Explosive Eighteen is the latest book in the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich. This series is laugh out loud funny, and even after eighteen books it has yet to get old. Janet is brilliant at writing simple, fun, humorous books.
In this latest escapade, Stephanie has returned from a not so relaxing trip to Hawaii, and is still juggling two men, who are both as sexy as ever. The bail bonds office that she works for is being rebuilt, the skips she has to find are as outlandish as ever, her sidekick Lula comes so close to stealing the show that the reader wonders if she should have her own series. The big mystery in this book involves Stephanie's nemesis Joyce Barnhardt. Joyce is in trouble and needs Stephanie's help. Stephanie needs Joyce's help, too. Who would have thought these two would ever be able to work together? The result is laugh out loud funny.
By the end of the book, the reader is left wondering if Stephanie is any closer to resolving her man issues. My belief is that Ms. Evanovich is using these last few books to wrap up the series. I hope this is not true, as I could read these books forever. But it feels like she is finally trying to tie together the loose ends that unravel each time with Morelli and Ranger. This book isn't my favorite in the series, but it was still great.
Happy Reading!
Showing posts with label series. Show all posts
Showing posts with label series. Show all posts
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Voyager
Voyager is the third book in the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon. Each one of these books is an epic adventure. Combine them and you have an amazingly detailed, historical fiction story that captivates.
I don't want to give anything away, so this review will be short. More characters are introduced, adventure and suspense abound. Time changes between the 1960s and the 1700s. Suffice it to say that all of your questions from the last book are answered in this one, and yet Ms. Gabaldon leaves us hanging with even more questions. What will happen next? Where will she take us on this unfolding adventure?
I highly recommend this series. Be prepared for a long read (each book is in the neighborhood of 1,000 pages), but don't be put off by it's size. It is well worth the time and you will find yourself totally immersed in Jamie and Claire's world, finishing the book much more quickly that you thought you would.
Happy Reading!
I don't want to give anything away, so this review will be short. More characters are introduced, adventure and suspense abound. Time changes between the 1960s and the 1700s. Suffice it to say that all of your questions from the last book are answered in this one, and yet Ms. Gabaldon leaves us hanging with even more questions. What will happen next? Where will she take us on this unfolding adventure?
I highly recommend this series. Be prepared for a long read (each book is in the neighborhood of 1,000 pages), but don't be put off by it's size. It is well worth the time and you will find yourself totally immersed in Jamie and Claire's world, finishing the book much more quickly that you thought you would.
Happy Reading!
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Sizzling Sixteen/Smokin' Seventeen
I placed these two together because I read Sizzling Sixteen last year, but wanted to read it again before diving into Smokin' Seventeen, the latest Stephanie Plum novel from Janet Evanovich. Of course, I loved Sizzling Sixteen, and Smokin' Seventeen did not disappoint! I love love love this series. SPOILER ALERT!! Don't read further if you don't want to know some general things that happen in this book!
For readers of the Stephanie Plum novels, Smokin' Seventeen is definitely smokin'. Stephanie's place of employment is undergoing construction, since in the previous novel it burned to the ground. So the bail bonds office is being run out of an RV owned my Mooner. Lula & Stephanie are off on numerous hilarious adventures to capture skips and try to bring home the bacon. Grandma Mazur is up to her usual coffin lid lifting tricks, and Vinnie is his weasely self. All the while, Stephanie is trying to sort things out in her love life. She and her long time on again off again boyfriend Joe Morrelli are in a strange arrangement that Stephanie gets more and more comfortable with, as she delves into her attraction to Ranger. For fans of the tension between Morrelli & Stephanie and Ranger & Stephanie, this book does not disappoint. However, I think the "Babes" out there will enjoy this one a little more than the "Cupcakes"!
This book did make me a little uncomfortable with where Janet Evanovich took Stephanie's character. It was sort of a little icky how easily Stephanie when from one man to the other, and something that Stephanie was never able to do before. This time she does it with seemingly little guilt. That was not quite true to character for Stephanie. But as a "Babe" myself, I have to admit that I thoroughly enjoyed Stephanie's guilt free escapades. And although Janet Evanovich claims that she has no intention of wrapping up this series ( at the thought!!), this felt like it was a prelude to an ending. It felt like this was a novel that would set the stage for the beginning of the end. Combine that with the fact that the eighteenth novel in the series comes out this fall, rather than the typical late June release date, and this reader is shaking in her purple pumps that the series might end soon.
For fans of Janet Evanovich and Stephanie Plum this is a MUST read. Not the funniest, but one that furthers Stephanie's relationships a bit and certainly has plenty of action in it.
Happy Reading!
For readers of the Stephanie Plum novels, Smokin' Seventeen is definitely smokin'. Stephanie's place of employment is undergoing construction, since in the previous novel it burned to the ground. So the bail bonds office is being run out of an RV owned my Mooner. Lula & Stephanie are off on numerous hilarious adventures to capture skips and try to bring home the bacon. Grandma Mazur is up to her usual coffin lid lifting tricks, and Vinnie is his weasely self. All the while, Stephanie is trying to sort things out in her love life. She and her long time on again off again boyfriend Joe Morrelli are in a strange arrangement that Stephanie gets more and more comfortable with, as she delves into her attraction to Ranger. For fans of the tension between Morrelli & Stephanie and Ranger & Stephanie, this book does not disappoint. However, I think the "Babes" out there will enjoy this one a little more than the "Cupcakes"!
This book did make me a little uncomfortable with where Janet Evanovich took Stephanie's character. It was sort of a little icky how easily Stephanie when from one man to the other, and something that Stephanie was never able to do before. This time she does it with seemingly little guilt. That was not quite true to character for Stephanie. But as a "Babe" myself, I have to admit that I thoroughly enjoyed Stephanie's guilt free escapades. And although Janet Evanovich claims that she has no intention of wrapping up this series (
For fans of Janet Evanovich and Stephanie Plum this is a MUST read. Not the funniest, but one that furthers Stephanie's relationships a bit and certainly has plenty of action in it.
Happy Reading!
Monday, July 18, 2011
Cold Service
Cold Service is one of Robert B. Parker's Spenser novels. This is the first book that I have read of Robert B. Parker's so I was not up on the series. The novel worked okay as a stand alone, but I probably would have enjoyed it more if I had read the previous novels in the series.
Spenser is a private detective, who owns his own business. In this novel, his best friend, Hawk, is exacting revenge on some bad people who almost killed him, and did kill someone who was under his protection. Spenser always has his best friend's back, so they go about their investigation and revenge plot together. There is plenty of action, but the revenge plot is not well explained. It is a complicated plot, and rather than tell the reader about it, the details of the plan are glossed over and the novel is wrapped up quite quickly and succinctly. I kept thinking that maybe I had missed something, but I went back through the book and I hadn't missed anything. The author just chose not to include those details. Personally, I felt those details would have further the story a little more smoothly.
For action and suspense, the novel works. I just wish the author had given me a little more detail. The relationships between the characters work as well, although there is a language between Spenser and Hawk that is so personal, I felt left out. That being said, Parker is able to deliver a magnitude of feeling with just a few words and the reader is quite aware of the bond between these two men. Maybe long time readers of the series would understand their language better than I did. I would only recommend this one if you are a fan of Robert B. Parker, and have read the other novels in this series.
Happy Reading!
Spenser is a private detective, who owns his own business. In this novel, his best friend, Hawk, is exacting revenge on some bad people who almost killed him, and did kill someone who was under his protection. Spenser always has his best friend's back, so they go about their investigation and revenge plot together. There is plenty of action, but the revenge plot is not well explained. It is a complicated plot, and rather than tell the reader about it, the details of the plan are glossed over and the novel is wrapped up quite quickly and succinctly. I kept thinking that maybe I had missed something, but I went back through the book and I hadn't missed anything. The author just chose not to include those details. Personally, I felt those details would have further the story a little more smoothly.
For action and suspense, the novel works. I just wish the author had given me a little more detail. The relationships between the characters work as well, although there is a language between Spenser and Hawk that is so personal, I felt left out. That being said, Parker is able to deliver a magnitude of feeling with just a few words and the reader is quite aware of the bond between these two men. Maybe long time readers of the series would understand their language better than I did. I would only recommend this one if you are a fan of Robert B. Parker, and have read the other novels in this series.
Happy Reading!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Dragonfly in Amber
Dragonfly in Amber is the second installment of Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series. What an epic adventure full of mystery, intrigue, romance, and violence, and rich in history! I am at a loss for a way to write about such an all encompassing tale.
I don't want to spoil anything with this series, so there is very little I can say. Many questions that the reader was left with after the first book are answered here. Once again the story is told from two different times. Jamie and Claire know what lies in the future. In this book, they have very difficult decisions to make about whether they can do anything to alter the course of history. They suffer personal setbacks and heartbreak, make amazing friends, and find courage where there is none to be found. And in the end, make the most difficult decision they have faced yet. But then the reader is left with even more questions. "What will happen next?" being the foremost question in our minds. But more than that, we are left with such detailed questions that another reader of the series assures me will all be answered with the next installment.
These books are each an incredible undertaking and each could easily be separated into three individual books. Because they are epic in scale, as desperately as I want to dive into the next, I must take a break and read some lighter material. I highly recommend this series. It has everything the reader could want and I eagerly await the moment when starting the next one feels right.
Happy Reading!
I don't want to spoil anything with this series, so there is very little I can say. Many questions that the reader was left with after the first book are answered here. Once again the story is told from two different times. Jamie and Claire know what lies in the future. In this book, they have very difficult decisions to make about whether they can do anything to alter the course of history. They suffer personal setbacks and heartbreak, make amazing friends, and find courage where there is none to be found. And in the end, make the most difficult decision they have faced yet. But then the reader is left with even more questions. "What will happen next?" being the foremost question in our minds. But more than that, we are left with such detailed questions that another reader of the series assures me will all be answered with the next installment.
These books are each an incredible undertaking and each could easily be separated into three individual books. Because they are epic in scale, as desperately as I want to dive into the next, I must take a break and read some lighter material. I highly recommend this series. It has everything the reader could want and I eagerly await the moment when starting the next one feels right.
Happy Reading!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Outlander
Outlander is the first book in the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon. This novel was full of adventure, romance, history, and suspense. Meet Claire Randall. She is a combat nurse, back from the war (it is 1945). She and her husband are on a second honeymoon after being reunited. Meet Jamie. Jamie is a Scots clansmen, warrior, nephew to a pair of clan leaders, and living in the Scottish Highlands in the year 1743. When Claire, walks through a stone in an ancient stone circle, she is hurled into the Scottish Highlands and right into Jamie's life.
.
Forced to leave the area of the stones for her own safety, Claire is accepted at the Castle Leoch, where Jamie's uncles rule. No one knows where this strange woman came from, and many are very suspicious of her. She is thrown into a world full of danger, adventure, political unrest and intrigue. When she falls for Jamie, she finds herself torn between two worlds. The husband she left behind and the man she never could have imagined she would become involved with. Through life threatening battles and adventures, Claire learns that she has a lot to give. And eventually has to make a choice: Do I go back to 1945, or do I stay in the 1700s?
This book was highly entertaining. It was a page turner from start to finish. The setting is so well described (without being overly so) that you can smell the forests and hear the hooves of horses bearing down on you. When you read this book, you become so entrenched in the lives of these characters that you forget your own world, begin to think in their dialect, and can't wait to get back to the pages of the story. There were so many different adventures in this novel, that it could have been two or even three separate books. I would highly recommend this novel. I will be seeking out the second book in the series, Dragonfly in Amber.
Happy Reading!
.
Forced to leave the area of the stones for her own safety, Claire is accepted at the Castle Leoch, where Jamie's uncles rule. No one knows where this strange woman came from, and many are very suspicious of her. She is thrown into a world full of danger, adventure, political unrest and intrigue. When she falls for Jamie, she finds herself torn between two worlds. The husband she left behind and the man she never could have imagined she would become involved with. Through life threatening battles and adventures, Claire learns that she has a lot to give. And eventually has to make a choice: Do I go back to 1945, or do I stay in the 1700s?
This book was highly entertaining. It was a page turner from start to finish. The setting is so well described (without being overly so) that you can smell the forests and hear the hooves of horses bearing down on you. When you read this book, you become so entrenched in the lives of these characters that you forget your own world, begin to think in their dialect, and can't wait to get back to the pages of the story. There were so many different adventures in this novel, that it could have been two or even three separate books. I would highly recommend this novel. I will be seeking out the second book in the series, Dragonfly in Amber.
Happy Reading!
Saturday, February 19, 2011
The Cat Who Said Cheese
The Cat Who Said Cheese is a novel by Lillian Jackson Braun. It is one of her popular "The Cat Who" series. In this novel, Qwill and his Siamese duo are trying to solve the mystery of an unknown woman who comes to the small town in which they live. This woman's hotel room is bombed and she disappears. In addition to the mysterious woman, Qwill makes friends with an odd, sweet character who ends up in the middle of a murder mystery himself.
This entire novel was less than 200 pages. It was a quick read. It is the first of "The Cat Who" series that I have read. The characters were quirky, the cats entertaining, the mystery interesting. I don't know if I liked it enough to read any others in the series. But it didn't turn me off to the series either. If you are looking for a fast read with odd but likable characters this one would fit the bill.
Happy Reading!
This entire novel was less than 200 pages. It was a quick read. It is the first of "The Cat Who" series that I have read. The characters were quirky, the cats entertaining, the mystery interesting. I don't know if I liked it enough to read any others in the series. But it didn't turn me off to the series either. If you are looking for a fast read with odd but likable characters this one would fit the bill.
Happy Reading!
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Mockingjay
Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins is the final book in the Hunger Games trilogy. Like the others in the series it is very suspenseful and heartbreaking, but at the same time thought provoking and satisfying.
In Mockingjay, Katniss finds herself, her mother & sister and her best friend, Dale, in District 13. A safe place for the moment, while the rest of the districts rise in a rebellion against the Capital. She is the public figure at the forefront of the revolution. The face of the uprising. The spokesperson helping to increase the fire against those in charge in the Capitol. Once again she rises above injury, heartbreak, and difficult decisions to lead her people (whether she wants to or not). She has to figure out who to trust and how to best represent the rebellion. All the while, trying to figure out her relationships with Dale and Peeta, her partner in the Hunger Games, who for much of this book is missing, being held captive by the Capitol.
Underneath this storyline is a very real political message about keeping those in power in check, and about how power corrupts. It serves as sort of a warning for all of us about what could happen in the future if we don't keep our government from becoming too all powerful. But on top of all of that, this is a gripping story of hardship and triumph, and of love.
This book was emotionally draining to read. I read it in one day and loved every minute of it, even the heart wrenching ones. This entire series has been a wonderful ride. I highly recommend this series, although it is a little hard for me to see it as a young adult and I caution parents to read it first to judge the acceptability for their particular child. While I believe my son will love the series, at 11, he is not yet ready for the heavy subject matter. This book will be among my favorites of the year, and I look forward to sharing it with my oldest in a couple years.
Happy Reading!
In Mockingjay, Katniss finds herself, her mother & sister and her best friend, Dale, in District 13. A safe place for the moment, while the rest of the districts rise in a rebellion against the Capital. She is the public figure at the forefront of the revolution. The face of the uprising. The spokesperson helping to increase the fire against those in charge in the Capitol. Once again she rises above injury, heartbreak, and difficult decisions to lead her people (whether she wants to or not). She has to figure out who to trust and how to best represent the rebellion. All the while, trying to figure out her relationships with Dale and Peeta, her partner in the Hunger Games, who for much of this book is missing, being held captive by the Capitol.
Underneath this storyline is a very real political message about keeping those in power in check, and about how power corrupts. It serves as sort of a warning for all of us about what could happen in the future if we don't keep our government from becoming too all powerful. But on top of all of that, this is a gripping story of hardship and triumph, and of love.
This book was emotionally draining to read. I read it in one day and loved every minute of it, even the heart wrenching ones. This entire series has been a wonderful ride. I highly recommend this series, although it is a little hard for me to see it as a young adult and I caution parents to read it first to judge the acceptability for their particular child. While I believe my son will love the series, at 11, he is not yet ready for the heavy subject matter. This book will be among my favorites of the year, and I look forward to sharing it with my oldest in a couple years.
Happy Reading!
The Witching Hour
The Witching Hour by Anne Rice is an epic novel. At over 1,000 pages it is quite an undertaking, but worth the effort. It is the first in the Mayfair Witches trilogy. And while I am not sure if I will continue the series, The Witching Hour was an engaging read.
This book follows the history of the Mayfair family. This family is rich in history and run by powerful women, who all happen to have supernatural powers. In each generation there is one woman who continues the legacy. That legacy includes riches beyond your wildest imagination, and a demon who either thrills that particular witch or drives her crazy. The story switches from centuries ago into the present day rather fluidly and follows the history of this family from the 1600s into present day.
The current holder of the legacy doesn't even know it exists. Having been taken from her mother as an infant, in an attempt to break the cycle with the demon that alternatively haunts and helps this family, she has lived on the other side of the country and knows nothing of her families history. The reader learns a lot about the family through an organization that follows those with supernatural powers in an effort to learn more about the supernatural and help those with powers hone their particular skills and use them for good. The story takes a while to unfold into present day and the current Mayfair witch, described as the most powerful yet.
As I read this book, while it was entertaining, it was also disturbing. The Mayfair family is rife with incest (in an effort to create even more powerful witches). I found the family tree hard to follow. However the book is full of suspense, and the storyline is richly colorful. I was a little disappointed with the end of the book, which I felt did not resolve the story. But I guess in a trilogy, you have to keep your reader hooked for the next installment. I am very curious to see how the storyline played out. But as this book took me six weeks to read, it may be a while before I pick up the next volume.
Happy Reading!
This book follows the history of the Mayfair family. This family is rich in history and run by powerful women, who all happen to have supernatural powers. In each generation there is one woman who continues the legacy. That legacy includes riches beyond your wildest imagination, and a demon who either thrills that particular witch or drives her crazy. The story switches from centuries ago into the present day rather fluidly and follows the history of this family from the 1600s into present day.
The current holder of the legacy doesn't even know it exists. Having been taken from her mother as an infant, in an attempt to break the cycle with the demon that alternatively haunts and helps this family, she has lived on the other side of the country and knows nothing of her families history. The reader learns a lot about the family through an organization that follows those with supernatural powers in an effort to learn more about the supernatural and help those with powers hone their particular skills and use them for good. The story takes a while to unfold into present day and the current Mayfair witch, described as the most powerful yet.
As I read this book, while it was entertaining, it was also disturbing. The Mayfair family is rife with incest (in an effort to create even more powerful witches). I found the family tree hard to follow. However the book is full of suspense, and the storyline is richly colorful. I was a little disappointed with the end of the book, which I felt did not resolve the story. But I guess in a trilogy, you have to keep your reader hooked for the next installment. I am very curious to see how the storyline played out. But as this book took me six weeks to read, it may be a while before I pick up the next volume.
Happy Reading!
Monday, October 25, 2010
Jewels of the Sun, Tears of the Moon, Heart of the Sea
These three books are the Gallaghers of Ardmore Trilogy by Nora Roberts. This trilogy is a wonderful mix of romance and mystical elements. The books are about three siblings who run an Irish pub in the quaint seaside town of Ardmore. In each of the books, one of the siblings finds love. In doing so, they set free a lovely maiden and a fairy prince from a centuries-old spell.
This trilogy was wonderful escapism fiction. Romance abounds, likable characters, beautiful and romantic scenery, and enjoyable plots. The setting in this small seaside Irish village was so incredibly romantic. My favorite of the series was the first, where the setting is introduced. Roberts does a fantastic job of making the reader feel as if they are there. These are feel good books, that will put a smile on your face.
Roberts is not my favorite author, but each book in this trilogy was a great read. I highly recommend them for the next time you need some escapism romance. They will deliver!
Happy Reading!
This trilogy was wonderful escapism fiction. Romance abounds, likable characters, beautiful and romantic scenery, and enjoyable plots. The setting in this small seaside Irish village was so incredibly romantic. My favorite of the series was the first, where the setting is introduced. Roberts does a fantastic job of making the reader feel as if they are there. These are feel good books, that will put a smile on your face.
Roberts is not my favorite author, but each book in this trilogy was a great read. I highly recommend them for the next time you need some escapism romance. They will deliver!
Happy Reading!
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
3 Willows
3 Willows is a young adult novel from Ann Brashares, the author of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series. This appears to be the beginning of a new series (on the cover it says "the sisterhood grows"). This book was a little slow to grab my attention, but ended up being okay.
The story is centered around three girls who are leaving middle school and entering high school. They are trying to grow up a bit over the summer and prepare for the new world of high school. Their friendship is faltering and when they spend the summer apart, it appears that they will be moving on separately. The three of them face different struggles, from divorcing parents, to facing fears, to an alcoholic mother. They each learn that they are stronger than they thought, and that the bonds of friendship are not so easily broken.
This book is loosely tied to the Traveling Pants books. The characters from the Traveling Pants series are mentioned, as these girls go to the same school. The previous sisterhood is a legend. One of the characters babysits a Traveling Pants characters younger brother & sister. Another character is a member of a family that was mentioned as a local tragedy during the Traveling Pants series. The younger sister of one of the Traveling Pants girls plays a minor role in this book, as well.
Overall, I would recommend this book if you read the Traveling Pants series and enjoyed it. As I mentioned, the book started kind of slow for me. It is certainly not on the same level as its predecessor. It is enjoyable, but will not stay with me long or be on the list of my favorites from this year.
Happy Reading!
The story is centered around three girls who are leaving middle school and entering high school. They are trying to grow up a bit over the summer and prepare for the new world of high school. Their friendship is faltering and when they spend the summer apart, it appears that they will be moving on separately. The three of them face different struggles, from divorcing parents, to facing fears, to an alcoholic mother. They each learn that they are stronger than they thought, and that the bonds of friendship are not so easily broken.
This book is loosely tied to the Traveling Pants books. The characters from the Traveling Pants series are mentioned, as these girls go to the same school. The previous sisterhood is a legend. One of the characters babysits a Traveling Pants characters younger brother & sister. Another character is a member of a family that was mentioned as a local tragedy during the Traveling Pants series. The younger sister of one of the Traveling Pants girls plays a minor role in this book, as well.
Overall, I would recommend this book if you read the Traveling Pants series and enjoyed it. As I mentioned, the book started kind of slow for me. It is certainly not on the same level as its predecessor. It is enjoyable, but will not stay with me long or be on the list of my favorites from this year.
Happy Reading!
Thursday, June 17, 2010
The Bride Quartet (Vision in White, Bed of Roses, Savor the Moment)
The first three books in the Bride Quartet by Nora Roberts were highly entertaining. Vision in White, Bed of Roses, and Savor the Moment are pure fluff romance. But for escapist reading they rank high in my book!
The series is about four women who have been lifelong friends. They have created a wedding planning business that is very successful. Each of them remains single. In the first book, Vision in White, the photographer of the business finds love with a professor. In the second, Bed of Roses, the florist finder her soul mate. In the third, Savor the Moment, the cake baker/decorator finally unites with her true love. The fourth book in the quartet is due out in November 2010.
As I said, these books are pure fluff. The setting is too perfect; the four women live together on a large estate where they also conduct their business. The characters, while flawed, are also near perfection. But they are likable, all of them, even the secondary characters. This is escapist fiction at it's best. Very fast reads, no brain power required, however Ms. Roberts pays enough attention to the detail in her books that the reader does not feel insulted. If you are looking for a quick, feel good, read, this is your series.
Happy Reading!
The series is about four women who have been lifelong friends. They have created a wedding planning business that is very successful. Each of them remains single. In the first book, Vision in White, the photographer of the business finds love with a professor. In the second, Bed of Roses, the florist finder her soul mate. In the third, Savor the Moment, the cake baker/decorator finally unites with her true love. The fourth book in the quartet is due out in November 2010.
As I said, these books are pure fluff. The setting is too perfect; the four women live together on a large estate where they also conduct their business. The characters, while flawed, are also near perfection. But they are likable, all of them, even the secondary characters. This is escapist fiction at it's best. Very fast reads, no brain power required, however Ms. Roberts pays enough attention to the detail in her books that the reader does not feel insulted. If you are looking for a quick, feel good, read, this is your series.
Happy Reading!
Monday, May 17, 2010
Dead in the Family
Dead in the Family is the latest in the Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris. This is the tenth novel in the series. It continues the storyline from the previous book, with Sookie recovering from the Fairy War and the Two Natured dealing with the ramifications of “coming out”.
This books plot centers around a few events. Eric’s maker shows up and brings his “brother” (a relatively new, and historically significant, vamp). In addition, there are some issues with a few Fae who were left behind after the Fairy War. And if that wasn't enough, the Weres have some political issues that they have to deal with, too. As usual, Sookie finds herself in the middle of it all. Her cousin’s child, Hunter, makes a return to this book, as well.
I love this series, but I was a little disappointed with this one. While the book was certainly enjoyable for any Sookie fan, I found the relationships and the politics in the Vampire and Were communities to be quite complicated. I had a hard time keeping it all straight. That may be because it has been five months since I read the last book. This book definitely could not have been a stand alone novel; the reader would have been too confused. For that reason, I did not enjoy this book as much as the other Sookie books.
I also thought the ending was wrapped up too quickly. While I was still trying to figure out what happened with one branch of the plot, the other completely wrapped up, too. It ended very fast, without complete closure. There is the big climax of the plot (which in these books is typically a violent scene where some of the good guys and most of the bad guys get hurt or die) and then the book ends a few paragraphs later.
Overall, I feel that the complicated plot line was carried out to completion too neatly and there wasn't enough of what brought me to this series in this book. I would still recommend this book to Sookie fans, because if you want to find out what happens next you need to read it. I am not done with this series yet, but I fear that if the next book in the series is the same way I may not continue. There is still so much potential for this series, many places Charlaine Harris could go with Sookie and her adventures. I really hope she hasn't run her creative course with Sookie, and that the next one brings me back.
Happy Reading!
This books plot centers around a few events. Eric’s maker shows up and brings his “brother” (a relatively new, and historically significant, vamp). In addition, there are some issues with a few Fae who were left behind after the Fairy War. And if that wasn't enough, the Weres have some political issues that they have to deal with, too. As usual, Sookie finds herself in the middle of it all. Her cousin’s child, Hunter, makes a return to this book, as well.
I love this series, but I was a little disappointed with this one. While the book was certainly enjoyable for any Sookie fan, I found the relationships and the politics in the Vampire and Were communities to be quite complicated. I had a hard time keeping it all straight. That may be because it has been five months since I read the last book. This book definitely could not have been a stand alone novel; the reader would have been too confused. For that reason, I did not enjoy this book as much as the other Sookie books.
I also thought the ending was wrapped up too quickly. While I was still trying to figure out what happened with one branch of the plot, the other completely wrapped up, too. It ended very fast, without complete closure. There is the big climax of the plot (which in these books is typically a violent scene where some of the good guys and most of the bad guys get hurt or die) and then the book ends a few paragraphs later.
Overall, I feel that the complicated plot line was carried out to completion too neatly and there wasn't enough of what brought me to this series in this book. I would still recommend this book to Sookie fans, because if you want to find out what happens next you need to read it. I am not done with this series yet, but I fear that if the next book in the series is the same way I may not continue. There is still so much potential for this series, many places Charlaine Harris could go with Sookie and her adventures. I really hope she hasn't run her creative course with Sookie, and that the next one brings me back.
Happy Reading!
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Dead and Gone
Dead and Gone is the ninth novel in the Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris. This is the last novel in the series that I have to read until the next book comes out in May of 2010. I thought that I was going to be sad that I would have to wait five months for more of Sookie and her adventures. But I have to say that after reading this one, I can wait for the next one. I don't want to give anything away, but the author made me a little upset at the end of this book.
The premise of this edition of Sookie's adventures is a war between two factions of fairies. Her great-grandfather on one side, and his enemy on the other. The enemy is out to get Sookie because of her importance to the Fairy Prince (her great-grandfather). As always, the character surrounding Sookie are entertaining. Some of those characters that typically surround Sookie play more minor roles in this novel, and I found myself missing them. There is one favorite character that comes back in a good way, too. That was a long awaited encounter and very satisfying. Sookie also faces more grave danger in this novel. It will be interesting to see how that affects her in the next one.
Overall, of course, I would recommend the book. This is an excellently entertaining series. This is not one of my favorites though, and I wish the author had included more of my favorite characters and hadn't made certain choices. So now I wait until May to see what happens in Sookie's always entertaining and dangerous affairs.
Happy Reading!
The premise of this edition of Sookie's adventures is a war between two factions of fairies. Her great-grandfather on one side, and his enemy on the other. The enemy is out to get Sookie because of her importance to the Fairy Prince (her great-grandfather). As always, the character surrounding Sookie are entertaining. Some of those characters that typically surround Sookie play more minor roles in this novel, and I found myself missing them. There is one favorite character that comes back in a good way, too. That was a long awaited encounter and very satisfying. Sookie also faces more grave danger in this novel. It will be interesting to see how that affects her in the next one.
Overall, of course, I would recommend the book. This is an excellently entertaining series. This is not one of my favorites though, and I wish the author had included more of my favorite characters and hadn't made certain choices. So now I wait until May to see what happens in Sookie's always entertaining and dangerous affairs.
Happy Reading!
Monday, December 21, 2009
Charlaine Harris - Sookie Stackhouse Novels
I have not had time to post, as the holidays are upon us and life is extremely busy. But I have been reading in my free time. Since I have only been reading one thing, I am combing all of the books into one post. I have read the first eight books in the Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris. Dead Until Dark, Living Dead in Dallas, Club Dead, Dead to the World, Dead as a Doornail, Definitely Dead, All Together Dead, and From Dead to Worse.
I am addicted to these books. I love Sookie Stackhouse and all of Harris' characters. The series is about a barmaid (Sookie) who is a telepath. In these books, vampires have become part of mainstream society. Sookie meets a vampire, gets involved with him, and her world changes drastically. Her ability, something that she has always seen as a curse, is desired by those in the vampire community. Throughout the series she forms friendships and business relationships with vampires and other supernatural beings. Her life becomes a series of misadventures.
This series is highly entertaining and addictive. These books contain action, romance, comedy. The heroine is so incredibly likable. She is flawed, and modest. I love how she has to rely on herself, and find an inner strength to get through the adventures. She is a strong lead female character who doesn't have to rely on anyone else, which I find refreshing.
I highly recommend these books. I can't wait to start the ninth book, Dead and Gone. It will be a long wait until book ten comes out in May 2010!
Happy Reading!
I am addicted to these books. I love Sookie Stackhouse and all of Harris' characters. The series is about a barmaid (Sookie) who is a telepath. In these books, vampires have become part of mainstream society. Sookie meets a vampire, gets involved with him, and her world changes drastically. Her ability, something that she has always seen as a curse, is desired by those in the vampire community. Throughout the series she forms friendships and business relationships with vampires and other supernatural beings. Her life becomes a series of misadventures.
This series is highly entertaining and addictive. These books contain action, romance, comedy. The heroine is so incredibly likable. She is flawed, and modest. I love how she has to rely on herself, and find an inner strength to get through the adventures. She is a strong lead female character who doesn't have to rely on anyone else, which I find refreshing.
I highly recommend these books. I can't wait to start the ninth book, Dead and Gone. It will be a long wait until book ten comes out in May 2010!
Happy Reading!
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Dead to the World
Charlaine Harris is on a roll! Dead to the World is the 4th book in the Sookie Stackhouse series. This one was another winner! I enjoyed it even more than the last one.
In this book, Sookie comes across a naked man on the side of the road. She stops to help him and realizes that he is the leader of the vampires in her area. She knows him quite well, but he has not idea who she is. He is scared and alone, and has no idea who he is or how he ended up walking down that road naked. Sookie goes on quite the adventure trying to figure out who did this to Eric and why. Not only does she have a mystery on her hands with the vampires, but her brother goes missing, too. Now she has to help Eric get his memory back and find her brother before time runs out.
I was so happy to see the characters that I loved from the last book in the series back in this one. In addition, there are more new characters introduced that are fantastic. Sookie just keeps getting better and better. I LOVED this book. I love that this author is willing to really shake things up in her main characters world. I love that she isn't predictable and will make choices that the reader does not expect. I have become a huge fan and will recommend this series to all of my friends, even those not interested in vampires and other supernatural themes. Fantastic book. I just can't say enough about it!
Happy Reading!
In this book, Sookie comes across a naked man on the side of the road. She stops to help him and realizes that he is the leader of the vampires in her area. She knows him quite well, but he has not idea who she is. He is scared and alone, and has no idea who he is or how he ended up walking down that road naked. Sookie goes on quite the adventure trying to figure out who did this to Eric and why. Not only does she have a mystery on her hands with the vampires, but her brother goes missing, too. Now she has to help Eric get his memory back and find her brother before time runs out.
I was so happy to see the characters that I loved from the last book in the series back in this one. In addition, there are more new characters introduced that are fantastic. Sookie just keeps getting better and better. I LOVED this book. I love that this author is willing to really shake things up in her main characters world. I love that she isn't predictable and will make choices that the reader does not expect. I have become a huge fan and will recommend this series to all of my friends, even those not interested in vampires and other supernatural themes. Fantastic book. I just can't say enough about it!
Happy Reading!
Monday, October 12, 2009
Dead Until Dark
Dead Until Dark is the first book in the Sookie Stackhouse series by author Charlaine Harris. This series is the basis for the TV series True Blood. Having seen just two episodes of True Blood, I was very interested in the books. Dead Until Dark did not disappoint.
Sookie Stackhouse is a waitress in a local bar, in a small town in northern Louisiana. She has a disability, or a gift, depending on how you look at it. She can read minds. A vampire walks into the bar one night and Sookie can't hear his thoughts. She is immediately intrigued and attracted to the silence. But when young women start showing up dead, she begins to wonder who she can trust and if she will be the next victim.
The book was fast paced and fun, and Sookie is instantly likable. It was a mix of genres - mystery, horror and romance, satisfying to many readers. Had I not seen a little of the television show, I may have been a little confused at first in the book. Some details are glossed over, casually and quickly mentioned before moving on. However, by about 40 pages in I was hooked and did not find any more of those confusing moments. The book is different from the TV series, at least the two episodes that I saw. I say that with very limited experience with the TV series, and I understand why the changes were made. The storyline, as it is presented in the book, may not lend itself to be played out in the same order in the television show.
I truly enjoyed this book from start to finish and can't wait to sink my teeth into the next one in the series. Happy Reading!
Sookie Stackhouse is a waitress in a local bar, in a small town in northern Louisiana. She has a disability, or a gift, depending on how you look at it. She can read minds. A vampire walks into the bar one night and Sookie can't hear his thoughts. She is immediately intrigued and attracted to the silence. But when young women start showing up dead, she begins to wonder who she can trust and if she will be the next victim.
The book was fast paced and fun, and Sookie is instantly likable. It was a mix of genres - mystery, horror and romance, satisfying to many readers. Had I not seen a little of the television show, I may have been a little confused at first in the book. Some details are glossed over, casually and quickly mentioned before moving on. However, by about 40 pages in I was hooked and did not find any more of those confusing moments. The book is different from the TV series, at least the two episodes that I saw. I say that with very limited experience with the TV series, and I understand why the changes were made. The storyline, as it is presented in the book, may not lend itself to be played out in the same order in the television show.
I truly enjoyed this book from start to finish and can't wait to sink my teeth into the next one in the series. Happy Reading!
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Finger Lickin' Fifteen
Finger Lickin' Fifteen is the latest in the Stephanie Plum series, by Janet Evanovich. What more can I say that this book was laugh out loud funny and a great addition to the series. Evanovich did it again! This book is everything a Stephanie Plum fan would want, and made me laugh so hard that I couldn't read through the tears!
I can't give it all away, so I am going to have to be brief. Lula witnesses a murder, Stephanie has to help Ranger with some break-ins, catch her skips, and help Lula catch the murderers so that they stop trying to kill her and she can collect the reward. There is murder and mayhem, barbeque recipes to develop, dangerous closeness with Ranger and complications in Steph's relationship with Morelli. Grandma Mazur plays a decent role in this one, too, and Steph's mom is trying to set Steph up with men. Steph and Lula are working closely together which leads to all sorts of sticky situations. All of that combined make this novel one wild, hilarious ride.
I don't know how Janet Evanovich can come up with so much hilarity in one novel. But what is more amazing is that she does it over and over again. I finished this book in a day and now I have to wait another year before the next one comes out! Highly recommend this one, even if you are new to the Plum series. Great book, easy read and gives you some belly laughs that everyone could use now and again!
Happy Reading!
I can't give it all away, so I am going to have to be brief. Lula witnesses a murder, Stephanie has to help Ranger with some break-ins, catch her skips, and help Lula catch the murderers so that they stop trying to kill her and she can collect the reward. There is murder and mayhem, barbeque recipes to develop, dangerous closeness with Ranger and complications in Steph's relationship with Morelli. Grandma Mazur plays a decent role in this one, too, and Steph's mom is trying to set Steph up with men. Steph and Lula are working closely together which leads to all sorts of sticky situations. All of that combined make this novel one wild, hilarious ride.
I don't know how Janet Evanovich can come up with so much hilarity in one novel. But what is more amazing is that she does it over and over again. I finished this book in a day and now I have to wait another year before the next one comes out! Highly recommend this one, even if you are new to the Plum series. Great book, easy read and gives you some belly laughs that everyone could use now and again!
Happy Reading!
Sunday, March 22, 2009
The Expected One
The Expected One by Kathleen McGowan is a novel that makes you think. It makes you think about what you believe about Christianity. It makes you think about your own faith. It makes you think about "what if."
This book is about Maureen Paschal's journey to find the gospel of Mary Magdalene. Maureen Paschal is a professor and an author. She believes that the history that we have all been taught is not the truth, that those who were responsible for capturing that history changed it based on their own biases and politics. Along her journey she learns about secret societies, blood lines, and her own family's history. There are secrets buried at every turn and behind every painting. It is a fascinating look at the constant search for some sort of proof of what really happened in biblical times. It is reminiscent of The Da Vinci Code, but without the action.
Part of the book then becomes the gospel of Mary Magdalene. You read about her life, the life of Jesus and the influential people that surrounded him and his disciples, all from her perspective. It was very interesting, and this part of the book was just as much of a page turner as the rest.
There are people that may say this book made them question what they believed or shook their faith. I did not find myself in that position. However, I did think a lot about what I was reading. It was an entertaining book, that makes you wonder, "what if." What if history really happened differently than historians have noted in history books? What if some of the key players in the gospels, as we know them, really acted differently? What if we their true intentions were different than what we believe them to be? What if a gospel written by Mary Magdalene really existed, or one by Jesus himself? What if the life of Jesus was lived a little differently than we have all been taught?
Kathleen McGowen's second book in this "Magdalene" series came out this month - The Book of Love. It is a search for the gospel written by Jesus himself. I have that on my list of books I want to read. And I would recommend The Expected One.
Happy Reading!
This book is about Maureen Paschal's journey to find the gospel of Mary Magdalene. Maureen Paschal is a professor and an author. She believes that the history that we have all been taught is not the truth, that those who were responsible for capturing that history changed it based on their own biases and politics. Along her journey she learns about secret societies, blood lines, and her own family's history. There are secrets buried at every turn and behind every painting. It is a fascinating look at the constant search for some sort of proof of what really happened in biblical times. It is reminiscent of The Da Vinci Code, but without the action.
Part of the book then becomes the gospel of Mary Magdalene. You read about her life, the life of Jesus and the influential people that surrounded him and his disciples, all from her perspective. It was very interesting, and this part of the book was just as much of a page turner as the rest.
There are people that may say this book made them question what they believed or shook their faith. I did not find myself in that position. However, I did think a lot about what I was reading. It was an entertaining book, that makes you wonder, "what if." What if history really happened differently than historians have noted in history books? What if some of the key players in the gospels, as we know them, really acted differently? What if we their true intentions were different than what we believe them to be? What if a gospel written by Mary Magdalene really existed, or one by Jesus himself? What if the life of Jesus was lived a little differently than we have all been taught?
Kathleen McGowen's second book in this "Magdalene" series came out this month - The Book of Love. It is a search for the gospel written by Jesus himself. I have that on my list of books I want to read. And I would recommend The Expected One.
Happy Reading!
Monday, February 16, 2009
Forever in Blue (The Fourth Summer of the Sisterhood)
This is the final installment of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series by Ann Brashares. I read all four books back to back. My world was so entrenched with these four girls that they became my friends for a short time!
This book is not as entertaining as the first three. I think that the third and fourth in the series are not as good as the first two. However, it was still an okay book. I liked it. I thought it was a pretty good wrap up to the series. The storyline was fading and I couldn't really see where else the author could go that would offer the reader something new. So it is appropriate that the series ends here.
In this book, the girls are in finished their first year of college. They are each doing something related to school through the summer though. Three are staying at their respective schools and one is traveling abroad. The still send the pants on to each other, but they play a much reduced role in this book. The only time the four friends are together is at the very end of the book when an emergency brings them together for one purpose. It is a very fitting end to the book and the series.
The author comments that she might revisit these girls at a later point in their lives. She doesn't think she is finished with them yet. If she does complete another novel with these girls, as women, I think I would probably pick it up. It wouldn't be one I would rush to the store to get, but I would want to read it to see where their lives have taken them to satisfy curiosity.
Overall, I would recommend this entire series. Reading all four back to back was enjoyable for me.
Happy Reading!
This book is not as entertaining as the first three. I think that the third and fourth in the series are not as good as the first two. However, it was still an okay book. I liked it. I thought it was a pretty good wrap up to the series. The storyline was fading and I couldn't really see where else the author could go that would offer the reader something new. So it is appropriate that the series ends here.
In this book, the girls are in finished their first year of college. They are each doing something related to school through the summer though. Three are staying at their respective schools and one is traveling abroad. The still send the pants on to each other, but they play a much reduced role in this book. The only time the four friends are together is at the very end of the book when an emergency brings them together for one purpose. It is a very fitting end to the book and the series.
The author comments that she might revisit these girls at a later point in their lives. She doesn't think she is finished with them yet. If she does complete another novel with these girls, as women, I think I would probably pick it up. It wouldn't be one I would rush to the store to get, but I would want to read it to see where their lives have taken them to satisfy curiosity.
Overall, I would recommend this entire series. Reading all four back to back was enjoyable for me.
Happy Reading!
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