Monday, July 2, 2012

StoryWings Has Moved

StoryWings is now hosted by Wordpress!

You can still find me at storywings.com, but unfortunately it is no longer possible to follow via google connect.

But you can still get updates on what is going on through the following places
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or even on our the new StoryWings Feed



Friday, March 9, 2012

Book Review: Hell's Revenge by Eve Langlais

Review: Hell’s Revenge
Series: Princess of Hell – Book 3
Author: Eve Langlais
No of Pages: 80
Release Date: 3 October 2011

I am literally going to kill my mother.

To say I have mommy issues is putting it mildly. The woman who abandoned me has a lot of nerve to just saunter back into my life without warning and drop a bombshell of atomic proportions. I tried to kill her as way of resolving my inner Freudian issues, but my damned boyfriends stopped me. Spoilsports.

As if wanting to strangle my birth mother isn’t enough, once again, someone is messing with my life and a new player steps in to save me. Did I mention my dark knight is tall, gorgeous and fanged? Just don’t tell my lovers because apparently they’re not willing to share me with the undead.

The final showdown with the mysterious figure—also known as the major pain in my ass—fast approaches. I don’t care how powerful they are. They screwed up big time when they took something precious of mine. It’s never a good idea to piss off this Princess of Hell because revenge is my middle name.

My Thoughts:

Hell’s Revenge was a compelling finale to this fantastic trilogy.

Muriel is pregnant, and the child has two fathers…literally. But when her mum shows up to try and claim the child for herself, Muriel, who has never thought about ever having children up until now, refuses to relinquish her baby. Then the being who has been messing with Muriel for the last two books shows up to also stake a claim on the child, because if given the right upbringing it will have the power to destroy the world.

Muriel was once again an amazing character, she is strong but also has a way of seeming completely vulnerable about certain issues, and her character doesn’t ever mould to fit the scenario which is what I love about Langlais’ writing. Muriel is confronted with her mother, someone who she hasn’t known since she was five years old, and whom she has no memory of. Simultaneously she hates her mother for abandoning her and wants her love without ever showing it.

Langlais’ writing was masterful yet again. Her way of weaving the story, the relationship dynamic of a threesome and later foursome plus all of the comedy brought in by the hellish characters had me finishing this story way too quickly, her comedy writing rivals her smut with its laugh out loud quality. People like Muriel’s sister, Bambii, had only the single purpose of comic relief but it didn’t take away from their character at all, although Bambii only appeared for about a page, her story still has a way of sticking with you and making you want to read more into her life. For such a short appearance she had a very well-rounded character.

I will say once again as I have said before, that the whole idea of a permanent threesome relationship doesn’t really work for me, as addressed in the story numerous times Muriel’s soul mate is Auric, which leaves me feeling a little bad for the other two. That imbalance grates on me a little and I’m not completely sold on the concept, but the sex that Langlais wrote including the other two men was completely hot. If it was just that and no relationship part I’d love it.

For a novella I felt that this story had all the elements balanced perfectly, we weren’t bombarded with smut yet the story maintained a quick and action packed pace without missing out on any key fights or information.

Hell’s Revenge was an amazing read and a beautiful end to this whirlwind of a trilogy. Langlais has earned a spot on my watch list and I am making an effort to read everything she comes out with now because of this series.

Also in this Series:
Lucifer's Daughter
Snowballs in Hell

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Book Review: Hunter Green by Brianna Stoddard

Review: Hunter Green
Author: Brianna Stoddard
No of Pages: 161
Release Date: 4 November 2010

HUNTER GREEN will blow you away! It is an amazing story that will show you the world in a whole new light! It is focused on an incredible teenage girl, named Emily, who sadly loses her mother from a menacing, evil werewolf. Emily vows revenge and begins hunting the creatures down. She gets help from Isabella, a kind Psychic Gypsy that knows how to help her become the ultimate hunter. Emily realizes her destiny and becomes a killing machine. She starts her journey across the world and leaves no werewolf's blood un-spilled in this wonderfully dark and bloody story.

Warning: This review will contain spoilers because the absurdity of it cannot be fully appreciated without them.

My Thoughts:

This has to be the most self-serving, poorly researched story I have ever read.

Emily has lost both of her parents, her father left when she was young and her mother was murdered by a werewolf.

Emily is probably the most annoying, yet voiceless character I have ever read. The writing was so poor that Emily doesn’t even register to me as the voice of this novel, we attempt to view the story through her eyes, through her selfish, childish ways but she’s nothing but a fluff character.

What I hated most about this book, and it was definitely hate not just extreme dislike, was the complete lack of research and the obvious laziness when it came to actually writing the story. It reads like it was written by a twelve year old and I actually did check that out half way through to make sure that it was actually written by an adult.

First off we have the completely believable scenario of Emily, a fifteen year old girl who has just lost the last of her family to a werewolf swearing vengeance on all who turn furry at the full moon. Okay.

So off she goes into the wild, with nothing in her pockets but her mother’s credit cards, a little bit of cash and her supplies. May I just add in here that she decided to wear high heeled boots for this journey – yep, that’s practical. Oh and it seems that credit card security no longer matters, because that wouldn’t suit the authors purposes, so Emily was able to use all of her mother’s credit cards, and draw down on the cash without having to show ID.

Isabella the gypsy-psychic - witch (because all gypsies are witches, didn’t you know?) takes her in because she has foreseen Emily saving the world. Not so unbelievable. But then we get to the part that really cheeses me off.

Isabella the gypsy-psychic-witch decides to do a tarot card reading – I am a card reader and like everything else, I don’t mind people using it, I don’t mind people making fun of it, but if you are going to reference it, research it first. The “spread” she did raised my eyebrows as it was, but then, apparently there is now a card called “the baby cradle”, are you kidding me? Do you think we are that stupid? Not to mention Isabella’s “spells” which were conveniently named to suit Emily’s purposes such as “To gain the speed of a cheetah” and “To become immortal”, very creative.

Then there was the solid silver and gold sword, yep, I like science too, so I will also point out that that is impossible, as the sword would be too soft, not to mention because of Emily’s wonderful awesomeness she only had to practice for a few weeks (instead of the decades it takes normal people) to master that and all of her other weapons. And these were only a few of the problems in the first thirty five pages.

Then we (finally) move on to some killing and hunting. There are hundreds of thousands of werewolves all over the world, they keep breeding and biting people to make new ones but of course Emily’s an ambitious girl, and vows to kill them all, she is so wonderfully fantastic that she never gets a scratch on her, or hurt in any way, she manages to kill dozens of werewolves at a time. And even manages to kill eight werewolves in five minutes. This is where the details could have been really juicy - as the synopsis promises - but we didn’t get anything, the writing literally went “After the next full moon I had finished searching the whole country and had killed a total of three hundred werewolves”. That is how the story continued from then on unless, of course, we had to hear in explicit detail exactly what she was wearing that day or how many outfits she bought in various colours during her travels.

I only finished this book out of obligation because it was a review book, and for the small hope that maybe, just maybe Emily died, or turned into a werewolf. But no this book was full of hate for weres who encompassed everything evil. There were no exceptions, it was quite racist actually, female weres were evil, males weres were evil, baby weres were evil, didn’t matter the age, the story, the circumstances, they were all evil.

But of course Emily managed to kill them all, within two years and with only two trips around the world, she becomes a hero because naturally everyone wanted to kill a species that they knew nothing about, everyone loved Emily. She even managed to get a bloke, and it only took a single meeting a poorly written clichéd paragraph at the end of the novel. “We had loved each other from the very first sight of each other. We were destined to be together.”

Not to mention all the other discrepancies, scattered throughout the novel. But honestly if I keep going, this review will be longer than the novel was itself. It was poorly written, poorly executed and based upon a very poor idea. There is a saying in the writing world, if you can pitch a book well, it is usually horrible, this book is pitched nicely enough, I was excited to read it, and then I turned the first page.

Hunter Green was a horrible waste of time. I feel sorry for my eyes, sorry for my PDF reader and sorry for anyone else who has the displeasure of reading it. One is the lowest rating I give, but it doesn't even deserve that.


Sunday, March 4, 2012

Book Review: Succubus on Top by Richelle Mead

Review: Succubus on Top
Series: Georgina Kincaid – Book 2
Author: Richelle Mead
No of Pages: 314
Release Date: 1 January 2008

Georgina Kincaid’s job sucks. Literally.

Love hurts, and no one knows it better than Georgina Kincaid. If she so much as kisses Seth Mortensen, the shy, sexy, incredibly gifted Seattle writer she’s been dating, she’ll drain his life force. Georgina is a succubus – a demon who draws her power from other men’s pleasure. Admittedly, the shapeshifting and immortality perks are terrific, and yes, Georgina did choose to join the ranks of hell centuries ago. But it seems completely unfair that a she-demon whose purpose is seduction can’t get hot and heavy with the one mortal who knows and accepts her for who she is…

It’s not just her personal life that’s in chaos. Doug, Georgina’s co-worker at a local bookstore, has been exhibiting bizarre behaviour, and Georgina suspects that something far more demonic than double espressos is at work. She could use help finding out, but Bastien, an irresistibly charming incubus and her best immortal friend, is preoccupied with corrupting an ultra-conservative talk radio star – and giving Georgina some highly distracting come-hither vibes. Georgina is going to have to work solo on this one – and fast because soon, Doug’s life won’t be the only one on the line…

My Thoughts:

Although I am not quite sold on the romantic storyline yet, the mystery, comedy and friendship dynamic in this story are amazing.

Georgina Kincaid is Seattle’s top succubus. In keeping with her promise to her demon boss she has been corrupting good souls left right and centre, so much so that she has even earned an award. Although the succubus part of her life is going well, the rest is a bit more complicated. She can’t touch her boyfriend for fear of sucking out his life force, her work colleague and close friend Doug is acting strangely, not to mention work in general has been all consuming of late. So when her old friend Bastien the incubus arrives in town Georgina rejoices at the prospect of some old time fun, until she finds out he wants her help too, in seducing a religious zealot.

Georgina provides one comical situation after another in this book. She once again infatuated me with her quirky way of thinking, her sense of loyalty – especially when she gets riled up over the thought of someone messing with one of her humans – and her occasional social awkwardness even though she is supposed to be a master in the art of seduction.

What kind of got me with Succubus on Top was the Seth/Georgina relationship. I don’t understand the point. Sure they’re doing it for love and this may just be my cynicism kicking in, but why voluntarily go through the kind of torture they’re putting themselves through? Sitting in a room playing scrabble when all they really want to do is jump one another’s bones. Seth seems to rein himself in quite a bit better than Georgina does, but then it’s Georgina’s head we’re in so we get her personal torture all laid out for us.

I am a firm believer of sex not equalling love, but taking it out of the equation entirely, when both parties want to do it, why do that to yourselves? Georgina spent most of the book wondering if she really loved Seth, and if she could even feel love anymore. If you’re not that far in yet and there is already a problem that you are having huge difficulty living with, on top of that there is no foreseeable cure. GET OUT NOW.

Why stay and put yourself through that? For love? There will be another and another and most likely being immortal, another one after that.

Perhaps this is why I am continuing this series, I want to see what Georgina does to fix this mess, or if she gives up. Perhaps she thinks loving Seth is a good enough reason not to give up, perhaps I am just too jaded to see the point. The relationship doesn’t work for me though; friends would be fine take the sexual component away completely. But I don’t see the point in self-inflicted torture, considering the fact that she has to sleep with other men constantly to get a power fix.

On to other topics brushed in this book, the addition of Bastien however brief was absolutely marvellous. A succubus and an incubus together, two beings who completely understand each other’s nature makes for a great pairing, especially when they have to go to work together. Bastien was like the egotistical male version of Georgina and together on the page they had me in stitches.

Unfortunately many of the other characters kept to the background in this book, but it was Carter’s – the angel that hangs around with a bunch of demons – presence once again that had me sighing every time he appeared, if however briefly. His contrast to the cast of demons is so touching that it makes his angelic goodness seem all the more amplified, yet he is still so cool which can sometimes be lost in stories like these where demons reign supreme.

Mead swept me up in yet another fantastic book; Succubus on Top has left me wanting more. Although I am conflicted on where I stand with Georgina’s relationship, her world has me entranced and I must read Succubus Dreams as soon as possible.

Also in this series:
Succubus Blues
Succubus Dreams
Succubus Heat
Succubus Shadows
Succubus Revealed

Friday, March 2, 2012

TBR Drawer: March 2012

  • Just After Sunset by Stephen King
  • Night Rising by Chris Marie Green
  • Lament by Maggie Stiefvater
  • The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson
  • Need by Carrie Jones
  • Born of Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon
  • Claimed by Shadow by Karen Chance
  • Jessicas Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey
  • Original Sin by Allison Brennan
  • No Rest for the Wicca by Toni Lotempio
  • Blood Magic by Eileen Wilks
  • Tempting Danger by Eileen Wilks
  • Soulless by Gail Carriger
  • The Boys Next Door by Jennifer Echols
  • Shades of Midnight by Lara Adrian
  • The Awakening by Kelly Armstrong
  • Dark Beginnings by Gena Showalter
  • The Birthing House by Christopher Ransom
  • The Taken by Sarah Pinborough
  • Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison
  • Bloodlines by Lindsay Anne Kendal
  • Dead Men's Dust by Matt Hilton
  • Fatal Voyage by Kathy Reichs
  • Bare Bones by Kathy Reichs
  • Mortal Remains by Kathy Reichs
  • Break No Bones by Kathy Reichs
  • Bones to Ashes by Kathy Reichs
  • Grave Secrets by Kathy Reichs
  • Cross Bones by Kathy Reichs
  • Devil Bones by Kathy Reichs
  • Monday Mourning by Kathy Reichs
  • Another One Bites The Dust by Jennifer Rardin
  • Biting The Bullet by Jennifer Rardin
  • Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick
  • Dragon Haven by Robin Hobb
  • Antara by Marilena Mexi RC
  • Cinco de Mayo by Michael J. Martineck RC
  • Crash Into Me by Albert Borris
  • Shadowglass by Erica Hayes
  • Betrayed by Morgan Rice RC
  • Loved by Morgan Rice RC
  • Destined by Morgan Rice RC
  • Masqurade by Melissa De La Cruz
  • I Am God by Giorgio Faletti
  • Taboo by Casey Hill
  • Rain by Virginia Andrews
  • Lightning Strike by Virginia Andrews
  • Eye of the Storm by Virginia Andrews
  • The End of the Rainbow by Virginia Andrews
  • Melody by Virginia Andrews
  • Heart Song by Virginia Andrews
  • Unfinished Symphony by Virginia Andrews
  • Music in the Night by Virginia Andrews
  • Olivia by Virginia Andrews
  • Celeste by Virginia Andrews
  • The Starkin Crown by Kate Forsyth
  • Lover Enshrined by JR Ward
  • Love Story by Jennifer Echols
  • Sympathy for the Devil by Justin Gustanis RC
  • Dark Moon of Avalon by Anna Elliot
  • Burnt Offerings by Laurell K. Hamilton
  • Blue Moon by Laurell K. Hamilton
  • Obsidian Butterfly by Laurell K. Hamilton
  • Wildthorn by Jane Eagland
  • The Ambassador's Mission by Trudi Canavan
  • Bearers of the Black Staff by Terry Brooks
  • The Boy Recession by Flynn Meaney

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Monthly Wrap-Up: February 2012

Well, blogger is being a pain, but at least I am still reading quite prolifically at the moment. February was yet another rest month for me although some reviews did go up.

I am still trying to get back into the swing of things, just haven't quite go there yet. Hopefully March is THE month.

My Favourite book for the month was: Succubus On Top by Richelle Mead


In February I read 8 books:
  • The Magician's Apprentice by Trudi Canavan
  • Succubus On Top by Richelle Mead
  • Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K Rowling

    I reviewed 3 books:

    My Shelfari TBR Pile stayed the same at 954.

    My physical TBR pile went down from 68 to 67. Woo!



    Monday, February 27, 2012

    Book Review: Eye of the Tempest by Nicole Peeler

    Review: Eye of the Tempest
    Series: Jane True – Book 4
    Author: Nicole Peeler
    No of Pages: 319
    Release Date: 26 July 2011

    Nothing says “home” like being attached by humans with very large guns, as Jane and Anyan discover when they arrive in Rockabill. Seeing Anyan fall awakens a terrible power within Jane, and she nearly destroys herself taking out their attackers.

    Jane wakes, weeks later, to discover that she’s not the only thing that’s been stirring. Something underneath Rockabill is coming to life: something ancient, something powerful, and something that might destroy the world.

    Jane and her friends must act, striking out on a quest that only Jane can finish. For whatever lurks beneath the Old Sow must be stopped…and Jane’s just the Halfling for the job.

    My Thoughts:
    Eye of the Tempest was another fast paced instalment in this fantastic series.

    Jane accidentally short circuits herself when she pulls the water from several human beings to protect Anyan during an attack. It kills the men, and it nearly kills her as well. When she wakes up, a month has passed and strange occurrences are becoming more frequent in Rockabill.

    Jane once again had me in fits of laughter; her trademark libido vs. virtue monologue is absolutely hilarious. Jane is growing as a character; those changes are quite obvious but also well earned. Her training is increasing and because of it she is becoming more powerful learning new tricks to impress us with in each new adventure.

    Anyan was a little bit of a disappointment for me this time; I feel his real character is starting to show through. He has gone from this adorable, burly man who any woman would count their lucky stars to be with to more distant and a bit of a jerk. Anyan always seems to be around when Jane is naked or he even turns up to get her naked, but he doesn’t seem to treat her properly. When Ryu and Jane were sleeping together it was obvious that Ryu was using her for blood, but with Anyan it’s a little more subtle. The connection between them doesn’t seem to be there. As Jane pointed out herself Anyan always seemed to cop a feel, but they had never even kissed properly.

    For me, this was a little bit of a letdown with Anyan, it might just be my natural distrusting ways, but if I were Jane I’d put my foot down and not give over anything until I knew where I stood.

    The actual story was once again very well written. It didn’t have the adventure in that Jane actually stayed in Rockabill for nearly the entire novel, but it did have a deeper story. One in which Jane got to meet a being that was literally millions of years old. Jane also had to man up because Nell and Anyan, her two most powerful allies, were rendered completely helpless and it was up to Jane and Blondie, who Jane didn’t trust, to help them.

    Peeler’s writing was once again superb; I do feel though that she is playing up a little too much on her Jane monologues. After such high praises of the ingeniousness of it in previous books, Libido and Virtue were appearing what felt like all the time. Every new situation Jane was put into it felt like those two felt the need to be heard, it was actually kind of annoying after a while because it was obvious what was happening, just because a device has worked in the past doesn’t mean you have to become a one trick pony.

    Eye of the Tempest was once again a fabulous read, it kept me engrossed from start to finish and I once again cannot wait for the next instalment.


    Others in this series:
    Tempest's Rising
    Tracking the Tempest
    Tempest's Legacy
    Tempest's Fury

    Saturday, February 18, 2012

    Book Review: Warrior by Marie Brennan

    Review: Warrior
    Series: Doppelganger – Book 1
    Author: Marie Brennan
    No of Pages: 395
    Release Date: 1 August 2008

    When a witch is born, a doppelganger is created. For the witch to master her powers, the twin must be killed. But what happens when the doppelganger survives?

    Mirage, a bounty hunter, lives by her wits and lethal fighting skills. She always gets her mark. But her new mission will take her into the shadowy worl of witches, where her strength may be no match against magic.

    Miryo is a witch who has just failed her initiation test. She now knows that there is someone in the world who looks like her, who is her: Mirage. To control her powers, Miryo has only one choice: to hunt the hunter and destroy her.

    My Thoughts:

    Warrior was absolutely amazing.

    Miryo is in an unusual predicament, as a witch, to gain control of her powers, she must kill someone who looks just like her, who is her. Someone who should have died when she was very young. Miryo has to kill her doppelganger, the other part of herself.

    Mirage is on a mission to find out who killed a powerful witch, being wary of witches for most of her life she was uncomfortable with the contact she needs to have with them, but being the best at what she does, she is perfect for the job.

    Mirage was by far my favourite of the two girls; she was the typical kick ass fantasy chick. She was a knife wielding, combat expert who people either feared or respected greatly. She worked hard to get where she was and had to fight for it every step of the way because she was different, much as she hated them, she looked exactly like a witch because of her flaming red hair.

    Miryo on the other hand was a bit scared, highly intelligent but sheltered and sent off on a mission that she really shouldn’t have been sent off to.

    Warrior was a predictable book, but the way it was told, the world it was told in made it something completely new to experience. Brennan’s writing was seamless in her execution of the two characters, each was completely individual, had their own voice.

    Brennan crafted a wonderful world incorporating not only magic but assassins which has to be two of my favourite fantasy subjects ever; it was indeed a match made in heaven. Brennan’s writing was impeccable, her fight scenes were some of the best I’ve read in quite a long time, no skimming over details or coping out using phrases such as “I don’t know how it happened, but all of a sudden he was under me and I knocked him unconscious”, Mirage and even Miryo had to work during their fights, Mirage especially, her fight scenes were so detailed my leg started moving without me realising it as I read about her kicking her assailants in the head.

    Warrior was also very realistic – well, as much as a fantasy novel can be realistic – things weren’t handed to the characters, there were no short cuts, nearly everything was hard. Mirage and Miryo may have been the best at what they did, but nothing came easy.

    Warrior, in it’s mythology, was a little hard to understand at first, what with all the different hands and heads and hearts and elements. I found myself getting quite baffled when reading in Miryo’s point of view for a large portion of the front of the book, but once I understood it, which didn’t happen until about halfway through I found it to be some of the most unique mythology I have read in a long time. Two created from one, all the magic and singing spells kind of got lost in the rest of the story, which I am glad of because I wasn’t a huge fan of the idea, but the baser Witch mythology was very intriguing.

    Warrior was a fantastic start to this duology, it left me thinking about it for days afterwards and I am eager to get into the next instalment, Witch.

    Also in this series:
    Witch

    Wednesday, February 15, 2012

    Book Review: Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

    Review: Bloodlines
    Series: Bloodlines – Book 1
    Author: Richelle Mead
    No of Pages: 421
    Release Date: 23 August 2011

    SYDNEY PROTECTS VAMPIRE SECRETS – AND HUMAN LIVES.

    Sydney belongs to a secret group who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the world of humans and vampires.

    But when Sydney is torn from her bed in the middle of the night, she fears she is still being punished for her complicated alliance with the dhampir Rose Hathaway. What unfolds is far worse. The sister of Moroi Queen Lissa Dragomir is in mortal danger, and goes into hiding. Now Sydney must act as her protector.

    The last thing Sydney wants is to be accused of sympathizing with vampires. And now she has to live with one…

    My Thoughts:
    We were never going to get another Vampire Academy, but what we did get was still surprisingly unique considering it was set in the same world.

    Sydney Sage is a disgraced alchemist. After helping Rose to escape from prison whilst on a murder charge and befriending vampires and dhampirs, she is under constant surveillance from the Alchemists. Sydney is terrified of getting sent to a re-education centre and for her younger sister to get caught up in the Alchemist life.

    Her newest mission is to keep Jill – Vasilisa’s sister – safe after being repeatedly attacked by people who want Lissa removed from the throne. They move to Palm Springs, a place that is very uncomfortable for vampires because of the heat. Jill is in for a struggle, but her safety is now more important than her comfort.

    Sydney for me took a little time to warm to. She was never my favourite person in Vampire Academy purely because she was too uptight. Well, in Bloodlines she was still uptight, but being able to get into her mind, I also found that she was very human. Being raised in a cult like lifestyle full of rules and regulations Sydney hasn’t had the life of a normal teenager and once the full extent of that deprivation is explored, her upbringing is really quite sad.

    Bloodlines took a few chapters for me to get into as well; I bought it purely because it had Richelle Mead on it and a Rose appearance in it. At first I was sceptical thinking that Bloodlines couldn’t possibly be as good as Vampire Academy, that Sydney was more of a consolation prize for Adrian to those of us who loved him in the first set of books.

    There was actually no romance between them in this and I was so glad for it. Mead didn’t fall into the trap that I have found with so many authors lately of rushing relationships. She knows she has six books and it’s not even clear if Sydney and Adrian will get together. They are just friends for now which I am really happy about.

    Bloodlines itself was more mystery than action. The mystery was fairly see-through but Mead’s incredible writing kept the pages turning even though I knew from the start which bad guys were going to do what.

    Sydney started to come out of her shell towards the end of Bloodlines, making for a promising character to lead this series, she showed that she wasn’t the push over everyone seemed to think she was and I really started to like her.

    The only thing that really disappointed me about this book was in the first chapter. Sydney narrated that she knew a secret about one of the other characters. I hate when people do that. Don’t tell me you have a secret about someone, it’s a cheap trick to try and entice us to keep reading. It’s what gave me the bad first impression, but I’m glad that Mead worked it up to a very good book in the end.

    Mead left us with quite a few loose ends but no unbearable cliff hangers to carry us into the next book, the mystery behind the heritage of some characters and the future of others is quite enough to have me eager for more.

    Others in this series:
    The Golden Lily

    Thursday, February 2, 2012

    TBR Drawer: February 2012

    • Just After Sunset by Stephen King
    • Night Rising by Chris Marie Green
    • Lament by Maggie Stiefvater
    • The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson
    • Need by Carrie Jones
    • Born of Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon
    • Claimed by Shadow by Karen Chance
    • Jessicas Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey
    • Original Sin by Allison Brennan
    • No Rest for the Wicca by Toni Lotempio
    • Blood Magic by Eileen Wilks
    • Tempting Danger by Eileen Wilks
    • Soulless by Gail Carriger
    • The Boys Next Door by Jennifer Echols
    • Shades of Midnight by Lara Adrian
    • The Awakening by Kelly Armstrong
    • Dark Beginnings by Gena Showalter
    • The Birthing House by Christopher Ransom
    • The Taken by Sarah Pinborough
    • Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison
    • Bloodlines by Lindsay Anne Kendal
    • Dead Men's Dust by Matt Hilton
    • Fatal Voyage by Kathy Reichs
    • Bare Bones by Kathy Reichs
    • Mortal Remains by Kathy Reichs
    • Break No Bones by Kathy Reichs
    • Bones to Ashes by Kathy Reichs
    • Grave Secrets by Kathy Reichs
    • Cross Bones by Kathy Reichs
    • Devil Bones by Kathy Reichs
    • Monday Mourning by Kathy Reichs
    • Another One Bites The Dust by Jennifer Rardin
    • Biting The Bullet by Jennifer Rardin
    • Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick
    • Dragon Haven by Robin Hobb
    • Antara by Marilena Mexi    RC
    • Cinco de Mayo by Michael J. Martineck   RC 
    • Crash Into Me by Albert Borris
    • Succubus on Top by Richelle Mead
    • Shadowglass by Erica Hayes
    • Betrayed by Morgan Rice   RC  
    • Loved by Morgan Rice   RC 
    • Destined by Morgan Rice   RC 
    • Masqurade by Melissa De La Cruz
    • I Am God by Giorgio Faletti
    • Taboo by Casey Hill
    • Rain by Virginia Andrews
    • Lightning Strike by Virginia Andrews 
    • Eye of the Storm by Virginia Andrews 
    • The End of the Rainbow by Virginia Andrews 
    • Melody by Virginia Andrews 
    • Heart Song by Virginia Andrews 
    • Unfinished Symphony by Virginia Andrews 
    • Music in the Night by Virginia Andrews 
    • Olivia by Virginia Andrews 
    • Celeste by Virginia Andrews 
    • The Starkin Crown by Kate Forsyth 
    • Lover Enshrined by JR Ward
    • Love Story by Jennifer Echols
    • Sympathy for the Devil by Justin Gustanis   RC
    • Dark Moon of Avalon by Anna Elliot
    • Burnt Offerings by Laurell K. Hamilton
    • Blue Moon by Laurell K. Hamilton
    • Obsidian Butterfly by Laurell K. Hamilton
    • Wildthorn by Jane Eagland
    • The Ambassador's Mission by Trudi Canavan
    • Bearers of the Black Staff by Terry Brooks
    • The Magician's Apprentice by Trudi Canavan
    February Arrivals:

    Wednesday, February 1, 2012

    Monthly Wrap-Up: January 2012

    Wow, January has gone so fast! I have enjoyed my break and am slowly starting to catch up on my review pile. I am still taking it easy for now and tech is starting up again next week.

    My Favourite book for the month was: Initiate by Tara Maya
     
    In January I read 8 books:
    • Initiate by Tara Maya
    • Hell's Revenge by Eve Langlais
    • Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K Rowling
    • Faefever by Karen Marie Moning
    • Turned by Morgan Rice
    • The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross 
    • Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K Rowling
    • What's A Ghoul To Do? by Victoria Laurie

    I reviewed 0 books:


    My Shelfari TBR Pile increased from 952 to 954. Aww :(

    My physical TBR pile went down from 69 to 68. Woo!

    Tuesday, January 10, 2012

    2012 Stand Alone Reading Challenge List

    Click here to go directly to the challenge page.

    I am going for SAB-tastic level which is 25 books.
    1.  

    Monday, January 9, 2012

    2012 Paranormal Reading Challenge List



    Click here to go directly to the challenge page.

    I am aiming for Angel Level which is 50 Books!
    1. Hell's Revenge by Eve Langlais
    2. Faefever by Karen Marie Moning
    3. Turned by Morgan Rice

    Sunday, January 8, 2012

    Monthly Wrap-Up: December 2011

    In December I read 4 books:

    • Eye of the Tempest by Nicole Peeler
    • The Mark of the Vampire Queen by Joey W. Hill
    • Curse of the Blue Tattoo by L. A. Meyer
    • Warrior by Marie Brennan

    I reviewed 5 books:

    My Shelfari TBR Pile dropped from 948 to 952.

    My physical TBR pile went down from 73 to 69. Woo!

    Saturday, January 7, 2012

    2012 Reading Challenges

    Only going for two so far this year, will see how we go later on. Also check my Goodreads page for my Goodreads reading challenge.

    Paranormal Reading Challenge - 3/50
    Stand Alone Reading Challenge - 0/25

    Friday, January 6, 2012

    2012 Stand Alone Reading Challenge



    The SAB Challenge is back for another year!

    I read waaay too many book series. Not that that is a bad thing by any means, but even books that i don't realise are part of series. So I'm starting a challenge to read Stand Alone Books. SAB for short...i dont know why you would need to shorten it but yeah SAB Challenge.

    So my goal is that by the end of the year i will have read 25 stand alone books.

    Levels:
    SAB-erful - 5 books
    SAB-erific - 15 books
    SAB-tastic - 25 books


    To join in the fun just leave your name and a link to your blog in the comments and do up a challenge post like this one to help keep track of your books!



    Rules:

    • Well it's pretty simple, as long as it's stand alone it counts.
    • Re-reads are accepted
    • Books must be read in between 1/1/2012 and 31/12/2012
    Have Fun!

    Thursday, January 5, 2012

    2012 Paranormal Reading Challenge




    1. The Paranormal Reading Challenge is for anyone who loves reading ANYTHING paranormal!!!
      - Vampires, Werewolves, Witches, Ghosts, Angels etc...so the scope is pretty big!!!
      - The books can be any sub genre under Paranormal - romance, YA, mystery, etc.

    2. The book has to be a book. No free short stories, or writing sites.

    3. If you are a blogger please post a link back to this challenge on your page to let others join in the fun.     -Non-bloggers - it's ok, you can join to and you can keep track of your progress by yourself, and post a comment on the wrap-up page, or you can send comments to this page to keep track of your progress.

    4. Cross-overs from other challenges are accepted. As are re-reads. Books that were started in 2009 don't count.

    5. Challenge starts from 1st January 2012 and ends on 31st December 2012

    6. Levels:
    1. Human - 5 books
    2. Witch - 10 books
    3. Oracle - 20 books
    4. Were - 30 books
    5. Vampire - 40 books
    6. Angel - 50 books 
    Good Luck everyone and Happy Reading :)

    Wednesday, January 4, 2012

    2012 Reviews

    January
    •  
    February
    •  
    March
    •  
    April
    May
    •  
    June
    July
    •  
    August
    September
    October
    •  
    November
    December
    •  
     

    Tuesday, January 3, 2012

    Books Read in 2012

    1. Initiate by Tara Maya
    2. Hell's Revenge by Eve Langlais
    3. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K Rowling
    4. Faefever by Karen Marie Moning
    5. Turned by Morgan Rice
    6. The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross 
    7. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K Rowling
    8. What's A Ghoul To Do? by Victoria Laurie

    Monday, January 2, 2012

    TBR Drawer: January 2012

    • Just After Sunset by Stephen King
    • Night Rising by Chris Marie Green
    • Lament by Maggie Stiefvater
    • The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson
    • Need by Carrie Jones
    • Born of Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon
    • Claimed by Shadow by Karen Chance
    • Jessicas Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey
    • Original Sin by Allison Brennan
    • No Rest for the Wicca by Toni Lotempio
    • Blood Magic by Eileen Wilks
    • Tempting Danger by Eileen Wilks
    • What's a ghoul to do? by Victoria Laurie
    • Soulless by Gail Carriger
    • The Boys Next Door by Jennifer Echols
    • Shades of Midnight by Lara Adrian
    • The Awakening by Kelly Armstrong
    • Dark Beginnings by Gena Showalter
    • The Birthing House by Christopher Ransom
    • The Taken by Sarah Pinborough
    • Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison
    • Bloodlines by Lindsay Anne Kendal
    • Dead Men's Dust by Matt Hilton
    • Fatal Voyage by Kathy Reichs
    • Bare Bones by Kathy Reichs
    • Mortal Remains by Kathy Reichs
    • Break No Bones by Kathy Reichs
    • Bones to Ashes by Kathy Reichs
    • Grave Secrets by Kathy Reichs
    • Cross Bones by Kathy Reichs
    • Devil Bones by Kathy Reichs
    • Monday Mourning by Kathy Reichs
    • Another One Bites The Dust by Jennifer Rardin
    • Biting The Bullet by Jennifer Rardin
    • Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick
    • Dragon Haven by Robin Hobb
    • Initiate by Tara Maya    RC
    • Antara by Marilena Mexi    RC
    • Cinco de Mayo by Michael J. Martineck   RC 
    • Crash Into Me by Albert Borris
    • Succubus on Top by Richelle Mead
    • Shadowglass by Erica Hayes
    • Turned by Morgan Rice   RC
    • Betrayed by Morgan Rice   RC  
    • Loved by Morgan Rice   RC 
    • Destined by Morgan Rice   RC 
    • Masqurade by Melissa De La Cruz
    • I Am God by Giorgio Faletti
    • Taboo by Casey Hill
    • The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross
    • Faefever by Karen Marie Moning
    • Rain by Virginia Andrews
    • Lightning Strike by Virginia Andrews 
    • Eye of the Storm by Virginia Andrews 
    • The End of the Rainbow by Virginia Andrews 
    • Melody by Virginia Andrews 
    • Heart Song by Virginia Andrews 
    • Unfinished Symphony by Virginia Andrews 
    • Music in the Night by Virginia Andrews 
    • Olivia by Virginia Andrews 
    • Celeste by Virginia Andrews 
    • The Starkin Crown by Kate Forsyth 
    • Lover Enshrined by JR Ward
    • Love Story by Jennifer Echols
    • Sympathy for the Devil by Justin Gustanis   RC
    • Dark Moon of Avalon by Anna Elliot
    • Burnt Offerings by Laurell K. Hamilton
    • Blue Moon by Laurell K. Hamilton
    • Obsidian Butterfly by Laurell K. Hamilton
    January Arrivals:
    • Hell's Revenge by Eve Langlais  RC
    • Wildthorn by Jane Eagland
    • The Ambassador's Mission by Trudi Canavan
    • Bearers of the Black Staff by Terry Brooks
    • The Magician's Apprentice by Trudi Canavan

    Sunday, January 1, 2012

    Bookie Brunch: The Final Brunch - Happy New Years!

    Welcome to Bookie Brunch

    Founder: Sasha Soren (Random Magic)
    Come join the discussion!
    *Every Sunday*

    With this being the final Bookie Brunch I would like to thank everyone for participating and being so fantastic over the last six months. I would also like to say a huge THANK YOU to Sasha Soren! With out all of your amazing organisational skills none of this would have even been possible. 


    So to make this extra special I have a huge number of guests here today plus some of the lovely ladies from The Book Lovers Inc all sharing their plans and wishes for the New Year.


    Your host this week:

    My guests this week:

    The question under discussion: What are you most looking forward to in the New Year?
    Optional question: What is your New Year's resolution?


    Amanda downs some more eggnog and then a little more and begins with: What I am most looking forward to in the new year is continuing change, socially, professionally and recreationally and of course all the new books coming!

    My new years resolution this year is to finish some of my writing!

    Jennie warms her hands on her hot chocolate after a bite of mince pie and adds: What I am most looking forward to and what my new years resolution is, are kinda of the same question. I am looking forward to and planning on developing my youtube channel more and finally getting my blog set up properly. I'll also (finally) be getting my drivers license, learning some new languages and hopefully *fingers crossed* doing some travelling. If all goes to plan I should have a busy year! However, best laid plans and all that jazz, it could go horribly wrong, but for now I am happily optimistic about the new year and all it might hold!

    Jo passes around some parmesan dusted pecans and pours some more Prosecco: Bookwise, I guess I always look forward to shiny new books from my favorite authors. I've got my eye on one from China Mieville that due out in May called Railsea (I know nothing about it, but I love this author, so I plan on grabbing it). Non-bookwise, I'm looking forward to maybe doing a bit of traveling. Nothing exciting, especially since money is pretty tight right now (due to the need to replace our house's HVAC, a bunny who is on insulin, and some recent dental surgey on my part) --- but we're thinking maybe a long weekend in Portland, Oregon might be nice. Never been there, but it sounds nice --- and I've been watching episode of Grimm lately that make me curious about Portland.

    I try to find very general-type resolutions for myself, so I guess my resolution is to get off my butt more and do more things --- I like walking outside, so I need to do that more (and I need to grab my camera to take with me). I have a tendency to get a bit lazy and decide to curl up with a book (or my PC) instead of moving around more, so I'm determined that I'll get better about that.


    Sipping her Starbucks White Mocha Lucy continues with: I am definitely looking forward to all the wonderful books that are coming out, especially those from debut YA authors!!! I will be buying a new bookshelf to give all my upcoming purchases a wonderful home :).

    At this time, I haven't fully committed to a new year's resolution, however, it will be something along the lines of doing better in school and trying to spend less money (which will be hard since I have a huge list of books to buy!) lol.

    Pepca brews some more hot chocolate and adds:  What I'm most looking forward in the New Year: being surprised by good things, hopefully.
    My New Year's resolution: Worry less.

    Caro pops some champagne and continues with:  Getting a job and getting an apartment! It's about time I leave my parents' house ;)

    Like every previous year, I plan on loosing weight! LOL I guess it's an ongoing good resolution I never keep ;)

    Lea dips her apricot biscuit into her egg nog and adds: I'm looking forward to attending the RT Booklovers Convention in Chicago in April! :) Hmmm New Year's resolution to read 100 books in 2012 (I didn't quite make my 2011 goal - close but no cigar! lol)

    With a glint in her eye, Anna puts a bottle of vodka on the table: Finding at last a job!

    I plan on not staying inside home so much. I really need to get out and interact with people more:)

    Alisha who is now our designated driver (because she is so good to us) sips her sparkling apple cider and adds: Rebuilding my book collection (which has been cut down over the last few years from intercontinental moves). I love being surrounded by a gazillion books!!!!!

    Not really big on establishing New Year's resolutions, which seem almost meant to be broken. lol But I'd like to remind myself throughout the year to work hard AND play hard!


    Susi calls for another Aperol Sprizz and continues with: Finally being finished with university and hopefully getting a real job with normal working hours.

    Try not to stress so much and I have to take more time for myself.

    Melissa sips her bundy rum and coke and says: I'm looking forward to the books of 2012 and finally being done with my studies so I can focus on the more awesome stuff!

    Lol. Last year it was to give up smoking. This year its to take up dieting... mainly because when I gave up smoking I took up eating as a habit. Not recommended! And to get the guts up to actually finish and submit some of my writing to Publishers.

    Downing her Yellow Tail Bubbles Jackie concludes with: Finding a permanent home for my library that is too big for my apartment :)

    Lose weight, stay in top of my review books...the usual stuff.


    Amanda: So my lovelies I hope you all enjoyed your New Years, or if it hasn't quite happened yet, I hope you are gearing up for a fantastic party. Pop some champagne and if you're anything like me, add some orange juice for flavour and I hope you have a fantastic New Years!

    2012 is going to be awesome!



    You’re invited! Visitors: Please share your thoughts on the topic in the comments section, so they can be included in the discussion. This is an active discussion though Wednesday, so feel free to stop by again later on.



    * About Bookie Brunch

    Bookie Brunch is a weekly meet-up, held every Sunday, where book bloggers can have a cup of tea and chat about a particular bookie question of interest. The discussion is open from Sunday through Wednesday, and you’re welcome to drop by any time to add your opinion or read what other people have to say. This discussion is open as well to general readers or bloggers in a different field, authors, publishers and publicists.

    Courtesy guidelines: Thank you for coming! All thoughtful comments will be considered and probably get a response from fellow bloggers. In fact, you’re encouraged to talk about it and share viewpoints or include links to relevant materials. We’d like everyone to have a nice time. Differing viewpoints are just fine, even if strongly expressed, but inflammatory or off-topic comments will be removed.

    * Find Bookie Brunch

    Today’s host: StoryWings (@storywings)
    Next week’s host: Jo at The Fluidity of Time (Twitter N/A)


    * Contact Bookie Brunch

    Be a guest at an upcoming brunch: @StoryWings
    Bring goodies for a giveaway: @StoryWings
    Suggest a question: @LiederMadchen
    Browse Bookie Brunch discussions Archive: The Fluidity of Time


    What do you think? You’re invited to join the discussion below!


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