Book Review: A Fate Inked in Blood

A Fate Inked in Blood 

by Danielle L. Jensen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Better than I had expected. While a ‘romantasy’ (gosh I hate this term) it’s still got solid fantasy world building, gods versus mortals, clans at war (politically and on the battlefield), and a lot to say about fate and destiny.
I’m so pleased I can give this a good review as the author is a fellow Calgarian! Yes that’s right from my home city of Calgary (in Canada).

A Fate Inked in Blood is actually quite complex given that the opening chapter has our two love interests ogling one another because they are just soo attractive *eye roll*. However once you get past the initial cliche set-up things begin to roll forward. Our magic system is a bit simple; powers come from a god/goddess; and generally everyone only has one power (if any). Of course our leading gals power is rare and wonderful. Again, somewhat cliche but I did go in expecting a number of typical tropes and so can accept this for what it is.

That’s the one Danielle L. Jensen gives us, without any doubt, is exactly what you are likely to expect. The pacing, reveal logic, magical rules, and (of course) lust to love pairing is all very typical. Yet I believe it works because the writing is solid, and our characters are genuinely likeable. From the feminist rage of our leading lady, to the stoic fierceness of our leading man. Put them together and you undoubtably have sparks flying with some intensity.

It should be noted that there is a bit of a push twist at the end to make everyone anticipate book two. Given that we get book two in early 2025, which is quite quick for most series these days, I can’t even complain.

Overall I was very satisfied with this read. It was what I expected, and a bit more with excellent pacing and world building. Plus I get to squee because Jensen lives here in my hometown! That makes for three popular writers of today that live here currently! And a few more up and coming ones that I hope make it onto folks radar. I actually went to my local indie store the other day and bought four books from local authors, three of which are (somewhat) well known! (All of which I’ll be sure to also rant and rave about, or so I hope!)
While my initial copy of this was from NetGalley; I did immediately make sure to get first edition, teal sprayed edge hardcover for my print collection. As always, a print copy I keep in my ever expanding library is the highest honour I can give a book.

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Book Review: Ghost of the Neon God

Ghost of the Neon God 

by T.R. Napper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This urban cyberpunk novella is action packed! Whether our characters are running from officials, debating with a sentient AI, or sparring with one another; the pace is quick and non-stop in Ghosts of the Neon God. Not only has T. R. Napper given us an amazing title, but he’s also written a story full of philosophical anecdotes regarding surviving, capitalism, and AI technology.

”Small acts of resistance. Heterogeneity in the face of crushing corporate assimilation.”
Napper discusses the issue of sentient AI being built and sold by ruthless corporations only interested in profits. How can we allow someone to be owned, in any way, by an entity that doesn’t care about its well being? The core argument being that an intelligent AI, who is aware of themselves, should have autonomy and the ability to choose its own future (or at least as much as any human gets to).
Whether it’s our street rat, or university student, or even the sentient AI; Napper asks us to consider that we all have the same existence, even if our lives might be drastically different in the middle. Our ending is certainly the same. A new way of viewing existence began to form the more I read and really experienced Napper’s argument alongside our characters
”All life is a dream walking. Death is going home.”

Ghosts of the Neon God is a great addition to the amazing science fiction short story/novella’s that already exist. My rating drop down to four stars is really because I think there was a lot more to be said and done here. I’m overall disappointed that the story felt cut down when it could easily have been a full length novel that really explores what it means to be ‘yourself’. There is a distinct part in which there is a discussion about conscious moving from one ‘body’ to another; and if that makes you still yourself. I’d love to read more of this debate and further past the ending we receive here. Irregardless this is well worth the quick read it is and may leave you wondering about how we are developing AI today.
I’ll leave you with my favourite quote regarding when to panic. I might need to make it my personal mantra to try and quell my own (seemingly constant) anxiety.
”Relaxing or not relaxing will have no impact on the future course of events”

Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.

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Book Review: Anatomy

Anatomy 

by Dana Schwartz
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This reminds me a lot of The Girl In His Shadow, in a good way. Both feature women in historical times unable to practice medicine the way they want due to patriarchal constraints, both also have sweet little love stories that enhance the overall novel without overpowering it or getting in the way, and lastly, both are fairly realistic in the time, setting, and portrayal of the caste system to keep the poor poorer and the rich richer. And both are excellent reads.

In Anatomy, our leading lady has a strong narrative voice, our main love interest is cute and a bit flippant, think Flynn Ryder from Tangled. The supporting characters left a bit to be desired. They are perhaps too archetypical and lack real development; but I also didn’t need 100 more pages of detail so I can accept that they were sacrificed to give more vibrancy to our leading two and the villains of the story.

At its crux, Anatomy: A Love Story is about corruption and power. Holding to task the idea that power corrupts absolutely. Our ‘in control’ men are able to change narratives to their own liking (true or not), select who lives and dies under what conditions, and spin fear into their society to retain control (plus cover up many ill deeds). There are certainly good people, including our leading lady and her love interest; however, little can be done when the truth falls on deaf ears.

Overall Anatomy: A Love Story is a cute love story, with a horrific villain, and reminds us of all the progress made to date; yet also inspires us to keep fighting for equality, fairness, and the truth. As my own province (state) is discussing privatizing our hospitals (in Canada) it disgusts me to think we would put the lives of our citizens into the hands of people whose entire function is to make money. And yet, here is a story of that exact same goal being laid out before us 200+ years sooner than now. I only wish we could learn and somehow reclaim the system back from those with power who think only for themselves. Hopefully this story reminds folks to be wary of what our elected officials do when it comes to health care; and emphasizes that it should be equally doled out to everyone, regardless of wealth, family lineage, or societal status.

Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.

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