Reviews By Charline

“Quintspinner, A Pirate’s Quest”

Author: Dianne Greenlay

The year is 1717 and sixteen-year-old Tess Willoughby and her family reside in London, England and…just in case you were wondering, the London of 1717 is not what it is today. As the daughter of a trusted and well- known physician, Tess has seen her share of horrors and visited some of London’s seediest neighborhoods. However, none of what Tess has experienced so far in her young life has prepared her for the shock of witnessing the murder of one of London’s renowned seers. This seer is also the owner of a rare, prophetic, spinner ring and with her dying breath she charges Tess with the keeping of it. At this point what’s a girl to do except say yes? Panic-stricken, Tess rushes for the safety of her home. Unfortunately the bizarre happenings of this day have started a chain of events from which she is unable to escape. As the story unfolds, Tess learns a shocking family secret, finds herself trapped on a merchant ship and is unwillingly betrothed to the very murderer who covets the power of the mysterious spinner ring.

Overall, I did find “Quintspinner, A Pirate’s Quest” to be an interesting tale but unfortunately I wasn’t always thrilled by the author’s writing style. In certain places the writing came across as “short” which caused these passages to read as “terse” or “clipped” and because of this, at times, the book lacked “draw.” Also, while this book is classed as historical fiction it seemed to read more like a Harlequin novel, minus the love scenes, which isn’t a bad thing as long as you enjoy that style.

In closing, it would appear that Greenlay has left the ending of “Quintspinner, A Pirate’s Quest” open for a sequel. Even though this book didn’t exactly hold me “captive” I am looking forward to reading her next installment for two reasons: to learn what plans fate has in store for Tess Willoughby and to see how Greenlay grows as a writer.

“Lodestone; Book Two: The World of Ice and Stars”

Author: Mark Whiteway

I just finished reading “Lodestone, Book Two: The World of Ice and Stars” last night.“ This is the second book in the “Lodestone” series which is written by Mark Whiteway and for those of you interested in reading this fantasy saga I’m going to quote Maria from The Sound of Music. “Let’s start at the very beginning, a very good place to start…” In this case the start, or “beginning,” can be found by reading “Lodestone, Book One: The Sea of Storms.”

In this installment, “The World of Ice and Stars,” we follow along as Shann – the fiery tempered orphan, Lyall – the stranger Shann saved way back when, Alondo – the loveable and often underestimated musician, Keris – the feared Keltar turned traitor, and Boxx – the cute but childlike Chandara battle together, and apart, to save the Kelanni planet and its inhabitants from the Unan-Chinneroth; the one who poses as “The Prophet.”

“The World of Ice and Stars” begins with Shann finding herself, and Boxx, washed up on a distant shore on the unknown side of her planet. She has no idea what waits for her, or what she will find, all she knows is that she must try and reunite with her party, she must protect Boxx, and she must still try to locate the hidden artifact which will insure her planet’s safety. Her travels take her deeper into the heart of this new land and she encounters strange sights, discovers new enemies and meets new friends. With each new trial, she becomes stronger and more sure of herself, until, finally, she is forced to come face to face with a truth from her past.

Once again in “Lodestone, Book Two: The World of Ice and Stars” Whiteway spins a fantastic and creative tale. The Kelanni planet is divided in half, neither side sure if the other is there, and Whiteway vividly describes for us a new world of unique beauty, technology, and more.
Also, in this particular book we become better acquainted with each character. We learn more about their inner selves and we finally understand the fierce determination that drives each one of them based upon events they have experienced in their past.

In summary “Lodestone, Book Two: The World of Ice and Stars” is another five star story by author Mark Whiteway. A definite “must read” for anyone who loves fantasy and the tale can be enjoyed by readers of all ages. The only real downside is that book three is not out yet. Write faster, Mark, write faster…

“Lodestone; Book One: The Sea of Storms”

Author: Mark Whiteway

A few weeks ago I was looking for some books to read/review when I came across “Lodestone, Book One: The Sea of Storms.” I definitely found the title to be unique so I popped over to Amazon in order to learn more about it.

Ail-Kar, a white-hole portal from another universe, consistently rains meteors down on a planet called Kelanni. These meteors, also called “lodestones” behave according to different physical laws due to the fact that they are from another planet. These “lodestones” and their unusual properties transform Kelanni’s society. Unfortunately there always some who look for ways to capitalize on other people’s ignorance, naiveté and / or superstitions. Such is the case with the Keltars who have helped to enslave the Kelanni people; forcing them to mine this meteoric ore all in the name of the one known as “The Prophet.”

Shann is an orphan with an incredibly fiery disposition. One night she witnesses a fierce battle between one of the feared Keltars and a stranger who uses the same Keltar technology. After saving his life she joins this man in his quest to free the enslaved Kelanni people.

Keris is a Keltar who has been sent to hunt down and destroy this small band of rebels. Along the way she is attacked by a huge winged predator only to be saved by an almost forgotten race known as the Chandara. The Chandara’s home is known as the “Great Tree” and while she is there she learns the true nature of “The Prophet.” She is made to understand that the prophet’s ultimate goal is the complete eradication of the Kelanni people. Somehow this small group must now put their differences and hatreds aside and work together in an attempt to save their people.

As I read “Lodestone, Book One: The Sea of Storms” by author Mark Whiteway I have to say I was impressed with his writing ability. There were multiple storylines throughout this book and yet Whiteway managed to seamlessly bring them together into a cohesive and interesting tale. The world he has dreamed up comes across as larger than life and I dare say anyone who reads this book will follow its tale with bated breath. There’s definitely a cliffhanger of an ending which of course is a great lead-in for “Lodestone, Book Two: The World of Ice and Stars.” Luckily for me I just happen to have a copy of this one already in my possession…