Book Review ~ The Obsidian Blade

The Obsidian Blade (The Klaatu Diskos #1)
by Pete Hautman
published by Candlewick Press

Summary (Goodreads): The first time his father disappeared, Tucker Feye had just turned thirteen. The Reverend Feye simply climbed on the roof to fix a shingle, let out a scream, and vanished - only to walk up the driveway an hour later, looking older and worn, with a strange girl named Lahlia in tow. In the months that followed, Tucker watched his father grow distant and his once loving mother slide into madness. But then both of his parents disappear. Now in the care of his wild Uncle Kosh, Tucker begins to suspect that the disks of shimmering air he keeps seeing - one right on top of the roof - hold the answer to restoring his family. And when he dares to step into one, he's launched on a time-twisting journey
- from a small Midwestern town to a futuristic hospital run by digitally augmented healers, from the death of an ancient prophet to a forest at the end of time. Inevitably, Tucker's actions alter the past and future, changing his world forever.

My Thoughts: This was an odd, weird, at times confusing book. I enjoyed it for the most part. The author's writing style was easy to read and had a flow that kept you reading even if you were confused about what was going on.
It's difficult to talk about this book without giving anything away. What was interesting and will make me pick up the next book is trying to figure out how Tucker's small town of Hopewell becomes Awn's Terminus.
I found most of the character's interesting. Tucker's want to have his family back seems to be the driving force behind this story. His father's role in how things become threw me a little. I'm not sure I really like him or can understand why he went from one extreme to the other. I like both Kosh and Lahlia and want to know more about their stories. Other than Tucker the main player in these sequence of events are the Diskos. Created by a race that got some perverse joy out of watching some of the most tragic events (and their aftermaths) in human history.
Overall, it ended kind of abruptly but enough had happened and been put into motion that as I stated, I will definitely be picking up the next book.

Rating: 3.5

Book Review ~ Fair Game

Fair Game (Alpha & Omega #3)
by Patricia Briggs
published by Ace Hardcover

Summary (Goodreads): Patricia Briggs, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Mercy Thompson novels, "always enchants her readers." (Lynn Viehl, New York Times bestselling author) Now her Alpha and Omega series-set in a world of shifting shapes, loyalty, and passion- brings werewolves out of the darkness and into a society where fear and prejudice could make the hunters prey...
They say opposites attract. And in the case of werewolves Anna Latham and Charles Cornick, they mate. The son-and enforcer-of the leader of the North American werewolves, Charles is a dominant alpha. While Anna, an omega, has the rare ability to calm others of her kind.
Now that the werewolves have revealed themselves to humans, they can't afford any bad publicity. Infractions that could have been overlooked in the past must now be punished, and the strain of doing his father's dirty work is taking a toll on Charles.
Nevertheless, Charles and Anna are sent to Boston, when the FBI requests the pack's help on a local serial killer case. They quickly realize that not only the last two victims were werewolves-all of them were. Someone is targeting their kind. And now Anna and Charles have put themselves right in the killer's sights..

My Thoughts: I was kinda sad when this book was finished. I hadn't realized how much I missed the A&O/Mercy world that Ms Briggs has created. I was grabbed right from the start and did not really put it down until it was over.
The werewolves are out and it has increased the amount of work that Charles has to do as his father's enforcer. The things that they may have let slide previously are now being punished with death and it is taking its toll. To try and lessen his burden and let him focus on catching an actual bad guy, Bran sends Charles and Anna to assist the FBI (and some other alphabets) in a serial killer case.
The blurb us kind of misleading, all the victims are not were but most are part of the supernatural community. I loved the mix of paranormal and mystery (two of my favorite genres). Following along and finding out why the victims were who they were and who was involved was highly entertaining. While I didn't want it to end, I was satisfied with the ending.
Even though I love them together, I'm still not sure of Anna sometimes. I think it is the whole Omega thing. I still have trouble picturing someone who can stand up to the Marrock and tell him NO without a thought or repercussion. I do like her and Charles together and enjoyed reading about them working out their problems. Charles having issues and consequences from what he was doing made him more real and believable.  I also liked the new FBI characters and while I know we probably won't, I would not mind having them come back in other books.
Overall I love this series/world and I cannot wait for the next book to come out.

Rating: 4

New Releases 5/28/2012

These are just a few of the new books out this week that I'm looking forward to...
*All links go to Goodreads

Changeling by Philippa Gregory (#1 in Order of Darkness)
Dark Frost by Jennifer Estep (#3 in Mythos Academy)
Blood Lite III: Aftertaste by Various Authors (Some of my favorites!)
Blood Seduction by Pamela Palmer (#1 in Vamp City
Tangle of Need by Nalini Singh (#15 in Psy-Changelings)

Follow Friday

Follow Friday is now hosted by TWO hosts, Parajunkee of course and Alison of Alison Can Read. Each host will have their own Feature Blog and this way it'll allow us to show off more new blogs!


Q:Activity! Dream cast your current read.

A: So not a question for me. I don't follow actors/models enough to name them.
I'm currently rereading Invincible (Chronicles of Nick) by Sherrilyn Kenyon. I actually like the pics/models she has on her site for most of her characters.

Have a Safe Happy Holiday Weekend! Happy Reading and Hopping!

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill over at Breaking The Spine. It's a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating.

Poison Princess (The Arcana Chronicles #1)
by Kresley Cole
published by Simon & Schuster
expected release date: October 2, 2012

Summary (Goodreads):Sixteen-year-old Evie Greene thought her horrific apocalyptic hallucinations were a sign that she was slowly losing her mind. But when her visions come true, decimating the world around her and killing everyone she loves, Evie is forced to accept that she was seeing the future.

Fighting for her life and desperate for answers, she turns to wrong-side-of-the-bayou classmate, the gorgeous and dangerous Jackson Deveaux for help. As Jackson and Evie race to find the source of her visions, they meet others who have got the same call and discover that Evie is not the only one with special powers. An ancient prophesy is being played out, and as the battle between good and evil intensifies, it is not always clear who is on which side…

**I've not read much from this author even though I have many of her books. This one just has so many elements that I love in books that I have to give it a try.

Book Review ~ Soulless

Soulless (Parasol Protectorate #1)
by Gail Carriger
published by Orbit

Summary (Goodreads): Alexia Tarabotti is laboring under a great many social tribulations. First, she has no soul. Second, she's a spinster whose father is both Italian and dead. Third, she was rudely attacked by a vampire, breaking all standards of social etiquette.
Where to go from there? From bad to worse apparently, for Alexia accidentally kills the vampire -- and then the appalling Lord Maccon (loud, messy, gorgeous, and werewolf) is sent by Queen Victoria to investigate.

With unexpected vampires appearing and expected vampires disappearing, everyone seems to believe Alexia responsible. Can she figure out what is actually happening to London's high society? Will her soulless ability to negate supernatural powers prove useful or just plain embarrassing? Finally, who is the real enemy, and do they have treacle tart?

SOULLESS is a comedy of manners set in Victorian London: full of werewolves, vampires, dirigibles, and tea-drinking.

My Thoughts: It took me awhile to get into this story. I kept putting it down wondering why everyone makes such a big deal about this series. That fact was the only reason that I picked it back up again. I didn't really care for Alexia at first, she just wasn't grabbing me. Once more characters were part of the story line it picked up. I liked both Lord Maccon and his Beta. They both added to story with his rude Scottish mannerisms and Prof. Lyall trying to keep him in line with their standards.
As I've stated before, I Love quirky side characters. I could have a whole book with just Lord Akeldama (he moved right into favorite vampires list) and Alexia's friend Ivy. Both these characters were so over the top that I couldn't help but love them. Other than her odd hats I know Ivy displayed common attitudes for the time period but it seemed so exaggerated.
Plot wise, Alexia not having a soul was different but I still don't really understand how or why it works the way it does on the supernaturals. The disappearances, scientists, experiments etc became muddled and some things were never explained to my liking but I was still satisfied with the conclusion of that part of the story. I did feel the ending dragged a bit.
Even with all that and the slow start I still ended up really liking this book and will be moving on to the second in the series.

Rating: 4

New This Week 5/21/2012

These are just a few of the new books out this week that I'm looking forward to...

Shadow Bound (Unbound #2) by Rachel Vincent

Fated (Soul Seekers #1) by Alyson Noel

Dark Kiss (Nightwatchers #1)by Michelle Rowen

The Enchantress (Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel #6) by Michael Scott

The Girl in the Clockwork Collar (The Steampunk Chronicles #2) by Kady Cross

The Girl in the Clockwork Collar by Kady Cross

Shadow Bound by Rachel Vincent

Stacking the Shelves

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga at Tynga's Reviews to share your weekly book haul. It can be what you bought, received, borrowed, or were gifted. For more info you can go here.

 *All links go to Goodreads

Bought
Dead on the Delta (Annabelle Lee #1) by Stacey Jay  **took a chance on this one. Not familiar with the author or book but I'm looking for a new series.
Library
Fair Game (Alpha &Omega #3) by Patricia Briggs
Black Heart (Curse Workers #3) by Holly Black
Under the Never Sky (Under the Never Sky #1) by Veronica Rossi

Currently Reading
Soulless (Parasol Protectorate #1)by Gail Carriger

Follow Friday

Follow Friday is now hosted by TWO hosts, Parajunkee of course and Alison of Alison Can Read. Each host will have their own Feature Blog and this way it'll allow us to show off more new blogs!

Q: Summer Break is upon us! What would be the perfect vacation spot for you to catch up on your reading & relax?

A: I want to go to Ireland and just sit among all things green and fantastical

Happy Hopping! Have a Great Weekend!!

Book Review ~ Triple Shot

Triple Shot (Maggie Thorsen Mystery#7)
by Sandra Balzo
published by Severn House

*Arc received from author for review

Summary (Goodreads): There's a chill in the Wisconsin air, and it's a shot in the arm--a triple espresso shot--to Uncommon Grounds, the Brookhills coffeehouse owned by Maggy Thorsen and real estate maven Sarah Kingston. Their new autumn drink is a huge success. But two estate agents have died lately, and Sarah herself is under investigation for irregularities at her job.

My Thoughts: This was a nice break from all things paranormal. We are back at the converted train station to coffee house and the problems start on page one. Do you want to brave the cold or the horrible stench that is filling the inside of the station?
I have found as this series goes on, since it takes place in such a small town, any new person that shows up I automatically think they are the bad guy. That's not exactly true with this book but I kept waiting for it throughout. We get a twofer with this book. You have the dead real estate agents and the search for missing mob money. Both stories came together with a few twists and turns and I was satisfied with the ending.
Character wise: Maggy was still the same as she's always been even while trying to become more of a  people person. Pavlik was not in this book as much and I found myself liking his character again because of it. The usual side characters were back and played a bigger role (how many real estate agents do you need in a small town?). I enjoyed getting to know more about the barbies and their drama while still focusing on Maggy and even Sarah.
Overall this was an entertaining, light read that I couldn't put down until the last page. I actually didn't have this one figured out before it was revealed and that always adds to the reading experience.

Rating:4

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill over at Breaking The Spine. It's a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating.

My Lady Mage (Warriors of the Mist #1)
by Alexis Morgan
published by Signet
expected release date July 3, 2012

Summary (Goodreads): A cursed destiny. A band of warriors. And one troubled kingdom.

It is whispered in Agathia that the legendary warriors of the mist-cursed by the gods-can be summoned only when a champion is needed and the cause is just. Gideon, their captain, knows this to be the one path that will lead his men to redemption-lest they face an eternity of damnation.

Years have passed since anyone has journeyed to the river's edge, but times are desperate. Oppressed by a cruel guardian whose dark magic threatens to destroy her people, the beautiful and courageous Merewen calls upon the bespelled warriors. In Gideon she finds more than a champion, and in his arms, more than protection. However, their enemies are fighting with a power darker than anything than they imagined, and should Gideon fail, she will lose everything she holds dear-including her heart.

** I'm not familiar with this author but this sounds like an interesting fantasy with a strong lead female. Plus magic, romance, etc what else do you need? :)

Book Review ~ Blood Magic

Blood Magic (The Blood Journals #1)
by Tessa Gratton
published by Random House books

Summary: It starts off simply.

Draw a circle ... place a dead leaf in the center ... sprinkle some salt ... recite a little Latin ... add a drop of blood ...

Maybe that last part isn't exactly simple. Yet somehow it feels right to Silla Kennicott. And nothing in her life has felt remotely right since her parents' horrific deaths. She's willing to do anything to uncover the truth about her family—even try a few spells from the mysterious book that arrived on her doorstep ... and spill some blood.

The book isn't the only recent arrival in Silla's life. There's Nick Pardee, the new guy next door who may have seen Silla casting a spell. She's not sure what he saw and is afraid to find out. But as they spend more time together, Silla realizes this may not be Nick's first encounter with Blood Magic. Brought together by a combination of fate and chemistry, Silla and Nick can't deny their attraction. And they can't ignore the dark presence lurking nearby—waiting to reclaim the book and all its power.

Tessa Gratton's intoxicating first novel will keep pulses racing, minds reeling, and pages turning right up to the very last drop of blood.

My Thoughts: This is going to sound bad. This book was mainly forgettable to me. It's been awhile since I finished it and the main characters did not stick with me. What did stay with me were the side stories. The background of both Silla and Nick's parents. I found their stories to be more interesting and entertaining. Also the journal entries of the old witch and how she came into her powers kept me reading.
I didn't hate the Silla and Nick as much as I found them boring. Everytime Nick would call Silla "babe", in the middle of what was supposed to be some romantic moment, it would ruin whatever the author was going for.
There were some interesting parts like who Silla's parents were and who killed them but it was a struggle to get to that point of the book.
Overall, it's going to depend on the type of characters you like whether or not you'll like this book. I can't say I would read anymore in this series unless it delves more into the past of the older characters rather than Silla and Nick.

Rating: 3

Stacking the Shelves

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga at Tynga's Reviews to share your weekly book haul. It can be what you bought, received, borrowed, or were gifted. For more info you can go here.

 *All links go to Goodreads

Gift
The Last Boyfriend (Inn Boonsboro #2)  by Nora Roberts

Library
Hunted by the Others (H&W Investigations #1) by Jess Haines
Boys that Bite (Blood Coven #1) by Mari Mancusi

Have a Great Week and Happy Reading!

Book Review ~ The Scorpio Races

The Scorpio Races
by Maggie Stiefvater
published by Scholastic Inc

Summary (Goodreads): It happens at the start of every November: the Scorpio Races. Riders attempt to keep hold of their water horses long enough to make it to the finish line. Some riders live. Others die.

At age nineteen, Sean Kendrick is the returning champion. He is a young man of few words, and if he has any fears, he keeps them buried deep, where no one else can see them.

Puck Connolly is different. She never meant to ride in the Scorpio Races. But fate hasn’t given her much of a chance. So she enters the competition — the first girl ever to do so. She is in no way prepared for what is going to happen.

My Thoughts: This is my time reading a book by this author and I enjoyed it more than I was expecting. When I first heard flesh eating horses I thought eww. The author was able to give her story without turning me off. Even the parts where there were hungry uisce taking bites were done in a way that made sense to the story.
Both Puck and Sean were strong main characters. Puck was strong when she needed to be even when she was scared of everything that was going on around her. While I liked the relationship that slowly developed between Puck and Sean, the relationships they each had with their horses (Dove and Corr) I found to be more interesting. While I wanted happiness for the people I was more worried about one of the horses not making it to the end of the book.
The only thing that brought this story down were some of the other characters/storylines. While I liked Mr Holly and the conversations he had with Sean, his sudden relationship with the blind sister just came out of nowhere and didn't add anything for me. I also didn't like how weak Puck's brothers were. While this forced her to be strong it just didn't work for me. I liked Finn and kept waiting for him to do something that would completely win me over.
Overall I was pleased with my first reading of this author and will probably make time to finally read her trilogy that has been sitting on my shelves for awhile.

Rating: 4

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill over at Breaking The Spine. It's a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating.

Rebel Heart (Dust Lands #2)
by Moira Young
published by  Margaret K. McElderry
expected release date October 30, 2012

Summary (Goodreads): The Tonton have been defeated. Lugh has been rescued.
The heartstone has brought Saba and Jack together.
Now, Saba and her family head west to meet him and start a new life. All should be well.
But shadows of the dead are stalking Saba.
And another kind of shadow is creeping over the dustlands.
Then a messenger shows up.
With news of Jack.

*I have a lot of doubt about this book but still want to read it. I didn't like the main character in the first book but liked the rest of the cast and overall story. Also not sure on this cover. doesn't really match the first.

New This Week 5/7/12

Last Rite (Personal Demons #3) by Lisa Desrochers
Until I Die (Revenants #2) by Amy Plum
City of Lost Souls (Mortal Instruments #5) by Cassandra Clare
Hemlock by Kathleen Peacock
Underworld (Abandon #2) by Meg Cabot
Four Sisters, All Queens by Sherry Jones

Book Review ~ Flame

Flame: Book of Sorahb (Farsala #1)
by Hilari Bell
published by Simon & Schuster

Summary (Goodreads): Stories are old of a hero who will come to Farsala's aid when the need need is greatest. But for thousands of years the prosperous land of Farsala has felt no such need, as it has enjoyed the peace that comes from being both feared and respected.

Now a new enemy approaches Farsala's borders, one that neither fears of respects its name and legend. But the rulers of Farsala still believe that they can beat any opponet.

Three young people are less sure of Farsala's invincibility. Jiaan, Soraya, and Kavi see Time's Wheel turning, with Farsala headed toward the Flames of Destruction. What they cannot see is how inextricably their lives are linked to Farsala's fate - until it's too late.

In "Flame" the first volume of The Book of Sorahb, Hilari Bell introduces readers to a world of honor, danger, and magic in this spell binding tale of self-discovery.

My Thoughts: This book would have been better for me if it had only been told by Jiaan and Kavi.  At first I thought that Soraya was going to be the type of tom boy princess everyone likes. It turns out she is the tom boy princess with the mean girl princess attitude. I did not like or feel bad for her at anytime during this book. Even at the end when she gets new of the first battle I couldn't muster any sympathy towards her.

This seemed more like a set up book for the future. We got to know the main characters on all sides and the politics/history of both sides of the impending war but not much else happens. I liked Jiaan and understood his confusion as the illegitimate son of the general. Never knowing his place or how his father really feels about him. He seems like he could be a really strong character, it will depend on if he can get the rest of the deghans to follow his plans for saving their lands. Kavi may seem like the bad guy in all this but again, after hearing his back story, you can understand the decisions he made. He seemed to grow towards the end and make a hard decision that could potentially come back to haunt him.

I kept waiting for djinn to show, the closest we get is the Suud. I'm interested in learning more about them and the magic they use.

The ending seemed to be pointing to the three main characters heading in the same direction, towards the same goal. I'll be reading at least the next book to see where it is going but too much Soraya and her attitude and I may be giving up on these books.

Rating: 3

Stacking the Shelves

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga at Tynga's Reviews to share your weekly book haul. It can be what you bought, received, borrowed, or were gifted. For more info you can go here.

*All links go to Goodreads

Bought (library book sale = lots of books !)
Alterant by Sherrilyn Kenyon and Diana Love
Possessions (possessions #1)by Nancy Holder
On the Edge stories by Heather Graham, Carla Neggers, &Sharon Sala
Dark Taste of Rapture (Alien Huntress #6) by Gena Showalter
Haunted by Your Touch stories by Jeaniene Frost, Shayla Black, & Sharie Kohler
Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead
plus a $5 bag (paper grocery bag)that I haven't gone through yet

Library
Infinity (Chronicles of Nick #1)by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Graceling (Graceling Realm #1) by Kristin Cashore
Incarnate  (Newsoul #1)by Jodi Meadows
A Million Suns (Across the Universe #2) by Beth Revis
The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

Follow Friday

Follow Friday is now hosted by TWO hosts, Parajunkee of course and Alison of Alison Can Read. Each host will have their own Feature Blog and this way it'll allow us to show off more new blogs!

Q. What is one thing you wish you could tell your favorite author?

A. I think I would just want to say Thank You. For some of my favorite characters and all the times they were there when I just needed to get away.

Happy Reading and Have a Great Weekend!

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill over at Breaking The Spine. It's a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating.

Two Weeks' Notice (Revivalist #2)
by Rachel Caine
published by Roc
expected release date: August 7, 2012

Summary (Goodreads): After dying and being revived with the experimental drug Returne, Bryn Davis is theoretically free to live her unlife—with regular doses to keep her going. But Bryn knows that the government has every intention of keeping a tight lid on Pharmadene’s life-altering discovery, no matter the cost.
And when some of the members of a support group for Returne addicts suddenly disappear, Bryn begins to wonder if the government is methodically removing a threat to their security, or if some unknown enemy has decided to run the zombies into the ground…

**I was not sure about the first book  when I started but ended up enjoying enough of it by the end to want to give it another try.

Book Review ~ Scarlet

Scarlet
by A.C. Gaughen
published by Walker Childrens
released February 2012

Summary (Goodreads): Many readers know the tale of Robin Hood, but they will be swept away by this new version full of action, secrets, and romance.

Posing as one of Robin Hood’s thieves to avoid the wrath of the evil Thief Taker Lord Gisbourne, Scarlet has kept her identity secret from all of Nottinghamshire. Only the Hood and his band know the truth: the agile thief posing as a whip of a boy is actually a fearless young woman with a secret past. Helping the people of Nottingham outwit the corrupt Sheriff of Nottingham could cost Scarlet her life as Gisbourne closes in.

It’s only her fierce loyalty to Robin—whose quick smiles and sharp temper have the rare power to unsettle her—that keeps Scarlet going and makes this fight worth dying for.

My Thoughts:  I have to start by stating that while I enjoyed Robin Hood, it is not one of my favorite stories. I liked parts of this book but not the whole.
I liked twist of making one of Robin's men a woman and went in thinking there was potential. As most know I do not like love triangles, especially ones that seem forced. It's obvious from the start that Scar had feelings for Robin so having her start being close and having confused feelings for John made her character less strong and more wishy washy to me.
What worked for me was the way Robin's band (Robin, John, Scar, and Much) worked together to try and help the villagers with not only their taxes but everyday things. It made the conflict with the Sheriff and Thief Taker believable.
The twist or surprise of Scarlet's past was not surprising. It was too obvious from the stories Scar was telling throughout about Gisbourne that she had first hand knowledge of what she was talking about.
Overall the conflict with the sheriff and wanting to know how this reworking was brought to conclusion kept me reading. The love triangle and obvious twists brought it down some but this was still a good read that I would recommend to anyone who likes Robin Hood.

Rating: 3.5