All posts by skyebjenner

Small Magics by Ilona Andrews

October 13, 2016Book ReviewEasy Reading, Ilona Andrews, Kate Daniels, Paranormal Fantasy, Short Story Collections, Small Magicsskyebjenner

Title: Small Magics
Authors: Ilona Andrews
In: Small Magics (Ilona Andrews)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Paranormal fantasy, Short story collections
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook Collection
Publisher: NYLA
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: I could recite most of our conversations word for word, I do have a very precise memory.

Now collected for the first time, an irresistible compilation of five previously published stories by the bestselling author of the Kate Daniels series; including Kate’s very first meeting with Saiman, some related adventures, and two unforgettable ‘outside’ excursions.

This is a beautiful collection of short stories – five tales sweet tales that left me with a huge smile across my face. Three of these stories are from the Kate Daniels series, but the other two are completely new tales. I would actually love it if they were each part of a much larger series, the heroines are so relatable.

Every story within Small Magics is uplifting and inspiring, not only because of true love, but also in beating the odds and being triumphant, in spite of all odds.

<- Grace of Small Magics

A Mere Formality ->

Image source: Goodreads

Magic Gifts by Ilona Andrews

October 12, 2016Book ReviewDystopia, Ilona Andrews, Kate Daniels, Paranormal Fantasy, Shapeshiftersskyebjenner

Title: Magic Gifts
Author: Ilona Andrews
Series: Kate Daniels #5.4
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dystopia, Paranormal fantasy, Shapeshifters
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Ace fantasy
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: “Why the secrecy?”

Dinner date after a hard workday should be heavenly. Of course, dates between the Beast Lord and Kate Daniels don’t always go as planned. Undead run amok, heads are chopped off, lawyers are deployed with extreme prejudice, and drunk vikings call people out.

Magic Gifts is a cute little aside that occurs while Andrea is running around town in Gunmetal Magic. It also helps to fill in some of the gaps to the interactions between Andrea and Kate. I love the way that Andrews is able to fill in the backstory to Håkon and why Curran was so terrified of Kate’s return.

Kate and Curran’s attempts at functioning like any other couple is kind of adorable. They are too volatile and prone to attracting danger in any shape or form. It is so sweet that they try though. Magic Gifts also highlights the love between the two characters – they both try to protect and care for each other, regardless of the outcome. But they also will do anything to protect those that are weaker and innocent, such as children.

Curran has a more than slightly insane protective streak. Sure, it comes from a nice place, but it’s kind of patronising. Kate, however, completely ignores this and does what she wants anyway. The ability to take into account someone else’s feelings, but act of your own accord is something that I greatly admire.

<- Magic Tests

Gunmetal Magic ->

Image source: Ilona Andrews

Magic Tests by Ilona Andrews

October 11, 2016Book ReviewAn Apple for the Creature, Dystopia, Ilona Andrews, Kate Daniels, Paranormal Fantasy, Shapeshifters, Small Magicsskyebjenner

Title: Magic Tests
Author: Ilona Andrews
In: Small Magics & An Apple for the Creature (Charlaine Harris & Toni L. P. Kelner)
Series: Kate Daniels #5.3
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dystopia, Paranormal fantasy, Shapeshifters
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook short story
Publisher: NYLA
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: The look he gave me said loud and clear that he thought I was full of it.

Teenage Julie is sent to a school for exceptional children by her guardian, Kate Daniels.

The events of Magic Tests take place after Magic Slays. The story is told from Julie’s point of view.

Julie is probably the cutest and sassiest of the Kate Daniels characters, which is saying something – most of the women in the Kate Daniels universe are sassy and have an attitude problem. Her cheekiness and contrary attitude translate beautifully into the narrative’s voice and left me giggling quietly throughout the story.

Julie’s attempt at emulating Kate throughout her first solo mission (of sorts) is kind of adorable – you can tell how much admiration there is between the two. Although she spends much of the time trying to figure out how Kate would solve the problem, Julie is still able to have her own unique style. Her talents and skills are used beautifully and help her to shine in her own right.

Magic Tests also leaves Julie to find her own place that she is comfortable and happy in – better than her years on the streets and months in the boarding school.

<- Magic Slays

Magic Gifts ->

Image source: Goodreads

Magic Slays by Ilona Andrews

October 10, 2016Book ReviewDystopia, Ilona Andrews, Kate Daniels, Paranormal Fantasy, Shapeshiftersskyebjenner

Title: Magic Slays
Author: Ilona Andrews
Series: Kate Daniels #5
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dystopia, Paranormal fantasy, Shapeshifters
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Ace fantasy
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: And none of the gods from the Norse pantheon were strongly associated with ants.

Plagued by a war between magic and technology, Atlanta has never been so deadly. Good thing Kate Daniels is on the job.

Kate Daniels may have quit the Order of Merciful Aid, but she’s still knee-deep in paranormal problems. Or she would be if she could get someone to hire her. Starting her own business has been more challenging than she thought it would be—now that the Order is disparaging her good name. Plus, many potential clients are afraid of getting on the bad side of the Beast Lord, who just happens to be Kate’s mate.

So when Atlanta’s premier Master of the Dead calls to ask for help with a vampire on the loose, Kate leaps at the chance of some paying work. But it turns out that this is not an isolated incident. Kate needs to get to the bottom of it—and fast, or the city and everyone dear to her might pay the ultimate price…

Kate has slowly developed and changed throughout the Kate Daniels series, but it is in Magic Slays that this change is most obvious. At the beginning of the series she is prickly and difficult, and has no close people in her life. However, as she slowly lets people in, these walls dissolve around her. Andrews does this so naturally that it is easy to picture this character evolution, and this great character development was so gradual that it is difficult to pinpoint an exact moment in which this change occurred.

Part of this evolution comes in the form of Curran and Kate’s relationship. I love that although they are committed, the parameters of the bond are still being negotiated. Kate refuses to lose herself within his life and role, but, as in all relationships, a compromise must be reached. Their unique brand of sarcastic quips and stubborn refusal to meekly submit left me giggling out loud (not the best thing to do when you are sitting on the bus).

Kate also thaws a little in her relationship with Julie – although she has taken care of and showed her love for her ward throughout the other books, the lengths she is prepared to go to to save her are remarkable. I’m not ashamed to say that my heart skipped a beat, and my eyes leaked a little when I read how far she would go to save part of her small family.

Magic Slays, other than beautifully investigating Kate’s evolution throughout the series, also delves into the idea of ‘them vs. us’. The danger of having such a mentality in its ability to be turned against others (and leads to acts of atrocious inhumanity) is beautifully highlighted in the attempted slaying that takes part throughout the story. I loved the gentle way in which Andrews highlighted this issue, without completely ruining the storyline.

<- Magic Dreams

Magic Tests ->

Image source:The Book Smugglers

Chicago Fire Season One – Review

October 9, 2016Book ReviewAction, Chicago Fire, Drama, Firefightersskyebjenner

4.5 out of 5 stars

Series: Chicago Fire
Season: 1
Creators: Michael Brandt & Derek Haas
Cast: Jesse Spencer, Taylor Kinney & Monica Raymund
Genres: Action, Drama
Year: 2012
Favourite Episode: 22 – Leaders Lead & 24 – A Hell of Ride

Chicago Fire is a new type of procedural – at least for me, and it is fantastically done. I may also be a little biased due to the constant presence of hot firefighters and stunning paramedics. Regardless, from the first moment that I watched this series, I was in love. Not only are there great characters and unique drama, but the action sequences throughout this show are so realistic and I’ve had to cover my eyes numerous times in anticipation of future pain and agony.

Although this show is filled with a lot of drama and action, it also had the power to make me sob. Which is normally fairly difficult, but I got so caught up in the characters’ lives and battles that when they suffered, part of me was suffering too. This is true mastering of characterisation and storytelling, allowing the audience to become connected to the characters (whether it is on screen or in the pages of a book).


Back to Film Reviews	Chicago Fire Season Two Review ->

Image source: Screenrant

Wickedly Powerful by Deborah Blake

October 8, 2016Book ReviewBaba Yaga, Deborah Blake, Mythology, Paranormal Romance, Russia, Russian Mythology, Witchesskyebjenner

Title: Wickedly Dangerous
Author: Deborah Blake
Series: Baba Yaga #3, Baba Yaga World #3
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Mythology, Paranormal romance, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Year: 2016
5th sentence, 74th page: She patted the large leather-bound book that had pride of place in the middle of her worktable.

Known as the wicked witch of Russian fairy tales, Baba Yaga is not one woman, but rather a title carried by a chosen few. They keep the balance of nature and guard the borders of our world, but don’t make the mistake of crossing one of them…

The only thing more fiery than Bella Young’s red hair is her temper. She knows that a Baba Yaga’s power without strict control can leave the people she cares about burned, so to protect her heart – and everyone around her – the only company she keeps is her dragon-turned-Norwegian-Forest-cat, Koshka.

But when Bella is tasked with discovering who’s setting magical fires on Wyoming’s Black Mountain, she finds herself working closely with former Hotshots firefighter Sam Corbett – and falling hard for his quiet strength and charm.

Sam may bear the scars of his past, but Bella can see beyond them and would do anything to help him heal. Only before she can rescue her Prince Charming, she’ll have to overcome the mysterious foe setting the forest fires – a truly wicked witch who wields as much power and even more anger than Bella…

So far, this is my favourite Baba Yaga novel. It’s the combination of two severely damaged leads (both physically and emotionally), and fire that seems to claw at my heart and make me want to read this story again and again and again. Being terrified to get close to someone is something that I am all too familiar with, and working through this self-constructed barrier is something that Bella does amazingly well throughout the story.

The other reason that this tale so compels me is the constant presence of fire. Growing up in country Australia, fire is a constant thought and after the bushfires of the past two years, it is all the more present in my mind. So, a story about an ex-firefighter and survivor of fire was uniquely compelling. For me, it’s a primal concern, maybe even fear, and the idea of a man surviving a ravaging fire when no one else does is heart wrenching and leaves me thinking like nothing else does.

The last, but certainly not least, reason for my mild obsession with this book is Bella’s love interest – Sam. He is this gorgeous man who suffers from PTSD and is just as damaged as Bella is. Blake uses this character to beautifully investigate the effects that past tragedies can have on our everyday lives. She uses the idea of survivor’s guilt to create this beautifully multi-layered character that draws you in as much as the heroine.

<- Wickedly Ever After Review

Wickedly Spirited Review ->

Image source: Deborah Blake

Wickedly Wonderful by Deborah Blake

October 7, 2016Book ReviewBaba Yaga, Deborah Blake, Mythology, Paranormal Romance, Russia, Russian Mythology, Witchesskyebjenner

Title: Wickedly Wonderful
Author: Deborah Blake
Series: Baba Yaga #2, Baba Yaga World #2
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Mythology, Paranormal romance, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: An Irish accent made the simple words pleasantly exotic.

Though she looks like a typical California surfer girl, Beka Yancy is in fact a powerful yet inexperienced witch who’s struggling with her duties as a Baba Yaga. Luckily she has her faithful dragon-turned-dog for moral support, especially when faced with her biggest job yet…

A mysterious toxin is driving the Selkies and Mer from their homes deep in the trenches of Monterey Bay. To investigate, Beka buys her way onto the boat of Marcus Dermott, a battle-scarred former U.S. Marine, and his ailing fisherman father.

While diving for clues, Beka drives Marcus crazy with her flaky new age ideas and dazzling blue eyes. She thinks he’s rigid and cranky (and way too attractive). Meanwhile, a charming Selkie prince has plans that include Beka. Only by trusting her powers can Beka save the underwater races, pick the right man, and choose the path she’ll follow for the rest of her life…

This is a fantastic sequel to Wickedly Dangerous. Beka is a starkly different heroine to Barbara and this contrast between two sister Babas was brilliantly done. Not only did Wickedly Wonderful take me on a whole new adventure, but it also let me fall in love with a new, and striking female lead. I love chief protagonists that are full of self-doubt, I think that it makes them all the more real and relatable. So to go from Barbara’s cocky self-assurance (and total lack of social skills) to Beka’s open and vulnerable persona was endearing and refreshing.

Where Wickedly Dangerous taps into our need to protect and nurture our children, Wickedly Wonderful emphasises the importance of the ocean in all of our daily lives. The beach-feel of the book and characters is so much more laid back than that of Barbara’s tale and the pages simply ooze relaxation and sweetness. Although, beneath her surfy exterior, Beka shows herself to have a backbone of steel when it really counts.

I’m reminded of the realities of cancer and radiation poisoning throughout this book, they’re such serious issues that touch upon so many lives. So reading about them in a not-so-tragic way brings home the pain and suffering that this can cause, without making you cry. Which I appreciate, sometimes it is good to have a nice sob over a book, but some days not so much.

<- Wickedly Dangerous Review

Wickedly Ever After Review ->

Image source: Pinterest

Wickedly Ever After by Deborah Blake

October 7, 2016Book ReviewBaba Yaga, Deborah Blake, Mythology, Paranormal Romance, Romance, Russia, Russian Mythology, Witchesskyebjenner

Title: Wickedly Ever After
Author: Deborah Blake
Series: Baba Yaga #2.5, Baba Yaga World #2.5
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Mythology, Paranormal romance, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Year: 2016
5th sentence, 74th page: Chudo-Yudo spat out his bone with a thunk.

Having triumphed over a powerful enemy and ended up with both a wonderful guy—Sheriff Liam McClellan—and an adorable adopted daughter to raise as a Baba Yaga, Barbara Yager is ready to welcome her happily ever after.

But first she must bring Liam to the Otherworld and get the Queen’s permission to marry him. The Queen, however, is not so easily persuaded. She gives them three impossible tasks to complete in two weeks’ time—and if they fail Barbara will have to watch Liam slowly age and die like all humans, and kiss her happily ever after good-bye forever.

As with the rest of the books in the Baba Yaga series, Wickedly Ever After reminds us all that we get a happy ending, even not-so-wicked witches. Although Barbara and Liam get engaged at the end of Wickedly Dangerous, their story isn’t quite finished, and it was such a pleasure to revisit their love in this short story. No matter what happens in these stories, I always turn the last page with a huge smile on my lips. Who wouldn’t? They are sweet, endearing tales of triumph and love in the face of numerous obstacles.

The Queen is a great representation of the fae – they are known to be fickle, demanding and at times, uncaring of others. Or at least, that’s how the court fae are represented in folklore. Blake’s use of her as a representative of this supernatural group is not only a great catalyst within the stories, but also a fantastic use of pre-existing mythological notions. I also love how she represents the id in our desires – none of us are truly able to pursue our own desires and whims, the Queen is able to though. This makes things not only difficult for others, but a figure that is both intimidating and enviable. Who doesn’t want to follow their own dreams and desires?

Wickedly Ever After is a great novella in the Baba Yaga universe, it ties in the lives of the three witches and their eventual marriages. I love the small side stories within the main plot line, they add an extra layer of texture and characterisation within the series that continues to make my heart soar and my mind believe in true love.

<- Wickedly Wonderful Review

Wickedly Powerful Review ->

Image source: Open Book Society

Wickedly Dangerous by Deborah Blake

October 6, 2016Book ReviewBaba Yaga, Deborah Blake, Mythology, Paranormal Romance, Russia, Witchesskyebjenner

Title: Wickedly Dangerous
Author: Deborah Blake
Series: Baba Yaga #1, Baba Yaga World #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Mythology, Paranormal romance, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: No matter ow long she lived, she could never get used to the callous disregard with which so many humans treated the natural world.

Older than she looks and powerful beyond measure, Barbara Yager no longer has much in common with the mortal life she left behind long ago. Posing as an herbalist and researcher, she travels the country with her (mostly) faithful dragon-turned-dog in an enchanted Airstream, fulfilling her duties as a Baba Yaga and avoiding any possibility of human attachment.

But when she is summoned to find a missing child, Barbara suddenly finds herself caught up in a web of deceit and an unexpected attraction to the charming but frustrating Sheriff Liam McClellan.

Now, as Barbara fights both human enemies and Otherworld creatures to save the lives of three innocent children, she discovers that her most difficult battle may be with her own heart…

I love old mythologies and fairy tales. If you gave me a book about ancient mythologies, I would read it page to page before coming up for air. So, when I found out about a book that took the Russian fairy tale of Baba Yaga and gave it a modern twist, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on a copy. I love when authors are able to take a myth or spiritual understanding of the world that stems from the past and use it in today’s modern context, and Deborah Blake did this brilliantly well. She created a world and series that drew me in from the first moment, and I can’t wait until the next book comes out.

Admittedly, this is a paranormal romance. Aside from the witchcraft and Otherworld influence of the fae, it is very much a boy meets girl, girl meets boy, they fall in love story. Sometimes this can feel a little competitive, but not so in Wickedly Dangerous. Barbara is a prickly and unsociable heroine, Liam a damaged and confused man, both unwilling to commit to each other. And although you just know that they will eventually end up together, the trials and tribulations along the way kept me constantly turning the pages in an agony of fascination. There’s just something so satisfying about two completely damaged people finding happiness in one another.

Having said that, the romance really wasn’t the main part of the story. There was just enough heat between the main characters to raise the stakes, but not enough that the story became boring and irritatingly sappy. It was the mystery of the missing children and Barbara’s power and willingness to solve the puzzle that drives the story.

Even as someone who doesn’t have kids, the idea of missing children is horrifying. There’s something about preying upon the young and innocent in society that is particularly spine tingling. It’s the primal fear for us, we’re programmed to protect our young, and when they go missing or are stolen, we have done something drastically wrong. This, combined with the villain of the story (who was not in the least who I expected), created a fascinating retelling of the role of Baba Yaga in today’s society, and an amazing book to boot.

<- Dangerously Driven Review

Wickedly Wonderful Review ->

Image source: Goodreads

Wickedly Magical by Deborah Blake

October 5, 2016Book ReviewBaba Yaga, Deborah Blake, Mythology, Paranormal Romance, Russian Mythology, Witchesskyebjenner

Title: Wickedly Magical
Author: Deborah Blake
Series: Baba Yaga #0.5, Baba Yaga World #0.5
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Mythology, Paranormal romance, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: Too busy playing footsie with Jonathan.

Barbara Yager loves being one of the most powerful witches in the world, but sometimes she’d rather kick back in her enchanted Airstream with a beer in her hand than work out how to grant the requests of the worthy few who seek her out.

But when a man appears with the token of a family debt of honor, Barbara must drop everything to satisfy the promise owed by her predecessor—and she isn’t above being a little wicked to make sure the debt is paid in full…

Reading this story left me with an amazingly warm and happy feeling. The bad guy is bested, there is a beautiful happy ending and the ending leads perfectly into the first Baba Yaga book. All in all, it is a beautiful novella that left a smile on my face long after I finished the last page.

This story investigates the relationship between the three Baba Yaga sisters in more depth. They are constantly in contact throughout the tale and Blake beautifully highlights the differences between these characters through their conversations. The kinship between the three practically jumps off the page, and I can only hope that people have this relationship with their own siblings, the ease and camaraderie of familiarity and friendship.

Barbara’s protective tendencies are further highlighted in her rage at the villain within the story. Although she is driven to justice throughout the Baba Yaga novels, her pure rage at the children’s mistreatment in this story is heart-warming. I love her temperamental nature and the fact that her fits of rage are driven by a sense of injustice and neglect.

<- Dangerously Fierce Review

Wickedly Dangerous Review ->

Earth and Skye

The ramblings of a bibliophile.