Kick ass moment #3

The two men halted at the edge of the canal, hiked their tunics, then fumbled with their loincloths. Soon two arcs were gurgling across the filmy surface.

“Hmm,” Xinemus said. “The water’s warm.” Even terrified, Esmenet rolled her eyes, smiled.

“And deep,” the Prince replied.

Xinemus cackled in a manner at once wicked and endearing. After securing himself, he slapped the other man on the back. “I’m going to use that,” he said merrily, “the next time I piss back here with Akka. If I know him, he’ll damn near fall in.”

“You’ll have a rope to throw him at least,” the taller man replied.

More laughter, at once hale and warm. A friendship, Esmenet realized, had just been sealed.

R. Scott Bakker - The Prince of Nothing - The Darkness That Comes Before


Kick ass moment #2

Mistborn review

I have not read Elantris so this is my first taste of Brandon Sanderson. I wanted to read some of his work since he was chosen to finish The Wheel of Time. I begun with Mistborn : The Final Empire, the first book of the Mistborn trilogy.

We follow Vin, a young petty thief who is a mistborn (an allomancer who can use all metals) without knowing it. She's discovered by members a ex gang of thieves who's new goal is to throw over the Final Empire. This empire is lead by the savior of mankind from one thousand year ago, literally a god. With the help of the Survivor of Hathsin (a prison mine), Kelsier (another Mistborn), she will develop her potential. Together, they will have to build an army of skaa (the slave caste of the world) and destroy the nobility to get to the Lord Ruler.

I liked it a lot, Mistborn : The Final Empire is a very good read. I think my feelings about this book can be resumed with one word : originality! Originality in the world the author created, the magic system he created and the story. Speaking of this, I think that a lot of thinking went into the creation of this world. Everything connects wonderfully. The different races, the different types of magic, the noblemen/slave relation and the God.

Allomancy is Sanderson's magic system in this world. The allomancers get their power from burning specific metals that they ingested. This idea is very refreshing and more complex than it seems. By limiting the amount of metals they can get, Sanderson can control the balance between the allomancers and the rest of the book cast. The use of different metals with different powers creates a wide array of possibilities. It also creates great battle scenes.

Characters are well developed. I like to see the training and how someone came to be what he is (not really in the classic farmer case) and see characters who are ready for the spotlight. We have both in this book and more. Moreover, the story is a good suspense. It's fun to see a group of con experts try the impossible. I easily got into it.

The narrative is carried out with two major POV and some minor ones. I think the changes between Kelsier and Vin POV were done with the right timing. Even if they have a very different way of thinking, there's a nice continuity with the flow of the writing. For me, the writing was good enough, no endless descriptions, plenty of action and satisfying dialogues.

I liked the pace although it's not always constant. Mistborn : The Final Empire is divided in "parts" with a kind of finality at the end of each. There's also quotes from someone logbook (that you don't know at the beginning) that are adding an extra layer of depth to the story. There a good share of surprises but at the end of the book, I can see where Sanderson is going with the story... there's plenty of hints.

Technically, the Tor books cover that I had is Ok but the new version is a little bit better. The map of the world is very basic and not much necessary... the city one is nice and useful.

From what I have read here, I'm sure The Wheel Time will receive a proper treatment.

Mistborn : The Final Empire review score :

Characterization............. 8 /10
World building............... 8.5 / 10
Magic system................. 9 / 10
Story.............................. 7.5 / 10
Writing........................... 8 / 10

Overall (not an average) 8 / 10

Enjoy!

Brandon Sanderson page

Confessor review

Oh boy... how could I have gotten this far... so much time wasted reading the last half, if not more, of this series... Why I continued? I'm not sure, I usually put down a book when it's bad. Maybe because "Wizard's first rule" was the first book I read in english (I'm in Quebec so my first language is french)... I had to get to the end.... bad idea! "People are stupid" he said?

I think one of my worst moment in my fantasy reading history was when Richard found the "War wizard for dummies" book. I was not aware that this moment would be beaten by the conclusion of the Sword of truth saga. After the first books (which I liked a lot), I had great hopes. They were crushed.

Let's resume... Richard is still trying to find a way to stop the chainfire spell. Nicci talks. Jagang is trying to enter the People's palace and find a way to activate the boxes of Orden. Nicci and Richard talks. Kahlan is trying to evade Jagang. Nicci talks. Richard becomes the God of the human spirit! I think that sums up the story.

The world Terry Goodkind created in the beginning had good potential. But then the guy read Ayn Rand and the downfall begun. First he said that he didn't write fantasy and then he started to write books just to plug this objectivist philosophy. This is the main problem, he can't stop focusing on that. He's trying to convince us with the subtlety of someone hitting you in the face with a crowbar.

The story goes nowhere interesting at all. [Spoiler].... All of those lines written to finish with the creation of our world (or something very similar). Argh!!!

Characterization? Why can't Nicci shut up! The book could have been called "Nicci speaks her mind over and over" instead of Confessor. Richard has become insipid and Zedd and Nathan are not used enough to save the day.

Still, I found something positive (in addition to the fact that the story is over and I don't have to read more stuff from him). The final Ja'La game is full of action and I was caught up in it. There's about a hundred pages that I read with pleasure.

Big deception, but I saw it coming... the previous books of the series were a big sign enough (but then why read it???)

Technically, Ok cover and Ok map...

Characterization............. 4.5 /10
World building............... 6 / 10
Magic system................. 6 / 10
Story.............................. 2 / 10
Writing........................... 2 / 10

Overall (not an average) 2.5 / 10

Terry Goodkind page

Reviewing and reading soon

I started this blog not long ago. So right now I'm catching up with the reviews. Soon, I hope, I will be up to date with the recent releases. For now, here are some of the upcoming reviews and what I have to read to catch up.

Reviewing soon

- The name of the wind by Patrick Rothfuss
- The first law trilogy by Joe Abercrombie (meta review)
- The kingdom of thorn and bone series by Greg Keyes (meta review)
- The Malazan book of the fallen series by Steven Erickson (meta review)
- The Prince of nothing trilogy by R. Scott Bakker (meta review)
- The wheel of time series by Robert Jordan (meta review)
- A song of ice and fire by George R.R. Martin (meta review)
- Terry Brooks, David Eddings and some other authors stuff

Reading soon to catch up

- The black company by Glen Cook
- The Mistborn trilogy and Elantris by Brandon Sanderson
- Blood of elves by Andrzej Sapkowski
- The night angel trilogy by Brent Weeks
- Shadows of the apt trilogy by Adrian Tchaikovsky

The Gathering Storm cover

What can I say? It's as ugly as the previous books covers but then, at this point why change it? Hopefully, it will be the only problem with the book.

Wise man's fear news!

Patrick Rothfuss just posted this on his blog When in Rome...

Good news, that means the delay for this one is over!!!

Kvothe will be back soon!

The Lies Of Locke Lamora Review

Loved this one! Amazingly refreshing and intelligent!

Scott Lynch is considered one of the best newcomer in fantasy in recent years. The Lies Of Locke Lamora is the first book of the Gentleman Bastard sequence. The series will span seven books. The first two are already out and the third is having some delay (probably 2010).

We follow Locke Lamora, the Thorn of Camorr, a young orphan taken in charge in his early years by a group of thieves. Being too clever and troublesome for his Thiefmaker master, he's then taken to Chains, a falsely blind priest of the thieves God. Under his tutelage, he will learn the true art of robbery, being the ultimate con artist. Later on, Locke becomes the "garrista" (leader) of his band of thieves. While planning a big coup with his team, the Gray King shows up. This mysterious figure is set on killing members of Camorr thieving bands, while seeking revenge against Capa Barsavi, the head of crime in the city. Locke is then caught between his coup and the Gray King plans.

I found the story to be full of surprises. Lynch gives us a "cape and sword" book with intrigue, vengeance, fantasy and high caliber robbery. I had to keep guessing until the end. The author really gets down to business. The descriptions are concise and the right amount of action and adventure is put in. I wanted the adventure to keep going strong and it did all the way to the finale. The writing gives us a good rhythm of rises of adrenalin and smooth phases.

The narrative is told from a third person perspective. I think it fits well with the drama. The main protagonist, Locke Lamora is a character easy to love. I cared about him from the start. Even if he is the center of attention, Locke is surrounded by captivating allies and enemies. I think Scott gives ample room to the other characters (Jean, Chains and the whole band... even all of Locke "opponents"). Lynch is not afraid to kill important members of both side to ensure a realism (by taking account of the world in which the story occurs) to his plot.

We get to see some magic, but only to help the Gray King get his way. His ally is an enigmatic Bondsmage that has its uses but not much spotlight. There is also some hints about an alien race seemingly gone from the world. But the "fantasy" elements in the book are just enough for the sake of the tale.

The city in which we are immersed feels a lot like renaissance Venice (with the canals and the clothing). It's good to have some fantasy (although it's not really a perfectly good example of the genre) set in a world unlike the middle ages. We'll see in the upcoming books if the world in which Locke evolves is as detailed and compelling as the city of Camorr.

A very unusual aspect in the writing is the "Interludes" between some chapters. With that, we get some background about the characters while understanding more why and where we are going. The result is a great pace and a nice support for the development of the protagonists. The only problem with that will be with the following books. I don't think that Scott will use theses "Interludes" again... if so, he won't have enough stuff for seven books. But then, I don't think he absolutely needs this to write a good book.

I'm very eager to read the next one soon.

Technically, the McArthur and Company original cover is not very beautiful. However, the new edition is looking great. The map is sufficient but not absolutely necessary.

Note that you can read the prologue on Scott's page.

The Lies Of Locke Lamora review score:

Characterization
World building
Magic system
Story
Writing

Overall (not an average)

Enjoy!

Scott Lynch's page

Kick ass moment #2

'Practical Frost, the Inquisitor is bleeding! If you please!'

'I'th thorry.' The iron scraped as Frost dragged it from the brazier, glowing
orange. Glokta could feel the heat of it even from where he was sitting. Ah, hot iron.
It keeps no secrets, it tells no lies.

'No! No! I—' Harker's words dissolved into a bubbling scream as Frost ground
the brand into the wound and the room filled slowly with the salty aroma of cooking
meat. A smell which, to Glokta's disgust, caused his empty stomach to rumble. How
long is it since I had a good slice of meat? He wiped a fresh sheen of sweat from
his face with his free hand and worked his aching shoulders under his coat.

Joe Abercrombie - Before they are hanged

Kick ass moment #1

Summer time reading

What will we read this summer? Here's a list of upcoming releases and some more still hot from the oven :

Best Served Cold
Joe Abercrombie
July/August

"Springtime in Styria. And that means war. There have been nineteen years of blood. The ruthless Grand Duke Orso is locked in a vicious struggle with the squabbling League of Eight, and between them they have bled the land white. Armies march, heads roll and cities burn, while behind the scenes bankers, priests and older, darker powers play a deadly game to choose who will be king. War may be hell but for Monza Murcatto, the Snake of Talins, the most feared and famous mercenary in Duke Orso's employ, it's a damn good way of making money too. Her victories have made her popular - a shade too popular for her employer's taste. Betrayed and left for dead, Murcatto's reward is a broken body and a burning hunger for vengeance. Whatever the cost, seven men must die. Her allies include Styria's least reliable drunkard, Styria's most treacherous poisoner, a mass-murderer obsessed with numbers and a Northman who just wants to do the right thing. Her enemies number the better half of the nation. And that's all before the most dangerous man in the world is dispatched to hunt her down and finish the job Duke Orso started... Springtime in Styria. And that means revenge."

What to expect form Joe? More kick ass action and comedy! He writes some f***ing good stuff! This one is set in the same world as the First law trilogy but it's a stand alone. Should be a great fast gritty ride.

***

Blood of the mantis
Adrian Tchaikovsky
August

"Driven by the ghosts of the Darakyon, Achaeos has tracked the stolen Shadow Box to the marsh-town of Jerez, but he has only days before the magical box is lost to him forever. Meanwhile, the forces of the Empire are mustering over winter for their great offensive, gathering their soldiers and perfecting their new weapons. Stenwold and his followers have only a short time to gather what allies they can before the Wasp armies march again, conquering everything in their path. If they cannot throw back the Wasps this spring then the imperial black-and-gold flag will fly over every city in the Lowlands before the year's end. In Jerez begins a fierce struggle over the Shadow Box, as lake creatures, secret police and renegade magicians compete to take possession. If it falls into the hands of the Wasp Emperor, however, then no amount of fighting will suffice to save the world from his relentless ambition."

This is the book 3 of the Shadows of the apt trilogy. I still haven't read the first one but from what I read in the blogosphere, it's worth a chance. Seems to be getting better as the trilogy goes on. The main appeal for this one is that people abilities are based on insects.

***


Nights of Villjamur
Mark Charan Newton
August

"Political intrigue and dark violence converge in a superb new action series of enthralling fantasy. An ice age strikes a chain of islands, and thousands come to seek sanctuary at the gates of Villjamur: a city of ancient spires and bridges, a place where banshees wail the deceased, cultists use forgotten technology for their own gain and where, further out, the dead have been seen walking across the tundra.When the Emperor commits suicide, his elder daughter, Rika, is brought home to lead the Jamur Empire, but the sinister Chancellor plans to get rid of her and claim the throne for himself. Meanwhile a senior investigator in the city inquisition must solve the high-profile and savage murder of a city politician, whilst battling evils within his own life, and a handsome and serial womanizer manipulates his way into the imperial residence with a hidden agenda. When reports are received that tens of thousands of citizens are dying in a bizarre genocide on the northern islands of the Empire, members of the elite Night Guard are sent to investigate. It seems that, in this land under a red sun, the long winter is bringing more than just snow."

First book by Mark Charan Newton. His website states that it's grown-up fantasy with noir styling. Expectations for this one are high. Maybe we a best new comer in the genre for the year.


***


Fall of Thanes
Brian Ruckley
August

"The True Bloods are in disarray, their alliance crumbling and their armies humbled by the forces of the Black Road. Aeglyss, falling ever deeper into madness, casts a shadow across all. At the court of the High Thane, Anyara faces a savage struggle for survival against the na'kyrim's possessed agent: Mordyn Jerain, the Shadowhand. In the GlasValley, Kanin, the embittered Horin-Gyre Thane, plots a desperate rising against the halfbreed. But ultimately it will be Orisian, Thane of a Blood that no longer exists, who must stand face to face with a darkly transcendent Aeglyss and make the sacrifice - of himself and others - required to end the threat he represents."

This is the third book of the Godless World trilogy. The review so far for the two previous book are good. From what I gather, it's a world a little bit more medieval (a la George R.R. Martin... I'm speaking of the world here) with more snow! Haven't started this series yet, but it's on the "soon" list.

***


Dust of dreams
Steven Erickson
September

"On the Letherii continent the exiled Malazan army commanded by Adjunct Tavore begins its march into the eastern Wastelands, to fight for an unknown cause against an enemy it has never seen. The fate awaiting the Bonehunters is one no soldier can prepare for, and one no mortal soul can withstand - the foe is uncertainty and the only weapon worth wielding is stubborn courage. In war everyone loses, and this brutal truth can be found in the eyes of every soldier in every world. Destinies are never simple. Truths are neither clear nor sharp. "The Tales of the Malazan Book of the Fallen" are drawing to a close in a distant place, beneath indifferent skies, as the last great army of the Malazan Empire seeks a final battle in the name of redemption. Final questions remain to be answered: can one's deeds be heroic when no one is there to see it? Can that which is unwitnessed forever change the world? The answers await the Bonehunters, beyond the Wastelands."

Ok, I'm almost sure I can't say enough for this one. This is my favorite series of all time and I can't wait. Hum... thinking about it, I can, Erickson is so productive that we don't have to wait for long. As for almost every last ones, I will read this one the day I get it, no matter what I'm reading. This is fantasy at it's best. And we are getting near the end.

***


Lamentation
Ken Scholes
February

"An ancient weapon has completely destroyed the city of Windwir. From many miles away, Rudolfo, Lord of the Nine Forest Houses, sees the horrifying column of smoke rising. He knows that war is coming to the Named Lands. Nearer to the Devastation, a young apprentice is the only survivor of the city - he sat waiting for his father outside the walls, and was transformed as he watched everyone he knew die in an instant. Soon all the Kingdoms of the Named Lands will be at each others' throats, as alliances are challenged and hidden plots are uncovered. This remarkable first novel from an award-winning short fiction writer will take readers away to a new world - an Earth so far in the distant future that our time is not even a memory; a world where magick is commonplace and great areas of the planet are impassable wastes. But human nature hasn't changed through the ages: War and faith and love still move princes and nations."

Good reviews so far. This is the start of a new series (The Psalms of Isaak). It's already out and it's promising.


***


Adamantine Palace
Stephen Deas
April

"The Adamantine Palace lies at the centre of an empire that grew out of ashes. Once dragons ruled the world and man was little more than prey. Then a way of subduing the dragons alchemicly was discovered and now the dragons are bred to be little more than mounts for knights and highly valued tokens in the diplomatic power-players that underpin the rule of the competing aristocratic houses. The Empire has grown fat. And now one man wants it for himself. A man prepared to poison the king just as he has poisoned his own father. A man prepared to murder his lover and bed her daughter. A man fit to be king? But uknown to him there are flames on the way. A single dragon has gone missing. And even one dragon on the loose, unsubdued, returned to its full intelligence, its full fury, could spell disaster for the Empire. But because of the actions of one unscrupulous mercenary the rivals for the throne could soon be facing hundreds of dragons."

Dragons dragons dragons. We love or hate them depending on how they are used. From what I hear, Stephen Deas is handling them pretty well.


***


The Warded Man
Perter V. Brett
March

"The time has come to stand against the night. As darkness falls each night, the corelings rise–demons who well up from the ground like hellish steam, taking on fearsome form and substance. Sand demons. Wood demons. Wind demons. Flame demons. And gigantic rock demons, the deadliest of all. They possess supernatural strength and powers and burn with a consuming hatred of humanity. For hundreds of years the demons have terrorized the night, slowly culling the human herd that shelters behind magical wards–symbols of power whose origins are lost in myth and mystery, and whose protection is terrifyingly fragile. It was not always this way. Once, men and women battled the corelings on equal terms. Once, under the leadership of the legendary Deliverer, and armed with powerful wards that were not merely shields but weapons, they took the battle to the demons . . . and stopped their advance. But those days are gone. The fighting wards are lost. Night by night the demons grow stronger, while human numbers dwindle under their relentless assault. Now, with hope for the future fading, three young survivors of vicious demon attacks will dare the impossible, stepping beyond the crumbling safety of the wards to risk everything in a desperate quest to regain the secrets of the past. Arlen will pay any price, embrace any sacrifice, for freedom. His grim journey will take him beyond the bounds of human power.Crippled by the demons that killed his parents, Rojer seeks solace in music–only to discover that music can be a weapon as well as a refuge. Beautiful Leesha, who has suffered at the hands of men as well as demons, becomes an expert healer. But what cures can also harm. . . . Together, they will stand against the night."

The warded or painted man depending on where you live. Another new comer pretty serious about our best of the year lists (from what I read). This is the book one of the Demon trilogy. The book two (The Desert Spear) will be out soon in UK I think. Very good reviews so far.

Kick ass moment #1

Spoiler alert, stop here if you don't want to spoil A Storm of Swords


***

"For once, his father did what Tyrion asked him. The proof was the sudden stench, as his bowels loosened in the moment of death. Well, he was in the right place for it, Tyrion thought. But the stink that filled the privy gave ample evidence that the oft-repeated jape about his father was just another lie.

Lord Tywin Lannister did not, in the end, shit gold."

George R.R. Martin - A Storm of Swords

Lord foul's bane "Half" review

I know I'm late in reading Stephen Donaldson. I decided to try it after seeing his name each time I picked up my Malazan books. He won some awards and seems to be well loved. So I read the first book of The chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever, Lord foul's bane.

The title of this post is "Half" review because I did not finish reading the book... Here's why:

First, I have to say that I hate it when the story starts in the real world. One of the reasons I think I read fantasy is to get lost in another universe and I don't need that real world link. I continued reading anyway since I knew that many fantasy lovers were big fans of his work.

Biggest problem for me? Thomas Covenant himself... and since the story is given through his eyes... The guy is infected with leprosy... that's not really the main problem, just a little annoying for my taste. He gets to that other world and then he rapes the first girl he meets... How can I wish to learn more about that guy? At least after that, he can only get better!

As I continue reading, the good old plot unravels. The simple guy who doesn't know that prophecy and destiny have chosen him gets on a quest to kill the super evil villain and he walks the country.

Then, a little bit later in the story, (small spoiler here I think).... we discover that the "spikes" that attack him are doing so because of his boots from the real world. He then decides to keep them on! That was too much, I put it down... The book is not that bad in itself, it's just really not my kind of thing.

I know that the story and Thomas are evolving with the other chronicles so maybe someday I will give it another chance. Until then, I think there's too much stuff that will fit my taste to finish this book.

Technically, the cover was awful (not the one in the post, an older Del Rey edition) but it was in 1977... and the map ...nothing to add...

Characterization............. 3 /10
World building............... 5 / 10
Magic system................. 5 / 10
Story.............................. 5 / 10
Writing........................... 7 / 10

Overall (not an average) 4 / 10

Stephen R. Donaldson

New Poll

Who's the best Malazan swordman?

I go with Karsa! Even against Rake's Dragnipur... ;)