Imagine
the Mageborn series,
with a scoop of Paolini’s Eragon,
a dash of Tolkien’s creative mastery and a sprinkling of Matthew
Reilly’s action sequences, plus a little corny humour and romance
thrown in for good measure. The story is UNPREDICTABLE and full of
twists.
Conner
is a master of world building. He shows great craftsmanship, and the
reader becomes easily enveloped within the environments. The
combination of diverse characters, unique mythical cities and complex
plot lines have created a tale that is highly original, as well as
memorable. Action sequences are fast-paced, yet clear, showing skill
that is reminiscent of authors such as Matthew Reilly.
Characters
are a work of art, exciting and intriguing, and the storyline is a
masterpiece. It has depth and mystery with every page you turn; it is
smooth and well written. Capture is another word that fits and is
what will happen to you as you involve yourself in the book.
Not
since the Dragon Riders of Pern has the bond between rider and beast
played such an important role. This new twist on Griffins and the
Delphens allowed for a much-needed change of pace, as does the lack
of reliance on human characters to save the day.
Julia
Hugh’s Griffin Rider Chronicles (Talon Press 2013) used Griffins,
but these griffins are unlike anything
Julia Hugh imagined. False
Dragons
employs a much more action-laden approach. This action and, more
importantly, depth and diversity of characters will keep readers
engaged and turning the pages.
False
Dragons is certain to attract a large following of fans
unquestioningly hungry for a new approach to fantasy
This
epic fantasy is like all good epic fantasies where the world building
is impressive. The only completely original species created are the
Delphens, and Conner does a great job of creating their biology,
social structure, and characteristics while making them individuals.
Delphens were once a mostly farming community, but dragons and
griffins transformed some into a corps of warriors. The Griffin Corps
can use their physical strength, hardiness, and closeness to nature
to bond with and ride the griffins. They treat the griffins like more
than just dumb steeds. They share consciousness, mind links, and
emotions. The Delphens' relationships with their griffins are that of
friends, companions, and siblings in arms.
Two
of the best Delphens are Shala and Flinch. Flinch is a quick-witted
sometimes comic relief who has a running gag of dismounting badly.
However, he also has inherited precognitive abilities, which requires
him to have some dark visions. For him, this quest is one of
maturity, as he has to shed his childlike impetuosity.
Even
with characters that are common in other fantasies, Conner does
different things with them. Pixies are present with their mischievous
and naughtiness. One of the more humorous characters is Glow, a
sweet, energetic pixy who will give any information if you provide
enough sugary snacks for a bribe. However, what we see is that their
sense of mischief has harmful long-term implications, plus they, Glow
in particular, suffered a tremendous loss in the past.
The
Merfolk are described here as they often are in legends: attractive,
but stand offish and prone to emotion. However, they are capable of
assisting others and looking at the big picture that what affects
everyone else will affect them.
Of
course there are the various romances, interspecies friendships and
allies, and tremendous loss that develops during these struggles.
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Cooper's
Ridge
by
Ian Conner
Genre:
Science Fiction
Captivating
and engaging sci-fi and adventure the author expertly navigates the
themes of space colonization, human existence, and the more personal
themes of loss, grief, and moving on with one’s life after loss.
The multiple POVs allowed readers to experience this expansive world
the author crafted, showing everything from the discovery of this
lush new world to the harrowing brush with death the protagonist has
and the shifting perspectives that make the audience constantly
question whom they can trust and whom they cannot.
The
alien races are very enticing, especially the main villains. The
story showcases some great mind-bending technologies and tools of
war. The space journeys felt like descriptions of military ships in
the ocean. This incredible story filled with interstellar conspiracy,
betrayal, government corruption and foreign planets. Despite the
settings, human greed and opportunism are never far behind and
explored throughout the book.
The
switch between multiple characters is seamless. All the characters
are interesting with a flair of mystery and realism. The views and
opinions were divided from the start. From then, the reader knows
they are in for a rollercoaster ride. The story escalates and the
situation becomes more and more critical. The characters are
fascinating, the story unfolds and ended with a heartwarming
finale.
This book has a strong opening that keeps readers
hooked from start to finish, the characters are multifaceted, the
narrative is absorbing, and the dialogues are sharp.
This
book is, in a word, riveting. The multiple subplots set across the
earth and various places in space make for an enticing read. Space
travel, new age technology, politics, threats against humanity,
compelling characters, conspiracy theories, backstabbing, and shrewd
enemies will keep you entertained. No one concept in this story is
far-fetched; humans are capable of both the good and the evil that
happens in this book. If you love sci-fi and political thrillers,
then don’t miss this book.
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**Don't
miss the rest of Ian Conner's books!**
Find
them on:
Ian
Conner is retired and spent most of his adult life as a Marine and
Army Infantry Sergeant. A hundred percent disabled veteran after
multiple head and other injuries, he is part of a growing number of
vets classified as “neuro-diverse”, an MST survivor and have
several issues such regarding comprehension, concentration, and
vision issues that he has OVERCOME to write several novels. After
witnessing a lifetime of destruction, the thought of creating
something tangible and lasting holds great appeal.
He finds writing a
cathartic way to redefine himself both in his eyes and in the eyes of
others. Writing for fun, Ian has completed seven novels with an
eighth near done with two more ideas in the scribble/chapter phase.
He has written across four genres Fantasy, Thriller, Science Fiction
and Horror.
He uses ProWritingAid,
Beta Readers and professional editors keep the product readable, he
has recently begun querying in search of a professional agent and
publisher.
Now living near San
Diego California with his wife Bonnie, a cellist, and their two dogs,
Cookie and Isabella. Conner spends his days fostering kittens,
gardening, crafting beautiful stained glass and creating worlds on
the page.
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