The Way of Shadows

The Way of Shadows is a more recent book (released in 2008) by Brent Weeks, and is the first of his Night Angle Trilogy. This book is about the development of a young "Guild Rat" named Azoth, into a deadly killer or "Wetboy". The difference between a wetboy and an assassin is that assassins have targets, wetboys have deaders, as in that person is the walking dead the moment a wetboy takes on his contract. Azoth lives in the Warrens (almost like a ghetto) of the city of Cenaria, a city plagued by corruption and poverty where the majority of the book takes place. Magical forces are getting ready to make their move and by the end of this book Azoth will have begun to change the world forever.

This is one of the most violent, fowl language, cruel book I have ever read and it is full of atrocities committed against everything imaginable; and yet I have never read such a large book so fast, meaning I loved it. This is truly a book for a much older audience, which combines the dark underworld of crime and corruption to magic, adventure, and even some romance. I have never read anything like this before and it was like a breath of fresh air. The Way of Shadows leaves all of those conventional magic and adventure books behind and takes the reader into the darkness of an underworld crime syndicate who controls everything behind the scenes. This was a great read and I recommend it to anyone who wants to change things up.

Interested? Check out this like http://www.sffworld.com/brevoff/494.html

Stone of Tears

The Stone of Tears is the second book of The Sword of Truth Series by Terry Goodkind, the first book being Wizards First Rule. In this book Richard Cypher finds out that he is in fact Richard Rahl the son of Darken Rahl the villain from the first book. He also finds out that his own magic will kill him unless he receives help form another wizard which happens in an unseen was as Richard is taken away by sorceries who calls herself a Sister of the Light. However not all is as it seems as dark forces move to destroy the world. Richard is faced with many new puzzles all revolving around himself. Can he master his own magic, will he figure out why he has been taken away, and can Richard save the world once again?

Stone of Tears can be a little slower as Richard is forced to figure out what is really going on in the world. The language, content, and subject matter are in my opinion more suited for an older user audience (15 or older). This said it is an original idea and very interesting novel that combines a lot of mystery, action, romance, and surprisingly logical thinking which really makes for a good read. This is a story about finding out the truth as Richard uses logic and follows his sense of right to lead him down his path.

For more information http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stone_of_Tears

The Elfstones of Shannara

The Elfstones of Shannara is the second book by Terry Brooks of the Original Shannara Trilogy. In this book the mysterious Allanon returns in search of Wil Ohmsford, the son of Shea Ohmsford form the first book The Sword of Shannara . Allanon's informs Wil that he is needed to protect the world from a horde of demons that threaten to break loose into this world. Alone side Amberle Elessedil, Wil is sent to look for the bloodfire fountain in hopes of reviving the Ellcrys tree which can banish the demons back into their own world.

The Elfstones of Shannara is a great adventure book that once again delivers original content involving battles, adventure, magic, mysteries, and romance. It constantly took new twists and turns as mew challenges constantly change the course of the book such as a demon called the reaper constantly hunting the two main characters throughout the book. This is a good read for any true fantasy fan and is more suited for teens as it is a longer book and the writing style is more advanced.

For more information see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Elfstones_of_Shannara

Brisingr

Fire. The title of this third book of the Inheritance Cycle is called Brisingr which in the ancient language is the true name for fire. Eragon finds himself caught up in many different situations including the war with the empire, acting as a political tool for the choosing of a new dwarf king, trying to complete his training, and finding a new sword that is worthy of a dragon rider. In addition he is still trying to sort out his feelings about the elf that he loves Arya, without pushing her away and Murtagh his brother. Firstly though, Eragon has set out with his cousin Roran to confront and defeat the murderers of his uncle Garrow, the Ra'Zac. New secrets are revealed and new plot twists unfold as Eragon continues towards his destiny, what that is however is still a mystery.

This is another amazing book written by Christopher Paolini about the land of Alagaesia  and the legacy of the dragon riders. The first two books are Eragon and Eldest both excellent books revealing in my opinion, Eragons training towards becoming a dragon rider. This third book is more about Eragon taking a more front seat approach to becoming a leader and hero who can defeat Galbatorix and save the lands. It was a frilling book full of breath taking action, mystery, new plot turns/ developments, and imagination. This series has become my personal favourite and I would recommend this book and the fiirst books to anyone.

The Voyage of The Dawn Treader Movie

The Voyage of The Dawn Trader is going to be a movie released this coming December. I have read the book and am excited about this new development. Check it out at this link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvksmVuS4vQ&feature=related

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspin

In this book the four Pevensie children are called back to Narnia to find that things have changed for the worse. The lands have been conquered by the Telmarines spread across the land destroying the magical creatures and talking animals. The only hope for peace once again is Prince Caspian, a Telmarine who has a love for magic and those creatures who he believes are only stories. Prince Caspian soon finds that the stories of old are very much real and that Old Narnia still exists, waiting to be liberated. The battle over Narnia is about to begin and with the aid of Peter, Susan, Lucy, and Edmund, Prince Caspian confronts his Uncle; the king for the future of Narnia. The only question; where is Aslan?   

This is the third book in the series which makes up The Chronicles of Narnia, following The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. Although this book has been made into a very good movie, I still have to say that the book is more enjoyable and that the movie takes a few different plot twists which do not happen in the book. It is a great read for anyone of any age and once again delivers imagination, adventure, and mystery that anyone will enjoy.

The Sea of Monsters

The Sea of Monsters is the second book of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. The Sea of Monsters is about the quest of Percy, Annabeth, Clarisse, and Tyson as they search for the Golden Fleece from an evil Cyclops to help revive Thalias tree which guards Camp Half Blood with its magic. Percy also finds out that his friend Grover has been kidnapped by the same Cyclops and that he lives on an island in The Sea of Monsters. In addition to the quest to save Grover and find the Golden Fleece, Percy discovers that a plot to revive the evil Titan Lord Kronos, overthrow Olympus, and destroy Camp Half Blood.

The Sea of Monsters is the sequel to the Lightning Thief and displays the same creative and original themes/ideas which made the Lightning Thief a great book. It is also a short read well suited for children or anyone who loves fantasy or adventure novels. I personally loved the new plot twists and character developments as Percy Jackson continues his development into a hero and to fulfill the prophecy about his 16th birthday.