Original source: https://www.squarebooks.com/book-post-fireside-reading-virtual-book-club

Original source: https://www.squarebooks.com/book-post-fireside-reading-virtual-book-club

Narrated by Andrew Fallaize, The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett blends fantasy with a murder-mystery detective case that pulled me in and never let go. The first in the Shadow of the Leviathan series, I cannot wait for more adventures with Ana Dolabra and Dinios “Din” Kol. You’ll want to add this first in trilogy to your audio library.

The Tainted Cup
by Robert Jackson Bennett
Series: Shadow of the Leviathan #1
Narrator: Andrew Fallaize
Length: 13 hours and 51 minutes
Genres: Fantasy
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate

Rating:
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.5x

A Holmes and Watson-style detective duo take the stage in this fantasy with a mystery twist, from the Edgar-winning, multiple Hugo-nominated Robert Jackson Bennett.

In Daretana’s greatest mansion, a high imperial officer lies dead—killed, to all appearances, when a tree erupted from his body. Even here at the Empire’s borders, where contagions abound and the blood of the leviathans works strange magical changes, it’s a death both terrifying and impossible.

Assigned to investigate is Ana Dolabra, a detective whose reputation for brilliance is matched only by her eccentricities. Rumor has it that she wears a blindfold at all times, and that she can solve impossible cases without even stepping outside the walls of her home.

At her side is her new assistant, Dinios Kol, magically altered in ways that make him the perfect aide to Ana’s brilliance. Din is at turns scandalized, perplexed, and utterly infuriated by his new superior—but as the case unfolds and he watches Ana’s mind leap from one startling deduction to the next, he must admit that she is, indeed, the Empire’s greatest detective.

As the two close in on a mastermind and uncover a scheme that threatens the Empire itself, Din realizes he’s barely begun to assemble the puzzle that is Ana Dolabra—and wonders how long he’ll be able to keep his own secrets safe from her piercing intellect.

By an “endlessly inventive” (Vulture) author with a “wicked sense of humor” (NPR), The Tainted Cup mixes the charms of detective fiction with brilliant world-building to deliver a fiendishly clever mystery that’s at once instantly recognizable and thrillingly new.

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The blurbs “A Holmes and Watson-style detective duo take the stage in this fantasy with a mystery twist,” drew me and had me downloading The Tainted Cup. I was not disappointed! From the world to the characters, Bennett pulled me in and never let go.

The story takes place in an alternate world filled with magic and enhanced humans. When a high imperial officer ends up dead in the Empire, Ana Dolabra, an eccentric detective with an excellent solve record, is assigned to the case. Dinios “Din” Kol, a magically altered assistant, goes out and meticulously investigates the crime scene before reporting back to Ana.

I will leave you to learn more about Ana and Din. I enjoyed both of them and thought they made the perfect team. Ana is very much like Sherlock and Din, her Watson. We learn much about Ana and Din through Din’s observations. I enjoyed his voice and thought process as we found ourselves in dangerous situations.

The world is interesting from the walled off areas of the Empire to the Leviathan, who both enhance them and pose a threat. Power plays and twists kept me on edge. The story felt tight and flowed well with smooth world-building. Suspense, fear of discovery and attempts at stopping them were well done.

While the murder-mystery case was solved, there is much to learn! I look forward to more cases with this duo. I highly recommend the audiobook narrated by Andrew Fallaize. He did such a great job of capturing the voice of Din, Ana, and other characters. I hope he continues with the series.

If you are looking for a thrilling mystery and adventurous fantasy, you’ll want to grab The Tainted Cup.

Amazon | Audible

Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

• 2024 Audiobook Challenge

Source

Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2024/02/the-tainted-cup-by-robert-jackson-bennett.html

Pilgrims of Stone and Saber, the opening installment of the Lodestone Chronicles by J. W. Wagner, delves into a Christian fantasy narrative centered around a young woman’s quest for her destiny. The protagonist, known as Pilgrim or Pruoschkinytees, is a princess whose life is upended when her father falls under the spell of a new wife in his harem. Furnished with a staff, saber, and a lodestone—a keepsake from her deceased mother—Pilgrim reenters the world of her birth. She finds herself in an involuntary marriage to General Gersham, her father’s confidant. Despite her attempts to escape, Pilgrim is persistently drawn back into this unwelcome alliance. Their deity, Ya-Beresh, guides Pilgrim and Gersham on a journey to locate a prophesied savior, Yarash-Ohr.

The novel explores themes of spiritual discovery and religious awakening, with the supporting cast adding intrigue to the narrative. Notably, the story includes elements such as gladiatorial battles and a shape-shifting dragon, contributing to the fantastical aspect of the book. The world-building takes an understated approach, focusing more on the characters’ internal journeys than on detailed settings or timelines. This leaves room for interpretation and personal imagination regarding the era and religious context.

While the romantic elements are central to the plot, they unfold in a unique and unpredictable manner, offering a fresh perspective on character relationships. The dynamics, especially in romantic situations, evolve in a way that may seem unconventional, inviting readers to explore the complexities of the characters’ interactions.

The protagonist, Pilgrim, is initially introduced as a figure of considerable independence, and her journey invites readers to witness the evolution of her character. This transformation, particularly in the context of traditional gender roles and societal expectations, offers a thought-provoking exploration of agency and self-determination.

The novel’s blend of elements, including magic, women in active combat roles, and complex personal narratives, provides a diverse tapestry that might broaden the horizons of traditional Christian literature readers. For those with more progressive views, the depiction of marriage, gender roles, and cultural norms in the book opens the door for meaningful discussions and reflections on these themes.

Pilgrims of Stone and Saber presents a fantasy and spiritual exploration blend with elements that will engage some readers while potentially challenging others. The narrative weaves through themes of faith, destiny, and personal growth, set against a backdrop of fantastical elements and complex character relationships.

ISBN: 1738151212 | Pages: 242

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/02/01/pilgrims-of-stone-and-saber/

A cop is in desperate need of help. A serial killer, a true mastermind, has been on the loose for months, leaving no evidence behind. The task force assigned to catch him is at a loss, but the cop knows the killer’s next target: his own sister-in-law.

Desperate for a solution, the cop turns to a man with a reputation for getting the job done: Smitty, a legendary hitman with a hundred different names. As the clock ticks down, the cop and Smitty must team up to take down a killer who has eluded the police for too long. But can they outsmart the elusive serial killer and save the cop’s sister-in-law before it’s too late?

Full of heart-pounding suspense and unexpected twists, B.R. Stateham’s ‘Smitty’s Calling Card’ will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/02/01/smittys-calling-card/

Born amidst the tumultuous backdrop of the Vietnam War in 1973, Margaret Tran’s early life began with challenges. Adopted at the tender age of three months, she endured the hardships of being labeled a “half-breed” during her school years. Yet, her narrative took a pivotal turn in 1995 when she relocated to America with her adoptive mother. This move offered her opportunities for growth, friendships, a career, and the joy of family life.

However, like many poignant life stories, Tran’s had its share of shadows; the demise of her adoptive mother led her into an abyss of grief that threatened her marriage and relationship with her children. But as readers will discover, it was at this nadir that she found her inner strength. Her book, The Actions: 7 Steps to Powerful Change, is a testament to her transformative journey, showcasing how she emerged from adversity by embracing self-awareness and relentless personal growth.

One of the profound quotes that particularly resonated with me reads, “Set goals, but enjoy the moments of life.” This poignant reminder underscores the essence of Tran’s message: while ambition is commendable, the moments that enrich our lives often lie in self-care and the company of our loved ones.

The Actions goes beyond mere storytelling; it offers practical advice substantiated by Tran’s experiences. Notably, her insights on gracefully receiving criticism and compliments were enlightening, a topic many grapple with.

This book, succinct yet powerful, is a compelling self-improvement guide. Margaret Tran’s inspiring journey from vulnerability to empowerment makes The Actions: 7 Steps to Powerful Change a recommended read for anyone on the quest for personal evolution.

Pages: 145 | ASIN: B07D7JGB6Z

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/02/01/the-actions/

A Place of Vengeance: Tales from Windward Cove introduces us to Ben Wolf, a teenage psychic navigating his tumultuous first year at Silver Creek High amidst a plethora of supernatural challenges. Author David Lafferty, employs a clear and direct writing style, effectively unraveling the complex tapestry of psychic phenomena and mystery. This approach makes the intricate subject matter both accessible and captivating, despite the familiar trope of a high schooler confronting otherworldly forces.

Ben Wolf emerges as a well-crafted character. His psychic abilities and personal battles are portrayed with a nuanced sensitivity, lending a significant depth to his persona. Lafferty excels in bringing Ben’s psychic visions to life, often presenting them with a chilling clarity. The interactions between Ben and his friends, Ab Chambers and Les Hawkins, provide an authentic glimpse into high school dynamics, enriched by their witty and relatable banter.

The narrative itself is a maelstrom of action and suspense, and unexplained incidents combined with the ancestral secrets dating back over a century, create a rich and engaging backdrop. Although I feel some plot developments might be anticipated by avid readers of the genre, the overall journey remains thrilling, with the narrative’s brisk pacing ensuring continuous engagement.

A Place of Vengeance: Tales from Windward Cove, by David Lafferty, stands out as a commendable contribution to the young adult paranormal genre. It offers a compelling mix of high school drama and supernatural intrigue, catering to those who delight in a story that intertwines the mundane with the mystical.

Pages: 436 | ASIN: B0CMGQT3KY

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/02/01/a-place-of-vengeance-tales-from-windward-cove/

In Henry’s Chapel, narrator and author become intertwined with the characters and director of a film described by the book’s narrator in this uniquely presented tale of a Texas family. Where did the idea for this novel come from?

There were a number of main sources for Henry’s Chapel. First, I am originally from southeast Texas, and my dad’s family is from South Carolina and Georgia, so I got full exposure to the South growing up, and I guess I got the sense, or suspected, that there were some seriously depraved shenanigans – a particularly southern sort of depraved shenanigans – going on just beyond the surface scene. Second, I read Faulkner (may favorite is As I Lay Dying), which corroborated my suspicion about those depraved southern shenanigans. Third, I saw Billy Bob Thornton’s film Slingblade, which brought those depraved southern shenanigans to visual and cinematic life. Fourth, I read Robbe-Grillet’s Jealousy, whose simple, reportage-like narratological approach inspired me to write “Grass,” a short southern gothic tale about an autistic boy and his love affair with his lawnmower. I tried unsuccessfully to turn “Grass” into a movie script, and then I dropped it until…Fifth, I read David Foster Wallace (I read all of Wallace, but I really liked Infinite Jest (novel) and Oblivion (a collection of stories – his last before his suicide)). The Wallaceian narrator really resonated with me, and it occurred to me that I might try to mix a Wallaceian narratorial style – which is very casual-conversational and philosophical at the same time – with the Faulknerian southern gothic vision, or content, of “Grass.”

These five sources came before I started writing Henry’s Chapel, but there is a sixth source, which came as I actually wrote the book: that this book could be a serious hybrid of a lot of things: philosophy, creative non-fiction, fiction, film, tragedy, comedy…And narratologically speaking, a really big formal idea I had was to try to include everybody in it: fictional characters (he, her, they), a non-fictional narrator (I, me), and a reader-audience, who watches the film with me (we) and to whom I can turn and ask questions (you). Having the Wallaceian narrator watch, report, and comment on the Faulknerian film is what made this hyper-inclusion, this radical heterogeneity, possible.

Did you plan the tone and direction of the novel before writing, or did it come out organically as you were writing?

The tone or mood of the film of the novel, Lawnmower of a Jealous God, was set by Faulkner before I started writing; and the Wallaceian casual-philosophical narratorial tone was also set before I got to writing in earnest. But the direction was very organic. I did not know from day to day where the novel was going. Each scene set up the next, and that’s all I knew. Occasionally, this scene-by-scene organic approach would run me into trouble because I would realize that a scene that followed naturally from its immediate predecessor contradicted a scene or story element or plot element much earlier in the novel. The advantage, I think, of the organic approach is its spontaneity; the disadvantage is this occasional house-of-cards problem, where you have to go back and revise previous scenes to be consistent with new, organic scenes that you really want to keep. So, with the organic approach, there’s a lot of painstaking going back-and-forth between writing ahead in the novel and tweaking in earlier parts of the novel that otherwise would be inconsistent.

What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?

Generally speaking, I think I wanted to explore boundaries in Henry’s Chapel – and to show where they break down, e.g., between philosophy and fiction, fiction and non-fiction, fiction and film, religion and fiction, brother and sister, the taboo and the acceptable, parents and children, sisters and brothers, hope and despair, comedy and tragedy, director and directed, real and unreal, false and true authority, male and female, humans and non-human animals, humans and inanimate objects, love and hate, legal and illegal…This list goes on.

Independence, autonomy, and self-sufficiency were really important to me as well. It may not seem like it at first blush, but I think Henry’s Chapel is ultimately an optimistic novel: Henry burns down the old, obsolete paradigm and walks free into the unknown. Although, he is sure of his love for his sister, whether she is alive or dead. So, love is a central theme as well – true love, which may be something more like friendship, in the Aristotelian sense.

I find a problem in well-written stories, in that I always want there to be another book to keep the story going. Is there a second book planned?

After setting fire to his old home, it was very natural for me to want Henry to keep on walking, over the bridge, and back to the other side; it was natural for me to want to keep on dreaming his and Emily’s lives. But as he walked down toward the bridge, and I heard the chorus of cicadas singing (for him), and I saw them catch fire, like a million little candles (in tribute or in vigil), I knew that was it, that it was over, that there was no way for Henry to come back or keep on going. I have considered, however, a related novel entirely dedicated to Emily, but in so many ways, she is the most powerful force in Henry’s Chapel because she exists somewhere between life and death, and if I were to write further about her, I might destroy that precarious balance.

Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Sagging Meniscus | Amazon

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/02/01/independence-autonomy-and-self-sufficiency/