April 2020

Audiobook Review: How to Defeat a Demon King in Ten Easy Steps by Andrew Rowe

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How to Defeat a Demon King in Ten Easy Steps
Audible Audio
Published April 30th 2020 by Audible Original

Absolutely loved this one! I wasn’t expecting much from this short Audible Original, but I was blow away by the emotion, humor, and world building the author showcased. The best part of this was upending all the common tropes you see in hero stories, fantasy videogames like Zelda, and conventional problem solving with a (not-too) snarky female lead full of cleverness. I wouldn’t mind reading more stories set in this world with these characters, but this story was wrapped up pretty nicely plot-wise with a story hook for what might happen next.

I was also excited to see I already own one of the author’s other books, Forging Divinity, on my physical TBR and think I will try to read that one this year as well. Here’s to hoping it is just as good!

Summary:

For thousands of years, there has been a cycle: a Demon King rises and conquers, and a Hero is reborn a hundred years later to defeat him. Each time, civilizations are ground to dust beneath the Demon King’s hordes, but humanity has remained secure in the belief that a Hero of legend will always save them. There’s just one slight problem. It’s only been 23 years since the Demon King’s latest rise, and this time, he’s already conquered more than half the world. If humanity simply waits for the Hero’s return, there may be no world left for him to save.

And so, Yui Shaw sets out with an ambitious plan. A 10-step plan.

She’ll find a way to obtain the Hero’s legendary sword. She’ll earn obscure classes, gain levels, and increase her skills. She’ll travel to the meticulously-crafted dungeons that seem designed for one specific Hero to complete. And, if she’s truly (un)fortunate, she might even find a fairy.

She might not be a Hero—but if she can fake it long enough, she might still be able to save the world.

***

This book is an affectionate parody of classic Japanese games like The Legend of Zelda, Final Fantasy, and Dragon Quest. It’s also a work in the LitRPG/GameLit subgenres. Game mechanics exist in the world of the story and characters are aware of their existence.

Book Review: Starbreaker by Amanda Bouchet

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Starbreaker (Endeavor, #2)
Mass Market Paperback, 448 pages
Published April 28th 2020 by Sourcebooks Casablanca

This was a book that I was excited to read when it released, but as the year 2020 goes, I just didn’t get around to it. I’m happy to report that this book was just as compelling as the first one in the series, and I can’t wait to read book three!

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Book Review: The Wolf of Cape Fen by Juliana Brandt – Post Thirteen of Stay Home Order

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The Wolf of Cape Fen

Hardcover, 336 pages
Published April 7th 2020 by Sourcebooks Young Readers

I want to start by saying thanks for Sourcebooks for granting my request for a physical ARC of this title back before the pandemic made everything go crazy.

Saturday afternoon I just wanted to get away from the television and computer, so I took this book into the library, where I read the whole thing start to finish in one sitting of about three hours.  This was largely in part of the author’s great writing and also because I found myself wanting to discover the riddle to the mystery presented.

But at the end, I was dissatisfied.  I didn’t want to be, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that I wanted a different ending.  I think this was due to two things.  One, I am not the target audience, which is a middle grade reader.  (Although if I had read this as a young person, I don’t think I would have liked it much better.)  Two, I don’t think I caught enough context clues for the ending to be a clear summation of them.  Perhaps I was reading too quickly and missed them.  More likely I am just being overly critical.

This is the type of book that I would recommend adding to a library collection for public or school due to its interesting nature and different take on the mystery and fantasy genres combined.  I also think that many fantasy readers will also enjoy this regardless of age.  I want to go back to my earlier comment about the author’s writing style because I do think she did a fabulous job.  The pacing and character development were great and were the reasons that I finished the book in one sitting.  And did you see that gorgeous cover?

Definitely give this one a chance or share it someone younger who’s into fantasy or mystery.

Summary:

First Frost has touched Cape Fen, and that means Baron Dire has returned. For as long as anyone can remember, Baron Dire has haunted the town come winter, striking magical bargains and demanding unjust payment in return. The Serling sisters know better than to bargain, lest they find themselves hunted by the Baron’s companion, the Wolf.

Then the Wolf attacks Eliza’s sister Winnie. They manage to escape, but they know the Wolf will be back, because the Wolf only attacks those who owe the Baron Dire. Winnie would never bargain, so that must mean that someone has struck a deal with Winnie as the price.

Eliza embarks on a journey to save her sister, but as she untangles the links between Baron Dire, the Wolf, and her family, she discovers a complicated web of bargains that cross all of Cape Fen. If Eliza can learn the truth, she might be able to protect her sister, but the truth behind the bargain could put her own life in danger.

Book Review: The Assassin’s Gift by Claire Boston – Post Twelve of Stay Home Order

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The Assassin's Gift (The Emperor's Conspiracy, #1)

350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 6th 2020 by Bantilly Publishing

I received an e-arc of this book through Reedsy Discovery in exchange for an honest review.

I was most impressed with the author’s ability to convey complex and authentic emotions, which made this novel compelling to the point of obsession.  I found myself staying up late and ditching Animal Crossing to learn what happens next!  The pacing matched the level of care taken with the emotions making this a marvelous escape during this crazy time.

Although categorized as an adult fantasy, I believe that anyone who enjoys young adult or new adult fantasy would enjoy this great piece of literature.  I was reminded of the Indian captive stories that I was obsessed with as a middle grade reader.  As with those, I loved seeing an outsider learning about their ignorance and embracing another culture.  This story has Asian influence, and I loved the juxtaposition of cultures.

I was excited to learn that this will be a three book series; however, it looks like the main character will switch for the second book.  So I’m assuming that book three will also have a different main character.  Either way, the other books should be just as amazing if the author continues her care and craft of genuine emotions.

Summary:

She’s trained to kill. But is her prey the man she’s ordered to eliminate… or the one who sent her?

Princess Lien reserves her loyalty for her uncle, the emperor. Groomed as his secret assassin after he took her in, her first target is the khan of the barbarians responsible for her parents’ murder. But her supernatural speed is no help when the monarch betroths her to the man she’s meant to slay.

Waking naked in the enemy camp far from the palace and her pet dragon, Lien is horrified to find she’s imprisoned by the ruthless tribe—and they know her true mission. Refusing to believe her uncle betrayed her, she vows to become his spy. But as evidence that she’s on the wrong side mounts, it will test her fidelity and honor.

Can Lien unravel a web of deceit in time to stop the real traitor?

The Assassin’s Gift is the first book in the riveting Emperor’s Conspiracy fantasy series. If you like strong heroines, loyalties challenged, and treacherous battles, then you’ll love Claire Boston’s enthralling adventure.

 

What to Read: April 2020 – Post Seven of Stay Home Order

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So March was a hard month for me and reading full novels.  I read plenty of graphic novels, but I just couldn’t find the focus for longer narratives of just text.  Until the very last week of the month when Amanda Bouchet’s Nightchaser helped pull me out of the pandemic slump and anxiety.  But it was slow going, and as I mentioned yesterday, I fell to the Animal Crossing bandwagon of fun and joy 🙂  Anyway, here is what I’m hoping to read and shout about this month as time allows.

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