Dragon Blood (Hurog Duology Book 2) By Patricia Briggs
Four years have passed since the Vorsag defeat, and Alizon was trying to raise rebellion against the high king. When Tisala escapes from being tortured to Hurog she warns Ward that the High King could soon move against his family. But there is nothing Ward can do to resist the king with Hurogs defences still not rebuilt. Locked in the Royal Asylum Ward is drugged and tortured to make him demented enough so the High King can declare him unfit to rule, So someone loyal could be installed as lord of Hurog. Ward must survive the abuse and find a way to stop the High King using an ancient artefact that was responsible for the fall of the first Empire.

This book was as good if not better then Dragon Bones and just as impossible to put down if all Patricia Briggs books are this good she will be one to my favourite authors. My only problem with the book was that the ending was too abrupt and left me unsatisfied I hope there are more books featuring Ward because I am left wanting more.

Dragon Bones (Hurog Duology Book 1) By Patricia Briggs
Wardwick of Hurog to escape the beatings from his father has pretended for years to be an imbecile. But when his father dies he gives the rulership of Hurog to Ward’s uncle until his majority. Before he manages to prove his intelligence he gives his protection to an escaped slave which leads her owner to use his political influence have Ward incarcerated in the Royal Asylum. He escapes and with a group of loyal retainers and family members to the land of Oranstone where war is brewing in the hope of regaining his lands by becoming a war hero.

I absolutely loved this book I most books I need to read a few chapters before I settle with the characters but in this book the characters were so good I was engrossed from the first page and could not put the book down. Ward has become one of my favourite characters of any book I have read.

The Heart of Stars (Rhiannon's Ride Book 3) By Kate Forsyth
Rhiannon reprieved from her death sentence is flying after Laird of Fettercairn to rescue the royal twins and Roden before they are sacrificed to raise Margrit of Arran and the Lairds son and brother from the dead. To rescue the young Righ Isabeau leads here party back in time to stop the raising of the evil Brann the Raven. All this leaves Bronwen ruling the land as Banrigh facing the suspicion that she was behind the murder of Lachlan and the disappearance of his children.

I had really anticipated reading this book and it lived up to my expectations. The story was well pace and kept me engrossed in it. I finished this book wanting more and hope that there is another book about Rhiannon soon.

The Harsh Cry of the Heron (Tales the Otori Book 4) By Lian HearnTakeo and Kaede have ruled the three countries for sixteen years of piece and prosperity. But now the peace is coming to an end the Emperor and his new warlord have turned their eyes to the three countries as Takeo has never sought their confirmation of his rule and they have decided to back the dissatisfied Ari Zenko. The rebel tribe members lead by Kikuta Akio see the time as ripe to get their revenge. Added to this all Takeo’s loyal advisers are dying weakening his position. Can he master the threats to his rule while keeping the balance that has maintained the peace for the last sixteen years?

I really disliked this book, I had been looking forward to it for ages and was overjoyed when I saw that the book was bigger then the previous three put together. But when I started reading it I soon started losing interest in it. The main characters mad one stupid decision after another! It got me so irritated that after each stupid decision I had to stop reading and had to struggle to start reading it again. I was never more depressed then when reading the ending! It is one of the most depressing ending of any book I have read! All in all this is one of the most disappointing books I have read this year.

Scream of Stone (Forgotten Realms: The Watercourse Trilogy Book 3) By Philip Athans
Pristoleph is now married to Phyrea and is now being raised to the position of Ransar by Marek Rymut. Ivar has returns and takes over the construction of the canal from behind the scenes. But as Ransar Pristoleph and Ivar become friends Marek’s displeasure grows until he decides to take action against them. Can Pristoleph and Ivar defeat the Red Wizard who seems to have absolute control over the city-state of Innarlith?

I have not really been a fan of this series and even though there were some good bit to this book the majority of it bored me. Phyrea’s ghost caused insanity just really irritates me. Willem is much more likeable as an undead monster. I have absolutely no idea what some Marek’s plans were supposed to achieve, as they seemed absolutely pointless. The redeeming characters of the book were Ivar and his friends and Pristoleph. I don’t think this is likely to get a reread.

Tales of the Last War (Eberron: Anthology) by Mark Sehestedt

This is an anthology of short stories set during and after the Last War (The major event that changed the face of the world of Eberron)

There is an Introduction that gives some information about the History of Eberron.

The stories are:

Death at Whitehearth by Keith Baker A story set before the end of the Last War featuring the characters from the Dreaming Dark series

Death before Dawn by Paul Crilley A story set towards the end of the Last War featuring Col of the Dark Lanterns who appeared in Night of Long Shadows. Who has been framed for murder and needs to prove his innocence.

The Blade of the Flame by Tim Waggoner A story set after the Last War featuring the characters from the Blade of the Flame. The story tells of how Diran met Ghaji and why Ghaji decided to travel with him.

Distant Fires by Aaron Rosenberg A story about a man who wakes up in a burnt out tower with no memory of who he is in the midst of a hobgoblin army.

The Veiled Charge by David A. Page Alrek was once a captain of the Cyre Elite Guard is fleeing from his guilt at not being there to die with the rest of the guard now he has run into a demon who is teasing him with their memory.

The Weight of Water by Edward Bolme A story set during the Last War featuring Cimozjen from Bound by Iron conducting raids that cause him a dilemma as his duty clashes with his ethics.

War Machines by Ian Burton-Oakes A Company of Warforged are sent to aid an archaeological dig where as they discover a powerful artefact that could bring disaster to the world.

Call of the Silver Flames by James Wyatt This is the story mentioned in Claws of the Tiger where Dania confronts Maija, Kavarat and the Vampire shifter Havoc and she decides to dedicate herself to the Silver Flame.

Flight of the Righteous Indignation by Ari Marmell When the airship the Righteous Indignation travels over the Mournland a mysterious being releases a monstrous beast that they are transporting which then starts killing the crew.


I really enjoy the majority of these stories it does help that I have read about some of the characters before which removes one of the problems with short stories. My favourite stories were The Blade of the Flame and The Weight of Water the first because Diran and Ghaji are favourite characters of mine and the story was funny, the second because I found the story interesting especialy the solution the monk comes up with. My least liked were Flight of the Righteous Indignation and Distant Fires both were too obvious and not particularly interesting. This book is an entertaining read and is always handy if you want a quick story to read.

Night of Long Shadows (Eberron: The Inquisitives Book 2) By Paul Crilley

When a Professor is murdered at Morgrave University but the obvious suspect prove to be innocent and when Genius inquisitive Abraxis Wren takes the case he finds a far reaching conspiracy which aims to reorder the power in the city of Sharn.

This was a good book the relationship between Wren and Torin was really amusing and the story kept you guessing about the purpose of the conspiracy and the person behind it until near the end. The book left me wishing for more Wren and Torin books.

The Spirit Stone (The Dragon Mage Book 5) By Katharine Kerr

Price Dar allied with the men of Cengarn and the Dwarves of Lin Serr march to destroy the Horsekin fortress of Zakh Gral. The war reunites Salamander with a black pyramid dweomer Crystal which he encountered when he was a child. What is the mystery about this crystal and its white counterpart?

This book seemed more of a set-up then a story on its own The army delivers a warning by destroying Zakh Gral so we end up feeling we are just waiting for the Horsekin response. The entire section in the past featuring Nevyn is just set-up on the history of the black pyramid. Neb and Branna get virtually no development. Laz Moj is a bit of a disappointment after all the talk of the evil Mazrak. But it is a great book and I could not put it down though I am starting to lose track of the past lives of the characters and I miss Nevyn in the Present Timeline.

Bound by Iron (Eberron: The Inquisitives Book 1) By Edward Bolme

When Cimozjen finds the body of a former comrade during the last war he is determined to find his murderer and get revenge. To do this he teams up with a Minrah an amoral writer for the broadsheets. As they investigate they find a far-reaching conspiracy involving Dragonmarked houses and the governments of the major countries.

This book is nothing special it starts off slowly but does pick up as the story progresses. Cimozjen comes off as a bit of an idiot and his fights leaves you not only wondering how he managed to get into an elite unit but how he managed to live through the Last War. The best character was probably Fighter/Four which is not saying much the middle part was ok the beginning and ending were pretty poor so I do not think it will be getting many rereads.

Silver Shadows (Forgotten Realms: The Song & Sword Series Book 3) by Elaine Cunningham

While Danilo is dealing with the troubles in Waterdeep Arilyn has been given a different task. She is to resolve the conflict between the elves of the forest of Tethir and the humans of the area. To do this she must go live among the elves pretending to by a full moon elf due to the wild elves hatred of all none elven. During the mission she will find that her moonblade shares a history with the forest and she realises some truths about herself.

Once you get over the disappointment of Danilo not being involved you will find that Arilyn can carry the story on her own. There is a lot less humour then when Danilo is about but it is n intriguing story that keeps entertained

Elfsong (Forgotten Realms: The Song & Sword Series Book 2) by Elaine Cunningham

A disgruntled former Harper has altered the memories of the realms bards and is using them to strike a blow against the harpers and the Lords of Waterdeep. She leaves clues to stop her plans that would require a master of Bard Craft; Magic and riddles as she seeks to prove that the harpers have abandoned their roots. As all the true bards are compromised the harpers only option is to give the task to Danilo Thann but is he a good enough bard to master the Elven Spellsong that is required to save Waterdeep.

This is the best book in the series as it centres on Danilo and we get to see him to full effect. I just absolutely love Danilo’s singing sword and when he makes Elaith wield it is hilarious. I do not think there is any more amusing pairing then Danilo and Elaith and it was so despairing to seen the pages running out. I do not know how many times I have reread this book but it is always just as good as the first time I read it, Even knowing what happens in the book only heightens the anticipation of reaching my favourite parts.

Elfshadow (Forgotten Realms: The Song & Sword Series Book 1) by Elaine Cunningham

Arilyn Moonblade is a Harper Agent with the reputation of one of the best Assassins in the realms. Everywhere she has been recently another member of the Harpers has been killed by someone who has come to be known as the Harper Assassin. Different factions with in the Harpers have different opinions of the situation some think she may be the target while others think she is the assassin. She must prove her innocence and the secret to unravelling the mystery depends on her finding the secrets of her Moonblade and her past. She is aided by the young Waterdhavian nobleman Danilo Thann a buffoon who dabbles in magic and music to disastrous effect.

This series is among my favourite and most read books. This book is not the best book in the series but has you engrossed in the story and constantly smiling/laughing at Danilo's antics. I personally thing Danilo is one of the greatest fantasy characters his duel persona of Dilettante nobleman failure and the powerful, intelligent and effective Harper agent.

Forge of the Mind Slayers (Eberron: Blade of the Flame Book 2) by Tim WaggonerDiran and his friends have travelled the Principalities hunting out evil. They are now on a quest to rid a region of a Lich during this quest both Diran and Ghaji encounter enemies from there past who are allied in an evil endeavour.

This book matched the first book in the series in quality. I did feel that Diran was Overconfident at times in this book when a bit of caution or examination could have saved a lot of trouble. But that was a minor problem and I really enjoyed the book.

Thieves of Blood (Eberron: Blade of the Flame Book 1) by Tim Waggoner

The once Assassin and current Priest of the Sliver Flame Diran and his companions are in the Town of Port Verge when it is attacked by raiders of the Black Fleet. In the battle his love is captured and they set out to rescue her. In his quest to he finds out that there is an evil plot that could change the face of the world and he must face one of the most famous adventures known.

I loved this book it was filled with great humour and some really interesting adventures and had to force myself to put it down. The major problem with the book was the flash backs interrupting the story some were interesting but mostly they irritated me with there interrupting of the story. But I did not feel that there were any weak characters in the book and what happened to Makala surprised me.

The Gossamer Plain (Forgotten Realms: Empyrean Odyssey Book 1) By Thomas M. Reid

After his defeat in the attack on Menzoberranzan (War of the Spider Queen) Kaanyr Vhok turns his eyes to a long time target the conquest of Sundabar and revenge on its ruler Helm Dwarf-friend. His Plan involves gaining a great power from the House of the Triad the realm of the gods Ilmater, Torm and Tyr. The plan requires the use of his Consort Aliisza as bait so he can gain access to the holy realm.

I liked this book it is by far the best book Reid has written. Kaanyr is a bit of an idiot but extremely entertaining. Aliisza is the best character in the book and and an intriguingly evil. I was a bit worried at the changes that happened to her during her punishment by Tyr but they were explained to my satisfaction.