Book Review: A fun, good introduction to the Celtic myths

Hallo everyone. Sorry it's been a while. I did get done with a new book and thought I should share it with you.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Story:
This book introduces readers to the mythological world of the Celts. From the coming of the Tuatha De Danann, or the gods of the Celtic world, to the exploits of heroes like Cu Chulainn and the brothers Lludd and Llevelys, the Celtic world is shown to be familiar and different to us. It gives a feeling of wonder and awe to the magic of the British Isles, and shows that each part of the world was different in the wonder and magic of the mythological past.
This book is more of an introduction to the Celtic world than anything, but the myths are easy to understand. There are also footnotes provided to help explain some unfamiliar terms and pronunciation guides to some of the names. I picked this up to learn more about the myths of the British Isles, and I was not disappointed. Some elements of these tales present themselves again in later legends, adding to the richness of the heritage of the Celtic lands. I definitely plan to read more Celtic myths and delve further into the legends.
Caution:
People are said to be mutilated, but not shown. Relationship affairs are mentioned, but not described.
Lessons:
Pride can lead to ruin. A good king puts the needs of the people ahead of his own. Families can be a source of strength and comfort.

Book review: Arthur and the Vale of Shadows is an unexpected tale

Time for another review. This is one that I did not expect to exist, but here it is. Arthur and the Vale of Shadows:

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Story:
During the days of Camelot King Arthur and Lancelot were patrolling their kingdom when they came across a place they did not know about. There they found men who had been killed outside of a castle that hadn't been there before. Together Arthur and Lancelot must brave the dangers that lurk within the castle, including the infamous Dracula.
The story itself is short, but the feelings of dread inside the castle are intense. You can feel the fear as if you were walking around the castle with Arthur and Lancelot. I know that technically Dracula was supposed to have come hundreds of years after Arthur, but it's still interesting to see the two in the same time and place. I would've like a bit of a longer story, but Thomas Adams did a great job with the overall plot. Dracula's origin is changed a bit, but the same darkness still resides. This would be a great book for a quick read on a dark night.
Caution:
Dead men are seen impaled. Some jump scares and a frightening villain.
Lessons:
Pray to God for strength to overcome evil.

Book review: Flying Girl and Iron Merchant is a deep fantasy

Hi everyone,
I know it's been a while, but I've got a book review to do today. This review is for the book Flying Girl and Iron Merchant.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Story:
Lu-Mao is a girl living with her family until one day they're taken from her by powerful men. Enraged, Lu-Mao develops the opinion that all aristocrats are evil and dedicates her life to fighting them. While living as a bandit she comes into the possession of a feather that grants her the ability to fly. With her new power she sets out to rescue her family and punish those of high estate. Along the way, Lu-Mao is given a message to seek the one called the Iron Merchant. Captain Liang is a well-to-do merchant who has earned the enmity of several pirates. When their paths cross the two have to work together to stop a coup that could destroy an entire nation.
It was very interesting to read a story that takes place in China. I haven't come across a lot of books like that, but it appears that Joseph R. Ravitts has done great research in recreating the ancient culture of the Middle Kingdom. Not only does he discuss honor in his novel, but he manages to cover and describe the various kung fu moves that some of the characters practice. It's like the reader is there, experiencing the rich culture of China. In addition there are some great morals that the characters have to learn, such as forgiveness and not judging others. Lu-Mao in some ways acts like Robin Hood in stealing from the rich, but Ravitts also shows that such a philosophy isn't always good, and by taking revenge like that people were indirectly hurt by the actions. If you want a fun story with magic powers or to experience an adventure in the orient then be sure to read this book.
Caution:
Characters are in peril. Lives are threatened. A woman is shot in the leg. A man falls to his death.
Lessons:
Save judgement for the Lord. If we want to experience true peace we must forgive those who have wronged us. Pride will be the undoing of men. Do not harden your heart; allow people in.

Book Review: Annals of Alasia gives an idea on how to know your characters

Hi everyone. It's time for another book review. Today's lucky winner is none other than Annals of Alasia.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Story:
This book follows the author Annie Douglass Lima as she conducts interviews with each of her characters from the three books of the Alasia series. While there's not actual storyline the events flow really well and the characters act as if it's really happening. Lima also acts realistically as she interviews the inhabitants of Alasia and Malorn, both good and bad. This is definitely one to have if you've enjoyed her other books. However her method of interviewing her characters could be useful for other authors to get to know their characters.
Caution:
Nothing to worry about here. People do recount deeds of treason.
Lessons:
Everyone has a story to tell.

Book review: A Clash of Kings intensifies the series

Well it's time to do another review. This week I've finally finished reading the second book of A Song of Ice and Fire, A Clash of Kings.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Story:
Westeros is being plunged into a civil war. Not only are the Lannister forces fighting against the armies of the North, but the people of King's Landing are starving and people across the Riverlands are being attacked. To make matters worse their are some men who are not interested in taking any side but their own. Stannous and Renly Baratheon, brothers of the late King Robert Baratheon, have declared themselves king and are waging war against each other. Whoever wins will go on to attack King's Landing. King Robb Stark of the North sends Theon Greyjoy back to the Iron Islands to enlist the help of his father, but only unleashes another power hungry man upon Westeros. Sansa, Arya, and Tyrion are caught up in the various aspects of the war while Jon and Daenerys are experiencing forces at work elsewhere in the world. Loyalties will be tested, friends and foes will rise, and no one will escape the clash of kings unscathed.
George R. R. Martin captures complex politics at work in the world of Westeros. It's hard for any writer to capture the workings of a world in the way Martin has. You can feel the pain and sorrow of many who want to help people, but can't for one reason or another. The human element is also strong here. Most authors tend to have different sides put aside petty differences to work together, but that does not work here. Many people are too set in their pride to listen to reason and as a result many suffer. I also love the amount of world building Martin has done in creating the city of Quarth and the history and lore in the wilds north of the Wall.
However this book does take an incredibly darker turn. He shows that there are darker powers at work in the world, some of them working behind the self-proclaimed kings in their struggle for the Iron Throne. Men and women alike also discuss things that are incredible inappropriate, mainly body parts that shouldn't be discussed except with their spouses. Still if you enjoyed the first book go ahead and pick it up. Just remember: read at your own risk.
Caution:
The F word appears at least twenty times. Several scenes are sexually explicit and graphic. A man is poisoned. Battles break out and there is blood and gore. A woman goes to see some warlocks and passes through a house of horrors, where corpses try to eat her. Some swearing.
Lessons:
When an unrighteous king comes to power it's the people who end up suffering. A tyrant will enforce his rule upon the people and force them to accept their way. Sometimes what we want isn't what is best for us. We all have gifts that we can use to help others. If we do not control our ambition, we can become something terrible.

Book Review: The Great Battle lives up to its name

Hi everyone. Well, I know that you know what time it is now. It's time for me to review a new book. The lucky winner today is book one of the Guardians of Allon series, The Great Battle.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Story:
Allon is a country unlike any you've seen before. The people are capable of getting direct help from Jor'el, the god of the world. To help maintain peace Jor'el has created a race of super people known as the Guardians. Each guardian has their own special skills and use them to help mortals. However nowadays there are some guardians that are causing trouble, like a mysterious rogue who beats people. An investigation begins to uncover a dangerous plan that could change the course of Allon's history forever.
I was incredibly impressed with this story. Shawn Lamb has created an amazing world that definitely stands out on its own. It has a presence of the Divine like in Narnia, but the action of Middle-Earth. Most fantasy stories start out with the world in an age of darkness and tyranny, but the author here has come up with a well-written story that shows the world in a golden age before the fall from grace. There are mystical creatures, but they are not what you expect. One example of something fantasy fans are familiar with would be the kelpie, but it is more of a monster than the water horse we know. Shawn Lamb has also created some dangerous new monsters that most heroes would rather not face in battle. Different perspectives and characters help set things up for the future of Allon and help to move the story along. This is a must-have for anyone who loves fantasy or the Chronicles of Narnia.
Caution:
Some battles can be terrifying and intense. Characters are chased by monsters and injured. People are tortured by the villains. Cases of blood from battles. Many characters die. A man passes through fire to test his virtue.
Lessons:
Sometimes people are allowed to do bad things so the judgement will be just. Even when it seems like evil has won, God will prevail in the end. Sometimes doing the right thing means going against those around you.

Book Review: Immortal Guardians really catches you off guard

Hallo. It's time for another book review. Today I finished ready the first book of Fall of the Beasts, the next Spirit Animals series, Immortal Guardians.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Plot:
It's been several months since the events of The Evertree, and Erdas is rebuilding from the war with the Conquerors. However people have been calling the Great Beasts as Spirit Animals, much like Conor, Abeke, Rollan, and Meilin have called Briggan, Uraza, Jhi, and Essix. When you think everything will be fine and dandy, trouble rears its ugly head again. Zerif is back, and he has gained a power that allows him to rip the Great Beasts away from the people they've bonded with. What's more, the new Evertree is sick, and mysterious parasites are appearing that are causing trouble. Conor, Abeke, Meilin, and Rollan must return to the role of saving Erdas as they split up to investigate the source of what is poisoning the Evertree and find the remaining Great Beasts and their partners before Zerif can claim them for himself. The stakes are higher than before, for if they fail Erdas as we know it will fall.
I was surprised to find out that Spirit Animals would continue because I thought once the Conquerors were stopped that would be the end of the story. I was delighted to be proven wrong. I was surprised with how quickly things were escalating in this book, and more than once was given my share of surprises and shocks. I truly felt concerned for the safety of the characters, and the tragic turn of events was saddening. Eliot Schrefer knows his craft as he creates a delightful story that takes elements of interior-world novels and Norse mythology, and combines them in an incredible adventure that raises the level of entertainment and excitement from the last novels. If you haven't read these books yet I would highly recommend you do, especially if you love exploring the realms of fantasy.
Caution:
A parasite takes possession of people and turns them into ghouls. A man stealing animals from their partners might be too intense for some readers. Characters are in peril, and there is some action against the ghouls. Animals fight each other and are injured. Blood is mentioned.
Lessons:
A common cause can unite old enemies. We must try to remember the past, and if we don't learn from it we could hurt our future. Be proud of who you are. Selfishness and greed can ruin goodness. There is more to our world than what we know, and we should be willing to seek it out.