Feyland: The Dark Realm

Feyland: The Dark Realm
by Anthea Sharp

WHEN A GAME...


Feyland is the most immersive computer game ever designed, and Jennet Carter is the first to play the prototype. But she doesn't suspect the virtual world is close enough to touch -- or that she'll be battling for her life against the Dark Queen of the faeries.

TURNS REAL...

Tam Linn is the perfect hero -- in-game. Too bad the rest of his life is seriously flawed. The last thing he needs is rich-girl Jennet prying into his secrets, insisting he's the only one who can help her.

WINNING IS EVERYTHING...

Together, Jennet and Tam enter the Dark Realm of Feyland, only to discover that the entire human world is in danger. Pushed to the limit of their abilities, they must defeat the Dark Queen... before it's too late. (description from Amazon.com)
 
This book has a really great concept. I love that it's a science fiction book that feels like a fantasy novel.  The futuristic setting allows for wrist access chips and sim gaming and grav cars. The cross into the game, Feyland, allowed the author to bring in lots of great fairy creatures...and it's all based on an old English ballad. :)
 
I thought that Jennet and Tam were both good characters, and the secondary characters were well done, too. I loved both Tam's brother, Peter (the bug), and his best friend, Marny. They both added quite a bit to the story, allowing Tam's character to grow beyond a stereotype and into a more well-fleshed out hero. While the Dark Queen and her Black Knight never really become more than the typical "bad guys," her bard helps to add some degrees of morality to the Dark Court.
 
A fun foray into a fantasy video game.
 
Full disclosure: electronic copy received by author for review

Touch of Power

Touch of Power

by Maria Snyder

Healer series, book one



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Laying hands upon the injured and dying, Avry of Kazan absorbs their wounds and diseases into herself. But rather than being honored for her skills, she is hunted. Healers like Avry are accused of spreading the plague that has decimated the Fifteen Realms, leaving the survivors in a state of chaos.

 

Stressed and tired from hiding, Avry is abducted by a band of rogues who, shockingly, value her gift above the golden bounty offered for her capture. Their leader, an enigmatic captor-protector with powers of his own, is unequivocal in his demands: Avry must heal a plague-stricken prince—leader of a campaign against her people. As they traverse the daunting Nine Mountains, beset by mercenaries and magical dangers, Avry must decide who is worth healing and what is worth dying for. Because the price of peace may well be her life…. (description from Amazon.com)

Maria Snyder wowed me again. I have not ripped through one of her books like this since I originally read Poison Study.  This one is now officially my second favorite of all her books. :)

I loved not only Avry, who was a strong-willed, determined, and compassionate character, but also the fascinating world that she lives in.  The plague that has beseiged their world and what she comes to think may be the cause...

Of course, there is also romance, danger, intrigue, and poison... all elements that combine into a whirlwind of a fantastic read.  The descriptions were wonderful, the world building was great, and the characters touched my heart. Definitely worthy of a GOLD STAR.

I cannot wait to dive into Avry's story again in book two of the Healer series, which sadly does not come out until 2013.  I don't know how I'm going to be able to wait!!

Full disclosure: ARC received from Netgalley

Happy Release Day to Perception!!

Perception by Kim Harrington is finally out today!

I can't tell you how excited I am to read more about Clare, FINALLY.  :P