It has always been a tough question to answer because I'm many things and have a diverse range of loves. I live in Adelaide, South Australia and believe that we are all capable of great things. My grandchildren are important to me. I'm passionate about unleashing my imagination and translating the many stories in my mind into narratives. I paint, read, sing, garden, and cook and I hope, much more. My passion for fantasy began in the womb. I'm certain of this. I began reading this genre at 5 and for over 55 years; it has been a passion. Epic, dark fantasy enthralls me and I'm in a constant search for the next best read.
The author is a heavy hitter in dark fantasy and the title says it all, Best Served Cold. Glancing at the title, I immediately thought of revenge and this story takes the cake. Joe takes you on an adventure that you wish would not end, cold-hearted characters willing to go to any length to fulfil his story and their personal agendas. His eye for detail leads you to feel as if you are walking with each of them on their journey. Don’t expect the expected because he has an imagination to conjure the most extraordinary villains and surprising heroes. Plots that don’t always have happy endings. The UK author translates his storyline into a brilliant narrative that will make you put his book on the shelf as it waits for the second. For once you have read a Joe Abercrombie book, you will want to read more.
There have been nineteen years of blood. The ruthless Grand Duke Orso is locked in a vicious struggle with the squabbling League of Eight, and between them they have bled the land white. While armies march, heads roll and cities burn, behind the scenes bankers, priests and older, darker powers play a deadly game to choose who will be king.
War may be hell but for Monza Murcatto, the Snake of Talins, the most feared and famous mercenary in Duke Orso's employ, it's a damn good way of making money too. Her victories…
The series is for a dedicated fantasy reader who enjoys an epic, in-depth story full of characters who sit on the side of either the dark or the light, which leads to good versus evil. It contains a multitude of characters who will catch your emotions and carry you through 14 books. The layers of storylines are incredible and the imagination of this author to capture such depth is well worth the time to read his works. Unfortunately, Robert passed unable to complete this series, but with the contribution of another fantasy writer (Brandon Sanderson), chosen by him to end this fabulous narrative.
The Wheel of Time turns and Ages come and pass, leaving memories that become legend. Legend fades to myth, and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth returns again. What was, what will be, and what is, may yet fall under the Shadow.
When a vicious band of half-men, half beasts invade the Two Rivers seeking their master's enemy, Moiraine persuades Rand al'Thor and his friends to leave their home and enter a larger unimaginable world filled with dangers waiting in the shadows and in the light .
These works are a masterpiece and hard reading at times, but worth every word if you love epic fantasy, as I do. The protagonist Thomas Covenant is a sour and bitter person, but I found myself drawn to his humanity as he struggles to come to terms with his plight. Stephen’s courage in exploring human emotions and humanity itself is inspiring. The storyline is like an onion and as I peeled back the layers; I was hooked. I have been reading the fantasy genre for over 55 years and this series was the first to leave an everlasting impression.
'Comparable to Tolkien at his best' WASHINGTON POST
Instantly recognised as a modern fantasy classic, Stephen Donaldson's uniquely imaginative and complex THE CHRONICLES OF THOMAS COVENANT, THE UNBELIEVER became a bestselling literary phenomenon that transformed the genre.
Lying unconscious after an accident, writer Thomas Covenant awakes in the Land - a strange, beautiful world locked in constant conflict between good and evil.
But Covenant, too, has been transformed: weak, angry, and alone in our world, he now holds powers beyond imagining and is greeted as a saviour. Can this man truly become the hero the Land requires?
Odalisque blew me away. I did not expect this author to produce such a raw and dark series. Set in a time where brutality was the norm, I loved exploring Ana’s journey as she fought to regain not only her freedom from slavery, but the epic lengths she went to—to gain power in a world ruled by strength and deception. Fiona draws out the reader’s emotions and will cast you into a scene right out of history. Revenge and honour, sex and murder all take place in the desert, so keep your eye out for this book.
Fifteen-year-old Boaz is the new Zar, freshly ascended to his throne. In the turmoil following the old Zar's death, courtiers jostle and conspire to secure their positions - not least his scheming mother, the new Valide. It seems his only genuine friends are his late father's mad jester; Spur Lazar, head of Percheron's security; and a golden beauty - a new odalisque purchased in the foothills as a slave for the harem.
But can a madman, a soldier and a concubine be trusted to keep him safe from the Byzantine manoeuvres of his father's ambitious entourage?
Imagine yourself going about your day to find that you, as an individual, have a crucial part to play in an alternative world. Five characters in this story will become a part of Fionavar’s history, there is little they can do to avoid their fate. The writer will take you down a path of sorrow and then he turns to lead you to a different place, one that will captivate you. I have worn down the pages of my personal books in this series, reading them often, for I connect to each character and their personal journeys. The series is a refreshing storyline that is original and relatable.
The first volume in Guy Gavriel Kay's stunning fantasy masterwork, now reissued with the beautiful original cover art by Martin Springett.
Five men and women find themselves flung into the magical land of Fionavar, First of all Worlds. They have been called there by the mage Loren Silvercloak, and quickly find themselves drawn into the complex tapestry of events. For Kim, Paul, Kevin, Jennifer and Dave all have their own part to play in the coming battle against the forces of evil led by the fallen god Rakoth Maugrim and his dark hordes.
Roedanth wants Peetra back. It doesn’t matter the boy is dead. Tainted by dark magic, tragedy and pain follow Roedanth from Crow’s Nest to Coowic where the Magi live. Tarkeenia is awash with life—man and beast live side by side. Monsters hunt the shadows, looking for a bite to eat. The tip of balance between dark and light, good and evil, is tenuous.
Flesh-eating Specks turn the living into dust, and the world is no longer safe. Strangers become friends, betrayal and self-gain taint uneasy alliances, and unlikely heroes emerge to salvage what they can from a world on the brink of chaos. All strive to make do in a world bubbling with wild magic, as the lives of man and monster hang in the balance.
"a fresh narrative whose scale, ambition, and pathos elevate" -Pacific Book Review
"The December Issue warms up the soul from its first chapter to the last." -Chanticleer Book Reviews, 5 Stars
The joys of retirement feel imminent to columnist Paul Scrivensby, a native of the Great Lakes' very own St. Catherine's Cove, but when his penultimate column stirs controversy, the writer soon finds easing into carefree days of leisure a luxury growing more elusive. Embroiled in the unexpected pursuits presented before him while on the verge of retirement, Paul discovers what he and others are capable of and searches for…
The joys of retirement feel imminent to columnist Paul Scrivensby, a native of the Great Lakes' very own St. Catherine's Cove, but when his penultimate column stirs controversy, the writer soon finds easing into carefree days of leisure a luxury growing more elusive. Embroiled in the unexpected pursuits presented before him while on the verge of retirement, Paul discovers what he and others are capable of and searches for understanding of what is truly expected of him at this pivotal point in his life.
A story of discernment amid the challenges and blessings of work, retirement, family, community, and past…
