This is going to be a bare bones kind of post today as I am not feeling too well. Since last Wednesday I have read two full books and two short stories, so I am doing well, I suppose! Anyway, here they are with the blurbs…

First, the short stories:

Both of these novellas were recommended on the Science Fiction and Fantasy book group that I follow on Facebook. I have read them before, a long time ago, but they definitely deserved a re-read!

The blurbs are very short…

First The Mountains of Mourning by Lois McMaster Bujold…

Twenty year old Ensign Miles Vorkosigan plays detective in a murder case, and tests the balance of power as a member of the Barrayaran nobility

Even if you are not interested in this brilliant Science Fiction series by Bujold, this short story is well worth reading with its themes of disability and prejudice.

My second story was Ursula K Le Guin’s The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas…

Some inhabitants of a peaceful kingdom cannot tolerate the act of cruelty that underlies its happiness.

This is a beautifully written tale which gives the reader so much to contemplate.

Now, to move on to the full novels…

The first book was the latest in R K Lander’s multiple series about her “The Silvan” character: Quest for Adakia. This is the blurb…

War is no longer a whisper in the shadows—it is gathering strength.

As the threat of Tarwenol Antadak grows, the Sons of Adakia—and the One foretold—must unlock the true nature of their gifts if they are to stand against a master of forbidden magic. But understanding their power may demand sacrifices they are not yet ready to make.

While the Adaks raise an army in preparation for invasion, Fel’annár and The Company ride hard across the Silvan Outlands, seeking allies before the coming storm breaks. In Boscandor, the legendary Kah Warriors may hold the key to survival—if Fel’annár can earn their trust and persuade them that Duanib is their enemy.

Meanwhile, Queen Duanib tightens her ruthless grip on the throne, preparing for Tarwenol’s arrival. Deception festers in her court as Orsal walks a perilous line, risking everything to undermine her from within. And beyond it all, the Antadak’s corrupting magic spreads like a sickness, enthralling minds, and twisting the truth beyond recognition.

Can Thargodén unite the fractured Outlands? Can Fel’annár gather the allies he needs before it is too late? Or will Tarwenol Antadak rise unchallenged and plunge Adakia into shadow?

As I began to read this book, it took me a while to remember the fairly large cast of characters and the complex back story, but when I got myself up to speed, I did enjoy the book and I am now looking forward to the next episode!

Now we have reached the final read of the week: The Everlasting by Alix E Harrow. Here is the blurb…

A legend. A lie. A love story.

A lady-knight whose legend built a nation meets a retiring historian in awe of her fame. He’s sent back through time to make sure she plays her part . . . even if it breaks his heart.

Sir Una Everlasting was Dominion’s greatest hero: the orphaned girl who became a knight, who died for queen and country. Her legend lives on in songs and stories, in children’s books and recruiting posters – but her life as it truly happened has been forgotten. Centuries later, Owen Mallory – failed soldier, struggling scholar – falls in love with the tale of Una Everlasting. Her story takes him to war, to the archives, and then into the past itself. Una and Owen are tangled together in time, bound to retell the same story over and over again, no matter what it costs. But that story always ends the same way.

If they want to rewrite Una’s legend, and finally tell a different story, they’ll have to rewrite history itself – and change their lives in the process.

This was such an unusual book. OK, there were echos of other works, one particular film comes to mind, but I must say that I am amazed by the author’s handling of such a complex plot. The writing is beautiful, heart breaking, shattering and shocking in turn. I almost became lost in the plot twists, but somehow she pulls off this wonderful work. I now want to go and read her other books and I hope that they are as good as this one!

Now I am going to pick up my latest book and hope that I can immerse myself into another world of dark fantasy, with just a touch of humour!

Happy Reading, everyone!

Love and best wishes,

Anne

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