The incredible saga of Korval continues.
348349
Lee and Miller have succeeded once again with this their latest book in the Liaden series. I strongly recommend that you read them all. I've been a sci-fi addict for 60 years. No one writes a better story than Sharon and Steve. Their style is unique. I sincerely hope that they will continue to write for many years and through many more volumes.
495083
Katharine Kerr continues her mastery of the epic fantasy genre with this instalment of her brilliant Deverry series. Story telling with the utmost attention to detail and commitment to the lore she worked so hard to create. I can't recommend this story more. Make sure you read the books in the correct order tho.
3040155
I read the first book in the "Van Laven Chronicles" series last fall and fell in love with it.  The forbidden love and reluctant alliance between Lord Comron Van Laven and Lady Vaush was a great way to put tension into the struggle for an empire.  Vaush and Comron are still together in this next installment and I haven't been disappointed yet.  The story picks back up with a bang as Vaush has succeeded in becoming empress but things are not to be peaceful for them.  This was an amazing story, full of action, suspense, romance and so much more.  This is an awesome series.
1767215
Another great read, one that continues the first books propensity for avoiding the traditional pitfalls and clichs of the genre. Though the overall narrative advances greatly in this sequel  and leaves open the literary door to the follow-up through a blindsiding cliffhanger  the characters remain the bellwether of this book and series

In this second installment, the complex characters continue to develop as their relationships and milieu evolve, especially in light of the introduction of new characters and plot twists. Even the ancillary characters are often realized enough to avoid merely swelling a progress, rather they help to illuminate the interconnections among the leads and their motivations for attending to their collective mission. Meanwhile, the truth of the heroes quest unfolds as the web of lies that ignited the journey entangles them more deeply.

As is to be expected in the genre, there are battle scenes, exotic beasts, unwieldy landscapes, and epic travels the protagonists must endure, but these specific heroes and their particular proclivities distinguish this title from its fantasy novel rivals. Overall, an excellent sophomore (and in no way sophomoric) effort, and an engaging second installment in what is turning out to be a solid series.
4551180
Well, as the series matures, the action continues. Mr. Akart has done himself proud as he builds on the prior two books. There is no doubt that the plot has become more complex but thoroughly enjoyable. The author has a way of integrating history while tearing headlines from today's papers. A great read. I totally recommend this series. You can't go wrong and you won't relax a second reading this wonderful novel. I am pre-ordering book 4 as soon as it becomes available.
2430262
Lindsay Buroker has created quite the impressive universe with the Emporer's edge series. With each new installment the story grows both in breadth and depth.

Warning, spoilers below!

The fact that she is using each new book to bring focus to another of the main characters really allows the reader to gain a more full understanding of these characters. Maldonado lets his true nature out in this installment and it really is not to be missed.

- the first part of the book focuses almost exclusively on Mal and it was a little jarring as I was not used to such long interludes without  seeing Amaranthe. However it worked out very well and the reader gains a very large understanding of this character because of it.

- the budding relationships are very well handled and the fact that Yara is coming to see Mal in this way just adds to the enjoyment for the reader.

- the new technologies that are introduced are always fun and typically make some sort of logical sense. The lake crawler is quite imaginative. The repeating firearms make sense. The steamboat is a great addition. Add all of this to the 'science' or magic that exists and Buroker comes up with some amazing situations.

- the alien tech is quite interesting. I find that now I want to read 'Encrypted' to learn more about it.

At the end of the day, Buroker really brings human interaction and feeling into the action and makes the reader want more. With each new book she gets better at weaving the story as well as holding the reader's attention. I find myself eagerly awaiting each new installment.

Hope that helps.
4240716
If you can get past the 1st book, there's a steady
and very rewarding progression  in Butcher'a iwriting, as he gets to know his  characters and sets them to steering the course.  If you've read thia
Far, you"ll be very pleased with how the plot has grown in both complexity and precision, the characters well-known, and the narrative and plot action remains powerful. And now a surprise - we get a Book 6!

Re

ll
1454226
The story continues with intriguing and compelling action.  Masterful storytelling and engaging description keep the tale moving forward at a perfect pace.  I will be saddened when this journey is finished.
724782
If you are continuing from the Farseer trilogy, you know that Robin Hobb is among the world's great fantasy writers. This book continues the story of Fitzchivalry, and continues to please with ever-growing complexity and intrigue.  New characters come to life with depth, and some may have a dark side. The authors skillful and beautiful language is a pleasure to read.  The story gets better and better.
3031650
Tracking the origins of the Drasin leads to more mysteries and encounters with unknown hostiles. Pulse pounding excitement. You can't  put this down.
2745124
The story goes on as Kaiser Wilhelm makes it to port with her mysterious cargo, the soviets launches a counteroffensive and the Japanese invade Java.  But then a great calamity strikes and brings a twist that is bound to shape the Kirov Saga ahead.

The action is quite muted in these volume, but I think it lays the groundwork for a fantastic future with the great plot twist that take place hallway trough the book, and incidentally takes care of one of the few critiques Ive had f the series.  As always I really look forward to the next instalment.
616469
I started with the first book of the Liaden universe and I have not stopped.
I love all the books and read them again and again.
The Dragon in Exile starts a new era with one Member who is cloned again as well as his dead wife much younger by the Uncle,and
I cannot wait for their arrival in the new Home of the Clan at the same time there is one small group stuck with intelligent  plane . Kamele
not aware that her companion has found his wife. It  is wonderful to have so much to look forward to.
Lee/Miller will keep me young for a long time. the Korval Clan is so brilliant.
2204680
flawlessly from Book 3 to continue the saga! Keeps the reader interested and weaves former stories into the present one being told. I'm certain the next installment will be as entertaining and informative as it's predecessor! Just now starting on the side project books while I await the publication of Book 5 of The Mongoliad Cycle (formerly called the 'Foreworld Series'-don't really understand the change of Overtitle).
2363654
William King is a master of the genre. The second book of Kormak continues the adventures of a warrior sworn to fight the darkness with his rune-carved, dwarf-forged sword.
Mr. King keeps his swords & sorcery tales firmly on the path of plot, pacing and characters. There are hints and glimpses of Kormak's haunted world and its rich history, but the story never takes a time-out for the travelogues so prevalent in modern fantasy. The focus is on the story and characters, not world-building notes, essays and seemingly endless flashbacks.
DEFILER OF TOMBS moves at the pace of Kormak's pursuit. Too long a pause, and the necromancer will make humanity a slave to darkness.
3729376
The Uncrowned King is the second instalment of the King Rolen's Kin trilogy, traditionally the weakest part of any trilogy. With the story already established, and the conclusion yet to come, the middle volume could be forgiven if it didn't really move the story forward. Fortunately, there's enough going on here to make it just as compelling a read as the first. What's more, since we already have an attachment to the characters, their perils and triumphs have more of an emotional impact. There were at least two occasions where excitement nearly had me jumping out of my seat, and one notable occasion where I found myself seething over a betrayal.

At its essence, this is the story of a ruling family being torn apart, forced to struggle their way back from exile and ruin to rescue their kingdom. Byren, by far, faces the toughest challenge, despite the fact that his journey seems like it should be so easy. Betrayed, wounded, and touched by the power of Affinity, he is a man we watch losing all hope, yet still struggling forward. Fyn, as I suspected (indeed, hoped) comes into his own as a hero who can stand proudly beside his brother. His journey is the most wondrous of the three, full of surprises for both him and the reader. As for Piro, even though she's largely left to hide, flee, and disguise herself against her enemies, she is clearly set up to have a large role to play in the final volume.

We do get to see much more of the villains in this instalment, with Cobalt revealing his true colours, but I will say no more on that subject for fear of spoilers.

This volume doesn't add much to the world-building begun in The King's Bastard, but it does smartly develop what's already been established. We learn more about the Affinity-touched beasts roaming the countryside, and get a deeper glimpse into the mythology and religious structure of the kingdom. We don't actually get to see Merofynia (not yet, at least), but we do see more of its dark side - one full of slavery, renegade power workers, and assassins.

Fast-paced, just as engaging, and (much to my relief) absent the convenient delays and lapses of memory that bothered me about the first volume, this is another good, solid, page-turning read that's sure to satisfy fans of traditional fantasy. Bring on The Usurper and let's see how (or, perhaps, if) justice can prevail!
1806712
Once again the author has masterfully created a truly compelling story that draws the reader into a world unlike any other. And once again the reader is left with a lust for more.
4177685
They just keep getting more awesome. The characters and story develop the way any worthwhile piece of literature is written. YOU MUST KEEP READING.