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Year: 2018

The Architect’s Guardian: Chapter 50

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Izdahl participates in the opening ceremonies for the Elite Fire Sparring, in The Architect’s Guardian, Chapter 50. Here’s an excerpt:

Izdahl held his head in his hands, momentarily lost as waves of sharp pain cascaded in his skull. He blinked several times, trying to clear his vision. When his eyesight stopped blurring, Metienne was the first person he saw. She loomed over him and grinned. She casually touched his shirt with one index finger and it burst into flames. Smoke curled off Izdahl, as he used his water elemental powers to put out the fire. As steam rose off him, he took a deep breath, to get his temper under control.


Review: A Princess in Theory

Alyssa Cole’s A Princess in Theory is a contemporary romance that’s part of the Reluctant Royals series.

Summary: Naledi Smith is a busy grad student who keeps receiving emails about being betrothed to an African prince. Naturally, she doesn’t take that seriously, but life is strange and the emails turn out to be true.

Prince Thabiso, of Thesolo, has a duty to marry and searches for Naledi, the woman destined to be his wife. There’s a major misunderstanding, which is the source of humor and also strife.

Thabiso started out quite arrogant and a bit devious. Still, overtime, he managed to charm me. I saw the best of him once he returned to the palace and was more in his element. That helped support why Naledi had taken such a chance on him. Considering all that was thrown at her, she handled the situation well. She has spent most of her life with little support. So, to believe in Thabiso meant dealing with a huge impact on her life.

General thoughts:

  • The story felt a little rush towards the end. I wish there was more exploration of why her parents left Thesolo. There was an explanation but it could have been more detailed.
  • There are great side-characters, especially Likotsi, Thabiso’s Executive Assistant. Nya and most of the others we meet back in Thesolo are quite likeable too.

Favorite Moments:

  • Thabiso and Naledi cooking together.
  • Thabiso and Naledi in the cave.
  • Quiet conversations in Mrs. Garcia’s apartment and back at the palace.

Questions:

  • Will we get to see Naledi and Thabiso again?
  • How will Naledi handle being a princess?
  • On a lighter note, will Naledi introduce Nya to New York style pizza?

Rating: 4 out of 5.

This is the first novel I’ve read by Alyssa Cole. I’m looking forward to more of her romances!

The Architect’s Guardian: Chapter 49

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Armando and Izdahl make more memories at the cabin, in The Architect’s Guardian, Chapter 49. Here’s an excerpt:

The next morning, Izdahl rested casually by Armando, his head propped up on his left hand. He smiled, as Armando awakened and his lover’s vibrant hazel eyes adjusted to the light.

“Seriously?” Armando asked. “You watch me sleep?”

“Yes. It’s the first time you’ve caught me doing it.”

“I don’t know how I feel about that.”

Izdahl tousled his lover’s hair. “Be honored by my stealth admiration.”

Atlas Video Game Review: God of War (2018)

God of War

Kratos and Atreus

 

 

 

 

 

 

I recently finished playing God of War. It’s an action-adventure RPG that was released exclusively for Sony PlayStation. I’ve completed the main story and some side quests. I’ll do a more thorough playthrough because this is a game with gumption. Only playing it once would be a disservice to yourself and the excellent work done by everyone involved. And now, for my breakdown of the elements:

  • Cast: The voice actors are spectacular, with Christopher Judge and Sunny Suljic being my favorites. They were Kratos and Atreus, respectively. The parent/child bond truly pulled at my heart.
  • Combat System: With Kratos and Atreus, there are a multitude of options to deal with enemies. The range of choices is an open invitation to come up with all kinds of clever strategies.
  • Graphics: This is the type of game “photomode” was invented for because the graphics are stunning. Quite a few times, I had to stop and capture the scenery.
  • Music: Bear McCreary composed a soundtrack that summons a cascade of emotions. It’s a bold and vibrant audio tapestry. I love listening to it, as I write my own stories.
  • Story: After Kratos left Greece in shambles, he went to the land of the Norse, to live a quiet life. That was not to be. Ultimately, him and his son reshape their surroundings.

God of War is more than a contender for the game of the year. It threw down the gauntlet and put its stamp on the entire gaming industry. This is one of the best pieces of art in any genre. All of the elements create a compelling and immersive experience. The adventures of Kratos and Atreus will continue in future games. I look forward to how they will impact the Norse world and other realms.

Review: Silver Silence by Nalini Singh

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Nalini Singh’s Silver Silence is a paranormal romance. It continues Singh’s Psy-Changeling Series. If you’re looking to dive into a rich and complex world, this novel is a strong entry point. Read the blurb and an excerpt.

Though this book is mainly about Valentin Nikolaev and Silver Mercant, we also learn what’s happening to others. The Trinity Accord is shaky and different factions, such as the Consortium, are eager to see it crumble. Still, there are those like Bowen Knight, who try to stabilize interactions between Changelings, Humans and Psy. The contrasting goals of those around Valentin and Silver help expand the range and stakes of the overarching conflict.

Valentin is loyal, robust and playful. Silver is also loyal, as well as reserved and precise. Overtime, Valentin charms Silver, getting her to show emotions that she locked away. Not to be outdone by his craftiness, she’s more than capable of handling the intelligent and mischievous leader of the StoneWater Clan. Valentin and Silver’s stubbornness is an advantage and they bring out the best in each other.

While Singh explores the relationships in other Changeling groups, the closeness within Valentin’s bear clan makes it one of my most loved families. I’m an introvert and I’d normally run from such boisterous people. Yet, I absolutely love the StoneWater Clan. Valentin is the central reason for that. He can be straightforward and is comfortable with his power. He uses coarse language but also switches to being a perfect gentleman. Silver is an excellent match for him, with her innate blend of strength and compassion.

General Thoughts: There are several popular couples in this world that Singh created, including Kaleb Krychek and Sahara Kyriakus. I wouldn’t be surprised if Valentin and Silver quickly become a favorite too. It’s beautiful to see Silver open up to Valentin. He keeps within her orbit, while giving her time to see the depth of his genuine affection. If you’re into BioWare’s Dragon Age video games, Valentin may remind you of The Iron Bull. 😉

Favorite Moments: Aside from the beautiful romance, Singh made the tale fuller with other characters. Among my favorite moments are 1) the StoneWater Clan celebrating the birth of a new cub and 2) Valentin and Silver taking the cubs to play in a foam ball pit.

Questions: Will future books mention the blooming romance between Arwen and Pavel? Will Valentin and Silver have cubs?

Rating: 4 out of 5.

I can’t wait to see what happens next…

Mass Effect Andromeda: My Benefactor Fan Theory

BioWare released Mass Effect Andromeda one year ago. I have a fan theory about this wonderful game, which I’ve played multiple times. One of the most intriguing mysteries is about the Benefactor. That person hasn’t been identified. Could it be more than one person acting as an entity? I don’t know if we’ll get that question answered. Even if we find out more, I decided to have some fun and create a fan theory!

  • The Benefactor is a Rogue Reaper, who wanted to save the Milky Way species.
  • The Reaper contacted Liara T’Soni and convinced her to help.
  • Liara, as the Shadow Broker, recruited those who’d lead the Andromeda Initiative.

I’m not sure if there will be a sequel, but MEA has so much potential. I truly hope we get a chance to find out what happens.

My MEA Character

My MEA Character