Sunday, August 14, 2011

In My Mailbox (50)

This is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi over at The Story Siren that tells people what new books we've gotten over the week. All the links here go to the book's Amazon page if you want more info.

Downloaded to Kindle:
River of Time Book 1: Waterfall by Lisa T. Begren-Freebie on Kindle

From the library:
Haven by Kristi Cook-debut from this year that I wanted to read.
Pimpernelles Book 1: The Pale Assassin by Patricia Elliot-historical fiction about french revolution that looks fun.
The Iron Codex series Book 1: The Iron Thorn by Caitlin Kittridge-Steampunk from this year that I hope is as awesome as it sounds.

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Book Review: Dawn of the Dreadfuls


TITLE: Dawn of the Dreadfuls
Prequel to Pride and Prejudice and Zombies
AUTHOR: Steve Hockensmith
PUBLISHED: 2010
CATEGORY: Adult
GENRE: zombies, retelling
PREMISE: The Bennet sisters learn how to fight zombies.
MY REVIEW: In the prequel to Pride and Prejudice and Zombies we learn how Mr. Bennett decided to teach his daughters how to train to fight.
Okay, I mildly enjoyed PPandZ. Was it badly written? Yes. But it was obviously meant to be a parody so I didn't outright loathe it or these other monster mash-ups that some have expressed hatred for. I will say, though they've gotten a tad out of hand lately (Little Women vampires? Really, guys?). So I don't loathe these. But nor do I think they're great stuff. They're kind of just there, you know?
So with some hesitation I got Dawn of the Dreadfuls at the big deal thing for 99 cents on Kindle. Like PPandZ it was just okay. I personally didn't understand the purpose of it because we already learned how the Bennetts trained in PPandZ, this was just unneccessary to be honest. I also didn't care for the further ruining of Mr. Bennett and the rest of the sisters or Mrs. Bennett herself. It's very obvious Hockensmith has deep character bias and you can tell in the treatment of the characters. It's annoying. Especially considering he takes the interesting character of Elizabeth and has basically made her a Mary Sue.
So I have misgivings, but these aren't really meant to be great literature so complaining about stuff like that is rather pointless. I honestly have no real opinion on this. It's just there. Some will like it, some will hate it. Me, I just sort of shrug at it.
WHO SHOULD READ: those that liked Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, you like moster-class mash up thing going on.
MY RATING: Two and a half out of Five dreadfuls

Friday, August 12, 2011

Book Review: Timeless


TITLE: Timeless
Book 1 in a apparently new planned series
AUTHOR: Alexandra Monir
PUBLISHED: 2011
CATEGORY: Young adult
GENRE: romance, time-travel, fantasy
PREMISE: A young woman time-travels back and forth between the past and the present.
MY REVIEW: Michele has just lost her mother and gets sent to live with her estranged grandparents. While there she finds a key that lets her travel back and forth between the past and the present and meets her soulmate. In the past.
Timeless had such a promising idea. I mean time-travel! I love anything to do with time-travel, when done in a good way (I just tried reading Time Traveler's Wife and HATED that so much that I couldn't finish it, hence why there's no review). Unfortunately the way in this book is wonky. Also it's rather lame. Now, bright side, the author did some research so there are no glaring historical gaffes. Unfortunately that does not help all the cliches found in here. Literally it's like the author took every cliche in the book and crammed into one story. It's unoriginal and the author's writing is the bland tell don't show kind that treats the reader like they're dumb. It's also very juvenile in tone and the dialogue is bad.
For younger readers who love Twilight, this book will be fun. But personally, I found it dull and predictable and completely unoriginal. Going to have to say skip this unless you don't mind cliches or figuring out how the story is going to go five chapters in. Why this is being made into a series I don't know, the ending was pretty satisfying to me. But what can you do? We live in a series world.
WHO SHOULD READ: younger Twilight fans
MY RATING: Two and a half out of Five keys

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

My Top Ten Tuesdays (5)

MY TOP TEN DYSTOPIANS (or Dystopian like books) in no particular order.

1)The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins-If you have not read this yet now is the time to do so since the movie comes out next year. I promise you, the hype is worth it. This series is wonderfully written, powerful, and despite what the fandom would have you think, there's more to it then the love triangle. Pick it up, you won't be sorry.

2)Life As We Know It by Susan Beth Pfeffer-This wonderful, little known book is about what happens to our world when a comet knocks the moon out of orbit. The result is some scary weather catestrophies and half the population being wiped out from tsunamis, harsh winters, and even lack of electricity. The author brings alive a scary but plausible world in a diary from a girl living through it all.

3)Delirium by Lauren Oliver-In this one, love has been declared a disease. The cure for it has been found and as a result too much emotion shown is seen as wrong. Lena can't wait to get the cure when she's old enough, but then she meets a boy and wonders if her world really does have the right way of thinking it. A powerful look at how love drives what humans do and well written to boot. I cannot wait to see how this all turns out in Pandemonium.

4)Incarceron/Sapphique by Catherine Fisher-In the future a government has a mechanical prison known as Incarceron where a man has been dumped with no memory of who he is. This technically is more steampunk then Dystopian but it still fits in the category.

5)The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan-A virus has taken over the future world and people have turned into living corpses. Mary lives in a scary world ruled by the religious sect but slowly begins to wonder if everything they're told is correct.

6)Wither by Lauren DeStafano-I hesitate to put this one on here because there are several issues I had with it, like sloppy world building. However it is a very interesting book with a promising start. I just hope the author solves some of the issues I had in the next one.

7)Across the Universe by Beth Revis-Another one I hesitate to put on here because it's honestly not the best. But it definitely is an interesting start even if I hope the author improves on the next book.

8)Matched-Haven't read this one yet. It seems something along the lines of Delirium where everyone gets set up with their most practical mate by the government. This is a popular one which is why it's on here despite the fact that I haven't read it. I do plan on reading it soon though. So stay tuned.

9)The Uglies series by Scott Westerfield-Another I haven't read yet but everyone says is really good. Westerfield is one of my favorite authors so I'm sure it is. Again, plan on reading soon. On here because it's super popular.

10)The Giverby Lois Lowry-Classic dystopian novel that one awards and everyone should read at least once.

Next week: favorite vampire books

Monday, August 8, 2011

Book Review: Vesper


TITLE: Vesper
Book 1 in the new Deviants series
AUTHOR: Jeff Sampson
PUBLISHED: 2011
CATEGORY: Young Adult
GENRE: werewolfs, mystery, urban fantasy
SHORT PREMISE: A girl starts taking on a new personality during nighttime.
MY REVIEW: Emily is a geek and proud of it. After the other Emily in her school dies, she starts taking on a whole new personality at night though. It wreaks havoc with her life.
I honestly don't quite know what to make of Vesper. It was definitely a unique take on the tired werewolf trend and I really appreciated that the author didn't stereotype and oh hey, actual characters! There was also a nice healthy dose of intrigue going on here. I was just as confused about Emily as to what could be going on with her. That said, I'm still a tad confused about stuff. I don't feel everything was properly answered in the slightly rushed ending. However, this is a first book, so I'm thinking many more questions will be answered in the coming books to which I'm looking forward to because this was otherwise a well done intro and not bad for a YA debut.
For anyone looking for a well written unique take on werewolfs, I recomend this. If you happen to like a little more romance in your books, then this probably isn't for you. Like I said, it's a first book but this is definitely a promising start.
WHO SHOULD READ: Werewolf fans, those who don't mind a lack of romance
MY RATING: Four out of Five video gamers

Sunday, August 7, 2011

In My Mailbox (49)

This is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi over at The Story Siren that tells people what new books we've gotten or recieved over the week. Sorry this is so late, I had to work all day today and this is the first time I've been able to get to the net. For the record, tax free weekends are the devil. Just saying.

Bought books:
Insatiable Book 2: Overbite by Meg Cabot.-I loved Insatiable last year, it was one of my top ten of 2010, I can't wait to read this but will probably take a while because I still have o read Abandon as well as Game of Thrones beforehand and do you all know how big that book is?!
Prophecy of the Sisters Book 2: Guardian of the Gate by Michelle Zink.-Another one I've been eager to read but have waited to buy because I bought the paperback copy and I have this thing about all my books series need to be either all paperback or hardcover. Preferably I'd like them all to match cover wise but sometimes that's not possible.

Library books (I discovered my library has inter-library loan reserve! Squee!):
Timeless by Alexandra Monir.-I'm hoping this is not as smultzy as I fear.
Throat by R. A. Nelson-vampire book that I've heard basically nothing about.
The False Princess by Eilis O'Neal-I've been wantint to read this since I heard the premise. I hope it's as good as it sounds.
Deviants Book 1: Vesper by Jeff Sampson-shifter book thing from Jan. Already finished and I really liked it. Review forthcoming.

Saturday, August 6, 2011

July in Review

Just realized I didn't do this for July, so here's a review of all the read books in July.

Airhead Trilogy Book 3: Runaway by Meg Cabot.-Trilogy complete. 4 out of 5.

The Blood Journals Book 1: Blood Magic by Tessa Gratton.-New series, 2011 book. 3 out of 5.

Seven Realms series: Fire by Kristin Cashore.-Caught up in series. 4 out of 5

Hex Hall series Book 2: Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins.-caught up in series, 2011 book, 4 and a half out of 5.

Wicked Lovely series Book 5: Darkest Mercy by Melissa Marr-Series now complete. 2011 book, 4 out of 5.

Fever Series book 4: Dreamfever by Karen Marie Moning-4 out of 5.

The Dark Lord of Derkholme by Diana Wynne Jones.-4 out of 5

If I Stay by Gayle Forman-4 out of 5

The Edge series: On the Edge by Ilona Andrews-New series started, 4 out of 5.

The Iron Witch by Karen Mahoney.-New series started, 2011 debut book, 3 out of 5.

Theatre Illuminata series Book 2: Perchance to Dream by Lisa Mantchev.-Caught up in series, 4 out of 5.

100 Cupboards by N.D. Wilson-New series started (but probably won't be continuing), 3 out of 5.

Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman-4 and a half out of 5.

Vampire Kisses Book 8: Cryptic Cravings by Ellen Schreiber.-caught up in series (and probably won't be continuing), 2011 book, 3 out of 5.

Dresden Files Book 1: Storm Front by Jim Butcher.-New series started, 4 out of 5.

Finished in July but reviewed in August:

Fever series Book 5: ShadowFever by Karen Marie Moning.-Series now complete, 2011 book, 4 and a half out of 5.

By the numbers:
YA books read-9
Childrens/Middle-Grade books-2
Adult books-5
Total books-16
Series started-4
Trilogys/series completed-3
Series/trilogys caught up on-5

Ditched books not reviewed because I couldn't finish them due to horribleness: Switched Book 1 by Amanda Hocking (seriously, she got a million dollar book deal WHY?), Through Her Eyes by Jennifer Archer (couldn't stand main character and that made it difficult for me to want to continue)

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Book Review: Dead Reckoning


TITLE: Dead Reckoning
Book 11 in the Sookie Stackhouse series
AUTHOR: Charlaine Harris
PUBLISHED: 2011
CATEGORY: Adult
GENRE: urban fantasy, vampires, werewolves, faeries, romance
SHORT PREMISE: Sookie is back in the next installment of the series behind True Blood.
MY REVIEW: You know it amazes me when people say nothing happens in a Sookie Stackhous book. I mean really? No there wasn't much romance in this one or the last one. That's because Eric and Sookie are together. They still have plenty of problems though and being Sookie her life is hardly ever quiet.
I mean in this book alone, she deals with Sandra Pelt (yes, again), her bond with Eric breaking, secrets in her family life including the fact that her telapathy was actually given to her, Eric and Pam stage a coup and she winds up in a bloody battle and even her relationship with Eric gets in trouble because it turns out Eric is betrothed to the Queen of Oklahoma.
So nothing happened? Honestly people, I'd hate to see what you guys call a exciting book. By now most people have probably figured out if they're a Sookie fan or not. If you've enjoyed the books and are still sticking with it carry on. If not, carry on. I for one can't wait to see what's in store next. In the meantime I'll console myself with True Blood.
WHO SHOULD READ: Sookie Stackhouse fans, True Blood fans, Charlaine Harris fans
MY RATING: Four out of Five coffins

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

My Top Ten Tuesdays (4)

MY TOP TEN URBAN FANTASY BOOKS/SERIES (in no particular order):

1)Women of the Underworld series by Kelley Armstrong-This series centers around women in various parts of the underground supernatural world. It switches from woman to woman about every four books or so and in some cases comes back to a woman for a book. So far there's been a werewolf woman, witches, demons, and many more. They deal with mysteries and the supernatural and have a little romance thrown in. Armstrong has been one of the top writers in the genre for a few years now and this series proves why.

2)The Mercy Thompson Series by Patricia Briggs-These books are about a woman named Mercy Thompson who is a Coyote shape shifter garage owner who deals with the neighboring werewolf pack and daily mayhem from faeries and vampires in a world where the supernatural has been outed and people aren't taking it well.

3)The Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris-Harris has been writing for years and with these books, it's easy to see why she's popular. Sookie is a small town girl who can read minds in a world where vampires have come out of the closet (so to speak) now that there is a synthetic blood they can drink and shifters are just making themselves known. When a vampire named Bill moves in next door Sookie's quiet lay low life is changed forever. Unless you've been living under a rock you know these are the books the hit show True Blood is based on. While I adore True Blood the show doesn't hold a candle to the books.

4)Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman-A man enters a underground London full of magic and mayhem when he helps a mysterious seemingly homeless girl. If you have not read this book that put Gaiman on the map (as well as Sandman Chronicles) then do so immediately. You won't be sorry.

5)The Parasol Protectorate series by Gail Carriger-In a alternative Victorian London where vampires and weres cohabitate with humans Alexia is reaching old maid stage and finds herself involved in a mystery and consorting with all sorts of people her proper mother just wouldn't approve of. This series is hilarious and is urban fantasy if Jane Austen were to write it.

6)The Curse Breakers series by Holly Black-Cassel is part of a family of Workers (people with particular magic gifts) who are apart of the mob. Determined to leave that life behind, Cassel has enrolled in a school where his only major crime is the betting pools he runs. Sadly, no one told his family he was out of the business. A fascinating well written series by the awesome Holly Black. I also recomend Tithe.

7)The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher-Harry Dresden is a PI who is the only publically working wizard in Chicago. This long series involves Dresden's cases and is good old fashioned PI mystery series with magic thrown in.

8)The Young Wizards series by Diane Duane-A lesser known series about wizards that help slow down planet Earth's death by various tasks. This series is a fascinating blend of fantasy, realism, and science fiction. I wish it were more popular, but there you go.

9)The Wicked Lovely series by Melissa Marr-A series about fae politics that (to me anyway) is fascinating and imaginative.

10)The Paranormalcy series by Kierstan White-A hilarious series about Evie, a girl who works for an organization that moniters fae, shifters, and all sort of creatures.

Next week's Top Ten: Dystopians

Monday, August 1, 2011

Book Review: Shadowfever


TITLE: Shadowfever
Book 5 in the Fever series
AUTHOR: Karen Marie Moning
PUBLISHED: 2011
CATEGORY: Adult
GENRE: urban fantasy, romance
SHORT PREMISE: Mac's journey comes to an end.
MY REVIEW: All that Mac has been working for comes down to this. Finally we get answers as to who killed Alina (ouch, guys, just ouch), semi-answers to what Barrons' deal is, a conclusion to the epic war, and yes even Barrons and Mac finally stop bickering long enough to resolve their UST. Sort of.
The Fever series has been an interesting ride for me. I discovered it when the first book was being offered for free on Kindle and downloaded. I liked it but at the same time I was wary of the sex and felt that dragged down the quality a bit. I still sort of think that to be honest but hey, what can you do? At the very least, it adds plot developement of a sort and is hot so it could be worse. By the third book the series felt like a complete turn around and pumped up all the stuff in terms of writing, quality, and storyline. Now I pretty much love this series and will whole-heartedly recomend it to anyone.
If you've read books 1 through 4 you know what to expect. Shadowfever is one wild whirlwind of emotion from beginning to end and I must say Moning brought it in this. Also, it looks like there's going to be a spin-off! ;crosses fingers and prays it's about Dani;. This is a must read for all Fever fans. For anyone who has looked at this, please give it a chance. Especially if you're an urban fantasy fan.
WHO SHOULD READ: urban fantasy fans, those that have read books 1 through 4
MY RATING: Four and a half out of Five evil demon books