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Review Date: 10/9/2016
When I learned that Jim Butcher was writing a new Steampunk series my brain completely skipped over the Steampunk part - heard "New Jim Butcher Series" and immediately started Salsa dancing. New Jim Butcher series, new Jim Butcher series, new....wait a minute.... there was something else in there.... something with an s.
And then the other shoe dropped. Screech, thud. Full stop.
Steampunk.
Shudder, shudder, ick.
There are some glaring exceptions; Gail Carriger, Lynn Viehl and Kate Locke each wrote Steampunk series that I enjoyed. But for the most part Steampunk and I do not get along. The mechanicals - both the frivolous and maniacal, the airships - complicated and mystifying that require loads of explanation and yet somehow never make any damn sense to me, the protocols, the incessant courtesy and above all the overwhelming proprieties that must always be observed usually take what might otherwise be an interesting story and drive me absolutely bats.
Every so often I'll give in when a friend says "But you must try this one. It's a wonderful story. You'll laugh, you'll cry. Just try it." And I usually do cry, because just like 9 out of 10 Steampunk stories it drove me crazy and now I have to kill that friend. I'll miss them terribly.
I adore Harry Blackstone Copperfield (smart-mouth) Dresden; even when he's being a big hairy Neanderthal with both feet and one of his hands in his mouth. I've been dying for Butcher to come up with a new character to carry the torch so to speak because no franchise can last forever and eventually the last Dresden files will be published and then where will I be? Harry Dresden-less that's where. No that can't happen. But can you picture a character like Harry in an alternate timeline England? I can't either.
Except now there's a new Jim Butcher series out there. Even if it is full of mechanicals and propriety it will at least be very well written propriety. And this is Jim Butcher we are talking about. He could probably make a sheet of instructions for setting up a tent sound interesting. Besides Peace Talks still doesn't have a release date. Maybe it won't kill me to check out The Aeronaut's Windlass. At least it's not YA. That's another genre I've agreed to disagree with.
So I got a copy of the Aeronaut's Windlass last week and now I have a whole new dilemma. If I read the book now and like the story it will be another two years or so (if I'm lucky) until the next one comes out. I could wait until 2 or 3 more books have been published before trying out the series. But Butcher never hits a deadline and I don't want him to start now. Deadline be damned. The book is done when it's done and not one second before. So realistically it will be a minimum of 3 years probably more like 4 or 5 years before the next two are released and what if The Cinder Spires is TOO Steampunk for me? I don't have the shelf space to hold onto books that aren't going to be read in a reasonable amount of time.
So I'll check out a few chapters just to see how it feels. Then I'll know for sure. (ya, that's the ticket)
In the first chapter (prologue actually) a young, wet behind the ears young thing Gwen (Gwendolyn) Lancaster peer of the realm and overachiever extraordinaire explains to her mother that she can't possibly go to academy as she is expected to because it will be much too boring and she has much more exciting plans. She is going to join the Spirearch's Guard and spend a year in service. It's her duty and as a peer, it's her responsibility. Besides she'll positively die if she has to sit through one more bo-ring class. Well crap, while entertaining (a large portion of the salon is rubbleized during her exit) this sounds suspiciously YA. And it is written in objective viewpoint. Something else from my list of things to avoid. I'm more a first person gal. It's more immediate and you get a better understanding of the character.
Then the story moves onto the Airship. Complicated and mysterious and not making a damn bit of sense to me as expected, but things get exciting right away so it doesn't matter that the finer points of operating an airship allude me. Captain Grim is interesting and I really want to like him and just when I'm thinking he and his airship are going to be fun to get to know the ship is crippled and.....
The perspective shifts again (this is why I prefer first person. You don't get whiplash flashing from one character to the next in first person) and we meet another wet behind the ears young Miss. Bridget has spent her entire life happily working in her family's business and desperately does not want to leave home. Well damn. Not only is the bloody book Steampunk, it's a bloody Objective Viewpoint YA Steampunk trifecta. Just shoot me now.
But she has a talking cat. Well to be fair the cat can't speak the human language. Bridget can understand and speak to him. Anyway it was the cat who convinced me to put my objective viewpoint, Steampunk, YA prejudices aside and give the story an honest evaluation. I thought Butcher was a dog guy, but he nailed the cat persona to the ground. His name is Rowl, the insufferable little guy is a hoot and there's a whole lot more of him out there. A whole society of cats that are much more than meets the eye.
The story moves into the young ones settling into their positions as Cadets (at least that's what I think they are) training to become Guardsmen. It's more about showing us how the society functions and how the hierarchy is set up, complete with plenty of prejudice and bullying. Gag me, please. It took a while to get the characterization and world building in place and the story didn't spend enough time with Captain Grim. But every time I thought about quitting Rowl convinced me to stay.
Very odd things are happening in Albion. Captain Grim gets to do some fighting and is badly wounded. We meet some very interesting new characters and then the story swings back to the young ones who are basically dealing with the fallout of being the new kids on the block. Gwen the hot-head is a wrecking ball with little to no impulse control and zero verbal brakes. Bridget is very out of her element, but has a solid understanding of the human psyche. And if certain people (Gwen) would quit helping her she'd probably be OK. God I hate YA.
Luckily for me war breaks out. Thank God! We are almost 150 pages in, I've barely gotten to know Grim - and Rowl or not; if I have to spend much more time worldbuilding and characterizing I'll probably give up. But things got exciting again and pretty much went full throttle till the end
Around page 250 I accepted the fact that I wasn't just deciding whether or not to read the thing. And before I knew it 500 or so pages had flown by and I was done. Bummer. Where's the next one?
The Aeronaut's Windlass is not the story I wanted to read. I wanted to meet a dashing new hero and have an airborne adventure. Not read an ensemble story with several key characters all with layers of complexity. Butcher's love of LARP is very evident in the staging of this book. It's a mystery, a quest, an adventure and a fair amount of fighting is done.
I had a lot of fun reading this book, but I had to bite back frustration a few times because I'm used to The Dresden Files type of structure. Chase down the bad-guys; beat the snot out of them multiple times while mouthing off and blowing stuff to flinders. This story takes a more circuitous path and has a lot more perspectives that I want to deal with.
My biggest frustration is that Grimm, the character who should be the most developed feels flat and not nearly as "whole" as he should. I like him, at least I want to. He's a great Captain; his crew loves him and he has a wry sense of humor that really resonates with me. But as a person? Idaknow? He is the archetype of what I expect from a Steampunk character, but there is no fire. I want more than glib courtesy, dogged loyalty and circumspection from Captain Grimm. He's what I'm reading the story for. There's a big juicy character under there. I need to see some of his heart. Sooner rather than later pretty please.
And then the other shoe dropped. Screech, thud. Full stop.
Steampunk.
Shudder, shudder, ick.
There are some glaring exceptions; Gail Carriger, Lynn Viehl and Kate Locke each wrote Steampunk series that I enjoyed. But for the most part Steampunk and I do not get along. The mechanicals - both the frivolous and maniacal, the airships - complicated and mystifying that require loads of explanation and yet somehow never make any damn sense to me, the protocols, the incessant courtesy and above all the overwhelming proprieties that must always be observed usually take what might otherwise be an interesting story and drive me absolutely bats.
Every so often I'll give in when a friend says "But you must try this one. It's a wonderful story. You'll laugh, you'll cry. Just try it." And I usually do cry, because just like 9 out of 10 Steampunk stories it drove me crazy and now I have to kill that friend. I'll miss them terribly.
I adore Harry Blackstone Copperfield (smart-mouth) Dresden; even when he's being a big hairy Neanderthal with both feet and one of his hands in his mouth. I've been dying for Butcher to come up with a new character to carry the torch so to speak because no franchise can last forever and eventually the last Dresden files will be published and then where will I be? Harry Dresden-less that's where. No that can't happen. But can you picture a character like Harry in an alternate timeline England? I can't either.
Except now there's a new Jim Butcher series out there. Even if it is full of mechanicals and propriety it will at least be very well written propriety. And this is Jim Butcher we are talking about. He could probably make a sheet of instructions for setting up a tent sound interesting. Besides Peace Talks still doesn't have a release date. Maybe it won't kill me to check out The Aeronaut's Windlass. At least it's not YA. That's another genre I've agreed to disagree with.
So I got a copy of the Aeronaut's Windlass last week and now I have a whole new dilemma. If I read the book now and like the story it will be another two years or so (if I'm lucky) until the next one comes out. I could wait until 2 or 3 more books have been published before trying out the series. But Butcher never hits a deadline and I don't want him to start now. Deadline be damned. The book is done when it's done and not one second before. So realistically it will be a minimum of 3 years probably more like 4 or 5 years before the next two are released and what if The Cinder Spires is TOO Steampunk for me? I don't have the shelf space to hold onto books that aren't going to be read in a reasonable amount of time.
So I'll check out a few chapters just to see how it feels. Then I'll know for sure. (ya, that's the ticket)
In the first chapter (prologue actually) a young, wet behind the ears young thing Gwen (Gwendolyn) Lancaster peer of the realm and overachiever extraordinaire explains to her mother that she can't possibly go to academy as she is expected to because it will be much too boring and she has much more exciting plans. She is going to join the Spirearch's Guard and spend a year in service. It's her duty and as a peer, it's her responsibility. Besides she'll positively die if she has to sit through one more bo-ring class. Well crap, while entertaining (a large portion of the salon is rubbleized during her exit) this sounds suspiciously YA. And it is written in objective viewpoint. Something else from my list of things to avoid. I'm more a first person gal. It's more immediate and you get a better understanding of the character.
Then the story moves onto the Airship. Complicated and mysterious and not making a damn bit of sense to me as expected, but things get exciting right away so it doesn't matter that the finer points of operating an airship allude me. Captain Grim is interesting and I really want to like him and just when I'm thinking he and his airship are going to be fun to get to know the ship is crippled and.....
The perspective shifts again (this is why I prefer first person. You don't get whiplash flashing from one character to the next in first person) and we meet another wet behind the ears young Miss. Bridget has spent her entire life happily working in her family's business and desperately does not want to leave home. Well damn. Not only is the bloody book Steampunk, it's a bloody Objective Viewpoint YA Steampunk trifecta. Just shoot me now.
But she has a talking cat. Well to be fair the cat can't speak the human language. Bridget can understand and speak to him. Anyway it was the cat who convinced me to put my objective viewpoint, Steampunk, YA prejudices aside and give the story an honest evaluation. I thought Butcher was a dog guy, but he nailed the cat persona to the ground. His name is Rowl, the insufferable little guy is a hoot and there's a whole lot more of him out there. A whole society of cats that are much more than meets the eye.
The story moves into the young ones settling into their positions as Cadets (at least that's what I think they are) training to become Guardsmen. It's more about showing us how the society functions and how the hierarchy is set up, complete with plenty of prejudice and bullying. Gag me, please. It took a while to get the characterization and world building in place and the story didn't spend enough time with Captain Grim. But every time I thought about quitting Rowl convinced me to stay.
Very odd things are happening in Albion. Captain Grim gets to do some fighting and is badly wounded. We meet some very interesting new characters and then the story swings back to the young ones who are basically dealing with the fallout of being the new kids on the block. Gwen the hot-head is a wrecking ball with little to no impulse control and zero verbal brakes. Bridget is very out of her element, but has a solid understanding of the human psyche. And if certain people (Gwen) would quit helping her she'd probably be OK. God I hate YA.
Luckily for me war breaks out. Thank God! We are almost 150 pages in, I've barely gotten to know Grim - and Rowl or not; if I have to spend much more time worldbuilding and characterizing I'll probably give up. But things got exciting again and pretty much went full throttle till the end
Around page 250 I accepted the fact that I wasn't just deciding whether or not to read the thing. And before I knew it 500 or so pages had flown by and I was done. Bummer. Where's the next one?
The Aeronaut's Windlass is not the story I wanted to read. I wanted to meet a dashing new hero and have an airborne adventure. Not read an ensemble story with several key characters all with layers of complexity. Butcher's love of LARP is very evident in the staging of this book. It's a mystery, a quest, an adventure and a fair amount of fighting is done.
I had a lot of fun reading this book, but I had to bite back frustration a few times because I'm used to The Dresden Files type of structure. Chase down the bad-guys; beat the snot out of them multiple times while mouthing off and blowing stuff to flinders. This story takes a more circuitous path and has a lot more perspectives that I want to deal with.
My biggest frustration is that Grimm, the character who should be the most developed feels flat and not nearly as "whole" as he should. I like him, at least I want to. He's a great Captain; his crew loves him and he has a wry sense of humor that really resonates with me. But as a person? Idaknow? He is the archetype of what I expect from a Steampunk character, but there is no fire. I want more than glib courtesy, dogged loyalty and circumspection from Captain Grimm. He's what I'm reading the story for. There's a big juicy character under there. I need to see some of his heart. Sooner rather than later pretty please.
Review Date: 6/15/2019
I loved the authors voice, the character is independent and snarky, but the story drove me nuts. Probably because I misread the premise. It's called Dark Fae FBI, so I thought the story was going to be about a Fae FBI agent who solves an arcane crime. Which sounded Frigging Awesome.
Boy was I wrong. The character discovers she is Fae and that yes Virginia there is a fairyland. And it is seriously messed up and oh by the way, she's part of it. DURRING the course of an investigation. And turns into a TSTL twit. Talk about false advertising.
The twit stumbles around (alone of course). Inviting all manner of arcane nastys to show her exactly how ill prepare she is, while she discovers who and what she is. And incidentally solves the crime afterward. Blah!
Boy was I wrong. The character discovers she is Fae and that yes Virginia there is a fairyland. And it is seriously messed up and oh by the way, she's part of it. DURRING the course of an investigation. And turns into a TSTL twit. Talk about false advertising.
The twit stumbles around (alone of course). Inviting all manner of arcane nastys to show her exactly how ill prepare she is, while she discovers who and what she is. And incidentally solves the crime afterward. Blah!
Review Date: 4/23/2015
Don't even think about reading this without having read 1-5 first. There is considerable backstory (at this point) and a huge cast of characters. I love the series and sometimes I wish I had a primer. It's a good addition to the series.
I sort of agree with Nancy E it felt like it was a longer than it needed to be, but I loved every minute of it. You have to pay attention; Koch's writing is fast paced and it's easy to miss small things that later turn out to be key elements. And I adore Kitty, so snarky so take charge. I was sorry to see it end. Can't wait for the next one!
I sort of agree with Nancy E it felt like it was a longer than it needed to be, but I loved every minute of it. You have to pay attention; Koch's writing is fast paced and it's easy to miss small things that later turn out to be key elements. And I adore Kitty, so snarky so take charge. I was sorry to see it end. Can't wait for the next one!
Review Date: 1/22/2012
American Vampire was worth the read. A different spin on the "normal" vampire tale. Not as good as "The Turning; but MUCH better than her dreadful (in my opinion) Queen of Darkness Trilogy.
Loved the subtext-(remember the painting American Gothic?) "What would happen to one 'ordinary' vampire trapped in Hillbilly Hell?" Not what you think, I assure you. It was a good read. It'll be interesting to see if she does a sequel.
Loved the subtext-(remember the painting American Gothic?) "What would happen to one 'ordinary' vampire trapped in Hillbilly Hell?" Not what you think, I assure you. It was a good read. It'll be interesting to see if she does a sequel.
Review Date: 6/15/2019
What's the first thing that comes to mind when I say?
There can be only one
You Highlander geeks know where I'm going.
It's going to take me a while to get past my disappointment. I expected better from C.E. She borrowed the cannon for The MC's foundation straight out Highlander. She added a couple small details of her own, but for the most part it's all there. Holy ground as sanctuary, sensing the presence of another immortal, the compulsion to battle other immortals, beheading immortals and gaining their strength, the watchers with wrist tattoos. Even Adrian's physical charismatics, tall, pale complected, with long dark hair and a blade shaped nose. Even her choice of name begs comparing, Logan - Duncan Maybe it's intended as an homage, but it left me cold.
I don't think it was just the fact that I objected to the foundation for the story that left me disappointed. I didn't like the way it was structured either. The story sort of starts in the middle. Setting up an interesting premise. Then it starts jumping back and forth alternately flashing to the past to fill in the missing years then skipping forward to dole out a few current details to inch the story forward. It felt like more time is devoted to the back story than the actual story. And while how they got to where they are presently is good to know, It was pretty boring. I think she could have done better with less.
There can be only one
You Highlander geeks know where I'm going.
It's going to take me a while to get past my disappointment. I expected better from C.E. She borrowed the cannon for The MC's foundation straight out Highlander. She added a couple small details of her own, but for the most part it's all there. Holy ground as sanctuary, sensing the presence of another immortal, the compulsion to battle other immortals, beheading immortals and gaining their strength, the watchers with wrist tattoos. Even Adrian's physical charismatics, tall, pale complected, with long dark hair and a blade shaped nose. Even her choice of name begs comparing, Logan - Duncan Maybe it's intended as an homage, but it left me cold.
I don't think it was just the fact that I objected to the foundation for the story that left me disappointed. I didn't like the way it was structured either. The story sort of starts in the middle. Setting up an interesting premise. Then it starts jumping back and forth alternately flashing to the past to fill in the missing years then skipping forward to dole out a few current details to inch the story forward. It felt like more time is devoted to the back story than the actual story. And while how they got to where they are presently is good to know, It was pretty boring. I think she could have done better with less.
Review Date: 9/16/2017
Just when I think Faith Hunter can't get any better; she proves me wrong. I resented every moment I spent parted from this book. Jane Yellowrock has come a long way from the stoic warrior we met in Skinwalker. She's still as badass as ever, but now she has a depth I wasn't sure she'd achieve at the begining.
Things are still as chaotic as ever. Leo is still a domineering closemouthed SOB. Everyone who hates her still hates her (or has amped up the wattage) Eli and Alex (the kid) have become a solid part of the team. And the Vamp population is behaving normally. Secretive, manipulative, obdurate. You know status quo at Casa Yellowrock.
What I liked best about Black Arts is Jane's growth from Lone Cat to....lets call it pack mate. It starts when Even (her best friend's Molly's magical husband) who is looking for his missing wife, shows up and tries to blow her house down; literally, with her and the guys still inside.
Black Arts has a lot of intrigue and excitement. Don't let me ruin the fun setting the story for you. Just go get your copy now. Of if you haven't read any of them before start with Skinwalker. Don't read them out of order. You'll be hopelessly lost. The writing style is a little different in the beginning, and there is considerable world building and character development to get through but the series really improves as it progresses. The first two yellowrosk stories are solid reads, but by book they 3 Hit outstanding.
Things are still as chaotic as ever. Leo is still a domineering closemouthed SOB. Everyone who hates her still hates her (or has amped up the wattage) Eli and Alex (the kid) have become a solid part of the team. And the Vamp population is behaving normally. Secretive, manipulative, obdurate. You know status quo at Casa Yellowrock.
What I liked best about Black Arts is Jane's growth from Lone Cat to....lets call it pack mate. It starts when Even (her best friend's Molly's magical husband) who is looking for his missing wife, shows up and tries to blow her house down; literally, with her and the guys still inside.
Black Arts has a lot of intrigue and excitement. Don't let me ruin the fun setting the story for you. Just go get your copy now. Of if you haven't read any of them before start with Skinwalker. Don't read them out of order. You'll be hopelessly lost. The writing style is a little different in the beginning, and there is considerable world building and character development to get through but the series really improves as it progresses. The first two yellowrosk stories are solid reads, but by book they 3 Hit outstanding.
Review Date: 5/31/2015
I admit I was predisposed to like this book. I loved Weeks Shadow Assassin series. BUT he blew me away with the Black Prism. I resented every minute spent away from it and wanted to cry when it finished because I don't have the sequel yet.
Weeks has created an utterly unique world. Full of larger than life characters, big intrigue and enough mystery to satisfy any epic fantasy lover. It's a BIG book, well over 700 pages, and I devoured every single word. I wish we could award extra stars to superlative books because this one needs more than 5
Weeks has created an utterly unique world. Full of larger than life characters, big intrigue and enough mystery to satisfy any epic fantasy lover. It's a BIG book, well over 700 pages, and I devoured every single word. I wish we could award extra stars to superlative books because this one needs more than 5
Review Date: 6/23/2013
I really like this series. I enjoy Maddy and her world. Ive read through #3 and cant wait to get my hands on the rest. Whether or not my review will help depends on what you are looking for in a story. Personally I look for believable characters, fun narrative, and humor is a must. I'm more interested in the story than the relationship. I don't care for explicit sex, and generally skip pages if sex scenes go on for more than a couple pages.
And it turns out I love Christina Henry. She has a clear voice, I can always keep her characters strait, and I can depend on her for a fun read. I do have a problem with the romantic element in this series. The author didn't sell me on why she fell so hard for her hearts desire. I just didn't see the love.
Most of the complaints I have heard about Black Wings were with her being a virgin. For me it was an integral part of the plot and made perfect sense for the character. And the Character who is introduced and dies within the space of One chapter? That happens in Chapter One, and is the essentially the catelyst for all that follows. I don't want the backstory frontloaded. I'd rather discover it along the way.
Don't look for a lot of depth. This is a suprisingly lite read. True there isn't much world building, primarily because as far as I can tell it is happening at present time, under present circumstances. Hiding in plain sight. but Henry inserts her supernatural happenings into present day Atlanta quite well.
It's probably just me but I get more out of a review when I understand the mindset of the reviewer, so I'm adding a thumbnail about my tastes. I hope that helps,
My favorite reads in the past few years have been The Kate Daniels series, C. E. Murphy's Urban Shaman, Karen Chance's Dorina Basarab, (Cassandra too but not as much as Dory) Darynda Jones, the Grave Witch series. Kelly Meding's Dreg city 1 and 2. The first Gin Blanco was really good and I expect them to get better.
If you liked the above mentioned books, Im betting youll like this one too. Not as high octane, but sound little stories with enjoyable characters and fun plot lines.
And it turns out I love Christina Henry. She has a clear voice, I can always keep her characters strait, and I can depend on her for a fun read. I do have a problem with the romantic element in this series. The author didn't sell me on why she fell so hard for her hearts desire. I just didn't see the love.
Most of the complaints I have heard about Black Wings were with her being a virgin. For me it was an integral part of the plot and made perfect sense for the character. And the Character who is introduced and dies within the space of One chapter? That happens in Chapter One, and is the essentially the catelyst for all that follows. I don't want the backstory frontloaded. I'd rather discover it along the way.
Don't look for a lot of depth. This is a suprisingly lite read. True there isn't much world building, primarily because as far as I can tell it is happening at present time, under present circumstances. Hiding in plain sight. but Henry inserts her supernatural happenings into present day Atlanta quite well.
It's probably just me but I get more out of a review when I understand the mindset of the reviewer, so I'm adding a thumbnail about my tastes. I hope that helps,
My favorite reads in the past few years have been The Kate Daniels series, C. E. Murphy's Urban Shaman, Karen Chance's Dorina Basarab, (Cassandra too but not as much as Dory) Darynda Jones, the Grave Witch series. Kelly Meding's Dreg city 1 and 2. The first Gin Blanco was really good and I expect them to get better.
If you liked the above mentioned books, Im betting youll like this one too. Not as high octane, but sound little stories with enjoyable characters and fun plot lines.
Bless Her Dead Heart: A Southern Paranormal Suspense Novel (The Righteous)
Author:
Book Type: Paperback
1
Author:
Book Type: Paperback
1
Review Date: 5/12/2020
Eerie, atmospheric and almost impossible to put down. Will definitely read more.
Review Date: 8/31/2016
This book has been sitting on Mt. TBR for about a year, because while Dead on the Delta was a great read I Could Not Invest In Anabelle. She irritated me on almost every level; a self absorbed underachiever content to drink her worries away. Sure she rose to the occasion, but she wasn't the least bit likable.
I am kicking myself for waiting so long.
What a ride! Blood on the Bayou took the alcoholic slacker from Dead on the Delta who hid from everyone and everything, put her in the drivers seat and boy did she deliver. Lots of personal growth, Many many challenges, and several out of the blue twists made this book a page turner. I loved this story right up until the last 17 pages when Jay took the story in a direction that felt at odds with of all the growth and maturing Annabelle did during the story.
I am kicking myself for waiting so long.
What a ride! Blood on the Bayou took the alcoholic slacker from Dead on the Delta who hid from everyone and everything, put her in the drivers seat and boy did she deliver. Lots of personal growth, Many many challenges, and several out of the blue twists made this book a page turner. I loved this story right up until the last 17 pages when Jay took the story in a direction that felt at odds with of all the growth and maturing Annabelle did during the story.
Review Date: 6/15/2019
Blood Oranges is a bloody weird book. (said to be phunny, not to indicate gore altho a fair amount of killing happens) I think fans of J. F. Lewis, Harry Connolly and Rob Thurman would like it.
The MC is a recovering(?) junkie/newly minted werewolf/vampire. And the author does a remarkable job staying in character. The story progresses exactly as I would expect an addict to behave, with zero continuity. It begins after the events yet to be shown and flicks briefly forward to hint at coming events, then settles (mostly) into the story, sidetracking occasionally to relate past events that have bearing on present events all related in a wry tongue-in-cheek voice that is very entertaining, if a little heavy on eye roll inducing because of the lack of continuity. The kicker happened at about 100 pages in, when we learn that most of the story has been misrepresented. And have to discover how the events actually took place.
Because, Junkie, Duh!
I was amazed how well Tierney was able to hold my interest while keeping the main character IN Character. I was tempted to give this book a two because the staging drove me crazy. But the crazy-ass staging turned out to be pretty clever, and believe it or not, gave the story an authentic feel. And I think Tierney deserves props for keeping me reading when I really wanted to quit.
The MC is a recovering(?) junkie/newly minted werewolf/vampire. And the author does a remarkable job staying in character. The story progresses exactly as I would expect an addict to behave, with zero continuity. It begins after the events yet to be shown and flicks briefly forward to hint at coming events, then settles (mostly) into the story, sidetracking occasionally to relate past events that have bearing on present events all related in a wry tongue-in-cheek voice that is very entertaining, if a little heavy on eye roll inducing because of the lack of continuity. The kicker happened at about 100 pages in, when we learn that most of the story has been misrepresented. And have to discover how the events actually took place.
Because, Junkie, Duh!
I was amazed how well Tierney was able to hold my interest while keeping the main character IN Character. I was tempted to give this book a two because the staging drove me crazy. But the crazy-ass staging turned out to be pretty clever, and believe it or not, gave the story an authentic feel. And I think Tierney deserves props for keeping me reading when I really wanted to quit.
Review Date: 7/17/2019
This is going to be a feast for the right reader. Someone who wants an angsty read, heavy on melodrama with bold characters and plenty of steam. I tried to get into this book but just could not.
Blood Shadows has everything I could want in a story; tragedy, pathos, betrayal. I should have loved it, and could not get past the opening chapters because it is TOO MUCH intensity. In everything -- from every one. Almost every sentence feels like it needs exclamation marks.
The beautiful young heroine has endured tragedy and is now in a position to make the responsible parties pay. And gifted with special abilities, is uniquely qualified to get the answers she craves. But you know what? She's too young. Too universally respected. Too reckless. And too stubborn to listen to anyone else. And grown assed men twice her age let her get away with that shit cause, well aside from the author wanting it that way I don't actually know why.
Yes she is uniquely gifted, but veteran cops don't cut the young turks any slack. Especially if they are gifted. If anything they have to work harder for their props. But minutes after disobeying a direct order and, endangering the whole crew of agents she couldn't possibly wait for because she had to nail her suspect Right Now Dammit, she is given a vital role in a momentous case.
Oi. Give me strength.
She didn't get her man btw. He disarmed her in less than 0.2 seconds. Gave her some Very Interesting Memories (made me jealous) and vanished before backup arrive. Special abilities without the Krav Maga to back it up leaves Little Miss All That pretty vulnerable. But that's OK because he walks into the station less than an hour later. And things proceed to get interesting.
Clearly there will be all manner of secrets revealed, motives unearthed and if I'm reading the vibe correctly, major sparkage between the two major characters. I really want to get to know the anti-hero, Kane. He looks promising (and by promising, I mean HOT) But I don't have the patience or the energy for this chick. I'll try this one again next year.
I received a digital copy of this book from Netgalley for my honest opinion. #bloodshadows#netgalley
Blood Shadows has everything I could want in a story; tragedy, pathos, betrayal. I should have loved it, and could not get past the opening chapters because it is TOO MUCH intensity. In everything -- from every one. Almost every sentence feels like it needs exclamation marks.
The beautiful young heroine has endured tragedy and is now in a position to make the responsible parties pay. And gifted with special abilities, is uniquely qualified to get the answers she craves. But you know what? She's too young. Too universally respected. Too reckless. And too stubborn to listen to anyone else. And grown assed men twice her age let her get away with that shit cause, well aside from the author wanting it that way I don't actually know why.
Yes she is uniquely gifted, but veteran cops don't cut the young turks any slack. Especially if they are gifted. If anything they have to work harder for their props. But minutes after disobeying a direct order and, endangering the whole crew of agents she couldn't possibly wait for because she had to nail her suspect Right Now Dammit, she is given a vital role in a momentous case.
Oi. Give me strength.
She didn't get her man btw. He disarmed her in less than 0.2 seconds. Gave her some Very Interesting Memories (made me jealous) and vanished before backup arrive. Special abilities without the Krav Maga to back it up leaves Little Miss All That pretty vulnerable. But that's OK because he walks into the station less than an hour later. And things proceed to get interesting.
Clearly there will be all manner of secrets revealed, motives unearthed and if I'm reading the vibe correctly, major sparkage between the two major characters. I really want to get to know the anti-hero, Kane. He looks promising (and by promising, I mean HOT) But I don't have the patience or the energy for this chick. I'll try this one again next year.
I received a digital copy of this book from Netgalley for my honest opinion. #bloodshadows#netgalley
Review Date: 5/2/2015
And the twists just keep coming. Nightshade set the scene for us. Bloodlust is all about bringing the hammer down. Preventing a Vampire apocalypse and subduing the bad guy. Once again things aren't necessarily as they seem. And time is running out for both Jillian and Declan.
Review Date: 6/15/2019
Actually more like 4.75. I didn't L O V E it but I really, really, really enjoyed this story. And I adore Declan.
Declan Hale loves; a good book, a good bottle of Scotch and a good steak. Pretty much in that order. (I think because people are frail creatures and the ones he cares most about tend to die horrifically - a guy has to have a reliable support system, ya'know?). He's seen more and done more and lost more than pretty much everybody-else aaaaaand been exiled for his trouble (Thank you very much)
I hate to draw parallels between Reminiscent Exile and Dresden Files because the two series are nothing alike but Declan and Harry share a lot of the same traits. Both brim with power and are ostracized by their immediate peer group, are snarky as all get-out with huge hearts and the protective instincts of a silver-back gorilla. I think I'm in Love.
Joe Ducie's writing is a joy to read. Fluid, expressive without going overboard and occasionally so poignant it takes you by surprise. I enjoyed learning more about Declan and his world. The story didn't last long enough to suite me. I finished Broken Quill in less than a day and was desperately sad when it ended, because now that I have an inkling of where the series is going I have to wait wait wait to get there. I look forward to more of Declan Hale
Declan Hale loves; a good book, a good bottle of Scotch and a good steak. Pretty much in that order. (I think because people are frail creatures and the ones he cares most about tend to die horrifically - a guy has to have a reliable support system, ya'know?). He's seen more and done more and lost more than pretty much everybody-else aaaaaand been exiled for his trouble (Thank you very much)
I hate to draw parallels between Reminiscent Exile and Dresden Files because the two series are nothing alike but Declan and Harry share a lot of the same traits. Both brim with power and are ostracized by their immediate peer group, are snarky as all get-out with huge hearts and the protective instincts of a silver-back gorilla. I think I'm in Love.
Joe Ducie's writing is a joy to read. Fluid, expressive without going overboard and occasionally so poignant it takes you by surprise. I enjoyed learning more about Declan and his world. The story didn't last long enough to suite me. I finished Broken Quill in less than a day and was desperately sad when it ended, because now that I have an inkling of where the series is going I have to wait wait wait to get there. I look forward to more of Declan Hale
Review Date: 4/25/2015
I can't believe this is her first book. Loved this Story. A quick and easy read with fun charcters, an interesting mystery, and plenty of pluck. The premise should be kookie. A brand spankin' new mother who has the time or energy to solve crime? Come'on!
But I really loved it. Partly because it was awesome finding a new mom who was more neurotic than me. And partly because she took an idea that shouldn't work and spun out a very enjoyable story. Can't wait for the next one.
But I really loved it. Partly because it was awesome finding a new mom who was more neurotic than me. And partly because she took an idea that shouldn't work and spun out a very enjoyable story. Can't wait for the next one.
Review Date: 9/23/2016
Helpful Score: 3
Burn for Me is my Go-To book for just about everything. If I'm in a reading slump. If I'm sad. If I'm cranky. If I'm mad at the world. Whatever the issue; this book lifts me right out of whatever hole I'm in. Part of that is because The Andrews do a phenomenal job with introspection and motivations. You understand what the character is thinking and feeling as they are reacting and it all goes in so seamlessly you don't notice the mechanics; you are just having a great time. The other part is the story is a foot to the floor thrill ride that never fails to entertain.
I've lost track of how many times I've read it. I've already destroyed my paperback copy. Often a 5 star read drops dramatically on the re-read. The magic of the initial read is gone and I wonder what why I loved it so much the first time around.
That almost never happens with An Ilona Andews book. This is especially true with Burn For Me, it holds up. The characters are so solid and entertaining; the story so engaging, the action so compelling I can fall into it over and over and never get bored. Gordon and llona Andrews build such memorable characters you can't help investing in them. Everything (except for a few irritants that I overlook because this IS fiction and the real world can just go spit) about this book satisfies. The characters, the pacing, the entertainment factor. If they have a fault (and I'm not sure they do) it's that all of their male Alpha characters are very similar, dark and dangerous, with a sly sense of humor that catches you off guard. I Adore Them.
Burn for Me is a whirlwind in more ways than one. A mystery, a dangerous quest and a burgeoning romance between two rock-headed alphas, neither of whom want to give up the wheel. Nevada - smart mouthed, stubborn and stupefying courageous. Mess with her loved ones at your own peril, because God may have mercy on you, but Nevada won't. Mad Rogan - the scariest male in any room. Dark, powerful and wickedly dangerous. He can literally move mountains. They will be rubble when he's done with them but that's beside the point.
Together they do their damnedest to prevent a cataclysm, while testing each others mettle and bumping heads. Watching these two come together is like the proverbial unstoppable force hitting the immovable object. Plenty of friction and a fair amount of Uh-oh!
If I could change one thing it would be the hideous cover. I wish just once Avon books would get details right. There is a character in the book that is allergic to shirts but it is not Connor Rogan.
It would take me all day to explain why I love this book and in the end the words would boil down to this. The writing is superb. The story is amazing. And the characters are fabulous. I wish the Baylors lived down the street from me. I'd hang out at their house all the time. Nevada's mom is a former sniper. Her sisters and cousins are spunky. And when she isn't spitting out clever one-liners, her grandma fixes tanks. Yes, T A N K S. she wears more axle grease than perfume and has enough attitude to keep up with her granddaughters. Nevada may have all the adventures, but I'm more than a little in love with grandma Frieda.
I've lost track of how many times I've read it. I've already destroyed my paperback copy. Often a 5 star read drops dramatically on the re-read. The magic of the initial read is gone and I wonder what why I loved it so much the first time around.
That almost never happens with An Ilona Andews book. This is especially true with Burn For Me, it holds up. The characters are so solid and entertaining; the story so engaging, the action so compelling I can fall into it over and over and never get bored. Gordon and llona Andrews build such memorable characters you can't help investing in them. Everything (except for a few irritants that I overlook because this IS fiction and the real world can just go spit) about this book satisfies. The characters, the pacing, the entertainment factor. If they have a fault (and I'm not sure they do) it's that all of their male Alpha characters are very similar, dark and dangerous, with a sly sense of humor that catches you off guard. I Adore Them.
Burn for Me is a whirlwind in more ways than one. A mystery, a dangerous quest and a burgeoning romance between two rock-headed alphas, neither of whom want to give up the wheel. Nevada - smart mouthed, stubborn and stupefying courageous. Mess with her loved ones at your own peril, because God may have mercy on you, but Nevada won't. Mad Rogan - the scariest male in any room. Dark, powerful and wickedly dangerous. He can literally move mountains. They will be rubble when he's done with them but that's beside the point.
Together they do their damnedest to prevent a cataclysm, while testing each others mettle and bumping heads. Watching these two come together is like the proverbial unstoppable force hitting the immovable object. Plenty of friction and a fair amount of Uh-oh!
If I could change one thing it would be the hideous cover. I wish just once Avon books would get details right. There is a character in the book that is allergic to shirts but it is not Connor Rogan.
It would take me all day to explain why I love this book and in the end the words would boil down to this. The writing is superb. The story is amazing. And the characters are fabulous. I wish the Baylors lived down the street from me. I'd hang out at their house all the time. Nevada's mom is a former sniper. Her sisters and cousins are spunky. And when she isn't spitting out clever one-liners, her grandma fixes tanks. Yes, T A N K S. she wears more axle grease than perfume and has enough attitude to keep up with her granddaughters. Nevada may have all the adventures, but I'm more than a little in love with grandma Frieda.
Review Date: 3/10/2018
3.5 I wanted to give this book a 4. Then I remembered her Earth Witches and just couldn't.
There's a lot to like here. The story has most of what I want in a read. A quick moving plot. Take charge characters. A good balance of action and humor. A nice balance between character development and exposition.
There's just too many things that didn't jell for me. I really wish this book had gone through another edit, maybe two. The set-up felt stiff, and I had a hard time settling into the story. The early transitions were challenging. I've seen her do much better.
I like the couple dynamics in this book. Melian and Titus come together pretty quick, but there is plenty of activity story-wise so it didn't feel rushed. And the premise is interesting. The MC is a low level witch who leads a complicated magical life. She is the caretaker for The Gramarye - a strong magical source that is all but falling down around her ears. For lack of a better metaphor, the force is strong with the building - the funding? What funding?
Her obligations keep her from holding down a regular job, so she does a lot of stealing. She's pretty good at it too; when her magic works. When her magic acts up, look out. No seriously, Look Out. Buildings can burn down, hell hounds run amok, expensive cars get destroyed. Sometimes she gets arrested. The charges are almost always dropped, but it's a pain waiting for bail. Sometimes she supplements her coffers selling potions and psychic readings. Sometimes those get her arrested too.
This most recent arrest she attracts a stalker with a stick up his bum. A Police Detective who clearly has a history with phony psychics. He's determined to nail her for fraud. Problem is, she is the real deal. And she has a lot of magic to protect. When he starts his crush the phony psychic campaign her already complicated existence gets a lot dicier.
It's a fun read, there are just a few things that didn't set right with me. There is a lot about the story to like. I really like the characters. But I think Roland underutilized the supporting characters. Melian has a fun familiar that is seldom seen. A cousin who would be a great addition to the cast if she were present more. And several uncles I wish I'd gotten to know better. Things went sort of jello down the home stretch. But on the whole it was a satisfying read.
I just wasn't wild about the catalyst - The Stalker Detective's rigid refusal to see things in anything other than black and white causes a lot of unnecessary trouble in this book, and he is clearly going to be a focal point in the next book and now I LOATHE HIM.
There's a lot to like here. The story has most of what I want in a read. A quick moving plot. Take charge characters. A good balance of action and humor. A nice balance between character development and exposition.
There's just too many things that didn't jell for me. I really wish this book had gone through another edit, maybe two. The set-up felt stiff, and I had a hard time settling into the story. The early transitions were challenging. I've seen her do much better.
I like the couple dynamics in this book. Melian and Titus come together pretty quick, but there is plenty of activity story-wise so it didn't feel rushed. And the premise is interesting. The MC is a low level witch who leads a complicated magical life. She is the caretaker for The Gramarye - a strong magical source that is all but falling down around her ears. For lack of a better metaphor, the force is strong with the building - the funding? What funding?
Her obligations keep her from holding down a regular job, so she does a lot of stealing. She's pretty good at it too; when her magic works. When her magic acts up, look out. No seriously, Look Out. Buildings can burn down, hell hounds run amok, expensive cars get destroyed. Sometimes she gets arrested. The charges are almost always dropped, but it's a pain waiting for bail. Sometimes she supplements her coffers selling potions and psychic readings. Sometimes those get her arrested too.
This most recent arrest she attracts a stalker with a stick up his bum. A Police Detective who clearly has a history with phony psychics. He's determined to nail her for fraud. Problem is, she is the real deal. And she has a lot of magic to protect. When he starts his crush the phony psychic campaign her already complicated existence gets a lot dicier.
It's a fun read, there are just a few things that didn't set right with me. There is a lot about the story to like. I really like the characters. But I think Roland underutilized the supporting characters. Melian has a fun familiar that is seldom seen. A cousin who would be a great addition to the cast if she were present more. And several uncles I wish I'd gotten to know better. Things went sort of jello down the home stretch. But on the whole it was a satisfying read.
I just wasn't wild about the catalyst - The Stalker Detective's rigid refusal to see things in anything other than black and white causes a lot of unnecessary trouble in this book, and he is clearly going to be a focal point in the next book and now I LOATHE HIM.
Review Date: 1/18/2012
The debut was interesting enough to try the second installment, but having finished it I Wish I hadn't bothered. The storyline had promise but I just do not like these characters. It's like she wrote these stories on autopilot. Which is a shame. because the storyline is a a crucial point and I don't like the characters enough to find out if they live up to their potential. I took the next one off my wish list.
Review Date: 9/16/2017
Kelley Armstrong is an amazing author. I have yet to read anything by her that didn't hold my complete attention, and leave me a little sorry the story was over. I say that grudgingly with this one because she broke (and kept right on breaking) my cardinal rule with City of the Lost.
"Never do stupid stuff just because it serves your purpose!"
Nothing about this story developed organically. Every time I turned around her characters were saying or doing things just because it was expedient, not because it made sense for it to happen, or made for good storytelling.
From the first sentence I wanted to smack the heroine for being a bubble-headed doofus.
At her first session with a new therapist (yet another in a long line of predecessors) the MC - a supposedly savvy cop confesses to being a murderer. This isn't the first therapist - or the first confession hence the many predecessors. Soon her past is catching up with her and she needs to go poof. And low and behold there is a community for people to vanish into. AND her soul sucking BFF ALSO needs to go poof. So they do. AACK.
Activity-wise It was sort of watching a b- horror flick. ....Is she SERIOUSLY going to do that?.... No! Don't do that!..... Well that was stupid. Are you TRYING to get yourself.....ARRRRGH!
Despite myself I was sucked into City of the Lost and couldn't stop reading. If I'd been in a theater watching the movie I'd have thrown popcorn at the screen, heckled the heroine, and sighed when she got her HEA. Then I'd have turned to my hubby and said "Smack me if I'm ever that stupid OK?"
Evidently I will read anything Kelley writes even if I hate the story - which I sorta did. While the story irritated me on several levels, I couldn't put it aside. The characters were so vivid, and the writing so engaging I had to keep going. Note the 4 stars. That wasn't 'cause I liked the story - that was all Kelley being Kelley - an outstanding writer.
"Never do stupid stuff just because it serves your purpose!"
Nothing about this story developed organically. Every time I turned around her characters were saying or doing things just because it was expedient, not because it made sense for it to happen, or made for good storytelling.
From the first sentence I wanted to smack the heroine for being a bubble-headed doofus.
At her first session with a new therapist (yet another in a long line of predecessors) the MC - a supposedly savvy cop confesses to being a murderer. This isn't the first therapist - or the first confession hence the many predecessors. Soon her past is catching up with her and she needs to go poof. And low and behold there is a community for people to vanish into. AND her soul sucking BFF ALSO needs to go poof. So they do. AACK.
Activity-wise It was sort of watching a b- horror flick. ....Is she SERIOUSLY going to do that?.... No! Don't do that!..... Well that was stupid. Are you TRYING to get yourself.....ARRRRGH!
Despite myself I was sucked into City of the Lost and couldn't stop reading. If I'd been in a theater watching the movie I'd have thrown popcorn at the screen, heckled the heroine, and sighed when she got her HEA. Then I'd have turned to my hubby and said "Smack me if I'm ever that stupid OK?"
Evidently I will read anything Kelley writes even if I hate the story - which I sorta did. While the story irritated me on several levels, I couldn't put it aside. The characters were so vivid, and the writing so engaging I had to keep going. Note the 4 stars. That wasn't 'cause I liked the story - that was all Kelley being Kelley - an outstanding writer.
Review Date: 6/15/2019
He can't remember who he is; where he is, or why he woke up drowning in the middle of lake Erie. The only thing he knows for sure is that tons of badness is right behind him and if he doesn't figure out what he's in the middle of, not knowing his name will be the least of his problems.
Conspiracy of Angels was sort of like a Cassandra Palmer story without all the whining. Go go go go go go GO! There isn't a lot of substance. Zack (not his real name) races forward trying to re-trace whatever steps duped him into Lake Erie minus his memory.
The characters are well constructed. The dialogue brash and snappy; I had a couple good spit-takes.
It was a fast fun read if you don't mind violence and blood.
Conspiracy of Angels was sort of like a Cassandra Palmer story without all the whining. Go go go go go go GO! There isn't a lot of substance. Zack (not his real name) races forward trying to re-trace whatever steps duped him into Lake Erie minus his memory.
The characters are well constructed. The dialogue brash and snappy; I had a couple good spit-takes.
It was a fast fun read if you don't mind violence and blood.
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