The Destroyer by Michael-Scott Earle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Destroyer is a very intriguing fantasy tale packed with action and interesting twists and turns. Some of the characters are fairly stereotypical but Kaiyer, the main character, was for me refreshingly original with many flaws, complexities and strengths and with a code of honour that only he understood. Unfortunately, there were several inconsistencies in the telling of the tale, notwithstanding the skilful and imaginative writing of the fascinating plot. This caused me to pause occasionally and think ‘No, that doesn’t work’ and it spoiled my enjoyment.

The setting of the story was quite definitely medieval fantasy and had many of the obligatory ingredients like Elven folk, evil and ruthless, and feats of magic, electric lightning bolts fired from hands and incredible properties of recovery from ‘fatal’ injuries. However, there were too many conversations that included idiomatic phrases one would expect to find in a contemporary novel but not in the language of this fictional middle/dark age. Phrases along the lines of ‘getting your shit together’ or ‘having a different agenda’ jarred with this reader. I did not like the changing point of view between Kaiyer one chapter and then Paug in the next. It was far too confusing and it would have been simpler to stick to the third person throughout the book. I could see the advantages of being inside Kaiyer’s mind at times when he has been asleep for many, many decades, but when a character is describing how he is being finally killed then an element of comedy creeps in.

The book should also come with a warning about the extremely graphic violence and erotic scenes. For me they were not necessary in the lengthy detail used since it suddenly slowed down the decent pace of the story. As a parent I would not like to think that a younger, more innocent reader would be confronted with such pages. It is not clear who the target audience is for this series of novels. The abrupt ending to the book was annoying and came across as a deliberate ploy because to find out what happened next you have to buy the next book. It felt like a cop out and a con. I do not see why each novel in the series could not stand alone in its completeness of the writing. The denouement alone, as written here, would prevent me from buying the next one in the series. Overall, I really enjoyed the story but think there are aspects to the finished product that still require attention.

I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, through Reading Deals, so I could give an honest review.


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Among Friends: Travels in Cuba by Heather Murray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was written by Heather Murray as her account of the various visits to Cuba that she made over several years. It is an interesting read, amusing in parts but without any sense of cynical humour. The author’s affection towards the country and its people is very obvious after just a few chapters. Although I had no personal curiosity about Cuba before reading this book it is written so well, with such enlightening enthusiasm for the country’s culture, traditions and even political complications, that I was pleasantly intrigued throughout her account. The details about the economy, the transport and the day-to-day struggles of the population, who seem to remain resolute to “succeed”, come what may, often had me gasping in astonishment.

It will remain as one of the very few travel books I have ever enjoyed. It is capable of dismissing some of the myths one may have about Cuba and the living conditions found there while at the same time introducing a few amazing stories that linger in the memory. For example, the fairly common practice of young adult Cubans trying to have a relationship with a tourist that may result in marriage. Thus enabling them to leave their own country to take up a better standard of living in the tourist’s country when a ‘happily married couple’. Of course it is not as simple as that sounds but the tales that Heather Murray relates about it are fascinating. For me a highly recommended book.
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.


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Who Killed Vivien Morse by Diana J. Febry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the third of the books that I have read by Diana J Febry and it has become my favourite. For me the range of new characters was more interesting and the plotline more intriguing with enough twists and turns to keep me turning the pages. The returning partnership of detectives Peter Hatherall and Fiona Williams was welcome with its slight hint of a past relationship that was more than professional and at the same time the occasional moments of irritation between the pair added realism. The amusing and farcical characters, Gladys and Dick, gave the story some lighter moments while the unfortunately tragic figure of Ellen touched the heart.

All of the characters were believable in the familiar setting of the local “horsey community” and conversations came across as important and pertinent. For me the setting and the original plot made a refreshing change from many I have read within this genre. There was an exciting build-up of tension towards the end as the two detectives began to chase down the real culprit after a few false starts for both them and the reader. I had a few editing issues at times but nothing that spoiled my enjoyment of the story by a talented thriller writer.
I received a complimentary copy of the book in return for an honest review.


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