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David McK (3705 KP) rated Cold Days (The Dresden Files, #14) in Books
Jan 30, 2019 (Updated Jan 16, 2022)
[2022 update]
Setting the bar pretty high already for the title of best-book-I've-read-this-year
[original 2013 review]
I heard (or read) somewhere a while back that the Dresden Files series was meant to run for about 20 books, with Jim Butcher having the general gist of the series as a whole already in mind. If that's true, then we must be on - or approaching - the home stretch, with this as book number 14 in the series.
And what a book it is, too.
By far one of the best books I've read this year, this starts with the previously-thought-to-be-dead Harry Dresden returned to health (of a sort) and life by Mab, the faerie Winter Queen, who is holding him to his promise to be her Winter Knight (which is also the reason why he was 'killed' (note the inverted commas) at the end of <i>Changes</i>, 2 books ago).
The Faerie play a larger role in this than in any book since, perhaps, <i>Summer Knight</i>, with characters from that earlier entry returning. Indeed, there's so much back-story here I wouldn't recommend picking this one up without reading any of the previous: normally, I'd count that against a novel, but not in this case. This one also leaves a couple of plot threads left hanging for the next entry, which I'm already looking forward to.
Let's hope it's not another year before I get reading it!
Setting the bar pretty high already for the title of best-book-I've-read-this-year
[original 2013 review]
I heard (or read) somewhere a while back that the Dresden Files series was meant to run for about 20 books, with Jim Butcher having the general gist of the series as a whole already in mind. If that's true, then we must be on - or approaching - the home stretch, with this as book number 14 in the series.
And what a book it is, too.
By far one of the best books I've read this year, this starts with the previously-thought-to-be-dead Harry Dresden returned to health (of a sort) and life by Mab, the faerie Winter Queen, who is holding him to his promise to be her Winter Knight (which is also the reason why he was 'killed' (note the inverted commas) at the end of <i>Changes</i>, 2 books ago).
The Faerie play a larger role in this than in any book since, perhaps, <i>Summer Knight</i>, with characters from that earlier entry returning. Indeed, there's so much back-story here I wouldn't recommend picking this one up without reading any of the previous: normally, I'd count that against a novel, but not in this case. This one also leaves a couple of plot threads left hanging for the next entry, which I'm already looking forward to.
Let's hope it's not another year before I get reading it!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2482 KP) rated The Drowning Sea in Books
Jun 23, 2022
Maggie’s Still Finding Mysteries
After quitting her job, Maggie D’Arcy is spending her summer in Ireland with her daughter, her boyfriend, Conor, and his son, as they get serious about Maggie and her daughter moving to Ireland. They’ve rented a cottage on a West Cork peninsula, but their vacation hits a snag when the body of a young man who disappeared months ago washes ashore. Even though Maggie isn’t a cop, she can’t help but ask questions. Where has he been for the last few months? Who would want him dead? Can Maggie find the answers even without her badge?
Since I’ve enjoyed the first two books in this series, I was curious to see where the series was going to go in this book. Once again, the writing was atmospheric and made me feel like I was there with Maggie. The characters are well drawn, although I did have a little trouble keeping all the relationships of the villagers straight. Still, I loved getting to spend time with the core cast again. Unfortunately, the pacing of the book was off, lagging at times in the middle and leaving us with a weak climax, although the climax did answer all our questions. The book is written in present tense, and it took my brain a bit to adjust to that. Most of the story is told from Maggie’s first-person point of view, but we do get some chapters from other characters’ points of view to help flesh things out. Fans of the series will be glad they picked up this book.
Since I’ve enjoyed the first two books in this series, I was curious to see where the series was going to go in this book. Once again, the writing was atmospheric and made me feel like I was there with Maggie. The characters are well drawn, although I did have a little trouble keeping all the relationships of the villagers straight. Still, I loved getting to spend time with the core cast again. Unfortunately, the pacing of the book was off, lagging at times in the middle and leaving us with a weak climax, although the climax did answer all our questions. The book is written in present tense, and it took my brain a bit to adjust to that. Most of the story is told from Maggie’s first-person point of view, but we do get some chapters from other characters’ points of view to help flesh things out. Fans of the series will be glad they picked up this book.
Merissa (13765 KP) rated Huntress (Angelbound Offspring #7) in Books
May 27, 2021 (Updated Jul 26, 2023)
HUNTRESS is the penultimate seventh book in the Angelbound Offspring series and I would absolutely recommend you read it as part of a series. While it is Huntress and Gage's story, parts of Kaps and Mack's are also mentioned.
First of all, I loved how we went back in time to when Huntress was a child. I thought the world-building was brilliant and I loved hearing about the Honeycomb Hall. Doofus - I'm still wondering about though! And what happened to the other novices and familiars? Hmm. As for Gage and his Crew, I love them all. Each with their own distinct personality, they made me smile throughout the story.
As with every Christina Bauer book, the characters are outstanding. The overall story arc is present and intriguing, whilst the nitty-gritty gives you information and details about the characters that you never even knew you needed until you had them. The story is told from both Huntress and Gage's point of view, with the chapters clearly titled so you know which is which before you start reading.
Huntress was a perfect addition to the series and now I'm waiting on tenterhooks for Gage! I really want to hear about things from his perspective. A brilliant story and absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 27, 2021
First of all, I loved how we went back in time to when Huntress was a child. I thought the world-building was brilliant and I loved hearing about the Honeycomb Hall. Doofus - I'm still wondering about though! And what happened to the other novices and familiars? Hmm. As for Gage and his Crew, I love them all. Each with their own distinct personality, they made me smile throughout the story.
As with every Christina Bauer book, the characters are outstanding. The overall story arc is present and intriguing, whilst the nitty-gritty gives you information and details about the characters that you never even knew you needed until you had them. The story is told from both Huntress and Gage's point of view, with the chapters clearly titled so you know which is which before you start reading.
Huntress was a perfect addition to the series and now I'm waiting on tenterhooks for Gage! I really want to hear about things from his perspective. A brilliant story and absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 27, 2021
Alison Pink (7 KP) rated City of Heavenly Fire (The Mortal Instruments, #6) in Books
Jan 15, 2018
Oh my gosh!! What a perfect ending for this series! I was hooked from the first book, but I always hate coming to the last one... it seems the reader is always let down somehow. Well, I'm thrilled to say that I was not let down at all (except for the fact that the series is done!)I guess now I have to move on to some of Clare's other books in the hopes that they are just as good & as exquisitely written.
I don't want to say too much & give it away. All I will say is happy endings are always the best!!
I don't want to say too much & give it away. All I will say is happy endings are always the best!!
graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated Angel: After the Fall, Volume 1 in Books
Feb 15, 2019
I have to say, this was bloody awesome! The style was there, the characters, the vibe, it all felt like Angel. Season eight of Buffy feels a bit 'out there' as far as the plot goes but this actually is a continuation of the series, and even though it didn't start right where the show (and action) left off (although, I think volume two of After the Fall does), it did a great job getting back into a groove. Not to mention the artwork is fabulous and the whole look of the book is beautiful. Great job, I hope the others in the series hold up as well.
starwarsluvr (236 KP) rated When Aliens Weep: An Alien Apocalyptic Saga in Books
Jan 30, 2018
Omg... so much to say and yet no idea what to say. This series has been an amazing whirlwind from the beginning.. I am not even sure if this is the last book or not... it has an amazing ending that leaves it like it could be done..but also like another could come about. The characters I loved even when they were doing stupid things like betraying the others... I loved the plot and the ups and downs. So much I still wonder about but overall it answered so many questions and wonderings I had during the series. I loved this so much. Amazing
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2482 KP) rated Dead and Berried (Gray Whale Inn Mystery, #2) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Bed and breakfast owner Natalie Barnes finds the dead body of her part time employee in a cranberry bog. While the police rule it a suicide, Natalie doesn't think so. Meanwhile, her ex-fiancee has come to try to win her back. I love these characters and the plot was good. My only complaint is that one possible motive for the murder was almost exactly the same as in the first in the series. And since this is second in the series, that is disappointing.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/03/book-review-dead-and-berried-by-karen.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/03/book-review-dead-and-berried-by-karen.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Lindsay (1793 KP) rated The Quilted Heart Omnibus (Quilted Hearts #1-3) in Books
Feb 15, 2018
I just loves series. I have already review the first book to this series. I really like learning about Civil War era. I do not know what bring it out or if it the writing. I just enjoy the story behind it. You can learn so much. Why it just a wonderful thing to see the bonds of friendship and what all can bring people together. The stories are all different but it all great to read. To me it just makes me wonder and these stories also take me back in that time era. What life might have been if I was born in that era.
Haecity (2 KP) rated The Aeronaut's Windlass in Books
Feb 25, 2018
Disappointing from this author
I love Butcher, and this had all the marks of one of his series. But I found the story for the most part to be very dry. I listened to this on audio at 1.5x speed to get through it and still felt that it was sort of flat, I felt the same during the peaks as I did for the rest of the book.
I'm sure it will get better later in the series, all his first books have been sort of like that, but I am unlikely to continue with the story. The takes on the cats were pretty fun, but overall I'm disappointed.
I'm sure it will get better later in the series, all his first books have been sort of like that, but I am unlikely to continue with the story. The takes on the cats were pretty fun, but overall I'm disappointed.
Micky Barnard (542 KP) rated A Discovery of Witches in Books
Oct 15, 2018
In depth story with great series potential
I’ve jumped on the ‘must read before the tv series’ and I’m really glad I did. I’ve been meaning to read this ever since it came out but TBRs are what they are. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience, it was well-researched and deep.
Working in academia, I appreciated the context and the attention to detail was excellent in this area. The story was engaging and satisfying but complicated. I read and listened to this book dependant on what I was doing and it was defintely harder to concentrate with the audio at times.
I’m looking forward to the rest of the books.
Working in academia, I appreciated the context and the attention to detail was excellent in this area. The story was engaging and satisfying but complicated. I read and listened to this book dependant on what I was doing and it was defintely harder to concentrate with the audio at times.
I’m looking forward to the rest of the books.