Shadowbred (Forgotten Realms: Twilight War Book 1) By Paul S. Kemp

Erevis Cale is not on good terms with his god because of Jak's death and his being changed into a shade. So he is living in isolation and trying to be a hero like he promised Jak until he gets dreams of Magadon being in trouble and a call from Tamlin Uskevren asking for help. He does not know it yet but he is facing the Shadovar and the faithful of Shar as they bid for control of Sembia. Can Erevis come to terms with his god to save Magadon and Sembia?

I really enjoyed this book another top story from Kemp. I have one big problem with this book in that it ends with a cliffhanger and no resolution to any of the story arcs.

The Shining City (Rhiannon's Ride Book 2) by Kate Forsyth

Rhiannon has arrived in Lucescere and is imprisoned awaiting her trial. But when Lewen stops visiting she is sure he is ensorcelled by the young princess and she starts to despair. Her nights are being troubled by the ghost the lord of Fettercairn has promised to raise, who wants Rhiannon’s body to inhabit. The lord of Fettercairn’s servants are stirring up trouble in the royal court and there is a plot to kill the Righ. When the lord of Fettercairn escapes from prison, plots collide and disaster hits the royal family.

I liked this book, as I was interested in finding out what would happen to Rhiannon. But he book was about court intrigue, which usually (as in this case) mean a lot of people doing stupid things and acting like idiots. It can be a bit depressing to read.

Revelation (Rai-Kirah Book 2) by Carol Berg

Seyonne is back serving as Warden of Souls but even though he is the only warden he is mistrusted by many of his people. But when he finds his wife has killed his demon possessed son and meats a demon unlike any he has ever heard of whom he does not fight with for its victim he is banned from acting as Warden. As the only option they give him is to work as a farmer while being counselled his pride makes him leave. He finds out that his son is not really dead and sets out to find him. After he has failed to find out where his son is he receives a call from Prince Aleksander who has rebellion on his hands lead by someone called the Yvor Lukash. Seyonne goes undercover with the Yvor Lukash ‘s band because he believes they know where his son is. During this time he learns a lot about those demon possessed children of his people and realises there is a deeper secret about his race and the Demons and he sets out to find the truth.

I enjoyed the book but found the bits when he was absorbing demon memories irritating. I enjoyed seeing how exposure to Seyonne changed Fiona opening her mind from the rigid view of life and corruption she had.

The Tower of Ravens (Rhiannon's Ride book 1) by Kate Forsyth

Rhiannon is a Satyricorn only she has no hooves or horns and as she I reaching womanhood it means she must escape if she is to live. She manages to capture a flying horse and by tying herself to it she manages to escape. When they finally land through exhaustion she meats Lewen and his family and it is decided that she will accompany him and his fellow apprentices to the Theurgia School for the coven of Witches. On route they have to struggle against a group of Necromancers who are terrorising part of the country raising the dead and kidnapping young boys. Can Rhiannon survive this while hiding her secret that could get her hanged?

I had read some reviews that called this a girly romance and horror novel after I had bought it so I was worried what it would be like. I loved the book it was a good fantasy novel and Rhiannon’s struggle to understand the strange (To her) society she has escaped to and how it changes her. My big problem with the book is the ending I know it is part of a trilogy but I would have preferred a bit more closure on Rhiannon’s trial.

Transformation (The Rai-Kirah Book1) by Carol Berg

Seyonne is a slave and has been for the last 16 years before the when his country was free he was a Warden of souls defender of all against demons. Now he is bitter and striped of his power recently bought by the callous and cruel Prince Aleksander heir to the Derzhi Empire. Can he get past his bitterness and warn the price that he is the target of a demon and stop the plot that could bring about the end of the world.

I loved this book and could not put it down. The growth of the characters of Aleksander and Seyonne the changes in the way they view the world are so intriguing. I immediately ordered the second book when I finished.

A Sorcerer's Treason (Isavalta Trilogy Book 1) by Sarah Zettel

Bridget Lederle is a lighthouse keeper on Sand Island looking over Lake Superior her job is aided by visions that she has. One day she rescues a man who claims to have come from another world and that he needs to take her back to free his emperor from a spell placed upon him by his sorceress bride. Bridget is convinced to go but as soon as she arrives she begins to suspect that she does not know the full truth of the situation. She must fine the truth and decide whom she will side with.

I was not sure whether I would like this book; I am not too fond of books that switch between this world and a fantasy world. But I found myself enjoying the book I enjoyed Bridges hunt to find out the truth and struggle to not be controled.

Eldest (Inheritance Book 2) By Christopher Paolini

Eragon is recovered from his fight with Durza except for a scar on his back and sporadic convulsions that are getting older. It is now time for him to go complete his training with the elves. Meanwhile the Ra’zac have gone to Carvahall hunting Roran to use him against Eragon. Roran evades them but it costs the villagers there homes and his love Katrina is taken away. Roran only sees one way to rescue Katrina and save the villagers from slavery by taking them to the Varden.

I really enjoyed this book and found it difficult to put the book down. I think his books are really well written but the story lines are pretty easy to work out and I was not surprised by any of the twists except for Oromis and Glaedr I did not expect his trainer to be another dragon rider.

Road of the Patriarch (Forgotten Realms: The Sell Swords Book 3) By: R.A. Salvatore

Artemis Entreri and Jarlaxle are honoured by king Gareth Dragonsbane for their actions in defeating the animated Zhenguian castle and dracolich. Caught up in the machinations of the Citadel of Assassins Entreri rebels which provides Jarlaxle with the opportunity to initiate his schemes to create a place for Bregan D’aerthe to gain a foot hold in the area increasing their wealth and power. Accompanied by the irritating dwarf Athrogate Entreri can only hope to survive Jarlaxle's plots.

I enjoyed this book but felt that there was a bit too much whinging in it Entreri seemed completely out of character in parts (i.e. when arguing with king Gareth) but I suppose that can be put down to the effects of the flute. I really am getting irritated when I turn the page and find Italic writing because the laboured philosophy of Drizzt is an annoying interruption to the story. I really enjoyed the glimpses into the past of Entreri and Jarlaxle. The last few chapters were a disappointment to me and the ending did not please me at all. And I am left hoping this is not the last we have seen of Entreri and Jarlaxle as a team.

The Chaos Curse (Forgotten Realms: The Cleric Quintet Book 5) by R A Salvatore

The Evil Imp Druzil has joined with Rufo in the aim of killing Cadderly. But due to Rufo’s stupidity in drinking the Chaos Curse he has become a powerful Vampire. Dean Thobicus has become paranoid over Cadderly and is working to remove all his friends from the Library in preparation for their conflict. Thobicus cannot believe that he has become a fallen priest and wanting to do anything to discredit Cadderly he brings the dying Rufo into the Library (Inviting him in) setting it on the path to destruction. Cadderly and his friends are approaching the Library unaware of what is happening there, can even this powerful group destroy this evil?

Cadderly has now grown into what is one of my favourite characters and I wish Salvatore had written more books on him. The little appearances in Passage to Dawn and Servant of the Shard are not enough. Pikel seems to be reaching his full Doo-dad power making a tree come to life, blessing Holy Water and making his club a sha-lah-lah. I love his parts in this series but think he is even funnier in The Hunter's Blades Trilogy.

The Fallen Fortress (Forgotten Realms: The Cleric Quintet Book 4) by R A Salvatore

Cadderly and his friends have decided to take out the threat of Castle Trinity. Cadderly has started to grow in power as his faith in Denier grows. These new powers will be tested to there full on the journey as Aballister sends monsters to wipe them out. Unknown to his friends Cadderly plans to use the journey as an opportunity to destroy the evil device Ghearufu but there is only one way to do this. By immersing it in he breath of an Ancient Red Dragon. Can Cadderly defeat all the power of Castle Trinity in the base of their power and how will he deal with the revelation of who Aballister really is.

Cadderly has grown up and grown in faith and is now a likeable character he has come to terms with the realities of the world and what he must do to accomplish his goals. But the best part of the book for me is Pikel and his friendly snake, which is so funny.

Night Masks (Forgotten Realms: The Cleric Quintet Book 3) by R A Salvatore

Cadderly has now messed up Castle Trinity’s plans twice and they have decided he is a threat that has to be removed. To do this they have called upon the infamous Westgate assassin’s the Night Masks and they have sent the wicked and deadly Ghost who has the ability to take over his victims bodies making them easy kills. Cadderly has been disturbed by discoveries about himself on his recent adventures. He has been forced to re-examine his faith and morals and has run away from his friends. Will he come to terms with himself before the assassins arrive?

Cadderly final seems to grow up in this book and starts to become a likeable character. I do not like the story as much as I like In Sylvan Shadows but the change in Cadderly make it an interesting book.

In Sylvan Shadows (Forgotten Realms: The Cleric Quintet Book 2) by R A Salvatore

The forces of castle Trintiy have moved on to attack Shilmista forest after their failure at the Edificant Library this time they are using brute force sending their army of monsters. Cadderly is sent to the forest to learn more about the forces ranged against the region. Cadderly is pushed to the limit as and is forced to re-examine himself after the challenges he faces.

Cadderly is very annoying in this book spending a lot of it like a sulky baby but the other characters more than make up for it and make it a very funny and entertaining book.

Canticle (Forgotten Realms: The Cleric Quintet Book 1) by R A Salvatore

Cadderly the young priest of Deneir is about to have his life turned upside down as evil comes to visit his home the Edificant Library. With his unusual weapons and his loyal friends Cadderly confronts the evil and an event he is totally unprepared for.

I really enjoy this series. Cadderly can get a bit whiney. By far my favourite character is Pikel Boldershoulder the idea of a druid dwarf really amuses me. Lots of people complain about Pikel’s only talking in oo, oi, etc. but I like it and think if the series was made into a cartoon or film (Which I do not want to happen) he would be appreciated much more when people cold hear the tonal changes that would add the depth to his conversations.

Mistress of the Empire (The Empire Trilogy Book 3) by Raymond E Feist and Janny Wurts

The Acoma have reached the point where few houses can match them in power. So the only way left open to her enemies in assassination. After several successful assassinations on her family and friends Mara declares war on the most powerful Tong the Hamoi. These attacks complete the work of Kevin in forever altering Mara’s view of her society should be like so she has no choice but t mover against the power that stagnates the empire, The most powerful force in the empire the assembly of great ones. So Mara sets out to find a way to oppose the will of the seemingly all-powerful Assembly and forever change Tsurani society.

I am not to fond of the early parts of this book with the assassination attempts and the war against the Hamoi but the ending when she is facing down the Assembly in the imperial palace is among my favourite parts from any of the books I have read.

Servant of the Empire (The Empire Trilogy Book 2) by Raymond E Feist and Janny Wurts
Mara now has the Acoma in a strong position and planes under way that will make her much more powerful. She acquires a bunch of Midkemian slaves one of whom is Kevin youngest son of the Baron of Zun. Kevin catches Mara’s attention and she makes him her body slave so she can use his unusual view of her society to her advantage. Over time Kevin and Mara become lovers and his view starts to alter her perceptions of her society. Until she reaches the point when she is willing to sacrifices anything for the good of the empire including her Honour, life and family.

This is one of my favourite books of all time I love the bits in the book where Kevin comes to the for disrupting the Tsurani Perceptions of their way of life. My favourite parts are the desert campaign and the attacks on Mara in the imperial palace and on her litter in forest.

Daughter of the Empire (The Empire Trilogy Book 1) by Raymond E Feist and Janny Wurts

Mara of the Acoma is about to dedicate herself to the goddess Lashima but this is not to happen as her families enemies have caused the deaths of her father and brother making her the Lady of the Acoma. Mara finds herself with virtually no soldiers and open to an attack from her enemies that will wipe out her family completely. Mara must strengthen the Acoma while holding off here enemies for now she plays the brutal and cruel great game of the council where she can not expect no aid unless her enemies fail to observe the proper forms when killing her. So inexperienced in life and the great game Mara bends her societies traditions as far as she can and manipulates her enemies as she raises the Acoma’s power and defeats her enemies.

This in my opinion is one of the best series I have ever read. Mara’s manipulation of Bunto is quite vicious and her manipulation of Bruli is so funny. The way she beds traditions to her advantage is entertaining.

Blood and Honor (Eberron: The War Torn Book 4) by Graeme Davis

Kas Mordan has served in the famous Company of the Skull but that is ended now he has lost his hand and a halfling shaman has told him his brother is in danger and he must save him. His brother is officially dead according to the government. But as he investigates Kas finds a conspiracy that could produce a new power using undead the likes of which have never been seen before. It is down to Kas and his unlikely group of friends to stop this power.

This is one of my favourite Eberron books the characters are all likeable and interesting. It is a good story quite intriguing I could not put the book down and this is the first time an eberron book has got me enthralled like this.