Tag Archives: Easy Reading

After Midnight by Fiona Brand

Book Review, , ,

Overview

lover-bewareTitle: After Midnight
Author: Fiona Brand
In: Lover Beware (Christine Feehan)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Romance
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Berkley Books
Year: 2003
5th sentence, 74th page: The rusted hinges of his white picket gate creaked as Tucker pushed it wide.

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Synopsis

Between two strangers… Sometimes one glance is all it takes. And sometimes all it takes is one man to tear apart what fate – and desire – have brought together…

Thoughts

Sometimes it’s nice to curl up with a good, cliché romance. If it reads a little like a Mills and Boon novel, then it’s also nice. If you don’t have a tiny beagle trying to lick your face in all the good bits like I did… talk about awkward.

They say that opposites attract. And also that sometimes lone glance is all that it takes. For Jane and Michael, both of these clichés ring true. For seven years, they have fought their attraction, and when they might finally be able to act on their feelings… well, crime and mayhem rears it’s ugly head and threatens to destroy everything.

So much of this story was the lust and the windup to the big moment. The crime that weaves its way throughout this sleepy New Zealand town just helps to up the stakes. The storm scene that brings the climax of the tale (in more ways than one) crashes through and highlights not only the stakes, but the passion and excitement that this story brings. My only complaint about this is that it was a little too short, and I would dearly love to visit Jane and Michael again.

 <- Hot August Moon Review Only Human Review ->
Image source: Fantastic Fiction

Beknighted by Deidre Knight

Book Review, , ,

Overview

Dark and Stormy KnightsTitle: Beknighted
Author: Deidre Knight
In: Dark and Stormy Knights (P.N. Elrod)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: Surely Sebastian wanted her to mop up the proverbial mess.

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Synopsis

A young artist has dreamt about freeing her knight in shining armour, and she is about to succeed. But will shadowy, sinister forces stand in her way?

Thoughts

I really liked this short story. The only thing I didn’t like was the way that it ended – the lovers forgot about each other and didn’t get their steamy reunion. It’s cliché, but I do love a romantic, run into each other’s’ arms ending. And this was so close, but yet so far…

It was a very cool, and trippy idea that there was a knight trapped. And to free him an artist had to create a puzzle box. I’ve never actually seen a puzzle box, so this did throw me a little. But it didn’t take away from the amazing storyline of this story – one that I thoroughly enjoyed and am a little disappointed was so short. Actually, I’m going to specifically search for more works by Deidre Knight now, so that I can enjoy such a fun and interesting take on the world again.

 <- Dark Lady Review Shifting Star Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Dark and Stormy Knights edited by P.N. Elrod

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Overview
Dark and Stormy Knights

Title: Dark and Stormy Knights
Author: Ilona Andrews, Jim Butcher, Shannon K. Butcher, Rachel Caine, P.N. Elrod, Deidre Knight, Vicki Pettersson, Lilith Saintcrow & Carrie Vaughn
In: Dark and Stormy Knights (P.N. Elrod)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Easy reading, Short story collections
Pace: Medium
Format: Anthology
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: Even today’s cleverest smiths are no match for the magic of the fomor.

Synopsis

It was a dark and stormy knight, and nine dark defenders are about to embark upon a perilous quest…

They’re the shadowy defenders of humanity – modern-day knights committing the darkest of deeds for all the right reasons. In this all-star collection, nine of today’s hottest urban fantasy authors bring us thrilling, all-new stories of the supernatural brimming with magic, mystery, and mayhem.

An unlikely hero goes head-to-head with a ruthless cantrev lord in Jim Butcher’s “Even Hand”. Kate Daniels is called upon for bodyguard duty to protect Saimen, a shifter she trusts less than her worst enemy, in Ilona Andrews’s “A Questionable Client”. At all costs, Cormac must stop a vicious werewolf before it attacks again on the next full moon in Carrie Vaughn’s “God’s Creatures”. And in Vicki Pettersson’s “Shifting Star”, Skamar reluctantly enlists the aid of her frustratingly sexy neighbor when she takes on a vengeful creature kidnapping young girls.

When everything’s on the line, can these sinister guardians complete their missions and live to fight another day? Find out in Dark and Stormy Knights!

Thoughts

I loved this collection. I loved it so much that I really didn’t want to put it down. And bought almost every series featured in this collection. Which has cost me a fair bit of money in the last few days… yes, I am well aware that I have a problem. And I’m a little bit concerned by how quickly and easily I fall into these amazing literary worlds.

I loved the variety of stories, genres and tales throughout this. I loved the fact that the dark fantasy common thread ran through seamlessly. And I loved that each time I turned the page something exciting and thrilling was leaping out at me. There’s actually not much negative that I can say about this collection. After all, it took me through the scale of emotions, a number of whirlwind adventures and made me feel like I never wanted to put this book down again. For any fans of fantasy, this is definitely one to add to your shelf.

 <- A Questionable ClientGod’s Creatures ->

Image source: Goodreads

Krisis by Lindsay Smith

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

Kisses and CursesTitle: Krisis
Author: Lindsay Smith
Series: Sekret #0.6
In: Kisses & Curses (Lauren Burniac)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy, History, Psychics
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Square Fish
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: “Comrade, that is not a feasible option-”

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Synopsis

A seer who can see into the future is placed in the midst of the Cuban Missile Crisis and maybe only she can stop the world from ending.

Thoughts

I really enjoy stories that are based around actual moments in history. However, I’m not one who tends to read up much on history – probably because in high school we did a lot of American history and ANZAC history, but nothing about our Indigenous Australians, and many, many things that they basically try to pretend didn’t happen. But I digress… this short story (and apparently greater series) is set in Communist Russia. A period of history that I know next to nothing about. And now want to know even more of.

Stories about people with extra abilities, like telekinesis, telepathy, future telling… they are stories that I tend to be drawn to. The fact that this partners an aspect of history that I know little of just makes it all the more appealing. I also loved reading the author’s introduction to this story – the idea for the series came from a fascination with this period of history, and what would happen if even the privacy of your own mind was taken away. Even though this short story isn’t quite about that, it is a great introduction to the world and the idea overall.

Nuclear warfare scares me. If someone presses that button, the world will effectively end. Regardless of the way in which it happens. Revisiting a period in history where this very nearly happened and giving it a paranormal twist really works for me. It’s something that is a terrifying Krisis, and the potential for the mayham is, I think, seared into all of our souls. I can’t wait to see where this series will take me…

 <- Skandal Review Sekret Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

The Sister of the South by Emily Rodda

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

The Sister of the SouthTitle: The Sister of the South
Author: Emily Rodda
Series: Dragons of Deltora #4, World of Deltora #15
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Easy reading, Medieval fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Year: 2004
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘No, Kree!’ she exclaimed.

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

DELOTRA IS A LAND OF MONSTERS AND MAGIC…

With the aid of Deltora’s last dragons, Lief, Barda and Jasmine have destroyed three of the Four Sisters, evil Shadow Lord creations which are poisoning their land. Their quest will end in the city of Del, where the Sister of the South lies hidden.

Del is the companions’ home, but it has changed. Fear now stalks the streets, treachery lurks behind smiling faces and evil prowls the palace. Burdened by a terrible sense of foreboding, Lief knows that every step he takes leads closer to disaster. Yet he cannot stop, he cannot turn back.

And in the Shadowlands the Enemy gloats, waiting for the terrifying end.

Thoughts

I was kind of sad to finish this story – after all, it is the very last of the Deltora Quest tales and it completely ties up the tale of Lief, Barda and Jasmine. But it’s also nice when an author finishes off such a long series in such a way. It doesn’t make you constantly wonder “what happened” and gives everyone their nice, happy, ride off into the sunset future. Yes, they might be kind of cheesy, but I still like the happily ever after endings…

I love how the use of fairy tales throughout the Deltora Quest stories inform the quests that the trio take in their modern days. It was a story that sends them on this final quest, and it ties in beautifully at the end of this tale to create one, last hurdle. Unless you’ve read Tales of Deltora, the ending isn’t exactly obvious – the entirety of the folktale isn’t revealed. But if you have, there is a great hint in there.

Although this is a happy ending, there is a sense of sadness to the finishing of this. Not just because the series is finished, but also because not everyone gets that happily ever after. Although it sounds horrible, I liked the fact that it wasn’t so cut and dry – there is a level of complexity in Rodda’s storytelling that I completely missed as a child, but thoroughly enjoy as an adult.

 <- Isle of the Dead Review Tales of Deltora Review ->
Image source: Scholastic

Isle of the Dead by Emily Rodda

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

Isle of the DeadTitle: Isle of the Dead
Author: Emily Rodda
Series: Dragons of Deltora #3, World of Deltora #14
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Easy reading, Medieval fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Year: 2004
5th sentence, 74th page: Seven long days, and still the witch lives, watered and fed by her creatures.

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

DELTORA IS A LAND OF MONSTERS AND MAGIC…

Aided by the mysterious magic of Deltora’s last dragons, Lief, Barda and Jasmine have found and destroyed two of the Four Sisters, evil Shadow Lord creations which have been poisoning Deltora. Now, aware that time is running out for the kingdom’s starving people, the companions are racing to their next goal, on the wild west coast.

But the Shadow Lord has become aware of their quest. And, somehow, he knows every move they make. Terrible dangers from the present and the past lie in wait for them. And the greatest shock of all lurks in the lair of the ferocious Kobb, on the desolate Isle of the Dead.

Thoughts

The trap is almost sprung. Or at least that’s how it’s feeling when you read the third story in this quartet. The horrors of the past clash against the trials of the present as the four hurry towards the Sister of the West. And this is probably my favourite evil guardian so far. He is so incredibly obviously evil, and also sinister. Yet, as with everything in this series, a great commentary on a social manifestation – in this case greed.

There are a few mysteries in the greater Deltora series that are unveiled in this. The tale of the slightly weird Tom. The hidden horrors of Bone Point Lighthouse… there are so many ways in which the past and present intermingle in this story. I love how it all combines to create this great story. It also ties the hooks of the trap that is about to be sprung tighter around the trio. Now I can’t wait to see what will happen when the Shadow Lord is defeated (or not) in the final story of this entire series…

 <- Shadowgate Review The Sister of the South Review ->
Image source: Amazon

Shadowgate by Emily Rodda

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

ShadowgateTitle: Shadowgate
Author: Emily Rodda
Series: Dragons of Deltora #2, World of Deltora #13
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Easy reading, Medieval fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Year: 2004
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘Bess is being very pleasant to Uncle Berry,’ Jasmine said in a low voice, breaking off part of her cake and cautiously slipping it beneath her jacket for Filli.

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

DELTORA IS A LAND OF MONSTERS AND MAGIC…

The Four Sisters, evil creations of the Shadow Lord, are poisoning Deltora and starving its people. Lief, Barda and Jasmine have found and destroyed the first of the Sisters. Now they must find the second, hidden within the mountains that border the Shadowlands itself. And they know that only the Dragon of the Emerald can help them.

The Shadow Lord is now aware of their quest. Deep in the Shadowlands, he plots their destruction. Hidden enemies and trickery await as the companions travel towards the Sister of the North and its terrible guardian, in the dread place called Shadowgate.

Thoughts

The second tale of the Four Sisters raises the stakes yet again. It also introduces a completely new cultural group into the stories. The Masked Ones. Who are kind of cool (in that they seem based around the idea of gypsies). But also incredibly creepy. And almost evil in what they do – but you’ll just have to read this novel to find out why they give me such a mixed reaction.

The evils of love and lust are explored in the second Guardian – in a way that is kind of completely unpredictable. Although, as with everything that Rodda writes, there are great little hints throughout which highlight who the real evil is – and the trap that is being laid by the Shadow Lord. There is a feeling that the trap is far more complex and sinister than just the four sisters.

I love how each of the dragons in this series emphasises the characteristics that the gem of their territory highlights. In this tale, there is the singing Lapis Lazuli dragon, and the honourable (albeit grumpy) Emerald dragon. The distinctness of their characters makes me wonder what the next three dragons will be like…

 <- Dragon’s Nest Review Isle of the Dead Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Dragon’s Nest by Emily Rodda

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

Dragon's NestTitle: Dragon’s Nest
Author: Emily Rodda
Series: Dragons of Deltora #1, World of Deltora #12
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Easy reading, Medieval fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Year: 2003
5th sentence, 74th page: The great topaz shines for you.

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

DELTORA IS A LAND OF MONSTERS AND MAGIC…

The evil Shadow Lord has been banished, but famine still stalks Deltora, and only monsters thrive. As the starving people weaken, Lief, Jasmine and Barda discover a terrible secret. The Enemy left the seeds of death behind him. Four vile creations of sorcery called the Four Sisters are hidden in the land. They are slowly killing it while the Shadow Lord gloats, awaiting his triumphant return.

The companions must find the deadly Sisters and destroy them. Their only clue is a fragment of an ancient map. Their only hope of help lies with seven unlikely allies – the last of Deltora’s dragons.

Thoughts

I love dragons. That is always a good place to start with a series for me. Something that has dragons in it. So the final of the Deltora Quests, and its focus on dragons… yes, I would love to read this. Quickly and before I go to sleep most nights. Because then I have beautiful dreams of dragons.

At the end of the Deltora Shadowlands series, it seemed like everything was going to be okay for Deltora. After all, the Shadow Lord’s tyranny had ended and the slaves are freed. But then the most terrifying enemy rears its ugly head – that of famine. When the world itself has turned against the people of Deltora. Luckily there will be dragons to save the day. Like I said, dragons are awesome.

Superstition and people’s prejudices seem to play a large part in the creation of this newest threat and the removal of its potential solution (the dragons). I love the idea of the antagonist using superstition and gossip to not only remove a threat to his evil plan. But also to convince the garden of the first sister to do his bidding – it shows that sometimes we should also keep our minds open.

 <- The Shadowlands Review Shadowgate Review ->
Image source: Scholastic

Heads Will Roll by Lish McBride

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Heads Will Roll

Title: Heads Will Roll
Author: Lish McBride
Series: Necromancer #0.1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Ghosts, Necromancers
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Tor.com
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: The harpy used her own talons to slice into the manticore’s flesh and tear muscle.

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Synopsis

Lena’s not your typical animal trainer. And when she and her unicorn partner, Steve, decide to enter a fight, it’s definitely not your typical fight….

Thoughts

Every time I pick this short story up, the song “Heads Will Roll” gets stuck in my head… it’s actually my current ringtone. Which is maybe why I haven’t read this so far – I get too busy singing the song to actually start reading the story. But, I finally pushed through the soundtrack playing in my head and decided to read this. And I really, really, really wasn’t disappointed.

A fighting unicorn really isn’t what I was expecting, and when I explained this tale to my partner, he kind of gave me this incredibly confused, dear in the headlights kind of look. Which is the perfect explanation of how wickedly awesome and random this story is. And how much I want to pick up another piece of McBride’s writing.

I think that my favourite moment of all in this 51-page tale was the ending, the attempt at riding off into the sunset, and kind of epically failing at it. And the hint that there are more adventures to come for this small team of do-gooders and vigilantes.

<- Necromancing the StoneDeath and Waffles ->

Image source: Kobo

The Shadowlands by Emily Rodda

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

The ShadowlandsTitle: The Shadowlands
Author: Emily Rodda
Series: Deltora Shadowlands #3, World of Deltora #11
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Easy reading, Medieval fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Year: 2002
5th sentence, 74th page: The cave-dwellers had scattered, burrowing into the mounds until they were invisible.

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

DELTORA IS A LAND OF MONSTERS AND MAGIC…

Lief, Barda and Jasmine have two parts of the fabled Pirran Pipe. Now they must seek the final part on the emerald isle of Keras. The Pipe is their only chance of saving the thousands of Deltorans enslaved in the Shadowlands, for it is said to be the only thing the Shadow Lord fears in his own domain.

But can the Pipe be made whole? And if it can, will its ancient magic still prevail against the Enemy’s sorcery? Or are the companions walking into a trap? Filled with doubts they move on, knowing that, whatever happens, their quest will end in the darkness and horror of the Shadowlands itself.

Thoughts

I love this conclusion to the Deltora Shadowlands. It ties together the three tribes of Pira, highlights the differences and similarities between each and finally reveals all of the secrets that the trio have been keeping from each other.

The plans upon plans which the Shadow Lord has placed to defeat them finally are revealed. Although this is a children’s book, the sinister cunning and plotting of the villain throughout this is kind of overwhelming. One of the things I loved as a child was all of the many, many puzzles which are scattered throughout. Yet it wasn’t until I read this series as an adult that I picked up on all of the evils and potential horrors that the antagonist could unleash.

As with everything in this world that Rodda has created, not everything is as it seems. And although this is probably the third time that I read this story, I was still surprised by the final twists.

 <- The Isle of Illusion Review Dragon’s Nest Review ->
Image source: Scholastic