The Shadow of the Sun-Finished

For some reason this book was a long read.  It seemed to go fast, but there was no end.  I did enjoy the adventure that was the story, the writing was descriptive, maybe too descriptive at times.  I would NOT recommend this book to a younger reader.  There was very x-rated scenes, especially towards the end of the book.  When the next book comes out, I will read it without a doubt.  So on to the next, which is MIDWINTER by Matthew Sturges.  This is the opposite of the Shadow of the Sun.  It is a quick read and a lot of action.  Some intrigue and twists and turns.  I thought I knew one thing that was going to happen, but it wasn't what I thought!  These are the books I enjoy, they keep me on my toes.

A new author: Barbara Friend Ish

I was browsing through the new books at the local library and found The Shadow of the Sun by Barbara Ish.  I had never read anything by this particular author, but I was intrigued by the snippets of the story on the back cover.  It is a basic fantasy book that has some great descriptive writing.  When Barbara describes the places where the story takes you, I can almost see it.  The characters are compelling as is the story.  It is easy to lose yourself in the story and come to when the eyes start to glaze.  One thing I have found that I am not so fond of, there is gaps where there have been battles and the story starts again after the fact.  This may have been a deletion to save space or a concise decision.  It was just very noticeable and a little confusing.

Shadow Raiders--Finished

I would have to say that Shadow Raiders was one of the best books I have read in a while.  It is like riding a roller coaster.  Every time I thought I knew what was going to happen--WRONG, it takes a twist and takes the reader on a different path.   I am sure I missed a lot of little things especially when I read the last several chapters because the action just sweeps you up and takes you along for a ride.  And what a ride it is!  As with some books, I want to read the next volume and I want to read it now!  It just takes too long for the next volumes to be released. What happens to the character I have grown to like, and even the ones I could hate if they were real?  Do the dragons come back to save the day?  I would highly recommend this book for any Fantasy reader, it would be a little much for a pre-teen, but a teenager who has read a lot could find this an interesting book.  It will be a great read for anyone!  This is a KEEPER I am going to read it again just to see what I missed the first time.  For a free novella that takes place before this book check out www.margaretweis.com.

This book is being release May 3, 2011.