“Tangled Webs” by Anne Bishop
This is the 6th novel set in the Black Jewels Universe. It is set after the events in Queen of the Darkness and Dreams Made Flesh. When Surreal SaDiablo receives an invitation from Jaenelle Angelline, her Queen, she rushes to the spooky house. Rainier and Surreal enter the house together along with a group of landen and half-blood children. Once they cross the threshold, the trap is sprung, and the game turns deadly.
I enjoyed reading about Surreal SaDiablo, a secondary, yet important, character in the previous books. This story gave her some dimension and character growth as she struggles to protect herself and Rainier Overall, another excellent book by Anne Bishop.
“The Shadow Queen” by Anne Bishop
This is the 7th book in the Black Jewels Universe. It takes place after the events in Tangled Webs, however it can be read out of order. In Tereille, Theran Grayhaven is the last Warlord Prince of his name. He can trace his ancestry back to Jared and Lena (from The Invisible Ring). Out of desperation, he travels to Kaeller to ask that a Queen be sent to Dena Nehele to help restore the blood and the old ways of living. Jaenelle Angeline sends Lady Cassidy, a rose jeweled Queen to serve for one year. Gray, Theran’s cousin, was tortured during the last Queen’s rule and was left damaged. When he meets Lady Cassidy, he is instantly drawn to her, knowing that he “belongs” to her. Theran chafes against Lady Cassidy and is alarmed at Gray’s behavior.
I enjoyed reading a novel set in the Black Jewels Universe that revolved around a different set of characters. The novel gave me a greater understanding of the Universe. It was well written and featured a nice push/pull dynamic between the characters. Overall, highly recommended.
“Shalador’s Lady” by Anne Bishop
This is the 8th book in the Black Jewels Universe and is a sequel to The Shadow Queen. Lady Cassidy has agreed to serve in Dena Nehele as Queen for a year. She has run into opposition from Theran, and found fierce supporters from the other members of her camp. After Theran brings her enemy into his house, Cassidy and the rest of the court relocate to the Shallador camps. There she finds reluctant hope, as the people dream of a better future.
I enjoyed this novel as both a sequel to The Shadow Queen and as a novel set in the Black Jewels Universe. Anne Bishop continues to deliver hit after hit. I look forward to reading the next set of books set within this universe. Overall, highly recommended.
“Twilight’s Dawn” by Anne Bishop
This is a collection of short stories set in the Black Jewels Universe. The events take place after events in The Queen of the Darkness. I found the stories to be very satisfying and well developed. I particularly enjoyed Shades of Honor. Overall, 5 out of 5 stars.
“The Queen’s Bargain” by Anne Bishop
This novel is set in the Black Jewel’s universe after the events in Twilight’s Dawn. In Ebon Rih, Lucivar’s unofficial daughter is caught up in the blush of first love. Lord Dillon has moved from town to town after a series of disreputable relationships. When he decides to pursue Jillian, he is shocked and dismayed to find himself facing the Warlord Prince. Daemon SaDiablo and Surreal’s marriage begins to crumble. Trying to leash his nature, cracks begin forming in Daemon’s mind.
It was interesting to get to know these characters outside of their day-to-day relationship with witch. I thought the build-up of tension between Daemon and Surreal was masterfully done. The push and pull in their relationship was full of tensions. Jilian and Dillon’s story was interesting, in the fact that it showed more of the relationship dynamics and courting process within the universe. Overall, highly recommended.
“The Queen’s Weapons” by Anne Bishop
This is the 11th book set in the Black Jewel’s Universe. This novel is set in the events after The Queen’s Bargain. Daemonar has begun to assume the role of warlord prince, protecting his younger sister, and trying to leach his cousin’s adventurous ideas. When his sister is emotionally hurt from someone she once called friend, Daemonar begins his tutelage under Witch. Joining his sister and cousin at school, Daemonar slowly becomes aware of a taint in the blood, one developing among the younger witches, those who see witch as merely a myth and legend.
I enjoyed this novel immensely. It was extremely gratifying to read about the younger characters as they slowly came into their own. Admittedly, some of their choices were heartbreaking. Overall, highly recommended.
“The Queen’s Price” by Anne Bishop
This is the 12th novel in the Black Jewels Trilogy. This novel takes place after the events in The Queen’s Weapons. Daemon SaDiablo has opened the Hall up to teenage blood as a school. With strict rules, and consequences, he does his best to step into his father’s shoes.
I enjoyed the training school element. It tied the story back to the original trilogy, when the young queens and princes circled Jaenelle. The book was slow at times, I wish the secondary characters had been more developed and flushed out. Saetien’s storyline finally came together, and finally made sense. Overall, a nice conclusion to books 10, 11, and 12.
Black Jewels Trilogy (Book 1-3) by Anne Bishop
This review spans the first three books in the Black Jewels Series - Daughter of the Blood, Heir to the Shadow, and Queen of the Darkness.
Saeten SaDiablo, Daemon SaDiablo, and Lucivar Yaslana have spent a lifetime waiting for the living myth, dreams made flesh - a queen that they could be proud to serve. The book opens with a Black Widow witch prophesying the Queen’s arrival. 700 years later, Jaenelle Angelline enters their lives. Jaenelle’s birth family are blind to who she is, believing that she is an emotionally damaged and eccentric child. The consequences of her family’s choices are devastating, and long reaching.
I read these books when they first came out in the late 90’s. I was captivated then, just as I am now. The male characters are some of the most dark and erotic I have ever read. The feral energy and strain to contain it adds a dimension of tension to the plot. Anne Bishop is an amazing world builder and storyteller. I look forward to reading the rest of the books in this series
“The Invisible Ring” by Anne Bishop
This is a novel in the Black Jewels series by Anne Bishop. The story is set before The Daughter of the Blood. The novel follows Jared, a red-jeweled warlord prince bound as a pleasure slave. After unwittingly killing the last Queen he served, he is at the slave auctions, destined for a slow death. When the Gray Lady buys his contract, he is instantly terrified by the lady's reputation. None who crosses to her lands has ever returned. Instead of taking a coach to her lands, they are waylaid, forced to travel overland. Along the way, he rediscovers himself and uncovers a multitude of secrets.
While I love this world, and the glimpses of Daemon SaDiablo, the story itself wasn’t very compelling. The entire novel was one big chase scene, which is not to my taste. Despite this criticism the characters were dynamic and well formed. Overall 4 out of 5 stars.
“Dreams Made Flesh” by Anne Bishop
This is a series of short-stories set in the Black Jewels universe by Anne Bishop. The stories cover a long period of time, starting with the creation of the blood and the first weaver of dreams. My favorite story of the bunch revolves around Lucivar Yaslana, and his romance with Marian. This story is both fun and flirty as Luciver figures out how to let go and love again. Overall, a well rounded collection of stories that add nicely to the universe!
"Murder of Crows" by Anne Bishop
The sequel to "Written in Red" this story continues the adventure of Meg Corbyn, a blood prophet. When her skin is cut she experiences a glimpse of the future. When the others are attacked by humans, two new drugs are to blame.
Overall, I thought this book was much better than the first. It moved at a quicker pace and seemed to have more of a purpose. Although I am still disappointed in the series, I will continue to read anything Anne Bishop writes.
"Written in Red" by Anne Bishop
Meg, a blood prophet, sees the future when her skin is cut. Escaping from confinement, where her gift was sold for profit, Meg finds her way to the Courtyard, a haven for the others. The others are shape shifters, a race hugely feared by humans.
Anne Bishop is my favorite author but I have to admit that I was disappointed with this book. It seems like she keeps using the same helpless but uniquely powerful type of female lead and the same overprotective male characters who are inexplicably drawn to the female. The story itself moved slowly and seemed to go nowhere.
"Throne of Glass" by Sarah Maas
The well-known and well-feared assassin Celaena, has spent the past year in hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier. She manages to survive this death camp until the day when Prince Dorian offers her freedom in exchange for entering into a competition to be the King's champion. She is brought to the palace, given a fake identity and begins to compete in a variety of challenges.
I thought the premise of the book was interesting, and overall I enjoyed the author's writing style. However, I do have a few criticism. I was a bit annoyed by the fact that this is the first book in the series, yet there is an unusual amount of information that the author hasn't given us, and provides to us in e-book novellas. Although a lot of her background was mentioned, not enough detail was provided to make the issues clear. I also found myself a bit annoyed by the contradictions within Celaena's personality.
"The Voice: An Ephemera Novella" By Anne Bishop
Whenever someone is having a rough day, feels sorrow, or is upset, they bake a cake and bring it to the mute orphan girl called "the Voice." As a child, Nalah follows the villagers lead and bakes cakes for the Voice. As she grows older she begins to question this practice, wondering what affect it is having on the Voice.
I typically avoid novellas and short stories, but Anne Bishop is my favorite author, so I couldn't resist. I wasn't disappointed. I love her unique story telling flair and the emotion she puts into her characters. I think this novella works well as a stand-alone story. You do not have to read the Sebastian books to enjoy this novella. Overall, I highly recommend this (and anything else Anne Bishop has written.)
"Sebastian" by Anne Bishop
Long ago the world was splintered into a variety of landscapes. Landscapers are able to pull these different areas together and maintain the balance. Bridges are able to connect the pieces of earth. However, beware, one's heart determines where you land and you cannot travel to a landscape that doesn't resonate with your heart. Sebastian, a half-wizard half succubus lives in the Den, a landscape created by the rogue landscaper Belladonna. When strange things begin happening in the Den Sebastian asks the wizards for help.
This book is very well written. It is engaging, the characters are fascinating and the world building is ingenious. Anne Bishop is my favorite author and I highly enjoyed this book. I look forward to more in this series.
"Belladonna" by Anne Bishop
The eater of the world has killed most of the landscapers and bridges, leaving the world unstable and subject to the whims of human desire. Belladonna, a rogue landscaper may be the only one who can save Ephemera and prevent the darker side of the human heart from taking over.
This is the second time I've read this book and it was much better than I remembered. Anne Bishop is a wonderful story teller. Her characters are fascinating and lovable. Overall, this book was a home run.
"Bridge of Dreams" by Anne Bishop
Lee is having a hard time accepting the new Belladonna and her compatriots. He tries to get some distance from his sister but ends up in the city of Vision. Wizards capture Lee and slowly destroy his eye site. After they have finished abusing him, they put him in an insane asylum.
It was very interesting to see a new Ephemera landscape. It also served to further develop the relationship between Lee, his sister and characters introduced in the previous two books. Overall, I thought this book was well written and hope that the author writes another in this series.
"Shadowfell" by Juliet Marillier
After Neryn's father gambles her away, the boat he is on is set on fire by the king's enforcers. They are looking to capture anyone with magic and either destroy them or bring them to the King. Neryn has an uncanny gift, the ability to see the Good Folk, even when they are trying to hide. After her father's death she sets off for Shadowfell, a legendary town where she hopes to find help.
I really wanted to like this book, but after awhile I became bored with it. Neryn spends much of the first part traveling by herself, which quickly became tedious. It was hard to like Neryn, she seemed a bit generic and one-dimensional. I did think the good folk were interesting, but not interesting enough to hold the story together. Overall, I would have a tough time recommending this book.
"Daughter of the Blood" by Anne Bishop
"Daughter of the Blood" shows a corrupt society, which has twisted the notion that women rule and men serve. Rather than service being a soft leash, it is pain, torture and humiliation. Dorothea, the High Priestess, has conducted a campaign to brutalize female children before they can come into their power and destroy and maim strong men. Foreseen by a black widow is a Queen who will rule the Blood and reverse the damage that has been done. Jaenelle is born to a powerful family, but one who believes she is crazed and tainted.
I have to admit right away that this is my favorite book series and Anne Bishop is my favorite author. This is probably the dozenth time I've read this book, and it was just as good as the first. The characters and their interaction are fascinating and the magic system is interesting. I loved the interaction between the three realms and as always, look forward to (re)reading the next book.
"Gate to Kandrith" by Luiken Nicole
Sarathena, a wealthy pampered noblewoman has been given the mission of discovering the secret of slave magic. Sara is immediately glad to get away from potential suitors, the burden of being polite and social and the nature of city life. However, she finds herself on the journey with Lance, a former slave who rescued Sara from an amorous lover. As one of the members of Kandrith, or Slaveland, Lance knows the secret of magic but is wary of Sara's motives.
I found this to be a delightfully refreshing novel. I thought the magic system was brilliant and the characters well developed. I think anyone who enjoys fantasy books will find this one hard to put down. Overall, highly recommended.
"Grave Mercy" by Robin LaFevers
Born after her mother took poison to induce a miscarriage, Ismae has a terrible scar running down her side. Touted as a daughter to Saint Mortain, the god of death, she is an outcast among townspeople. At a young age her father sells her into an arranged marriage. Once her husband sees her scars he runs off to find the village priest. Ismae is secreted away by a local wise woman and sent to the convent of St. Mortain. There she is given a choice, a choice to learn the ways of death and become an assassin. One of her first assignments takes her straight to the court of Brittany, where she must uncover traitors and meet out St. Mortain's justice.
I highly enjoyed this book. I found myself not wanting to put it down. The characters were well developed and the plot line moved swiftly. I did thought the traitor was a bit easy for the reader to discover, but that didn't take too much away from the plot. I would have liked to have read more about her training period, but the author skipped over most of that time period. Overall, I would like to read the next book in the series and plan on closely following this author.
"Promising Light" by Emily Ann Ward
Grace, a lady of the court has been secretly courting Dar for six months. After Dar abruptly ends their courtship, Prince William takes an interest in Grace and begins courting her. Although Grace realizes that something is off, she doesn't uncover their secrets until she is kidnapped by Dar's family. Ten years ago a curse was placed against the magical race of shape changers, and they are unable to have children. However, based upon a prophecy, they believe that Grace will be able to break the curse. Unsure, Grace is torn between the world she knows and helping Dar's family.
Overall I thought that the book was well written. The characters were engaging and realistic. I did think that the theme of "chase, capture, escape" happened way too many times. I stopped counting when I got to five. Towards the end of the book characters were added and I felt that they weren't as flushed out as ones introduced at the beginning of the story. However, despite these problems, the book was interesting and I found myself not wanting to put it down. I am interested to read future books by the author and see how she progresses with her storytelling.
"Teacher Plus Two" by Valentina Heart
Heart has created a futuristic universe where humans are valued based upon their sexual expertise. Teacher status is the highest that a human can achieve, and with it comes notoriety, fame and prestige. Orrin, on the cusp of Teacher status, is kidnapped and forced to teach slaves.
I have to admit that I am a bit confused over whether this is an adult book or a young adult book. The writing style seemed as if the intended audience was young adults however the subject matter said a completely different thing. I found the plot line interesting, but the world building was a bit too simplistic. The characters seemed a bit flat and anyone who wasn't a main character was pretty stereotypical. Overall, I'm not sure whether or not I liked this book.
"The Black God's War" by Moses Siregar
A ten year war brews between King Vieri and the Pawelon kingdom. When Caio, his son and the kingdom's messiah, comes of age, he is given control of their armies. His sister, Lucia is haunted by the Black God, who waits to see Lucia confront an impossible decision. I found this book hard to read. Although the plot was interesting, the characters seemed flat and stereotypical and I had a hard time becoming invested in them. I am interested to see how this author develops in the future.
"Snuff" by Terry Pratchett
Lady Sybil has finally convinced her husband Sam Vimes to take a vacation away from the city of Ankh-Morpork. Completely unnerved by the country, Vimes begins to uncover crime everywhere he turns. The book also tackles the issue of class and social hierarchy as it deals with goblins, a race considered less than human. Overall, I thought that this book wasn't as good as the other Guard series. The continual mention of poo and snot seemed to be overkill and took the book into a potty-humor category. I will still pick up the next Guard book, but with less enthusiasm.
"Naamah's Blessing" by Jacquelyn Carey
This is the third book in the Naamah series by Jacquelyn Carey. This one begins with Moirin returning to Terre d'Ange and finding the royal family in shambles. Queen Jehanne has died, King Daniel is wracked with grief and unable to rule, Prince Thierry has disappeared to the new world and Desiree is desperately lonely and strives for attention and love. Moirin attempts to solve everyone’s problems, but ends up on a journey to the New World.
I highly enjoyed this book. It was much more interesting than the third book and the plot seemed to move rather swiftly. The characters were once again engaging and full of life. Although parts of the story did echo the story lines from Kushiel, I found it to be well worth reading.
"The Clock King and the Queen of the Hourglass" by Vera Nazarian
Far into the future, the earth is a barren desert where few have survived. Human kind has evolved into an emotionless, passionless group who are no longer able to procreate in the traditional manner. Using DNA from ancient humans, Liaei is created to be the Queen of the Hourglass. As Queen, once she reaches a fertile age she is taken to meet the Clock King, a man preserved and periodically reawaken to provide new genetic material for humankind.
Overall, I found this book to be a bit odd. Not bad, just odd. I thought the book was well written and the characters well-developed. The plot was not very appealing to me, but I think science-fiction fans would find the book to be fascinating.
"Dancing in the Shadows of Love" by Judy Croome
Lulu, Jamila and Zahra are three very different women whose lives are somewhat entwined. The story takes place on a world much like our own, however the author has invented her own terms and phrases. I found the writing style to be odd and hard to follow. I kept having to refer back to the glossary, which was a huge downfall. Overall, I did not enjoy this book.
"The Inheritance" by Robin Hobb and Megan Lindholm
I have always been a fan of Robin Hobbs, but had never read any of her Megan Lindholm stories. After reading this collection of short stories that will soon change! From science fiction to fantasy, this book had it all. I highly enjoyed the stories and would love to read more.
"Shades of Magic" by K. D. Wilson
Edgar is a typical young adult, he has no idea what he wants to do with his life however, he knows he doesn't want to be a farmer. When he has the opportunity to travel with his uncle, and master magician Magnus, he jumps at the opportunity. Adelaide is apprenticed to an herbalist in a world where women are not allowed to use magic. Half-way through the story, the reader discovers that magic is fading. In order to fix magic, Edgar, Magnus, Adelaide and Hesita, the herbalist, travel on a journey to recover a vitality shard.
Half of the book past before the plot line actually started. Once the characters discovered that magic was failing, they undertook an extremely simple journey to solve the problem. The dangers and encounters of the journey were extremely simplistic and very easy to overcome. Overall, I thought this book was a bust.
"Shifting Fate" by Alexis Leno
When the royal family of Alii is targeted by a rival, Brynn find herself trying to alter the predestined future to save the world she knows. I'm not really sure what to say about this book. The writing wasn't great, but it wasn't awful. The story-line and characters was fairly stereotypical, although some of their actions were absurd and highly unusually. For example, after finding out her life is in danger, the princess goes to an inn with a complete stranger because she is tired, rather than going back to the castle to sleep. When Brynn is targeted by Shifters, the resulting magical power seems to be something straight out of X-men. Overall, I was fairly disappointed with this book, but I found myself finishing it, just to see what absurdities the characters did next.
“Twilight’s Dawn” by Anne Bishop
Anne Bishop is by far my favorite author. I was so excited when I found out she was writing another book about the SaDiablo family, and I was not disappointed. My only regret is that there weren’t more stories to read and enjoy. If you have never picked up any of her books, I highly recommend the Dark Jewels Trilogy and its companion books.
“The Decoy Princess” by Dawn Cook
Princess Contessa learns that she is actually a street urchin, raised as a decoy to protect the real princess. Amidst assassination attempts and the castle’s takeover, Contessa fights for her family and kingdom. The characters are well-developed and have a unique voice of their own. Well written, this is an intriguing story one that I highly recommend to fantasy readers of all types.
“Princess at Sea” by Dawn Cook
The sequel to The Decoy Princess finds Tessa fighting to free Princess Contessa from the pirates who have kidnapped her. Although well-written, there is a bit of discontinuity between this book and the last. Despite this, I really enjoyed the book. Overall, I rate it a four out of five.
“Naamah’s Curse”by Jacqueline Carey
Jacqueline Carey’s newest book, “Naamah’s Curse” continues the journey of Moirin as she searches for her love, Bao. She finds him amongst the Tartars, and discovers that he has married a Tartar princess. They conspire to win an archery contest, whereby Moirin will ask the Tartar Khan to dissolve Bao’s marriage. Instead, the Khan sells Moirin to the Vralians. Held in magical chains, Moirin is deprived of the magic she has come to rely upon. The Vralians attempt to convert Moirin to their religion but she ultimately escapes to once again chase after Bao.
Moirin’s story takes a myriad of turns as she endlessly tries to reunite with Bao. Lacking the spark of earlier books, the characters seem stereotypical and one dimensional. The romance is lack luster and a bit predictable. Characters fall in and out of Moirin’s story, at precisely the perfect time to rescue her from another foible. Moirin is not the strong versatile heroine of Carey’s prior books.
Despite the predictability and lack of character development, Carey’s writing style continues to engage the reader as she vividly describes the world and its variety of cultures. Although not a home-run, I will pick up the next book in the series, if only to find out what Carey creates next.
“The Spirit Lens: A Novel of the Collegia Magica” Carol Berg
Portier de Savin-Duplais is a failed student of magic, in a world where magic is fading and scorned. A distant cousin to the King, he is called upon to investigate a failed assassination attempt on the King’s life, which is wrapped up in magic. The King saddles him with his brother-in-law, Ilario, a frivolous court decoration, or so it seems. Portier immediately seeks the aid of a mage, Dante, one who is outside of the typical magic circles.
More a mystery novel than a fantasy novel, the book takes expected turns as its “heroes” attempt to uncover the would-be murderer. Stereotypical characters lead to a luke-warm plot, where the mystery can be guessed long before it is actually revealed. Rated 3 out of 5.