Don't forget that the VampChix VampBash is going on right now. There are a LOT of awesome things up for grabs, but it ends today.
Saturday, 31 October 2009
It's that spooky time of the year...
Don't forget that the VampChix VampBash is going on right now. There are a LOT of awesome things up for grabs, but it ends today.
Friday, 30 October 2009
A TOUCH OF DEAD: A Sookie Stackhouse Collection
Sookie Stackhouse enjoys her job as a cocktail waitress in Merlotte's, a small-town bar in small-town Bon Temps, deep in Louisiana. She's funny and pretty and, thanks to her grandmother, she's very well-mannered - but since not many people truly appreciate her ability to read their minds, the guys haven't exactly been beating down her door... And then along came Bill, tall, dark and handsome - and Sookie couldn't 'hear' a word he was thinking. He was exactly the type of guy she'd been waiting all her life for. Of course, Bill had a disability of his own: fussy about his food, not into suntans, bit of a night person: yep, Bill was a vampire. But at least now Sookie knows there ARE guys she can date who won't worry about her catching them thinking about other women... And that's going to make Sookie's life really interesting!
ONE WORD ANSWER: While Sookie is doing some late-night gardening with Bubba, a limo arrives at her house. A man who claims to be a lawyer by the name of Mr. Cataliades gets out and tells her that her cousin Hadley is dead, but that's not all he's there to tell her. His visit entails more revelations then she expected.
I really liked the simplicity of this story. It's a straightforward tale that gives Sookie some answers about her estranged cousin, but also has a few very cool twists in the end. Well-worth reading.
LUCKY: When Greg Aubert pays Sookie a visit, hoping she'll help him figure out who's been sneaking past his spell to get into his insurance office at night, Amelia and Sookie investigate. What that entails is a telepath (Sookie) and a witch (Amelia) following one clue after another, until Sookie can find whoever's responsible. Who would've thought that someone could hog all the luck in one town?
This was a great story that captured not only Sookie's world, but what makes a short story really work. I loved it!
GIFT WRAP: Sookie's all alone on Christmas Eve, but when she goes for a walk in the woods and finds an injured Were, she insists on taking him home to make sure whoever attacked him doesn't return to finish him off. But the mysterious stranger brings a little festive magic to her night.
This delicious tale was excellent. I wasn't expecting the sneaky twist at the end, but loved it.
A Touch of Dead is a collection that every Sookie Stackhouse fan should own and will love. I know I did!
A Touch of Dead: A Sookie Stackhouse Collection, October 2009, ISBN 0575094435, Gollancz Paperback
Wednesday, 28 October 2009
I got some things done today!
*Don't forget that the VampChix VampBash is going on right now. There are a LOT of awesome things up for grabs.
**I'll also be posting an interview with fellow Damnation Books author, Lily on the 29th. And I'll be over at her blog on the 30th. Yay. :)
DARK ACADEMY: SECRET LIVES
The Darke Academy is a school like no other. An elite establishment that moves to an exotic new city every term, its students are impossibly beautiful, sophisticated and rich. And the more new scholarship girl Cassie Bell learns about the Academy, the more curious she becomes.
What sinister secrets are guarded by the Few -- the select group of students who keep outsiders away? Who is the dark stranger prowling the corridors at night? And what really happened a year earlier, when the last scholarship girl died in mysterious circumstances?
One thing Cassie will discover is that a little knowledge may be a dangerous thing, but knowing too much can be deadly!
Something strange is going on at the Dark Academy, and the new girl is about to find herself in the middle of it. It's quite an intriguing concept, and I have to admit that I was curious about this story as soon as I read this blurb. Of course, after I read the Prologue I was itching to find out more.
Cassie Bell has had a rough life, so being accepted at an elite Academy in Paris on a scholarship sounds like a fantastic opportunity. But from the very first day, she notices that a lot of the students aren't just snobs, but also have a very mean streak. Especially the bunch who call themselves the Few. Luckily, she meets the Latin Isabella, her roommate and instant friend. Of course, there's also the mysterious Jake, who seems to want to get to the bottom of things as much as she does. As well as the enigmatic but very alluring Ranjit.
Before she realises it, Cassie becomes the center of attention for this select group, and it's not necessarily a good thing. There are a lot of secrets in the Darke Academy, and finding out what they are can be deadly.
I loved it! The tension builds up so thick and the mystery so deep that I devoured the entire book in about a day. I just had to know where this was going. There are some very spooky scenes that'll keep you guessing and push you forward, further into the dark. I didn't want to put it down. I'm hooked.
The characters were great, especially Cassie and Ranjit. I can't wait to find out where the outcome of this book is going to take these two kindred spirits.
Dark Academy: Secret Lives is a wonderful and very creepy book that starts out just like any other story about a new kid in school, but becomes so much more. It throws you into a mysterious school with a very dark secret. I think it's a winner.
I'm looking forward to the next one, Dark Academy: Blood Ties.
Monday, 26 October 2009
KEEPING IT REAL
When I read the blurb for this book I couldn't decide if it was a futuristic, an urban fantasy, a Sci-Fi, or just a straight out fantasy. I just knew that I wanted to read it. After I started it, I found out that it's pretty much a mix of all of the above. Just like Lila is a mesh between human and machine.
After the Quantum Bomb, the world changed forever. Even the name changed, Earth is now known as Otopia. But more importantly, the fabric between the dimensions was torn, opening up the way to five other realities. Humans can live alongside creatures from other realms. Demons, elves, elementals, and all types of faery live amongst us in a world now deep in magic and technology.
Lila Black is a woman, but she's also a machine with an AI. After a mission that almost killed her a few years back, her body was fused with carbon and metal alloy to become an efficient machine with enough weapons to have something handy for any situation.
When she takes the job of guarding an elf who happens to be the lead singer of a very popular band, the story seems very grounded in a recognisable world. But when someone attempts to kill and in fact take Zal from this realm and into Alfheim, she has no choice but to put her trust in the elf responsible for her 'upgraded' physical condition. The one who almost destroyed her.
Wrapped in a futuristic package is a fantastical tale with places and concepts that will stretch the boundaries of your imagination. I enjoyed the seemingly simplicity of Lila, and how the further you get into the story, the more complicated and real she becomes. Things are certainly not what they seem with any of the elves she is forced to depend on, or work with along the way to saving Zal.
Keeping It Real is an action-packed book that'll keep you guessing at every turn. Just when you're sure you understand the elves and their peculiar ways, something else is thrown into the mix to totally confuse you. Double-crossing, possession, lust, and the very interesting concept of Games, are just a few things to expect in this fascinating new world/s.
THE LAUGHING CORPSE
Everything that I loved about the series - the horror, gore, Anita's relationship struggles, her personal inner struggle, her complicated friendships, the tough as nails attitude, the way her job dominates her life because it's so much more, and just the strong Anita that kept me turning the pages, eventually faded into an almost unrecognisable shadow of herself. One that depended on the ardeur and not much else.
But this is about the second book in the series, and I love this one! It has everything that made this series so addictive to start with. I couldn't put it down until I got to the end.
The Laughing Corpse is a clever, dark and very gritty book. Anita takes us into some very grotesque situations as she struggles to keep a human balance in her life by raising the dead for a living, trying to avoid a vampire who wants her, and agreeing to wear an awful pink bridesmaid dress to be in her friend's wedding. It's not an easy thing to do, but Anita somehow pulls it off in a very entertaining way.
This is the Anita Blake that became a constant in my life years ago, so I really enjoyed getting the opportunity to re-read this book. If you're into urban fantasy and haven't given this series a go, I recommend that you do. Especially the earlier books, because they are truly awesome!
Thursday, 22 October 2009
Ouch! My head hurts...
Yesterday was another not-really-writing day, but still doing writing-and-reading-related-type stuff. It's just strange how quickly the day goes by. Even now, it's almost one in the afternoon. In two hours I'll have to head out to pick my daughter up from school. Sometimes I wonder how I manage to fit so much into the day. Lol. :D
Wednesday, 21 October 2009
EVIL CATS
I love cats and have a very cheeky one of my own. I also know that kitties can be very naughty if things aren't going their way. And already love the Simon's Cat films.
Monday, 19 October 2009
DEXTER BY DESIGN
This is the fourth book in the Dexter Series and like the three before it... I loved it! I constantly find myself cheering for Dexter, and love that fate somehow always manages to get him out of the messy entanglements he gets himself caught up in. How awesome is that? Very awesome. :)
I can't stop raving about these books. They've become some of my favourites. Oh, and the last line in this book is outstanding... but had me wishing for more. :)
Dexter By Design, September 2009, ISBN 0752884611, Orion Fiction Paperback
Gosh!
About a month ago, she put together a Wishlist of presies she was interested in. And in the end, we got her everything on there. As well as a few other things. We were very stealth about it and she didn't suspect a thing. She was so surprised. And happy. It was lovely to see.
Okay. Time to see what I might tackle next... See ya!
Saturday, 17 October 2009
GRAVE SECRET
Then her stepfather arrives on the scene, seeking forgiveness for his past sins - the abuse and the drug-use - and the police finally get a tip-off after all these years, that Harper's long lost sister has been spotted in a mall. With all this going on Harper realises life is getting a little complicated, but she doesn't expect those complications to include her stepbrother Tolliver getting shot, or watching a cop die taking a bullet for her.
This is the fourth book in the Harper Connelly series by Charlaine Harris, and I was totally blown away by it. Seriously.
When Harper and Tolliver go to a cemetery near Dallas for their latest case to help a woman from a very rich family find out how her grandfather died, Harper uncovers a few hidden secrets that someone desperately wants to keep buried. Badly enough to shoot at Harper. But the bullet misses her and instead hits Tolliver, and he ends up in the hospital.
And if that's not bad enough, Tolliver's father is out of jail and has decided that now is the best time to reconnect with his children. Even if he doesn't seem to think too highly of Harper. Not to mention that people keep getting shot around Harper as she slowly uncovers small pieces of the Joyce mystery, with a little help from her psychic friend, Manfred. I was really glad to see that he keeps popping up in the series. He's a very interesting character.
The familial entanglement of the wealthy Joyce family are darkly mirrored and even connected to Harper's. It seems that the longer she spends in Dallas, the more complicated things get. And the less tolerant people seem to be of her newfound relationship with Tolliver. Except for their mutual little sisters who seem excited at the prospect of a wedding.
I absolutely loved this book and adore the series. I'm a huge Sookie Stackhouse fan and didn't think I would get this caught up in Harper's world, but I have. Every book gets better and deeper into the core of Harper's gift and circumstances. The heartbreak of her sister's disappearance has hounded her for years, and in this book it resurfaces in an unexpected way. As sad as it is, I'm glad that Harper is finally able to find some closure in this department.
Grave Secret is an amazing addition to this wonderful series and only deepened my involvement in Harper and Tolliver's life. While also revealing some very shocking and bizarre secrets about their family's harsh past.
I also love how Charlaine Harris can introduce the reader to seemingly simple heroines that are really extraordinary and very resourceful. She did it first with Sookie, and she's done it again with Harper. This series is another winner! I can't wait to read more.
Grave Secret, November 2009, ISBN 0575085541, Gollancz Paperback
Thursday, 15 October 2009
Planning out loud
Phew.
Okay. That synopsis is not going to write itself. Lol.
NIGHT WORLD Volume 3
This omnibus contains books seven-to-nine in L.J. Smith's Night World series, and once again introduces a bunch of new characters and expands on the world and myth.
Another great installment that gives more of an insight into the shapeshifters, while putting the heroine into a really sticky situation of heart versus duty. Cool story!
Night World, Volume 2, September 2009, ISBN 9780340996645, Hachette Children's Books
Wednesday, 14 October 2009
AN ICE COLD GRAVE
Hired to find a boy gene missing in Doraville, North Carolina, Harper Connelly and her brother Tolliver head there-only to discover that the boy was only one of several who had disappeared over the previous five years. All of them teenagers. All unlikely runaways.
All calling for Harper.
Harper soon finds them-eight victims, buried in the half-frozen ground, all come to an unspeakable end. Afterwards, what she most wants to do is collect her fee and get out of town ahead of the media storm that's soon to descend. But when she's attacked and prevented from leaving, she reluctantly becomes a part of the investigation as she learns more than she cares to about the dark mysteries and long-hidden secrets of Doraville-knowledge that makes her the next person likely to rest in an ice-cold grave.
Monday, 12 October 2009
Not much to say... but enough
Anyway, enough complaining. :)
I've already crossed two things off the list, which is awesome for a Monday. My main objective is to get the third draft of M-YA finished. I've now hit page 231/297, so it's moving along nicely. I'm really trying to get it done by Wednesday. See how I go. Since this is also the last week of my daughter's school holidays.
Sunday, 11 October 2009
GRAVE SURPRISE
Friday, 9 October 2009
DEXTER IN THE DARK
Dexter Morgan is busy planning his wedding to Rita to complete his nice guy disguise. But when a student is found burnt, molested and headless - seemingly sacrificed to an ancient god - and Dex is brought in as forensic analyst to help investigate, he realises he could be dealing with someone a whole lot more sinister than he is. Soon it seems the dark passenger in Dexter's head has gone into hiding. And when something creeps out your friendly neighbourhood serial killer, you know it's serious...
As Halpern and Dexter are stalked by death, it looks like it's getting personal - especially as Dex now has a family to protect. Gradually, Dexter realises his stepchildren might share his extracurricular interest in death. Could he help them target their bloodlust, just as he steers his own? But to do that, Dex must cope with a certain mutilated sergeant from his past and, more importantly, stay alive...
Thursday, 8 October 2009
A chill in the air
See ya!
Wednesday, 7 October 2009
Revision City, once again!
Today is her third day. Not that I'm keeping count or anything. But when she's around, my whole day needs to be turned upside down. Seriously, it does.
I'm just so used to getting a bunch of hours to myself during the weekdays, after hubby goes to work. This is a huge adjustment. I pretty much get a few hours in the afternoon, and maybe one more at night after she's gone to bed.
Okay, I'm gonna shut up now... Bye!
NIGHT WORLD Volume 2
This omnibus contains books four-to-six in L.J. Smith's Night World series, and introduces a bunch of new characters.
Dark Angel: After missing her ride home, Gillian is forced to walk home in the cold. But when she hears crying and wanders off the road to investigate, her life changes forever. She dies but is sent back by her guardian angel. Not only will Angel give Gillian her life back but he'll also help her become popular at school and win the heart of the guy she likes.
Except, Angel has plans of his own, and along the way makes her realise a few truths about what she really is. This story shows the evolution of Gillian - littered with confusion, revelations, and the path to her soulmate.
The Chosen: Rashel's family was killed by a vampire when she was a child, and now she hunts them. She's good at what she does, but when she meets a vampire who claims to be her soulmate, she must deal with the consequences.
This was another well-told story that explores the ultimate opposites-attract concept and how hating one breed because of grief and loss isn't always a good idea. Or the way to revenge and happiness.
Soulmate: Hannah has a good life but her dreams are filled with confusing events. When she goes to get help via hypnosis, she finds out that these dreams are actually fragments of her past lives. Lives in which she meets and loses the love of her life over and over again. All because of one person, who's only ambition is to keep Hannah away from her true love, Thierry.
This is a fascinating concept with very emotional ties that takes the soulmate path to another level and opens up some history about the Night World.
I found the next lot of YA stories in this world to be as interesting and entertaining as the first three.
Night World, Volume 2, September 2009, ISBN 9780340996638, Hachette Children's BooksTuesday, 6 October 2009
We have a Wither cover!
Well, what do you think?
HOW I LIVE NOW
It would be much easier to tell this story if it were all about a chaste and perfect love at an Extreme Time in History. But let's face it. . .
Daisy is sent to England from New York to live with her cousins for a perfect summer.
There are four of them: Osbert, Isaac , Edmond and Piper. Three boys and a girl. And two dogs and a goat.
Daisy has never met anyone like them before. Especially Edmond.
This summer will change her life. It will change the world too.
Sunday, 4 October 2009
DEARLY DEVOTED DEXTER
Thursday, 1 October 2009
It's a beautiful day today in Sydney
NIGHT WORLD Volume 1
This omnibus contains the first three books in L.J. Smith's Night World. It's also a great introduction to this secret world of vampires, witches, werewolves, shapeshifters, and the humans who fall in love with them.
Secret Vampire: Poppy and James have been best friends since kindergarten, so when she finds out that she's sick and is going to die, James makes an offer she can't refuse. He's a vampire and can save her life by making her part of the Night World.
This story was sad and heart-breaking, but still filled with hope and adventure. Becoming a vampire should've been an easy thing to pull off but because it's forbidden in the Night World, and they had to make sure she 'dies' in the living world, a few complications arise.
Daughters of Darkness: Three sisters - Rowan, Kestrel and Jade - have left their home to live amongst the humans with their aunt, who's been doing that for years. However, when they get there and find their aunt staked, it becomes obvious that blending in won't be so easy. And with their brother on their trail, only more problems will arise... for him as well.
This story was exciting and expands on the Night World. It also goes to show that love strikes when you least expect it, and not even the tough Ash is exempt from it finding him. Still, with danger in the shadows, I enjoyed finding out who was responsible for their aunt's death and how a mere human was forced to deal with it.
Enchantress: Thea and Blaise are cousins who are more like sisters. They also happen to be witches and continually get into trouble at school. When they're expelled from another school and go to stay with their grandmother, they find themselves wanting the same guy. Spells and rituals get them into a heap of trouble once again, when Thea summons the spirit of a witch that swore revenge on humans.
I enjoyed the sibling rivalry in this one and the secrets that are unveiled, and like the other two books, events kept unfolding until the very end. The power of the soulmate is very prominent in this story too and I suspect it sets things up for the next lot of books.
I found these YA stories to be interesting and entertaining. The Night World is full of creatures that seem to unwillingly find themselves breaking the rules whenever it comes to dealing with humans. I guess the forbidden is always too tempting, and that human soulmates are just too hard to resist..
It's definitely worth paying a visit to the first volume of the Night World series.
Night World, Volume 1, September 2009, ISBN 9780340996621, Hachette Children's Books