January Wrap-Up

Hey there!

This is just a quick-ish wrap-up of what I read in January.  I found a few new authors, and series, that I am excited to continue reading, as well as some old favourite series that are still dropping new titles.

The weather has been nuts here in QLD.  It was nearly 40°c on Tuesday, and yet yesterday it didn't read 17°c, and it was pouring all day.  I even had to dig out some winter woollies early and put a thicker bedspread on the bed so I didn't freeze!  Weird, but it's given me some more reading time so I'm very happy to be rained in.

If you've read any of the books I talk about, let me know in the comments what you thought of them.  I'd love to chat with you.

And until I see you next time,

 

Most Anticipated New Releases

So many great books coming out this year!  Here are a few of the books I'm most looking forward to getting during the first half of 2018.

T5W || Most anticipated pre-orders for 2015

This weeks T5W is going to be short and sweet as I missed last weeks T5W, but I wanted to do it anyway so here goes.

5) Tricky 22 by Janet Evanovich
Enjoy this series.  Funny and fast paced.  No heavy thinking involved, and a series I reread again and again when I need to relax.

4) Devoted in Death by J.D. Robb
Love this series and can't believe that there are now over 40 books!  Enjoy the detective angle as well as the relationship between Eve & Roarke.

3) Cast in Honor by Michelle Sagara
Amazing fantasy series that I have been following since first book, Cast in Secret, published way back when.  Love Kaylin and the budding love triangle between her, Severin and Nightshade.  Fabulous and world building with Dragons, lion people, flying Aerians and the immortal Baraani.

2) Siren's Call by Jayne Castle
I pre-ordered this book last night as I don't want to miss out on getting my hands on it ASAP.  Can't wait to get my dust bunny fix ;-D

1) Archangel's Enigma by Nalini Singh
My most anticipated book of 2015!  Love this series, and have always been curious as to the origins, and current status, of the mysterious Naasir.  Is he a tiger creature?  There is something feral about him and I can't wait to see what happens.

As always, T5W was created by the lovely Lainey at GINGERREADSLAINEY and I'll include a link to the Goodreads group {HERE} if you would also like to participate. 

So these are the books that I simply must have ASAP.  Let me below know if you've read any of these series - and whether you are eagerly awaiting the next books as well ;-D

Until next time,
Happy reading!

Cast in Flames fabulous!

 

OMG!  I just finished reading Cast in Flames, the latest offering in the Chronciles of Elantra series by Michelle Sagara, and I just want more!  This is a fabulous book, fast paced and full of action, and as a fast reader I was sorry to come to the end of it about 4 hours later.

I'll post a review soon - once I've had time to re-read the book - but for now, I just want to find out what happens to Kaylin Neya next.  Why do books have to end right at the good bit?!  Unfortunately I now have to wait a whole year for the next installment.  Bummer.

In the meantime, I can not recommend this series highly enough.  If you love fantasy, dragons, magic and action, then pick up Cast in Shadow and find out how it all began.

July Book Order

Hi! It's been a few days since I've been online.  I've just been so busy lately spending money on books ;-D

In the last week I have spent more money than I should have - nothing new there - but most of my books were based on recommendations from YouTube reviews.  *Gasp!*  I know!  Odd, huh.  But every review I checked out (The Readables, gingerreadslainey, polandbananasBOOKS, Ariel Bisset, and abookutopia) made these books sound sooooo good that I just couldn't help myself from adding them to my shopping cart!

So what did I get?  Well thank you for asking.  I have 8 books winging their way to me from Book Depository (so much cheaper than buying in Australia!) 

• Ghost Seer - Robin D. Owens
• Throne of Glass - Sarah J. Maas
• Cast in Flames - Michelle Sagara

 

 

• The Line - J.D. Horn
• Graceling - Kristin Cashore
• The Masterful Mr. Montague - Stephanie Laurens {a guilty pleasure}
• Concealed in Death - J.D. Robb
• Going Once - Sharon Sala {for my mum's b'day}

 

and the last complete season of Doctor Who - again, way cheaper from the UK (included p&h) than in Australia! 

I can't wait for the postie to start knocking on my door when each new book arrives.  Sadly, I already have my eyes on about another 10 books as they are scheduled to be released in the next few weeks.  I'll need a bigger house soon...

Book splurge

I spent the last two days visiting family back home.  Got to spend some time with my mum - who is recovering from hip replacement surgery - and, along with my aunt, we went shopping yesterday.  It was a bit of a circus.  Getting my mum in and out of the car and setting up the wheel chair each time, but we all enjoyed the day out.  Got to go to Spotlight and buy some more fabrics.  Thought I'd better do that before hitting the shopping centre (and the bookshops!).

As you can see, I raided the discount book bin at mum's Big W.  There are so many books in that store, compared to my local Big W, so I was actually able to find a few books.  There was one in particular that I was really chuffed to find as it is OOS (out of stock) at all the online book stores that I've tried to buy it from.  So you can imagine my surprise when I plucked Written in Blood by Sheila Lowe out of a pile at the bottom of the bin (I actually found 2!).  I also found two more books in the Kitty Norville series by Carrie Vaughn, plus a Joan Hess Claire Mallory book, and the big score was the final book in the All Souls Trilogy by Deborah Harkness. 

Then last night I remembered the email I'd recieved on Thursday from Book Depository which was for a voucher for an extra 5% off and I just couldn't help myself.  I was going to get another 2 books, but their prices had increased by about $2 each (I'd missed the pre-order period), so I'll just keep them in my wishlist and wait until the prices come down again.  In the end I bought books that were in series I'd been collecting. 

I've been trying to curb my book addiction lately, but as you can plainly see- it doesn't seem to be working all that well.  Next month there are more books coming out in some of the other series I've been getting.  Oy, it's a never ending cycle ;-D

 

Review: Cast in Shadow

Cast in Shadow
Chronicles of Elantra, Book 1
Michelle Sagara

Published: 2005

Harlequin LUNA, paperback, 309p.
ISBN: 0-733-57274-X

Seven years ago Kaylin fled the crime-riddled streets of Nightshade, knowing that something was after her. Children were being murdered — and all had the same odd markings that mysteriously appeared on her own skin.… Since then, she’s learned to read, she’s learned to fight and she’s become one of the vaunted Hawks who patrol and police the City of Elantra. Alongside the winged Aerians and the immortal Barrani, she’s made a place for herself, far from the mean streets of her birth. But children are once again dying, and a dark and familiar pattern is emerging. Kaylin is ordered back into Nightshade with a partner she knows she can’t trust, a Dragon lord for a companion and a device to contain her powers — powers that no other human has. Her task is simple — find the killer, stop the murders…and survive the attentions of those who claim to be her allies! Something is stirring again…

With the release of the 10th book in the series, CAST IN FLAMES, due for release on July 29, 2014, I thought it appropriate to review the book that started it all...

Private Kaylin Neya is a damaged soul who we first meet just before she attacks the man she holds responsible for the pain from her former life in the fiefs.  Corporal Severn Handred is also tormented by past choices, and despite enduring Kaylin's rage, he is determined to once again risk her hate to save her from a killer from their past.

This story is so enthralling and sucks you in as you follow Kaylin and her painful journey as she revisits the past she thought she'd finally escaped.  Sagara's world building is delightful and so well done that you don't even question why a dragon has mood eyes, or that a Leontine is in charge of office.  Aerians?  Sure, them too.  The use of mythologies that were specifically adapted for this series was so well done and very convincing that you almost have to stop yourself from checking the encyclopaedia for the definition of being a 'chosen' one.

With bursts of humor and action, Sagara seems to have a knack for knowing just when to pull back and tug at your heartstrings, then have you laughing 30 seconds late.  The first book in the Chronicle of Elantra series, I would recommend Cast in Shadow to anyone who loves a great story sprinkled with images out of mythology, love and forgiveness.

Sewing complete... well, almost

I finally finished sewing together all the rows for the jelly roll quilt top.  Actually I finished on Thursday, but a visit from family yesterday meant that I haven't been able to tell you until now ;-D  I was really surprised at the way the colours fell using this Jelly Roll Race method.  I don't think it would matter what you used, the end result would always look charming.

Chapters 1 & 2 have been posted!

 

  

Yeah!  Just  headed over to Michelle Sagara's blog and found that Chapters 1 & 2 of Cast in Flame have been posted!

On the mend - but freezing!

I'm finally getting over my headcold, but today I wish I'd stayed in bed.  It is so very cold here.  I'm so cold that I had to go and get my little peguin gloves {aren't they so cute!}, make a hot cup of tea and get a hot water bottle!  Just so I could poddle around online and update my blog.  I wish we had central heating in unit complexes in Australia.  It would make life so much more comfortable in winter.

Just a quick update

Hi there, just a quick update as I haven't posted in what seems like forever.

I'm having some down time from reading.  It helps every now and then to just put the books aside and focus on something different before diving back into the huge stack of TBR books I have dotted around the bookshelves.  To that end, I've pulled out the sewing machine so I can get a some more done on gifts for upcoming birthdays and looking ahead for Christmas.  I just bought some fabulous red/black/and white charm packs for a big quilt that I want to make for my mum this year.  I'm aiming for a double/queen size (?) so that she can use it on her bed.  A bit of a step up from my first ever project of a large lap quilt, but I can do this in stages and I've chosen a fairly simple pattern that can be altered and adjusted to suit if I get a little bored doing the same blocks over and over again ;-D

Upcoming Books for 2014

I'm looking forward to buying these upcoming titles.  The covers themselves are just so enticing I'd probably buy them anyway - even if I wasn't already collecting the series ;-D

May 27, 2014

June 24, 2014

Just arrived

It's finally here!  I am looking forward to listening to Cast in Shadow.  Will be firing up the laptop and adding it to my iPod asap ;-D

Cover Art - Cast in Sorrow

Wow!  I just stumbled upon the listing on Amazon, and all I can say is "... I want in now!".  This is such a great series, and Michelle Sagara does such a fabulous job that  I each year I eagerly await the release of the next book in the series.

This title should be released on August 27, 2013 (finger's crossed).

The Chronicles of Elantra is one of my must buy series - it just keeps getting better and better.  You care what happens to these characters, and I just want to see what happens to Kaylin Neya - and what trouble she can get into!  Will she ever get to meet the Dragon Emperor?  What do the marks that cover her body mean?  Why don't the others acknowledge her powers?  So many mysteries to solve ;-D

So remember readers, 27 August, 2013 

Cast in Sorrow by Michelle Sagara.

A Kaylin Neya desktop pretty

Hi again!  Can't wait till Cast in Peril is released next month.  I've been re-reading the series and just made a desktop for Kaylin Neya.

1900x1200 750kb

Hope you like it.  Leave a comment to let me know. Cheers.

Newest Arrivals

Just got some more books in the mail, and it feels like Christmas.  I love getting new books :-)  Even though eBooks are popular, there's just something about holding a nice, new book.

In this weeks post was;

• Dark Descendant - Jenna Black
• Ink Flamingos - Karen E. Olson
• Cast in Ruin - Michelle Sagara
• Green-Eyed Envy - Kasey Mackenzie
• Left Hand Magic - Nancy A. Collins
• Sparks - Laura Bickle, and finally
• Wicked As They Come - Delilah S. Dawson

I was supposed to receive Jennifer Estep's Touch of Frost, but someone screwed up and I got Praying to Psalms instead - a "wtf?..." moment for sure.  Seriously, so not even in the ballpark.  So I jumped onto the computer and shot off an email to Book Depository ASAP.  I've had great service from them in the past when there has been a problem with a book, so I expect it to be dealt with quickly and professionally.  But in the meantime, I'm left without a book I was eager to read... ggrrrrr.

Oh well, I'll just have to slow down and take more time to read the books I've already got until then.

Official Cover posted

The official cover for Cast in Peril has been posted on Michelle Sagara's blog and it's beautiful!  I can't wait to get my hands on this book now.  Be warned, this file is quite large, so if you want the full sized copy you'll have to download it from Michelle's blog here.

The artist who did the artwork has done such a fabulous job.  I'd like to have it - minus the text - as a wallpaper.  It just makes me want to read this book and I think that's when you know a cover is good.  Michelle has also put up the cover for what, I presume, is a novella due out at the same time.  This sounds like an eBook only release - which for all you Aussie's with Kindle means we may not be able to purchase it.

Where's the Nightshade?

I've been reading Michelle Sagara's fabulous Chronicles of Elantra and just realised something. . . None of the women on the covers has a Nightshade tattoo on their cheek!

Yep, checked my book's covers again.  No tattoo in sight.  Since this symbol is nearly as well commented on as the ruins that cover her body, why have the artists forgotten to add it?  A mystery, perhaps?

Review - Cast in Ruin

Cast in Ruin (Book 7, Chronicles of Elantra)

Michelle Sagara

Release Date: 20 September, 2011

Seven corpses are discovered in the streets of a Dragon’s fief. All identical, down to their clothing. 

Kaylin Neya is assigned to discover who they were, who killed them–and why. Is the evil lurking at the borders of Elantra preparing to cross over? 

At least the investigation delays her meeting with the Dragon Emperor. And as the shadows grow longer over the fiefs, Kaylin must use every skill she’s ever learned to save the people she’s sworn to protect. Sword in hand, dragons in sky, this time there’s no retreat and no surrender….

I've just finished reading Book 7 of the Chronicles of Elantra and I only have one thing to say... WOW!

Kaylin Neya is finally growing up, but I have to admit that those Dragon's need a clip under the ears.  I'm hoping at some stage that Kaylin definitely gives them what for seeings how they treat her like dirt at times and she the freaking Chosen one!  For those of you who haven't read it yet - and there can't be many of you - I won't say who ends up as Kaylin's staunch supporter (and it's not Severn), but it's nice to know that Kaylin finally has someone of power who doesn't think of her as useless because of her mortality.

Lord Diarmat is a complete and total prat.  He reminds me very strongly of Sgt. Mallory, who replaced Iron Jaws for a while, in that he seems to intensely dislike Kaylin for things that she can't control.  I would just love to see old fussy-britches Dragon get his comeuppance.  Arkon plays more of a part in this tale.  He has some very scary moments, even going so far as to reduce another Dragon's clothing to ash - while they're still wearing it!  Lord Tiamaris and Tara are also key in the story.  Nightshade makes an appearance, and a request that will come to pass in Cast in Peril.

However, there is no interaction with the Foundlings or Marrin in this book which I found a little disappointing.  Kaylin needs all the unconditional love and support she can get, and Marrin and the children play a huge part in that.  Surprisingly, there was also no SOS from the Midwives Guild.  I think in part it is because the egg she is mothering will play an important role.  The egg itself is quite mysterious, and what happens to Teela when she tries to touch it is quite startling.  Although I think the race of the inhabitant of the egg is hinted at with the colours it turns - gold, orange and red.  Ring any bells?

Anyway, I found this to be a wonderful book.  Severn and Kaylin are more open about their feelings, and her past in the fief of Barren.  I think she'll have to make a choice soon.  Severn or Nightshade.

Cast in Peril - release date and cover

It's not long until the newest book in the Chronicles of Elantra is released, but finding the cover art has just been frustrating!  So far, all I've been able to find is a teeny-weeny little image at GoodReads.com.  If this is indeed the final cover design to be used, then it's great... although Kaylin Neya all neat and tidy in a dress?  I'll also assume that she's holding her magical egg-baby in her hands too.  Can't wait to see what she becomes mamma to :-D

From the back cover:

USUALLY DISASTER DIDN'T STRIKE QUITE SO CLOSE TO HOME...

It has been a busy few weeks for Private Kaylin Neva. In between angling for a promotion, sharing her room with the last living female Dragon and dealing with more refugees than anyone knew what to do with, the unusual egg she'd been given was ready to hatch. Actually, that turned out to be lucky, because it absorbed the energy from the bomb that went off in her quarters....

So now might be the perfect time to leave Elantra and journey to the West March with the Barrani. If not for the disappearances of citizens in the fief of Tiamaris-disappearances traced to the very Barrani Kaylin will be traveling with...

Release Date: 18 September, 2012