The Warlord's Daughter by Susan Grant
Oct TBR Challenge: Romantic Suspense or Paranormal Romance
The Warlord's Daughter has been on my TBR list since Oct 14, 2011.
This book also qualifies as a SFR Reading Challenge 2012 book.
3 stars
Grade C+
It was great to catch up with several of the characters from Moonstruck, but otherwise this book was uninspired. I counted it for the TBR Challenge because it is a science fiction romance, which is the closest I came to a romantic suspense or paranormal this month.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
TBR Challenge 2012: How did this get here?
Loving Evangeline by Linda Howard
2/5 stars
Grade C-/D+
TBR Challenge 2012: July Category-- How did this get here?
I'm not sure why Loving Evangeline got on my to-read list, perhaps because of the author, but here it is! And it's been here for almost a year.
I enjoyed Evie, and the suspense was fine, but the manipulative bastard of a hero was too much for me. His actions were so unfeeling and cold, and I was never convinced he was sorry for them. And the "one look at her and he's got to have her even if she's guilty of treason" is way over the top.
It was okay because the general writing was decent and I liked several of the characters, but the hero was not my type at all.
2/5 stars
Grade C-/D+
TBR Challenge 2012: July Category-- How did this get here?
I'm not sure why Loving Evangeline got on my to-read list, perhaps because of the author, but here it is! And it's been here for almost a year.
I enjoyed Evie, and the suspense was fine, but the manipulative bastard of a hero was too much for me. His actions were so unfeeling and cold, and I was never convinced he was sorry for them. And the "one look at her and he's got to have her even if she's guilty of treason" is way over the top.
It was okay because the general writing was decent and I liked several of the characters, but the hero was not my type at all.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
TBR Challnege 2012- June Category: Western
Sunrise Over Texas by M. J. Fredick
TBR Challenge 2012--June Category: Western. Sunrise Over Texas has been on my TBR list since 2010.
Grade B-/C+
Sunrise Over Texas is a the story of a three women left alone in a Texas fort in winter. Katherine "Kit" Barkley is a widow taking care of her late husband's mother and sister. They have no way to get to the nearest settlement, and don't have enough provisions to last the winter. Indians are also a concern. Into this scene rides Trace, a man running from a painful past and now too sick to ride further. Kit nurses him back to health and the two wary strangers find themselves drawn to each other.
I liked that Kit is portrayed as a woman with strong feeling and desires. Trace is more of a beta male, and it was a refreshing change. Although non-alpha, he was strong and sexy. I would like to read more books where the relationship is one of mutual strength, like Trace and Kit. I did get tired of Kit constantly being called "stubborn" because she made up her mind and had confidence in her decisions. Just because there was a man around didn't mean she couldn't think for herself.
Unfortunately, the writing lacked pizazz. It wasn't bad, but it didn't sparkle, especially the dialogue. Still, it was a good story and I will read more by this author. My favorite book by Fredrick so far is Hot Shot.
TBR Challenge 2012--June Category: Western. Sunrise Over Texas has been on my TBR list since 2010.
Grade B-/C+
Sunrise Over Texas is a the story of a three women left alone in a Texas fort in winter. Katherine "Kit" Barkley is a widow taking care of her late husband's mother and sister. They have no way to get to the nearest settlement, and don't have enough provisions to last the winter. Indians are also a concern. Into this scene rides Trace, a man running from a painful past and now too sick to ride further. Kit nurses him back to health and the two wary strangers find themselves drawn to each other.
I liked that Kit is portrayed as a woman with strong feeling and desires. Trace is more of a beta male, and it was a refreshing change. Although non-alpha, he was strong and sexy. I would like to read more books where the relationship is one of mutual strength, like Trace and Kit. I did get tired of Kit constantly being called "stubborn" because she made up her mind and had confidence in her decisions. Just because there was a man around didn't mean she couldn't think for herself.
Unfortunately, the writing lacked pizazz. It wasn't bad, but it didn't sparkle, especially the dialogue. Still, it was a good story and I will read more by this author. My favorite book by Fredrick so far is Hot Shot.
TBR Challenge 2012--Personal Challenge
Shattered by Karen Robards
4 of 5 stars
Grade A-
TBR Challenge 2012--Personal Challenge: Shattered has been on my to-read list since 2010.
I thoroughly enjoyed this romantic suspense by Robards. The plotting is well done and I like both main characters. The mystery defies solution for most of the book. I could almost figure it out, but a few details prove elusive. The author does withhold one clue until the end, but it was necessary for the story.
Robards weaves all the parts of the story together, including the mutual history of Lisa and Scott. I liked that the heroine is no blushing ingenue, but instead an apologetically experienced woman.
4 of 5 stars
Grade A-
TBR Challenge 2012--Personal Challenge: Shattered has been on my to-read list since 2010.
I thoroughly enjoyed this romantic suspense by Robards. The plotting is well done and I like both main characters. The mystery defies solution for most of the book. I could almost figure it out, but a few details prove elusive. The author does withhold one clue until the end, but it was necessary for the story.
Robards weaves all the parts of the story together, including the mutual history of Lisa and Scott. I liked that the heroine is no blushing ingenue, but instead an apologetically experienced woman.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
TBR Challenge 2012: Personal Challennge
Shades of Gray by Brooke McKinley
TBR Challenge 2012: Personal Challenge-- This book has been on my TBR list since June 2011.
4.5*
Grade A
Shades of Gray is a well written book with great characters. I was drawn into the story from the first page. During the book, I found I was continually made to rethink preconceived ideas about what makes a person "good" or "bad." Both main characters, Danny and Miller, grow and change throughout the novel, overcoming, backsliding, and then moving ahead again. At first I thought of Miller as the "good guy" and Danny as the broken one, but as the story progresses I saw the flaws within Miller and the goodness within Danny.
The writing is tight, with no useless characters or information. McKinley does a masterful job of character development, but also with the action plot and the sexual tension. Even though the world of drug dealers and FBI agents is almost totally foreign to me, the character development felt real, and very believable. That doesn't mean every aspect of the story was believable, but overall the message and the people were real.
There is resolution, but not a neatly tied up ribbons-and-rainbows ending for everyone. That, too, makes it feel more realistic. Recommended.
TBR Challenge 2012: Personal Challenge-- This book has been on my TBR list since June 2011.
4.5*
Grade A
Shades of Gray is a well written book with great characters. I was drawn into the story from the first page. During the book, I found I was continually made to rethink preconceived ideas about what makes a person "good" or "bad." Both main characters, Danny and Miller, grow and change throughout the novel, overcoming, backsliding, and then moving ahead again. At first I thought of Miller as the "good guy" and Danny as the broken one, but as the story progresses I saw the flaws within Miller and the goodness within Danny.
The writing is tight, with no useless characters or information. McKinley does a masterful job of character development, but also with the action plot and the sexual tension. Even though the world of drug dealers and FBI agents is almost totally foreign to me, the character development felt real, and very believable. That doesn't mean every aspect of the story was believable, but overall the message and the people were real.
There is resolution, but not a neatly tied up ribbons-and-rainbows ending for everyone. That, too, makes it feel more realistic. Recommended.
Friday, June 1, 2012
SFR Reading Challenge 2012
Wreck of the Nebula Dream by Veronica Scott
SFR Reading Challenge 2012 Book 13
3.5*
Grade B
This was a very enjoyable SFR. Wreck of the Nebula Dream is a retelling of the Titanic disaster with a futuristic space setting. The story is very well done and the plot moves quickly. The group trying to survive came upon realistic obstacles throughout. It kept me interested and reading. The main character, Nick, is well drawn and capable. He's a talented Special Forces officer, but he's not perfect. Mara is less well developed, but she's a sympathetic character. The secondary characters are well done, even the children.
I would have liked to see more development in the relationship between Nick and Mara, although what was there was sweet. I do appreciate the author not having the couple fall into bed during a major crisis. The short moments of tenderness between the leads were believable and appropriate to the story. Don't let the lack of overt sex scenes keep you from reading. It's a good story.
SFR Reading Challenge 2012 Book 13
3.5*
Grade B
This was a very enjoyable SFR. Wreck of the Nebula Dream is a retelling of the Titanic disaster with a futuristic space setting. The story is very well done and the plot moves quickly. The group trying to survive came upon realistic obstacles throughout. It kept me interested and reading. The main character, Nick, is well drawn and capable. He's a talented Special Forces officer, but he's not perfect. Mara is less well developed, but she's a sympathetic character. The secondary characters are well done, even the children.
I would have liked to see more development in the relationship between Nick and Mara, although what was there was sweet. I do appreciate the author not having the couple fall into bed during a major crisis. The short moments of tenderness between the leads were believable and appropriate to the story. Don't let the lack of overt sex scenes keep you from reading. It's a good story.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
TBR Challenge 2012-- May Category
Cry Wolf by Tami Hoag
TBR Challenge 2012: May Challenge- Read a book published prior to 2000.
TBR Challenge 2012: Personal Challenge- Cry Wolf has been on my to-read list since March 2010.
Grade C+
Lucky's Lady is one of my favorite romantic suspense books, and I looked forward to reading Cry Wolf when I saw it was labeled Doucet #3. Other than sharing the Bayou setting and having a one line mention of Lucky Doucet, there is nothing to tie this book to the others. Lucky's Lady also dealt with family troubles and a tortured hero, but I was able to believe the transformations and the happy ending. Cry Wolf on the other hand is one long downer. The book is full of characters who have been abused and traumatized. A few of the topics covered include repeated sexual abuse of a child by a custodial step-parent, physical abuse by an alcoholic parent, patricide, a disbarred lawyer, suicide, nervous breakdown, cold social climbing parent, and so much more. There are no well-adjusted characters here.
The suspense plot was slow to unravel, and the relationship between Jack and Laurel was push-me pull-you for half the book. The heavy angst in both of them was exhausting. Laurel is suppose to be a strong character, and in some ways she comes through in the end, but overall she seems helpless in the face of her grief over her failed case and loss of career. She seems like a ship tossed around on a stormy sea in every relationship: with her sister, her mother, Jack, Stephen, the sheriff, Jimmy Lee, and even the local bar patrons.
Even when the mystery is solved, I wasn't convinced of the happy ending. Way too much baggage weigh the characters down. Their HEA won't come without years of therapy for both of them.
I gave it 3 stars because the writing is good and the mystery kept me glued to the pages.
TBR Challenge 2012: May Challenge- Read a book published prior to 2000.
TBR Challenge 2012: Personal Challenge- Cry Wolf has been on my to-read list since March 2010.
Grade C+
Lucky's Lady is one of my favorite romantic suspense books, and I looked forward to reading Cry Wolf when I saw it was labeled Doucet #3. Other than sharing the Bayou setting and having a one line mention of Lucky Doucet, there is nothing to tie this book to the others. Lucky's Lady also dealt with family troubles and a tortured hero, but I was able to believe the transformations and the happy ending. Cry Wolf on the other hand is one long downer. The book is full of characters who have been abused and traumatized. A few of the topics covered include repeated sexual abuse of a child by a custodial step-parent, physical abuse by an alcoholic parent, patricide, a disbarred lawyer, suicide, nervous breakdown, cold social climbing parent, and so much more. There are no well-adjusted characters here.
The suspense plot was slow to unravel, and the relationship between Jack and Laurel was push-me pull-you for half the book. The heavy angst in both of them was exhausting. Laurel is suppose to be a strong character, and in some ways she comes through in the end, but overall she seems helpless in the face of her grief over her failed case and loss of career. She seems like a ship tossed around on a stormy sea in every relationship: with her sister, her mother, Jack, Stephen, the sheriff, Jimmy Lee, and even the local bar patrons.
Even when the mystery is solved, I wasn't convinced of the happy ending. Way too much baggage weigh the characters down. Their HEA won't come without years of therapy for both of them.
I gave it 3 stars because the writing is good and the mystery kept me glued to the pages.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
SOA and SFR Reading Challenges
The Vor Game by Lois McMaster Bujold
SOA Listening Challenge 2012: Surprise Me 2nd Quarter
Choice #4--Listen to a non-romance
SFR Reading Challenge 2012 #12- I was doing the Moon Challenge (15 books) but will now up my status to the next level.
4.5*
Grade A
Watching Miles "grow up" is almost as difficult and nerve wracking as watching my own children's progress. Although I'm very grateful my children won't be juggling the future of the known universe in their hands any time soon. I was on the edge of my seat for much of the book, and laughing out loud for much of the rest. Miles is a wonderful character, and his over-confidence and bravado inspire both admiration and horror. This is my first time through the series, and I can't help wondering if the impact of the decisions Miles has had to make, including the mistakes, is going to come back to haunt him. And I wonder if he'll ever think he's achieved enough to make up for his disabilities.
Bujold is a master at convoluted, many-layered plots. Reading her one of her books is always a pleasure. The narration by Grover Gardner is excellent as always. While he doesn't change his voice a great deal for his characters, he does have a different inflection for each character, especially during dialogues, and it's easy to follow along.
SOA Listening Challenge 2012: Surprise Me 2nd Quarter
Choice #4--Listen to a non-romance
SFR Reading Challenge 2012 #12- I was doing the Moon Challenge (15 books) but will now up my status to the next level.
4.5*
Grade A
Watching Miles "grow up" is almost as difficult and nerve wracking as watching my own children's progress. Although I'm very grateful my children won't be juggling the future of the known universe in their hands any time soon. I was on the edge of my seat for much of the book, and laughing out loud for much of the rest. Miles is a wonderful character, and his over-confidence and bravado inspire both admiration and horror. This is my first time through the series, and I can't help wondering if the impact of the decisions Miles has had to make, including the mistakes, is going to come back to haunt him. And I wonder if he'll ever think he's achieved enough to make up for his disabilities.
Bujold is a master at convoluted, many-layered plots. Reading her one of her books is always a pleasure. The narration by Grover Gardner is excellent as always. While he doesn't change his voice a great deal for his characters, he does have a different inflection for each character, especially during dialogues, and it's easy to follow along.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
SOA Listening Challenge 2012
No Rest for the Wicked by Kresley Cole
SOA listening Challenge 2012 Surprise Me 2nd Quarter--Choice #2 Listen to a romance narrated by a man.
Narrator Robert Petkoff
4.5*
Grade A
<i>No Rest for the Wicked</i> is the second book set in Kresley Cole's very imaginative universe. It follows closely on the heels of the excellent [book:A Hunger Like No Other|14384], and continues the complex and entertaining world-building started in that book. This book centers around Kaderin the Cold-Heart, a Valkyrie who was "blessed" with no emotions after almost going crazy witnessing the brutal deaths of her two sisters almost 1000 years ago. Her purpose in life now is to slay as many vampires as possible in revenge. That brings her to a lonely castle to kill the vampire, Sebastian. Sebastian was made a vampire against his will and has lived in self-loathing and solitude for over 200 years, drinking only the blood of animals. Both Sebastian and Kaderin end up in a sort of supernatural scavenger hunt called the Hie, where winning could mean changing the past. Along with the adventure, Kaderin has to come to terms with her growing feelings for Sebastian.
Both Sebastian and Kaderin are great characters. Sebastian is an interesting mix of alpha and beta hero qualities, at once demanding and controlling, and yet inexperienced and unsure of himself as well. His beta qualities make him vulnerable and sympathetic, and his alpha qualities make him swoon-worthy. Kaderin was irritating in the first part of the book, but her softening heart makes her a much more enjoyable and sympathetic heroine as the book progresses. The two together are dynamite.
The audiobook is narrated by the talented Robert Petkoff. His voicing of the many accents and his ability to do both male and female characters well makes him a perfect choice for this series. He differentiates the characters very well, even when voicing two males with Slavic accents, or two Valkyrie sisters. His timing and inflection when reading dialogue is excellent. He delivers humorous lines with the right "punch" and is good at knowing just the right inflection needed for the context. My only caveat, and this is a small one, is that the love scenes are delivered a little too dramatically for my tastes, and Kaderin sometimes ends up sounding too breathy. Overall, however, this is an enjoyable story made even better by an excellent narration.
SOA listening Challenge 2012 Surprise Me 2nd Quarter--Choice #2 Listen to a romance narrated by a man.
Narrator Robert Petkoff
4.5*
Grade A
<i>No Rest for the Wicked</i> is the second book set in Kresley Cole's very imaginative universe. It follows closely on the heels of the excellent [book:A Hunger Like No Other|14384], and continues the complex and entertaining world-building started in that book. This book centers around Kaderin the Cold-Heart, a Valkyrie who was "blessed" with no emotions after almost going crazy witnessing the brutal deaths of her two sisters almost 1000 years ago. Her purpose in life now is to slay as many vampires as possible in revenge. That brings her to a lonely castle to kill the vampire, Sebastian. Sebastian was made a vampire against his will and has lived in self-loathing and solitude for over 200 years, drinking only the blood of animals. Both Sebastian and Kaderin end up in a sort of supernatural scavenger hunt called the Hie, where winning could mean changing the past. Along with the adventure, Kaderin has to come to terms with her growing feelings for Sebastian.
Both Sebastian and Kaderin are great characters. Sebastian is an interesting mix of alpha and beta hero qualities, at once demanding and controlling, and yet inexperienced and unsure of himself as well. His beta qualities make him vulnerable and sympathetic, and his alpha qualities make him swoon-worthy. Kaderin was irritating in the first part of the book, but her softening heart makes her a much more enjoyable and sympathetic heroine as the book progresses. The two together are dynamite.
The audiobook is narrated by the talented Robert Petkoff. His voicing of the many accents and his ability to do both male and female characters well makes him a perfect choice for this series. He differentiates the characters very well, even when voicing two males with Slavic accents, or two Valkyrie sisters. His timing and inflection when reading dialogue is excellent. He delivers humorous lines with the right "punch" and is good at knowing just the right inflection needed for the context. My only caveat, and this is a small one, is that the love scenes are delivered a little too dramatically for my tastes, and Kaderin sometimes ends up sounding too breathy. Overall, however, this is an enjoyable story made even better by an excellent narration.
TBR and SFR Reading Challenges 2012
Girl Gone Nova by Pauline Baird Jones
A-
4/5 stars
TBR Reading Challenge 2012: Personal challenge-- This book was originally added to my to-read list June 10, 2010.
SFR Reading Challenge 2012: book 10 of 15 for Moon Challenge
Girl Gone Nova is quite a roller-coaster ride! What stands out for me, both now and as I read it, was what you don't know about what is going on. The catch is that you know you don't know the what and why. It's like walking on a familiar path but in the fog. You feel both sure and unsure of where you're going and it keeps you alert.
Pauline Baird Jones has written a complex puzzle of a plot, mixing time and space travel, advanced technology such as nanoagents, and good old-fashion military space opera. This book is the second of a series, and reading the first book, The Key, is recommended for complete understanding of some major plot points. It's not absolutely necessary, but some things the reader is assumed to know and understand, so it's helpful to have read it.
The plotting is masterful. I enjoyed trying to guess what was actually going on and how the author was going to resolve it all. When time-travel is thrown in the mix, things can get complicated quickly and making a coherent story out of it can be a challenge. For the most part, Ms. Jones succeeds, although the ending got a bit muddled. The resolution was more complicated than necessary and ended up detracting from the story overall for me. One less trip through time would have been better. The last trip was confusing and oddly unsatisfying, bringing up more questions than it answered.
Doc and Hel were both unique, and Ms. Jones succeeds in developing their characters slowly and satisfyingly throughout the book. Her secondary characters were also interesting and often well-defined.
My only other caveat is that the book dragged in places due to too much internal musing by the characters. Granted, the musing was usually entertaining and even enlightening, but just because something is good doesn't mean it adds to the story. The internal musing too often came in the middle of key scenes and slowed down the action. Removing some paragraphs, or even removing some sentences from some paragraphs could have tightened up the flow of the book.
Overall recommended for SFR lovers. I've already downloaded the next two books in the series and look forward to reading them.
A-
4/5 stars
TBR Reading Challenge 2012: Personal challenge-- This book was originally added to my to-read list June 10, 2010.
SFR Reading Challenge 2012: book 10 of 15 for Moon Challenge
Girl Gone Nova is quite a roller-coaster ride! What stands out for me, both now and as I read it, was what you don't know about what is going on. The catch is that you know you don't know the what and why. It's like walking on a familiar path but in the fog. You feel both sure and unsure of where you're going and it keeps you alert.
Pauline Baird Jones has written a complex puzzle of a plot, mixing time and space travel, advanced technology such as nanoagents, and good old-fashion military space opera. This book is the second of a series, and reading the first book, The Key, is recommended for complete understanding of some major plot points. It's not absolutely necessary, but some things the reader is assumed to know and understand, so it's helpful to have read it.
The plotting is masterful. I enjoyed trying to guess what was actually going on and how the author was going to resolve it all. When time-travel is thrown in the mix, things can get complicated quickly and making a coherent story out of it can be a challenge. For the most part, Ms. Jones succeeds, although the ending got a bit muddled. The resolution was more complicated than necessary and ended up detracting from the story overall for me. One less trip through time would have been better. The last trip was confusing and oddly unsatisfying, bringing up more questions than it answered.
Doc and Hel were both unique, and Ms. Jones succeeds in developing their characters slowly and satisfyingly throughout the book. Her secondary characters were also interesting and often well-defined.
My only other caveat is that the book dragged in places due to too much internal musing by the characters. Granted, the musing was usually entertaining and even enlightening, but just because something is good doesn't mean it adds to the story. The internal musing too often came in the middle of key scenes and slowed down the action. Removing some paragraphs, or even removing some sentences from some paragraphs could have tightened up the flow of the book.
Overall recommended for SFR lovers. I've already downloaded the next two books in the series and look forward to reading them.
Friday, April 13, 2012
TBR Challenge 2012: April Category
Release by Beth Kery
TBR Challenge 2012: April Category-- A new-to-you author. Release has been on my to-read list since February 17, 2010.
3.5*
Grade B+
Release is an enjoyable erotic romantic suspense. Erotica romance is not my favorite genre, so that impacts my final rating of the book. I was quite interested in the suspense plot and the gradually unfolding backstory concerning Max, Sean, and Genny. I was less interested in the lengthy and highly detailed sex scenes. I didn't enjoy the recounting of the menage (told in retrospect) because the husband, Max, put me off. Otherwise, the sex scenes were very hot, and even though I was more interested in the suspense plot I did appreciate how well-written they were.
Unfortunately, the suspense plot had a few too many holes in it. One person's blackmail "evidence" pointing to the supposed murderer would never had stood up in court. Photos can be doctored or faked, and even I could figure out where the guy came up with his key physical evidence.
So the suspense plot didn't quite hold up, but was still entertaining. The sex was frequent, detailed and well-written. to paraphrase my friend Jane from her review (http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/123635489), you don't read this book for the plot. ;-)
TBR Challenge 2012: April Category-- A new-to-you author. Release has been on my to-read list since February 17, 2010.
3.5*
Grade B+
Release is an enjoyable erotic romantic suspense. Erotica romance is not my favorite genre, so that impacts my final rating of the book. I was quite interested in the suspense plot and the gradually unfolding backstory concerning Max, Sean, and Genny. I was less interested in the lengthy and highly detailed sex scenes. I didn't enjoy the recounting of the menage (told in retrospect) because the husband, Max, put me off. Otherwise, the sex scenes were very hot, and even though I was more interested in the suspense plot I did appreciate how well-written they were.
Unfortunately, the suspense plot had a few too many holes in it. One person's blackmail "evidence" pointing to the supposed murderer would never had stood up in court. Photos can be doctored or faked, and even I could figure out where the guy came up with his key physical evidence.
So the suspense plot didn't quite hold up, but was still entertaining. The sex was frequent, detailed and well-written. to paraphrase my friend Jane from her review (http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/123635489), you don't read this book for the plot. ;-)
SFR Reading Challenge 2012
The Warrior's Apprentice (Vorkosigan Saga #4) by Lois McMaster Bujold
SFR Reading Challenge 2012 7/15
Free from the Baen Free Library.
I admit I wasn't as pulled into this one as early or as powerfully as the other Vorkosigan books I've read so far, but this was also the first on I hadn't listened to on audio. I did find the middle section of the book somewhat convoluted and had trouble keeping the (many) characters and factions straight. But I have to marvel at how much detail Bujold puts into her books, and how layered the plots and characters are. Amazing, really. Just when you want to dub the series "light," Bujold throws in something sobering and very, very disturbing.
Miles is a great character, and I liked seeing him at what is essentially the beginning of his story. I love the humor, and I like that Miles, while the "hero" of the tale and obviously a likeable person, is definitely not perfect or blameless.
SFR Reading Challenge 2012 7/15
Free from the Baen Free Library.
I admit I wasn't as pulled into this one as early or as powerfully as the other Vorkosigan books I've read so far, but this was also the first on I hadn't listened to on audio. I did find the middle section of the book somewhat convoluted and had trouble keeping the (many) characters and factions straight. But I have to marvel at how much detail Bujold puts into her books, and how layered the plots and characters are. Amazing, really. Just when you want to dub the series "light," Bujold throws in something sobering and very, very disturbing.
Miles is a great character, and I liked seeing him at what is essentially the beginning of his story. I love the humor, and I like that Miles, while the "hero" of the tale and obviously a likeable person, is definitely not perfect or blameless.
Sunday, April 8, 2012
SFR and SOA Reading Challenges 2012
After Glow by Jayne Castle
SOA Reading Challenge 2012 Surprise Me by Quarter: Quarter 2
Choice #3 – Rounding Out the Family – Listen to a romance where a child (under 18) or pet plays a significant role. (Fuzz, the dust bunny)
SFR Reading Challenge 2012 9/15
2.5* rounded up to 3*
Grade C+
Mildly entertaining futuristic suspense novel hampered by clunky writing and too much telling. I generally enjoy JAK in all her permutations, but this isn't one of her best. Lydia and Emmett skirted around actually talking about their true feelings for most of the book. That's a cliched romance novel trope, but it could've been used to create a little angst and distant between them, which could potentially have set the stage for an emotional confrontation/discussion. Instead, the tension basically was allowed to fizzle in one half-hearted conversation.
The suspense plot was decent, but convoluted, and there were too many plot holes. Like why hadn't anyone found the secret chamber before? Lydia got out once through a series of tunnels not involving the big trap, is it reasonable that someone hadn't stumbled on the chamber from that direction before?
SOA Reading Challenge 2012 Surprise Me by Quarter: Quarter 2
Choice #3 – Rounding Out the Family – Listen to a romance where a child (under 18) or pet plays a significant role. (Fuzz, the dust bunny)
SFR Reading Challenge 2012 9/15
2.5* rounded up to 3*
Grade C+
Mildly entertaining futuristic suspense novel hampered by clunky writing and too much telling. I generally enjoy JAK in all her permutations, but this isn't one of her best. Lydia and Emmett skirted around actually talking about their true feelings for most of the book. That's a cliched romance novel trope, but it could've been used to create a little angst and distant between them, which could potentially have set the stage for an emotional confrontation/discussion. Instead, the tension basically was allowed to fizzle in one half-hearted conversation.
The suspense plot was decent, but convoluted, and there were too many plot holes. Like why hadn't anyone found the secret chamber before? Lydia got out once through a series of tunnels not involving the big trap, is it reasonable that someone hadn't stumbled on the chamber from that direction before?
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
TBR Reading Challenge 2012--Personal Category
Blue Flame by Jill Shalvis
TBR Challenge 2012- Personal category. This book has been on my to-read list for over a year while I tried to find a used copy.
A-/B+
Jill Shalvis's Firefighter Trilogy are some of my favorite books by this author. She's written other romantic suspense titles, but these seem to be the most complex as far as characterizations and story. In Blue Flame, I enjoyed the developing relationship between Callie and Jake. Jake was a player, and it was interesting to watch him come to terms with his past and his future. Callie had the most real strength of character in many ways, and I liked that Shalvis paired the alpha-male Jake with a strong female lead who could hold her own.
The suspense plot was fine, and although it wasn't a huge part of the book it helps with character development and provides a focus for the story.
Good book! Well worth the effort to find a used copy.
TBR Challenge 2012- Personal category. This book has been on my to-read list for over a year while I tried to find a used copy.
A-/B+
Jill Shalvis's Firefighter Trilogy are some of my favorite books by this author. She's written other romantic suspense titles, but these seem to be the most complex as far as characterizations and story. In Blue Flame, I enjoyed the developing relationship between Callie and Jake. Jake was a player, and it was interesting to watch him come to terms with his past and his future. Callie had the most real strength of character in many ways, and I liked that Shalvis paired the alpha-male Jake with a strong female lead who could hold her own.
The suspense plot was fine, and although it wasn't a huge part of the book it helps with character development and provides a focus for the story.
Good book! Well worth the effort to find a used copy.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
TBR Challenge 2012- Personal Category
Now You See Her by Linda Howard
TBR Challenge 2012-Personal Category: This book has been on my to-read list since Dec 10, 2010.
4/5 stars
Grade A-/B+
This book has been on my to-read list for over a year, but I never got around to getting a print copy. When it was available for a good price as an audiobook on audible, I decided to give it a try. I'm so glad I listened to the audiobook instead of reading the book. While I would have liked the book in print, I can't help but think the narrator increased my enjoyment quite a bit. Narrator Laura Lefkow's unusual delivery worked perfectly for the heroine. The reader felt the distracted way Sweeney's mind worked, complete with her vagueness and social unease. It was very well done.
Although I figured out the killer early on, I still enjoyed the mystery. The characters, from Sweeney and Richard to the secondary characters, like the police detectives, were well fleshed out and enjoyable. The dialogue was well written and made sense, something I always appreciate!
TBR Challenge 2012-Personal Category: This book has been on my to-read list since Dec 10, 2010.
4/5 stars
Grade A-/B+
This book has been on my to-read list for over a year, but I never got around to getting a print copy. When it was available for a good price as an audiobook on audible, I decided to give it a try. I'm so glad I listened to the audiobook instead of reading the book. While I would have liked the book in print, I can't help but think the narrator increased my enjoyment quite a bit. Narrator Laura Lefkow's unusual delivery worked perfectly for the heroine. The reader felt the distracted way Sweeney's mind worked, complete with her vagueness and social unease. It was very well done.
Although I figured out the killer early on, I still enjoyed the mystery. The characters, from Sweeney and Richard to the secondary characters, like the police detectives, were well fleshed out and enjoyable. The dialogue was well written and made sense, something I always appreciate!
Monday, March 26, 2012
TBR Challenge for March, plus SFR Reading Challenge 2012
Parallel Desire by Deidre Knight
3/5 stars Grade C+
TBR Challenge @012: March category-- Series Catch-Up (pick a book from a series you're behind on)
This book has been on my to read list since Jan 7, 2010. I've had difficulty finding it since it's oop, but finally found one in a used book store recently.
SFR Reading Challenge 2012 8/15
A decent SFR but it could have been better. A long break between reading the previous book in the series and this one didn't help my enjoyment any, but that wasn't the only reason this book fell short of the others in the series. The plot didn't make a lot of sense, and the relationships became the main storyline instead of a good balance between the story and the relationships. Much of the dialogue felt stilted and unnatural as well.
Since it's been several years now and no other book has been forthcoming in this series, i guess we won't find out exactly what happens in the War between the Antousians and the Rafarians for control of Earth. I'm guessing since we're still here it must have turned out okay.
3/5 stars Grade C+
TBR Challenge @012: March category-- Series Catch-Up (pick a book from a series you're behind on)
This book has been on my to read list since Jan 7, 2010. I've had difficulty finding it since it's oop, but finally found one in a used book store recently.
SFR Reading Challenge 2012 8/15
A decent SFR but it could have been better. A long break between reading the previous book in the series and this one didn't help my enjoyment any, but that wasn't the only reason this book fell short of the others in the series. The plot didn't make a lot of sense, and the relationships became the main storyline instead of a good balance between the story and the relationships. Much of the dialogue felt stilted and unnatural as well.
Since it's been several years now and no other book has been forthcoming in this series, i guess we won't find out exactly what happens in the War between the Antousians and the Rafarians for control of Earth. I'm guessing since we're still here it must have turned out okay.
Monday, March 19, 2012
SFR Reading Challenge 2012
Isolation by A.B. Gayle
SFR Reading Challenge 2012 6/15
3.5*
Grade B-/C+
I, for one, want to encourage writers to pen more science fiction romance novels. In the tradition of Linnea Sinclair, solid SF mixed with romance is an exciting and enjoyable genre. Isolation hits the mark well enough for me to recommend it to SFR fans, although it's not perfect.
The basic storyline is quite good and unique. The book is about an Earth mission to colonize a distant Saa'ar planet and the problems that ensue when someone's unknown agenda ends up killing the aliens and stranding the colonists on a space station. The characters are well-drawn for the most part, and the SF details included show the author has done her research. (I liked the interactive computer game the colonists played on board. That was a good touch.) The problem comes with putting all these good points together in a cohesive whole. Somehow the author just misses making the story read as a smooth, continuous entity. There were a few too many side trips with details that were interesting bu interrupted the flow of the story. There was also an occasional scene that left me feeling that the author had a very certain visualization of the scene in her head, but not all of it communicated to the printed page, leaving the reader a little confused about what was going on. This includes the motivations or future plans of the villains of the story, which I never quite understood. Lastly, a few of the character interactions were a bit stiff, and didn't have an authentic feel to them. (Note to author if your reading along: the scene were the captain shows Ethan the gun. I didn't understand the significance of that scene, or why the captain was nervous.)
While the main characters get their resolution, the story ends rather without the larger story arc resolved. I was glad to see this is the first of a series, which means I'll probably get my answers in the next installment.
SFR Reading Challenge 2012 6/15
Read from March 15 to 19, 2012
3.5*
Grade B-/C+
I, for one, want to encourage writers to pen more science fiction romance novels. In the tradition of Linnea Sinclair, solid SF mixed with romance is an exciting and enjoyable genre. Isolation hits the mark well enough for me to recommend it to SFR fans, although it's not perfect.
The basic storyline is quite good and unique. The book is about an Earth mission to colonize a distant Saa'ar planet and the problems that ensue when someone's unknown agenda ends up killing the aliens and stranding the colonists on a space station. The characters are well-drawn for the most part, and the SF details included show the author has done her research. (I liked the interactive computer game the colonists played on board. That was a good touch.) The problem comes with putting all these good points together in a cohesive whole. Somehow the author just misses making the story read as a smooth, continuous entity. There were a few too many side trips with details that were interesting bu interrupted the flow of the story. There was also an occasional scene that left me feeling that the author had a very certain visualization of the scene in her head, but not all of it communicated to the printed page, leaving the reader a little confused about what was going on. This includes the motivations or future plans of the villains of the story, which I never quite understood. Lastly, a few of the character interactions were a bit stiff, and didn't have an authentic feel to them. (Note to author if your reading along: the scene were the captain shows Ethan the gun. I didn't understand the significance of that scene, or why the captain was nervous.)
While the main characters get their resolution, the story ends rather without the larger story arc resolved. I was glad to see this is the first of a series, which means I'll probably get my answers in the next installment.
Monday, March 12, 2012
SOA Listening Challenge 2012
Montana Sky by Nora Roberts
SOA Listening Challenge 2012: Spread Your Listening
Contemporary 4/4
Narrated by Erika Leigh
3.5*
Grade B-
Montana Sky is a solid romantic suspense novel with a decent balance of romance and suspense. The suspense plot was somewhat graphic and at times disturbing, but the author doesn't dwell on it too much or for too long. I can be pretty wimpy about graphic violence, and while there were unpleasant parts, they were over with fairly quickly.
The romance here is fairly typical for a Roberts' suspense novel. The suspense is probably the main focus, but the relationship isn't out of the spotlight too much. Or, in this case, one of the three romances always seemed to be in focus most of the time. The suspense is well-developed, with a few surprises thrown in.
As with most of Roberts' suspense novels, I thoroughly enjoyed learning about about the setting--here it's running a cattle ranch in Montana. The author always does a good job of making the setting feel like one of the main characters in her novels.
The narration by Erika Leigh was fine. Not great but it didn't put me off the book. I did find myself thinking how a really talented narration would have brought this book up a level in enjoyment. A dual narration would work especially well for this book because of the wide variety and large number of both male and female characters.
SOA Listening Challenge 2012: Spread Your Listening
Contemporary 4/4
Narrated by Erika Leigh
3.5*
Grade B-
Montana Sky is a solid romantic suspense novel with a decent balance of romance and suspense. The suspense plot was somewhat graphic and at times disturbing, but the author doesn't dwell on it too much or for too long. I can be pretty wimpy about graphic violence, and while there were unpleasant parts, they were over with fairly quickly.
The romance here is fairly typical for a Roberts' suspense novel. The suspense is probably the main focus, but the relationship isn't out of the spotlight too much. Or, in this case, one of the three romances always seemed to be in focus most of the time. The suspense is well-developed, with a few surprises thrown in.
As with most of Roberts' suspense novels, I thoroughly enjoyed learning about about the setting--here it's running a cattle ranch in Montana. The author always does a good job of making the setting feel like one of the main characters in her novels.
The narration by Erika Leigh was fine. Not great but it didn't put me off the book. I did find myself thinking how a really talented narration would have brought this book up a level in enjoyment. A dual narration would work especially well for this book because of the wide variety and large number of both male and female characters.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
SOA and SFR Reading Challenges 2012
Komarr by Lois McMaster Bujold
SOA Listening Challenge: Spread Your Listening-- paranormal/fantasy/SF 4/4
SFR Reading Challenge 2012 5/15
Grade A+
A 5 star review with no hesitation or caveats. Even though I've only listened to [book:Shards of Honour|61903] and am just now reading the first actual Miles book, [book:The Warrior's Apprentice|61906], I never felt lost during this story. (I do think I missed a few inside jokes, though.) I plan to go back and read the entire series now.
The writing, the story, the humor, the characters--all pitch perfect. And the narration was equally wonderful.
I highly recommend listening/reading to Komarr before going on to [book:A Civil Campaign|61899], a book that is very popular with romance readers. I can't imagine not knowing the entire backstory to Miles and Ekaterin. Komarr is the book where Miles falls in love. Komarr is really Ekaterin's story and what a wonderful character to get to know.
Highly recommended.
SOA Listening Challenge: Spread Your Listening-- paranormal/fantasy/SF 4/4
SFR Reading Challenge 2012 5/15
Grade A+
A 5 star review with no hesitation or caveats. Even though I've only listened to [book:Shards of Honour|61903] and am just now reading the first actual Miles book, [book:The Warrior's Apprentice|61906], I never felt lost during this story. (I do think I missed a few inside jokes, though.) I plan to go back and read the entire series now.
The writing, the story, the humor, the characters--all pitch perfect. And the narration was equally wonderful.
I highly recommend listening/reading to Komarr before going on to [book:A Civil Campaign|61899], a book that is very popular with romance readers. I can't imagine not knowing the entire backstory to Miles and Ekaterin. Komarr is the book where Miles falls in love. Komarr is really Ekaterin's story and what a wonderful character to get to know.
Highly recommended.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
SOA Listening Challenge 2012
Late to the Wedding by Amanda Quick
SOA Listening Challenge 2012: Spread Your Listening
Historical 4/4
3.5*
Grade B
I've enjoyed all three of the Lavinia Lake, Tobias March books, but this is definitely my favorite. The suspense plot was good, with interesting twists. I knew something odd was going on, but couldn't figure out the timing. The ending was interesting and satisfying. While I could have done without the slightly paranormal parts of the books, overall I enjoyed the characters in all three, and in this one especially. I felt Lavinia and Tobias worked much better together in this book, and there was less stubbornness and arguing going on. I liked the mutual respect they showed and the way they worked together.
The narrator, Josephine Bailey, was quite good. Definitely a 4 star or better narration.
SOA Listening Challenge 2012: Spread Your Listening
Historical 4/4
3.5*
Grade B
I've enjoyed all three of the Lavinia Lake, Tobias March books, but this is definitely my favorite. The suspense plot was good, with interesting twists. I knew something odd was going on, but couldn't figure out the timing. The ending was interesting and satisfying. While I could have done without the slightly paranormal parts of the books, overall I enjoyed the characters in all three, and in this one especially. I felt Lavinia and Tobias worked much better together in this book, and there was less stubbornness and arguing going on. I liked the mutual respect they showed and the way they worked together.
The narrator, Josephine Bailey, was quite good. Definitely a 4 star or better narration.
TBR Challenge 2012: Personal Challenge
The Shy Bride by Lucy Monroe
3/5 stars Grade B-/C+
TBR Challenge 2012: Personal Challenge. Added to Amazon wish list Aug 9, 2010.
The Shy Bride is an unexpectedly sweet, non-angsty romance. The Greek billionaire tycoon turns out to be arrogant and somewhat controlling, but never mean or dismissive. The author write him with just enough vulnerability to make him sympathetic and likeable. The agoraphobia story line was interesting, as well.
The writing is serviceable with no major eye-rolling moments. After all, these books aren't suppose to be believable, they're contemporary fantasies. Overall a fun way to spend a few hours.
3/5 stars Grade B-/C+
TBR Challenge 2012: Personal Challenge. Added to Amazon wish list Aug 9, 2010.
The Shy Bride is an unexpectedly sweet, non-angsty romance. The Greek billionaire tycoon turns out to be arrogant and somewhat controlling, but never mean or dismissive. The author write him with just enough vulnerability to make him sympathetic and likeable. The agoraphobia story line was interesting, as well.
The writing is serviceable with no major eye-rolling moments. After all, these books aren't suppose to be believable, they're contemporary fantasies. Overall a fun way to spend a few hours.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Speaking of Audiobooks Listening Challenge 2012
Faking It by Jennifer Crusie
SOA Listening Challenge 2012: Spread Your Listening
Contemporary 3/4
4 of 5 stars Grade A-/B+
What a roller coaster ride! I was hesitant about listening to this audiobook because I didn't like Welcome to Temptation, including Davy, who is the lead in Faking It. I finally gave it a try and while it wasn't a complete success for me, it was a great book. Faking It is different from Welcome to Temptation mainly because it was peopled with quirky characters who were also likable. Even the "bad guys" were mostly likable, or at least humorous. (I didn't like ANYONE in WtT except Phin's daughter, Dilly.)
Davy's manipulative father, all the secret keeping, and, after a while, even the clever internal monologuing got to be irritating, but thankfully Crusie never let it go on too long. Just when I thought the lack of honestly was going to keep Davy and Tilda apart for most of the book, the author chose to give them (and the reader) a break.
The book is genuinely funny, with some of the best dialog (and internal musings) I've ever read. The characters were quirky without being caricatures, which is difficult to pull off.
The narration by Aasne Vigesaa was just about perfect, as well. Her comedic timing was spot on, and her character voices were clear without her trying to fake the men's voices. Excellent job.
SOA Listening Challenge 2012: Spread Your Listening
Contemporary 3/4
4 of 5 stars Grade A-/B+
What a roller coaster ride! I was hesitant about listening to this audiobook because I didn't like Welcome to Temptation, including Davy, who is the lead in Faking It. I finally gave it a try and while it wasn't a complete success for me, it was a great book. Faking It is different from Welcome to Temptation mainly because it was peopled with quirky characters who were also likable. Even the "bad guys" were mostly likable, or at least humorous. (I didn't like ANYONE in WtT except Phin's daughter, Dilly.)
Davy's manipulative father, all the secret keeping, and, after a while, even the clever internal monologuing got to be irritating, but thankfully Crusie never let it go on too long. Just when I thought the lack of honestly was going to keep Davy and Tilda apart for most of the book, the author chose to give them (and the reader) a break.
The book is genuinely funny, with some of the best dialog (and internal musings) I've ever read. The characters were quirky without being caricatures, which is difficult to pull off.
The narration by Aasne Vigesaa was just about perfect, as well. Her comedic timing was spot on, and her character voices were clear without her trying to fake the men's voices. Excellent job.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
TBR Challenge 2012: Personal Challenge
A Game of Chance (Mackenzie Family #5) by Linda Howard
TBR Challenge 2012: Personal Challenge-- books on my list prior to 2011. A Game of Chance has been on my to-read list since August 2010.
3.5* rounded up to 4*
Grade B
A Game of Chance is a book I didn't expect to like as much as I did. All the Mackenzie family books have been enjoyable, but none have been great. A Game of Chance isn't great either, but it's a whole lotta fun! Even when I tell myself it's over-the-top and unbelievable, I still like it. Chance has just enough edge to be a great Linda Howard hero, but with some truly good-guy qualities that insure the reader respects him. Sunny was a well-written character with enough believability to make her a sympathetic heroine.
There was failure to communicate between the characters, but that is integral to the plot, so it made sense instead of being annoying. Good book!
TBR Challenge 2012: Personal Challenge-- books on my list prior to 2011. A Game of Chance has been on my to-read list since August 2010.
3.5* rounded up to 4*
Grade B
A Game of Chance is a book I didn't expect to like as much as I did. All the Mackenzie family books have been enjoyable, but none have been great. A Game of Chance isn't great either, but it's a whole lotta fun! Even when I tell myself it's over-the-top and unbelievable, I still like it. Chance has just enough edge to be a great Linda Howard hero, but with some truly good-guy qualities that insure the reader respects him. Sunny was a well-written character with enough believability to make her a sympathetic heroine.
There was failure to communicate between the characters, but that is integral to the plot, so it made sense instead of being annoying. Good book!
Saturday, February 25, 2012
SFR Reading and SOA Listening Challenges
After Dark: Ghost Hunter #1 by Jayne Castle
SFR Reading Challenge 2012: 3/15
SOA Listening Challenge 2012: Paranormal/SFR 3/4
Grade B-/C+
Narration by Joyce Bean 3.5* Grade B
A Krentz/Castle/Quick is generally an enjoyable read for me. After Dark is no exception, although it isn't nearly her best sci-fi/futuristic romance. There was decent world-building and the suspense plot was entertaining, but the character development was weak. Every time I thought I could like Lydia, she acted like a self-righteous prig again. Her pettiness toward Ethan got old, and didn't resolve to my satisfaction since the ending was abrupt. I'm interested enough to try the next in the series, however.
The narration was solid and the narrator did a decent job with the male voices.
SFR Reading Challenge 2012: 3/15
SOA Listening Challenge 2012: Paranormal/SFR 3/4
Grade B-/C+
Narration by Joyce Bean 3.5* Grade B
A Krentz/Castle/Quick is generally an enjoyable read for me. After Dark is no exception, although it isn't nearly her best sci-fi/futuristic romance. There was decent world-building and the suspense plot was entertaining, but the character development was weak. Every time I thought I could like Lydia, she acted like a self-righteous prig again. Her pettiness toward Ethan got old, and didn't resolve to my satisfaction since the ending was abrupt. I'm interested enough to try the next in the series, however.
The narration was solid and the narrator did a decent job with the male voices.
SFR and TBR Reading Challenges 2012
In Enemy Hands by K.S. Augustin
3 of 5 stars
Grade B-/C+
SFR Reading Challenge 2012 4/15
TBR Reading Challenge 2012: Personal Challenge--this book has been on my to-read list since June 2010.
The story concept here is fascinating, and I thought Augustin's portrayal of Srin was excellent. Unfortunately, the book suffers from uneven pacing and an abrupt ending. I enjoyed the sci-fi aspect of the book, and was gratified that this author actually had a sci-fi plot and wasn't just using a spaceship setting for a romance novel. The problem was that her descriptive passages dragged at times, and took the reader out of the story. Just when the tension surrounding Srin or Moon was getting high, the author inadvertently diffuses it with "shop-talk."
I want to point out another strong point in the book were the conversations. The author does an excellent job with character development, for Srin, Moon, and Captain Jeen especially, drawing their personalities out in conversations.
Parts of this book deserve 4*, and parts deserve 2*. I'm going with an average. I'm interested enough to want to know what happens next, so I hope there is a sequel.
3 of 5 stars
Grade B-/C+
SFR Reading Challenge 2012 4/15
TBR Reading Challenge 2012: Personal Challenge--this book has been on my to-read list since June 2010.
The story concept here is fascinating, and I thought Augustin's portrayal of Srin was excellent. Unfortunately, the book suffers from uneven pacing and an abrupt ending. I enjoyed the sci-fi aspect of the book, and was gratified that this author actually had a sci-fi plot and wasn't just using a spaceship setting for a romance novel. The problem was that her descriptive passages dragged at times, and took the reader out of the story. Just when the tension surrounding Srin or Moon was getting high, the author inadvertently diffuses it with "shop-talk."
I want to point out another strong point in the book were the conversations. The author does an excellent job with character development, for Srin, Moon, and Captain Jeen especially, drawing their personalities out in conversations.
Parts of this book deserve 4*, and parts deserve 2*. I'm going with an average. I'm interested enough to want to know what happens next, so I hope there is a sequel.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
SOA Listening Challenge 2012
Slave to Sensation (Psy-Changeling #1) by Nalini Singh
4/5 stars Grade A-
SOA Listening Challenge 2012- Spread Your Listening: Paranormal 2/4
Slave to Sensation is one of the few books I've read recently that I knew nothing about other than the author and category. I hadn't read a summary of the plot or read any reviews so I had no preconceived ideas about the characters or story. I should do that more often, because I found the story felt fresh.
The world-building was interesting and well done for the most part. After finishing the book I do have some questions about the psy-net, but overall the descriptions and explanations for the world were excellent. Lucas and Sascha were likeable, well-drawn characters who grew and developed as the story moves forward.
I had a few, albeit minor, problems with the story and the writing. For one, the author tends to be repetitive. The reader endures Sascha thinking about her brokenness and the possibilities of death or rehabilitation a couple of dozen times, for example. Of more import was the conclusion of the suspense plot toward the end. Without giving spoilers, I can only say it was less than satisfying for the majority of the action to take place "off camera." The summary of events felt like an afterthought. I'm assuming the fall-out from that event will be part of the successive stories of this series.
The narrator, Angela Dawe, has a curious lack of tonal inflection in her delivery (she rarely drops her voice at the end of sentences) which took some getting used to. However, her character voices are excellent and I never thought "Oh, that's a woman reading a man's part." Overall 4 star narration.
4/5 stars Grade A-
SOA Listening Challenge 2012- Spread Your Listening: Paranormal 2/4
Slave to Sensation is one of the few books I've read recently that I knew nothing about other than the author and category. I hadn't read a summary of the plot or read any reviews so I had no preconceived ideas about the characters or story. I should do that more often, because I found the story felt fresh.
The world-building was interesting and well done for the most part. After finishing the book I do have some questions about the psy-net, but overall the descriptions and explanations for the world were excellent. Lucas and Sascha were likeable, well-drawn characters who grew and developed as the story moves forward.
I had a few, albeit minor, problems with the story and the writing. For one, the author tends to be repetitive. The reader endures Sascha thinking about her brokenness and the possibilities of death or rehabilitation a couple of dozen times, for example. Of more import was the conclusion of the suspense plot toward the end. Without giving spoilers, I can only say it was less than satisfying for the majority of the action to take place "off camera." The summary of events felt like an afterthought. I'm assuming the fall-out from that event will be part of the successive stories of this series.
The narrator, Angela Dawe, has a curious lack of tonal inflection in her delivery (she rarely drops her voice at the end of sentences) which took some getting used to. However, her character voices are excellent and I never thought "Oh, that's a woman reading a man's part." Overall 4 star narration.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
TBR Challenge 2012: Personal Challenge
Breakpoint by JoAnn Ross
3 /5 stars B-/C+
TBR Challenge 2012- Personal Challenge: Read books posted on my to-read list before 2011. <i>Breakpoint</i> was #1 on my to-read list, added October 1, 2009.
A solid romantic suspense book by a consistent author. <i>Breakpoint</i> was a fast, easy read with enjoyable characters and a decent mystery plot. However, there was nothing unique or surprising about the story or the characters.
The author had obviously done her research, but wasn't as adept at blending her knowledge smoothly into the story. Every pause to tell the reader what each word or acronym meant was disruptive, and for the most part unnecessary. The paragraphs detailing the structure and operation of the aircraft carrier, and other parts of military life, were interesting but broke the flow of the story. It would be much preferable to add this information in the form of a glossary of terms and a short afterword with the details.
Overall an enjoyable day of reading, but something I'm likely to forget quickly.
3 /5 stars B-/C+
TBR Challenge 2012- Personal Challenge: Read books posted on my to-read list before 2011. <i>Breakpoint</i> was #1 on my to-read list, added October 1, 2009.
A solid romantic suspense book by a consistent author. <i>Breakpoint</i> was a fast, easy read with enjoyable characters and a decent mystery plot. However, there was nothing unique or surprising about the story or the characters.
The author had obviously done her research, but wasn't as adept at blending her knowledge smoothly into the story. Every pause to tell the reader what each word or acronym meant was disruptive, and for the most part unnecessary. The paragraphs detailing the structure and operation of the aircraft carrier, and other parts of military life, were interesting but broke the flow of the story. It would be much preferable to add this information in the form of a glossary of terms and a short afterword with the details.
Overall an enjoyable day of reading, but something I'm likely to forget quickly.
Monday, February 13, 2012
TBR Reading Challenge 2012- Personal Challenge
Where There's Smoke by M.J. Fredrick
TBR Challenge 2012- Personal challenge (books on my list before 2011): This has been on my to-read list since June 2010.
3.5/5 Grade B
After reading Hot Shot, I was expecting this book to be another firefighter romantic suspense. I should've read the description more carefully. This involves a firefighter, but it isn't a romantic suspense, it's straight contemporary romance with a friends-to-lovers theme. That's not necessarily bad, but it wasn't what I was expecting.
This is a compelling book on several levels, and I'm glad I read it. But it wasn't all fun. The characters in this book are something of a train-wreck. There is a lot of emotional angst going on, so don't expect a light-and-fluffy story. Far from light, this story delves painfully deep into emotions such as trust, betrayal, keeping secrets, guilt, and anger.
I appreciate that the author didn't look for unrealistically easy answers to the problems her characters and their families are experiencing. Not much is tied up in neat bows at the end of the book, and some of the more despicable characters don't get the smack-down a reader may feel they deserve. On the other hand, the author lets Seth, the male lead of the story, off way too easy in my opinion. For much of the book he comes across as a thoughtless, selfish character, too weak to handle his relationship with Lauren in a mature way. To believe in any happy-ever-after for the couple I would need to see Seth really grapple with his weakness and make some conscious choices to grow up.
And can I say one more thing about the friends-to-lovers story line? Why is it always about a drop-dead-gorgeous guy who sleep with everything that moves and the pretty but not all that experienced girl-next-door? In these stories she's always figuring she's not good enough for the guy, and how he's had all these dozens of beautiful babes while she dated the boring accountant or something. Give it a rest, authors. Give us a normal guy and a normal girl and let's watch them fall in love.
TBR Challenge 2012- Personal challenge (books on my list before 2011): This has been on my to-read list since June 2010.
3.5/5 Grade B
After reading Hot Shot, I was expecting this book to be another firefighter romantic suspense. I should've read the description more carefully. This involves a firefighter, but it isn't a romantic suspense, it's straight contemporary romance with a friends-to-lovers theme. That's not necessarily bad, but it wasn't what I was expecting.
This is a compelling book on several levels, and I'm glad I read it. But it wasn't all fun. The characters in this book are something of a train-wreck. There is a lot of emotional angst going on, so don't expect a light-and-fluffy story. Far from light, this story delves painfully deep into emotions such as trust, betrayal, keeping secrets, guilt, and anger.
I appreciate that the author didn't look for unrealistically easy answers to the problems her characters and their families are experiencing. Not much is tied up in neat bows at the end of the book, and some of the more despicable characters don't get the smack-down a reader may feel they deserve. On the other hand, the author lets Seth, the male lead of the story, off way too easy in my opinion. For much of the book he comes across as a thoughtless, selfish character, too weak to handle his relationship with Lauren in a mature way. To believe in any happy-ever-after for the couple I would need to see Seth really grapple with his weakness and make some conscious choices to grow up.
And can I say one more thing about the friends-to-lovers story line? Why is it always about a drop-dead-gorgeous guy who sleep with everything that moves and the pretty but not all that experienced girl-next-door? In these stories she's always figuring she's not good enough for the guy, and how he's had all these dozens of beautiful babes while she dated the boring accountant or something. Give it a rest, authors. Give us a normal guy and a normal girl and let's watch them fall in love.
TBR Challenge 2012: February Category
Slightly Shady by Amanda Quick
TBR Challenge 2012- February category: Recommended by another reader. this was recommended by my daughter Hannah. Added Feb 2011.
3.5/5 Grade B
Slightly Shady is a solid effort by Amanda Quick. The dialog, between all the characters not just the leads, was smart and witty. Tobias is a wonderfully grouchy hero. Lavinia is a fairly typical Quick/Krentz heroine, which is to say a somewhat unconventional bluestocking who is matter-of-fact and independent-minded. The secondary characters Emiline and Anthony were a pleasant addition to the book instead of a distraction. And the little unanswered question about the suspense plot at the end was a great hook for the next book in the trilogy.
There is little sexual tension in the novel and the love scenes inspire more smiles than sighs. The real treat in this relationship is watching the grudging respect and admiration grow between the leads.
I already have the next one, Don't Look Back, on hold at the library!
TBR Challenge 2012- February category: Recommended by another reader. this was recommended by my daughter Hannah. Added Feb 2011.
3.5/5 Grade B
Slightly Shady is a solid effort by Amanda Quick. The dialog, between all the characters not just the leads, was smart and witty. Tobias is a wonderfully grouchy hero. Lavinia is a fairly typical Quick/Krentz heroine, which is to say a somewhat unconventional bluestocking who is matter-of-fact and independent-minded. The secondary characters Emiline and Anthony were a pleasant addition to the book instead of a distraction. And the little unanswered question about the suspense plot at the end was a great hook for the next book in the trilogy.
There is little sexual tension in the novel and the love scenes inspire more smiles than sighs. The real treat in this relationship is watching the grudging respect and admiration grow between the leads.
I already have the next one, Don't Look Back, on hold at the library!
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
SOA Listening Challenge 2012
Whitehorse by Katherine Sutcliffe
SOA Listening Challenge 2012: Contemporary 1/4
3.5* rounded up for goodreads
(4.5* narration by Kate Reading-- my first book by this narrator)
This is a difficult book for me to rate. For much of the story, I was uncomfortable with the actions of both lead characters. I was also frustrated by their lack of communication. As the story unfolds, you understand the characters better, and even sympathize, but both Whitehorse and Leah are very flawed and stubborn individuals and not always likeable.
Johnny Whitehorse, as introduced in the beginning of the book, is selfish and opportunistic. His relationship with Delores is self-serving (for both) and put me off. The entire restaurant scene with Delores and Johnny, and Leah and her date is weird and unsettling. And I guess that's the watch-word for the entire book: it's unsettling.
<spoiler>Fairly early in the book Leah tells her son's live-in caretaker about her father the Senator, and how terrible he was to Johnny's father, yet every time Johnny brings up Leah's father, she defends him completely, giving no ground,. This happens even after we see how the Senator treats Leah and her son. This goes on waaaay too long in the book and drove me crazy. Leah was again going to give up Johnny out of misplaced loyalty to a man who treated her like dirt.</spoiler>
Sutcliffe gets on a few soap boxes during the novel, mostly about the plight of Native Americans and the needs of children with cerebral palsy. The monologues are informative and even moving, but feel forced.
My last complain is the abrupt ending of the book. I'm not a big epilogue fan, but there is absolutely no denouement after the final climatic scene.
On the plus side, the writing is excellent, and the author does an marvelous job giving the reader a sense of time and place. The descriptions were detailed without being wordy, drawing the reader into the sights, sounds, smells, and emotions. The main characters, while not always likeable, are very real, flaws and all. Some of the best scenes in the book are between Leah and her son--very beautifully done.
I have a feeling this is a book that will stay with me long after it's over.
SOA Listening Challenge 2012: Contemporary 1/4
3.5* rounded up for goodreads
(4.5* narration by Kate Reading-- my first book by this narrator)
This is a difficult book for me to rate. For much of the story, I was uncomfortable with the actions of both lead characters. I was also frustrated by their lack of communication. As the story unfolds, you understand the characters better, and even sympathize, but both Whitehorse and Leah are very flawed and stubborn individuals and not always likeable.
Johnny Whitehorse, as introduced in the beginning of the book, is selfish and opportunistic. His relationship with Delores is self-serving (for both) and put me off. The entire restaurant scene with Delores and Johnny, and Leah and her date is weird and unsettling. And I guess that's the watch-word for the entire book: it's unsettling.
<spoiler>Fairly early in the book Leah tells her son's live-in caretaker about her father the Senator, and how terrible he was to Johnny's father, yet every time Johnny brings up Leah's father, she defends him completely, giving no ground,. This happens even after we see how the Senator treats Leah and her son. This goes on waaaay too long in the book and drove me crazy. Leah was again going to give up Johnny out of misplaced loyalty to a man who treated her like dirt.</spoiler>
Sutcliffe gets on a few soap boxes during the novel, mostly about the plight of Native Americans and the needs of children with cerebral palsy. The monologues are informative and even moving, but feel forced.
My last complain is the abrupt ending of the book. I'm not a big epilogue fan, but there is absolutely no denouement after the final climatic scene.
On the plus side, the writing is excellent, and the author does an marvelous job giving the reader a sense of time and place. The descriptions were detailed without being wordy, drawing the reader into the sights, sounds, smells, and emotions. The main characters, while not always likeable, are very real, flaws and all. Some of the best scenes in the book are between Leah and her son--very beautifully done.
I have a feeling this is a book that will stay with me long after it's over.
SFR Reading Challenge/ TBR Reading Challenge 2012
Amaryllis by Jayne Castle
3 out of 5 stars
SFR Reading Challenge 2012
TBR Reading Challenge 2012: Personal- on my tbr list since June 2010.
This is a fairly typical Jayne Castle/Krentz book: not too deep, but entertaining. Her heroes are rarely well-developed, and seems to spend a lot of time gnashing teeth over the heroine's actions. Lucien is a fine hero, but a little bland. Amaryllis is more developed, but isn't an inspiring heroine. One character describes her as "a prissy, straight-laced, self-righteous [person] who seemed to think it was her job in life to act as a goddamned conscience for everyone else." And that about sums up Amaryllis. She's about as sexy as a Miss Manners etiquette book, but not as humorous. I didn't dislike her at all, I just wasn't drawn to her and couldn't see any reason Lucien was, either. Plus she pulled one or two TSTL stunts and was way too naive to be believed.
Since Castle has spent time in this book setting up the world, the next two books might have more plot and less backstory. I'll probably read the next one since I own it.
3 out of 5 stars
SFR Reading Challenge 2012
TBR Reading Challenge 2012: Personal- on my tbr list since June 2010.
This is a fairly typical Jayne Castle/Krentz book: not too deep, but entertaining. Her heroes are rarely well-developed, and seems to spend a lot of time gnashing teeth over the heroine's actions. Lucien is a fine hero, but a little bland. Amaryllis is more developed, but isn't an inspiring heroine. One character describes her as "a prissy, straight-laced, self-righteous [person] who seemed to think it was her job in life to act as a goddamned conscience for everyone else." And that about sums up Amaryllis. She's about as sexy as a Miss Manners etiquette book, but not as humorous. I didn't dislike her at all, I just wasn't drawn to her and couldn't see any reason Lucien was, either. Plus she pulled one or two TSTL stunts and was way too naive to be believed.
Since Castle has spent time in this book setting up the world, the next two books might have more plot and less backstory. I'll probably read the next one since I own it.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
SOA Listening Challenge 2012: Paranormal Romance
A Hunger Like No Other by Kresley Cole
SOA Listening Challenge 2012: Paranormal Romance 1/4
4.5 out of 5 Grade A
A Hunger Like No Other is full of imaginative and unique world building. Cole takes some chances and is able to find something new and entertaining in an over-saturated paranormal romance market. She's created a complex world populated with several races of immortals, each with a well-developed back story that is at least hinted at in this book. The secondary characters are well-drawn and very individual, and I imagine that subsequent books will take up their individual stories. Cole added some really fun twists, like the fact that the Valkyrie are acquisitive (they love to acquire expensive things), and that the Lykae have a knack for quick learning and are sensualists.
The sensuality rating is high on this book, so be forewarned. If you are listening to this on audio, you may find yourself blushing while walking the dog or doing the dishes with your headphones on. ;-)
My only real caveats with the book are that I got a little tired of the flippant way Emma spoke to Lccklain at times, and her "hip" slang (which will undoubtedly date the book sooner than it would otherwise). Tied to that, I also got tired of the anger and sniping. I was glad when that finally ended.
SOA Listening Challenge 2012: Paranormal Romance 1/4
4.5 out of 5 Grade A
A Hunger Like No Other is full of imaginative and unique world building. Cole takes some chances and is able to find something new and entertaining in an over-saturated paranormal romance market. She's created a complex world populated with several races of immortals, each with a well-developed back story that is at least hinted at in this book. The secondary characters are well-drawn and very individual, and I imagine that subsequent books will take up their individual stories. Cole added some really fun twists, like the fact that the Valkyrie are acquisitive (they love to acquire expensive things), and that the Lykae have a knack for quick learning and are sensualists.
The sensuality rating is high on this book, so be forewarned. If you are listening to this on audio, you may find yourself blushing while walking the dog or doing the dishes with your headphones on. ;-)
My only real caveats with the book are that I got a little tired of the flippant way Emma spoke to Lccklain at times, and her "hip" slang (which will undoubtedly date the book sooner than it would otherwise). Tied to that, I also got tired of the anger and sniping. I was glad when that finally ended.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
SOA Listening Challenge 2012
Then Came You by Lisa Kleypas
3.5 out of 5 stars
SOA Listening Challenge 2012- Historical #2
I enjoyed the story, but I would have enjoyed it much more with a good narrator. 4* for the story, 2* for Rosalyn Landor's narration.
The plot was intricate and layered, the dialogue was sharp and witty, and the writing overall was quite good. I knew this book had an HEA, but I wasn't certain Kleypas could pull it off. I was pleasantly surprised at the interwoven story lines and the emotions they produced. Not a perfect book, a little too much melodrama at times and some secondary characters who lacked development and were more placeholders than anything, but a very enjoyable historical romance.
3.5 out of 5 stars
SOA Listening Challenge 2012- Historical #2
I enjoyed the story, but I would have enjoyed it much more with a good narrator. 4* for the story, 2* for Rosalyn Landor's narration.
The plot was intricate and layered, the dialogue was sharp and witty, and the writing overall was quite good. I knew this book had an HEA, but I wasn't certain Kleypas could pull it off. I was pleasantly surprised at the interwoven story lines and the emotions they produced. Not a perfect book, a little too much melodrama at times and some secondary characters who lacked development and were more placeholders than anything, but a very enjoyable historical romance.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
TBR Challenge 2012: January Category- Series Romance
The Admiral's Bride by Suzanne Brockmann
3 out of 5 stars
TBR Challenge 2012: January category- Category/Series Romance. The Admiral's Bride has been on my to-read list since May 2010.
Maybe 3.5* Good solid story, with some twists and turns that take it above the "business as usual" for series romance. Brockmann does a great job with Jake's confused feelings. that was the best part of the book. Zoe is a likeable character as well, and although there is some lack of communication between them, it feels right for the story and the characters, so that wasn't a problem for me.
The actual suspense plot is weak, however, and character development for all but Jake is also on the weak side. Still, it was an enjoyable read!
3 out of 5 stars
TBR Challenge 2012: January category- Category/Series Romance. The Admiral's Bride has been on my to-read list since May 2010.
Maybe 3.5* Good solid story, with some twists and turns that take it above the "business as usual" for series romance. Brockmann does a great job with Jake's confused feelings. that was the best part of the book. Zoe is a likeable character as well, and although there is some lack of communication between them, it feels right for the story and the characters, so that wasn't a problem for me.
The actual suspense plot is weak, however, and character development for all but Jake is also on the weak side. Still, it was an enjoyable read!
Monday, January 16, 2012
TBR Challenge 2012- Personal
Heart of Steel by Meljean Brook
4 out of 5 stars
TBR Challenge 2012: Personal Category- books added to the TBR list before 2011. Heart of Steel was added on Dec 23, 2011.
SFR Reading Challenge 2012: Book 1 of 15
Heart of Steel took a a few pages to grab me, and it never quite grabbed me to the extent that The Iron Duke did. In The Iron Duke the world was grittier and more detailed, and the characters were a huge presence. While the story in Heart of Steel can't be called light, it has a lighter feel. Part of that can be attributed to the the fact that so much of the action takes place in relatively civilized towns or on board an airship, but the biggest reason is most likely the character of Archimedes Fox. Fox is, at least on the surface, a dashing, open, and entertaining man. His personality lightens the tone of the story. Yasmeen, in her own way, is also a more open character than the often grim, determined Mina from The Iron Duke.
Yasmeen wasn't my favorite character from the previous book. Having a flippant, almost careless attitude at times, she came across as shallow. That impression continued for a while in this book, but slowly changed. The author does an excellent job of revealing Yasmeen's heart. By the last third of the book, I'd come to admire her strength and integrity.
Fox is always a likeable character, and Brooks succeeds in giving him heart and depth as well. At first I didn't understand the attraction to Yasmeen, but the motives are slowly made clear and both characters gain a lot of emotional depth.
More problematic for me was the politics and history. Keeping all the factions straight, and trying to tweeze out the often complicated political reasoning was a challenge. Someone with a better working memory wouldn't have this issue, but remembering details is a weakness for me. At the end of the book I wasn't quite satisfied that I understood everything that happened and why. It's a plus that Brook treats her readers as adults, and doesn't spoon feed them with info-dumps and idiotic dialogs so she can reveal all her thinking. On the other hand, a few of us might need some of that spoon feeding at times! I'll need a second reading of this book before Riveted is released next fall.
The writing was as excellent as before. Brooks has exceptional timing, a knack for dialog, and knows how to keep her characters in character.
4 out of 5 stars
TBR Challenge 2012: Personal Category- books added to the TBR list before 2011. Heart of Steel was added on Dec 23, 2011.
SFR Reading Challenge 2012: Book 1 of 15
Heart of Steel took a a few pages to grab me, and it never quite grabbed me to the extent that The Iron Duke did. In The Iron Duke the world was grittier and more detailed, and the characters were a huge presence. While the story in Heart of Steel can't be called light, it has a lighter feel. Part of that can be attributed to the the fact that so much of the action takes place in relatively civilized towns or on board an airship, but the biggest reason is most likely the character of Archimedes Fox. Fox is, at least on the surface, a dashing, open, and entertaining man. His personality lightens the tone of the story. Yasmeen, in her own way, is also a more open character than the often grim, determined Mina from The Iron Duke.
Yasmeen wasn't my favorite character from the previous book. Having a flippant, almost careless attitude at times, she came across as shallow. That impression continued for a while in this book, but slowly changed. The author does an excellent job of revealing Yasmeen's heart. By the last third of the book, I'd come to admire her strength and integrity.
Fox is always a likeable character, and Brooks succeeds in giving him heart and depth as well. At first I didn't understand the attraction to Yasmeen, but the motives are slowly made clear and both characters gain a lot of emotional depth.
More problematic for me was the politics and history. Keeping all the factions straight, and trying to tweeze out the often complicated political reasoning was a challenge. Someone with a better working memory wouldn't have this issue, but remembering details is a weakness for me. At the end of the book I wasn't quite satisfied that I understood everything that happened and why. It's a plus that Brook treats her readers as adults, and doesn't spoon feed them with info-dumps and idiotic dialogs so she can reveal all her thinking. On the other hand, a few of us might need some of that spoon feeding at times! I'll need a second reading of this book before Riveted is released next fall.
The writing was as excellent as before. Brooks has exceptional timing, a knack for dialog, and knows how to keep her characters in character.
Friday, January 13, 2012
SOA Listening Challenge 2012
An Infamous Army by Georgette Heyer
5 out of 5
2012 SOA Listening Challenge: Historical
2012 TBR Challenge: Personal
Part romance and part history, this is a truly incredible novel. I listened to the entire 15 hours over two days. I couldn't stop. I have put off listening to this book for a couple of years because I was afraid I'd find the details of the battles boring, but I needn't have worried. It's true I was a little overwhelmed at times by the sheer amount of information presented, but I was always fascinated. Even when I was a bit lost with the names and descriptions, I enjoyed the beauty of the language. I took the time to look up a little about the Battle of Waterloo, and seeing some of the people and place names in print helped me keep them somewhat straight. While I listened to the battle, which takes up about the last third of the book, I had several maps of the campaign open on the computer and was able to follow the details tolerably well that way. I paused the narration periodically to figure out the troop movements on the map, and while I'm sure the finer details still escaped me, at least I was not lost. In fact, I was mesmerized, shocked, and moved by the descriptions.
The romance was not typical of romance novels, although in retrospect it makes sense for Heyer to write it. Barbara Childs is the granddaughter of "The Devils Cub" and the great-granddaughter of Justin, the Duke of Avon in "These Old Shades." Neither of those heroes was what one would call a nice person, and neither is Barbara. What I can sometimes accept in a hero I have a little more problem with in a heroine. I disliked her extremely for the first half of the book, but was able to accept the eventual change of heart as real. Charles is a wonderful hero.
I am glad I reread "Regency Buck" right before this. Judith and Worth play a large role in An Infamous Army, and it was good to see more of them. The present Duke of Avon (Dominique of The Devil's Cub) and his wife Mary also make an appearance. Since Heyer tends to end her romances with the confession of love, it's always wonderful to see how the characters from previous books are getting on after marriage.
I recommend reading in this order:
The Black Moth (the villain from this book is very obviously the prototype for the Duke of Avon in These Old Shades. Read this for the backstory, although the names were changed for These Old Shades.)
These Old Shades
The Devil's Cub
Regency Buck
An Infamous Army
5 out of 5
2012 SOA Listening Challenge: Historical
2012 TBR Challenge: Personal
Part romance and part history, this is a truly incredible novel. I listened to the entire 15 hours over two days. I couldn't stop. I have put off listening to this book for a couple of years because I was afraid I'd find the details of the battles boring, but I needn't have worried. It's true I was a little overwhelmed at times by the sheer amount of information presented, but I was always fascinated. Even when I was a bit lost with the names and descriptions, I enjoyed the beauty of the language. I took the time to look up a little about the Battle of Waterloo, and seeing some of the people and place names in print helped me keep them somewhat straight. While I listened to the battle, which takes up about the last third of the book, I had several maps of the campaign open on the computer and was able to follow the details tolerably well that way. I paused the narration periodically to figure out the troop movements on the map, and while I'm sure the finer details still escaped me, at least I was not lost. In fact, I was mesmerized, shocked, and moved by the descriptions.
The romance was not typical of romance novels, although in retrospect it makes sense for Heyer to write it. Barbara Childs is the granddaughter of "The Devils Cub" and the great-granddaughter of Justin, the Duke of Avon in "These Old Shades." Neither of those heroes was what one would call a nice person, and neither is Barbara. What I can sometimes accept in a hero I have a little more problem with in a heroine. I disliked her extremely for the first half of the book, but was able to accept the eventual change of heart as real. Charles is a wonderful hero.
I am glad I reread "Regency Buck" right before this. Judith and Worth play a large role in An Infamous Army, and it was good to see more of them. The present Duke of Avon (Dominique of The Devil's Cub) and his wife Mary also make an appearance. Since Heyer tends to end her romances with the confession of love, it's always wonderful to see how the characters from previous books are getting on after marriage.
I recommend reading in this order:
The Black Moth (the villain from this book is very obviously the prototype for the Duke of Avon in These Old Shades. Read this for the backstory, although the names were changed for These Old Shades.)
These Old Shades
The Devil's Cub
Regency Buck
An Infamous Army
Thursday, January 5, 2012
TBR Challenge 2012: Personal
For some reason the blog will no longer show the book covers and links.
Bayou Moon by Ilona Andrews
Bayou Moon by Ilona Andrews
Read from January 02 to 04, 2012
TBR Challenge 2012- Personal category: Books on my to-read list prior to 2011. Bayou Moon was put on my to-read list on Sept 28, 2010.
William is one of the best characters I've met in any book. His mix of inexperience in relationships and ruthlessness as a killer is oddly endearing, or at least intriguing. Cerise is an incredibly well-drawn character, as well. Her devotion to family, her strength and will, and her ability to kill without hesitation is interwoven seamlessly with her crisis of self-confidence and vulnerability when her parents are kidnapped and she's thrust into leadership of her clan. William and Cerise circle each other uncertainly for much of the book, but the interactions are believable and even endearing.
The main plot is complicated and convoluted, intertwining William's mission to find what the organization known as The Hand is looking for with Cerise's drive to reclaim part of her land and find her kidnapped parents. As their mission seem to be headed in the same direction, the two form an uneasy alliance. Enter Cerise's large family, full of oddities and magically-gifted people.
The ick-factor in this story is high, much higher than in the previous book of the series. The writing team known as Ilona Andrews seems to have pulled every dusty mutant and monster from their Unused Bad Guys file and threw them into the mix. The sometimes lengthy descriptions of these freaks of magic, along with the sometimes brutal fight scenes, tended to put me off a bit and lessened my enjoyment a little. I was also wasn't thrill to realize The Hand will probably make an appearance in future books. Other than those quibbles, the book was engrossing and very well-written, and the main two characters were marvelous. It was also good to see Declan, Rose and the boys, even briefly.
William is one of the best characters I've met in any book. His mix of inexperience in relationships and ruthlessness as a killer is oddly endearing, or at least intriguing. Cerise is an incredibly well-drawn character, as well. Her devotion to family, her strength and will, and her ability to kill without hesitation is interwoven seamlessly with her crisis of self-confidence and vulnerability when her parents are kidnapped and she's thrust into leadership of her clan. William and Cerise circle each other uncertainly for much of the book, but the interactions are believable and even endearing.
The main plot is complicated and convoluted, intertwining William's mission to find what the organization known as The Hand is looking for with Cerise's drive to reclaim part of her land and find her kidnapped parents. As their mission seem to be headed in the same direction, the two form an uneasy alliance. Enter Cerise's large family, full of oddities and magically-gifted people.
The ick-factor in this story is high, much higher than in the previous book of the series. The writing team known as Ilona Andrews seems to have pulled every dusty mutant and monster from their Unused Bad Guys file and threw them into the mix. The sometimes lengthy descriptions of these freaks of magic, along with the sometimes brutal fight scenes, tended to put me off a bit and lessened my enjoyment a little. I was also wasn't thrill to realize The Hand will probably make an appearance in future books. Other than those quibbles, the book was engrossing and very well-written, and the main two characters were marvelous. It was also good to see Declan, Rose and the boys, even briefly.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
2012 Reading Challenges
In 2012 I plan to do the following reading challenges:
SFR Reading Challenge 2012
I signed up for the Moon Challenge, 15 SFR books in 2012.
(Details at: http://sfrreadingchallenge.blogspot.com/p/2012-sfr-reading-challenge.html)
Speaking of Audiobooks (SOA) Listening Challenge 2012
Categories yet to be posted.
Goodreads 2012 Reading Challenge:
My goal is 250 books in 2012.
(www.goodreads.com)
TBR Challenge 2012
The categories (optional):
January 18 - Category romance
February 15 - Recommended Read (something recommended by a fellow reader)
March 21 - Series Catch-Up (pick a book from a series you're behind on)
April 18 - New-To-You Author
May 16 - Old School (Publication date prior to 2000 - that's over 10 years ago now! Yikes!)
June 20 - Western (Contemporary or historical)
July 18 - How Did This Get Here? (a book you can't remember how/why you put in your TBR!)
August 15 - Steamy reads (Erotic romance, erotica, something spicy!)
September 19 - Other genre besides romance
October 17 - Paranormal or romantic suspense
November 21 - All About The Hype (a book that created such chatter that it was inescapable).
December 19 - Holiday themes (Christmas, Thanksgiving, Valentine's Day, it's all good!)
(Details at: http://wendythesuperlibrarian.blogspot.com/p/tbr-challenge-2012.html)
SFR Reading Challenge 2012
I signed up for the Moon Challenge, 15 SFR books in 2012.
(Details at: http://sfrreadingchallenge.blogspot.com/p/2012-sfr-reading-challenge.html)
Speaking of Audiobooks (SOA) Listening Challenge 2012
Categories yet to be posted.
Goodreads 2012 Reading Challenge:
My goal is 250 books in 2012.
(www.goodreads.com)
TBR Challenge 2012
The categories (optional):
January 18 - Category romance
February 15 - Recommended Read (something recommended by a fellow reader)
March 21 - Series Catch-Up (pick a book from a series you're behind on)
April 18 - New-To-You Author
May 16 - Old School (Publication date prior to 2000 - that's over 10 years ago now! Yikes!)
June 20 - Western (Contemporary or historical)
July 18 - How Did This Get Here? (a book you can't remember how/why you put in your TBR!)
August 15 - Steamy reads (Erotic romance, erotica, something spicy!)
September 19 - Other genre besides romance
October 17 - Paranormal or romantic suspense
November 21 - All About The Hype (a book that created such chatter that it was inescapable).
December 19 - Holiday themes (Christmas, Thanksgiving, Valentine's Day, it's all good!)
(Details at: http://wendythesuperlibrarian.blogspot.com/p/tbr-challenge-2012.html)
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