As a lover of fantasy books I received this book hoping to satisfy my love for the genre. For me it didn't disapoint, I like the fact that the author is so descriptive with fight scenes and that he uses a strong female called Meg to start the book off, it starts with a fight scene and how our main character has to overcome the fight to stay alive. With guest appearances from characters in the first book, this book is a fitting sequel. I for one really like this book, even if it's not for everyone. ( )

Meg, together with a couple of friends, have set out as monster hunters. Their timing could not be worse. A truce on monsters has been declared and they’re left with no one to fight but bandits. Instead Meg and her partner Patrick enlist in the army. Meg’s sure their experience will make them valuable recruits, and it seems that she’s right. Despite her petite height, which she is VERY sensitive about, Meg gets right in the middle of a fight with what seems to be a reincarnation of an evil wizard. And if this guy comes back, the whole kingdom is in danger.

I really enjoyed this book. It reads like an adventure or a quest story, sort of a journey. Lots of training, marching, hanging about the camp, making new friends, that kind of thing. I was disappointed that there weren’t more women in the army. Their captain is a woman, but it would have been nice to have something approaching equal numbers. I also liked that this is not a romance. There’s no love interest in this at all. There’s friendship, camaraderie, and that’s it. Kind of a refreshing change.

I wish that the author had included a few paragraphs near the beginning to catch new readers (like me) up to speed with this series. I didn’t read the first one, and I was really lost at first. There was nothing in here about how Meg met her traveling companions, about the general, about this new truce with the monsters. Also a map would have been helpful, but then I always want a map!

Now for more serious criticism. While I liked the pacing of the story, I felt like the writing was a little choppy and the dialogue needed a little work. It didn’t flow as smoothly as it should have in places. Meg especially just couldn’t stop with the pithy remarks in the middle of a battle. Really? Maybe quit talking and just concentrate on fighting.

If you enjoy fantasy and action, I think you should give this one a try. I would definitely start with book 1, The Golden Dawn. ( )

I really wanted to like this book. However, I struggled with the author's writing style and word choices. The story reads much like a novelization of a tabletop RPG session, one where if you weren't one of the players you wouldn't really get the same experience. The main character Meg considers her short height to be a flaw, and at one point insists on wearing high heeled boots even while training, which somehow hinder her enough for it to be noticed but not enough to put her at the significant disadvantage that high heels cause any fighter. Several of the characters seem overpowered at some points and then not so much at others, with no real explanation, and the descriptions of the fights left me puzzled. Many characters seemed underdeveloped and single minded, especially supporting characters, and I struggled to develop an interest in Meg. I think there is potential, but this needed the touch of a skilled editor to guide the author. ( )

Stand Short and Proud (Chronicles of the Floating Continent Book 2) by Billy Wong

Young Meg is a monster hunter. She may be short, but she is powerful and can stand her ground against enemies. Meg and Patrick (another hunter) are offered work for a military group. Soon She discovers a sword, a very mysterious object that is about to challenge her skills and stamina.

Young Meg is very likable, her short stature is thought of as weakness, but to her it is (her) strength. The plot moves at a fast pace, with originality, action, adventure and thrills. I was pulled into the story from the first page, and truly could not put it down. if you love a great fantasy/adventure with a fearless female lead, then you will enjoy [book:Stand Short and Proud|35434315]. I highly recommend to all. A definite all-night read! ( )