Review - The Fall Is All There Is by C.M Caplan

 

Review - The Fall Is All There Is (Four of Mercies Book 1) by C.M Caplan

In this book, we follow the story of Petre Mercy, a member of a royal family in a setting that resembles a possible future Earth. Petre is part of a family dynasty that was begun by a cruel father, and he and his siblings must find their separate ways forward after the king's death. The story is told in the first person, from the viewpoint of Prince Petre, an authentically portrayed (high-functioning) autistic character, who has run away from his family background. 

The setting is that of a world recovering from several waves of scientific advances then 'annihilations'. Cyborg animals like horses are organically grown, then mechanically implanted with clockwork-style technology. This hybrid, fantastical technology co-exists with a social structure like that of the feudal houses of Europe. The air surrounding recent battles or places of death is possessed by 'gaunts', ghosts that may infect ordinary people. These atmospheric details are some of my favourite parts of the book (although I was left wishing there were more).

The main character, Petre, struggles with his neuro-divergent condition and his own limitations. He tries to resist 'stimming' in order to blend in with others; he is hyper-sensitive and sounds like fingernails drumming make him experience a 'sensory nightmare'; he hyperfocuses on mundane details like a cut on skin; and he must often retreat from too much stimulus. Petre must take regular, chemical injections to increase his reflexes, strength and capabilities and help with 'fitting in'. He is flagrantly bisexual and finds it hard to control and resist his impulses. 

The plot of the story mainly revolves around Petre's dealings with his siblings. Edgar is shown to be a shady, manipulative, Machiavellian character who tries to lure Petre into his custody. The split between Petre and his brother is a shocking one in the early part of the book. Anoise is the new heir to the throne, the oldest, and is trying to find a way past her own inexperience and cautious nature and to retain her grip on newfound power. Desmon is the diplomat, and ultimately proves himself courageous in a difficult journey with his brother.

We see how the others around Petre deal with him and his condition. Some treat it as something to step around; Edgar falsely offers to embrace Petre's nature; while his mother is cold and critical. He relates how she would 'get scornful and start talking about the autism. The way she wished that she could cure it, the way it was hurting everyone around me'. This was a convincing and sympathetic portrayal of family life for someone with a disorder.

Some parts of the novel did not work for me: I thought a lot of the long, drawn-out dialogues had a sensational tone (although this probably again reflects overly Petre's sensitive nature). The author himself, with the story, shows some of the traits of the main character: indulgently focusing on some things (like descriptions of rats in the dark), and an impulse to keep holding up the awkwardness of prolonged dialogue.

However, these are small things and it's overall a promising book. The last quarter of the book has a gripping journey, a wicked betrayal and begins development of the military conflict. If the next book can carry out the kind of tight story of that quarter, I'll look forward to the next volume.

Rating: 3 stars (out of 5)

⭐⭐⭐

Review - The Wickwire Watch by Jacquelyn Hagen

 

Review - The Wickwire Watch by Jacquelyn Hagen (Riverfall Chronicles #1)

I finished this book today as part of my ongoing mission to get through more of the SPFBO 9 competition finalist novels. Although I find myself a bit late to reviewing this novel (there are already two sequels out at the time of writing), it's better late than never to write a review.

The setting of this one resembles mid-to-late 19th century Europe, with some subtly defined steampunk elements lurking in the background. After a historical incident in which an important leader was murdered, there is a rift left between the the two main peoples of the story: the Cassians, who rely on mundane technology, engineering and science; and the Entrians, an aloof, erudite people who wield the powers of mysterious magic. 

Inkwell, the most important main character, is a young teenage orphan who has escaped an orphanage when he encounters a group of refugees, the Colonists. He meets them while fleeing a strange happening while investigating an abandoned house, and has discovered an arcane artifact, a pocket watch. From there, he is taken to the hidden, floating community of the Colonists, Riverfall. Here we are introduced to a variety of characters, and Ink comes to question the dire accusations that have previously been made against the Colonists, while he also becomes part of their village. 

I found the characters in Riverfall well-defined, and we get to hear the secrets of Delia, Simon, Erving and others. There are some sections while in Riverfall that resemble a cozy fantasy atmosphere: this is nothing to change or lower the quality of story, but a reader has to be prepared to take on a great slowing of the pace in these domestic sequences. Ink is gradually absorbed into the community of Riverfall, despite his long-held suspicious nature, and he ponders a lot on the reliability of "the truth" as many have understood it. Caradoc is the heroic, strong-willed leader that the Colonists rely on because of a magical attribute he possesses, and Ink finds himself coming to trust him more and more. 

However, things greatly change in the second half of the novel when Inkwell learns more of the secrets and nature of the Spektors, a group of ghostly, cursed creatures who have been pursuing him. I found this latter half more interesting, since the exposition was now over and Ink becomes involved in several escapades that make him question the truths he has understood once more. He must decide whether to believe Caradoc, Seherene (a dedicated Entrian hunter of the Colonists), or a Spektor he finds was once his relative. We see Caradoc exposed as more of a flawed, realistic character, and Ink negotiating his way through the uncertain waters of events.

This was an enjoyable novel, although it was odd to find myself liking the character details and verbal interactions on Riverfall while also being impatient for some more action to commence. Inkwell is a colourful, unpredictable Artful Dodger character and there were some clever fantasy touches. We are left wondering what deal he has worked out with Seherene to continue, and what his agenda will be going forward, and if he can get away with it. The path is open for the sequels, and I hope personally to see more of the steampunk background and elusive, Entrian magic.

Rating: 4 stars (out of 5)

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Review - Born of Light and Shadow by Ryan Kirk

 

Review - Born of Light and Shadow by Ryan Kirk (Legend of the Adani #1)

At first, I thought this would be another solid adventure fantasy by the author. But it emerged as something far better than that, and so far it's my favourite read of 2024! In a world where most humans can wield a type of magical force known as adani, two siblings must set out in order to overcome the forces of the Debru, a sinister, supernatural race of shadow creatures. Dead circles of grass have emerged that threaten their world. Elian seeks to warn others of this sign, also seeking recognition as a warrior, while his sister, Samora, is more interested in using magical bindings for the healing and growth of their world. There's a gripping final third of the book, and as a wonderful addition we get sentient dragons inserted to the mix as well.

The world-building is detailed and deceptively understated. The people of the book are divided into those of the Villages, who farm and provide food for others, and the Wandering Clans, whose duty is to protect all against the threat of the Debru. The clans have been fighting a long, losing war against the Debru: they must protect their territories but also have a tendency not to trust one another. Likewise, Elian and Samora's village must deal with the trauma of some of their members killed by the Debru, including their own father.

Elian dreams of becoming a great warrior, partly out of desire to revenge his father. But he is unique and cannot manipulate the bindings of the adani magic, and must deal with feelings of inadequacy. This is until he finds he does indeed have a rarer talent, that of diverting magical flows inside himself. He discovers that his strength is born of desperation, impulse and need. His relationship with Harald, the wily, but heroic and committed clan leader, lets him develop his abilities and grow throughout the novel.

His sister, Samora, is an opposite. She is naturally talented at magical binding and is highly sensitive to the flows of adani around her. From this, we get a realistic depiction of an introverted main character who retreats from the overly stimulating adani flows she senses around her, speaking out seldom, but is still able to always keep a reserve of quiet strength. Samora learns from several mentors in the art of healing. She also attracts a follower and defender, Karla, a much older master adanist and former warrior chief. Karla is another accomplished introverted character: she is strong, tough and fatalistic. Together they must go forth on an independent mission of their own, to seek out the heart of the mystery behind the Debru and the dying circles of land.

The challenge of these dead circles lets out some revelations of the secrets behind the shadow creatures. There are the kettu, dog-like attackers; the otsoa, something like shadow-wolves; the debru, foot soldiers commanding these inferior forces; and the belog, lordly, dark sorcerers who direct the malevolent troops. But the fading circles are also bound up with a mystery that involves the last diabolical Debru type, the Vada, the most fearsome, resembling demonic gods.

This central puzzle behind the origins of the Debru is partially revealed in tantalising visions experienced by Samora. Who are the strange people she sees conducting a doom-laden ritual? Why do the Debru creatures just stand still, never eating, and why do they seek to attack all humans? I guess we'll have to wait till book 2 to find out. The dead circles of land, bound with the Debru, are countered by the Gathering Grounds of the clans, places of regeneration, overwhelming magic, growth and healing. Once again, I enjoyed Kirk's use of areas of spiritual sanctuary in his world.

The last third of the book is full of engaging plot revelations and action, as it should be. Characters must also deal with the added threat of possession by the shadow creatures, an interesting complication. I particularly enjoyed the characters of the dragons uncovered by Elian, and Elian's own path of self-discovery, accomplishment and redemption in the face of battle. The overall message that main characters discover is a satisfying one, that they must work in harmony with their world and the forces of nature magic, in order to reach a successful outcome. The magical system itself has some deceptively deep concepts, in particular its similarity to ideas of karma and self-healing systems of the natural world. It's pleasing to see what the author can achieve without the bloat of other epic fantasy series. I have no hesitation in recommending this classy, enjoyable book and am definitely going to look out for the next in the series.

Thanks to Netgalley and Xpresso Book Tours for an ARC of this book.

Rating: 5 stars (out of 5)

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Review - Merchants of Knowledge and Magic by Erika McCorkle

 

 

Review - Merchants of Knowledge and Magic by Erika McCorkle

 This is an epic book that I found intriguing because of its strangeness and the seemingly obsessive level of world-building it contains. Calinthe, a "merchant of knowledge" and also a rare creature cross-bred between two races, must carry out several missions across worlds and through magical portals. She engages in various games of knowledge and intrigue, until the time she is caught in the web of some nobles of the diabolical female-dominated Ophidian people. At the three-quarter mark, the book then makes an abrupt shift into some outlandish and often disturbing content, which may not appeal to all readers.

The novel does flow well, however, and it is hard to not become swept up in the swelling display of imagination and detail in its universe, the Pentagonal Dominion. I felt close to the main characters, especially regarding Calinthe's relationship with Zakuro and the quirky Demon Lord, Williford, and also the outrageous Requiem (a "merchant of hedonism"). I haven't read anything so outlandish and odd since finishing A Wrinkle in Time or Perdido Street Station. Because of its strangeness and elaborate magic system, this fantasy series could likely become one with a cult following.

 

Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC in return for a review of this book.

 

Rating: 4 stars (out of 5)

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Review - The Daughters' War by Christopher Buehlman

 Review - The Daughters' War by Christopher Buehlman

In this book, we see a different side to the world of The BlackTongue Thief. It's a prequel to that story and explores the events of the "Daughters' War", fought mostly by many widows and women soldiers. Galva (or Galvicha), the main character, is also female and from a noble background, and her viewpoint is a contrast to the first book's in many ways. We follow Galva and the army, as well as several other members of her family, as they move in several campaigns and looming battles. 

There's a cynical tone in regards to the events she describes, and a message of the importance of telling the truth about what actually unfolded rather than how others have preferred to describe it afterwards. Despite a slow beginning, Galva's story of how her unit of magical bird warriors assists and redeems the war effort becomes a fulfilling tale of love, disappointment, humour, the importance of religion and courage in the face of traumatic events. At times, the author also lets shine the deftly sly or vulgar wit that he excels at, but in a more restrained way.

The story, as Galva tells it, is that of a resigned character caught up in the tragic and often bleak history of the war. The people tasked with fighting the goblins, the "kynd", are a diverse group from different nations. One of their main problems is they cannot agree among themselves. Among the ruling class, for every brave aristocrat there are many more who are instead held up as arrogant, foolish, corrupt, decadent, cowardly or licentious. Her fallen elder brother, Migaed, is a prime example. The priests of Sath (a sun god) are revealed as weak, and one battle's downfall is due to one tempted by a goblin drug, 'godsmilk'. The more common soldiers and knights, however, are the ones who are forced to make the real sacrifices, and this is the group Galva has joined.

There are two other viewpoints in the book, those of Galva's other brothers in the dom Braga family. Pol is a courageous capable military leader, misled by misplaced lover. Amiel is a peaceable, scholarly young apprentice to a formidable wizard, Fulvir. I enjoyed their letters that made up some chapters, which add a bit of variety and in Amiel's case, humour. 

We get to appreciate the strong bonds between Galva's fellow corvid-trainers and their special birds. These bonds turn out to have a heavy cost when they must take part in a war, however. This is part of the reason that Galva's tale veers toward revenge and grimdark territory near the end. There are some surprisingly dark battle descriptions (goblins treat humans as a food supply, remember), which perhaps shows some of Buehlman's occasional horror background. But Galva ultimately finds a salvation and an ability to "let go" in a religion that worships "the Bride", a goddess of death, and also finds a refuge in the love of several characters.

Some of the highlights for me were the cynical disrespect with which most of the characters privately regard their superiors. There was a real sense of realism in the way the medieval-style army was portrayed, with its constant needs for supplies, fickle morale levels and the inevitability of internal conflict. Some of my favourite funny bits were the misadventures of Amiel while invisible (and naked), and the trash-talking between Galva and an old soldier. However, I wasn't a big fan of some of the mystical sections in the story to do with the Dal-Gaata religion, and one chapter which tells one their stories just lost me. And at times there are some sentimental, wistful musings by Galva that seemed like indulgence.

However, this is yet another winning fantasy yarn by Christopher Buehlman and I wouldn't hesitate the read another set in this same world.

Rating: 4 stars (out of 5)

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Review - Tomorrow's Children by Daniel Polansky

 

Review - Tomorrow's Children by Daniel Polansky

I quite enjoyed this book as something different, edgy and fast paced. In a near-future New York, one of its main islands has become separated by an ever-present supernatural fog ('the funk') from the rest of the world. Because of this isolation, over time its own distinct society has developed, structured around gang-like clans held in a balance of power, homebrew religious sects and a need to survive. This strange location is disrupted by the arrival of an outsider, and what follows is a violent, often amusing, rapidly paced romp filled with lots of action and snappy dialogue.

The story begins with the death of a local clan boss and many of his followers, which disrupts the power balance. A hardened veteran, Gillian, is chosen as the Sheriff to investigate the disturbance. We are also introduced to a varied group of characters during the course of her investigations and manipulations. The Kid is a chain-smoking, tough but mysterious hitman and soldier, whose relationship with Gillian is eventually revealed. Swan is a virtually blinded, drunken samurai-type fighter, who despite his weaknesses and world-weariness is nevertheless seemingly invincible. Maryland Slim is an extravagantly portrayed underworld figure, probably the strongest in the novel. He is lecherous, scheming and overweight, but also a telepath who can wage psychic war on others. There are a number of other interesting side characters, including Nelly the cat lady, who can use the viewpoints of cats' eyes for spying, and Dade and Ariadne the tunnel dwellers, whose own society is vividly imagined. And Ael is another swordsman, whose ridiculous obsession with becoming the very best sparks one of the most rollicking sequences in the book.

One of the religious groups, the Honey Swallowers, is framed for wrongdoing and a climactic battle ensues. While this is developing, Gillian and The Kid must deal with the King of TriBeCa, a mysterious leader of mutants who also wields strange powers over the funk. This fading King is trying to acquire a young boy, Newton, who he believes is the heir to his powers. Meanwhile, the outsider, Mr Simpson, who has been pulling strings behind the scenes, tries to kidnap several of the psychically talented people of the island in a violent attack.

The story is strongest when its merely enjoyed as violent, fast paced romp. It is darkly funny at times and many of the goings-on are coldly absurdist in tone, which certain readers will enjoy. The social norms, dialects and odd vocabulary of the island's residents are elaborately imagined. There are many startling incidents you'll encounter while reading (which is definitely a worthy achievement in any current book). The chapters are short and are structured with small sections within them. This is a neat example of "show me, don't tell me" storytelling, and once you can piece together the connections between the sections and the story being told, you can appreciate some clever achievements. 

I didn't really mind the use of emoji symbols in the text. Perhaps it has a deeper meaning, regarding the degeneration of future people's language. But I did ask myself: if there's not much electricity available, how would anyone use emojis to communicate with each other on a powered device?

I could also see some influences or similarities between this book with other works: the kind of amoral "ultraviolence" like in A Clockwork Orange; a weird future with unusual residents like in the Viriconium series; and the future street culture with its mannerisms as Gibson's Sprawl trilogy. And action scenes reminiscent of what you'd see in the Mad Max movies, or any pumped-up Hollywood blockbuster.

There were a few things that didn't quite settle in the mix, however. Like some other readers, I found the beginning difficult to get into, with the many characters we're introduced to and the unfamiliar slang to understand. The dystopian story with its characters inclined to instant violence lacks an emotional heart; it's not a world I could imagine really living in. And some of the female characters weren't rounded or that convincing; I found them a bit too tough and unemotional. But all these flaws can be set aside, as mentioned, if you take the story for what it is: a darkly amusing tale with much action, as long as you don't think about it too deeply.

Thanks to Angry Robot books and Netgalley for an ARC of this book.

 

Rating: 4 stars (out of 5)

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Book review - A Rival Most Vial by RK Ashwick

Here we have it: a cosy fantasy by an indie author, which must contain something special in order to make it to the final round of the current SPFBO competition.

 

Review: A Rival Most Vial by RK Ashwick

A Rival Most Vial by RK Ashwick is a book which is most attractive because of its general light-heartedness and the engaging, playful interactions between its characters. Two merchants in a fantasy town must learn to co-operate with each other, as part of a joint potion-making project they agree to undertake. There are some misunderstandings, sad personal histories and difficulties that the main characters must overcome. But the support they receive from those close them results in a feel-good tale with some sweet romance and 'Yes!' moments. There's also a novel, curious magical system that seems derived from baking (yes, baking) in the real world.

The story takes place in the area of Rosemond St, where we are introduced to group of shopkeepers who all know and support each other like one big, diverse family. Ambrose is a potion seller and a half-elf, and had been given away by his family at an early age to be an apprentice to an emotionally cold potions master. Because of this, Ambrose was virtually raised by the other merchants of the street. He is scholarly and introverted, preferring to remain isolated in his potions shop. He reacts with upset and suspicion when a stranger moves into the vacant shop across from his. This is Eli, a human from another area, Kolkea, and he quickly comes into competition with Ambrose as he, too, is operating a potions shop.  Eli is his opposite: he is sociable and a lover of sports and adventure. We also meet Dawn the wand maker, Ambrose's overworked and stressed-out best friend.  

At first, Ambrose and Eli take part in a tit-for-tat bitter rivalry to entice the most customers to their own shops. This ruthless competition, instead, merely drains them and their finances. However, they then find they both must agree, because of the financial rewards offered, to a commission that involves working together. They must brew a special, difficult potion for the mayor's daughter, Beatrice, whose birthday wish is to be able to fly like a dragon with purple wings for one day. To complicate matters, Ambrose and his friend, Dawn, have a falling out, and Eli and Ambrose find their feelings for each changing. There is a bit of danger to face several times, and Eli must face against his natural drifter's inclination, and decide on a future career.

What happens next follows basically an enemies-to-lovers trope, as attraction blossoms between Ambrose and Eli. It's a cute romance, as they grow closer together over the course of the commission's challenge. Some of the winning parts of the story are the book's chapter titles, which are cleverly reminiscent of recipe step instructions and provide insight as to the current state of the characters' relationship development. I found the elaborate potion-mixing stages which Eli and Ambrose go through engaging and interesting. The overall tone or story elements made me think of the Dungeons & Dragons world maybe combined with a sweet Hallmark movie. Or something like the new breed of Netflix rom-coms with LGBTQ characters.  

I did find a few of the fantasy concepts slightly awry. For example, characters seemed to be able to just wave (any number of) wands a bit too conveniently in order to solve a problem, or just swig a magic potion. And I would've liked some more lore and background about the characters and location. But my main issue was that the central romance was just too predictable; there were lots of hints given and anyone could see it coming early on. But these are minor concerns.

Rating: 4 stars (out of 5)

⭐⭐⭐⭐