Category Archives: Book Review

Web of Deceit by Jennifer Estep

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Web of Deceit

Title: Web of Deceit
Author: Jennifer Estep
Series: Elemental Assassin #0.4
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Assassins, Dark fantasy, Elements
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Jennifer Estep
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: Inside, I knew that the house boasted the finest things that money could buy.

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Synopsis

This short story takes place when Gin is a teenager. It’s told from the point of view of Fletcher Lane, Gin’s assas­sin men­tor, and focuses on Gin’s first solo job as the assas­sin the Spi­der.

Thoughts

Another thoroughly enjoyable short edition to the Elemental Assassin series. It features Gin’s first kill, her youth and the pride and care that Fletcher takes in his young apprentice. I’m still only halfway through the first novel, and it is obvious in this how much Gin cares for her mentor, so it was incredibly nice to read about his feelings towards her.

I’m kind of obsessive over assassin books at the moment. They feature people who should, theoretically be completely deplorable, but often highlight this intense vulnerability and lack of family that many people would probably understand. And if not, well, it’s still fun to read about some incredibly badass characters (woman) who is able to hold life or death in the palm of her hand… literally.

<- PoisonSpider’s Bargain ->

Image source: Lili Lost in a Book

Tara’s Find by Nadia Williams

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

The Mammoth Book of Irish RomanceTitle: Tara’s Find

Author: Nadia Williams

In: The Mammoth Book of Irish Romance (Trisha Telep)

Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)

My Bookshelves: Celtic, Fae, Paranormal romance

Pace: Medium

Format: Short story

Publisher: Running Press

Year: 2010

5th sentence, 74th page: Ye know it here.

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Synopsis

Tara is an archaeologist. She’s at the dig of her dreams, if it wasn’t for the bad weather and the creepy boss. And then there’s the man that she finds buried in the dirt… he changes everything and her life takes on a supernatural twist.

Thoughts

I’m an academic. So anytime there is a story of any kind that features a woman who is an academic, I’m often drawn right in. Immediately and happily. After all, it’s nice to read about someone who has so much in common with you. Plus, it’s fun to have strong, intelligent women in a story. Even if it is just a short story in an ebook anthology late at night.

Tara is a fun and engaging lead and I like that although there is the sense of love at first sight, there is a building up of this relationship. They both slowly fall for each other, and the relationship is more built on their conversations with each other and personalities than lust at first sight. Spin in some paranormal issues and the fae, and this is definitely a thoroughly enjoyable tale that will keep you engaged for ten, fifteen minutes.

 <- The Morrigan’s Daughter Review The Skrying Glass Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Poison by Jennifer Estep

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Poison
Author: Jennifer Estep
Series: Elemental Assassin #0.1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Assassins, Dark fantasy, Elements,
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Jennifer Estep
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: I winced, waiting for the pain that I was sure to feel from his vicious bite.

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Synopsis

This short story takes place when Gin is a teenager and is told from the point of view of Finnegan Lane, Gin’s foster brother.

Thoughts

I always enjoy short stories from a different perspective. And this fit that bill perfectly. I have read this while I’m only halfway through Spider’s Bite, but it already helps to understand the relationship between Gin and Finn so much better.

Although it is written with Finn’s jealousy reeking off the pages, it is also very easy to see how their sibling relationship so quickly developed. Gin has the hero-worship need for acceptance from her big brother, and Finn has the jealousy that so many older siblings initially get around their younger counterparts.

This was a really fun and insightful look into the world of Gin and why there is such a bond between herself and Finn, and it just makes me want to finish Spider’s Bite all the more quickly.

<- More Jennifer EstepWeb of Deceit ->
 

Love Bites by Kimberly Raye

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance

Title: Love Bites
Author: Kimberly Raye
Series: Dead End Dating #3.5
In: The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance (Trisha Telep)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal romance, Vampires
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2008
5th sentence, 74th page: It was the perfect place to slice and dice and rid the world of fanged vermin.

Synopsis

She’s supposed to be a vampire hunter, an SOB. He’s supposed to be her target. But lust, hormones and a little bit of fate seem to be getting in the way of her first kill.

Thoughts

I really liked the narrator of this story. She had a completely relatable voice. She was pithy, sarcastic and full of sass. There was also this great sense of vulnerability and innocence in everything in this story that was, well, not entirely relatable, but certainly enjoyable to read. And that was all before the romance and the vampires got involved!

I love the idea of the main couple being naturally at war. That there is something far more at stake (pun intended) than just their lives, but their families, their hearts and their futures. It’s definitely a great indication of what the rest of the series is going to be like, and the first thing I did when I finished this short story was to order the first book of the series.

 <- Your Coffin or Mine?Just One Bite ->

Image source: Goodreads

The Eldritch Pastiche from Beyond the Shadow of Horror by Christopher Welch

Book Review, , ,

Overview

Blood LiteTitle: The Eldritch Pastiche from Beyond the Shadow of Horror
Author: Christopher Welch
In: Blood Lite (Kevin J. Anderson)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Comedy, Horror
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Pocket Books
Year: 2008
5th sentence, 74th page: If you finished Foucault’s Pendulum, you must really have a problem, Chris,” Tom said.

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Synopsis

Chris is an addict and just when he thinks he’s about to break the habit, a spectre from his dreams (or is it nightmares) appears in the hopes that he’ll continue…

Thoughts

I laughed at this. So much. And so hard. Maybe a little harder than I needed to. It was late at night, so sue me…

Chris is an addict, and a writer and just when he thinks he’s about to beat the habit, he’s told not to. In the most condescending, patronising way possible. Which was incredibly fun to read. Mostly, I just love the patronising tone of the story and the way in which Welch is able to layer his twisted fantasy world on top of our real one.

There is no message behind this story. It isn’t horrifying or intriguing. But it’s funny. And easy. And just a really enjoyable tale to read late at night before going to bed, with a smile plastered across your lips.

 <- Hell in a Handbasket Review Elvis Presley and the Bloodsucker Blues Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Clockwork Fairies by Cat Rambo

Book Review, , ,

Overview

The Mammoth Book of SteampunkTitle: Clockwork Fairies
Author: Cat Rambo
In: The Mammoth Book of Steampunk (Sean Wallace)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Romance, Steampunk
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: I smiled at her.

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Synopsis

He’s engaged to a brilliant mechanic, but someone else is suddenly showing an interest and all of his beautiful, future plans might come to naught.

Thoughts

The narrator of this story quite frankly pissed me off. Which was the idea that I think the author was going for – it was this idea that once married, his fiancé would become the “perfect woman”. And conform to what he felt that he needed. WRONG!

And luckily, the ending of the story agreed with me. The tone and lilt of the words was quite patronising towards anything that deters what is considered normal. The ability of the girl to stand up to this was admirable, but she still put up with some of the sillier moments throughout the story. Until she found her out. And that was the message that I loved within this story. The narrator gets his comeuppance and the idea that everyone should stay true to themselves was certainly highlighted in the story.

 <- The Zeppelin Conductors’ Society Annual Gentlemen’s Ball Review The Mechanical Aviary of Emperor Jala-ud-din Muhammad Akbar Review ->
Image source: Amazon

Princess in Training by Meg Cabot

Book Review, , ,

Overview

Princess in TrainingTitle: Princess in Training
Author: Meg Cabot
Series: The Princess Diaries #6
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Easy reading
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Publisher: Harper Teen
Year: 2006
5th sentence, 74th page: I’m hoping this means he is busy with the whole petroleum-running-out thing, and not, you know, that he’s breaking up with me because he’s realized I’m not exactly the Do it type.

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Synopsis

Princess for president!

Student body president, that is – nominated by her power-mad best friend, Lilly. This is not how Mia imagined kicking off her sophomore year, but as usual, she has bigger problems to worry about, like Geometry. And now that Mia’s one true love, Michael, is uptown at college, what’s the point of even getting up for school in the morning? But the last straw is what Lana whispers to her on the lunch line about what college boys expect of their girlfriends… Really, it’s almost more than a princess in training can bear!

Thoughts

Although I like these stories, I can’t help but think that Lilly is a dick. EVERY TIME I READ THEM. Like, literally the worst friend a girl could ask for. And not even in an entertaining, she accidentally causes issues way. In a very irritating, self-centred, annoying way that makes me want to reach through the pages and smack her around. And then smack Mia around for letting herself be treated in this way. There is selfish. And then there is Lilly…

It’s also a little frustrating how Mia talks about Michael… I get the first love teenage thing. But I swear I would have punched myself in the face if I waxed on and off that much about my first love. Mia’s identity almost gets swallowed up by both Michael and Lilly throughout the story. Again. Frustrating.

Although Mia’s voice does get swallowed by those around her – I love how she manages to find it at the end of Princess in Training. And it gives this sense that in the next few Princess Diaries stories, she will actually be able to stand up for herself and become more strong and independent. At least, that’s what I hope for – because she’s an amazing character, she’s just being drowned out by the more pushy and confident…

 <- Princess in Pink Review The Princess Present Review ->
Image source: Harper Collins

The Morrigan’s Daughter by Susan Krinard

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

The Mammoth Book of Irish RomanceTitle: The Morrigan’s Daughter

Author: Susan Krinard

In: The Mammoth Book of Irish Romance (Trisha Telep)

Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)

My Bookshelves: Celtic, Fae, Fantasy, Paranormal romance

Pace: Medium

Format: Short story

Publisher: Running Press

Year: 2010

5th sentence, 74th page: In time, Seanat gave birth to a girl-child, whom she and Aodhan named Brighid in honour of the lady who had saved them.

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Synopsis

Seanat runs into her worn enemy at the end of a long and wearying battle. But there is something compelling about him, and a momentary decision could end up hautning her for the rest of her life.

Thoughts

This was a fun, easy, and sweet bit of a read. Quite romantic, with the hint of Irish history and folklore to make things so much more interesting and intriguing. The use of Morrigan and Brighid help to build upon this sense of eerie familiarity in an entirely new world.

This wasn’t the kind of romance that really plucked at my heart strings. It wasn’t one that pulled me in, and even writing this, I’m finding it quite unmemorable. But it was nice. Sweet, easy and short. Straight to the point and quick. Cute and beautiful.

 <- On Inishmore Review Tara’s Find Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Paradise by Meljean Brook

Book Review, , , , , ,

Overview

Wild ThingTitle: Wild Thing
Author: Meljean Brook
Series: The Guardians #1.5
In: Wild Thing (Marjorie M. Liu, Maggie Shayne, Alyssa Day & Meljean Brook)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Angels, Demons, Paranormal romance, Vampires
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Year: 2007
5th sentence, 74th page: His hands were falling in love with her.

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Synopsis

Follow the dark shadows that stalk both the living and the undead in a world of restless vampries and guardian angels…

Thoughts

I loved the end of Demon Angel, or at least, I loved the happy ending that the characters got. But to me it felt a little too off-into-the-sunset. Which is nice, but I felt like something was left slightly unfinished. Paradise helped to stop that lingering “but-what-happened-next” feeling. It also gave Selah her own story and that in and of itself was enjoyable.

Selah and Lucas were not quite the couple that I was expecting. Mostly because neither character was what they quite seemed on the outset. And I loved the surprises lent by their histories and personalities. From Lilith’s perspective, I expected Selah to be the Guardian who had died young and was kind of prissy… until I read her story. She is so much more relatable! And, because of that, far more loveable.

Demon Angel mostly outlines the worlds of Caelum and Hell (Hugh and Lilith’s worlds). Finally, Paradise introduces the reality of the vampries. And also highlights that this series is based in a time of drastic change… for everyone in the world.

 <- Demon Angel Review Demon Moon Review ->
Image source: Amazon

Dreams by Keri Arthur

Book Review, , , , , ,

Overview

The Mammoth Book of Vampire RomanceTitle: Dreams
Author: Keri Arthur
Series: Riley Jenson Guardian #3.5
In: The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance (Trisha Telep)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Paranormal romance, Vampires, Werewolves
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2008
5th sentence, 74th page: So he kissed her, caressed her, loved her, until the heat that rose between them would not be denied.

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Synopsis

When Quinn decides that dreams aren’t enough for his relationship with Riley, he decides to travel to see her for a late night booty call. But what they find in her basement becomes an adventure all on its own, one that nightmares might be made of.

Thoughts

I have read the first Riley Jenson Guardian novel, but haven’t gotten any further into the series. It’s a pretty intense erotica and sexual story, so I definitely have to be in the right kind of mood for it. But when I read Dreams in my short story collection the other night, I remembered just why I have kept this collection on my shelves. It’s easy, fun and more than a little raunchy.

I like the idea of creatures that people assume are less than human (the Chameleons) being involved in a battle with Riley and Quinn. The fact that this story ends with the hint (and that is just a hint) that there is more to the characters than meets the idea worked really well in my mind. It reminds me that there are different kinds of intelligence, and many of the animals that we assume are “dumb” probably aren’t so.

Then this story ends in a raunchy sex scene… which is expected in this series. And even though it is completely expected, it’s a bit of a fun, and very adult, ending to this tale.

 <- Viper’s Bite Review Love Bites Review ->
Image source: Goodreads