Category: Furry/Anthro Book Reviews

Gnoll Tales by Nighteyes Dayspring: Book Review

Ahmar Wolf

It is described as

Anthropomorphic hyenas—or gnolls—get a bad reputation in many fantasy settings, being reduced to little more than slavering, ravenous beasts. Yet what if gnolls were more than just creatures for heroes to fight, but rather a species with their own culture and history?

Gnoll Tales is a collection of twelve myths and folktales in a world rich in magic that offers a different view on gnolls. Join the druid Ingot as he regales with stories ranging from his people’s legends and gods to tales of gnolls simply living their lives.

What you get is 12 delightful stories. Some are just nothing, other filled with joy while still others death. It was a pure pleasure reading this collection.

To be honest I really don’t play RP games and had no idea what a Gnoll was even when I bought this book. But since I like to incorporate them into my own stories and they are such unusual characters, unlike any I have seen before.

So what do I give it… A very solid 10 out of 10

Frankly anyone who loves RPs, or a furry looking for short stories will love this book

It’s available Here https://dancing-jackal-books.square.site/product/gnoll-tales/7?cs=true&cst=custom

Book Review: Friend of Caesar by Toivo Kaartinen

Ahmar Wolf

It is the year 50 BCE, 700 years since the establishment of Imperial Rome. Young Quintus Livius Drusus is returning from his studies in Athens to find his home not quite how it once was—there are cracks in the foundations of the Empire itself, enemies among his father’s old friends, his betrothed all but ensnared by their schemes, corruption and decadence rotting the very core of Rome. Full of the confidence of youth, Drusus is sure that none of the threats looming in the future will actually come to pass, and if they do, they will be easily repaired. However, he is soon to find out just how fragile a system built on the bleeding backs of slaves and fed by constant wars of invasion can truly be.

Adapted from the book by William Stearns Davis of the same name, Friend of Caesar volume 1 is the first of a 10 chapter series telling the tale of the fall of the Roman Republic, and the story of one young man, who is about to learn just how costly it can be to swear an oath of loyalty to a man like Julius Caesar.

To what I say…

This book is so unique, frankly it is the 1st one ever (at least to me) that I saw a furry story set in Ancient Roman times… And in case your wondering the history it covers is fairly accurate. I would not say 100% perfect. But pretty damn close to it.

For what it is it’s a good tale and I can’t wait until volume 2 hits.

So where do I rank it 7 / 10

You can get it from Fenris Publishing

Book Review: Otters in Space 3 Octopus Ascending by Mary Lowd

Ahmar Wolf

It is described as

Intrigue, adventure, and octopi await! On the eve of war between Earth and Jupiter, one brave tabby cat embarks on a journey that will rock the foundation of her world as she travels between the depths of the sea and the depths of space. While Kipper seeks an audience with the octopus oligarchy, her sister Petra struggles against tyrannies and conspiracies among the dog and cat government of the Uplifted States. Meanwhile, across the solar system, the otter Jenny leads her team of pirates and scientists as they try to uncover the secrets of the ancient, abandoned Europa base. Can the creatures of Earth, working together, stop the Jovian fleet in time?

My review

It is a very unique story and frankly breaks all pre conceived ideas what you think about war, battles and even slavery. For the record the octopus are slaves of the birds… the book is not clear what they actually do. That part confused me, but overall it’s a pretty good story. Lots of twists and turns and frankly even if you read a few. It is surprising.

Although I do think Otters in Space 4 is better I still give it a 6.5 out of 10.

Currently unless you find a copy at a convention. You can get a Kindle edition from Amazon

Review of Otters in Space 4 The First Moustronaut by Mary E. Lowd

Ahmar Wolf

It is described as

When two relative giants—a cat and an otter—attend Yvette’s gymnastics competition, they’ve come to recruit the mouse for their new space program. Yvette can hardly refuse and joins an interspecies team (including cats, dogs, octopi, an otter, a raptor, and a squirrel) building an interstellar spaceship using ancient octopus technology.

The political tides turn, and the crew of The Lucky Boomerang must decide—will they sacrifice everything to become the first of their species to travel beyond the boundaries of their solar system? Or will the fanatically religious dogs of the Uplifted States take their spaceship away before it can get off the ground?

My Review

When I picked up this book was for it’s cover. But then I began to read through it I was totally delighted. It was a story of both interesting characters, as well as a story which kind of hangs you on the edge not quite certain if they would find their ultimate goal or not.

It was only when I was half way through that I discovered it was written for young adults. But this older guy loved it to the very end. Can’t wait to see if there is any future sequel and see where the author takes the plot.

I can honestly highly recommend this book. If you want something that is both light and enjoyable.

I give it a very solid 8 out of 10

It’s on https://www.amazon.com/ and available both as a paperback and on Kindle

Blur Witch by Declan McCarthy : Review/ Tale to Be Told

Ahmar Wolf

Blue Witch is a rather amusing spoof of Blair Witch and If you find a copy you might want to pick it up.

Overall score 6.5 out of 10

As for the tale it goes like this. I picked up my copy at IFC a few months ago and finally got around to reading it. Mind you I actually liked it. But the problem is when I went to get and share info on where it can be found.

Turns out it was printed in 2017, and there are 4 copies for sale on Etsy currently. In addition Declan McCarthy has taken down all their Junebug and Reagan comics, which Blur Witch features.

A while back I promised a review, but even I didn’t expect this.

Book Review: Furtannia: The History of the Furry Fandom in the United Kingdom by Tim Stoddard

Ahmar Wolf

I have always been a fan of furry history ever since I dived head 1st into the primitive days of the early fandom. My own collection of furry fanzines, what I could find that is still online and what pdf and jpeg files.

Early days of conventions can be a bit weird. As those who been around for a while namely MFF and Anthrocon seem to handle those early days differently. One openly talks about it, while the other one doesn’t.

Having a chance to interview Tim Stoddard was a delight for me. To learn someone put there heart and soul in to those early days was a delight. Of course his choice to cover was in the UK, but I really would like him to do something on American fur cons.

But with that out of the way, why should you get his book. Because the UK seem to have even a more interesting history than any other place you can name. For example Eurofurence got started by the British and their 1st con was in the Czech Republic. Or that in the days since they started the UK has more failed furry gatherings than you would believe. That in some cases it was pure luck of the very ones we know about were even successful in the very beginning.

This book has 100s of stories like that. Each in detail and names named.

Ever hear of Fred Patten? You would be stunned at the number of British cons he co founded. Frankly I wish he was still alive so I could do a follow up interview. Still think I might try and track down the others.

If Furtannia is one thing, it is very surprising. You don’t just don’t have to be a fan of furry history to buy this book. If you love surprising stories, that are true about the fandom.

This book is for you.

I want to give a 10 out of 10. But that might be a bit much, so instead I am giving it 9.7 out of 10

Really a MUST BUY for anyone who wants to know more about the fandom.

https://www.unclebearpublishing.com/furtannia.html#/

Blacksad All Fall Down Part 2 Review

Ahmar Wolf

Don’t get me wrong it’s a great story centered around Shakespeare in The Park. Ironically it’s Hamlet, but you really don’t need to be knowledgeable about the play. It’s just a major plot point. All I can say is there is a murder and a child gets framed. Not to forget the play has a huge twist at the end.

The reason I am not getting deep in it, because it feels like it is a link between Part 1 and the yet to be released Part 3. Out of a total of 4.

Artwork is great, so is the writing. If your a fan, you will like the story. But don’t expect much to happen except for what I previously stated.

I give it a 7 out of 10 and would say it’s worth a download. This is what I found strange. You can still get physical copies of All Fall Down Part 1, but 2 is strictly digital. Unsure what Parts 3 and 4 are going to be digital or print. Although according to it’s publisher it’s suppose to get a 2023 release.

Scars of The Golden Dancer by NightEyes DaySpring Review

Ahmar Wolf

It is described as on various sites

Look Life on the edge of the desert has never been easy, especially for the jackal prostitute and sword dancer, Zayn. After selling his wares at auction to a hyena sellsword by the name of Naji, Zayn realizes Naji can help him find a better life. Just as Zayn’s dreams are coming true, problems from Naji’s past catch up to him. The jackal will have to move quickly to save the hyena or risk losing him forever.

Content Warning:
The following work contents scenes of explicit male/male sex and deals with topics such as prostitution, abuse, violence, loss, and post-traumatic stress. This book is intended for adults only, and reader discretion is advised.

What you get is a marvelous adventure. Where nearly every chapter brings something new. Maybe someone from their past who wants to kill them or smuggling weapons, all the way up to kidnapping. Then there are the deep embedded scars someones back. I won’t reveal who or why it’s there. But it’s like this tale, each turn of the page reveals something new and different that only wants us to read more.

I seldom talk about endings but this one is very stratifying.

NightEyes DaySpring brings you to a land and time that you never been. But after a while you wish you were there.

I give this tale a very solid 10 out of 10. It also got me to do something I rarely do check out what books the author has wrote. I have no doubt it will be just as good.

I met NightEyes DaySpring at MFF 2022 and found them to be a very humble author. Who wants people to read, what I found is a truly great tale.

It’s available on various sites, just check for your favorite one.

Cats Love Water Chapter 1 Review

Ahmar Wolf

Being my 1st penetration into the world of gay sex very graphic novel. Frankly I was expecting more than I actually got. A weak story if you can call it that, and some very graphic art. Frankly the sex does not bother me, that lack of story does.

Anyway if your into these types of books nothing I say will change your mind, as you often get what you want kind of deal.

https://www.fenrispublishing.com/order.php

Be sure to click on Adult content in the search box

Spatial Anomlies #1 by Scott Fabianek Review

Ahmar Wolf

I just to say I have been a fan of Scott Fabianek AKA Art Mutt for a very long time. I even follow them on Twitter. But some how Spatial Anomlies fell through the cracks with me until the recent MFF where I knew I had to get a copy.

Fenris Publishing describes it as

The Arrival

Pilot Zeke Wilder wakes up to find himself assigned to a cargo loading job in deep space with no memory of how or why he got there. Missing more than just memories, he is taken in by a crew of humans, aliens, and augmented animals who don’t plan on getting attached…

What you actually get is a very funny story about Zeke Wilder arriving at a station totally unaware that the station has Anthros and humans working side by side. With an anthro dog looking for a best friend, let me remind you he is more dog than anthro. Always wanting to sniff butts and to play, but he is an excellent pilot… at least that is what they say. Add in the fact that Zeke is a replacement for a another human who died. Of course they don’t day how. You soon realize that Zeke feels he got in way over his head.

What can I say I laughed through a majority of the story. I thought it genuine very funny, and encourage you to get a copy if you want a good laugh.

It’s $11.99 through it’s publisher https://www.fenrispublishing.com/order.php

There are 2 more volumes waiting in the wings, can’t wait until Fenris decides to publish them

Update!!!

Turns out there is more to this and it happened recently

I knew of issues 2 and 3 but this extra news is fantastic

You can find previews of issues 1 – 3 here

http://art-mutt.com/comic-work