Desert spear by David V. Brett

Second book in the series that starts with Arlens potential rival in the role of Deliverer. This book follows more characters, in fact it is written from the POV of 8 different characters with lots of attention to character development.
As interesting as the first book but I think we maz have to wait a while for the concluding book in the trilogzy

Painted man by David V. Brett

Very good fantasy book. It's actually the second time I read this because I started reading the second book in the series, Desert Spear, and realised that I had forgotten most of the characters from the 1st book so I had to re-read it.
There are multiple POV characters in this book and their stories are nicely intertwined. Set in a post apocalyptic future where corelings float out of the ground at night and the only defence humans have against them are wards of magic. The book deals with the prophecy of the second coming of the deliverer who will rid the world of the Corelings. Young Arlen seems destined for this role.

City and the City by China Mieville

Excellent book. Can't quite decide what category it should be placed in, does it belong in crime or Fantasy? The story is impressive and I do not want to describe it in any way as I think it takes away from the enjoyment of this particular book. It takes a while to figure out what is going on and I think part of the charm of the book is the slow dawning of understanding.
certainly one of his best works. China is getting better and better.

The Painted Man by Peter Brett

A thoroughly enjoyable fantasy book. First in a trilogy and I can't wait for the follow up.

The novel follows three characters in their passage from childhood to maturity. They are inhabitants of a world plagued by the attacks of demons known as "corelings", which rise from the planet's core each night to feast upon humans. The ongoing attrition of these attacks have reduced humanity from an advanced state of technology, to a 'dark age'. The only defense against the corelings are magical runes or "wards" that can be drawn, painted, or inscribed to form protective barriers around human settlements. These are, however, fragile and prone to failure unless properly maintained.

As the novel progresses, the protagonists each embark upon their own "hero's journey" in an effort to save humanity.

In writing the tale, Brett was keen to move beyond a simple adventure story, to present a fantasy novel about fear and its impact. He was particularly interested in the effect of fear "causing some to freeze up and others to leap into action".

Last Argument of Kings by Joe Abercombie

The third book in this trilogy. this finds all the characters meeting up once more having fought their own battles. Logen Ninefingers might only have one more fight in him – but it's
going to be a big one. Battle rages across the North, the King of the
Northmen still stands firm, and there's only one man who can stop him.
His oldest friend, and his oldest enemy: it's time for the Bloody-Nine
to come home.

Before They Are Hanged by Joe Abercombie

In the second book of the trilogy Superior Glokta has a problem. How do you defend a city surrounded by
enemies and riddled with traitors, when your allies can by no means be
trusted, and your predecessor vanished without a trace? It's enough to
make a torturer want to run – if he could even walk without a stick.

Ancient secrets will be uncovered. Bloody battles will be won and lost.
Bitter enemies will be forgiven – but not before they are hanged.

The blade itself by Joe Abercombie

Murderous conspiracies rise to the surface, old scores are ready to be
settled, and the line between hero and villain is sharp enough to draw
blood. Unpredictable, compelling, wickedly funny, and packed with
unforgettable characters, The Blade Itself is fantasy with a real cutting edge.

The first of a gripping trilogy. Some great characters but sadly predictable to the end.

Awakened mage by Karen Miller

The second book in the series of two.

Whereas The Innocent Mage had a more lighthearted tone, The Awakened Mage
is much darker. Things go from bad to worse; to even worse, and when
redemption finally dawns, the reader will be glad of it. But this does
make for some great reading as we wonder just how Gar and Asher will
find their way out of this mess and ultimately defeat the evil magician
Morg.

Innocent mage by Karen Miller

1st book in a series of two.

written well enough that I had to go out and get the second book, but nevertheless predictable.
The Innocent Mage is full of vibrant characters and a decent
plot. Ms. Miller effortlessly weaves each character’s perspective into
the story, each voice unique and solid. You spend a lot of time getting
to know the players and that only serves to make them more life like.