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2013 reading goal:
15 new-to-me authors.
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2) Heather Massey
3) Sidney Bristol
4) Ann Mayburn
5) Thea Harrison
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Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Review: River Road by Suzanne Johnson
River Road
Author: Suzanne Johnson
Release Date: Nov. 13, 2012
Publisher: Tor
Sentinels of New Orleans #2
ISBN: #978-0765327802
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format(s): Hardcover (336 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Author
About the book:
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Hurricane Katrina is long gone, but the preternatural storm rages on in New Orleans. New species from the Beyond moved into Louisiana after the hurricane destroyed the borders between worlds, and it falls to wizard sentinel Drusilla Jaco and her partner, Alex Warin, to keep the preternaturals peaceful and the humans unaware. But a war is brewing between two clans of Cajun merpeople in Plaquemines Parish, and down in the swamp, DJ learns, there’s more stirring than angry mermen and the threat of a were-gator.
Wizards are dying, and something—or someone—from the Beyond is poisoning the waters of the mighty Mississippi, threatening the humans who live and work along the river. DJ and Alex must figure out what unearthly source is contaminating the water and who—or what—is killing the wizards. Is it a malcontented merman, the naughty nymph, or some other critter altogether? After all, DJ’s undead suitor, the pirate Jean Lafitte, knows his way around a body or two.
It’s anything but smooth sailing on the bayou as the Sentinels of New Orleans series continues.
What I’m talking about:
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The story opens with a meeting between our heroine, Drusilla Jaco (aka DJ) and the historical undead pirate Jean Lafitte. The scene is detailed beautifully, and I felt as if I was party to the entire interaction. Jean shares with DJ that 1) there are merfolks living in the New Orleans area, 2) there is something polluting the waters in the area, which is a threat to both pretes (preternatural beings) and humans, and 3) there is a brewing war between two of the mer-factions. Suddenly, DJ finds herself in the middle of a dangerous whodunit mystery with dangers at every turn.
Although I didn't read the first book, Royal Street, Ms. Johnson does a marvelous job of integrating past actions and world-building details into the current storyline. In addition, the descriptive detail provided is beyond marvelous. Similes and metaphors compliment sharp dialogue, fierce action and an intriguing mystery. When put all together, the author paints a richly illustrative image in my mind's eye.
Although one can jump in the series with River Road, there is a bit of a learning curve. The mythology is distinct, and although there are familiar characters such as shifters, wizards and merfolk, their origins and many of their characteristics are unique to Ms. Johnson’s series. I had to tweet the author a few questions during the course of reading the book.
Without going into a lot of detail about the different factions and pretes, I will mention a few things I liked a lot. First... I enjoyed the whole wizard congress political set up. It reminded me a bit of Harry Potter in that there is a very complex governing body for all things magical. I love that DJ even wears a pair of Harry Potter PJs! The reader gets a pretty good account of the backbone of the Elders and wizards about a third of the way through the book, and that helped a lot. The primary folks involved in this story are the sentinels (DJ and partner Alex) who seem to me like the inspectors and police of the supernatural world - especially in New Orleans where the doorway between our world and the “Beyond” is opened. In addition there are enforcers who are the military component - security, cleaning up messes, keeping things in line. Oh, by the way, humans know nothing about this world.
I am fascinated by the Elven. DJ is part elf on both sides of her lineage, something that apparently is very rare. We learn a few bits and pieces about this magical, secretive sect, only because DJ herself knows so little. There is much to be learned and some apparent nefarious plots yet to be revealed.
I am a fan our our heroine, DJ. She is girly, but tough. She doesn’t know everything, but works to figure it out. She is willing to rely on friends, but also will take charge of a situation. She makes mistakes and may whine a short time, but in the end is resilient!
One thing I didn’t quite get is her apparently extraordinary attractiveness. Don’t get me wrong, I adore her, but she has three alpha males practically drooling over her, as well as a couple of mermen who wouldn’t mind taking her home. First there is Jean Lafitte who appears to have some sort of plans for our heroine. He’s attracted to her, but it’s almost as if he means to capture and possess her as one of his treasures. He may be good looking and very humanlike - but in the end, he is dead.
Then we have cousins Jake and Alex Warin. Alex is a true, born shifter and DJ’s best friend. I don’t know their history from the first book, but Alex was awfully flirtatious, jealous and a tad possessive for “just friends.” I really liked him, but I was constantly worried that his behavior is more due to competition with his cousin than honest feelings for DJ.
Jake on the other hand is loup-garou (made werewolf). Based on dialogue and memories, it is clear that Jake and DJ were on the verge of something special prior to Hurricane Katrina and Jake turning were. His anger and her guilt kept them apart until the beginning of River Road. With time and forgiveness, the pair seem to have a few sparks. However, Jake’s inability to control his wolf kept things moving slowly. I felt for Jake, and want to see him whole and healed. But honestly, I'm not sure who would be the best romantic interest for DJ. Alex is really making a case for himself, and the way things ended... well, I’m anxious to see what is next for our group.
In the end I have to say I really enjoyed River Road! The primary plot is an absorbing mystery and a pretty good one at that. I will admit I didn't know whodunit. And while I am not a fan of love triangles, I appreciate DJ's confusion and the romantic story line is well played thus far. There is much more to learn about DJ and her powers, the elves and DJ’s new neighbor. My interest is certainly piqued!!
My Rating:
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Loved it - enthusiastically recommend (A)
Labels:
Monday, November 5, 2012
Review: Reflected in You by Sylvia Day
Reflected in You
Author: Sylvia Day
Release Date: Oct. 23, 2012
Publisher: Berkley Trade
Crossfire Book #2
ISBN: 978-0425263916
Genre: Contemporary Romance/ Romantic Suspense
Format(s): Paperback (432 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher/NetGalley
About the book:
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Gideon Cross. As beautiful and flawless on the outside as he was damaged and tormented on the inside. He was a bright, scorching flame that singed me with the darkest of pleasures. I couldn’t stay away. I didn’t want to. He was my addiction… my every desire… mine.
My past was as violent as his, and I was just as broken. We’d never work. It was too hard, too painful… except when it was perfect. Those moments when the driving hunger and desperate love were the most exquisite insanity.
We were bound by our need. And our passion would take us beyond our limits to the sweetest, sharpest edge of obsession…
What VampBard’s talking about:
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I'm not going to lie. Reflected in You felt a LOT like New Moon to me...except for one thing: Eva is a survivor. Don't look for my review of this title to be sugar-coated or fan-girlish. You won't get that here. I “hated” New Moon. However, Reflected in You gave me an entirely new perspective on the genre of romantic suspense. I didn't even know there was a mystery brewing...
I simply adored Sylvia Day's plot arc in this title. You definitely must read the first title in the Crossfire series, Bared to You, before reading Reflected in You. It's important to know how Gideon and Eva came to be a couple, where they've been, and the hurdles they've overcome to be together. Granted, they have more mountains to climb before their HEA, if there is to be one, but the delicious bite of heartache makes the reunion so much stronger for both the character and the reader.
The way Gideon and Eva grew as a couple during Reflected in You was some seriously awesome plotting. Kudos to Ms. Day for allowing the reader to be **right there** with Gideon and Eva as their relationship hit highs, lows, and rock-bottom. This title isn't for the weak; be ready to go on a wooden roller-coaster ride. Emotions get knocked around, and those that get into their books may feel as though you were put through a wood chipper before things resolve in this title.
It's difficult to discuss much about Reflected in You without giving away some of the delicious plot. We do see more of Mark, Eva's boss and his partner, Steven. I think they're integral characters, as it seems that they have a healthy relationship. They also provide Eva with non-Gideon companionship – especially once Steven's sister becomes slightly more prominent as a character. I think we'll see more of her.
Cary plays a large part in the second Crossfire novel. His medical state moves a chunk of the setting back to his and Eva's apartment. I was intrigued by the relationship between Eva's parents. I sense more there, but I'm not sure anything will come of it.
In reality, I can't discuss one of Sylvia Day's Crossfire titles without mentioning the sizzling physical relationship Eva and Gideon have. Take. Me. To. The. Beach. **fans self** The transportation fetish continues. Make-up sex is phenomenal. I love the fact that Eva initiates as often as Gideon. I love the fact that the make-up sex seems to be more about making a connection with the one you love than the act itself. Some people need the emotional connection with their partner. Some need the physical connection. Some need both. I think both Eva and Gideon fit the last category.
Lastly, we see a resolution to a story arc from Bared to You. It's a MAJOR deal for Eva, and more so, I think, for Gideon. I'm really interested to find out how that all works out in the third Crossfire novel.
Reflected in You was a title that I think I needed to read. Sometimes, as we read through so many titles in the romance genre, we see couples hook up, have a problem, resolve it, and live HEA. Even in series, there's generally multiple characters that have their HEA (one per book). I can really appreciate the way Ms. Day has shown the more realistic side of relationships in this day and age. More people get into relationships carrying baggage. I think Gideon and Eva (thus far) are the poster kids for fighting for what you want, and what is GOOD for you. Don't get me wrong – I'm not advocating co-dependency (even though I'm a little co-dependent on Mr. VampBard). I see the way Eva communicates with Gideon...how she allows him to open up in his own time...and how she is able to let go of some of her baggage, knowing that Gideon will be there to catch her if something goes awry. The major lesson learned from this title: if you truly trust someone, everything else will work out.
I will rather (im)patiently await May 7, 2013. Entwined with You has a tentative release date (I think Mr. VampBard will let me read on our anniversary, don't you?). The final book of the Crossfire trilogy will be a title I'm sure to want to have ready to read ASAP. I MUST know what happens to my friends, Gideon and Eva!
VampBard’s Rating:
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Loved it - enthusiastically recommend (A)
Purchase Info:
Reviews in the Series:
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Saturday Conversations 11/3/2012
I can read 100 books...
My son and his school (3rd - 5th grades) are involved in a great program to encourage reading called "I Can Read 100 Books." The idea is to get the students to read one hundred books throughout the school year. And it's very flexible. You can read picture books, chapter books, graphic novels, magazines, etc. To put everyone on even par, the rules are:
One Book is:
* a picture book,
* 25 pages of a chapter book,
* 30 minutes reading "other."
To encourage kids even further, they've asked the parents to join in. Of course, I gladly accepted the challenge. The rules for parents are a little different:
One Book is:
* 100 Pages,
* 60 minutes.
I was going along great, using pages if it was a book and minutes for ebooks. That is until I decided to time myself for fun. That's when I found out that I read a 375 page book in 6 hours!! Wow! I'm a slow reader if 100 pages and 1 hour are "one book" (and I'm getting screwed if I use page count instead of minutes!)
I read about a page per minute. That got me wondering - what is the "average" time for an adult to read a "for pleasure" book? Am I a slow reader? Am I average? I know for me it depends on the amount of time I have to read in a single sitting. For example, if I can spend 1 to 2 hours reading a book, I get through faster than 1 page per minute. But if I only get 20 minutes here and there, the speed goes down. Complexity is also a factor: if I have to spend time re-reading or looking up information, the speed diminishes. Finally, if I am reviewing and I need to take a lot of notes, the speed decreases.
So I'm asking you: do you know how fast you read? What are factors that impact your reading speed? Do you think you are slow, fast, average? Let's chat!
Friday, November 2, 2012
1,000 Posts and (almost) 600 Followers!
I also noticed that I'm almost up to 600 Google Friend Connect followers. What a blessing to have reached so many readers.
Thank you everyone - authors, publishers, my review team, fellow bloggers and tweeps, but most of all - thank you to those that take the time to read my blog, leave a comment and say hello!
Happy Reading!
Jen
Review: Death's Rival by Faith Hunter
Death’s Rival
Author: Faith Hunter
Release Date: Oct. 2, 2012
Publisher: ROC
Jane Yellowrock #5
ISBN: #978-0451464859
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format(s): Paperback (336 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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Jane Yellowrock is a shapeshifting skinwalker you don’t want to cross—especially if you’re one of the undead…
For a former vampire killer like Jane, having Leo Pellisier as boss took some getting used to. But now, someone is out to take his place as Master Vampire of the city of New Orleans, and they’re not afraid to go through Jane to do it. After an attack that’s tantamount to a war declaration, Leo knows his rival is both powerful and vicious, but Leo’s not about to run scared. After all, he has Jane. But then, a plague strikes, one that takes down vampires but leaves humans untouched, as carriers of the dread disease.
Now, to uncover the identity of the vamp who wants Leo’s territory, and to find the cause of the vamp plague, Jane will have to go to extremes…and maybe even to war.
What B is talking about:
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Jane Yellowrock, Skinwalker and descendant of the guardians of the Cherokee people, has faced many threats as a vampire hunter, especially since she started working for one. Headstrong and relentless, she likes to work alone, and can't allow herself to really trust anyone. Now, Jane is once again dealing with the aftershocks of a situation she inadvertently set in motion, and the body count is rising much faster than she can handle.
Although I liked this book, it wasn't an easy story to get through. Jane redefines complicated. Her most consistent relationship is with Beast, her inner “big cat,” and the bond they share leaves little room for other relationships. Jane seems to crave intimacy on several levels, but can't allow herself to trust anyone else enough to let them get close. For all her bravery and self-sufficiency, she is a very lonely woman.
Death’s Rival can’t be called a “romance.” Jane, and more specifically Beast, is a sexually animalistic being by nature. Jane has proven she is capable of loving another, but is more resigned to losing that love. Beast, on the other hand, judges their potential “mates” by their strength and fighting abilities more than any other quality. And she’s not opposed to claiming more than one of them as her own. Still, Jane is fairly ruthless in her self-denial, even though the sexual tension between her and their potential lovers is undeniably hot.
For all its seriousness, Death’s Rival is an action-packed and fast paced story. Jane doesn’t take much downtime for herself, and is more than capable of standing on her own. She takes multitasking to new extremes, being both sleuth and warrior, and I ended up feeling as anxious as Jane about what might be coming next. Ms. Hunter eradicates any notion of “comfort zones” and launches Jane into one adrenaline-fueled situation after another, adeptly taking the reader along on the journey.
While I think this is a fascinating series, it certainly cannot be considered light reading. Jane's world is filled with danger, dubious allies, and bloodthirsty vamps who are sometimes only barely leashed, if that. Jane wraps herself in guilt as much as pride, and both prove a disadvantage at the worst possible times. At one point, Jane boils her situation down to this:
“Something like pain cut through me, a steel blade of misery and grief, sharp and burning cold. But nothing in life was set in stone and nothing in life is promised us. Not happiness, not joy, not love. Everything was variable and mutable and inconstant. Perhaps Rick and I still could be together. Someday. But I couldn’t count on that. I couldn’t count on anything except God, death, and myself, and sometimes not even myself.”
But, Jane is no quitter. She is at once cynical and angry, resilient and determined, and sensual and mysterious. She is solitary and heroic, and there doesn’t seem to be an end to her potential. Though sometimes frustrating, I can’t resist this series, and would very much like to see where Jane goes next.
B’s Rating:
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Liked it - recommend (B+)
Purchase Info:
Reviews in the Series:
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Review: Mind Raider by Anna Hackett
Mind Raider
Author: Anna Hackett
Release Date: Oct. 10, 2012
Publisher: Self-Published
Anomaly Trilogy #2
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Novella
Format(s): E-book
Book Source: Author
About the book:
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Never hide, never cower and live by your own rules.
Life has taught mind raider Mara Ross to never let anyone break her. Especially not the crime lord who tortured her for her ability to control other people's minds. But now her former tormentor has kidnapped another woman and Mara will do anything to save her—including joining forces with a dark, powerful man who is more dangerous than anything Mara's faced before.
The CIA's experiments left Callahan with lethal powers he must control with every inch of his will. As the leader of Haven, a sanctuary for anomalies, he stays focused and alone...until Mara blazes into his life. Cal knows he must keep his distance from the fiery mind raider because she threatens his control...and if his control breaks, people die.
On a mission deep in the wilds of Indonesia, desire explodes between Cal and Mara. But as the two wounded souls are drawn to each other, terrible secrets from Cal's past threaten to drive them apart.
What G & U are talking about:
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Mind Raider is the second novella in the Anomaly Trilogy. It is a fresh and interesting urban fantasy world. Although in novella format, the story is pulsating with passionate romance and a fairly engaging plot. Gikany and Una enjoyed this latest installment.
The story centralizes around Cal, the leader of the Haven, a refuge area for anomalies, and Mara, the Mind Raider we met in the previous novella, Time Thief. It seems the attraction between Cal and Mara started long ago when they first met, but due to current circumstances, they find themselves forced to be together….
Gikany and Una have enjoyed the Anomaly Trilogy so far. Although the only book left, Soul Stealer, is coming, we hope that possibly this could be a feature length series. The mythology and world is fascinating and exciting. With the connections of Cal’s past, a new big bad could form and take us on other adventures. Part of the reason this series strikes a chord with us is the allusion to the X-Men series – a comic world that is near and dear to Una’s heart.
If you enjoy a fast paced, thrilling passionate romance, please pick up The Anomaly Trilogy, it is a fun weekend read.
Their Rating:
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Liked it - recommend (B+)
Purchase Info:
Reviews in the Series:
Review: Bared to You by Sylvia Day
Bared to You
Author: Sylvia Day
Release Date: June 12, 2012
Publisher: Berkley Trade
Crossfire Book #1
ISBN: 978-0425263907
Genre: Contemporary Romance, erotic
Format(s): Paperback (352 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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Gideon Cross came into my life like lightning in the darkness...
He was beautiful and brilliant, jagged and white-hot. I was drawn to him as I'd never been to anything or anyone in my life. I craved his touch like a drug, even knowing it would weaken me. I was flawed and damaged, and he opened those cracks in me so easily...
Gideon knew. He had demons of his own. And we would become the mirrors that reflected each other's most private worlds...and desires.
The bonds of his love transformed me, even as I prayed that the torment of our pasts didn't tear us apart...
What VampBard’s talking about:
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When I finished reading Bared to You by Sylvia Day, I felt as though I was left a bit … raw. While it feels a bit reminiscent of the 50 Shades books, I felt it was written much better, and the characters were so realistic – they could have been someone I knew. Eva seems like one of my friends that I knew in college. Gideon? Well, he's that unattainable, terribly attractive guy that we never saw with a girl no matter when we ran across him. Bared to You brings together realism and fantasy in a compelling, emotion-wrought read.
I had a lot of commentary for this title. As I was reading, there were many, many times I'd simply tell myself that I needed a good friend to read the book with me so we could discuss. THAT is how compelled I felt while reading.
Bared to You, while a sensual and compelling title, tempers what could be difficult content with realistic humor that lightens the mood a bit:
"Sex that's planned like a business transaction is a turnoff for me."
"Establishing parameters in the beginning makes it less likely that there'll be exaggerated expectations and disappointment at the conclusion."
"Are you kidding?" I scowled. "Listen to yourself. Why even call it a fxxk? Why not be clear and call it a seminal emission in a preapproved orifice?" (p. 42)
We're not reading some simple fluff fiction with this title. Carefully crafted to respect the reader, Ms. Day breathed life into her characters, making them realistic and believable. They're like those close friends with which you'd attend Happy Hour every Friday. The same friends that would be invited to all the important events in your life. The friends that would be there for you, and you'd want to be there for them as well.
I'm going to start with Cary, Eva's best friend and roommate. It seems as though Cary is the one with the true demons that need to be tamed. He's not through sowing his wild oats, and definitely isn't ready for an adult relationship. We all know this guy (or gal). What I really like about Cary is that he's brutally honest with Eva. About everything. Even when she's not ready to be honest with herself. Cary also provides us with some no-phreakin'-way moments. I wanted to (figuratively) slap him upside the head a couple times because that's what I'd do to a good friend that was screwing up.
Ms. Day started with some phenomenal description of Gideon Cross, our hero:
“As he stared back, he altered . . . as if a shield slid away from his eyes, revealing a scorching force of will that sucked the air from my lungs. The intense magnetism he exuded grew in strength, becoming a near-tangible impression of vibrant unrelenting power. (p. 5)”
This was the most powerful part of his initial description for me. Ms. Day not only gives the reader an in-depth physical description, we are rewarded with impressions of his emotional grid. While it seems as thought Gideon is plagued with his own demons, he's doing an awesome job of mitigating the damage from his past in his relationship with Eva. Most of the time.
Eva, the lucky one that gets to sleep with Gideon Cross, is totally a girl after my own heart. She's not afraid to call it like she sees it. She is, however, a little hesitant to outright stake a claim on Gideon. Initially, she is smitten with him. She's drawn to Gideon, like a moth to a porch light left on after dark. Even though Eva has a messed up past, she seems to have come out ok on the other side, courtesy of a bunch of therapy and an over-protective mom. She still, however, seems to have a few demons to exorcise.
The plot of Bared to You felt complex; an intricately woven panel within a larger work. The end of the first book of the Crossfire series did bring a smidge of resolution. However, I'm ecstatic that next in my TBR pile is book 2 of the series, Reflected in You. I am anxious to read about how Eva and Gideon handle the crap Cary handed them at the end of this title and how they, as a couple, grow (hopefully) together to overcome pasts that have the potential to permanently hobble even the most introspective person.
VampBard’s Rating:
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Loved it - enthusiastically recommend (A)
Purchase Info:
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