WHY I LOVE MY JOB

I quite often fail miserably at updating this blog (as evidenced by the fact that the last update was approximately 5 months ago, and I’ve read approximately 20 books since then). Mostly, I fail because I invest a lot of time and effort into my job, and when I am home, I am either totally spent or I want to focus more on being HOME with my husband; I cook, I clean (sometimes), and I just spend time with him.

You all may think, “If your job is so draining, why not change it?” or “Why read and write about it anyway?”. To those of you asking the latter, I say: I love reading, and really enjoy the exercise of writing about what I read. I like recommending books to friends; I feel like I am setting them up on a blind date, and am so geeked when the date is successful. To those of you asking the former, I offer this gem of an email string. I’ll call it: HAIKU WARS: FIRST BATTLE.

To set the scene: Today was ‘Decorate your Desk’ day for our work Halloween party. I decorated like a witch’s workroom, complete with a silly spell. The rhyming couplets are absolutely horrid (but if you are really interested, I may post it later) - I wrote it in 15 minutes this morning before getting ready for work (and also before coffee). Although I am a manager, I don’t mind a little joking at my expense. This is what ensued...


From: Adrian
Sent: Tuesday, 2:32 PM
Subject: A Haiku

My Boss

Candice writes poems
Before work. To this I say
OMG YOU NERD.

From: Candice
Sent: Tuesday, 2:33 PM
Subject: RE: A Haiku

Your mockery makes
my workday enjoyable
and you are nerds too

From: Justin
Sent: Tuesday, 2:37 PM
Subject: RE: A Haiku

This stupid Haiku
Is but for both of you fools
And Dilan’s a tool

From: Aaron
Sent: Tuesday, 2:43 PM
Subject: RE: A Haiku

Haikus are awesome
But sometimes they don’t make sense
Refrigerator

From: Dilan
Sent: Tuesday, 2:53 PM
Subject: RE: A Haiku

My name is Dilan
I am not the villain, bro
Focus on Aaron

From: Justin
Sent: Tuesday, 2:59 PM
Subject: RE: A Haiku

My name is Justin
You guys keep bustin up this
Haiku with dumb words

From: Aaron
Sent: Tuesday, 3:01 PM
Subject: RE: A Haiku

What dastardly deeds
Accomplished by yours truly
Conjure up such spite?

From: Candice
Sent: Tuesday, 3:01 PM
Subject: RE: A Haiku

OK guys, enough
No more terrible haikus
Let’s get back to work

From: Adrian
Sent: Tuesday, 3:08 PM
Subject: A Haiku

Bryan Adams

Hey! You know it’s true
Everything I do ohh ohhhh
I do it for you

From: Justin
Sent: Tuesday, 3:10 PM
Subject: RE: A Haiku

I shall not return
To the job for which I yearn
Hippopotamus

From: Candice
Sent: Tuesday, 3:10 PM
Subject: RE: A Haiku

Adrian, I said
"No more terrible haikus".
Justin, what the eff?

From: Candice
Sent: Tuesday, 3:12 PM
To: Rachel
Subject: FW: A Haiku

Look at what I have to deal with...

From: Rachel
Sent: Tuesday, 3:27 PM
To: Candice
Subject: FW: A Haiku

“Hippopotamus
In a haiku, huh? They reach
But fall short sometimes...

Super late April post - curse you, technology!!

Ugh. Why, Blogger? Why? Was my last post tasty? Because you ate it just before it was done.

Readers, I could pretend that my last post was something glorious to behold, like a fisherman telling tales of the one that got away (which would be about as true). Or, I could be pissy about everything and totally just half ass this rewrite (which I admit I seriously considered). Or, I could do this - make a better post with more books (since I sulkily read four last night. I was mad at Blogger.).

This month, I did a little library roulette, and also (since I was like, number 2 million on the waiting list at the library) read Fifty Shades of Grey, which my sister bought me because she loves me and knows I can't resist poorly written shameless smut. In other news - I know her too and she is FINALLY reading Jacqueline Carey. I'm so glad that we can finally talk about these characters! It has been so difficult keeping their story all to myself, and we seriously discuss it every day. EVERY. DAY.

So, now that you know a little more about my own particular brand of insanity - you know, the kind where I talk about fictional characters like I know them personally - and that my sister is cut from the same cloth, let me tell you about some more friends I made last month.

The Books:

1) In the Shadow of the Cypress - Thomas Steinbeck

OK, I will admit it. As a general rule, I have absolutely no interest in American Literature. I don't know if I have ever actually finished a single book in that genre, unless it was for a class. I stopped reading The Sound and the Fury when I only had about 60 pages to go. I've yet to get through anything by John Steinbeck. So, it was with trepidation that I picked up this book. What can I say? Something just intrigued me.

Not only is this American literature, it is also historical fiction, with a little modern day element thrown in. So, doubly not my cup of tea. However, it was a lovely gem of a story, and in my experience good storytelling usually trumps everything.

In the Shadow of the Cypress is set in California and told in two different parts, from three perspectives. The first half takes place in the early 1900s, and the second in the modern day. In the beginning, we hear from Dr. Gilbert, a prominent researcher at the marine research institute in Pacific Grove. He befriends a man who stumbles upon a discovery that would turn the history of the Western world as we know it on its head. He meets with the local Chinese leadership to discuss his discovery with them, and the remainder of this half of the story is told from the perspective of Dr. Lao Hong, an American educated Chinese man. He works with the local Chinese leadership to hide this secret with great and dramatic efficacy.

Fast forward to the present. Charles Lucas (aka Luke) is a rebellious genius who prefers surfing to academia until he finds his own particular niche, which leads him to the very same marine research institute where Dr. Gilbert worked nearly a century before. Luke stumbles upon Dr. Gilbert’s journals and photographs and realizes the kind of discovery he may have on his hands.Trying to confirm his suspicions, he begins working with a brilliant Chinese-American linguist, Dr. Robert Wu. Together, they try to unravel the mystery and change the course of history.

I must say, I really enjoyed the tale. The picture Steinbeck paints of early 20th century California is extremely vivid - I definitely got a clear picture in my head to show me the scene. I also liked the element of mystery - it helped keep me interested in the story, especially since I am not a huge fan of historical fiction as a general rule. The characters were all likable enough, and I would definitely read something by this author again.

2) The Eyes of The Dragon - Stephen King

My step Mom loved Stephen King, and I have not really read much of his work. Dad wanted me to take home a few of her books, so I gathered up a TON of Stephen King to try out. I decided to start with his most fantasy-lover friendly book - The Eyes of the Dragon.

This is definitely fantasy with that creepy, Stephen King twist. The cast of characters is somewhat typical of a fantasy tale. There is the affable, pliable King, Roland; the wicked and scheming magician, Flagg; Roland’s two sons - Peter, who is princely in every way and his jealous and sullen younger brother, Thomas. Flagg’s aim is the total downfall of Roland’s kingdom, for no other reason than he can make it happen. He skillfully manipulates Roland into making terrible choices that should lead to the ruin of his kingdom, until Roland finally takes a wife. She seems meek and innocent, but there is steel in her, and while she doesn’t outwardly stand up to Flagg, she subtly changes his influence over her husband and the realm. Of course Flagg targets her, and her sons - Thomas to fill his father’s shoes, and Peter as a scapegoat.

I did really enjoy the story, and the casual tone of the storyteller as he related events to the audience. The twists and turns were something that I truly hope is typical of King - the fate of the world hung on such small details, and the book was definitely a page turner. I will most certainly be reading more by Stephen King.

3) Touch of Power - Maria V Snyder

While in a completely separate universe than the Study or Glass books, Touch of Power does share some qualities with those works. Avry is a healer who is unable to use her gift - the land had previously been swept with a devastating plague, that the healers were powerless to stop. The people believed that the healers were intentionally withholding their gifts from the afflicted, and as a result they have been persecuted and killed. Avry can't resist the need to help a suffering child though - and her gift is found out.

Kerrick is single minded in his determination to help his friend, Prince Ryne who has contracted the plague and is being held in stasis until he can be healed. He and his band rescue Avry the night before she is set to be executed. Avry discovers their plans for her - and is horrified. She has heard nothing but terrible tales about Ryne, and can’t understand how Kerrick expects her to sacrifice her life for the man. The ensuing tale is her journey - as a healer and a woman, who truly finds her own way and her calling.

I don’t want to say that the story was predictable, but, in a lot of ways it was. Maybe just because I have read so much Maria V Snyder? I totally saw the love story coming a mile away, the betrayal was also so obvious it could have been written on a billboard and I didn’t find the ‘big reveal’ at the end all that shocking. I also wished that Avry had spent more time sequestered with Tohon and could really contrast him with her love interest. As a life magician,  Tohon could, with a touch, totally ensnare someone’s mind. You would love him and totally buy into and believe anything he said, even though without that touch you found him vile. I found the idea of being held hostage by someone utterly insane and repulsive, who also had the magical ability to make you forget all that and think only of them intriguing.

All in all, Touch of Power was like B+ work from a normally A student, and I will most likely read the next books in this series, just because I truly enjoy this author’s work.


4) The Bells - Richard Harvell

What a hauntingly beautiful historical fiction novel. Moses Froben is an orphan who began his early life in a belfry with his deaf/mute mother. He learned to worship sound from an early age, hearing all the tones encompassed in the bells. Until he was thrown out to his own devices, he didn’t understand that his hearing was preternatural - how could he with a deaf mother?

Moses is rescued by monks for a small Swiss monastery. They are loathe to take him, because they fear that the abbot will throw him out rather than take him in and let him join their order. Moses stays hidden away until one day, he hears the choir and is drawn to it like a moth to a flame. He begins to sing, and the world of the monastery knows beauty.

The choir master works with Moses, honing his instrument until he sounds utterly unearthly. With his heightened hearing, he can discern the little things that make music dull, and eliminate them from his song. It is this crystal clear beauty that drives Moses’s choir director to castrate him against his will. And it isn’t until Moses falls in love, later, that he learns what he is and what he can never have.

All I can say is READ THIS BOOK. Read it. It was amazing - the poignant love story is like none other. The way sound is described in this book is absolutely gorgeous, and Moses’s struggle is heart rending.

5) Hallowed - Cynthia Hand

Hallowed is Cynthia Hand’s follow up to Unearthly, and is part two of the story of Clara Gardner, a teenager with part angel blood. She had a mission to fulfill in Unearthly, and Hallowed is more about her dealing with the repercussions of her prior choices. Like many teenagers, Clara thinks she knows everything, constantly fights with her mom, ignores her brother and basically thinks her problems are the most important problems in the world. Hallowed is her coming of age tale.

Also, though still melodramatic (honestly, what teenager isn’t full of melodrama?), it is nowhere near as bad as other similar young adult in this genre. One thing I thought was lacking was exploration of the other character’s motives. Throughout Unearthly, there were hints that Clara’s closest friend in the angel community, Angela, was hiding something. And Clara had a rather shocking encounter with her brother in Unearthly as well. (This, at least, was explained, but not until the very end of the book). Finally, Clara’s relationship with her ‘best friend’, Wendy, was basically non-existent in this book.The true focus to the story, apart from Clara growing up, was the Clara-Tucker-Christian love triangle. Now, as someone who did, in fact, date her best friend’s brother in high school I guess I can forgive this last part. When you think you are in love, you do indeed turn into a shitty friend.

Also, how can you not love a book that has text like this:

“Before I moved here, I never got the whole love-triangle thing. You know, in movies or romance novels or whatnot, where there’s one chick that all the guys are drooling over, even though you can’t see anything particularly special about her. But oh, no, they both must have her. And she’s like, oh dear, however will I choose? William is so sensitive, he understands me, he swept me off my feet, oh misery, blubber, blubber, but how can I go on living without Rafe and his devil-may-care ways and his dark and only-a-little-abusive love? Upchuck.”


Ms. Hand, thank you so much for so cleverly writing what we were all thinking. All in all, a more than satisfactory follow up to Unearthly, but I really need to know much, much more about whatever is going on with Angela and Jeffrey. Looking forward to book 3!

6) Vengeance Born - Kylie Griffin

Annika is a half breed demon. Her demonic father raped a light blade warrior, forcing her to stay alive until the baby was born. Rather than kill Annika at birth, she is kept alive for the sake of vengeance alone. She is treated like scum by the demons, because her deficiencies are obvious, and has no friends except the healer. At a young age, Annika discovers that she has a gift to heal - or harm - with a touch and a prayer.

Kalan is a powerful light blade warrior, sworn to wipe out all the demons. He is disgusted by their very presence - they are covered with leopard spots, their eyes glow and they have to subsist on blood. Their existence is an abomination and affront to the Lady of Light - his goddess. He is captured by the demons during a raid, and being held prisoner and tortured. When the healer arrives with Annika, he thinks that he is having a vision of the Lady. When he realizes what she is, he is immediately on his guard.

Annika tells Kalan that she will help him escape - but in return, she wants him to take her with him. So begins their journey - Kalan trying to stomach his travelling companion, and Annika trying to cope with her nature and how to react to the world after years of abuse by her people. Vengeance Born is the story of how these two work together to become much more than the sum of their parts.

I really found Vengeance Born an interesting take on many of the themes I enjoy in other fantasy books. Demons needing blood to survive was definitely reminiscent of vampires, and there are certainly light blade warriors in many other books. In Griffin’s universe, however, these things certainly had a unique aspect. I was really interested in the story, and couldn’t put the book down. I can’t wait to see what is to come for Annika, Kalan and all their friends and family in Griffin’s next book Alliance Forged.


7 and 8) Fifty Shades of Grey and Fifty Shades Darker - E L James

Oh sister, thank you for giving me the gift of what amounts to straight up smut. You know I can’t resist its charms! I read these first two books back to back, but am still holding off on book three for some reason - I have it, I just haven’t started reading yet. I think it is because I can’t afford another night where I am UP UNTIL 4AM READING!!! :)

Readers, how do I describe these books? Imagine that Twilight has a big sister, and she is into kink. Christian has a troubled and troubling past, and a dark, kinky secret life. Ana is naive and innocent, but drawn to Christian’s beauty and magnetism. In the first book, she learns what she thinks is his dark secret, and runs scared. But in the second book, she truly learns the depth of his darkness, and is willing to love him anyway. These books (although totally erotica), do have a plot and some character growth, which is more than I can say for many such books.

After I read the first Fifty Shades book, I Googled the author and read some of her interviews (everyone does that, right? RIGHT?). She said that this story initially started out as Twilight fan fic, and I can totally, 100% see that. Honestly, reading these books, it was fun to imagine that Christian and Ana were Edward and Bella (even though Ana is slightly less insipid than Bella). When I got tired of that, I imagined that they were actually Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. And then after a while, I wondered how Phedre and Christian would get along - I think she would teach him that he is far, far less fucked up than he thinks.

You may ask how I had time to imagine all these different scenarios while and right after I was reading, and I will answer that basically, the plot is super, duper simple. It boils down to essentially this: 'OMG, should I totally date this guy or what? He wants to tie me up and spank me, but I am a virgin and don’t know if I’d be down with that.’ OK, it is maybe a little more complicated, but as I said before - this is smut. You aren’t reading fiction, you are reading erotic literature. Plain and simple. And ladies, that is OK - we deserve porn like this.

Feb - 2nd half AND March - 1st half

Well readers, I didn't fare much better the last half of February or the first half of March, at least in the blogging department. I did have a few good, old-fashioned days off, so there were at least 10 hours well spent devouring books, enjoying some R and R, drinking tea, and feasting my ears on some Little Earthquakes. Now that I have a weekend ahead of me (sort of), I can take time to post some things.

For the latter half of February, I decided to focus primarily or reading recommended books. How else does a Book Pimp spot great new reading material? I asked around on my Facebook page and cornered a few friends and family members to get their thoughts as well. Since my friends and family are awesome and have awesome taste, I am sure this is only first of many 'Recommendations' posts.

**EDIT (before I get to the books)** This post was pretty much done, and I was getting ready to post it a little late since work had been just absolutely nutzo, when I received some shocking personal news. My stepmother suddenly passed away on March 24. She was 54 years old. The prayers, support and compassion from my friends, family and co-workers has truly made this difficult time easier. Please continue to keep my family, most especially my dad, in your prayers. He is just taking it one day at a time.**


Recommendations - Part 1

1) Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn.



This was recommended to me by one of JD's friends, who also happens to be named Candice. Without having met her, I decided she must be awesome: friends with JD, named Candice (and spells it the RIGHT way), and loves to read? Of course she must be awesome. Sharp Objects did not disappoint. WARNING: It is not for the faint of heart. It is CREEPY. REEEEEEEEEEEALLLY creepy. But, it isn't just about a cheap scare. Rather, it was the kind of psychological thriller that just sneaks up on you until you are in nightmare land.

Two things really stood out for me as truly excellent in this book. The first was, without a doubt, the way the author used language to make her point. She used words in a way that I never would have thought of, but that totally worked. When the protagonist, Camille, is working on a ho-hum story in the beginning of the book, she is writing about "a limp sort of evil". Her hometown is "one of those crummy towns prone to misery".  The tale spins out in a sort of macabre beauty - the words simultaneously elegant and bleak.

Secondly, although rather short, the characters were still quite well developed and unique. And honestly, what makes for a better mystery than characters you think you really know doing something shocking? There was certainly a point when I thought I had the mystery figured out. I was wrong.

I will absolutely be reading more from Ms. Flynn. Sharp Objects was a sinister delight.

2) The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls


Recommended to me by my former boss, The PaleoPiMP, The Glass Castle is the memoir of Jeannette Walls, and at the heart is about overcoming adversity to become something great. This is just the type of book that I can imagine The PaleoPiMP reading. She reads a lot of non-fiction (certainly a lot more than I usually do), and she firmly believes that you can succeed at anything you set your mind to. In addition to being an all around amazing woman, she has been a great friend and mentor for me. She has always encouraged me to work toward the things I want, and set achievable goals for myself. Not just in  my personal life, but in my career as well (like working toward my PMP - the PiMP certificate of the business world ('i' added for lol value)).

I feel like I should keep a copy of this book on hand to give to anyone I hear bitching about how rough their life is. Most people today have no idea what 'rough' is, and they certainly don't value hard work. 'Rough' isn't "only" having one car, or "only" being able to afford basic cable and not the deluxe package. 'Poor' doesn't mean that you have to skip getting coffee at Starbucks one or two times a week.

I have to say that I have no idea who Jeannette Walls is, so in some ways I guess I don't get the full impact of this book. In it, Walls describes the vagabond, bohemian life that resulted from her alcoholic father and mentally ill mother trying to raise their children in their own non-conventional way. What Walls describes in the ensuing pages is actually utter neglect. Like Sharp Objects, The Glass Castle is not for the faint of heart. There are some parts of the book that are almost unbearably depressing. And this book deeply affected me.

I read a lot of reviews of this book, and while they were overwhelmingly positive, I did see some negative reviews as well. Almost all the negative reviews say the same thing: Her parents are horrible, neglectful people. How could she love them? How could she idolize her father? First of all, her parents aren't horrible people - they are ill. Also, who doesn't love their parents? In some ways, this book reminded me a lot of a family I used to be close with. Even though they lived in a neglectful and sometimes abusive home, the kids absolutely loved their dad - they couldn't even stand to hear something negative about him. To criticize Walls' impression of her parents is just hurtful and hateful.

3) Divergent by Veronica Roth


This was recommended to me by both Candice A (for awesome) and The PaleoPiMP.  - if you liked The Hunger Games, read this. It is very well written but with less of an ick factor (Hunger Games definitely had me taken aback at all the kids killing kids). Divergent is set against the dystopian background of a world where people must select their place in society when they come of age. In general, people stick with the faction into which they are born, but sometimes, they chose another.

Beatrice, born into Abnegation, must decide where she belongs. Is it there or in Amity, Candor, Dauntless or Erudite? I enjoyed accompanying her on her journey to find her place in the world (and young love - always a sucker for that). And, as with all dystopian novels, watching the carefully crafted world begin to fall apart. I can't wait to see what Roth has in store in the next books int he series.


4) The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver



Recommended by my fabulous sister, Mary. We don't have the same parents, and we aren't married to each other's siblings - she is my sister by choice (which, when you think about it, it way awesomer). She is a fabulous MUA to beautiful, blushing brides all over Ohio (seriously - check her out), and an MS freak of nature, healing herself through awesomeness every day (though she still may not be ready to go head to head with a spiral staircase).

Of course she would recommend Historical Fiction to me. As a general rule, this is not usually one of my favorite genres, but, my amazing sister always knows what I will actually read and enjoy. The book is incredibly well written, and was certainly out of my comfort zone to read. As you know from just about every single blog post I have, I prefer to read books that take me away from reality, not those that make me deal with uncomfortable truths that kind of hit close to home in some ways. Not for me personally, but for my sister. I can absolutely tell how and why this book made a huge impact on her, and, as far as I'm concerned, the fact that she read through it, loved it and recommended it to me is further proof of how awesome she is.

This book will make you face your faith and decide what to make of it. Beginning in 1959, it tells the story of a Southern Baptist family (well, the dad/preacher really - women don't count for Southern Baptists, at least not in this book) who decides to go on a mission to the Congo while it is on the cusp of a revolution. Daddy dear is advised against it - vehemently - by all of his contacts, and the people running the mission, but he forges ahead because he believes that is God's plan for him. This begins the chronicle of the Price family - the girls that is (mom and 4 daughters) and their crucible of darkest Africa.

Kingsolver goes the route of having a different character and their own unique voice for each 'chapter', and ties every section together with biblical references. At first, this style is difficult to read - Rachel, for example, thinks she is smarter than she is, and misuses words in her sections. Adah starts the book with a very unique thought pattern. Leah (Adah's twin) is totally her father's clone in the beginning. Ruth May is five. Orleanna is a woman who finds her backbone for the sake of her family. I cannot imagine the dedication and planning it takes for an author to inhabit all those voices and write a coherent novel in that manner, but Kingsolver pulls it off.

As a firsthand witness to the differences between a 'man of faith' and a good man, a life dedicated to the appearance of being a 'good Christian' and actually being a good Christian, of finding God in EVERYTHING to listening for God's guidance, I can say that this book captures that struggle really, really well. Nathan (the preacher man) puts on his blinders at the beginning of the story - to his detriment. As Rachel says "You can't just sashay into the jungle aiming to change it all over to the Christian style without expecting the jungle to change you right back." For anyone who has struggled with their faith, lived with a domineering parent or just loves historical fiction - check this book out.

March - back to fantasy

1) The Queen of the Darkness by Anne Bishop


I FINALLY got this book from the library - it was on reserve FOR.EVER. It was so good. I read it in one night. For reals. I can't say that there was anything that was truly surprising here - perhaps because Bishop spent so much time developing the characters in the other books, I understood their motives for acting as they did. I was definitely never thinking "They're doing WHAT?!?!?!". There were certainly parts that I expected - Daemon making his way back to Jannelle, for starters. Lucivar and Daemon making up with each other. Saetan taking his revenge on those who deserved it. Once all my favorite characters were in the same place, it was like enjoying a sleepover with all my friends - so fun to read (and fun to write, I expect).

I also absolutely, positively loved that the Kindred featured more prominently in this book. I imagine that it was a challenge to write from an animal's perspective - even if it was one with unique strengths. It makes the climax of the tale so much more touching and heart rending. This time, Bishop's tale was so bittersweet, there were definitely parts where I bawled. Also - fair warning - there was one really and truly disturbing section, that will forever erase any questions you may have had about why Daemon is called 'the Sadist'.  Also, I am so glad that there are still four books left in this universe. The characters are so well crafted, and I want to get to know them all. Plus, I need to know what happens with Daemon and Jannelle. NEED TO KNOW.

One pet peeve. Did I mention how annoying these names are to me? I love Anne Bishop's writing. Truly. It is inventive and seductive, and the characters all have depth. But seriously - the names are sooo annoying. They almost seem like a cop out. Saetan SaDiablo? Whose sons are Daemon and Lucivar? Also, Lucivar names his son Daemonar after his brother? (I guess I get what she was going for there, but still...). Surreal (I admit, this one drives me the most nuts)? Having dabbled (very briefly) in writing of my own, I totally get that it is hard to pick the right names sometimes, so I guess I see why this seemed like the best choice, but still.

If you can get past this, pick up this series. Read it while you are waiting for your Jacqueline Carey books from the library. :)

2) Wi'tch Fire by James Clemens


Since there are no more Godslayer books for me to read right now,  I picked up the first book in another of James Clemens' series. This was very similar to Godslayer in that it has a young heroine, but this has more of a 'hero's quest' feel to it. Also like Godslayer, Clemens really knows how to sell books - I NEED the next one from the library. Like, yesterday. I have to find out why the fate of the world hinges on this little wisp of a girl who hasn't even hit puberty yet.

I do have to say, I can tell that this is the beginning of a really involved series. This book was basically all exposition and crafting a way to get the characters all together, begin developing them a little, and throwing in some action for interest. I feel like I barely know the characters - they are still mysterious and I want to get to know them better. Clemens' characters also keep telling the reader how terrible it would be for a woman to have magic - I'm looking forward to seeing why that is the case as the story progresses.

Even though I have some other books on my plate right now (like the rest of Anne Bishop's series, plus another recommendation from my sis), I will definitely be delving back into this as soon as can be.

3) The Becoming by Jeanne C. Stein


I must say, this was kind of ho-hum for a vampire novel. Perhaps because it was told from what I find the most irritating point of view - 1st person present? I don't know - it seems like the beginning of an outline or procedure manual, and not a story. But maybe that is just my personal experience with present tense? Even this blog post isn't in 1st person present, and it is ostensibly an online personal journal. I couldn't identify with  the characters very well - it seemed like we didn't get to know anything about Anna Strong before she became a vampire. Also, they seemed rather one dimensional - rich, handsome vampire doctor who is also the bad guy? Spunky girl who just became a vampire and is gonna kick butt? Strong and handsome male sidekick who 1) doesn't know about her double life, 2) would love to take care of her, 3) turns out to be the one who needs rescued and 4) doesn't have a prayer of getting in her pants and never did.

It was a mildly entertaining read on a rainy afternoon, but, nonetheless, I won't be picking up any more of this series - there are too many good ones to check out now.

**EDIT** OMG - trying to finish this post after my hellish personal experiences this past month, and I have to say, this book was SO mediocre that I actually forgot I read it. So there you go.

Feb - 1st Half

Well readers, my book consumption is woefully low the first half of this month, and this post is woefully late. Why? Two reasons:

1) I keep making my way up the corporate ladder at work, basically due to my overall awesomeness and workaholic tendencies. No, seriously. I started this post at 10PM on a Wednesday. At my desk. At work. On a night the security guards kicked me out at midnight and made me go home.; and
2) (and this is the main reason, really) I have discovered the joys of wasting an entire afternoon on Pinterest. What can I say? I enjoy spending time looking up random crap on the Internet, and the day slips by really fucking fast when you have StumbleUpon, Pinterest and Polyvore at your fingertips. Not only have I barely read a word, I am almost to the point where I will have worn every single piece of clothing that I own (and sprayed a few with febreeze and recycled them since they weren't really that dirty) unless I do my laundry in the next few days. I may need an intervention.

The books I did manage to read, however, were delightful. Well, two of them were delightful and the third was merely entertaining and thankfully tied up some loose ends.

1) Godslayer Chronicles, Part 2: Hinterland by James Clemens

This was delightful number 1 this half of the month. Sequel to Shadowfall, this book further chronicled Dart, Tylar and Kathryn's lives as the realm of Myrillia falls further into chaos. After reading Shadowfall, I couldn't wait to get my mitts on Hinterland; Shadowfall had SUCH a cliffhanger ending!! If I thought this book would pick up where Hinterland left off, I was mistaken - that part didn't get resolved until quite a bit further along in the tale.

The beautiful bronze boy, just a minor character from Dart's school, who shared a fleeting glance with her before they were chosen to serve their respective gods, plays a more central role in this book. Thus, the story opened with him. Maybe it is because I totally heart Terry Goodkind, but I do so love it when a seemingly minor character emerges as a principal in a new book. It brings such an interesting perspective to what you are reading.

The conflict and tangle in Myrillia and all the character's lives unfolds in ever growing complexity in this installment of the Godslayer chronicles. Tylar faces increasing peril, and his resolve and understanding of his nature is tested. Laurelle, seeming so hateful at first in Shadowfall has done a complete 180, displaying strength and grace I wouldn't have placed in that character - I have a feeling she will be featured even more in whatever is to come. Delia faces some interesting choices and losses, and Dart blooms into a fierce young woman who begins to discover love.

Not only are the relationships between the characters being tested as they war with the requirements of duty versus the revelations of love, the plot with the Cabal and even the gods themselves thickens. And, in what I hope to be par for the course for this author, the little epilogue/plot twist chapter in this tale was simply delicious.It was a thrilling read, and I can't wait for the next installment. Whenever that may be, as I understand this author has many irons in the fire.

2) Kingmaker Kingbreaker, Book 2: The Awakened Mage

I had such high hopes for this book, but, sadly, it was my mediocre but necessary read this half of the month. The best thing about this book was that it tied up all the loose ends left over in The Innocent Mage. The worst thing was that I realized that this author wasn't nearly what I had hoped for after reading the first installment. In possibly the most irritating opening ever (you know, that I made it through - had this not been book 2 in a story that I really wanted to have resolved, I probably would have put it down), the author essentially retold the last chapter of the previous book.

OK, so she told it from another character's perspective, and it did get rid of the also annoying plot device in sequels of the 'rehash' of all previous events. But, it was a bad idea. It was annoying and frankly sort of confused me. Was it a memory? Was Asher having a bad dream? Oh, nope. The author went right ahead and retold the last chapter. Did she have some sort of promised page limit? I mean, it wasn't as though she left off with something confusing that needed retelling.

A somewhat minor but still enjoyable plus was that The Awakened Mage gave me a bittersweet ending, tempered with the kind of happiness I have come to realize I love - in the end, the guy got the girl. Not that this was a surprise. There was no tension like there is, for example, in Hinterland. The pacing in the book was rather slow overall - Asher's purgatory seemed to drag on forever - and the conflict between Gar and Asher didn't really have a satisfactory resolution before the end. Also, the part that would have been very interesting to me - Asher's training - was sort of just skimmed over and crammed into a single day. It seemed like the author spent too much time on mundane details and not a lot of time on the interesting ones.

If you are interested in a tale about an unlikely mage coming into his own, read the Codex Alera series. It is better in every way - better character development, more interesting races, more unique magic, and tells a story with proper, dynamic pacing. Also, no wasting of words on this level of retelling.

3) The Hum and The Shiver by Alex Bledsoe

Word of advice - take an afternoon and read The Hum and The Shiver (delightful number 2 this month). If ever a fantasy book could become a classic, this is it. The writing has a lyrical, magical quality to it. It weaves its mystery into the simple and backward life of Cloud County, nestled in the woody hills of Appalachia, and could be either the New World or the Green Country.

When I first started reading the book, I couldn't decide if it was set in the past or the present - the characters and the story both had a timeless quality. The Tufa inhabitants of Cloud County seemed to like it that way. They keep their ways rooted in a hidden past, and keep their secrets with a smile - revealing just enough to draw you in close - like a word stuck on the tip of your tongue. The story itself was like that - beautiful, delicate, hushed - full of song and magic.

In addition to a subtle melody of the story, Bledsoe's words make the story into a symphony. This book was like poetry. Anyone who loves fantasy books, especially musicians who love fantasy - MUST read this book. Do it now. Seriously.

Jan - 2nd Half

First, let me promise you that, contrary to any conclusions you may have drawn from my last post, I do not have some sort of side deal going with Jacqueline Carey. I just like what I like. If you would read her books already, you would understand.

Second, let me assure you that reading will not be equated to dating again in this post (or ever). That may have been ill-advised. But hey, I picked a metaphor and, by God, I stuck to it.

Third, I need to give a shout out to one of my friends and fellow bloggers, JD, over at Condescension and Other Social Activities. If you enjoy that I don't sugar coat my thoughts on the books I read, you should check her blog out. She and I met in college (we were sorority sisters), and her friendship really changed me for the better. She lives her life the way she wants to, stands up for herself in the face of crappy customer service, tells it like it is and is my all around bitchiness idol. Heart you, JD! :)

Now, the books:

Fantasy (you know, cause I like it)

1) Blackveil by Kristen Britain

As I mentioned a few posts back, I felt a bit let down by The High King's Tomb, but I was pleasantly surprised by Blackveil. While I don't read a lot of romance, I am all about the girl getting the guy. Especially when they are soooo right for each other. I think that the thing that upset me most about High King's Tomb was that this didn't happen. Additionally, I felt like the girl did an awful lot of shit for the guy, and he selfishly just led her on, then told her how he felt, then went back to being engaged to someone else. It pissed me off. Also, when I was reading, I was thinking that it was the last book in a trilogy, and I wanted all the loose ends tied up in a nice little bow. Which did not happen.

After reading Blackveil, I am glad that there are more books coming. While Blackveil did end with a cliffhanger, and leave me feeling stressed out about how the love triangle (triangles?) would get resolved, rather than annoying me (like The High King's Tomb), Blackveil made me want to send the author an email to hurry along her writing.

One thing I have enjoyed about Britain's writing all along is that, while it certainly shares some elements with other fantasy series, it is also quite unique. There is no other series that I have read where the magic of the humans or the elves is quite like the magic in Sacordia. The Green Riders are very unique in what they do, the Elves (or Elt, but same dif) are much like elves everywhere, and both parties point out other magic in the world, but we are only exposed by the evil of Mornhavon and his followers (with the exception of all the gadgets that the sisters have in their posession). Blackveil introduces new magic in the form of a ring that sings the siren song of the sea to Lord Amberhill, and Britain drops little hints and tantalizes that there is more to come with this story line in future books.

I can't wait to see what Britain has in store next, and I may go back and give some of the other books another chance. If you are in the mood for some standard fantasy fare, or if you particularly enjoy books about horses (and NOT in the way of Divine by Nature - EW), you should check this series out. The first book is The Green Rider.

2) Archon: The Books of Raziel by Sabrina Benulis

This story kind of reminded me of The Mortal Instruments, although it didn't really have the same kind of melodrama as that series (which is a good thing in my book). Don't get me wrong, I did like The Mortal Instruments, I just felt like it was a little over the top in the angsty teenager department. That is not to say that Archon didn't have its share of melodrama - it was just different.

First, I am not sure of the intended age of the audience for this book - it seems like it is meant for a young adult reader, but it was awfully dark for that age group. The protagonist, Angela (side note: thank God the author makes a little joke about the name, because I seriously couldn't deal with a girl named Angela as the protagonist in a book about angels unless it was meant to be sort of tongue in cheek) is very troubled, and frequently describes previous suicide attempts and her time in a mental institution. She is also described always wearing long sleeves and leggings because her arms and legs have terrible scars from her self harm. And she attempts suicide at least twice in the book.

Similarly, I couldn't understand why the Vatican was the chosen setting. I get that the book was about angels and biblical prophecy, but I can't believe the sorts of things the students (all seemingly high school age) at the academy there were getting into. It seemed such an unlikely place for priests in training to be sleeping with female stuedents in the academy and students to be members of a group called the pentacle society that engages in demonic rituals. It just didn't track for me.

Finally, while I appreciated the whole notion that 'good' isn't always what it appears, and heart-rending beauty can often mask cruelty and the kind of disinterest only achieved through years of decadence, I felt like it went a little too far, and the characters became sort of one dimensional. Perhaps the author was going for archetypes?

I suppose there are worse ways I could have spent my afternoon, but I think this was enough of The Books of Raziel for me.

3) Fate's Edge by Ilona Andrews

Another of the books of the Edge, and Andrews does not disappoint. (You can see here that I already read the other two books by Ilona Andrews set in this universe, On The Edge and Bayou Moon.) I love that the other Edgers always make at the very least a cameo in the next book - that way, you can catch a glimpse of how they are doing, but you get to have another adventure. It is always nice for a reader to see that the 'happily ever after' part of a story continues. (True story - I always wondered how Jane Austen imagined Elizabeth's and Mr. Darcy's lives together after they were married. Did they have children? What happened to her sisters? What about Charlotte and Mr. Collins? I REALLY WANT TO KNOW!!!!).

I looked on Ilona Andrew's website about this book series (trying to find out what was on deck), and she mentions there that she and her agent (among others) had a difficult time categorizing these books, and I can see why. I suppose that they are sort of an urban fantasy/spy/romance novels, and as such, follow a particular formula:

Horrible thing happens + Female protagonist meets male protagonist + They hate each other + Then they love each other + They have hot sex + Disaster is averted + They live happily ever after = Awesomely entertaining afternoon with the girly movie of the book world. Except with sword fights, dragons, magic, bounty hunters and impending doom.

I'm not knocking the formula - I know what I am going to get from Ilona Andrews, and I keep coming back for more. While I am waiting for the next book of the Edge, I am going to rekindle my interest in Kate Daniels, starting with book one in that series, Magic Bites.

4) Something from the Nightside by Simon R Green

I came upon this book by way of one of those 'If you like this, read this' books (similar to how I found Maledicte). Since I found that I enjoyed Jim Butcher's work so much, I entered 'Dresden Files' and Something from the Nightside is what popped out. Well, I can certainly see how that link was made. Something from the Nightside features a private investigator with a gift that makes him the target of powerful adversaries, a soft spot for women and a certain disregard for the letter of the law while upholding the spirit.

In general, Something from the Nightside was a pleasant diversion. It was like a combination of The Dresden Files and Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere. Green tried to use the inspired, gritty language Gaiman employs throughout his work, combined with the maverick PI persona and the more conversational tone Butcher uses in his. The result was a sort of mixed bag. There were parts that really shone, elevating sections to something more than just a fun read, and there were parts that sort of felt abrupt or obvious. And the last paragraph was just...cheesy. It read like the last scene in a t.v. pilot episode.

All told, as a series opener, it was fairly good. The PI protagonist, John Taylor, is likeable and mysterious enough that I want to see what happens to him as the series progresses, and the Nightside itself has the potential to go in many different creative and creepy directions. I will likely pick up the next book in the series, and more by the author, but not until other, more appealing reads are complete.

5) Saint's Astray by Jacqueline Carey

Readers, did you know that I absolutely adore Jacqueline Carey's writing? Well, I do. You can read about how much I totally heart her here, here, here, and here.

Saint's Astray is the sequel to Santa Olivia. I wasn't planning on reading another book this month, but I started it last night and stayed up until 3:30 to finish it - it was just that good. I got very involved with Pilar's and Loup's stories as they faced new and different challenges - each of the girls grew in their own ways throughout the book, both on their own and in their love for each other.

The story was action packed, the prose (as always) gripping, and the underlying message thought provoking and meaningful. Please readers, for the love of God, read some books by this amazing author. You will not regret it. I promise.

Thriller/Mystery ('cause I'm not a one trick pony)

1) The Faculty Club by Danny Tobey

This book is something I picked up at the library the other day when I was playing 'library roulette'. It was pretty short (which seems to be sort of mystery/thriller standard), and it was certainly a page turner, so it only took a few hours to read. The story got a little unbelievable toward the end, but all the same, I really enjoyed it. I don't usually read this type of book, and I will say that it was more than slightly reminiscent of a movie I have seen a time or too.

All the same, I did enjoy the book, and if you are looking for an adrenaline fueled diversion for a few hours, I think you will too.

2) The Lost Sister by Russel D McLean

Another 'library roulette' selection that turned out well. I must first say, I REALLY dislike beginning with the second book in a series. As someone who reads a lot a fantasy, I am used to much of the ground work about characters being laid in the first book, and it being practically impossible to really get the full experience of said book without having read the preceding work. This doesn't seem to be quite as big of an issue with mystery books, but The Lost Sister did make some reference to events in the authors prior work, The Good Son. Thankfully, these were more like little glimpses of the protagonist's back story, and weren't really distracting from the story line.

Having that confession off my chest, I can say that the story here was really, really engaging. The characters were all multi-faceted, and the tale twists and turns as a PI tries to solve a crime based on so much hearsay. I must say that I was surprised at the end, and I look forward to catching myself up by reading The Good Son.

If you are in the mood for a mystery, check this out. I will warn you that it is a little bloody, and there are certainly more cerebral tales, but still, a very enjoyable read.

Jan - 1st Half

Have I mentioned in previous posts that I love fantasy? Well, I do. A lot. So, prepare yourselves, readers, for an entire post about fantasy novels. :)

Although it is my favorite genre, I will freely admit that there is some truly horrid and poorly written fantasy out there, and I had the misfortune to read one such book so far this month. The others, however? Fabulous. This is why, although I am all about pimping books, I'm no book slut when it comes to buying. Before I buy a book for myself, I need a blind date first. Thank God for libraries! Once I am totally enamored with a particular author or book series, then I have no qualms in buying both the "analog" and eBook version for my future reading pleasure.

All the books I read this month were library books, but I will probably purchase Jacqueline Carey's books (natch) and the Anne Bishop series I started reading.

Ready to go steady:

1) Santa Olivia by Jacqueline Carey

This book could not be more different than the tales set in Terre D'Ange. It is urban fantasy with a sort of post-apocalyptic feel to it. The prose is much different than Carey's lyrical voice in all of her other works that I have had the pleasure to read, but it is still compelling. It has more of a gritty, American author feel to it. Although the book is not an epic fantasy, Carey is still a wordsmith, and Loup's voice is as unique as the tale. I would give this book six stars if I could, and I can't wait to get Saint's Astray from the library!

2) The Black Jewels, Book 1: Daughter of the Blood by Anne Bishop

This is actually a re-read, but I am SOOO glad that I got back into this series. I love Anne Bishop's work, in particular the Ephemera series, which is a little less dark than the Black Jewels series. I started re-reading because I saw that a new book was published about this universe, and, having made the mistake of reading The Omen Machine without having re-read the rest of that series, I wanted to make sure I got back into the world of Terreille, Kaeleer and Hell.

Although this is set and cast on the shadowy side of things, in Anne Bishop's universe, this does not equate to evil. The darkness represents power, while, in many cases the light is exemplified by envy and truly evil deeds. This disparity between conventional notions of dark and light and Bishop's is made patently clear by the central plot of this book.

While I love nearly everything about this book (memorable characters, engaging plot, court intrigue), I must voice one gripe. I find the names Bishop chose for the characters in this book annoying. I find myself wanting to rename the characters for her, because it can get kind of hard to take the book seriously with all the ridiculous names she uses. Apart from that, I very highly recommend this author and series.

3) The Black Jewels, Book 2: Heir to the Shadows by Anne Bishop

Loved it even more than the first book in the series. This book also has all the hallmarks of that 'middle' book/movie in a trilogy. I NEED the next book. Now. Not when the one copy at my local library is available. NOW.

One thing that I realize all my favorite authors share - the characters grow and change, and they are imperfect, but with REAL imperfections (not things like crippling clumsiness). The changes that Bishop's characters go through in this middle installment of the series are profound - they heal from old wounds, and receive new ones as they grow and change. I am anxious to see how they deal with their new challenges in the next book in this series, Queen of the Darkness.

Sign me up for seconds:

1) Godslayer Chronicles, Book 1: Shadowfall by James Clemens
While this book certainly had themes similar to other fantasy books, the telling of the tale was quite unique. And I must say, if a book has quotes in the author's own made up language, its a good bet that the book will kind of rock. I was not disappointed. Shadowfall has very real characters who grow, change, love. It is filled with action and humor - everything you could want in a fantastic tale. There was even a nice little twist that left me desperate for book 2.

The only thing that had a little bit of an 'ick' factor for me was the 'humors' of the gods. Imagine, if you will, a whole set of immortal beings whose various humors have special properties. These beings come to Myrilla and are worshiped as gods and goddesses, and they have various handmaidens and men to collect their 'humors'. Blood and tears, I totally get why those are powerful. Semen too, is understandably powerful, and I suppose I can buy menses as the female counterpart to semen, even though that is kind of gross. Likewise, I can deal with the idea that a god's sweat has special properties, and their spit, even though I'm not in love with the idea. I draw the line, however, at imagining the useful properties of phlegm, yellow bile (aka urine) and black bile (aka #2). I'm not sure how Clemens settled on those humors, and I confess to chuckling at the idea that someone would be honored to be chosen as the Hand of Black Bile (that's right - the person whose honor it is to collect and store a god or goddesses' poo). Thankfully, discussion of the humors is fairly infrequent, so it doesn't really detract from the overall enjoyment of the book.

2) Kingmaker, Kingbreaker, Book1: The Innocent Mage by Karen Miller

Sort of hard to get into at first, because the author chose to write the voice of the protagonist in a sort of uneducated sounding vernacular, but once I got used to the style, I really enjoyed it. The adversity/challenges started really building rather late in the book, with the most devastating plot points happening in the last 75-100 pages. I'm cool with that though - I've read books by Terry Goodkind - the master of the 11th hour plot clusterfuck that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The very last scene just really grabbed me as kind of horrible and abrupt, and I must get my hands on the next book, stat.

Just friends:

1) The Disillusionists Trilogy, Book 1: Mind Games by Carolyn Crane

Intriguing urban fantasy novel, but it was a little complicated at times. It was kind of like X-Men meets Inception - the protagonist is a hypochondriac who learns how to project her fears into the minds of others (the Inception part), under the tutelage of a "highcap" who can see an individual's psychological road map (the X-Men part). There was also the right amount of titillation and humor mixed in to boot. Complicated plot aside, I enjoyed the book and will likely be reading more from this author.

2) Maledicte by Lane Robins
I came upon this book by way of one of those "If you like this, try this" websites, when looking for books similar to those by Jacqueline Carey. While I can see why these authors were compared, I was not so immediately enraptured with the prose in this book. I also found Maledicte to be overbalanced on the violence side of the sex/violence scale. Nevertheless, it is still a story with delicious schemes that also manages to wind together a coming of age of sorts and a love story. At several points in the story, I wanted to throw the book and scream at the protagonist, "You FUCKING idiot! The answers are right in front of your FACE!", but, in the end, my patience was rewarded. I can see myself exploring additional works by this author, but not right away.

Bad dates:

1) Divine by Mistake by PC Cast

I will never get back the time I wasted on this book. Thank GOD it was only about two hours. Now, I did see from reading the back that there was going to be sex. I'm no prude, I like sex. Likewise, I enjoy reading books that include some degree of titillation (see pretty much every other book I read the first half of this month). I thought, "Bring it on!" Boy was that a mistake.

The protagonist in this book is married off to a centaur. Yes, he can change himself into a man to celebrate the more carnal aspect of their marriage, but for much of the book, only his head, arms and torso are that of a man. I could have lived my entire life without having to read about how he could pleasure the protagonist (who is all human) WITHOUT shape shifting.

Now, had this been the only shocking part of the book, I could have dealt with it - after all, the plot was interesting: Modern day Oklahoman is magicked away to a fantasy realm where she is the living embodiment of a goddess, battling a pestilent foe with her people to protect the sanctity of their way of life. So much potential there. Having read the book, I can only say that I am appalled that this author was once an English teacher. If I had turned in papers this poorly written, surely I would have failed out of school. Bestiality AND badly written? I suggest you skip this one over when you are making your reading selections. If you are after fantasy and sex, do yourself a favor and read something by Jacqueline Carey. You won't regret it. I promise.