Labyrinth's Heart by M.A. Carrick

Title: Labyrinth's Heart

Author: M.A. Carrick

Genre: Fantasy

Series: Rook and Rose # 3

Publication: August 15, 2023, 688 pages

Source: Personal Library

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May you see the face and not the mask.

Ren came to Nadežra with a plan. She would pose as the long-lost daughter of the noble house Traementis. She would secure a fortune for herself and her sister. And she would vanish without a backward glance. She ought to have known that in the city of dreams, nothing is ever so simple.

Now, she is Ren, con-artist and thief. But she is also Renata, the celebrated Traementis heir. She is Arenza, the mysterious pattern-reader and political rebel. And she is the Black Rose, a vigilante who fights alongside the legendary Rook.

Even with the help of Grey Serrado and Derossi Vargo, it is too many masks for one person to wear. And as the dark magic the three of them helped unleash builds to storm that could tear the very fabric of the city apart, it's only a matter of time before one of the masks slips—and everything comes crashing down around them.

MY THOUGHTS

Labyrinth’s Heart is the third and final novel in the Rook and Rose series. Ren, Vargo, Grey, and many others have come a long way since the first book. While it was incredible to witness their transformation over the course of the trilogy, this final installment brings the simmering tensions between the upper and lower banks, the Vraszenians, Liganti, and Nadezrians to a head.

This book was everything I could hope for—and so much more. I loved every single moment. As I’ve mentioned before, the city’s tension escalates as people draw lines in the sand. New alliances form, old ones fracture, and friends become foes. But at its core, this story is about relationships; both new and long-standing. I was in awe of how the authors wrapped everything up, answering questions we've had since the beginning while still delivering plenty of twists and surprises. They had my jaw dropping and gasping at all the revelations. It was spectacular. 

Reading this book was truly bittersweet. It stirred so many emotions; I laughed, I gasped, I cried, mostly from joy at seeing how everything unfolded. It was the perfect ending to an incredible series. Even though I read and finished the trilogy in just a few months, it feels like I’ve known these characters my whole life. I can confidently say this is one of the best series I’ve ever read. I already want to start a re-read! 

If you love a complex and multifaceted world, magic system and characters with a touch of history, tarot and astrology then look no further than the Rook and Rose series. This series has all the making of a phenomenal fantasy; one you need to add on your TBR A.S.A.P!

Magician: Master by Raymond E. Feist

Title: Magician: Apprentice

Author: Raymond E. Feist

Genre: Fantasy

Series: The Riftwar Saga # 2

Publication: November 1, 1982 499 pages

Source: Libby, Audiobook

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He held the fate of two worlds in his hands...

Once he was an orphan called Pug, apprenticed to a sorcerer of the enchanted land of Midkemia.. Then he was captured and enslaved by the Tsurani, a strange, warlike race of invaders from another world.

There, in the exotic Empire of Kelewan, he earned a new name--Milamber. He learned to tame the unimagined powers that lay within

MY THOUGHTS

Magician: Master is the second half of the first book in the series and continues the story of Pug and Tomas. In the previous volume, Pug was captured by the enemy while his friends in Midkemia dealt with an ongoing war against the Tsurani, alien invaders from across the rift. This installment gives readers a deeper understanding of the Tsurani people, their governmental system, and, most importantly, their reasons for coming to Midkemia.

The story spans ten years. When we first met Pug and Tomas, they were barely teenagers. By the end of this volume, they’ve become young men leading vastly different lives, each propelled toward unimaginable power. Tomas is imbued with the abilities of an ancient suit of armor once worn by a Valheru, a Dragon Lord. And Pug—unsurprisingly, given the title; joins a brotherhood of magicians and becomes one of the most powerful magic users in both worlds.

The writing remains dense, much like the first volume. However, since the characters, plot, and world-building are already well established, there's less exposition to digest. While the war continues in the background, the focus shifts more toward character development. Side characters like Arutha, Martin, Amos, and Laurie receive more attention, and I found myself just as invested in their arcs as I was in those of Pug (now Milamber) and Tomas.

All in all, Volume II is a solid continuation. There were moments when the pacing dragged and made it hard to stay engaged, but the standout scenes more than made up for those lulls. I plan to continue the series, though I won’t be in a rush to pick up the next book.

Magician: Apprentice by Raymond E. Feist

Title: Magician: Apprentice

Author: Raymond E. Feist

Genre: Fantasy

Series: The Riftwar Saga # 1

Publication: October 1, 1982 485 pages

Source: Libby, Audiobook

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To the forest on the shore of the Kingdom of the Isles, the orphan Pug came to study with the master magician Kulgan. But though his courage won him a place at court and the heart of a lovely Princess, he was ill at ease with the normal ways of wizardry.

Yet Pug's strange sort of magic would one day change forever the fates of two worlds. For dark beings from another world had opened a rift in the fabric of spacetime to being again the age-old battle between the forces of Order and Chaos.

MY THOUGHTS

Feist is a well-known author who has been publishing fantasy books for decades. After learning that a book company was creating special editions of The Riftwar Saga, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to finally dive into his work.

I was immediately enthralled as I was introduced to the world of Midkemia, a young orphan named Pug, and his best friend Tomas. The story begins in the Kingdom of Crydee, where the two boys live. They’re at the age where they must be chosen as apprentices for one of the available roles in the kingdom. Tomas joins the Duke's military, while Pug becomes the apprentice of the magician Kulgan, beginning his journey into the world of magic and spells.

But their daily lives are upended when alien invaders threaten their kingdom, and others, sending them on a journey across Midkemia in search of aid and alliances. Volume I spans about three years, following the boys as they grow into young men, thrust into war and the unknown.

I thought the worldbuilding was unique, though at times a bit overwhelming with the number of key players and factions to keep track of. On top of that, we meet elves, dwarves, aliens, the Brotherhood (who are closely tied to the elves), dragons, and other beasties. It was just… a lot.

I think the author did a good job developing Pug and Tomas, but many of the other characters felt underdeveloped. The adults, in particular, were stereotypical in their roles, very cookie-cutter. If you replaced one with another (say, swapped out Kulgan for a different magician), you probably wouldn’t notice much difference.

Many readers compare this series or Feist's work in general, to Tolkien’s. While I haven’t read Tolkien myself, I imagine Magician must feel a bit like The Lord of the Rings. The descriptions are often overly detailed, and some scenes drag on, becoming monotonous.

I understand this first book, Volume I is just one half of a larger story (split into two books in the U.S.), but overall, it was decent. There were some solid, enjoyable moments. I’m still looking forward to seeing how the rest of the story unfolds.

Lord of the Fading Lands by C.L. Wilson

Title: Lord of the Fading Lands

Author: C.L. Wilson
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Tairen Soul # 1

Mass Market Paperback, 406 pages
Publication: October 2, 2007 by Avon
Source: Purchase
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Once, driven wild with grief over the murder of his beloved, the majestic Fey King Rain Tairen Soul had laid waste to the world before vanishing into the Fading Lands. Now, a thousand years later, a new threat draws him back into the world—and a new love reawakens the heart he thought long dead.

Ellysetta, a woodcarver’s daughter, calls to Rain in a way no other ever had. Mysterious and magical, her soul beckons him with a compelling, seductive song—and no matter the cost, the wildness in his blood will not be denied.

As an ancient, familiar evil regains its strength, causing centuries-old alliances to crumble and threatening doom for Rain and his people... he must claim his truemate to embrace the destiny woven for them both in the mists of time.

One small misstep could lead to disaster. But for Aurelia, facing disaster is easy; it’s relationships that are hard.

My Thoughts

Lord of the Fading Lands has been on my TBR for years. I’m talking 10+ years. To tackle the ever growing TBR pile, I finally read it! The Tairen Soul is a beloved fantasy series with raving reviews across the board, so I had high expectations going in. The series is centered on a small village girl with hidden powers who is the fey king’s soulmate and savior to the fey kingdom. I’m a sucker for faeries and the chosen one/prophetic tropes.

It took a few chapters to really get into the story. Ellie is described as an insignificant plain Jane but as with most story goes, that’s never the real case. And then of all the people in all the kingdoms, the most handsome warrior king has chosen Ellie as his soulmate. This screams snowflake. Not a fan.

Even though Ellie was the epitome of a special snowflake, behind her kind and gentle demeanor is a steel backbone, which was surprising and appreciated. Ellie constantly made self-deprecating comments about herself and had to be reminded over and over from Rain, her quintet, her parents that she was just as worthy as anyone else, even the Queen of Celieria. It got very tiring reading Ellie calling herself a peasant and a nobody, woodcarver’s daughter. However, Ellie stepped up to the plate when it mattered and didn’t let anyone use her as a doormat. I can see Ellie growing into her powers and title. The book is set up in a way to showcase just that.

Rain, the fey king is your typical alpha male. It was a bit much, then again, his other form is a giant black cat. I enjoyed seeing Ellie and Rain’s courtship as he tries to win her trust (let’s just say it didn’t take long). But Rain by himself, as the hero of the novel…I didn’t care too much for. I didn’t like or dislike him. I’m more interested in his general Bel’s story lol (hopefully there’s a novel for him).

Overall Lord of the Fading Lands is a good start to a series with a few flaws which is typical of first novels. With the groundwork set, I am still curious enough to see where this story goes. I do hope that the author does a better job ending the novel in subsequent books because in Lord of the Fading Lands, Wilson ended it abruptly. It wasn’t even a cliffhanger ending. Just poor execution. 

 

A Labyrinth of Scions and Sorcery by Curtis Craddock

Title: A Labyrinth of Scions and Sorcery
Author: Curtis Craddock
Genre: High Fantasy, Steampunk
Series: The Risen Kingdom # 2

Hardcover, 416 Pages
Publication: January 22, 2019 by Tor Books

Source: I received a review copy from the publisher in exchange for a honest review.

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A Labyrinth of Scions and Sorcery is the masterful sequel to Curtis Craddock's critically-acclaimed high fantasy An Alchemy of Masques and Mirrors, which continues the engrossing tale of courtly intrigue and breathtaking magic, and starring our fiercely intelligent heroine Isabelle des Zephyrs with her loyal musketeer Jean-Claude.


Isabelle des Zephyrs has always been underestimated throughout her life, but after discovering the well of hidden magic within her, unveiling a centuries-long conspiracy, and stopping a war between rival nations, she has gained a newfound respect amongst the cutthroat court.

All that is quickly taken away when Isabelle is unfairly convicted of breaking the treaty she helped write and has her political rank and status taken away. Now bereft, she nevertheless finds herself drawn into mystery when her faithful musketeer Jean-Claude uncovers a series of gruesome murders by someone calling themselves the Harvest King.


As panic swells, the capital descends into chaos, when the emperor is usurped from the throne by a rival noble. Betrayed by their allies and hunted by assassins, Isabelle and Jean-Claude alone must thwart the coup, but not before it changes l'Empire forever.

I loved the first book in The Risen Kingdoms Series and wondered if the sequel, A Labyrinth of Scions and Sorcery would live up to its predecessor. Craddock not only delivered an excellent sequel but he exceeded all my expectations. In this latest installment, readers finds Princess Isabelle des Zephyrs stripped of her title for saving and defending a wrongly accused woman, investigating sorcerers’ that has gone missing and/or butchered for their Builder’s gift all while trying to stop a coup d'état against the Le Roi.

Labyrinth of Scions and Sorcery is part murder mystery, political and religious climates and family, the ones we are born into and the one built by bond and love. With a serial killer on the loose and an usurper in the midst, at the core of the novel its all about family. Craddock delves deeper into Isabelle’s bloodline as we learn about her parents specifically her father Lorenzo, the mystery of her birth and an enigmatic sister recently discovered. Isabelle’s cruel father and vindictive brother aren’t far behind, traveling to the capital for Le Roi Leon’s 75th birthday festivities while seeking a death wish and red consumption cure. But it’s Isabelle’s true family that is the heart of this novel, her guardian and the one she sees as her ‘father’ Jean-Claude and childhood friend and bloodhollow Marie.

I love the trio’s dynamic relationship. They’re so in-sync with one another and loyal to a fault. I remember there was a scene towards the end when Marie thought Isabelle turned against the empire and Isabelle had to sacrifice one of her family, Marie undoubtedly pledges her loyalty to Isabelle till the very end even it meant her death. Marie has come a long way and despite being a bloodhollow, normally emotionless; we see a brand new side to Marie, one that is ambitious, inquisitive, intelligent, strong, and brave. We also learn about Jean-Claude’s past and some of things he’s done in his youth. While it wasn’t what we’ve come to expect of Jean-Claude, it was nice to see that he’s learned and grew from his past actions.

And lastly I can’t talk about family without mentioning The Trefoil, the three wives of Grand Leon: Sireen, Impervia and Conquetta. One would think women sharing a husband would be full of animosity but The Trefoil are like sisters who love and care for one another. I loved the women as a group and individually. They’re all so amazingly different and true warrior queens without forfeiting an ounce of femininity.

I highly, highly recommend The Risen Kingdoms series to everyone. The world building is complex as it is intriguing, the characters are realistic and multifaceted and the writing is absurdly witty, clever and well-written. The Risen Kingdom is a truly underrated series and for how ridiculously great it is, I’m surprised not many more people have read it. I hope that changes soon. Read it folks, this series is a hidden gem, you won't regret it!

Side note: The cover color choice finally makes perfect sense! Hint: Isabelle. 

An Alchemy of Masques and Mirrors by Curtis Craddock

Title: An Alchemy of Masques and Mirrors
Author: Curtis Craddock 
Genre: Fantasy
Series: The Risen Kingdom # 1 

Hardcover, 416 Pages
Publication: August 29, 2017 by Tor Books

Source: I received a review copy from the publisher in exchange for a honest review.

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A polymath princess and her faithful musketeer must unravel the plot of a thousand-year-old madman in order to save an a foreign kingdom from a disastrous civil war.

Caelum is an uninhabitable gas giant like Jupiter. High above it are the Risen Kingdoms, occupying flying continents called cratons. Remnants of a shattered world, these vast disks of soaring stone may be a thousand miles across. Suspended by magic, they float in the upper layers of Caelum's clouds.

Born with a deformed hand and utter lack of the family's blood magic, Isabelle is despised by her cruel father. She is happy to be neglected so she can secretly pursue her illicit passion for math and science. Then, a surprising offer of an arranged royal marriage blows her life wide open and launches her and Jeane-Claude on an adventure that will take them from the Isle des Zephyrs in l'Empire Céleste to the very different Kingdom of Aragoth, where magic deals not with blood, but with mirrors.

An Alchemy of Masques and Mirrors is a book I didn’t know I was looking for and unquestionably a breakout hit (at least for me) and an underrated gem of 2017! Never have I read a book that perfectly blended multiple genres together and done so well. I thought the world building was fascinating as it was complex, the characters were well developed and fleshed out from the main protagonists to the tertiary characters, and every word written was eloquently prosed; captivating me from the first page till the very end.

The world that Craddock created is extremely unique, multifaceted and rich. Imagine a world of sky landmasses and flying airships thanks to the outset of science and alchemy. Craddock’s world is massive, comprising of different empires and families of blood-borne sorcery that dated back thousands of years. And in this first installment of The Risen Kingdom, readers barely touch upon the surface as Craddock introduced us to our main protagonist Princess Isabelle, who came from the Sanguinaire line, an ancient line that dealt in blood magic/shadows. Isabelle was the bane of her father existence. Born with a congenital anomaly of her right-hand, no blood magic ability and a woman nonetheless; Isabelle has always been looked down upon by her father,the court and The Kingdom of Zephyrs. But what Isabelle lacked (in the eyes of others) she made up for with a lot of heart, intelligence and bravery. I absolutely adored Isabelle from the moment I saw her as the precocious child that she was. Forward a decade and some years; readers see Isabelle blossomed into a woman that she never thought she’d be; risking everything for a kingdom and it’s people that despised her as much as they feared her..hoping to bring about peace, an idea many thought silly, dubious and unattainable. I found Isabelle admirable and I loved that Craddock showed us how capable and intelligent Isabelle was versus telling the reader she is so. From her Nom de Plume as Lord DuJournal a well-known and versed Mathematician with many publications to her outwitting would-be assassins, Kantelvar a member of the Seven Great Guide, and an evil Countess.

Another great standout character was Isabelle’s trusty and loyal musketeer, Jean-Claude who is more like her confidant and father. When Isabelle was born, they tried to snuff her out but thanks to Jean-Claude’s intervention her life was spared. And it was under the direct order of the King Le Roi that Jean-Claude keep Isabelle safe from harm and danger for as long as he deemed necessary. So what initially started as an obligation transformed into a father-daughter relationship over the course of Isabelle’s life. I loved Jean-Claude as much as Isabelle. Jean-Claude played a drunken-fool so that everyone around him underestimated him; little did they know he was sharp and clever as they come and was always two steps ahead of his enemies. I thought their bond and relationship was heartwarming. There wasn’t anything Jean-Claude wouldn’t do for Isabelle, he would’ve traveled through hell and take on Lucifer himself if he had to. Jean-Claude was pragmatic and serious when the time called for it but he definitely kept me laughing and smiling with his silver-tongue throughout the entire book. I thought Jean-Claude and Isabelle made the perfect duo and loved that Craddock showcased their ever evolving relatonship, and kept that as the main tone when so many underlying threads were going on simultaneously.

An Alchemy of Masques and Mirrors is hands down the best Fantasy novel I’ve read in a long time and certainly the best book I’ve read so far this year. I loved, loved Craddock writing style. I thought everything flowed perfectly, every word he chose just fit and made sense. I also loved how he incorporated French and Spanish influences into his story; thought that was different. The plot at a glance looked fairly basic, a princess marrying a rival prince to escape her evil father…however, it was so much more complicated than anything I could of imagine. There were twist upon twist and I loved that I kept getting surprised…even when the clues were all right there! An Alchemy of Masques and Mirrors has everything you’d want in a story. I LOVED this book (think I over killed it with using the word loved) and I can’t wait till the sequel comes out! Craddock is a writer to watch and has just landed on my auto-buy author list. Do yourself a favor and go to the store and get this book A.S.A.P., you won’t regret it! I see great things coming from Craddock and this new series opener. I'd rate it more than 5 stars if I could!