All posts by skyebjenner

No Rest for the Witches by Mary Janice Davidson, Lori Handeland, Cheyenne McCray & Christine Warren

Book Review, , , , , , , ,
Overview
Image result for no rest for the witches book cover

Title: No Rest for the Witches
Author: MaryJanice Davidson, Lori Handeland, Cheyenne McCray & Christine Warren
In: No Rest for the Witches (Mary Janice Davidson, Lori Handeland, Cheyenne McCray & Christine Warren)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance, Short story collections, Witches
Dates read: 14th July – 9th September 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Year: 2007
5th sentence, 74th page: She thought of an even better, more relevant question.

Synopsis

From broomsticks to black magic, leather-clad warriors to love potions gone wrong, here you’ll find four stories of supernatural sex and suspense from some of today’s hottest bestselling authors.

MaryJanice Davidson – “The Majicka”
Life’s a bit crowded for Ireland and her roommates–a fairy, a werewolf, a vampire, and now a zombie…especially when a mysterious man walks through the door. Will there be any room left for love?

Lori Handeland – “Voodoo Moon”
For Devil’s Fork-based FBI Agent Dana Duran, the only way to fight a supernatural serial killer just may be to embrace life. But little did she know that voodoo could be so viciously sexy…

Cheyenne McCray – “Breath of Magic”
San Francisco’s witches are in an epic battle. But even if Sydney can use her sultry ways and ancient Druid powers to save the world, can she risk losing her heart to handsome warrior Conlan?

Christine Warren – “Any Witch Way She Can”
A desperately lonely witch decides to take matters of love into her own hands when she casts a cosmic personal ad…only to find that the perfect formula for love is a strange brew indeed.

Thoughts

This was one of those random books that I picked up in a second hand shop. I had no idea what it was about. Really what genre it belonged to, and only vaguely recognised the names of the authors who had contributed. I really just liked the name of the collection, it was a fun little pun that made me quite intrigued…

From beginning to end, this collection has women who pack an amazing punch. They’re strong, they’re powerful and they’re constantly finding themselves in a spot of trouble. All things which I thoroughly love in a good, strong protagonist. The fact that sex, lust and magic are all mixed in with each other to create some incredibly fun and often times awkward stories just makes it that much better. Mostly the sex and lust. A girls gotta get her kicks where she can…

All four of these novellas, like many other similar collections have sent me down the path of finding new beloved authors and series. They’re always a good way to escape for only a short amount of time when I have to be responsible, but long enough that I get completely sucked into a whole new world. The fact that these were all paranormal fantasy and filled with a good dose of romance just made me sink all the quicker into these stories. Definitely one that I would suggest to anybody who likes their witches with a bit of extra steam!

 <- Any Witch Way She CanThe Majicka ->

Image source: Goodreads

The Constable of Abal by Kelly Link

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for coyote road book cover

Title: The Constable of Abal
Author: Kelly Link
In: The Coyote Road (Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Ghosts, Mythology
Dates read: 5th September 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Firebird Fantasy
Year: 2007
5th sentence, 74th page: Don’t tell her then, the constable said.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide
Synopsis

Ozma and her mother, Ziller, have made ghosts all the fashion. But when her mother kills the constable, things start to take a turn for the weird. And Ozma might have to find a way to start a new life all on her own.

Thoughts

This was one of those enjoyable, easy reads that leaves you with a nice big smile after you turn the final page. It’s a little bit sad, and it’s a lot bit dark. But, that smile still lingers. Which was the part of it that I loved the most. There’s a happy ending that just feels like a beginning…

One of my favourite tropes in a story is the idea of being completely unloved and unaccepted by your family. Especially daughters by their mothers… I’m not sure why this draws me so thoroughly. But it does, and I always enjoy these stories. Which meant that Ozma and Ziller’s relationship is one that I completely lapped up. Especially even more once I found out exactly who Ziller is and what her history was… then I just sat there with a giant, slightly manic smile on my face.

I was honestly expecting the constable in this story to be the one who solves a crime or goes toe to toe with a trickster. Instead, he is just a catalyst for the split between Ozma and Ziller. One that ends up being an incredibly healthy and fun one. Not quite the trickster story I was expecting, but definitely one that was well suited to my mood…

 <- Black Rock Blues ReviewA Reversal of Fortune Review ->
Image source: Amazon

Picking Up the Pieces by Pat Cadigan

Book Review, , ,
Overview
naked-city

Title: Picking Up the Pieces
Author: Pat Cadigan
In: Naked City (Ellen Datlow)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Family, Historical fiction
Dates read: 5th September 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: Working my way through the crowd, I began hearing snatches of English.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide
Synopsis

The youngest daughter, Quinn, has always been a little different. But in 1989, when there are happenings afoot, she might just realise that she’s not so special after all…

Thoughts

The use of the Berlin Wall coming down in this story took me somewhat by surprise. Probably mostly because I didn’t actually know in what year it came down and so couldn’t make an educated guess on what life-altering moment was about to occur… I need to brush up on my history badly.

I’ve now read a few Pat Cadigan short stories and I always find them surprisingly fun. And just plain surprising… they never quite fit into the storyline and themes of the rest of the collections I find them in. But yet, their tenuous connections work so well that I’m surprised I never thought of it myself. Picking Up the Pieces is exactly the kind of story which does that for me. It’s got the great trickster vibe to it, but in a completely contemporary and family driven set up. After all, we will all do anything for our family, even when they’re kind of difficult and definitely an avenue for chaos.

I too have a little sister that just seemed to be golden. She is just so unbelievably good. Alright, she’s not like Quinn in this story because she’s not over the top. Or a little too easily distracted. But I would still totally fly to Germany to try and help get her out of trouble… even if it was of her own making…

 <- Fairy Gifts ReviewUnderbridge Review ->
Image source: Patricia Briggs

Smithfield by James P. Blaylock

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for queen victoria's book of spells ellen datlow book cover

Title: Smithfield
Author: James P. Blaylock
In: Queen Victoria’s Book of Spells (Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling)
Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Gaslamp
Dates read: 5th September 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Tor
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: The moon had climbed higher into the sky now and shone on the cobbles in the street.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide
Synopsis

It’s the turn of the century and things are beginning to change. Will they be able to catch this through the lens of a camera?

Thoughts

This was a really fun, easy read. But it wasn’t one that I really got into. I very quickly skimmed through it, and although it was enjoyable, it wasn’t memorable. The writing was really good though which is probably why I did enjoy it as much as I did… it was well written, fun, but just not enough to keep my easily distractible self paying attention…

I really liked the turn of the century feel to this story. The use of cameras and gas lighting throughout was very atmospheric and helped to pull along the fantastical elements of the story. It left you with a feeling of mystery and wonder when you finally turned that last page – not quite sure what happened, but certain that you enjoyed it.

Smithfield is one of those short stories that I’ll probably read again in the future. Just because that lingering feeling of wonder and mystery is still hanging around over 24 hours after I turned that final page. It is the type of story that will keep on feeding on itself and I’m sure that I’ll find something new to love each and every time I read it…

 <- The Governess ReviewThe Unwanted Women of Surrey Review ->
Image source: Amazon

Any Witch Way She Can by Christine Warren

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for no rest for the witches book cover

Title: Any Witch Way She Can
Author: Christine Warren
Series: The Others #3.5
In: No Rest for the Witches (Mary Janice Davidson, Lori Handeland, Cheyenne McCray & Christine Warren)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance, Witches
Dates read: 5th September 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Year: 2007
5th sentence, 74th page: Quinn laughed and leaned forward to kiss her on the cheek.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

A desperately lonely witch decides to take matters of love into her own hands when she casts a cosmic personal ad…only to find that the perfect formula for love is a strange brew indeed.

Thoughts

I was thinking just the other day that if I could, I would probably cast a spell for my sister to find her one true love. This novella made me rethink that desire. Although, it did have a happy ending… so maybe it wouldn’t be such a bad idea…

Most paranormal romance stories I read feature… well, the paranormal. I’ve never read one in which the thing that makes the girl special is that she isn’t paranormal. Unlike the rest of her extended family. Don’t get me wrong, there’s hints that she could have more talent than expected, but all in all, the magic-less woman is a great breath of fresh air. One that I absolutely adored and would love to read more about… although I don’t think she’ll feature so strongly in any of the other stories in this series…

Although the romance takes centre stage in this novella, the fixing of old wounds and reconnecting with a family member is a fantastic secondary story. Actually, I was more drawn in by the secondary storyline than I was by the first. After all, the first is just another romance, the secondary is about finding what you have in common with your insane family and finding a way to make things work…

<- Breath of MagicNo Rest for the Witches ->

Image source: Goodreads

Eragon’s Guide to Alagaesia by Christopher Paolini

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for eragon's guide to alagaesia book cover

Title: Eragon’s Guide to Alagaesia
Author: Christopher Paolini
Series: The Inheritance Cycle Companion
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Dragons, Medieval fantasy
Dates read: 28th August – 4th September 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Graphic novel
Publisher: Doubleday
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: His order, which has endured for a least five hundred years, believes that all knowledge is sacred.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide
Synopsis

From the creators of the bestselling books Dragonology, Egyptology, Piratelogy, and others, this is a never-before-seen glimpse into the world of Christopher Paolini’s Inheritance cycle. Alagaësia comes alive in a lush and detailed look at an unforgettable magical land. From elves, dwarves, Urgals, humans, and dragons, to the natural landscape and the magic it contains, Eragon himself offers the reader an unsurpassed tour. This oversized, full-color book provides 15 spreads chock full of spectacular artwork, engaging novelty elements, and fascinating insights into Eragon’s home. With gorgeous jewels adorning the cover and pages filled with envelopes, gatefolds, samples of dragon skin, and more, Eragon’s Guide to Alagaësia is sure to appeal to the legions of fans of Christopher Paolini’s bestselling Inheritance cycle.

Thoughts

This is one of those fun, cute and easy reads. Albeit a little hard to lug around anywhere, hence the fact that it took me so long to actually read this. It’s only about half an hour of reading, but you actually need to be able to sit in a comfortable spot with a ginormous book for that period. With two dogs trying to climb all over me… that’s difficult.

I might be a grown woman, but I love interactive stories and pretty pictures as much as the next girl. They’re just fun. And all of the different textured pieces placed throughout were even more enjoyable. It bought back the enjoyment of my first books as a child. Before I was really able to read to any decent level.

I read this companion before Eldest, and I’m so grateful that there weren’t many spoilers throughout. I was expecting far more, but except for one tiny slip about Eragon’s father, there was nothing to hint at what was going to happen in the future of the series.

This was a really nice and easy read for the last few days when my head has been full of PhD work and event planning. And it just makes me want to pick up Eldest all the more… although maybe I should finish a few books that I’ve already started first…

<- The Fork, the Witch & the WormEragon ->

Image source: Goodreads

Thinner Than Water by Justine Larbalestier

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for love is hell book cover

Title: Thinner Than Water
Author: Justine Larbalestier
In: Love is Hell ( Melissa Marr, Scott Westerfield, Justine Larbalestier, Gabrielle Zevin & Laurie Faria Stolarz)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Romance, Young adult
Dates read: 4th September
Pace: Slow
Format: Novella
Publisher: Harper Teen
Year: 2008
5th sentence, 74th page: I shivered.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide
Synopsis

Jean has finally handfasted with the boy that she’s been dreaming of. But her family doesn’t think that he’s right for her. Will they ruin everything, or will blood prove thicker than water?

Thoughts

Yeah. This story didn’t have a happy ending. At all. Although, it was kind of bittersweet which made me enjoy it. Although I definitely wanted to punch Jean’s family in the face. They were just plain evil. And horrible. And it was all just heartbreakingly wrong!

I’ve honestly always hated the saying that blood is thicker than water. I think that it tends to be used a little too much to justify the atrocities that we commit upon our kin. So the play on this in “thinner than water” was really beautiful. Especially considering what a horrible family Jean comes from… and the small minded prejudice of the town that she is from.

Although this is a fantasy story, it feels a little more real world. It also highlights the fact that our unacceptance of others can have some incredibly horrible consequences. Not often involving a horrific death, but there’s often a death of some kind involved. And it’s the ones who have tried to survive and exist that truly suffer. The ones, like Jean who are left behind that have to feel the consequences of prejudice.

The messages in this novella have lingered long after I turned that final page. I think the horribleness and bitter sweet ending to this tale is why it’s hung around so long. The themes, the love and the loyalty were heartbreaking and beautiful. It’s not the kind of novella you’re likely to forget.

 <- Stupid Perfect World ReviewFan Fictions Review ->
Image source: Harper Collins Publishers

Pumpkin Head

Challenges

Duration: 1st October – 31st October 2019
Number of books: 6
Hosted by:My Vampire Book Obsession

description
Pumpkin Head

Duration
October 1st – 31st

Rules
Complete at least two tasks to get the vampire heart
All genres welcome
Rereads welcome
No minimum page count

description

🎃 Read a book with a Halloween theme – IT by Stephen King
🎃 Read a book with orange or black on the cover – African Myths & Tales by Flame Tree Studios
🎃 Read a book released in October of any year – West by Edith Pattou
🎃 Read a book with a magic user – Flying Blind by Deborah Cooke
🎃 Read a book with a creepy character – To Marry Medusa by Theodore Sturgeon
🎃 Read a book tagged mystery – A Veiled Deception by Annette Blair

The Scot, the Witch and the Wardrobe by Annette Blair

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for the scot, the witch and the wardrobe book cover

Title: The Scot, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Author: Annette Blair
Series: Accidental Witch Trilogy #3
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 4th – 6th September 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Year: 2006
5th sentence, 74th page: Damn it!

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide
Synopsis

He sought his birthright

Long ago, Rory MacKenzie’s Scottish ancestor lost the bewitching woman he loved and regretted it forever. Before he died, he sent her his greatest work of art, a beautifully carved unicorn, as a token of his eternal devotion. Now, Rory is determined to reclaim the unicorn and restore his clan to glory.

She fought her birthright

Like all the women in her family, Victoria Cartwright has inherited the key to the mysterious wardrobe in the family attic. Legend says that only the girl who possesses the magic of her ancestor can reveal the treasure within. But Vickie refuses to believe she is any sort of enchantress.

They both got more than they bargained for…

When Vickie unexpectedly opens the wardrobe, the unicorn makes her dreams come true – until the handsome Rory shows up with his own plans for the unicorn, and for Vickie…

Thoughts

This is a beautiful, fantastic, breathtaking end to a beautiful little trilogy. It has the same level of cute, sweet, heart-happy overload of the first two books. But with just that little bit of extra magic thrown in to spice the pot. There’s nothing like fate, destiny and a magical spell or two to help sweep along the romance. To a beautiful Scotsman. With a serious attitude problem.

It’s hard to find someone who will accept you for who and what you are. Even when you don’t have the extra burden of magical powers. And a man who is inherently terrified of that extra something that this woman possesses. Vicky and Rory’s constant tango as they both try to come to terms with her magic is kind of a beautiful symbolism of the battle which many of us go through to find someone who just accepts us for us.

I have a Scottish background, it’s diluted, but it’s enough that I’m constantly fascinated by any character from the country. There is something weird about it that seems to keep drawing me back in. Which, of course, is why I immediately found Rory fascinating. He is a cantankerous Scottish hermit with a HUGE chip on his shoulder. All things that will immediately draw me in. Partnering him with an absolute sweetheart like Vicky and intertwining their lives with foolish ancestors and a prophecy or two was just brilliant. I found myself completely drawn in by the title, let alone when the story started…

Unlike the first two books in this series, The Scot, the Witch and the Wardrobe ties much tighter to family and history. Kira and Mel are both in difficult family situations, but they are a backdrop to the main storyline. Vicky’s family on the other hand act as a major plot twist and moment. Their relationships not only drive Vicky’s attraction to Rory, but also provide her with a moment of power that she would have been otherwise unable to achieve. Sisters are wonderful, and irritating, and quite possibly going to drive us all completely insane. But they are also the people who give us the most strength. And I think that Vicky’s discovery of her family reflects that perfectly.

 <- My Favorite Witch ReviewSex and the Psychic Witch Review ->
Image source: Fantastic Fiction

My Favorite Witch by Annette Blair

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for my favorite witch book cover

Title: My Favorite Witch
Author: Annette Blair
Series: Accidental Witch Trilogy #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 4th September 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Year: 2006
5th sentence, 74th page: They made eye contact, sizzling eye contact, if he was any kind of judge.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide
Synopsis

HE SWORE OFF WOMEN. SHE SWORE OFF MEN…

Jason Pickering Goddard’s career as a playboy hockey star comes to a dramatic halt when he tragically damages his legs in a car accident. Swearing off women, he decides to stand in as Director of Special Events at the Pickering Foundation in the interim – knowing his celebrity status will greatly help the foundation’s foster home for boys.

BUT NEITHER EXPECTED THIS KIND OF MAGIC.

A sexy witch cursed by a cheating ex-fiance, Kira Fitzgerald has closed the book on men. But a new chapter in her life opens when she’s appointed as Jason’s coordinator. The clash of their strong personalities ignites Jason’s competitive streak and sparks an inner fire that threatens to melt the ice around his heart – a slow warm-up that weakens Kira’s own defenses. And there’s not a spell strong enough to save her…

Thoughts

I’ve been waiting for this book to arrive on my doorstep for ages! I just loved The Kitchen Witch so much, and I couldn’t wait to read about one of her friends… I really wasn’t disappointed. So much so that I stayed up all night finishing this. Unable to put it down… I suppose having a good book by your side is one moment in which insomnia can actually work for you…

Kira only makes a brief appearance in The Kitchen Witch, but it’s enough that you are completely drawn in and want only what’s best for her. She has a great vulnerability and innocence covered in this incredibly tough outer layer. The fact that she’s been quite seriously burnt in the past, actually made me think of my own sister, which just made me want to hug her and find her a good man all the more… which of course happens. Because this is a romance. And it’s cute and why would you have a romance without a great, hunky lead to partner with the vulnerable, independent woman?

Normally I want to punch people in romances because of their incredibly stupid decisions. The vast majority of the time, the reason that they can’t work is because one of them is just epically dumb. Not so much with this story, don’t get me wrong, there were some silly decisions made… but they came from a place that I could completely understand and relate to. So much less frustrating when you can truly understand the characters’ flaws and insecurities… even if they’re still a little dumb.

This is one of those perfect books for when you’re feeling a little overwhelmed, overworked and just plain stressed. It’s not overly intense, but there is enough happening that you are fascinated by what will happen next. You know that eventually the leads will end up together, so you’re not upset by that. But there’s enough concern that you want to make sure this isn’t the one romance in which there is no happily ever after… my only actual complaint about this book is that now it’s over and I have to return to the real world…

 <- The Kitchen Witch ReviewThe Scot, the Witch and the Wardrobe Review ->
Image source: Goodreads