Beyond by Mercedes Lackey

Beyond by Mercedes Lackey - 378 pages

Founding of Valdemar #1

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Within the Eastern Empire, Duke Kordas Valdemar rules a tiny, bucolic Duchy that focuses mostly on horse breeding. Anticipating the day when the Empire’s exploitative and militant leaders would not be content to leave them alone, Korda’s father set out to gather magicians in the hopes of one day finding a way to escape and protect the people of the Duchy from tyranny.

Kordas has lived his life looking over his shoulder. The signs in the Empire are increasingly dire. Under the direction of the Emperor, mages have begun to harness the power of dark magics, including blood magic, the powers of the Abyssal Planes, and the binding and "milking" of Elemental creatures.

But then one of the Duchy’s mages has a breakthrough. There is a way to place a Gate at a distance so far from the Empire that it is unlikely the Emperor can find or follow them as they evacuate everyone that is willing to leave.

But time is running out, and Kordas has been summoned to the Emperor's Court.

Can his reputation as a country bumpkin and his acting skills buy him and his people the time they need to flee? Or will the Emperor lose patience, invade to strip Valdemar of everything of worth, and send its conscripted people into the front lines of the Imperial wars?

Owlknight by Mercedes Lackey

Owlknight by Mercedes Lackey - 326 pages
The Owl Trilogy #3

Darian has always wondered what happened to his parents when they disappeared.  Now he has a clue that they might have been transported north.  He travels to the north with his friends to see if he can find them.

This is the final book in the Valdemar series featuring Darian.  It is a good conclusion to the series.

A Boy Called Christmas by Matt Haig

A Boy Called Christmas by Matt Haig - 234 pages

Nikolas is determined to find his father.  His father left to discover proof that elves exist by traveling to Elfhelm.  But he's been gone too long.  Nikolas must journey north to find his father. 

I've been wanting to read this book the past several years around the holidays, but it's always been checked out.  So this year, I made sure to grab it early.  I listened to it on audio.  It was narrated perfectly by Stephen Fry.  I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to kids and families looking for a good Christmas book to get them in the mood for the holidays.

The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner

The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner - 236 pages

Gen has been recruited from the king's prison for a special job.  He is to steal an object straight out of legend.  An object that will change not just his life, but the course of several countries.

The Queen's Thief series is one of my all-time favorite fantasy series.  It is an amazing series for teens that adults will also love.  Since the final book in the series is coming out next summer, I thought I would listen to the whole series on audio.  I was not disappointed.  The narration of the audio was great.  I would highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys fantasy or political intrigue.

The Unlikely Adventures of Mabel Jones by Will Mabbitt

The Unlikely Adventures of Mabel Jones by Will Mabbitt - 290 pages

Mabel Jones has been kidnapped by pirates from a world occupied only by animals.  Now the only way home is to find the lost pieces of "X" that will open a portal back to her home.

I picked this up to listen to after finding out Will Mabbitt had written a chapter book for kids.  He is the author of my favorite picture book of this year -- I Can Only Draw Worms.  This book was hilarious.  It is narrated by Toby Jones who has the perfect tones of sarcasm and over-emoting for the story.  I will definitely be recommending this book for kids to read.

Frau Faust, v. 1 by Kore Yamazaki

Frau Faust, v. 1 by Kore Yamazaki - 178 pags

Marion is saved by Johanna from a life of crime in exchange for a favor.  This starts his adventures with Frau Faust, the eccentric scholar who made the infamous deal with the devil Mephisto.

While this book didn't immediately capture my attention, it was interesting enough to make me pick up the next volume.  It was odd in that the final chapter in the book was a stand-alone story featuring completely different characters.  There was no indication if it was supposed to fit into the story line of Frau Faust in some way.

Island of Glass by Nora Roberts

Island of Glass by Nora Roberts - 352 pages
The Guardians Trilogy #3

The six guardians have found two of the fallen stars.  Now they've traveled back to Doyle's former home in Ireland to search for the last star.  Will they find the final star and the Island of Glass to save the world from Nerezza's evil?

This is the final book in Nora Robert's Guardians Trilogy.  It focuses mainly on Riley and Doyle and their growing romance as they complete their quest.  I have really enjoyed listening to this series on audio.  The narrator is excellent with the distinct voices of all the various characters.

The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner

The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner - 311 pages

Gen can steal anything -- at least that's the boast he's made in every wine shop in the city.  It's that bragging that led to him being imprisoned in the king's jail.  His chances of escape look bleak . . . until he's offered the chance to steal a legendary artifact.  It's an opportunity he can't refuse.

This is one of my favorite teen/kids fantasy books ever written. I absolutely love this series by Megan Whalen Turner.  So when we got the books on audio, I simply had to start listening to them.  The  narration of these books is perfect.  The only thing I didn't like is having to pause the story when I got out of the car.

The Orphan King by Sigmund Brouwer

The Orphan King by Sigmund Brouwer - 224 pages
Book 1 in the Merlin's Immortals series

This book is a reworking of the author's previous work Magnus. 

Thomas had been abandoned and left with his nurse to live at an abbey in medieval England.  The monks are very cruel to Thomas and treat him as a virtual slave.  Thomas's only comfort is his nurse and the secrets she teaches him from her hidden books about his destiny and how it involved reconquering the mysterious city of Magnus.

In typical fantasy quest fashion Thomas acquires companions to help him on his journey to Magnus to execute his audacious plan to take the city.  These companions highlight the secret war going on between the Immortals and the Druids behind the scenes of daily life.  Thomas doesn't know who to trust and the Immortals don't know if he has been turned by the Druids. 

There is a lot of world building in this book but I was intrigued by the characters and the mysteries of Magnus to want to know more. 

Key of Light by Nora Roberts

Key of Light by Nora Roberts - 352 pages
Key of Knowledge by Nora Roberts - 352 pages
Key of Valor by Nora Roberts - 344 pages

Three women have been chosen for a quest.  Mallory, Dana, and Zoe are meant to search for the three hidden keys that will unlock the trapped souls of sleeping demigoddesses.  Along the way, they will forge a new future for themselves professionally and personally.

This is one of Nora Roberts paranormal trilogies.  It was a pretty entertaining read.  I enjoyed the different characters.  About the only issue I had with the book is that there were several remodeling projects that were integral to the story that went way too quickly for real life.  However, that's a minor quibble.

Stars of Fortune by Nora Roberts

Stars of Fortune by Nora Roberts - 336 pages

Sasha has been dreaming for months.  She dreams of people she hasn't met but seems to be extremely close with.  She dreams of a quest for stars fallen from the sky.  She dreams of a man she loves that will draw lightning from the sky.  Then she goes to the island of Corfu and meets these people . . .

This is the first book in Nora Roberts' latest trilogy -- The Guardians Trilogy.  I enjoyed the story.  The audio version I listened to was well done with a great narrator.

The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan

The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan - 499 pages
Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard - Book 1

Magnus has lived on the streets since that terrible night two years ago when his mother was killed by wolves.  Nobody in his family has looked for him since then . . . until now.  Now his Uncle Randolph wants him to find the Norse Sword of Summer.  And finding the sword is just the beginning of Magnus' adventures.

This is the first book in Rick Riordan's new Norse mythology trilogy.  I really enjoyed the book.  It was immediately engrossing even though I am not as familiar with Norse mythology.  I did feel a little idiotic that I didn't put together that Magnus Chase was related to Annabeth Chase from the Percy Jackson books until the second chapter -- especially as his name is very prominent on the cover.

The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper

The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper - 216 pages
Greenwitch by Susan Cooper - 147 pages

For some reason every Christmas Eve, I feel the need to re-read The Dark Is Rising by Susan Cooper.  I guess it is the fact that it takes place over the Christmas holidays.  Once I read that I then start reading the rest of the series.  I've read two of the books so far and am enjoying them as usual.  These are truly some of the classic fantasy books for kids.  I wish more kids would read them today as they seem to have really fallen off in popularity.

The Vengekeep Prophecies by Brian Farrey

The Vengekeep Prophecies by Brian Farrey - 416 pages

Jaxter is the worst thief - in fact  he get's his whole family arrested when he sets a house on fire during his first assignment.  But then a prophecy is unveiled where the family of thieves will be the ones to save their town from a year of deadly calamities.  Now it is up to Jaxter and his only friend Callie to save the town, his family, and himself.
This was a great fantasy novel for kids.  It was fast moving but detailed.  And there are at least two more novels planned in the series.  I'm definitely looking forward to the rest of the series.

The House of Hades by Rick Riordan

The House of Hades by Rick Riordan - 596 pages
Heroes of Olympus #4

Percy and Annabeth are in Tartarus making their way to the Doors of Death.  In the mortal world, the others are being led by Nico to The House of Hades to those same Doors of Death.  There they hope to meet up and close the Doors -- if only they can make it there.

I thought this was a very slow read.  Usually Rick Riordan's books are fairly quick to read and very engaging.  This book took a lot of time to draw you in.  Still, I'm anticipating the final book in the series coming out in September.

The Islands of Chaldea by Diana Wynne Jones

The Islands of Chaldea by Diana Wynne Jones - 356 pages

Aileen is sent on a quest with her Aunt Beck, Prince Ivor, and Ogo to strike down the barrier surrounding Logra.  There is a prophecy that it can be done with the help of one man from each island.  So they set off to try to take down the barrier.  Along the way they face those who try to kill them, those who try to stop them, and the guardian spirits who try to help them succeed.

This is Diana Wynne Jones final book.  In fact it was finished by her sister Ursula Jones.  She did a fairly good job of writing so that you can not tell for sure where the writing switched.  Although you can definitely tell the ending was more rushed than a usual Diana Wynne Jones book.  Also, as the book went on there it became less detailed than usual.  Overall though it is a great ending legacy for the premier children's fantasy writer from Britain.

Talking to Dragons by Patricia Wrede

Talking to Dragons by Patricia Wrede - 255 pages
Book 4 - The Enchanted Forest Chronicles

Daystar is surprised when his mother melts a wizard who tries to attack her.  He is even more surprised when that leads to her giving him a sword and telling him to go into the Enchanted Forest to find out what to do with it.  While traveling through the forest he meets and befriends fire witch Shiara, becomes allies with a young dragon, and is chased by wizards -- all while his sword keeps proclaiming him bearer of the sword of the sleeping king.

I remember when I first read this series in college that this was my favorite book of the series.  I'm not sure if it is still my favorite, but I did enjoy it quite a bit.  Again, I didn't remember as much of the book as I thought I did.  There was a lot more to the story than I remembered.  I did enjoy the narration of the book.  They did a much better job of keeping actors playing the same parts they did in the previous book.  The only issue I had was that the final CD went bad right at the last chapter.  I had to find the book to read the final chapter.

Calling on Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede

Calling on Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede - 244 pages
The Enchanted Forest Chronicles, bk 3

Wizards have stolen King Mendenbar's sword which is draining the magic out of the Enchanted Forest.  It is up to Queen Cimerene, Morwen the witch, Telemain the magician, King of the dragons Kazul, Morwen's cats, and Killer -- a seven foot blue floating donkey -- to find the sword and save the Enchanted Forest.
This is the third book of the series that I have listened to.  I'm really enjoying the series.  I've read this series back when I was in college.  I've remembered the other books in the series.  However, I didn't remember this one at all.  The full cast reading of the book is great.  The only thing that bothers me is that the actors switch which role they are reading between the books. 

The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan

The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan - 586 pages
The Heroes of Olympus, book 3

The Greek demigods have just shown up at Camp Jupiter when Leo is possessed and attacks the camp.  The demigods, both Greek and Roman, have just enough time to jump about the ship and fly away before the Romans hurt them.  Now they are off on the Great Prophecy.  They are the Seven who must unite to defeat Gaea and her giant children.  This quest will take them to Rome by way of Kansas, Atlanta, and Charleston.  It will be a challenge to keep them all together and united.

This book has been sitting by my bed to read for over a year.  I don't know why I haven't picked it up before now.  As I had a day at the auto shop to sit through I decided that it was finally time to read the book.  I'm glad I did.  It was a great way to pass the time.  In fact, I was a little annoyed when my car was done about 30 pages before the end.

Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan

The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan - 521 pages
Heroes of Olympus, book 2

I decided to re-read this book before I read Mark of Athena and House of Hades.  I'm glad I did as there were parts of the story I did not remember.  I really enjoyed the Lightning Thief series.  However, I think the Heroes of Olympus books are even better.  They seem to be more nuanced than the original series books.