In Pursuit of My Own Library

I hope everyone is recovering from being stuffed full of delicious food and good company.  To those daring and willing, I hope you found success on your weekend shopping.  Just before the holidays, I was delighted to have an extra treat for my Thanksgiving.  A favorite author of mine published her book early and I was able to tuck it away for holiday reading. Fields of Iron by Shelley Adina The Gloria arc started strong for me but lost a little of its pizzazz in this novel.   We've been through England, Prussia and Italy with Lady Claire and her gaggle of orphans.  We've been to the Texican Territories and the Canadas with Alice and her Stalwart Lass .  Now, we are exploring Colorado and the Californias with Gloria as she attempts to stop a war in a man's world. It has been a worldwide adventure with these ladies of breeding and character, and I have loved every minute.   Fields of Iron  was one of the weaker novels, but the pages kept turning and important informatio

As a special treat for this most awesome of holidays, enjoy an entire series  being reviewed. Shifters & Seers Trilogy by Tammy Blackwell             In this trilogy we have surpassed the story of teenage Scout Donovan and progressed to the college-attending pack in its entirety.  We get to see the Timber Wolves universe from every aspect and a great new cast of characters.  Everything I loved about the Timber Wolves trilogy is here.  The writing style, wit, and gushy romanticism are all active and present. I binge read the entire series in one weekend and am not ashamed to admit it.  These books are a delight.  They are fun and captivating but have a dark underbelly that keeps the pages turning.  We are presented with another Scooby Doo mystery that really isn't difficult to figure out by the end of the series, but it adds a nice edge to all the sappy. Each book focuses on a different combination of love in the Timber Wolves pack.  There are more shifters and

Strange History by Bathroom Reader's Institute How about strange facts from history? They'll brighten your day and give you something to read in between those reading slumps.  Here's a tidbit; an ancient Olympian won the gold medal while already deceased! You know you want to find out more. From Uncle John, here is a collection of assorted facts from all of time. I really found this to be the exact level of entertainment I was expecting.  I needed something that would give me a little refresh between the fiction.  Plus, I found the tidbits of history to be really interesting.  Many were even snort while reading amusing. And then again, some were just really poignant statements.  A truly great blend of historical strangeness. Now to insert my moment of honesty, I don't recall many of the facts I read because I wasn't trying to use this like a textbook to learn anything.  I just wanted some quick reading that would clear the fantasy cobwebs. There is plenty of t

Today the excellent middle grade novel The Changelings  hits store shelves.  It's published by Sourcebooks Jabberwocky.  How could I not request it with that referral? (Twas brillig and the slithy toves...) The Changelings by Christina Soontornvat This book was a fabulous middle grade adventure ride.   The set-up for the novel makes it accessible to many readers.  The pacing flows at just the right speed to keep a young reader drawn to the story.   I was able to get through the whole tale in a lazy Sunday.  There are also all kinds of interactive extras while you read over at the publisher website . There was nothing groundbreaking here, the land and characters come from the classic fairy tale fables.  The author didn't try to update them or morph them into a hybrid of any kind.  She left them alone to be what they naturally are.   The innocence at this reading level is just so refreshing.  I wish I found it more often in adult fiction to be honest. The characters

This is the post I should have put up last week, but I've just been dreading it.  I am disappointed to have to be doing this review, but now you can't believe anything other than I'm honest about all the books I read. Soleil by Jacqueline Garlick I was so stoked for this book.  "The Illumination Paradox" started as an incredible series.  The world was a new kind of apocalyptic dystopia. The diseases were unique with a slight touch of steampunk, and the characters had an air of disturbing that is just on the correct level of creepy.  I honestly felt like this series had something special to it.  I was eagerly awaiting the third book.  My super nerd reached critical mass when the author announced that book three would be in our hands on Harry Potter's birthday! Then,  Soleil  published.  Then, my heart broke.  The first chapter was an editing nightmare.  I have learned from previous novels this does not get better, but I wanted the conclusion to the ad

I have read several graphic novels and mangas at this point, and thoroughly enjoyed them, I thought it was time I attempted comics again.  You may remember I previously mentioned wanting to get into the nerd culture of comics as I am a fan so many other nerd cultures staples.  I dipped my toes in the manga market with series I was familiar with through anime; a pretty safe starting point.  Then, I received a couple of graphic novels from Netgalley, and they have been utterly fantastic in their stories -- even if the art wasn't my match.  This go around I requested something by a true, blue comic king -- Stan Lee. The Zodiac Legacy #1 by Stuart Moore Stan Lee created a new universe of comic characters with writer Stuart Moore.  They wanted an edgy Asian twist to their superheroes.  Each character has the power associated with an animal of the Chinese zodiac.  There are a series of books and a set of matching graphic novels.  I picked up the graphic novel from Netgalley. I like

My, my. I've done it again. I've vanished for quite some time this time, but I promise I have a good reason. I got a job. A very cool job. A full-time copy editor job. This means my posts will become sporadic again as my time for reading becomes divided even further. I promise I'll make the reviews that do get posted count. I also have been reading some non-fiction books that don't fit the review style I have built on this website. These books weren't about enjoying them or wanting to pick them up time and again. They were about learning and expanding. If you would be interested in the same kind of discovery, I'll give you some information and let you on your way. Becoming Worldy Saints by Michael Wittmer The first of the non-fiction books I read to help with some clarity. I find a strong pull to study the different religions of the world to understand where each side of the argument is coming from.  This piece highlighted some good points on Christianity

I hope everyone had an excellent Independence Day, and the digit count remains at 20. I know we had a blast (hehe, pun) here attempting to make more noise then our neighbors. Living on the top of a mountain has some serious perks. Cleaning up from the celebrations the next day made me a little late for the release of The Copper Promise by Jen Williams. Catch the review below. The Copper Promise by Jen Williams I clicked request without really knowing much about the premise of this novel for two reasons. 1.) Angry Robot Books--I have really enjoyed every author I have read from them so far. Their selection for publication is pretty top notch. 2.) The description included mages, monsters, and gods. My kind of fantasy. Now, when I started to read the novel, I felt an instant disconnection. I'm not really sure why. The story just didn't seem to fit the description for the novel I had requested. Maybe I was in a completely separate mindset from when I hit the request button

It is July. The heat is rising. The fireflies are out in droves to the accompaniment of a cricket orchestra every night. Corn on the cob. Grills. The summer season has really begun. Click on the Book Giveaway tab to grab yourself what I would consider to be the perfect  summer read--  Lady of Devices  by Shelley Adina. The tenth novel in the series is due this fall so get started now. White Sand by Brandon Sanderson It is no secret that I am a massive Sanderson fan. A friend of mine recommended the "Mistborn" trilogy back in high school, and I have been reading ever since. When I first began the books, it was not apparent that all the different series and stand-alones he was producing would be connected. A decade later and readers have been informed by Sanderson that there is a bigger picture--Cosmere. It is all connected. The lands and magics. They all come from something larger than any individual series. That scope--that is amazing. He has written middle grade fi

It is astounding to think that half the year has already gone by so quickly. There has been a lot of growth and change on the website packed in that little space. I hope you have appreciated all the new book goodies. Please leave me feedback for how to improve. I'm really working to make a go of this website. Highland Raven by Melanie Karsak I am patiently, yet excitedly, waiting for the third novel in the Lily Stargazer series to publish. While I wait, I thought it would be nice to check out some of the other works by Melaine Karsak. She has a horror series about zombies and a Shakespearean romance series available. I'm not one for zombies in this over-crazed phase of fad, so I picked the fiction based from the play Macbeth. (Who doesn't love some Scottish tales right now? Is one fad really better than another? Maybe I'll try out those zombie books next after all.) This is not the original title or cover art of the novel. It has been through some rebranding i

In honor of my 200th post, I have a fantastic day for you!  1. The blog has undergone a complete overhaul and turned into a fully fledged website. All the interesting extras I have been adding on over the years are now allotted their own space. Please leave all feedback on how this site can be of use to your bookworm endeavors. 2. On the Author Interview tab, we have an interview with Anna Kashina about her latest release, Assassin Queen . We talk about the "Majat Code" series and how she put the whole trilogy together. We also get an insight into what she does to step away from the writing table. 3. Shelley Adina has provided an autographed copy of her introductory novel,  Lady of Devices , in the "Magnificent Devices" series. If you are new to this site, you will need to know that this is my all-time favorite steampunk series. This is a giveaway not to be missed out. Head over to the Book Giveaway tab to enter for chances to win. 4. A new review from anot

Magic Bitter, Magic Sweet by Charlie Holmberg Charlie Holmberg has done it again. She has written an amazing book. Like all the novels to come before this one, we get a story of immense depth. There is a reason for everything even if it isn't obvious at first glance. I had inklings throughout the novel that I knew the ending, but I was never really sure and kept turning the pages. The characters are realistically dynamic. You want to know what happens to them. I was slightly hesitant at the start because the description and cover left me unclear on the direction. (This seems to be a hurdle I really need to overcome with Holmberg's books as they are proving to be quite unmerited.) The opening was all sweet and endearing, and then, you are smacked in the face with the bitter. It is not what I was expecting at all and had my attention held fast. There are some lovely easter eggs during the middle for fans of fairy tales. With the current fad for rewriting the classics of liter

We have just two weeks left before we say goodbye to Temeraire the dragon. For more information on the novel, visit Naomi Novik's page . There will be a contest  for an autographed copy announced soon as well!! My thoughts on the series that has spanned a decade and captivated me from the beginning are below. League of Dragons by Naomi Novik The concluding novel of the "Temeraire" series has arrived. After many, many months of anticipation (and a full circle of my time on Netgalley), I had chills picking up League of Dragons . It is the conclusion to a nine book series with which I have had my ups and downs. The bar has been set pretty high, even for a dragon.  Utmost honesty and realization here--the level of hype means I was going to be undoubtedly left wanting with this novel.   I was not disappointed with this novel, just left a little flat because I had an entire year to hype it up in my head despite my best efforts not to do so. The war with Napolean is on i

On this day of sunshine, grills, and pool season, remember why you are able to do all those fun things. As summer unofficially begins, it is the season of vacations and beach reads (even if you have no beach, pool, or deck, there is sunshine and a greater need to get away from your kids). Go pick up a book and start the unofficial summer season in the best possible bookworm way. Pyramids by Terry Pratchett I took another zany break with Terry Pratchett this month. When I seem to be taking life too seriously, it helps to read some Pratchett. His satire can really put your perspective back into order. This is the seventh book of Discworld. While they are absolutely not required to read in order, as many are standalone novels, I find that it gives each book the best flow. The overall atmosphere gains traction with each story that can be missed if you just breeze in midway. This twisted tale of the Egyptian and Greek ancient civilizations is not my favorite of Pratchett's

Thankfully the sunshine has decided to linger around a little extra for me today. Clouds are definitely brewing, but they are happy, fluffy white puffballs for right now. I actually kind of feel like a Bob Ross painting sitting on my deck right now. With the springtime blossoming all around, I have been in a mood for light-hearted reading. I continue with the "Septimus Heap" series today. Syren by Angie Sage Another good showing from Angie Sage. The whole series has been enthusiastically fun while being about some pretty serious business. I guess I just appreciate the style of making our mundane, modern things Magyckal with twisted spellings and exaggerated capitalization. Not to mention the actual magic being activities we have been doing as household chores all these years. (Seems legit that a medieval serf time-traveler would find a Toaster magical.) The series has given me a boost of imagination and flair. I really look forward to the next novel--and maybe even the n

It is new book Tuesday! I have one for you today that is so new, it isn't even on the shelves yet. Ha! Check out below what I had to say about a collection of short stories by one of fantasy's legends. Dreams of Distant Shores by Patricia A. McKillip This is a compilation of short stories, which was a refreshing pace to read for me. I could easily pick it up in the middle of my hectic day, read a quick fantasy, and get back to work after I had finished the story. The stories are the quintessential escape for the lunch hour. Warning side effect of these stories: I did find myself daydreaming for most of the day after reading just small pieces. These are the types of fantasies that open you to the fae and just don't let go immediately. I felt like I had become part of the wind and words, floating around waiting to be reality. No two stories focused on the same characters or places, or time for that matter, but there were some common themes that could tie all the sto

After enjoying a long morning in the sunshine to recharge the batteries after so much rain, I am back with some more reviews. I really needed these blue skies; I must be part reptile. The sunshine just makes me wake up. Now I may be able to actually keep up to date with my reviews. Queste by Angie Sage Every novel, I have been progressively impressed with the "Septimus Heap" series. I started them as a filler for my "Harry Potter" whole, and now I have a respect for them in their own right. The wit and humor are stellar. The writing style is light and easy to get through making these books perfect to keep your spirits up during a week of rain. There is a constant sense of sarcasm that just fits my personality perfectly. The magic in the book is fun and everything has flair. This series creates a vivid journey into my imagination. Queste  does not deviate from any of the beauty of the first 3 novels. The characters continue along with their charm in a new jo

Time just seems to disappear completely on me these days. I was doing such a brilliant job of keeping up to date with everything, and then-bam!-one day missed turns into a week later. I was busy with organizing the house, cleaning up the yard after 10 days of rain and travelling with the husband. There was definitely some reading in there to recuperate from massive amounts of cleaning and yardwork. The briefest of reviews will come today as I get back on track with my upcoming novels for Netgalley and an interview with Anna Kashina. An exciting conclusion to the week, in my humble opinion. Iceberg by Clive Cussler I enjoyed The Mediterranean Caper so much, I picked up Iceberg  to see if it was a fluke or maybe, just maybe, I actually like something out of the adventure/spy genre. I think I managed to come across an author that has plenty published to give me a genre shake up every now and again. The novelty might lie largely in the date of publication and the removal of the PC fil

It's a new week, so let's get it kicked off with a new genre. Well, to be accurate, a new genre for me to be reading and reviewing on my blog. I have never liked the mystery/thriller/suspense/adventure genre and have often made note of that when I read books that walk the line with other genres I do read from regularly. I feel that too often the authors from the world of intrigue never seem to develop foreshadowing correctly. They play their hands much too early, and I am left reading a book for which I know the ending. The Mediterranean Caper by Clive Cussler Reasons I read this book: Recommendation. When I worked as a bookseller, it was my job to know all the sections in my store. I needed to not just know the best sellers from each genre, but what made them best sellers. I also interacted with many readers who held different opinions to mine. (This is a very healthy way to get your dose of reality for the day.) Clive Cussler was recommended to me when I got into a co

... and the mind-boggled review to go with it. This book was the most unique reading experience I have ever had in decades of reading. Assassin Queen by Anna Kashina This week we have the final novel of the "Majat Code" trilogy. I previously reviewed the first and second novels and have read a short companion novella as well. Some may recall me raving about the first novel and being slightly disappointed about the turn of the second novel. The novella was more in tune with Blades of the Old Empire  and added to the hype for The Guild of Assassins . So with the letdown from the latter book, why did I get the third? More importantly, how did I feel about it? Redeemed and exacerbated. How can you feel both of those at once? That is the mystery of the third novel of the "Majat Code." There were some extremely awesome, butt-kicking scenes reminiscent of "Blades," and the romance from "Guild" was still included. I was excited and disappoint

I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend. We are back on new book Tuesday with an oldie, but a goodie. After plunging through a waist-high stack of Netgalley need to reads, I finally found the bottom. Miracle! I even managed to situate my reading schedule from Netgalley to allow a small window for personal reading. The below novel has been practically burning a hole through my shelf since Christmas, so it is new to me on this release day. It craved being read. I complied. Library of Souls by Ransom Riggs I love this series! And now, Tim Burton is making a movie from the first novel? What! He is absolutely the best director and creative mind to bring Miss Peregrine to the screen. If you have not yet begun this series, I highly recommend you look into now. There is a wonderful box set on Amazon that is worth every penny. Freak shows have become increasingly popular in television, movies and literature. They blend the natural world with fantasy in a laid back fashion. Your imaginat

Need an epic get away for the weekend to wild, exotic places with strange and unusual guests? Check out the book  below.  It will immerse you in a whole other world. The story is a more in-depth and gruesome reality-driven version of Mulan. Though I do miss my Mushu. The whole thing actually took me several weeks to read, which is a truly rare occurrence in my bookworm zone. The Pirate Empress by Deborah Cannon This is a compilation of stories that were released in serial format on Kindle where I found it in my recommendations section of Kindle Lender Library. I am really pleased I rented a copy. My blog is strong proof of my love for folktales and lore, when I read the Mulanesque plot I was hooked instantly. European stories are obviously the most known to me, so I really love diving into the tales from "exotic" countries.   The Asian   beliefs have been founded around mysticism and superstition; it is a natural fit for my fantasy mind. I love reading tales from China

It has been awhile since I have reviewed graphic novels on this blog. Growing up with a huge passion for fantasy books and Japanese cartoons, i t seemed a likely path for me to get into comics; yet I never did. Then a decade later my husband and I branched into Magic: The Gathering, which is commonly sold in comic stores. I tried again to complete my nerd status by getting into comics. Now , graphic novels are more popular, and their subscription rate became better balanced between content and cost. I was willing to give them a try. The Looking Glass Wars: Crossfire by Frank Beddor, et. al. I love the "Looking Glass Wars" series in regular print format. They are an amazing series that twists the tale of  Alice in Wonderland . Beddor sees it as how Alyss influenced Lewis Carroll to write his story from her life, not as a retelling of the tale itself. Weekly, I receive a digest on graphic novels from Netgalley. I was hyper excited when last week included the "Look

As everyone crunches down to meet the tax deadline, I have a novel that might be of interest. Why not read about some accidental embezzlement to ease the sting? The Assistants by Camille Perri All right, let’s be honest. I picked this book because the synopsis was like reading a mini pic of my life. A thirty year old assistant wondering where she has gone with life. Hmm. Familiar. I had to request it. Now that I have read it, I’ll say it is 3 stars worthy. I could certainly see glimpses of my own life and decisions which gave me a level of empathy I always enjoy in my reading, but you don’t have to have lived this exact life to be drawn into the story. The writing is witty and snappy. Even though it is a very serious story, it never takes itself too seriously. The whole thing remained a fun read. The references border along the millennial line that the middle of my generation experiences from having had computers most of our lives but not cell phones attached to our palms.

...let's take off in the blue. Hope everyone had a lovely weekend. I spent mine on video games and reading because I had snow outside. In April? Indeed! I have plants in bloom and snow. It is spring, right? The plus side to such temperatures is lack of guilt for cuddling under some poodles indoors reading the day away. Gardening certainly can't be accomplished with frozen ground. This week will be a busy week and make up for all the sloth, but I'll still find some reading (and review posting) time because I'm a bookworm first and foremost. Fields of Air by Shelley Adina I continue to love this series. I am hoping inspiration just keeps on churning. I am incredibly attached to the characters at this point. They have morphed before my very eyes. I have loved, laughed, and lost with them. And at an incredibly alarming rate! There is a new book every year—actually just a little less than a year. And they are all wonderful. They never seem to suffer from being so close

Another day and another post! I am making some serious headway on my reviews while continuing to read two books at once. I certainly am an overly ambitious bookworm. Netgalley keeps my e-reader filled, and I now have a new library card burning a hole in my pocket. Hard copies and digital reading fun for all hours, all locations, all situations! Again, I am an unapologetic bookworm. Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan With a stop to my new library,  Sword of Summer  was sitting right there on the end cap as I entered.   I had just put down  Ancient & Epic Tales from Around the World.  Why not some more  history and mythology? Plus,  I really enjoyed the Percy Jackson series. What I love about Riordan is light-hearted fun with a lesson.  I, also, really enjoy the History channel’s Vikings. So naturally, a book about Vikings from Riordan is a must. I was not disappointed. The humor is snappy as always. The sarcasm level lifts right up to the gates of Valhalla. The characters ar