John Irvin, Author

by William Goldman

Published by Mariner Books

A review by John Irvin

CLICK HERE TO GO AND BUY PRINCESS BRIDE!!!

“There have been five great kisses since 1642 B.C., when Saul and Delilah Korn’s inadvertent discovery swept across Western civilization. (Before then couples hooked thumbs.) And the precise rating of kisses is a terribly difficult thing, often leading to great controversy, because although everyone agrees with the formula of affection times purity times intensity times duration, no one has ever been completely satisfied with how much weight each element should receive. But on any system, there are five that everyone agrees deserve full marks. Well, this one left them all behind.”

            From the back cover blurb:

            A tale of true love and high adventure, pirates, princesses, giants, miracles, fencing, and a frightening assortment of wild beasts—the Princess Bride is a modern storytelling classic.

            As Florin and Guilder teeter on the verge of war, the reluctant Princess Buttercup is devastated by the loss of her true love, kidnapped by a mercenary and his henchmen, rescued by a pirate, forced to marry Prince Humperdinck, and rescued once again by the very crew who absconded with her in the first place.

            In the course of this dazzling adventure, she’ll meet Vizzini—the criminal philosopher who’ll do anything for a bag of gold; Fezzik—the gentle giant; Inigo—the Spaniard whose steel thirsts for revenge; and Count Rugen—the evil mastermind behind it all. Foiling all their plans and jumping into their stories is Westley, Princess Buttercup’s one true love and a very good friend of a very dangerous pirate.

            Have you ever seen the movie? Did you enjoy it? If you did, then you’ve got to enjoy this wonderful book.

            I’m so glad I bought it those years ago. I grew up loving the movie, finding it to be a quote-worthy classic for many of life’s sundry moments. When I finally read the book shortly after college, I found there was even more to this treasure!

            Sticking with its promises and a worthy companion of the screen version, Princess Bride (the novel) will rock your socks off with its sarcastic wit and satirical mantra. The added scenes are great reads too!

            If you haven’t seen or read the Princess Bride, you’re missing out on one of life’s experiences!

            So, take my recommendation and click this link to go buy it: THE PRINCESS BRIDE.

As a side note, I am required to inform you that my links provided are affiliate links to the said products. Hey, I’ve got to pay the bills somehow. I hope this is understandable!

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by John Irvin

A commentary by John Irvin

CLICK HERE TO GO AND BUY THE KING!!!

“Did they know what they were asking him? To be king? Not only king, but the first king of a united Lycaenia?”

Book Description:

Wilyon the First is called upon to unite the clan lands of Lycaenia into a kingdom to resist a foreign invader.

For centuries now the clans have governed themselves and there are many disputes among them. But when an outsider dares claim rule over them, union is called for. 

Will they be able to defeat this foe? Can they work together to fight against him? Can Wilyon govern his people the right way? Can he lead from the front lines? 

This is a historical fantasy taking place in the world of Alia–not Earth. It is a tale of origins. The first installment to a chronological series, it is sure to grab your attention.

            Ever since I can remember, I’ve always loved book series that shift down a family tree in chronological order. When I was a child I came up with this massive tree that spanned several hundred years and several different continents, every person had their own story too.

            Then I read Jack Cavanaugh’s American Family Portrait series and was inspired to actually write my own family tree series.

            The Children of Alia sparked into existence several years back—I think it was shortly after I graduated college. After a few revisions, a few changes and revamps, I finally decided to turn it into a short novella series. Though I may still stick with one of my original ideas and only do the first five main characters in novellas and the rest in actual novels—we’ll see.

            The King is the very first in a long branch of this family tree. Wilyon is a clan chieftain who is offered the kingship over all the clans in order to unite them in a stronger front against an invading king.

            This short story puts forth his decision while also mentioning a Medallion that will be the family heirloom passed down to every following generation. In fact, Volume 2 is going to be entitled: The Medallion.

            Finishing up with a battle scene, I enjoyed watching Wilyon lead his countrymen against this conquering foe.

            Though this work is not my highest selling, I still hold a spot for it in my heart—I think it’s mostly because I published it earlier on when I still wasn’t as knowledgeable as I am now with how Kindle works. Anyway, I hope you enjoy meeting Wilyon the First.

Click this link to go check it out: THE KING.

As a side note, I am required to inform you that my links provided are affiliate links to the said products. Hey, I’ve got to pay the bills somehow. I hope this is understandable!

If you enjoyed this review, you should sign up for my newsletter! I don’t spam and you can unsuscribe at any time. I only send out emails–usually just focused on whatever book review I’ve written that day–on Mondays and Fridays. Sign up here: SIGN UP!

I’m also a Patreon artist–the cool thing about Patreon is it allows people to support artists by monthly pledges which allow the artists to have more time to work on their own passions. Here is my account: PATREON.COM. If you’d like to support me, I would be eternally grateful!

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by Michael Reaves and Steven-Elliot Altman

Published by A Del Rey Book, an imprint of Random House

A review by John Irvin

CLICK HERE TO GO AND BUY FEAR ITSELF!!!

“She dropped the book, jumping back as it hit the hardwood floor of her office alcove. Her arms were puckered with gooseflesh, and she rubbed them, wondering how a writer she’d never read could so thoroughly push her buttons.”

            From the back cover blurb:

Batman strikes fear in the hearts of criminals, but there’s a killer stalking Gotham who’s even better at inspiring fright—and his method just might be unbeatable…because it’s invisible.

            Unbeknownst to the general public, a powerful new designer drug has hit the streets of Gotham, courtesy of an evil genius determined to turn the expression “scared to death” into lethal reality.

            Unlike the Caped Crusader, who petrifies only villains, this mastermind is targeting decent citizens—and he’s come up with the ultimate delivery system. After all, the public can’t refuse something they can’t see, hear, or smell. That’s the beauty of a terror toxin that is undetectable by the human senses. And with all of Gotham’s super-villains incarcerated, Batman must hunt down a mystery madman about whom he knows nothing.

            Maybe the Dark Knight should be afraid…because there’s plenty of fear when you go head-to-head with fear itself.

            Whether you read about him in the comics, graphic novels, or watch him on TV or in the theater, there’s something about an actual Batman novel.

            Fear Itself is disturbing to a delicious level. I loved every minute of it and felt like I was right there at my hero’s side, trying to unravel this dark, terror-inducing mystery taking Gotham City by storm—or rather by invisible toxins.

            Michael Reaves and Steven-Elliot Altman make a great team in revealing the dark underbelly of the old haunting grounds of the Dark Knight and his villains. You know Batman always wins, but there are moments where you actually find yourself doubting if we’re going to make it out alive.

            Can anyone—even the Caped Crusader—go toe-to-toe with fear itself?

            So, take my recommendation and click this link to go buy it: BATMAN: FEAR ITSELF.

As a side note, I am required to inform you that my links provided are affiliate links to the said products. Hey, I’ve got to pay the bills somehow. I hope this is understandable!

If you enjoyed this review, you should sign up for my newsletter! I don’t spam and you can unsuscribe at any time. I only send out emails–usually just focused on whatever book review I’ve written that day–on Mondays and Fridays. Sign up here: SIGN UP!

I’m also a Patreon artist–the cool thing about Patreon is it allows people to support artists by monthly pledges which allow the artists to have more time to work on their own passions. Here is my account: PATREON.COM. If you’d like to support me, I would be eternally grateful!

Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Or email me at john@johnirvinauthor.com

by Greg Bear, Author of Darwin’s Radio

Published by A Del Rey Book, an imprint of Random House

A review by John Irvin

CLICK HERE TO GO AND BUY ROGUE PLANET!!!

“This must be how a father feels, looking down on his son, worried about an uncertain future. I would hate to see him fail. But I would hate far more to lose this boy. I would almost rather freeze time here, and freeze myself with it, than face that.” –Obi-Wan Kenobi

            From the back cover blurb:

            The Force is strong in twelve-year-old Anakin Skywalker…so strong that the Jedi Council, despite misgivings, entrusted young Obi-Wan Kenobi with the mission of training him to become a Jedi Knight. Obi-Wan—like his slain Master Qui-Gon—believes Anakin may be the chosen one, the Jedi destined to bring balance to the Force. But first Obi-Wan must help his undisciplined apprentice, who still bears the scars of slavery, find his own balance.

            Dispatched to the mysterious planet of Zonama Sekot, source of the fastest ships in the galaxy, Obi-Wan and Anakin are swept up in a swirl of deadly intrigue and betrayal. They sense a disturbance in the Force unlike any they have encountered before. It seems there are more secrets on Zonama Sekot than meet the eye. But the search for those secrets will threaten the bond between Obi-Wan and Anakin…and bring the troubled young apprentice face-to-face with his deepest fears—and his darkest destiny.

            Ships that are living breathing things…amazing! A planet that is actually a living breath being…astounding!

            Rogue Planet has always been a favourite of mine in the Star Wars realm. I’ve always had a thing for exploring other worlds and Greg Bear adds such a taste to this space drama. With the physics and biology, this is a real science fiction story.

            Fans of Star Wars and other fantasies must make sure to add this book to their collection.

            The signs of Anakin’s soon-coming path to the Dark Side are prevalent as well. Most fans already know the outcome, but there is still a bit of suspense somehow. Perhaps it’s because you’re not certain when exactly he will turn that holds you on the edge of your seat.

            There is also a couple tear-jerking moments as you fall in love with the living world that is Zonama Sekot and feel her loss and pain.

            So, take my recommendation and click this link to go buy it: ROGUE PLANET.

As a side note, I am required to inform you that my links provided are affiliate links to the said products. Hey, I’ve got to pay the bills somehow. I hope this is understandable!

If you enjoyed this review, you should sign up for my newsletter! I don’t spam and you can unsuscribe at any time. I only send out emails–usually just focused on whatever book review I’ve written that day–on Mondays and Fridays. Sign up here: SIGN UP!

I’m also a Patreon artist–the cool thing about Patreon is it allows people to support artists by monthly pledges which allow the artists to have more time to work on their own passions. Here is my account: PATREON.COM. If you’d like to support me, I would be eternally grateful!

Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Or email me at john@johnirvinauthor.com

by Ilona Andrews

Published by Ace Books

A review by John Irvin

CLICK HERE TO GO AND BUY MAGIC BINDS!!!

“The skull glared at me out of empty eye sockets…” –Kate Daniels

            From the back cover blurb:

            Mercenary Kate Daniels knows all too well that magic in post-Shift Atlanta is a dangerous business. But nothing she’s faced could have prepared her for this.

            Kate and the former Beast Lord Curran Lennart are finally making their relationship official. But there are some steep obstacles standing in the way of their walk to the altar.

            Kate’s father, Roland, has kidnapped the demigod Saiman and is slowly bleeding him dry in a never-ending bid for power. A Witch Oracle has predicted that if Kate marries the man she loves, Atlanta will burn and she will lose him forever. And the only person Kate can ask for help is long dead.

            The odds are impossible. The future is grim. But Kate Daniels has never been one to play by the rules…

            I don’t know how Ilona Andrews does it. Magic Binds is book nine in a ten book series. Every single book builds upon the other, promising a bigger and better climax as you make your way through the dark urban fantasy.

            The way Andrews keeps you wanting more, going forward, and holding out for the main climax is astounding and awe-inspiring to me. I can only hope I’ll ever become this good.

            With one more book to go after it, Magic Binds ties up some old ends before giving you that push at the end in which you’ve got to get to the end and read the finale before …I don’t know …the world ends? Every fiber in my being was holding on as I gripped the edges of this book.

            I’m killing myself, restraining from reading the finale, because I can’t let go of this amazing kick-butt heroine who has dry humour that has me rolling in the floor with laughter.

            I will confess though, I think I’m headed to the bookstore to buy Magic Triumphs, thanks to writing this review.

            So, take my recommendation and click this link to go buy it: MAGIC BINDS.

As a side note, I am required to inform you that my links provided are affiliate links to the said products. Hey, I’ve got to pay the bills somehow. I hope this is understandable!

If you enjoyed this review, you should sign up for my newsletter! I don’t spam and you can unsuscribe at any time. I only send out emails–usually just focused on whatever book review I’ve written that day–on Mondays and Fridays. Sign up here: SIGN UP!

I’m also a Patreon artist–the cool thing about Patreon is it allows people to support artists by monthly pledges which allow the artists to have more time to work on their own passions. Here is my account: PATREON.COM. If you’d like to support me, I would be eternally grateful!

Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Or email me at john@johnirvinauthor.com

by Stephen Lawhead

Published by Thomas Nelson

A review by John Irvin

CLICK HERE TO GO AND BUY THE FATAL TREE!!!

“Near Tacoma, Washington, fourteen vehicles plunged into Puget Sound when the highway bridge on which they were travelling disappeared beneath them.

            From the Back Cover:

            It started with small, seemingly insignificant wrinkles in time: A busy bridge suddenly disappears, spilling cars into the sea. A beast from another realm roams modern streets. Napoleon’s army appears in 1930s Damascus ready for battle. But that’s only the beginning as entire realities collide and collapse.

            The questors are spread throughout the universe. Mina is stuck on a plain of solid ice, her only companion an angry cave lion named Baby. Tony and Gianni are monitoring the cataclysmic reversal of the cosmic expansion—but coming up short on answers. And Burleigh is languishing in a dreary underground dungeon—his only hop of survival the very man he tried to kill.

            Kit and Cass are back in the Stone Age trying to reach the Spirit Well. But an enormous yew tree has grown over the portal, effectively cutting off any chance of return. Unless someone can find a solution—and fast—all Creation will be destroyed in the universal apocalypse known as The End of Everything.

            In the final volume of the fantastic Bright Empires series, Stephen R. Lawhead brings the multi-stranded tale to a stunning and immensely satisfying conclusion.

            When they said an immensely satisfying conclusion—they weren’t joking.

            Sticking with the multi-faceted mystery and fantasy adventure through time traveling and parallel universe jumping, Lawhead really knocked my socks off.

            The suspense kept me reading—there were times I forgot I had chores to do. I needed to read this final installment in the multi-universe series.

            How was it all going to play out? That was my main question. The mystery and quests had all built up for a fantastic climax and like usual, Stephen Lawhead did not disappoint but pulled through.

            In the end, I looked up to find life had gone by without me, but I smiled, content and a bit bittersweet at leaving my friends in their new stations in life after it all played out.

            So, take my recommendation and click this link to go buy it: THE FATAL TREE.

As a side note, I am required to inform you that my links provided are affiliate links to the said products. Hey, I’ve got to pay the bills somehow. I hope this is understandable!

If you enjoyed this review, you should sign up for my newsletter! I don’t spam and you can unsuscribe at any time. I only send out emails–usually just focused on whatever book review I’ve written that day–on Mondays and Fridays. Sign up here: SIGN UP!

I’m also a Patreon artist–the cool thing about Patreon is it allows people to support artists by monthly pledges which allow the artists to have more time to work on their own passions. Here is my account: PATREON.COM. If you’d like to support me, I would be eternally grateful!

Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Or email me at john@johnirvinauthor.com