In Pursuit of My Own Library

I came out of my reading zone again for a switch to Sci-Fi. I have never really been a fan of the genre, and I feel that to usually be the case with readers. You either love elves or aliens. For me, it has always been the fantastical creatures and races of this possible world. A time long forgotten where there was so much more. For others, the mystery of the world yet explored and discovered attracts their imagination. I have enjoyed parts of the sci-fi world because in the end I am an overall nerd. I've watched  Star Trek  and Star Wars  after all. But, ultimately, when I walk into a book store, I go to the fantasy shelves to pick up that 600 page exhausting looking tome of epic greatness. This galley made me think about heading to the sci-fi aisle for a change. Under Different Stars by Amy Bartol I have already pointed out I do not favor the Sci-Fi genre, nor will I shun it. My lack of interest in the subject comes from the arbitrariness that comes from creating galatic rac

Spent the last two days sick on the couch. I knew I really had come down with something when I really wasn't even that interested in reading. What a missed opportunity. I mostly snuggled under the blankets fighting a horrible fever and sleeping on and off with TV in the background for some noise. Fortunately, I had a review in queue for you. I finished this one a couple of weeks ago, but it is finally getting close to releasing. I actually am found of the break from fantasy fiction on this one. It will be hitting store shelves next month. Vanessa and Her Sister by Priya Parmar There are plenty of letters, notes, postcards, diaries, and other literary proofs of the lives of Virginia Woolf and her slightly less recognized sister Vanessa Bell. This is a story of what built around those letters.  This is a fine example of historical fiction. The people are real, the events are factual, the story is fiction. The author extensively researched her subjects and Edwardian England.

I apologize for the horrible delay to this amazing cover reveal. I was on vacation fulfilling my nerdom at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter  (which was absolutely amazing despite my complete lackluster experience in FL, as usual). I attempted to create a new post through my phone, which technologically trumped me by good measure. So I bring this reveal to you several days late with my deepest apologies. Please revel in the beauty and glory of Mae I Design's cover for (to me) a very anticipated sequel to The Hunter, The Bear, and The Seventh Sister below. You can also visit my previous review post to learn more about the first novel and take this chance to become a part of what promises to be a very endearing series. My post over here . Now, drum roll, please........... Arrows of Darkness by B.I. Woolet Synopsis: Jackson returns to Arcas expecting to find peace—a peace greatly lacking within his own home. But when a violent archer takes over as Lord of the

My leaves are turning to the vibrant colors of fall, and they are beautiful. Until they fall in my yard, and I realize that it is a never ending battle to get them raked. So many trees line my yard. So many leaves. So many. Storms of Lazarus by Karen Kincy I have a definite love-hate relationship with this series. The first book was an introductory promotion on Amazon and the second was on sale for 99 cents. I really do not forsee me ever paying the full price for these stories, nor getting paperback copies for my shelf. With that being said, I would recommend them to people who match the writing style and enjoy the dieselpunk genre. LOVE: 1.) The use of mechanized suits to amp up the battle scenes. My husband is a huge Armored Core fan and this gives me a feel of being a little part of his geekdom without actually having to learn the overly complicated button scheme as a part-time gamer. 2.) The actual writing. The story moves at the right pace, I don't find continuity er

Good afternoon, and as promised, Happy Release Day to Charlie Holmberg.  The Glass Magician by Charlie Holmberg Excellent follow up to The Paper Magician . I really have been impressed with this series so far, and I am very excited for the next installment. This time we experience the exploits of Ceony and her friend Delilah, a burgeoning glass magician, aka Gaffer. To not be horrifically spoiler crushing to The Paper Magician , I will only state that we are now in hot pursuit of the Excisioners yet again. Ceony has taken on crime fighting despite her apprentice status because she was able to complete finishing school in a record year. Clearly she is enthusiastic about her abilities. If only they could hold a candle to the actual magicians. Chaos and tragedy ensue. We are able to learn a completely different side of the magic system in this second novel and it is even more enchanting than in the first novel. Not only does Mrs. Holmberg delve into the creative ingenuity of glass

My drizzly weekend continues to provide payouts for this week's reviews. I was able to start another fabulous series in the steampunk genre, and I fell in love with the magic system. In honor of The Glass Magician  releasing today, I will be doing a double post. But let us start at the beginning--and what a wonderful beginning it is. The Paper Magician by Charlie Holmberg Great system of magic. Great treatment of steampunk; Victorian England without the zany clockwork and gears, just a splash of magic, and no actual historical figures involved. No muddying of the historical waters. Three cheers! I don't think I can be entirely spoiler-free, but I promise my review does not give away any ending clues, just a wee little plot point, but it is just so cool. As an author, it must be incredibly difficult to come up with something new and exciting to catch reader's attention. Especially in this day of mass media. I really found the spell to trap Ceony in a heart (and her pu

A business trip last week really threw off my reading schedule. Anyone want to pay me to read full time? That would be great. Until that magical day arrives, I hit the books hard this weekend with incredibly cold, drizzly rain ruining my outside plans. But who can argue with a day snuggled under the blankets and a good book (or two, or three)? I have quite a few reviews to catch up on this week, so start your Monday off right with some assassin nuns. Dark Triumph by Robin Lafevers I was certainly correct in my prediction Sybella's story would be darker than Ismae's. It is a good story. There is the gritty quality of a train wreck you just can't look away from despite knowing it is horrible and will haunt you. It is a story of redemption. What I have noticed about this series: It is set up like Nora Roberts. Three stories. Three heroines. Three love connections. Each novel focuses on the path of the heroine to her lover and overcoming her personal obstacles to that