This was an action-packed novella and definitely worth the reading but nothing crucial plot wise concerning the series.
The main character is Jehrid Al This was an action-packed novella and definitely worth the reading but nothing crucial plot wise concerning the series.
The main character is Jehrid Al Bera, lately known as Tower Lord of the Southern Shore. We met him for the briefest of moments in Tower Lord when Frentis and the woman (view spoiler)[failed to kill him (hide spoiler)].
The tale here takes place at the mid-point of the timeline described in Blood Song. We learn more about Jehrid's origins and meet several other interesting characters, including Master Sollis, but contrary to my believe when I started the novella, this is not a story about the famous Sword Master. He is present the entire time but as a secondary character.
All in all, a good read which I recommend to all fans of the series but you won't lose anything if you don't read it....more
Nice story, but way too short and nothing special. The synopsis says it all. It is told from Al's POV and written in third person. You won't lose much Nice story, but way too short and nothing special. The synopsis says it all. It is told from Al's POV and written in third person. You won't lose much if you don't read it. Nevertheless, it was good to learn more about the roots of the war between the demons and the elves, how the ever-after once looked, how cruel the elves were and how innocent Al was back than....more
"Just one more fantasy that wouldn’t come true. Just one more lie she’d constructed for herself to escape intBuddy read with Gavin
3.5 STARS
"Just one more fantasy that wouldn’t come true. Just one more lie she’d constructed for herself to escape into, never realizing she was welding the bars of her own cage."
Damn, this was really sad! And I was not in a mood for such level of sad and creepy. The story is perfect in its execution but oh, so painful!!! Hence, I'm conflicted about the rating. The mind says full 4 stars, but the heart disagrees. I'll listen to the voice of reason and round up.
This is mostly a psychological analysis on what makes us evil or more to the point, how the true villain in this series, Levana, came to be the evil, power-hungry queen we knew.
The novella starts when Levana is a lonely, sixteen-year-old princess. Living through the horrors that follow, especially this twisted flashback which is the real deal(damn her crazy, sadistic bitch of a sister, Channary), Meyer has done a brilliant job making us sympathize for Levana almost every step of the way. But at the same time, the author never let us forget, Levana is still a delusional, dangerous villain.
This is the prequel which you cannot skip. The parallels to the main books are fascinating. And no, you cannot read it before the other books. You will totally miss the point and the depth. Recommended for all Lunar Chronicles fans....more
First off, if you have not read The Emperor's Blades, reading this short story will spoil it entirely. However, Buddy read with Gavin
3.5 STARS
First off, if you have not read The Emperor's Blades, reading this short story will spoil it entirely. However, my thoughts about the story are spoiler free. But continue at your own risk!
I just learned this but it's quite unique so I want to start this review with it. The way The Last Abbot of Ashk’lan was published is awesome. The story came out as a reward for solving Brian Staveley's The Last Abbot Scavenger Hunt. You can found the entire chronicle of the treasure hunt here: https://bstaveley.wordpress.com/the-l...
This is a nice short story about Akiil, one of the more interesting side characters from The Emperor's Blades. What happened with him during the events at the end of the book? Did he make it? Did he die heroically? Did he sell out his monastic brothers?
It's tense and touching at the same time. Not missing one of the things I love in these series, the curses! Yes, the awesome curses:
"....praying to a variety of gods that the miserable, overarmored son of a bitch would get the holy fuck out already so Akiil himself could come down and be gone before the entire ‘Kent-kissing kitchen collapsed into a pile of rubble."
The essence of the story is a hard choice Akiil has to make in a hard situation. It's a tiny story which you can read for free here: http://www.tor.com/stories/2015/01/th...
Alrighty, then! Jay Kristoff does not believe in happy endings. I get it now! What is it with male authors I read lately who love to brake 4 STARS
Alrighty, then! Jay Kristoff does not believe in happy endings. I get it now! What is it with male authors I read lately who love to brake your heart at the end of their stories?(Pierce Brown, I'm looking right at ya!) Am I drawn subconsciously to such endings? Hmp ...
Praying for Rain is the story of Miho who meets Rei, the boy with a voice, "soft and edged with a smile, as if he has just finished laughing." And they fall in love. Young and beautiful love.
Miho can listen to the thoughts of animals in her head. She can reach out into the minds of the beasts. She can talk to them. But she and the ones like her are considered as ‘Tainted’ or ‘Impure’ by the Imperium. They hunt and burn the ones who possess the Kenning.
All this in a dying world where "there are so many of us here, and so little remaining of anything else. No birds in the sky or fish in the bay. No cats or cows or pigs or pigeons. Just people and the world we have destroyed, stained blue-black by the machines we have created. And still, we think only of ourselves. No matter if these are the last free birds left in the city. No matter if those eggs are the last they will ever lay." It's a steampunk world with greasy water and blood-red air vibrating with the songs of engine and propeller. Harsh, yet fascinating with its Asian vibe.
The story is beautifully melancholic with a heartbreaking end. A perfect introduction to the Stormdancer world. I loved the writing!
I know Praying for Rain has little to do with the plot of Stormdancer itself but now I can't wait to meet Yukiko and her griffin in book #1! A GRIFFIN! Huzzah!
“True strength isn’t in killing-or ignoring-your opponent, it’s Buddy read with Eilonwy, Evgeny, Asya, and Monty Cupcake
3 STARS
“True strength isn’t in killing-or ignoring-your opponent, it’s in having the will to shield those who need your protection.”
Or how Kate tricked Julie in growing up a little and taking more responsibility.
I quite like Julie's character, though she can be a bit annoying at times but I think we could forgive her, being a teenager and all. It was nice to see things from her point of view. The story starts with Kate taking Julie to a new school where she has to test her magic(I love Julie's magic) while helping to find a classmate who happens to be a very cool creature. Julie's narration sounds a lot more mature than a 14 years old girl which made her a bit distant and not very true in attitude. On the plus side, I enjoyed all Kate & Curran references very much. Also, we were introduced to some great new characters, the one most exciting amongst them being Yu Fong who we first met in Dali & Jim's short story: Magic Dreams
Overall, nothing special but quick and enjoyable short story....more
This goes only for Retribution Clause by Ilona Andrews.
3 STARS
Very short and kinda filler. This decent story is part of the Kate Daniels world, set not in Atlanta but in Philly with Adam-Saiman's cousin-who deals with all problems Hulk style(which I liked because I love Hulk) and his work partner(only?)-Siroun-a kickass witch with a powerful god like magic due to a traumatizing event in her childhood. I really don't know what was the point of reading this story. It didn't add much(if anything) to the Magic universe for me and ended far too early and far too abruptly. I wanted something more to happen between Adam and Siroun(as it was hinted at here and there). The only interesting fact for me personally was that we met another werereptile bodyguard and they are kinda paradox in this world. May be I'm giving it 3 stars because of it. He(the werereptile) had amazing tattoos! :)
In conclusion, a decent story but you won't miss anything if you skip it. ...more
I'm not giving this full 5 stars only because it's a novella but Buddy read with Eilonwy, Evgeny, Asya, and Monty Cupcake
4.5 STARS
I'm not giving this full 5 stars only because it's a novella but I'm rounding up because it was so much fun! It's nicely constructed considering its size, action packed and so so funny! I loved almost everything: Kate and Curran acting together through the entire time(perfect dynamics in an adult relationship); VIKINGS!!!; grand show of power(badass Kate in grey cloak edged with fur); the best ending with a great moral! Pure win! I might add more detailed review at some point in the future. ...more
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