Book Review: Hero

Warning: there are spoilers in my review.

I finished this book in about 2 days. It was an engaging read, though I felt the events could have been divided into two books, or at least in a thicker one, for a lot was crammed into this last volume. A part of me is glad this is the last (or at least, rumored to be last) Drizzt novel. The series has been going on for 20-some years, and has to conclude at some point. I was worried about how it would end, and hoped that it would be a happy ending, for something tragic after such a long journey would leave a foul taste in my mouth.

Fortunately for my sappy tendencies, it was a good ending. It felt a bit rushed, but again, a lot needed to be done in this last volume. The epilogue made me fangirl squeal in joy, even as it raised questions. We have been told that Zaknafein’s soul is in a good place (it has been mentioned in previous novels, and was mentioned in this one, too), but where that good place is, we have been left to speculate. Towards the end of Hero, Lolth taunts Drizzt, saying she could return Zak to life, and Drizzt points out that she has no claim to him, that he isn’t with him. Lolth doesn’t deny this, but says it doesn’t matter. In the epilogue, Jarlaxle and Yvonnel are speculating about Lolth, and how she could be “changing”. While I doubt Drizzt has that much influence over her—though she clearly has an interest in him—and then Zak is there. Jarlaxle is thrilled, and so am I, but it raises questions. Who did restore him? Was it Lolth, or perhaps Yvonnel herself had a hand in it? Zak didn’t belong to Lolth, so, if it was her, it makes me wonder which deity she appealed to—something I can’t see her doing—or if another deity was watching and decided to do it her/himself. We’re left to speculate, I suppose, but I am happy to see Zak.

I am glad Drizzt isn’t the only one to find peace in the end. Entreri does, too, though the relationship between him and Dahlia seemed a bit forced. He and Jarlaxle speak of Calihye, and then, in the same scene, he goes to Dahlia and realizes he loves her. Kimmurial had helped to heal her mind, but still…I don’t know. While I feel sorry for Dahlia, I have never been fond of her, though she deserved peace, too. Entreri just seemed to fall into the relationship so easily, but perhaps they will be good to each other.

Drizzt’s descent into despair was hard to read. The greatest foe he ever faced are his own demons, and it was a necessary road, perhaps, but those scenes were tough—as they were probably meant to be. I felt it was a bit negated by the fact it was a curse, but oh well. The point was made, and, thankfully, Drizzt is healed in the end and surrounded by those he loved. I thought it sweet his last journey entry was addressed to Guen. He has a promising life ahead of him.

Wulfgar is the same as ever. I’ve never been overly fond of him, and his womanizing ways annoy me, though he fully admits he takes precautions. Jarlaxle is a womanizer too, but he is a far more witty and engaging character, in my opinion. I didn’t like Wulfgar in his first life, and my feelings didn’t change in his second one. He’s not terrible, I just don’t prefer him.

While the rumors of the ending FR novel line greatly sadden me, I hope this is indeed is the last Drizzt novel (though I would have liked to have seen the reunion between him and his father). We have been on this journey for a long time, and I feel this is a good place for it to end, even though there are unanswered questions. If Bob is contracted to write FR novels again, I hope he writes about other characters in the novel, or completely new characters. I dearly hope the FR novel line is eventually picked up again.

While I have had my issues with the Drizzt books (especially the latest ones) about the inconsistencies of lore and lack of mention of the other drow deities (Eilistraee and Vhaeraun have returned, after all), I have always loved Drizzt as a character. And I am happy to see him happy. I am glad I was able to hug the book at the end instead of throw it across the room. All around, a good ending to a long journey.

Book Review: The Devil You Know

I was a bit worried about how this storyline would end, but it concluded better than I expected. All the characters I cared about survived. A part of me was kind of hoping a…triad between Dahl, Fari, and Lorcan would form, because I couldn’t decide who I wanted her end up with. Dahl was better for her, as she said, but I like the “devilish” characters. Either way, I am glad Lorcan survived. I was kind of worried about what was going to happen, since he was in a precarious position. It ends with him starting a new path in life (that’s literally the last scene), and I am curious to see what happens, but I realize this is the end of the series. The characters I cared about survived, so I was happy about that.

The ending felt a bit rushed, as often to seems to be the case in fantasy novels (fantasy is my love, so don’t get me wrong, I breathe the genre as much I breathe yaoi manga, but the endings are often rushed). There is all this build-up to the ultimate confrontation, and then that confrontation is a bit hurried. But it was still a good ending. It blew things up without blowing them up, if that makes any sense. I am glad things turned out all right. I actually kind of enjoyed the scene where Havi and Fari were in the Fugue Plane. That was interesting. I love things involving the gods, and I always feel better when there is an afterlife, though depending on who you are, that can be good or bad, in the Realms. I don't have siblings, but I liked the theme of sister-bond. Alyona and Bisera’s story was tragic, but selfless in the end.

Fari kind of annoyed me in this book, in a way she hadn't before. As Mehen thought at one point, she was moving too slowly. Then again, she was dealing with a bunch of stuff at once that I can't even imagine, so I should cut her some slack. She just seemed very...within herself? I guess? I still like her, but she did bother me more than usual.

But that shows the power of Evans' writing. Her characters are flawed, making them believable. I would like to see more about the development between Enlil and the dragonborn. I'm glad for Kallan and Mehen (I would have liked an ending scene with them, but at least we know Mehen has a companion in him), and Duzumi really grew on me in this book. It was touching at the end to see Fari, after everything she'd been through, still nervous about Dahl's family. All in all, I enjoyed this book, as I have enjoyed all the Brimstone books. It was epic, with diverse characters and lots of conflict.

Book Review: Song of the Fallen

This is a review for the duology as as whole *spoilers ahead*

I have read plenty of BL (boys love) manga—also known as yaoi—and I have same-sex couplings amongst my characters, but I haven’t read an m/m romance before. Well, there was one that was part of a larger series, but it was the only one in that series that could be considered m/m. I decided it was time to start. I love fantasy, and that has been my genre of choice, so I started looking for m/m romance that would fit the bill. I literally typed in “gay fantasy romance” in the Amazon search bar. A bunch of choices popped up, and Song of the Fallen caught my eye. I have a thing for elves, so an m/m romance with elves in it? Yes, please! This duology caught my attention, and after reading over reviews, I decided to read it for myself. I have never finished two books so fast. I could not put them down. Counterpoint held my attention, as did Crescendo. I loved both Frayrik “Rik” and Ayden (especially Ayden). I really do have a thing for elves. And that poor guy went through so much. Frayrik did, too, but Ayden…it was just one thing after another. The flogging scene towards the end of Counterpoint was brutal. I have to look away if there is a whipping scene on TV, and reading it was just as bad. But it shows the strength of the writer to be able to invoke such emotions. And the banter between him and Freyrik made me laugh on several occasions. Both of these characters have their flaws, but they care for their people, and will do whatever they can for them. But they also love each other, and their loyalties are often torn. Fortunately, it worked out in the end, and they didn’t have to choose, because they got both.

Speaking of the ending, I will agree with other reviewers that it was…abrupt. There was all this build-up to the final battle, and then it was just…over. I’m grateful for the epilogue, otherwise it would have been a terrible ending, but I feel the author could have given more details about the battle, and then written the epilogue. There were a lot of unanswered questions. I wanted to know more about the world. What happened to Brenedil? Kona? We know that the slaves were finally freed, but there are loose threads I felt should have been tied up. The battle was anticlimactic, and there was a lot going on that didn’t get the attention it should have. This world has so much potential.

That said, it was a happy ending, and, after all they went through, it was good to see that Freyrik and Ayden could stand together as equals in the eyes of others. Ayden no longer has to be seen as Rik’s slave (Rik stopped seeing him that way a long time ago, but others did not), and they can be with each other. They get their happily ever after (though I hope they can find a way to prolong Rik’s life, as he is human, and Ayden will outlive him). I love the line where Ayden says “I’ve looked into the customs of your people. You’ll be wearing the dress” (in reference to marriage). Again, I loved Ayden. As anticlimactic as the final battle was, I was glad for the happy ending, and it was proof that in all the trials they went through, Ayden and Freyrik’s love prevailed. They were tested many times. But they got to be together, to live and love.

I recommend this book to anyone who loves fantasy. Even if you have never been exposed to m/m relationships, give Song of the Fallen a try. It’s a great story, and the sex is balanced with plot. I picked it up, and it felt like reading a fantasy novel. Even now, I can’t stop thinking about it.

Bok Review: Shards of Time (Nightrunner series)

A bit late to the party, but as a yaoi manga and fantasy lover, I was some happy to find a fantasy series where the main couple is m/m. Part of my elation for this is that it isn’t in the m/m romance category, but you can find it in the fantasy section in the bookstore. Alec and Seregil’s relationship is natural, and treated as part of the story, but it not the main focus. It is the backdrop to their adventures and all the trouble they get mixed up in. The bond between them is strong, and we see it in these little moments amongst the greater plot. 

I loved the world Flewelling built, too. It felt like stepping into a classic fantasy world, but original enough that it didn’t feel like I was reading the same story (though I have never been bothered by that. I love a good, generic fantasy tale). The characters were well-developed, and we really come to care about them. The ending was satisfactory, with Alec and Seregil doing what they do best—nightrunning together. I adored these two so much. Seregil made me laugh (and, being as the ‘faie remind me of elves, that made me like him even more), and we get to see Alec grow from an adorable sixteen-year-old orphan to a handsome man in his twenties. I want more of these two!

There are some unanswered questions (like what became of Ilar), and the possibility of future books, but I know Flewelling is taking a break, and also has new stories in mind. I recommend this series to anyone. It’s dark, beautiful, funny, and charming. Five stars for the whole series! Thank you for the wonderful adventure, Lynn Flewelling!

Book Review

Corsair series by Fuuko Minami

This is a 3 volume yaoi manga series that isn't yet available in English. I read the scanlations online, and I bought them in Japanese, because, even though I am not fluent in Japanese, the series was so good, I wanted to possess it, even if it's not in my native language.

The story is rather heavy, though there are a few light hearted moments, and the ending is happy, the ending scene being very touching. The main character, Canale, was blinded when he was young, but that doesn't stop him from being a skilled swordsman. He has lived a very hard life, and he is a very well developed character. His partner, Ayace, comes across as very aloof and stand-offish at first (he's a cool, suave pirate), but he in fact deeply cares for Canale. After many trials, and his past coming back to haunt him, with the help of Ayace, Canale is able to make peace with himself, and yes, the two sail away together. Again, the last scene is very touching, with Canale saying he wants to see Ayace's face. Ayace brings Canale's hand to his face and says, "I'll teach you." They kiss. I keep going back to that scene because it is just so sweet.

There is a spin-off manga called Corsair: Eigetsu. It is just one volume as far as I know, and it follows another one of the characters from the main series. I hope this series becomes available in English some day, because I recommend it to any yaoi fan.

Book Review

Ze vol 11 by Yuki Shimizu

Great series *minor spoilors*

I loved this series. It pulled at my heartstrings, and I felt invested in every character. In some ways the ending went too fast, but I still give it 5 atars.

All around, it was a happy ending, with everyone together. Throughout this series, when there is tragedy, it ends in, if not outright happiness, then at least contentment and hope. The end was no exception. The art is gorgeous, and the story complex. *spoiler* Megane is returned to life, and while Shimizu-san herself states she wants it left uncertain whether Megane retained his memories like Asari did, the note is hopeful. "Miracles happen once in a while." With this quote, we can believe that, like the miracle with Asari, Megan was brought back with knowledge of his previous life. The ending is very cute, where everyone takes a photo together, and you get to see everyone with their lovers. We have followed the characters' stories, laughed and cried with them, and again, while the ending did feel a little rushed, it was a good ending. I would recommend it to any yaoi fan. It's one of my favorites. You need this series on your shelf.

A Book Review

The Night Voice (Noble Dead Saga)

*spoilers*

It is kind of hard to believe this is the last of the ND saga. I became invested in these characters, and there were several ways the story could end, not all of them happy. It actually ended happier than I was expecting, though there was still some sadness, as was to be expected from a series like this. 

Say what you will about him and his past deeds, but Chane was one of my favorite characters, and I am glad he survived. However, *spoilers* now that Wynn is gone, what is going to happen to him? Her passing was tragic, particularly for him, and I wonder where he will go and what he will do next. Live with Ore-Locks perhaps? At least he got a good 30 years with Wynn, where they lived together and were happy, but it was still sad. 

Wayfarer and Osha (I also find Osha adorable) married, which made me happy, though I wish they had gone into more detail about that. In fact, the lack of detail is my biggest complaint about The Night Voice. It all felt rushed, like the Hendees were just trying to finish the series and get it over with. There was so much leading up to the final confrontation with the Enemy, and there were other plotlines as well, since as the division among the elven castes thanks to Most Aged Father. We don’t get that resolution, and everything was kind of rushed. After several books devoted to hiding the orbs, now suddenly they all had to go back for them? I think things could have been structured differently, and also certain scenes, which should have gotten more detail and attention, were short. For example, Wynn –finally- confesses her feelings for Chane, which the story had been leading up to for a while, or at least some sort of resolution concerning the love triangle. However, when this scene at last occurs, it is rather brief. 

This is just one of the many things I wish they had gone into more detail about. The story was so rich and epic, I felt like they should have given the last boo k that…flare the rest of the series had, but I found it lacking. This isn’t to say I didn’t enjoy the last book. I did, and as I said, it was a lot happier of an ending (minus Bro’tan’s and later Wynn’s, death) that I thought it would be, but it lacked the detail and attention it should have gotten.

It is still a good, suspenseful read, and I recommend it to any ND fan. Most of the characters I love made it through the series, and while I felt there were some loose, unresolved plotlines, it was a good ending as a whole, even if it lacked in some areas. I still enjoyed it.