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Showing posts with label Disillusionists Trilogy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Disillusionists Trilogy. Show all posts
Friday, December 28, 2012
Year in Review - 2012
Here we are at the close of another year. This year my goal was to focus more on reading and less on the mechanics of blogging, and I’m happy to report it was a success! Emotionally and mental I was in a much better place, finding time to read and enjoying writing the reviews. I am happy to report that the total number of books read this year was 97 books, up 33 books from last year! My original goal was to read one book per week, but up’d the goal to 65 books (one more than 2011). I blew that goal out of the water!
I had also challenged myself to read new-to-me authors this past year. Originally, I thought about one new author per month, for a total of 12 in the year, but when I realized I would exceed that rather quickly, I up’d that goal to 24 new-to-me-authors. I ended up reading 30 new-to-me authors! I am really proud of this accomplishment and plan to try and get at least 12 more new-to-me authors in 2013.
Having the more relaxed mental attitude also helped with blogging. I am pleased to report that I published over 460 posts in 2012, up over 100 from 2011! My review team kept me busy! We added a new feature in late September called Saturday Conversations, a place where we take the time to chat about the things going on in our lives. On the downside, I finally said goodbye (for now) to my long-running Sunday Snippets weekly post back in October 2012, after the 124th post!
I really have enjoyed blogging and discussing books with all of you. Although visitors were down in 2012, I know I have a great group of loyal readers, and I thank you each of you from the bottom of my heart. My blog is a labor of love, and I’m happy to share it with you all! Below is my TOP TEN for 2012... How did 2012 go for you? What were your favorite reads during the year?
10) My friend and sometime guest reviewer, Ang, came on board as a permanent member of the That’s What I’m Talking About review team. Ang enjoys reading historicals and contemporaries - creating a better balance of romance here at the blog.
9) I enjoy doing giveaways here at That’s What I’m Talking About, and the discovery of Rafflecopter has made giveaways so much easier for me! I love that it manages the entries and picks the winner/s for me, but I also enjoy all of the options, like tweeting about the giveaway.
8) Did anyone else notice the increase in Self-Published Authors this past year? I had the opportunity to read and showcase both newbie authors, but also some of my long-time favorites went the route of self-publishing in 2012. Whether by choice or due to circumstances, the decision to self-publish was a-okay with me. I enjoyed books from Shiloh Walker, Carolyn Crane, Jill Myles and Allyson James - all self-published. And this trend to self-publish was at the center of a question I asked at the Lori Foster’s Reader-Author Get Together, bringing a true cricket moment, but many laughs for my friend Dren and myself!
7) It seems that every year there is at least one big book in a long-running series, one that everyone can’t wait to read (can anyone say Qhuay 2013?!). In 2012, there were two such books for me. First was the climatic conclusion to the (first story arc of) Midnight Breed series by Lara Adrian, and a book for the long-tormented hero, Chase. We finally got to read his book, Darker After Midnight, and it did NOT disappoint! Not only did the book chronicle Chase’s journey of redemption and love, it also ended with an amazing twist that will completely reboot the series when it returns in February 2013. 2012 also was the year that Paris finally finds love in The Lords of the Underworld! Gena Showalter’s keeper of Promiscuity, Paris, has been pining for Sienna since the beginning of the series, and in The Darkest Seduction, Paris finally finds peace.
6) Reading so many New-to-Me Authors in 2012 was not only a huge accomplishment, but also such a joy. I found some great new series that have now become “auto-buys” for me. As I mentioned earlier, I hope to continue adding new authors to my bookshelf, but I won’t do it at the expense of giving up books and series I currently read. I think I will be able to squeeze in a few more - because that’s the best way to discover new favorites!!
5) URBAN FANTASY! When I look back at 2012, I realize that I have been reading a lot more urban fantasy titles and really enjoying them (even a bit more than PNR!). My favorites are ones that have a strong heroine, who may be flawed but believes in herself and those around her, coupled with some romance. Long-time favorites like Kate Daniels (and her partner Andrea, who was the main character in one of my favorite books, Gunmetal Magic), Janet Begay (Stormwalker series), Victory Vaughn (Deadtown series) and Madeline Black (Black Wings series), were joined this year by new-to-me characters like Gin Blanco (Elemental Assassins), Kit Colbana (Colbana Files), Drusilla Jaco (Sentinels of New Orleans), and Justine Jones (The Disillusionists).
4) In 2012, I said good-bye to three of my “auto-buy” series. First, Jill Myles ended her wonderful Succubus Diaries series with Succubi Are Forever in April. In November, Larissa Ione released the fourth and final book in her sexy Lords of Deliverance series. Rogue Rider may have the final chapter for the Horsemen, but the world of Demonica will live on when she returns to UGH in 2013 with Reaver’s book! Finally, December saw the final book Alyssa Day’s Warriors of Poseidon series. Long-time readers FINALLY got Alaric and Quinn’s story in Heart of Atlantis.
3) I finally made time to read The Disillusionist series by Carolyn Crane. What. An. Amazing. Series. I cannot not say enough great things about this trilogy which centers around a group of misfits who learn to use their phobias and insecurities to “cure” true bad guys of their vices. The third book in the series, Head Rush, was one of the best books I read this past year and earned a spot as one of my all-time favorites!
2) It is hard to pick a favorite book for 2012... There were several great reads that came out this past year. My top 3 new releases for 2012 are: Riveted by Meljean Brook, Gunmetal Magic by Ilona Andrews, and Darker After Midnight by Lara Adrian.
1) Getting to hang out with some of the most wonderful women and fellow book lovers at both Lori Foster’s Get Together and Authors After Dark NOLA. Not only did I have to opportunity to check in with some of the friends I’d met in 2011, but I finally got to meet in real life several more of my online tweeps. Plus - meeting and hanging out with some amazing authors. I think I went a bit fangirl several times. Connecting with gracious people and making friends with those I have something in common is truly a blessing! I look forward to doing more of the same in 2013!
Thank you all for stopping by and supporting me and That's What I'm Talking About. Joyous New Year and Happy Reading!! Be sure to check back in January when I’m planning a HUGE book giveaway blow out for my 3rd Blogiversary!
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Wednesday, March 21, 2012
What Makes a Good Gateway Book?
In case you haven’t heard any of the recent online and on-the-air discussions surrounding Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James, this isn’t one of them! I will tell you, I have not read the book and honestly, I don’t intend to. This isn’t a commentary on Fifty Shades nor a discussion on whether or not one should read the book... I’m in favor of books that get people reading, and that is what this book is doing.
What I am here to talk about is what I hope Fifty Shades of Grey will be for many individuals... a GATEWAY book: a book that brings new readers into a genre. That’s what The Twilight Series by Stephenie Meyer was for me and so many other women. It was my gateway into romance - specifically paranormal romance. Before Twilight, I’d never read a romance in my life. The series was the pathway for (I’m guessing) thousands of women to paranormal romance and urban fantasy.
So I wonder... will Fifty Shades of Grey do the same for some of the so-called “fringe” romances? I’ve had girlfriends that wouldn’t give my blog the time of day ask me about the book because of all of the hype. I’ve been asked for recommendations for more “erotic” or “BDSM” reads. This makes me happy!
A twitter discussion about both Fifty Shades and Twilight with @CarolynCrane and @KatiD prompted the question of what makes a good gateway (or introductory) book? You need something that is well-written and easy to follow. A gateway/introductory book should epitomize the genre without being too hard core. You don’t want to scare away a potential fan before they get used to the genre!
When people ask for recommendations in the paranormal romance genre, I always start with the Psy-Changeling Series by Nalini Singh. I feel that this series is hands down one of the best out there. It’s well-written, the stories are exciting, the romance sexy but not overly erotic, and the amount of paranormal is “just right.” And for folks looking for a vampire-centric story, I refer them to the Midnight Breed Series by Lara Adrian.
For Urban Fantasy, my go-to series is the Kate Daniel Series by Ilona Andrews. It’s just amazing! And after railroading through the Disillusionists Series by Carolyn Crane earlier this year, I’ve added that to my “gateway” books list.
If someone is looking for a little bit of “fringe” in their romance, I recommend the ACRO Series by Sydney Croft. This series is one of my favorites! The sex is definitely more erotic than the average paranormal romance, and the stories showcase both m/m romance and (in one book) BDSM.
Now I’m looking to my readers out there... what books do you recommend to friends that want to try out a new-to-them genre? I’d love to get some ideas for contemporary, historical, and m/m romance. What about outside of the romance genre all together? What makes a book a good GATEWAY book for you?
I look forward to reading all of your answers! Thanks for stopping by and Happy Reading!
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Review: Head Rush
Head Rush
Author: Carolyn Crane
Release Date: Dec. 6, 2011
Publisher: Samhain
The Disillusionists #3
ISBN: #978-1609286255
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: Author
About the book:
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JUSTINE JONES FACES HER ULTIMATE ENEMY: HERSELF
In an attempt to put her unhappy past behind her, Justine Jones throws herself into nursing school and planning her wedding to the man of her dreams. But something is off. Random details aren’t adding up…and is it her imagination, or are her friends and fiancé keeping secrets from her? And what’s with this strange sense of unease, and her odd new headaches?
Justine tries to stay upbeat as Midcity cowers under martial law, sleepwalking cannibals, and a mysterious rash of paranormal copycat violence, but her search for answers leads her into the most dangerous mind game yet.
With the help of unlikely allies, including her paranoid dad and best frenemy Simon, Justine fights her ultimate foe…and unravels the most startling mystery of all.
What I’m talking about:
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Disclaimer: I don't know how to write a review of Head Rush without giving spoilers from the first two books. SO... if you haven’t read the previous two books of the Distillusionists Trilogy, go back and start with Mind Games. NOW!
*WARNING: Spoilers from book 2*
Our heroine, Justine Jones, has been through a lot the past few months. She went from paranoid hypochondriac, to reluctant superhero, to starting over with the man of her dreams, but it’s not all good. Her band of crime-fighting friends known as the Disillusionists are falling apart after she witnessed their leader and good friend, Packard, shoot and kill Shelby’s boyfriend, Avery. However, everyone but Justine knows that she has been revised--her memories were altered by the man she is about to marry, and he is in fact the killer (this all happened at the end of the second book, Double Cross.
Head Rush opens with Justine settling into her life with Midcity Mayor, Otto Sanchez, her ideal man, and the two will be married soon. This is what (she thinks) she's always wanted. Otto is handsome and strong, and most importantly he is stable and safe. Justine still cannot believe that Packard killed Shelby's boyfriend, Avery. She hates Packard, but when he shows up secretly to talk with her, she cannot help the urge to protect him. She begins to notice things just aren't adding up.
For the first half of the book I was on edge! Would Justine find out the truth before it’s too late? Would her friends stop acting so strange? Would Midcity be safe again? Plus I was so frustrated with Justine. I understand that a revision changes the person, but she knew things were off, and she still refused to consider that she was revised. It goes back to Justine sabotaging herself and hiding from the truth. She is a scared little girl inside the tough exterior. She still thinks she wants the easy, safe life. It bothered me that she refused to consider that she’d been revised, but Ms. Crane did do a good job explaining how revisions to a person’s memory does away with the “old self.”
It is Carolyn Crane's ability to create characters I care about and how she got me inside Justine, that makes this series, and Head Rush in particular, so amazing. I've never read a first person narrative where I have felt so connected to the character. I swear, I experienced everything Justine did-every emotion, sensation, fear and pain. Justine got me to care about Otto even when we know he's a bad man. She got me to look at life and be happy with what I've been given. She gave me Happy Gumby!
This book has some highly emotion and very touching scenes. Scenes of this caliber are what makes this book a 5 Star -- A+ book (and one of my all time favorites). Of course, knowing its life and death for Justine can make almost anything more powerful. There are scenes with her true love Packard, a scene when she says goodbye to Otto, interactions with best friend Shelby and even scenes with her dad, whom we'd never met before. Each of these are spectacular moments. Here is one interchange with her dad that had me in tears. It is such a tender moment, and just what Justine needed to hear.
“I haven’t been the model father,” Dad says. “I taught you all the wrong lessons, none of the right ones. But you’ve grown into a beautiful, brave young woman in spite of me--”
Saying a possible goodbye to Shelby was amazing. It is the perfect expression of how it feels to love another and what it means to be friends. But it’s when she’s with Packard for what may be the final time, that was so heart-breaking. Justine wants to love him fully, but is worried she’ll let him down or die. She tries to push him away, but he’s never letting go again. I could see Justine grow in those moments - grow to accept all she is and who she can become. So perfect!
*sigh* This was the perfect end to an amazing series. I am content. Head Rush had everything that made the first two books great plus more. I am still crying... Tears of joy because I have grown to love these characters and tears of sadness because I did not want it to end. The plot was perfect... Twists and turns in just the right places. Love conquering all. Suspense keeping me glued to the pages.
I’m going to end with a quote from Justine that sums it all up:
Happiness isn’t about getting rid of my fear. Happiness is when something outshines my fear.
My Rating:
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Personal favorite - a must read (A+)
In addition, Head Rush is one of...
Purchase Info:
Mind Games (The Disillusionists: Book 1)
Double Cross (The Disillusionists: Book 2)
Head Rush (The Disillusionists: Book 3)
Double Cross (The Disillusionists: Book 2)
Head Rush (The Disillusionists: Book 3)
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Contest Winner - Devil’s Luck
I would like to thank everyone for stopping by That’s What I’m Talking About for my interview with urban fantasy author Carolyn Crane. I also want to thank Carolyn for stopping by and for graciously donating an e-copy of Devil’s Luck for the giveaway.
Every person that commented on the post was entered into the contest - one entry per person. The winner was selected using random.org.
The Winner:
Pacey1927
CONGRATULATIONS!!
I have forwarded your email to the author who will send you the book directly.
Thank you all so much for coming by and Happy Reading!
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Review: Double Cross
Double Cross
Author: Carolyn Crane
Release Date: Sept. 28, 2010
Publisher: Bantam/Spectra
The Disillusionists #2
ISBN: #978-0553592627
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format(s): Paperback (336 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Purchased with my own funds
About the book:
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SOME SECRETS COME BACK TO HAUNT. OTHERS COME TO KILL.
Serial killers with unheard of skills are terrorizing the most powerful beings in Midcity. As the body count grows, Justine faces a crisis of conscience…and an impossible choice between two flawed but brilliant men—one on a journey of redemption, the other descending into a pit of moral depravity.
What I’m talking about:
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I jumped into Double Cross immediately after finishing the first Disillusionists book, Mind Games (Review HERE). Note, this review contains SPOILERS from Book 1.
When we last left the gang, Packard was finally free of his restaurant prison and headed for some much deserved sunshine. Justine was looking forward to starting over and enjoying a romance with newly elected Mayor Otto Sanchez. Packard and his gang of Disillusionists are now working directly for Otto, rehabilitating Midcity’s most dangerous high caps (people with high-capacity brain powers - such as telekinesis).
The second book in Ms. Crane’s powerful trilogy meets and surpasses the intensity, suspense and action of the first book. Wow! First of all, the plot was extremely exciting... A group of terrorists dubbed “The Dorks” is attacking Midcity's high cap residents. This adds an element of immediate danger to our beloved Otto and Packard. In addition, the Disillusionists are working with a set of nefarious high caps, giving more tension and strain. But it’s fear that Justine will turn into a sleepwalking cannibalistic zombie-slave that puts the suspense over the edge!
Right from the start I wanted to cheer for Packard, but let’s face it... he’s such an ass. He knows exactly how to push Justine’s buttons. How to turn her on, how to give her hope, and how to crush her spirit. He doesn’t want to let Justine in, but their connection is stronger than ever, even with her secretly seeing Mayor Sanchez. The bottom line: Packard is ALL about freedom, and he’ll use anyone in anyway to stay free. This is made perfectly clear over and over again. Yet Justine (and this reader), keeps going back to Packard.
I felt Justine could be a bit dense at times, but I still love her. I mean Otto goes missing and she thinks his text to her isn’t quite right, yet she believes he’s off at a conference and just needs space. It’s that she constantly chooses to deliberately NOT believe what she knows in her heart to be true, and although it can be frustrating, it makes Justine endearing. Just like she continually sabotages things with Otto because in her heart she realizes they are there to comfort each other, but it’s not love.
I adore new character, Ez. She’s a high cap with the ability to enter into the sleeping mind of those she touches. It’s unclear if she is behind the cannibal sleepwalkers, and it’s an interesting twist. The fact that Justine and Packard are linked in dreams via Ez is a great plot device that enables Justine to learn more about Packard and Otto’s past.
Ms. Crane has amazing talent! She makes you constantly question what you know is right and true. Like Packard's affections for Justine and whether or not Ez is controlling sleepwalkers. As the secrets from Otto and Packard's past are revealed, more secrets come out that change the game.
Without giving spoilers, I have to say that near the end there is a wonderful scene between Packard and Justine. Packard is raw - the intensity of the scenes is amazing. And then I love him all over again! But be prepared... the ending was one of those "Nooooooooo!" moments. It’s not a cliffhanger, but rather something so significant that changes the entire game. And you know this can't be how it ends.
I couldn't put this book down. I was blown away by the writing, the energy, the plot and the humor. The entire cast of characters from Shelby to Simon support the story, making it rich with life. Ms. Crane is an expert at tugging me and my emotions from "one side" to the other. Events unfold at just the perfect pace. I lived this book through Justine’s eyes and was able to experience each of her emotions. Just. So. Good.
My Rating:
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Loved it - enthusiastically recommend (A)
Purchase Info:
AAD Author Spotlight: Carolyn Crane
Hello Readers! Today I bring you my newest favorite urban fantasy author, Carolyn Crane. Carolyn lives in Minneapolis with her husband and two daring cats. She works a day job as a freelance advertising writer, and has for years (Carolyn says “think low-rent Don Draper”). She’s also waited tables at a surprising number of Minneapolis restaurants and bars (though not as many, incidentally, as her writer husband has). She’s been a shop clerk and a plastics factory worker, which she was dismal at (think I Love Lucy).
As a side note, Carolyn can relate almost any life experience to one or another Star Trek episodes, and if you invite her to your party, your cheese plate will be in grave danger.
During rare moments when she’s not at her computer, she can be found reading in bed, running, helping animals, or eating Mexican food.
Carolyn is a featured author attending Author’s After Dark in New Orleans. For more information about AAD2012, click HERE.
Also, keep reading to learn more about Carolyn’s newest release, Devil’s Luck, and enter to win a copy! GIVEAWAY details are below.
Please help me welcome Carolyn to That’s What I’m Talking About.
Twimom: Carolyn, welcome and thank you for stopping by.
Carolyn: Thank you so much for having me! And thanks for that wonderful introduction!! Look, I am all exclamation points right now.
Twimom: Aren’t exclamation points fun?! That reminds me of a Seinfeld episode... Oh sorry... I digress...
Okay, let’s get this out of the way... (insert fangirl squee) I LOVE your Disillusionists Trilogy... As you know I consumed the first 3.5 stories in a matter of days. (Readers, after meeting Carolyn at the 2011 AAD con in Philly, I put her book Mind Games on my TBR list, hoping to read it last fall. I finally got around to it last month and fell in love.) First, can you please tell my readers a little bit about the trilogy and the amazing world you’ve created?
Carolyn: LOL thanks! I’m so glad you gave it a spin! You know, when we met at AAD, it was clear we both share such a love for a lot of the same books, and in particular, the work of Meljean Brook, and I remember thinking, I hope she likes my series, so I’m thrilled that you do!!
Okay, description: The Disillusionists Trilogy follows the journey of Justine Jones and her friends—former losers whose weaknesses were turned into crime-fighting powers. It also follows Justine’s suitors: two flawed but brilliant men—one on a journey of redemption, the other descending into a pit of moral depravity. The trilogy takes place in a fantastical Midwestern city - a Chicago & Milwaukee that’s been run down by years of paranormal crime.
Twimom: Other than your recently released novella, Devil’s Luck (review HERE), what are your plans for Justine, Packard, Simon and Shelby?
Carolyn: I don’t have any specific plans - but I love writing novellas and shorts, and they may keep making appearances for some time to come, if I get more novella ideas. But Head Rush is the last novel of the world. I always saw it as a trilogy.
Twimom: *hoping for more novellas* Okay, I’m dying to know... your heroine, Justine, is a major hypochondriac with fears over some bizarre medical issues. How did you come up with these (horrifying yet convincing) conditions? Are you or do you know someone with as much fear as Justine? Did you have to do a lot of medical research?
Carolyn: I’ve been around a lot of people with heath fears and when younger, I worried about my heath far too much, too. (Though nothing like Justine!). The conditions are made up, but sort of inspired by various real diseases that are twisted and made more fantastical. Actually, last year another blogger did some research and found out Vein Star is actually a real disease, similar to the one I made up. I was shocked!
Partly I wanted my diseases to be fantastical because I felt like, there are real people with real diseases out there, and I didn’t want to use real diseases and make light of them. Also, I want this to be escapist read and not anchored too deeply in reality.
Twimom: Well, I for one thought the diseases were perfect and hilarious! I am very sad to say goodbye to my Disillusionist friends, but I’m excited about your two new upcoming series. Can you give us a little more information yet?
Carolyn: My paranormal spy romance will come out first (don’t yet know when! I will know by the end of March if not sooner), but it takes place in rural Minnesota, and it is a massively quirky project that I am in love with. It’s also a LOT hotter than the Disillusionists… a bit wild, in fact—I’ll tell you that.
My UF adventure series, Dark Forest, is more of a traditional UF. It’s on the humorous and sexier side, and takes place in northern Wisconsin. Kind of a rural gothic supernatural book where even the deer heads on the walls of the rustic supper club look vaguely vampiric. I love the hero in this one.
Twimom: I cannot wait to read the new books... They will be at the top of my list when you find out more info!
You have attended Authors After Dark in the past and are a featured author in 2012. Why AAD? What are your favorite aspects of AAD?
Carolyn: I love the quiet times of this convention. Like, sitting down to coffee with readers and bloggers I’ve chatted with online, and just being relaxed and talking, or discussing things that have weighed on my mind with other authors. There’s something about that in-person contact that is so important. And it’s just wonderful to be in a place with 400 other people who you have so much instantly in common with. And everyone is SO nice.
Twimom, you have chosen to attend again, too! What are your favorite aspects?
Twimom: *looks around* a question for me?! AAD Philly was the first (and to date only) con I’ve attended. I loved it so much - meeting my long time blogging tweeps and friends - and well, stalking Meljean, Larrisa and Lara! But in all seriousness, it’s as you described - the intimate settings to be able to talk about what we love we others that “get it.” And meeting new-to-me authors (like you!) was such a thrill. This year I’m especially excited because of the locale (I’ve never been to New Orleans) and being a featured blogger.
Okay, back to you... I always like to ask authors about their reading habits... What types of books do you enjoy reading? What was your favorite read in 2011?
Carolyn: Favorite read of 2011!! That is not easy. I’ll be honest. for relaxation I read out of my genre. I love historicals, paranormal romance, steampunk. I was crazy about Meredith Duran’s a LADY’S LESSON IN SCANDAL. Also, I read ICE STORM by Anne Stuart, and it blew my socks off! As did DREAMS OF A DARK WARRIOR by Kresley Cole.
Twimom: What upcoming 2012 releases are you most excited to read?
Carolyn: I’m looking forward to Meredith Duran’s AT YOUR PLEASURE, and Jenn Bennet’s SUMMONING THE NIGHT as well as CAUGHT IN THE ACT by Jill Sorenson
Twimom: Carolyn, once again thank you so much for taking the time to tell my readers a little bit about yourself and your writing. It was wonderful chatting with you. I look forward to hanging out with you in New Orleans!
Carolyn: I’m looking forward to seeing you, too! Every time I turn around I find out somebody else I want to meet up with is going to AAD. You and I will have to help the newbies, now that we’re veterans and keep them out of trouble! LOL
You can find Carolyn on line at
More on Devil’s Luck:
There’s a thin line between love and doom.
No wager is too outrageous for Simon Fitzgerald, the most reckless of the Disillusionists. His dark secrets drive him to take increasingly extreme risks, but he’s never lived so quite so dangerously as when he hooks up with Midcity’s most powerful prognosticator.
Fawna Brady is tormented by the destinies she sees for those around her. To Fawna, knowledge of the future is a cage she’d do anything to escape. She’s stunned to discover a taste of the freedom for which she yearns at the side of Simon, the one person in the world who despises everything she is, everything she stands for.
Simon’s defiant attitude toward destiny captivates Fawna, but will her love destroy him? And will Simon rush headlong into the delicious doom she offers?
GIVEAWAY Thank you, Carolyn, for stopping by That’s What I’m Talking About. Carolyn is graciously giving away one (1) electronic copy of Devil’s Luck. Please leave your comments for Carolyn by Thursday March 8, 2012, at 9:00 PM EST to be eligible for the contest. One entry per person, the winner will be selected from eligible entries using random.org. Contest is open internationally; please leave your email address so the author can send you the book. Thank you to Carolyn for this fun giveaway!
Review of Book 1: Mind Games
Review of Novella 2.5: Kitten-Tiger and the Monk
Review of Novella 3.5: Devil’s Luck
Please stop by later today for my review of Book 2: Double Cross!
Monday, February 27, 2012
Quickie Review: Devil's Luck
Devil’s Luck
Author: Carolyn Crane
Release Date: Feb. 28, 2012
Publisher: self-published
The Disillusionists #3.5
Genre: Urban Fantasy, novella
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: Free read from Author
About the book:
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No wager is too outrageous for Simon Fitzgerald, the most reckless of the Disillusionists. His dark secrets drive him to take increasingly extreme risks, but he’s never lived so quite so dangerously as when he hooks up with Midcity’s most powerful prognosticator.
Fawna Brady is tormented by the destinies she sees for those around her. To Fawna, knowledge of the future is a cage she’d do anything to escape. She’s stunned to discover a taste of the freedom for which she yearns at the side of Simon, the one person in the world who despises everything she is, everything she stands for.
Simon’s defiant attitude toward destiny captivates Fawna, but will her love destroy him? And will Simon rush headlong into the delicious doom she offers?
What I’m talking about:
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Okay, so I’m reviewing this wonderful novella out of reading order for the Disillusionists series (see my review for the first book, Mind Games, HERE), but I had to just put out a quickie review in honor of my BIRTHDAY (today, February 27) and the release of Simon’s novella (tomorrow, February 28). So please forgive the rush... I will be featuring reviews of both book 2 and 3 in March!
Devil’s Luck is the story of reckless Disillusionist Simon and high-cap prognosticator Fawna. It takes place shortly after the conclusion of the trilogy (Book #3: Head Rush). Fawna is tired of feeling trapped by the future - she lets her abilities control her - always looking for the horror found in the future. She is repelled yet drawn to Simon’s carefree and fool-hardy nature. Likewise, Simon does not like what Fawna stands for. He runs from fate, believing the more irresponsible he behaves, the longer he will survive life. The story is told from the alternating POVs of Simon and Fawna.
This truly is a story written for fans of this amazing series, and a new-comer should not read this first. However, one could read it as a stand alone - but really... do yourself a favor and read the series!
And all I have to say is what a wonderful novella from Ms. Crane! It is a real treat for Disillusionists series fans. After following the somewhat mysterious Simon for three books, we finally get to see the world from his own unique POV. Ms. Crane does an amazing job of sharing Simon’s special outlook on life, never damaging his “street cred” as the man who has abandoned all of society’s norms. He remains true to himself while learning to love.
This novella is full of heart--the story full of promise. I, for one, hope Ms. Crane revisits this amazing world again.
My Rating:
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Loved it - enthusiastically recommend (A)
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Review: Mind Games
Mind Games
Author: Carolyn Crane
Release Date: Mar 23, 2010
Publisher: Bantam/Spectra
The Disillusionists #1
ISBN: #978-0553592610
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format(s): Paperback (384 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Author
About the book:
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Justine Jones is a hopeless hypochondriac whose life is crippled by fear…until one day when a handsome, tortured mastermind named Packard peers into her soul and invites her to join his psychological hit squad.
Justine resists until she gets a taste of the peace Packard can promise. At first, Justine enjoys being part of the thrilling world of neurotic vigilantes who battle Midcity’s paranormal criminals. Things get complicated when she uncovers certain secrets…and falls for one of her most dangerous targets.
What I’m talking about:
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This book is amazing. There. Said it. If you haven’t picked up Carolyn Crane’s Disillusionists Trilogy, do yourself a favor and go get Mind Games now. And while you are at it - just pick up the entire series (three books) because you will not be able to stop after the first book.
The story takes place in the heart of Midcity, a twisted urban metropolitan, where a secret group of individuals, the Disillusionists, are learning to debase and reset dangerous criminals. Their teacher and leader, Packard, teaches his gang how to transfer their negative (and extreme) emotional darkness into others, causing the victim to question who they are and see their crimes in a new light. Packard, however, is trapped in a restaurant by his mysterious nemesis and will do whatever it takes to get free.
In addition to the Disillusionists, there are “high caps,” high-brain capacity individuals that have X-men type powers - telekinesis, precognition, memory revision. The general population doesn’t really know if high caps exist. Packard is a high cap who can read a person’s psyche.
Packard discovers Justine - an extreme hypochondriac, whose fears are so intense, she rates as a prime candidate to become a Disillusionist. Packard sucks Justine into his world, and she goes screaming and kicking almost the entire way.
Justine is a conflicted woman. She craves normalcy, but isn’t truly happy without challenge. Her emotions run both sides of the coin. Her beliefs follow her gut instincts, which can change depending on circumstances. I love that she is flawed and deals with her crazy life by making choices that I could see me making if I were in her shoes. She isn’t wishy-washy in the least, yet she can change her mind based on emotional feedback and her own her own moral compass. In the end my heart aches as she must constantly pick between safety and adventure.
Justine and Packard are hot from the start... they have so many “special” shared moments, and I enjoy their way with each other. Although I’m not sitting in the booth with the two of them, I can feel their connection, and I get it when Justine talks about how they have “those moments.” But it’s their stolen kisses, which are amazingly written, that steal my heart and gets it racing every time.
I love Ms. Crane’s humor and voice that she uses with Justine. Let me share this example - one of my favorite lines in Mind Games:
“...being near him makes me feel intensely alive, as usual. I remind myself that feeling alive is not always a good thing. People feel intensely alive during hurricanes and wars.”
The cast and crew of characters is a hoot. And just when I think I’ve got a character nailed, Ms. Crane tosses a curveball. She gets me to not like Packard and cheer for “the other man.” It never feels fake - rather she writes Justine’s point of view so convincingly, that I too became highly confused. And man, did I get so angry with Packard because of the things he did to Justine.
Overall Mind Games is an amazing book and the start of what will prove to be the most addictive series I’ve read since Twilight or Harry Potter. I consumed all three books in days. Ms. Crane’s characters are ones I want to get to know and hang out with - even the shady ones. Her mythology is fresh and exhilarating. Go read this book now!
My Rating:
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Loved it - enthusiastically recommend (A)
Purchase Info:
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