Friday, January 30, 2015

Queen Mab: A Tale Entwined with William Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet by Kate Danley

Release Date: January 14, 2013
Publisher: Createspace
Author Website: 

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Betrayed by a member of House Montague, Queen Mab vowed to see all in the house crumble and die as punishment. She put her plans into motion through her dominion over the world of dreams until her plans were revealed to Juno, the Goddess. She vowed to follow through with ending the Montagues after she was punished, forced to live within a frozen world and ice encaged her heart.

As she began to plant the seeds of failure, she happened upon a mortal man who possessed the key to melting her frozen heart. The spark of love beating within her chest gave her a new outlook on how the events of Verona were unfolding. To prevent losing everything she now held dear, she would go to any length to protect the man of her heart against any foe - especially another demi-god's jealousy.

Review:
One of the many books I've discovered thanks to OHFB, I was intrigued by the idea that the events of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet were orchestrated by something otherwordly. The author was able to create another dimension to the world that Shakespeare created in his work. Therefore, the reader was provided another view of the tragedy which occurred. Though the two works shared the same setting and much of the same cast, this book expounded on the history and lessons put forth in Shakespeare's novel. The mixture of opposites, including love, loss, trust and betrayal, gave the various political maneuverings a deeper level of impact during the course of the book.

Much of the novel centered around Queen Mab and the consequences of her actions. She wasn't the only demi-god that meddled with the lives of the people who went went about their normal lives in Verona. Faunus, the pipe-playing demi-god with cloven feet, sought win Mab's realm by coercing her into a wager. Each would chose a champion from either the House Capulet or House Montague. This champion determined which of the houses would fall and by proxy, which demi-god would win. Familiar characters from the original work danced through the novel to their intended ends. Romeo and Juliet, Mercurito and Tybalt - all of them followed the trajectory of the original, but the author of this book gave all the characters an emotional depth. With the primary focus on someone other than the couple, it allowed the secondary characters to come alive in a way that differed from the original.

It took a little while for me to become hooked by the story, but within a few chapters, I kept wanting to read more than the time I allotted myself. Because Queen Mab was a demi-god and ruled the world of dreams, she affected the lives of the people for centuries. Once the first betrayal revealed the players, the game was afoot. Wheels of time began turning at a quicker pace when Romeo met Juliet during the masked ball thrown by her father. The multi-layered designs that both Mab and Faunus put into play rushed the downfall of both houses and ushered in the rebirth of said houses with a deeper emotional connection. For me, the book's pace became steady the moment that Faunus stole something from Mab and lasted until the very last word.

Overall, I found this book quite entertaining and an interesting way to look at a work that I first read in middle school. It presented the tragic love story in such a way that the reader experienced the full gamut of emotions. From anger, lust and betrayal to love, acceptance and empathy - all these made an appearance at some point in the book. By using a feud between two demi-gods, the author explored more of the cause and effect of decisions made in haste. I enjoyed the transformation of Mab as she learned the lessons through experiencing some of these same emotions herself. It made the story more intimate in a way that I enjoyed. If you're looking for a fresh take on a beloved classic or need a dose of political intrigue among supernatural beings, then this is the book you should be reading!

Queen Mab: A Tale Entwined with William Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet by Kate Danley is available at a number of online retailers in either paperback or Kindle (digital) formats. The following link will take you to the book's page at Amazon.
Queen Mab: A Tale Entwined with William Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet by Kate Danley
 

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Currently Reading

The bitter cold of winter has returned to my neck of the woods. It's a great thing that I've got plenty of books, hot cocoa and crocheting to keep me warm and occupied. So far this year has brought me an eclectic mix of books to read and review. I can't say there's been a dull moment yet. One of my main goals for this year will be to knock some of the long-suffering books on my TBR list. I've been sneaking pages here or there, but not enough to actually finish them. That makes me feel sad.

On a happier note, the winter's given my muse a kick in the butt. I recently discovered a cache of stories that I began years ago. I don't know where I was going with about half of them, but the others still grabbed my attention. So, I gathered them up and have systematically typed them up to work through later. Only one of them gave me pause. It was the novel I'd been writing during the NaNoWriMo that my brother passed. My heart still hurts when I read through it, so I'm unsure how much I can actually work on it.


Wondering what comes next in these;
The Saeshell Book of Time, Part 1: The Death of Innocents (Children of Sophista #1) by Rusty Biesele
Jackfish Reborn by Rejean Giguere
Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen
Say You Will (Summerhill Book 1) by Kate Perry
The Resurrection Maker by Glenn Cooper
Prince Lestat by Anne Rice 


Sorry to see these leave me;
Queen Mab by Kate Danley


Now that we're moving into February, I'm hoping that the worst of the winter weather is behind us. However, I have a sneaky suspicion that Mr. Snow is waiting for us to let our guards down before he dumps on us once again. We'll have to wait and see, I suppose. For now I hope you all are safe, warm and cozy with lots of books!

Until next time,
Kay B

Monday, January 26, 2015

The Undertaker's Daughter by Kate Mayfield

Release Date: January 13, 2015
Publisher: Gallery Books
Author Website: http://www.katemayfield.com/default.html

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Kate Mayfield's childhood was magical but different than most children who grew up in the 1960s-70s. She lived with her parents and siblings in a small town where everyone knew everyone and what they did (or didn't) do. Her father's occupation set her apart from the usual routine of Southern life. He was one of the town's undertakers.

Chronicling her life from childhood unto adulthood, Kate revealed the history behind her father's choice to become an undertaker and the rituals her family observed whenever they "had a body." Living upstairs while a funeral was in process taught her how to be quiet and still, the odd mix of life and death apparent to her at an early age. As she came to terms with the process of running a funeral home through the lessons of her family, she discovered there was much more to learn about her father than simply being an undertaker.

Review:
Every once in a while, I like to step out of my horror or mystery genres to read Nonfiction. As of late, it's been memoirs or biographies that have caught my attention. This particular memoir intrigued me the moment I read the description at NetGalley. Despite the somber book cover, the author portrayed her childhood and the unusual atmosphere of her home with both childlike wonder and adult remembrance. At times the novel was light-hearted, filled with comical depictions of the sleepy town of Jubilee and its residents. There were also many instances were the darker side of life made its presence known, casting a sinister light on an otherwise happy-go-lucky family.

Kate Mayfield and her family relocated to Jubilee as her father brought his undertaking services to the town. First set within the 1960's, the town was divided along racial lines and mandated a strict code of conduct. Reputations were something to be protected at all costs while appearances were meant to be kept at a respectable level. That's a tall order for anyone, but was especially difficult for a child whose father was a friend to death. Throughout the pages of the book, the author gave insight into why her father chose to become an undertaker as well as the rituals surrounding the funerals that he orchestrated. I was given a front row seat to the show that was the Mayfield family, complete with its secrets, joys and moments of sadness. While names were changed to maintain the individual's privacy, I couldn't help but imagine the people with the way they were written in the novel. Little details down to the way the person wore their hair or how they ate their food helped to create each of the individuals vividly in my mind as I read along.

For me this book was a fairly quick read, but it had a sense of slowness about it that matched being set in the South. Much of the South had the same quality in nearly everything about it. From the way the people drew out their words to the lackadaisical way they enjoyed their days, it was all reflected within the pacing of the novel. That's not to say it remained that all the way through the book. During the moments when Kate slipped out of her room at night to see her friends or have a romantic moment with a boy, the excitement and fear of being caught became apparent in the author's choice of words. The mixture of Southern charm and growing up during a turbulent time made Kate's memoir more interesting as the reader could see the progression of change. Though the city was small in terms of population, the changes that swept the nation in the 1970's and later also visited Jubilee. These changes also drove the story forward, making me want to know how people reacted and what Kate's thoughts were on the matter.

All in all, this memoir was as entertaining as it was poignant. Many times I felt the author's words evoke emotions befitting the chapters I read. It became clear early in the book that author sought to understand her father by examining her childhood. She found much of the information she desired, but at a cost. One thing that stuck with me after finishing the book was the notion that no one knows another person completely. We all see a fragment of the person. Sometimes gathering other pieces shocks us because it's not what we expected to find - much like this memoir. If you're looking for an interesting coming-of-age story or a glimpse into the rarely-seen life of an undertaker's family, then this book should be on your TBR list!

The Undertaker's Daughter by Kate Mayfield is currently available at several online retailers and local bookstores. It can be purchased in several formats, including hardcover, paperback and Kindle (digital). The link below will bring up the book's page at Amazon.
The Undertaker's Daughter by Kate Mayfield
   

Sunday, January 25, 2015

Best of 2014

Best 2014

I didn't read near as many of the books that I wanted to read over the last year. My TBR (to-be-read) list grew by leaps and bounds. A lot of the books were in the thriller genre, but I found a few surprises along the way in others when I made myself step out of my comfort zone. The following list are the books that I enjoyed the most and reviewed in 2014 (in no particular order).


Redefining Realness: My Path to Womanhood, Identity, Love & So Much More by Janet Mock

In 2011, Marie Claire magazine published a profile of Janet Mock in which she stepped forward for the first time as a trans woman. Those twenty-three hundred words were life-altering for the People.com editor, turning her into an influential and outspoken public figure and a desperately needed voice for an often voiceless community. In these pages, she offers a bold and inspiring perspective on being young, multicultural, economically challenged, and transgender in America.

Welcomed into the world as her parents’ firstborn son, Mock decided early on that she would be her own person—no matter what. She struggled as the smart, determined child in a deeply loving yet ill-equipped family that lacked the money, education, and resources necessary to help her thrive. Mock navigated her way through her teen years without parental guidance, but luckily, with the support of a few close friends and mentors, she emerged much stronger, ready to take on—and maybe even change—the world.

Why I liked it:
This memoir hit all the switches for me - truth, honesty, and above all, empathy for herself and others in the same position. The author did not sugarcoat the dark periods of time in the early part of her life, but she didn't make them seem worse than the way she experienced them either. It was her journey of acceptance and self-discovery that kept me turning the pages. The amount of courage to admit that she didn't fit into a box society created for her was beyond measure. I know that there are many other people who share a similar, yet different journey. I was happy to see the spotlight not on the fact that the author is different, but that she is the same as anyone else. She has dreams, experiences success and failures, and yearns to live, love and be happy.



The Sundering Series - The Companions by R.A. Salvatore, The Godborn by Paul S. Kemp, The Adversary by Erin M. Evans, The Reaver by Richard Lee Byers, The Sentinel by Troy Denning, and The Herald by Ed Greenwood

Comprised of six novels by six different authors, The Sundering series told the tales of people who were chosen by several Gods within the two worlds which were joined together. As the two worlds separated from one another, their separate existences depended upon the success or failure of the particular Chosen in each book. If any of the missions failed, the entire existence of both worlds could  have been wiped out completely.

Several of the actions in one book directly affect the lives of those in the books coming after. From sword-wielding mercenaries to stealthy assassins to magic users drawing their energies from the very shadows around them, these books cover so many battles, trials and tribulations that it is hard to list them all at once. Read as a whole series or each on their own, the books do not fail to hit the right marks in this adventure series. 

Why I liked it:
I played NeverWinter Nights alongside others when it was first released, but had no idea that there were a number of books written within the realms of the game. When I saw that the series was going to be offered over the year, I jumped at the chance to begin reading them. I found plenty of entertainment for nearly everyone in each of the six novels. Sword fights, magic flying around, cities that also flew with shadowy agents filling them, and so much more await the reader in these books. I loved how not every main character in this series was a definite good man/woman. Layers of conflict within the pages kept me entertained until the next book in the series was available. Though this particular story arc is complete, I'm certain we will see quite a few of the characters again in the future. 



 Fire-Heart (Tales of Alterra, The World That Is #2) by C.S. Marks

Following the battle at the end of the first book in the series, Gaelen and her companions find their mission has taken a turn that they least expected. She puts her vow to end the Elfhunter's life on hold to help Rogond fulfill his life quest to find the answers of his family's history. Clues and whispered rumors led them to a desert filled with new adventures, people and unexpected dangers.

In the midst of this new territory, the elves are a wonder rarely seen and draw unwanted attention to themselves by upstaging more than one tribe in the desert towns. Fighting their way toward their destination meant dealing with the problems of the land, its people and the lingering threat of the Elfhunter following them. What began as a way to fulfill her promise to Rogond had become much more of an adventure than any of them could have anticipated.

Why I liked it:
Honestly, I read both Elfhunter (Book 1) and Fire-Heart (Book 2) this year. I enjoyed both of them very much, but I really liked the second book more. In the world of Alterra, legends came to life as the long-forgotten races of elves, dwarves, men and more fill the various parts of the land. While the first book in the series laid the groundwork for the world, this book truly explored regions that even the elves had not dared to adventure. But promises and vows mean more than whatever the unknown dangers might have done to them. That's one of the many things I liked about the book. There's a sense of companionship and deeply connected bonds throughout the entire book. It provided an exciting backdrop against the battles and search for one's family history.



 Spear Hunter (Northland Chronicles #2) by Henry J. Olsen

North America was devastated by the effects of Desolation - the name given to the whatever caused people to die off across the land by the survivors. Along the way, John Osborne found his life changed by much more than losing loved ones. Now being more than human drove him to ride into danger in the search for answers.

His destination very well may be a trap, but John had no choice but to seek answers where he was directed. While he searched for the answers to help him survive another day, another month or even another week, others wanted the answers for their own personal gain as well as his destruction. Could he find what he needs before time runs out? Will the rest of the world pay for his failure?

Why I liked it:
This book was my first introduction to the world in the Northland Chronicles, but it won't be my last. I became invested in John's quest early in the book because the character interested me with his decisions and the way he interacted with others around him. At first he appeared to be stand-offish. Then he showed signs of compassion and empathy that belied the wall he built to surround himself. Also the novel presented a scenario for the destruction of our society that might come to pass should certain events happen or decisions made. It was simply a very interesting look at what might be in our future - and not the distant future either.



I Hunt Killers (Jasper Dent #1) by Barry Lyga 

Jasper Dent looks like your garden variety teenager living in small town America. He goes to high school, has a girlfriend, and takes care of his grandmother. The only thing that sets him apart from everyone in his town is the fact that his father was the worst serial killer in the country's history. Not only that, but Jasper was groomed to be his successor.

When it becomes clear that another killer is on the loose, Jasper is the only one who is convinced there's trouble. He tries his best to convince the Sheriff, but soon realizes that he's the only one who sees the pattern. His unique insight could prevent more people dying. Can it keep him and those he loves alive in the process? 

Why I liked it:
Hands down an unique way to present a serial killer book, I really enjoyed looking through Jasper's eyes during this novel. I read a lot of murder mystery, true crime and horror books. In each one they present the killer (or killers) and then go into exploration of the killer. The people who make up the killer's family are rarely given a thought. To see the impact of living with a serial killer was intriguing. Add to that a dash of teenage angst, a heaping cup of murder and a whole lot of conflict and you've got a good recipe for an interesting, entertaining novel. As this was the first in the Jasper Dent series by Barry Lyga, I am looking forward to the others as they venture into the literary world.



Essence of Betrayal by Damien L. Malcolm

A young girl went missing in a close-knit Australian town and private investigator, Jack Mullens, found himself pulled into the investigation when his case took an unexpected turn. After years doing manual labor, Jack focused on helping those around him with simple matters such as finding a cheating spouse or discovering the secrets of a friend or loved one. When a friend feared her husband had a hand in the girl's disappearance, Jack must do his best to keep an unbiased mind while gathering all the clues he can.

It soon became clear that there was much more going on in their town than he anticipated. More people were involved with the disappearance and some of the names shocked Jack to his core. As he delved deeper into the mystery to help save the girl from certain death, he became a target for those who didn't want their secrets uncovered.

Why I liked it:
This book was definitely set in Australia as the slang, descriptions and interactions between people emphasized throughout the chapters. Yet as much as the book had an Outback flavor, it didn't take much away from the story or the characters. I enjoyed the many layers of mystery that the author had Jack uncovering. Some of the twists I didn't see coming at all, a welcomed surprise for me after reading a number of different murder mysteries. Jack's flaws and quirks made his conversations enjoyable and gave the book many of its comedic moments. With all this and much more, it was an excellent way to debut a series.



Maxine Wore Black by Nora Olsen

Jayla dreamed of being in relationship with the perfect, but never seemed to find someone who wanted to deal with her awkwardness, her quirks, or the secrets she hid from nearly everyone. That was until Maxine walked into the room. Cultured, confident, and everything Jayla wasn't, Maxine was the girl Jayla wanted, but there was one big problem. Maxine was already in a relationship with Becky.

All the complications, worries and confusions went out the door the moment that Becky went missing. With Maxine free, Jayla could have the relationship of her dreams and reveled in the excitement of newly-found love. The moment Becky's body was found changed Jayla's world completely, taking away the blinders that love placed on her eyes. Could she figure her life out before it was too late?

Why I liked it:
At first I wasn't sure that I was going to like this book once I began reading it because I was afraid that some of the actions taken by a certain character were going to be ignored or glossed over. Thankfully, the author didn't ignore them and sought to rectify the situations. I liked the fact that the author did a lot of research into the LGBTQ community and the struggles that people endure because of our society. It was a really well-written look at a young person's life as she tried to navigate a world that doesn't separate identity from sexuality. She cast a light upon their struggles as well as the domestic violence that can go unchecked throughout the community at times. Throw in the insecurities of a young adult, tribulations of love and the suspicion of murder and you've got an exciting mix that kept the pages turning until the very end.



A White Wind Blew: A Novel of Waverly Hills by James Markert

Dr. Wolfgang Pike spent his days caring for tuberculosis patients at Kentucky's premier facility, Waverly Hills sanatorium. At night he toyed with finishing the requiem that he began shortly after his wife's untimely death. Whenever his medical knowledge failed to ease the hurt and pain of his patients, Dr. Pike turned to his harmonica or violin to soothe their aches and pains. In 1920s Louisville, there wasn't much more he could offer many of the men, women and children who suffered.

When a new patient with a penchant for the piano arrived at Waverly Hills, Dr. Pike attempted to use the power of music to heal on a larger scale. To do so would cross racial lines and put him at odds with the superintendent of the hospital, but Dr. Pike's belief in the healing power of music drove him forward. The decision changed everyone's life - not always for the better.

Why I liked it:
Historical fiction is quickly becoming one of my new favorite genres to read. This book combined my natural curiosity about Waverly Hills and the power of positivity to override the ills of society. A number of heavy themes were explored in the book. Racial segregation, the Klan, unwillingness to change, loss and the early medical practices all combined to create a world where the reader can easily join. The descriptions of the city, the buildings and the characters are richly written and filled with details that bring the book to life in one's imagination. I really thought I could see the book as a movie in my mind as I read at times.



There you have it. My top picks for the year of 2014 reviewed books is complete. I'm excited for all the wonderful books that 2015 has to offer. Have you read any of the above-mentioned books? What did you think of them?

Until next time,
Kay B

Friday, January 23, 2015

Glamour of the God-Touched (Saga of the God-Touched Mage #1) by Ron Collins

Release Date: November 15, 2014
Publisher: Skyfox Publishing
Series: Saga of the God-Touched series, Book 1
Author Website: http://typosphere.com/ 

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
From the moment his mother sold him to a merchant, Garrick never knew an easy life. He lacked control over his life as the merchant ordered about as a servant. It wasn't until the merchant needed to pay a debt that glimmers of hope and change surged within Garrick. This was his chance to walk a different path, be his own man, and have the power and privilege that witnessed in others.

Becoming a mage's apprentice was simply the first step in his path. Though tedious, it provided the structure and doorways to a new world that he craved. After a devastating accident left him in a position to make a life or death decision, everything Garrick had planned for his life was turned upside. Now he must learn to control the power which threatened to destroy everything he held dear. Can he learn to rein in the power before it's too late?

Review:
I found this novel when it was advertised by the author on his Facebook page. After reading the description, I knew it was going to find a place on my TBR list. I was somewhat sad that the book was short in terms of length. However, I found that the lack of pages didn't hamper the progression of the story at all. There was quite a lot of information about the world and its key players packed into the short amount that it still hit all those adventure or fantasy notes.

Like many adventure/fantasy books, there was a central character in which the story revolved around. Garrick's strange, painful journey impacted the entire world, the people within it, and even the plane where magical gates were opened to perform spells. From the beginning of his life, Garrick was nothing more than a throw-away type of individual. He didn't have much to offer anyone around him. He was treated as a piece of property until he became a mage's apprentice. That moment changed the way he thought about himself and what he wanted for his future life. However, he wasn't the only one to be explored in the book. There were also two sects of mages that sought to control the entirety of magic use. Their differences were as drastic and deeply rooted as the way they practiced their craft. Their distrust of one another (and for the free-thinking mages as well) was apparent the moment they appeared in the story. I really liked the fact that each of the three types of mages had their own dress code and also a different "taste" to their magic. I don't think I've come across another book where the magic user described the magic having a taste such as honey or mint. It was unique and intriguing for me.

Now, this book was a quick read for two reasons. One, it did have less pages than I expected for an introduction to a new world and its inhabitants. While the length didn't take away from the quality of the story, it truly did leave me wanting more. The other reason was simply the pace of the book. From the first chapter, the pace was set at a steady clip. When the events of the story began unfolding, there was absolutely no way to stop them. Once those wheels of time and magic turned, no brakes would've stopped them. The end of the book definitely revealed the fact that there were more books to come in this series. Something much larger than Garrick's simple life was at stake, but we have to wait and see what terrors they hold for Garrick and the rest of his world.

Overall, I liked the book because it was a quality read and it left me questioning what was to come. It was easy to relate to Garrick's desire to be his own man, something more than a simple pawn in the game of life. When the one bit of happiness in his life was taken, he became desperate to have it once again. I think nearly everyone has been in this position at least once in their life. Because the decision he made had horrible consequences, he needed to find a way to fix what he'd done - something else that many can relate to as well. If you're looking for a well-written introduction into a world where mages still exist or simply want a quality book to pass the time, this is the book to fulfill both of those and more.

Glamour of the God-Touched (Saga of the God-Touched Mage #1) by Ron Collins is currently available at several online retailers in either paperback or digital formats. The following link will provide the book's Amazon page.
Glamour of the God-Touched (Saga of the God-Touched Mage #1) by Ron Collins

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Currently Reading

I can honestly say that the new year hasn't been boring so far. I do wish that some of these exciting moments either didn't happen or waited until further in the year. Having to deal with these issues all at once has truly stretched my strength to its limit. We are currently in the midst of a quest to figure out what may be wrong with my husband's health. It's been an up and down type of path, but I'm hoping the answers will come soon and will be among the positive categories.

To ease the anxiety that has filled my time, I have spent more than a few moments with my TBR list and my writings. Reading has always been one of my main ways to escape. With the advances in technology, more and more books can fit on my TBR without having to be on my bookshelves. I can hold thousands on my Kindle. Reading them all will take forever, but I'm certain that I'm up for the challenge. 


These are distracting me from those resolutions;
The Saeshell Book of Time, Part 1: The Death of Innocents (Children of Sophista #1) by Rusty Biesele
Jackfish Reborn by Rejean Giguere
Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen
Say You Will (Summerhill Book 1) by Kate Perry
Queen Mab by Kate Danley
The Resurrection Maker by Glenn Cooper


Knocked these right off the list;
Glamour of the God-Touched (Saga of the God-Touched Mage #1) by Ron Collins
The Undertaker's Daughter by Kate Mayfield
Bridge to Destiny by April Marie Libs


Still not exactly sure when we will have all the answers we seek, but I know I can fill my time with other worlds, exciting adventures, creepy monsters, and romances that span lifetimes. What helps you pass the time when you're anxious?

Until next time,
Kay B

Monday, January 19, 2015

Liesmith: Book 1 of the Wyrd by Alis Franklin

Release Date: October 7, 2014
Publisher: Hydra
Series: the Wyrd series, Book 1
Author Website:

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Sigmund Sussman didn't want much from life. He had it pretty good at home with his dad, a decent though boring job doing low-level IT for a major technological company, and two of the best, geektastic friends a guy could ever want. When Lain, newest recruit to the IT floor, became his to mentor, Sigmund found himself caught up in something strange, exciting and new. It was almost like a secret.

Lain has a multitude of secrets to keep buried, but nothing kept them down for long. As past and present collided, Lain and Sigmund were thrown into situations that would have driven a normal human insane. Fighting for their lives and trying to solve the mysteries of long-forgotten prophecies, each must draw on gifts which lay dormant for centuries. Can they beat back the hands of Fate to unravel all the knots of time? Will they make their relationship work despite the otherworldly connections?

Review:
NetGalley has a wide variety of books to sample, including ones that may slip through the cracks. The strange mix of Norse mythology and modern living seemed like an interesting mix. I took a chance and requested the book. I have to admit that I'm not a scholar of Norse mythology, but I do know the basics of the relationships within it. This book sort of threw everything into a blender, pressed pulse a few times and dumped it all back out to sort through the mix - in an interesting way.

The point-of-view shifted between characters. I really had to pay attention to the chapter to make sure I wasn't getting lost or missing something that was important. Much of the novel was written from Sigmund's point-of-view with a lot of emphasis on what he was thinking and feeling. Then there were chapters in which we (the readers) looked through Lain's eyes. The people that Sigmund loved the most also played important parts in both past and present. These characters were some I related to easily as they were into many of the same things I enjoy such as video games, computers, books and other nerdy pursuits.

A lot of the action in the book happened quickly once it began. While the pace of the novel was steady, there were some parts of the book where I became a little confused about who was doing what or when it actually happened. Because Norse mythology was woven throughout, there were scenes in which the characters were alive centuries earlier. Turn the page and they were busy living life in the present day. Yet, no one escaped the consequences of their actions - no matter when the actions took place. For me, there seemed to be betrayal upon betrayal upon betrayal. So many layers to unfold, it took a little work to fully understand what was on the line.

Bottom line, I found this book to be both surprising and more interesting than I perceived it at first glance. The author delved deeply into the various mythologies surrounding all the Norse gods. The hard work and research showed whenever their realms were explored in the book. With this being the first book in a series, I'm quite sure that there is much more to come with Sigmund, Lain (if that's who he is now) and the rest of the gang. Just because one world ended, that doesn't mean everything has come to end. Does it? You'll just have to read this book in order to figure it all out for yourself.

Liesmith: Book 1 of the Wyrd by Alis Franklin is currently available at many online retailers in Kindle format. Click the link below to check out the book at Amazon.
Liesmith: Book 1 of the Wyrd by Alis Franklin

Friday, January 16, 2015

Fire in the Blood by Erin M. Evans


Release Date: October 14, 2014
Publisher: Wizards of the Coast
Author Website: http://slushlush.com/

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
As the events of the Sundering continued across the land, Farideh and Havilar found themselves secreted away in a house owned by Havilar's beloved, Brin, in the very city he tried to flee. Unfortunately, Brin also happened to be the betrothed of the Princess of Cormyr. Along with all of the conflicts and trials brought on by the fact they were tieflings in a city which rarely saw different species, the war against the Shade left the Crown Prince missing and his son gravely wounded.

In the middle of all the chaos, Sharran invaded the royal court and only Farideh was able to root them out before they did damage enough to allow the Shade to overrun Cormyr. Her life as a Chosen complicated her missions as well as the lives of those she loved, but she must put all that aside in order to do what must be done. Was she able to solve the puzzle of Shar's plan before it's too late? Will lives be lost including her own?

Review:
I first entered Farideh's world when I explored the Sundering Series last year through NetGalley.  The series was comprised of six distinct novels about the separation of two worlds and its impact on their respective peoples and gods. Farideh and her journey as a Chosen, one blessed by a specific deity for an unknown purpose, were explored in the third book of the series entitled The Adversary. Her journey continued in this new novel and involved many of the same characters that interacted with her in the previous book.

While much of the story centered around Farideh and her search to understand why she was called to be a Chosen, there were many moments when other characters had their moment in the spotlight. Her companions from the previous novel, including Havilar, her twin; Mehen, their father; Brin, lover to Havilar and betrothed to Readra; and Lorcan, archdevil that has Farideh under a pact, made up a large portion of the action and adventure in this novel. Even though much of what happened in the book followed the events of The Adversary, the author did a wonderful job inserting necessary information about the characters and their past decisions that I could have learned about them without having read the previous book beforehand. They were very much a mixture of good and evil, sinner and saint. Some were happy to switch sides whenever necessary while others were bothered greatly by the mere thought of going against their beliefs.

Struggles of the heart, struggles within the royal court and struggles on the battlefield were all on display in this particular novel. The pace of the story varied according to whatever was happening in the chapter at hand. Some of the chapters went by fairly quick as there were battles or fighting which propelled the story forward. Others moved slower as the intrigue and political maneuvering within the royal court between the nobles weighed the story down. There were three vastly different settings in which events took place. Each of these places also played a part in the speed at which the action occurred.

By the very end of the book, I was happy that I requested the book. The story answered many of the questions that lingered after reading The Adversary. It also left its own set of questions that I hope will be answered in another visit to Farideh's part of the world. Even with the few bumps in the road, there were many funny, sweet moments that mixed well with the serious ones. This book was written as a sequel of sorts, but it did very well as a stand-alone type of novel, in my opinion. If you're looking for an unusual heroine to root for in an abnormal adventure or simply love the world within the Forgotten Realms, then this book should be among your TBR pile.

Fire in the Blood by Erin M. Evans is currently available through both online retailers and local bookstores. It can be purchased in hardcover, paperback, audio-book and Kindle. The following link is for the book's Amazon page.
Fire in the Blood by Erin M. Evans

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Currently Reading

So many good books in my Kindle, so little time to read them all. Especially when life decides to throw some roadblocks in my way. Not only do we still have the flu flying around our neck of the woods, but we also have chronic conditions that decided now was a good time to come visit. I do wish they'd go away since they've visited. I've got things to do!

Within the past week, I've been able to make some headway on a couple of projects. One is a super secret blanket for someone special. Single stitch takes a while to finish a large blanket. However, it's warm, toasty and perfect for the frigid temperatures we've been having lately. The other is a story I've been hesitant to write. It's been poking me in the ribs the past few days, so I finally gave in. I let the characters speak. Now, I can't get them to hush so I can work on the editing. I suppose it's a good thing. We'll have to see where it leads.


Keeping me company once again are;
The Saeshell Book of Time, Part 1: The Death of Innocents (Children of Sophista #1) by Rusty Biesele
Jackfish Reborn by Rejean Giguere
Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen
Say You Will (Summerhill Book 1) by Kate Perry
Bridge to Destiny by April Marie Libs
Queen Mab by Kate Danley
The Undertaker's Daughter by Kate Mayfield


Leaving me high and dry are;
Fire in the Blood by Erin M. Evans
Liesmith: Book 1 of the Wyrd by Alis Franklin


This post is later than usual today, as you may have noticed. I've been playing phone tag with doctors while trying to finish a few things. Hopefully, I won't have to worry over all the phone calls and then direct my focus back to the books and stitches.

Until next time,
Kay B

Monday, January 12, 2015

The Vines by Christopher Rice


Release Date: October 21, 2014
Publisher: 47 North
Author Website:  

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Having wealth, power and privilege didn't guarantee a happy life as Caitlin Chaisson found out when she caught her husband cheating. Rage and desparation drove her to the edge, but something deep within her family's homestead pulled her back. Buried underground were the ghosts of ancient wrongs never made right. They feed on the Caitlin's rage and doling out punishment as they see fit.

Blake Henderson was Caitlin's best friend since they were small children, but he didn't speak to her for over six months when he first tried to tell her about her husband's cheating. With his own share of tragic memories, he returned to her side when there's a terrible accident at her home. Not knowing the source of the accident or the horrible things that had been released, he walked headlong into something out of a nightmare. Can he conquer his own rage and hurt before it consumed him?

Review:
Okay, I admit it. I love creepy books. I saw this novel offered at NetGalley, read the description, and requested to read it because of the creepiness that it promised. Much of the novel takes place on an old plantation near New Orleans where the ancestors of Caitlin Chaisson grew sugar cane and used slave labor. As the story continued, the entire history behind the house, the yard and betrayal was revealed in some pretty head-scratching, gruesome ways. Long buried secrets, no matter how deeply laid to rest, always find a way to return to the surface at some point.

The cast of characters within the novel were a diverse lot. Men and women from both ends of the economic and social spectrum came together in a stereo-typical way for a Southern plantation. In a way the plantation itself and the roles each of the characters take were also main characters at times. Though the events of the novel take place in rapid succession from the very beginning, the author was able to present characters that were unique and very much flawed. Not one was a shining example of true good. Each of them carried the weight of their own darkness, deeply buried secrets and decisions they wished to undo. Yet, I found myself rooting for a few of them to outwit the murderous spirit that threatened to destroy their lives.

From the outset much of the pace was quick - almost non-stop. Once the magic was set into motion, there was no going back. As the vines fed on the blood and rage offered, more and more people became offerings for the sinister source of their power. Soon the forces from the past and the present battled for the future of the plantation and all those who call it home. There were plenty of scenes where the action or revelations propelled the story forward at a steady pace, but I did feel like the story stalled in a couple of places. I'm not sure if it was the repetition of certain information (no spoilers!) or just a lull in the action. Either way, the story quickly recovered each time and moved headlong into the ultimate showdown.

Overall, I enjoyed the book as much as I anticipated. Spooky yet elegant settings combined with emotional whirlwinds that humans bring with them provided a lot for the imagination to digest. Even with its dark, murderous history, there's something rich and decadent about the setting of New Orleans and its oldest buildings. This book brought the right mix of horror, history and drama for me. If you're looking for a glimpse into the dark realm of possibility or a side trip into the supernatural, then this book is definitely one that should be on your TBR list.

The Vines by Christopher Rice is currently available at many online retailers and local bookstores. It can be purchased in paperback, audio-book or digital formats. The link below will take you to the book's Amazon page.
The Vines by Christopher Rice 

Friday, January 9, 2015

The Ultimate Gift (The Ultimate Gift #1) by Jim Stovall


Release Date: June 15, 2001
Publisher: David C. Cook
Series: The Ultimate Gift series, Book 1
Author Website: http://www.jimstovall.com/

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
When Red Stevens died, he was at the patriarch of a very wealthy family, having made his fortune from lots of hard work in both the oil and cattle fields. His surviving family members gathered around the large conference table and awaited the reading of Red's will by his long-time friend and lawyer, Theodore Hamilton. Each of the family members received their portion of the wealth, along with certain conditions, except one - his great-nephew, Jason Stevens.

In order to receive his inheritance known as the Ultimate Gift, Jason must meet with Hamilton on the first of the month and find what lesson he needed to learn to move onto the next month and lesson. After a rough start and struggles of will, the wisdom of Red's lessons soon became clear to Jason and those on the journey with him. Will he be able complete the year-long test that Red laid before him? Will Red's hopes for the future of his family be gone with his death?

Review:
My mother-in-law and I watched the movie during Christmas years before I knew it was based upon a series of novels. When I saw this book offered on OHFB, I decided to see how well it related to the movie, but I would also keep an open mind about the differences should they present themselves. The biggest difference between the two was the perspective in which the entirety of the story was told. While the movie was able to focus on all of the characters in depth, this book followed Jason's journey from Theodore Hamilton's point-of-view.

Even though Mr. Hamilton was the guide or narrator of the story, Jason Stevens and his journey to complete the twelve tasks over the course of a year were the primary focus. He's a spoiled young man who hasn't had to do much in order to make ends meet. In order to save his life and help him make something of himself, his great-uncle's last wish directed Jason's stubbornness toward the tasks of learning the simple truths and pleasures life has to offer. There was as much to learn about Red and Theo as there was about Jason. Since the story was written from Theo's perspective, we're privy to his thoughts most of the time. Red offered his thoughts in video-taped messages that were played at the beginning of each session with the lawyer and at the end of Jason's journey, should he make it.

The book was a fairly quick read once the chain of events were set in motion by Red's death. Monthly tasks were covered within one or two chapters. Unfortunately, there was a bit of repetition a few chapters about how much of a great guy Red was to Theo and how at any time the process can be stopped if Theo wasn't satisfied with Jason's performance in the goals. Even had I not seen the movie beforehand, I still would be frustrated that I wasn't able to see more of Jason's transformation from the surly, spoiled kid into a more mature adult within the book. There's so much emphasis on the journey and the lessons that to not see more of the transformation was a letdown in some ways for me.

Overall, the book was a light, inspirational read. It was especially fitting for reading during the Christmas season. Though it lacked more depth in a few areas, it presented good cases for honesty, hard work, love and giving that aren't forgotten in our busy world. The message came home without a lot of over-the-top sappy stuff that some books use to move the story along. If you're looking for a decent delivery of some good messages, please pick up a copy of this book and share it with those you love.

The Ultimate Gift (The Ultimate Gift #1) by Jim Stovall is currently available at many retailers, both online and local. It can be purchased in various formats including hardcover, paperback, audio-book and digital (Kindle). The link below will take you to the book's Amazon page.
The Ultimate Gift (The Ultimate Gift #1) by Jim Stovall  

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Currently Reading

Welcome to 2015!

This year, I have so many goals I want to meet. There's so much that I didn't get to last year and it makes me want to push myself much harder than I know I should. Of course, I am not going to give up on this wonderful blog and all the lovely books sitting here and wanting to be read.

Along with putting myself on a reading schedule, I've also began setting aside one hour a day to put words on the page. Last year I was sneaking in some writing whenever I could. That wasn't working for me because I always felt like I wasn't getting anywhere. Now it's the perfect time to try something new. 

Awaiting my attention are;
The Saeshell Book of Time, Part 1: The Death of Innocents (Children of Sophista #1) by Rusty Biesele
Jackfish Reborn by Rejean Giguere
Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen
Say You Will (Summerhill Book 1) by Kate Perry
Fire in the Blood by Erin M. Evans
Bridge to Destiny by April Marie Libs


Finished the following lovelies;
The Vines by Christopher Rice


These new changes aren't resolutions. Even I fail to keep those - not matter how many lists I make. So, they're goals for me and something definite that I can handle with enough pressure to cause me to really buckle down and do the work. What's one or two of your goals for this year?

Until next time,
Kay B

Monday, January 5, 2015

The Search for Anne Perry: The Hidden Life of a Bestselling Crime Writer by Joanne Drayton


Release Date: June 3, 2014
Publisher: Arcade Publishing
  
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
From the beginning of the book, the journey of Anne Perry's publishing career was chronicled from the rocky start which left her destitute at times to the peak of her success. Everything in between was also examined, including the plots to her various series of books and the intimate friendships which grew out of her advance in the publishing world. What no one expected was that an incident from Anne's past would put everything into jeopardy once again.

In her youth Anne was known as Juliet Hulme, one half of a teenage duo that was involved in a scandalous murder in New Zealand during the 1950s. As this part of her history came under scrutiny, everything she'd worked so hard to attain and change within herself threatened to fall apart once again. The book examined the aftermath of this revelation as well as Anne's reaction to her darkest secret being laid out for everyone to see.

Review:
This book was another good find from OHFB and kept me entertained through another round of the flu. I honestly didn't know anything about the author, Anne Perry, or her various crime novels before I began this book. However, I did know some basic facts of the murder case which took place in New Zealand decades prior. It was a little hard at first to reconcile the fact that the crime writer was the same young girl who committed such a crime. The author not only attempted to show the stark differences between the adult Anne and the teenage Juliet, but she also explored the years shortly after the murder took place and the imprisonment of both girls. For most people, the case usually ended with the verdict and little thought was given to what comes after it.

Though the book began with the bombshell revelation about her past to her publisher, the central figure in the book was definitely Anne Perry. From her quiet second beginning and finding herself among the Mormon faith to the rocky start of her writing career, it was apparent that she was very much removed from the teenager who had made a grievous mistake. She safeguarded that dark secret as much as possible, more to protect those she loved than to protect herself. It was stated in several places that the anxiety about her past drove her to delve deeper into her comfort zones and explore things through her writing whenever possible. Mixed with the examinations of both past and present were the various plots of her books. Though they obviously were included to show a correlation between Anne's thoughts and feelings of her past with those of her future, there were quite a few times when I became lost reading about the plot of her books and distracted from the life of Anne herself!

For me the book had moments where the pacing was steady and I was always ready to keep turning those pages. However, there were also bits of the chapters were I felt like a lot of time had been given to the characters in her books instead of Anne, her colleagues, friends or family. I was glad to see that when the author wrote about the crime, the trial which followed and the imprisonment of both girls, she didn't sensationalize any of the events which took place. In fact, the author offered views from both sides of the aisle as well as the girls' own thoughts about what was taking place. It was quite clear that the author spent a lot of time researching and going through the various documents as she investigated the life and times of Anne Perry.

Overall, I quite liked the book. There was a message of hope and redemption through much of the trials and tribulations that Anne often wrote about in her own novels. She truly tried to be a person deserving of the second chance that she'd been granted after her release from prison. She also didn't try to invalidate the gravity of murder and the harm it caused for many people after the fact. She accepted responsibility for her actions time and again over the years. By the end of the book, one was left with a sense that the girl who found herself involved with something that escaped her grasp and comprehension wasn't the woman who began writing novels as a way to right social wrongs and spread a message of hope.

The Search for Anne Perry: The Hidden Life of a Bestselling Crime Writer by Joanne Drayton is currently available at many retailers. Copies can be purchased in various formats including hardcover, paperback, audio-book and Kindle. The following link will take you to the book's page at Amazon.
The Search for Anne Perry: The Hidden Life of a Bestselling Crime Writer by Joanne Drayton

Sunday, January 4, 2015

January's Hopes and Dreams

Happy 2015, everyone!

Starting this year off with a cold wasn't how I pictured my new year, but reality often differs greatly from our hopes. Though it wasn't what I expected, it has allowed me a small bit of downtime to really pack in some reading. I have been able to knock a few books off my TBR pile (which were subsequently replaced by gifts from others). So, it's not too bad.

This year looks so promising in a lot of areas. Plenty of exciting books are on the market or about to be put on the market. My poor Kindle is going to stage an intervention at any time if I keep piling the books on there. I truly can't help myself sometimes. Reading is one of those times. Writing used to be among that list, over much of the last year, it wasn't. I'm hoping to rectify that in this year.

The hard work of establishing a schedule began before 2014 ended. Each day I attempted an hour of writing, wading through cough drop wrappers and tissues at several points. Some of it was badly written but I've left it until the story is finished. Then I plan to add an hour of editing. Bit by bit I will conquer this particular demon of mine.

Not very many community projects are going to be on my plate this year. I am determined to fulfill the promise of making items for our local nursing home residents by the middle of the year. There are a great deal other promises I want to keep and crafts to make to fulfill them. One by one, they will be made. I have to learn to put my foot down and keep myself on schedule. You'll keep me accountable, right?

Here's to a wonderful 2015! May it be filled with wonderful things, learning experiences and brilliantly loving moments for you all.

Until next time,
Kay B

Friday, January 2, 2015

Serial Killers True Crime Anthology 2014 (True Crime Library RJPP #1) by R.J. Parker


Release Date: December 11, 2013
Publisher: RJ Parker Publishing
Series: True Crime Library RJPP, Book 1
Authors Included: R.J. Parker, Peter Vronsky, Dane Ladwig, Sylvia Perrini, Michael Newton  

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Those who step outside the bounds set by society captivated the masses for as long as the tales of their deeds were told to the next generation. Real evil began to infiltrate the usual bedtime stories about scary boogeymen, vampires or werewolves. Men and women who became obsessed, or some say possessed, by the desire to take the lives of others roamed the streets and blended in with average folk as they went through their everyday routines.

In this volume of the True Crime Anthology, several serial killers were explored from their birth and early childhood through their crimes and the aftermath. The novel included both men and women from both ends of the financial spectrum and from various parts of the world. Exploring the cases through police reports, court documents and even through the words of the killers themselves, the authors shine a light on the dark deeds without neglecting to remember the victims.


Review:
*Graphic Warning* - This novel explored subject matter that might be disturbing to some readers. It included pictures of crime scene evidence as well as statements made by the killers in written or vocal interviews.

This book was among one of the great deals that I found on OHFB - a site that I love for keeping my Kindle stocked with lots of different books. Since I was always interested in crime and crime-related stories, I knew the included photographs or statements wouldn't bother me. However, I must say that there was little, if any, censoring of either items in their related stories, but there weren't a lot of the photographs throughout the book either. Each of the authors covered a particular serial killer, or killers in a few cases.

They delved into the earliest known information about the serial killer involved and follow him or her through the years, the murders and the repercussions of their actions. Written and taped interviews were used alongside police evidence and court documents to try and find the answers to questions that plagued investigators and society alike over the years. Some of the killers in this volume of the anthology include people from hundreds of years ago to the early part of the 2000s. Some were rich, killing with impunity because of their station in life such as Erzsebet (Elizabeth) Bathory. Others weren't so lucky to come from wealth and made due with what they were given, including the Bloody Benders and Robert Pickton.

For me there wasn't much in the way of pacing for this book. Each of the chapters laid out the timeline for each of the killers without leading into the next. It was much like the chapter was its own case file. That made it easy to set the book down if I needed to take care of something else and come back to it later without feeling lost or confused about where I am in the book. The victims weren't forgotten in the midst of all the coverage of the crimes. Their names, faces and voices gave them more weight than much of the media did during their coverage. Not a lot of detail about the actual crimes filled the pages even though they weren't hidden either.

While I knew of a few of the killers listed, there were a few that I hadn't heard of before, making it an interesting read. Overall, I liked the book and found it interesting to see the evolution of many included killers as well as possible explanations for their methods of madness. I was also glad to see that very little speculation appeared in the various chapters. When it did, the author was sure to note what was speculation and what wasn't. If you're looking for a fairly comprehensive look at a small section of serial killers and what may have led them to do what they did, then this anthology is definitely one to consider!

Serial Killers True Crime Anthology 2014 (True Crime Library RJPP #1) by R.J. Parker is currently available at various online retailers in paperback, Kindle and audio-book versions. Clicking the link below will bring up the book's page at Amazon.
Serial Killers True Crime Anthology 2014 (True Crime Library RJPP #1) by R.J. Parker