All posts by skyebjenner

Moon Called Volume 1 by Patricia Briggs & David Lawrence

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

Moon Called Volume 1Title: Moon Called Volume 1
Author: Patricia Briggs & David Lawrence
Series: Mercedes Thompson #0.91
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Graphic novels, Paranormal fantasy, Strong women, Werewolves
Pace: Medium
Format: Graphic novel
Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: And then –

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Synopsis

Mercy Thompson inhabits two worlds without truly belonging to either. To the human inhabitants of Tri-Cities she’s an oddity, a fiercely independent woman who repairs cars for a living. To the otwn’s darker residents; werewolves, vampires, and fae, she’s a walker, a last-of-her-kind magical being with the power to become a coyote. Mercy warily straddles the fine line dividing out everyday world from that darker dimension… until a boy, mauled by vicious werewolves and running for his life, appears at her door. now her two worlds are about to collide! Outnumbered and out-muscled, can Mercy possibly save the boy… or even herself?

Thoughts

I’ve lost count of the amount of times that I have read Moon Called. And I will probably read it a countless many more times. Which is why I was so excited when I found out that it had been turned into a graphic novel. After all, it’s a story that I love, I have thoroughly enjoyed Homecoming, and I’ve been on a bit of a graphic novel kick lately anyway.

And I wasn’t disappointed. Although Volume 1 only covers up to about the halfway point of Moon Called, it was done amazingly. I’m now itching to open up Volume 2 and take the rest of the adventure. The images are beautifully rendered, the aspects that have been included (and not included) cover every main point, without expanding a graphic novel ridiculously and the themes are touched upon perfectly.

I also love the extra little story that is included at the end of this novel. It covers Mac’s conversion to a werewolf and a part of his history. It’s briefly touched upon in Moon Called, but somehow the comic version of it really bought home the horrors of his experiences. Plus, the very different style with which this is drawn (compared to the rest of the graphic novel) helps to highlight that it is separate from the main story. I also found this short comic to be drawn in a more comical way, which helped to detract from the horribleness of Mac’s conversion to a werewolf.

<- Fairy Gifts Review Moon Called Volume 2 Review ->
Image source: Book Depository

Veiled Menace by Deborah Blake

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Veiled Menace

Title: Veiled Menace
Author: Deborah Blake
Series: Veiled Magic #2
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Crime, Paranormal fantasy, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: InterMix
Year: 2017
5th sentence, 74th page: This was one conversation she didn’t want anyone to overhear.

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Synopsis

Since Witches came out of the broom-closet in the early 21st century, they have worked alongside humans as police officers, healers, stock traders, and more. But they aren’t the only paranormal entities in our world…

Witch and police officer Donata Santori is no stranger to magical mayhem, but lately her life has been unexpectedly charmed. Her job as a Ghost Yanker now includes the occasional paranormal investigation, and she’s advancing her magical abilities with the help of an ancestor’s treasured spell book. And while both of her former love interests—reclusive half-Dragon art forger Peter Casaventi and disgraced Shapechanger Magnus Torvald—are nowhere to be found, she’s not averse to being wined and dined by wealthy businessman Anton Eastman.

But Eastman isn’t what he seems, and what he wants from Donata is far more than she’s willing to give. When a mysterious relic, the Pentacle Pentimento, resurfaces, along with Peter’s Dragon father and a shocking Santori family secret, Donata must fight to save herself, her friends, and just maybe the fate of the world from a magic as old as it is dangerous…

Thoughts

I didn’t enjoy this as thoroughly as the first book in Veiled Magic. I think because the relationships were a little off, and her best friend Doc just appeared… there were just a few holes that made the continuity from Veiled Magic a little clunkier than I’m used to from Blake. That’s not to say that I didn’t still thoroughly enjoy this story, but I did take a lot longer to read this than I did the first novel.

Although Veiled Magic features a love triangle, Veiled Menace focuses solely on Donata’s relationship with Pete. Again, the continuity of this was a little disjointed. They had the off again, on again drama going on. Which was a fun driver, but when they were off, Pete wasn’t even mentioned. For the amount of passion in their on moments, it was weird to have such a lack in their off moments.

I liked that we finally discovered who the sixth race was in this and how they fit into the scheme of things. I had formed a number of opinions as to who and what this race could be throughout both Veiled Magic and Veiled Menace, but it still completely swept me away. Donata’s connection to this further surprised me, and I can’t wait to see how all of this unfolds in Veiled Enchantments. That, and how the relationship with Pete is going to evolve (if it does).

<- Veiled MagicVeiled Enchantments ->

Image source: Goodreads

The Beacon by Shannon K. Butcher

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

Dark and Stormy KnightsTitle: The Beacon
Author: Shannon K. Butcher
In: Dark and Stormy Knights (P.N. Elrod)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Demons, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: Something in his leg cracked and pain screamed up his spine, setting his brain on fire.

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Synopsis

Ryder is after a Beacon, someone who draws demonic creatures into our world. But this Beacon isn’t anything like he expected, and the battle that follows will change his life forever.

Thoughts

The opening scene in this short story drew me in from the very beginning. Partially because Butcher is a really good writer, but also partly because it starts with a man going for a drive specifically to kill someone. There is something that I always find fun about assassin stories (this may be a deeper comment on my psyche, but we won’t go into that…)

Although Ryder is off to kill someone for the greater good, the person who he has been sent after is completely unexpected, and the battle that follows is epic. Not only is Ryder faced with an incredibly intimidating foe, he also has a crisis of faith, and a plucky (if not completely underqualified) side kick that he really doesn’t want or need.

I love how The Beacon is bought full circle, albeit with an incredibly changed lifestyle and bunch of choices for Ryder. It ties everything up so neatly and leaves you feeling like he is able to continue fighting the good fight.

 <- Even Hand Review Even a Rabbit Will Bite Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

The Alchemist’s Key by Traci Harding

Book Review, , ,

Overview

The Alchemist's KeyTitle: The Alchemist’s Key
Author: Traci Harding
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Fantasy, Spirituality
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Voyager
Year: 2003
5th sentence, 74th page: Why would he tell you that?

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Synopsis

Wade Ashby has just inherited his grandfather’s estate in England. The Baronage has a business, manor and large fortune. It’s the biggest break of his life – but Wade is inheriting a lot more than he bargained for…

Constructed over four centuries, Ashby Manor is rich in exquisite art, furnishings, architecture and symbolic mosaics. These beautiful antiquities hold the key to a puzzle that has haunted the Barons of Ashby for centuries and now a strange time phenomenon is taking place within the walls of the Manor. Wade must unravel the enigma of his legacy before all of history’s ghosts are unleashed.

Thoughts

Harding always sweeps me away on an epic journey that is both unexpected and thrilling. Somehow, she not only manages to weave an amazing world of mystery and mayhem, her trips into spirituality and the other leave you thinking about it in a way that no other author is able to inspire. The Alchemist’s Key was definitely such a journey for me, and one that was a little less in depth and intense than some of the other Traci Harding books which grace my shelves.

Although this is primarily set in England, I love that the main character is an Aussie. It’s nice to have Australian main characters, and focusing on someone whose family immigrated from England is something that I can completely relate to – my family (on both sides) immigrated from England. It also helped to make Wade a little more of a fish out of water – the Australian culture and way of life doesn’t exactly suit the aristocracy. And it’s always fun to see how someone who is very much an easygoing Aussie being thrust into a world of class and caste.

Although this is the second time that I have read this novel, the thing that jumps out most at me is the assumptions that are made about Wade and Hugh from the very beginning. Although this story is about a family history, mystery and time travel, there is a lot about the assumptions that we make about people on their appearances. First impressions and prejudice run amuck in the character’s relationships, and it’s fun to see how long it takes for this to be sorted and these prejudices to be removed.

 <- The Storyteller’s Muse Review Book of Dreams Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

After Midnight by Fiona Brand

Book Review, , ,

Overview

lover-bewareTitle: After Midnight
Author: Fiona Brand
In: Lover Beware (Christine Feehan)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Romance
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Berkley Books
Year: 2003
5th sentence, 74th page: The rusted hinges of his white picket gate creaked as Tucker pushed it wide.

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Synopsis

Between two strangers… Sometimes one glance is all it takes. And sometimes all it takes is one man to tear apart what fate – and desire – have brought together…

Thoughts

Sometimes it’s nice to curl up with a good, cliché romance. If it reads a little like a Mills and Boon novel, then it’s also nice. If you don’t have a tiny beagle trying to lick your face in all the good bits like I did… talk about awkward.

They say that opposites attract. And also that sometimes lone glance is all that it takes. For Jane and Michael, both of these clichés ring true. For seven years, they have fought their attraction, and when they might finally be able to act on their feelings… well, crime and mayhem rears it’s ugly head and threatens to destroy everything.

So much of this story was the lust and the windup to the big moment. The crime that weaves its way throughout this sleepy New Zealand town just helps to up the stakes. The storm scene that brings the climax of the tale (in more ways than one) crashes through and highlights not only the stakes, but the passion and excitement that this story brings. My only complaint about this is that it was a little too short, and I would dearly love to visit Jane and Michael again.

 <- Hot August Moon Review Only Human Review ->
Image source: Fantastic Fiction

Behind

Blog, , , ,

Not much of a blog today.

I had a quiet one this week because I felt kinda sick and I was waiting on edits from my supervisor. And he’s just had major surgery.

But.

That means that I now feel behind. Behind in study. Behind in housework. Just behind.

So to be honest, I’ll probably be burying my head in a book to forget about the stress of feeling behind. Because my coping mechanisms are healthy…

Beknighted by Deidre Knight

Book Review, , ,

Overview

Dark and Stormy KnightsTitle: Beknighted
Author: Deidre Knight
In: Dark and Stormy Knights (P.N. Elrod)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: Surely Sebastian wanted her to mop up the proverbial mess.

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Synopsis

A young artist has dreamt about freeing her knight in shining armour, and she is about to succeed. But will shadowy, sinister forces stand in her way?

Thoughts

I really liked this short story. The only thing I didn’t like was the way that it ended – the lovers forgot about each other and didn’t get their steamy reunion. It’s cliché, but I do love a romantic, run into each other’s’ arms ending. And this was so close, but yet so far…

It was a very cool, and trippy idea that there was a knight trapped. And to free him an artist had to create a puzzle box. I’ve never actually seen a puzzle box, so this did throw me a little. But it didn’t take away from the amazing storyline of this story – one that I thoroughly enjoyed and am a little disappointed was so short. Actually, I’m going to specifically search for more works by Deidre Knight now, so that I can enjoy such a fun and interesting take on the world again.

 <- Dark Lady Review Shifting Star Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Dark and Stormy Knights edited by P.N. Elrod

Book Review, , , , , , , , , , , ,
Overview
Dark and Stormy Knights

Title: Dark and Stormy Knights
Author: Ilona Andrews, Jim Butcher, Shannon K. Butcher, Rachel Caine, P.N. Elrod, Deidre Knight, Vicki Pettersson, Lilith Saintcrow & Carrie Vaughn
In: Dark and Stormy Knights (P.N. Elrod)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Easy reading, Short story collections
Pace: Medium
Format: Anthology
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: Even today’s cleverest smiths are no match for the magic of the fomor.

Synopsis

It was a dark and stormy knight, and nine dark defenders are about to embark upon a perilous quest…

They’re the shadowy defenders of humanity – modern-day knights committing the darkest of deeds for all the right reasons. In this all-star collection, nine of today’s hottest urban fantasy authors bring us thrilling, all-new stories of the supernatural brimming with magic, mystery, and mayhem.

An unlikely hero goes head-to-head with a ruthless cantrev lord in Jim Butcher’s “Even Hand”. Kate Daniels is called upon for bodyguard duty to protect Saimen, a shifter she trusts less than her worst enemy, in Ilona Andrews’s “A Questionable Client”. At all costs, Cormac must stop a vicious werewolf before it attacks again on the next full moon in Carrie Vaughn’s “God’s Creatures”. And in Vicki Pettersson’s “Shifting Star”, Skamar reluctantly enlists the aid of her frustratingly sexy neighbor when she takes on a vengeful creature kidnapping young girls.

When everything’s on the line, can these sinister guardians complete their missions and live to fight another day? Find out in Dark and Stormy Knights!

Thoughts

I loved this collection. I loved it so much that I really didn’t want to put it down. And bought almost every series featured in this collection. Which has cost me a fair bit of money in the last few days… yes, I am well aware that I have a problem. And I’m a little bit concerned by how quickly and easily I fall into these amazing literary worlds.

I loved the variety of stories, genres and tales throughout this. I loved the fact that the dark fantasy common thread ran through seamlessly. And I loved that each time I turned the page something exciting and thrilling was leaping out at me. There’s actually not much negative that I can say about this collection. After all, it took me through the scale of emotions, a number of whirlwind adventures and made me feel like I never wanted to put this book down again. For any fans of fantasy, this is definitely one to add to your shelf.

 <- A Questionable ClientGod’s Creatures ->

Image source: Goodreads

Krisis by Lindsay Smith

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

Kisses and CursesTitle: Krisis
Author: Lindsay Smith
Series: Sekret #0.6
In: Kisses & Curses (Lauren Burniac)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy, History, Psychics
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Square Fish
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: “Comrade, that is not a feasible option-”

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Synopsis

A seer who can see into the future is placed in the midst of the Cuban Missile Crisis and maybe only she can stop the world from ending.

Thoughts

I really enjoy stories that are based around actual moments in history. However, I’m not one who tends to read up much on history – probably because in high school we did a lot of American history and ANZAC history, but nothing about our Indigenous Australians, and many, many things that they basically try to pretend didn’t happen. But I digress… this short story (and apparently greater series) is set in Communist Russia. A period of history that I know next to nothing about. And now want to know even more of.

Stories about people with extra abilities, like telekinesis, telepathy, future telling… they are stories that I tend to be drawn to. The fact that this partners an aspect of history that I know little of just makes it all the more appealing. I also loved reading the author’s introduction to this story – the idea for the series came from a fascination with this period of history, and what would happen if even the privacy of your own mind was taken away. Even though this short story isn’t quite about that, it is a great introduction to the world and the idea overall.

Nuclear warfare scares me. If someone presses that button, the world will effectively end. Regardless of the way in which it happens. Revisiting a period in history where this very nearly happened and giving it a paranormal twist really works for me. It’s something that is a terrifying Krisis, and the potential for the mayham is, I think, seared into all of our souls. I can’t wait to see where this series will take me…

 <- Skandal Review Sekret Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

The Sister of the South by Emily Rodda

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

The Sister of the SouthTitle: The Sister of the South
Author: Emily Rodda
Series: Dragons of Deltora #4, World of Deltora #15
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Easy reading, Medieval fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Year: 2004
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘No, Kree!’ she exclaimed.

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

DELOTRA IS A LAND OF MONSTERS AND MAGIC…

With the aid of Deltora’s last dragons, Lief, Barda and Jasmine have destroyed three of the Four Sisters, evil Shadow Lord creations which are poisoning their land. Their quest will end in the city of Del, where the Sister of the South lies hidden.

Del is the companions’ home, but it has changed. Fear now stalks the streets, treachery lurks behind smiling faces and evil prowls the palace. Burdened by a terrible sense of foreboding, Lief knows that every step he takes leads closer to disaster. Yet he cannot stop, he cannot turn back.

And in the Shadowlands the Enemy gloats, waiting for the terrifying end.

Thoughts

I was kind of sad to finish this story – after all, it is the very last of the Deltora Quest tales and it completely ties up the tale of Lief, Barda and Jasmine. But it’s also nice when an author finishes off such a long series in such a way. It doesn’t make you constantly wonder “what happened” and gives everyone their nice, happy, ride off into the sunset future. Yes, they might be kind of cheesy, but I still like the happily ever after endings…

I love how the use of fairy tales throughout the Deltora Quest stories inform the quests that the trio take in their modern days. It was a story that sends them on this final quest, and it ties in beautifully at the end of this tale to create one, last hurdle. Unless you’ve read Tales of Deltora, the ending isn’t exactly obvious – the entirety of the folktale isn’t revealed. But if you have, there is a great hint in there.

Although this is a happy ending, there is a sense of sadness to the finishing of this. Not just because the series is finished, but also because not everyone gets that happily ever after. Although it sounds horrible, I liked the fact that it wasn’t so cut and dry – there is a level of complexity in Rodda’s storytelling that I completely missed as a child, but thoroughly enjoy as an adult.

 <- Isle of the Dead Review Tales of Deltora Review ->
Image source: Scholastic