The Dawn Chorus by Karen Menezes

The Lightbender has survived the events that took place in the borderlands of Capherayna, though the trauma he experienced during that time remains. He has avoided dealing with his own pain, though he continues to travel and help the sick or injured wherever his journey takes him. This time, it has taken him to one of the cities that he has usually avoided. And in this book, he makes new friends, lovers, and even attempts to see what life might be like if he were to stay in one place. But staying put or even forming a long-lasting romantic relationship seems to be against his nature.

I read a review copy of this book, and while I enjoyed it more than I did the first book in this series—now that the worldbuilding was completed in the first book, it was easier for me to get into the story—I still feel that it lacks something. The writing and editing were good, but there was no rise or fall of action within the plot. And as near as I can tell, this book seems to be about The Lightbender helping others who are hurting, sick, or traumatized, yet when it comes to his own emotional pain and trauma, he appears to simply push it aside and try to ignore it. Or maybe he is simply trying to pretend it is not there at all?

While the tales told during this story are interesting, it feels like everyone other than the Lightbender, with his help, manages to grow and improve, though he is the central character of this book and what ties everything together. He does not seem to allow himself to heal or seek out or find someone who can help him through his own trauma. He simply seems to keep on as he always has … helping those around him and not allowing himself to truly become tied to any person or place. I did at one point think that I had run across a subplot that would allow him to confront the parts of himself that he kept seeking to hide or avoid, but that tidbit seemed to go nowhere, or maybe simply fell to the wayside. (And no, it doesn’t involve the temporary romances he has in this story.)

I have hope that it will come about in the next book and be resolved there, but with nothing changing and him not appearing to grow/heal in any way, for me it made the book feel rather flat. There was no rise and fall of action, and though he did seem to help those around him, more than once I wondered, where this story was going. Yes, we learn more about what happened from the king about what he suspects was going on during the events of the first book, but that was more stories being told without anything actually happening. As interesting as what I read was, I wanted to know what the point of it all was. As I mentioned, The Lightbender was clearly the central figure that drew everyone else around himself together, but for what purpose? Was it so that he could heal them while still avoiding dealing with his own pain? I’m still not certain I know the answer to those questions.

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Civil Unrest by C.R. Buchanan and Jason Diamond

This third book in the WolfStar series begins with tension growing between the Armada humans who have befriended the Dah’Sel and the Vee’Sal who view humans as demons. It’s hard to blame the Vee’Sal for this opinion, given that the Uprisers from Kep Four managed to steal one of the interstellar ships that brought humans to this world and proceeded to attack everyone they could. The Uprisers desire to destroy the members of the Armada and any intelligent life on this planet in order to claim it for themselves. But unlike the Dah’Sel, the Vee’Sal view all of humanity as one. And as far as they are concerned, if the friendships and the growing ties between the Dah’Sel and the Armada are not broken, war between not only the humans on this planet will be inevitable, but also between the two native clans will break out for the first time in generations. The Vee’Sal want all humans gone from their lands.

I read a review copy of this book and enjoyed it just as much as I did the previous two books in the series. It says a lot about the members of the Armada who have befriended the Dah’Sel and have sought not only their help, but to help them wherever they can as well. The Armada has not sought to force the Dah’Sel to submit to them, nor have they tried to change them. Rather, they have sought to learn the ways of this new world and to try and live accordingly. But with the interference of the Uprisers, it has become clear that not all of humanity seeks to change and belong. Too many seek to dominate and rule. And this is causing a great deal of conflict and damage to this once peaceful world. It makes one wonder if the nature of humanity is conflict? And if so, can that be changed somehow?

There is a lot happening in this book. And not all of it is about conflict, for one member of the Dah’Sel and one member of the Armada have been growing closer. So a secondary theme in this book seems to be about the power of love and friendship. But is a relationship between the two even possible if the other clan is so determined to see the humans---all of them---gone?

This is a book that is both entertaining and gives one a lot to think about when it comes to the nature of humans. The characters were very interesting, and the differences between the two native clans was clear. Yes, there were similarities between the clans, but when I think about it, I can see that it isn’t solely humanity that can have a combative nature. It’s more about how each individual chooses to live, peacefully and in harmony with those around us, or against those who are different, whether or not those same people may seek to befriend and help others. And of course, there is the issue of trust. And that might be at the heart of at least some of what happens in this story.

While this book does bring a potential conclusion to this part of the story, I expect that there will be more to follow. The ending of this book leaves us with the perfect setup for a new or continuing part of the characters’ stories. And I, for one, am looking forward to learning what is next for the humans, the Dah’Sel, and the Vee’Sel who live on Wahlor. I believe that anyone who enjoys reading science fiction, stories involving multiple cultures trying to coexist near each other, stories involving fighting for not only survival but what the fate of those living on the planet will be, or who has read and enjoyed the previous two books in the WolfStar series will likely enjoy this book as much as I did.

Amazon requires me to state that I have an Amazon Associates account that I use to generate the links to the books on their website. Purchasing something after following those links will earn a few pennies for me off the sale, though as of yet I have not earned anything from my Amazon Associate links.

The Assassin’s Saint by V.C. Willis

Dante and John are “laying low” in Terahime. John was gravely wounded as they escaped from Fallen Arbor after having returned Princess Sonya to the Capitol where she can secure her crown and remove those who are against her being crowned as Queen Sonya after the death of her father, the king. Though they have found somewhere safe where he can heal, John cannot seem to shake the infection that has been ravaging his body. While they are trying everything to help, Dante is working every job he can in order to pay for their place to stay and the medicines to try and help John heal from his near-fatal injury. Dante begins fighting in the Blood Exchange as a means to earn some extra coin and to gain experience in another fighting style. The winner of the tournament will be declared the Blood Champion of Terahime.” That title will open more doors for both Dante and John, as well as bringing them more support in their continuing battle against Fallen Arbor. That is, if Dante can win and they can both survive to continue their journey.

I read a review copy of this book and enjoyed it. I will start out with a content warning, as this is not a book meant for younger readers. It does contain some graphic M/M sex scenes as well as a fair amount of violence. But for all that, it is a very interesting story, especially if you have read the previous books in the series. I enjoyed learning more about what happened to Dante’s older brother Ashton as well seeing as some of the little easter eggs hidden within the pages of this book. (Hint: if you are familiar with the names of some of the other 4 Horsemen Publications authors and staff members, you will find some of them hidden as characters in this book, just as you will in the previous books in this series.)

While there is a fair amount of violence in this story (Dante is a Guild Assassin, after all), there are also stolen romantic moments between John and Dante, showing their humanity and the depth of their feelings for each other. Dante is a good man, one who would do anything in order to keep the love of his life safe. And John would do the same for him.  I enjoyed seeing this side of the two of them, as well as watching them grow as individuals and doing what they needed to do to survive, all while not forgetting about those they promised to help along with those who have helped them along the way.

I especially enjoyed some of the advice from those who came to know the two men during their stay in Terahime. Whether or not they knew who Dante and John really were didn’t truly matter, they were both respected for the help and caring they showed to others in the community. And in return, they were given advice that I think could easily apply to many of us reading these books … if we are paying attention and realizing that it is meant for more than just the characters in the story.

I think that anyone who has read and enjoyed any of the previous books in this series, as well as anyone who enjoys romance (especially if they do not mind that the romance is between two men and includes some graphic sex), would enjoy this story. I know I found it to be an enjoyable tale to read and am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

Amazon requires me to state that I have an Amazon Associates account that I use to generate the links to the books on their website. Purchasing something after following those links will earn a few pennies for me off the sale, though as of yet I have not earned anything from my Amazon Associate links.

Shadowrun: Through the Decades Edited by Jennifer Brozak and John Helfers

This book is an anthology of Shadowrun stories whose settings span the decades. The first story in the book is set in the 2020s and each following story jumps forward to the next decade. Some characters did make appearances in multiple stories, though as expected, not as the main characters in the stories written by other authors.

It has been a very long time since I last read a Shadowrun novel or played the Role Playing Game and had forgotten how much I enjoyed both. So for me, this one was a great reintroduction to the Shadowrun universe. These stories were very well written and quite enjoyable to read. I loved the progression of stories through time, including getting to see some of the characters make appearances in multiple stories. I recognized a few of them from when I last read and played Shadowrun, and I look forward to reading more of these books in the future.

I believe this book would be enjoyed by anyone who plays (or who has played) the Shadowrun role-playing game or has enjoyed reading any of the books in the past. If you haven’t read the books or played the RPG before, this book is a great introduction to the Shadowrun universe.

Amazon requires me to state that I have an Amazon Associates account that I use to generate the links to the books on their website. Purchasing something after following those links will earn a few pennies for me off the sale, though as of yet I have not earned anything from my Amazon Associate links.