It wasn't bad. I liked the Scandinavian lore
595770
I'm liking Meljean Brook more and more.  This was obviously an older story before she mastered her world of steampumk.  It wasn't bad.  I liked the Scandinavian lore.  It took a long time to finish though.
1653283
** Free copy provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. **

This book wasn't bad in any sense. It just felt kind of lack-luster. I would advise readers not to judge it based on its title or cover, because it's really not a strict fantasy. It's got a lot of interesting sci-fi elements mixed in, and the world-building was by far my favorite part of the book. You can tell the author spent a load of time imagining this world and the societies in it.

Basically, the book centers around a young girl named Vic, who becomes the youngest Logkeeper in her village's history. It's her job to memorize the logs of the ancient ship that brought humanity to the planet, and then travel around the countryside and teach the meaning of the logs to children. At least this is what I understood to be happening. Apparently humanity began because this ship, Elesendar, was unable to make it to another planet. I might be butchering this, but it was kind of confusing. There are some who see Elesendar as a ship, and others who see it as a god (which was a cool touch), and then there are moments when the narrator mentions that Elesendar was setting (like a star or constellation) -- I really didn't know what to make of it.

Vic is kidnapped by pirates and sold into slavery - as the mistress of the "bad guy", Lornk, who is leading the war against a neighboring country. He traumatizes her emotionally, stripping her of who she was. This doesn't translate well to a memorable protagonist, because for the rest of the book she's looking to become who she was before and get vengeance. She felt hollow and not fleshed out, which was perhaps the point, but it didn't make it very palatable.

She eventually escapes and meets another royal family, is sent on walkabout in a forest in the middle of winter to learn her destiny, then joins the army, and... this is where I stopped because it was just too much. It felt aimless and disjointed for the majority of the book, with too many characters that weren't fleshed out, plot lines that would begin and end, hints at romance that went nowhere, and the change of scenery every other chapter was really hard to keep a grasp on.

Another odd quirk was the idea of "mindspeech", where certain civilizations spoke only through their mind. This had a weird effect of not meshing well with my imagination, because it was hard for me to picture Victoria speaking out loud while everyone else in the room spoke to her through their brains. It seemed awkward and kind of goofy.

I think I just wasn't the right person for this book. Again, it wasn't bad by any means, and aside from some odd quirks I thought it was interesting. I just couldn't connect with it at all.
4758524
I'd actually call this a 4.25. It wasn't perfect. I probably wouldn't have picked it up if I saw it in a bookshop - crime isn't really my thing! I was bought this as a present by my sister-in-law for christmas probably a couple of christmases ago.

I didn't immediately warm to the book either. I don't know if it's an effect of being translated from Swedish to English, or if it's a popular format for the genre - but it reads like it's written in present tense.

Having ploughed through the start, I actually found myself hooked. The setup is good, it's very good actually. Within a couple of chapters you've been presented with enough questions to want to know what is actually going on here - though perhaps not enough to really care about the characters. The Hypnotist is something of a whodunnit, a crime-thriller and a horror story. None of these are truly where it's strengths lie though. The couple who wrote this clearly have an intimate understanding of people, relationships and Scandinavian life. Though these are the backdrop for the story, they are actually the strongest part in my opinion.

While I was writing updates on this I often quoted similarities to Wallander, having finished the book I stand by what I said - it's like a particularly dark episode of Wallander. There's a certain degree of despair, of mystery and an atmosphere of coffee, cigarettes and awful weather. The main character is a flawed individual, Erik. He's a hypnotist who has stopped practicing for a specific reason and the unfolding of the mystery causes the reason for that to surface. He's a very human character too, he gets things wrong he has regrets, but at the same time he's always aspiring to put things right. When I wrote my 'Deathsworn Arc' fantasy series (plug over!).

I wanted to write flawed characters, characters who have depth and who are not perfect - even though they may at least claim to want to be. Erik to me is a very well written example of a flawed character. In some ways he steals the limelight from the real hero of the book - Joona. I can only assume Joona is supposed to be the hero as there are more 'Joona Lima' books. I would have liked to learn more about Joona, I might even buy some more of these books - but not right now.

The reason I was almost relieved to have finished this book was because it was so dark in it's theme. I don't think it would affect younger readers who don't have children and don't find themselves imagining the stuff in here as viscerally. The author(s) describe vividly the cold, dark, stark reality of motive-less evil. Of madness, maladies of the human mind causing people to commit attrocities that are almost too horrible to want to imagine. In this context 'The Hypnotist' reads a little like a very good 'Stephen King' at least in places.

I would say all in all, this book was too dark for me. The most horrific aspects of the story spoiled my enjoyment in the same way the vividly described rape scene in The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett did.

By the same standard as much as I was desperate for Williams untimely demise (And Alfred's) in Pillars, near the end I was desperate for someone to put a bullet in the head of the main villain of this book.

The authors here paint the villains as being evil for a reason, almost blameless and it's unsettling, perhaps because it's too realistic. It's a stark reminder of the dark, screwed up world we all live in. Great writing, great story, a little bit too dark for my tastes though. If I read it two decades ago when I'd been 'into' Stephen King I think I'd have enjoyed it more.
185349
It's a cute little story, but it wasn't my thing.  I grew up in the area, so that's why I was interested and I really did enjoy the historical elements.  Very cool.  If it appeals to you, don't hesitate and BUY IT.  It just wasn't for me, but I think it's OK.
1809042
It's all right.  The main character development was good, but I would have appreciated more on some of the other characters that were important to the story.
2531581
I became familiar with Mr. Mahnke's work through his excellent "Lore" podcast. I really enjoy the podcast so I thought I'd give one of his books a read. I'd say it was pretty good overall but it was by no means a perfect book. *SPOILERS* I really enjoyed that for once the discovery of supernatural powers wasn't a hackey metaphor for puberty. I'm not a writer but the writing felt a little stilted, and unlike the "Lore" I never felt like it never settled into a good narrative rhythm. That being said I'm invested enough that I'll pick up the sequel he seems to be setting up.
4165744
I liked it.  The interplay between two people each seeking the throne was interesting.  The education and redemption of Thor put a new slant on an old story.
2766474
I shouldnt be surprised, several reviews warned me not to expect Tolkien. I didn't hate it, and think it was a good effort, so much gay fantasy is mediocre, this tried something different. I read the whole thing, so I guess it held my attention right?
45376
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review from Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Born in Blood has a world divided by freaks and norms.  Those with special gifts live in Valhalla where they are kept safe by their Sentinels.  Human authority grudgingly use the services of what they call freaks when they either suspect magical involvement or they are having difficulty solving a case with the basic human skills.  Most of the occupants in Valhalla contain abilities ranging from psychics, to diviners (those that can read the last thoughts of a dead persons soul before it leaves) and some have superior strength and the ability to transport themselves and others at a thought.  Besides the special skill of the bad guy, I am sure there were others at Valhalla, they are just slipping my mind.

I have to say I had that problem with most of Born in Blood.  I could not connect with the protagonists and the romance seemed to lack a fire I was looking for.  I just couldn't understand that if they were hot after each other for ages before this case, that they chose this time to actually do something about it.  At the beginning, Duncan seems almost ambivalent to Cassies presence despite the few mentions of how good she looks.  I don't know when the switch was flipped that he didn't care about her being a freak and was willing to pursue a relationship, but it happened at some point that I missed and their relationship turned into an all-consuming thing.  It was all-consuming for them, but I just didn't feel the fire.  Cassie felt weak to me, not the normal kick-ass heroine I normally look for when they are involved in solving violent crimes.  I don't want to seem picky, but it bothered me that in the book Cassie has short, spiky hair but the cover model has long.

Most books have a bad guy that in some way wants to destroy something then control everything.  Im fine with that.  But for some reason when the bad guy repeatedly states that he wants to rule the world, I hear that cartoon Pinky and the Brain where he also claims that.  He definitely was a cold, calculating villian.  His plan was a really good one.  I did enjoy his accomplice.  She was definitely an interesting character and I would have loved to see what more she could do and spend more time with her.

I felt that Born in Blood was a really light paranormal, and I didn't feel sucked in and invested in the story.  It was just an ok read for me.
110321
So, I really liked the first perch Jackson series. I even enjoyed the Roman version because it felt a little more grown up. Now that we are on Norse mythology the formula is losing some of its initial magic. I dated this book higher than I should have, but I liked the ending so it grew in me by the end. However, the immature humor and other things that are the style for these books i didn't appreciate as much this time around. Still not sure if I will give the rest of the series a go. It's only a trilogy this time, but I took my time getting through this book and if wasn't because I was trying to make it last,
4687871
The story was ok. It wasn't the best but i do like the diferent tweeks to the vampire lore. Either way I will finish the series and id recommend it to anyone who like vampire/magic /supernatural stuff.
907377
There were a few different, but major, story threads that to me just didn't meld together.  I do not recall any particular irregularities in spelling and grammar and I think the author is on the right track.  The writing wasn't bad.  That said, I will read number two and on because I just cannot stand the thought of not knowing where it ends up.
1348054
To be fair, a love story wrapped in Norse fantasy is not my thing.  I am interested in Norse mythology however and that was the draw.  The writing is ok.  The plot is ok.  I suspect if violent fantasy and romance are two genres that appeal to you it will be a satisfying read.  For someone who is more partial to realism and classic literature, I just could not become absorbed by this Norse fantasy romance.
3903594
I liked it.  The base idea isn't new at all (small percentage of the population with special 'gifts' and the larger 'normal' population fearful, etc.) but I thought the author did a good job of letting that stay in the background while focusing on the characters.
4546733
When I read any book, I appreciate it for the craftsmanship that went into creating it, along with the story itself. In that regard, it's a good book. But I had a lot of trouble clicking with the main character.

If you've read the blurb/reviews/description, you'll already know that Viking Warrior (book 1 of The Strongbow Saga) is an work of historical fiction - set in the times when Vikings plundered the coast of Britain & Ireland taking slaves and riches home to their longhouses. The main character, Halfdan, tells the story in past tense. It's his journey from the bastard son/slave of a Viking chieftain to a freeman and warrior. Nice concept, reasonably well written.

But...

Maybe I'm spoiled for choice, but I found many of the characters lacked that personal touch. Not sure how to explain it... there were too few descriptions about raised eyebrows and facial expression that help to bring a character to life. I think the author may have gotten a little lost in the side stories too. There were long detailed descriptions of battles across the seas's and his mothers background story. I love a little background detail...but it detracted from Halfdan's story, from his point of view.

It was a little impersonal for my liking - for example, at one point, Halfdan's mother tells us how she came to live in this distant, heathen land....but I didn't pick up on the emotion. There were no hands shaking with nerves or distant looks as she envisioned scenes from long ago or sad smiles for her son during that story. Just the facts and Halfdan's shocked reception of them.

I wanted to know more about the land itself too - I wanted descriptions about the sounds and scents of the forrest, about how the smell of cooking venison made tummies rumble & mouths salivate, about the feel of warm summer winds in the sails or sea spray in the hair. I don't even remember what colour the water of the fjord is.

Maybe I'm being unfair. I wanted more history in my historical fiction.... I wanted to come away knowing more about the culture and way of life. Religious beliefs and customs were skimmed over - mentioned but not really explained.

On a brighter note...

It's not all bad. It's an interesting read in it's own right (I'm probably comparing it to some others I've read recently). There's plenty of bloodshed. There's a hint of romance. For the younger readers, it's a great introduction into a fascinating culture - all the facts are there along with the action. In fact, those action/battle scenes are when the author - Judson Roberts - really comes alive. Those are the scenes that have the most page turning, pulling power - those are the pages that are historically detailed and fictionally funtasic..

Overall - I've got to give it three stars. I know I've been a hard arse and this review is a little damning... it's only my opinion! See that button up there ^^^ Right up the top?? Click on it, read your sample and judge for yourself.

Happy reading everyone. xx
2591892
It was good but not great like the medieval novels. I like the setting and the language better in those.
2456037
I'm far past middle school, same for middle age, but I am a fan of Thor. Thank you Marvel comics.  Rich in mythology and the quest adventure, it isn't the worst book I've read.  I can spot most writing that isn't smooth and I had no problem reading this one.  I liked the development of the characters. It's hard enough being a teenager anywhere, but very much so in the town of Blackwell.  The kids handle their problems pretty well.  I too am looking forward to the next volume - Odin's Ravens out in May 2014.