Review: The Murderwarden by E.J. Tedrow

It’s finally out!

Note: I read this as a beta reader and asked the author if I could give a review on Goodreads and on my blog. She said yes. The review you read here is (mostly) the same as the one on Goodreads. All thoughts are my own.

The synopsis: Anja, a young murderwarden struggling with her magical powers of focus and her socially adept partner, Faris, find themselves embroiled in a difficult case that becomes more deadly and personal the deeper they go.

My thoughts:

First off, I loved the concept and the magic. It’s very well done, especially the consequences of having a magical talent that can make a person obsessively curious about all details. That aspect is thoroughly explored in this book and I loved seeing all the sides Tedrow shows us, good and bad.

Her partner is also a gem to read. One of the consequences for Anja is that her talent makes it difficult to get along with people. Her partner, Faris, not only makes up for this deficiency with his empathy and communication skills but does it in a way that makes her feel completely accepted. I can’t wait to read future stories involving these two. They work exceptionally well together.

There were some aspects of the plot I was able to guess in advance but it didn’t matter. The unfolding was worth the time.

I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series!

Update on Sequel to The Baker’s Wife; Discounted Books at Smashwords

Finally finished the read-through for the sequel to my romantic fantasy (?) The Baker’s Wife. A very enlightening experience since it’s been about ten years since I published the first part of that sequel under the title, The Lord’s Tale.

The title will change a little when it’s republished with all three parts in one book. And I’ve changed a few plot points, but nothing too big. Mostly, the changes are little things for the sake of clarification.

Anyway, the next step is to type in the changes I’ve noted. After that, the book goes through a copyedit and proofreading, then I publish it.

The story feels solid enough, I’m going to start working on book three of this series, title TBD. Looking forward to continuing Zhiv and Krysilla’s journey!

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The Smashwords Read an Ebook Week site-wide promotion starts today and I’m in it!

All my books are on sale at a discounted price, with one exception. Plus, there’s some great authors offering some great books as part of this event.

Here’s the link to the promotion page, if you want to check it out.

Read an Ebook Week Promotion Page

And here’s the link to my author page, which lists all my discounted books.

Amy Keeley’s Author Profile at Smashwords

I hope you take a moment to look through the books on the promotion page. I’ve found some wonderful stories through this promotion and recommend at least taking a glance at what’s available.

You might find yourself pleasantly surprised!

Have fun! I’ll update you again as soon as I can.

Update and Storytime Blog Hop

I didn’t make nearly as much progress this week as I’d hoped. I’m almost at the halfway point in this re-read of the last part of the sequel to The Baker’s Wife (geez that’s a mouthful).

I’ll see what I can do over the weekend. My current goal is to be finished with the re-read before February. I may have to adjust that.

On a different note, the Storytime Blog Hop for January is up. The blog hop is a collection of stories written by various authors and posted on various blogs.

This time around has a dragon who can’t figure out how to breathe fire, a guy who swears he saw a mermaid and is dead set on proving it, a Reaper with a soul-collecting assignment that goes pear-shaped, and more.

It’s a good collection. Here’s the link to the first story if you want to take a look.

Fishing Expedition by Laurie Hicks

Back to reading/writing. Talk to you soon.

5 Favorite Fantasy Fathers / Father Figures

Photo by Meritt Thomas on Unsplash

Fathers (heck, parents in general) aren’t given much notice in fantasy literature. If they appear at all, they tend to be…not very good, to put it mildly. But a good father, as I’ve seen in my own family, is priceless to both their sons and daughters. So, I’m going to mention a few good fathers (and father figures!) I’ve found in the fantasy genre.

Arthur Weasley (Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling)

Absent-minded and always interested in what the Muggles do to get along without magic, Arthur Muggle is absolutely adorable. As the series progresses, it becomes clear he also clearly loves his family and is willing to do anything for them. Even, and especially, defend them when war begins between the Death Eaters and those who oppose them.

His sons (two in particular) are seen as troublemakers, but his sons take very much after their father, all of them willing to sacrifice their lives to protect those they love, magical or Muggle.

Ned Stark (Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin)

Let’s be honest here: Ned Stark is an innocent idiot. His sense of honor blinded him to those who had none, because he truly didn’t believe people could be as treacherous as those he found himself surrounded by.

But when it comes to being a dad, Ned is wonderful! His best move? Hiring a sword master to teach his daughter swordplay under the guise of being a dancing master.

Van Hohenheim (Fullmetal Alchemist by Hiromu Arakawa)

Those who’ve read the manga Fullmetal Alchemist may disagree with me here, but I think Hohenheim is a great example of a dad who made some awful mistakes for very good reasons, and does his best to try to make up for it. He’s devoted to his sons. He tries to protect them (which is why he did what he did in the course of the series). And although he wasn’t there for them at the most tragic point of their lives, he is fully there for them when he returns. And he takes complete responsibility for the mistakes he’s made.

So, yeah. I say he’s a good father.

Bilbo Baggins (Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien)

This one and the next aren’t technically dads, but I think that makes it all the more important to mention them.

Bilbo didn’t have to take in Frodo. He didn’t have to raise him. He didn’t have to care about him. But he did. And he allowed his nephew to dream. He wasn’t perfect, but he did well.

Uncle Iroh (Avatar: The Last Airbender, animated series)

Iroh is amazing. He went from being a callous general to a philosopher who happens to command men after the death of his son in the war. His introspection ended up giving him the resources to help his exiled, hotheaded nephew, Prince Zuko. Because Iroh was there for Zuko in ways that Zuko’s own father wasn’t, he was able to impart wisdom, discipline, and compassion that shows up just when the world needs it. Zuko became the man his people needed because of Iroh.

That’s my list. Any others you’d like to add? Let me know in the comments!

Taming Demons for Beginners (The Guild Codex: Demonized #1) by Annette Marie

Summary

Robin doesn’t want to live with her unfriendly uncle and his even more unfriendly family. But after her parents’ death, she wants just one thing: her mother’s grimoire. And she’s sure her uncle is hiding it from her. So, she goes looking.

And finds a demon. A demon trapped by her uncle.

She’s not supposed to talk to it. But she does. She’s not supposed to help it. But she does. And when her uncle’s client comes for his demon, that’s when the real danger begins.                                                                     

Review

Marvelous fun and full of action, Robin and the demon, Zylas, are opposites who manage to fit perfectly together. Robin, a shy, passive, bookworm, is incredibly sweet as she tries to find a way to navigate conflict with her uncle in peaceful, assertive ways…and fails. But she keeps trying to improve, and between that and her determination to get what her mother intended her to have, Robin is a fantastic heroine.

Zylas is the exact opposite. Fiercely intelligent, willing to do anything to survive, and more than willing to fight to the death if necessary, Zylas is also wonderfully protective of Robin with a unique, consistently logical, worldview. The two of them make for a great couple, with each learning, not only about the other’s world, but also how to navigate different relationships while still staying themselves. Lots of action while they do it, too, because it turns out Robin isn’t the only one looking for her mother’s grimoire. A great read!

Heir to the Shadows (The Black Jewels #2) by Anne Bishop

Summary

Jaenelle, still healing from her devastating experience, must learn how to form a court she’s doesn’t even want. Backed by Saetan, who treats her as his own daughter, and her new servant/friend, Lucivar, she faces down evil Queens, corrupt courts, and herself. All while waiting for her consort Daemon, who, unbeknownst to her, is healing from his own awful wounds.

Review

Heir to the Shadows, though less about the romance than the first book, is a wonderful exploration of magic and power in a corrupt world needing redemption. Daemon is temporarily moved out of the plot early on, and in a way that should cause some wonderful conflict later. In his place, Jaenelle becomes friends with Lucivar who pledges himself to her as her servant. He’s absolutely wonderful in his devotion and is able to help Jaenelle navigate the threats around her better than anyone else currently near her. Fantastic.

Those who are looking for a continuation of the romance between Daemon and Jaenelle won’t find it here. They’re both very much in need of growth and healing. Not to mention, their separation allows Jaenelle to come into her own, both as queen and an adult.

This is a wonderful look at a powerful woman who has to figure out how to get others to accept that power while forming alliances that make sense and are for the good of all without abusing the power she was given.

That, plus an astounding plot twist, make for a very satisfying book. Though it’s still very dark, I highly recommend it.

Have you read this book, or just think it sounds interesting? Let me know in the comments!

Blade & Rose by Miranda Honfleur (#SelfPubFantasyMonth)

Description

“A kingdom in turmoil or the love of her life. Which one will she save?

“Elementalist Rielle hasn’t heard from her best friend in far too long. Yet no one at the Tower of Magic seems to care about Olivia’s silence, or the curtain of secrecy surrounding the distant capital. Before Rielle can investigate, she’s assigned a strange new mission: escort a paladin named Jon across the kingdom.

“When whispers reveal mercenaries have killed the king, taken the capital, and that no one is coming to help, Rielle can’t leave Olivia in peril. But as infamous mages and deadly assassins hunt Jon, she can’t leave him unprotected either—especially as she finds herself falling for his strength, his passion, and his uncompromising goodness. Her past returns to haunt her, a werewolf stalks their steps, and an ancient evil is gathering, yet the restraints forbidding their love strain and snap one by one.

“Saving Olivia and the kingdom means defying orders and sacrificing her every ambition, and could mean losing the man who’s become so much more to her than a mission. Which will she choose: her best friend and the kingdom, or the love of her life?

“Dive into a medieval world sensual and dark, full of magic and greed, love and blades, where factions vie for influence and there are no easy choices.”

Review

Blade and Rose is an epic fantasy romance that can’t be read in one sitting, but I wanted to.

I confess, I got about a quarter of the way through it and had to stop from sheer exhaustion. Honfleur packs a lot into the first quarter of this book, lots of action, lots of romance. I’m used to shorter books and thought for sure I’d already reached the midpoint of the romance way before the actual midpoint.

I’m glad I took a break and came back to this book. It has to be this long to give the characters and plot the depth they need.

Rielle looks like the typical spunky heroine at first. The book opens with her sneaking off into the night to find out why her best friend isn’t responding to her letters. It was nice to see her reasons for her spontaneous actions and the complicated web that is her past. I found myself liking her more and more as the book progressed, with one scene in particular cementing my good opinion of her. Everything she does is with others in mind and she really does try to think through the consequences of her actions. I respected that, and wanted the best for her by the end of the book.

Jon is a rarity in the books I read: a truly good paladin who does his best to keep his oaths in a way that helps others. Sometimes an author will write a character like that with a snide undertone, or make him a bit pompous or arrogant, or constantly point out the silliness of the oath.

Not here. The oaths Jon has sworn are treated as sacred, the men who make them are human but good at heart, and that makes the conflict in his heart all the more real when he finds his oath in conflict with the world around him.

I loved watching him work out his feelings regarding his oaths and duty. And the respectful resolution of that arc caught me by surprise and made me very pleased.

I have to add here that I completely want Rielle and Jon to end up together. They work well together, respect each other, and are willing to sacrifice greatly for the other.

Brennan was a pleasant surprise. Cast as The Bad Guy in the romance part of this book, he had reasons for his horrible actions, and the reasons actually captured my sympathy. Raised to think himself better than others, he’s arrogant and a more typical sexy than Jon. But this book, though it explains his behavior, never excuses it. However, in spite of all the awful things he did, I still hope he’ll redeem himself by the end of the series. I like him.

The plot is epic, complex, magical, and wonderful. Can’t say anything more without risking spoiling it.

For those looking for sweet romance, there are sex scenes, but the focus is on the emotions and the relationship.

If you liked the politics and realism of Game of Thrones but wished there was more magic and a romance that would get your heart thumping, this is that book. Highly recommended!

Goodreads | Amazon

Puck’s Call draft almost finished; #SelfPubFantasyMonth

Two things. First, I’m almost done with Puck’s Call’s rough draft. If I focus, I think I can finish by the end of this week.

Focus, in this case, means getting out my timer and doing sprints whenever I can. And doing occasional Pomodoros if I think it’ll work within my crazy schedule.

Second, it’s #SelfPubFantasyMonth on Twitter and Instagram. I’m going to try the challenge on Twitter. It’s my first time doing something like this, especially while I’m also trying to write. Not sure how it’ll turn out, but I’m having fun and learning about a lot more indie authors who write fantasy! I recommend taking a look if you get a chance.

Kick-off Post with info about this year’s offerings: https://www.selfpublishedfantasymonth.com/self-published-fantasy-month-kick-off/

Official website: http://www.selfpublishedfantasymonth.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SelfPubFanMonth

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/SelfPubFanMonth

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/1104550-self-published-fantasy-month

Any projects coming to a close? Any self-published fantasy books you’d recommend? Let me know in the comments below?

Sweep in Peace by Ilona Andrews

Summary

Dina Demille agrees to host a peace conference between three warring factions, hoping it will help her find her parents. It isn’t long before she realizes she’s in way over her head. From trying to create rooms that make sure none of the guests murder each other to finding a highly-skilled chef who’s willing to cook fine cuisine with next to no money, she’s exhausted and the peace talks haven’t even started yet!

As the effects of the war that’s brought these factions here become clear, her reasons for helping turn from professional to personal. But is peace even possible after so much pain? And what is she willing to do to ensure it?

Review

I love Dina’s focus. Her determination in this sequel is wonderful to see. Not only does she do everything she knows to keep her guests happy and relaxed, her creativity in solving the more mindane details inspired me. And when she finds peace must jappen, we get to see a side of being an innkeeper that I had no idea existed.

Caldenia returns, and ups her game (didn’t think that was possible). Beast has less chance to shine but is still Dina’s faithful, adorable companion. The melodramatic chef Dina hires for the conference made me smile each time he showed up. I loved just about every line he uttered. And I loved how he was just as dedicated to his craft as Dina is to her guests.

Arland makes another appearance, as does a minor character from the previous book, Nuan Cee.

Arland shows more depth in this book, having spent time in the war that’s brought everyone here. And he has some great moments in this. The scene where he gives another vampire coffee was just great. And his explanation of why this particular war is hell moved me.

Nuan Cee was both adorable and ruthless. And the reason he had, both to fight and to look for peace, broke my heart. I love his family now and look forward to seeing them more in future books.

The otrokars were a surprise, in many ways. I cried. I can’t say much more than that.

I loved every twist and turn in this twisty plot. But if I say mich more, I’m going to write spoilers, so I’ll just say that if you liked Clean Sweep, Sweep in Peace is not only worth your time but a must-read! Highly recommended! Gah!

Masks and Shadows by Stephanie Burgis

Please note, clicking on the image above will take you to the Amazon page for this item. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Summary

Set in 1779, Carlo Morelli, a renowned castrato, has been invited to the Eszterháza Palace, to entertain the nobility . He arrives with an alchemist, who also happens to be a respected member of society, and a Prussian spy. Already at the palace, Charlotte von Steinbeck, sister of Prince Nikolai’s mistress, is trying to find her feet while mourning the loss of her husband, all within the bounds set for a a proper lady, such as herself. When two servants are found murdered by what appear to be supernatural forces, both Carlo and Charlotte must see themselves and others for who they are in order to stop a conspiracy to assassinate the Emperor and Empress themselves.

Details

• Publisher: Pyr
• Publication Date: April 12, 2016
• Language: English
• Print Length: 319 pages
• ISBN-10: 1633881326
• ISBN-13: 978-1633881327
• ASIN: B011G4E23E
• File Size: 1026 KB

Review

I put this book on hold through my local library’s ebook platform almost as soon as I finished Congress of Secrets, which, by the way, is the next book in the series, if this can be called a series. Masks and Shadows came first.

It didn’t disappoint.

Charlotte is the most dutiful widow I think I’ve ever read, and unlike some other dutiful women, she isn’t a hidden firebrand with a snarky tongue. She’s naturally quiet, naturally demure and docile. But there’s strength in her, even and especially in those quiet moments. She also has an enormous passion for music, and its in that passion that we see how deep her love can run for things and people outside herself. Of course, music is only what gives us the glimpse. The rest of the book provides numerous opportunities for Charlotte to shine.

Carlo is intelligent and very tuned to the world around him. He’s also bored by the courts that enticed him when he was younger. Perceptive and with a passion for music that just barely surpasses Charlotte’s, I loved the conflict he feels between the role he feels he must play in order to support himself and the desperate need he has for someone who truly understands him. Watching him and Charlotte slowly fall in love was inspiring.

Though this is a fantasy novel, and magic plays a central role in the story, that’s not the main focus of this book. Music, love, and sweeping emotions play out against the backdrop of dark alchemy and hidden knowledge.

I also have to say that I really enjoyed the setting. I don’t often read fantasy novels set in the 1700s, and I wish there were more of them. Prince Nikolai and his mistress (in reality she was unnamed, but here she’s Charlotte’s sister) come through very clearly, along with many other historical figures of the time.

The subplot with Anna and Hadyn’s troupe caught my attention almost as much as the main plot. I loved the back and forth within the group, the advice Anna gets, the friends she makes. And the way it tied into the main plot was just fantastic.

Though the ending is thrilling and worth every moment spent building up to it, my favorite part was the masked ball. Carlo and Charlotte’s dance, not to mention the costumes they chose, had me squealing with joy.

Overall, a great read. Well worth the time.