Venom in the Veins

Title: Venom in the Veins

Author: Jennifer Estep

Series: Elemental Assassin, Bk 17

Publisher: self-published

ISBN: 9780986188565

Length: 342 pages

Obtained: Library copy

Comments:

I'm a fan of this series.  I tend to be a fan of Jennifer Estep's work in general (though I had trouble getting into the Bigtime series).  So I did enjoy this book.  Just not as much as some past books in the series.

Gin has been trying to get information on The Circle and her parents.  In the meantime, a friend's life is threatened and she is going to get to the bottom of it.  In the meantime, someone from her past comes out of the woodwork and she finds herself in a sticky situation, with memories that haunt her reappearing in her dreams.  There is a hook at the end, so while the main storyline for this book is wrapped up, the overall arc story is hanging in suspense.

I look forward to the next book and more of Gin and her friends/family.

A Hard Day's Knight

Title: A Hard Day's Knight

Author: Simon R. Green

Series: Nightside, Bk 11

Publisher: Penguin

ISBN: 9781101475232

Length: 304 pages

Obtained: Library OverDrive ebook copy

Comments:

The Nightside and Arthur, Camelot, and the Knights of the Round Table - or in this case, the London Knights.

The series is coming to a close and you can feel it in this book.  Threads that have been lingering are being tied up, and the Nightside is in a strange place between staying the same and changing, complete with the beginning stages of a major war.  Of course, that isn't unusual for the Nightside.  John has already been through two other wars recently.

I only read one book prior to this one recently to remind me of what is going on, so you probably could just jump in.  However, I would definitely recommend starting from the beginning of the series so you can both watch John's growth and get a good feel for the Nightside and all its characters.  I'm both excited and dreading the next, and final, book of this series - The Bride Wore Black Leather.

Tricks for Free

Title: Tricks for Free

Author: Seanan McGuire

Publisher: DAW

Series: InCryptid, Bk 7

ISBN: 9780756410407

Length: 346 + "The Recitation of the Most Holy and Harrowing Pilgrimage of Mindy and Also Mork" + "Price family Field Guide to the Cryptids of North America Updated and Expanded Edition"

Obtained: Library paperback copy

Comments: I do like this series.  I know it isn't for everyone, but I enjoy it.  Of the siblings, Verity remains my favorite, but they have all grown on me including Antimony.  She is on the run in this book, which means no Aeslin mice, so I was glad to have the short story at the end from the perspective of Mindy (and Sam, Antimony's... potential boyfriend).

Anyway, Antimony finds a hiding place from the Covenant (evil or misinformed or both group of "Van Helsing" types, who hunt all "monsters", not vampires) while also keeping away from her family (in order to protect them from unwanted discovery and attention).  She has secured a position at a theme park that is apparently runner up to Disney in both Florida and California - in this case Florida.  Coming from her recent Carnie type experiences, this seems an ideal fit.  But she is having issues with a burgeoning magical side.  Plus, she's seen an uptick in strange and unlucky events that may draw the Covenant's attention no matter how cautious she is - not to mention people are dying.

This series is really one that should be read in order, even though the books switch perspectives between siblings (this is the second Antimony book); they tend to build on each other, especiall these last few.  I look forward to the next book, That Ain’t Witchcraft, which will be another Antimony book.

The Door to the Lost

Title: The Door to the Lost

Author: Jaleigh Johnson

Publisher: Delacorte

ISBN: 9781101933169

Length: 289 pages

Obtained: Library print copy

Comments:

This was a quick and interesting middle grade fantasy.  A large number of children from another world with magic came through this world at the same time magic failed.  However, these children still have magic, and are looked at as the bringers of misfortune in a world that is not their own.  In other words, they are immigrants without parents or adults to help them navigate the prejudices and, for the most part, hatred and fear of the people (or at least the adults) in their new home.  They do not remember anything of their old world and so do not even have memories of better or happier times to turn to.

Rook has the ability to open doors to anywhere... except the country she came from.  Now she and her friends have been pulled into a dangerous scheme initiated by adults they cannot even trust.  Can they save their new land before it is destroyed?  Can they find a home in this world?  will they ever discover the secrets and mystery of their pasts?

After last week's Monday post, I immediately started this book (rather than sleep) and read straight through until I had finished it - work that Monday was harsh.  I enjoyed the break in pace and the kickstart to picking me up out of a potential reading slump.

The King of Bones and Ashes

Title: The King of Bones and Ashes

Author: J. D. Horn

Series: Witches of New Orleans, Bk 1

ISBN: 9781542047104

Length: 342 pages

Obtained: Library copy

Comments:

I haven't quite decided if I enjoyed this book.  I'm leaning toward no.  And yet, I plan on reading book 2, The Book of the Unwinding.  There are quite a few characters to get to know, and perspective alternates among a few of the most prominent. 

Alice has experienced a rough childhood, including being institutionalized.  But now her grandfather has passed, and her uncle has fetched her from the asylum.  Magic is weakening (or is it?) and Alice's family and coven are mourning (or are they?) and Babau Jean, the horror and bogeyman of Alice's childhood has returned (or has he?).  

The story is dark, depressing, conflicting, ... hence, I couldn't quite grab onto any one part that I could really enjoy or connect with.  The story, the characters, ... perhaps the setting, to some small extent? But no, not that either.

Hopefully the second book connects more.

Snared

Title: Snared

Author: Jennifer Estep [Website][Facebook][Twitter]

Publisher: Pocket Books Urban Fantasy

Series: Elemental Assassin, Bk 16

ISBN: 9781501142277

Length: 371

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

Love the series and author.

Comments:

I enjoyed this book as usual, but there were a couple things that struck me as obvious that Gin doesn't realize until MUCH later on, causing her unnecessary trouble.  That is not to say I expected all of what happened.  And as usual Gin is involved in some really close calls with death, only to be picked up by friends and not always expected allies.  Of course I'll be continuing to read the series and learn more about Gin's struggles to track down the Circle (the new group of powerful and extremely covert bad guys)... with the help of her friends and family.

Just Gone

Title: Just Gone

Author: William Kowalski [Website][Twitter][Facebook]

Publisher: Rapid Reads

ISBN: 9781459803275

Length: 107 pages

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

Sounded interesting and I like the Rapid Reads line in general.

Comments:

Strange.  It actually reminded me of the Lovecraft inspired books, only without the monsters.  Though now that I say that, you could say it is a matter of perspective and there are monsters in this book.  Whatever the case, it had a surreal feel. 

Anqelique, better known as Mother, runs a shelter for homeless/endangered women and children.  She's seen many come and go, but finds two children that arrive, Chantay and Jamal particularly memorable.  Particularly due to the story Jamal brings with him of Jacky Wacky who protects children from the abusive and neglectful adults in their lives.  Angelique parts way with the children, but they (and the story) make a lasting impact all the way into her last years.

Heroine Complex

Title: Heroine Complex

Author: Sarah Kuhn [Website][Twitter][Facebook]

Publisher: DAW Books

ISBN: 9780756410841

Length: 376 pages

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

Sounded interesting.  I can't remember if I saw it in a review magazine or on Wowbrary, but whichever, I placed the hold/request.

Comments:

It's been a bit since I've read it, so I just re-read a couple pages to refresh my memory.  I think one of the most interesting parts of this book was that while it wasn't a graphic novel, it could have been.  The superhero story had the same flow.

Curse of the Boggin

Title: Curse of the Boggin

Author: D. J. MacHale [Website][Facebook][Twitter]

Publisher: Random House

Series: Library, Bk 1

ISBN: 9781101932544

Length: 242 pages

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

I placed a request on this because - duh - it's the first book in a library series.

Comments:

I realized only when I was about to start this book and read "#1 New York Times bestselling author of Pendragon" that this was the same author who wrote The Merchant of Death that I had just finished.  I enjoyed this.

It felt somewhat like a children's version of The Librarians TV show, but rather than protecting powerful artifacts, the "agents" protect people's stories... which really could be just as powerful when you think about it.  It also reminded me somewhat of the library in The Magicians TV show (based on a trilogy of books by Lev Grossman, but I've never read them and probably never will since I stopped watching the TV show as it became too dark for my tastes) which is full of books that tell peoples stories.

Like the Pendragon book I read, Marcus has two friends, one boy one girl.  Also like the Pendragon book I read, both friends play a role, but aren't actively experiencing the main adventure for the bulk of the story.  I believe they will have more of a role going on in the series, though.  They certainly did toward the end of this book.

Anyway, I look forward to more in this series.  And I know I'll be reading more by this author in the near future.

Once Broken Faith

Title: Once Broken Faith

Author: Seanan McGuire [Website Bio 1][Website Bio 2][Website Bio 3][Facebook][Twitter]

Publisher: DAW Books

Series: October Daye, Bk 10

ISBN: 9780756408107

Length: 350 pages + "Dreams and Slumbers" short story (67 pages)

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

It's part of a series I'm caught up in.

Comments:

Toby is required to be at a gathering of all the North American reigning figures of the Faerie beings as they debate whether an antidote to a poison that send fairies to sleep for 100 years and kills humans and those of mixed blood should be used.  She's not fond of politics, but it's necessary.  Along the way, though, some powerful people have been killed or poisoned, and Toby is left trying to figure out who is going around killing people - all while staying alive herself and keeping all-out war among the Fey kind from breaking out.

Toby has grown throughout this series, and while it hasn't been without hardship and loss, she is getting better and better and maneuvering and coming out on top.  The only problem is, she's also getting in pretty deep with a powerful figure and you can't help but feel that it's all going to catch up with her rather soon.  I look forward to more in this series...

The Zoo at the Edge of the World

Title: The Zoo at the Edge of the World

Author: Eric Kahn Gale [Facebook][Twitter] ; Read by Julian Elfer [Website][IMDb]

Publisher: Recorded Books

ISBN: 9781490658766

Length: 4 discs ; 4.75 hours

Obtained: Library audiobook copy

Why this book?:

Sounding interesting.  Especially the zoo aspect.

Comments:

Marlin has a stutter that makes him much more comfortable with animals than people.  When Marlin's famous explorer father brings a jaguar into the zoo there's a sudden upheaval within Marlin's life.  This was an interesting story.  I definitely predicted some major events, but other aspects surprised me.  Some issues addressed are: wild vs civilization, treatment of native people and colonialism, family relations, bullying and self-confidence, differences and likenesses in beings, socioeconomic structures, etc.

Trailer:

Unraveled

Title: Unraveled

Author: Jennifer Estep [Website][Facebook][Twitter]

Publisher: Pocket Books Urban Fantasy

Series: Elemental Assassin, Bk 15

ISBN: 9781501142215

Length: 373 pages

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

Love the series and author.

Comments:

Gin and crew leave Ashland for a western-themed resort.  Which is interesting and kind of fun to have this new setting.  But going gives Gin a bad feeling from the start, and it seems her worries are right on track.  Though really, she needed to come, because it places her in a position to take care of a nasty enemy and gather information on the ever mysterious "Circle" (the most recent dangerous bad guys Gin needs to roust).

I eagerly await more elemental assassin books (and novellas) in the future.  Nice Guys Bite (Bk 15.5) is due out in December (I'm telling myself that isn't too long a wait) and Snared is due out in April.

Unwanted

Title: Unwanted

Author: Jennifer Estep [Website][Facebook][Twitter]

Publisher: Pocket Star

Series: Elemental Assassin, Bk 14.5

ISBN: 9781501142291

Obtained: Library ebook copy

Why this book?:

First I LOVE this series.  Second, who wouldn't want Finn's thoughts on the drama that took place in book 14, Bitter Bite?

Comments:

I can't say too much without spoiling some of what happened in Bitter Bite.  Suffice it to say Finn feels very down about previous events, and is having an identity crisis.  But events happen, and he discovers a little violence (in the name of helping someone) is a good way to perk up, burn off some of the negative energy/emotions, and find a way to move along in life.

Bright Blaze of Magic

Title: Bright Blaze of Magic

Author: Jennifer Estep [Website][Facebook][Twitter]

Publisher: Kensington

Series: Black Blade, Bk 3

ISBN: 9781617738296

Obtained: Library ebook copy

Why this book?:

Love the author and series.  Thieves!

Comments:

I loved this book (of course).  Lila is a great character who (as I've come to expect of Jennifer Estep's protagonists) has excellent problem solving skills and will do what it takes to protect family and friends.  Devon, Felix, Deah, and the rest are also great.  There is darkness and evil, and then there are those who stand up to it.

So anyway, while there is potential for future books (please, let there be more!), this rather felt like the end of a trilogy rather than the 3rd book in a longer series.  Hopefully, it was just the end of a story arc.  That's certainly happened in the Elemental Assassin series.  Not that I wish more craziness for Lila, but I don't want it to be over!

Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them AND Quidditch Through the Ages

Title: Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them

Author: Newt Scamander ; J. K. Rowling [Website] aka Joanne Rowling aka Robert Galbraith [Website]

Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books ; Obscurus Books

ISBN: 0439321603

Length: 42 pages

Part of a box set released through the U.K. Comic Relief

Title: Quidditch Through the Ages

Author: Kennilworthy Whisp ; J. K. Rowling [Website] aka Joanne Rowling aka Robert Galbraith [Website]

Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books ; WhizzHard Books

ISBN: 0439321611

Length: 56 pages

Part of a box set released through the U.K. Comic Relief

Why these books?:

I - ahem - read both of these for the Summer Reading program (Red Cover and Sports Book).  They are certainly for all ages, correct?

Plus I wanted to read Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them before the movie and screenplay.

Comments: 

I had held off reading these all these years because I was uncertain of what I'd find.  They were both quick and interesting reads.  

Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them is a copy of Harry Potter's textbook, so every time there was a notation, I was mentally trying to place when on the timeline it might be referring to.

Quidditch Through the Ages is more of a history (a copy of the Hogwarts Library copy).  I found myself most interested in the part about the various teams from around the world.  It was especially timely reading after the watching some of the Olympics.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: Parts One and Two

Title: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: Parts One and Two

Author: J. K. Rowling [Website][Harry Potter the Play Website][IMDb]  aka Joanne Rowling aka Robert Galbraith and John Tiffany [Harry Potter the Play Website][IMDb][Playbill] and Jack Thomas [Harry Potter the Play Website][IMDb]

Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books

Series: Harry Potter, Bk 8 (or a Harry Potter spinoff)

ISBN: 9781338099133

Length: 308 pages + "About the Production" ; 2 Parts, 4 Acts

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

Hello.  Harry Potter.  But I was also able to use it as a format I don't usually read for the Summer Reading Bingo.

Comments:

It's been awhile, so I don't remember all the details of the original Harry Potter books.  The format took some adjusting, but after the first bit where it's glossing over years of events, I settled in.  Much of the story touches on the gloom that can be "real life" where bad things happen, where people don't always understand each other, where prejudices still exist, and where your "good guys" and "bad guys" aren't always so clear cut.  And it had a bit of the butterfly effect going on (not my favorite theme, but I guess it suited the story).

I haven't read any reviews (I've been rather scared to), so I don't know if people generally liked it or not.  It sounds, from the quick bits I've heard IRL, like there have been mixed feelings.  On the one hand, I was okay with the way it ended in book 7.  On the other hand, I had no objection to discovering Rowling's tale of Albus's life (so very different than imagination might have had it).  Overall, I enjoyed it.

A compilation of SOME of the randomness I've recorded about my reading over the past several months

Title: A Silent Voice aka Koe no Katachi

Author: Yoshitoki Oima [MyAnimeList]

Publisher: Kodansha Comics

Series: A Silent Voice, Vol. 1

ISBN: 9781632360564

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

I saw it on Wowbrary.  The description sounded intriguing.

Comments:

So this first volume is primarily back story as to what happened in 6 years earlier between Shoya and Shoko, prior to Shoko transferring to another school.  I was a little too interested in what comes next, so in addition to requesting the library purchase the next several volumes, I also looked up the overall story arc.  I now know what is supposed to happen in general terms.  Hopefully that doesn't ruin the rest for me.

Update: I haven't read any more yet, but they won't be ruined when I do, because I've already forgotten what I looked up.

Title: Indexing

Author: Seanan McGuire [Website Bio 1][Website Bio 2][Website Bio 3][Facebook][Twitter]

Publisher: 47North

Series: Indexing, Bk 1

ISBN: 9781477809600

Length: 404 pages

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

I've been reading a bit by this author.  While I was waiting on more from the October Daye and InCryptid series, I decided to read this.

Comments:

Took me 1 or 2 "chapters" (it was originally a Kindle serial) to really get into it, but it's a pretty fascinating concept that fairy tales are these negative types that you can be stuck in if your life has certain similarities or like characteristics or events.  I look forward to reading the next one, Indexing: Reflections.

Update: Thoughts on  Indexing: Reflections have already been posted because I wasn't paying attention...

Title: Roadside Magic

Author: Lilith Saintcrow [Website][Facebook][Twitter] aka Lili St. Crow

Publisher: Orbit

Series: Gallow and Ragged, Bk 2

ISBN: 9780316277877

Length: 315 pages

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

I've enjoyed this author's work in the past, and read the first book in this series.

Comments:

I'm not always good with Faerie stories.  I've been reading more lately, but they can be difficult for me.  This is one whose world is especially troublesome for me, because I start to feel "trapped" if you will in all the bad events and "surrounded" by all these characters who are horrible and don't allow the primary characters, Gallow and Ragged, to escape.

 I found myself especially frustrated, because I was not even given the relief of the story ending.  Rather than individual stories that are resolved by the end (even if their is still a larger arcing story in progress), as I have come to expect of series, this ser ...

Update: I literally left that mid-word.   I think I was about to say more about it being cliffhanger, or no real ending.  But I'm not sure.

Title: Say I Love You. aka Suki tte Ii na yo.


Author: Kanae Hazuki [MyAnimeList]

Publisher: Kodansha Comics

Series: Say I Love You. Volumes 1 - 5

ISBN:
9781612626024
9781612626031
9781612626048
9781612626055
9781612626062

Obtained: Library Copy

Why these books?:

Comments:

I never recorded comments at the time of reading this.  So by memory: This series almost crosses into too much for me (content-wise), but I found myself curious about the "what next"?  Unfortunately, by the time the rest of the series came in for me (I had to put them on hold), I was out of the country.  I lost that push, but I'll still follow up eventually.

Title: Grave Visions

Author: Kalayna Price [Website][Facebook][Twitter]

Publisher: ROC Fantasy

Series: Alex Craft, Bk 4

ISBN: 9780451416575

Length: 331 pages

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

Have enjoyed the rest of the series.

Comments:

It's about time!  I read it within a day of it finally coming in, and was eagerly awaiting the latest release date before that.  Hope the next one is a bit more timely.

Update: Short but sweet, right?

Title: The Obsession

Author: Nora Roberts [Website] [Facebook] aka Eleanor Marie Robertson Aufem-Brinke Wilder aka J. D. Robb aka Sarah Hardesty aka Jill March

Publisher: Berkley Books

ISBN: 9780399175169

Length: 453 pages

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

New NR, need I say more?

Comments:

Great, intense intro.  Good characters... they fall within NR template.  I guessed the bad guy with the first murder.

Update: Again with the short clip.  But better than nothing.

Title: Bitter Bite

Author: Jennifer Estep [Website][Facebook][Twitter]

Publisher: Pocket Books Urban Fantasy

Series: Elemental Assassin, Bk 14

ISBN: 9781501111273

Length: 374 pages

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

Love this series.

Comments:

Oh, Finn!!!! This one had me very grumbly.  Poor Gin.


Update: This one is brief because otherwise I'd be rambling nonstop spoilers.

Spider's Trap

Title: Spider's Trap

Author: Jennifer Estep [Website][Facebook][Twitter]

Publisher: Pocket Books Urban Fanatsy

Series: Elemental Assassin, Bk 13

ISBN: 9781501105173

Length: 372 pages

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

Love this series!

Comments:

Gin has another enemy after her, but this time she doesn't know who.  Living constantly on alert and worrying about friends/family seems to be wearing on her as time goes on.  I continue to love this series, enjoyed this book, and look forward to book 13, Bitter Bite.

Ink and Bone

Title: Ink and Bone

Author: Rachel Caine [Website][Twitter][Facebook]

Publisher: New American Library

Series: Great Library, Bk 1

ISBN: 9780451472397

Length: 351 pages + "Soundtrack"

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

As soon as I saw a brief description of the new series I knew I had to try it.

Comments:

I was so excited about this book.  It wasn't quite what I expected, but I definitely found myself caught up in the story nonetheless.  The beginning reminded me of Harry Potter, the boarding school thing, train ride there, etc..  It also had some of the Big Brother touches from 1984, and the book censorship issues from Fahrenheit 451.  But it was ultimately its own book, and I enjoyed it.  I look forward to book 2, Paper and Fire.

Trailer:

Uncerain Allies (Connor Grey, Bk 5) AND New Tricks ; Unleashed ; Play Dead (Dog Days, Bks 2-4)

Uncertain Allies (Connor Grey, Bk 5)

Author:  Mark Del Franco [Website][Facebook]

Publisher: ACE Fantasy

Series: Connor Grey, Bk 5

ISBN: 9781101514078

Length: 308 pages

Obtained: Library ebook copy

Why this book?:  I've been reading the series.

New Tricks (Dog Days, Bk 2)

Author: John Levitt [Website] aka J. R. Levitt

Publisher: Ace Books

Series: Dog Days, Bk 2

ISBN: 9781440642814

Length: 320 pages

Obtained: Library ebook copy

Why this book?:

I've been reading the series.

Unleashed (Dog Days, Bk 3)

Author: John Levitt [Website] aka J. R. Levitt

Publisher: Ace Books

Series: Dog Days, Bk 3

ISBN: 9781101151532

Length: 304 pages

Obtained: Library ebook copy

Why this book?:

I've been reading the series.

Play Dead (Dog Days, Bk 4)

Author: John Levitt [Website] aka J. R. Levitt

Publisher: Ace Books

Series: Dog Days, Bk 4

ISBN: 9781101477786

Length: 304 pages

Obtained: Library ebook copy

Why this book?:

I've been reading the series.


Comments:

I was on something of a Urban Fantasy kick, finishing up some series I had started.  I read all of these in December 2014.

Uncertain Allies - More of the world tearing apart and Connor being blamed for at least some of it.  By this point I was ready for Connor to get a break.

New Tricks - Mason doesn't clue in about something pretty big, and his poor judgment of character was very annoying.  But otherwise I guess the book was okay.

Unleashed - The title says it all.  Bad stuff has been unleashed on the world.  Mason must fix this (not only to save the world, but because he is at least partially to blame).

Play Dead - The cliffhanger ending, combined with the fact that this is likely the last book (no more are planned), has overwhelmed the rest of the story for me.  What on Earth?

Anyway, this meant the end to the Dog Days series, and I finished the final Connor Grey book, Undone Deeds, in the new year (post to come).  You know what I was thinking as I read these?  I want another Twenty Palaces book by Harry Connolly (another series that is gone).  ::sigh::  Maybe I'll finally read some of the Dresden series soon (as almost EVERYONE refers to it when speaking of male-author urban fantasy series).