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2013 Reading Challenge
Jen (That's What I'm Talking About) has
read 0 books toward her goal of 75 books.
New-To-Me Authors
2013 reading goal:
15 new-to-me authors.
1) Stacy Gail
2) Heather Massey
3) Sidney Bristol
4) Ann Mayburn
5) Thea Harrison
6) Virna DePaul
7) Mary Quast
8) Molly Harper
9) Eleri Stone
10) PJ Schnyder
11) Kait Ballenger
12) Denise L. Wyant
13) Lucy Monroe
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Friday, March 22, 2013
Review: Written in Red by Anne Bishop
Written In Red
Author: Anne Bishop
Release Date: March 5, 2013
Publisher: ROC
The Courtyards of the Others #1
ISBN: #978-0451464965
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format(s): Hardcover (448 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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As a cassandra sangue, or blood prophet, Meg Corbyn can see the future when her skin is cut—a gift that feels more like a curse. Meg’s Controller keeps her enslaved so he can have full access to her visions. But when she escapes, the only safe place Meg can hide is at the Lakeside Courtyard—a business district operated by the Others.
Shape-shifter Simon Wolfgard is reluctant to hire the stranger who inquires about the Human Liaison job. First, he senses she’s keeping a secret, and second, she doesn’t smell like human prey. Yet a stronger instinct propels him to give Meg the job. And when he learns the truth about Meg and that she’s wanted by the government, he’ll have to decide if she’s worth the fight between humans and the Others that will surely follow.
What B is talking about:
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When the frightened human female entered his bookstore ridiculously underdressed and half-frozen in the harsh winter night, Simon Wolfgard knows she’s hiding something. But, as much as that concerns him, his curiosity over just what makes her unlike any other human he’s ever encountered is far stronger. How could he have predicted that one decision made in a moment of uncertainty would change everything?
Meg Corbyn knows that getting too close to the “Others” can be deadly, but when faced with the reality of what she’ll face if she’s caught and returned to the one she’s trying so hard to escape, it’s a risk she has to take. Running with nothing but the clothes on her back in the middle of winter, and in a strange place inhabited by the strongest predators in the land, she never expected to find more than just a temporary sanctuary. But, sometimes the future isn’t what it’s expected to be, even if you’re a blood prophet.
As another new author for me, I had no idea what to expect from this new novel from Ms. Bishop. Regardless, I very much enjoyed Written in Red. The world of this novel is a brutal one, and a brief history, that is itself a familiar story of “civilization” forcing its way across oceans and into lands where it isn’t welcome, is thankfully provided at the beginning. Here, however, the earth gave rise to a different group of creatures that have dominion over the lands, and humans aren’t at the top of the food chain, merely a barely tolerated part of it.
I liked Meg and Simon a great deal from the very beginning. Meg, while she is, literally, the innocent among the wolves, is funny and charming, and manages to make a place in the world of the Others just fine, even though she’s incapable of surviving for long on her own. The very nature of what she is makes her someone to be cherished and protected, yet she’s not presented as a powerless mannequin. Likewise, Simon was a tremendous surprise, somehow finding himself at the mercy of the frail woman he rescued from the storm, with plenty of humorous head-scratching moments and Alpha-prone outbursts as he attempts to regain some control over his community—all of whom are somehow, and delightfully, on Meg’s side.
With Meg’s powers of precognition, Written in Red isn’t so much a whodunit, but a story of survival and hope. Although I knew something bad was coming, watching the bonds form between Meg and her new “family” made anticipating what I believed would happen more agonizing with every page. Fortunately, there were plenty of surprises that made me continue to want the best for both the others and the humans they’ve worked so hard to accept.
While Urban Fantasy is a more difficult genre for me to really fall into sometimes,Written in Red was a great story. It could be said that parts of the narrative edge towards predictable in some ways, but I think that worked well in this case. Despite Meg’s status as a prophet, I grew more and more intrigued with her as she made a place for herself among the others, and enjoyed getting to know these fascinating creatures most of all. Ms. Bishop injects just the right amount of humor in all the right places, as well as moments of real sorrow, resulting in a thoroughly likable read. This series is definitely on my list of ones to watch, and I hope to be reacquainted with Meg and the Others again soon.
B’s Rating:
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Loved it - enthusiastically recommend (A)
Purchase Info:
Labels:
4.5 stars,
Anne Bishop,
Bs-review,
ROC,
The Courtyards of the Others,
urban fantasy
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Cover reveal Harbinger by Philippa Ballantine
Today I have the privilege of revealing to you the cover for Harbinger by Philippa (Pip) Ballantine. This is the fourth and final (*sobs*) story in her marvelous Books of the Order Series. Without further ado.... May I present to you Harbinger...
The cover artist for Harbinger is Jason Chan. Once again, what perfect imagery for this exciting series! I cannot wait to read it!
Harbinger (Books of the Order #4)
ACE publishing, July 30, 2013
ACE publishing, July 30, 2013
The Deacons of the Order are all that stand between the wicked spirits of the Otherside and the innocent citizens of the Empire. They are sworn to protect humanity, even when they cannot protect themselves…
After the Razing of the Order, Sorcha Faris, one of the most powerful Deacons, is struggling to regain control of the runes she once wielded. The Deacons are needed more desperately than ever. The barrier between the world of the living and the world of the dead is weakening, and the Emperor has abandoned his throne, seeking to destroy those he feels have betrayed him.
Though she is haunted by the terrible truth of her past, Sorcha must lead the charge against the gathering hordes of geists seeking to cross into the Empire. But to do so, she will need to manipulate powers beyond her understanding—powers that may prove to be her undoing…
About the Author:
New Zealand born fantasy writer and podcaster Philippa (Pip) Ballantine is the author of the Books of the Order and the Shifted World series. She is also the co-author with her husband Tee Morris of the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences novels. Her awards include an Airship, a Parsec, and a Sir Julius Vogel. She currently resides in Manassas, VA with her husband, daughter, and a mighty clowder of cats.
You can find Pip online ...
Reviews in the Books of the Order:
Labels:
ACE,
blog tour,
Book Covers,
Book of the Order,
Cover Love,
Philippa Ballantine
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Thursday, March 21, 2013
Review: Agave Kiss by Ann Aguirre
Agave Kiss
Author: Ann Aguirre
Release Date: March 5, 2013
Publisher: Roc
Corine Solomon #5
ISBN: # 978-0451465030
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format(s): Paperback (336 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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Once Corine Solomon only had the touch—the ability to read an object’s past by handling it. Then she inherited her mother’s magick, and that ended up being a hell of a burden. But if Corine can wrestle a demon queen and win, she can bring back her lover Chance after he’s made the ultimate sacrifice. Can’t she? All Corine knows is that she can’t leave Chance behind if there’s anything she can do about it.
But the clock is ticking—and she still has to deal with debt-collecting demons and a maniacal archangel who’s running a recruitment drive. The stakes have never been so high…and this time it’s truly Corine’s last chance to save the love of her life.
What Gikany is talking about:
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Agave Kiss is the fifth, and final, book in the Corine Solomon series. It is a worthy finale to the series and nicely ties up all of the loose ends from the previous four books. All of the major characters that have made an appearance in the previous four books do so again in this one, and their plot arcs are resolved. I really appreciated this touch.
Agave Kiss picks up approximately one week after the end of Devil’s Punch. Corine is trying to figure out how she can go on after the shattering loss of Chance’s sacrifice. To top it all off, she and Shannon are still stuck in London without passports or any sort of documentation. A call for assistance from Booke gives Corine the opportunity to focus on helping someone else rather than wallowing in her own sorrows.
The blurb that the author provided about Agave Kiss suggests that most of it is about Corine rescuing Chance. It’s not. This is the major thread woven into the background of the book and the plot arc that gives it structure, but most of the novel deals with the consequences of Corine’s choices from both the previous books in the series and those that develop as she tries to help Booke. I love that in this series actions have consequences. An example of this is that Corine has lost her ability to use her mother’s white magic because she channeled too much demon magic in Devil’s Punch.
Another theme that runs through the Corine Solomon series is that doing the wrong thing for the right reason does not make it acceptable. Evil done in the name of good is still evil. Corine’s soul has been scarred by her dealings with demons. Why she chose to do so makes no difference. Ignorance also offers no excuse.
I have really enjoyed this series. In preparation for this review, I treated myself to a reread of the previous books and enjoyed them just as much the second time around. All of the books build on each other and I strongly recommend that you start this series with Blue Diablo, the first book.
Gikany’s Rating:
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Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Purchase Info:
Reviews in the Series:
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Review: The Charmed Fates by Christine Wenrick
The Charmed Fates
Author: Christine Wenrick
Release Date: Feb. 18, 2013
Publisher: Red Treehouse Publishing
The Charmed Trilogy, Books #3
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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“You think you know him better than I do? Interesting . . . and so boringly human.”
Over a year has passed since Olivia Ann Greyson discovered that she is a Charmer, a Dhampir fated to be part of the violent supernatural world that surrounds our human one. In that time, she has strengthened herself physically, learned of her family’s secret past, and found a deep and abiding love with the strongest man she has ever met, Daywalker Caleb Wolfe. But Olivia’s biggest challenge still lies ahead of her . . .
Dark vampire lord Luther Davin has been obsessed with capturing Olivia so he can use her special gifts for his own reasons. As Caleb and Olivia try to make a new life together with their coven, the Nightwalker’s attempts to capture her only intensify and inadvertently bring an unwelcome visitor from Caleb’s past barging back into his life.
She is Caelestis—Celeste to the modern world—and she claims to be Caleb’s first and rightful mate. Although Olivia has grown confident and secure in her relationship with Caleb, she soon realizes that Celeste sees herself as no less than a Goddess among mere mortals and will stop at nothing to get Caleb back—which means Olivia herself must die!
When these two threats collide and fate steps in to pull Olivia away from her new family, will she be ready for her darkest hour and her greatest battle?
When these two threats collide and fate steps in to pull Olivia away from her new family, will she be ready for her darkest hour and her greatest battle?
What Nima’s talking about:
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The Charmed Fates is the third book in The Charmed Trilogy. The books are a consecutive read and need to be consumed in order. It’s tough to give a fair review this final installment without spoilers, but here goes. Overall, I liked the series, and I liked this book. It was very well developed for a debut author, and I think worth the time investment.
The story begins slowly while Wenrick gives us a little time to enjoy the hard won domestic bliss from the first two books. Then there is a lot, perhaps too much in my opinion, of everyone trying to protect everyone else. It was obvious to me that they needed to work together, and I admit to some impatience, but this is how characters grow. They do get there eventually. The action and tension of the story are strengths of Wenrick’s writing, which builds to a satisfactory conclusion.
The only two real criticisms I have in an otherwise terrific tale are regarding the disposition of two particular characters. Caelestis or Celeste, is Caleb’s ex-mate. She had the potential to be the source of much more humor or much more evil. I felt she was under-utilized. The second character was Luther Davin. His connection with Olivia has run through all three books. In The Charmed Fates his truly evil nature comes to full light, and when we arrived at the ultimate conflict, it seemed slightly anti-climatic. I expected it to be more drawn out.
There is less sex this go-around, but it’s still hot and timely. It feels natural to the flow of the story, not like the characters are being forced “get it on” because they haven’t in so many pages. Olivia’s music does still play a role in her relationships and personal growth as well.
Lycans were peripheral to the overall story arc, and I felt they should have been a stronger presence in the climactic scenes. However, the excerpt from the first book in Wenrick’s next series, The Men of Brahm Hill, which builds on the foundation of The Charmed Trilogy, suggests we’ll get to know them better. The Charmed Fates ends Olivia and Caleb’s story, but I have no doubt they’ll appear in future stories as Wenrick explores the world and characters she has created. There is a significant depth there to be mined.
Nima’s Rating:
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Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Purchase Info:
Reviews in the Series:
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Review: Highlander Most Wanted by Maya Banks
Highlander Most Wanted
Author: Maya Banks
Release Date: March 19, 2013
Publisher: Ballantine
Montgomerys and Armstrongs #2
ISBN: 978-0345533241
Genre: Historical Romance
Format(s): paperback (352 pages), e-book
About the book:
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In Highlander Most Wanted, a reclusive woman content to live in the shadows shows a Highland warrior the true meaning of love.
Genevieve McInnes is locked behind the fortified walls of McHugh Keep, captive of a cruel laird who takes great pleasure in ruining her for any other man. Yet when Bowen Montgomery storms the gates on a mission of clan warfare, Genevieve finds that her spirit is bent but not broken. Still, her path toward freedom remains uncertain. Unable to bear the shame of returning to a family that believes her dead or to abandon others at the keep to an imposing new laird, Genevieve opts for the peaceful life of an abbess. But Bowen’s rugged sensuality stirs something deep inside her that longs to be awakened by his patient, gentle caress—something warm, wicked, and tempting.
What VampBard’s talking about:
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I love me a good brogue in a story. Dialectical writing. A strong hero saving a strong heroine from a really cruddy situation. It's easy to find those elements in Maya Banks' Highlander Most Wanted, book 2 in her Montgomerys and Armstrongs series.
Even though I haven't read book 1 in the series, Ms. Banks informs her readers of important evens from the previous book in a thorough, yet not-annoying manner. This title could be read as a stand-alone, but I'm pretty sure that more books in this series are in my future.
Storming the Keep. Mmmmhm. That's where our story starts. The Montgomery & Armstrong boys are looking to avenge the mistreatment of one of their own. Secrets that threaten to destroy our heroine, Genevieve, are rampant. How she manages to keep her sanity, after all she's endured, is completely beyond me. She and Bowen make a good couple. They seem to truly complete one another. HEAT INDEX: 3.
This is really a typical story of “dude saves chick from oppression.” Even though Genevieve McInnis has been severely abused during her year-long imprisonment by Ian McHugh, she is strong. Her self-esteem has been crushed; however, with the death of Ian and Patrick McHugh's hasty retreat from the Keep she is emboldened. Although, she repeatedly makes statements that let the citizens of the McHugh Keep off the hook for watching and not doing anything about her abuse. With only one friend that I was wary about through the story, Genevieve was truly on her own. She needed a champion.
Bowen Montgomery, chivalrous and gorgeous, totally falls for Genevieve. He's completely smitten and doesn't admit it to her for what seems like centuries. He is almost instantaneously her sorely needed champion. Genevieve saved his life, and then stitched up his wounds. That's when their time together began and when Bowen realized he was in love with her. Lots of chest-thumping and bellowing ensues. Protection from those that threaten Genevieve takes place. I wasn't too impressed by the acts of heroism. I did really like watching Bowen's feelings for Genevieve evolve, however.
For me, the characters were a little flat. The story seemed to happen. Even though I pretty much could have devoured it in a sitting, it was one of those titles that I like to have around just for enjoyment. I don't have to think like an English teacher while reading titles like this. The conflicts that take place were pretty easy for me to figure out in advance. Much of the description that took place in the book were of emotional states-of-mind that allowed me to see what the character was thinking, but I didn't feel as though I knew any of the characters well. That's OK sometimes, however. Sometimes, as a reader, I need just entertainment.
One of my favorite things about Ms. Banks' writing is that she has a ken for turning a phrase. My favorite quote from this title was: “'Tis glad I am of that, lass, for 'tis the truth that you are more beautiful to me than a thousand Highland sunsets.” Something inside me goes all squishy when I hear phrases like this.
I enjoyed Highlander Most Wanted. Enough that book 1 in the Montgomerys and Armstrongs, Never Seduce a Scot, has been added to my TBR. I like the characters, and the title seemed to be engaging for a ‘brain vacation.’ I am looking forward to reading book 3 in the series, Highlander Ever After, due out in 2013.
VampBard’s Rating:
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Liked it a lot - recommend (B+)
Purchase Info:
Monday, March 18, 2013
Review: Her Knight's Quest by Alexis Morgan
Her Knight’s Quest
Author: Alexis Morgan
Release Date: March 5, 2013
Publisher: Signet
Warriors of the Mist #2
ISBN: #978-0451239594
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Format(s): Paperback (336 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher/ NetGalley
About the book:
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For centuries, five legendary warriors have braved battles shoulder to shoulder. But now they must divide and conquer as lone champions against evil.
Duncan, a scholar at heart, is drawn to an isolated abbey rumored to hold the answers to countering the terror unleashed by Duke Keirthan. Inside the cloistered walls lies the hidden collection of forbidden lore on dark magic. But the real key to the salvation Duncan seeks—both for the people of Agathia and his soul—is the abbess herself, Lady Lavinia. Hunted by the duke, who seeks to harvest her powers, Lavinia knows Duncan wants to help her. But can she trust the tortured warrior with her secrets?
In the end, it is only by joining forces that they can save not only those they are sworn to protect but each other.
What I’m talking about:
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Duncan is one of the five fabled Warriors of the Mist who sleep within the River of the Damned. When a darkest began to descend over her estate, Lady Merewen called forth these ancient warriors to help rid the land of evil. At the end of the first book, My Lady Mage, Duncan set out in search of answers to help destroy their enemy. At the beginning of Her Knight’s Quest, Duncan is en route to an abbey which is rumored to hold ancient, magical texts. He is playing the part of a scholar looking for work as a scribe.
Lavinia is the head of the abbey and sworn to protect the secrets within its walls. She is all to aware of the evil at hand and the man at the root of the dark magic, Duke Keirthan. Lavinia is able to perform magic of her own, including scrying for visions of what the future may hold. So when the magic waters share more than one image of Duncan, Lavinia realizes he will be someone significant in her life.
Her Knight’s Quest is the delightful sophomore story in the Warriors of the Mist series. After providing basic framework for the world and mythology in her first book, Ms. Morgan takes the time to further explore several of the characters, including backgrounds and talents. There is a much deeper explanation of what is occurring to the land and its citizens, plus there are several scenes from the POV of the Duke - providing excellent insight into his desires and motivations. I was drawn in by the additional details and supplemental mythology regarding the magic at hand. Despite the fact there is a lot of new information provided, the plot progressed forward with an exciting intensity.
Although I would classify this series as fantasy, romance is a crucial part of its core and story lines. In Her Knight’s Quest, we witness the pairing of Lavinia and Duncan. However, there is also follow up with Merewen and Gideon, the primary couple from the first book. In addition, we witness the beginnings of a relationship between Murdoch and Alina, who we also met in the first book.
Lavinia and Duncan feel sparks of attraction right from the start, however both are duty bound and feel there is no time or place for any type of relationship. Their first kiss is sexy, yet hesitant, knowing that their responsibilities come first. Both Lavinia and Duncan appear simultaneously mature and innocent, able to focus on task yet full of wonder from the brush of romance. The juxtaposition of these seemingly conflicting needs creates a smoldering desire brewing beneath the surface.
As the pair grow closer, they individually struggle with the conflict between duty and heart. One of my favorite scenes involves such conflict. The pair disagree on the direction the other should take - and whether to leave the abbey. Yet when it comes down to it, Duncan pushes to claim and love Lavinia, even if they may never see each other again. Both put their heart out there, knowing love may be lost. The scene was emotionally intense and passionate.
The conflict between duty and love is echoed in the other romantic relationships within the story. Although Merewen and Gideon made peace with the fact that once the battle is over, he will have to return to the river and leave, the pair shared tender moments in Her Knight’s Quest as the realize the truth of the situation. This sentiment is echoed in a touching scene between Murdoch and Alina. I adore Alina’s courage in sharing her feelings with Murdoch, and for Murdoch to graciously accept her offer rather than push her away “for her own good.”
By the end of Her Knight’s Quest, I was thoroughly hooked on Ms. Morgan’s series. The fantasy elements and overall mythology are engrossing and exciting. The added components brought forward in this book helped to enrich the overall story arc. In addition, the character development was stronger in this book, and I have come to care for the Dammed Warriors and their companions. I admire that both persons in each of the pairings is willing to give one-hundred percent of themselves and their love, even knowing that heartache is ahead. I look forward to finding out how the Warriors of the Mist fair against the darkness of Duke Keirthan.
My Rating:
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Liked it - recommend (B+)
Reviews in the Series:
Labels:
3.5 stars,
Alexis Morgan,
romance,
sci-fi/fantasy,
Signet,
Twimom Review,
Warriors of the Mist
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Saturday, March 16, 2013
Saturday Conversations 03/16/2013
Veronica Mars: The Movie...
Well in case you've been under a rock, racked with grief over the end of Google Reader, or wrapped up in the election of the new Pope, I wanted to share with you all some great news. On Wednesday Sasha Knight (@sknighteditor) tweeted this link Kickstarter-VM ... Go ahead, take a look!
That's right... Rob Thomas, the creator of one of my all-time favorite shows, is looking to make a Veronica Mars movie this summer! Rob, along with some of the original cast like star Kristen Bell, is using a wonderful website called Kickstarter to fan-finance the movie. In the first day alone, they exceeded their goal of $2,000,000. Fans can donate funds to help finance the project in exchange for some great swag and rewards like t-shirts, movie posters, cast voicemail messages, dvds, and for one lucky (and wealthy) fan - a speaking roll in the movie. The project has been so successful, Rob has promised more reward levels soon!
Here is a sample of how wickedly wonderful this group is together:
If you haven't seen the original TV program, I highly recommend it. It is one of the most creative, well-written shows. I am so geeked out over this news that I already donated to the Kickstarter fund! I'm looking forward to 2014 and a Veronica Mars movie!
So... what about you... Are you excited about the news of a Veronica Mars movie?
For fans of the original show-what do you want to see on the big screen?
Is there another TV show or book that you would like to see made into a movie and would help finance via Kickstarter?
Thanks for stopping to chat!
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