Book Review: Magic Binds by Ilona Andrews

Magic Binds
Author: Ilona Andrews
Series: Kate Daniels (Book 9)
Publication: Ace (September 20, 2016)

Description: Mercenary Kate Daniels knows all too well that magic in post-Shift Atlanta is a dangerous business. But nothing she’s faced could have prepared her for this...

Kate and the former Beast Lord Curran Lennart are finally making their relationship official. But there are some steep obstacles standing in the way of their walk to the altar...

Kate’s father, Roland, has kidnapped the demigod Saiman and is slowly bleeding him dry in his never-ending bid for power. A Witch Oracle has predicted that if Kate marries the man she loves, Atlanta will burn and she will lose him forever. And the only person Kate can ask for help is long dead.

The odds are impossible. The future is grim.  But Kate Daniels has never been one to play by the rules...

My Thoughts: It seems like each episode of this series, and this is the ninth, puts Kate under more pressure and gives her more impossible odds to beat. This one has Kate planning her wedding to Curran, or avoiding planning it, until Roman takes over and becomes one of the oddest wedding planners in fiction.

Kate also has to deal with her father kidnapping Saiman which comes really close to breaking the treaty he has Kate. Also witchly prophecies are showing that either Curran or their unborn son will die is the upcoming battle for the city of Atlanta. Kate doesn't know how she can find away to keep those prophecies from coming true or how she can defeat her father with his seemingly limitless magic and vast armies.

But Kate uses her strengths in gathering a variety of unlikely allies as she prepares to take on her father.

This story was filled with action. It was also filled with Kate learning more about her powers and what she is willing to do with them. I really like her relationship with Curran and her relationship with Julie. We got a chance in this one to see how she interacts with a number of her friends. Fans of the series won't want to miss this episode.

Favorite Quote:

He put his arm around me. "The Conclave is only a dinner."

"Don't say it."

"How..."

I glared at him. "I mean it! I want a nice quiet night."

"...bad could it be?"

"Now you ruined it. If a burning giant busts through a window while we're at the Conclave and tries to squish people, I will so punch you in the arm."

He laughed and we jogged down the winding forest path to our car.

I bought this one. You can buy your copy here.

Friday Memes: Magic Binds by Ilona Andrews

Happy Friday everybody!

Book Beginnings on Friday is now hosted by Rose City Reader. The Friday 56 is hosted at Freda's Voice. Check out the links above for the rules and for the posts of the participants each week. Don’t dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.

Beginning:

The skull glared at me out of empty eye sockets.

Friday 56: 

"Do anything," the crone said. "We gave you this city--"

"No. I took this city. I took it by myself and I protected it from my father's claiming. You didn't help. You weren't there."

This week I am finally getting a chance to read Magic Binds by Ilona Andrews. This is the latest in her Kate Daniels series. Here's the description from Amazon:

Mercenary Kate Daniels knows all too well that magic in post-Shift Atlanta is a dangerous business. But nothing she’s faced could have prepared her for this...

Kate and the former Beast Lord Curran Lennart are finally making their relationship official. But there are some steep obstacles standing in the way of their walk to the altar...

Kate’s father, Roland, has kidnapped the demigod Saiman and is slowly bleeding him dry in his never-ending bid for power. A Witch Oracle has predicted that if Kate marries the man she loves, Atlanta will burn and she will lose him forever. And the only person Kate can ask for help is long dead.

The odds are impossible. The future is grim.  But Kate Daniels has never been one to play by the rules...

Book Review: House Rules by Jodi Picoult

House Rules
Author: Jodi Picoult
Publication: Washington Square Press; Reprint edition (November 9, 2010)

Description: When your son can’t look you in the eye . . . does that mean he’s guilty?

Jacob Hunt is a teen with Asperger’s syndrome. He’s hopeless at reading social cues or expressing himself well to others, though he is brilliant in many ways. But he has a special focus on one subject—forensic analysis. A police scanner in his room clues him in to crime scenes, and he’s always showing up and telling the cops what to do. And he’s usually right.

But when Jacob’s small hometown is rocked by a terrible murder, law enforcement comes to him. Jacob’s behaviors are hallmark Asperger’s, but they look a lot like guilt to the local police. Suddenly the Hunt family, who only want to fit in, are directly in the spotlight. For Jacob’s mother, Emma, it’s a brutal reminder of the intolerance and misunderstanding that always threaten her family. For his brother, Theo, it’s another indication why nothing is normal because of Jacob.

And over this small family, the soul-searing question looms: Did Jacob commit murder?

My Thoughts: This story is told from five points of view and they are woven together to talk about the time Jacob Hunt is accused of murder. Jacob is eighteen years old and is most notable for having Asperger's. He is currently obsessed with forensics. He watches and takes notes on a television program called Crimebusters and treasures his police scanner. He sets up crime scenes for his mother to analyze. He has no friends but does have relationship with college graduate student Jess Ogilvy who has been hired to help teach Jacob how to get along in social situations.

Jacob's mother Emma also tells us about Jacob and her life in the sections that in her point of view. She clearly shows that having a son with Asperger's and advocating for him is more than a full time job. She loves her son but she also realizes how much caring for him has changed her life.

Jacob's younger brother Theo also shares his point of view. He shares his frustration with having Jacob as a brother. His needs always come second in their household and he resents that someday he will be the one who has to take care of his brother. He has developed a recent "hobby" of wandering into other people's homes and taking small souvenirs. I felt really sorry for him as I was reading because I could easily see how difficult his life with Jacob was.

The fourth point of view is from Detective Rich Matson who is called in when murder victim Jess Ogilvy is thought to be a missing person. He has interacted with Jacob when Jacob showed up at a crime scene of a man who died of hypothermia. He is the divorced father of a seven year old daughter. He doesn't know anything about Asperger's when the story begins and treats Jacob as he would any normal person.

The final viewpoint character in Oliver Bond. Oliver is a new lawyer who is hired by Emma when Jacob is arrested for the murder of Jess Ogilvy. Oliver has never handled a murder case but he is determined to do his best for Jacob.

Each viewpoint character has a very distinct voice. Together all the viewpoints tell the story but, even so, it wasn't until the very end of the book that the reader finds out what actually happened when Jess dies.

The story was compellingly readable. I couldn't put it down because I was so involved with Jacob and Emma. This was an entertaining mystery with a unique main character.

Favorite Quote:

"Teachers deserve respect," I explain.

"Why do they get it for free, when everyone else has to earn it?"

I blink at him, speechless. Because the world isn't fair, I think, but Jacob already knows that better than most of us.

I bought this one. You can buy your copy here.

WoW: A Ghostly Mortality by Tonya Kappes

Waiting on Wednesday is a meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. She has a linky widget at her site each week for your post and to make it easy to find posts by other people.

The purpose of the meme is to spotlight books that we are eagerly anticipating. It is fun to take a look at what others are waiting for. I have noticed that it has expanded my wishlist though. Be warned!

A Ghostly Mortality

Tonya Kappes

Feb. 28, 2017

That ghost sure looks . . . familiar

Only a handful of people know that Emma Lee Raines, proprietor of a small-town Kentucky funeral home, is a “Betweener.” She helps ghosts stuck between here and the ever-after—murdered ghosts. Once Emma Lee gets them justice they can cross over to the great beyond.

But Emma Lee’s own sister refuses to believe in her special ability. In fact, the Raines sisters have barely gotten along since Charlotte Rae left the family business for the competition. After a doozy of an argument, Emma Lee is relieved to see Charlotte Rae back home to make nice. Until she realizes her usually snorting, sarcastic, family-ditching sister is a . . . ghost.

Charlotte Rae has no earthly idea who murdered her or why. With her heart in tatters, Emma Lee relies more than ever on her sexy beau, Sheriff Jack Henry Ross…because this time, catching a killer means the Raines sisters will have to make peace with each other first.

Teaser Tuesday: House Rules by Jodi Picoult

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by The Purple Booker. 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!

Teaser:

By the time I tackled him in the doll section, he was completely out of control. I tried singing Marley to him. I shouted at him to make him respond to my voice. But Jacob was in his own little world, and finally the only way I could make him calm down was to become a human blanket, to pin him down on the industrial tile with his arms and legs flung wide.

This week I'm reading House Rules by Jodi Picoult. This was recommended to me by one of the ladies at the Senior Center. Here is the description from Amazon:

When your son can’t look you in the eye . . . does that mean he’s guilty?

Jacob Hunt is a teen with Asperger’s syndrome. He’s hopeless at reading social cues or expressing himself well to others, though he is brilliant in many ways. But he has a special focus on one subject—forensic analysis. A police scanner in his room clues him in to crime scenes, and he’s always showing up and telling the cops what to do. And he’s usually right.

But when Jacob’s small hometown is rocked by a terrible murder, law enforcement comes to him. Jacob’s behaviors are hallmark Asperger’s, but they look a lot like guilt to the local police. Suddenly the Hunt family, who only want to fit in, are directly in the spotlight. For Jacob’s mother, Emma, it’s a brutal reminder of the intolerance and misunderstanding that always threaten her family. For his brother, Theo, it’s another indication why nothing is normal because of Jacob.

And over this small family, the soul-searing question looms: Did Jacob commit murder?

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (Feb.6, 2017)

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? is now hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date.

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.

Other Than Reading... 

This week was as crazy as I thought it would be. Last Monday we had a version of Parent-Teacher conferences wherein letters were sent to parents of students who struggled the first semester inviting them to come in. I didn't see one person who was not employed by my school district from 3:30 until 7:30. I did manage to get caught up on grading, plan a couple lessons, and finish reading my current review book.

Tuesday was normal but Wednesday was unique in a way I don't want to experience again. I had my first group of sixth graders in the Media Center at 11 AM when the school called for an internal lockdown. At first they called it a drill but it went on and on. We had the students in lockdown until 3:08 PM when they finally released them to catch their buses home. Besides my 6th graders, we also had about twenty other students in the Media Center when the lockdown began. Luckily, the staff restrooms are inside our locked doors so I didn't have more than 40 kids sequestered with no access to a restroom. Also, I had computers and books to entertain the kids while we waited and waited in an information vacuum for something to happen. Needless to say, I never made it to the Elementary for my afternoon classes.

However, the lockdown was ended just in time for my after school meeting which we moved to the Elementary since the Elementary members of the committee were reluctant to come to the high school building. When I finished that meeting I came home and had about an hour before my annual townhouse association meeting which lasted until 9:30.

Thursday and Friday were blessedly normal and this weekend is giving me a chance to finally find some reading time.

Read Last Week

Purr M for Murder by T. C. LoTempio was a nice cozy mystery with touches of humor, the beginnings of a rekindled romance, and lots and lots of cats. The book will be released on March 14 and my review will be posted on March 11.

Currently

I am currently reading Signature Wounds by Kirk Russell which is a thriller I chose from Kindle First. It will be released on March 1.

Next Week

I'm reading review books next week (except I probably won't be able to resist the new In Death book by J. D. Robb when it hits my Kindle on Tuesday.)

• Break Me by Tiffany Snow (March 14)
• The Cutaway by Christina Kovac (March 21)
• A Twist of the Knife by Becky Masterman (March 21)

Reviews Posted

• A Darkness Absolute by Kelley Armstrong
• Beauty and the Wiener by Casey Griffin

Want to See What I Added to My Stack Last Week?

All Kindle books this week!

• The Bloodline Feud by Charles Stross was the free book from Tor this month.
• Signature Wounds by Kirk Russell was my pick from Kindle First.

• Echo of Danger by Marta Perry was a book that caught my eye when I was looking at NetGalley for my auto-approvals.
• Doc by Mary Doria Russell was a Kindle daily deal that I have been wanting to read.

To see what Young Adult books I have been reading and plan to read, check out Ms. Martin Teaches Media - my other blog.

ARC Review: Beauty and the Wiener by Casey Griffith

Beauty and the Wiener
Author: Casey Griffith
Series: A Rescue Dog Romance (Book 2)
Publication: St. Martin's Paperbacks (February 7, 2017)

Description: A TAIL AS OLD AS TIME...

Addison Turner has scripted a perfect future for herself, complete with a fairytale ending. She will become the name in doggie fashion design and live happily ever after with the husband of her dreams--and her dachshund, Princess, by her side. Just when her plan is on track and she's gaining recognition at the local dog show, Addison is hit with some Oscar-worthy drama. A group of prize-winning show dogs are stolen from under her nose, and she's stuck asking for help from Felix Vaughn, an infuriatingly hot bartender who is the exact opposite of Prince Charming.

When more dogs go missing--and Felix becomes a suspect--the two team up to clear their names. Although Felix and Addison fight like cats and dogs, there's an undeniable spark between them. And as the trail to the missing dogs heats up, so does their red-hot chemistry. Can Addison be persuaded to throw away her script to find an ending that just might be better than she ever expected?

My Thoughts: Addison Turner is a dog groomer, though she prefers "dog stylist," who is trying to launch her fashion line for dogs. She is also looking for Mr. Perfect. She wants someone like the heroes of the Disney movies she watched as a child.

At an exclusive event for show dog owners, she sets her sights on Philip Montgomery III who looks great in his tux and with his trust fund. She doesn't want to fall for scruffy bartender Felix Vaughn. When the show dogs she was preparing for their fashion review disappear, she finds herself in danger of losing her livelihood. Who'd trust their dog to a groomer who loses their prized pets?

When more pets disappear at another event leaving Felix with the blame this time, Addison and Felix team up to find the missing pets and save their jobs. The chemistry between Addison and Felix is combustive even with Addison trying to find reasons not to like Felix. She jumps to lots of conclusions about him and there are the usual romantic misunderstandings.

The two have quite a number of suspects among the elite members of San Francisco's show dog community and they learn all sorts of things as they investigate. This book had quite a bit of humor mostly at Addison's expense. She doesn't always pick the most appropriate clothing for her sleuthing. The whole idea of fashion for dogs also struck me as funny. I found the relationships between dog owners and their dogs to be spot on.

Fans of mysteries, dogs, and romances will enjoy this story.

Favorite Quote:

But the stories in her head always went so much better than real life. They were places where anything could happen. She could have any life she wanted. It could be perfect. 

I got this one in exchange for an honest review from St. Martin's Paperbacks via NetGalley.  You can buy your copy here.