Tag: book review

Furry Book Review Odysseus Vizard by PC Hatter Vol 1-7

Ahmar Wolf1 Comment

I think an explanation is needed. First that Odysseus Vizard is very much like Hercule Poirot. Except in these stories he is a small blue bird. The other it is a collection of Odysseus Vizard stories. 7 in fact

  1. The Odd Happenings at Esme
  2. Death on the Course
  3. The Death of Allen Timberlake
  4. Murder at Cliff House
  5. Lord Tumbell Dies
  6. The Alphabet Killer
  7. Killer at the Dig

The biggest difference between all of these tales and the stories by Agatha Christie.

The stories are not as intense or drawn out. They were obviously written for a furry audience, and light readers at that.

The only reason I mention this is. I consider myself a light reader, I won’t mention how long it took me to read all 7 novels. Just that I did enjoy them, found them interesting. Also you could leave for a while a return to the stories. Often with my schedule I have to do this when I start reading something, I have no choice but put them aside for a while.

No you don’t have to read the original works to enjoy them. I have not read or seen a lot of the original works. But I do enjoy them.

So how do I rate all 7 stories? To be honest I give a 8 out of 10 and would recommend it to anyone wanting to read a furry mystery with very interesting characters. I would say the gathering of the suspects was so damn unique.

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

Review of Cashmire Sky vol 2 by Jared Hudson

Ahmar Wolf

What the publisher says

Years have passed since the pivotal moments of Arlo and Enzo’s childhood. Amidst their respective challenges, each has embarked on their own distinct path forward.
Archer Sullivan shoulders the arduous responsibility of guiding Arlo into adulthood. Due to Arlo’s rebellious spirit, this has truly tested the patience of not just Archer, but his family. While Arlo navigates the uncertain terrain of his post-high school journey, Enzo grapples with the typical trials of teenage life. At school, he finds himself forming an unexpected friendship and alliance, but appearances can be deceiving.
As their paths diverge, their actions draw the attention of malevolent forces lurking in the shadows. Oblivious to the encroaching danger, they will soon realize the importance of caution as the truth gradually unveils itself.
Strap in! It’s going to be a bumpy ride!

What I say

You get a story of 2 brothers, each facing their own difficulties

The struggle with school and trying to fit in. Anyone who has ever been to a new school will totally understand their problems. Their stories are told with respect to the reader, and I don’t mind saying it is fantastic.

The artwork is truly wonderful, meanwhile your truly drawn in to their struggles.

I have to give it a very solid 10 out of 10.

You maybe drawn to the art, that is how I was when I bought vol 1. But You’ll stick around for the story.

https://www.fenrispublishing.com/product.php?id=1014

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.