Tag Archives: Strong Women

Fatal Voyage by Kathy Reichs

Book Review, , , , , , ,

Overview

Fatal Voyage

Title: Fatal Voyage
Author: Kathy Reichs
Series: Temperance Brennan #4
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Anthropology, Science, Crime, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Arrow Books
Year: 2001
5th sentence, 74th page: The construction was as solid as London’s Newgate prison.

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

Synopsis

A plane crashes high in the mountains of North Carolina. But then a severed foot is discovered a good distance from the crash site…

Forensic anthropologist Dr Temperance Brennan is first on the scene. The task that confronts her is a sad and sickening one, and her investigation seems to be throwing up more questions than answers.

But when Tempe makes a discovery that raises dangerous questions, her professional standing is threatened. Convinced that another corpse lies in the woods, Tempe pits herself against a conspiracy of silence, and uncovers a shocking tale of deceit and depravity…

Thoughts

Fatal Voyage helped to ease some of the frustrations of Deadly Decisions; it bought Andy Ryan back to the forefront of the story. I was really enjoying the courting dance of the two main characters throughout the series, and this addition to the series extended on it. Aside from the character connections, I also really enjoyed discovering what happens when there is a plane crash. Logically I knew that there are a lot of people who have to be involved in the retrieval process, but actually learning the intricacies of this, at least for America was really cool.

To keep the plot line interesting (because a massive plane crash and the return of a potential flame isn’t all on its own…) Reichs added in a nice, healthy dose of conspiracies and people in power. Which, of course Brennan finds herself in the middle of. Yes, it was a little predictable, but it was interesting nevertheless. Sometimes predictability in books can still be harnessed to create a fascinating storyline that you can’t help but be enthralled by. And since Reichs is such a phenomenal writer, she managed to maintain the feeling of anticipation right throughout.

For me, Fatal Voyage was special because of Temperance Brennan’s insecurities. Yes, she is interested in Andy Ryan (you’d have to be blind to not get that), but the aspects of her personality that prevented her from taking advantage of her feelings were all too real. We all have hangups, and reading about someone else’s inability to deal with them at times made me feel all the better about my own. It made Brennan ten times more relatable and loveable. At least in my mind.

<- Deadly DecisionsGrave Secrets ->

Image source: Amazon

Deadly Decisions by Kathy Reichs

Book Review, , , , , ,

Overview

Deadly Decisions

Title: Deadly Decisions
Author: Kathy Reichs
Series: Temperance Brennan #3
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Anthropology, Science, Crime, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Arrow Books
Year: 2000
5th sentence, 74th page: What they’d discovered made no sense at all.

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

Synopsis

A nine-year-old girl is killed in crossfire on her way to ballet class. The body of a teenager killed in North Carolina is found hundreds of miles away.

Forensic anthropologist Dr Temperance Brennan knows she shouldn’t let emotion get in the way, but when nine-year-old Emily’s body is wheeled into the morgue she cannot help but react.

An exhumation uncovers the bones of yet another innocent in a clandestine grave close to a biker gang headquarters. With her boss in hospital and sparring partner Detective Andrew Ryan mysteriously unavailable, Tempe alone begins a perilous investigation into the lawless underworld of organised crime…

Thoughts

The third instalment of the Temperance Brennan series was another masterful description of crime, forensic anthropology and the intricacies of the underworld. This time, Reichs takes us on a journey through the world of Bikie gangs. I’ve always heard many stories about the hierarchy and the ways in which these groups operate and run, and reading a book about it was incredibly fascinating. It also provided me with more information on their formation, alliances with other groups and the way that law enforcers deal with such a large crime syndicate.

Reichs was able to take the knowledge of Bikie gangs to build a vibrant, and slightly terrifying world. Luckily, the seriousness of this was offset by Tempe’s wit and humanity. I really enjoy reading about the different ways in which she copes with the constant onslaught of death. Especially since the death that she deals with is almost never peaceful. This added an extra layer of reality to the storyline for me. Forensic anthropology isn’t necessarily an easy field to work in (especially when working as part of a crime team, as opposed to a research group), using this knowledge to show the different coping mechanisms that one can use was really interesting, and reminded me of the fact that Reichs herself is a forensic anthropologist.

I liked that this book showed us more of Brennan’s maternal side. Even though we saw glimpses of this throughout the first two books, Tempe’s constant interactions with her nephew Kit helped to cement this. Even though you just knew that something bad was going to happen to him, after all, he needed to be instrumental to the story to be included, it was still really fun to watch the story unfold. I also found it hard to predict what was going to go wrong.

My main issue with this book was the way in which Andy Ryan seemed to suddenly disappear. I had been enjoying the growing tensions between Detective Ryan and Temperance Brennan in the first two books. But this suddenly disappeared. Even though it was well explained towards the end of the book, it was still really difficult to get my head around. I don’t like characters (or for that matter, people) who are hot and cold and I found him to be a bit like this, especially in the beginning.

<- Death du JourFatal Voyage ->

Image source: Amazon

Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas

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Overview

Queen of Shadows

Title: Queen of Shadows
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: Throne of Glass #4
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy, Romance, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: They’d been cleaned since the last time she’d worn them years ago, the black leather still supple and pliable, the special grooves and hidden blades as precise as ever.

Synopsis

NO MASTERS. NO LIMITS. NO REGRETS.

Celaena Sardothien is cloaked in her assassin’s hood once more. She is back in Rifthold, but this time she is no one’s slave. She must delve into her most painful memories and fight for her survival, while resisting a smouldering passion that might very well consume her heart. And she will face her former master, the King of Assassins, again – to wreak revenge for a decade of pain…

Thoughts

I’ve been waiting to read this since it came out in September last year. Waiting and dying, and constantly having other, more adult things that I should be doing… so when I finally got to read this… just unbelievable, uncontrolled excitement. I made sure that I had an entire weekend free, so I could spend my days enjoying Maas’ brilliant writing. And as usual, she didn’t disappoint.

Queen of Shadows was a heart-wrenching, breath holding journey of revenge, defying the odds, and finally coming home. I loved that even though Celaena was the character I first fell in love with, her change through Heir of Fire and final transformation in the Queen of Shadows bought us to the reincarnation of Aelin. It was such a seamless transition, that I barely realised that I no longer thought of Aelin as Celaena, but rather as Aelin. This was masterfully done and made me applaud Maas’ talent and storytelling.

The love stories that made me smile and laugh so much were expanded on, I think that Maas is a true romantic, and I just love how she builds these relationships. I was even surprised at some of the turns in these plot lines – which is quite difficult to do. Not only did these tales continue, but the cast of the story also expanded. There were many more people to love and worry for – to fear for and hope for. You know that it’s a good book when you are so emotionally invested in everything that the characters experience, not just the main heroine, but the others too.

Having read The Assassin’s Blade, I loved that I was able to recognise some of the key characters in Aelin / Celaena’s past. Every time that this happened I had a moment of pure joy – I love recognising other characters, it’s like meeting a school friend.

Yet again I am left yearning for the next release in The Throne of Glass series. Bring on Empire of Storms!

<- Heir of FireEmpire of Storms ->

Image source: Live Journal

Homecoming by Patricia Briggs

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Overview

Homecoming

Title: Homecoming
Author: Patricia Briggs
Series: Mercedes Thompson #0.4, Mercy-verse #2
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Graphic novels, Paranormal fantasy, Strong women, Werewolves
Pace: Medium
Format: Graphic Novel
Publisher: Penguin
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: He’s hardly even a snack.

Synopsis

Mercy Thompson is a walker, a magical being with the power to transform into a coyote. She lives on the fine line dividing the everyday world from a darker dimension, observing the supernatural community while standing apart.

When Mercy travels to the Tri-Cities of Washington for a job interview, she quickly finds herself smack-dab in the middle of a gang war between rival packs of werewolves. And as if fangs and fur weren’t bad enough, Mercy must deal with the scariest creature of all: her mother, who is convinced that Mercy is making a mess of her life and determined to set her daughter on the right course.

Thoughts

This is the first graphic novel that I have read in my adult life, possibly my entire life. And I found it really enjoyable. I’m not hunting out other comics / graphic novels that will capture my fancy. Although I still don’t think that anything can replace a good, solid book. Homecoming was the origin story of one of my favourite fantasy characters – Mercedes Thompson. I’ve loved her from the moment I read Moon Called and this love affair has extended to all of Patricia Briggs’ books.

I thought that visiting Mercy Thompson’s first days in the Tri-Cities and telling the full story that is alluded to in the series, was a really nice concept. And doing this in a graphic form was such a novel idea to me (I’m sure many other authors have done this, just none that I’m currently obsessed with). Some of the storyline was not what I expected – I didn’t realise that there was a competition for control of the Tri-Cities for example when she first moved in. But so many details from the books were beautifully illustrated on these pages.

The characters in the graphic novel look nothing like what I pictured – but I think that that’s the beauty of writing – you can create your own images as you read. I had a similar experience with the Harry Potter books and movies. I’ve read a few reviews that said that this completely put them off, but I just found it to be a different take on what I was already visualising.

This was a nice, quick, easy to read story that I was able to digest on a car ride into the city. I liked the simplicity and the ease of access to Mercy’s story and thought that this was a great little addition to a series that I am already WAY too obsessed with.

<- SilverGray ->

Image source: Patricia Briggs

Arrow’s Fall by Mercedes Lackey

Book Review, , , , , ,

Overview

Arrow's Fall

Title: Arrow’s Fall
Author: Mercedes Lackey
Series: Heralds of Valdemar #3, Valdemar #25
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fantasy, Strong women
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Daw fantasy
Year: 1988
5th sentence, 74th page: I’ve told you that before.

Synopsis

VALDEMAR’S PERIL!

With Elspeth, the heir to the throne of Valdemar, come of marriageable age, Talia, the Queen’s Own Herald retursn to court to find Queen and heir beset by diplomatic intrigue as various forces vie for control of Elspeth’s future.

But just as Talia is about to uncover the traitor behind all these intrigues, she is sent off on a mission to the neighboring kingdom, chosen by the Queen to investigate the worth of a marriage proposal from Prince Ancar. And, to her horror, Talia soon discovers there is far more going on at Prince Ancar’s court than just preparation for a hoped-for royal wedding. For a different magic than that of the Heralds is loose in Ancar’s realm – an evil and ancient sorcery that may destroy all of Valdemar unless Talia can send warning to her Queen in time!

Thoughts

Arrow’s Fall was an epic end to my first Mercedes Lackey trilogy. The climax that had slowly been building in the previous two books finally reached a crescendo, and I’m not ashamed to say that I shed more than a tear or two.

Talia is finally strong enough to face her demons; both internal and external, and her ability to triumph in the worst of situations is awe inspiring. Not only does she overcome her own ragged insecurities, she survives torture and loss to eventually come home to love in the final chapters.

The highly climatic end to the trilogy perfectly sets the storyline of Valdemar for the next trilogy (Mage Winds) which I have yet to read. The series leaves you content because Talia’s battle has been won, but also tense because you know that your beloved characters are on the precipice of war. I really loved this combination of tying up loose ends and setting the reader up for the next series.

All of the Valdemar books tend to do this – they are very interrelated and once you have read one series, you generally have access to main characters in another. But they are also easily read in isolation of one another, so you can start reading these emotionally turbulent books at any point within the chronology of the Valdemar universe.

<- Arrow’s FlightBy the Sword ->

Image source: Fantastic Fiction

Arrow’s Flight by Mercedes Lackey

Book Review, , , , , , ,

Overview

Arrow's Flight

Title: Arrow’s Flight
Author: Mercedes Lackey
Series: Heralds of Valdemar #2, Valdemar #24
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fantasy, Strong women
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Daw fantasy
Year: 1987
5th sentence, 74th page: “So that you have an excuse to carry arrows wherever you go,” Kyril replied.

Synopsis

HERALD’S CHALLENGE!

Talia could scarcely believe that she had finally earned the rank of full Herald. Yet though this seemed like the fulfillment of all her dreams, it also meant she would face trials far greater than those she had previously survived. For now Talia must ride forth to patrol the kingdom of Valdemar, dispensing Herald’s justice throughout the land.

But in this realm beset by dangerous unrest enforcing her rulings would require all the courage and skill Talia could command – for if she misused her own special powers, both she and Valdemar would pay the price!

Thoughts

Lackey is a unique writer. She takes insecurities and some (very) deep seated issues and turns them into a sort of power, or a hurdle to jump. It’s why I love her books, depression, anxiety, even a variety of forms of abuse are taken and help to shape her characters into stronger people. I know that it doesn’t always work like that in real life, but the idea that you can take all of those bad things and become a stronger person is somewhat inspiring. It’s what I’ve spent my life trying to do.

Arrow’s Flight takes the insecurity and unsurity of person that Talia felt in Arrows of the Queen and investigates what happens when these feelings are amplified. It asks what happens when others prey upon your insecurities? What happens when they get amplified tenfold? The addition of supernatural powers just helps to illustrate her point even better. I loved this take on a main character; the fact that she is just so damn vulnerable makes her a heck of a lot more relatable and loveable.

Not only were Talia’s insecurities explored, but through this journey, her strength and abilities were found. This, along with her growing sense of self and relationship with her mentor made Arrow’s Flight an incredible journey. The growing relationship between Kris was one of my favourites of the whole series. For all of Talia’s softness, she has a backbone and when Kris oversteps his bounds, she puts him straight back into his place. It’s a mixture of comradery, passion and familial love and it just works beautifully.

The juxtaposition between strength and vulnerability in this book is awe-inspiring and made me realise that I have flaws, but I have strengths too. And we can all use these.

<- Arrows of the QueenArrow’s Fall ->

Image source: Goodreads

The Assassin’s Blade by Sarah J. Maas

Book Review, , , , , , ,

Overview

The Assassin's Blade

Title: The Assassin’s Blade
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: Throne of Glass Companion
In: The Assassin’s Blade (Sarah J. Maas)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy, Romance, Short story collections, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Collection
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: Roalfe croaked as she held it up in her free hand, the garnet flashing in the light.

Synopsis

Contains all five novellas.

Celaena Sardothien is Adarlan’s most feared assassin. As part of the Assassin’s Guild, her allegiance is to her master, Arobynn Hamel, yet Celaena listens to no one and trusts only her fellow killer-for-hire, Sam. In these action-packed novellas – together in one edition for the first time – Celaena embarks on five daring missions. They take her from remote islands to hostile deserts, where she fights to liberate slaves and seeks to avenge the tyrannous. But she is acting against Arobynn’s orders and could suffer an unimaginable punishment for such treachery. Will Celaena ever be truly free? Explore the dark underworld of this kick-ass heroine to find out.

Thoughts

I loved this prequel. Side stories that were mentioned in the main Throne of Glass series are told in full in The Assassin’s Blade. We also FINALLY get to find out more about Sam – how Celaena fell for him and what happened to him. I honestly love everything about Celaena, so of course I was going to love this book. But I’m not entirely biased… or maybe I am.

I loved the format of this book; it was a series of five short stories. I liked that you could read them as entirely separate novellas, or you could read the whole lot. There was a nice thread that followed through between each story. It provided good breaks to put the book down, but it also allowed for large periods of time to pass. Unlike the main books, there are months of inaction between each story. Even though one story is the catalyst for the actions in the next, there are periods that would quite honestly be a little boring to read about.

My absolute favourite thing about this series of short stories is meeting the man who created Celaena. The complexity that Maas lends to this character is tremendous. He is impossible to completely hate, but you kind of despise him at the same time. Just read the book, you’ll understand exactly what I mean.

<- More Sarah J. MaasThe Assassin and the Pirate Lord Review ->

Image source: Super Space Chick

Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas

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Overview
Heir of Fire

Title: Heir of Fire
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: Throne of Glass #3
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy, Romance, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: So out they went, into the freezing night.

Synopsis

Consumed by guilt and rage, Celaena can’t bring herself to spill blood for the King of Adarlan. She must fight back…

The Immortal queen will help her destroy the king – for a price. But as Celaena battles with her darkest memories and her heart breaks for a love that could never last, can she fulfil the bargain and head the almighty court of Terrasen? And who will stand with her?

Thoughts

The third book in the Throne of Glass series takes some of the things we learnt about Celaena’s past become crystallised. The greater focus on her personal journey and self are a great change of pace. Understanding her pain and past just made me love the her even more and honestly, not many series send me through the amount of emotional turmoil and ups and downs as this series.

I love that in the Heir of Fire, Celaena creates new relationships and friendships. The main relationship throughout the book – with Rowan – is complex and slowly built. It reminds us that not everyone in our lives is friendly from the beginning or even accessible. But some things are worth the fight.

The stakes become so much higher in this book. Not only does it mean that it is a lot longer than the first two books, you are also WAY more likely to cry. Or in my case, throw the book across the room in shock of the latest plot twist. It’s a testament to how well Maas can write. Her characters and plot lines are so relatable – you can’t help but fall in love!

<- Crown of MidnightQueen of Shadows ->

Image source: Live Journal

Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas

Book Review, , , , , , ,

Overview

Crown of Midnight

Title: Crown of Midnight
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: Throne of Glass #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy, Romance, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: Only that he’s added that little grub, Roland, to his council, and Roland seems to have been given the task of handling me.

Synopsis

CROWNED BY EVIL. BOUND BY DUTY. DIVIDED BY LOVE.

Celaena Sardothien, royal assassin, is the King Adarlan’s deadliest weapon. She must win her freedom through his enemies’ blood – but she cannot bear to kill for the crown. And every death Celaena fakes, every lie she tells, puts those she loves at risk.

Torn between her two protectors – a captain and a prince – and battling a dark force far greater than the king, Celaena must decide what she will fight for: her liberty, her heart or the fate of a kingdom…

Thoughts

This was a fantastic follow up to Throne of Glass. Not only did it extend on the themes of the first novel, it made you even more emotionally involved in the characters (I didn’t think it was possible, but believe me, it is!). Maas builds on her characters and storyline with incredible talent and it completely sucked me in – to the point that I spent an entire day reading (and finishing) this book.

Crown of Midnight takes us into Celaena’s past and even sees new friendships and characters. Finding out about why the main character is as tough and stubborn as she is fascinated me. The rare glimpses into her formation and training as an assassin (and what preceded this) was amazing.

The love triangle started in the first book was expanded on and I honestly think that it is one of my favourite love stories. There is a heavy theme of love, lust and loss throughout the story, but it doesn’t feel like a needy, teeny story. There is still strength and independence on the behalf of all of the characters. Especially Celaena. I always hate how in stories (like Twilight), the girl finds love and basically loses herself. This doesn’t happen in the Crown of Midnight. She ultimately choses a path other than love to follow which pulls at the heart strings but makes you feel proud of her power and strength.

This story ends in an amazing cliff hanger. I wouldn’t read this unless you have the third book, Heir of Fire, to reach for. I did… and I was incredibly grateful!

<- Throne of GlassHeir of Fire ->

Image source: Fantasy Book Review

Deja Dead by Kathy Reichs

Book Review, , , , , ,

Overview

Deja Dead

Title: Deja Dead
Author: Kathy Reichs
Series: Temperance Brennan #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Anthropology, Science, Crime, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Arrow Books
Year: 1997
5th sentence, 74th page: A bicycle leaned against the rusted iron fence that surrounded the tiny front yard.

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

Synopsis

Bagged and discarded, the dismembered body of a woman is discovered in the grounds of an abandoned monastery.

Dr Temperance Brennan, Director of Forensic Anthropology for the province of Quebec, has been researching recent disappearances in the city.

Soon she is convinced that a serial killer is at work. When no one else seems to care, her anger drives her to take matters into her own hands. But her determined probing has placed those closest to her in mortal danger.

Can Tempe make her crucial breakthrough before the killer strikes again?

Thoughts

Do not read this book if you are female and home alone. I repeat. Do not read this book if you are easily scared.

This was the first crime book I’ve ever read. I picked it up because of the TV series Bones. But I didn’t expect just how good and realistic this book would be! Not only does Kathy Reichs take you deep into the world and mind of Temperance Brennan, she also lets you travel into the world of forensic science.

The details in this are so realistic that you can just tell that Reichs has a background in science. But fear not! If you are not a scientist or science enthusiast, everything is so beautifully (and correctly) explained so everyone can follow. Mix in the twists and turns of the case and the Brennan’s personal relationships with her co-workers, and this book is such a hit.

It’s little wonder that this series has been so insanely popular!

But again, if you want a good night’s sleep… maybe don’t read this right before bed…

<- First BonesDeath du Jour ->

Image source: Amazon