A fantastical realm powered by stories, with a magical library connected to our own world through portals. Airships, life-giving elixirs, a mysteriousA fantastical realm powered by stories, with a magical library connected to our own world through portals. Airships, life-giving elixirs, a mysterious darkness descending on the world…
The realm of Silvyra is under threat from an old enemy, returned from supposed death to bring destruction to all realms - the mysterious Ash Man, or Suttaru. His army of creatures from the realm of dark stories are threatening to destroy all knowledge in the Great Library and the Tree of Life, and it’s up to the Sages of the Book of Wisdom, along with a few other adventurers, to defend the library and defeat the forces of darkness. Epic, right?
I was sent a copy of this book by Text Publishing to review, and I wasn’t really sure what to expect from it. The material said it was a tie-in for the Tomorrowland music festival, held each year in Belgium and occasionally in other locations around the world. Those who already know the festival may recognise themes including the Book of Wisdom or the Elixir of Life, but I’m sure there are countless more references I just didn’t catch.
The festival touts itself as having a “commitment to create a reality that relates positively with Mother Nature and contributes to the well-being of the next generations.” A lofty goal for sure, and I thought perhaps this book might be a light-hearted adventure, but the first few chapters are surprisingly dark, introducing us to the villains of this story and what they are capable of.
This story does not shy away from violence or heartbreak, but also carries an undercurrent of hope throughout. There are quite a few characters telling the story in multiple locations, but I quite enjoyed the multiple points of view. It almost felt like the scale of the worlds and people in them could have made a much longer book, but this is book one in a trilogy, after all.
The writing style is often beautiful and a pleasure to read, although the sheer volume of world-building here does mean there’s a fair amount of exposition crammed in as we discover new people or places. Still, I enjoyed the read, and will be interested to see where this tale travels next.
If you enjoy exciting quests set in a gorgeous magical/steampunk library dimension (let’s be honest, who wouldn’t?), definitely give The Great Library of Tomorrow a try. ...more
Birdie Down is a guns-blazing tale of a group of rebels in the Outer Rim, taking on the Lynthax Corporation. Scatkiewicz (or “Scat”) and his crew haveBirdie Down is a guns-blazing tale of a group of rebels in the Outer Rim, taking on the Lynthax Corporation. Scatkiewicz (or “Scat”) and his crew have hijacked a ship and attacked Corporation facilities on two worlds and are chased to a third. A group of rebels, led by Andrew “Birdie” Goosen, has crash landed a shuttle into the swampy jungle on the planet below. They must not only survive the Corporation forces searching for them, but also all the nasties that an alien world can throw at them.
Apparently this book was written for fun in only five weeks – if that is the case then Jim Graham has done a great job in a very short time. The start of the story thrusts the reader right into the action and there’s little time for character descriptions, but as the story moves on we get to know the crew better. Once the attack begins on Constitution, the action is exciting and non-stop, with plenty of alien creatures and gory bits.
This story is perfect for lovers of gritty sci-fi and fans of space opera will love it.
Merged review:
Birdie Down is a guns-blazing tale of a group of rebels in the Outer Rim, taking on the Lynthax Corporation. Scatkiewicz (or “Scat”) and his crew have hijacked a ship and attacked Corporation facilities on two worlds and are chased to a third. A group of rebels, led by Andrew “Birdie” Goosen, has crash landed a shuttle into the swampy jungle on the planet below. They must not only survive the Corporation forces searching for them, but also all the nasties that an alien world can throw at them.
Apparently this book was written for fun in only five weeks – if that is the case then Jim Graham has done a great job in a very short time. The start of the story thrusts the reader right into the action and there’s little time for character descriptions, but as the story moves on we get to know the crew better. Once the attack begins on Constitution, the action is exciting and non-stop, with plenty of alien creatures and gory bits.
This story is perfect for lovers of gritty sci-fi and fans of space opera will love it....more
An excellent end to this trilogy! I love Rainbow's witty and/or emotional writing style, and the twists of this final instalment kept me on my toes. IAn excellent end to this trilogy! I love Rainbow's witty and/or emotional writing style, and the twists of this final instalment kept me on my toes. In fanfic tag terms, this is angst with a happy ending, hurt/comfort, the grumpy one ends up with the sunshine one, and a few other well-loved tropes....more
Such a gorgeous love story between two adorable high-profile sons of their respective countries. Sweet and heartbreaking, but definitely with a trimupSuch a gorgeous love story between two adorable high-profile sons of their respective countries. Sweet and heartbreaking, but definitely with a trimuphant ending. I have no idea how to describe this, but I loved it....more
I was completely charmed by this book! Not only does it describe a place I wish I could have visited, it presents an almost Night Circus-esque eccentrI was completely charmed by this book! Not only does it describe a place I wish I could have visited, it presents an almost Night Circus-esque eccentric magical realism.
This story follows the children of the owner of Cole's Book Arcade in Melbourne at the end of the nineteenth century, and their adventure to save their father and their arcade from a less-than-scrupulous magical deal. I'm sure it's quite scary in parts for very young readers - I was a little terrified for the kids here and there! High stakes and nail-biting trials, but they all come through in the end.
A masterfully written urban historical fantasy, with just enough elements of reality to delight a reader. I loved it!...more
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