Tag Archives: Easy Reading

Fixer by Courtney Alameda

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

Kisses and CursesTitle: Fixer
Author: Courtney Alameda
Series: Shutter #0.6
In: Kisses and Curses (Lauren Burniae)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Easy reading, Paranormal fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Square Fish
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: I stop, wondering when Micheline became my girl.

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Synopsis

Ryder has recently rescued the girl he loves from a horrific monster – but that doesn’t mean that the battle is won. Both Micheline and Ryder are left with scars that they are trying to overcome.

Thoughts

This book has made me incredibly curious about the larger Shutter world in general. The idea of one of the descendants of Van Helsing is fun, although I’m still a little bit hazy as to what the team is hunting in the first place. It feels like a dark, demonic hybrid of a vampire, but I’m going to buy the novel to actually find out.

I found this a really interesting story – it flicked between the present day (and the aftermath of THAT NIGHT) to well, That Night. It’s a great way to see the harm that is inflicted upon Ryder in his attempt to save Micheline. The team’s risk and the ways in which this all interrelates is really fun and interesting. And something that I can’t wait to read more about.

The other thing that I really enjoyed about this story was how the name connected to the last scene. It seemed very random and non-descriptive when I first started reading this, but once the story actually unfolded, I finally understood it. And loved it. Which is why I immediately jumped online to actually buy my copy of Shutter.

 <- Trigger Review Shutter Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Trigger by Courtney Alameda

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

TriggerTitle: Trigger
Author: Courtney Alameda
Series: Shutter #0.5
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Easy reading, Paranormal fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Tor Books
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: The Bay Bridge stretched from San Francisco to Oakland, covering about eight miles of open water.

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Synopsis

Micheline Helsing is a tetrachromat – a girl who sees the auras of the undead in a prismatic spectrum. Now she’s facing one of her most challenging ghost hunts ever. Lock, stock, and lens, she’s in for one hell of a ride.

Thoughts

This is a really interesting novella. I read the short story Fixer before I read this, and the tragedy in Michelline’s future hasn’t quite yet occurred. So it’s nice to see how she is stuck between two worlds – that of her father and mother and two legacies. Yet, Michelline’s gumption somehow saves the day. Albeit in a very destructive manner.

I’m really enjoying the single word names for Alameda’s Shutter series. Somehow they manage to explain exactly the topic and trend of the story. I love how one simple word might seem a little bizarre as a title at the beginning of the tale, but by the end I have this beautiful light bulb moment where everything makes sense and it seems so glaringly obvious.

Now I just have to wait for Shutter to appear in the mail…

 <- Shutter Review Fixer Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

The Man Who Couldn’t Be Bothered to Die by Norman Prentiss

Book Review, , ,

Overview

Blood Lite IIITitle: The Man Who Couldn’t Be Bothered to Die
Author: Norman Prentiss
In: Blood Lite III (Kevin J. Anderson)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Comedy, Easy reading
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Gallery Books
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: He’d clicked “Remind Me Later” each day since.

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Synopsis

Sometimes it’s necessary to have an intervention. Especially when your loved one just refuses to actually die.

Thoughts

I’ve never been part of an intervention. And I feel like that’s a good thing. Especially when you’re reading a short story that is effectively about the intervention of a loved one. Who is also a zombie. It was funny. But also seriously creepy.

What I loved about this short story is that it starts with an intervention to encourage the character to die. Then it goes back two weeks and helps to explain why his loving sister is telling him to just go towards the light. All of the angst and emotion of a normal intervention, with just that extra little dash thrown in…

 <- For Sale Review The Last Demon Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Secret Heart by Ann Aguirre

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Kisses and Curses

Title: Secret Heart
Author: Ann Aguirre
Series: Razorland #1.1
In: Kisses and Curses (Lauren Burniae)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Dystopia, Easy reading
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Square Fish
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: “We have to lose them before heading back to enclave.”

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Synopsis

A retelling of one of the scenes in Ann Aguirre’s Razorland series, told from a different perspective to give the reader a different insight into the tale.

Thoughts

There seem to be a number of deleted scenes from series throughout Kisses and Curses. This is another such tale. But it is certainly a great way to get me hooked into a series without my awareness – after all, I loved this point of view from the Razorland series, so it will be interesting to read the main stories from another POV.

I really liked the mole man setting of this story. In the introduction, Aguirre explains the setting and the dystopian setting of this tale. Something that works really well, and as someone who has lately been enjoying dystopian novels, it seems like a completely unique and fun idea.

<- Enclave ReviewEndurance Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Making the Cut by Mike Resnick & Lezli Robyn

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

Blood Lite IIITitle: Making the Cut
Author: Mike Resnick & Lezli Robyn
In: Blood Lite III: Aftertaste (Kevin J. Anderson)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Gallery Books
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: I promise not to immerse any of you in water.

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Synopsis

A new job as a manicurist with some interesting clients…

Thoughts

I read a lot of fantasy and supernatural stories. There is always something enjoyable about seeing the reflection of the known in the unknown. But, one thing I’ve never really thought of is how these supernatural ghouls and creatures manage to keep themselves looking good on their nightly prowls.

The setting and the idea of a hair salon for the supernatural ghouls was entertaining enough. But, starting a new job as a manicurist at such a place…? FAR more entertaining. And the power of such a unique kind of woman? Just fun.

Yet, that isn’t the only fun thing about this short story… there is also the zombie that really wants to feel pain. And is being stabbed by old women. Who happen to be his fans… did I mention that this story was fun and entertaining? If not a little off kilter?

 <- Typecast Review Acknowledgements Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Magic Flutes by Eva Ibbotson

Book Review, , ,

Overview

Magic FlutesTitle: Magic Flutes
Author: Eva Ibbotson
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, History, Romance
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Picador
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: Charles was heir to a baronetcy and a famous estate in Wiltshire; she accepted him and had to endure the four years’ martyrdom that followed his injury in Flanders.

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Synopsis

SPRING 1922

Tessa is a beautiful, tiny, dark-eyed princess who’s given up her duties to follow her heart, working backstage at the Viennese opera. No one there knows who she really is or that a fairy-tale castle is missing its princess – and Tessa is determined to keep it that way.

But secret lives can be complicated. When a wealthy handsome Englishman discovers this bewitching urchin backstage, Tessa’s two worlds collide – and in escaping her inheritance, she finds her destiny…

Thoughts

An Austrian princess, a millionaire and an opera, what better setting and couple for a romance? The fact that it is based in Venice in 1922 and features some of the most enchanting imagery I’ve read in a while? It’s just beautiful. This is such a heart-warmingly sweet story that I finished it inside a day. Actually, I refused to do any of the work that I have piling up simply because I wanted to bury myself in the beauty and the romance of this tale.

I like Tessa – she is constantly described as waif-like. And, initially, she is seen as being weak and quiet. A silent almost pushover like woman. Yet, as the story develops, her quiet demeanour reveals a backbone of steel. Even in love and lost to the world that she knows and loves, she is able to hold her head high. At least in public, the heartache of unrequited love and finding one’s soul mate is so beautifully tragic. And sweet. And kind. And just, in general, heart breakingly gooshy.

Actually, I struggle to find the words for this novel. It is filled with a great (if not predictable) love story. The stunningly described backdrop, the slow realisation that the two are in love and the constant challenges thrown in their way take you on an amazing journey. The fact that there is a historical setting and an understanding of the cultural and social outlay at the time. It just makes the story all the better, and far more enthralling to read.

 <- A Company of Swans Review The Morning Gift Review ->
Image source: Amazon

The Last Demon by Don D’Amassa

Book Review, , ,

Overview

Blood Lite IIITitle: The Last Demon
Author: Don D’Amassa
In: Blood Lite III: Aftertaste (Kevin J. Anderson)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Demons, Easy reading
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Gallery Books
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: The years passed as a steady stream of minor torments and when the time finally approached that they would be able to return to hell, Ogerak felt that he had survived the worst that the human world could possibly throw at him.

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Synopsis

On his 666th birthday, the youngest demon escapes into our world. And finds his own world of pain and torment.

Thoughts

At the beginning of this story, the youngest demon escapes hell. And that was pretty much were my expectations were halted. Nothing went as I thought it would, and it was all such a bizarre adventure that I was left with a very perplexed feeling. Not that that is a bad thing, this story certainly made me think… but it was just a little weird.

One of the aspects of this story that I loved was the idea of a demon’s perspective on our world. The confusion surrounding money, food and jobs was kind of fun. And, I really, really loved the punchline at the very end of the story. It’s the kind of thing that a good short story should end with – surprising, off-kilter and memorable.

 <- The Man Who Could Not Be Bothered to Die Review A Misadventure to Call Your Own Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

The Four Horsemen Reunion Tour: An Apocumentary by Lucien Soulban

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

Blood Lite IIITitle: The Four Horsemen Reunion Tour: An Apocumentary
Author: Lucien Soulban
In: Blood Lite III: Aftertaste (Kevin J. Anderson)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fantasy, Horror
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Gallery Books
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: Interviewer: Did you ever consider changing your names?

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Synopsis

The setting of an apocumentary run by the four horsemen of the apocalypse.

Thoughts

I like the way that this tale is set – as though it’s a documentary of a reunion tour for a band. Except that this band is the four men of the apocalypse. And the tour is taking place in a hotel where everyone is dead.

This really reminds me of the few documentaries I’ve seen (or even some mocumentaries) about bands and their tours. Especially some of the banter and downright absurd comments that each of the horsemen make… maybe the apocalypse just isn’t that close after all.

 <- Two for Transylvania Review Blood Lite Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

The Road to Balinor by Mary Stanton

Book Review, , ,
Overview
The Road to Balinor

Title: The Road to Balinor
Author: Mary Stanton
Series: Unicorns of Balinor #1
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
Year: 1988
5th sentence, 74th page: “I should…”

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Synopsis

CROSS OVER INTO BALINOR

In the crevices of a glacier mountain ridge there is a secret place – a place that connects our world to the world of Balinor. It is a peaceful, magical world watched over by a herd of beautiful unicorns. But darkness has fallen over Balinor.

The royal princess and her majestic unicorn, Sunchaser, are sent from Balinor to our world to find safety. But they can’t stay for long. Danger has followed them.

Princess Arianna and her unicorn are the only ones who can truly save the kingdom.

It is time for the princess to find her way back to Balinor.

Thoughts

I remember reading this when I was younger. I remember loving it. And, although as an adult I’m not quite as in love with this story, it’s still good. I can see why younger me enjoyed this so much. Older me is a little bit eh about the writing style and language. But, it all still works.

I read this story in an hour. It is the typical young girl story of a girl suprememly attached to a horse… or at least, typical for the 90’s when I was reading this for the first time. The girl is a secret princess and she is going to save the world with her unicorn companion. It doesn’t take a genius to work out how this series will end.

BUT it is something that I would quite happily hand to my young daughters (if I ever have any) and watch them enjoy. It’s not overly “girly”, and it shows that girls have their own strength and independence. It also shows the importance of our relationship to animals and the horrors of being a spoilt brat (the Carmichael kid is a perfect illustration of this). All in all, this is a sweet little story for a mindless half hour read. I’ll probably pick up the next one in the series next time I don’t feel 100%, but still want to read something.

<- More Mary StantonSunchaser’s Quest ->

Image source: Goodreads

For Sale by David Sakmyster

Book Review, , ,

Overview

Blood Lite IIITitle: For Sale
Author: David Sakmyster
In: Blood Lite III: Aftertaste (Kevin J. Anderson)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Comedy, Easy reading
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Gallery Books
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: Carefully reflect on all the intangibles.

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Synopsis

A cleverly worded ad for the sale of a haunted house… would you buy it?

Thoughts

I always think that the adverts for houses are entertaining. The wording is always so majestic, the terms often obscure. And guessing what’s secretly wrong with the place can be kind of fun. Well, with this ad… I really didn’t have to go far to guess. But my god was it an entertaining read.

I love how this ad completely takes the mickey out of real estate agents and haunted houses. Everything that is stereotypical and expected appears here and the determined positive spin on the property had me laughing throughout. It’s kind of a pity that this sort of humour isn’t more prevalent within more for sale ads…

 <- The Steeple People Review The Man Who Couldn’t Be Bothered to Die Review ->
Image source: Goodreads