Small Favor by Jim Butcher “The Dresden Files” Book #10

Paperback: 560 pages - Publisher: Roc; Reprint edition (March 3, 2009) - Language: English - ISBN-10: 0451462009 - ISBN-13: 978-0451462008

 

Small Favor

by Jim Butcher

“The Dresden Files” Book #10

Wizard Harry Dresden’s life finally seems to be calming down. The White Council’s war with the vampiric Red Court is easing up, no one’s tried to kill him lately, and his eager apprentice is starting to learn real magic. For once, the future looks fairly bright.

But the past casts one hell of a long shadow.

Mab, monarch of the Winter Court of the Sidhe, calls in an old favor from Harry. Just one small favor he can’t refuse – one that will trap Harry Dresden between a nightmarish foe and an equally deadly ally and strain his skills and loyalties to their very limits.

And everything was going so well for once….

Review: You owe me a favor, Harry…

Finally, it seems that life is calming down some for Harry. But you never know when the past will come back to bite you in the ass…

Winter’s Queen Mab seeks out Harry; he owes her two favors, and she’s come to collect on. As Winter’s Emissary, she’s putting Harry in charge of finding Gentleman Johnny Marcone. Seems the man has been kidnapped, and that move is against the Accords. Harry doesn’t want to, but he has no choice.

Summer’s Queen Titania doesn’t like what’s happening and is sending everything she can to stop him.

But that’s not the worst of it. When the Denarians roll into town, Harry knows no good could come of any of this, no matter what side is hitting at him. In an effort to get Marcone back, Harry has asked the Archive to mediate a meeting between Harry and Nicodemus. And Harry walked right into their trap, for it’s the Archive they’re after. Should she be broken and take one of the coins, all hell would literally break loose.

So, now Harry has to find the Archive as well as Marcone, repay the favor, keep from getting killed by Queen Titania’s emissaries, all the while trying to keep his friends alive. Could things get any worse?

**There is no stopping Jim Butcher! One of the best series I’ll continue to read until Harry is no more, and I hope that doesn’t happen for a really, really, really long time.

How can you not like Harry Dresden. He is chivalrous, caring, funny, does whatever he can to keep his butt and those of his friends from getting fried, can be a little slow on the uptake when it comes to women, and is completely selfless. He’ll put himself in harm’s way before standing behind someone else. And when scenes get tense, his quips and one-liners make me laugh sometimes to the point of tears. As a defense mechanism to push back his fear, I love it!

The action scenes are superb and well written; descriptions have you right there in the thick of it, seeing everything around you, without going overboard. All characters are three-dimensional and you care for everyone one of the good guys, all while rooting them on to taking down the bad guys. Oh, and a love interest is starting to bloom for Harry as well, I think. I’m very interested to see where that line goes.

Mr. Butcher, you are one hell of an author and I hope Harry is around for a long, long time. I can’t wait for my daughter to be old enough to read this series!

Rating:

White Witch, Black Curse by Kim Harrison (“The Hollows/Rachel Morgan” series Book #7)

Hardcover: 512 pages - Publisher: Eos (February 24, 2009) - Language: English - ISBN-10: 0061138010 - ISBN-13: 978-0061138010

Here’s my review of White Witch, Black Curse. Three words: I LOVED IT!

And I’m going to make this interesting. Now, everyone who knows me knows I don’t buy hardcover – too expensive, and I’ve already planned on buying the paperback for my collection. However, I got this copy to read and review, along with the T-Shirt and Tomato-seed packet for the contest. I’m upping the contest. Would you like my copy of White Witch, Black Curse? Don’t forget to email me daily at bookaholicsreview@hotmail.com for a chance to win one of the three items up for grabs! The contest runs from now until March 31st.

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White Witch, Black Curse

by Kim Harrison

“The Hollows/Rachel Morgan” series Book #7

Some wounds take time to heal … and some scars never fade.

Rachel Morgan, kick-ass witch and bounty hunter, has taken her fair share of hits, and has broken lines she swore she would never cross. But when her lover was murdered, it left a deeper wound than Rachel ever imangined, and now she won’t rest until his death is solved … and avenged. Whatever the cost.

Yet the road to hell is paved with good intentions and when a new predator moves to the apex of the Inderlander food chain, Rachel’s past comes back to haunt her.

Literally.

Review: Fast-paced, plot twists and witty humor, unputdownable from start to finish.

**SPOILER ALERT**THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS**

Rachel can’t take it anymore. She needs to know who killed Kisten. Her determination leads her back to the boat with her psychiatrist, Ford, who is trying to help her remember what happened that day. Ivy’s investigation is going nowhere, and Rachel is determined to get a new lead. She remembers a thing or two and can’t wait to get back to Ivy to tell her what she remembered. But as they leave the boat, Ford receives a phone call. While investigating a case on the side, Glenn was badly beaten and left for dead. And his stepfather, Captain Edden of the FIB, is asking for Vampiric Charms for help. And while she’s accused of having no crime scene etiquette, Rachel’s unconventional methods find clues that crime scene techs missed, and blows the case wide open.

For banshees are what Glenn had encountered. A human couldn’t have beaten him so badly without the use of a weapon. And to make matters worse, a banshee child is part of the case. Banshees drain energy and emotions, and if they latch on, can literally kill a person by draining their life source.

Emotions ride high as Rachel’s brother, Robbie, comes to town to visit – and brought news with him: he’s getting married.

And the roller coaster doesn’t stop there. Rachel is nearly killed more than once, a ghost named Pierce is back from her past, Al is up to his usual tricks, Ivy not only blames herself for Kisten’s death but for their new banshee problem, Rachel is being called a Black Witch and is shunned, and now her mother is moving to Portland, then her full memory of what happened on Kisten’s boat comes back. Can things get any worse?

** An emotional roller coaster to say the least. 

Rachel is one hell of a character. Strong, she pushes herself to the max to do what is right, what is necessary, regardless of what happens to her. And no matter how she plans it, the repercussions come back to bite her in the ass, leaving her to defend herself, all while no one is listening.

Emotions roll right through the reader. Ms. Harrison writes it in such a way that you feel it, feel everything, that the characters feel, whether it’s guilt, desperation, determination, you feel it all.

Filled with mystery, action, suspense and emotions, White Witch, Black Curse is more than your typical roller coaster ride with characters that you love – and love to hate. Descriptions so clear and concise, you feel everything, see everything. In my opinion, her best book yet!

Rating:

Warlord by Angela Knight contains “Jane’s Warlord,” “Warfem,” “The Warlord and the Fem,” and “Baby, You’ve Changed”

Paperback: 410 pages - Publisher: Berkley Trade (September 4, 2007) - Language: English - ISBN-10: 0425217841 - ISBN-13: 978-0425217849

 

Warlord

by Angela Knight

contains “Jane’s Warlord,” “Warfem,” “The Warlord and the Fem,” and “Baby, You’ve Changed”

Together for the first time – the acclaimed novel and novella that turned Knight into “a rising star in the paranormal pantheon” (Midwest Book Review) – plus two never-before-published stories set in an erotically charged workd that “will set your blood on fire and have you begging for mre…” (In The Library Reviews)

In Jane’s Warlord reporter Jane Colby has made a startling discovery about a recent murder. The killer has struck before – hundreds of years in the past. Now’s he’s jumped through time to find his next victim … Jane. Her only hope lies with Baran Arvid – a genetically engineered warrior from hundreds of years in the future sent to capture the predatory time traveler – even if it means using jane as bait. But can they survive the galaxies that come between them – and a madman bent on destroying them?

In Warfem a strange destiny has reunited the seductive Warfem Alina and Baird, the sexually dynamic Warlord who shared his lover’s young fantasies twenty years ago. But in this time apart, a dangerous new spark has been ignited between them. One that has held Alina captive in another’s plot of death and betrayal…

Review: Erotically charged, action, mystery, suspense, together with paranormal sci-fi elements – Knight is one heck of an author!

Jane’s Warlord

As the newspaper reporter at a crime scene, Jane Colby can only imagine how horrible the crime scene must be if the lead detective comes out and “tosses his cookies”. Upon arriving home, she faces a rather large man and what looks like a rather large wolf who broke into her home. But Baran and his partner, Freika, convince her that their there to save her, to protect her, from the murderer. Traveled back in time, Baran and his partner sent to stop the murderer and he needs Jane. Only, Jane isn’t meek. Strong, self-reliant, with a past that haunts her, she wants to fight and to use herself as bait, regardless of her fear. But not only does she accept that he’s from three hundred years into the future, she’s afraid she’s losing her heart to him, and worried about how much she’ll have changed once he goes back, for she’s losing her heart to him..

**Incredible as only Angela Knight can make it. With believable details, you really like Baran and Freika right from the start. What I liked was how Jane stood up to him even knowing that he could overpower her. I loved their banter, especially with Freika. Action was great, love scenes superb that make you squirm in your seat. Excellent plot well carried out. A truly fine story.

Warfem

Warfem Alina is carrying a file for the one she serves. She is to deliver the file, on the promise that her mistress, Rajin, would finally release her from duty and give her back her son. Baird is investigating a case of treason, afraid that his ex-lover, the woman he loved, is knee-deep in it. And while he doesn’t want to believe it, extenuating circumstances forced her to do as her mistress bid. But no more. Alina is tired of the threat Rajin holds over her son and will do whatever is necessary to get her son out of harms way. What Baird doesn’t know is that, even after twenty years, Alina still loves him, had been forced to leave him. Question is, will he understand and believe when the truth stands in front of him in the form of a ten-year-old boy?

**I liked this one. The action was great, the plot well done, even if it was small. I think Ms. Knight could have actually made this one into a novel instead of a novella, adding more to the story. I think my fave part is of the boy taking down the one person who could destroy them all. Perfect ending!

The Warlord and the Fem

Apparently, these last two first appeared on a yahoo group and added them to the book. Truthfully, I think they could have stayed out of the book. I won’t go really into deal, cause there isn’t much to begin with. Baird, a Warlord (not to be confused with Baird from Warfem – this Baird is a different character,) fights to become part of a mercenary group because of Kyna. Kyna is a Warfem, and Baird wasn’t her as his mate. But Kyna refuses, for she remembers spying on an “episode” with her sister and her Warlord, and it freaked her out. She swore to herself she would never be with a Warlord, would never play the submissive to their dominant ways in the bedroom. But Baird is determined. What I liked was that he did his damndest to “court” her, playing chess, talking, taking walks, all in the name of having her as his mate. I think, though, that Kyna could have fought him a little harder in the last scene, and while their lovemaking was great, it was short of spectacular. Could have been better – the whole story could have been.

Baby, You’ve Changed

Did not like – not one bit. There was nothing to it. Warfem Tamir and her ship, the Xe’vit, fight and lose the battle to Captain Gage Deauxville and his ship, the Intrepid. But he’s not after her ship – he’s after her. Years ago, as teens, Tamir had humiliated him, for humans aren’t strong enough to play the dominant, as Warfems need. But now Gage isn’t just merely human anymore, but a vampire, strong enough if not stronger, than Tamir. He intends to take his revenge on her in the way of how Warlord do. What I didn’t like was how. Until she submitted to him, what he was going to do was rape, and that left a sour taste in my mouth. Yes, I know that some have that fantasy, of being taken against their will. This was so not for me. Period. ‘Nough said.

Overall, I really liked the book and recommend it to any sci-fi, paranormal fan.

Rating:

The Accidental Sorcerer by K.E. Mills (‘Rogue Agent’ trilogy Book #1)

Mass Market Paperback: 560 pages - Publisher: Orbit (January 1, 2009) - Language: English - ISBN-10: 0316035424 - ISBN-13: 978-0316035422

 

The Accidental Sorcerer

by K.E. Mills

‘Rogue Agent’ trilogy Book #1

Gerald Dunwoody is a wizard.

Just not a particularly good one.

He’s blown up a factory, lost his job, and there’s a chance that he’s not really a Third Grade wizard after all. So it’s off to New Ottosland to be the new Court Wizard for King Lional.

It’s a shame that King Lional isn’t the vain, self-centered young man he appears to be. With a princess in danger, a talking bird that can’t stay out of trouble, and a kingdom to save, Gerald soon suspects that he might be out of his depth. And if he can’t keep this job, how will he ever become the wizard he was destined to be…?

The Accidental Sorcerer is the first novel in the Rogue Agent trilogy, from one of fantasy’s newest starts.

Review: Can Gerald get into any more trouble?

As a compliance officer (on probation) for the Department of Thaumaturgy, Gerald Dunwoody heads to Stuttley’s Superior Staff factory for a snap inspection. Seems that the safety statements, that are supposed to be witnessed and signed, haven’t been sent in for the last two months, which is a breach of regulations. But while there, an accident occurs, and Gerald is being blamed.

Fired, he slips a little into a depression, sure that he won’t find another, not for a while at least, until the factory debackle has died down. But his friend, Monk, spots what could potentially be a job for him. Seems the king of New Ottosland is looking for a court wizard. At this point, Gerald would be happy to get anything. And off he goes.

But things aren’t what they seem. In any aspect. Something happened to Gerald in that factory, and now he can do things that even most First Grade wizards can’t. And by doing something he didn’t think he could do, he unwittingly put himself in a position that he’ll only be able to get out of by the skin of his teeth.

Princess Melissandre is smarter than most give her credit for. She’s deliberately made herself look frumpy; she refuses to end up anything like the long list of Princess Melissandres before her. But as the sister of the king, she’s blind to that Lional is truly up to.

Seems Prince Rupert is also hiding behind a mask. Acting like the dim-witted little brother obsessed with butterflies, he knows a lot more than anyone would think. But to reveal what he knows could put him in harms way.

And King Lional… he wants to take New Ottosland to heigher heights than the previous kings before him. He has ‘visions’ of New Ottosland being a land to be reckoned with. He wants to take New Ottosland out of their relaxed and out-dated traditions and rise to the top. And the way he’s going about it is all wrong. See, King Lional has gone mad. He wanted so much to be a wizard since he was a kid, and has become obsessed with what he wants. No one truly understand at what lengths he’ll go to, and Gerald learns it quickly – the hard way.

But will Gerald be strong enough to stop him?

I enjoyed this story. At first, I thought the story would be a fun, light read, something to breeze through on the way to the next novel. How wrong was I! Deep-seated feelings, thoughts, plot twists, things you never saw coming. Characters who aren’t what they appear to be. Action, drama, mystery, the dialogue isn’t simple, thoughts aren’t simple, actions aren’t simple.

A few things bugged me a little, though. For instance, King Lional. Seemed like a typical king as I’ve read before. Demanding, superior, arrogant, just like a lot of kings are, but you get a sense right away that something isn’t right, and it bugged me a little that no one could see it. A brother and sister blind to it, okay, I get that. Staff and servants stay way from it, I get that too. Gerald spots something’s off, and yet no one has a clue? All those missing wizards and not one thing is done about it? Wizards leaving messages that they’re going off, but to never been seen or heard from again? How can people be that blind?

I found Gerald to be a little naive and under confident of himself. It felt like he really didn’t have any idea on how to conduct himself, how to be with other people. I mean, sure, the whole job as a court wizard is new to him, but his uncomfortableness around other people made me feel uncomfortable, and I really didn’t like that.

But, in the end, Gerald really does redeem himself, doesn’t he? No matter how scared he was, he fought to the finish; he used his fear to beat his opponent, and a job well done. I think anyone who swears an oath to do no harm, and that choice is taken away from him, would be down on himself, but I think he’ll become stronger for it.

Reg – delightful bird, isn’t she, LMAO?! Oh, she had me in stitches that one. Her comments, her views, how she really doesn’t care of your status… excellent characters – for a bird.

LOL, and I can’t help but wonder if a little ‘something-something’ is going to happen between Melissandre and Monk…

Rating:

Perfect Victim by Jay Bonansinga (‘Ulysses Grove’ series Book #4)

Paperback: 352 pages - Publisher: Pinnacle (December 1, 2008 ) - Language: English - ISBN-10: 078601878X - ISBN-13: 978-0786018789

 

Perfect Victim

by Jay Bonansinga

‘Ulysses Grove’ series Book #4

A slashed female corpse … a footprint, a tire track … a trail of blood in a crowded shopping mall. Even the most jaded cops are horrified by the carnage. But to seasoned FBI profiler Ulysses Grove, the evidence spells out a much more personal message – a threat that speaks to Grove alone…

METICULOUS KILLER…

He chooses his victims with care. He plans their murders with painstaking precision; he studies the most notorious slayers. He’s gone to extremes to achieve his goals – committed to fulfilling his destiny as history’s greatest serial killer…

With precious lives at stake, at his very soul on the line, Grove throws himself into the chase – and into a trap from which there’s no escape…

Review: Synopsis promises excitement – author failed to deliver.

Anyone who’s read my more recent reviews usually get a brief rundown of what I read, what I liked and disliked. With this one, I’m sorry, but I’m not wasting my time.

The synopsis had my attention, I figured this one was right down my alley. How misleading! The prologue and first couple of chapters had my attention. From then on, I had to force myself to read this book. For me, that’s not good – not good at all. I felt absolutely nothing for the characters: not for Ulysses, or his wife Maura, nor anyone else. One dimensional, no depth, no personality. The only one I actually liked was their toddler! The plot was ridiculous, unlikely and far-fetched.

One Amazon.com reviewer wrote: “Bonansinga’s protagonist is a ludicrous cross between Jesus Christ (think immaculate conception — no, really,) Sherlock Holmes and an African-American Batman. Sort of like an Anne Rice character, without the benefit of imagination, plot device and literary skill. And I use those terms loosely.” – Thank you, Anonyme from Oregon, I couldn’t have said it any better myself.

I had to wonder if perhaps I’d have liked the book more if I’d read the others in the series. All their synopsis’ sound good, but seeing as I really didn’t like the characters, nor the plot, in this one, I highly doubt I’ll go out of my way to get a copy. If it’s passed to me, that’s still a huge maybe.

And the ending… good grief! How anyone, let alone the main character, could have survived that is anyone’s guess – it was that far-fetched. Understandable how his mind wasn’t intact after that – but for his wife and kid to walk into the room and suddenly remember who he is…  honestly, Mr. Bonansinga, did you really think we’d be able to swallow it?

If his characters had been more believable, if there’s been more mystery to the plot, and if he’d left out the spiritual/paranormal mumbo jumbo (didn’t believe any of it for a second, not even a nano-second,) maybe, just maybe, I’d be more inclined to read some of his other work. As it stand: No.

Rating:

Through Violet Eyes by Stephen Woodworth (‘Violet Eyes’ series Book #1)

Format: Mass Market Paperbound - Published: August 31, 2004 - 368 Pages - ISBN: 0553803379 - Published By: Dell

 

Through Violet Eyes

by Stephen Woodworth

‘Violet Eyes’ series book #1

In a world where the dead can testify against the living, someone is getting away with murder. Because to every generation are born a select few souls with violet-colored eyes, and the ability to channel the dead. Both rare and precious – and rigidly controlled by a society that craves their services – these Violets perform a number of different duties. The most fortunate increase the world’s cultural heritage by channeling the still-creative spirits of famous dead artists and musicians. The least fortunate aid the police and the law courts, catching criminals by interviewing the deceased victims of violent crime.

But now the Violets themselves have become the target of a brutal serial murderer – a murderer who had learned how to mask his or her identity even from the victims. Can the FBI, aided by a Violet so scared of death that she is afraid to live, uncover the criminal in time? Or must more of her race be dispatched to the realm that has haunted them all since childhood?

Review: I started and finished this book on Saturday, May 19th, 2007.

What can I say… I thought this book was pretty good, for a debut novel. I liked the plot, wasn’t too thrilled on the ending, though. I thought the characters needed a little more development – there wasn’t enough of who they were and why their thoughts were the way they were. I didn’t like the romance part of it – it just didn’t seem natural to me, kind of like a ‘now or never’ situation, and I didn’t enjoy that.

I did, however, thought that the whole “Violet” thing was definitely a very fresh idea. I’d never read anything like that before, and I enjoyed the aspect of it tremendously. I still think the plot could’ve used some more work, but not bad for a debut novel. I may just give another of his novels a try.

Rating: .75

Ghost Story by Peter Straub

Format: Mass Market Paperbound - Published: September 1, 1989 - 560 Pages - ISBN: 0671685635 - Published By: Pocket

 

Ghost Story

by Peter Straub

“In life, not every sin goes unpunished.”

GHOST STORY

For four aging men in the terror-stricken town of Milburn, New York, an act inadvertently carried out in their youth has come back to haunt them. Now they are about to learn what happens to those who believe they can bury the past – and get away with murder.

Peter Straub’s classic bestseller is a work of “superb horror” (The Washington Post Book World) that, like any good story, stand the test of time – and conjures our darkest fears and nightmares.

Review: Finished Friday, April 27th, 2007. Okay, how should I do this without concerning people … it wasn’t a bad book. Honestly, it wasn’t, but Straub writes sort of like Stephen King, the weird, strange, creepy stuff, and I need to be in the mood to read it. I wasn’t, and that’s more than likely why I had a hard time getting into it, and getting it finished. It’s not that it wasn’t interesting, cause it was, I just wastn’ in the mood to read that kind of writing. I thought the characters played out well, however shallow some seemed. The book bounced around some between characters, which I actually sort of liked, kind of like getting different points of view and feelings from each character about what’s going on. I may even read it again if I’m in the mood for the strange, weird and creepy.

Rating: .75

The Converging by George Straatman

Mass Market Paperback - May 2006 - 632 Pages - ISBN 0-9780125-0-X - Published by: Amberdias Publishing

 

The Converging

by George Straatman

(Timmins, Ontario, Canada author! – my hometown!)

‘The Converging’ series Book #1

Lost in the majestic forests of the Pacific Northwest, Semelar was a sleepy town where time flowed like a meandering river. Semelar was home to Elizabeth Simpson, a jewel whose radiance rivaled a diamond set on a bed of velvet. This jewel would draw the attention of a powerful and rapacious evil intent upon possessing its beauty. In evil’s wake would come others who lived only to purge blackness from the world. Together, they would descend on Semelar and draw the unsuspecting town into the maelstrom that is the Converging.

When David Stillman returned to his birthplace of Semelar, Washington, intent on exorcising the demons of a childhood marred by poverty and alcoholism, he never suspected he would rekindle the one true love of his life. He also discovered the disturbing whisper of long-departed ghosts and a town  beset by violence and spiralling toward madness. Against this backdrop of grueseome death and carnage, he and a small band of allies must find the strength and courage to confront a demon of unimaginable power and guile. Only by exposing the true face of Evil can he protect the woman he loves and survive the horror of the Converging.

Review: Boy, where do I start. Mr. Straatman has his own writing style, and it wasn’t bad. The story was good, but it was long. A lot of different characters, but they all play a part, and each had their own individuality. I wasn’t too thrilled about the ending, especially David. I couldn’t understand that, after all he’d been through, he chose to live out of the rest of his life the way he had; goddamn coward. The ending is obviously a set up for Book #2, and I think I just may pick it up. It was different from what I’m used to reading, but it wasn’t bad … for his first book.

I will tell you what upset me, however. His editor should have hired someone to do the proofreading. OMG!!! It wasn’t so much as mispelled words, there wre only a few, but the rest… Periods misplaced or not there at all, the same with allt he punctuations. Also, when two different people are talking, they shouldn’t be in the same paragraph. It wasn’t a difficult read, and I think I was having a hard time reading it due to utter irritation because of this. I think I may just drop him a line. I mean, I use a word processor that helps with spelling, punctuation, and the like. Doesn’t he do the same? I hope he learns for the next time. I think I would hav enjoyed the story more if the punctuations where in their proper placed. For me, that’s a huge distraction. All in all, good story, likable/dislikable characters, a pretty good imagination… Not bad for a local author!

Book #2 – The Converging: Mark of the Demon available July 2008

Rating: .75

Magic Lost, Trouble Found by Lisa Shearin (‘Raine Benares’ series Book #1)

Format: Mass Market Paperbound - Published: May 29, 2007 - 352 Pages - ISBN: 0441015050 - Published By: Berkley

 

Magic Lost, Trouble Found

by Lisa Shearin

‘Raine Benares’ series Book #1

A girl with attitude. An all-powerful amulet.

This could only mean trouble.

My name is Raine Benares. I’m a seeker. The people who hire me are usually happy when I find things. But some things are better left unfound…

Raine is a sorceress of moderate powers, from an extended family of smugglers and thieves. With a mix of street smarts and magic spells, she can usually take care of herself. But when her friend Quentin, a hot-quite-reformed thief, steals an amulet from the home of a powerful necromancer, Raine finds herself wrapped up in more trouble than she cares for. She likes attention as much as the next girl, but having an army of militant goblins hunter her down is not her idea of a good time. The amulet they’re after holds limitless power, derived from an ancient, soul-stealing stone. And when Raine takes possession of the item, it takes possession of her.

Now her moderate powers are increasing beyond anything she could imagine – but is the resume enhancement worth her soul?

Review: I finished this novel on Sunday morning, July 8th, 2007. An excellent first novel to a new series!

I thought it was great! As a first book, you meet the characters – all of them. The ones to adore, the ones to hate… Raine is an excellent female character. Brave, strong, does what she has to despite how she feels about doing it. I can’t wait to see what she gets herself into next.

The secondary characters all tie in with her in some way, and I like the diversity of them, whether friend, family, or a really hot guy. And I can’t wait to read more about them!

I loved the setting. Shearin uses her imagination to the max, creating a whole new world with really great characters, good and bad. The good ones made you sigh, the bad ones gave you the creeps. And the surroundings are described so perfectly that you wouldn’t know this place doesn’t exist. The action is superb. The plot was beautifully orchestrated, making the novel damn near ‘unputdownable!’ Different in style, no complete romance but just a hint of, leaving you wanting more… *sigh!* 

Can’t wait for Book #2, Armed and Magical!

Rating: .5

Fool Moon by Jim Butcher (‘The Dresden Files’ series Book #2)

Format: Mass Market Paperbound - Published: January 3, 2001 - 352 Pages - ISBN: 0451458125 - Published By: Roc MM

 

Fool Moon

by Jim Butcher

‘The Dresden Files’ series Book #2

Business has been slow. Okay, business has been dead. And not even of the undead variety. You would think Chicago would have a little more action for the only professional wizard in the phone book. But lately, Harry Dresden hasn’t been able to dredge up any kind of work – magical or mundane.

But just when it looks like he can’t afford his next meal, a murder comes along that requires his particular brand of supernatural expertise.

A brutally mutilated corpse. Strange-looking paw prints. A full moon. Take three guesses – and the first two down’t count…

Review: I finished this book on Wednesday, May 23rd, 2007. As the second book in ’The Dresden Files’ series, it was just as awesome as the first.

Harry is a character in a class all his own. He’s smart, deduces things quickly, and more than makes up for his lack of brawn. He’s completely original, and I’ll never see his sort of character in another book. His natural mix of old-fashioned chivalry, common sense and curiosity is a joy to read.

I do hope that, in future books, Murphy will understand Harry more. I can understand why he doesn’t tell her ‘all’, but she still deserves to know everything so that she can understand where he’s coming from when he ‘omits’ something.

I thought the rest of the characters were perfect for this story – a mix of magic and ‘werewolves of different varieties’ and I liked those different varieties. It’s the first time I read the entire mix, and I enjoyed that. Usually in a novel, differences aren’t pointed out – just what is, is. But this was way different.

I truly enjoy Jim Butcher’s flare and imagination when he writes his stories, his characters. They feel ‘true to life’ in so many ways. All the emotions Harry feels for his friends and acquantances, you, as the reader, feel them as well, just like anyone would. I sooooo can’t wait to get my hands on the third book, Grave Peril.

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