lexiepiper Posted May 15, 2009 Author Share Posted May 15, 2009 Well I usually read a book every 2 or 3 days, but the Sookie ones are so good that I've been reading one a day Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lexiepiper Posted May 17, 2009 Author Share Posted May 17, 2009 Definitely Dead by Charlaine Harris No. of pages: 324 Rating: 5/5 Series: Sookie Stackhouse (Book 6) Synopsis: Sookie doesn't have that many relations, so she hated to lose one - but of all the people to do, she didn't expect it to be her cousin Hadley, a consort of New Orleans' vampire queen - after all, Hadley was technically already dead. But she is gone, beyond recall, and she's left Sookie an inheritance - one that comes with a bit of a risk - not least because someone doesn't want Sookie digging too deep into Hadley's past - or her possessions. Sookie's life is once again on the line, and this time the suspects range from the rogue weres who reject Sookie as a friend of the pack to her first love, the vampire Bill. Sookie's got a lot to do if she's going to keep herself alive... Review: When Sookie's vampire cousin Hadley is murdered, Sookie finds out she has left her an inheritance. So she travels to New Orleans to sort everything out, but what she doesn't realise is that her cousin left her an awful lot of trouble as well... I was glad to see this book didn't have the missing something that the last one did. Sookie is back to being a trouble magnet and this book is full of action and mystery. Quinn was an interesting addition to the characters, and I was glad to see Eric pop up for a moment or two. He's still the funniest character in the series, and still my favourite. The end of this book links in with the next book, so I'm eager to read on and see how it all continues. Still a fantastic series, and I'm really enjoying it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lexiepiper Posted May 17, 2009 Author Share Posted May 17, 2009 All Together Dead by Charlaine Harris No. of pages: 342 Rating: 5/5 Series: Sookie Stackhouse (Book 7) Synopsis: Louisiana cocktail waitress Sookie Stackhouse has her hands full dealing with every sort of undead and paranormal creature imaginable. And after being betrayed by her longtime vampire love, Sookie must not only deal with a new man in her life-the shapeshifter Quinn-but also contend with the long-planned vampire summit. The summit is a tense situation. The vampire queen of Louisiana is in a precarious position, her power base weakened by hurricane damage to New Orleans. And there are some vamps who would like to finish what nature started. Soon, Sookie must decide what side she'll stand with. And her choice may mean the difference between survival and all-out catastrophe. Review: Sookie is summoned to attend the vampire summit alongside the Queen of Louisiana, to help get her out of a spot of bother and also to use to her mind reading abilities to find out what is happening with the others at the summit. Nothing really goes to plan though, and they all find themselves in an awful lot of trouble... The ending to this one was brilliant, and not what I was expecting at all. There's lots of tension throughout the book, especially between Sookie, Eric and Quinn. I enjoyed the story about the summit and having an insight into what vampire life behind the scenes is like. I'm still really loving the series, and I'm curious to see where Charlaine will take things in the next few books. Here's to hoping Sookie will finally settle down! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bethany725 Posted May 18, 2009 Share Posted May 18, 2009 (edited) I'm thinking I'm going to have to check into these Sookie books after I finish the "Grave" series.. I read a blurb once and thought the Sookie books didn't really sound like my thing, but I think I need to at least give it a shot based on all the good reviews here, combined with how much I like her "Grave" book I've read. Thanks for the reviews, Kelly! Edited May 18, 2009 by bethany725 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Weave Posted May 18, 2009 Share Posted May 18, 2009 Great reviews Lexie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SaraPepparkaka Posted May 18, 2009 Share Posted May 18, 2009 I say Sookie should settle down with Eric. This is how far I've read in the series too, so I may change my mind as I read on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lexiepiper Posted May 22, 2009 Author Share Posted May 22, 2009 From Dead To Worse by Charlaine Harris No. of pages: 340 Rating: 5/5 Series: Sookie Stackhouse (Book 8) Synopsis: After the natural disaster of Hurricane Katrina and the fight at the vampire summit, everyone - human and otherwise - is stressed, including Louisiana cocktail waitress Sookie Stackhouse, who is trying to cope with the fact that her boyfriend Quinn has gone missing. It’'s clear that things are changing - whether the weres and vamps of her corner of Louisiana like it or not. And Sookie - Friend to the Pack and blood-bonded to Eric Northman, leader of the local vampire community - is caught up in the changes. In the ensuing battles, Sookie faces danger, death, and once more, betrayal by someone she loves. And when the fur has finished flying and the cold blood finished flowing, her world will be forever altered. Review: After surviving the trouble at the vampire summit, Sookie just wants peace, but with the weres going to war and other vampires trying to take over Louisiana, peace is out of the question. So again Sookie gets caught up in the supernatural fights, but will she manage to get out unscathed? I think Charlaine used this book to wrap up several plot points because I found it a little too busy with so many different things happening one after another. But that's not to say it wasn't fun to read, or unenjoyable, it just probably would have made a little more sense for her to have staggered it over two books rather than just shove it all in this one so she could start something new with the next book. It was very action packed with all the fighting though and was really quick to read because there's so much to keep you immersed. A couple of the plot points ended quite obviously, for example the result of the were war, I had guessed that was coming for quite a while. Still loving this series though, it's completely gripped me, and I can't seem to put the books down! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lexiepiper Posted May 22, 2009 Author Share Posted May 22, 2009 Dead And Gone by Charlaine Harris No. of pages: 288 Rating: 5/5 Series: Sookie Stackhouse (Book 9) Synopsis: Except for Sookie Stackhouse, folks in Bon Temps, Louisiana, know little about vamps—and nothing about weres. Until now. The weres and shifters have finally decided to reveal their existence to the ordinary world. At first all goes well. Then the mutilated body of a were-panther is found near the bar where Sookie works—and she feels compelled to discover who, human or otherwise, did it. But there’s a far greater danger threatening Bon Temps. A race of unhuman beings—older, more powerful, and more secretive than vampires or werewolves—is preparing for war. And Sookie finds herself an all-too human pawn in their battle. Review: Being that the world hasn't gone crazy over the vampires revealing themselves, the weres and shifters decide they're going to come out to the human public too, and of course it doesn't go well. Within days a mutilated were-panther body is found hung on a cross outside Merlotte's, and with her brother being accused - yet again - of the murder, Sookie takes it upon herself to find out who the real murderer is. On top of that, her newly revealed relative brings an awful lot of trouble Sookie's way. I really liked finding out about Eric's human life and how he was turned in this book, and it was also nice to see a lot more of him, being that he's my favourite character. Of course Bill has to be all noble and stand in to protect Sookie, and I wonder how that will play out in the future, I really hope she doesn't go back to him. Of course there's another war, this time between the Fairies and it doesn't end well, in fact I was very upset that one of my favourite characters was killed. I kind of feel a bit like Charlaine is just recycling storylines now, there have been 3 wars in the past two books, she's just changing the race of the creatures it's between. I'm more than ready to see something fresh from book 10, and I'm curious to see where she'll take us next in this series. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lexiepiper Posted May 31, 2009 Author Share Posted May 31, 2009 The Rose Labyrinth by Titania Hardie No. of pages: 528 Rating: 4/5 Synopsis: Before his death in 1609, the brilliant Elizabethan spy and astrologer John Dee hid his most astonishing secrets, trusting his descendants would one day bring them to light. That time has come. In 2003, Will Stafford inherits a strange legacy from his mother: a key and an ancient script with an enigmatic note. Intrigued, he travels Europe seeking answers to Dee’s riddles, unaware that someone is following every move. Back in London, Lucy King becomes entangled in Will’s cryptic labyrinth. As its mysterious twists take her from France to New York, and from literature to myth, in search of its hidden treasure, she has never been closer to the truth, nor in graver danger. Review: When Will Stafford's mother leaves him a mysterious key in her will, he has to find out what the story behind it is. But what he finds leads into an awful lot of trouble, as religious fanatics are desperate for the story that is unravelling and will do anything for the information. I really enjoyed this book, the tone in which it's written is beautiful, the language really flows and just draws you in from page one. I found the contents of the story fascinating - John Dee, 'The Rapture', religion, Shakespeare, cellular memory - there are just so many aspects, but surprisingly they all fit together perfectly. It starts as several different threads and then as the book progresses, they all start to twine together and I really enjoyed how they started to slot into the story. I especially loved the descriptions of the various settings, it has definitely made me want to go and visit them myself one day! The Rose Labyrinth has been likened to 'The Da Vinci Code' and 'The Labyrinth', so I think fans of those books would enjoy this, but I think everyone could take something from it, as it has a bit of everything for everyone and it's a really great book. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather Posted May 31, 2009 Share Posted May 31, 2009 Loved your review I look forward to reading my book whch is still sitting on the self waiting it's turn. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mac Posted May 31, 2009 Share Posted May 31, 2009 Oooooh! I might just go and order this one from Amazon right now, Kelly. It sounds right up my street! Thanks for spending my money again! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lexiepiper Posted May 31, 2009 Author Share Posted May 31, 2009 No problem Mac I think you'll really enjoy it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nollaig Posted May 31, 2009 Share Posted May 31, 2009 The Rose Labyrinth is a great book. After one chapter I'd already been totally hooked by the character of Will, and what happens next - well, it'd keep anybody reading. The characters are a little TOO perfect at times, but it's still a very enjoyable read - easily the most enjoyable review book I've read thusfar. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lexiepiper Posted June 7, 2009 Author Share Posted June 7, 2009 Running With Scissors by Augusten Burroughs No. of pages: 304 Rating: 4/5 Synopsis:There is a passage early in Augusten Burroughs's harrowing and highly entertaining memoir Running with Scissors that speaks volumes about the author. While going to the garbage dump with his father, young Augusten spots a chipped glass-top coffee table that he longs to bring home. "I knew I could hide the chip by fanning a display of magazines on the surface, like in a doctor's office," he writes, "And it certainly wouldn't be dirty after I polished it with Windex for three hours." There were certainly numerous chips in the childhood Burroughs describes: an alcoholic father, an unstable mother who gives him up for adoption to her therapist and an adolescence spent as part of the therapist's eccentric extended family, gobbling prescription medicines and fooling around with both an old electroshock machine and a paedophile who lives in a shed out back. But just as he dreamed of doing with that old table, Burroughs employs a vigorous program of decoration and fervent polishing to a life that many would have simply thrown in a landfill. Despite her abandonment, he never gives up on his increasingly unbalanced mother. And rather than despair about his lot, he glamorises it: planning a "beauty empire" and performing an a cappella version of "You Light Up My Life" at a local mental ward. Review: When Augusten's parents divorce, his mother starts having another 'mental episode' during which he gets sent to live with his mother's psychiatrist Dr Finch and his rather crazy family. This is the true story of those years, almost unbelievable with events most people couldn't even imagine. This book is so mad, I could easily believe it's a work of fiction, but the fact this actually happened to someone is mind blowing. The main characters were weirdly endearing, even though they were slightly mad, in particular I liked Natalie and Hope, although I pitied them too. I really feel sorry for Augusten, being abandoned by your mother can never be easy, but into a house full of mad people must make it 10 times worse. I would recommend this book, if only to realise how normal your own upbringing was! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lexiepiper Posted June 8, 2009 Author Share Posted June 8, 2009 Bone Cold by Erica Spindler No. of pages: 506 Rating: 5/5 Synopsis: She thought the nightmare was over... Twenty-three years ago, Anna North survived a living nightmare. A madman kidnapped her, cut off her pinkie, then vanished. Today Anna lives in New Orleans, writing dark thrillers under another name. She finally feels safe. But it was only just beginning. Suddenly Anna's quiet life takes a frightening turn. Letters start to arrive from a disturbed fan. Anna is followed, her apartment broken into. Then a close friend disappears. Anna turns to homicide detective Quentin Malone, but Malone's more concerned with the recent murders of two women in the French Quarter. But after a third victim is found—a redhead like Anna, her pinkie severed—Malone is forced to acknowledge that Anna is his link to the killer...and could be the next target. Now Anna must face the horrifying truth—her past has caught up with her. The nightmare has begun again. Review: Anna North is still living in terror of the man that kidnapped her 23 years previously, so when she starts getting weird letters, and red headed women start getting murdered, she becomes very worried, but is it too late to stop what has already been set in motion? Another fantastic thriller from Erica Spindler, I couldn't put it down! It was fast paced and I really liked how the story weaved together, fitting all the pieces into place. I kind of guessed part of the ending, but there was still a few surprises in store that even I could not have forseen, and for these kind of twists Erica Spindler is well known. I've enjoyed every one of her books that I've read, and highly recommend them! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mac Posted June 9, 2009 Share Posted June 9, 2009 Oooh, this sounds like I might like this author too! I'll have to spend even more of my hard earned cash. We seem to very much share the same taste, Kelly. Hope you're most excellent and well, my friend. Mac Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Weave Posted June 9, 2009 Share Posted June 9, 2009 Great review Lexie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pipread Posted June 9, 2009 Share Posted June 9, 2009 I really enjoyed Copycat by this author, and it looks like, Bone Cold, is equally as good. Thanks for the review. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lexiepiper Posted June 11, 2009 Author Share Posted June 11, 2009 Kandide And The Secret Of The Mists by Diana S. Zimmerman No. of pages: 268 Rating: 4/5 Series: The Calabiyau Chronicles (Book 1) Synopsis: When Kandide is crowned queen of the Kingdom Calabiyau after her father's death, she becomes keeper of the Gift, the key to survival for all life. Like her father, she promises to be a great leader of all the F Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mac Posted June 11, 2009 Share Posted June 11, 2009 I'm not sure that this is my 'bag', Kelly. I've never been that into Fantasy. I notice you're reading one of the Dexter books. I'm going to have a go at that very soon. A friend of mine, Maria, is nagging me to read a Karin Slaughter book, so it'll be after I've done that. Pip pip. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mac Posted June 11, 2009 Share Posted June 11, 2009 Oooh...additional...this is my 600th post! Go, me! :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lexiepiper Posted June 11, 2009 Author Share Posted June 11, 2009 Woo hoo And it's not my normal thing either, but I'm trying to expand my reading horizons this year, and this is a review book I'm doing for Michelle, so it was all good Which Karen Slaughter book? I have Fractured waiting to be read, it looks really good Hope you enjoy Dexter when you get to them x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frankie Posted June 11, 2009 Share Posted June 11, 2009 Bone Cold by Erica Spindler I think I read about you reading this one on the Book Activity Today -thread and I got interested. Funny how I've never heard anyone else praising Erica Spindler before, if my memory serves me right. I might just look into her books sometime! Thanks for the review lexiepiper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lexiepiper Posted June 12, 2009 Author Share Posted June 12, 2009 She's pretty unknown outside of America weirdly, but I've read most of her books and they are really great Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lexiepiper Posted June 16, 2009 Author Share Posted June 16, 2009 Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeff Lindsay No. of pages: 275 Rating: 4.5/5 Series: Dexter (Book 1) Synopsis: Dexter Morgan appears to be the perfect gentleman. He leads a normal, quiet life working as a forensic officer for the Miami Police. He has a nice, shy girlfriend and is liked by her young children. But Dexter has a secret hobby. He's an accomplished serial killer. So far he's killed dozens of people and has never been caught, because he knows exactly how to dispose of the evidence. And there are those who would rather he wasn't caught at all, because Dexter is a serial killer with a difference. He only kills the city's bad guys. Then Dexter's well-organised life is thrown into chaos. Another serial killer is invading his territory - and he wants Dexter to come out and play... Review: Dexter Morgan, blood splatter analyst during the day and serial killer at night. But a serial killer with a twist, he only kills bad guys that deserve it. However, when another serial killer encroaches on his turf and starts playing games with him, how is it all going to end? I've seen the Dexter tv show, so knew pretty much all of this story, even the twist at the end. However, there are some things that are in the book that are not in the tv show, so there were a few bits which were new, and I found that overall, the book sheds more light on Dexter as a person, rather than Dexter the serial killer, which I really enjoyed. I can't wait to read on in the series, but I'm hoping that there will be storylines in the books that I haven't seen on the show! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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