This is a YA Fantasy novel that will probably appeal to a rather narrow readership. There is not enough external action for many readers, and the bulk of the conflict is interpersonal or internal. For the first part of the book, the plotline holds its own, with good physical conflict, balanced by the usual social…
Tag: Fantasy
REVIEW
“The Cracked Slipper” by Stephanie Alexander
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“Fractured Fairy Tales” is a genre all its own, and a tough market to succeed in. The technique this author uses successfully is to start with the fairy tale, but segue into another Fantasy style that will add to the thematic clout of the original. So, the opening introduction of characters, setting, and adapted plotline…
REVIEW
“Vivid Visions” by Seyed Mosayeb Alam
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These short stories take us on deep dive into the depths of strongly affected minds. They range from the real to the surreal, yet every one rings true in its own way. Some have their roots in traditional tales of witchcraft, some are completely original creations of twisted minds. The strength of the writing is…
REVIEW
“The Legend of Uh” by Aaron N. Hall
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This book is a lovely bit of Fantasy, but it seems like the author isn’t quite sure what kind of a book he is writing. Let me explain. As the title indicates, this is basically a take-off of the standard Fantasy Quest. It contains references to pickleball and other modernisms. I particularly liked the celebration…
REVIEW
“Card Snake” by John Morey
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This is classic Action Fantasy involving a large cross section of people in a society struggling against civic corruption. Set in a world equivalent to our late 19th century, it still echoes problems we have today. Authors take note; this story has used the marvelous technique of having an important backstory which is revealed slowly…
REVIEW
The Drunken Dragon, by George Morrison
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This is a fascinating novel. Billed as humour, with all the trappings of an Action Fantasy, it also manages to draw us in emotionally on a deeper level. Let’s put this story into perspective. It has towns called Spittlesburg, Whatadump, and Bristol. (What does the author have against Bristol?) It has a Province of Malevolentia,…
REVIEW
“Traitor Son,” Empire of the Stars Book 1 by Melissa J. Cave
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This tale qualifies as Epic Fantasy, but it wastes little ink on the machinations of the mighty. Just enough to demonstrate the pressure that politics exerts on the mere humans who must fit their lives into the mould of their heritage. Because this is really the story about two people who, despite their elevated titles,…
REVIEW
“Pacific Odyssey” by Chet Nairene
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“Pacific Odyssey” is out-and-out Romantic Comedy. It is so romantic it leaves reality and moves into the Fantasy realm, and we step into a world where truth takes a back seat to fancy. Put in traditional terms, this is the quintessential Hero’s Journey. Lew is a typical high-rolling young up-and-coming executive with the world at…
REVIEW
“Song of the Squire” by L. J. Amber
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This is a novel about the levels of understanding in the world. In a fine conjunction of medium and message, this concept is reflected in both the narrative style and in the topics of discussion. So, as we read, we often find ourselves wondering what a character meant, while the character is wondering the same…
REVIEW
“The Singing Bones” by Eric Shane Love
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This is a classic Fantasy, based on the traditional Hero’s Journey format. The heroine, Grey, goes on a physical and metaphysical journey as she matures and struggles with the fact that her future is bound up in her past. Images of metamorphosis abound as she sheds the ties that bind her. It is a story…