All posts by skyebjenner

The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson

Book Review, , ,

Overview

The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr HydeTitle: The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson
In: Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde and Other Strange Tales (Robert Louis Stevenson) & Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde & Other Stories (Robert Louis Stevenson)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Classics, Fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Kingsford Editions
Year: 1886
5th sentence, 74th page: And still the figure had no face, or one that baffled him and melted before his eyes; and thus it was that there sprang up and grew apace in the lawyer’s mind a singularly strong, almost an inordinate, curiosity to behold the features of the real Mr Hyde.

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Synopsis

In this harrowing tale of good and evil, the mild-mannered Dr. Jekyll develops a potion that unleashes his secret, inner persona—the loathsome, twisted Mr. Hyde.

Thoughts

This is one of those classics that I know the rough outline for, the message and the idea. I’ve just never before had a chance to read it. And, after reading multiple mentions of it in The Girl in the Steel Corset, I decided that enough was enough and I needed to open this story. And, yes, there’s a reason that it’s a well-known classic.

Although I knew the general gist of Dr Jekyll’s affliction, the way in which the story unfolded still had me wondering what was going to happen next. The entirety of the tale is written from the outside perspective, there is fear and confusion about what is happening in Jekyll’s hidden world, but his friends are still clueless as to the extent of his affliction.

We all have a secret, dark side. One that is impulsive and not quite socially acceptable. However, most people tend to keep this aspect of themselves hidden and under control. After all, we can’t just succumb to our inner desires and whims. In the case of Dr Jekyll, his wish to find and embrace this side of himself leads to a split personality – literally.

 <- Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde & Other Stories Review The Suicide Club Review ->
Image source: Amazon

Touch the Dark by Karen Chance

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Touch the Dark

Title: Touch the Dark
Author: Karen Chance
Series: Cassandra Palmer #1, Cassandra Palmer World #3
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Roc Fantasy
Year: 2007
5th sentence, 74th page: Staring at me from the mirror was Louis-Cesar’s face, white with shock.

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Synopsis

Cassandra Palmer can see the future and communicate with spirits – talents that make her attractive to the dead and the undead. The ghosts of the dead aren’t usually dangerous; they just like to talk… a lot.

The undead are another matter.

Like any sensible girl, Cassie tries to avoid vampires. But when the bloodsucking mafioso she escaped three years ago finds Cassie again with vengeance on his mind, she’s forced to turn to the vampire Senate for protection.

The undead senators won’t help her for nothing, and Cassie finds herself working with one of their most powerful members, a dangerously seductive master vampire – and the price he demands may be more than Cassie is willing to pay…

Thoughts

It’s been years since I last picked up this novel – back when I first read it, I thought it was a standalone story with an off-kilter ending. Now that I’ve found out it’s just the beginning of a series, I thought that I’d pick it up again. See if it was as good as I remember and help me to become reintroduced to the world of Cassandra Palmer. And, if anything, I think that this was a little better than last time. Maybe because I’ve grown older, or maybe I just was in a more appreciative headspace… regardless of the reasoning, I loved this novel and am now keenly waiting for Claimed by Shadow to arrive.

One of the things that I loved about this storyline is the way that Chance approached virginity. I’ve found that very few of my favourite storylines have a virgin as the main character. And, the few stories when there are key characters who are also virgins, this takes up a lot of their characterisation. Most stories I read don’t focus on somebody’s sex life to define them, so it always annoys me when there is a focus on the inexperience levels as well. It puts too much emphasis on the idea that we should be or shouldn’t be… or whichever way, too much pressure. Chance doesn’t do this though. It’s just an aspect of Cassie’s existence, and although it is an important plot driver and point, it doesn’t create the character.

Ever since the Twilight fiasco, I’ve been a little hesitant to pick up any books that directly mention vampires. I’m sorry, but vampires shouldn’t be considered a romantic, sexy creature that you can have a happily ever after with. Their entire mythos is built around the fact that they are supposed to be predators… I know that their overwhelming presence in this story was something that made me pick it up, put it down, and so on for months. But, I was pleasantly surprised – yes, there is a sexual factor about the vampires, and Cassie spends a lot of time with them and lusting for them. BUT, there is no moment in which they are not considered as, and treated like, predators! Which really, is all I want out of a good vampire character…

<- The Queen’s WitchClaimed by Shadow ->

Image source: Wikipedia

The Queen’s Witch by Karen Chance

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
The Queen's Witch

Title: The Queen’s Witch
Author: Karen Chance
Series: Cassandra Palmer #0.6, Cassandra Palmer World #2
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Karen Chance Online
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: But Trevelyan seemed pleased.

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Synopsis

“The Queen’s Witch” is a short story connected to the New York Times bestselling Cassandra Palmer and Dorina Basarab series of urban fantasy novels. It features Kit Marlowe in a supernatural thriller set in Elizabethan England.

It’s a companion novel to The Gauntlet.

Thoughts

I loved the setting location for The Queen’s Witch. Following on Gillian and Kit from The Gauntlet, they travel through Victorian England and try to find a way to save the queen. The semi-historical setting gave the story a unique feeling from the main Cassandra Palmer series, and (I’m assuming) context for the later storylines within the series.

Having said that, I’m not actually sure where this miniseries fit into the storyline, but it feels like there is a lot of context here that is going to become useful later. The idea of coven witches and circle witches is fascinating, and the constant war that they are at is a constantly recurring battle. That of the old system vs. the new – modern vs. natural.

Kit Marlowe and Gillian have a tensely sexual relationship, and I like the way that they play off of one another throughout the story. Although this isn’t resolved at the conclusion of the story, it added a nice layer throughout the storyline.

 <- The GauntletTouch the Dark ->

Image source: Goodreads

The Stone Witch by Isobelle Carmody

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

Under My HatTitle: The Stone Witch
Author: Isobelle Carmody
In: Under My Hat (Jonathan Strahan)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Easy reading, Fantasy, Witches
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: We were, however, tilted heavily to one side.

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Synopsis

A woman who doesn’t like kids sits on an aircraft, preparing to go on a journey. The flight attendant brings a child traveling alone to take the seat beside her. The woman is none too happy about this turn of events and studiously tries to ignore the little girl. For the most part it seems to be working until the plane hits some major turbulence. Just as it seems the plane is about to crash, the woman is transported into a world that she has dreamed about many times before. The little girl along with another older woman named Rose and her dog are there as well. Rose sends the woman and girl on a fantastical journey to find a stolen amethyst egg. Whether or not they succeed in their mission will ultimately determine their fate and may also teach them a few things about themselves in the process.

Thoughts

Planes, children and death, three things that kind of freak me out, all combined into one very enjoyable short story. But honestly, I didn’t expect anything less from one of my favourite authors!

There always seems to be an underlying story of fate and quests in Carmody’s work, and this story is no different. After Hester’s worst fears seem to be realised, she is sent on a quest with a small child to a potentially glorious future. Ultimately, she is forced to face a decision that makes her face up to her own future, or that of another human being’s.

The vividness of Carmody’s writing stays with me long after I have finished the final page of her stories. The Stone Witch is no different, and I can’t get those final moments of the story out of my mind.

 <- Burning Castles Review Andersen’s Witch Review ->
Image source: Frances Hardinge

Otherworld Nights by Kelley Armstrong

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
otherworld-nights

Title: Otherworld Nights
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Women of the Otherworld Companion
In: Otherworld Nights (Kelley Armstrong)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal fantasy, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Collection
Publisher: Orbit
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: But he wasn’t the one I was worried about.

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Synopsis

A suspenseful, sexy new collection of stories and novellas, both original and curated by the author from her short fiction.

Sunday Times bestselling author Kelley Armstrong captivated readers with her Women of the Otherworld series of supernatural thrillers. In this new anthology, favourite characters return in stories of drama, danger and desire. Legendary werewolf partners Elena and Clay stalk the pages of this book, along with vampires, witches, half-demons and sorcerers. Filled with fan favourites and rarities, Otherworld nights concludes with a brand-new novella, ‘Vanishing Act’. This thrilling longer story is set after the events of series finale 13, and features much-loved characters Savannah and Adam as they being a new life – and a mysterious new case – together.

Thoughts

I loved, loved, loved this collection of Women of the Otherworld short stories. In between some of the stories, it was nice to revisit favourite characters. This collection also provided a greater backstory to Adam’s childhood and Aaron and Cassandra’s relationship. Both aspects of the characters which I hadn’t quite had a chance to enjoy or understand.

I love that although there are only thirteen primary works in this series, there are a number of short stories and novellas which help to flesh out the world. Otherworld Nights had a feeling of the things that go bump in the night, and the cold, dark, Russian winter. It was a great collection that left me smiling when I finally finished it.

<- Tales of the OtherworldOtherworld Secrets ->

Image source: Goodreads

Christmas

Blog

I know that I missed last week’s post, I was too busy running around doing the family things for Christmas time. And now, ironically, on Christmas Eve I have actually finished with Christmas. Not only have I seen all the family members and exchanged all of the gifts. It’s a weird feeling since normally, in our family, Christmas is a four day celebration starting at this time. But, my family has gone away and I am by myself.

Something about being by yourself for Christmas seems a little depressing (it’s family time after all). But I’m actually enjoying the relative peace. I don’t have to see extended family and converse with masses of people. I get to stay in the comfort of my own home and spend the time as I see fit. My partner will be around, but when I don’t feel like talking to people, I don’t have to make nice.

Plus, I get to spend it with my beautiful puppies (who are currently tearing around the house like maniacs). I also have my parents’ two dogs who are… difficult. The lab is mostly okay, except everytime I move so does she. It’s the spaniel that is problematic. He has already done damage to our brand new windows, and likes to ignore 90% of what I say to him. Needless to say, as much as I am enjoying the break from the rest of humanity, there is a level of frustration in being left with four crazy dogs….

Vanishing Act by Kelley Armstrong

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
otherworld-nights

Title: Vanishing Act
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Women of the Otherworld #13.2
In: Otherworld Nights (Kelley Armstrong)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal fantasy, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Orbit
Year: 201
5th sentence, 74th page: There was a reason I’d told him rather than Paige.

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Synopsis

Savannah and Adam are trying to negotiate the new boundaries of their relationship while hunting down a unique half-demon.

Thoughts

Seven months after the occurrences of 13, and Savannah and Adam are forced to negotiate and really look at what their new relationship means. The backdrop of a unique type of half-demon and their battle against the Cabals is a great way to raise the stakes in their activities. It also helps to highlight Savannah’s immensely complex relationship with the Cabals – primarily the tug of war between herself, the Cortez and Nast Cabals and how everything that happened in 13 just helped these already tenuous relationships completely implode.

I love the idea of Adam and Savannah, the age gap is kind of big, but Savannah’s maturity (Adam’s immaturity) and the way that they’ve grown together is kind of amazing. I literally cheered out loud when they finally got together towards the end of Spellbound and more officially in 13. Their own issues and independence mean that they both have a tendency to freak out about their relationship, and most of the personal storyline in this tale is about them finding a way to be themselves, and in a couple as well. The communication aspect might need a lot of work, but there is nothing like hunting down an unknown talent and facing up to other Cabals to put it through a pressure cooker.

<- From Russia with LoveBrazen ->

Image source: Goodreads

From Russia with Love by Kelley Armstrong

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
otherworld-nights

Title: From Russia with Love
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Women of the Otherworld #13.1
In: Otherworld Nights (Kelley Armstrong)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal fantasy, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Orbit
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: Then I told Clay my plan.

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Synopsis

Elena and Clay join the rest of the Pack in Russia, not long after the events of 13. And boy, are they in for a surprise.

Thoughts

The events of 13 drove the challenges and actions of all the members of the Women of the Otherworld forwards. Jeremy decides that now is the time for Elena’s ascension to Alpha, and looks forward to his retirement. The Pack is weathering the remainder of the storm in Russia and Elena and Clay struggle to deal with the revelation that Malcolm is still alive.

13 indicated the end of an era, not only for the Pack, but for Savannah, Paige and the rest of the group – the end of one adventure and the beginning of a new one. Elena becoming Pack Alpha is just another step in this journey. Kate and Logan’s responses to this are fantastic, as is the way in which Jeremy approaches the need of a ‘challenge’. Elena is forced to beat him at a mind game, rather than fighting in a physical battle. This is incredibly in tune with Jeremy’s approach to Pack leadership, and I am looking forward to investigating how Elena goes in her new leadership role.

<- 13Vanishing Act ->

Image source: Goodreads

13 by Kelley Armstrong

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
13

Title: 13
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Women of the Otherworld #13
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal fantasy, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Orbit
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: Not your mommy.

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Synopsis

War is coming to the Otherworld.

A sinister cult known as the Supernatural Liberation Movement is hell-bent on exposing the truth about supernaturals to the rest of the world. Their violent, ruthless plan has put everyone at risk: from werewolves to vampires, from witches to half-demons.

Savannah Levine – fiery and unpredictable – stands at the heart of the maelstorm. There is a new, dark magic inside her, granting her the power to summon spells of terrifying strength. But whether this magic is a gift or a curse, no one knows.

On the eve of battle, all the major players must come together in a last, desperate fight for survival – Elena and Clay; Adam and Savannah; Paige and Lucas; Jeremy and Jaime; Hope, Eve and more… They are fighting for their lives. They are fighting for their loved ones.

They are fighting for the Otherworld.

Thoughts

This was an absolutely AMAZING finale to this series! Although there are a number of short stories and novellas that follow and tell you how the many characters have continued life after the war, this was the final of the actual novels. And it was an epic final battle. I loved that although the majority of this story was told from Savannah’s point of view (like the preceding two books), the main players from the other books also had their own chapters. It’s almost the last section of a three part book – making it impossible to put Waking the Witch, Spellbound OR 13 down.

The Women of the Otherworld storyline felt a little staggered and haphazard (but still awesome) at the beginning of the series. But after a while, there seemed to be a larger storyline at work throughout the different tales. 13 provided a fantastic wrap up of this. Although, as it says at the end, more adventures are awaiting them. But the major points of the story are tied up, and there is an overarching feeling of a happy ending and a bright new future ahead for everyone.

There is something poetic about the fact that a paranormal series has thirteen books, and the final book is called 13. The cover art, the name and the number in the series all work beautifully to add onto the feel and theme that has been created throughout the series. I was actually kind of sad to turn the last page of this story. Only to remember that there are some short stories left to read…

<- SpellboundFrom Russia with Love ->

Image source: ALPHA Reader

Spellbound by Kelley Armstrong

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Spellbound

Title: Spellbound
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Women of the Otherworld #12
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal fantasy, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Orbit
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: Excellent.

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

Synopsis

Savannah Levine is in danger. That’s not usually a problem. But, caught in the grip of a disturbing and violent murder case, Savannah swore to give up her unique gifts if it would save an innocent young girl. Little did she know that someone – or something – was listening… Now she has no idea how to restore her powers, just when she needs them the most.

In this compelling, fast-paced thriller, Savannah has to face a host of deadly enemies bent on destroying not only her but the very fabric of the supernatural world. As dark forces gather, Savannah isn’t just fighting for her life, but for everything and everyone she loves.

Thoughts

The ending of Waking the Witch was a bit of a cliff hanger. What would happen of Savannah’s blunder and how was it going to be fixed? Her final promise to give up her powers to save a young girl leave her incredibly vulnerable. And not just with a lack of powers, but it also causes her to ask who she is and what it all means? The added complications of Savannah’s guilt and her confusion about Adam help to make this a journey that I couldn’t put down.

Losing her powers, surprisingly helped Savannah to become stronger – not just in herself, but she finds ways to compensate for the lack of firepower. It’s a great reminder of all of the shortcuts that Savannah has taken throughout the series, and she is forced to really rely on herself. And, as has been slowly forming since the occurrences in Broken, the supernatural war is beginning. Which means that Savannah’s position at the centre of maelstrom makes her abilities and power integral to the survival of  all of our Women of the Otherworld favourites.

Although Adam and Savannah haven’t gotten romantically entangled yet, there is a really strong undertone to their relationship that keeps hinting at the future that I want them to have. Actually, it starts to become resolved at the end of this book, but mostly the undertone drives the storyline and tale of the story. His protectiveness of Savannah while she is vulnerable and being hunted shows how much he cares about her, and their ability to work as partners is kind of poetic. Yet, when Savannah pushes him too far, he shuts her down completely.

<- Waking the Witch13 ->

Image source: Goodreads