#WhatNornsReads – Book Reviews from Nov 2023 by Sahara, Julie, & Karen

What an intense read. Powerful and emotional, even if flawed. It does a great job showing one of the harsh realities of humanity, for sure.
I don’t agree with the ideology. I think it’s as narrow-minded as Ash, but the message is the important part. The message is that we need to do and be better, or we don’t deserve the blessings we’re given. That is true.
Just as the “truth” was polarized between the Mission (Ash) and the Truth (Maya), the author made this black and white. There was a murmur of the colors between, but they were a fleeting consideration. I understood why, but it’s not true to life or human nature. And, in the end, the final decision was based on this closed view of reality.
Some of this story shocked me because, as it unveiled, my image of things was reconstructed. What I naturally saw in my mind as diversity became homogeneous. That felt wrong for so many reasons, the least being that stale genetics leads to almost instant death. The best chance for survival IS genetic diversity, but again, not the point the author wanted to make.
This story didn’t surprise me, but it did sadden me. I think mostly because it felt like the author missed what it really means to be “human” as he only focused on our cruelty. He missed how we learn, grow, and progress beyond.
I do think you should read this. This crazy emotional ride will illustrate some important things even as it misses its mark on other vital opportunities to show what humanity is and can be. At any rate, it will leave you thinking about the kind of person you want to be and the imprint you want to make. THAT makes it really special.

This is the eleventh book of the series. I’ve read them all over the past few years with relatively bigs gaps between. As they are all separate cases, you don’t need to read the ones before, although I prefer to read a series in order.
Detective Inspector Ian Drake has OCD and over the years it’s been quite pronounced. These days he seems to have it under control, and it also adds character to him.
Drake is also now in a relationship, which I liked. He met Annie one or two books ago.
This story is more investigation driven as Drake and his team attempt to solve the murder of a journalist. Although it’s very easy to read, it didn’t grip me like some of the previous books did.
Overall, this a crime procedural novel that ticks all the boxes for readers turned sleuths. There are plenty of red herrings to put you off the trail and it is an entertaining read.

I thought I picked this book up through my KU membership, but it was through Prime instead. And it still is a Prime book.
Like most high fantasy books, this one is a long read, so be prepared. I really enjoyed the world that Cobble invented. The fact a young man who taught himself how to brew ale became the focus of a grand quest. I like Ben and his personality. Coming from a small town, all he’s known is myths and legends about the world beyond their walls. Now, he has a chance to see it for himself. And it’s not what he expected. Is it ever?
I really enjoyed the secondary characters too. Because with a high fantasy, you know you have to have quest companions. Even though I felt like the writing is a bit dull and dry, they were built up enough to get attached to them.
What I didn’t like was the writing. A lot, and I mean a lot of exposition and telling. There were also scenes that didn’t advance the plot, just needless words. However, when I still had over 4 hours left in the book, I read it in one setting. I couldn’t put it down. Then it ended on a cliff-hander. That’s when I found out the series isn’t in KU. Oh NO. I’m not sure if I’ll read book 2, though I want too.
Do I recommend the book? Yes, I do. It’s perfect for people who love fantasy worlds to get lost in, companions to share a laugh or cry with, and a great plot. I give it 4 stars.