Summary: Amid the chaos of the Viking war for dominance over England, a boy has everything taken from him and vows revenge. But violent dreams bring no peace… The beloved action epic that inspired the hit anime returns, in premium collector’s hardcovers! Includes volumes 1-3 of the Japanese edition of Vinland Saga and new bonus content. As a child, Thorfinn sat at the feet of the great Leif Ericson and thrilled to wild tales of a land far to the west. But his youthful fantasies were shattered by a mercenary raid. Raised by the Vikings who murdered his family, Thorfinn...
No Land for Heroes by Cal Black
Summary: Mildred Berry is down to her last four bullets... In a wild west where the only things more dangerous than outlaws are dragons, Deputy Berry is struggling to protect her town and keep her family fed. As a last resort, she robs a train for ammunition only to find that the cargo she needs so badly was owned by war hero Frederic Rousseau. The same Frederic Rousseau whom she served during the Amelior Civil War. The same Frederic Rousseau she's been hiding from for the last five years. Millie knows a secret that could ruin Rousseau's life, and he'll...
Assassin’s Apprentice by Robin Hobb
Summary: “Fantasy as it ought to be written . . . Robin Hobb’s books are diamonds in a sea of zircons.”—George R. R. Martin Young Fitz is the bastard son of the noble Prince Chivalry, raised in the shadow of the royal court by his father’s gruff stableman. He is treated as an outcast by all the royalty except the devious King Shrewd, who has him secretly tutored in the arts of the assassin. For in Fitz’s blood runs the magic Skill—and the darker knowledge of a child raised with the stable hounds and rejected by his family. As barbarous...
The Last Wish by Andrezj Sapowski
Summary: Andrzej Sapkowski’s The Last Wish introduced the world to the iconic monster hunter Geralt of Rivia; his beloved ward and the prophesied savior of the world, Ciri; and his ally and true love, the powerful sorceress Yennefer—and they took the world by storm. Now, experience the world of the Witcher like never before with this stunning deluxe hardcover edition of the story collection that started it all, featuring a beautiful new cover and eight gorgeous interior illustrations by a range of award-winning artists. Geralt is a Witcher, a man whose magic powers, enhanced by long training and a mysterious...
Wheel of Time Books 1-3 (and Show) Review
Summary: Book one of The Wheel of Time®, Robert Jordan’s internationally bestselling fantasy series, now in a special hardcover edition to celebrate the series’ 30th anniversary! Since its debut in 1990, The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan has captivated millions of readers around the globe with its scope, originality, and compelling characters. The Wheel of Time turns and Ages come and go, leaving memories that become legend. Legend fades to myth, and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth returns again. In the Third Age, an Age of Prophecy, the World and Time themselves...
Michael Roberti’s Best Reads of 2023
Wow. 2023 was a year and a half. This was a year when I finally felt like I could get back to reading after two years spent mostly writing, and boy, the books brought it. Then, Kavin brought me on to post my reviews, and I’ve been amazed by the continuous love of the Silverstones and online book communities. I’m sitting here drinking coffee listening to Dr. Dre’s classic The Chronic 2001, and I just want to get into it. So, let’s go! Ok, pause, actually. I want to shout out two books that stood head and shoulders above the...
The Will of the Many by James Islington
Summary: AUDI. VIDE. TACE. The Catenan Republic—the Hierarchy—may rule the world now, but they do not know everything. I tell them my name is Vis Telimus. I tell them I was orphaned after a tragic accident three years ago, and that good fortune alone has led to my acceptance into their most prestigious school. I tell them that once I graduate, I will gladly join the rest of civilised society in allowing my strength, my drive and my focus—what they call Will—to be leeched away and added to the power of those above me, as millions already do. As all...
Bloody Rose by Nicholas Eames
Summary: A stand-alone epic fantasy adventure featuring a band of legendary mercenaries set in the world of Kings of the Wyld from author Nicholas Eames, who has been hailed as "the voice of modern fantasy" by Michael R. Fletcher. Live fast, die young. Tam Hashford is tired of working at her local pub, slinging drinks for world-famous mercenaries and listening to the bards sing of adventure and glory in the world beyond her sleepy hometown. When the biggest mercenary band of all rolls into town, led by the infamous Bloody Rose, Tam jumps at the chance to sign on as...
Gloves of Eons by Andrew D Meredith
Summary: Factions rise — Zeal ignites — Bells toll Hanen and Rallia Clouw find themselves between power hungry factions and must choose which tools to take up to reach their goals. With the Rotha revealed to be a thinking, breathing being, Katiam Borreau must tread carefully and choose her allies wisely. Ousted from their western holdings, the Paladins of the Hammer retreat to the west to face new and old intrigue set against them. Made the unwitting messenger of dark gods, Seriah Yaledít seeks solace in the road, fleeing from blind panic gnawing at her mind. Dark tools forged, scale...
Character Deep Dive: Dane Marric of the Kallattian Saga
Next week I will review what was likely one of the most anticipated books of the year for me, Andrew D Meredith’s Gloves of Eons. While I am still deeply impressed with Andrew’s writing and the world he has created, there is something I think needs to be addressed. That is the absolute brilliance of one character—Dane Marric. If you’ve read the Kallattian Saga at all, you probably wonder if I’ve gone crazy. Hear me out. Dane is a fantastic character exactly because he is who he is. Terrible. He’s an awful human being, and I hate him. But I...