I'm just about finished reading Mob Rules and about to dive into it's sequel, Skeleton Crew. I've seen a few reviews of this book (some of them not favorable) and I felt the need to talk about why I really like this book.
The main character, Domino Riley, is not your typical urban fantasy heroine. In fact, she's not really a heroine at all. Domino is an enforcer for a gangster. She wields magic to take care of problems and isn't adverse to killing. She doesn't really feel remorse for the things she's done. She is who and what she is.
Domino is 35 years old. She's at a point in her life where she's reflecting on her choices and sees them in a very realistic light. She knows she's not a good person necessarily, but she can accept that. She's okay with herself - good and bad.
I also like the idea that magic is flowing in the world and that magic users are on the fringes of society. They wield their magic through graffiti tagging, which also lays down the various gangs/mobs territories. I thought it was clever that Domino uses quotes to wield her magic (and that everyone manipulates it in a way that makes it unique to them).
The story follows Domino who has been assigned the job of figuring out who is making a move on her boss and why. She's in charge of taking them down. And she does what's necessary to solve the problem. From that she discovers she has a lot more magical ability than she realized. She also discovers there's more to the world around her than she thought. It puts her in an interesting position where she needs to be the good guy. I like that that makes her uncomfortable.
There are some clever characters in this and some humorous ones. I think the world that Cameron Haley created is unique. And I can't wait to see where it goes in book two. I'm giving it 5 stars.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Where I Profess My Love For Urban Fantasy...
So....for my blog readers out there, Jaye Wells has declared October "Urban Fantasy Month". And she's offering up a massively cool list of books (signed!!!) to lucky winners. What do you need to do? Write a love letter to urban fantasy on your blog. (You know where this is going, right? Right?!?)
Dear Urban Fantasy,
I love you. No, seriously, stop laughing. I L-O-V-E you!
If you take some time and read this blog, you'll probably understand why, but since you're busy people and I don't want to take you away from writing (because I need more UF books like a crack whore needs her drugs), I'll give you a brief synopsis of why Urban Fantasy is my life saver.
I'm a middle aged housewife, raising a 16 yr. old with Asperger's Syndrome, who is currently a freshman in college. My husband works long hours and is rarely here - when he is, he's usually asleep in his chair or in his home office working. This means all of the crap that's come our way - shitty school system, doctors, therapies, etc. - falls on my shoulders. My world revolves around my son and his needs. I haven't been able to hold a job since he was born. My life is chaotic. It's stressful. Generally, it sucks.
For the longest time, I was so wrapped up in taking care of my son that I fell by the wayside. There was no time for me to breathe, never mind do the things I love. I'd forgotten what it was like to pick up a good book and read.
Enter Jennifer Rardin's Jaz Parks series.
I was at the bookstore with my son, finding books to help teach him something (I don't remember what) when I saw Jennifer's books. I picked one up and read the first few pages and fell a little bit in love. That night, I stayed up until 2 a.m. and read it. No, I take that back. I devoured it. And I remembered how much I loved to read. I dragged my son to four stores over the next 48 hours to find the rest of the series. Then I discovered Kim Harrison. And Lilith Saintcrow. And the Deadline Dames. And the League of Reluctant Adults (oh League, you make me laugh) .... and sooo sooo many more amazing urban fantasy writers.
I fell completely, irrevocably, madly in love with you, Urban Fantasy. I started this blog to talk about the books I've read and share my love with anyone out there who would like to do nothing more than lose themselves in worlds where kick ass heroes and heroines fight incredible odds to save the world.
I have so many Urban Fantasy books, my husband had to install IKEA shelves in the living room to hold them. See?...
And, yes, those books are two layers deep on those shelves. Worse, I'm putting shelves in the family room so that I have someplace to expand my library. In fact, I have so many Urban Fantasy books that I have a file called "Urban Fantasy List" which is currently 124 pages long. It's broken down alphabetically by author with columns (Author) (Released) (Own )(Format) (Title) (SF/Romance/YA, etc) (vampire/demon/were/etc) and (Rating). I follow up books I've read with a brief synopsis of the story. I also have a second folder called "Urban Fantasy Books Missing" which is 12 pages long, separate lists of e-reader books and anthologies, and a list called "Release Dates" (4 pages) that I use to keep track of all upcoming Urban Fantasy books. I carry the release dates and UF books missing lists in my purse at all times.
Is this a little obsessive? Probably. (I'm a little ADD and got tired of buying books I already owned.) Urban Fantasy are you scared of me now? Don't be. I'm not a stalker, I promise. Maybe a bit of a rabid fangirl. (Okay, I'm a definitely a rabid fangirl.) But my love for you is true.
Thank you for making my life more bearable. I love you.
Happy Urban Fantasy Month!
Karen
Dear Urban Fantasy,
I love you. No, seriously, stop laughing. I L-O-V-E you!
If you take some time and read this blog, you'll probably understand why, but since you're busy people and I don't want to take you away from writing (because I need more UF books like a crack whore needs her drugs), I'll give you a brief synopsis of why Urban Fantasy is my life saver.
I'm a middle aged housewife, raising a 16 yr. old with Asperger's Syndrome, who is currently a freshman in college. My husband works long hours and is rarely here - when he is, he's usually asleep in his chair or in his home office working. This means all of the crap that's come our way - shitty school system, doctors, therapies, etc. - falls on my shoulders. My world revolves around my son and his needs. I haven't been able to hold a job since he was born. My life is chaotic. It's stressful. Generally, it sucks.
For the longest time, I was so wrapped up in taking care of my son that I fell by the wayside. There was no time for me to breathe, never mind do the things I love. I'd forgotten what it was like to pick up a good book and read.
Enter Jennifer Rardin's Jaz Parks series.
I was at the bookstore with my son, finding books to help teach him something (I don't remember what) when I saw Jennifer's books. I picked one up and read the first few pages and fell a little bit in love. That night, I stayed up until 2 a.m. and read it. No, I take that back. I devoured it. And I remembered how much I loved to read. I dragged my son to four stores over the next 48 hours to find the rest of the series. Then I discovered Kim Harrison. And Lilith Saintcrow. And the Deadline Dames. And the League of Reluctant Adults (oh League, you make me laugh) .... and sooo sooo many more amazing urban fantasy writers.
I fell completely, irrevocably, madly in love with you, Urban Fantasy. I started this blog to talk about the books I've read and share my love with anyone out there who would like to do nothing more than lose themselves in worlds where kick ass heroes and heroines fight incredible odds to save the world.
I have so many Urban Fantasy books, my husband had to install IKEA shelves in the living room to hold them. See?...
And, yes, those books are two layers deep on those shelves. Worse, I'm putting shelves in the family room so that I have someplace to expand my library. In fact, I have so many Urban Fantasy books that I have a file called "Urban Fantasy List" which is currently 124 pages long. It's broken down alphabetically by author with columns (Author) (Released) (Own )(Format) (Title) (SF/Romance/YA, etc) (vampire/demon/were/etc) and (Rating). I follow up books I've read with a brief synopsis of the story. I also have a second folder called "Urban Fantasy Books Missing" which is 12 pages long, separate lists of e-reader books and anthologies, and a list called "Release Dates" (4 pages) that I use to keep track of all upcoming Urban Fantasy books. I carry the release dates and UF books missing lists in my purse at all times.
Is this a little obsessive? Probably. (I'm a little ADD and got tired of buying books I already owned.) Urban Fantasy are you scared of me now? Don't be. I'm not a stalker, I promise. Maybe a bit of a rabid fangirl. (Okay, I'm a definitely a rabid fangirl.) But my love for you is true.
Thank you for making my life more bearable. I love you.
Happy Urban Fantasy Month!
Karen
Monday, October 17, 2011
Trial by Fire by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
It's a rare book that I feel the characters on a visceral level. Trial by Fire (2nd in the series which begins with Raised by Wolves) was one of those rare books. In fact, I can count on one hand the authors who have that affect on me: Lilith Saintcrow, Maggie Steifvater, Stacia Kane, Melissa Marr and Adrian Phoenix. (Oh wait, that requires two hands....lol)
The way this book hooked me and pulled me in is why I'm taking time out of my crazy schedule and blogging about it.
I've actually had the book for a while. I loved the first book so much, I wanted to make sure when I read Trial by Fire I had the attention span and time to devote to it. So this weekend was finally the weekend where I could read uninterrupted and appreciate what I was reading.
The story follows a teenage girl, Brynn, who was raised by Callum, a werewolf alpha, after a rogue werewolf killed her parents. In the first book, she discovers that everything she believes about Callum and her life is questionable, and makes some dangerous but necessary choices to save herself and other young wolves. Callum is manipulative, sees the future, and he has a plan (what that plan is still has yet to be revealed, but I'm extremely worried for Brynn). I don't want to say too much about the plot, though, because you have to read them!
What I want to talk about is why these books are good. Yes, this is a young adult book - but it doesn't assume that teenagers can't read with depth - and its a fantastic read for adults as well. The story is clever, action packed and emotional. What Jennifer Lynn Barnes does is pull you into Brynn's world - into her head - into her fears, hopes, wants, and needs - and makes you feel them in your gut. The emo in me LOVES that! I love getting so into a book that the world around me falls away. I love it when I FEEL a book like I felt this one. It is wonderfully done.
Brynn is an intelligent, strong character who stands up for those she loves no matter the cost to herself. She thinks things through. She's incredibly brave. And her loyalty is matched by the loyalty of her friends who rely on her and look up to her. In fact, all of the characters in the book are well written, brilliantly vivid and wonderful - whether they're the good guys or the bad guys.
The end of Trial by Fire is breath stopping...and I can't wait to read more. (There had better be more. Right, Ms. Barnes? There will be more?!?) That's why I say get to the store and buy these books. Add them to your shelves. Buy them for your teens. Awesome. Amazing. And the coveted 6 stars!
The way this book hooked me and pulled me in is why I'm taking time out of my crazy schedule and blogging about it.
I've actually had the book for a while. I loved the first book so much, I wanted to make sure when I read Trial by Fire I had the attention span and time to devote to it. So this weekend was finally the weekend where I could read uninterrupted and appreciate what I was reading.
The story follows a teenage girl, Brynn, who was raised by Callum, a werewolf alpha, after a rogue werewolf killed her parents. In the first book, she discovers that everything she believes about Callum and her life is questionable, and makes some dangerous but necessary choices to save herself and other young wolves. Callum is manipulative, sees the future, and he has a plan (what that plan is still has yet to be revealed, but I'm extremely worried for Brynn). I don't want to say too much about the plot, though, because you have to read them!
What I want to talk about is why these books are good. Yes, this is a young adult book - but it doesn't assume that teenagers can't read with depth - and its a fantastic read for adults as well. The story is clever, action packed and emotional. What Jennifer Lynn Barnes does is pull you into Brynn's world - into her head - into her fears, hopes, wants, and needs - and makes you feel them in your gut. The emo in me LOVES that! I love getting so into a book that the world around me falls away. I love it when I FEEL a book like I felt this one. It is wonderfully done.
Brynn is an intelligent, strong character who stands up for those she loves no matter the cost to herself. She thinks things through. She's incredibly brave. And her loyalty is matched by the loyalty of her friends who rely on her and look up to her. In fact, all of the characters in the book are well written, brilliantly vivid and wonderful - whether they're the good guys or the bad guys.
The end of Trial by Fire is breath stopping...and I can't wait to read more. (There had better be more. Right, Ms. Barnes? There will be more?!?) That's why I say get to the store and buy these books. Add them to your shelves. Buy them for your teens. Awesome. Amazing. And the coveted 6 stars!
Monday, October 10, 2011
Soul Thief by Jana Oliver
I just finished reading Soul Thief by Jana Oliver. It's the sequel to The Demon Trapper's Daughter. I have to say, I thoroughly enjoy this series. And I give the book 5 stars.
Riley Blackthorne is a demon trapper, just like her father. She's seventeen years old and lives in Atlanta - a very unique Atlanta where the world has gone to shit and demons run rampant. The trappers work to keep the balance. Riley is the first female trapper and most of the other trappers aren't happy about that. Denver Beck is a journeyman trapper - trained by Riley's father. He has issues. He and Riley don't get along - mainly because Riley had a crush on him and he stomped on her feelings. Something is afoot in Atlanta. Demons aren't behaving like they're supposed to. And for some reason, Riley seems to be the centerpoint for whatever is going on between heaven and hell. But she and Beck are going to have to work together to figure it out and they can't even be in the same room together without fighting.
I've read a lot of reviews of these books. People either love them or hate them. I'm on the loving side. I think the world that Jana Oliver has created is interesting and her characters are well developed. Nobody is all good (even Riley and Beck) and nobody is all evil. The characters make choices that could end up damning them.
At points (and I don't have a problem with this) the writing loses its rhythm. In other words, the pace becomes a little chaotic and doesn't flow smoothly. This is just the writer's writing style. And the dialogue (mainly Beck and some of the trappers) is a little too colloquial (that's the only word I can think of for it - basically, they talk with an accent). I don't think that was necessary, and it's really the only thing I didn't like (because it makes Beck sound more ignorant than he is - which may be the point of it) but it doesn't by any means ruin the story.
What I really like about this series is that I don't know where it's going. I don't know who the good guys are and who the bad guys are. I don't know what the ultimate plan for Riley and Beck is. I don't know if there's going to be a happy ending. I know what Riley and Beck know - and I keep learning (as do they) that I'm wrong about certain things. That's clever. And it's what makes me keep on reading. I even read the prequel for the third book at the end of Soul Thief - something I NEVER do. What I do know is that Riley and Beck are in serious trouble and they'd better start trusting each other or they're both doomed.
Go forth and buy, people.
Riley Blackthorne is a demon trapper, just like her father. She's seventeen years old and lives in Atlanta - a very unique Atlanta where the world has gone to shit and demons run rampant. The trappers work to keep the balance. Riley is the first female trapper and most of the other trappers aren't happy about that. Denver Beck is a journeyman trapper - trained by Riley's father. He has issues. He and Riley don't get along - mainly because Riley had a crush on him and he stomped on her feelings. Something is afoot in Atlanta. Demons aren't behaving like they're supposed to. And for some reason, Riley seems to be the centerpoint for whatever is going on between heaven and hell. But she and Beck are going to have to work together to figure it out and they can't even be in the same room together without fighting.
I've read a lot of reviews of these books. People either love them or hate them. I'm on the loving side. I think the world that Jana Oliver has created is interesting and her characters are well developed. Nobody is all good (even Riley and Beck) and nobody is all evil. The characters make choices that could end up damning them.
At points (and I don't have a problem with this) the writing loses its rhythm. In other words, the pace becomes a little chaotic and doesn't flow smoothly. This is just the writer's writing style. And the dialogue (mainly Beck and some of the trappers) is a little too colloquial (that's the only word I can think of for it - basically, they talk with an accent). I don't think that was necessary, and it's really the only thing I didn't like (because it makes Beck sound more ignorant than he is - which may be the point of it) but it doesn't by any means ruin the story.
What I really like about this series is that I don't know where it's going. I don't know who the good guys are and who the bad guys are. I don't know what the ultimate plan for Riley and Beck is. I don't know if there's going to be a happy ending. I know what Riley and Beck know - and I keep learning (as do they) that I'm wrong about certain things. That's clever. And it's what makes me keep on reading. I even read the prequel for the third book at the end of Soul Thief - something I NEVER do. What I do know is that Riley and Beck are in serious trouble and they'd better start trusting each other or they're both doomed.
Go forth and buy, people.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Books Read in September 2011
Okay, now that I've recovered most of my files, albeit with missing chunks and shit, I can say with certainty that I read 7 books this month. (I think I read 9, but this was one of my corrupted files & for the life of me, I can't remember the other two books.) So we'll stick with the 7 the file says I read and if I remember the others, I'll post them.
6 STARS
Succubus Revealed by Richelle Mead. My favorite series of all time is done! (sobbing hysterically). I will miss Georgina and all her friends. But I loved this book. And it ended like it should (even if I don't really like Seth - who I think is a bit of a jerk.) Georgina is happy and that's what counts.
5 STARS
One Salt Sea by Seanan McGuire. Another huge favorite of mine. Toby is a wonderful character and I can't say I'm sad with how things turned out in this one. I absolutely love the fae in Seanan's world. Everything is so well thought out. Definitely a series to own.
4 STARS
Nightshade by Michelle Rowen AND Bloodlust by Michelle Rowen -This is an interesting series about a woman who gets injected with some kind of serum by a mad scientist and then ends up on the run with a damphir who is trained to kill vampires. There are a lot of twists and turns in this and I really liked the secondary characters. The problem is I wasn't a big fan of the main character, who doesn't seem to know her own mind. People keep telling her what she thinks and she's like "oh yeah, I guess I do think that." Hunh?! (Grow some balls and decide things for yourself sister. Geez!) Still, I'll keep reading the series because I'm interested to see what happens.
Crossroads by Jeanne Stein - This is the latest in the Anna Strong vampire series. Anna is a bounty hunter who was attacked and turned against her will. (Its pretty awful.) In this latest installment she's coming to terms with what she is and dealing with someone from her past (the jerk). These books are written first person present-tense, which is usually a killer for me, but I like these books because they're well written and fast paced, with a good storyline.
Beasts and BFFs by Shannon Delaney - This was really just a short story prequel to the book 13 to Life which I'll be reading in October. It definitely got me interested in the characters and curious to know what exactly is going on.
Bloodshot by Cherie Priest - I'll also have to admit I'm not a fan of detective stories. This book has the feel of a detective story, but not. The main character, Raylene, is awesome. She's a vampire who's just a little bit neurotic and paranoid. She doesn't like attachments - and yet she has them. I love the characters in this book & I'll be reading the 2nd in the series in October, too. I kind of wanted to savor this one and read something light before reading the next book. It was really good.
Like I said, I'm pretty sure I read more than this but my records that I salvaged don't reflect anything else and I'm too tired to remember. Right now, I'm reading Soul Thief by Jana Oliver and its fantastic.
6 STARS
Succubus Revealed by Richelle Mead. My favorite series of all time is done! (sobbing hysterically). I will miss Georgina and all her friends. But I loved this book. And it ended like it should (even if I don't really like Seth - who I think is a bit of a jerk.) Georgina is happy and that's what counts.
5 STARS
One Salt Sea by Seanan McGuire. Another huge favorite of mine. Toby is a wonderful character and I can't say I'm sad with how things turned out in this one. I absolutely love the fae in Seanan's world. Everything is so well thought out. Definitely a series to own.
4 STARS
Nightshade by Michelle Rowen AND Bloodlust by Michelle Rowen -This is an interesting series about a woman who gets injected with some kind of serum by a mad scientist and then ends up on the run with a damphir who is trained to kill vampires. There are a lot of twists and turns in this and I really liked the secondary characters. The problem is I wasn't a big fan of the main character, who doesn't seem to know her own mind. People keep telling her what she thinks and she's like "oh yeah, I guess I do think that." Hunh?! (Grow some balls and decide things for yourself sister. Geez!) Still, I'll keep reading the series because I'm interested to see what happens.
Crossroads by Jeanne Stein - This is the latest in the Anna Strong vampire series. Anna is a bounty hunter who was attacked and turned against her will. (Its pretty awful.) In this latest installment she's coming to terms with what she is and dealing with someone from her past (the jerk). These books are written first person present-tense, which is usually a killer for me, but I like these books because they're well written and fast paced, with a good storyline.
Beasts and BFFs by Shannon Delaney - This was really just a short story prequel to the book 13 to Life which I'll be reading in October. It definitely got me interested in the characters and curious to know what exactly is going on.
Bloodshot by Cherie Priest - I'll also have to admit I'm not a fan of detective stories. This book has the feel of a detective story, but not. The main character, Raylene, is awesome. She's a vampire who's just a little bit neurotic and paranoid. She doesn't like attachments - and yet she has them. I love the characters in this book & I'll be reading the 2nd in the series in October, too. I kind of wanted to savor this one and read something light before reading the next book. It was really good.
Like I said, I'm pretty sure I read more than this but my records that I salvaged don't reflect anything else and I'm too tired to remember. Right now, I'm reading Soul Thief by Jana Oliver and its fantastic.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Books I Read This Month....coming soon (I hope)
AKA The Computer Saga...
Thankfully, I've already blogged about several of the books I read this month. Right now, I'm reading Bloodshot by Cherie Priest & loving it. It's kind of a modern-day old-vibe gumshoe vampire vs. government action book.
...anyway....
My computer died. Yes, the stupid piece of garbage computer (don't buy a Toshiba with the bubble-button mouse pad - they're junk) failed completely. First the left click button went, then the 'W' button went, followed by the 'R', 'T', 'F' and 'E'. I backed my data up on my external hard drive and then the computer just crashed. It wouldn't stay on. I couldn't get Firefox to work when it did stay on. It took 20 mins. to turn on and couldn't shut off without forcing it. And it was heating up to astronomically alarming temperatures. In other words, it went into it's death throws.
So, I turned the POG over to my son (the computer genius), who ran all kinds of diagnostics and said it wasn't a virus or some hacker. He suggested as a last ditch effort, we should do a fresh install, although he suspected it wouldn't help because he believed it was a bad sector on the motherboard. So, we made sure everything was backed up & he did his thing. When I attempted to reinstall all my files, bookmarks, etc., my dog (God I love the beast, but damn) decided he needed to sit on my lap. Up he hopped. Right. Onto. My. External. Drive. 55 lbs of dog vs. small plastic hard drive?? Dog wins. He broke the hard drive and IT crashed.
So, my little guru took the computer back, along with the hard drive and his own computer and hard drive, did a little magic and managed to retrieve all my crap. Only problem? They seem to have moved all over in the system. Nothing is where its supposed to be. And all my music? OMG! Everything EVERYTHING I bought since 2009 is GONE! (Oh, its still there in my files, but my Zune no longer allows access to do anything but listen to it.) In other words, I can listen, but the music isn't in my Zune folder and when I plugged in the device, it deleted everything off it too. Zune says I have to rebuy it all. 600 SONGS! LOST!
This is a long post, hunh? Long story short, I'm going to spend tomorrow baking cookies and trying to retrieve everything that I can from the various places on (1) my old computer (2) my cracked and mangled hard drive (3) my son's confusingly messed up hard drive - and put it on my brand new, shiny Dell. Yes, that's right. I went out this weekend and bought a new computer (and external hard drive).
I just hope this one is a little better made than the last one. I know its a whole lot prettier and the keyboard is more comfortable. And the damn thing has surround sound and an LED screen. (I think we're going to be best friends....)
Thankfully, I've already blogged about several of the books I read this month. Right now, I'm reading Bloodshot by Cherie Priest & loving it. It's kind of a modern-day old-vibe gumshoe vampire vs. government action book.
...anyway....
My computer died. Yes, the stupid piece of garbage computer (don't buy a Toshiba with the bubble-button mouse pad - they're junk) failed completely. First the left click button went, then the 'W' button went, followed by the 'R', 'T', 'F' and 'E'. I backed my data up on my external hard drive and then the computer just crashed. It wouldn't stay on. I couldn't get Firefox to work when it did stay on. It took 20 mins. to turn on and couldn't shut off without forcing it. And it was heating up to astronomically alarming temperatures. In other words, it went into it's death throws.
So, I turned the POG over to my son (the computer genius), who ran all kinds of diagnostics and said it wasn't a virus or some hacker. He suggested as a last ditch effort, we should do a fresh install, although he suspected it wouldn't help because he believed it was a bad sector on the motherboard. So, we made sure everything was backed up & he did his thing. When I attempted to reinstall all my files, bookmarks, etc., my dog (God I love the beast, but damn) decided he needed to sit on my lap. Up he hopped. Right. Onto. My. External. Drive. 55 lbs of dog vs. small plastic hard drive?? Dog wins. He broke the hard drive and IT crashed.
So, my little guru took the computer back, along with the hard drive and his own computer and hard drive, did a little magic and managed to retrieve all my crap. Only problem? They seem to have moved all over in the system. Nothing is where its supposed to be. And all my music? OMG! Everything EVERYTHING I bought since 2009 is GONE! (Oh, its still there in my files, but my Zune no longer allows access to do anything but listen to it.) In other words, I can listen, but the music isn't in my Zune folder and when I plugged in the device, it deleted everything off it too. Zune says I have to rebuy it all. 600 SONGS! LOST!
This is a long post, hunh? Long story short, I'm going to spend tomorrow baking cookies and trying to retrieve everything that I can from the various places on (1) my old computer (2) my cracked and mangled hard drive (3) my son's confusingly messed up hard drive - and put it on my brand new, shiny Dell. Yes, that's right. I went out this weekend and bought a new computer (and external hard drive).
I just hope this one is a little better made than the last one. I know its a whole lot prettier and the keyboard is more comfortable. And the damn thing has surround sound and an LED screen. (I think we're going to be best friends....)
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
One Salt Sea by Seanan McGuire
This is book #5 in the October Daye (Toby) series, and as usual Seanan does not disappoint. I might actually go into spoilers in this post, so I'll give fair warning before I do....
Toby is fae, a changeling, who was turned into a fish by an evil-ass fae when she was investigating the kidnapping of Duke Sylvester's wife and daughter. Fast forward years and Toby finally breaks from the spell that's held her captive. She comes back to find her boyfriend has moved on and married, and that her daughter has grown up and wants nothing to do with her. They think Toby bailed on them, and since she can't tell them that she's fae, she has to let them go.
While Toby was a fish, Luna (the duchess) and Rayseline (Luna & Sylvester's daughter) have returned to Sylvester. However, they've been held for most of Rayseline's life in a place that drove her insane. She's now married to Conner, a Selkie, in a political marriage to strengthen the Courts of faery. Conner was Toby's first love and they're still attracted to each other.
That's pretty much the set up for everything that happens in the series. And a lot of stuff happens. Through it all, Toby stays true to her character as she struggles to fix all that is broken. She gathers a very interesting support group along the way - from her fetch to the king of cats. (Oooh, I love Tybalt.)
What I love about the world that Seanan creates is how carefully she's constructed it. She's obviously done her research, because she introduces everything from the night haunts to selkies to Daione Sidhe with brilliant detail. The world makes sense. The divisions and alliances make sense. The relationships between various fae breeds (and changelings) are believable. Her characters have depth, they have motive and they have history behind them to explain their actions. She takes her time telling Toby's story - it moves along at just the right pace to keep you hooked. And you can't always guess where she's going (which I frankly love), but when she takes you there you know its the only place the story could have gone. Know what I mean? It's just one of the best UF series out there. So get out and buy it. This series should be on your shelves!
SPOILERS!!! SPOILERS!!!
DO NOT READ BEYOND THIS POINT
IF YOU DON"T WANT TO FIND OUT
SOMETHING BIG THAT HAPPENS
AT THE END!!!!!!!!!
I'm going to be honest here. I don't like Conner. I've never liked him. He's kind of a wishy washy foof head of a guy. I don't see what Toby sees in him, other than maybe a time before her life went to shit. Even then, I don't know why she's actually with him now. And in this book, he and Toby are together as boyfriend/girlfriend (in as much as fae are boyfriend/girlfriend). I didn't like it. Pthat. Gag. Ptooie. Their relationship is not equal. He's such a weak person...and Toby is so strong. I kept waiting through this entire series for him to grow a set of balls, only he never did. (Well, some might argue in his final act, he did - but I say not. I think he just figured he'd sleep for a while and she'd be right there taking care of him. Wiener.) So I can't say I'm disappointed with what happened at the end of the book. Toby might be mourning (I honestly think she's mourning the loss of her daughter more), but I'm not. She needs someone strong and capable (Tybalt!!!), to match her as an equal - not whiny, poor me Conner. Sorry. Don't miss him. Bring on Tybalt and some hot Cait Sidhe loving!! lol
Toby is fae, a changeling, who was turned into a fish by an evil-ass fae when she was investigating the kidnapping of Duke Sylvester's wife and daughter. Fast forward years and Toby finally breaks from the spell that's held her captive. She comes back to find her boyfriend has moved on and married, and that her daughter has grown up and wants nothing to do with her. They think Toby bailed on them, and since she can't tell them that she's fae, she has to let them go.
While Toby was a fish, Luna (the duchess) and Rayseline (Luna & Sylvester's daughter) have returned to Sylvester. However, they've been held for most of Rayseline's life in a place that drove her insane. She's now married to Conner, a Selkie, in a political marriage to strengthen the Courts of faery. Conner was Toby's first love and they're still attracted to each other.
That's pretty much the set up for everything that happens in the series. And a lot of stuff happens. Through it all, Toby stays true to her character as she struggles to fix all that is broken. She gathers a very interesting support group along the way - from her fetch to the king of cats. (Oooh, I love Tybalt.)
What I love about the world that Seanan creates is how carefully she's constructed it. She's obviously done her research, because she introduces everything from the night haunts to selkies to Daione Sidhe with brilliant detail. The world makes sense. The divisions and alliances make sense. The relationships between various fae breeds (and changelings) are believable. Her characters have depth, they have motive and they have history behind them to explain their actions. She takes her time telling Toby's story - it moves along at just the right pace to keep you hooked. And you can't always guess where she's going (which I frankly love), but when she takes you there you know its the only place the story could have gone. Know what I mean? It's just one of the best UF series out there. So get out and buy it. This series should be on your shelves!
SPOILERS!!! SPOILERS!!!
DO NOT READ BEYOND THIS POINT
IF YOU DON"T WANT TO FIND OUT
SOMETHING BIG THAT HAPPENS
AT THE END!!!!!!!!!
I'm going to be honest here. I don't like Conner. I've never liked him. He's kind of a wishy washy foof head of a guy. I don't see what Toby sees in him, other than maybe a time before her life went to shit. Even then, I don't know why she's actually with him now. And in this book, he and Toby are together as boyfriend/girlfriend (in as much as fae are boyfriend/girlfriend). I didn't like it. Pthat. Gag. Ptooie. Their relationship is not equal. He's such a weak person...and Toby is so strong. I kept waiting through this entire series for him to grow a set of balls, only he never did. (Well, some might argue in his final act, he did - but I say not. I think he just figured he'd sleep for a while and she'd be right there taking care of him. Wiener.) So I can't say I'm disappointed with what happened at the end of the book. Toby might be mourning (I honestly think she's mourning the loss of her daughter more), but I'm not. She needs someone strong and capable (Tybalt!!!), to match her as an equal - not whiny, poor me Conner. Sorry. Don't miss him. Bring on Tybalt and some hot Cait Sidhe loving!! lol
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