Wyrd Sisters by Terry Pratchett

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Wyrd Sisters
Author: Terry Pratchett
Series: Discworld #6, Witches #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Comedy, Easy reading, Fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 1988

Thoughts

It doesn’t matter which one, every time I pick up a Discworld novel I know that I’m in for a wild ride of humour and entertainment. And honestly, as of late, I’ve needed the funny in my life. Which meant that the fact that Wyrd Sisters ticked all of my boxes led me to feeling super relaxed and like I could let go a big sigh. Granny Weatherwax, Nanny Ogg and Magret are an absolutely hilarious trio. And whilst I think I’ve met Granny Weatherwax before, the three of them together was even more fun. Plus, I really like that they each represent one of the three aspects of the Goddess (Crone, Mother and Maiden).

Alongside the trio of Witches, there is, as always an entertaining cast that drew me straight in. In this case, I particularly loved the Fool. I love that when we get to visit him, you see two sides to his personality. There’s the jester side which waxes nonsensically lyrically about the world around him and tries to maintain his loyalty. And then there is the internal struggle which he is battling. The fact that the Fool actually has an incredibly sharp and bright mind, one driven by a strong sense of morality and right and wrong. The fact that he ends up being a big driver of the “good” in this story just made me like him all that much more. Even as he romances Magret and deals with the duality of his own nature. A great reminder that the way someone presents to the world may not be who they actually are inside.

I honestly did not want to put this book down. One of the reasons why it is taking me so long to get through the Discworld novels is that I find this issue every single time. I have to adult, and so when I get this severely hooked and obsessed with a book can be somewhat of an issue. The ability of the Witches to take on a king and do so with wit and humour was hilarious. The way that they choose to bend and break the rules for the “greater good”, and also because they are just pissed meant that I wanted to see what nonsense was going to happen next. It was almost impossible to look away, and I honestly may have walked into a doorway or two in my quest to see what would happen next.

It’s been a while since I’ve actually read a Pratchett novel, and this is a reminder why I want to just fill my shelves with these stories. They are a great read in a general kind of way. But what I love the most is that they are a great, satirical take on the world. And no matter how old these stories get, they are still relevant today. In the case of Wyrd Sisters, it’s a reminder of the challenges of power and how absolute power corrupts absolutely. Particularly when that power is placed in the hands of an absolute idiot.

<- SourceryPyramids ->

Image source: Penguin

Better Haunts and Garden Gnomes by Michelle M. Pillow

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Better Haunts and Garden Gnomes
Author: Michelle M. Pillow
Series: (Un)lucky Valley #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Cozy mystery, Magic, Paranormal romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

Thoughts

Better Haunts and Garden Gnomes is a great start to the Goode Witches curse and the story of (Un)Lucky Valley. What I took to be a simple cozy mystery and continuation of the antics of Aunt Polly and the Happily Everlasting series is really the beginning of a whole heap of new complications. It is still entirely written in the same vein. However, there is less of the happily ever after romance within the story, and so much more dark secrets that aren’t quite resolved. I feel like this whole series is going to uncover secret after secret, and I for one can’t wait.

It was kind of hard to guess who the villain in this story was going to be. I mean, there’s literally a whole town that hates this family and wants them gone. I didn’t quite guess who it was going to be. There is a whole lot of previously unknown history in the creation of the villain though, and I absolutely adored this fact. I mean, how could you not? Not only does it create a more textured world, but in getting to know the villain throughout the story, you realise that sometimes good people can be seriously misled and do some truly rotten things. Plus, it’s fun that Lily just decides to forgive and take everyone under her wing, even when they are being horridly cruel to her.

Pillow doesn’t hesitate to highlight the different ways in which growing up with a parent who is mentally ill and abusive can leave children with. Each of the siblings handle the untethering and feelings of abandonment differently, and I love that it is a constant working progress for Lily in particular, mostly because she’s the centre point of this story. And yet, when there is the ability to become bitter, she is still supportive and hopeful for a family and place to call their own for herself and her siblings. Plus, she’s incredibly intelligent and stubborn enough to figure out how to get around all of the restrictions and such that are placed upon her.

Then there is Nolan. He starts out as a potential villain but ends up being a great love interest. And ultimately a total sweetie. I also love that his entire job is to try and write up city citations against paranormals in an entirely mundane way. The different citations that are mentioned throughout this story most definitely had me smiling and laughing throughout. Honestly, a lot of this had me smiling and laughing. Aunt Polly in particular is still a favourite with her skewed version of reality and the different ways in which she wants to support the Goode siblings. Even if, at one point, it ends up with Dante being off his face drunk and rolling on the ground…

<- More Michelle M. PillowAny Witch Way But Goode ->

Image source: Kobo

In the Hand of the Goddess ReRead by Tamora Pierce

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: In the Hand of the Goddess ReRead
Author: Tamora Pierce
Series: Tortall #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Medieval fantasy, Young adult
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 1984

Thoughts

Something about Pierce’s writing is always a fantastic comfort read. It is always a return to a well-loved world, kind of like wrapping myself up in my weighted blanket with a hot chocolate in hand. The perfect way to relax and destress after an intense day. And a series that I tend to reread every year or two. This time, rereading this series as a mother and with the eye towards being able to one day share this with my daughter made it all that much more special. If anything, reading through this lens gave me even more comfort as I got to travel along with Alanna in her second set of adventures.

In the Hand of the Goddess is all about Alanna’s adventures as a squire. It’s about first loves and the fact that she ultimately has to choose to embrace the fact that she is a woman. Where The First Adventure was all about Alanna taking a dive into a foreign world and hiding as a man. In the Hand of the Goddess is all about Alanna living with herself as she is. This is such a brilliant coming of age story – I love that to begin with, Alanna is all about denying her femininity and trying to be something she’s not. Then, as she grows up, she realises that there’s a whole aspect of herself that she has to embrace. It’s only the beginning, but, as someone who was never sure how her femininity fit in with the things she loved, it’s something I absolutely adored reading about.

I remember Alanna’s time in war being much longer and more intense than it actually is. Mostly, her time in war and her first forays as a full-blooded warrior are rather quick. Only a few chapters for a part of the story I remember incredibly well. What I most liked about all of this though, is that in a world that is very much built on class, Alanna doesn’t feel that she is above anyone else. Rather, she spends the entirety of her time with those without a speck of noble blood in their veins. She doesn’t assume that an accident of birth makes her special, and I love how immediately connected that makes you feel to her.

Honestly, it doesn’t matter how many times I reread this story and this series, I love it each and every time. Not only is there comfort in the familiar words, there is also some great messages within Alanna’s coming of age story. There’s a reason I can’t wait to share this series with my daughter. And there’s a reason I keep coming back to this stories again and again and again.

<- Alanna: The First Adventure ReReadThe Woman Who Rides Like a Man ReRead ->

Image source: Goodreads

Along Came a Spider by James Patterson

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Along Came a Spider
Author: James Patterson
Series: Alex Cross #1
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Mystery, Thriller
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 1993

Thoughts

I used to absolutely love thrillers, and whilst Along Came a Spider was a brilliant book, I’ve realised that this is most definitely not my genre anymore. I think because I have children now and a lot of emotionally taxing roles in my life. Thrillers used to give me, well, a thrill, but now I really don’t need that in my life.

There is so much evil seeping off of the pages of Along Came a Spider. Everything about this story kind of hurt my heart. Again, I’ve noticed that since becoming a mother, the idea of children being victims of violence makes me break a little bit inside. It’s what’s supposed to happen, this isn’t going to be a happy story. But at this point in my life, I read for joy, not for thrills.

Along Came a Spider has so many twists and turns. Every time I thought that I had a handle on the trajectory of this story, something happened. It meant that, whilst I didn’t necessarily feel comfortable reading this, I also didn’t want to look away from this story. It was a very well named story – a spider web of insanity and intensity that continuously closes in around Alex Cross. It might be a long time before I read Kiss the Girls, but at least I know this is a well crafted thriller that will keep me guessing continuously.

<- More James PattersonKiss the Girls ->

Image source: Penguin

The Two Week Roommate by Roxie Noir

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: The Two Week Roommate
Author: Roxie Noir
Series: Wildwood Society #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2023

Thoughts

This was not the story I was expecting to be completely honest, I knew that it was a forced proximity romance and had a bit of a second chance romance vibe. But what I got was, quite honestly, even better. For starters, the second chance aspect of reconnecting as adults was due to entirely unexpected factors. Primarily, in Gideon feeling that he had betrayed Andi, and Andi moving far away as a consequence of childish actions. I do love though that they very quickly are able to reconnect as best friends, and then build on this to the romance and lust filled portion of the story.

As the story unfolds, and Gideon’s past comes to light, it became a whole lot of emotionally wow. Gideon’s parents and their use of religion to justify abuse was truly horrifying. I don’t often see individuals as “evil” in a black and white sense, but in this circumstance, I 100% did. It also gives a very unique conflict in their past – a lot of Gideon’s guilt at the past is viewed through the lens of an adult. As a child, it is completely justifiable to see where his actions came from. But it would most certainly be harshly judged as an adult. I also love that his love for Andi and their growing relationship is what finally allows him to put some better boundaries in place with his family.

The more I found out about Gideon throughout this story, the more I loved him. He took a traumatic and guilt-ridden event from his past and decides to change his ways. Rather, he comes full circle and supports his two younger brothers in their own gender and sexual identities. Those which would make many of this religious insanity absolutely baulk. I just found this whole situation to be beautiful. Normally I connect really strongly with the women in a story, but in writing this review and thinking back on the story, my focus is solely on Gideon. Andi is also an amazing female lead and I really loved her. But it’s easy to be kind and accepting when that’s what you’ve grown up with. It’s so much more powerful to shuck a lifetime’s worth of prejudice, and be a better human off your own back.

I was expecting this story to be filled with conflict caused by Gideon’s family. I thought he would be likely to have a massive crisis of identity, and then finally come full circle at the end. I love that this is not the case at all. Gideon and Andi have both already done all of the work as individuals and become better people. Finding each other and ending up together is really about forgiving themselves (internally) for the past and enjoying their future together. It also meant that the character development (which is something I always love Noir for) is seriously focused on their own issues and letting go of the toxicity in their lives. Not about the conflict between the couple.

Not only was this a wonderful story, I also just loved the reMeet Cute. Andi is chained to a tree in a blizzard and seriously questioning her own sanity. Gideon is wondering why he has to go and save the crazy woman and questioning her decision making. It makes for a hilarious start to a story. And all of the light moments throughout help to diffuse the intensity of some of the more emotionally fraught moments. I adore Noir’s work and this is a perfect example of why.

<- The One Month BoyfriendThe Three Night Stand ->

Image source: Amazon

Feel the Heat by Kate Meader

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Feel the Heat
Author: Kate Meader
Series: Hot in the Kitchen #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Food
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2013

Thoughts

This is probably the third Kate Meader book that I’ve read. And although I enjoyed it, it did take me a little bit longer to get into than her sports romance books. Maybe because I’m kind of hooked into the sports romance stories lately, and maybe it was just the characters. Either way, I did ultimately really enjoy this story, and once I actually got invested (a few chapters in, instead of immediately), I didn’t want to put this down. I wanted to find out how Lili and Jack were going to make their differences work and find their way to a happily ever after.

One of the things I’m really liking about Kate Meader’s stories is that there is a whole lot of character development that each of her protagonists go through on their way to finding their happily ever after. It might be all about the love connection and romance as the main driver, but the fact that this is often just a catalyst for a couple to figure out who they are individually is great. In the case of Lili, her gratefulness that her Mum is alive and role in the family as primary caregiver has seriously shaped her life and approach to relationships. I love that her relationship with Jack is what drives her to start to look at the walls and self-sabotaging behaviours that this has caused. It’s a journey throughout the entire novel, and one that made me think of my own shortcomings and walls caused by very similar circumstances.

Alongside Lili’s journey of self discovery is Jack’s. by being surrounded by Lili and her somewhat chaotic family, he is forced to think though what it is about food that he truly loves. I mean, I was going to enjoy this story with all of the Italian food and family that filled the pages anyway. But that love of food and drive to always learn that completely defines Jack made me (eventually) fall further in love with this whole story. I also love that they are both pushed from their comfort zones. And at different parts of the story, they are both chasing one another, and running. Making it a little bit less one sided with the whole courtship thing.

Aside from how much I enjoyed Lili and Jack and their journey to one another. Particularly with his snobbish beginning and her very hesitant one, I also loved Lili’s family dynamics. It shifted as the story unfolded, but I always dreamed of having a big insane family like this. I kind of have it, but we aren’t quite so in each others’ lives. Then there’s the passion for food and family businesses, the willingness to ultimately be loyal to each other, even if it takes some of them a little bit to find the right way in which to do this… a glorious romance with a great cast of secondary characters.

<- More Kate MeaderAll Fired Up ->

Image source: Kobo

Like a Wolf with a Bone ReRead by Shelly Laurenston

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Like a Wolf with a Bone ReRead
Author: Shelly Laurenston
Series: Pride #0.75
In: Howl for It (Shelly Laurenston & Cynthia Eden)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2008

Thoughts

Like a Wolf with a Bone is the story of Dee-Ann’s parents. Although Eggie is mentioned as a bit of a boogey man throughout the series, it is really Dee-Ann who keeps popping up and scaring everyone. So I kind of loved going back to this as part of my reread. It gives context to some of the things that come after, but also works really well as a standalone novella. I also love that there is a brief appearance of Sara Morrighan’s parents and the hints of what’s to come in their story too.

Although Darla Mae isn’t as aggressive as almost any of the women in this entire series, she is still an incredibly tough and strong willed woman. I love that she is a feminist and a pacifist who chooses not to engage and fight with others. Yet, when push comes to shove, she’s willing to dig her feet in for what (and who) she wants. It’s a reminder that strong women don’t have to fit a certain mold and can show their spine of steel in a multitude of ways. Plus, I’m always a fan of anyone who enjoys walking to the beat of their own drum.

As with all stories, I definitely want to talk about Darla Mae (the female) more than anyone else. I love that not only does Darla Mae fight her sisters for her right to choose the man she loves. But, ultimately, she also starts her own pie business (again, with her intense sisters) and starts the most intense and insane race known to Shifters. Having been part of my reread, I love how this ties in with Sissy Mae’s story and shows just how the car racing in Smithtown actually starts. Its hilarious. Its terrifying. And I plan on reading all about it again and again.

For some reason (that I should maybe talk to my therapist about), Eggie’s declaration of love to Darla Mae was incredibly beautiful and romantic. I love that within it is the fact that most people annoy him, but Darla Mae doesn’t. And therefore he loves her. It’s a funny approach, and one that I found ridiculously sweet. Declarations of love are always fun, but this just made it so much better.

<- Miss Congeniality ReReadChristmas Pride ReRead ->

Image source: Kobo

Miss Congeniality ReRead by Shelly Laurenston

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Miss Congeniality ReRead
Author: Shelly Laurenston
Series: Pride #0.5
In: When He Was Bad (Shelly Laurenston & Cynthia Eden)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2012

Thoughts

Irene Conridge is insane, aggressive and I am madly in love with her. She is brutal in a way that I wish I could be, but, you know, I don’t actually want to be quite that isolated. I loved her novella the first time I read it, and if anything, I loved it even more the second time round. Particularly as I can recognise when she shows up more in the rest of Laurenston’s shapeshifting world and series. It’s fun to see how she is pulled into the Pride world with the knowledge of how she is going to shape the future of it all.

I love how Van Holtz chooses to just kind of… follow Irene around like a lost puppy for seven years before he finally decides to make his move. Although, admittedly, he was kind of pushed a little into making a move into their relationship. He’s such a gorgeous and sweet man, and I love how, once he decides to be fixated on one woman, he just calmly pursues her and irritates the absolute dickens out of her with his puppy dog nonsense.

Irene has this insane ability to completely bring the world to its knees. Not just through her scientific talents and ability to literally destroy the world. But, she also has this innate ability to destroy people’s self confidence and feelings of worth. I found this far more fun and hilarious than I probably should have. And honestly, I kind of love that this is a talent, don’t get me wrong, I also appreciate that Irene has the self control and just enough of a conscience to not destroy and everyone and everything, but I kind of love that she is able to.

Now that I’ve read all of the published books in Laurenston’s Shifter World, I have so much more appreciation for how this leads into the greater stories. I particularly loved how the epilogue lead into Go Fetch! and the beginnings of Toni’s life from Wolf with Benefits are highlighted. But honestly, it was Irene’s engagements with Miki and her children in the epilogue that I loved the most.

<- Here Kitty, Kitty!Like a Wolf with a Bone ReRead ->

Image source: Fiction DB

In a Badger Way ReRead by Shelly Laurenston

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: In a Badger Way ReRead
Author: Shelly Laurenston
Series: Honey Badger Chronicles #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

Shen and Stevie are an absolutely adorable couple that had me smiling and laughing throughout their entire story. And, honestly, even with this being my second (maybe third) read through of this book, I still loved it just as much as the first time. It was adorable, funny and filled with violence. Definitely the kind of story that I will continue to reread again and again and again. Plus, Stevie is absolutely insane, and Shen just… rolls with the crazy that she brings into his life. A fantastic couple that I want to keep diving into in the future.

For me, In a Badger Way is all about Stevie learning to love every aspect of herself. I mean, the girl oozes self confidence, but when you get to her story, you realise that she’s actually wracked with insecurities. Mostly because she’s fearful of all the many, many different ways in which she can annihilate the world. And terrify others, and just how horrible that must feel. I love that her insecurities are based on her compassion for others. But, I love even more that she finally figures out how to accept herself for all of her insanity. And chaos, and just love her whole terrifying being.

Alongside the insanity of the honey badgers, I have seriously enjoyed diving back into Laurenston’s shapeshifter romances. They are just hilarious and a whole lot of fun. I particularly have the image of them just grabbing the soccer ball in games and… rolling around with them. I’ve seen pandas do this on the many videos I’ve watched, so the idea of shapeshifter pandas doing such a thing? Adorable and all around hilarious. Plus, then there’s the systematic destruction of everyone’s comfort zone when Shen chooses to just… chew on bamboo. I also love that where everyone else finds Shen’s chewing off-putting, the consistency of the noise is actually calming for Shen.

Through all of the insanity that is the MacKilligan Sisters, I love that Shen just… rolls with all of the crazy. I mean, he does kind of loose his cool when Stevie just repeatedly tells him that she’s decided that he’s her boyfriend. And, ultimately that they love each other. I mean, she’s not wrong, but Shen’s confusion at her decision making process just makes everything about this story that much more hilarious and enjoyable. Ultimately, I just love the MacKilligan sisters and will continue rereading their stories again and again. Just because it entertains me like no tomorrow.

<- Hot and Badgered ReReadBadger to the Bone ReRead ->

Image source: Booktopia

Hot and Badgered ReRead by Shelly Laurenston

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Hot and Badgered ReRead
Author: Shelly Laurenston
Series: Honey Badger Chronicles #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

Thoughts

Even though this is my second read through, Hot and Badgered is just as brilliant, fun, hilarious and impossible to put down as the first time. There’s a reason why Hot and Badgered got my completely hooked on Laurenston and her brilliant approach to paranormal romances. I may have enjoyed this ridiculously on my first read, but now that I’ve also read the Pride series, I have so much more appreciation for the different cameos throughout and how Laurenston has been able to build such a fun and engaging world to dive into. It was fun before, but now it is even better!!!

The MacKilligan sister might all be certifiably insane, but I love the love and care that Charlie shows her somewhat out of control siblings. Charlie might be the matriarch of their little band, but she’s also longing for love and a place to call home. I love that she’s learnt a thousand ways to protect her siblings, and yet, at the core of her behaviours, it’s all about creating home, family and a safe space. The constant stress baking, the dogs and the willingness to set down roots with someone she truly cares about are all drives that I recognise. It’s always enjoyable to connect to a character in the most random of ways – and Charlie’s willingness to put her family first whilst stress baking is ridiculously recognisable.

On rereading this and remembering how much I love this story, there is something that I’m somewhat concerned about – the series and books that I’m obsessing over at the moment tend to be romances. With a whole lot of violence. And killing. And blood. I’m not sure how concerned I should be about this latest obsession. Some of the murder and violence is caused by Charlie, but, enjoyably, she mostly spends this story finishing the violence. The fact that it’s done in a really matter of fact, no dramas fashion just added to my enjoyment and entertainment. But seriously, so much violence.

There are some series that you just reread almost yearly… they are a pleasant diversion from real life and layered enough that you find something new with each read through. There’s a reason that Hot and Badgered is quickly making it onto that list… it is fun and light in some ways. But there is enough drama and angst that I just didn’t want to put it down. Plus, then there’s the many different threads throughout which link to other stories in the Laurenston universe. Now I can’t wait to dive into Max’s story again in In a Badger Way.

<- Bite Me ReReadIn a Badger Way ReRead ->

Image source: Fresh Fiction