The Bands of Mourning (Mistborn Series #6) by Brandon Sanderson
“A fast-paced novel
that's part Wild West, part Indiana Jones, and wholly entertaining, combining
high emotional stakes with a deep, good-natured sense of humor.”
Feverborn (Fever Series #8) by Karen Marie Moning
“Moning’s
world-building is extensive and inspired, and she never fails to keep the
action fast and the stakes high. . . . The heroes’ shared danger, victory, loss
and turmoil translate into emotional intensity and sexual tension.”
Beyond the sword and
shield are interesting themes about political expediency, personal loyalty, and
the complicated confrontations between early Christians and worshippers of
pagan gods. Cornwell's archaic curses are fun—"a useless lump of
self-important gristle"—and there's more than one colorful
factoid—bleached skulls on ramparts become a fear-inspiring "ghost fence."
As usual, Cornwell's research gives the book veracity, and his rendering of the
tale from Uthred's point of view allows immersion into the complex story of how
disparate kingdoms became England. Cornwell's latest is often bloody, sometimes
ribald, but always smartly done. Fans might be disappointed with this effort's
brevity, though, and new readers will be better served by beginning at the
start of the series (The Last Kingdom, 2005).
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