Review: Hit List {Anita Blake #20} by Laurell K Hamilton

Title: Hit List {Anita Blake #20}

Author: Laurell K Hamilton

Published: Berkley June 2011

Synopsis: A serial killer is hunting the Pacific Northwest, murdering victims in a gruesome and spectacular way. The local police suspect “monsters” are involved, and have called in Anita Blake and Edward, US Marshals who really know their monsters, to catch the killer. But some monsters are very real. The Harlequin have been the bogeymen of the vampire world for more than a thousand years; they are a secret so dark that even to speak their name can earn you a death sentence. Now they are here in America, hunting weretigers…and human police.   Read an Excerpt

Status: Read from October 14 to 15, 2011 — I own a copy

My Thoughts:

There were some real glimmers of Hamilton’s storytelling skills evident in Hit List from her earlier books and then it all fell apart when the Mother Of All Darkness is banished in barely more than a few paragraphs.

Anita is finally back on a case  – the Harlequin are hunting were-tigers leaving torn apart bodies in their wake. Along with Edward, posing as Marshall Ted, Anita is tracking them cross country but the assassins are impossibly fast and deadly.  The Preternatural Marshall service and local cops have no idea what they are facing and after it becomes clear that the Harlequin’s true target is Anita the pair call in back up from Olaf Bernardo and a few others. There is some great action in the book such as the ambush in the woods and some enjoyable fight scenes. Olaf is particularly creepy and I liked the development of the relationship between Anita and Edward who have a sort of father daughter bond going on. In fact I was really enjoying the book right up until Anita confronts and defeats The Mother Of All Darkness in a anti-climatic and disappointing scene.

The Mother Of All Darkness has been such an integral part of the last several books and this wasn’t the way I hoped it would be concluded. I wanted an all out confrontation that should have taken place with at least every major character from the series present – especially Jean-Claude, Richard and Damien and at least some of Anita’s lovers – perhaps even with a shocking death or at least crippling injuries. Instead Mommie mists away with barely a whimper and I was left disappointed by it.

While it seems with Hit List Hamilton is making an effort to recapture the magic of the first books she hasn’t quite managed it but if you are a fan of the series than this 20th installment should give you hope for the future.

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To read my  brief reviews of  #18 and #19 click on the cover images

Review: A Tiny Bit Marvellous by Dawn French

Review: A Tiny Bit Marvellous

Author: Dawn French

Published: Penguin Books 2010

Synopsis: This first novel by Dawn French is told through the eyes of a mother and her two teenage children. There’s seventeen-year-old Dora, a stroppy teenager who’s just come out of her first relationship (it lasted a whole six weeks) and who’s longing to escape to university; her long-suffering mother, Mo, a child psychiatrist who’s baffled by the antagonist behaviour of her children; and sixteen-year-old Peter, who prefers to be known as Oscar due to his obsession with Oscar Wilde. Written in diary format, with each chapter narrated by a different voice, this is a hilarious, sharp and utterly compelling novel about the ups and down of family, sibling rivalry and growing up. With each chapter told from the point of view of one character, Dawn French’s witty and engaging novel offers us an honest and insightful account into the relationships between children and parents.

Status: Read from October 12 to 13, 2011 — I own a copy

My Thoughts:

I’ve always liked Dawn French for her wit, particularly in her role as The Vicar of Dibley. When I won this novel courtesy of Mel’s Random Reviews I was thrilled and took in away with me on my recent holiday looking for a laugh or two. I actually found myself laughing quite a lot as A Tiny Bit Marvellous is a hilarious exaggeration of a dysfunctional family simply trying to get through everyday.
Dawn French’s voice is so distinctive and her bawdy humor and wry talent for comedic observation is evident when reading. It’s terribly British with a lot of slang and cultural references that will be probably be unfamiliar to readers outside the Commonwealth yet the general gist can be interpreted.
To be honest the plot is is a bit thin but the eccentric characters are hugely entertaining. The story unfolds through a series of chapters by the various members of the Battle family, seventeen year old drama queen Dora, fifteen year old Oscar Wilde devotee Peter and harried mother and therapist Mo, with the last word given to Dad Battle.
Each family member is (appropriately) battling with their own issues. Dora has no idea what she is going to do post high school (academics are not her strong suit), she’s just been dumped by her first real boyfriend and she regularly employs a creative if rather rude string of adjectives to describe her mother. She is a little over the top and brattish but eye rollingly amusing.
Peter AKA Oscar longs for a smoking jacket, and speaks as if is stuck in the late 1880′s. He heads an exclusive club at school that idolises Audrey Hepburn, Peter Andre and develops a crush on his mother’s newest antipodean intern. His insight is equally as impressive as his delusion.
Mo is in the midst of a crisis. Despite her success as a child therapist she is scorned by her daughter and baffled by her son. She is ripe for the attention of an unscrupulous younger man who offers excitement and adventure that her mild husband doesn’t. Caught up in a daydream of escape she is oblivious to her family’s personal trials.
Then there is Pamela, Mo’s mother, who wisely dispenses advice on sex, a survivalist receptionist and several other odd characters thrown into the mix.
Fun, irreverent and there are even recipes in the back, A Tiny Bit Marvellous is, well, a tiny bit marvellous.

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Review: Forgotten by Cat Patrick

Title: Forgotten

Author: Cat Patrick

Published: Hardie Grant 2011 {Courtesy Dymocks.com.au}

Synopsis: I remember forwards. I remember forwards, and forget backwards. My memories, bad, boring, or good, haven’t happened yet. So I will remember standing in the fresh-cut grass with the black-clad figures surrounded by stone until I do it for real. I will remember the funeral until it happens – until someone dies. And after that, it will be forgotten. Here’s the thing about me: I can see my future, but my past is blank. I see the future in flashes, like memories. I remember what I’ll wear tomorrow, and a car crash that won’t happen till this afternoon. But yesterday has evaporated from my mind – just like the boy I love. I can’t see him in my future. I can’t remember him from my past. But today, I love him. And I never want to forget how much.

Status: Read on July 03, 2011 — I own a copy

My Thoughts:

It seems the universe has been conspiring as I have read no less than 5 books recently where the lead character has some sort of memory loss. Forgotten is different from all of them, firstly being YA, and for having a hint of paranormal influence.
London doesn’t remember her past, only her future, and as each new day dawns she uses her hastily scribbled notes and what she see’s will unfold in the days, weeks and even years to come to orientate herself. When she meets Lucas he doesn’t appear in her life that is yet to unfold but inexplicably a relationship between the two develops.
It’s an intriguing premise that requires the reader to take a leap of faith with the author into the lives of her characters. London wants nothing more than to be normal teen, but her unique condition keeps her largely isolated except for her close relationship with her troubled best friend, Jamie. London is reluctant to acknowledge the future she knows until she begins to have reoccurring images of a funeral which sets her on the path to trace her father and grandmother, that eventually provides a stunning explanation for London’s condition.
The romance that develops between London and Luke is sweet, they are not immune to the teenage insecurities of first love. I really liked how Patrick reveals Luke’s connection to London, both future and past and how their connection grows. I didn’t quite see the reason for London’s self righteous rage at Luke during the fight that separates them though, except as a plot convenience.
While I thought the plot was wonderful with truly unexpected surprises, and the characters appealing I was less enamoured with the writing style. I thought it simplistic, which suits the intended YA audience I think, but I thought a bit bland.
A quick yet engaging read, ‘Forgotten’ has surprising depth and is a strong debut novel from Cat Patrick. I need to thank Dymocks.com.au and their #freebookfriday competition for my copy.

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Review: Smokin’ Seventeen {Stephanie Plum #17} by Janet Evanovich

Title: Smokin’ Seventeen {Stephanie Plum #17}

Author: Janet Evanovich

Published: Headline Australia June 2011 {Courtesy Robert W}

Synopsis: Where there’s smoke there’s fire, and no one knows this better than New Jersey bounty hunter, Stephanie Plum. The bail bonds office has burned to the ground, and bodies are turning up in the empty construction lot.  To make matters worse, Stephanie is working out of a motor home she shares with a dancing bear, and Joe Morelli’s old world grandmother has declared a vendetta against her.  And just when Stephanie decides it might be time to choose between the two men in her life, Morelli and Ranger, a third man from Stephanie’s past moves back to Trenton…Break out a cold drink and slap on some sunscreen, this summer is sure to be a scorcher with Smokin’ Seventeen.

Status: Read on June 25, 2011 — I own a copy

My Thoughts:

It’s another round of mayhem with Stephanie Plum, I still giggle at Lula’s antics, enjoy Grandma Mazur’s funeral home visits and swoon over Ranger and for light relief the series is hard to beat. There are no real surprises in Smokin Seventeen, from the naked fugitive to the demise of yet another of Stephanie’s cars. I don’t mind that Steph still hasn’t made up her mind, I lurve Ranger and I know that ultimately it will be Morelli that wins the girl so I am happy for the line to continue to spin out and in this case I was squirming as Ranger ..oops better not give it away!
I do really want to see something change though, not just a new bonds office but something substantial. Stephanie is right when she considers that she is barely any better at her job when she started and she really should be and it needn’t take away from the comical aspects of her job.
The only thing that really concerned me is that it’s short (despite the large trade format with large type) and I am worried it may not bode well for Explosive Eighteen that is being released in November.
Smokin’ Seventeen is a fun, light read that is true to the series formula and sure to provide a laugh or two. If you are looking for more than that then you will likely be disappointed but take it for what it is and it’s a delightful way to spend an hour or two.

View the Stephanie Plum Series by clicking here

 

Review: Magic Slays by Ilona Andrews

 

Title: Magic Slays {Kate Daniels #5}

Author: Ilona Andrews

Published: Ace May 2011

Synopsis: Plagued by a war between magic and technology, Atlanta has never been so deadly. Good thing Kate Daniels is on the job.  Kate Daniels may have quit the Order of Merciful Aid, but she’s still knee-deep in paranormal problems. Or she would be if she could get someone to hire her. Starting her own business has been more challenging than she thought it would be—now that the Order is disparaging her good name, and many potential clients are afraid of getting on the bad side of the Beast Lord, who just happens to be Kate’s mate.  So when Atlanta’s premier Master of the Dead calls to ask for help with a vampire on the loose, Kate leaps at the chance of some paying work. Turns out this is not an isolated incident, and Kate needs to get to the bottom of it—fast, or the city and everyone dear to her might pay the ultimate price .

Status: Read on June 12, 2011 — I own a copy

My Thoughts:

The Kate Daniels series quickly became one of my favourites in the Urban fantasy genre and I eagerly awaited the arrival of my pre ordered copy of Magic Slays, the fifth installment.
After the stunning revelations in Magic Bleeds, Kate is having to reestablish herself. She has left the Order to start her own private investigation business and has taken her place at Curran’s side as his mate. Yet both situations are fraught with complications and Kate is struggling to accept her new roles. In the midst of her personal crisis of confidence, Kate learns some devastating truths about her family, but there is little time to dwell on the repercussions of her history. Kate becomes involved in a bizarre assassination that reveals a doomsday device that threatens the magical community of Atlanta. It leads not only a dramatic race to identify the cult and prevent the bomb from being detonated, but also the only means to save the life of Kate’s ward, Julie.
While Kate and company have to fight their way through a group of crazed fanatics, and the plot in this installment is as fast paced and action packed as always, it is Kate’s growth that really stood out for me.
What I enjoy most about Kate is her ability to not only fight, but also think, her way out of situations. No matter the circumstance she pushes, determined to find a solution that resolves best for everyone involved. Her choices are not without risk but I admire her courage and determination. Equally, I like the glimmers of vulnerability we see, her insecurity in her relations with Curran and her fears for those close to her. I think i have a bit of a girl crush on Kate really but I think I would be willing to take her own for a place at Curran’s side. *deep sigh of longing*
Fans of this series won’t be disappointed in Magic Slays, I expect that most, like me will simply be desperate for the next book. If this isn’t a series you have started yet, make the time – it’s totally worth it!

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Review: First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones

Title: First Grave on the Right {Charley Davidson #1}

Author: Darynda Jones

Published: St Martins Press Feb 2011

Synopsis: Charley sees dead people. That’s right, she sees dead people. And it’s her job to convince them to “go into the light.” But when these very dead people have died under less than ideal circumstances (i.e. murder), sometimes they want Charley to bring the bad guys to justice. Complicating matters are the intensely hot dreams she’s been having about an Entity who has been following her all her life…and it turns out he might not be dead after all. In fact, he might be something else entirely.

Status: Read from June 19 to 20, 2011 — I own a copy

My Thoughts:

I picked up First Grave on The Right to read only because I needed a book with a mostly white cover for a challenge. It had been sitting on my TBR list for a while and I knew it had gotten good reviews, it had simply never worked it’s way to the top. What an oversight!
Charley Davidson, P.I. slash Grim Reaper, had me snorting in appreciation at her snarky cool and petty rebelliousness. Charley is Stephanie Plum stuck in the Twilight Zone and just the sort of irreverent heroine that appeals to me most. She’s a little bit quirky, smart mouthed, with a generous streak of common sense despite her ability to attract trouble and ghosts with unfinished business.
As a Grim Reaper, Charley is a sparkling portal, drawing ghosts to her which she then helps cross over. Occasionally ghosts can’t or don’t want to leave and Charley uses her experience, and connections at the PD, to help them. Not everyone believes in what Charley can do but her father’s and uncles solve rate goes some way to supporting her story. Charley couldn’t care less what people think, she enjoys needling the unbelievers including Garrett and her step mom.
In this debut, Charley becomes involved in a triple homicide and with the assistance of the murdered ghosts sets out to solve the mystery. Along the way she stumbles across a child smuggling ring, all the while trying to dodge an enraged husband and the ‘Big Bad’. It makes for a busy confluence of story threads that can sometimes be a bit vague in the rush to lay them out but are nevertheless interesting to unfold.
Then there is Reyes, an adonis who visits her nightly in her hot and sexy dreams, but has a secret that Charley is at a loss to explain.
First Grave on the Right is a fabulous, entertaining debut that blurs the line between urban fantasy and paranormal romance. I am eagerly looking forward to the second in the series!

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Read For I Have Sinned {Charley Davidson #1.5} HERE

Charley Davidson Series

  

Review: Vintage Alice by Jessica Adams

Title: Vintage Alice

Author: Jessica Adams

Published: Allen & Unwin 2009

Synopsis: “In my dreams I see us standing on a beach in our wedding clothes a year or so from now … By then Vintage Alice will be in a shop, not just an imaginary fashion label …”  Alice Templeton has had it with being broke and trapped in London. She wants sunshine. To be able to afford to eat something other than baked beans on toast. To dump her hideous wellies with holes, and the $1 shampoo she’s been forced to use. Most of all, she wants to design vintage clothes for real women – not zero sized supermodels. And to create a new life in Australia with her boyfirend, Nash, and try to salvage their relationship. But life is never that simple, and Alice finds herself in Australia, minus Nash.  Can Alice conquer her feeling of failure – not to mention a new Australian language of little black ducks, mad cut snakes and various rooted situations – and shoot for the stars? And can she fall in love again?

Status: Read from June 03 to 04, 2011

My Thoughts:

Vintage Alice lacks any real depth, but is a light, if odd , chic lit read. Alice and her boyfriend, Nash, are planning to emigrate to Australia from England, hoping the ‘lucky country’ will deliver better weather, more opportunities and reinvigorate their waning relationship. As the date to leave draws near Alice wavers back and forth, reluctant to leave her mother and friends. When Alice discovers that Nash has cheated on her, and that he intends to take up a new job offer that will keep them in the UK, Alice breaks off the relationship and with gentle encouragement from her cousin Joel decides to go ahead with the move and finds her world turned upside down.
I didn’t find Alice immediately appealing, I struggle to sympathise with characters who make little effort to take responsibility for their own lives. Alice martyrs herself to her appalling relationship with Nash, daydreams about creating her own clothing label (Vintage Alice) while ignoring the opportunities she is given to develop it and seems to determined to sabotage herself at every turn. It’s not until she leaves the employ of the kennel despite having no real back up plan that I become more comfortable with her, but I have to admit that is tainted by the slight ickiness of her growing relationship with Joel.
Even though they are cousins in name (not actually blood relatives)the romance was more creepy than sweet, perhaps because at every opportunity Adams stressed the cousin relationship. The relationship developed at suitable pace, it just wasn’t a pairing that worked for me.
I wanted Alice to develop some ambition and independence. I kept expecting Alice to move ahead with her Vintage Alice dreams but there is no real follow through. I was also disappointed by the plot convenience of a large inheritance when her mother meets and marries a millionaire in a matter of weeks.
I wanted to like Vintage Alice much more than I did but for me the premise was skewed so it was just okay.

Review: Bitten in Two {Jaz Parks #7} by Jennifer Rardin

Title: Bitten in Two (Jaz Parks #7}

Author: Jennifer Rardin

Published: Orbit November 2010

Synopsis: Jaz Parks here. I. Am. Pissed. Just as Vayl and I arrive in Morocco to secure an ancient artifact, he wakes up calling me by another woman’s name. And it’s not even a good one. But since any form of argument transforms him into an unholy terror, I’m forced to play along until the gang and I can figure out what kind of power has so vastly altered his perceptions.  So it’s time for me to do what any well-trained assassin in my position might do. I attack. What follows is a hair-raising, breath-taking bullet train ride to the finish as the crew battles on multiple fronts. I now know what I have to do – I must return to hell one last time.

Status: Read from May 26 to 27, 2011 — I own a copy

My Thoughts:

Somewhere in Morocco is the demon formed Rocenz that Jaz needs to save her life, but the gang’s search is hampered by Vayl’s inexplicable memory loss, the result of a curse laid on him in Scotland (Book #5). In a desperate bid to restore Vayle from his 1777 time warp, Jaz drags a wizard, Sterling, into the fight and along with Cole, Bergman, robokitty and a bit of help from a local stalker, the gang face down a vicious clan of werewolves, a greedy mage and Kyphas’s betrayl.
Vayle’s amnesia provides plenty of comedic moments as he has mistaken Bergman for his ward, Helena, and Jaz and Cole as his once favoured servants. It’s tough for Jaz though who misses Vayle’s love and support, as she struggles with the headaches and nosebleeds Brude is causing. The situation shows how much maturity Jaz has gained since the beginning of the series, and provides a bit more insight into Vayle’s background, which I appreciated.
Bergman on painkillers is hilarious, especially when he describes his sexless state. I find Bergman more appealing the macho Cole. You just know Cole’s relationship with Kyphas and his stubbornness in refusing to join the Trust, is going to lead to disaster.
My one irritation with this story was the interruption of battle scenes for Jaz to think too much, particularly at the climax in the tannery. I wanted her to shut up already and kill Kyphas. Don’t get me wrong I love Granny May’s wisdom, TeenMe’s enthusiasm and InnerBimbo’s pratfalls from her bar stool but not right in the middle of a fight.
I am eager to start The Deadliest Bite, the final installment of the Jaz Parks series, though also sad to see it finish. Bitten in Two is a fast paced romp with all the action, sarcasm and humour that Rardin does so well.

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Review: Burn Bright {Night Creatures #1} by Marianne de Pierres

Title: Burn Bright {Night Creatures #1}

Author: Marianne de Pierres

Published: Random House Australia March 2011

Synopsis: Into a world of wild secrets and deadly pleasures comes a girl whose innocence may be her greatest strength.  In Ixion music and party are our only beliefs. Darkness is our comfort. We have few rules but they are absolute . . . Retra doesn’t want to go to Ixion, the island of ever-night, ever-youth and never-sleep. Retra is a Seal – sealed minds, sealed community. She doesn’t crave parties and pleasure, experience and freedom.  But her brother Joel left for Ixion two years ago, and Retra is determined to find him. Braving the intense pain of her obedience strip to escape the only home she’s ever known, Retra stows away on the barge that will take her to her brother.  When she can’t find Joel, Retra finds herself drawn deeper into the intoxicating world of Ixion. Come to me, whispers a voice in her head. Who are the Ripers, the mysterious guardians of Ixion? What are the Night Creatures Retra can see in the shadows? And what happens to those who grow too old for Ixion? Retra will find that Ixion has its pleasures, but its secrets are deadly. Will friendship, and the creation of an eternal bond with a Riper, be enough to save her from the darkness?  Listen well, baby bats. Burn bright, but do not stray from the paths. Remember, when you live in a place of darkness you also live with creatures of the dark.

Status: Read from May 16 to 17, 2011 — I own a copy

My Thoughts:

I was gifted Burn Bright by the author after reviewing a book by her literary alter ego, Sharp Shooter. Fantasy YA is not usually a genre I would seek out and I admit I chose to read it because I was grateful for the gift and because it neatly coincided with a GR challenge. However from the beginning I was drawn into this imaginative and bold YA fantasy novel.
Retra lives on an island in a repressive society whose strict class structure segregates its inhabitants. As a ‘Seal’, Retra lives under a repressive regime that denies free thought or speech. Retra’s brother rebelled against the strictures and escaped to the rumoured island of Ixia leaving her to face punishment from her family and community leaders. Despite the cost, Retra follows in her brother’s footsteps, and lands in Ixia – a haven of pleasure and self expression determined to reunite with him.
What particularly hooked me with this novel, was taking the journey with Retra as opposed to watching it unfold. Starting the book, I was pretty confused, not understanding why Retra was fleeing, crippled with pain, or where she was headed, but I wanted to know and I soon appreciated that this unusual beginning was a clever technique that mirrored Retra’s own experience of disorientation and created an immediate bond between her character and myself as the reader. Even though the narrative is third person, the perspective always comes from Retra’s experience maintaining that link throughout the story. Since we rarely learn any more than what Retra does and she knows very little, some details of the storyline have to be intuited or imagined, which can be frustrating if you prefer your fantasy world and it’s rules to be clearly delineated. As a series debut there is some deliberate vagueness and mystery surrounding the characters and plot direction leaving the author plenty of scope to navigate in future installments.

The plot explores the extremes of repressive and hedonistic society and the natural inclination of teenage rebellion. Ixia is a pleasure island, constantly in darkness, that advocates freedom and constant partying. Everything is provided for it’s refugees and there are few rules, but behind the glittering facade, the Ripers hide a secret. As the residents age they are withdrawn, though no one seems to know where it is they go, the teens are forced to take mind altering drugs under the guise of care and the Ripers seem more sinister than solicitous. Retra is not the only one who sees past the glossy surface, unsanctioned gangs like the League led by Dark Eve, and the mysterious Ruzalia. Events begin to spiral out of control and as truths are revealed, Retra sheds her Seal identity to become Naif who may well lead a revolution.

Burn Bright is an intoxicating and edgy adventure from accomplished Australian writer, Marianne de Pierres. I look forward to the second book in the Night Creatures series.

Available to Purchase

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*Not yet available in the US*

Review: Things I Want My Daughters To Know by Elizabeth Noble

Title: Things I Want My Daughter To Know

Author: Elizabeth Noble

Published: William Morrow April 2008

Synopsis: Symbolically presiding over this emotionally powerful novel is the recently deceased Barbara Forbes. Before she succumbed to cancer, Barbara thoughtfully composed letters to each of her four daughters. This novel, Elizabeth Noble’s fourth, follows the sisters as they cope with their shared loss and attempt to navigate their futures, guided partly by their mother’s posthumous notes.

Status: Read from May 07 to 09, 2011

My Thoughts:

Barbara’s death from cancer is devastating for her four daughters and their grief proves to be a catalyst for change as each struggles to come to terms with their loss. Knowing her time was short, Barbara wrote each much loved daughter a letter and bequeathed them her diary to share her thoughts and offer them encouragement in moving on with their lives. These gifts are both a source of comfort and distress for the girls, revealing loving truths and family secrets.
Noble deftly avoids the potential for cloying sentimentality, given the premise, with wry observation and a hint of the famous British ‘stiff upper lip’. Yet it also lacks the emotional impact I was expecting, leaving me largely unaffected by the fairly conventional storyline. The story unfolds through a combination of Barbara’s letters and journal entries, the voices of her daughters’ – Lisa, Jen, Amanda and Hannah, and Barbara’s husband, Mark in the year following her death. It’s an effective story telling technique, allowing each character to share their personal experiences and illustrate their familial relationships. The girls face fairly predictable problems – Lisa is afraid of committing to her boyfriend, Jen’s reluctance to have a child is placing a strain on her marriage, Amanda’s wanderlust hides her insecurity and Hannah is navigating her teen years without her mother’s guidance. These issues are treated with sensitivity though without any marked depth. I did appreciate that Noble carefully exploited her characters flaws which kept me interested, even if not particularly concerned, in the choices they faced and the decisions they made.
Things I Want My Daughter To Know was a rather ordinary read for me despite it’s appealing premise. There is nothing particularly wrong with it, it simply failed to capture my imagination.