I use the Goodreads app on my phone to track what I've read and what I want to read. If you've not checked out Goodreads, do. There's book lists, groups, reviews, and more. You can also follow what friends and others are reading. I mention this because I follow what Felicia Day reads. I start following her because I'm a geek and Felicia seems to have the same kind of sense of humour I do. That is if one can make these decisions based on roles an actor chooses... Yeah, I know. Weak logic. Bottom line is, I'm a geek with a girl crush on Felicia and thought I'd try to read some of the titles she's been reading. Which leads me to Unholy Ghosts by Stacia Kane.
The story isn't all that uncommon in the urban fantasy realm, bordering on paranormal romance... Woman discovers there's more to the world than she thought. One of the persons involved in this revelation for the heroine is a man who she must resist (for the first half of the book anyway). You know how it ends.
That aside, I had a great time reading this book. Stacia Kane created a world of demons that do not behave quite the way you expect them too. It's those changes, or twisting of the known, that seems to be a reoccurring point for me. That new viewpoint in an otherwise redundant story.
Not necessarily a glowing "review" of the book. Which makes me a bit sad as I really did enjoy the book. So, if any one does read this blog and is unsure about Unholy Ghosts, my advice is to pick it up, read a few chapters and make your own decision.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Black Night by Christina Henry
Black Night is the second book of the Madeline Black series.
Madeline Black is a grim reaper, a job she inherited from her mother. In the first book Madeline learns some new things about her parentage that is critical in the second book. She's sent by her father, one of the Fallen, to the fairy court to negotiate a treaty between the two courts. But before Madeline is even able to leave, her half brother re-appears and causes trouble. Madeline also has trouble with another element that ends up being a larger problem for Madeline, her father's court, and the fairy court. In the end Madeline is a stronger, more independent woman that before. More confident and self reliant.
While Madeline's character isn't unique to urban fantasy, the world that Christina Henry has created does provide a unique perspective to Madeline's situations. I enjoy reading stories that take common concepts and presents them in a new manner. This series does not let me down in that regard. I also enjoy the characters though I admit that they aren't as solid as they might be. I also feel that we spend too much time in Madeline's head. Black Night, I believe, is more guilty of this than the first book.
Overall, I enjoy the series so far. Will I recommend it to others? Meh. It probably wouldn't be among my first picks for other readers there are stronger stories out there. But this is not among the worse either. The unique world Henry has created will keep be reading for another book or two. In which time, my hope is that characters will become more solid and I'll see less of Madeline's internal dialogue.
Madeline Black is a grim reaper, a job she inherited from her mother. In the first book Madeline learns some new things about her parentage that is critical in the second book. She's sent by her father, one of the Fallen, to the fairy court to negotiate a treaty between the two courts. But before Madeline is even able to leave, her half brother re-appears and causes trouble. Madeline also has trouble with another element that ends up being a larger problem for Madeline, her father's court, and the fairy court. In the end Madeline is a stronger, more independent woman that before. More confident and self reliant.
While Madeline's character isn't unique to urban fantasy, the world that Christina Henry has created does provide a unique perspective to Madeline's situations. I enjoy reading stories that take common concepts and presents them in a new manner. This series does not let me down in that regard. I also enjoy the characters though I admit that they aren't as solid as they might be. I also feel that we spend too much time in Madeline's head. Black Night, I believe, is more guilty of this than the first book.
Overall, I enjoy the series so far. Will I recommend it to others? Meh. It probably wouldn't be among my first picks for other readers there are stronger stories out there. But this is not among the worse either. The unique world Henry has created will keep be reading for another book or two. In which time, my hope is that characters will become more solid and I'll see less of Madeline's internal dialogue.
Hammered, Iron Druid #3
This one I had a difficult time reading. Not because of the writing style, language, or other stylistic elements of the writing. I wasn't comfortable with the plot. Atticus helps a group seeking revenge/justice on Thor. Atticus sneaks them up Yggdrasil to Asgard. A battle ensues. Odin loses a raven, several Valkyries bite it, and ultimately Thor is killed. This is after Atticus kills the Norns and Ratatoskr in the previous book, Hexed.
I will admit that a different reader will likely have a different reaction to the story. I'm pagan and have a strong affinity for the Norse deities. I'm particularly fond of the Norns. And the idea of starting a fight with the Norse deities is off putting.
My aversion aside, the book continues with the witty phrasing and interesting characters that Hearne presents in the previous two books. Fans of the first books will likely find Hammered a good read.
I will admit that a different reader will likely have a different reaction to the story. I'm pagan and have a strong affinity for the Norse deities. I'm particularly fond of the Norns. And the idea of starting a fight with the Norse deities is off putting.
My aversion aside, the book continues with the witty phrasing and interesting characters that Hearne presents in the previous two books. Fans of the first books will likely find Hammered a good read.
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