Try a Chapter - Reflection

Hi Book-Sniffers and Librocubicularists,

I've challenged myself to read the first chapter (ish) of five books that have been sitting on my shelf for ages. 

Being very excited to do this, I found myself with an empty evening to sit down and delve into the beginnings of these books. Here are my reflections:

Brondings' Honour ~ Ann Ewan (18 pages read)

Why? I read her book 'Firedrake' in highschool and remember loving it. Supporting a fellow Canadian.
Writing? At times, oddly constructed (stilted, old-world phrasing).
World? Viking in feel; unfamiliar 'clan' structure.
Protagonist? Brave, a healer that feels ill-equipped and wants to learn more.
Read next? Maybe. Not completely invested in the protagonist's story.

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Daughter of the Empire ~ Feist & Wurts (26 pages read)

Why? Found in a recommendation for 'strong female protagonist in fantasy'.
Writing? Good set-up, first chapter ended with a cliff-hanger, reads smoothly.
World? Eclectic, intriguing cultures; experienced both the religious and nobility structures; lots of background.
Protagonist? Reluctant, pulled from her life choice due to tragic reasons; in her head often, getting our information from her inner monologues.
Read next? I want to know what happens. Sure.

~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~

Cannonbridge ~ Jonathan Barnes (14 pages read)

Why? Best friend bought it, disliked the writing, gave to me to read. It's been on too many monthly TBR lists.
Writing? Gothic style, creepy, quite nice; easily slipped into the story.
World? Opening scene is that of Byron, Shelley, and Polidori telling each other ghost stories.
Protagonist? I assume it's Cannonbridge, the man who arrives during the lightning storm at the end of the chapter.
Read next? Totally hooked. Yes.

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King's Dragon ~ Kate Elliott (18 pages read - prologue plus chapter 1)

Why? Again, found this one on recommendation list for 'dragons'. This book is bought secondhand and smells funny.
Writing? Good, sturdy; not yet gripping.
World? Very standard Medieval fantasy; Arthurian in feel; 'magic' maybe?
Protagonist? No idea who it is, probably the baby in the prologue. While it gave me the backstory, it didn't give me enough for the story I'm about to read. The mother in the prologue was mysterious; the king would be interesting to follow. The adolescent boy in chapter 1 is not particularly interesting yet.
Read next? When I'm ready for a reliable fantasy.

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The Thinking Woman's Guide to Magic ~ Emily Croy Barker (15 pages read)

Why? Sold by the title and the 'Hermione in America' marketing.
Writing? Contemporary, many modern cultural references.
World? University - working on thesis; no magic yet; a devastating break-up.
Protagonist? Lost, unsure, and almost 30; certainly self-searching; "everything is falling apart".
Read next? On the lighter, contemporary side, maybe.

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Based off of these reflections, you can come to the conclusion what book I picked to read next. The great thing about this challenge was I was able to gain the feeling from each style and then able to discern what type of mood I could be in to read them.

Onto the next part. Reading my selection.

~Happy Reading!~