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Thursday, October 31, 2019

Solace Lost by Michael Sliter (Reviewed by Justine Bergman)




AUTHOR INFORMATION: Michael Sliter was born in the deep wilds of Cleveland, Ohio, where he fought off at least two siblings for scraps of pizza. His bedroom, growing up, was a monument to fantasy, containing a stack of worn and well-read books, a medieval Lego civilization spanning half the room, and a very real sword circa World War II.

Though always fascinated with the written word, Michael ended up with only a minor in writing, instead majoring in Psychology (Hiram College, OH). He later went on to complete his M.S. and Ph.D. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology (Bowling Green State University, OH)—overall spending a larger portion of his life than strictly necessary in school. Following, Michael was a psych professor for a time, and then moved into the real world to help organizations hire the right people.

He attempted to write some childish fantasy novels in the past, all abandoned as derivative refuse. It wasn’t until his daughter was born that he decided to begin writing in earnest. The outcome is the Pandemonium Rising series, currently 50% complete with Solace Lost and Wisdom Lost having been published. It explores complex psychological themes of isolation, coping with trauma, faith, warfare, prejudice, magic, explosions, and fantastical violence. Also more magic, plus a couple more explosions.

Today, you can find Michael back in the Cleveland area, where he lives with his wife, daughter, and chiweenie. They are quite tolerant of his writing, reading, video game, and racquetball habits.

FORMAT/INFO: Solace Lost is 559 pages long, divided over 39 chapters and an epilogue. It is the first entry in the Pandemonium Rising series. The book is currently available in ebook and paperback formats, as well as on Kindle Unlimited. It was self-published by the author on April 10, 2018. Cover art by René Aigner. Cover design and maps done by David O'Meara.

CLASSIFICATION: Epic Fantasy, Grimdark Fantasy

ANALYSIS: Ardia is on the brink of war. A tyrant, a mystery, and an enigma seek to bring the populace to its knees in submission, while horrors driven by hunger and rage are to be unleashed to drench the land in blood. The lives of four individuals are entwined, their sole purpose is to stop the vileness from prevailing, but the world is set on trying them every step of the way. Where magic and savagery prevails, will they be able to hold back the tide of destruction, or will their country be ultimately consumed by darkness?

Solace Lost is the the first installment in Michael Sliter’s Pandemonium Rising series, and is a merciless and devastating character-centric grimdark novel defined by its brutality and tone of utter desperation. At its heart, beneath the blood and gore, it's a tale of strength and holding onto faith when all hope is lost. It's about finding your rightful place, despite the hostilities of the world, or the all-powerful urges to conform. While this is a story of war, it’s also a true examination into one angle of the age-old psychological debate of nature versus nurture; everyone is born with the predisposition to good and the propensity to evil, and they are a product of their environment. I’ll be completely honest with you, there surely is no rest for the wicked in Sliter’s debut, as heinous atrocities gloriously seep from almost every single page, and the world we're delivered to aptly reflects this.

This is a story that focuses most on its characters and their development in response to the bleak environment they’re subjected to. Presented with four points of view of highly diverse backgrounds – namely those of Fenrir Coldbreaker, Emma Dran, Hafgan Iwan, and Merigold Hinter – each chapter follows one certain character, and also expresses a subtly distinct tone. It isn’t difficult to decipher whose eyes we’re peering through due to this well-executed mechanism. As the story progresses, and they’re each exposed to the savagery mankind is capable of, we begin to see the evolution of the characters’ mindsets as tones begin to shift. Once proud, now apathetic. Once broken, now steadfast. Once callous, now righteous. Once innocent, now corrupted. I thought this gradual deviation was a brilliant way to showcase advancement without forcing us to make judgements based on their actions alone.

In addition to carefully crafted characters, the worldbuilding is where Sliter truly shines. Ardia is a land rich in deep, complex history, and full of many different walks of sentient life, all struggling to coexist. The detailed lore and religious foundations, both explained in short insights peppered throughout, also serve as driving forces for events in this story. We’re initially introduced to slight instances of magic, one that continues to grow and become more interesting and destructive as the chapters progress. Vividly described environments and systematic social structures strongly draw you into this fleshed out world dominated by violence and bloodshed. I will admit that at times I felt like I was being presented with too much information that seemingly had no effect on the story at hand, but as this is the first book in an epic fantasy series, an ample amount of details is expected to set up the rest of the slated tetralogy.

Sliter tells this tale with simple, straightforward prose, overflowing with cringe-worthy, lucid details that managed to make even me uncomfortable at times (this is a feat in itself). His ability to evoke emotional feedback is outstanding, touching upon some genuinely shocking topics, taking those grimdark tropes we all know and love, and cranking up the volume to max. As with many stories in this particular genre, mostly everyone and everything falls into a morally gray area, concrete heroes are nowhere to be found, but villains are immensely villainous. My only bits of criticism for the entirety of the book would be pointed towards several parts of the narrative suffering from slow pacing, and I also found myself looking forward to chapters pertaining to certain characters rather than the others.

Solace Lost is a solid debut and treat for fans of (extremely) dark and grimdark fantasy. Regardless of its slow pacing, the underlying plot is highly intriguing, keeping the pages turning just to discover what happens next. Fair warning, this book contains several events that may be difficult to read, including rape and torture, but I thought they were successfully used as vehicles for both plot and character development as the story continued. We're left at a point where the fate of all hangs in the balance with lots of 'what-if's and 'WHAT?!'s – that epilogue blew my mind...it's imperative I continue with Wisdom Lost, book two of Pandemonium Rising, to see the consequences of that little morsel of deviousness! If you're on the hunt for a read involving the bloody politics of war, some beautifully constructed characters, and a highly detailed world, then I recommend giving this one a shot.

Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Hunters & Collectors by Matt Suddain (reviewed by Łukasz Przywóski)


Order Hunters & Collectors over HERE (USA) & HERE (UK)

OFFICIAL AUTHOR INFORMATION: M. Suddain was born on a farm in New Zealand. When he was eight, he wrote a novella called Between & Beyond, about an explorer who travels between universes. He later earned a bachelorâe(tm)s degree in film and worked as a graphic artist before becoming a successful journalist and satirist.


FORMAT/INFO: Hunters & Collectors is 512 pages long and is standalone. The book was published by Jonathan Cape, an imprint of Vintage Digital in June 2016.  


OVERVIEW: Suddain’s Hunters & Collectors is one of my favorite books ever. It pains me to see it doesn’t get more hype and recognition. It deserves both. 

The book defies easy categorizations but if you like them think about interstellar thriller mixed with horror and grotesque. Add strong prose (deliberately switching from eloquent and lyrical to gutter-talk) and vivid imagination to the mix and prepare for a wild ride across the galaxy’s best cuisines. The main character, a food critic who prefers to call himself a forensic gastronomer, Jonathan Tamberlain leads an adventurous life dedicated to finding the perfect meal.  


Nicknamed Tomahawk,  he is self-absorbed, opinionated and finicky. Restaurateurs and chefs fear him or hate him. And for a reason - when it comes to food, Tamberlain has no mercy, especially for those who kill it twice. He holds tightly to his passion and never let go. It infuses his life with meaning and purpose and becomes the motivator for everything he does. As a result, he rarely pays attention to other people and their feelings. He throws misogynistic and homophobic remarks around and behaves badly but somehow remains likable and relatable. 


Remember when you were young? When you had few cares and infinite potential? When you owned the world and almost nothing in it? Remember when you weren’t just a ghost who changes faces to suit the weather, or a strange device used by others to manufacture their happiness, but a true being with lungs filled with stories, eyes bruised with happiness?

At one point early in the story, he becomes obsessed with tasting a perfect meal at a fabled Hotel Grand Skies, "a secretive and exclusive haven where the rich and famous retreat to bask in perfect seclusion. A Place where the waiters know their fish knife from their butter knife, their carotid from their subclavian artery, and are trained to enforce the house rules with brutal efficiency". 

Helped by his agent David Woodbine, also known as The Beast, and his body-guard Gladys, with whom he shares a difficult history, Tomahawk sets on a quest. The constant back and forth between them made me laugh numerous times and I consider it one of the book’s many highlights. When they reach their destination, an already weird story goes bonkers. 
There are principles higher than mere survival. It’s not enough to live this life; there must be a quality to living. There are minimum standards. If a man can’t get an upgrade when almost every other guest in the entire hotel has been brutally murdered, then something is wrong.
The parts of the story that take place in the hotel will creep you out. Things take a strange and dark twist, but even grotesque atrocities are bathed in a deliciously dark and absurd sense of humor. Things get surreal, and the narrative form is quite unique as we follow the story via notes and letters written by unreliable Tomahawk whose imagination runs wild. Some of his notes tell the story, some share his philosophical ramblings, fears, and deepest thoughts.
God, how I hate the future. It’s a cult. A tyranny of progress. And anyone who speaks against it is shunned. But all tyrannies must efficiently erase the past if they’re to work. I like the past. The past was solid, simple, and real. The rooms were large, the food was good, and we knew who our enemies were. I feel misty for old tyrannies. The ones which beat you, enslaved you, tried to break your spirit, and in doing so gave your life the only enhancement it really needs: a sense of purpose. The tyranny of the future doesn’t take away our choices; it swamps us in them. It doesn’t curb our freedoms; it tube-feeds us with them until we rupture like neglected factory geese.
I’ve never read anything quite like Hunters&Collectors and I bet you haven’t either. It won't appeal to everyone. Readers enjoying linear plots will probably loathe it. Readers looking for a certain level of weirdness and unpredictability will enjoy it. While I'm not partial to comparing books I'll risk saying that fans of Scott Hawkins' Library at Mount Char will find a similar tone in Hunters & Collectors. 

My opinion? I love this book. I absolutely love it. It's hilarious, unnerving, addicting and thought-provoking.


Monday, October 28, 2019

SPFBO: FBC Finalist Announcemement (by David Stewart, Justine Bergman, Łukasz Przywóski, & Mihir Wanchoo)



Today is the day! We have chosen our champion, and we’re excited to announce
the winner and runners-up.

First, we want to thank each and every one of you who took the time to participate in the contest. We sincerely appreciate it, and we had a great time reading all of your entries. After getting through the batch of thirty books, we’ve picked six semi-finalists, each for a different reason. We’ve enjoyed all of them, and the prospect of sawing off another five entries held no appeal to us. Unfortunately, SPFBO rules require us to make tough decisions. Such is the harsh reality of this bloodbath contest.


Friday, October 25, 2019

SPFBO: Semifinalist Interview with Allison Pang (Interviewed by Łukasz Przywóski)



Order Magpie's Song over HERE (USA) or HERE (UK)
FBC's Review of Magpie's Song is right HERE
Allison's webcomic Fox & Willow can be found on Tapas and Webtoons as well as here 


Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Exclusive Cover Reveal: The Arkhel Conundrum by Sarah Ash + Q&A with the author (by Justine Bergman & Mihir Wanchoo)




Sarah Ash is an author whom I got introduced to thanks to her Tears Of Artamon trilogy It was right around the time that I was discovering the wonders of the fantasy genre. Amid the titans of the fantasy genre, I found her world inspired by east European/Russian legends as well as Dracula to be refreshingly unique. Sarah's world was filled with characters of all stripes, magic that was ancient and terrifying, plus a plot that slowly turned towards an apocalypse. All in all her books hold a special place in my heart and I've over the years begged her to continue the story. Previously I've blogged about them and the fascinating world that she had created.

A few days ago she unfurled a big surprise by requesting us to hold a cover reveal for the sequel book to the Tears Of Artamon trilogy. I was able to convince her amid my giddiness to answer a few questions about the spectacular cover & what readers can expect from this fourth volume

Without further ado, may we present
The Arkhel Conundrum



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The Arkhel Conundrum by Sarah Ash                                        (Cover art by Les Edwards/Edward Miller)
Welcome back to Fantasy Book Critic Sarah, it’s truly a pleasure for allowing us this opportunity to host this cover reveal. How have you been?
SA: It’s truly a pleasure to be invited back, Mihir – thank you so much!

What made you decide to come back to world of Artamon after a decade?
SA: In truth, I’ve never been away. (Although I enjoyed myself very much writing Tide Dragons, the two-volume fantasy series set in Heian Japan which I brought out in 2014 and 2018.) But I was also writing about how Kaspar Linnaius first became a magus in Drakomancer (a novel I’d still like to bring out if I get the chance) and that led me to return to Gavril and Kiukiu.

You have had some wonderful cover art with the Artamon books (US, French & UK covers)? Please tell us about your artist Les Edwards/Edward Miller and why you decided to go with him?
SA: Les Edwards/Edward Miller and I go way back as Les was the cover artist for The Lost Child (Orion/Gollancz 1998) and created a very atmospheric cover image that was just right for a story set in an alternate medieval French kingdom. I then fell in love with Edward’s work when I saw his art for the Subterranean Press editions of Scott Lynch (those luminous colours!). So he was my Number One artist to go to – and I was really thrilled when he accepted the commission. Les/Edward has created a remarkable range of inspiring art for Horror, Science Fiction and Fantasy and his site is well worth a visit.

Let’s talk about that gorgeous vista cover. How did it all come together? What were your instructions/suggestions for it? How did you and the artist collaborate to create the fascinating cover?
SA: I was so pleased when I saw the cover art that I confess I shed a few tears (of happiness!); it was just what I was hoping for. Here’s the brief that I sent to the artist (as well as the synopsis and first chapters):
"Much of the book is set in wintertime in Azhkendir, ‘the land of snow and shadows’ in Gavril Nagarian’s kastel which is set between the forest of Kerjhenez and the mountains."

My French editor, Stephane Marsan (Bragelonne) once said to me that he preferred covers with landscapes. (Something that Les Edwards and Edward Miller are very good at doing!) One of your paintings on the website that I keep returning to is the wonderfully vertiginous ‘The Gorge’, which I love. The other artwork I keep returning to is ‘Footprints in the Snow’ because of the snowscape which feels ‘right’ for a snow scene.’

The Arkhel Conundrum by Sarah Ash

Let’s talk about The Arkhel Conundrum’s chronological place in the Artamon saga, how far along is the book set after the events of Children Of The Serpent Gate & Flight Into Darkness?
SA: Even though I was tempted to do a Twenty Years After (or Artamon TNG) and even began to outline what would happen to the grown-up children of the main protagonists, I knew instinctively (and from readers’ requests) that I just had to explore what happened immediately after Children of the Serpent Gate. So it starts roughly nine months after the fall of the Serpent Gate. I wanted to find out how Gavril would fare without his daemon Drakhaoul, Khezef. Has he returned unscathed from the Serpent Gate after Khezef’s final departure – or is he damaged in some way? And then there’s the matter of the promise made by Kiukiu to the Guardian of the Jade Springs in return for the restoration of her youth. Embarking on married life with so many secrets that can’t be mutually shared is probably not the best start for the young couple. Is their love for each other strong enough to survive?

Can you share something about the book that’s not mentioned in the blurb and why fans of the Artamon saga should be excited for this new addition?
SA:The hint is in the title: The Arkhel Conundrum! And here is a little extract from a conversation between Emperor Eugene and Baron Sylvius, the imperial spymaster:

But all the Arkhels perished in the Clan Wars; all, except Jaromir.”

Apparently not. My agents were following up on a quite different lead in Tourmalise when they stumbled upon some unexpected information.”

If I mention that adventuress Lilias Arbelian is also in Tourmalise, fans of the earlier Artamon stories will realize that she’s probably up to no good...

Thank you for your time Sarah and for giving fans like me a return into the lives of Kiukiu, Gavril, Eugene, etc. According to you, what will be thing that makes this fourth volume a special one?
SA: Thank you so much for inviting me to talk about the new book, Mihir – it’s because of your encouragement and the much appreciated comments from other fans that I’ve been able to return to the world of Artamon and spend more time with the characters! But what also makes this fourth volume special for me is the appearance of new characters (that I hope readers will enjoy meeting) and the chance to investigate some of the darker mysteries that lie behind the origins of the Drakhaouls.
The Arkham Conundrum by Sarah Ash

Order The Arhkel Conundrum HERE (US) and HERE (UK)

OFFICIAL BLURB: Azhkendir, land of snow and shadows, harbours many secrets – and a powerful ancient winter deity is awakened when a foreign mining company begins to strip out the rare mineral resources beneath the mountains. Old clan hatreds are stirred up. The High Steward of Azhkendir, Lord Gavril, and his wife, Spirit Singer Kiukiu, hope to seek help from the Emperor Eugene. But their onetime enemy turned ally is distracted by his competition to build a flying machine. Is someone from their past trying to destabilize the fragile peace of the empire? Or are there supernatural forces involved? The Magus, Kaspar Linnaius, may have the answers...but he has disappeared and no one knows where he is or how to contact him.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Cover Reveal: Spit And Song by Travis Riddle + Q&A with the author (by Justine Bergman)



Official Author Website
Order Spit and Song HERE (US) and HERE (UK)

Travis M. Riddle's Balam, Spring was a read so remarkably distinct and unlike anything I had read before, so I was beyond excited when he reached out to us to help him present the cover of his upcoming novel Spit and Song. Balam's in-depth character-centric plot, ability to convey such strong tones of both sorrow and hopefulness, and its impeccable worldbuilding were such standout traits that left me craving more. In fact, I pulled this directly from my review: "I'm really looking forward to exploring more of this world in the future." And guess what! We finally get to continue our journey through this weird and wonderful world Travis has created! He was also kind enough to stop by give and us a sneak peek along with some details on the content behind the cover, which we're thrilled to share with you all today.

Without further ado, may we present
Spit and Song



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Spit and Song by Travis M. Riddle
Thank you for joining us, Travis, and welcome to Fantasy Book Critic! Tell us a little about yourself and how you began your writing career.
TMR: Thank you all for having me! As everyone has probably surmised by now, my name is Travis Riddle, and I’m a writer living in Austin, TX. I’ve been writing ever since I was a kid, ripping off all my favorite stuff and writing a novelization of Final Fantasy IX. I published my first book Wondrous in early 2017, then followed that up with Balam, Spring and The Narrows last year.

Give us an idea of how Spit and Song came to fruition? What was your inspiration for this story?
TMR: My original idea for the story came from a seed planted at the end of Balam, with one of its main characters Aava going off to see her brother Svend, who requests her help. There were some bones of this story that ended up staying the same, but in the initial version Svend was a POV character and Aava was supporting, with a few other characters that never came to be. Eventually as I kept writing I realized the story was going in a far different direction, and I ended up excising Aava and Svend completely and setting the story 30 years after Balam, in a totally different country. But there are certain (spoilery) elements from that version that carried over! In fact, Svend’s storyline was part of the original idea that became Balam, so…maybe someday I will finally get to divulge what’s going on with Svend.

Aside from that, I really wanted to write about a topic that’s been plaguing me for the past year or so, which is a struggle I’m sure a lot of artists deal with, especially those who are trying to break out independently. It’s always such an uphill battle, and I find myself flitting back and forth between feeling super driven, determined to do everything possible to accomplish my goals, and…just thinking it’s futile and wanting to chill at home playing video games or watching a movie or something. Have fun with my free time rather than continue grinding.

Spit and Song by Travis M. Riddle

Alright, we need the details on that gorgeous cover. Who's the artist/designer, and can you give us a little insight into the process for coming up with that incredible scene? And is...is that a giant armadillo?!
TMR: The artwork is done by the amazing Amir Zand (www.amirzandartist.com), who also did the artwork for Balam! Since up to this point all of my books were standalones taking place in different worlds, I felt it was important to work with different artists to give them each their own distinct aesthetic and style, so because I was returning to this world I wanted to keep that same art style, and thankfully Amir was able to slot me into his busy schedule.

I like to let the artist follow their own instincts as far as exact design and colors and all that, so all I told Amir was that it needed to be in the desert, with two people and a mount looking out at a crashed airship. I described what the characters and mount looked like, but let him do whatever else he wanted with the piece, including the airship’s design. I think it turned out fantastic, and it’s one of my favorite pieces Amir has ever done.

And that is indeed a giant armadillo! Basically, anyway; in Ustlia, that’s a creature called an ayote, the primary mount for desert travel.

Can you share with us something about the book that isn’t in the blurb?
TMR: There’s a lot of weird stuff in this book. I was really going for weird, and I’m hoping I delivered on that front haha. Going into it, I knew I wanted to explore something that I feel like I don’t see terribly often in fantasy, oddly enough, which is totally non-humanoid races.

In this book I introduce three races that aren’t in Balam at all (I guess four if you count qarms, since they technically weren’t in that book but they were mentioned once or twice), and I wanted them all to be very un-humanlike to set the world of Ustlia apart from others you’ve read about before. That was also why I wanted both POV characters to be non-humans.

The first new race are faifs, the most humanoid of the three. They look like humans, but their skin is different shades of swirling pastels and they sustain on sunlight and sugary foods rather than normal food—essentially, they’re flower-people. One of the main characters, Kali, is a faif.

The second are centripts, who are essentially giant centipedes who speak a language called Carsuak. They’ve built up most of the cities and other architecture throughout the desert country of Herrilock and are currently suffering from a disease called the mold, which infects different segments of their bodies, eventually causing them to burst and knock their carapace pieces off, eventually ending with the same thing happening to their heads. The third are ujaths, and we only meet one of them in the novel, but I’ll not spoil that moment for you because it’s one of my favorites.


I understand Spit and Song is set in the same world as your novel Balam, Spring. When you were writing that did you know you'd be returning here again in the future?
TMR: When I set out to write Balam, I knew from the start that it would be a standalone novel, and that I wanted to design the world in such a way that I could jump back into it whenever and tell more standalone stories. I love the idea of just having this huge sandbox to play around in, hopping in at any point in the timeline and in any part of the world to tell whatever specific story I want to tell.

Balam, Spring is an incredible example of slice-of-life fantasy; what made you decide to write a more adventurous story infused with comedy?
TMR: Thank you, I really appreciate that! Truthfully, I didn’t really write Balam intending for it to be slice-of-life and in fact I never thought of it in that genre until reviewers and readers started to call it that, so now I’m rolling with it. I just wanted a large focus on the characterization and interpersonal relationships, and that’s what ended up coming out.

Spit and Song was the same way. I just started writing what felt natural for the story—again, a focus on characterization and the relationship between these two characters, so that combined with some of the pacing might lead some to call this semi-slice-of-life as well—and so a lot of the comedy ended up coming from this character Puk, who just ended up being a much more absurd, stupid, strange individual than I thought he’d be, and writing comedy around him just felt right.

As for why it’s more adventurous, since Balam was very deliberately set in one single location, I knew that when I revisited this world I didn’t want to just repeat myself. One approach could have been to craft a new story taking place in one setting, and that could be the “gimmick” for all the books set in this world, but I wanted each book to feel distinct and fresh, so I wanted to check out a lot of different locales and meet lots of varied people. I think all four of my books now are pretty hugely different from each other, aside from my focus on character, and I’m striving not to write the same book twice.

Was the writing process different and did you face any challenges with this subgenre shift?
TMR: The overall process wasn’t too different, but it did take a lot longer. Ironically (or maybe not?) I found myself struggling a lot with the same issues as Puk as far as lack of inspiration, and so there were a few long stretches of time when I just didn’t write.

What I struggled with a lot, and was kind of inspiration for the story’s themes, was the self-imposed pressure of the indie publishing community and this sentiment out there that you have to be writing, writing, writing constantly in order to find any sort of success, which I wrote about a bit in a blog post (http://www.travismriddle.com/blog/2019/5/1/a-song-of-guilt-amp-pressure) when it was really weighing me down. I had to tell myself that it was alright to take a little time off and just enjoy myself, and eventually the story got out!

Can Spit and Song be read as a standalone, or would it benefit readers to be familiar with the events of Balam, Spring?
TMR: Yeah, Spit and Song is written to be 100% standalone. There are some minor connections to an event during Balam and some other subtle references, but it’s a case of the reader getting a slightly deeper experience or understanding if they’ve read that book already—you’ll still get every piece of info necessary to enjoy this book within its own pages. No prior knowledge necessary!

How did you come up with the title Spit and Song?
TMR: The title was actually one of the hardest parts of this thing, hahah. Honestly I did not fully decide on a title until the day before I fired off the first ARC to a reviewer. For the entire writing process it was called Shipwreck in the Sandswept Sea, which I thought had a neat sort of adventure-y alliteration to it and also conjured a weird image, but I was always unsure of it and it got mixed reactions from beta readers.

While revising, I was trying to come up with new titles. I came up with a few that were okay, but I settled on Spit and Song because it sounds weird and gross, which is what I want and fits the world these characters explore, and it also illustrates the dichotomy of the book’s themes pretty well, that feeling of being torn between your passion—song—and just wanting to ignore it all and enjoy yourself—spit, which is a reference to a drug in the book called fire-spit.

What do you hope your readers take away from this book?
TMR: I hope they walk away feeling the same love for Kali and Puk as I have, and had a fun, weird, unique experience along the way in a world that’s hopefully unlike any they’ve ever seen before. And if they’re an artist, I hope they can—well, maybe it’s rude to say I hope they relate hahah, but I at least hope they can empathize and see themselves in these characters and be inspired and amused by their story.

Thank you again for taking the time to chat with us, Travis. When can we get our hands on Spit and Song? Anything else you have going on right now that you'd like the world to know about?
TMR: Thank you, Justine! Spit and Song will be available on November 19, and you can preorder the e-book now for 99 cents for a limited time. For more updates you can sign up for my newsletter on my website (www.travismriddle.com) and follow me on Twitter/Instagram, both @traviswanteat.


Order Spit and Song HERE (US) and HERE (UK)

Official Blurb
Kali is a merchant who yearns to leave the harsh deserts of Herrilock and travel across the sea, trading goods and soaking in the sights and cultures. With a new potion on the market undercutting her profits, though, her seabound dreams are put on hold indefinitely.

Failed musician Puk hits rock bottom after yet another catastrophic performance. Wandering the city streets in search of any sip of booze or whiff of fire-spit he can get his hands on, he resigns to the fact that he’s stuck in the desert with no way back home to Atlua.

Until one day, their paths cross with an illicit job opportunity. With its hefty payday, Kali and Puk could afford to finally escape the desert heat and set sail across the gulf.

The black market job would see them travel endless dunes on a road made from a massive dead beast’s ribs and out to a mythical city in the sea, scuffling with monsters and thugs in search of a long-lost book that might be the most dangerous object in the world.

How hard could it really be?

Monday, October 21, 2019

SPFBO Semifinalist Mini-Reviews: Magpie's Song by Allison Pang & Ayana by Geetha Krishnan (reviewed by Lukasz Przyswoski & Mihir Wanchoo)



Official Author Website
Order the book HERE

OVERVIEW/ANALYSIS: Magpie’s Song defies easy categorization. It mixes elements of steampunk, dystopia, coming-of-age, and dark fantasy into a singular blend.

BrightStone, ruled from above by the technologically advanced Meridians, is a dangerous city rife with crime and poverty. Its citizens struggle with everyday life, lack of perspectives, and a rampaging and lethal plague known as Rot. Only Moon Children, Meridian half-breeds, seem immune to the devastating effects of the disease, and that makes them useful, but only to lead Rot victims into the dreaded Pits, a place no one returns from.

While you’ll find snippets of humor here and there, the story goes into dark places and has a serious tone overall. Titular Magpie, a Moon Child known as Raggy Maggy, is a half-breed caught between two worlds–the run-down city of BrightStone and the floating city of Meridion. When she’s framed for a crime she didn’t commit, she has to trust exiled Meridian doctor and a clanless Moon Child named Ghost to discover the cause of the Rot and the secret behind her own lineage.

Mags is a great character. An outcast who doesn’t belong anywhere. She cares for one person. She finds freedom in rooftop dancing and her prowess in climbing, leaping, gliding through the city would put most traceurs to shame. Only Ghost does it better than her.

She also has a clockwork heart, and it seems a clockwork dragon found by a Meridion’s dead body likes and follows her. An intriguing combination of the mysterious past and tenacious behavior won me over. I like Mag’s voice. Sure, she makes bizarre decisions and trusts wrong people, but hey, she’s just nineteen.

Magpie’s Song starts in the middle of the action and never slows down. Things happen, characters die, and at times I wasn’t sure where all of this was going, but I felt engaged throughout. The addition of a few subplots makes the narration unfocused in places, but at the scene level, it never disappoints.

I liked Magpie’s Song a lot and plan to follow the series.

                                          *---------------*---------------*---------------*



Official Author Website
Order the book HERE

OVERVIEW/ANALYSIS: Ayana by Geetha Krishnan really drew me in because as an Indian, I’m deeply familiar with Hindu epic Ramayana. For those who aren’t, a wikipedia summary might be helpful. But if you were to ask me, it’s a classic story of right versus wrong. It’s a story wherein a young prince realizes his potential and becomes the great soul  that he’s destined to be. His nemesis a cruel king succumbs to his doom, by stealing the prince’s wife, a lovely princess on her own. He signs off on his and his nation’s downfall.

That’s the simplistic version, however there’s many layers to this epic. Rama for all of his glorious nature, fails just once and it matters the most. Sita has always been an instrument between forces out her control. Ravan is one of the most complex creatures in Hindu mythology, a glorious Asura king, a great Shiva devotee and one of the most deadly warriors ever to lay foot on Jambudweepa. The author smartly decides to focus on all three and gives us a in-depth look into who they are and why they behave they do. In Hindu mythology, there’s a significant focus on past lives and how the actions/curses in those affect the current/future incarnations. The author draws upon this thread really strongly and gives us a meta look into the narrative.

For me this was the icing on the cake as I was aware of what the mythology is and the backgound for this epic and the characters within. The author showcases this and perhaps that’s why this isn’t Ramayana but just Ayana and each Rama, Sita & Ravan have their own journeys and role in this story. In some ways this is more of a tragic story than the other Hindu epic Mahabharata as it draws clear cut lines about who was right and who was wrong. But if one truly looks at the undercurrents, then this is as conflicted a story as the Mahabharata. The author tries to highlight a lot of these moral underpinings and this perhaps might get lost on those who don’t know the background details. She tries her best to shine a lot on these aspects but not all of it might be crystal clear.

The writing style is very simplistic and makes this epic saga seems very easy to dwell into. The action sequences make for fun reading but aren’t the smoothest in conveying every ebb and flow. The story overall is neatly compacted and presented in a slim volume. In this regards, some readers will like the author for her efforts but some might castigate her for minimizing its complex charm.

Overall I enjoyed this wonderful dive into Indian mythology and I thought it worthy of being a semifinalist. Give it a chance if you wish to give a shot at something quite quite different in the fantasy genre.

Saturday, October 19, 2019

SPFBO: The Fifth Jettisoning & Semifinalist Update (by Lukasz Przywoski, Justine Bergman & David Stewart)


This is the last update and we will be announcing our final semifinalist at the end of this post. The books in this lot were read by four of us and were reviewed jointly as well. So here are the thoughts on the remaining six titles:


The Shadow Rises by K.S. Mardsen

Overview/Analysis: There’s a society of witch-hunters and Hunter (not his real name) is probably the best at what he does. He’s got money, the looks, and the skill. I mean, he’s almost like James Bond of the supernatural world. A girl he once saved from the clutches of the evil witch wants to join witch-hunters. A tragic turn of events makes him accept her as his apprentice. In the meantime, the evil raises and things get trickier than ever.

I liked the story and the concept. Everyone needs a good popcorn read from time to time, and The Shadow Rises mostly succeeds at offering high-octane, if slightly predictable, fun. Some action scenes and suspenseful moments are drawn out appropriately, but then a key piece of exposition or character development may be glossed over, or opportunities for those moments are missed. Both main and secondary characters have some distinct traits but, in general, remain underdeveloped and flat.

The writing itself could use a bit of a polish, particularly in the structure of the sentences and establishing POV and keeping it. Long stretches of simplistic phrases make the story accessible and easy to follow, but also remove the suspense or tension building in the story.

Despite many weak spots in the writing and the lack of more depth to the storyline and characters, Mardsen succeeds at creating an interesting blend of reality and fantasy. She explores the concepts of loyalty, individuality, and difficult choices and offers some unpretentious fun. As long as you approach it as a fast pulp read, you should appreciate at least parts of the story.


Windwalker: Forbidden Flight by H.G. Chambers

Overview/Analysis: Windwalker took me by surprise. I didn’t expect to enjoy it so much, but it has it all - winged raptors, sand-warriors, a rebellious protagonist willing to break the rules and follow her dreams.

Kiva Fariq wants nothing more than to help her tribe as a Windwalker scouring the desert skies on the back of a giant flying predator. She has the skill, will, and determination. Unfortunately, she’s a girl and the windwalker sect is closed off to women. When the time comes, Kiva attempts the perilous windwalker trials in secret. Even if she succeeds, the question is open whether the elders will accept or banish her.

In the spirit of youthful adventures, Chambers makes the teenage protagonists seem far more capable than the adults. Not only is she willing to challenge ungrounded beliefs and fight for her future, but she’s also the only one to see approaching danger. Younger readers, especially girls, will enjoy her inspiring growth. But even older readers should appreciate a good balance between appealing to a youthful target audience and creating a captivating, but ultimately comfortably predictable plot.

Overall, Windwalker: Forbidden Flight is a strong and uplifting start to intriguing series. It should appeal to a wide range of readers, from middle grade to young adult. I won't be surprised to see adult readers enjoying this one as a well-deserved rest between bleaker stories.


The Deadbringer by E.M. Markoff

Overview/Analysis: The Ascendancy and its Sanctifiers are on the hunt for remaining Deadbringers throughout the land, and young Kira finds himself on the run in pursuit of survival. Traversing cursed forests, hungry bogs, and countrysides filled with citizens that loathe and fear the very thought of what he is, Kira must hide in plain sight in order save not only himself, but those he holds dear, as well.

The Deadbringer is a dark and intriguing tale of finding one's true self and bearing with the consequences of lies told. We're dropped into a rich world with various races and mysterious, dangerous landscapes, that houses tons of facets waiting in the shadows, just plotting to reveal themselves and shatter what you believe to be the truth. A stunning blend of fantasy and horror, with beautiful, elegant prose, and blood and gore aplenty, this story is an incredible foundation for a potentially outstanding series.

As this is an account of the hunt, we're introduced to several point of view characters that lie on each end of the spectrum. We witness events through the eyes of the hunters and the prey, and at a point the lines between the two begin to blur. This alternating storytelling allows Markoff to refine the world around us without copious amounts of info dumping, something that I always appreciate. However, many major events suffered from a jarring time-jump mechanism, where readers are forced to observe the aftermath, rather than event itself, causing the flow to become unfocused and confusing at times. Also, a substantial amount of moving pieces and a bit of meandering led to just a few missed opportunities that I felt could've been beneficial to the story.

The conclusion of this book is its ultimate shining moment that left me at a point where I not only wanted more, but NEEDED more, and I cannot wait to continue my journey through Ellderet with The Faceless God.


The City Screams by Phil Williams

Overview/Analysis: The City Screams is my initiation into Williams’ work, and what an incredible introduction it has been! An urban fantasy set in Japan that pulls in a healthy dose of lore from the area, this story perfectly portrays the concepts of courageousness and resolve, that not everything of consequence need be witnessed only through sight, and that there is always more to be discovered beneath the surface. Conspiracies, strange organizations, mysterious ongoings, peril, and hope, it’s a genuinely fun read that keeps you guessing until the very end – and that twist! Excellently realized characters and a plot where nothing is at it seems, there’s no shortage of surprises along the way. It’s length smartly strips all the fluff, resulting in a fast-paced adventure where every word matters, and honestly, I finished this book craving more of the Ordshaw world.

Being a story of this size, there are a few concepts that, while possessing excellent backbones, lack just a bit of fleshing out. I know The City Screams can be read as a completely independent standalone within the series, but I feel reading Under Ordshaw and Blue Angel prior to diving into this one could’ve been beneficial, and most likely would’ve answered all of my lingering questions. The story itself ties up nicely, however, everything is left open-ended, so I’m really hoping this isn’t the last we see of Tova. I’m excited to experience the events that paved the way for this great story, and also see where Williams takes us in the future.


Magpie's Song by Allison Pang

Overview/Analysis: I liked Magpie's Song. It has a setting I'm not familiar with - something that I can only describe as post-apocalyptic steampunk. The main character, one Raggy Maggy, exists in the slums of a divided city. On one side are the rich, and on the other the poor, and above them rests a floating island where reside those that even the rich stand in awe of. Raggy Maggy is a Moon Child, meaning she exists as the offspring of one of those who lives above and one who lives below. This makes her special, both because it gives her cool silver hair but also because it makes her immune to the plague that destroyed most of civilization.

Magpie's Song is an incredibly strong contender in our batch of books. It is well written, the main character is very well thought out and interesting, and the writing is solid with very few mistakes. My only real complaint with the book, and it's basically a deal-breaker for me in regards to preferring it over some other entries, is that the book leads up to something for almost its entire length, and then it ends without realizing what is promised. I've been told this happens in the subsequent book, which is fine, but what I am looking for when I sit down to read something is a self-contained story that has a beginning, middle, and end. Magpie's Song has no end, so despite liking the book a lot and really enjoying my time with it, I was left wanting.


Cleansed by G.S. Scott 

Overview/Analysis: Cleansed chronicles the life of Dirge, from childhood to adolescence. Orphaned at a young age, he’s taken in by Talic, the leader of the Order of the Brotherhood, assassins for the God of Death, Aza’zel. Dirge grows into a dangerous young man skilled in combat. When The Prophet of the forgotten God of Order, Ukase, approaches him, Dirge finally finds his way. He breaks with the Brotherhood to serve his new master.

His military adventures are bloody and epic. Cleansed goes into dark, scary places. It pictures lots of violent and gory fight scenes, debauchery, and casual cruelty. As the plot grows more and more complex, Dirge has to decide if he wants to lead the armies of Ukase.

I found Cleansed intriguing. It doesn't shy away from violence, but most of it served to show the grim reality of the world being torn apart by warring deities. With a strong ending and plenty of narrative hooks, it'll appeal to fans of dark fantasy.

That being said, the beginning of the book, with numerous time skips was hard to follow and tiring. As important as those events were in shaping Dirge's personality, they didn't engage me and I had to force myself through the first 25% of the book. Some scenes felt unclear (like Jacob appearing suddenly in the room with Dirge).

Overall, though, Cleansed is an interesting book, one worth trying.


So amidst all these titles, our last semifinalist is Allison Pang’s Magpie’s Song. Because of its well-written protagonist, post apocalyptic settings and its quick pace, it wowed all of us and hence easily overcomes the strong competition that Windwalker provided.

So there you go, Fantasy Book Critic has selected six semifinalists. Best of luck to all authors, we will be announcing our SPFBO finalist in the next couple of weeks.

Friday, October 18, 2019

Cover Reveal: The Infernal Machine by Clayton Snyder


Today thanks to Parliament Press (Erica F.) & Clayton Snyder, we are super excited to be a part of the cover reveal for Clayton’s upcoming book The Infernal Machine. Clayton came on to our radar with his debut River Of Thieves and now I can’t wait to see what the author has in store for us with his next book.

To put it in own words, this is a “Gothic Steampunk version of Indiana Jones meets Hellboy". So checkout the stunning cover below with cover design & typography by Shayne Leighton.


Add the book on Goodreads

Official Blurb: Arthur White lived a simple life tending the dead in a quiet cemetery, until meeting a mysterious stranger known only as Mr. Black. In a few short hours, the stranger turns the groundskeeper’s life upside down, burdening Arthur with an immortal clockwork heart.


Over the course of years, Arthur works as Mr. Black’s right hand, doing the things the old warlock cannot dirty his hands with. The death of a mutual friend and the discovery of Lucifer’s cast-off heart catalyze them into action, setting off a global chase to recover the artifact and open the door to death.


Along the way, Arthur struggles with evils he’s committed, dreams of loss that plague him, and desperate loneliness that may be cured by the appearance of a mysterious new companion, Ava. But before they can get to know one another, they must confront a cult out to steal the heart for their own ends.


Before it’s over, Arthur, Ava, and Mr. Black will have to face who they are and what they’ve done, or perish in a brutal new world. Whatever remains from the ashes may be their only hope.



Official Author Website
Read Fantasy Book Critic's review of River Of Thieves

Official Author Information: Clayton began reading the Brothers Grimm, Hans Christian Anderson, Madeline L'Engle, and others, at an early age. It ignited a love of the odd, the darkly funny, and the magical in him that never left. Over the past few years, he's published several short stories with various magazines, and three novels with small presses. When he's not telling stories, he works as a systems administrator for a game retailer. In his off time, he games, he cooks, and he attempts to play guitar. He currently lives in North Dakota with his wife, two dogs, and a cat that insists it's the other way around.

Detonation by Erik A. Otto




Official Author Website
Order Detonation over HERE (USA)

OFFICIAL AUTHOR INFORMATION: Erik A. Otto is a former healthcare industry executive and technologist, now turned science fiction author. Erik's works of fiction expose the impact of cultural and technological themes on society in a number of futuristic and otherworldly settings. He focuses on delivering intricate plotting, engaging characters and action-driven storytelling to immerse the reader in thought-provoking events and circumstances.

In addition to writing, Erik is currently serving as the Managing Director of Ethagi Inc., an organization dedicated to promoting the safe and ethical use of artificial general intelligence technologies. He lives in Charlottesville, Virginia, with his wife and two children.

FORMAT/INFO: Detonation is 632 pages long and is a standalone book. The author self-published it in 2018. The cover art and design are by Anup Kumar Bhattacharya and Karolis Zukas.


OVERVIEW: AGI terrifies me. I hope it likes pets and treats them well. Maybe it’ll allow its pet-humans to read books and enjoy themselves?

That sounds nicer than wiping out all human race in a spray of blood and nanobots. I try to remain optimistic, but the existential risk of superintelligence is imminent and severe. 

A computer with the same pattern of algorithms as our brains could think much faster than us because silicon-based transistors fire faster and communicate faster than biological neurons. Yes, you too should be terrified.

Detonation explores mankind’s constant quest for rapid innovation and the risks it generates. The reader gets a glimpse of a world where super-intelligent machines almost destroyed humanity. Why? Not to spoil the things it was a matter of a simple P&L calculation. Perfectly logical when you look at it rationally (despite the absurd AGI’s goals programmed by a human).

The novel alternates between two timelines, Pre-Detonation and Post-Detonation, in what we know as USA. The remaining society is divided into two camps: tech-savvy Spokes, and the Essentialists, who perceive technology as the primary cause of Detonation. Both factions use primitive post-Detonation technology. The Retchers (bird-like monsters) seek and destroy any electronic devices manufactured before the event.

I especially enjoyed the pre-Detonation part of the book told through the eyes of Axel - a security director for a powerful corporation. His mission is simple - stop humanity from destroying itself by reckless development of AI. Axel won‘t hesitate to kill an “innocent” programmer when needed. His storyline got me on the edge of the seat and I loved its non-compromising but hopeful conclusion.

The remaining storylines were good but not as engaging. I guess it comes to other characters who, while well-developed, weren’t as relatable as Axel. Despite significant length (632 pages), Detonation kept me invested and eager to see what will happen to characters and the world. Expect violence, treason, and drama, plus chilling reflections on our not-to-distant future.

I find the book stimulating intellectually and terrifying. That said, I wouldn’t call Otto a skillful wordsmith. His prose is simple and utilitarian. His similes tend to sound awkward. I didn’t mind as I was interested in the events and the plot.

Overall, Detonation combines action, philosophy, and social commentary in an absorbing and terrifying tale. It’s terrifying not because of the bloodshed but because I can see Detonation happen in my lifetime.
Wednesday, October 16, 2019

The Clockwork Detective by R.A. McCandless review (reviewed by Lukasz Przywoski)




Order The Clockwork Detective over HERE (USA) & HERE (UK)


OFFICIAL AUTHOR INFORMATION: R.A. McCandless has been a writer both professionally and creatively for nearly two decades.  He was born under a wandering star that led him to a degree in Communication and English with a focus on creative writing. He continues to research and write historical and genre fiction, battle sprinklers, and play with his three boys.

FORMAT/INFO: The Clockwork Detective is 317 pages long and is the first book in the Constable of Aqualinne series. The book was published by Ellysian Press in May 2019. author self-published it in June 2019. The cover art and design are by M. Joseph Murphy.


Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Right To The Kill by Craig Schaefer (Reviewed by Mihir Wanchoo & Lukasz Przywoski)


Read Fantasy Book Critic's review of The Long Way Down 
Read Fantasy Book Critic's review of The White Gold Score 
Read Fantasy Book Critic's review of Redemption Song 
Read Fantasy Book Critic's review of The Living End 
Read Fantasy Book Critic's review of A Plain-Dealing Villain
Read Fantasy Book Critic's review of The Killing Floor Blues
Read Fantasy Book Critic's review of The Castle Doctrine
Read Fantasy Book Critic's review of Double Or Nothing
Read Fantasy Book Critic's review of The Neon Boneyard
Read Fantasy Book Critic's review of Sworn To The Night
Read Fantasy Book Critic's review of Detonation Boulevard
Read Fantasy Book Critic's review of Winter's Reach 
Read Fantasy Book Critic's review of The Instruments Of Control 
Read Fantasy Book Critic's review of Harmony Black
Read Fantasy Book Critic's review of Red Knight Falling
Read Fantasy Book Critic's review of Glass Predator
Read Fantasy Book Critic's review of Cold Spectrum
Read Fantasy Book Critic's review of Ghosts Of Gotham
Read Fantasy Book Critic's review of The Loot
AUTHOR INFORMATION: Craig Schaefer was born in Chicago and wanted to be a writer since a very young age. His writing was inspired by Elmore Leonard, Richard Stark, Clive Barker & H. P. Lovecraft. After reaching his 40th birthday he decided to give in to his passion and since then has released twelve novels in the last three years. He currently lives in North Carolina and loves visiting museums and libraries for inspiration.

OFFICIAL BOOK BLURB: When two operatives go dark in Tampa, chasing the trail of an oligarch with ties to the demonic underworld, Vigilant Lock — the nation’s first and last line of defense against occult attack — sends their best to the rescue: Harmony Black, a troubled investigator and an elemental witch with a keen but tangled mind; and her partner Jessie Temple, the daughter of a supernatural slasher and the inheritor of her father’s powers.

The trail of clues leads them to the doorstep of Judah Cranston, a wealthy scientist with dark secrets and a darker agenda. Toss in an alluring marine biologist with eyes for Harmony, and a pair of demon-blooded troubleshooters on a hunt of their own, and Tampa Bay is heating up fast. As the mission takes Harmony and Jessie from the sun-drenched Florida coast to a gloomy New England fishing town steeped in forgotten history, they find themselves up against a threat far greater — and more otherworldly — than they ever expected.

FORMAT/INFO: Right To The Kill is 382 pages long divided over forty-two chapters with a “what came before” section. Narration is in the third-person, via Harmony Black , Jessie Temple & Kevin. This is the fifth volume of the Harmony Black series which is a spin-off to the Daniel Faust series.

October 14, 2019 marked the North American paperback and e-book publication of Right To The Kill and it was self-published by the author. Cover design is by James T. Egan of Bookfly Design.

OVERVIEW/ANALYSIS (Lukasz): Before you read this review, you must know I’m biased. Craig Schaefer is one of my favorite pulp writers. Plus, I love his characters and I’m happy to see them again. Don’t expect a fair and critical assessment.

Right to the Kill, is a soft reboot of the Harmony Black series and a place for new readers to jump in. In Cold Spectrum Harmony and Jessie had driven out a threat from within and taken control of the Vigilant Lock organization. Now they’re in the driver’s seat, with new responsibilities and challenges to face, and the resources of an illegally funded covert-operations group backing them up. When two agents go missing on a mission in Tampa, Harmony and Jessie find themselves on the trail of an occult bioweapon, tracking a madman from the Florida coast to a mist-shrouded New England fishing village. What else? Have you read and enjoyed A Little Mermaid? If yes, she’s back! Except she’s carnivorous and lethal.

Schaefer went from a first-person perspective to the third person giving everyone on the team a chance to shine. The gang can finally do much cooler spy-stuff and we get to see all the moving parts through various perspectives. Also, Jessie. She’s hilarious. And brutal when the lupine passenger in her head takes the lead. Her scenes and banter with Harmony were a highlight of the novel.

I admit I didn’t like Harmony when I started the series, but after recent events, she’s developed a darker side that makes her layered and intriguing. I can officially say she’s grown up and became a nuanced and intriguing character I can root for.

The feel of the book? Think a horror-thriller and yes, there are tentacles :)

TL;DR - a brilliant reboot of the series

OVERVIEW/ANALYSIS (Mihir): The Harmony Black series has an interesting beginning as do most spinoffs. Harmony first made her appearance in Redemption Song (book 2 of the Daniel Faust series) and her arc continued until A Plain Dealing Villain (book 4). She then made her debut in her own series which was published by Amazon. It was then let go by 47 North last year and the rights reverted back to Craig Schaefer. Craig since then has had made up plans to give Harmony and crew a proper trilogy send-0ff (with the possibility of more books, if certain things align up). We at Fantasy Book Critic were super excited to do the cover reveal for Right To The Kill which is book 5 of the Harmony Black series as well as a soft reboot.

Right To The Kill has some structural changes from the previous titles, namely a shift from first person to third person. There’s also a few other things but those I would rather the reader discover for themselves. The book begins nearly a year after the events of the Wisdom’s Grave trilogy (labelled the Wisdom’s Grave incident). The Vigilant Lock team is now free of all their previous constraints (known and unknown). The story begins with Harmony, Jessie, & the team trying to infiltrate Nadine’s cash network and finding ways to disrupt it. Things take a wild turn as such is the wont in thriller stories but it’s from there the story takes a wild turn as a live lead on Bobby Diehl makes them turn to Florida. Events however aren’t smooth as two of their agents have gone missing and Harmony and team now have to go to Florida to find out what happened to the two agents.

This story is a wild thriller and is back to its spies with magic roots that Craig had specified in his interview with us. The narrative change also helps as now the reader is able to get a wider perspective of things and still keep us in the thick of things. The main story while beginning in Florida then dovetails into the remote Maine coast wherein we get a solid horror dose. I loved this aspect as from the first book wherein horror was such a major component. It was good to see the author explore Lovecraftian aquatic mythos.

Let’s talk about the characterization, namely with the narrative focus change, we don’t get an internal view into Harmony’s head however due to the author’s strong skills. We still don’t lose the emotional connect that we have had with Harmony and Jessie. Harmony has been suffering from a while due to court of blooming flowers’ ministrations but she has been adapting herself with some interesting techniques. This book we get a strong indication of where the author plans to take this thread next. Going on to Jessie, we get one of the best scenes in the series so far and I couldn’t stop laughing. I bet many other readers will have a similar reaction and I can’t wait to see where Craig takes her track next. There's also further mingling of the Vigilant Lock team within the Infernal courts and this time, we get a further look in to one of the east coast ones (I expect this court and the infernal character introduced to be of significance later).

The action sequences and plot pace are enhanced strongly and there’s a thread which gives a strong Children Of The Corn vibe. Craig Schaefer ties a wonderful thread to a certain  gargantuan thing from Detonation Boulevard and that only portends some more creepiness in the future. This book breaks the trend of staid amazon covers and the new style cover is just freaking amazing. Again James T. Egan proves why Craig trusts him so much. Lastly this book ends on a climatic note and you will want the next book now (which to be fair, is exactly what the author is aiming for).

CONCLUSION: Right To The Kill is a triumphant return to form in the Harmony Black series by Craig Schaefer. It underscores the main reason why Harmony Black needed a spinoff series of her own. Right To The Kill is the Casino Royale reboot that Schaefer fans have been eagerly waiting for. Savor it and rejoice that this series has gotten the boost on the inside and out.

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