Title: Wasted Author: Jennifer Estep Series: Elemental Assassin #2.5 Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!) My Bookshelves:Assassins, Dark fantasy, Elements Dates read: 30th June 2020 Pace: Medium Format: Free online short story Publisher: Jennifer Estep Year: 2011 5th sentence, 74th page: And from some things that Roslyn has said, I thought that Gin might be able to help.
This short story takes place in between the events of Web of Lies and Venom. One day, a beautiful woman walks into the bank where Finn works, and trouble soon follows.
This was a nice little short story from Finn’s point of view. It takes place not long after Web of Lies and I get the feeling that it also nicely sets the storyline up for Venom. I was also not quite ready to leave the world of Gin and Finn, so this was just a nice little time filler until Venom arrives on my doorstep.
I also seriously enjoyed the action in this story – a bank robbery, setting up another novel and Finn’s irrepressible desire to seduce and romance women. All in all, a great way to fill a short story with not only Finn’s life and the action in it, but his personality. Partner that with the fact that is all written in the first person point of view. Filled with Finn’s wit and style.
Throughout this story, I was laughing and smiling. But, it really wasn’t until the very end that I actually laughed out loud. Or more like, guffawed. It was a nice, poetic ending. And has me seriously jonesing for the next book in the series…
Title: Web of Lies Author: Jennifer Estep Series: Elemental Assassin #2 Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!) My Bookshelves:Assassins, Dark fantasy, Elements Dates read: 27th June 2020 Pace: Fast Format: Novel Publisher: Pocket Books Year: 2010 5th sentence, 74th page: I had no desire to pay the facility a return visit.
Curiosity is definitely going to get me dead one of these days. Probably real soon.
I’m Gin Blanco. You might know me as the Spider, the most feared assassin in the South. I’m retired now, but trouble still has a way of finding me. Like the other day when two punks tried to rob my popular barbecue joint, the Pork Pit. Then there was the barrage of gunfire on the restaurant. Only, for once, those kill shots weren’t aimed at me. They were meant for Violet Fox. Ever since I agreed to help Violet and her grandfather protect their property from an evil coal-mining tycoon, I’m beginning to wonder if I’m really retired. So is Detective Donovan Caine. The only honest cop in Ashland is having a real hard time reconciling his attration to me with his Boy Scout mentality. And I can barely keep my hands off his sexy body. What can I say? I’m a Stone elemental with a little Ice magic thrown in, but my heart isn’t made of solid rock. Luckily, Gin Blanco always gets her man… dead or alive.
There is something beautifully intense about the Elemental Assassin stories. Which isn’t really surprising when you consider that the stories are set in a world much like Gotham City. And the lead is an assassin. And there is a massive conspiracy that even in the second book is only just unfolding. It makes a great intensity and a kind of impossible to forget story unfolds before your eyes. I had wondered how that intensity would carry on from the first book after Gin retires… and wow. Did it work well.
In the first Elemental Assassin novel, I really, really liked Donovan. I was fully expecting him to be a fairly permanent fixture in this series. And then I read this novel. And honestly. The man is a dick. A close-minded, self-centred dick. I actually raged quite a bit at him towards the end. Although, there is the introduction of a potential new love interest. One who sees Gin for exactly who and what she is… and still wants to pursue her and have her in his life. Which means I just can’t wait to pick up the next book now… because I want to see how that relationship develops further.
The mostly brotherly-sisterly relationship between Finn and Gin is further developed in this story. Her relationship with Fletcher is also highlighted a little more. Although, since he’s dead, it’s more about secrets and feelings than the actual occurrences of the relationship. What I loved about this was that it creates a beautiful world in which Gin’s relationships and family ties are becoming more and more complex and built upon. There is also so much history that is revealed. Both of which helped me to become even more connected to the person Gin was, is, and is going to become. That, and I love how Finn is a complete lady’s man and irresistibly charming…
Throughout all of the running around and conspiracies and killing in this story. There is the under arching storyline that began in Spider’s Bite… that of who killed Gin’s family and why. Some hints were provided in Spider’s Bite, but many more hints were provided throughout this story. For starters, Gin finally realises the who of her family’s murder and discovers that not everything she thought was true about that night was… it’s just another incentive to read Venom.
Title: My Antonia Author: Willa Cather Series: Word Cloud Classics Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect) My Bookshelves:Classics, Westerns Dates read: 26th – 27th June 2020 Pace: Slow Format: Novel Publisher: Word Cloud Classics Year: 1918 5th sentence, 74th page: Sometimes he was completely hidden by the clouds of snow that rose about him; then he and the horses would emerge black and shining.
Willa Cather’s novels brought the life of American settlers on the Great Plains to the forefront of the nation’s consciousness during a time when the lands west of the Mississippi were undergoing rapid transformation. My Ántonia, considered by many scholars to be her first masterpiece, tells the story of a young orphan, Jim Burden, who is sent from Virginia to Nebraska, where he grows up with his grandparents on their farm. He becomes friends with Ántonia Shimerda, a Bohemian girl who endures her own struggles as she enters adulthood. Rich in themes that will resonate with readers of all backgrounds, My Ántonia explores the struggles and triumphs of ordinary people in extraordinary times.
This is the first ever full-length Western that I’ve had the privilege to read. And it wasn’t as tedious as I kind of half expected. Mostly, I was expecting it to be a little slow like the short stories I’ve been reading in The Mammoth Book of Westerns. But, it wasn’t like that at all. In fact, I kind of completely loved this novel and just devoured it in one night – I found it really difficult to put down, put away and stop thinking about. Which was surprising, specifically considering the fact that I was a bit eh about her short story.
There is something about Antonia that should feel seriously tragic. And heart wrenching. And just, all round sad. Yet, even though there are moments throughout which do make you feel a little sad, there really isn’t an overall tragic feeling to this story. In fact, it’s almost hopeful and uplifting. Which, if I’m recounting this story, is not how I would be able to describe it. But something in Cather’sstory telling manages to make that feeling of hope and the future seriously come alive. It’s a little disconcerting and is probably one of the reasons why I enjoyed this book so much.
Like Cather’sshort story, one of the things that really stood out in this novel was the beautifully setting. It was a world in which you were completely immersed from the very first moment. And a really nice transportation into a moment in history that I never knew I was intrigued by. Definitely a very well written story. One which transported you to another world and another time. A world filled with different priorities and challenges, but ones which feel familiar regardless.
This isn’t a fast-paced, crazy storyline. It’s not a grip the edge of your seat kind of story, instead, what it is is just… fun. It’s a great story that transports you to everyday life and the ways in which we form and create bonds. The ways in which we change over time. And how some people are able to stand the test of time in their friendships, even in the most trying of circumstances.
Title: The Nymph’s Labyrinth Author: Danica Winters Series: Nymph #1 Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!) My Bookshelves:Greek mythology, Nymphs, Paranormal romance Dates read: 26th June 2020 Pace: Slow Format: Novel Publisher: Crimson Romance Year: 2012 5th sentence, 74th page: “I’m glad to see you are okay.”
A world shrouded in mystery and intrigue, the Sisterhood of Epione must not be exposed.
Shape-shifting nymph Ariadne Papadakis is tasked with keeping the truth of the group’s existence and their ancient mysteries far out of reach of the American archaeologist, Beau Morris and his troublemaking son, Kaden. When forgotten and forbidden passions are awakened, Ariadne is forced to make a choice – fall in line and continue to be overrun and pushed down by the sisterhood, or follow her heart and put Beau and Kaden’s lives in danger.
Can she have the man she loves or will the pressure and secrets of her past keep her from her heart’s desire?
This was one of those cute, easy to read and quick little paranormal romances. Not only was it a great couple with a good paranormal spin. But there was also a great back story with the addition of the Greek mythology, a curse from Zeus and some seriously bitchy little power plays. Actually, it was the Greek mythology aspect that really and seriously drew me in…
This isn’t a hugely lustful and graphic romance. It does have some sex steams, but they’re really not steamy. More a kind of sweet, innocence that I don’t always get in a good paranormal romance. It was a nice change from many of the paranormal romances that sit on my shelves. It is also fantastic that not only is there a romance between Ariadne and Beau, but also between his son, Kade and another nymph. The young love helps to add an extra layer of innocence to the story.
I love that The Nymph’s Labyrinth isn’t just about one relationship. It’s also about Beau and Kade’s reuniting and figuring out how to be father and son again. Kade also gets to fall in love alongside Beau. And they both get to tackle a potentially horrible future and a mysterious illness together. And then, interwoven amongst all of this – stories of mythology and betrayal. Power plays and confusion. It all works together to make a very great, impossible to put down little romance that left me feeling very content and happy on a late Saturday night in the middle of winter.
Although the romance in this story is kind of great, I actually love the reminder that we should honour our sisters and the feeling of sisterhood. There are too many times when we tear each other down. And so a story in which this doesn’t happen, but is about not having power over one another. And just finding a way to all honour and respect each other… I think that we need many, many, many more stories like this.
Title: The Goblin King Author: Shona Husk Series: Shadowlands #1 Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!) My Bookshelves:Goblins, Magic, Paranormal romance Dates read: 10th – 26th June 2020 Pace: Medium Format: Novel Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca Year: 2011 5th sentence, 74th page: He wouldn’t forget the woman who had reminded him what it was to be a man, if only for a moment.
ONCE UPON A TIME…
A man was cursed to the Shadowlands, his heart repalced with a cold lump of gold. In legends, he became known as THE GOBLIN KING.
For a favored few he will grant a wish. Yet, desperately clinging to his waning human soul, his one own desire remains unfulfilled: A WILLING QUEEN.
But who would consent to move from the modern-day world into the realm of nightmares? No matter how intoxicating his touch, no matter how deep his valor, loving him is dangerous. And the one woman who might dare to try could also DESTROY HIM FOREVER.
From the very beginning of this novel, I had some serious recollections of the Labyrinth and David Bowe. In fact, I almost leapt straight out of bed to go and watch the movie… at midnight. Which really wasn’t a great idea. And, I did stop myself from doing so. But, mostly, I just loved that from the very opening of this story… I thought of a movie that I loved. And had a great soundtrack going through my mind. What a way to draw you into a story…
Although there is a lot of darkness to this story – ultimately, I actually found it really sweet and simple. It was a fairly typical paranormal romance in which you know that the couple is going to get together. But it also had that extra, added layer of goblins. I really haven’t read many / any goblin stories. So reading one in which the male heartthrob is also a goblin… I actually really loved the idea.
One of the things that I loved about this story was the fact that the main complication, other than the fact that the lead male was a goblin, was Eliza’s fiancé. It’s the first story I’ve read in which one half of the romantic couples is already engaged. Don’t get me wrong, the relationship is honestly bone-deep terrifying to me. And I’m so glad that it is just a complication… but I liked that it took a completely different direction.
This was a great, fun and wonderful read. One that I seriously enjoyed and couldn’t get out of my head until long after I turned the final page. Sadly, I don’t have Kiss of the Goblin Prince on my shelves yet… so it’s going to take a little while until I’m able to immerse myself into the world of the Shadowlands again.
Title: Sunchaser’s Quest Author: Mary Stanton Series: Unicorns of Balinor #2 Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this) My Bookshelves:Easy reading, Fantasy, Unicorns Dates read: 24th – 25th June 2020 Pace: Slow Format: Novel Publisher: Scholastic Year: 1999 5th sentence, 74th page: She got on her knees and softly stroked the collie’s ears.
A DANGEROUS JOURNEY
Princess Arianna has returned to Balinor – a peaceful, magical world watched over by a herd of beautiful unicorns. But a dark presence has invaded the land. And Arianna has no memory of her past or how to tend to her wounded unicorn, Sunchaser.
The unicorn’s horn was broken in battle and he is very weak. The journey to get Suncahser’s horn restored will be long and very dangerous. But it is Sunchaser’s only hope. And – as Arianna and Sunchaser soon learn – the only hope for all of Balinor.
This is one of those very fun, quick and easy reads. One that you can sit down and spend half hour, hour on and enjoy it. Without having to think too deeply about what you are reading and just genuinely enjoy the journey. It’s a nice journey and one that I found was a pleasant way to spend the afternoon, between reading textbooks and trying to cram other information into my poor brain.
I like that the first story in this series starts with a bit of a mystery as to Ari’s past and what happened in her “accident”. In this novel, they begin to remember their horrible past and find ways to move onto the future. There are so many instances where things are nicely revealed, and you can begin to build upon the history of the story. And can’t wait to find out what’s going to happen next.
Probably one of the things that I really like about this novel is that it is got a world that is full of unicorns. And they’re integral to the connection between man and animal. It is such a sweet, innocent world. Something that is great in a children’s fantasy novel. The innocence that you associate with unicorns just flows off of the pages.
This is such a nice, pleasant read and I seriously wish that I was able to read it as a child. Its definitely one of those very childish, easy reading stories. But it was also cute and ridiculously innocent. Which is what all good young children books should be.
Title: Wolves and Daggers Author: Melanie Karsak Series: Red Cape Society #1 Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect) My Bookshelves:Fairy tales, Retellings, Steampunk, Werewolves Dates read: 25th June 2020 Pace: Medium Format: Novel Publisher: Clockpunk Press Year: 2018 5th sentence, 74th page: Sitting outside the hangar were two autos that I recognized from the warehouse night before.
Who’s afraid of the big, bad werewolf?
When London’s brightest tinkers and alchemists come up missing, Red Cape Society Agent Clemeny Louvel is on the case.
To help her get the problem in hand, Queen Victoria assigns her a temporary partner—a werewolf with a knightly history and a tendency to be far too flirtatious for either of their good. Can she trust him to help her chase down the monsters they’re hunting?
Wolves and Daggers is a retelling of the Little Red Riding Hood fairy tale set in Melanie Karsak’s bestselling steampunk universe.
This really wasn’t quite what I was expecting from a Red Riding Hood retelling. It was great. It was unique. And it was completely unexpected. Which is probably what I enjoyed so much about it. I can see how the entire series will unfold as an overall retelling, rather than just this one story. There are so many aspects to the original fairy tale that just weren’t in this retelling, and I can’t wait to see how Karsak continues to weave Red Riding Hood into her wonderful world of steampunk.
One of the things that I love about this author is her ability to write steampunk retellings in a way that makes you feel really reminiscent of the original fairy tales. But also, to make an entirely new and unique story line. There are certain aspects which are seriously familiar, but there are so many completely new aspects which draw you in and leave you feeling happy, compelled and intrigued. In the case of Red Riding Hood, the wolves are werewolves and “Little Red” is a werewolf hunter.
I absolutely can’t wait to read more about “Little Red” and Sir Richard and all of the hunting and controlling of the werewolves that they do. There is just something fun and a little entertaining about Karsak’s take on such a common and well known fairy tale. I also love that although it is originally a French fairy tale, the story and the characters are just oh-so-British. It added a great extra layer to the adventure of Little Red and the Victorian steampunk setting.
It’s kind of impossible not to love this book – it has werewolves, hunting and a great steampunk setting. Not to mention the fact that it’s a world of fairy tales. Not quite like you remember them, but still kind of amazing and really, really fun. I absolutely adored this novel and can’t wait until I have the money to buy the rest of the series!
Title: Omens Author: Kelley Armstrong Series: Cainsville #1 Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves:Fae, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy Dates read: 24th May – 26th June 2020 Pace: Medium Format: Novel Publisher: sphere Year: 2013 5th sentence, 74th page: The kind I’d only ever seen on TV, usually where the bad guys holed up until the cops came busting through the door.
A LIFE SHATTERED IN ONE MOMENT.
On the eve of her wedding Olivia Jones discovers two shocking facts. One – she was adopted. Two – her biological parents are notorious serial killers.
A YOUNG WOMAN FORCED ON THE RUN.
With her life in immediate danger, Liv is thrown into a terrifying new world. But then she is confronted with a tantalising hope – is it possible her parents are innocent?
AND THE MYSTERIOUS TOWN THAT AVE HER SANCTUARY. AT A PRICE.
Arriving at the remote town of Cainsville, Liv believes she has found the perfect place to hide while she hunts for the truth. But Cainsville is no ordinary town – and Liv’s arrival was no accident…
So, there’s definitely a reason why I love Kelley Armstrong – Author. I’ve been putting off starting a new series by her because I tend to get sucked into her world, and then I’ll want to buy more and more books… but, I decided that I had to read Omens. I’ve read all the prequel short stories and really, really wanted to start on this series. It may have been a mistake… I now want to go out and buy the rest of the books in this series… and I really don’t have the money for that at the moment.
You really don’t need to read any of the prequel short stories to fall madly, stupidly in love with this novel. In some ways, it may even be a little better… you won’t know so much about the gargoyles, Gabriel and that slightly paranormal hint throughout the story. Although, if you’re like me and you want as much information as feasibly possible…. It’s well worth reading the short stories before this. It meant that I had some extra mysteries that I was just constantly guessing at. And some extra historical moments that helped to fill in some of the blanks…
I absolutely loved how Armstrong managed to layer the paranormal, omens on top of a very realistic storyline. It takes a long time to see how the paranormal starts to come into play. After reading her Women of the Otherworld series, it is really fun to see a more subtle and covert approach to the paranormal, and the way it is placed into a very realistic feeling setting. You can almost imagine that a town like Townsville exists and the power to read omens is strong and alive. I can’t wait to see how this “power” develops and the supernatural that is heavily hinted at throughout this novel develops as the series unravels.
There are many, many, amazing things going on in this novel. But one of the aspects that I enjoyed the most was that it definitely bought up the whole nature / nurture debate. That it highlighted the mixed and confused feelings that Olivia felt as she realised that part of her was created by two individuals she has never met. A good portion of this storyline is taken up with Olivia’s own internal battle, trying to figure out how to feel.
Title: Hellfire on the High Frontier Author: David Farland In: Dead Man’s Hand (John Joseph Adams) Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!) My Bookshelves:Cyborgs, Weird western, Westerns Dates read: 23rd June 2020 Pace: Fast Format: Short story Publisher: Titan Books Year: 2014 5th sentence, 74th page: The cigar clenched between his teeth smelled of sulfur.
Morgan is hunting a murderer and a skinwalker. Then, after accepting help from a stranger, he is sent on a journey. To try and stop another murderer, one that he has little hope of surviving.
I really liked the book ending of this story – it started with Morgan on a hunt for justice. And ended with him on another hunt for justice. Two totally different culprits, but that same need for justice that made me wonder what was going to happen next almost from the very first moment. I loved that sense of justice – it’s always a great driver for a story in my mind – justice is almost impossible to truly get, but always desired.
Morgan is a great lead character. You spend the whole time hoping and wishing that he’s going to get his happily ever after. But you’re kind of resigned to something that’s not going to be so happy… it’s a weird dichotomy. You know that there will be a tragic ending because this story has great emotional foreshadowing, but you also hope against hope that you’re wrong. Since Morgan is just such a beautiful, relatable character.
This is a great reminder that there is no justice, only money. Particularly in the Old West which is run by gunslingers and gamblers. Demons and ghouls. And emotionless cyborgs.
Title: Burning Up Flint Author: Laurann Dohner Series: Cyborg Seduction #1 Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!) My Bookshelves:Cyborgs, Erotica, Science fiction romance Dates read: 23rd May – 23rd June 2020 Pace: Medium Format: eBook, Novel Publisher: Ellora’s Cave Year: 2010 5th sentence, 74th page: Her eyes opened so she could stare up in wonder at Flint as he climbed over her and pinned her under his body, caging her between his hands spread on the bed next to her arms.
Flint is tall, gorgeous and dangerous. He’s a cyborg-the absolute ultimate alpha male. He takes what he wants and holds what is his. Mira is his now. He takes her aboard his ship and has her branded with his mark. He captured her, owns her, and she will serve his every need.
Mira is instantly drawn to Flint, fascinated by his seductive appeal. The sex between them is smoking hot. Until she finds out he is a breeder, contracted to a dozen cyborg women, and she is no more than a possession.
Mira won’t share her cyborg and she belongs to no one-not even to a man who has captured her heart. She doesn’t know if cyborgs feel… anything. Can Flint love her? Mira is determined to find out, no matter how much trouble she makes for the big guy.
As with some of the more erotic romances I’ve been reading lately, I finished this with mixed feelings. Mostly because it was a little too pushy and filled with moments in which Mira didn’t actually have a choice. Actually, my favourite part of this story was when she threatened to jump, because she was at her wits end. It was the only moment of real fight that she displayed and FINALLY made the stupid, pig headed male in this story sit up and pay attention to what she was saying. And yet, for all of that pushiness that I was really uncomfortable with, I did, ultimately enjoy this story…
This is my second series by Dohner that I’ve started. And although she definitely seems to like the alpha male trope, this one definitely took that to the next level. Flint literally kidnaps Mira because he’s decided he wants her. There is literally no choice. I mean, it all ends well, they fall in love and ya da ya da ya da. But, really, the whole I’m going to kidnap you and own you… not what I would call a healthy, happy beginning to a relationship. Not really sure that there is a happy healthy ending either, but that’s a little less clear…
I think the reason that I enjoyed this story so much, even though it was filled with aspects that I seriously didn’t agree with… was the fact that Dohner is an awesome writer. She manages to draw you in from that very first moment and make you feel emotionally bonded with both of the characters… even the ones that aren’t exactly of the mould that I would like. There is just something about Dohner’s writing that works for me…
Although I have many, many issues with this story. I still really enjoyed it. Major guilty pleasure here. And just because of that, and the brilliance of Dohner’swriting… I’m actually looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this series. a nice way to curl up late at night and make my self weirdly uncomfortable.
Earth and Skye 