Griffin’s Perch
by Ian Conner
Genre: Epic Fantasy
Fantasy genre lovers will appreciate having many of their favorite creatures not only in the same story but cooperating toward the same goals. Strong female characters that make a true difference and without whom there would be no story. Mermaids, Pixies, Dragons, Wizards, Elves, and assorted other fantastical characters fill the pages.
Imagine the Mageborn series, with a scoop of Paolini’s Eragon, a dash of Tolkien’s creative mastery and a sprinkling of Matthew Reilly’s action sequences, plus a little corny humour and romance thrown in for good measure. The story is UNPREDICTABLE and full of twists.
Conner is a master of world building. He shows great craftsmanship, and the reader becomes easily enveloped within the environments. The combination of diverse characters, unique mythical cities and complex plot lines have created a tale that is highly original, as well as memorable. Action sequences are fast-paced, yet clear, showing skill that is reminiscent of authors such as Matthew Reilly.
Characters are a work of art, exciting and intriguing, and the storyline is a masterpiece. It has depth and mystery with every page you turn; it is smooth and well written. Capture is another word that fits and is what will happen to you as you involve yourself in the book.
Not since the Dragon Riders of Pern has the bond between rider and beast played such an important role. This new twist on Griffins and the Delphens allowed for a much-needed change of pace, as does the lack of reliance on human characters to save the day.
Julia Hugh’s Griffin Rider Chronicles (Talon Press 2013) used Griffins, but these griffins are unlike anything Julia Hugh imagined. False Dragons employs a much more action-laden approach. This action and, more importantly, depth and diversity of characters will keep readers engaged and turning the pages.
False Dragons is certain to attract a large following of fans unquestioningly hungry for a new approach to fantasy
This epic fantasy is like all good epic fantasies where the world building is impressive. The only completely original species created are the Delphens, and Conner does a great job of creating their biology, social structure, and characteristics while making them individuals. Delphens were once a mostly farming community, but dragons and griffins transformed some into a corps of warriors. The Griffin Corps can use their physical strength, hardiness, and closeness to nature to bond with and ride the griffins. They treat the griffins like more than just dumb steeds. They share consciousness, mind links, and emotions. The Delphens’ relationships with their griffins are that of friends, companions, and siblings in arms.
Two of the best Delphens are Shala and Flinch. Flinch is a quick-witted sometimes comic relief who has a running gag of dismounting badly. However, he also has inherited precognitive abilities, which requires him to have some dark visions. For him, this quest is one of maturity, as he has to shed his childlike impetuosity.
Even with characters that are common in other fantasies, Conner does different things with them. Pixies are present with their mischievous and naughtiness. One of the more humorous characters is Glow, a sweet, energetic pixy who will give any information if you provide enough sugary snacks for a bribe. However, what we see is that their sense of mischief has harmful long-term implications, plus they, Glow in particular, suffered a tremendous loss in the past.
The Merfolk are described here as they often are in legends: attractive, but stand offish and prone to emotion. However, they are capable of assisting others and looking at the big picture that what affects everyone else will affect them.
Of course there are the various romances, interspecies friendships and allies, and tremendous loss that develops during these struggles.
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Cooper’s Ridge
by Ian Conner
Genre: Science Fiction
Captivating and engaging sci-fi and adventure the author expertly navigates the themes of space colonization, human existence, and the more personal themes of loss, grief, and moving on with one’s life after loss. The multiple POVs allowed readers to experience this expansive world the author crafted, showing everything from the discovery of this lush new world to the harrowing brush with death the protagonist has and the shifting perspectives that make the audience constantly question whom they can trust and whom they cannot.
The alien races are very enticing, especially the main villains. The story showcases some great mind-bending technologies and tools of war. The space journeys felt like descriptions of military ships in the ocean. This incredible story filled with interstellar conspiracy, betrayal, government corruption and foreign planets. Despite the settings, human greed and opportunism are never far behind and explored throughout the book.
The switch between multiple characters is seamless. All the characters are interesting with a flair of mystery and realism. The views and opinions were divided from the start. From then, the reader knows they are in for a rollercoaster ride. The story escalates and the situation becomes more and more critical. The characters are fascinating, the story unfolds and ended with a heartwarming finale.
This book has a strong opening that keeps readers hooked from start to finish, the characters are multifaceted, the narrative is absorbing, and the dialogues are sharp.
This book is, in a word, riveting. The multiple subplots set across the earth and various places in space make for an enticing read. Space travel, new age technology, politics, threats against humanity, compelling characters, conspiracy theories, backstabbing, and shrewd enemies will keep you entertained. No one concept in this story is far-fetched; humans are capable of both the good and the evil that happens in this book. If you love sci-fi and political thrillers, then don’t miss this book.
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Ian Conner is retired and spent most of his adult life as a Marine and Army Infantry Sergeant. A hundred percent disabled veteran after multiple head and other injuries, he is part of a growing number of vets classified as “neuro-diverse”, an MST survivor and have several issues such regarding comprehension, concentration, and vision issues that he has OVERCOME to write several novels. After witnessing a lifetime of destruction, the thought of creating something tangible and lasting holds great appeal.
He finds writing a cathartic way to redefine himself both in his eyes and in the eyes of others. Writing for fun, Ian has completed seven novels with an eighth near done with two more ideas in the scribble/chapter phase. He has written across four genres Fantasy, Thriller, Science Fiction and Horror.
He uses ProWritingAid, Beta Readers and professional editors keep the product readable, he has recently begun querying in search of a professional agent and publisher.
Now living near San Diego California with his wife Bonnie, a cellist, and their two dogs, Cookie and Isabella. Conner spends his days fostering kittens, gardening, crafting beautiful stained glass and creating worlds on the page.
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Book Reviews by the Reluctant Retiree 