Sunday, November 03, 2013
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Monday, January 09, 2012
unclean spirits
Title: Unclean Spirits
Author: M.L.N. Hanover
Date Finished: January 9, 2012
Personal Book Count: 1 out of 50
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Genre/ Subject: urban fantasy
First Line: It was raining in Denver the night Eric Heller died.
Why did I pick this book?: It was a gift.
Summary and Review: taken from the author's website-
“Jayné Heller thinks of herself as a realist, until she discovers reality isn’t quite what she thought it was. When her uncle Eric is murdered, Jayné travels to Denver to settle his estate, only to learn that it’s all hers — and vaster than she ever imagined. And along with properties across the world and an inexhaustible fortune, Eric left her a legacy of a different kind: his unfinished business with a cabal of wizards known as the Invisible College.
Led by the ruthless Randolph Coin, the Invisible College harnesses demon spirits for their own ends of power and domination. Jayné finds it difficult to believe magic and demons can even exist, let alone be responsible for the death of her uncle. But Coin sees Eric’s heir as a threat to be eliminated by any means — magical or mundane — so Jayné had better start believing in something to save her own life.”
M.L.N. Hanover is an alias for Daniel Abraham. And I was surprised by that it was a guy, but I'm not sure why. This year (as many years) DH and I gave each other books for Christmas. They all looked good, and covered the wide gambit of my tastes. This one I was really unsure about though, but he was so excited about it, I agree to read it first. After all, not so long ago he picked me a book that got me out of a reading funk, so maybe he did know my tastes pretty well. So, I finished the pile of reviews I had to catch-up on from last year, and dove in. It was exciting. Then it was confusing. Then it was intriguing. Then it kept me from sleeping because I was a little scared. Then I couldn't sleep because I couldn't stop thinking about it. And I just plain just couldn't stop turning pages. Jaynes character is the underdog. And pretty much has the maturity and mentality of a college student. And she takes you from her old life to her new one in a believable manner. The money, and the responsibility. She starts to meet people from her uncle Eric's world. And they are all 'characters' to themselves. Aubrey, Ex, Jake and Midian, all bring something to the table she needs, both emotionally and fighting the Invisible College. There was one moment when I about threw the book across the room, with a scream to wake the dead in rage (and I probably would of if it wasn't 1 am, and I was up way to late reading. Again.). I felt tricked. But, the pull of the book at that point brought me back, and I found that it was justified and explained, even if I still didn't love it. With that said, I was 7 pages from being done when DH came home today. He was handed money and immediately sent out the door for the sequel, so I could start it right away. Will it hold up to the first? Time will tell, but right now, I am REALLY hoping so...
Is there a book that sent you immediately out for the next? What and why?
Agree? Disagree? Recommendations? Any insights, suggestions, or comments on the book or format, or blog at all are most welcome. If you have read this and/ or review it yourself, please let me know. Can you think of any books like this? Give me a recommendation! =D
Friday, January 06, 2012
Books Read in 2011
Click link to either read my review, or see where you can purchase a copy.
1. Christmas Cookie Murder- Leslie Meier
2. After Dark- Jayne Castle
3. The Trouble with Magic- Madelyn Alt
4. Deception Point- Dan Brown
5. Room- Emma Donoghue
6. Trouble Maker 2- Janet Evanovich
1. Christmas Cookie Murder- Leslie Meier
2. After Dark- Jayne Castle
3. The Trouble with Magic- Madelyn Alt
4. Deception Point- Dan Brown
5. Room- Emma Donoghue
6. Trouble Maker 2- Janet Evanovich
Thursday, January 05, 2012
Honeymoon with Murder
Title: Honeymoon with Murder
Author: Carolyn G. Hart
Date Finished: December 30, 2011
Personal Book Count: 47 out of 75
Rating: 4 out of 5
Genre/ Subject: mystery
First Line: Jesse Penrick didn't miss much on his solitary nocturnal rambles.
Why did I pick this book?: next in the series.
Summary and Review: taken from goodreads-
“Mystery Bookstore owner Annie Laurance is well-acquainted with murder, but she never imagined one taking place on her honeymoon! A marvelous spoof of New Age mumbo jumbo by an author whose work has been compared to that of Agatha Christie.”
This one was great. I love all the references the author packs into each novel. It shows the author is a huge fan of a wide variety of mystery novels herself. I was a little put off when I realized that the wedding was going to take place in the book (as opposed to in between them), but the author pulled it off well. The wedding took place in the beginning of the book, and really didn't have anything to do with the mystery, but was nicely worked in. I can't imagine wanting to do anything less on my honeymoon, but with Annie, I can't imagine anything more appropriate. I love that Max always has Annie’s back, and pitches in to help in his own way. I like that Henny jumps in and takes over the investigation, without taking over the story, by doing her own thing, and popping up on occasion as different novel sleuths. This novel was one that was 'solvable', by following clues and paying attention. And you know I love that type of book. Annie does get away with a lot, by justifying it as solving a mystery. And she takes risks that I don't think anyone would really take, at least by themselves. (Why couldn’t she take her new cute hubby along with her?) But all in all a pleasurable read, and a good way to spend the Christmas holidays. :)
Agree? Disagree? Recommendations? Any insights, suggestions, or comments on the book or format, or blog at all are most welcome. If you have read this and/ or review it yourself, please let me know. Can you think of any books like this? Give me a recommendation! =D
Sunday, January 01, 2012
Dancing in the Moonlight
MINI REVIEW
Title: Dancing in the Moonlight
Author: Raeanne Thayne
Date Finished: December 27, 2011
Personal Book Count: 46 out of 75
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Genre/ Subject: romance
Why did I pick this book?: was next in line on my kindle
Summary and Review: Two old neighbors in a ranch community grow up side by side. But bad blood between their family's as teens make them enemies. He goes off and becomes a doctor, and comes home to practice. She goes off and become a nurse, and then enlists in the army. When she loses part of her leg, she comes home to hide and recuperate. Of course their paths cross again, and romance ensues. It is about what I expected. I used to like reading these when I was younger, but after a while, they all become very the same. I love the push/pull and I love the expected happy ending. Enjoyed for what it is.
Agree? Disagree? Recommendations? Any insights, suggestions, or comments on the book or format, or blog at all are most welcome. If you have read this and/ or review it yourself, please let me know. Can you think of any books like this? Give me a recommendation! =D
the giver
Title: The Giver
Author: Lois Lowry
Date Finished: December 18, 2011
Personal Book Count: 45 out of 75
Rating: 4 out of 5
Genre/ Subject: Middle Grade Fiction. Newbery Medal
Why did I pick this book?: recommended by a friend on line.
Summary and Review: taken from the author's website-
“"It was almost December, and Jonas was beginning to be frightened."
Thus opens this haunting novel in which a boy inhabits a seemingly ideal world: a world without conflict, poverty, unemployment, divorce, injustice, or inequality. It is a time in which family values are paramount, teenage rebellion is unheard of, and even good manners are a way of life.
December is the time of the annual Ceremony at which each twelve year old receives a life assignment determined by the Elders. Jonas watches his friend Fiona named Caretaker of the Old and his cheerful pal Asher labeled the Assistant Director of Recreation. But Jonas has been chosen for something special. When his selection leads him to an unnamed man -the man called only the Giver -he begins to sense the dark secrets that underlie the fragile perfection of his world.
Told with deceptive simplicity, this is the provocative story of a boy who experiences something incredible and undertakes something impossible. In the telling it questions every value we have taken for granted and reexamines our most deeply held beliefs.”
I was pleasantly surprised when I read this and Ender's Game back to back (see previous review). I have not read many of these types of book, and normally would not have read 2 so close together. But because I did, I noticed a lot of similarities. I mean, the obvious. It's dystopian. It's more or less timeless. They live in a so-called 'perfect' world, that are now being threatened, and they must protect them. The future in both hinges on a child. Both are trilogies. This book was a powerful one, even for an adult. I like the way the author allowed the reader to feel what Jonas is going through along with him. The reader got a taste of the isolation and loneliness along with him. I like the way that the author slowly opened his eyes, but he took action, as opposed to passively sitting by, as people had done for generations. It was interesting to me to see how every detail is so controlled in the society to be made 'the same'. The author put a lot of work into the details, and it's these little bits that make it interesting. It was much less dark then Ender's Game. I look forward to reading the sequel.
Agree? Disagree? Recommendations? Any insights, suggestions, or comments on the book or format, or blog at all are most welcome. If you have read this and/ or review it yourself, please let me know. Can you think of any books like this? Give me a recommendation! =D
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Ender's Game
Title: Ender's Game
Author: Orson Scott Card
Date Finished: December 13, 2011
Personal Book Count: 44 out of 75
Rating: 4 out of 5
Genre/ Subject: science fiction. Nebula and Hugo Award Winner .
First Line: “I've watched through his eyes, I've listened through his ears, and I tell you he's the one. Or at least as close as we're going to get.”
Why did I pick this book?: my husband told me I had to read it.
Summary and Review: taken from the author's website-
“Andrew "Ender" Wiggin thinks he is playing computer simulated war games; he is, in fact, engaged in something far more desperate. The result of genetic experimentation, Ender may be the military genius Earth desperately needs in a war against an alien enemy seeking to destroy all human life. The only way to find out is to throw Ender into ever harsher training, to chip away and find the diamond inside, or destroy him utterly. Ender Wiggin is six years old when it begins. He will grow up fast.”
I found the ending lukewarm compared to the rest of the book, and it did nothing to make me less angry. I felt manipulated. But then, an old phrase came back to me 'hate the characters, not the book'. And I realized that if the book made me this angry, it meant I loved it, it was the actions of some I didn't like. The giant thing was just weird. I really am still not sure what to make of it. I was a little surprised to see that it had been written in 1985. I think the fantasy and technology is as solid now as it was 25 years ago. There was nothing in it to date it. I found the writing was simple (in a good way, not simplistic). It was descriptive, but not flowery. Not to be confused with the themes and concepts, which were not simple at all. I will say in the beginning I was very frustrated with the anonymous people talking, at the beginning of each chapter. The two voices seemed unnecessary. It made me emotional they were trying to constantly 'kick' Ender and bring him down. It felt very frustrating. My favorite part was probably the battleroom scenes, and I think the whole book was probably worth reading for those. I love it, and was a little sad when he had to move on. I don’t know if the ending is enough to make me read the sequel or not. It kind of feels like a cheap lead in to the next one, which would have to be completely different. With that said , it makes me feel really tired. As good as it was, it was a lot of work for me to understand the science and politics, and even picturing some of the battles in my head. I think I need a break, with something a bit lighter. I probably will do the sequel, but not for a while. Maybe DH and I will do it together :)
Agree? Disagree? Recommendations? Any insights, suggestions, or comments on the book or format, or blog at all are most welcome. If you have read this and/ or review it yourself, please let me know. Can you think of any books like this? Give me a recommendation! =D
Friday, December 30, 2011
Killer Insight
Title: Killer Insight
Author: Victoria Laurie
Date Finished: November 23, 2011
Personal Book Count: 43 out of 75
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Genre/ Subject: mystery/ paranormal
First Line: As I looked down the barrel of the .38 pointed at my chest, and into the familiar eyes of my killer, all I could think was, I'm a friggin'psychic, for Pete's sake!
Why did I pick this book?: next one in this series.
Summary and Review: taken from the author's website-
“When a childhood friend of Abby's from Denver, Colorado, finds herself short one bridesmaid, it doesn't take a professional psychic to see the opportunity for a much-needed getaway. But one bridesmaid after the next is mysteriously flying the coop, and Abby's intuition tells her their final destination isn't pretty. With the wedding party falling apart and her gift of sight never quite so foggy, Abby has to save the date-and herself from becoming the next taffeta-clad target.”
I love these books. I love the relationship, or lack there of in this case, between her and Dutch. I kind of like that this one branched out into a new setting, and allowed us to meet some new characters, while bringing a few old favorites along with her. It drives me nuts that when her 'radar' goes off, and she is busy, she ignores it. Hasn't she learned by now? Don't you think that after living with it all her life, she would know that maybe she should stop and listen. But then, it really wouldn't be as interesting a story, would it? I like that these are mysteries, and you have the ability to guess. (if you know me, you know that I HATE a mystery where who done it randomly pops in at the end, with no previous clues). This is a cozy, quick and easy read. Laurie has a great sense of humor, and I find these a fun way to spend the weekend. =D
Agree? Disagree? Recommendations? Any insights, suggestions, or comments on the book or format, or blog at all are most welcome. If you have read this and/ or review it yourself, please let me know. Can you think of any books like this? Give me a recommendation! =D
The Ideal Man
Title: The Ideal Man
Author: Julie Garwood
Date Finished: November 17, 2011
Personal Book Count: 42 out of 75
Rating: 4 out of 5
Genre/ Subject: fiction/ romance/ suspense
First Line: The first time she slit a man's throat she felt sick to her stomach.
Why did I pick this book?: I really like Julie Garwood.
Summary and Review: taken from the author's website-
“Dr. Ellie Sullivan has just completed her residency at a large urban hospital. While jogging in a park nearby, she witnesses the shooting of an FBI agent in pursuit of wanted criminals, a couple identified as the Landrys. The only person to see the shooter's face, Ellie is suddenly at the center of a criminal investigation.
Agent Max Daniels takes over the Landry case. A no-nonsense lawman, he's definitely not the ideal man that Ellie has always imagined, yet she's attracted to him in a way she can't explain.”
Fun, light, fluffy. These are the words I think of when I think of Garwood. Also romance and suspense. As usual, she lived up to all my expectations. Strong female lead, in this case a doctor. Law enforcement male lead, usually FBI, or a cop. Always gorgeous, of course. He is put in charge of protecting her from something. The love follows. ok. Maybe it's a bit formulaic. But sometimes that is good. Comforting. This is very much a comfort read. It might not be great literature, but I can never wait for the next one to come out to melt into. This one didn't disappoint. Apropos of nothing, I love the cover image of this one.
Agree? Disagree? Recommendations? Any insights, suggestions, or comments on the book or format, or blog at all are most welcome. If you have read this and/ or review it yourself, please let me know. Can you think of any books like this? Give me a recommendation! =D
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