Spending a cold night with a good book and a cuppa

Last night was so cold here in SE QLD.  For the 11th night in a row, I had to shiver through subzero temperatures - the lowest at -4°c (or about 25°f) - and it seems there's no end in sight.  At these temperatures I should be able to enjoy having some snow falling, but nooooo we don't get snow here.  So, when I heard the weatherman make his prediction that was it.  I was calling it a night and heading off to bed.  There was no way in hell I was sitting in a chilly room (that I can never seem to heat up) trying to watch the Olympics (the only thing watchable on TV, but that's another story).  Grabbing a book at random, I made a steaming hot mug of tea and scampered off to bed.  

It was so cold that my cat wanted to get under the blankets too!  That's when you know it's really cold.  Today it's fine and sunny but the wind is howling.  As I write this I'm curled up on the sofa, cat in lap, bundled up in winter woollies.  I'm even contemplating getting a throw rug to wrap around me.  I foresee another freezing night ahead of me... I wish I had a fireplace.

Something Wicked This Way Comes

Wicked As They Come
A Blud Novel #1
Delilah S. Dawson

Back cover:

When Tish Everett forces open the ruby locket she finds at an estate sale, she has no 

idea that a deliciously rakish Bludman has cast a spell just for her. She wakes up in a 

surreal world, where Criminy Stain, the dashing proprietor of a magical traveling 

circus, curiously awaits. At Criminy’s electric touch, Tish glimpses a tantalizing future, 

but she also foresees her ultimate doom. Before she can decide whether to risk her fate 

with the charming daredevil, the locket disappears, and with it, her only chance to return 

home. Tish and Criminy battle roaring sea monsters and thundering bludmares, vengeful 

ghosts and crooked Coppers in a treacherous race to recover the necklace from the 

evil Blud-hating Magistrate. But if they succeed, will Tish forsake her fanged suitor 

and return to her normal life, or will she take a chance on an unpredictable but dangerous 

destiny with the Bludman she’s coming to love?

I bought this book via an online recommendation and all I can say is WOW!  This is such an original book - and that's saying something these days.  As a new reader to the world of Steampunk, I fell in love with the world, and the characters.  

As a 20 something nurse, Letitia 'Tish' Everett - our heroine - has already had a hard road to hoe.  She's just come out of an abusive relationship, her parents are out of the picture, and her beloved Grandmother is dying of cancer.  Her world seems to be falling apart.  So, when Tish sees a locket at the estate sale of a former patient, she falls in lust with the gorgeous image within.  Little does she know that the blood she spills on the locket while trying to clean it, activates a spell a century in the making.  That night she is transported to the world of Sang, and the deliciously bite-able Criminy Stain (who finds her naked near an alter in the woods).

At first Letitia, as Criminy calls her, is certain that this is just a very vivid dream.  But when a cute little bunny turns into a blood-sucking furball, she starts to think that there just might be something wrong.  Now she finds herself at the mercy of Criminy Stain.  How will she get back?  Can she get back?

This book felt a little like Alice in Wonderland to me, so when Tish falls down the rabbit hole into Sang. . . OMG.  Having only read one Steampunk series previously, A Parasol Protectorate, I was expecting to find the same world-building as in Gail Carriger's books.  Well, I was half right.  Whereas the Protectorate books deal with a truly paranormal savvy techno-Victorian world, Dawson's world is truly in another realm altogether.  I loved the parallels drawn by Dawson, like the fact that some city names are the same, which makes the world seem somehow familiar and therefore easier to fall into.  The invention of blud-animals was fabulous.  I loved the bludbunnies, and if I had to catch a bludmare in a field I think I'd pass.

There are a few little plot twists that I didn't expect, but that just makes it more interesting.  Just who do you trust?

I loved the cover.  It was part of what made up my mind when I was deciding whether to purchase it or not. The dark colour scheme reflects the nature of the book, but while there are some dark scenes, there isn't anything truly violent.  There is no graphic sexual content for which I am grateful as I am getting quite sick of that as a story device, and whatever bad language there is, it's not very graphic.

If you want to read a book that found an voice of it's own, then grab this anyway you can.

I'm looking forward to the next book, Wicked As She Wants, available April 2013.

200th blog and I'm Dying for Daylight

Woo hoo!  200 blog entries.  Okay, it sounds like a lot, but looking back it just means that I haven't put fingers to keyboard as much as I should have.  Sorry.  There are times when real life just seems to get in the road, but I love being able to just put up my thoughts when I can.  Thankfully I'm on my last 2 units, and then I'm done with studying... well, maybe.

As I mentioned on Twitter yesterday, I stumbled across a Charlaine Harris computer game at my local EB store.  I was just browsing and couldn't believe my eyes when I happened to see her name splashed across the top of the DVD case.  Amazed, I snapped it up for $9, and headed home to play.  I do love a good strategy/hidden object game.  Anyhow, I got stuck into it was having fun.  I got through Days 1 - 3 and started Day 4 (Inked) when I decided that was 5 hrs enough for the day.  

What I didn't realize until a few minutes ago was that there was only 4 episodes on this disc.... WTF!  Yes, that's right.  Only half the game is on there.  Who ever heard of breaking up a game and not mentioning it on the case?  So now I have to wait impatiently for the next part to be released.  And yes I will wait, damn it , because the graphics and story is great.  This game had me hooked before the first 10 minutes were up.  I only have 1 criticism.  That the jumping from map point to map point can get annoying, especially when you have to do it about 4 times just for one clue.

However, I did love the little blood slurping bat that popped up when the game was loading new sections.  He was oh so cute.  The graphics in this game were just amazing.  Like graphic novels come to life.  The music was lovely, if repetitive after a while, and the dialogue was pretty good.  I liked Dahlia.  She had personality, and attitude, plus a serious desire to shop at Tiffany's during daylight hours.  The 'world' shown in this game is amazing.  Gritty streets, manky looking vampires and a seriously creepy child Vamp. I just wish you got to see more of the world than just one or two side games.  I also would have loved it if they could have incorporated a bit more of the Sookieverse in it, like posters for Fangtasia, or other well known locations from the books.  But that could just be me?

So, if you do happen to come across a copy of this game give it a go.  It's not terribly difficult and is a great way to spend a few hours since there are only 4 parts.  Anyway, I'm nearly finished Day 4, so I'd better get back to it and make Polly talk.

Ink Flamingos (and the end of a series)

Ink Flamingos
A Tattoo Shop Mystery #4
Karen E. Olson

Back Cover

Dee Carmichael, lead singer of the hot pop sensation, The Flamingos, has been 

one of Brett's most dedicated customers - or was. Allergic to red dye, Dee has 

been discovered  dead in her hotel room with a pink flamingo tattoo and 

surrounded by ink pots and needles - and a tall redhead was seen leaving 

the crime scene.  Now Brett has been branded as the prime suspect. 

This can't be good for business. . . .

Meanwhile, a blog has been showcasing Dee's deadly tattoo. Things get worse 

when 

pictures of Brett start appearing on the blog. Turns out someone isn't merely 

following her, but impersonating her all over town.  Brett must act fast to find 

out who's out to get her before the killer puts the dye in dying once again. . . 

I love Brett Kavanaugh.  She is such a colourful character with her fabulous tattoos, and as a law abiding citizen of Las Vegas it's amazing just how Brett seems to get court up and entangled in so many murders.  If I was her, I'd consider moving to another state!  Just kidding.

This time we find Brett having to deal with not only the death of a client, but a stalker who is taking pleasure in their devious plans to ruin Brett's life.  Who killed her client and made it look like she did it by posting pictures on a blog?  Brett needs the support of her brother, and all of her friends this time as the stalker not only invades her life, but also her home.

With help from her mates at The Painted Lady (minus Ace), and the ever mysterious Jeff, Brett is up to her red eyebrows in danger.  I loved seeing her really have to dig deep and soldier on.  There is such a charming mix of strength and vulnerability in Brett that I think draws readers.  Lets face it, if you didn't love her, you wouldn't keep reading the books.  And while I won't give away who did it, there was a little twist that made it quite a surprise.

I was sad to find out that this is the last of the series as the ending just set up a 5th book so wonderfully.  What happens with Brett and Jeff?  Does anything happen?  I would love to see another book with them trying to start a relationship, with their tattoo parlours, his mother, her family and murder getting in the way.  You could just do so much with it, especially if Dr. Hunk made a return visit trying to talk to Brett after his blink-and-you'll-miss-it performance.  And I really wanted to find out more about the mysterious Jeff as he doesn't really reveal too much about his past.  But sadly, I just don't see it happening so I'll have to use my imagination on that score.

Karen E. Olson has done such a wonderful, fabulous, and marvelous job with this series and I will find it hard not to look for another book in the future.

Mistake Corrected

Okay, yesterday I mentioned that I had a parcel of books delivered in the mail, but in said delivery was a lonely little interloper.  As I pawed over the shiny new titles, I noticed one of my books was missing.  There was no Touch of Frost!  That's right.  I could not begin my journey into the Mythos Academy.  So, what did they send in it's stead I hear you ask?  Well, it could not have been further from this genre.

What I found was a skinny a$$ book called Praying the Psalms.  So not my style, and so started the flurry of emails yesterday between myself and Book Depository.  I send a photo, plus other details, and they were great about it.  By early evening (AUS time), I am happy to report that the mistake had beeen corrected and my book should be on it's way ASAP.  Yah!  This is the third time in nearly 3 years that I've had a problem, and each time it's been dealt with quickly and professionally - and most importantly, in my favour - so I have nothing but good things to say about the treatment I've received from them.

Oh, and I'm going to give Praying the Psalms to one of my elderly aunts who I think would appreciate it.

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.

What do you say to an Iron Druid?

Wow!  That's all I can say.  I just plucked this book off the library shelves as I was running out of time and it had a fantasy tag stuck on the spine - and I was running out of time - and I'm so glad I did.

Now, after starting it, I feel bad that it had sat neglected until now because truthfully, I usually don't enjoy male authors.  I know, that sounds really bad, but seriously most of my paranormal/urban fantasy books are written 99.9% by women and I like it that way.  Kevin Hearne however seems to be one of the few that I'll be making an exception for and adding to my bookshelves in the future.

Hounded is such a surprise.  A 2,100 year old Druid who looks and sounds like a 21 year old who happens to converse with Gods and Goddesses on a seemingly daily basis.  Added to that is his throwback Irish Wolfhound who can 'talk' to Atticus (our favourite Druid), a Vampire and Werewolf law firm, mean Sidhe and a much fought after sword and you can just tell it's going to be a wild ride.

So far I'm a little over half way through, but I was so delighted with this book that I just had to let everyone know about it, if you don't already that is - and if you did WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME?  Now I'll have to scout the library and hope that books 2 and 3 are available.

I'm seriously considering ordering a signed copy!  Try it, if you like Jim Butcher, Kylie Chan, or Sherrilyn Kenyon's style, then I'm sure you'll enjoy the Iron Druid.

P.S - Hounded review still to come.

Daughter of Smoke and Bone

Daughter of Smoke and Bone

Laini Taylor

Book 1

Around the world, black hand prints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.

In a dark and dusty shop, a devil's supply of human teeth grown dangerously low.

And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherwordly war.

Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real; she's prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands"; she speaks many languages--not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she's about to find out.

When one of the strangers--beautiful, haunted Akiva--fixes his fire-colored eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?

I got this in the mail the other day and had to wait until I'd finished Lynn Kurland's The Mage's Daughter before diving in.  I actually started this book while waiting for an appointment and regretted that as I had to keep stopping.  Once I got home though, I sat my butt on the couch and didn't move until I'd finished the last page.

This was such a great book, but for a little while I was wondering whether I'd picked up an adult or young adult book.  I think this falls more under young adult fiction, but there was nothing childish about it.  This is the story of Karou, a young girl who seems be out of place in the world.  With one foot in the human world, the other set firmly in the supernatural, Karou walks a fine line, trying to fit in with her human friends while hiding her 'other' commitments.  Her family consists of creatures who appear fearsome, but have an underlying humanity that adds to the complexity of the story.  Not all creatures are entirely evil, and not all angels are completely good.  It is this intricacy that makes Daughter of Smoke and Bones one of the best YA books I've come across in recent years.

Our leading lady, Karou, is such a well rounded character and is so well written that I actually teared up in a few places.  She has her faults and her petty moments, just like anyone. Her relationships, both with her ex and Akiva, are very fiery.  Without giving anything away, she kicks arse well for a 17 year old.  It is with Akiva though that she truly seems to feel complete.  Their relationship  is all mysterious to start with, but as this seems to be the first in a trilogy I didn't expect it to explode and rush ahead at break-neck speed.

Based mainly in Prague, the world that Karou inhabits is brought to life by the author, and you can almost imagine her wandering through the old buildings, looking at the statues and the wonderful architecture of the city.

Now I will say that the ending of this book isn't totally unexpected, even as events build to the climax, but it does set up the next book beautifully.  Unfortunately for me, it's so well set up that I just want to get my hands on Days of Blood and Starlight right this second.  The style of writing and world building reminds me of Deborah Harkness' A Discovery of Witches, so if you loved that book, then I'd recommend that you give this book a try.

More books for the To Be Read pile

Just got home yesterday from visiting with the family and I managed yet again to bring back much more than I took.  Since my aunt was having surgery, my mother and I went to the shopping centre to distract ourselves, and I ended up buying more books than I should have.

After a few hours browsing the stores with mum, I ended up with 14 new books to my name!  I know what you're thinking... "did you really need them?", but seriously, I found some great deals thanks to the end of financial year sales (5 for $25 at a major book chain) and found some older hard to get books for as little as $3.50 at one store.  So no, it didn't cost me an arm and a leg, but I have no idea where the heck I'm going to put them all considering I brought back nearly 100 books from my own collection I still have stashed at my family's place.

So what did I buy?  Well, thank you for asking.  My latest haul got me

• A Wild Light - Marjorie M Liu
• Warrior Woman - Johanna Lindsey
• The Flame and the Shadow - Denise Rossetti
• Working Stiff - Rachel Caine
• Salt and Silver - Anna Katherine
• Death Most Definite - Trent Jamieson
• Real Vamps Don't Drink O-Neg - Tawny Taylor
• This Side of the Grave - Jeaniene Frost
• City of Souls - Vicki Pettersson
• Ill Wind - Rachel Caine
• Firestorm - Rachel Caine
• Weddings Can Be Murder - Christie Craig
• Carpe Demon - Julie Kenner
• Requim for a Mezzo - Carola Dunn

Plus, I also got a new book in the mail, Daughter of Smoke and Bone, by Laini Taylor.  I think I'll be quite busy for the next week or so.  This is on top of the nearly 2 dozen books I've gotten from the library that I have to get through in the next 3 weeks.  Thankfully I've managed to read about 6 of those, but I still have Ben Aaronovitch's Rivers of London and Whispers Under Ground.  I think I've nearly bitten off more than I can chew.  Wish me luck!

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.

New author perhaps?

While reading Kaylana Price's blog, I found a recommendation she gave for the Eli Monpress series by Rachel Aaron.  So, being a curious sort, I moseyed on over there and found - to my surprise - what sounds like a really good series.  Now admittedly, I don't seem to be taken by books that feature the male as the driving force of a book, but I'll be looking for this at my local library.

As far as I can see there are 4 books out now with the 5th to be released later this year.  There is also a short novella available and I've put a link below.  Now, before you rush off to buy the first couple of books I'll tell you that there is now an Omnibus that contains the first three titles (The Spirit Thief, The Spirit Rebellion and The Spirit Eater) and is available on Book Depository (UK) as well as Amazon, etc.

Spirit’s Oath: An Eli Monpress Novella

by Rachel Aaron

How Many Books Have You Read?

Found this lovely bookmark at our local library and thought that others might like to have it too.  If you're crafty, you can make/print a copy to mark off how many books you've read in this National Year of Reading 2012.

This bookmark is 300dpi and is shown at original size.  If you want to see any of the other downloadable stuff, head over to love2read2012.

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.

Janet Evanovich Contest!

Found this on Twitter...

Wicked Business Shout Out – Win Bulgari Green! 

Tweet a pic. of you or your pet trying to bend a spoon, 

#janetevanovich, contest ends July 17

Janet Evanovich (@janetevanovich)

Hurry up and get those pics up ASAP!

It's Ranger's scent!  Whoa momma, hold me back.