The Wood Nymph and the Cranky Saint
Daimbert returns to Yurt for another cozy fantasy adventure, but a jumble of disconnected mysteries, an irritating new wizard, and an abrupt climax leave this sequel far short of *A Bad Spell in Yurt*'s charm. Even a delightful wood nymph can't quite save it.
Soul-Singer of Tyrnos
A young Singer follows the gods' guidance across Tyrnos, using the magic of song to heal suffering and expose corruption. A compact, traditional fantasy quest with likable characters, unusual magic, and just enough adventure to scratch that fantasy itch.
Deryni Rising
A young prince, his Deryni magician mentor, and a vengeful sorceress collide in an elaborate struggle for the throne. A classic historical fantasy with impossibly dramatic characters, convenient magic, and an unexpectedly comforting old-fashioned charm.
A Bad Spell in Yurt
A freshly graduated wizard takes a job in the charming kingdom of Yurt, only to discover something sinister threatening its king. A delightful, cozy fantasy mystery with lovable characters, just enough intrigue, and a whole lot of heart.
Silk Roads and Shadows
A Byzantine princess sets out on a perilous journey to China to steal silkworms and save her empire. A promising historical fantasy adventure, but frantic pacing, disorienting transitions, and careless prose made me abandon it after fifty pages.
The Armies of Daylight
I stuck with Barbara Hambly's Darwath trilogy out of love for the author, only to find an ending that made three books of struggle feel pointless. Flat protagonists, frustrating plotting, and one of the most unsatisfying finales I've ever read.
Call of Madness
In a kingdom that executes its mages, a reckless princess discovers she has forbidden magical powers. An intriguing premise and thrilling final act are undermined by inconsistent characterization, questionable decisions, and a frustrating protagonist.
The Panorama Egg
A panorama egg contains an entire fantasy world, and an infuriating protagonist gets to explore it. Baffling, uneven, and often unpleasant—but one magnificent, mysterious sorceress makes the whole thing unforgettable.
The Walls of Air
Rudy and Ingold undertake a perilous journey while Gil and Minalde investigate an ancient keep. Intriguing mysteries and stronger characterization can't quite overcome frustrating plot contrivances, questionable decisions, and a truly baffling approach to food storage.
The Witchstone
Three villains pursue a magical stone, and an intriguing exploration of damaged people gives way to a disappointing quest and an unconvincing redemption. Wonderful beginnings, frustrating execution, and yet another case of Bad Back Copy.
The Fountains of Mirlacca
A kindhearted outcast, a fascinating guild of exorcists, and a richly imagined little fantasy world. Unfortunately, rushed pacing and some spectacularly misleading back-cover copy undermine an otherwise promising story.
The Wizard's Shadow
The Wizard’s Shadow is, both at its best and at its core, a story about a fantastical, medieval odd-couple. Except they have to share a lot more than living quarters.