Journey to Brodentia
June 23, 2010 | 1 Comment
Book Title: Journey to Brodantia
Author: Kriss Erickson
Niche: Fantasy
Price: $4
Size: 71,000 words (equivalent to 267 pages in mass market paperback form)
At the end of Brown Bird’s Luck, Deila , Jaime, and Falimar were setting out on a quest to return Falimar to his unicorn herd in Brodantia.
Now, guided by a map given Deila by her grandmother, The Dark Weaver, they are pursued by their parents who covet Falimar for the wealth they could get by selling his parts. They must overcome harpies, huge wildcats, and other obstacles to find the hidden Land Behind the Veil.
This book moves a lot better than the first (which had a charm of its own). I was plunged immediately into a world of fantasy filled with wonderful (and sometimes terrifying) mystical creatures and characters.
The trio has to overcome a number of obstacles in their quest to reach Brodantia so Falimar can be reunited with his relatives and that’s the meat of the story. Along the way, they meet opponents and surprising allies as they struggle on.
A good story that will appeal to young adults and those of us, like me, who are still a bit young at heart.
Formats: Adobe Reader (pdf), ePub, Kindle (prc), Microsoft Reader (lit), Mobi (prc)
No DRM
Reviewed by Allan Kalar, Washington state
By it now at AKW Books
Star Marine
May 6, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Book Title: Star Marine
Author: John Bowers
Niche: Science Fiction
Price: $9.50
Size: 38,000 words (143 pages paperback equivalent)
“It takes all kinds to fight a war” according to the book’s jacket. Well, the story makes good on that claim.
Bowers follows the exploits of three major players during the height of the Sirian War setting of The Fighter Queen saga:
Rico Martinez: A Star Marine, a grunt. Almost killed in the Titan operation, he is one of six who survives, but his war has only begun
Regina Wells: The only child of Federation Senator Henry Wells, Regina promises her dad she won’t join the military. But does anyway, as a civilian “expert” on Sirian culture. Unfortunately, her safe billet doesn’t last long.
Wade Palmer: A graduate student and a jock. When his father is killed in battle against the Sirians, Wade joins the Space Force, but his degree in statistical analysis lands him in the Polygon planning the war instead of fighting it.
The rather large story zips by so fast, that I didn’t realize I was reading something half the size of War and Peace. It was over long before I was ready to put it down.
Bowers manages, with his usual flair, to keep all the characters straight, even in my easily confused mind. He also never lets the reader breathe long enough to become bored with a section of the book (and there are precious few “breathing” moments). His best book so far, Bowers always seems to top himself with each new book.
And yes, Onja lovers, The Fighter Queen herself does make a couple of cameo appearances in the story.
Chronologically, Star Marine falls between A Vow to Sophia and The Fighter Queen.
Get ready to face the enemy, up close and personal.
Formats: Adobe Reader (pdf), ePub, Kindle (prc), Microsoft Reader (lit), Mobi (prc)
No DRM
Reviewed by Allan Kalar, Washington state
By it now at AKW Books
Brownbird’s Luck
April 29, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Book Title: Brownbird’s Luck
Author: Kriss Erickson
Niche: Fantasy
Price: $2.50
Size: 38,000 words (143 pages paperback equivalent)
This delightful fantasy is the first in a new series called The Land Behind the Veil. It features elves, unicorns (always a favorite), evil forces, and a quest.
The book will probably appeal most to pre-high school kids (including girls since the protagonist is a 14-year-old girl) and those who are still young at heart. Since I’ve never grown up (I may grow old, but I refuse to grow up), I also enjoyed the story.
If I had to criticize anything in the book, it would be the rather slow start. The scene setting seems to be necessary, but I’m one of those who wants to get into “the good stuff” right away. However, Erickson handles even that part of the book skillfully. I could almost taste the dust of the barnyard in my mouth and smell the crops her “Da” grows.
Her characters are real and engaging. Although they speak with an almost backwoods accent, it doesn’t get in the way of the story nor is it difficult to follow. Rather, it adds to the “reality” of the yarn and draws you into Deila’s world.
The sense that this is more than just a story about a poor farm girl becomes evident early on with the mysterious death of a new foal and the strange new foal that takes its place. Lessons in life given by her grandmother, “The Dark Weaver” add to the conviction that something extraordinary is happening.
Erickson doesn’t disappoint. Soon Deila is drawn into events that are far beyond the mundane world she lives in. A great setup for the next book in the series, Brodentia, which is due out in April.
Let go of your grip on reality and enjoy this trip into a different world of fantasy and mystery.
Formats: Adobe Reader (pdf), ePub, Kindle (prc), Microsoft Reader (lit), Mobi (prc)
No DRM
Reviewed by Allan Kalar, Washington state
By it now at AKW Books
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