All posts by skyebjenner

Waking the Witch by Kelley Armstrong

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Waking the Witch

Title: Waking the Witch
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Women of the Otherworld #11
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: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: Summer was almost here, and I needed a new wardrobe, which meant a trip to New York with my favorite shopping buddy.

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

Synopsis

When three young women are found dead – apparent victims of ritual murder – the small, fading town of Columbus is shaken to its core. But things are about to turn even more strange and sinister…

Private investigator Savannah Levine can handle ‘strange and sinister’. As the daughter of a black witch, she has a lot of power running through her veins, and she’s not afraid to use it. But her arrival in town has not gone unnoticed. Savannah may think she’s tracking down a murderer, but could she be the killer’s next target?

Thoughts

Every time I read one of the books in the Women of the Otherworld series, I decide that they are my absolute favourite heroines of the series. And then I open the next book and my mind changes all over again. Every single lead in this series has her own amazing prowess and something that makes me feel connected to them. But, they’re all different enough that the storyline never gets boring. The first book featuring a grown Savannah Levine was no different. Her teenage rebellion and attitude have mellowed since her introduction in Stolen, but she still has this sense of sass that none of the other characters possess. And, her infatuation with Adam has blown from a school girl crush to an understanding of love and giving.

From the moment that she was introduced in the series, Savannah possesses a don’t care, self-centred persona. Yet, as she tries to track down a serial killer and befriends some of the locals, it becomes obvious that this is just that – a persona. She has a thick skin and protects herself with her mother’s reputation and her ability to be pithy and rude. But she cares so deeply about the people that surround her. Kayla, the young daughter of one of the victims, helps to add an extra layer of risk and emotion to her actions. Throw in some shady cult leaders, a not-so-nice crime family and the fact that Leah is back haunting earth somewhere… yeah, this story not only shows that Savannah has a soft side, but it also drags it out of her kicking and screaming. Which, of course, leads to a pretty intense and emotional conclusion that had me reaching for Spell Bound as soon as I could.

Throughout our daily lives, my partner and I are constantly forced into gender roles and made fun of when one or the other don’t fit these. The age difference between Adam and Savannah just encourages this assumption throughout the story. The idea that Savannah is unable to lead her own investigation is compounded by the fact that Adam shows up to give her moral support. Yet, he is more than willing to let her have her head. He actually lets her be herself, dominant, pissy, strong… something that is needed in a lot of relationships (or so I believe).

<- Sorry… the Hardest WordSpellbound ->

Image source: Goodreads

The Morning Gift by Eva Ibbotson

Book Review, , ,

Overview

The Morning GiftTitle: The Morning Gift
Author: Eva Ibbotson
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, History, Romance
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Picador
Year: 1993
5th sentence, 74th page: Once he had a lusty son or two, he’d forget all this nonsense about the Trust.

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

Synopsis

Ruth lives happily in the magnificent city of Vienna. Then the Nazis invade and her world is turned upside down.

Her parents flee to London, but Ruth is accidentally left behind. A family friend offers her an escape route: a marriage of convenience to be dissolved as soon as they reach England. But Ruth’s feelings for Quin soon take her by surprise, and her efforts to set him free do not quite go as she plans…

Thoughts

This is such a beautiful love story, set against an amazing backdrop of one of the most horrible moments in recent history – the beginning of WWII and the rein of Hitler. The juxtaposition between the romance and the horror works really nicely, and although it does give a face to what some Jewish people experienced in this time, it is mostly about the glory of falling in love. Not just that first, cute, puppy love, but that moment you realise you need to be with someone for every moment of the rest of your life – that you’ve found not only a friend and a lover, but a partner to your life.

I honestly think that this is my favourite Eva Ibbotson novel – it’s a little more mature than her other stories. After all, it deals with pregnancy and death and the horrors of WWII. But, it’s also my favourite story because I find Ruth the easiest to relate to – she’s a science student with a love of life. Yet, she’s still trying to find out who she is and what she’s going to become (a point that I’m currently at in my life). She’s also completely overwhelmed by her first experiences of the adult world (again, I’m still going through this). Yet, although she is a scientist, she is also a music lover.

The two aspects of Ruth that are constantly warring throughout this novel are also echoed in the two love interests. Heini is music personified (mostly because he is irreparably talented). On the other hand Quinton is science, he is rough, slightly uncultured and insanely intelligent. Personally, I like the intelligent guy – Heini is a little too self-centred in his pursuit of music and not exactly partner material. Although I love the outer contrast of the inner conflict that Ruth undergoes throughout this story. It’s also a mark of her ability to grow from a young, sheltered girl into a strong, educated woman… maybe one day I’ll undergo that transformation.

 <- Magic Flutes Review The Secret Countess Review ->
Image source: Amazon

One Fell Sweep by Ilona Andrews

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
One Fell Sweep

Title: One Fell Sweep
Author: Ilona Andrews
Series: The Innkeeper Chronicles #3
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Ilona Andrews
Year: 2016
5th sentence, 74th page: “You know what, Jim, we are some distance away,” a male voice said through the mild static.

Synopsis

Dina DeMille may run the nicest Bed and Breakfast in Red Deer, Texas, but she caters to a very particular kind of guest… the kind that no one on Earth is supposed to know about. Guests like a former intergalactic tyrant with an impressive bounty on her head, the Lord Marshal of a powerful vampire clan, and a displaced-and-superhot werewolf; so don’t stand too close, or you may be collateral damage.

But what passes for Dina’s normal life is about to be thrown into chaos. First, she must rescue her long-distant older sister, Maud, who’s been exiled with her family to a planet that functions as the most lawless penal colony since Botany Bay. Then she agrees to help a guest whose last chance at saving his civilization could bring death and disaster to all Dina holds dear. Now Gertrude Hunt is under siege by a clan of assassins. To keep her guests safe and to find her missing parents, Dina will risk everything, even if she has to pay the ultimate price. Though Sean may have something to say about that!

Thoughts

This series just keeps on getting better and better. The expansion of Dina’s world and the ways in which she is constantly challenged help to open up a greater world that I can’t help but sink my teeth into. Again, this only took me a day to read and, although the writing style helps to give fluent breaks and pauses throughout the story, I still found it impossible to put down.

Following Sweep in Peace, Dina finds Sean returned to her in slightly damaged condition, but it is obvious that there is some true romance going on. Yet, instead of focusing on the joys of a blossoming new relationship, she is forced to travel to the Australia of the cosmos (yes, I went there), and find her sister. What she finds is nothing like she expects – a hardcore, assassin woman who has literally survived hell on earth. The fact that Dina’s cute (and a little unhinged) five-year-old niece is thrown into the mix makes it one hell of a family outing. That, and Arland’s able to make a new appearance with some very interesting consequences…

Although Dina starts this story with a bit of inter-planetary travel, it’s mostly about her ability to keep the victims of a holocaust alive. The Hiru come seeking help and asylum in her inn, and this leads to a race of Nazi-like aliens knocking on her door. Dina and the inn are able to survive almost anything, but with the challenges that she is forced to face, it is certainly a close call this time.

 <- Sweep in PeaceSweep of the Blade ->

Image source: Ilona Andrews

Markheim by Robert Louis Stevenson

Book Review, , ,

Overview

MarkheimTitle: Markheim
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson
In: Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde and Other Strange Tales (Robert Louis Stevenson)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Classics, Easy reading
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Kingsford Edition
Year: 1885
5th sentence, 74th page: What to expect he knew not, whether the dead man walking, or the official ministers of human justice, or some chance witness blindly stumbling in to consign him to the gallows.

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

Synopsis

At Christmastime, Markheim, the protagonist, comes to a dealer’s shop, pretending that he is looking for a present for a lady. His real plan, however, is to murder the dealer so he can steal his merchandise and money. Markheim rejects the dealer’s suggestion of a hand mirror for the lady, referring to it as a “hand conscience.” Presumably, from his reaction to the mirror, Markheim feels twinges from his conscience even before he commits the murder. While the dealer is still in the midst of assisting him in finding a present, Markheim stabs and kills him.

Thoughts

This might have been my favourite book in this collection of Robert Louis Stevenson short stories / novellas. Maybe because I felt like I understood the message and symbolism so much more than the other four tales. Maybe just because I liked the message and symbolism so much more. Either way, it was a short, interesting tale that serves as a reminder that we should do what is right, even when the consequences for doing so may result in our own death.

The beginning of this tale was nothing like what I expected and reinforced the idea that in the 1800s, people wrote in a highly convoluted manner. Something that I thoroughly enjoy… when I’m in the right mood for it. But, the language used in this was still clearer than some other stories from the 1800s. Markheim’s journey to return to himself is filled with moments of self-doubt, confusion and fear. Mostly for himself, but there is also a level of consciousness that ultimately helps to save the day.

 <- The Bottle Imp Review Weir of Hermiston Review ->
Image source: Manic Expression

Steel’s Edge by Ilona Andrews

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Steel's Edge

Title: Steel’s Edge
Author: Ilona Andrews
Series: The Edge #4
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Ace Fantasy
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: Whatever it was, she could use a distraction, and he was the man for the job.

Synopsis

The Edge lies between worlds, on the border between the Broken, where people shop at Wal-Mart and magic is a fairy tale – and the Weird, where bludblood aristocrats rule, changelings roam, and the strength of your magic can change your destiny…

Charlotte de Nay is as noble as they come, a blueblood straight out of the Weird. But even though she possesses rare magical healing abilities, her life has been filled with nothing but pain. After her marriage crumbles, she flees to the Edge to build a new home for herself. But when Richard Mar is brought to her for treatment, Charlotte’s life is turned upside down once again.

Richard is a swordsman without peer, the future head of his large and rambunctious Edger clan – and he’s on a clandestine quest to wipe out slavers trafficking humans in the Weird. So when his presence leads his very dangerous enemies to Charlotte, she vows to help Richard destroy them. The slavers’ operation, however, goes deeper tahn Richard knows, and even working together, he and Charlotte may not survive…

Thoughts

This was a great finale (so far, I hope) to The Edge series. I’m still hoping that more books will be written based in this amazing world, but if it doesn’t, then this is a pretty damn good story to end with. Following Richard Mar as he tries to right the wrongs of Sophie’s past and heal his own wounds. This novel gave everyone a happy ending and a hope for a better future, something that all good series should end with – a sense of hope.

Although Steel’s Edge keeps in the strain of the rest of the series, it’s a beautiful urban fantasy, paranormal romance that follows two dysfunctional characters as they slowly fall in love. Yet, Charlotte’s position as one of the bluebloods, the upper echelon of Andrews’ worlds gave it a nice new spin. Both Richard and Charlotte have had past marriages and past tragedies, in a way that I don’t understand, they are damaged. Yet, the united cause of stopping slave traders helps to bring them closer together and finds a way in which they can both overcome their horrible pasts.

Of all The Edge books, this had the best finale and ending to the story. Richard and Charlotte’s admittance of their feelings and the ways in which they show their love is completely different to the other three couples in this series. Yet, I found their relationship that sweetest and the ending with the family that they create the most endearing.

Steel’s Edge helps to tell more of Sophie’s story. Her, George and their compatriots have more of their adult life told in Sweep in Peace, but how Sophie becomes a master swordswoman isn’t really told. Sophie’s relationship with Charlotte is really sweet, but her attitude towards her surrounds is a little overwhelming and intimidating.

 <- Fate’s EdgeOn the Edge ->

Image source: Goodreads

Fate’s Edge by Ilona Andrews

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Fate's Edge

Title: Fate’s Edge
Author: Ilona Andrews
Series: The Edge #3
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Ace Fantasy
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: His voice trembled slightly.

Synopsis

The Edge lies between worlds, on the border between the Broken, where people shop at Wal-Mart and magic is a fairy tale – and the Weird, where bludblood aristocrats rule, changelings roam, and the strength of your magic can change your destiny…

Born into a family of con men, Audrey Callahan left behind her life in the Edge for an unmagical existence in the Broken. Audrey is determined to stay on the straight and narrow, but when her brother gets into hot water, she takes on one last heist and finds herself matching wits with a jack-of-all-trades.

Kaldar Mar is a gambler, a lawyer, a thief, and a spy with some unusual talents that guarantee him lucrative work. His latest assignment has him tracking down a stolen item, and Kaldar doesn’t expect much of a challenge – until Audrey turns up to give him a run for his money.

But when the missing object falls into the hands of a lethal criminal, Kaldar realizes that in order to finish the job and survive, he’s going to need Audrey’s help…

Thoughts

I always love it when there is a character that is cheeky, mischievous and a bit of a trickster. Kaldar’s presence in Bayou Moon filled this urge perfectly – he’s a bit of a trickster, but with a deadly edge to his every move. The fact that he spent the majority of Bayou Moon purposely going out of his way to irritate William just made me love him even more. So, an edge novel all about him – and his partner… I was ridiculously excited to jump into this series.

Audrey was an interesting change from Cerise and Rose – she isn’t a killer or able to physically defend herself. Instead, she is constantly finding ways to con herself in and out of situations. Which, surprisingly at the end of the story, is what helps to save the day. Although Kaldar’s humour shines through in his past appearances, it’s his deadlier side which is highlighted in Fate’s Edge, and it is this aspect of himself that I took a little while to understand. Not in his characterisation, but in how Audrey and he would be able to end up together. After all, he’s a spy and although a conman, it’s his swordsmanship and cutthroat familial ethics that shine the brightest. But, somehow, it all just works. Audrey is able to see through his bullshit, and, although she isn’t able to fight, she still has an amazing tough inner-core.

George, Jack and Gaston have a great role to play in this story – predominately George and Jack. I love the brothers, the fact that they are polar opposites (like myself and my sister), but also have this same inner core. The fact that they actually make an appearance as adults in Sweep in Peace just made my jaw drop and I am completely, totally and utterly in love with their storyline now. I actually want to find out more about their lives and hope that they show up in Steel’s Edge a little more. But, even if they don’t, the ways in which they’ve already grown throughout this series has been fun – beautiful and effortless.

 <- Bayou MoonSteel’s Edge ->

Image source: Goodreads

Crow and Caper, Caper and Crow by Margo Lanagan

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

Under My HatTitle: Crow and Caper, Caper and Crow
Author: Margo Lanagan
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: It was subtly colorful and delicately patterned; everything that was so ugly when you were down among it seemed from this distance nicely worked, and human effort seemed rather dear and hopeless, even though it had cleared and scarred and excavated such great tracts of land, ruined them every which way.

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

Synopsis

When Pen’s only son married, he and his new bride moved far away. This saddened her, because her son had fallen in love with a young woman she thought was normal and who was afraid of Pen’s magical powers. As the birth of her first grandchild approaches, Pen uses her magic to travel a long distance over sea and land to visit them and offer a blessing for the babe, but when she arrives, she discovers things about both her daughter-in-law and her new granddaughter that surprise her.

Thoughts

Every story about witchcraft that I read, whether it’s entirely fantasy-based or based in Wicca, birth and death are integral to the practice and beliefs. Which is why it is fun to read a short story that is all about birth and the turning of the circle.

Pen embarks on an epic journey across the ocean to visit her daughter-in-law and new granddaughter. She plans to do everything in secret and leave again. To greet the new life and welcome it into her world. But, as with all good stories, nothing goes as planned. Which is where the story becomes far more enjoyable.

The point at which nothing goes as planned is also the reminder of family. How important it is, and how acceptance, even after the fact can heal many wounds.

 <- Great-Grandmother in the Cellar Review Under My Hat Review ->
Image source: Frances Hardinge

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J.K. Rowling

Book Review, , ,

Overview

Harry Potter and the Cursed ChildTitle: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: Parts One and Two
Author: J.K. Rowling
Series: Harry Potter #8
Rating Out of 5: 1 (Couldn’t get past the first page)
My Bookshelves: Urban fantasy, Witches
Pace: Slow
Format: Script
Publisher: Little, Brown
Year: 2016
5th sentence, 74th page: Missed.

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

Synopsis

The eighth story. Nineteen years later…

It was always difficult being Harry Potter and it isn’t much easier now that he is an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband, and father of three school-age children.

While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places.

Thoughts

This was a huge disappointment. And, I knew it was going to be, because everyone that I know had said that it was kind of disappointing. I got all of the way through the first act (of four), and then I couldn’t do it any longer.

It’s not even that the writing was bad, if this was a whole new story / play, I would have probably loved the storyline. After all, it is about finding yourself and learning about the past. Or at least, that’s what I thought it was kind of about. But the trouble is that this is a story / world / universe that I am already madly in love with. Which comes with certain expectations – like the characters to remain somewhat the same. It doesn’t matter that eighteen years have passed, there is still some kind of expectation there. One that wasn’t met.

I’m not one for characters that are just pigheaded and stupid. I love reading about mistakes made because of other flaws, but those made for whiney reasons like Albus… ? Nope, couldn’t do it. He was a little too angsty and self deprecating for my tastes. And the I’m-not-loved storyline was kind of predictable. And the plot holes of things that just didn’t quite make sense… argh! It’s just not quite what I wanted in such a long-awaited sequel.

 <- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Review Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Review ->
Image source: Amazon

Hurts

Blog, , , , ,

Hurts

This week I hurt my wrist. I’ve torn something, or sprained something, or broken something. And it’s my right hand, so it has meant that I basically don’t get to do anything… I just sit here and watch TV, try to read (through the pain and painkiller haze) and just generally feel bored.

So much pain that I really can’t write much and don’t feel motivated to write this week….

Back to work tomorrow, hopefully my stupid owie will be okay!

Image source: Pinterest

The Carved Forest by Tim Pratt

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

Under My HatTitle: The Carved Forest
Author: Tim Pratt
In: Under My Hat (Jonathan Strahan)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fantasy, Witches
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: Chop away.

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

Synopsis

Carlos’ sister, Maria, has run away from home. He thinks she may have gone to the house of the woman who is rumored around town to be a witch. Carlos never believed the stories though. He always thought she was just a crazy old woman until he goes looking for Maria and finds a forest of carved trees behind the woman’s house that look exactly like all the people in his town. He quickly learns that the witch, Nedra, has been using the statues to control everyone and she wants Maria to be her apprentice. Nedra insists that she’s only keeping everyone safe from harm, but Carlos sees the truth: she’s taken away their free will. When Nedra makes everyone but Carlos forget about Maria, it’s up to Carlos to find a way to free Maria before it’s too late.

Thoughts

The Carved Forest was an interesting witch story – it provided a great reminder that you need to let go of your grief. Holding on to the past, your grief and lost loved ones only leads to pain and suffering. Not just for the one holding on to it, but everyone around them.

In this witchy-tale, the witch’s longing to protect the people in her care leads to some very serious consequences. Trapping Carlos’ sister in her witchy-world is just the tip of the ice berg. It was a more than symbolic way to show that if we keep those we love 100% safe, we’re probably not letting them truly live their lives. And it isn’t until Carlos is able to show how far he will go to protect a sibling that the witch, Carlos and the reader are able to realise the flaws in the system of protection.

 <- Which Witch Review Burning Castles Review ->
Image source: Frances Hardinge