Review of The Mark of the Horse Lord by Rosemary Sutcliff

Synopsis: from amazon "Phaedrus, an enslaved gladiator in northern Britain in the first century, earns his freedom by killing his best friend, a fellow gladiator, in a final fight to the death. Within days of leaving the arena he is recruited by leaders of a tribe from the far north to impersonate Prince Midir, who has been robbed of his right to kingship in a brutal attack by followers of the current ruler, Queen Liadhan. As Midir, Phaedrus is charged with reestablishing his kingship and the tribe's rule in the land. In this world of superstition and ancient ritual, of fierce loyalties and intertribal rivalry, Phaedrus finds companionship and love, and something more - a purpose and a meaning for his life as he comes to fully understand the significance of the Mark of the Horse Lord."

My Review: Well I really am not sure what to think about this book. After finishing it last night I spent nearly an hour just sitting there staring off into space trying to figure out exactly what to say. The story and concept behind the book is fantastic with a great main character and supporting characters, but for some reason it fell short for me. The writing style was difficult for me to get into and there seemed to be a lot of details and world building that wasn't quite necessary. The first half of the book didn't really read like a story but more of a history lesson with a flourish. With all the information about history, beliefs and rituals of the cultures involved you would have expected maybe a series where all that information could be put to use, but instead it is a stand alone novel. Perhaps due to the writing style and the information usage, I wasn't able to really get involved with the story or the characters. With all that said I did enjoy the book, Sutcliff threw some wild curve balls at me that caught me off guard and made me want to see how everything resolved itself. It may not be a book for everyone but it was a good one.

My Rating: This was such a hard one for me to review and rate, it left me more stumped and shocked than anything.  So I am going with a middle of the road rating this time with Two Paws and Stump Wag.

Wednesday Writing

So Wednesday is my official writing update day. I have so many story projects going on and I need a push to get some done. So I will be trying to post each Wednesday about how my writing adventures are going (and I may need a swift kick in the pants by you guys sometimes).

Current Active Project:

Princess Bs - 32,131 words

A story about a woman, recently divorced and returned to her home town to figure out what is next. She encounters an old friend and spends a weekend with him and his daughters. Feelings that are long since buried are rising up again, but are her recent loss and his current life going to stand in the way of their happily ever after?

Other Works in Progress:

The New Old Home - 17,193 words

Everyone dreams of winning the lottery, but what would you do with that money? That is the question presented to Natalie, when she is at the lowest point in her life, she is presented with an opportunity to make any normal person's dreams come true, but all those winnings can't give her what she wants most.

Tamlyn Marie's Grace - 12,072 words

Think Cinderella only with a matchmaker ;)

The Last Mountains - 15,352

A equine shapeshifting family is being hunted to near extinction and the young new leader must go against all her lessons and approach the elite council for aide. Will they help her? How will she keep her family's traditions and values alive, let alone her herd?

Night Rider - 17,229

Alice is a recent high school graduate who is a very accomplished competitive rider in Hunter/Jumper, Dressage, and Western/Rodeo. Her parents had arranged for her to attend a private college on the east coast geared specifically to equine professions. However, Alice wants to focus on her studies in English Literature. When she arrives at the college she hides her riding abilities, but can she keep her talent and love of horses hidden?

Other Ideas Plotting:

Bloodsoar's Story

A pegasus struggles through life, ejected from the herd, near capture by humans.

The Assassin's Assassin

A student learns what the school is really teaching and sets out to destroy those who support the program.

Angel Story

Angels battle out an age old feud in a parallel world

 

 

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No new writing again this week but I did come across so many notebooks while packing up my shelves.

This is a pile of at least some of my stories, character descriptions, plot notes, etc. etc. 

 

I think it is time I finally get these organized and start finishing some of those random ideas jotted down everywhere!

After Dark Review of Swallowing Darkness by Laurell K. Hamilton

 I have added After Dark Reviews to my blog as a way of notifying you of a review of a book with Adult themes and scenes. From now on I will keep my reviews of all books I read that have explicit scenes in them for late night posts for those of you who prefer to avoid them or easy to find for those of you who seek them out ;)

Synopsis: "I am Meredith, princess of faerie, wielder of the hands of Flesh and Blood, and at long last, I am with child–twins, fathered by my royal guard. Though my uncle, Taranis, King of Light and Illusion, claims that he is the true father since he abducted me from my home, betrayed, and defiled me. And now he has branded my guards as a threat to my unborn children.

Bearing an heir has placed me halfway to my aunt’s throne, that much closer to my reign over the Unseelie Court–and well ahead of her son, my cousin Cel, in this race. Now I must stay alive to see my children born and claim my place as queen.

But not all in faerie are pleased with the news, and conspirators from every court in the realm plot against me and mine. They seek to strip my guards, my lovers, from me by poisoned word or cold steel. But I still have supporters, and even friends, among the goblins and the sluagh, who will stand by me.

I am Meredith Nic Essus, and those who would defy and destroy me are destined to pay a terrible price–for I am truly my father’s daughter. To protect what is mine, I will sacrifice anything–even if it means waging a great battle against my darkest enemies and making the most momentous decision ever made as princess of faerie."


My Review: Wow! Quite possibly the best book of the series! This one was so fast paced with so much excitement. NOTE: If you haven't read the rest of the series stop reading now! Possible spoilers for series! . . . . . okay I am assuming that you are ready to read on ;) So this was so exciting, I was proud of Merry for stepping up and getting tough.  Finally Merry has stepped up to the plate to become the Princess/ Queen we have all been waiting for her to become.  She finally realized that not everything can be solved with love and sex, that sometimes people are just too evil for mercy. It may be a little morbid but I liked seeing her following through with her call for kin slayer. She also continued her political thinking and games of the courts. And finally we have Merry & Cel come head to head, its about time that we have this ultimate climax to the series. The result of this book could have easily been the conclusion of the whole series, but Hamilton decided to continue it (not that I am complaining, just noting this could have ended the series perfectly fine).  As another note, there was next to no sex involved in this book, the action wasn't all in the bedroom.

My Rating: How could I not give Swallowing Darkness a rating of Four Paws and a Stump Wag?! I couldn't put it down and read it in nearly a day.



My Custom Pony was Custom of the Week!

I am very excited to announce that a custom I made a few years ago has been featured as custom of the week on Rebecca Enzor's Blog!  Each week Rebecca picks a Custom My Little Pony to feature.

So this week she featured my custom pony Ralph.

I made this pony after seeing the Simpson's episode featuring the clip below and couldn't resist making this pony!

So thank you so much Rebecca for picking Ralph to be featured!!

Monday Reading List & New Meme Meet Me on Monday

Its Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly meme hosted by Shelia at Book Journey. Share what books you have finished in the last week, are currently reading and what might be coming up next!

What I Read Last Week:

Links will take you to my review

Geek Girl by Cindy C. Bennett

A Lick of Frost by Laurell K. Hamilton (After Dark Review)

Swallowing Darkness by Laurell K. Hamilton (After Dark Review Coming soon)

Currently Reading:

Frost Kisses by Kailin Gow - pb - on page 45 of 284
Mark of the Horse Lord by Rosemary Sutcliff - Nook - on page 55 of 230
Divine Disdemeanors by Laurell K. Hamilton - pb - on page 51 of 371

Next Books to be Read:

Catundra by Stephen Cosgrove - Childrens/Bedtime stories
A Clash of Kings by George R. R. Martin - Fantasy

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas - April Book Club

Liberty: A Lake Wobegon Novel by Garrison Keller- Mount TBR Challenge

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 So I found this fun little meme I thought would be great to add so people get to know me a little better (and discover my strange little quirks).  Meet Me On Monday is hosted by Acting Balanced where 5 questions are posted each week for us to answer about ourselves and share with all of our readers.

Here are today's Questions:

1. How do you like your eggs? I Love eggs, pretty much any way except sunny side up.  Breakfast is my favorite meal and often times I will have it for breakfast and again for dinner!

2. Who is the last person you spoke to on the phone? I wish I could say someone fun like a friend or family member but nope, just another mortgage broker for work.

3. Do you have a place you keep 'junk' in your home? Um we have several places to stash junk, some drawers, boxes and just plain piles on the dressers. I have been trying to cut back on the junk though, but its a process.

4. What is on your 'spring cleaning' list? Oh lordy, its more of a "spring repair list". We have started working on the last of the electrical work (we have had to re-wire our entire house and are down to the last three rooms), then we have to strip walls and paint 2 rooms, we also have to get the chimney cleaned, AC serviced and replace the duct work, replace our ancient and failing heating system and finally replace the gutters.  So that is just the major list and doesn't include all the piddly little stuff.

5. What blog post have you written recently that you'd like more people to know about? (don't forget to link it up) Um I'm not really sure, I have not posted much of anything other than reviews.  I am not so great at putting together fun discussion articles *shrugs*

 

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Well I just realized that the next season of Game of Thrones starts on April 1st and I have less than 2 weeks to read the second book in the series YIKES! So as soon as I finish the books I am currently reading I will be focusing on A Clash of Kings and the Count of Monte Cristo.

 

I have been working hard on getting all my collections packed up in my library/pony room.  I have one more box of ponies to pack up and have started moving the books off the shelves. The problem with moving all my books and alphabetizing them as I go, I come across books that I want to read again!!

After Dark Review of A Lick of Frost by Laurell K. Hamilton

I have added After Dark Reviews to my blog as a way of notifying you of a review of a book with Adult themes and scenes. From now on I will keep my reviews of all books I read that have explicit scenes in them for late night posts for those of you who prefer to avoid them or easy to find for those of you who seek them out ;)

Synopsis: "I am Meredith Gentry, princess and heir apparent to the throne in the realm of faerie, onetime private investigator in the mortal world. To be crowned queen, I must first continue the royal bloodline and give birth to an heir of my own. If I fail, my aunt, Queen Andais, will be free to do what she most desires: install her twisted son, Cel, as monarch . . . and kill me.

My royal guards surround me, and my best loved–my Darkness and my Killing Frost–are always beside me, sworn to protect and make love to me. But still the threat grows greater. For despite all my carnal efforts, I remain childless, while the machinations of my sinister, sadistic Queen and her confederates remain tireless. So my bodyguards and I have slipped back into Los Angeles, hoping to outrun the gathering shadows of court intrigue. But even exile isn’t enough to escape the grasp of those with dark designs.

Now King Taranis, powerful and vainglorious ruler of faerie’s Seelie Court, has leveled accusations against my noble guards of a heinous crime–and has gone so far as to ask the mortal authorities to prosecute. If he succeeds, my men face extradition to faerie and the hideous penalties that await them there. But I know that Taranis’s charges are baseless, and I sense that his true target is me. He tried to kill me when I was a child. Now I fear his intentions are far more terrifying."

My Review: It is amazing how each one of the books in the Merry Gentry series is so different. While this one toned down the sex factor slightly from the last book, the court intrigue went through the roof and the story line took some very unexpected twists and turns. I don't think Lick of Frost ranked all that high in my list of favorites in this series but it was definitely a shock effect book. I did however really enjoy getting to know a little more about Frost and what makes him tick. It is difficult to discuss the book without giving away any spoilers, but I will say that once you finish, you can't wait to pick up the next book (which I did immediately even though I have read them before).

My Rating: While this one wasn't my favorite of the series it still sucked you in and made you turn the pages.  I give it a rating of Three Paws and Stump Wag.

Book Club Review of Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Synposis: "In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before—and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love."

My Review: Well I read The Hunger Games again for March book club and for a little refresher before the movie comes out. Honestly, it was just as exciting the second time around, even though I knew what was going to happen. Another book blogger I follow, Sunny Reads, mentioned the first person narration and not normally liking it but not minding it. I tried to pay attention to that this time and really I don't think I noticed it the first time and completely forgot about it this time around too because the story was just so good! I can't urge people enough, if you haven't read the book yet, please do so!! Now just to see the movie, which I am hoping they don't ruin the pictures I have in my head, but the music that I have heard so far sounds very promising!!

My Rating: As with the first time I read the Hunger Games it was fantastic and I have to give it a Four Paws and Stump Wag rating.

Rhodie Reader Thoughts:  Thankfully it was a month when on regular book club member and a new member were able to come.  Everyone loved the book! The new member was worried at the beginning of the week when she hadn't started it that she wouldn't be done in time, but she made it with time to spare.  We discussed the fact that it was in first person narration and though none of us are a fans of it, we didn't mind it in this book. Of course we all loved Katniss and her will for survival, it was a toss up though for Peeta and Gail.  We also went on to discuss the movie trailers, we noted that it seemed like in some of them Katniss' hair doesn't seem quite right, but such a minor detail.  We are all eager to see the movie next weekend!

Wednesday Writing

So Wednesday is my official writing update day. I have so many story projects going on and I need a push to get some done. So I will be trying to post each Wednesday about how my writing adventures are going (and I may need a swift kick in the pants by you guys sometimes).

Current Active Project:

Princess Bs - 32,131 words

A story about a woman, recently divorced and returned to her home town to figure out what is next. She encounters an old friend and spends a weekend with him and his daughters. Feelings that are long since buried are rising up again, but are her recent loss and his current life going to stand in the way of their happily ever after?

Other Works in Progress:

The New Old Home - 17,193 words

Everyone dreams of winning the lottery, but what would you do with that money? That is the question presented to Natalie, when she is at the lowest point in her life, she is presented with an opportunity to make any normal person's dreams come true, but all those winnings can't give her what she wants most.

Tamlyn Marie's Grace - 12,072 words

Think Cinderella only with a matchmaker ;)

The Last Mountains - 15,352

A equine shapeshifting family is being hunted to near extinction and the young new leader must go against all her lessons and approach the elite council for aide. Will they help her? How will she keep her family's traditions and values alive, let alone her herd?

Night Rider - 17,229

Alice is a recent high school graduate who is a very accomplished competitive rider in Hunter/Jumper, Dressage, and Western/Rodeo. Her parents had arranged for her to attend a private college on the east coast geared specifically to equine professions. However, Alice wants to focus on her studies in English Literature. When she arrives at the college she hides her riding abilities, but can she keep her talent and love of horses hidden?

Other Ideas Plotting:

Bloodsoar's Story

A pegasus struggles through life, ejected from the herd, near capture by humans.

The Assassin's Assassin

A student learns what the school is really teaching and sets out to destroy those who support the program.

Angel Story

Angels battle out an age old feud in a parallel world

 

 

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So no new writing this week since the last idea struck me.  My fingers and mind are itching to let some of this creative energy out but I have been swamped with work, taxes (yuck) and packing up the room which holds all my library and pony collections.

 

I am hoping once the packing and taxes are done in the next week or so I will have nothing left to do but get some pony projects done and some writing! 

Review of Geek Girl by Cindy C. Bennett

Synopsis: "Jen's life of partying and sneaking out has grown stale. So on a whim, Jen makes a bet to turn Trevor, a goody-two-shoes geek, into a "bad boy." As she hangs out with Trevor, however, she finds it's actually kinda fun being a geek. But when Trevor finds out about the bet, Jen must fight for the things she's discovered matter most: friendship, family, and, above all, love."

My Review: Love, Love, Love this book! This is definitely a read in one day kind of book! You can't think about anything else. While it might follow the typical dramatic plot line of nearly all YA romances, there are a lot fun little side points. I love the geekiness of the book (I was definitely a geek and still am). There are also so many underlying themes within Geek Girl about love, loss, personal strength and the power of friends. Not only is the story well developed but so are the characters, even sub characters, you can't help but root for everyone involved. You can't help but laugh and cry with Jen and Trevor. Then you add in Todd, Mrs. Green, Jane, Brian and Pat and you have a great cast of characters everyone can relate to and love. Even first person narration couldn't take away your attention to the book and story.

My Rating: I couldn't give this one any less than Four Paws and Stump Wag. Geek Girl was brought to my attention by my dear friend Jessica over at Thoughts at One in the Morning and it is entirely her fault I didn't get any chores done all night, but so glad she put this book on my radar!

Review of Golden Surrender by Heather Graham (link to a giveaway)

Synopsis: "PRINCE OLAF OF NORWAY—Lord of the Wolves, the golden Viking warrior who came in his dragon ship to forge a great kingdom in the Emerald Isle.

PRINCESS ERIN—Daughter of the Irish High King, the ebony-haired beauty who swore bitter vengeance on the legendary Norseman who had brought death and destruction to her beloved homeland.

Yet, in the great Norse and Irish alliance against the invading Danes, it was her own father who gave her in marriage to her most hated enemy. Bewitched by Olaf's massive strength, seduced by his power, still Erin vowed that neither the wrath of his sword nor the fire of his kiss would sway the allegiance of her proud and passionate heart."


My Review: I love any books featuring Vikings! This one was pretty fun to read and get to know the characters, you really can't beat a stubborn viking and the temper of an irish together! While the main plot line really followed just about every other historical romance I have read, it still had some fun and interesting twists involved. The characters were fantastic, all of them, even the sub characters and those with only a few brief moments in the book. A note to some readers, there were a few sex scenes but they didn't over run the book and are easily skimmed if you prefer not to read them. So all in all it was a good fun read, though predictable ending, the characters really brought out the best in Golden Surrender.

My Rating: The predictability of this one brought the rating down slightly but the characters were fantastic in my opinion.  I give it a rating of  Three Paws and  Stump Wag!

Golden Surrender was suggested to me by Holjo of Pedantic Phooka Blog and is running a giveaway for Golden Surrender on her blog until 3/13 - so hurry over to enter to win your own copy!!Giveaway Link

Monday Reading List

Its Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly meme hosted by Shelia at Book Journey. Share what books you have finished in the last week, are currently reading and what might be coming up next!

What I Read Last Week:

Links will take you to my review

North of Need by Laura Kaye (after dark review)

Golden Surrender by Heather Graham (review coming soon)

Currently Reading:

Frost Kisses by Kailin Gow - pb - on page 45 of 284

Next Books to be Read:

Catundra by Stephen Cosgrove - Childrens/Bedtime stories

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas - April Book Club

Liberty: A Lake Wobegon Novel by Garrison Keller- Mount TBR Challenge

Lick of Frost by Laurell K. Hamilton - Fantasy Romance

 

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Hurray for more reading!!  I think once I finish Frost Kisses I need a little break from the YA, I have noticed the last several of the reviews I have given on them have been quite negative.  I am hoping it is just because I have little patience for them right now.  I am really really looking forward to The Count of Monte Cristo, though the rest of the book club is giving mixed reviews and many are planning on not even attempting to read it.

 

I am also planning on getting moving on the Bedtime Stories too.  I have been watching my stats carefully and tracking the most read posts and the Bedtime Stories have an overwhelming lead! Even though I haven't done them in several months they are still topping the most read posts every week.

 

So that is it for the week for now.  I am attempting to get caught up on my goodreads challenge, only 4 books behind!

After Dark Review of North of Need by Laura Kaye

I have added After Dark Reviews to my blog as a way of notifying you of a review of a book with Adult themes and scenes. From now on I will keep my reviews of all books I read that have explicit scenes in them for late night posts for those of you who prefer to avoid them or easy to find for those of you who seek them out ;)

Synopsis: "Her tears called a powerful snow god to life, but only her love can grant the humanity he craves…

Desperate to escape agonizing memories of Christmas past, twenty-nine-year-old widow Megan Snow builds a snow family outside the mountain cabin she once shared with her husband, realizing too late that she’s recreated the very thing she’ll never have.

Called to life by Megan’s tears, snow god Owen Winters appears unconscious on her doorstep in the midst of a raging blizzard. As she nurses him to health, Owen finds unexpected solace in her company and unimagined pleasure in the warmth of her body, and vows to win her heart for a chance at humanity.

Megan is drawn to Owen’s mismatched eyes, otherworldly masculinity, and enthusiasm for the littlest things. But this Christmas miracle comes with an expiration—before the snow melts and the temperature rises, Megan must let go of her widow’s grief and learn to trust love again, or she’ll lose Owen forever."

My Review: Well this was a bit of a surprise for me! I started the book about a month ago and had to put it down. The pain and loneliness in the first few pages was almost too much and I couldn't read more. But I picked it back up yesterday and boy am I glad I did!! The characters, emotions and plot lines were great, they all sucked you into the book and held your attention. I have to say though Boreas had to be my favorite, though he was sub character and only appeared a few times throughout the book I absolutely loved him! I enjoyed the book but the last couple of chapters made the entire book worth reading, I was really excited about the round about way Kaye brought in environmental awareness, fantastic little tidbit! Kaye also showed great restraint when it came to the sex scenes, while they were scattered throughout the book, they weren't overwhelming and they didn't take away from the book as a whole or the story line, very nice to see for a change.

My Rating: I really did enjoy this book once I got into it, I think while I had a hard time with the first emotional part it was an important part of the story and worth reading.  I definitely give this one Four Paws and can't wait for the next book, West of Want, to come out in July!

Wednesday Writing

So Wednesday is my official writing update day. I have so many story projects going on and I need a push to get some done. So I will be trying to post each Wednesday about how my writing adventures are going (and I may need a swift kick in the pants by you guys sometimes).

Current Active Project:

Princess Bs - 32,131 words

A story about a woman, recently divorced and returned to her home town to figure out what is next. She encounters an old friend and spends a weekend with him and his daughters. Feelings that are long since buried are rising up again, but are her recent loss and his current life going to stand in the way of their happily ever after?

Other Works in Progress:

The New Old Home - 17,193 words

Everyone dreams of winning the lottery, but what would you do with that money? That is the question presented to Natalie, when she is at the lowest point in her life, she is presented with an opportunity to make any normal person's dreams come true, but all those winnings can't give her what she wants most.

Tamlyn Marie's Grace - 12,072 words

Think Cinderella only with a matchmaker ;)

The Last Mountains - 15,352

A equine shapeshifting family is being hunted to near extinction and the young new leader must go against all her lessons and approach the elite council for aide. Will they help her? How will she keep her family's traditions and values alive, let alone her herd?

Night Rider - 17,229

Alice is a recent high school graduate who is a very accomplished competitive rider in Hunter/Jumper, Dressage, and Western/Rodeo. Her parents had arranged for her to attend a private college on the east coast geared specifically to equine professions. However, Alice wants to focus on her studies in English Literature. When she arrives at the college she hides her riding abilities, but can she keep her talent and love of horses hidden?

Other Ideas Plotting:

Bloodsoar's Story

A pegasus struggles through life, ejected from the herd, near capture by humans.

The Assassin's Assassin

A student learns what the school is really teaching and sets out to destroy those who support the program.

 

Angel Story

Angels battle out an age old feud in a parallel world

 

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Curse my active imagination LOL! Of course instead of coming up with ideas for one of my many current WIPs it has to come up with a great new idea that I had to jump out of bed and jot down.  At least maybe a new idea will get me motivated to get something done because I flat out refuse to let myself start another story before finishing at least one to 50K words!

 

After Dark Review of Mistral's Kiss by Laurell K. Hamilton

I have added After Dark Reviews to my blog as a way of notifying you of a review of a book with Adult themes and scenes. From now on I will keep my reviews of all books I read that have explicit scenes in them for late night posts for those of you who prefer to avoid them or easy to find for those of you who seek them out ;)

Synopsis: "I am Princess Meredith, heir to a throne of faerie. My day job, once upon a time, was as a private detective in Los Angeles. Unfortunately, princess has now become a full-time occupation.

My aunt, Queen Andais, will have it no other way. And so I am virtually a prisoner in faerie–trapped here with some of the realm’s most beautiful men to serve as my bodyguards . . . and my lovers. For I am compelled to conceive a child: an heir to succeed me on the throne. Yet after months of amazing sex with my consorts, there is still no baby. And no baby means no throne. The only certainty is death at the hands of my cousin Cel, or his followers, if I fail to conceive.

Now Mistral, Queen Andais’s new captain of the guard, has come to my bed–defying her and risking her terrible wrath in doing so. But even she will hesitate to punish him in jealous rage, because our joining has reawakened old magic, mystical power so ancient that no one stands against it and survives. Not even my strongest and most favored: my Darkness and my Killing Frost. Not even Mistral himself, my Storm Lord. But because Mistral has helped to bring this magic forth, he may live another day.

If I can reclaim control of the fey power that once was, there may be hope for me and my reign in faerie. I might yet quell the dark schemes and subterfuges surrounding me. Though shadows of obsession and conspiracy gather, I may survive."


My Review: Well this book was different from the last book in the series. It involved a lot more sex and magic. It got to the point were it was hard to follow the plot lines through these particular scenes. I am also not a huge fan of all the mysterious Goddess involvement but it is what it is. I did however really enjoy the battle with the Hunt. I wish that it had been longer and that it had taken up more of the book than all the sex. The end scene really does make you eager to read the next book to find out what happens!

My Rating: While the sex scenes did seem to take away from the book a little for me, it was still a very enjoyable book to read.  The pages turned very quickly.  So I give it a rating of Four Paws.

Monday Reading List

Its Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly meme hosted by Shelia at Book Journey. Share what books you have finished in the last week, are currently reading and what might be coming up next!

What I Read Last Week:

Links will take you to my review

Silver Frost by Kailin Gow

Mistral's Kiss by Laurell K. Hamilton (after dark review coming soon)

Currently Reading:

North of Need by Laura Kaye - on my nook - on Page 32 of 621

Next Books to be Read:

Catundra by Stephen Cosgrove - Childrens/Bedtime stories

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas - April Book Club

Frost Kisses by Kailin Gow - Mount TBR Challenge/ YA

Lick of Frost by Laurell K. Hamilton - Fantasy Romance

 

 

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Hurray for feeling well enough to read!! I am hoping the streak continues.  I was looking through the boxes of books that I want to read this year and it has renewed my excitement. I am nearly done re-reading the Merry Gentry series by Laurell K. Hamilton and then looking forward to getting into the Daughters of the Glen series by Melissa Mayhue.  I am also looking forward to getting past the Frost series by Kailin Gow and maybe starting a few of the Arthurian legend books!

 

 

I hope you have all had a good weekend and have a better week!

Review of Silver Frost by Kailin Gow

Synopsis: "Breena, the beautiful half fairy, half human princess from Oregon, has ascended to her rightful place in Feyland, as Queen of the Summer Kingdom. Secretly in love with her intended Winter Prince Kian, now Breena is faced with the realization of war, and the possibility of Kian as her greatest enemy." My Review: Well I am going to have a hard time getting through this review, about as much as I did getting through the book. Its a shame because there is just so much p...moreSynopsis: "Breena, the beautiful half fairy, half human princess from Oregon, has ascended to her rightful place in Feyland, as Queen of the Summer Kingdom. Secretly in love with her intended Winter Prince Kian, now Breena is faced with the realization of war, and the possibility of Kian as her greatest enemy." My Review: Well I am going to have a hard time getting through this review, about as much as I did getting through the book. Its a shame because there is just so much potential there but the characters just drive me batty. I swear the MC, Breena, is bi-polar or something, she gives me whip lash with her crazy moods and ideas. All through the book it talks about how mature she is and how she wants to be a good leader and dedicates every thing she has to the people, but no matter how much it is said in the book, more than half she is just a selfish brat who only thinks of herself and her love for Kian. Gow has even done away with most of the subcharacters that I liked in the last book, which was really my only hope for enjoying the rest of the series. I hate to give such a bad review but there are just too many flaws for me to look past. The spelling errors and misuse of words drove me up a wall, I may just have to take a red pen to the next one. My Rating: I really can't find much I did enjoy about the book except potentially great ideas that never get to come out fully. I have to give this one One Paw and a Stump Wag. I have the next book in this series and will read it but I won't be getting any more of this series. This book was read for the Mount TBR challenge

In My Mailbox - January & February

Friday, January 13, 2012

December In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is a weekly event hosted by The Story Siren that I have decided to participate in.

How IMM works:
Make your own IMM post! You can post about books you've bought, gotten from the library, received for review... books don't have to arrive via your mailbox.
I post every week, but you don’t have to. You can do one week out of the month or every other week it’s up to you.
You don't have to call your post In My Mailbox... (some people don't even have mailboxes!)
I post my IMM on Sunday, but choose a day of the week that works for you.
Once you have your IMM posted, come back to The Story Siren on Sunday and add your link to the list.
Try to post a comment on other bloggers IMM posts. I don’t expect you to post a comment on every single one, but pick a few!

All book bloggers are welcome, while I’d like to keep the theme to YA literature it’s NOT a requirement.

There is no right or wrong way to do In My Mailbox, you can vlog, you can take fun picture, you can use the books cover art, it’s up to you!

Most importantly HAVE FUN!

So boy has it been a while since I had an IMM!  So here is what I have purchased in the past two months. 

So we will start with Audio Books (just cause I have next to no time and need something to listen to while packing)

Synopsis from Goodreads: "A gripping tale of betrayal, blood-gorged blades, and the pursuit of heart's desire, Eric Brighteyes follows the adventures of a young man raised on Coldback farm-a lonely place to be found where the Westman Isles rise from the sea.Plagued by misfortune, the golden-haired youth finds himself outlawed and exiled-even as he wins Whitefire, the legendary sword of King Odin. Eric struggles against treachery to fight his way back to his home and to the two women whose lives are fatefully intertwined with his: Gudruda the Fair, and Swanwild the Fatherless."

Synopsis from Goodreads: "Taken from the poverty of her parents' home, Fanny Price is brought up with her rich cousins at Mansfield Park, acutely aware of her humble rank and with only her cousin Edmund as an ally. When Fanny's uncle is absent in Antigua, Mary Crawford and her brother Henry arrive in the neighbourhood, bringing with them London glamour and a reckless taste for flirtation. As her female cousins vie for Henry's attention, and even Edmund falls for Mary's dazzling charms, only Fanny remains doubtful about the Crawfords' influence and finds herself more isolated than ever. A subtle examination of social position and moral integrity, Mansfield Park is one of Jane Austen's most profound works."

Synopsis from Goodreads: "Skinny Bitch created a movement when it exposed the horrors of the food industry, while inspiring people across the world to stop eating “crap.” Now the “Bitches” are back—this time with a book geared to pregnant women. And just because their audience is in a “delicate condition” doesn’t mean they’ll deliver a gentle message. As they did with Skinny Bitch, Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin expose the truth about the food we eat—with its hormones, chemicals, and other funky stuff. But even though they are “Skinny,” they want women to chow down on the right foods and gain their fair share of weight through their pregnancies.They also won’t mince words on these topics:• the best foods for a healthy baby and mommy • the dangers of common lotions, creams, and beauty products that women slather on their bodies (many contain carcinogens)• why every mother should “suck it up” and breastfeed• the lowdown on what really happens “post-push” (after birth)• how the companies we trust don’t care about children (choosing baby food and other products carefully) With the same sassy tone that made Skinny Bitch laugh-out-loud funny, Skinny Bitch: Bun in the Oven will give expectant moms the information they need to “use their head” and have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby."

And Print Books:

Synopsis from Goodreads: ""I am Catalina, Princess of Spain, daughter of the two greatest monarchs the world has ever known...and I will be Queen of England."
Thus, bestselling author Philippa Gregory introduces one of her most unforgettable heroines: Katherine of Aragon. Known to history as the Queen who was pushed off her throne by Anne Boleyn, here is a Katherine the world has forgotten: the enchanting princess that all England loved. First married to Henry VIII''s older brother, Arthur, Katherine''s passion turns their arranged marriage into a love match; but when Arthur dies, the merciless English court and her ambitious parents -- the crusading King and Queen of Spain -- have to find a new role for the widow. Ultimately, it is Katherine herself who takes control of her own life by telling the most audacious lie in English history, leading her to the very pinnacle of power in England."

Synopsis from Goodreads: "Two sisters competing for the greatest prize: the love of a king

Synopsis from Goodreads: "Returning to the scene of The Other Boleyn Girl, historical powerhouse Gregory again brings the women of Henry VIII's court vividly to life. Among the cast, who alternately narrate: Henry's fourth wife, Bavarian-born Anne of Cleves; his fifth wife, English teenager Katherine Howard; and Lady Rochford (Jane Boleyn), the jealous spouse whose testimony helped send her husband... and sister-in-law Anne Boleyn to their execution. Attended by Lady Rochford, 24-year-old Anne of Cleves endures a disastrous first encounter with the twice-her-age king -- an occasion where Henry takes notice of Katherine Howard. Gregory beautifully explains Anne of Cleves's decision to stay in England after her divorce, and offers contemporary descriptions of Lady Rochford's madness. While Gregory renders Lady Rochford with great emotion, and Anne of Cleves with sympathy, her most captivating portrayal is Katherine, the clever yet naïve 16th-century adolescent counting her gowns and trinkets. Male characters are not nearly as endearing. Gregory's accounts of events are accurate enough to be persuasive, her characterizations modern enough to be convincing. Rich in intrigue and irony, this is a tale where readers will already know who was divorced, beheaded or survived, but will savor Gregory's sharp staging of how and why. "

Synopsis from Goodreads: "It is winter, 1553. Pursued by the Inquisition, Hannah Green, a fourteen-year-old Jewish girl, is forced to flee Spain with her father. But Hannah is no ordinary refugee. Her gift of "Sight," the ability to foresee the future, is priceless in the troubled times of the Tudor court. Hannah is adopted by the glamorous Robert Dudley, the charismatic son of King Edward's protector, who brings her to court as a "holy fool" for Queen Mary and, ultimately, Queen Elizabeth. Hired as a fool but working as a spy; promised in wedlock but in love with her master; endangered by the laws against heresy, treason, and witchcraft, Hannah must choose between the safe life of a commoner and the dangerous intrigues of the royal family that are inextricably bound up in her own yearnings and desires."

Synopsis from Goodreads: "In the autumn of 1558, church bells across England ring out the joyous news that Elizabeth I is the new queen. One woman hears the tidings with utter dread. She is Amy Dudley, wife of Sir Robert, and she knows that Elizabeth's ambitious leap to the throne will draw her husband back to the center of the glamorous Tudor court, where he was born to be.
Elizabeth's excited triumph is short-lived. She has inherited a bankrupt country where treason is rampant and foreign war a certainty. Her faithful advisor William Cecil warns her that she will survive only if she marries a strong prince to govern the rebellious country, but the one man Elizabeth desires is her childhood friend, the ambitious Robert Dudley. As the young couple falls in love, a question hangs in the air: can he really set aside his wife and marry the queen? When Amy is found dead, Elizabeth and Dudley are suddenly plunged into a struggle for survival."

Synopsis from Goodreads: "Brother turns on brother to win the ultimate prize, the throne of England, in this dazzling account of the wars of the Plantagenets. They are the claimants and kings who ruled England before the Tudors, and now Philippa Gregory brings them to life through the dramatic and intimate stories of the secret players: the indomitable women, starting with Elizabeth Woodville, the White Queen.

The White Queen tells the story of a woman of extraordinary beauty and ambition who, catching the eye of the newly crowned boy king, marries him in secret and ascends to royalty. While Elizabeth rises to the demands of her exalted position and fights for the success of her family, her two sons become central figures in a mystery that has confounded historians for centuries: the missing princes in the Tower of London whose fate is still unknown. From her uniquely qualified perspective, Philippa Gregory explores this most famous unsolved mystery of English history, informed by impeccable research and framed by her inimitable storytelling skills."

Synopsis from Goodreads: "Beatrice Lacey, as strong-minded as she is beautiful, refuses to conform to the social customs of her time. Destined to lose her family name and beloved Wideacre estate once she is wed, Beatrice will use any means necessary to protect her ancestral heritage. Seduction, betrayal, even murder -- Beatrice's passion is without apology or conscience. "She is a Lacey of Wideacre," her father warns, "and whatever she does, however she behaves, will always be fitting." Yet even as Beatrice's scheming seems about to yield her dream, she is haunted by the one living person who knows the extent of her plans...and her capacity for evil. "

Synopsis from Goodreads: "Josiah Cole is a small dockside trader in 1787 Bristol-- a city where power and wealth beckon those who dare to take risks. Josiah is willing to gamble everything to be among the 'players.' The only thing he lacks is the right wife. At thirty-four, Frances Scott is penniless and unwed. Her background is indeed aristocratic, making for a perfect match of convenience. Frances's job is to train slaves as house servants. But when Frances meets Mehuru, a priest from an ancient and civilized African land, she learns about the conflicting desires of passion, love, and the vital need for freedom."

Synopsis from Goodreads: "Incorporating everything that's new in pregnancy, childbirth, and the lifestyles of parents-to-be, complete with a preconception plan, information on choosing a practitioner, birthing alternatives, second pregnancies, twins, making love while pregnant, and coping with common and not so common pregnancy symptoms."

Synopsis from Goodreads: "The Pregnancy Bible covers the complete sequence of fetal development in utero week by week. Each stage is illustrated with full color photography. Many photos are life-size and reproduced from state-of-the-art ultrasound images. The book also uses step-by-step illustrations, sidebars, practical suggestions, topics to discuss, checklist charts, quick-reference gatefold spreads, check-up calendars, a directory and other easy-to-accessinformation and advice to guide expectant parents through the pregnancy, birth and early infancy."

Synopsis from Goodreads: "A cowboy through and through, ranch owner Mallory Kirk knows what it means to put in a full day’s work. But does his new cowgirl? He has his doubts that Morie Brannt will be able to pull her own weight, even if the petite young woman does seem to have a lot of spirit.

As they spar over events at the ranch and a past that threatens their hopes for the future, sparks begin to f ly, and Mallory can’t help but notice Morie in a new light. But is this tough Wyoming man ready to love?"

And Lastly On my Nook:

Synopsis from Goodreads: "While spending the summer with their grandparents on a remote farm in South Carolina, Ben Alderman and his sister Casey uncover a hidden world of magic; a world their grandmother is secretly visiting. It is a world where elves and dwarves are locked in mortal combat against a witch who is trying to free the last surviving wizard from exile. The witch has been defeated once before but with the combined power of the wizard, no one will be able to stand against them. Much to Ben's dismay, he learns that he is the one foretold in the ancient elfin prophecies to bring about the downfall of the witch and save this exciting new world from destruction."

Synopsis from Goodreads: "Biographer Margaret Lea returns one night to her apartment above her father's antiquarian bookshop. On her steps she finds a letter. It is a hand-written request from one of Britain’s most prolific and well-loved novelists. Vida Winter, gravely ill, wants to recount her life story before it is too late, and she wants Margaret to be the one to capture her history. The request takes Margaret by surprise–she doesn’t know the author, nor has she read any of Miss Winter’s dozens of novels.

Late one night while pondering whether to accept the task of recording Miss Winter’s personal story, Margaret begins to read her father’s rare copy of Miss Winter’s Thirteen Tales of Change and Desperation. She is spellbound by the stories and confused when she realizes the book only contains twelve stories. Where is the thirteenth tale? Intrigued, Margaret agrees to meet Miss Winter and act as her biographer.

As Vida Winter unfolds her story, she shares with Margaret the dark family secrets that she has long kept hidden as she remembers her days at Angelfield, the now burnt-out estate that was her childhood home. Margaret carefully records Miss Winter’s account and finds herself more and more deeply immersed in the strange and troubling story. In the end, both women have to confront their pasts and the weight of family secrets. As well as the ghosts that haunt them still."

Synopsis from Goodreads: ""Think I can turn that boy bad?" 17-year-old Jen turns her life upside down when, out of boredom, she makes a bet that she can turn school geek Trevor into someone like her. Instead, the goth girl finds herself sucked into his world of sci-fi movies, charity work, and even-ugh!-bowling. To truly belong with him-and with her new foster family-she must first come to terms with her violent past."

Synopsis from Goodreads: "“It’s not that I don’t like people,” writes Maureen Corrigan in her introduction to Leave Me Alone, I’m Reading. “It’s just that there always comes a moment when I’m in the company of others—even my nearest and dearest—when I’d rather be reading a book.” In this delightful memoir, Corrigan reveals which books and authors have shaped her own life—from classic works of English literature to hard-boiled detective novels, and everything in between. And in her explorations of the heroes and heroines throughout literary history, Corrigan’s love for a good story shines."

Synopsis from Goodreads: "PRINCE OLAF OF NORWAY—Lord of the Wolves, the golden Viking warrior who came in his dragon ship to forge a great kingdom in the Emerald Isle.

PRINCESS ERIN—Daughter of the Irish High King, the ebony-haired beauty who swore bitter vengeance on the legendary Norseman who had brought death and destruction to her beloved homeland.

Yet, in the great Norse and Irish alliance against the invading Danes, it was her own father who gave her in marriage to her most hated enemy. Bewitched by Olaf's massive strength, seduced by his power, still Erin vowed that neither the wrath of his sword nor the fire of his kiss would sway the allegiance of her proud and passionate heart."

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Okay, so I was a little bad and bought too many books, especially since I haven't been reading as many!  But at least most of them were on my to be purchased/ wish list, that gives me some points right?! LOL

March - RAK & other news

Welcome to March! It's a big month, our handsome dobie Niko is featured in a calendar this month!! So supporters of his rescue all over the country gets to see his happy face all month long!

March also happens to be a very busy birthday month including my father-in-law, sister-in-law, several friends & my own! Spring also officially arrives, even though it hasn't been a horrible winter, I am looking forward to spring and summer arriving!

March RAK Signup

It has been a couple of months since I signed up for RAK, however I have been sending books out as often as possible!  If you would also like to join RAK head over to Book Soulmates to sign up.

Here are a couple of my most wanted books this month:

I am getting so much closer to a complete Robin Cook set!!

My complete wishlist

So what books top your list?