100 Book Challenge Weeks 8 & 9
Lesson Learned: it's really hard to catch up when you're behind schedule on a demanding challenge like this. I've been reading every spare moment and I've just finished book #19, so I've "only" 7 books to catch up. That's a LOT of reading, you know! Ok, I did work the challenge on a 50-week year so that I had a two-week leeway, but I'm loathe to gobble that up so early in the year. What if I get really busy when my language training kicks in? Oh, lordy, I'm in trouble!
Oh well, the holidays have helped. Perhaps I can catch up and get a little ahead before the studies begin.
Having read and enjoyed Kalayna Price’s previous novels, I
was really excited to get this, her newest offering. However, the sales pitch
on it should have been along the lines of: “And now for something completely
different…”
Oh well, the holidays have helped. Perhaps I can catch up and get a little ahead before the studies begin.
Book Review #15: Alex Craft – Grave Witch
Author: Kalayna Price
Genre: Fantasy
In the beginning, I wasn’t sure I liked it, but Price is a
brilliant writer and she held me captivated for the whole story. Now, at the
end, I can’t wait for the next one in the series.
Alex Craft sees, and talks to, dead people. In fact, she’s
on a first name basis with Death. She works for private clients, raising the
shades of relatives so that they can ask questions such as “where did you leave
the will?” An opportunity arises for her to work with the police, helping them
solve cases, which she sees as a source of regular income – but she doesn’t
realize it will come with a whole lot of life-threatening situations!
Price writes snappy, intriguing, well-formulated mysteries
and you’re kept guessing throughout the book. I had figured out one of the
characters (it was a little obvious), but other than that, she kept the thread
tight and well-hidden. Brilliant writing, great story, lovely character and fun
side-kicks.
More, more!
Book Review #16: Dynasty of Ghosts
Author: P.L. Nunn
Genre: Fantasy
This is one very different book, from an author who not only
writes, but also illustrates her own books AND is a sought after illustrator
for other author’s books. One talented lady! As if that weren’t enough, she is
self-published. Talented and brave!
Dynasty of Ghosts is the tale of Illya, a simple mountain
man/boy who joins the army as an alternative to joining the priesthood. He is
thought to be fey, due to his fine skin, strange hair and eye coloring, and ability
to see, hear, and talk to ghosts.
He meets up with Ashe, Prince of the country, reluctant Heir
to the throne, and new companion-in-chains when the two of them are captured by
the enemy.
I must admit to being unsure why Ms Nunn included the ghost
aspect into her story. It is an excellent piece without them, and I was hooked
from virtually the first paragraph. However, the ghosts added a quirky
side-tag, and it was not disruptive to include them, so ok.
As a die-hard fantasy fan, this had arrows and horses and
battles galore, court intrigue and jealous lovers, mystical lands and
fascinating cultures.
Loved it!
Book Review #17: Divide & Conquer
Author: Madeleine Urban & Abigail Roux
Genre: Police/Detective Mystery
Yes, I returned to the last book I had in the series. I have it
loaded and I figured I may as well read it, or it will hang around my neck like
an albatross.
Actually, I’m glad I did. It opened with repartee and jokes
in the first chapter that had me laughing out loud, had an action-packed plot,
and then built up to an excellent finale. There was a lot of side angles that
added to the interest and a development of both characters from “big tough guy”
to “real live person”. It was terrific, and would have been an excellent end to
the series.
Unfortunately, the authors are caught up in the joy of their
writing and ended rather annoyingly. There is a book 5. I shall not be getting
it. Maybe if I’d only read books 2 and 4, I’d work through a couple more,
but I think I’m done.
Thanks anyway.
UFB – UnFinished Book
Every now and then I get a book I just can’t force myself to
read. Once I couldn’t make the end of the first chapter. Most times I’ll give a book 2 or 3 chapters before I finally throw in the towel.
Due to this book challenge, I really have tried to finish
books that I may otherwise have put aside. Especially as I’ve taken the time
that I could be using to read another book. This challenge is time-sensitive
after all. And danged hard work.
Anyway, so as to justify my time, I’m going to include a
section for UFBs – UnFinished Books. At the very least so that I can humph
about having to quit!
UFB: #1 A Promise Kept
Author: Stormy Glenn
Genre: WTF Knows?
This book proved more than I could bear. The writing is
juvenile and the plot, such that I managed to understand, thin. I felt like I
was reading a high-school submission. For example, in one paragraph, two short
lines ended with “right now”. An idea is explored in one short, three line
paragraph, and then repeated immediately after in the next. It was jarring and
did not make for a comfortable reading flow.
To the person who recommended it, sorry, but this just
didn’t work for me.
Book Review #18: Moon Called – Mercy Thompson Book 1
Author: Patricia Briggs
Genre: Fantasy
There are occasions when you stumble upon an author who
thrills you such that you are delighted to discover she writes in series. Patricia
Briggs makes this elect, and I loved this, her first book.
Mercedes Thompson, Mercy to her friends, runs a small
one-woman garage. Her best friend is a werewolf, one of her best customers is a
vampire, and she herself has a few.. interesting.. talents.
A young, injured runaway werewolf appears on Mercy’s
doorstep and unwittingly launches her into a world of deadly foes, dangerous
players, and hidden motives. Whilst she has some knowledge of werefolk, she is
gravely undereducated on other aspects of the preternatural, as well as the
extent of her own abilities.
I’m dying to give you more information, but this plot is so
well laid out, with snippets being released slowly throughout, that it is
difficult to work out what I can give you without giving something away. And
it’s just sooo delicious to discover these little tidbits, I wouldn’t deprive
you of the fun.
Now, I’m off to book 2. Can’t wait!
Comments
Post a Comment
Hey, got something to say? Hated it? Loved it? Different opinion? Tell me!