Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

Completion Date: July 10, 2011

Reason for Reading: Received a review copy of the 20th Anniversary Edition.

In Outlander, a 600-page time-travel romance, strong-willed and sensual Claire Randall leads a double life with a husband in one century, and a lover in another. Torn between fidelity and desire, she struggles to understand the pure intent of her heart. But don't let the number of pages and the Scottish dialect scare you. It's one of the fastest reads you'll have in your library.

While on her second honeymoon in the British Isles, Claire touches a boulder that hurls her back in time to the forbidden Castle Leoch with the MacKenzie clan. Not understanding the forces that brought her there, she becomes ensnared in life-threatening situations with a Scots warrior named James Fraser. But it isn't all spies and drudgery that she must endure. For amid her new surroundings and the terrors she faces, she is lured into love and passion like she's never known before.

I was lame and sore in every muscle when I woke next morning. I shuffled to the privy closet, then to the wash basin. My innards felt like churned butter. It felt as though I had been beaten with a blunt object, I reflected, then thought that that was very near the truth. The blunt object in question was visible as I came back to bed, looking now relatively harmless. Its possessor [Jamie] woke as I sat next to him, and examined me with something that looked very much like male smugness."

Gabaldon creates characters that you'll remember, laugh with, cry with, and cheer for long after you've finished the book.

Another reread! I don't reread a lot, so this is impressive. I had the chance to get the 20th Anniversary edition of this book from Random House Canada, so I decided now was the perfect time to revisit the book. I originally read the book back in 2006 and posted a review. That means it has been just over 5 years since I read the book last. I enjoyed my experience with it once again. It is not my normal sort of read to begin with, but there is enough other elements that I enjoy. I still have never read on in the series. I thought maybe after finishing the book for the second time I would feel compelled to; but I still think the first book ends satisfactory and have no burning desire to read on.

I am not even sure if there is much point saying much about this book. It has been around for 20 years and I have heard my fair share about it. I was happy to discover through my reread that while I remembered the basics of the story, there were still things that I felt like I was reading for the first time. I also had a different experience with the book this time. The first time I read it, I wasn't entirely sure what I was getting myself into. I am not a big fan of romance novels and that is pretty much what this is. I was a bit intrigued by the historical aspect, though, and the idea that there was time travel. This time, I knew that I loved it before and I was a bit worried it wouldn't hold true this time around. I am happy to report that I loved this book all over again and am excited I will have the 20th Anniversary Edition to read again in the future.

If you are one of the about 10 people that haven't read this book, you really should give it a try. It makes me wish I reread more often, but I know that will only last until I see a new book and my attention is drawn off into that direction. I still might read on in the series one day, but I am happy to have just read this book and loved it as much as I did.

My thanks to Random House Canada for sending me a copy of this book!

You can read an excerpt from this book here.

Fool's Fate by Robin Hobb (The Tawny Man Trilogy, Book 3)

Fool's Fate by Robin Hobb (The Tawny Man Trilogy, Book 3)

Completion Date: June 19, 2011

Reason for Reading: Carry on with Series.

A heralded writer of epic fantasy, Robin Hobb has given readers worlds within worlds in her heroic Farseer and Liveship Traders trilogies. Now she takes the final step in the breathtaking trilogy of the Tawny Man, as the tale of FitzChivalry Farseer comes to an epic end. Rife with boundless adventure and unforgettable characters, Fool’s Fate is destined to become a classic of the genre.

Assassin, spy, and Skillmaster, FitzChivalry Farseer, now known only as man-at-arms Tom Badgerlock, has become firmly ensconced in the queen’s court at Buckkeep. Only a few are aware of his fabled, tangled past—and the sacrifices he made to survive it. And fewer know of his possession of the Skill magic. With Prince Dutiful, his assassin-mentor Chade, and the simpleminded yet strongly Skilled Thick, FitzChivalry strives to aid the prince on a quest that could ultimately secure peace between the Six Duchies and the Outislands—and win Dutiful the hand of the Narcheska Elliania.

For the Narcheska has set the prince on an unfathomable task: to behead a dragon trapped in ice—the legendary Icefyre, on the island of Aslevjal. Yet not all the clans of the Outislands support the prince’s effort to behead their legendary defender. Are there darker forces at work behind the Narcheska’s imperious demand? As the prince and his coterie set sail, FitzChivalry works behind the scenes, playing nursemaid to the ailing Thick, while striving to strengthen their Skill—ultimately bringing his unacknowledged daughter into the web of the Skill magic, where the truth must finally unfold.

The quest emerges amid riddles that must be unraveled, a clash of cultures, and the ultimate betrayal. For knowing that the Fool has foretold he will die on the island of ice, FitzChivalry has plotted with Chade to leave his dearest friend behind. But fate cannot so easily be defied.

It amazes me that I read the first two books in this series and loved them, but am only just now getting around to the third book. With this years Once Upon a Time challenge I actually made a list of books that I would like to get to during the challenge. I didn't read everything I wanted, but I did finally read the conclusion of this trilogy. It reminded me that I love Robin Hobb and I really need to read more from her. Since finishing it I have also read the first book in Farseer's Trilogy. I am hoping to finish that trilogy in a more timely manner. This book also reminded me how much I love fantasy. I was always a fantasy reader, and that is the majority of what is on my TBR pile, but I have not been reading it as much the last couple years as I would like. I am hoping for the rest of 2011 to get back to the genre I love and revisit the authors that I have come to love as result.

For those of you that are wondering, it is currently 2011. The last time I read Robin Hobb was in 2007. That is how deplorably bad I am at reading series and part of my inspiration for my post on the subject of series. Normally I can handle trilogies, but I think part of my problem was I did not want this trilogy to end. I also had heard that young Fitz, the technical main character in this trilogy, was an annoying brat in the first trilogy dedicated to him, so I wasn't a hurry to move on to that. Since I am reading that trilogy right after this one, I have to say that he isn't bothering me as much as I expected him to bother me. Fitz bothers me period, but now I know why that is and it makes everything make much more sense. When I read about him as a young character I know what he is going to grow up to be like, so I think I can make allowances I cannot normally make for young main characters in fiction.

Back to this book. This is the final book in a trilogy that appears to be dedicated to the character of the Fool. When you actually read the trilogy, though, you will find that it is about a lot more than that. In the end it is about Fitz and the Fool together, but the three books are a really a progression for Fitz. He has been living in solitude with his foster son and far away from the life he grew up in. The first trilogy is actually him writing his memoirs of sorts. He may think he wants to stay away from court forever, but there are things at play that make that impossible. He is part of a larger picture and all the pieces need to be present for all that comes to pass to happen. There is a lot in the background about this idea of fate. It makes it a fitting title for the book, but really for the trilogy overall.

I have been blogging for almost 6 years and I still never know what to say in reviews. I know I could follow a structure, but that's boring. I also hate giving too much away in a post because I don't want to spoil the book for other people. I really should just do a short and sweet post. An example being: This is the final book in one of my favourite fantasy trilogies ever. There is something about Robin Hobb that I really connect with; to the point I knew I was going to love her books before I ever even read her. The characters are human, flawed, personable, and thus alive on the page. Hobb has an enjoyable writing style that does not get too bogged down. If she was writing this review, you would go out and see about getting your own copy of a Robin Hobb book. You should still give her a try even if I am writing this review and not her. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more books by her in the future. Strongly Recommended!

Tawny Man Trilogy:

Fool's Errand

Golden Fool

Fool's Fate

The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

Completion Date: June 28, 2011
Reason for Reading: Fun!

When Henry meets Clare, he is twenty-eight and she is twenty. Henry has never met Clare before; Clare has known Henry since she was six. Impossible but true, because Henry finds himself periodically displaced in time, pulled to moments of emotional gravity from his life, past and future. Henry and Clare's attempts to live normal lives are threatened by a force they can neither prevent nor control, making their passionate love story intensely moving and entirely unforgettable. The Time Traveler's Wife is a story of fate, hope and belief, and more than that, it's about the power of love to endure beyond the bounds of time.

As I mentioned in my last post, I have been feeling a bit disconnected from reading and blogging lately. I thought a good way to change things up a bit was to go back and reread some favourite books. I am also rereading Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. This might be the year I read beyond book two in the series! This also might be the year I finally read Her Fearful Symmetry by Niffenegger. Anyway, I think this is my third time reading The Time Traveler's Wife. I read it when it was brand new, so before blogging, and then reread it in 2009. I want to say I have reread it another time, too, but now I am not so sure.

When I read this book for the first time it was complete whim. I was browsing the bookshelves at the store and my eyes fell on this book. At the time I hadn't really heard anything about it, but I liked science-fiction and decided to give it a try. When I finished I was so excited and lent it to a bunch of my friends. They gave it back and told me they didn't get why I loved it so much. That book has been lent out more than any of my other books, but I don't think anyway I have lent it to has enjoyed the book quite as much as me. That made me sad and was one of the reasons why I was so happy when the book started to get a lot of attention and then I met blogging friends that also loved the book. This is the main reason I stick with blogging even when I get a bit dispirited.

This book was enjoyable with another read through. I still love it and look forward to reading it again in the future. I find with the book that I fly through the first part, but since I know how the book ends I tend to read a bit slower. The whole book is good, though. It is just a sad book for a while there. When I read it the first time it was all a surprise. When I read it now, though, I know the story pretty well. I forget some of the details, though, so it still reads well with every reread. I still am baffled with my love affair with this book. I was drawn to it in the first place because of the science-fiction aspect, but this is also a romance novel at the same time. I am surprised that aspect of the story didn't turn me off every time I read it, but it all works together to make an enjoyable read. I won't rehash the story because it has been reviewed forever, but I will say that I love this book and think everyone that STILL hasn't read it, should read it!

Plain Kate by Erin Bow

Plain Kate by Erin Bow

Completion Date: January 29, 2011

Reason for Reading: Fun!

The drizzle had broken into patches as they walked. As Drina scooped up the pale sand, Kate found herself standing in the smudge of shadow cast by the deadfall. She had never before noticed the way shadows gave things weight, made them look heavy and real and connected to the ground. Without hers...

She edged into the light.

Her shadow looked strange and thinned. It seemed not cast against the ground, but floating above it, like a fog. What Linay had said was true: No one would notice this, at first. It was just an uneasy little change, like the half-felt movement of a boat that slowly induces a great sickness.

Plain Kate lives in a world of superstitions and curses, where a song can heal a wound and a shadow can work deep magic. As the wood-carver's daughter, Kate held a carving knife before a spoon, and her wooden talismans are so fine that some even call her “witch-blade”: a dangerous nickname in a country where witches are hunted and burned in the square.

For Kate and her village have fallen on hard times. Kate’s father has died, leaving her alone in the world. And a mysterious fog now covers the countryside, ruining crops and spreading fear of hunger and sickness. The townspeople are looking for someone to blame, and their eyes have fallen on Kate.

Enter Linay, a stranger with a proposition: In exchange for her shadow, he’ll give Kate the means to escape the angry town, and what’s more, he’ll grant her heart’s wish. It’s a chance for her to start over, to find a home, a family, a place to belong. But Kate soon realizes she can't live shadowless forever -- and that Linay's designs are darker than she ever dreamed.

Today is a buddy review with Darren from Bart's Bookshelf. I read the book a while ago now, but I still think about it. I think it might be a book worth rereading at some point, actually. I am going to keep my eyes peeled for my own copy since I originally read it from the library. Anyway, I have the first part of the review and you can visit Darren's blog to read the second half. Enjoy!

D: You of course read the book, where as I listened to the audiobook, so I thought I'd start off talking about Kate's 'voice'. The narrator Cassandra Campbell did a fantastic job with all the characters voices and accents (along with general narration stuff) giving a real feel of an Eastern European/Russian influence to her world. I wondered how this came across through the written word?

K: I am not sure that is something that you think about when you are just reading. I didn’t hear the voices aloud and even when I was hearing them in my head, I never really thought about where they were. I think that is probably why slacker me should listen to more audiobooks. I think I mostly do that with fantasy books. I just think of them taking place elsewhere, so while I pick up on things shown in the book revealing geography from our world, I never think about the accents...

What did you think about Kate as a character?

D: I liked her. I thought she had a realistic inner-strength that comes from the life she’s already lived at the start of the book, and helps her deal with the trials thrown at her during the book. A great female heroine for readers to admire.

Talking of characters, what did you think of the ‘bad-guy’ Linay? He certainly wasn’t your typical villain...

K: I agree. Kate was a great character and something that is needed more of in young adult books. The more I think about her and the book overall, the more I like it. She was a strong character, but believable at the same time. And, she wasn’t obsessed with a certain boy or one of those characters arches that are very popular right now. She was just trying to survive.

As to Linay, I really enjoyed him, too. Just when you think you might have him figured out, something happens to make you question yourself all over again. He was a really interesting villain. He did some terrible things during the course of the novel, but I think I actually liked him and felt bad for him. He had his reasons for doing the things that he was doing. Reasons that, to him, were important. We may not agree that his methods are good, but you have to respect what he was going through.

One thing I am very impressed with is how well this book is sticking with me. I read it a while ago now and have all ready returned it to the library, but I am not having any trouble thinking of something to say about it. Do you think this book will be a lasting read for you?

D: Yeah, Linay, was just such a complex character. His motivations, were clearly at odds with his conscience at times, and whilst they nearly always won out, it made him so much more of a rounded ‘bad-guy’ that some regret was aloud to sneak though.

You know what, I think this is exactly the sort of book where bits will stay with you. You’ll be at some other market in some other world and Kate will sneak on to the page, even if you only spot her carving at her stall out of the corner of your eye. It’s that kind feeling the books leaves you with.

In fact the whole experience for me was the ‘feeling’ the book gave, the world, the atmosphere, the melancholy, mixed with a ‘coming-of-age’ journey for Kate were all such strong elements. What do you think? What’s making it so lasting for you?

K: I think the first thing that makes it so lasting for me is the unconventional nature of the book. When a trend starts, there tends to be lots of books that follow some aspect of the trend. This means that even when you think you are reading something ‘different’, you really aren’t. They find a way to work at least something in and then I get sick of seeing that something over and over again. This book was fresh and I think there needs to be more young adult novels with strong female characters, excellently written villains, and a compelling story. It keeps people excited about reading, and when it happens, it is exciting and sticks with you more than the same ole same over and over again.

Remember, this is just the first part. You can read the second part by visiting Darren's blog!

This book counts for the TwentyEleven Reading Challenge.

My Most Excellent Year by Steve Kluger

My Most Excellent Year by Steve Kluger

Completion Date: March 11, 2011

Reason for Reading: Fun!

Best friends and unofficial brothers since they were six, ninth-graders T.C. and Augie have got the world figured out. But that all changes when both friends fall in love for the first time. Enter Alé. She's pretty, sassy, and on her way to Harvard. T.C. falls hard, but Alé is playing hard to get. Meanwhile, Augie realizes that he's got a crush on a boy. It's not so clear to him, but to his family and friends, it's totally obvious! Told in alternating perspectives, this is the hilarious and touching story of their most excellent year, where these three friends discover love, themselves, and how a little magic and Mary Poppins can go a long way.

If you are one of those few people, like me, that was slow to get around to reading this book... You have to read it now! I was having some issues reading in March, but I picked this book up on a whim and what an absolutely fun book! I was a little worried about the combination of ideas upon beginning, but Kluger entirely pulls it off. As the description above says, it does have its touching moments, but it still manages to have them and be fun at the same time. I have heard that all Kluger's books are really good, but this is the only one my library has.

This is the story of three students in their eleventh year of school who are assigned to write about their 'Most Excellent Year'. Then, in a diary-like style we hear the story of three students and their 9th year of school told in alternating perspectives. T.C. and Augie are such close friends that they call themselves brothers. This has been going on since they were rather young. Their parents and everyone at school accepts this, so it plays out very well. T.C. is in love with Ale, the other person that tells one of the three stories, but she is not interested back. Then, there is Augie who has found himself attracted to a boy. Everyone else just assumes that this is the natural course for him to take, but it takes him a while to come to it himself.

A lot happens in their year. You really feel like you know them by the end. Their personalities are presented very well, as the story is told in almost a scrapbook style at times. This means that it includes the diary entries, but it also includes tokens from key events, chat conversations, emails, etc. It also includes a little boy that is deaf and living in a foster home. T.C. is won over by him and the next thing you know, he has another brother that he looks out for. It is this little boy that brings Mary Poppins into the book. He thinks that she is real and these three friends go to amazing lengths to assure that the magic is not broken. After I read it, I immediately wanted to watch the movie because I was a little kid last time I saw it. The magic isn't quite there like it is for him, but it still a childhood favourite.

What more can I say other than you really should give this book a read. You will not be disappointed!

This book counts for the TwentyEleven Reading Challenge.

A Lesson In Secrets by Jacqueline Winspear (Maisie Dobbs Series, Book 8)

A Lesson in Secrets by Jacqueline Winspear

Completion Date: January 23, 2011

Reason for reading: Received an ARC from Harper Collins through NetGalley (And, to carry on with series.)

“A detective series to savor.”—Time

In the summer of 1932, Maisie Dobbs’s career goes in an exciting new direction when she accepts an undercover assignment directed by Scotland Yard’s Special Branch and the Secret Service. Posing as a junior lecturer, she is sent to a private college in Cambridge to monitor any activities “not in the interests of His Majesty’s Government.”

When the college’s controversial pacifist founder and principal, Greville Liddicote, is murdered, Maisie is directed to stand back as Detective Chief Superintendent Robert MacFarlane and Detective Chief Inspector Stratton spearhead the investigation. She soon discovers, however, that the circumstances of Liddicote’s death appear inextricably linked to the suspicious comings and goings of faculty and students under her surveillance.

To unravel this web, Maisie must overcome a reluctant Secret Service, discover shameful hidden truths about Britain’s conduct during the war, and face off against the rising powers of the Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei—the Nazi Party—in Britain.

A pivotal chapter in the life of Maisie Dobbs, A Lesson In Secrets marks the beginning of her intelligence work for the Crown. As the storm clouds of World War II gather on the horizon, Maisie will confront new challenges and new enemies—and will engage new readers and loyal fans of this bestselling mystery series.

I really like this series! I bought the first book a few years back and really enjoyed it, but it wasn't until I joined the library again that I really got a chance to read the series. It is one of few series I am caught up in! I actually read 5 books in the series in 2009. That is pretty much unheard of for me and is a good indication about how much I enjoy the series. I am very picky about mystery series, but I really like the time in which this one is set. Winspear writes in such a way that the time really comes alive and the characters with it. Every time I open a book by her I expect to visit with new friends and I have not been disappointed yet.

This book is starting to deal with the dawn of World War II. Adolf Hitler is in power in Germany and people are starting to talk. Some people believe that he is what is needed for Britain. This is making the British government and Crown a bit nervous. There is one school that advocates peace in Cambridge and brings in aliens from all over the world to study there. The powers that be really start to become suspicious of this and call on Maisie Dobbs to pose as a teacher and determine if everything at the school is above the mark or if there really is cause for concern. I really believe Winspear caught this time very well. People may look back and say they never liked Hitler and were always suspicious, but the reality is that many people admired what he stood for in the beginning. Hindsight is always 20/20.

Then, there is Maisie. The modern woman. Her life changed drastically in the previous novel when the death of her mentor and teacher left her very well-off. In this book she is still coming to terms with that drastic change in circumstance and is using her change in status to help others out. She is also grappling with a new relationship with an old family friend. She is also a woman of the times. She has the chance to work for herself and be independent, but she also worries what falling in love and marrying will do to her future. I believe it is a very real concern that many woman had following the First World War and their changes in lifestyle. It would reappear again when the world is at war once again.

The book also includes some of the wonderful supporting characters. There is Billy, Maisie's assistant, who was injured during the war and is expecting his 4th child with his wife Doreen. He is one of those that Maisie is determined to help. Then, Susan, a woman a bit younger than Maisie who was in previous books reappears to add a bit of intrigue to an all ready full plate. There is Maisie's best friend, her lover, members of the police, and lots of new characters that Winspear manages to weave in expertly. She always finds a way for her supporting characters to have their time and develop their story. In this one we even learn that Maisie's father may be courting. I just really enjoy that the books are about more than just the cases. I don't think I would like the series if it was any other way.

Once again I recommend this series. It is one of my favourite historical mysteries on the market and I cannot wait until the next book!

This book is being released today, so rush out and buy it! I know that I will be!

The Series:

Maisie Dobbs (read in 2008)

Birds of a Feather (read in 2009)

Pardonable Lies (read in 2009)

Messenger of Truth (read in 2009)

An Incomplete Revenge (read in 2009)

Among the Mad (read in 2009)

The Mapping of Love and Death (read in 2009)

A Lesson in Secrets

***Note: The first book in this series is one of the books I challenged Marg, from The Adventures of an Intrepid Reader, to read in 2011. I look forward to her thoughts!

This book counts for the Historical Fiction Challenge and the TwentyEleven Reading Challenge.

The Vampire Voss by Colleen Gleason

The Vampire Voss (Regency Draculia #1) by Colleen Gleason

Completion Date: January 19, 2011
Reason for Reason: NetGalley ARC; Buddy read with Ames from Breezing Through

Regency London - a dizzying whirl of balls and young ladies pursued by charming men. But the Woodmore sisters are hunted by a more sinister breed: Lucifer's own. Voss, also known as Viscount Dewhurst, relishes the sensual pleasures immortality affords. A member of the Dracule - a cabal of powerful, secretive noblemen marked with a talisman that reveals their bartered souls - the mercenary Voss has remained carefully neutral...until Angelica. Angelica Woodmore possesses the Sight, an ability invaluable to both sides of a looming war among the Dracule. Her very scent envelops Voss in a scarlet fog of hunger - for her body and blood. But he is utterly unprepared for the new desire that overcomes him - to protect her

When I saw that Netgalley was offering up review copies of the newest book by Colleen Gleason I was very excited to get a chance to read it early. I was a big fan of her previous series. Ames is also a fan, so I encouraged her to get a copy so we can review it together. The entire review is posted below, but it is also cross-posted at Breezing Through. Enjoy!

Kelly: Colleen Gleason, the author of this book, is an example of how much blogging works. If it wasn’t for her presence in the blogging world, I probably would never have read her. She is shelved in the romance section, which I never visit, and even if I did I hardly ever see her on the shelf. I think I did buy one of her books at the store, though, because I seem to remember mentioning in a post how I snuck into the romance section for it. Just reading and enjoying Gleason is a big deal, especially a few years ago. Now I do venture into the romance department a bit, but before I never would have at all. This book I found to be more of a romance than the Gardella series, though.

As someone that reads a lot of romance novels and spends time in the romance section, what do you think?

Ames: I agree that social media is definitely a good tool to reach out to new readers. And I’m glad it has you venturing into the romance section from time to time. It definitely worked in the reverse that I venture out more often to different sections as well, fantasy and young adult being the main ones.

In regards to Vampire Voss being more romance-y than the Gardella series, I agree. The set up of it is definitely more in line with the genre. Unfortunately, I found the romance aspect of The Vampire Voss to be weak.

Kelly: I wasn’t really all that interested in the romance. It was just sort of there and you knew it was probably going to play out a certain way. When I read the book I was more interested in seeing how the vampires were portrayed and to experience the time period. There was a lot that was worthwhile overall, but there were a few things that were a bit weak, too.

Why did you find the romance aspect weak?

Ames: I was more interested in the world building and the vampire stuff more too. The romance was weak in my opinion because I didn’t feel any chemistry. Why were these two characters so drawn to each other? We were just told they were. And Angelica was afraid of Voss for quite a bit of that time. I think that’s what bothered me too, how long she was kept in the dark about Voss.

Kelly: Yes, it was a strange romance. It was inevitable, but at the same time I was rather clueless why. I think it should have been explored in more detail or with more enlightenment. Instead, we knew who Voss really was for quite some time before Angelica was let in on the secret. I liked Voss, though, for whatever I thought about the romance. He was an interesting character. He played himself as a dark character, but he had a side to him that he attempted to keep hidden that was nicer. Angelica, too, was a good, strong female character. I never really had any major complaints with her. Her ability was strange, but not over the top. I am not so sure I would like to possess the same abilities, but that is just me.

What did you think of Angelica and Voss as characters?

Ames: I liked Voss. Yeah he was a 100+ year old vampire but he was open to change. I like how he wasn’t uber-perfect. An example of that is when the Mark overtook for a moment and he bit Angelica. There was a real dangerous aspect to him that way. Also, looking at his past, he realized he made some mistakes and he was looking for something different.

Angelica. I’m a bit torn on Angelica. But I think just in regards to her reaction to Voss. Every other way, she was strong and smart. When it came to Voss, not so much. Also, I feel like her ability was made a big deal out of at the beginning and then towards the last half of the book, it wasn’t as important. Like once Voss got what he wanted from her, her ability...and her to a certain degree, didn’t matter anymore.

That’s another thing. I had to remind myself about ⅔ of the way in WHY Voss was even interested in Angelica in the first place.

Kelly: Yes, Voss was admirable in wanting to change after all the years of living. I liked that about him, too. As to Angelica, I suppose I had forgotten that her ability all but erased itself from the book. It was mentioned a lot in the beginning, but then after a while it was just sort of hovering in the background. I think it would have been interesting if it had played a bigger role and it wasn’t just about the vampires abilities. Angelica and her sisters had interesting abilities that I would have enjoyed seeing more from.

What did you think of the secondary characters that played a part?

Ames: I thought a few of the secondary characters were frustrating beyond belief. I couldn’t stand Maia , Angelica’s sister and Chas, their brother. Chas doesn’t even show up until the last half of the book and that tells you something that I couldn’t stand him.

Maia I thought was irritatingly stubborn and tried to be bossy but was just annoying. I know she’s coming from a perspective of wanting more respect from the people around her, but I felt like she went about it the wrong way.

Chas. I felt like his storyline came in too late. All this other stuff is going on and then boom, Chas and his lover are introduced and they get a sex scene and it just seemed a bit out of place for me. I can see this couple getting their own book, but felt their introduction was in an awkward place. And what frustrated me with him was his secrets. He was trying to protect his sisters, but he’s been gone leading this other life and they’ve made do without him. He should have given them some credit and told them what was going on so they could have been better prepared.

Dimitri was an interesting character but I could see right away how his story was going to play out - and looking at the next book, I wasn’t wrong.

Kelly: Oh, yes, I couldn’t stand Maia either. I understand where she was coming from, but she drove me nuts. That’s why I am a bit worried about the next book. It’s a bit apparent that she will play a central role, so I am a bit worried about how things will go. And, yes, Chas... That’s a strange and undeveloped storyline. I feel like he should have been in the book before he was, but if he was then it probably wouldn’t have changed a lot of what happened and then Angelica and Voss might not have ended up together. So, I can understand why he wasn’t in it sooner, but he is a mystery at this point. He’s a Vampire Hunter in love with a Vampire. Obviously, there needs to be a bit more elaboration on why that happened. And, you are right. Normally he takes off and leaves his sisters with little to no supervision when anything possible could happen because of his work. He should give them more credit! They are obviously very able to take care of themselves, but they should have been made aware of the dangers that could present themselves.

Dimitri is interesting, but he also seems like a very stereotypical male figure from classic literature. I could see Mr. Darcy and Mr. Thornton in him easily, but the vampire version. I think Gleason was trying to make him seem more appealing by making him familiar, but then not at the same time. I am not sure if it will work, but I guess it is something to figure out in book two when he plays the central role.

So, what do you think of the book overall? Will you be reading book two?

Ames: Well I found the world-building and the Dracule culture Gleason created to be very interesting. But my enjoyment over that was detracted from by my frustration with some of the characters and the romance. If the romance was made to be more of a background thing with a focus on the other stuff - I would think about reading book 2. As it is, I think I’ll wait to see what others say about book 2 right now. Maia would be a difficult character for me to get over.

What about you, are you planning on reading the 2nd book?

Kelly: Probably, because I did find Dimtri intriguing, but I am not so sure I will enjoy Maia all that much... She sort of annoyed me and probably an entire novel with her in it would be exasperating. That being said, I want to see how the vampire culture storyline develops and I am actually sort of wondering what is the story with Chas and his vampire romance. I am not sure that there has been enough of an explanation of it all yet. I think for the next book I am more curious about the on-going story than the one that will be developed, but that can change. Voss was not very complicated, but there is obviously a story about Dimitri that is sort of hinted at and I want to know the details...

Anything else that you want to mention?

Ames: Grades? This one gets a C- from me. It was ok, there was an interesting concept buried in there with some meh characters.

Kelly: I don’t really give grades, but I will say that I prefer the Gardella Chronicles better. Like you said, the concept is interesting, but the characters sort of brought the story down.

This book counts for the TwentyEleven Reading Challenge.

Tender Morsels by Margo Lanagan

Tender Morsels by Margo Lanagan

Completion Date: March 4, 2011

Reason for Reading: Reading Swap List from Ana

Tender Morsels took me three tries to get through. I read the first chapter twice and then didn't read any further. It's a book you sort of have to be in the mood for, and I never seemed to be in the right mood. When Heather told me she had read it and liked it, I decided to try one more time and see what happened. It was well worth it! It's an amazing book, but it can be hard to read at times. I am still glad that I did.

This is the second half of a buddy review with Heather from A Capricious Reader. To read the first part, head over to her blog!

Heather: Good point. I suppose I’m more of a realist, a “deal with it now, not later,” kind of person but you’re right, she did well in showing that escaping your troubles isn’t always the best thing, which it isn’t. And you’re right, there are many days I want to escape!

What did you think of the way Lanagan depicted men?

Kelly: Yes, but I just escape into a book or a movie... Or in my own dream world, go on a trip! Those are escape methods in this society.

hm, weirdly enough I never even thought about the men except when they did something really horrible, which I guess happened fairly often. Otherwise, they were just kind of there. There were a couple nice ones, but otherwise... Not a good story for men. She sort of gives the impression she doesn’t like them very much, but that might be reading too much into it. Whatever the case, they did pretty much every horrible act you can think of during the course of the book. A few of the things that happened are pretty graphic and I try not to think about too much...

Did you think she went too far, or do you think it all works out?

photo credit

Heather: I agree, the men were just...there. There was the one kind, decent man, but for the most part they were all dirty-minded, dirty-acting, greedy, juvenile characters. She does give the impression she doesn’t like them very much. For the story she as telling, with the fairytale techniques, I don’t think she went too far. It felt necessary to me.

I don’t think we can discuss Tender Morsels without mentioning the controversy with Bitch Magazine. What do you think of that snafoo and the allegations that Tender Morsels is validating characters who use rape as an act of vengeance?

Kelly: That’s a good question... I heard of the controversy a bit, but I wasn’t paying a lot of attention to the blogging world at that moment in time. I brushed up on the details a bit before answering this question and have been sitting here trying to get my thoughts in order. First of all, I think the fact that it was taken off the list because of one negative comment was a bit of an overreaction. The list is just a suggestion to get you started, so there is no obligation to read and love every book. You don’t even have to agree with the books being on there. It was just one opinion out of many.

While I don’t think that the book really does use rape as an act of vengeance, I can see how people can interpret it that way. I just didn’t feel that the book had to wax poetical on how bad everyone in the book felt about what had happened. They had their horrified moments and then the book moved on. It also didn’t show the offenders in the first place feeling badly for the initial rape and no one was up in arms about that. I just think that some things are shown so much that people have become almost used to it, but other things are not shown as much and so they have more of an affect. I think it was very empowering that something was actually done to people that otherwise would have gotten away with it. That does not mean I entirely agree with what it was, but I also don’t think the book should have been taken off the list. Does this even make sense? What do you think about it?

photo credit

Heather: I think I get what you’re saying. I also can see where people would see it as “rape as vengeance.” It really was, but I don’t see that as a good excuse to remove it from the list. Urdda, whether she meant to or not, got her mother’s revenge, in the same manner her mother was attacked. While I don’t in any way condone revenge, I can understand why some would want it. And I agree that is was empowering that something was actually done to the people who would have gotten away with it. How many times do we hear that a ‘bad so-and-so’ should have the same thing done to him? I hear it all the time! “Give them a taste of their own medicine” and what not. And people should be punished when they do something wrong; why not a taste of what they dished out? Might would curtail a little violence.... But anyway, I definitely do not think the book should have been taken off the list. On the bright side, it brought a lot of attention to the book it might not have otherwise got and it helped push me to read it!

So, any final thoughts?

Kelly: And by you really enjoying it, I finally got around to reading it! Well, that and Ana putting it on my reading swap list. I think we covered most things. I am really glad I read and enjoyed this book. Thanks for reviewing it with me!

Thanks, Ana, for bringing this book to my attention in the first place and then challenging me to finally read it!!

This book also counts for the Aussie Author Reading Challenge and the TwentyEleven Reading Challenge.

(Off-topic: I put pictures in my post yesterday and had fun, so I thought I might try and get a bit more creative... What do you think?)

Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami

Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami

Completion Date: February 5, 2011

Reason for Reading: I have wanted to try Murakami for a while.

Toru, a quiet and preternaturally serious young college student in Tokyo, is devoted to Naoko, a beautiful and introspective young woman, but their mutual passion is marked by the tragic death of their best friend years before. Toru begins to adapt to campus life and the loneliness and isolation he faces there, but Naoko finds the pressures and responsibilities of life unbearable. As she retreats further into her own world, Toru finds himself reaching out to others and drawn to a fiercely independent and sexually liberated young woman.

First up, I had no idea that Murakami, (who I have a hard time spelling correctly), was scary for people. I have seen wonderful reviews, but my library has none of his books. Then, at the end of the year I decided enough was enough and requested through inter-library loan a few of the books that I have really wanted to read for a while and not gotten around to. Norwegian Wood was one such book. The entire time I was reading this book I was having moments of excitement, but in the back of my mind I was thinking things through. The truth is that this is not my type of book. So, even when I finished it I couldn't decide if I liked it or not. My first instinct was that I only kinda liked it, but the more I think about it the more I think I loved it.

Let's get down to facts here. It is not a page-turner. It mostly moves along very slowly and there is not a lot of action. Toru tells his story the entire time, so you are limited to his view on everything. That being said, the characters in this book were all very captivating. They were all broken in their own way, but it was not overwhelming. They were captured wonderfully through the eyes of the narrator. Even still, while I write this review I am toiling with myself over what my final thoughts are on the book. There were some things that I absolutely loved, but there are other things that even days later I am still mulling over.

I do know that when I read the first page I had a moment of excitement, and who wouldn't, because I read this:

Once the plane was on the ground, soft music began to flow from the ceiling speakers: a sweet orchestral cover version of the Beatles' "Norwegian Wood." The melody never failed to send a shudder through me, but this time it hit me harder than ever.

At this point I paused and went off in search of the cc so I could tell him the book was in fact named after the Beatles song. I love the Beatles and this connection drew me right in. I had been having a hard time getting into my books so far this month, but the fact that I was reading a book with a Beatles connection really sparked my interest. I wanted to know more. Things just continued to get better in these areas. There were further mentions of the Beatles and then there were some amazing quotes about reading because the narrator is a big reader himself. During these moments I felt entirely connected. These are the things that I can say with no doubt in my mind that I loved.

This leads me to a problem, though. Do I just love those moments, or do I love the overall story. I have been trying to decide. You can't say you love a book unless it is pretty much perfect, so even though I felt love for the book, I am not sure if I can say I am 'in love' with it. My mind cannot seem to get beyond the fact that this is not my normal sort of read. This is a book that I would say that I liked and moved on without a backward glance. Instead, I have been ruminating on this book over and over again for the last few days. I hate coming-of-age books, but I think there are exceptions. This is one of them. This review is terribly incoherent, but as I am thinking about what to say I am caught by the fact that this book was pretty much amazing. Everything was masterfully done and the cast of characters really captured me. Would I like the book without the music and book references, maybe not, but it would not be the same book at all without them.

The easy answer is that this may not be my favourite book ever, but it comes very close. I think what will need to happen is I will think about it even further and buy myself a copy so I can revisit it again. I went in expecting to only kind of like it, but I think the book surprised me.

This book counts for the TwentyEleven Reading Challenge.

Judgment in Death by J.D. Robb (In Death Series, Book 11)

Judgment in Death by J.D. Robb

Completion Date: January 31, 2011
Reason for Reading: Carry on with Series; Sci-fi Experience

In an uptown strip joint, a cop is found bludgeoned to death. The weapon's a baseball bat. The motive's a mystery. It's a case of serious overkill that pushes Eve Dallas straight into overdrive. Her investigation uncovers a private club that's more than a hot spot. Purgatory's a last chance for atonement where everyone is judged. Where your ultimate fate depends on your most intimate sins. And where one cop's hidden secrets are about to plunge innocent souls into vice-ridden damnation...

Another adventure in the In Death series. Last year I caught up in the Women of the Otherworld series and felt very proud of myself. This year I would like to make a dent in this series. I hadn't read it since 2007, but I own almost all the series from the second-hand store. Reading two books in the series in one month is a lot better than I was doing! Hopefully I can keep it up and carry on with the series. I might not finish it this year, but even getting a few read is a big accomplishment. I probably have too many things I would like to accomplish in 2011, but even if I get some of them done I will be happy.

This book opens with the murder of a cop working in a private club for extra money. When it is one of your own, it makes things a lot harder for the cops investigating. Eve is a professional, though, and handles things really well. She is the last voice for those that have died and she is determined that by the end the voice will be heard. In the previous book I was rather surprised by the turn of events in the book, but in this book I had it pretty much figured out early on. It still was an enjoyable read and I am always looking forward to seeing if I am right. This book also had a lot of character development for Eve and Roarke's marriage. It is nice to have those personal touches worked into the book and I hope that they continue. When everything started to get wrapped up it also worked well. I like Roarke, but we are well-aware that he is not perfect, so it was worthwhile to see traces of his past in this book.

Once again it was an enjoyable read that I am glad I finally got around to. I enjoy Eve, Roarke, and the secondary characters. Doctor Mira, a recurring character, was in this one and I found her rather funny! I also enjoyed the case and watching it play out. Robb reads real page-turners and keeps the readers interested until the very last page. I am glad I am spending time with this series and its characters this year.

This counts for the Sci-Fi Experience hosted by Carl at Stainless Steel Droppings.

The Series:

Naked in Death
Glory in Death
Immortal in Death
Rapture in Death
Ceremony in Death
Vengeance in Death
Holiday in Death
Conspiracy in Death
Loyalty in Death
Witness in Death
Judgment in Death
Betrayal in Death
Seduction in Death
Reunion in Death
Purity in Death
Portrait in Death
Imitation in Death
Divided in Death
Visions in Death
Survivor in Death
Origin in Death
Memory in Death
Born in Death
Innocent in Death
Creation in Death
Strangers in Death
Salvation in Death
Promises in Death
Kindred in Death
Fantasy in Death
Indulgence in Death
Treachery in Death (forth-coming)

This book counts for the TwentyEleven Reading Challenge.

Witness in Death by J.D. Robb (In Death Series, Book 10)

Witness in Death by J.D. Robb

Completion Date: January 28, 2011

Reason for Reading: Carry on with the Series; Great Reading Swap of 2011; Sci-Fi Experience

Opening night at New York's New Globe Theater turns from stage scene to crime scene when the leading man is stabbed to death center stage. Now Eve Dallas has a high-profile, celebrity homicide on her hands. Not only is she lead detective, she's also a witness - and when the press discovers that her husband owns the theater, there's more media spotlight than either can handle. The only way out is to move fast. Question everyone and everything...and in the meantime, try to tell the difference between the truth - and really good acting...

This is the first book I managed to read for the Reading Swaps I have going on. I am going to have to do better than that in February or I will never read everything! It is also me finally reading on in a series that I haven't touched since 2007. That's just crazy and is sadly, not uncommon in my reading trends over the last few years. Between the desire to read way too many things and my books and me being separated for a couple years now, I am doing very badly on reading my own books. I have a few projects I want to accomplish this year and making a dent in this series is one of them. Since they are so easy to find second-hand and I often have book credit, I have most of the series on my TBR pile. It is just a matter of reading them.

It has always amazed me that I like this series. It is not my normal type of book at all and I have no interest in reading Robb's books written as Nora Roberts. Back in, I think, 2006 I found a copy of Seduction in Death on my mother's bookshelves and decided to give it a try. I do like thrillers to a point and I liked that this series took place in the future. I knew it was not the first book in the series, but I wasn't really using the library back then and I didn't want to buy anything without giving the series a try.

It turned out to be a perfect easy read for those moments after I have read something I love and have no idea what to read, or I just want to read something to say that I am reading and don't want it to be anything too complicated. I enjoy trying to figure out the mysteries, I like that Lt. Dallas is a strong female character, I enjoy that she is married to the very interesting Roarke, and I like the addition of all the secondary characters. I appreciate that the characters have stories and it is not just about the cases. As the series progresses you learn more about Eve, Roarke, and other characters that make repeat appearances. This is mainly why I keep reading and enjoying the series, even if I took a very long break from it.

In this one Eve is watching the opening of a Murder Mystery play that turns into a real murder. Sometimes the killer is known from the very beginning, or other times she includes a twist. I think this is the first time I didn't entirely have it all solved by the end. It was actually an original idea this time around and I quite enjoyed watching things be revealed. It was a good reintroduction to the series after such a long time away. The good thing is that even though there were... 4 years... between books 9 and 10, I still knew who everyone was and didn't have any problems remembering what had happened in previous books that was still on-going in this book. That's saying something about both series and my memory! All in all I enjoyed revisiting this series. It was like revisiting old friends and I really need to that more often with both this series and other series I have on the go!

This book counts for the Great Reading Swap, as Marg told me to carry on with the series! Mainly because we used to read them together and she is like 10 ahead of me by now! Then, I also think of it as sci-fi, so I am counting it for the Sci-Fi Experience.

The Series:

Naked in Death

Glory in Death

Immortal in Death

Rapture in Death

Ceremony in Death

Vengeance in Death

Holiday in Death

Conspiracy in Death

Loyalty in Death

Witness in Death

Judgment in Death

Betrayal in Death

Seduction in Death

Reunion in Death

Purity in Death

Portrait in Death

Imitation in Death

Divided in Death

Visions in Death

Survivor in Death

Origin in Death

Memory in Death

Born in Death

Innocent in Death

Creation in Death

Strangers in Death

Salvation in Death

Promises in Death

Kindred in Death

Fantasy in Death

Indulgence in Death

Treachery in Death (forth-coming)

This book counts for the TwentyEleven Reading Challenge.

Masques by Patricia Briggs (Aralorn Series, Book 1; Sianim Series, Book 1)

Masques by Patricia Briggs

Completion Date: January 12, 2011

Reason for Reading: Buddy Read with Vanessa from Reading in Bed

After an upbringing of proper behavior and oppressive expectations, Aralorn fled her noble birthright for a life of adventure as a mercenary spy. Her latest mission involves spying on the increasingly powerful sorcerer Geoffrey ae'Magi. But in a war against an enemy armed with the powers of illusion, how do you know who the true enemy is-or where he will strike next?

Today is a buddy read with Vanessa, from Reading in Bed. I have known Vanessa since I was a teenager, so it is fun that we are now reading and blogging together even if we hardly ever see each other anymore!

I have the first part of the review, and then you have to head over to her blog to read the second part. Enjoy!

Kelly: I have to admit I have always been curious about this book, but it was largely out-of-print for a while. When I saw at one point last year that she was going to edit it a bit and reissue it I was excited to finally get a chance to read the whole series. Did you think this book was worth being reissued?

Vanessa: I think it was worth it. Since the Mercy Thompson series is very popular, Patricia Briggs is gaining lots of new fans who may be curious about her older work (I know I was). While it certainly wasn’t her best book it was interesting to see how she has progressed as a writer since she started out. A lot of the foundations of her later work were there - strong heroine, romantic tension without being overtly romantic, interesting and memorable supporting characters and a story with a clear ending that also leaves an opening for future adventures. How did you find this book compared to her later work?

Kelly: I agree with a lot of your points. This was obviously a very strong influence on her later books. She obviously had the right ingredients determined from the very beginning, but she had to grow as a writer in technical areas. I know that when we were reading this book I commented to you how you could tell she never expected these books to be reissued because she borrows so much from them. Aralorn reminds me a lot of Mercy. They have different skills, but their attitude is very similar. The biggest difference is maturity, I think. Aralorn acts a bit younger than Mercy in some situations. Then, Wolf reminded very strongly of Charles from the Alpha & Omega series. While Wolf wasn’t exactly a werewolf, he had a lot of the same characteristics and moods that we see from Charles. What did you think of the characters?

Vanessa: I liked them but they were definitely a tad more 2 dimensional than her later characters. Their reactions to situations were quite predictable for the most part. Aralorn definitely seems like a younger Mercy especially how she jumped into all situations without thinking first. What made her seem more immature was the fact that when something happened that bothered her or made her wonder she never voiced it. She always put up a front. Wolf was made to seem wise in a lot of ways but in others he was almost like a scared little boy especially when it came to his feelings about Aralorn. I understand that caring for someone else is alien to him but the way his fear and confusion was conveyed was a little much. Myr was ok but also a little bit too flawless as a character. The people at the camp were interesting but would have been better if she’d written them now. As a villain the ae’Magi was...kinda boring. Don’t get me wrong I wanted them to triumph over him but his whole premise was a bit weak and we didn’t really get to the true root of his motivation. This all makes me sound like I didn’t like the characters but I really did they just had some flaws. How long did it take you to figure out who Wolf really was?

Kelly: Yes, I can see a lot of what you are saying. The ae’Magi was pretty dull. I didn’t like him, but I didn’t have as strong a reaction to him as I would if he was written with a bit more skill. On Wolf, though, Charles is a lot like that in the beginning to when it comes to his feelings. That’s part of the reason why Wolf reminds me of him so much. The book was a bit predicable, I must say. I had a very strong suspicion who Wolf was the minute we were introduced to him as a human and it didn’t take me long to deduce that I was right. So, even though she tried to keep it a big secret it was a bit obvious to me... I don’t want to spoil anything, but just the way she reveals things leads it to only be possible for it to be one person. Hopefully I am not giving too much away with that! What about you? And, what did you think about the magical aspects of the book?

Now head over to Vanessa's Blog to read Part Two!

This book counts for the TwentyEleven Reading Challenge.

Uncle Montague's Tales of Terror by Chris Priestley

Uncle Montague's Tales of Terror by Chris Priestley

Date Completed: January 8, 2011

Recommended by people like Cath, Carl, and many more!

This spine-tingling, thrill-packed novel has more than enough fear-factor for the most ardent fan of scary stories. Uncle Montague lives alone in a big house, but regular visits from his nephew, Edward, give him the opportunity to recount some of the most frightening stories he knows. As each tale unfolds, it becomes clear that something sinister is in the air. From the account of a curious boy who intrudes on Old Mother Tallow's garden to a shy girl's ghostly encounter during an innocent game of hide and seek, a pattern emerges of young lives gone awry in the most terrifying of ways. Young Edward begins to wonder just how Uncle Montague knows all these ghastly tales, and ultimately discovers that his mysterious uncle's life has a darker side than he ever imagined. This cleverly wrought collection of stories-within-a-story by Chris Priestly is perfectly matched in darkly witty illustrations by David Roberts.

So, this is one of the authors I saw circulating around the blogosphere in 2010. I had hoped to read this book for the R.I.P. challenge, but unfortunately my library didn't have any of his books and by the time they agreed to my request to buy at least one, it was January! This book would be perfect for the challenge, though, if you are ever wondering what to read. The cc (for those that are new to my blog, that means 'Charming Comedian' and is my creative way of saying 'the guy') fell asleep on the couch last night, so I wandered off to the bedroom to read. I decided to try this book because I have been curious about it for a while. It was a perfect nighttime atmospheric read. For starters, it is a group of stories that is being told in front of a fire in a spooky old house to a young boy. You can easily read this book and feel like the stories are being told directly to you. I like that!

Unlike a collection of short stories, this has breaks so you can get to know the storyteller, Uncle Montague, and his audience, Edgar. Then, he launches into another story. At the end of the book you also get to hear a story about Uncle Montague. I thought that was a nice touch because Edgar is curious about his uncle, which means that we are made curious, too. You know there is more to things than meets the eyes. Edgar is skeptical, though. He thinks his uncle is ill or in poor mental health. Especially when Montague hints that the stories he tells are not entirely stories. I also like the rather ambiguous endings that some of the stories have. You know that there is danger afoot, but he doesn't tell you exactly what happens. You have to draw your own conclusions. Some of the stories are very different, but others you will feel like you have heard before. They just have a slight twist to them.

The other thing to note is the fantastically creepy artwork that is included. I found that the pictures really helped to set the stage for the stories. There was one included for everyone, which was a great touch. David Roberts has done a really good job of making Priestley's visions a reality. I have to say that I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from Priestley in the future. I am glad I gave in to the majority rule this time!

This book counts for the TwentyEleven Reading Challenge.

Fables - Volume 14: Witches by Bill Willingham & company

Fables - Volume 14: Witches by Bill Willingham & company

Date Completed: January 7, 2011

Reason for Reading: Carry on with Series

While the meek and mild flying monkey Bufkin is trapped in Fabletown's collapsed business office with the evil witch Baba Yaga, Frau Totenkinder and the witches at the Farm upstate prepare to deal with Mister Dark down in what's left of Fabletown.

This is another series that I am obsessed with, but never review... It's just so hard to say anything without ruining the series for those new to it, or even those that are a few behind. Comic series are really just one long book, so you cannot really review each story individually and not destroy it. I really should have at least reviewed the first book, but I didn't, and now here we are 14 books into the series and I haven't really said anything about it! I bought the first two books in this series in January of 2009 with gift cards that I had from Christmas. I had always wanted to read it, but just never got around to it. Now here it is 2 years later and I am all caught-up and left waiting for more. This has been pretty much the case since some time in 2009. I am a bit obsessed with this series...

You see, I love fairy tales. When I was little I was obsessed with Grimms' Fairy Tales and other famous writers. I watched Disney, even though they were not very true to the story, and I think that they were my first love. I have never gotten over it. I am hopeless when I see a book based on a fairy tale. There are simply too many of them, but I still want to read all of them. Later in life I have read non-fiction books about the genre, read fairy tales from a broader scope of the world, and even took a course dedicated to it in university. So, when I see a book with pretty pictures based around fairy tale characters you can pretty much guarantee that I am in love before I even read the first book. I think I was worried at first, though, because there is a lot of creative license at work. I never should have worried, though, as you can tell by the fact that I just finished the 14th book in the series! I love Fables! It is probably my favourite on-going series. I get excited when I buy the newest volume.

So, what can I say about Volume 14? It was a bit anti-climatic after all the adventure in 13, but it still was great. I am looking forward to Volume 15, though. It has an awesome cover and looks like it is finally going to be centred around Rose Red. There is obviously an interesting story there. Some of the storylines started in this book will likely be addressed, too. I am excited to see what the two volumes released this year are all about! I also think once the person that is currently borrowing the series slowly is finished I am going to reread the whole thing.

***Edited to add, I have no idea what happened the other day, but I have reviewed some of this series. I thought I had, but when I searched it didn't come up! I have adjusted the list below to link to those that I have managed to review. Another good reason to reread the series this year! Then I can review the later ones that I apparently missed before...

Fables (Core) Series:

Legends in Exile

Animal Farm

Storybook Love

March of the Wooden Soldiers

The Mean Seasons

Homelands

Arabian Nights (and Days)

Wolves

Sons of Empire

The Good Prince

War and Pieces

The Dark Ages

The Great Fables Crossover

Witches

Rose Red (Forth-coming)

Werewolves of the Heartland (Forth-coming)

This book counts for the TwentyEleven Reading Challenge.

Daddy-Long-Legs by Jean Webster

Daddy-Long-Legs by Jean Webster

Completed January 4, 2011

Recommended by Ana

This is the much-loved tale of Judy Abbott, a lively, endearing young girl growing up in an orphanage. Her dreams of college seem in vain until the unknown benefactor offers to pay for her tuition. The only requirements are that she must write to him every month, and that she can never know who he is. Judy's letters to him about life at college are full of her hopes and dreams, troubles, and a growing friendship with the handsome Jervis Pendleton. With so much going on in her life, Judy can scarcely stop writing, and when she discovers who daddy long-legs is, there is a happily-ever-after surprise.

When Ana reviewed this book in the first place she sounded so enthusiastic I knew I was going to have to read it eventually. The library didn't have it, though, so I put it on the list to read eventually. Then, she mentioned it in her end of the year Best of... post and reminded me about it all over again. The best thing is that now I have an eReader and Gutenberg had it available. I am so happy that my memory was refreshed! I read the book in one sitting and I was so sad when it was over. I strongly believe that there is a good chance this will make my Best of... list for 2011.

This is a book that was published in 1912. It is an epistolary novel, which I tend to love, that is written really well. Jerusha Abbot is the narrator, as it is she that writes all of the letters. She is later known as Judy, but it follows her life from graduating from high school to college graduation. She finds that her dreams are about to come true because an unknown trustee is going to pay for her to be a writer. The only thing that he asks is that she writes letters periodically to tell him how she is progressing in her studies. He wishes to remain anonymous, but she does catch a glimpse of him on the day that she finds out about the deal. He tells her to address the letters to Mr. John Smith, but because he is tall and thin she starts calling him Daddy-Long Legs. It's cute and sets the tone of her letters.

This book may be playful in nature, but it is also about a young woman who has the very rare chance to have a dream and be able to fulfill it. She grew up as an orphan, but now she feels like the whole world is laid out before her. Even though she is only supposed to write letters periodically, she writes whenever the inspiration strikes her. This leads to four years of her hopes, dreams, feelings, memories, and so much more. Judy is so much fun! In Ana's review she compared her to Anne Shirley, and I have to admit that is probably one of the best comparisons you can make. That might be why I enjoyed her so much. She is naive in the same way as Anne. She has spent most of her life sheltered and doesn't entirely know the ways of the world yet.

I don't want to spoiler everything, but I have to admit that the books plot is a bit predictable. I was not surprised how things played out, but even expecting it I really enjoyed it! It was a cute book, but at the same time it had much more going on than meets the eye. I am so glad I got a chance to read this book!

Duology:

Daddy-Long-Legs

Dear Enemy

This book counts for the TwentyEleven Reading Challenge.

The Sign of Four by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

The Sign of the Four by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Completed January 3, 2011

Reason for Reading: Carry on in the Series

As a dense yellow fog swirls through the streets of London, a deep melancholy has descended on Sherlock Holmes, who sits in a cocaine-induced haze at 221B Baker Street. His mood is only lifted by a visit from a beautiful but distressed young woman Mary Morstan, whose father vanished ten years before. Four years later she began to receive an exquisite gift every year: a large, lustrous pearl. Now she has had an intriguing invitation to meet her unknown benefactor and urges Holmes and Watson to accompany her. And in the ensuing investigation which involves a wronged woman, a stolen hoard of Indian treasure, a wooden-legged ruffian, a helpful dog and a love affair even the jaded Holmes is moved to exclaim, Isn't it gorgeous!'

This the second book in the Sherlock Holmes series. I have all ready read the third book, so that means that I have actually read 3 books in a series. We will just ignore that it is a series I only started this year...

Once again, I love Sherlock Holmes. I always knew that I would. I should have read these books a long time ago! There was always something about the character of Holmes that appealed to me. Instead, I just watched from the sidelines and never read the originals. I am remedying that now! This book also made me appreciate Watson a bit more. He has a sort of separate storyline in this book that is a bit endearing. In spin-offs that I have seen, people always make Watson seem like a fair less person than Holmes. That is simply not the case. Even if you are not as smart as Holmes, that doesn't make you any less of a person because Holmes is simply a genius. His ideas on things are comical and you often wonder how he accomplishes anything.

This is another short look at one of the cases that Holmes investigates. It starts with a distraught, but sensible, young woman who comes to him for help. I have to admit, for the time in which these books were written, the women are actually sensible. They are not entirely Damsel in Distress characters. Some of them handle things rather well. In the short story collection I reviewed earlier this year, one woman even outsmarts Holmes. I have to applaud Doyle for mostly treating women in his books with dignity and respect. Now, some of the things that Holmes says about women are not exactly flattering, but one has to pick their battles!

There is a lot of elements to this case that sound rather odd, but when Doyle puts them together they make for another fun addition to the series. I am looking forward to more later on in the year!

The Series:
1. A Study in Scarlet
2. The Sign of Four
3. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
4. Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes
5. The Hound of Baskervilles
6. The Valley of Fear
7. The Return of Sherlock Holmes
8. His Last Bow
9. The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes

This book counts for the TwentyEleven Reading Challenge.

A Study in Scarlet by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

A Study in Scarlet by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Completed January 1, 2010

Reason for Reading: Carry on in the Series

Convalescing in London after a disastrous experience of war in Afghanistan, Dr John Watson finds himself sharing rooms with his enigmatic new acquaintance, Sherlock Holmes. But their quiet bachelor life at 221B Baker Street is soon interrupted by the grisly discovery of a dead man in a grimy ill-omened' house in south-east London, his face contorted by an expression of horror and hatred such as Watson has never seen before. On the wall, the word rache German for revenge' is written in blood, yet there are no wounds on the victim or signs of a struggle. Watson's head is in a whirl, but the formidable Holmes relishes this challenge to his deductive powers, and so begins their famous investigative partnership.

This is the first adventure of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. This is the story where they meet and it all begins. It is worth reading just to see how Dr. Watson deals with Holmes and his eccentric nature. It was entertaining. Holmes is himself from the very beginning, but Watson moves in with him anyway. This is their first case together and it is an interesting one. The novel is not very long, but it is a good introduction to the characters and stories that you will come to expect from the series overall.

Holmes is an interesting character, though. You never know quite what to expect from him, but at the same time he is predictable. I really like how Doyle wrote his character. You could almost call him annoying, but at the same time he is endearing. He is the type of character that is so smart he doesn't quite know how to deal in the real world, but at the same time he helps many people out and makes them quite fond of his abilities. Plus, Watson needs to learn what Holmes is capable of because when he moves in he doesn't even know what he does for a living.

Overall, another good book in the Sherlock Holmes series.

The Series:

1. A Study in Scarlet

2. The Sign of Four

3. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes

4. Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes

5. The Hound of Baskervilles

6. The Valley of Fear

7. The Return of Sherlock Holmes

8. His Last Bow

9. The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes

This book counts for the TwentyEleven Reading Challenge.