Written in Red - Anne Bishop [The Others]
Source: Kindle
Originally Reviewed on Goodreads: January 6, 2016
Rating: ★★★★☆
Umm... wow.
I've been a fan of Bishop's for years. I was introduced to her Black Jewels Trilogy back in 2002, and was hooked on that from page one. After I finished her first round, I went on immediately to The Pillars of the World of the Tir Alainn Trilogy, and following those, absolutely inhaled Sebastian of the Ephemera trilogy.
To say I'm a fan of Bishop's by this juncture would be a bit of an understatement. She has a distinct style that's apparent through all her books, and yet each series she produces is unique. She has either done quite a bit of research on all things Fantasy, or she's just an amazing genius.
Then again, some of the things she manages to tie together absolutely baffle me in their brilliance.
Take Meg, for instance. We quickly learn that she's got some seriously powerful blood. The kind that can make or break businesses - which is why she's running away from someone we eventually get to know as the Controller. What I wouldn't give to get behind that name and find out who our antagonist really was! But alas, he appears to be little more than a plot device. So sad.
Then we get into the fact that humans are considered little more than "meat" - at best, "monkeys." Yet somehow, this Meg manages to weasel her way into a very secretive, close community of Others. Even before they find out about her special blood, and the fact that she is very, very different from other humans. So, there's a lot to Meg. She kind of reminds me of Jarod, from The Pretender back in the day. Used and abused for her special abilities, and then used those special abilities to escape and forge a life for herself elsewhere, with a chosen family of people that would destroy everything they had built with the humans without a second thought, in order to keep her safe.
Aside from the Controller, there really didn't seem to be a clear antagonist. It's obvious that Meg is being hunted, that she has been bred/raised to cut to produce prophecy. She fought back against a system that treated her like a commodity, something to be sold. In fact, the true antagonist in this series doesn't really start to become clear until A Murder of Crows, and even then, it's very ephemeral, and you kind of have to read between the lines to get it.
I'm a picky reader. I read a lot, yes, but 90% of the books I start reading go unfinished (thank the gods for Amazon.com's sample feature!) Plus, Bishop set the bar pretty damned high with her the BJT. Her world and character building skills are second to none, and she skates the edge of the dark like one wrong step is the difference between the razor cutting and passing harmlessly over skin.
Not to Criticize, but...
Her world building in this group of books... lacking. Considering what she did years ago with the BJT, and Tir Alainn and Ephemera? It absolutely does not hold up to the intricate and delicate back and forth developed in the lands of those books. I get that this may have been simple creative license to help us focus more on the characters and events of the story - but after reading the second book, I just don't buy it. There simply wasn't nearly enough time invested in creating a world to support the story she wrote.
So far, the story seems fragmented. We do eventually start to understand the fierce protectiveness the Others feel for Meg, but it's glossed over by the characters almost as an afterthought. I mean, they're so secluded, so anti-human, and the fact that they would destroy an entire city of humans to keep her - another human - safe, doesn't seem to strike them as odd enough to give serious thought to. Very... "eh, it is what it is."
The culmination of Written in Red... what can I say? It vibrated. It resonated with something in me so hard my heart literally fluttered for a solid minute.
Showing posts with label urban fantasy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label urban fantasy. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
Saturday, April 11, 2015
True of Blood - Bonnie Lamer [Witch Fairy]
True of Blood - Bonnie Lamer [Witch Fairy]
Source: Don't Remember
Originally Reviewed: April 11, 2015
Rating: ★★★☆☆
What happens when you have ghosts for parents, a full-blood fae for a boyfriend, two half-human fae trying to kill you and a completely human little brother? You have Xandra Smith’s life.
Oh, let’s not forget the fact that her mom is a witch – daughter of the king of the witches, as a matter of fact, and her real father is king of the fae. Which makes her half witch, half fae, with all the magic that goes along with that!
Of course, most of these weren’t relevant until she turned 17, and out of nowhere, her life is changed – permanently.
Before: two ghost parents, little brother Zach, Aunt Barb. Homeschooled in the Colorado mountains. Typical 16-year-old girl with the exception her social life is limited by the fact she lives in the middle of nowhere.
After: One parent is a witch, her dad isn’t her dad, her real dad is fae, two of his followers want to kidnap her, and an opposing fae is committed to saving her, at the risk of his own life.
Yeah, things have certainly changed.
For the first time in her life, Xandra has to leave her home and her parents behind, for both her safety and to protect her family. She has to learn things that, as she hears over and over again, she should have been raised learning. After causing both a rock slide and a full avalanche, things start to change.
Kallen, the full-blood fae who has taken a blood oath to protect her with his life, has transformed himself from a prickly, arrogant, adolescent fae to a more caring, invested and understanding boyfriend. What he was expecting to find in Xandra is not what he found.
While the book ends neatly, all wrapped up in a nice little package, ready to be opened again with the next one, it’s not so easy to wrap up my review.
True of Blood isn’t what’s popular right now. It’s not full of sex, in-your-face rebellious, heroic teenagers, or absentee parents (am I the only one noticing parents in books about teenagers are largely MIA these days?) What True of Blood is, is a brilliant mix of the real and the fantastic. It has all of the elements that would make this a potentially stunning coming of age story, even without the fantasy elements.
With all of the amazing writing going on these days, it’ll likely be a while before I make it on to the next one – it’s just not high on my list of priorities. If I happen across it, however, I will not be adverse to continuing the series.
Source: Don't Remember
Originally Reviewed: April 11, 2015
Rating: ★★★☆☆
What happens when you have ghosts for parents, a full-blood fae for a boyfriend, two half-human fae trying to kill you and a completely human little brother? You have Xandra Smith’s life.
Oh, let’s not forget the fact that her mom is a witch – daughter of the king of the witches, as a matter of fact, and her real father is king of the fae. Which makes her half witch, half fae, with all the magic that goes along with that!
Of course, most of these weren’t relevant until she turned 17, and out of nowhere, her life is changed – permanently.
Before: two ghost parents, little brother Zach, Aunt Barb. Homeschooled in the Colorado mountains. Typical 16-year-old girl with the exception her social life is limited by the fact she lives in the middle of nowhere.
After: One parent is a witch, her dad isn’t her dad, her real dad is fae, two of his followers want to kidnap her, and an opposing fae is committed to saving her, at the risk of his own life.
Yeah, things have certainly changed.
For the first time in her life, Xandra has to leave her home and her parents behind, for both her safety and to protect her family. She has to learn things that, as she hears over and over again, she should have been raised learning. After causing both a rock slide and a full avalanche, things start to change.
Kallen, the full-blood fae who has taken a blood oath to protect her with his life, has transformed himself from a prickly, arrogant, adolescent fae to a more caring, invested and understanding boyfriend. What he was expecting to find in Xandra is not what he found.
While the book ends neatly, all wrapped up in a nice little package, ready to be opened again with the next one, it’s not so easy to wrap up my review.
True of Blood isn’t what’s popular right now. It’s not full of sex, in-your-face rebellious, heroic teenagers, or absentee parents (am I the only one noticing parents in books about teenagers are largely MIA these days?) What True of Blood is, is a brilliant mix of the real and the fantastic. It has all of the elements that would make this a potentially stunning coming of age story, even without the fantasy elements.
With all of the amazing writing going on these days, it’ll likely be a while before I make it on to the next one – it’s just not high on my list of priorities. If I happen across it, however, I will not be adverse to continuing the series.
Sunday, February 15, 2015
Losing It - Elizabeth Armstrong
Losing It - Elizabeth Armstrong
Source: Author Copy
Originally Reviewed: February 15, 2015
Rating: ★★★☆☆
I read this book at the request of the author. Would I have found the book on my own? That’s not a question I can honestly answer. However, had I come across it on my own, the premise absolutely hooked me.
I really wish I could say I was that enthusiastic about it the whole way through. Losing It was pleasing in the end, living up to the premise in spades. My issues with it boils down to a matter of potential. The plot, executed optimally, could have become an instant classic.
Early on in Losing It, it struck me a bit like a modern day Alice in Wonderland. All kinds of fantastical creatures showing up it Kate Winters life – so much so that she thinks she’s insane. The writing just didn’t do it justice!
It’s so hard to get past that. Losing It delivers everything it promises and then some, and the writing does improve the more you read – but you have to get past the not-so-great writing first. Once you do, though, the potential is so obvious.
I am not sorry I read the book. This is one of those books where there plot and the story the author come up with is so brilliant that eventually they’re forced to adjust the way they’re writing – and Armstrong had the skill to pull it off. I just wish she’d gone back and re-written the beginning once she’d gotten her flow.
Source: Author Copy
Originally Reviewed: February 15, 2015
Rating: ★★★☆☆
I read this book at the request of the author. Would I have found the book on my own? That’s not a question I can honestly answer. However, had I come across it on my own, the premise absolutely hooked me.
I really wish I could say I was that enthusiastic about it the whole way through. Losing It was pleasing in the end, living up to the premise in spades. My issues with it boils down to a matter of potential. The plot, executed optimally, could have become an instant classic.
Early on in Losing It, it struck me a bit like a modern day Alice in Wonderland. All kinds of fantastical creatures showing up it Kate Winters life – so much so that she thinks she’s insane. The writing just didn’t do it justice!
It’s so hard to get past that. Losing It delivers everything it promises and then some, and the writing does improve the more you read – but you have to get past the not-so-great writing first. Once you do, though, the potential is so obvious.
I am not sorry I read the book. This is one of those books where there plot and the story the author come up with is so brilliant that eventually they’re forced to adjust the way they’re writing – and Armstrong had the skill to pull it off. I just wish she’d gone back and re-written the beginning once she’d gotten her flow.
Thursday, January 8, 2015
Her Sexy Sentinel - Jenn Burke
Her Sexy Sentinel - Jenn Burke
Source: NetGalley
Originally Reviewed: January 8, 2015
Rating: ★★★★☆
I keep hoping one day I’ll encounter a paranormal romance that I just get blown away by, the same way I did by Innocence by Dean Koontz. This one came so close, but in the end left me feeling like something was missing. Don’t know what, but something.
In all seriousness, I could sum up this book in one word. Well, a sound, really. Mmm.
I think Her Sexy Sentinel really says a lot about Burke as a writer. I love her descriptive style, the way it just captures the mundane in a way that translates so well from words to an image in the minds eye. She doesn’t overdo it, and finds ways to describe things you wouldn’t normally think of, but are those little details that make everything so crisp and well put-together.
She also amazes me in the way she writes the thoughts and thought process of her characters. It flows so naturally, and isn’t forced at all. I could only wish to have talent like hers!
She also does a great job at making us absolutely HATE Derrick for a few minutes, too. Mmm.
There are a few things that niggled at me a little bit. Some things weren’t explained, or weren’t fleshed out as much as I think they could have been, and some things just didn’t make sense, period, but of course those are things that could be construed as spoilers. There were some awkward transitions, like despite her typically flawless descriptive capabilities there were just a few moments where her brain got stuck and she couldn’t find the right words.
About the Book
So, there’s magic. Does magic rule everything though? No. This isn’t high fantasy where magic is the be all and end all of a society. It’s just kind of there, hanging out at the back of your mind until, hey, the dam’s open. Lemme out!
Seriously? Seriously.
That was nice. I really love the way magic was handled.
I know I’ve already made mention about how seamlessly Burke writes internal dialogue, but I have to mention it again, and not to emphasize her skill as a writer. The way she makes her characters think and the thoughts that they have show a keen insight into the human psyche, and she has used that to make Derrick one of my favorite Hero’s ever in paranormal fiction. He’s seriously like the perfect guy – bordering on too perfect, but as mentioned earlier: We do get to hate him for being a jackass for a few minutes.
All of the characters, even the ones who only made token appearances, were so well fleshed out I was able to connect and empathize and FEEL. And laugh. I laughed out loud many times while reading this book not because of things being humorous or funny (though there were those moments, too) but because a scene or an incident was just that enjoyable that it merited a laugh.
The twist at the end… that was definitely out of left field. I loved it. This is a book where you definitely will not be disappointed by the ending.
I really look forward to reading more from Burke in the future. I enjoy her style, her characters, her dialogue, and Her Sexy Sentinel highlights all of those things.
Source: NetGalley
Originally Reviewed: January 8, 2015
Rating: ★★★★☆
I keep hoping one day I’ll encounter a paranormal romance that I just get blown away by, the same way I did by Innocence by Dean Koontz. This one came so close, but in the end left me feeling like something was missing. Don’t know what, but something.
In all seriousness, I could sum up this book in one word. Well, a sound, really. Mmm.
I think Her Sexy Sentinel really says a lot about Burke as a writer. I love her descriptive style, the way it just captures the mundane in a way that translates so well from words to an image in the minds eye. She doesn’t overdo it, and finds ways to describe things you wouldn’t normally think of, but are those little details that make everything so crisp and well put-together.
She also amazes me in the way she writes the thoughts and thought process of her characters. It flows so naturally, and isn’t forced at all. I could only wish to have talent like hers!
She also does a great job at making us absolutely HATE Derrick for a few minutes, too. Mmm.
There are a few things that niggled at me a little bit. Some things weren’t explained, or weren’t fleshed out as much as I think they could have been, and some things just didn’t make sense, period, but of course those are things that could be construed as spoilers. There were some awkward transitions, like despite her typically flawless descriptive capabilities there were just a few moments where her brain got stuck and she couldn’t find the right words.
About the Book
So, there’s magic. Does magic rule everything though? No. This isn’t high fantasy where magic is the be all and end all of a society. It’s just kind of there, hanging out at the back of your mind until, hey, the dam’s open. Lemme out!
Seriously? Seriously.
That was nice. I really love the way magic was handled.
I know I’ve already made mention about how seamlessly Burke writes internal dialogue, but I have to mention it again, and not to emphasize her skill as a writer. The way she makes her characters think and the thoughts that they have show a keen insight into the human psyche, and she has used that to make Derrick one of my favorite Hero’s ever in paranormal fiction. He’s seriously like the perfect guy – bordering on too perfect, but as mentioned earlier: We do get to hate him for being a jackass for a few minutes.
All of the characters, even the ones who only made token appearances, were so well fleshed out I was able to connect and empathize and FEEL. And laugh. I laughed out loud many times while reading this book not because of things being humorous or funny (though there were those moments, too) but because a scene or an incident was just that enjoyable that it merited a laugh.
The twist at the end… that was definitely out of left field. I loved it. This is a book where you definitely will not be disappointed by the ending.
I really look forward to reading more from Burke in the future. I enjoy her style, her characters, her dialogue, and Her Sexy Sentinel highlights all of those things.
Monday, January 5, 2015
Marked - Sarah Fine [Servants of Fate]
Marked - Sarah Fine [Servants of Fate]
Source: Kindle Unlimited
Originally Reviewed: January 5, 2015
Rating: ★★★★☆
My first introduction to Sarah Fine was with her Guards of the Shadowlands trilogy. I was hooked on the first book. Even if I hadn't read that first, Marked would have done it all on it's own.
The thing about Guards of the Shadowlands is that, even though it was decidedly dark, it was most definitely YA. Touched is a far, far cry from all of that and the comparison has completely caught me by surprise. It's not that often that you find an author equally skilled in writing for both adult and YA audiences.
And Marked is definitely for an adult audience. My god, is it ever. Sarah Fine's talent is absolutely undeniable. Her work with the Guards has cemented that in my mind. Any author who can completely wrap me up in a YA novel let alone hold my attention through an entire series deserves bragging rights. That trend has definitely continued with Marked.
Cacey is a Ferry. Her family name, of course, but there's a reason for that. Her family helps the spirits of those who have passed transition to heaven or hell, wherever they are fated to go. The Ferries work on conjuction with the Kere, another race of beings who marks those fated for death by the Fates themselves.
She works as a paramedic, and she gets partnered with Eli, recently moved to Boston with his sister. Eli manages to tap into her secret, and both of their worlds are completely spun on their axis. We're thrust into a world of rogue Kere, and possibly even a conspiracy among the Fates that could unravel the tapestry of time and life itself.
All characters are phenomenally put together. Cacy and Eli are both very believable. Eli's sister, though she doesn't get a lot of screen time, becomes a major player and is very well developed. My only issue is with Cacy's immediate family. Her brothers and sister aren't nearly as well done as Cacy, Eli and his sister were. They seem a lot rougher and disjointed.
We already know that I think Fine is a brilliant author, though. However, and this is probably a silly gripe, the scenes between Cacy and Eli completely overshadow everything else. The story, minus Eli and Cacy, could have stood up fabulously on its own. The sexual tension between them was so. Intense. That alone was enough to distract from the non-romantic storyline. Then the tension finally gets acted on, and...
Source: Kindle Unlimited
Originally Reviewed: January 5, 2015
Rating: ★★★★☆
My first introduction to Sarah Fine was with her Guards of the Shadowlands trilogy. I was hooked on the first book. Even if I hadn't read that first, Marked would have done it all on it's own.
The thing about Guards of the Shadowlands is that, even though it was decidedly dark, it was most definitely YA. Touched is a far, far cry from all of that and the comparison has completely caught me by surprise. It's not that often that you find an author equally skilled in writing for both adult and YA audiences.
And Marked is definitely for an adult audience. My god, is it ever. Sarah Fine's talent is absolutely undeniable. Her work with the Guards has cemented that in my mind. Any author who can completely wrap me up in a YA novel let alone hold my attention through an entire series deserves bragging rights. That trend has definitely continued with Marked.
Cacey is a Ferry. Her family name, of course, but there's a reason for that. Her family helps the spirits of those who have passed transition to heaven or hell, wherever they are fated to go. The Ferries work on conjuction with the Kere, another race of beings who marks those fated for death by the Fates themselves.
She works as a paramedic, and she gets partnered with Eli, recently moved to Boston with his sister. Eli manages to tap into her secret, and both of their worlds are completely spun on their axis. We're thrust into a world of rogue Kere, and possibly even a conspiracy among the Fates that could unravel the tapestry of time and life itself.
All characters are phenomenally put together. Cacy and Eli are both very believable. Eli's sister, though she doesn't get a lot of screen time, becomes a major player and is very well developed. My only issue is with Cacy's immediate family. Her brothers and sister aren't nearly as well done as Cacy, Eli and his sister were. They seem a lot rougher and disjointed.
We already know that I think Fine is a brilliant author, though. However, and this is probably a silly gripe, the scenes between Cacy and Eli completely overshadow everything else. The story, minus Eli and Cacy, could have stood up fabulously on its own. The sexual tension between them was so. Intense. That alone was enough to distract from the non-romantic storyline. Then the tension finally gets acted on, and...
My girly parts tingle just from the memory.
But it was like two fully developed, independent storylines crammed together in a single book, with only a token effort to fuse them into a cohesive story.
Meh, what can I say though? Sarah Fine has me firmly in the grip of flawless dialogue, enrapturing creativity, and emotionally engaging people with stories that leave me breathless.
Dark Prophecy - Ann Gimpel [Soul Storm]
Dark Prophecy - Ann Gimpel [Soul Storm]
Source: Goodreads Giveaways
Originally Reviewed on Goodreads: January 4, 2015
Rating: ★★★★★
This book was received as part of the GoodReads Giveaways.
Never judge a book by it's cover.
We've all heard that, I 'm sure, but I don't think it has ever been more blatantly true as Dark Prophecy. On the cover is a woman with her head tilted back, lips parted, a man with a hand behind her neck, a small smile on his lips. Inside, where one might think to find an erotic, lust-inducing tale, we instead find a tale of a world where resources are dwindling, dreams foretell the future, and a woman who's ignored her inherent magic for most of her life can no longer do so.
Dark Prophecy starts off somewhat slow, a little confused. The plot could have gone any number of directions, and didn't really show a clear purpose until about halfway through the book. Despite this, Dark Prophecy delivers thought-provoking, challenging and intriguing ideas. Philosophically, environmentally, magically...
Not many books these days strike me as having a clear message as much as this one does. Was this the intent? I don't know. What is this message?
What, exactly, is our responsibility? What do we owe our planet? Our friends? Our gifts (even if we consider them curses)?
What do we owe, and to who? For the lives we live and the resources we use?
This is not a book influnced by activism, not by a long shot. The main part centralizes around Lara McInnis, a therapist with powers she only barely acknowledges. We meet some of her clients, her partner, friends. The danger she faces isn't just from dwindling resources. Something wants her power, and will stop at nothing to get it and render her useless in the face of growing chaos.
Attending her is Trevor Denoble. While not nearly as memorable as Lara, he is not to be passed over. He is about as human as they come. He looses his job, and has a partner with psychic abilities who's life is on the line more than once during the time we get to spend with them. His humanity and role as the man in Lara's life become more and more evident as the book continues, and he and Lara start making hard decisions about their future, and their lives together, in a changing world.
The supporting characters are many, but few stand out and fewer still make it to the end of the book. I would have loved to have seen fewer minority characters in exchange for having more time to get to know the ones that really mattered in the end. I know we'll see more out of them in future books, but worry that they'll continue to be overshadowed by sub characters that are ultimately pointless.
I hesitate to say much more, because so much of what I think makes Dark Prophecy so memorable and makes me want to read more... you just won't see coming, and I don't like spoiling those kinds of surprises! I could easily classify this into realistic fiction or magical realism. In Dark Prophecy, Gimpel approaches magic and the end of life as we know it in a very believable fashion.
If you're looking for the romance element, it is by no stretch of the imagination lacking. The relationship between Lara and Trevor is enviable, but the story does not depend on it, and I think that just adds to the realism of it.
Dark Prophecy does a wonderful job blending fantastical elements with real world relationships and experiences. With the kind of deals I can get on these books for my Kindle, you can count on seeing reviews for the following books very, very soon!
Source: Goodreads Giveaways
Originally Reviewed on Goodreads: January 4, 2015
Rating: ★★★★★
This book was received as part of the GoodReads Giveaways.
Never judge a book by it's cover.
We've all heard that, I 'm sure, but I don't think it has ever been more blatantly true as Dark Prophecy. On the cover is a woman with her head tilted back, lips parted, a man with a hand behind her neck, a small smile on his lips. Inside, where one might think to find an erotic, lust-inducing tale, we instead find a tale of a world where resources are dwindling, dreams foretell the future, and a woman who's ignored her inherent magic for most of her life can no longer do so.
Dark Prophecy starts off somewhat slow, a little confused. The plot could have gone any number of directions, and didn't really show a clear purpose until about halfway through the book. Despite this, Dark Prophecy delivers thought-provoking, challenging and intriguing ideas. Philosophically, environmentally, magically...
Not many books these days strike me as having a clear message as much as this one does. Was this the intent? I don't know. What is this message?
What, exactly, is our responsibility? What do we owe our planet? Our friends? Our gifts (even if we consider them curses)?
What do we owe, and to who? For the lives we live and the resources we use?
This is not a book influnced by activism, not by a long shot. The main part centralizes around Lara McInnis, a therapist with powers she only barely acknowledges. We meet some of her clients, her partner, friends. The danger she faces isn't just from dwindling resources. Something wants her power, and will stop at nothing to get it and render her useless in the face of growing chaos.
Attending her is Trevor Denoble. While not nearly as memorable as Lara, he is not to be passed over. He is about as human as they come. He looses his job, and has a partner with psychic abilities who's life is on the line more than once during the time we get to spend with them. His humanity and role as the man in Lara's life become more and more evident as the book continues, and he and Lara start making hard decisions about their future, and their lives together, in a changing world.
The supporting characters are many, but few stand out and fewer still make it to the end of the book. I would have loved to have seen fewer minority characters in exchange for having more time to get to know the ones that really mattered in the end. I know we'll see more out of them in future books, but worry that they'll continue to be overshadowed by sub characters that are ultimately pointless.
I hesitate to say much more, because so much of what I think makes Dark Prophecy so memorable and makes me want to read more... you just won't see coming, and I don't like spoiling those kinds of surprises! I could easily classify this into realistic fiction or magical realism. In Dark Prophecy, Gimpel approaches magic and the end of life as we know it in a very believable fashion.
If you're looking for the romance element, it is by no stretch of the imagination lacking. The relationship between Lara and Trevor is enviable, but the story does not depend on it, and I think that just adds to the realism of it.
Dark Prophecy does a wonderful job blending fantastical elements with real world relationships and experiences. With the kind of deals I can get on these books for my Kindle, you can count on seeing reviews for the following books very, very soon!
Saturday, January 3, 2015
Seven Years - Dannika Dark [Seven]
Seven Years - Dannika Dark [Seven]
Source: Kindle
Originally Reviewed on Goodreads: January 3, 2015
Rating: ★★★★★
There is a lot I could say about this book. A ton. Really, don't doubt me. I could probably ramble all day about it. That'd involve a lot of spoilers, though, and that's not what I'm about. Not here.
What I will say is I was beyond impressed. Shifters seem to be one of those plot elements that just about every paranormal or urban fantasy author is using these days, and they can get tiring, quickly, if they're not done well. Dannika Dark has done something wonderful with the Shifter device. There's something refreshing and interesting about it that makes me want to keep reading, pick up the next book, and read some more. And more, and more, and more.
The imagery in a lot of the scenes, both intimate and not, was amazing. I don't often highlight things in fiction books, but this book is now chalk-full of them because I don't want to forget my favorite scenes, and it's not just enough to bookmark. I want to remember specific moments that took my breath away, made my heart melt, my stomach muscles clench or made me just go "awwe!"
There was one moment towards the end that had me completely melting, and absolutely jonesing for Denver's story:
Austin had warned me Denver's wolf had a vicious and unpredictable nature, one that couldn't be trusted.
Except with a six-year-old little girl who adored him.
Seriously. Read the book if only for that scene alone. For the interactions between Denver and Lexi's little sister. Fan-fucking-tastic.
The Characters
Lexi, I love. She's sharp, witty, strong - but not so strong as to be beyond reasonable. She may start off as being uber irritated with Austin, but she's not above admitting when it was good for him to show up. The mental dialogue and, well, actually most things involving her and her wolf are a total crack-up.
Austin... okay, it takes him a while. A long while. I just couldn't warm up to him, because things having to do with Lexi aside, I didn't see much of a man out of him. Not to say that's a bad thing, but he's supposed to be an Alpha. Alpha's can't be Alpha's only when there's a woman around, human or other. In general, he doesn't have much that interests me, but as a partner to Lexi, he's perfect. Just wish that wasn't all he was perfect about.
Some Notes:
Okay, I have one serious, serious gripe about this book: What's up with all of the random guys groping Lexi? I mean, it'd be one thing if it was chalked up to human guys getting caught up in the whole Heat thing, or if these random guys happened to be Shifters as well, but... throughout the book they're just random guys that happen upon Lexi and try to grope or otherwise sexually assault Lexi.
I couldn't put this one down. Seriously, it was gripping and I kept wanting to know what would happen. It had everything I wanted in a book. Despite Austin's shortcomings, his character with Lexi more than made up for it. The interactions and roles of the other characters made me crave their stories, find out what made them the people and wolves they became in Austin's pack. Anybody who enjoys books with a thick plot, supernatural elements, and lots of fun will absolutely love this.
Saturday, December 27, 2014
The Discovery - K. C. Neal [Pyxis]
The Discovery - K. C. Neal [Pyxis]
Source: Kindle
Originally Reviewed: December 27, 2014
Rating: ★★★☆☆
So… what to say about Pyxis. It’s a YA novel, that’s to be sure. Throughout the book we see how our heroine, Corinne, has to manage both her increasing knowledge about the Pyxis, and her day-to-day life as a high school student and part time employee at her dad’s bakery.
In fact, that’s where the whole thing begins. Her grandmother had this box which held a number of bottles, which Corinne had thought were food dyes. She uses two of these bottles in goods she makes for a school bake sale. Suddenly, she goes from barely noticeable to one of the most popular girls in school – though temporarily, and only to those who ate a certain color treat.
Throw that in with the weird dreams that she and her almost-would-have-been-not-quite-sure-what-he-is-possibly-boyfriend Mason end up sharing, and we get swept up in conspiracy, magic, and miracles.
Points to consider:
The Good: I feel as if the characters introduced in this book were realistic, and handled the things thrown at them aptly for their age – which is a huge pitfall I see a lot of YA authors fall into, especially in their first works.
The Bad: I know Corinne has a best friend, somebody important in her life aside from Mason. Who that person is… she gets plenty of screen time in the beginning before Mason comes on scene, but once Mason is present, it’s like she gets completely shuffled off to the side. Considering the role she’s supposed to play… tsk tsk Ms. Neal.
The Good: It’s original. I can honestly say I can’t think of another book I have read that tackles the whole “cosmic force of evil” quite the same way Neal does. Of course, the theme is quite common (to be honest you’d have to be hard-pressed to find a book today with an original theme), but the approach is novel and interesting. I’m quite interested in finding out more about the Pyxis (the box and the human role).
The Bad: I finished this book about a week ago, and while I can tell you what the Pyxis is and what it contains, and some of the main details in the book, some of the more vague, but still supporting and important bits of information elude me. This is not good. I do not like having to re-read previous books in order to remember what’s going on and be able to understand the next one.
The Good: There are nasty elements, conflicts and hurdles that Corinne and her friends have to deal with – both as high schoolers and as the center of this whole cosmic woogy. I love being able to read something where the characters personal lives do not get completely ignored for the sake of the main story line. In fact… oh, I won’t even go there. I’ll just say familial relations take a very interesting turn towards the end ;)
The Bad: The two lives are almost too separate, one having very little if anything at all to do with the other. On one side you have high school drama, relationships with the immediate family, homework, job – everything a normal 16 year old girl would be dealing with. On the other side you have the Pyxis, strange smoke/fog, possible Armageddon… you get the picture. Yet, with the whole world at stake, you’d think the whole world would be touched a little more by what’s going on.
This book definitely deserves a solid 3-star rating. It had its ups and downs, but it gave me no reason to want to put it down and not pick it back up again when I had some more down time. I wanted to finish it, wanted to know more about this strange and unique experience Neal has created for us.
Source: Kindle
Originally Reviewed: December 27, 2014
Rating: ★★★☆☆
So… what to say about Pyxis. It’s a YA novel, that’s to be sure. Throughout the book we see how our heroine, Corinne, has to manage both her increasing knowledge about the Pyxis, and her day-to-day life as a high school student and part time employee at her dad’s bakery.
In fact, that’s where the whole thing begins. Her grandmother had this box which held a number of bottles, which Corinne had thought were food dyes. She uses two of these bottles in goods she makes for a school bake sale. Suddenly, she goes from barely noticeable to one of the most popular girls in school – though temporarily, and only to those who ate a certain color treat.
Throw that in with the weird dreams that she and her almost-would-have-been-not-quite-sure-what-he-is-possibly-boyfriend Mason end up sharing, and we get swept up in conspiracy, magic, and miracles.
Points to consider:
The Good: I feel as if the characters introduced in this book were realistic, and handled the things thrown at them aptly for their age – which is a huge pitfall I see a lot of YA authors fall into, especially in their first works.
The Bad: I know Corinne has a best friend, somebody important in her life aside from Mason. Who that person is… she gets plenty of screen time in the beginning before Mason comes on scene, but once Mason is present, it’s like she gets completely shuffled off to the side. Considering the role she’s supposed to play… tsk tsk Ms. Neal.
The Good: It’s original. I can honestly say I can’t think of another book I have read that tackles the whole “cosmic force of evil” quite the same way Neal does. Of course, the theme is quite common (to be honest you’d have to be hard-pressed to find a book today with an original theme), but the approach is novel and interesting. I’m quite interested in finding out more about the Pyxis (the box and the human role).
The Bad: I finished this book about a week ago, and while I can tell you what the Pyxis is and what it contains, and some of the main details in the book, some of the more vague, but still supporting and important bits of information elude me. This is not good. I do not like having to re-read previous books in order to remember what’s going on and be able to understand the next one.
The Good: There are nasty elements, conflicts and hurdles that Corinne and her friends have to deal with – both as high schoolers and as the center of this whole cosmic woogy. I love being able to read something where the characters personal lives do not get completely ignored for the sake of the main story line. In fact… oh, I won’t even go there. I’ll just say familial relations take a very interesting turn towards the end ;)
The Bad: The two lives are almost too separate, one having very little if anything at all to do with the other. On one side you have high school drama, relationships with the immediate family, homework, job – everything a normal 16 year old girl would be dealing with. On the other side you have the Pyxis, strange smoke/fog, possible Armageddon… you get the picture. Yet, with the whole world at stake, you’d think the whole world would be touched a little more by what’s going on.
This book definitely deserves a solid 3-star rating. It had its ups and downs, but it gave me no reason to want to put it down and not pick it back up again when I had some more down time. I wanted to finish it, wanted to know more about this strange and unique experience Neal has created for us.
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
The Coveted - Laura Thalassa [The Unearthly]
The Coveted - Laura Thalassa [The Unearthly]
Source: Goodreads Giveaway
Originally Reviewed on Goodreads: January 28, 2014
Rating: ★★★★☆
As required:
I received this book through one of the Goodreads giveaways.
Now, for the good stuff.
I haven't read the first one. Haven't even LOOKED at the first one. But after reading this, I want to. It's next on my "to buy" list.
When the "vampire" aspect was brought in, I admit I rolled my eyes - I'm not a big vampire book fan. However, Laura Thalassa definitely put a spin on the whole world that made it an enjoyable read. Seers and Witches and Fairies and... shifters? Point being, it included different types of "supernaturals" or "mythologicals" than just the requisite vampires and shifters and other "baddies" you often find. I mean hey, if you're going to go creative on one aspect of the supernatural, why not just assume they all exist as well and have as much fun as possible?
Now, while it's apparent that the heroine could be considered a young adult, this doesn't necessarily read like a YA novel, which was a VERY pleasant surprise. I find her closest friends to be a good balance for her and actually bring something to the story.
There's not a lot I can criticize about this book. I wasn't hopeful at first, but as I read I found myself engaged and unwilling to put the book down. I was worried about the relationship between Gab and Andre, but was pleasantly surprised with their interaction. For the situations they were in, the situation I picked up on them leaving just a few months ago, and for Gab's headspace, it had just the right amount of tension without going overboard and shattering that element.
I am interested in following this story futher. I want to know why the Devil is after her - and I definitely want to know about this whole "vampire/siren" thing. And what's up with the fates involvement? There are questions left unanswered that intrigue me, and I definitely want to find out more.
Source: Goodreads Giveaway
Originally Reviewed on Goodreads: January 28, 2014
Rating: ★★★★☆
As required:
I received this book through one of the Goodreads giveaways.
Now, for the good stuff.
I haven't read the first one. Haven't even LOOKED at the first one. But after reading this, I want to. It's next on my "to buy" list.
When the "vampire" aspect was brought in, I admit I rolled my eyes - I'm not a big vampire book fan. However, Laura Thalassa definitely put a spin on the whole world that made it an enjoyable read. Seers and Witches and Fairies and... shifters? Point being, it included different types of "supernaturals" or "mythologicals" than just the requisite vampires and shifters and other "baddies" you often find. I mean hey, if you're going to go creative on one aspect of the supernatural, why not just assume they all exist as well and have as much fun as possible?
Now, while it's apparent that the heroine could be considered a young adult, this doesn't necessarily read like a YA novel, which was a VERY pleasant surprise. I find her closest friends to be a good balance for her and actually bring something to the story.
There's not a lot I can criticize about this book. I wasn't hopeful at first, but as I read I found myself engaged and unwilling to put the book down. I was worried about the relationship between Gab and Andre, but was pleasantly surprised with their interaction. For the situations they were in, the situation I picked up on them leaving just a few months ago, and for Gab's headspace, it had just the right amount of tension without going overboard and shattering that element.
I am interested in following this story futher. I want to know why the Devil is after her - and I definitely want to know about this whole "vampire/siren" thing. And what's up with the fates involvement? There are questions left unanswered that intrigue me, and I definitely want to find out more.
Monday, January 13, 2014
He's a Magic Man - Susan Squires [Children of Merlin]
He's a Magic Man - Susan Squires [Children of Merlin]
Source: Goodreads Giveaway
Originally Reviewed: January 13, 2014
Rating: ★★★☆☆
I got this as a Goodreads Firstreads win, so I'm going to summarize a few points here while the book is still fresh in my mind since I don't have time for a fully involved review:
1. Felt like it took too long to read.
Why? I'm a fast reader. I can get through the early books of the Wheel of Time in 3-5 days. This one, at (less than) half that, took me to the far end of that scale. The first half of the book kept my interest nice and fast, but the more I read, the less I started caring about what happened to the people, or in general.
2. Been there, done that.
The descendants of Merlin, and people who get their power from Morgan La Fey. Athurian-era artifacts. Anybody remember Stargate SG-1/Atlantis?
3. The raging alcoholic.
Okay, score for throwing this in as a twist, and giving Drew the balls to do what she did. However... we're talking, what, a week? Alcoholism doesn't just go away in a week, no matter how thoroughly detoxed. Sure, throw the magic in and everything's hunky-dory, but there is such a thing as relying TOO MUCH on the magic.
4. Drew's got a pair.
This is one ballsy woman. After what we see her face early on in the book, she seems to have this bottomless pit of determination, while still maintaining a healthy dose of "what if"? (Not like she lets that stop her. Like I said, she's got a pair.) I was cheering her on through the entire detox. That gave a REAL nice balance to the whiny high schooler she became any time her gift/power was involved (No, I'm not putting that bit down - considering her familial status and everything else, it almost makes more sense than just about anything else in the book).
All in all, it felt like the first half of the book is where Squires really took her time and thought out what she was writing. Maybe even first 2/3 - then its almost as if a reminder popped up on the calender and it became, "Oh, crap! Deadline!"
I do plan on reading other books in this series, so I can get a better feel for Squires as an author.
Source: Goodreads Giveaway
Originally Reviewed: January 13, 2014
Rating: ★★★☆☆
I got this as a Goodreads Firstreads win, so I'm going to summarize a few points here while the book is still fresh in my mind since I don't have time for a fully involved review:
1. Felt like it took too long to read.
Why? I'm a fast reader. I can get through the early books of the Wheel of Time in 3-5 days. This one, at (less than) half that, took me to the far end of that scale. The first half of the book kept my interest nice and fast, but the more I read, the less I started caring about what happened to the people, or in general.
2. Been there, done that.
The descendants of Merlin, and people who get their power from Morgan La Fey. Athurian-era artifacts. Anybody remember Stargate SG-1/Atlantis?
3. The raging alcoholic.
Okay, score for throwing this in as a twist, and giving Drew the balls to do what she did. However... we're talking, what, a week? Alcoholism doesn't just go away in a week, no matter how thoroughly detoxed. Sure, throw the magic in and everything's hunky-dory, but there is such a thing as relying TOO MUCH on the magic.
4. Drew's got a pair.
This is one ballsy woman. After what we see her face early on in the book, she seems to have this bottomless pit of determination, while still maintaining a healthy dose of "what if"? (Not like she lets that stop her. Like I said, she's got a pair.) I was cheering her on through the entire detox. That gave a REAL nice balance to the whiny high schooler she became any time her gift/power was involved (No, I'm not putting that bit down - considering her familial status and everything else, it almost makes more sense than just about anything else in the book).
All in all, it felt like the first half of the book is where Squires really took her time and thought out what she was writing. Maybe even first 2/3 - then its almost as if a reminder popped up on the calender and it became, "Oh, crap! Deadline!"
I do plan on reading other books in this series, so I can get a better feel for Squires as an author.
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Witchy Witchy - Penelope King [Spellbound]
Witchy Witchy - Penelope King [Spellbound]
Source: Kindle
Originally Reviewed: November 17, 2013
Rating: ★★★☆☆
I've heard a lot of fuss about these books, and I have to wonder why. Then again, I also have to wonder if I read too much or watch too many fantasy-type series on TV, because most of what I read these days reminds me of some other book or show or author. This one... just more of the same.
I had a number of moments where I flashed back to The Craft and The Secret Circle. Only difference is here (so far at least) there's only 3 witches, but they're still all teenage girls.
One thing I do like about Witchy, Witchy (though at the same time makes it too YA for my tastes) is these girls deal with normal, every day, teenage girl problems. Not all of their problems are magical, and they don't try to use their magic to solve those problems, either. What a relief!
I thing Penelope King has taken a much more realistic approach to the world of witchcraft in fiction than I've seen to date. Real people mean real problems, whereas magic has its own set of problems, and, occasionally, the two will overlap and, well, that's when crap hits the fan.
I may continue to read on just because there are obviously a number of years ahead of these girls and I hope to see the books grow with them.
Source: Kindle
Originally Reviewed: November 17, 2013
Rating: ★★★☆☆
I've heard a lot of fuss about these books, and I have to wonder why. Then again, I also have to wonder if I read too much or watch too many fantasy-type series on TV, because most of what I read these days reminds me of some other book or show or author. This one... just more of the same.
I had a number of moments where I flashed back to The Craft and The Secret Circle. Only difference is here (so far at least) there's only 3 witches, but they're still all teenage girls.
One thing I do like about Witchy, Witchy (though at the same time makes it too YA for my tastes) is these girls deal with normal, every day, teenage girl problems. Not all of their problems are magical, and they don't try to use their magic to solve those problems, either. What a relief!
I thing Penelope King has taken a much more realistic approach to the world of witchcraft in fiction than I've seen to date. Real people mean real problems, whereas magic has its own set of problems, and, occasionally, the two will overlap and, well, that's when crap hits the fan.
I may continue to read on just because there are obviously a number of years ahead of these girls and I hope to see the books grow with them.
Saturday, November 9, 2013
Hounded - Kevin Hearne [Iron Druid]
Hounded - Kevin Hearne [Iron Druid]
Source: Kindle
Originally Reviewed: November 9, 2013
Rating: ★★★☆☆
I'm used to reading things of the caliber of Robert Jordan, Terry Goodkind and Jacqueline Carey for my fantasy fix. While after reading Hounded I would never put Kevin Hearne in this category, I have to give credit where credit is due. He took a pantheon/mythological race that's been done before and put a interesting, if not wholly pleasing spin on it.
I had to tell myself within the first 20 pages something I often tell myself when confronted with arguments about how the ancient gods and goddesses are portrayed in pop culture - they are what they are, and we are not, thus simply by being human we have to put them in a "box" of sorts. This is where the interesting spin came from, as Hearne managed a fictional take that I would consider almost believable. There simply is no such thing as a perfect god or goddess.
I do have an issue with how he portrays the witches. Hearne demonstrated enough chef knowledge of witchcraft, of both the Wiccan and less "traditional" variety that it made me wonder if it was simple creative license or a personal... delusion that caused him to paint them as little more than monsters in human skins.
As to the overall story itself, taking the book as a whole, I simply can't say it was remarkably good or bad. It had its moments of both. I can say that I will pick up the next book in this series and continue reading, but I will give it only one more book to win me over.
Source: Kindle
Originally Reviewed: November 9, 2013
Rating: ★★★☆☆
I'm used to reading things of the caliber of Robert Jordan, Terry Goodkind and Jacqueline Carey for my fantasy fix. While after reading Hounded I would never put Kevin Hearne in this category, I have to give credit where credit is due. He took a pantheon/mythological race that's been done before and put a interesting, if not wholly pleasing spin on it.
I had to tell myself within the first 20 pages something I often tell myself when confronted with arguments about how the ancient gods and goddesses are portrayed in pop culture - they are what they are, and we are not, thus simply by being human we have to put them in a "box" of sorts. This is where the interesting spin came from, as Hearne managed a fictional take that I would consider almost believable. There simply is no such thing as a perfect god or goddess.
I do have an issue with how he portrays the witches. Hearne demonstrated enough chef knowledge of witchcraft, of both the Wiccan and less "traditional" variety that it made me wonder if it was simple creative license or a personal... delusion that caused him to paint them as little more than monsters in human skins.
As to the overall story itself, taking the book as a whole, I simply can't say it was remarkably good or bad. It had its moments of both. I can say that I will pick up the next book in this series and continue reading, but I will give it only one more book to win me over.
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