The Dark Highlander Book Review

Based on my past posts regarding reading material, you may have inferred I have a thing for vampires / anything paranormal. You would have inferred correctly. I'm about to let you in on my darkest of secrets: my love of vampire / anything paranormal books is nothing when compared with my love of highlander books.

What trumps a highlander book? A paranormal highlander book.

With that out of the way, I would like to suggest you give Karen Marie Moning's Highlander series a read, especially one of my favorites: The Dark Highlander. It isn't the first book in the series (its the fifth), but it is the first Karen Marie Moning book I read, thus I am qualified to say it was a great introduction to the series and it made me want to read more of the related books in both directions.

A series-related warning from your friendly neighborhood book nerd:

If you want to read in chronological order, feel free to start with Beyond the Highland Mist, or maybe Kiss of the Highlander. If you have the urge, try not to read The Immortal Highlander until you have at least read one or two of the earlier books (ex. this one) so you really have a feel for the world - it's worth the wait.

Anyway, why should you want to read this book:

As you may have inferred from the title, Daegus MacKelter is a dark and brooding highlander who has used his Druid powers and a set of standing stones to travel through time to protect his brother who had been spelled into a sleep spanning over five thousand years.

The use of the standing stones may have protected his brother, but it caused Daegus to become possessed by the spirits of thirteen evil druids imprisoned in the circle. Through the search for (and theft of) ancient texts that may possibly free him from the evil spirits and the inevitable madness as a by-product of their possession, Daegus meets Chloe Zanders, an antiquities dealer.

How do they meet? Daegus finds Chloe under his bed, snooping out the antique texts he stole. What is his solution? Kidnap her, of course. Or rather, not allow her to leave until he can find the answers he needs (without her reporting him to the authorities). The upside: Chloe offers a second set of educated eyes as well as a few extra tricks she has up her sleeves to help him find how to break the curse before the madness overtakes him and he becomes The Dark Highlander.

This book has it all: Laughter. Adventure. Mystery. Steamy moments. Shirtless Highlanders. In fact, I would consider this a keeper / reread book. Let's all take a moment to enjoy the cover art.

Are there any Karen Marie Moning fans in the crowd?

Free Comic Book Day!

Quote of the day:

"Nobody who has not spent a whole sunny afternoon under his bed rereading a pile of comics left over from the previous holidays has any real idea of the meaning of intellectual freedom."

- Peter M. Dickinson

Tomorrow is Free Comic Book Day, where participating comic book stores all over North America and around the world hand out free comic books (or sell them for a low, low price - this often involves proceeds going to charity).

Take your kids. Take your selves.

Click here to find a Comic Book Store near you. If you do attend, I'd love to hear back from you about what the lines were like. There is one I have my eye on. Hint: Cassandra Clare (The Stuff of Legend).

Rules of Attraction Book Review

I blame Simone. Its 100% her fault. What can I say? She writes a great book. That's right, folks. I went out and bought Rules of Attraction. In hard cover. And read it in 1.5 evenings. Just look at the cover. Doesn't it make you want to cry? Beautiful.

Rules of Attraction is book #2 (of 2 but another is coming next year) in Simone Elkeles' Perfect Chemistry book series. Carlos Fuentes is sent by his mother to live with his brother Alex. Kiara Whitford is a friend of Alex's and volunteers to be Carlos' peer guide to help him adjust to his first week in a new school. Kiara and Carlos find they have clashing personalities, but not so bad that they keep their distance. Rather, they spend time together and when they aren't, they are playing tricks on one another (funny locker pranks, etc).

Trouble at school = Carlos facing two options: serious punishment or moving in with the the school principal (Kiara's father) and his family and attending an after-school program. Guess what happens? (Hint: smooching). As the story moves on, we find the trouble at school was more than another prank. Carlos must decide what is truly important to him and what he is willing to go through to have it.

Rules of Attraction has the same chapter-to-chapter switching of viewpoint between Kiara and Carlos that is seen in Perfect Chemistry. It also has the same raw dialogue that makes you feel like you are eavesdropping on someone else's life and characters you want to hug / shake some sense into. I also love Kiara. She is such a cool character with her interest in cars and hiking and is a totally awesome friend to anyone who can get past her stuttering.

After some digging on the internet (well, actually the first hit on a google search), it turns out Ms Elkeles has written four other YA novels unrelated to the series. However, I plan to distance myself from them for a while, otherwise there will be a reenactment of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants Fiasco, where I gobbled all the books at once then wrote all over my jeans and wandered the house aimlessly when I realized there was nothing left to read. Besides, I have a garden to plant. Laundry to fold - One of these days, the book store is not going to allow me and my mismatched clothing in.

I can't explain how much I liked this book without the hand gestures, flailing arms and shrill voice a personal encounter will allow. Instead, I leave you with the book trailer.

Perfect Chemistry Book Review

If you are a reader of YA, I would like to recommend you read Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles.

Brittany Ellis, captain of the pom squad and all-around perfect person is paired with gang member Alex Fuentes in chemistry class. As they get to know one another, Alex finds Brittany's life is far from perfect and Brittany discovers Alex dreams of more than being in a gang.

Alex and Brittany begin to care for one another. They have chemistry. Dare I say - Perfect Chemistry? Even with their strong feelings, they barely fit in their own worlds. How can they find a way to fit in one another's?

One of the best parts of this book is it trades point of view from chapter to chapter (Ch 1 = Brittany, Ch 2 = Alex and so on). Both characters are so different from one another, yet believable.

The story also resulted in my husband and me driving all over town trying to find a copy of The Outsiders on DVD - not that it's a modern (as in post-Y2K) retelling. I'm just saying if S.E. Hinton and Simone Elkeles were to pass one another in the grocery store, they would high five. Twice - that high five where the arms swing around and immediately move into a low five.

Go on, give it a read. You know you want to ;)

The Summer Hideaway Book Review

The Summer Hideaway is my first Susan Wiggs book and I can see myself reading more in the future. She uses some beautiful metaphors and switches seamlessly between scenes in the present and stories from the past.

George Bellamy is terminally ill and wants to reconcile with his brother before he dies. He hires a private nurse, Claire Turner. The two of them travel to Camp Kioga, the place of George's boyhood and his brother's retirement.

George's grandson, Ross returns from duty in Afghanistan. At first he mistrusts Claire and her motives for being with his grandfather. As time moves on, he not only learns to trust but to care for her. The only thing is, Claire does have a big secret she isn't sharing. A secret that can harm not only her, but the people she cares for (it has in the past).

The Summer Hideaway is a story of first chances, second chances and learning whether pride is worth having to waiting for that second chance. Hang on to you heartstrings, because Ms Wiggs definitely knows how to pull them.

Where I would recommend reading this book:

In a nice patch of sun.

Are there any Susan Wiggs fans in the crowd that could recommend more of her books?

Halfway to the Grave Book Review

People who love to read paranormal: if you have not read it already, I would like to introduce you to Jeaniene Frost's Halfway to the Grave.

Take a tough, no-nonsense heroine with a taste for vengeance. Add a dark and moody hero with a (sexy, sexy, sexy) British accent. Sprinkle with high-action fight scenes and terrifying bad guys. Add a dash of interfering human law enforcement. Mix thoroughly.

Cat Crawfield is half-human, half-vampire (roll with it). Think of her as a regular person with the strength and abilities to take down a vampire - and the desire to take down every vampire until she finds her father (aka the man who raped her mother).

One night, Cat meets her match. A vampire bounty hunter named Bones. She tries to kill him, he takes her prisoner * insert battle royale here * she loses and as a result is commissioned to train with and work for him. The world he introduces her to is far different from her past life of indiscriminately taking down (weaker) vampires.

The story is fast-paced with a great plot, interesting characters and enough sexual tension to make a bad (or good) girl blush.

My final assessment:

ROWR

Soulless Book Review

Hang onto your bustles: Alexia Tarabotti's in town.

In Gail Carriger's Soulless, Alexia Tarabotti is a preturnatural. What's that, you say? A being whose touch can cancel out a vampire or werewolf, making them human so long as she maintains contact.

This book takes us back to an earlier time where all living beings, supernatural or otherwise, are held to the social mores of London society. A simpler time. Or so it would seem...

Despite appearances, not all are pleased with the status quo. What those eager for change are willing to do places Alexia right in the middle of trouble. Lucky for her (and us), Alexia is not the kind of woman to sit idle while others try to snack on her, etc. I don't know if she has a motto or not, but I have a suggestion:

When in doubt, bring a parasol.

How should this book be classified?

Well, you could put this book in a box, but it would have to be octopus-shaped. Is it a fantasy? Is it a romance? Is it a mystery? Is it a paranormal? Is it a historical? Is it steampunk? Is there tea? Is it hilarious?

Yes.

(ps-What's steampunk? Think Wild Wild West)

This story came to a satisfying end, but left enough dangling threads for me to need to read the next book in the series, Changeless (I should say want. I need to read it, but even if I didn't, I would still want to).

(ps#2-Looking for a good kissing scene? This book should come with a warning.)

Have you read the book already? If so, tell me what you thought about it.

Feeling up for some fun? Check out this online dress-up doll (click here). I don't envy her the layers at all.

In the mood for some book cover déjà vu? Check out this online store (click here). They even have a special parasol made in Alexia's honour (click here).

Succubus Blues Book Review

In Richelle Mead's Succubus Blues, Georgina Kincaid is a disillusioned Seattleite succubus. By night, she works for a demon, feeding off the life energy of mortal men. By day, she works in a book store and is an absolute fan of author Seth Mortensen.

The same day her favorite author is scheduled to visit the book store for a signing, Georgina engages in a (retrospectively) embarrassing conversation with a customer. It is not until much later that she realizes this shy and introverted man is Seth. They begin a tentative relationship but a number of things get in their way:

Thing 1

The addition of Roman, a dark and sexy man who is full of mystery and genuinely interested in Georgina - and has no difficulties showing it.

Thing 2

Even a kiss from Georgina will drain the life energy of either man.

Thing 3

Local paranormal beings are being killed - from the "good" (ex. angels) and the "bad" (ex. vampires) sides.

Thing 4

The killer is leaving notes for Georgina. Clues about who will be targeted next.

Thing 5

Did I mention both men are really, really sexy?

With an exciting plot, a good pace and well-rounded characters, this book was a delight to read. Somebody High Five Me!!!

The Gargoyle Book Review

There is a quote I adore:

"This is not a novel to be tossed aside lightly. It should be thrown with great force."

- Dorothy Parker

Based on the reviews I have read, some people have applied Dorothy Parker's quote to Andrew Davidson's The Gargoyle (not all people - most can't put it down). To anyone who has read this book half-way and stopped, I implore you: take a break from it for a while if you need, but come back to it and carry on to the end.

The Gargoyle is the story of a man who survives a car accident but does not emerge the same person - physically or mentally. Left in a hospital with no family, friends (or funds), he is taciturn and miserable to everyone around him. One day, Marianne Engel, a psych patient in the same hospital pays him a visit, claiming to have known him in past lives.

Marianne Engel tells him stories of the past - all love story variants - including the story of when the two of them had known one another. I found myself looking forward to them as well, for Davidson's writing is quite strong and if a character feels pain, the reader will feel it. My favorite - the story of the glass blower.

While reading this novel, I know I commented a few times that I wasn't even sure what was going on all the time and wondered why Marianne Engel's stories were better than the man's. Why didn't Andrew Davidson just write a book for each of the stories and leave out the man's? I warn you - the man's misery is quite upsetting (there are a lot of references AND parallels to Dante's inferno). Why do they always refer to Marianne Engel by her first and last names when the narrator has no name? You will probably have similar questions.

But Keep Reading.

Everything slowly begins to weave together, culminating into what was simultaneously the most beautiful final chapter and final paragraph I have ever read. This won't happen if you skip to the final chapter, though. You will have to suffer along with the narrator first. It is the sort of ending that needs to be earned.

It will take a fair amount of strength to re-read this novel, but I know one day I will. Even now, every time I walk past it on a book shelf, I have to resist the urge to pat it. Its that good.

Beyond Heaving Bosoms: The Smart Bitches Guide to Romance Novels Book Review

Close your eyes and - Wait! - for my friends who think you are funny, read this paragraph, THEN close your eyes and imagine you are trying to sleep.

It is late. You are tired but can't sleep because someone else is in bed with you and they have the lamp on. Not only do they have the lamp on but they are howling with laughter. When they aren't howling with laughter, they are snickering to themselves or nodding their head and saying things like, "That's totally true," and, "I can't believe I didn't notice the connection." To add insult to injury, they try to wake you to read passages out loud from the book they have grasped in their hands.

Did you do it?

Did you picture it?

Did you feel the exhaustion?

You now know how it felt to be my husband when I was reading Beyond Heaving Bosoms: The Smart Bitches Guide to Romance Novels by Sarah Wendell and Candy Tan.

From page 1, I found the book informative. I especially enjoyed how the authors brought to my attention swear words I had no idea existed. Words like bugf_ck and a$shat. (There is nothing like a little unexpected profanity to start the day off right.) - I'm such a prude. I want to be a bad girl and write the swear words but there are too many Lucy Maud Montgomery books in my past. Maybe I'll build up my courage one day and come back to edit in the actual letters .

They were close to teaching me about mom pants, and would have if I hadn't come across Uncle Walter weeks earlier (by googling the name 'Uncle Walter' - oh, the places google takes us).

This book has everything: an in-depth look at romance novel covers (they can predict what a book will be like by what is on the cover), good retorts for when someone wants to insult your reading habits, a choose-your-own adventure.

I felt it lagged a bit at the end, but this may have been due to general lack of sleep by this point. *Note* When I say it lagged a bit at the end, it lagged in relation to this book, not in relation to other books on writing or other books in general. Compared to some other books I have read, the end powered on like a steam engine.

I enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to anyone who:

• Reads romance novels.

• Writes romance novels.

• Reads any other type of novel.

• Writes any other type of novel.

• Has a sense of humor.

• Has a sense of wonder.

• Has a sense of smell.

• Does not mind the odd burst of profanity.

Bad Moon Rising Book Review

Sherrilyn Kenyon's Bad Moon Rising is the 26th book in the Dark-Hunter Series and if you ask me, it has been a long time coming. In the preceding novels, there are hints at their romantic relationship, but they are always furtive glances of Fang and Aimee. After putting us through the anticipation, Sherrilyn finally shares the story. It follows Aimee and Fang, how they came to be together and how they eventually find happiness with one another (I don't think this constitutes a Spoiler Alert - it is available in the Romance section of the book store).

For the most part, the Dark-Hunter books can be read as stand-alones. I do recommend keeping the reading order close to the written order, since each book takes you farther into their world and they all tie into one another. This, however, is one of the books I would suggest be kept to the written order. It connects scenes from various preceding books, showing a different viewpoint. If you read this first, you're going to find out about a whole lot of what goes down before you want to.

The want of a beer leads Fang to Sanctuary (a bar / sanctuary for paranormal beings) and general chivalrous manliness leads him to risk his life to save Aimee's (the waitress / daughter of the owner). Life goes from bad to disastrous for Fang when angry enemies (if you are an alpha male and save a girl's life, expect angry enemies) attack. People are killed, things are said, brothers are punished, Fang almost dies (and is rendered nearly dead. Mostly dead?). Aimee and Fang take turns saving one another (and being sexy) and there is a surprising scene near the end that had me crying inappropriately on a road trip. Plus there's a man hug.

I'm not going to say much more than that. Too much of a book report and you won't need to read it. What I will say is this:

I don't know what it is with Sherrilyn. Maybe its the mad skillz combination of Greek mythology, paranormal adventures and sexy men but there is always a scene or two in her Dark-Hunter books where I just want to shout, "SOMEBODY HIGH FIVE ME!!!!!" (if you've seen Shrek, use Donkey's inflection when reading this). This book is no exception.

It is not one of my favorite Dark-Hunter books, but I've always liked Fang and Aimee thus my Need To Read. Had it been my first, I probably would not have the same Kenyon Krush I have now. If you haven't read any of her books, read Fantasy Lover first (just reading the title makes me blush), then the Dark-Hunter novels, working your way up to this one. Its a quick read but it tied up some loose ends and made this reader happy.

This Just In!

Fangirl moment:

For anyone who likes Melissa Marr's books, Wicked Lovely will be available as a free ebook on Harper (I think for the next 2 weeks). If you haven't read any of her books but like YA and / or paranormal, I suggest you give her first book in the Wicked Lovely series a peek.

Parts 1 and 2 up her upcoming book, Stopping Time are also available for free download (limited time offer) - I just did. Gossip to follow.

*It takes a bit of work to download a reader program at first (instructions are on the right hand side of the page), but once you get set up, you're golden - just click the Download for Free button and type in the coupon code.

Her website lists other places where downloading is possible such as Amazon and B&N, but I'm a Canadian and they didn't work for me (downloads for US only). Amazon is also supposed to be listing Wicked Lovely for free but when I click on the link, it is listed as $2.99. If someone from the US checks it out, could you please let me know if it is working on your end of the world?

1000 Places to See Before You Die

This is one of my favorite books. 1000 Places to See Before You Die by Patricia Schultz. Because of its weight, it is what I like to think of as a coffee table book, rather than a travel guide book. As in, if I were to travel somewhere, I would not bring this book on the trip with me. I would leave it on my coffee table.

Whenever I go on an adventure, I enjoy looking in this book to see if there are any points of interest to visit. I jot any interesting points down (in a notebook) or circle the locations in the purse-sized travel guide I plan to bring along. When I return home from my adventures, I add any interesting bits of information I have accumulated to that particular entry and rank it (ex: 5/10, 10/10).

Now, lets be honest. Very few people will every see every place in this book, but it can still be fun to try (if you are one of the few, consider me jealous of you). If you happen to be in the area, it might be worth it to check out the recommended locations in these pages.

Here is where I turn this book into a game:

Whenever a family member goes on a trip, I make them consult this book (or do it for them). When they return home, I also have them review anywhere they have visited (everyone has their own ranking system - stars, some are out of 5 instead of 10 - it doesn't matter as long as it is understandable) and sign and date it. I may never see all of these places, but perhaps my family will over time.

I recommend you pick it up and give it a try. You may find you have already visited some of these spots. Perhaps even in your own home town.

A Calendar of Love

After I finished my M Sc last winter, I felt a sudden sense of freedom. I could read whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted. So I did.

About 2 weeks and 20 books later, I hit a wall. A wall of books. Suddenly, I had trouble choosing books I loved. I enjoyed them, but didn't always love them. Some I didn't even enjoy. Some I didn't finish.

I recently discovered a book that made my heart sing: George MacKay Brown's A Calendar of Love. This collection of short stories gave me everything I was looking for in a book.

It also made me realize what I was looking for: an author who trusted I wasn't a dummy. An author who realized I could work a few things out for myself.

This book follows the lives of people living in Orkney. The stories touch on the lives of people who live there, softly following the characters and places from story to story. While reading, I felt like a silent observer, where I had no control over the what or when, but if I didn't try too hard and just absorbed the experience, I might feel what it was like to be this set of islands in Northern Scotland.

One of the things I loved best is there is potential to miss the little things if attention is not paid. I'm certain I missed a couple things, which makes me excited to read this book a second (or third) time.

If anyone wants an example of a book that shows and does not tell, this is it.

Does anyone else have a book they enjoy for its ability to show, not tell?