Top 5 Wednesday - Books you didn't think you'd like

Just a really quick post to answer the T4W question for this week. . .

"what were the books that you didn't think you'd like?"

Okay, here we go - and in no particular order

Gladiatrix by Rhonda Roberts (AUS author)

Although it sounded great (and I love the cover) I was just so hesitant about buying this book.  I kept putting it back on the shelves and after about 5 weeks of looking at it I just decided to buy it and take the risk.  Thankfully it was great, and I've now read the following 2 books in the Kannon Dupree: Timestalker series.

 

Three to Get Deadly by Janet Evanovich

This is the first book I read in the series, and I never used to read 'chick-lit', or contemporary books.  However I really needed something to take with me to work as I'd forgotten my book, so the cover looked quirky and a book about a bumbling bounty hunter sounded interesting.  Loved it, and now have all the books in the series, as well as the Diesel and Lizzie books.

Naked in Death by J.D. Robb

Out of all the books in this list I'd say that this was the one I was most dubious about.  I'd read Nora Roberts books, but I was never much of a police/detective story-goer.  My mum on the other hand loved this series (I think only 8 books had been published then) and I was really hesitant about reading a book that my mum thought was great.  I 'borrowed' it from her bookshelf one afternoon and darned if she wasn't right.  I loved it.  I then started to buy my own copies so I wouldn't have to keep borrowing hers.  Book 40 is due out next year, and I still enjoy the series ;-D

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

Like Stephanie Plum, I was a tad hesitant to get this book.  I had no idea that it was part of a trilogy - and although I usually like all things paranormal and fantasy - I just wasn't sure about this book.  I ended up caving after a few weeks of staring at it on the shelves (and because it was the second last copy on the shelves) and when I got home I was nearly going to put it on my TBR bookshelf, but something made me just dive right in.  I loved it, and couldn't believe that I'd almost self-sabotagued myself into missing out on such an interesting book/trilogy.

White Tiger by Kylie Chan (AUS author)

Another along the lines of ADoW (above) where I found the concept interesting, but just was so hesitant about buying it.  I bought this book a few weeks after it was first published, but had no one to either recommend or discourage me from picking it up.  Once I'd read it, I fell in love with the main characters, and couldn't wait to read the rest of what I thought was a trilogy.  Turns out it is now a trilogy of trilogies, and book 8 was released a few months ago.  Can't wait to get my hands on the paperback binding and look foward to the ninth - and final - book in the Dark Heavens saga.

Thanks for stopping by.  I hope you enjoyed my top 5 books I didn't think I'd like, and if you have any questions or comments you know what to do down below ;-D

This series was created by the lovely Lainey at GINGERREADSLAINEY and I'll include a link to the Goodreads group if you would also like to participate {here}

Until next time,

 

Book Review - A Matter of Magic

A Matter of Magic
Patricia C. Wrede

Mairelon the Magician - 1991
The Magician's Ward - 1997

ORB, paperback, 448p.
ISBN: 978-0-7653-2632-4

TOGETHER FOR THE FIRST TIME IN TRADE PAPERBACK

When a stranger offers her a small fortune to breeak into a traveling magician's wagon, Kim doesn't hesitate.  A hard life and lean times as a waif on the streets of London have schooled her in one lesson: steal from them before they steal from you.  But then Kim is caught in the act and to her dismay discovers that magic isn't just smoke and mirrors.

If that weren't bad enough, the magician seems to like her and suggests she become his apprentice.  That's when the real trouble begins.  Kim finds herself entangled with murderers, thieves, and cloak-and-dagger politics, all while trying to learn how to become both a proper young lady and a magician in her own right.

Magic and intrigue go hand in hand in Mairelon the Magician and The Magician's Ward, two delightful tales of mystery and romance set against the intricate backdrop of Regency England.

Hi there all you lovely readers!  Today I'm just going to do a very quick round-up of a book that has taken me oh so long to finally get through (but actually took about 5 hours in total).  First let me just say that the cover is absolutely gorgeous - and part of the reason that I caved and bought it! - but once it was in my hands.... it feels soooo good ;-D.  It's got an almost suede feel to it which I do love and I've caught myself more than once just rubbing my fingers on the cover while I'm reading.

But onto the review.  I did have trouble getting into this book.  Perhaps I was just not in the mood for this genre but I read up till page 99, put in a bookmark, and the book then sat on my TBR bookself until last night when I decided enough was enough.  After getting in a funk about re-aquainting myself with the world, character and the slang used, I found much to my chagrin, that I really enjoyed the last half of the first story.  It is not the fastest paced story out, but it does set up the second book, The Magician's Ward, beautifully.

I enjoyed the use of the Regency era, and there is just something about mixing 19th century English settings with magic that really works for me.  It doesn't have to be Steampunk per se, but I do love the juxtapositions {yes, I know big words too!} of fantastical elements being found in the seedy underbelly of London.

In Wrede's version of Pygmalion, Kim is a girl who has taken on the guise of a boy so as to move around unfettered, and not to fall prey to the unpleasant elements of her home streets.  Orphaned, and with the woman she looked upon as a mother-type figure dead, Kim has found her niche in the local hierarchy as a thief for hire.  Until the night she is caught red-handed by a magician.  This starts a series of events - oh, how Lemony Snickets ;-D - that will take Kim away from the only life she's ever known and into the drawing rooms and ballrooms of London's elite.

I really did enjoy this bind up of both books.  The language is very easy to digest once you get into the rythm of things, and with no graphic violence, sex or very salty language, it is a refreshing change.  The world building is minimal, relying I think on the readers knowledge of this time period to construct there own ideas of the cityscape.  In all, I can't believe that it took me 4 or so weeks to pick this book back up and finish it as it is a great bit of escapism.

If you love paranormal romance, Regency romance, or like your historical fiction spiced up with a little bit of magic, then A Matter of Magic might just be what you're looking for.

I hope you've enjoyed this review.  If you have and questions or comments you know what to do.

Until next time,

 

Top 5 Wednesday - Female Characters

Hi to all you booklovers out there.  Yes, it's that time again. Sorry this is a day late, but life - and a smart phone that looses all off your first draft - happens ;-D

Today I'm going to be discussing my Top 5 Female Character.  The Top 5 Wednesday series was created by the lovely Lainey at GINGERREADSLAINEY and I'll include a link to the Goodreads group if you would also like to participate {here}

Okay, on to my top 5 female characters.  This was a bit of a conundrum.  There are just so many fabulous heroines these days.  You have the funny girls, the kick-ass fighters, the smart and sexy ones, girls next door, women who overcome all the odds, magical odd-bods, loners or down righ evil villains.  Just how do you narrow your list down to just 5?  Well I did, and here they are;

 

Meg Corbyn

Meg is on a journey of self discovery.  She is sweet and smart, innocent and worldly.  I love the growth that I have seen this character, as well as her influence on those around her.  Can't wait to see what Meg is like when she is complete ;-D

Kate Daniels

Ever bookshelf needs a kick-ass character, and Kate Daniels is one of mine.  Tough and smart, she is a hiding a powerful legacy.  Surrounded by magic, shapeshifters and awakening Gods, Kate is more at home swinging a sword than shooting a gun {and she couldn't hit the side of a barn if she tried!}.  A fast and fantastic read, I revisit Kate and Co. when I need a pick me up.

 

Elena Devereaux

All of our characters have undergone some sort of change, but Elena's is the most obvious.  Once mortal, now a part of the angelic throng, Elena is a smart, strong and tenaciously loyal woman.  I love the Guild Hunter series, and often go back and visit the world of Elena and her Archangel mate.

Merry Gentry/Anita Blake

With all the women in fiction to choose from to fill my next spot I know some people will be surprised at my inclusion of Anita Blake.  I have ranted in the past about the direction the series is headed in - as well as Anita's moral compass - but I have included her here, with Merry Gentry, because not all the most memorable characters are perfect.  It is often those with flaws or fault that capture our hearts the most.  Merry and Anita are those characters for me.  Loyal, smart, powerful and complicated, they are each oh so memorable.

Lt. Eve Dallas

Life for Eve started out bad.  Abused from a young age - and with amnesia to boot - she was left to flounder, alone, in the foster system.  Years later she has turned her life around and is a dedicated servant of the law.  But the case on which we first encounter Eve is the one that will open the memories of her past, just as it puts the man of her dreams in her future.

Lt. Dallas is one of the best female characters you could ever hope to read.  Loyal and dedicated, intelligent and intuitive.  I have laughed and cried, railed at injustice with her and applauded her courage.  J.D. Robb (aka Nora Roberts) has developed a female protaganist who embodies everything you want in your heroine - and it doesn't hurt that she's married to a gorgeous, sexy Irish multi-billionaire either ;-D

I would also like to include some honourable mentions, these are female characters I love but they just didn't make it into my top 5;

Aurora Teagarden, Mercy Thompson, Kaylin Neya, Diana Bishop, Stephanie Plum {a real shock there}, Lula, Elizabeth Bennett, Jaenelle Angeline, Alexia Tarabotti, Emma Donohoe, to name a few.

So I hope you enjoyed my Top 5 Female Characters.  Have questions or comments?  Leave me a message down below, you know what to do ;-D

Until next time,

 

My Big Fat (EPIC) September Book Haul

OMG!  I have spent soooo much money over the last month on books.  Really, I need help... mmm, perhaps some free ARC's would help {hint, hint ;-D}.  Anyway, my postie has been a regular visitor to my place and today she dropped off the last of my September orders.

New to the party is Booktopia, where I've had two recent orders thanks to no P&H specials {always a plus}.  They have a great range of books and some truly amazing bargains (The Demon King was only $3.35!).

Literary Lusts - Stella Hyde

Oscar Wilde Biography - Jeff Nunokawa/Amy Sickels

The Demon King - Cinda Williams Chima

Love Letters of Great Women - edited by Ursula Doyle

The Spellman Files - Lisa Lutz

  Another Book Depository order fulfilled

The Miniaturist - Jessie Burton {this has the most gorgeous cover}

Wickedly Dangerous - Deborah Blake

Copper Beach - Jayne Ann Krentz

Demon Child - Kylie Chan ---- still not published yet!!!!!!

Slightly Shady / Don't Look Back / Late for the Wedding - Amanda Quick

The Hot Zone - Jayne Castle

A Matter of Magic - Patricia C. Wrede

When Day Breaks - Maya Banks {for mum}

and today's mail brought me the items I'd been waiting for from Basement Books;

Unbreakable - Kami Garcia

Replica - Jenna Black

Wayfarer - C.E. Murphy

A Cook in Time - Joanne Pence

Vanished in the Night - Eileen Carr

The City's Son - Tom Pollock

 Then on the home front I went and raided all the shops that had even a hint of a book section...

Local discount chain store

different local discount chain store (4 for $10)

Big W (box set $30, others $12 ea)

local grocery store

local bookshop (3 for $14.95)

Big W bargain books $3.47 ea

And sadly this is still not all the books as I was given Dorothy Must Die by my mother.  

So much reading to do with the 20 plus other books I've bought locally (above pics) - I'm not even going to go into all the books I've bought from the local charity shops in September - and then there was the big Bookarama Booksale at the Town Hall where I bought about 45 books.  Then yesterday what did I do?... I went and ordered some books from Book Outlet.  Thankfully they were so cheap (for hardcovers) that I didn't mind paying the outrageous postage.  Luckily I managed to snag the last copy of Queen of Kings, as well as hardcovers of

First Grave on the Right / Second Grave on the Left / Third Grave Dead Ahead - Darynda Jones

River of No Return - Bee Ridgway

Quiver - Holly Luhning {paperback only I'm sorry to say}

I'm so happy with the books that I've got heading my way, but as with all book addictions, as soon as my shopping cart was empty I was in there refilling it with books I'll get next time.  Why aren't books cheaper so I can afford to get the all? ;-D

In the meantime, I hope you've found something fabulous to put on your bookshelves and until next time,

 

Top 5 Wednesday - Terrible Covers

Hi to all you booklovers out there.  I hope you're having a great day.

Today I'm going to do my first Top 5 Wednesday video.  This series was created by the lovely Lainey at GINGERREADSLAINEY and I'll include a link to the Goodreads group if you would also like to participate {here}

This week we are looking at our Top 5 Terrible covers.  To me, a terrible cover is one that is not only unattractive - or dare I say, ugly - but also total inappropriate for the content matter. Sort of like putting a tank on a Harry Potter cover and expecting someone to know it was a children’s fantasy.

So without further ado, here are my top 5 terrible covers...

Fell off the wagon and ordered more books

Hi to all you booklovers.  Just thought that I'd post a quick update as I've just been an idiot and ordered some more books!  It's a sickness, I know, but I just can't seem to help myself when I see all those gorgeous covers.  

Anyway, I just ordered the following books that will hopefully be in the post tomorrow ;-D

Unbreakable by Kami Garcia

Wayfinder by C.E. Murphy

Replica by Jenna Black

The City's Son by Tom Pollock (signed hardcover)

A Cook in Time by Joanne Pence ($1!!), and finally

Vanished in the Night by Eileen Carr (also only $1!!)

I don't feel too bad as I only spent just over $30 ($30.96 to be precise) and I'd spend more than that on just two books at my local bookshop.  Still I really should be saving money for Christmas - and the big discounts at the end of year sales!

Oh, and earlier today the courier knocked on my door with 2 parcels for me.  I'm actually amazed at how quickly Book Depository sent the books this time.  I filmed the unboxing, but have yet to get around to editing it ;-D  Hopefully I'll get something up soon.

Tomorrow I will be posting my next Top 5 Wednesday list, hope to see you then.

Until then,

 

Top 5 Wednesday - Non YA Books

 

Good morning, and welcome to another Top 5 Wednesday!  For your blogging pleasure this week we will be counting down our Top 5 Non YA Books.  Since I mostly own/read non-YA this week will be less stressful than most, but I always enjoy trying to fulfil the Top 5 list each week ;-D

Also, instead of just having my top 5 non-YA books, I went for my Top 5 go-to books.  These are the books that I seem to read, and re-read, the most.

Huge Book Sale Haul, or my quest to find Gone with the Wind

Sorry this is a week late, but I just had to post this.  Last weekend there was a HUGE Book Sale in my local town hall - with the proceeds going to Rotary projects and local drought relief causes - and since I'd found some great books last year of course I was going to show up!  With over 15,000 books to sift through I only had one book in mind that was a must - Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell.  This book is one of the classics that I'd promised myself I should really read.  I didn't get around to it last year, and so far this year I haven't managed to get a copy.  That would all change at the book sale as there are always multiple copies everywhere... or so I thought.

Snuck a peak just before doors opened!

Day 1

Got there early so I could find a good park, and then waited at the front doors with a few other die-hard bibliophiles.  I learned my lesson last year in regards to carrying so many books in carry bags, so this year I made sure that I had a shopping cart that had wheels (one of those pull along jobs) and a bottle of water so I didn't have to leave if I got thirsty.  At 9am the doors opened and we all flooded into the hall in an attempt to find the best books first ;-D

It took me 2 hours of walking around, and my feet were killing me by the end of it, but I did manage to fill up the trolley - as well as a tote bag - with books before heading off to a quiet alcove to sit and sort.   In the end I put back about 14 books.  I really didn't need a History of Dracula, did I? And actually managed to get out of there with some change in my purse.  In all, I picked up 35 books (including a few for mum as I don't need 2 copies of LOTR) which I was so happy with as there was one lady who I had been talking too while waiting to go in, and when I last saw here 2 hours later, she'd only picked up about 8 or 9 titles!

So happy with what I found that I decided to go back the next day, Sunday, to see if I could locate a copy of the elusive Gone with the Wind.  This book, which is usually everywhere, was not to be found!  Can you believe it?  I found multiple hardcover copies of Scarlet, and even a hardcover of Rhett, but no GwtW.  Perhaps I'd have better luck in the morning after they've restocked the tables...

Day 2

After soaking my feet in a hot foot bath the night before, I was ready to once again tackle the book sale.  However, unlike Saturday, when I went up to the town hall just before 9am I found it like a ghost town.  There was one other girl waiting there before me, and four more people arriving just before the doors opened.  For a moment I'd thought that perhaps the second day had been cancelled, but thankfully it wasn't and I got to browse through the tables with hardly any competition.  More people trickled in as the morning went by, but by 10am I had spent the money I had allowed myself for the book sale weekend and it was time to call it a day.

But for all the great books I'd found - or seen other people get to first ;-D - there was still no sighting of that elusive classic, Gone with the Wind.  This must be the first time I can remember where I have not seen a secondhand copy of it floating around a sale, but of course since I actually wanted a copy Murphy's Law wasn't going to let me have my way.   

**sighs and shrugs**  

Now I must remember to order copy online.

Results

So in the 3hrs or so that I combed the sale, I bought a total of 48 books and spent $54.  I found 5 books for my mum, and discovered replacement copies for 5 books I currently own.

My poor feet had had it by the end of the second day, so after another hot foot bath I kept them elevated as much as possible.  {PS, I hate having plantar facititis >:-|  Inflamed tendon under your feet really hurt!}

Now I have so many more books in my TBR pile, but it was worth it.  I had a fun weekend and got a lot of bang for my buck, so to speak ;-D.  Can't wait until next years sale!

Until next time,