For the new year, I’m going to be adding a variety of posts, including sharing book reviews. With the amount of books I read a year, why not? 😀
I still haven’t finalized the format. Most likely it will be something I do on a monthly basis with reviews of the books I’ve read during the month.
But to get started, I’m doing a stand alone review. I finished Voyage of the Lanternfish by C. S. Boyack last night and am still thinking about the highly imaginative world the author created. I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed this story. I’ve read a number of Craig’s books, but this one rocks the boat! Heehee. Pun intended.
First the Blurb:
An honorable man is mistaken for his disreputable father. Now he’s pushed into a political scheme to start a war that will spread across multiple kingdoms. James Cuttler’s fiancé is being held captive to ensure he goes through with the plan.
He soon decides his skills are at sea and procures a ship to wage war upon those who disrupted his simple life. He can’t do it alone, so he recruits a band of cutthroats to help him. But first, they need guns and munitions to outfit the ship properly. Deception and trickery will only get them so far. Eventually, they’re going to have to engage the enemy.
James’ goals aren’t necessarily the same as his crew. It’s a delicate balancing act to collect enough loot to keep his crew happy, while guiding them back to rescue the girl.
Voyage of the Lanternfish is filled with adventure, magic, and monsters. Lots of monsters. Hoist the colors and come along for the ride.
MY 5-STAR REVIEW:
What a rollicking, magical, high-octane, deftly plotted adventure! Remember when Dorothy steps from her black-and-white world into the Land of Oz for the first time? That explosion of color, wonder, and delight is equivalent to what the reader experiences in Voyage of the Lanternfish.
Wow, where to begin? I won’t reiterate the plot (just hop up and read the blurb), but I will say you’re in for a treat with this story of pirates, high-sea adventure, a diverse cast of characters and plenty of bizarre creatures. Where else will you encounter root monsters, an anvil bird, Fu dogs, owlcats, and a moving reef? And those are just some of the imaginative beings Boyack introduces with his latest release. I developed a special fondness for the root monsters with their unwavering loyalty, nightly story-telling sessions, rabid delight in receiving names, and atrocious mangling of language. Of special note: You can’t read this book and not appreciate the cleverness of “I I I I”
Trust me. 🙂
The cast is every bit as colorful as the creatures and extremely diverse in backgrounds. They each have such strong personalities, it’s hard to choose a favorite. Even secondary characters and third level characters get plenty of moments to shine. The battle scenes involving mortars, guns, and claiming ships are perfectly executed. I was dazzled and glued to the pages.
I have read several books by this author but this one is in a league of its own. Hop aboard and set sail. You won’t be disappointed!
Gang, go forth and ONE CLICK. This isn’t just a adventure story, but one that builds on character relationships, too. You won’t regret setting sail!
Craig never disappoints, and while I haven’t finished this one yet, I’m impressed with what I’ve read so far. (I, too, am a huge fan of the root monsters.) Wishing him much success with this. Great review, Mae.
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Thanks, Staci. It is an exceptional book. My favorite of his to date. I can’t say enough about the root monsters, LOL.
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It does sound magical 🙂
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It’s a great journey. Adventurous and a lot of fun. The character relationships are exceptional as well. Thanks for checking out the review!
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What a fantastic review. This isn’t my normal reading genre, but I am SERIOUSLY considering buying it . . . if for nothing else than the root monsters!
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Priscilla, I want to start a root monsters fan club! 😀
The character relationships were another attraction for me. Craig really developed some interesting pirates to populate his boat. It’s a lot of fun!
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Awesome review, Mae! And I agree – Craig is certainly creative, and I’m anxious to dive into his latest creation.
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You’re sure to enjoy setting sail, Teri 🙂
This one is my favorite to date!
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I completely agree with your review, Mae! The characters with all their special little quirks and magic were quite colorful. Craig did an excellent job of world-building with this fantasy! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
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My pleasure, Jan. I had such a fun time reading this book. Between the root monsters, the anvil bird and Mal, I was left laughing as much as I was gasping at the battle sequences! Glad you enjoyed it too!
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I’m so glad Craig’s going to write a prequel to Serang’s story. She really grabbed me, she was so unique. Mal made for one interesting witchdoctor, too.
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The way Craig described Serang, I could so perfectly see her actions. I still recall visions of her in the rigging, practicing with her glaive, and summoning her Fu dogs. Mal was superb as well. So many excellent characters in this tale!
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What a review, Mae. I think even the strongest hold out will cave with this review.
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LOL! Thanks, John. Craig deserves the accolades for writing such an entertaining tale. 🙂
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So true, Mae.
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Wow. Fantastic review, Mae. I love Craig’s books, too. This sounds like a good one!
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Most definitely, Sue. I’ve enjoyed so many of his books, but this is my favorite!
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I’m so excited that you enjoyed it to this degree. I’ll be sharing it everywhere I can.
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I I I I
😀
I loved it!!
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A fabulous review of Craig’s new book, Mae.
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It’s very entertaining, Robbie. It’s got the usual imaginative Boyack flair 🙂
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Reblogged this on Entertaining Stories and commented:
I don’t have a Lanternfish tour stop today. However, the reviews are starting. This one made my year. (And it’s only January.) If you’re on the fence, this review might just move you off.
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Thanks for reblogging. I even had fun with the review 🙂
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I know we aren’t supposed to comment on reviews, but this is wonderful. Doh je!
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😀
And blogs don’t count for no comment territory 🙂
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Wonderful review.. congratulations Craig…
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Thank you.
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It’s a truly entertaining read, Sally. Craig did a great job!
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Mae, I finished this book a while ago. I am a huge fan of the root monsters and would love to have my own. I I I I. And I hope he has a catchy name. Excellent review.
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LOL! I’m with you on wanting a root monster., Michele, Although, Raven, my cat, may not be so fond of the idea. 🙂
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Fantastic review, Mae. Now I really can’t wait to read it. Well done, Craig 😊
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Thanks, Harmony.
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You are certain to be entertained from start to finish, Harmony!
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Wow, Mae, I’m guessing you enjoyed the book 🙂
Congrats to Craig on creating a story deserving of this sort of five star review!
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Thank you.
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LOL! Yes, enjoyment is putting it mildly.
Mr. Boyack done good 😉
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Great review Mae:) This is one I can’t wait to read and have enjoyed other stories too by this author. I’m happy you are posting your reviews here. I know I’m going to enjoy your reccomendations.
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That’s great to hear, Denise—both about Craig’s book and about reviews. I don’t know why I’ve neglected doing that for so long!
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Reblogged this on anita dawes and jaye marie.
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Thanks for the reblog. I know Craig will appreciate it too!
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Wow…5 stars. I think I have some of his work sitting on my Kindle. I’ll be jumping right on that.
sherry @ fundinmental
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Thank you, Sherry.
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Yay! You’re sure to enjoy, Sherry. Craig’s stuff is very imaginative and he’s at the top of his game in Lanternfish!
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Yay! I’m delighted to see posting your reviews. Mae. Thank you! Bravo, Craig! What an absolutely game-changing review. I’ve loved many of Craig’s books and this one promises to be just as awesome. Let me at it.
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LOL! You’re going to love this one, Soon. All of Craig’s stuff is great, but this one is my favorite to date. So much adventure and fun!
And yeah, I decided it was time I should start posting reviews. I’m not really sure why I never took that step in the past, but as much as I read, I think it will be fun 🙂
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😊 I’ve bumped Craig’s book up on my TBR and am excited to begin reading. Sharing your reviews is such a wonderful way to support authors you’ve made the time to read.
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That all sounds wonderful, Soooz. Thank you!
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Reblogged this on Author Don Massenzio and commented:
Check out this review of the book, Voyage of the Lanternfish by C. S. Boyack from this post on Mae Clair’s blog. I’m currently reading this book and it lives up to Mae’s praise.
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Thank you for sharing this. I’m thrilled that you’re enjoying my story too.
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You’re welcome and I truly am.
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Thanks for sharing, Dan. This one is definitely a winner!
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You’re welcome.
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What a wonderful review! Congratulations, Craig! I’m looking forward to reading this book. Thank you, Mae!😊
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Thank you, Vashti. I’m beyond thrilled with the review.
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My pleasure, Vashti. You’re sure to enjoy Craig’s book. It’s filled with adventure, magical beasts and fantastic characters!
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I’m sure I’ll love it. 🙂
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I have enjoyed everything I’ve read by Craig, and this one sounds amazing. First off, fabulous title!
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And the book is every bit as compelling as the title! 🙂
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Thank you so much, Flossie.
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