A supremely satisfying story - we move out of the Veretian court to their borders, but while the political intrigue and treachery remain as present as...moreA supremely satisfying story - we move out of the Veretian court to their borders, but while the political intrigue and treachery remain as present as ever amidst the preparation for war, the story is really about Damen/Laurent's relationship. Talk about unresolved sexual tension - this probably sets the benchmark for best use of UST ever (view spoiler)[and also the most incredible love scene (hide spoiler)].
The ending was of the good cliffhanger kind - I'm very impatiently waiting for the third and final volume.(less)
RUSH ME was an impulse buy, primarily because it’s currently priced at $2.69 at Carina Press. For that price, I’m certainly willing to give a debut au...moreRUSH ME was an impulse buy, primarily because it’s currently priced at $2.69 at Carina Press. For that price, I’m certainly willing to give a debut author a shot. And I was glad, because it ended up being one of those compulsively readable books that kept me up for way too late.
I loved it, but I can totally see how opinions may be all over the place and this Dear Author review is an alternative take on the book. What works for me, I think, is the escapism aspect in this story (which is very similar to Tammara Webber’s Between The Lines series, so that may be my weak spot), which means that it feels perfectly possible that the girl-next-door gets together with an NFL quarterback. You do have to take the plotline with a pinch of salt – I mean, Rachael accidentally gate-crashing an NFL party? And then becoming BFFs with Ryan’s teammate? Definitely requires a suspension of disbelief, but I went along with it.
What I really liked was Allison Parr’s voice – it’s self-ironic and aware. Rachael is abrasive from the start (and to be fair, Ryan doesn’t exactly shower himself in glory either), but I understood where she was coming from and that self-defence mechanism of hers. I also liked that this story felt real (I know, that kind of contradicts my escapism point, but stay with me) – the characters are far from perfect, there’s lust-not-love-at-first-sight and morning-after regrets, but the story’s laced with humour and spark, there’s some growing up being done, and yes, romance.
There were various elements that brought the story to life for me, including the strong sense of place in this book – I really liked Rachael’s NYC. I also enjoyed the fact that sports played a large part in this book (disclaimer – I know next to nothing about American football and a true sports fan may just be cringing in horror), and how Rachael’s Jewish heritage was portrayed – again, it felt real, not perfect. And as Rachael’s struggling to find her feet in publishing, we got a peek into the industry (though some potential sequel/prequel bait there felt strangely out of place).
I ended the book really rooting for Rachael and Ryan’s relationship – I’m not entirely sure they’ll have a HEA, but it’s definitely a HFN. They’re both in a much better place from where they started, and really, isn’t that what a satisfying story is all about?
This book was massively hyped up, which was probably why I took my time getting around to it. I'm glad to say it was worth reading.
Countless other peo...moreThis book was massively hyped up, which was probably why I took my time getting around to it. I'm glad to say it was worth reading.
Countless other people have said this, but CODE NAME VERITY is really all about friendship and in the most positive way. Which is impressive, seeing this story is set against the very grim backdrop of WWII.
Spoilers for the rest of my thoughts:
(view spoiler)[It's very clever writing that almost demands a re-read as soon as you reach the last page - there were clues scattered all about which made so much sense in hindsight. I did find it hard to sink into the story about Maddie initially, though I went with it as it was obvious things were not quite as it seemed, and was rewarded with a multi-layered and satisfying narrative. Even the interrogators are ultimately shown as human - I closed the book thinking that I would have liked to read their perspective, which goes to show how three-dimensional every character was.
And finally, the story couldn't have ended any other way - but still. (hide spoiler)](less)
I love that we get Graham's POV here, though I’m less keen on having Brooke's. Nice to see that Reid's starting to mature in this one. While I liked t...moreI love that we get Graham's POV here, though I’m less keen on having Brooke's. Nice to see that Reid's starting to mature in this one. While I liked this book a lot, I didn’t enjoy it as much as the first, Between the Lines - the conflict here felt a bit forced, and the story on the side of padded out. I’m still looking forward to more in this series, though hopefully without artificial conflict. (less)
If I listed trigger warnings, I dread to think what the list would be like for the first half of this book... so take that as fair warning.
However, I...moreIf I listed trigger warnings, I dread to think what the list would be like for the first half of this book... so take that as fair warning.
However, I ended up really falling for this story - it starts off a bit uneven (and there are definitely some problematic bits), but once I got into it, I couldn't put the book down. Layers and layers of intrigue and politics, plus a very complicated (and compelling) relationship - I dived into the next book immediately after finishing this.(less)
This is the sort of book that I shouldn’t really love. Certainly it’s fluffier and less gritty than Tammara Webber's much-lauded Easy at first glance,...moreThis is the sort of book that I shouldn’t really love. Certainly it’s fluffier and less gritty than Tammara Webber's much-lauded Easy at first glance, but BETWEEN THE LINES had surprise twists and passages that I ended up re-reading, which meant that this book turned out to be one of my favourite reads of 2012.
I loved how the romantic interest didn’t play out as I initially thought it would, I really liked Emma’s relationship with her best friend Emily (and that Emily was not just a BFF cutout, plus bonus points for positive messages about female friendships), and that ending? It came from the perfect-wonderful-satisfying school of endings. I did think Emma’s issues with her dad were resolved too easily, but apart from that, I’m hard-pressed to think of what I didn’t like about this book. (less)
I feel faintly guilty liking this book so much because it’s out-of-print - thank goodness for the library is all I can say. So, this book had the best...moreI feel faintly guilty liking this book so much because it’s out-of-print - thank goodness for the library is all I can say. So, this book had the best kind of romance subplot - the kind that is not overtly romantic at all, and yet crazily romantic at the same time. The 1970s New York City setting really came to life for me - both little things (like the usage of public phone booths in those pre-mobile phone days) and the wider context (the politics of that era play quite a large part in the mystery/suspense plot). I found this reminiscent of some of Barbara Michaels’ books - maybe books written during the 1970/80s have a common feel to them?
Side note: I just noticed the book’s subtitle on Goodreads - “A Novel of Suspense”. Love.(less)
My tendency is to avoid books with lots of hype around them, and EASY was most definitely riding that New Adult bandwagon in 2012. However, I caved an...moreMy tendency is to avoid books with lots of hype around them, and EASY was most definitely riding that New Adult bandwagon in 2012. However, I caved and bought the book when I saw Razorbill was about to publish this in the UK. And I didn't regret it at all - I really liked the emotional connection between the protagonists and found their relationship believable, plus I appreciated the positive portrayal of females in this book. Plot-wise, it was slightly predictable (was anyone actually caught by surprise by the reveal?), but nonetheless, an enjoyable story.(less)
A proper space opera, with the kind of story-telling that had me finishing this rather long book very quickly. Having said that, I didn’t care for the...moreA proper space opera, with the kind of story-telling that had me finishing this rather long book very quickly. Having said that, I didn’t care for the way chapters were ended on cliffhangers, which in turn made the POV changes feel very abrupt, but that’s a minor niggle. I’m all curious about what happens next.(less)
I’m a fan of Wen Spencer, ever since I glommed her Ukiah Oregon series way back when, but I haven’t read any of her books for a long time. ELFHOME is...moreI’m a fan of Wen Spencer, ever since I glommed her Ukiah Oregon series way back when, but I haven’t read any of her books for a long time. ELFHOME is the third book in her Tinker series – here’s where I admit I thought I had read the second book, but realised probably about a quarter of the way through ELFHOME that I hadn’t. Ooops. By that time, I was too engrossed in the story that I didn’t want to put it down and find the second book, which probably gives you quite a good indication that Wen Spencer can tell a story. The Tinker world is a unusual amalgamation of magic and technology, with both elves and computers coming together in a not-quite-Pittsburgh setting (and this was probably more unique when the first book was released back in 2003 than it is now). ELFHOME had a good-triumphing-over-evil, feel-good story line – I really enjoyed it.
Very definitely a feel-good book. I am a sucker for books told in epistolary format, so was already pre-disposed to enjoy this one, which I did. I lov...moreVery definitely a feel-good book. I am a sucker for books told in epistolary format, so was already pre-disposed to enjoy this one, which I did. I loved all the excellently quirky and well-rounded characters in this book, and was engrossed from start to finish.(less)
I haven't been blown away by the Lanyon books released this year so far - don't get me wrong, they're good, but I know he can write better than that....moreI haven't been blown away by the Lanyon books released this year so far - don't get me wrong, they're good, but I know he can write better than that. So I'm thrilled that his first Carina Press book was Lanyon on top of his game. This one pushed all the right buttons for me - loved the angst, the reunited lover theme. As an aside, am also loving the Carina Press covers.(less)
Let’s get it straight, I didn’t not like Sarah Rees Brennan’s The Demon's Lexicon – it’s just that I didn’t love it as much as I’d expected I would, h...moreLet’s get it straight, I didn’t not like Sarah Rees Brennan’s The Demon's Lexicon – it’s just that I didn’t love it as much as I’d expected I would, having read all the glowing reviews. There were some bits that appealed very much too me – the British feel, that twist at the end, but all in all, I didn’t fall in love with it. Which is why I didn’t rush out to get this book when it was released earlier this year.
Fast-forward a couple of months, I was browsing in Foyles and irrationally pleased to see Megan Whalen Turner’s books featured in a display case right in the middle of the YA section – I mean, I’ve never ever seen her books in a UK bookstore before, much less spotlighted. Why, they even had a hardcover of A Conspiracy of Kings. Looking a little closer, I realised it was in honour of Sarah Rees Brennan’s recent visit to the store and her picks. So how could I not buy The Demon’s Covenant after that?
So I did, and wow, was I pleasantly surprised. This was a complete page-turner for me, and trust me, the book wasn’t far from my side throughout the entire day, that’s how much I wanted to know what was going to happen.
The Demon’s Covenant picks up the story pretty much after the events of the previous book, but with a POV switch to that of Mae. Mae is trying to put her life back together, except she can’t. Magic exists. Her life has changed irrevocably, and as much as she’s trying to ignore it, she can’t. So she’s almost relieved to have a reason to have to call on Alan and Nick for help when she finds out that her brother Jamie is once again dabbling with magic and the dark magician Circles are trying to lure him away. But Alan and Nick have issues of their own, and Mae finds herself entangled in a wider web of intrigue and power struggles. Oh, and there’s also her attraction to both of the boys, for very different reasons…
It all builds up to an an exhilarating climax, and I was left slightly misty-eyed at the end of it. The ending was one of those when you have to flip back and re-read a passage and you think “no, that can’t have happened”, but it did. Several times. And sets things up very nicely for the third and final book.
I’m thinking part of the reason I liked this better was because of the change in narrator. In hindsight, it made sense that Nick, because of who and what he is, was somewhat detached from the world, and that possibly carried through to me as a reader. I also didn’t quite grasp Mae’s character in the previous book – okay, if I’m totally honest, she was borderline irritating for me. Maybe because she was to Nick, and it was his POV. Job done. Whereas in this book, the story is from Mae’s viewpoint, I understood where she was coming from, and empathised with her more.
This book just wasn’t about the plot, it was very much about relationships. The main ones obviously being the sibling relationships – Mae/Jamie and Nick/Alan – which were very strongly drawn. And so many other complicated relationships in the book: Mae and Jamie and their mother, Nick and Alan and Sin, Mae and Nick, Mae and Alan, Jamie and Gerald… the list goes on and on. Characters make or break a book for me, and they certainly made this one.
There were some bits in this book that jarred on my ears slightly, such as overuse of certain adjectives when it came to describing some things, but the positives easily outweigh the negatives. Oh, and something which amused me greatly: I occasionally read Ms Rees Brennan’s livejournal because she is hilarious. And Jamie’s voice in the book is exactly the same as her livejournal voice. Whether that is intentional or not, I have no idea.
Sometimes, the middle book of a trilogy feels somewhat lacking as it doesn’t have the novelty of the first nor the climax of the third – to me, The Demon’s Covenant had the wow factor that the first was missing and was a very satisfying story in itself. I am now dying to know what happens next and how Ms Rees Brennan is going to wrap up this excellent story.
Finally, and somewhat irrelevantly, but curious minds want to know – why is Sin featured on the US cover, when it is Mae who is the narrator and has a much bigger part? Unless that is Mae, but surely she has pink hair?
This was an imaginative YA SF romp through space. The engaging (and totally self-centred) narrator, Prince Khemli, made this book for me, and although...moreThis was an imaginative YA SF romp through space. The engaging (and totally self-centred) narrator, Prince Khemli, made this book for me, and although I normally hate the foreshadowing device, having Khemli announce at the start that this is the story of how he has died three times adds a certain something.
Khemli may be a prince, but in an empire that has ten million princes and all of them vying to be the next Emperor, the title has less meaning than you would expect. So Khemli needs to figure out just how he can put himself into contention for the Imperial throne – and solve various mysteries on the side, like just why has he, of all the millions of princes, has been assigned a Master of Assassins (head bodyguard, in other words) who is more than competent (not that he’s complaining)?
This is the kind of story where the protagonist manages to get himself slowly but surely entangled in what appears to be a no-win situation, and I had no idea how Khemli was going to pull it off until the very end. Perhaps as a trade-off for the strong and charismatic first-person narrative, the secondary characters felt less well-drawn, and the love interest was probably the weakest part of this book (I found it difficult to believe that it was the forever kind of love), but all in all, an unexpectedly fun and enjoyable SF story that I finished in one go. I’d love to read more set in this world, and also really need to get around to reading Garth Nix’s SABRIEL.
This was an impulse purchase, but this time what tipped me into buying the book was that I recalled seeing positive reviews around the blogosphere for...moreThis was an impulse purchase, but this time what tipped me into buying the book was that I recalled seeing positive reviews around the blogosphere for this YA romance centred around American football.
Despite knowing next to nothing about American football*, CATCHING JORDAN really worked for me – I loved that Jordan was so passionate about her sport, I loved her positive relationships with her guy friends on the football team (and her eventual realisation that girl friends were equally as good), and I loved her close family ties (there may have been a few sniffles at the end as Jordan and her father figured each other out). And while there was potential for too much annoying obliviousness when it came to the “right” love interest, it didn’t drag on for too long, and the eventual romance was swoon-worthy. I want more, and I’m looking forward to reading the companion book STEALING PARKER.
*Or perhaps because of that – I’ve noted some reviews that feel the sports element wasn’t that realistic.
This was my last unread Kluger book. I've been hoarding them as epistolary-style novels are one of my favourites, and Steve Kluger does them so well.
T...moreThis was my last unread Kluger book. I've been hoarding them as epistolary-style novels are one of my favourites, and Steve Kluger does them so well.
THE LAST DAYS OF SUMMER is a hilarious yet touching (and yes, emotional at times) account of a young boy growing up in 1940s New York, who forms an unlikely friendship with one of the stars of the New York Giants baseball team. While I couldn't care less about baseball, I was totally engrossed in this story set against a backdrop of escalating WWII hostilities - I loved seeing Joey (and Charlie) grow up and the secondary characters were a total joy (Aunt Carrie! Rabby!).
I'm always in awe as to how much story Steve Kluger manages to convey using this medium, and this book was no exception.(less)
I've always associated Sophie Kinsella with chick-lit, which is not one of my favourite genres, so I wasn't planning on picking this one up. However,...moreI've always associated Sophie Kinsella with chick-lit, which is not one of my favourite genres, so I wasn't planning on picking this one up. However, the numerous positive reviews convinced me to take a chance.
I ended up being captivated by this modern-day romance, and loved Poppy and Sam's interactions via text messages and emails. I admit going in that I had misgivings about whether the setup would be plausible enough - I mean, acting as a PA for a complete stranger? - but it was pulled off rather well, and I was totally rooting for them to get their HEA by the end.
If I had one complaint, it would be that I'd have liked Magnus's family to have had more page time, but really, this was a funny and romantic story, and left me with the warm fuzzies.(less)
I honestly didn't think I'd like this - and ended up devouring it with glee.
It's such a unique story - the front-cover blurb from USA Today on my edit...moreI honestly didn't think I'd like this - and ended up devouring it with glee.
It's such a unique story - the front-cover blurb from USA Today on my edition says "Willy Wonka meets The Matrix", which sums it up perfectly.
My (not-so) secret inner geek girl was in heaven. Give this a go even if you don't think it'll be for you - you may be surprised.(less)
I was initially thrown off a bit by the Heyer-like (or Austen-like?) language and the occasional usage of the author's omnipresent voice, but I actual...moreI was initially thrown off a bit by the Heyer-like (or Austen-like?) language and the occasional usage of the author's omnipresent voice, but I actually ended up loving this frothy Regency-set romance and I have to say that I'm impressed by my first non-fantasy Sherwood Smith.
Yes, the plot wasn't exactly ground-breakingly original, but the way we got to the ending was immensely enjoyable(view spoiler)[, plus it was sweetly satisfying seeing the villain of the piece get her comeuppance at the end (hide spoiler)]. Apart from the romances (and bonus points for avoiding the insta-love trope), I also loved the other relationships in this book - between Kitty and her brothers, and between Clarissa and Kitty. Minor niggles include the sheer predictability of the plot as mentioned (view spoiler)[(HEAs all around obviously, with the expected couples pairing off) (hide spoiler)] and also my occasional confusion between the characters, but overall, this was an engrossing and fun read. (less)
This was a re-read for me - I've read most of Joan Wolf's backlist way back when, and took the chance to get the e-version when she released most of h...moreThis was a re-read for me - I've read most of Joan Wolf's backlist way back when, and took the chance to get the e-version when she released most of her backlist in digital format.
There are dated tropes galore (the forced marriage, the Big Misunderstanding, the sinister uncle, the feisty heroine), but you know what? This was as much fun as I remembered.
Unusually for a historical romance, this has a first-person POV which I appreciated - I liked the horse-mad Kate very much, and enjoyed seeing Adrian through her eyes. Obviously there were things that was glaringly obvious to everyone except Kate, but I just sat back and went along for the ride and watched the two of them fumble their way towards each other. Great secondary characters, and really, overall it's a great sentimental angst-y romance that pushed the right buttons for me. (less)
This was a reread for me - after reading Thea's review at The Book Smugglers, I was tempted into buying the revised e-version (with an extra chapter)...moreThis was a reread for me - after reading Thea's review at The Book Smugglers, I was tempted into buying the revised e-version (with an extra chapter) and had no regrets.
This felt a bit like a high school story translated to a fantasy setting, with cliques, bullying, and secrets galore - however, Sherwood Smith pulls it off and I loved how Rhis and girl-power came to the fore. And I really liked how the HEA in this book was a realistic one for a story where the main protagonists are teenagers. The high fantasy world will be familiar to long-time readers of Sherwood Smith's fantasies, but at the same time, I think it works perfectly as a standalone.(less)
I've been remiss about not posting about this earlier, bearing in mind how much I enjoyed the book. In a way, STAINED GLASS MONSTERS reminded me of Sh...moreI've been remiss about not posting about this earlier, bearing in mind how much I enjoyed the book. In a way, STAINED GLASS MONSTERS reminded me of Sharon Shinn's Summers at Castle Auburn, which happens to be one of my favourite YA fantasy books.
I loved the story in this one - it had a really imaginative plot and is something quite different to other fantasy stories out there. I liked how the author trusted you to get the world, instead of spelling out every single detail. The dual POV worked well for me - both Kendall and Rennyn were strong females at very different stages in their lives, and that contrast in perspectives gave two different views into the story. And while I did not necessarily like every single character, I could empathise with each one.
I read this straight after Andrea K Host's The Touchstone Trilogy, and although I did see certain similarities in descriptions and characterisation, I do like how she gives us a very different story each time.
All in all, STAINED GLASS MONSTERS is one book I would re-read, and while it worked really well as a standalone story, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that there will be more stories set in this world.(less)
I am very late to the party on this one judging from the number of GR reviews. I'm not quite sure what took me so long to pick this up, but winning th...moreI am very late to the party on this one judging from the number of GR reviews. I'm not quite sure what took me so long to pick this up, but winning the second book Heart of Steel in a giveaway hosted by the author finally prompted me to start reading THE IRON DUKE.
And you know what? I really really liked it.
I loved the incredibly imaginative, in-depth, and consistent world-building. There wasn't just a passing nod to steampunk - instead, everything, including the mindset and behaviour of the characters, came across as note-perfect, making this alternate-history world feel real and believable.
The plot itself is not a complicated one - it's a murder mystery with political undertones, combined with some old-school romance. But combined with the refreshingly unique backdrop, this was an thoroughly entertaining and satisfying read.
I know this book generated some controversy, which I do want to mention(view spoiler)[, particularly re the forced seduction scene and also whether the hatred for the Horde veered into racism. All I can say was that I think the author redeemed Rhys on the former, and the latter made sense in the context of the world, and that it played an important part in explaining Mina's character and inner strength (hide spoiler)].
I'm glad I have HEART OF STEEL in my TBR pile, because I need to know more about this world. (less)
I loved this book so much - it's the kind of tale that leaves you wanting more, not because it feels incomplete or unfinished*, but because there's po...moreI loved this book so much - it's the kind of tale that leaves you wanting more, not because it feels incomplete or unfinished*, but because there's potential for more stories in this world... and it'll be a shame if this imaginative world only gets one outing.
The setting is inspired by the Napoleonic era, and the story starts off by juxtapositioning grim battlefield scenes with glittering high society balls. Tanya Huff seamlessly introduces werewolves and mages of the Pack into this environment, and makes it feel real - the frenetic gaiety and matchmaking parents and very civilised evenings at the opera doesn't hide the not-quite-acknowledged fear that this world is about to be torn apart. And as you expect, it is and quite brutally too - the commencement of war combined with the kidnapping of the most powerful mages of the Pack causes confusion and terror... and that's the setup for a most satisfying fantasy.
In retrospect, Mirian and Tomas's decision to go right into the heart of the enemy Empire to rescue the kidnapped mages appears slightly ridiculous - how does an almost-mage and young werewolf expect to go up against an all-powerful emperor? But while they're doing it, it doesn't come across as stupid or naive. It's easy to empathise with Mirian - she's caught up in the romance of the moment, she wants to do the "right" thing and at the pivotal moment, finds the courage to do so and what's more, follows through. Equally, Tomas, who has come through the battle through pure luck, is shellshocked and needs to rescue the remainder of his Pack.
It's not all a mad action-packed dash for glory - there are poignant moments a-plenty, and while not overt, there is some romance. I liked how Tanya Huff showed that there was a price to pay for everything, and also the bad guys were portrayed as people and not this faceless enemy. There's redemption too, and it's done in such a way that leaves you feeling optimistic.
One of my favourite books that I've read this year, and as I said at the start, I'm left wanting to know what happens next.
* It's a standalone fantasy, and how rare is that?(less)
I was counting down the days to this one. Very amused the authors used one of the most overused tropes of the romance genre - the Big Misunderstanding...moreI was counting down the days to this one. Very amused the authors used one of the most overused tropes of the romance genre - the Big Misunderstanding. But it all worked, this was very much a Kate/Curran book, and yay for that. The authors know their writing craft and it shows. An excellent read.(less)
Yay for the library because I probably would have never read this otherwise. You know it's a good book when you immediately go looking for possible se...moreYay for the library because I probably would have never read this otherwise. You know it's a good book when you immediately go looking for possible sequels. I was in the mood for SF romance and this fitted the bill perfectly. Strong romance (Kit was fantastic!), and I loved the world-building and plot. I was engrossed from the first page to the last. (less)
Another very good installment in the Mercy Thompson series. I think Patricia Briggs' strengths lies in characters and their relationships, as opposed...moreAnother very good installment in the Mercy Thompson series. I think Patricia Briggs' strengths lies in characters and their relationships, as opposed to plotting - I found some strands tied up just a bit too tidily, which meant they lacked somewhat in the properly-satisfying-resolutions department. All in all though, I enjoyed this very much. (less)
So whenever I said how much I enjoyed Dessen's The Truth About Forever, people then said "But what about Echols' Going Too Far?". Well, they were righ...moreSo whenever I said how much I enjoyed Dessen's The Truth About Forever, people then said "But what about Echols' Going Too Far?". Well, they were right - I'm not going to get into comparisons here, but this book hooked me completely. Characters were very strongly drawn, I loved the romance, and the story pulled me in. I'm tracking down her backlist. (less)
I liked Rosemary and Rue so much that I went straight out and bought A LOCAL HABITATION as soon as I finished it.
I love the mystery elements, I love...moreI liked Rosemary and Rue so much that I went straight out and bought A LOCAL HABITATION as soon as I finished it.
I love the mystery elements, I love the strong world-building and I totally love the Toby/Tybalt relationship. I mean, it had better be a relationship.(less)
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