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It's hard now-a-days to read urban fantasy without drawing comparisons with Jim Butchers superlative 'Dresden Files' series.
It's even harder when the story is told in the first person, and features a powerful magic-user who deals with all sorts of magical creatures.
That is most definitely the case with Kevin Hearne's 'Hounded' novel, the first in his Iron Druid series (and, I believe, also his first novel). However, unlike Harry Dresden, Atticus O'Sulivan is a centuries old Irish Druid and is already pretty powerful. Also, unlike Dresden, he does not deliberately draw attention to himself ('Wizard for hire'), nor does he have a relationship with the local PD.
Instead, Atticus is doing his best to live the quiet life, trying to stay away from the attention of a Celtic god who has hounded him for centuries and believes that Atticus has stolen a powerful magical sword from him (the sword is in Atticus possession, yes, but not stolen).
All in all, I found this to be a pleasant diversion while waiting for the next Dresden book, and will possibly read a few more to see if I 'grow into' the series any more.
It's even harder when the story is told in the first person, and features a powerful magic-user who deals with all sorts of magical creatures.
That is most definitely the case with Kevin Hearne's 'Hounded' novel, the first in his Iron Druid series (and, I believe, also his first novel). However, unlike Harry Dresden, Atticus O'Sulivan is a centuries old Irish Druid and is already pretty powerful. Also, unlike Dresden, he does not deliberately draw attention to himself ('Wizard for hire'), nor does he have a relationship with the local PD.
Instead, Atticus is doing his best to live the quiet life, trying to stay away from the attention of a Celtic god who has hounded him for centuries and believes that Atticus has stolen a powerful magical sword from him (the sword is in Atticus possession, yes, but not stolen).
All in all, I found this to be a pleasant diversion while waiting for the next Dresden book, and will possibly read a few more to see if I 'grow into' the series any more.
David McK (3495 KP) rated Star Wars Omnibus: X-Wing Rogue Squadron, Vol. 1 in Books
Jan 30, 2019
Generally speaking, I'm not really a comic-book guy kinda person.
However, I have read (and actually quite enjoyed) the Star Wars: X-Wing series of books, and was aware that these were also (pre Prequel trilogy) comics. However, I was unaware (until relatively recently) that the comics were not just visualizations of the novels, but were rather stories in their own right.
When I found this out, and when I came across the digital version of this Omnibus - which collects the first 3 stories in the X-Wing series [so Goodreads, should count as 3 towards my yearly challenge!] , I thought I would give it a try.
Of the 3 stories contained - Rogue Leader, the Rebel Opposition and The Phantom Affair - the second and third of these were co-written by Michael Stackpole, who also wrote the first X-Wing novels. Personally, while the story may be better in those two than in the first, I preferred the art of the first story, finding the panes easier to follow.
I haven't yet decided, but I may also pick up the next volume(s) in the series.
However, I have read (and actually quite enjoyed) the Star Wars: X-Wing series of books, and was aware that these were also (pre Prequel trilogy) comics. However, I was unaware (until relatively recently) that the comics were not just visualizations of the novels, but were rather stories in their own right.
When I found this out, and when I came across the digital version of this Omnibus - which collects the first 3 stories in the X-Wing series [so Goodreads, should count as 3 towards my yearly challenge!] , I thought I would give it a try.
Of the 3 stories contained - Rogue Leader, the Rebel Opposition and The Phantom Affair - the second and third of these were co-written by Michael Stackpole, who also wrote the first X-Wing novels. Personally, while the story may be better in those two than in the first, I preferred the art of the first story, finding the panes easier to follow.
I haven't yet decided, but I may also pick up the next volume(s) in the series.
Deeper Than Midnight
Book
In an instant her privileged world disappears and a new, dangerous and erotic one beckons...At the...
The Italian Cooking School: Desserts
Book
75 fail-proof recipes for delicious desserts from the world's most trusted and bestselling Italian...
Test Your Baby
Rachel Federman and Ellen T. Crenshaw
Book
The perfect gift book for new parents everywhere! Assess your baby's genius in a series of fun and...
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2269 KP) rated Murders and Metaphors in Books
Jun 20, 2021
Local Author Returns to Murder
Charming Books is providing the books at a signing located at Morton Winery. The author is Belinda Perkins, a local who has become a respected sommelier. However, the evening ends in tragedy when Charming Books owner Violet Waverly finds Belinda’s body in the vineyard. Belinda was the estranged sister of Violet’s friend Lacey, and Lacey becomes the prime suspect. Can Violet figure out the messages that Charming Books is sending her to clear her friend?
It’s been years since I read the earlier books in the series, but I’m glad I reconnected with the characters. While I normally avoid paranormal themed cozies, I find this premise absolutely charming. The mystery is wonderful and kept me guessing right until the end. It’s filled with suspects who are perfect at keeping me confused. A few of the series regulars were fun but underdeveloped here, but that’s because they had little page time. The regulars we saw more of were great, and I especially appreciated the growth we saw in Violet. I hope to return to the next book in the series soon.
It’s been years since I read the earlier books in the series, but I’m glad I reconnected with the characters. While I normally avoid paranormal themed cozies, I find this premise absolutely charming. The mystery is wonderful and kept me guessing right until the end. It’s filled with suspects who are perfect at keeping me confused. A few of the series regulars were fun but underdeveloped here, but that’s because they had little page time. The regulars we saw more of were great, and I especially appreciated the growth we saw in Violet. I hope to return to the next book in the series soon.
Access To History Civil Rights In The Usa 1945 68 (Access To History)
4.0
Rate It
Book
The Access to History series is the most popular and trusted series for AS- and A-level history...
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2269 KP) rated Cement Stilettos in Books
Jan 20, 2022
A Case Samantha Can’t Refuse
It’s been a week since Samantha Kidd said yes to marring Nick Taylor, and the two are enjoying their newly engaged status. They crash back down to earth, however, after Samantha finds a dead body in Nick’s showroom. The victim is Nick’s assistant. Samantha wants to help Nick, so she begins to investigate, but as she does so, she begins to learn some surprising things about her finace. Even if Samantha can solve the case, will their relationship survive?
Nick doesn’t typically get a lot of page time in the series, so I was happy to see that change here. I feel like we got to know him better, and I enjoyed watching both Samantha and their relationship grow as the book progressed. The mystery was strong with several great twists. I did feel like a few of the details didn’t quite work, but the ending was still completely logical. Even though Samantha is maturing, there is still plenty of humor as the case unfolds. Series fans will find much to enjoy here, and those new to the series will be glad they gave Samantha a chance.
Nick doesn’t typically get a lot of page time in the series, so I was happy to see that change here. I feel like we got to know him better, and I enjoyed watching both Samantha and their relationship grow as the book progressed. The mystery was strong with several great twists. I did feel like a few of the details didn’t quite work, but the ending was still completely logical. Even though Samantha is maturing, there is still plenty of humor as the case unfolds. Series fans will find much to enjoy here, and those new to the series will be glad they gave Samantha a chance.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Silent Dead (Detective Jackie Cooke #2) in Books
Nov 6, 2022
A great addition to what is fast becoming a great series and whilst this can be read as a standalone, I would recommend reading the first so you get the most out of this and also because it's an excellent read.
Like the first in the series, there is a lot to like about The Silent Dead - the characters, the plot, the twists, the back-stories, the writing style, the pacing - pretty much everything really!
Jackie Cooke is an excellent character; battling with a boss who clearly doesn't like her very much and a soon-to-be ex-husband who's moved on to pastures younger and left her with a new baby and twin boys and having to rely on her mum more than either of them would like all whilst trying to find a heinous murderer who is targeting single mums.
From the very first to the very last word, this book had me hooked and thanks must go to Bookouture and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of The Silent Dead and I am very much looking forward to the next in the series.
Like the first in the series, there is a lot to like about The Silent Dead - the characters, the plot, the twists, the back-stories, the writing style, the pacing - pretty much everything really!
Jackie Cooke is an excellent character; battling with a boss who clearly doesn't like her very much and a soon-to-be ex-husband who's moved on to pastures younger and left her with a new baby and twin boys and having to rely on her mum more than either of them would like all whilst trying to find a heinous murderer who is targeting single mums.
From the very first to the very last word, this book had me hooked and thanks must go to Bookouture and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of The Silent Dead and I am very much looking forward to the next in the series.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Body on Scafell Pike (Lake District Murder Mysteries #1) in Books
Aug 20, 2023
I'm a sucker for books that are set in my neck of the woods so when I heard of a new series set in the beautiful Lake District, I wasn't going to pass up the chance and I'm pleased I didn't because this is a great start to a new series and one I am looking forward to getting my teeth into.
There is plenty of atmosphere in this book and the excellent descriptions of the Lakes countryside only add to this. I really liked the characters and am keen to find out more about DI Chambers' back story and watching the developing friendship between her and Margot and between Chambers and her small team.
The mystery of who the killer was kept me guessing and there were enough twists to keep me returning. I liked the different points of view which helped to give a rounded picture from Chambers', Margot's and the killers point of view.
Overall, a really successful start to a series and one I am looking forward to reading the next.
Thanks go to the author, Headline, Wildfire and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of The Body on Scafell Pike.
There is plenty of atmosphere in this book and the excellent descriptions of the Lakes countryside only add to this. I really liked the characters and am keen to find out more about DI Chambers' back story and watching the developing friendship between her and Margot and between Chambers and her small team.
The mystery of who the killer was kept me guessing and there were enough twists to keep me returning. I liked the different points of view which helped to give a rounded picture from Chambers', Margot's and the killers point of view.
Overall, a really successful start to a series and one I am looking forward to reading the next.
Thanks go to the author, Headline, Wildfire and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of The Body on Scafell Pike.