This Week's Reads

I've been having a really good reading month. Hoping it sticks around.

Cursed by Benedict Jacka

Alex Verus #2 (Goodreads)

**I read Fated (book 1) in a day and had to grab the next two immediately. It reminds my of Butcher's Dresden series. It has that gritty, dark feel to it.

Rise of the Wolf by Jennifer A Nielsen

Mark of the Thief #2 (Goodreads)

**There were things I like and disliked about the first book. This sounds good but will be the last one I read of the group.

Passenger by Alexandra Bracken

Passenger #1 (Goodreads)

**This was one on my 2016 wants list. I've tried to avoid spoilery reviews so hoping it is as good as it looks.

Truthwitch by Susan Dennard

The Witchlands #1 (Goodreads)

**I love witches and magic, have always enjoyed books that revolve around these subjects. I've seen good things about this one.

New Releases ~ week of 03/28/2016

A Muddied Murder by Wendy Tyson (#1 A Greenhouse Mystery)

A Scandalous Proposal by Kasey Michaels (#2 The Little Season)
After The Storm by Lexi Blake (#9 Rising Storm)
AWOL in North Africa by Steve Watkins (#3 Ghosts of War)
Because of Miss Bridgerton by Julia Quinn (#10 Bridgerton Series)
Cinco de Mayhem by Ann Myers (#2 Santa Fe Cafe Mystery series)
Cuff Me by Lauren Layne (#3 New York's Finest)
Cursed by Christina Bauer (#1 Beholder)
Dark Hearts by Sharon Sala (#3 Secrets and Lies)
Dawn of Spies by Andrew Lane (#1 The Crusoe Trilogy)
Death of a Bacon Heiress by Lee Hollis (#7 Hayley Powell Food & Cocktails Mysteries)
Dragon Soul by Katie MacAlister (#3 Dragon Fall)
Fallen in Fredericksburg by Steve Watkins (#4 Ghosts of War)

Fortune Favors the Wicked by Theresa Romain (#1 Royal Reward Duo)
Half Lost by Sally Green (#3 Half Life Trilogy)
Highland Awakening by Jennifer Haymore (#2 Highland Knights)
Javelin Rain by Myke Cole (#0.6 Shadow Ops)
Just Plain Sadie by Amy Lillard (#4 Wells Landing)
Killer Reunion by G A McKevett (#21 Savannah Reid)
Need You for Mine by Marina Adair (#3 Heroes of St. Helena)
Nobody But You by Jill Shalvis (#3 Cedar Ridge)
Once a Rancher by Linda Lael Miller (#1 Carsons of Mustang Creek)
One Sunday at a Time by E N Joy (#2 Forever Diva)
Reining in Murder by Leigh Hearon (#1 A Carson Stables Mystery)
Silenced in the Surf by Kate Dyer-Seeley (#3 Pacific Northwest)
Ten Guns from Texas by William W Johnstone, J A Johnstone (#6 Eagles Legacy)
The Cracked Spine by Paige Shelton (#1 The Scottish Bookshop Mystery)
The Final Kingdom by Michael Northrop (#5 TombQuest)
The Harlot & the Thief by Michael Alan Nelson (#2 Hexed)
The Mortal Tally by Sam Sykes (#2 Bring Down Heaven)
The Other Side of Silence by Philip Kerr (#11 Bernard Gunther)
The Visitor by Amanda Stevens (#4 Graveyard Queen)
Walk the Edge by Katie McGarry (#2 Thunder Road)
Wrapped In You by Jules Bennett (#1 Monroes)

Some Thursday Randomness

Movies
The trailer for the live action Jungle Book has been out since last fall but I missed it somehow. The actors that voice the animals took some shots with their onscreen animals. Saw these on Alternative Disney on Facebook (here)

Giancarlo Esposito voices Akela

Idris Elba voices Shere Khan

Scarlett Johansson voices Kaa

Art
Mixed media art created inside boxes by Allison May Kiphuth (website)

The Meeting 2015

The Spectators 2015

Book Stuff
Epic Reads (full list) posted a list of YA books featuring Jinn (in all forms). This is not a character that I've read a lot of but usually enjoy when they show up (even if it's to cause trouble for the main characters). I've only read one on the list (A Whole New World) and didn't care for it but that had more to do with the main characters rather than Genie.

I like the looks of The Jinni Wars by Amber Lough and The Secret of Ka by Christopher Pike.

This Week's Reads

Thief's Magic by Trudi Canavan
Millennium's Rule #1 (Goodreads)
**Saw this on Netgalley and thought it sounded like a good read.

Secrets of Valhalla by Jasmine Richards
(Goodreads)
**The title grabbed my attention first. I always enjoy stories that incorporate mythology in the book.

A Tyranny of Petticoats edited by Jessica Spotswood
15 stories of Belles, Bank Robbers & Other Badass Girls (Goodreads)
** I read a lot of anthologies, mostly to try out new authors. This also sounds like it could have some great stories about some kick ass girls.

New Releases ~ week of 03/21/2016

Broken Crowns by Lauren DeStefano (#3 Internment Chronicles)

Deceptions by Cynthia Eden (#5 Battling McGuire Boys)
Earth Borne by Rachael Slate (#2 Halcyon Romance Series)
Fighting for Control by Melynda Price (#3 Against the Cage)
Fortune's Special Delivery by Michelle Major (#2 The Fortunes of Texas: Welcome to Horseback Hollow)
Furious by T. R. Ragan (#1 Faith McMann)
Hard Rain by B J Daniels (#4 Montana Hamiltons)
Imperfect Penelope by Sami Lee (#4 Wild Crush)
Jolly Foul Play by  Robin Stevens (#4 Wells and Wong)
Nikhil by M. K. Eidem (#1 Kaliszian)
Predator by Wilbur Smith (#3 Hector Cross)
Prohibit by Viola Grace (#31 Terran Times Second Wave)
Scorched by Darkness by Alexandra Ivy (#2 Dragons of Eternity)

Shadow and Flame by Gail Z Martin (#4 Ascendant Kingdoms Saga)
The Cowboy's Double Trouble by Judy Duarte (#3 Brighton Valley Cowboys)
The Skylighter by Becky Wallace (#2 Keeper's Chronicles)
The Study of Seduction by Sabrina Jeffries (#2 Sinful Suitors)
Trouble With a Badge by Delores Fossen (#3 Appaloosa Pass Ranch)
Wild Things by Jennifer Ashley (#7.75 Shifters Unbound)

Some Thursday Randomness

Movies/TV
I have this book but still haven't read it. This looks like it could be good or go way wrong. I cannot say if it is anything like the book, should probably read it before seeing the movie.


Not really into a lot of horror shows but this looks like it could be good. Plus it has Arthur from BBC's Merlin :) May wait until more of it is out and just watch it on demand.


Art
Rage Gear Studios did a mash up of Rainbow Brite and X Men. They're all cute but these were my favorites. You can see all on their facebook page (here)

and some green from Deviant Art...

Moss Dragon
by Idiehl (DeviantArt)

Irish Jig
by Heather Hitchman (DeviantArt)

This Week's Reads

Eighth Grave After Dark by Darynda Jones
Charley Davidson #8 (Goodreads)
**A series I have mostly enjoyed and trying to catch up on.

Flunked by Jen Calonita
Fairy Tale Reform School #1 (Goodreads)
**The second book in this series came out recently and caught my attention. I love fairy tales whether retellings or something original.

The Scientific Secrets of Doctor Who by Simon Guerrier and Dr Marek Kukula
(Goodreads)
**I've only been watching/interested in Doctor Who for about a year and a half. This is more of a non fiction that  discusses the science of Doctor Who

Riders by Veronica Rossi
Riders #1 (Goodreads)
**A new release that I have been looking forward to coming out.

New Releases ~ week of 03/14/2016

A Bridge of Stars by Bella Forrest (#24 Shade Of Vampire)

A Dragon's Guide to Making Your Human Smarter by Laurence Yep (#2 Dragon's Guide to Making Your Human Smarter)
An Unbroken Heart by Kathleen Fuller (#2 Amish of Birch Creek)
Between Black and White by Robert Bailey (#2 McMurtrie and Drake Legal Thrillers)
Claiming His Prize by Ellis Leigh (#2 Feral Breed Following)
Curtis by Nicole Edwards (#1 Coyote Ridge)
Dark Promises by Christine Feehan (#28 Dark)
Dead Level by Damien Boyd (#5 DI Nick Dixon)
Deep Blue by Randy Wayne White (#23 Doc Ford)
Hawke by Sawyer Bennett (#5 Cold Fury Hockey)
Jaxon's Sanctuary by A. K. Michaels (#1 Guild of Dragon Warriors)
Lie in Plain Sight by Maggie Barbieri (#3 Maeve Conlon)

Mind by Joey W Hill (#3 Naughty Wishes)
Out of Frame by Megan Erickson (#3 In Focus)
Phoenix Reborn by J D Tyler (#8 Alpha Pack)
Pimp by Ken Bruen, Jason Starr (#4 Max and Angela)
Pushing the Limits by Jennifer Snow (#3 Beyond the Cage)
Some Rain Must Fall by Karl Knausgaard (#5 My Struggle)
The Apprentice's Quest by Erin Hunter (#1 Warriors: A Vision of Shadows)
The Last Mortal Bond by Brian Staveley (#3 Chronicle of the Unhewn Throne)
The Runes of Bramon by Ciara Knight (#3 The Shrouded Kingdoms)
The Skeleton Garden by Marty Wingate (#4 Potting Shed Mysteries)
Unfinished Business by Nisa Santiago (#6 Baddest Chick)
Yellow Brick War by Danielle Paige (#3 Dorothy Must Die)

This Week's Reads

Discount Armageddon by Seanan McGuire
InCryptid #1 (Goodreads)
**I don't remember why I requested this book. It sounds like a good UF series and I'm always on the lookout for those.

Doctor Who: The Shakespeare Notebooks
edited by Justin Richards (Goodreads)
**This showed up on my recommended reads. I don't normally like Shakespeare but mixed with Doctor Who may make it easier for me to like (or not).

Poison Fruit by Jacqueline Carey
Agent of Hel #3 (Goodreads)
**This is another in my quest to catch up/ finish series that I've already started. This is the last book in this series. Both looking forward to it and sad to see it go.

New Releases ~ week of 03/07/2016

A Burning Passion by Kathryn Shay (#8 Hidden Cove Firefighters)

ClawBack by J A Jance (#11 Alison Reynolds)
Cowboy At Arms by Carla Cassidy (#4 Cowboys of Holiday Ranch)
Deepest Kiss by J. Kenner (#3.10 Stark Trilogy)
Far From True by Linwood Barclay (#2 Promise Falls)
Fire Touched by Patricia Briggs (#9 Mercedes Thompson)
Goodbye to the Dead by Brian Freeman (#7 Jonathan Stride)
Hard Cold Winter by Glen Erik Hamilton (#2 Van Shaw)
House of Kings by Keary Taylor (#3 House of Royals)
Iron to Iron by Ryan Graudin (#.5 Wolf By Wolf)
Justice for Corrie by Susan Stoker (#3 Badge of Honor: Texas Heroes)
Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare (#1 The Dark Artifices)
Lockdown by Peter Jay Black (#3 Urban Outlaws)

Map of Fates by Maggie Hall (#2 The Conspiracy of Us)
Marked in Flesh by Anne Bishop (#4 Others)
My Peeping Tom by Shelley Munro (#3 Middlemarch Shifters)
Off the Grid by C. J. Box (#16 Joe Pickett)
Protecting Her Daughter by Lynette Eason (#3 Wrangler's Corner)
Rain Dogs by Adrian McKinty (#5 Troubles Trilogy)
Rebel of the Sands by Alwyn Hamilton (#1 Rebel of the Sands)
Return of the Witch by Paula Brackston (#4 Shadow Chronicles)
Risking It All by Christi Barth (#1 Naked Men)
Sands of Sorrow by Viola Grace (#52 Tales Of The Citadel)
Season of Glory by Lisa T Bergren (#3 Remnants)

Shades of Darkness by A. R. Kahler (#1 Ravenborn)
Stop the Presses! Robert Goldsborough #11 in Nero Wolfe
The Calling by Rachelle Dekker (#2  Seer)
The Goodbye Bride Denise Hunter #2 in Summer Harbor
The Great Hunt by Wendy Higgins (#1 The Great Hunt)
The Hearts We Mend by Kathryn Springer (#2 Bannister Falls)
The Legend of the Rift by Peter Lerangis (#5 Seven Wonders )
Perilous Falls by Raymond Arroyo (#1 Will Wilder)
The Spider's War by Daniel Abraham (#5 Dagger and the Coin)
The Steel Kiss by Jeffery Deaver (#12 Lincoln Rhyme)
The Waters of Eternal Youth by Donna Leon (#25 Guido Brunetti)

Anthology Review ~ A Fantasy Medley 3

A Fantasy Medley 3

by Kevin Hearne, Laura Bickle, Aliette de Bodard, Jacqueline Carey
edited by Yanni Kuznia
published by Subterranean Press
genre: Adult, Fantasy, Anthology, 

Summary (Goodreads): In “Goddess at the Crossroads,” Kevin Hearne shares a thrillingly memorable episode from the past of his popular Iron Druid Chronicles hero Atticus O’Sullivan, revealing how one night’s dark encounter with the cult of Hecate served as inspiration for Shakespeare’s witches in the Scottish play.

With “Ashes,” Laura Bickle revisits Detroit arson investigator and powerful spirit medium Anya Kalinczyk as she, her five-foot-long salamander familiar Sparky, and Hades’ Charon pursue a destructive fire elemental named the Nain Rouge through the city’s festival in his dubious honor.

“The Death of Aiguillon” finds Aliette de Bodard exploring an episode sixty years prior to the start of her latest novel, The House of Shattered Wings, in which the survivors of an ongoing magical conflict in Paris eke out a grim existence, and one woman’s wish for a better life is granted at a terrible price.

And in “One Hundred Ablutions,” Jacqueline Carey, author of the much-beloved Kushiel’s Legacy series, tells the tale of Dala—a young woman chosen by her people’s overlords to be an exalted slave among slaves—and of the twining in her life of ritual, rebellion, and redemption.

My Thoughts: Goddess at the Crossroads (Iron Druid Chronicles 0.3) I keep seeing this series around but this is the first I've read from it. I liked the story. Found the main character interesting and enjoyed the story of him and Shakespeare going up against a coven of witches and a few other troubles. Definitely going to take the time to read this series (at some point).
Ashes (Anya Kalinczyk) This was my favorite of this book. I thought I was at least aware of books in this genre that take place in MI but somehow missed this series. I liked Anya, Sparky and Charon. Their interactions, abilities, and the overall story (even a short one) definitely peaked my interest and added yet another series to my tbr.
The Death of Aiguillon (Dominion of the Fallen) I tried to read The House of Shattered Wings but could not get into it at the time. the writing is good and the world the author created is interesting to me but it just wasn't working for me. This short worked better. The relationship between the Fallen and the people on the outside just trying to survive. Add in another creature of myth that resides in the river and the story works. I may try at a later date to read the full novel.
One Hundred Ablutions. This had more of a sci-fi feel for me than straight fantasy. The races felt more alien in nature. That aside, I've liked everything else I read from this author and this was the same. For me it fell into the old adage of "Be careful what you wish for you just might get it".

Overall Rating: 4

This Week's Reads

~ Not much this week. I'm really trying to read more of the books I own, which didn't stop me from requesting more from the library this week.

50 Greatest Red Wings by Bob Duff
Goodreads
**I've been a Red Wings fan for a long time. Couldn't pass this up when I was at the library.

The Black Jewels Trilogy by Anne Bishop
Goodreads
**As stated trying to read more of my own books. I own all nine books in this series but have only read books 1-3 and 7-8. It's been awhile since I read this trilogy so I decided to do a reread before getting into the rest of the books.

New Releases ~ week of 02/29/2016

A Churn for the Worse by Laura Bradford (#5 Amish Mystery)

A Covert Affair by Katie Reus (#6 Deadly Ops)
A Fatal Inheritance by Cora Harrison (#13 Burren Mysteries)
A Murderous Mind by Jane Adams (#11 Naomi Blake)
A Reckless Desire by Isabella Bradford (#3 Breconridge Brothers)
A Study in Charlotte by Brittany Cavallaro (#1 Charlotte Holmes)
A Treasure Concealed by Tracie Peterson (#1 Sapphire Brides)
All They Ever Wanted by Tracy Solheim (#2 Second Chances)
And Then There Were Nuns by Kylie Logan (#4 League of Literary Ladies)
Backhand Smash by J M Gregson (#19 Inspector Peach)
Behind Chocolate Bars by Kathy Aarons (#3 Chocolate Covered Mystery)
Behold the Man by Bodie Thoene (#3 Jerusalem Chronicles)
Between a Book and a Hard Place by Denise Swanson (#5 Devereaux Dime

Store Mystery)
Blood Passage by Heather Demetrios (#2 Dark Caravan Cycle)
Burning Glass by Kathryn Purdie (#1 Burning Glass)
Chaos Choreography by Seanan McGuire (#5 Incryptid)
Charmed by Jen Calonita (#2 Fairy Tale Reform School)
Come On Closer by Kendra Leigh Castle (#4 Harvest Cove Series)
Dark Wolf Unbound by Stephanie Rowe (#2 Heart of the Shifter)
Devonshire Scream by Laura Childs (#17 Tea Shop Mysteries)
Draw Me Close by Nicole Michaels (#3 Hearts and Crafts)
Exposed by Jasinda Wilder (#2 Madame X)
Favorite Obsession by Nancy Corrigan (#3 Royal Pride)
Fight to the Finish by Jeanette Murray (#3 First to Fight)

Finders Reapers by Anna Staniszewski (#2 Switched at First Kiss)
Forest of Wonders by Linda Sue Park (#1 Wing & Claw)
Fury of Surrender by Coreene Callahan (#6 Dragonfury)
Gash by Sam Crescent (#13 Skulls)
Gone Again by James Grippando (#12 Jack Swyteck)
Happily Bedded Bliss by Tracy Anne Warren (#2 The Rakes of Cavendish Square)
Her Fierce Warrior by Paige Tyler (#4 X-OPS)
His Secretary's Surprise Fiancé by Catherine Mann (#2 Bayou Billionaires)
His to Keep by Terri L Austin (#4 Beauty and the Brit)
How to Handle a Scandal by Emily Greenwood (#2 Scandalous Sisters)
Imperative by Steve White, Charles E Gannon (#7 Starfire)

In Vino Veritas by Peter Turnbull (#5 Harry Vicary)
Kernel of Truth by Kristi Abbott (#1 Popcorn Shop Mystery)
Love by Association by Tara Taylor Quinn (#7 Where Secrets are Safe)
Midnight Bites: Stories of the Morganville Vampires by Rachel Caine (#16 Morganville Vampires)
Midnight Lily by Mia Sheridan (#9 Sign of Love)
Midnight Marked by Chloe Neill (#12 Chicagoland Vampires)
Mrs. Jeffries Wins the Prize by Emily Brightwell (#36 Mrs Jeffries)
One Cowboy too Many by Carolyn Brown (#3 Burnt Boot)
Out of the Dying Pan by Linda S. Reilly (#2 Deep Fried Mystery)
Pegasus Down by Philip Donlay (#6 Donovan Nash)
Promise Me the Stars by Norah Wilson (#3 The Standish Clan)

Ripe for Murder by Carlene O'Neil (#2 Cypress Cove)
Rocked by Love by Christine Warren (#4 Gargoyles)
Seven Black Diamonds by Melissa Marr (#1 Seven Black Diamonds)
Skin Like Silver by Chris Nickson (#3 DI Tom Harper Mystery)
Take the Monkey and Run by Laura Morrigan (#4 Call of the Wilde Mystery)
Tall, Dark, Billionaire Texan by Mandy Baxter (#4 Billionaire's Club: Texas)
The Bursar's Wife by E G Rodford (#1 George Kocharyan Mystery)
The Considerate Killer by Lene Kaaberbol (#4 Nina Borg Mysteries)
The Duke's Accidental Wife by Erica Ridley (#6 Dukes of War)
The English Son by Wanda E Brunstetter (#1 Amish Millionaire)
The Gangster by Clive Cussler, Justin Scott (#9 Isaac Bell)
The Girl Who Raced Fairyland All the Way Home by Catherynne M Valente (#5 Fairyland)

The Harp and the Ravenvine by Ted Sanders (#2 The Keepers)
The Incubus Job by Diana Pharaoh Francis (#1 Mission: Magic)
The Last Girl by Joe Hart (#? The Dominion Trilogy)
The Mermaid Murders by Josh Lanyon (#1 Art of Murder)
The Ninth Life by Clea Simon (#1 Blackie and Care Mystery)
The Preacher's Lady by Lori Copeland (#1 Sugar Maple Hearts)
The Road to Hell by David Weber (#3 New Multiverse)
The Seals Rebel Librarian by Anne Calhoun (#2 An Alpha Ops)
Time of Fog and Fire by Rhys Bowen (#16 Molly Murphy)
Wedding Night With the Earl by Amelia Grey (#4 The Heirs' Club of Scoundrels Trilogy)
Wedding Takedown by Geri Krotow (#2 Silver Valley P.D.)
What's Left Behind by Gail Bowen (#16 Joanne Kilbourn)
When Falcons Fall by C S Harris (#11 Sebastian St. Cyr Mystery)
Wicked Places by Lily Harper Hart (#4 An Ivy Morgan Mystery)
Wolf Pack by Crissy Smith (#5 Shifter Chronicles)