Ode to bloggers..
11 October 2016
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: 10 book blogger recommendations, Broke and Bookish, Top Ten Tuesday
Every Tuesday over at the The Broke and Bookish we all get to look at a particular topic for discussion and use various (or more to the point ten) examples to demonstrate that particular topic. The topic this week is :
Ten Books I’ve Read Because Of Another Blogger
One of the beauties of blogging is the number of amazing books that I’ve picked up as a result of great recommendations. This list barely scratches the surface of course – not to mention I can’t in fairness always remember who recommended a book. Of course a lot of books I’ve stumbled on purely by good fortune (or dumb luck) but here are a few examples of books that I probably would have overlooked (at least for a while):
- I am Legend by Richard Matheson – this is one of many titles that I came to read courtesy of Jenny at Wondrous Reads.
- The Troupe by Robert J Bennett – recommended to me by Andrea at The Little Red Reviewer – again, one of many titles that I’ve picked up from this excellent blog!
- The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman – I first read about this on Carl’s Stainless Steel Droppings blog – I can also credit Sanderson’s Way of Kings and Butcher’s Dresden files to my early exploration of this blog.
- The Kushiel books by Jacqueline Carey. To be honest I had already read Kushiel’s Dart but hadn’t continued with the series. Thanks to Susan at Dab of Darkness and a number of readalongs involving a host of other bloggers I’m now in the process of reading my sixth book from this series (Kushiel’s Mercy).
- My favourite UF of the moment – the Toby Daye series by Seanan McGuire. Currently reading book six as part of a readalong. I wouldn’t have picked up this series without the readalongs organised by Lisa at Over The Effing Rainbow.
- Danya at Fine Print recommended to me Burn for Me by Ilona Andrews which was a rather sizzling first in series that I really look forward to continuing with!
- Mogsy at the Bibliosanctum first drew my attention to Dreamer’s Pool by Juliet Marillier which I loved.
- Lisa at Tenacious Reader recently wrote a review for Rae Carson’s Walk on Earth a Stranger. Now, I had seen this around the blogosphere a number of times and I like the look of it already but this review I think really pushed me over the edge with this one. I haven’t yet picked it up but it’s on the top of my list now.
- The next two are slightly different. The Classics Club blog is a blog where people come together to talk about classic literature and to set themselves up with a list of books that they would like to way. It’s a way of encouraging us all to pick up some of the older books that we might otherwise not get to. I’ve read some good books so far – my last one was the very dark and spooky House of Usher by Poe.
- Finally, three different sci fi events hosted by Rinn Reads, Stainless Steel Droppings and Little Red Reviewer that have increased my sci reading enormously. For example, I never would have read Flowers for Algernon or Fahrenheit 451 without these events and that would have been a crying shame.
And now, a little buffet of covers:
A Deadly Affection (Dr. Genevieve Summerford Mystery #1) by Cuyler Overholt
10 October 2016
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: A Deadly Affection, Cuyler Overholt, Dr Genevieve Summerford Mystery #1
A Deadly Affection is the first instalment in what I hope will turn into a series starring the rather forward thinking Dr Genevieve Summerford. The year is 1907, the setting is New York, and whilst many women during that period suffered a deplorable lack of choice Genevieve is fortunate enough to have graduated as a Doctor. One of the few (if not the only) female doctor of the era. At the start of the story as we meet Genevieve we are made familiar with her desire to move into the progressive branch of psychology. She longs to help women with mental disorders that she believes are connected with traumas they have suffered. No stranger to loss herself this is an ambition very close to Genevieve’s heart and although she meets with objections all along the line she is determined to succeed.
Having been introduced to a number of women deemed appropriate to become potential patients Genevieve takes her first therapy class. Disappointingly this first session doesn’t go as well as Genevieve hoped, it seems everyone is a sceptic, that is until the end when one of the women stays behind to speak with her and seek advice. And this is where the murder mystery begins! The young woman in question is Eliza. A young woman unhappy about an event in her past. Genevieve advises her to confront her doctor and so the next day when the doctor in question turns up dead with Eliza on the scene covered in blood things don’t really look to promising.
From here, Genevieve becomes involved in the murder case, determined to prove Eliza’s innocence and also, to be honest, feeling not just a little guilty for having provoked the visit by Eliza to her doctor in the first place
Why did I like this? Well, firstly it’s a very easy to read story. The writing style is enjoyable and the author finds a good mix of plot versus attention to detail. I enjoyed the time period and I think that the author does a good job of recreating the feel of the time and place. On top of this it’s a very interesting period to read about, a time of innovation and invention and one in which women, such as Genevieve, were finally taking steps to have a voice. Alongside this I think the overall story art and conclusion were very intriguing and I’m hoping that this book will lay the tracks for Genevieve to become involved in future murder mysteries. I’m hopeful that her insights into the psychological aspects that make a person tick together with her medical knowledge could become a valuable asset to the police at a time when investigative techniques were just starting to evolve.
In terms of characters. Well, Genevieve’s parents are part of the well to do set, whilst not quite top notch they are fortunate enough to enjoy their position of privilege and wealth mingling with the most prominent members of New York’s elite society. The family suffered a shocking loss a few year’s earlier when Genevieve’s brother died in a tragic accident. Genevieve has always blamed herself and relationships between her and her father are a little strained. On top of this, as a young adult Genevieve became romantically involved with a man deemed totally inappropriate by her parents and she was hastily packed off to Europe. These issues are all examined during the course of the story and help to give a good feel for the family dynamic.
In terms of criticisms – not a great deal to speak of. I would like to spend a little more time with Genevieve to get to know her better. She’s not perfect – she makes mistakes and then probably makes even more mistakes as she stumbles around trying to rectify things and she can be a little bit clueless in terms of her own personal safety – but I like imperfection in my protagonists. More realistic that way. I also thought the conclusion was a little bit more convoluted than I ever anticipated but I certainly never had an inkling of what was to come which was certainly a bonus.
I don’t have a lot of opportunity to read historical dramas any more as I predominantly focus on SFF so this was a very welcome interlude for me. I thought the story was well paced and intriguing and I would definitely pick up future works in this series.
Thanks to the publishers for approving me for a copy of A Deadly Affection, courtesy of Netgalley. The above is my own opinion.
Me in 5 Characters Tag
9 October 2016
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Greenish Bookshelf blog, Me in 5 Characters Tag, Rosereadblog
Thank you to the greenish bookshelf for tagging me in the ‘Me in 5 Characters’ – tag. It’s fairly self-explanatory – name 5 characters that in a nutshell make up your character. I’m a little bit late with this one – but ‘better late than never’ could be my middle name and in fact that brings me to my first character:
From Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland: The White Rabbit – I’m always late. Put simply I underestimate the amount of time that I need to undertake a task and the actual reality of the situation. I leave lots of things until the last minute and in fact everyone of my family and friends knows this about me. I will alway be as late as I possibly can get away with being!
Bram Stoker’s Dracula – okay, to be clear – I don’t drink blood and I’m not one of the undead BUT I am a person who likes the night over the day! When I’m off work I always stay up late at night – consequently this leads me to my next character:
Rip Van Winkle – I could win medals for sleeping. I may stay up late into the wee hours but I also stay in bed very late the following day. You couldn’t wake me if you tried. I have to have my alarm clock at the other end of the room so that it makes me get out of bed to turn it off. I have to have eight hours sleep or I’m like a bear with a sore head and I can sleep anywhere! In a disco, on the bus, on a plane!
Marian Halcombe from Wilkie Collins Woman in White – I’d like to think I’d be resourceful and sensible like Marian – she makes a great adversary to the Count and she’s just one of those very upfront (blunt maybe), unromantic characters who doesn’t faint on a whim!
And finally, book loving – obviously! There are a number of fictional characters that spring to mind but I think I would probably go with Liesel from The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak – okay, again just to be clear, I’ve not quite reached the stage of stealing books yet – but you have to remember that Liesel was desperate!
So, in a nutshell, I’m a nocturnal, sleepy, book reading rabbit who is never on time for anything!
Now, I should really choose some lucky people to tag myself but I’ve decided to tag you all – if you want to have a think about 5 characters that have similar traits then please go for it and drop me a link – surprisingly, this is a lot more difficult than I originally thought so I challenge you all! Mwahaahaha.
Kushiel’s Mercy (Imriel’s Trilogy #3) by Jacqueline Carey readalong week No.1
9 October 2016
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Imriel's Trilogy #3, Jacqueline Carey, Kushiel's Mercy, readalong week 1
Having learned a lesson about thwarting the will of the gods, Imriel and Sidonie publicly confess their affair, only to see the country boil over in turmoil. Younger generations, infatuated by their heart-twisting, star-cross romance, defend the couple. Many others cannot forget the betrayals of Imriel’s mother, Melisande, who plunged their country into a bloody war that cost the lives of their fathers, brothers, and sons.
To quell the unrest, Ysandre, the queen, sets her decree. She will not divide the lovers, yet neither will she acknowledge them. If they marry, Sidonie will be disinherited, losing her claim on the throne.
There’s only one way they can truly be together. Imriel must perform an act of faith: search the world for his infamous mother and bring her back to Terre d’Ange to be executed for treason.
Facing a terrible choice, Imriel and Sidonie prepare ruefully for another long separation. But when a dark foreign force casts a shadow over Terre d’Ange and all the surrounding countries, their world is turned upside down, alliances of the unlikeliest kind are made, and Imriel and Sidonie learn that the god Elua always puts hearts together apurpose.
Oct. 16th Week 2: Chpts. 11-22 (Hosted by Tethyan Books)
Oct. 23rd Week 3: Chpts. 23-35 (Hosted by Emma Wolf)
Oct. 30th Week 4: Chpts. 36-49 (Hosted by Emma Wolf)
Nov. 6th Week 5: Chpts. 50-62 (Hosted by Lynn’s Book Blog)
Nov. 13th Week 6: Chpts. 63-75 (Hosted by Tethyan Books)
Nov. 20th Week 7: Chpts. 76-END (Hosted by Over the Effing Rainbow)
#SPFBO Spotlight : the sixth set of books..
This is my sixth and final batch of books for the SPFBO! I’ve already started these so I’m on track to complete the first stage fairly soon. I’ve listed below my links to updates and reviews for the first/second/third/fourth and fifth batch of books.
The book choices are being randomly chosen. I’m aiming to read about 20% of each book or five chapters (which I think should be enough to give me a fair idea of whether or not the book could be my potential final choice). Basically, if one of the books is standing out above the other four then that will be the clear choice from that section.
My next set of five are below. I’ve added underneath each a synopsis (taken from Goodreads) and also linked up the titles so they’re easy to check out.
1. The Fallen Shepherd Saga by Peter Ravlich
The dark ones never forget a hunter. For Antonio, newly-former priest, that’s not a great thing. It gets worse when he’s confronted by two bodies and the unmistakable trail of a succubus. Why the Hell did it have to be a succubus?
He might have lost his title, lost his identity, lost his backup; but he still has his blade, and this hunt might offer a chance at redemption, a chance that Antonio desperately needs.
The Fallen Shepherd Saga was originally published as a three-part serial story. This volume is an expanded omnibus edition.
2. The Vengeful Half by Jaclyn Dolamore
This novel contains interior comics and art by the author.
Olivia might look human, but she’s grown up with a heavy secret: her mother is a potion-maker who fled her home in a parallel world, the Hidden Lands.
Alfred is the blind, charismatic young heir to the illegal potions trade. When Olivia’s mother is kidnapped by the magic dealers with whom she once made a bad bargain, she has no choice but to trust Alfred’s offer of help. They travel to a strange new world of bootlegged American pop culture, lifelike doll people, and reincarnation. Alfred finds himself putting his position on the line to defend Olivia against his family’s conniving plans. Maybe he has morals…or maybe he’s just falling in love.
When Olivia escapes from an attack by a curiously familiar sorceress, she learns that potion dealers weren’t the only thing Mom was hiding from. Dark secrets lurk in Olivia’s past, and now Olivia must kill or be killed by the girl with whom she once shared everything…
3. Magic Banquet by A E Marling – this book was a swapped title. Originally I was due to read Off Leash by Daniel Potter but I exchanged books due to a conflict of interest.
Dragon steaks, ambrosia, and chimera stew. In the Magic Banquet, one guest always dies of joy. Or so they say. The street waif, Aja, just wants a few mouthfuls of the first course, but this is a party not easily left.
The dishes lavished upon Aja do more than entice. They enchant. They endanger. They change her. When she learns that a dragonfruit will make her mature, she eats it all. She is tired of being seen as a child, of being excluded and overlooked by respectable families and that other girl at the banquet, who is the empress in disguise. But Aja ages too fast, too much, and too soon. She is dying. She must replenish her lifeforce by eating a phoenix before she can even think of escaping the mortal banquet.
Guest List:
Aja, a thirteen-year-old girl who stole into the banquet before anyone could tell her she’s too young.
Janny, an old woman hungry for eternal youth.
The Empress Nephrynthian. But she’ll insist on you calling her Ryn.
Her guard, Fos Chandur.
Solin, graceful on his crutches and deadly with his magic.
And a dark lord.
4. Ninth Wind by Moses Siregar III
“In THE NINTH WIND, Moses Siregar takes readers to a fascinating new world where politics, magic, and adventure mingle in exciting and profound ways. If you like fantasy, you’ll love this!” –NYT Bestseller David Farland
THE NINTH WIND SPEAKS FOR THE DEAD …
The Ancestors whisper of rebellion, their breath a cold blue wind in the forests and hills of Andars. The Rezzian occupation lingers, dragging the folk of the hills through bitterness and despair.
Three siblings stand ready to challenge the Kingdom of Rezzia. Their fates have long been seen by the primordial Orns: one by Angst, one by Fidelity, one by Wrath.
Idonea searches the dark wood to master the magic of the three sacred trees. Skye pursues omens to lead his shield-brothers to victory over Rezzia’s legions. As armies battle for control of the Andaran hills, Dag calls out so that he may become as impenetrable as Altrea, allowing nothing to bend him, or turn him, or break him, so that he may stand and defend his kin. The ten gods of Rezzia and their lions stand in his way.
The Ninth Wind is the long-awaited return to Moses Siregar III’s award-winning epic fantasy series, Splendor and Ruin. Drawing on Norse, Greek, and Indian mythologies, the Ninth Wind is a tale of betrayal and retribution, of gods and sages and witches, of fearless journeys and magical awakenings.
It is a tale of honor, devotion, and valor. An adult tale of the children of wind and wood.
5. The Fall by Michael DeAngelo
Icarus must intervene before a wicked ritual is completed, or humanity will be banished from the world of Tellest forevermore. But his people, the elves, have determined that humans are too dangerous to share the realm. How can he protect the friends that he has made without betraying his race?
Samael is a man scorned, whose only desire is to enact vengeance on those who have wronged him. However, his involvement is the deciding factor in the call to banish humanity. For the sake of all the races of Tellest, he must work with Icarus to put a halt to the foul dealings.
Books and travelling with Lynn 