Saturday Seven Fantasy series

I chose to spotlight some of my favorite fantasy authors...each of whom inevitably had several series. Yes, this is what makes up the rest of the bulk of my keeper shelves...

Each of these authors has/had the ability to create vivid worlds that I loved visiting and memorable characters who inspired and entertained me. I again had to cheat by including several series for some of the authors and I am again reminded that I will have to create a second list since there are several more names that I wasn't able to include!

Please remember to visit the other blogs participating in Long and Short Reviews hop.
          

Anne McCaffrey


         

Robin Hobb

    

Juliet Marillier

                    

Mercedes Lackey (yes, there are probably seven or more series just by this author!)



Roger Zelazny

        

Sharon Shinn




ADULT titles (the first series includes BDSM elements, so be forewarned)

         

Anne Bishop

The Turning Season by Sharon Shinn (review)

                                         


The Turning Season by Sharon Shinn is part of the ‘Shifting Circle’ series that features a group of remarkable people who are dealing with the complications of being shape-shifters existing alongside unsuspecting humans. Karadel Baylor provides veterinary care to both domestic pets and those who are shapeshifters, even as she continues to search for a method of controlling both the shift itself and the animal shape assumed. Unfortunately, relationships between humans and shapeshifters are necessarily complicated, and both Karadel and her friend Celeste must deal with the repercussions which threaten to alter all of their lives irrevocably.


The challenges of living as a shapeshifter are fascinatingly depicted in this compelling fantasy story. There are both pulse-pounding conflicts and emotionally wrenching situations that are vividly portrayed, and the moral dilemmas that are presented are extremely thought-provoking. It was wonderful to read about the unfolding of Karadel’s journey, as she battles with doubts about her life, her relationships, and the untruths that are a necessary evil in her life. There are delicious twists and turns in the story which balances horrific brutality and realistic and sweetly flowering relationships in a story that grabs you from the first word and makes it impossible to put down until that last gripping sentence. This series has continued to raise the bar as it evolves and definitely gives a different twist on the concept of living as a shapeshifter, with both its pros and cons, and I anxiously await more insights into this world!

 
© Night Owl Reviews 

I received a copy of this title in return for an honest review.

I am a fan of Ms. Shinn's other fantasy series and I admit that I wasn't thrilled with the first title in this 'Shifting Circle' series, but the series has definitely improved with each subsequent title.  My review of The Shape of Desire is at this link and my review of Still Life with Shape-shifter is at this link.


                              

Royal Airs by Sharon Shinn (review)

                                  


4.5 out of 5 stars

Royal Airs (Elemental Blessings) by Sharon Shinn is part of the ‘Elemental Blessings’ series that deals with the complex society in Welce and the events that are taking place after the death of King Vernon and the various startling revelations about his offspring. A lowly gambler named Rafe inadvertently becomes entangled in the affairs of the royals and discovers that the society they move effortlessly in is remarkably labyrinthine and filled with pitfalls. Little does he expect to become a personage of interest but not only are his blessings very atypical but the princesses he becomes acquainted with cause his life to move in entirely unexpected directions that almost match the uniqueness of his oddly mutilated ear. The Regent Darien continues to play his very deep games but unfortunately, leaders of other countries add their complications to the mix and the political structure in Welce may very well be in for a major upheaval once again.

This lovely fantasy novel is an excellent addition to an intriguing series and provides a view of other ways the use of the elements can alter events as is demonstrated by the various primes in this society. I love the way the action gradually builds from the events that transpire during a canny gambler’s sojurn in a favorite tavern one night and grow to become a societal upheaval. The unveiling of Rafe’s character is contrasted with the rapidly escalating events that start swirling around him until he is virtually at the eye of a storm that will have lasting effects. It is mesmerizing to watch him discover great passion in his life although he seems to have remarkable abilities of recuperation given the number of injuries he accrues. The developments that surround his background and shape his future seem a little too contrived but I definitely admit that there were some unexpected repercussions. The combination of fantasy, romance and action makes this a wonderful series and I am delighted that there is a certain degree of resolution yet plenty of room to expound upon multiple dangling threads and I look forward eagerly to reading more about the remarkable inhabitants of this world.
© Night Owl Reviews
I received a copy of this title in return for an honest review.

The first book in this series is the delicious Troubled Waters (Ace Fantasy Book) and my Night Owl review (one of my relatively rare 5 out of 5 stars) is at this link.