Nick

MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD: Ok, what can I say about this book? Except I friggin loved it!!! I find that some series spend so much time building up to the ending and then the battle or end lasts maybe a chapter at the most. But after 10 years of reading this series of 14, 1000+ page books, I couldn't have been any happier! I mean, 3/4 if this book was the last battle! So satisfying! Also, I'm happy with how they put real stakes into it and add some grimdark elements “nobody is safe”. I truly believe that Sanderson did the finale of this series justice and I found it near impossible to put down. I plan to review the series as a whole soon, so look out for that. As to this book? A perfect ending to a truly amazing series.

I enjoyed the research the author did writing this book. I felt I learned a lot about a creature I knew very little of and enjoyed the history and passion he portrayed in his writing. The only reason I didn't give a better rating had to do with how repetitive it was. Despite my enjoyment of the book, there were a lot of times I found myself struggling to push through facts that were repeated, sometimes across several chapters. Despite that, I'd still recommend it to anyone who is a patient reader and wants to know more about this all too amazing animal.

Hands down one of the best books I've ever read. I think it pulls at you more too if you are or ever have been a dog owner. I never wanted to put it down and invoked strong reactions from the very beginning. I feel equal parts hate and appreciation to my friends that encouraged me to read it. Not only am I incredibly impressed by the depth of the story, but I must admit it got to me. Even gave me a better appreciation for racing. A must read.

This is the Hill I was expecting to read. You can really tell the level of writer he truly is. I was BLOWN AWAY by how much I loved this book. I don't want to compare him to his father, because he is an talented author in his own write, but this book gave me the exact type of experience that made me one of King's biggest fan's. That being said, this story was unique, enthralling and had me reading late in to the night. It made me laugh, gave me chills and tugged at my heart strings all at once. It's my first Joe Hill book and now I'm hooked for life. Hill is not an auto-buy. What a horrifying and beautiful story!

Another dip into the world of Odd Thomas and it was just as good as the first. It was more of a thriller than a mystery this time around, but by no means did this take away from it. Dean Koontz really created an admirable and likeable character in Odd, and I surprise myself by how much I love this character!

The setting felt amazing and appropriately creepy. The villain was a perfect contrast to Odd. The moral war that Odd has with his decisions and actions is to well done. Also, there's one chapter close to the end that really wrenched at my heart! Damn you Dean and giving me the feels!

It leaves me wanting to immediately pick up the next book and get right into this world again. Though I'll space them out for now, as there's only so many books and I want to spread it over some time. Bravo Dean! I loved it!

This was my first venture into a Christopher Golden novel, and I have to say it was pretty enjoyable! The idea of things that take people in snowstorms sounded perfect to me. I don't know what it is, but reading a novel like this in winter (during a couple snowstorms on top of that) had me really loving it. Considering how short it was, he was able to make me care for the characters and there were moments that I was really worried for them. I don't want ruin anything, but the things in the storm are appropriately scary. I even appreciated the ending for how it wrapped things up. It felt honest and I loved that. If you like cold horror, pick this one up!

This is my first Michio Kaku book, and it's great. Only a little outdated, but that happens a lot with science as we're ever moving forward. So it's funny to read predictions that were made around 6 years ago and how they've changed already. He really dives into the science of our future in space and on Earth. Things we would have to do to maintain the life we have, but he more touches on the struggles we have of venturing out into the final frontier. And boy there is a lot in our way if we want to be a space ferrying race that colonizes other planets. Regardless, it's exciting to hear about the things scientists are studying and trying to achieve in order to make it possible. Great read for any science/space nerd

What can I say? Dan Simmons continues to impress me. This had a lot of parallels to Stephen King's IT, and that's not a bad thing. It's like Simmon's own take on the ‘kids vs monster' story, much like Stranger Things does. And regardless of how many times I come across a story like this, I love it. I actively seek them out, even. Simmons has a style all his own, which not everyone will enjoy, but I did. I love the detail and history he brought. I love how much the kids' characters were flushed out. I really ended up rooting for them! I really don't want to ruin anything, so I'll just end by saying that this is the best Simmons I've read so far, and I can't wait read the other in this series. Keeawee!

Cozy fantasy; not a subgenre I'd ever thought I'd be seeking. But after the fantastic Legends & Lattes (which I pretty much read cover to cover), I find myself captivated.

Not necessarily hitting the bullseye, but lacking no less charm, Bookshops & Bonedust is a gem.

This story really finds itself in showing you why Viv isn't just some battle hungry warrior, but adds context to her depth. How she comes to find love and understanding in more than adventure. Throw in a cast of unique, lovable characters, and you got a recipe for a good time.

As well, this is one of those books that finished (much like the first) in a way that just had me smiling. A big, genuine smile. Good feels. If you liked the first, I think you'll like this too.

The Traitor was a fantastic end to this trilogy. This is my first series from Anthony Ryan, and I can honestly say, he has solidified me as a fan. The stakes couldn't be any higher for our Scribe, and the things that are needed to take next are stacked against him. It offered more lore for the world, which I'm always a big fan of, and there's some battles that are just so well written. I don't want to give anything away, but in my opinion, this was the perfect ending to this story.

I wasn't sure what to expect coming in to this. It didn't seem like the type of fantasy to draw my attention. But I took the advice of fellow friends who love high fantasy as much as me and I am glad I did. This book fits perfectly into a gap of fantasy I never knew that I wanted, and I can only describe it as “cozy”. It's laid back, perfectly paced, and has extremely endearing characters. So find a comfortable seat, with a big cup of hot coffee, and enjoy. If you're like me, you'll find it hard to put down.

It's so nice to jump back in to this series of books. I love mysteries, and there's so many sub genres for mystery books. Of course, western is right up my alley. Dark Horse continues the story of Walt Longmire and I get everything I love about it. His attention to detail, obsession with what is right, and the sarcastic humour I love so much in detective novels. This bounces around with timelines to help keep the reader from knowing all the details and keep the end still a mystery. Do the thing! Read the book!

Star Wars books are always a hit or miss with me, even despite my bias love for all things Star Wars. Reading the synopsis, I wasn't sure if this one was going to be all that good, despite having one of the best characters in the world. But oh was I wrong. It was fantastic to see a younger, less confident Obi Wan try to deal with his insecurities. Jedi are often portrayed like these warrior monks to are well collected (at least when not being tempted by the dark side) who go into every situation with confidence. But they don't start out that way. So, to get a perspective of one of our favourites trying to find himself and his place in the Force, was refreshing. Great characters, lots of action, tons of fun.

Highly recommended from a friend. Man, am I glad he did. It's so nice to see fantasy in a fresh world, with a fresh take. I loved the way that magic works in this world, and I am a sucker for lore, which the series has in spades. I'm looking forward to the next installment so I can get even more of my fix. I don't wanna say too much, as I don't wanna give anything away, but I need more Jinn in my life!

This entry in The Covenant Steel trilogy certainly picks up its pace. It really had me finding it hard to put down. Where the first novel was sometimes plagued by slow pacing and the need for world building, this one finds its voice a lot faster. Lots of gruesome battles, perfect amount of lore dumps (and I do love lore), and lots of growth for our favourite outlaw, Alwyn. Can't wait to pick up the next book!

I'd first like to thank @criticaltalesofficial for an advance reading copy for an honest review.


So I've followed the trio of gnomes yet again on another adventure. It's safe to say that shenanigans ensue, things get funny, things get weird, but overall, things get bigger (even when the heroes are small). Overall, I definitely enjoyed this instalment a lot more, and I definitely didn't expect it to end the way it did. I'd definitely suggest to who likes their fantasy comedy.

The first book in the series set a good pace for understanding the world and really gathering what a Blade is. Though this book, the second in the series, mostly involves a country that's at war with them, was so good! The Baels are a dynamic, honourable, and brutal people. I'm blown away by how much I enjoyed their society more than the Chivics. Except for the the Blades. Blades are pretty much like Jedi, without the Force. Badass swordsmen that are the best around. Even the weakest Blade is better than your average swordsman.
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That being said, this story went through a few different generations and really brought more understanding to the magic system and politics that Duncan has created. As much as I enjoyed the first book, this one makes me want to binge the rest of them. I'm surprised I don't hear more about this series, because it feels like a hidden gem.

This was a fun read. Not exactly what I expected, but that's not a bad thing. If you're looking for a bunch of scifi lore on the trials and tribulations of humanity colonizing different worlds, told around the main story of this main characters shenanigans on his colonizing mission, and you love loads of sarcasm, this will be great for you. It certainly worked for me.

As my first book by Anthony Ryan, I never know what to expect and if I'm going to jive with their writing style. But I am pleased to say we jive very well. He finds a balance between grim, brutal battles, and sly humour. Much like his main character, I found myself grinning a lot through this book. It's a bit of a slow burn, but has fantastic pay offs. As someone who's halfway through the second book in this trilogy, I can look back and see just how much The Pariah sets the stage. So if you like stories with underdog's, gruesome battles, political intrigue and a smart ass hero (anti-hero?), then this is your jam.

This series was one I only recently heard about. But was immediately curious. Most who have read and love it say the same thing; it can be extremely confusing to get in to, but it's worth it. And wow are they right.

You're thrown right in the deep end of a story that's already alive, with little to no explanation on what's going on. On top of that, it feels like every chapter, you're introduced to 2-3 new characters. Combine that with a magic system it doesn't really explain, multiple races and so many gods, and you can easily find yourself going cross-eyed trying to piece it together. I almost put it down and walked away, as I hate feeling lost in a story.

But then, something just clicks. You start picking up things here and there. You get some idea to the magic, the races, the gods, the mini-plots (of which there are many). But builds, brick by brick. See, they don't hand hold you through the story (which don't get me wrong, I'm totally ok with), but instead let you catch the subtleties on your own to understand this lived in story. And that's pretty refreshing. There's so much going on, that if they did hand it to you on a spoon, I think the book would have to be twice as big, and it's already a meaty-boy.

So to summarize my experience with this book; it can be extremely confusing to get in to, but it's worth it. I'm hooked till the end.

I'd like to thank Critical Tales for the copy of this book for an honest review.
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When I was asked to read a fantasy book about gnomes, I needed no other prerequisite to say “Oh hell, yes!”. Especially when it revolves around a group of criminal gnomes looking to compete in a crime convention. I mean, many may not know this, but I play a gnome rogue in my D&D group. The book leans heavily on the comedic side, which sadly fell flat for me at times, but overall was still a joy to read. It was hard not to smirk as it was definitely a story that was ok laughing at itself. Unfortunately, sometimes it felt a bit forced, and those moments took me out of the experience. That being said, it was still a big adventure for our small heroes (anti-heroes at times), filled with lots of unique characters and a fair share of laughs. If you're a D&D nerd like me, or just like comedic fantasy, I definitely recommend giving it a shot.

This book had me in it's grips from page 1. It was hilarious (I actually laughed out loud a couple times), action packed and thought provoking. Not everyone will agree with me, but I felt it was simple and well paced in just the right way. Sometimes books work because they go in to a lot of detail building a world and their characters, but this book benefits from the opposite. It gives you just enough to move forward, and I never felt like it was dragging on too much. It was VERY difficult to put down. It also had one of the best endings I could have asked for. A must read.

After how amazing the first book was, how could I not dive right into the next. Taking place about 20 years later after the first, it's amazing to see how the world has changed. I love how the focus shifted to a member of the Clayr, and we get to dive into more of their history and lore, which is all too awesome. There's even more mysteries to discover and left me wanting even more, in the best way possible. It keeps the pace perfectly and hidden histories coming, which I'm always a big fan of.

Anything marine biology is not a hard sell for me. I, like most, am blown away by the power and intensity that is associated with white sharks. There is a reason they hold the nickname ‘great'. And like most, it's the tip of the iceberg into all things sharks. This book was a fantastic dive into their world for those who want to learn the good and the bad, as well as the truth and the false (eg: that they're all crazed hungry man-eaters). So for anyone who wants to learn more about that world, from ecology, biology or even the politics and destructing involved with finning, this is the. Book for you. He can be a bit repetitive at times, but overall a great read.