Showing posts with label Assassins. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Assassins. Show all posts

Monday, August 20, 2018

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.


Tuesday, July 24, 2018

The Boneless Mercies

Title: The Boneless Mercies

Author: April Genevieve Tucholke

Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (Macmillan)

ISBN: 9780374307066

Length: 352 pages

Obtained: Download from Edelweiss+

Comments:

I just signed up for Edelweiss and was whitelisted for all Macmillan titles.  I was picking my first book and wanted to make sure it would be one I would definitely read... the right one.  When I saw this one includes girls in "the death trade" and was a standalone, I just had to read it.  My interest in assassin-type books is apparently never ending.

The Boneless Mercies are girls and women trained in the art of the "mercy killing."  For those who are frail and dying, they can seek a quick death by inviting these girls, marked by their cloaks, to finish their lives - for a price.  Ever since the Mercy that trained them passed, Frey, Ovie, Juniper, and Runa have been growing weary of their work in the death trade.  But they've recently heard of a beast that remains undefeated despite many warriors fighting to stop it.  This is their chance to change their futures.  Meeting with cruel men, Sea Witches, and others along the way, they will fight for what might be.

I liked Frey and her fellow traveling companions.  Each of the girls and Trigve, the young man they had added to their group along the way, reveal their different characters and (mostly tragic) backgrounds as the story progresses. 

I also appreciated the bits about Norse culture and mythology that was interspersed throughout the story, including their attitudes toward death and strong oral history.  The Boneless Mercies are quiet and not mentioned in the tales, but Frey wants to make an impression that will be passed down like the other sagas and chronicles that the Norse share.

While not necessarily what I might have expected, I enjoyed the story and finished it quickly.

Tuesday, November 21, 2017

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.

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

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.

Saturday, September 17, 2016

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.

Thursday, July 7, 2016

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.

Sunday, September 6, 2015

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.

Monday, August 31, 2015

Dualed

Title: Dualed

Author: Elsie Chapman [Website][Facebook][Twitter]

Publisher: Random House

Series: Dualed, Bk 1

ISBN: 9780307931542

Length: 291 Pages

Obtained: ARC from the staff lounge.

Why this book?:

Apparently the director and director's secretary have been going through ARCs they picked up and thought they would read but haven't gotten around to.  After offering them up to all the branch managers, they brought those left to the lounge.  So this had a 2013 release date (according to the spine), but I just picked it up a couple days ago.  And then I thought to myself, "Self, aren't you clearing through these?  Do you really need more?" And myself thought back, "But it looks good, and you need a print book to read right now so you don't drain your cell battery."  And I ended up not only snagging it, but also reading it.

Comments:

While this type of book (dystopian) is not my book of choice (usually), and while it had themes I did not like that reminded me greatly of Hunger Games (kids/teens killing each other for survival), this was actually a pretty interesting book.  It had a lot of the 'who am I?' and 'what makes me me?' and general detachment from society themes that YA books do so well.

There was an assassin spin that I would have appreciated more if only it hadn't been assassination of kids by a kid.  Which kinda sent me in a tailspin, cause it didn't fit my 'moral code of fictional assassin protagonists' mental grouping/ideas.  I'm not sure that makes sense in the writing the way it does in my head.

But there is a book 2, Divided.  And it's already published which means I already put it on hold...

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Black Widow

Title: Black Widow

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

Publisher: Pocket Books Urban Fantasy

Series: Elemental Assassin, Bk 12

ISBN: 9781476774541

Length: 357 pages

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

I'm a big fan of this series.

Comments:

Once again I was tense through much of this book.  It was pretty consistently high danger.  The exception being some of the description, which I tend to skim over (I'm not a very visual reader - I "hear" more than "see" when I read.)  There are flashbacks, which I'm not a fan of, but as long as they remain about events that I haven't already read are acceptable.  And they were relevant to the story.  Which is...

Gin's world is constantly changing as she faces each new bad dude, and her conflict with MM Monroe will bring even more change.  The late big bad Mab's daughter has finally chosen to strike out at Gin.  She isn't so direct as her mother, and her maneuvering seems to hit all the harder because of it.  But Gin isn't one to just back down.

I can't wait to read the next book, Spider's Trap, due out July 2015.

Monday, December 15, 2014

Poison Promise

Title: Poison Promise

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

Publisher: Pocket Books Urban Fantasy

Series: Elemental Assassin, Bk 11

ISBN: 9781476771502

Length: 389 pages

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

I love this series. I was about to read the most recent book when I realized I hadn't read this one.

Comments:

As usual with the Elemental Assassin books, I enjoyed Poison Promise.  Though I don't know that "enjoy" is the right word as I'm caught up with tension waiting to see how Gin will work things out for most of the story.  There are so many factors that I do enjoy however. 

1) It is an assassin story, and I have a thing for thief and assassin stories. 

2) The characters are great. 
    a) Gin, who is conflicted, but I can't help but like.  Her loyalty to her friends and family is fabulous.  Her resilience is something to behold. 
    b) Owen, who is like a rock for her now.  I think I may be half in love with him myself. 
    c) Finn who is so funny and another constant for Gin. 
    d) Etc. (and there are several others)

3) Despite the tension, there is always humor in these books.  As I read I'll find myself grinning at some line or other.  Unfortunately, when I repeat it aloud the line usually doesn't sound as funny, so the humor obviously has a lot to do with context.

4) The hook.  I don't know that this is a good thing when I have to wait for the next book, but for books like this one, where I have the next one ready to go, it is very good.  I'm not a fan of cliffhangers, per se.  But the individual story has been resolved.  You have that satisfaction.  It's the overall arc that keeps things moving from one book to the next.

Needless to say I am eager to begin book 12 in the series, Black Widow.

Monday, February 3, 2014

The Spider

Title: The Spider

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

Publisher: Pocket Books Urban Fantasy

Series: Elemental Assassin, Bk 10

ISBN: 9781451689013

Length: 381 pages

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

I love the Elemental Assassin series.

Comments:

This is just short of being a prequel, with the introduction and conclusion coming after book 9.

Gin tells Owen a story from her past.  One that shows all the attitude of the invincible and infallible that youth can possess.  And that shows the fall her hubris brought, and the lessons learned that helped make Gin who Gin is  The story is also a who's who of several characters seen throughout the story.  Making connections that the reader might never have seen and explaining how some characters met others.

I'm not a big fan of jumping back in time like that, even if it is a new story.  Especially because I could see where Gin was blinded LONG before she discovered the truth.  Even, apparently, before Fletcher (Gin's mentor, still alive in this past scene) saw the way of things.  But it was okay, and I was happy to see things with Owen are still going okay (in those little bits I saw of him).

I look forward to book 11, Poison Promise.

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Heart of Venom

Title: Heart of Venom

Author: Jennifer Estep

Publisher: Pocket Books Urban Fantasy

Series: Elemental Assassin, Bk 9

ISBN: 9781451689006

Length: 354

Obtained: Library Copy

Why this book?:

It was the next in the series, and I love the series.

Comments:

Oh, boy.  This one had my stomach in knots from near the beginning.  The bad guys actions were not only horrible (Kidnapping, Torture, Rape, Murder), but against a character that I know from past books.  Not to mention this character is part of Gin's "family" and therefore the emotion came from her character as well.  So as seems to be normal for this series, I found myself rushing through to see what happens next and having to slow myself down and back up so I didn't miss important details.

I continue to look forward to the next book, The Spider... even though it appears to be Gin's origin story and takes place before these.  ::grumble::

Update: I wrote this two weeks ago and forgot to post it!!!  So sorry.

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Deadly Sting

Title: Deadly Sting

Author: Jennifer Estep

Publisher: Pocket Books Urban Fantasy

Series: Elemental Assassin, Bk 8

ISBN: 9781451688993

Length: 369

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book:

It was the next book in a series I love.

Comments:

I really love this series.  And I wasn't especially happy with how the last book ended relationship-wise, so this one bridges a gap - I hope.  But beyond that, for the actual story....

They are having a viewing of all Mab's stuff and a reading of her will.  Finnegan has convinced Gin to (very grudgingly) come.  She's collecting herself after feeling emotionally vulnerable when things go crazy, as usual.  And Gin must overcome the odds to save her friends - her family.

And of course you have some questions lingering for the next book (plenty of 'em), but nothing immediate to this book (unless you count the relationship stuff).

I'm not even going to start looking at other people's reviews for this.  I'm quite contented with mine.  I enjoyed the book and look forward to reading the next, Heart of Venom due out in August 2013 (I even read the excerpt, which I never do, but can't seem to resist temptation when it comes to this series.)

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Widow's Web

Title: Widow's Web

Author: Jennifer Estep

Publisher: Pocket Books Urban Fantasy

Series: Elemental Assassin, Bk 7

ISBN: 9781451651775

Pages: 364

Obtained: Library copy

Comments:

I love this series overall, I really think Gin is great, and I finished it in about 4 hours...pretty much all in one sitting.

Phillip Kincaid made a big appearance in this book (he's mentioned in previous books, but not much), and it turns out I really like his character and hope to see more of him.  Gin's sister, Bria, didn't play as large a role in this one, but I was very pleased with how she's adjusting to Gin as a sister and really learning how to accept and support her.  And as for the bad guy, Salina, she does some incredibly horrible things and is totally whacked out.  So a great bad guy, really.   But Owen?  Owen, who I liked so much in the previous books?  He was incredibly frustrating (and that's an understatement) in this one.  (Want to know why?  Check out some of the reviews on Goodreads.  Some people went into incredible detail about how and why Owen's character bothered them.)

The story's ending is okay, but Gin can't seem to catch a break in the relationship department.  So while her friendships are all becoming more solid than ever, she still manages to end up in a gloomy down spot.  But Gin's a fighter so you know she'll get through.  All the more reason for me to anxiously anticipate the 8th book, Deadly Sting.  Of course it doesn't help that I read the excerpt for it at the end.  I thought I'd broken myself of that horrible mistake, but temptation caught me and now I have to wait until March to finish it!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

While I was exploring Jennifer Estep's website I found several (free) short stories.  The stories are from various perspectives (some Gin's, some other characters) and span years (some occurring before any of the books, some fitting between books).  I read "Spider's Bargain," "Web of Death," "Web of Deceit," "Poison," and "Wasted."  There are others that I will get back to at some point in the future... maybe before the next book to serve as a refresher.

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Throne of Glass

Title: Throne of Glass

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Publisher:  Bloomsbury

Series:  Throne of Glass, Bk 1 (but following the Throne of Glass Novellas)

ISBN: 9781599906959

Obtained: Library copy

Comments:

This looked like my kind of book.  The main character's an assassin; that right there is a big point. 

I had read on a blog somewhere (I can't remember whose), that they didn't like Calaena at first (I believe because of arrogance).  This made me nervous, but as soon as the book was available to me I started it anyway. 

I was quickly absorbed.  Any arrogance on Calaena's part seemed to be armor of a sort, so I could understand it.  And I was certainly rooting for her throughout.  It probably helps that while she spoke easily of killing people she didn't really do much of that in this book. 

Instead she competed in a competition that, based on my vague memories of the book, actually reminded me of The Hunger Games.  Only this is a fantasy, not dystopian.  And I want to read more of this series, while I stopped after the first book in the Hunger Games trilogy.

I do have to mention, the back cover says something like two men "fall in love" with one woman.  I didn't see anything that had quite developed to the point of love so much as fascination and intrigue.  Perhaps some caring.  I could see feeling heading towards love.  I just don't know that I'd say they are quite there yet in this book.

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Bouncing around genres...

Cake on a Hot Tin Roof (Piece of Cake Mystery, Bk 2) by Jacklyn Brady aka Sherry Lewis and Sammi Carter (library copy) -

I've slowed down on my cozy reading this month, but still enjoyed this dip into New Orleans and Mardi Gras culture.  Rita was crazy busy trying to keep her business going, trying to promote it, plus having a surprise visit from family, and digging into a murder case too... I know I would be overwhelmed in her position.  My only problem with her wasn't as a reader but as a blogger.  What was her problem with writing a blog post?  She acted like it was the most dreadful use of her time.  Anyway, I look forward to Arsenic and Old Cake coming out this November.

The Guardian (Dream-Hunter, Bk ) by Sherrilyn Kenyon (personal copy via paperbackswap.com) -

It's been awhile since I've read a Sherrilyn Kenyon book and I was glad to read a new (to me) one.  I started it pretty much as soon as I got it (I had to finish Cake on a Hot Tin Roof before I could really start it) and finished it soon after.  It wasn't one of my absolute favorites, but I still enjoyed it as I do pretty much all of her dark-hunter, were-hunter, dream-hunter books.

"Thread of Death" (Elemental Assassin, Bk 5.5) by Jennifer Estep (ebook short story - purchased) -

I very grudgingly bought this eBook because I had to.  Why do authors pub stuff in e-book format only?  Not cool.  (It's not so much the price, which was $1.99, as the fact that I'm keeping this series and I need it in PRINT).  Of course I enjoyed the story.  I love Gin Blanco, her "family," and the Elemental Assassin series.  In this particular story, Gin made me nervous with how much she exposed herself, but that's part of the storyline so ::shrug:: I dealt.  All the hints at future stories made me anxious to read more.  Which leads me to...

By a Thread (Elemental Assassin, Bk 6) by Jennifer Estep (personal copy - purchased at Books-A-Million) -

After a read "Thread of Death" I immediately had to read By a Thread.  Gin's exposure is causing problems so she takes a "vacation" where, of course, she runs into more trouble.  Gin, being human and therefore having the usual sorts of flaws had some issues with not necessarily arrogance, but something similar when it comes to her powers in this one.  Some scenes of this book (in part due to fore mentioned flaws) had me so on the edge of my seat that I was reading as fast as I possibly could (it took everything I had not to skim ahead) to get to a more comfortable spot.  Really.  Anyway, I guess that means it was a success.  Some other things regarding Gin's relationships (romantic and familial) that I thought were already wrapped up were double-knotted wrapped up.  I eagerly look forward to the short story (bk 6.5) "Haints and Hobwebs" and (bk 7) Widow's Web which is due out in August.

ghostgirl (Rest in Popularity) (ghostgirl, Bk 1) by Tonya Hurley (library copy) -

I checked the third book in this series out to a patron and found myself drawn by the cover.  You can't tell from the pic, but it has one of those clear plastic cutouts in the center... Anyway, the story was mostly cute and fun.  It kinda reminded me of a YA book version of the Ruby Gloom kids television show, with lessons to learn, etc.  Some of the attitudes about death did make me a little uncomfortable.  My sister's best friend died at 16 (she was hit by a train), so I kept thinking about how my sister would react to some of the offhand remarks.  And the ending was a bit abrupt.  But I will try the second book in the series, ghostgirl Homecoming, and see where the story goes.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

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.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Waiting on Wednesday (9/9)


"Waiting on" Wednesday is hosted by Jill @ http://breakingthespine.blogspot.com/).

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:


IORICH (Vlad Taltos, Book #12)
by Steven Brust
On Sale January 5, 2010

From Tor's "WINTER 2010" publication:

House Jhereg, Dragaera’s organized-crime syndicate, is still hunting Vlad Taltos. There’s a big price on his head in Dragaera City. Then he hears disturbing news. Aliera — longtime friend, sometime ally — has been arrested by the Empire on a charge of practicing elder sorcery, a capital crime.

It doesn’t make sense. Everybody knows Aliera’s been dabbling in elder sorcery for ages. Why is the Empire down on her now? Why aren’t her powerful friends — Morrolan, Sethra, the Empress Zerika — coming to her rescue? And more to the point, why has she utterly refused to do anything about her own defense?

It would be idiotic of Vlad to jump into this situation. He’s a former Jhereg who betrayed the House. He’s an Easterner — small, weak, short-lived. He’s being sought by the most remorseless killers in the world. Naturally, that’s exactly why he’s going to get completely involved...

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Tuesday (9/8) Teaser


Hosted by MizB (@ http://shouldbereading.wordpress.com/)
  • Grab your current read.
  • Let the book fall to a random page.
  • Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.
  • Share the title of the book that you're getting your teaser from... That way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you've given!
  • Please avoid spoilers!
The soup is warm, and it's, if I may, sensual, and it provides a certain amount of comfort.  And as it vanishes, spoonful by happy spoonful, you discover that you are in the perfect condition for whatever may come next.
From p. 87 of Dzur by Steven Brust.  It opened to the page I'm on.  Food (as described above) doesn't have much to do with the story, but Vlad - the main character and narrator - is definitely a foodie and goes on about the food he eats or remembers in pretty much every Vlad Taltos book.

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Thieves and Assassins in Books

2006 – At least six men staged Britain's biggest robbery ever, stealing £53,116,760 in bank notes from a Securitas depot in Tonbridge, Kent.

This is one of today's "Events in History"

I'm going to share my odd fascination with books (fiction!) about the criminal element. Usually thieves, sometimes assassins. What am I talking about?

Well, there's Mercedes Lackey's Take a Thief or Pickpocket Countess by Bronwyn Scott or Honest Illusions by Nora Roberts.

For assassin books, I really enjoy Steven Brust's Vlad Taltos series (I'm pretty sure I've mentioned that before) and I just finished reading Leslie Langtry's 'Scuse Me While I Kill This Guy (the first in her Greatest Hits series).

I've even gone so far as to gather up recommendations about thief books. So here's a list - organized loosely by genre. There is some overlap, especially when it comes to YA books. Also, this list may be a little outdated (I requested the recommendations nearly a yr ago). I have NOT read all of these.

Mystery/Thriller: Jonathon Gash's Lovejoy series ; Lawrence Block's Bernie Rhodenbarr series ; Donald Westlake's Dortmunder series

Fantasy/Sci-Fi: Take a Thief - Mercedes Lackey ; The Thief's Gamble - Juliet McKenna ; Laura Anne Gilman's Retriever series ; The Lies of Locke Lamora and Red Seas Under Red Skies - Scott Lynch ; The Thief Lord - Cornelia Funke

Romance: Honest Illusions - Nora Roberts ; To Love a Thief - Julie Anne Long ; Thieves, Spies, and Other Lovers - Anne Stuart, Dawn Carroll, Lynn Erickson which includes Anne Stuart's Catspaw. Catspaw II - Anne Stuart ; Night and Day - Anne Stuart, Gayle Wilson ; Pickpocket Countess - Bronwyn Scott ; Step into Darkness and Theft of Shadows – Naomi Bellis ; If You Dare - Adrianne Byrd ; Lady Thief and Once a Thief and Always a Thief - Kay Hooper ; Flirting With Danger and Billionaires Prefer Blondes and Don't Look Down and Touch of Minx - Suzanne Enoch

Misc. (Historical, General, etc.): The Thomas Crown Affair - Evan Lee Heyman ; The Secret River - Kate Grenville ; If Tomorrow Comes - Sidney Sheldon

YA or Children's: The Book Thief - Markus Zusak ; Montmorency series - Eleanor Updike ; The Thief and The Queen of Attolia and The King of Attolia - Megan Whalen Turner ; The Legend of Nightfall and The Return of Nightfall - Mickey Zucker Reichert ; Marry Norton's Borrower series(?)

Biography: The Napolean of Crime (The Life and Times of Adam Worth, Master Thief) - Ben MacIntyre

Know of any others? Let me know! Same goes if you know of any other assassin books where the assassin is (one of) the main character(s).