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2 Treasure Boxes (7 out of 10)

2 Treasure Boxes, Suspence, Mobipocket

Glory in Death by J.D. Robb

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This entry is part [part not set] of 26 in the series In Death Series

Book review: 2 Treasure Boxes
In Death Series, Book 2

A good futuristic suspense novel featuring Eve Dallas. This is the second book in the series and it is in the same vein as the first book.  It is about Lieutenant Eve Dallas, a tough, smart, likable homicide detective.  In each book she solves a crime and finds the killer.  The book also encompasses her entire life including her personal relationships. 

 She has had a very tough childhood.  She was terribly abused, physically, mentally and sexually until she was 8 years old.  She has no memory of her life prior to that when she was found on the street with her arm broken, she was also naked, terrified, and beaten.  She is however plagued with recurring flash-back nightmares.

She did not even remember her name. A name was given to her at that time and she was put into the foster care system. Once she grew up she decided to go into law enforcement.  Being a homicide detective really defines who she is and helps her to find her place in the world. She is the best of the best and gives her all to each case she solves.  She really cares for the victims and it is really important for her to find the killer.

There was a fair bit concerning the relationship between Eve and her hot boyfriend Roake, which is always fun to read about.  We also get to know more about her best friend Mavis in this book. Eve is working closely with Captain Ryan Feeney (Head of the Electronics Detection Division (EDD)) on this case. He is another person who is very important to Eve.  She thinks of him as a father figure.  He trained and partnered with her for years.  He helped her to become the detective she is today. We also watch Eve starting to form the beginnings of new friendships with Nadine Furst (a TV reporter) and Dr. Charlotte Mira (the police psychiatrist.)

This book had a bit of suspense as well as some nail biting at the end of the book. The twist in the story helped to keep things interesting. It was a complete stand alone story.  The series is really about Eve’s changing life with a complete murder mystery solved in each book. I liked this book, it was an enjoyable read and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

Fantasy, 2 Treasure Boxes, In Library, Goodreads

The Black Unicorn by Terry Brooks

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This entry is part [part not set] 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.

Goodreads, Fantasy, 2 Treasure Boxes

Magic kingdom for Sale-Sold by Terry Brooks

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This entry is part [part not set] of 5 in the series The Magic Kingdom of Landover

Book Review: 2 Treasure Boxes
Book One: The Magic Kingdom of Landover Series
Publisher: Orbit (April 1, 1992), Paperback: 352 pages, ISBN-10: 1857232569, ISBN-13: 978-1857232561

A very unique and interesting concept in fantasy.  The story starts out in our world in modern times, centering around our protagonist a lawyer named Ben Holiday.  He is unhappy and kind of lost because he lost his wife in a tragic accident several years ago and he has never gotten over it. 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.

This is the first 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 Kingdom 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.

For Ben this is the change he needs.  However, once he arrives in Landover (the magic kingdom,) it is not what he expected.  Although it is a magic kingdom it is not in very good condition and it is filled with problems.  Ben becomes the king and the story centres around his journey as he gets to know this magic land. He discovers the problems he needs to overcome and the book introduces all the various players in the story.

There are some very interesting characters like the Court Scribe named Abernathy, a once human, now man-sized talking dog;  an inept Court Magician named Questor Thews whose magic only works half the time and usually not in the way expected; a lovely sylph named Willow who usually takes the form of a beautiful green-skinned woman but must transform into a willow tree every 21 days. These are the three main players who help Ben but there are many more characters introduced in the book.

Although the story starts out in our modern era, the majority of the story takes place in a more traditional, non-technological fantasy era. I enjoyed reading the story and thought it was really well thought out.  The book flows well from inception through all of Ben’s challenges right up to the conclusion.  I liked all the characters and I am looking forward to reading the next adventure in the series.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading more traditional fantasy.  This is a stand alone story which I always find satisfying.  If you enjoy reading Terry Brooks, then you will enjoy this book, it is a good fantasy novel that is fun to read.

2 Treasure Boxes, Contemporary Fantasy, Goodreads

A fistful of Charms by Kim Harrison

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Book Review: 2 Treasure Boxes
The Hollows, Book 4
Publisher: HarperCollins (Mobi-Pocket July 2006,) 424 KB (544 Pages,) ISBN 0-06-119551-0

Nick, Rachel’s ex, has stolen a priceless were artifac, and in the process has gotten both himselp and Jenks son into big trouble.  It is up to Rachel and Jenks, along with a bit of help from Ivy to save the day. The book continues to show life with Rachel, Jenks and Ivy, including all the ups and downs.

A Fistful of Charms is the third book in the Rachel Morgan/The Hollows series. Currently there are nine books in the series, with another three or four expected to be relaesed in the future. This series is a modern day story that centers around inderlanders: witches, weres, vampires and others including the occasional demon, so it falls into the Contemporary Fantasy or Urban Fantasy genre. It is told in the first person narrative from Rachel Morgan’s point of view, she is the main protagonist.

There were several aspects of this book that I really enjoyed. I also found Rachel to be a bit annoying at times, but overall I liked some of the concepts in the book.I also found the storyline of Rachel being part of a pack, when she is a witch and not a werewolf to be a bit of a stretch (although it has been done in other series.) But of course it is always interesting to read about how Rachel gets out of the situations she puts herself in.  In some ways it is endearing how loyal she is, but in other ways it does not always make a lot of sense.  I found the whole bit about Jenks being upset with Rachel (for not telling him what species Trent belongs to) to be unrealistic and irritating.  I did like how it segued into Jenks and Rachel getting back together to save Jenks son Jax.

It was really fun to read about Jenks as a full sized man.  I also liked how the Nick storyline played out.  The book was a complete story and had a good conclusion. Overall, the book was enjoyable and I will definitely be reading the next book in the series. I reccommend this book and series to anyone who enjoys reading contempory (urban) fantasy with a spunky witch as the main protagonist.

2 Treasure Boxes, Contemporary Fantasy

Heart of Stone by C.E. Murphy

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Book Review: 2 Treasure Boxes

Book One of the Negotiator Trilogy

This is an enjoyable book with the introduction of a new species in the contemporary fantasy genre.  The story starts with Margrit, a likable lawyer who is independent and determined and ignorant about the other races. However, soon she meets Albund, a gargole who asks her to represent and clear him of the murders that are currently taking place in central park. Which he decides he really needs since  Albund is the main suspect.

Other interesting species are also introduced in the book, like dragons, silkies and of course vampires.  The book showed great character development and we really came to care for the main characters. I particularly liked the interaction between Albund and Margrit.  The book is suspenseful and has an interesting story.  I liked the ending as well, which came to a full conclusion and tied everything up nicely with a bow.

I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

Fantasy, 2 Treasure Boxes, Goodreads

Deadhouse Gates by Steven Erikson

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This entry is part [part not set] of 4 in the series Malazan Book of the Fallen

Book Review: 2 Treasure Boxes
Second Novel in the Malazan Book Of The Fallen Series
Publisher: Tor Fantasy; ZZZ edition (February 7, 2005), Mass Market Paperback: 864 pages, Language: English, ISBN-10: 0765348799, ISBN-13: 978-0765348791

The unique and interesting story continues in this second book. It still focuses on the Bridgeburners but it also has some new characters that it focuses on.  In this novel, the Bridgeburners get separated to go onto different adventures. There is the introduction of new characters and new concepts.

Steven Erikson is the author of the Malazan Book of the Fallen Series which comprises 10 books and 4 novellas.  Deadhouse Gates is the second book in this long and complex story-line.  The genre is fantasy and the multifarious story takes place in a non-technological age with the use of magic involving many different peoples. There are the human people of Genabackis who are descendants of the T’lan Imass. There are T’lan Imass a group of people who are one of the founding races that underwent a ritual ( so long in the past that it predated the ascension of humans) that has made them immortal . There is the Jaghut, a race that was so dangerous the T’lan Imass undertook to completely annihilate them and it was this that brought about the ritual. The Tiste Andii, a non-human elder race that is very powerful and has use of magic. There are also Gods, who are called Ascendants. There are others as well. Some individuals have access to magic.  The magic is accessible through warrens which are pathways that exist outside of the world and are believed to have been created by the Dragons. The Deck of Dragons, which is a deck of cards that is associated with the Ascendants, can be used to foretell the future.  Soletaken are humans or creatures that can change their forms into animals.

Felisin Paran (youngest sister of Ganoes Paran, Captain of the Bridgeburners,) is a new character. Previously she was part of the nobility, but with the problems in the Malazan Empire, the Empress decides a culling of the nobility is required and Felisin is one of those who is affected.  Since the previous Adjunct (a trusted person chosen by the Empress to completely give up who she was and become an extension of the Empress) died in the first book, a new Adjunct was chosen who is Felisin’s older sister. Since the only way the new Adjunct can save her sister from being killed is to send her into slavery in the Otataral Island mines, that is where she goes. But she also sends Baudin, a strong warrior, into slavery as a protector for her sister.  A one-handed excommunicated priest of Fener named Heboric also becomes a companion to Felisin. One of the storylines of the book centres around the adventures of these three.

On a different sub-continent known as the Seven Seas, the Malazan Forces are being over-run creating a large number of refugees and the story of their trek being lead by the legendary commander of the Malazan 7th Army, Coltaine of the Crow Clan of the Wickans is quite amazing. We also follow the adventures of the Bridgeburners, although they have separated with different parties going off to do different things. There is a rebellion brewing which causes concern and action.  We learn more of the characters and the story continues. We also learn more of how the warrens work and it is always interesting to see what Quick Ben is up to, he is a Mage in the 9th (one of the Bridgeburners)

The path of the hands has been unleashed which brings out the sole-taken (shape-shifters) and D’ivers (shape-shifters who can take on many different shapes at once) who are looking for Ascension (they want to become Gods.)  We also meet Icarium, a mixed-blood Jaghut wanderer, who does not know what he is and his companion a Trell named Mappo, who are also on the path.

The book has a rather surprising but good ending. Since it is a series, there is lots left to happen and the books definitely need to be read in order, none of them are stand alone. I am curious to see where this is all heading.  If you enjoy reading fantasy and want to luxuriate in a long story then I recommend this book to you.  Keep in mind this is not your typical fantasy, but if you are willing to give it a go, I think you too will be hooked.

Fantasy, 2 Treasure Boxes, Goodreads

Gardens of the Moon by Steven Erikson

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This entry is part [part not set] of 4 in the series Malazan Book of the Fallen

Book Review: 2 Treasure Boxes
Book One in the Malazan Book of the Fallen Series
Publisher: Tor Fantasy; ZZZ edition (December 28, 2004), Mass Market Paperback: 666 pages, Language: English, ISBN-10: 9780765348784, ISBN-13: 978-0765348784, ASIN: 0765348780

This is a unique fantasy style and although it is complex it is still interesting. The story takes place on the Genabackis continent in the world created by Steven Erikson. There is war, fighting and battles. There are also intrigue and hidden agendas by many of the players. There are many characters, but the main ones are the Bridgeburners, they are a specialized army unit in the Malazan military and have been given a very difficult job. The story follows them as well as many others throughout their challenges in the book.

Steven Erikson is the author of the Malazan Book of the Fallen Series which comprises 10 books and 4 novellas.  Gardens of the Moonis the first book in this long and complex story-line.  The genre is fantasy and the multifarious story takes place in a non-technological age with the use of magic involving many different peoples. There are the human people of Genabackis who are descendants of the T’lan Imass. There are T’lan Imass a group of people who are one of the founding races that underwent a ritual ( so long in the past that it predated the ascension of humans) that has made them immortal . There is the Jaghut, a race that was so dangerous the T’lan Imass undertook to completely annihilate them and it was this that brought about the ritual. The Tiste Andii, a non-human elder race that is very powerful and has use of magic. There are also Gods, who are called Ascendants. There are others as well. Some individuals have access to magic.  The magic is accessible through warrens which are pathways that exist outside of the world and are believed to have been created by the Dragons. The Deck of Dragons, which is a deck of cards that is associated with the Ascendants, can be used to foretell the future.  Soletaken are humans or creatures that can change their forms into animals.

It took me a long time to figure out what was going on in the beginning of the story, but once I did, I was hooked.  Basically, the Empress wants to dominate the world and is currently focusing on the free city of Pale using the Malazan 2nd Army under High Fist Dujek, but there is treachery.  Also, Anomander Rake, a Tiste Andii and Lord of Moon’s Spawn (a floating fortress and hence the name of the book), is assisting Pale making the battle difficult if not impossible to win. The book focuses primarily on Whiskey Jack and his Bridgeburners., who are Dujek’s army.   The tactics and relationship of the Bridgeburners is interesting to read.  I loved the introduction of the characters.  I felt that Ganeos Paran assignment as Captain to the Bridgeburners was interesting.  As the story unfolded, so did the development of some of the characters. 

The book had a good ending, with some resolutions, but it also introduced some new characters and new threats. Since it is a series, there is lots left to happen. I am curious to see where this is all heading.  If you enjoy reading fantasy and want to luxuriate in a long story then I recommend this book to you.  Keep in mind this is not your typical fantasy, but if you are willing to give it a go, I think you too will be hooked.

2 Treasure Boxes, Contemporary Fantasy

Nightwalker by Jocelynn Drake

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Book Review: 2 Treasure boxes

The First Dark Days Novel

An interesting look at the modern urban fantasy novel.  Our protagonist is Mira a vampire who is also a firestarter, in that she has power and control over starting and directing fire.  Also, fire can not harm her as it does most vampires.

This book also introduces Danaus, a vampire hunter who is not human.  The book starts out with Danaus hunting Mira, but later they become cohorts in fighting against the Naturi.  The Naturi are evil  elf-like creatures who both disdain and feel superior to Humans and Vampires. In the distant past the vampires sealed the majority of the Naturi away in a remote world and the Naturi are now trying to break the seal to come back and dominate earth.

The characters are introduced and we notice a sexual tension develop between Danaus and Mira, we also come to realize that Danaus is not human and has a unique power of his own. We also learn about Mira’s past and what motivates her and we come to learn that she is a “nice” vampire and does not believe in killing humans. I found the book to be interesting and enjoyed reading it, I wanted to see what happened in the next book.

The book had an partial ending to the story but was more like the end of a chapter, than of a book, so this series is definitely not stand alone books.

2 Treasure Boxes, Contemporary Fantasy, Goodreads

The Man With the Golden Torc by Simon R. Green

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This entry is part [part not set] of 2 in the series Secret Histories

Book Review: 2 Treasure Boxes

First book in the Secret Histories Series


This is a different twist on modern fantasy. The protagonist is Eddie Drood, a member of the Drood family. Eddie has been taught all his life, that the purpose of the Drood’s is to defend the world against various evils and the family is capable of doing this through the use of living armour that when activated makes the individual virtually indestructible*.

Green’s writing is amusing, but sometimes also a little silly while still being entertaining. We learn what the Droods are all about, first what they appear to be and then what they are really about and we learn how the world functions and about all the various creatures and beings that exist in this world.

In this book, Eddie is introduced working for the family but maintaining distance from the family.  He soon discovers that he has become an outcast when he is chased while leaving the family’s estate by various creatures including Elves, UFO’s, attacking Cars and dragons who he manages to evade after a pretty intense fighting scene. Eddie then spends the remainder of the book trying to determine what is really going on culminating with a big discovery and in the process turning the family upside down.

The book was a complete story which is always enjoyable but it also leaves lots of room for the story to continue which it does with the second book, Daemons are Forever.

*See my blog about the Secret Histories Series for more information about this series at: https://books-treasureortrash.com/?p=486

Fantasy, 2 Treasure Boxes

The Mistborn series by Brandon Sanderson

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2 Treasure Boxes

An unusual premise for fantasy novels. The magic system is unique and the social structure is also unusual, with the majority of the world being Skaa, slaves with no rights and no supposed Allomanic abilities and the balance of the world is the Nobility who do have Allomanic abilities. Although the series it is still ultimately a battle of good versus evil.

The main protagonist is a girl by the name of Vin who goes through a great transformation from skittish imp to the strongest  and bravest Allomancer in this world. She learns from her mentor Kelsier, who is the leader of an underground gang.

There are several other characters in the book who work with Vin to try to bring an end to the thousand year rule of the evil Lord Ruler.  During the series we come to know and understand the Lord Ruler and to see how he came to be what he is, although we still do not necessary believe what he did was right.

There is magic in the form of Allomancers, certain few individuals who can burn metals, that enhance various mental and physical abilities.  That is they ingest small amounts of various metals and depending on the individual and metal, they obtain special powers until the metals burn out of their system.  Mistborns can burn all the metals and Mistings can only burn one specific metal.  One of the most interesting abilities is an Allomancer who can burn Steel, this allows the individual to push and pull on any metal object around them, thereby giving them the ability to almost fly.  A method of travelling by a Coinshot (the name given to an Allomancer who is burning steel,) is to thrown coins down and then push against the coin to fly up.

The other form of magic is Feruchemy, that is where certain people can store various mental or physical attributes in different metals that they wear.  For example thousands of books can be read while wearing a copper bracelet and thus store the books in that bracelet.  Or good health can be stored in a gold bracelet, the only challenge with this is that in order to store up the good health, one must spend time in a reduced feeling of health to save up his health in the metal for later use.

All three novels were interesting and the final really explains how the world came to be with a different kind of conclusion.  I thought the ending was a bit sad and maybe just a little too simplified, but on the whole the series was great.

Book One: Mistborn: The Final Empire, Book Two: The Well of Ascension, Book Three: The Hero of Ages