Introducing Garrett, P.I.: Sweet Silver Blues, Bitter Gold Hearts, Cold Copper Tears

Title: Introducing Garrett, P.I.: Sweet Silver Blues, Bitter Gold Hearts, Cold Copper Tears

Author: Glen Cook [Macmillan][isfdb][Goodreads]

Publisher: ROC

Series: Garrett, P.I., Bks 1-3

ISBN: 9780451463975

Length: 694 pages

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

I saw it recommended in comparison with another author (I can't remember where).

Comments:

As a whole these stories fall right within my interests.  Magic, PI or Detective, grim, etc. Individually...

Sweet Silver Blues

This first story in the series introduces Garrett and his world.  A world where war is constant, magical beings like centaurs, unicorns, vampires, elves, trolls, and witches all exist and aren't cute and friendly, mixed peoples called "breeds" are common but looked upon poorly, and life is hard.  Garrett is hired to find and bring back the recipient of his war buddy's estate - or if she isn't interested in coming back, he's to bring back the proper documentation that she has released her claim.  But this isn't an easy task on any level.  She lives in the midst of the war zone, she's Garrett's former flame, and did I mention the not-so-nice magical creatures?

Bitter Gold Hearts

Garrett's been tasked with looking into a kidnapping... sorta.  More like his reputation has been hired to put a little scare into the kidnappers before the son of a local wealthy and very powerful woman returns from her current task in the ongoing war.  But all is not as it seems and Garrett runs into lie, after deceit, after secret as he tries to get to the bottom of it all - whether anyone wants him to or not.

Cold Copper Tears

Garrett once again again encounters plenty of secrets and lies.  Even refusing the jobs that come his way isn't enough to prevent trouble from finding him.  This time we have fanatic cults, even more dangerous, destructive and deadly magical creatures, and enemies.  Now Garrett's in this for the sake of his life and peace.

I definitely intend to read more of the series.  I've requested another three-volume omnibus through ILL.

Savage plus bonus "Bounties: The Candy Heiress"

Title: Savage

Author: R.A. Jones [WizardWorld]; Illustrated by Ted Slampyak [Website][Facebook]

Publisher: Caliber Comics

Series: Savage, Issues # 1-5

Length: 122 pages

Obtained: Online digital holding

Why this book?:

I enjoyed the Jazz Age Chronicles by Ted Slampyak and this sounded intriguing.

Comments:

Before slaying her, Christian Savage agrees to tell a modern female vampire about his past in the Wild West including his scar, his parentage, and his vampire slaying mission.

I'm not a comic connoisseur, so I can't give much critique to this.  But I found it interesting in a strange way.

Bonus:

Bounties: The Candy Heiress by David Watkins; Illustrated by Ted Slampyak [Website][Facebook] featuring Saddlebag Jones

Um. Okay.  I didn't expect a completely unrelated story, and so it threw me off.

It was kind of silly, actually, in the premise. Rich girl runs off to try her luck in the Wild West, and Saddlebag Jones is sent to fetch her.  In the meantime the heiress pitches a fit when not everyone is on board with her experiencing the west and all it stereotypically entails (drink, gambling, etc.)... I won't tell you more, lest I spoil too much, but yes, I think silly is an accurate description.

Catch-up, Pt 2

I continue to attempt catching up with the many books read but not posted in months.

Title: Loot: How To Steal a Fortune

Author: Jude Watson [Website] aka Judy Blundell [Website][Facebook][Twitter]

Publisher: Scholastic Press

ISBN: 9780545468022

Length: 266 pages

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book:

It features thieves, and I love books about thieves.

Comments:

It was okay, but not as good as I had hoped when I read the blurb and requested the library purchase it.

Christine Feehan [Website][Facebook][Twitter]'s GhostWalker Series

A friend asked me to be in her wedding.  While we were discussing old times, she asked if I still read Christine Feehan (an author I introduced her to)'s books.  I said I hadn't in a while.

But afterwards I suddenly felt like catching up on this particular series. So I read all that have been published to date.  I'll indicate if it was a re-read or new to me next to the title.

1. Shadow Game (re-read)
2. Mind Game (re-read)
3. Night Game (re-read)
4. Conspiracy Game (re-read)
5. Deadly Game (re-read)
6. Predatory Game (re-read)
7. Murder Game (re-read)
8. Street Game (re-read ... I think)
9. Ruthless Game (new-to-me)
10. Samurai Game (new-to-me)
11. Viper Game (new-to-me)

Comments:

These seem to be focusing more and more on sex.  I guess I should expect that, but it was annoying because I was skipping chunks of pages looking for the story toward the end of the series.  But I am still interested in reading more, so we'll see how it goes with future books.

Title: An Early Wake

Author: Sheila Connolly [Website][Facebook] aka Sarah Atwell [Berkley Prime Crime]

Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime Mystery

Series: County Cork Mystery, Bk 3

ISBN: 9780425252536

Length: 291 pages

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

I've been enjoying this series and author.

Comments:

Offered an interesting look into Irish musical history.  I enjoyed the overall story, but there were some inconsistencies that frustrated me beyond belief.  I had to keep setting the book down and distracting myself from whatever inconsistency before I moved on.

Nora Roberts [Website][Website 2][Facebook] re-reading and catch-up and all new...

Title: Brazen Virtue (re-read)

Follows Sacred Sins.  I've re-read this before and know and like the story.  But this time I saw it with fresh eyes.  Oh, technology.  How it does date books so.  I was 4 yo when this book was published.

The Sign of Seven Trilogy (new-to me ; catch-up)

Blood Brothers
The Hollow
The Pagan Stone

I had some trouble with picking these up when they came out years ago (even though I do own all of them).  Once I actually started I found myself caught up.  The books were interesting, and I liked the characters.

The Circle Trilogy (new-to-me ; catch-up)

Morrigan's Cross
Dance of the Gods
Valley of Silence

If I was going to catch-up on some unread trilogies, I may as well go all the way.  I was apparently in the right frame of mind for vampires now (that is, initially, why I never read this series).  I breezed through the series; I especially looked forward to the vampire's story in the 3rd book of the trilogy.

Title: The Liar (new)

Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons

ISBN: 9780399170867

Length: 501 pages

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

It's the newest Nora Roberts.

Comments:

It was pretty interesting: 1) the look at verbal abuse and its spiraling effect, 2) how one falls into the web of a master con-man, 3) how someone can pick themselves back up.

Shelby did seem to go from being shamed (courtesy of lies of an abuser) to proud (she had to do all the financial pick-up herself... no bankruptcy etc. for her).  But I still liked her.  And Griffin was pretty good too.  I did figure certain key aspects out way before any of the characters in the book.  Maybe because I've seen it in other books/movies before.  And I'll say no more lest I give something away.

Blood Bath & Beyond

Title: Blood Bath & Beyond

Author: Michelle Rowen aka Michelle Maddox aka Morgan Rhodes

Publisher: Obsidian Mystery

Series: Immortality Bites Mystery, Bk 1 ; a continuation of the Immortality Bites PR series

ISBN: 9780451237644

Pages: 308

Obtained: Library copy

Comments:

Vampires are spreading to the cozy mystery, but they still aren't so common as in some genres.  This means they can be fun and interesting without becoming hackneyed.  Beyond that, I've read and enjoyed Michelle Rowen's books before in other genre's.  She's written paranormal romance (of which I've read Angel with Attitude), paranormal YA fiction (I've read Reign or Shine and Reign Check), paranormal shorts (I've read "Familiar"), contemporary romance, urban fantasy, ... What I didn't read (and man was I a confusing mix of "That figures." and "What? I can't believe it!" once I realized), was the Immortality Bites paranormal romance series which I used to own, but am pretty sure I never read.

As I was reading the book, I felt like there was a back story behind the relationship of Sarah and Thierry.  It simply never occurred to me there might be 5 books worth behind it.  The really unfortunate part is that I have a sneaking suspicion I ended up donating those books.  Now I'll have to check them out at the library.

But perhaps you'd like to hear my thoughts on the book in question?  I enjoyed it.  I like Sarah.  She can be both confident and uncertain depending on the circumstances, which made for a nice balance.  The story itself was interesting.  There is a serial killer vampire in Vegas that needs to be stopped.  I guessed a part but certainly not all of what was going on.

Speaking of Vegas.  The bulk of the book is set there, but it starts in Toronto.  Which is of particular note because Michelle Rowen is from Ontario, qualifying this read for the Canadian Book Challenge 6.

Nice Girls Don't Bite Their Neighbors

Title: Nice Girls Don't Bite Their Neighbors

Author: Molly Harper

Publisher: Pocket Books Paranormal Romance

Series: Jane Jameson aka Nice Girls, Bk 4

ISBN: 9781451641813

Obtained: Library copy


Comments:

It's been awhile since I've read any of this series, so I didn't remember all the characters or past events.  I managed to get into it quickly enough, and found myself asking what took me so long?  I really do enjoy Molly Harper's writing and I especially enjoy the characters.  In particular, teenage newbie vampire Jamie was a fun addition to the story (this is different for me, because I'm not usually a fan of teenagers in stories unless its a YA book).

As for the story itself, Jane is getting married.  She's running her bookshop.  She's taking care of Jamie, she's trying to exorcise her grandmother, she's trying to find out who's been making attempts on her fiancees life... Sounds a little busy and chaotic, no?  All part of the fun that comes with Jane Jameson's life.  And of course it makes for fun reading.

Anyway, apparently this is the end of Jane Jameson's story.  It seems the stand alone The Care and Feeding of Stray Vampires features a character that appears in this book as well as the same small town, Half Moon Hollow.  I'll be reading that, but I still think I'll be a little sad to leave Jane and her crowd behind.

I'll have a little magic with that murder...

Let Them Eat Stake (Vampire Chef Mystery, Bk 2) by Sarah Zettel aka CL Anderson aka Marissa Day (library copy) -

I hate gaps between books in series as I always forget so much detail.  Despite that I still enjoyed this 2nd in the vampire chef mystery series.  I enjoy seeing Charlotte cope with all the challenges that come in her unique position and still do the sleuthing thing.  I don't know anything about a book 3, but I assume there will be one around April next year.

Copycat Killing (Magical Cats Mystery, Bk 3) by Sofie Kelly aka Darlene Ryan (library copy) -

I enjoyed this third installment in the magical cats mystery series.  Two mysteries that took place at two different times are being puzzled over and solved.  Kathleen is oh-so-slowly getting closer to Marcus.  And of course the cats, Hercules and Owen, are as charming as ever.  I'll see how things develop with the fourth book, Cat Trick, due out Feb. 2013.

I Accidentally read these books...

I don't think I even mentioned it on here when I "read" The Accidental Werewolf.  I skimmed and jumped through it quite a bit, and I don't think I was hugely impressed (I read it earlier this year but my memory is already vague).  Anyway, I couldn't quite make myself give up the next two, which I already owned via paperbackswap.com, without reading them.  So I read Accidentally Dead and The Accidental Human.
They were fine.  Each took a turn keeping me up when I should have been sleeping.  But I had to skip some with both of these as well.  I found Nina of Accidentally Dead whiny and Wanda, the heroine of The Accidental Human annoying because she refused to share what was going on with her friends.  But something in the books must have been good enough to keep me reading, and quickly. 

A little para-fantastic-al

A Perfect Blood (The Hollows, Bk 10) by Kim Harrison (library copy) -

Another enjoyable addition to the Hollows series.  I really enjoyed seeing more of Trent in this one.  There were some things I'm having trouble remembering, and I think I may need to re-read some of the series (when will I cram that in?).  In any case, this series always leaves me wanting more, so I look forward to reading book 11, Ever After which I believe is expected in 2013 (2013! That's FOREVER from now!) as well as trying the graphic novels Blood Work and Blood Crime, though I'm hesitant about those.

Retribution (Dark Hunter) by Sherrilyn Kenyon (personal copy - purchased during Borders closing sale) -

I forgot I had this or I would have read it before the most recent Dream Hunter book.  Fortunately, that didn't matter.  I was happy to see Jess "Sundown" Brady finally get his story.  And the dark-hunter books finally dipped into American Indian mythology, which I should have loved.  And while the book was fine (it suited what I was in the mood for perfectly), I had hoped for more in Sundown's story.  Nevertheless, I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series (highly connected to this one), Time Untime.

Here we go, now... Here, here, here we go...

Sorry about the title.  I have a stupid boy band song stuck in my head.  Anyway... on to what I've been reading...

Reckoning by Lili St. Crow (personal copy via J. Kaye - thanks!)

Going into this I knew that J. Kaye felt this was the best of the series, but questions aren't answered, and a reviewer on pbs said it was their least favorite, but too many loose ends.  Complete opposite opinions but on one thing everyone agreed.  Now for my take... It's neither my favorite nor my least favorite.  I enjoyed it just as I've enjoyed them all.  I can guess about some of the loose ends.  Because this is a YA series and you don't have all the answers when you're a YA. 
Since I'm so motivated by characters, though, lets discuss them... I wanted Dru to treat Ash better.  To view him as more than a puppy or toddler, but a friend.  I was dissapointed in how that aspect worked.  I just can't decide on Christophe.  I never loved him, and I don't think I ever will, but I came the closest to being okay with him in this book.  I stopped loving Graves after the first book, but the insight to him in this one helped me remember why I had.  Even if the changes in him make me think I never could love him again.  I don't know what to say about Dru herself.

Artistic License by Julie Hyzy (ebook free through Sony Reader Store)

I own several of Julie Hyzy's backlist, but this is the first I've actually read.  I enjoyed it.  I mostly liked Annie, minus some stupid moments w/ her ex. ... I didn't like her ex at all.  Overall, I liked the story.  It's categorized as a mystery, and I don't know how accurate I'd say that is, but still...










"Clever is as Clever Does" by Linsey Lanier (ebook short story free through Sony Reader Store - still currently free in multiple e-formats - I've linked to Smashwords)

The second of the Clever Detective shorts.  It was fun just like the first.  I really want to read the third "Cleverest of Them All" but unlike the first two, it's not free.  So it's only $0.99... I have not paid for a single e-book yet.  I might have to break down and make this my first.  Very frustrating.  But that tells you something about how fun they are, right?  Try the first one.  And try reading it out loud in a dramatic fashion.  Seriously.  Maybe you'll be as hooked as me.

Heaven is for Heroes by P J Sharon (ebook free through the Trick or Treat event this past Halloween)

Overall, I liked this story.  It's a young adult book, and it can be difficult to remember that when the characters are going off to war, being killed and/or injured, etc.  Then you think about how soldiers really do go overseas and fight that young and you get chills.  Anyway, it's a very emotionally driven story.











I've been trying to work on The Roman Hat Mystery (Ellery Queen) for the Vintage Mystery Challenge but it's slow going, even though I like it so far.

We've more books to conquer! Onward ho!

I got some more action in my reading this week....

Tangled Threads (Elemental Assassin, Bk 4) by Jennifer Estep (library copy)
AND
Spider's Revenge (Elemental Assassin, Bk 5) by Jennifer Estep (library copy)

I'll say again what I've said before (in case you missed it?)... I favor thief and assassin books.  Since it fits the latter, this series already has a head up.  But on top of that, Gin is a great character.  She can be cool and get the job done, but she has a heart, etc. underneath it all.  I really like her.  And Owen (and I am soo glad she settled into things with him) and the other characters that make up her "family" are just good characters all the way around.  That extends to the bad guys too.  There isn't any quibbling.  No "I like this character even though they're actually supposed to be the bad guy."  No.  These bad guys are straight up despicable.  There's no liking them.  I can't wait to see where the story goes from here in By a Thread.

Defiance  (Strange Angels, Bk 4) by Lili St. Crow aka Lilith Saintcrow (library copy)

I couldn't remember huge chunks of the story with such a gap in time between when I read Jealousy and Defiance.  It took me a bit to catch up and get with the program since St. Crow jumps straight into the action from the very beginning.  I liked the overall story, I especially like Ash.  He's probably my favorite character in the whole book.  I was irritated with Dru that she made this one stupid and, to me, obvious mistake (can't say more without spoilers), but overall she's getting better with her new circumstances.  Now I'm all set to read Reckoning.

Spider's Bite

Title: Spider's Bite

Author: Jennifer Estep

Publisher: Pocket Books Urban Fantasy

Copyright Date: 2010

Print Date: February 2010

ISBN: 9781439147979

Pages: 395

Series: 1st in Elemental Assassin series

Book Description (from back cover):

My name is Gin, and I kill people.

They call me the Spider. I’m the most feared assassin in the South — when I’m not busy at the Pork Pit cooking up the best barbecue in Ashland. As a Stone elemental, I can hear everything from the whispers of the gravel beneath my feet to the vibrations of the soaring Appalachian Mountains above me. My Ice magic also comes in handy for making the occasional knife. But I don’t use my powers on the job unless I absolutely have to. Call it professional pride.

Now that a ruthless Air elemental has double-crossed me and killed my handler, I’m out for revenge. And I’ll exterminate anyone who gets in my way — good or bad. I may look hot, but I’m still one of the bad guys. Which is why I’m in trouble, since irresistibly rugged Detective Donovan Caine has agreed to help me. The last thing this coldhearted killer needs when I’m battling a magic more powerful than my own is a sexy distraction… especially when Donovan wants me dead just as much as the enemy.

Comments:

I've heard great things about this book for the past year ... good writing, good story, good characters. And best of all? The theme is just my kind of thing. An assassin (urban) fantasy! So why did it take me so long to actually read it? I don't know. I can only be thankful that there was a copy available when I checked out the sales at the local Borders that just closed down, and that I remembered that Spider's Bite was a book I wanted to read.

I very much enjoyed reading Spider's Bite. At first, the voice reminded me a little of Simon R. Green's Nightshade series — that weary voice of someone making their way in a corrupt world. Then it kind of took on it's own voice.

I really liked Gin, assassin or no. I liked how loyal she was to he few she loved. I liked that she had here own standards that she wouldn't compromise. Despite apparently having a different woman for every night, Flinn was also a great character. He added a great sense of humor, despite a tragic loss, throughout a mostly dark story. And as for Detective Donovan Caine, well, he was a good character as well. He actually felt a bit too uptight. But if this happened in real life? I'd be just as uptight and stiff in my morals, so I'm in no position to criticize or complain.

As for the story itself... the "world" was interesting. I enjoy stories with magic based on elements (Mercedes Lackey and Tamora Pierce come to mind), and everything seemed to fit in this place where so much is corrupt. Add to that both a tragic past for Gin and a strong emotional motivation for any current actions (if that sounds vague, it's because I don't want to give anything away)...

Then to top it all off there's a lovely surprise ending. The main drawback, for me, was when Gin was fantasizing (or more) about Donovan. But I know that isn't a detractor for most and it didn't overtake the book in any case.

I'm trying to figure out how to get my hands on the next book, Web of Lies. I can't afford to buy any more books, and the library only has the 3rd book, Venom, not Spider's Bite or Web of Lies (though I did put in a purchase request, so we'll see). My other option is to wait on PBS, and that's liable to take FOREVER.

Not a Great Start

So I picked out my first read of my new beginning... Chosen partially because it was in my room (instead of the basement w/ the majority of my books), but also because the cover appealed, I remember I thought it sounded good when I first heard of it, etc.

I read 26 1/2 pages, and I'm officially giving up. The writing is driving me mad.  Something to do with the sentence structure, but I never bothered to learn (or remember) enough of the technical jargon to really explain. Turns out, the author was a 14 year old girl.  Apparently that's what makes the difference.

In any case, for any interested, Ginger High is supposed to be (according to reviews on Amazon) a very creative work.  You just have to be tolerant of the sentence structure, jumpiness of the story, and (though I didn't get far enough in to see some of this) multitude of characters (comments indicate too many for the reader to truly connect with any).

Disclaimer: I'm not saying I could do better.  I'm not a writer; I don't have that skill/ability.

Black Magic Sanction

Title: Black Magic Sanction

Author: Kim Harrison

Publisher: eos

Copyright Date: 2010

Print Date: March 2010

ISBN: 9780061138034

Pages: 487

Series: 8th full-length book in the Hollows series

Book Description (from dust jacket):

In New York Times bestselling author Kim Harrison's most complex and nuanced adventure yet, bounty hunter and witch Rachel Morgan fights a deadly battle — mind, body, and soul

Rachel Morgan has fought and hunted vampires, werewolves, banshees, demons, and other supernatural dangers as both witch and bounty hunter — and lived to tell the tale. But she's never faced off against her own kind . . . until now. Denounced and shunned for dealing with demons and black magic, her best hope is life imprisonment — at worst, a forced lobotomy and genetic slavery. Only her enemies are strong enough to help her win her freedom, but trust comes hard when it hinges on the unscrupulous tycoon Trent Kalamack, the demon Algaliarept, and an ex-boyfriend turned thief.

It takes a witch to catch a witch, but survival bears a heavy price.

Comments:
This finally came from the library and with perfect timing... I was able to read it during the Read-a-Thon. Anyway...

Rachel's becoming more comfortable taking the "smut" and using black magic. All well and good since she still won't compromise her morals as far as taking life, etc. The combination makes for some nice personal growth.

I have to say, of all the characters surrounding Rachel, the one that gives me the most difficulty is Trent. I find myself liking him, and then he does something horrible, and I'm all, "Self, how can you like this guy?". But then something else will happen to give a glimpse of a characteristic I do like and... I'm sure you get the point. Anyway, I figure this indecision is due to good writing, so... =)

Anyway, I enjoyed reading this and am looking forward to reading book 9 whenever it comes.

White Witch, Black Curse

Title: White Witch, Black Curse

Author: Kim Harrison

Publisher: eos

Copyright Date: 2009

Print Date: March 2009

ISBN: 9780061138010

Pages: 504

Series: 7th full-length book in the Hollows series





Book Description (from dust jacket):

New York Times bestselling author
Kim Harrison returns to the sinister and
seductive Hollows for the newest
blockbuster adventure featuring Rachel
Morgan, witch and bounty hunter

Some wounds take time to heal . . . and some scars never fade.

Rachel Morgan, kick-[butt] witch and bounty hunter, has taken her fair share of hits, and has broken lines she swore she would never cross. But when her lover was murdered, it left a deeper wound than Rachel ever imagined, and now she won't rest until his death is solved . . . and avenged. Whatever the cost.

Yet the road to hell is paved with good intentions, and when a new predator moves to the apex of the Inderlander food chain, Rachel's past comes back to haunt her.

Literally.

Comments:

This will be a bit rambling. This is my first attempt at "review"ing one of this series. Something about it causes a jumble of thoughts without much order.

Anyway, I know I've said (repeatedly) that I'm hooked on this series. It really surprises me. For one thing, while I enjoyed the first book, I was sure I'd be fed up with the series by the 3rd or 4th. I was worried there'd be too much sex or... well I skip those parts so if a story evolves around it, I have issues. Instead, I found myself caught in the overall story.

This particular book adds in some new creatures, some vengence and closure, some characters that I suspect came out in short stories (I haven't read any of the shorts and can't say for sure), and of course, several of the characters from previous books. Speaking of, I'm not sure how much longer Jenks will be around for these books, and I'm not sure how well the series will last after that, so... something to see about.

I'm looking forward to reading Black Magic Sanction (currently 7th in line for it at the library).

Combo - Review: Kim Harrison

Title: Every Which Way but Dead
Author: Kim Harrison
Publisher: HarperTorch Fiction
Copyright Date: 2005
ISBN: 006057299X
Pages: 501
Series: 3rd full-length book in the Hollows series
Where I got this book: Checked out from Library
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Title: A Fistful of Charms
Author: Kim Harrison
Publisher: HarperTorch
Copyright Date: 2006
ISBN: 9780060788193
Pages: 510
Series: 4th full-length book in the Hollows series
Where I got this book: Checked out from Library
-----------------------------------------------

Title: For a Few Demons More
Author: Kim Harrison
Publisher: eos
Copyright Date: 2007
ISBN: 9780060788384
Pages: 456
Series: 5th full-length book in the Hollows series
Where I got this book: Puchased the HC (no DJ) from the local library booksale room
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Title: The Outlaw Demon Wails
Author: Kim Harrison
Publisher: eos
Copyright Date: 2008
ISBN: 9780060788704
Pages: 455
Series: 6th full-length book in the Hollows series
Where I got this book: Puchased the HC from the local library booksale room
--------------------------------------------------------------------------










Comments:

I waited too long to blog these. Even though I read them all in the same week. So much happened between them that I cannot go back the earlier ones. It's difficult to discuss them individually.

Not that they don't all have parts I liked more than others. Things I could have done without (the whole Rachel/Ivy thing is played too much in some of them). Things that drew me in (Rachel's connections with so many various groups and species is pretty cool, for instance)...

But I'm more focused on what will happen next. Suffice it to say, this series has had me on an emotional roller-coaster. I wasn't expecting to be sucked in.

I have since read White Witch, Black Curse, but it was read during a separate week (not to mention being the most recent that I've read) and will get a separate review.

Mini-Reviews

I've never done this before, so we'll see how it goes.


Title: Dead Witch Walking
Author: Kim Harrison
ISBN: 9780060572969
Pages: 416
Series: 1st in the Hollows series
Where I got this book: Checked out from Library
Why Now?: I've been hearing good things about this author and series for a while, and it was finally time.
Brief Description: Rachel's a witch on the run from a death threat while trying to make her own way and get the authorities off her back.
My thoughts: It was a fast-paced read that left me interested in more.


Title: The Good, The Bad, and the Undead
Author: Kim Harrison
ISBN: 0060572973
Pages: 453
Series: 2nd in the Hollows series
Where I got this book: Own - Received through PaperBackSwap Game
Why Now?: I'd just finished the 1st book. I like to read series books together.
Brief Description: Rachel's been requested (okay, more like prodded) to assist in finding a serial killer. She sees this as an opportunity to get the guy she holds responsible for a number of wrongs.
My thoughts: The series may move in a direction I don't like, but for now it still has my interest. This book has more insight into Rachel's past, demons, and vampires (in particular, Ivy). Oh, and pixies.


Title: Real Vamps Don't Drink O-Neg
Author: Tawny Taylor
ISBN: 9780758215093
Where I got this book: Owned - PaperBackSwap
Why Now?: I had offered it in a PBS Virtual Box and needed to get it in the mail.
Brief Description: Sophie Hahn's best friend is acting different and seems sick. She has to save him from being drained by his vampire (Lamia) wife. So she hooks up with a vamp of another type in attempt to find some Biblical relics that may help.
My thoughts: I hated it. For a number of reasons, including the sex scenes I glimpsed in the process of skipping over them looked more like what I'd expect to find in erotica, not PR. But also because the characters weren't all that likable. Ric tells Sophie to trust him repeatedly. And she repeatedly does. But he isn't trustworthy, which makes him a jerk and her an idiot. IMO. Anyway, I only finished it because it's so hard for me not to finish a book.


Title: The Last Apprentice: Curse of the Bane
Author: Joseph Delaney
ISBN: 9780060766214
Pages: 455 + some entries in "The Journal of Thomas J. Ward"
Series: 2nd in the Last Apprentice series, aka The Wardstone Chronicles
Where I got this book: Checked out from the Library
Why Now?: I'd recently read and enjoyed the 1st in the series.
Brief Description: Tom Ward and his master (the Spook) will finally face down the Bane of Priestown (and the County). The Spook had been previously been unsuccessful at this, so how could this time be any different?
My thoughts: Another enjoyable read by Joseph Delaney. I can't believe it took me this long to find this series. Oh, and I appreciated learning more about Tom's parents (and therefore Tom's background).


Title: The Last Apprentice: Night of the Soul Stealer
Author: Joseph Delaney
ISBN: 9780060766245
Pages: 489 + some entries in "The Journal of Thomas J. Ward"
Series: 3rd in the Last Apprentice series, aka The Wardstone Chronicles
Where I got this book: Checked out from the Library
Why Now?: I'm reading through the series. Hope to get my hands on the 4th soon...
Brief Description: Tom Ward, the Spook, and Alice travel toward their new winter location(s). Tom will finally learn more about the Spook's own past (including his prejudice regarding girls with pointy shoes). And why is it so dark (as in evilness and badness) in that area lately?
My thoughts: The continuing insights into the Spook's history are interesting. Each book has the "WARNING: NOT TO BE READ AFTER DARK" notice, and I'm enjoying discovering just what horror Tom will encounter on the "ESPECIALLY PAGE __" part. =)

Evernight

Title: Evernight

Author: Claudia Gray (Amy Vincent)

Publisher: HarperTeen

Copyright Date: 2008

Print Date: July 2008

ISBN: 9780061284434

Pages: 327

Series: 1st in the Evernight Series

Book Description (from dust jacket):

Bianca wants to escape.

She's been uprooted from her small hometown and enrolled at Evernight Academy, an eerie Gothic boarding school where the students are somehow too perfect: smart, sleek, and almost predatory. Bianca knows she doesn't fit in.

Then she meets Lucas. He's not the "Evernight type" either, and he likes it that way. Lucas ignores the rules, stands up to the snobs, and warns Bianca to be careful — even when it comes to caring about him.

"I couldn't stand it if they took it out on you," he tells Bianca, "and eventually they would."

But the connection between Bianca and Lucas can't be denied. Bianca will risk anything to be with Lucas, but dark secrets are fated to tear them apart . . . and to make Bianca question everything she's ever believed.

The Author Speaks:

Comments:

I checked this out from the library after reading (well, skimming) some positive reviews. It was different (it really was, but I don't want to say more for fear of giving too much away) despite being another boarding school YA vampire book.

Oh, and it seems almost everyone compares YA vampire books to Twilight, so I feel like I should make it clear that I've never read any of the Twilight books. I don't know how similar or dissimilar this is other than what little I've seen from the Twilight movie trailers.

Anyway, Bianca has some issues (primarily shyness and just plain ole not fitting in), but she manages keep pretty true to herself. That was a plus, and I found her likeable in a general way as well. However, I have to say my fave characters were Balthazar and Vic...

The ending was of the same pattern I've been seeing so often lately...some small resolution but mostly just more questions to be answered. I have a feeling this ending type, like love-interest triangles, are something I'm just going to have to deal with as I continue to read paranormal YA books.

Speaking of love triangles, though, this book had the potential for one, but Ms. Gray (thankfully) chose not to follow through. Of course, I don't know if that remains true in the books to follow, but I have high hopes. And with that said, I will be reading the second book in the series, Stargazer.

Tempted

Title: Tempted

Author(s): P.C. Cast + Kristin Cast

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

Copyright Date: 2009

Print Date: November 2009

ISBN: 9780312567484

Pages: 319

Series: 6th in the House of the Night series

Book Description (from back cover):

Dark secrets and unspoken suspicions come between Zoey and Stevie Rae, putting their friendship — and the House of Night — at risk.

After Zoey Redbird and her gang have banished Kalona and Neferet from Tulsa, you'd think they'd catch a break. But with Zoey and her sexy warrior Stark both recovering from a brush with death, and the fledglings struggling to deal with the fallout from Neferet's reign of terror, a break is just not in the forecast. Zoey is haunted by her confusing yet elemental connection with A-ya, the ancient Cherokee maiden who was the only human able to tempt Kalona's body and soul. How will A-ya's pull on her affect Zoey's ability to resist the dangerously seductive immortal?

Meanwhile, Stevie Rae, with her super red-vamp powers, always thought she could handle the stuff she's been keeping from her BFF. But the mysterious, threatening force lurking in the tunnels under the Tulsa Depot is spreading. Stevie Rae won't confide where she's been and what she's been doing, and Zoey is beginning to wonder just how much she can trust the person she always thought would have her back.

Will their choices destroy them and will darkness consume the House of Night? Find out in this spectacular next installment in the bestselling House of Night series.



Comments:

I reviewed the first two books in this series, Marked and Betrayed, but the third book, Chosen really frustrated me; I decided not to review it or the two that followed, Untamed and Hunted. For now, though, I'm trying to review more of the new-to-me books I read so here goes...

I've noticed this mentioned in other reviews and suppose it's something I should point out... The other books are all in first person. This one is too...when it's from Zoey's perspective. But it flashes to some other perspectives (mostly Stevie Rae) and those are all in 3rd person.

I have to say that, for the most part, this book was like a transition between Hunted and the next book, Burned (due out in May, I think). That is, while it does have some story of it's own, mostly it settles some issues while expanding on and revealing other situations. As a result, I don't know that I can say I liked this book. It serves a purpose in the overall series, but doesn't hold much weight on it's own (definitely NOT stand-alone).

However, it didn't frustrate me like Chosen did, and I don't regret reading it because I would have missed pieces of the story. And I certainly plan to read the next book (I guess I should have added, this book includes a huge cliffhanger).

Betrayals

Title: Betrayals

Author: Lili St. Crow (Lilith Saintcrow)

Publisher: Razorbill

Copyright Date: 2009

Print Date: November 2009

ISBN: 9781595142528

Pages: 296

Series: 2nd book in the Strange Angels series

Book Description (from back cover):

No more little miss nice girl

The Real World is a frightening place. Just ask sixteen-year-old orphan Dru Anderson, a tough girl who has taken down her fair share of bad guys She's armed, dangerous, and ready to kill first and ask questions later. So it's gonna take her a while to figure out who she can trust...

Poor Dru. Her parents are long gone. Her best (okay, only) friend Graves has been bitten by a werewulf. And she’s just learned that the blood flowing through her veins isn’t entirely human. Now Dru's strange and hansome savior, Christophe, has her hidden away at a secret Schola for djamphir and wulfen teens. Trouble is, she's the only girl in the place. The really bad news? Dru’s killer instinct says that one of her schoolmates wants her dead.

And with all eyes on her, discovering a traitor within
the Order could mean a lot more than social suicide. . .

The Author Speaks:

(This video is from when the first book, Strange Angels, came out. Since there isn't a trailer for Betrayals, and I think this relates to the series as a whole, I decided to include it.)



Comments:

I read this as part of a Twitter Read-Along w/ J. Kaye (@J_Kaye).

While the first book felt like it was all action, this one radiated tension. What's going to happen? When are things going to happen? Is everything going to work out? Who's bad and who's good? Is this about the past or the future or both? What other secrets have yet to be exposed? etc... Question after question. Some are answered. Some are left for the reader to decide. (In particular, this is true of the who's bad and who's good question.) And most bring more questions.

Dru is growing up and becoming a bit more interested in having a say about her own life. It isn't a sudden and unrealistic change, but it does happen. (I was so relieved.) Graves is coming into his own as well. I'm worried about his new-found power/status going to his head, but he seems to be handling it decently for now. Christophe is ever the enigma, despite some new revelations. Maybe that's why I can't completely like him as a character. Extreme curiosity and an enigma with few answers and more questions don't necessarily go together. =)

As with the first, I enjoyed this book — despite the fact that I was a little reluctant to pick this one up once I finally had a copy available (I was worried I might be disappointed.) I am looking forward to exploring Dru's story further with the third book, Jealousy. And I do have a bit of a wait ahead of me.

Strange Angels

Title: Strange Angels

Author: Lili St. Crow (Lilith Saintcrow)

Publisher: Razorbill

Copyright Date: 2009

Print Date: May 2009

ISBN: 9781595142511

Pages: 293

Series: 1st book in the Strange Angels series

Book Description (from back cover):

Dad? Zombie.
Mom? Long gone.
Me? Well, that's the scary part.

The Real World is a frightening place. Just ask sixteen-year-old orphan Dru Anderson, a tough girl who has taken down her fair share of bad guys She's armed, dangerous, and ready to kill first and ask questions later. So it's gonna take her a while to figure out who she can trust...

Dru Anderson has been "strange" for as long as she can remember, traveling from town to town with her father to hunt the things that go bump in the night. It's a weird life, but a good one — until it all explodes in an icy, broken-down Dakota town, when a hungry zombie busts through her kitchen door. Alone, terrified, and trapped, Dru's going to need every inch of her wit and training to stay alive. The monsters have decided to hunt back — and this time, Dru's on their menu. Chances of survival? Slim to none.

If she can't last until sunup, it's game over...

Comments:

I read this as part of a Twitter Read-Along w/ J. Kaye (@J_Kaye) and Bella (@bellamcguire). I suspected from the couple lines I read the day I first checked it out from the library that I would have no problem getting into it. And I was right.

Dru is a likeable character, though she holds herself apart from her peers — after all, she has secrets they know nothing about. Graves (a classmate that pushes his way into her life, scary secrets or no) was even more likeable (IMO). Another character that shows up, Christophe, well — he wasn't a favorite of mine (I thought he was too manipulative, too arrogant, and to be honest, I was afraid it was falling into some Vampire trumps Werewolf line), but my fellow tweeters liked him, so ... A matter of taste, I suppose.

The story itself was intense. Action-filled, with some small lulls that allowed the characters (and reader) to regroup. Definitely not a slow book, not even in those lulls I mentioned.

I did have a couple things that bothered me a little. Mostly... Dru is so "the adults can handle it" / "everything's better with the adults handling it." I just couldn't get that. Not that teens can't lean on adults, but she wanted to give up any and all say in what was happening around her. Maybe it was the fear, but... no, I guess I'm too curious (not to mention my control issues) about everything to understand anyone wanting to completely drop out of something like this — especially considering her personal interest and investment in the results of everything going on around her.

In general, I enjoyed reading this book, and am looking forward to reading the next in the series (Betrayals). (Speaking of... It's in at the library! I can start once I pick it up...well, and once finals are over.)