite real, and quite interested in the affairs of individual mortals.

There are so many things to like about the book. First is the setting, which isn't the traditional medeival European-style fantasy-world. It feels more like the kingdoms of the ancient Middle East (Sumeria, Babylon and the like), which is a refreshing change. There's magic, but it's small and subtle, rather than flashy and world-changing, which is another change from the usual fantasy tropes.

What's the most refreshing, though, is that the characters are well-rounded and three-dimensional. They're believable, as Rashali and Eruz struggle to overcome the prejudices and hatreds they have towards the other's people. The story alternates between Rashali's and Eruz's perspective, with occasional interludes showing what the gods - who are as interested in Rashali and Eruz as everyone else - are up to.

There's plenty of well-handled action, intrigue, romance and high stakes, as the fate of the entire land is up for grabs. The book is very well-written with clean, engaging prose and a lively voice. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I highly recommend it.
1936901
It's an interesting tale of chaos, when past collides into present while shaping into the future. The story is quite well-written and intriguing. From the very beginning it engages readers' full attention. I enjoyed reading it, it's mixed genre book so hard to put it in one category. But I guess if you're a fantasy fan then this book is definitely a must read. Anyone with good imagination will enjoy it, as I did.

Story revolves around a crystal that comes from another planet. It has powers which humans cannot understand, but there are those on Earth who know about it's origin because they have followed it here. And now they are simply not willing to leave without it. Then there are those who will do anything to protect it. They know that protecting the crystal is their only reason to live. And among all this Avery finds herself; scared, confused, and unwilling to trust anyone other than her childhood friend and now her boyfriend. But is he really who he says he is?

Things are not always as they seems but sometimes they have a way of working themselves out. Avery hopes that this true in this case as well because she simply cannot fathom a world where Jessamine is not safe. She must keep her safe and well protected. Will she be able to do that or will the curse of the crystal destroy them all?

I always enjoy Jordan Elizabeth Mierek's books. Her plots are usually so far fetched and unique, and she has a way of weaving a tale that grasps your attention and refuses to let go. Simply amazing! It's always a pleasure to read her books and I keep looking forward to more from her.
4465696
It took me a bit to get into the premise of the story. I wrongly went into it thinking human as the baseline species. Humans aren't even mentioned, silly me! Once I was able to get my head around the world, I found the story itself pretty interesting. The characters became likeable by the end, though the main character's significant other just seemed too perfect to me. Overall, the hints of a secret history and potential betrayal have me looking to get the next book in the series. I'd recommend this for lovers of fantasy and intrigue.
348327
It was a joy to read my first fantasy novel that broke with the medieval European trappings and unfolded in post-technological, magical Sudan. There are difficult, brutal issues that reflect today's world, and the heroine, Onyesonwu, is an unforgettable force of nature. The usual fantasy tropes are present -- sins of the father, magical apprenticeship, a grand destiny, prophecies fulfilled in unexpected ways -- but they're given new clothes and orthogonal turns, making this book feel both recognizable and new. The ending was mysterious, a bit too much so, for my tastes. I would have loved to have understood more about how the Great Book shaped the world or was shaped by it -- I didn't have a good sense that Onyesonwu had figured out the solution, or if fate was just carrying her along.
4775739
Wonderful debut fantasy novel, and the start to what I hope will be a grand adventure. Kova does a fantastic job with setting up a world and characters that I cannot wait to see more of.

The book has a somewhat slow start (only reason I did not give it five stars), but once it gets going IT GETS GOING. I am entranced by this world and these characters - especially Prince Aldrik. Kova did a wonderful job of crafting him into someone who is both a "bad boy" but also a character that the reader can sympathize with. The magic is intriguing and well thought out, and the history of the world as well.
965475
Oh bravo - this was a terrific fantasy story. I absolutely loved the use of grammar and language. The descriptions were lovely, the characters interesting, and the plot intriguing. I look forward to continuing the series
4251880
I would give it 4.5 stars, but since that option is not available I will not shortchange the author or the book. It is an interesting story that involves magic, sword fighting, lost love, heroic quest and untimely deaths. While the age old custom of the main character being an orphan is a little played out, the author manages to blend interesting characters into a fascinating world of shards and portals.  While there were a few editing issues, it in no way took away from the story.  I look forward to the next book where I hope the author is able to expand our knowledge of the different shards.
4564798
Urus tells the majority of this epic tale of magical forces set on tearing apart the world. He is a young adult, on the verge of being outcast from his clan--for lack of being a better warrior on account of his deafness. He discovers a magic within himself when he attempts to commit suicide. He is a sigilord, though he doesn't yet know what this means, or the power he holds.

Cailix is an orphan in the care of monks, when three blood mages arrive and slaughter the monks to obtain the vertex map they guard and gain the power of their blood. She attaches to the head blood mage, Anderis, and begins to learn this killing art--always in the effort to gain enough power to escape her new mentor.

Goodwyn, Urus's BFF is a gifter warrior, with the ability to "see" the near future in his mind. He also has a dark secret that would alter his status if it were revealed.

As it turns out, Anderis is tasked with destroying the five dimensional vertices on this world. In doing so he will release his fellow entrapped blood mages and they will then be able to traverse not only this world, but all other worlds.

There is an exiled arbiter, Murin, who becomes a guide for Urus, helping him to gain the knowledge of his power and also find the lost vertices and protect them from destruction. Unfortunately the blood mages gain power with every kill, and even the combined strength of Urus, Goodwyn and Cailix may not be enough to prevent annihilation when the vertices get crushed.

This was an interesting hero's saga. Urus and Goodwyn are good characters, both having deeper layers. Urus was routinely beaten as a child, whereas Goodwyn loves one he cannot claim. These internal issues definitely affect the choices they make. Cailix learns the truth of her parentage, and it only makes her more determined to use her blood sorcery for good. Plus, it seems she has an affinity for Urus.

War is being batted throughout this world, but there comes a time when fences get mended and enemies unite to assault the larger evil, and it is handled in a way that is respectful and honest. Lots of gore--due to the wars incited by the blood mages, and also by the mages harvesting blood for their own power--which directly affects Urus; his sigilord blood power is enormous compared with that of normal people, or even blood mages.

What I loved about this book was the variety of form. Urus and Goodwyn are from Kest--and they are black with yellowish eyes. Murin, Urus's arbiter guide is a grey man. Cailix is a pale girl with red hair, some of the others in the book range from dwarfish to giant. The people of this world are all different, unique to their locale. Urus's main skill is his abiility to communicate with them, even if he cannot hear and has limited speech--so this was a decent trick, though there were times I wondered if he could possibly read all those lips! His developing sigilord skill was interesting to witness--it comes on slow and builds with time and trial.

The world is set in less modern times, with hand-to-hand combat being the order of war. Groups that had been allied with the blood mages gained technology far superior to the norm, and for this they paid dearly, but it brought a steampunk element into the plot, allowing for the Old World v. Technology theme to be explored.

The end comes a little quickly, I thought, but I was glad that it ended in such a way that the resolution is solid, and without a cliffhanger. Yes, there is a tie that will bind on to book two, but it is not the outcome of the battles.

At times I worried about so many points of view--but they were all well defined. Urus tells the bulk of the story (well his POV does) and Cailix and Goodwyn share other parts for when they are separated and how the battles progresses via their eyes. These really move the plot forward, and there is little overlap or recap upon reunion.

I think lovers of epic fantasy will find this book to be interesting and engaging. I look forward to the sequel. I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
4906791
Very original well written story. I was not a fantasy book fan before, but this tale drew me in and held my interest throughout. I am looking forward to the next volume!
4383460
A rich fantasy world somewhat lacking in tension. The Wheel is a hundred-year sacred map that can dangerously change the world if a part is done wrong-and one part has suddenly turned dark with its own mind. Evil is loose in the land of the Celestial Empire, and at the climactic moment...the heroes discuss philosophy! The story is a bit like a mystery, the Opponent unknown and only a slow accumulation of odd happenings and attacks to reveal its awesome dimensions or vague purpose, let alone a way to defeat it. Of course, in Well's strange and beautifully created irrigated world, the reader cannot see for herself the tears in the cultural fabric and must wait for them to be pointed out, a deliciously drawn out process here. A hidden theme of the story is betrayal, in several guises, the last most surprising of all.
One of the features I liked about Well's Celestial Empire is that its magic is an integral but limited part of the ordering of that world, yet individuals cannot throw magic around willy-nilly and, in fact, only high-level priests are supposed to be able to do so. There are some menacing conjurations, to be sure, but none of the flash and smash of some fantasy magics. The scenes of stone cold wind people are eerie and almost terrifying.
The main characters, Maskell the errant nun-wizard of the Infinite Destroyer of Evil and her quick-love Rian, are both in fact highly logical in their detecting, one mystical in the Celestial frame, the other a highly observant and objective outlander whose only other skill is his swordplay. They are attractive and interesting, but too single-minded and consistent to draw me in.
2362597
The Last of the Firedrakes, by Farah Oomerbhoy, was not quite what I expected.  At first, it seemed somewhat cliche.  The princess, thought dead, was found and has to fight to reclaim the throne, or the masked hero rescuing maidens and helping the poor.  As I continued to read, however, I found the book to be quite interesting.  The characters and the story pulled me in, making me long for the next book's publication.  There is a reason, after all, that some themes are overused.

The world the book is set in was fascinating.  There were fantastic creatures and several different kinds of people, many of whom inherit one kind of magical power or another.  I enjoyed the diversity of the settings within the world, too: from quaint fairy village to a magical university, from a medieval castles to eighteenth century-styled palaces.  I can hardly imagine the beauty.

I also enjoyed the characters.  Aurora struggled to find her place and accept her identity in the new world just as much as she struggled to control her substantial powers.  The bit of forbidden love involved only helped so much, since she could never have the man she grew to love.  Which brings me to another of the main characters.  This particular young man heroically clung to a deathbed promise spoken out of love, something that I think all readers will still wish he would break, no matter how upright it seems.

The plot, as I have mentioned, could have been done a little better, in my opinion.  But I still think the book is well worth the time spent on it.  I look forward to the sequels and conclusion of this series, after all, the end left much to be discovered and resolved.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
3300940
Great start on a fanatasy dtory with many intruiging concepts.  Well written and while the character exposition is not deep, it is certainly ehough to hold your attention adn get inovled in the character's story.  The profusion of creatures, protaganists and, dare I say, chaos is at times distracting, but overall the story works and you keep wanting to read more.  Better than 90% of the fantasy tales out there.
1206202
An excellent fantasy world with well developed characters and believable magic. The story involves extremely dark themes, with sexual slavery and mind-control central to the plot. These elements are presented as unvarnished evil and the descriptions are not prurient, but readers should be aware in advance. Read with care, but strongly recommended.