The Grand Illusion
It’s been almost a year since I last posted on what I’ve recently read. Part of the reason for not posting is that I’ve been deeply tied up in the four Recluce books about Alyiakal, but part is also because, while I’ve read a number of novels in that time, there turned out to be a considerable number of them that I didn’t much care for, and three or four that I simply didn’t want to finish.
I did enjoy The Empress of Salt and Fortune by Nghi Vo, although it’s incredibly low-key, and definitely not for action-lovers. The Jasmine Throne, by Tasha Suri, also isn’t for everyone, I suspect, given that it’s a bit of a downer, if interesting, although there are plenty of bodies, but it’s also the first book in a series. I definitely enjoyed T. Kingfisher’s Clocktaur War books (Clockwork Boys and The Wonder Engine), as well as another low-key masterpiece, Victoria Goddard’s The Hands of the Emperor.
There were also a number of books favorably reviewed by others that I felt relied far too much upon sexuality of various sorts, without the supporting element of, shall I say, “sharing and caring” for another.
I always appreciate you sharing your reading notes. Thank you!
I loved both “The Empress of Salt and Fortune” and “The Hands of the Emperor,” and also considerably enjoyed the Clocktaur duo.
“The Hands of the Emperor,” in particular, had a large impact on me. At first I thought it was an ordinary, entertaining, familiar fantasy, but, later, there were scenes that swept me away, such as the one where the main character reacts to the mispronunciation of his name.
Thank you for mentioning “The Jasmine Throne” — I’ll add it to my to-read list.
I don’t read a lot of fantasy but I discovered one of your series at a free book library. I’m reading The Soprano Sorceress with my partner and really enjoying it! The Empress of Salt and Fortune and The Jasmine Throne and The Hands of the Emperor sound right up my alley. I love low-key reads and I think for fantasy that’s the kind of thing I like based on what little I’ve read.
I just finished a T. Kingfisher book my friend recommended me called What Moves The Dead. I enjoyed that one too.