by Julie Kagawa.
The final book (well for this series anyway). Let me first say - that I did like the ending of Iron Queen, for a trilogy it had kind of an epic ending - very Fae - perfect you could say. However due to pressure from her editors because people really like Happily Ever After endings she went on to write this essentially epilogue from Ash's point of view.
This book did more than just complete the story though, it really resolved a lot between Puck and Ash and gave a lot of the history that is between them. All the characters really grew and it was a nice adventure with a good group of Fae. Parts were sad, parts were nerve wracking but because I can't handle suspense I made sure and read the spoilers so I'd know how it turned out - I HATE suspense, especially if I'm reading at night, I won't stop reading otherwise and then I'm up half the night.
So instead I got 3 good nights/mornings of reading in and finished up this wonderful series. I'm so glad I read this series, I loved the worlds and the characters and I thought the author did a wonderful job with a unique (yet not new) world of the Fae. She didn't sugar coat anything and I thought it wonderfully done. I would definitely recommend this series and hopefully I haven't given too much away about it so that it's still enjoyable.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Summer Crossing (Iron Fae book 5)
by Julie Kagawa.
This is a short one - from Puck's point of view! Puck and Ash are together again, on a short adventure into Arcadia. It was neat seeing Puck's point of view and some of just Puck and Ash together - since they have such a long history. It's a good setup for the final book from Ash's point of view too.
This is a short one - from Puck's point of view! Puck and Ash are together again, on a short adventure into Arcadia. It was neat seeing Puck's point of view and some of just Puck and Ash together - since they have such a long history. It's a good setup for the final book from Ash's point of view too.
Iron Queen (Iron Fae book 4)
by Julie Kagawa.
The conclusion of the original trilogy. Meghan and Ash are together at last in the mortal world but it seems they can not live on contentedly and see where life takes them. The Iron Fae are still trying to take over the never never and Meghan is the only one that could 'fight' them with her peculiar Iron magic.
This one was fantastic as well. Meghan finally becomes a bit stronger, learning to fight and becoming much more decisive and confident. There were some tragic, sad parts of the book but the journey all made sense and seemed necessary. If this was really the end I'd be very very sad about that, while the ending was almost epic, it wasn't ideal and I'm hoping the last book (after the short story) makes things a bit 'happier' - we shall see - she has some options here. Either way, Meghan's story is really done now and we get to see Ash continue on with Puck so I'm looking forward to that!
The conclusion of the original trilogy. Meghan and Ash are together at last in the mortal world but it seems they can not live on contentedly and see where life takes them. The Iron Fae are still trying to take over the never never and Meghan is the only one that could 'fight' them with her peculiar Iron magic.
This one was fantastic as well. Meghan finally becomes a bit stronger, learning to fight and becoming much more decisive and confident. There were some tragic, sad parts of the book but the journey all made sense and seemed necessary. If this was really the end I'd be very very sad about that, while the ending was almost epic, it wasn't ideal and I'm hoping the last book (after the short story) makes things a bit 'happier' - we shall see - she has some options here. Either way, Meghan's story is really done now and we get to see Ash continue on with Puck so I'm looking forward to that!
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Blood Born (Vampire book 1)
by Linda Howard and Linda Winstead Jones.
This is the start of a new series, so far only the first book is out. I have mixed feelings on this one, now that it's finished I can say I REALLY liked it a lot and I can't wait for a second! However the first half was very slow with a lot of new stuff to 'learn'. I wasn't sure at the time if I was going to like it or not.
Another problem was that the first few chapters were from the perspective of different characters - who then died in that chapter. So it took a while to get to the main characters (there was a reason for all of that but it was confusing at first).
This is yet another Vampire story with a few small twists and some interesting concepts. In the end I really loved the characters and the story and the second half was quite gripping.
This is the start of a new series, so far only the first book is out. I have mixed feelings on this one, now that it's finished I can say I REALLY liked it a lot and I can't wait for a second! However the first half was very slow with a lot of new stuff to 'learn'. I wasn't sure at the time if I was going to like it or not.
Another problem was that the first few chapters were from the perspective of different characters - who then died in that chapter. So it took a while to get to the main characters (there was a reason for all of that but it was confusing at first).
This is yet another Vampire story with a few small twists and some interesting concepts. In the end I really loved the characters and the story and the second half was quite gripping.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Iron Daughter (Iron Fae book 3)
by Julie Kagawa.
I really loved this one in the series. Lots of questions were resolved. While the beginning was kind of slow and I didn't see where it was all going it soon picked up and adventure ensued.
It starts with Meghan at the winter court dealing with her feelings for prince Ash who won't acknowledge her (you are beating your head against the wall because he warned her that he couldn't acknowledge his feelings for her but of course she starts doubting them etc. - teenage angst).
Then an event occurs that throws the Unseelie Court against the Seelie Court (they are always looking for a reason) and Meghan must intervene with the help of her friends again to save the Fae world as they know it from the Iron Fae (again). She learns some new tricks and becomes a bit braver I thought which made this book very interesting.
We also meet a bunch of new characters (although some don't last long) including the self proclaimed queen of the mis-fits who was exhiled by Queen Titania. I personally love the historical fairy references myself :)
I really loved how this one wrapped up and was quite content but I know the story continues and the battle with the Iron Fae is not over yet.
I really loved this one in the series. Lots of questions were resolved. While the beginning was kind of slow and I didn't see where it was all going it soon picked up and adventure ensued.
It starts with Meghan at the winter court dealing with her feelings for prince Ash who won't acknowledge her (you are beating your head against the wall because he warned her that he couldn't acknowledge his feelings for her but of course she starts doubting them etc. - teenage angst).
Then an event occurs that throws the Unseelie Court against the Seelie Court (they are always looking for a reason) and Meghan must intervene with the help of her friends again to save the Fae world as they know it from the Iron Fae (again). She learns some new tricks and becomes a bit braver I thought which made this book very interesting.
We also meet a bunch of new characters (although some don't last long) including the self proclaimed queen of the mis-fits who was exhiled by Queen Titania. I personally love the historical fairy references myself :)
I really loved how this one wrapped up and was quite content but I know the story continues and the battle with the Iron Fae is not over yet.
Winter Crossing (Iron Fae book 2 - short)
by Julie Kagawa.
This book follows immediately from book 1, Meghan's adventure is over and she must keep a promise she made (a deal) from the first book. A short adventure awaits on her journey to the Unseelie Queen's court (Queen Mab) with Queen Mab's youngest son Prince Ash.
Short but satisfying, it definitely set up the 'second' book in the trilogy well.
This book follows immediately from book 1, Meghan's adventure is over and she must keep a promise she made (a deal) from the first book. A short adventure awaits on her journey to the Unseelie Queen's court (Queen Mab) with Queen Mab's youngest son Prince Ash.
Short but satisfying, it definitely set up the 'second' book in the trilogy well.
Iron King (Iron Fae book 1)
by Julie Kagawa
Hmm... not sure how I skipped writing about this one back when I read it. This is a young adult series, mostly a trilogy but it has 2 shorts and then an epilogue/follow on from another character's point of view.
I think I may have gotten the first book free or something and really loved it right away. Meghan Chase is turning 16 and finds out that she's 1/2 faerie and that her biological father is King Oberon of the Seelie Court and her best friend Robbie is actually Robin Goodfellow or Puck from Shakespeare's Midsummer's Night's Dream. Her little brother (1/2 brother) is kidnapped by the fairies and Meghan goes in the Nevernever to get him back.
What she finds is a world we expect with a new twist. First we have the Seelie (Summer) Court and the Unseelie (Winter) Court that share power but don't really get along. However due to human's lack of belief in the 'other' these courts aren't as strong as they once were and a new Fae has cropped up called the Iron Fae, born out of progress. Since regular Fae can't be around Iron this is a neat twist. Since Meghan is a half breed she doesn't have an Iron weakness.
The book is full of adventure, a little youthful romance and some very gruesome scenes (Fae are vicious). I loved it, I loved all the characters that Meghan runs into and the world in general that the author depicts. Very well done, it really captured my attention!
Hmm... not sure how I skipped writing about this one back when I read it. This is a young adult series, mostly a trilogy but it has 2 shorts and then an epilogue/follow on from another character's point of view.
I think I may have gotten the first book free or something and really loved it right away. Meghan Chase is turning 16 and finds out that she's 1/2 faerie and that her biological father is King Oberon of the Seelie Court and her best friend Robbie is actually Robin Goodfellow or Puck from Shakespeare's Midsummer's Night's Dream. Her little brother (1/2 brother) is kidnapped by the fairies and Meghan goes in the Nevernever to get him back.
What she finds is a world we expect with a new twist. First we have the Seelie (Summer) Court and the Unseelie (Winter) Court that share power but don't really get along. However due to human's lack of belief in the 'other' these courts aren't as strong as they once were and a new Fae has cropped up called the Iron Fae, born out of progress. Since regular Fae can't be around Iron this is a neat twist. Since Meghan is a half breed she doesn't have an Iron weakness.
The book is full of adventure, a little youthful romance and some very gruesome scenes (Fae are vicious). I loved it, I loved all the characters that Meghan runs into and the world in general that the author depicts. Very well done, it really captured my attention!
Friday, February 10, 2012
Maid of Fairborne Hall
by Julie Klassen.
A MUST READ. I love Julie Klassen books and this one did not disappoint!!! With a wonderful perspective from a servant's life it was filled with people and relationships and a little mystery. I loved the characters and I loved how the story moved along. I loved seeing the main character evolve as a person into a wonderful woman.
I can't recommend this one enough - seriously!
A MUST READ. I love Julie Klassen books and this one did not disappoint!!! With a wonderful perspective from a servant's life it was filled with people and relationships and a little mystery. I loved the characters and I loved how the story moved along. I loved seeing the main character evolve as a person into a wonderful woman.
I can't recommend this one enough - seriously!
Death Comes to Pemberly
by P.D. James.
Another Christmas gift via Kindle. I actually didn't love this one. While parts of it were interesting and the mystery was great (as was the basic story). I felt the author tried too hard to make it jive with Pride & Prejudice. Some references were fine, others were too 'explained' for someone who has read P&P even once I'd think (although I've read it many times). I also felt that the author tried to have the characters do and say things that resembled what they did in P&P and it felt forced to me.
I am glad I read it and would recommend it if you love P&P and want to see a little mystery with a lot of Mr. Darcy but it wasn't a favorite.
Another Christmas gift via Kindle. I actually didn't love this one. While parts of it were interesting and the mystery was great (as was the basic story). I felt the author tried too hard to make it jive with Pride & Prejudice. Some references were fine, others were too 'explained' for someone who has read P&P even once I'd think (although I've read it many times). I also felt that the author tried to have the characters do and say things that resembled what they did in P&P and it felt forced to me.
I am glad I read it and would recommend it if you love P&P and want to see a little mystery with a lot of Mr. Darcy but it wasn't a favorite.
Sing You Home
by Jodi Piccoult.
What a horrible book to read when you're pregnant, at least the beginning. I don't want to give much away but the beginning is HARD to read. The basic premise of the book deals with infertility, and then later religion and alternative lifestyles (lesbian).
Honestly, parts of the book were hard to listen to, I think the author did an amazing job being as objective as she could but it's hard for me to listen to someone's point of view that is so closed minded. The religious parts were not bad, it's the hatred that underlies it that were hard for me to stomach.
In general though the book was great as usual and while I think the ending was kind of 'convenient', it was heart warming. While not a surprise, the characters acted more quickly than i would have thought based on the rest of the book so it didn't seem too realistic to me.
All in all I'm very glad I read it, even with the beginning being hard to get through. I really liked the song tracks at the start of each chapter and the very first song is SO touching as it's sung to her unborn child and brings tears to my eyes whenever I listen to it now!
What a horrible book to read when you're pregnant, at least the beginning. I don't want to give much away but the beginning is HARD to read. The basic premise of the book deals with infertility, and then later religion and alternative lifestyles (lesbian).
Honestly, parts of the book were hard to listen to, I think the author did an amazing job being as objective as she could but it's hard for me to listen to someone's point of view that is so closed minded. The religious parts were not bad, it's the hatred that underlies it that were hard for me to stomach.
In general though the book was great as usual and while I think the ending was kind of 'convenient', it was heart warming. While not a surprise, the characters acted more quickly than i would have thought based on the rest of the book so it didn't seem too realistic to me.
All in all I'm very glad I read it, even with the beginning being hard to get through. I really liked the song tracks at the start of each chapter and the very first song is SO touching as it's sung to her unborn child and brings tears to my eyes whenever I listen to it now!
A Weekend with Mr. Darcy
by Victoria Connelly.
Another Christmas gift in kindle book form, this one was touching. Taking place in england, with a weekend away for some Janeites (Jane Austen fans). The main story revolves around 2 women and their relationships. The main romance is tough to stomach sometimes due to the deceit of the hero who is keeping a large secret.
The other story line was a little more fun, even though the woman had a long standing relationship that she had intended to end, so it wasn't without it's complications. All in all I really enjoyed the book and it went quickly.
Another Christmas gift in kindle book form, this one was touching. Taking place in england, with a weekend away for some Janeites (Jane Austen fans). The main story revolves around 2 women and their relationships. The main romance is tough to stomach sometimes due to the deceit of the hero who is keeping a large secret.
The other story line was a little more fun, even though the woman had a long standing relationship that she had intended to end, so it wasn't without it's complications. All in all I really enjoyed the book and it went quickly.
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