CINDER! If you follow me on my blog, it probably won't surprise you to know that Cinder (and the Lunar Chronicles series) is a favorite. There was ser...moreCINDER! If you follow me on my blog, it probably won't surprise you to know that Cinder (and the Lunar Chronicles series) is a favorite. There was serious flailing happening. When Kelly told me about Glitches--free on Amazon at the time--it was an instant download. No regret there. NONE.
Though this book is set well before the events in Cinder, I think that it's something that best read after Cinder. It simply has more meaning when you're able to understand the origins of Cinder's New Beijing story--something that we learn about in both Cinder and Scarlet, but that is never quite as detailed as the story in Glitches.
If you're a fan of the Lunar Chronicles series, you won't want to miss Glitches. It'll help tide you over until Scarlet. And it's only 19 pages! You really can't go wrong.
Glitches was a free Kindle book I downloaded on December 20th, 2012 for the Why Buy the Cow? reading challenge.(less)
A few things that had me skimming: There was an excessive use of adverbs. The narrative often involved telling us how the characters felt, which made...moreA few things that had me skimming: There was an excessive use of adverbs. The narrative often involved telling us how the characters felt, which made the reactions and emotions of the characters unreal and difficult to connect with. And no DP. Sad day. If I hadn't been reading this with some friends, I would have put it down and left it unfinished.(less)
There is no second book slump syndrome for Marissa Meyer and the Lunar Chronicles series. Wow. Like Cinder, Scarlet was the kind of book that makes...more4.5
There is no second book slump syndrome for Marissa Meyer and the Lunar Chronicles series. Wow. Like Cinder, Scarlet was the kind of book that makes you panic when the pages start dwindling because you don’t want the story to end. I cannot get enough of this story, these characters, and this world. 2014 is too long to wait for the next story!
In Scarlet, we’re introduced to Scarlet (shocking!) and Wolf. Scarlet is a very loosely retold version of Red Riding Hood–complete with red hoodie. What I love about both Lunar Chronicle books is that while being a retelling, these books are so much more. With Cinder’s story arc still continuing into this book, we get to see the world expand and grow in ways that are unique and exciting. So many THINGS HAPPEN!
Though we don’t get to spend as much time with Cinder this time around, we do get introduced to more characters and more, er, stuff. (Sorry. Vagueness needed to ensure no spoilers.) This is Scarlet and Wolf’s story and what a fun one it is. (No, really. It was a “grip the book in your fingers and fly through the words because that scene was so incredibly SWOONY” type story.) I loved the push and pull between Scarlet and Wolf. Their story is different from Cinder and Kai’s, but at the same time it involves a lot of the same elements. (No, I won’t say which.)
And I don’t think I can write this review without mentioning Captain Thorne. He just tickled me silly. Thorne also does a very good job of highlighting the subtle humor that is pervasive throughout the Lunar Chronicles. It’s good fun–the kind of humor that occasionally catches you off guard, but you find yourself cackling at. I want more of Thorne and his “heavy American accent” and I seriously hope he’ll make an appearance in future books. (And Scarlet and Wolf. I want more of them, too. I want ALL THE CHARACTERS.)(less)
After On Demon Wings, I was SO READY for Into the Hollow. After everything that comes to light during On Demon Wings (and then what we learn during th...moreAfter On Demon Wings, I was SO READY for Into the Hollow. After everything that comes to light during On Demon Wings (and then what we learn during the two novellas--Old Blood and The Dex-Files--between books 5 and 6), I had to know how it all played out. WHAT WILL HAPPEN? Dex! Perry! Dex and Perry! The ginger douchebag! Perry's parents! Her sister! Dun-dun-dun.
Perry makes some big changes in her life--like moving out of her parents' house and going back to Experiment in Terror. Though where she moves and who she moves in with is worth noting, the bulk of this book deals with the latter--Experiment in Terror. Perry thinks searching for Bigfoot (major points to Karina Halle for getting in a mention of Bigfoot erotica) will be better and safer than hunting for ghosts. Oh, Perry. You'd really think she'd know better by now. But honestly, it's better that she doesn't otherwise...where's the fun in avoiding a little risk taking?
So, this book. Into the Hollow is a book of moments. Funny moments. HILARIOUS moments. (Twatwaffle, anyone?) Awkward moments. Angry moments. Sexy moments. Swooning moments. (Dex really brings the swoon in this one. Karina brings teh sex. We're talking hot enough to melt snow.) And lots and lots of utterly terrifying moments. But honestly, it wouldn't be a Experiment in Terror book without being scared shitless. And being scared shitless is just part of the Experiment in Terror charm. It's good stuff.
I really can't get enough of this series. I don't want it to end! The Experiment in Terror series has really awoken an interest in ghosts and the supernatural. And I love it.(less)
Oh. Oh, this book. I went into this book not really sure what to expect. I often find established couples (i.e., couples who have found their...more*flails*
Oh. Oh, this book. I went into this book not really sure what to expect. I often find established couples (i.e., couples who have found their HEA in a previous book) to have lost the spark that made their romance so much fun in previous books. Cat and Bones in the Night Huntress is an example of this, for me. And while Lord's Fall can in no way be comparable to Dragon Bound in terms of the explosive nature of Dragos and Pia's relationship, I find that I love both books equally, for very different reasons. Thea Harrison capitalizes on these two characters' fierce personalities, showcasing just how difficult it can be to make a relationship work--and how rewarding it is when it does.
Lord's Fall does a good job of expanding on the world of the Elder Races and circling back around to issues that were created in previous books (issues with the Elves, the loss of Tiago and Rune). It also focuses on who Pia and Dragos are as individuals and as a couple. Relationships are a complicated dance, where it's easy to step on your partner's toes (or feelings). Lord's Fall answers the question: what happens after the HEA? The craziness of mating has eased a bit, and Pia and Dragos fight to learn how to be more than combustible in the bedroom.
I thought I could love Dragos no more than I did after reading Dragon Bound. I was wrong. He is so unyielding, and yet he tries so very hard to overcome every domineering instinct to be what Pia needs him to be. His sharp edges get softer and harder, all at once. I am completely and utterly flaily about Dragos--and this book. The ending just about killed me. At first, I wanted to say that Lord's Fall is more about what is happening in the Elder Races world than what happens with Dragos and Pia, but that's wrong. Their story is as powerful as it is subtle, their love for each other deepening and growing throughout their experiences both apart and together.
The Sentinel Games (and the core group of old Sentinels and potential ones Dragos expected to see in the future) give us the hope that this world is far, far from being over (in a series sense, not apocalyptic way). I think Thea Harrison has given us a good clue about whose story is coming next (and confirmed it on her Facebook page) and it promises to be a doozy. And AND! Pia's group of psychos, as she fondly referred to them, was so very fun to get to know. The way that these characters bond with each other just tickles me to death. *flails*(less)
I asked Kelly for an erotica suggestion, and this is what she recommended. So I went in for some dirty sexin', and that's exactly what I got. The non-...moreI asked Kelly for an erotica suggestion, and this is what she recommended. So I went in for some dirty sexin', and that's exactly what I got. The non-sexin' part was a little... corny? I think, but it didn't really detract from the story. I giggled through a lot of it. And the sex was niiiiiiiiiice.
Surrounded by Woods was a free Kindle book I downloaded on October 19, 2012 for the Why Buy the Cow? reading challenge.(less)
I read this because I wanted some erotica and, honestly, can you really pass up that title? No. Not if you're as easily amused as I am. So, I got my e...moreI read this because I wanted some erotica and, honestly, can you really pass up that title? No. Not if you're as easily amused as I am. So, I got my erotica. Well, mostly. Honestly, I would have liked less romance in this; it was okay, but rushed given the short length (the length of the book, mind you, not the length of Cooper; if Kyla is to be believed, he was quite a satisfactory length). And, really romance is not why I read erotica. (If you know what I mean. *smarmy wink*) More sex, less romance. Still a good time if you need some down and dirty to cleanse your reading palate. Erm... you know what I mean.
Sporting Wood was a free Kindle book I downloaded on October 18, 2012 for the Why Buy the Cow? reading challenge.(less)
Oh my glob, I loved being in Dex's pervy mind. This really fills in the blanks of what we didn't know about Dex and gives us perspective on why he...more4.5
Oh my glob, I loved being in Dex's pervy mind. This really fills in the blanks of what we didn't know about Dex and gives us perspective on why he did the things he did.
And I think I love him a little more now. Errr. Not because of what he did. But, you know. Because now we know why. We learn just how twisted and fucked up he is... and just how much he cares for Perry. The Dex-Files was everything I wanted it to be.(less)
After reading The Benson--the novella between this book and Red Fox--I was really looking forward to Dead Sky Morning. The Benson really capitalize...more3.5
After reading The Benson--the novella between this book and Red Fox--I was really looking forward to Dead Sky Morning. The Benson really capitalized on everything I really love about this series and is, to date, my highest rated EIT book. For some reason, though, the full-length books tend to fall a little lower on my enjoyment scale, and I've spent the last few books trying to pinpoint exactly why that is. At this point, I think it comes from Perry's narration: she spends a lot of time rehashing things and often takes away my ability to draw conclusions for myself. This often colors my perception of the situations she finds herself in.
But seriously, guys. THINGS HAPPEN in this book. THINGS. Dastardly and bastardly things are afoot. When Perry and Dex go to a former leper colony and camp, there are so many ways their trip could go wrong. SO. MANY. WAYS. And many of them do. I love the creep factor in Dead Sky Morning, the utter aloneness, and the slow, unrelenting spiral in madness (are they really going mad? or is it something else entirely? dun-dun-dun). And a leper colony. This alone is enough to make you shiver. And sad. The underlying story and all the ghosts and EVERYTHING (is this vague enough? I hope so) was satisfying in its scary factor. WHAT WILL HAPPEN? WILL DEX AND PERRY SURVIVE? Dun-dun-dun. (These feel appropriate. Trust me.)
It is impossible to review an Experiment in Terror book without mentioning the relationship between Dex and Perry. Though I'm not even really sure what to say. The relationship is simultaneous clear and confusing. And I lovehate idontknowwhat it. Things definitely happen here as well, but not quite what you may expect. Or maybe you expected it. OR MAYBE YOU DIDN'T. I do like how these adventures throw them together and force them to get all up in each other's space. It makes interesting revelations tumble out and emotions run high, the latter of which leads to good drama.
I may have to start reading Lying Season now.(less)
Kelly first introduced me to this series and I am so glad that I have continued on. Each book in the series continues to get better as Perry’s world e...moreKelly first introduced me to this series and I am so glad that I have continued on. Each book in the series continues to get better as Perry’s world expands and unfolds. And yes, as soon as I finish this review, I have every intention of diving right back into this world to see what happens next.
*blinks at you* Oh my glob! Though I still have my issues with Perry’s narration, THIS BOOK is what I needed, I think, to find some footing with Perry and Dex’s relationship. Seriously. It’s making me swear and flail and contemplate writing this review as fast as possible so I can pick up On Demon Wings VERY SOON. The drama and angst and HOLY SHIT, DID THAT JUST HAPPEN? in this book was crazy. And I liked that. I felt like we were finally getting somewhere. Even though the ending...(O)_(O)
I almost feel like the horror aspect of this book took a bit of a back seat to Dex and Perry (not necessarily a bad thing). But, again, there are developments here: rivals! ghosts from the past! (Errr…from our characters’ pasts. Ghosts are generally from the past, eh?) And both of those things leave the door open for BIG THINGS. The latter of the developments, specifically, was left unresolved. I hope that the ghosts (and subsequent revelations) will come to light in the next book(s). The potential here is HUGE. And I really like that. I like it a lot. I want to see MOAR things happening in Perry’s world and I want to see the implications of those things in her life.
On a character note, I was glad to see that Perry is finally starting (maybe, a little) to come into her own and accept herself. She has been so very hard on herself in previous books and I waffle between understanding and wanting to shake her a little. And the Shownet cast! I really enjoyed meeting them and the little soap opera they bring to the table. They were a lot of fun. I hope I get to see more of them in the next books (and in Perry’s life).(less)
Son of a bitch! THIS BOOK. Perry is in a deep, dark place in On Demon Wings. After the ending of Lying Season, Perry's mental and physical state do...more4.5
Son of a bitch! THIS BOOK. Perry is in a deep, dark place in On Demon Wings. After the ending of Lying Season, Perry's mental and physical state doesn't really come as much of a surprise. On Demon Wings shows us the ramifications and consequences of what happened in the previous book. (Yes, like seriously OhMyGlob, WhatTheFuck THE HAPPENINGS IN THIS BOOK.) I don't think Karina Halle could have written this book more perfectly. I was enthralled. (And, if I hadn't been in a weird cold-induced daze, I would have read this book from start to finish without stopping.)
There are certain aspects of this book that were predictable to me, as a reader but that were not so clear to Perry, as the narrator. I kind of actually liked this. It worked for the story and for Perry being where she was emotionally. It had me emailing Kelly as I progressed throughout the story and had to SAY THINGS to someone as I flailed in reaction. And it is really, really hard to say anything more without spoiling what happened in Lying Season, BUT SERIOUSLY. THIS BOOK. SO MUCH HAPPENS.
Unlike previous books, there was no filming for the Experiment in Terror show in On Demon Wings. Everything that happens in this book happens to Perry. (Poor Perry. She really can't catch a break.) Our allegiances to certain characters change as more secrets and revelations are unveiled. Innocuous characters turned into characters I wanted to drop kick across the room. Characters who were supposed to be safe and comforting turned into enemies. Characters we loathed along with Perry turned into very missed and beloved saviors. (Okay. That last part may be a little dramatic, but it's how I felt.)
Overall, I'm digging this series. It was a bit of a slow start for me, but the last couple of books have really picked up and blown me away. I find myself reading these back to back because I HAVE TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT. (After I finish this review, I'm off to read the next two novellas because DEX! and PIPPA!) That's a rare quality in a series for me--the need to know what happens next and to utterly immerse myself within the series without burning out on it.(less)
Old Blood satisfies my inner (or not so inner?) information whore. Though this story is about Pippa, it sheds a lot of light on what happened/is happe...moreOld Blood satisfies my inner (or not so inner?) information whore. Though this story is about Pippa, it sheds a lot of light on what happened/is happening/will likely happen to Perry. And Dex! We get a little information on Dex--information that he would probably not willingly share otherwise. This novella ties up some remaining threads in both Lying Season and On Demon Wings. Which was good. I like the tying of threads and this answered some questions I've had rolling around in my head about Perry and her abilities throughout the entire series thus far. *thumbs up*(less)
In Six Words: Thea continues to delight and enthrall.
Novellas, despite their short length, are not easy to write. Erotica...moreBest Elder Races novella yet.
In Six Words: Thea continues to delight and enthrall.
Novellas, despite their short length, are not easy to write. Erotica lends itself well to novellas because who needs the romance? It's about the dirt. But when it comes to writing a good romance novella--as Thea Harrison does--it is hard to present a believable romance in such a limited amount of space. And with each successive Elder Races novella, Thea Harrison continues to bring the romance (and yes, some sex, too), re-creating the same tension we love in her full-length books.
As a faithful reader of the Elder Races series, both Aubrey and Xanthe are not unfamiliar characters. But until now, they have been characters existing on the side, furthering others' stories rather than having their own. Xanthe is one of those strong female characters--strong in physical strength and intelligence. She is the kind of character I've always wanted to be: a cool, calm fighter. Aubrey is the kind of character I've always fallen for in romances: the man strong enough to break down all the barriers the leading lady puts up in their path. And, as always, Thea Harrison has the ability to write characters I can't help falling in love with. Every. Time.
The romance is a slow burn, setting the stage for a complete explosion once it ignites. You know. A rawr-rawr kind of explosion. I loved how Aubrey and Xanthe's relationship blossomed over the time they spent in her cottage, how Aubrey flustered and teased Xanthe in a way that no one else could, and how Xanthe managed to get under Aubrey's skin, forcing him to follow his instincts and fight what what he wanted. Hunter's Season is, by far, the best Elder Races novella to date, and one of the best novellas period that I've read. I'm kicking myself a little for putting off reading it for so long.
If you're caught up with the series, don't make the same mistake I did. Go read this now. And if you're not caught up with the series--what the hell are you waiting for?(less)
I find myself having all these FEELINGS for WARNER. WHAT IS GOING ON? He is an oddly fascinating study, with his obsessive thoughts and very particula...moreI find myself having all these FEELINGS for WARNER. WHAT IS GOING ON? He is an oddly fascinating study, with his obsessive thoughts and very particular routine. I liked Warner's internal monologue. As much as he tells us (and yes, there was telling us how he feels), we see these things reflected in his narration, so that the narration strengthens what he tells us. Still, I find myself wanting more of Warner.
As a short novella designed to give an introduction and back story to Greta and Rip, All the Time in the World serves its purpose well. I like that Gr...moreAs a short novella designed to give an introduction and back story to Greta and Rip, All the Time in the World serves its purpose well. I like that Greta and Rip are the main characters in the first book; a novella isn't really enough to tell the complete story of a couple. What All the Time in the World does is whet your appetite for more--more of the world, and more of Greta and Rip. I've already added the first book in the series on my wishlist.
All the Time in the World was a free Kindle book I downloaded on October 3rd, 2012 for the Why Buy the Cow? reading challenge.(less)
Well, that was fun. And I'm always a fan of Navy SEALs. Some aspects of the story were wound up pretty quickly (not *that* surprising given the short...moreWell, that was fun. And I'm always a fan of Navy SEALs. Some aspects of the story were wound up pretty quickly (not *that* surprising given the short length of the story) and sometimes the dialogue struck me as awkward. But Carson and Holly were hot. And that was the point. (Supply closet sex, FTW!)
Heat of Passion was a free Kindle book I downloaded on October 3rd, 2012 for the Why Buy the Cow? reading challenge.(less)
This was fun in the sense that it was told from the perspective of the man and there was a lot of sword/sheathing/scabbard talk during sex. (win, win,...moreThis was fun in the sense that it was told from the perspective of the man and there was a lot of sword/sheathing/scabbard talk during sex. (win, win, win.) That said... I want more. More sex. More detail. More development of the characters and the world.
The Knife's Edge was a free Kindle book I downloaded on October 2nd, 2012 for the Why Buy the Cow? reading challenge.(less)
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