Tag: C. Greenwood

This book is another solid start by C. Greenwood. She is beginning to remind me of other great fantasy authors like R. A. Salvatore and Robert Jordan. It didn’t occur to me until I finished this book is that the name of the main character is rarely mentioned.

In fact it may have only happened twice, three times at most. I know its peculiar to mention that fact but you become so invested with the story and what will happen that the name of the main character becomes irrelevant. You know she is a humanoid race of dragonkind (this makes sense when you read the story), whose wings have been clipped because of her rank in society. Her curiosity causes a terrible tragedy and now she’s on a quest to try to reverse what has happened.

Isle of Dragons is a good read. There were a couple of parts where I became so lost in the adventure I hadn’t realized people were talking to me. As a final note, I really like the art design for the book covers; again its very Robert Jordan-esque. It’s a quick read, like most of her books, so one could easily read it in a weekend.

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“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
– Dr. Seuss

Book Review: Magic of Dimmingwood Trilogy

By Biggs

On June 1, 2017

In Book Review, Fantasy

Thief’s Curse by C. Greenwood
My rating: [rating=4]
(Read this review on Goodreads instead)

All three books were gifted to me by the author and, while I wanted to write a review upon completion of each book, I decided to defer until the end. I did this for a couple of reasons. 1) I was enjoying the books so much I didn’t want to hesitate between each book. 2) All three books are very cohesive so writing individual reviews would begin to feel redundant. It feels more beneficial to write a review that encompasses the entire Magic of Dimmingwood trilogy.

If you are familiar with the Legends of Dimmingwood series, written by the same author, then this trilogy is a prequel to those books. It will tell the story of Ilan’s parents (perhaps even where she got her name). The mystery of that amazing runed bow. It starts with the story of two boys of affluent birth whose family was betrayed by nefarious politicians. After their father’s execution, Luka and Ferran escape the tower and flee to Selibus. They take on new identities while befriending a magicker girl who will help them reach the Dimmingwood forest. However a guild of thieves, and their ruthless leader, also stand in their way and will change their lives forever.

A Cohesive Story and Very Well Written

One thing I have noticed about the author, C. Greenwood, is that she pumps out books quickly. Sometimes that can be detrimental, especially if the books are part of a series. However, that is not the case here. The books are so cohesive you would think she released them all at the same time. The tone between each book never changes; it feels more like starting a new chapter than starting the next book. All the relevant characters are well written and endearing. You will care what happens to all of them.

If you haven’t read the Legends of Dimmingwood books yet then I would recommend starting here first. I have only read the first book (Magic of Thieves) and Ilan was the only name I remembered. I have read quite a few fantasy novels since reading Magic of Thieves so it’s difficult for me to keep all the characters sorted out in my head. This worked to my benefit; not remembering who her parents were preserved the mystery of the story’s conclusion. Thus why I recommend reading the Magic of Dimmingwood trilogy first.

As I already mentioned, I have only read the first book in the Legends of Dimmingwood series but reading the rest of the books has definitely moved farther in on my radar.

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“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
– Dr. Seuss

Book Review: Clash of Catalysts

By Biggs

On February 4, 2017

In Book Review, Fantasy

Clash of Catalysts by C. Greenwood
My rating: [rating=4]
(See this review on Goodreads.)

The last two books of this series were hard to put down. There was action and uncertainty from beginning to end and, to be honest, it took me a little while to warm up to the characters. In fact, I didn’t really feel that emotional investment until book 3. I will warn you, there are spoilers ahead!

I think Geveral remains my favorite character from the series, though Orrick did redeem himself, perhaps the author’s intention. The author surprised me as to Eydis’ fate; I was expecting something much different. When the villain, Rathnakar, is slain I began to ponder; how does an author decide how they will kill the main antagonist? Rathnakar’s demise was stated rather matter-of-factly, which I didn’t seem to mind.

I did quite enjoy the series and I would recommend them to anyone that enjoys decent fantasy. They are a fairly quick read. One big criticism I have is I felt like the role the “Catalysts” had may have been overstated in comparison to role they actually played. I was expecting a more extraordinary contribution. Eydis’ abilities were helpful, but I was expecting more from her “life touch” ability to play a role in the final battle. I just kind of felt like all the emphasis on the catalyst became a bit of a let down.

A Potential Spinoff?

There is a great opportunity to have a spinoff book or series featuring Geveral. In fact I would love to see that happen. I feel like his abilities weren’t properly highlighted, but it was pretty cool that he provided the killing blow. I also expected there to be more to the story that would clear Orrick’s name.

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Book Review: Summoner of Storms

By Biggs

On January 11, 2017

In Book Review, Fantasy

Summoner of Storms by C. Greenwood
My rating: [rating=4]

Summoner of Storms is book III of the Catalysts of Chaos series by C. Greenwood. I received a review copy of this book in advance of its release after subscribing to the authors newsletter. I really like reading ARC books, especially in genre’s that I enjoy. There are three main catalysts in this series and Geveral is my favorite. Perhaps that is why I was excited to read this book (since the first two seemed to be tailored toward the other two catalysts, Eydis and Orrick).

Please note, there are mild spoilers ahead but they will only be of consequence to you if you have read the first two books.

Summoner of Storms is definitely the climax of the series. A grieving Geveral befriends someone who gives him the keys to unlocking his power meanwhile Orrick’s past catches up to him. When the catalysts reach Silverwood Grove you will not want to put the book down. Eydis will have a startling revelation and we may have a glimpse into her possible destiny. We discover a secret to the oracle’s power whose life, as well as the fate of Earth Realm, hangs in the balance.

There Isn’t A Love Story

The conspiracies and mysteries, assassinations and betrayals will keep you reading. There isn’t a subtle love story, which works with the momentum and plot of the book. Honestly I think the lack of a love interest is refreshing. I am enjoying the confident, determined female hero whose goals will not be convoluted by infatuation.

I am really enjoying this series and I am looking forward to the final book, Clash of Catalysts. The title in-and-of-itself begs the question, is there tension growing among the catalysts? It’s clear that this will be the final battle for Earth Realm but Orrick’s sordid dealings make it difficult for Eydis to trust him. Will he find exoneration for his alleged betrayal? Is Eydis more powerful than she realizes? Is Geveral? Will they realize their power soon enough to defend Earth Realm?

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“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
– Dr. Seuss

Book Review: Mistress of Masks

By Biggs

On August 18, 2016

In Book Review, Fantasy

Mistress of Masks by C. Greenwood
My rating: [rating=4]
(Click here to go to Goodreads)

Honestly, I was struggling for a while to write a review since I finished Mistress of Masks. Don’t get me wrong, I really enjoyed the book, I just didn’t know what to say because I’ve been reading several fantasy novels lately. In fact the fantasy novel I finished just before this book was written by the same author. So there isn’t more I can say that I haven’t already said.

Obviously I enjoy her work so far since I jumped right into another book and I will be reading Betrayer of Blood next. The read feels connected quicker with Eydis, Geveral and even Orrick than I did with the protagonists in Magic of Thieves. Keep in mind the Dimmingwood books are a much longer series than Catalysts of Chaos, and I intend to read both series in their entirety. Eydis’ powers are more intriguing than Ilan’s, although the elusiveness of Ilan’s powers also makes for a compelling reason to continue reading. In fact I can even see some parallels between Geveral and Ilan. My suggestion would be to read both books to better understand what I mean.

Mistress of Masks is a good, old fashioned fantasy novel, much like the others I have read. Greenwood is in good company when you consider the fact that the other fantasy authors I have read are Christine Golden, R. A. Salvatore, etc. If you are not receiving her newsletters, I would strongly encourage you to sign up; I’m glad I signed up for her newsletter so I will continue to receive opportunities to read ARC copies of her books and learn more about the plans she has for future novels.

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The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.
– Dr. Seuss

Book Review: Magic of Thieves

By Biggs

On July 17, 2016

In Book Review, Fantasy

Magic of Thieves by C. Greenwood
My rating: [rating=4]
(Click here to read this review on Goodreads)

I really enjoy reading random fantasy books by authors that are either up and coming or I’m not extremely familiar with. C Greenwood has been writing books for, what appears to be, 4 years. Magic of Thieves was her first book published back in 2012. I started following C Greenwood on Twitter and I signed up for her newsletter which is how I acquired a copy of her book.

I’ll admit that it took me a couple of chapters to get into the book. I should make an effort to read the brief description of books just so I have an idea of where the story might take me. The more I learned about Ilan as she adapted to her life with The Hand and his band of thieves the more I became intrigued by the destiny that awaits her. I have to admit that I think my favorite flavor of fantasy characters is sorcery.

Once I reached the end of Magic of Thieves I had decided that the Legends of Dimmingwood would be making it into my book budget. If you are interested in a great story, this book is a quick read. As of the time of this review it is available for free as a Kindle ebook on Amazon.

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The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.
– Dr. Seuss

A Geek's Cogitations, Conjectures and other Cortical Experiences

Tag: C. Greenwood

Book Review: Isle of Dragons