Tag Archives: Strong Women

Neanderthal Seeks Human ReRead by Penny Reid

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Neanderthal Seeks Human ReRead
Author: Penny Reid
Series: Knitting in the City #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary romance, Strong women
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2013

Thoughts

This is one of those books that I remember reading for the first time and realising that I found a new author to be obsessed with. And now, I get to have the joy of rereading this amazing series. I remember reading this for the first time and realising that there was finally someone else with a similarly random and intense monologue to mine. Someone who fixates on obscure facts and to do lists when in moments of intense emotions. Neanderthal Seeks Human is just as fun and unique as the first time I was introduced to this wonderful world. I can’t wait for more!

I read a few of the reviews on Goodreads this time around. And even though some people took exception to Janie’s quirkiness, I absolutely adored it. She is just as gloriously clueless and beautiful as the first read through. And as someone who is often quite clueless about social moments, I love that she is so giving and kind, willing to love everyone who steps into her life. But yet, she’s kind of clueless to what’s going on around her. Plus, I just genuinely love all of the random facts throughout the story. I learnt so many things in this story and I know I’ll learn more next time I read this story!

Quinn is somewhat controlling, something I don’t always enjoy in the lead males in a story. But, I do enjoy that he constantly attempts to pull back on this. Plus, even if this dynamic isn’t exactly what I would enjoy, I like that some of his more pushy tendencies actually help Janie. Quinn and Janie, for all that they are different, manage to support and compliment each other. With each of them pushing their partners out of their comfort zone to become better versions of themselves. I prefer Janie’s approach in that she is sweet and kind of guileless in what she’s aiming for. But, I love that Quinn’s more heavy handed approach does work for the couple too.

It won’t matter how many times I read the Knitting in the City series, or Neanderthal Seeks Human, I must admit that the scene with a stabbing of knitting needles is one of my favourites. It’s violent, it’s hilarious and it shows the gumption and support of these seven women perfectly. They are the true Ride or Die friends and I love that they are there to support each other through all of the shenanigans. Plus, knitting, and good quality wool and just a total craft nirvana reading this.

<- More Penny ReidNeanderthal Marries Human ->

Image source: Penny Reid

Half-Off Ragnarok by Seanan McGuire

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Half-Off Ragnarok
Author: Seanan McGuire
Series: InCryptid #3
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Strong women, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2014

Thoughts

After the first two books in the InCryptid series, it’s interesting to move onto the next Price sibling. Verity has the beginnings of her happily ever after. And now it’s Alex’s turn to start finding his. I love the way he finds Shelby and the way that they start to partner up. I love it even more that she’s Australian. And that Alex is obsessed with reptile cryptids. Plus, there’s the fantastic continuation of Sarah’s story and how she copes after the fall out in Midnight Blue-Light Special. Honestly, everything about this is absolutely loveable and unforgettable. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next in this series (I just have to figure out how as they are not published in Australia).

Gorgons have been mentioned in the first two InCryptid books, but it was fun to get to know this society a little bit more. I love that there are so many secrets within this story – secret enclaves, secret locations and secret sons. Plus, Half-off Ragnarok is all about the different cryptids who are able to petrify their victims. I love that this goes far beyond the gorgons and their different subspecies. Plus, there’s the whole idea that the different petrification cryptids are able to live harmoniously together, and not necessarily petrify each other. Everything slotted in nicely to build this story and conspiracy. I absolutely could not put this down. Partly because of the storyline, but also because I really want to find out more about the different petrification-able beings.

Sarah’s fate after Midnight Blue-Light Special was a bit of a mystery, so it was lovely to find out how she is starting to recover and cope. She’s a bit terrifying if I’m being honest, but her plight and struggles made me want to reach through the pages of the book and give her a big hug. Then, there’s the way that this story lets you get to know the Baker grandparents. There’s the cuckoo and the revenant who have adopted all of their children. I absolutely adored getting to know this incredibly unique branch of the Price family. I mean, all of the branches are unique, but I did love the dynamic of a cuckoo and a revenant being in love and raising children.

Shelby’s presence in this book might have been one of my favourite things. At the beginning, she seems to be just what you would expect from a visiting Aussie zookeeper. But then, she fits right into Alex’s world. I love how the Price/Baker clan eventually welcome her into the fold. Even though their meetings and relationship don’t start off the best or most healthy. It was fun and entertaining. All of the sass and potential violence throughout this had me turning the pages with gusto and intrigue.

<- White as a Raven’s WingThe Ghosts of Bourbon Street ->

Image source: Seanan McGuire

Tailed by Seanan McGuire & Kelley Armstrong

Book Review, , , , , , ,
Overview

Title: Tailed
Author: Seanan McGuire & Kelley Armstrong
Series: InCryptid #0.90, Otherworld Companion
In: Urban Allies (Joseph Nassise)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Strong women, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2016

Thoughts

I honestly did not know that I needed this in my life! I mean, Verity and Elena having a crossover? And hunting a poacher? Yeah, I was definitely programmed to love this! two of my favourite authors and series getting together and making this short story baby? I was so deliriously happy!

Verity is not only on the hunt for poachers, but I also love that she is investigating how their actions impact the entire ecosystem. It takes something I love about the InCryptid series – that the cryptids belong in the world like every other animal. And that they have an impact on the ecosystems and the functioning of our world.

Then there’s Elena, she’s just on a school trip with her children. Trying to integrate with society a little and teach her children to be a little less… Clay-like. I actually want more of her insane twins (which I think I have books on my TBR for this). But, I love that even though she crosses paths with Verity, she is still true to herself and somewhat removed. Kind of a hilarious way for the two women to cross paths if I’m being honest.

If I have one complaint about this short story, it’s that Verity and Elena spend next to no time together. They’re kind of just within the same vicinity, not actually making friends. I think if the two women got together, things could go even more entertainingly haywire!

<- Ladies’ FightSweet, Blissful Certainty ->

Image source: HarperCollins Publishers

Archangel’s Shadows by Nalini Singh

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Archangel’s Shadows
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Guild Hunter #7
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Angels, Paranormal romance, Strong women, Vampires
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2014

Thoughts

I’ve been waiting for Ashwini and Janvier’s story since their meeting in Angels’ Pawn. And in every instance that they have shown up in the greater series. Luckily, I was not disappointed by their tale. I loved every minute of it and didn’t want to put the damn thing down (not the greatest when you need to sleep). Plus, after the chaos of Archangel’s Legion, I wanted to see how New York and the wonderous people who make up this series were faring. The answer is, it’s still chaotic (which is how it should be in a good series).

Ash’s talent is mentioned in multiple stories throughout the Guild Hunter series, but it isn’t revealed until Archangel’s Shadows that Ash’s talent has a potentially lethal side effect. The tragedy of Tanu and Arvi just highlight how short her life could become, and that she’s been holding Janvier at bay for a reason. I did love though that the twins are able to find peace at last, and in doing so are able to give their baby sister the happily ever after that she needs so much. Plus, it’s nice to have a happily ever after moment for a couple that I’ve loved from their first moment.

Lijuan’s tentacles drive a whole lot deeper into this world than I originally realised – and it definitely gives me goosebumps with how insidious she is. The fact that Ash and Janvier are constantly battling to find out just what she left behind is intense. Not only is she evil, but her minions are also evil. The abuse and horror that the female victims throughout this story suffer are really heartbreaking. I also love how it highlights that even if someone enters willingly into a relationship, they can be manipulated into being in a very horrifying situation.

Archangel’s Shadows brings to light more of the differences and uniqueness of Raphael’s Seven. I have loved slowly getting to know them throughout this series. I’m now particularly intrigued by Naasir and just what he is. Then there is Venom, Aodhan, Illium… I can’t wait for each of the remaining Seven to find their happily ever afters, and in doing so, thwart a little more of Lijuan’s evil and the results of the Cascade.

<- Archangel’s LegionArchangel’s Enigma ->

Image source: Feeling Fictional

Archangel’s Legion by Nalini Singh

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Archangel’s Legion
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Guild Hunter #6
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Angels, Paranormal romance, Strong women, Vampires
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2013

Thoughts

As with every other Singh book I’ve read, this was just as unforgettable and impossible to put down. I probably need to time when I read these stories a little better – I didn’t get much sleep until this was finished. Because I didn’t want to put it down and actually go to sleep. This is definitely the very beginning of a massive war and series of horribleness that is about to hit the Guild Hunter world. But, I love that, even in the face of certain war, Elena and Raphael are able to stay true to each other and themselves.

Lijuan is a perfect anti-Raphael. Honestly, she’s just as gross and terrifying as every other appearance in the books – but somehow also way, way worse than she was at the beginning. Charisemon is also gross and terrifying – both are wonderful villains in this story, ones that don’t really have much to redeem them. And, as with all of the archangels and their expanding powers – developing in unforeseen ways. They’re just unwelcome and horrible ways. Plus, there’s hints of Michaela being more and more evil as time unfolds.

I love that at the core of this battle, it’s Raphael with the power of love and life, against Lijuan who consumed by death and the greed of power. It’s a great base theme that doesn’t grow old, and it makes it really, really easy to root for Raphael and Elena. I mean, I love villains who have a chance of redemption (and then often don’t take it). But sometimes it’s nice just to have a villain that is outright evil.

Alongside Raphael’s literal battles and the beginning of the war, I love that Elena is also continuing to fight to keep her sense of self and identity. Not only is she faced with a power-struggle that she is so not equipped for, but she’s also constantly having to reign in Raphael’s ego. The fact that she must also contend with his treatment of her friends and protecting them too – I love how it’s all a constant battle that she is waging a really good war against. But, instead of being a major point of conflict in their relationship, it is a point of negotiation and debate.

I kind of guessed how this would end because of hints that I’ve seen in the Facebook groups I’m a part of. Which was a little bit disappointing. However, it was still an awesome moment discovering what the Legion actually is and seeing all of the potential for what will unfold in the future. More characters to love and adore!

<- Archangel’s StormArchangel’s Shadows ->

Image source: QBD

White as a Raven’s Wing by Seanan McGuire

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: White as a Raven’s Wing
Author: Seanan McGuire
Series: InCryptid #2.7
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Strong women, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2014

Thoughts

I adored Issy and Ryan in the main InCryptid series, I mean, they’re both predators, but with vastly different family dynamics, and this shows in their actions. Plus, they go to bat for Verity multiple times, giving her the backup and support that she needs. Which, of course means that when I realised they have a few of their own short stories, I was pretty happy and hooked.

It’s fairly obvious from the beginning of this series that Waheelas are pretty scary and uncomfortable creatures, but this short story shows just how much Issy refrains from acting on her nature. That, and you know, how terrifying their family structure is. I kind of wish there were more moments of Issy beating people up in the bigger series – she’s is incredibly scary and tough.

I love that, although it’s kind of obvious that Issy is trying to scare Ryan out of a relationship with her, he sticks with her instead. He manages to see her for exactly who she is, not some idea of reality, and chooses to love her anyway. To me, this is the perfect indication of true love – understanding all of someone’s past and flaws, and loving them anyway.

I might have loved the creepiness of the Waheela family dynamics. And just this short story in general, but now I really want more Issy and Ryan. Mostly because I can’t wait to find out what a Waheela / Tanuka baby is going to be like…

<- Black as BloodHalf-off Ragnarok ->

Image source: Goodreads

Black as Blood by Seanan McGuire

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Black as Blood
Author: Seanan McGuire
Series: InCryptid #2.6
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Strong women, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2014

Thoughts

I read Black as Blood and White as a Raven’s Wing out of order, which kind of gave away a little bit of this short story. But, it was still enjoyable… like everything that McGuire writes.

I love that this is about Ryan taking Istas home to meet his family, and that they don’t necessarily feel all that friendly towards her and her status and Ryan’s mate. I mean, they are outright cruel and prejudiced against Issy, yet, she is able to overcome this and still maintain her dignity. It’s a little bit too cute. Particularly when it comes down to her final moment with Ryan’s mum in which she is able to win over the day.

Ryan is ridiculously loyal, not just to Istas, but also to his family. I love that Issy understands this, and finds a way to make it work, just so that her partner doesn’t have to choose and have his heart broken. The importance of family seeps from the pages of this story, and I seriously enjoyed reading about such a content couple.

<- Red as SnowWhite as a Raven’s Wing ->

Image source: Goodreads

Blocked by Seanan McGuire

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Blocked
Author: Seanan McGuire
Series: InCryptid #2.1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Strong women, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2014

Thoughts

I love that this is a short story that features Verity’s little sister figuring out her way after high school. Amnity is mentioned multiple times throughout the first two InCryptid books, and I loved reading a tale that solely featured her. The fact that her challenges seem to be a little unique, and kind of a sheltered youngest child feeling, made it even more fun.

I’m not going to lie, if I could actually roller blade with any kind of coordination, I would love to try roller derby. Which made this incredibly fun to read about and dive into. Plus, the transition from cheerleader to roller derby player was interesting. And the hints of cryptids within the team. I want to know more about how this all unfolds and how Amnity is able to transfer this into her work with cryptids and keeping the world safe.

Honestly, at the end of this, I just really, really want to read more about Amnity and her pathway. Verity’s story is nicely tied up, so I’m excited for the next member of the family to find their way in life. Plus, I just want to find more cryptids to learn about!

<- Midnight Blue-Light SpecialBad Dream Girl ->

Image source: Goodreads

Midnight Blue-Light Special by Seanan McGuire

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Midnight Blue-Light Special
Author: Seanan McGuire
Series: InCryptid #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Strong women, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2013

Thoughts

As with all the stories I read by McGuire, this novel has an amazing pace and drama throughout. I honestly couldn’t put it down, and there’s a reason why I put McGuire’s books to the top of my TBR. I mean, there was just so much enjoyment and action throughout that I couldn’t forget.

I love how in this series; all of the cryptids have a place in Verity’s heart and life. Its wonderful how her daily interactions are filled with cryptids in the most bizarre ways. But the Aeslin Mice still have to be my favourites – they’re a little nutty, a little fierce, and a whole lot of fun.

Dominic and Verity were always going to run into problems. But their relationship was really put to the test in Midnight Blue-Light Special. It was actually a little more heart-wrenching and depressing than I had anticipated. But that’s also what made me want to keep reading. It’s nice when the action has a wonderful, secondary story in the romance.

This novel was absolutely impossible to put down. And completely unforgettable. I loved the pure joy and insanity throughout the story. The ways that different cryptids were able to mesh together. Plus, there was a whole lot of humour and shenanigans that had me smiling and laughing, even when the drama was getting a little intense. A fantastic urban fantasy that had me grinning and bouncing with joy.

<- Discount ArmageddonBlocked ->

Image source: Goodreads

The Dragon Conspiracy by Lisa Shearin

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The Dragon Conspiracy
Author: Lisa Shearin
Series: SPI Files #2
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Strong women, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2015

Thoughts

I honestly forgot how much I loved Mac, Ian and the SPI team – it’s been quite a while since I have had the joy of diving into this series. And now I’m regretting the massive break I took from reading this series. I mean, they are just such a fun group and I loved getting to know them better. Plus, there’s the fact that they are constantly in a battle to save the world. Although I love Mac and Ian, I still think that Yasha may be my favourite – there is something wonderful about his special brand of insanity.

I honestly spent a lot of this story trying to figure out just how all of the machinations fit together. There were so many surprises and double crosses throughout. Honestly, every time I thought I had a grasp on just what was going on, something happened to make me do a full 180. It was constantly surprising, and I loved trying to get my head around what was going on. Which is kind of amazing, because now, when I have the privilege of rereading this, I will have so many more things to uncover!

The idea of seven diamonds and their potential for mass destruction was fun from the very beginning. And then, there’s Victor Kain, the dragon, and his thirst for revenge. The combination of weapons of mass destruction and a psychotic dragon on the rampage meant that this was a really difficult book to put down. Particularly since the more you read, the more horrifying Kain actually was.

I loved that there was a number of potential couples set up after all of the mayhem and insanity of this story. A few I could completely see coming, but then there were some that were quite surprising. I also love that although there are hints of a potential relationship between Mac and Ian, she is moving forward with Rake. He’s kind of difficult and a little dreamy, so I really enjoyed the idea of getting to know him more. Particularly as this ended on a bit of a cliffhanger, in which Ian and Mac are both moving forwards in their romances, but no idea just how.

Now I can’t wait to read more SPI Files series. I mean, Mac and Ian have a great partnership, and they are obviously situated well to battle evil. Plus The Dragon Conspiracy is setting up a major evil plot in the background. And I can’t wait to see how insidious it is…

<- The Grendel AffairThe Brimstone Deception ->

Image source: Amazon