Tag Archives: Easy Reading

The Demigod Files by Rick Riordan

Book Review, , , , , ,

Overview

the-demigod-files

Title: The Demigod Files
Author: Rick Riordan
Series: Percy Jackson and the Olympians Companion
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Mythology, Urban Fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Puffin Books
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘Uh-huh,’ said another Athena guy, clearly unimpressed.

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Synopsis

IF YOU’RE READING THIS BOOK, YOUR LIFE IS ABOUT TO GET A LOT MORE DANGEROUS.

In these top-secret files, Rick Riordan, Camp Half-Blood’s senior scribe, gives you an inside look at the world of demigods that NO regular human child is allowed to see.

These highly classified archives include three of Percy Jackson’s most perilous adventures, a Spotter’s Guide to Monsters, a Who’s Who in Greek mythology, Percy’s Summer Camp report and much more.

SO IF YOU’RE ARMED WITH THIS BOOK, YOU’LL HAVE EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO KEEP YOU ALIVE IN YOUR TRAINING. YOU OWN ADVENTURES HAVE JUST BEGUN…

Thoughts

This is a really nice companion book to the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. It is a little quirky and different in its layout, but it really brings the world of Camp Half-blood to life. Interviews, short stories and profiles all morph together to create this short and lively book that are well worth reading if you have become as obsessed with the writings of Rick Riordan as I have.

Although this book was written between The Battle of the Labyrinth and The Last Olympian, it isn’t strictly necessary to read it then. However, if you want to understand who Bob is and what happened to him in The Heroes of Olympus series, then it is definitely worth reading one of the shorts within this collection.

<- The Greek Heroes Review The Demigod Diaries Review ->
Image source: Puffin Books Australia

The Sorcerer in the North by John Flanagan

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

the-sorcerer-in-the-nort

Title: The Sorcerer in the North
Author: John Flanagan
Series: The Ranger’s Apprentice #5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Easy reading, Medieval fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Random House Australia
Year: 2006
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘Oh dear,’ said Alyss to Will.

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Synopsis

Five years have passed since the Skandians and the Araluans made their treaty, and Will has finally become a Ranger, with his own fief to look after. He soon learns that even sleepy little islands have problems to keep him on his toes.

Then he and his old friend Alyss are thrown into a terrifying new adventure, investigating the truth behind rumours of sorcery in a remote northern fief. As he stands in Grimsdell Wood, with the horrific, ghostly Night Warrior looming above him, will must ask himself one question: is there a rational explanation… or does sorcery really exist?

On his first top-secret mission, can will save a new ally from a terrible curse?

Thoughts

The first four books in The Ranger’s Apprentice series focus on Will’s apprenticeship, and therefore, a lot of the time, it is Halt that eventually gets him out of the slightly tricky situations in which he finds himself. However, as a newly qualified Ranger, Will must find his own style and strength on his first solo mission. This progression of Will’s place in society is so seamless, that it isn’t until at least halfway through the book that you realise that you are half waiting for Halt to appear out of nowhere to offer some friendly advice and guidance.

People’s perceptions on how you look, how you act, how you seem very quickly tend to inform their ideas about your ‘worth’, or even whether you are a good person or bad. The Sorcerer in the North highlights this, turning those you feel to be villains into the good guys, and the seemingly jovial into the traitors. It is a great reminder that not is all as it seems – especially in a world of espionage and war. I loved this sudden of turning of perceptions within the story, especially since I am one that often gets judged very quickly for the way that she looks.

Alyss has been present from the very first Ranger’s Apprentice story, however, it is only now that she is grown that we get to genuinely meet and admire her. Although she appears to be simply a politician, Flanagan echoes his comments on perceptions by showing her to be a strong and deceptive young woman. Her ability to act as another and partake in the ‘cloak and dagger’ of spy-work is incredibly enjoyable to read, and I can’t wait to see what role she plays in The Siege of Macindaw.

<- Oakleaf Bearers Review The Siege of Macindaw Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Oakleaf Bearers by John Flanagan

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

oakleaf-bearers

Title: Oakleaf Bearers
Author: John Flanagan
Series: The Ranger’s Apprentice #4
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Easy reading, Medieval fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Random House Australia
Year: 2006
5th sentence, 74th page: Evanlyn and Will fell ravenously on the savoury stew that the Ranger had prepared and for a while there was silence, broken only by the sound of dedicated eating.

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Synopsis

Just as spring approaches and Will and Evanlyn can finally escape Skania, Evanlyn is carried off by mysterious horsemen. Will sets out after them, but one boy against six Temujai warriors is impossible odds – even for a Ranger’s apprentice. Halt and Horace arrive just in time. But there’s no time to celebrate the reunion as Halt realises these Temujai are only scouts for a massive invasion force. The four Araluans must work together with the Skandians to defeat the invaders – if the Oberjarl will accept their help.

Can sworn enemies fight side by side to save their lives and their kingdoms?

Thoughts

John Flanagan does a wonderful job of taking a nationality as it would have lived and existed in pre-modern times and twisting them to suit his Ranger’s Apprentice series. The Skandians are a fantastic mimicry of the Vikings and manage to capture your interest from the very beginning. However, it is in Oakleaf Bearers that this talent is truly highlighted – the Gallicans and Temujai bring eerily familiar flavours to the tale of Will, Halt, Evanlyn and Horace’s exploits across the seas. Yet, he manages to set these antagonist peoples up in a way that isn’t insulting or degrading to the French and Mongolians upon whom he based these peoples. They may be the bad guys, but they have their own families and ways of life, which Flanagan makes obvious.

Flanagan and his Ranger’s Apprentice series is wonderful at highlighting that each person, each character has his or her own strength. And it is this that always helps win the day, not their need to fit in or be like each other, but rather, their diversity which allows a happy ending at the conclusion of each book. Having Will, Evanlyn and Horace back together for the first time in almost a year, this is really shown. Will and Horace are the warriors, each in their own manner, but without Evanlyn, they too would have been overrun by the Temujai warriors. Her instincts, her resilience and her inner fire help this vibrant, young woman contribute to the saving of the day. The fact that she is a Princess just helps to show that Flanagan has a good understanding that we all have different strengths that we really should play to.

<- The Inkwell and the Dagger Review The Sorcerer in the North Review ->
Image source: Faraway Nearby Books

The Icebound Land by John Flanagan

Book Review, , , , , ,

Overview

the-icebound-land

Title: The Icebound Land
Author: John Flanagan
Series: The Ranger’s Apprentice #3
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Easy reading, Medieval fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Random House Australia
Year: 2005
5th sentence, 74th page: His heavy saxe knife and throwing knife were easy to hand under his cloak, and he carried his longbow strung, resting across the pommel of his saddle, in Ranger fashion.

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Synopsis

Will and Evanlyn are bound for Skandia as the captives of the fearsome Skandian wolfship captain, Erak. Halt has sworn to rescue Will, and he will do anything to keep his promise – even defy his King. Expelled from the Rangers, Halt is joined by Horace as he travels through Gallica towards Skandia. On their way, they are constantly challenged by freelance knights – otherwise known as thieving thugs. Horace knows a thing or two about combat, though, and he soon begins to attract the attention of knights and warlords for miles around with his uncanny skill. But will they be in time to rescue Will from a life of slavery?

Thoughts

This series really begins to read as one continuous story in the third instalment – the journey that Will and Evanlyn take in this novel begins immediately after the end of The Burning Bridge. Likewise, the end of this tale blends seamlessly into The Oakleaf Bearers. Sometimes this is an incredibly odd and sometimes unenjoyable tactic in an authors writing, however, Flanagan is able to pull it off seamlessly. I spent the time reading this not only turning the pages eagerly to find out what happens next in the chapter, but also to get to the next chapter to read the secondary storyline.

The Icebound Land explores a few very serious issues in a nice, easily accessible way through Will and Evanlyn’s capture. Firstly, there is the idea of slavery and their removal from everything that they know and love. Although Erak and his crew show a lot of care and kindness towards the two young people, they ultimately act as the villains for most of the tale. No act of kindness can erase the cruelty in creating slaves of two previously free individuals. Then, and for me, more emotively, the idea of drugs and drug addiction is explored. Will’s shambling, keening figure throughout the long journey to safety is such a stark contrast to the lively and fun boy that he begins as. It is heart breaking and quite difficult to read. And if it is that difficult to imagine a fictional character undergoing such a harsh change and ordeal, then the idea of someone you know and love going through this is far more potent and soul-crushing.

Lastly, The Icebound Land shows the depths of Halt’s loyalty and care towards his young charge. Although the first two books in the series show that there is a relationship, it is in this tale that the connection between both Will and Halt is truly illustrated. That’s not to discount Horace’s steadfast loyalty and maturity as the four characters’ race to find one another before the trail goes cold.

<- The Burning Bridge Review The Inkwell and the Dagger Review ->
Image source: Reading for the Masses

Crazy in the Blood by Lucienne Diver

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

crazy-in-the-blood

Title: Crazy in the Blood
Author: Lucienne Diver
Series: The Latter-Day Olympians #2
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Mythology, Paranormal fantasy, Strong women
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: At least one person’s already been killed.

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Synopsis

Hell on Earth. It’s not just an expression anymore.

It’s an ill wind that carries bad news, and Tori’s just had a double load of it blow through her door.

Just a few weeks after she prevented some rogue gods from blowing L.A. into the ocean, more dead bodies are turning up near the leftover crater. Bodies that have been shredded by something too big to be…shall we say, of this world? Worse, Uncle Christos has disappeared after stumbling onto a deadly cult masquerading as the Back to Earth movement.

The connection: Dionysus. Yes, that Dionysus. He’s resurrected his bloody fertility rite, complete with frenzied female groupies who tear men limb from limb. And he’s lured Demeter, goddess of the harvest, over to his side by finding a way to get her daughter away from Hades for good.

Predictably, Hades isn’t about to let her go without a fight. Unless Tori finds a way to bring her back, he’ll abandon the gates of Tartarus. At which time all hell will, literally, break loose.

Between saving the world, the woman, and cultists and her crazy uncle? So much for getting to the beach before all the good spots are taken…

Product Warnings
The wine country is going through a heat wave of epic proportions, and it’s not all about the weather. Beware steamy gods with seduction on their minds or brimstone in their blood.

Thoughts

Tori’s sass and inability to stay out of trouble continue in Crazy in the Blood. Her drive to find the illusive Uncle Christos is a great catalyst to the rest of the ensuing chaos. It is also a great reminder that although Tori is estranged from her apparently vast family, she has a strong connection to them and is unwilling to simply let her eccentric uncle disappear into the sunset. She risks everything (including her own life) to rescue him and bring him home for a wedding.

I thoroughly enjoyed Armani and Tori’s courtship in Bad Blood, so finding out how their relationship is progressing was a welcome revisit. The increasing tension between Tori and Apollo just helped to add drama to the situation. Apollo’s pure magnetism and the possible, serious consequences Tori faces in their courtship act as a fantastic counterpoint to Nick’s steadfast loyalty and ability to see behind her bravado.

The war between the Gods also gains traction throughout Crazy in the Blood. It also gives more meaning to the idea of The Latter-Day Olympians and future conflicts between such powerful characters, in more than one sense of the word. Hades, Persephone and Demeter’s personal war is a good window through which the greater disagreements between the Gods is explored. Not only is this a great new window through which to view a modern-spin on the battles of the Greek Gods, but it is also a incredible new twist on tales that have been around for a very, very, very, very, very long time.

<- Bad Blood Review The Parlor Review ->
Image source: Pinterest

Bad Blood by Lucienne Diver

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

bad-blood

Title: Bad Blood
Author: Lucienne Diver
Series: The Latter-Day Olympians #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Mythology, Paranormal fantasy, Strong women
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: It seemed the hardest thing I’d ever done to make myself move.

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Synopsis

The gods play…and mortals pay.

Tori Karacis’s family line may trace back to a drunken liaison between the god Pan and one of the immortal gorgons. Or…maybe it’s just coincidence that her glance can, literally, stop men in their tracks. While her fear of heights kept her out of the family aerobatic troupe, her extreme nosiness fits right in with her uncle’s P.I. business.

Except he’s disappeared on an Odyssean journey to find himself. Muddling through on her own, she’s reduced to hunting (not stalking, because that would just be weird) brass-bra’d Hollywood agent Circe Holland to deliver a message…only to witness her murder by what looks like the Creature from the Black Lagoon.

Suddenly, all of her family’s tall tales seem believable, especially when Apollo—the Apollo, who’s now hiding out among humans as an adult film star—appears in her office, looking to hire her. She knows the drill: canoodling with gods never works out well for humans, but she’s irresistibly drawn to him. Maybe it’s her genes. Maybe not.

Given her conflicted feelings for one hot and hardened cop, it’s a toss-up which will kill her quickest. The danger at her door…or her love life.

Warning: Contains pot-boiling passion between a heroine who may—or may not—be a descendant of Medusa, and a hot god and a hunky cop with the…equipment…to handle her, even on her worst bad-hair day. Beware of killer kisses, trickster gods and bearded grandmothers Who Know Everything.

Thoughts

This was a great, easy read and I can’t wait to crack the spine of Crazy in the Blood. Diver takes the Greek myths and twists them to fit the life of a modern-day woman. Although Riordan has done this beautifully in his writing, Diver’s adaptation was much more subtle. I also loved how, where Riordan’s heroes are the descendants of Gods, Tori, Diver’s heroine, is the descendant of a Gorgon.

The combination of a steamy love triangle and a fast-paced mystery drew me in from the first page. The battle between what is good and bad extended not only from the murder and consequent occurrences within the story, but also in Tori’s battle to choose a partner. On one hand, there is the button-down, safe cop who makes her feel safe, on the other – a God. Undeniable attraction is one thing, undeniable attraction that has the potential to lead to a very uncomfortable end if the myths are anything to go by.

I loved Diver’s ability to take modern day issues and give them a mythically Greek spin. This is a fantastic start to a new series, and I can’t wait until I have the chance to read the next story in this saga.

 <- Trickster Blood Review Crazy in the Blood Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Trickster Blood by Lucienne Diver

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

trickster-blood

Title: Trickster Blood
Author: Lucienne Diver
Series: The Latter-Day Olympians #0.5
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Mythology, Paranormal fantasy, Strong women
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella eBook
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: Hard to make light of death and taxes, but he was always willing to try.

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Synopsis

Hermes, the god of tricksters, walk away from mischief and mayhem? As if.

Hermes (yes, that Hermes of Greek myth) has an unerring nose for mischief and mayhem, which comes in handy as a syndicated columnist for the Miami Sentinel.

When a colleague offers to forgive a lost bet in exchange for checking on his father in Ft. Lauderdale, Hermes’s Spidey senses go on high alert. The father, it seems, has taken up with his much younger housekeeper. The suspected foul play has trickster written all over it.

The young woman who answers the door almost knocks Hermes back a step with her shining golden hair and laughing, kaleidoscope eyes. Oh yeah, there’s a trickster here. But which one? For once in his eternal life, Hermes isn’t sure whether he should stage an intervention, or leave the “happy couple” to their mutually assured destruction.

Especially since Farrah is much more than she seems, and Hermes is all about fun…and frolic.

Warning: Full of tricksters, trouble, and an intriguing temptress who may be more than our hero can handle. Not that he won’t give it his best shot!

Thoughts

After reading the first two books in The Latter-Day Olympians series, I thought that I knew what to expect from this short prequel. I was wrong. Taking the tale of one of Hermes’ exploits and tying it into Tori Karcasis’ life worked beautifully, albeit unexpectedly. The clever use of Hermes’ different guises as the Trickster also helped to further expand this world of mythology, something that I hope to see echoed in the next few of The Latter-Day Olympians stories.

The premise of a man keeping a woman he feels as his property because he loves him is not a new one. But, making that woman a djinn, or genie, was a great twist on this. Her entrapment is not only of the emotional and physical kind that is often displayed in life and literature, but also a magical one that ensures her continuing devotion to the man. In this, Hermes is not only willing to go against a fellow man, but he also makes his thoughts on this type of entrapment immensely obvious. The fact that Farrah is obviously a fellow trickster at heart and good looking to boot only helps this matter.

Overall, I thought that this story was almost too short. Where the main series focuses on Apollo and his interactions with Tori, there is something about the tale of a Trickster that really pulls me in. That’s not to say that I don’t look forward to reading the rest of The Latter-Day Olympians tales.

<- Blood Hunt Review Bad Blood Review ->
Image source: Lucienne Diver

The Beast of Blackmoor Bog by Milla Vane

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

night-shift

Title: The Beast of Blackmoor Bog
Author: Milla Vane
In: Night Shift (Nalini Singh)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Medieval fantasy, Romance
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Berkley
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: He stared into the fire, his broad chest rising on a series of deep breath.

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Synopsis

A warrior princess must tame The Beast of Blackmoor to earn a place among her people. But she quickly discovers that the beast isn’t a monster, but a barbarian warrior who intends to do some taming himself.

Thoughts

This short story was a constant surprise for me – the tale never took me where I expected, which is always such a pleasant surprise when reading a new story and author. The twists and turns that The Beast of Blackmoor Bog took me on in such a short story were thrillingly enjoyable and I am now busy hunting for more writing by Vane.

This story had a really old school, medieval feel to it – I couldn’t help but think of Conan the Barbarian while I read it, and it was a really nice change from the majority of stories that I seem to be sinking my teeth into at the moment. The battle field and the setting in which this story takes place is all too easy to see and compare to the landscape of pre-Christian Europe. A locale full of potential when writing and reading a new story.

Vane excellently flicked between the POVs of the two main characters – it was subtly done, but all the more insightful for it. This change between third person POV allows the reader to gain understanding of both of the characters’ motivations and drivers, their hopes and fears throughout the tale. But, due to Vane’s incredible talent, it was done without interrupting the flow of the story.

<- Lucky Charms Review Night Shift Review ->
Image source: Audiobooks

Night Shift by Nalini Singh, Ilona Andrews, Lisa Shearin & Milla Vane

Book Review, , , , , , ,

Overview

night-shift

Title: Night Shift
Author: Nalini Singh, Ilona Andrews, Lisa Shearin, Milla Vane
In: Night Shift (Nalini Singh, Ilona Andrews, Lisa Shearin & Milla Vane)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Paranormal romance, Short story collections
Pace: Medium
Format: Anthology
Publisher: Berkley
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: How could she do anything but adore him?

Synopsis

Four masters of urban fantasy and paranormal romance plunge readers into the dangerous, captivating world unearthed beyond the dark…

New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh delivers a smoldering story with Secrets at Midnight , as the scent of Bastien Smith’s elusive lover ignites a possessiveness in him that’s as feral as it is ecstatic. And now that he’s found his mate, he’ll do anything to keep her.

In #1 New York Times bestselling author Ilona Andrews’ novella, Magic Steals , when people start going missing, shapeshifting tigress Dali Harimau and jaguar shifter Jim Shrapshire must uncover the truth about the mysterious creatures responsible.

From Milla Vane—a warrior princess must tame The Beast of Blackmoor to earn a place among her people. But she quickly discovers that the beast isn’t a monster, but a barbarian warrior who intends to do some taming himself.

It’s seer Makenna Frazier’s first day on the job at Supernatural Protection and Investigations, and her first assignment is more than she bargained for when bodyguard duty for a leprechaun prince’s bachelor party goes every which way but right in national bestselling author Lisa Shearin’s Lucky Charms.

Thoughts

I loved, loved, loved this enthralling collection of four short stories. The underlying theme of paranormal romance provided a darker side to some great stories, but also a sense of joy and hope in each journey.

Each and every tale within this book left me smiling and wanting more – so much so that I went and bought a book by each of the authors immediately after I put the book down.

Using our inner desires and our animalistic nature in such a fascinating way was a task that was pursued differently by each author, but helped to tie the four stories together. If you liked one, you’d probably (definitely) like all four.

<- The Beast of Blackmoor BogSecrets at Midnight ->

Image source: Audiobooks

Biting Cold by Chloe Neill

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

biting-cold

Title: Biting Cold
Author: Chloe Neill
Series: Chicagoland Vampires #6
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Paranormal fantasy, Vampires
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: New American Library
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: “Good luck,” he said, then disappeared across the field.

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Synopsis

Turned into a vampire against her will, twenty-eight-year-old Merit found her way into the dark circle of Chicago’s vampire underground, where she learned there was more to supernaturals than met the eye – and more supernaturals than the public ever imagined. And not all the secrets she learned were for sharing – among humans or nonhumans.

Now Merit is on the hunt, charging across the stark American Midwest to tail a rogue supernatural intent on stealing an ancient artifact that could unleash catastrophic evil on the world. But Merit is also the prey. An enemy of Chicagoland is hunting her, and he’ll stop at nothing to get the artifact for himself. No mercy allowed. No rules apply. No lives spared. The race is on.

Thoughts

Things went seriously wrong in Drink Deep, (although, there was a silver lining at the end) and Biting Cold is all about fixing these mistakes. Chasing down Mallory, coming to terms with Ethan’s return and just generally pursuing the personification of power gone wrong leads to an incredibly fast paced book that starts as soon as you break the spine of the book.

The troubles which Merit goes through to right the wrongs of Mallory are a poignant reminder of the fact that there is sometimes no excuse for one’s actions – no matter how uncomfortable and sick they may be. Merit’s inability to forgive her former best friend and difficulties in overcoming her mistrust are a great way in which to highlight the true consequences of Mal’s selfish actions – her isolation from and destruction of her own relationships.

Many stories focus on the duality of good and evil; the black and white separation of peoples and their actions. However, Neill reminds us that this isn’t the way to view the world – everything is coloured in shades of grey, and nothing is inherently good or inherently evil.

<- Drink DeepHouse Rules ->

Image source: eBook Bike