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.

Books from before - Part 2

Since I am home and feeling wretched, I thought I would at least post the second installment of my Books from Before. Enjoy!

#36. The Phoenix Unchained by Mercedes Lackey

Read it (and the rest of the series). Typical fantasy, and rather enjoyable too, but a little young for my taste.

#37. The Unit by Ninni Holmqvist

Read it. Depressing and intriguing at the same time, and kind of reminded me of the movie The Island.

#38. Blood and Chocolate by Annette Curtis Klause

Read it. As far as young adult fantasy books go, it was pretty good. I definitely liked it much more than other YA werewolf books…

#39. Daughter of the Flames by Zoe Marriott

Read it. Really enjoyed it. Although it is a fantasy book, and includes a princess, she is an ass-kicking warrior priestess first. So, that has to count for something. This is a touching fantasy novel that any young adult would enjoy.

#40. The Jane Austen Book Club by Karen Joy Fowler

Read it. Haven’t seen the movie yet (I doubt I could make Corey watch it). This was a pretty good book – I must say it is the first time I considered that Charlotte Lucas might have been a lesbian, and that actually holds up after additional thought. This book definitely gets kudos for making me think of favorite classics in a new way.

#41. The Sweetgum Knit Lit Society by Beth Pattillo

Read it. It was OK. And made me realize that I can live the rest of my life without ever reading another ‘romance’. These books are just so bland, as a general rule. There isn’t really a plot, there is just…melodrama. This genre is like the soap opera of the book world, and I am just fine without that.

#42. On the Edge by Ilona Andrews

Read it (and Bayou Moon)! This is the kind of romance I can really enjoy. Not the soap opera kind, rather the action packed, “I’m a kick ass woman, so you better send me a REAL man” kind. I have read several of the Kate Daniels Books by Ilona Andrews, and this was a little different, but I really liked it. The setting kind of reminded me of the swampy, gothic decay of Charlaine Harris’ Bon Temps, but the writing style and plot lines sure do blow Sookie out of the water.

#43. The Dark Lantern by Gerri Brightwell

Read it! This was like Matchstick Men meets Oliver Twist, only darker. It was kind of intriguing, although I could see how some people may not have enjoyed it - it does take some time for all the plot points to fully unwind.

#44. The Dark Vineyard by Martin Walker

Read it! Mystery, set in French countryside? Yes please! This was an excellent mystery novel, and reminded me of just how much I love all things French. You should read it. Really.

#45. Three Wishes: A True Story of Good Friends, Crushing Heartbreak and Astonishing Luck on Our Way to Love and Motherhood by Casey Goldberg, Beth Jones and Pamela Ferdinand

Read it! Although the title is a huge mouthful, this book is amazing. As a 30 something woman who feels the ever more insistent ticking of her biological clock, this book was truly heart rending. It touched me in a very meaningful way, and I recommend it to any woman struggling with fertility or any other type of personal adversity.

Books from Before - Part 1

So, are you wondering what happened to those 30 odd books that used to be on my sidebar? Well, I read them. Plus many others. But back to those books (the others are kind of irrelevant at this point). To make the new start nice and fresh, I wanted to give a quick run down on those 30ish books. Just in case you were curious.

#24. First Rider's Call by Kristen Britain

Read it! After The Green Rider, I was really into this fantasy world. I liked the further exploration of Karrigan's powers in this book, and looked forward to finishing up the series with the next book. Except the series didn't end there, but more on that later.

#25. The Cello Suites: JS Bach, Pablo Casals and the Search for a Baroque Masterpiece by Eric Siblin

Read it, and totally loved it. As a cellist, I found this book fascinating, and I think that any history lover or musician would enjoy it too. Pablo Casals had such an amazing life, and I really enjoyed how the book itself joined Bach, Casals and the actual piece as well.

#26. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

Read it! Maybe the Classics aren’t so bad? This really stoked my interest in politics again, and Corey and I had many debates about it.

#27. The High King's Tomb by Kristen Britain

Read it! First thoughts? “I wish that Kristen Britain would resolve this plot already”. But, I did enjoy it, and will be reading the next book in the series soon.

#28. Cakes and Ale by W Somerset Maugham

Read it, and wish I could get those moments of my life back. This is everything I hate about Classic literature. If you are even tempted to read this book...don't.

#29. Inside Out by Maria V Snyder

Read it! I love Maria V Snyder, and this was just a great read. If you have a young adult reader in your house, buy this for them. They will really enjoy it. The sequel, Outside In, was good too! I can't wait to read her next book (not part of this series), A Touch of Power.

#30. The Other Boelyn Girl by Philippa Gregory

Read it! Not so sure it is really historically accurate, but fairly enjoyable all the same. Also, I did quite enjoy the movie, but that could just be because my bestie & I watched it together at a "sleepover" (can you still have those past 28 years old? We made pitas fried in bacon fat and pumpkin cake, so I guess that kind of counts).

#31. American Gods by Neil Gaiman

Read it! I.Loved. This. Book. And now I understand why everyone thinks Neil Gaiman is the shit. If you haven’t read it, remedy immediately.

#32. Silver Borne by Patricia Briggs

Read it! Nice little diversion, as always. Patricia Briggs is such a good author for a quick urban fantasy read, and you can depend on her books to draw you in. Plus, I really like her heroine - she isn't really a girly girl, and I dig that.

#33. Green by Jay Lake

Read it, and thought it was so-so. I felt like an entirely new plot started halfway through, which was odd because the original plot was so good.

#34. The Beekeeper's Apprentice by Laurie R King

Read it, loved it. I thought the whole Sherlock Holmes spin-off was brilliant, and it made me want to read more Sherlock Holmes books. It was like classic literature fan fiction.

#35. Psion by Joan D Vinge

Read it! Really, really liked it. This is what sci-fi should be, in my mind. I have notions of reading the rest of this series in the near future, once I finish what is currently on my plate, so to speak.