Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Big Cat Rocks



My Rating: 5/5

Review: It's been quite a while since I had the urgent need to get back to the book I'm reading while having to do something else. Jane Yellowrock is such an intriguing character, and she is definitely going down as one of my all-time favorites. It's pretty difficult to write a paranormal book without it becoming hoaky, but Faith Hunter does an excellent job of it. It was exciting, with plenty of on-the-edge-of-your-seat suspense. Good action scenes, a comical moment here and there, and great characters. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. I am also looking forward to learning more about Jane and her witchy friend, Molly.

Book Description: As a freelance skinwalker, Jane Yellowrock spends most of her time hunting down snarling vampires. In her latest gig, however, this Cherokee stalker receives a call from an unexpected client: New Orleans vampire madam Katherine Fontaneau wants Jane's help in "neutralizing" a rogue of her species who has been slaughtering other vampires. A steamy, action-packed mass market original.

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Another Opal Adventure



My Rating: 4/5

Review: While I do like Opal a lot, I don't like how easily she falls into bed with whomever she's currently in love with. She's been horribly tortured and betrayed in a very sexual way. That should be enough to make her weary. That's my only complaint in this second book of the Glass Trilogy by Maria V. Snyder. She has created such a wonderfully adventurous world with endless possibilities and stories to be told. Her characters both good and evil are well developed and all entertaining in their own ways. I'll be checking out Opal's final adventure soon, and I hope it comes to a satisfactory end.

Book Description: Student glass magician Opal Cowan's newfound ability to steal a magician's powers makes her too powerful. Ordered to house arrest by the Council, Opal dares defy them, traveling to the Moon Clan's lands in search of Ulrick, the man she thinks she loves. Thinks because she is sure another man now her prisoner has switched souls with Ulrick.

In hostile territory, without proof or allies, Opal isn't sure whom to trust. She can't forget Kade, the handsome Stormdancer who doesn't want to let her get close. And now everyone is after Opal's special powers for their own deadly gain....

The Pioneer Woman's Love Story



My Rating: 4/5

Review: I must start by saying that I absolutely adore Ree Drummond. Her blog is such a joy to read, and I have made a couple of her recipes so far that were fantabulous. This book has been so much fun to read, and I am so glad that she has shared her sweet romance with her fans. It felt like I was reminiscing with a dear friend. It was real and heartfelt, and funny, and just so good. I liked that she added some recipes at the end. I will have to try at least one.

Book Description: I'll never forget that night. It was like a romance novel, an old Broadway musical, and a John Wayne western rolled into one. Out for a quick drink with friends, I wasn't looking to meet anyone, let alone a tall, rugged cowboy who lived on a cattle ranch miles away from my cultured, corporate hometown. But before I knew it, I'd been struck with a lightning bolt . . . and I was completely powerless to stop it.

Read along as I recount the rip-roaring details of my unlikely romance with a chaps-wearing cowboy, from the early days of our courtship (complete with cows, horses, prairie fire, and passion) all the way through the first year of our marriage, which would be filled with more challenge and strife—and manure—than I ever could have expected.

This isn't just my love story; it's a universal tale of passion, romance, and all-encompassing love that sweeps us off our feet.

Monday, May 23, 2011

What's Under the Floor?



My Rating: 3.5/5

Review: The beginning didn't draw me in as much I would have liked, but by somewhere in the middle, I was hooked. Too many descriptions tended to slow the story down a bit, and I never seem to like it when the author shows the character's thoughts. The action was great, though, and there was an unexpected twist at the end. I liked the main character, Nat Greco, who has a big family that's always in her business. She is short, but spunky. She loves books. She sometimes has trouble getting through to her students. She's very relatable, which makes her predicaments seem real. So, not an overly fast-paced novel, but a good read nonetheless.

Book Description: Mousy University of Pennsylvania assistant law professor Natalie "Nat" Greco, finds herself in way over her head when an unintended visit to a minimum-security prison in nearby Chester County puts her in the middle of a deadly uprising -- and places her at the center of an elaborate plot that involves an incarcerated crime boss and more than a few improbable conspirators.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Kvothe Returns At Last



My Rating: 4/5

Review:
I am going to liken this book to what I imagine a hike on the Appalachian Trail to be; long, tedious at times, but extraordinary. Patrick Rothfuss has such a beautiful and magical way with words that I am astounded with every page. Still, this book did not have quite the magic and thrill the first book in the trilogy posessed. The beginning was like a happy reunion. All of the characters I have grown fond of were there. The mishaps and intrigue of daily life at the university was an endless delight. Then it started growing darker and slightly less entertaining for a bit. There was still eloquence on every page, but there were tedious moments too. After that, it changed between merely interesting and moderately exciting. I hope the author will forgive me for saying so, but it felt very indulgent at times. I can still say that I loved the book, however, and I will try my best to wait patiently for the next installment. It's going to be difficult, but I will try.

Book Description: For nearly four years, fantasy and science fiction enthusiasts have been eagerly awaiting this second volume to Patrick Rothfuss' Kingkiller Chronicles. The first volume, The Name of the Wind, won the prestigious Quill Award and was recently voted as the third-best SFF novel of the decade on Tor.com. In this linchpin book of the trilogy, Kvothe continues his perilous search for answers about the Chandrian even as he grapples with more pressing dangers.

Monday, May 2, 2011

Maybe You Didn't Know This About Your Favorite Female Author



My Rating: 4/5

My Review:
This was a wonderful little book. Very interesting facts about female authors of some of the most memorable books. It seems that the best writers must suffer before they achieve greatness.

Book Description: An exploration of classic heroines and their equally admirable authors, The Heroine's Bookshelf shows today's women how to tap into their inner strengths and live life with intelligence and grace.