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Futility of Defense
Bryan Cole
2024 Finalist
605 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Delene Vrey for Readers' Favorite
Futility of Defense is the second book in the epic sword and sorcery series The Paladin's Journey by Bryan Cole. The series follows the exploits of Krell, a paladin of the god ReckNor, and his band of warriors under contract to protect the harbor town of Watford. Watford has become the target of sea devils that attack during storms and kill indiscriminately. This time, Krell has to face a giant and a basilisk and reanimate his killed friends. Again. Consequences from the past bring death and destruction to Watford as a demon wants to destroy Krell. If dealing with these things is not enough, Krell has to navigate human life and relationships, which sometimes seem more difficult than fighting monsters.
In this second installment of The Paladin's Journey, Cole has taken time to flesh out the characters. As more background is given regarding Verbena, Dahlia, and Sheana, Krell develops both in his magic and hand-to-hand combat skills, his view of the world, and his role as a Paladin of ReckNor. We also learn more about the political background of the region and see how much Krell knows about achieving peace by winning a war that no one realized was being fought. Once again, the book has immersive world-building and great characters driving the story. Character and plot development brings a new angle to the story while staying true to the characters and plot from the first installment. The book covers various themes that include gender violence, making hard choices, and understanding that you have to deal with consequences.
Futility of Defense is the second book in the epic sword and sorcery series The Paladin's Journey by Bryan Cole. The series follows the exploits of Krell, a paladin of the god ReckNor, and his band of warriors under contract to protect the harbor town of Watford. Watford has become the target of sea devils that attack during storms and kill indiscriminately. This time, Krell has to face a giant and a basilisk and reanimate his killed friends. Again. Consequences from the past bring death and destruction to Watford as a demon wants to destroy Krell. If dealing with these things is not enough, Krell has to navigate human life and relationships, which sometimes seem more difficult than fighting monsters.
In this second installment of The Paladin's Journey, Cole has taken time to flesh out the characters. As more background is given regarding Verbena, Dahlia, and Sheana, Krell develops both in his magic and hand-to-hand combat skills, his view of the world, and his role as a Paladin of ReckNor. We also learn more about the political background of the region and see how much Krell knows about achieving peace by winning a war that no one realized was being fought. Once again, the book has immersive world-building and great characters driving the story. Character and plot development brings a new angle to the story while staying true to the characters and plot from the first installment. The book covers various themes that include gender violence, making hard choices, and understanding that you have to deal with consequences.
Recommend this book:
The Yawning Gap
Book One of The Wanderers Cycle
C.V. Vobh
2024 Honorable Mention
422 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Yawning Gap is a work of fiction in the epic fantasy, action, and adventure subgenres, and forms the first novel of The Wanderers Cycle book series. It is best suited for mature teen and adult readers owing to the presence of moderate fantasy violence. In this fantastic opening to a powerful new fantasy series penned by author C.V. Vobh, we follow the exploits of Cor as he discovers a way to break past the invisible boundaries separating his small village from countless other locations in a ruined world. Aligning his mission with fellow wanderers able to join his quest, Cor will uncover the truth about the damage that this fragmentation is doing to the wider world.
Author C.V. Vobh has a fantastic central concept for this epic fantasy series which really holds the plot together and offers a superb blank canvas for our heroes to go out and explore with full abandon. This makes for exciting reading as you can never be sure what isolated corner of this blighted world they’ll uncover next, and I, for one, was impressed by the diverse descriptive work in building the atmosphere, culture, history, and ideas around so many different locales. The character development is fantastic, too, as Cor and his fellow wanderers are exposed to people and places unlike anything they know and begin to grow as people as a result. Overall, readers seeking an accomplished fantasy work with wonderful worldbuilding, great characters, and a fresh, unique plot will certainly enjoy The Yawning Gap, and I can’t wait to see what more this exciting series holds in the future.
The Yawning Gap is a work of fiction in the epic fantasy, action, and adventure subgenres, and forms the first novel of The Wanderers Cycle book series. It is best suited for mature teen and adult readers owing to the presence of moderate fantasy violence. In this fantastic opening to a powerful new fantasy series penned by author C.V. Vobh, we follow the exploits of Cor as he discovers a way to break past the invisible boundaries separating his small village from countless other locations in a ruined world. Aligning his mission with fellow wanderers able to join his quest, Cor will uncover the truth about the damage that this fragmentation is doing to the wider world.
Author C.V. Vobh has a fantastic central concept for this epic fantasy series which really holds the plot together and offers a superb blank canvas for our heroes to go out and explore with full abandon. This makes for exciting reading as you can never be sure what isolated corner of this blighted world they’ll uncover next, and I, for one, was impressed by the diverse descriptive work in building the atmosphere, culture, history, and ideas around so many different locales. The character development is fantastic, too, as Cor and his fellow wanderers are exposed to people and places unlike anything they know and begin to grow as people as a result. Overall, readers seeking an accomplished fantasy work with wonderful worldbuilding, great characters, and a fresh, unique plot will certainly enjoy The Yawning Gap, and I can’t wait to see what more this exciting series holds in the future.
Recommend this book:
Cursed King
Blood and Kisses
Danielle Paquette-Harvey
2024 Silver Medal
324 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Stephanie Chapman for Readers' Favorite
Danielle Paquette-Harvey’s Cursed King romantic fantasy features several characters who depend on each region’s representation by the United Races Committee. Nathan is the king of Ichoryilla and the only known hybrid who is half vampire and half werewolf. However, Nathan has been unable to connect with his werewolf side and relies on Emerald, his human vassal, to provide him with blood every day to avoid bloodlust. He has chosen to marry Samantha, a vampiress he has grown fond of. Meanwhile, King Erendriel’s grand wizard is investigating the dwindling magic of the elves. Elaine is alarmed when she receives a report of a Milonblooder that has been seen in the Elven Kingdom. On the day of King Nathan’s wedding, an assassin attacks Nathan and mortally wounds him with a poisoned knife. Emerald leads him through a hidden passage to escape from Caleb. Angry, Caleb will not give up his pursuit until he fulfills his contract.
Danielle Paquette-Harvey gave the views of many characters. The transition between each character was easy to follow, with each section labeled with the character's point of view. The suspense was built from the start by introducing each character and a personal challenge they faced. For Nathan, his hybrid bloodline was considered a possible disadvantage. He valued humans on the same level as vampires, which wasn’t always supported by his subjects. I liked Caleb’s character because he was direct and efficient with attacks. The details of each job he performed were vivid. The exceptional descriptions of the scenes made it easy to envision the surroundings. A major twist caught me off-guard and made the plot unpredictable as it added more complicated obstacles. The ending was a cliffhanger that made me eager to read the sequel. Cursed King will appeal to fantasy readers who like seeing how each character views the same event.
Danielle Paquette-Harvey’s Cursed King romantic fantasy features several characters who depend on each region’s representation by the United Races Committee. Nathan is the king of Ichoryilla and the only known hybrid who is half vampire and half werewolf. However, Nathan has been unable to connect with his werewolf side and relies on Emerald, his human vassal, to provide him with blood every day to avoid bloodlust. He has chosen to marry Samantha, a vampiress he has grown fond of. Meanwhile, King Erendriel’s grand wizard is investigating the dwindling magic of the elves. Elaine is alarmed when she receives a report of a Milonblooder that has been seen in the Elven Kingdom. On the day of King Nathan’s wedding, an assassin attacks Nathan and mortally wounds him with a poisoned knife. Emerald leads him through a hidden passage to escape from Caleb. Angry, Caleb will not give up his pursuit until he fulfills his contract.
Danielle Paquette-Harvey gave the views of many characters. The transition between each character was easy to follow, with each section labeled with the character's point of view. The suspense was built from the start by introducing each character and a personal challenge they faced. For Nathan, his hybrid bloodline was considered a possible disadvantage. He valued humans on the same level as vampires, which wasn’t always supported by his subjects. I liked Caleb’s character because he was direct and efficient with attacks. The details of each job he performed were vivid. The exceptional descriptions of the scenes made it easy to envision the surroundings. A major twist caught me off-guard and made the plot unpredictable as it added more complicated obstacles. The ending was a cliffhanger that made me eager to read the sequel. Cursed King will appeal to fantasy readers who like seeing how each character views the same event.
Recommend this book:
Dead Weight
Magic, Mayhem, and the Law in Precinct #153, Book 1
G.P. Robbins
2024 Gold Medal
550 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Lexie Fox for Readers' Favorite
Dead Weight is a work of fiction in the fantasy and paranormal genres. It is suitable for mature audiences and was penned by G.P. Robbins. This is a gripping and imaginative urban fantasy crime thriller that takes readers on a rollercoaster ride through the supernatural streets of Cauldron City where magical creatures coexist alongside humans and darkness lurks around every corner. The novel introduces us to the newly promoted Detective Jace Smithson, whose life quickly spirals into chaos as he investigates a series of gruesome murders and the kidnapping of a unicorn capable of creating diamonds.
Dead Weight explores themes of justice, belief, and the harsh realities of a city where magic and crime intersect whilst still allowing moments of joy and laughter along the way. One of the novel's strengths is its well-developed characters, especially Jace Smithson. As the protagonist, Jace is a multi-faceted character with a blend of vulnerability, determination, and relateability which we see as he's forced to confront his own beliefs and navigate the city's dark complexities. At first glance, the story may seem like a typical crime mystery, with greed and violence at its core; however, G.P. Robbins skillfully weaves a complex and layered narrative, adding humor and the paranormal into the mix. This unique blend of urban fantasy and crime drama adds a fresh and intriguing dimension to the story. Dead Weight is a page-turner that combines supernatural elements with a gritty detective story. G.P. Robbins' use of wit, vivid world-building, and compelling storytelling make this novel a must-read for fans of urban fantasy and crime fiction alike.
Dead Weight is a work of fiction in the fantasy and paranormal genres. It is suitable for mature audiences and was penned by G.P. Robbins. This is a gripping and imaginative urban fantasy crime thriller that takes readers on a rollercoaster ride through the supernatural streets of Cauldron City where magical creatures coexist alongside humans and darkness lurks around every corner. The novel introduces us to the newly promoted Detective Jace Smithson, whose life quickly spirals into chaos as he investigates a series of gruesome murders and the kidnapping of a unicorn capable of creating diamonds.
Dead Weight explores themes of justice, belief, and the harsh realities of a city where magic and crime intersect whilst still allowing moments of joy and laughter along the way. One of the novel's strengths is its well-developed characters, especially Jace Smithson. As the protagonist, Jace is a multi-faceted character with a blend of vulnerability, determination, and relateability which we see as he's forced to confront his own beliefs and navigate the city's dark complexities. At first glance, the story may seem like a typical crime mystery, with greed and violence at its core; however, G.P. Robbins skillfully weaves a complex and layered narrative, adding humor and the paranormal into the mix. This unique blend of urban fantasy and crime drama adds a fresh and intriguing dimension to the story. Dead Weight is a page-turner that combines supernatural elements with a gritty detective story. G.P. Robbins' use of wit, vivid world-building, and compelling storytelling make this novel a must-read for fans of urban fantasy and crime fiction alike.
Recommend this book:
Curse of the Fallen
Fallen Light
H.C. Newell
2023 Finalist
398 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Stephanie Chapman for Readers' Favorite
H.C. Newell’s Curse of the Fallen features Neer’s quest to rid herself of a curse placed on her by the Order of Saro’s High Priest. The curse prevents Neer from using her magical abilities without alerting the mercenaries to her location. Neer is accompanied by Loryk and Gil as she searches for the arun, an artifact that could break the curse. After Neer manages to teleport with her friends to Vleland, they enter a magical cave. She learns that to use the arun, she must go through the Trials of Fire. Gil is unable to go with Neer, but Loryk refuses to part from her. As they travel, they encounter Klaud, an elf who is also going to the trials. They journey together, meeting people who are on the hunt for invading elves and magic wielders. Loryk's abilities as a bard prove to be far more valuable than anyone anticipated.
H.C. Newell exceeded my expectations with this epic fantasy. Every page is filled with vivid depictions of the characters and their surroundings. I felt like I was walking with the travelers. Neer’s determination and compassion are unrivaled by her companions. Klaud’s intentions were admirable but he is self-centered. Loryk was brave to stay with Neer, especially since he didn’t have any magical abilities and was an average person. This made his character relatable as he voiced his fears and attempted to prevent Neer’s emotions from misguiding her. Neer's point of view, in my opinion, focused on her emotional pain. The cliffhanger ending was completely unpredictable and left me desperate to read the sequel. The Curse of the Fallen is highly recommended to readers who enjoy fantasy stories with intrigue and well-developed characters.
H.C. Newell’s Curse of the Fallen features Neer’s quest to rid herself of a curse placed on her by the Order of Saro’s High Priest. The curse prevents Neer from using her magical abilities without alerting the mercenaries to her location. Neer is accompanied by Loryk and Gil as she searches for the arun, an artifact that could break the curse. After Neer manages to teleport with her friends to Vleland, they enter a magical cave. She learns that to use the arun, she must go through the Trials of Fire. Gil is unable to go with Neer, but Loryk refuses to part from her. As they travel, they encounter Klaud, an elf who is also going to the trials. They journey together, meeting people who are on the hunt for invading elves and magic wielders. Loryk's abilities as a bard prove to be far more valuable than anyone anticipated.
H.C. Newell exceeded my expectations with this epic fantasy. Every page is filled with vivid depictions of the characters and their surroundings. I felt like I was walking with the travelers. Neer’s determination and compassion are unrivaled by her companions. Klaud’s intentions were admirable but he is self-centered. Loryk was brave to stay with Neer, especially since he didn’t have any magical abilities and was an average person. This made his character relatable as he voiced his fears and attempted to prevent Neer’s emotions from misguiding her. Neer's point of view, in my opinion, focused on her emotional pain. The cliffhanger ending was completely unpredictable and left me desperate to read the sequel. The Curse of the Fallen is highly recommended to readers who enjoy fantasy stories with intrigue and well-developed characters.
Recommend this book:
Children of Alpheios
Diana Fedorak
2023 Honorable Mention
438 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite
Children of Alpheios by Diana Fedorak raises thought-provoking questions about genetics. Welcome to Alpheios, a genetically engineered colony. Like most mothers, twenty-one-year-old Alina had her baby, Mandin, at Genodyne, a pristine and heavily protected building impervious to the storms. However, Genodyne’s lab tests found a genetic anomaly in Mandin that draws the interest of the colony’s central corporation. It appears this mutation came from Alina’s father and remained undetected, as Genodyne did not initially search for it. In Mandin, the mutation has moved to a new level. As her protective maternal instinct kicks in, Alina will do anything to protect her baby and, in the process, keep the children of Alpheios safe.
The preciousness of human life and its preservation are overarching themes in Children of Alpheios. It also shows that evolution must be allowed to take its course without artificial intervention, as humans must continue to develop to meet the demands of changing environments. Diana Fedorak’s tale has the potential to pose profound scientific and philosophical questions about medical ethics and humanity’s future. It may be highly speculative, but it is serious storytelling with valid arguments, well-placed in a character-driven plot. Children of Alpheios gives you a compelling reason to read it because you are treating yourself to a well-written story that adequately explores the gift of being human and what we can do to embrace our humanity.
Children of Alpheios by Diana Fedorak raises thought-provoking questions about genetics. Welcome to Alpheios, a genetically engineered colony. Like most mothers, twenty-one-year-old Alina had her baby, Mandin, at Genodyne, a pristine and heavily protected building impervious to the storms. However, Genodyne’s lab tests found a genetic anomaly in Mandin that draws the interest of the colony’s central corporation. It appears this mutation came from Alina’s father and remained undetected, as Genodyne did not initially search for it. In Mandin, the mutation has moved to a new level. As her protective maternal instinct kicks in, Alina will do anything to protect her baby and, in the process, keep the children of Alpheios safe.
The preciousness of human life and its preservation are overarching themes in Children of Alpheios. It also shows that evolution must be allowed to take its course without artificial intervention, as humans must continue to develop to meet the demands of changing environments. Diana Fedorak’s tale has the potential to pose profound scientific and philosophical questions about medical ethics and humanity’s future. It may be highly speculative, but it is serious storytelling with valid arguments, well-placed in a character-driven plot. Children of Alpheios gives you a compelling reason to read it because you are treating yourself to a well-written story that adequately explores the gift of being human and what we can do to embrace our humanity.
Recommend this book:
Price of Innocence
Sonder's Song Book 1
Michelle Piper
2023 Bronze Medal
518 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite
Price of Innocence is the first entry in the Sonder's Song series by Michelle Piper. It is a wonderfully plotted and skillfully written opening into an epic fantasy series that will surely grab the attention of fans of the genre. A ruthless and merciless queen, Aspera, is responsible for the fall of Sosten. With the help of four criminals, she destroys the descendants of Auza-Verndari, taking the last of the descendants into her palace, the infant Sonder. Sonder grows up knowing another captive, a Lorist princess called Rhianwyn. As they become aware of the evil orchestrated against their families, can they gain the support of the only existing Black Knight who once protected Auza-Verndari and who is now the most trusted of the Queen's men? And can Bran be strong enough to honor the truth and serve justice?
Price of Innocence is loaded with mystery, suspense, and enough intrigue to keep readers turning the pages. The characters of Sonder and Rhianwyn are stunningly imagined and inspire empathy in readers. Readers instinctively love these characters and want to see them succeed against the queen. The writing is excellent with details that enrich the narrative. This is a tale of power and wickedness with the aim of an evil queen to bury her treachery. The plot is unpredictable and keeps readers turning the pages as they want to know what happens next. This novel is a fantasy that beautifully imagines a world in which vulnerable characters struggle against the machinations of evil. It is an immersive read with unforgettable characters.
Price of Innocence is the first entry in the Sonder's Song series by Michelle Piper. It is a wonderfully plotted and skillfully written opening into an epic fantasy series that will surely grab the attention of fans of the genre. A ruthless and merciless queen, Aspera, is responsible for the fall of Sosten. With the help of four criminals, she destroys the descendants of Auza-Verndari, taking the last of the descendants into her palace, the infant Sonder. Sonder grows up knowing another captive, a Lorist princess called Rhianwyn. As they become aware of the evil orchestrated against their families, can they gain the support of the only existing Black Knight who once protected Auza-Verndari and who is now the most trusted of the Queen's men? And can Bran be strong enough to honor the truth and serve justice?
Price of Innocence is loaded with mystery, suspense, and enough intrigue to keep readers turning the pages. The characters of Sonder and Rhianwyn are stunningly imagined and inspire empathy in readers. Readers instinctively love these characters and want to see them succeed against the queen. The writing is excellent with details that enrich the narrative. This is a tale of power and wickedness with the aim of an evil queen to bury her treachery. The plot is unpredictable and keeps readers turning the pages as they want to know what happens next. This novel is a fantasy that beautifully imagines a world in which vulnerable characters struggle against the machinations of evil. It is an immersive read with unforgettable characters.
Recommend this book:
Mark of a Crescent Moon
Clara Fay
2023 Silver Medal
227 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Jessica Barbosa for Readers' Favorite
Fleur La Salle had been raised by her loving grandparents Eileen and Joe Lewis in the beautiful town of Antigonish. She had moved away to marry Arthur Boden but her marriage eventually fell apart. She realized how much better she was away from her passive-aggressive, jealous ex-husband who never supported her passion for painting. It has been one year since Fleur moved back to her hometown. After her divorce, things seemed to be looking up for her but then strange dreams started to haunt her sleep. What are these dreams trying to tell her and where will they lead her? Read Mark Of A Crescent Moon by Clara Fay to find out!
Mark Of A Crescent Moon was a fantastical and intriguing novel. The lyrical narrative and beautifully portrayed setting transported me into a fairytale-like world. Reading about Fleur’s hometown from her point of view relaxed me. When I closed my eyes I could almost see myself admiring the sun across the bay and smelling the wildflowers in the air. Clara Fay knows how to paint a beautiful picture with words. The plot, characters, and exquisitely depicted settings enthralled me. The deeper I read, the more engrossed I was with this beautifully written tale! Fleur was an intriguing character. She was warm and passionate about what she loved. Her passion was what drew me into her story. I felt sad for her when she remembered what she was like before she met her husband and before her love and confidence had slowly been whittled away by his jealousy and actions. I saw her haunting dreams to be an opportunity for her to get back something she lost and maybe even gain something new. Magical and suspenseful, Clara Fay's Mark Of A Crescent Moon took me on an unforgettable adventure of romance, magic, and so much more! Excellent work!
Fleur La Salle had been raised by her loving grandparents Eileen and Joe Lewis in the beautiful town of Antigonish. She had moved away to marry Arthur Boden but her marriage eventually fell apart. She realized how much better she was away from her passive-aggressive, jealous ex-husband who never supported her passion for painting. It has been one year since Fleur moved back to her hometown. After her divorce, things seemed to be looking up for her but then strange dreams started to haunt her sleep. What are these dreams trying to tell her and where will they lead her? Read Mark Of A Crescent Moon by Clara Fay to find out!
Mark Of A Crescent Moon was a fantastical and intriguing novel. The lyrical narrative and beautifully portrayed setting transported me into a fairytale-like world. Reading about Fleur’s hometown from her point of view relaxed me. When I closed my eyes I could almost see myself admiring the sun across the bay and smelling the wildflowers in the air. Clara Fay knows how to paint a beautiful picture with words. The plot, characters, and exquisitely depicted settings enthralled me. The deeper I read, the more engrossed I was with this beautifully written tale! Fleur was an intriguing character. She was warm and passionate about what she loved. Her passion was what drew me into her story. I felt sad for her when she remembered what she was like before she met her husband and before her love and confidence had slowly been whittled away by his jealousy and actions. I saw her haunting dreams to be an opportunity for her to get back something she lost and maybe even gain something new. Magical and suspenseful, Clara Fay's Mark Of A Crescent Moon took me on an unforgettable adventure of romance, magic, and so much more! Excellent work!
Recommend this book:
 rises to his new responsibilities, leading his troops brilliantly in the border skirmishes against the nomads despite being outnumbered in hostile terrain. Weary but not defeated, Cas ret...){kind=link}
FitzDuncan's Gambit
The FitzDuncan Series Book 5
John J Spearman IV
2023 Silver Medal
267 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
FitzDuncan's Gambit by John J. Spearman IV is the fifth book of The FitzDuncan Series. After being declared the legitimate son of a lord, Casimir FitzDuncan (Cas) rises to his new responsibilities, leading his troops brilliantly in the border skirmishes against the nomads despite being outnumbered in hostile terrain. Weary but not defeated, Cas returns home to his wife, Lucy, who has grown into her unique abilities just like Cas. Soon he must set off again with his friend Lord Rawlinsford (Freddy) to a foreign country to retrieve pieces of rare tan-zyan, playing a dangerous game that can cost them their lives. In the meantime, Cas travels to Easton Manor with his former foe-turned-companion Fenwick, the Royal Assassin, and finds himself having to rescue the daughter of a noble he was accused of kidnapping all those years ago.
Although low on fantasy, FitzDuncan's Gambit contains plenty of political intrigues, compelling relationship dynamics, and thrilling battle sequences to satisfy the appetites of readers who enjoy stories set in medieval worlds. The one thing that John J. Spearman IV excels in above all is his portrayal of medieval warfare battle tactics. Every action sequence in this book is vividly described, with a logical structure around it that raises the stakes and make the narrative feel authentic and immersive. Character interactions are genuine and the dialogue gives the impression that these characters have known each other for a long time. I enjoyed this installment and recommend that for the best reading experience the books of this series should be read in the order of publication.
FitzDuncan's Gambit by John J. Spearman IV is the fifth book of The FitzDuncan Series. After being declared the legitimate son of a lord, Casimir FitzDuncan (Cas) rises to his new responsibilities, leading his troops brilliantly in the border skirmishes against the nomads despite being outnumbered in hostile terrain. Weary but not defeated, Cas returns home to his wife, Lucy, who has grown into her unique abilities just like Cas. Soon he must set off again with his friend Lord Rawlinsford (Freddy) to a foreign country to retrieve pieces of rare tan-zyan, playing a dangerous game that can cost them their lives. In the meantime, Cas travels to Easton Manor with his former foe-turned-companion Fenwick, the Royal Assassin, and finds himself having to rescue the daughter of a noble he was accused of kidnapping all those years ago.
Although low on fantasy, FitzDuncan's Gambit contains plenty of political intrigues, compelling relationship dynamics, and thrilling battle sequences to satisfy the appetites of readers who enjoy stories set in medieval worlds. The one thing that John J. Spearman IV excels in above all is his portrayal of medieval warfare battle tactics. Every action sequence in this book is vividly described, with a logical structure around it that raises the stakes and make the narrative feel authentic and immersive. Character interactions are genuine and the dialogue gives the impression that these characters have known each other for a long time. I enjoyed this installment and recommend that for the best reading experience the books of this series should be read in the order of publication.
Recommend this book:
The Golden Alicorns
Catherine Banks
2023 Gold Medal
306 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite
The Golden Alicorns is a fantasy romance by Catherine Banks. Nadia wanted to join one of the magic guilds. By joining a guild, Nadia hoped to fill the void of not being part of a loving family. Nadia met Dart and three brothers while she waited for the ceremony to display her magic power and choose a guild. Most scanners could not detect Nadia’s magic because Norma, a demoness stole Nadia’s magic when she was young and sealed it in a magical container. When Nadia’s magic level was finally revealed, the guild she wanted to join did not make her an offer. Nadia decided to join the Golden Alicorns Guild as she had seen the camaraderie between the members.
Catherine Banks outdid herself with The Golden Alicorns. It was out of this world, and I was intrigued from the start. The author created a fantasy environment with interesting worlds and fairy tale characters. The fascinating revelations during the story were interesting and exciting. Magic, humans, and gods were intertwined throughout, and everything was clearly explained. The writing style was descriptive, and it was easy to visualize. The story was fast-paced, and with all the action, there was never a dull moment. The characters were brilliant and authentic. I enjoyed Nadia’s journey to become who she was meant to be. The interaction between Nadia and Norma, the demoness, was entertaining. This is an excellent fantasy novel and much more than I expected.
The Golden Alicorns is a fantasy romance by Catherine Banks. Nadia wanted to join one of the magic guilds. By joining a guild, Nadia hoped to fill the void of not being part of a loving family. Nadia met Dart and three brothers while she waited for the ceremony to display her magic power and choose a guild. Most scanners could not detect Nadia’s magic because Norma, a demoness stole Nadia’s magic when she was young and sealed it in a magical container. When Nadia’s magic level was finally revealed, the guild she wanted to join did not make her an offer. Nadia decided to join the Golden Alicorns Guild as she had seen the camaraderie between the members.
Catherine Banks outdid herself with The Golden Alicorns. It was out of this world, and I was intrigued from the start. The author created a fantasy environment with interesting worlds and fairy tale characters. The fascinating revelations during the story were interesting and exciting. Magic, humans, and gods were intertwined throughout, and everything was clearly explained. The writing style was descriptive, and it was easy to visualize. The story was fast-paced, and with all the action, there was never a dull moment. The characters were brilliant and authentic. I enjoyed Nadia’s journey to become who she was meant to be. The interaction between Nadia and Norma, the demoness, was entertaining. This is an excellent fantasy novel and much more than I expected.
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