Series Review: A Library Lover's Mysteries by Jenn McKinlay

 I tend to be a person who binges series once I find one I enjoy, especially when it is an older series with a lot of backlist titles.  So instead of posting reviews of each individual book, I instead will do a general review of the series as a whole.  For shorter series I will post my review of the individual titles, for longer series I will post links to my full reviews.  I will do my absolute best to keep spoilers out of these posts in case you plan to read the books, but there is a slight chance that even the synopsis of a book can give away the result of the previous book. So if you don't want to know anything at all about the later books in a series that might giveaway something in the first book STOP READING NOW!

So I just recently discovered both Jenn McKinlay and Cozy Mysteries, needless to say, I dove in head first! I originally read a couple of Jenn McKinlay's romance books before trying this series out, then I proceeded to binge the whole series since it was available from my local library.   The Library Lover's Mystery Series is set in a small town on the shores of Connecticut and follows the town's new library director, Lindsey Norris.  For being such a small town there are a lot of odd things happening and a few bodies turning up. With the aid of her new Crafternoon ladies, Lindsey gets caught up in the murder investigations and excitement and danger ensue.  If you want to see individual reviews for each book they will be linked at the bottom of this post.

 

 

 

My Full Series Review and Rating: This being my first foray into a full series of Cozy Mysteries, I wasn't sure what to expect but I was very happy with what I found.  I think a bit of my enjoyment factor came from the touch of romance that helps carry the characters through the tough events.  I was also impressed to find that the murders and the investigations were so unique throughout the series, the never seemed to get repetitive. I did see a bit of influence from real life cases here and there but there was definitely a twist on each of the stories to keep them unique to this series. I loved the small town setting and the odd cast of characters, they leant some comedic relief when needed and the close knit community support when needed as well. Even the side characters had a unique voice and you can't help but grow attached to all of them. I thoroughly enjoyed every book I read and I don't think I gave any of them less than 3 stars. Some were definitely 5 star books.  So I give this series as a whole a rating of Four Paws!

Individual Book Reviews:

Books Can be Deceiving

Due or Die

Book, Line and Sinker

Read It and Weep

On Borrowed Time

A Likely Story

Better Late than Never

Death in the Stacks

Hitting the Books

Word to the Wise

One for the Books

Series Review of the Mercy & Elvis Mysteries by Paula Munier

 I have been trying to figure out a way to share all these books I read with you but still include other non-review posts on the blog.  One method I have come up with was to share the reviews for an entire series (or pair) of books in one post.  I will do my absolute best to keep spoilers out of these posts in case you plan to read the books, but there is a slight chance that even the synopsis of a book can give away the result of the previous book. So if you don't want to know anything at all about the later books in a series that might giveaway something in the first book STOP READING NOW!

I have just recently started reading mystery books, Cozy Mysteries in particular, and this series kept popping up on my recommendation list, so I thought I would give it a shot.  This is leans a little more into the regular mystery category and a little less cozy but it still has enough elements to keep me interested.  Lucky for me with this series is it pretty new and I don't have a whole backlist of books to catch up on, so far there are 2 books out and another scheduled for release in March 2021.

 Synopsis: "First in a gripping new mystery series about a retired MP and her bomb-sniffing dog who become embroiled in an investigation in the beautiful Vermont wilderness

It may be the Fourth of July weekend, but for retired soldiers Mercy Carr and Belgian Malinois Elvis, it’s just another walk in the remote Lye Brook Wilderness—until the former bomb-sniffing dog alerts to explosives and they find a squalling baby abandoned near a shallow grave filled with what appear to be human bones. U.S. Game Warden Troy Warner and his search-and rescue Newfoundland Susie Bear respond to Mercy’s 911 call, and the four must work together to track down a missing mother, solve a cold-case murder, and keep the citizens of Vermont safe on potentially the most incendiary Independence Day since the American Revolution.

A Borrowing of Bones is full of complex twists and real details about search-and-rescue dog training that Paula learned through the training of her own dog. With its canine sidekicks and rich, dramatic story, this debut will be a must-have for mystery fans."

My Review: In my search into the new to me genre, Cozy Mysteries, this book kept popping up in my recommendations. Of course with a dog on the cover, how could I resist? Then you add in a female Army MP and I am there. I really enjoyed Mercy, she is a strong character, but clearly has a soft quiet side. Then you add in the mystery of a baby found in the woods, and I am hooked. I could not put this book down, with every twist and turn in the story, it hooked me more and more. I found it completely entertaining how the dogs are characters of their own in the story. This is exactly the type of book I am looking for, a bit of a dark story but some light entertaining moments, a touch of romance and a lot of interesting twists. I did figure things out before the end of the book but it wasn't much. I have now purchased both books in the series (diving into the second here very soon) and pre-ordered the 3rd book!

My Rating: I absolutely loved this book, I loved the characters and the story and the mystery was intriguing and multi-leveled.  I give it a rating of Four Paws and a Stump Wag!

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Synopsis: "Former Army MP Mercy Carr and her retired bomb-sniffing dog Elvis are back in Blind Search, the sequel to the page-turning, critically acclaimed A Borrowing of Bones

It's October, hunting season in the Green Mountains--and the Vermont wilderness has never been more beautiful or more dangerous. Especially for nine-year-old Henry, who's lost in the woods. Again. Only this time he sees something terrible. When a young woman is found shot through the heart with a fatal arrow, Mercy thinks that something is murder. But Henry, a math genius whose autism often silences him when he should speak up most, is not talking.

Now there's a murderer hiding among the hunters in the forest--and Mercy and Elvis must team up with their crime-solving friends, game warden Troy Warner and search-and-rescue dog Susie Bear, to find the killer--before the killer finds Henry. When an early season blizzard hits the mountains, cutting them off from the rest of the world, the race is on to solve the crime, apprehend the murderer, and keep the boy safe until the snowplows get through.

Inspired by the true search-and-rescue case of an autistic boy who got lost in the Vermont wilderness, Paula Munier's mystery is a compelling roller coaster ride through the worst of winter--and human nature."

My Review: After inhaling the first book in this series I was really excited to pick this one up. This was definitely a much more intricate story with lots of twists and turns. I still really enjoyed the story and love Mercy, Elvis, Suzie Bear and Troy but struggled a bit to stay focused on this one. I like the shift in seasons from the first book, the added risk and danger of hunting season and dropping temperatures was a great addition. I think the main reason I struggled was because of how Henry was treated, the constant pushing him beyond his abilities and the lack of parental care. I couldn't imagine letting anyone but family take care of my son after a traumatic experience. Beyond that element, we are definitely led down a twisted path of personal relationships and high society. It was a puzzle that wasn't easy to solve and it didn't fully come together until the end. I am still really enjoying this series and have pre-ordered the next book for next year!

My Rating: This was a very busy book with a lot of different levels to the story and a few different mysteries in play.  I found it a little difficult to focus on the story, it didn't draw me in quite the way the first book did.  I am hoping the future books pull me in again.  I give it a rating of Two Paws and a Stump Wag.

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Series Review and Rating: The first book in the series really sucked me in, I loved the small town feel, the touch of romance, the addition of the dogs and the way the story played out, I enjoy being able to figure out the mystery just before the character does but not too early and this book did that for me.  After consuming the first book in a single day, I was excited to dive into the second book.  I really struggled to stay focused on Blind Search, it may have been because I was reading it during a high stress and extremely busy time but I also really struggled because of the story itself.  I was not thrilled with the way Henry was treated. Also, this book had a lot going on, relationships that are twisted around each other for decades and multiple mysteries taking place. I still enjoyed it, just not as much as the first book.  Overall I give the series a rating of Three Paws and a Stump Wag and I am looking forward to continuing the series.

Arrg-ust Date Night Series Review of Saved by Pirates by G. Bailey

I have been trying to figure out a way to share all these books I read with you but still include other non-review posts on the blog.  One method I have come up with was to share the reviews for an entire series (or pair) of books in one post.  I will do my absolute best to keep spoilers out of these posts in case you plan to read the books, but there is a slight chance that even the synopsis of a book can give away the result of the previous book. So if you don't want to know anything at all about the later books in a series that might giveaway something in the first book STOP READING NOW!

I came across this series on Kindle Unlimited when looking for some pirate books, it looked like a fun, short romance series, just what I was looking for. 

 Synopsis: "Seven towns. Seven seas. The seven council. The seven words every person lives by. 

The sea is lost, pirates are death. 

Cassandra should have been killed at birth, like all the other children who have powers like her. 

The changed ones. 

The ones who started the war, lost the seas and killed millions with their gifts. 

Lucky for Cassandra, her father is on the council. One of the seven rulers of her large town and has kept her hidden her entire life. 

When she is seen for the first time, she has no choice but to run and the only place she can go is to the sea. 

To the pirates and a certain death. 

At least that is what she thinks. When she meets six handsome pirates and they take her on board their ship, she learns about a whole new world. 

If only she can protect her heart when they all desire to own it. 

This is a reverse harem trilogy."

My Review: I saw this one available on Kindle Unlimited and thought it would be perfect for my pirate month. I didn't realize that this was the first in the series but luckily the rest of the books were available as well. I also did not realize that this was more of an YA/NA crossover book as opposed the the adult reverse harem book I was expecting. I did really enjoy the unique world that is being built in this story, I am looking forward to learning more as the series continues. I did however feel like it was a little rushed and I didn't really get to know the characters all that well. I couldn't tell you who was who of the pirates or what makes them unique. The story line was a little slow to build, especially considering how short this book is, but it did get really exciting near the end and it has made me want to continue with the series.

My Rating: This has a really interesting world and magic system, even though the writing isn't great, I am still really intrigued.  I give it a rating of Two Paws and Stump Wag.

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 Synopsis: "Can love save you from pain? 

Cassandra’s life has never been simple because of her mark, but for a second she believed she had everything, she had her pirates. When she is kidnapped and ripped away from everything she loves, she has no choice but to fight to survive. Cassandra is taken to the King, and secrets she never could have expected come out. 

When the King does something impossible and pain is all that is left, will her pirates be able to save her? 

Will the Sea God, who whispers promises, be able to help her? "

My Review: After reading the first book I wasn't sure what to expect with this one. Originally I had expected an adult fantasy romance with reverse harem, but the first book was super clean and read really young. This one took a leap off the deep end, the steam went from just on the stove to a full boil by halfway through this one. With that said, the romance was a bit awkward and out of place, it was disjointed at weird times when focus should have been on the more life threatening matters at hand. While I am still intrigued by the world and magic system, I did find this book to be under developed and a little lackluster. I will continue with the series since there is only one more full length book.

My Rating: I am still really intrigued by the world and magic system, but the interactions between the characters and lack of connection with the characters is a little disappointing. I give it a rating of Two Paws.

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Synopsis: "Love. Death. Power. When all these words are marked on Cassandra’s soul, can she really save anyone? 

Cassandra has finally escaped the king, only to find herself in the middle of the rebels and a war that she is meant to be the leader of. When the changed ones of the mountains go to war, Cassandra and her pirates have to travel across the seas to the mermaids who are the only ones that can help. 

But what is the price of the mermaid’s help? 

War is whispered, much like the Sea god whispers to Cassandra, but no one speaks the ending. Can death be the only winner? "

My Review: As with the previous books in this series, I really like the world that has been created and the magic system; however, the story is very disjointed. I also found that I didn't connect with a single character, we didn't get to know them very well and were constantly hopping between the pirates so didn't get time to really find what distinguishes each of them. The story was so start and stop because of the awkward romantic interludes at times when there were urgent matters to attend. I also found it rather unbelievable that the naive and sheltered girl can suddenly step into a leadership role, she is also suddenly able to seduce with confidence and ease. The supposed twists and surprises were rather predictable. All in all, if some of the romance had been left out and we just stuck with a strictly fantasy story I would have enjoyed this so much more, that or it needed a whole lot more fleshing out to allow for the romance.

My Rating: I am so disappointed, I really hoped that as the series went on and the books got a little longer the characters would be more developed and the story would get more intricate, but it didn't.  Also it became very predictable, and the ending was left very open to connect to a companion series. I give it a rating of One Paw and a Stump Wag.

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Full Series Review: I am so bummed with this series, it had such potential but it really seemed like the author was trying to appeal to a wide audience but in reality needed to pick a genre and audience.  The writing was clearly for a YA audience and it would have worked at first, if it had remained clean it could have been but it devolved into a clear adult book but with the same writing.  Also, if it had been more focused on the fantasy elements and plot development it could have been great but the awkward character interactions really broke up the story, and not in a good way.  If they were going for a romance, then more time needed to be spent developing the characters and smoothing their interactions.  I can only give this series a rating of One Paw and a Stump Wag.

Series Review of The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells

I have been trying to figure out a way to share all these books I read with you but still include other non-review posts on the blog.  One method I have come up with was to share the reviews for an entire series (or pair) of books in one post.  I will do my absolute best to keep spoilers out of these posts in case you plan to read the books, but there is a slight chance that even the synopsis of a book can give away the result of the previous book. So if you don't want to know anything at all about the later books in a series that might giveaway something in the first book STOP READING NOW!

I originally picked up the first book in the Murderbot Diaries after hearing about it from several of my favorite Booktubers.  It had made the Booktube SFF shortlist last year and I thought I would give it a try even though I am very new to Sci-Fi.  The second book made the shortlist this year in the Short Work category again this year, so I thought I would continue the series, and ended up finishing all 4 books currently out.

Synopsis: "In a corporate-dominated spacefaring future, planetary missions must be approved and supplied by the Company. Exploratory teams are accompanied by Company-supplied security androids, for their own safety.

But in a society where contracts are awarded to the lowest bidder, safety isn’t a primary concern.

On a distant planet, a team of scientists are conducting surface tests, shadowed by their Company-supplied ‘droid — a self-aware SecUnit that has hacked its own governor module, and refers to itself (though never out loud) as “Murderbot.” Scornful of humans, all it really wants is to be left alone long enough to figure out who it is.

But when a neighboring mission goes dark, it's up to the scientists and their Murderbot to get to the truth."

My Review: I have been hearing really great things about this book and I am starting to branch a little more into sci-fi. I like that this is a shorter book so it isn't as intense as a lot of the other sci-fi out there. I was a bit confused at first since we are just dumped into MuderBot's mission and it takes a bit to get everyone straight. Once you start to get into the story though, you really grow attached to the characters, even though Murderbot tries to distance itself from the humans and the human emotions. I enjoyed the mystery and action as well, it wasn't heavy on the science or math terms, and for the most part I was able to picture a lot of the tech described. This was a good one to dip your toes in the sci-fi genre. I may be picking up more in this series.

My Rating: I had originally rated this one middle of the road but even nearly a year after reading it, I am still thinking about it a lot so I decided to up my rating slightly and give it a Three Paw and a Stump Wag Rating. 

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Synopsis: "It has a dark past – one in which a number of humans were killed. A past that caused it to christen itself “Murderbot”. But it has only vague memories of the massacre that spawned that title, and it wants to know more.

Teaming up with a Research Transport vessel named ART (you don’t want to know what the “A” stands for), Murderbot heads to the mining facility where it went rogue.

What it discovers will forever change the way it thinks…"

My Review: I am fairly new to the world of Sci-Fi and this was one of the series I kept hearing about that got me interested. I really enjoyed All Systems Red and was excited to read this one. I listened to the audio while reading a print copy and it really helps me grasp the various character tones and AI elements. I loved seeing Murderbot become more aware of himself as compared to altered humans and I especially enjoyed him discovering more bots that are functioning somewhat independently like him. ART was great comic relief with the heavy subjects and intense action. I can't wait to continue the series.

My Rating: First off, I don't know when or why I started thinking of Murderbot as a male, I think because I listened to the audio book and it had a male narrator.  Anyway, I really enjoyed the development of Murderbot's character but ART totally made this one for me.  I give it a rating of Four Paws!

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Synopsis: "SciFi’s favorite antisocial A.I. is again on a mission. The case against the too-big-to-fail GrayCris Corporation is floundering, and more importantly, authorities are beginning to ask more questions about where Dr. Mensah’s SecUnit is.

And Murderbot would rather those questions went away. For good."

My Review: I so adore Murderbot and this next book in the series did not disappoint! I love how more humanized Murderbot seems in each book yet he keeps his SecUnit/Bot skills. This book had plenty of excitement and the pages were turning quickly. We find out a lot more about the over arcing conspiracy plot line. I really enjoy the way pieces are being put together but some bits are still waiting to be discovered, leading to needing to pick up the next book right now!

My Rating: The adventures of Murderbot continue to pull me in, I love the relationships being built even against Murderbot's social anxieties.  I give this one a rating of Four Paws!

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Synopsis: "The fourth and final part of the Murderbot Diaries series that began with All Systems Red.

Murderbot wasn’t programmed to care. So, its decision to help the only human who ever showed it respect must be a system glitch, right?

Having traveled the width of the galaxy to unearth details of its own murderous transgressions, as well as those of the GrayCris Corporation, Murderbot is heading home to help Dr. Mensah—its former owner (protector? friend?)—submit evidence that could prevent GrayCris from destroying more colonists in its never-ending quest for profit.

But who’s going to believe a SecUnit gone rogue?

And what will become of it when it’s caught?"

My Review: I have been absolutely loving this series, it is a great introduction to the genre. I love how Murderbot has become more humanized throughout his adventures but yet still remains aloof. This is quite an exciting adventure and picks up pretty much where the previous book left off, diving right back into the action. The stakes seem even higher in this one than the previous two and it lends to an exciting, page-turning read. I really enjoyed how this story arc concluded but find there are still some open questions regarding Murderbot's own history, so I am eager to see if more will be coming.

My Rating: I really could not put this series down, once I got going the action kept the pages turning and the characters kept me coming back for more.  I couldn't wait to see what tight spot Murderbot got in (and out of) again.  I give it a rating of Four Paws!

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Full Series Review: While I wasn't too keen on being dumped right into Murderbot's mind already mid mission on a strange planet, the characters really started to draw me into the story.  Murderbot is such a quirky character, full of social anxieties but yet a caring robot core.  I love the short novella length of these books, it made it a little easier for me to pick up the newer genre to me without being overly intimidated.  It does at times get a little technical in the later books, but it didn't put me off at all, the characters and plot kept me involved.  I definitely recommend this series for Sci-Fi newbies like myself.  

Note: I did also recently hear that Martha Wells will be releasing a full length Murderbot book sometime in the future, and I am so ready for it!

Series Review of the Binti Series by Nnedi Okorafor

I have been trying to figure out a way to share all these books I read with you but still include other non-review posts on the blog.  One method I have come up with was to share the reviews for an entire series (or pair) of books in one post.  I will do my absolute best to keep spoilers out of these posts in case you plan to read the books, but there is a slight chance that even the synopsis of a book can give away the result of the previous book. So if you don't want to know anything at all about the later books in a series that might giveaway something in the first book STOP READING NOW!

I originally started reading the Binti series last year after the first book made the Booktube SFF Award Shortlist.  The third book now made the list this year so I figured I might as well finish this trilogy of novellas.

Synopsis: "Her name is Binti, and she is the first of the Himba people ever to be offered a place at Oomza University, the finest institution of higher learning in the galaxy. But to accept the offer will mean giving up her place in her family to travel between the stars among strangers who do not share her ways or respect her customs.

Knowledge comes at a cost, one that Binti is willing to pay, but her journey will not be easy. The world she seeks to enter has long warred with the Meduse, an alien race that has become the stuff of nightmares. Oomza University has wronged the Meduse, and Binti's stellar travel will bring her within their deadly reach.

If Binti hopes to survive the legacy of a war not of her making, she will need both the gifts of her people and the wisdom enshrined within the University, itself - but first she has to make it there, alive."

My Review: I have been hearing a lot about this book over the past few months and it fit a couple of challenges for the Bibliophile Prints September Readathon so I gave it a try. I was very pleasantly surprised. I normally really struggle with science fiction books and wrapping my head around any of the futuristic buildings/ships and any math or science involved, and I was really worried about this one not having enough description in such a short book. While it did take me a bit to get into the story, and a few things were a little vague and out there for me, the overall story and character pulled me in anyway. I really enjoyed how Binti's character developed throughout the story, gaining in confidence, even when faced with new and frightening events. This is a shorter novella length book, and it is a satisfying and fully developed story but there are more books in the series, and I am intrigued enough to continue.

My Rating: I had originally rated this about a Three Paw book but having read it over 6 months ago and I am still thinking about it, I have decided to increase my rating to Four Paws!

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Synopsis: "It’s been a year since Binti and Okwu enrolled at Oomza University. A year since Binti was declared a hero for uniting two warring planets. A year since she abandoned her family in the dawn of a new day.

And now she must return home to her people, with her friend Okwu by her side, to face her family and face her elders.

But Okwu will be the first of his race to set foot on Earth in over a hundred years, and the first ever to come in peace.

After generations of conflict can human and Meduse ever learn to truly live in harmony?"

My Review: I really enjoyed the first book in this novella series so wanted to continue it. I did find this story to be longer than the first, and I think the 3rd book is even longer almost to the point of not being novellas anymore. The first book was dark and dangerous but I honestly found this one to be even darker. I think it was due to all the emotional fall out from the trauma from the first book and the return to home. It was a great example of how we can return home physically but neither are we the same person nor is home the same place due to growth and experience. I didn't find this one as heart pounding and suspenseful but it was very interesting with all the emotional and mental turmoil.

My Rating: I wasn't as invested in this story, but I did like the premise of returning home and the portrayal of PTSD.  I give it a rating of Three Paws and a Stump Wag.

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Synopsis: "The concluding part of the highly-acclaimed science fiction trilogy that began with Nnedi Okorafor's Hugo- and Nebula Award-winning BINTI.

Binti has returned to her home planet, believing that the violence of the Meduse has been left behind. Unfortunately, although her people are peaceful on the whole, the same cannot be said for the Khoush, who fan the flames of their ancient rivalry with the Meduse.

Far from her village when the conflicts start, Binti hurries home, but anger and resentment has already claimed the lives of many close to her.

Once again it is up to Binti, and her intriguing new friend Mwinyi, to intervene--though the elders of her people do not entirely trust her motives--and try to prevent a war that could wipe out her people, once and for all.

Don't miss this essential concluding volume in the Binti trilogy."

My Review: I started reading Binti last year and really loved the first book, and the second book was rather emotional. This the third and I believe final book was a bit of a let down for me. Things got very weird and we kind of lost a bit of focus. It was difficult to follow the various traditions and customs of so many as well as all the new abilities. I did find that I loved New Fish, such a unique character and concept. Though things did get a bit odd, I still enjoyed it as a whole.

My Rating: Things got a little lost in this one for me, it started to become almost a chosen one trope combined with so many other tangents that it was really difficult to follow. This definitely took the sci-fi element a little too far from my comfort zone. I give it a rating of Two Paws.

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Full Series Review: I was super intrigued with the first book, it was far better than I had ever expected after avoiding Sci-Fi for so long. I really enjoyed Binti's story and was at the edge of my seat the whole time.  The second book felt a little anti-climactic for me, and more of an internalized/personal growth story as opposed to the adventure of the first book.  The third book was a big let down for me, there were a lot of elements that were not really explained enough to me and a lot of characters and events that I wasn't able to really follow. It may be a result of me just lacking experience in the Sci-fi genre but it just didn't click with me.  As a whole I give the series a rating of Two Paws, but I do highly recommend the first book!

Reviews of The Cruel Prince and The Wicked King by Holly Black

I have been trying to figure out a way to share all these books I read with you but still include other non-review posts on the blog.  One method I have come up with was to share the reviews for an entire series (or pair) of books in one post.  I will do my absolute best to keep spoilers out of these posts in case you plan to read the books, but there is a slight chance that even the synopsis of a book can give away the result of the previous book. So if you don't want to know anything at all about the later books in a series that might giveaway something in the first book STOP READING NOW!

So I finally gave into the hype and read both Cruel Prince and Wicked King. I had heard so many great things and people have been raving about this series,  I gave in so much that I even ordered a Hangover Kit from Faecrate before I read either book.  So what do I think?

Synopsis: "Of course I want to be like them. They’re beautiful as blades forged in some divine fire. They will live forever.

And Cardan is even more beautiful than the rest. I hate him more than all the others. I hate him so much that sometimes when I look at him, I can hardly breathe.

Jude was seven when her parents were murdered and she and her two sisters were stolen away to live in the treacherous High Court of Faerie. Ten years later, Jude wants nothing more than to belong there, despite her mortality. But many of the fey despise humans. Especially Prince Cardan, the youngest and wickedest son of the High King.

To win a place at the Court, she must defy him–and face the consequences.

As Jude becomes more deeply embroiled in palace intrigues and deceptions, she discovers her own capacity for trickery and bloodshed. But as betrayal threatens to drown the Courts of Faerie in violence, Jude will need to risk her life in a dangerous alliance to save her sisters, and Faerie itself."

My Review: I know I am much later to this party than most YA fantasy readers, but I wasn't sure if I would be interested, but of course I caved. I have to say that nearly all the characters in this book are unlikable, but oddly enough I am okay with it. The brutality of the Fae world is clear in this book and it keeps up throughout and I appreciate that element. I do find the attraction between characters to be awkward and I don't really see why it is necessary to the plot. The subtleties of the court and the intricacies of the spoken and written word was fantastic to read and one of my favorite parts. I will continue and read Wicked King but I can't say that it is high on my list.

My Rating: I enjoyed the brutal reality presented in the story and how blows are not softened and characters are not sugar coated.  I am intrigued by where this could go. I give it a rating of Three Paws.

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Synopsis: "You must be strong enough to strike and strike and strike again without tiring.

The first lesson is to make yourself strong.

After the jaw-dropping revelation that Oak is the heir to Faerie, Jude must keep her younger brother safe. To do so, she has bound the wicked king, Cardan, to her, and made herself the power behind the throne. Navigating the constantly shifting political alliances of Faerie would be difficult enough if Cardan were easy to control. But he does everything in his power to humiliate and undermine her even as his fascination with her remains undiminished.

When it becomes all too clear that someone close to Jude means to betray her, threatening her own life and the lives of everyone she loves, Jude must uncover the traitor and fight her own complicated feelings for Cardan to maintain control as a mortal in a Faerie world."

My Review: Well, I read it. I have to say I was okay with Cruel Prince and had already ordered this book so figured I might as well read it. I do enjoy that the brutality of the world is kept intact and doesn't wain as the series continues. I also appreciate all the minute manipulations and strategies with in the world. The issue I have is I really don't care for the characters, I don't care what happens to any of them. They are completely unreliable. All in all I appreciate what has been done with this world but I am not drawn in or passionate about it or those within.

My Rating: I do appreciate what is done with this series, unreliable characters, brutal world, no happily ever after (so far) but at the same time, it would be nice to have someone to care about and root for otherwise what is the point.  Sadly, I give this one a rating of Two Paws.

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Overall Review: Well, I do really like to see authors pushing for darker books with not so happy endings but if we aren't enjoying something then there is no point in reading.  I didn't like any of the characters, none of them seem to have any redeeming qualities. I am glad that others are enjoying it so much but it was just not for me.  I give it an overall rating of Two Paws and a Stump Wag. I may read the next book in the series next year when it comes out but it will not be high on the priority list and will probably be forgotten by then anyway.

If you enjoyed the series, what did you like about it? Or do you agree with me?

Series Review of The Queen's Thief by Megan Whalen Turner

I have been trying to figure out a way to share all these books I read with you but still include other non-review posts on the blog.  One method I have come up with was to share the reviews for an entire series (or pair) of books in one post.  I will do my absolute best to keep spoilers out of these posts in case you plan to read the books, but there is a slight chance that even the synopsis of a book can give away the result of the previous book. So if you don't want to know anything at all about the later books in a series that might giveaway something in the first book STOP READING NOW!

I have seen this series around for a while but never was really interested in picking it up. I had heard that it was really dense reading and honestly the original covers were not very appealing. But last year I had seen an interview with Megan Whalen Turner posted (I think on Goodreads with the cover reveal for Return of the Thief) and became really intrigued.  I started picking up the books here and there as I found them with the new covers.  I finally got around to reading them this month, I did end up reading the print versions along with borrowing the audio books from the library.  I recommend the audio books, they are great but to keep track of all the little nuances in the writing, I suggest the print books so you can flip back when you hit those ahha moments.  So on with the reviews . . .

 Synopsis: "The king's scholar, the magus, believes he knows the site of an ancient treasure. To attain it for his king, he needs a skillful thief, and he selects Gen from the king's prison. The magus is interested only in the thief's abilities.That Gen is interested in is anyone's guess. Their journey toward the treasure is both dangerous and difficult, lightened only imperceptibly by the tales they tell of the old gods and goddesses."

My Review: I don't know why I took so long to pick this series up, I had heard that the first book was long and tedious to read but it was actually pretty short and rather fun to read. I enjoyed Gen and the other characters, their banter was entertaining. True there didn't seem to be a lot of world building, you don't get a sense of the political dynamics until late in the book. Being a thief, Gen is a little bit unreliable as a character, he has a lot of secrets that seem to be slowly coming out. I honestly didn't see the twist coming and loved it! I am looking forward to continuing this series!

My Rating: Being my first introduction to the series and Turner's writing, I was a bit skeptical at first but it was so worth it. I love the intricacies and the little tidbits when you look back at the book after finishing it.  I give it a rating of Four Paws.

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Synopsis: "The brilliant thief Eugenides has visited the Queen of Attolia’s palace one too many times, leaving small tokens and then departing unseen. When his final excursion does not go as planned, he is captured by the ruthless queen. The Queen’s Thief novels have been praised by writers, critics, reviewers, and fans and have been honored with glowing reviews, “best of” citations, and numerous awards, including the Los Angeles Times Book Prize, a Newbery Honor, the Andre Norton Award shortlist, and the Mythopoeic Fantasy Award. Discover and rediscover the stand-alone companions, The Queen of Attolia, The King of Attolia, A Conspiracy of Kings, and Thick as Thieves, all epic novels set in the world of the Queen’s Thief."

My Review: I am really enjoying this series so far! I love all the tactical and political maneuvering in this one. The dynamics between the countries and they ways they are constantly trying to outwit one another is so fascinating to me. The great part is that with all the political and war happenings, we still don't loose the connection with the characters. Gen is awesome and constantly surprises you with how he reacts and what he is up to behind the scenes. His relationship with the various other characters is so dynamic. The details are all important, every look, every sentence, every historical detail comes into play somewhere along the lines, it really makes you pay attention and try to figure out how it will all come into play. I am immediately picking up the next book!

My Rating: Looking back, this might be my favorite of the series, I loved the dynamics in play between the countries.  I give it a rating of Four Paws and a Stump Wag!

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Synopsis: "By scheming and theft, the Thief of Eddis has become King of Attolia. Eugenides wanted the queen, not the crown, but he finds himself trapped in a web of his own making.

Then he drags a naive young guard into the center of the political maelstrom. Poor Costis knows he is the victim of the king's caprice, but his contempt for Eugenides slowly turns to grudging respect. Though struggling against his fate, the newly crowned king is much more than he appears. Soon the corrupt Attolian court will learn that its subtle and dangerous intrigue is no match for Eugenides."

My Review: I know Gen is a little bit of an unreliable character, but I have learned not to discount him. However Attolia is still new to me and I could see the path I was being guided down. I kind of felt like Costis, a little confused, lost and dragged from one side to the other, up and down tower stairs. I did find the inner court politics a little more difficult to follow as opposed to the political dynamic between the three countries. You really need to almost take notes to follow all the intricacies and follow all the names. It is hard to write a review without giving any of the twists away, but leave it at this, I will forever adore Gen, I have grown to love and appreciate Attolia and Magus is still the coolest character.

My Rating: I enjoyed this one, maybe not as much as Queen of Attolia, just because of trying to keep track of all the Barons and players in Attolia's courts (note: the print version I have with this cover has a full list of characters & a map at the back).  I give it a rating of Four Paws.

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Synopsis: "After an attempted assassination and kidnapping, Sophos, heir to the throne of Sounis, disappears. Those who care for him—including the thief Eugenides and the Queen of Eddis—are left to wonder if he is alive and if they will ever see him again. The Queen’s Thief novels have been praised by writers, critics, reviewers, and fans and have been honored with glowing reviews, “best of” citations, and numerous awards, including the Los Angeles Times Book Prize, a Newbery Honor, the Andre Norton Award shortlist, and the Mythopoeic Fantasy Award. Discover and rediscover the stand-alone companions, The Queen of Attolia, The King of Attolia, A Conspiracy of Kings, and Thick as Thieves, all epic novels set in the world of the Queen’s Thief."

My Review: I have been consuming this series nearly back to back so I was a little surprised by the shift in perspective from Gen to Sophos, though I was really happy to see him on the page again. As much as I missed Gen, I really did enjoy watching Sophos' character develop in so many ways throughout his adventures. As with all the previous books in the series, you really have to keep your eye open for all the little tidbits that seem like toss off details, that later become intricate to the plot. As like with King of Attolia, there are a lot of barons to keep track of and try to follow the inner court politics that are unfamiliar but you do become familiar with the major players. I have to say though it was so satisfying when the hinted at crush from way back in book one and hinted at in the other books finally steps into the light. I did however expect that Magus would have played more of a role in this one, I was missing his wisdom, of course served with a a side of snark.

My Rating: While I missed seeing all that was going on with Gen, I did enjoy catching up with Sophos and seeing some of the early plot lines start coming together.  I give this one a rating of Three Paws and a Stump Wag.

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Synopsis: "Deep within the palace of the Mede emperor, in an alcove off the main room of his master’s apartments,. Kamet minds his master’s business and his own. Carefully keeping the accounts, and his own counsel, Kamet has accumulated a few possessions, a little money stored in the household’s cashbox, and a significant amount of personal power. As a slave, his fate is tied to his master’s. If Nahuseresh’s fortunes improve, so will Kamet’s, and Nahuseresh has been working diligently to promote his fortunes since the debacle in Attolia.

A soldier in the shadows offers escape, but Kamet won’t sacrifice his ambition for a meager and unreliable freedom; not until a whispered warning of poison and murder destroys all of his carefully laid plans. When Kamet flees for his life, he leaves behind everything—his past, his identity, his meticulously crafted defenses—and finds himself woefully unprepared for the journey that lies ahead.

Pursued across rivers, wastelands, salt plains, snowcapped mountains, and storm-tossed seas, Kamet is dead set on regaining control of his future and protecting himself at any cost. Friendships—new and long-forgotten—beckon, lethal enemies circle, secrets accumulate, and the fragile hopes of the little kingdoms of Attolia, Eddis, and Sounis hang in the balance."

My Review: I was again surprised by a new character's point of view as opposed to Gen's (and during such a critical time for him). While Kamet's character development throughout this book is interesting, he just doesn't have enough spark for me. I did like Costis in this one but again, I was missing that something extra that I have come to expect. We do still get some twists and ah ha moments at the tail end of the book but it didn't seem as intricate as previous books. With that said there are some pretty substantial developments in the overall series story arc that are pretty great. I am rather glad that I waited to read all of these books at once to keep the details and characters familiar, and I am ready for that final book!

My Rating: Another shift in perspective threw me off again, and I was not all that intrigued by Kamet or Costis, though the development of Kamet's character was interesting to follow, it just didn't capture me quite like the other books. I guess I was missing all the intrigue and politics, so I give it a rating of Three Paws. 

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Full Series Review: I was so pleasantly surprised with this series, I don't know why none of you were pushing me to read it! I loved all the politics and war counsel moves, and the totally unreliable character of Gen.  I loved all the twists and the ah ha moments when all those little details that seemed so inconsequential came into play. While this series definitely isn't for everyone, those who are into those tiny details and political style books will really enjoy it.  I did notice that this series is written for YA readers, but honestly it didn't read as a YA book to me, it may be that the series started back in the 90s so it isn't like the YA books now that seem to need constant action and movement for readers to enjoy (don't get me started on the whole need for instant gratification mode making its way into our books).  Also, something I guess I didn't note in my individual reviews, Turner went to great lengths to develop this world, each country has a clear culture along with whole belief systems, interwoven throughout all the books are even full myths and folktales and rhymes for the countries! I would love a book of just those collected together as a novella for the series.  I have to say I am so glad I finally picked this series up, but I am relieved that I don't need to wait forever for the final book to come out next month (I already have my copy pre-ordered in both print and audio book)!