A truly worthy follow-up to a fantastic debut. Recommend for those who enjoy Larissa Ione's books. The only problem is, now I have to wait until April...moreA truly worthy follow-up to a fantastic debut. Recommend for those who enjoy Larissa Ione's books. The only problem is, now I have to wait until April for the next one. (less)
Had everything I look for in a paranormal and the world-building is fabulous. Epic clash between angels and demons, using the souls of mankind as thei...moreHad everything I look for in a paranormal and the world-building is fabulous. Epic clash between angels and demons, using the souls of mankind as their battleground. It's edgy and hot, plus the writing is lovely. Add in delightful characters and a strong sense of place, and you get a wonderful book. (less)
This was a hard book to read. It was beautiful, of course. Everything James Lee Burke writes has this lush, gorgeous lyricism. His settings are a char...moreThis was a hard book to read. It was beautiful, of course. Everything James Lee Burke writes has this lush, gorgeous lyricism. His settings are a character unto themselves, and Tin Roof Blowdown is no exception to that.
But in this instance, the Louisiana he brings to life is one devastated by Katrina-- and that depiction is haunting, visceral, and so painful to read that sometimes I had to put the book down to get myself in hand... because tears weren't enough. The emotions this book roused in me were like flood waters rising, and there was no feeling big enough to express it. This book is not only entertaining and lyrical, but it's also a vital snapshot of a terrible time in American history. People need to read this. Just be prepared for that fact that it will break you a little bit before you're done.
This is the most underrated / unknown fantasy novel of the decade. It is, quite simply, astonishingly beautiful. When was the last time I read an epic...moreThis is the most underrated / unknown fantasy novel of the decade. It is, quite simply, astonishingly beautiful. When was the last time I read an epic fantasy that felt truly epic? When was the last time a book like that reached into my chest, grabbed hold of my heart, and squeezed until I laughed, smiled, wept, and utterly forgot the world? I cannot recall, to be honest.
Rarely, after I read something, I’m left just aching. This is one of those books. I have to write about it; I have to try to articulate what it was that has left me feeling shaken and wholly inadequate. This book is… miraculous. It’s perfect. At one point, I was sobbing so hard, I had to stop and blow my nose, and yet I had a fine, bright kernel of hope in me that the author wouldn’t let it end like that. I believed in her — and oh, she did not let me down. Like the rest of the book, it was flawless, wrung to the last note of pathos and precision and heartbreaking rightness.
The writing is… beyond lovely. And the romance? You will never, ever read anything that touches you more. I am struggling for words that will not give away too much of the beauty because I want all you to experience it, just as I did: hopeful that you will like it, but not expecting the breadth or scope or depth of its wonder. You simply cannot imagine its beauty until you experience it for yourself.
So if you like romantic fantasy of epic scope, with heartbreak and sacrifice and true love, layered with rich mythos, complex world-building, and tender symbolism, then this is the book for you. (less)
This is an awesome debut. I loved it. The best thing about it was how different and dark and gritty it was. Anya is a different sort of heroine, and S...moreThis is an awesome debut. I loved it. The best thing about it was how different and dark and gritty it was. Anya is a different sort of heroine, and Sparky was freakin' awesome. I loved the Detroit setting, and it all felt very real to me. It was also a welcome change of pace from vampires and such.
Embers passed my highest UF test, which means I finished it and immediately gave it to my husband Andres, saying, "Read this, you'll love it."
He loves UF but he's pickier than I am, so I don't automatically give him every book I enjoy. He read and loved this one as well. The last author to pass the "will be read & loved by both Aguirres" was Kat Richardson, so we're both very excited to have Laura Bickle on board as a shared-author. (less)
FABULOUS. Beautiful, gothic, full of wonder, angst, romance and forbidden love. FALLING UNDER has the feel of retelling the Hades / Demeter myth, whic...moreFABULOUS. Beautiful, gothic, full of wonder, angst, romance and forbidden love. FALLING UNDER has the feel of retelling the Hades / Demeter myth, which I just adore. This debut is fresh, gorgeous, and utterly enchanting. (less)