I must start this review with the admission of not having read a classic fantasy tale for close to a decade. Obviously I don't claim, therefore, to be an expert judge of what makes a good fantasy novel, but with my plethora (make that a mountain) of recent books read and reviews written, I feel s...
Bridge of Souls will sadly forever be the book that 'turned me off fantasy'.Or so I thought upon finishing it. I was so utterly and completely jaded from the series as a whole, so disappointed by such a lacklustre finish to what had already been a 'maybe it will pick up again soon' journey that I...
Without Lazar's guiding hand and presence, the Stone Palace of Percheron has become a different place. Young Zar Boaz, mistrusting of his mother, Herezah, but too inexperienced to stand on his own, seeks counsel from the suddenly changed and secretive Vizier, who has a sinister agenda of his own....
If you've read the first book of the Quickening, Myrren's Gift, you would indefinitely proceed with reading Blood and Memory. The 2nd book of the Quickening definitely tests the capability of readers with withstanding the cruel tortures of innocents and near impression of the insignificance of hu...
‘Rafe!’ He dashed in from their verandah, looking concerned, although she noted he was dressed immaculately in a pale suit, his hair combed with precision, clean shaved and skin glowing as though he’d just stepped out of a movie. How had he achieved all of that soundlessly? &nbs...
It had only taken overnight for the city to turn glistening, crystalline snow to a sad grey sludge that had been swept into small drifts against buildings. People slipped and cursed while drivers took it slowly with their carriages for fear of the animals creating havoc if they fell prey to the i...
‘Look. What do you think’s going on up there?’Clovis gazed upward toward the battlements as a tiny bowl of what looked to be dust was upended. The dust caught the soft late summertide breeze and was borne away.‘I don’t know. You’re the one who can get into people’s heads,’ he grumbled.‘Ssh!’ Kiri...
She hadn’t spoken since the trammelling and everyone had wisely left her alone, even as they had tested the magic. ‘Protect me, Perl!’ Leo had commanded. She made no sound, didn’t even glance his way, but he nodded and beckoned to Reuth. ‘Now, Reuth. Come.’ Tentatively, then with more and more fo...
He wasn’t sure why he’d begun picking the pink, mauve and violet seaside daisies today but he’d been collecting a few of the pretty pink flowers of love when he’d heard a familiar caw. Looking up, he recognised the shape of his favourite friend. Friends were few these days—just a couple of people...
Tor was eager to begin their journey back to the Great Forest. There was no time to waste; he must find his children. ‘And so again, goodbye, Tor,’ Eryn said, squeezing his hand. ‘Cloot is beautiful.’ She smiled and whispered her next words. ‘I envy his time with you.’ Tor...
Denny Johnston was pissed off. A wrong-number phone call had dragged him from a rare and delicious dream in which he was a famous actor, surrounded by beautiful women. Just as the phone had rung, Denny had been handed a flute of champagne, and it had occurred to him that the bubbles in the glass ...
‘This is hard to hear, Max. You’ve been a very good son. No mother could have asked for more. But you need to accept it. She does.’Dr Klein had been their family doctor since Max was born and while always a friend, had become more like family these last three years during his mother’s illness. Th...
Horz had been immoveable but he could sense the anger and suspicion emanating from the young Zar nonetheless. It was not directed at Horz either. It was levelled quite obviously at himself. This meant he was not free from the Spur’s blood smears just yet. ‘I am an impetuous fool,’ he murmured to ...
He’d not realised how similar they were in height and looks. They could almost be brothers.‘Were your people from Prussia, Loewe?’‘Bavaria. But I don’t know where either of my parents were originally from.’‘Hitler would want you for one of his posters.’‘Then that must be true for you, too, Colone...
Cecilia had secured the broken leg as best she could and the young man was dosed on liquor, so for the moment he was sleepy. Cecilia had pressed a small silver flask into Jane’s cloak pocket. ‘A secret supply of brandy I brought for our journey,’ she’d whispered at Jane’s surprised look. ‘You’re ...
The auditorium had filled quickly with happy, chattering folk keen to see one of their favourite travelling ensembles. The acts changed regularly enough on its slow journey around the Kingdom but there were favourites, such as Caerys the Snake and Sword Swallower, who made his name with the famou...
When her head dresser had suggested the dark green gown — ‘because it sets off your eyes so beautifully, majesty’ — Florentyna had mumbled that she didn’t mind what she was attired in. The reality of having to face Darcelle with the news of their stepmother was now feeling like the heaviest of bu...
Finally the beasts stopped and lowered themselves, knees bending neatly into the sand. Warm golden grit was stirring in small angry eddies around the imposing fortress walls and Lazar was glad of the shield of his headdress. The sky had already begun to lighten and despite the precariousness of h...
He slammed the glass down on our father’s desk. ‘Welcome to my study,’ he said in a harsh tone laced with sarcasm and tied off with an ugly bow of anger. I weighed up my options. He wanted an argument. I could see that. We so rarely argued, this was...
His instincts told him it was that silent time just prior to dawn and very soon—probably in just minutes—the birds would give their first chirrups and slashes would appear across the sky as morning would begin yawning and stretching from her slumber. He tiptoed around the wagon he shared with his...
‘Why so soon?’ Tor kissed her softly. ‘I am expected back at the Palace for my duties.’ ‘You have duties here, physic.’ She pouted even more. ‘Cassandra, I’m ashamed for you.’ He continued to fasten the black glass buttons of his white collarless shirt which marked him as ...