Showing posts with label author: rachel caine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label author: rachel caine. Show all posts
January 24, 2017
My Big Fat Supernatural Honeymoon
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Otherworld Stories 7.3: Stalked by Kelley Armstrong
This is Elena and Clay's honeymoon, taking place after the twins are born and Clay has his arm injured. McKay comes back with a friend who's interested in Elena. Perhaps they thought one for each of them leveled the playing field. Apparently not as McKay will be in the river indefinitely and Cain only escaped Elena by almost drowning himself. As Clay summarized himself: situation normal.
The Dresden Files 9.6: Heorot by Jim Butcher
Having seen the TV series back in college, the books have been on my to-read list for awhile now. Harry comes off as rather dry in his wit though just as amusing still. Gard is another interesting character, though truthfully I find the intelligence attributed to his animals (mainly Mouse this time) rather entertaining. Who needs a valkyrie when you have a giant dog riding to the rescue?
Roman Holiday, or SPQ-Arrrrrr by Rachel Caine
Well this duo manages all sorts if trouble in just the day of and after their wedding. A bit reminiscent of Pirates of the Caribbean, just with more emphasis on the romance than the curses.
Vampire Files 0.5: Her Mother's Daughter by P.N. Elrod
It sounds as if this is part of Elrod's Vampire Files as they feature Jack, our vampire detective charged with finding the groom a mere hour after his wedding. Some emphasis on mob brutality, meaning the goon got away lucky that he even escaped death at all. Jack is very adept at picking up nuances, even without any apparent vampire talents.
Black London 1.5: Newlydeads by Caitlin Kittredge
It has been a long time since I read the Black London series. I remember thinking the set up was interesting, but really struggling with how they talk and the general tones of the descriptions. That was still true here. It feels almost like it tries too hard to have a British feel, and that makes it overwhelmingly uncomfortable.
Dirk & Steele 6.5: Where the Heart Lives by Majorie M Liu
This was a fun piece with a bit of mythical leaning. Lucy doesn't seem to be entirely normal either, which helps her fit right in with this unusual family. A far better place for her than her original home anyways. I have not yet read anything else from this series. If it reads as this short did, I would likely enjoy it. May be something for me to look into.
Dark Ones 5.5: Cat Got Your Tongue? by Katie MacAlister
I wouldn't call any honeymoon with ghosts normal, let alone when the ghost is looking for a vampire and wants to curse another ghost which ends up with the human helper cursed instead. There seems to be some odd triangle with Robert, Joy, and Christopher as well, which I can only assume plays out in the main series from the brief references. Not my favorite, but an enjoyable piece that has the potential to interest me in the series later on.
Half of Being Married by Lilith Saintcrow
I've heard of Saintcrow's books before, but never read any. This short didn't make me feel like I've been missing anything. The sunrunners seem interesting, but the rest sounds like an overly convoluted mess trying to relabel things that have been well known in this type of fiction for a long time. That doesn't even start with this couples very strange and disjointed relationship. It just doesn't feel like it works.
A Wulf in Groom's Clothing by Ronda Thompson
This was an amusing read but also slightly aggravating. There are poems referenced about this curse, but never actually read or recited completely for readers. On top of this, there are a lot of assumptions made. Laura may or may not now be a werewolf instead of Sam. It's still unknown why the curse suddenly changed forms either, let alone if they actually will end up passing it on to any potential children. This is written in an entertaining and engaging tone that would make for a fun full story following these characters beyond just their honeymoon.
View all my reviews
February 18, 2014
Morganville Vampires 15: Daylighters
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
For some reason, it did not connect to me until the end of the book with the author's track and notes that this is the end of the series. Don't get me wrong, it's a good place to end it. It's just been one roller coaster after the next that I guess with the Daylighters peaking in their takeover plans, I didn't think it would be put to rest that quickly. Sad about Morely though; he grew on me. Michael's change seems a little too convenient, as did Shane's brief foray into being a sort of werewolf, though it is a nice way to wrap things up with the double wedding. Lady Grey certainly helps to curtail things with Myrnin, who is definitely as insane as ever. His insanity ended up being a great boon this time around with the shock collars though. Parts of it felt like they dragged while others felt too rushed. Overall the ending dove tailed everything nicely and it was a good way to complete the series.
View all my reviews
January 3, 2014
Morganville Vampires 2.6: Grudge
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was an interesting short story that goes into details regarding Shane's childhood and his sister's untimely death. There have been many short glimpses in the main series later on, but nothing as detailed and descriptive of the events or the sibling's relationship as this piece is. Really sort of drives home and makes sense why Shane is so prejudiced when it comes to the Morrells.
View all my reviews
May 29, 2013
Morganville Vampires 14: Fall of Night
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
I still like Claire and Shane together, but there is a whole slew of stupid actions in this one that just don't fit the characters. Not sure they really could have stepped deeper in trouble if they tried. That is not helped by the fact that the very group they were trying to escape has apparently taken over their hometown. That will be a good lead for interesting twists in the next book. Hope more doesn't come of Claire's VLAD, but it's likely inevitable given that Anderson is still alive and well and knows the plans for it. Not looking good for Michael and Myrnin, if not any of the other vampires.
View all my reviews
April 2, 2013
Morganville Vampires 13: Bitter Blood
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Myrnin is as eccentric as ever and it once again falls to Claire to figure things out and save the day. Both Michael and Shane manage to screw up royally, though for completely different reasons. To be fair, Michael had a lot less control over his situation. Somewhat surprised that Claire is now insisting on leaving after all her earlier reasons why she shouldn't leave. Even more interesting that Shane is going with her. Michael and Eve, along with the rest of Claire's family, will still be in Morganville however, and she'll likely still end up working with Myrnin the way things are going. Still, between going to MIT and getting Morganville back online, it could be an amusing split between roles and stories in the future.
View all my reviews
June 10, 2012
Morganville Vampires 12: Black Dawn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Parts of this seem anti-climatic while there is still plenty of trouble brewing in Morganville. Previously I liked the contrast between Amelie and Oliver. They're looking to be very much on the same page at the end of this book, and more in Oliver's court on that page than Amelie's - don't get the feeling that's a good thing for our Glass House gang. Sort of disappointing that Eve goes to all that trouble to stop Jason from becoming a vampire, yet he's changed anyways at the end. Of course there's also the fact that Magnus saved Naomi and no one seems to be aware of that just yet. At least Michael and Eve finally got their wedding. Not much else seems to be working out for them. Curious what will happen between Shane and Claire though - they've gone through a lot more than usual in the last few books. Will have to see what all the changes are in the next book.
View all my reviews
June 9, 2012
Morganville Vampires 11: Last Breath
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Not entirely what was expected by the title, yet still fitting. Good that there is another one in the series already as the ending for this one leaves more than a few things hanging in the air. The title felt as if it may have been more fitting if another of the quartet was turned into a vampire or if this had been the end of the series, but still throws you a curve ball with Claire's murder. Lucky for them the Glass House isn't all that it appears to be, though Hiram was more than a little creepy. Myrnin was especially enjoyable and a lot more sane in this book than in it's predecessors. Too many cliff hangers to really feel like this book "ended" though it couldn't have gone on long enough to wrap up all the loose ends without being twice as thick as any other volume in the series. Michael is definitely in the dog house, and Shane is clinging to Claire more than ever. Of course none of this would fit without Morganville falling to pieces around them. The idea of Oliver in charge is more than a little frightening, so really hoping Amelie ends up being okay - either that or that Oliver ends up being a pleasant surprise. Not holding my breath on that one.
View all my reviews
June 7, 2012
Morganville Vampires 10: Bite Club
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This was a hard one to read with Shane pretty much being controlled and manipulated by Glory. It was interesting to get inside his head a bit with the whole thought process thing, but would have been more engaging I think if it wasn't just rinsed and repeated brain washing. Claire is still the focal point of the story though, so you know the series would have ended if she'd left for MIT, or been drastically changed. Had to stay for Shane at least after all that trouble.
View all my reviews
Morganville Vampires 9: Ghost Town
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Really thought they might lose this one what with everyone's memories going wacky. Have a very bad feeling about Myrnin's latest project at the end of the book. Don't think he understood situations like what happened here are precisely why Amelie is having Clare take over town security. A relief to have Shane and the housemates back in order though - not a good scenario for any of them.
View all my reviews
February 6, 2012
Weather Warden 9: Total Eclipse
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
While predictable in some areas, this was overall a well rounded conclusion to the story tying up several loose ends. David will still have to deal with Jo's eventual death as she remains human, but they now have both their human son and Oracle daughter to keep on both sides of the spectrum. Can't say I miss Ashan - he was a pain who needed to go awhile back. Venna is still interesting; kind of wish she'd been the Old Djinn conduit from the start, but that likely would have negated the need for a lot of the series. Lewis replacing Jonathan was a possibility but honestly wasn't looking as likely as imminent demise until the end there. Nice twist to keep him around. Overall, ended nicely.
View all my reviews
Weather Warden 8: Cape Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Jo goes through an even harder patch in this book as Big Bob is after her and David, she's losing control and it doesn't look like anyone can save her. Actually it's up to her best friends and new husband to possibly kill her. Glad that seems to have been avoided, yet now they have new problems with Jo and David appearing to be normal humans. Did someone else grab their powers or is there hope to restore them to the lives they know?
View all my reviews
February 5, 2012
Weather Warden 7: Gale Force
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I remember having a hard time getting into this series at the start, but picking it back up again proved it easy to breeze through this installment. David and Jo are determined to get married. Meanwhile the personal and world-wide danger increases yet again as the Djinn are targeted by an old foe who turns out to not be as dead as expected. This couple has had a very confusing and convoluted ride from the start. Looks like the roller coaster isn't over yet.
View all my reviews
January 22, 2012
Morganville Vampires 4: Feast of Fools
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This series seems to be getting better the further it goes, which is good. Claire especially seems to have grown and changed a lot in the last couple of books. Not sure what I think about Jason coming back in the picture again. Can't say Morley was much of a surprise, though their Texas adventure was definitely far more than what I originally suspected. Amelie's call at the end, while disappointing, was also expected. Nice to leave it off with a sweet Shane/Clair moment though rather than everyone's angst over yet more problems they can't do anything about.
View all my reviews
June 19, 2011
Morganville Vampires 3: Midnight Alley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Life really went crazy on me, making it seem like it took forever to get through this book. Once I actually had some uninterrupted time to focus on it though, I flew through it. Very glad to see some real development with Claire and Shane. Also happy with Myrnin's developments. Interested to see if they do or say anything more with Bishop now that he is infected. Installing a new equality system will keep things up in the air and interesting for awhile if nothing else. Looking forward to the next set.
View all my reviews
March 16, 2011
Weather Warden 6: Thin Air
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Not as good as the last book for the series, but still alright. The amnesia got old real fast, as well as the handy ability to now steal other people's memories since she was missing her own. Was glad that Imara wasn't just wiped off as a clean slate. Can't say that Ashan and David splitting the djinn wasn't obvious for awhile now. This one seemed to drag out a bit more to get to where it was going. Hopefully the interest with the djinn, wardens and ma'at all working together for the first time ever will make the next one pick up the pace a bit.
View all my reviews
March 14, 2011
Weather Warden 5: Firestorm
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Once again it's up to Jo to save the world from pending doom. Only this time, the wardens are dying and they can't rely on any of the djinn to help them, except for her own daughter. Despite all the warnings and attacks, Jo and David constantly continue to take the same risks time and time again. There's also more Jo/Lewis action, and definitely some jealousy on David's end. The interaction between Jo and Imara is also a nice change of pace. The oracle hunt is a little aggravating however. Jo is protected by the mother and everyone seems to know they want to speak to each other, yet she has to get turned away twice by the oracles before one will listen to her? That doesn't add up and makes for a little bit of unnecessary circling in the story line. Now that she has talked to the mother, battled more demon marks, Ashan is human while David and Imara may both be dead, and Jo has no memory of who she is anymore, what happens? There is no end to the craziness in this series.
View all my reviews
March 13, 2011
Weather Warden 4: Windfall
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Once again, Jo just can't get a break. A crappy morning weather girl gig, once again being on the target list from all three fronts (djinn, warden and human), her baby being stolen before she's even really born, her sister showing up divorced on her front porch, her boyfriend dying while dragging her down with him, and her ex-one-night-stand/best friend kissing her in the middle of all this to boot. This one had enough twists and turns in it that I sometimes wondered exactly which part was supposed to be the main plot.
Glad David is a live, though not so glad that the djinn all now seem to be solely under mother earth's control and about to wage war on the rest of the overall population. It was definitely a plus for Imara to turn up at the end of the book, free of any compulsion and willingly tagging after her mother. Hopefully we'll get some news on Jo's power situation and maybe some interaction between her and Imara. That's got to be an interesting conversation in the works.
View all my reviews
Weather Warden 3: Chill Factor
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This girl just can't catch a break. The Wardens seriously need a reality check, especially Paul. I alternately want to cheer for or punch Lewis. Very please with how Marion turned out in this one. David is yet again up in the air. Glad to see Rahel back in one piece. Now to see what happens with Jonathan and Imara. Seems Imara especially will be a deciding factor in a lot of things, especially since she has to be born of death and isn't technically supposed to be possible as far as prior knowledge about the djinn implied. Then again, they seem to have it all wrong as far as what the djinn are or are not and what they can do.
View all my reviews
March 10, 2011
Weather Warden 2: Heat Stroke
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Much better than the first book. I'm actually somewhat glad Yvette met a horrible end. Kevin on the other hand is just creepy. More tension with Lewis and David, oh goody. Not to mention David vs. Jonathan coming up. Not sure what I think about the human to djinn to human changes. Do find it somewhat amusing that she's back as a human with the curly hair she kept arguing with as a djinn instead of the straight hair she originally had as human. Hey, there's got to be something funny when she keeps racing off to save the world. No wonder she keeps dying. Impossible situations + no plan = disaster waiting to happen.
View all my reviews
March 6, 2011
Weather Warden 1: Ill Wind
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Initially had a very hard time getting in to this book. It drops you right in the middle of what's happening from the get-go and takes awhile to explain so it all makes sense. Once things start adding up and David enters the picture, the action gets going and the storyline is fun. With the way this one ended, I'm curious to see what happens in the next one.
View all my reviews
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)