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Ahoy there me mateys! This be the eighth book in me Ports for Plunder – 19 Books in 2019 list. The story of reading this book can trace it’s roots back to the 2015 John W. Campbell award finalists. For reasons that escape me now, I decided I was going to eventually read all of the 16 candidates for that specific year. Nina Allan appeared on that list and reading her book from that year, the race, marked the half-way point of me goal. I liked it enough that I wanted to read more of her work. Then this current book appeared on the 2018 John W. Campbell award finalists list. So I put it in me 19 in 2019 goal.
So I really liked this book and yet I will likely never re-read it. But I will likely re-read the race even though I thought it wasn’t as well written. That seems contradictory. I will try and explain. For the race, these were me thoughts:
"The author seemingly has an idea of alternate or mirror worlds. But were they really? I don’t know. The book certainly brought up more questions than providing answers. I feel like the first read barely scratched the surface and that it deserves a re-read after some time has passed."
The author does seem to have a fasination with other worlds that are seemingly connected to ours and also certainly provokes way more questions than providing answers. I think the major difference between the two reads is that the character development in the rift was not the primary focus of the book. It was more of an exploration of the concept of rifts and their consquences. The sci-fi nature of this book was also VERY slow to appear.
The story is told mostly from the perspective of Selena. Selena and her sister, Julie, were extremely close growing up. But as Julie is turning 17 and Selena is turning 15, a rift has formed in their relationship. Julie is distancing herself from her sister. Selena feels this change keenly. Their parents’ marriage also has developed a rift and so the summer is filled with the akwardness between all members of the household. Then Julie goes missing and her disappearance is never solved.
The rift between the family members turns into a gulf of pain with extreme consquences for the remaining members of the family. The mother refuses to speak about Julie, the dad is convinced that his daughter is still alive and won’t give up on the search, and Selena is consumed by survivor’s guilt. But then 20 years later, a woman claiming to be Julie calls Selena. She also claims to have spent the missing years on an alien planet.
The majority of the focus is on how Selena reacts to the news of Julie’s possible survival. Is it her sister? Or is it too good to be true? What actually happened to Julie? Is Julie sane? I was completely engrossed in following Selena’s thoughts and feelings on the subject. I also was fascinated by the details of the alien world and Selena’s hunt for the truth. The author choose to add in details like newspaper articles and journal entries that helped enrich the story. But I never really grew attached to any of the characters in this tale, unlike when I read the race.
That said, I absolutely loved the book and the unraveling mystery and even the ending. I was completely satisfied with me read and had even picked a side in the hunt for the truth. The problems came when I realized the huge holes that had no answers. What happens to Johnny? Why did the mother choose her final stance? If the planet was real then what the hell did Julie do on it for over 15 years and how did she get home?
These questions didn’t occur to me while reading the book and I didn’t feel like they even needed to be asked or answered. But upon reflection, I wanted to know. I needed more to the story. I wanted more information on the planet and how Selena’s life changes after all this drama. But the book and writing itself didn’t require it. The story seemed complete. The author seems to have answered the main question of what Selena is going to do in the correct fashion. I just can’t help but wanting definitive answers for some of me questions.
When reading the race, I felt like I was missing things and that the author had clues and hints that I could maybe find if I read it again. I have unanswered questions that I would like to explore again. In the rift, it feels like the story is complete, I had all the details the author cares to give, and the narrative was clear. I didn’t miss anything in reading it and I know what I have decided is the truth. The journey towards Selena’s answer was the point. Reading it again would not necessarily give me further insight and the mystery is over for me. And that was what made it fun. It is an odd read that I don’t know if I could recommend. In fact, I am not sure I could recommend either book due to the unususal nature of them. But I do know that I will read more by Nina Allen. Arrrr!
So I really liked this book and yet I will likely never re-read it. But I will likely re-read the race even though I thought it wasn’t as well written. That seems contradictory. I will try and explain. For the race, these were me thoughts:
"The author seemingly has an idea of alternate or mirror worlds. But were they really? I don’t know. The book certainly brought up more questions than providing answers. I feel like the first read barely scratched the surface and that it deserves a re-read after some time has passed."
The author does seem to have a fasination with other worlds that are seemingly connected to ours and also certainly provokes way more questions than providing answers. I think the major difference between the two reads is that the character development in the rift was not the primary focus of the book. It was more of an exploration of the concept of rifts and their consquences. The sci-fi nature of this book was also VERY slow to appear.
The story is told mostly from the perspective of Selena. Selena and her sister, Julie, were extremely close growing up. But as Julie is turning 17 and Selena is turning 15, a rift has formed in their relationship. Julie is distancing herself from her sister. Selena feels this change keenly. Their parents’ marriage also has developed a rift and so the summer is filled with the akwardness between all members of the household. Then Julie goes missing and her disappearance is never solved.
The rift between the family members turns into a gulf of pain with extreme consquences for the remaining members of the family. The mother refuses to speak about Julie, the dad is convinced that his daughter is still alive and won’t give up on the search, and Selena is consumed by survivor’s guilt. But then 20 years later, a woman claiming to be Julie calls Selena. She also claims to have spent the missing years on an alien planet.
The majority of the focus is on how Selena reacts to the news of Julie’s possible survival. Is it her sister? Or is it too good to be true? What actually happened to Julie? Is Julie sane? I was completely engrossed in following Selena’s thoughts and feelings on the subject. I also was fascinated by the details of the alien world and Selena’s hunt for the truth. The author choose to add in details like newspaper articles and journal entries that helped enrich the story. But I never really grew attached to any of the characters in this tale, unlike when I read the race.
That said, I absolutely loved the book and the unraveling mystery and even the ending. I was completely satisfied with me read and had even picked a side in the hunt for the truth. The problems came when I realized the huge holes that had no answers. What happens to Johnny? Why did the mother choose her final stance? If the planet was real then what the hell did Julie do on it for over 15 years and how did she get home?
These questions didn’t occur to me while reading the book and I didn’t feel like they even needed to be asked or answered. But upon reflection, I wanted to know. I needed more to the story. I wanted more information on the planet and how Selena’s life changes after all this drama. But the book and writing itself didn’t require it. The story seemed complete. The author seems to have answered the main question of what Selena is going to do in the correct fashion. I just can’t help but wanting definitive answers for some of me questions.
When reading the race, I felt like I was missing things and that the author had clues and hints that I could maybe find if I read it again. I have unanswered questions that I would like to explore again. In the rift, it feels like the story is complete, I had all the details the author cares to give, and the narrative was clear. I didn’t miss anything in reading it and I know what I have decided is the truth. The journey towards Selena’s answer was the point. Reading it again would not necessarily give me further insight and the mystery is over for me. And that was what made it fun. It is an odd read that I don’t know if I could recommend. In fact, I am not sure I could recommend either book due to the unususal nature of them. But I do know that I will read more by Nina Allen. Arrrr!
Ahoy there me mateys! I absolutely love Sharon Shinn and featured her works in me Broadside No. 2. I just finished the Elemental Blessings series and me 16th book by her. The author's website describes the world of these books as:
Now when I went to read the last book in the series, unquiet land, I of course mixed up title names and ended up getting book one from the library. I started reading. It felt familiar. I realized me mistake, didn't care, and reread book one. I still loved it and it actually was nice to refresh me memory on the world and characters. This book soldified that I still want to know what me blessings are. Of course having read book one, I felt the details of the series come flooding back and quickly got book four to finish the series Arrrr!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
Everyone in the country of Welce is affiliated with one of the five elements: air, water, fire, wood, and earth. Each element is associated with eight blessings, and every individual is graced at birth with three of these blessings, which offer them guidance and direction for their entire lives. Unless they cannot read the message behind their blessings…unless they reject their blessings…unless the blessing coins they draw are mysterious and blank…
Now when I went to read the last book in the series, unquiet land, I of course mixed up title names and ended up getting book one from the library. I started reading. It felt familiar. I realized me mistake, didn't care, and reread book one. I still loved it and it actually was nice to refresh me memory on the world and characters. This book soldified that I still want to know what me blessings are. Of course having read book one, I felt the details of the series come flooding back and quickly got book four to finish the series Arrrr!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
Ahoy there me mateys! I absolutely love Sharon Shinn and featured her works in me Broadside No. 2. I just finished the Elemental Blessings series and me 16th book by her. The author's website describes the world of these books as:
Now when I went to read the last book in the series, unquiet land, I of course mixed up title names and ended up getting book one from the library. I started reading. It felt familiar. I realized me mistake, didn't care, and reread book one. I still loved it and it actually was nice to refresh me memory on the world and characters. This book soldified that I still want to know what me blessings are. Of course having read book one, I felt the details of the series come flooding back and quickly got book four to finish the series.
The last book in the quartet deals with Leah, who was me favourite character from the third book. Leah has returned to the land of her birth and wants to make amends for her past failures. But it seems her role of spy is not over just yet . . .
I don’t want to give away more than that and have to admit that the blurbs for books two through four are rather spoilery. What I can say is that book four was by far me favourite of the series. I adore Leah as a character. I adored the slow burn relationship. I enjoyed the spy plot. I guessed some of the plot points but I didn’t care. And how those plot points played out was fantastic. I think that ultimately this book was the strongest of the series by far. I enjoyed seeing the ramifications of the previous books’ politics play out. And I have to admit that though I don’t love shopping, I would love to visit the markets and Leah’s store!
I actually wouldn’t mind more Blessings books. It be a difficult decision about whether this series or her young adult safe-keepers series be me favourite. The good news is that there be a couple of standalones I have yet to get to. I be excited!
If ye be interested in any of Sharon Shinn’s works, I suggest ye hoist those sails and visit her amazing website. Literally one of the best author websites I have ever seen. Arrrrr!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
Everyone in the country of Welce is affiliated with one of the five elements: air, water, fire, wood, and earth. Each element is associated with eight blessings, and every individual is graced at birth with three of these blessings, which offer them guidance and direction for their entire lives. Unless they cannot read the message behind their blessings…unless they reject their blessings…unless the blessing coins they draw are mysterious and blank…
Now when I went to read the last book in the series, unquiet land, I of course mixed up title names and ended up getting book one from the library. I started reading. It felt familiar. I realized me mistake, didn't care, and reread book one. I still loved it and it actually was nice to refresh me memory on the world and characters. This book soldified that I still want to know what me blessings are. Of course having read book one, I felt the details of the series come flooding back and quickly got book four to finish the series.
The last book in the quartet deals with Leah, who was me favourite character from the third book. Leah has returned to the land of her birth and wants to make amends for her past failures. But it seems her role of spy is not over just yet . . .
I don’t want to give away more than that and have to admit that the blurbs for books two through four are rather spoilery. What I can say is that book four was by far me favourite of the series. I adore Leah as a character. I adored the slow burn relationship. I enjoyed the spy plot. I guessed some of the plot points but I didn’t care. And how those plot points played out was fantastic. I think that ultimately this book was the strongest of the series by far. I enjoyed seeing the ramifications of the previous books’ politics play out. And I have to admit that though I don’t love shopping, I would love to visit the markets and Leah’s store!
I actually wouldn’t mind more Blessings books. It be a difficult decision about whether this series or her young adult safe-keepers series be me favourite. The good news is that there be a couple of standalones I have yet to get to. I be excited!
If ye be interested in any of Sharon Shinn’s works, I suggest ye hoist those sails and visit her amazing website. Literally one of the best author websites I have ever seen. Arrrrr!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
Ahoy there mateys! I tried to read this multiple times. I loved the first half but then the tone of the novel shifted. I could never get through the second half. So I finally give up. Abandon Ship! Arrrr!
Ahoy there me mateys! It was the cover of this standalone novel featured on Drew’s blog, that originally drew me to this book. This book involves an un-aging and self-healing magic stone golem named Task who has been a slave for four hundred years with only one purpose. Death. With a new war comes a new master. Task has been purchased by the losing side in a civil war. But this war feels different. Ye see Task was inadvertently given something resembling feelings when he was created. But waging continuous war on behalf of the “skinbags” has made him apathetic and numb. But an unusual master and the subsequent events of the war begin to draw Task’s begrudging attention . . .
The characterization in this book was wondrous. There be three characters in particular that I adored:
- Task – I loved this golem. He is cynical, perceptive, and tortured. I loved seeing the world through his non-human eyes. I love watching him bend and change. Plus his magic is cool.
- Lesky – She is a plucky, resourceful stable girl who has landed very hard on the bad side of life. I loved her wit, tenacity, and her worldly wisdom passed down from her mom. I was rooting for her the whole time.
- Alabast Flint – He came to fame by slaying a dragon and has been tasked with hunting down and killing the golem. He is a drunken, self-serving reprobate who ye love to hate. But redemption may be his.
The juxtaposition of these three characters was a delight. While war may be the overarching theme, the relationships were the heart of the story. Though the plot is slow-moving, it was following these evolving relationships that avidly kept me attention.
That said, I enjoyed the politics of the story. There were many times where the plot took a turn I wasn’t expecting. I especially liked how it was usually hard to pick a side in the conflict. I thought the bad guys were both interesting and nuanced. And I actually loved the ending. All in all, I am glad I picked this one up and be interested in exploring the author’s other works. The chasing graves trilogy about ghosts sounds cool. Arrr!
Side note: Check out Matey Drew @ thetattooedbookgeek’s author interview! Gotta love his zany interviewing style.
The characterization in this book was wondrous. There be three characters in particular that I adored:
- Task – I loved this golem. He is cynical, perceptive, and tortured. I loved seeing the world through his non-human eyes. I love watching him bend and change. Plus his magic is cool.
- Lesky – She is a plucky, resourceful stable girl who has landed very hard on the bad side of life. I loved her wit, tenacity, and her worldly wisdom passed down from her mom. I was rooting for her the whole time.
- Alabast Flint – He came to fame by slaying a dragon and has been tasked with hunting down and killing the golem. He is a drunken, self-serving reprobate who ye love to hate. But redemption may be his.
The juxtaposition of these three characters was a delight. While war may be the overarching theme, the relationships were the heart of the story. Though the plot is slow-moving, it was following these evolving relationships that avidly kept me attention.
That said, I enjoyed the politics of the story. There were many times where the plot took a turn I wasn’t expecting. I especially liked how it was usually hard to pick a side in the conflict. I thought the bad guys were both interesting and nuanced. And I actually loved the ending. All in all, I am glad I picked this one up and be interested in exploring the author’s other works. The chasing graves trilogy about ghosts sounds cool. Arrr!
Side note: Check out Matey Drew @ thetattooedbookgeek’s author interview! Gotta love his zany interviewing style.
Ahoy there me mateys! I received this fantasy eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Be advised that this be the second book in the series. While I try to post no spoilers, if ye haven’t read the first and keep reading this log then ye have been forewarned and continue at yer own peril . . .
I loved the first book but seriously this one was better. How good ye ask? Well while I was finishing Part III, there was apparently a huge thunderstorm AND it knocked out our power. I didn't even notice until the power came back on and all the fans and the air conditioner turned back on at the same time. That's how engrossed I was. Thank goodness I was reading on me Kindle!
In the first book, I had some problems sympathizing with Rin due to her stubborn nature and thoughtless mistakes. This time I was avidly following her every move. And I adored the rest of the gang in this one too. Though the set-up elements for book three were there from the beginning, it was impossible to chart how the course of the action and was nonetheless completely unexpected. I will leave it at that because the crew deserves to explore these strange waters on their own. Arrrrrr!
Check out me crew members reviews of this one:
Melisssa @ melissareviewsbooks - "DAMN! DAMN! DAMN! DAMN! That ending! DAMN! DAMN! DAMN!"
James Lafayette Tivendale - "The Dragon Republic is a phenomenal follow-up to what was one of my highest rated fantasy books of 2018, and I think this exceeds the debut in almost everyway."
Aimal @ bookshelves&paperbacks - "Well... fuck."
Rain @ bookdragonism - "Reading is all fun and games until all them books decide to tear your heart straight out of your chest, punch you in the gut, and leave you to the sharks to devour. THAT IS WHAT THE DRAGON REPUBLIC MADE ME FEEL."
Hamad @ thebookprescription - "Now I am giving 5 stars to books where everyone dies! I think I need help xD"
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
I loved the first book but seriously this one was better. How good ye ask? Well while I was finishing Part III, there was apparently a huge thunderstorm AND it knocked out our power. I didn't even notice until the power came back on and all the fans and the air conditioner turned back on at the same time. That's how engrossed I was. Thank goodness I was reading on me Kindle!
In the first book, I had some problems sympathizing with Rin due to her stubborn nature and thoughtless mistakes. This time I was avidly following her every move. And I adored the rest of the gang in this one too. Though the set-up elements for book three were there from the beginning, it was impossible to chart how the course of the action and was nonetheless completely unexpected. I will leave it at that because the crew deserves to explore these strange waters on their own. Arrrrrr!
Check out me crew members reviews of this one:
Melisssa @ melissareviewsbooks - "DAMN! DAMN! DAMN! DAMN! That ending! DAMN! DAMN! DAMN!"
James Lafayette Tivendale - "The Dragon Republic is a phenomenal follow-up to what was one of my highest rated fantasy books of 2018, and I think this exceeds the debut in almost everyway."
Aimal @ bookshelves&paperbacks - "Well... fuck."
Rain @ bookdragonism - "Reading is all fun and games until all them books decide to tear your heart straight out of your chest, punch you in the gut, and leave you to the sharks to devour. THAT IS WHAT THE DRAGON REPUBLIC MADE ME FEEL."
Hamad @ thebookprescription - "Now I am giving 5 stars to books where everyone dies! I think I need help xD"
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/