Genre: Epic Fantasy
Subgenre: Magic, kings/knights, quests
Age Appropriate: Teen
Recommended for my sister: Enh. Maybe?
"I count you as my brother." - Reece
Thorgrin is a young 14 year old runt of the litter boy in a small village. He has great aspirations of becoming a knight and joining The Silver, the elite group of soldiers who fight for the King. On Selection Day, his father tries to force him to stay inside, but Thorgrin runs out and yells for his turn to be considered. He's rejected immediately for being to small and scrawny. After running away from town, he stumbles on an older man named Argon. He convinces Thorgrin not to give up, and he begins the walk to the Kingdom to force his way into knight's training. His spunk and skill earn him a grudging place within the recruits, despite the scorn of his brothers and others who'd gotten in the "right way." Still, he impresses others and his young journey to knighthood begins. It all becomes much more complicated when Thor comes up with strange magical powers.
The Sorceror's Ring series is up to 12 books, and the story grows from Thor's younger days to his coming-of-age obstacles, including a budding love affair with the King's daughter, Gwendolyn. The story itself is very reminiscent of King Arthur, including a magical sword stuck in a stone. Each subsequent quest he leaves on includes his closest knightly friends, and a few non-friends who end up being in debt to Thor's heroism. The group journeys throughout the world, both in the safety of their kingdom and the terror of the insecure Empire beyond their borders. The underlying story follows Thor's relationships and what he needs to learn to save his family, his love, his friends and his kingdom.
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I got to book 9 before I stopped. There are another 3 books in the series, but I just don't have the patience to get through them yet. I was pretty excited to begin, even seeing the blatant parallels with King Arthur. I figured it might be fun after taking an entire semester of Arthuriana. I kept waiting for something epic to happen. There were a few journeys here or there with potential, and each one seemed to more closer to a big finish. Unfortunately, I'm on book 9 and I've not been satisfied with anything yet. The further I get, the more tiring the series becomes.
I know that Thor needs to visit his mother. He's been having dreams and visions of her in the Land of the Druids. It's book 9 though and he still hasn't headed that way. It's kinda boring now. I'm hoping that when I do decide to finish the next few books, whenever that might be, the pace picks up or the author decides to wrap it up. Right now, I know that there are 3 more books that have been released in a bundle. So, for now, I'd say not to bother until I can make myself finish them, eventually.
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Oops!: Happy Mother's Day!!!
Showing posts with label magic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label magic. Show all posts
Sunday, May 4, 2014
Sunday, April 27, 2014
The Others - Anne Bishop
Genre: Urban Fantasy/Fantasy
Subgenre: Others vs. humans, magic, blood
Age Appropriate: Teen
Recommended for my sister: Yep (She's already reading them!)
"I'll ask her for one cut." - Simon
In an Other Courtyard, "Human Laws Do Not Apply." After fighting, trading and tragedy, the humans and Others have come to an uneasy truce with Others in tentative power. What the humans don't understand is that there are other Others with more power than imaginable and the ones seen are the most benign. It is mostly a case of whatever happens in the Courtyard stays in the Courtyard, and that includes the mysterious deaths of humans trespassing where they're not allowed. The Lakeside Courtyard is unique in its toleration of humans in their Market areas, even allowing a select few humans to work in those areas.
As a cassandra sangue, Meg Corbyn is invaluable to the institution she's escaped from. She is a blood prophet, and every cut made on her skin pulls a prophecy out of her. In the compound where she, and other like her, were kept, they were strapped to chairs and used for prophecy and money. Each cut could range from 1,000-10,000 dollars depending on who was being cut. She stumbles into Lakeside Courtyard and walks her freezing feet into a story with a Help Wanted sign. The sign is for a Liaison, a person who runs a post office that interacts between the Others and the humans. Now that she's in Lakeside Courtyard, she has to come clean about who she is and where she's from in order to keep her place. The wide community of Others may decide that she's one of their own, and then there will be no going back for her. The Others protect their own.
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I've been a huge fan of Anne Bishop for a long time. It started with her Black Jewels trilogy in high school but each time I've started a new series, I've fallen into it completely. I appreciate that her series don't intersect, and always have a completely different world, without losing anything of her style and story. Written in Blood and Murder of Crows are no different. I had to reread Written in Blood to catch up, and it was still a great story. There are societal issues, supernatural elements and a teeny tiny bit of possible romance.
Obviously, I recommend it. I can't really recommend it to my sister, specifically, because she's waiting for Book 2 already. I'll recommend it to everyone else, though! I actually think that Bishop could probably stop with book 2, if she really wanted, but I hope she doesn't. There are still some great possibilities for the greater battle ahead, and how knows what will happen to Meg's potential love life? Will she actually have one? She's probably not ready, yet. I've heard nothing yet about another book, but I'm crossing my fingers!
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Moar Books: Sorcerer's Ring series
Subgenre: Others vs. humans, magic, blood
Age Appropriate: Teen
Recommended for my sister: Yep (She's already reading them!)
"I'll ask her for one cut." - Simon
In an Other Courtyard, "Human Laws Do Not Apply." After fighting, trading and tragedy, the humans and Others have come to an uneasy truce with Others in tentative power. What the humans don't understand is that there are other Others with more power than imaginable and the ones seen are the most benign. It is mostly a case of whatever happens in the Courtyard stays in the Courtyard, and that includes the mysterious deaths of humans trespassing where they're not allowed. The Lakeside Courtyard is unique in its toleration of humans in their Market areas, even allowing a select few humans to work in those areas.
As a cassandra sangue, Meg Corbyn is invaluable to the institution she's escaped from. She is a blood prophet, and every cut made on her skin pulls a prophecy out of her. In the compound where she, and other like her, were kept, they were strapped to chairs and used for prophecy and money. Each cut could range from 1,000-10,000 dollars depending on who was being cut. She stumbles into Lakeside Courtyard and walks her freezing feet into a story with a Help Wanted sign. The sign is for a Liaison, a person who runs a post office that interacts between the Others and the humans. Now that she's in Lakeside Courtyard, she has to come clean about who she is and where she's from in order to keep her place. The wide community of Others may decide that she's one of their own, and then there will be no going back for her. The Others protect their own.
-----
I've been a huge fan of Anne Bishop for a long time. It started with her Black Jewels trilogy in high school but each time I've started a new series, I've fallen into it completely. I appreciate that her series don't intersect, and always have a completely different world, without losing anything of her style and story. Written in Blood and Murder of Crows are no different. I had to reread Written in Blood to catch up, and it was still a great story. There are societal issues, supernatural elements and a teeny tiny bit of possible romance.
Obviously, I recommend it. I can't really recommend it to my sister, specifically, because she's waiting for Book 2 already. I'll recommend it to everyone else, though! I actually think that Bishop could probably stop with book 2, if she really wanted, but I hope she doesn't. There are still some great possibilities for the greater battle ahead, and how knows what will happen to Meg's potential love life? Will she actually have one? She's probably not ready, yet. I've heard nothing yet about another book, but I'm crossing my fingers!
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Moar Books: Sorcerer's Ring series
Monday, April 14, 2014
Chicagoland Vampire Series - Chloe Neill
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Subgenre: vampires, weres, Chicago!, romance drama
Age Appropriate: Adult
Recommended for my sister: For the most part
"Ponytail Avenger??" - Merit
On late evening, Merit was walking home from doing research for her English Lit dissertation when the worst happens. She is brutally attacked by someone, or something, and wakes up as something else. After a few days of being unconscious, she wakes in her house, only to find out that she's been turned into a vampire! Ethan Sullivan, Master of Cadogan House, found her and saved her from her brutal attack in the only way he thought he could, turning her into a vampire and bringing her into his House. Merit is confused, and upset but nothing pisses her off more than hearing that they've taken her out of school! She can't finish her education, and she thinks it is all their fault - even acknowledging that the school likely would've kicked her out anyway. Between her disappointment, general pissed-off-ness and a normally snarky attitude, Merit and her best friend, Mallory, name Ethan "Darth Sullivan," and spend a goodly amount of time hating him.
When Merit is threatened with a rock and a note thrown through her window, clearly regarding her new vampire status, she takes off to the House to confront Ethan about the situation. There is trouble when she sees him for the first tie since her turning. She's no longer in a confused, drug-like state and he is gorgeous. She feels some sort of instant connection and the reaction is more irritation on her part. She challenges him, loses miserably, and starts her career as a Cadogan vampire with a bang. When she formally joins the house (after much deliberation), her obvious vampire strength is shown by unknowingly resisting the psychic pull she should receive from Ethan. His response? Name Merit "Sentinel" - an old, honored position committed to protecting the House. Thus begins her series of trials and tribulations that contain sorcerors, two-faced angels, other vampires and increasing animosity from humans. WIth her new friends and old, she's pulled into situations that either require her powers as a vampire or her newly developed skills as a private investigator type.
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The first few books are very entertaining. After that the story seems to get a little more convoluted with each adventure. The move from very entertaining to plain ol' entertaining. I admit that I mostly enjoy Merit's sword skills. I always like Urban Fantasy chicks wielding swords. I also like her Ethan, the gorgeous Master of the House - and he seems like a softer Jean-Claude, just as beautiful and conniving but a little less manipulative (just a little, though). I just finished book 9, and I'll be happy to have some more.
This book gets very sexy in some spots. Not as bad as some, but it's still there - primarily in the later books. It's just graphic enough for me to give this an Adult rating (but not enough for caps or colors). As much as I like Ethan, and it really couldn't go any other way with these books, I found myself a little bit on Team Jonah for awhile. There are also some things that I hope they get into more. It feels like they've given Merit a few new roles, but in name only. She uses her new status for new information, but I'll be interested to see if the author expands on it in the future. Honestly, though, I did read the new book in a day. Yay instant consumption! I suppose that means I recommend it!
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Not vampires: The Sianam Series
Subgenre: vampires, weres, Chicago!, romance drama
Age Appropriate: Adult
Recommended for my sister: For the most part
"Ponytail Avenger??" - Merit
On late evening, Merit was walking home from doing research for her English Lit dissertation when the worst happens. She is brutally attacked by someone, or something, and wakes up as something else. After a few days of being unconscious, she wakes in her house, only to find out that she's been turned into a vampire! Ethan Sullivan, Master of Cadogan House, found her and saved her from her brutal attack in the only way he thought he could, turning her into a vampire and bringing her into his House. Merit is confused, and upset but nothing pisses her off more than hearing that they've taken her out of school! She can't finish her education, and she thinks it is all their fault - even acknowledging that the school likely would've kicked her out anyway. Between her disappointment, general pissed-off-ness and a normally snarky attitude, Merit and her best friend, Mallory, name Ethan "Darth Sullivan," and spend a goodly amount of time hating him.
When Merit is threatened with a rock and a note thrown through her window, clearly regarding her new vampire status, she takes off to the House to confront Ethan about the situation. There is trouble when she sees him for the first tie since her turning. She's no longer in a confused, drug-like state and he is gorgeous. She feels some sort of instant connection and the reaction is more irritation on her part. She challenges him, loses miserably, and starts her career as a Cadogan vampire with a bang. When she formally joins the house (after much deliberation), her obvious vampire strength is shown by unknowingly resisting the psychic pull she should receive from Ethan. His response? Name Merit "Sentinel" - an old, honored position committed to protecting the House. Thus begins her series of trials and tribulations that contain sorcerors, two-faced angels, other vampires and increasing animosity from humans. WIth her new friends and old, she's pulled into situations that either require her powers as a vampire or her newly developed skills as a private investigator type.
-----
The first few books are very entertaining. After that the story seems to get a little more convoluted with each adventure. The move from very entertaining to plain ol' entertaining. I admit that I mostly enjoy Merit's sword skills. I always like Urban Fantasy chicks wielding swords. I also like her Ethan, the gorgeous Master of the House - and he seems like a softer Jean-Claude, just as beautiful and conniving but a little less manipulative (just a little, though). I just finished book 9, and I'll be happy to have some more.
This book gets very sexy in some spots. Not as bad as some, but it's still there - primarily in the later books. It's just graphic enough for me to give this an Adult rating (but not enough for caps or colors). As much as I like Ethan, and it really couldn't go any other way with these books, I found myself a little bit on Team Jonah for awhile. There are also some things that I hope they get into more. It feels like they've given Merit a few new roles, but in name only. She uses her new status for new information, but I'll be interested to see if the author expands on it in the future. Honestly, though, I did read the new book in a day. Yay instant consumption! I suppose that means I recommend it!
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Not vampires: The Sianam Series
Monday, March 24, 2014
Heralds of Valdemar - Mercedes Lackey
Genre: Fantasy
Subgenre: epic fantasy, magic
Age Appropriate: Teens
Recommended for my sister: YES
"Hindsight is ever perfect" - Starwind k'Treva
The Heralds of Valdemar books span over multiple trilogies. While Lackey wrote them in a different order, there is a specific timeline that moves the history along. The first series chronologically is the Last Herald-Mage series featuring Vanyel, a young man who feels separate from his family and is sent to the capital, Haven, to be with his Aunt Savil. His arrival starts the story off with his emotional issues and secrets that lead to great tragedy and discovery of his own mage powers. Through the story the audience learns the special marks of those who are "Chosen" in the kingdom of Valedmar, and is given a good basis for the following story lines.
Throughout all of the trilogies, the main characters are either Heralds or those who become somehow involved with Heralds. IT's the Heralds who are chosen, and to that effect are considered unshakable in their honor and loyalty to their land. The clear designation of a Herald is the presence of their Companion - a magical spirit being in the guise of a horse, who "chooses" their Herald. The tie between Herald and Companion is soul deep and together they will go out and do the hard things done in need of their country. Those "gifts" can range from telepathy - or Mindspeaking - to Firestarting, and in some case the ever mysterious Mage-gift. With the exception of the Mage-gift, all fo the abilities are considered "mind-magic," and the distinction becomes very important as the books go forward.
There are wide varieties of characters, with various idiosyncrasies in either tale. Each kingdom has different rules and histories that cause great conflicts, as often is the case between kingdom and monarchs. On top of that, there are magical beasts running feral, magically tainted lands being watched over by some strange people and even a demon or two thrown in for good measure. All in all, if you put them together, the Heralds of Valdemar books are one long epic. There are even a few short-story companion novels available when you can't get enough.
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I love them. I read my first one when I was probably around 10ish. It was the first Herald-Mage Vanyel book and I was completely hooked. I'll admit that I didn't particularly like the Mage Winds trilogy as some of the others, but each trilogy is fairly important for character development. There are a few that might be considered stand-alone, but I wouldn't recommend it. Find the chronology online and read them all. Even the books that may not be set in Valdemar are important. The things you might miss are small, but they gave me a little boost when I noticed them.
I suppose it's hard to do a full review when you're talking about a series as long as this. While I've read them all recently, I remember the first time being pretty strong emotionally. I still feel strongly when I read the Herald-Mages books and the Arrows books. The sads are as important as the happies. The series is highly recommended, especially if you like epic-type series. I think the splits of trilogies probably helps with consumption levels, but I wouldn't be too shocked if you found yourself buying them all right away.
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Moar!: Chicagoland Vampires - Chloe Neill
Subgenre: epic fantasy, magic
Age Appropriate: Teens
Recommended for my sister: YES
"Hindsight is ever perfect" - Starwind k'Treva
The Heralds of Valdemar books span over multiple trilogies. While Lackey wrote them in a different order, there is a specific timeline that moves the history along. The first series chronologically is the Last Herald-Mage series featuring Vanyel, a young man who feels separate from his family and is sent to the capital, Haven, to be with his Aunt Savil. His arrival starts the story off with his emotional issues and secrets that lead to great tragedy and discovery of his own mage powers. Through the story the audience learns the special marks of those who are "Chosen" in the kingdom of Valedmar, and is given a good basis for the following story lines.
Throughout all of the trilogies, the main characters are either Heralds or those who become somehow involved with Heralds. IT's the Heralds who are chosen, and to that effect are considered unshakable in their honor and loyalty to their land. The clear designation of a Herald is the presence of their Companion - a magical spirit being in the guise of a horse, who "chooses" their Herald. The tie between Herald and Companion is soul deep and together they will go out and do the hard things done in need of their country. Those "gifts" can range from telepathy - or Mindspeaking - to Firestarting, and in some case the ever mysterious Mage-gift. With the exception of the Mage-gift, all fo the abilities are considered "mind-magic," and the distinction becomes very important as the books go forward.
There are wide varieties of characters, with various idiosyncrasies in either tale. Each kingdom has different rules and histories that cause great conflicts, as often is the case between kingdom and monarchs. On top of that, there are magical beasts running feral, magically tainted lands being watched over by some strange people and even a demon or two thrown in for good measure. All in all, if you put them together, the Heralds of Valdemar books are one long epic. There are even a few short-story companion novels available when you can't get enough.
-----
I love them. I read my first one when I was probably around 10ish. It was the first Herald-Mage Vanyel book and I was completely hooked. I'll admit that I didn't particularly like the Mage Winds trilogy as some of the others, but each trilogy is fairly important for character development. There are a few that might be considered stand-alone, but I wouldn't recommend it. Find the chronology online and read them all. Even the books that may not be set in Valdemar are important. The things you might miss are small, but they gave me a little boost when I noticed them.
I suppose it's hard to do a full review when you're talking about a series as long as this. While I've read them all recently, I remember the first time being pretty strong emotionally. I still feel strongly when I read the Herald-Mages books and the Arrows books. The sads are as important as the happies. The series is highly recommended, especially if you like epic-type series. I think the splits of trilogies probably helps with consumption levels, but I wouldn't be too shocked if you found yourself buying them all right away.
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Moar!: Chicagoland Vampires - Chloe Neill
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Kate Daniels series - Ilona Andrews
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Subgenre: vampires, weres, magic
Age Appropriate: Older teen+
Recommended for my sister: YES
"Here, kitty-kitty." - Kate
In a post-apocalyptic world, magic has returned half-force. Every minute of the day could be a time when there is magic, or there is none. When the "tech" is up, typical machines work - phones, cars, microwaves, and when the magic is up nothing mechanical works but the possibilities are endless for those with magical powers and know-how.
Kate Daniels is a mercenary who deals with complex magical situations. Similar to a bounty hunter, she picks assignments she wants and moves out to deal with the problem, sometimes even with another partner. Her stressful, but seemingly regular, existence ends when her guardian is found dead. Her need for investigation puts her in strange position with the other supernatural species in the area, as well as at the beck and call of the leading formal magical police force. Thus begins her story, and the deeper it goes, the scarier her secrets become.
Kate is hiding a deep secret from those who have become close to her. As her new friends slowly figure out what she's hiding, she finds herself in a position she never wanted to be in - namely having friends in the first place. She's been raised as a weapon, a solitary fighter who needs no one and is expected to dispatch anyone who might catch on to what she's hiding, until the time comes for her to use that training. Her newfound personal developments put everything she's been protecting at risk, but she consistently throws it to the wind of chance in order to protect the people around her. The only question is: When will it finally bite her in the ass?
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This is probably one of my newer favorite series. I've read them over and over, lately. I appreciate that there is little to no sex, which is actually a bit rare in the female urban fantasy genre. There actually isn't any sex until the fourth book, and even then it's not a focus at any point. I really enjoy the character development, and I'm really excited to see what will happen next in the drama.
I find the storyline to be a bit unique actually. Sure, there are some pretty standard themes, particularly independent, strong woman who kicks butt - with a sword no less. Even the romance portion is fairly typical, but her reasons and actions apart from those reasons is a little new. I mean, it's a book, so it's pretty standard that she's the heroine, but the author makes her a little more human given the other properties in Kate's life. I think it was fairly successfully done. If nothing else, I'm very upset at how much longer I have to wait for the next installment. It's very frustrating, only tempered by the fact that there is at least a release date now. Highly, highly recommended.
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Meow: Heralds of Valdemar - Mercedes Lackey
Subgenre: vampires, weres, magic
Age Appropriate: Older teen+
Recommended for my sister: YES
"Here, kitty-kitty." - Kate
In a post-apocalyptic world, magic has returned half-force. Every minute of the day could be a time when there is magic, or there is none. When the "tech" is up, typical machines work - phones, cars, microwaves, and when the magic is up nothing mechanical works but the possibilities are endless for those with magical powers and know-how.
Kate Daniels is a mercenary who deals with complex magical situations. Similar to a bounty hunter, she picks assignments she wants and moves out to deal with the problem, sometimes even with another partner. Her stressful, but seemingly regular, existence ends when her guardian is found dead. Her need for investigation puts her in strange position with the other supernatural species in the area, as well as at the beck and call of the leading formal magical police force. Thus begins her story, and the deeper it goes, the scarier her secrets become.
Kate is hiding a deep secret from those who have become close to her. As her new friends slowly figure out what she's hiding, she finds herself in a position she never wanted to be in - namely having friends in the first place. She's been raised as a weapon, a solitary fighter who needs no one and is expected to dispatch anyone who might catch on to what she's hiding, until the time comes for her to use that training. Her newfound personal developments put everything she's been protecting at risk, but she consistently throws it to the wind of chance in order to protect the people around her. The only question is: When will it finally bite her in the ass?
-----
This is probably one of my newer favorite series. I've read them over and over, lately. I appreciate that there is little to no sex, which is actually a bit rare in the female urban fantasy genre. There actually isn't any sex until the fourth book, and even then it's not a focus at any point. I really enjoy the character development, and I'm really excited to see what will happen next in the drama.
I find the storyline to be a bit unique actually. Sure, there are some pretty standard themes, particularly independent, strong woman who kicks butt - with a sword no less. Even the romance portion is fairly typical, but her reasons and actions apart from those reasons is a little new. I mean, it's a book, so it's pretty standard that she's the heroine, but the author makes her a little more human given the other properties in Kate's life. I think it was fairly successfully done. If nothing else, I'm very upset at how much longer I have to wait for the next installment. It's very frustrating, only tempered by the fact that there is at least a release date now. Highly, highly recommended.
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Meow: Heralds of Valdemar - Mercedes Lackey
Sunday, March 9, 2014
Kushiel series - Jacqueline Carey
Genre: Fantasy
Subgenre: sex, gods, intrigue, adventure, pain
Age Appropriate: ADULT
Recommended for my sister: Top 10
"That which yields is not always weak." - fortune teller
Phedre is a young girl sold into comfortable servitude when her parents find themselves desperate. Her mother, formerly of the institution she gives Phedre too, begs them to take her daughter. Her mother was of the Jasmine House of the Court of Night Blooming Flowers - a series of houses with adepts and trainees dedicated to Naamah, the goddess of desire. While Phedre is remanded to the house, she has a flaw that singles out of being able to commit herself. She has a crimson mote in her eye, and the Houses are very particular about physical flaws. Despite her lack of qualifications, she's raised in the house the same as other children in their keeping. Most of those children will go on to become adepts in their chosen houses until they make their marque - a tattoo on their backs signifying their House and that they've completed their indentured service.
After hearing the Story of Elua from a priest, the children are given flowers to pin onto their shirts, and it leads Phedre to learn her first lesson about herself. She pricks her finger with the pin, out of curiosity, and the result is a wash of pain/pleasure that would normally put her in a particular house, if she didn't have that one single flaw. When one of the adepts finds her out, she's told she'll be meeting someone very interested in her. That day she runs away to Night's Doorstep, a poor neighborhood, and meets her one true friend, Hyacinthe. Upon her return, she meets Anafiel Delaunay, and her fate is sealed. She is an anguisette, someone born to accept pain as pleasure, and under the tutelage of Delaunay becomes somewhat more. He makes her into a spy, alongside his other pupil, Alcuin, teaching her how to observe and think, along with her lessons toward becoming an Adept of the Night Court.
This part of her story takes up the first part of the first book. Her education and dedication to Naamah lead her dangerous paths against traitors, slavers and terrible tortures. She bases her survival on one thing, to save her Queen and county from terrible invasion by barbarians. Her companion, a warrior-priest of Cassiel, Joscelin, ends up her only ally on her terrible journey. Their's is a story of pain, pleasure and fortitude in the face of hopelessness.
-----
There are actually 9 books in the Kushiel series world. The first three are completely focused on Phedre's individual life story. Despite the different names and religions created in the world, the location are all based in real countries, which names changed. Her story is terribly, and heartbreaking, and hard to read. Whatever sensuality and sexuality is included, it is far more included for advancing the story than it is for blatant porn. How could there be no sex when the main character is a goddess-dedicated courtesan of sorts? It's not all easy-peasy romance either. Every step of the way there is little typical happiness to be found. It was a struggle emotionally to read the books, but enrapturing to read, nonetheless.
What can I say? It's an amazing series, if you have the stomach for it. Even after reading it for the bajillionth time, it still makes me heartsick. There is a bit of pride and hope in there, on behalf of Phedre and Joscelin. When I first read them, a long time ago, I'll even admit that I was a bit tempted to get her marque as a tattoo. I mean, how cool would that be? I'm glad I didn't but her story made the whole thing something to be proud of, rather than disdained. If you believe you can handle the intricacies, I would most highly recommend this series.
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Somewhat less intense: Kate Daniels series
Subgenre: sex, gods, intrigue, adventure, pain
Age Appropriate: ADULT
Recommended for my sister: Top 10
"That which yields is not always weak." - fortune teller
Phedre is a young girl sold into comfortable servitude when her parents find themselves desperate. Her mother, formerly of the institution she gives Phedre too, begs them to take her daughter. Her mother was of the Jasmine House of the Court of Night Blooming Flowers - a series of houses with adepts and trainees dedicated to Naamah, the goddess of desire. While Phedre is remanded to the house, she has a flaw that singles out of being able to commit herself. She has a crimson mote in her eye, and the Houses are very particular about physical flaws. Despite her lack of qualifications, she's raised in the house the same as other children in their keeping. Most of those children will go on to become adepts in their chosen houses until they make their marque - a tattoo on their backs signifying their House and that they've completed their indentured service.
After hearing the Story of Elua from a priest, the children are given flowers to pin onto their shirts, and it leads Phedre to learn her first lesson about herself. She pricks her finger with the pin, out of curiosity, and the result is a wash of pain/pleasure that would normally put her in a particular house, if she didn't have that one single flaw. When one of the adepts finds her out, she's told she'll be meeting someone very interested in her. That day she runs away to Night's Doorstep, a poor neighborhood, and meets her one true friend, Hyacinthe. Upon her return, she meets Anafiel Delaunay, and her fate is sealed. She is an anguisette, someone born to accept pain as pleasure, and under the tutelage of Delaunay becomes somewhat more. He makes her into a spy, alongside his other pupil, Alcuin, teaching her how to observe and think, along with her lessons toward becoming an Adept of the Night Court.
This part of her story takes up the first part of the first book. Her education and dedication to Naamah lead her dangerous paths against traitors, slavers and terrible tortures. She bases her survival on one thing, to save her Queen and county from terrible invasion by barbarians. Her companion, a warrior-priest of Cassiel, Joscelin, ends up her only ally on her terrible journey. Their's is a story of pain, pleasure and fortitude in the face of hopelessness.
-----
There are actually 9 books in the Kushiel series world. The first three are completely focused on Phedre's individual life story. Despite the different names and religions created in the world, the location are all based in real countries, which names changed. Her story is terribly, and heartbreaking, and hard to read. Whatever sensuality and sexuality is included, it is far more included for advancing the story than it is for blatant porn. How could there be no sex when the main character is a goddess-dedicated courtesan of sorts? It's not all easy-peasy romance either. Every step of the way there is little typical happiness to be found. It was a struggle emotionally to read the books, but enrapturing to read, nonetheless.
What can I say? It's an amazing series, if you have the stomach for it. Even after reading it for the bajillionth time, it still makes me heartsick. There is a bit of pride and hope in there, on behalf of Phedre and Joscelin. When I first read them, a long time ago, I'll even admit that I was a bit tempted to get her marque as a tattoo. I mean, how cool would that be? I'm glad I didn't but her story made the whole thing something to be proud of, rather than disdained. If you believe you can handle the intricacies, I would most highly recommend this series.
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Somewhat less intense: Kate Daniels series
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Grave Witch - Kalayna Price
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Subgenre: mediums, ghosts, elves
Age Appropriate: Older Teen
Recommended for my sister: Absolutely
"My advice is to run." - Thorn Fae
Alex Craft is a PI and a witch with an affinity for the grave. Her specific use of her powers is to raise shades from bodies to have questions asked and answered. The start of her story really begins with the drama that comes with her powers making her an expert witness for an organized crime case. Her job will be to raise the shade of a controversial murder victim and simply ask her what happened. When Alexis is shot at, it's believed that this is the reason. There is more going on, though, when she realizes a favor for her sister may have a bigger effect on her situation. There are some serious things afoot when she gets a mysterious call from her estranged sister, and her situation becomes much more complicated than anyone thought.
The Alexis Craft series is a bit of a bumbling hero story. She's powerful and willful and has no sense of self-preservation. Helping her along the way are her powerful-women girlfriends, a mysterious homicide detective and her old time, close friend, Death. Unlike the Anita series, he literally IS Death. At least, a soul collector that Alexis first met as a young girl with budding powers. Her relationships with these people all help her in her times of need, and often goad her into doing stupid things out of stubbornness. As Alexis finds out more secrets about herself, she'll need all the support she can get!
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You know, for the second time round, I wan't sure I was going to be able to get into these books as much as I did the first time. It was true, to a certain extent, but probably not more so than many other series I've read multiple times. I wasn't sure if I was going to put an awesome review down for this. I know I enjoyed it, but I was surprised by the end result.
I don't always like Alex Craft. I'm a bit used to protagonists in this genre being determined to a fault. In a way, the attitude is similar to Harry Potter's inability to just leave things alone. At the same time, in the end Alex also ends up saving the day (on a much smaller scale, of course). That's as far as similarities go. There is no direct, or indirect, correlation to Harry and any Urban Fantasy I've read. Anyway, I digress. I frequently get annoyed with her, and her complete disregard for her friends. She has a line of loyalty that often gets her in and out of trouble, but sometimes it seems like some of that trouble wouldn't have started without her actions in the first place.
The kicker? I adore most of the people in her life. There are only three books, and I frequently feel sympathy for them in many situations (except potential boyfriend #2. Ugh). At the end of book three, I felt like crying. It's unfair! I didn't notice it happening, but despite my original misgivings, I ended up complete entrapped by the underlying love story and the injustice of it all. I don't know what's worse, unrequited love, or seriously people-could-die love. Breaks my heart. So, yeah, go ahead and read it. It's no great American novel, mind you, but it's pretty good nonetheless.
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How 'bout some wolves: Riley Jenson series
Subgenre: mediums, ghosts, elves
Age Appropriate: Older Teen
Recommended for my sister: Absolutely
"My advice is to run." - Thorn Fae
Alex Craft is a PI and a witch with an affinity for the grave. Her specific use of her powers is to raise shades from bodies to have questions asked and answered. The start of her story really begins with the drama that comes with her powers making her an expert witness for an organized crime case. Her job will be to raise the shade of a controversial murder victim and simply ask her what happened. When Alexis is shot at, it's believed that this is the reason. There is more going on, though, when she realizes a favor for her sister may have a bigger effect on her situation. There are some serious things afoot when she gets a mysterious call from her estranged sister, and her situation becomes much more complicated than anyone thought.
The Alexis Craft series is a bit of a bumbling hero story. She's powerful and willful and has no sense of self-preservation. Helping her along the way are her powerful-women girlfriends, a mysterious homicide detective and her old time, close friend, Death. Unlike the Anita series, he literally IS Death. At least, a soul collector that Alexis first met as a young girl with budding powers. Her relationships with these people all help her in her times of need, and often goad her into doing stupid things out of stubbornness. As Alexis finds out more secrets about herself, she'll need all the support she can get!
-----
You know, for the second time round, I wan't sure I was going to be able to get into these books as much as I did the first time. It was true, to a certain extent, but probably not more so than many other series I've read multiple times. I wasn't sure if I was going to put an awesome review down for this. I know I enjoyed it, but I was surprised by the end result.
I don't always like Alex Craft. I'm a bit used to protagonists in this genre being determined to a fault. In a way, the attitude is similar to Harry Potter's inability to just leave things alone. At the same time, in the end Alex also ends up saving the day (on a much smaller scale, of course). That's as far as similarities go. There is no direct, or indirect, correlation to Harry and any Urban Fantasy I've read. Anyway, I digress. I frequently get annoyed with her, and her complete disregard for her friends. She has a line of loyalty that often gets her in and out of trouble, but sometimes it seems like some of that trouble wouldn't have started without her actions in the first place.
The kicker? I adore most of the people in her life. There are only three books, and I frequently feel sympathy for them in many situations (except potential boyfriend #2. Ugh). At the end of book three, I felt like crying. It's unfair! I didn't notice it happening, but despite my original misgivings, I ended up complete entrapped by the underlying love story and the injustice of it all. I don't know what's worse, unrequited love, or seriously people-could-die love. Breaks my heart. So, yeah, go ahead and read it. It's no great American novel, mind you, but it's pretty good nonetheless.
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How 'bout some wolves: Riley Jenson series
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Elemental Assasin series - Jennifer Estep
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Subgenre: a little bit of magic and a little bit of murder
Age Appropriate: Adult, kinda. I mean, there's plenty of romance-y stuff.
Recommended for my sister: Started out pretty good...
"It never hurts to double check." - Fletcher
Gin Blanco grew up with an interesting family dynamic. After losing her family to a terrible, evil tragedy, Gin is found by Fletcher Lane - a.k.a. Tin Man. As Gin gets older, she (and her foster brother, Finn) start learning the "family business." Tin Man is an assassin for hire. The story focuses on Gin and her career as The Spider, the most notorious assassin in Ashland. No one really knows who she is, only that they don't want her coming after them.
Gin's whole journey begins with the murder of her family by Mab Monroe. The foremost mobster in Ashland's underground. While Gin goes through a variety of situations as The Spider, the underlying plot is her need for vengeance against Mab, and how she'll be able to survive the encounter. In the world of Gin Blanco, there is elemental magic everywhere. Many people have some level of ability. Gin's primary magic is Stone magic. She can harden her skin to stone, and hear vibrations through any stone she touches. Mab's magic is Fire magic. She's a very strong magic user who used her magic to kill Gin's family. Gin's obstacle comes in knowing that her Stone magic likely isn't as strong as Mab's Fire. Despite the people in her life, and the changes and growth Gin goes through, will she be able to seek the revenge she wants, and destroying the head of the Ashland underground?
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I actually genuinely enjoy this series, mostly. I don't know if I really care about the characters now that I'm further in the series, but it's not awful. I like some books better than others. I don't particularly mind when there is a big gap in new releases. I suppose that says something about them.
I definltey have some sympathy for the romantic situations Gin finds herself in. I think I would've like a little more development with her assassin skills.
The books are a good read, especially when looking to wind down from something more intense. I suppose I would say that they're a good beach read, assuming you're not really into sappy romance novels. I don't need to swallow them whole, though. I say that they started out good because there was a really immediate purpose for Gin, and the following parts were good but don't seem to give her the same motivations. After a few books, I don't think it's an easy feat for an author. I'm hoping that the next one is as entraining as the first few.
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Let's keep going: Grave Witch series
Subgenre: a little bit of magic and a little bit of murder
Age Appropriate: Adult, kinda. I mean, there's plenty of romance-y stuff.
Recommended for my sister: Started out pretty good...
"It never hurts to double check." - Fletcher
Gin Blanco grew up with an interesting family dynamic. After losing her family to a terrible, evil tragedy, Gin is found by Fletcher Lane - a.k.a. Tin Man. As Gin gets older, she (and her foster brother, Finn) start learning the "family business." Tin Man is an assassin for hire. The story focuses on Gin and her career as The Spider, the most notorious assassin in Ashland. No one really knows who she is, only that they don't want her coming after them.
Gin's whole journey begins with the murder of her family by Mab Monroe. The foremost mobster in Ashland's underground. While Gin goes through a variety of situations as The Spider, the underlying plot is her need for vengeance against Mab, and how she'll be able to survive the encounter. In the world of Gin Blanco, there is elemental magic everywhere. Many people have some level of ability. Gin's primary magic is Stone magic. She can harden her skin to stone, and hear vibrations through any stone she touches. Mab's magic is Fire magic. She's a very strong magic user who used her magic to kill Gin's family. Gin's obstacle comes in knowing that her Stone magic likely isn't as strong as Mab's Fire. Despite the people in her life, and the changes and growth Gin goes through, will she be able to seek the revenge she wants, and destroying the head of the Ashland underground?
-----
I actually genuinely enjoy this series, mostly. I don't know if I really care about the characters now that I'm further in the series, but it's not awful. I like some books better than others. I don't particularly mind when there is a big gap in new releases. I suppose that says something about them.
I definltey have some sympathy for the romantic situations Gin finds herself in. I think I would've like a little more development with her assassin skills.
The books are a good read, especially when looking to wind down from something more intense. I suppose I would say that they're a good beach read, assuming you're not really into sappy romance novels. I don't need to swallow them whole, though. I say that they started out good because there was a really immediate purpose for Gin, and the following parts were good but don't seem to give her the same motivations. After a few books, I don't think it's an easy feat for an author. I'm hoping that the next one is as entraining as the first few.
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Let's keep going: Grave Witch series
Sunday, February 2, 2014
Green Rider - Kristen Britain
Genre: Fantasy
Subgenre: riders, messengers, kings, intrigue
Age Appropriate: Young Adult
Recommended for my sister: Absolutely
"I am not a Green Rider!" - Karigan
One fateful day, Karigan G'ladheon is expelled from her school, Selium. It is an academy which is widely renowned. After a little swordplay with a spoiled aristocrat, Karigan finds herself running off in a bit of a tantrum at the injustice of it all. In her haste through slightly unknown forests, Karigan stumbles on a dying man is a green uniform, with two arrows in her back. This messenger pries a solemn deathbed promise out of Karigan to complete his mission in getting his messages back to the King. She takes his messages, a spare uniform, and his uniquely intelligent horse and trots off on her new mission.
Along the way Karigan meets various obstacles, both big and small, all in her effort to reach the King with the messages. Each time she's met with an obstacle, or even a new character, Karigan consistently insists that she is not a Green Rider, simply finishing his mission as promised. Things begin to prove differently throughout her journey, but she adamantly denies all of the signs. While stumbling some crazy situation, she realizes that her horse really is unusually smart, and that she's developed some sort of magical gift. There are evil forces infiltrating the kingdom and now she's found herself in the middle of a growing, tainted conflict. In each books of the series, Karigan fights against herself while fighting against the evil spreading through the land. With all of the battles on each front, she manages to add a different aspect when a little bit of romance rears it's head.
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The Green Rider series is pretty fun for me. It's like a younger version of The Deed of Paksenarrion. There are some elves running around, though not much more of the other races often found in similar stories. One of my favorite aspects is how much Karigan rails against her new powers and responsibilities. It's not because I want to see her struggle, but more that heroes (or heroines) often think of how awesome they are, or how cool they could be, and Karigan wants nothing more than to abandon her new life and return to her old one - except that she has an incredible sense of duty hiding behind some of that angst.
I'm keeping this at Young Adult because, although there is a brief encounter that might be considered more on the adult side of things, I don't feel that two pages in the fourth book takes it above the rating. The one big disappointment of the series is that Kristen Britain takes about two years to release a book. I'm glad because they're usually pretty well done, but sad because I'm a bit impatient. There are a few things that don't really sit well with me, but I've enjoyed the series nonetheless. I'd definitely recommend it. It's close to light reading, but still pretty entertaining. Now, the question is...what is going to happen with those romantic entanglements!? (I'm such a girl.)
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Yes, you are!: Elemental Assassin series - Jennifer Estep
Subgenre: riders, messengers, kings, intrigue
Age Appropriate: Young Adult
Recommended for my sister: Absolutely
"I am not a Green Rider!" - Karigan
One fateful day, Karigan G'ladheon is expelled from her school, Selium. It is an academy which is widely renowned. After a little swordplay with a spoiled aristocrat, Karigan finds herself running off in a bit of a tantrum at the injustice of it all. In her haste through slightly unknown forests, Karigan stumbles on a dying man is a green uniform, with two arrows in her back. This messenger pries a solemn deathbed promise out of Karigan to complete his mission in getting his messages back to the King. She takes his messages, a spare uniform, and his uniquely intelligent horse and trots off on her new mission.
Along the way Karigan meets various obstacles, both big and small, all in her effort to reach the King with the messages. Each time she's met with an obstacle, or even a new character, Karigan consistently insists that she is not a Green Rider, simply finishing his mission as promised. Things begin to prove differently throughout her journey, but she adamantly denies all of the signs. While stumbling some crazy situation, she realizes that her horse really is unusually smart, and that she's developed some sort of magical gift. There are evil forces infiltrating the kingdom and now she's found herself in the middle of a growing, tainted conflict. In each books of the series, Karigan fights against herself while fighting against the evil spreading through the land. With all of the battles on each front, she manages to add a different aspect when a little bit of romance rears it's head.
-----
The Green Rider series is pretty fun for me. It's like a younger version of The Deed of Paksenarrion. There are some elves running around, though not much more of the other races often found in similar stories. One of my favorite aspects is how much Karigan rails against her new powers and responsibilities. It's not because I want to see her struggle, but more that heroes (or heroines) often think of how awesome they are, or how cool they could be, and Karigan wants nothing more than to abandon her new life and return to her old one - except that she has an incredible sense of duty hiding behind some of that angst.
I'm keeping this at Young Adult because, although there is a brief encounter that might be considered more on the adult side of things, I don't feel that two pages in the fourth book takes it above the rating. The one big disappointment of the series is that Kristen Britain takes about two years to release a book. I'm glad because they're usually pretty well done, but sad because I'm a bit impatient. There are a few things that don't really sit well with me, but I've enjoyed the series nonetheless. I'd definitely recommend it. It's close to light reading, but still pretty entertaining. Now, the question is...what is going to happen with those romantic entanglements!? (I'm such a girl.)
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Yes, you are!: Elemental Assassin series - Jennifer Estep
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Morrigan's Cross - Nora Roberts
Genre: Romance
Subgenre: A wizard, witch and a vampire walk into a bar...
Age Appropriate: Adult, kinda. I mean, it's romance.
Recommended for my sister: Enh.
"Where ever he goes, I go." - King
Seriously, though, Hoyt is a magician/wizard born in the 1800's. He sees his twin brother attacked and "killed" by Lilith, the evil queen of nasty vampires. His twin, Cian, leaves the family to start his new life, but Lilith is far from done with them. Hoyt is then visited by the goddess Morrigan and is sent through the Dance of the Gods, a portal between time and realms to present day. His job is to find the other 5 members of the circle that will help him put an end to Lilith's plan for multi-world domination.
The first person on his list is his vampire brother, Cian. Cian has no interest in the task set before them, other than boredom and a hint of revenge. This first book also introduces the other parts of the circle: Glenna, a Chicagoan witch; Moira, a scholarly type from Gaell; Larkin, her cousin who also happens to shapeshift (dragons are his personal favorite), and Blair, a New Yorker vampire hunter descended from Hoyt and Cian's sister, Nola. Each book of the trilogy pairs up the circle in love matches, and the find the connections they make a strong part of their circle partnerships for defeating Lilith and her vampire legion.
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The Morrigan's Cross, Dance of the Gods triology is a magical romance. I don't want to call it a paranormal romance because Nora Roberts often writes better than I would typically attribute to that genre. This is a fictional romance that happens to have some fun magical traits. I'm enjoyed it as much as I enjoy Nora Roberts' other books. These are pretty much super fluffy, but with an actual storyline. She has a lot of books set in either the states or Ireland and mysteries are found in all of them. Some of them have light violence, and the romance part is relatively tame compared to others in the genre. I guess I wouldn't necessarily recommend it, unless you're really in the mood. I would definitely put a bunch of books ahead in line.
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Less fluffy?: Green Rider series
Subgenre: A wizard, witch and a vampire walk into a bar...
Age Appropriate: Adult, kinda. I mean, it's romance.
Recommended for my sister: Enh.
"Where ever he goes, I go." - King
Seriously, though, Hoyt is a magician/wizard born in the 1800's. He sees his twin brother attacked and "killed" by Lilith, the evil queen of nasty vampires. His twin, Cian, leaves the family to start his new life, but Lilith is far from done with them. Hoyt is then visited by the goddess Morrigan and is sent through the Dance of the Gods, a portal between time and realms to present day. His job is to find the other 5 members of the circle that will help him put an end to Lilith's plan for multi-world domination.
The first person on his list is his vampire brother, Cian. Cian has no interest in the task set before them, other than boredom and a hint of revenge. This first book also introduces the other parts of the circle: Glenna, a Chicagoan witch; Moira, a scholarly type from Gaell; Larkin, her cousin who also happens to shapeshift (dragons are his personal favorite), and Blair, a New Yorker vampire hunter descended from Hoyt and Cian's sister, Nola. Each book of the trilogy pairs up the circle in love matches, and the find the connections they make a strong part of their circle partnerships for defeating Lilith and her vampire legion.
-----
The Morrigan's Cross, Dance of the Gods triology is a magical romance. I don't want to call it a paranormal romance because Nora Roberts often writes better than I would typically attribute to that genre. This is a fictional romance that happens to have some fun magical traits. I'm enjoyed it as much as I enjoy Nora Roberts' other books. These are pretty much super fluffy, but with an actual storyline. She has a lot of books set in either the states or Ireland and mysteries are found in all of them. Some of them have light violence, and the romance part is relatively tame compared to others in the genre. I guess I wouldn't necessarily recommend it, unless you're really in the mood. I would definitely put a bunch of books ahead in line.
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Less fluffy?: Green Rider series
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Mercy Thompson - Patricia Briggs
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Subgenre: weres, vamps, walkers, an elf or two
Age Appropriate: Mature Older Teen
Recommended for my sister: Yep.
"'I killed a werewolf in my garage.' That will get a quicker response than spending 20 minutes explaining." - Mercy
Mercedes Thompson turns into a coyote. As opposed to werewolves, she's a walker. Her mother love a Native American cowboy and Mercy came of it. Her father died tragically in a car accident shortly and so Mercy ended up with her mother. Until something strange happened, of course. Mercy ended up moving to Montana to be with her werewolf uncle and the Marrok's pack. She grew up and moved out, ended school and became a VW mechanic. That's right, Mercedes the VW mechanic. An old joke made frequently throughout the series.
Mercy has a number of new and interesting friends that either a direct effect in all of the shenanigans, or somehow pulled her butt of out the fire in each. Only Mercy would end up working for a metalsmith gremlin, being courted but the local Alpha, fixing up cars and vampires and wrapped up in Fae affairs. Her mystical abilities make her to focus of interesting people, and often ends up in lot of trouble all the way around. That's the whole basis of her books - watching her get out of these bonkers situations with the help of her unlikely set of friends.
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I have a lot of fun with this series. Of course there is some romance, as with most Urban Fantasy novels (particularly with female authors but it still well away from the Paranormal Romance genre. It's almost like Anite Blake-light. Mercy gets into tons of accidental situations where she has to take on a hero role. The "light" part is that she's no serious vampire hunter with dangerous assassin friends, just werewolves and a strange vampire. It is comparatively lighthearted. Half of the time I'm just shaking my head at how she manages to get into some of these situations. There are some serious parts, though. It's not completely fluffy. In one of the books, there is actually a pretty difficult ending - fair warning. I'm going to recommend it, though. It's good light Urban Fantasy reading. Right now, there are 6 books in the series - which is why I've put in less review. (Anita has about 23 books, hence the longer review.)
I will mention that there is a spin-off series (Alpha & Omega)with some good friends/family of Mercy & Company. It's definitely more on the romance side of the spectrum, but they're pretty good. If you decide you're going to be adding those in, it might be good to see if Patricia Briggs has a chronological timeline somewhere, as the books are interspersed with the Mercy books.
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Next time!: The Lions of Al-Rassan
Subgenre: weres, vamps, walkers, an elf or two
Age Appropriate: Mature Older Teen
Recommended for my sister: Yep.
"'I killed a werewolf in my garage.' That will get a quicker response than spending 20 minutes explaining." - Mercy
Mercedes Thompson turns into a coyote. As opposed to werewolves, she's a walker. Her mother love a Native American cowboy and Mercy came of it. Her father died tragically in a car accident shortly and so Mercy ended up with her mother. Until something strange happened, of course. Mercy ended up moving to Montana to be with her werewolf uncle and the Marrok's pack. She grew up and moved out, ended school and became a VW mechanic. That's right, Mercedes the VW mechanic. An old joke made frequently throughout the series.
Mercy has a number of new and interesting friends that either a direct effect in all of the shenanigans, or somehow pulled her butt of out the fire in each. Only Mercy would end up working for a metalsmith gremlin, being courted but the local Alpha, fixing up cars and vampires and wrapped up in Fae affairs. Her mystical abilities make her to focus of interesting people, and often ends up in lot of trouble all the way around. That's the whole basis of her books - watching her get out of these bonkers situations with the help of her unlikely set of friends.
-----
I have a lot of fun with this series. Of course there is some romance, as with most Urban Fantasy novels (particularly with female authors but it still well away from the Paranormal Romance genre. It's almost like Anite Blake-light. Mercy gets into tons of accidental situations where she has to take on a hero role. The "light" part is that she's no serious vampire hunter with dangerous assassin friends, just werewolves and a strange vampire. It is comparatively lighthearted. Half of the time I'm just shaking my head at how she manages to get into some of these situations. There are some serious parts, though. It's not completely fluffy. In one of the books, there is actually a pretty difficult ending - fair warning. I'm going to recommend it, though. It's good light Urban Fantasy reading. Right now, there are 6 books in the series - which is why I've put in less review. (Anita has about 23 books, hence the longer review.)
I will mention that there is a spin-off series (Alpha & Omega)with some good friends/family of Mercy & Company. It's definitely more on the romance side of the spectrum, but they're pretty good. If you decide you're going to be adding those in, it might be good to see if Patricia Briggs has a chronological timeline somewhere, as the books are interspersed with the Mercy books.
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Next time!: The Lions of Al-Rassan
Saturday, December 14, 2013
The Deed of Paksenarrion
Genre: Fantasy
Subgenre: soldiers, kings, battles, elves
Age Appropriate: Young Adult
Recommended for my sister: Yes
"Do I have to say?...Yes, for good." - Paksenarrion
The Deed of Paksennarrion is a Tolkien-esque adventure, complete with quests, elder races and evil plots. Paksenarrion leaves home to avoid marrying a farmer who had been promised her hand by her father. After a fight with her father, she leaves home and heads to the nearest town, hoping to catch up with a mercenary recruiting company. After hearing about her cousin's journeys, she decides that she wants to follow her dreams of being a famous warrior and starts her journey with Duke Phelan's company. The story starts the real plot development with the trials that come with being a new recruit within the company, including her disappointments with having to do camp chores.
The story that follows shows Paks growing into herself, and learning about the things that are most important to her. Along the way, she learns of the different races within the realm, becomes friends with some elves, and stumbles upon a small village that will become a strange home-like focal point for her life. While Paks is distinguishing herself among others in the land, she slows becomes aware of long-laid plots that are aimed to dooming another country, and battling internally about her own responsibilities in the matter. The Deed of Paksenarrion is a combination of three novels in one, each a high adventure with both triumph and pain alike.
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For all that the Anita Blake books are my favorite series, The Deed of Paksenarrion is probably my favorite book. It was actually my sister who provided it. I read the copy she gave me enough that I had to buy a second one, as the pages were falling out. I now, thankfully, have the e-version and I can read it without care.
I never finished Lord of the Rings. When I tried to read it when I was younger, I couldn't get past how long it was. Honestly, I don't know that I could read it now. I don't need Lord of the Rings, though, when I have The Deed of Paksenarrion with me. There aren't really any direct parallels between the two stories, with the exception of the presence of dwarves, elves, orcs and other creatures. The important lessons probably have some similarities - but that's true of most epic novels. My mother frequently complains about my reading fantasy novels, but maybe I should sit her down with this one. The morals of the story are hugely affecting. Watching the hardships that Paks has to face, and her responses to them (good and bad), really develop a sense of compassion. Of course, there is a part of me cheering her on every time she prevails. If this were The Neverending Story, I would be Bastien and Paks would be my Atreyu.
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Coming Soon: Mercy Thompson
Special Note: With the holiday season coming up, I can't guarantee how often the posts will come up. It's entirely possible that there won't be any until I'm done with the holidays! Happy Holidays!
Subgenre: soldiers, kings, battles, elves
Age Appropriate: Young Adult
Recommended for my sister: Yes
"Do I have to say?...Yes, for good." - Paksenarrion
The Deed of Paksennarrion is a Tolkien-esque adventure, complete with quests, elder races and evil plots. Paksenarrion leaves home to avoid marrying a farmer who had been promised her hand by her father. After a fight with her father, she leaves home and heads to the nearest town, hoping to catch up with a mercenary recruiting company. After hearing about her cousin's journeys, she decides that she wants to follow her dreams of being a famous warrior and starts her journey with Duke Phelan's company. The story starts the real plot development with the trials that come with being a new recruit within the company, including her disappointments with having to do camp chores.
The story that follows shows Paks growing into herself, and learning about the things that are most important to her. Along the way, she learns of the different races within the realm, becomes friends with some elves, and stumbles upon a small village that will become a strange home-like focal point for her life. While Paks is distinguishing herself among others in the land, she slows becomes aware of long-laid plots that are aimed to dooming another country, and battling internally about her own responsibilities in the matter. The Deed of Paksenarrion is a combination of three novels in one, each a high adventure with both triumph and pain alike.
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For all that the Anita Blake books are my favorite series, The Deed of Paksenarrion is probably my favorite book. It was actually my sister who provided it. I read the copy she gave me enough that I had to buy a second one, as the pages were falling out. I now, thankfully, have the e-version and I can read it without care.
I never finished Lord of the Rings. When I tried to read it when I was younger, I couldn't get past how long it was. Honestly, I don't know that I could read it now. I don't need Lord of the Rings, though, when I have The Deed of Paksenarrion with me. There aren't really any direct parallels between the two stories, with the exception of the presence of dwarves, elves, orcs and other creatures. The important lessons probably have some similarities - but that's true of most epic novels. My mother frequently complains about my reading fantasy novels, but maybe I should sit her down with this one. The morals of the story are hugely affecting. Watching the hardships that Paks has to face, and her responses to them (good and bad), really develop a sense of compassion. Of course, there is a part of me cheering her on every time she prevails. If this were The Neverending Story, I would be Bastien and Paks would be my Atreyu.
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Coming Soon: Mercy Thompson
Special Note: With the holiday season coming up, I can't guarantee how often the posts will come up. It's entirely possible that there won't be any until I'm done with the holidays! Happy Holidays!
Sunday, November 24, 2013
Anita Blake - Laurell K. Hamilton
Genre: Urban Fantasy/Romance?
Subgenre: Vampire, werewolves, zombies
Age Appropriate: Adults, especially as the series progresses
Recommended for my sister: YES
"I proved what I needed to prove to myself a long time ago. I don't care what you think." - Anita
It all begins with a lonely, young hardheaded woman with a special affinity for the dead. Anita Blake is an animator, a person who can raise zombies from the grave. Part of her "day job" is literally to raise zombies from the grace, for a variety a reasons. She works for a firm - Animators, Inc. - with a business manager and other animators. It's her "day job" because she can only raise zombies at night, but it is still her main working position. At least, it is in the beginning.
Anita has a secondary job, one that is much more intense, and calls more for the hardheaded stubbornness she becomes known for. She's a vampire executioner. With lots of training and skill, she's become one of the most notorious vampire hunters in the United States, at least among the vampires. Her kill count eventually breaches the numbers of all of the others in her field, and earns her the disdainful nickname The Executioner.
The series, now at 23 books, follows the beginning of Anita's illustrious career, a mix of zombies, preternatural police assistance, and vampire hunting. In the first few books, she adds romance to her daily struggles, switching between a closeted werewolf and a disturbingly (but sexy) master vampire. Each book adds, or removes, some layer of new and old relationships while exploring Anita's reluctance to fit any type of defined love in her life - both because of her personal convictions about supernaturals and her own personal values.
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I won't lie. I decided to review this book first because its my favorite series of all time. I also want to be upfront with the high level of smut that has found its way into a number of books. In the first few books of the series, there was a high level of focus on the actual storyline, and character development for everyone involved. It definitely sucked me in, and I became such a fan that I spent most of my life from that one day in the used bookstore, until last month, waiting patiently for each book to be released. However, somewhere in the middle the books turned into some softcore bowchicawowow that leads me to make sure this series was titled "Adult." It really wasn't that way for the first part of the series, which was good since I was a pre-teen. It wasn't until later that it was a little over the top. Luck for me (and you?) I don't mind over the top. Ha.
I love the Anita books. They are a great escape for me, and almost every character is some level of sexy, but no lacking major issues. It's not that I want everyone to have major issues, but those issues make her hot male leads seems a little more human (or whatever part of them is human). I enjoyed watching her rail against her love life, but I have to say that I most enjoyed the actual storylines. My favorite character is, by far, Edward - Anita's obvious best friend and vampire bounty hunter guru. Anita's character development includes the changes in her attitudes to more align with Edward's and her interal struggles into turning into a sociopath. If anyone is more dangerous than Anita, it's Edward - nicknamed Death. My favorite books are the ones where Edward shows up. As soon as he's on the scene, you know you're in for some good action scenes and funny banter.
Recommendation: Obviously, yes. I sucked my sister into these a long time ago. I think she may have stopped when LKH took her break from "real" writing and fell into the pit of softcore dispair, but I totally dug it. Read it again, sister!
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Next Up: Black Jewels Trilogy
Subgenre: Vampire, werewolves, zombies
Age Appropriate: Adults, especially as the series progresses
Recommended for my sister: YES
"I proved what I needed to prove to myself a long time ago. I don't care what you think." - Anita
It all begins with a lonely, young hardheaded woman with a special affinity for the dead. Anita Blake is an animator, a person who can raise zombies from the grave. Part of her "day job" is literally to raise zombies from the grace, for a variety a reasons. She works for a firm - Animators, Inc. - with a business manager and other animators. It's her "day job" because she can only raise zombies at night, but it is still her main working position. At least, it is in the beginning.
Anita has a secondary job, one that is much more intense, and calls more for the hardheaded stubbornness she becomes known for. She's a vampire executioner. With lots of training and skill, she's become one of the most notorious vampire hunters in the United States, at least among the vampires. Her kill count eventually breaches the numbers of all of the others in her field, and earns her the disdainful nickname The Executioner.
The series, now at 23 books, follows the beginning of Anita's illustrious career, a mix of zombies, preternatural police assistance, and vampire hunting. In the first few books, she adds romance to her daily struggles, switching between a closeted werewolf and a disturbingly (but sexy) master vampire. Each book adds, or removes, some layer of new and old relationships while exploring Anita's reluctance to fit any type of defined love in her life - both because of her personal convictions about supernaturals and her own personal values.
------
I won't lie. I decided to review this book first because its my favorite series of all time. I also want to be upfront with the high level of smut that has found its way into a number of books. In the first few books of the series, there was a high level of focus on the actual storyline, and character development for everyone involved. It definitely sucked me in, and I became such a fan that I spent most of my life from that one day in the used bookstore, until last month, waiting patiently for each book to be released. However, somewhere in the middle the books turned into some softcore bowchicawowow that leads me to make sure this series was titled "Adult." It really wasn't that way for the first part of the series, which was good since I was a pre-teen. It wasn't until later that it was a little over the top. Luck for me (and you?) I don't mind over the top. Ha.
I love the Anita books. They are a great escape for me, and almost every character is some level of sexy, but no lacking major issues. It's not that I want everyone to have major issues, but those issues make her hot male leads seems a little more human (or whatever part of them is human). I enjoyed watching her rail against her love life, but I have to say that I most enjoyed the actual storylines. My favorite character is, by far, Edward - Anita's obvious best friend and vampire bounty hunter guru. Anita's character development includes the changes in her attitudes to more align with Edward's and her interal struggles into turning into a sociopath. If anyone is more dangerous than Anita, it's Edward - nicknamed Death. My favorite books are the ones where Edward shows up. As soon as he's on the scene, you know you're in for some good action scenes and funny banter.
Recommendation: Obviously, yes. I sucked my sister into these a long time ago. I think she may have stopped when LKH took her break from "real" writing and fell into the pit of softcore dispair, but I totally dug it. Read it again, sister!
-----
Next Up: Black Jewels Trilogy
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