5 Fantasy Series to Binge Read

by Donna Huber

You've been home for 8 weeks or so, the regular television season has basically wrapped up, and you've watched binge-watched all the Amazon and Netflix originals in a matter of days. So what are you going to do to keep you entertained? Pick up one of these fantasy series that are totally worth binge-reading even if you have read them before. Another awesome thing about these series - it is possible for you to read 3 of them for FREE!

Review: Firestorm by Katie Robison #FirestormWS3

by Donna Huber

I cannot believe how long I have been waiting for this book, the third and final book in Katie Robison's Windstorm series. It has been 6 years since I was blown away with the first book, Downburst (read my review), where I likened Kit to Katniss Everdeen. And while Kit does whatever it takes to protect her family, Robison has created an entirely unique character all of her own.

Robison is a fantastic story-teller; one who gradually draws you into the story until you are fully immersed into the setting and bonded with the characters. In a time when many books are claiming to be the next Hunger Games or Divergent, Robison takes the themes of these popular YA novels and adds her own twist.

The biggest twist is one that is sorely missing in the publishing industry - diversity. The main characters in the series are part of tribal nations, ones that can trace their history back to the First People. I loved how Robison wove traditional mythos from ancestral groups into her stories. The parts often started off with a bit these legends.

The Vila are female warriors in Slavic mythology who control the wind and create powerful storms with their songs. When they do battle, the earth shakes.
But if a Vila's skin is touched by fire, she will die.

Another twist - the story isn't set in the US or even really North America or the northern hemisphere, though in the first two books there are trips to Canada and Mexico. Most of the story takes place in or around New Zealand. I don't know about you, but I haven't read too many books set in New Zealand.

Robison really tries to give you an all sensory experience, but I thought there was an overabundance of adjectives in the opening chapters of Firestorm. It made the reading heavy in a way which made it difficult to really get into the story. I think partly it is sensory overload. You are trying to take in all the descriptions, which on their own are lovely, while at the same time recalling what has happened in the first two books.

The last time I went two years between book releases in a series was when Harry Potter was coming out and before each release I re-read the previous books. Robison does provide some backstory in a not too recapping fashion, but it still made for a bit of a rough start. I knew I would eventually get sucked into the story and I couldn't wait for that moment, but I'm glad the story didn't jump right into the action. It gave me a chance to reconnect with the characters, which is important for some of the things that happen later.

Fortunately, that is my only complaint. And if you haven't started this series yet it is the perfect time to since you can read through all 3 books back to back (be sure to enter the giveaway below!). And if you have been waiting like me for the final book to come out, I highly recommend taking the time to re-read Downburst and Coiled Snake (read my review).

I think it would make awesome summer reading for teens and adults a like. I'm thinking of buying the series for my niece to read this summer. It is a great adventure series that sneaks in some terrific life lessons about loyalty, friendship, love, and family.

I don't know if I felt this way after the first two books, but towards the end of Firestorm I really started thinking how cool it would be to windwalk.

Robison did a good job of wrapping up the story in this final book, but I have to wonder if it is the last we will see of the world she has created. The ending was satisfying in its conclusion, but there is definitely room for future novellas (if not full novels) or perhaps a spin-off series. I for one would really like to see at least a novella of a few years into the future.

The books are young adult, but outside of the ages of the main character, it didn't really read like a young adult novel. It is a clean read and even though there is a lot of death, its not overly gory.

On a side note, I have to say how impressed I am that Robison was able to publish 3 books while completing her Ph.D. and raising a family. Hats off to you, Katie!

Buy Firestorm at Amazon

Enter the giveaway:
Katie is offering an awesome prize pack to one Girl Who Reads's US reader (for international readers, please visit Katie's website to enter her giveaway of ebooks). The prize pack includes signed PAPERBACKS of all three books, a necklace with a Chinese dragon, bookmark and leather journal.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Check out the other blogs participating in the blog tour to learn more about Katie Robison and the Windstorm Trilogy (each giveaway is a different prize pack)

May 31            It’s a Bookish Thing 13: Review and Giveaway
June 1              Girl Who Reads: Review and Giveaway
June 2              Nerdi Girl Books: Review and Giveaway
June 3              Bookhounds YA: Q&A and Giveaway

June 6              It Starts at Midnight: Top Ten Magical Experiences and Giveaway
June 7              Once Upon a Twilight: Giveaway
June 8              Such Stuff: Interview and Giveaway
June 9              Read Sleep Fangirl: Giveaway
June 10            Ana Loves: Guest Post and Giveaway

June 13            Mundie Moms: Giveaway
June 14            Bookworm Everlasting: Review
June 15            Crime of Rhyme: Review and Giveaway
June 16            Princessica of Books: Guest Post and Giveaway
June 17            Lloyd Reads: Firestorm Aesthetics and Giveaway  

Donna Huber, founder & publisher. Donna is an avid reader and natural encourager. She is the founder of Girl Who Reads and the author of how-to marketing book Secrets to a Successful Blog Tour. She reads most genres, but her favorite books are psychological thrillers and stories that highlight the survival of the human spirit against unbelievable circumstances.

Get even more book news in your inbox by signing up for our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/mHTVL. A free ebook was provided by the author for this review. Girl Who Reads is an Amazon advertising affiliate; a small commission is earned when purchases are made at Amazon using any Amazon links on this site. Thank you for supporting Girl Who Reads.

Review: Coiled Snake by Katie Robison

I waited a VERY LONG time for the sequel to Downburst (see my review). I was afraid it may never come. When we left Kit she was in the hands of the ones she thought was the enemy having been declared a traitor to the people she was trying to help. In the fast paced adventure ending on a cliff (both literally and figuratively), I think all readers of the series let out a collectively sigh of relief when Coiled Snake hit the shelves - FINALLY!

Coiled Snake fast forwards a bit in time. Kit is still recovering from the injuries she sustained at the end of Downburst, but it clearly has been a few weeks as she is now in New Zealand. Just as she learned bits of her true identity while with the Yakone, now among the Ranji she learned even more about herself and her family. And as the saying going every coin has two sides and so does every story. What is the truth in the conflict between Yakone and Ranji. Are these two people groups so steeped in their own hatred that they are missing the greater threat?

Buy Coiled Snake at Amazon

If you are hoping for answers to some of the bigger questions left open in Downburst, you aren't going to find them in Coiled Snake. If possible the waters have been made murkier. Like Kit, I'm confused about who the good guys and bad guys are (but in a good way that a series should leave you feeling when not yet complete). And now there is possibly a third player in the game, one whose tactics include "divided they shall fall" methods.

In this fictional world, Robison draws on many points of contention in our own world. As there isn't as much action in Coiled Snake, there is a lot of time for reflection and learning. Oh for sure danger and adventure lurk in the shadows, but it takes a backseat to the bigger picture. The battle between right and wrong is raging strongly, particularly within Kit. She befriended many of the Yakone, but the Ranji is family. Yet, as an outsider to both she may be in the unique position to see what the others are blinded to by their long-seeded hatred for one another.

This is an excellent young adult series. It has all the aspects that are drawing teens to books - strong female lead, plenty of action, a bit of the paranormal - and it tackles real issues that teens face - belonging, doing what is right, loyalty, them versus us mentality - without being preachy. I love that the series features native people groups. If you are needing a break from the dystopian and fantasy novels, but don't want to stray to far, then the Windstorm series is perfect for you.

Book info:
ebook and paperback (342 paperback)
Published November 2013 by Quill Books
ISBN13: 9780985046521
Source: Author
Read: December 2013




Girl Who Reads is an Amazon advertising affiliate;  a small fee is earned when purchases are made at Amazon through the above link.  A free ebook was provided by the source.

Related articles

• Blown Away: Downburst (girl-who-reads.com)

Waiting on Wednesday Double Header

I can't choose between these two upcoming releases. I'm super excited about both of them. The are part of series and that I've waited quite a while for this installment. One choice may be shocking to my readers since it is a romance. It's not even just slightly a romance it is romance through and through.

WOW #1

Professor Gabriel Emerson has left his position at the University of Toronto to embark on a new life with his beloved Julianne. Together, he’s confident that they can face any challenge. And he’s eager to become a father.

But Julianne’s graduate program threatens Gabriel’s plans, as the pressures of being a student become all consuming. When she is given the honor of presenting an academic lecture at Oxford, Gabriel is forced to confront her about the subject of her presentation – research that conflicts with his own. And in Oxford, several individuals from their past appear, including an old nemesis intent on humiliating Julia and exposing one of Gabriel’s darkest secrets.

In an effort to confront his remaining demons, Gabriel begins a quest to discover more about his biological parents, beginning a chain of events that has startling repercussions for himself, Julianne, and his hope of having a family.

Available December 3, 2013
Pre-order at Amazon

Read my reviews of Gabriel's Inferno and Gabriel's Rapture

WOW #2

Kit’s journey continues in the second book of The Windstorm Series.

Kit has escaped her death sentence with the Yakone, only to be captured by the barbaric Rangi. Now a prisoner of war, her only means of survival will pit her against everyone and everything she holds dear—including herself.

Now available in paperback
Buy at Amazon

Read my review of Downburst

Girl Who Reads is an Amazon advertising affiliate;  a small fee is earned when purchases are made at Amazon through the above link.  Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases we are excited about.

Related articles

• All New Excerpt From Gabrielle's Redemption (sookie72.wordpress.com)
• Italy with Gabriel's Rapture (girl-who-reads.com)
• TEASER!! Gabriel's Redemption by Sylvain Reynard (readingmyescape.wordpress.com)
• Sylvain Reynard: Redemption (guest post) (girl-who-reads.com)
• Flashback Friday with Sylvain Reynard (delightfullydirtyreads.com)
• Upcoming Series from Sylvain Reynard (delightfullydirtyreads.com)
• Sylvain Reynard Shares News about His New Novel (bookishtemptations.com)
• Exciting News from Sylvain Reynard (literatiliteraturelovers.com)
• Cocktails with Gabriel's Inferno (girl-who-reads.com)
• BIG ANNOUNCEMENT- Sylvain Reynard's NEXT NOVEL! (gabriels-lady.com)

Blown Away: Downburst (Giveaway)

Downburst  (The Windstorm Series #1) by Katie Robison
ebook
Published January 2012 by Quill Books
ISBN13: 9780985046514
Read June 2012
Goodreads, IndieBound, Amazon


I was totally blown away by Downburst. I loved it! And can't wait for the next book in the series. This book kept me on my toes as the first person narration only allowed limited glimpses at what was going on. 


Kit is a runaway who survives by being a messenger for a forgery artist. She finds herself again on the run when the forgery ring is busted by cops. She has no money, no id, and no idea what she's going to do. I wasn't sure of the time period - either it is modern day in a crime ridden area or it is a bit of a dystopian society. While hiding out in the train yard, Kit spies her last drop, Aura, who happens to have an uncanny resemblance to herself. The fate of this girl isn't any better than Kit's as her throat is slit. Grabbing the girl's wallet, she unwittingly gets wrapped up in the life of Aura. 


When she arrived at the camp (by dubious means), I was not sure if it was a terrorist training cell or a Hunger Games-like survival boot camp. Robison does a wonderful job of revealing just enough information to keep the story moving forward, but plenty of red herrings or misdirections to keep the story exciting and the reader guessing.


You know something isn't quite right in this camp, at the same time you begin piecing together that it isn't all bad. Surely the threats of skinning spies alive is just a joke, right? For Kit's sake you hope so.


Kit gave off a vibe that reminded me of Katniss Everdeen. She is resourceful, has great survival instincts, and a hint of something special. The Native American legends and lore that are woven throughout the story are intriguing. And the cliffhanger at the end had me shouting "When is the next one?" (I emailed Katie and she said she's working on the next book - Katie, if you are reading this, please hurry!)


It is hidden gems like Downburst that makes me love reviewing independent and small press published books. I don't know why more people aren't talking about this book. Go read it!


If I haven't convinced you yet, watch the trailer:






You can also read Katie's guest post from February (it is the top viewed guest post on my blog). And visit Katie's website for updates on the sequel: http://www.katierobison.com

And, now you could win a copy of Downburst. Katie is offering an ebook copy to one lucky winner. It's open internationally!



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Related articles

• Armchair BEA: Giveaway Day!

  ---

Katie Robison: Veni, Vidi, Vici

For me, the revision process invariably means slicing away superfluous text: words, sentences, even entire scenes. It can hurt to let things go, but tighter prose is worth the sacrifice.

While revising DOWNBURST, I learned that sometimes you also have to cut your characters.

My protagonist, Kit, has a habit of assigning people nicknames—a coping strategy for dealing with anxiety. Sometimes she chooses a name quickly, based on a person’s prominent characteristic (hair color, height, etc.), but often her epithets are more creative, like dubbing a leering doctor and his nightclub-going brother Dr. Heckle and Mr. Jive.

This quirk functions advantageously in a couple of ways. For one thing, it reveals some of the layers in Kit’s personality and clues the reader in to moments when she’s feeling uneasy. For another, it allows me as the author to provide a clearer narrative: the story is written in first-person, and when Kit is viewing a scene full of strangers, description can get really wordy really fast.

Early in the book, Kit is forced to go on a road trip (of sorts) with some other teenagers— originally, twelve people. Three of these were given the names Veni, Vidi, and Vici, from the famous phrase attributed to Julius Caesar, “I came, I saw, I conquered.” Veni was your average teenage boy who looked like he had just crawled out of bed and barely managed to show up on time (thus, “I came”). Vidi was a short girl with glasses (“I saw”), and Vici was a large, muscular fellow who looked like he played on the football team (“I conquered.”)

Buy Downburst at Amazon

While I thought these names were clever, they quickly proved problematic, for a number of reasons:

1. The rationale behind the naming was hard to convey and therefore hard to understand, 
2. Vici looked like he had a girl’s name (the fact that Latin v’s should be pronounced as w’s didn’t help), and
3. it was difficult for my readers to differentiate among “all those V-words” with the result that they stopped caring about the characters altogether. In fact, it was hard to keep track of any of the teenagers. There were simply too many of them.

So I pulled out my scalpel and said goodbye to half of the kids, including Veni and Vidi. I kept Vici’s character, but I changed his name to Titan. It was simpler and catchier, and no one was going to mistake him for a girl.

Strunk and White tell us, “Vigorous writing is concise. A sentence should contain no unnecessary words, a paragraph no unnecessary sentences.” To that, I would add that a book should contain no unnecessary characters—especially if they have confusing names!

Revising can certainly be painful, but clearing away excessive details will always make your text stronger. And when you see the end result, you’ll want to brandish your knife and shout, “I came, I saw, I conquered!”

Learn more about Katie Robison
http://www.katierobison.com/ 

Read my full review.


Girl Who Reads is an Amazon advertising affiliate; a small fee is earned when purchases are made at Amazon through the link above. The views, opinions, and beliefs expressed by contributing writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect Girl Who Reads. 

Related articles

• Blown Away: Downburst (girl-who-reads.com)