Category Archives: fantasy

2015, Book Review, fantasy, science-fiction, series, YA

[Review] Firefight – Brandon Sanderson

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Book Title:                  Firefight (The Reckoners Series, #02)
Author:                         Brandon Sanderson
Number of pages:   432

Synopsis:

brandon sanderson - firefight coverThey told David it was impossible–that even The Reckoners had never killed a High Epic. Yet, Steelheart–invincible, immortal, unconquerable–is dead. And he died by David’s hand.

Eliminating Steelheart was supposed to make life more simple. Instead, it only made David realize he has questions. Big ones. And there’s no one in Newcago who can give him the answers he needs.

Babylon Restored, the old borough of Manhattan, has possibilities, though. Ruled by the mysterious High Epic, Regalia, David is sure Babylon Restored will lead him to what he needs to find. And while entering another city oppressed by a High Epic despot is a gamble, David’s willing to risk it. Because killing Steelheart left a hole in David’s heart. A hole where his thirst for vengeance once lived. Somehow, he filled that hole with another Epic–Firefight. And he’s willing to go on a quest darker, and more dangerous even, than the fight against Steelheart to find her, and to get his answers.

(re: Goodreads @ Firefight by Brandon Sanderson)

Should this book be picked up? the tl;dr spoiler-less review:

– I recommend reading the Mitosis novella before Firefight. (It isn’t game changing to not have read it but it will help in understanding some references.)
– The world-building is pretty darn creative—it beats the setting in Steelheart if I’m being honest—with plenty of imaginative detailing that continues to exude a cinematic feel. Basically: more epics, more metaphors, more awesome.
– Fast-paced read driven by continual action and atmospheric tension in exploring an unfamiliar landscape even while delving into Phaedrus’ and Firefight’s back story.
– While some minor characters are difficult to connect to, David’s progression of growth remains solid and can be easily rooted for (assuming you can stomach his bad metaphors).
– Reminder notes throughout the text regarding concepts/magic systems from Steelheart. (A reread isn’t necessary.)
– Rating: 4.38/5

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Initial Thoughts

It was Boxing Day. There were ordinary sales and satisfactory crowds. Into Indigo I go. Paperbacks, hardcovers, Firefight, Moleskins. Moving on—wait, wtf, huh, why is it out so—?!!?! Seriously though, thanks to Indigo for selling this book early. It made this shopping day well worth the crowded mess in malls.

Quotes will not be included in this review until well after the release date—which is tomorrow, January 6, 2015—so go ahead and get yourself a copy.

Disclaimer: Potential spoilers inherent to this review from here onward.

Continue reading [Review] Firefight – Brandon Sanderson →

Book Review, fantasy, mystery, science-fiction, short story, urban fantasy

[Review] Legion #1 – Brandon Sanderson

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Book Title:                  Legion (Short Story, Legion, #1)
Author:                         Brandon Sanderson
Number of pages:   88

Synopsis:

legion - brandon sanderson (cover)Stephen Leeds, AKA ‘Legion,’ is a man whose unique mental condition allows him to generate a multitude of personae: hallucinatory entities with a wide variety of personal characteristics and a vast array of highly specialized skills. As the story begins, Leeds and his ‘aspects’ are drawn into the search for the missing Balubal Razon, inventor of a camera whose astonishing properties could alter our understanding of human history and change the very structure of society.

(re: Goodreads @ Legion by Brandon Sanderson)

Should this book be picked up? the tl;dr spoiler-less review:

-The dynamic between Leeds and his hallucinatory phantasms is a blast to read into.
– Plot reads like a detective tale with undertones of science, religion, and faith.
– Revelations do feel a bit rushed and open-ended in concept (not to be mistaken for a ‘bad’ ending).

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Initial Thoughts

Following the idea that a short story equals a simpler review (because it only makes sense to not ramble too much about so little), this review is increasingly condensed—for your sake and mine (but mainly yours).

Disclaimer: There may be spoilers inherent to this review from this point onward.

Continue reading [Review] Legion #1 – Brandon Sanderson →

Book Review, contemporary, death, fantasy, horror, realistic fiction, standalone, YA

[Review] A Monster Calls – Patrick Ness

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Book Title:                     A Monster Calls (Standalone)
Author:                            Patrick Ness, Jim Kay (Illustrator)
Number of pages:     215

Synopsis:

TA Monster Calls - Patrick Ness (Cover)he monster showed up after midnight. As they do.

But it isn’t the monster Conor’s been expecting. He’s been expecting the one from his nightmare, the one he’s had nearly every night since his mother started her treatments, the one with the darkness and the wind and the screaming…

This monster is something different, though. Something ancient, something wild. And it wants the most dangerous thing of all from Conor.

It wants the truth.

(re: Goodreads @ A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness)

Should this book be picked up? the tl;dr spoiler-less review:

– If you are interested in this book in any capacity, skip all reviews and just delve into it (the copy with the artwork specifically)
– The writing is simple and powerful; don’t be fooled at this being advertised as kid-lit
– Unless you’re a robot, you will likely feel all the emotions tied to the stages of loss and grief

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Initial Thoughts

No, I do not think that I am on a Ness binge (but damn is he rising up the ranks in favesies).

But let’s get onto the more important issue: why is the plain-text version of this book more expensive than the one with art? At least, I’m pretty sure it’s like a buck more for zero art. Now why would anyone want to buy that?

In truth, I don’t want this review to go into thorough detail like I usually do with most books. This is something that I can’t be bothered to ramble about (even if I know I won’t be able to shut up once I start) because I am in the firm belief that the less hype and the less you’re in contact with this book, the better position you are to fully enjoy it. But continuity calls for some analysis, I guess, and maybe I’ll find some clarity on how I feel about this book (because I honestly don’t know).

Disclaimer: Potential spoilers inherent to this review from here onward.

Continue reading [Review] A Monster Calls – Patrick Ness →