Tag Archives: Strong Women

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Cecily (The United Kingdom)'s review of The Help

Title: The Help
Author: Kathryn Stockett
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Book to Film, Historical fiction, Race, Strong women
Dates read: 21st March – 2nd April 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Penguin Books
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: Some dormant instinct tells me to smile, run my hand through my hair.

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Synopsis

Enter a vanished world: Jackson, Mississippi, 1962. Where black maids raise white children, but aren’t trusted not to steal the silver…

There’s Aibileen, raising her seventeenth white child and nursing the heart caused by her own son’s tragic death; Minny, whose cooking is nearly as sassy as her tongue; and white Miss Skeeter, home from college, who wants to know why her beloved maid has disappeared.

Skeeter, Aibileen and Minny. No one would believe they’d be friends; fewer still would tolerate it. But as each woman finds the courage to cross boundaries, they come to depend and rely upon one another. Each is in search of a truth. And together they have an extraordinary stroy to tell…

Thoughts

The Help is one of my absolute favourite movies. Not only does it star some of my favourite actors, it’s an amazing story. Filled with just the right amount of humour to top the sad parts from being too sad, but also a great message throughout. So I bought the book. And I really wasn’t sure whether it would be all that great – after all, sometimes if the movie is that good, the book isn’t, and vice versa. But, I am pleased to report. I was wrong!

Once I really got my teeth into this novel, I seriously couldn’t put it down. Not only is it phenomenally amazing, but, even though I know how it’s going to end… I STILL couldn’t put it down. Because what if I was wrong? What if it was something different to what I saw in the movie? There were all the key moments, but so many extras in the book… I couldn’t stop just wondering what would happen next!

One of the great improvements of this novel is the romance between Stuart and Skeeter. It’s a little more tragic when they have differences they can’t get over and eventually end their relationship. You feel a little sorry for Skeeter in the movie, but it’s more of a blip in the greater storyline. Yet, in the book… you actually think that there may be a chance for them. And you hope again and again. Which of course makes the come down and the break up all that much worse. Same with Skeeter’s relationships with Hilly and Elizabeth in the book – you actually feel incredibly sorry for her as all of her relationships dissolve and the consequences of her actions are so much more serious.

I absolutely adored this book. And it’s definitely going into my “reread me” pile. Yet, what I loved most about this whole story was how seriously racial relations are dealt with. How it’s not all about hate or love. Not simple. There is such an intense complexity to all of these relationships that makes you think about the relationships in your own life. Whatever shape or form they are in, the message I got from this book is that we are all people, and in particular, all women, and we don’t know each other’s stories. So maybe we should just give each other a break every once in a while?

<- More raceMore historical fiction ->

Image source: Goodreads

Iron and Magic by Ilona Andrews

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
IRON AND MAGIC

Title: Iron and Magic
Author: Ilona Andrews
Series: Kate Daniels #9.5
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dystopia, Paranormal fantasy, Shapeshifters, Strong women
Dates read: 24th – 27th March 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Ilona Andrews
Year: 2018
5th sentence, 74th page: And Elara would fight to the bitter end.

Synopsis

No day is ordinary in a world where Technology and Magic compete for supremacy… But no matter which force is winning, in the apocalypse, a sword will always work.

Hugh d’Ambray, Preceptor of the Iron Dogs, Warlord of the Builder of Towers, served only one man. Now his immortal, nearly omnipotent master has cast him aside. Hugh is a shadow of the warrior he was, but when he learns that the Iron Dogs, soldiers who would follow him anywhere, are being hunted down and murdered, he must make a choice: to fade away or to be the leader he was born to be. Hugh knows he must carve a new place for himself and his people, but they have no money, no shelter, and no food, and the necromancers are coming. Fast.

Elara Harper is a creature who should not exist. Her enemies call her Abomination; her people call her White Lady. Tasked with their protection, she’s trapped between magical heavyweights about to collide and plunge the state of Kentucky intoa war that humans have no power to stop. Desperate to shield her people and their simple way of life, she would accept help from the devil himself – and Hugh d’Ambray might qualify.

Hugh needs a base. Elara needs soldiers. Both are infamous for betraying their allies, so how can they create a believable alliance to meet the challenge of their enemies?

As the propher says: “It is better to marry than to burn.”

Hugh and Elara may do both.

Thoughts

I have a really horrible habit of putting aside the series that I really love so that I don’t get too hooked into the books. Mostly when I have a lot of other work that I need to keep on top of. Which is why it’s taken me so long to get to this book. And it’s probably still a good way to go about things – because once I opened this up, I couldn’t keep my nose out of it! Or my mind away from it. And I’ve literally had to bury Magic Triumphs in a pile of books so I can’t quite pick that up quite yet.

Iron and Magic is a fantastic story. It’s one of those tales in which you suddenly see the other side of the story. Or, in this case, you finally understand even more about Hugh D’Ambray. And, for me, who kind of hated him in the rest of the Kate Daniels books, I came to absolutely adore him. I love the backstory and the reasons behind the horrors he commits. He’s not exactly a good guy, but at least I finally managed to begin to understand his actions and decision making.

Hugh is a fantastic male lead in this story. But, for me, as normally happens, Elara stole the show. She’s strong, independent and terrifyingly powerful. She’s also got this great sense of mystery about her past and her motives. It’s a great approach and adventure. Elara is so much more graceful and put together than any of the other women in this series. she might not be my favourite, but the whole “White Lady”, prayers mystery that springs up around her. The powerful people she surrounds herself with out of love and loyalty… it all works beautifully. And I still can’t stop thinking about what an amazing character this woman is.

This is an amazing story. I love the action, I love the drama. But most of all, I love the relationship between Hugh and Elara. Even when it takes on a more serious overtone, one of real emotion, they have this great, witty banter with each other. I love that there is this sense of rivalry and war between them. A power struggle that had me laughing out loud again and again and again.

<- Magic BindsMagic Triumphs ->

Image source: Ilona Andrews

The Becoming by Jeanne C. Stein

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for book cover the becoming jeanne c stein

Title: The Becoming
Author: Jeanne C. Stein
Series: Anna Strong Chronicles #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Strong women, Urban fantasy, Vampires
Dates read: 1st – 8th March 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Ace Fantasy
Year: 2004
5th sentence, 74th page: I replace the receiver, frowning at both the implication and infelction of his tone.

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Synopsis

My name is Anna Strong. I am a vampire. How I became one is the reason for this story. I tell it the way it happened. It may not be what you expect.

She’s a bounty hunter – tought beautiful, and trained for the unexpected. Until the night she’s attacked and left closer to death than she can imagine. She awakens to an indoctrination into a dark new world where vampires walk among us. But this time, a tight grip on a .38 won’t stop what she’s hunting for.

Existing between the worlds of the living and the dead, Anna is torn by her love for two very different men. Max, a DEA agent, all too human, and vulnerable. And Avery, a Night Watcher who’s joined Anna in pursuit of the rogue vampire who changed her life that terrifying night. Now, as her two worlds collide, fate plunges Anna into the ultimate battle between good and evil where survival is not just for the living…

Thoughts

I quite enjoyed this novel. It wasn’t one that made me stop in my tracks and need to just stick my nose as far into it as I could. But it was one that I enjoyed. After I got past the very first opening scenes – rape is just not something that I enjoy reading about. Even if it was brushed over pretty quickly. It just made for an uncomfortable beginning to the story. One that did make me pause in my reading for quite a while.

One of the things I really enjoyed about Stein’s writing and world building was her subtly different take on vampires. It’s nothing outrageous such as other vampire stories I’ve read. But their gradual change, their ability to walk in the sunlight. I kind of liked the differentiation. I also liked that most of the rules of her vampire world are still not quite explained in this story… it’s all written as Anna discovers who and what she is… and then you find out that she’s being lied to a fair bit.

I was expecting a bit of a twist toward the end of the story – there were a few too many hints at the secrets being hidden throughout. Yet, even when I found out what it was, I was kind of thrown. In the best way possible. I only had an inkling of the villain and the true story just before Anna herself realises. It made it so much more intriguing, sweeter and fun.

This is a great first story. It’s about becoming a vampire and being thrust into a new world. But it barely even scratches the surface of the life Anna is about to embark on. One that I’m looking forward to reading more about. One that I can’t wait to read more about… if I can just find where I put Blood Drive in my piles of books that I want to read.

<- Anna and the Vampire PrinceBlood Drive ->

Image source: Goodreads

Break No Bones by Kathy Reichs

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Image result for book cover break no bones

Title: Break No Bones
Author: Kathy Reichs
Series: Temperance Brennan #9
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Anthropology, Crime, Science, Strong women
Dates read: 31st January – 6th March 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Arrow
Year: 2006
5th sentence, 74th page: In one fragment, I was sitting in a circle at an AA meeting.

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Synopsis

Dr Temperance Brennan and her students are working on a site of prehistoric graves on an island near Charleston, South Carolina, when a decomposing body is uncovered in a shallow grave off a lonely beach.

The bones are fresh and the remains are still topped by wisps of hair – it’s a recent burial, and a case Tempe must take.

She determines that the deceased is a middle-aged white male – but who was he? And why was he buried in a clandestine grave?

Before long, another body is discovered – and Tempe finds herself drawn deeper into a shocking investigation which will challenge her entire view of humanity.

Thoughts

It’s been a while since I picked up a Temperance Brennan book. And I had honestly forgotten how damn amazing the writing in these are. Not just the great science behind the criminal investigation (which, lets face it, that alone would have me intrigued). But also the touching storyline, the intriguing mystery and the intense reveal at the end. There is a reason that I started reading crime novels after I picked up my first Kathy Reichs novel.

One thing that always makes me laugh a little at the Temperance Brennan stories is that Tempe ALWAYS manages to get herself into some kind of trouble. There is always a moment that she is in danger because she just can’t let the mystery lie. She has to discover the truth. Alright, laugh may not be the right word… I’ve jumped out of my skin a few times when she’s attacked, I did in this story! But it’s an intriguing story tactic – one that not only ups the stakes, but, since you suspect something bad is going to happen to her at some point, you also spend most of the story with your heart in your throat…

This Temperance Brennan story deals a little more with Tempe’s relationship to ex-husband (or estranged, whatever), Pete. Although he’s made many appearances in past novels, he is actually present throughout the majority of this one. Which is quite interesting. That dynamic between two people who have ended their relationship, but still have close ties to one another. And it goes beyond the fact that they share a child together. I loved this insight into not only Brennan’s relationships, but also a relationship dynamic that I have never experienced or witnessed up close. Yet more insight into a world that I am not intimately familiar with.

The culprit, the motive and the activities of the “bad guy” in this story were seriously creepy. Somehow, the reasons behind the killers’ killing were enough to bring up goosebumps, even after I had guessed it before the great reveal. There was just something spine-tingling about it, probably because it is a more likely motive than just the run of the mill serial killer…

<- Cross BonesBones to Ashes ->

Image source: Penguin Books Australia

Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for book cover empire of storms

Title: Empire of Storms
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: Throne of Glass #5
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy, Romance, Strong women
Dates read: 11th January – 4th March 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Year: 2016
5th sentence, 74th page: His mother and younger brother were still ensconced in their mountain residence in Ararat.

Synopsis

BLOOD WILL RUN.
DREAMS WILL SHATTER.
AN ARMY MUST RISE.

The assassin-queen has sworn not to turn her back on her kingdom again. Especially when she might be the only one who can raise an army to keep the Dark King from unleashing his beasts upon them all. But Erawan will wield Aelin’s past, her allies, and her enemies against her.

With a poewrful court trusting Aelin to lead them, and her heart devoted to the arrior-prince at her side, what – or who – is she willing to sacrifice to spare her world from being torn apart?

Thoughts

This is an “oh my heart” book. And it’s like that from the very beginning. I’ve been putting off reading it for a while since I always get ridiculously hooked on Maas’ writing. Normally that’s not such an issue because I can read the whole book cover to cover in just a day… this book is a little longer, and I had to be an adult. But I finally put aside a day to read it. And… oh my heart.

There is just something about Aelin’s story that is both tragic and intriguing. From the very beginning of the story nothing seems to work out for her… her triumphant return to Terrassen? Not so triumphant. Her court? A little bit frayed. And the end battle? I had tears streaming down my face. It was just… hurtful and tragic. And just… wow.

As soon as I finished this book I rang my sister. She’s read this… I had to have somebody who understood the many, many feelings that this book inspires. I also had to clean the house because I needed happy, non-tragic thoughts. Don’t get me wrong, this book is amazing. But it will punch you in the heart. Be prepared to have your jaw drop. Continuously. As Maas manages to systematically rip your heart to shreds. Every time you think that something is going to go right… it doesn’t. Hopes are dashed again and again and again. Yet, it is done in such a way that you still walk away from this book feeling somewhat… happy. Which makes absolutely zero sense. Because, as I keep saying, this whole thing is a tragedy from beginning to end. But there is still this sense of hope at the very conclusion.

I really wanted to pick up Tower of Dawn as soon as I turned the final page. Yet, I also felt like I needed to take a step back and be a little more productive. I know that once I open the second to last book, I’m going to get sucked right back into this amazing, impossible to forget world. One that is impossible to walk away from and forget.

<- Queen of ShadowsTower of Dawn ->

Image source: Amazon

A Little Night Magic by Allyson James

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for hot for the holidays book cover

Title: A Little Night Magic
Author: Allyson James
Series: Stormwalker #0.5
In: Hot for the Holidays (Lora Leigh, Angela Knight, Anya Bast and Allyson James)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Strong women, Urban fantasy
Dates read: 9th January 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Jove
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: They laugh at me but they fear and distrust me.

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Synopsis

The town of Magellan is famous for its woo-woo activity. Naomi is known as an Unbeliever (one who doesn’t believe in Magellan’s mystical energy). But Naomi must put disbelief aside when her Navajo lover reveals that he is a Changer, a shapeshifter, and has returned to Magellan to protect her from grave anger on Christmas Eve.

Thoughts

Wow. This is an amazing novella. Just like the other novella I read in the Stormwalker series. I’m remembering why I’m so addicted to the idea of this series. Luckily, this time, I actually have Stormwalker sitting on my bookshelves… so I will probably start reading that almost immediately. There is just something incredibly intense and fun about this writing and world building that takes me to my super happy place.

Naomi and Jamison are a really great couple. I wasn’t as attached at the outset, due to the whole, he abandoned her for two years thing. But then he explained that away. And I fell completely, head over heels, in love. It helped that Jamison is a Native American, and I love the addition of this cultural group into my shelves.

To expand on the Native American theme, Coyote is also a major player in this story. He has got to be my favourite trickster deity. At least, thus far. There is something conniving, fun and wonderful about him. Plus, tricksters are supposed to be agents of change and balance… he’s the closest fit in all the mythos I’ve read. And he fits the bill perfectly in here. He kind of helps out Jamison and Naomi… but then he also kind of just abandons them….

<- More Allyson JamesStormwalker ->

Image source: Amazon

Devil to Pay by Jeaniene Frost

Book Review, , , , , , ,
Overview
Image result for four dukes and a devil book cover

Title: Devil to Pay
Author: Jeaniene Frost
Series: Night Huntress #3.5, Night Huntress Universe #3.5
In: Four Dukes and a Devil (Cathy Maxwell, Elaine Fox, Jeaniene Frost, Sophia Nash & Tracy Anne Warren)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Strong women, Urban fantasy, Vampires
Dates read: 15th December 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Avon Romance
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: No, Elise.

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Synopsis

Elise hasn’t felt anything since her fiance attacked her. But, a chance encounter with a demon possessed man could help her. With help from Menchares, she might just find a way to her happily ever after.

Thoughts

This year I’ve managed to read a few Night Huntress novels and each time, I fall a little bit more in love with the series. There is just something amazingly engaging and fun about it! But, what I got really, really excited about in this novella – it’s the first story so far in the series which features a demon! Not sure why, but that was a ridiculously exciting moment for me…

Although this story isn’t actually about Bones and Cat, they do still make their appearance. Which was much appreciated. Albeit, only briefly. But enough to give a great sense of continuity whilst you’re barracking for another couple and another supernatural difficulty. There’s nothing like spending a half hour to quickly revisit some characters and a world that you weren’t entirely sure you were missing… actually, mostly I was kind of disappointed that it was over.

Mencheres also makes a great appearance in this story. It’s nice to visit him after the occurrences in At Grave’s End. His was a bit of a tragic story, and you can feel the scars left on him – I look forward to getting to know this character more as the series develops.

But mostly, I just loved this novella because it was about a reclusive woman finding a way to live, love and exist again. I’m always a big fan of stories which feature a character overcoming the shit in their past and finding their own happily ever after… which happens in this. A great little read for late at night, after a long, horrible day…

<- At Grave’s EndDestined for an Early Grave ->

Image source: Amazon

Make it Snappy by Faith Hunter

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Image result for urban enemies book cover

Title: Make it Snappy
Author: Faith Hunter
Series: Jane Yellowrock #0.75
In: Urban Enemies (Joseph Nassise)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Animagus, Dark fantasy, Strong women
Dates read: 28th November 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Gallery Books
Year: 2017
5th sentence, 74th page: Katie pouted, her lips pursing around her canines.

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Synopsis

Leo’s heir has pinned and trapped him with some help. What she wants is something a little more difficult to define than simply power… plus, there’s some betrayal in the mix.

Thoughts

It’s been a little while since I picked up a Jane Yellowrock novel. It just seems to have fallen on the wayside of the series that I’m insanely digging through. I also tend to be a bit of a book slut – I’ll read one or two books from a series, and then move on to another one. I’m currently reading about 190 different series. Having said that, I did love revisiting this world and the introduction that this short story provides to Leo and his heir, Katie.

One of my favourite things about this short story is the final sentence. I won’t tell you what it is, because you should read it yourself… but it is a great ending to a fantastic story. It also gives a little more insight into the dynamics of the vampire clan which Jane is most closely involved with.

I love that although Katie is in a position of power over Leo, she doesn’t actually want to take his place. It’s a reminder that for different people, power means different things. And we all take advantage in our own ways. Actually, mostly, it just made me like Katie all the more – it’s the unseen powerful that you never see coming that are intimidating.

<- Signatures of the DeadSkinwalker ->

Image source: Simon & Schuster

Guns for the Dead by Melissa Marr

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
naked-city

Title: Guns for the Dead
Author: Melissa Marr
Series: Graveminder #1.6
In: Naked City (Ellen Datlow)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal fantasy, Strong women
Dates read: 26th November 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: He sipped his drink and stared at Alicia, who now stood with her hands on her hips.

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Synopsis

Frank wants a job with the gun runner of the undead world. The interview is unique in so many ways. But, he might just get the job after all… if he survives.

Thoughts

I always like a good gun runner story. One that takes place in the land of the dead – well, it wasn’t entirely what I expected, but it was definitely enjoyable. The fact that the female in this was seriously tough and starts out the story by shooting a man… well, that is going to draw me in immediately.

I’ve been on some uncomfortable job interviews but starting out by getting shot and then ending by watching someone get killed. Well, it’s a lot more intense than any of the interviews I’ve ever been on. And hopefully ever will go on. But it was certainly an interesting way to tell a story.

This was a fantastic short story. Now I can’t wait to buy the books in the larger series! I’ve had them on my wishlist for a while, but this has certainly given me the inspiration to actually buy it this time.

 <- The Way Station ReviewAnd Go Like This Review ->
Image source: Patricia Briggs

Burn for Me by Ilona Andrews

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Image result for book cover burn for me

Title: Burn For Me
Author: Ilona Andrews
Series: Hidden Legacy #1, Nevada Baylor Trilogy #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Romantic suspense, Strong women
Dates read: 24th – 26th November 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Avon
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: Reginald works for me.

Synopsis

Nevada Baylor is faced with the most challenging case of her detective career – a suicide mission to bring in a suspect in a volatile situation. Nevada isn’t sure she has the chops. Her quarry is a Prime, the highest rank of magic user, who can set anyone and anything on fire.

Then she’s kidnapped by Connor “Mad” Rogan – a darkly tempting billionaire with equally devastating powers. Torn between wanting to run and wanting to surrender to their overwhelming attraction, Nevada must join forces with Rogan to stay alive.

Rogan’s after the same target, so he needs Nevada. But she’s getting under his skin, making him care about someone other than himself for a change. And, as Rogan has learned, love can be as perilous as death, especially in the magic world.

Thoughts

This isn’t an intensely overboard romance, but there is enough fire and spice to make it impossible to put down. That perfect balance for when you want something a little gooey, but not overboard like some of the other romances on my shelves. Actually, the end doesn’t even end as a happily ever after, ride off into the sunset thing. Which was perfect, because now I can’t wait to read the next book and see if they get together in that.

I am completely in love with Nevada. She’s tough and independent and her powers are triggered by her protective instincts. There is just something about the combination that is impossible not to love. However, I’m pretty much guaranteed to love any character that Andrews creates – there is just something all-consuming about the female leads that are created in their works. The men are also awesome, and I enjoyed Rogan… but Nevada is amazing. My favourite female lead of the month.

Most romancey books that I read, it’s fairly obvious that the male is attracted to the female from the beginning. And by the end he’s in love. That doesn’t really happen in this, and I’m still not sure if he’s flipped the switch to actually being in love yet… but I’m sure he eventually will. I also can’t figure out if he’s exactly what Nevada believes he is, or if he’s just very, very good at hiding that side of himself. Like I said, I can’t wait to dig into White Hot.

I’m pretty sure that a future bombshell that is going to be dropped is that Nevada is a Prime. There is a bit of mystery to peoples’ responses to her that hints at some kind of big reveal later in the series. And I’m fairly certain that that is it… which of course, just makes me THAT MUCH MORE keen to read the next damn novel… but I’m trying to get through my massive TBR first.

<- More Ilona AndrewsWhite Hot ->

Image source: Goodreads