Returning to the Land of Krynn
583794
Read the entire Drogonlance line as a kid and am now collecting all in hard cover that I can. If you have never read, give them a try, if you have and it has been a while re-read them again!
2205018
Through Kestrels Eyes is the second book of the Earths Pendulum Series by Yvonne Hertzberger. I reviewed the first book, Back from Chaos back in August. All the major characters are back, except in this book, the story is a first-person narrative as told by Klast and Bresnas daughter, a seer named Liannis.

Liannis is a young woman, newly come into her responsibilities. Chief among her abilities include the gift of foresight, usually given to her in a series of dreams from Mother Earth, and the ability to truth-tell, which she uses if a prisoner needs to be interrogated, of if someones loyalty is called into question.

The seer works for Earth, a goddess personified, who uses Liannis as an intermediary to maintain balance. Earths ability to provide for her inhabitants is strained by mans refusal to live in harmony with one another. War, and mans desire to subjugate a defensless populace, causes Earth to suffer, which in turn leads to drought and famine.

The book is roughly a two year span, between Liannis taking up the mantle of seer from her mentor, and the trails Bargia, her home, faces with the neighboring demenses, (what we would think of as a kingdom.) Though she has pledged no allegiance to any lord, having grown up in Bargia, she works primarily with Lord Gaelen and his allies.

Trouble comes to Bargia on two fronts, first from Lieth, where a weak lord is disposed and a ruthless despot assumes power, abusing the populace for his own enjoyment. Then from Gharn, where the lord has also been deposed but Dugal, his heir, seeks to reclaim his birthright. Lord Gaelen must choose where to focus his attention, Bargia not strong enough to fight two separate battles, though both threaten not only Bargias safety, but Earths ability to provide.

Through the conflicts, drought plagues the lands, putting further hardships on the land, making achieving a lasting peace all the more important. Liannis works tirelessly, even putting not only herself in danger, but also her loved ones, all for the sake of Mother Earth. At risk is not only her home demense of Bargia and her allies, but the survival of all mankind.

First let me say that trying to summarize the book is almost an impossible task, as theres so much going on, with a cast of characters that come together to create a rich and complicated story. At its heart is our seer, Liannis, aided by a young man Merriest, who had the misfortune of losing a leg in his first battle.

Theres also the added dynamic of the seer and her parents, her father Klast, Gaelens most trusted adviser and spy, and Bresna, Ladys Marjas best friend. Woven into is her familiarity with the ruling family, and her duty to remain impartial for the service of Earth.

The story is much more about about the necessary evils a country must fight in order to achieve a lasting peace. Its about the suffering her people endure, and how dependent the population is to her leadership for their survival.

But for me, the crux of the book is the Liannis personal relationships, not only with family and friends, but all those she serves. Theres a depth of warmth that is at once real and moving. She cares, and through her made me care. She loves, and I came to love her and the rest of the characters as well. The added friction of a potential romantic attachment, one that she believes to be taboo, is familiar and should resonate with everyone.

Through Kestrels Eyes is a well-written novel, as is the rest of the series. It moved me to laughter and to tears. I loved it so much that I immediately read the third -though you have to wait for my review  and I immediately wrote the author to tell her how much I loved her books.

It should be no wonder that I should rate this book highly, 5 out of 5 stars. Even after reading it for a second time, I couldn't contain my emotions, my eyes tearing up from Liannis trials, that I had to stop often to dry them. It isn't to often that a book does that to me. I cannot recommend this book enough.
3604180
I liked the linkages you kept to the book of deacon trilogy and the story making its return journey to acknowledge the past.
Would love to hear more about the adventures of Myn's namesake.
3418824
This story takes you back to the beginning of the star kingdom troubles of Honor Harrington's worlds.  The treecat lives and ways are very central to this story and make you wonder about the possibility of life in other forms on other worlds.  You want to get out and help the hungry treecats and their kin.
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
3420607
Its been about a year since I read the first book because my reading list is very long. But coming back to book two and rejoining Myra, Al and Nev in their adventure was like meeting up with old friends. I think I enjoyed this book even more than the first book because I was already familiar with the characters and the rather strange quirks and turns the story takes. Again, I chuckled at the subtle humour in the writing, so drily mentioned, which I think is very clever.
Myra and friends embark upon a potentially dangerous and adventurous journey in order to find a gate through which they must pass to solve the riddle of making the trip. In embarking upon this perilous journey, Myra, Al and Nev finds friends and enemies both, some very surprising. I admit I had the vapours a bit when she eventually comes across someone who had been important to her in a previous existence and who now appears to be her enemy. I don't want to spoil the story for anyone  Im not one of those reviewers who seem to delight in telling potential readers what happens, thereby doing away with their need to read the book.
As to the conclusion; what they discover after theyve entered the gate is unexpected and really extremely clever. As a writer myself, I could identify with it. Again, I don't want to say more for spoiling it for others. This book is highly recommended.
2961200
Ishmael Wang is back in a story that it really about setting up where this series will go next.
Little action and lots of dialogue.  But I'm not complaining.  There is plenty of action elsewhere.
This return to the life of Captain Wang was most welcome.  It's almost like coming home again.
4865780
A welcome return to the Fortress series, wherein to combat an ancient enemy, a powerful but dying wizard has brought an ancient and magical Sihhe lord, Tristen,  to life.  But the Sihhe have long passed from the world, the human Marhanan line rules, having killed the last Sihhe king.  Tristen had befriended the Marhanan king in the previous books, and saw him to power, despite the past.  They defeated the sorcerous enemy together, but Tristen is distrusted by the humans, so he's withdrawn to his lonely, ancient fortress.  In the meantime, Cefwyn, the king, has his own worries.  One of his old enemies, a sorceress, had seduced him before revealing herself, and bore him a son, Elfwyn.  She is now imprisoned and the son is now 16 and stands on the cusp of good and evil.  Elfwyn wants to love his brother, Cefwyn's legitimate son.  He wants his father's love.  But his given name is the name of the hated, last Sihhe king who was killed by his father's ancestors, and his last name belongs to his traitorous mother.  At court, he's also distrusted by the Quinalt, the church of the province of the King.  A series of strange events start to occur, seeming to sabotage all Elfwyn touches.  He suspects the evil influence of his mother, but he's young and insecure and uncertain and it seems as if nothing he can do is right.  Evil seems about to break out once more into the world and whether Elfwyn aids it or thwarts it, us still to be told...  Lyrical and mysterious, the magic and power of this world is subtle and strange and the stuff of legends.  I continue to find the world and the characters compelling.
1580927
Caelihn starts off a little slow, I was having just a bit of trouble getting through the prelude. Though, once it kicked off, I was so happy to be back in Jenna's Otherworld. I am very eager to learn more of Robyn's origins and meet her family.
2679785
Oh the joy to be returned to the world of Tinker! A slightly harder read, you have to keep everything straight in your head because Wen throws a lot at you, but it is well worth the trip.
2853948
I really enjoyed the return to the underdark.  The politics, backstabbing, and twisted wold of the dark elves has intrigued me since the first time I visited with R.A. Salvatore.  I enjoyed the pace, character development was ok, even if the story felt a bit rushed and underdeveloped.  Definitely worth a read.
4721124
I love stepping into the mind of Ednah Walters and her crew of Valkryies, Reapers, Gods and Goddesses! Celestia is back in Midgard and Eirik is home searching high and low for his crazy granny. Shes the key to the whereabouts of his lost sister. Even though Celestia isn't aware, Eirik hasn't kept his distance from her like she demanded.  Shes trying to forget Eirik and move on with her life but its not that easy to do. Eiriks behavior and refusal to attend a party in his honor to help him select a mate causes Hel to send Echo after the one person she knows can influence Eirik, Celestia. Echo's not about to take no for an answer so she returns to Helheim. Meanwhile, someone is killing witches and Eirik is afraid Celestia could be next. She agrees to help Eirik find his granny and he promises to protect her at all cost. Its hard to protect someone when you don't know who the threat is.
2362734
It was good to get back to this series. New characters, such as a couple of the pirate captains, added to the story with a couple of twists. The ending was a surprise! I can't wait to see where the story goes from here. A good read.
3827058
Will of the Empress is the first book in The Circle Reforged series by Tamora Pierce, which brings our favorite four mages back together after years of traveling abroad.

Coming back to Emelan after years of travel, the four young mages can't move back into Discipline and just pick up where they left off. Too much has changed, and they aren't allowed to move back into their old home. So, buying a house in the city, they try to mesh their lives back together after so many years apart. Unsuccessfully.

Sandry, though, must visit her royal cousin in Namoran and view her holdings there. Her three foster-siblings go with her, at the request of the Duke, and they squabble like siblings for the whole trip. Except, this isn't just an easy trip north to view Sandry's lands and met her people. The Empress does not want her to leave, or her siblings.

Coming together might be the only way to save themselves from bondage and service to the Empire. But are the four willing to open up their minds to each other, like they did as children, and truly become one family again?
4108309
To revisit this series, starting at the beginning, after 40 some years...  Is going to be quite an adventure.
There is a lot some of the current crop of authors should learn from some of the ole coots.  The Travis McGee books are still holding their own.
I regret that some of the original books I bought so many years ago are no longer with us.  To replace them ain't gonna be cheap.  I think the journey will be worth it.
1393158
I loved this story. The relationship between Kricket and Kyon left me feeling conflicted and wanting more. I feel like the story hasn't ended and want to know what happens to Kricket next. I bought the audiobook and loved the narration. Since listening to this series I'm having a hard time listening to this narrator read other stories.
3986601
Not having read any Spawn for a long time, this was an interesting return to a much-loved series. It seems to start straight after Spawns crucifixion and involves his quest for revenge for the death of loved ones (trying not to give too much away!). God and his envoy, Mike, lead Al to his next destination and quest. Belial is after Al and will try to get to him any way that he can. Archangel Gabriel also appears.

Its well-written and engaging and ends on a bit of a cliffhanger so theres more to come. The artwork is worth a look and I look forward to reading more in the future.