Review: Black Talon

Black Talon by Jaime Castle and Andy Peloquin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Epic in so many ways

Black Talon is one of those books that leaves you well entertained and, at the same time, starved for more. It’s epic fantasy full of epic action, with an epic story, told by a pair of epic writers, and narrated by two epic performers. And if you are looking to get the audiobook, 19 hours of an enthralling and hard-to-put-down novel for a single credit is also a pretty epic deal.

Black Talon is the first book in the Dragonblood Assassin series by Jaime Castle and Andy Peloquin, and it’s an impressive work of fantasy. It’s a captivating tale of magic, combat, and political intrigue. The story is told from alternating points of view, following Kullen, an imperial assassin, and Natisse, a member of the rebel group known as the Crimson Fang. The two characters seem to be working on opposite sides, but by the end, they have more in common than either would believe.

The most enjoyable aspect of Black Talon is the well-crafted plot full of unexpected twists and turns. I get bored when I can easily predict what will happen next, but Black Talon constantly kept me guessing. I also personally love alternating points of view – and that format is used masterfully in Black Talon. Flipping back and forth between Kullen and Natisse allowed two distinct storylines to weave together while, at the same time, maintaining their own unique narratives to independently further the overall plot. Characters in each storyline were beautifully complex and deeply fleshed out, making it easy to connect and root for them.

Overall, the book was a non-stop ride of action and suspense. The writing style was engrossing, making the story as a whole thrilling and enjoyable. However, I struggled to invest in Natisse's story at the start of the book. There was not much exposition about the motivations and mission of Natisse or the Crimson Fang, and while that may have been intended to intrigue the reader, I think it would have helped me connect with the character and her group earlier on. However, by the end, I found myself engrossed in both POV characters and eager to see what happens in the next book in the series.

Speaking of wanting to see what happens next – prepare yourself for one cruel joke of a cliffhanger. Once you get to the end, you basically have no choice but to read the second book. Hopefully, by the time you read this review, all the books will be out and published in your preferred format because you will want to immediately dive into the next one. However, this book is so good that really shouldn’t be a problem.

As for the narration in the audiobook, Michael Kramer and Kate Reading are a fantastic duo, adding an extra layer of depth and personality to the already well-written characters. The two's ability to provide voice inflection brings the characters to life and allows the listener to become fully immersed in the story. Reading's "male" voices take some getting used to, but overall, the narration is almost flawless.

Special thanks to Aethon Books, who provided me with this book at my request.


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Review: The Forgemaster Cycle Trilogy

The Forgemaster Cycle Trilogy: The Complete Epic Fantasy Adventure. by Joshua C. Cook
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Dark and Epic Fantasy with Hits and Misses

The Forgemaster series, written by Joshua C. Cook, is a thrilling and epic fantasy series that takes readers on an unforgettable journey. The series includes three books: Blood of a Fallen God, The Anvil of Souls, and A City in Blue -- all three are included in this Omnibus. The series is set in an intriguing world, and the plot moves at a fast pace. The series' primary focus is on William, a simple smith who is tossed into an ancient conflict between gods. The Forgemaster series is a must-read for high fantasy lovers who look for an epic and immersive story.

The first book, Blood of a Fallen God, sets the foundation for the series with its dark and epic story. William and his brother take on the corrupt priesthood and blood cult, and the story is told from multiple perspectives. While some of the ancillary characters could have been developed better, the dialog, main characters, and story are well-written, and the narration in the audiobook is excellent.

The second book, The Anvil of Souls, is not as good as the first. The plot is unfocused, and most of the book is a chronicle of a long journey taken by the central protagonists, William, Myriam, and Regin. The characters were a disappointment in this book as they seemed more dense and oblivious than in the previous book, and William, in particular, was an impotent hero. However, the narration in the audiobook is still excellent, and the story's build-up at the end compensates for some of its flaws.

The third book, A City in Blue, is a vast improvement over its predecessor. The book is a departure from the previous book, exploring a new world while still carrying over some narrative arcs from the previous books. The book's strengths are the new setting, the interesting and fresh magic system, and the split-point-of-view narrative. The primary protagonists, William and Myriam, are much improved in this book, and Myriam, in particular, shines.

Overall, the Forgemaster series is a thrilling and epic fantasy series worth reading. The series has its ups and downs, but the first and third books are well-done and engaging. The series has flaws, but the audiobook's excellent narration compensates for some of the series' weaknesses.

A special thanks to Eric Moore, who provided me with a copy of the audiobook at my request.

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Review: A City in Blue

A City in Blue by Joshua C. Cook
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

New Setting, Improved Story

A City in Blue, the third book in The Forgemaster Cycle by Joshua C. Cook, is a vast improvement over its predecessor. The setting explores a new world while still carrying over some narrative arc from the previous books in the series. The book’s overall feel is different, and it's a departure from the previous book, which is a pro. The book's strengths are the new setting, interesting and fresh magic system, and the split-point-of-view narrative, which offers a great way of seeing the story unfold from the perspectives of William and Myriam.

The book's primary protagonists are William and Myriam, and both characters are much improved from previous installments. However, William could still be more confident and was a weak protagonist sometimes – but it’s okay because Myriam really shines. The unnamed god's whole story arc seemed bizarre, but I can see it was necessary to set them up as a foe of the City in Blue. It didn't quite fit in with the general tone of the book. Nevertheless, the pros outweigh the cons, making this an enjoyable read.

The narration by Eric Bryan Moore is excellent. He brings the story to life with his great character voices and inflections, which elevates the story into something more enjoyable. The narration is a standout, and William and Myriam come alive with their unique voices. Overall, A City in Blue is a definite must-read for fans of the genre and people who are looking for a fresh and new story in a well-established series. Joshua C. Cook’s third installment in The Forgemaster Cycle is entertaining and enjoyable, and it's a great way to explore a new world while still retaining the same setting from the previous books.

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