Archive for best fantasy stories
Best Fantasy Stories: The Call of the Herald
Posted by: | Comments
The Call of the Herald by Brian Rathbone
This is a wonderful first episode for a new fantasy series that has a bit of a different twist to it. We begin Call of the Herald in a mythical place called Godsland, which I seem to recall is a variation of almost any tribal name for that tribe’s own country you can come up with. This is the first clue that the bones to these fantasy stories mythological setting may not be Europe, which is a breath of fresh air in the realm of fantasy world-building.
The people of Godsland are astir because there is a legend amongst the people of a herald that will come to them when they need him. Everything in the legend points to now being the time for that herald to appear, for they are under attack by foreigners who seem to be intent on destroying them.
So far, it sounds like many fantasy stories but here is where it takes a bit of a right turn. The herald is already amongst them, and he is actually a young girl. Catrin is powerful, more powerful then they had ever imagined and actually more powerful then she knows how to control. Luckily she has a band of friends who are there to help her as she makes her journey across her land to confront and remove the invaders who would destroy her homeland.
Okay- so Catrin is a gal from a local farm who is off the fight the dastardly invaders with the help of her friends. We all know what this sounds like, but then it is the basis for almost every epic fantasy stories adventures you can name. The trick is to write it in such a way that you get so lost in the characters and story that you forget about that, which is exactly what happens here.
One of the things I particularly liked about this Call of the Herald was that she has just enough flaws to make her believable but not so many that you begin to dislike her. Catrin develops quite a bit in this first novel and it will be interesting to see where she goes from here. There is a lot of back story to absorb in this book, but Rathbone handles it well. So check it out because this is one series you want to get in on from the start.
Best Fantasy Stories: Smoke and Magic by Patti Larsen
Posted by: | Comments
Title: Smoke and Magic
Author: Patti Larsen
Release: February 2012
Genre: Steampunk YA Fantasy
When sixteen year old Auberdeen (Burdie) Hayle arrives in London by steamer, the Victorian city is dark, smelly and to her eyes, mysterious. It is also a place she has not gone to willingly, but was sent by her parents for her own protection. The power plays in the coven her mother has taken over could prove dangerous for a young girl who could one day inherit the coveted position. So she is sent to stay with relatives for the time being, with her snarky but wise Persian cat Sassafras to both keep her company and keep an eye on her.
But the carefully detailed plans are sent slightly askew when a young man decides to hide from the police in Burdie’s hansom cab. Soon he has drawn her into a hidden world of underground magic filled with mysterious and dangerous happenings. What is revealed there makes her begin to wonder if she can even trust the people her mother has sent her to in London.
Burdie will charm readers with her spunk and blunt opinions. She doesn’t always listen to her demon cat Sassafras and she frequently lets her vanity lead her astray. But at the end of the day this sixteen year old witch is a force of nature and more than a handful for anyone.
If you have been following Patti’s earlier series, The Family Magic Series then this adventure tale of one of the predecessors of the coven will charm you, but you don’t have to have read them to enjoy this wonderful steampunk fantasy for young adults of all ages. Smoke and Magic does indeed seem to have a magic all its own that will keep you enthralled and wanting more adventures of the spunky Burdie.
Top Fantasy Novels: Iron Kissed by Patricia Briggs
Posted by: | Comments
Title: Iron Kissed
Author: Patricia Briggs
Pages: 352
Released: January 2012
Genre: Paranormal Mystery
Patricia Briggs is back with our favorite coyote shapeshifter and auto mechanic, Mercy Thompson. This time around she is looking for a way to help out Zee, her mentor and former boss in a new mystery. Zee is trying to get to the bottom of a series of murders that have shook the fae reservation. A coyote shapeshifter that can sniff out suspects may be just the person to help solve the murders and bring the killer to justice.
But when the suspect Mercy unroots is murdered, and Zee the only suspect, Mercy has her hands, and paws, full to clear his name. And being the kind of gal she is, Mercy will do it even if Zee tells her to stay out of it. Just to make things more complicated, there is the little matter of Mercy choosing a mate. This would be easier if Mercy didn’t have to contend with not wanting to have the two werewolves she is drawn to force her hand. If only Sam and Adam could wait for her decision – but then werewolves just aren’t known for their patience, even when it comes to choosing a mate. But then in Iron Kisssed, as in the previous visits to the world of Mercy Thompson, nothing is ever simple.
Best Fantasy Stories: The Rook by Daniel O’Malley
Posted by: | Comments
Title: The Rook
Author: Daniel O’Malley
Pages: 496
Released: January 2012
Genre: Paranormal Mystery
Waking to find out that the body you inhabit is not your own is just the beginning of the mysteries that Myfanwy discovers when she awakens in a park, unable to remember anything. She soon is following the directions of two letters she finds in the pockets of her clothing, and knows she must go into hiding to escape the shadowy agents who would destroy her.
In her dreams, her real purpose is revealed. She is part of a secret organization called Chequy, a highly prized Rook that works to wage war against the supernatural elements that rock Britain. She also comes to find out that she has a rare ability of her own, one that is supernatural in nature and very deadly.
But someone must have betrayed her to find herself in another body. In the journey to learn more about her life, the dangers to it and just who The Rook for Chequey is, she must first uncover the truth. Her quest will bring her in contact with shadowy characters who live in dreams, others who possess multiple bodies and even a school for children to be trained into deadly warriors.
The Rook is a fascinating mystery wrapped in a fantasy setting that moves quickly, revels in the dark nature of humanity and yet retains its sense of humor. It always effortlessly draws you into a world of unexpected mystery and beauty, a rare accomplishment for a first novel. It is a rich and entertaining story that you will find yourself making excuses to read just a little further.
Once Upon A Time – What Happened to Frederick
Posted by: | Comments
Lucky for us we are once again getting a shot of romance in this week’s episode, plus I really liked that with the introduction of Abigale’s “one true love” Frederick, we see a way out for our lovebirds Prince Charming and Snow White (and also for Mary Margaret and David in the real world). So Prince Charming decides to run away from his own wedding, with the help of his bride to be Abigale. Once he discovers that her true love Frederick was turned into gold when he did the heroic for King Midas, well of course our good Prince just had to be the one who went on the heroic journey to find the water in the magic lake that would “bring that which was lost back to you”. How conveniant and how heroic of Charming.
Of course, the monster guarding the lake makes itself into the image of Snow White, which he can’t resist kissing-but he survives it all as we knew he would. The power of true love! And it is made all the better when Charming gets Red Riding Hood to admit that yes, she still loves you even though she said she didn’t – you are Snow White’s true love.
Meanwhile – back in our world, it is not quite such smooth sailing for the two lovers as Mary Margaret discovers that Kathryn is planning a move to Boston for a job with a law firm, and of course David is coming with her. Poor Mary Margaret! She tells David he absolutely MUST tell Kathryn the truth, that he is in love with Mary Margaret and he says he will. He promises to tell the truth and leave his wife, and he does do the second part. Just not with the truth about who he really loves. No- that takes Regina being the sneak she ususually is and giving Kathryn pics of the two lovers to show that David is not to be trusted.
Lucky for the two lovers, Kathryn is made of better stuff. She may cry, but in the end she does see that they truly love each other and decides they should be together. Too bad the note she left for David telling him this when she left for Boston is never seeen by him. Because it would be hard for him to find it when Regina breaks into his house and burns it first. Of course – you have to wonder why the mayor of this town seems to have keys to everyone’s home.
Of course, Kathryn never makes it to Boston- never leaves town completely. For we see the highway where the sign is for the town, and her car stalled there. The man who discovers her car, with an airbag exploded but no sign of Kathryn looks like Frederick, the lost true love of Abigale in FairyTale, so perhaps he and Kathryn will be united here. But if so- where is she? And it is obvious that she cannot leave town anymore than anyone else can.
Finally- our mysterious stranger that arrived in town seems to be a good guy after all. We have been seeing all along that he has Henry’s book, and even seems to have repaired it for Henry. When he brings Emma to the well that has water that will “restore what you have lost” it gives everyone a sense of deja vue. But why give it to Emma? And if he inserted new pages into the book (seen earlier) why does he then give the book back to Henry by hiding it underneath Emma’s car?
As usual, questions answered and still more questions asked. But all in all, a nice romantic episode that seems to once again bring us to the question of who this August guy is and where he fits in the story. And well, I did miss Mr. Gold this episode. But I am sure we will see him again soon.
Fantasy Magazine Interviews Joe Lansdale
Posted by: | Comments
If you love fantasy writing, and you do because you are here looking for some great stories, then you may be missing out on some wonderful fantasy stories if you haven’t considered Fantasy Magazine. This is a publication that has been around for a long time. I just got a new Kindle and one of the great things about it is subscribing to a magazine like Fantasy to get my bit of short story that I miss with the bigger novels.
The other thing that Fantasy Magazine does so well is author interviews. In the latest issue, December 2011 if you are looking for it, they did a great little sit-down with Joe, who does not only really wonderful fantasy, but also writes in a wide variety of genre fiction. They discussed his story for Fantasy Magazine, “Torn Away” and where he gets his inspiration for it, as well as a discussion of that great fantasy magazine and television show “Twilight Zone”.
Finally, they talk about writing in general. He gives some great advice to anyone who dreams of someday being a writer by telling them that the only way to do it is to do it for you. I love his quote “write like everyone you know is dead.” He is so bang-on with that one. Don’t worry if your style is like this author or that writer, write for yourself as if none of them are around and you will find your voice. And write with passion, which is another of his points and one I very much agree with him on.
So be sure to check him out, in fact, you might want to pick up the latest issue of Fantasy Magazine for your Kindle and read his story and interview for yourself, along with some pretty amazing work from folks like new author Nike Sulway along with some old hands at fantasy like Naomi Novik and Seanan McGuire. Some pretty amazing art too, starting with a remarkable cover from J.P. Targete.
Because fantasy stories come in all sizes and shapes, and just like people they are best when you make sure you are exposed to as many kinds as possible.
New Fantasy Book: Fate’s Edge by Ilona Andrews
Posted by: | Comments
Title: Fate’s Edge
Author: Ilona Andrews
Release Date: November 29, 2011
Pages: 384
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Another excellent story has been delivered by the husband and wife writing team known as Ilona Andrews. This book takes place in the “Edge”, the boundary area between the Broken (where non-magical humans live), and the Weird (a magical land where bizarre creatures exist). The Edge is where Audrey Callahan lives, a smart, strong young woman who is trying to overcome her grifter history. She’s doing well and working a day job in the Broken, trying to fit in as a normal (but very private) young woman. Her main goal is to keep herself distanced from her family, since they only want to use her for her magical lock-picking skills. But this proves to be easier said than done when Audrey’s father appears one day and inextricably pulls her back into the fold for “one last job”.
Kaldar Mar is a wild spirit who does recovery work for paying customers. When he’s hired to recover a device recently been stolen from a vault that has unpickable locks, he’s intrigued. He’s pretty sure this will be a simple trackdown and recovery job until he comes across Audrey and realizes he’s met his match. Although Kaldar is one of the best con men around, Audrey is his alter ego. He’s fascinated with this unusual woman who cherishes her independence so much that she’s willing to isolate herself from others and forgo the things that make life worth living, like love and companionship. It’s clear Audrey is a strong and determined woman but is she strong enough to stop Kaldar from conquering her independent spirit? It’s con vs. con in this action-filled and romantic fantasy book.
Fate’s Edge continues the tradition of providing well written, intriguing, and adventurous tales delivered by these two authors. The dialogue exchanges between Kaldar and Audrey are fantastic because Audrey really holds her own with him. There are also several characters from previous Edge novels who are key to the storyline. George and Jack from Book 1 (On The Edge) help Kaldar and Audrey and it’s great to see them mature and become major contributors to the outcome. I sat down and read this in one sitting because I just couldn’t put it down. It’s a perfect mixture of everything I like – romantic tension, a unique storyline, interesting characters and a group of underdogs who are trying to come out on top when the odds are stacked against them.
If you haven’t read any of the Ilona Andrews novels yet, stop missing out and pick one up. Over the past 6 years I’ve read, talked about and written about thousands of fantasy books and I can tell you that the “Ilona” books are at the top of my “Most Recommended Fantasy Books” reading list. Every week I get emails from fantasy lovers asking for book recommendations. I’ll tell you what I tell them: read an Ilona Andrews book, any book. If you’re new to urban fantasy, start with Ilona. If you’ve read lots of fantasy and are looking for something new, buy an Ilona Andrews book. I promise, you’ll be back at the bookstore (or online) eagerly purchasing more.
Fate’s Edge is available in paperback, audiobook and Kindle formats.
