All posts by skyebjenner

Black Scales, White Fur by Kylie Chan

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

Black Scales White FurTitle: Black Scales, White Fur
Author: Kylie Chan
Series: Dark Heavens #9.5
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Demons, Mythology
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Kylie Chan
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: She broke off the kiss and smiled up at him through stinging tears of joy.

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Synopsis

The Demon King’s harem is a dangerous place, with the Snake Mothers constantly battling for prizes and promotion. But the smallest Snake Mother doesn’t want to play the cruel games; she just wants to create beautiful works of art. After a chance meeting with the Celestial Emperor of the West, the White Tiger, she quietly plots to escape Hell and find freedom – and perhaps even love.

Thoughts

I didn’t realise that this novella fits towards the end of the Dark Heavens series, I actually thought it sat in beforehand, a bit like Small Shen. But, there is a small mention of Simone as a woman, so I figure it is much later in the overall series. That’s not to say that it really gave anything away, there is a small mention of Emma and John going out for Yum Cha with Simone, but that is the only hint of the future. And to be completely honest, you know that eventually they will get their happily ever after… Chan has just put them through too much to not give them that. Or me. I need that. I haven’t even finished the series. And I know that I need that happily ever after…

Bai Hu’s harem of wives and women is something that is both interesting, and a little concerning to me throughout the rest of the Dark Heavens books. So it was interesting to read a story about a woman (of a sort) that falls for him and is willing to become one of many. Honestly, I understand Emma’s one and only feelings a lot more, even if it means she can’t touch her one and only… But the sweetness of the main character in this, and the way in which Bai Hu is able to completely change her life makes the fact that this does happen make a little more sense to me. The fact that she hangs on to her free will, no matter what the risks also made me love her a little more. After all, falling in love and being swept away by your emotions doesn’t mean that you have to lose your will power and independence.

I really liked this look into Chan’s demonic world. It gave a completely different perspective into a reality that I am already in love with. The fitting of a mythological world on top of our own works beautifully. Actually, this is one of the best ways in which I’ve seen an author do this, and switching from the Celestial, and our world to the Underworld in this novella was a great change of pace. And it still worked fantastically. It made a lot of sense, and the brief appearances of known Celestial characters against he horror of this small Snake Mothers’ real world help to give even more layers which has made me pick up White Tiger again and just devour it.

 <- Black Jade Review Small Shen Review ->
Image source: Smashwords

White Tiger by Kylie Chan

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
White Tiger

Title: White Tiger
Author: Kylie Chan
Series: Dark Heavens #1, Dark Heavens Trilogy #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Demons, Mythology
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Voyager
Year: 2006
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘Understood, sir,’ Leo said.

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Synopsis

ACTION, INTRIGUE, DEMONS AND DRAGONS.

Kylie Chan creates a fast and furious story balanced between the celestial and the mortal, the powerful and the innocent…

Emma Donahoe has just started her new job as nanny to Simone, the daughter of John Chen, a very rich Hong Kong businessman. She understands that Simone may be a target for kidnappers but she does not expect to be drawn into a world of martial arts, magic and extreme danger, where both gods and demons can exist in the mortal domain.

When John and his American bodyguard, Leo, teach Emma their particular style of martial arts, they begin to realise that Emma herself is more than she seems…

Thoughts

This was one of the books Mum bought me years ago, back when she still bought me books because I didn’t have the serious bibiliophilic problem that I have today. And I remember giving it to my sister to read when she was younger. It’s the reason that she too has started to create her own library – there’s just something about this fast-paced, fun and intriguing book that has drawn both of us in from the very first page.

Admittedly, I went to reread this book a year ago, and at the time it just really didn’t fit my current mood. I just didn’t want to read a book that featured a woman who is willing to do anything and give up anything for love. However, now I’m in the right mood again. And it was just as amazing as I remember. And just as difficult to put down. And just, really, in general, lots of fun and fantastic. Now that I’m older, I do find Emma’s commitment a little bit more difficult to understand, because I’m not blinded by the idea of true love and the romance of sacrificing everything for somebody else. I still believe in it, I still believe in Emma’s brand of love to be honest, but I don’t think it is as amazing and sweet a choice as I used to. Now I understand just what sacrifice she is making. And this is just the first book!

I’ve already mentioned a bit about how Emma sacrifices a lot to be with the Chen household, but she is also an incredibly strong and great heroine. The story is all completely written from her point of view, and I love the tone and insight that this lends to the tale. You discover the secrets as she does. And the fact that she is Australian lends an extra level of familiarity to me… there are moments of colloquial and cultural understanding that already belong to me, and it makes me feel like I too could travel to Hong Kong, find a rich businessman and fall into a world that is not my own… or not. I could just stay on my comfortable, Australian couch…

 <- Small Shen ReviewRed Phoenix Review ->
Image source: Booktopia

Small Shen by Kylie Chan & Queenie Chan

Book Review, , , , , ,

Overview

Small ShenTitle: Small Shen
Author: Kylie Chan & Queenie Chan
Series: Dark Heavens #0.5
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Demons, Graphic novels, Mythology
Pace: Medium
Format: Graphic novel, Novel
Publisher: Harper Voyager
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: How long before the spirit could be restored and you would become more than an animal again?

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Synopsis

In the tradition of the bestselling White Tiger series, Small Shen follows the adventures of cheeky troublemaker Gold who seduces a dragon princess, fights demons and causes headaches for the gods of Chinese mythology. When Gold is ordered to join the household of John Chen, the Dark Lord of the Northern Heavens, he discovers he will do anything to save John and his family from danger…

Small Shen is a stunning combination of Kylie Chan’s action-packed storytelling and Queenie Chan’s illustrations and manga comics.

Thoughts

I love the combination of mediums in this novel. Flicking between prose and images makes this journey really fun and different. Especially when you place it within the context of the Dark Heavens series. Following Gold through the years and his ability to get into all kinds of trouble is entertaining to say the least. The fact that his numerous mistakes are accompanied by actual facial expressions, well, it’s priceless.

As well as the mixed medium, the storyline jumps between time periods. When it is telling the more modern-day story of Michelle and John, there is only prose. The characters that I have grown to love throughout the series are still only witnessed in my mind’s eye. Which I like, nothing destroys a series I have long loved more than being shown another’s image of what the character looks like… only to find out that someone else’s idea is completely different to my own. Yet, when the past is visited and the Gods are seen, there is some vivid and thoroughly enjoyable pictures which can accompany this. Not only do I like the fact that Leo, Emma and Simone aren’t really witnessed throughout this tale, but using pictures to tell a lot of one storyline and not another help to further distinguish between the two timelines and reduce the confusion.

I can remember reading White Tiger years and years ago. And I did kind of wonder just what Gold and Jade had done to be forced into servitude. I also wondered at what kind of woman Michelle was and how the relationship with her was so different to that of Emma’s relationship. This small prequel helps to answer a lot of the questions that I had when I started this series. It’s enjoyable to read this before or after reading the Dark Heavens trilogy. Or really at any point within the great Dark Heavens series.

 <- Black Scales, White Fur Review White Tiger Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

The Blood by Marjorie Liu & Sana Takeda

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
The Blood

Title: The Blood
Author: Marjorie Liu & Sana Takeda
Series: Monstress #2
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Graphic novels, Steampunk
Pace: Fast
Format: Graphic novel
Publisher: image
Year: 2017
5th sentence, 74th page: Oh, no.

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Synopsis

Maika Halfwolf is on the run from a coalition of forces determined to control or destroy the powerful Monstrum that lives beneath her skin. But Maika still has a mission of her own: to discover the secrets of her late mother, Moriko.

In this second volume of MONSTRESS, collecting issues 7 – 12, Maika’s quest takes her to the pirate-controlled city of Thyria and across the sea to the mysterious Isle of Bones. It is a journey that will force Maika to reevaluate her past, present, and future, and contemplate whether there’s anyone, or anything, she can truly trust – including her own body.

Thoughts

I enjoyed this more than volume one of the Monstress series. Awakening was a great introduction, it was incredibly violent. And it was weirdly beautiful (especially considering the violence). But The Blood had a storyline that I found much more engaging, and a lot simpler to follow.

There was a lot more light in the panels of this novel – it acted as a brilliant counterpoint to Maika’s memories and internal conversations with the Monstrum. It also highlights the potential hope for the future, against the dark backdrop of her past. All interwoven in such beautifully illustrated panels that I frequently found myself stopping and staring at the pages, unable to move on until I had absorbed every minute detail.

The complexity of this picture story still makes me feel as though I have probably missed a lot in this reading. And I’m going to need to read it a few more times to really let the tale sink in. But, something about The Blood helped me to understand Maika’s world in a lot more detail than Awakening. Now to wait until the next volume is released…

 <- Awakening ReviewHaven Review ->

Image source: Amazon

Awakening by Marjorie Liu & Sana Takeda

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Awakening

Title: Awakening
Author: Marjorie Liu & Sana Takeda
Series: Monstress #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Graphic novels, Steampunk
Pace: Fast
Format: Graphic novel
Publisher: image
Year: 2016
5th sentence, 74th page: Let us hope that will be enough to bring down this wild child.

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Synopsis

Set in an alternatie world of art deco beauty and steampunk horror, Monstress tells the epic story of Maika Halfwolf, a teenage survivor of a cataclysmic war between humans and their hated enemies, the Arcanics. In the face of oppression and terrible danger, Maika is both hunter and hunted, searching for answers about her mysterious past as those who seek to use her remain just one step behind… and all the while, the monster within begins to awaken…

Thoughts

This is my first ever hardcore graphic novel. And, although it was seriously enjoyable, it was also a little twisted. A little confronting. And a little bit addictive.

I’ve read a few graphic novels before, but they are always an addition to a novel series. So the introduction and personification of the main character has already occurred. As has the world, and most the rules by which they live. To read a graphic novel that must do all of this from the outset with pictures was an interesting experience, and did I mention confusing? I think that this is one of those stories that the more times I look through it and read it, the more I’m going to notice about it.

I loved the imagery that was used in this graphic novel. It was a great mixture of anime-style drawings and what I imagine the world of steampunk would look like. There was a lot of violence in this, but it was beautifully, and a little disgustingly drawn. The emotions that are shown throughout the piece are great drivers of the story, and I can’t wait to read the next volume in this series.

 <- The Chosen ReviewThe Blood Review ->
Image source: Booktopia

Moon Called Volume 2 by Patricia Briggs & David Lawrence

Book Review, , , , , ,

Overview

Moon Called Volume 2Title: Moon Called Volume 2
Author: Patricia Briggs & David Lawrence
Series: Mercedes Thompson #0.92
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: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: A lone wolf like you would only have contact with…

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Synopsis

Mercy Thompson is a walker, a unique magical being with the ability to transform into a coyote. Her human neighbors view the fiercely independent female auto-mechanic as eccentric; to the town’s darker denizens, the werewolves, witches and vampires, she is prey.

But the greater predators have underestimated Mercy. She’s seen her friends assaulted, kidnapped, and killed as a war between werewolves erupts, and Mercy has had enough! Only she can unravel the secrets of the dark conspiracy that threatens them all, but can Mercy do it in time to save her friends… and herself? Scores are settled and secrets revealed in teh thrilling slimax of Patricia Briggs’ Mercy Thompson: Moon Called.

Thoughts

The second instalment of the graphic novel adaptation of Moon Called was even better than the first. Sort of. They were both amazing. Alright, maybe as good as the first. They were both amazing. The imagery is fantastic, the adaptation seems to add in what’s necessary, and leave out what’s not. The extra tale at the end positions this world alongside that of Alpha and Omega. And, well, it just all works out brilliantly.

One of the things I enjoyed about this graphic novel is the way that the very convoluted motives of Gerry (the villain) in the novel and places them within a simpler context. It’s difficult to take something that is quite complex and simplify it in a way that holds the essence of the original plot.

Sam, Adam and Stephen looked nothing like what I have pictured in my mind’s eye. And I will probably continue to picture them in my original way when I read the rest of the Mercedes Thompson novels. But, it was fun to see the same characters through a different person’s eyes. Weirdly enough, reading this graphic novel made me realise that I haven’t pictured Mercedes herself with much detail, since I normally follow along and watch the world through her own eyes.

<- Moon Called Volume 1 Review Moon Called Review ->
Image source: Amazon

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?

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

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