* Disclaimer *
Everyone is different and likes and dislikes different things. Reading is no exception. One person’s all-time favorite might seem too bland or too high stakes for another. That being said, the opinions of our judges in this contest are just that, opinions. Just because we let a book go, doesn’t mean it isn’t good. It could be your next favorite, who knows?
However, since this is a contest, there can be only one winner. Hence it is necessary to work our way down to our favorite from our batch of thirty titles.
If you have no idea what I’m talking about, you can learn more about the contest here.
After much deliberation we have come to our picks for our Round One semi-finalists! This year was tricky, because each judge picked a different book as their overall favorite, meaning our fourth place book is actually three books. That’s right all three of these books got the exact same score!
So, in no particular order, here are our fourth place semi-finalists!
– – –
The Blood of the Spear by Mark Timmony
Two brothers. One prophecy. A world in peril.
When Kaiel loses his chance to become part of the legendary Daemon Hunters, joining the Bronze Guard mercenaries seems like the logical alternative. It is an opportunity to put his training to use and, more importantly, as the company is currently in the employ of Prince Alesandr, it will allow him to keep an eye on his younger brother, Darien, who’s determined to follow his dream of becoming a Ciralys magic-user.
But the broken continent of Athmay still bears the scars of the war between the Summoners some three-thousand years ago, and an unexpected battle with a daemon—a remnant of that ancient war—reveals the brothers’ connection to a forbidden bloodline. Soon they find themselves on the run from the prince, daemonic hordes, and a prophecy that could break the world anew.
The Blood of the Spear follows Kaiel, his brother Darien, and their friends as they journey from the home they’ve always known into the greater world beyond. There is ancient magic, plots, intense battles, and narrow escapes.
The plot of the book turns in interesting directions as the characters try to find their way through the unforgiving landscape and the even more unforgiving beings chasing them. Our judges loved the world and its unique environment and magic systems. The characters all have unique personalities and agency. The characters, however, were also the sticking point with some of the judges. For some reason they just didn’t click as they should with a couple judges. This could very well be a case of “not my flavor of story”, but while we have to say goodbye, we encourage you to check this unique read out!
The Mazes of Magic by Jack Massa
Imprisoned in a slave yard, tormented by spells of madness, Korax the Greek struggles to regain his memory. Purchased by the High Priest Harnouphis, he is given an Egyptian name, transported to a temple on the Nile, put into service as a translator.
But Harnouphis also has another plan: to tap the Greek’s extraordinary talent as a seer to advance his own dark ambitions.
As his wits return, Korax forges a plan of his own: to learn enough magic to escape and return to his home island of Rhodes. But before he can act, he must answer a calling from the Goddess Isis:
“Are you willing to serve the gods?”
This story starts with a character waking up with amnesia, which is in most cases a very tropey beginning. But instead of taking place in disheveled apartment or a medieval fantasy world, it begins in Ancient Egypt! The unusual setting along with the excellent writing really made this story stand out.
The plot itself was the biggest issue for our judges. While not a bad story, it was nothing we hadn’t seen before. And while the setting, the writing, and the characters definitely made it an enjoyable read, it just didn’t stand up to the rest of the books in our group. But if you love Ancient Egypt or are tired of fantasy stories that take place in the same Old World, European setting, then you should definitely give this book a read!
The Sword in the Street by C. M. Caplan
Hired blades ought to be better at making ends meet. John Chronicle bleeds his patron’s foes in savage duels. While he’s disgusted by the petty grievances and corporate laws he champions, even the promise of security is better than nothing at all. But how long can he depend on a wage that barely pays enough to cover his rent?
His boyfriend Edwin is familiar with dependency. Reliant on his parents’ goodwill to supply the drugs that keep the spirals of his mind in check, he wants nothing more than to get out from under their thumb. A solution comes when he finds a document full of knowledge that was, impossibly, forgotten. But while he could use those secrets to rewrite the gentry’s unjust laws, it might cost him his relationship—or John’s life.
The two find themselves entangled in the web of intrigue surrounding the laws, the swordsmen, and their sponsors. They’re forced to question how bloody they’re willing to get for a shred of agency. But will they survive this tangle of deceit together?
In this world the rich hire swordsmen to duel for them, mostly to first blood. There is much pomp and circumstance, but unfortunately for our main characters, not always a lot of money. We follow the two lovers as they try to make their way in a world that wants them to stay where they are, and watch as they stubble upon secrets that same world would like to keep hidden.
This was one of the most split books in our group. First the things we all agreed on. The writing is good, and having a non-neurotypical main character was refreshing. But while we all thought the plot was well done, it was a slow burn and some of us found it difficult to get into. And while it is a low magic setting, some of us thought a tiny bit more magic would also have benefited the story. If dueling swordsmen and a book light on magic is your thing, then you should definitely give it a try, be we had to let this one go as well.
– – –
We would like to thank all the authors for letting us read their work! We congratulate you on having the courage to enter the contest and wish you all much success in the future!
Tomorrow (Oct 27) we will review our third place winner, and Thursday (Oct 28) we will review our second place winner and our finalist for Round One! But regardless of the outcome, these books are well worth the read and we highly encourage you all to check them out!
Our judges this year are A. A. Freeman, Julia Kitvaria Sarene, Kartik Narayanan, Kerry Smith, Lynn K., and Jennie Ivins (me). If you’d like to learn more about us, including our likes and dislikes, you can read about them here.
Any queries should be directed at me, Jennie Ivins, via DM (Facebook/Twitter).
Title image by PublicDomainPictures.
Julia Kitvaria Sarene