All posts by skyebjenner

Friends Challenge

Challenges

Duration: 1st November – 30th November

Number of books: 3

Hosted by: Bookworm Bitches

There are 3 tasks, you only need to read three books to finish this challenge. Or pick one task and read 3 books for that one task. Thank you to Valyssia and Lori for the challenge ideas.

November

1. Read a book that centers around friends – Wolves of the Witchwood by Kate Forsyth

2. Read a book where the author has the first name or initials of your BFF – The Nutcracker by Alexandre Dumas (alright, not mine, but one of my Mum’s BFFs)

3. Read a book with unlikely friends or an argument between friends occurs – Demon Angel by Meljean Brook

October 2018

List, ,

October 2017

Fieldwork has been picking up, and I have been having anxiety issues. Which makes it more likely that I’ve been reading short stories – they are a quick and easy fix that make me calm down without disappearing into a book for the ENTIRE day…

 

Image source: Van Vorst Park Association

The Feast of Beauty by Helen Scott Taylor

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
The Mammoth Book of Irish Romance

Title: The Feast of Beauty
Author: Helen Scott Taylor
In: The Mammoth Book of Irish Romance (Trisha Telep)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Celtic, The Coast, Fae, Paranormal fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Running Press
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: They floated to the ground and her back landed on the soft sand.

Synopsis

Kate thinks that she’s visiting Ireland to fulfill a promise to her Grandmother and film an episode of her show. But what she finds there could be much more.

Thoughts

I really didn’t know what to expect when I first started reading this short story. The rest of the stories in The Mammoth Book of Irish Romance have a heavy focus on the past and the days when Celtic beliefs were the primary ways in which to view the world. This tale on the other hand was heavily based in today’s modern world. And although it still featured fae and the same themes occurrent throughout this collection, it was a complete breath of fresh air.

Kate is the kind of woman I can most heavily associate with. There is this vague understanding and feeling of “the other”, but she is still firmly centred in this world. This reality. The struggles of everyday living. She’s also convinced that she has to work her absolute butt off to get where she wants to go in life (who hasn’t heard this mantra?). Yet, it turns out she is intricately connected to the world of the fae, and the beauty in this festival and understandings left me with a really pleased and relaxed smile on my face at the conclusion of this story.

<- QuicksilverCompeer ->

Image source: Goodreads

Stars Above by Marissa Meyer

Book Review, , , , , ,

Overview

Stars AboveTitle: Stars Above
Author: Marissa Meyer
Series: The Lunar Chronicles Companion
In: Stars Above (Marissa Meyer)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Fairy tales, Short story collections, Steampunk, Strong women
Pace: Medium
Format: Collection
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Year: 2016
5th sentence, 74th page: I mean, not really, but I can adjust my hearing so it seems louder.

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

Synopsis

The universe of the Lunar Chronicles holds stories – and secrets – that are wondrous, vicious, and romantic. How did Cinder first arrive in New Beijing? How did the brooding soldier Wolf transform from young man to killer? When did Princess Winter and the palace guard Jacin realize their destinies? With nine stories – five of which have never before been published – and a special bonus excerpt from Marissa Meyer’s upcoming novel, Heartless, about the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland, Stars Above is essential for fans of the bestselling and beloved Lunar Chronicles.

Thoughts

There’s nothing better than discovering that a loved series has a short story collection that goes along with it. And the fact that I realised this before getting too far into the series meant that I actually got to read most of this series in chronological order. Which, let me tell you, made an already amazing series amazing-er (it’s a word now…)

One of the things that I absolutely adored about this collection is that it gave great back stories and an amazing insight into each of the characters in The Lunar Chronicles. Although the novels by themselves tell you enough about each new character when they appear, this gives a more in depth insight into the past.

If you’re a fan of fairy tales, good writing, or even The Lunar Chronicles, you need to get your hands on this collection. It is an amazing companion to an amazing series (I’m using amazing a lot in this review) and it is thoroughly enjoyable to pick up a new story here and there to fix that Lunar Chronicles itch.

 <- Something Old, Something New Review The Keeper Review ->
Image source: Lunar Chronicles Wiki

Icebreaker by E. Catherine Tobler

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

The Mammoth Book of SteampunkTitle: Icebreaker
Author: E. Catherine Tobler
In: The Mammoth Book of Steampunk (Sean Wallace)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Adventure, Family, Steampunk
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: “Have you seen its like before?

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

Synopsis

Muriel is travelling to the Arctic circle to cremate her husbands remains. But not everything goes as planned, and, partnered with her past and a pushy reporter, she is in for one big adventure.

Thoughts

A journey to put her husband to rest leaves Muriel on an epic adventure that is far more dangerous than she expected. Reflecting on her marriage, the nosiness of reporters and the dangers of her travels, she opens up a journey that is both simple and enjoyable.

The reflections on Muriel’s marriage show what a great and loving relationship her and J.J. had. And the fact that she is a dwarf and unexpected made me wish that he was still alive. Which was the exact response I’m sure the writer was aiming for – it made for not only a whimsical journey, but helped to create a more profound relationship with the lead voice and narrator.

 <- The Steamdancer (1896) Review Tom Edison and his Amazing Telegraphic Harpoon Review ->
Image source: Amazon

Something Old, Something New by Marissa Meyer

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

Stars AboveTitle: Something Old, Something New
Author: Marissa Meyer
Series: The Lunar Chronicles #4.5
In: Stars Above (Marissa Meyer)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Fairy tales, Steampunk, Strong women
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Year: 2016
5th sentence, 74th page: “I love you too.”

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

Synopsis

In this epilogue to Winter, friends gather for the wedding of the century…

Thoughts

I’m so glad that everyone got a happy ending. And that, although the ending of Winter tied up the main plot points, there was Something Old, Something New to completely finish it off. After all, the series just had to end with a wedding, and this story did that perfectly.

Judging from the title, I knew that somebody out of the four couples was going to get married. And I kind of love the fact that it was Scarlet and Wolf. They probably had the most difficult time of it, and with the way things ended for Wolf in Winter… well, it was nice to know that everything ended perfectly for them. And it also highlighted what happens with the rest of the couples two years after the ending of their war.

Now I just have to get rid of this gooshy feeling and find a new book / series to read…

 <- Winter Review Stars Above Review ->
Image source: Lunar Chronicles Wiki

The Righteous by Jenna Maclaine

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

The Mammoth Book of Vampire RomanceTitle: The Righteous
Author: Jenna Maclaine
Series: Cin Craven #0.5
In: The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance (Trisha Telep)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Strong women, Vampires
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: He needed a spy at the English court.

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

Synopsis

Devlin: warrior, mercenary… vampire.
Justine: human, courtesan… slayer.

Sent to Paris by the High King of the Vampires, Devlin is not prepared to fall in love with the very woman he was hired to kill.

Thoughts

Following on from The Eternal Warrior, I wasn’t sure where this story would go. I know that the main series focuses on Cin Craven. And, as with the other two short stories that I have read in this series (I have yet to actually read one of the novels), I absolutely loved this!

I loved the lead couple in this – Justine and Devlin are both awkwardly righteous and filled with honour. They are fun, and reading about their unconventional courtship was a different pace from any of the other stories that I have so far read in The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance. The fact that this ties in perfectly with The Eternal Warrior and the Morrigan’s masterplan just made it all that much more enjoyable.

 <- Fangs for Hire Review Knowledge of Evil Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Winter by Marissa Meyer

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

WinterTitle: Winter
Author: Marissa Meyer
Series: The Lunar Chronicles #4
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Fairy tales, Steampunk, Strong women
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Puffin
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: It was going to be a wedding gift for Emperor Kairo, before… well.

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

Synopsis

THIS IS NOT THE FAIRY TALE YOU REMEMBER. BUT IT’S ON YOU WON’T FORGET.

Winter is admired for her grace, kindness and beauty, despite the scars on her face. She’s said to be even more breath taking than her stepmother, Queen Levana…

When Winter develops feelings for the handsome palace guard, Jacin, she fears the evil Queen will crush their romance before it has a chance to begin.

But there are stirrings against the Queen across the land. Together with the cyborg mechanic, Cinder, and her allies, Winter might even find the power to launch a revolution and win a war that’s been raging for far too long.

Can Cinder, Scarlet, Cress and Winter claim their happily-ever-afters by defeating Levana once and for all?

Thoughts

You know when you finish a really amazing series, and you just… ?? After finishing Winter, I strolled around, looked at all my books and wondered how anything else could live up to that standard. Yes, I had a short story left to finish in Stars Above, and that helped for a little while, but the main storyline, that big, epic battle that had been building up? It was done, finished, and I honestly wasn’t sure I would ever be able to read anything so amazing again (it’s okay, I got over this, but seriously… how many books punch you in the gut like that?)

Admittedly, I have sort of been putting of reading Winter, although I’ve been absolutely dying to know what happens in the final face off between Cinder and Levana, the book is over 800 pages long. It’s big. It feels a little intimidating when you should be studying, and don’t want to get bogged down in a good book. I also tend to find that not many books of that size and length keep me completely enthralled throughout. They normally have their I-have-to-turn-the-next-page moments followed by the eh-I-can-put-this-down-for-a-few-days moment. Not so with Winter. I read the entire thing in 2 days. I actually took a “me day” off of my PhD because I was so desperate to finish it (and felt like it was about time I took a moment to breath)…

All throughout The Lunar Chronicles, I have loved how closely Meyer has managed to stick with the original fairy tales. Yes, they have a more “Disney spin” than the actual originals, but it is still pretty damn well done, and I have loved the darker aspects that the non-Disney versions have been able to provide. And, of course, mad little Winter was no different. You just have to read this book to understand how phenomenally good this story actually is. Although, maybe don’t make plans for the next 24 hours?

 <- The Princess and the Guard Review Something Old, Something New Review ->
Image source: Lunar Chronicles Wiki

Earth Bound by Christine Feehan

Book Review, , , , , , ,

Overview

Earth BoundTitle: Earth bound
Author: Christine Feehan
Series: Sisters of the Heart #4, Sea Haven #11
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: The Coast, Elements, Family, Magic, Paranormal romance
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Jove
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: I’d like to come if I have time.

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

Synopsis

After escaping from a cult, Lexi found refuge with her sisters on the farm that more than sustained her body – it nurtured her soul as well. But she never forgot the terror she left behind or the always present fear that the cult would find her again, and claim her. Then her nightmare came true.

Lexi was discovered and threatened – only to be suddenly saved by a stranger. He is Gavriil Prakenskii, and he’s awestruck by the woman he has rescued. She is destined for him. He can feel it in his soul. But how can Lexi find happiness with a man steeped in secrets and shadows, one intimately acquainted with violence, and whose very love could be the death of them?

Thoughts

This was so heart wrenching. And heartbreaking. And just generally completely gut wrenching. Lexi is such a sweet and adorable character. And her past is stomach-curdlingly ill-inspiring. The fact that she ends up with the most damaged of the Prakenskii brothers too helps to make this both beautiful and… well, heartbreaking. There really is no other word. This seriously tore at the heartstrings and made it impossible to put the story down.

Where most of the other tales feature sex quite strongly, Lexi’s past makes it almost impossible to have this featured so strongly. And it was kind of a nice way to change the pace and trajectory of the storyline. This was also a lot more violent and bloodthirsty. Which was good. Because the whole cult at eight-years-old and all sorts made me feel incredibly bloodthirsty while reading this. I might have actually cheered when Lexi’s past is finally overcome. Also when she kicks Gavriil for being annoying.

Gavriil and Lexi’s story doesn’t strongly feature the noose around the Prakenskii brothers’ necks. But it does help to tighten the noose and set up the tale perfectly for Fire Bound. There’s also the surprise reveal about Lissa’s past which makes me want to read the next story all the more. But, really, I need to actually get some work done… I might just have to hide the book from myself in an attempt for some self-control.

 <- Air Bound Review Fire Bound Review ->
Image source: Pinterest

Quicksilver by Cindy Holby

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

The Mammoth Book of Irish RomanceTitle: Quicksilver

Author: Cindy Holby

In: The Mammoth Book of Irish Romance (Trisha Telep)

Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one)

My Bookshelves: Celtic, Easy reading, Fantasy, Romance

Pace: Slow

Format: Short story

Publisher: Running Press

Year: 2010

5th sentence, 74th page: She shrugged.

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

Synopsis

When a man pulls a woman from the surf, his life is irreparably changed. The fae woman may be his saviour or his downfall, only time will tell.

Thoughts

I didn’t mind this story, but it was a little slow… and didn’t quite have the same oomph to it as the other short stories in this collection. Man meets woman. Saves woman. Woman could kick his ass. But they end up together. I was expecting an incredibly epic battle. But it really wasn’t all that amazing. He fights, he wins, the end. They ride off into the sunset…

Even the name of this story is a bit misleading, there is nothing quick about it. But that’s not to say that this was a bad tale. It just wasn’t exactly captivating… so a perfect one to read just before bedtime. It’s not going to be impossible to put down, but a nice little story to wile away the time.

 <- Eternal Strife Review The Feast of Beauty Review ->
Image source: Goodreads