Book Review: Fire Sea by Margaret Weis & Tracy Hickman

In book three of the Death Gate Cycle, Haplo finds himself in a world of darkness, despair, and the walking dead. Abbarach, a land of fire and ice, is one of the eeriest worlds I've encountered in a fiction book.  All those dead people shuffling around and mindlessly doing the same things they did in life gave me the chills.

I especially liked how this book began in first person with journal like entries. It really allowed me to feel the fear and despair and sadness in being forced to flee a dying land. Then it shifted over to other points of view, which was fine and expected, but after those first few chapters the rest of the book felt like it was missing something.

The saddest thing about the culture of the necromancers is that they truly believe they're doing right by the dead. They don't realize what a horrible sin they've committed until it's far too late.

Fire Sea is packed with action, adventure, and heartbreak, but there is also a lot of personal growth and change for both Haplo and Alfred. The revelation of a startling truth could alter the future for both their people forever, if only they're willing to embrace it.

I really enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next.

Book Review: Elven Star by Margaret Weis & Tracy Hickman

I thought this book was even better than the first one. The characters were less mysterious, but the story was more exciting. The character of Paithan kind of reminded me of Rhett Butler from Gone With The Wind and his sister was very like Scarlett O'Hara. Indeed the entire elven society was reminiscent of the antebellum south. As before, the world was well built and interesting and so were the characters.

Two things bothered me. First, is the fact that some of the characters fell in love in what I thought was a rather abrupt manner. Second, there is a character from the Dragonlance Series in this book. I think anybody who is a fan of Dragonlance will recognize him immediately. I did. His presence in this book was jarring and irritating. It didn't help that several times he not only referenced Dragonlance, but Lord of the Rings as well. Now, he may not bother anybody unfamiliar with Dragonlance, but he bothered me.

I really enjoyed this book and I'm eager to read the next one.

Steven Ramirez Book Trailer

This is a trailer I created for Steven Ramirez's upcoming zombie novel, Tell Me When I'm Dead.

Book Review: Dragon Wing by Margaret Weis & Tracy Hickman

I loved the universe of this book. I thought it a very unique and fascinating fantasy world. There are surprises and new truths to learn about the characters at every turn, and the characters themselves are interesting and complex. Other than Sinistrad, it's really hard to say who is a 'bad guy' or a 'good guy'. The story is interesting and engaging.

 

However, I could have done without the prologue. I would have much rather learned the truth about Haplo gradually, as with the rest of the characters. And I didn't need the footnotes to explain the made up words. If you're going to put made up words in your book then you should make sure their definition is made clear by the context. Footnotes in fiction are distracting and take away from the story.

 

All in all, I really enjoyed this book. In my opinion, when it comes to classic fantasy tales nobody does it as well as Weis and Hickman. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

My Interview

If you want to know more about my novel, Elfblood, which was chosen as an Apple iBookstore Breakout Book, visit Clive Eaton's Blog Clive Eaton - Author and read my interview.

Charlie is an elfblood, descended of a conquered people brought to the brink of extinction in the aftermath of a long war. Being able to pass for human gives Charlie an advantage over most of his kind. Only those who look at his record or those he chooses to tell, need ever know his secret. Growing up in an orphanage is hard enough without having to live with that stigma.

 

When soldiers come and haul the kids off to a prison work camp, Charlie finds himself no longer able to hide the truth of what he is. If that isn’t bad enough, the magic buried inside him is growing stronger and more out of control.  As Charlie struggles with his own problems, and with the dangers of the work camp, he finds himself swept up in a much larger struggle, one whose outcome could decide the future of the world.

Elfblood Featured on iBookstore

Apple is launching in the UK and as part of their launch they are showcasing several books, including my novel Elfblood (Book #1 of the Elfblood Trilogy). iBookstore has named Elfblood a Breakout Book. I'm very excited. Thanks to all my fans who bought the book and made this possible.

https://itunes.apple.com/gb/book/elfblood/id595679832?mt=11

 

Elfblood by Kyra Dune

Blurb: Charlie is an elfblood, descended of a conquered people brought to the brink of extinction in the aftermath of a long war. Being able to pass for human gives Charlie an advantage over most of his kind. Only those who look at his record or those he chooses to tell, need ever know his secret. Growing up in an orphanage is hard enough without having to live with that stigma.

When soldiers come and haul the kids off to a prison work camp, Charlie finds himself no longer able to hide the truth of what he is. If that isn’t bad enough, the magic buried inside him is growing stronger and more out of control. As Charlie struggles with his own problems, and with the dangers of the work camp, he finds himself swept up in a much larger struggle, one whose outcome could decide the future of the world.

Excerpt: Charlie looked up at the sound of his name, though it took a conscious effort to pry his eyes from the unbelievable truth he held in his hands. The Shadowhound was staring down at him with its blood-red eyes. For a heartbeat they stood frozen that way, the boy looking at the hound, the hound looking back at the boy. Then the hound lunged.

Charlie slammed the file back into the cabinet and bolted down the aisle in what he hoped was the direction of the door. In his panic, he ran full force into the thing, knocking himself backwards in the process. Sharp pain shot up his tail bone as he hit the hard concrete floor.

Charlie was quickly back on his feet, scrabbling at the door knob. Twist and turn and pull as he might, the door would not budge. He flung himself at it, screaming at the top of his lungs as he pounded his fists against the smooth wood.

A snarl sounded close and Charlie whirled, pressing his back against the door. The Shadowhound stood beside the nearest cabinet, head lowered, lips pulled back to reveal long, pointed teeth.

 

 

 

 

http://www.amazon.com/Elfblood-ebook/dp/B008GHMQVU/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1362490598&sr=1-1&keywords=kyra+dune

My Books On Goodreads

Shadow of the Dragon http://www.goodreads.com/list/book/16396752

Best Heroine #2
Dragon Shifter #10
Best Stand Alone Fantasy #8
Dragon Reads #2
Unknown Yet Amazing #2
Stand Alone Dragon Books #4
The Best Young Adult Books #3
Best Heroines Under 20 #9

Flight of Dragons http://www.goodreads.com/list/book/13108486

Dragon Lover's Books #3
Unknown Yet Amazing #8

Shadow Born http://www.goodreads.com/list/book/13612757

Court Fantasy #8
Best Fantasy Series #9
Unknown Yet Amazing #6

Elfblood http://www.goodreads.com/list/book/15796812

Best Cover With A Male Lead #1
Unknown Yet Amazing #4
The Best Young Adult Books #5
Books That Could Rule YA #8

Update: My Novels

Flight of Dragons Fantasy/Adventure http://www.amazon.com/Flight-Of-Dragons-ebook/dp/B005TLF0T6/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpi_1
video trailer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTnBddNxrHI
Goodreads Rated 4.5
Blurb: Fourteen years after fleeing his homeland, Charles Sydon lives under an assumed name, comfortable if not happy with his life as a bookkeeper. Until one night his past comes looking for him in the form of a ruthless dragon hunter. Now, Charles must return to the Ice Ring on a deadly quest for a wild dragon, a quest that will pull him back into the world he left behind. But he’ll soon find there’s more at stake as the past and the present collide. It will be up to Charles to save his people from their past mistakes, providing he can live through facing his own.

Time Of Shadows #1: Shadow Born High Fantasy http://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Born-ebook/dp/B007VT613S/ref=la_B00A5WOHGQ_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1356970987&sr=1-1
video trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkYYMxBQbFs
Goodreads Rated 5
Blurb: Daemon uth Friesard is the unwilling king of Phalindros. Because both his older brothers have died, he finds himself in a role he doesn’t want and isn’t suited for. With a domineering mother, an ice cold wife, a tempting minstrel, and a failing friendship, it’s all he can do to keep from falling into the same kind of darkness that took his father.
Clayden Kiel is the youngest High Priest in the history of Phalindros. He is also a Chosen of the gods, gifted with direct communion to the god of light, Basale. A war is coming, a war that he would like to avoid. But the gods are of little help, seeking only to influence so far as to not affect free will, and there are secrets to be kept. Secrets belonging not only to himself and his time, but going all the way back to the founding of the kingdom. As Clayden struggles with his own inner demons as well as those of his long time friend, the king, he must find a way to put aside his humanity in order to better serve the gods and to save the kingdom from a devastating war. Easier said than done.

Elfblood #1: Elfblood YA Urban Fantasy http://www.amazon.com/Elfblood-ebook/dp/B008GHMQVU/ref=la_B00A5WOHGQ_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1356971418&sr=1-3
video trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFm6_ZVTxjk
Goodreads Rated 4.3
Blurb: Charlie is an elfblood, descended of a conquered people brought to the brink of extinction in the aftermath of a long war. Being able to pass for human gives Charlie an advantage over most of his kind. Only those who look at his record or those he chooses to tell, need ever know his secret. Growing up in an orphanage is hard enough without having to live with that stigma.
When soldiers come and haul the kids off to a prison work camp, Charlie finds himself no longer able to hide the truth of what he is. If that isn’t bad enough, the magic buried inside him is growing stronger and more out of control. As Charlie struggles with his own problems, and with the dangers of the work camp, he finds himself swept up in a much larger struggle, one whose outcome could decide the future of the world.

Elfblood #2: The Silver Catacombs YA Urban Fantasy http://www.amazon.com/The-Silver-Catacombs-ebook/dp/B00BAH3V5I/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpi_4
video trailer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZdvBEeamls
Goodreads Rated 5
Blurb: Charlie has made his way to Kiloreen, ancestral home of the elves, in his quest to find the Silver Catacombs and the lost magic that lies hidden within. Instead, he finds a branch of the Elven Resistance Movement, a secret underground organization of elves bent on retaking Kiloreen and freeing their people.
If they are willing to stand alongside humans, the elves will be a great help in the struggle against King Richard, but there is still the matter of the lost magic. For if Charlie cannot find it, the war may be lost before ever it has begun. (1st Place WINNER ASMSG Author Contest) http://asmsgbooks.wordpress.com/

Shadow Of The Dragon YA Epic Fantasy http://www.amazon.com/Shadow-of-the-Dragon-ebook/dp/B00AMVNTI2/ref=la_B00A5WOHGQ_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1356971418&sr=1-4
video trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvnYkfZl0Ro
Goodreads rated 5
Blurb: Micayta's world has long been gripped in the thrall of an endless winter that has grown worse with the passing of time. Life is a constant struggle. Then catastrophe strikes the small town in which she lives, thrusting Micayta and her brother Pytaki alone into the snow laden countryside. To keep herself and her brother alive will take all the strength that she has.
Then a mysterious stranger appears to complicate matters. Tech has an amazing story to tell, but is any of it true? Old wounds and betrayals make Micayta slow to trust, but without Tech she and her brother will never make it across the countryside alive. Through bandits, wolves, and snowstorms, the three struggle their way to the city of Phadra. But the real danger lies within the city walls, where Micayta becomes a player in a deadly game with a dark-eyed mage.
Nothing is what it seems.
As the truth unravels, Micayta finds herself drawn into a struggle much bigger than she ever dreamed. Choices must be made and sides taken. But the question of who to trust is one not easily answered. Micayta will have to open her heart and find a way to let someone else in, or the flames that destroyed her home will consume the world.

FINISHED NOVELS

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Elfblood #3: City Of Magic Ya Urban Fantasy Coming August 2013
Time Of Shadows #2: Shadow Prince High Fantasy Coming 2013
Firebrand #1: Firebrand YA Sword & Sorcery Coming 2013
Time Of Shadows #3: Shadow King High Fantasy Coming 2014
Firebrand #2: Ten Kingdoms YA Sword & Sorcery Coming 2014
Dragonstar Duology #1: Dragonstar YA Epic Fantasy Coming 2014

Firebrand #3: Dragons Of War YA Sword & Sorcery Coming 2015
Dragonstar Duology #2 : The Black Mountain YA Epic Fantasy Coming 2015
Web of Light Duology #1: Web Of Light YA Epic Fantasy  

WORKS IN PROGRESS
Time Of Shadows #4: Rise Of The Watchtower High Fantasy
(Currently Untitled) Urban Fantasy
Web of Light Duology #2: (Currently Untitled) YA Epic Fantasy
(Currently Untitled) High Fantasy
The Dragon Within YA Urban Fantasy

Book Review: Of Water and Madness by Katie Jennings

Blurb: Book four of the Dryad Quartet. His name was Liam, and he was Water. His heart was as expansive and deep as the ocean, with emotions that could both rage like storms and soothe like a clear and quiet stream. He lived for the smell of rain, and thrived in the knowledge that it was he who made it fall. But while most everything in his life seemed to be going great, there was still this impending doom just over the horizon, threatening to wipe his home completely off the map. All he had to do was rise to the challenge and fight once the war came. But there was just one little problem: he had gone, quite simply, mad. Not that he knew it, nor did anyone else. But he wasn’t himself any longer, and the truth behind the lies would eventually come out. And when it did, Liam would discover the burned bridges and the destroyed hearts he’d left in his wake. It was a funny thing, madness. A funny, cruel, and violently destructive thing.

 

This book focuses on Liam as the final confrontation with Dante draws near. Dante's secret weapon drives a wedge between the inhabitants of Euphora, causing them to turn on one another.  The books in this series really tug at your heart strings and get your emotions involved. The characters are so real, that you just can't help rooting for their success and happiness. The story flows effortlessly and the battle at the end is epic. This was a really good series and one that I would happily recommend to anyone who likes a little magic and danger mixed in with heartfelt and beautiful romance.

Book Review: A Life Earthbound by Katie Jennings

Blurb: Book three of the Dryad Quartet. Her name was Rhiannon, and she was Earth. She was graceful, intelligent, and undoubtedly a workaholic. She could put a crack in the Earth’s surface a mile wide and grow the loveliest flower ever to have existed right beside it, a contradiction she held with both reverence and pride. For she herself was something of a contradiction: a girl, seemingly free, but silently trapped within her own heart and mind, never to be released. Or so she thought. She never wasted much time on impractical dreams or wishes she figured could never come true. But all her life one person has been there, a constant reminder of the true girl living behind her mask of cool indifference and solitude. But the tides of her fate were changing, and her helplessness building as a master plan was in the works that would only bind her wrists further, and destroy everything she never even thought she could have. Throw in a dash of murder, vicious accusations, and plenty of family drama, and it could very well be a recipe for freedom, or for death.

 

This book stars off with Rhiannon's birth, which was very different from the first two books in the series. It was fascinating to watch Rhiannon grow up and see what turned her into the woman she became. Sometimes I felt sorry for her and sometimes she frustrated me, but all in all she is a very real character and you can't help but hope she can find a way to lower the walls around her heart. This is my favorite book of the series so far.