“Arena” is the debut novel by Holly Jennings, another subscription pick by my bookstore. “Arena” sat on my bookshelf for several months after coming home from the bookstore. The opening blurb on the inside cover reads, “EVERY WEEK, KALI LING FIGHTS TO THE DEATH ON NATIONAL TV. SHE’S DIED HUNDREDS OF TIMES. AND IT NEVER GETS EASIER…..”. After it stops shouting, you are informed how she is part of a Virtual Gaming League, competing in the premier tournament of the season. “And though their weapons and […]
Sleeping Giants
Or more accurately titled, “When I fell off the CBR wagon”. When I posted my last review, I was behind where I had hoped to be in June but hopeful for being able to successfully complete my half cannonball. Then I stopped reviewing what I had read and shortly thereafter stopped reading anything else out of guilt for the review backlog. I’m sure other Cannonballers have been here before. So, here I am trying to get back on track and vainly recall details of books […]
There’s a sequel? Yes, please!
“A Gathering of Shadows” is the sequel to “A Darker Shade of Magic” by V.E. Schwab who is perhaps better known as the YA and Scholastic author Victoria Schwab. I was introduced to her by my favorite independent bookstore when it featured A Darker Shade of Magic as it’s speculative fiction pick of the month last year. Filled with energy, adventure and characters you come to feel for, ADSoM was one of my favorite books of 2015. The end wraps things up nicely and so I […]
In Conclusion, Greg van Eekhout is one to watch
Dragon Coast satisfyingly concludes the Daniel Blackland trilogy by Greg van Eekhout. Reviews for the first two books in the series are here for book 1 and here for book 2. This entire trilogy was a joy from start to finish and as a result I look forward to what Greg has to write in the future. With each book he added depth to his magic systems, detail to the world and gave his characters room to grow. While I certainly hope Daniel get’s a much deserved rest […]
Hold on to your pants! Zero World is a thrilling ride
Zero World by Jason M. Hough was a recommended pick by my favorite Independent Bookstore. My husband read it and said I would love it. Then geek goddess Felicia Day couldn’t praise it highly enough and I finally decided to give it a go. Once started, I couldn’t put it down. This book lives up to the buzz it has generated. In a not to distant future when relatively near space travel has become routine, Archon corporation has developed technology to create the perfect assassin. […]
A Satisfying Sequel
“Pacific Fire” is the follow up to Greg Van Eekhout’s amazing “California Bones” in the Daniel Blackland series. Just as tightly written as the first book, “Pacific Fire” jumps forward 10 years and the Southern California kingdom is in a state of barely contained chaos. Powerful magic users and factions squabble for control, while everyone looks over their shoulder wondering if Northern California or other powers might swoop in during this time of political upheaval. “California Bones” is a very personal story, this time around the scope […]