Remember Me by Sophie Kinsella

Synopsis
From Kinsella (Shopaholic & Baby, 2007, etc.), a rags-to-riches fable with a twist.Self-proclaimed "sucker" Lexi Smart has a thankless job and a boyfriend known as "Loser Dave." When the book opens, our plucky-in-spite-of-it-all heroine is wrapping up a night out with gal pals in London. Struggling to find a taxi in the rain to take her home, Lexi slips on the slick pavement and wakes up with retrograde amnesia three years later. Seems Lexi has been busy in recent years - too bad she remembers none of it. When she opens her eyes, she's in a first-class hospital room, the victim, doctors say, of a car wreck in her Mercedes. No longer a working-class drone, Lexi now has a Louis Vuitton handbag, and her previously humdrum body is toned and tanned. As she switches into freak-out mode, her sister notifies Lexi that she is also married - to a square-jawed, hunky millionaire. Talk about getting lucky! Hilarity ensues as Lexi attempts to reclaim her past and negotiate her dazzling present, while contemplating an even more wondrous romance with a black-jeans-clad architect. That Lexi discovers that her transformation from worker to boss turned her from good buddy to bitch adds a bit of morality-tale vinegar to this sugar-shock tale.Cute.

My View

I loved this, we see a new character from Sophie in the shape of Lexi Smart, I was a bit dubious at first wondering if she could top the Shopaholic and Domestic Goddess and whilst I don't think she has done better with either of those here this was still a fabulous read!

Yes maybe the story is a little too far fetched but, thats why we read isn't it to escape from real life? Its funny, it moves you and its easy to read. The characters were great and added to the story.

The book has had lots of mixed reviews but, personally I loved it I think its probably one of those books you will either love or hate.

Date read: August 31st 2008.

Hasta La Vista

After months of anticipation in about 10 hours time I will be leaving for Gatwick en route to Mexico!! I cannot wait so after a nice warm day in Kent, it was about 26c it was a nice pre-cursor to the lovely 36c I will be experiencing this time tomorrow!! Although not so much looking forward to the 10 hour flight but, on the plus side tomorrow is my birthday and instead of a 24 hour birthday I get a 30 hour one!

So have all my books packed, hubby has moaned and said do you really intend to read all those books? (Er, yes!) and the excitement is too much I have wanted to go to Mexico for so so long, Hasta La Vista!

Into The Green by Charles de Lint

SYNOPSIS
The harp was a gift from Jacky Lantern's fey kin, as was the music Angharad pulled from its strings. She used it in her journeys through the Kingdoms of the Green Isles, to wake the magic of the Summerblood where it lay sleeping in folk who had never known they had it.

My View
Having read a few of CDL's books I can categorically say this is my most favourite that I have read to date! This story revolves around Angharad who was grew up as a tinker she is now a witch having been taught the ways of a witch. This is a precursor to a mission she is sent on to help instil the magic to those who have the ability.

Two witches tell Angharad that through her veins runs the Summerblood, inherited from the kowrie and their lord Hafarl, the ancient fey who still live in the world beyond our sight. Those with Summerblood can see into that world, "into the green," and speak the languages of animals and trees. To the ordinary housey-folk, however, such people are called witches, and they are feared. And sometimes hunted.

This is such a beautifully written book as I said it is my favourite so far, it is very fast paced and with a cast of characters that are easy to follow, some books have so many characters that you can get lost, well I do at times.

A really beautiful magical fairytale.

Lord Robert by Jean Plaidy

Synopsis
In the grim recesses of the Tower of London, two captives begin a passionate love affair that will last years but is destined to destroy them; one is Robert Dudley, the other is the future Queen of England, Elizabeth I. Pardoned by Queen Mary, Dudley and Elizabeth are freed, but their mutual longing must be from a distance: Dudley is married, and as the next heir to the throne, Elizabeth must tread carefully...

My View
This book was brilliant, I was quite surprised to see it rated only 3½ stars on Amazon but, I guess we can't like the same things! A wonderful portrait of Robert Dudley and whilst there have been comparisons to The Virgins Lover by Philippa Gregory I wouldn't say it was either better or worse just maybe a bit different.

It was quite fast moving and some areas were a little rushed but, there was so much to cram in, I always think Jean Plaidy's books are like a non-fiction book and if nothing else I learn a lot from them this was no different and it was good that we learned more about Robert from when he was born and when he met Elizabeth etc..

Fiction books on Elizabeth never fail to disappoint and she was portrayed really beautifully here whereas in TVL I found her just a teensy bit weak than I imagined her to be.

The Sixth Wife by Jean Plaidy

Synopsis
Katharine Parr has unwittingly become the last pawn in King Henry VIII's ambitions for an heir. Already twice widowed, Katharine finally dared to hope that she might find love with the dashing Thomas Seymour. But Henry has decided he must have a sixth wife and Seymour's intentions to marry Katherine have not gone unnoticed. Unable to refuse the King of England Katharine becomes his reluctant bride. Once again it seems only a matter of time before another wife's fate leads her to the Tower of London...

My View
Loved this, not to be confused with Suzannah Dunn's book of the same name this is a brilliant portrayal of Henry's sixth and last wife. I don't think I need to tell you the background to this story as most of us know the history surrounding Henry's wives but, this was beautifully told. The part about Anne Askew was rather disturbing describing what happened to her on the rack was just awful! But, very well described at the same time.

I did really feel for Katherine towards the end of her life and what must have been going on in her head with regards to her husband and Elizabeth. Elizabeth was portayed here as probably not someone who I would like very much, its always interesting seeing how different authors portray Elizabeth.

A brilliant example of great historical fiction IMO.

Sometimes I look upon Jean Plaidy's work as historical non-fiction fictionalised if that makes any sense!

The Queen's Sorrow by Suzannah Dunn

Synopsis
A queen brought low by love compromised and power abused -- the tragedy of Mary Tudor. Plain, dutiful and a passionate Catholic, Mary Tudor was overjoyed by joy when she became England's queen. After the misery of her childhood, when her father had rejected her mother, and effectively disowned his daughter, Mary felt at last that she was achieving her destiny. And when she marries Philip of Spain, her happiness is complete. But Mary's delight quickly turns sour as she realises that her husband does not love her. In fact he finds her devotion irritating. Desperate for a baby, she begins to believe that God is punishing her. Her people are horrified at the severity of the measures she takes and begin to turn against their queen who is lonely, frightened -- and desperate for love. Rafael, a member of Philip of Spain's entourage, is a reluctant witness to the unfolding tragedy and as the once-feted queen tightens her cruel hold on the nation, Rafael becomes closer to Mary and his life -- and new-found love -- are caught up in the terrible chaos that follows.

My View
I always felt the reviews I read of Suzannah Dunn's books really gave her a raw deal while yes she is not the greatest historical fiction writer she is (was?) far from the worst but, this book really was dire.

Basically the story of Mary Tudor is told through the eye of a member of her husband (Prince Philip of Spain's) entourage. It doesn't even really tell the story, actually at the beginning I thought it was going to turn into a pretty good book but, nothing ever seemed to happen. This book was mostly about someone who is really not very interesting.

I am sorry to say that I probably won't read another of Ms. Dunn's books unless I see it get really rave reviews - this really is the worst yet, her previous book on Katherine Parr really was not too bad and the previous was OK.

Elizabeth & The Prince Of Spain by Margaret Irwin

Synopsis
Philip of Spain, unwilling bridegroom of Queen Mary, has been warned about the Queen's half-sister, the young Elizabeth, daughter of Anne Boleyn. According to all reports, she is a heretic, a rebel and a potential enemy with 'a spirit full of enchantment'. But Philip is not deterred, and Elizabeth must advance warily towards her destiny, running the gauntlet between Bloody Mary's jealousy and morbid outbursts of hate, and Philip's uneasy ardour...


My View
The final instalment of Margaret Irwin's brilliant Elizabeth trilogy, as I have said before the descriptions here are brilliant and that continues in this book, I would say this is probably the weakest book of the three not that that is a bad thing as this was a very good series I just felt it didn't keep my interest as much as the others.

As far as a portrait of Elizabeth goes this was not the greatest I think I, Elizabeth by Rosalind Miles and Queen of this Realm by Jean Plaidy are very hard to beat but, then this is a different kind of storyline, that said still a brilliant Elizabethan saga and very well written.

Elizabeth, Captive Princess by Margaret Irwin

Synopsis
In July, 1553, sibling rivalry has never been more tumultuous and perilous than between the daughters of King Henry VIII. Queen Mary Tudor has just won possession of the throne, but her younger half-sister - the beautiful and vivacious Princess Elizabeth - holds the hearts of the people. Knowing this, Mary banishes her sibling to a country retreat, determined to keep her as far away from court life and any powerful supporters she has there as possible.But Mary's health is fading fast and her power beginning to crumble. The people of England are crying out for a new monarch and it seems, at last, they may have their wish and crown their beloved Bess as queen...But Mary refuses to relinquish the throne, determined to rule to the absolute end as her father did before her. In a final show of strength, Mary orders Elizabeth's imprisonment in the Tower of London, there to await her execution. In these treacherous times, when all about her there is secrecy and deception, Elizabeth must rely on her faith and courage if she is to survive her ordeal and rise to fulfil her destiny.

My View
This is the second in Margaret Irwin's Elizabeth trilogy and the same excellent writing that we saw in Young Bess is prevelent here. This book covers the period when Elizabeth's half-sister Mary Tudor was on the throne. Beautifully descriptive this really gives you the feel for the time period, I think descriptions of clothing, houses etc are so important with historical novels and they were such brilliant descriptions.

For me Elizabeth I was along with her mother one of the most fascinating and interesting of all historical people and I cannot read enough books about either of them, this was very addictive reading and well worth a read if you love the Tudor period.

The Well of Shades by Juliet Marillier

Synopsis
In this captivating third installment in Marillier's historical fantasy series (after 2006's Blade of Fortriu) set in the sixth-century Scottish Highlands and Ireland, Faolan of the Uí Néill clan—bard, assassin, spy and adviser to the Pictish King Bridei of Fortriu—must complete three difficult missions. For Bridei, he must track down a cleric named Colmcille. For his own peace of mind, he must return home to Erin and confront his past. (Ten years earlier Faolan faced an impossible choice that shattered his family and left his eldest brother dead.) For his deceased comrade Deord, he must bring news of the warrior's death to the man's family in Cloud Hill, a task that lands Deord's impoverished 16-year-old daughter, Eile, and her toddler in Faolan's care. Faolan brings Eile back to the court of King Bridei, where they find themselves enmeshed in a plot against the king's half-fey son, Derelei. Despite some anachronistic instances of liberated female behavior and a few discordant modern colloquialisms, this episode will appeal to series fans and new readers alike.

My View
This is the third in the brilliant Bridei Chronicles, and takes place almost immediately after where Blade of Fortriu ends. Faolan returns to his homeland to complete a mission for Bridei. As he informs Deord's family of his death into his life comes Eile, Deord's daughter. Eile helps a heartbroken Faolan to heal.

New characters are introduced in this volume as well as the old characters of course. I would have to say, and I have read pretty much all of Juliet's books that Eile and Faolan are two of the best characters she has ever created they gave so much to this instalment both having been through so much.

A brilliantly developed and fast-paced novel, I hope this is not the last of Bridei's chronicles.

Vampire Interrupted by Lynsay Sands

Synopsis
In over 700 years of existence, Marguerite Argeneau has never held a job. Her fledgling career as a PI seemed like such a simple plan - track down Christian Notte's father and convince him to give up the name of his son's mother. But, the best laid plans...Julius Notte has loved Marguerite for a long time - a very long time. When she turns up on his doorstep, demanding answers to very sensitive questions, it's clear that something is wrong. Certain he's the only one who can save her, Julian is determined to rekindle their love. But, someone is standing in their way; someone who will stop at nothing - not even murder - to ensure that Marguerite's past stays in the past.

My View
Finally Marguerite's story! Marguerites husband is dead all her children have found their lifemates and only Marguerite hasn't ... until now! Christian Notte believes his mother to be dead and has believed that for the last 500 years but, he sets out to find out her name and hires Marguerite to help him. The more the story goes on the more you find out Marguerite is not the quite headstrong vampire she would have us to believe.

I loved the ending and though all of Marguerites children have found their lifemates it still leaves a little there for other characters to find theirs so hopefully that will mean more books, I was very sad to come to the end as I have loved each and every book from this series.

Just one tip if you don't want to know how the story pans out DO NOT read the 'helpful' family tree at the beginning of the book!

Witch In The House by Jenna McKnight

SYNOPSIS
Jade Delarue is determined to find the man of her dreams, so the sexy witch casts a spell that brings a gorgeous man to her door. But private detective Mason Kincaid isn't looking for love. Jilted by his last girlfriend, Mason's thrown himself into his work. He's visiting Jade on official business, and not even the blizzard raging outside her house—or her spellbinding beauty—can distract him.

Then Jade realizes the mistake she's made in her spell, and she wants him gone. But there are charms to spare in Mystic Manor, showing Mason that the witch in the house might be the woman he's been waiting for. Convincing her, though, means coming up with a little magic of his own.


My View
I found this book from my recommendations on Amazon and whilst this is not the greatest book you will ever read it was certainly fun.

The descriptions of the witchy things were quite good I loved the descriptions of Imbolc and spells etc. Jade does 3 spells which end up being sort of linked - firstly the spell she does for a woman called Brenda ends up with Brenda jilting her husband-to-be at the altar, so then she does a spell for the jilted man to find love and then one for herself because after six years since her husband died she is getting kind of lonely! Then an ill wind makes the candles all melt together.

This was a very humourous cutesy kind of romance think a witchy chick-lit!

Very cute and nice to read!

Vampires Are Forever by Lynsay Sands

SYNOPSIS
Ines Urso is not pleased. After dragging herself out of bed and running to the airport at 5 am, Thomas Argeneau has the nerve to ignore her! Here she's gone through all this trouble, and disrupted her carefully planned life, and he acts like she's not even there. Once she tracks him down, she's going to give him a piece of her mind - if she can ignore his charming good looks long enough. When Thomas opens his hotel room door to an irate woman, he knows he's in big trouble. But it's not his fault no one told him he was going to have a partner! He's determined to make it up her though, because he's starting to believe she's going to have a permanent place in his life. On a wild search to track down his aunt and with his entire family descending upon them, Thomas and Ines are finding out that when it comes to happily ever after, no one does it quite like the Argeneaus.

My View
The main objective of this book was finding a missing vampire not just any vampire though, Marguerite Argeneau!

Thomas Argenau is the centre of attraction on this instalment and when he meets the Portuguese Inez he realises almost straight away that she is his lifemate, she is also an employee of Bastiens, Thomas's cousin. Because Thomas is trying to find Marguerite this makes his attentions not wholly on Inez and they travel to Amsterdam and then to York, UK to try to find Marguerite but, someone is on their trail and keeps trying to wipe Inez's memory ...

Another good instalment but, sadly not a great one, the plot seemed to waver off a little and seemed a little incomplete as if nothing got resolved. Thomas and Inez were great characters but, just wish they had been given a meatier styoryline.

Still essential reading if your planning on completing the Argeneau series.

The Accidental Vampire by Lynsay Sands

SYNOPSIS
FATE GAVE HER FANGS . . .

Ever since an accident turned her into a knockout vamp, Elvi Black’s been catching her z’s in a coffin, staying out of the sun, and giving up garlic. She knows there’s more to being undead than what she saw in Dracula, but she can’t very well ask her mortal friends about proper biting etiquette. But when her neighbors placed a personal ad for her in the local paper, she never imagined she’d meet Victor Argeneau, a vampire who could have his pick of any woman—dead or alive.

HE’LL SHOW HER HOW TO USE THEM . . .

Rich, powerful, and drop-dead gorgeous, Victor’s the perfect man for a novice neck-biter like Elvi. He’s willing to teach her everything he knows, but he’ll have to do it fast. Someone’s out to put a stake through her new vamp life, and only Victor can keep her safe – and satisfied – for all eternity.

My View
This series just gets better and better, this one focusses on Victor, one of the eldest of the Argeneau's. Victor heads off to Port Henry in response to a lonely hearts ad, the ad at first Victor is not going as a prospective suitor but, things soon change . Elvi, meanwhile is very confused as to what it means to be a vampire and believes all the typecast vampire myths and sleeps in a coffin and hasn't eaten since she was turned. But, someone is out to attack Elvi.

This was very funny, and brilliantly written by Ms Sands, I keep thinking I am going to start to get bored with this series soon and I never do, I have a few Vampy books at home to read after these and they are going to have a hard time living up to these fun vampires!

The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong

The first book in the Darkest Powers trilogy - a brand new series by bestselling author Kelley Armstrong. All Chloe Saunders wants is a life like any normal teenager - the chance to get through school, make friends, and maybe meet a boy.

But when she starts seeing ghosts, she knows that life will never be normal again. Soon ghosts are everywhere, demanding her attention. When Chloe finally breaks down, she's admitted to a group home for disturbed kids. At first Lyle House seems okay, but as she gets to know the other patients - charming Simon and his ominous, unsmiling brother Derek; obnoxious Tori; and Rae, who has a 'thing' for fire - Chloe begins to realise that something strange and sinister binds them all together, and it isn't your usual 'problem kid' behaviour.

And they're about to discover that Lyle House is not your usual group home, either ...

This is a Young Adult book but,a very grown up one, some YA's can seem a little childish at times but, not this. Chloe is very interesting yes a little disturbed and at times disturbing but, a brilliant character.

Even as a young toddler Chloe could see ghosts and in the house she lived in were ghosts in the basement which just scared her, when she was 8 Chloe's Mum died.

Chloe lives in Buffalo, although she lives with her dad he is away a lot so is mostly brought up by housekeepers - Chloe sees ghosts. The ghost she sees is quite terrifying and this is what ends up with Chloe being sent to the group home, Lyle House. Mostly the House's residents are mid-teens with as amany if not more, problems than Chloe has.

I love Kelley's books and this is another great addition, whilst not as agood as the Women of the Otherworld series this is brilliant and going by the ending I am presuming this is just the beginning of a great new series, look forward to book 2!

Carnal Innocence by Nora Roberts

Synopsis
Roberts ( Genuine Lies ) plunks a pair of likable lovers into an equally likable rural Southern community; she then keeps the story from turning sweeter than blackstrap molasses by setting loose a serial killer. World-class violinist Caroline Waverly, recovering from a breakdown and an affair gone bad, arrives at her grandparents' house in Innocence, Miss., looking for peace and quiet; what she discovers is the naked, mutilated corpse of Edda Lou Hatinger. Only days earlier, Edda Lou had thrilled local gossips by publicly blowing up at Tucker Longstreet: he wanted out of their affair; she wanted marriage.

Edda Lou is the third woman stabbed to death recently, so local police call in Matthew Burns, a federal investigator who specializes in tracking serial killers. In the meantime, Tucker decides to be right neighborly to Caroline, and after her initial resistance crumbles, she responds to his Southern charm. Tucker is on Matthew's list of suspects, and soon a fourth dead woman is found on the Longstreet family property. Caroline, too, faces the knife as she is drawn into a confrontation in which she learns who is behind the deaths.

My view
Wow, wow! This book was brilliant a brilliant whodunnit with some romance to boot! I have to say the cover is not so exciting but, don't let that put you off (I have a fascination with covers!).

The female lead character is interesting whilst not weak I didn't find her particuarly strong, Caroline is a famous violinist and has come to Innocence to stay at her Grandmothers house to take a break from her hectic life and upon arriving she first comes across Tucker Longstreet.

The main plot of course is the murders and Tucker Longstreet becomes a suspect once you get to the end it is a huge surprise who the murderer is, I thought I guessed but, was so wrong!

Another excellent novel from Nora and I see this is shortlisted to be made into a TV movie next year, hope this one makes it as I would love to see how it is portrayed on screen.

A Charmed Death by Madelyn Alt

Maggie O'Neill was just your average small-town girl, stuck in a dead-end job until she started working at Enchantments, Stony Mill's finest antique shop with a unique mystical secret. Now Maggie is Indiana's newest witch. Learning to cope with her newfound powers is tough enough, but add to that keeping the stock at Enchantments organized, keeping the peace with her somewhat controlling mom, and remembering to tape reruns of her favorite show, Magnum, P.I., and Maggie's got a full plate.

But when a second questionable death occurs a scant two months into her store tenure, she can't turn her thoughts away from all the town gossip about the teenage princess and the mysterious circumstances surrounding the girl's charmed life and death. While the police get caught up in procedure and logic, Maggie uses every trick, charm, and intuition she can summon, with the assistance of her favorite witchy boss Felicity Dow, to get to the heart of this spellbinding murder.

A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.

In this case? Get witchy!

This book starts 2 months after the ending of Trouble With Magic. And while Maggie's boss Liss recovers from her sisters murder Maggie is left to hold the fort at Enchantments.

Three girls from the local high school go into Enchantments and one of the girls, Amanda buys an antique clock, she subsequently ends up murdered!

Not as fast paced as the first book and I find Liss more exciting to read about than Maggie but, overall an enjoyable read.

Book Blowout - Mini Challenge

Mrs S posted a mini challenge for all the participants of the July challenge:



http://www.clareswindlehurst.com/bookreviews/2008/07/01/book-blowout-mini-challenge-1-introductions/


So here are my replies!


1. Describe yourself in one sentence - I am a married thirty something female, no children working in the crazy world of Canary Wharf!!

2. What book will you start the challenge with? I started with Dead Girls Are Easy by Terri Garey.

3. Where is your favourite place to read? Anywhere! Mostly i read on the train, on the sofa and in bed.

4. What is your favourite book of all time? Oh too many but, two that stand out are Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier and Kushiel's Dart by Jacqueline Carey.

5. Remind us all of your challenge target - its 10 (currently on my third so fingers crossed!)

The Trouble With Magic by Madelyn Alt

Bringing a little culture to Stony Mill, Indiana, Enchantments is one of the area’s finest antique stores. But shop clerk Maggie O’Neill and her employer Felicity Dow do more than conjure up curios for the locals—they each possess a talent for spellbinding sleuthing . . .

Bored with her office job, Maggie jumps at the opportunity to work at Enchantments. She was a little weirded out when Felicity described herself as a witch, but if her boss wants to play with broomsticks and cauldrons, where’s the harm? However, Maggie’s first day on the job may turn out to be her last when Police question Felicity in the murder of her estranged sister.

With everyone in town proclaiming Felicity’s guilt faster than the Salem Witch trials, Maggie finds herself wondering if she’ll also be tied to the stake. And lately, she’s been receiving messages on a spiritual frequency guiding her to prove Felicity’s innocence—and to embrace her own "charmed" life.

Another great paranormal chick lit (just can't get enough of these!!), this one was brilliant keeping you in suspense until the end as to who killed Felicity's sister. An interesting cast of characters and if I was to mark this I would give it 3 out of 5, there are some magical elements but, not a huge amount it was really for me more of a suspence than paranormal however, we see more of that in the second so definitely a series I will be sticking with just love the descriptions of all the pagan things.

Dead Girls Are Easy by Terri Garey

There's something about almost dying that makes a girl rethink her priorities. Take Nicki Styx—she was strictly goth and vintage, until a brush with the afterlife leaves her with the ability to see dead people.

Before you can say boo, Atlanta's ghosts are knocking at Nicki's door. Now her days consist of reluctantly cleaning up messes left by the dearly departed, leading ghouls to the Light . . . and one-on-one anatomy lessons with Dr. Joe Bascombe, the dreamy surgeon who saved her life. All this catering to the deceased is a real drag, especially for a girl who'd rather be playing hanky-panky with her hunky new boyfriend . . . who's beginning to think she's totally nuts.

But things get even more complicated when a friend foolishly sells her soul to the devil, and Nicki's new gift lands her in some deep voodoo.

As it turns out for Nicki Styx, death was just the beginning.


Continuing with my current addiction for Paranormal chick lit, this one is a stand alone (I think!). This is the first of Terri Garey's books I have read and oh boy what a feast, never a dull moment as there are a lots of sub plots going on here too.

I did find lots of similarities with Victoria Laurie's Ghosthunter series (previous review) but, thats fine I loved that too!

This is not an intense fun its a lot of light hearted fun and nothing too taxing on the brain but, something I am loving at the moment, I hope there is more but, to be honest I am not sure as this was on my recommendations list on Amazon so off to find out more about Ms Garey!

What's A Ghoul To Do by Victoria Laurie

M.J., her partner Gilley, and their client, the wealthy, de-lish Dr. Steven Sable, are at his family's lodge, where his grandfather allegedly jumped to his death from the roof-although Sable says it was foul play. But the patriarch's isn't the only ghost around. The place is lousy with souls, all with something to get off their ghoulish chests. Now M.J. will have to to quell the clamor-and listen for a voice with the answers...

This was more of a kind iof Paranormal chick lit and I loved it!

MJ is a ghost hunter and I loved reading about that side of things as the author is also a medium so that was quite interesting. She works alongside her partner Gilley and they help souls cross over etc. Think Most Haunted (though not as crap LOL) with better characters!!

Dr Sable's english is not so good and some of the things he comes out with were really quite funny! Of course there is a romantic twist (MJ & Dr Sable) which was pretty much predictable (well it wasn't going to happen between MJ & Gilley) and the ending was quite cutesy!

This was a fun, light read nothing too intense here and MJ was a great character - this is the first book I read of Victoria Laurie and she has written another Psychic series as well as the follow up to this which I definitely will be reading.

So if you love anything ghostly and paranormal thats not too intense you'll love it!

July Book Blowout

I have signed up for my first book challenge - woo hoo me!!

I don't normally commit myself to challenges as I always panic I won't co mplete them and TBH sometimes if I have read too much of a certain type of book I find I can get bored with it, but, this one sounds fairly straightforward.

"The rules are simple - read as many books as you can between July 1 and 31 - and then by August 7 post a list of all of the books you read on your blog. Reviews are not required to take part".

I average between 7-9 books per month so decided to do 10 for this challenge and see how I get along. Wish me luck!

Bite Me If You Can by Lynsay Sands

Once Bitten . . .

One minute Leigh is walking home in the early hours of the morning, and the next a vampire is sinking his teeth into her neck. Turns out it was a rogue vampire marked for termination, but it does Leigh little good because the damage's already been done. She's become one of them.

Lucian Argeneau, hunter of rogue vampires, has been alive for over two thousand years, and there's very little to excite him anymore. Food has become tasteless, sex is ordinary. Then Leigh drops into his life. Suddenly he finds himself craving coffee . . . and imagining the sassy brunette atop the black satin sheets on his nice big bed. It's Lucian's job now to enlighten Leigh on the inner workings of being immortal . . . and tutoring her is igniting a fire in him that hasn't burned in centuries.

But until they stop a renegade bloodsucker from destroying the human race, passion will have to wait!

Oh as if this series was not brilliant enough this one has to be my favourite out of the series so far!

Again like the last one this is a little darker than other books in the series.

Lucian can be a bit of an old grouch but, Leigh seems to make him less like that or she doesn't see it, and Lucian has not even kissed a woman for something like 1700 years!! Nothing excites him anymore until Leigh starts popping up into his sexy dreams! But, then he is one of the oldest members of the Argeneau family having been around for 3500 years.

Silly as this may sound I don't normally read books with covers like these but, preferred the previous cartoon covers but, the old adage definitely applies here "never judge a book by its cover".

This series just gets better and better and with only 3 left to read (although another is due) I will be very sad when I get to the last one.

A Bite To Remember by Lynsay Sands

Rule #1: Never get involved with someone who won't be there for you when the sun comes up.

Once bitten, twice shy, and sexy PI Jackie Morrisey wasn't going there again. Vincent Argeneau may be the hottest guy she's ever met, living or dead, but she's here to stop a killer from turning this vampire into dust, not to jump into bed with him.

Rule #2: Never kiss a vampire . . . it can be a pain in the neck.

Okay, so Vincent's had four hundred years to perfect his kissing skills, and he does look rather tempting when he runs around the house shirtless. He's also charming, protective . . . did we mention he can kiss? Jackie needs to be on her guard, or else she'll have to come up with a new rule: If you're going to fall in love with a vampire, make sure it's a bite to remember.

I have to say of all the Vampire series out there (and there are quite a few) this has to be my favourite, I love love love the Argenau's. They are great and so funny and after the last one I was just a teensy bit scared that the books were goinmg the same way as the others hence why its a while since I read the last one.

But, no this one is a little different to the others in that it is a little darker - though I would say the female interest here - Jackie - I did not like as much as I did Rachel and Kate but, Jackie is ok just didn't find her terribly exciting!

Vincent on the other hand made the book IMO!

I don't want to give too much of the story away but, if you love fun light reads with Vampires this series is it - love it!

Staying Dead by Laura Anne Gilman

It starts as a simple job -- but simple jobs, when you're dealing with the magical world, often end up anything but.

As a Retriever, Wren Valere specializes in finding things gone missing -- and then bringing them back, no questions asked. Normally her job is stimulating, challenging and only a little bit dangerous. But every once in a while . . .

Case in point: A cornerstone containing a spell is stolen and there's a magical complication. (Isn't there always?) Wren's unique abilities aren't enough to lay this particular case to rest, so she turns to some friends: a demon (minor), a mage who has lost his mind, and a few others, including Sergei, her business partner (and maybe a bit more?).

Sometimes what a woman has to do to get the job done is enough to give even Wren nightmares . .

This was a really good start to, which I hope, is a great series. The beginning was a bit not very thrilling for me but, after the first 100 or so pages it really started to pick up. Wren is a really intriguing character I wasn't so struck with her partner Sergei at first but, after a while I started to like him a little!

Wren is basically a sort of witch and living in a world where magic is not the best kept secret! And the book is told in the third person which makes things quite interesting.

The ending leaves lots of things hanging perfect for a sequel I guess this could be called a paranormal romance of sorts and as that genre goes this is not the best that could come from that genre and at the beginning you may think to give up on it but, I am glad I stuck with it I think its one of those that gets better as the series (currently 4 books) goes along.

Sushi For Beginners by Marian Keyes

A nervous breakdown seems like a great idea: all that lying in bed and watching daytime TV. But who's going to have it? Will it be housewife Clodagh, who spends her days microwaving pasta for her demanding toddlers and waiting for her beautiful husband Dylan to come home? Or Lisa, hard, brittle and shiny as an M&M, reeling from the shock of a demotion from her fabulous job in London to a one-horse magazine in Dublin? Or Ashling, so normal she's weird?

Marian Keyes is one of my favourite authors and whilst I have liked some of her books better than others I have not yet read one that I don't like, Sushi For Beginners is no exception, kind of similar to Last Chance Saloon and is about several characters rather than focussing on just the one.

The three characters the book focusses on is Lisa, Ashling & Clodagh with a great cast of supporting characters. Lisa is a magazine editor who can be quite bitchy but, I got to like her towards the end then there is Ashling who is very nice all along and works for Lisa and Clodagh is Ashlings best buddy.

This was not my favourite Keyes book, I am still looking for the one that beats Watermelon and in all honesty I am not as keen on Keyes other books that aren't based on the Walshes but, I still really enjoyed this and Marian created a really lovely cast of characters and an excellent storyline.

The Lollipop Shoes by Joanne Harris

'Who died?' I said. 'Or is it a secret?' 'My mother, Vianne Rocher', seeking refuge and anonymity in the cobbled streets of Montmartre, Yanne and her daughters, Rosette and Annie, live peacefully, if not happily, above their little chocolate shop. Nothing unusual marks them out; no red sachets hang by the door. The wind has stopped - at least for a while. Then into their lives blows Zozie de l'Alba, the lady with the lollipop shoes, and everything begins to change...But this new friendship is not what it seems. Ruthless, devious and seductive, Zozie de l'Alba has plans of her own - plans that will shake their world to pieces. And with everything she loves at stake, Yanne must face a difficult choice; to flee, as she has done so many times before, or to confront her most dangerous enemy...Herself.

I bought this book not knowing it as the follow-up to Chocolat and to be honest I possibly may not have bought it because of that reason not that it was bad but, as you may have seen from my review I was not ovely enthralled with it.

Anyway, bought it I had and I hate to buy books and not to read them and I am so glad I hve read this. I have read afew reviews where some say Chocolat is much better than this, I disagree I absolutely loved this.

We see some of the same characters of Chocolat Vianne of course as well as Anouk and a new one, Zozie who I absolutely adored (even though she was the villain there was something so interesting and fascinating about her) and I liked Vianne a whole lot more in this than I did in Chocolat. Thierry was another kettle of fish and didn't like him at all!

I think this one had even more witchery about it than Chocolat, Tarot appears a lot here and I liked those scenes as well as the other scenes of scrying etc. Very well written by Joanne Harris.

I'm surprised so many people who rated Chocolat didn't rate this at all I loved it and was sorry or it to end hopefully there will be another book about Vianne in the future.

Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult

Sterling is a small, ordinary New Hampshire town where nothing ever happens -- until a student enters the local high school with an arsenal of guns and starts shooting, changing the lives of everyone inside and out. The daughter of the judge sitting on the case is the state's best witness -- but she can't remember what happened in front of her own eyes. Or can she?

The very first book I read by Jodi Picoult was The Pact and it was the book that got me hooked on Jodi' books and whilst having read My Sisters Keeper, Salem Falls etc. and whilst these were excellent I never found a book that matched up in my opinion to The Pact, that was until I read Nineteen Minutes ...

This book was written so brilliantly and Jodi just has this way of making you think.

The basis of this story is something similar that we have all read about - school shootings - and I'm the first to admit to thinking when I hear of these of what kind of a warped person could actually do this to their fellow schoolmates.

This is a shocking storyline that not only covers the story of a school shooting that leaves many children dead but, also another sensitive storyline and that of bullying. The shooter here is the recipient of quite violent bullying and it certainly got me thinking that in this storyline all the people involved were victims, even Peter, the boy who shot his schoolmates.

It has a great cast with some brilliant characters the storyline was so powerful, definitely one of my favourites of Jodi's books.

Some of Jodi's books has I felt a little too many scenes in the courtroom and whilst this story like her others end up in the courtroom there were not so many scenes that it got too boring, I loved how the story switched back to describing events leading up to the shooting as well as what was happening after as well.

Fantastic!

Meme & theme update

I was tagged by Mariel from http://troubles-melt-like-lemon-drops.blogspot.com/ for this meme:

1. Pick up the nearest book.
2. Open to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the next three sentences.
5. Tag five people, and acknowledge who tagged you.

1. Ages of Chaos by Marion Zimmer Bradley.
2. OK!!
3. Ok again!
4. clutching at his heart. The paxman came and supported his faltering lord to his seat.
Donal said "My Lords if she had not struck him down,
5. For this I tag
Rhinoa from http://rhinoasramblings.blogspot.com/
Margo from http://bookisland.blogspot.com/
Daphne from http://shelfandstuff.blogspot.com/
Marg from http://readingadventures.blogspot.com/
and
Kailana from http://myreadingbooks.blogspot.com/



And finally if anyone can tell me how to do the links above properly please let me know LOL as I just can't figure it out on Blogger!

Decided to give my blog a more summery feel so thought sunflowers was very appropriate lets hope we get some more sun in the UK as it is supposedly summer!

Happy weekend!

Chocolat by Joanne Harris

I hear our M'sieur le Curé already has it in for you ... Does he know you're a witch?
Lansquenet-sous-Tannes--"a blip on the fast road between Toulouse and Bourdeaux"--and new home to Vianne Rocher, her six-year-old daughter Anouk, and Anouk's "imaginary" rabbit, Pantoufle. They arrive "on the wind of the carnival", and, a couple of days later, Vianne opens a luxuriant chocolate shop. "La Céleste Praline" bubbles over with the most tempting of confections, topped with an irresistible selection of rich, smooth chocolate drinks. It's Lent, the shop is opposite the church (which Vianne and Anouk don't attend) it's open on Sundays and Francis Reynaud, the austere parish priest with the "measuring, feline look" is not exactly happy.
As one by one the villagers sidle into the shop to sample Vianne's concoctions, we learn of their characters and secrets, their loves and desires, their troubles and hopes. Sad, polite Guillame and his dying dog. Shoplifting, beaten Joséphine Muscat. And Armande Voizin, still vigorous and perceptive in her 80s, who can see Pantoufle, and recognises Vianne for who she really is.

But Reynaud has his power base. And when Vianne advertises a Grand Festival of Chocolate to start on Easter Sunday, it's all-out war. War between church and chocolate.

Hmmmmm I'm sorry to say I was not overly impressed with this, its not a bad book don't get me wrong but, I just don't get the hype. Vivianne was an interesting character I didn't exactly warm to her for me she was one of those characters that I didn't dislike but, at the same time wasn't exactly bothered what happened to her.

Despite all that it was not a boring book but, also not as exciting either this happens to me all the time most books people just love and rate I'm just so not into them. Maybe because of all the hype I'm just expecting more than there is I don't know and yet books people rate quite low I tend to find I absolutely love them... maybe I'm just weird LOL

So whilst not a bad book with a not bad storyline this was not great and probably not something I would reach to read again.

Waifs & Strays by Charles De Lint

Synopsis
Mythic fiction is at its best in this anthology of stories of memorable heroines, rooted not in a secondary world but in an urban environment. The author introduces each selection, providing insight and interesting biographical information. The subject of two stories is a 16-year-old vampire named Apples who receives "the Gift" from a stranger during a Bryan Adams concert. She hopes to "turn" her sister Cassie when she is older, if she agrees, so they can live together forever. Poking fun at the television version of a teenage vampire, the heroine offers a more pragmatic view of her lot in life as she avenges evil doings in her neighborhood. In the section "Bordertown," where magic and reality coexist, an elf named Manda saves the life of a Harley-riding black man who is the neighborhood peacekeeper in a city rife with prejudice and violence. Elements of Robin Hood, Merlin, Native American mythology, and Celtic music weave through each story. Some of the heroines are humans who briefly tiptoe into a magical realm or are skeptical about its existence. De Lint's characters are often lonely and intelligent misfits whose self-discovery triumphs over plot. Described as "urban fantasy," these stories represent a hybrid genre for readers who only want one arm through the door into another world.

My View

Another fantastic collection from Charles De Lint, this collction is about teenagers and possibly more Young Adult focussed. I loved the first three stories being about Merlin, Vampires and fairies.

There was a really good cross section of characters here and the last couple of storis I found nost as good as the first but, another really good mixed assortment of stories.

My favourite story of the bunch was 'Sisters' about 2 sisters called Cassie and Apple one of whom is a vampire, and whether or not she should 'turn' her sister.

Loved this so another definite one to read from CDL, can this guy do no wrong?

Dreams Underfoot by Charles De Lint

This short story collections features 19 short stories from CDL's Newford. There is a real mixture of stories here sort of like a chocolate assortment box in a book! Lots of different and very interesting characters and many of them featuring the very likeable Jilly Coppercorn.

I love how he makes fairy tales and folklore into a modern setting and that is so prevelent here and although this is a short story collection per se the stories somehow interlink ino to each other, all being based in Newford as well.

Some say the characters are unrealistic but, for me if the characters are real and more like people in our everyday lives would it really make for such interesting reading? I think not. I love CDL's characters they are so different, some quirky mostly likeable.

I find myself with each book saying if you haven't read De Lint before then read this and I would say it about this one too - I think his short story collections are the best way to get a feel for the type of characters he creates.

If you ever want to get away from your day to day life dive into one of CDL's books they are real escapism.

Heir to the Shadows (The Black Jewels Trilogy) By Anne Bishop

Book Two - Heir To The Shadows
Synopsis Anne Bishop plunged into dark fantasy with her first book, Daughter of the Blood. She described a world where Blood Witches have always ruled, drawing males to their courts through seductive power. An ambitious High Priestess destroys more powerful females before maturity and has enslaved the strongest males, weakening magic and corrupting natural bonds between men and women. Sexual violence permeates Terreille. Jaenelle, born to be Queen, is vulnerable until adulthood. Though guarded by male Warlord Princes, Jaenelle is violated. Daemon, her destined Consort, rescues her but is convinced he attacked her and goes mad.
In Heir to the Shadows, Jaenelle's vampiric, adoptive father, Saetan, and her foster-family of demons shelter her. To restore her memory and emotional balance, they move to Kaeleer, where Jaenelle befriends the kindred--animals with magical and communicative powers--and gathers a circle of young Queens. She also heals Lucivar, Daemon's half-brother, who offers a brother's love and a warrior's fealty. As she recovers strength and memory, Jaenelle resolves to restore Daemon and cleanse Terreille.

Bishop subverts readers' expectations; the "darkest" powers reside in virtuous characters, demons and vampires are kindly, and Jaenelle's adolescence is more comically normal than horrific. Her vibrant characters and descriptions will keep readers hooked, anxiously awaiting what promises to be a riveting conclusion.

My View
Another great instalment of this brilliant trilogy of the three books I think this was my least favourite not that it was bad in any way it certainly wasn't and I'm not sure why I preferred it least of the three, maybe because Daughter of the Blood was such a hard act to follow but, anyway ...

This must of course be read after Daughter of the Blood or else you may get a little confused. We see Jaenelle growing up lot here and definitely see her character advancing and because of the suffering she has endured she has of course, changed quite a bit.

This is one of those books its so hard to write a review if someone reading it (this review that is) hasn't read it (and if you haven't you so must!). It truly is dark fantasy at its best, if anyone knows of any fantasy similar to this plase tell me as I have never read anything else close!

Daughter of the Blood (The Black Jewels Trilogy) by Anne Bishop

Book One Daughter of the Blood
Synopsis
Anne Bishop's debut novel, Daughter of the Blood, is like black coffee--strong, dark, and hard on delicate stomachs. Within the Blood (a race of magic-users), women rule and men serve, but tradition has been corrupted so that women enslave men, who seek to destroy their oppressors. Female children are violated before they can reach maturity; men are tortured and forced to satisfy witches' sexual appetites.
Bishop's child heroine, Jaenelle, is destined to rule the Blood, if she can reach adulthood. Her power is hidden; her family believes her mad. Saetan, High Lord of Hell and most powerful of the Blood males, becomes Jaenelle's surrogate father and teacher. He cannot protect her outside Hell, where he rules. She refuses to leave Terreille, risking herself to protect or heal other victims of violence. Can Daemon, Saetan's estranged son, keep her safe from the machinations of the evil High Priestess? Or will he lose his battle to control his destructive urges and endanger her?

My View
This is just about the third time I have read this book, actually the entire series. This really stands out as one of my favourite fantasy books - EVER! That could change of course as I haven't read every fantasy book there is but, it rea;lly would have to be some gem to beat this.

Anne Bishop has really createda totally intricate world - Jaenelle is our heroine and I was totally mesmerised by her she is a totally innoent girl yet her destiny is to be the most powerful witch. And of course, Daemon I cannot believe anyone would not b mesmerised these two.

Saetan is the Lord High of Hell and that sounds way more scary than he really is because of how we have come to associate hell I guess, Saetan is Jaenelle's adopted father and Daemon is Saetan's son. Once you read this book you will be hunting down the rest if you don't have them already.

Thanks For The Memories by Cecelia Aherne

Synopsis
Lose yourself in the magical new novel from Cecelia Ahern - the No.1 bestselling author of PS, I Love You How can you know someone you've never met? Joyce Conway remembers things she shouldn't. She knows about tiny cobbled streets in Paris, which she has never visited. And every night she dreams about an unknown little girl with blonde hair. When she leaves hospital after a terrible accident, with her life and her marriage in pieces, Joyce moves back in with her elderly father. All the while, a strong sense of deja vu is overwhelming her and she can't figure out why! Justin Hitchcock is divorced, lonely and restless. He arrives in Dublin to give a lecture on art and meets attractive doctor Sarah, who persuades him to donate blood. It's the first thing to come straight from his heart in a long time. When Justin receives a basket of muffins with a note simply saying thank you,he is sure someone is playing a trick on him. But then a series of gifts begin to arrive. Intrigued and disturbed, Justin is determined to find out who is sending them. What he discovers will change his life forever.

My View
As with all Cecelia's books this was a nice, easy cosy read buttttt ....

I found this a bit of a slog to read not as in it was hard to read I just didn't find it as enchanting as her other books. There are some really funny parts - when Joyce takes her dad to London and on his very first plane journey - and it was a nice storyline but, personally I didn't find the characters interesting enough and TBH was not really bothered what happened to them one way or the other!

As with all CA's books she touches on sensitive subjects - in this case miscarriage - in a really delicate way and Joyce IS a nice character don't get me wrong and I did feel for her in all the not so good things that happened to her but, in all honesty I was kind of glad when I got to the end.

Going by the other reviews it seems I may be alone but, this just did not hit the spot - perhaps I should stick to Fantasy!

The Chronicles of Chrestomanci, Volume 1: Charmed Life/The Lives of Christopher Chant by Diana Wynne-Jones

Charmed Life

Synopsis
The adventure begins in a strange and not-quite contemporary England that is still peppered with paddle steamers, horse-drawn carriages and girls wearing petticoats. Orphans Eric Chant (nicknamed Cat) and his sister Gwendolen, a gifted witch, are whisked away to live in a castle with Chrestromanci, a much-revered man of magic, wealth and mysterious ways. Their new life is full of the surreal and unexpected, and there are several crazy new rules to master--not least by Gwendolen who must learn to channel her astonishing powers for good instead of mischief as she forever seems determined to do!


My View

Loved this! It has been said if you love Harry Potter then you will love this, the most ardent HP fans may not agree but, it has to be said this was written long before HP was even thought of! However, this was brilliant Gwendolen is brilliant I loved reading about her and her brother Cat - if you love anything magical giove this a try you may be pleasantly surprised.

The Lives of Christopher Chant
Synopsis
Christopher Chant is a dreamer, a boy who returns home each night with strange gifts from his nocturnal travels and leaves sand in his bed as proof. He's happy to play cricket and wander the world in secret--so having nine lives and being the next "Chrestomanci" is not part of his plans for the future. It's only when an evil smuggler known as The Wraith threatens his existence that the young Christopher truly takes hold of his destiny. He must try to halt his loss of lives and defeat evil before times runs out.

The childhood of Chrestomanci. Everything in this book happens at least twenty-five years before the story told in Charmed Life! Discovering that he has nine lives and is destined to be the next 'Chrestomanci' is not part of Christopher's plans for the future: he'd much rather play cricket and wander around his secret dream worlds. But he soon finds that destiny is difficult to avoid, and that having more than the usual number of lives is pretty inconvenient - especially when you lose them as easily as he does! Then an evil smuggler, known only as The Wraith, threatens the ways of the worlds and forces Christopher to take action!

My View
I loved this even more than Charmed Life this is set before Charmed Life and Christopher Chant is a fantastic character, a very powerful magician who also has nine lives! However, Christopher (much like Gwendolen) is unable to perform even the most simple of spells. Christopher starts having strange dreams, where he is crawling through this strange land, covered in rocks and fog.

Not wanting to give too much away its a really fascinating magical world Diana has created, of course primarily aimed at the YA market but, I am sure more lets say mature adults will enjoy it too! A good fun easy to read novel.

The Bitterbynde Trilogy - Book Three - The Battle of Evernight by Cecilia Dart-Thornton

Synopsis
In the strong conclusion to her Bitterbynde trilogy (The Ill-Made Mute; The Lady of the Sorrows), set in the Irish-tinged land of Erith, Dart-Thornton beguiles with poetic, songlike prose that at times lapses into verbosity and odd neologisms. "It was the second of Duileagmis, the Leafmonth, viminal last month of Spring." Viminal? Rohain, now named Tahquil-Ashalind, and her companions, Caitri and Viviana, set out for the Gate of Oblivion's Kiss, where they hope to discover a way to set aright what has been wrong for a thousand years. In their travels, the three young maids encounter a variety of wights, both seelie (good) and unseelie (bad, very bad and truly nasty), each falling prey to some harrowing wight-inflicted ailment. Rohain/Tahquil also seeks to free her true love, Thorn, aka King Angavar of the Faˆran, who's trapped in Erith. Heart heavy and duty torn, she feels that her quest to reach the Gate outweighs her need to find Thorn. Those who esteem the Irish and Scottish myths of faerie folk will be delighted by the magic folklore and tales within tales that fill the book. Those looking for straightforward fantasy adventure, however, may be disappointed.

My View
I won't rave on about Cecilia's artistic writing as if you read my previous 2 reviews you will probably know that I find her fantastic and needless to say it continues here. Now I have finished the trilogy its quite sad and I rally hope that one day she returns to write about this world she created.

Again Imrhien/Rohain has a name change seems confusing on the outset but, it isn't at all and you soon get drawn into the story. The ending however, could be disappointing but, hopefully it is set up for a return to Erith (a much nicer place than the Erith in Kent I might add - LOL!) The main character I liked a lot, which always helps I find.

Apparently her next series is set in the same world with different characters so look forward to reading that. The final book was possibly the weakest of the three but, by no means a weak book at all, The Ill Made Mute really stood out for me and is one of my all time favourite fantasy books of all time. Wanting to pick up the books at every spare moment I had is always a good sign that these are fantastic books.

I would say this is not a series for every fantasy fan as it is possibly a little out of the norm and some may read them and not be as enthusiastic as me.

The Bitterbynde Trilogy - Book Two - The Lady of the Sorrows by Cecilia Dart-Thornton

Synopsis
Healed of her scars and given back her voice, the former mute known as Imrhien now carries an important message to the King-Emperor of Caermelor. Disguised as a noble to gain admission to court society, Imrhien finds that the emperor has embarked on a war against a hostile army of unseelie creatures (malevolent fairies) bent on the destruction of humankind. Her eventual meeting with the emperor proves both surprising and bittersweet, for as she finds her heart's desire, Imrhien also discovers that she is the target of the unseelie hordes. The sequel to The Ill-Made Mute continues the adventures of a resourceful heroine as she makes her way through a world filled with magic and treachery.

My View
As with the previous novel The Ill Made Mute the stunning writing is ever present here with descriptions of scenery, clothing etc its som easy to have a picture in your mind of these novels with the descriptive writing. I think its possibly these descriptions that some find quite laborious but, I think it only adds to the book. Yes if these descriptions were not there it would probably only be half as long but, IMO it would be far less interesting.

The main character again is Imhrien but, she takes on a new name here as Rohain I won't tekll you why as it could ruin it for you. This book again is full of lots of lore, legend & myth and if you loved Lord of the Rings I am sure you will love this of course, it is not in the same league as LOTR but, I am sure you will love the Faeren who are the next best elves (IMO) to those in LOTR.

Another totally fantastic book from Cecilia, I almost don't want to read the last book as I don't want this woprld Cecilia has created to end.

The Bitterbynde Trilogy - Book One - The Ill Made Mute by Cecilia Dart-Thornton

Synopsis
A landmark publication in the world of Fantasy writing In a world where creatures of legend haunt the lands of men, and to be caught outside after dark means almost certain death, the inhabitants of Isse Tower are amazed when a mute, starving foundling is discovered outside their gates. With no recollection of her name or past, the girl soon realizes that her only hope of happiness lies in distant Caermalor, where a wise woman might be able to restore her memories. To get there, Imrhien must survive a wilderness of endless danger. Lost and pursued by unhuman wights, Imrhien is saved by Thorn, a mysterious, handsome ranger who becomes her protector-and the object of her hopeless love. But unknown to them, a dark force summons the Unseelie, and malignant hordes amass in the night.

My View
I have to start by saying aaaaaaaaah! This IMHO is fantasy at its best, I have read this before but, for some reason never got round to reading the other two in the trilogy so a perfect excuse for a re-read. If you have read any of the reviews of this book on Amazon I think this book is a perfect example of trying it yourself and making up your own mind. Yes it is long in parts and some may find it quite drawn out by Cecilia is such a word weaver I personally didn't find it drawn out at all.

There isn't a huge plot the book is essentially about a facially scarred mute who begins a journey to find someone to heal her and the book is mostly Imrhien's journey to find this healer.

Cecilia has created a truly magical world and she is one of my favourite authors (and I've only read this book, I guess that tells how much I love this!) so if after reading the reviews you thought to give this a miss please don't its easy to overlook this as a laboriously long read with not a huge plot within its pages but, you will be missing out on a beautifully written book!

The Dreaming Place by Charles De Lint

Synopsis
A compelling fantasy that combines elements of Native American and Celtic mythology to create a fluid and unexpected otherworld, open to all with the ability to enter and traverse it. Teenaged cousins Nina and Ashley have shared a bedroom since Ash's mother's death three years earlier. Ash is often sullen, uncooperative, and in trouble, and the two are usually at odds. Then a series of disturbing nightmares in which Nina finds herself awkwardly inhabiting the bodies of various animals leaves her shaken and convinced that Ash is somehow responsible. What Nina doesn't know is that Ash has stumbled into the dreaming place--the spirit world--and may be the only one who can rescue her from the hungry manitou spirit who is causing her visions. Surprising combinations of formal and informal language from both spirit and human characters help to link the worlds, making the spirit world more accessible while readers' own becomes more mysterious. The satisfying conclusion hints at more otherworldly adventures to come. While Nina is a rather bland character, Ash and her colorful friends and adversaries, and icons such as the strange tarot cards that foretell her journey and the pomegranate that is pivotal in her quest, come alive through the text.

My View

This was a very sort novel (128 pages) from CDL and was one of his earlier efforts and was perhaps not as good as his later books but, still has that brilliant CDL signature about it. Although it does switch from being quitea slog to very fast. I found Nina to be the better of the characters in tha she was nmore interesting Ashley was a little less interesting!

I did find there was not much background and I think didn't find out enough of the characters but, then this was aimed at a teen audience but, the Tarot scenes I found particularly interesting and well written.

So probably not one to read if your new to Charles De Lint but, definitely do if your a fan its just not in the league of his others.

Thornyhold by Mary Stewart

When Gilly's witch aunt leaves Thornyhold to her, a house in the middle of the woods, Gilly finds that she has inherited far more than she realized. Along with the house comes a cat, a still room filled with herbs (and a missing recipe book), an attic chamber with carrier pigeons (who have secret messages), and an attractive neighbor whose young son offers the sacred and unique blessing of friendship. But Thornyhold possesses far more than even these simple offerings. The place itself seems to convoke otherworldly gifts as well: Gilly cultivates the abilities to heal and to foresee the future once she makes Thornyhold her home.

The story begins with Geilis as a young girl living with strict religious parents with not even a friend but, her aunt is her fairy godmother of sorts who keeps an eye out for her and of course, when she dies leaving her Thornyhold.

This was a lovely step back to England 60 years ago, the only books I have read by Mary Stewart was the Arthurian series (which I must read again!) so compared to that this was nowhere near as good bu, as very different stories its not even worth a comparison.

This was very easy to read of a love story with a witchy twist, a sweet read but, probably wouldn't read it again.

The Faery Reel by Various

Synopsis

This lively anthology brings together 17 original stories and three poems with the common theme of fairies and other nature spirits. Windling leads off with a fine introductory essay on the origins, varieties, and attitudes toward fairies in different cultures and, in particular, their treatment in English literature and art. Among the authors represented are Neil Gaiman, Patricia McKillip, and Gregory Maguire, though less-well-known writers contribute some of the most imaginative and edgy pieces. Most of the stories bring magical elements into modern settings, including New York City, an English village, a Brazilian city, a Japanese mountainside, a French farm, and L.A. Datlow and Windling, who edit the annual adult anthology The Year's Best Fantasy and Horror, call this a companion volume to The Green Man: Tales from the Mythic Forest (2002), which was published for teen readers. A rewarding choice for those who like the traditional with a twist.

My View

I loved this collection of "faerie" stories each one was so different and as with the Green Man we see those authors we may be familiar with but, also ones I certainly have never heard of. I wouldn't say I enjoyed this any more than I did the Green Man as they are both quite different but, I think if you have read and liked one of them you will definitely like the others, would be nice to see a Volume 2 of these type of books they are great to read all at once ort to dip into every now and then for a short story. Althopugh aimed at young adults I loved this and I am very far from a young adult!

Green Man - Tales from the Mythic Forest - by Various

One of our most universal myths is that of the Green Man—the spirit who stands for Nature in its most wild and untamed form. Through the ages and around the world, the Green Man and other nature spirits have appeared in stories, songs, and artwork, as well as many beloved fantasy novels, including Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. Now Ellen Datlow and Terri Windling, the acclaimed editors of over thirty anthologies, have gathered some of today’s finest writers of magical fiction to interpret the spirits of nature in short stories and poetry. Folklorist and artist Charles Vess brings his stellar eye and brush to the decorations, and Windling provides an introduction exploring Green Man symbolism and forest myth. The Green Man is required reading—not only for fans of fantasy fiction but for those interested in mythology and the mysteries of the wilderness.

This is a really lovely collection of short stories and poems based around the lore of the Green man. I'm not usually a fan of anthologies etc but, had this languishing on my bookshelf for a few months so thought I would pick it up. Although saying that I have discovered some really good authors from short stories collections which I may not have discovered otherwise.

There are some brilliant well known fantasy writers here such as Charles de Lint, Gregory Maguire and Tanith Lee and also some authors I had not heard of but, will definitely be looking them up to read more.

I won't bore you with descriptions of each and every short story but, suffice to say if you have any degree of fascination with the Green Man, trees etc this is one I am sure you will love - of course some of these stories are better than others but, this is a great book to pick up and dip into.

The Blue Girl by Charles De Lint

Synopsis

Imogene Yeck, former gang member and current fairy butt-kicker, is the cool "blue girl" at the center of Charles de Lint's urban fantasy novel.

Seventeen-year-old Imogene jumps at the chance to lose her bad girl reputation when her family moves to a new town. She purposely lays low at Redding High, only making friends with Maxine, a shy, studious girl who is Imogene's opposite in every way. Despite a few run-ins with the ruling football jock and his cheerleader girlfriend, Imogene keeps her temper in check and even lends some of her bravado to Maxine, who begins to come out of her straight-A shell.

Things are going well for the new friends--until the day Imogene meets Adrian, the benign ghost of a boy who died in the school's parking lot. Adrian and Imogene's unusual connection attracts the unwelcome attention of Redding High's resident Little People, or fairies. Affronted by streetwise Imogene's lack of belief in them, the fairies set into motion a malevolent prank that will not only turn Imogene completely blue from head to toe, but pit her, Adrian and Maxine against some of the most frightening beings of the Otherworld--the soul-sucking Anamithims.

My View

This book is part of CDL's well known Newford and is a stand alone, you don't necessarily have to read the others to read this, although there is a character from others of the Newford Tales. And whilst I guess this is primarily a young adult novel and based on young adults I think most adults into this type of genre will love this, if you like Holly Blacks's faerie series I am sure you will love that not that I am drawing on any similarities.

If you have not read any of CDL's book this is probably a good starting book but, be warned you will become hooked, Charles De Lint is one of my favourite fantasy writers, and if you are a fan of Brian Fround be sure to read The Wild Wood.

All Together Dead by Charlaine Harris

This is the seventh book in the Southern Vampire Series (Dead Until Dark (Southern Vampire Mysteries, Bk. 1), Living Dead in Dallas (Southern Vampire Mysteries, Bk. 2), Club Dead (Southern Vampire Mysteries, Bk. 3), Dead to the World (Southern Vampire Mysteries, Bk. 4), Dead as a Doornail (Southern Vampire Mysteries), Definitely Dead (Southern Vampire Mysteries)).

The most recent books of Sookie's adventures I have picked up I have thought its going to start to get stale and samey but, each time I am proved wrong I am happy to say!

This book is more about Vampire Politics but, still as addictive as the other books. The Queen of Louisiana has hired Sookie to assist at a summit and Eric, Pam, Bill & Quinn amongst others get to go too. Of course they would it wouldn't be the same without them. And of course, there is Sookie's relationship with Quinn ....

Its difficult to write a review of this without giving lots of things away so suffice to say we still see all our favourite characters as well as some new ones (including ones from one of Charlaine's anthologies).

Hurricane Katrina was mentioned a little here too and how it has changed the vampire world. And this biook is also quite different from the earlier books but, I think if the books had stayed along those lines it would have started to get a little boring whereas this book is anything but ...