Category Archives: Book Review

Shifter Made by Jennifer Ashley

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

The Mammoth Book of Irish RomanceTitle: Shifter Made

Author: Jennifer Ashley

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, Easy reading, Fae, Romance

Pace: Fast

Format: Short story

Publisher: Running Press

Year: 2010

5th sentence, 74th page: One of the attendants put his hands on his hips, panting.

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Synopsis

A fae woman wants something from a Shifter, and he’ll do anything to protect his cubs. But will they both get what they really want?

Thoughts

I thoroughly enjoyed this short story. I have a bit of an obsession with shapeshifters, and the fae. And any kind of romance. So this tale was an absolute perfect fit for me. It featured a fae woman and a cat shifter man. The fact that he is being bribed and his cubs have been stolen just helped to heighten the risks that Niall is forced to face.

Although Niall is the one who is being bribed, it is obvious from the very beginning that his fae counterpart has a hidden agenda all of her own. As their relationship develops it becomes more and more obvious that although she is kin to the bad guy, she certainly isn’t on her side.

Actually, the biggest issue with this is that I loved the world and the history, but it was only a few very short pages. Maybe I will have to hunt out other tales from this author…

 <- Beyond the Veil Review Daughter of the Sea Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Shadows of the Master by Emily Rodda

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

Shadows of the MasterTitle: Shadows of the Master
Author: Emily Rodda
Series: Star of Deltora #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Easy reading, Medieval fantasy
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Publisher: Omnibus Books
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: As the Trader Rosalyn Apprentice I would be taught by the best, and would gain experience that I could not hope to gain any other way.

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Synopsis

Britta has always wanted to be a trader like her father, sailing the nine seas and bringing precious cargo home to Del harbour. Her dreams seemed safe until her father’s quest to find the fabled Staff of Tier ended in blood and horror. Now his shamed family is in hiding, and his ship, the Star of Deltora, belongs to the powerful Rosalyn fleet. But Britta’s ambition burns as fiercely as ever. When she suddenly gets the chance to win back her future she knows she has to take it – whatever the cost.

She has no idea that shadows from a distant, haunted isle are watching her every move.

Thoughts

I keep looking at this book and thinking that I need to read it. And then getting distracted by something else. Because, well, I’m a goldfish. But I finally picked this up. And then promptly read it page to page before putting it back down. I didn’t even need a bookmark to have a pause halfway through.

Shadows of the Master might return to my beloved world of Deltora, but it is into an entirely different world that you are thrown. Actually, I’m still trying to figure out when within Lief’s reign this story takes place. There is a mention of Barda, so I’m sure it’s when they are still alive… I love that this is a storyline that takes place in a world that is already familiar, but its own subset location that I’ve had almost no experience with. Plus, the idea of traders and pirates and the seven seas is incredibly thrilling. This tale may not include much of that yet, but it does set everything up perfectly for the next three books, and a swashbuckling set of tales.

 <- The Hungry Isle Review Two Moons Review ->
Image source: Deltora Quest Wiki

The Princess and the Guard by Marissa Meyer

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Overview

Stars AboveTitle: The Princess and the Guard
Author: Marissa Meyer
Series: The Lunar Chronicles #3.6
In: Stars Above (Marissa Meyer)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Fairy tales, Steampunk, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Year: 2016
5th sentence, 74th page: He was wearing his crimson coat, even though it was the middle of the night.

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Synopsis

In this prequel to Winter, we see a game called The Princess.

Thoughts

Winter is a creepy, but cool character that we first meet towards the end of Cress. And more of her horrible history is then introduced in Fairest. Yet, it is when you read The Princess and the Guard that she shines through beautifully. And you start to understand that she is actually crazy – although for a very good reason.

I like how this novella encompasses most of Winter’s life. It starts with her young friendship with Jacin and follows this until they are young adults. It shows how they both fall for each other and are willing to sacrifice everything to keep one another safe. The Princess and the Guard sets up the final couple for the final battle of Cinder, her companions and Levana.

 <- Fairest Review Winter Review ->
Image source: Lunar Chronicles Wiki

Fairest by Marissa Meyer

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

FairestTitle: Fairest
Author: Marissa Meyer
Series: The Lunar Chronicles #3.5
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Fairy tales, Steampunk, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: She ran her tongue along her lower lip, every sense heightened, and inched toward him again.

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Synopsis

Fans of the Lunar Chronicles know Queen Levana as a ruler who uses her “glamour” to gain power. But long before she crossed paths with Cinder, Scarlet, and Cress, Levana lived a very different story—a story that has never been told … until now.

Thoughts

This book was supposed to give an alternative point of view to Levana’s choices and life. And it did, it made me feel a little sorry for her and the history that she has been forced to face up to throughout the beginning of her life. Although it is all kind of horrible, and I felt a lot of sympathy for her throughout the tale, she’s still kind of an awful person.

I know that this book is supposed to help you feel a little sympathetic for Levana, but it didn’t work. Mostly I just disliked her even more. And my heart hurt because every bad thing that is happening in the series is due to a child being incredibly self-centred. Yes, there is a lot in there about her need to be loved, and I understand that drive, but Levana is so self-centred in this drive that everything else kind of fades away in comparison.

This was a great story to give some background not just into Levana, but also Cinder and Winter. But, it doesn’t raise the sympathy that I was expecting… it was just missing something that could have made Levana into a truly sympathetic character.

 <- Carswell’s Guide to Being Lucky Review The Princess and the Guard Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Carswell’s Guide to Being Lucky by Marissa Meyer

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

Carswell's Guide to Being LuckyTitle: Carswell’s Guide to Being Lucky
Author: Marissa Meyer
Series: The Lunar Chronicles #3.4
In: Stars Above (Marissa Meyer)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Fairy tales, Steampunk, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: He raised an eyebrow.

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Synopsis

Thirteen-year-old Carswell Thorne has big plans involving a Rampion spaceship and a no-return trip out of Los Angeles.

Thoughts

Carswell’s activities and past are mentioned throughout Cress quite a bit. And it’s a little hard to figure the guy out. But, there is one moment that stands out specifically for Cress, and there are a number of reasons that he gives for his actions. And that moment with Kate Fallow is covered in Carswell’s Guide to Being Lucky.

Although Carswell’s actions are incredibly selfish, and you can see how his parents have influenced his future, there is still a moment of goodness in him. He still is doing everything for his own master plan, and it is really clear why and how he stole his own spaceship, but there is a great purity in his childish spasms of guilt.

It’s always fun to read a novella or short story that gives insight to the characters – and this tale does that perfectly. Not only does it show who Carswell is behind all of the charm, but it highlights why he acts the way that he does.

 <- Cress Review Fairest Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Cress by Marissa Meyer

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

CressTitle: Cress
Author: Marissa Meyer
Series: The Lunar Chronicles #3
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Fairy tales, Steampunk, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Puffin
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: She is requesting an extension of the docking clamp.

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Synopsis

INCARCERATE IN A SATELLITE, AN EXPERT HACKER AND OUT TO SAVE THE WORLD – CRESS ISN’T YOUR USUAL DAMSEL IN DISTRESS.

Cress grew up as a prisoner. With only netscreens for company, she’s forced to do the bidding of the evil Queen Levana. Now that means tracking down Cinder and her handsome accomplice Emperor Kai. But little does Queen Levana know that those she seeks, and the man she loves, are plotting her downfall…

As paths cross and the price of freedom rises, happily ever after has never seemed further away for Cress, Scarlet and Cinder.

This is not the fairy tale you remember. But it’s one you won’t forget.

Thoughts

Cress is so incredibly, unbelievably sweet. And a little naïve, but not horrifyingly so. I actually really liked her partnership with Carswell – he is so completely jaded and a player, and Cress is so very, very sweet. The balance between the two leads is kind of perfect, and it helps to drive the rest of the story as Cinder and her gang rush towards the royal wedding in an attempt to save Kai.

I love the original version of Rapunzel – where the prince is blinded, wanders through the deserts until his princess saves him with her tears. And I love the fact that, like the other fairy tales in this series, Meyer is able to turn the darker, more traditional tale into a steampunk journey. And the women, although they are often rescued in many fairy tales, are able to rescue themselves. Especially Cinder, who has awesome cybertronic attachments.

It took me a little while to get through Scarlet, I don’t love Red Riding Hood, and it felt a little slow. But it set everything in Cress up perfectly. And now, with the final words of the story, and Cinder’s declaration ringing in my ears, I can’t wait to start on the final leg of their fight! Especially once I met Jacin and Winter, and found out what the plan was and where they were heading to… bring on the next adventure!

 <- Scarlet Review Carswell’s Guide to Being Lucky Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

The Rajah’s Diamond by Robert Louis Stevenson

Book Review, , ,

Overview

The Rajah's DiamondTitle: The Rajah’s Diamond
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson
In: Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde & Other Stories (Robert Louis Stevenson)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Classics, Crime
Pace: Slow
Format: Novella
Publisher: Word Cloud Classics
Year: 1878
5th sentence, 74th page: What have you done?

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Synopsis

Sir Thomas started his career in India. He did some secret favor for Rajar of Kashgar. In acknowledgement Rajah presented Thomas a valuable thing – his famous diamond. In his homeland this English soldier became one of the most richest and famous people. After returning to England he married to a rich and noble woman. Harry Hartley was a sixteen-year-old orphan and worked as a private secretary for Sir Thomas. This work was no pleasure. His master was a difficult person. He always shouted and was angry with Harry. Unlike Sir Thomas his wife Lady Vandeleur was kind and friendly. The young servant often carried out many different private errands for her. Unfortunately, the next errand led Harry to the bad consequences.

Thoughts

I will admit that I read half of this story while I was kind of delirious from a migraine. But I still thoroughly enjoyed it. And somehow being a little loopy with pain made the mystery and darkness surrounding the Rajah’s diamond all the more intriguing.

I love the lyrical waxing and waning of the tale as the diamond falls from one set of hands to another reveals the depths to which people will sink. Greed, lust, and pride all play a part in the four tales of the diamond. I love that Stevenson is so seamlessly incorporate psychological commentary with fantastic storytelling. And, like all of his other stories that I’ve so far had the pleasure of reading, I know that next time I read it, I will find so much more to enjoy and be enthralled by.

 <- The Suicide Club Review The Pavilion on the Links Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Beyond the Veil by Patricia Rice

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

The Mammoth Book of Irish RomanceTitle: Beyond the Veil

Author: Patricia Rice

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

Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)

My Bookshelves: Celtic, Easy reading, Fae, Romance

Pace: Slow

Format: Short story

Publisher: Running Press

Year: 2010

5th sentence, 74th page: If you wish to save the child, you must do so yourself.

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Synopsis

Finn risks everything to save his young son. And Anya is risking everything to save her kingdom. Will they finally find the happiness that they both crave?

Thoughts

I love the idea of a time travelling father working to protect his child. The fact that he also manages to reunite with his soul mate one thousand years after he supposedly died just made everything a lot cuter.

This is one of those stories that I enjoyed, but it wasn’t overly memorable. It was cute, sweet, and thoroughly enjoyable to read. But it wasn’t something that I feel the desperate need to read again and again and again.

 <- Nia and the Beast of Killarney Wood Review Shifter Made Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Dead Until Dark
Author: Charlaine Harris
Series: Sookie Stackhouse #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal fantasy, Vampires
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Ace Fantasy
Year: 2001
5th sentence, 74th page: I began squirming to the bed table, not happy but resigned.

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Synopsis

Sookie Stackhouse is a small-time cocktail waitress in small-town Louisiana. She’s quiet, keeps to herself, and doesn’t get out much. Not because she’s not pretty. She is. It’s just that, well, Sookie has this sort of “disability”. She can read minds. And that doesn’t make her too dateable. And then along comes Bill. He’s tall, dark, handsome – and Sookie can’t hear a word he’s thinking. He’s exactly the type of guy she’s been waiting for all her life…

But Bill has a disability of his own: He’s a vampire with a bad reputation. He hangs with a seriously creepy crowd, all suspected of – big surprise – murder. And when one of Sookie’s coworkers is killed, she fears she’s next….

Thoughts

I’ve had this suggested again and again and again. So I finally decided that it was necessary to read this. And I’m really glad it did. It turned into one of those good-bad guilty pleasure stories. Something that I want to keep reading, but not the jaw dropping, earth shattering story that I was half expecting. This might be because I could see a lot of parallels with Twilight. Which I hate.

Sookie is kind of a fun and entertaining voice through which to tell the story. She is witty, and a little sarcastic. And not in the slightest bit tough. Which is a complete departure from the kinds of stories that I normally read. She’s a waitress with a keen sense of intelligence and loyalty – but she does tend to lean on the men around her for support. For somebody who normally reads stories about fiercely independent women, this was actually a really lovely departure that I continuously thought about and dreamed of.

Bill honestly bores me. Which is probably the biggest problem that I have with this book. He’s just a vampire that runs around. And courts Sookie. And just someone that wasn’t really engaging. Actually, the main reason why I want to continue reading this series is Sookie and her friend Sam. Bill is handsome, dark and runs around in the dark. That is basically it. Maybe in Living Dead in Dallas he will become a little more multi-layered.

<- More Charlaine HarrisLiving Dead in Dallas ->

Image source: Amazon

The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith

Book Review, ,

Overview

The Cuckoo's CallingTitle: The Cuckoo’s Calling
Author: Robert Galbraith
Series: Cormoran Strike #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Crime
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Publisher: Sphere
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: It’s “D.B.” really,’ she enunciated clearly.

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Synopsis

When a troubled model falls to her death from a Mayfair balcony, it is assumed that she has committed suicide. However, her brother has his doubts and calls in private detective Cormoran Strike to investigate.

Strike is a war veteran – wounded both physically and psychologically – and his private life is in disarray. The case gives him a financial lifeline but it comes at a personal cost: the more he delves into the young model’s world, the darker things become and the closer he gets to terrible danger…

Thoughts

This was kind of a slow start. Not in a bad way, but in a way that allowed me to put this story down and pick it back up again at my leisure. It wasn’t something that I had to read. But it was something that I couldn’t stop reading. It wasn’t until Part Four that I found it began to get really difficult to stop absorbing. Which worked perfectly, because this is the climax of the story and you want it to really grip you.

I loved Cormoran Strike as a lead. He wasn’t pretty. He wasn’t balanced. But he also wasn’t ridiculously and comedically off balance. He is a man with a past and personal issues, like we all are. But he has a job that he enjoys and works with. The fact that this is a private detective in contemporary England dealing with issues that everyone has to face at some point or another makes him much more relatable than many of the other protagonists of stories that I have read lately.

From the beginning, I knew that Lula’s death wasn’t going to be a suicide, but a homicide. I mean, why have a crime novel that would just end in suicide? Although, as the story began to unfold, I wasn’t entirely sure of myself. And I really couldn’t figure out who could have possibly killed the model. It honestly wasn’t until the final, big reveal that I finally understood who had orchestrated the entire affair. And it did shock me. Not that drop out the bottom of my stomach shock, but a huh. I did NOT see that coming kind of shock.

 <- Lethal White Review The Silkworm Review ->
Image source: Ex Libris