2.22.2013

Book Review: Battle: The House War: Book Five by Michelle Sagara West

Battle: The House War: Book FiveBattle: The House War: Book Five by Michelle Sagara West
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.75 Stars

This author, this series (and to be honest, her others as well) are some of my favorites.

I don't agree when people have said that this is mis-named. There were plenty of battles going on through out this book. Granted, they might not all been physical-bloody-sword-wielding battles, but battles they were. Battles, internal in the house, internal to the characters and positions, between the need for protection and the lesser of 2 possible outcomes. Battles of trust and knowledge and fear.

The only things that somewhat annoyed me were that Jewel, or even Finch (to a much lesser degree), had so many descriptions of getting ready (I guess this could be read as gearing up for a battle, in it's own way) that I found the almost a distraction. Almost. As well as the continous repeat of stating where Jewel and her den are from (aka the 25th holding) that, at this point, if the readers aren't concrete in this fact, they are not reading the books. One or two mentions I can understand, especially if spaced far enough apart. Repeating conversations are not my favorite things to read and this novel had several different ones going on. But you can't always get all of your characters into 1 room and give everyone the same details at the same time.

Overall, this book was amazing. I did not want to stop reading it until it was done. I loved how many of the questions in my mind were answered, only to have more come into play. The writing, was descriptive and was able to pull me into the book to experience along with the characters. It was engrossing, the characters are growing more into themselves and their positions.

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2.21.2013

Book Review: My Irresistible Earl (The Inferno Club #3) by Gaelen Foley

My Irresistible Earl (Inferno Club, #3)My Irresistible Earl by Gaelen Foley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this novel in the Inferno series. It ramped up well from the first 2 books.

This book felt a little bit more put together, it had additional complications in the plots that I thought blended the action and heart pounding emotions into a great story.

Very entertaining!

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Book Review: Wolfishly Yours (Westfield Wolves #6) by Lydia Dare

Wolfishly Yours (Westfield Wolves, #6)Wolfishly Yours by Lydia Dare
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This light, charming and funny installment in the Westfield Wolves series was wonderful to read.

The writing style is so easy and amusing and feels natural that this series has become one of my favorites in the paranormal/historical romances.

I loved how the leading heroine was considered more wild then the wolves of Westfield, she was more daring and will not settle for less than what she truly wants. And Grayson, so handsome and dashing and completely lost about Liviana.

Can't wait for the next one!

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2.20.2013

Depth Perception

Do you ever just sit somewhere and pretend that you belong? Pretend that life is not driving you down that road with multiple forks, and each branching fork is pitted in some soulless shadow of where you want to be...?

Do you ever wonder what the point is? I don't mean, what's the point of life, no one really knows that one. I mean, what's the point of this particular life experience. Why this, why now, why period.

How hard do you have to think, to speak, to do -  to get the message across that there is more. So much more than we realize, because we get so trapped and warped by life, our jobs, our stresses that we stop even bothering to glimpse out the window and notice the skies are full.

When is the right time to take that deep breath and breathe out all the garbled nuances that chain us? How do we realize that those pitiful little hooks are not helping...and that it's painful to remove them but not life threatening and thus freeing?

There are moments, while I sit and gaze sadly at cubicle walls, knowing I am wasting my time, my energy for an unseen value.

And values, those shockingly pesky ideas. A value is only valued by the one valuing it. What I value, others would despair at or waste away on or perhaps just mock. Still, there are the remote few or several who value some of the generalities that I value. Those of like minds and all that.

I'm may be saddened and annoyed at the moments inability to reflect what I want and need. However, that fickle bitch Time will eventually release her restrictions thusly causing rapid changes in reality again.


~~and this is not directed at/about/etc anyone I know or care about...I am just sitting in a conference room, bored out of my skull and avoiding the necessary process of working~~

2.19.2013

Book Review: Always a Witch (Witch #2) by Carolyn MacCullough

Always a Witch (Witch, #2)Always a Witch by Carolyn MacCullough
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.75 Stars

I enjoyed reading Always a Witch, a fast paced sequal to Once a Witch. I think I would have given it 4 stars (or more) if it felt forward. It read very similar to the first book. It was quite gripping, action packed and incredible. It's a great book to read. I just wanted it to take more of a leap with the characters, have them grow more and not just take a couple of smaller steps instead.

Of course, that being said, there was some serious awesome-ness in this book. The romance factor kicked in a bit more, which just made me grin. I love how Tamsin is so strong in herself, knowing what the right thing to do, even if it's hard. I was nail biting the entire time Tamsin was a "lady's maid".

I really would like to see more of some of the other characters, especially now. I want to know what else is going to happen, even if it's 20 years later and it's Tamsin's kids (just happy wishing). I even want to know what led La Spider's family to it's predicament.

The author is such a great writer, that you have to read the entire book and then you still want more.

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Book Review: To Tame A Highland Warrior (Highlander #2) by Karen Marie Moning

To Tame A Highland Warrior (Highlander #2)To Tame A Highland Warrior by Karen Marie Moning
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I thought that this 2nd installment in the Highland series was really good.

The angst over long held emotions from both the main characters was intense. The leading hero, Grimm, in denial about so many things, has to face the facts. He felt so, soulful and real, that I was able to really appreciate his character all the more. He did frustrate me a bit, male stubborn-ness, in not listening (to himself and others) and dealing with things. The leading heroine, Jillian, was smart and kind and I really loved how she just did what was in her heart.

It was really rewarding to see the characters come to their respective realizations, all the while dealing with the mayhem of marriage and fueds and family.

The author, I think, outdid herself in this novel. It was not cookie cutter formulae but still held that intense intrigue that kept me glued to the book, having to read it or else.

Can't wait to read the next one!

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Book Review: Feral Magic by Robin D. Owens

Feral MagicFeral Magic by Robin D. Owens
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this novella. Having read most of the authors other works, I was not surprised at how incredible this story turned out to be. To be honest, I hope that it turns into it's own series.

Being Novella, it's a glimpse into a Urban-Fantasy setting, where a shape-changing panther child accidently comes to earth. The leading heroine, of course, is unluckily blessed with telepathic abilities - with cats. Throw in a hunky leading alpha male looking for his charge and you have an opportunity for some heated moments. Action, life changing decisions and romance.

Who could ask for more!!

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Book Review: Soulless (Parasol Protectorate #1) by Gail Carriger

Soulless (Parasol Protectorate, #1)Soulless by Gail Carriger
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I was surprised by this book. I did enjoy reading it quite a bit and I wasn't expecting that.

Being that it's the first book in a series, the author did a good job in the world building as well as the character development. Even the repeated mention of Alexia's Italian heritage and her nose seemed to flow pretty well. Normally, that type of repitition would annoy me, however, since the time frame is more of that historical Victorian, I would not have been surprised by this to actually happen.

I particularly liked the witty and sharp banter between the characters. The plot was different and original; even how the state of affairs for those of the supernatural I found intriguing. Not to mention that so many different aspects of genres was woven into this novel. It was well put together, which is not an easy feat.

It was an easy and light read, something that you could enjoy but not become engrossed in (as compared to Michelle Sagara West for instance).

I am looking forward to reading the rest of the novels in this series.

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