“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!
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Friday, June 25, 2010
“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?!
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?!
Sunday, June 20, 2010
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.
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.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
“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.
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.
Friday, June 18, 2010
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.
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.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
“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?!
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?!
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
“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.
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.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
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.
“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.
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