Monday, May 31, 2010

Review: Magic Bleeds by Ilona Andrews

Magic Bleeds
Author: Ilona Andrews
Publication: Ace (May 25, 2010)

Description: Kate Daniels cleans up the paranormal problems no one else wants to deal with-especially if they involve Atlanta's shapeshifting community.

And now there's a new player in town-a foe that may be too much for even Kate and Curran, the Lord of the Beasts, to handle. Because this time, Kate will be taking on family.

My Thoughts: What a great, thrill packed episode for Kate and Company. I liked seeing how her relationship with Curran is developing. It is great to see two very dominant and stubborn people find their way in a relationship.

I don't want to spoil the experience for anybody so I won't say too much about the plot. The villain and the mythology were fascinating. Kate really had a large problem to solve in this one. It is easy to see why she has been so reluctant to allow anyone into her life. It seems that anyone she knows can end up as a target. Kate makes lots of changes in this book and has to assess what is really important to her.

This was exciting and entertaining. It was also a "stay up into the wee hours" book. I couldn't put it down before I got to the final page. I want more! I want to know what comes next for Kate.

Challenges: RYOB Reading Challenge

 
 

Sunday, May 30, 2010

It's Monday, What Are You Reading?

It's Monday, What are you reading is a meme hosted by Sheila at One Person's Journey Through a World of Books.

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

Last Week

I had a really busy week and, consequently, had much less time for reading. This is what I did manage to finish and review.
I finished My Soul to Keep by Rachel Vincent. It was a great episode in the Soul Screamers series. Things are changing greatly for Kaylee.

Tyger Tyger by Kersten Hamilton. This was a very good YA fantasy. It is based on Irish Mythology and was very interesting. Teagan, her little  brother Aiden, and Finn have to battle goblins in this one.

This is what I am reading now:

Magic Bleeds by Ilona Andrews is the 4th in the Kate Daniels series.
Kate Daniels cleans up the paranormal problems no one else wants to deal with-especially if they involve Atlanta's shapeshifting community. And now there's a new player in town-a foe that may be too much for even Kate and Curran, the Lord of the Beasts, to handle. Because this time, Kate will be taking on family.
Next Week

Right now, I have no idea what I am going to be reading next week. It will depend totally on what mood I am in.

I expect to be very busy at work again. I will be closing the library, hunting down missing library books, doing inventory, writing reports, etc. for two school libraries.

I have lots of choices for my next book as can be seen in the picture below. And that is only the front row. The two stacks on the left have equally high stacks behind them.

That was my week. How did your week go?

Don't forget to visit my other blog - Ms. Martin Teaches Media - and enter my hundred follower contest. The contest ends Friday, June 4 at midnight. You may pick the book of your choice for $20 or less from Amazon US or The Book Depository. If I get to 175 followers, there will be 4 winners.




Saturday, May 29, 2010

ARC Review: Tyger Tyger by Kersten Hamilton

Tyger Tyger
Author: Kersten Hamilton
Publication: Clarion Books (November 15, 2010)
I got this one from NetGalley

Description: Teagan Wylltson's best friend, Abby, dreams that horrifying creatures--goblins, shape-shifters, and beings of unearthly beauty but terrible cruelty--are hunting Teagan. Abby is always coming up with crazy stuff, though, so Teagan isn't worried. Her life isn't in danger. In fact, it's perfect. She's on track for a college scholarship. She has a great job. She's focused on school, work, and her future. No boys, no heartaches, no problems.

Until Finn Mac Cumhaill arrives. Finn's a bit on the unearthly beautiful side himself. He has a killer accent and a knee-weakening smile. And either he's crazy or he's been haunting Abby's dreams, because he's talking about goblins, too . . . and about being The Mac Cumhaill, born to fight all goblin-kind. Finn knows a thing or two about fighting. Which is a very good thing, because this time, Abby's right. The goblins are coming.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this story. I liked Teagan. She was portrayed as a goal-driven and serious young lady who has decided that love can wait. It doesn't fit into the plan of getting into a veterinary medicine program. However, when Finn shows up and is introduced as a cousin by Tea's mother, her plans are derailed and not just because Finn is gorgeous and they have some chemistry between them. Finn is trailed by goblins, cat-sidhe and other creatures. When Tea's mother dies as a result of interference from the goblins and her father is kidnapped into the Mag Mell, Tea needs to find Finn to get his help to get her father back.

The secondary characters were also all interesting. Teagan's best friend Abby was a good character. She isn't academic like Teagen but she was a supportive and helpful friend. She also added a little comic relief to the story with her tendancy to use the wrong words in conversations. I also liked Teagen's younger brother Aiden. Aiden is about six years old. He is able to remember any song he hears. He also has a great sense of direction. He can always find his way home. Even though Tea would like to find a safe place for Aiden to stay while she and Finn try to rescue her fater, they must bring him because of his talents. He can sing a safe path and always find the way home.

I liked the mythology in the story. I haven't read anything else that is the same. The author says that she  based the mythology in the story on Irish mythology.

Challenges: 2010 YA Reading Challenge, 2010 E-Book Reading Challenge, RYOB Reading Challenge

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Booking Through Thursday - Bedside

What books do you have next to your bed right now? How about other places in the house? What are you reading?
 
I don't have any books by my bed. I do almost all of my reading while sitting on the couch in my living room. Currently occupying my couch are: My Soul to Keep by Rachel Vincent, 2 copies of Storm Warning by Linda Sue Park (39 Clues, Book 9), and A Rush of Wings by Adrian Phoenix. 
 
My nearest books indicate how eclectic my book choices usually are. After, I finish My Soul to Keep, I will be donating it to my HS Media Center. The 2 copies of Storm Warning will be donated to my Elementary Media Center after I read one of them. A Rush of Wings would be a re-read, if I have time, for a discussion on GoodReads.
 
Oh, and my Kindle is sitting on my couch too with 325 books on it. Now, life would be good if I could just stay on my couch. However, I need to head off to work shortly.
 
Check and see what books others have at their sides (bed or otherwise) by looking at the links on Booking Through Thursday.
 

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

WoW: Magic Bleeds and Moon Sworn



"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
These books have been shipped and I am just haunting my mailbox until they arrive.


Magic Bleeds (Kate Daniels, Book 4) by Ilona Andrews

Kate Daniels cleans up the paranormal problems no one else wants to deal with-especially if they involve Atlanta's shapeshifting community.

And now there's a new player in town-a foe that may be too much for even Kate and Curran, the Lord of the Beasts, to handle. Because this time, Kate will be taking on family.

Moon Sworn (Riley Jensen, Guardian, Book 9) by Keri Arthur

Some nights never end.
Some desires never die. . . .

Shape-shifting werewolf and vampire Riley Jenson is through with death—causing it, solving it, surviving it. Her soul mate, Kye Murphy, is dead—and at Riley’s own hands. Not even the seductive embrace of her vampire lover, Quinn, can fully ease her mind, for she has begun questioning everything that makes her Riley—including her job at the Directorate.

Now, the ritualistically slain bodies of ex-cons have started turning up. Reluctantly, Riley takes the case, but something even worse is waiting in the wings. A vicious enemy from her past is determined to strip Riley of everything that gives her life any meaning: her lover, her brother—and even her own identity. Can Riley survive this ultimate assault? All she knows is, she must fight one last time to find answers, before everything goes dark forever.

These are both going to fight for top place on my TBR stack when they arrive. What are you waiting for?


 
 

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Teaser Tuesday: My Soul to Keep by Rachel Vincent


Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
  • Grab your current read
  • Open to a random page
  • Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
  • BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
  • Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My Soul to Keep
by Rachel Vincent
This third in the Soul Screamer series arrived in my mailbox this week. I couldn't wait to start it.
"We're talking about humans inhaling the toxic life force sucked out of a demon from another world." Quite possibly the weirdest sentence I'd ever said out loud...
Kaylee has been reluctantly convinced to attend a party with Nash's school friends. Things don't go well. The jock was drunk but not on alcohol.

What are you reading today? 
 

Sunday, May 23, 2010

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? (May 24, 2010)


It's Monday, What are you reading is a meme hosted by Sheila at One Person's Journey Through a World of Books.

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

This is what I read and reviewed last week:

Claire de Lune by Christine Johnson - I liked the different take on werewolves in this one.

Love in the Time of Dragons by Katie MacAlister -- This was an over-the-top silly book. It was great fun to read.

Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLean -- This was a pleasant book to read. It was a typical historical romance with a cynical hero and an innocent heroine.

The last two books were not on my plan last week. I needed a couple of books that would fit in my purse to carry along while I spent time in waiting rooms. These were in a handy pile and looked good to grab for a quick read.

I am currently reading...

Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead


Dimitri gave Rose the ultimate choice. But she chose wrong...

After a long and heartbreaking journey to Dimitri's birthplace in Siberia, Rose Hathaway has finally returned to St. Vladimir's-and to her best friend, Lissa. It is nearly graduation, and the girls can't wait for their real lives beyond the Academy's iron gates to begin. But Rose's heart still aches for Dimitri, and she knows he's out there, somewhere.

She failed to kill him when she had the chance. And now her worst fears are about to come true. Dimitri has tasted her blood, and now he is hunting her. And this time he won't rest until Rose joins him... forever.
Next week I plan to read:


My Soul to Keep by Rachel Vincent
Running with the Pack anthology
Alex Van Helsing by Jason Henderson
White Cat by Holly Black
Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelson

Most of these are carryovers from last week's post because Spirit Bound and My Soul to Keep arrived and jumped to the head of the line. We'll see how well I do sticking to the plan next week.

If you do this meme, give me a link to your post. I like to see how others are doing. Have a great reading week!

Review: Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead

Spirit Bound
Author: Richelle Mead
Publication: Razorbill (May 18, 2010)

Description: Dimitri gave Rose the ultimate choice. But she chose wrong...

After a long and heartbreaking journey to Dimitri's birthplace in Siberia, Rose Hathaway has finally returned to St. Vladimir's-and to her best friend, Lissa. It is nearly graduation, and the girls can't wait for their real lives beyond the Academy's iron gates to begin. But Rose's heart still aches for Dimitri, and she knows he's out there, somewhere.

She failed to kill him when she had the chance. And now her worst fears are about to come true. Dimitri has tasted her blood, and now he is hunting her. And this time he won't rest until Rose joins him... forever.

********** SPOILERS AHEAD **********

My Thoughts:  This was an excellent episode in the Vampire Academy series. There are so many problems facing Rose in this book.

She wants to find a way to change Dmitri back from being strigoi. To do that she has to break Victor out of his maximum security prison. Victor's brother may have the way to change strigois back. However, when Dmitri attacks them in Las Vegas, Victor and his brother escape. Rose learns the way to reclaim strigoi but she can't use it. The process needs a spirit user to stake the strigoi. Rose is not about to let Lissa anywhere near Dmitri. However, Dmitri kidnaps Lissa and Christian as bait to get to Rose. In the battle to get Lissa and Christian back, Dmitri is staked by Lissa and changes back to a dhampir. Naturally, this miraculous happening is not easily accepted. Dmitri is guilt stricken and ends the relationship with Rose. Rose being Rose is not willing to accept that.

Meanwhile, moroi politics happens. Queen Tatania and the council push through a law that will graduate dhampir at 16 instead of 18 so that they can become guardians sooner. This also helps avoid the question of whether or not the moroi should be taught to fight so that they can help themselves and not require so many guardians. Lissa turns 18 but is blocked from taking her seat on the council as the last of the Dragomirs because of an obscure law.

The court is in a state of upheaval over various strigoi attacks and the court rulings when bad abruptly gets worse. Someone has killed Tatania and all the evidence points to Rose. Then the book ends....

One of my friends is waiting for the series to end before she begins reading it. Right now, I envy her. I will be on tenterhooks waiting for the next installment of this series to find out how Rose survives this latest crisis. Is she convicted of murder on the circumstantial evidence provided? Is Lissa the last of the Dragomirs? Does she ever get back together with Dmitri? And what about Adrian? Please tell me that I don't have to wait a year for the next installment.

Challenges: RYOB Reading Challenge, 2010 YA Reading Challenge

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Review: Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLean

Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake
Author: Sarah MacLean
Publication: Avon; Original edition (March 30, 2010)
Description: A lady does not smoke cheroot. She does not ride astride. She does not fence or attend duels. She does not fire a pistol, and she never gambles at a gentlemen's club.

Lady Calpurnia Hartwell has always followed the rules, rules that have left her unmarried—and more than a little unsatisfied. And so she's vowed to break the rules and live the life of pleasure she's been missing.

But to dance every dance, to steal a midnight kiss—to do those things, Callie will need a willing partner. Someone who knows everything about rule-breaking. Someone like Gabriel St. John, the Marquess of Ralston—charming and devastatingly handsome, his wicked reputation matched only by his sinful smile.

If she's not careful, she'll break the most important rule of all—the one that says that pleasure-seekers should never fall hopelessly, desperately in love . . .

My Thoughts: The summary pretty much says it all. This was a very pleasant historical romance. The characters were well-drawn and interesting. Callie was innocent without being missish. As a spinster with not matrimonial prospects and a younger sister newly engaged to a Duke no less, Callie's disappointment with her life hits a peak. She was determined to change her life and makes a list of a number of things that she has not been able to do -- like "kiss someone passionately", She was a romantic and she believed in marrying for love. Callie has had a crush on Gabriel St. John, Marquess of Ralston, since he spoke to her kindly during her first season.

Gabriel was a rake and a cynic who didn't believe in love at all. Being abandoned by his mother at age ten and watching his father die because of his love for her has convinced him that nothing good can come from falling in love. However, he needed someone of high breeding with impeccable manners to introduce his newly discovered half-sister to the ton. Since Callie needed Gabriel to help her cross off the items on her wishlist for her new freedoms, they struck a deal.

There was nothing ground-breaking in this book. I have probably read 100 just like it. It was a light, cotton candy sort of book - sweet with no nutritional value. If you are looking for a fun historical romance to wile away a few hours, this is an excellent choice.

Challenges: RYOB Reading Challenge



 

Friday, May 21, 2010

In My Mailbox (May 23, 2010)

The weekly In My Mailbox post is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. It is fun to see what everyone else gets in their mailboxes, shopping bags, and library visits. Click on the link to The Story Siren's site to see the rules and join in the fun.

I guarantee that your TBR pile will grow when you see all the cool books everyone gets. You will discover lots of wonderful blogs and lots of books that you won't be able to live without.

I added quite a few books to my Kindle this week.


Wicked Becomes You by Meredith Duran has a lovely cover and I saw it on someone's IMM post last week. They gave a plot summary that sounded interesting. I like to read a historical romance every once in a while and this one looked good.

I got Armed & Magical and The Trouble with Demons by Lisa Shearin because, for some reason, I bought book 4 in the series a while ago and then realized that I didn't yet have 2 & 3 in the series.


Claiming Their Mate by Paige McKellan and Her Chosen Wolf by Renee Michaels were both inexpensive books. They are paranormal romances - possibly erotic. I thought they looked interesting.

I have heard so much about Larissa Ione but have never read anything by her. I decided to see what all the fuss was about and bought Pleasure Unbound.



These books were free for the Kindle this week.

Executive Privilege with Bonus Materials by Phillip Margolin, Milrose Munce and the Den of Professional Help by Douglas Anthony Cooper, and Heat of Passion by Elle Kennedy all sounded interesting.

I did get a few print books this week too.



While I was browsing around Uncle Hugo's Science Fiction Bookstore waiting for Robin Hobb's author signing to begin, I saw Dark Oracle by Alayna Williams. The blurb on the back cover sounded good. Here is part of the blurb:
As a criminal profiler, Tara used science and her intuitive skill at Tarot card divination to track down the dangerous and depraved, including the serial killer who left her scarred from head to toe. Since that savage attack, Tara has been a recluse. But now an ancient secret society known as Delphi’s Daughters has asked for her help in locating missing scientist Lowell Magnusson. And Tara, armed with her Tarot deck, her .38, and a stack of misgivings, agrees to try.
I also bought a print copy of Dragon Keeper by Robin Hobb. This is the first in her new series The Rain Wilds Chronicles. I hauled along all of my accessible Robin Hobb books and ended up getting 10 books autographed. The Liveship Trader Trilogy is packed away in Storage Box 3 and I wasn't going to go digging.

I also got Blood Oath by Christopher Farnsworth. It has gotten such good reviews that I had to add it to my stack. I want to know more about The President's Vampire.

That is what I got this week. What did you get?


 

Review: Love in the Time of Dragons by Katie MacAlister

Love in the Time of Dragons
Publication: Signet; Original edition (May 4, 2010)

Description: When it comes to love, one woman is scaling back her expectations...

Tully Sullivan is just like any other suburban mom-except she's just woken up in a strange place surrounded by strange people who keep insisting that they're dragons-and that she's one too.

My Thoughts: I was between books and needed something quick to throw in my purse because I had appointments and thought I would be having some "down" time. This was an excellent romp. I found it very funny. The main character was definitely ADD. She apparently has no filter between her brain and her mouth and has the attention span of a butterfly. Of course, she wasn't alone in this. All of the characters seemed to be very easily distracted.

Tully, also known and Ysolde de Bouchier, awakens in the home of some silver dragons and is told that she is also a dragon. She does not believe them and thinks they are crazy. To add to the zaniness, she is also told that she is the mate to the dreaded black dragon Baltic. Baltic is known to be evil and is the bogeyman of all dragon cultures. Tully slips between visions of her past life and the current time as she tries to figure out what is going on. Baltic has been the villian in some of MacAlister's dragon books so it is interesting to see him as the hero of this one. He is a very unlikely hero as the quote at the end shows. Tully, however, is not the least afraid of him or of anyone. She is determined to force a peace between the warring septs and have Baltic become accepted by the other dragons.

Honestly, the plot was so convoluted that it can't be described in less than the 300+ pages of the book. If you can suspend belief and just go along for the ride the book is an enjoyable experience. I laughed out loud a number of times as I tore through this book. The descriptions were so entertaining. At one point, the dragons call a sarkany which is a very serious meeting to discuss things like war and deaths. However, Tully decides to make it into a party with champagne and appetizers. She comments to Baltic at one point that "This is like a bizarre love child of Martha Stewart and the Nuremburg Trials."

My Favorite Quote:
"Why on earth did I ever think you were a reasonable man?" I cried, slapping my hands on my legs.

He looked up from where he was about to remove my panties, honestly surprised. "I don't know. I'm not reasonable."
Recommended for the lover of fantasy and paranormal who wants a light, funny book.

Challenges: RYOB Reading Challenge

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Friday Memes: Love in the Time of Dragons by Katie MacAlister

Happy Friday everybody!!
Book Beginnings
Book Beginnings on Friday is a meme hosted by Becky at Page Turners. Anyone can participate; just share the opening sentence of your current read, making sure that you include the title and author so others know what you're reading. If you like, share with everyone why you do, or do not, like the sentence.
The Friday 56
Rules:

  • Grab the book nearest you. Right now.

  • Turn to page 56.

  • Find the fifth sentence.

  • Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like) along with these instructions on your blog or (if you do not have your own blog) in the comments section of Storytime with Tonya and Friends.

  • Post a link along with your post back to Storytime with Tonya and Friends.

  • Don’t dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.
Love in the Time of Dragons
Author: Katie MacAlister
Publication: Signet; Original edition (May 4, 2010)
Beginning:
"You're going to be on your knees saying prayers for hours if Lady Alice finds you here."
Page 56; 5th sentence:
With a snarl, he lunged at me, moving so fast I could barely follow him. I didn't even have time to scream before he spun me around, ripping off my cloak and shredding my surcoat. I ran forward, sobbing, intent on escaping the suddenly mad warrior, but he caught me, pressing me into the wall as he tore the cotte until only my chemise his my skin from his view.
I'm a bit past that part. Never fear, the mad warrior only wanted to see if the speaker had a tattoo on her back.

Thus far this is a light read with an extemely sarcastic heroine. 

 

Sunday, May 16, 2010

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? (May 17, 2010)


It's Monday, What are you reading is a meme hosted by Sheila at One Person's Journey Through a World of Books.

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

Last week I read: 


Countdown by Deborah Wiles -- The review will be posted on May 26. I got this one for review and really loved it.

Changeling by Steve Feasey - The US title of this one is Wereling. I couldn't wait and bought this one and its two sequels from The Book Depository.

Hard Magic by Laura Anne Gilman -- I liked this start to a new series. The main character is a spin-off character from the Retrievers series. I think it is a promising start and I look forward to more books in this series.

The Season by Sarah MacLean - This was a Regency romance/mystery for young adults. I thought it was a good introduction to the genre. The characters were interesting and the romance was sweet.

Here is what I am currently reading:

I usually read one book at a time but this week I'm trying to read two.

Claire de Lune by Christine Johnson is a 2010 Debut YA Author book. I am a fan of werewolves and so I picked this one.

The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa is the sequel to The Iron King. I loved The Iron King and was eager to read the sequel. I got the book from NetGalley and am reading it on my computer using Adobe Digital Editions because it doesn't come out until August and I couldn't wait. I can only read this one when I am home and not using my computer for something else. (I managed to finish this Sunday evening but didn't want to redo my whole post.)

These are what I am planning to read next:

Running with the Pack is an anthology of werewolf stories. It includes stories by Carrie Vaughn, Laura Anne Gilman and C. E. Murphy.

Alex Van Helsing by Jason Henderson is another 2010 Debut YA Author book. It tells the story of a teenage vampire slayer.

White Cat by Holly Black is the first in the Curse Workers series. I have heard good things about it and I like Holly Black's writing style.

Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelson -- I got this one at a conference I went to recently. Ben signed it for me. I know that there are classes that teach this book but I hadn't had a chance to read it.

Here is what I got last week:

Inside of a Dog (Adult books and additions to my Kindle)

Ms. Martin Teaches Media (YA and MG -middle grade - books)

Those are my plans for next week. I'll be fitting reading around work,  a trip to the dentist and two doctor visits. What do you have planned?

ARC Review: The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa

Just a warning - this book won't be available until August 1. It is available for pre-order (and, trust me, you should).
 
The Iron Daughter
Author: Julie Kagawa
Publication: Harlequin; Original edition (August 1, 2010)
 
Description: Half Summer faery princess, half human, Meghan has never fit in anywhere. Deserted by the Winter prince she thought loved her, she is prisoner to the Winter faery queen. As war looms between Summer and Winter, Meghan knows that the real danger comes from the Iron Fey, iron-bound faeries that only she and her absent prince have seen. But no one believes her. Worse, Meghan's own fey powers have been cut off. She's alone in Faery with only her wits for help. Trusting anyone would be foolish. Trusting a seeming traitor could be deadly. But even as she grows a backbone of iron, Meghan can't help but hear the whispers of longing in her all-too-human heart.
 
My Thoughts: This was wonderful sequel to The Iron King. The story begins with Meghan at the Court of the Winter Queen. She is trying to survive and is missing Ash. When Ash returns he treats her badly. Meghan is heartbroken until Ash tells her that he can't be kind to her because any kindness or love is a weakness in the Winter court. The main adventure in this book comes after the Scepter of the Seasons is stolen by the Iron faeries. The Winter Queen is sure that it was the doing of the Summer King even though Meghan tries to tell her it was the work of the Iron faeries. Meghan, Ash and Puck have to find the scepter and get it back to stop the war that could destroy both Winter and Summer and have a fatal effect on the human Earth too. The book is filled with adventures, friends lost and found, and some surprises too.
 
I highly recommend this book to all lovers of fantasy.
 
Challenges: RYOB Reading Challenge, 2010 YA Reading Challenge, 2010 E-Book Reading Challenge
 

Saturday, May 15, 2010

In My Mailbox (May 16, 2010)

The weekly In My Mailbox post is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. It is fun to see what everyone else gets in their mailboxes, shopping bags, and library visits. Click on the link to The Story Siren's site to see the rules and join in the fun.

I guarantee that your TBR pile will grow when you see all the cool books everyone gets. You will discover lots of wonderful blogs and lots of books that you won't be able to live without.

OK, I'll admit it, I'm Kathy and I am a bookaholic. Way too many books found their way to my house this week again.

I bought A Fatal Waltz by Tasha Alexander because I have read the first two books in the series and this one was a bargain book at Amazon this week.

I bought Running with the Pack which is an anthology of werewolf stories. I love werewolves. Some of the authors included are Carrie Vaughn, Laura Anne Gilman and C. E. Murphy.

I bought Very Valentine by Adrianan Trigiani and Love is a Four-Legged Word by Kandy Shepherd at the half-price book fair at school this week. I couldn't pass up the deals. I had seen Adriana Trigiani's name on lots of blogs but had never tried one of her books. The blurb on the Shepherd book made it sound good too.

I added these paranormals to my collection too.

Dragon Haven by Robin Hobb is the second book in a series. I have the first for my Kindle and will buy a paper copy next weekend when I go to her author signing. I friend and I are doing a day trip to shop and go to the signing.

Embers by Laura Bickle appealed to me because I had seen so many good reviews on the blogs I read. I bought Master of None by Sonya Bateman for the same reason. Both sound really good.
I added these to my Kindle this week. Behind Closed Doors by Shannon McKenna is the first in a series. I think the series is romantic suspense.

Knight Angels: Book One: Book of Love by Abra Ebner has a lovely cover. It is YA. It sounds like an interesting paranormal story.

I got The Wild's Call by Jeri Smith-Ready. I bought this a while ago (before it was offered for free) but somehow I didn't download it to my Kindle until this week.


These were all free books for my Kindle this week.

Swashbuckling Fantasy: 10 Thrilling Tales of Magical Adventure contains stories by Margaret Peterson Haddix, Scott Westerfeld, D. J. MacHale and Holly Black among others.

The Scent of Shadows by Vicki Pettersson contains bonus materials. I have read the book but I want to see what the bonus materials are.

Dragon Keeper by Robin Hobb also has bonus materials. This is the first book in the series 

Breach of Trust by DiAnn Mills is the first in the Call of Duty series. The main character is a librarian. How could I pass it up?

Snow Melts in Spring by Deborah Vogts just sounds like a sweet love story.

Forbidden: The Sacrifice by Samantha Sommersby had this warining blurb: "Warning: This book contains one bad-ass demon, spectacular shagging, a feisty American heroine, and one very hot, very British, knife-wielding shrink." I really couldn't pass it up.

That is what I got this week. What couldn't you resist?