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Showing posts with label reading 2011. Show all posts
Showing posts with label reading 2011. Show all posts

Saturday, 4 February 2012

LENOBIA'S VOW by P.C. and Kristin Cast

The all-new House of Night Novellas will delve into the backgrounds of some of the Tulsa House of Night's most important - and mysterious - professors.

In a small southern town at the turn of the century, young Lenobia is developing into a beautiful young woman with ideas of her own. But when she is Marked as a fledgling vampyre, her world turns upside down, and she is drawn to the musical streets of New Orleans. There, she learns of the city’s dark underbelly, ruled by powerful black magic. As Lenobia experiences her first love – and loss – and discovers a passion for horses to sustain her, she must come face-to-face with Darkness itself. And she may not escape without scars.

I started reading this novella this afternoon, and as soon as I started, I was hooked. Actually, I was so caught up in Lenobia's story that I read it in a handful of hours.

It's 1788 and Lenobia is the bastard daughter of a baron--as people like to remind her. When an odd opportunity arises, her mother ships her off to New Orleans, by pretending she's someone else. Lenobia doesn't want to leave her mother behind, but when she reaches the ship that will take her to the New World, she starts to feel hopeful. Until she spots an evil bishop who's had his eye on her for several years.

She manages to avoid him for weeks, by pretending she's feeling too seasick to leave her shared quarters, while the nun the group of girls are travelling with takes care of her. One morning, unable to stand being cooped up so much, she decides to walk through the ship while everyone's still asleep and ends up in the cargo hold, where there are two beautiful horses. This is also where she meets the alluring Martin, and their interactions develop into something forbidden. Especially since the bishop is determined to get his hands on her, and refuses to give up the notion of making Lenobia his...

Lenobia's Vow is a lovely and very emotional story of love and hope. It's a coming of age story about a girl who wants to become a strong woman in a time where the odds are stacked against her. It's also a tragic love story. First, the sacrifice of her mother encouraging her to leave, and then with what she shares with Martin. It's also a terrifying tale of an evil bishop's manipulation, violence, and dark magic to get what he wants.

I absolutely adored this novella. It's beautifully tragic, and a wonderful addition to the House of Night series.      

Lenobia's Vow: House of Night Novellas #2 , February 2012, ISBN 9781907411199, Atom

Saturday, 31 December 2011

Books Read in 2011...


 
JUST ANOTHER JUDGEMENT DAY (Nightside #9): Simon R. Green

HUNTED BY THE OTHERS (H&W Investigations #1): Jess Haines

A KISS BEFORE THE APOCALYPSE (Remy Chandler #1): Thomas E. Sniegoski

GREYWALKER (Greywalker #1): Kat Richardson

SHAKESPEARE’S LANDLORD (The Lily Bard Mysteries #1, Omnibus): Charlaine Harris

FLIP THIS ZOMBIE (Living With The Dead #2): Jesse Petersen

SHAKESPEARE’S CHAMPION (The Lily Bard Mysteries #2, Omnibus): Charlaine Harris

DELIRIUM: Lauren Oliver

SHAKESPEARE’S CHRISTMAS (The Lily Bard Mysteries #3, Omnibus): Charlaine Harris

ROSEBUSH: Michele Jaffe

SHAKESPEARE’S TROLLOP (The Lily Bard Mysteries #4, Omnibus): Charlaine Harris

DANCING ON THE HEAD OF A PIN (Remy Chandler #2): Thomas E. Sniegoski

SHAKESPEARE’S COUNSELOR (The Lily Bard Mysteries #5, Omnibus): Charlaine Harris

THE LILY BARD MYSTERIES OMNIBUS: Charlaine Harris

THE IRON WITCH: Karen Mahoney

NIGHT AND CHAOS (The Deva Chronicles #1): Naomi Clark

IF I STAY (If I Stay #1): Gayle Forman

PAST MIDNIGHT (Past Midnight #1): Mara Purnhagen

RAISING THE DEAD (Past Midnight #1.5): Mara Purnhagen

BONES OF FAERIE: Janni Lee Simner

THE HUNGER GAMES (Hunger Games #1): Suzanne Collins

PERSONAL DEMONS (Personal Demons #1): Lisa Desrochers

CATCHING FIRE (Hunger Games #2): Suzanne Collins

PARANORMALCY (Paranormalcy #1): Kiersten White

MOCKINGJAY (Hunger Games #3): Suzanne Collins

*WAKE: Lisa McMann

HOWL’S MOVING CASTLE (Castle #1): Diana Wynne Jones

RED-HEADED STEPCHILD (Sabina Kane #1): Jaye Wells

LIFE AS WE KNEW IT (Last Survivors #1): Susan Beth Pfeffer

TAKEN BY THE OTHERS (H&W Investigations #2): Jess Haines

CUCKOO: Julia Crouch

*ENTICED (The Violet Eden Chapters #2): Jessica Shirvington

SILVER BORNE (Mercy Thompson #5): Patricia Briggs

RED RIDING HOOD: Sarah Blakley-Cartwright & David Leslie Johnson

DESIRES OF THE DEAD (The Body Finder #2): Kimberly Derting

I DON’T WANT TO KILL YOU (John Cleaver #3): Dan Wells

WILD GHOST CHASE: Ericka Scott

UNGRATEFUL DEAD (An Ethan Banning Case): Naomi Clark

SKULLS: Tim Marquitz

THE GUNSLINGER (The Dark Tower #1): Stephen King

ALLISON HEWITT IS TRAPPED: Madeleine Roux

DEAD OVER HEELS (Aurora Teagarden Mysteries #5, Omnibus 2): Charlaine Harris

DEAD RECKONING (Sookie Stackhouse #11): Charlaine Harris

A FOOL AND HIS HONEY (Aurora Teagarden Mysteries #6, Omnibus 2): Charlaine Harris

DIE FOR ME: Amy Plum

THE TWILIGHT SAGA The Official Illustrated Guide: Stephenie Meyer

CLAN RATHSKELLER (Iron Druid Prequel Short Story): Kevin Hearne

LAST SCENE ALIVE (Aurora Teagarden Mysteries #7, Omnibus 2): Charlaine Harris

THE MAGE IN BLACK (Sabina Kane #2): Jaye Wells

POPPY DONE TO DEATH (Aurora Teagarden Mysteries #8, Omnibus 2): Charlaine Harris

THE AURORA TEAGARDEN MYSTERIES, OMNIBUS 2: Charlaine Harris

HOUNDED (The Iron Druid Chronicles #1): Kevin Hearne

WARM BODIES: Isaac Marion

HEXBOUND (Dark Elite #2): Chloe Neill

AFTERTIME (Aftertime #1): Sophie Littlefield

THE SHADOW OF THE SOUL (The Dog-Faced Gods #2): Sarah Pinborough

UNCOMMON CRIMINALS (Heist Society #2): Ally Carter

RED GLOVE (The Curse Workers #2): Holly Black

ONE HUNDRED CANDLES (Past Midnight #2): Mara Purnhagen

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EMILY: Robyn Bachar

SHADY LADY (Corine Solomon #3): Ann Aguirre

SMOKIN’ SEVENTEEN (Stephanie Plum #17): Janet Evanovich

VENGEANCE MOON: Savannah Jordan

DEAD, UNDEAD OR SOMEWHERE IN BETWEEN (Rhiannon’s Law #1): J.A. Saare

ULTRAVIOLET: R.J. Anderson

ALIEN TANGO (Alien #2): Gini Koch

SPIDER’S BITE (Elemental Assassin #1): Jennifer Estep

POISON (Elemental Assassin #0.5): Jennifer Estep

WEB OF DECEIT (Elemental Assassin #0.6): Jennifer Estep

THE PEOPLE NEXT DOOR: Christopher Ransom

SPIDER’S BARGAIN (Elemental Assassin #0.7): Jennifer Estep

WEB OF DEATH (Elemental Assassin #1.5): Jennifer Estep

SURVIVORS (Aftertime #1.5): Sophie Littlefield

EAT SLAY LOVE (Living With The Dead #3): Jesse Petersen

MATTERS OF THE BLOOD (Blood Lines #1): Maria Lima

THE FIRST DAYS (As The World Dies #1): Rhiannon Frater

THREE DAYS TO DEAD (Dreg City #1): Kelly Meding

STREET MAGIC (Black London #1): Caitlin Kittredge

DEMON BOUND (Black London #2): Caitlin Kittredge

WORKING STIFF (The Revivalist #1): Rachel Caine

BLOCKADE BILLY (including MORALITY): Stephen King

SHELTER: Harlan Coben

THE SOOKIE STACKHOUSE COMPANION: Charlaine Harris

A BRUSH OF DARKNESS (Abby Sinclair #1): Allison Pang

KINDLING THE MOON (Arcadia Bell #1): Jenn Bennett

THE BROKEN ONES: Stephen M Irwin

BLACK BLADE BLUES (Sarah Beauhall #1): JA Pitts

MILE 81: Stephen King

SOMETHING SECRET THIS WAY COMES (Secret McQueen #1): Sierra Dean

THE RENFIELD SYNDROME (Rhiannon’s Law #2): J.A. Saare

DAUGHTER OF SMOKE AND BONE: Laini Taylor

IRON KING (The Iron Fey #1): Julie Kagawa

THE BUSINESS OF DEATH (The Death Works #3): Trent Jamieson

FORGOTTEN: Cat Patrick

WINTER’S PASSAGE (The Iron Fey #1.5): Julie Kagawa

JUST AFTER SUNSET: Stephen King

WHERE SHE WENT (If I Stay #2): Gayle Forman

IMAGINARY GIRLS: Nova Ren Suma

THE GIRL WHO LOVED TOM GORDON (A Pop-up Book): Stephen King

THE SECRET GUIDE TO DATING MONSTERS (Secret McQueen #0.5): Sierra Dean

THE LAST DRAGONSLAYER (Last Dragonslayer #1): Jasper Fforde

*THE SONG OF THE QUARKBEAST (Last Dragonslayer #2): Jasper Fforde

MISERY: Stephen King

HAUNTING THE NIGHT (Past Midnight #2.5): Mara Purnhagen

THE STRANGE CASE OF FINLEY JANE (The Steampunk Chronicles Prequel): Kady Cross

MIND GAMES (The Disillusionists #1) Carolyn Crane

EXPLOSIVE EIGHTEEN (Stephanie Plum #18): Janet Evanovich

A BLOODY GOOD SECRET (Secret McQueen #2): Sierra Dean

SECRET SANTA (Secret McQueen #3): Sierra Dean

COMPLETED THE FOLLOWING READING CHALLENGES:

H&UFRC books read: 54/24

M&SRC books read: 18/12

SKC Books Read: 6/6

 
Books Read in 2011: 109/100

*DNF

Tuesday, 27 December 2011

SECRET SANTA by Sierra Dean

’Tis the season for ho-ho-homicide.

Secret McQueen, book 2.5

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. The season for mistletoe, Christmas lights…and a killing spree. When Secret’s friend, Detective Mercedes Castilla, asks for help to solve a series of murders longer than a string of lights, Secret resigns herself to the fact her holidays will be anything but peaceful.

It seems someone is killing New Yorkers in an unusually gruesome way, and as the bodies pile up faster than presents under the tree, the police are no closer to finding the killer than Secret is to finding the perfect present for one of her boyfriends, Lucas.

Tracking down a monster in Manhattan the week before Christmas is almost as difficult as shopping for her ever-expanding collection of loved ones. When tragedy strikes close to home, Secret must do everything in her power to put an end to the horror in time for Santa to come down the chimney.


Warning: Contains a less than merry McQueen with a sword and a reason to use it; a festive new use for mistletoe; and a promise that will haunt Secret like the Ghost of Christmas Future.



I'm really enjoying this series, and because this novella is set during the festive season, I wanted to read it before the new year ticked over. ;) And I wasn't disappointed.

Secret's getting ready to enjoy her first Christmas with a new host of friends... but while she's trying to figure out what presents to buy, there's an insane killer loose in New York. And when the killer starts leaving dismembered limbs inside newspaper and police offices, her detective friend, Mercedes, calls her in for some help.

Tracking this killer isn't going to be easy, but Secret's determined to put a stop to it. And as much as she tries to figure it all out, it's not until the killer strikes really close to home that she's finally able to figure things out--with a little help from her friends.

I loved this story! Not only because it fit so well into the rest of the series and intensified her relationship with Desmond, but also because she finally had to face some of the feelings she now has for Holden. Poor Secret, I don't think she's ever going to be able to settle on the one guy. ;)

I'm really lovin' this series.        

H&UFRC books read: 54/24

Monday, 26 December 2011

A BLOODY GOOD SECRET by Sierra Dean


You can’t keep a good Secret for long.

Secret McQueen, Book 2

After cheating death twice in one night, confessing her true nature to her werewolf soul mates and being asked to kill one of her closest friends, Secret took a much-needed vacation. By running away.

Now she’s back in town—dragged kicking and screaming—determined to clear Holden Chancery’s name. Right after she finds out what he’s accused of. It shouldn’t be hard—Holden has a habit of using their new and scintillating psychic bond to break into her thoughts and dreams at some very, shall we say, awkward moments.

Just a few things stand in her way: a secretive Tribunal leader, a group of would-be vampire slayers and two werewolf boyfriends who refuse to let her operate in her customary lone-wolf style. Even less amusing are the terrifying creatures that someone is using in an attempt to gain control of the council. Even for this out-of-the-ordinary bounty hunter, it’s a challenge with potentially deadly teeth.

Warning: Contains an ever-plucky heroine with no shortage of weapons, super-hot mind games, an ever-complicated love triangle and one hell of a creepy amusement park.



I really enjoyed the first book in this series, as well as the prequel novella, so I was looking forward to getting stuck into this one.

After the Tribunal gave Secret her latest assignment, she took off. How can she kill Holden without knowing what he's accused of? So, she's gone to spend a bit of time with her grandmother. But when she's forcibly taken back to New York, Secret has no choice but to face everyone and everything she ran away from.

Now, she's determined to clear Holden's name. Which includes finding out why the Tribunal wants him dead. But this will lead her to an unexpected discovery, as well as some truly horrible creatures hiding out in an abandoned amusement park.

Oh, and let's not forget her very complicated love life--she's got two werewolf boyfriends, and a pesky vampire that seems to be consuming her fantasies lately.

This was another very exciting, action-packed installment and I can't wait to read more... especially after the unexpected ending. Lucky for me, I have the next novella already waiting for me on my Kindle! ;)        

H&UFRC books read: 53/24

Thursday, 22 December 2011

EXPLOSIVE EIGHTEEN by Janet Evanovich

Bounty hunter Stephanie Plum is used to danger and adventure; they follow her at every turn. But when international murder hits dangerously close to home, this could be more explosive than exciting...

Once Stephanie steps on the plane from Hawaii to Newark, she hopes to put her hellish holiday behind her. But when her seatmate mysteriously disappears during the stopover in LA - to be found later in a garbage can - things are only going to get worse.

Only one other person has seen the missing photograph the dead man was supposed to be carrying - and it just so happens to be Stephanie Plum. Now she's the target, and she doesn't want to end up in a garbage can...

More to the point, she still has to deal with the fallout from Hawaii. Both the men in her life refuse to talk about it and all Stephanie will say is... It's complicated.


This is one of my favourite series. I always look forward to getting stuck into a new Stephanie Plum book, and this was no exception.

Stephanie's life is always full of danger and relationship troubles, but this time things get really bad. The two men in her life have made things very complicated. So complicated that not even a vacation in Hawaii works out for her, and she runs away from both Morelli and Ranger.

But the complications don't stop there. The man sitting next to her on the plane didn't get back on at LAX, and he's later found dead. Oh, and he left her a little souvenir--a photo she quickly discards. As soon as she gets home, strangers are popping up out of nowhere, all wanting the photo she doesn't have. Before long, the FBI, the fake FBI, a hairdresser, and a deranged killer are all after her. Everyone wants the photograph, and if she's not careful, she'll be the next one to be found stuffed into a garbage can.

Not to mention that her arch-nemesis--Joyce Barnhardt--is staying in her apartment, and needs her help. Yeah, poor Stephanie can't seem to catch a break. And she still managed to make me LOL all over the place. :)

Explosive Eighteen is another awesome addition to this very fun and exciting series. Stephanie's always an excellent character to catch up with, as she accidentally gets herself into more trouble than she can handle. Yet, she always manages to make things work, somehow. In her typical bizarre and hilarious manner, she solves the mystery that threatens her life.

If only she could solve her relationship troubles as well...

I can't wait for the next book!        

Explosive Eighteen, December 2011, ISBN 9780755384969,  Headline Fiction Paperbacks

M&SRC books read: 19/12

Wednesday, 21 December 2011

MIND GAMES by Carolyn Crane

Justine Jones is a hopeless hypochondriac whose life is crippled by fear…until one day when a handsome, tortured mastermind named Packard peers into her soul and invites her to join his psychological hit squad.

Justine resists until she gets a taste of the peace Packard can promise. At first, Justine enjoys being part of the thrilling world of neurotic vigilantes who battle Midcity’s paranormal criminals. Things get complicated when she uncovers certain secrets…and falls for one of her most dangerous targets.


It's no secret that I love urban fantasy, so I'm always looking for new books to get stuck into. I love discovering new worlds filled with interesting characters and intriguing situations. And this is the latest gem I've discovered in this wonderful genre.

Justine Jones is a hypochondriac. She's also a neurotic mess who is convinced she's got vein star syndrome. She spends most of her time freaking out about it, analysing the symptons, and visiting the ER to make sure there's nothing wrong. But even then, she's still convinced she could die at any moment and lives in constant fear.

A chance meeting inside a Mongolian restaurant changes the path of her condition. For the first time in her life, she's able to see that all this stored fear she carries around can be turned into something else. Or rather, can be 'pushed' into someone else to help rehabilitate their evil ways. Meeting Packard and his disillusionists helps her discover a lot about herself and what she can really do to others, but it also messes with the 'normal' life she's always wanted.

This book was an amazing ride filled with action, tension, twists and turns. I absolutely loved the concept. And there are plenty of possible love interests for the heroine. I really like this twisted and dark world of highcaps and disillusionists Justine lives in. It's awesome to see something so negative be used for long term positive results.

Yeah, I believe I'm hooked and can't wait to read the next two books in this fascinating trilogy. Luckily, I have both books already. ;)        

H&UFRC books read: 52/24

Tuesday, 20 December 2011

THE STRANGE CASE OF FINLEY JAYNE by Kady Cross

Finley Jayne knows she's not 'normal'. Normal girls don't lose time, or have something inside them that makes them capable of remarkably violent things. Her behavior has already cost her one job, so when she's offered the lofty position of companion to Phoebe, a debutante recently engaged to Lord Vincent, she accepts, despite having no experience. Lord Vincent is a man of science with his automatons and inventions, but Finley is suspicious of his motives where Phoebe is concerned. She will do anything to protect her new friend, but what she discovers is even more monstrous than anything she could have imagined…


I wanted to read this prequel novella before The Girl in the Steel Corset--which I already have on my bookshelf--and I'm really glad I did!

Finley Jayne isn't like other girls. She seems to have another side, and is very strong. She also likes to think for herself and doesn't take any crap from anyone. That's probably why she keeps getting fired. Still, she's got a supportive mother and stepfather.

The day Lady Morton approaches her to become her daughter's companion, Finley can't believe her luck. The job pays well, she has a lovely room, plus Lady Morton and Phoebe are great. Her friendship with Phoebe grows very quickly, which makes it that much harder when Finley finds out that the man her friend is engaged to isn't quite what he seems.

Soon, Finley finds herself in the role of bodyguard as she tries to get to the bottom of what this inventor of automatons really wants with young Phoebe...

I actually read this novella in one sitting and had a blast with it! Seriously, it's awesome. I loved the main character, and the steampunk world she lives in is fascinating. I can't wait to read more.

Monday, 19 December 2011

HAUNTING THE NIGHT by Mara Purnhagen

Charlotte Silver has been through hell.

Her mom’ s in a coma. She may have caused the death of a young man. And now her friend Avery wants her to tackle going to Prom? Not going to happen, even if she is dying to spend some alone time with her boyfriend, Noah. Instead, Charlotte needs to find some answers to a few nagging questions—why was her family attacked? Will her mother survive? And is there a creature from the Other Side coming for her? Soon enough, Charlotte's search for the truth becomes a race against time. But she may just find the sign she's been looking for all along....


I've had the third/final book in this trilogy waiting to be read for about a month now, but I didn't want to get stuck into it until I read this novella. It fits between the second and third Past Midnight books.

A month after what happened in One Hundred Candles, Charlotte's life is not a happy one. Sure, her best friend is supportive, she's got a very understanding boyfriend, and a bunch of people willing to help out... but her mother's in a coma. And her father is keeping a bedside vigil at the hospital.

Then there's the strange shadow that appears across the street every single night. A creepy shadow creature that seems to be growing and getting closer. As Charlotte struggles to understand what it is and why it's there, she's determined to put an end to it. Even if it means facing the heavy guilt she's been carrying around.

This was another awesome novella. I loved it! I really like Charlotte's world, and can't wait to see how everything works out at the end of the trilogy.

H&UFRC books read: 51/24

Thursday, 15 December 2011

MISERY by Stephen King

Introducing the Flipback: Excellent pocket-size edition of Stephen King's all-time classic - a must for both collectors and newcomers alike.

Paul Sheldon used to write for a living. Now he's writing to stay alive.

Misery Chastain is dead. Paul Sheldon has just killed her - with relief, with joy. Misery made him rich; she was the heroine of a string of bestsellers. Now he wants to get on to some real writing.

That's when the car accident happens, and he wakes up in pain in a strange bed. Annie Wilkes has pulled him from the wreck, brought him to her remote mountain home, splinted and set his mangled legs.

The good news is that Annie has pain-killing drugs. The bad news is that she has long been Paul's Number One Fan. And when she finds out what Paul has done to Misery, she doesn't like it. She doesn't like it at all . . .

I'm a huge Stephen King fan. I've got every single one of his books. Some, I have in multiple editions. This is one of those. I wanted to sample the new Flipback books from Hachette, and was lucky enough to get a copy of this awesome book.

First, let's talk about the actual story...

Paul Sheldon is the popular author of the Misery Chastain books, featuring a character he has a love/hate relationship with. So, after he finishes her off--literally--he's spent some time writing a new novel. Something fresh and different. A story he's looking forward to sharing with the world, so he can leave the characters of Misery behind. However, on his way home, he gets caught up in a bad storm, loses control of the car, and winds up in a ditch.

Lucky for him, he wakes up in the 'safety' of a house. Annie Wilkes happens to be a nurse and rescued him from the wrecked car. She's taking care of him. Oh, and she also happens to be his "number-one" fan. She loves the Misery books. But when she reads the latest one, she's not satisfied with the ending and demands Paul write her a special installment of Misery. One that brings the character back to life.

As Paul struggles to bring back to life a character he was happy to say goodbye to, he finds his own life being threatened at every turn. Because Annie's not well. She's unstable, cruel, and truly psychotic. Not only does he find himself writing a novel that doesn't cheat and satisfies Annie, but he becomes the tortured, immobile captive of a psycho who slowly starts to cut into him. And I don't mean just his sanity and endurance, either.

Now, let's talk about the format...

This is the first Flipback I've ever read, so it was quite an experience. This book is compact--actually, it fits in the palm of your hand, and in your pocket--so you can take it anywhere with you. It's cute and very well made. I also love that cover! The writing inside is clear and easy to read. It has sideways-printed text, which means you read the book the opposite way you would a paperback or hardback.

The only problem I had with it was that because the pages are thin, they stuck sometimes, making it hard to turn the page. And when you're reading a Stephen King book, you really want to turn those pages quickly. ;) 

Also, it reminded me of the small Bible I got from scripture class when I was a kid. Which is not a surprise, since they were invented in Holland by a Bible publisher.

Personally, I started out feeling a little skeptical about this format... but I have to admit that I really liked it. I love books, no matter what the format, and as long as the story I'm reading captivates me, I'm all for every type of format. And this one is a pretty cool and unique one.

The final word...

Misery is another page-turning, horror-filled, amazing book by the artful Stephen King. Not only did it keep me on the edge of my seat because I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next, but it made me cringe. It made me angry, sad, and even happy when Paul experienced even a little bit of hope. I became as haunted by Annie as he was, and kept expecting her to do something crazy to someone at every turn. Which she does. Many times.

When I finished Misery, I was exhausted! I was glad to have finally gotten to the end of Paul's nightmare, but also felt sad because I didn't want the book to end.

As uncomfortable as this book made me in many places, I truly loved it!

Misery, July 2011, ISBN 9781444730074,  Hodder Paperbacks--Flipback edition

Monday, 12 December 2011

THE SONG OF THE QUARKBEAST by Jasper Fforde

As the background Wizidrical Power slowly builds after the Big Magic, King Snodd IV of Hereford realises the man who controls Magic controls almost anything.
 
But one person stands between him and his plans for power and riches: Jennifer Strange, sixteen-year-old acting manager of Kazam.

It may involve a trip on a magic carpet at the speed of sound to the Troll Wall, it may involve a second Quarkbeast sniffing around town. It might also involve the mysterious Transient Moose, and a powerless sorceress named Once Magnificent Boo. But one thing is certain: Jennifer Strange and her faithful assistant Tiger Prawns will not relinquish the noble powers of magic to big business and commerce without a fight.

This is the second book in the Last Dragonslayer series.

Jennifer Strange is still running Kazam, an employment agency for those who can perform magic to help others with mundane problems. She's always got something going on, and this time is approached by the peculiar Miss Shard, who wants a lost ring that might not want to be found. Then there's King Snodd. He's decided to make Kazam and iMagic go up against each other by rebuilding Hereford's old bridge. They will each start at one end, and the winner will takeover the loser's company.

Oh, and then there's a new Quarkbeast in town...

The Song of the Quarkbeast is another quirky story. I have to admit that although I enjoyed most of it, I still felt mostly disconnected from what was going on, and what the characters were going through. And even found myself skimming forward a bit. :( Also, the random footnotes didn't help.

The concept of this series has certain appeal, but I just can't get hooked on it.

The Song of the Quarkbeast: A Last Dragonslayer Novel, November 2011, ISBN 9781444707236,  H&S Fiction Paperbacks

Thursday, 1 December 2011

THE LAST DRAGONSLAYER by Jasper Fforde

In the good old days, magic was powerful, unregulated by government, and even the largest spell could be woven without filling in magic release form B1-7g.

Then the magic started fading away.

Fifteen-year-old Jennifer Strange runs Kazam!, an employment agency for soothsayers and sorcerers. But work is drying up. Drain cleaner is cheaper than a spell, and even magic carpets are reduced to pizza delivery.

So it's a surprise when the visions start. Not only do they predict the death of the Last Dragon at the hands of a dragonslayer, they also point to Jennifer, and say something is coming. Big Magic . . .


When I first heard about this book, I was intrigued. I love dragons, so I wanted to know more...

Jennifer Strange is fifteen years old and is a foundling in the Ununited Kingdoms. She also runs Kazam, which is an agency for those who can perform magic to help others. However, magic isn't as powerful as it used to be and a lot of places are ending their contracts with the company. Not to mention that the boss is missing and no one knows where he is, which leaves her alone to take care of things. Luckily, The Blessed Ladies of the Lobster have sent an orphan to help her out.

However, when pre-cogs start having visions of the last dragon dying at the hands of a dragonslayer, things get interesting and confusing for Jennifer. Because she just happens to be in the middle of everything and soon finds herself in an unexpected situation.

The Last Dragonslayer is a quirky story filled with strange and colourful characters. It's also set in a world much like ours, but completely different. It was quite an experience. Although I did enjoy it, I often felt a little disconnected from what was going on. I'm not sure why. Maybe it's because things moved a little too fast sometimes, or it could just be because Jennifer and the Quarkbeast were the only characters I really found myself caring about...

Still, it's a fun read!

The Last Dragonslayer, September 2011, ISBN 9781444707205,  Hodder Paperbacks

Monday, 31 October 2011

THE SECRET GUIDE TO DATING MONSTERS by Sierra Dean

Are blind dates supposed to be this bloody?

A Secret McQueen Story

They say it's impossible to find a man in New York City. Secret McQueen needs to find two in one night. Of course, it’ll mean pulling off the impossible—find and kill a displaced rogue vampire without disrupting the first promising date she’s had in ages. As a werewolf hybrid used to walking a fine line of survival in the vampire world, though, Secret eats impossible for breakfast.

Somewhere between hello and the first round of drinks, Secret makes her move. Her target, Hollywood’s biggest star, shouldn’t be hard to spot. Just look for swarms of fans. Except every time her vampire liaison, Holden, helps keep her mission on track, her date runs further off the rails.

Either Holden has a hidden agenda, or he knows more than he’s letting on about her quarry. One way or another, Secret is determined to get her man, and meet Mr. Right. Or die trying.

Warning: This book contains a sword-wielding assassin whose barbs are sharper than her blade, a vampire with serious brooding issues but a skilled tongue, and an A-lister with a bad habit of eating his fans. This novella takes place approximately one year prior to the events of Something Secret This Way Comes.


This morning, I decided to get stuck into this book on my Kindle. It happens to be the prequel novella for the very awesome Secret McQueen series.

Secret's friend has set her up on a blind date, and she's quite surprised when she finds herself really warming towards the detective, Tyler. However, because her life is never easy, her vampire liaison, Holden, has also handed her a new job. So, she soon finds herself juggling her date with trying to kill a rogue vampire--who also happens to be a Hollywood star--and things don't go as smoothly as she'd hoped.

Man, this was so much fun! I loved finding out about the infamous subway incident that's mentioned in the first book. It's so cool, and action-packed. Secret takes a lot of hits, and not all of them are physical.

This is fast becoming one of my favourite UF series. So it's a good thing that I've got the second book already on my Kindle. ;) Can't wait!

H&UFRC books read: 50/24

Sunday, 30 October 2011

THE GIRL WHO LOVED TOM GORDON: A Pop-up Book by Stephen King

Trisha McFarland is a plucky 9-year-old hiking with her brother and mom, who is grimly determined to give the kids a good time on their weekends together. Trisha's mom is recently divorced, and her brother is feuding with her for moving from Boston to small-town Maine, where classmates razz him. Trisha steps off the trail for a pee and a respite from the bickering. And gets lost.

I read the book version of this story several years ago, and really enjoyed it. So when hubby suggested we sit down and check this version out together, I thought it would be fun. And it was!

Hubby, daughter and I huddled around while I read it out loud. It was as spooky and thrilling as I remember, but with the added pop-up feature it made everything a lot clearer. We all enjoyed Trisha's quest to find her way out of the scary woods after she gets lost. The art is lovely, and the way the book totally opens up is excellent. I hadn't looked at a pop-up book for ages, and this one didn't disappoint.

It was an awesome idea! And it's fun for the whole family... especially since this is about the only Stephen King story I can share with my daughter. :)

SKC Books Read: 5/6

Saturday, 29 October 2011

IMAGINARY GIRLS by Nova Ren Suma

'Ruby said I’d never drown - not in deep ocean, not by shipwreck, not even by falling drunk into someone’s bottomless backyard pool... It sounded impossible, something no one would believe if anyone other than Ruby were the one to tell it. But Ruby was right: The body found that night wouldn’t be, couldn’t be mine.’

Chloe’s older sister, Ruby, is the girl everyone looks to and longs for, who can’t be captured or caged. When a night with Ruby’s friends goes horribly wrong and Chloe discovers the dead body of her classmate London Hayes left floating in the reservoir, Chloe is sent away from town and away from Ruby.

But Ruby will do anything to get her sister back, and when Chloe returns to town two years later, deadly surprises await. As Chloe flirts with the truth that
Ruby has hidden deeply away, the fragile line between life and death is redrawn by the complex bonds of sisterhood.

This is an intriguing and very odd book that hooked me in from the very beginning. I love the cover, too.

Chloe and her older sister Ruby are very close. Chloe worships her sister and enjoys listening to her many stories. Actually, their whole world revolves around each other. But the night Chloe tries to swim from one side of the reservoir to the other and she finds a dead girl, Chloe's sent away and the sisters are separated.

Two years later, Chloe's back in Ruby's custody. But things are different this time...especially when Chloe finds the dead girl is still alive. Or is she? This time around, Chloe starts to look at the town and the people in it from a different perspective. Her sister too, even if she still pretty much does everything she wants her to. Then again, she's not the only one. Ruby has a way of manipulating everyone around her.

Wow. This book is very cool. It was very well written, captivating, odd, mysterious, and will leave you guessing all the way through. Even at the end the answers aren't clear cut. I found it super creepy. The relationship between Ruby and Chloe was very obsessive, and although it mostly felt like Chloe would do anything for her manipulative sister, it was actually a mutual thing.

Yeah, I really enjoyed this one. And I know it's the kind of story that I'll keep thinking about, discovering new things clicking into place every time. Like, was any of it real? ;)       

M&SRC books read: 18/12

Monday, 24 October 2011

WHERE SHE WENT by Gayle Forman

It's been three years since the devastating accident . . . three years since Mia walked out of Adam's life forever.

Now living on opposite coasts, Mia is Juilliard's rising star and Adam is LA tabloid fodder, thanks to his new rock star status and celebrity girlfriend. When Adam gets stuck in New York by himself, chance brings the couple together again, for one last night. As they explore the city that has become Mia's home, Adam and Mia revisit the past and open their hearts to the future - and each other.

After reading Mia's story, IF I STAY, earlier this year I couldn't wait to read Adam's. And it turned out to be another overwhelmingly sad story. Yet, even though it was sad, it was also beautiful in its raw emotion and devastation.

Three years have passed since the accident that nearly took Mia's life, and killed her family. The same accident that changed Adam's life forever. He was her boyfriend back then, and tried his best to stay by her side while she recovered, but when Mia went away to school she stopped calling him, taking his calls, and even emailing him. Until one day, there was nothing.

In the meantime, Adam's band, Shooting Star, have become huge and everyone knows them. Their music sells well and he's always in the tabloids. Having an actress for a girlfriend doesn't help, I suppose. Still, he's not a happy person. Actually, he's a total a mess. He can't sleep, he can't shake Mia, he's lost his passion for the band, and most of the time can barely take the pressure of just having to go on with the day. Until one night, he stumbles on a performance by Mia and they meet up afterwards.

What follows is a heartbreaking, emotional rollercoaster of a night. One that will either break him, break them both, or help him find the closure he needs to finally move on with his own life.

Wow. This was an amazing book! I loved reading about things from Adam's POV, but felt my heart breaking for him a little more with every page. This book packs quite an emotional punch, and I was exhausted by the time I finished it. But in a good way. In a way that I could finally smile at the end. :)

This is a powerful love story. Loved it!

Saturday, 22 October 2011

JUST AFTER SUNSET by Stephen King

Just After Sunset -- call it dusk, call it twilight, it's a time when human intercourse takes on an unnatural cast, when nothing is quite as it appears, when the imagination begins to reach for shadows as they dissipate to darkness and living daylight can be scared right out of you. It's the perfect time for Stephen King.

While going through my Stephen King bookshelf, I realised that I hadn't read this short story collection yet, so I had to remedy that problem by getting stuck into it...

WILLA: I love me a good ghost story. I also love me a good love story. This one just happened to be a bit of both.

David is engaged to Willa and he's waiting at the station for her. He wants to make sure they don't miss the next train to San Fran. But when he goes looking for her and finds her in a honky-tonk bar all by herself, she makes him realise a harsh reality about what they are and what David's so eager to ignore.

THE GINGERBREAD GIRL: This story hooked me in from the very beginning. I loved following Em on her courageous journey to find herself out of grief by running. And wow, I was really amazed about where it led her. What a powerful story. I absolutely loved every moment of this one!

HARVEY'S DREAM: This was a short, surreal short story. I enjoyed it!

REST STOP: I enjoyed how this story goes from an average situation--a man needs to empty his bladder so he pops into a rest stop--and then becomes something else. I also loved the idea of tapping into another persona, to be able to handle a situation you might not usually be capable of dealing with. Another great story!

STATIONARY BIKE: Okay, this story was amazing! It was seriously awesome. I mean, who else but King could keep me on the edge of my seat with a story about a 38-year-old man who has finally decided to do something about his weight by using an exercise bike? Yeah, exactly! But there's so much more. This artist's imagination takes on a whole new level of commitment to losing weight. So vivid, he pretty much convinces himself illusion is real! Awesome.

THE THINGS THEY LEFT BEHIND: This was a spooky, yet very sad story about a man obviously suffering survivor's guilt. But as the events unfold, he starts to understand there's something he can do with these tokens that are haunting him. In the right hands, they can become so much more!

GRADUATION AFTERNOON: Trust King to turn an ordinary story featuring a young girl's musings about the future, into something tragic, unexpected, and totally frightening! I really enjoyed how he turned the story around.

N: OMG! What can I say about this novella? Except, well, I became obsessed with it and couldn't wait to get to the end. I did have a tinge of suspicion about where it would go, but had a great time getting there. This was a seriously FANTASTIC tale! Absolutely loved it.

THE CAT FROM HELL: I love cats, so this one was a little uncomfortable to read. But man, it was another creepy story with a very violent and graphic conclusion!

THE NEW YORK TIMES AT SPECIAL BARGAIN RATES: Such a moving and sad story about a woman who loses her husband, but gets a phone call from him. I love these types of stories, and this one didn't disappoint!

MUTE: This one's a what-if-kinda story. It was so out there, but a lot of fun! I particularly liked how it was written.

AYANA: Interesting story about death, avoiding death, and saving random strangers.

A VERY TIGHT PLACE: I enjoyed this one because it was so twisted. Seriously, I didn't see the twist coming, but had a gross time finding out what would happen to Curtis and how he would make it out of the gruesome situation he gets himself into. There's a huge gross factor in this story, and it's not because of the gory horror. Seriously, if you read it (or have already read it) you'll know what I mean.

This anthology was another excellent collection from King. I enjoyed every single story for very different reasons. They also kept me at the edge of my seat the whole time. And made me remember why I sometimes put off grabbing a King book in the first place: I become totally consumed and obsessed about them! This is one author I've enjoyed reading for years, and I'll continue to get stuck into his tales and get lost in the wonder, horror, and outstanding tales he spins.

Always awesome!
SKC Books Read: 4/6

Thursday, 13 October 2011

WINTER'S PASSAGE by Julie Kagawa

Meghan Chase used to be an ordinary girl...until she discovered that she is really a faery princess. After escaping from the clutches of the deadly Iron fey, Meghan must follow through on her promise to return to the equally dangerous Winter Court with her forbidden love, Prince Ash. But first, Meghan has one request: that they visit Puck--Meghan's best friend and servant of her father, King Oberon--who was gravely injured defending Meghan from the Iron Fey.

Yet Meghan and Ash's detour does not go unnoticed. They have caught the attention of an ancient, powerful hunter--a foe that even Ash may not be able to defeat....

As soon as I found out this novella fit between the first two books in the Iron Fey series, I couldn't wait to get stuck into it.

The story takes place straight after the events of The Iron King.

Ash is going to take Meghan to the Winter Court, even though he really doesn't want to. But before they go, she convinces him to stop by and check on her best friend, Puck. But they catch the attention of the Hunter, and find themselves trying to outrun this scary creature...

I really enjoyed it! I'm fast becoming a fan of this awesome series!

H&UFRC books read: 49/24

Wednesday, 12 October 2011

FORGOTTEN by Cat Patrick

Each night when 16 year-old London Lane goes to sleep, her whole world disappears. In the morning, all that's left is a note telling her about a day she can't remember. The whole scenario doesn't exactly make high school or dating that hot guy whose name she can't seem to recall any easier. But when London starts experiencing disturbing visions she can't make sense of, she realizes it's time to learn a little more about the past she keeps forgetting-before it destroys her future.

Part psychological drama, part romance, and part mystery, this thought-provoking novel will inspire readers to consider the what-if's in their own lives and recognize the power they have to control their destinies.

The concept of FORGOTTEN intrigued me from the moment I grabbed a copy from the bookstore and read the blurb. I bought it straight away, knew it was something I'd be interested in reading because I'm a sucker for amnesia stories. But this book is so much more than that!

London Lane can't remember her past, but she can remember her future. Every night, her mind gets wiped clean and she has to take notes to remind herself of what happened during the day. She then reads it back the next morning, so she can keep up with things. Though that doesn't always work out, either.

The day she meets Luke, everything changes. Luke is nice looking, sweet, and very interested in her. There's a problem though, because she can't remember him forwards. So, who is this guy and how does he fit into her life when she can't remember him? Not to mention, how does the creepy memory about a funeral fit into everything?

This is an amazing book! It hooked me in from the very beginning and kept me glued until the very end. London might forget what happened the day before, but she's an awesome narrator and I loved her story. There are some wonderful scenes in this book, some very powerful ones that are heartbreaking, too. And what happens as she starts to delve deeper into her past, leads her to some very unexpected turns.

I absolutely adored this book!

Tuesday, 11 October 2011

THE BUSINESS OF DEATH by Trent Jamieson

This omnibus edition features the third novel, THE BUSINESS OF DEATH, which has not been published before.

Life is tough at the top when work is a matter of life or death.

It s one thing to run Mortmax International as head of a team, but it s quite another to rule alone. Staff fatalities have left Steven by himself on the Throne of Death, and there's no time to get comfortable. The Stirrer god's arrival is imminent, threatening life as we know it. Plus Steven has managed to mortally offend the only ally strong enough to help out.

And how can he ask someone to marry him when the End of Days seems inevitable As if they re going to think he's committed. The portents don t look good as a comet burns vast and looming in the sky and Steven can almost hear a dark clock ticking. He will have to play nice if he wants his ally back, and must address the madness of the Hungry Death within himself if he even has a chance at defeating the Stirrer god.

If he fails, Hell and Earth are doomed and wedding bells will be quite out of the question.
THE BUSINESS OF DEATH includes the first two volumes of the Death Works trilogy, "Death Most Definite" and "Managing Death", as well as the third volume.

This edition actually contains the three books in the Death Works trilogy. I've already read DEATH MOST DEFINITE and MANAGING DEATH. So I was looking forward to reading the third book, THE BUSINESS OF DEATH. 

Steven de Selby's life is very complicated. He's Death, which means dealing with a very dark power from within, the Hungry Death. There's also the Stirrer god very close to breaching our world. And the Death of the Water is also very angry with Steven and wants revenge.

That's a lot for one man to deal with, but he has no choice. Of course, there are other distractions. Like never finding the right time to ask Lissa to marry him. Or finding out that an old enemy has returned and is determined to make sure the approaching Stirrer god is unleashed...

The Business of Death is another thrilling ride, with Steven in the driver's seat. He makes one hard decision after another and although he sometimes doesn't believe in himself, he always pulls through. Even when he's got no choice but to lead the Pomps into war. Also, his decisions in this installment lead to some very unhappy--yet self-sacrificing--consequences, but the story was action-packed and the conclusion is heartbreaking.

I really enjoyed this book. But can't help but wonder if there'll be more Steven de Selby adventures in the future...        

The Business of Death, September 2011, ISBN 9780733624858,  Hachette Australia Paperback

H&UFRC books read: 48/24

Wednesday, 5 October 2011

THE IRON KING by Julie Kagawa

MEGHAN CHASE HAS A SECRET DESTINY -
ONE SHE COULD NEVER HAVE IMAGINED...

Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan's life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fit in at school... or at home.

When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her. Meghan sensed that everything she's known is about to change.

But she could never have guessed the truth - that she is the daughter of a mythical faery king and is a pawn in a deadly war. Now Meghan will learn just how far she's go to save someone she cares about, to stop a mysterious evil no faery creature dare face...and to find love with a young prince who might rather see her dead than let her touch his icy heart.

I grabbed this book next because I found out the fourth book in the series is coming out next month. So, before buying it, I wanted to make sure I enjoyed the first book. (I already have book 2 and 3 on my bookshelf.) And, wow!

Meghan Chase has always felt a little different. She doesn't quite fit in at school, and her stepfather seems to constantly forget she's even there. But when her half-brother is taken and replaced with a violent changeling, her eyes are opened to a new world she never thought existed. All of a sudden, she finds out that her best friend Robbie also happens to be from that world, and in order to get her brother back, she'll have to venture into Nevernever to find him. But the Fey are cruel, complicated creatures with trickery and deals waiting at every turn...

I absolutely loved this book! It was amazing. I was hooked! This world of the Fey is vivid, intricate and dangerous, with a great combination of scary and intriguing creatures.  I can't wait to visit again. Actually, I can't wait to get stuck into the next book to see what happens to Meghan next... 

H&UFRC books read: 47/24
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