This week I was delighted to read the naval fantasy adventure H.M.S. Lanternfish (The Lanternfish Series Book 2) by C.S. Boyack.
About the book
The Lanternfish crew completed their original mission, but got exposed to a more global problem. An entire continent is at war, headed up by a head-strong young king with dreams of power, and pushed from behind by a mysterious religious order known as the Fulminites.
Rather than let their country fall under the iron boot of conquest, James and his crew set sail once more to see what kind of muscle Lanternfish can lend to the war effort. Acting precariously under an unofficial charter as a privateer, even his allies aren’t always his friends.
HMS Lanternfish explores new worlds on its way to war, and drifts considerably off course. It features an international crew of characters, and for fans of the first book, the root monsters are back, too. Tall ships, a few con games, martial arts, and everything you loved about the original book is all returning.
Hoist the colors and wheel out the guns. Lanternfish is taking to the high seas once more.
My review for the book April 24th 2021
I thought the Voyage of the Lanternfish, the first book in the series, was fabulous, with wonderfully drawn characters and monsters great and small who created havoc and also added a dark humour to the book. I certainly recommend that you read that book first so you hit the deck running (pardon the pun) with book two.
After such an exciting adventure the crew has scattered to the four winds, and in some cases settled down to domesticity and a more gentle form of occupation. But, when duty calls, H.M.S Lanternfish is taken out of mothballs and sets sail to gather back together key crew members, who thankfully are itching to get back into the fight for their country of birth, or in many cases by adoption.
The pace picks up with an urgent rendezvous in the logbook some months ahead and it is all hands on deck. The ship encounters mysterious floating islands, more monsters intent on mischief, ancient civilisations with strict codes of honour, betrayal by allies and unexpected alliances with the enemy. Lanternfish gathers a small flotilla carrying hundreds of warriors, the quirky and the courageous. All of whom become dependent on Captain James Bloodwater, their overall commander, to seek out provisions, gold and a good fight, of which there are plenty for the taking. Characters from the first book develop into key roles and together they face the fight of their lives to salvage something from their embattled homeland to rebuild the future.
Sometimes a second book can flag after a fast paced adventure in the first episode, but if anything the author has kicked the action up more than a few notches. He has also brought in some wonderful new key characters that allow the series to develop in a number of directions. and I for one am looking forward to see where they lead. The ending is very satisfactory but still leaves some hints to encourage hopes of another adventure in the last book of the trilogy soon. Highly recommended to readers who enjoy well written epic fantasy and fast paced adventures
Head over to buy the book : Amazon US – And: Amazon UK
A selection of books by C.S. Boyack
C. S. Boyack, Buy: Amazon US – and :Amazon UK – Follow Craig: Goodreads – blog:Cold Hand Boyack – Twitter: @Virgilante
I was born in a town called Elko, Nevada. I like to tell everyone I was born in a small town in the 1940s. I’m not quite that old, but Elko has always been a little behind the times. This gives me a unique perspective of earlier times, and other ways of getting by. Some of this bleeds through into my fiction.
I moved to Idaho right after the turn of the century, and never looked back. My writing career was born here, with access to other writers and critique groups I jumped in with both feet.
I like to write about things that have something unusual. My works are in the realm of science fiction, paranormal, and fantasy. The goal is to entertain you for a few hours. I hope you enjoy the ride.
Thanks for dropping in today and I hope you enjoyed my review enough to head over to buy the book.. thanks Sally
I recently finished this one also, Sally. Another adventure on the high seas with my favorite little guys, the root monsters!
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They get under your skin Teri.. and not always in a good way lol…xx
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I very much enjoyed this installment of the series and am looking forward to the third. Great review, Sally. Best wishes to Craig.
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Thanks Staci.. I am looking forward to book three too.. no pressure then Craig…x
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Such a compelling review! I’m off to buy the first one. xx
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Fantastic Alex and I am sure you will enjoy…hugsx
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Thank you. Hope you enjoy it.
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A great review, Sally – this sounds like a real treat. Toni x
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Thank you, Toni.
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Both books have been amazing Toni.. and looking forward to the third…xxx
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I read and loved both Lanternfish novels and I loved the Serang book, too. These are fun reads!
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Thank you for saying so here.
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Great review:) I loved this book!
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It is fabulous.. totally agree Denise…hugsx
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Thank you, Denise.
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Great to see your wonderful review of Craig’s HMS Lanternfish here, Sally! I loved the first book in the series and have had this one on my Kindle WAY too long already! MUST read soon! Congratulations, Craig! Super post! 🙂
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Working hard to conclude it this year. Thanks, Marcia.
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Wonderful stuff Marcia and such terrific writing.. as was the first that like all good first books hooked the readers…hugsx♥
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A wonderful review for H.M.S Lanternfish! I agree with you, Sally, that sometimes the second book in an action-packed series can slow a little, but Craig kept this one amped up! Thank you for sharing and congrats to Craig!
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Great fun Jan.. and I have become attached to the crew members old and new.. and as for the roots…lol…hugs
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Thanks for saying so here.
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Terrific review, Sally. I also enjoyed H.M.S. Lanternfish and like you am looking forward to the next adventure.
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Great to hear John.. no pressure on Craig then lol..hugsx
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He is like a word factory over there. I don’t think he needs any pressure.
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lol..x
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😊
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I should quit playing with bulldogs and get back to working on it. Sometime this year, for sure.
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The bulldogs are more important.
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Reblogged this on Entertaining Stories and commented:
What a wonderful thing to wake up to. Sally posted this lovely review of HMS Lanternfish. Stop over and say hello. I’ll be watching the comments.
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Wonderful spotlight and review! Congratulations, Craig and thank you, Sally. 🙂
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Thanks, Gwen. Made my day.
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Thank you for the lovely review, Sally! I have to make a note of it, because I would like to read the whole series by then. xx
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Well worth it Michael.. you will enjoy I am sure…hugsx
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Thank you, Michael. I’m working hard to conclude it this year.
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Great! Thank you in advance, Craig. I will try to read the first books of the series. Have a beautiful weekend! Michael
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You, too.
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Thank you! :-))
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Nice review. I enjoyed Lanternfish.
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Thanks Joan.. I could use a few of the Root Monsters bodyguards in the supermarket..xxx
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Thank you, Joan.
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Great review. I loved the first book and need to get to Craig’s others. Thanks for sharing, Sally. Hugs xx 🙂
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Appreciate it, Harmony.
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Another great book by a fantastic author. Thanks for the review, Sally.
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Thank you.
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