So, this is currently my favorite series. These are the first two books in the 'Disillusionists Trilogy'. I cannot recommend them enough. The books are base in Mid City which is a dark Gothem like city that seems to be based on Chicago or some other Midwest metropolitan city. They have a comic book vibe and an interesting and original premise.
The main character in the story, Justine, is a complete neurotic and I love it! She's got an extreme case of hypochondria about dying from 'Vein Star Syndrome'. A condition that cannot be detected because by the time you've reached the doctor after the onset of symptoms the 'star' formed by the bulging blood vessel in the brain has receded and is not visible to scans and xrays. Her hypochondria is what attracts Packard to her. Packard is a 'high cap' or someone whose brain functions at a higher capacity than the average human. Although high caps exist, many people believe they don't.
Anywhoo, Packard leads this raving band of neurotics that are able to push their neuroses into other people. Not just anyone. They can only 'zing' people they are compatible with and Packard is the only one what can tell them who they are compatible with. There is a point to 'zinging' them. They only zing bad people in an effort to break them down to base level so they can 'reboot' and hopefully choose to be better people.
So, there's the basis for the series. I'm not saying anything else because you now have to read it and find out what happens. I must warn you that the cliff hanger at the end of the second book still has me saying 'Holy Crap!' and foaming at the mouth for the next book. Unless the author totally cheeses the ending I will be incredibly disappointed to see these characters go. Since it is the 'Disillusionists Trilogy' I'm assuming there is only one more book in the series.... sooo sad....
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Friday, October 1, 2010
Knock, knock...
It's me again. It appears that I have taken the whole month of September off. Oh how time flies. But, since I only have one follower, love you Connie, I don't think I've been missed. So what did I do that kept me so busy? I did some reading, saw a show or two, drank a beer or three and I sold some soap!
Back at the end of August was the trip to Detroit to see the Black Keys! Love them! I finally got to see where Michele has been living for the past decade! She returned the favor by flying in to visit two weeks later and we spent the weekend at the First Annual Loufest. Hopefully to become a larger scale music festival I have to give big kudos to the founders and promoters. A very impressive freshman effort.
September was the Green Homes Festival and Denny, Glenda and I were some soap making and selling fools. We added some new products to the line and got our products added to a couple more stores. We rock.
Keeping with my cheap is good philosophy of life I've been laying low and doing a lot of reading. I am currently reading the third book in the 'Elemental Assassin' series. Kind of a Becky Badass crotch novel series. Total guilty pleasure. The Protagonist in the series is Gin Blanco, aka The Spider. An assassin who in the second and third books is trying to 'retire' but things just keep dragging her back to her previous life. Gin is an Earth and Ice Elemental. She has the power to manipulate and control both.
Since I have read these three books back to back to back I am easily annoyed by the authors repetitive use of back history as a space filler. It's fine to mention it two or three times, I get the hint and a little reminder here and there isn't a bad thing, but she repeats the same thing ALOT! I'm not a fan of the original love interest. It went nowhere in the second book and now he's out of the picture and there is a new love interest, but I'm sure the first will come back and form some oddly obtuse triangle where we'll be slapping out heads wondering 'Why?'. We'll see. I'm only a few chapters into the third book.
Another series I started and am looking forward to reading the second of it Carolyn Crane's 'Disillusionists Trilogy'. This book has an interesting premise because the 'super power' the character has is the ability to pass her fear on to someone else. She belongs to a group of people that each specialize in a 'fear'. The main character, Justine, is a hypochondriac. Her love life is bizarre as well. At the end of the second book she was with someone I was not a fan of and I'm hoping she sways toward the other interest in the next book. Something about berets I'm not a fan of. I'll have an update on this series shortly. Thanks to the CrackKindle I'll be reading this book immediately following the third in the Gin Blanco series.
I also got myself caught up on the Connor Grey (Mark Del Franco) and Joanna Archer (Vikki Pettersson) series'. How I love Connor, Stinkwort and Murdock. This last book really left you craving more. There is a big political shift coming amongst the fey and Connor's brain mass appears to be going darkside. Rubbing my hands in anticipation of book 5 but I do not see a release date anywhere.... urgh, what's a girl to do? I guess I'll have to get caught up on my other series.
Vikki Pettersson finally released the fifth book for the Signs of the Zodiac series. Holy Soap Opera Batman! Some of the stuff that goes on in the books is a little whack. The whole midheaven thing has me scratching my head but I really love Joanna's relationship with Hunter. Plus I like how Joanna has had to step back and look at her 'mentor' in a new light. I can honestly say 'I didn't see that coming' on some things, but unfortunately I did have an idea of what the big 'surprise' was going to be. But! There was a 'Holy Shit!' surprise at the end of the book that I was not expecting. I did miss the comic book store in this last book.
Following up on my love of the Jane Yellowrock books I read Faith Hunter's Rogue Mage series. Apparently, Post Apocalyptic fantasy is not my cup o' tea. I scratched my head through all three books and often wondered 'whatthefuck?'. I debated whether or not I should continue to consume alcohol while reading but then later decided that I just couldn't wrap my noggin around whatever the hell was going on in those books. I then loaned the first book to Michele who though it was great and when I asked her to explain it to me she said she didn't fully understand it either and gave me some line about skimming the confusing parts.... alrighty then, who's tipping the bottle while they are reading? I'm going to send her the other two in that series and see what she thinks after that!
I did also try to read the second book in Lisa Shearin's, Raine Benares series. I read the first one a while back and questioned whether or not I wanted to read the second. After 50 pages of the second I decided to return it to the library. Either I'm not in the mood for that kind of book or the forced snarkiness of the main character is just not to my liking. I'm going with the latter.
I also started reading 'Spiral Hunt' by Margaret Ronald. I put this book down as well because I wasn't 'feelin it' at the time. I do own it so I'm sure I'll get back to it and give you my full insight upon completion.
September was a slow month for shows. I did a follow up on my cougar crush and I did see Dead Confederate when they were at the Firebird. The show did not have nearly the people and I decided that when sober the lead singer was too skinny. I did however find it ironic that he was wearing a Dinosaur Jr shirt. The only two concerts I've ever wanted ear plugs at was Dinosaur Jr at the Pageant and Dead Confederate at Off Broadway. I'm not as impressed with the 'Sugar' as I am with 'Wrecking Ball'. The new album lacks the dirty, grungy feel that reminded me of college. Still and excellent show. Alberta Cross did an excellent job opening for them as well.
Well I guess that's it... October looks to be jam packed with good stuff so I'll do my best to keep this thing updated. Hopefully someone is paying attention.
Back at the end of August was the trip to Detroit to see the Black Keys! Love them! I finally got to see where Michele has been living for the past decade! She returned the favor by flying in to visit two weeks later and we spent the weekend at the First Annual Loufest. Hopefully to become a larger scale music festival I have to give big kudos to the founders and promoters. A very impressive freshman effort.
September was the Green Homes Festival and Denny, Glenda and I were some soap making and selling fools. We added some new products to the line and got our products added to a couple more stores. We rock.
Keeping with my cheap is good philosophy of life I've been laying low and doing a lot of reading. I am currently reading the third book in the 'Elemental Assassin' series. Kind of a Becky Badass crotch novel series. Total guilty pleasure. The Protagonist in the series is Gin Blanco, aka The Spider. An assassin who in the second and third books is trying to 'retire' but things just keep dragging her back to her previous life. Gin is an Earth and Ice Elemental. She has the power to manipulate and control both.
Since I have read these three books back to back to back I am easily annoyed by the authors repetitive use of back history as a space filler. It's fine to mention it two or three times, I get the hint and a little reminder here and there isn't a bad thing, but she repeats the same thing ALOT! I'm not a fan of the original love interest. It went nowhere in the second book and now he's out of the picture and there is a new love interest, but I'm sure the first will come back and form some oddly obtuse triangle where we'll be slapping out heads wondering 'Why?'. We'll see. I'm only a few chapters into the third book.
Another series I started and am looking forward to reading the second of it Carolyn Crane's 'Disillusionists Trilogy'. This book has an interesting premise because the 'super power' the character has is the ability to pass her fear on to someone else. She belongs to a group of people that each specialize in a 'fear'. The main character, Justine, is a hypochondriac. Her love life is bizarre as well. At the end of the second book she was with someone I was not a fan of and I'm hoping she sways toward the other interest in the next book. Something about berets I'm not a fan of. I'll have an update on this series shortly. Thanks to the CrackKindle I'll be reading this book immediately following the third in the Gin Blanco series.
I also got myself caught up on the Connor Grey (Mark Del Franco) and Joanna Archer (Vikki Pettersson) series'. How I love Connor, Stinkwort and Murdock. This last book really left you craving more. There is a big political shift coming amongst the fey and Connor's brain mass appears to be going darkside. Rubbing my hands in anticipation of book 5 but I do not see a release date anywhere.... urgh, what's a girl to do? I guess I'll have to get caught up on my other series.
Vikki Pettersson finally released the fifth book for the Signs of the Zodiac series. Holy Soap Opera Batman! Some of the stuff that goes on in the books is a little whack. The whole midheaven thing has me scratching my head but I really love Joanna's relationship with Hunter. Plus I like how Joanna has had to step back and look at her 'mentor' in a new light. I can honestly say 'I didn't see that coming' on some things, but unfortunately I did have an idea of what the big 'surprise' was going to be. But! There was a 'Holy Shit!' surprise at the end of the book that I was not expecting. I did miss the comic book store in this last book.
Following up on my love of the Jane Yellowrock books I read Faith Hunter's Rogue Mage series. Apparently, Post Apocalyptic fantasy is not my cup o' tea. I scratched my head through all three books and often wondered 'whatthefuck?'. I debated whether or not I should continue to consume alcohol while reading but then later decided that I just couldn't wrap my noggin around whatever the hell was going on in those books. I then loaned the first book to Michele who though it was great and when I asked her to explain it to me she said she didn't fully understand it either and gave me some line about skimming the confusing parts.... alrighty then, who's tipping the bottle while they are reading? I'm going to send her the other two in that series and see what she thinks after that!
I did also try to read the second book in Lisa Shearin's, Raine Benares series. I read the first one a while back and questioned whether or not I wanted to read the second. After 50 pages of the second I decided to return it to the library. Either I'm not in the mood for that kind of book or the forced snarkiness of the main character is just not to my liking. I'm going with the latter.
I also started reading 'Spiral Hunt' by Margaret Ronald. I put this book down as well because I wasn't 'feelin it' at the time. I do own it so I'm sure I'll get back to it and give you my full insight upon completion.
September was a slow month for shows. I did a follow up on my cougar crush and I did see Dead Confederate when they were at the Firebird. The show did not have nearly the people and I decided that when sober the lead singer was too skinny. I did however find it ironic that he was wearing a Dinosaur Jr shirt. The only two concerts I've ever wanted ear plugs at was Dinosaur Jr at the Pageant and Dead Confederate at Off Broadway. I'm not as impressed with the 'Sugar' as I am with 'Wrecking Ball'. The new album lacks the dirty, grungy feel that reminded me of college. Still and excellent show. Alberta Cross did an excellent job opening for them as well.
Well I guess that's it... October looks to be jam packed with good stuff so I'll do my best to keep this thing updated. Hopefully someone is paying attention.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Dead Confederate "All The Angels" at SXSW Music 2009
So, apparently I'm still slightly obsessed because I'm still looking up videos on YouTube. Although I was at SXSW '09 I was not aware of these guys at the time. My loss.
Brisbane v. Dragulescu
So if you've read my previous posts you know that I've been reading Deanna Raybourns 'Lady Julia Grey' series which seems to me like it should have been a trilogy but must have been popular enough because I know a fourth book is coming out soon. Anywhoo... I made the mistake of reading another book of hers Dead Travel Fast immediately after finishing Silent in the Moor. Given how much I loved Nicholas Brisbane I can't help but compare the two 'heroes' from each of the books.
First, we have Nicholas Brisbane, hot in a hard life, Gypsy momma, learn as you go, still acts the gentleman, what's up with those headaches and he's kind of a druggie sexy. Born the bastard son of a gypsy woman, Nicholas has had a lot to prove. He makes a somewhat successful living as an inquiry agent and uses his skills to help Julia find out who killed her husband. Brisbane is tortured by headaches the stem from his trying to avoid his gift of 'sight'. As a result he dabbles in the narcotics to help lessen the pain. He's also an accomplished violinist, bad ass fighter and master of disguise. He's a little cranky at times but oh well, who isn't?
Theodora LeStrange's Count Andrei Dragulescu is rich, brought up to be a 'Count', has an uber messed up family, dabbles in the opiates and fancies himself quite the womanizer. Is he hot? Um yeah. Dark hair, light eyes and built like granite. Brought up in a life of privilege, he's the only male heir to an aging, decaying castle in Transylvania. Andrei's father dies and he is home to tie up the loose ends and make sure his father is actually dead. Enter Theodora, friend of Andrei's cousin, Cosmina. At one time Cosmina was to marry Andrei but he has since refused her.
Dead Travel Fast is more of a Gothic romantic thriller. Set in a dark and falling apart castle in Transylvania, it alludes to werewolves and vampires yet never actually proves there are any. A little mind bender there that I can appreciate. A hill town living in fear based on gossip and rumor but with no substantial proof. Performing ceremonies and rituals to prevent something that may never happen.
The Julia Grey books were based in England mostly, minus a trip to Italy and mentions of Egypt in the third book. Julia is a daughter of wealth who married for wealth and not love. Her husband was murdered and as a result of the findings while investigating her husbands death Julia is left to grow up quickly. With her newly fattened bank account and her widow title, Julia has many things to look forward to, including Nicholas Brisbane.
So, why am I partial to Brisbane? He's less the playboy douchebag. Did I just call the Count Dragulescu a douchebag? Yes. There are two parts in Dead Travel Fast where he describes at length his prowess with the ladies. He can read the situation, determine how they want to be seduced then give them what they desire. Huh? Conceit is not very sexy. But wait! He was trapped in a snare of his own making and he fell victim to love... thus, happy ending. Brisbane is a man who has actually 'lived'. He's had adventures yet he's living in the shadow of his youth and circumstances that were out of his control. He seems like a more rugged and established kind of man and to me, way more likable than Andrei Dragulescu.
As I mentioned before, had I not read Silent in the Moor and Dead Travel Fast back to back I may have had a better opinion of Dragulescu. Sadly, he's no Nicholas Brisbane. I'm not sure anyone could have lived up to old Nicky once I finished reading that series. Maybe I should have read something of a non romantic nature.... Oh well. I'll pay more attention next time. Oh, and on a side note I'd take Julia Grey over Theodora LeStrange in a cat fight any day. But in true Raybourn fashion, that's a story for another day.
and what's up with all the opium?
First, we have Nicholas Brisbane, hot in a hard life, Gypsy momma, learn as you go, still acts the gentleman, what's up with those headaches and he's kind of a druggie sexy. Born the bastard son of a gypsy woman, Nicholas has had a lot to prove. He makes a somewhat successful living as an inquiry agent and uses his skills to help Julia find out who killed her husband. Brisbane is tortured by headaches the stem from his trying to avoid his gift of 'sight'. As a result he dabbles in the narcotics to help lessen the pain. He's also an accomplished violinist, bad ass fighter and master of disguise. He's a little cranky at times but oh well, who isn't?
Theodora LeStrange's Count Andrei Dragulescu is rich, brought up to be a 'Count', has an uber messed up family, dabbles in the opiates and fancies himself quite the womanizer. Is he hot? Um yeah. Dark hair, light eyes and built like granite. Brought up in a life of privilege, he's the only male heir to an aging, decaying castle in Transylvania. Andrei's father dies and he is home to tie up the loose ends and make sure his father is actually dead. Enter Theodora, friend of Andrei's cousin, Cosmina. At one time Cosmina was to marry Andrei but he has since refused her.
Dead Travel Fast is more of a Gothic romantic thriller. Set in a dark and falling apart castle in Transylvania, it alludes to werewolves and vampires yet never actually proves there are any. A little mind bender there that I can appreciate. A hill town living in fear based on gossip and rumor but with no substantial proof. Performing ceremonies and rituals to prevent something that may never happen.
The Julia Grey books were based in England mostly, minus a trip to Italy and mentions of Egypt in the third book. Julia is a daughter of wealth who married for wealth and not love. Her husband was murdered and as a result of the findings while investigating her husbands death Julia is left to grow up quickly. With her newly fattened bank account and her widow title, Julia has many things to look forward to, including Nicholas Brisbane.
So, why am I partial to Brisbane? He's less the playboy douchebag. Did I just call the Count Dragulescu a douchebag? Yes. There are two parts in Dead Travel Fast where he describes at length his prowess with the ladies. He can read the situation, determine how they want to be seduced then give them what they desire. Huh? Conceit is not very sexy. But wait! He was trapped in a snare of his own making and he fell victim to love... thus, happy ending. Brisbane is a man who has actually 'lived'. He's had adventures yet he's living in the shadow of his youth and circumstances that were out of his control. He seems like a more rugged and established kind of man and to me, way more likable than Andrei Dragulescu.
As I mentioned before, had I not read Silent in the Moor and Dead Travel Fast back to back I may have had a better opinion of Dragulescu. Sadly, he's no Nicholas Brisbane. I'm not sure anyone could have lived up to old Nicky once I finished reading that series. Maybe I should have read something of a non romantic nature.... Oh well. I'll pay more attention next time. Oh, and on a side note I'd take Julia Grey over Theodora LeStrange in a cat fight any day. But in true Raybourn fashion, that's a story for another day.
and what's up with all the opium?
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Deer Tick and Dead Confederate @Off Broadway
August 5, 2010
Deer Tick with Dead Confederate at Off Broadway.
I had purchased these tickets when the show was first announced. I wasn't that familiar with either of the bands but from the buzz on each I knew I wanted to see the shows. I downloaded Deer Tick's Black Dirt Sessions and Dead Confederate's Wrecking Ball to see what I was getting myself into. I was slow to warm up to Black Dirt Sessions but the more I listen to it the more I love it. Now that I've seen Dead Confederate I can also say I appreciate their album that much more.
The show was originally supposed to have a third band on the bill, Fattback. A local band to St. Louis whose lead singer, Dave Hagerty, was killed in a hit and run accident in St. Louis the previous weekend. Although the night had the opportunity to be somber it was really a lot of fun. I think Deer Tick gave a portion of their night's proceeds to a memorial fund set up for in the name of Hagerty as well.
I think I'm slightly in love with Dead Confederate right now. They have this grungy, mournful sound that reminds me of my college years. The band at first glance looks like Uncle John and his buddies started a band and asked the little emo neighbor kid to sing for them. But after speaking with the lead singer, whom I now have some kind of cougary crush on, I was pleasantly surprised. The new album, Sugar, comes out August 24th and I expect that it will differ a lot from the Wrecking Ball, purely based on what I heard at the show and recently read in a review. It may lack of that angst that makes the Wrecking Ball album more attractive. I think the new album will be 'happier' and less 'dirgey'. Favorite songs from Wrecking Ball, 'The Rat', 'Heavy Petting' 'Goner' and 'Start Me Laughing'.
Deer Tick... hmmmm... the lead singer is kind of like Matthew McConaughey's character 'Wooderson' from Dazed and Confused. Similar look and same happy go lucky 'heeeeey' attitude. Maybe a little less strut. The show was random and fun. They played several songs from the Black Dirt Sessions including 'Twenty Miles'and 'Christ Jesus' as well as some older crowd favorites like 'Dirty Dishes' and 'Easy'. They also did a lot of covers including ZZ Tops' 'Cheap Sunglasses', Paul Westerberg's 'Can't Hardly Wait', a small spoof on Hanson's Mmmm Bop, tipping their hat to them being in town the same night, and the intro to BOC's 'Don't Fear the Reaper' which was sadly lacking in cowbell.
This was the first time I'd seen Deer Tick but the second time for Dead Confederate. I was a little obsessed with both bands for a few days after the show, reading what info I could about each band. Apparently Deer Tick's John McCauley is quite the character on and off the stage. I highly recommend checking out some of his antics.
Deer Tick with Dead Confederate at Off Broadway.
I had purchased these tickets when the show was first announced. I wasn't that familiar with either of the bands but from the buzz on each I knew I wanted to see the shows. I downloaded Deer Tick's Black Dirt Sessions and Dead Confederate's Wrecking Ball to see what I was getting myself into. I was slow to warm up to Black Dirt Sessions but the more I listen to it the more I love it. Now that I've seen Dead Confederate I can also say I appreciate their album that much more.
The show was originally supposed to have a third band on the bill, Fattback. A local band to St. Louis whose lead singer, Dave Hagerty, was killed in a hit and run accident in St. Louis the previous weekend. Although the night had the opportunity to be somber it was really a lot of fun. I think Deer Tick gave a portion of their night's proceeds to a memorial fund set up for in the name of Hagerty as well.
I think I'm slightly in love with Dead Confederate right now. They have this grungy, mournful sound that reminds me of my college years. The band at first glance looks like Uncle John and his buddies started a band and asked the little emo neighbor kid to sing for them. But after speaking with the lead singer, whom I now have some kind of cougary crush on, I was pleasantly surprised. The new album, Sugar, comes out August 24th and I expect that it will differ a lot from the Wrecking Ball, purely based on what I heard at the show and recently read in a review. It may lack of that angst that makes the Wrecking Ball album more attractive. I think the new album will be 'happier' and less 'dirgey'. Favorite songs from Wrecking Ball, 'The Rat', 'Heavy Petting' 'Goner' and 'Start Me Laughing'.
Deer Tick... hmmmm... the lead singer is kind of like Matthew McConaughey's character 'Wooderson' from Dazed and Confused. Similar look and same happy go lucky 'heeeeey' attitude. Maybe a little less strut. The show was random and fun. They played several songs from the Black Dirt Sessions including 'Twenty Miles'and 'Christ Jesus' as well as some older crowd favorites like 'Dirty Dishes' and 'Easy'. They also did a lot of covers including ZZ Tops' 'Cheap Sunglasses', Paul Westerberg's 'Can't Hardly Wait', a small spoof on Hanson's Mmmm Bop, tipping their hat to them being in town the same night, and the intro to BOC's 'Don't Fear the Reaper' which was sadly lacking in cowbell.
This was the first time I'd seen Deer Tick but the second time for Dead Confederate. I was a little obsessed with both bands for a few days after the show, reading what info I could about each band. Apparently Deer Tick's John McCauley is quite the character on and off the stage. I highly recommend checking out some of his antics.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Damn girl, where have you been?
No where special! Just doing my same old here in St. Louis. For some reason I've been slacking on both blogs. Who'd have thought they'd be so much work?
I've read several books since my last post a couple of months ago. Some worthy of mention, others, meh.
I do highly recommend the 'Lady Julia Grey' books by Deanna Raybourn. They are easy to obsess about and I find myself going back and reviewing the sections where there is interaction with Brisbane. I think I will fantasize about him fondly, unless he turns into an asshole. Her family is nuts and the dialogue is fantastic. A great sojourn from the current Urban Fantasy phase I'm in. Who knows, maybe British mysteries will encompass my next two years of reading.
I've been working my way through the Kitty Norville series by Carrie Vaughn. They are a fun guilty pleasure but it's hard to read them too close together. I started the 5th book in the series but sent it back to the library after the first couple of chapters because I had other books I wanted to read instead, namely the Lady Julia Grey books I spoke about above.
Because I LOVED the Jane Yellowrock books so much I started the Rogue Mage series, also by Faith Hunter. I'm not as impressed. The concept is different and a little more 'fantastic' than what I'm used to. This is the first series I've read that involves mages and I'm not too sure I understand the concept yet. I've read the first and have the second two. I'm hoping my opinion improves.
I just finished "Mind Games" by Carolyn Crane. It's has a different concept than your typical 'urban fantasy' book because the 'super powers' used are the characters own neuroses. They have been taught a way to infuse their fears and addictions into others in an attempt to bring the person to their base level in an effort to 'reboot' them and start them on a path of good with the knowledge of the horrible things they have done in their past. It has a cool comic book kind of vibe that reminds me a little of the Signs of the Zodiac series by Vicki Pettersson. The romantic triangle should be interesting. I still can't get over the fact that the author used the term 'cucumbery cock' (seriously, summer vegetables?) and that one of the characters wears a beret ALL the time.
I've also been to a few shows.
Blitzen Trapper at Off Broadway was a hot, sweaty, sauna of a show. Sold out on a 90+ degree night. Does that place have air conditioning? Great show though despite all the heat. The crowd was good and not overly chatty. I hate it when you can't hear the music over the crowd. I find it odd that I thoroughly enjoy myself when I go to shows alone. I went, I drank a couple beers, heard some good music and went home. Good night.
Modest Mouse at the Pageant was a great show. No new album that I wasn't familiar with. Just all the good tunes I wanted to hear. I love the double drummers. I'm always fascinated watching them and wondering how they put the music together. I wish I knew more about music. Only annoyance in the show was the smokers trying to sneak cigarettes.
And have I mentioned the Black Keys!!! So nice I'm going to see them twice. Heading to Detroit for that show in a couple of weeks. The show at the Pageant was AMAZING! I can't even remember the last time I was that engaged in a show. ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!!!
Well that should catch you up, if you have managed to read this far. I also attended three weddings, no funeral and sold laundry soap at multiple farmers' markets. Nothing new and fantastic so if you have decided to live vicariously through me you may be sadly disappointed. I will try to be better about keeping this thing updated and living a more entertaining life. ;)
I've read several books since my last post a couple of months ago. Some worthy of mention, others, meh.
I do highly recommend the 'Lady Julia Grey' books by Deanna Raybourn. They are easy to obsess about and I find myself going back and reviewing the sections where there is interaction with Brisbane. I think I will fantasize about him fondly, unless he turns into an asshole. Her family is nuts and the dialogue is fantastic. A great sojourn from the current Urban Fantasy phase I'm in. Who knows, maybe British mysteries will encompass my next two years of reading.
I've been working my way through the Kitty Norville series by Carrie Vaughn. They are a fun guilty pleasure but it's hard to read them too close together. I started the 5th book in the series but sent it back to the library after the first couple of chapters because I had other books I wanted to read instead, namely the Lady Julia Grey books I spoke about above.
Because I LOVED the Jane Yellowrock books so much I started the Rogue Mage series, also by Faith Hunter. I'm not as impressed. The concept is different and a little more 'fantastic' than what I'm used to. This is the first series I've read that involves mages and I'm not too sure I understand the concept yet. I've read the first and have the second two. I'm hoping my opinion improves.
I just finished "Mind Games" by Carolyn Crane. It's has a different concept than your typical 'urban fantasy' book because the 'super powers' used are the characters own neuroses. They have been taught a way to infuse their fears and addictions into others in an attempt to bring the person to their base level in an effort to 'reboot' them and start them on a path of good with the knowledge of the horrible things they have done in their past. It has a cool comic book kind of vibe that reminds me a little of the Signs of the Zodiac series by Vicki Pettersson. The romantic triangle should be interesting. I still can't get over the fact that the author used the term 'cucumbery cock' (seriously, summer vegetables?) and that one of the characters wears a beret ALL the time.
I've also been to a few shows.
Blitzen Trapper at Off Broadway was a hot, sweaty, sauna of a show. Sold out on a 90+ degree night. Does that place have air conditioning? Great show though despite all the heat. The crowd was good and not overly chatty. I hate it when you can't hear the music over the crowd. I find it odd that I thoroughly enjoy myself when I go to shows alone. I went, I drank a couple beers, heard some good music and went home. Good night.
Modest Mouse at the Pageant was a great show. No new album that I wasn't familiar with. Just all the good tunes I wanted to hear. I love the double drummers. I'm always fascinated watching them and wondering how they put the music together. I wish I knew more about music. Only annoyance in the show was the smokers trying to sneak cigarettes.
And have I mentioned the Black Keys!!! So nice I'm going to see them twice. Heading to Detroit for that show in a couple of weeks. The show at the Pageant was AMAZING! I can't even remember the last time I was that engaged in a show. ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!!!
Well that should catch you up, if you have managed to read this far. I also attended three weddings, no funeral and sold laundry soap at multiple farmers' markets. Nothing new and fantastic so if you have decided to live vicariously through me you may be sadly disappointed. I will try to be better about keeping this thing updated and living a more entertaining life. ;)
Monday, May 31, 2010
Dead in the Family, Charlaine Harris
Dead in the Family (Southern Vampire Series, Book 10)
Charlaine Harris
This is the 10th book in the Sookie Stackhouse Southern Vampire Series. Although it is not the weakest in the series, I was left unsatisfied by the ending. I love Sookie and I *LOVE* Eric and this book, although highlighting their relationship, left things open for all kinds of drama. For some reason I don't see positive things for their future.
There are multiple story lines running throughout the series and a couple of them were tied up too neatly leading me to wonder why they were even carried over into this book Seriously? Bill and some strange woman we've never met? And he leaves Sookie a Thank You note? WTH? He's been pining for Sookie for the last 5 books! Sooo not happy with the way that storyline went. Then the FBI agent I really don't remember shows up at her doorstep to tell her that the investigation focusing on her has been stopped. This could have been in the last chapter of the last book and I would probably have been less confused. I also didn't see a point for mentioning that Calvin and Tanya got married. It can get a little frustrating because some of the storylines stem from books that I read well over a year and a half ago and I don't remember the exact storyline.
In the previous books, where there were less characters, the books were more focused. This one seemed a little scattered because it tried to touch on the multiple characters in Sookie's life. At one point you think the story will focus on a power struggle between Victor and Eric. Especially with the repeated mentioning of Sookie, Eric and Pam all wanting Victor dead and following the attack on Pam and Sookie by Victor's henchmen. But, then Ocella shows up with a creepy child vamp and the storyline veers toward them providing no direction for the Victor storyline except for into book 11. Then there is the Pack meeting and Sookie acting as a Shaman and the fae running around in her woods. A little too much going on with more storylines to be carried over into the next book.
Okay, enough with my bitching. I do LOVE this series and I inhale every book when it comes out. I should have re-read the last book because there were several things mentioned that I didn't really remember. I like the fact that Sookie has a no nonsense view of things and her constant need to please her gran by always being hospitable even to people she cannot stand makes me giggle.
As I mentioned before I see problems ahead for Sookie and Eric. Especially with the problems he is having with Victor and the weakening blood bond that was mentioned in the end of this book. I also wonder if Eric is going to show up and find Sookie, Dermot and Claude sleeping in the same bed. Who knows.... This book has definitely got me waiting for #11.
Charlaine Harris
This is the 10th book in the Sookie Stackhouse Southern Vampire Series. Although it is not the weakest in the series, I was left unsatisfied by the ending. I love Sookie and I *LOVE* Eric and this book, although highlighting their relationship, left things open for all kinds of drama. For some reason I don't see positive things for their future.
There are multiple story lines running throughout the series and a couple of them were tied up too neatly leading me to wonder why they were even carried over into this book Seriously? Bill and some strange woman we've never met? And he leaves Sookie a Thank You note? WTH? He's been pining for Sookie for the last 5 books! Sooo not happy with the way that storyline went. Then the FBI agent I really don't remember shows up at her doorstep to tell her that the investigation focusing on her has been stopped. This could have been in the last chapter of the last book and I would probably have been less confused. I also didn't see a point for mentioning that Calvin and Tanya got married. It can get a little frustrating because some of the storylines stem from books that I read well over a year and a half ago and I don't remember the exact storyline.
In the previous books, where there were less characters, the books were more focused. This one seemed a little scattered because it tried to touch on the multiple characters in Sookie's life. At one point you think the story will focus on a power struggle between Victor and Eric. Especially with the repeated mentioning of Sookie, Eric and Pam all wanting Victor dead and following the attack on Pam and Sookie by Victor's henchmen. But, then Ocella shows up with a creepy child vamp and the storyline veers toward them providing no direction for the Victor storyline except for into book 11. Then there is the Pack meeting and Sookie acting as a Shaman and the fae running around in her woods. A little too much going on with more storylines to be carried over into the next book.
Okay, enough with my bitching. I do LOVE this series and I inhale every book when it comes out. I should have re-read the last book because there were several things mentioned that I didn't really remember. I like the fact that Sookie has a no nonsense view of things and her constant need to please her gran by always being hospitable even to people she cannot stand makes me giggle.
As I mentioned before I see problems ahead for Sookie and Eric. Especially with the problems he is having with Victor and the weakening blood bond that was mentioned in the end of this book. I also wonder if Eric is going to show up and find Sookie, Dermot and Claude sleeping in the same bed. Who knows.... This book has definitely got me waiting for #11.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Kitty and the Midnight Hour
Kitty and the Midnight Hour
Carrie Vaughn
Kitty Norville, Book 1
Guilty Pleasure!
Kitty is a werewolf. Bad Kitty! This is a good intro to what is now a well established series. I'm a little behind the times on this one, but it will be nice to read books and not have to wait for new releases. I will definitely be picking up the second.
Kitty, turned werewolf, has a late night radio show that turns into a supernatural talk show. Although tongue in cheek you know that some people who call her a freaks and others are really supes. Offense is taken by the local head of the vampires and a hit is put on Kitty. Kitty talks down the hitman, live on the air, hello ratings. Also hello to want seems to be a future love interest.
The book also deals with the pack politics of Kitty's were pack. It has issues.
The book ends on a sad note but definitely gets you ready for what's next in book two, which will have to wait for me....
Carrie Vaughn
Kitty Norville, Book 1
Guilty Pleasure!
Kitty is a werewolf. Bad Kitty! This is a good intro to what is now a well established series. I'm a little behind the times on this one, but it will be nice to read books and not have to wait for new releases. I will definitely be picking up the second.
Kitty, turned werewolf, has a late night radio show that turns into a supernatural talk show. Although tongue in cheek you know that some people who call her a freaks and others are really supes. Offense is taken by the local head of the vampires and a hit is put on Kitty. Kitty talks down the hitman, live on the air, hello ratings. Also hello to want seems to be a future love interest.
The book also deals with the pack politics of Kitty's were pack. It has issues.
The book ends on a sad note but definitely gets you ready for what's next in book two, which will have to wait for me....
Pearl Jam and Band of Horses
Pearl Jam and Band of Horses
Scottrade Center
May 4, 2010
It has been a while since the show... busy month. But! I have to say I had an awesome time at this show. I was a big PJ fan for two or three albums but over the years my tastes have branched out. Given that, I still knew 90% of the songs and was impressed with the energy that came from the stage. Eddie Vedder knows how to manage the stage. Although there was no climbing of the stage his presence and aura rocked it. I sang along the whole show and had one of those 'Back in the Day' kind of nights. I definitely had a better time at this show than I did at Riverport (I don't care who paid to put their name on it, it will always be Riverport to me) back in the late 90's for the Yield tour.
Drawback? Asshats in the crowd. We ultimately ended up moving into the upper levels where there was no one behind us so we could avoid 'sitters' who yelled at us to sit down. Seriously people! It's a rock show! Get your fat ass out of your chair and rock out! This is not the symphony! It's Peal Jam!
Honestly, I would not have purchased the ticket to see the show if it hadn't been for the fact that Band of Horses was opening the show. I *LOVE* Band of Horses. Mostly because of the fact that I really don't like big venue shows. Give me a 2000 capacity club any day. This was my fourth time seeing BoH and although not the best show, still fantastic. This was the largest venue, besides for outdoors at ACL, and the seats were rather empty. Ben Bridwell's voice was higher than usual and the lack of intimacy from previous shows definitely mellowed things. Considering the fact that they had a 45 minute set to give a mix of their 3 releases, they represented them well. Thank you for playing the General Specific!
I was glad to see that although the seats were less that half full during BoH that the St. Louis fans of the band represented well. I am apparently not the only person in St. Louis who appreciates The Funeral. Which is kind of entertaining because the last time I saw BoH in St. Louis was at the Gargoyle Lounge, a venue I despise, at which I was the most obnoxious fan in attendance. Imagine that.
Back to those jackasses in the crowd.... the guy who yelled 'Band of Cows' needed a swift kick to the head.
I'd probably have a better review if I'd had my sh!t together and wrote this two weeks ago. But just know this. Impressed and had a FANTASTIC time!
Scottrade Center
May 4, 2010
It has been a while since the show... busy month. But! I have to say I had an awesome time at this show. I was a big PJ fan for two or three albums but over the years my tastes have branched out. Given that, I still knew 90% of the songs and was impressed with the energy that came from the stage. Eddie Vedder knows how to manage the stage. Although there was no climbing of the stage his presence and aura rocked it. I sang along the whole show and had one of those 'Back in the Day' kind of nights. I definitely had a better time at this show than I did at Riverport (I don't care who paid to put their name on it, it will always be Riverport to me) back in the late 90's for the Yield tour.
Drawback? Asshats in the crowd. We ultimately ended up moving into the upper levels where there was no one behind us so we could avoid 'sitters' who yelled at us to sit down. Seriously people! It's a rock show! Get your fat ass out of your chair and rock out! This is not the symphony! It's Peal Jam!
Honestly, I would not have purchased the ticket to see the show if it hadn't been for the fact that Band of Horses was opening the show. I *LOVE* Band of Horses. Mostly because of the fact that I really don't like big venue shows. Give me a 2000 capacity club any day. This was my fourth time seeing BoH and although not the best show, still fantastic. This was the largest venue, besides for outdoors at ACL, and the seats were rather empty. Ben Bridwell's voice was higher than usual and the lack of intimacy from previous shows definitely mellowed things. Considering the fact that they had a 45 minute set to give a mix of their 3 releases, they represented them well. Thank you for playing the General Specific!
I was glad to see that although the seats were less that half full during BoH that the St. Louis fans of the band represented well. I am apparently not the only person in St. Louis who appreciates The Funeral. Which is kind of entertaining because the last time I saw BoH in St. Louis was at the Gargoyle Lounge, a venue I despise, at which I was the most obnoxious fan in attendance. Imagine that.
Back to those jackasses in the crowd.... the guy who yelled 'Band of Cows' needed a swift kick to the head.
I'd probably have a better review if I'd had my sh!t together and wrote this two weeks ago. But just know this. Impressed and had a FANTASTIC time!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
A Local Habitation, Seanan McGuire
A Local Habitation
Seanan McGuire
Copyright 2010
Yes, I read the second book in the series! Even though I dogged the first book for being flat and dark because of the main character's self loathing I'm glad to say that October is becoming more likable. She didn't lead the pity parade in this book like she had done previously. This time around she was definitely more confident and appealing.
In this installment of the October Daye series our heroine, Toby, and Quentin, a foster from Sylvester's court, go on a road trip to Tamed Lightning aka Fresno. Sylvester's neice, January has failed to contact him or return his calls and he wants to make sure everything is okay. We soon find out that all is not right in Tamed Lighting, a small county wedged between two rival fiefdoms and the people there are not very forthcoming with the 411. Apparenlty the fey that work at January's company, ALH (note acronym for the title of book), are dropping dead and a mystery is afoot, a weak and slightly transparent mystery based on the who and the why... Is it a rival fiefdom or someone on the inside? Is it political, financial or personal? The choices are slim and as the characters get picked off in the book the options become even more limited..
Unfortunately, this book was not as action oriented as the first one. It attempted to be more cerebral and it kind of drug itself out a little. I think part of the problem is that the story was basically contained within one environment, ALH, so space and characters were limited. There was a lot of hall walking, cafeteria sitting and people dropping dead. Plus, Toby tried to perform two different blood rituals that caused her to sleep a lot. The book did start out well with engaging conversation and humor but once they reached ALH the story took a darker turn and the plot started to drag. The mystery had an unsurprising resolution and at points you wanted to bang your head because Toby had a tendency to be a little dense.
AND! I did not get my full fix of Tybalt. Again, there are allusions to a romantice relationship from the beginning of the book, but then it goes flat and there's not a sense of closure between the two. I know they pair back up on the third book based on the teaser in back, but, this book left me wanting. Not in a 'can't wait until the next book' kind of way either. There wasn't any character development with regard to Tybalt and I found this disappointing.
Actually, there really wasn't any character development in this book. Toby's character, although more likable than in the previous book, remained weak. The author brought back Connor, someone Toby grew up with and, if I remember correctly, is an ex-boyfriend but they can't be together because Connor is married to Sylvester's mad as a hatter daughter. So it would appear that McGuire is trying to build two connecting love triangles with Toby, Connor, Tybalt and Toby, Connor, Crazy Daughter. Not a Connor fan so I hope the author strays from that in book 3. Yes, I intend to read book three.
There was also a cyber-dryad who was a wierd combination of War Games meets Tinkerbell that I was neither impressed nor interested in. I get the idea that Fairy is odd and full of possibilities, but to let an inanimate character who lives in a server that needs to be re-booted to stay 'online' rule a county? Hello? Fairy and SciFi do not mix well in my mind. Something about a cominbination of something older than old and something modern. Then there were the lovebird twins. Male by day, female by night and emitting pheremones like crazy the whole time. One dies but Toby is able to resurrect the twin. hmmmmm....
For all my complaining, I did enjoy the book and read it mostly in one sitting. I can also say that my views are tainted slightly because when trying to remember some of the character's names I read other reviews that reminded me of issues I had when reading the book. Even though I found October to be a dark and unhappy character in the first book I did notice improvements with this one. I get that this is supposed to be a noir style series, but typically you will find something indearing about the character. I have not yet found that in Toby. What I do like is some of the supporting cast. I really like Tybalt and wish that McGuire would develop him better. I also like Quentin and his back and forth banter with Toby as well as Toby's relationship with the Luideag. As I mentioned before, I will be reading the third installment in this series. After reviewing the author's website I see that it has to potential to go up to 8 books. Not sure she can keep me engaged for that long, but we'll see.
Seanan McGuire
Copyright 2010
Yes, I read the second book in the series! Even though I dogged the first book for being flat and dark because of the main character's self loathing I'm glad to say that October is becoming more likable. She didn't lead the pity parade in this book like she had done previously. This time around she was definitely more confident and appealing.
In this installment of the October Daye series our heroine, Toby, and Quentin, a foster from Sylvester's court, go on a road trip to Tamed Lightning aka Fresno. Sylvester's neice, January has failed to contact him or return his calls and he wants to make sure everything is okay. We soon find out that all is not right in Tamed Lighting, a small county wedged between two rival fiefdoms and the people there are not very forthcoming with the 411. Apparenlty the fey that work at January's company, ALH (note acronym for the title of book), are dropping dead and a mystery is afoot, a weak and slightly transparent mystery based on the who and the why... Is it a rival fiefdom or someone on the inside? Is it political, financial or personal? The choices are slim and as the characters get picked off in the book the options become even more limited..
Unfortunately, this book was not as action oriented as the first one. It attempted to be more cerebral and it kind of drug itself out a little. I think part of the problem is that the story was basically contained within one environment, ALH, so space and characters were limited. There was a lot of hall walking, cafeteria sitting and people dropping dead. Plus, Toby tried to perform two different blood rituals that caused her to sleep a lot. The book did start out well with engaging conversation and humor but once they reached ALH the story took a darker turn and the plot started to drag. The mystery had an unsurprising resolution and at points you wanted to bang your head because Toby had a tendency to be a little dense.
AND! I did not get my full fix of Tybalt. Again, there are allusions to a romantice relationship from the beginning of the book, but then it goes flat and there's not a sense of closure between the two. I know they pair back up on the third book based on the teaser in back, but, this book left me wanting. Not in a 'can't wait until the next book' kind of way either. There wasn't any character development with regard to Tybalt and I found this disappointing.
Actually, there really wasn't any character development in this book. Toby's character, although more likable than in the previous book, remained weak. The author brought back Connor, someone Toby grew up with and, if I remember correctly, is an ex-boyfriend but they can't be together because Connor is married to Sylvester's mad as a hatter daughter. So it would appear that McGuire is trying to build two connecting love triangles with Toby, Connor, Tybalt and Toby, Connor, Crazy Daughter. Not a Connor fan so I hope the author strays from that in book 3. Yes, I intend to read book three.
There was also a cyber-dryad who was a wierd combination of War Games meets Tinkerbell that I was neither impressed nor interested in. I get the idea that Fairy is odd and full of possibilities, but to let an inanimate character who lives in a server that needs to be re-booted to stay 'online' rule a county? Hello? Fairy and SciFi do not mix well in my mind. Something about a cominbination of something older than old and something modern. Then there were the lovebird twins. Male by day, female by night and emitting pheremones like crazy the whole time. One dies but Toby is able to resurrect the twin. hmmmmm....
For all my complaining, I did enjoy the book and read it mostly in one sitting. I can also say that my views are tainted slightly because when trying to remember some of the character's names I read other reviews that reminded me of issues I had when reading the book. Even though I found October to be a dark and unhappy character in the first book I did notice improvements with this one. I get that this is supposed to be a noir style series, but typically you will find something indearing about the character. I have not yet found that in Toby. What I do like is some of the supporting cast. I really like Tybalt and wish that McGuire would develop him better. I also like Quentin and his back and forth banter with Toby as well as Toby's relationship with the Luideag. As I mentioned before, I will be reading the third installment in this series. After reviewing the author's website I see that it has to potential to go up to 8 books. Not sure she can keep me engaged for that long, but we'll see.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Arctic Monkeys 3/11/2010
Arctic Monkeys
The Pageant
This is the second time I've seen the Arctic Monkeys. The first being Lollapalooza '09. They are definitely a bed better seen indoors. They have a high stage energy and complimentary light show. My Lolla experience left me a little flat since I did not really know the songs, even though I did have their 2006 release, Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not. This show offered more familiar songs, plus the ability to see the band in person and not on the jumbotron.
It has been a few weeks since the show and this blog posting, but I do remember that they liked to drag out their songs out. You know how every concert you go to the band will do one song that at one point you think has ended and then all the sudden they cut right back into it? The crowd will be doubly excited because that kick ass song didn't actually end. Well the AM's like to do that a lot. By the third time it was like 'Enough Already'! Learn a little from the Kings of Leon. Do your three minute song and get to the next one. I also didn't get what the deal was at the end of the show with the singer running off stage and the roadie bringing him back on. Seemed a little staged and kind of 'eh'.
Seriously, although I do like to complain I really did enjoy this show. Like I said previously, the band was energetic and seemed to really enjoy the crowd, which I'd also like to say was quite large considering it was a Sunday night show. The sound was clean and I got to hear some personal favorites including 'I Bet That You Look Good on the Dancefloor', 'Potion Approaching', 'The View from the Afternoon' and a cover of 'Red Right Hand' by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. Thoroughly enjoyable show!
The Pageant
This is the second time I've seen the Arctic Monkeys. The first being Lollapalooza '09. They are definitely a bed better seen indoors. They have a high stage energy and complimentary light show. My Lolla experience left me a little flat since I did not really know the songs, even though I did have their 2006 release, Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not. This show offered more familiar songs, plus the ability to see the band in person and not on the jumbotron.
It has been a few weeks since the show and this blog posting, but I do remember that they liked to drag out their songs out. You know how every concert you go to the band will do one song that at one point you think has ended and then all the sudden they cut right back into it? The crowd will be doubly excited because that kick ass song didn't actually end. Well the AM's like to do that a lot. By the third time it was like 'Enough Already'! Learn a little from the Kings of Leon. Do your three minute song and get to the next one. I also didn't get what the deal was at the end of the show with the singer running off stage and the roadie bringing him back on. Seemed a little staged and kind of 'eh'.
Seriously, although I do like to complain I really did enjoy this show. Like I said previously, the band was energetic and seemed to really enjoy the crowd, which I'd also like to say was quite large considering it was a Sunday night show. The sound was clean and I got to hear some personal favorites including 'I Bet That You Look Good on the Dancefloor', 'Potion Approaching', 'The View from the Afternoon' and a cover of 'Red Right Hand' by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. Thoroughly enjoyable show!
Two For One Book Review
Mark of the Demon (2009)
Blood of the Demon (2010)
Diana Rowland
So today we get two books for the price of one. I read both of these books back to back. It took me a week to read the first book, but I inhaled the second book in one day. For all the reasons I can nit pick the books I also like the characters enough to keep reading. I look forward to the third book in the series to see what happens between the main character, Kara, and her love interest(s).
First, let me get my bitching over with. The first book didn't interest me until about half way through the book. For those of you who know me, you will find this funny. I think the main character cussed too much. It was almost like the author used 'fuck' and 'shit' repeatedly to give Kara more street cred since she is a member of Beualac's finest. The language was not used for emphasis as much as it seemed a little thrown in here and there. My other complaint is that the author is repetitive. Not only in the use of 'fuck' and 'shit', but in certain phrases. She liked to measure the passing of time in the passing of heartbeats and she completely abused the word 'arcane'. It seems to me that there are some alternate ways to phrase that without re-using the same word over and over and over. This was more obvious to me in the second book because I did read it in one sitting.
Okay, that over with, I obviously like the series enough to have read two of the books and look forward to the third. I think I will refer to this as my current guilty pleasure. The books have no great redeeming value, but they do deal with a newer subject for my current urban fantasy fetish. Kara, the main character, has the ability to summon demons that reside in a different realm. There are 12 levels of demons. The lower the level number the lower the demon. In the first book Kara is summoning a lower level demon when what she later finds out is the demonic lord, Rhyzkahl, shows up instead. She expects him to kill her for summoning him but instead he ends up seducing her and they have hot, steamy mortal on demon sex. I never said this was classic literature.
Not understanding how she could addicentally summon a demonic lord she stumbles though most of the book questioning her ritual. We later find out that the accidental summoning actually crosses paths with the murder investigation she is in charge of. Can I say that for a detective she sure does a lot of sleeping? Anyway, the murder investigation revolves around a serial killer who leaves arcane traces on his victims. Since Kara is the only person she knows, besides her Aunt, that is trained in the arcane she is able to use her skills to help her solve the case. In this book she meets her main love interest, Agent Ryan Kristoff. She soon finds out that although he is not trained in the arcane arts, he is sensitive to them and can see some of the things that she sees. Thus providing them with common ground for a blossoming frienship.
At the end of the first book the killer is caught, but not without consequence. Kara was basically eviscerated and taken away to Rhyzkahl's realm to heal. She appeared two weeks after her 'death' and funeral much to everyone's surprise. Kara's aunt is also left in a coma because she has lost her essence. This carryovers to the second book where we have another murderer on the loose. Enter Kara and Agent Kristoff trying to solve a case that involves people's essences being ripped from them. The victims are all members of Beaulac's upper echelon and seem to have their own problems ala Wysteria Lane.
During her investigation Kara summons Rhyzkahl who is getting annoyed with Kara for not doing exactly what he would like. He offers her assistance if Kara will agree to be his summoner. He will allow her to summon him without threat to her if she allows him to wander freely in her realm. This poses it's own risks and Kara is hesitant to agree to his terms. This time arround we also get more of a friendship working towards something else when it comes to the relationship between Kara and Ryan, which I actually enjoy. It's not one of these instant sexual attraction relationships but one more out of friendship. Kara needs to get a clue though. In response to one of her arguements with Ryan she decides to summon Rhyzkahl for nothing more than a revenge fuck.
What made this book more intersting was actually learning about Ryan's talents and the mystery of what he actually is. We find out that the residents of the demon realm and Ryan do not respondly nicely to eachother with no clear reason as to why. We also learn that Ryan has the ability to 'Men in Black' people and change their memories of an event. Huh? So Ryan has definitely become more interesting and no longer has the milquetoast vibe we got from him in the first book. So, like I said, not classic literature, but a great way to spend a day on the couch. The more I read the more I liked the characters, the more I became interested in seeing what direction she takes them.
Blood of the Demon (2010)
Diana Rowland
So today we get two books for the price of one. I read both of these books back to back. It took me a week to read the first book, but I inhaled the second book in one day. For all the reasons I can nit pick the books I also like the characters enough to keep reading. I look forward to the third book in the series to see what happens between the main character, Kara, and her love interest(s).
First, let me get my bitching over with. The first book didn't interest me until about half way through the book. For those of you who know me, you will find this funny. I think the main character cussed too much. It was almost like the author used 'fuck' and 'shit' repeatedly to give Kara more street cred since she is a member of Beualac's finest. The language was not used for emphasis as much as it seemed a little thrown in here and there. My other complaint is that the author is repetitive. Not only in the use of 'fuck' and 'shit', but in certain phrases. She liked to measure the passing of time in the passing of heartbeats and she completely abused the word 'arcane'. It seems to me that there are some alternate ways to phrase that without re-using the same word over and over and over. This was more obvious to me in the second book because I did read it in one sitting.
Okay, that over with, I obviously like the series enough to have read two of the books and look forward to the third. I think I will refer to this as my current guilty pleasure. The books have no great redeeming value, but they do deal with a newer subject for my current urban fantasy fetish. Kara, the main character, has the ability to summon demons that reside in a different realm. There are 12 levels of demons. The lower the level number the lower the demon. In the first book Kara is summoning a lower level demon when what she later finds out is the demonic lord, Rhyzkahl, shows up instead. She expects him to kill her for summoning him but instead he ends up seducing her and they have hot, steamy mortal on demon sex. I never said this was classic literature.
Not understanding how she could addicentally summon a demonic lord she stumbles though most of the book questioning her ritual. We later find out that the accidental summoning actually crosses paths with the murder investigation she is in charge of. Can I say that for a detective she sure does a lot of sleeping? Anyway, the murder investigation revolves around a serial killer who leaves arcane traces on his victims. Since Kara is the only person she knows, besides her Aunt, that is trained in the arcane she is able to use her skills to help her solve the case. In this book she meets her main love interest, Agent Ryan Kristoff. She soon finds out that although he is not trained in the arcane arts, he is sensitive to them and can see some of the things that she sees. Thus providing them with common ground for a blossoming frienship.
At the end of the first book the killer is caught, but not without consequence. Kara was basically eviscerated and taken away to Rhyzkahl's realm to heal. She appeared two weeks after her 'death' and funeral much to everyone's surprise. Kara's aunt is also left in a coma because she has lost her essence. This carryovers to the second book where we have another murderer on the loose. Enter Kara and Agent Kristoff trying to solve a case that involves people's essences being ripped from them. The victims are all members of Beaulac's upper echelon and seem to have their own problems ala Wysteria Lane.
During her investigation Kara summons Rhyzkahl who is getting annoyed with Kara for not doing exactly what he would like. He offers her assistance if Kara will agree to be his summoner. He will allow her to summon him without threat to her if she allows him to wander freely in her realm. This poses it's own risks and Kara is hesitant to agree to his terms. This time arround we also get more of a friendship working towards something else when it comes to the relationship between Kara and Ryan, which I actually enjoy. It's not one of these instant sexual attraction relationships but one more out of friendship. Kara needs to get a clue though. In response to one of her arguements with Ryan she decides to summon Rhyzkahl for nothing more than a revenge fuck.
What made this book more intersting was actually learning about Ryan's talents and the mystery of what he actually is. We find out that the residents of the demon realm and Ryan do not respondly nicely to eachother with no clear reason as to why. We also learn that Ryan has the ability to 'Men in Black' people and change their memories of an event. Huh? So Ryan has definitely become more interesting and no longer has the milquetoast vibe we got from him in the first book. So, like I said, not classic literature, but a great way to spend a day on the couch. The more I read the more I liked the characters, the more I became interested in seeing what direction she takes them.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Heartless Bastards 3/12/2010
Fifth time seeing the Heartless Bastards, third time at the Duck Room @ Blueberry Hill.
As it would happen, this show was the same day as the Cardinals Home Opener. Nothing can put a taint on a fantastic show like assholes. There were two guys in the crowd who were so drunk and obnoxious that I know several people besides myself were disturbed, mostly the people they fixated on.
This is the best performance I've seen by them. The crowd enjoyed them and they enjoyed the crowd and the vibe was great, sans drunken assholes. It made for a great show with a balanced mix of songs from each of their three cds. "All This Time", "Into the Open", "New Resolution" and "Onions" being personal favorites.
If you are not familiar with the Heartless Bastards I highly recommend checking them out. The singer, Erika Wennerstrom, has a great vibe and an edgy deep voice.
http://www.myspace.com/heartlessbastards
hmmmmm
I bought a music festival ticket a couple of weeks ago and after reviewing my credit card statement I found that I was double charged. One charge went to the actual festival and one went to some place I'd never heard of. I looked them up on the internet and left a phone message for them. Here's the reply I got back via e-mail. What's wrong with this picture?
Jennifer - I tried to return your call but must have missed you with the time difference. You bought some tickets for a music festival and somehow the credit card processing company messed something up. We didn't get your money but I've had about 20 calls in the last 3 days about this. If you'd call XXXX Processing at XXX-XXX-XXXX and ask for Heather they will take care of this. I am so sorry for the incontinence this has caused everyone - but I hope you enjoy the music festival.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Silver Borne (Book Review)
Silver Borne
Patricia Briggs
Copyright 2010
This is the fifth installment in Patricia Brigg's Mercy Thompson Series. I love the characters Briggs has created in these books. I was little girl giddy to dive into this book. I started it the day I got it not caring that I hadn't finished the book I was currently reading. I inhaled this book over the weekend and although I enjoyed it immensely I think the series may be straying a little from its original intent.
Mercy is a were coyote that was raised by a pack of werewolves. She lives in a small town in Washington where she owns a auto repair shop specializing in VW's. She also lives next door to Adam, the local werewolf pack alpha. Through the books she has developed a romantic relationship with him and in this book the author emphasizes the mate bond that the two have and how they relate to each other because of it.
In this story Mercy ends up in danger because of a book she borrowed from someone in the third book in the series, Iron Kissed. The 'book' is a focus of power that an evil doing fae really wants to get their hands on. More drama is added when there is dissension among pack and weaknesses are taken advantage of in an effort the challenge the alpha for his position. Her ex-boyfriend/best friend/roommate also has a crisis and is in danger of losing himself to his inner wolf, which would mean that he would die.
Missing in this installment of the series is Stefan. Mercy's Scooby van driving vampire friend. It has been hinted at previously that Stefan is in love with Mercy and I'd be interested to see if the author tries to take that anywhere. I think that it may be hard to do considering the time spent discussing Mercy's pack status and mate bond in this book.
In the first couple of books we learn that Mercy is unaware of her full power as a were coyote since she knows nothing about them having grown up in a werewolf pack. Her father, the source of her 'power' died before she was born. Historically they hunted vampires and Mercy seems to have some immunities to their powers. Non of Mercy's 'unknown powers' were hinted at in this book and I'm a little bummed by that.
Yes, I know I'm nitpicky and I cannot just enjoy something without finding the faults. I think that by the time you get 5 books into a series you have your own expectations and wants for the characters. I always enjoy being pleasantly surprised, unfortunately this book didn't offer any 'YaY' surprises for me. I was 'meh' about the love re-connection encountered by Sam. It seemed too easy and a little 'gooey and romantic'. Brigg's lack of emphasizing the love was one of the draws to this series. I also question this books characterizations of Warren, the homosexual werewolf, and his boyfriend Kyle. I honestly don't remember Warren being sooo country and Kyle being so flamboyant.
Oh well. For all my mewing I really did enjoy this book. As I said in the beginning I did inhale it. I loved getting to hang with all my friends mentioned above, sans Stefan, and get to experience another adventure with them. If I had started in on a different day it would have been a one sitting book. I'm sad that this book done and I look forward to the next installment with the same hand clappy giddiness I awaited this one with.
Dinner
I am the self proclaimed Queen of one pot cooking. I'm not really a fan of all the chopping, measuring and stirring involved in a lot of recipes so when I can just throw a few things together and let them take care of themselves, and it results in something tasty, I'm happy. Tonight's dinner is an experiment, which is how most of my meals start out.
One Tilapia Fillet
One can Full Circle Italian Style Diced Tomatoes
Put the two in a casserole dish, cover and bake for 30 minutes at 375.
Side dish: couscous
I can't give a YaY/Nay because although it smelled fantastic the fish tasted more fishy than it should have. I'm not sure why this happens but every once in a while the fish doesn't taste right. My garbage disposal had a yummy meal. I ended up eating the couscous with Parmesan and pepper.
recycled can and couscous box.
I can't give a YaY/Nay because although it smelled fantastic the fish tasted more fishy than it should have. I'm not sure why this happens but every once in a while the fish doesn't taste right. My garbage disposal had a yummy meal. I ended up eating the couscous with Parmesan and pepper.
recycled can and couscous box.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Roadkill (Book Review)
Roadkill
Rob Thurman
Copyright 2010
This is the fifth book in the Cal and Niko Leandros series by Rob Thurman, a pseudonym for Robyn Thurman. I have LOVED Cal, half demon-half mortal, his brother Niko and Robin (Puck) since 'Nightlife', the first book in the series. It was the first Urban Fantasy genre book, besides for the Sookie Stackhouse books, that I read and I have inhaled the series. 'Roadkill' was highly anticipated by myself and I was giddy the day it came out. Urgh, sooo disappointed.
Compared to the previous 4 books in the series, 'Nightlife', 'Moonshine', 'Madhouse' and 'Deathwish' this book is by far the weakest. First, it didn't have the humor I've enjoyed in the last books. I didn't find myself laughing like I have in the past. Secondly, it was an annoying and overly drawn out re-hash of the main characters and their relationship that spanned the first three chapters of the book. Yes Cal, you love your brother and he loves you. I got that over the first 4 books and a one or two paragraph remembrance of this relationship would suffice. Not a paragraph every three paragraphs. This made the first few chapters drag for me and a lot of it seemed repetitive with Thurman reminding us that the villain in the book was the Plague of the World, Abelia-Roo was a hateful bitch and that my beloved whoring Robin was trying to partake in a monogamous relationship. Third, the lack of 'Puck'. Yes, he was in the book and along for the ride but his main storyline revolved around his attempt to be an an uncharacteristically exclusive relationship with his new partner which, again repetitive, was so boring by Puck standards. Puck can be so much more! Lastly, I don't like Delilah.
As with 'Deathwish', the author split the chapters in the book into two perspectives. In 'Deathwish' it was between the two brothers, Cal and Niko. In 'Roadkill' the perspective was split between Cal and Catcher, a 'sick' werewolf stuck in wolf form. I am not a fan of this style of writing because the characters tend to mix together in my head. In 'Deathwish' it was easier to differentiate the two characters because they tended to be in different places at the same time. In 'Roadkill' Cal and Catcher were everywhere together. They were also similar in personality which made it harder keep the two separate.
Minus my nitpicking the book did have a good storyline. It brought back a character from the second book who is apparently more hateful than I remembered. It dealt with the repercussions of Cal enjoying some of the perks of being half demon. It answered some questions that were opened in the first book about Rafferty and Catcher, although I'm not sure they needed to be answered. It also dealt with Kin politics what happened after the Kin found out about the relationship between Cal and Delilah.
Unfortunately, I don't have a whole lot to highlight about 'Roadkill' because nothing really 'stood out'. The more I think about it the more I am left flat when it comes to this book. I won't scream bitter disappointment because I did get my Cal, Niko and Robin fix although in an unsatisfactory form. I will gladly read the next installment when it comes out and hope that Thurman redeems herself.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Robin Eggs
I picked up my first bag of Robin Eggs a few weeks back because it was the cheapest of the bagged holiday candies at Walgreens. Little did I know..... Harmless Easter Candy? I think not! I waged my three week war with the mini Robin Eggs and LOST. Over that three week period I managed to ingest 7 (yes, seven) bags of Robin Eggs. Sad, laughable and wholly enjoyable.
Why my love affair with this little candy coated treat? I have pondered this because I can honestly say that Whoppers are not my candy of choice. I'm more of a peanut M&M kind of gal. But, for some reason, if you shape a Whopper like an egg, thin out the chocolate and cover it with a pastel candy coating, it's the best stuff on the planet. It's the texture of the malted milk center. You bite the piece of candy in half, then you keep that piece in your mouth long enough for the malted center to dissolve. Heaven. Another way to eat them is to not bite it in half but let it dissolve in your mouth. You can also just throw them in your mouth and chew, but that's just not as pleasurable.
Now that it's done and I will hopefully not be seeing another bag of Robin Eggs for another year, I can look at the nutritional information and figure out exactly what the hell I ate.
One bag of mini Robin Eggs contains 7 servings at 190 calories for each serving. That's 1330 calories per bag or 9310 calories for the whole kit and caboodle. Oh My! So, 9310 calories stretched out over 21 days equals an extra 440ish calories per day. That's 4 beers on top of what I may have already drank (roughly one bottle wine per day if that's the way your tastes sway)! Thankfully, there is one gram of protein per serving so I did get 49 grams of protein from the whole debacle. I'm not even going near the carbs. There are 33 per serving, you can do the math.
So, what can I do about it now? Not much. Focus on high protein, lo-carb, not my forte. I did eat half a grilled chicken breast for dinner tonight, but the glass of red wine I washed it down with didn't help much. The gym I go to has a new rowing machine which I believe will become my new best friend. According to http://www.healthstatus.com/calculate/cbc if I 'moderately' row for 30 minutes I will burn 262 calories. Given that I ingested 9310 unwanted but oh sooo delicious calories I will need to do 35-half hour sessions of rowing on that fancy piece of machinery in order to balance out the negative effects of the Robin Eggs. I take a 'Power Pump' class at my gym twice a week which I will classify as 45 minutes of vigorous weigh lifting. Which burns 341 calories. So, if I continue with my two classes per week and burn the standard 682 calories and I incorporate 5-half hour sessions of rowing to my weekly work out regimen, I will burn 1468 calories per week. I will have to continue this daily work out schedule for 6.34 weeks in order to ensure I completely burn off the calories I ingested over that glorious three week period. Had I known this before I'm pretty sure I still would have eaten them. I purposely didn't consider the calorie content every time I picked up a bag. :)
Urgh. I guess you'll be seeing me at the gym.
Murder by Death and HaHa Tonka @Off Broadway. March 31, 2010
Let me preface this by saying: I *LOVE* Off Broadway!
There was an opening band, but I missed them, so I cannot give them the credit they deserve.
This is the second time I've seen HaHa Tonka. I own one of their cd's, Buckle in the Bible Belt. Both times I've seen them I've been impressed by their onstage energy. I love the bassist. He's got this 70's disco porn look that reminds me of John Oats. I also love the lead singer's voice.
I like their music because they have a great way of mixing genres. They dabble in what I like to call 'campfire music' (more of a traditional folk, examples: 'Hangman') and combine it with more of an aggressive alt-country. My favorite song of theirs to date is 'St. Nick on the Fourth With a Fervor' which I think is a great example of how they combine the 'campfire' style group vocals with the upbeat, more rockin' end of alt-country. I also really like their newest single 'Walking on the Devil's Backbone' from their new disc, 'Novel Sounds of the Nouveau South'.
The last band of the night was Murder by Death from Bloomington, IN. I have heard of them by name but I was not familiar with their music. I will definitely be picking their new disc, 'Good Morning, Magpie'. They had a great stage presence. Loved the singer's deep voice, not as deep as The National, but sexy, gravely just the same. I would say they have more of a Gothic sound due to the deeper vocals and 'dangerous' lyrics. I would put them in a grouping with the Drive-by Truckers and the Reverend Horton Heat, not in a rock-a-billy sense, but more of a Southern, dirty, Gothic kind of way.
I wish I hadn't gotten so into my beverages. It was unseasonably hot for a March night, what can I say? I would have had a better review of them otherwise. Sorry kids. But they do come with a big, fat, buzzed recommendation from me. If you want to check out some of their songs I recommend 'Until Morale Improves, the Beating Will Continue' and 'Sometimes the Line Walks You'. They were definite die hard fan favorites and great examples of what to expect from them.
I don't want to forget the Cellist/Pianist, Sarah Balliet. She was not visible from my standpoint, but she did a fantastic job.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club @ The Pageant, March 23, 2010
This was my third Black Rebel Motorcycle Club show, all of them at the Pageant. This was also the most crowded of the three shows. Although I'm glad to see them getting a bigger following I also miss the days of having a good view while leaning against the bar.
My only real complaint about any of their shows has to do with lighting more than quality. They do seem to like the dark, back lit lighting, which I like, but they also like to kick on a strobe light that if looked at directly might cause a seizure. But that's just when you turn around, stare at the bar and hope for a cute bartender to look at.
This show did get off to a slow start. The first few songs seemed a little forced and 'off', but after the fourth song they seemed to find their groove and get a little more excited about the crowd. They offered a good mix of songs from all of their albums, or at least the 4 I own. I was glad to hear 'Spread Your Love', 'Ain't No Easy Way', '666 Conducer', 'Rifles' and 'Weapon of Choice', all personal favorites. They also incorporated a good mix with the new cd including 'Beat the Devil's Tattoo' and 'Aya'.
I read a lackluster review from the Riverfront times about this show. My opinion differs greatly. This was definitely the best of the three shows I have seen. The only real negative was the two harpies standing behind us who wouldn't shut up. They were drunker than me and I think they knew we found them annoying so they kept getting closer until we just moved. Oh well, I hope they threw up. :)
My only real complaint about any of their shows has to do with lighting more than quality. They do seem to like the dark, back lit lighting, which I like, but they also like to kick on a strobe light that if looked at directly might cause a seizure. But that's just when you turn around, stare at the bar and hope for a cute bartender to look at.
This show did get off to a slow start. The first few songs seemed a little forced and 'off', but after the fourth song they seemed to find their groove and get a little more excited about the crowd. They offered a good mix of songs from all of their albums, or at least the 4 I own. I was glad to hear 'Spread Your Love', 'Ain't No Easy Way', '666 Conducer', 'Rifles' and 'Weapon of Choice', all personal favorites. They also incorporated a good mix with the new cd including 'Beat the Devil's Tattoo' and 'Aya'.
I read a lackluster review from the Riverfront times about this show. My opinion differs greatly. This was definitely the best of the three shows I have seen. The only real negative was the two harpies standing behind us who wouldn't shut up. They were drunker than me and I think they knew we found them annoying so they kept getting closer until we just moved. Oh well, I hope they threw up. :)
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Rosemary and Rue (Book Review)
Rosemary and Rue
Seanan McGuire
http://seananmcguire.com/toby.php
I have thought about this story a lot over the past few days because I knew I was going to write this review.
I finished this book over the weekend and I was slightly disappointed. I really wanted to enjoy this book more but I could never get myself to like the main character, October Daye. She was very flat, lacked personality and had no endearing qualities. She was self loathing and a little immature. Whether it is because she is a 'changeling', the daughter of a crazy woman or weaker in power because she wasn't a pureblood, she had nothing nice to say about herself. Plus, she lacked sass.
In the beginning of the story October (Toby), a private investigator, mother and girlfriend, is 'cursed' into the life of a koi fish. She lives in a pond for 14 years before she is freakishly ejected out of the pond and set to resume her life. She rejects the fae world and tries to live as a human. We don't find out until about midway through the book that she actually did try to go back to her mortal boyfriend, who does not know about fae, and her daughter, but is rejected. She bounces through late night jobs (her half blood power is weak and it's easier for her to maintain her human image at night) before ending up as the 3rd shift cashier at a grocery store. One night she receives a message from an old friend that knows they are in mortal danger. The message binds Toby under a spell that compels her to find her friend's killer at the risk of her own life if she doesn't.
Throughout the story Toby encounters people from her past and this is how we learn more about her. She is repeatedly shot and attacked throughout the story. She eventually discovers who the killer is and is released from the spell. The story, like the main character is a little flat. There are a menagerie of different characters introduced, all different fae species whom have a history with Toby. It was a little much to remember and because I read the book over a week period I got a little lost of some of the characters and their role in the story.
The things that bothered me the most were:
1. The lack of follow up with her daughter. The fact that they were estranged was brushed over quickly and then brought tot he forefront during a scene in the story with a doppelganger, but was still left lacking.
2. There seems to be no plot of revenge against the two people who cursed her into the pond in which she lost 14 years of her life to. It also seems that she has not crossed paths with either. Plus the reason she was following the people that put her in the pond was never 'closed' She was investigating a disappearance of two people and although those people were eventually returned there was no actual reason given as to why they were taken in the first place and how they got back. There were just unsatisfying hints.
With all that being said, the book did have some good qualities and I did like the premise of the story. I felt vested enough in the outcome of the book to finish it. ( I have stopped reading three books in the last year because I really didn't care how they ended). I will more than likely read the second book in the series because I'm interested in how the relationship between October and Tybalt will turn out. I get the impression that the author is heading in that direction even though she tried to provide several options for October's romantic life, which I found odd in itself. This half blood changling with low self esteem manages to have multiple love interests. I'm also hoping that since it was the first book in the series the writing and character development will improve and that October will grow a personality.
Yes it is easier to find fault and it is the author's first book. I do have high hopes for the second.
Seanan McGuire
http://seananmcguire.com/toby.php
I have thought about this story a lot over the past few days because I knew I was going to write this review.
I finished this book over the weekend and I was slightly disappointed. I really wanted to enjoy this book more but I could never get myself to like the main character, October Daye. She was very flat, lacked personality and had no endearing qualities. She was self loathing and a little immature. Whether it is because she is a 'changeling', the daughter of a crazy woman or weaker in power because she wasn't a pureblood, she had nothing nice to say about herself. Plus, she lacked sass.
In the beginning of the story October (Toby), a private investigator, mother and girlfriend, is 'cursed' into the life of a koi fish. She lives in a pond for 14 years before she is freakishly ejected out of the pond and set to resume her life. She rejects the fae world and tries to live as a human. We don't find out until about midway through the book that she actually did try to go back to her mortal boyfriend, who does not know about fae, and her daughter, but is rejected. She bounces through late night jobs (her half blood power is weak and it's easier for her to maintain her human image at night) before ending up as the 3rd shift cashier at a grocery store. One night she receives a message from an old friend that knows they are in mortal danger. The message binds Toby under a spell that compels her to find her friend's killer at the risk of her own life if she doesn't.
Throughout the story Toby encounters people from her past and this is how we learn more about her. She is repeatedly shot and attacked throughout the story. She eventually discovers who the killer is and is released from the spell. The story, like the main character is a little flat. There are a menagerie of different characters introduced, all different fae species whom have a history with Toby. It was a little much to remember and because I read the book over a week period I got a little lost of some of the characters and their role in the story.
The things that bothered me the most were:
1. The lack of follow up with her daughter. The fact that they were estranged was brushed over quickly and then brought tot he forefront during a scene in the story with a doppelganger, but was still left lacking.
2. There seems to be no plot of revenge against the two people who cursed her into the pond in which she lost 14 years of her life to. It also seems that she has not crossed paths with either. Plus the reason she was following the people that put her in the pond was never 'closed' She was investigating a disappearance of two people and although those people were eventually returned there was no actual reason given as to why they were taken in the first place and how they got back. There were just unsatisfying hints.
With all that being said, the book did have some good qualities and I did like the premise of the story. I felt vested enough in the outcome of the book to finish it. ( I have stopped reading three books in the last year because I really didn't care how they ended). I will more than likely read the second book in the series because I'm interested in how the relationship between October and Tybalt will turn out. I get the impression that the author is heading in that direction even though she tried to provide several options for October's romantic life, which I found odd in itself. This half blood changling with low self esteem manages to have multiple love interests. I'm also hoping that since it was the first book in the series the writing and character development will improve and that October will grow a personality.
Yes it is easier to find fault and it is the author's first book. I do have high hopes for the second.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
In the beginning...
This is my first attempt at blogging. I figure this will be a way for me to ramble about the things I'm interested in, working on or trying to learn about. If you are entertained, GREAT! If not, oh well, thanks for taking the time to stop by and check it out.
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