Author: Kevin Hearne
Book One: Hounded
My husband brought home Hounded for me. He works at a bookstore and a coworker suggested I read it. I as skeptical. After reading dozens of paranormal fiction, many plots start reading like others and the book description reminded me of Harry Dresden. I thought to myself, if someone's going to be copying another author, intentionally or not, then Jim Butcher's not a bad choice. I cracked the book and read.
LOVE the book. I like the main character, Atticus, very much. The author introduces strong characters who do not overshadow the plot. Hearne introduces the reader to dieties in a less than reverent manner, which I adore. Atticus shows respect and a healthy amount of fear while managing to stand up to them when appropriate. And Oberon, Atticus's dog... Fantastic sense of humour. Atticus's lawyers, a werewolf and a vampire. I cannot explain what that is priceless, it just is. One human character of note is an elderly Irish Catholic widow in Atticus's neighborhood. She's a whiskey drinking gem of a character.
So, what does Hounded remind me of? Harry Dresden, naturally. But also a bit of American Gods, if only because of the mix of pantheons and humanistic presentation of gods. The tone of the writing reminds me more of Kim Harrison or Patricia Briggs, serious and even with moments of pure delight. If you like any of these authors or have a passing interest in paganism, read it.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Chicago Vampires Series: Drink Deep
This is the fifth book in the Chicago Vampire series by Chloe Neill.
For those not familiar with the serious, it naturally takes place in Chicago. The heroine of the series, Merit, is working on her dissertation at the University of Chicago when she's attacked by a vampire with the intent to kill. Left for dead, another vampire finds her, Ethan, and turns her in order to save her. Needless to say, this wasn't ideal for Merit.
I confess that I loved Drink Deep if only because I love the characters. Overall, the story line was week. I found myself frequently asking "Why doesn't Merit see what is obvious?" I won't provide spoilers, but it's wasn't difficult to determine the cause of the plot obstacle. The why and how, was a little more difficult to conjure so I only came close on the why. Fans of the series will probably have mixed emotions about the ending. I know I did but won't elaborate based on spoilers. Overall, a wonderful read for fans. The story is likely a transitional one for the series ark, I look forward to book six.
If you're new to the series, don't let this post dissuade you from reading the series. The first books are solid, engaging reads and I recommend them highly. This one, just doesn't live up to it's predecessors.
For those not familiar with the serious, it naturally takes place in Chicago. The heroine of the series, Merit, is working on her dissertation at the University of Chicago when she's attacked by a vampire with the intent to kill. Left for dead, another vampire finds her, Ethan, and turns her in order to save her. Needless to say, this wasn't ideal for Merit.
I confess that I loved Drink Deep if only because I love the characters. Overall, the story line was week. I found myself frequently asking "Why doesn't Merit see what is obvious?" I won't provide spoilers, but it's wasn't difficult to determine the cause of the plot obstacle. The why and how, was a little more difficult to conjure so I only came close on the why. Fans of the series will probably have mixed emotions about the ending. I know I did but won't elaborate based on spoilers. Overall, a wonderful read for fans. The story is likely a transitional one for the series ark, I look forward to book six.
If you're new to the series, don't let this post dissuade you from reading the series. The first books are solid, engaging reads and I recommend them highly. This one, just doesn't live up to it's predecessors.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Love Tuesday's
Tuesday's are the best days of the week. Why? Because new books are released! Duh! I'm personally jazzed for the next installments of Chicago Vampires and Otherworlds. I've had them pre-ordered since July!
- Otherworlds -- Courting Darkness, Yasmine Galenorn
- Chicago Vampires -- Drink Deep, Chloe Neill
Monday, October 31, 2011
Dune
The first time I read Dune, I was in high school. Twenty or so years later, I'm re-reading it. Sadly, I'm not enjoying it as much as I did the first time. I'm having too many questions about the Bene Gesserit system as well as the Spacing Guild. Perhaps reading at this point in my life other aspects of the story are more important than my initial reading. I recall being enraptured by the universe Herbert created. I remember being half in love with Paul. This time, not so much the same reaction. While the universe remains strong and robust, it's the story behind the story that draws me. The little comments made that doesn't really move the plot along. For example, Lady Jessica has a passing thought that Bene Gesserit don't reproduce because of biological urges, but because of mental decisions. This intrigues me. So, what was the reasoning behind her conception of Paul and then Alia? How are they able to control their reproduction? Why has Jessica never questions her own biological heritage?
Truly a different read. I think I'll need to read Chapterhouse. I've only read the first three books, so Heretics and Chapterhouse would be new reads for me. Should be curious. What could possibly follow Paul turning worm?
Truly a different read. I think I'll need to read Chapterhouse. I've only read the first three books, so Heretics and Chapterhouse would be new reads for me. Should be curious. What could possibly follow Paul turning worm?
Monday, May 30, 2011
Dead Reckoning
I've been reading the Sookie books long before the HBO series. I fell in love with Sookie not because I too am a waitress in a small southern town. Nor did I love her because we've both had similar family backgrounds or "problems". I loved her because of her courage and awe in the face of the strange and unexpected things she was faced with. That said, I'm not really in love with the Sookie we find in Dead Reckoning.
Sadly this book is week in plot as well as in Sookie's backbone. Sookie seems too compliant, complacent to her circumstances. The plot doesn't have the energy or momentum of previous books. I found myself reading the book because I was already invested in the series not because of enjoyment of this particular book in itself. I'd hoped that I was alone in this. Sadly my girlfriends who've read the series as well felt the same way.
All in all, not a terrible read but a disappointment from previous books is the series. Chapter One is available on Charlaine Harris's web site. Read for yourself.
Sadly this book is week in plot as well as in Sookie's backbone. Sookie seems too compliant, complacent to her circumstances. The plot doesn't have the energy or momentum of previous books. I found myself reading the book because I was already invested in the series not because of enjoyment of this particular book in itself. I'd hoped that I was alone in this. Sadly my girlfriends who've read the series as well felt the same way.
All in all, not a terrible read but a disappointment from previous books is the series. Chapter One is available on Charlaine Harris's web site. Read for yourself.
New Addiction
I read all four books in a week. I just couldn't get enough. I tried to defer the fourth book, knowing the fifth wouldn't be available until the fall. But I couldn't do it. I kept wondering about what was going to happen in #4. My thoughts would come back to the characters while watching Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows! If that can't distract a girl, I know not what will. I naturally broke down and read the fourth book (took me less than a day to read it).
What's this series? Chicagoland Vampires by Chloe Neill. As you expect, the story takes place in Chicago. As I live in Illinois and love visiting Chicago, I was naturally willing to give the first book, Some Girls Bite, a read. What I found was a female character that I liked, identified with to a large extent. Merit is a PHD literature student, living with her best friend, Mallory, who's quirky, funny, and a delight to read. As the books is about vampires, Merit naturally get's turned and must then accept her new self. She also must learn her new limitations while solving a mystery.
While some of this sounds similar to other books. I assure you, the world Chloe Neill creates is different enough to keep you reading and the characters are wonderful. They're funny, endearing, and flawed. I highly recommend trying this series. I've already pre-ordered the fifth book! Drink Deep is scheduled to release on November 1, 2011. Books are available in print and electronic formats (another plus!).
What's this series? Chicagoland Vampires by Chloe Neill. As you expect, the story takes place in Chicago. As I live in Illinois and love visiting Chicago, I was naturally willing to give the first book, Some Girls Bite, a read. What I found was a female character that I liked, identified with to a large extent. Merit is a PHD literature student, living with her best friend, Mallory, who's quirky, funny, and a delight to read. As the books is about vampires, Merit naturally get's turned and must then accept her new self. She also must learn her new limitations while solving a mystery.
While some of this sounds similar to other books. I assure you, the world Chloe Neill creates is different enough to keep you reading and the characters are wonderful. They're funny, endearing, and flawed. I highly recommend trying this series. I've already pre-ordered the fifth book! Drink Deep is scheduled to release on November 1, 2011. Books are available in print and electronic formats (another plus!).
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Dresden Files
If you've not heard of "Harry Dresden" or Jim Butcher, before you read another word know that you MUST read these books. The author, Butcher, has a blog that he keeps updated like few others. Check it, www.jim-butcher.com
Harry Dresden lives in Chicago and works as a wizard for hire. He consults with a paranormal investigation unit with the Chicago Police Department. He lives in the basement of a rented out house with Bob, his en-spirited skull assistant, and Mister, his cat. Others live with him as the series develops (look for Mouse, in Blood Rites - he's awesome) and I don't want to spoil the surprise.
The books are urban fantasy meets pulp detective. Characters are strong, believable, and evolving. These books are addicting. I've recommended these books to nearly every reader I know. I don't believe a single person who read one, on my recommendation, hasn't love them and become die hard fans of the series. These books are so popular at my house, we first bought them in paperback but replaced them with hard cover when they became available. It's like that.
The newest release in the series is due July 26, 2011. That's also my birthday. I'll be spending it reading Ghost Story. Though this year we might be buying an ebook copy too so the husband and I can read simultaneously ;-)
[side note, the pre-ordering on nook is amazing! They just show up in your ebook library. Brilliant]
Jim Butcher also writes a high fantasy series, Codex Alera, and has written for Spiderman. I'm not a fan of the Alera series and the hubby is on the same page. Though, Scott (hubby), tells me that Butcher's writing for Spiderman is some of the best he's read for Spiderman.
Harry Dresden lives in Chicago and works as a wizard for hire. He consults with a paranormal investigation unit with the Chicago Police Department. He lives in the basement of a rented out house with Bob, his en-spirited skull assistant, and Mister, his cat. Others live with him as the series develops (look for Mouse, in Blood Rites - he's awesome) and I don't want to spoil the surprise.
The books are urban fantasy meets pulp detective. Characters are strong, believable, and evolving. These books are addicting. I've recommended these books to nearly every reader I know. I don't believe a single person who read one, on my recommendation, hasn't love them and become die hard fans of the series. These books are so popular at my house, we first bought them in paperback but replaced them with hard cover when they became available. It's like that.
The newest release in the series is due July 26, 2011. That's also my birthday. I'll be spending it reading Ghost Story. Though this year we might be buying an ebook copy too so the husband and I can read simultaneously ;-)
[side note, the pre-ordering on nook is amazing! They just show up in your ebook library. Brilliant]
Jim Butcher also writes a high fantasy series, Codex Alera, and has written for Spiderman. I'm not a fan of the Alera series and the hubby is on the same page. Though, Scott (hubby), tells me that Butcher's writing for Spiderman is some of the best he's read for Spiderman.
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