Fantasy

Background

Published in July of 2024, “Excalibur The Chronicles of Arthur” is the first book in The Arthurian Chronicles series by Peter Gibbons. Set in Dark Age Britain, the novel reimagines the legend of King Arthur, focusing on his rise as a formidable warlord. After the fall of the Roman Empire, Britain is fragmented and vulnerable to Saxon invasions. Arthur, empowered by the druid Merlin and the legendary sword Excalibur, embarks on a quest to unite the fractured land and repel the Saxon threat. Gibbons’ portrayal emphasizes the brutal realities of the era, offering a fresh and action-packed retelling of the Arthurian saga.

My Thoughts

This is not the usual Arthurian Legend. Merlin hands the sword to Arthur and there really isn’t anything special about him. The book is violent and even brutal at times, yet it was well written. I felt it was true to the time period and Gibbons writes a compelling story.

Recommendation

This isn’t for everyone, but I’m excited for the next volume to come out.

Background

Published in 2013, “Infinity Blade: Redemption: by Brandon Sanderson continues the saga based on the Infinity Blade video game series. The novella picks up with Siris and the God King, once sworn enemies, now working together against a common and even more dangerous foe—the Worker of Secrets. Imprisoned in the Vault of Tears, they must find a way to escape and prevent the Worker from enacting his devastating plans.

The story delves deeper into the world’s lore, exploring the origins of the Deathless, the true power of the Infinity Blade, and the conflicts between magic and technology. As Siris struggles with his role as a leader and his fragmented past, he must decide whether to embrace his destiny or defy it.

My Thoughts

This book picks right up from the previous Infinity Blade, which was a touch disorienting having been away from it for a bit. However, I was quickly pulled in and enjoyed the read. I was highly interested in the existential crisis presented by a functionally immortal perspective. If you live forever, what defines your existence and what may be on the horizon? The ending left the doors wide for the story to continue.

Recommendation

It was a fun read, but be sure to read the first book or several plot points won’t make sense.

Background

Published in 2011, “Infinity Blade Awakening” by Brandon Sanderson is set in the universe of the popular mobile game Infinity Blade. The story picks up after the events of the first game and follows Siris, the hero who defeated the God King. However, rather than gaining freedom, Siris soon learns that his victory was only the beginning of a much larger and darker struggle. As he embarks on a journey to uncover ancient secrets about his world and his own identity, Siris must face powerful enemies and question everything he thought he knew about his purpose.

My Thoughts

I enjoyed the book right from the start. The idea that the book would begin after the quest was completed and the main enemy the “God King” was killed was a refreshing change. This was a relatively short read, but Sanderson did a good job getting plenty of information and story on the page. I have no knowledge of the Infinity Blade game, yet that wasn’t a hindrance to enjoy the story.

Recommendation

It was worth the time.

Background

Published in 2007, “The Well of Ascension” is the second book in Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn series. Following the death of the Lord Ruler, Vin and her crew face the challenge of holding together the city of Luthadel as various factions vie for control. With Elend Venture now king, political intrigue grows as enemies close in from all sides. Meanwhile, Vin begins to sense an ominous force rising and is drawn toward the legendary Well of Ascension, a mystical location that may hold the key to saving—or destroying—the world. As Vin grapples with her identity and the responsibilities of power, she must also confront darker truths about the nature of Allomancy and her own destiny.

My Thoughts

Not a bad sequel to the first of the mistborn series. Sanderson did a good job on building on the first novel and expanding it into a bigger more complex world. This book touches on political revolution and some of the “no win” issues in war while still keeping the story going. It also sets up for the next book nicely.

Recommendation

The first book could have stood on it’s own. However, this one follows it nicely. I’d recommend it if you have the time.

Background

Published in March of 2024, “The Sunlit Man” by Brandon Sanderson is set in the expansive Cosmere universe, focusing on a character known as Nomad. The story follows Nomad as he flees from the relentless Night Brigade, skipping from one planet to another to evade capture. He finds himself trapped on Canticle, a harsh planet where the sun’s intense heat can incinerate anyone caught in its rays. The planet’s inhabitants must constantly move to survive, creating a unique and dangerous environment.

Nomad is drawn into a conflict between a tyrant known as the Cinder King and a group of rebels fighting for freedom. As he struggles with the burden of his past and his dwindling powers, Nomad faces a perilous choice: escape the planet or stand and fight. The novel explores themes of survival, redemption, and the moral complexities of power​.

My Thoughts

Another very interesting world and societal concept and an old friend from Roshar. (I have to admit, I was a little giddy when he ended the spear kata with “Bridge Four!”)

This was a fun book of nonstop action and ultimately the redemption of the hero. This was a great book that was relatively quick, but I don’t know that I would have liked it as much if I hadn’t read the Stormlight Archives.

Recommendation

A good read, particularly if you’ve read Sanderson’s other books.

Background

Published in 2016, “The Librarians and the Lost Lamp” by Greg Cox, is an adventure novel that ties into the television series “The Librarians.” The story spans two timelines, beginning in 2006 when Flynn Carsen, the lead Librarian, embarks on a quest to find Aladdin’s fabled lamp. Ten years later, the new team of Librarians—Eve, Jake, Cassandra, and Ezekiel—must track down the same artifact before it falls into the wrong hands. The novel weaves together elements of magic, history, and mythology as the Librarians race against time to prevent the lamp’s immense power from being unleashed, while navigating ancient secrets, dangerous traps, and cunning adversaries.

My Thoughts

I was discussing books with a group of friends when one of them suggested this series. I put the first book on hold and didn’t think much about it. I believe I would have enjoyed the book more if I were familiar with the series and its characters. However, since I wasn’t, the characters seemed flat and stereotypical. It’s aimed at young readers, so I didn’t have high expectations, but I still felt disappointed throughout the book. So much of the book was telegraphed with the exception of the ending, which was seemed ridiculous.

Recommendation

Watch the TV show. Apparently it has John Larroquette in it.

Background

Published in 2018, “Sunreach” by Brandon Sanderson and Janci Patterson, is a novella set in the “Skyward” universe. It follows the story of FM, a courageous pilot, as she and her team of young cadets battle the Superiority forces in an attempt to save humanity. Amidst the chaos, FM discovers an unexpected ally in the mysterious alien species known as the Taynix, whose unique abilities might turn the tide of the war.

My Thoughts

I enjoyed the switch from the perspective of Spin to FM, which allowed the story to give further depth and backstory to the characters the reader has already seen. I had “red shirt” flash backs by the quick introduction and disposal of the pilot known as “Lizard.” However, I guess the story had to be quick move along and FM needed to feel some loss. (It just seemed too short and trite.) I’m certain most awkward young men reading to the series and myself were glad to see Rig finally get the girl. I’m a sucker for that kind of underdog love story.

Recommendation

It was a good read.

Background

Published in 2006, “Mistborn: The Final Empire” by Brandon Sanderson, is a fantasy novel set in a world where ash falls from the sky and mist dominates the nights. The story follows Vin, a street urchin with hidden abilities, who is recruited by the charismatic Kelsier to join a rebellion against the Lord Ruler, an immortal tyrant who has oppressed the people for a thousand years. Utilizing Allomancy, a magical system that allows certain individuals to ingest and “burn” metals to gain supernatural powers, Vin and Kelsier’s crew undertake a daring plan to overthrow the Final Empire and ignite hope among the oppressed skaa population.

My Thoughts

This was a fun book. In many ways, it is the usual story of a lowly person who has something special about them and saves the day as they grow into themselves and their power. We all love a good hero’s journey and this one did not disappoint.

The idea about “burning metals” for powers was a fun take on magic as was storing things in metal for later use. However, unlike the “White Gold Wielder” series, Sanderson understands that the metals in his stories are alloys or blends of metals. I wasn’t forced to suspend that bit of reality while I was swallowing that pewter could make you strong and fast.

After I had finished the book, I had an odd thought about the parallels between “faruchemy” and exercise. In faruchemy, a person can store up strength and stamina in a metal by becoming weaker for a time. In exercise, a person can become stronger and increase their endurance by forcing their body to move weights or run and thus making it weaker. It’s certainly not a perfect analogy, but maybe it will give me some motivation.

Recommendation

Good book

Background

Published in March 2011, “The Wise Man’s Fear,” by Patrick Rothfuss, is the second book in the epic fantasy series “The Kingkiller Chronicle.” Continuing the journey of Kvothe, a gifted young man with a mysterious past, the story delves deeper into his adventures and trials. Kvothe pursues knowledge at the University, seeking answers about the mysterious Chandrian who killed his parents. His journey takes him through encounters with powerful beings, political intrigue, and romantic entanglements, all while honing his skills in magic, music, and combat.

My Thoughts

I really enjoyed the writing and the book pulled me in. However, I didn’t really care for the sex and the whole philosophy surrounding it with the Adem people. Fortunately, there wasn’t much through the book and it didn’t have much bearing on the plot. Kvothe is still young and bumbling, but it is becoming very powerful very quickly. This doesn’t bode too well for the following books. However, the fact the reader is shown Kvothe in the present day as a simple innkeeper runs an interesting counterpoint to his younger days. I’m interested to see where it goes.

Recommendation

This one was a LONG book, but I just kept going back to the well.

Background

Published in 2007, “The Name of the Wind” is a fantasy novel by Patrick Rothfuss, first published in March 2007. It is the first book in the Kingkiller Chronicle series, which narrates the story of Kvothe, an adventurer and musician recounting his life’s story to a chronicler over three days. In this first installment, Kvothe shares his early childhood in a troupe of traveling players, his years spent as a near-feral orphan in a crime-riddled city, and his daring acceptance into a legendary school of magic. The novel is known for its deep character development, detailed world-building, and the intricate interplay of truth and myth as Kvothe describes his transformation from a precocious youth into a figure of mythic renown.

My Thoughts

It took me a while to get into the book, but it was worth it. Rothfuss created an interesting world where technology is edging out magic. Where normal people are trying to live with their superstitions and understandable anxieties when the unexplainable occurs. Moreover, he created a character that a reader can both root for and identify with. There is much more story to go and I’m excited for the next book in the series.

Recommendation

Hold on through the first part. It gets better once the innkeeper’s life story begins.