The Swordbearer is an early standalone novel by Glen Cook, originally published in 1982 and re-released by Nightshade Books in 2009. If you’re a fan of Glen Cook, whose CHRONICLES OF THE BLACK COMPANY are classics of the genre, this would probably be an interesting read, as you’ll be able to see some of the author’s themes and quirks taking shape. However, taken on its own, The Swordbearer isn’t anywhere near as good as some of Glen Cook’s other works.
Gathrid, the main character,
January 16th, 2010. Stefan Raets´s rating: 1 | Glen Cook | Stand-Alone | SFF Reviews | 2 comments |
Flesh and Fire by Laura Anne Gilman
Jerzy is a slave. He has never known anything but slavery in the Master Vineart’s fields, toiling away at the grape vines that create the magical wine that is so coveted by the powerful and all of the Vinearts. Jerzy’s life is uneventful until one fateful day when he happens to get a face full of the grape mash and feels something magical in the wine. Knowing death is certain now that he, a lowly slave, has tasted the magical brew, the Master summons Jerzy to the main house.
January 16th, 2010. Guest´s rating: 2.5 | Laura Anne Gilman | SFF Reviews | no comments |
Heir of Autumn by Giles Carwyn & Todd Fahnestock
I started Heir of Autumn with skepticism because (1) it’s a first novel (2) by two guys who’ve been friends since high school (3) that begins with a nubile young woman fondling herself as part of her sorcerous training. A few times during the first few chapters, I considered returning it to the library and writing it off as another botched heroic fantasy epic.
Fortunately, I read on.
The bulk of the story occurs in the fabled city-state of Ohndarien,
January 16th, 2010. Rob Rhodes´s rating: 4 | Giles Carwyn | SFF Reviews | no comments |
Death’s Daughter by Amber Benson
She thought the devil wore Prada… until she met the real one!
Before I begin this review, a confession: I’m a sucker for any novel containing cute hellhounds.
Calliope Reaper-Jones is living the life of a typical New York office flunky, dealing with a diva boss, less-hunky-than-advertised blind dates, and a lust for designer clothes she can’t afford. That is, until her father, who happens to be the Grim Reaper himself, is kidnapped and Calliope is swept back into a dangerous supernatural world she’s spent her entire adult life trying to escape.
January 16th, 2010. Kelly Lasiter´s rating: 3.5 | Amber Benson | SFF Reviews | 5 comments |
We’re in total agreement David!
I felt just the same. The prose and character work was excellent. The larger story was unsatisfying, especially compared to…
Hmmm. I think I'll pass.
COMMENT Was I hinting that? I wasn't aware of it. But now that you mention it.... 🤔
So it sounds like you're hinting Fox may have had three or so different incomplete stories that he stitched together,…