Summer Reading : Vampire Edition

Summer is a great time to induldge in a bit of brain candy. Easy reading that leaves you warm and fuzzy. For me this is vampire stories. Odd I know, but I'm sure I'm not the only one. This summer I've been leaning more towards shorter faster reads....not large weighty novels that vampire books can sometimes tend to be.

Title: Dead Reckoning (Sookie Stackhouse Series)
Author: Charlaine Harris
Genre: Paranormal, Romance
Source: public library

Of course I had to read this! Sookie and her crazy paranormal world are my current go to brain candy. I won't spend a lot of time on this, but I do have to say I was pleasantly surprised by this one. See, there has been a lot of talk that this will be the last True Blood novel.  Honestly, I'm fine with authors moving on. They can't be expected to write in the same universe forever....it has to get boring! But I've read lots of reviews and spoken with people who bagged on this novel because of the way it ended. I won't discuss it in detail....no spoilers...but I liked how it ended. Ms. Harris wrapped up the series very intelligently. All of their current problems are concluded and all that is left is for them to make a decision. See, this time it's really up to the characters. If they make the right choices.....if Ms. Harris is appropriately inspired....they can come back together and move forward into another book. However, if the characters are content to let their lives settle where they are....then an ending is appropriate. I like this. No loose ends. No what-ifs. Perfect!

Title: Vampires: The Recently Undead
Authors included: Kelley Armstrong, Holly Black, Rachel Caine, Charles De Lint, Charlaine Harris, Tanya Huff, Caitlin R. Kiernan, Nancy Kipatrick, J.A. Konrath, Tanith Lee, Kim Newman, Susan Sizemore, Michael Marshall Smith, Jeanne C. Stein, Carrie Vaughn, Chelsea Quinn Yarbro......and many more.
Genre: fantasy, anthology, short stories, paranormal
Source: Public Library

This is a fantastic anthology! Honestly. I enjoy anthologies in general....they allow me to taste test different authors without having to commit to a full novel. But, I will admit that the stories contained in anthologies are often hit or miss. There is no tell how many will be to your liking.  This anthology worked for me. Not only is it chalk full of authors who I already enjoy....they are offering up new stories (most not set in their most famous worlds) to give the reader a glimpse into something new.   As a bit of summary, most of the short stories in this collection have something to do with the age of the vampires....their longevity.....how they acclimate themselves into different eras, etc. My favorite happens to be one that contains a tale about Doc Holiday. That was a part of history that I had never connected to vampires. It was fun!  Nearly every tale offered something new and interesting, however, there were a few that just didn't work for me....but who knows....maybe they are your flavor?

Vampyre Kisses

Title: Vampyre Kisses
Author: Elizabeth J. Kolodziej
Genre: Paranormal, romance
Source: A free copy of the e-book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Werewolves and vampires have settled into a comfortable, long standing, loathing of each other. Witches, while real, are no longer living. Right?  This is the general basis of the novel, Vampyre Kisses. There is quite a bit of intrigue and action, but it's very light on the romance....but that's not really a problem. Ms. Kolodziej tells an interesting tale.






What I like:
1. Oran. He's the pet / magical flying beast. He's a tinier than tiny kitten with wings. He's awesome! I want one.

2. There is just the right mix of tensions between the werewolf beau and the vampire suitor.
While the romance plays a very minimal part in the story, the character development of the main characters is crucial. These two boys need to know how to play well together, but it just wouldn't be the same without some of that delicious rivalry.

What I dislike:

1. The mythology is distracting. There is Christianity, there is paganism, there is Wiccanism, there is Hinduism, and even the Greek and Roman pantheons pop up...yet it's all jumbled and mixed up. More than half of the characters are named after well-known "people" with equally well-known mythos. But that's not what we are given. We are given confusion. For example: Within this novel Vampires are a descendant of Cain. Okay, not an issue...this isn't a first. But....only it's not Cain...it's Kane and while the author makes it very clear she is talking about Cain from the Christian Bible...his name is spelled incorrectly and the reason for his downfall is completely incorrect.**  This is a peeve of mine. I don't mind authors taking an existing mythos and shaping it or changing little bits to make it their own....this story, however, is just chock full of mixed up, mashed up, myths and legends.

2. There are silly grammar and content errors throughout the book. I have a reasonable tolerance for mistakes of this kind. No one is perfect. Maybe the author intended that word/sentence/phrase to be read differently than I did? However, I was caught stumbling over things like "I'd had had..." repeatedly though out the book. (BTW, I'd is equal to I had...so that makes three hads in a row) There were also some minor content things such as, blood coming from scars. Scars are a healing process. Blood comes from newly opened wounds. It's alright to use that word. Even if a scar is cut open, the blood is still coming from the wounded scar...it's a wound.



Overall:  I like the story. It was a fast and enjoyable read, but I was so distracted by the mythology mash-ups and the mistakes that I can't say it is a great read. I do, however, thank Ms. Kolodziej, for allowing me to read her novel.

** Since posting this review, I have had a conversation with the author. She was very gracious but wanted to point out that my example was incorrect. She hadn't intended for Kane to be the biblical Cain. This makes a bit of the story more easy to understand. I must have been reading that bit into the text.

However, I do still feel that the mythologies are confusing, and inconsistent within themselves. Maybe by the next installment things will be cleared up.**

Fragile Eternity

Title: Fragile Eternity 
Author: Melissa Marr
Genre: YA, Paranormal, Romance, Fantasy
Source: public library

This review is a long time coming. I read this book over a month ago. I can't even explain why I've been sitting on it and not actually blogging it. Maybe I'm crazy......or more likely busy, tired, and somewhat lazy when it comes to my free time, lately.

For some reason I didn't know that this was book three. When the cover said sequel, I thought they meant literal this-is-the-next-book sequel. I apparently didn't do enough pre-research and just assumed that this was book three and the other books were a separate series. They do have different types of names and covers.  It doesn't really matter though. In this case assuming worked out well. I enjoyed the book and was only the tiniest bit of lost at the beginning.

What I liked:
1. While this is actually book three, I had no problem following the story line. All the characters I enjoyed getting to know in Wicked Lovely were still central to the plot.

2. I'm surprised to find out that this is book three as the plot hasn't moved forward much. I'd expect to be onto a whole different set of problems, issues, scenarios....but realistically the main difference is the addition of a couple new characters.

3. I still love the way the faerie realm is portrayed within these novels. There is all the drama and hierarchy associated with Fae courts, but mixed in is the dramatics of being a human teenager.

What I didn't like:
1. Not knowing that the book I read wasn't actually the next one. Some of this is my fault, but some lays on the publisher / cover artist. Please find a new word. Sequel means next in my mind. Could you at least number the books?

2. There were characters introduced within this story who were very hard to get to know. Upon reflection I'm sure this is due to my reading the novels out of order. However, it was very off-putting while reading.

Overall:  Fragile Eternity, while it may sound like the name of the newest designer perfume, is actually more enjoyable. I wouldn't recommend skipping book two, but seeing as I have, it's not the end of the world if you do. If you've read Wicked Lovely, I would definitely recommend enjoying the rest of the series too.

Short Story Collections

Anthologies conjure thoughts of large collections of short stories by authors you mostly don't know of.  You'll read story after story. Some good some bad.  But I don't really want to talk about those.  I'm curious if there is a name for those short story collections that are usually no longer than a novel in length. They only contain around four stories all usually with the same theme. Understand what I'm talking about? I'm reviewing two below. What would you call these?

Title: Many Bloody Returns
Authors: Various, Charlaine Harris, Jim Butcher, and Kelley Armstrong highlighted.Genre: Paranormal, romance, short stories
Source: Library

This collection has the over arching theme of birthdays.  Some have a stronger connection to the theme than others. Some of the stories are new, or in worlds that are new to me, while others are happily familar. For example: I'm positive I've read the Charlaine Harris' story before....Eric's excited about Dracula's birthday. It's a fun lil vignette that gives a side to Eric's character that isn't often seen in the novels.  This whole collection is a fun read, but nothing phenomenal.

Title: Love at First Bite
Authors: Sherrilyn Kenyon, LA Banks, Susan Squires, and Ronda Thompson
Genre: Paranomal, romance, short stories
Source: Library

This collection only has the four stories, and they are all in worlds I've yet to set eyes on. This is partly why I chose to read this collection. I've heard good things about each author but for whatever reason haven't picked up their books.  Three of the stories are about vampires and one is werewolfs.  Generally, I really enjoyed this collection. While there was one story that I just had trouble getting through....an odd mix of Hispanic and Native legends smashed with a coming of age vampire hunter story.......I did enjoy the experience on the whole. I've even added Ronda Thompson's Wulf series to my library request list.  This is a great collection to find a new favorite author from.

The Iron Daughter & Winter's Passage

Title: The Iron Daughter
Author: Julie Kagawa
Genre: YA, fantasy, paranormal
Source: ARC from NetGalley

I had no choice. This novel is actually the reason I joined NetGalley. I read, reviewed, and raved about the first novel in this series previously. I couldn't resist the opportunity to read this one. As I expected, I loved it!



Blurb from author's site:   Half Summer faery princess, half human, Meghan has never fit in anywhere. Deserted by the Winter prince she thought loved her, she is prisoner to the Winter faery queen. As war looms between Summer and Winter, Meghan knows that the real danger comes from the Iron Fey, iron-bound faeries that only she and her absent prince have seen. But no one believes her. Worse, Meghan's own fey powers have been cut off. She's alone in Faery with only her wits for help. Trusting anyone would be foolish. Trusting a seeming traitor could be deadly. But even as she grows a backbone of iron, Meghan can't help but hear the whispers of longing in her all-too-human heart.

Ms. Kagawa successfully crafts a world where all the fae you've ever heard about entwine, frolick, and mix with their humans....and their readers. It's easy to get lost in this world.

Title: Winter's Passage
Author: Julie Kagawa
Genre: YA, fantasy, paranormal, novella
Source: ARC from NetGalley

This novella actually should be read between The Iron King and The Iron Daughter. It is a bit strange to read it after the first two books....which is what I did. It's like looking back on a memory. This story covers the events that happen between the two. It gives more information about Megan's  and Ash's relationship. If you are one of those choice a team people....this story will help cement your position.

Blurb from author's site:   WINTER'S PASSAGE,a free novella in the Iron Fey series will be available for download June 1st. It takes place between THE IRON KING and THE IRON DAUGHTER and follows Meghan and Ash on their perilous journey deep into the heart of Winter. Check out EnterTheFaeryWorld.com for more details. 

Clockwork Angel

Title: Clockwork Angel ~ Book 1 of The Infernal Devices
Author: Cassandra Clare
Genre: YA, steampunk, paranormal, fantasy
Source: I recieved this ARC for free from Simon & Schuster at the SanDiego Comicon.


I have been waiting....and waiting....and watching for this book. I actually squealed and got giddy when the S&S rep handed me a copy! Here's the thing though, I had no idea what I was getting into. I've not read any of Ms. Clare's other novels. I've heard good things about them, but it just hasn't happened yet. I fell in love with the cover of this one the instant it was unveiled. Luckily, the novel inside lived up to its awesome cover.

Quick summary from publisher:

When sixteen-year old orphan Tessa Fell's older brother suddenly vanishes, her search for him leads her into Victorian-era  London's dangerous supernatural underworld, and when she discovers that she herself is a Downworlder, she must learn to trust the demon-killing Shadowhuters if she ever wants to learn to control her powers and find her brother.


What I like:
1. I love the variety of characters.  While the roles are basic, stock, roles - the caregiver, the innocent, the trouble maker, even the bumbling professor - the characters that Clare built to fill these roles are truly one of a kind. They are interesting, some times mysterious, and likable. 

2.  This story seamlessly blends the world of Victorian England with a world where society has sub-levels of paranormal.....and, while brief, steampunk. This is a world where monsters are still monsters and society at large doesn't know/ readily accept. It also isn't a traditional over the top steampunk novel. There are flashes of it, even some characters who are more robot than human, but that is about all. Just enough of both to keep the story interesting and lively.

3. I didn't need to have had read any of the previous series to understand and enjoy this one. I was a bit afraid that this series may somehow tie into the other....but those worries were put aside quickly.


What I dislike:
1. I'm tired of love triangles. I can name a dozen YA books, off the top of my head, that involve the heroine having to decided between to seemingly equal partners. Here is another. I understand that triangles hold a built in conflict maker, but seriously.....isn't there some other form of conflict you can insert besides jealousy?


Overall,  I'm still excited that I was able to read this novel! It gave me everything I was hoping for....and a bit more. I can't wait for the other novels in this series to come out....and I'm quickly adding Ms. Clare's Mortal Instruments series to my TBR list.

It's a vampire sex carnival!

Title: My Wicked Vampire
Author: Nina Bangs  (who has an awesome name, btw.)
Genre: paranormal romance
Source: public library


Who wouldn't want to go to an adult theme park.....especially one billed to fulfill your dreams - whatever they are? Sounds good right? Now throw in a vampire or two, some mischievous cosmic deities, a wizard, a goddess or two, and don't forget the hybrid plants. Sounds even .....crazier? Better? This novel is all of that. Problems come from all angles, there is a lot of not talking about the important things, and some quite silly names ( the owner of the park is named Sparkle Stardust), but in all it is a fun to read novel.




What I like:
1. While it is technically the fourth book in the Castle of Dark Dreams series, it functions almost perfectly as a stand alone. I didn't know it was part of a series when I picked it up, and there were only a few places where I felt I wasn't getting enough information. I don't think it is necessary to read the others, but they are probably just as much fun as this one.

2. The setting is perfect. While I like imagining a world where the monsters are accepted as every day citizens, that is sometimes hard for me to buy. The idea that at least a few of them would band together and use their powers to create a business like the Dark Dreams fantasy park seems totally reasonable to me. They get to use their powers and show off whatever makes them different while the humans get to indulge in their fantasies and never truly know it is real.


What I dislike:
1. The names are truly awful. The seem to fit the fantasy idea, but in general the names are so ridiculous ....Sparkle Stardust, Cinn, Bain..  Nope no telegraphing character traits through their names here...nope none at all.

2. There was a lot of action and strange situations the characters had to overcome. This isn't the problem, per se. However, often the situations were seen coming miles off. There were so many contextual hints and clues as to what was going to happen that very little seemed surprising.


Overall: I had fun reading the vampire sex carnival that is My Wicked Vampire. It isn't a serious, thinking book, but is worth a shot if you're looking for a fun summer read.

The President's Vampire

Title: Blood Oath
Author: Christopher Farnsworth
Genre: Paranormal, action, thriller
Source: Borrowed from public library


I had to read this one. From the instant I started hearing chatter about it until the time I was able to get a hold of it, it has been on my want list. Who could resist the draw of a secret agent vampire...working for the US government?

Of note, this novel is fun/odd to read while Abraham Lincoln Vampire Slayer is still fresh in your mind. Mostly due to the timing circumstances....Cade (our vamp) joins forces with the President immediately after Lincoln is done.  But, outside that odd moment of unintentional continuity, this novel is nothing like that one. This novel is more like Dan Brown or John Grisham novel in that the central story revolves around and is told in a political intrigue style. We, readers, are taken along for a ride while one top secret group works against another in a plot to solve a long standing problem that has recently be brought back into the light by a seemingly unrelated terrorist activity. Did ya get that?

What I liked:
1. This is a new and interesting twist on the traditional vampire tales.  Usually vamps fall into one or two categories - blood thirsty monsters or romantic leads. Cade is neither....and both.....and more. He is well developed enough to make you feel he is more than just vampire.

2. The action/plot scenes are mixed with flash backs to Cade's early life and experiences. Plus, each chapter begins with an excerpt from some "top secret" document or conversation. These all usually have something to do with Cade's actions in the coming scene and greatly help to push the story forward without having to have hugs chunks of back narrative.

What I disliked:
1. There is a lot left untidy after the big battle near the end. I can't say too much without giving away spoilers, but with an incident this large......whether or not it is classified as top secret......some one's going to know and there is going to be huge amounts of clean up and pr and..... yeah. Totally dropped that one.

2. Really? One of the bad guys is a a Nazi. Oh and the other is a Middle Eastern Terrorist. Gee....I can understand the relevance of the terrorist (even if that plot is weak). This is a modern political thriller and terrorism is our current big button panic element. But seriously....of all the bad guy archetypes available you had to go for the Nazi? I'm just tired of Nazi's being the fall back bad guys. There are other villains out there people. Be more creative.  I will say this though, the Nazi character was quite a bit more interesting than the terrorist.

Overall: This was an entertaining and quick read. I'd recommend it for fans of political intrigues and vampire fans looking for a new take on vamps.

More teenage vampires...

Title: Bite Me, A Love Story
Author: Christopher Moore
Genre: Paranormal
Source: Borrowed from public library


Yes, the title says it is a love story...and yes there is a love story element in the novel, but I wouldn't call this a romance. It's too gritty and too superficial in many aspects to be romantic.

Yes, one of the main characters, Abbey, is a teen. So are several of the other characters, but I wouldn't classify this as a young adult novel. I don't think many teens would appreciate the humor or the extreme stereotyping of teens that make the teenage characters fun and enjoyable.  While this is a novel about teen vamps, it definitely isn't a fluffy, no-blood/damage teen vampire story.




Things I liked:
1. I love Christopher Moore's sense of humor. He plays stereotypes perfectly, tosses in some irreverent attitudes and *poof* the story is instantly entertaining and humorous while dealing with all sorts of situations.

2.  The world in this novel is one with vampires, but it isn't a vampire's world. They aren't well known, or accepted by all. They aren't everywhere. In fact, there are so very few of them that it is easily seen when the situation gets out of their control.

Things I disliked: 
1. While there are several couples, who express love in a variety of ways, it is extremely irritating that the main couple doesn't express love in any way but sex. To a further extent, Abbey, expresses numerous times that every time she shows her love through a kiss she'll immediately follow that kiss up with a slap in the face....so her boyfriend (who she was kissing) doesn't think she's a whore.  *sigh* Cause, yeah, that's a totally healthy relationship image you have there. I've never understood how some people can use sex as both enticement and punishment in the same moment......or why they would. I certainly don't understand it in fictional characters.

Overall: I enjoyed it as much as I have every other Moore novel I've read. I would recommend this to everyone who wants a new take on a vampire story.

Who's afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?

Title: Sisters Red
Author: Jackson Pearce
Genre: Young Adult, paranormal, fairy tale re-telling
Source: Free ARC received from Hachette Book Group in exchange for a honest response.


Love. From the awesome cover down to the last little detail of the book; I love it.  Months ago I got a glimpse of the cover and the title and just knew I wanted to get ahold of this book. You see, I've been interested in fairy tales and fairy tale retellings since I can remember.  I love it when an author gives me a new way to look at the characters...while still telling a tale I know and enjoy. Mr. Pearce has done this in spades!

Summary from the publisher:
Scarlet March lives to hunt the Fenris--the werewolves that took her eye when she was defending her sister Rosie from a brutal attack. Armed with a razor-sharp hatchet and blood-red cloak, Scarlett is an expert at luring and slaying the wolves. She's determined to protect other young girls from a grisly death, and her raging heart will not rest until every single wolf is dead.

Rosie March once felt her bond with her sister was unbreakable. Owing Scarlett her life, Rosie hunts ferociously alongside her. But even as more girls' bodies pile up in the city and the Fenris seem to be gaining power, Rosie dreams of a life beyond the wolves. She finds herself drawn to Silas, a young woodsman who is deadly with an ax and Scarlett's only friend--but does loving him mean betraying her sister and all that they've worked for?

Things I like: 
1. I really enjoy that the character of Little Red is split into the two March sisters. They both contain pieces of the original character while still being fully formed individual characters.

2. The big bad wolf is actually a werewolf.....or wolves....

3. All the elements are there...grandma, wood cutters, the red cloak, and a wolf (or more) that is clever and charming enough to lure young girls.


From another angle:
I just came back from a long weekend at the Phoenix Comicon. While there I attended several panels on Steampunk. I think the March sisters would make awesome characters to portray and with a red cloak (which I happen to have (Thanks, Grandma!)) could be some fun costumes to make and wear.

My Eric Fix

Title: Dead in the Family
Author: Charlaine Harris
Genre: Paranormal, romance, mystery
Source: public library


Eric. Eric! This one is all about Eric....which makes me a very happy girl. And now I'm three books behind on owning all of this series, but I will. Oh, yes. I will have these vampires on my shelves, waiting for my pleasure.    Ahem. Right, back to it.



As fun and easy as this novel was, I do have a question. This is something that I'll look up later, but my SIL and I have discussed it and were not sure.....but.....didn't we (readers) already see Eric's Sire die (within the novels, not show)? SIL and I are pretty sure we did. Wasn't the Sire the ancient vampire the Fellowship has captured and locked up? I could have sworn that was Eric's Sire so it is a bit weird when we have the Sire appearing again in this novel.

Overall, these novels are still brain candy. The plot has thickened with Shifters of all sorts coming out of the closet and the fairy wars. At times I get a bit worried that all these different plots will get overwhelming, but so far they have been perfectly balanced.

A quick taste of sexy...

Title: Bite
Author: Laurell K. Hamilton, Charlaine Harris, MaryJanice Davidson, Angela Knight, and Vickie Taylor
Genre: Paranormal romance, short story, collection
Source: public library

My husband pointed this one out to me....and I'm glad he did. It was a quick read. All the ladies contributed short stories, all of which appear to be side explanations for their well known characters. For example Charlaine Harris' contribution is a piece titled, "One Word Answer," which is an explanation for Hadley's situation.  Being a sucker for the True Blood vamps, I adored this story. Plus it cleared up a couple details I'd missed in the books.

Not to down play the other stories (I enjoyed them all, but haven't read the rest of the series that they belong to.), but I'm only going to talk about one other...LK Hamilton's.  As the lead story, this was interesting. It was set in the midst of the Anita Blake series.  Anita and Jean-Claude are on the rocks. What makes this one interesting (to me) is the frustratingly evident lack of sex.  The last book in that series I read had Anita being sex crazed with multiple partners and still having to look for more at every opportunity. Reading a story where she walks away (all be it unwillingly)is refreshing.

Overall: Not a must read, but grab this book if you're looking for a quick fix with your favorite vamps.

Heart's Blood

Title: Heart's Blood
Author: Juliet Marillier
Genre: Fantasy, paranormal
Source: Public Library - Want for my own collection....please?

I absolutely loved this novel. I fell head over heels into the world of Whistling Tor and want to go back as soon as possible. For a moment, I seriously considered stealing this book from the library. My husband, who was absorbed in a video game most of the day, was able to surface long enough to tease me about being so absorbed in the book.


What I liked:

1. I'm a sucker for Medieval-ish settings. Give me knights, and lords, and ladies, Kings, and farmers...I'll be a happy girl. Throw in a bit of folklore and magic and it is nearly my perfect book.

2. I'd say about 90 % of the characters in this novel are flawed. They are broken mentally, physically, spiritually.....any way you can think of. Even the two main characters. And because of this they fit together perfectly.

3. While magic was a staple of the story and needed to occur, the actual thing that saved the day was love and hope. I adore this about Ms. Marillier's novels. Love and hope are always....always...the saving grace.

What I didn't like:

1. I'm not too keen on the cover. It's nice. It accurately portrays the main character and the story, but it....it just doesn't do it for me. I may be a bit biased though, as I love the American covers for the Sevenwaters Stories and the Bridei Chronicles.

Overall: I'm impressed. I really would love to own this book. It is everything I've come to expect from fantasy. You should try it! If you don't like it....send your copy to me. I'll treasure it!

(This novel qualifies for the fantasy reading challenge.)

Gentlemen Prefer Succubi

Title: Gentlemen Prefer Succubi ~ The Succubus Diaries
Author: Jill Myles
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Source: From the publisher with intent to review and participate in the book tour. It is mine to keep.

Jumping right in today...this book makes me smile. It is good, slightly campy, paranormal romance.  Before you are even into the story you can tell how good and silly it is going to be. Exhibit A: The title - the play on Marilyn Monroe movie titles that both this book and its sequel have are highly entertaining. Exhibit B: The cover image - I'll discuss this more later....but it deserves a second or third look. Exhibit C: The back matter - seriously who could not enjoy a summary like this:

Jackie Brighton woke up in a dumpster this morning, and her day has only gotten weirder. her familiar B-cups have somehow become double Ds, her sex drive is insatiable, and apparently she had her first one-night stand ever...with a fallen angel. All she remembers is gorgeous Noah's oddly hypnotic blue eyes....and then a dark stranger whose bite transformed her into an immortal siren with a sexy itch. With help from Noah, Jackie begins to adapt to her new lifestyle-until she accidentally sends Noah into the deadly clutches of the vampire queen and lands herself in a fierce battle for an ancient halo with the queen's wickedly hot right-hand man. Who just happens to be the vampire who originally bit her. how's a girl supposed to save the world when the enemy's so hard to resist?

Honestly, the back cover just had me rolling in laughter! Taken in bits it is just too much fun to resist...magically growing breasts, angels and vampires, glowing eyes. Awesome! And then the fun just continues inside.

What I liked:

1. This novel took itself too seriously. Author Jill Myles, knows she's written a campy book and never lets the readers...nor the characters forget it.

2. Seeing as the main character is a succubus this novel could quickly go right into that pile of books that is less plot and more gratutious sex scenes, but it doesn't. Jackie is very conscious of the succubus / slut connection and does her best to avoid that....even when she has two supernaturally hot guys lusting after her.

3. Things are never quite what they seem in this novel. The traditional paradigm of angels=good and vampires=bad is mixed up, switched up, and you (and Jackie) never know who's actually good and who's actually bad.

4. The cover. I mean really. Hot guy with great abs....and then that hair. I'm not sure what's up with it. The strange toussling like he just lost a fight with the wind. Also, after having read it I'm not entirely sure which of the guys this is supposed to be. Alternatively, all these strange little things come together to add to the over all campiness of the book.

Things I didn't like:

1. I had trouble identifying with Jackie's character. Not because she was a shy, nerdy, geek girl who suddenly turned into a sex fiend...oh no. But rather because the first several pages (and then off and on throughout the book) she makes several comments about her size and being fat 'n plain. Beauty is always equated to being small in her world. I can't buy this....especially not when the characters states she is only a size 14. I'm sorry that's not big. I understand it's not the supermodel Barbie size 6 with DDs she becomes later, but it isn't huge. Gaaaa!

2. There are at least three characters who are set with the task of caring for, watching over, and filling Jackie in on the details while she gets the hang of this succubus thing. None of them actually do this with any consistancy. It's bothersome. The only thing they do on a regular basis is yell at her for doing the things they didn't tell her not to do.

Overall: This novel was exactly what I expected. It was fun but has a few flaws. They are easily ignored when faced with the variety of other things present in this book.

Angel Time

Title: Angel Time
Author: Anne Rice
Genre: paranormal, religious, fiction
Source: Library

First, I just have to mention this (even though I know this has been discussed other places dozens of times), but have you noticed this odd trend of making the author's name be larger even than the title? I have this theory that publishers think readers are stupid and don't believe that we can judge for ourselves whether or not we want to read a book. They just bank on the readers who are fans of certain author to just automatically want/buy anything with that author's name on it. But I'm off topic and maybe I'll write a post about that theory later.

Angel Time is Anne Rice's jump back into the paranormal fiction world. She took a break and wrote some Christian non-fiction books, don't ya know? And that Christian theology and mythology play a large part in this novel. To be honest, I am one of those readers from above...the ones that wants to at least read every novel my favorite authors put out...including Ms. Rice. I'm a big fan...I had to at least try this one. I still love her writing style. She tells a great story. But this one just isn't my favorite.

What I liked:

1. I love that her writing style is just the way I remember. That makes me comfortable as a reader and makes it easier for me to get into the story.

2. The "real life" background of the main character (who is not an angel btw) is an interesting hard knocks, mafia type story that adds up to an interesting and complex character.

What I didn't like:

1. I feel misled. Yes, there is an angel in this book. Yes, said angel appears at just the appropriate time. And yes, the main character does take some actions that cast him into the role of rescuing "angel" for some other characters. However, the main angel plays a very minimal role in the book.

Overall: It was a good read, but it isn't my favorite Rice novel.

Ghostland

Title: Ghostland
Author: Jory Strong
Genre: Urban fantasy, paranormal, romance
Source: Borrowed from Pat as part of her new Borrow My Books Tour ~ Part 1

I have been on the look out for this book for a while now. The plot line just intrigued me.  (From the author's website) In a post-Apocalyptic world where supernaturals have emerged from hiding, wealthy humans delight in decadence while the religious gain power through temptation. For the masses, fear reigns from birth to death, and the afterlife holds beings that only the bravest can summon—or dare to desire…

In other words...not only are we dealing with a post-apocolyptic society and all the foibles therein, but we now have a large gaping whole between the classes, and all those paranormal things we've been afraid of turn out to be true. Awesome! That is why I was looking forward to this book.......well that and the cover. OHmygoshdidyouseethecover!?! Pure, beautiful awesomeness.

What I liked:

1. The main character, Aisling, is a brave, strong girl who is doing her best to get through the situations she's been put in, save lives, and save her family. She adjusts easily to new situations, but for the most part doesn't let them overtake her. That being said she's willing to dive head first into any problem.

2. The male lead, Zurael, is a demon. I like him because he walks a strange line between being the alpha male and being completely taken with her. 

3. The ferret! More leading ladies need a magical pet/friend of some kind and it is wholly appropriate for Aisling's to be a ferret.....this time. 

4. Seriously hot sex scenes. I wasn't expecting these. I don't know why, but I just wasn't. Yes, in some cases they were a bit gratuitous, but they didn't interrupt the flow of the story. Actually, I'd be willing to say they added to it by further backing up the growing relationship between Aisling and  Zurael. Oh and btw....hot! 

What I didn't like:

1. The whole story/mystery part gets wrapped up to neatly and too quickly at the end. There was a lot of build up, a lot of obstacles to overcome, and then *poof* things just get wrapped up. It's a bit hard to believe even when all the tangles are clearly undone. 

2. Gratuitous sex scenes.  There were only a couple of times where I felt that the characters were edging towards this. Specifically with Zurael. Demon boy can't keep it in his pants. It appears that when he's apart from Aisling (as in worlds away) he's fine and capable of thoughts, but anywhere near her (i.e. her world) he's a raging ball of D/s hard-ons.  I won't go into a lot of detail, but it did get a bit tiring to hear about him wanting to bend her over the counter again and again and again.

Overall, I'm still extremely happy that I had the chance to read this book. I loved it. Devoured it. I'm currently adding Ms. Strong's other books to my TBR list. 

 

More Sookie!

Title: Dead As A Doornail ~ Southern Vampire Series Book 5
Author: Charlaiine Harris
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Source: Library

This one is just a treat to read! Our darling Sookie has to deal with her brother changing, a real-life fairy godmother, Alcide using her ability as a psycic lie detector, and let's not forget about the new Pirate vampire.

That's right. You heard me.  Pirates and faeries! Bill is still on the outs, but takes every opportunity to try to kiss up to Sookie. Fangtasia has a new bartender who likes to buckle his swashes. Jason going through some changes. And oh yeah the Were world is in upheaval. I liked this one quite a bit, though I am a bit disappointed that Alcide is shaping up to be just as self-centered as Bill. *sigh* I am not disappointed that Sookie is still not giving him the time of day.

Title: Definitely Dead ~ Southern Vampire Series Book 6
Source: library

Hey, there's a tiger in this one! Ooops, I gave it away. Not really, I think the cover does that anyway. So Sookie has a whole host of guys....undead, were, and shifter falling for her. It's a bit frustrating that just by being Sookie she seems to be able to get every hot guy interested in her. Not just "hey, she's a looker" interested, but willing to take bullets and or die for her interested. The only thing that seems to be keeping this series from devolving into something akin to the Anita Blake series (ya know....less plot more sex) is that Sookie seems to be a one guy girl. She may have a whole bunch of ex's just waiting to help her out of trouble, but when she commits to one she commits.

Title: From Dead To Worse ~ Southern Vampire Series Book 8
Source: Library

Umm, yeah, not sure how I got out of order without noticing, but I did. There were a few moments right at the beginning where I thought that perhaps I'd missed something. There were references to wars that I'd only seen the beginning of ...which were now over. They should have been a sign I was actually out of order. On the flip side, the story was so engaging that nagging doubts only lasted a minute and then I was swept up into Sookie's world again. I think that's a testament to good story telling that information can be missing, but I still want to keep going and figure out what's happening next.  A lot happens in this novel, but in my opinion the most important thing to was meeting Sookie's great grandfather.....Niall the Fairy. Squee!

**All novels were read as part of the Sookie Stackhouse Reading Challenge.**

Ballad ~ BWB Review

Title: Ballad

Author: Maggie Stiefvater

Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal, Romance

Source: Library

What's a guy to do? What's a guy who can see and hear faeries supposed to do.....especially now that Death is calling? He has to choose to save only one of the girls he loves.

Doesn't that sound exciting? I bought into that plot synopsis from the get go. Coupled with reviews saying things like "great stand alone sequel" and the awesome cover, I thought I was going to fall over heels in love with this novel.  Normally, it is right up my alley.  However,  I'm now stuck trying to write a review of a book that I'm not sure how to review.

See, I want to know these characters. I want to care about their plight and find it interesting, but for some reason I don't.  Maybe I'm missing character building information that was probably given in the first book? Maybe I'm just being a brain dead reader and wanting the author to spoon feed me details? Or maybe I'm just not in a reading mood? Whatever the reason, it's not working for me. (I'll have to get ahold of Lament and start over...maybe that will work?)

Blog With Bite Discussion Questions

1. James is a flawed and heart broken character, do you find his mental peculiarities charming or annoying? Please do explain    I do find them charming. They are a piece of him and he is doing what he can to remember the things he needs to survive.  Like everyone else's quirks they could become annoying ...what if you had something you really needed him to remember and then he took a shower? The writing would be gone.  But overall, they are enduring.
2. What did you think of James and Dee's kiss? This being a pivotal moment for their relationship, how do you think it changed James?  I believe this is the point where he gets direct confirmation about his attraction or unknown lack to Dee.
   
3. Whom do you prefer Dee or Nuala? Ummm, yeah. Seeing as I just couldn't get into the book, I don't feel it's fair to answer this.
   
4. What's your verdict on the best way to read Ballad?  Is it a stand alone book or do you need to read Lament first?  If you read Lament, what did it add/not add to Ballad?  If you haven't read Lament, do you think it would have added to your reading of Ballad? I definitely don't think that this is a stand alone novel. I have lots of hope that reading Lament first would have helped me to enjoy this story. I'm willing to add it to my reading list and give this one another go, too.
   
5. We've been reading a lot of stories with fairies as the central paranormal creatures.  What are your thoughts on the "Fair Folk".  Do you believe in faires? I do believe in faeries. They are beautiful, tricky, wonderful, terrible folk who occasionally crash into humanity.

Sookie Stackhouse or Southern Vampires or Brain Candy

I mentioned earlier (see last post) that I'd found a new form of brain candy. I had taken an obsessive jump into the Sookie Stackhouse series. I should have posted this right after that, but Thanksgiving and family took over, so book reviews were slid onto the back burner for  a bit.

Title: Living Dead in Dallas ~ Book 1 of the Southern Vampire series

I read this one quite a while ago. Had a great time with it, loved the light and fluffy tone it had, but couldn't get the others from the library....it was too popular and the wait line was so long I forgot for a while that I wanted them. Book one introduces us to Sookie and her world...the small southern town of Bon Temps. This town is chalk full of interesting characters, some of whom are also paranormals - vampires and shapeshifters. Sookie herself is an outcast for her special mind reading abilities.

Title: Dead Until Dark ~ Book 2 of the Southern Vampire series

This one was a bit different. I had read this one previously, but decided to reread as a review and to get my brain back into thinking about the series as books. You see, somewhere between the time I first read books one and two, I watched the first couple seasons of True Blood. Love it! But wow, talk about chopping up story lines and combining them in new and interesting ways. I spent most of my review time making mental comparisons between the books and the tv series. Book two leads into the key set-up for most of these books. Every story line is going to have a twist. There will be some huge thing that needs to be overcome, and in the process it may twist Sookie's world into a knot. Honestly, I don't remember if the Manead is in this one or if this is the book where Sookie faces off against the Fellowship of the Sun. One and two went so fast they have sort of mushed together in my brain to make one continual story. I still had fun reading it and it definitely got me back into the right mind set for the other books.

Title: Club Dead ~ Book 3 of the Southern Vampire series

Book three leads us into a place we haven't been before with Sookie. Willing romance with a shape shifter. Bill and Sookie are on the outs and through a series of events and requirements a la the vamps Sookie teams up with a werewolf Alcide. He's awesome! Romantic, sweet, honorable, and reliable. I love Alcide! Normally, I'm all for the vampires, but in this one it's Alcide all the way! I really hope there is a way for Alcide to play a large part in the tv series too!

Title: Dead to the World ~ Book 4 of the Southern Vampire series

I'm having a love / hate feeling about this novel. On the love side, this one is all about Eric. He is the vampire, in this series, that does it for me. So much more than Bill. Bill is too broody and posessive.  On the hate side, even though this novel is about Eric it isn't the true Eric. He's under a spell which is causing amnesia. This Eric is sweet and caring, but not the playboy that Eric traditionally is. I'm happy to have an Eric novel, but dislike that it has to happen by amnesia.  Amnesia always just feels like a cop-out to me. It leads to all sorts of dilemmas and arguements along the lines of "Is this Eric's true nature?" or "Does he remember anything that has happened?" and "Will he ever let on if he does?" In all it is frustrating and either a really good way to keep them entangled or it's a really bad way to get them together temporarily.


Overall:  Love this series! There is really no way to compare the book series to the tv series. They are two parts of the same whole...the characters you know and love from the books in a new and wonderful way.  These are quick reads full of fun, paranormals, and just a touch of intrigue. Yummy!

*All novels are by Charlaine Harris, of the paranormal romance genre, and were checked out from the library.*

** I read all four as part of the Sookie Stackhouse challenge.**

BWB Review - Queene of Light

Title: Queene of Light (A Lightworld / Darkworld Novel)
Author: Jennifer Armintrout
Genre: Sci-Fi (according to library classification), Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy
Source: Library


This is not your run-of-the-mill fairy story. Lately, there has been a plethora of novels where the fae are coming to or intermixing with the human world. This story is set in a much darker time and place where humans and fae, of all kinds, have separated and taken to different areas...including underground.  This setting takes the reader out of a well-known and comfortable world and smacks them immediately into an experience where they are unknowing and on edge. I loved it immediately!

What I liked:

1. The setting. The immediate plunge into a world underground where the traditional rules I know don't apply set me immediately on edge. Normally, this would be considered a bad thing, except in this case it made it easier for me to identify with the characters. Malachi is confused and lost in a world not his own, and Ayla (for some reason I have flashes of Clan of the Cavebear when I hear this name...but that's a different thing) is out-of-place and not truely comfortable in her own skin and world. Being on edge is the way to be.

2. Malachi's love and trust of /for Ayla. He has every right to not trust her. His quick change of heart could be seen as too simple or naive, but to me it's sweet. He does struggle for a bit deciding whether to kill her or kiss her, but luckily love wins out.

3. Maab. She is portrayed as self-ish and cruel, but also intelligent. She is the perfect foil for actions in this world and her court.
 

What I didn't like:

1. Not much is given as to the whys of the world splitting and changing the way that it did. I'm sure that it is just a weighty story in it's own right....and that's not this story, but I'd like to have a bit more of it.

Overall: I'm in love with the story! I'm excited to get my hands on the next two books in the series: Child of Darkness and Veil of Shadows.  If you have any interest in fairy politics....and a good love story...this is one for you.

Discussion Questions And Possible Spoilers 

(Don't continue reading if you don't want things ruined for you.)

#1 Did you have an understanding of the world created by this novel, or did you find the complexity too much? It seemed like a lot of the world was based on well established information we already have about the Fairy Court, Queen Maab, and such. However, I do wish we (readers) had been given more information concerning what happened to the world previously to get us to where we currently are.

#2 In a book that it appears many have trouble liking, what is one thing that you like about this book? I liked quite a bit about this book actually. One of the most interesting things is something I didn't speak about in my review (not wanting to give spoilers and all that). I find it very interesting that Ayla, a being that is half-fairy and half-human, is the catalyst for the changes to come between the worlds. Her coupling with Malachi, a Darkworlder a.k.a. different race, will produce the ruler that unites the worlds......or so I think. Plus, that fits perfectly into the mythology in the book about who will unite the races.

#3 Did you agree with the author’s decision to make Ayla a fierce assassin in battle and a weakling in her emotions? For example her obvious contempt for Garret but yet her willingness to be his mate and subject herself to his demeaning manor?   I'm torn here. It seems perfectly reasonable to me that someone so highly trained in battle and killing would either be able to close emotions off or not have a good grasp of their actual emotions. However, I don't like her interactions with Garret. It reads too much like a domestic violence situation....which I think it was supposed to. 

#4 What do you think the significance of the the baby Ayla carries is/will be? That baby is the savior of the races. She is the Fae with mixed blood that will unite them all.

#5 What do you think of Ayla's ascension to the throne? Do you believe she accepted her own destiny too easily?  I believe that she often did what she thought was expected of her. She wanted to be part of this society so she did what she needed to belong, which includes being an appropriate consort to the Queen's brother, and accepting the crown when it is thrust upon her.  I don't think it is necessarily easy

for her, but that she goes along be that's what she is expected to do.