neilsef's reviews
248 reviews

Primeval Fire by C.T. Rwizi

adventurous dark inspiring lighthearted mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This has been a fascinating trilogy to read as it blends fantasy and sci-fi to create a world where magic powers advanced machinery but also imbues people with strength and special powers.  Mix this with aspects of African culture and characters that are complex and personable and you have a unique and bewitching story that you don't want to put down. 

This novel leans more towards the sci-fi aspect than the previous books and introduces more locations and characters which all combine to weave a spellbing tale that delivers a satisfying ending to the trilogy, while also leaving the door open to revisit this world and characters in the future. 

Lightblade by Zamil Akhtar

adventurous challenging dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

The premise for this book, Cradle meets The Matrix, had the potential to be a very entertaining and engaging story. Unfortunately, it falls far short of that, and to me at least, was rather bland having failed to capture my interest. 

The characters were all lacking that spark of personality that allows you to become invested in them, while the plot seemed to be on the verge of shifting up a gear but failing to do so. 

Overall, this was a disappointing read. 

A Master of Djinn by P. Djèlí Clark

adventurous dark informative lighthearted mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

When I read books, I don't generally get any mental imagery of the events or characters being described,  but the descriptions in this book are so well written that I've been bombarded with some fairly vivid imagery throughout. There's a scene towards the end of the book which brought back memories of a Doctor Who Christmas special, starring the Cybermen, whether this is accidental or an homage to the episode I don't know,  but it fits into the context of the story nicely. 

The story takes place in Cario, Egypt in 1912, but in an alternative reality where Djinn exist and live alongside ordinary humans integrated into everyday life.

The main character, Fatma, works for an agency that monitors and supervises supernatural beings, which requires a fair bit of mental dexterity along with specialised weapons to cope with the more powerful Djinns that exist. 

The book captures the ambience of both the period and locale it is set in, which together with the various characters, who encompass a diverse mix of cultures and backgrounds, makes for a lively and fascinating tale that is engaging on several levels. 

Dragon Mage by M.L. Spencer

adventurous dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This tale follows the lives of Aram and Markus, from their first meeting in the village they both live into the battle to try and defeat the Archon, Kathrax. 

From that first meeting, their lives are never the same as events take them in a direction neither were anticipating and which never unfold as they would hope or wish for, landing them in circumstances that test their courage and friendship to the limit of perseverance. 

There are numerous characters introduced into this story as it takes place in several different locations and spans multiple years. Each character has a presence that engages you more or less from the moment they are introduced which always makes a story more enjoyable. 

The events unfold naturally, though never predictably, and there are a fair few twists and shocks that keep the suspense and anticipation levels high. 

The magic system is intriguing, though how it works could be open to interpretation, but as long as you don't try to overthink it, it shouldn't be a problem. 

The latter part of the story had aspects relating to the magic and the Elesium, that I suspect were influenced by the Chronicles of Thomas Covenant, which is no bad thing. 

Overall this was an intelligently thought out story that was engaging and entertaining, played with your emotions and kept the anxiety levels high. What more could you ask for? 

Elven Queen by Bernhard Hennen

adventurous dark emotional mysterious sad tense

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

This is the conclusion to the tale of Alfadas, which started in "Elven Winter", though it is not a conclusion of the events that started in that book. Those are referenced in the first book, "Elven", though it's a while since I read that so I don't recall how much detail was included. 

This is a faster-paced tale which centres more around the interactions between the Humans and the Trolls, as they continue their war against the Elves, and spans events both in Albenmark and the Fjordlands of the Humans. 

The world-building, battles, characters and emotional impact of this story is a step up from "Elven Winter", which was wonderfully rich in its detail, and is subsequently even more engaging. 

This is a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy, though it does lend itself to the possibility of further stories, which I would definitely read. 

Elven Winter by Bernhard Hennen

adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

This is a tale that has as its central figure, Alfadas, who is the son of Mandred, who was the main figure of the Elven. 

The plot revolves around Albenmark being attacked and Queen Emerelle being the centre of an assassination attempt. 

The pace of the story is fairly leisurely while still being absorbing as you are introduced to the world of the Albenmark in more detail and the characters that inhabit it, who are diverse and engagingly portrayed. 

The events that make up the plot are well described, nicely thought out and engaging to read whether this is a battle or character scene. 

These books are translated into English, but whereas with other translated works I've read it was impossible to tell this was the case. 

These are engaging books and well worth reading. 

Nectar for the God by Patrick Samphire

adventurous lighthearted mysterious sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

Mennik Thorn, a Freelance Mage, is approached by a Husband to investigate his wife's death, which he believes may have had a magical element to it. The case soon draws Nik into more trouble than he was expecting and puts him at odds with the two High Mages, the Wren and the Countess, while also attracting the attention of the Ash Guard, as his investigations uncover more leads. 

As with the first book, this is a highly enjoyable adventure with lots of twists, turns and setbacks for Mennik, who is a well-defined character with a self-deprecating sense of humour and a single-mindedness to do the right thing and be independent, which tends to get him into trouble. There are a fair number of supporting characters, all of which are equally well-written and have distinct and complex personalities that you find yourself warming to.

The plot is well thought out and will keep you engaged and turning pages to see what happens next,  it also avoids taking shortcuts or having something just happen just because it needs to, which is always a bonus.

Overall, this is a wonderful series and one I would recommend you read. 

Shadow of a Dead God by Patrick Samphire

adventurous dark lighthearted mysterious sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Mennik Thorn is the only freelance Mage in a city teeming with Mages, all of whom are affiliated to one of the three High Mages. 

While helping his friend, Benny, obtain an item from the home of one of the High Mages, things go explosively wrong and they end up as prime suspects in a gruesome murder. Mennik sets out to find who is behind the murder and clear his and Benny's names, but this brings him into conflict with the authorities, other powerful Mages, Ghosts and Gods. 

This was a very entertaining and engaging adventure with a marvellous cast of characters, the foremost of whom is Mennik Thorn who is immediately likeable. 

The story plot line is nicely balanced between character-building, world-building and action scenes, with plenty of twists and turns to keep your attention and turning pages. 

The Dragon Charmer's Apprentice: A Legends of Tivara Myth by J.C. Kang

adventurous lighthearted mysterious sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Having read and enjoyed all the previous Tivara novels I was looking forward to this one as it relates the events leading up to, and including, how Mia charmed the dragon Avarax. 

While the characters are generally interesting and the plot moves along at a reasonable pace, this wasn't as engaging as I had hoped. It's difficult to explain why that is, but for me, that spark that gets you invested in the characters and events was inconsistent. 

I still enjoyed the book, and I'm glad I read it, but I also feel dissatisfied with it too. 

Lies, Damned Lies, and History by Jodi Taylor

adventurous emotional funny informative lighthearted mysterious sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

The pace of this book is slightly more relaxed than the previous ones as Max's pregnancy advances and she adjusts to the limitations this starts to impose. However, this does not stop her from causing her usual mayhem and managing to get into trouble. 

There are still a number of interesting times and places visited, plus the introduction of a few new characters as St. Mary's goes through a bit of an upheaval, all bound together with the usual humour and emotional beats, plus an ending that will blow your socks off. 

Read and enjoy.