“The Mischief of the Mistletoe”

Finally got lucky and received the book after waiting for it for two months.

“The Mischief of the Mistletoe: A Pink Carnation Christmas” by Lauren Willig is the first one of the In-Between-the-books in the Pink Carnation series. The time line is between “The Temptation of the Night Jasmine” and “The Betrayal of the Blood Lily”. The female character is a Miss Arabella, a common shy wallflower, the hero is the unlikely Turnip Fitzhugh and Miss Jane Austen makes an honorary appearance. Ready to be amused and enjoy the simple funny twists of this little novel.

Ooh, and have a Christmas pudding by hand, you may need it!

Mini Shopaholic

Contrary to the previous two books of the series-“Shopaholic and Sister” and “Shopaholic and Baby”- this latest of Sophie Kinsella’s books, “Mini Shopaholic”; is looking up. It has all the funny laugh aloud humor of the early books of the series. It is light hearted and Becky Brandon (Bloomwood) is as crazy imaginative and lovable as ever. She and Luck are still living with her parents, their daughter Minnie is two and already showing a passion for shopping, high brands and glamour.

If you are feeling down, pick up this book and forget the world!

More or less useless

Reading a bunch of different books:

A few psychology books, some style and fashion books, a couple on “how learn French” and:

“Streetstyle: From Sidewalk to Catwalk” by Ted Polhemus is about meaning, history and the cults who shaped the different styles, from Zooties to punk to Goths. Very interesting reading!

“Bullet” the latest in Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter by Laurell K. Hamilton. Have I told you about my masochistic tendencies and how I like to poke a painful tooth? Yeah, here is another proof to that theory!

This whole Anita story with her power getting stronger and her lovers getting more numerous and Mommy Dearest wanting her more and more has become worse than ridiculous. Why do I read it, o god; why?!

And just to feel a little better, the latest book of Jayne Castle “Midnight Crystal” (Book Three of the Dreamlight Trilogy). This book can also be part of Ghost Hunters/Harmony series, happening in the same timeframe and location as the “Obsidian Prey”. Two powerful figures have to join forces in order to save their city, their friends and ultimately each others’ lives. What makes the whole plot going is the bad blood between the two families going back thousands of years. Ooh, just you know, it is happy-ending; so no worries!

Royal Blood

These days I’m doing more writing than reading. But I can say with absolute certainty that “Royal Blood” the fourth book of A Royal Spyness Mystery series by by Rhys Bowen was the best I’ve read this month.

The story was funny and Lady Georgie’s character as endearing as ever. The handsome Darcy was charming although the whole mystery was a little tame. If you must know, Georgie goes to Transylvania to be bridesmaid in a royal wedding but all everyone asks her about Romania is whether she will encounter any vampire or werewolf.

What had me a little disappointed was the present of Belinda and Georgie’s mom in that castle in Romania. Were their presences really necessary to the story? I think not. Aside from that, the book my dears; is simply marvelous!

"The Tale of Oat Cake Crag"

Latest in The cottage tales of Beatrix Potter: “The Tale of Oat Cake Crag” by Susan Wittig Albert was one of those books that I’d waited for for a long time. Let me repeat, I love this series! It is a cross between children story/fairy tales and a mystery novel and sometimes read like a movie script. It is the perfect read for when you want to relax and forget the real world, specially on a hot summer afternoon.
In this story, Miss Potter is asked to find a blackmailer. Also everyone is getting married in the Land between the Lakes and all the talk is about love, except when people complain about a noisy new invention taking the skies and invading their peace! Our favorite green dragon is back and the head badger has a birthday party. Rascal plays hero and save a life and Professor Galileo Newton Owl is thinking about a coat of arms…
My wait for the next book has begun and is bitter-sweet. It will be the last book of the series, book number eight and after that Miss Potter stays in the Land between the Lakes.

Nina Garcia’s style books

Been reading “Nina Garcia's Look Book: What to Wear for Every Occasion” by(of course!) Nina Garcia, with illustrations done by Ruben Toledo. I liked the book more for the pep talk given for each situation that the obvious outfit choices. Reading that “you can do it! Go get them!” when you are sick with anxiety before a job interview or a presentation is priceless.
Also rereading “The One Hundred: A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own” by Nina Garcia, with illustrations by Ruben Toledo. Now this one is a dangerous book. It might cause a huge dent in your bank account and credit cards!

Blameless

"Blameless", the third book of The Parasol Protectorate series by Gail Carriger was too short. Yeah, I know; all my favorite books are too short!
In this book, Alexia finds herself in a rather uncomfortable and unavoidable situation: being without a home! So she assembles a group of friends to go look for solutions (or at least an answer) to the cause of her problems. She decides to go straight to the source: To the Knight Templars. In the meantime, Lord Maccon is drinking formaldehyde and Lord Akeldama is missing.
What I love more than anything about this series is the humorous narrative. Reading Ms. Carriger’s books is like listening to your friend telling you the most intriguing and funny gossip, with all the trimming even what everyone wore. Love it!

Bigtime book 2

“Hot Mama” by Jennifer Estep is the second book of Bigtime adventures, the world of superheroes and ubervillains. Fiona Fine is working as fashion designer during the day and as Fiera, the fiery girl of Fearless Five at night. Two new villains are in town, one has siren-y voice and trashy attitude. With Striker and Karma Girl out of town on their honeymoon, it is up to Fiera to stop the new bad girls, save her team and find true love in the process.

OK, this book is not great enough to merit its own review but it’s the only one I read this week!

Like “Karma Girl”, this is a funny fluffy sort of book, not to be taken seriously!

“Deeply, Desperately”, “Think Twice” and “Lover Mine”

Just a quick review of what I read this week:

“Deeply, Desperately” the second book of Lucy Valentine series by Heather Webber. Remember the Valentine family with their gift from cupid to see auras and find every ones perfect match? Lucy has been busy working on her own branch of family business: the lost loves. With new clients and helping police with missing persons cases having Sean by her side has been nice but now… well, she is receiving threatening letters, also Sean’s ex wants him back and also Lucy is busy helping her friends.

A lot going on in this story for such a small book and the short timeline in the story. But the funny happenings and little character quirks make up for the busy plot.

“Think Twice” by Lisa Scottoline is a thriller. Bennie from that all women law firm in Philly is in trouble. Alice, her evil twin sister; wants to kill her and takes her place. And she gets to bury Bennie alive…

The plot is not complicated or engaging. The book reads more like an action movie, a little “Kill bill II” maybe!

“Lover Mine” The Black Dagger Brotherhood, book 8 by J. R. Ward. In this book, John is looking for Xhex and when he finds her, they both take revenge on her abductor. And yes, admit their love for each other and happily ever after…blah blah blah…

I have complained here enough times, I hate this series. I abhor the artificial language; I dislike the faux characters and that false toughness. But I can’t stop myself from following this series. It’s like when your tooth hurts and you poke at it to see how bad it can get! Just one of those self-destructive habits which are hard to break! Ugh!

The Truth series

This series includes four books written by Dawn Cook. Well, we all know the author with her other name better; our dear Kim Harrison the author of Rachel Morgan series.

Books are: “First Truth”, “Hidden Truth”, “Forgotten Truth" and “Lost Truth”.

Happening in a different time and space, humanity are divided into three races, the Coast people, the people of Foothills and the people of the Plains. The mixing of these races are forbidden. Alissa a mixed-race girl doesn’t belong anywhere even to her family’s farm. Her mother sends her on a journey to find a mystical school and learns of her heritage: Magic.

“First Truth” is the story of her journey and her meeting with Strell a wandering musician and bard. They find the school deserted, a master imprisoned and a keeper advancing his own agenda.

In “Hidden Truth’, Alissa and Strell try to find a hidden book of magic and keeping it out of the hands of a power hungry keeper. The book once found transforms Alissa and helps her with her magic. “Forgotten Truth” is when Alissa tries a new spell and ends up in past, four hundred years into the past. As she struggles to return to her time, she meets and interacts with powerful masters and magicians. And finally in “Lost Truth” Alissa and her friends decide to look for the rest of masters and magic students and bring life back to their school. So they embark on a journey into the seas…

These books are entertaining and at times funny, the characters are well thought out and the books well plotted; not that we would expect less from Ms. Harrison (aka Cook)!

“Imager's intrigue”, “Waking the Witch” and “Bonds of justice”

These trio were amazing each in own individual genre.

“Imager's Intrigue” The Third Book of the Imager Portfolio by L. E. Modesitt Jr. happens 5years after the story in second book. Rhenn is a captain of city guards and running his district smoothly. He and Seliora are married and have a three year old daughter. There are some political conflicts which lead to war between two neighboring country but also there are those who try to disturb the safety of the city. Vurned grain stores, strong drugs and unexplained fires and assassination of some powerful figures, force Rhenn’s hand to take action.
The book is mesmerizing and absorbing if a little lengthy like the previous ones.

“Waking the Witch” (Women of the Otherworld, Book 11) by Kelley Armstrong is the story of Savannah and her first solo case, investigating the murder of three women in a small town. But as things start to get complicated, she has to man up and ask for help or risk losing more than her pride.
As of Ms. Armstrong other books, this one is well plotted and all around great!

“Bonds of Justice” the eight book of Psy/Changeling series by Nalini Singh is about Max (a police detective) and Sophia, a near the end of her use-by date Justice Psy. They are teamed up to find the threat to councilor Nikita Duncan. Aside from their struggle and story, we revisit leopard pack. A breakthrough in Psy relationship with other races is eminent.

David Hewson's latests

I finally was able to track down David Hewson’s latests, books 7 and 8 in Nic Costa series.

Do you remember my favorite team of police detectives, inspector Leo Falcone, detective Nic Costa, detective Gianni Peroni and police forensic Teresa Lupe form Rome?

“Dante’s Number” (is also called “Dante’s Killings”) is the when a new film based on Dante’s inferno is released and the actors are murdered one by one. After an online fiasco, the film is taken to San Francisco and our Italian team goes to US to provide security for the historical exhibition accompanying the movie. A few murders later, it is up to Nic and his team to help SFPD find the killer.

“City of fear” (is also called “The Blue Demon”) happens back in Rome and at the time of Group 8 summit. A high security official is murdered and the safety of world’s leader is in jeopardy. Nic, Falcone, Gianni and Teresa have to solve a twenty years old mystery in order to find the terrorist group responsible for all the trouble in the summit.

This series is so very good! I can’t have enough!

Flavia de Luce mysteries

Written by Alan Bradley , “The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie” is book 1 and “The Weed That Strings the Hangman's Bag” is book 2 of Flavia De Luce Mysteries.
Check the website: Flavia de Luce
From the website:
“Picture an ancient country house somewhere in England. The year is 1950. Picture a girl who lives there with her most unusual family. Her name is Flavia de Luce—and she’s almost eleven. Picture a long-abandoned Victorian chemistry laboratory; no one ever goes there but Flavia. Put them all together and you’ll have a new kind of detective fiction . . .”

“The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie”:
"Great literary crime detectives aren’t always born; they’re sometimes discovered, blindfolded and tied up in a dark closet by their nasty older sisters. Eleven-year-old Flavia de Luce’s bitter home life and vicious sibling war inspires her solitary diversions and “strange talents” tinkering with the chemistry set in the laboratory of their inherited Victorian house, plotting sleuth-like vengeance on Ophelia (17) and Daphne (13), and delving into the forbidden past of her taciturn, widowed father, Colonel de Luce. It comes as no surprise, then, that the material for her next scientific investigation will be the mysterious corpse that she uncovers in the cucumber patch. Fearless and darkly imaginative, Flavia hurries to solve the murder and acquit her father of suspicion. Following the lead of its clever protagonist, Sweetness is entirely inventive, fast-paced, and quick-witted, with tongue-in-cheek humour that derides the macabre seriousness of subject. "

“The Weed That Strings the Hangman's Bag”:
"When a traveling puppet show sets up on the village green in Bishop’s Lacey, death stalks the little stage. Flavia goes behind the scenes to learn the craft (so to speak) in order to catch an ingenious killer. "

I fell in love with this series. Flavia is a self-taught chemist and has a passion for poisons. As a former chemist (and yes, with a passion for natural ingredients and herbal extracts including poisons) I enjoyed reading about Flavia’s adventures, her detective tendencies and her fights with her sisters. She is so intellectual and logical at times but with her family she is the little girl who misses her mother and needs love and attention.
I can’t wait for the rest of the books (three more) to be released. The third one, “A Red Herring Without Mustard” is due Feb 8, 2011.

Detectives Jury and Puri

Reading two new mysteries by two very different authors was a study in contrast. Two different styles, settings and two very contrasting outlook and narrative.

“The Black Cat” A Richard Jury Mystery by Martha Grimes is happening in England. The set up is between London and country side. Detective Jury is an old fashion gentleman and a large part of the book is filled with philosophical debates and amusing side stories. The cast of characters aside from humans include a very smart dog, a litter of kittens and three black cats.

The murder mystery by itself is not very intriguing. What kept my attention was the faith of Morris the pub cat and how many tricks the dog is going to pull! I know, I know… it says a lot about the book, doesn’t it?! I felt like an 80-something with Alzheimer, reading the book.

“The case of the man who died laughing” (From the Files of Vish Puri, Most Private Investigator) by Tarquin Hall is happening in Delhi, India. After you get used to different vocabulary (a lot of Indian words) the story is very absorbing. You learn about a totally different life style and culture. The plot by itself is intriguing: there is the main murder mystery; there is also a theft, a couple of family confusions and a case of fraud. Now it seems like a very busy plot, doesn’t it? I think that’s where Mr. Hall shows his mastery in storytelling. We can follow all these subplots easily and without any confusion. One book of his and he has become one of my favorite authors!

So long...

Look who is back! Can you believe it? I haven’t posted for more than a month although I’ve been busy reading lots of new books! Why? I have no idea!

Anyhow, let’s start with some not-so-exciting reads:

“Angelology” by Danielle Trussoni is a supernatural thriller. Have you read that verses in bible (Genesis 6) about Giants and Nephilims? Well, in this story we learn that they are real.

Sister Evangeline is a nun in a NYC coven. She is contacted by an academic about their archives, specifically the letters between mother superior and Mrs. Rockefeller during WWII. There starts the story about a strange, powerful and secretive race and humans who study and hunt them.

The book reads more like a serious text book than a novel. It even has footnotes. The finale is bittersweet, keeping you wanting more. All I can say is that this is very different than the usual urban fantasy I read.

“Steamed” by Katie MacAlister is a steampunk romance. Now this is a subgenre I recently got acquaintance with. So I cannot judge the steampunk-goodness of it.

The story is very simplistic. Jack a scientist and his sister Hally are in accident in so high-tech lab and find themselves in a steam powered parallel universe. Octavia Pye a zeppelin pilot finds and helps them. Of course Jack and Octavia fell in love and live happily-ever-after!

“Discord’s Apple” by Carrie Vaughn is an apocalyptic fantasy. Evie Walker returns home to take care of his father. The father has cancer and not much time to live. There are many strangers coming asking for help, looking for certain magical items which slowly shows Evie the secrets her family has guarded through time. When a powerful and devious woman is trying to cause more mayhem in the world, Evie with the help of a new friend has to do what’s best for her family and humanity in general.

There are many loose ends in this story and the plot is weak. I love Ms. Vaughn Kitty Norvill series but so far her individual stories (this one and “Voices of Dragons”) have proven not up to her werewolves’ series standard.

“Curse the Dawn” (Cassandra Palmer, Book 4) by Karen Chance was very much like a manga. All those escapes and chases and this new concept of surfing the laylines… sheesh! There wasn’t even a solid story line, too many things going on! This series is losing its plot and seriousness faster than a wicker basket loosing water.

“Trust your Vibes” Secret Tools for Six-Sensory Living by Sonia Choquette was one of those cheesy New Age-y books that tell you Mr. X did this and was successful; Ms. Y didn’t and was unhappy! Such a waste of time!

“Secrets of Powerful Women” Leading Change for a New Generation by Andrea Wong and Rosario Dawson is a collection of essays by… who else? Powerful women! Top executives, house representatives, governors, mayors… All telling you how they became successful and how they achieved their goals. Very empowering! My favorite quote from the book: “If you are demanding, you are a bitch. If you are suggesting, you are a mom. You just have to be firm and demanding but do it with more smile!"

“Wedding Girl” by Madeleine Wickham is a story of growth and learning from past mistakes and forgiveness and being true to yourself and… honestly, the book had so many life lessons in it, you couldn’t find the main plot! Such a bore!

Milly and Simon are planning their big perfect society wedding. But when Milly meets the photographer she starts to remember another wedding she has completely forgotten about: her first one! And she is still married!

“Karma Girl” Bigtime series, book 1 by Jennifer Estep. This is an urban fantasy, well, more like a superhero fantasy! A scorned journalist is trying to unmask superheroes and villains. Yeah, yeah, she falls in love, and yes; she learns a lesson!

“Almost to die for” A Vampire Princess Novel (Vampire Princess of St. Paul, Book 1) by Tate Hallaway. A teenager has to decide between her witch and vampire father. Which one to fallow, which one to live with. If we take out all the supernatural words (like witch and vampire, blood, magic, spell) this story reads like a simple uncomplicated YA, the life story of a spoiled teenager! Boys, homework, misunderstood poor girl, mean girlfriends, demanding parents… all the usual teen-y drama!

I don’t know why Ms. Hallaway tries to have supernatural characters when all of them live like normal people! Just like her Garnet Lacey series, this story has a simple story disguised as paranormal!

Ok, the worst part is done! The next few posts are about the good stuff. Keep tuned!

Books and a heat wave

What you can do when you have hurt your knee and it is hot outside?
Try to read as more as you can obviously.
Best of this week reads were:
“Twice Bitten” the third book of “A Chicagoland Vampires” series by Chloe Neill. Ethan and Merit are providing security for a shifter summit and get involve in interracial politics. Their hope of an alliance with shifters in case of war with humans is very slim as someone is trying to kill the top dog (wolf!) and blame it on vampires. Merit makes some bad decisions but one good thing comes out of it: She and Mal are friends again. This book is nonstop action and a little heartache.

“Kitty Goes to War” (Kitty Norville, Book 8) by Carrie Vaughn. Eight books into the series and this series still goes strong. The plot and storytelling is mesmerizing and the old characters are changing and developing naturally, well as natural as you can expect a bunch of supernaturals can change!
Kitty gets a call from a military base concerning some werewolf soldiers. There is also the small matter of Speedy Mart owner and weird rumors of strange rituals. With the help of Cormac and their trusty pack of wolves Kitty and Ben are up to their neck in snow and trouble.

“Sherlock Holmes: The American Years” edited by Michael Kurland is a collection of ten stories by different authors and in different styles, all wonderful! Mark Twain and R.L. Stevenson are narrators of two of the stories. Sherlock’s sister tells another one.
This Sherlock is more emotional than Sir Conan Doyle’s, of course he is younger. He even has a little crush on a beautiful actress.
Intrigued? You better be! This collection is so good, you want to read it more than once and then go back read all the original Sherlock Holmes stories.

And how can I forget? “Daring a Duke” the fifth book of The Courtesan Series by Claudia Dain was just what the doctor ordered for a hot summer afternoon.
The wonderful thing about this book is that the whole story happens in a day. It’s a nice quirk, isn’t it?
Jane Elliot (an American) has come to England with her two brothers to attend the wedding of her cousin the heir of Hyde dukedom. Thrice widowed Duke Edenhum takes one look at her and wants to marry her. So he enlists the help of Countess Daleby, the notorious Sophia. Sophia is also an old friend of Jane’s mother, so she has to help Jane (when she asks for help) not marrying anyone. A lot of gossip and subplots and a hilarious cast of characters later, everyone is deliciously satisfied. In the course of this story we learn a little more about the mysteries of Sophia’s past.
And if you are like me, the more you learn about her, the more you love the series and the more impatiently you will wait for the next book.

Now is the turn for the not-so-hot books of the week. You might think having a heat wave and temp. topping 90 degree, I would welcome some wet-blankets but then you haven’t read these ones:
“You’re So Vein” (The Others, Book 7) by Christine Warren. So I started midseries again, but I assure you this book was the first and last one I’m reading from this author.
So very cheesy! Apparently all the supernaturals in America are one big happy family and all the top dogs are married to a group of girlfriends. This one I read was the story of Ava Markham, a wisemouth (!) anti-“Other” bossy member of that group which is attacked by a vampire and is turned accidentally. Vladimir (Dima) something-or-the-other is saving her afterlife and becomes her mentor and (yes, oh so unexpectedly!) love of her (after)life!
Kill me now!

“Cum Laude” by Cecily Von Ziegesar wasn’t in the league with “gossip Girl” series. This is a lame story about how a group of freshmen adopt to a small college life in a campus in beautiful Main.

“Early to Death, Early to Rise” by Kim Harrison. Now I love Ms. Harrison’s Rachel Morgan series, but this Madison Avery series is not working out in my humble opinion. Too weird if you ask me, too simplified, too rushed… Wish Ms. Harrison hasn’t started it. I wonder who told her YA books shouldn’t have a plot?!

“Tranquilista” by Kimberly Wilson is a life style book about being a trendy and hip yogi and all around cool girl. My impression was that Ms. Wilson has serious delusions of grandeur, thinking herself a great author and life couch.
The book is a mismatch of trendy lingo with French and British expressions randomly thrown in. It reads like rambling of a cheerleader turned yoga enthusiast who is high on something, too much sugar is my guess. Too fluffy, too sugary, too cheesy! Ugh!
If there were a couple of useful tips in the book, all those fluffiness did a good job of obscuring them.
Why do I read this trash?!

Best of the best

I finished “Sizzling Sixteen” (Stephanie Plum, book 16) by Janet Evanovich in a daze. Maybe that is not a good description and “in confusion” is better.
Stephanie’s cousin, Vinnie; has been involved in some shady doing and is kidnapped by a mafia boss. Stephanie, Connie and Lula have to save him if they want to have a job. The way to recover him is full of action and stink bombs!
Now what had me a little bored was Stephanie’s yo-yoing between Morelli and Ranger (again!). Sheesh! Can’t this girl make her mind?! This hazy love-triangle is becoming a little tired if you ask me!

“Changes” (Dresden Files, Book 12) by Jim Butcher was a great story if a little sad and frustrating. Harry hears that his daughter is stolen by the vampires of red court. He has to join forces with his ex, Susan; to recover their child. The problem is he is in something way over his abilities, so he starts looking for allies and cashing in all the favors he is owed. When those are still not enough, he has to make deals and accept offers that may endanger his soul and freedom. But he does it all to save his little girl.
Ooh, I don’t know about the ending though. Mr. Butcher did the same thing with the book 11 too, keeping us all on hot coals for a year; waiting for the next book.
So very unfair!

“Spirit Bound” (Vampire Academy, Book 5) by Richelle Mead was not in caliber with the other books of the series. I liked this series because of it’s logical and real plots and believable characters. Rose in “Spirit bound” disappointed me. Her reaction and decision were too childish and rash. She is supposed to be an official adult now, being 18 and out of school but it wasn’t shown in the story at all. She was reacting more like a 14 years old! “Should I kill Dimitri?... No, I can’t I love him…he is going to kill me… I kill him..I can’t… ooh, I kill him!” Not so good, Ms. Mead, not so good!
Also I liked this series because it didn’t have those ultra-dramatization of most Young Adult books, as I said most characters were very real and logical. But in this latest book, I can see the beginning of teenage-y drama, sacrifices and un-reasonable loves and … you know; all those mushiness that are the hallmark of YA romances. More is the pity, this series was going good so far!

And the “Best of the Best” for this week goes to “Changes”, of course!

Alexia and Garnet

Bought and finished “Changeless” by Gail Carriger the second book in The Parasol Protectorate series. Alexia is working well both in the role of queen’s official and a wife but when her husband suddenly heads north to Scotland all alone and a new disease is targeting supernaturals, Alexia is picking up her new and improved parasol and riding an airship or dirigible to the rescue.
The story has a curiouse ending which leaves you on pins and needles for the next 3 months until the third book comes out!

“Honeymoon of the Dead” (Garnet Lacey, book 5) by Tate Hallaway was not in the league with the previous books. It was a harried story of Sebastian and Garnet getting arrested and kidnapped multiple times in a three day period. Our happy couple a snowed in on the way to their honeymoon and keep seeing goods and goddesses in every turn. Also they keep visiting dark cold cells in turn, arrested by immigration and FBI or kidnapped and hospitalized. Wow, Ms. Hallaway sure was in need of a solid plot!

I am…

…way behind in writing my reviews.
First I took a few days to read the whole Sookie Stakehouse series in anticipation of watching the “True Blood” second season on DVD.
Then “A Cast-of-Coven” A Witchcraft Mystery by Juliet Blackwell. Lily Ivory is trying to make some friends, learns of Max intentions toward herself and banish a demon. All in a day’s work.

“Gwenhwyfar: The White Spirit” (A Novel of King Arthur) by Mercedes Lackey had put a new spin on the old legend. I generally don’t like these type of rewrites, so read it at your own risk.

“The Enchanted Emporium” by Tanya Huff was good soon as you got over the shock of the differences! OK, that peaked your curiosity, didn’t it? Alysha Gale learns that her wild grandmother’s passed away and left her a junk shop. She moves to Calgary to take care of business and find out what has happen to Gran. A crazy bunch of supernatural characters are ready to help her or eat her, whichever comes first.
This book is full of pies! Have a blueberry pie ready in case of emergency!

Did my yearly reread of “Desiree” by Annemarie Selinko. Love the old story!

Am reading “Twice bitten” A Chicagoland Vampires Novel by Chloe Neill. Merit and Ethan are providing security for a shifter summit and get involved in politics again.
And also the 16th book of Stephanie Plum series: “Sizzling Sixteen" by Janet Evanovich.

Silver Borne

“Silver Borne” by Patricia Briggs was great. I had waited long for it and wanted to buy it. So when I got it, I devoured it in one afternoon!
Yeah, I will go back and read the whole series so far some time soon but this one was too short!
Mercy is adjusting to so many new things. But her bound with Adam and the pack’s objections to this interracial union is really hard to adjust. A few sneaky pack members are taking advantage of this unstable union as well. A new villain is in town who thinks Mercy is hiding a valuable Fae relic. In the middle of it all, Samuel has decided to go completely wolf and abandon his humanity. It is action and hard decisions all around but Mercy is adaptable and cunning, just like a coyote!

“The Lost Symbol” and “A Taint in the Blood”

I finally got to read Dan Brown’s latest “The Lost symbol”. I know, it has been out a year or so… but I somehow couldn’t bring myself to read it. I was fed up with all the commercialism and advertisement around this series (Robert Langdon). Also after reading all of Brown’s books I was sure this one has the same plot. Annnnd, I was right! The same plot and style only weaker and with less details. This last book read like a rushed eulogy to Freemasons. Yes they are good; they are wise, they are…. I was able to guess the identity of culprit less than one quarter into the book. After that I just read the book to fall sleep every night!
I have to bee honest. This story might be interesting for some one without any knowledge of Freemasons’ history and structure. But the crash course in mason history was not enough to cover the rushed plot and weaker points specially the part about Peter’s sister research.
Nothing to write home about, really!

I picked “A Taint in the Blood” by S. M. Stirling because the cover’s illustration vaguely looked liked Ian Somerhalder! Well, I paid for this shallowness dearly. Ok, excuse my drama! The book is full of dark scenes, S&M tortures and a couple of idiot heroes. It reads more like dark fantasies of an older guy than a novel. And that whole Shadowspawn concept is full of contrasts, these omnipotent wild people living and preying on humanity? Unbelievable.
That sounds like contradiction, doesn’t it? That I can accept and even love a lot of urban fantasy and supernatural novels but not this one? I guess this race is not well defined, they don’t have any weakness either; like they are the prototype for modern gods or something and that is what sounds so false to me.
Does this even make sense?!

The latest in Mistress of the Art of Death series

“A Murderous Procession” by Ariana Franklin is the fourth book of the series and my favorite this week.
Adelia is forced to travel to Sicily by King Henry II. King’s daughter is getting married to the King of Sicily and Henry wants to ensure his daughter’s safety by sending Adelia, Mansur and Sir Rowley with her. An enemy of Adelia is traveling with the caravan and there are all kinds of mischief and mayhem directed to her, to discredit and dishonor her.
She faces some dangers, finds some friends and loses a few others.
The ending is bitter sweet and in true Ariana Franklin style a suspense.
We have to wait for the next book breathlessly to see if everyone survives and what Adelia finds in her return trip.

I love this series, these historical mysteries. I love the old characters and the historical lessons.

“Love in Translation” and “The Angel’s Game”

“Love in Translation” by Wendy Tokunaga is a modern light novel. It is the story of Celeste Duncan, a thirty-something in a dead end job with an indifferent boyfriend; receives a letter from her late aunt and starts a quest of self discovery in Japan.
It is a nice uncomplicated optimistic happy ending story.
The story is funny and relaxing. I recommend it as a little fantasy escape to a happy place.

On the contrary, “The Angel's Game” by Carlos Ruiz Zafón is a dark mystery, full of painful bewilderment. David Martin, a young man; starts his writing career by writing a series of dark crime novels. His life changes after a fan starts writing to him and then commissioning a novel. The story is a mix of fantasy and reality, far fetched plots and strange characters. But also a little historical look into Barcelona of early twentieth century.

Aside from Arturo Perez-Reverte work, “The Angel's Game” was the only work I’ve read from Spanish authors and I’m starting to like their dark style and dry humor.

The secret circle

Having a good impression after reading the Vampire Dairies, I went ahead and read “The Secret Circle” series also by L.J. Smith.
This series has four books: “The Initiation”, “The Captive, part I”, “The Captive, Part II” and “The Power”.
The story is about a high school junior named Cassie. She and her mom move to a small town in New England to live with and take care of her ailing grandmother.
In the new school there is a strange clique, powerful and scary which even school authorities won’t oppose. Who these boys and girls are and what Cassie has in common with them? As the story unfolds we get to learn the history of the town and the families that matter most, also the history of each character.
To be honest I liked this series better than the Vampire Dairies. The characters are more human and believable, the plots real. The series has a defined structure and a solid foundation.
I wish there was a sequel to this series.

“Vampire diaries”

I got to watch a few sessions of “vampire diaries” at my parents and I became addicted!
I know I have a tremendous tendency to all kind of addiction:
chips and sunflower seeds in the afternoon, TV series, chocolate, late night music specially Taylor Swift and Beyonce, chocolate, chamomile tea, tomato basil soup, shopping, chocolate, handbags, cheesecakes and cream poufs, light airy dresses, chocolate, blogging, red wine…
Did I say chocolate? It’s a wonder I’m not a homeless junkie!
Anyhoo, I fell in love with the series and as soon as I got back I put hold on the books in the library.
Now the books are too different than the TV series but good in their own way.
The history of vampire brothers is quite different in the books, also the cast of characters is much smaller and the story has a faster pace.
What I liked about the TV series was Damon’s and Elena’s characters, more real, more believable. In the book, Damon is truly evil and Elena is a Saint (a real one after she comes back from the dead). The TV series has better plots and stories too. In the book the plots are simple and (a little) cliché.
The books are “The Awakening”, “The Struggle”, “The Fury” and “Dark Reunion” for the first part. After Elena comes back, there is “The Return” series with two books so far: “Nightfall” and “Shadow Souls”. All the books are by L. J. Smith.
I’d say I liked the few episodes of the TV series that I watched better than the books just because of the actor Ian Somerhalder playing Damon. You agree, don’t you?!

“Web of Lies”

I get to finish “Web of Lies” by Jennifer Estep. Remember how good the first book “Spider’s Bite” was? The second book is much better, more action, more challenge, more heartache. Gin decides to help a girl and her grandfather. The old man is a childhood friend of her late mentor, Fletcher Lane. She goes after her mark and into the house of Ashland’s queen of crime Mab herself…
Now Gin has more reason to look at that file Fletcher left her, the one with the picture of her lost sister in, the one with the name of Mab underlined…
I love the interaction of characters in this series. I also love how they feel real and alive with all their faults and their short comings.
The Elemental Assassin series is one that I read and follow eagerly and wait impatiently for the new books to come out.

Too much reading, too little time

Been reading:
“Never After” by Laurell K. Hamilton, Yasmine Galenorn, Marjorie M. Liu, and Sharon Shinn. This book is a collection of four novellas, all of them fairy tales with princesses looking for their own happy-endings. And that’s what I loved about these stories, not being a cliché.
On the other hand, the four novellas in “Hot for the Holidays” by Lora Leigh, Angela Knight, Anya Bast, and Allyson James were as cliché as they come! Classic bodice-rippers. What a waste of time!
“Queen Victoria: Demon Hunter” by A. E. Moorat was a strange beast all in its own category. A historical paranormal fantasy, if you want! On the day of her coronation, Queen Victoria learns of the war between the forces of darkness (demons) and humans. She has inherited a team of guards and fighters which she prefers to ignore as she become enamored and married to Prince Albert. But after the birth of their son and kidnapping of Albert, the Queen has to pay attention to more than her family.
The only lovable character in my opinion was lord Quimby, the zombie master!
“Capitol Offense” by William Bernhardt is more a Court and jury novel than a murder mystery. One of those with high power characters and corrupted officials and helpless innocents. A great lawyer decides to defend a man convicted of killing a cop despite all the odds.
After a long wait finally: “Desert Spear” by Peter V. Brett. Remember the first book of the series, “The Warded Man” . In the second book we get to know the alleged Deliverer, the Krasian warrior, Jardir; better. On the other hand, our northern heroes, Leesha, Arlen and Rojer have been able to prepare a great fighting force against demons in just a year. But the southerners are attacking the northern cities in the name of the Great War trying to force everyone to join their army against demons. Also a new breed of demons appears which no one has encountered before.
Will Leesha finally find love? Will Arlen accept his destiny and become the Deliverer? Will southern warrior stop his treacherous ways?
And what I loved most this week: “The Reckoning” by Kelley Armstrong. The final installment in the darkest Powers series is when Chloe, Derek, Simon and Tori; our teenage heroes are facing more betrayal and struggles than before. But all is well as they go back to that cursed lab to free their loved ones.

Book Waiting List:

To Be Read:

New:

Steel by Carrie Vaughn (Hardcover - Mar. 15, 2011)

After the Golden Age by Carrie Vaughn (Hardcover - Apr. 12, 2011)

Brayan's Gold by Peter V. Brett and Lauren K. Cannon (Jan 31, 2011)

Hard Bitten: A Chicagoland Vampires Novel by Chloe Neill (Paperback - May 3, 2011)

Always the Vampire by Nancy Haddock (Paperback - May 3, 2011)

Bloodlines by Richelle Mead (Aug 23, 2011)

Ivy & Intrigue by Lauren Willig (Paperback - Aug 28, 2011)

Succubus Revealed (Georgina Kincaid, Book 6) by Richelle Mead (Aug 30, 2011)

The Sookie Stackhouse Companion (Sookie Stackhouse/True Blood) by Charlaine Harris (Hardcover - Aug 30, 2011)

Naughty In Nice (A Royal Spyness Mystery) by Rhys Bowen (Sep 6, 2011)

Snuff (Discworld) by Terry Pratchett (Hardcover - Oct 11, 2011)

Troubled Bones: A Medieval Noir by Jeri Westerson- Hardcover (Oct. 11, 2011)

Inheritance (The Inheritance Cycle) by Christopher Paolini (Nov 8, 2011)

I Am Half-Sick of Shadows: A Flavia de Luce Novel by Alan Bradley (Hardcover - Nov 1, 2011)

Scholar: A Novel in the Imager Portfolio by L. E. Modesitt Jr. (Nov 8, 2011)

Shadow Heir by Richelle Mead (Paperback - Jan 3, 2012)

The Daemon Prism: A Novel of the Collegia Magica by Carol Berg (Jan 3, 2012)

Fair Game (Alpha and Omega) by Patricia Briggs (Hardcover - Feb 7, 2012)

The Garden Intrigue (Pink Carnation) by Lauren Willig (Hardcover - Feb 16, 2012)

Death on Heels: A Crime of Fashion Mystery by Ellen Byerrum (Feb 7, 2012)

A Perfect Blood (The Hollows) by Kim Harrison (Hardcover - Feb 21, 2012)

Timeless (The Parasol Protectorate, No. 5) by Gail Carriger (Mass Market Paperback - Feb 28, 2012)

By a Thread by Jennifer Estep (Mass Market Paperback - Feb 28, 2012)

Out of Sight, Out of Time (Gallagher Girls) by Ally Carter (Mar 20, 2012)

The Calling (Darkness Rising) by Kelley Armstrong (Hardcover - Apr 10, 2012)

Deadlocked: A Sookie Stackhouse Novel (Sookie Stackhouse/True Blood) by Charlaine Harris (Hardcover - May 1, 2012)

The Golden Lily: A Bloodlines Novel by Richelle Mead (Hardcover - Jun 19, 2012)

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Old:
The Trouble With Magic (Bewitching Mysteries, No. 1) by Madelyn Alt

Where There's a Witch (Bewitching Mysteries, No. 5) by Madelyn Alt (Paperback - Jul 7, 2009)

Hex Appeal by Linda Wisdom (Paperback - Nov 1, 2008)

Brimstone Kiss (Delilah Street, Paranormal Investigator) by Carole Nelson Douglas (Paperback - Oct 29, 2008)

Vampire Sunrise: Delilah Street: Paranormal Investigator (Delilah Street; Paranormal Investigator) by Carole Nelson Douglas (Mass Market Paperback - Nov. 24, 2009)

In Shade and Shadow: A Novel of The Noble Dead by Barb Hendee and J.C. Hendee (Hardcover - Jan 6, 2009)

Through Stone and Sea: A Novel of the Noble Dead by Barb Hendee and J.C. Hendee (Hardcover - Jan 5, 2010)

Sister Pelagia and the Red Cockerel: A Novel (Mortalis) by Boris Akunin and Andrew Bromfield (Paperback - Aug 11, 2009)


Firespell (Dark Elite, Book 1) by Chloe Neill (Mass Market Paperback - Jan 5, 2010)


Angelic by Kelley Armstrong (Hardcover - Jan 8, 2010)

Here Comes the Vampire: A Dead-End Dating Novel (Dead-End Dating Novels) by Kimberly Raye (Mass Market Paperback - Jul 27, 2010)

Veil of Lies: A Medieval Noir - Paperback - Bargain Price (Oct. 13, 2009) by Jeri Westerson

Read:

Stealing Fire by Jo Graham (Paperback - May 25, 2010)

Pies & Prejudice (Mother Daughter Book Club) by Heather Vogel Frederick (Hardcover - Sept. 14, 2010)

Mad About the Duke by Elizabeth Boyle (Mass Market Paperback - Sept. 28, 2010)

Venom: An Elemental Assassin Book by Jennifer Estep (Mass Market Paperback - Sept. 28, 2010)

Masques by Patricia Briggs (Paperback - Sept. 28, 2010)

Memories of Envy: A Vampire Memories Novel by Barb Hendee (Paperback - Oct. 5, 2010)

Play of Passion (Psy/Changeling) by Nalini Singh (Paperback - Nov. 2, 2010)

Counterfeit Magic (Women of the Otherworld) by Kelley Armstrong and Maurizio Manzieri (Hardcover - Nov 30, 2010)

Demon Underground by Susan Wright (Paperback - Dec 7, 2010)

Shadowfever: The Fever Series by Karen Marie Moning (Hardcover - Dec. 7, 2010)

Last Sacrifice (Vampire Academy, Book 6) by Richelle Mead (Paperback - Dec. 7, 2010)

The Soul Mirror: A Novel of the Collegia Magica by Carol Berg (Paperback - Jan 4, 2011)

The Orchid Affair (Pink Carnation) by Lauren Willig (Hardcover - Jan. 20, 2011)

River Marked (Mercy Thompson, Book 6) by Patricia Briggs (Hardcover - Jan. 25, 2011)

Shot Through Velvet: A Crime of Fashion Mystery by Ellen Byerrum (Paperback - Feb 1, 2011)

Blackveil (Green Rider) by Kristen Britain (Hardcover - Feb. 2011)

Absolutely, Positively: A Lucy Valentine Novel by Heather Webber (Mass Market Paperback - Feb 1, 2011)

Iron Crowned - Paperback (Feb. 22, 2011) by Richelle Mead

Pale Demon by Kim Harrison (Hardcover - Feb. 22, 2011)

A Red Herring Without Mustard: A Flavia de Luce Mystery by Alan Bradley (Hardcover - Feb. 8, 2011)

One of Our Thursdays Is Missing by Jasper Fforde (Hardcover - Mar. 2011)

Bless the Bride (Molly Murphy Mysteries) by Rhys Bowen (Hardcover - Mar. 1, 2011)


Tangled Threads (Elemental Assassin, Book 4) by Jennifer Estep (Mass Market Paperback - Apr. 26, 2011)

The Gathering (Darkness Rising, Book 1) by Kelley Armstrong (Hardcover - Apr 12, 2011)

Death in Seville by David Hewson (Paperback - May 1, 2011)

Dead Reckoning (Sookie Stackhouse, Book 11) by Charlaine Harris (Hardcover - May 3, 2011)

Lord Langley Is Back in Town by Elizabeth Boyle (Mass Market Paperback - May 31, 2011)

Kiss of Snow (Psy/Changeling) by Nalini Singh (Hardcover - May 31, 2011)

Hunt the Moon: A Cassie Palmer Novel by Karen Chance (Paperback - Jun 7, 2011)

Kitty's Big Trouble by Carrie Vaughn (Mass Market Paperback - Jun 28, 2011)

Hexes and Hemlines: A Witchcraft Mystery by Juliet Blackwell (Paperback - Jun 7, 2011)

Heartless (The Parasol Protectorate) by Gail Carriger (Jun 28, 2011)

Ghost Story (Dresden Files, No. 13) by Jim Butcher (Jul 26, 2011)

Spell Bound (Otherworld) by Kelley Armstrong (Hardcover - Jul 26, 2011)
The Tale of Castle Cottage by Susan Wittig Albert (September, 2011)



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To Be Bought:
- Here Comes the Vampire: A Dead-End Dating Novel (Dead-End Dating Novels) by Kimberly Raye (Mass Market Paperback - Jul 27, 2010)