Books and Things

Eclectic reader who also blogs about things that interest me.

Drop Dead Demons by A&E Kirk

Drop Dead Demons - A&E Kirk

I enjoyed the first book so much (review) and had to wait impatiently for this one. Yes, I was impatient... I needed a hex boy fix. Ah... FINALLY! the book has arrived and I'm happy to review this book.

The pacing in the book is pretty fast and furious. Endless energy. Even Aurora's parents seem to drink from the same fountain of energy. I so need to find this fountain. With the non-stop action we also find time to laugh and even find a little snuggle time with Ayden. Oh and yes, if you haven't read the first book go do that now. This does need to be read in order.

What is different in this book from the first is that Aurora seems a bit more mature and I do love growth in my books. Matthias was a bit more of a jerk, but I still enjoy him (can't go wrong with a boy that has a soft spot for kids). The jokes were fast and furious as well and I found myself laughing out loud more than once. My biggest complaint is the ending. There isn't a huge cliffie, but one that makes you want more. So, when is the next one out? :)

I give this book 4 1/2 stars. I had so much fun with this second installment and I'm looking forward to spending my time in this world with the next book. I recommend it to those that enjoy a fast paced YA with lots of humor and swoon worthy characters.

“Rainy

Win The Girl from the well by Rin Cheupeco at Books and Things Blog! A great addition to your spooky collection! US/Can snail mail addys only. Just click on one of the pics to go to the post to enter. Good Luck and sweet dreams... no nightmares! :D


US/Can only. Just click on the pic above to go to the post to enter.

The Cure for Dreaming by Cat Winters

The Cure for Dreaming - Cat Winters

I've been hearing raves about this author's historical fiction. I had to try this one. It is about Olivia at the time of the suffragists. It is an important period of time and while she was light on the horrors historically that the women were put through, she was able to catch that horror within the magical qualities of Henri Reverie's hypnotism. I thought it was a great metaphor.

I think that this is a great time for this book. In a time where young women seem to think that feminism means hatred or subjugation of men which is very far from the truth. Feminism is about equality. Equal chances and equal pay. We need to show the past so we do not repeat it. For those that think we won't repeat it, I recently heard two men comment (on tv) on the bad decision America had when it made women voting legal. Ah, but now I'm digressing from the book and as you can see, it can give you a lot to think about in the present day.

I enjoyed the characters of this book. I loved following Olivia who really started knowing who she was and what she was willing to stand for. I even enjoyed her portrayal of Olivia's father. Monstrous in how he treated her, but yet you still felt an undercurrent of vulnerability. You were reminded he was also lonely and scared but you also knew he was unwilling to change.

I give this book 4 stars. I enjoyed the writing and how she presented that some people would change and others would cleave to their old way of thinking. I recommend this to young women and those that enjoy a good historical fiction with some magic woven into the story.

Exquisite Captive by Heather Demetrios

Exquisite Captive - Heather Demetrios

I've always liked jinn stories but there are so few out there. In this story the characters aren't just one dimensional which can happen to a slave character but rich in descriptive magic. She also brings us back in Nalia's memory to a magical world lush in description. A world we know we will never experience except through Nalia's memory. We also are quite aware of the current war in that world and how it changed not just the people but the landscape as well.

As I said I did like the characters here. Nalia is a slave but finds ways to survive horrendous torture and revel in small rebellious victories. She was captured young and didn't have a sense of who she was or could become. In one way she changed the bindings of royalty for the bindings of slavery. Both denying who she is and what she could become. Then along comes Raif. His role is not to save her (although he plays a huge part) but to awaken Nalia into the person she wants to become. Now that doesn't mean it was all roses when he first comes on the scene, but you are aware he will become the romantic interest once he gets over being a total arse (even if he has good reason) and shows his true heart. :)

I don't want to give too much away, but the evil presence is quite evil and almost impossible to defeat. While this part of the story is complete there is still so much left open. So much more you want to explore and not just in the parts you know are to come. I'm curious where the author will take these characters and I'm most curious about Malek. He may have the most interesting journey ahead. He still has to choose who he wants to become.

I give this book 4 1/2 stars. I really enjoyed my time here and I want to see if they accomplish all their goals. The book is listed as YA since Nalia is 18 but the other characters are older. It may cross a bit over to the NA genre as well as adult. I recommend it to those that enjoy a good jinn adventure.

The Night Garden by Lisa Van Allen

The Night Garden: A Novel - Lisa Van Allen

I do like magical realism so when I saw this one up for review I jumped at the chance to read it. It does have everything we come to expect from this genre: magic without logic, romance, obstacle to overcome that has be precipitated by magic and cured by it as well. So, it is safe to say that I enjoyed most of the book. The part I had a bit of trouble with is the end.

While the ending was not horrible at all. In fact, it did make sense. What I didn't like about it was that it felt too open. It didn't have enough details. Did Olivia solve her problem? You assume so but there is no concrete evidence. I suspect it was made to feel mysterious so you are with the rest of the town wondering what is going on, but because you were so into the detail of Olivia's world it just didn't feel right. It was like we got kicked out of the inner circle. Since I'm an "ending girl" this did color my view of the rest of the book.

I give this book 3 1/2 stars. Although I did have a few problems with the ending, I did enjoy the rest of my time amongst the magical plants and maze. I also enjoyed the main as well as the side characters. I recommend it to those that enjoy magical realism.

As Long as You Love Me by Ann Aguirre

As Long As You Love Me - Ann Aguirre

I really enjoyed this addition to the series. I was curious about Lauren and Rob from the first book and was very curious as to how they became a couple. I really enjoyed both characters and how they took a infatuation and turned it into a mature relationship.

I did have a couple of unanswered questions that bugged me. Not so much to draw me out of the story, but enough I really wanted the answer. Mostly it was about Rob. People treated him like he was dumb as a box of rocks but no explanation as to why. They way it read it sounded like he had a learning difference but those things can be worked around with the proper technique. Still, even if he never got a proper diagnosis and family that helped instead of hurt I have a hard time believing that his sister who studies education wouldn't have tried to piece it together and help him out. Yes, I am nosey and want to know! :)

My favorite part of the book is how mature Lauren becomes. She takes responsibility for her panic attacks and really starts to do something about it. She also seems very mature when she gets into the relationship with Rob. The best part is when she befriends Rob's ex and helps her with her deep dark secrets. Yes, in this book Lauren shines.

I give this book 4 stars. I really enjoyed the relationship and romance within the pages. Yes, it is very hot at times so make sure the fire extinguisher is available. :) I recommend it to those that enjoy contemporary romance.

Invisible by Dawn Metcalf

Invisible - Dawn Metcalf

This is the second book in the Twixt series and this series should be read in order. I think it is important here not just for character development but for world building as well.

I enjoyed most of the book and liked that Joy grows and finds her own inner strength and saves herself rather than relying on others constantly. Her behavior before that frustrated me but at the same time I also can see that it was purposeful to highlight her growth. Still, some of the things she did left me shaking my head in wonder.

I liked the addition of Stef, her bother, who was more involved this time. I would like to see more of that as well as more involvement with her father. I liked the growth of Ink even as small as it was. It was interesting seeing him become more of a human. I was more convinced here of the romance than I was in the previous book. There is still more to be done to really see them as a couple, but I do like the advancement toward the relationship.

I give this book 3 stars. I recommend it to those that enjoy YA and a strange and different world.

Firebug by Lish McBride

Firebug - Lish McBride

I've enjoyed Lish McBride's writing and sense of humor, so naturally when I had a chance to read this book I jumped at it. I was not disappointed. She writes her characters well and there was no exception to that rule in this book. I loved all the characters except Venus. However, I'd have to be some nut to like her. :)

I have to admit I wasn't sure I would like the plot. Ava has been "hired" (more like conscripted) into a mafia like magical fairy hierarchy in which she plays the assassin. I wasn't sure of this plot until Ava rebels when put on the spot to assassinate a family friend. She is extremely protective of her made family. This really tightened up the relationships and my worry about how they would get out of their predicament. I still ended up with a couple of questions about the plot, but nothing at all to douse my enjoyment of the book.

I give this book 4 stars. Those that love a good romance within the pages might be disappointed but be aware that there is so much potential. I recommend this book to those who love snark, humor and YA UF.

The Gifted Dead by Jenna Black

The Gifted Dead - Jenna Black

I admit that one of the reasons I wanted to read this book is the cover. Jenny of Seedlings (and Supernatural Snark) first brought this to my attention because she designed the cover. I was intrigued by the cover and the blurb. The cover really is connected well to the story and you will see why once you read it. The second reason is the author Jenna Black. I have enjoyed her past books and so I was looking forward to this book.

I admit that sometimes fantasy is quite slow to me. These books often deal with political strife which takes me a bit longer to really get enveloped into the story. However once the players are finally set and we know who is ambitious, ruthless, kind and sincere the story usually takes off for me. It was the same in this book as well. It took me a while to become totally invested, but once I was I didn't want the story to end.

My biggest complaint for the book was the multi-POVs within the storyline. It took me a minute to figure out who was who and keep it straight in my head. However, all the information is necessary and I found later that I enjoyed having more than one POV. All the players are important and I liked getting inside each head. I also had a time figuring out the world in this one.

I give this book 3 1/2 stars. I recommend this book to those that like political fantasy set in an interesting world of magic.

Audiobook Review: Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews

Magic Bites -  Ilona Andrews

Audiobook Review:

 

I'm trying to catch up to the numerous UF books I have wanted to try. I decided to finally start the Kate Daniels series. I enjoyed Renée Raudman's narration and now have her firmly in my head for Kate. I will also do the next one on audio because of her narration.

I did have some problems sorting out all the world building. In this way it might have been better to read than have it on audio. Still, I wasn't too lost to not be able to enjoy the book and I think that my understanding of this world will come as the series progresses. I enjoyed the characters and really liked Kate. I'm also intrigued by Curran. I know he will become more important as the series progresses. It is the characters that will have me reading more in this series. I give this one 3 stars and recommend it to those that enjoy UF.

Audiobook Review: Breathe by Abbi Glines

Breathe - Abbi Glines, Kirby Heyborne, Shayna Thibodeaux

Audiobook Review:

 

I rarely do NA contemporary romance books but I thought I'd give this one a try since I won a audiobook narrated by Kirby Heyborne. While Kirby's narrations were very good and flowed well, I'd have to say I didn't like Shayna's as much. Her characters were good, but the stuff inbetween was a bit flat.

I just couldn't get into the story. While I could get behind a innocent character, I just couldn't believe that Sadie was naive. Her mother's actions and neglect alone wouldn't allow her to stay naive. In the end I had to dnf the audiobook because I just couldn't get past all the clichés of innocent girl and bad boy boyfriend. However I would recommend it to those that enjoy NA contemporary romance. It just wasn't for me.

Audiobook Review: Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Shadow and Bone - Leigh Bardugo

Audiobook Review: 

 

I kept hearing how wonderful this story was and I was wanting to read it. However, I was able to find the audio by Lauren Fortgang whom I've never hear narrate but I have been told she was wonderful. That was correct. Lauren's voice is perfect as Alina and I loved her pronunciation of all the Russian words. It helped me to easily slip into this world. One I was reluctant to leave by the end of the story.

I do warn those that hate love triangles... there is one brewing within these pages. However, it isn't one that makes your eyes roll, but makes sense. There is a clear winner and one that will make you swoon. However, the other one won't leave you willingly so you know there is more to that story. You will also love the villain in the story. His characterization is such that you are never certain of his motivations even when you feel that he is totally figured out. I love that in a villain and it makes the tension in the story so much better.

Oh there is so much I want to talk about with the book. It was one that was hard to put down (or turn off in this case) but I don't want to spoil it for anyone. If you are looking for a fantasy book that isn't too heavy handed with great worldbuilding, this one would be great to start. I recommend the audio especially for this book because you can hear the words as they were intended and not mangle them in your head (I know I do that! LOL). I give this audio 5 stars. I really enjoyed my time here and I can't wait to listen to the next one. In fact, I do hope the Lauren voices all 3 books in the trilogy.

Audiobook Review: Trapped by Kevin Hearne

Trapped - Kevin Hearne
Audiobook review:
 
I still love this series but this one actually becomes a bit slow even with all the fighting going on. It seems that our druid and some of the fae tend to go off on story tangents even when faced with insurmountable odds. While I do like the stories and this world's take on the legends, the stories here were constant and actually got in the way of the main storyline. Still enjoyed the characters in the book and Oberon was, as always, a great comedy break. Still, it lacked the cohesiveness of the other stories. 
 
As a side note: my doberman's biggest complaint is that Oberon never got to tell the story of Jean Claude Van Ham. He was quite put out that Atticus stopped him from telling that tale. Just had to throw that in there. :)
 
I did like that some issues that had be going on have been solved in this book! That was a major plus and now I hope the story starts to get back on track. Luke Daniels still rocks the series and I hope he voices these books until the end. Yep, going to have to get that next book and catch up with this series. I recommend the series to those that enjoy UF, but understand that this book goes a bit off track but yet the information is important to the rest of the series.

Season of Storms by Susanna Kersley

Season of Storms - Susanna Kearsley

This book is part ghost story and mystery with romance thrown in for good measure. The story starts out by alternating 2 time periods. In one period you were with the playright Glaeazzo and Celia Sand in the early 1900s; then you switched to a much later time with his grandson and a young actress named Celia Sand (no relation) in the quest to put on a play that had never been seen on stage. The beginning of the book is a bit slow but it does start to pick up and get interesting the more you are absorbed in the mystery in what happened and in what is going on presently in the villa.

While I finally got into the book and the mysteries, I have to say that some of the contemporary mystery seemed a bit forced and thrown in to heighten the suspense. I didn't hate it, but it also just didn't seem to connect to everything that had gone on in the past. I did like the romance but I also wanted a bit more connection to the relationship. It still read well enough and I did root for the couple. The ghosts and the mystery of Celia's (the first one) disappearance was well played out. I did enjoy that part and I really liked the characters including most of the secondary characters. The ones I didn't like, I wasn't supposed to like so it worked out well. :)

I give this book 3 stars. This is a book I would recommend to those that enjoy historical fiction, ghost stories and mystery.

Night Unbound

Night Unbound (Immortal Guardians) - Dianne Duvall

We get Zach and Lisette's romance in this story. Oh I was so curious about them since we got hints in the previous books and knew it was inevitable. There was no way these two would not end up together. So despite Seth's decree, Lisette helps Zach become more human than he ever thought possible. Quite a feat for an Immortal Guardian. :) I love Zach's transformation from stoic to romantic.

While you probably can read this series out of order for the character's romances, I think that the series is best read in order. That way you get some of the nuances of the characters and the full story arc that has been going through this series. Oh and we get a new character that I can't wait to meet more fully.

Oh I don't want to say too much because I know I would then say too much! I love this series and recommend it highly! I especially think that those that like PNR with some UF thrown in will really enjoy this series and world. I give this book in the series 4 1/2 stars. I can't wait for the next book and eagerly await the next book in the series. I also can't wait for David and Seth's romance! :)

Julia's House for Lost Creatures

Julia's House for Lost Creatures - Ben Hatke

Well, I don't normally review children's books for one simple reason... I don't have kids. I do take the suggestions I see out in the blogosphere to my cousins but normally I don't read them. However, when I got this book I had to take a look. I love illustrated books and I love the artwork within those pages.

In the simple story Julia is looking to extinguish her loneliness with something different. She puts out a sign and gets some really interesting guests. At first their is chaos but Julia knows how to handle it. In the end everyone lives harmoniously with each other even though they are all very different. Yep, cute story as well.

I don't want to give too much in the way of the illustrations but the author/illustrator did a post on how the character of Julia evolved. Just go HERE to see all those lovely illustrations.

I recommend this book who enjoy picture books, even kids. This is a delightful creature book that isn't scary but fun. I would probably give the story 4 stars and the illustrations a 5.