Gena Showalter: Heart of the Dragon

I love romance authors who love to make fun of themselves. Gena Showalter is one of these. Her characters often joke about their favorite romance novel stories, and how their fantasies could play out 'in real life.'

I started and finished Heart of the Dragon in the same day... Hey, I am on vacation! It was a good read. Funny, endearing, not too unbelievable (and by that I don't mean I think it could actually happen, but that I was able to sink into the story without the thread being broken by randomness that didn't fit.)

This story takes place in dual worlds - Modern
day Manhattan, and a mystical underworld beneath the sea... Atlantis. But - instead of this great city of super-advanced, intelligent beings that sunk because of a cataclysmic event, Atlantis is instead the hiding place of mythological beings
like the dragons, vampires, and minotaurs. They were placed there by the Gods in an attempt to hide the mistake of their creation. And so they live, guarding their existence from humans.

Of course, our heroine just happens to be marching through the Amazon jungle trying to find her brother who has become entangled in a plot to steal riches and magic from Atlantis (he is completely innocent to be sure). She slips through the portal, and the being responsible for the protection of the realm falls for her... hard(double entandre implied), and cannot kill her as is his duty. They go back and forth, and like any good
romance novel traipse between his world and hers, until they reunite and save the day.

It's a fun read, and the first in a whole series based in a world where Atlantiens exist. To any paranormal romance novel enthusiast, I recommend.

Twilight's Dawn to be Published March 1st, 2011

Yesssss!!!

Read an excerpt on Bishop's official website.

Mark Twain: Letters from the Earth

I may read a lot of fluff, but I promise I am a semi-intelligent being, capable of reading and ingesting 'more serious and academic' novels. Take this week's bathroom read: Mark Twain's Letters from the Earth.

Let me give you a little back story on this. I went out to have drinks with a few friends at the Flying Saucer. The group of us were trying various beers and not-quite-beers, and getting pretty happy. As nerdy as we are, the discussion turned to books. I admit, I am embarrassed when discussing books with snotty intellectual types (not that these guys were snotty), because I read for relaxation and pleasure. I don't want to have to analyze a book if I don't have too. And I like being able to pick it up and put it down with ease. It is the story I am after.

Anyhoo - I was explaining this, and my rapid decent into pop-books going from the ilk of Bronte Classics, to Anne Rice, to Douglas Adams, to Laurel K Hamilton, to eventually - yes.. cheesy romance novels of time traveling Highlanders.

We started talking Neil Giamon, and I mentioned Good Omens. One of the more well read at the table (he is an English teacher) then recommended Letters from the Earth. He thought it would suit me. He also recommended CS Lewis' Screwtape letters to follow it up.

Being the nerds that we are, after our round of drinking, we thought the most fun thing to do next was --- go to Half Price Bookstore -- and try to find some of the books we had recommended to each other. I found Letters from the Earth, and started it that night, and let me tell you - the book had me smiling. It kinda felt like talking to an old friend.

Without getting into a discussion on religion, Lucifer's letters and reasoning to his archangel friends sounded strikingly familiar to my own musings when I was younger. Of course, Twain speaks them much more elegantly, and with great humor.

The book is a collection of letters written by Satan when he was still the Archangel Lucifer under God's company. He and the other angels get into a discussion about God's experiment - Earth. Lucifer goes to Earth and sees the ludicrous expectations and adoration of the humans where God is concerned. He writes home telling tales, and analyzing humanity's follies on faith and religion.

I am still reading pieces of the book, but thus far it has completely surpassed my expectations. The only Mark Twain I had exposed myself to before this was Huck Finn and the other novels I was forced to read in my youth.

Great Read. :)

PC Cast: Goddess of Legend

I went to Hastings today, specifically to get this book... release day... There were no copies on the shelf next to Cast's other works. So I figured it must be on a display or end aisle somewhere. No luck. Finally I spied an associate, and asked. Low and behold... they didn't order any copies, and weren't planning to!

I was a bit dismayed.

I had them check other locations - alas, nope. No Hastings in the near vicinity had any in stock. The only other book stores around here are at the outlet mall or are second hand shops... so no luck there. I broke down and ordered a copy. Guess I'll have to update this when it comes in.

*frustrated sigh*

Andrea Cremer: NightShade

I went to the bookstore today looking for a good read. I didn't actually have anything on my list, but was hoping to find a fun paranormal author. Getting a bit burnt out on vampires, and wanting to stay away from a teen novel, I perused the new releases at the front of the store.

I came across Nightshade by Andrea Creamer. It was a book meant for a younger audience, but it wasn't about vampires. Werewolves were the species of the the tale. Animalistic instincts and urges...hmm.

I read a few pages and almost put it down, but then saw a copy that had a big sticker on it proclaiming it 'Autographed'  - interest re-piqued. I picked up that copy, and sure enough the author had signed the cover page - "Dream Wild"  so I figured, why not. Bought the book and brought it home.

The story is about Calla, a teenage werewolf on the brink of adulthood, or rather mating and starting a pack with her betrothed. She doesn't dislike the boy/wolf/man chosen for her, but like all girls at that transition, she rebels a bit and thinks, "is there more?" (I am throwing a little analytical license in here). The story really parallels a girl's coming of age, hormonal and life changes, except Calla is a wolf. She saves the life of a human boy when out patrolling, and has to deal with the choices she makes in the name of what is right, what is expected, and what she wants.

It wasn't a devour type of read. I doubt I will ever be on the hunt for other works by this author, but it wasn't bad.  Up to you. :) 

Allyson Noel: NightStar

Okay... I'll be the first to admit - these books SUCK.

So why do I keep reading them? Ack! I really don't know. Loyalty? Faith? Stupidity?

The first book, Evermore, was pretty good. I really enjoyed it. The story did feel a little thin. The characters and back stories were not well developed, but for a teenybopper day read, it worked for me. Espically when I was jonsing for a Twilight fix. (Yes, I just admitted that).

Each book thereafter however? Worse, and worse. I didn't even finish reading NightStar. I just set it down, and never went back.

Don't waste your time. B-A-D

Thank you to my 6th grade English teacher....

Mrs. Rome, I thank you!

I heard recently that Harry Potter has consistently been on the top ten list of books libraries want to ban for the last several years... I was flabbergasted. I couldn't believe that type of censure would take place in a public school. Some digging discovered that my little backwater school was actually pretty forward thinking...

Some of the frequently Challenged books in the last 10 years include:

Harry Potter
And Tango Makes Three
To Kill a Mockingbird*
Twilight
Catcher in the Rye*
The Color Purple*
His Dark Materials
Adventures of Huckleberry Flynn*
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings*
The Chocolate War
Of Mice and Men*
Bridge to Teribithia*
Summer of My German Soldier*
Blood and Chocolate

The ones with an asteric(*) are books I read in Junior High at the assignment of my 6th Grade English Teacher. We also read Rebecca, Congo, Lord of the Flies, and James Harriet.

It really surprises me that schools and public libraries seek to censure these books. They were integral to my intellectual and emotional growth at that age.

This week is also Banned Books Week - check it out.
www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/bannedbooksweek/index.cfm

Maggie Stiefvater: Shiver & Linger

Shiver - Good

A girl was attacked by wolves when she was younger, and since then - instead of being afraid - she has felt a connection to the wolf pack that lives behind her house. One wolf in particular.

A young boy knows little more than being a wolf during the winter months, and a human boy during the summer, but he sets his eyes and protective instincts on a girl who lives by the woods...

Linger - Bad

They are now a couple deeply in love, keeping dangerous secrets from family and firends. A few new twists enter the mix, some role reversal, and focus on a full cast of characters including a cocky turned werewolf, a concerend sister, and a missing friend.

If you are a fan of youth paranormal romance, I recommend Shiver... let Linger, wel... linger...

Neil Gaiman: Good Omens

This book is fabulous. It is witty, sarcastic, fun, and full of twists and jumps that keep you on your toes, and giggling the entire time you are perched there. Gaiman wrote the book with fellow author Terry Pratchett (Author of the Disc World books).  With that pair at the helm, this was a sure thing.

The novel is a lose play on the film "The Omen"  Where the end of the world is at hand, the Antichrist has been born, and events are set in motion to bring about the Apocalypse.  However our main characters, an angel and demon, have become comfortable with Earth(and with each other), and don't want to give it up. They work together to stop the greater beings (Satan & God) from bringing about the end of times.

There are too many humorous pieces to give you a good sample, but the opening of the book is the two beings discussing what God's plan really was for the garden of Eden & the apple tree. 

“You’ve got to admit it’s a bit of a pantomime, though,” said Crawly. “I mean, pointing out the Tree and saying ‘Don’t Touch’ in big letters. Not very subtle, is it? I mean, why not put it on top of a high mountain or a long way off? Makes you wonder what He’s really planning.”

Another subplot involves the gathering of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, War, Famine, Death,and Pollution (Pestilence having retired in 1936 following the discovery of penicillin.)

A couple more great quotes:

"Well, Hell was worse, of course, by definition. But Crowley remembered what Heaven was like, and it had quite a few things in common with Hell. You couldn’t get a decent drink in either of them, for a start. And the boredom you got in Heaven was almost as bad as the excitement you got in Hell. "

"God does not play dice with the universe; He plays an ineffable game of His own devising, which might be compared, from the perspective of any of the other players,* to being involved in an obscure and complex version of poker in a pitch-dark room, with blank cards, for infinite stakes, with a Dealer who won’t tell you the rules, and who smiles all the time.

*i.e., everybody."

 

Read it.Read it.Read it.Read it.Read it.

Jane Austen: Pride and Prejudice

" 'Tis a truth universially acknowledged, that a lonely girl in possesion of a vivid imagination, must be in want of a good romance. Hence, they will absolutly love Pride and Prejudice."
- me >:)

Jane Austen is a young woman's god.

Sigh - Typical right? But I vow my loyalty and adoration to this particular novel. The first time a read it was in Junior High, and I have read it at least once every year since then. I think I was in college before it felt like I knew most of the nuances. With most great books they change depending on your mood, and each time you re-read them, you pick up different pieces.

I read a novel recently where the characters made fun of the girly masses for fawning over Jane Austen's novels. Calling it predictable, and lame - but hey! I resent that. It is a classic. It is universally loved. You can't fault it for what it just...is. Hmmm. I could retort that that particular author might just be jealous ;)

Pride and Prejudice is about a man and a woman, who's pride, vanity, stubbornness, and yes - prejudice, get in the way of what they feel. It is a classic romance. Snooty guy wants girl who is below his station. Well raised girl dislikes snooty guy for being well... snooty. Mishaps, misunderstanding, and a mother play in.

If you haven't read it - SMACK!

True Blood - The HBO Series

yeah, yeah, yeah - so my bookshelf (like so many others nowadays) has a few movies on it in addition to books. I promise to limit it to companion movies, and only if I have read the book(s).

TrueBlood...

I watched the series before I read the novels. I think it worked out better for me that way, because once I read the books - the show couldn't hold a candle to them. Is there a team Eric? Cause man am I on his side. In the HBO series, Bill is a lover - in the books, he's a manipulator. Eric is the sweeetie - but in a totally bad-boy way ;)

I got the first two disks of the first season through Netflix. Watched them in one night. Nearly died on the way to work the next morning from sleep deprivation. Couldn't wait the three days it would take to get the next discs, so that evening I went to the store and bought the first season. I watched the entire thing in 2 days.



By the end of it, I was cringing a little, and as I have watched season 2, cringed a lot. It is a far cry from the plot line of the book, but most film adaptations are. It is good as a stand alone. For anyone interested in wither the series or the books, I would say pick one and stick with it. The other will only disappoint you.

Christopher Pike: The Cold One

Definitely not for children, this book, one of Christopher Pikes early novels, is a dark story about a soulless being that sucks the life out of others.

The biggest disappointment, is at the end of my copy, it promised a sequel - which a little googling discovers was never written.

I actually found this book at a Half-Price Bookstore, and just thumbed through a few pages. I was instantly sucked in, bought the book, and read it in a little over a day. It starts off really interesting, as each of the first few chapters tells the story of a different person, and as you read it all gets tied together. By the end, you are going - "really? Didn't see that one coming!"

Read it.