Category Archives: In Library

In Library, Book Review, 2 Treasure Boxes, Historical Fiction

A Breath of Snow and Ashes by Diana Gabaldon

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Book Review: 2 Treasure Boxes
6th Book in the Outlander Series

Publisher: Delacorte Press; First Edition edition (September 27, 2005) Hardcover: 1157 pages, Language: English, ISBN-10: 0385324162, ISBN-13: 978-0385324168

Time Traveller Claire Fraser is living two hundred years in the past with her husband Jamie and their family in the back woods of North Carolina.  This book shows Claire and Jamie’s life in America just prior to the American Revolution.  There is a large spectrum of events occurring from simple things like day to day life to Claire being arrested for murder, to Brianna, their grown daughter, being kidnapped.  The more exciting storylines each had their own satisfying build with a good climax. There are numerous other events that occur in the book which make the story very interesting.

I always enjoy reading about what life was like back then and this book does a good job of portraying the history of the 1772’s within an interesting fiction story.  There were also several action scenes which are very interesting to read. However if you were hoping for any romance there was none with very little in terms of sex between Claire and Jamie, maybe they are just getting too old and for this reason this book is not a romance in any way shape or form.

On the whole the book was entertaining but at times I found it to be a bit too mundane. The ending was a bit of a surprise and not at all what I was expecting but still interesting.  The story flowed well weaving the tale from event to event.  The majority of the book was told from Claire’s point of view but at times it did shift to some of the other characters.  This gave us a bit more insight into some of the characters in the book.

The book is stand alone as well as a continuation of the story, which I found satisfying.  I liked that the book completed all the story lines it started in the book and it answered all the questions raised during the book.  I understand there is now a 7th book in the series called An Echo in the Bone, but I also understand that it ends with a cliff hanger, so I think I will wait to read it once book 8 is also completed.

I enjoyed reading the book and found it to be entertaining and satisfying but I also found that it was a bit over descriptive with insipid details.  I do not think all these descriptions added anything to the storyline, if anything it made the story a bit cumbersome. For this reason I gave the book a 2 Treasure Box rating.

I recommend this book to anyone who has read the previous Outlander books, it was not one of the best books in the series but it was still enjoyable. However, if you were looking for the romance then this not the book to read.   I also recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading historical novels as this book certainly does this well.

3 Treasure Boxes, Contemporary Fantasy, In Library, Goodreads

Death Masks by Jim Butcher

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This entry is part 6 of 13 in the series The Dresden Files

Book Review: 3 Treasure Boxes
Book Five of the Dresden Files
Publisher: Roc (August 5, 2003), Mass Market Paperback: 378 pages, Language: English, ISBN-10: 0451459407, ISBN-13: 978-0451459404

There is non-stop action in this book from start to finish. This book starts with Harry about to go on TV but with Harry’s difficulties around electronic items this is a very dicey proposition. Needless to say this causes a lot of confusion and panic in the studio. One of the guests with Harry is a duke of the Red Court who challenges Harry to a duel. The outcome determining the end the war. Meanwhile the Vatican has hired Harry to find the stolen Shroud of Turin which was the burial cloth of Jesus and a very powerful magical artifact.  We also learn about the Denarians, which are humans that the fallen angels (evil creatures) use to wreck havoc on mankind.  Their hold on the humans comes from the silver Roman Denarius coin which the human holds.  There are 30 Denarians which were reported to be the 30 pieces of silver used to pay Judas to betray Jesus.

Death Masks is the fifth book in The Dresden Files. Jim Butcher has currently written 12 books in this series with book 13 due July 26, 2011.  He has also written 6 books in the Codex Alera Series, which is closer to High Fantasy than the Dresden Files.  See my review of these books at https://books-treasureortrash.com/?s=codex+alera. The Dresden Files are considered Contempory Fantasy and sometimes are referred to as Urban Fantasy.  They can also fall into the Detective genre since Harry solves a case in each book. Each book is told in the first person narrative from Harry Dresden’s point on view as we follow him through his life while he is solving his current case

The action and intrigue never stop with Harry being pulled in many directions, including being responsible to save the world. Michael and the Knights are back and we find out a lot more about them. We meet all of them and a substantal amount of the book surrounds their story. We learn more about the world Harry operates in, specifically how the fallen angels inpact it. Susan also appears back in the story under mysterious circumstances. In addition to all of this Detective Karrin Murphy has Harry investigating a strange death in the morgue.  We also meet the Archive and her guardian.  The Archive is a special child who has all the knowledge of humankind stored within her, she is a magical being.

Harry has plenty of bad guys to elude and defeat, all coming from different directions. There are a number of twists and turns in this book. There is a pretty graphic sex scene in the book which was quite exciting to read. I really enjoyed this book. It was more than a complete story from start to finish, there were numerous plot lines but they all came to a satisfying conclusion at the end of the book.

I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.  I highly recommend this book. If you enjoy reading a good detective story encasing paranormal activities with a strong, honourable hero then give this series a try.  However, you should read the books in order as the overall story does build even if each book is stand alone.

2 Treasure Boxes, Contemporary Fantasy, In Library, Goodreads

Summer Knight by Jim Butcher

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This entry is part 5 of 13 in the series The Dresden Files

Book Review: 2 Treasure Boxes
Book Four of the Dresden Files
Publisher: Roc (September 3, 2002), Mass Market Paperback: 371 pages, Language: English, ISBN-10: 0451458923, ISBN-13: 978-0451458926

Harry has started a war between the Wizards and the Red Court Vampires, the sky is raining toads, then Harry is attacked and must defend off several combatants. This is just the beginning. Summer Knight takes place nine months after the end of the last book where Susan was infected by the Red Vampire Court. She was bitten so many times that she is close to becoming a vampire herself. She has the thirst for blood but has not yet indulged it. Once she does she will become a vampire. During the fight where this occurred Harry attacked the Red Court to save Susan and that is how the war started.

Summer Knight is the fourth book in The Dresden Files. Jim Butcher has currently written 12 books in this series with book 13 due July 26, 2011.  He has also written 6 books in the Codex Alera Series, which is closer to High Fantasy than the Dresden Files.  See my review of these books at https://books-treasureortrash.com/?s=codex+alera. The Dresden Files are considered Contempory Fantasy and sometimes are referred to as Urban Fantasy.  They can also fall into the Detective genre since Harry solves a case in each book. Each book is told in the first person narrative from Harry Dresden’s point on view as we follow him through his life while he is solving his current case

This book starts right in with lots of action which continues throughout the book. Susan has left both Harry and the city of Chicago while she fights her demons.  Since Harry feels responsible he has been spending all his time trying to find a cure for Susan.  However there does not seem to be one. Harry is suffering under the stress of this and his life is falling apart.  He is close to eviction in both his office and his home and he is in terrible shape both physically and emotionally. Soon he is dragged into trouble in the Faerie courts where he must get involved in order to help the wizards in their battle against the vampires.

There is the introduction of numerous new characters, particularly both Summer and Winter Faeries. The most notable person is Harry’s lost love, who he thought was dead. Billy and the Alphas play a big part in this book, but Michael does not. We learn a lot about how the Faery courts work.  There are two courts, Summer and Winter, with Summer being a bit more forgiving towards humanity but both courts are harsh and cruel. We learn that each court is ruled by three queens: the Queen Mother (the Queen who was), the Queen (the Queen who is) and the Lady (the Queen who will be.) 

There is lots of action in this book.  The story is pretty deep and it has a mystery as well as twist that is not revealed until the final chapters. Harry must find out who murdered the Summer Knight, which he does.  Harry is also given the opportunity in the book to help out Susan with some interesting consequences.  I was fascinated to see how Harry handled this challenge.

I liked the ending of the story.  I thought it was imaginative,  I also liked that although the story is unfolding over time, each book is a complete story unto itself. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series to see what new kind of trouble Harry can get himself into. I highly recommend this book. If you enjoy reading a good detective story encasing paranormal activities with a strong, honourable hero then give this series a try.  However, you should read the books in order as the overall story does build even if each book is stand alone.

Fantasy, 2 Treasure Boxes, In Library

The Path of Daggers by Robert Jordan

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This entry is part 8 of 12 in the series The Wheel of Time

Book Review: 2 Treasure Boxes
Book Eight in the Wheel of Time Series
Publisher: Tor Books; 1ST edition (December 15, 1999), Mass Market Paperback: 704 pages, Language: English, ISBN-10: 0812550293, ISBN-13: 978-0812550290


Although still enjoyable, this book was not as compelling as the preceding books. My favourite storyline in this book was surrounding Egwene and her adventures as the Amyrlin Seat with the Rebel Aes Sedai.

It is not really clear what the Path of Daggers is, but there is an old Seanchan saying: “On the heights, all paths are paved with daggers.” which I believe means that as Rand’s strength and power increases, his path becomes harder and more dangerous.

There was a slight progression of the characters development in this book with the most growth being shown in Egwene.  The book starts looking at the problem that Rand is becoming too hard. we are introduced to the idea that this will cause a dilema that will be counter productive to his final battle with the Dark One.  It brings forward the deeper concerns that in order to fight evil Rand must still be caring, trusting and loving.

This book did not have any kind of conclusion to any of the story-lines, in fact it has a cliff-hanger ending.  We also do not find out anything about Mat, so we are still wondering what is happening with the cliff-hanger from the end of book seven.

This book starts out immediately following the ending of Book Seven with Elayne, Nynaeve and Aviendha along with Lan,  the Sea Folk, the Kin and several Aes Sedai at the Kin’s farm where they successfully use the Bowl of Wind to fix the weather.  However, the Seanchan have arrived in Ebou Dar and due to the large surge of one power that is used to fire the bowl it is like a spot light for the Seanchan.  What transpires next is very exciting and well written.

The book briefly covers Perrin and reveals his secret mission.  There is a fairly lengthly story surrounding Rand and his adventures.

However, I have been hooked by Mr Jordan into the on-going story so I will definitely be reading book nine to hopefully find out what happened to Mat and Faile and to see how the overall story is going to progress.

****Spoiler alert, do not read any further, if you have not yet read the book****

Once Elayne and gang use the Bowl of Winds, they see the Seanchan so Elayne makes a gateway to a farm on the outskirts of Caemlyn.  She sends everyone away ahead of her and is starting to un-weave the gateway. This is a very dangerous thing to do since if it is not undone exactly in the reverse order of how it was made it can have very unpredictable consequences ranging from a huge explosion to a small fizzle.

When she is partially done the Seanchan arrive and start to follow them through the gateway.  Birgitte and Aviendha are able to delay the Seanchan until all three of them are able to escape a fair distance from the gateway.  Then Elayne lets go of the partially un-weaved gateway and a huge explosion goes off destroying all the Seanchan who have followed through gateway plus most of them on the other side.

The three of them escape with a few scrapes but are otherwise okay.  Then the whole lot of them proceed through Andor to the palace.  During their trip the Kin start to lose their fear of the Aes Sedai, the Sea Folk start to force the fulfillment of the Bargain and it is revealed that one of their group is a dark friend who has murdered one of the Aes Sedai as well as the Black Ajai that they were holding prisoner.

At the end of the book, Elayne arrives in Caemlyn and declares her claim to the Lion Throne.  She also tears down all the Dragon banners and tells Rand to get out of Andor, but she still loves him.

Perrin’s secret mission is to meet with The Prophet and get him to come to Rand for a meeting, which he is successful in doing. In the process Alliandre, the queen of Ghealdan swears fealty to Perrin.  They also meet up with Morgase the ex-queen of Andor and Elayne’s mother.  She hides who she really is and becomes a maid to Faile.  However, at the end of the book, while Perrin is away, Faile gets captured by the Shaido Aiel along with Alliandre and Morgase.

Egwene is able to get the rebel Aes Sedai to declare war against Elaida, then immediately after that she proves to the sitters that when the White Tower is at war the Amyrlin has full veto power in matters concerning the war.  In this way she is able to wrestle control back away from the sitters who thought they could manipulate and control her.  She also has several sisters swear fealty to her, this is something that has been virtually unheard of until now. Egwene then allows the rebel Aes Sedai and army a chance to rest for one month before Travelling to Tar Valon to start the siege against Elaida.

Rand finds out about the Seanchan in Altara and uses the Asha’man, Illianers and Bashere’s men to fight them off. They have some success but many losses.  The one power is also acting funny after the use of the Bowl of Winds. Rand tries to use Callandor but loses control and kills many of his own people.  He is successful in driving the Seanchan back, but at too great a cost. He then later learns that in order to use Callandor he needs to wield it with two women and with one of those women in control.  Rand and Lews Therin Telamon have a great problem trusting women who can channel so this is not great news to Rand.

When Rand returns to Illian, he is attacked and almost killed by traitorous Asha’man led by Dashiva.  However, he is able to defeat them although Dashiva escapes.

In Library, Goodreads, 3 Treasure Boxes, Contemporary Fantasy

Grave Peril by Jim Butcher

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This entry is part 4 of 13 in the series The Dresden Files

Book Review: 3 Treasure Boxes
Book Three of the Dresden Files
Publisher: Roc (September 5, 2001), Mass Market Paperback: 378 pages, Language: English, ISBN-10: 0451458443, ISBN-13: 978-0451458445

Babies are being threatened by ghosts and it is up to Harry and Michael to save the little ones. Michael Carpenter is one of the interesting new characters in the series. He is a Knight of the Cross.  This is a person who fights against evil in the name of God using his faith as well as his sword. Embedded inside the swords that the knights is a nail from Jesus’s crucifixion.  There are 3 swords and 3 knights.    In addition we learn more about how the world in this book relates to the Nevernever, which is the spirit realm as well as the faery realm. We also meet Leanansidhe (Lea) a faerie who is Dresden’s evil faerie godmother. She is a High Sidhe, noble in the Winter Court. In this book she reminds Harry about a bargain that was made with her that is yet unfulfilled. A bargain that Harry felt he had no control over and will do anything he can to avoid fulfilling.

Grave Peril is the third book in The Dresden Files. Jim Butcher has currently written 12 books in this series with book 13 due July 26, 2011.  He has also written 6 books in the Codex Alera Series, which is closer to High Fantasy than the Dresden Files.  See my review of these books at https://books-treasureortrash.com/?s=codex+alera. The Dresden Files are considered Contempory Fantasy and sometimes are referred to as Urban Fantasy.  They can also fall into the Detective genre since Harry solves a case in each book. Each book is told in the first person narrative from Harry Dresden’s point on view as we follow him through his life while he is solving his current case.

The series really starts to pick up steam with this third book. There is the introduction of numerous new characters. We learn a lot about the vampires in this book, like there are several vampire courts.  The Red and Black court’s vampires are horribly ugly bat-like creatures, although they appear beautiful at first glance.  The white court vampires are beautiful but they feed on emotions instead of blood. We really get to know the regular characters.  These include: Susan, Harry’s girlfriend who is also a reporter; Karrin, Harry’s friend who is also a police sergeant; Bob, the entity that recides inside a human skull who helps Harry in many interesting ways; Mister, Harry’s cat.

The book starts out with lots of action in the battle against a lady ghost who is trying to kill babies at the hospital. Harry is armed with his blasting rod, staff and a bag of ghost dust (this is a substance that pins down ghosts so they can be destroyed.)  Harry has an opportunity to knock out the ghost with ghost dust, but because of his weakness for ladies in distress he hesitates to use the dust and instead tries to talk down the ghost.  When he fails at that and the ghost is close to killing the babies he and Michael decide they would have more success in stopping the ghost in the Nevernever.  So Harry rips a hole between this world and the next and they both step through.  However this is not without problems.  The biggest one being Harry’s crazy faery God-Mother.

And so the excitement begins and keeps on building up to a fantasic conclusion. Harry and Michael spend the book trying to discover who is causing the ghosts in Chicago to go crazy and in the process get themselves into lots of trouble. There is lots of action in the book. It is always fun to read about Harry and how he solves the problems he gets himself into.  It is once again a stand alone story, solving a particular mystery, yet it also moves the series along providing more insight into both Harry and the world he lives in.

The ending is a bit sad but you will have to read the book to find out why.  I enjoyed the story and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I highly recommend this book. If you enjoy reading a good detective story encasing paranormal activities with a strong, honourable hero then give this series a try.  However, you should read the books in order as the overall story does build even if each book is stand alone.

Book Review, Fantasy, 3 Treasure Boxes, In Library

A Crown of Swords by Robert Jordan

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This entry is part 7 of 12 in the series The Wheel of Time

Book Review: 3 Treasure Boxes
Seventh Book of The Wheel of Time Series
Publisher: Tor Books (November 15, 1997), Mass Market Paperback: 896 pages, Language: English, ISBN-10: 0812550285, ISBN-13: 978-0812550283


This is another entertaining book in the unfolding story of the Dragon Reborn (Rand al’Thor) and the Two Rivers gang in their fight against evil. The writing was once again superb.  There was development in all the characters but Nynaeve shown the most growth.  The book has two main themes going on, one which centres primarily around Rand and the other centres around Mat, Elayne and Nynaeve.  There is very little in the book concerning Perrin or Egwene.

There is a bit more about the Sea Folk, first with Nynaeve with Elayne and then with Rand. We learn a bit more about the Sea Folk, particularly that they are renowned negotiators.

The story once again progresses slowly, but a lot happens. This book is called A Crown of Swords and the end of the book explains why. The story of the Crown of Swords does come to a conclusion, but the overall story is far from finished.  However, this book, more than any other so far leaves you feeling that you are in the middle of a story.  In particular, it leaves the situation with Mat as a total cliff-hanger.

I really enjoyed the book and I am anxious to pick up the next book in the series so I can see what will happen next.

****Spoiler alert, do not read any further, if you have not yet read the book****

Following is my summary of this book.  This book starts out immediately following book five, Lord of Chaos.  Rand has been freed from capture and is back in Cairhien.  However, when he arrives things are in disarray.  The Aiel are concerned that he deserted them and Colaveaere has crowned herself Queen of Cairhien in Rand’s absence.  Rand sets Colaveaere straight, and takes not only the crown away from her, but also all her titles and holdings.  He really should have her executed as a traitor, but because she is a woman he is unable to do so.  However, the shame of her situation causes her to hang herself.

Rand gets into a big fight with Perrin, that was pre-arranged, however, in the process Rand becomes really angry with Perrin and almost kills him.  Perrin and Faile then leave for some unstated purpose.

Rand and Min find out that Hedrid Fel, the eccentric scholar, has been brutally murdered because he has uncovered important information for Rand that the Dark One wants to keep hidden. While Rand and Min are consoling each other, they finally consummate their relationship, after which Rand feels very guilty and is ashamed that he did this against Min’s will. He then locks himself in his room for days.  However, once Min sets Rand straight that it was mutual she convinces Rand to go see the Sea Folk.  Which Rand does and his ta’veren nature helps him secure from them what he wants, which is for them to provide ships as he requires.  He then leaves the Aes Sedai to complete the negotiations since they require an agreement to fulfil their prophecies.

Rand is feeling very cocky after his success with the Sea Folk and so he decides to go to the Cairhien rebels to see if his ta’veren nature will help resolve things there.  He and Min sneek off and travel to their camp, where they are able to keep their true identities hidden.  However, Paden Fain is there and after the area is attacked by a bubble of evil in the form of a murdering fog, Rand is attacked by Paden.  Paden slices him with the evil and deadly knife from Shadar Logoth.  However, Rand turns just in time and the slice is across his old festering wound given to him by Ishamael (alias Ba’alzamon.)  Rand still almost dies but between the treatment he is given by the Aes Sedai and the Asha’man and the fact that these two wounds seem to fight each other he is able to recover.

Once he recovers he takes the Asha’man to Illian to fight Sammael.  When Sammaelrealizes Rand is in Illian he goes to Shadar Logoth.  Rand follows him and then a battle ensues. After Rand receives help from an unknown man who can access the true source, he is able to get the upper hand.  It appears as though Sammael has been destroyed after he is buried under rubble that is covered with the evil of Shadar Logoth.

When Rand returns to Illian the city is his and he is crowned the king with the Illian Crown of Swords.

The only interesting things that happened with Egwene is Moghedien was freed and she is able to get the rebels to slowly move towards Tar Valon. She also convinces Lan to go to Nynaeve in Ebou Dar.

Meanwhile Nynaeve and Elayne are in Ebou Dar with Mat, Thom and Julian.  They are searching for the Bowl of the Winds ter’angreal which will help them restore the weather.  While they are searching, they are able to enlist the help of the Sea Folk, but the Sea Folk demand an agreement which it seems the girls get the short end of but the details are not yet revealed. However, they do have the help of the Sea Folk, who are very strong weather manipulators to help them once the Bowl is found.

They also discover the Kin, a group of women who can channel, but have either been put out of the White Tower or else are wilders.  They invite them all to go to Egwene’s group of Aes Sedai to become novices and are shocked to learn there are several thousands of them.

Moghedien, Black Ajah, Dark Friends and forsaken are all in Ebou Dar looking for the Bowl.  Moghedien sees Nynaeve on a boat and tries to kill her. While Nynaeve is drowning she is able to finally break through her block to the one power in order to save herself. She is then pulled out of the water by Lan.  She is surprised and happy to see him.  She then convinces him to marry her and the service is completed by the Sea Folk.

Elayne and Nynaeve are having a difficult time finding the Bowl until they ask Mat to help.  As soon as Mat becomes involved the Bowl is found due to Mat’s ta’veren nature.  However, when they go to get the Bowl they are attacked by dark friends, the Black Ajah and a Gholam (only six of these were created during the war of the shadow, they are creatures which were created to destroy anyone who can channel because the one power can not touch them.  They are also very strong, very hard to kill and can move through very small spaces.) They are able to fight off everyone and Mat is able to hurt, but not kill the Gholam buy touching him with his medallion, which seems to be the only thing that can harm the creature.

They find the Bowl and decide to go out to the Kin’s farm to work the Bowl in a circle with the Sea Folk.  However, just as they are leaving Mat discouvers that Olver is missing so he can not go with them. He stays behind to look for Olver.  While he is looking, the dice are rattling around in his brain and he sees the Seanchan are attacking Ebou Dar.  Then he is knocked out by falling debry, but just before he passes out the dice stop rattling.

Fantasy, 3 Treasure Boxes, Suspence, Library, In Library, Goodreads

Fool Moon by Jim Butcher

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This entry is part 2 of 13 in the series The Dresden Files

Book Review: 3 Treasure Boxes
Book Two of Dresden Files
Publisher: Roc (January 9, 2001), Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages, Language: English, ISBN-10: 0451458125, ISBN-13: 978-0451458124

Another very enjoyable book about our hero, Harry Dresden, the detective Wizard.  I really enjoyed this book, I liked the story and how it unfolded. I found that we get to know our characters a bit better. I liked reading about the continuing development of Harry and Susan’s love relationship. Harry is struggling to make ends meet and is brought into a case that Karen Murphy, the police detective is working on.  It is enjoyable to read about the personal interaction between Karen and Harry. Harry helps to solve the mystery and this time it surrounds both natural and magical werewolves. 

Fool Moon is the second book in The Dresden Files. Jim Butcher has currently written 12 books in this series with book 13 due July 26, 2011.  He has also written 6 books in the Codex Alera Series, which is closer to High Fantasy than the Dresden Files.  See my review of these books at https://books-treasureortrash.com/?s=codex+alera. The Dresden Files are considered Contempory Fantasy and sometimes are referred to as Urban Fantasy.  They can also fall into the Detective genre since Harry solves a case in each book. Each book is told in the first person narrative from Harry Dresden’s point on view as we follow him through his life solving his current case.

The book pulls us in from the first page and we cheer Harry on as he does what needs to be done. Harry Dresden’s character is continuing to develop.  There is the introduction of new people and concepts.  I thought it was an interesting twist, the way the FBI were becoming magical werewolves for their own personal motives.  I also liked the evolution of the relationship between Harry and Marcone, Chicago’s number one gangster. The book introduces the Alfas, the werewolf group that idolizes Harry.  They are an interesting concept and fun to read. I liked this book, it was a stand alone story that was well written. 

The story is good entertainment. It left you wondering where it was going and what was going to happen next. The climax of the book was very exciting with lots of action. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.  I highly recommend this book. If you enjoy reading a good detective story encasing paranormal activities with a strong, honourable hero then give this series a try.  However, you should read the books in order as the overall story does build even if each book is stand alone.

Fantasy, 2 Treasure Boxes, In Library, Goodreads

Wizard at Large by Terry Brooks

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This entry is part 3 of 5 in the series The Magic Kingdom of Landover

Book Review: 2 Treasure Boxes
Book Three of The Magic Kingdon of Landover Series
Publisher: Del Rey; First Thus edition (July 17, 1989), Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages, Language: English, ISBN-10: 0345362276, ISBN-13: 978-0345362278


Ben Holiday was a lawyer from our world in modern times, he was unhappy and kind of lost because he lost his wife and their unborn child in a tragic accident. On
e day he finds a most unusual ad in the paper. It is for the sale of a real live magic kingdom for $1,000,000.  This magic kingdom has fairy magic, witches, trolls, and other strange creatures including a living castle. Now Ben is living as King of Landover with Willow, who is a wood sylph, Questor Thews, the sometimes inept wizard and Abernathy, the once human now talking dog scribe. This book primarily takes place on our earth after Questor Thews sends Abernathy to our earth in error while trying to change him back into a human.

This is the third book in The Magic Kingdom of Landover Series.  To date there are a total of six books in this series.  Terry Brooks is also very well known for the numerous books he has written in the Shannara Series, but these two series are totally unrelated.  The Magic Kingdon of Landover Series are fantasy books that go back and forth from contempory to traditional fantasy depending on the location of the book.  This book is written in the third person narrative from the various character’s point of view as the story is told.

The story centers around Ben and Willow as they journey back to earth to save Abernathy.  It is also the story of what happens to Abernathy on earth with the introduction of a new character, Elizabeth, a nice girl who helps him out. Meanwhile in Landover, a demon in a bottle has switched spots with Abernathy, (that is what caused Abernathy to appear on earth.) And that demon is causing a lot of havoc in Landover with help from the witch Nightshade. There is also some assistance from Strabo the dragon, who is always fun to read about. I like the concept of the Paladin and how Ben and the Paladin, Ben’s mystical champion, work together.

There is a lot going on and I found the story to be interesting, exciting and well written.  All the characters are interesting, but I did not think there was much development in their characters, they all are pretty much what they are. I liked the ending of the story. The book had a good build up to the final conclusion.   I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

This is a stand alone story which I always find satisfying, yet it is also clearly part of a larger story. I recommend you read the books from the beginning to get a better understanding of the world in which they live.  The story also builds from one book to the other, yet each book can be read independently from any other. If you enjoy reading Terry Brooks, then you will enjoy this book, it is a good fantasy novel that is fun to read.

To Purchase: “Wizard at Large” from Amazon, click here or on picture above

In Library, Fantasy, 3 Treasure Boxes

Lord of Chaos by Robert Jordan

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This entry is part 6 of 12 in the series The Wheel of Time

Book Review: 3 Treasure Boxes
Book six of the Wheel of Time Series
Publisher: Tor Fantasy; 1St. edition (November 15, 1995), Mass Market Paperback: 1011 pages, Language: English, ISBN-10: 0812513754, ISBN-13: 978-0812513752


Another great book centering around our protagonist Rand al’Thor, The Dragon Reborn.  I enjoyed reading this book, I like how the story is being weaved together.  This book starts shortly after the end of the last book and although it mostly centers around Rand it also deals in varying degrees with all the main characters.

There is growth within all the characters although I thought the most growth was shown in Egwene and Rand. Although there was quite a bit going on, the storyline did not progress very far.

The weather in the book is all wrong, it should be winter but everywhere it is still summer which is a sign that the dark one is getting a stronger hold on the world.

Rand has somehow rediscovered the talent of traveling, which seemed a bit odd to me since Asmodean (the forsaken who Rand had teaching him lost talents) was killed at the end of the last book. The book starts with Rand popping back and forth between Cairhien and Caemlyn. Rand’s main focus is going after Sammael with a plan that is not shared with the reader.  Also, Rand does not really seem to put much effort into this scheme.

Egwene is still with the Aiel recovering from the injury she sustained after being attacked by Lanfear and continuing to learn about Tel’aran’rhiod. Elayne and Nynaeve are in Salidar with the rebel Aes Sadei using Moghedien to rediscover lost talents. Rand in using Matt and his band to distract Sammael from the true plan. Perrin, Falle and Loial do  not appear until towardsthe end of the book, when they appear in Caemlyn. Perrin was drawn there since he felt the pull of ta`veren and felt that he needed to be near Rand.

Although I really enjoyed the book, I thought that this book had a few flaws, or perhaps the writer intended them, I am not sure.  For one thing Rand seemed to flit around from place to place and plan to plan without any real focus.  Another part I did not enjoy was Falle’s treatment of Perrin.  But other than that I was very entertained.

I am looking forward to continuing the story in the next book, A Crown of Swords.

******SPOILER ALERT******do no read any further if you have not read the book as I am summarizing what occurred in the book.

The Aes Sedai from both Elaida and the rebels come to Rand to offer their support, but on their terms.  Alanna makes Rand her warder against his will, but she is unable to control him with this because he is too strong.  Rand gets scared when he realizes there are 13 Aes Sedais in the rebel group, 13 are enough to take control of him against his will and turn him to the dark side. So he flees to Cairhien where Elaida’s Aes Sedai are and they trick him and capture him.  They put him in a small chest, torture him twice daily and Hall him off to the White Tower. The Shadio Aiel are helping the Aes Sedai.

However, Perrin, who has arrived in Caemyln with Falle and Lolial. First went with Rand to Cairhein and then once they determined that Rand has been captured he lead the assault to free Rand. After Rand has been held prisoner for several weeks, Perrin`s group finally meets up with them at Dunai Wells where there is a great battle.  And at first it seems that Perrin`s group is greatly out numbered due to the number of Shadio Aiel, but with the help of the wolves and the Asha`man, (men who can channel) that arrived at the last minute using travelling, they are successful and Rand is set free.

Rand stills a couple of Aes Sedai during his release and he shields many more.  These are the first Aes Sedai to swear fealty to him and part of the prophesies are fullfilled.

First Matt is sent to march towards Illian and Sammael and then Rand pulls him off that and sends him to Salidar to take Elayne to Caemlyn to be crowned queen.  However, Elayne wants to go to Ebou Dar to find a Ter`angreal that will repair the weather so Matt goes with her and Nynaeve to Ebou Dar.  Elayne and Nynaeve are now full sisters even though they have not used the oath bar and Nynaeve can only channel when she is angry.  They leave Egwene in charge of Moghedien in Salidar.

Egwene was called back to Salidar which she was able to travel in 1 day and there she was made the AmrylinSeat and also becomes a full sister without using the oath rod. The Rebels make her the Amrylin because she is very strong in the power, they think they can control her and there are 3 separate groups there that would rather see Egwene as Amrylin than one of the other groups. She convinces the rebels to start moving towards Tar Valon, which they do under Gareth Bryne`s army.

Fantasy, 2 Treasure Boxes, In Library, Goodreads

The Black Unicorn by Terry Brooks

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This entry is part 2 of 5 in the series The Magic Kingdom of Landover

Book Review: 2 Treasure Boxes
Book Two: The Magic Kingdom of Landover Series
pagesPublisher: Del Rey; First edition (August 12, 1988), Mass Market Paperback: 320, Language: English, ISBN-10: 0345335287, ISBN-13: 978-0345335289

It is one year after the end of the first book and Ben is settling in nicely to life in Landover as its new ruler. Ben Holiday was a lawyer from our world in modern times, he was unhappy and kind of lost because he lost his wife and their unborn child in a tragic accident. One day he finds a most unusual ad in the paper. It is for the sale of a real live magic kingdom for $1,000,000.  This magic kingdom has fairy magic, witches, trolls, and other strange creatures including a living castle. Now Ben is living as King of Landover with Willow, who is a wood sylph, Questor Thews, the sometimes inept wizard and Abernathy, the once human now talking dog who is the court scribe.

This is the second book in The Magic Kingdom of Landover Series.  To date there are a total of six books in this series.  Terry Brooks is also very well known for the numerous books he has written in the Shannara Series, but these two series are totally unrelated.  The Magic Kingdon of Landover Series are fantasy books that go back and forth from contempory to traditional fantasy depending on the location of the book.  This book is written in the third person narrative from the various character’s point of view as the story is told.

This is the story of a new adventure surrounding Ben, Questor Thews and Willow in the magic kingdom.  One day all three characters wake up, each having a compelling dream that sets each of them off on their own exploits. Ben briefly goes back to our earth, but he does not stay there long and the majority of the story takes place in Landover. There is the introduction of a new character, Edgewood Dirk, a talking prism cat who is a unique and interesting fairy creature.

I found the story to be interesting and I really liked how each of them faced and dealt with their own challenges.The story shows growth within all characters, although I thought that Ben had to make the greatest self-discovery in order to overcome his challenge. I enjoyed reading how each of them dealt with the dilemmas they faced as they completed their journeys. We also get to know all the characters a little better.  The story was well written and leads us to cheer on our protagonists to successfully complete each of their tasks.

This is a stand alone story which I always find satisfying, yet it is also clearly part of a larger story. I recommend you read the books from the beginning to get a better understanding of the world in which they live.  The story also builds from one book to the other, yet each book can be read independently from any other. If you enjoy reading Terry Brooks, then you will enjoy this book, it is a good fantasy novel that is fun to read. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series to see what new adventures our characters will become involved in.