Mr. Beswick, you're going to tell me that there will be another Gregor story, right? Cause there's no way this is the end. Okay, let me rephrase: It bMr. Beswick, you're going to tell me that there will be another Gregor story, right? Cause there's no way this is the end. Okay, let me rephrase: It better not be the end! I'm stuck in between someone slamming down a tankard of ale on the table yelling, "now see here," and a petulant child stomping her foot on the floor, about to have a hissy fit. I'm 46. I do not stomp my feet like petulant children, but I'll have a hissy fit if I dang well please!
For a 140-page novella (received as an ARC,) it has it all. Suspense, mystery, intrigue, action, it was unputdownable! The story has a smooth flow, the plot moves right along, and the twists! Oh, lord, I did not see that coming. You made me smile, laugh, hold onto the edge of my seat, and dang it, you made me sob ugly tears. Unfair, sir, to make me feel all of this in such a short time. Your characters come to life on the page, some you want to hug, others you want to strangle. I enjoyed this immensely! So, again I ask, there will be another installment, right? Because the world needs more of this badass Father Christmas!
(P.S. I will gladly ARC read again for you anytime!)...more
I've been wanting to read Beswick's books for a while now, ever since he caught my attention on TikTok and Instagram.Oh, did I have fun with this one!
I've been wanting to read Beswick's books for a while now, ever since he caught my attention on TikTok and Instagram. Robin Hood is one of my fave stories, and to see someone wrote a dark-fantasy retelling ... oh, yeah, gimme, gimme, gimme. (Haven't read it yet, give me time and a job to pay for it!)
With that said, he was offering this one for a limited time, free on his website just last week, and I jumped at it. I can say it helped as I was given the opportunity to read the next one, A Frost of Death and Deceit, as an ARC (which I just opened and I'm about to read.) And I freaking loved this one! Am I the only one who saw this playing out like a movie while reading it?
Gregor doesn't remember his past. All he knows is that he was dead and brought back for a purpose. Now he's figuring it out as he goes. The story is dark, twisted, with supernatural elements, with mystery, action, suspense, foes that need killing... Need I say more? A few grammar mistakes, yes, but they in no way deter from the story. I was just so sucked in that it took just over an hour for me to read. I do think I flew through a novella that fast before, that's how engrossed I was. The only complaint I have is like several other reviews I read ... too damned short! Yes, more could have been done with the story, so much more, but it is a NOVELLA! I'm certain if Mr. Beswick wanted to turn Gregor's story into a full length novel, he absolutely could, especially with as fantastic a start at this, but this is a novella. It was meant as such, and it's great as is!
Oh, and for the complaints by those who can't see the Father Christmas side to this ... did you actually read it? I'm seriously asking, because I had absolutely no issues seeing it. Like, at all, and there are several. I won't leave them here so that my review can remain spoiler-free, but if you want to know, send me a message and I'll happily reply. I can't wait to jump on the next one as soon as I post this!...more
Thank you, Ms. Ziggler, for allowing me to ARC read for you! I enjoyed this immensely and can't wait to read more of your work!
As a debut novel, this Thank you, Ms. Ziggler, for allowing me to ARC read for you! I enjoyed this immensely and can't wait to read more of your work!
As a debut novel, this author did a fantastic job! She created a nice world where an on-the-run FMC with a magical power could start over, and where a he-falls-first MMC finds her. The story has a great balance of intrigue, suspense, action, and love. The romance isn't in your face, and the struggle for both characters was real. I enjoyed watching them accept what they were feeling. The intrigue and mystery was good; I saw the plot twist coming but wasn't certain as to who. I wasn't completely surprised, but I most certainly enjoyed the outcome, like the ultimate "f- around and find out." As for the FMC, I think there was a missed opportunity. I'd have loved to see her grow into her power, for her to learn and understand it more. It was underutilized, and in my opinion, the only reason I couldn't give it a full 5 stars. I don't know if anyone else has said this, but I can absolutely see this as a great start to a series!
Tropes: Enemies to lovers, He falls first, Cinnamon-roll MMC, Slow burn...more
A great read and perfect if it's your first foray into fantasy/paranormal/supernatural romance. Fast-paced and easy to read, you get a bit of everythiA great read and perfect if it's your first foray into fantasy/paranormal/supernatural romance. Fast-paced and easy to read, you get a bit of everything; action, suspense, mystery, romance. The characters meld really well, with fantastic friendship and banter. With that being said, I wish the story wasn't so fast-paced. I'd have loved to see a little more backstory and character growth for both the FMC and MMC. I found that both characters accepted their new lives a little too quickly, not only being shoved into the supernatural world but also with each other. I needed just that little bit more to get it to 5 stars. Great read, M. Night! Keep 'em coming!...more
Thank you, Mr. Harkreader, for allowing me to ARC read this book for you! I thoroughly enjoyed it and can't wait to ARC read for you again. I do apoloThank you, Mr. Harkreader, for allowing me to ARC read this book for you! I thoroughly enjoyed it and can't wait to ARC read for you again. I do apologize for my review being late.
In this story, we follow Baihu, a young man who grew up, trained as a guard in the city of Mèngjìng, and who is looking for freedom and love. Something happens, and Baihu decides that he needs to escape before his life turns in a direction he doesn't particularly like. What happens afterwards is absolutely astounding, and we're pulled along for the ride.
I truly enjoyed the whole book. Not only do you get action and love scenes, you get to watch Baihu battle foes, as well as his self-doubt, and see him grow. Not only do we get characters we love (can Div please be my best friend?) but we also get characters we loathe (it's obvious when you read it,) and I particularly loved the blending of different cultural beliefs, from Arabia, China, Greek, and Hindu. The story is fascinating and complex, filled with anxiousness, regret, doubt, and heartbreak. I'm not ashamed to say I balled like a baby, but that last chapter ... *sigh* Perfect! If you're looking for a fantastic, MM romantasy, Aladdin-re-imagined story, look no further. Mr. Harkreader has you covered....more
**spoiler alert** A terrific read from an incredible story-teller!
**Spoiler Alert!** If you plan on reading the book, do not continue reading this rev**spoiler alert** A terrific read from an incredible story-teller!
**Spoiler Alert!** If you plan on reading the book, do not continue reading this review. … Okay, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.
After ten years of battle and war, Tier is finally on his way home. Coming to a village a few days from home, thoughts of a warm meal and comfortable bed are waylaid when he passes a pyre on fire - with a dead Traveler in the center of the blaze. Thoughts of leaving are reinforced when he walks into the local inn only to come upon the "trial" of the dead traveler's sixteen year-old sister, Seraph, also a Traveler, a Raven of the Clan of Isolda the Silent. He feels her magic stirring when she becomes furious, for the innkeeper believes she cannot pay the outrage sum against her. She is now being sold to whomsoever will pay the wage. Tier comes to her rescue, and they quickly leave the village. But the nobleman who had intended on buying Seraph for himself has every intention of taking her back... And loses.
Tier has every intention of helping her find her another Traveler family, bought plans are waylaid again when he gets home to find his mother abed and sick. He has the bakery to run, even though his sister and brother-in-law had been doing just fine. He's asked to stay a few weeks at least, so spend time with his mother before her passing, but the more time he spends at home, the more he wants to get out. Restless after so many years of battle, the thought of a monotonous life is too much to bear. And he comes to Seraph's rescue once again. After yet more harrassement from Tier's sister, Seraph's anger gets the better of her and unleashes a wave of destruction in the front room of the bakery, breaking everything. Once they were married, he buys a plot of land believed to be of little value, and becomes a farmer.
Twenty years and three children later, Seraph is happy, even though the guilt of eschewing her people's responsibility ways on her, even through her little family's having rough times. Tier has gone on another winter's hunting trip, and he's late in returning home. When a hunter arrives, bringing news that he believes Tier to be dead, Seraph is getting the feeling that something is most definitely not right. Now she must tell her children what exactly they are. There are 5 Orders of the Travelers; her children were all born into different Orders. Something that had never before happened.
Unearthing the bones, Seraph is sure that the bones do not belong to her husband. Another Raven, Hennea, finds them and explains what she believes is happening. Rinnie, her youngest child and only daughter, gets kidnapped, and all four: Seraph, her son's Jes and Lehr and Raven Hennea, discover where she is and get her back, leaving her with Tier's sister. Seraph believes that Tier has been kidnapped much for the same reason: for his magic. While Tier wasn't born of the Order, he is a Bard: he can keep people calm with his voice, he can absolve an argument, and his songs can create pictures with his words. Travelers are dying. The Masters of the Secret Path are stealing magic with every intention of unleashing the Stalker. And as a Raven of the Order, Seraph cannot let that happen.
Patricia Briggs is a Master Story-teller. She weaves a suspenseful mystery plot with excellent characters, great action scenes, and feelings. You can feel the inner battles of the main characters, from Seraph and Tier to Lehr and especially Jes. Every word pops the picture in your mind and you can swear you're right along with each character, seeing what they see, feeling what they feel. What I also really liked wsa the ending of the book. Even though this is the first book in her Raven duology, it doesn't leave this huge cliffhanger ending. While the book can be read as a stand-alone, only a couple of the plot lines are left unresolved, which does leave you wondering, but not frustrated. If you like fantasy novels, you will definitely like this one....more
**spoiler alert** Just about as I remembered it when I first read it almost two decades ago...
I can't really write a review like I usually do, with a **spoiler alert** Just about as I remembered it when I first read it almost two decades ago...
I can't really write a review like I usually do, with a small rundown of what happens and then comment on it. The book is confusing, as I remembered it from long ago.
We see some background on Roland, the Gunslinger. We get his coming of age story, which is almost disturbing if not for the fact that his world is on different plane than ours. He is searching for the Dark Tower, compelled to search for it, and is after the Man in Black, the embodiment of evil. He wants answers, and only the Man in Black can give them to him.
Along the way, he meets a lot of people, who I don't believe were originally evil, but are turned that way, as the Man in Black passed through town before him.
Then he meets Jake, a young boy from our plane, who had been brought over by the Man in Black. I still don't really understand why Jake was even put in the Gunslinger's path. What am I missing? If someone knows, please let me know.
And just when Roland catches up with the Man in Black, he has a difficult decision: lose Jake or lose the Man in Black. He chooses to lose Jake. I felt badly for Jake. He didn't ask to be pushed into traffic and killed. He didn't ask to be brought over to a different plane of existance. I felt just as confused as the kid. I was left with many questions unanswered. Once I read the Author's Afterword, I did get a bit of a sense as to what King is up to in this series, and come to realize that a lot of those questions I have are just as much unanswered for him as well. Okay, so now I don't feel like I'm swimming in the middle of an ocean with no hope in sight.
I will continue with the series, one book per month, along with some of the ladies in the group. I never did finish the series, and I'm determined to get it done....more
**spoiler alert** Completely "UNPUTDOWNABLE!" Just like the first three!
Okay, you've read my reviews before. I usually give a brief detail of what hap**spoiler alert** Completely "UNPUTDOWNABLE!" Just like the first three!
Okay, you've read my reviews before. I usually give a brief detail of what happens in the book, then my thoughts on it. This review is going to be all over the place, LOL! Fair warning.
**Spoiler Alert!** If you plan on reading the novel and don't want to know what happens, do not read past this point!
Lisa Shearin has done it again!!! This is only the fourth book she has published, and already, with her style, she resembles a veteran; an author who's been around for years! She's that good!
Raine's back, with our entire favourite cast of characters.
The spectres are running rampid all over Mid, including Sarad Nukpana. Raine is now after them, to put them back where they belong. The opening line is, and I quote: "I was being chased by a pissed-off guy with a knife. A really big knife." My first thought: And we're off!!!
Then, not halfway down the page, I cracked up when I read: "And believe me, I got to see enough manhoods and fleeing pasty white posteriors to last me a lifetime."
When a shriveled up body is dumped at her feet by none other than Sarad Nukpana, she's warned that the whole situation is about to get worse. Sarad is going to "eat" as much power as he can, and will eventually find a way to control her and the Saghred (stone). And he's going to go after everyone she cares about and everyone she loves before he gets to her.
Raine will stop at nothing to find him.
We see another side of Mychael; now we learn where he came from before he became Paladin. Their umi'atsu bond grows stronger, and both finally admit to being in love with each other.
Talon gets himself into even more trouble - on a couple of separate occasions. Piaras keeps himself out of most of it, until he goes after Talon. And when Tam learns of where his son has gone, he takes off before anyone can stop him. But of course, Tam is captured by Sarad, and Raine has to make the hardest decision she's made so far.
The whole scenario gets more and more complicated as the book moves along, and the deeper Raine gets, the more you're rooting for the home team. A war is averted, for the most part, although the threat is still there. A duke is thought dead, but isn't. Imala Kalis, head of Goblin Intelligence (with the cute dimples), needs Tam's help. Imala has a secret of her own as well.
And if I keep going, you'll end up getting more of the story than I intend to give you. This book has great characters that you love to love and hate with a passion. This book is non-stop intrigue and action, from beginning to end. Figths (magical and non), arguments, truths and lies, conniving deceptions and set-ups, power-hungry elves, mages and goblins, and love-making that was 3 books in the making.
This book, this series, is one of the top fantasy series I recommend to anyone who asks me. Why? Because it deserves the recognition. Run, don't walk, and get your copy today! What are you waiting for?...more
**spoiler alert** Another excellent novel in the series with quite a bang!
**Spoiler Alert!** Parts of the story is going to be revealed, so if you don**spoiler alert** Another excellent novel in the series with quite a bang!
**Spoiler Alert!** Parts of the story is going to be revealed, so if you don't want to know, don't read past this point!
Harry answers his door to find Morgan standing there, bloodied and bruised, from head to toe, asking for help, and promptly passing out.
Morgan's been a thorn in Harry's side for too many years to count, but Harry being Harry, can't turn him away, no matter how much he wants nothing better than to close the door on Morgan and pretend like he isn't even there.
But Harry is Harry, and no matter who knocks on his door, if they're in trouble, Harry does what he can to help.
Morgan's being framed. He knows that, down to his core. Morgan has been the Senior Council's executioner for over 30 years, and is completely loyal to the Wardens and the Senior Council. There's no way he'd ever willingly murder a member of the Senior Council. But, besides the fact that he's found, standing over the body with knife in his hand, there is mounting evidence against him. And this bugs Harry. And when something like this bugs Harry, there's only one thing he can do: find out who did it and find the traitor. But time is against him.
Morgan has managed a spell to keep any of the Wardens from finding him, but a bounty has been placed on his head, and other 'creatures' are coming out of the woodwork to find him, making things even harder for Harry. On top of them all, a naagloshii, a very bad shapeshifter with very, very rotten vibes, is also after Morgan. Suddenly, staying alive has become just as important as finding the traitor.
And things get from bad to worse. Harry is attacked again and again. Shagnasty (aka Harry's name given to naagloshii) somehow has managed to kidnap Thomas, Harry's White Court vampire brother, and wants to trade Thomas for Morgan. A vampire from the White Court is partly behind the frame-up. Someone is seriously messing with wizards' heads. And Harry's sure that there is a group of wizards against the White Council. He's naming them the "Black Council", for lack of a better name. How to prove it is the major question.
Suddenly, friends are dying, going missing, and Harry can only do what he does best. Investigate and fight back. The question is: Will he win this time?
**Huge Spoiler Time!!** If you debated going on past the first spoiler alert, you definitely don't want to read what's next.
Hell, I knew just as certainly as Harry did, that Morgan had to have been framed. What we don't know, until close to the end of the book, was that a wizard messed with a lot of young wizards' heads, including Anastasia Luccio's. Now that she's in a younger body, her mind was just as easily manipulated, and that makes it all worse. Without her knowledge, she was the one forced to kill the member of the senior council, and didn't even realize she did it, even after Morgan found her, took the knife from her and got her out of there before anyone saw. Plus, she was manipulated into getting even closer to Harry, which seriously hurts (emotionally) them both.
By the end of page 515, I was crying. Why? Because Morgan dies. Now, why am I crying, knowing how much of a pain in the ass he was to Harry? Because he had his reasons, and it's the way he dies that touched me. He dies after saving Harry's life, after telling him about finding Anastasia in that room, holding the bloody knife. But Morgan was a constant. He was always there, riding Harry's butt and breathing down his neck. You always expect to see him in some fashion, and to know now that he won't be popping up anymore really does hurt.
Anastasia, after all of this, shows up to talk to Harry. Obviously, she now knows all that's been going on. While she does care for Harry, she'd never had gotten involved with him. She'd been manipulated. And that hurts both of them. So now she comes to say she's sorry, and while Harry understands why she's saying goodbye, it still hurts.
By the end of page 543, I was balling. Yes, Harry has Thomas back, but Thomas isn't the Thomas we knew. Shagnasty did a really bad number on him, and really screwed up what Thomas had going. While he may still be Harry's brother, he's no longer the brother we knew, the brother Harry knew, and that hurts even more than losing Morgan.
Meanwhile, closer to the beginning of the book, when Harry's first attacked by Shagnasty, Kirby, one werewolf friend, is killed, and another, Andi, comes close to losing her life.
How much can one person (well, character) take before cracking? So, by the end of the last chapter, I'm weeping, sobbing really, because as much as all of this hurts him, he's finding a way to move on, to move past all of the loss and hurt he's suffered. And that alone, makes him a truly amazing person.
Mix all of this with a mystery, with action, with suspense that grips you by the throat... another fabulous book in the series, and I'm anxiously waiting for his next Dresen novel. Jim, you are one hell of an author!!!...more
**Spoiler Alert!** If you plan on reading the book, do not continue reading this review. … Okay, but don’t say I d**spoiler alert** An enjoyable read!
**Spoiler Alert!** If you plan on reading the book, do not continue reading this review. … Okay, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Richard Mayhew is just your everyday Average Joe who moved to London to procure a number-crunching job. He meets a girl and becomes engaged. Life seems to be great. However, Richard is an absent-minded person. He forgets his keys, loses track of time, etc... On the way to dinner with his fiancee (with a reservation he forgot to confirm), where he was supposed to impress her boss, Richard stops by a rag girl who is exhausted, frightened and hurt. Jessica (who is most definitely a woman who prefers her way or the highway) demands he leave her for someone else to take care of. And when he picks up the girl to take her home, Jessica (her name isn't Jess) threatens to end their engagement. Richard disregards her statement and takes the girl home to mend. Little did he know how bad life was about to get.
"Door" can open doorways without keys, can open doors where there are none. It was her ability that helped her escape her would-be assassins, Mr. Croup and Mr. Vandemar, and brought her to London Above. But Richard doesn't understand her meaning. No worries, reluctantly, he soon will. Her would-be assasssins manage to track her down, but Richard manages to get rid of them. With her face now plastered on Missing posters throughout the neighborhood, Door sends Richard for help and he brings back the Marquis de Carabas. As she leaves, she apologizes. Little does Richard know how deep that apology actually goes. For Richard's life, as he knows it, is now over. Jessica broke their engagement and refuses to see or talk to him. When he arrives at work, his possessions are removed from his desk. His flat is leased to another couple - while he's in the tub! Richard is gone. It's as if he never existed. He can be seen, but is immediately forgotten. Throwing some of his belongings into a duffle bag, he sets off to find Door, wanting answers, wanting his life back. There's only one way he figures he can find her. Start with the very place she'd sent him before for help.
And help he gets - from unlikely characters. For under London lies London Below, filled with shady characters, talking animals, tunnels, sewers, hidden passageways and a mysterious market that's never held in the same place twice. A market that provides, but people barter, and not with money. Money means nothing in London Below. For Richard, this isn't reality. He wants to go home.
Door is on her own quest. She wants to find her family's muderer. She wants to know why. And only the Angel Islington can help. But after finally finding him, she is sent on a quest to retrieve a certain key, and when she returns, he will tell her all she needs to know. Richard, reluctantly, is along for the ride, for afterwards, the promise is he'll be sent home and his life will be as it was.
But Door was warned; they have a traitor in their mists. The Hunter is hired to bodyguard her from the assassins who are after her. Richard deals with more than he bargained for. And just when they think they have the story right, how wrong they were.
An enjoyable read, it was an adventure. Places where people have no business being. Strange and shady characters, some you enjoy, some you dispise. A solid mystery that leaves you asking questions until you finally get the answers you seek. For me, it was missing just that little "oomph", that little "spark" to make the story completely believable. While I could picture a different world of London Below, I couldn't really picture some of the characters and what they did. I enjoyed the banter with Mr. Croup and Mr. Vandemar. And I felt, at heart, how Richard came to care for Door. Definitely an entertaining story to read....more
Boy, where do I start. Mr. Straatman has his own writing style, and it wasn’t bad. The story was good, but it was long. A lot of different characters,Boy, where do I start. Mr. Straatman has his own writing style, and it wasn’t bad. The story was good, but it was long. A lot of different characters, but they all play a part, and each had their own individuality. I wasn’t too thrilled about the ending, especially David. I couldn’t understand that, after all he’d been through, he chose to live out of the rest of his life the way he had; goddamn coward. The ending is obviously a set up for Book #2, and I think I just may pick it up. It was different from what I’m used to reading, but it wasn’t bad … for his first book.
I will tell you what upset me, however. His editor should have hired someone to do the proofreading. OMG!!! It wasn’t so much as mispelled words, there wre only a few, but the rest… Periods misplaced or not there at all, the same with allt he punctuations. Also, when two different people are talking, they shouldn’t be in the same paragraph. It wasn’t a difficult read, and I think I was having a hard time reading it due to utter irritation because of this. I think I may just drop him a line. I mean, I use a word processor that helps with spelling, punctuation, and the like. Doesn’t he do the same? I hope he learns for the next time. I think I would hav enjoyed the story more if the punctuations where in their proper placed. For me, that’s a huge distraction. All in all, good story, likable/dislikable characters, a pretty good imagination… Not bad for a local author!
Book #2 – The Converging: Mark of the Demon available July 2008...more
I'd have to agree with Kathleen's review. Lisa Shearin is making a name for herself in the fantasy genre and I wouldn't be surprised if her books starI'd have to agree with Kathleen's review. Lisa Shearin is making a name for herself in the fantasy genre and I wouldn't be surprised if her books started appearing on the NYT Bestseller List with the next couple of books.
This one has it all: Goblins, elves, and magic users of all kinds. Characters that you love to love and cheer for, and characters that you love to hate, right down deep to the core. There are characters that make you laugh out loud, and those that seriously give you the creeps.
She sets the scene so well, you could swear you were on the island right along with Raine and company, watching as each act unfolds. From magic users to sword fights. Characters who would fight with Raine until the end. Raine, no matter how scared spitless she is, will rush in headfirst, cause it's the right thing to do.
Thrills, chills, mystery, action, suspense, keep you turning the page, along with just a hint of romance and promise of more. And when the book's done, your mind is still going over everything, keeping you just as excited.
You can tell this author takes her time when she writes, getting the scene, each act, the characters, just right, just so, before moving on to the next scene.
If you haven't read Lisa Shearin, take my word for it: Run, don't walk, to the nearest bookstore/library or even online, and get Lisa Shearin's books. You won't be disappointed....more
**spoiler alert** Fast-paced, plot twists and witty humor, unputdownable from start to finish.
**SPOILER ALERT**THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS**
Rachel c**spoiler alert** Fast-paced, plot twists and witty humor, unputdownable from start to finish.
**SPOILER ALERT**THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS**
Rachel can’t take it anymore. She needs to know who killed Kisten. Her determination leads her back to the boat with her psychiatrist, Ford, who is trying to help her remember what happened that day. Ivy’s investigation is going nowhere, and Rachel is determined to get a new lead. She remembers a thing or two and can’t wait to get back to Ivy to tell her what she remembered. But as they leave the boat, Ford receives a phone call. While investigating a case on the side, Glenn was badly beaten and left for dead. And his stepfather, Captain Edden of the FIB, is asking for Vampiric Charms for help. And while she’s accused of having no crime scene etiquette, Rachel’s unconventional methods find clues that crime scene techs missed, and blows the case wide open.
For banshees are what Glenn had encountered. A human couldn’t have beaten him so badly without the use of a weapon. And to make matters worse, a banshee child is part of the case. Banshees drain energy and emotions, and if they latch on, can literally kill a person by draining their life source.
Emotions ride high as Rachel’s brother, Robbie, comes to town to visit - and brought news with him: he’s getting married.
And the roller coaster doesn’t stop there. Rachel is nearly killed more than once, a ghost named Pierce is back from her past, Al is up to his usual tricks, Ivy not only blames herself for Kisten’s death but for their new banshee problem, Rachel is being called a Black Witch and is shunned, and now her mother is moving to Portland, then her full memory of what happened on Kisten’s boat comes back. Can things get any worse?
** An emotional roller coaster to say the least.
Rachel is one hell of a character. Strong, she pushes herself to the max to do what is right, what is necessary, regardless of what happens to her. And no matter how she plans it, the repercussions come back to bite her in the ass, leaving her to defend herself, all while no one is listening.
Emotions roll right through the reader. Ms. Harrison writes it in such a way that you feel it, feel everything, that the characters feel, whether it’s guilt, desperation, determination, you feel it all.
Filled with mystery, action, suspense and emotions, White Witch, Black Curse is more than your typical roller coaster ride with characters that you love - and love to hate. Descriptions so clear and concise, you feel everything, see everything. In my opinion, her best book yet!
****And I’m going to make this interesting. Now, everyone who knows me knows I don’t buy hardcover - too expensive, and I’ve already planned on buying the paperback for my collection. However, I got this copy to read and review, along with the T-Shirt and Tomato-seed packet for the contest. I’m upping the contest. Would you like my copy of White Witch, Black Curse? Don’t forget to email me daily at bookaholicsreview@hotmail.com for a chance to win one of the three items up for grabs! The contest runs from now until March 31st.****...more
As a compliance officer (on probation) for the Department of Thaumaturgy, Gerald Dunwoody heads to Stuttley’s SupCan Gerald get into any more trouble?
As a compliance officer (on probation) for the Department of Thaumaturgy, Gerald Dunwoody heads to Stuttley’s Superior Staff factory for a snap inspection. Seems that the safety statements, that are supposed to be witnessed and signed, haven’t been sent in for the last two months, which is a breach of regulations. But while there, an accident occurs, and Gerald is being blamed.
Fired, he slips a little into a depression, sure that he won’t find another, not for a while at least, until the factory debackle has died down. But his friend, Monk, spots what could potentially be a job for him. Seems the king of New Ottosland is looking for a court wizard. At this point, Gerald would be happy to get anything. And off he goes.
But things aren’t what they seem. In any aspect. Something happened to Gerald in that factory, and now he can do things that even most First Grade wizards can’t. And by doing something he didn’t think he could do, he unwittingly put himself in a position that he’ll only be able to get out of by the skin of his teeth.
Princess Melissandre is smarter than most give her credit for. She’s deliberately made herself look frumpy; she refuses to end up anything like the long list of Princess Melissandres before her. But as the sister of the king, she’s blind to that Lional is truly up to.
Seems Prince Rupert is also hiding behind a mask. Acting like the dim-witted little brother obsessed with butterflies, he knows a lot more than anyone would think. But to reveal what he knows could put him in harms way.
And King Lional… he wants to take New Ottosland to heigher heights than the previous kings before him. He has ‘visions’ of New Ottosland being a land to be reckoned with. He wants to take New Ottosland out of their relaxed and out-dated traditions and rise to the top. And the way he’s going about it is all wrong. See, King Lional has gone mad. He wanted so much to be a wizard since he was a kid, and has become obsessed with what he wants. No one truly understand at what lengths he’ll go to, and Gerald learns it quickly - the hard way.
But will Gerald be strong enough to stop him?
I enjoyed this story. At first, I thought the story would be a fun, light read, something to breeze through on the way to the next novel. How wrong was I! Deep-seated feelings, thoughts, plot twists, things you never saw coming. Characters who aren’t what they appear to be. Action, drama, mystery, the dialogue isn’t simple, thoughts aren’t simple, actions aren’t simple.
A few things bugged me a little, though. For instance, King Lional. Seemed like a typical king as I’ve read before. Demanding, superior, arrogant, just like a lot of kings are, but you get a sense right away that something isn’t right, and it bugged me a little that no one could see it. A brother and sister blind to it, okay, I get that. Staff and servants stay way from it, I get that too. Gerald spots something’s off, and yet no one has a clue? All those missing wizards and not one thing is done about it? Wizards leaving messages that they’re going off, but to never been seen or heard from again? How can people be that blind?
I found Gerald to be a little naive and under confident of himself. It felt like he really didn’t have any idea on how to conduct himself, how to be with other people. I mean, sure, the whole job as a court wizard is new to him, but his uncomfortableness around other people made me feel uncomfortable, and I really didn’t like that.
But, in the end, Gerald really does redeem himself, doesn’t he? No matter how scared he was, he fought to the finish; he used his fear to beat his opponent, and a job well done. I think anyone who swears an oath to do no harm, and that choice is taken away from him, would be down on himself, but I think he’ll become stronger for it.
Reg - delightful bird, isn’t she, LMAO?! Oh, she had me in stitches that one. Her comments, her views, how she really doesn’t care of your status… excellent characters - for a bird.
LOL, and I can’t help but wonder if a little ’something-something’ is going to happen between Melissandre and Monk…...more
A great ending to a good trilogy - even with too many over-stated conversations…
**Spoiler Alert** - review will contain spoilers
I soooo wanted to say A great ending to a good trilogy - even with too many over-stated conversations…
**Spoiler Alert** - review will contain spoilers
I soooo wanted to say a perfect ending to the trilogy, but I can’t. I was so looking forward to reading this one, to giving it a 5-star rating, like I do with most of NR’s novels, but I can’t.
We continue the Sign of Seven trilogy, this time with Gage and Cybil’s story. While it’s obvious to the reader that these two will end up together (every love story has to have an HEA), it was over-stated! Every time there was a conversation between them about them, it started with ‘not happening’ to ’sure but no strings attached’. There was doubt, then there was ‘could this work’, moving on to ‘I don’t do roots’. Okay, we got it already. Please move on to the story. While I did like how they fell in love, it was downplayed by all that talking and wondering and supposing. And I don’t usually say that about NR’s work. To say converstaion was over-stated, has to be a first. It actually made me think of the movie The Bachelor - not wanting to settle down.
I liked how they still hadn’t quite figured out how to kill the demon, how they were still researching every lead, every clue, every possibility, how Cybil didn’t want to quit with searching for an answer, even when those answers didn’t turn to the positive side. Although one scenerio was a bit of a stretch - combining Gage’s blood with the town’s water supply? I’d think that the blood would be way to diluted to actually make a difference. I don’t even think that should have been in the story as it was rather ridiculous, even for a suggestion.
I did like learning more about their pasts, but it could have used more development. I found there wasn’t enough to understand why Cybil is the way she is now. You learn what happened with her father, but it still wasn’t enough to understand Cybil. I did like the conversations as they discussed what to do and how. While all three women turning up pregnant was sort of cliched, I liked each separate reaction. I liked how they figured out the last of it, how Cybil interprets a dream/vision on the fly. Another cliche is how they sometimes had the same nightmare/dream; while a cliche, I thought it worked well with the story.
What happens between Gage and his father, and what happens to his father, was an unexpected surprise. But there is one part in this story that, while I was expecting it, I wasn’t expecting it happen that quick. When Gage reveals to Cybil a fake bloodstone that he bought, they decided a plan of action, to see if they could fool the demon, and to make it as believable as possible. While I was expecting what came next, I wasn’t expecting it to happen right on the next chapter. The fights/arguments that insued was totally believable; my heart started to pound and my hands were shaking, I had to put the book down when I found out it was the fake action they’d planned to use against the demon. She had written it so believable she had me fooled. Me? Yeah, me, LOL! And when a writer does that to me, they have a fan for life. I’ve been a fan of NR for 5 years, and I know that’ll never change.
So, great action, awesome plot, perfect ending. While some of the middle/scenarios left me wondering what NR was thinking, this reader enjoyed the book none-the-less, and I’m looking forward to Nora’s next story....more
Ritual in Death by J.D. Robb ~ While attending a fancy party, Eve and Roarke are thrown into another mystery when a stranger, naked A great anthology!
Ritual in Death by J.D. Robb ~ While attending a fancy party, Eve and Roarke are thrown into another mystery when a stranger, naked and covered in blood head to toe, holding a knife in his hand, stumbles into the room from down the hall. But Jackson Pike doesn’t remember what happened, and the more he tries, the more the pain in his head becomes intolerable. Other witnesses are like Pike: unable to remember and too much pain. But that doesn’t stop the team from bringing down the murderers.
Another incredible story in the series, even if it is shorter than usual. I really like how Eve follows her instincts, and no matter the argument between her and Roarke, they still manage to come to the same conclusion. What I liked in this one was how Eve was forced, once again, to think outside the conventional box. Excellent mystery and decisive detective work along with colourful, believable and incredible characters make for one hell of a story.
Love Endures by Mary Blayney ~ A man is robbed and murdered after winning a large some at betting. Grieving, his widow and daughter take off for the country for a few months, only to return to find his ghost is haunting his room, and the one way he can leave, at least by way of Heaven, he needs to right his past wrongs. But can trusts and broken hearts be mended?
Oh, you bet! I loved how this story came about. I truly adored Summer’s ‘I’ll be damned - come hell or high water’ attitude when she finds the ghost of her husband talking to her daughter. She’s known that he’s lied, even worse with the dire enough situations he’s left her in. Having lied to even his own brother, now he won’t trust Summer either. But the worst was finding out that he lied to both, Summer, and his best friend, Lord Stephen Bradley. Summer and Stephen had fallen in love right before her wedding to Reggie, but he wanted the money their marriage could bring him, and lied to them both. To him, it was a bet and nothing more - he liked to win. I was truly glad that, although they butted heads, Summer and Stephen finally found the truth and sent Reggie on his way.
Cold Case by Ruth Ryan Langan ~ When his partner is shot and killed by a bullet meant for him, Sam Hunter quits the force and decides to revisit a small a town in Vermont where he spent a long-ago college semester. But it seems his hotel room was given to someone else and he’s forced out into a storm, in search of a bed & breakfast he remembered. A flash of something looking like a woman forces him to slam on his brakes and straight into a ditch. Slightly wounded, he gets out of the car in search of the woman he saw when he stumbles onto a house named Storm Hill. He’s invited in by Mary Catherine McGivern and her younger sister, Anna. While her stepfather has allowed him to stay until the storm passes, he becomes more and more agitated - seems that their mother, his wife, had supposedly run off with a hired hand, and he’s refused to keep a stranger in his house for long since then. But unexpectedly, Sam and Mary Catherine fall in love, with a sad, and happy, ending?
I have to say it even if it hurts me to: I wasn’t impressed with this one. And I have never, ever, said that about a Ruth Langan story in my life! While I really felt Sam and his pain, I felt nothing for Mary Catherine or her sister. None, nada, zip, zilch. I didn’t feel them falling in love whatsoever, and the ending infuriated me. Why she would push him out of the way of a blow meant for him, ending her own life, the same as his partner did, had me upset and angry in disbelief. To give a man who endured so much a second blow was enough to make me livid. And while he learns the truth about their mother and what Hoag has done, not once now but twice, he’s thrown out into the ice storm by Hoag who intends for him to disappear and die in it. But then Sam comes to, a woman helps him out of the car, onto a snowmobile and into the bed and breakfast, Storm Hill. It seems that Kate is related to the family who has owned the land for centuries. Seems Anna had managed to escape Hoag, and once Hoag died, the land was returned to the McGiverns. But then we’re left with speculation as to what Sam is going to do next. Seems that Kate is just as beautiful as Mary Catherine. But I got the willies when it’s suggested that he may fall in love with Kate and stay - when shortly before, he had been in love with her great-great-aunt. Only one word came to mind with that: Ewe! Sorry, Ms. Langan, but I just didn’t feel it this time, and that almost makes me want to cry! I’ve never disliked any of your stories, but this one just didn’t cut it for me.
Wayward Wizard by Mary Kay McComas ~ On an unsupervised visit with her son, Marie Barnett takes her son Hugh to a baseball exhibit at a museum. Once done there, they vist another exhibit when lightening from a storm raging outside plays havoc with the lights and security system. Hugh touches, fiddles with one of the exhibits and disappears. Having seen what he son had done, Marie does the same, and ends up where he is, several centuries before their time, in the home of Nester Baraka of Viator, a wizard who supposedly can displace time with the help of two stone, Petroleon and Sellithos. But Sellithos had been stolen from him long ago. He wants to get it back, and he’s hoping he can jump with them through time and find it, returning them to their rightful place. Meanwhile, Marie and Hugh grow closer, his anger at his mother slowly ebbing. And Marie and Nester seem to be falling in love, dispite how badly they fight it, for he needs to return to his time, while she must stay in hers.
Oh, I loved this story! We hear the explanation from Marie about why her son is angry with her. Now only do we feel that anger towards her as well, but we feel a great deal of empathy for Marie as well. For Marie has gone to hell and back, not once, but twice. An accident that causes her to lose her unborn baby, an addiction to prescription meds, rehab, a relapse, and a longer time in rehab. While her now ex-husband is understanding enough to help her with rehab the second time around, her son is resentful, for Marie was supposed to get better the first time around and come back for him. But this time, she’s kicked her habit and has promised herself and her son that she’ll never go back to who she was. But it’s taking more time than she’d like. It was great to see them jumping to different time periods, the details are spectacular. And I loved watching Nester become aquainted with they way we speak, our phrases and sayings. Watching the banter back and forth between the three is excellent.
What I thought was great: how Nester, Marie and Hugh are tied into all four stories. We get a glimpse of them in the first three, and it’s fun watching them pop up into the stories while McComas is telling hers. I got a kick out of that. Ladies, I hope you collaborate again - this was fun!...more
MacKayla has more questions than answers. And every time she asks questions, some are ignored, evaded, or answered, buNo longer the spoiled rich girl.
MacKayla has more questions than answers. And every time she asks questions, some are ignored, evaded, or answered, but not directly. Mac is getting frustrated. She doesn’t know who to trust, unsure of where to turn. She wants answers desperately and is doing anything she can to find them.
Fiona purposely closes all the lights and opens a window, hoping the shades will get rid of Mac once and for all. Inspector O’Duffy manages to track her down and begins asking questions about things not quite right, things Mac already knows (in Darkfever). However, not long afterwards, she’s brought in for questionning. Seems O’Duffy was murdered and Mac is the prime suspect. Inspector Jayne, O’Duffy’s brother-in-law, doesn’t like Mac and sticks to her like glue. On top of everything, her father’s come to Ireland to bring her home. She’ll send him back - but she’s not going anywhere. She finds out that there are other sidhe-seers in Ireland, but so far not one of them has done a thing to earn her trust.
And just when things get hairy, someone comes for her, someone she though dead. But the cuff that acts as a tracking device that Barrons had put around her arm so that he can find her has been removed. Will Barrons find her in time?
I found I liked Mac much more in this one than in Darkfever. The spoiled rich girl act was driving me nuts. In this one, she’s grown up quite a bit and is learning more and more. Barrons is just as secretive and mysterious as in Darkfever, and the electricity, the sexual tension between them adds spark to the story. Lots of action, questions answered only to have more questions, new things learned, old things revisited.
We learn what Barrons isn’t, but again, more questions arise. Who is he? What is he? The Lord Master pops in, and when he commands, Mac’s body obeys, no matter how hard she tries to stop it. But the second that Barrons yells that Mac stays with him, the Lord Master takes one look at him and leaves, leaving Mac with Barrons. So, question is - who is Barrons? What is he? Why is he so desperate to use Mac to find the Sinsar Dubh, let alone any other artifacts of the Fae? And just the thought of her being with another man rubs him raw, but yet he pushes her away. Why?
And with yet another cliffhanger ending, we wait for Faefever. While most won’t have to wait long (hardcover released September 16th), I’ll be waiting. Can’t afford to buy hardcovers. A year is going to be a long wait with that last cliffhanger. And with all those questions still unresolved, you can bet I’ll be at the bookstore bright and early when the MMP is released. I’m not usually one for cliffhanger endings and unanswered questions, but the way Moning writes is perfect - it makes me come back for more. I love the banter, the tension, between Mac and Barrons....more
Murphy calls Dresden to the scene of what is being classified as a suicide. But something doesn’t feel right. And with hiA more complex Harry Dresden.
Murphy calls Dresden to the scene of what is being classified as a suicide. But something doesn’t feel right. And with his own brand of investigation, manages to find a hidden message: one that even the police would never have found. A message for him. Exodus 22:18. ‘Suffer not a witch to live.’ Murphy things perhaps a religious fanatic. Harry doesn’t think so.
As Harry investigates, he’s finding more of the ’supernatural underclass’ are turning up either dead or missing. And he doesn’t like the looks of things. A security tape points right at Thomas, Harry’s half brother, and Harry refuses to believe it. His brother wouldn’t do that. But finding Thomas is an investigation in itself ~ Harry can’t find him and he’s started to get worried.
As Harry delves deeper, he and Murphy are targeted more and more, and he’s suddenly thinking of a bigger picture. There’s more to these supposed suicides, he’s sure of it.
Without warning, Elaine pops into the story, surprising Harry with the actual amount of strength she has as a wizard. However, she’s keeping a low profile; she doesn’t trust men, refuses to be controlled by them again, and is staying on the down-low, refusing to call attention to herself. She wants nothing to do with the Wardens or the White Council and will do anything to keep it that way.
The investigation grows more complex, time is running out, and Harry has to figure out a way to stop the threat of a bigger war.
Harry knows he can’t do it alone. But is he willing to throw his friends in the fray and watch as they get hurt or, worse yet, die?
I saw a different side of Harry in this novel, and at times, he even scared me. Harry is doing what he can to teach Molly the different between doing something right for the right reasons, knowing that if she screws up, it would be the end of the road for them both. But Molly doesn’t really understand what Harry’s trying to teach ~ that is until two seriously intense moments between them. One of them scared the daylights out of me - and I’m not a character in the book. Disturbing is just one word I could use to describe it. Even Murphy demands an explanation after witnessing that episode. And yet he finally manages to get through Molly’s thick skull - by golly, she’s learning. And while teaching Molly, Harry is brought back to his roots, revising everything he had learned at her age, and is finding new ways to deal with his magic. LOL, even patience has a new meaning to him.
When Harry and Murphy confront a group of women for answers to their questions, only more questions pop up. With the help of Lasciel, Harry discovers that there was someone else in the room, one that veiled themselves to keep from being recognized. Low and behold, Elaine had come to the aid of a woman seeking her help to protect her and the others. Then he realizes something: she’s stronger than she’s pretending to be. After a few questions answered by Ramirez, now Harry’s certain. Finding out why she’s keeping on the down-low is almost hurtful.
As the investigation goes deeper, Harry discovers that three of the other houses are attempting to overthrow the king of the White Court, wanting to stop the peace talks and throw their weight in behind the Red Court and their war with the Council. Harry is desperate to stop that from happening - should the war continue, and the threat of a Black Council rise, it would be the end of Harry’s world. And he’s determined not to see that happen, no matter the cost.
With the help of Molly, Murphy, Thomas, Ramirez, even Lasciel and Marcone and some of his men (including Hendricks), Harry puts an end to the fight. But it’s a really close one.
Action scenes are incredible ~ I truly love watching/reading Harry in his battles. The end of the last fight scene was fantastic. The way he got through to Molly was damn near scary. At first, I wasn’t happy with the way he did it, even though I understand why. He even reasons with Lasciel, making her understand his point about it all. His agreement with Marcone was something of a surprise, I most certainly didn’t see that coming. And the more and more he investigates with Murphy, the more and more she’s understanding everything. I’m glad that Harry and Ramirez talked. Harry knows not to trust anyone, and yet Ramirez gets fired up that Harry hadn’t trusted him. Carlos even began to suspect Harry. Whew, glad that was put to rest.
What I like about Butchers novels is that, now matter how he does it, there is always something new to learn in about in Harry’s world. In earlier novels, we learn the differences between the vampires: White Court, Red Court and Black Court, and what kind of vampires they are. In this one, we learn the differences between the families/houses in the White Court - sort of made me think of the mob. These novels are addictive … darn near unputdownable. The dialogue is smooth, Harry is witty and fun to read. The plot simply flows - there’s no slowing down. There’s never the same old, same old. Always something new, and I can’t wait to see what happens next....more