Furies of Calderon by Jim Butcher

Title: Furies of Calderon

Author: Jim Butcher 

Series: Codex Alera #1)

Publisher: Ace

For a thousand years, the people of Alera have united against the aggressive and threatening races that inhabit the world, using their unique bond with the furies - elementals of earth, air, fire, water, and metal. But now, Gaius Sextus, First Lord of Alera, grows old and lacks an heir. Ambitious High Lords plot and maneuver to place their Houses in positions of power, and a war of succession looms on the horizon." "Far from city politics in the Calderon Valley, the boy Tavi struggles with his lack of furycrafting. At fifteen, he has no wind fury to help him fly, no fire fury to light his lamps. Yet as the Alerans' most savage enemy - the Marat - return to the Valley, he will discover that his destiny is much greater than he could ever imagine." Caught in a storm of deadly wind furies, Tavi saves the life of a runaway slave named Amara. But she is actually a spy for Gaius Sextus, sent to the Valley to gather intelligence on traitors to the Crown, who may be in league with the barbaric Marat horde. And when the Valley erupts in chaos - when rebels war with loyalists and furies clash with furies - Amara will find Tavi's courage and resourcefulness to be a power greater than any fury - one that could turn the tides of war.

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“If there is any lesson to be learned from history, it is that all too often the fate of armies, of cities, of entire realms rests upon the actions of one person. In that dire moment of uncertainty, that person’s decision, good or bad, right or wrong, big or small, can unwittingly change the world.”

What a fantastic and epic fantasy! 

I'm a huge Jim Butcher's fan but I hadn't read this series because of time limitations. After all, I had to read all the other books in the Harry Dresden series first.  My husband had continuously reminded me to read the Codex Alera series. He kept on saying that this was his favorite series ever and I had this book on my TBR for a while. I finally decided to jump start it and now, I want to reprimand myself for waiting so long!

From the first chapter, I knew this book was going to be good. I liked the premise of the Furies. Some people have the power of "fury crafting".  These Furies can manifest as elements: air, water, metal, earth, fire. Each person who has this power gives a name to their Fury. Of course, the main character Tavi has none. He's fifteen and by now he should have shown signs of being able to craft but so far Tavi has no powers. His uncle Bernard is the stead-holder. He's big and powerful. He's also fair and good hearted. His power comes from the earth. His sister Isana is a powerful water-crafter and a healer. Together they keep their people safe. 

When Tavi and Bernard go looking for Tavi's sheep, they are attacked by a Marat. The Marat are big, savage creatures. They attacked the realm years ago and now they are back. This time they are in the company of mercenaries wanting to bring down Gaius Sextus, the Frist Lord of Alera from his throne. What ensues is a page-turning, magnificent fantasy with great characters, incredible fights, and amazing courage. 

“he’s doing that because it’s what he set out to do.”

I can't wait to continue reading. I know there are some secrets that must come out soon. Tavi is in the middle of it and it's going to make his life even more interesting.

"Uncle Bernard! Uncle Bernard!" he shouted, pointing at Doroga. "He followed me home! Can we keep him?”

5/5 Fangs

Shadowed Souls by Jim Butcher Edited by Kerrie L. Hughes

Title: Shadowed Souls 

Author: Jim Butcher

Series: The Dresden Files #14.5

Publisher: Roc

Release Date: November 1, 2016

In this dark and gritty collection—featuring short stories from Jim Butcher, Seanan McGuire, Kevin J. Anderson, and Rob Thurman—nothing is as simple as black and white, light and dark, good and evil..

Unfortunately, that’s exactly what makes it so easy to cross the line.

In #1 New York Times bestselling author Jim Butcher’s Cold Case, Molly Carpenter—Harry Dresden’s apprentice-turned-Winter Lady—must collect a tribute from a remote Fae colony and discovers that even if you’re a good girl, sometimes you have to be bad...

New York Times bestselling author Seanan McGuire’s Sleepoverfinds half-succubus Elsie Harrington kidnapped by a group of desperate teenage boys. Not for anything “weird.” They just need her to rescue a little girl from the boogeyman. No biggie.

In New York Times bestselling Kevin J. Anderson’s Eye of Newt, Zombie P.I. Dan Shamble’s latest client is a panicky lizard missing an eye who thinks someone wants him dead. But the truth is that someone only wants him for a very special dinner...

And New York Times bestselling author Rob Thurman’sinfernally heroic Caliban Leandros takes a trip down memory lane as he deals wih some overdue—and nightmarish—vengeance involving some quite nasty Impossible Monsters .

ALSO INCLUDES STORIES BY

Tanya Huff * Kat Richardson * Jim C. Hines * Anton Strout * Lucy A. Snyder * Kristine Kathryn Rusch * Erik Scott de Bie *

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I jumped at the chance to read anything by Jim Butcher and when I saw a compilation of short stories done by him and other urban fantasy authors, I couldn't resist.

Jim is in great company. I have heard of most of the other authors (I love October Daye which is written by Seanan McGuire) but I have only read two besides Jim Butcher before. Now, I can say I have had a taste of their writing style and I'm intrigued about their series too.

But let's go back to the stories. I love the main idea! The premise is that there is no black or white; no absolute good or evil. Sometimes good people do bad things. Same with some of our anti-heroes. They can be "dark" but they have good intentions. They have a soul, a conscience, whatever you want to call it. 

Through this anthology, I was taken into different worlds of darkness where wizards, fae, succubi, zombies, and genies come to play. I enjoyed  all of them. 

If I have to pick a favorite, it would be "Cold Case". I'm a huge Molly fan. I actually want her to end up with Dresden (sorry Karrin's supporters). In Cold Case, Molly is on her first job as the Winter Lady. She needs to collect tribute from the fae in a remote area of Alaska. Molly would find herself meeting someone she knows, fighting evil, but at the end of the day, she will learn a hard truth too. 

As with Cold Case, this anthology has great short stories and they are going to leave you wanting for more. At least, that's what happened to me. 

4/5 Fangs

*A complimentary copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

About Jim Butcher

A martial arts enthusiast whose résumé includes a long list of skills rendered obsolete at least two hundred years ago, #1 New York Times bestselling author Jim Butcher turned to writing as a career because anything else probably would have driven him insane. He lives mostly inside his own head so that he can write down the conversation of his imaginary friends, but his head can generally be found in Independence, Missouri.

About Kerry L. Hughes

Kerrie L. Hughes has edited thirteen anthologies in addition to Shadowed Souls, including Maiden Matron Crone, Children of Magic, Fellowship Fantastic, and Dimension Next Door.

Comment below for the chance to win one copy of Shadowed Souls.

Winner will be chosen on Nov 6th.

US only!

The Aeronaut's Windlass by Jim Butcher

Title: The Aeronaut's Windlass
Series: The Cinder Spires #1
Author: Jim Butcher
Publisher: Roc
Paperback Release Date: July 5th, 2016

Jim Butcher, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Dresden Files and the Codex Alera novels, conjures up a new series set in a fantastic world of noble families, steam-powered technology, and magic-wielding warriors…

Since time immemorial, the Spires have sheltered humanity, towering for miles over the mist-shrouded surface of the world. Within their halls, aristocratic houses have ruled for generations, developing scientific marvels, fostering trade alliances, and building fleets of airships to keep the peace.

Captain Grimm commands the merchant ship, Predator. Fiercely loyal to Spire Albion, he has taken their side in the cold war with Spire Aurora, disrupting the enemy’s shipping lines by attacking their cargo vessels. But when the Predator is severely damaged in combat, leaving captain and crew grounded, Grimm is offered a proposition from the Spirearch of Albion—to join a team of agents on a vital mission in exchange for fully restoring Predator to its fighting glory.

And even as Grimm undertakes this dangerous task, he will learn that the conflict between the Spires is merely a premonition of things to come. Humanity’s ancient enemy, silent for more than ten thousand years, has begun to stir once more. And death will follow in its wake…

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I'm a HUGE fan of Jim Butcher's novels. Dresden is the best series I have read and those characters are on my mind all the time. So of course, I was going to jump to the idea of reading another one of his books. 

The Aeronaut's Windlass has something for everyone: Some romance, intrigue, world building, fighting scenes, banter, and of course cats! What's not to like, right?

This is Jim's beginning to a new series. Many characters have a voice. There is Benedict, who is a warrior who has a wild side.  Bridget Targwen, who at first didn't want to leave home but has developed into an awesome warrior by the end of this book. There is Gwen Lancaster who is fast to fight and has little fear. Of course, Grimm, a captain who's love is his ship Predator. His crew respects him and will go to battle if that's what he commands. Grimm is loyal to his men and to the Spire Albion even though he was forced to leave it. Master Etherialist Ferris who is crazy, but a good crazy. He's trying to stop Cavendish from destroying Albion. Folly, who's his apprentice. She's peculiar and it's only able to speak through her crystals. Last but not least, there is Rawl. Rawl is a cat. He joins Bridget when she leaves home to keep her safe. He behaves like a cat but he's also extremely smart. He stole my heart from the first scene he was in. I hope nothing happens to him. In a way, he reminds me of Mister.

“Each creature had something it excelled at, he supposed. Humans could manage knots easily, and cats could do everything else.” 

In regards to the plot, the beginning of a war has started between two houses, Spire Albion and Spire Aurora. Spire Albion is the one our main characters are fighting for. We met the Aurorans, 2 of their high ranking officers and a mysterious evil woman by the name of Cavendish.

As my first Steam Punk book this one was fantastic. Pick it up if you're a fan of the genre, or if you're a Dresden fan. 

I can't wait to read The Olympian Affair!

“Ah,” Bridget said, flushing slightly. As the glib-tongued lout in question, she was currently on the receiving end of this facet of the habble’s law. “I’m not sure everyone would agree with you. We’re a civilized society, are we not?” Esterbrook blinked. “Since when, miss? We’re a democracy.” 

5/5 Fangs

A complimentary copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Skin Game by Jim Butcher

Title: Skin Game 

Series: The Dresden Files #15

Author:  Jim Butcher 

Release Date: May 27, 2014 

Publisher: Roc

Harry Dresden, Chicago’s only professional wizard, is about to have a very bad day….

Because as Winter Knight to the Queen of Air and Darkness, Harry never knows what scheming Mab might want him to do. Usually, it’s something awful.

He doesn’t know the half of it….

Mab has just traded Harry’s skills to pay off one of her debts. And now he must help a group of supernatural villains—led by one of Harry’s most dreaded and despised enemies, Nicodemus Archleone—to break into the highest-security vault in town so that they can then access the highest-security vault in the Nevernever.

It’s a smash-and-grab job to recover the literal Holy Grail from the vaults of the greatest treasure hoard in the supernatural world—which belongs to the one and only Hades, Lord of the freaking Underworld and generally unpleasant character. Worse, Dresden suspects that there is another game afoot that no one is talking about. And he’s dead certain that Nicodemus has no intention of allowing any of his crew to survive the experience. Especially Harry.

Dresden’s always been tricky, but he’s going to have to up his backstabbing game to survive this mess—assuming his own allies don’t end up killing him before his enemies get the chance…

Amazon

This series can't get any better!

Jim Butcher has created an epic world with unforgettable characters. I loved all of Harry's friends and allies. 

This time, Mab is making Harry join a known enemy, Nicodemus Archleone. Harry must be part of the team to go in search of the Holy Grail. This item is in Hade's vault. Yes, Hades, the Lord of the Underworld. Harry knows this is not going to be an easy feat to achieve. Harry asks Murphy to join him watching his back.  Of course, Harry knows Nicodemus will betray him once the item it's in his hands. 

Besides Harry and Murphy, Nicodemus has hired a few more baddies to help him.  Anna Valmont is back as the vault expert. Binder is part of the team despite Harry telling him never to come back to Chicago. We have 3 new characters: Hannah Ascher, the Genoskwa (nasty thing) and Goodman Grey (which I really liked). 

This book has such an awesome plot with incredible twists. I can't complain about anything except the lack of Thomas, Molly and very little Mouse.

I wish there is more of Harry and Maggie as a family with Mister and Mouse on Peace Talks. 

Also, I might be in the minority but I still want Dresden with Molly. 

Parkour!!!!

5 Fantastic Fangs

Cold Days by Jim Butcher

Title: Cold Days 

Series: The Dresden Files #14

Author:  Jim Butcher

After being murdered by a mystery assailant, navigating his way through the realm between life and death, and being brought back to the mortal world, Harry realizes that maybe death wasn’t all that bad. Because he is no longer Harry Dresden, Chicago’s only professional wizard.

He is now Harry Dresden, Winter Knight to Mab, the Queen of Air and Darkness. After Harry had no choice but to swear his fealty, Mab wasn’t about to let something as petty as death steal away the prize she had sought for so long. And now, her word is his command, no matter what she wants him to do, no matter where she wants him to go, and no matter who she wants him to kill. 

Guess which Mab wants first?

Of course, it won’t be an ordinary, everyday assassination. Mab wants her newest minion to pull off the impossible: kill an immortal. No problem there, right? And to make matters worse, there exists a growing threat to an unfathomable source of magic that could land Harry in the sort of trouble that will make death look like a holiday. 

Beset by enemies new and old, Harry must gather his friends and allies, prevent the annihilation of countless innocents, and find a way out of his eternal subservience before his newfound powers claim the only thing he has left to call his own…

His soul.

Amazon

Amazing!!!  That's the only word to describe this book. So many plot twists that my head was spinning. Finally, we're able to get a little more information on the evil that has been ongoing since Storm Front.  Although, don't think that by any means all the questions have been answered because they haven't. 

The book begins with Harry starting physical therapy or the idea of PT by Mab. Mab wants her shiny new Winter Knight up and around and enforcing her will.  After weeks of getting stronger, Harry is introduced to the Winter Court and of course, everyone is trying to kill him. There are rules and Harry has to learn them fast or not bother planning the next day. The first job Mab gives Harry, is not an easy one. It is almost impossible. Thankfully, Bob has a vital piece of information to help him. Harry will need help from all his friends in this fight against time. 

Cold Days is an action-packed story. There is no downtime as I have come to expect from prior Dresden books.  Harry has to deal with the Winter Knight's mantle and his desires. If he lets his guard down he can be as bad as Mab. And I know Mab is supposed to be this evil queen but I like her. More so now that I know what her true job is.  By the end of the story, a couple of shocking scenes ensued. I'm not sure what the repercussions are going to be. I can only imaging.

One thing that bothers me is that Harry still hasn't had any contact with Maggie. I wish he would let go of his fears and deal with his parenthood. The girl needs a father and as much as I like the Carpenters, it is not the same. The other reason is because I love Mouse and he needs more page time. 

In regards to Harry's love life, I'm still a Molly supporter. Poor girl has loved him for years. 

“How busy are you today?"

"Oh," he [Thomas] mused. "I don't know. I mean, I've got to get a new shirt now."

"After that," I asked, "would you like to help me save the city? If you don't already have plans."

He snorted. "You mean, would I like to follow you around, wondering what the hell is going on because you won't tell me everything, then get in a fight with something that is going to leave me in intensive care?"

"Uh-huh," I said, nodding, "pretty much."

"Yeah," he said. "Okay.” 

Cliffhanger: No

5/5 Fangs

Ghost Story by Jim Butcher

Title: Ghost Story 

Series: The Dresden Files #13

Author: Jim Butcher

The eagerly awaited new novel in the #1 New York Timesbestselling Dresden Files series. 

When we last left the mighty wizard detective Harry Dresden, he wasn't doing well. In fact, he had been murdered by an unknown assassin. 

But being dead doesn't stop him when his friends are in danger. Except now he has nobody, and no magic to help him. And there are also several dark spirits roaming the Chicago shadows who owe Harry some payback of their own. 

To save his friends-and his own soul-Harry will have to pull off the ultimate trick without any magic...

Amazon

I hope you are up to date on this series before you read my review....

As followers of the Dresden series, you might know how Changes ended. Shocking to say the least.  Poor Harry has lost almost everything including his life. But, he is not all gone. Six months after getting shot, he has a chance to come back to Chicago and help his friends defeat new evils while finding out who murdered him.  However, even as a ghost things are not easy for this wizard. 

I found myself getting frustrated with Ghost Story. Why? Because I wanted Harry in the middle of things, participating to the max instead of just staying on the sidelines. One of the last scenes when Molly is in danger and Harry could do nothing, upset me to no end.  Also, I felt like this one had a much slower pace than I'm used to in the Dresdenverse. 

Things that I liked: Harry's first time seeing Mister and, later on, Mouse. I liked how much Molly has evolved and matured. She is becoming one of my favorite characters in the series. Mortimer plays a huge part in this novel and I'm glad he was there to help Harry. 

As new characters go, Fitz was a plus. With his abilities, he could be a great addition to Harry's army of friends. 

“Lies. Mab cannot change who you are.” 

Cliffhanger: No

4/5 Fangs

Changes by Jim Butcher

Title: Changes 

Series: The Dresden Files #12

Author: Jim Butcher

Long ago, Susan Rodriguez was Harry Dresden's lover—until she was attacked by his enemies, leaving her torn between her own humanity and the bloodlust of the vampiric Red Court. Susan then disappeared to South America, where she could fight both her savage gift and those who cursed her with it.

Now Arianna Ortega, Duchess of the Red Court, has discovered a secret Susan has long kept, and she plans to use it—against Harry. To prevail, this time, he may have no choice but to embrace the raging fury of his own untapped dark power. Because Harry's not fighting to save the world...

He's fighting to save his child.

Amazon

Changes start with a shocking truth. Harry is a father. Long ago, he and Susan Rodriguez were in love and from this love a child was born. A child Harry knew nothing about. Harry is more than angry about Susan hiding the child from him but he has no time to dwell on it since someone has kidnapped her and all the fingers point to Arianna Ortega, the Duchess of the Red Court Vampires. Arianna has not forgiven Harry for killing her husband. She wants Harry dead but she wants to make him suffer first. 

Changes is fast-paced, has crazy twists, with great evils and devastating losses. In a way, Harry loses almost everything. One thing is clear. He would do anything to keep his daughter safe. One of the things I enjoyed is how much Harry is starting to trust Molly. Yes, she has made mistakes but she has evolved. I still have hope they can become a couple sometime soon.

Changes was the perfect name for this book. Some included: Harry's daughter, home, car, Lloyd Slate, Susan, The Red Court of Vampires, his new job. It also adds more interesting characters like Donar Vadderung who is probably the god Odin. We get to see Harry interacting with past characters like Anastasia Luccio, Ebenezer, the Merlin Arthur Langtry and the Leanansidhe, who plays a major part in this book including giving Harry the Ruby of Pathfinding.  

Cliffhanger: YES

"You are far from your sources of power here, my dear demon."

"I live with a wizard. I cheat." 

5/5 Fangs

Turn Coat by Jim Butcher

Title: Turn Coat 

Series: The Dresden Files #11)

Author: Jim Butcher 

When it comes to the magical ruling body known as the White Council, Harry keeps his nose clean and his head down. For years, the Council has held a death mark over Harry's head. He's still thought of as a black sheep by some and as a sacrificial lamb by others. But none regard him with more suspicion and disdain than Morgan, a veteran Warden with a grudge against anyone who bends the rules.

Like Harry.

So when Morgan turns up asking for help, Harry isn't exactly eager to leap into action. Morgan has been accused of treason against the White Council, and there's only one final punishment for that crime. He's on the run, he wants his name cleared, and he needs someone with a knack for backing the underdog.

Like Harry.

Now Harry must uncover a traitor within the Council, keep a less than agreeable Morgan under wraps, and avoid coming under scrutiny himself. And a single mistake may cost someone his head.

Like Harry..

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Morgan is accused of murdering the White Council member LaFortier. Morgan escapes and asks Harry to help him discover the real culprit. Harry, being Harry, can't turn him away and agrees to help him. He might not like Morgan, but he knows he is not capable of harming the White Council. 

Harry is faced with a traitor in the White Council and a fight against time. He has help from his friends including Mouse, Molly, Karrin, Ebenezer, Thomas, Butters and the werewolves. He also has new and old enemies gunning for him.  Someone in the White Court of Vampires is helping the enemy. A new character Binder, an assassin, is in town to capture or kill Morgan. Harry needs to invoke a sanctum invocation and makes the spirit on the island his ally. He names the Island Demonreach. In the end, a fight ensues with the White Court Vamps, Council members, Harry's friends and the Naaglossi. The outcome of some of the characters was too painful to read.

***

This book was awesome in adding the details to the long arc. As far as the short one, it was very intriguing and fast-paced. I was devastated when Mouse got hurt and then my heart broke for Thomas. I sure hated the Naagloshii and Madeline Raith. I'm glad Lara was helping Harry on this one. I'm not sure by the end of the series if Lara will remain an ally or a foe. Time will tell.

This was the first Dresden book that made me sad after I was done reading it. It just tells you how good of a writer Jim Butcher is that he made me feel this way.

Cliffhanger: No

5/5 Fangs

Love Hurts & Bigfoot on Campus by Jim Butcher

Title: Love Hurts

Author: Jim Butcher

Anthology: Songs of Love and Death: All-Original Tales of Star-Crossed Love

Amazon

This is a small novella as part of the Songs of Love and Death Anthology. In it, Harry and Murphy are investigating a case where couples are getting murdered. Someone is responsible and they need to find them before more people get hurt. 

What I liked about the story is that Harry and Murphy do get to admit some of their feelings for each other. Their friendship is solid, but they haven't discussed what they feel for each other in a while. 

As always, things are not what they look like and they are lucky to be alive by the end of the story.

Now, I still have some hope that Harry can fall for Molly. I'm probably in the minority.

4/5 Fangs

Title: Bigfoot on Campus 

Author: Jim Butcher

Anthology: Hex Appeal

Amazon

Bigfoot on Campus is another novella as part of the Hex Appeal (Now, I have started reading the short stories in between the books. I don't want to miss anything).  Harry is asked by Big Foot to check on his son. Harry does as asked and he discovers a white court vampire immersed in the young man's life. However, not everything is at it seems. 

Harry can't seem to stop himself from getting into danger by helping other people. On the other hand, by doing this, he's making even more, allies. 

I thought the novella was really well written, with a great plot and a good ending. 

I'm never disappointed.

4/5 Fangs

Small Favor by Jim Butcher

Title: Small Favor 

Series: The Dresden Files #10 

Author: Jim Butcher

Goodreads

Harry Dresden's life finally seems to be calming down -- until a shadow from the past returns. Mab, monarch of the Sidhe Winter Court, calls in an old favor from Harry -- one small favor that will trap him between a nightmarish foe and an equally deadly ally, and that will strain his skills -- and loyalties -- to their very limits.

Amazon

I knew there was going to be trouble when Mab asked Harry to do her a favor and what a favor it was!

Dresden's next adventure involves Marcone. Someone has kidnapped him and Mab is requesting Harry's help to find him. This leads to so many problems for him. First, Dresden has to convince Marcone's people to help him find Johhny and later on, he finds out that the Denarians have a hand in it. Chicago is actually loaded with them.  Luckily, Harry has formed his own little army. He has help from the Knights of the Cross, Molly, the Archive, Kincaid (which now thanks to Murphy has a first name...Jared), Gard, Hendricks, Bob, Mouse and Thomas.  

This book was excellent. It had my full attention from the first chapter. 

What I like the most about this series, is that the secondary characters have all developed very well defined personalities. It's almost as if they were real and the reader is watching the action from the sidelines but with the hope to jump into battle with Harry and help him win the war. In this case, the battle is against Nicodemus but we have summer, winter and in a way the black council trying to hurt Harry.   

Cliffhanger: No

5/5 Fangs