The Unseen Library

The entertaining team of Baggit and Clodde return for another Warhammer Crime adventure in the rip-roaring and deeply exciting science fiction thriller romp, The Wraithbone Phoenix by the impressive Alec Worley.

Last week I presented a review that talked about the intriguing Warhammer Crime series that combined crime fiction narratives with elements of the iconic Warhammer universe to create some amazing reads. While some Warhammer novels already feature some intriguing crime fiction elements, such as in Necromunda novels like Kal Jericho: Sinner’s Bounty by Joshua Reynolds, the Warhammer Crime books are a much more complete melding, with cool thriller plots and complex mysteries. I was rather intrigued by this concept, especially as I love it when authors combine wildly different genres together, and I mentioned how I planned to try out one of those books next. Well, that book was The Wraithbone Phoenix by Alec Worley, an awesome and captivating read set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. A follow-up to Worley’s 2020 full-cast audiobook, Dredge Runners, The Wraithbone Phoenix is a full-length novel that brings back the protagonists of the original audiobook and puts them in another unique and deadly situation.

In the far future of the universe, there are few places more corrupt and chaotic than the crime-ridden city of Varangantua. Life is cheap on the mean streets of Varangantua, and death waits around every corner, especially if you have a massive bounty on your head. Unfortunately, the most wanted in the city currently are the abhuman deserters turned criminals, Baggit and Clodde. Baggit, a tricky ratling always looking for the next score, and Clodde, his ogryn friend with a rare facility for thought, have made an enemy of one of the most dangerous men in the city, and now everyone is after their heads. Hiding out within one of the city’s industrial salvatoriums, Baggit and Clodde have taken on new identities until the heat dies down. However, the twos natural inclination for getting into trouble soon breaks their cover, and they are soon forced out into the open.

Desperate to find a way to pay off their debts, Baggit hears an interesting bit of news that could change all their fortunes. One of the nearby salvatoriums is dismantling the decommissioned Imperial Navy ship, Sunstriker, the reputed home of a long-lost treasure, a xenos artifact known as the Wraithbone Phoenix. Guided by the rumours he heard when previously served about the Sunstriker, Baggit believes that the Wraithbone Phoenix is still hidden aboard, and its value is more than enough to get rid of their bounty.

But no secrets every remain safe in Varangantua, and as Baggit and Clodde make their preparations to sneak into the Sunstriker, news of their location and their potential treasure leaks out. Soon every criminal, bounty hunter, treasure hunter and mercenary is on their way towards the Sunstriker, desperate to claim either the bounty on Baggit and Clodde’s head, or the Wraithbone Phoenix. Forced to face off against the very worst killers that Varangantua and its main criminal cesspool, the Dredge, has to offer, Baggit and Clodde attempt to do the impossible, recover the artefact from the ship and get out with their heads intact. But can even the clever Baggit and the indomitable Clodde escape the deadly wave about to crash down upon them?

Wow, now this was one of the most entertaining and thrilling Warhammer 40,000 novels I have read all year. Worley has produced an amazing novel in The Wraithbone Phoenix that did a wonderful job blending Warhammer elements with an impressive crime fiction narrative. Filled with a ton of action, some amazing humour, and so many outrageous characters, The Wraithbone Phoenix is an outstanding read that proves to be extremely addictive.

I had such a brilliant time with The Wraithbone Phoenix, especially as Worley pulled together an extremely impressive and intense narrative that is very hard to put down. Set in a particularly crime-ridden and corrupt city, the novel sees the chaotic duo of the ratling (halfling/hobbit) Baggit and the ogryn (ogre) Clodde, get into all manner of trouble. Featuring a range of character perspectives, the first third of the book is pretty firmly focussed on the main duo, with some fun scenes from the contemptable villain Lemuel Scratchwick. Forced into hiding due to past mistakes, Baggit comes up with an ambitious plan to recover the Wraithbone Phoenix, a legendary xenos treasure that is rumoured to be hidden in a nearby ship being scrapped (the theft and hiding having been cleverly set up in some early interludes). However, after Lemuel overhears and spills the beans in a very public way, the entire city knowns what the two are planning, and a horde of killers and thieves head towards the ship. The book starts spreading its focus to several other outrageous figures, all of whom are interested in either the Wraithbone Phoenix or killing Baggit and Clodde. The author does a wonderful job introducing each of the characters, and you soon become invested in their hunt, as all of them are pretty amusing in their own way. The action ends up in the decommissioned ship, were everyone starts their search for the missing treasure, and it doesn’t take long for everyone to start fighting each other in a series of bloody battles. You honestly have no idea who is going to survive the various encounters, and it is very fun to see the distinctive characters dying in surprisingly and compelling ways. At the same time, the characters also attempt to solve the mystery of the hidden Wraithbone Phoenix, and the various hints about its initial disappearance are cleverly woven into the modern tale, requiring the protagonists to solve it. Eventually, only a few characters are left, and there is a great series of twists and turns that sees everyone get what they truly deserve. While I did think that Worley perhaps went one twist too far (the final one was a bit too metaphysical for my taste), the reader comes away extremely satisfied, and highly entertained.

I had a wonderful time with this awesome book, and I think that Worley did a great job setting the entire narrative out. The combination of crime fiction elements and the great and grim Warhammer 40,000 setting worked extremely well, and you ended up with a high-octane thriller that saw futuristic and half-crazed killers go against each other in a deadly contest for money and treasure. The use of various perspectives allows you to get to know the various outrageous killers and participants in a very short amount of time, and you are soon invested in them and their various personal struggles as they duke it out. I was getting a very cool and cinematic vibe from this story that put me in mind of films and books like Smoking Aces, Snatch or Bullet Train, with big casts all working against each other for the same goal. While you are generally rooting for the main two characters, it is also very fun to see the other players in action, and the multiple unique interactions all these crazy figures have results in an impressive and frenetic read. Worley backs this up with a ton of brilliantly written and highly detailed action sequences, and you really won’t believe the range of destruction and deliciously devious deaths that occurs. There are so many impressive and cleverly set up moments throughout this narrative, and the deaths of several characters are usually the result of some well-placed bit of trickery that occurred chapters ago. All this action, intrigue and character development is perfectly bound together by the book’s overarching humour, which helps to balance out the more intense elements of the novel, while also keeping everything darkly funny. There are so many good jokes or hilariously over-the-top moments scattered throughout the novel, and I had a lot of great laughs as I powered through it. Heck, even the title, The Wraithbone Phoenix, is a play on the classic noir book/film, The Maltese Falcon. Everything comes together so perfectly throughout the book, especially as Worley also includes several outstanding interludes, some brilliant flashbacks, and even some hilarious in-universe text excerpts and announcements, all of which add perfectly the funny, but grim, tone of the book. This was an incredibly well written and captivating read, and it proves quite impossible to put down at times.

While The Wraithbone Phoenix does have an outstanding crime fiction narrative, this book wouldn’t be anywhere near as good if it weren’t set in the grim future of Warhammer 40,000. Worley did a remarkable job setting the book in this futuristic world, and it was great to see the various technologies and factions from the game being utilised in a crime story. The author really works to explain many different elements from the Warhammer 40,000 lore here, and readers new to the franchise can easily dive into this book and start appreciating its clever story and settings. I particularly loved the primary location of the corrupt city of Varangantua. The author expands on this city a lot in this new book, giving more depth than it had in Dredge Runners, and you see more of the massive industries the planet supports, and the terrible conditions the people forced to work there endure. Worley continues to hammer home just how much of a dark, dystopian society Varangantua, and the larger Imperium, really is for ordinary human citizens, and that their supposedly enlightened rulers are in many ways just as bad, if not worse, than the various monsters and the forces of Chaos they fight against (at least Chaos worshippers are honest about their intentions). You can really sense the woe and control that Varangantua’s rulers have over the populace, and this is only enhanced by the various propaganda announcements that are played at various intervals throughout the book. The propaganda posts are very obviously biased in their attempted manipulations and exhalations for service and order, that they are all extremely funny, even as they show just how bad things are by denying them. However, Worley takes this even further by showing the darker, criminal side that surrounds the city, and it was really cool to see just how much worse things could get.

One of the most intriguing Warhammer 40,000 elements that Worley explores in The Wraithbone Phoenix is how the Imperial abhumans are treated. Abhumans are genetically diverse humans who come in many shapes and sizes, like the small and sneaky ratlings and the gigantic, but dumb, ogryn. Tolerated by the Imperium for their usefulness, these abhumans are treated as second-class citizens, looked down on by everyone just for the way they were born. While this has been explored in other books, Worley really hammers it home in The Wraithbone Phoenix, especially as the two main characters are both abhumans. You get a brilliant examination of how abhumans are regarded throughout the Imperium, both in the Astra Militarum and in general society, and the results are pretty damn grim. Not only do all the humans treat them terribly and generally tell them they are worthless (there is an entire litany they need to learn about them being abhorred, unclean, but forgiven), but there are multiple examples of abhumans being killed or maimed, just for what they are. Not only is this fascinating, while also enhancing the dark nature of the Imperium and the supposedly righteous humans, but it also becomes quite a key plot point throughout the book. There are multiple scenes that focus on the protagonists struggling to deal with the prejudice they have suffered throughout their life, which defines them and drives them. In addition, the plot around the hidden Wraithbone Phoenix is down to a mistreated ratling trying to get his revenge after being unfairly targeted and left filled with hate. This proves to be quite a fascinating and well-written aspect of The Wraithbone Phoenix, and I loved being able to see everything from the abhumans perspective.

I also have a lot of love for the excellent characters that Worley set his story around. There is such a great range of distinctive and captivating characters throughout The Wraithbone Phoenix, and you really get drawn into their individual tales and battles for survival and redemption. Most of the focus ends up going around the main characters of the book, Baggit and Clodde, abhuman Astra Militarum deserters turned criminal entrepreneurs who were introduced in Dredge Runners. Worley ensures that new readers can quickly pick up who Baggit and Clodde are, and it was so much fun to follow this ratling/ogryn combination, especially as they continued their chaotic lives of crime. Both protagonists have their own brilliant characteristics, including Baggit’s (I assume the name is a fun homage to Bilbo/Frodo Baggins) enjoyment of plans and schemes that never work out, and the surprisingly smart and philosophical nature of Clodde (that’s what happens when you get shot in the head). The two characters play off each other perfectly, with Baggit taking on the role of leader and carer for his big comrade, and Clodde letting him, while also not allowing him to get away with anything, thanks to the increased understanding he has. We get a bit more history surround these two characters, including their time in the army, and while it is not fully explored yet, you get to see the fantastic bond they have. Baggit ends up getting a bit more of a focus in this book than Clodde, mainly because the central plot point is so tightly tied to the fate of a mistreated ratling. Baggit, who suffered his own abuse from humans while serving, becomes obsessed with the fate of this long dead ratling, and he is determined to find out what happened to him and whether he got his revenge. Baggit really emphasises with him as the story continues, and his obsession for answers lead him to make some big mistakes, especially once he learns all the ancient ratling’s secrets. Both Baggit and Clodde are extremely likeable, and you can’t help but fall in love with the scheming ratling and the sweet, if brilliantly weird, ogryn.

Aside from Baggit and Clodde, Worley also fills The Wraithbone Phoenix with an eclectic mix of characters, with some very diverse storylines and characteristics to them. The most iconic and heavily featured are the various assassins, bounty hunters and other individuals who are flocking to the Sunstriker for various reasons, be it money, treasure, or a chance of redemption (sometimes all three at once). This list of crazy characters includes a genetically enhanced killing machine, a cult of phoenix-worshiping wackjobs, a team of elite mercenaries, an ageing bounty hunter trying to regain his reputation, a sadistic archaeologist with a love of whips, another ratling with a past connection to Baggit and Clodde, a disgraced and drunk Imperial Navy officer with a dream of finally impressing his dead mother, and the mysterious hooded assassin known only as Death. Worley did a really good job of introducing each of these unique figures, and you swiftly get drawn into their compelling personal stories and outrageous personalities, especially after witnessing several scenes from their perspective. While I could go on for ages about all of these dangerous people, I’m mainly just going to give a shoutout to the character of Lemuel Scratchwick, a steward at the plant Baggit and Clodde were working at, who really grows to hate the pair. Dragged down from his high perch by them, Lemuel spends the rest of the book trying to get even and comes across as the most arrogant and detestable villain. It is so amusing to see Lemuel in action, especially as his pride often gets the better of him and nothing goes his way, much to my delight. He forms quite an unhealthy rivalry with Baggit which draws them both into taking stupid risks. All these over-the-top, but deeply likeable characters, really enhanced my enjoyment of this book and I can’t wait to see what impressively outrageous figures appear in Worley’s next novel.

Unsurprisingly, I chose to listen to The Wraithbone Phoenix on audiobook, which is really one of the best ways to enjoy a great Warhammer book. This was a moderately long audiobook, coming in at just over 11 hours, and I found myself getting through it in a relatively short amount of time, including powering through the last several hours in a day trying to get to the conclusion. This was a very fun and entertaining audiobook, and I had a great time listening to the awesome humour and intense violence unfold, especially as the narration by Harry Myers painted quite an impressive picture. Myers, whose work I previously enjoyed in another recent Warhammer 40,000 novel, Day of Ascension by Adrian Tchaikovsky, does a pretty epic job in The Wraithbone Phoenix, and I loved his narrative take on the captivating story. Every character in this audiobook is given their own distinctive and fitting voice, which I deeply enjoyed, especially as it helps the listener to connect more to them and the story. Myers clearly had a lot of fun when it came to voicing all the outrageous figures and some of the voices he came up with were very amusing. I really appreciated the squeakier voice he used for the rattling characters, as wells as the deeper boom of Clodde, and the rest of the voices he came up with were not only distinctive and fun, but they also helped to enhance the inherent traits of the character it was associated with. For example, he really conveyed the deep arrogance and distain contained within the character of Lemuel Scrathwick, as well as he dramatic decline in sanity as the book unfolded, and I really appreciated the narrator’s attention to detail with that. Myers really impressed me as a narrator in The Wraithbone Phoenix, and I liked how some of his scenes, namely those depicting the in-universe propaganda, were enhanced with some serious and inspiration music and sound effects, which made the absurd declarations even more hilarious. This was such a good audiobook, and I cannot recommend it enough as a way to enjoy this epic Warhammer novel.

Overall, this was an outstanding first Warhammer Crime novel from me, and I had such an incredible time getting through this book. The Wraithbone Phoenix is an impressive and highly addictive Warhammer 40,000 read, and I loved the elaborate story that Alec Worley came up with for it. Containing some brilliant characters, a highly entertaining story, and a great combination of crime fiction and Warhammer elements, The Wraithbone Phoenix comes highly recommended, and you are guaranteed to have an exceptional time reading this witty and intense read.

Star Wars: The Princess and the Scoundrel by Beth Revis

On November 3, 2022 By The Unseen LibraryIn Extended Universe, Science Fiction, Star Wars, Tie-in NovelLeave a comment

Publisher: Del Rey (Trade Paperback – 16 August 2022)

Series: Star Wars

Length: 348 pages

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Outstanding author Beth Revis presents an intriguing and enjoyable new entry in the extended Star Wars canon, with the fantastic tie-in novel, The Princess and the Scoundrel.

2022 has been a rather interesting year for Star Wars fiction. While the focus has primarily been on the High Republic sub-series, several great authors have produced some awesome reads set around the various film trilogies (such as Star Wars: Brotherhood by Mike Chen). However, one of the most exciting recent Star Wars tie-in novels is a character-driven read that focuses on the relationship between Han Solo and Princess Leia, The Princess and the Scoundrel, which was written by exciting author Beth Revis. Revis, who already has some experience with the Star Wars canon, having written the 2017 novel, Rebel Rising, came up with an awesome story in The Princess and the Scoundrel that I had a wonderful time reading. Not only does The Princess and the Scoundrel explore an interesting period of the complex and inspiring Star Wars canon, but it also contained a fantastic romantic heart that will appeal to a wider range of readers.

Goodreads Synopsis:

The Death Star is destroyed. Darth Vader is dead. The Empire is desolated. But on the forest moon of Endor, amongst the chaos of a changing galaxy, time stands still for a princess and her scoundrel.

After being frozen in carbonite, then risking everything for the Rebellion, Han is eager to stop living his life for other people. He and Leia have earned their future together, a thousand times over. And when he proposes to Leia, it’s the first time in a long time he’s had a good feeling about this. For Leia, a lifetime of fighting doesn’t truly seem over. There is work still to do, penance to pay for the dark secret she now knows runs through her veins. Her brother, Luke, is offering her that chance—one that comes with family and the promise of the Force. But when Han asks her to marry him, Leia finds her answer immediately on her lips . . . Yes.

But happily ever after doesn’t come easily. As soon as Han and Leia depart their idyllic ceremony on Endor for their honeymoon, they find themselves on the grandest and most glamorous stage of all: the Halcyon, a luxury vessel on a very public journey to the most wondrous worlds in the galaxy. Their marriage, and the peace and prosperity it represents, is a lightning rod for everyone in the galaxy—including Imperial remnants still clinging to power.

Facing their most desperate hour, the soldiers of the Empire have dispersed across the galaxy, retrenching on isolated worlds vulnerable to their influence. As the Halcyon travels from world to world, one thing becomes abundantly clear: The war is not over. But as danger draws closer, Han and Leia find that they fight their best battles not alone but as husband and wife.

I had a fantastic time getting through The Princess and the Scoundrel as Beth Revis wrote a pretty awesome and captivating Star Wars novel that covered a lot of bases. Split between the alternating perspectives of Han and Leia, The Princess and the Scoundrel takes off right after Return of the Jedi. While the victorious Rebellion plans their next moves, Han and Leia decide to make the most of their sudden freedom to get married after their traumatic year apart. While both are still reeling from the events of the original trilogy, they come together in a fun wedding scene, before leaving on a glamorous trip that will be part honeymoon part propaganda show. While initially trying to enjoy their honeymoon, both quickly fall into their old patterns, with Han chafing at the formality, while Leia continues to try and do her work as an ambassador and planner. Arriving at an isolated ice planet, Han and Leia soon discover a destructive Imperial plot and must come together as a couple to thwart it. This ended up being a really distinctive read, as Revis worked a more romantic plotline into the always entertaining Star Wars canon. I loved seeing this fantastic tale of Han and Leia’s first adventure as husband and wife, and Revis ensured readers got an excellent blend of action, intrigue, and character development, as you witnessed these two amazing protagonists try to come together as a married couple. There is a little something for everyone in this great read, and I found myself getting caught up in the action and the impressive focus on two of my favourite fictional characters. An overall brilliant book that is really easy to enjoy and appreciate.

The Princess and the Scoundrel proved to be a very interesting addition to the current Star Wars canon. While the romance between Han and Leia was strongly explored in the previous Legends canon, the current Disney canon has not featured it as much, and as such you see some fascinating events from their lives here for the first time. Revis paints quite a fun picture of the sudden wedding these two have, which features entertaining interruptions from several key characters, some tricky manoeuvrings from Lando to get Han into a nice outfit, and, of course, a ton of Ewoks, while the honeymoon is as chaotic as you would expect from these two. As such, this is a pretty key book for all fans of these two iconic characters, and I think that Revis hit an excellent tone when it came to some of these key events. The author also fits in a lot of fantastic references and moments that a lot of Star Wars fans will appreciate, most of which are covered in a very fun way. For example, the characters finally address that infamous kiss between Luke and Leia at the start of The Empire Strikes Back, with Han and Luke having a rather awkward conversation about it, before agreeing never to bring it up again. Revis also makes quite good use of an interesting Han Solo villain from one of the previous canon books, and it was great to see some continuation from the previous intriguing storyline. That, and several other amusing references, help to make this quite a key book for Star Wars fans, and I had a wonderful, nerdy time getting through it.

Aside from the direct references to the book, I was personally intrigued to see more about the period of Star Wars history that occurred in the immediate aftermath of the Death Star’s destruction in Return of the Jedi. Despite the death of the Emperor, the war between the Empire and the Rebellion (now renamed as the New Republic), is still ongoing, and indeed some of the toughest fighting is still to come. Several authors have covered this frenetic period in the current canon with some recent books, such as the Alphabet Squadron trilogy by Alexander Freed (made up of Alphabet Squadron, Shadow Fall and Victory’s Price). However, I particularly enjoyed how The Princess and the Scoundrel covered this period, as it shows events literally hours after the end of the film. Quite a bit is shown of the Rebellion’s initial strategies following the battle of Endor, as well as the Empire’s reactions to the death of the Emperor and the sudden shift in power. While some of the wider campaigns aren’t shown, you get an interesting idea of what the military and political situation was at the time, which I deeply enjoyed. Revis also spends time examining how members of the general public reacted to the news, and there is an interesting variation of responses. Not only did some people straight out disbelieve that the events even occurred, with many assuming it was fake propaganda from the Rebellion, others who were associated with the Empire, or who had members of their family aboard the Death Star, acted quite hostile to the change in the established status quo. These diverse reactions not only reflected some current real-world societal issues, but also provided a compelling insight into just how much influence the Empire had, even on the way to its downfall. Throw in some hints and previews of the upcoming Operation Cinder, and this proved to be a very interesting addition the Star Wars canon that many established fans will really enjoy.

One of the strongest elements of The Princess and the Scoundrel is its impressive focus on the two main characters, Han Solo and Princess Leia. While this book does contain a lot of action, intrigue and fantastic Star Wars elements, at its heart it is a romance novel between two well-established and complex characters, both of whom have experienced a lot of trauma and anguish in recent years. Revis does a remarkable job of diving into both characters throughout the course of The Princess and the Scoundrel, and you really get a sense of their feelings, concerns and traumas following their victory. However, there is also a great focus on their relationship, and you can really see the strong bond they have, even if they are still coming to terms with their feelings and their wildly different personalities. I felt that Revis painted a realistic view of their relationship, which contains some difficulties early on, especially with their independent streaks. However, the author also shows that the two characters are much stronger together, and they can work through any issues that come their way. I think that this much better than just showing them having a fairy tale relationship, and I really appreciated the authors compelling take on one of the most iconic relationships in fiction.

Aside from their relationship, Revis also did a great job of diving into the complex emotional issues facing both central characters. For example, Revis makes sure to explore the trauma surrounding Han after being trapped in carbonite for over a year. Not only did he miss out on a lot of key events in his friends’ lives, but at this point of the book he has only been awake again for a few days, and some of his decisions are based on his concerns and fears about being trapped again. Leia is also going through a lot after the discovery that Luke is her brother and, more importantly, that Darth Vader was her father. As such, Leia spends much of the book attempting to reconcile the fact that her real father was a genocidal maniac who tortured her and is partially responsible for destroying her home planet. This proves to be quite a deep and intriguing part of her character arc, especially since, unlike her newly discovered brother, she is unable to forgive Vader for everything he did. There is also an interesting look at Leia’s early attempts to connect with the Force, after Luke reveals her Jedi potential. Watching her attempts at using the Force is very fascinating, especially as she battles with her feelings about Vader while doing so and is reluctant to even try to use the abilities that he could do. All these unique character examinations, and more, really help to showcase just how complex and traumatised Han and Leia were at this period, and how much their relationship helped them get past it.

Star Wars: The Princess and the Scoundrel by Beth Revis is an amazing read that provides Star Wars fans with something a little different to the typical tie-in novel. Featuring a continuation of one of film’s most iconic romances, The Princess and the Scoundrels is at times touching and romantic, while also exploring the grim realities of the war-torn galaxy, all topped off with some classic Star Wars action and humour. With an outstanding focus and understanding of its two main characters, The Princess and the Scoundrel was a fantastic novel that is well worth checking out.

The Boys from Biloxi by John Grisham (Trade Paperback)

WWW Wednesday – 2 November 2022

On November 2, 2022 By The Unseen LibraryIn WWW WednesdayLeave a comment

WWW Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Taking on a World of Words, where bloggers share the books that they’ve recently finished, what they are currently reading and what books they are planning to read next. Essentially you have to answer three questions (the Three Ws):

What are you currently reading?
What did you recently finish reading?
What do you think you’ll read next?

So, let’s get to it.

What are you currently reading?

Star Wars: The High Republic: Path of Deceit by Tessa Gratton and Justina Ireland

Seventeen by John Brownlow (Trade Paperback)

What did you recently finish reading?

Warhammer 40,000: The Wraithbone Phoenix by Alec Worley (Audiobook)

Desert Star by Michael Connelly

What do you think you’ll read next?

Firefly: What Makes Us Mighty by M. K. England

That’s it for this week, check back in next Wednesday to see what progress I’ve made on my reading and what books I’ll be looking at next.

Waiting on Wednesday – Her Sweet Revenge by Sarah Bonner

On November 2, 2022March 7, 2023 By The Unseen LibraryIn Thriller, Waiting on Wednesday6 Comments

Welcome to my weekly segment, Waiting on Wednesday, where I look at upcoming books that I am planning to order and review in the next few months and which I think I will really enjoy. I run this segment in conjunction with the Can’t-Wait Wednesday meme that is currently running at Wishful Endings. Stay tuned to see reviews of these books when I get a copy of them. For this week’s Waiting on Wednesday, I look at an intriguing upcoming thriller from a talented author, with Her Sweet Revenge by Sarah Bonner.

Her Sweet Revenge Cover

I have had the great pleasure of reading several outstanding debut novels this year, but one of the absolute best was Her Perfect Twin by impressive new author Sarah Bonner. Her Perfect Twin was a remarkable and highly addictive thriller that told the tale of a haunted woman who kills her identical twin sister after discovering that she was sleeping with her husband. Deciding to take on her twin’s identity to cover up her death, the protagonist finds new confidence in inhabiting her outgoing sister’s life, especially as it gets her away from her abusive husband. However, her plans come unravelled when the COVID-19 pandemic hits and she is forced into lockdown with her husband, who knows far more about her life than she ever realised. Her Perfect Twin was a deeply impressive read, and I got really stuck into its elaborate and deeply compelling narrative. Loaded with a ton of clever twists, as well as some outstanding characters, Her Perfect Twin was an exceptional book, and I loved it so much I had to give it a full five-star rating.

Naturally, after such an incredible debut novel, I am pretty curious to see how Bonner was going to follow it up, and it looks like I will get my chance rather soon. That is because Bonner’s second book, Her Sweet Revenge, is coming out in a few months’ time. Her Sweet Revenge, which is set for release in April 2023, will centre around two woman who receive an anonymous note. However, it apparently has very different meanings to both of them, and soon they are involved in a dangerous personal conspiracy, with one trying to hide their darkest secret, while the other seeks revenge. I am already very intrigued by this cool synopsis and I can’t wait to see what sort of elaborate thriller narrative Bonner comes up with here. Based on the impressive story she wrote for Her Perfect Twin, I am expecting another twisty and intricate narrative that will dive into the heart of the two main characters and explore their convoluted lives. I have extremely high hopes for Her Sweet Revenge, and I look forward to seeing how Bonner’s second novel turns out.

Plot Synopsis:

Secrets and lies ruin lives

Two women receive the same anonymous note.
For one it’s a threat.
For the other it’s an invitation for revenge.

Helena is beautiful, successful, and living in married bliss in Exeter. But she’s hiding a secret that could tear her perfect life apart. When the notes begin to arrive, she realises someone else must know. But what might her husband and his overbearing family do if they find out the truth?

Thea is reeling from her best friend Helena’s death. But when she starts digging into the circumstances, she receives a threatening note warning her to stop. She knows her friend’s death wasn’t an accident. This was murder. And she is determined to get revenge. And everyone knows, it’s almost always the husband . . .

Top Ten Tuesday – Favourite Television Series based on Books

On November 1, 2022 By The Unseen LibraryIn List7 Comments

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme that currently resides at The Artsy Reader Girl and features bloggers sharing lists on various book topics. The official topic for this week’s Top Ten Tuesday revolved around Unlikable Characters You Can’t Help but Love. While this was an interesting subject, it wasn’t one that I felt I could contribute to, so instead I thought I would go off on my own tangent and look at my favourite television shows that are based on books.

It has been no secret that in recent years, the various television companies and streaming services have put a great deal of effort into adapting popular novels and books into television series. While this is nothing new, with books having been converted into shows for decades, this has become particularly prevalent in the last decade, particularly as these services are attempting to find their next mega-hit. While some of these shows have failed, either due to the original source material or general problems with production, many have turned out to be exceedingly epic television series that I have deeply enjoyed. I have been thinking about this a lot lately, especially after enjoying some great examples of these sorts of series, so I thought I would try and list my absolute favourite television shows based on books. This will be a bit of a continuation of another list I did recently, which looked at my favourite films based on books, which proved to be extremely interesting to produce, and I thought I would have just as much fun by looking at television series. I actually had this list mostly written up a couple of months ago, but I decided to hold off due to the imminent release of two very popular fantasy shows (I’m sure you can guess which two).

To appear on this list, the relevant television series needed to be based on a book in some shape or form. In trying to work out what my absolute favourite book-inspired series are, I looked at a few things, including the generally quality of the show, how much I enjoyed it, as well as whether it is a good adaptation of the source material. In a few cases, I may not have read the book the shows are adapted from, but I have still included them here due to the quality of the series. I decided not to include any television series based off comics on this list, as that is something I will probably try and list at a future date. Despite this, I still ended up with a ton of potential entries for this list and I had to do some cutting to get it down to 10 with my usual generous honourable mentions section. The end result is pretty interesting and I think that it does a great job reflecting which television series adapted from novels are my favourite.

Honourable Mentions:

Elementary

Elementary Poster

One of the two most impressive recent television adaptations of Sherlock Holmes set in the modern era, Elementary was a fantastic series that I had a lot of fun watching. Featuring a lot more quantity than the other Sherlock Holmes series (which is also appearing on this list), Elementary was an excellent and grounded series featuring a great cast and a compelling alternate setting in New York.

Hannibal

Hannibal Poster

An intriguing and innovative adaptation of Thomas Harris’s classic novels, Red Dragon, Hannibal and Hannibal Rising, the Hannibal television show was brought to life by Bryan Fuller and features his distinctive and mind-bending style. Featuring a brilliant cast, led by Hugh Dancy as Will Graham and the supremely talented Mads Mikkelsen as Dr Hannibal Lecter, this was an incredible psychological thriller series that pit a murderous cannibal psychiatrist against a troubled FBI agent. Tense, gruesome, and featuring some beautiful, if horrifying shots of food, Hannibal is a deeply impressive and shocking series that will stick in your mind.

Bones

Bones Poster

A fantastic and awesome long-running crime series that I am a massive fan of. Based on the novels by Kathy Reichs, this was an outstanding series that helped popularise forensic anthropology to the wider world. A great series if you’re in the mood for a clever and funny serialised crime fiction fix.

Inventing Anna

Inventing Anna Poster

One of the more entertaining shows from the first part of 2022. Inventing Anna, which is based on a series of journal articles (hence its inclusion as an honourable mention), told the remarkable true story of a fake heiress who conned New York’s elite. Utterly addictive and strangely compelling, I deeply enjoyed this wonderful show, weird accent included.

Top Ten List:

Game of Thrones

Game of Thrones Poster

I don’t think anyone is going to be too surprised that Game of Thrones made this list. Based on George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire book series, Game of Thrones is one of the biggest and best television shows of all time and is highly responsible for the current fantasy fiction resurgence in film and television. Featuring an epic cast, many of whom made their name through this show, Game of Thrones had a brilliant combination of clever writing, brutal action, and some of the biggest twists and turns in television history, as well as some brutally surprising and eye-catching moments and epic battles. There are honestly too many awesome moments to discuss, but generally everything about this show, whether it was bloody massacres, tragic character deaths, massive fights against ice zombies, or its well-crafted and witty dialogue, was extremely memorable and quickly became the world’s greatest obsession. While the last season was a bit disappointing, I feel that this honestly does not diminish the impact that the first several seasons had, and this is still one of the best shows I have ever watched. An easy and epic inclusion in this list.

Orange is the New Black

Orange is the new Black Poster

Next, we have Netflix’s ground-breaking prison series, Orange is the New Black. An adaptation of the memoir Orange is the New Black: My Year in a Women’s Prison by Piper Kerman, Orange is the New Black was an outstanding series that showed the trials and tribulations of a women’s prison. Featuring an excellent mixture of comedy and drama, Orange is the New Black was something special, and viewers were quickly wowed by its clever story and brilliant characters. While the central storyline around main character, Piper, wasn’t always the most enjoyable, I felt that the various side characters and supporting storylines more than made up for this, and by the end, the unique and crazy cast was the real draw. An awesome show that had its ups and downs, but it is well worth chainwatching all seven seasons in a single sitting.

The Witcher

The Witcher Poster

From prisons to monster slaying, the third entry on this list is Netflix’s attempt to fill the fantasy hole left after Game of Thrones with The Witcher. Based on the iconic books by Andrzej Sapkowski (such as Season of Storms), this fast-paced and powerful show places Henry Cavill in the titular role as Geralt of Rivia, a mutated and magic wielding warrior, known as a Witcher, who makes a living killing monsters. Drawn by destiny to protect a young princess and fall in love with a chaotic mage, this series does an excellent job adapting Sapkowski’s novels and features some of the grittiest and most epic fight scenes on television today. I love everything about this show, although I must give a special mention to Joey Batey’s Jaskier, the travelling bard, whose returns in the second season was heralded by a hilarious breakup song about Geralt. However, this series is not without controversy, and I am sure that many will be aware that Cavill will be leaving show after the third season (allegedly due to disagreements over the writer’s interpretation of the source material), to be replaced with Liam Hemsworth. It remains to be seen how much that will diminish the show’s quality going forward (I’m not particularly hopeful), but this doesn’t take away from the fact that the first two seasons are pretty epic and one of the more exciting Netflix shows at the moment. It will be very interesting to see how this show progresses in the future, and I will also be keeping an eye out for the upcoming prequel series, which could be good.

The Lincoln Lawyer

The Lincoln Lawyer Poster

Next on this list we have an amazing legal thriller series with The Lincoln Lawyer. Based on the Mickey Haler books by Michael Connelly (which include awesome reads like The Law of Innocence), The Lincoln Lawyer is an outstanding legal thriller series. The first season of this show adapted Connelly’s 2008 novel, The Brass Verdict perfectly, and presents readers with a complex and intense legal case and associated murder. Manuel Garcia-Rulfo shines in the lead role and presents a suave and intelligent defence attorney, who is also carrying some substantial emotional baggage. I powered through this entire show in a weekend, and I was very impressed with how it all came together. A second season of the show is apparently in production at the moment, and I can’t wait to see what happens next.

House of the Dragon

House of the Dragon Poster

It seems the fantasy works of George R. R. Martin can do no wrong, as I had very little choice but to include the impressive House of the Dragon here. A prequel to Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon adapts part of Martin’s novel Fire & Blood and shows a blood civil war amid the dragon-riding Targaryens. I was initially very sceptical about this series when it was first announced, especially after the problematic final season of Game of Thrones, but I am very happy to say that I worried for nothing. House of the Dragon is actually a very exciting and captivating series, which took the entire franchise in an intriguing new direction. Featuring a whole new cast of characters and talented actors (Matt Smith for the win!), the writers built up a compelling and intense tale of internal struggle and battles for power as various potential heirs for the throne battle for domination. While a little slow at the start, the show got better with each episode, and I loved seeing the entire series come together into a thrilling tale of Machiavellian manoeuvres. While I know some people didn’t like the use of the time skips, I thought they actually were utilised extremely well, and brought the story along at a much more natural pace. The clever insertion of different actors to represent the aging characters was a particularly impressive bit of casting, and every major actor shined in their roles. While it hasn’t reached the heights of peak Game of Thrones yet, it has an awful lot of potential, and I can’t wait to see how it continues.

Sherlock

Sherlock Poster

Next up we have one of the most entertaining and enjoyable takes on the iconic Sherlock Holmes books, with Sherlock. A clever adaptation set in the modern day; Sherlock was an absolute revelation that everyone became instant fans of. Created by the legendary team of Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, and featuring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman in the main roles, this incredible series reinvented and modernised the Sherlock Holmes tales into 13 powerful and long episodes. There are some absolute gems in this series, with every episode featuring a clever mystery alongside the entertaining antics of its exceptional cast. An excellent and epic series that are a must watch for everyone.

Good Omens

Good Omens Poster

Another captivating show you need to check out is the fantasy comedy series Good Omens. Serving as an adaptation of the book of the same name by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman, Good Omens follows an angel and a demon as they attempt to navigate and eventually stop the upcoming apocalypse. Featuring the extremely talented Michael Sheen and David Tennant in the main roles, this was an exceptional show that had me laughing the entire way through. Sheen and Tennant are a brilliant partnership, and their oddball friendship is just perfect, especially with the flashbacks showing them throughout history. I had an exceptional time with the first season back in 2019, and there is apparently a second season coming out at some point in the future as well.

A Series of Unfortunate Events

A Series of Unfortunate Events Poster

While I did really enjoy the film adaptation with Jim Carrey, to my mind the best adaptation of the iconic Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events is this wonderful television series. The show follows the suddenly orphaned Baudelaire children who are being pursued by the evil and dastardly Count Olaf, who desires their vast inheritance. However, they soon discover that there is a far greater mystery in play as their parents were involved in a shadowy secret society. Neil Patrick Harris has an absolute blast as the eccentric Count Olaf, which he perfectly plays off the three great child actors, as well as the extended cast of guest stars and over-the-top characters. A must watch for all fans of this iconic young adult series, I had such a fun time watching this show.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power

The Lord of the Rings - The Rings of Power Poster

Now, I know this is going to be one of the more controversial entries on this list, but I had to include The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power here. An adaptation of The Lord of the Rings and its appendices by J. R. R. Tolkien, The Rings of Power was an intriguing fantasy ride that ended up getting a lot of internet hate. I honestly don’t get why everyone was so down on this show, as I had a brilliant time getting through it. The show features some of the best elements of the iconic films, from the breathtaking landscapes, epic sets, impressive costumes, and beautiful music, not to mention that it had some pretty exceptional special effects, most of which was so much better than the rushed CGI in The Hobbit films. While the story was still finding its feet in the first season, mainly as they were working to set a lot of stuff up, I got pretty hooked on the captivating tale, and the fresh new take on the ancient war. While they were unable to adapt a few of Tolkien’s writings about this period, such as The Silmarillion, I felt that the writing team did a good job coming up with an interesting narrative, and I liked seeing younger versions of some iconic characters, and the unique stories they had to tell. I have high hopes that this series will continue to improve as it goes on, and I am sure that the continued quality will eventually win critics over.

M*A*S*H

Mash poster

For the final entry on this list, I chose to include one of the most iconic sitcoms of all time, M*A*S*H, which was a very easy choice for me. A spin-off from the 1970 M*A*SH film, which was itself an adaptation of MASH: A Novel About Three Army Doctors, this might be slightly stretching the definition of a book adaption, but I’m fine with it because its M*A*S*H. A captivating show about doctors serving in the Korean War, we all know how amazing M*A*S*H is, as it has been making people laugh since the 1970s. Featuring an outstanding cast and some poignant storylines that perfectly blended drama with comedy, M*A*S*H still holds up to this day, even though it ended more than 40 years ago. Easily one of the best sitcoms of all time, M*A*S*H is too damn good to exclude from this list, and I love it to death.

Well, that is the end of this latest list. As you can see, there are some brilliant television adaptations of great books out there, and I think that the above does a great job of reflecting my personal favourites. This is probably a list I will come back to in the future, especially as there are more and more television adaptations of novels coming out every year. In the meantime, let me know what your favourite show based on books are in the comments below.

In the Shadow of Lightning by Brian McClellan

On October 31, 2022October 18, 2023 By The Unseen LibraryIn Audiobook, Fantasy, Five-Star Books6 Comments

Publisher: Macmillan Audio (Audiobook – 21 June 2022)

Series: The Glass Immortals – Book One

Length: 24 hours and 53 minutes

My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

One of the most inventive and compelling authors of fantasy fiction, Brian McClellan, kicks off an awesome new series with In the Shadow of Lightning, the first book in The Glass Immortals series.

Few authors over the last 10 years have had more of an explosive impact on the world of fantasy fiction then Brian McClellan. Debuting in 2013, McClellan quickly set the world ablaze with The Powder Mage trilogy, which saw chaos and destruction unravel in a new fantasy world where gunpowder-powered mages face off against an enraged god. I had a brilliant time with the first book in the series, Promise of Blood, and McClellan followed this initial trilogy off with the sequel, Gods of Blood and Powder trilogy, set in the same universe. While I still need to finish the Powder Mage novels off, I was very excited to hear that McClellan was starting a new series with In the Shadow of Lightning, the first book in the author’s The Glass Immortals series. This is an impressive and outstanding read that introduces readers to a distinctive new fantasy world, this time with a fascinating focus on glass magic.

Demir Grappo was once one of the most respected politicians, tacticians and glassdancers in the Ossan Empire. A rising star in the assembly, a proven governor, and the only son of a prominent family, Demir’s promising career is suddenly shattered in the immediate aftermath of his greatest military victory when his army sacked and destroyed the entire city of Holikan, apparently on his orders. Mentally broken by the massacre done in his name, Demir abandons his army and vanishes into the provinces, giving up his life of privilege for one of anonymity.

Now, nine years after the sacking of Holikan, Demir is a very different man, having spent the intervening time as a grifter with no true home. However, everything changes when news reaches him that his mother was murdered, brutally beaten to death in public in an apparent political attack. Determined to find her killers, Demir returns to the city of Ossa to reclaim his seat as the head of his family. But not everyone is happy that he has returned, and Demir soon finds himself in the midst of several deadly conspiracies, while Ossa goes to war against its neighbour, all in the name of avenging his murdered mother.

To get to the centre of these conspiracies, Demir must find allies, including old friends and new acquaintances if he is to gain the power and influence he needs find answers, especially those hidden by the powerful guild families who rule Ossa. However, as he searches, and soon finds a much more troubling secret: godglass, the source of magic within the world, is running out, and when it goes, chaos will reign. The key to securing the future may lie in a device that could re-power inert pieces of godglass, and only one girl appears to have the skill to create such a device. But as Demir fights to secure this new vital ally, he finds himself fighting against a mysterious new enemy, one that seems determined to destroy anyone who gets in their way.

McClellan impresses again with another incredible fantasy novel that had me instantly enthralled. Presenting the reader with a multifaceted narrative that combines great characters with intriguing fantasy elements, In the Shadow of Lightning proved to be an outstanding start to McClellan’s new series and I had an exceptional time reading it. Epic in scope, ambition and potential, In the Shadow of Lightning gets a full five-star rating from me and I am still reeling from just how good this was.

In the Shadow of Lightning is a particularly addictive novel, especially as McClellan presents the reader with an outstanding and complex narrative that pulls them in on so many levels. Starting off with a compelling prelude that perfectly introduces central protagonist Demir Grappo and shows his dramatic and bloody fall from grace and sanity, the novel then undergoes a time skip which takes the reader into the current storyline, right as events are kicking off. The initial focus is on Demir, who, after finding out his mother has been murdered, returns to Ossa to take over the family business and discover her murderers. However, he soon finds that his mother was involved in complex dealings that might have led to her death, and that her assassination has been blamed on a neighbouring city Ossa is going to war with. The story then splits as McClellan introduces three additional point-of-view characters, each other whom has their own distinctive story arc, closely related to Demir and the politics of Ossa.

These new characters include Thessa Foleer, a siliceer (godglass worker) from Ossa’s neighbour Grent, the breacher Idrian Sepulki and Kizzie Vorcien, an enforcer for a powerful guild-family who Demir hires to investigate his mother’s death. Each of these new characters have their own individual storylines that tie into the plot points introduced in Demir’s initial chapters. While these character arcs go in their own direction, their storylines are loosely connected together and form a great overarching narrative as they are dragged into war, imprisonment, political battles, conspiracies and criminal investigations. I loved the cool blend of character-driven storylines, and everything comes together extremely well to show that something very rotten is going on within Ossa. This is a very fast-paced story, and McClellan keeps multiple compelling plotlines running simultaneously to keep the reader’s attention, with some great reveals and amazing fight scenes scattered throughout the book. Most of these reveals are set up and foreshadowed extremely well, with a couple of exceptions, and I didn’t see some of the twists coming, which was pretty fun. Everything comes to a head towards the end of the novel, as all four characters find themselves in their own extremely dangerous and concerning situation. Not only is there a massive battle for the future of Ossa but there are some shocking revelations about who is involved in the conspiracy and why. The author leaves everything on an amazing note that not only leaves readers satisfied with the conclusion of some of the storylines but which also leaves a lot of questions unanswered and the reader wanting more. An excellent and impressive story that dragged me in extremely quickly.

I was very impressed with how In the Shadow of Lightning’s story came together, as McClellan presented an epic and addictive offering that I snapped up extremely quickly. I especially loved the use of four separate narrators to tell this story, and McClellan did an outstanding job of separating out their narratives. Each narrator has their own unique story to tell, and what is really good is that they also explore a different aspect of the author’s new fantasy world, which often breaks across the associated genres. For example, Thessa’s story focuses on the magical science behind godglass, and examines the political and social elements associated with this branch of magic. Idrian’s tale comes across as a war tale as he is forced to participated in the deadly conflict between Ossa and Grent, where his particularly magical expertise makes him a living weapon. Kizzie’s chapters come across as an investigation arc, as she attempts to uncover who killed Demir’s mother, and is forced to dive into the intrigues and shifting allegiances amongst the Ossan families, uncovering a deep conspiracy. Demir serves as a bit of a joining figure; while he also has his own unique adventures, especially around Ossan politics, a lot of his arc involves interactions with the other three point of view characters. Not only does this ensure that we get another viewpoint on the other character’s actions, as he gets involved in the godglass, espionage and the war elements that they are solely focussed on, but he helps to bring the other protagonist’s disparate storylines together into one solid and compelling narrative.

All four character-driven storylines are pretty exceptional in their own right, and this was one of those rare multi-perspective novels where you honestly can’t choose which character arc is the most intriguing or enjoyable. I was particularly impressed with how McClellan brought these storylines together into one outstanding novel, and it makes for quite the epic read, especially as the author ensures you get the right blend of intrigue, action, magic and mystery throughout. Despite its longer length, In the Shadow of Lightning has a pretty fast pace to it, and the readers are constantly treated to fantastic scenes that really keep your interest, either by being directly exciting, or featuring excellent examples of character development or world building. I also really have to highlight the outstanding and amazing action sequences featured throughout this book. McClellan has an impressive way of making these fight scenes really come to life in your mind, and it so easy to see all the epic events unfold. These action scenes are particularly impactful when combined with the new magical features that the author has come up with, and I had so much fun seeing them unfold. This really was an exceptional and highly entertaining read, and I loved how this entire amazing story was presented to the reader.

One of the things that most impressed me about In the Shadow of Lightning was the way in which McClellan envisioned and introduced the reader to an entirely new fantasy realm, equipped with its own distinctive magical system, all of which was substantially different from the elements featured in his previous Powder Mage novels. While there are some similarities, namely that the Glass Immortals series also features magic, firearms, and a similar level of technology, there are quite a few differences which really make this new series stand out. Most of the book is set in the Ossan Empire and its capital city of Ossa, which proves to be an excellent background location for the complex story. Ossa, as well as some of the other nations mentioned reminded me of an Italian city-state, and I felt that it was an interesting change of pace to the French/English influences of Powder Mage universe. The city is ruled by rival merchant guild families who are constantly battling for dominance, while the influence of the cities extends out to various provinces in the extended empire. There is an intricate society set up around Ossa, and I loved the compelling interplay of industries, politics and intrigue that resulted. McClellan examines various aspects of Ossan society, including sports, leisure, the military, and the various social levels, all of which were pretty intriguing to discover, and which painted Ossa and its people in a compelling light. I particularly enjoyed their innate love for intrigue, contracts and business above everything else, and the fact that their national sport involves two magically enhanced people beating each other with cudgels tells you a lot about them. Throw in some compelling snapshots of other relevant nations, as well as some sneaky hints at other mysterious beings, and the reader is given a really impressive and detailed introduction to this new world in this first book in the series, which McClellan did an outstanding job setting up.

However, the most distinctive part of this new universe is the cool magical system that forms the basis for much of the plot. Just like with the Powder Mage novels, there are actually several different variations of magic and magic users in this series, which are connected to various forms of glass. The first of these is the magical godglass, empowered glass items that give its users various abilities, such as strength, intelligence and enhanced senses, or which can be used to control a person. Godglass is the most common form of magic in this series, which anyone can use, and indeed the entirety of human society in this world is based around the use of these items. Pretty much every action a character does in this book is helped out in some way with godglass, resulting in some excellent sequences, especially during fights, and McClellan spends a lot of time exploring how it fits into his new world. This includes multiple scenes set inside glassworks, where the godglass is forged, and you get an idea of how it is made and the significance it holds to the people of this world, including the fact that many of the characters have piercings that allow them to attach godglass to them. Godglass actually becomes a key part of the book’s plot, once it is revealed that the supplies of magical cindersand that is used to create it is running low, resulting in an undercover war to control the remnants or finding a means of regenerating it.

The other magical elements of this new series involve the inbuilt talents of several characters, who have various degrees of sorcery in them. The most prominent of these are the glassdancers, sorcerers who can control glass (except godglass) to an astonishing degree, and use it as a weapon. There are multiple glassdancer characters featured throughout In the Shadow of Lightning (including the central protagonist), and you get to see multiple fights involving them, which are pretty badass. You would never consider just how dangerous someone controlling glass could be until reading this book, and the brutal and quick ways in which they kill their opponents are pretty damn impressive. The other major form of magical user are glazalier, who have more of a passive ability that allows them to resist the negative impacts of godglass (too much magic starts to eat away at someone) while still being able to use them. These glazaliers are deployed as breachers, heavily armoured soldiers equipped with a ton of godglass that make them unstoppable tanks in battle, capable of killing units of men by themselves. Acting as both a hammer and shield to their comrades, they are a lot more brutal than the subtly lethal glassdancers, and I loved the compelling contrast between the two major magical soldiers featured in this book. McClellan does an outstanding job introducing, explaining and showcasing all these different magical elements in this first book, and I deeply enjoyed seeing the many cool ways these magical abilities and the godglass could be used, especially in the book’s many awesome action sequences. I look forward to seeing how McClellan expands on them in the future, and I am still so impressed by how much magic the author could work into glass.

Another area where McClellan really excels as a writer is with the complex and multi-layered characters he is able to create. This was really evident in his new novel, where several great point of view protagonists and fascinating supporting characters are perfectly introduced to the reader and become exciting focal points for the brilliant plot.

The most prominent of these is central protagonist, Demir Grappo, a brilliant strategist and politician, whose entire life is shattered in the opening prologue. Forced back into public life after the death of his mother, Demir takes control of his family and attempts to rebuild his legacy while also finding answers. Utilising the swindling, bluff and manipulation skills he built in the decade he was away, Demir proves to be a tough political adversary and quite an interesting figure to follow. I loved his impressive and unique storyline, and watching him regain his political skills and self-confidence was really enjoyable, especially as he acts as a deadly glass sorcerer, businessman, politician, leader and even a general. There are great sequences that highlight his skills, and I loved how he was able to manipulate everyone in many different ways, from being an agreeable political ally, to acting like a smarmy lord who is able to bluff his way around by sheer force of personality. While he does come across as arrogant at times, which is partially due to the fear and respect everyone gives him due to his sorcerous abilities, McClellan ensures that the protagonist is aware of it, and works to fix his character flaws as he goes. However, the biggest character aspect of Demir involves the trauma he carries after his actions apparently led to the massacre of an entire city. Still haunted by the scenes from that night, Demir is forced to revisit them throughout the course of the book, especially when he meets a survivor while trying to find out who was actually responsible. His roiling emotions around these events are his one weak spot, and the author slips in some powerful and understandable scenes where he loses control. McClellan did a great job setting up Demir in this first book, and I have no doubt his story is going to get even more complex and painful.

McClellan ensures that all his intriguing characters have their own distinctive and compelling motivations, as well as a dark history that is explored throughout the course of In the Shadow of Lightning. This includes Thessa Foleer, whose heartbreaking narrative and past worked perfectly in concert with Demir’s, which was appropriate as their storylines were the most closely linked. Thessa’s story is one of constant loss, especially as everyone who seems to get close to her dies or suffers in some way, and the character goes through some major grief and trauma as a result. The author does a good job balancing the focus on her past and her feelings of loss, with the scenes depicting her work as a siliceer, and I liked how you get some of the best insights about this book’s primary fantasy elements throughout her chapters. McClellan sets up Thessa as quite a major character in this novel, and it will interesting to see how her story progresses in the future.

The other two point-of-view characters are Idrian Sepulki and Kizzie Vorcien, who add a lot more excitement and fun to the story. Idrian’s scenes are some of the most action-packed, and it is very cool to see him in battle, especially as he tends to plough through entire units of men like a human tank. However, Idrian is one of the most caring and likeable figures in the entire novel. Primarily concerned for the lives of his comrades, Idrian goes into the battle to protect them, and the close friendships he builds with his men help define him. However, Idrian is also battling some inner demons, and it is clear that McClellan has some tragedy planned for him in the future. This is a little heartbreaking, as you really cannot help but enjoy Idrian’s straightforward nature and natural integrity, and anything bad that happens to him is going to strike the reader twice as hard as a result. Kizzie, on the other hand, is a scrappy enforcer, forced to survive the intense politics of the city’s guild families. The bastard daughter of the Vorcien family head, Kizzie desperately seeks legitimisation and acceptance from her father, if only to protect her from vicious brother. Dragged into Demir’s hunt for his mother’s killers, Kizzie dives into the world of political intrigue and family espionage, only to find herself conflicted by the answers she seeks. Forced to choose between friends and family, as well as between her desires and what his right, Kizzie has some great moments in this book, and her inner conflicts add a great amount of drama to the plot.

These central protagonists are well rounded out by an impressive and enjoyable series of supporting characters, each of whom add to the plot in their own unique way. McClellan does a great job introducing all the key supporting characters featured in the plot, and there are some amazing and distinctive characters featured here, from long-time friends of the characters, to bitter enemies with their own agendas. My favourite supporting character would probably be Baby Montego, Demir’s adopted brother who returns to help Demir with his exploits and find out who killed their mother. A massive brute of a man and a former cudgeling world champion, Baby is considered to be the deadliest man on the planet, even though he doesn’t have any magical abilities and can’t use godglass. He more than lives up to this reputation throughout the book, and he has some of the most exciting and action-packed sequences in the entire novel as he casually deals out violence. At the same time, he is also a cunning thinker, and his dry humour and complete self-confidence really make him standout. It was fantastic to see amazing characters like Baby interact with the point-of-view characters, and you get some impressive moments as a result. Honestly, every character featured in this book was amazing in their own way, and I cannot emphasise enough how well McClellan wrote them.

As I tend to do with most massive fantasy novels, I chose to check out In the Shadow of Lightning in its audiobook format, which proved to be pretty damn awesome. Coming in with a runtime of just under 25 hours, this is a lengthy audiobook to listen to (it comes in at number 15 on my latest longest audiobooks I have listened to list), and it took me a decent amount of time to get through it. However, I felt that was time well spent, as I was relentlessly entertained every single second I spent listening to In the Shadow of Lightning, and there were times I wished it was even longer. This epic novel really came to life in the audiobook format, and I loved how impressive and cool some of the big action sequences and confrontations felt when being listened to. While I did initially struggle to keep track of the side characters in this format (having the ability to easily go back and figure out who people were would have been helpful), I was soon able to figure out who everyone was, while also absorbing a heck of a lot more detail about the new universe and its unique elements.

I was also deeply impressed with the outstanding narration In the Shadow of Lightning featured, thanks to the work of Damian Lynch. Lynch is a veteran audiobook narrator with several epic fantasy series under his belt and he swiftly made me a big fan with his great voice work here. He really dove into the various characters featured in the book, and you got a great sense of their personalities, emotions and actions as he narrated them. I had fun with several of the voices he provided in this book, and I thought that protagonists like Demir, Idrian and Baby Montego, were really good, especially as you get notes of weariness in the old veteran Idrian, and the barely contained violence that resonates off Baby every time he talks. I particularly liked the cool European accents that Lynch gave to the various characters, which helped to reinforce the Italian city-state nature of the main location, and people from other nations or cities had subtly different accents, which I thought was a very nice touch. All this, and more, makes for an outstanding audiobook and this is easily the best way to enjoy In the Shadow of Lightning. I had a wonderful time with this exceptional audiobook and I will definitely be grabbing the next book in this format when it comes out.

As you can no doubt see from this lengthy review, I deeply enjoyed In the Shadow of Lightning, which was such an epic book. Brian McClellan did a remarkable job with this new novel, and he really proved his ability to set up another distinctive and exceptional fantasy series. Loaded with so many amazing story elements, a cool new fantasy world with unique magical elements, and some impressive and complex characters, In the Shadow of Lightning was so very addictive, and I really could not stop listening to it. A highly recommended read, especially in its audiobook format, In the Shadow of Lightning was one of the best books of 2022 and is a must read for all fantasy fans, especially those who have enjoyed McClellan’s work in the past, and I am exceedingly excited to see how The Glass Immortals series progresses from here.

Book Haul – 30 October 2022

On October 30, 2022 By The Unseen LibraryIn Book HaulLeave a comment

It has been a while since I have done a Book Haul post, but seeing that I received several interesting books recently, I thought I would quickly do one to highlight some of the best novels I have gotten in the last few weeks. Each of the below books sound extremely cool and captivating, and I cannot wait to see how they all turn out.

Desert Star by Michael Connelly

The first book I have recently received is the latest fantastic crime fiction novel from the legendary Michael Connelly, Desert Star. This new Connelly book brings back two of the author’s best protagonists, Renee Ballard and Harry Bosch, for another intense investigation, this time focusing on cold case that has haunted Bosch for years. These two characters have had some amazing team-ups in books like Dark Sacred Night, The Night Fire and The Dark Hours, and I am excited to see how this next investigation turns out. Based on my experience with Connelly, Desert Star easily has the potential to be one of the best crime fiction books of 2022 and I will pretty much be reading it the moment I finish putting up this book haul post.

The Boys from Biloxi by John Grisham

From one crime fiction legend to another, the next book I have recently received is the new John Grisham novel, The Boys from Biloxi. I haven’t had as much experience with Grisham’s novels as I would have liked, but I did really enjoy his last two books, The Judge’s List and Sparring Partners. As such, I am very intrigued by this new release, which will apparently focus on a long-running feud between two families, which will force two friends to face each other in the courtroom. Sure to contain an intense and deeply captivating narrative, I love the sound of The Boys from Biloxi and I think it has a great deal of potential.

The Bookseller of Inverness by S. G. MacLean

After finishing off her Damian Seeker series, one of the most impressive authors of historical crime fiction, S. G. MacLean returns with an exciting new novel, The Bookseller of Inverness. This book will follow a fugitive Scottish rebel turned simple bookseller who finds themselves amid murders and conspiracies after their identity is discovered. I love the idea of a conflicted former rebel forced to investigate a murder in the middle of Inverness while secrets from his past are revealed, and I cannot wait to see how this novel unfolds. I deeply enjoyed MacLean’s previous series, including Destroying Angel and The Bear Pit, and I am glad I managed to get a copy of her latest book.

The Tilt by Chris Hammer

I have been meaning to read some of Chris Hammer’s books for a while now. One of the leading authors of Australian crime fiction, Hammer has always been an author I’ve meant to read, but never had the time. 2022 might be the year that finally changes as I just got a copy of his latest book, The Tilt. This new book will see a detective return to the small town she grew up in, to investigate a cold case. However, the case becomes far more personal for her, especially when it appears that her family might be involved in the killing. I have been having a wonderful time with Australian fiction this year and I am very hopeful that The Tilt will continue that trend.

The Girl From Guernica by Karen Robards

I was very intrigued when I received a copy of the awesome sounding historical drama, The Girl from Guernica by Karen Robards. Set during World War II, The Girl from Guernica will follow a vengeful Spanish girl who joins the resistance against the Nazis after her mother is killed and embarks on a deadly game to get revenge. I love the cool plot synopsis associated with this book and I have no doubt I will have an amazing time reading it.

Firefly: What Makes Us Mighty by M. K. England

There has been some truly amazing tie-in novels and comics associated with the iconic Firefly television series in recent years, and I have been lucky enough to read them all so far. The latest offering for us Firefly fans is the new tie-in novel, What Makes Us Mighty by M. K. England, which sees the crew of Serenity forced into another deadly situation when a job goes south. I always have a lot of fun when reading Firefly books and I look forward to seeing this new author’s take on the excellent characters from the show.

Star Wars: Crimson Reign by Charles Soule and Steven Cummings

I have also splashed out recently for some cool new comics, including several great Star Wars comics. This includes the second entry in the Crimson Dawn series of comics, Crimson Reign, written by one of the leading architects Star Wars fiction at the moment, Charles Soule. Crimson Reign follows the recently renewed Crimson Dawn crime syndicate, who are determined to make their mark on the galaxy by taking down Emperor Palpatine and Darth Vader. To that end, their leader, Lady Qi’ra, puts in place a series of plans to give her everything she needs to fight the Sith. I have already read this intriguing comic and I liked how it continued some of the excellent storylines started in War of the Bounty Hunters. I look forward to seeing how this entire saga comes together in the future, but for now, Crimson Reign is a must-read for all fans of the current Star Wars comics.

Star Wars: Volume Four: Crimson Reign by Charles Soule

I also grabbed the fourth volume of the current Star Wars comic series, also by Charles Soule. The tie-in to the Crimson Reign comic I mentioned above, this new Star Wars volume continues several of the storylines from the previous series, while also exploring the fallout of War of the Bounty Hunters. This latest volume is pretty damn epic, and I love the mixture of storylines, including Luke’s continued attempt to reconnect with the Force after finding out that Darth Vader is his father, while Leia has a final confrontation with a deadly new enemy who bears a massive grudge against her. One of the strongest Star Wars comic series out there at the moment, this is a great new volume I deeply enjoyed.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird

The final book I recently got was the highly anticipated Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comic, The Last Ronin. Written by an all-star team, including the legendary Kevin Eastman, The Last Ronin envisions a future where the Turtles have been defeated and brutally killed off. Only one of them remains alive and he has returned to a dystopian New York to get revenge on the man responsible for his family’s death. A taught and powerful comic about revenge and regret, The Last Ronin was an epic read that lived up to all the hype surrounding it. An absolute must read for all fans of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, I am really glad that I finally have a copy of this cool comic.

Well, that’s the end of this latest Book Haul post. As you can see I have quite a bit of reading to do at the moment thanks to all these awesome books that have come in. Let me know which of the above you are most interested in and make sure to check back in a few weeks to see my reviews of them.

Seventeen: Last Man Standing by John Brownlow

On October 30, 2022May 30, 2023 By The Unseen LibraryIn Thriller4 Comments

Seventeen Cover

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton (Trade Paperback – 26 July 2022)

Series: Standalone/Book One

Length: 409 pages

My Rating: 4.5. out of 5 stars

Acclaimed screenwriter John Brownlow presents one of the most entertaining and awesome debuts of 2022 with the compelling action thriller, Seventeen: Last Man Standing.

In the shadowy world of contract killers, assassins, and rogue operatives, the man at the top of the totem pole is simply known by a number. For over 100 years, these elite assassins have kept the world in order by committing kills for every government, no questions asked. Sixteen individuals have previously held the title as world’s greatest assassin during this time, and the current holder of the title is Seventeen. Feared by every killer around the world, Seventeen knows that his career can end at any moment, as it only takes one mistake for an ambitious assassin to take his place and become Eighteen.

After completing a mysterious job in Berlin, Seventeen finds himself at a crossroads, concerned about his future and considering his past. However, everything is put on hold when his handler gives him startling clues that hint that his predecessor, Sixteen, who had vanished without a trace, is still alive. The only way for Seventeen to keep his position in the assassination hierarchy is to kill the man who held the title before him, and if he refuses every assassin in the world will be on his back. Tracking Sixteen to a location in the middle of nowhere, South Dakota, Seventeen finds his target hidden in a fortress, and must try to find a way to kill the only assassin the world who might be better than him.

As he plans for what might be his greatest kill, Seventeen finds himself caught between all manner of complications. Not only is his target near perfectly protected, but he soon finds himself falling for a girl in the local town. Worse, it appears that his latest job may have been a setup, and now Seventeen finds himself one of the most wanted men in the world. Caught between his deadly predecessor and every assassin and government agency on the planet, can Seventeen once again prove that he’s the best in the world, or is someone about to take his title and become Eighteen?

Brownlow presents an exciting and captivating read with his debut novel, Seventeen (also titled Seventeen: Last Man Standing), which I had an amazing time reading. Featuring an action-packed and incredibly fast-paced story, I ended up powering through Seventeen in a bit over a day, and I had a fantastic time doing so.

I absolutely loved Seventeen’s outstanding narrative, which pits rival assassins against each other in an entertaining and impressive fight for survival. The story is primarily told from the perspective of Seventeen, who is recounting his adventures to the reader. Starting off with a brutal mass assassination, you quickly get a handle on the protagonist, his skills and his quirky style, as he commits several murders, before getting involved in another job. From there, he finds himself coerced into finally hunting down and killing his missing predecessor, Sixteen, to secure his reputation. Forced to find a way around Sixteen’s elaborate security, Seventeen starts to grow close to a woman in the local town, while also considering his future and the potential fallout from his last mission. At the same time, there are a ton of flashbacks to Seventeen’s tragic past, which show how he became a killer and his road to becoming the world’s top assassin. Seventeen’s eventual attempt on Sixteen leads to a massive confrontation, where nothing goes the way you think it will. There are some great confrontations in the second half of the book, and the fights between Sixteen and Seventeen are pretty damn epic. Throw in some dangerous outside interference and a massive conspiracy, and you are left with an excellent and powerful narrative that you really struggle to put down, even if it is very, very late at night.

Brownlow did a wonderful job setting his story out, and it was designed to keep your constant attention. I have already talked about how much I enjoyed the fast pace of this book, and there are literally no slow spots during this read as the protagonist is constantly recounting action, spycraft, fun interactions, character development or flashbacks to his tragic past, all of which proves to be extremely entertaining. The author makes excellent use of a substantial number of shorter chapters, which really helps with the pacing, as you are more likely to decide to keep reading for another chapter when it is only a few pages away. This, combined with the exceptionally written and highly detailed fight sequences, really keeps your eyes attached to the page. There are a ton of highly cinematic action scenes in this book, including shootouts, car chases, hand-to-hand fights, and even a bad encounter with a bear, which were very fun to read. I also loved the fantastic depictions of assassination tradecraft contained within this book, and Brownlow provides an intriguing look at the protagonist’s preparations, as well as the unique methods he uses to find his target. There are some very fun moments featuring the protagonist’s attempts to get close to Sixteen, and Brownlow writes a very entertaining story around death and assassination. All this action and quick-paced writing melds well with the author’s excellent sense of humour, and there a ton of great jokes, entertaining observations and unusual situations that add a good comedic edge to much of the book. These elements, as well as an outstanding central protagonist, really increased my enjoyment of the narrative, and I cannot emphasise enough how quickly I was able to fly through this book.

Finally, I rather enjoyed the fantastic characters contained within this book, as Brownlow writes an excellent story around them. Naturally, the attention is primarily on the titular Seventeen, who tells most of the story. Seventeen is a very enjoyable character to follow and I grew attached to him very quickly. As smooth and talented as any movie assassin or action hero you are likely to find, Brownlow adds in some interesting personality traits that worked really well. Not only does he have a brilliant sense of humour, which really comes across in the first-person writing style, but there is also a notable bit of weariness at the assassination lifestyle deep within him, which starts to drag at him as the book continues. Despite a successful life as a killer, he is starting to regret some of his more recent actions, and this change of mindset becomes a key part of his character arc, especially when other dangerous individuals start to sense it. Brownlow also comes up with a suitably tragic and compelling backstory for Seventeen, which is slowly revealed to the reader as the novel continues. This backstory was pretty deep and traumatic, and it helps you to bond even more with Seventeen, once you see all the terrible things that drove him into his current career, and these elements really help cement him as an amazing and flawed central protagonist. Additional characters I need to highlight include Sixteen, who serves as a fantastic foil to Seventeen, especially as he has the veteran instincts and a much more defined sense of cynicism, while also being haunted by the ghosts of his past. I also deeply enjoyed the female leads of Kat and Barb, who serve an interesting role in the book. While they are primarily used as damsels in distress for most of the book, Brownlow does add in some fantastic backstory and gives them each their own defining moments, which I enjoyed. Plus, both are the biggest critics of the two main assassins in this book, and their fun takes on their deadly rivalry are pretty entertaining. These characters, and more, add a great deal to the plot, and I enjoyed getting to know them here.

Overall, Seventeen was a pretty awesome novel that I had an epic time reading. John Brownlow’s outstanding debut had all the action, adventure and fun characters you could ask for, and I found Seventeen to be quite an addictive read. I look forward to seeing what this intriguing new author presents in the future, and I have a feeling that Brownlow is going to be an exciting voice in thriller fiction for years to come.

Seventeen by John Brownlow (Trade Paperback)

WWW Wednesday – 26 October 2022

On October 27, 2022 By The Unseen LibraryIn WWW Wednesday1 Comment

What are you currently reading?
What did you recently finish reading?
What do you think you’ll read next?

So, let’s get to it.

What are you currently reading?

I have just started reading the awesome and very fun thriller novel, Seventeen by new author John Brownlow. A fast-paced read, Seventeen follows the world’s most lethal assassin who finds himself caught in the crossfire between his deadly predecessor and younger assassins wanting to take his place. I sped through the first 60 pages of Seventeen in one go and I am already pretty hooked by this cool read. I will probably knock this off in the next day or so and I think I’ll have a very enjoyable time doing so.

Warhammer 40,000: The Wraithbone Phoenix by Alec Worley (Audiobook)

I have been having an absolute blast with my latest exploration of Warhammer 40,000 tie-in fiction, with The Wraithbone Phoenix by Alec Worley. Part of the Warhammer Crime subseries, The Wraithbone Phoenix follows two criminal abhumans, a ratling and an ogryn, as they attempt to steal their big score, the mysterious missing artefact known as The Wraithbone Phoenix. However, after a series of misfortunes, every criminal, assassin and treasure hunter on the planet knows what they are after, forcing them to fight through a horde of outrageous assailants. Naturally, I am having a ton of fun with this impressive Warhammer audiobook, and I look forward to finding out who gets the prize, and which of the many distinctive supporting characters is going to suffer a gruesome death.

What did you recently finish reading?

Fairy Tale by Stephen King (Trade Paperback)

I finally managed to finish off the massive new Stephen King novel, Fairy Tale, and it proved to be quite an awesome read. While a bit long, Fairy Tale had a unique and compelling story that saw a teenage protagonist descend to a fairytale realm, which has been overtaken by dark forces. A classic adventure story with a compelling setting and Stephen King’s distinctive voice, Fairy Tale was an excellent read and I am glad I spent the time getting through it.

In the Shadow of Lightning by Brian McClellan (Audiobook)

I managed to knock off In the Shadow of Lightning a few days ago and boy did Brian McClellan outdo himself with this first book in an awesome new series. Set in an inventive new fantasy world where all magic is associated with glass, In the Shadow of Lightning provides the reader with a complex and intriguing tale, rich with politics, espionage, action, betrayal and more. I had such an outstanding time listening to this captivating book and this is easily one of my favourite fantasy books of 2022. Review to follow soon.

Warhammer 40,000: Dredge Runners by Alec Worley (Audiobook)

I was in the mood for something short and sweet at the start of the week, so I quickly checked out the short Warhammer 40,000 audio drama, Dredge Runners. The audio drama that introduces the protagonists of The Wraithbone Phoenix (which I am currently reading), Dredge Runners was an extremely clever and highly entertaining short that set the two rogues against criminals and corrupt law enforcement in a well-written and brilliantly paced read. Featuring an amazing voice cast, Dredge Runners was an exceptional audio drama that comes highly recommended.

Desert Star by Michael Connelly

What do you think you’ll read next?

I have got several awesome books to read at the moment, but I think I’ll dive into the new Michael Connelly crime fiction read, Desert Star, next. Once again bringing together two of Connelly’s impressive protagonists, Renee Ballard and Harry Bosch, Desert Star sees them dive into several intriguing cold cases, including a murder investigation Bosch has been obsessed about for years. I love Connelly’s amazing crime fiction books and this one has a lot of potential to be a great read. I look forward to checking out in the next few days and I have very high hopes that Desert Star will end up being one of the better crime fiction novels of 2022.

Star Wars: The High Republic: Path of Deceit by Tessa Gratton and Justina Ireland

My plan after finishing The Wraithbone Phoenix is to start listening to the Path of Deceit audiobook, written by the intriguing team of Tessa Gratton and Justina Ireland. The first entry in the second phase of The High Republic sub-series of Star Wars fiction, Path of Deceit introduces the reader to yet another version of the High Republic, this time in a period of exploration and discovery. I am quite intrigued to see what is happening at this point in the Star Wars universe and I can’t wait to find out what interesting story Gratton and Ireland have chosen to introduce it to us.

That’s it for this week, check back in next Wednesday to see what progress I’ve made on my reading and what books I’ll be looking at next.

Waiting on Wednesday – Thick as Thieves by M. J. Kuhn

On October 26, 2022May 30, 2023 By The Unseen LibraryIn Fantasy, Waiting on Wednesday5 Comments

Welcome to my weekly segment, Waiting on Wednesday, where I look at upcoming books that I am planning to order and review in the next few months and which I think I will really enjoy. I run this segment in conjunction with the Can’t-Wait Wednesday meme that is currently running at Wishful Endings. Stay tuned to see reviews of these books when I get a copy of them. For my latest Waiting on Wednesday, I highlight an awesome upcoming fantasy novel that I feel is going to be a lot of fun with Thick as Thieves by M. J. Kuhn.

Thick as Thieves Cover