tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88675709369545160212024-03-12T20:51:24.319-04:00WildDog's Book ReviewsWildStrawberry, Captain Spaulding and DogMom review books we're reading.
Old, new, favorites and never-seen-before, we're reviewing 'em all.Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292161628164366386noreply@blogger.comBlogger63125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867570936954516021.post-59597461004940369032013-10-23T16:26:00.002-04:002013-10-23T16:26:51.578-04:00Fire and Ash by Allie GailSophomore books often don't live up to the promises of their predecessors. This isn't the case with Fire and Ash. Ms. Gail brought us to a dark but fascinating place with the relationship of Ash and Sami. I enjoyed Sami and I loved the inclusion of Jules and Eva from book one. (I adored the Rio scenes!) The story was as satisfying as the first with one exception...Ash.
He's a despotic ruler. His light side is darker than most people's good sides. Look up sociopath and you'll be directed to psychopath where you'll find his picture...with a warning label. He tormented Sami to the brink of madness and, from the ending, perhaps beyond. I was hoping that he would redeem himself but it never happened. Which I can see as a good thing because every good series needs a villain and Ash will be good at this. Jules needs to keep that knife around...
I gave this book three stars not because there was anything wrong with the plot or writing. No, I had to take a star away because I absolutely, completely, loathed Ash. I've only loathed one book character more...the chick from She's Come Undone. Ash turns my stomach. Reminds me too much of the alpha male "heroes" from 70s bodice rippers..."let me rape you until you love me". But Ash is the perfect villain, you root for his death like you root for the home team on Homecoming. Perhaps I should go back and change it to four stars, but I won't. Ash deserves to be punished. 3 out of 5 berries only because Ash is a dick.Kaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05819314946412295887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867570936954516021.post-44805221246922219282013-10-23T16:25:00.002-04:002013-10-23T16:25:17.363-04:00Winter's Touch by Allie GailI liked this book more than I thought I would when I first started it. Found it refreshingly different with a plot that was simply enjoyable to sink into. Julian might not be my favorite vampire heroes, but he quickly climbed to good standing. The legend that author used as a plot point is intriguing, I'm looking forward to delving into research on it. I also enjoyed the slow build from anger to love that the characters exhibited. Too often, in romance novels at least, lust and attraction are utilized to invoke true love. The meandering trail Julian and Eva take on their way to love everlasting is satisfying in its realism. They aren't instantly "in love"; indeed there's a fair amount of hatred on either side before attraction pokes its head out and the couple slowly realize it's there.
While the writing is not superstar quality, the book is a truly satisfying read. Don't hesitate to pick this one up. 4 out of 5 berriesKaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05819314946412295887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867570936954516021.post-15137118062185401182012-08-29T06:29:00.001-04:002012-08-29T06:29:41.183-04:00God Save the Queen by Kate LockeXandra is a top Royal Guard in a world where Queen Victoria is celebrating her 175th year on the throne, Winston Churchill is an elite forces trainer and The Plague means people are born Aristocrats, werewolves, vampires, or goblins, Halvies (half blooded like Xandra) or Huies. (Humans) <br /><br />The book started a bit slowly, world building I'm sure. Xandra's half sister, Dede, reportedly committed suicide in Bedlam Hospital but Xandra doesn't believe the reports. During the investigation that follows, Xandra learns that things are never as they seem. <br /><br />I really enjoyed the book and I'm frustrated that the second isn't out yet. Xandra is engaging enough to make you sympathetic but not so sappy as to make you want to throttle her. <br /><br />4 1/2 berries for this romp in an alternate London. <br />Kaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05819314946412295887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867570936954516021.post-5111372665101496542012-05-29T10:20:00.001-04:002012-05-29T10:20:55.455-04:00Fifty Shades of Grey (Fifty Shades Trilogy book 1) E L JamesAnastasia Steele is getting ready to graduate from college when, on an interview for her best friend/roommate who is too sick to conduct the interview, she meets the enigmatic, beautiful, commanding and brilliant Christian Grey, CEO of Grey Enterprises and benefactor of her college. From the first, Christian is intrigued by the innocent Miss Steele and pursues her with a single mindedness that stuns not only Ana, but also Christian's staff, family and associates. He offers Ana a contract to become his submissive...a twist that Ana both can not accept and can't help but accept.
The books have been called "Mommy Porn" and, yes, they are VERY graphic and erotic. I think that the reason they are getting so much press is because the sex focuses on BDSM, non traditional and taboo. The Fifty Shades of Grey books are, in my opinion, no more or less sensual, graphic or erotic than contemporary romances of today. Heck, the romances of the late 70s and early 80s, with their Alpha male "I will rape you into submission and you're going to fall in love with me in spite of me treating you like crap" focus should, in my view, be more taboo than consensual adults behaving in a manner that is less than traditional.
That being said, these books are GRAPHIC in the details of sex. At one point, Christian tells Ana "I don't make love, I fuck...hard." Ana's initiation into sex is not the hearts and flowers "I love you" deflowering scenes of most romance novels. It's quick, hard and quite simply, brutal in a sense.
Don't get me wrong, there is quite a bit of romance in these books. There's also a fascinating look into the psyche of Christian, is he a sadist? Is he just a Dominant? What has brought him to the place where he believes he has no heart?
And what of Ana? What ticks inside of her that brings her to be so intrigued by the world Christian so desperately, and he is desperate, wants to introduce her to? Can Ana bring herself to give Christian what he needs, total submission even when he wants to discipline her? Or will the pain and fear be enough to send Ana running?
I loved this book. I read it in 5 hours because I could not put it down. I had a love/hate relationship with Christian and I could empathize and sympathize with Ana. I did wish that Ms. James would have removed the "characters" of Ana's Subconscious and her "Inner Goddess". They just smacked a bit too much like Lizzy McGuire or Herman's Head and often would pull me from the story. Other than that, I recommend this book even if you're squicked out by the thought of BDSM. There's WAY more to the book than the sex and I took quite a bit from it.
5 out of 5 berries for this one. I can't wait to review Fifty Shades Darker.Kaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05819314946412295887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867570936954516021.post-12949924417371825992011-11-03T09:33:00.002-04:002011-11-03T09:40:47.958-04:00Goblin Trilogy, by Jim C. HinesThe Goblin Trilogy, <i>Goblin Quest, Goblin Hero,</i> and <i>Goblin War</i> tell the story of Jig the Goblin and his pet fire spider Smudge. It's a humorous look at the Goblins of Middle-Earth and the world from their perspective. <br />Hines is an excellent storyteller, and you'll find many sly references to other Goblin / Middle Earth / Ogre / etc. stories, including <i>Shrek</i> and (of course) <i>Lord of the Rings</I>.<br />Jig is a reluctant adventurer, hero, and warrior who appears to more or less get dragged along by events -- and later, by expectations -- who really doesn't want to do anything except be comfortable and at home. Along the way he decides to select a mostly-forgotten god to worship (for the benefits) and somehow manages to blunder to victory.<br /><br />This trilogy was an excellent read, well-told and the storyline keeps moving along. 5 of 5 bones.Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292161628164366386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867570936954516021.post-26766346921380998782011-11-01T09:35:00.003-04:002011-11-01T09:43:28.966-04:00River Marked, by Patricia BriggsThe latest installment in the Mercedes Thompson series, this is another excellent book by Ms. Briggs. Mercedes and Adam finally get married (and how that happens is an entertaining romp, which I absolutely won't spoil.)<br /><br />For their honeymoon, they take a huge RV (borrowed from...Uncle Mike...eeps) and go someplace recommended by another one of the fae. Huh. Of course their honeymoon doesn't go <i>quite</i> as planned, and they wind up taking care of another "Mythical" monster.<br /><br />Along the way we get to see a <i>lot</i> more of Mercedes' heritage and background, which is also very interesting - and explains some things. <br /> <br />The thing I most liked about it -- and about this series in general -- is that Ms. Briggs continues to write interesting stories about Mercedes doing a <i>lot</i> of Monster Fighting without making her "Level Up" every book. It's not a treatise in "gee, what scary new power will she get <i>this time</i>", it's not showing us how she defeats New Scary Monster by developing New Scary Power -- she defeats them by <i>being herself</I>, using her brains and courage and doing her very best. Ms. Briggs is having Mercedes "Level Out" by developing a network of friends and acquaintances (yes, some of whom do have Scary Powers) that help her, but not even they are always available, and not always certain that their Scary Powers will work. <br /><br />Excellent job. 5 of 5 bones.Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292161628164366386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867570936954516021.post-69247655563774175552011-10-06T16:15:00.003-04:002011-10-06T16:34:05.135-04:00Where There's a Witch, by Madelyn AltSummary: This book is #5 in Ms. Alt's "Bewitching Mystery" series. The series protagonist is "Maggie" who is a Sensitive (apparently she can sense supernatural beings, as well as being Empathic). The series is set in a small town in Indiana, called Stony Mill. This book takes place in the summer, and Stony Mill's local Baptist Church is having a carnival to celebrate their expansion. The Groundbreaking ceremony is brought to a halt when a hidden room is discovered. A ghost that was in the room also escapes. The next day or so, the body of a young woman is found in the location of the groundbreaking. One of the construction workers, her (former?) boyfriend, is immediately suspected. The rest of the book revolves around Maggie and her fellow Sensitives trying to Solve the Mystery of The Murdered Woman as well as the Mystery of the Hidden Room.<br /><br />Review: I picked this up mainly for the mystery, but also because it looked whimsical. It failed, unfortunately, on both counts. The Mystery takes a far, <i>far</i> distant second to the Main Issue - which is essentially Witchery. How the local Witches / Sensitives / Psychics / Whatever get along with the rest of the locals. Obviously the locals in Small-Town Indiana aren't real happy about Witches, etc. in their town. The mystery itself is given bare lip service and definitely takes a back seat to the Spooky Stuff. Oh, and Maggie's personal life. <br />Given the way the mystery was treated, (and since i knew from reading the back that someone <i>would</i> be murdered somewhere in the book) I had a pretty good idea who was the murderer <i>even before there was a murder.</i> Within a chapter of the murder I'd figured out who was the murderer, what was up with the Mystery Room, who the Ghost was, and why the Ghost Existed - along with What The Ghost Was Trying To Tell Them. I finished the book hoping there would be a twist at the end, but alas, no twist. I'd really figured it out halfway through the book. Had this been Ms. Alt's first or second attempt, it would've been forgiveable and I would've tried again, but since it's #5 in the series, I'm going to give it a miss. Don't get me wrong - I finished the book because it's got good characterization, and I was interested in the characters, but for me, that's not enough to carry a really weak, half-baked mystery.<br /><br />If you like characterization and storyline and don't care whether the mystery is weak or not, then this is the book and series for you. For me, I give it 2.5 out of 5 bones.Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292161628164366386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867570936954516021.post-72917688368008019642010-12-09T16:00:00.002-05:002010-12-09T16:26:06.668-05:00Knot Gneiss, by Piers AnthonyI saw the latest Xanth offering at the Library and I didn't have very many other books to take home so I figured, "meh, why not". At least I wasn't paying for it, right?<br /><br />The book is done in the standard formula: Querent goes to Magician Humfrey, Querent gets assigned a Task that is <i>far too hard and complicated for their simple stupid Answer</i>, they take it anyway because <i>of course</i> they're the Only One That Can Accomplish This Vitally Necessary Task, they collect a bunch of people along the way and finish their task with no time to spare. <br />In this case, it's a knot of Petrified Reverse Wood that must be moved / removed from the Gap Chasm and delivered to Humfrey.<br /><br />This book dumps our subjects into Ida's Alternate Worlds a few times, but <i>thankfully</i> does <b>not</b>, for the first time in a LONG time, end with "good thing you did the Task because this was all another Demon Contest and if you'd failed the Land of Xanth would have no magic / belong to another Demon / fall apart / etc."<br /><br />The ending was odd, to say the very least, and made me go, "wait...what just happened?" <br /><br />I did think that the books have been getting more "stereotypical" in their handling of the gender relationships. This one was bordering on offensive - <i>all</i> men, bar none, are mindless one-dimensional boors, obsessed with one thing and one thing only - sex. This is of course unless they are friends of the protagonist and are required to be multi-dimensional. But husbands? Are always, always, <i>always</i> interested in one thing from their wives. While the <i>concept</i> of "a man still finding his wife to be HAWT" is very nice, the idea that that is <i>all</i> they think their wife is good for is obnoxious. The only thing that changes a man from Obnoxious One Dimensional Boor Husband into Loving Wonderful Multi-Dimensional Husband With Many And Varied Interests (really, what turns him into a human being) is HAVING CHILDREN. Because of course everyone knows this is the only thing that gives life meaning or higher purpose. <br /><br />Women, on the other hand, are portrayed as HAWT, flirtatious, and only interested in giving their husbands What They Want so the women can get on with their interesting, multi-dimensional lives. Interaction of an intellectual, friend-to-friend sort must of necessity take place outside the marriage because the husband is a sex-crazed idiot. To this end, they are manipulative and scheming, and all too willing to leave their husbands behind - except of course for the obligatory Nightly Conjugal Visit (10 minutes or less "should be enough", right?) And, of course, any woman that makes it past age 20 or so without Having A Man is completely Washed Up And Useless. All women, naturally therefore, want only to Get A Man, and then Have Children - because only by Having A Man and then Having Children will her life have any meaning.<br /><br />While these attitudes have been expressed in the Xanth series before, generally they were merely alluded to, or expressed in a more sarcastic or "jokey" manner. However, in this book, they were obviously more "intended", so to speak, and that's what I found offensive. They're getting more and more obvious, and more and more blatant. <br /><br />In sum: Latest Xanth book is "meh" for the plot (what there is of it), offensive for the misandry and misogyny, the ending is arbitrary but thankfully does not have any Demon Contest inclusions, so I give it a "whatever" out of 5. 1.5 bones I suppose.Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292161628164366386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867570936954516021.post-897981844765030362010-11-17T13:31:00.003-05:002010-11-17T13:46:02.582-05:00The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne CollinsThe Hunger Games trilogy consists of:<br /><br />Book 1 - The Hunger Games<br />Book 2 - Catching Fire<br />Book 3 - Mockingjay<br /><br />These books are riveting. Brutal at times but absolutely amazing.<br /><br />In a future where the United States has fallen and a new country, called Panem, has risen, Katness Everdeen steps into the place of her little sister to participate in The Hunger Games, a reality show where the contestants, 1 male and 1 female from each of the 12 districts of Panem, go to compete - to the death.<br /><br />Chosen to go with her (via lottery) is Peeta, a boy from District 12's town. His family are bakers by trade and Peeta really has no skills to survive in The Arena (where the Hunger Games takes place). Katness, however, has been "training" most of her life by illegally hunting and gathering in the forest to support herself, her mother and younger sister, Prim. (and Prim's cat, Buttercup)<br /><br />The story, over the three books, tells of the discontent of the districts against the Capital's rule. No Capital children are ever selected for the Hunger Games, which grew up as a way to remind the Districts of the folly in revolt against the Capital.<br /><br />Very powerful, often tear inducing, these books will continue to give me food for thought for a very long time.<br /><br />5 out of 5 berries for all three books.Kaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05819314946412295887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867570936954516021.post-519513446309131672010-11-03T10:15:00.003-04:002010-11-03T10:56:23.293-04:00In the Company of Vampires by Katie MacAlisterI have been waiting for this book for YEARS. Yes, literally, years.<br /><br />In the Company of Vampires is the third book in Ms. MacAlister's Ben and Fran Dark Ones (slash)Goth Faire books which started with Got Fangs? and Circus of the Darned. Can't find them because they're out of print? Never fear, Katie Mac is here! She recently received the rights to the books back and her new publisher, Signet, has reprinted them in a handy omnibus edition under the title Confessions of a Vampire's Girlfriend. My well worn original copies can now be retired to my "well loved and most favorite" book shelf. Hooray.<br /><br />Okay, the review...<br /><br />Ms. MacAlister has delivered another winner with this book. She made me laugh, she made me cry. I gasped, I sighed and when it was all over, I turned it over and restarted it. I'm currently half way through my second reading and it's still wonderful. I can tell that this will become, like the first two, a comfort read for me. Something I can pick up and delve into just to be with beloved friends.<br /><br />The book opens with Fran, now 22, living with a roommate in Oregon where she is working for a web development company. She and Ben have broken up and she is miserable but adamant that she wants to make her own decisions about who she should be with, not be a "pawn of fate".<br /><br />There is much hilarity in this book and, because Fran is officially an adult, much more naughtiness as well. Which is good and actually really clean. (One reason I like Ms. MacAlister's books so much is that there is rarely any cursing or taking the Lord's name in vain. It's refreshing!) Fran ends up going back to Europe to the Goth Faire to retrieve the Vikingaharta from Imogene. Eirik, Finnvid and Isleif are also in on the retrieval having been sent by Freya to help Fran send Loki to the Akashic Plane.<br /><br />The reunion scene with Ben made me weep. My heart broke, was healed and broke again. The misery that both Fran and Ben endured over the 5 years Fran had been gone from Europe, the utter despondency that engulfed them during the year of their complete breakup, made me ache with loneliness. Then the joy began but was shattered only to give birth to hope.<br /><br />And that hope was not in vain.<br /><br />Needless to say, I loved this book. I ached for this book for so long, I was afraid I had built it up too much in my mind but I was wrong. This book is, if not quite a perfect conclusion, a very satisfying semi-conclusion to Ben and Fran's love story. There are many threads hanging at the end but, as Ms. MacAlister has promised that this is the begining of a new series, I'm very hopeful that there just MIGHT be another B&F centric book among them.<br /><br />We do learn what Loki took from Fran ("I will take that which you value most") in Circus of the Darned and it actually was close to my hypothesis that Fran lost her feeling of acceptance, her feeling of belonging, that I was well satisfied with Loki's denouement. <br /><br />5 of 5 berries for this one. Read it! You'll fall in love with Ben and Fran as well!Kaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05819314946412295887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867570936954516021.post-74506049257906481472010-10-15T12:52:00.003-04:002010-10-15T14:29:01.950-04:00Elemental Masters books, TimelineThe Elemental Masters books by Mercedes Lackey are an interesting series of books. They are written with the assumption that magic works in our world, and that the wielders of said magic are hiding it from "normal" people. Well, that makes sense. <br />These Magic-wielders are able to manipulate magic in one of the four "elements": Fire, Air, Water, Earth. Each has their own abilities and Elementals to command, and each can be used for good (Light Path) or evil (Dark Path, usually blood magic). All of these books are actually retellings of Fairy Tales, and take place around the turn of the 20th Century.<br /><br />I was reading them and started wondering about the timeline for these books, and how they fit together. Here's what I came up with, in chronological order:<br /><br /><b>Wizard of London</b>, Elemental Masters book 5. <br />Fairy Tale: The Snow Queen.<br />Takes place sometime between 1861 and 1880 (or so). <br />Clues: Queen Victoria is mentioned as "mourning her husband", so obviously it's after Albert's death in 1861. A fraudulent medium is mentioned as well, and that her punishment may be "being sent to Australia". The final shipment of prisoners to Australia took place in 1868, but it's conceivable that this would still be in the minds of people as "something that happens to criminals" much later than that, so I lengthened the timeline. It's conceivable, actually, that it takes place anywhere up to 1901, since that's when Victoria died.<br /><br /><b>The Fire Rose</b>, Elemental Masters book 1.<br />Fairy Tale: Beauty and the Beast.<br />Takes place in 1901 - 1902, as is evidenced by the San Francisco Earthquake near the end of the book.<br /><br /><b>Reserved for the Cat</b>, Elemental Masters book 6.<br />Fairy Tale: Puss in Boots.<br />Takes place between 1907 and 1914. <br />Clues: The Ziegfeld Follies, started in 1907, is mentioned as the up-and-coming form of entertainment. The protagonist is said to be fleeing Russia and "won't be missed unless she's a favorite of the Empress". The Imperial Family was executed in 1917. However, Britain declared war on Germany in 1914, and certainly the main Mages in the story would have been called up by 1915. Also, there is no mention whatsoever of the war, and at least one character has no problem traveling across Europe by train. Therefore, it must be before 1914.<br /><br /><b>The Serpent's Shadow</b>, Elemental Masters book 2.<br />Fairy Tale: Snow White and the Seven Dwarves.<br />The text itself states it starts in 1909. May take place either slightly before or simultaneously with <b>Reserved for the Cat</b>.<br /><br /><b>The Gates of Sleep</b>, Elemental Masters book 3.<br />Fairy Tale: Sleeping Beauty.<br />This one is the most uncertain. The text does mention Dr. Maya (from <span style="font-weight:bold;">The Serpent's Shadow</span>), and one of the characters here, Dr. Andrew Pike, is mentioned in <span style="font-weight:bold;">Phoenix and Ashes</span>. So I put it between the two.<br /><br /><b>Phoenix and Ashes</b>, Elemental Masters book 4.<br />Fairy Tale: Cinderella.<br />Dates in the book place it starting at 1914, and the action takes place between 1914 - 1918.<br /><br />They're an interesting series of books, fascinating retellings of the "classic" fairy tales, and they're an enjoyable read. They are internally consistent, as well - they reference action that has taken place in previous books and it all hangs together nicely.Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292161628164366386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867570936954516021.post-40909108037541457252009-09-10T23:29:00.004-04:002009-09-10T23:32:29.658-04:00The Stepsister Scheme - Jim C. HinesAbsolutely a fantastic book! There are few books that I can't put down and must burn the midnight, early dawn and into daytime oil to finish in one sitting. This was one of them. The Princess' stories are straight out of Grimm and NOT Disney. If you're looking for sweet and light, look elsewhere. If you're looking for good plot, good writing and good character development, look no further, The Stepsister Scheme has it all. Light humor and Dark delights, this book will draw you in and won't spit you back out until you're finished. 5 of 5 berries for this one. You DON'T want to miss it!Kaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05819314946412295887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867570936954516021.post-80886346529514919972009-05-26T19:10:00.003-04:002009-05-27T07:53:27.160-04:00Isle of ViewI have been reading Isle of View-A history of South Manitou Island by Charles M. Anderson. It gives a personal history of the South Manitou Island in Lake Michigan. It tells of life on an island in a different era. There are stories about how life was both from historical, practical day to day and personal point of view. It is from an era when people lived on the island instead of it being a part of the national park system. Some of the personal stories are very funny like when the author's sister's soup exploded at the one room school house they went to. For those of you who love local history, this is a 5 out of 5 Pith helmets.Captain Spauldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17542057287460350177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867570936954516021.post-91132148737720784162009-05-11T00:50:00.005-04:002009-05-11T01:12:20.729-04:00Playing With Fire by Katie MacAlister(Katie MacAlister is also known as Katie Maxwell)<br /><br />Playing With Fire opens up as May Northcott is attempting to steal an artifact from a powerful Mage. She has a particular aptitude for this since she is a Doppelganger, a being created when another being decides to forfeit one of their character traits to a Demon Lord. (in May's case it's her "twin sister's" common sense) Gabriel Tauhou is the Silver Wyvern, the leader of the Silver sept of Dragons. I think I'll leave the rest for y'all to find out. :o)<br /><br />This is the first book in a new series by Ms. MacAlister and it promises to be good fun. There is some sex in the book and it's explicit but it's FAR less so than say LKH. MacAlister doesn't shy from calling a penis a penis either and I was SO very glad that I didn't have to giggle over phrases like "throbbing rod of love" or "his pulsing love spear". <br /><br />The book is billed as a Paranormal Romance but, although there is romance in the book, the story is far more than just that. I'm really enjoying how Ms. MacAlister is fleshing out her Otherworld creation and Playing With Fire got me to be interested in another series of hers, The Aisling Grey, Guardian books. (I'd recommend reading those first if you don't want to be spoiled for the ending of the first book. And possibly others in the series as well.) Aisling and her crowd make more than just an appearance in this book. <br /><br />As I said, this book is more than just a Para-Romance. It has intrigue, comedy and some fantastic Urban Fantasy elements as well. Fans of Ms. MacAlister's "Goth Faire" books (written as Katie Maxwell) would find these to be a grown up version...minus the faire. (sadly minus the faire.)<br /><br />Besides, where else can you find a 3000 year old demon cum Newfie named Jim that is a canine version of Bob the Skull? (see Jim Butcher) (Jim first appears in You Slay Me, the first Aisling Grey, Guardian novel and he has some FANTASTICALLY hillarious lines in that!) <br /><br />Recommend these books for anyone wanting a fun light fast read who doesn't mind reading the word "penis" during a sex scene.<br /><br />4.5 berries for this one folks!Kaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05819314946412295887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867570936954516021.post-58820725745226656362009-05-10T15:51:00.002-04:002009-05-10T15:57:42.362-04:00Dangerous Book for BoysThis book has been out for a while and even though I am a bit old for it, I was curious about the book. It is an interesting book and a fantastic idea book for boys and girls. I put in both since I think ther is stuff in it that would interest boys and girls even though it is aimed at boys. It is a combination of information abd activites for boys. It covers a lot of area and would serve as a way to get boys interested in the world around them. I was impressed with the reading list, the activites and the whole book. I was also impressed that it dared have the ten commandments in it when they have lost some of their popularity.<br /><br />5 out of 5 Pith Helmits.<br />Read it with a boy that is in your life.Captain Spauldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17542057287460350177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867570936954516021.post-61577524224448814912009-05-04T14:08:00.003-04:002009-05-04T14:18:04.607-04:00"Fables" Graphic Novel SeriesThe "Fables" Graphic Novel Series by Bill Willingham are fantastic. The first book, "Fables : legends in Exile" starts out with a murder mystery, and quickly pulls the reader in. (No, I won't tell you whodunit, either.)<br />Eventually the reader learns that all the "fables", from a thousand different fairytale worlds, have moved to modern-day New York City (or a Farm in Upstate New York for the non-human Fables) and are living there, while their non-fable neighbors (called "Mundys", presumably for "mundanes") are in complete ignorance.<br />The scripts are excellent, but you really DO need to read ALL the books in the Fables series (currently Fables 1-11, plus "1001 Nights of Snowfall") to get the full story and understand <i>why</i> certain things happen the way they do.<br /><br />Quite a few liberties are taken with various characters and their backstories (including the "compression" of Snow White from "Snow White & Rose Red" and the Snow White from "...and the Seven Dwarfs" into one character), but the stories are written in such a way that it <i>works</i>.<br /><br />There's a good story, quite a bit of humor, and good illustrations. Excellent series.<br />4.5 out of 5 bones.Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292161628164366386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867570936954516021.post-17459635777273556992009-04-30T11:03:00.002-04:002009-04-30T11:32:02.566-04:00Accidental Sorcerer by K.E. Mills (Karen Miller) Book 1 of the Rogue Wizard TrilogyAccidental Sorcerer starts of a little heavy, ponderous, wordy. However, after the first couple of chapters are over, the book fairly soars with fun, intrigue and danger.<br /><br />Gerald Dunwoody, a Third grade level wizard, isn't having a good day at his current job. In fact, it's such a BAD day, Gerald gets fired...<br /><br />And then the adventure begins.<br /><br />Accidental Sorcerer is a sort of cross between Harry Dresden and light epic fantasy. Not quite as "dark" as the Dresden Files, there's still enough intrigue, danger and laughs to capture any Harry fan.<br /><br />I really enjoyed this book. Ms. Mills (Miller) has started a new trilogy with a bang (and a pop!) that has left me hungering for the next book, Witches Incorporated. (due out June 30th!)<br /><br />4 out of 5 berries for this one!Kaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05819314946412295887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867570936954516021.post-50399668514333211592009-04-06T18:27:00.002-04:002009-04-06T18:36:32.902-04:00Wisconsin Lore and Legend I & III was combing through the shelves of one of my favorite local used bookstores and I found two neat books- Wisconsin Lore and Legends Volume I &II. They are a collection of newspaper comics done very much in the same genre of Ripley Believe it or Not! but focused on Wisconsin. A very enjoyable and quick read. Too quick. They are a bit on the thin side but otherwise very enjoyable read. Try them out if you can find them.<br /><br />4 out of 5 pith helmets.Captain Spauldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17542057287460350177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867570936954516021.post-34163457629349301802009-02-02T12:08:00.002-05:002009-02-02T12:10:25.576-05:00The Convienent Marriage by Georgette HeyerI liked this book even though it felt a bit disjointed at times. Horry wasn't the lovable heroine you come to expect from Heyer's oeuvre, but she was very likable. Rule was less obviously "masterful" than other Heyer heroes, but you never got the sense that he couldn't BE masterful if he wanted to be so. I found him to be extremely likable and I think he might be one of my all time favorite romantic heroes. I wish he'd have had even more "page time".<br /><br />I can't express just WHY I liked this book. In fact, I really feel like I shouldn't have liked it because it WAS so very disjointed. The reader sometimes gets lost as conversations wind around things that have nothing to do with the plot and events happen that leave you wondering "what??"<br /><br />But that might be just why I like it. All in all I'd say, if you're a fan of Heyer and you haven't read The Convenient Marriage, do so. If you're just getting into Heyer's works, save this one for later. Start with Frederika or Cotillion.<br /><br />4 berries out of 5.Kaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05819314946412295887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867570936954516021.post-55561057053648026542009-01-29T11:57:00.004-05:002009-01-29T12:13:33.459-05:00Made From Scratch: Discovering the Pleasures of a Handmade Life by Jenna WoginrichA delightful book filled with the author's experiences in creating her own homemade life and details on how YOU can create your own, Made from Scratch is probably one of the better books I've read in a long time. (not including the rereads I've been doing because I haven't been able to find something NEW that interests me!)<br /><br />Ms. Woginrich takes us along on her journey in discovering the joys of raising chickens, keeping bees, dog sledding, creating music and vegetable gardening among other things. The chapters are short and end with information on how you can get started as well.<br /><br />The book is well put together, funny and at times a bit sad as well. The author can be a bit..."granola" at times but this wasn't as off putting as it could have been. A fact for which I am MOST grateful and I am hoping that Ms. Woginrich will be putting out another book with more of her reminisces about her homesteading efforts. Her words are truly inspiring.<br /><br />You can visit her farm at www.coldantlerfarm.blogspot.com<br /><br />Giving this 4 out of 5 berries.Kaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05819314946412295887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867570936954516021.post-44220913211801895732008-12-23T06:21:00.003-05:002008-12-23T06:49:49.097-05:00DragonHarper, by Anne & Todd McCaffreyThe Pern books are generally fun little bits of fluff, so I decided to give one of the mother-and-son collaboration books about Pern a try. I was..."disappointed", I guess is the best word.<br /><br />I know that Anne McCaffrey doesn't so much as have a nodding acquaintance with "Continuity" or "Consistency" in her books (the "Crystal Singer" and brainship books are especially horrible at this - she's got entire <i>plot points</i> being contradicted at times. Other times it's just "timeline" issues or other minor items, but still...) I have, however, come to expect that a story will, if not be internally consistent, at least be an entertaining read with a good storyline and story flow.<br /><br />This book, however - the first half or so was entertaining. It's set 12 years before a Thread Pass, sometime between Moreta's Ride and "modern-day" Pern. It tells the story of "Kindan", a Harper apprentice, who originally worked in a mine, as a bondmate to a watch-wher. He then moved to the Harper hall, then was taken in a Search for a potential dragonrider, and when he didn't Impress a dragon, he went back to the Harper hall. He has a duel, makes friends, Impresses a fire-lizard, falls in love, and generally lives his life.<br />About the time of the fire-lizard Impression and the falling in love, however, the story starts to fall apart. Things happen that just don't make sense - or aren't explained well. However, the story still flowed <b>fairly</b> decently, and I was willing to overlook the inconsistencies for the sake of the story.<br /><br />But the last 1/3 of the book or so is "suddenly, a PLAGUE appears!" This pandemic is very similar to the Influenza Epidemic of 1919 - the healthiest, strongest people (and the very weakest) are the ones who die, while the old, infirm, and very young are the ones who survive. And, naturally, it's deadly, spreads like wildfire, takes out entire holds, doesn't affect dragonriders...sound familiar? It should - it's Moreta's Story all over again with a different plague. It's as though they couldn't allow Kindan to just live his life and tell the story - no, instead they felt compelled to suddenly reprise Moreta's Story (complete with "timing it", although Kindan obviously isn't the one timing it, and the "timers" survive it, rather than getting lost <i>between</i>). <br />I get it: Plagues and epidemics aren't predictable, they don't happen just once and then no other disease hits like that, but honestly. It read like they suddenly realized "hey, we've got no real conflict now...I know, let's throw in a half-disguised Moreta Story! Yeah, that's it..." <br />It didn't work. I don't think I'll be reading any more Todd-and-Anne books; this one just wasn't as cohesive as some of her other collaborations, and I don't have the patience for books like that. <br />2 bones.Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11292161628164366386noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867570936954516021.post-38018823695349047442008-11-10T14:30:00.001-05:002008-11-10T14:30:43.736-05:00Looking for a book to read?Try some of my favorites for this Holiday season. Remember, books make GREAT gifts too!<br /><br />If you want to try something good and noir-ish with a bunch of good urban fantasy, go to The Dresden Files books by Jim Butcher. First one is Storm Front and second is Fool Moon. SERIOUSLY excellent books. So far there are 10 in the series and Butcher has said that he's planning on at least 20. Book 11 is due out in April.<br /><br />Another couple of good series...<br /><br />House of Night series by PC and Kristin Cast. First one is Marked and second is Betrayed. About a different kind of Vampyre where you are "marked" and your dna changes. Paganism does figure in these books and there's mild sex and language. There are currently 4 out and a 5th is due next year in hardback.<br /><br />Mercy Thompson books by Patricia Briggs. Mercy is a VW Mechanic in these Urban Fantasy novels. She's also a Walker, a coyote to be exact. There are werewolves and vampires and even fae in these books. First is Moon Called, second is Blood Bound and third is Iron Kissed. Fourth is coming out early next year and it's called Bone Crossed. <br /><br />There is another series set in the same "world" that deals with the Marrok (you'll learn about him) and his younger son Charles. First story is in the Anthology On the Prowl and the first book is called Cry Wolf. The series is called the Alpha and Omega series.<br /><br />The Kitty Norville books by Carrie Vaughn. Kitty Norville is a disc jockey who is also a werewolf. First book is Kitty and the Midnight Hour, second is Kitty Goes to Washington. There are 4 currently out and 2 due out in Jan and Feb of next year.<br /><br />I know I've talked about these before but the Rachel Morgan books by Kim Harrison are so so so excellent. First is Dead Witch Walking and second is The Good, the Bad and the Undead. There are 6 books out currently and book 7 is due early next year. I adore Rachel and hey...it's set in Cincinnati. How much better can that get? *G*<br /><br />Sisters of the Moon series is by Yasmine Galenorn. They involve 3 sisters who are half human, half fey and are "secret agents" of the Fey crown. Witchling is first, Changeling is second, and Darkling is third. Dragon Wytch is the forth and the fifth book is due out either later this year or early next.<br /><br />The Werecats books by Rachel Vincent are okay. I've only read the first, Stray, but have the second, Rogue, on my TBR pile. The third is due out early next year.<br /><br />Many people like the Weather Warden books by Rachael Caine. Sort of an elementals meets the djinn and weather is involved type of book. I've only read the first couple and they were pretty good. I just got tired of waiting for the next and went on to something else and forgot about these. Ill Wind is the first and Heat Stroke is the second. There are 7 books in the series so far and all are out. No word on book 8 that I know of but I haven't really looked. *G*<br /><br />Rachel Caine also has a Vampire series called the Morganville Vampires. I haven't read these but am told they're more of a YA book than an "adult" novel. Which is okay with me. So's Twilight. *G* First is Glass Houses.<br /><br />The Vampire Acadamy books by Richelle Mead are great. So far there are 2 books in print and the third is due out this month. Vampire Acadamy is first, Frostbite is second and Shadow Kiss is the third. Totally engrossing. Has vampires and magic and dhampires.<br /><br />The Noble Dead novels are more along the lines of Epic Fantasy and involve vampires, fey and dhampir. First book is called Dhampir, second is Thief of Lies and third is Sister of the Dead. There are 6 books currently in print in this series and the 7th is due out in Jan of 09.<br /><br />More Epic Fantasy with Jim Butcher's other series, The Codex Alera. The Furies of Calderon is the first book, and in it we follow Tavi, a furyless boy of 15, as he begins on a journey to help save the world he knows. EXCELLENT books, in fact, I'm reading them right now to get ready for the 5th book's release later this month. Second book is Acadam's Fury and Third is Cursor's Fury. I love these books and wish I'd have bought them in hardback since they're now OOP in hardback and are very very hard to find. Don't let the "epic fantasy" scare you. These are not tedious books. They're fast and rousing and oh so addictive.<br /><br />And last but very very much NOT least...<br /><br />The Katie Chandler books by Shanna Swendson are very highly imaginative books where magic is all too real but most people have no clue that the person sitting next to them could be a fairy or a sprite or even that the gargoyle peering down at them is REAL and not just a stone figure. Katie Chandler sees all of this and more when she starts working in New York City...because Katie is a rarity in the world. A person so devoid of magic that she's a true mundane. But her life is FAR from mundane when she takes a job with Magic, Spells and Illusion, Inc. (MSI) as a "verifier", someone who can see through the magic to what really lies beneath. Enchanted Inc is the first book in this wonderful series. There's 4 books out so far and from reading her FAQ section, her current publisher isn't sure there will BE a book 5 unless sales of books 3 and 4 get stronger. The series is excellent and I highly recommend it. And I KNOW you'll want it on your keeper shelf! (there's also the possibility of a movie!)Kaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05819314946412295887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867570936954516021.post-88827256204576529692008-10-04T18:21:00.005-04:002008-10-04T18:33:48.218-04:00Stray by Rachel VincentYep, another "paranormal" book review.<br /><br /><u>Stray</u>, by newcomer Rachel Vincent, is the story of Faythe Sanders, a college student and werecat.<br /><br />I bought this because of the cat theme (I love cats) and because a favorite writer, Kim Harrison, recommended it. I'm not sorry, it was a good story overall but...as Publisher's Weekly put it:<br /><br />"Vincent's debut, an urban werecat fantasy, is a good story that suffers from about 200 pages of bloat" <br /><br />and<br /><br />"Unfortunately, they [Marc and Faythe the lead characters] both have frustrating character tics that are only exacerbated by the novel's length: Faythe is more often too-stubborn-to-live than kick-ass, and all the tears Marc wells up over Faythe don't forgive his insufferable jealousy."<br /><br />I would recommend catching a copy of this at the library so you can decide for yourself if you want to go further with the series (next up is <u>Rogue</u> and then <u>Pride</u> coming in '09) although Ms. Vincent DOES create a unique and very very interesting world.<br /><br />I'm looking forward to seeing what <u>Rogue</u> has to offer, but I'm hoping that Marc gets over his "bad" self and Faythe remembers that she does, indeed, have a brain.<br /><br />3 out of 5 berries because the ending was pretty fast paced and kept me reading far into the night.Kaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05819314946412295887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867570936954516021.post-88862004393464982692008-10-04T18:05:00.001-04:002008-10-04T18:20:37.959-04:00Evernight by Claudia GrayWhile browsing Amazon.com, looking for something to wash the *blech* out of my brain from reading half of Breaking Dawn (Twilight series), I came across a listing for Evernight.<br /><br />Billed as a "must read for fans of Stephanie Meyer's Twilight" this is indeed a book about vampire romance. But as you begin the story, you have to wonder...just who is the vampire here?<br /><br />Bianca is a new gal at Evernight Academy. Her parents took jobs as teachers so that Bianca could "learn more about life than [her] small town friends could show her." All the kids at Evernight seem to be either the "snobby rich" or the "look down upon ya" losers. With Bianca in the middle of both cliques. Having parents at the school...and cool teachers that they are...makes the rich kids grudgingly accept her while the "losers" look at her with unease. Is she just like the "richies" or is she like them?<br /><br />And then there's Lucas. Also new at Evernight, Lucas is the first person in his family to attend since the family was "blackballed" in the 1700s. Universally disliked by the rich kids and semi feared by the "losers", Lucas becomes enamored by Bianca, who (of course) returns the interest. <br /><br />What follows is a Romeo and Juliet type "love affair" with waring ancient supernatural societies stepping in for the Capulets and Montegues. The "twist" in the story comes about half way and, if you don't spot it loooong before that, you're just not paying attention.<br /><br />It was a fast and, for the most part, a fun read. I was a little bored by the first half of the book but pushed on and was rewarded by some good chuckles and a great belly laugh. The ending was pretty typical but, for a first time writer, Ms. Gray has done a good job. I'm looking forward to reading more about Bianca and Lucas.<br /><br />All in all, I'll give this a 3.5 out of 5 berries. Good enough to read again, but not enough to buy it new for the shelf.Kaehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05819314946412295887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867570936954516021.post-72884722021708943252008-09-13T10:06:00.003-04:002008-09-13T10:12:37.471-04:00Barrack Obama is Your New Bicycle.I read the book Barack OBama is your new bi.cycle by Mathew Honan. It is subtitled 366 ways he really cares. It was started by the author's desire to make his wife laugh. While she was campaigning for Senator Obama, he set up the website, <a href="http://barackobamaisyournewbicycle.com/">barckobamaisyournewbicycle.co</a>m. From there, came the book. I t is a humorous look at how Barrack Obama cares for you and why he is a good candidate. I will give you a few examples from the book but hopefully not too many so I don't go beyond fair use.<br /><br />Barack Obama gave you a puppy.<br />Barack Obama mapped out a new dungeon and rolled up a totally bad ass paladin for your first game of D&D.<br />Barack Obama called your mom on mother's day just to say hi.<br /><br />It was trite and yet very funny. It was an incredibly fast read and worth the time to read it.<br /><br />3 out 0f 5 Pith Helmets.Captain Spauldinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17542057287460350177noreply@blogger.com0