Azurite, by Megan Dent Nogle, is a delightful tale that primarily follows Zora, the young bastard daughter of Samaria’s Queen, Evangeline. I really liked how Zora developed throughout the book, unwilling to turn her back on her people, even when it would be easier to take a different path.
I was intrigued by the Warden concept, and can understand their importance. I can tell a lot of thought when into how the author described and built the magic system. It made sense to me, which made it all the more believable.
I think the world was built well and was described in great detail. I could clearly conjure images in my mind of the beauty of the Anion Mountains and the desolation of the swamps. I felt like I was transported from the story and brought right into the thick of things.
The author did a good job creating Evangeline. I despised her (which is by design) and thought she was the perfect evil mother. She claims she has nothing but the best interests of her people, but what she really cares about is power and being known as the greatest ruler Samaria has ever known, even though her nation is falling apart at her feet, all from the choices she has made. Well done.
I mentioned Zora in the beginning, and I immediately fell in love with her innocence. I love that she always has her people at the forefront, and I think she truly would make an excellent leader one day. I was disappointed when she disappeared from the last 20% (or so) of the book, as she was the character that kept me turning the pages, but I understand the story line and plot building the author was creating for the future of the series. I like that she wasn’t emotionless, and how her emotions could affect, and sometimes overwhelm, her channeling.
I also liked the supporting characters, especially Brutus, Talan, and Milo. Brutus is your typical General, but I like that he sees the bigger picture and recognizes the importance of the Samarian people over the orders of the Queen. I was glad to learn that Milo wasn’t all he was immediately revealed to be. I like his bigger part in the story, and I have to admit I am intrigued by where his story is going.
Toward the end of the book, I enjoyed the introduction of the character “Heath”. I found myself wanting to know more about him and his master. I wanted to know if this character was possibly the same being who had haunted Zora earlier; or if these plots were somehow intertwined. I liked it and the ending left me wanting more.
My only real issue with the book was the repetitiveness in the dialogue. One example would be when subordinates of the queen would often say “My Queen” multiple times when addressing her. I understand respecting the title and position of the monarch, but I think the term was overused and it made the dialogue seem stilted. There were also instances of misused words, i.e. though instead of through, amour instead of armor, etc. Neither of these issues was enough to stop me from reading because I felt like the story was written well enough to overcome the small obstacles.
I really enjoyed this book and give it 4 stars. If I could give half stars I would (meaning 4 ½ stars) because the only issues were the small ones listed above. The story left me wanting more and I can’t wait to continue with the second book. Well done Megan!
I was given a free copy of this book for my honest review.
This was a fabulous story that quickly brought me in and kept my interest throughout. This is the second book in The Keszthelyi Chronicles and was written by Zichao Deng.
In all honesty I had no idea this was a series until I finished reading the book. Never was it an issue that I had not read the first book, so i tip my hat to the author for writing a book in a series that is able to standalone.
I really enjoyed the main characters Nicolas Keszthelyi and his counterpart Estrade. I think Estrade was truly my favorite character as I liked the no nonsense way he went about his business (especially his plan for the company).
The story is primarily set in Kabul Afghanistan. I have never been to Afghanistan but the author does a wonderful job describing the landscapes and the people. I could get a wonderful picture in my head.
I will say I was a little hesitant about this book due to several of the names or titles in Chinese, but the author provided a wonderful blurb describing how to properly pronounce them, and it put my mind at ease. I would also like to point out that I have never played mahjong before, and the author made this a non-issue by giving the audience a quick run-down on the basic rules so we as readers were not left saying “huh?”.
I will say while I think the character Bibi brought plenty of comic relief to the story, her language and manner of speaking began to wear on me by the end of the book. I also felt like the ending was a little abrupt, and I felt like I wanted a little more closure; then again this is a series.
For those who love stories of adventure in far off lands, this is the book for you. I truly enjoyed the story and have given it 4 out of 5 stars . Personally, I plan on going back and reading the first, and I look forward to future installments in this series.
I was provided a copy of the book for free in exchange for a review
The story continues.
Pages 6-7
He approached the cloverleaf on-ramp of the highway to head west. He slowed his car and crawled to a stop. Two cars blocked the ramp and he couldn’t see a clear way for him to get through. He looked around in all directions to see if he spotted any movement. When he was comfortable it was safe, he got out and ran to one of the cars.
He opened the door to the first car and the stench of death, urine, and feces hit him like a ton of bricks. The woman in the driver’s seat—at least he thought it was a woman based on her clothing—had only a stump where her head should be. He pulled her out of the car and let her body slump to the ground with an audible thump. His stomach suddenly churned, and he ran to the side of the road to vomit. Tears streamed down his face, while spit and chunks of partially-digested food clung to his chin.
Relieved, he ran back to the car and moved it out of the way. With the path cleared, he got back in his own, and continued on his way. He collided with a car as he made his way through. The damage appeared only cosmetic, though.
The sun steadily fell behind the mountains and soon it would be dark. He knew his job would be more difficult once the sun disappeared. Travel was difficult, and he found himself off the road more than on it, but so far the issue at the on-ramp had been a singular event. However, he still barely crawled along at a speed in the mid to upper twenties. It felt painful to Mike, and he didn’t know how long he could handle the kiddie music. Although he thought it better than his own demons trying to overtake the thoughts in his head.
He drove onto the shoulder to maneuver around a car a little bit too fast. He hit a patch of muddy ground and lost control. He over-steered when he tried to correct, driving over a corpse lying on the highway, and slamming into the rear of a van. His head went through the door window from the force of the collision and cut his head. The force of the impact knocked him unconscious.
Back on the Road
He awoke to a painful headache and a broken vehicle. He struggled out of the SUV and walked around to the destroyed front end. He got down on his hands and knees only to find out the radiator had a hole. Fluid leaked everywhere and Mike knew he wouldn’t be able to drive any further. He had to make his way west of Waterton Canyon, and it would be too far to walk. Fortunately, he cars in running condition surrounded him; the interiors were a different story.
He needed an SUV or truck considering the state of the road, and he looked around to find a suitable replacement. He spotted a newe,r black SUV a few cars up, and made his way over to it. It had been lifted with oversized tires, suiting his needs perfectly. He opened the door, surprised to find it empty and the keys still in the ignition. What luck, he thought.
He ran back, grabbing his duffle bag from his no longer useful vehicle before commandeering the new SUV. As he expected, it started as soon as he turned the key. Just like that, he was back on the road, not that the highway was any easier to traverse. He liked the new SUV; it was quite comfortable. He settled in and turned on his high beams to see the road better now that the sun had gone down. It struck him as funny, normally he would never drive with his high beams on like this, but what did it matter now.
He only made it about 5 miles in the hour that ensued. The crowded roads and pitch blackness of night made it more difficult to drive, and he paid the price. He caught a yellow flashing light next to his speedometer; it was the low fuel light. In his haste to be back on his way, he neglected to check the fuel gauge before he embarked. Out of frustration, he pounded his fist on the dashboard. What were the odds he would pick one a car with low fuel. Now he would have to find another one.
His stomach started to growl, a reminder he needed to eat. He hadn’t had a thing since last night and his stomach reminded him of his hunger. He decided to take the next exit and find a gas station. Without power, he wouldn’t be able to get any gas, but he hoped he could grab some food and find another car in the parking lot.
Even with his high beams on, the darkness made it difficult to see as he drove down the off-ramp. Fortunately, he often stopped at this gas station on his way into work and knew it wouldn’t be a problem to make his way to it.
He kept his eyes on alert, and searched the vicinity as he made his way to the gas station to make sure he didn’t see any movement. He hadn’t seen any of them since earlier in the day, and hoped they had moved on, but you could never be too certain so he examined the empty fields.
J.G. Gatewood Blog 