Lucifer [Staffel 2]

Ich hab die schon seit ein paar Tagen fertig gesehen, wusste und weiß aber nicht so richtig, was ich dazu schreiben soll.

Ein wenig war ich wohl enttäuscht. Das liegt vielleicht daran, dass das Konzept Lucifers natürlich nun schon bekannt war.
Was die Qualität als auch den umfassenden Plot angeht, ist die Staffel gut. Die einzelnen Folgen hätten manchmal ein wenig abwechslungsreicher sein dürfen.

Fazit: Die zweite Staffel Lucifer kann man sich ruhigen Gewissens ansehen, wenn einem Staffel 1 gefallen hat. Zum Einstieg sollte man definitiv mit Staffel 1 beginnen.

Anne Bishop - Bridge of Dreams [Ephemera 3]

When wizards threaten Glorianna Belladonna and her work to keep Ephemera balanced, her brother, Lee, sacrifices himself in order to save her - and ends up an Asylum inmate in the city of Vision, far away from all he knows.
But a darkness is spreading through Vision, perplexing the Shamans who protect it - and Lee is the only one who can shed some light on its mysteries...

Once again Anne Bishop changes the focused person in her Ephemera series. After Sebastian and Glorianna Belladonna it is now Lee who is the most important character. That doesn't mean other characters wouldn't get their fair share in the plot; old friends and new ones are there and are considerably more than just additions to Lee.

On top of a fitting and well written story Bridge of Dreams introduces a new race on Ephemera, the Tryad. Being three individual persons in one body the Tryads bring their own problems and rules to live by with them, as well as some new ways of seeing the world.

Conclusion: Since Bridge of Dreams refers not only to its predecessors Sebastian and Belladonna but also adds to the events there, I strongly recommend to read all three books in the correct order. Having said that, the Ephemera series is worth a try not only because of the suspense-packed story but also because of the great world itself.

Anne Bishop - Twilight's Dawn [Black Jewels 9]

Well, first things first: Twilight's Dawn is not one story but four novellas. I don't like novellas since in my opinion you need a certain number of pages to unfold a good story and especially for deep and interesting characters. Had I known this beforehand I might not have bought Twilight's Dawn. I'm glad I didn't know it! Since all four novellas are centered around the SaDiablo family reading the book felt like meeting old friends.

Winsol Gifts

Daemon is settling into his first year of married life with his Witch Queen, Jaenelle. But as the celebration of Winsol draws near, he finds himself pulled in multiple directions as he plays host to his formidable family.

As the title of the first novella suggests it is about Winsol, the combined equivalent of Christmas and New Years Eve. The whole SaDiablo family gathers to celebrate - and whoever knows this family just started to smile!

Shades of Honor 

When wounded Surreal returns to Ebon Rih, her former lover Prince Falonar ruthlessly challenges the rule of her family, testing Surreal's resolve not to succumb to the darkness burning inside her.

Surrueal once again gets trained by Lucivar Yaslana. You think you've read that before? You have in some way. But this time Surreal feels way more Assassin than last time. Oh, and did I mention that there is some huge fightning involved? And, of course, some grumbling between the family members?

Family

When someone lays a vicious trap for Queen Sylvia and her sons, the ruling family of Dhemlan must uncover the identity of a vicious warlord before he returns to finish what he started.

Do you remember Sylvia and her relationship with Saetan? This story evolves that relationship in an unexpected but fitting way. It also connects to the original trilogy, however more in a way of referring to it than actually combining them.

The High Lord's Daughter

After losing two important people in his life, Daemon builds a wall around his heart. But when he inadvertently forges a new connection, will it be enough to free him from his loveless existence?

I really can't say much about this novella without spoiling too much. Therefore let me just say it feels like a conclusion to the Black Jewels books. To all of them. Further books/stories are certainly not ruled out by it! But then ... I guess you have to read it to understand.

Conclusion: The second time Anne Bishop brings "an end" to the Black Jewels. But then we know it didn't end with Dreams made Flesh. And Twilight's Dawn certainly leaves the door open for more. I'm hoping for it. And if you like the Black Jewels so far, read this book and hope for more together with me.       

Patrick Rothfuss - The Name of the Wind [The Kingkiller Chronicle 1]

My name is Kvothe. I have stolen princesses back from sleeping kings. I burned down the town of Trebon. I have spent the night with Felurian and left with both my sanity and my life. I was expelled from the University at a younger age than most people are allowed in. I tread paths by moonlight that others fear to speak of during day. I have talked to Gods, loved women, and written songs that make the minstrels weep.
You may have heard of me.

The hero tells his own story; having read the Raven's Shadow trilogy shortly this concept certainly wasn't anything new to me.

The beginning of The Name of the Wind was a bit stuttering, partly because I always need some time to really get into reading a book in English, partly because the first half of the story lacks a bit action in my opinion. Don't get me wrong here - it is well written and those 300 - 400 pages are an important part of the story. And if there were that much more fighting, arguing and intriguing I now would comment it as artificial. So no, I couldn't have been satisfied either way which is not the author's fault.

Anyway, that second half of the book truly made it up to me and I had hard times laying the novel aside when it was time for bed.

Conclusion: Certainly a fantasy novel to have in your collection: well written, believable, thought through and, most importantly, The Name of the Wind lefts you yearning for its successor.