Light Bringer (Red Rising Saga, #6) by Pierce Brown

Light Bringer (Red Rising Saga, #6) by Pierce Brown

Darrow continues the fight against the Society in Light Bringer, the sixth entry in the Red Rising Saga.

The last book focused on the war in the Core especially around Mercury. This book takes readers out to “the Rim” and examines what is going on in the deeper parts of space.

“Cut off from communication with the outside world, I have no way of knowing the course of the war I began. No way of knowing if Virginia and Victra have managed to weather the united power of the Golds of the Rim and the Core.” pg 3, ebook.

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As usual, I loved Pierce Brown’s characters and pacing. His stories always seem to progress at a good clip and, after thousands of pages, I’m still invested in what is going on.

In this book, unlike the last, I feel like there were more light hearted moments. Dark Age, the previous book in the series, certainly lived up to its name.

“I have seen things a Red miner was never meant to see – unspeakable horrors, impossible beauty.” pg 6, ebook

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That being said, as this series continues forward, I think Brown has killed off so many beloved characters that it is going to be hard for me to continue to care what happens. I felt the same way about Game of Thrones after a few books.

He’s introduced a few new characters whom I love, Lyria being the top of that list. But he couldn’t possibly replace some of the names- that I won’t list here because spoilers.

“I just think you’re a good man and you have a huge heart and I don’t think people say that enough.” pg 465, ebook

I’m curious what other readers of the series think. Overall, I think this is a masterful work of fantasy and I can’t wait for the last book which should be epic. Highly recommended for fantasy readers.

Thanks for reading!

The Daughters of Ys by M.T. Anderson, Jo Rioux (illustrator)

The Daughters of Ys by M.T. Anderson, Jo Rioux (illustrator)

The Daughters of Ys opens with a father relating a story to his daughters. The story concerns the magical way he met his wife and their future mother on a dark stormy night in the middle of the sea. From there, the two carve a city from the sea and begin a new life.

But now, their mother is dead and, the king and his daughters (Rozenn and Dahut) have to figure out their lives and how to run their magical kingdom, Ys, without her.

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In this coming-of-age tale, secrets run in every direction. The discovery of what those secrets are make this story fascinating.

Magic and living comes with a cost is one of the many lessons that could be learned from this fairy tale.

I loved the illustrations by Jo Rioux and feel like they really elevated the story. She uses mostly muted colors to weave shadows and magic throughout the tale. The brightest colors are reserved for Dahut, the younger and more magically inclined daughter.

I think this book is appropriate for young adults. There are some mature themes that are dealt with, but they’re not explicit. Highly recommended.

Thanks for reading!

Children of Time (Children of Time, #1) by Adrian Tchaikovsky

Children of Time (Children of Time, #1) by Adrian Tchaikovsky

“And then the great bulk of the Gilgamesh is drawing close, at the end of its long deceleration, its ailing thrusters fighting to slow it to the point where the momentum of a dive past the planet will mesh with the reaching gravity and bring the ark ship into orbit.” pg 536, ebook

In Children of Time, humanity has poisoned Earth and needs to find a new home. An ark ship, the Gilgamesh, carries a cargo of sleeping humans as they search for a fresh planet to colonize.

In an earlier era, a scientist was working on elevating other species through an evolutionary vaccine. When her project goes awry, she does her best to salvage the situation, but not even she can predict what is going to happen next with her virus on an alien planet.

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This story is told from a few different perspectives. Readers get to enjoy the story of the human colonists, the ancient scientist, and the species that is changed by her virus- the spiders.

The brilliance of this book is the spider portion of the story. I was amazed at how Adrian Tchaikovsky was able to make spiders relatable. (Not a huge fan myself, though not phobic.)

“For now they can only cling to their webs, as the extended senses their technology gives them track the approach of the end.” pg 536, ebook

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I was cheering for the spiders as they struggled and evolve throughout the tale.

That’s not to say the human portions are lacking, they are also fascinating to follow.

How would humanity fare, being many light years away from home and knowing that they have no fixed destination in mind? How long would a space ship hold together with millennia of use? I thought Tchaikovsky’s story nailed the problems that would arise in such a situation.

The ending of Children of Time is fantastic and definitely worth the build up to it. I don’t want to say too much here beyond that because I don’t want to ruin someone else’s enjoyment of such a great science fiction tale. Highly recommended.

Thanks for reading!

Black Orchid by Neil Gaiman (Author), Dave McKean (Illustrator)

Black Orchid by Neil Gaiman (Author), Dave McKean (Illustrator)

Shadowy art elevates this superhero graphic novel written by the incomparable Neil Gaiman.

Susan Linden is a crime fighter named the Black Orchid. In the first pages of the story, she is killed by gangsters. She spends the rest of the book trying to remember who she is and why she has extraordinary abilities- including reincarnation.

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The graphic novel brings in numerous heroes from the DC universe including Batman, Poison Ivy, and Lex Luthor. It was fun to read those interactions.

The overall feel of the story is very dark which makes the bright, almost electric purple of the Black Orchid panels stick out so much. Black Orchid and the other flower women are nude and it is handled tastefully throughout.

Here’s the Black Orchid and a friend from the graphic novel:

Before this graphic novel, I had never even heard of Black Orchid. This story makes a great introduction, but it doesn’t go fully into her abilities- some are still a mystery.

At first, I thought it didn’t fit the character that Black Orchid could fly because I associate plants with earth and being tied into the ground. However, in the supplemental materials at the back of the book, it explained that plants can change their density. Then, that particular superhero ability made more sense to me.

This isn’t a story for kids. I’d recommend it for readers 18+ because of the violence and some disturbing dialogue.

Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism by Amanda Montell

Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism by Amanda Montell

In Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism, author Amanda Montell examines groups, companies and individuals, and the way they use language to build communities, sometimes for harmless purposes and other times for more sinister.

“We need a more versatile way to talk about communities that are cult-like in one way or another but not necessarily connected to the supernatural. Which is why I like the word “cultish.” pg 39, ebook

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Before I read this book, I believed language was powerful. Montell showed me I had no idea about the life and death reality that carefully constructed words can have over people.

“Year after year, we ask: What makes people join cults like Jonestown and Heaven’s Gate? … Here’s where the answer starts: Using systematic techniques of conversation, conditioning, and coercion, with language as their ultimate power tool, Jones and Applewhite were able to inflict unforgettable violence on their followers without personally laying a finger on them.” pg 77, ebook

And the people affected by this language are not just vulnerable people, which is what some folks believe about the others who join cults. The targets of cultish organizations can be just like you and me.

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“A common belief is that cult indoctrinators look for individuals who have ‘psychological problems’ because they are easier to deceive. But former cult recruiters say their ideal candidates were actually good-natured, service-minded, and sharp.” pg 96, ebook

It was rather scary thinking about how anyone might become prey to a cultish organization.

It was also eye-opening to see how common place this is as Montell talks about so many different organizations. There’s fitness groups, multi-level marketing groups, spiritual and new age groups, as well as more religious organizations. Once you know the tricks of language that are commonly used, you see this type of manipulation almost everywhere.

“A cult is like porn: You know it when you hear it.” pg 219, ebook

I picked up this read for my local book club- it wasn’t something that I would have necessarily chosen on my own. There’s plenty to talk about in here, from the different groups to the various types of language techniques they use.

After awhile, all of Montell’s examples begin to feel repetitive, which wasn’t that fun to read. Still, I’d recommend this book if you’re interested in cults or cultish language.

Thanks for reading!

The Kingdom of Liars (The Legacy of the Mercenary Kings, #1) by Nick Martell

The Kingdom of Liars (The Legacy of the Mercenary Kings, #1) by Nick Martell

Michael Kingman carries a brand on his neck because of his father. Years ago, David Kingman, Michael’s dad, was accused of murdering the prince. His family was thrown out of court and have lived in disgrace ever since.

However, Michael believes in his father’s innocence and will do almost anything to prove it. When an opportunity comes his way to right the record, Michael takes it, but will he survive?

“It had been a sh*tty life at times, but it had been mine, and it had always been easier with friends and family at my side. Now someone always seemed to be pulling my strings.” pg 259

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The world of The Kingdom of Liars is rich with magic users of various kinds, the moon falling from the sky, and warring factions within the city. The author, Nick Martell, explains very little of it. I lost my patience with the new elements after awhile.

I don’t mind complex worlds and characters, I just wanted a bit more background. The story races ahead without it.

“I wasn’t a noble, or a thief, or a con man, but I wasn’t some common citizen either. I was Michael… Michael Kingman.” pg 573

I didn’t mind the personality of the main character, Michael, though he often flounders in the past and failed plans at times. I think that someone who grew up the way he did would have a huge chip on his shoulder and that definitely comes through in the story.

Overall, I’d recommend the book for readers who like epic fantasy with a slow burn. Readers do receive the answers to most of their questions, though it takes awhile to get there.

Thanks for reading!

Dream Yoga: Illuminating Your Life Through Lucid Dreaming and the Tibetan Yogas of Sleep by Andrew Holecek

Dream Yoga: Illuminating Your Life Through Lucid Dreaming and the Tibetan Yogas of Sleep by Andrew Holecek

“Just as my experience joined day and night, this book will continue the theme of unity as I join the wisdom of the East with the knowledge of the West in an attempt to bring this wonderous world of the night into the crisp light of day.” pg 17, ebook

Andrew Holecek utilizes techniques from both the Western traditions and Eastern Buddhist traditions in this book about how to lucid dream.

“This book is like a tour into your innermost self.” pg 24

It’s been awhile since I read a non-fiction book about dreaming. Years ago I read: A Field Guide to Lucid Dreaming: Mastering the Art of Oneironautics, which introduced me to practices that assist the dreamer in becoming lucid.

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Some of those appear in this book like doing dream checks where you jump up and down and if you float that obviously means you’re dreaming.

I’ve had mild success with those techniques. But because of my prior reading, the most interesting parts of this book were the Eastern techniques which I’d never been exposed to.

“In this book we’re going to talk about how to strengthen the world of dreaming as a way to weaken the world of daily appearance, so that worldly things don’t have as much power over us.” pg 33, ebook

In addition to meditations and visualizations into lucid dreaming, Holecek shares some practices that can be done while dying. I thought that was fascinating.

I haven’t had much success with either the Western or Eastern practices… yet. I’m hopeful that progress will come in time. Holecek suggests using techniques for weeks before going on to something else, which gives you time to master whatever you’re trying.

So, we’ll see. Until then, friends, happy dreaming!

The Part About the Dragon Was (Mostly) True (Heloise the Bard, #1) by Sean Gibson 

The Part About the Dragon Was (Mostly) True (Heloise the Bard, #1) by Sean Gibson 

“The raging beast had no doubt that some foolhardy adventurers would soon come calling in the hope of righting this terrible wrong, but it would be ready.” pg 6, ebook

The Part About the Dragon was (Mostly) True is a fun and, at times, ridiculous romp through a fantasy world.

A band of adventurers is hired by a village (town!) to rid them of their dragon problem. Heloise the Bard is along for the ride, to tell their story so that they will live on in glory.

The tale she tells, which is written alongside the events as they actually happened, has very little relation to the other story. Sometimes the differences are hysterical.

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The songs we sing in taverns are the best bits of a story, but they’re not the whole story. pg 26, ebook

This book has been compared to those written by Terry Pratchett, which I would agree with. The bits that are written as asides in the story would be footnotes in the Pratchett books, but they feel very similar.

Another author I would compare Sean Gibson to is Nicholas Eames, who wrote Kings of the Wyld. It is another humorous fantasy tale that feels, in some ways, similar to this book. I would say The Part About the Dragon was (Mostly) True is raunchier, which some readers may love.

“There’s a saying amongst adventurers: it’s not a quest until you’re covered in snizzard pee and have sh*t on your knees.” pg 37, ebook

That being said, sometimes I felt like Gibson took the gags a step or two too far. But that could just be me.

Highly recommended for readers who love fantasy and adventure stories.

Also, thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance reader copy of this story. I apologize that I only got around to reading it now. It’s excellent.

The Goblin Emperor (The Goblin Emperor, #1) by Katherine Addison

The Goblin Emperor (The Goblin Emperor, #1) by Katherine Addison

After an unexpected tragedy, Maia, the youngest son of the emperor, takes his throne. He grew up far from the court and has no idea who anyone is or how he should behave.

While trying to piece together the proper etiquette, he also has to be aware of those who want to depose him for their own various reasons.

Will Maia survive to become the emperor he is destined to be?

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“The Elflands have been ruled by the family Drazh for more than two thousand years, although it must be confessed that the continuity of this dynasty is in some ways a politic fiction due to strategic adoptions by the emperors of their chosen heirs.” pg 11, ebook

Adding to his woes, Maia’s mother was a goblin and he little resembles the court he rules over. This is another hurdle he has to overcome and it threatens his sense of belonging at every turn.

The genius of The Goblin Emperor is in the world Katherine Addison has created. She has crafted a multi-layered system of address and factions for her fictional realm.

That being said, sometimes these intricacies get in the way of the story. I found myself tripping over unfamiliar words and occasionally forgetting who was who in the crowded court of the Goblin Emperor.

I enjoyed Maia’s efforts to embrace his heritage and his struggles to rule over his realm. Most of the action of this book takes place in meetings, which were interesting for the greater part of the book.

Recommended for fantasy readers who enjoy mammoth world building and a slow burning plot.