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Firefly: Coup De Grace by Una McCormack

I'm not even going to attempt to be unbiased on this one. I loved it. Was it a great book? No, but the subject material makes it a five star, can't put it down book for me. I find it wonderful to have more stories from this universe, with characters I know and enjoy.

#firefly #una mccormack #coup de grace #serenity #mal reynolds

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Masters & Mages By Miles Cameron

My second straight adventure into the writing of Miles Cameron. The first comparison that comes to mind is my previous read by Miles, The Traitor Son Cycle, but not because of the similarities, but for the differences.  Traitor Son had several POV characters throughout, while this series was almost entirely from a single point of view, that of the main character, Aranthur.  

Traitor Son Cycle also seemed like everything put into the book was important.  Most of the characters were reoccurring, where as in Masters and Mages it seemed like some characters were introduced and while they may have seemed important for a chapter or two, often faded into obscurity shortly later.

The main character is Aranthur, a  farm boy with some inherent magical power, selected to attend the local mage school.  Aranthur is from a part of the world, and a member of a community that most people of the civilized world consider barbarous. He’s not the best student, not the smartest, and not the most magically gifted.  He just seems to have the talent to end up at the wrong place at the right time and get mixed up in the biggest trouble the land has possibly ever known. 

Aranthur’s upbringing, his magical prowess, and his skill with a blade draws easy comparison to Tavi from Jim Butcher’s Codex Alera series. Aranthur also reminds me of several characters from L.E. Modesitt’s Saga of Recluce.  An overwhelming number of the main characters from Recluce seem to be under achieving young adult males, with some sort of craftsmanship skill, better than average combat skills, and growing magical power.  Most of the characters share Aranthur’s modesty and self doubt.

The time Aranthur spends at the academy reminds me of parts of The Kingkiller Chronicles and to a lesser extent, The Magicians and Harry Potter.  

Overall, a solid read.  I actually wish it were longer, and look forward to reading more Miles Cameron Fantasy writing in the future

#Miles Cameron #Masters & Mages #Cold Iron #Dark Forge #Bright Steel

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The Traitor Son Cycle by Miles Cameron

This is my first time reading Miles Cameron, who I’ve since learned is just a pen name used by Christian Cameron when he writes Fantasy Stories.  Quick internet sleuthing reveals Christian specializes in Historical Fiction and a lot of his experience from that genre bleeds into his first attempt at Fantasy in The Traitor Son Cycle.

Holy cow are there a lot of names and places to learn and remember in these five books.  Luckily for the most part they are reoccurring and it shouldn’t take an over abundance of brains to keep the majority of them sorted.  The series’ main story line follows The Red Knight, a relatively unknown mercenary captain, and his rise to power, fame, and renown.  

Damn, could these books get grim at times.  It seemed like outside of a core handful of characters, nobody was safe.  Death could lurk around any corner for every character, which was only natural when the stakes grow so high.

This series resonated greatly with me.  I found myself quoting several characters at the most random times while at work.  Even though the progression seemed slow at a few points the author avoided making it the norm throughout the series. I think all fantasy readers will at least find something to like in these books.  I will most definitely check out more Miles Cameron writing, “Mark My Words”

#Miles Cameron #The Traitor Son Cycle #The Red Knight #The Fell Sword #The Dread Wyrm #Plague Of Swords #The Fall Of Dragons

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Codex Alera by Jim Butcher

I’ve been a big fan of Jim Butcher’s writing for years and years, but up until now have only read his Dresden Files series.  It was time for me to jump head first into more of his writing.  

A little backstory on this series; Jim was bet that he couldn’t write a good story based off a lame idea.  Jim upped the ante when he countered that he could do just that, but based off two lame ideas chosen by the challenger.  The ideas ended up being “The Lost Roman Legion” and “Pokemon”.

Is it precisely based off the idea of The Lost Roman Legion?  Inconclusive....but  the Roman inspiration is not only evident, but on prominent display.  Much of the story is also military based, however my previous knowledge on the Lost Roman Legion is too insufficient to say yes or no.

Throughout the setting and landscape that this story is part of roam “Furies”.  My initial interpretation of their description more closely resembled Elemental creatures similar to those you’d find in Dungeons and Dragons or other fantasy style games. At the same time, the appearance of these wild forces in nature, and the populations ability to harness their power and abilities was very much reminiscent of Pokemon. 

The story was good pushing into great at times, I enjoyed the variety of characters and races that made up the world.   The story line centers around Tavi, a lowly shepard living on the edge of wilderness, and showcases his rise to power and fame through the politics of Alera.

Jim Butcher exceeded my expectations with this series. 

#Jim Butcher #Furies of Calderon #Academ's Fury #Cursor's Fury #Captain's Fury #Princeps' Fury #First Lord's Fury

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All New Firefly: Big Damn Finale

(I used a variant cover as the thumbnail as to try and avoid spoilers for anyone who hasn’t read it)

I absolutely love the Firefly Universe.  Not just the TV show and the movie.  I’ve read all the comics and graphic novels.  I’ve read all the novels as well.  I’ve even tracked down the script for a missing unaired episode, along with the original extended, uncut, movie script.  Even the novelization of the Serenity movie, adds bits and pieces to the lore.

Suffice it to say, I get after Firefly content like a kid devouring candy on Halloween night.  Well, sometimes you can get sick that way.  This story left me gutted.  Was it enjoyable? Yes.  I recommend everyone who likes Firefly to read it, but be warned, it’s not for the faint of heart.

#Firefly #All New Firefly #Big Damn Finale #Big Damn Heroes

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The Demon Cycle by Peter V. Brett

The Warded Man

The Desert Spear

The Daylight War

The Skull Throne

The Core

This series had me hooked from the beginning.  The first book opens with a long POV section of the series main character.  Two other main characters are introduced in the same way throughout the first installment.  This series is set in a post apocalyptic Earth-like world where most modern technology has been lost and evil creatures rise from the ground at sun fall to prey on humanity.  Humans repel these creatures with powerful sigils painted on the doorways and posts of their sanctuaries, but have long forgotten the wards needed to fight back. Basically with each book, the author adds in another POV main character that expands the context of the history, setting and conflict of this saga.  I was weary of this tactic at first, but was completely won over by the third book.  My favorite character was Abban, a merchant from the desert city of Krasia.  I enjoyed how important he was to the story despite being a lowly merchant who’s first priority was his own wealth.

#The Demon Cycle #The Warded Man #The Desert Spear #The Daylight War #The Skull Throne #The Core #Peter V. Brett

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The Song Of The Shattered Sands by Bradley P. Beaulieu

I liked a lot of things about this series.  The Kings of Sharakhai intrigued me.  The main character was interesting. The setting was mysterious.  “The Amber City the jewel of the Shangazi Desert”.  This book had bad guys that might not be bad guys.  It had good guys that might not be good guys.  Family trees more interconnected than modern families.  It had Elder Gods, Younger Gods, characters with God like powers.  It had blood mages, magical academies, and plenty of deceptive “Men or Women behind the Curtain”.  The idea of sailing the desert like an ocean was amazing to me.  I’m not sure if this is actually done or not but, man, do I hope it is now.  However my favorite part of these six books was a seldom used character named Ibrahim The Storyteller.  I could read six books solely about this character alone.

#Bradley P. Beaulieu #The Song Of The Shattered Sands #Twelve Kings In Sharakhai #With Blood Upon The Sand #A Veil Of Spears #Beneath The Twisted Trees #When Jackals Storm The Walls #A Desert Torn Asunder

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Risen by Benedict Jacka

The final installment in the Alex Verus series and what a conclusion it was.  There were times reading this when I had no idea how the author would manage to wrap the all the story lines in this book, but he did it.  It was great, but at the same time deeply saddening.  Bittersweet.  I have nothing but love for this series, but I will greatly miss this world and its characters.

#Risen #Alex Verus #Benedict Jacka

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The Stone In The Skull and The Red-Stained Wings by Elizabeth Bear

My first attempt at reading Elizabeth Bear.  From the book jacket I learned she is married to one of my all time favorite authors Scott Lynch.  And I think that’s really cool

Books One and Two of The Lotus Kingdoms series.  A veteran warrior called The Dead Man and a hulking automaton known as The Gage are introduced right away and make this a must read for me.  Unfortunately I didn’t find the story all that grasping.  I read through the first book just waiting to get back to the Dead Man and The Gage POV chapters.  The second book I thought was much more engaging, but never fully grabbed my attention.  I just did not find the authors writing style to my liking.  She was overly descriptive which I thought took away from the story.  I honestly felt like these two books probably could have been combined into one volume with some fluff removed.  That’s just my opinion however.  I encourage everyone to read and make their own judgements.

When I find the third volume, I will gladly read it.  I would like to see this series through.

#Elizabeth bear #The stone in the skull #The red-stained wings #The Lotus Kingdoms

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The Age Of Madness by Joe Abercrombie.

I have previously read all the books in the First Law World and also the Shattered Sea trilogy by Joe Abercrombie and thoroughly enjoyed them all. I was not disappointed at all with the newest trilogy.

Set approximately a couple decades after the events in the First Law Trilogy these books brought everything you’d expect from Joe Abercrombie and several things that you never could have guessed at.

Scott Lynch and Patrick Rothfuss are among my favorite authors.  The Black Company by Glen Cook are some of my all time favorite books.  I’m a huge sucker for Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files and Benedict Jacka’s Alex Verus novels, but these three books might just be the best written trio of books I have ever read.

Bravo Joe Abercrombie, bravo.  Leaving just enough crumbs to drive me crazy until the next offering in this world.

#Joe Abercrombie #The Age Of Madness #A Little Hatred #The Trouble With Peace #The Wisdom Of Crowd #The First Law

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Kate Daniels by Ilona Andrews

Very happy to have read this series.  It just kept getting better as it progressed.  I loved the whole tech vs magic sides of this universe.  I personally could have done without the whole will they won’t they relationship aspect of this series, but I’m sure that was appealing to some.  My favorite part of this book was probably how there was a Big Bad for a lot of this series, that kind of was but at the same time wasn’t the Big Bad Guy.  It reminded me a lot of how complex family relationships are and can be.  Biggest drawback for me was how later on in the series, at least once per book, for a few minutes this series would be indistinguishable from a graphic romance novel.  Not something I personally look for or expect when reading Fantasy novels, but it was certainly present here.

Highly recommended.  It’s not Dresden, and it’s not Verus, but Kate Daniels isn’t far behind. 

#Ilona andrews #Kate Daniels #urban Fantasy

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Gamma Flight #03

Eugene Judd, A.K.A Puck has long been one of my favorites.  In several comics over the past few years he’s gone on in detail about his past.  He does it once again in this book.

“My name is Eugene Judd, and I was transformed.  When I was a boy, I wanted adventure, and I set out to look for it.  To see all there was to see in the world.  I’ve fought in Spain and in Space. I’ve hunted Gods and caged demons.  I’ve been a wanted criminal and Canada’s National Hero.  I’ve lived and I’ve died.  I’ve seen Hell and the hell below that.  A life like mine... it changes a man.  And I’ll admit-- there are times, even now, when I think I’ve been every place there is to go. This isn’t one of those times, eh?”

Puck made my day just like he did with his diatribes in the One-Shot Alpha Flight: True North and in Immortal Hulk #11 

#Eugene Judd #puck #Gamma Flight #Alpha Flight #Immortal Hulk

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The Dagger and The Coin by Daniel Abraham

Loved this series. Jumped right into it after finishing Abraham’s previous series The Long Price Quartet.  The things I enjoyed about this series greatly outweighed the things that I disliked.  Marcus Wester and Master Kit were probably my favorites.  Plots on plots and deception on top of deception, this series kept me hooked.

#Daniel Abraham #Dagger and the coin #The Dragon's Path #The King's Blood #The Tyrant's Law #The Widow's House #The Spider's War

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The Dragon’s Path by Daniel Abraham

Been reading through this one and found a great little excerpt from Marcus Wester on the subject of love.

“I’ve loved a lot of people, and the word hasn’t meant the same thing twice”

#The Dragon's path #The Dagger and The Coin #Daniel Abraham #Marcus Wester #love

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The Long Price Quartet by Daniel Abraham

I decided to start this year off with some Daniel Abraham.  I wanted to go right into The Dagger and The Coin series, but felt it would be just to start with his older series first. 

The first book was decent, but did confuse me from time to time.  Luckily the following three books were all much better.  One of the things I enjoyed was that Daniel Abraham was not afraid to write flawed characters.

Each book takes place roughly a decade to a decade and a half after the previous.  A decision I think help progress the series without an excess of tedium.

No regrets in reading these books.

#Daniel Abraham #A Shadow in Summer #A Betrayal In Winter #An Autumn War #The Price Of Spring #The Long Price Quartet

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Watch How I Soar 

A new original graphic novel from Boom Studios based in the Firefly universe, focusing on the life of Wash. 

What a great book this was.  I’ve been a sucker for anything Firefly for over a decade, and this book did not disappoint.

My one criticism is that the last story should have ended with another page where Wash gets woken up by the crew during the events of the movie.

#Boom Studios #Firefly #joss whedon #hoban washburne #wash #I am a leaf on the wind #watch how I soar

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“Everyone thinks that hate and love are somehow opposite forces, they are not. They are the same force, facing opposite directions. Love is a fire, my knight, love turned the wrong way has killed as many as hate. Reason, young wizard, is the opposite of hate, not love.” - Mab

#Jim Butcher #Battle Ground #The Dresden Files #Harry Dresden #Queen Mab #Love