(Originally reviewed Nov 2007)
Synopsis: A younger Rachel Morgan is confronted by her older brother about her decision to join the I.S. (Inderland Security) Her brother wants her to come west to be with him and to study advanced Earth Magic and gives her a test…if she can stir a spell and bring her father back as a ghost and her father says yes, her brother will sign the paper for her to join the I.S. But of course, things go wrong…
Thoughts: It’s wonderful to see a younger Rachel before she’s the tough chick running for, and from, the I.S. We get to meet her older brother, Robbie, and her first “crush”. To keep from being moved out to the West Coast with Robbie, Rachel stirs a “level 800” spell to bring her father’s ghost back so he can tell Robbie that Rachel should join the I.S. even though that’s what, apparently, killed him.
Other than the fact that the novella was too short, there wasn’t much to complain about. I enjoyed getting to know Pierce (Rachel’s first crush that was alluded to in a previous novel) and especially enjoyed seeing Rachel before she became “kick ass”. She’s still very weak from Rosewood Syndrome that almost killed her but she’s gaining strength, graduating from a 2 year magic degree program at the University of Cincinnati, and already showing the kind of grit it will take to get her into the I.S. and eventually kicked out of the I.S.
All in all, I give this one 4 out of 5 berries. Just 'cause it wasn't long enough to suit me. :o)
Monday, March 22, 2010
The Royal Mess by MaryJanice Davidson
(originally reviewed Nov 2007)
Synopsis: A reluctant princess and a determined Royal bodyguard are about to discover that, when it comes to powerful love, there are no defenses... (from the back flap)
So. Another Royal book. What more is there to say than it was one of the funniest things I've read in quite sometime. Of course, it IS a MaryJanice Davidson book so that really goes without saying.
Being a MJD book, and a "Royal" book no less, you have all the things you've come to expect. A sassy tell it like it is heroine, a "I love her but she's ROYAL and I'm so not but I just have to have her..." hero and the lovable, sarcastic royal family of Alaska.
It's not a deep book. In fact, it's a very easy book to read in an evening. Light and fun, I had my first chuckle on the 'quotes' page and really didn't stop chuckling until the book was over. (most of the reading time was spent in the bathtub. It's just that kind of book)
Of course, being a MJD Royal book, there's plenty of hot 'n steamy action but none of it graphic enough to make you want to lose your dinner. You know exactly how the book is going to end but there are a couple of twists along the way and you find yourself wishing that the book wouldn't end but sadly, it does. And the Author's note makes the parting even more bittersweet by letting the readers know that she's not planning on writing anymore Royal books. *deep sigh* So enjoy this one while you can.
Synopsis: A reluctant princess and a determined Royal bodyguard are about to discover that, when it comes to powerful love, there are no defenses... (from the back flap)
So. Another Royal book. What more is there to say than it was one of the funniest things I've read in quite sometime. Of course, it IS a MaryJanice Davidson book so that really goes without saying.
Being a MJD book, and a "Royal" book no less, you have all the things you've come to expect. A sassy tell it like it is heroine, a "I love her but she's ROYAL and I'm so not but I just have to have her..." hero and the lovable, sarcastic royal family of Alaska.
It's not a deep book. In fact, it's a very easy book to read in an evening. Light and fun, I had my first chuckle on the 'quotes' page and really didn't stop chuckling until the book was over. (most of the reading time was spent in the bathtub. It's just that kind of book)
Of course, being a MJD Royal book, there's plenty of hot 'n steamy action but none of it graphic enough to make you want to lose your dinner. You know exactly how the book is going to end but there are a couple of twists along the way and you find yourself wishing that the book wouldn't end but sadly, it does. And the Author's note makes the parting even more bittersweet by letting the readers know that she's not planning on writing anymore Royal books. *deep sigh* So enjoy this one while you can.
Iron Kissed by Patricia Briggs
(originally reviewed Jan 2008)
3rd in the Mercedes “Mercy” Thompson books, Iron Kissed takes you on another wild ride with everyone’s favorite Walker.
The book starts out with Mercy, Kyle and Warren having a movie night. Mercy gets a phone call from her mentor and friend, Zee, asking her to come out to the reservation. (Or Fairyland as it’s called.) Mercy goes and meets Zee who informs her that there have been numerous fey killings and he needs her help, in her coyote form, to try and find the killer. However, Zee warns her, she needs to keep her eyes on the job so that the greater fey don’t suspect her of knowing more than she does…or should.
Thorough out all of the intrigue is the decisions Mercy has to make regarding Samuel and Adam. She does finally make her choice…And of course Mercy gets into trouble and the fey target her for execution. She eventually figures out…or stumbles upon…the killer and falls into his trap.
What happens next is hard to read. Suffice it to say, I cried through the last 3 chapters of the book. But the ending is NOT sad. It’s very uplifting and very Mercy. You leave the book with a smile on your face and a longing for the fourth to come out tomorrow.
I adore this series and the books keep getting better. I did have some trouble following the fey storyline but it didn’t take away from the enjoyment I received from reading this installment.
4.5 Berries out of 5
3rd in the Mercedes “Mercy” Thompson books, Iron Kissed takes you on another wild ride with everyone’s favorite Walker.
The book starts out with Mercy, Kyle and Warren having a movie night. Mercy gets a phone call from her mentor and friend, Zee, asking her to come out to the reservation. (Or Fairyland as it’s called.) Mercy goes and meets Zee who informs her that there have been numerous fey killings and he needs her help, in her coyote form, to try and find the killer. However, Zee warns her, she needs to keep her eyes on the job so that the greater fey don’t suspect her of knowing more than she does…or should.
Thorough out all of the intrigue is the decisions Mercy has to make regarding Samuel and Adam. She does finally make her choice…And of course Mercy gets into trouble and the fey target her for execution. She eventually figures out…or stumbles upon…the killer and falls into his trap.
What happens next is hard to read. Suffice it to say, I cried through the last 3 chapters of the book. But the ending is NOT sad. It’s very uplifting and very Mercy. You leave the book with a smile on your face and a longing for the fourth to come out tomorrow.
I adore this series and the books keep getting better. I did have some trouble following the fey storyline but it didn’t take away from the enjoyment I received from reading this installment.
4.5 Berries out of 5
Stray by Rachel Vincent
(originally reviewed October 2008)
Yep, another "paranormal" book review.
Stray, by newcomer Rachel Vincent, is the story of Faythe Sanders, a college student and werecat.
I bought this because of the cat theme (I love cats) and because a favorite writer, Kim Harrison, recommended it. I'm not sorry, it was a good story overall but...as Publisher's Weekly put it:
"Vincent's debut, an urban werecat fantasy, is a good story that suffers from about 200 pages of bloat"
and
"Unfortunately, they [Marc and Faythe the lead characters] both have frustrating character tics that are only exacerbated by the novel's length: Faythe is more often too-stubborn-to-live than kick-ass, and all the tears Marc wells up over Faythe don't forgive his insufferable jealousy."
I would recommend catching a copy of this at the library so you can decide for yourself if you want to go further with the series (next up is Rogue and then Pride coming in '09) although Ms. Vincent DOES create a unique and very very interesting world.
I'm looking forward to seeing what Rogue has to offer, but I'm hoping that Marc gets over his "bad" self and Faythe remembers that she does, indeed, have a brain.
3 out of 5 berries because the ending was pretty fast paced and kept me reading far into the night.
Yep, another "paranormal" book review.
Stray, by newcomer Rachel Vincent, is the story of Faythe Sanders, a college student and werecat.
I bought this because of the cat theme (I love cats) and because a favorite writer, Kim Harrison, recommended it. I'm not sorry, it was a good story overall but...as Publisher's Weekly put it:
"Vincent's debut, an urban werecat fantasy, is a good story that suffers from about 200 pages of bloat"
and
"Unfortunately, they [Marc and Faythe the lead characters] both have frustrating character tics that are only exacerbated by the novel's length: Faythe is more often too-stubborn-to-live than kick-ass, and all the tears Marc wells up over Faythe don't forgive his insufferable jealousy."
I would recommend catching a copy of this at the library so you can decide for yourself if you want to go further with the series (next up is Rogue and then Pride coming in '09) although Ms. Vincent DOES create a unique and very very interesting world.
I'm looking forward to seeing what Rogue has to offer, but I'm hoping that Marc gets over his "bad" self and Faythe remembers that she does, indeed, have a brain.
3 out of 5 berries because the ending was pretty fast paced and kept me reading far into the night.
Accidental Sorcerer by K.E. Mills
(originally reviewed April 2009)
Accidental Sorcerer starts of a little heavy, ponderous, wordy. However, after the first couple of chapters are over, the book fairly soars with fun, intrigue and danger.
Gerald Dunwoody, a Third grade level wizard, isn't having a good day at his current job. In fact, it's such a BAD day, Gerald gets fired...
And then the adventure begins.
Accidental Sorcerer is a sort of cross between Harry Dresden and light epic fantasy. Not quite as "dark" as the Dresden Files, there's still enough intrigue, danger and laughs to capture any Harry fan.
I really enjoyed this book. Ms. Mills (Miller) has started a new trilogy with a bang (and a pop!) that has left me hungering for the next book, Witches Incorporated. (due out June 30th!)
4 out of 5 berries for this one!
Accidental Sorcerer starts of a little heavy, ponderous, wordy. However, after the first couple of chapters are over, the book fairly soars with fun, intrigue and danger.
Gerald Dunwoody, a Third grade level wizard, isn't having a good day at his current job. In fact, it's such a BAD day, Gerald gets fired...
And then the adventure begins.
Accidental Sorcerer is a sort of cross between Harry Dresden and light epic fantasy. Not quite as "dark" as the Dresden Files, there's still enough intrigue, danger and laughs to capture any Harry fan.
I really enjoyed this book. Ms. Mills (Miller) has started a new trilogy with a bang (and a pop!) that has left me hungering for the next book, Witches Incorporated. (due out June 30th!)
4 out of 5 berries for this one!
The Outlaw Demon Wales by Kim Harrison
(originally reviewed March 2008)
I just finished this last night and I'm still blinking my eyes over it.
Let me say off the bat, it's a GOOD book. It isn't one that you just can't put down, but it's a very good book.
Actually, that I COULD put it down made it a better book for me. I was able to digest some of the action and dialog that was going on throughout the book.
The plot was engaging and you learn quite a bit about Rachel, her Mom and even her brother in the course of the story. Ivy and Rachel start coming to terms with their relationship and even Ceri has a surprise in store for you. Rachel makes a new friend as well but...alas...we don't get to know much about them in this book.
The parts I had problems with were the reintroduction of Marshall, a bunch of the Demon stuff and the ending revelation that Rachel has. For me, it sort of smacks of Anita Blake...starts out as a normal everyday whatever and over the course of the books becomes SUPER ANITA! *G* I do have to say, it makes SENSE, but...I can't help wishing that it hadn't come about...yet.
But I do like Rachel much more and the way Ms. Harrison is bringing the changes about is MUCH better than Ms. Hamilton's never ending sexcapades.
All in all, I'm giving this book a 3.75 out of 5 berries. It is a 4 in most places but the problems I had with it made me want to give a 3.5. So I'm compromising. *G*
I just finished this last night and I'm still blinking my eyes over it.
Let me say off the bat, it's a GOOD book. It isn't one that you just can't put down, but it's a very good book.
Actually, that I COULD put it down made it a better book for me. I was able to digest some of the action and dialog that was going on throughout the book.
The plot was engaging and you learn quite a bit about Rachel, her Mom and even her brother in the course of the story. Ivy and Rachel start coming to terms with their relationship and even Ceri has a surprise in store for you. Rachel makes a new friend as well but...alas...we don't get to know much about them in this book.
The parts I had problems with were the reintroduction of Marshall, a bunch of the Demon stuff and the ending revelation that Rachel has. For me, it sort of smacks of Anita Blake...starts out as a normal everyday whatever and over the course of the books becomes SUPER ANITA! *G* I do have to say, it makes SENSE, but...I can't help wishing that it hadn't come about...yet.
But I do like Rachel much more and the way Ms. Harrison is bringing the changes about is MUCH better than Ms. Hamilton's never ending sexcapades.
All in all, I'm giving this book a 3.75 out of 5 berries. It is a 4 in most places but the problems I had with it made me want to give a 3.5. So I'm compromising. *G*
Swimming Without a Net (Fred the Mermaid book 2) by MaryJanice Davidson
(originally reviewed Dec 2007)
I think I've said before that I adore Ms. Davidson. She has a way with wit that makes me come back for more...and more...and more. Her Fred the mermaid series (oh please let it be a long series, Ms. Davidson! Please! Much longer than the Royals!! Please?) kicks off with Sleeping with the Fishes where Fred Bimm (the LEAST likable mermaid ever portrayed in fiction...from the book description from book one "Fred is not your ordinary mermaid. She's not blonde. She's not buxom. And she's definitely not perky. In fact, Fred can be downright cranky. And it doesn't help matters that her hair is blue.") is introduced along with her mother, Moon Bimm, best friend Jonas, Mer-Prince (er excuse me, Prince of the Undersea Folk I mean) Artur and Dr. (PhD AND MD) Thomas Pearson.
In this sequel, they're all (thankfully!) back along with a Deadwood loving Mer-King and many many Undersea Folk. However, the plot comes along and you find that the Undersea Folk are of 2 minds. Some (the "Air Breathers") want to "come out of the water closet" and others (the "Traditionals") want to be...well, traditional about it and stay hidden. Fred, being a child of both worlds, is invited to the resulting meeting, a "Pelagic" to discuss the pro's and con's of each decision.
Along the way, we get another glimpse into the romance of Jonas and Dr. Barb, Thomas' fascination with Mermaids (and his invention the "Underwater Recreation Vehicle or URV, pronounced irv) more of Fred's background and Fred FINALLY makes a choice between Thomas and Artur.
The resulting book is a fun, fluffy piece of mind candy that you'll want to return to time and again. It's going to be one of those "comfort reads" for me. You know the ones...where you don't know WHAT you want to read, you just know you HAVE to read SOMETHING and you turn to the same books time and again for this because they're so darn entertaining.
How can anyone not love an author like MaryJanice Davidson who dedicates Swimming Without a Net to "Everyone who has ever been irritated at a Disney Princess...Detox with Fred and rejoyce!" Her turn of phrase is hilarious as well. I almost wet the bed when Fred talked about her mother discovering her one night stand lover (Fred's father) was a merman when Moon's newborn baby "popped a tail" while being bathed for the first time. Ms. Davidson may not be the deepest writer out there but that's okay with me. I adore her and hope she'll be writing for many many decades to come.
Giving this book 4 out of 5 berries.
I think I've said before that I adore Ms. Davidson. She has a way with wit that makes me come back for more...and more...and more. Her Fred the mermaid series (oh please let it be a long series, Ms. Davidson! Please! Much longer than the Royals!! Please?) kicks off with Sleeping with the Fishes where Fred Bimm (the LEAST likable mermaid ever portrayed in fiction...from the book description from book one "Fred is not your ordinary mermaid. She's not blonde. She's not buxom. And she's definitely not perky. In fact, Fred can be downright cranky. And it doesn't help matters that her hair is blue.") is introduced along with her mother, Moon Bimm, best friend Jonas, Mer-Prince (er excuse me, Prince of the Undersea Folk I mean) Artur and Dr. (PhD AND MD) Thomas Pearson.
In this sequel, they're all (thankfully!) back along with a Deadwood loving Mer-King and many many Undersea Folk. However, the plot comes along and you find that the Undersea Folk are of 2 minds. Some (the "Air Breathers") want to "come out of the water closet" and others (the "Traditionals") want to be...well, traditional about it and stay hidden. Fred, being a child of both worlds, is invited to the resulting meeting, a "Pelagic" to discuss the pro's and con's of each decision.
Along the way, we get another glimpse into the romance of Jonas and Dr. Barb, Thomas' fascination with Mermaids (and his invention the "Underwater Recreation Vehicle or URV, pronounced irv) more of Fred's background and Fred FINALLY makes a choice between Thomas and Artur.
The resulting book is a fun, fluffy piece of mind candy that you'll want to return to time and again. It's going to be one of those "comfort reads" for me. You know the ones...where you don't know WHAT you want to read, you just know you HAVE to read SOMETHING and you turn to the same books time and again for this because they're so darn entertaining.
How can anyone not love an author like MaryJanice Davidson who dedicates Swimming Without a Net to "Everyone who has ever been irritated at a Disney Princess...Detox with Fred and rejoyce!" Her turn of phrase is hilarious as well. I almost wet the bed when Fred talked about her mother discovering her one night stand lover (Fred's father) was a merman when Moon's newborn baby "popped a tail" while being bathed for the first time. Ms. Davidson may not be the deepest writer out there but that's okay with me. I adore her and hope she'll be writing for many many decades to come.
Giving this book 4 out of 5 berries.
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