Tag: reading

Monthly Features – March 2025

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Black Cliff Chronicles by Steve Sterling

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: Three intertwined time travel rescue missions reveal how ordinary people rise to extraordinary acts of valor, driven by selflessness and a willingness to sacrifice for others.

The thriving university town of New Jerusalem nestles in the secluded hill country north of the Ozark National Forest in rural Arkansas. New Jerusalem is a wonderful place to put down roots as long as you don’t go into the experimental forest and find Black Cliff, a place of dark power.

Was it a simple misstep in 1989 when high school seniors Mary Sanders and Charlie Barrows became lost during a fall hike and stood facing Black Cliff? Or were other forces at play?

Before they can flee, Black Cliff entangles Mary in a web of time travel, strands that transport her back 300 years in history to a horrific civil war and a daring solo rescue mission.

Months later, Mary returns to New Jerusalem and to 1989, battered by her war experiences and heartsick over those she left behind. Once home, her struggles continue. Time travelers and friends gather to help Mary and Charlie. They have less than three days to rescue America from a plot to seize the presidency.

Summary: Overall, Black Cliff Chronicles is more than just a time travel adventure—it’s a thought-provoking exploration of what it means to confront the past and shape the future. Whether you’re a fan of speculative fiction, historical thrillers, or character-driven dramas, this book has something to offer. Happy reading!

See the full review here: Black Cliff Chronicles
Purchase here

Hoplite Ridge by Sean Patrick Sayers

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: Hoplite Ridge – A Military, Dystopian, and Post-Apocalyptic Science Fiction Epic

In a universe where war is eternal and gods refuse to be forgotten, Hoplite Ridge thrusts readers into a high-stakes conflict that will determine the fates of worlds. This gripping military science fiction saga blends dystopian science fiction with post-apocalyptic science fiction, exploring the cost of loyalty, the power of rebellion, and the blurred lines between destiny and free will.

Spanning across multiple war-torn planets, Hoplite Ridge follows elite warriors caught in a battle far greater than themselves. As political tensions rise and hidden forces awaken, alliances are tested, secrets unravel, and a dangerous truth comes to light—one that could reshape the course of history.

For fans of Frank Herbert’s Dune and Joe Haldeman’s The Forever War, Hoplite Ridge delivers pulse-pounding action, deep philosophical themes, and a richly detailed world where strategy, survival, and sacrifice define the battlefield.

Prepare for an unforgettable journey through war, myth, and the unknown. In the fight for the future, only those who dare to challenge fate will survive.

Summary: Overall, Hoplite Ridge is an ambitious, cerebral, and ultimately rewarding read. It challenges, entertains, and invites reflection—qualities I value in speculative fiction. If you’re looking for a novel that pushes the boundaries of genre and explores the deeper questions of existence, this one is worth diving into. Happy reading!

See the full review here: Hoplite Ridge
Purchase here

The Mental Toolbox by David Harrison

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: Practical Brain Training for a Happier, Stress-Free, and More Productive Life

In today’s fast-paced world, improving mental wellness has never been more important. The COVID-19 pandemic sparked a 25% rise in anxiety and depression worldwide, highlighting the urgent need for tools to build mental resilience.

The Mental Toolbox can help you create those tools, tailored to fit your lifestyle, and flip the script from mental illness to mental wellness. This book is for everyone—whether you’ve faced mental health challenges or not. Along the way, you’ll unlock the keys to a healthier mind, greater resilience, and your full potential.

Written in clear, straightforward language, The Mental Toolbox is practical and accessible to everyone. It offers tools, strategies, and advice that can strengthen your mental resilience, cognitive abilities, emotional intelligence, and ability to deal with stress. By doing so, it helps you enhance your overall well-being, serving as a valuable guide on your journey of personal growth.

Inside, you’ll be introduced to the five main pillars of mental health and overall well-being:

  • Sleep
  • Exercise
  • Nutrition
  • Mindfulness
  • Conscious Thinking

Understanding these pillars and how they interconnect is key to boosting your overall health and enhancing your ability to manage stress. By learning to apply these principles in your daily life, you’ll develop stronger mental resilience, improve cognitive function, and build a foundation for long-term well-being.

This book has the power to transform your mindset and your life. With the right approach, the possibilities are limitless.

Change your mind,
Change your life
—and discover just how far you can go with….

The Mental Toolbox.

Summary: Overall, The Mental Toolbox serves as a valuable resource for those aiming to proactively manage stress, enhance cognitive abilities, and foster a happier, more productive life. It’s a testament to the idea that with the right tools and mindset, anyone can achieve mental wellness and resilience. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in practical brain training and self-improvement. Happy reading!

See the full review here: The Mental Toolbox
Purchase here

 

Review: Beyond the Father by Opëshum

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Synopsis:

The first of 8 books that will give you pause and make you ponder…
“Beyond the Father” sets the scene for the 8-book Sci-Fi Epic “gods on Trial: The Series™,” delving into life’s determination to transcend all limitation.

A uniquely different world to explore…
Set on the planet Xżyber, citizens of the Sub-Median Region, imperfectly reborn into metal, oppress those who are organic. Elsewhere, in the Central Kingdom, religion supports royalty’s brutal domination of the lowest class.

Rife with mounting tension…
War over scarce resources is coming, revolution within each region is brewing, and none know of the eccentric god who created them. This being watches, has fascinating conversations with his often-wiser companion, occasionally learns, and rarely intervenes.

A struggle for survival and existence...
The many levels and threads of struggle distract nearly all from a far greater threat. Meanwhile, the young Prince Anglid’s vision quest into the unexplored Area X may ultimately change everything. However, just when you think you know the direction of the story, the author has yet another surprise.

Favorite Lines:

“One’s inheritance is not necessarily a gift.”

“Yet as an artist, it is not my place nor my cause to decide what beauty is – or is not…In portraiture, I believe it is only my place to make the truth eternal…but it is not my place to help others run from it. As a painter of portraits, I believe it is my duty to capture what is truly there.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Beyond the Father is an epic fantasy novel that masterfully intertwines political intrigue, spirituality, and complex character development. Set in the richly imagined world of Xżyber, the story delves into themes of power, class, and identity, offering readers a thought-provoking journey.

The narrative follows King Thio of the Central Kingdom, who maintains control over his subjects through stringent religious doctrines. In contrast, his son, Anglid, embarks on a vision quest that challenges his beliefs and principles, providing a compelling subplot that explores personal growth and rebellion. The dynamic between father and son adds depth to the storyline, highlighting the tension between tradition and change.

Opëshum’s world-building is both expansive and detailed, featuring a diverse cast that includes technologically enhanced beings, disillusioned soldiers, and interventionist deities. The interactions between the temperamental god Flexix and his companion offer philosophical insights and moments of levity, enriching the narrative. These dialogues are among the highlights of the book, providing readers with reflective pauses amidst the action.

The author’s prose is vivid, bringing to life the intricate settings and complex emotions of the characters. The pacing is well-balanced, maintaining suspense while allowing for character development. Notably, the plot takes unexpected turns, particularly in Anglid’s storyline, keeping readers engaged and eager to discover what happens next.

Summary:

Overall, Opëshum has crafted a narrative that is utterly unique. It not only entertains but also invites reflection on deeper societal and personal themes. I would recommend Beyond the Father to readers seeking a rich and immersive blend of fantasy/sci-fi. Happy reading!

Check out Beyond the Father here!

 

Review: Gaviota Island: Birds, Monkeys, and Twisted Love by Janna Klarmann

~ likelystory18 ~ 2 Comments

Synopsis:

“Gaviota Island” is a psychological thriller exploring the twisted love between a nature girl and a hunter.

The story delivers a message about the cruelty of shooting wild animals. It delves into the tangled complexities of romance, secrecy, and moral ambiguity.

Laura Whitley is 22 years old. She meets Bret Belcher at the University of Texas – an unexpected pairing of a bird enthusiast and a passionate hunter.

Laura admires Bret’s confidence, ambition, and charm. But she grapples with his unwavering passion for guns and hunting.

As university graduation looms, Laura’s distress intensifies because she has no plans for what she’ll do when she finishes. The Belchers will dispatch Bret to Panama to oversee the family’s property business there. This could be Laura’s pivotal moment to break up with him. But against her parents’ advice, she follows him to Panama in hopes of remaking their lives together.

In Panama, Laura befriends a young biologist who discovers a rare population of monkeys on Gaviota, an uninhabited island meant for Bret’s real estate venture. The discovery is a threat to Bret’s plans,

Bret’s violent solution to the monkey problem and his betrayal with another woman push Laura to the edge. Horrified and desperate, Laura takes drastic measures.

Experience Laura’s transformation from an innocent bird watcher to a woman ensnared in a web of deceit and survival.

Follow a series of events that spiral into a dark, dangerous climax.

Discover the gripping tale that blurs the lines between right and wrong, keeping you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Favorite Lines:

“I think that psychologists must have theories on all of this. Are we talking about misogynistic men fleeing into the wilds to escape women? Does shooting animals make a man feel manly? Do hunters measure their penis sizes?”

“Who does the most good for humanity, property developers or wildlife defenders? In a crowded and overheating world, people had to choose. Laura cast her lot with Penny.”

“Penny resisted the cliché of men from Mars and women from Venus. That wasn’t going to help.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

This story follows Laura Whitley, an enthusiastic bird watcher who has fallen in love with Bret Belcher, an intense hunter. Despite disagreeing with Bret’s love for guns and animal hunting, Laura follows Bret to Panama when he travels to oversee his family’s business there in an attempt to stay together and rekindle their love for one another. Laura quickly finds herself in a horrible situation that seems to escalate by the day and the man she had been trying to convince herself she could make a life with is the villain in this story.

I have to say that I think this book is a first for me in terms of being heavily focused on anti-hunting and anti-poaching themes and messaging. Klarmann clearly writes from a personal and passionate place on this topic and I was impressed on how this passion was conveyed throughout this story. I thought that Klarmann had a relaxing and enjoyable writing voice that the story only benefited from and I actually appreciated that it was a bit more informal compared to some other writing styles I have read.

While I do appreciate being spared on some of the more graphic details, there were still many sad and distressing scenes that really drove home the realities of hunting; which was the point. I did find myself with tears in my eyes over several of the scenes but would still recommend this book to wipe away any disillusions about what hunting can entail.

Summary:

Overall, I was not sure what to expect going into this book but I was strangely surprised that I enjoyed it and came out more educated on the topics it covered than I was going into it. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the realities of the injustices that animals face at the hands of mankind. While a work of fiction, this book paints a very real picture of today’s world and what takes place to the animals that are hunted in it. 

Check out Gaviota Island: Birds, Monkeys, and Twisted Love here!

 

Review: The Gates of Yoffa by J. Brandon Barnes

~ likelystory18 ~ 1 Comment

Synopsis:

A MISSION UNLIKE ANY OTHER.WHAT THEY FOUND WAS BEYOND BELIEF. John Lewis is a computer scientist recruited for a covert mission in the deepest regions of space.

When he makes a seemingly critical error during a test flight, the operation’s only orbiter crashes on a lush, highly classified planet. This leaves John, his boss Dirk, and exobiologist Ruth stranded, with few supplies and little chance of rescue.

Their best hope for escape is a lost landing craft that detached during their descent. To find it, they must search an unknown world while infiltrating the first extraterrestrial society human beings have ever encountered.

But this isn’t their greatest challenge. It’s something else. Something far more profound. Revealed through the aliens’ storytelling culture is a secret that could destabilize Earth and civilization as we know it.

And that secret is about to be exposed.

Favorite Lines:

“The only foreign language I speak is mathematics.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

This story primarily follows John Lewis, a computer scientist who is offered a chance to become a member of a team going to space on a secret mission. When something goes wrong during a test flight, John, along with his colleagues Dirk and Ruth, finds himself stranded on a strange planet determined to survive.

This story doesn’t waste any time! With a quick introduction to John and his team, readers are pulled into a unique world of Barnes’ creation. I thought that the new planet that the characters find themselves stuck on was very creative while still managing to feel realistic. I also found the alien civilization that they encounter to be really interesting especially with their culture revolving around storytelling.

Towards the end of the book, it becomes apparent that there are a lot of religious parallels/themes being drawn. Looking back, they were hinted at and scattered throughout the story but the ending really brings it all together. I thought that the parallels that Barnes draws here were well done and I was quite impressed in his ability to weave this story together in the way that he did.

While I found this to be a really creative and refreshing sci-fi tale, if I had to be nitpicky about something, it would be that sometimes everything worked out a bit too well. Perhaps I am just a pessimist but despite the fact that they are trapped on a foreign planet, even when they end up in a sticky situation, everything seemed to almost always work out in the end.  I also wasn’t a huge fan of how sometimes I felt like I was reading a story within a story. I think that Barnes’ storytelling abilities and writing techniques are fantastic but sometimes trying to sort out what storyline I was in was a bit much.

Summary:

Overall, I was pleasantly surprised with this book and am interested to see if Barnes has anything more up his sleeve. If you like sci-fi full of exploration, survival, friendship, and storytelling with a touch of romance and religion, then this book could be for you. Happy reading!

Check out The Gates of Yoffa here!

 

Review: Fireside Horror: The Wendlelow Mysteries by P.A. Sheldon

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Synopsis:

There is a troubled town nestled on the border of Shropshire and Powys. Steeped in folklore, domain of ghosts, it is witch haunted Wendlelow. Pity those who dwell there.
Here is an collection of interconnected tales, ghostly, gothic and monstrous, so curl up by the fire, dim the lights, and prepare to be horrified.

Favorite Lines:

Rather than picking favorite lines, I thought it would be more appropriate to pick out a couple of my favorite short stories from this collection:  The Witch-Brands of Wendlelow and The Tunnel.

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

I grew up with Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, so you know I was excited to read this collection of mysterious and creepy stories. Spoiler: I was not disappointed. Sheldon brings a unique twist to both classic legends and new supernatural tales alike in this collection of short stories.

I chose to read this collection at night to really get in the mood for the creepy tales and I found myself having to turn a couple extra lights on! As an American, I am not very familiar with the area that this takes place in, near Shropshire and Powys, but they are real places and I imagine that if you are local, this book will have you nostalgic and maybe a touch paranoid. Nonetheless, being a local isn’t a prerequisite for enjoying this book as I certainly devoured it in one sitting.

I found that the tales were very well written and, as I had mentioned previously, Sheldon did a great job putting a unique spin on each plot. I was turning page after page and fully invested from start to finish. I hope that there are more to come for this collection in the future!

Summary:

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I will certainly be reading it again closer to Halloween – but I’ll maybe make sure to leave some lights on…If you’re a fan of thrillers, horror, suspense, mystery, and the supernatural, then this book could be for you!

Check out Fireside Horror: The Wendlelow Mysteries here!

 

Children of Madness by Jarrett Brandon Early

~ likelystory18 ~ 2 Comments

Synopsis:

FOR A WORLD GONE CRAZY, ONLY THOSE RAISED AMONG MADNESS CAN HELP

The Imperator of Quaan restlessly awaits the centennial arrival of the Snail-Gods to cure the Gloomtide, a shadow of melancholy blanketing the Titian Empire. But when the Supreme Helices finally make landfall, they do so just out of reach of the distressed monarch, beyond a poisonous grove that separates man from messiah.

Fincher Bugg leads the Sour Flower Gang, the preeminent child harvesters of the Stenches, a town of outcasts condemned to diminished lives toiling away in toxic conditions. As Fincher and his four friends endure external abuse from outsiders, internally they also suffer, watching as their parents slowly succumb to the Maddening. Despite the solace of unbreakable friendship, life is unrelenting.

When a desperate king makes a seemingly magnanimous offer to a hopeless population, the Sour Flower Gang sets out on a harrowing expedition to find God for the very people who cast them aside.

During a journey in which the children encounter the unimaginable—both beautiful and nightmarish—a terrifying question takes shape. Are the Snail-Gods here to once more save mankind, or is the Gloomtide that has enveloped Quaan a precursor to humanity’s deserved end?

Favorite Lines:

“Ash’s heart jumped again. She blamed it on the exertion of the pull.”

“Good. You have each other. That’s more than most in this cursed land. Do not take that for granted. Together,  you can move worlds.”

“I know that they’re carnivores. But as to what kind of carni they vore, I have no idea.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

One thing that I love about fantasy is that you can pretty much think up whatever you want. There are no rules to follow and your creativity is not bound to the laws of our every day world. The story that Early weaves in Children of Madness is just one example of this. This story follows Fincher Bugg and his friends as they set foot on a journey on behalf of the ruler of Quaan who is desperate to reach what is supposed to be the answer for humankinds survival – the Snail-Gods.

This book was a journey in itself. Early creates an utterly unique world unlike anything I have ever read before that is still somehow believable. While there are themes that run parallel to what we see in our every day lives in reality, Early scatters them throughout this story in a creative and refreshing way. I wasn’t expecting this to be a coming of age-esque story but it still pulled in that direction to me; perhaps it was the constant theme of friendship throughout.

I did find that while this book is quite long, I never really felt like it was a chore to read. Each chapter had good pacing and I found myself somehow wanting more by the end of the book. I also appreciated the map at the beginning to keep my bearings throughout the journey.

Summary:

Overall, if you like epic fantasy full of action, adventure, suspense, friendship, and some mystery then this book could be for you. Happy reading!

Check out Children of Madness here!

 

Review: Burma Road by Brandon Crocker

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Synopsis:

How we view history and the continuity of past, present, and future underlie this classic action and adventure tale.
It is 2015. Clint Bennett, a married father and commercial insurance broker in Arizona is reading the unpublished WWII memoirs of his recently deceased British-born grandfather when he comes across some intriguing details. Clint’s grandfather pinpoints where he and a handful of his fellow Chindit commandos fell upon a mysterious ancient building in Burma while trying to elude pursuing Japanese in 1943. Armed with this information, Clint talks his way onto a small expedition with two college professors, one being a former member of the Thai Special Forces, to hunt for the unknown structure. But they soon find themselves being hunted, and, like Clint’s grandfather, their survival depends on making their own desperate trek through the jungle

Favorite Lines:

“I guess Texas Holdem is another of the world’s universal languages.”

“One day you’re a conqueror, the next day you’re the conquered.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

I must admit that historical fictions are not my usual cup of tea but I have a friend that has been trying to get me into them a bit more so when I saw this review request, I figured I would give it a shot and I wasn’t disappointed. This story follows Clint, a man who seems to have a perfectly average and happy life, and who wonders if he has missed out on what could have been an adventurous life after reading a memoir by his grandfather from World War II. After reading the memoir, he is inspired to take a trip of his own which quickly turns into the very adventure he had been wondering if he had missed out on.

I should note that while I am calling this historical fiction, it is actually a blend of past and present times. Clint read the memoir from his grandfather in World War II so there are elements of that history in there combined with the present tale of Clint’s adventure.

I thought this was a very well written book with a plot that had me turning page after page to see what happens next. While fast paced, I didn’t think it left details out and I found it to be just enough to keep me interested without dragging. While a relatively short read at ~163 pages on my Kindle, I thought it had great pacing and was a perfect length to tell the story that Crocker set out to tell. I also thought the characters were well written and Crocker had me feeling like I was living the adventure right along with them. 

Summary:

Overall, I thought this was an interesting full of action, adventure, history, and a bit of suspense. I would recommend to anyone looking for a historical fiction read on a Sunday afternoon. Happy reading!

Check out Burma Road here!

 

Review: Starting Over by L.F. Roth

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Synopsis:

Embark on a transformative journey through the hallowed halls of an English boarding school in the enchanting year of 1966. In Starting Over, a captivating tale unfolds as we are introduced to a diverse cast of characters who, against the backdrop of their extraordinary work with children who possess unique abilities, navigate their own intricacies and conflicts.

Amidst the corridors that echo with the dreams and challenges of the young minds they nurture, these remarkable individuals find solace and strength in their shared vulnerability. Their distinctive needs intertwine, creating a tapestry of complex relationships, unexpected alliances, and profound personal growth.

As the story unfurls, the characters are confronted with the inevitable winds of change, sweeping away the familiar to make room for new beginnings. Through trials and triumphs, they discover the resilience of the human spirit and the extraordinary power of embracing the unknown.

Favorite Lines:

“Please write something that’ll help me stay awake.
Like what?
Oh, anything. Use your imagination.
I can’t. I’m so tired I could hallucinate.
So am I. Addicts should do night duty instead of drugs.“

“And time, as he himself was well aware, will drag when you least want it to.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

It has been quite some time since I have read a book like this. The easiest way I can describe it is it made me thinking of assigned books in school like Catcher in the Rye, The Outsiders,  or The Grapes of Wrath. Not because they share any particular themes or similarities, but the vibe of cozy, slice of life type of narrative was there. I know I am going to catch flack for calling any of those books listed above cozy or slice of life but it is the closest I can get to putting my finger on the emotions I felt reading this book.

This story is a pretty calm, tame book featuring a decently sized cast of characters that at first I had a hard time wrapping my head around but as the story goes on, it gets easier. I actually ended up appreciating the level of care Roth put into describing each character and scene throughout the book.

I don’t really  have any complaints for this book as long as you know what you’re getting into. If you’re looking for a page turning, at the edge of your seat type of book then this is not it. This is for lazy weekends in the sun when you’re looking to relax and not think too hard.

Summary:

Overall, if you like calm fictional books that feel like sitcoms with a variety of characters, then this book could be for you!

Check out Starting Over here!

Review: A Chef on Ice by Sebastien JM Kuhn

~ likelystory18 ~ 2 Comments

Synopsis:

Join a talented chef as he embarks on a life-changing journey to Antarctica. From grueling recruitment to months-long expeditions, experience the challenges and triumphs of living and working in one of the most remote places on Earth. With breathtaking landscapes, unexpected connections, and a newfound sense of purpose, this is a story you won’t want to miss. Get ready to be captivated by the adventure, resilience, and inspiration of this unforgettable tale.

Favorite Lines:

Instead of picking quotes, I thought I would pick a couple of the recipes that sounded particularly tasty to me!

  • Original black forest cake
  • 12 hours slow cooked lamb shoulder

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

I will start this review off by saying that if you’re a regular here, you know that this book isn’t one of my usual genre preferences. However, When Kuhn reached out to request a review, I knew I had to read it because it sounded really interesting. Plus, I’m a huge foodie and couldn’t pass up the opportunity to read about a chef and his delicious food. Bonus points to Kuhn for putting some recipes at the end of the book!

This book is an account of Kuhn being recruited to be a chef in Antarctica. It includes a details on his travels to get there, what work and every day life was like in Antarctica, and reflections on the whole experience. Plus, like I mentioned above, there are recipes included at the end. I had never really given much thought to what goes on in Antarctica let alone who worked there and that a chef might be part of the crew. I thought it was a really fascinating read and would recommend it to pretty much anyone!

Summary:

Overall, if you like travel, food, reading about cold regions, and especially if you want to know what daily life at a base camp in Antarctica is like, then this book could be for you. Happy reading!

A Chef on Ice

 

Review: Six Moons, Seven Gods by Robert A. Walker

~ likelystory18 ~ 3 Comments

Synopsis:

“One must be careful practicing deception. The easiest to deceive will always be one’s self.”

The skilled thieves of the Takers Guild plot to overthrow the kingdoms of Baelon, but when their plans are thwarted by a prescient woman and her brooding daughter, they must turn to the League of Assassins for assistance. Meanwhile, retired royal guard Rolft Aerns returns to the palace of King Axil with an old score to settle. When they all cross paths–and swords–in the dark shadows of Fostead’s south end, nothing is as it seems and the murder count rises quickly.
The long fingers of the Guild reach everywhere, and one overly ambitious thief is all it takes to spark a chain of events that will haunt the world of Baelon for many years to come.

Six Moons, Seven Gods is book one in The Legends of Baelon.

Favorite Lines:

“One most be careful practicing deception. The easiest to deceive will always be oneself.”

“Death waits for us all, but it is far less patient with some.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

It has been awhile since I have read a fantasy as intricate as something like this (other than Sarah J. Maas’ universes). I’ve watched Game of Thrones and such but I never read the books so this would have to be my first fantasy novel of this nature.

The first book in The Legends of Baelon series, this book is full of action, adventure, betrayal, friendship, vengeance, and loyalty. This story isn’t really tied to one set protagonist as there are many but is about Baelon as a whole. We are introduced to many characters and plots as we jump to different perspectives in this creative world that Walker has imagined. Think Game of Thrones meets Wheel of Time meets Lord of the Rings.

I thought this was a really creative book and Walker did a wonderful job at creating an immersive world full of descriptive characters and settings not to mention the unique mythology throughout. I found this to be a story that had me invested from start to finish and I could most definitely see this being a TV show someday.

Summary:

Overall, if you like fantasy, action, adventure, and political intrigue then this book could be for you. Happy reading!

Check out Six Moons, Seven Gods here