Tag Archives: Strong Women

Masques by Patricia Briggs

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for book cover masques patricia briggs

Title: Masques
Author: Patricia Briggs
Series: Sianim #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Medieval fantasy, Strong women
Dates read: 12th January – 5th March 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Ace Fantasy
Year: 1993
5th sentence, 74th page: She can fight, and the gods know we have need of fighters.

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Synopsis

After an upbringing of proper behavior and oppressive expectations, Aralorn fled her noble birthright for a life of adventure as a mercenary spy. But her latest mission involves more peril than she ever imagined.

Agents of Sianim have asked her to gether intelligence on the increasingly popular and powerful sorcerer Geoffrey ae’Magi. Soon Aralorn comes to see past the man’s striking charisma – and into a soul as corrupt and black as endless night. And few have the will to resist the sinister might of the ae’Magi and his minions.

So Aralorn, aided by her enigmatic companion, Wolf, joins the rebellion against the ae’Magi. But in a war against a foe armed with the power of illusion, how do you know who the true enemy is – or where he will strike next?

Thoughts

I read this book for the first time years ago. But, I thought I’d reread it to see if it was as good as I remembered… and it was. It was kind of amazing, incredibly interesting and very difficult to put down. I did… because I have to be an adult, but it was still quite difficult.

Aralorn is a wonderfully strong and independent woman. She is everything I tend to love in a female lead, and the trope that made me fall in love with Patricia Briggs’ writing. I love that she shrugs off the common upbringing of women and finds herself a way to be herself, no matter what the consequences and what other people think of her. I love this independence, and the fact that although there is a love interest, in takes backstage in a major way. Actually, it took me this second read through to realise that the love interest is quite intense from the very beginning, rather than a random development later on in the story (as I originally thought).

This story reminds me a little of the Graceling series in that the villain doesn’t seem all that evil. Until you start to add up what is happening behind the scenes. Yet, there is something far more terrifying about such a bad guy. After all, everyone else loves him, bringing him down will probably mean that everyone decides to kill Aralorn and Wolf, and even they constantly question their motives and sanity. There is something that is just… kind of sinister about such a charismatic evil being. And it makes the ae’Magi all the more evil because he does so many things with a beautiful, kind smile on his face…

 <- Wolfsbane ReviewSteal the Dragon Review ->
Image source: Amazon

The Mephisto Club by Tess Gerritsen

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for book cover the mephisto club

Title: The Mephisto Club
Author: Tess Gerritsen
Series: Rizzoli & Isles #6
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Crime, Strong women
Dates read: 20th November 2018 – 28th February 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Publisher: Bantam Books
Year: 2006
5th sentence, 74th page: The roads are a mess out there this morning.

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Synopsis

Can you really see evil when you look into someone’s eyes?

In a rundown house, a woman has been dismembered in an act of carnage that leaves veteran cops in shock. Drawn on the wall, in blood, are ancient symbols, and a mirror-image word in Latin that, translated, says: ‘I have sinned.’

Then a second woman is found butchered on Beacon Hill, just outside the home of the leader of the Mephisto Club, a secret society dedicated to the study of evil. On the door yet more ancient symbols have been scrawled. 88 This is evil that the Boston PD has never encountered before. And the only way Dr Maura Isles can defeat it is by turning to the people who understand the devil himself.

Thoughts

It took me a really long time to get through this book. And it isn’t because it wasn’t amazing… it was more so because I was so freaked out by the villains voice that I couldn’t read this at night. Or when my partner wasn’t likely to be home. Or really in any number of different circumstances, because I’d kind of freak out and feel extremely uncomfortable. Which, I still did. And this is also the reason that I love reading these types of books… they’re so real that I get goosebumps and the heebie jeebies just reading them.

All of Gerritsen’s villains have made me feel uncomfortable and unhappy whilst reading her stories. But, there was something about this villain that felt even more creepy. Probably because from the very beginning you could tell that he had an unhealthy, stalkerish obsession with his family members. The idea that he was welcomed into a home and then destroyed it from the inside out… well, it makes you even more horrified. The poor family that was just trying to do the right thing… and well, you’ll have to wait and see how truly badly off they were because of this one decision.

The Mephisto Club is everything that I love in a good crime thriller. It is full of mystery, fast-paced action and personal dramas that connect you further with the characters. It is impossible not to fall completely in love with everyone in this story and want the best for Rizzoli and Isles as they race to find the killer and discover the meaning of ‘I have sinned’.

 <- Vanish ReviewKeeping the Dead Review ->
Image source: Penguin Books Australia

Gene of Isis by Traci Harding

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for gene of isis traci harding book cover

Title: Gene of Isis
Author: Traci Harding
Series: The Mystique Trilogy #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Historical fiction, Science fiction, Strong women
Dates read: 4th – 12th February 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Publisher: Voyager
Year: 2005
5th sentence, 74th page: Her gown, like mine, was long-sleeved, and in accordance with the latest fashion was completed with short white silken gloves.

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Synopsis

A heartstopping race to unlock the secrets of the grail bloodline…

Mia Montrose is a 21st century Australian woman with a Doctorate in Ancient Languages who has just scored the most promising job of her career.

Ashlee Granville is a 19th century clairvoyant forced to suppress her talents as she enters the marriage market of English upper-class society.

Lillet du Lac is a 13th century Priestess of an ancient order now protected by the Cathars, who are making their last stand against the Roman Catholic Franks at the giant hill fort of Montsegur.

Truth and deception, love and desire, the Cathars and the Church, the Templars and the secrets of ancient Egypt – all play their part in a grand adventure touched by the possibility of a genetic key to immortality…

Thoughts

I haven’t read this book in a very, very, very long time. As in probably not since high school. When, to be honest, a lot of the intricacies of this storyline went a little over my head. So reading this amazing, amazing novel for the second time when I have much more knowledge… well, it was an absolutely awe inspiring treat. One that I was incredibly sad when it ended… so luckily there are two more intensely complex stories in this trilogy.

There are not many stories in which I appreciate having a dual timeline. Mostly I find that they tend to be a little clunky and I’ll become highly attached to one character, which means that I tend to get annoyed and frustrated when the timeline flicks. However, I felt equally drawn to all three women in this storyline. They had distinct journeys and personalities that were all impossible to walk away from. They each had their own struggles which mirrored each other, but also managed to be completely distinct. Not an easy trait judging from all of the stories which I’ve disliked due to their dual timelines.

One of the things I’ve always loved about Harding’s work is that the leads are always Australian, and more often than not, strong women in their late twenties and early thirties. The age that I’m currently at. I love anything that utilises Australian culture in an honest and open way. So the fact that Mia, who most of the story ends up revolving around is Australian, from an English heritage… well, there is a lot that I have in common with her. Which, of course, makes it all the more difficult to put down the storyline, even when jumping across centuries and continents.

There is an insane amount of complexity in this storyline. Not just because of the time jumps and three parallel timelines. But also because of the intricate ties between religion and philosophy. Science and spirituality. Harding manages to tie so many pieces of reality together in a way that feels completely plausible and realistic. It makes it all that much harder to return to reality when you turn the very last page of this story.

 <- The Black Madonna ReviewThe Dragon Queens Review ->
Image source: HarperCollins Publishers

Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for grave mercy book cover

Title: Grave Mercy
Author: Robin LaFevers
Series: His Fair Assassin #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Assassins, Historical fiction, Strong women
Dates read: 21st – 27th January 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Publisher: Andersen Press
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: It could mean nothing; it could mean everything.

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Synopsis

Young, beautiful and deadly.

Trained as an assassin by the god of death, Ismae is sent to the court of Brittany, where she finds herself underprepared – not only for the fames of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart?

A dangerous romance full of intrigue, poison and ultimately finding one’s way.

Thoughts

I picked this book up ages ago. Because of a vague recommendation on Goodreads. And then I kind of forgot about it. Until this week. And now I’m kind of sad that I had forgotten about this amazing novel for so long. And currently don’t have the spare funds in the budget to buy the other two books in this trilogy.

I’ve only recently started getting into historical fictions. It’s not a genre that I had ever considered before, but after meeting a few authors who write in the genre and realising that I’m fascinated by history. Especially British history, it’s a subgenre that I’m slowly going to expand on. I also love when these historical fictions use figures and moments that are really potent in our history (I say our, since my family hails from the UK and I feel some weird kind of connection to it). In the case of Grave Mercy, Anne of Brittany and all of the political ruminations and squabbles that surrounded her life are utilised. It gives the storyline an extra level of reality and connection.

There is something about assassins that I always thoroughly enjoy… especially when they are female assassins, slight young things that can whoop anyone’s ass. Placing such a character in a period in history which is often characterised by the lack of respect and autonomy guided to women made a much better contrast. One of the best messages I have read in a long time was wrapped up in this idea. As two very similar women face off, the protagonist realises that they are very much the same. They have faced the same lack of choices and indecisions. Yet, they became completely different people with what they had before them because of the choices that they both chose to make.

 <- Mortal Heart ReviewDark Triumph Review ->
Image source: Amazon

Double Hexed by Allyson James

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Hexed

Title: Double Hexed
Author: Allyson James
Series: Stormwalker #2.5
In: Hexed (Ilona Andrews, Yasmine Galenorn, Allyson James & Jeanne C. Stein)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Strong women, Urban fantasy
Dates read: 18th January 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Berkley
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: I just wanted someone to talk to.

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Synopsis

National bestselling author Allyson James takes you to Magellan, Arizona, where Stormwalker Janet Begay and her friends are trapped by a powerful curse. It will take every bit of magic simmering beneath her skin for the Stormwalker to survive being “Double Hexed”.

Thoughts

I had no idea what to expect from this novella. I have never read anything by Allyson James and the blurb that accompanies the tale isn’t full of much information. So I basically started this completely blind. And it was so good that I found it impossible to put down. To the point that I was even reading this novella (and dying to finish it) while I was out for dinner and at a friend’s birthday…

This is very much characters in a bottle – take six supernatural characters, trap them in a hotel and then make all of their horrifying base urges come to light. I’ve read a few of these types of stories – ones that highlight the characters and basal human urges in a way that including the wider world wouldn’t allow. But, I haven’t read one that used a half-goddess, vampire-esque creature, trickster god and dragon when mixing up this bottle of characters. And that in and of itself made the story so much more enthralling and entertaining.

One of the things about this novella that I really enjoyed was the fact that although there is obviously a lot of back story (from the previous novels), it isn’t hard to follow the storyline. There is enough moments in which this backstory is filled in to make you feel like you’re not missing out on anything. And there’s just enough mystery in the story to make you want to pick up the first novels in this series…

<- FirewalkerShadow Walker ->

Image source: Ilona Andrews

When Demons Walk by Patricia Briggs

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
When Demons Walk ebook by Patricia Briggs

Title: When Demons Walk
Author: Patricia Briggs
Series: Sianim #3
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Medieval fantasy, Strong women
Dates read: 7th – 11th January 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Ace Fantasy
Year: 1998
5th sentence, 74th page: He laughed.

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Synopsis

Don’t try this at home.

Sham had spent most of her young life as a sorceress and thief, stealing from Southwood’s nobility to survive. Now she must face the greatest test of her skills…

A killer has struck Southwood, claiming the lives of nobels. Lord Kerim, Reeve of Southwood, turns to Sham for help. Posing as his mistress, she delves behind castle walls to find the killer. But this murderer is no mortal – and Sham must use all of her magical wisdom to send the demon away. Because the city of Southwood has nowhere to hide – and no time to run…

Thoughts

I forgot how much I love this book. I first read it about six years ago, and although I remembered that it was fun, I didn’t really remember anything else about it. Which kind of made this reread like discovering the story again for the very first time. And it was amazing. And beautiful. And really difficult to put down… I had to actually put a timer on to stop myself from over reading. Especially when I actually had study and things to do.

I love the premise of this storyline and the world in which this tale is based. It is a beautiful medieval city which is steeped in history and culture. There have been wars and pasts that have been won and lost beautiful you even open the first page of the story. This attention to detail and world creation is one of the things that I have always loved about Patricia Briggs. The fact that this is a standalone novel with this level of detail is somehow far more impressive and intriguing than many of her longer running series. After all, the same level of world building and history creation goes into this single story that has gone into the longer series. Or at least, that’s the way it feels to me.

I like the fact that there is a little romance in this story, but it isn’t the emphasis, rather there is a hint of people developing feelings for each other. And that’s it. it’s enough to help raise the stakes of the story. But not enough to overtake any of the storyline. Rather, it is a tale of battles and intrigue. A tale that makes you want to know just who the bad guy is… and when it’s finally figured out… how to get rid of it!

 <- Steal the Dragon ReviewWolfsbane Review ->
Image source: Kobo

Unappreciated Gifts by Patricia Briggs

Book Review, , , , , , ,
Overview
A Fantastic Holiday Season

Title: Unappreciated Gifts
Author: Patricia Briggs
Series: Alpha & Omega #3.5, Mercy-Verse #21
In: A Fantastic Holiday Season (Kevin J. Anderson & Keith J. Olexa)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Paranormal fantasy, Strong women, Werewolves
Dates read: 29th January 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: World Fire Press
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: But Kelly did indeed know how to dance, and they soon progressed beyond the simpler moves into some more daring, dramatic… even melodramatic moves.

Synopsis

Some members of Adam’s pack think Asil should get out more, so they’ve challenged him to accept a series of blind dates . . .

Thoughts

I really, really like Asil. And I really, really like Christmas. So a story that features both… I’m most likely going to enjoy that. And when it is written in the drily humorous tones of Patricia Briggs… yeah. I really couldn’t put this down. I wandered around the house (and walked into a few doorways) for about ten minutes while I just completely devoured this story.

The premise of giving a “gift” of five dates for Asil was funny from the very beginning. And I was expecting it to be a series of five short almost mini stories which outlined each of his adventures. Instead, it was just about the first one. And honestly, that was enough. It was kind of hilarious, really sweet and definitely highlighted just why I love Asil so much. After all, he has this sly sense of humour and a strong sense of dignity. Both things that I love in a man (and a character).

Unappreciated Gifts is a fun little, Christmassy return to the world of Mercedes Thompson. It is a good little laugh and a nice way to fall into the world, without being dragged too deeply under.

<- Fair GameDead Heat ->

Image source: Goodreads

Redemption by Patricia Briggs

Book Review, , , , , ,
Overview
shifting-shadows

Title: Redemption
Author: Patricia Briggs
Series: Mercedes Thompson #7.4, Mercy-Verse #20
In: Shifting Shadows (Patricia Briggs)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Strong women, Werewolves
Dates read: 29th January 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Ace Fantasy
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: “I figured out the install problem, too, thank you.

Synopsis

Ben (a major character in the Mercy Thompson series) is not good with people, particularly women, but he’s become strangely protective of a young lady in his office. This story was originally published in Shifting Shadows.

Thoughts

Ben is intriguing from his very first appearance in Moon Called. Although, not exactly all that attractive. Just… interesting. Yet, as the series progresses, he becomes a fair more enjoyable and beloved character. One that I constantly want to hear more and more about as the insanity of the storylines unfolds… so I was more than a little ecstatic when I found out that there was a short story solely based around Ben…

One of my favourite things about this short story is that it highlights the fact that dominance isn’t just about being bigger, tougher and stronger than everyone else. Rather, it is also about the willingness to protect and care for those who are weaker than you. And, since Ben is starting to grow up in this series… he is finally beginning to understand this! And understand some of his horrible past.

This might not be a truly feel good story, especially since it touches on many issues from his past, but it is a really good one. It lets you get to know a character that I completely adore. And it also allows you to gain further understanding into the structure of the wolf packs.

<- Frost BurnedHopcross Jilly ->

Image source: Patricia Briggs

Frost Burned by Patricia Briggs

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Image result for frost burned patricia briggs book cover

Title: Frost Burned
Author: Patricia Briggs
Series: Mercedes Thompson #7, Mercy-Verse #19
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Strong women, Werewolves
Dates read: 28th – 29th January 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Ace Fantasy
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: “Sweats,” Kyle whispered to me, rolling off the chair like it hurt.

Synopsis

In this #1 New York Times bestseller, author Patricia Briggs “has reached perfection”, as Mercy Thompson faces a shapeshifter’s biggest fear…

After an accident in bumper-to-bumper traffic, Mercy and her stepdaughter, Jesse, can’t reach Alpha werewolf Adam – or anyone else in the pack, for that matter. They’ve all been abducted.

Through their mating bond, all Mercy knows is that Adam is angry and in pain. But she fears his disappearance may be related to the political battle the werewolves have been fighting to gain acceptance from the public – and that he and the pack are in serious danger. Outmatched and on her own, Mercy may be forced to seek assistance from any ally she can get, no matter how unlikely.

Thoughts

I always forget how much I love the books in the Mercedes Thompson world. Actually, I don’t quite forget… I just don’t think that they could possibly be that good. And then I open one, and I don’t know why I don’t just read these books on repeat. (Probably because I have FAR too many other books that I also want to read…. It makes decision making incredibly hard).

Frost Burned is the seventh in the Mercedes Thompson series and takes place after Mercy has finally healed from her… activities… in River Marked. It starts with one of those beautiful moments in which everything seems to be going well. And then it’s not. Which is kind of how all such books end up going. However, unlike most books I’ve read, it kind of seems like the main catastrophe and storyline is over. When the book is only halfway through. That’s when you kind of know that the shit is about to seriously hit the fan.

Ben takes a much more central role in this story than the other stories. And so does Asil. Both characters that I absolutely adore and find completely intriguing. They have intense backgrounds and aren’t what you would traditionally classify as “good”. Which is probably why I like them so much. Their presence in Mercy’s life and the fact that, in spite of all odds, she actually likes them, helps to increase the stakes of what is happening.

Unlike the other books so far in the Mercedes Thompson series, there isn’t one big storyline, per se. Rather than a very clear beginning, middle and end with only one big obstacle to overcome, there are a small handful. It means that instead of the expected highs and lows, this story is more like a rollercoaster. And because of that, all that much more difficult to put down.

<- River MarkedRedemption ->

Image source: Amazon

To Follow the Waves by Amal El-Mohtar

Book Review, ,
Overview
The Mammoth Book of Steampunk

Title: To Follow the Waves
Author: Amal El-Mohtar
In: The Mammoth Book of Steampunk (Sean Wallace)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Steampunk, Strong women
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2008
5th sentence, 74th page: They stayed like that for some time, Hessa breathing through slow, ragged sobs while Nahla touched her head.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide
Synopsis

Hessa is a crafter of dreams, but when her own dream starts to hover over her reality, she finds out that there’s a lot in the world that she doesn’t truly understand yet.

Thoughts

The notion of dream crowns and the ways in which these can work was completely foreign to me. I loved the idea of layer upon layer of intricate memory and thoughts. The way that emotions are literally carved into stone to give a beautiful and long-lasting way to live in one’s own happiness. And I also loved the way in which this dreamscape is layered upon a questing desire and an LGBTQI desire.

I was kind of expecting a happily-ever-after, run off into the sunset ending to this story. The fact that it didn’t quite end in that way was really refreshing. And a great reminder that this isn’t what actually happens in real life. After all, not everyone gets a happily ever after. And obsessing over one woman and weaving her into your dreams doesn’t necessarily mean that she wants to be in them…

 <- Machine Maid ReviewClockmaker’s Requiem Review ->
Image source: Amazon