My review of Warlord, by Keith McArdle

Truly astounding battles. Warlord puts 'epic' and 'fantastic' back in epic fantasy.

Though it's all damn good, there are a few things that really stood out for me. I found the deep forest, grassland, and highland locations unique and incredibly well described. And the cavalry battles were amazing. I don't think I've ever read them quite like McArdle does it. And if you like castle sieges, oh boy. Really great stuff. The characters are also a great strength of the book, and their actions, interactions, and inner thoughts great fun to witness. Oh, and nature spirits!

All in all, I'd say this is a must read for fans of epic fantasy with brilliant characters and amazing battles.

My review of The Unspoken Name, by A.K. Larkwood

First, I want to thank Tor for giving me a super-early sneak peek at this. I'm totally honored (and baffled) to be thought of as cool enough to be afforded such a privilege.

And even better, The Unspoken Name is a truly wonderful book. It grabbed my attention on the first page and wouldn’t let go. To me, it’s got the classic feel of the best of Le Guin, while also being progressively fresh, exciting and new, with story and sensibilities akin to something like R.J. Barker's Age of Assassins-meets-Robert J. Bennett's City of Stairs—in a multiverse. There were even sequences that reminded me of some of my favorite chapters in Josiah Bancroft's The Books of Babel and everyone knows how much I love those. It’s genre-bending, like classic fantasy set in a sci-fi world, with fascinating characters, shifting alliances, impossible odds, breathtaking settings, and shocking twists.

Keep an eye out for this one, I don't think you'll be disappointed :)

My Review of Malice by John Gwynne

I haven't been reading a lot of classic epic fantasy lately, and this is just what I needed.

Malice is everything classic epic fantasy should be. Grand battles, epic journeys, sorcery and magic, kingdoms under siege, a young good-hearted lad in training (with a sister who is every bit as talented and tough), giants riding dragons, well-meaning warriors just trying to do the right thing, bad guys trying their damnedest to do the wrong thing, evil gods on the rise, ships and horses and an awesome princess who is really just regular folk, with plenty intrigue, secret identities, and surprise revelations.

Gwynne has a particular knack for beginning, ending, and intercutting chapters, along with raising stakes and building action. The final third had my heart pounding page after page. If you love door-stopper epic fantasy in the classic vein, or if you think you might, Gwynne’s The Faithful and the Fallen series is for you. Very easily a five star rating from me :)