In Pursuit of My Own Library

I have previously mentioned that every now and again I need a genre cleanse. I started reading way too many fantasy novels, and my head looses itself in the clouds. The whole world gets an aura of the unreal. So, I need a good grounding novel. I was searching through the ARC stack that had just come in to work. The title was intriguing; the cover was eye-catching; and the description seemed like a definite fit for my grounding experience. That is how I picked up No Baggage and definitely brought my head back to the Earth. I hope everyone has a safe New Year's Eve and the best of wishes for 2016. No Baggage: A Minimalist Tale of Love and Wandering by Clara Benson This year has been a year; let me tell you. I have had some very strong highs and some incredibly low lows. I have had an existential crisis. What is the entire meaning of my life? Am I really doing what I want with it? The questions that we all ask ourselves at some point in our lives. Hopefully most of you have an

I apologize for falling behind. The holiday season is a very non-internet focused time for me. I truly hope every enjoyed their time however they choose to spend it. There is just something magical about the end of the year. For me, it is time to reflect and release all the tensions that I have unwittingly let build up. I eat way too much unhealthy food and waste time playing with toys (and am grateful for every minute that I get to do those things). I do miss the snow, though. When I was a kid, this was the time when the first snows were coming, and they added to the magic of Christmas. Now winter doesn't seem to come around until January. Sigh. Two things for today 1. Congratulations to the contest winner Joyce M for getting an excellent book to kick off the New Year. 2. A book review Devices Brightly Shining by Shelley Adina I bought this when it first released but saved it to read on Christmas day. I am really getting on board with the little holiday novella concept.

I am pleased to announce that this review also comes with a FREE BOOK! That is right. I have a giveaway for an autographed, first edition of  Soul of Smoke  to get you started with the series if you have been holding off to see my final review on the value of the entire trilogy. Take this chance to get your copy and get started down a path you won't regret. Soul of Smoke Giveaway!! Truth of Embers by Caitlyn McFarland We have come to the conclusion of the Dragonsworn trilogy. And let me just say, it has been a journey. I felt the potential in the first novel, but that doesn't always pan out the way a reader hopes. I am very pleased that I decided to stick with this series. Every novel was better than the one before. The emotions were heartfelt, the tensions were greater, and the stakes for humankind were higher. We still get some excellent thrills from the dragon battles and tension from Juli the spy.  The war between Rhys and Owen hits a new level of strategy and

So why did I pick this novel? The description actually gave me some hope for a good mystery, but mostly it was the name. It has been sitting on my Kindle shelf for a little while being neglected in favor of my more favorite authors. And that just really isn't fair of me. I have found some truly good new authors on Netgalley. Very few picks have led me astray. Most all of them have been in a mystery/thriller capacity. I seem to be very hard to please in that matter. But this one got an award. It has to be better, right? Found out below. The Labyrinth of the Scriptorium by Hitoshi Goto Can I just take a moment to say--cool title!! I have spent many hours pondering why mystery/thriller genre titles do not amuse me (I know, I know, what sane person wastes hours pondering such things?--a bookworm). Modern mystery writers are too glitzy. That is what I came up with in the end. The stories now are so focused on some action or racy, edgy detail to set their mystery apart from every ot

Today Murphy's Law just seriously took me to the cleaners. What I look forward to for the night is some time with a good book ( The Young Dread  releases today) and good cuddle with my poodles. So, I'll complete some catharsis and write up a review on a very special book. The Contrary Tale of the Butterfly Girl by Ishbelle Bee The second in the Peculiar Adventures of John Loveheart, Esq. series. If you recall, I could not rave enough about the first novel (review here ) this summer. The second in the series did not disappoint. These novels are seriously fantastic in their disturbing glory. I somehow end up at the last sentence wondering about my sanity. Should I really find these novels so good? Am I disturbed? The answers are yes and no. Sometimes you just need a good dark fairytale to shake the doldrums from your day. This go around John Loveheart falls in love. What do you get when a completely mad man falls in love with a brutalized, desensitized woman? The most wo

With November comes chilly mornings and nights with plenty of rainy sessions in between. Bad for my motivation to knock things off my to-do list. Great for my to-read pile dwindling. The Land of the Green Men by Carolyne Larrington I'll have to give this one 3 stars. The author has clearly done years of research on the vast array of folktales around the British Isles, scouring oral history, preserved documents, and theses about all that history. She even brings modern fantasy big shots who use the very same mythic legends to develop their own tales for the modern reader to the argument table. An attempt to bring the ever changing, developing youth in touch with their rustic roots of wonder and awe. The part that is lacking for me is the heart, though. The whole essay lacks the essence of the fairy livelihood. It misses out on the actual wonder and awe part. All of it reads like a semi-dry lecture paper that gets buried at the back of the library to collect dust. And this

Like the snazzy new decorations on the blog? I felt that is was time to start getting festive with the theme. I hope everyone had an excellent Halloween. It is such a wonderful holiday. I thought about what review to post that would coincide with the creepy and really just could not choose an exact book to match, there are just too many good ones. Instead, I handed out treats to the little ones at work dressed in full Harry Potter regalia. Sweet nerd moments. And now we are into November. Crazy! Arrows of Darkness by B.I. Woolet The series continues to be a wonderful fairy tale in the constellations. The story opens pretty painfully but with something that is unfortunately all too prominent these days for young readers. You can tell from the title and opening chapter that this novel is going to deal with the darker side of our hearts.  While sadness rains down upon his family, Jackson eagerly pushes forward to his dear Arcas where there is no personal pain just hopeful long

Now for the big news I promised Sunday. I have taken the plunge. I have left the shackles of an 8-5 desk job to be with my beloved books. I am now a low-paid bookseller with varying hours, but I am loving every minute of it. The day is full of the excitement of books. Recommendations, news on the latest authors, what is publishing next spring, etc. It really is special to be working with something you enjoy so much on an internal level. I am very glad I took the plunge to switch career fields (despite the jitters that came from jumping out of my comfort zone, which is not a forte of mine). And I owe it all to my amazing husband for allowing me this opportunity. He is the best. Now for the reviews for today. In honor of  The Paladin Caper launching today, I bring you two  reviews! From an author who largely writes video game action scenes or companion novels to the latest titles in the Bioware suite, we have a series of books that really managed to surprise me. I was really feeling th

While some of these may be old news to many, I apologize. Halloween is approaching and it is my favorite holiday. I easily get sidetracked at this time of year in all things pumpkin and costume-y. I also very brilliant news I look forward to sharing next week! So please check back with me then and accept my profuse apologies for being absent. It will be getting more frequent in the future. The first of my cover releases that I am excited for in the new year belongs to Rod Duncan with the third in his Fall of the Gas-Lit Empire series releasing in February. The Custodian of Marvels  is coming off of a rocky second book for me, but I am just excited more to see if we are able to recapture the brilliance of The Bulletcatcher's Daugther. The second cover reveal comes from Kevin Hoffman with the release of his second book in the Sigilord Chronicles. The unfortunate part with this one however comes from a lack of a release date still. I'm sure it will be in the new year, but

It is the last day for the book tour of Arrows of Darkness  by BI Woolet. You have already read my interview with the duo authors, but I have some extra goodies to get you excited for the latest release-including a copy of both   Arrows of Darkness and   The Hunter, The Bear and the Seventh Sister *. The contest will end on October 15th. Get scoring those points below for your chance at this great series! Xpresso Books Giveaway Follow along Jackson's journey with this great map of the land of Arcas. How about an article from the authors on their fantastic beasts? Sea Monsters and the Bear Next Door By B. I. Woolet “Man’s destruction and bloodshed now appeared trivial and small next to these uncontrollable beasts of nature.” – Arrows of Darkness From nasty orcs and a greedy dragon in Middle Earth to fluting fauns and a brave mouse in Narnia, fantasy worlds are full of interesting creatures! We love that the World of Arcas is also bursting with fascinat

I cannot believe it is already October. Wow. I don't know where my summer went! (Oh yeah--it went to reading some amazing books. Here is to the continuation of good reading.) The leaves are in full force changing to beautiful reds and oranges. My yard is surrounded by a gentle fire. But my least favorite of their activities is actually falling all over my yard. The graveyard of dead leaves just means time to get to raking all over again. Cool mornings and evenings means it is also time to pull out the scarves and pumpkin-spiced drinks, so every dark cloud has its silver lining. Today is the release of the second book from World of Arcas authors B.I. Woolet. To celebrate this awesome occasion I did an interview with them again. You may remember the duo from their previous interview on my blog as well as a review of The Hunter, The Bear, and The Seventh Sister . We join Jackson again on his adventures in Arrows of Darkness . A)  In our last interview you talked about the joys of

Fantasy books are so mesmerizing. They take you into another world and erase all your problems for a few days. They are also incredibly lofty and take some serious reading prowess to get through. If the whole series hasn't been published, you could be waiting years for the next one to come out. I needed a break from all the heavy reading. When that happens, I head to the tried and true section for young readers. The books are fun and take a day of magnificent binging to finish up. Perfect reading break! Chasing Vermeer and The Wright 3 by Blue Balliett I went to the local library for a set of easy books that didn't end up being on the shelf but sitting on the shelf above was a spine I recognized. I read Chasing Vermeer  for my freshmen English young adult class. I remember the book being a lot of fun to read. Next to that book was several more by the same author. I had found my quick reading diversion. My book pallet cleanse. I reread Chasing Vermeer  to reorient

This has been an incredibly interesting month. The last three days I have been laid up sick. I know it is bad when I am not even motivated to read. I apologize for this review being behind schedule. Hope this little bug decides to move on quickly. Darken the Stars by Amy Bartol This week, we now have the conclusion to the Kricket trilogy. After this series, I have come to a new appreciation for the Sci-Fi genre I had previously neglected. While I wouldn't really classify the characters as aliens (which is largely why I didn't turn away from the story) with their earthly appearance and similar technologies, they do exist on another planet and have genetically modified extras. The brilliance of these aliens is the connectivity that can be felt by the reader. By the end of the trilogy, I feel invested in the lives of the major characters. One of the most interesting parts from the third novel comes from the development of Kyon and Kricket. That would be the most interest

I cannot believe how much growth happened in just one book. I also cannot believe that it has only been two months since I had the opportunity to introduce the first book in the Dragonsworn trilogy. Where I was barely able to give Soul of Smoke 3 stars, I am happy to be able to rate Shadow of Flame with 4 stars. Caitlyn you have come a long way since 12th grade English, happy release day (again)! Shadow of Flame by Caitlyn McFarland The angsty transition into adulthood tones down to a much more tolerable level this time around without losing pacing and interest. We have the development of Rhys and Kai along with the pressures of life in a monarchy. There is intrigue as the gang tries to hunt down a spy. There is heart pumping action with skirmishes, treasure hunts, curses, and suppressed love. I can even say that a couple points of the plot managed to swing out of nowhere. McFarland makes statements towards the obvious suspects in order to throw the reader off the track which sur

September is now here. Everyone is joyously gabbing about pumpkin lattes and pulling out the scarves. Which suits me just fine because I absolutely adore scarves and hats and probably own way to many for a single individual to ever wear in a season. The exciting part of fall to me is curling up next to the fire place wrapped in blankets (which I also happen to have way too many of), drinking something warm, and reading a good book. I could say that I load up on galleys at this time of the year, but let's be honest--I load up on good books all year and use the season as an excuse. Hunter by Mercedes Lackey One of the great things about Netgalley has been developing new authors for my bookshelf. I have really come across some authors that have the potential to turn into the next legendary fantasy authors. Other times, I get the great opportunity to read a story from one of those legends. Disney Book Group allowed me that opportunity with an advance copy from fantasy legend hersel

August is almost over and kids are heading back to school. It is officially time to back up the summer reads for next year's trip to the beach. We are now moving into fall which means Halloween is coming! That means some great creepy, crawly books are on their way. (It also means the unfortunate amount of zombie stories will be out there too. sigh.) Jacqueline Garlick has some great ghouls in her Illumination Paradox series. Noir by Jacqueline Garlick The second book in this trilogy proves it has some writing chops. The action just keeps on rolling and all the characters keep it light with great humor. The novel manages to feel serious without being depressing. It is absolutely brimming with love and laughter even in the depths of madness. While I don't usually go for the lovey-dovey goo, I really had fun with Urlick and Eyelet's love development. They certainly have some passion. Garlick shows how a story can have passion without vulgarity which always wins huge points

The mornings are starting to get crisp and cool. Being able to spend the mornings out on the porch reading good books is just amazing. I could use the cool mornings with all the adrenaline pumping from the third novel in the ATLAS series. ATLAS 3 by Isaac Hooke This was another emotional installment in the ATLAS series. Nothing that happens is overly surprising as the plot of the story is rather logical. They are fighting a war.  What I did not see coming was the ending--again! Seriously diabolical cliffhanger genius. The story isn't any different from the two that came before. War, bloodshed, adrenaline, cliché topics repeated from the first two novels. Yet, I could not put the book down and was blindsided by the ending again. The characters continue to have an excellent development. We get the chance for another perspective when the teams are split and Tahoe becomes the point of view. We are facing another battle of the same crazy war for humanity. The previous enemies ha

Late summer means fall is on its way. The beach reading is drying up and the leaves are going to start changing soon. I'm going to smell fall in the air. This is not my favorite time of year. I always have to battle off an extreme wave of emotions this time of year. It is these times I am really glad Netgalley is around. There is a never ending supply of great reads to fill my days. Lumiere by Jacqueline Garlick Amazon Publishing imprint Skyscape gave me the opportunity to try out another steampunk author. It does seem so many authors are trying to get into the lucrative steampunk genre. There were some I have not enjoyed and others I enjoy immensely. Like all literature, the genre has become flooded. That is why the cover and back of the book are so important to the sell. Amazon Publishing did a good job with the revamping of Lumiere in anticipation of Noir releasing this month. The cover is gorgeous and I was pulled in by the synopsis. The characters have personality, the a

I have been waiting for this book for 10 years. I am so excited and happy to be a part of the first novel experience. Happy release day Caitlyn, you finally became an author. Soul of Smoke by Caitlyn McFarland This is a great first attempt at writing. While I may not have swooned over the novel, I give it a solid three stars and do wish to continue with the series. I want to see where this adventure grows and develops. There was enough interesting context on the foundation that some of the newbie writer fatigue can be forgiven. First and foremost it is a love story with dragons (and I am not automatically fond of love stories taking it down a notch for my interest). The best part of this love story is honesty. The author honestly shows the emotions behind falling in love. While many readers may end the book by wanting to wring Kai's neck (I would be one of those), you need to hold to the fact she is 20. A supposed adult who doesn't really have to be  an adult by today

Happy Release Day to Chuck Wendig again! I cannot believe that it has been an entire year. The Harvesting by Chuck Wendig I said I was looking forward to the conclusion to The Heartland Trilogy in my last review. Fortunately, the book did not disappoint. I have definitely had an up and down relationship with the series (reflected on my previous review  here ). The story has contained many aspects that I could live without, but that's reading for you and what makes it so beautiful. There are so many different voices out there, and they can all exist in fiction. I have never found any of these novels to be unreadable. The conclusion here is succinct and covers all plot threads. I was really pleased how it all came back around--from all the little lines in the first book to the larger points that make the story.  However, the book is a little too short to explore the true depth of the characters that are clearly falling apart. We skim the surface of their insanity but never

I have a very hard time believing that many of the things I grew up with, the things that molded and shaped my ideals, are releasing anniversary editions in their second decades. My review for today will be pretty simple. The novel is not the typical kind of book I read or review, but I could not pass up a chance to reminisce about my valley girl roots. As If! by Jen Chaney I had to wait a really long time if I would be approved for this novel. I had almost lost hope that I would get it in time for the release. It was so easy to get immersed in this collegiate thesis on such an iconic movie.  Jen Chaney takes the time to explain how a chancy adaptation of Jane Austen's Emma  could become a staple to Generation X and Generation Y. Many others from the previous generations also enjoy the movie, but it ultimately created a new identity for those born after 1975 without ever meaning to do so.  The whole book is written wonderfully. All of the anecdotes really make you feel

I recently attended the funeral of a family member. This man was a very great man and left behind quite a great legacy. He was very proud of his service in the Navy. During this time of transition, it was kind of poignant to be reading a space Navy novel even if it was a little more fantastical in setting, the emotions are every day. ATLAS 2 by Isaac Hooke I will keep this review spoiler free so first time readers can go pick up ATLAS and start an amazing series. I will warn you now--Isaac Hooke is a diabolical genius with a cliffhanger. I wasn't even sure if I really planned on reading the first book (for reasons that can be found in my review over here ). I enjoyed the story, but then I got to the ending. I just had to get ATLAS 2. And here we arrive to the second review--with a second cliffhanger that slaps you in the face. Usually a cliffhanger just makes me mad because there is no point. The author obviously has another book coming and just picked an arbitrary point

How are we already into summer? My, my. I guess it is time to start putting together the list of beach books. If you have not started the Magnificent Devices series, then I highly recommend you put the entire set on your list. You'll be set all beach season. A Gentleman of Means by Shelley Adina Yet another amazing book in this series. I am continuously impressed with the direction these novels take each time. Books 1-4 focus on the fabulous Claire Trevelyan, Lady of Devices. Book 5-6 cover the mysterious background of the Mopsies. While we take adventures with these excellent female leads, we are able to meet some other very fascinating personalities. Alice Chalmers becomes the star of book 7.  The stories are comprehensive, but I never feel like any character is getting stale. Each novel brings a very new direction for the series. Shelley Adina set her writing future up nicely when she had Lady Claire adopt a quirky band of misfit orphans. We are going to solve the myster

I wanted to get my husband involved with my reading somehow. All the activities I did pre-husband are very feminine and isolated to one person. All of his pre-wife activities are Eagle Scout, uber athlete related. It has been one heck of time finding some middle ground. As I am a super nerd, video games have become one outlet. He especially loves the mech games such as Armored Core. In an attempt to get him reading, I searched my wonderful friend Netgalley for books about mechs.  ATLAS by Isaac Hooke I found ATLAS as a wonderful compromise of my husband's interest with my desire for him to more actively read with me. What I didn't expect was my reading it and absolute enjoyment of it. I should express at the beginning of this review that I have worked with former soldiers on a daily basis for the last four years. Military jargon is far from foreign to me at this point, and I have every occupation of the Navy and Marine Corps practically memorized. I must admit that th

Well I do! Three books of the summer I am highly anticipating. This first one I look forward to because of the monumental impact of the first book. The Singular and Extraordinary Tale of Mirror and Goliath  made my reading decade. The book is so fantastically disturbing. It is Mad Hatter proportions off the wall. Read my full review here . So without further ado I give you yet another stunning cover from Ishbelle Bee with the e xclusive reveal at  Barnes & Noble . The next two book covers are exciting to reveal because I actually know the author. We used to lay on the floor of our senior English class listening to Indian flutes and our unique teacher chanting to let our limbs fall through the floor and relax our minds. I am so proud to see that she has come far enough to have not one, but two!, cover reveals on my blog. Click at the fold to see the amazing covers from Caitlyn McFarland!

Travelling for work put my schedule a little behind again. I feel that this year I am constantly apologizing for being late on a post. Well, it is also unfortunately meaning that I am egregiously behind on my to-read list. The plus side--the books I have read lately have been worth falling behind. Released this week is the first in a series of books that I can't quite fit onto any one shelf, an excellent quality in a book. The Shadow Revolution by Clay Griffith I came to this ARC in a search for male leads. I realized the other week that I have been binged out on female protagonists. It seems a sad direction for my reading and the general publishing world. Where did all the non-sparkly males go? Do I have to read some form of military novel or other such violent story to find a male character that is not swooning over life and little lily-livered? Fortunately not with this novel. The husband-wife duo managed to create an interesting fantasy with a man leading the show. Ther