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.

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.

The Collector

Title: The Collector

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

Publisher: G. P. Putnam's Sons

ISBN: 9780399164453

Length: 483 pages

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

It's the new Nora Roberts.  My request came in at a good time.  I had just finished Buried in a Bog, and the Irish setting had already put me in the mind of Nora Roberts books (not that this one shares that setting - it does not).

Comments:

Lila is a professional house-sitter.  Doesn't that sound like an awesome job?  She house-sits all over the world but New York is her home base.  Again, that is awesome.  But then she witnesses a murder (because she is watching the neighbors with binoculars... I'm nosy but I don't know that I would go to that extent), and the brother (Ashton) of the suspect (dead along with the victim Lila witnessed) asks Lila for help.  He just can't believe his brother would do something like that.

Which leads to a mesh of suspense and romance and art and family drama... the usual.  I liked the characters - both main and side - though I don't think I would have reacted in the same ways as any of them.

Typical of a Nora Roberts stand-alone I enjoyed the story.  I did not connect, perhaps, the way I used to with her older writings, but that's okay.  I look forward to reading more anyway.  And I still have some catching up to do with some past books and trilogies as well.  Something to look forward to.

Dark Witch

Title: Dark Witch

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

Series: Cousins O'Dwyer, Bk 1

ISBN: 9780425259856

Length: 342 pages

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

It's Nora Roberts and the first in a new trilogy.  Plus I love the ones set in Ireland.

Comments:

I always enjoy a Nora Roberts book (or at least always since she 90s or so).  And this was no exception.  The characters are likeable, the storyline interesting, ...

But I've come to recognize something else I can expect to feel about Nora Roberts books.  The characters are so perfect.  Oh, don't get me wrong.  They all have their flaws.  Pride, tempers, perfectionism, self-confidence issues, etc.  But somehow even their growing through and past those flaws seems so fluid that it adds to that perfection.  And that, in turn, plays on my weakness of self-doubt etc.  Which has odd result of being enjoyable and depressing balled into one.  How does that happen?

But you probably aren't here to read about my insecurities, so let me give my thoughts on this book in particular.  Iona has traveled to Ireland to meet her cousins, learn about her magic, and take on her role against an enemy that has faced their family for hundreds of years.

So she spends the book learning about her powers, herself, her history, and of course, falling in love, all while working with the horses she loves so much.  As for the evil the cousins O'Dwyer face, well he has maintained his power over all these hundreds of years, but it is finally time to defeat him... but maybe not all at once.

I look forward to reading the second book in the trilogy.

Whiskey Beach

Title: Whiskey Beach

Author: Nora Roberts

Publisher: G. P. Putnam's Sons

ISBN: 9780399159893

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

It's the newest Nora Roberts.  And that's that.

Comments:

Despite the suspense, etc. of the book, the characters always seem to make these books feel warm.  This would have been PERFECT reading with a storm - rain or snow.  You know?

Eli is trying to get back to being himself - or as he says it (or thinks it?), his best self.   Abra seems to be mostly there already despite a rough past.  But things aren't so easy for Eli as trouble - and murder - follow him.

As usual I enjoyed this.  I hope to catch up on some of the NR books I missed somewhat soon.  (Did I say that last time?)

Side note:

While I read this I couldn't help but think about how Nora's characters always turn out to have such happy lives, despite flaws and imperfections.  How the HEA of these books feel more contented even than most.  And how I just don't see that in my life - or real life.  This seems obvious - I mean, Hello.  Fiction.  But my dream future throughout high school etc. was kinda based on NR's books.  I was going to turn 28 (that was the usual age in he past full novels) and my life was going to settle.  I was going to be in my chosen career and relatively successful at it.  My family life would be pretty settled.  Etc.  Makes me kinda jealous of fictional characters. 'Cuz I'm 28 now, soon to be 29.  And my life is nothing special.  Ah, to have my dreams fade away.  But I've always been aware of reality too, I I live with what I've got and where I am in reality.

A Sample of the audio version (even though I read the print):

The Witness

Title: The Witness

Author: Nora Roberts

Publisher: G. P. Putnam's Sons

ISBN: 9780399159121

Pages: 488

Obtained: Library copy

My Thoughts:

While the last Nora Roberts stand alone I read (The Search) was okay, I was glad to find that this one had more of the writing that has drawn me to NR books in the past.  Within the first few pages I was sucked in - unfortunate timing since I was only on a short break at work, but such is the way of things.  I really liked Elizabeth/Liz/Abigail.  I've always wished I could be so multi-talented, and admire such capability in the characters I read about.  But she was more than just talented.  She had just the right amount of tragic and sad in her life to make her more personable to the reader.  Brooks was a pretty charming character himself.  His family dynamic was similar to that of many of the characters of NR's past books.  And that family dynamic is an aspect of NR's books that I've always enjoyed.  I managed to fly through this book in a day.

Now I need to go back and read Chasing Fire which I accidentally skipped (I had to return it before reading... then forgot to check it out again).  I also need to start the Inn BoonsBoro trilogy.  I haven't read the Circle trilogy or Sign of Seven trilogy yet either, but I don't know if I will be any time soon.

Happy Ever After

Title: Happy Ever After

Author: Nora Roberts

Publisher: Berkley Books

Copyright Date: 2010

Print Date: November 2010

ISBN: 9780425236758

Pages: 333

Series: 4th in the Bride Quartet series

Book Description (from front cover fold):

#1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts cordially invites you to meet childhood friends Parker, Emma, Laurel, and Mac — the founders of Vows, one of Connecticut's premier wedding planning companies.

Parker Brown turned the quartet's childhood game of Wedding day into their dream jobs. And now she's the face of Vows — the one who meets every bride's demands; keeps every event on schedule; and brings Emma's romantic flowers, Laurel's delicious treats, and Mac's stunning photography together in one glorious package. She knows how to make dreams come true...

Mechanic Malcom Kavanaugh loves figuring out how things work, and Parker Brown — with her mile-long legs — is no exception. But as a good friend of Parker's brother, Mal knows that moving from minor flirtation to major hookup is a serious step.

No man has rattled Parker in a long time, but the motorcycle-riding, raven-haired Mal seems to have a knack for it. His passionate kisses always catch her off guard, much like her growing feelings for him. Paker's business risks have always paid off, but now she'll have to take the chance of her lifeime with her heart...

The Author Speaks:



Comments:

So this was the last of the Bride Quartet series. I had been eager to see Parker's story, but I think I like Mac's story (the 1st in the series) best.

Nevertheless, I enjoyed reading Parker's as well. I think having someone who complimented her personality instead of matching it worked well for the romance.

As an added bonus, it was great seeing Mac's wedding. Seeing that the "Ever After" was a beginning as well.

There isn't much more to say. Oh, except I will, as always, continue reading Nora Roberts's work.

The Search

Title: The Search

Author: Nora Roberts

Publisher: G. P. Putnum's Sons

Copyright Date: 2010

Print Date: July 2010

ISBN: 9780399156700 (Large Print)

Pages: 756

Book Description (from back cover):

To most people, Fiona Bristow seems to have an idyllic life — a quaint house on an island off Seattle's coast, a thriving dog-training school, and a challenging volunteer job performing canine search and rescues. Not to mention her three intensely loyal Labs. But Fiona got to this point by surviving a nightmare...

Several years ago, Fiona was the only survivor of a serial killer — a madman who stalked and abducted young women, strangled them, and left them buried with a red scarf on their bodies. As authorities were closing in on the Red Scarf Killer, he shot and killed Fiona's cop fiancé and his K-9 partner.

On Orcas Island, Fiona has found the peace and solitude she needed to rebuild her life. Yet all that changes on the day Simon Doyle barrels up her drive, desperate for her help. He's the reluctant owner of an out-of-control puppy, foisted upon him by his mother. Jaws has eaten through Simon's house, and he's at his wit's end.

To Fiona, Jaws is nothing she can't handle. Simon is another matter. A newcomer to Orcas, he's a rugged and intensely private artist, known for creating exquisite furniture. Simon never wanted a puppy, and he most definitely doesn't want a woman. Besides, the lanky redhead is not his type. But tell that to the laws of attraction.

As fiona embarks on training Jaws and as Simon begins to appreciate both dog and trainer, the past tears back into Fiona's life. A copycat killer has emerged out of the shadows,, a man whose bloodlust has been channeled by a master with one motive: to reclaim the woman who slipped out of his hands....

Comments:

Before reading this I had read some reviews that said this story wasn't as good as Nora's usual. Not that it was bad, but that it was just okay. So I was nervous going in. Coming out, I can say that I didn't need to be so nervous. It was still an interesting and enjoyable read. But I can kinda see what these other reviewers were talking about. The characters and their stories just don't hit as deep as usual.

I liked it. I liked the search and rescue thing and the characters (despite the aforementioned lack of usual depth), and I didn't have a problem with the killer/suspense part (one of the reviews I mentioned did). But it isn't going to be one of my first choices to re-read (and Nora Roberts is one of the authors I re-read annually... not all of her works, obviously).

Black Hills

Title: Black Hills

Author: Nora Roberts

Publisher: Putnam

Copyright Date: 2009

Print Date: July 2009

ISBN: 9780399155819

Pages: 472

Book Description (from dust jacket):

#1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts takes us deep into the rugged Black Hills of South Dakota, where the shadows keep secrets, hunters stalk the land, and a childhood friendship matures into an adult passion.

A summer at his grandparents' South Dakota ranch is not eleven-year-old Cooper Sullivan's idea of a good time. But things are a bit more bearable now that he's discovered the neighbor girl, Lil Chance, and her homemade batting cage. Even horseback riding isn't as awful as Coop thought it would be. Each year, with Coop's annual summer visit, their friendship deepens from innocent games to stolen kisses, but there is one shared experience that will forever haunt them: the terrifying discovery of a hiker's body.

As the seasons change and the years roll, Lil stays steadfast to her dreams of becoming a wildlife biologist and protecting her family land, while Coop struggles with his father's demand that he attend law school and join the family firm. Twelve years after they last walked together hand in hand, fate has brought them back to the Black Hills when the people and things they hold most dear need them most.

Coop recently left his fastpaced life as an investigator in New York to care of his aging grandparents and the ranch he has come to call home. Though the memory of his touch still haunts her, Lil has let nothing stop her dream of opening the Chance Wildlife Refuge, but something . . . or someone . . . has been keeping a close watch. When small pranks and acts of destruction escalate into the heartless killing of Lil's beloved cougar, recollections of an unsolved murder in these very hills have Coop springing to action to keep Lil safe.

Lil and Coop both know the natural dangers that lurk in the wild landscape of the Black Hills. But now they must work together to unearth a killer of twisted and unnatural instincts who has singled them out as prey.

Comments:

This was a library book (another one I was tired of waiting for). I had a couple comments about what I thought of it during Monday's meme, so I decided to 'review' it.

I enjoyed this book. The setting and glimpses at Lil's reserve were interesting. (There was a time when I wanted to be a vet — not just any vet but an exotic vet — who worked in either a zoo or a reserve like can be found in Black Hills.) The relationship between Lil and Baby (a cougar) was fascinating.

Nora Roberts has a certain "voice" in her writing that I find pleasant. She has also, for years, made me want to be as strong and sucessful as her heroines. I don't mean sucessful in terms of money but in living their life and meeting their goals despite obstacles. However, I was a little irritated at Lil's stubborness about going around alone when she became a target. So while Lil was an interesting and likeable enough character, I prefered Coop.

Coop who had an understanding that allowed for other people (such as his grandfather) to maintain their pride. I especially admired his ability to do research — even though it was the research of a private investigator. I suspect that would be the part of me that's interested in librarianship. =)