The Crimson Spell Vol 1

Genre: Manga/ Fantasy / M/M
Series: Crimson Spell #1
Pages: 200
Publication Date: 2nd January 2014
Format: Ebook
Rating: 4/5

This is the first manga series I've ever tried and what can I say? I picked a good place to start! 

Crimson Spell follows a brave prince (Vald) and a powerful mage (Havi) who are thrown together when Vald seeks out the mage in order to reverse the terrible curse inflicted on him through using his family's demonically powered sword.

The curse transforms Vald into a half-human, beast-like monster whenever he loses control and also at night when he falls asleep. Mages in his own kingdom fashion him magical shackles to wear when he sleeps so that he remains human. But on his first night alone with Havi, the mage removes the shackles to see what he's dealing with. Protected by his magic, Havi decides to tame the beast, physically [Mature Content].

As other readers have noted, there is a red flag here in terms of consent. Vald is unconscious as Havi seduces his beast-form and remains unaware of the night-time encounters during the day. Even between Havi and beast-Vald, at least at the beginning, the consent is dubious. So, why am I giving this manga four stars?  Because there is so much that I do love about it.

I love the setting in this old world Europe style fantasy world with dragons and demons, spirits and mages. The fantasy aspects of the central story are gripping and I can't wait to see how the story develops. The art is gorgeous and the cast of characters are each distinct and have their own little quirks and intricacies. The central characters, Vald and Havi, are both intriguing with suggestions of further depth and mystery, and I'm interested in the relationship between them and how it will develop. 

Let me know in the comments if you've read this series or if you have any other suggestions for a new-to-manga reader!

Master of Crows by Grace Draven

Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 276
Publisher: Amber Quill Press
Publication Date: 13th July 2009
Format: Ebook
Rating: 4/5

Master of Crows is an engaging fantasy detailing a battle of wills between a mage and the God who wants to possess him. No man is a match for a God, but with one very special woman standing beside him, he may just stand a chance.

Silhara of Neith is the Master of Crows, a powerful mage living in a secluded ruin with his servant Gurn and his mage-finder dog, Cael. Silhara has an uneasy relationship with the mages of the Conclave, and with the High Bishop, Cumbria of Asher in particular. The mages of the Conclave fear his power, and the appearance of the God Corruption in the sky above Silhara's home has infinitely deepened their suspicions about him.

Martise of Asher is sent into Silhara's home by the Conclave. To all appearances she is there to help Silhara with translations and research in his attempts to rid the world of Corruption, but she is also Cumbria's slave, and has been sent in as a spy with the promise of her freedom in exchange for Silhara's downfall. Silhara, of course, is under no illusions as to her real purpose, though he is unaware of her motives.

As Silhara and Martise work together, poring over manuscripts, and seeking to unlock Martise's 'Gift' (her magic), each falls under the others spell. Martise is not beautiful, but her voice is unlike anything Silhara has ever heard, and something about her draws her to him. She is quiet and polite, but underneath her studied subservience, she is strong minded, and capable of meeting any challenge. He begins to admire her, as at the same time, she starts to see through the coldness of his exterior. 

As their relationship heats up, Silhara is running out of time in his quest to defeat Corruption. The God shows him visions of the power and glory that will come from his submission, and torments his dreams and his waking hours. Silhara has been able to resist these temptations, but the God is determined, and more than capable of taking over Silharas body by force. 

There is real drama in the final battle between Silhara and the God Corruption, and the scenes of that conflict are absolutely cinematic. I must admit however, that I did find them less powerful on an emotional level than when Martise's abilities were first unlocked, because that was just beautiful. Some of my favourite parts of the novel however were the earlier interactions between Martise and Silhara-- particularly a scene long before either makes their feelings known where Silhara stands up for Martise's honour in a fight at the marketplace. I also really liked some of the secondary characters, particularly the servant Grun, who communicates only through gestures. He warms to Martise very early on, and gives her an ally in the house, keeping his master in check.

My only criticism of this book is that I wish it had been longer! Some of the little touches that I enjoyed could have been expanded on more (Grun's romantic relationship; the antagonism between Sihara and Cumbria), and parts of the main story also felt a little rushed. Overall though, this was a really great read with memorable characters, some vivid settings (the kitchen at Neith stands out in particular), and a lovely, sexy romance.

Radiance by Grace Draven

Genre: Fantasy/Romance
Series: Wraith Kings #1
Pages: 297
Publisher: Self-Published
Publication Date: 13th January 2015
Format: Ebook
Rating: 5/5 stars

Review: This is the second time I have read Radiance. I'm not a big re-reader, but there are some books: the Harry Potter series, Pride and Prejudice, that I return to again and again. Time will tell if Radiance is one of those books, but there was something about the relationship between Brishen and Ildiko that pulled me back to experience it again at least once.

Brishen is a Prince of the Kai, contented with his life as a nonessential heir. He hates the life of the court, and spends most of his time at his fortress on the border of the Kai lands, where an uneasy peace between the Kai and their neighbours has so far held fast.

Ildiko is the neice of the Gauri king. Her only value to her family is through strategic marriage, and she is willing to do her duty, however unpleasant it may be. Unpleasant because Ildiko is to wed the Prince of the Kai: a people with grey skin, fangs, claws, and dark, pupil-less eyes. To the Gauri, the Kai look menacing, with their wolfish fangs and their skin like the dead, but Ildiko is less afraid than she thought she would be. There is a freedom to starting a new life, with a different people, and, not knowing what to expect, she is determined to make the best of things. If her new life is an unhappy one, it will not be because she made it so.

The Kai view of the human Gauri is not any more flattering. To the Kai, the Gauri are mollusc-skinned aliens with unnerving eyes:

Her eyes bothered him most. Unlike the Kai, hers were layers of opaque white, blue ringed in gray and black pinpoint centers that expanded or contracted with the light. The first time he'd witnessed that reaction in a human all the hairs on his nape stood straight up. That, and the way the contrasting colors made it easy to see the eyes move in their sockets gave the impression they weren't body parts but entities unto themselves living as parasites inside their hosts' skulls.

I enjoyed the way descriptions such as these "other" the (white) human. As well as being delightfully grotesque in their own right, they also hold up a mirror to that identity and say: you are not the central standard to which all others are held.

In spite of the mutual repulsion felt between these two species, Brishen and Ildiko at least find each other companionable. Ildiko may recoil at Brishen's smile, and Brishen at Ildiko's eyes, but they are each good-humoured, kind, and sympathetic to their new spouse. They may not ever be lovers, but they are both relieved that they can at least be friends.

The big draw of this book for me is watching the attraction between Brishen and Ildiko develop as their respect and admiration for each other as individuals continues to grow, and they become more used to their physical differences. They each appreciate how attractive the other is to those of their own species, but it is only through spending time together, and observing each other that they begin to feel that attraction for themselves. It's a glorious slow-burn, with a hugely satisfying conclusion.

The sense of impending war, and the political machinations of various kingdoms provide more than just an exciting backdrop to the love story. There are moments of genuin peril, of death, and of tenderness as Brishen and Ildiko work to protect the Kai borders and keep their people safe. I enjoyed the fact that these dangers didn't leave the main characters unscathed, as if they were separate to the men and women under their command. Ildiko and Brishen suffer, and we see them work to recover from physical and emotional damage, trials which only serve to make them stronger as a couple.

Radiance is an excellent romance, with fantastic characters, and a gripping plot, all set in a captivating world of competing kingdoms and dying magic. I cannot recommend it highly enough, and it is one that I recommend all of the time. Just read it!

Flame in the Mist by Renee Ahdieh

Genre: Fanstasy (YA)
Series: Flame in the Mist #1
Pages: 400
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
Publication Date: 18th May 2017
Format: Ebook
Rating: 4/5 stars

Review: Flame in the Mist is a dark, and thrilling retelling of the story of Mulan, complete with murderous intrigue in the palace of the Japanese Emperor, corrupt feudal lords (daimyo), morally complicated samurai, and a band of outlaws camped out in a man-eating forest.  

Mariko is the seventeen year old daughter of a feudal lord, recently betrothed to the illegitimate son of the Emperor. While her family celebrates the extra prestige this marriage will bring to their name, someone else has other ideas. On their way to the palace, Mariko's train is attacked, leaving everyone, apart from Mariko herself, dead. 

Following her escape, Mariko decides that for the first time in her life, she is going to take her fate into her own hands. Rather than return to her family, she vows to find out why the attack was ordered, and by whom. Dressed as a boy, she seeks out the infamous Black Clan who she believes were behind the attack, and infiltrates their ranks. Here she meets Okami, a mysterious warrior with unexplained powers, and the clan's leader Ranmaru, the disgraced son of the former shogun (military leader).

While in their camp, Mariko is forced to question everything she believed to be true; about the Black Clan, about her family, and about herself. She is tested, mentally and physically, by the challenges and opportunities of being a boy, and an outlaw. Her gift for invention blossoms with the encouragement of the Clan's chef, Yoshi, and its leader, Ranmaru. She grows into her strength as she is taught how to fight and to defend herself. And, amongst all the secrets and unanswered questions, Mariko even falls in love. But the attack on Mariko is part of a much larger plot, and in this first book of what promises to be a gripping series, we see tantalising hints of its deeper workings.

Flame in the Mist is a novel packed with intrigue, beauty, and drama. The blend of history and fantasy in the Japanese setting is both beautiful (traditional gardens/architecture, the natural landscape), and unnerving (man-eating trees!), and provides a rich stage for the multi-layered action of the book. Mariko's journey of self-discovery, and the fresh view she gets of the world beyond the Japanese elite is truly compelling, and Mariko herself is a kickass character with guts, brains, and a heart to match. As a huge romance reader, I also adored the love story, and look forward to seeing where that and all of the other threads of this novel lead in the next books of the series. A definite recommend from me.