Mike Cahoon

CHARACTER FOCUSED & COMPELLING FANTASY

QUICK THOUGHTS

In epic fantasy, you can go down so many different paths to tell similar stories. One of the most interesting things about the genre is getting to see reinterpretations and re-imaginings of familiar tropes and plots through so many different visions. Case in point, in The Land Beyond the Waste, B.F. Peterson tells a story that is both familiar and unique, taking well known character tropes and plot elements and spinning them into a story that is all her own. What you end up with is something that feels like it was written by a classic fantasy author you are just discovering for the first time.

In this same vein, Peterson tackles many of the fundamental elements of epic fantasy with a deft hand, elevating her story with fantastic characters, emotionally resonant moments, and a richly built world that feels both ancient and alive at the same time. Specifically, our main protagonist’s relationships with her brother and father, as well the characterization of the elves she entreats to intervene in a world ending conflict, stand out as highlights that give the book a strong sense of identity that will appeal to many modern readers. Ultimately, while the fundamental building blocks of the plot will be familiar to any regular reader of the genre, Peterson’s handling of them builds a story that hits harder than one might expect and stays with the reader after the final page.

For my FULL REVIEW, please visit;

https://mikecahoon.com/book-review-the-land-beyond-the-waste-by-b-f-peterson/

As a conclusion to the trilogy, To Green Angel Tower is, in my opinion, the best and most satisfying of the three books. Following the trajectory established by book two’s improvement upon book one, the third installment of Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn improves on everything about the series by a considerable degree. Williams comes into his own as he fully leans into his hybrid style of melding classic and modern fantasy, which plays perfectly into the culmination of this dark and epic series. The final book feels unpredictable yet wholly satisfying all at once, delivering just enough of a classic fantasy ending tinged with a bittersweet edge to be a perfect culmination of such an incredible and foundational epic.

That is why, if you make it through the behemoth of a book it is Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn’s conclusion, you will understand why it is considered a classic. For a series with such a massive scale, one might expect some plot lines to be left feeling unexplored or characters left underdeveloped just from a logistics standpoint alone. But Williams somehow pulls of the Herculean task and deliver a satisfying conclusion to just about every story thread he sets up throughout the series. So, if you are a fan of the fantasy genre in any capacity, you should strongly consider reading the masterpiece that is Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn.

For my FULL SERIES REVIEW, please visit;

https://mikecahoon.com/why-you-should-read-memory-sorrow-and-thorn/

The Stone of Farewell takes everything established in the first book of Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn and builds upon it in all the right ways. While the first installment in the series still largely feels classic with the exception of a handful of key moments, this book is where the series really turns into something new. You can see how it is be considered revolutionary for the genre as the tropes and beats begin to feel less familiar. Williams pushes his world and story into a darker and more ominous realm, with key character deaths and scenes that really change the tone of the overall narrative.

What the second installment in the trilogy does so well is establish a sense of doubt. For the first time in the series, we as the readers begin to wonder what success will actually look like for our protagonists and if it is even possible. While many traditional epic fantasy stories have darker elements and moments, in The Stone of Farewell Williams instills a sense that this might not be your typical happy ending story. As the disparate threads of the story begin to come together and our sense of the central conflict deepens, the plot begins to pick up pace and march steadily towards the inevitable conclusion, leaving the readers with equal parts dread and anticipation.

For my FULL SERIES REVIEW, please visit;

https://mikecahoon.com/why-you-should-read-memory-sorrow-and-thorn/

In a series known as “the bridge between classic and modern fantasy”, The Dragonbone Chair stands out as the most classic of the lot. While still darker and more character focused than many of its predecessors, this installment holds true to many tried and true tropes of the fantasy genre; an unassuming, somewhat reluctant protagonist, a mysterious mentor figure, a long journey through the wilderness, a charming nonhuman companion, etc. It also is the most classic in terms of its pacing and focus. The Dragonbone Chair still largely feels like a more traditional epic fantasy novel. If you’re the type that cannot abide a slower pace, heavy description, and intricately detailed worldbuilding, or a long simmering build up of a plot, you might find yourself struggling to get through this first entry.

However, as with many great things, the juice is most certainly worth the squeeze. What long time fantasy fans know is that all of the so called slower pace that the classics are often belied for is all part of the experience. Allowing the reader time to stew in the metaphorical juices of the worldbuilding soup that Williams is brewing, creates a massive payoff later in the series. Without it, the reader would not develop the incredibly strong sense of the characters and the immersion into the world and plot which is arguably the series strongest selling point. So if you’re the type that can settle in and allow yourself to be fully immersed in a world and its details, The Dragonbone Chair is the type of book that will give you more than enough to keep you satisfied.

For my FULL SERIES REVIEW, check out;

https://mikecahoon.com/why-you-should-read-memory-sorrow-and-thorn/

A CALLBACK TO TRUE, HEROIC FANTASY

QUICK THOUGHTS

John Gwynne is one of those authors who has lived perpetually on my TBR for years, always just waiting in the proverbial wings despite many recommendations in his favor. That all changed when I ran my poll for which fantasy series I should tackle next and The Faithful and the Fallen won by a landslide. After reading it, it’s fairly clear to see why. Gwynne takes all the beloved but perhaps a bit tired and predictable story beats and tropes from classic fantasy and breathes new life into them. He instills his story with a certain energy and sense of uncertainty perfect for a modern audience, all while redressing the classic epic fantasy story in a new, viking inspired costume.

While Malice isn’t perfect and definitely suffers from some pacing issues, as well as the standard first installment in a fantasy series issue of throwing an absolute flood of information at the reader, it is a solid book. It kept me entertained throughout, delivered emotional moments with impressive force, established a new and interesting world, and planted the seeds of enough mystery to keep me invested in the story line going forward. I am definitely going to be continuing the series and highly recommend it to any fans of epic fantasy, especially if you love the idea of a Norse inspired setting.

For my FULL REVIEW, please visit;

https://mikecahoon.com/book-review-malice-by-john-gwynne/

I hope you all enjoy reading this prequel novella as much as I enjoyed writing it! It’s available to download for free for subscribers to my newsletter at;

https://mikecahoon.com/newsletter/

QUICK THOUGHTS

If you’re a big reader of the genre, you’ll know what I’m talking about when I say that modern fantasy just has a certain feeling. That sense of fantasy with the character focus dialed up to eleven, with action and dialogue that feels snappy and well honed. The sort of feeling you get from reading something like Sanderson’s Mistborn or Weeks’ Lightbringer. So when I say that Corbin Rook’s debut novel, Shadows of the Sundered Lands, evokes the feeling of modern fantasy in the right way, you’ll know exactly what I mean.

Shadows is a character focused, action forward story that is driven by an interesting magic system, a cast that feels engaging and familiar and a plot that creates immediate investment. It is a compelling debut that establishes the world and makes big promises of what’s to come from this author.

For my FULL REVIEW, please visit;

https://mikecahoon.com/book-review-shadows-of-the-sundered-lands-by-corbin-rook/

QUICK THOUGHTS:

Despite hearing the name tossed about among my more literary friends for years, Dark Matter was my first Blake Crouch novel. I went into with somewhat high expectations, having heard the rave reviews and knowing that Crouch is popular enough to have had several adaptations of his work made, including Wayward Pines, Good Behavior and the aforementioned Dark Matter. Knowing that, I think my opinion on this book is a little skewed. I went into it expecting mind-bending Sci-Fi of the highest caliber, something that would really leave me pondering for days on end. What I got was a well written, well plotted science fiction adventure that was very interesting, but did leave me wanting more. Without going into spoilers, I can safely say that the central plot device was a fascinating concept with so many possibilities that I felt was ultimately under explored. While Crouch touches on some really interesting questions and crafts an emotional, fulfilling ending, if you’re the type of reader who loves exploring the weird and wild limits that Sci-Fi can take you to, you might be left a little underwhelmed. Despite this, I do recommend this twisty, action packed and surprisingly touching story to anyone who loves a good science fiction story.

For my FULL REVIEW, with SPOILERS, please visit:

https://mikecahoon.com/book-review-dark-matter-by-blake-crouch/

A good introduction into the series. Treads very familiar ground for anyone familiar with the fantasy genre but does it well and establishes an interesting world with lore unique enough to set it apart. Recommended for anyone looking for a classic fantasy story with an easy writing style and strong worldbuilding.

Quick thoughts

When one picks up a debut, it’s always hard to know what to expect. Often, new writers are still finding their footing, from a storytelling perspective. And confidence is one of those intangibles that can make a major difference in when it comes to writing a compelling story. The ability to commit to ideas and themes with unflinching conviction often yields a far more interesting and rewarding piece of literature than one with a tepid suggestions of an idea. In this respect, L.E. Garrison is hitting above her weight class as a debut indie author with Acts of Deicide. This book has some serious things to say about life, love, belief, redemption and the weight of humanity, and it says them without stuttering. Full of heavy themes, visceral worldbuilding and some truly dark and intense scenes, Acts is the type of story that is not for the faint of heart. Sufficed to say, the potential horrors of immortality are well explored within these pages. But for those with a strong constitution, there is deft balance of brutal darkness and inclusive romance for a story that delivers both action and genuinely touching moments.

For my Full Review, please visit;

https://mikecahoon.com/book-review-acts-of-deicide/