Next Big Book Thing: Joshua Silverman

Showing posts with label Joshua Silverman. Show all posts

Thursday, October 2, 2014

4* The Emerald Tablet (Legends of Amun Ra, #1) by @Jg_Silverman #ReviewShare #Fantasy

The Emerald Tablet by Joshua Silverman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My first impression was - I truly enjoyed the second book in Legends of Amun Ra. It was rich and well told. When I read the first book, it showed the writer's inexperience in terms of telling his story and world building. Some of the descriptions were clunking and too much time was spent on forcing the reader to see things the author's way.

As I got to the middle, I felt - The mythology aspects of the book had me hooked and by now the characters are developed enough that I want to know more. The plot is twisted at this point and I did not know what to expect.

As I neared the end, I thought - Readers are given doses of science fiction and fantasy through characters who are reeling from power, loss, betrayal and love. Slow to start but definitely a book that ended with a bang.

My final impression and recommendations - I was pleasantly surprised that the book got better as I went along. I almost half expected for it to end the way it started which was slow. I recommend that the Legends of Anmun Ra books be read in the correct order. Recommended.

Disclosure - As a Quality Reads UK Book Club member, I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I received no monetary compensation for my book review. This book review is based on my thoughts, opinion and understanding of the book. This book review does not reflect the opinion of other book club members.

View all my reviews

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

5* for The Soul of the World (Legends of Amun Ra, #2) by @Jg_Silverman #ReviewShare #Fantasy

The Soul of the World by Joshua Silverman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My first impression was - World building in a fantasy book is crucial and for me it is what makes the book good or bad. The world building for this book was flawless and I can imagine the author sitting in his work space with maps and charts because it felt real. The reader definitely has a sense of direction as you read.

As I got to the middle, I felt - Even as I reached 40% of the book, I was hooked. The characters were rational despite being in a fantasy world. Their motives and actions had resolution which drives the reader to finish the book.

As I neared the end, I thought - One of those books, I did not want to end. Dialogue was lovely which is not easy to pull off for some authors. The battle of good versus evil ends in showdown which leaves my tongue wagging for the next book.

My final impression and recommendations - The writing was engaging and it was easy to appreciate that the author took his time unfolding the story. An enjoyable read that transports you to a dream world which I highly recommend.

Disclosure - As a Quality Reads UK Book Club member, I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I received no monetary compensation for my book review. This book review is based on my thoughts, opinion and understanding of the book. This book review does not reflect the opinion of other book club members.

View all my reviews

Thursday, May 1, 2014

The Soul of the World (Legends of Amun Ra #2) by Joshua Silverman @jg_silverman #excerpt

Kem dives to the ground in desperation, covering his head and neck from the rocks raining down. I didn’t see that coming. I thought I was quiet, he thinks.

The announcement of Cadmus’ elimination booms over the intercom. Well, at least I don’t have to worry about a vengeful brother.

The dust and debris settle from the crumbled wall. Find Kesi. Kem trots towards the end of the path. Before he gets there, he sees a shadow along the wall.

Dio turns the corner and spots him. She’s already throwing blue spheres before he knows what happened.

Kem hits the floor hard, dodging the first two. Dio hurls more at him.

His heart beats like a jackhammer in his chest. He is covered in dirt and sand. Kem swerves left, then right, ducking from a shot aimed at his head. He looks back at Dio, who walks with determination, shooting at him. Will she not let up a little? Got to slow her down.