Charm's Choices ~ 2010

[chesilbeach]

I'm gonna start Incubus Dreams later this evening, it's a real door stop, over 800 pages! This could take a while ......

 

Hehehe - I've got Cerulean Sins and Incubus Dreams from the library at the moment, and they both look like doorstops! I want some more Anita, but I'm worried that I might sprain my wrist holding the book up.

[Weave]

Great review Charm

[Charm]

Hehehe - I've got Cerulean Sins and Incubus Dreams from the library at the moment, and they both look like doorstops! I want some more Anita, but I'm worried that I might sprain my wrist holding the book up.

 

I was worried I'd drop it in the bath tonight it was so heavy, so I didn't take it in with me. I don't think it will fit in my handbag either!!

 

Great review Charm

 

Thanks Weave

[catwoman]

I was worried I'd drop it in the bath tonight it was so heavy, so I didn't take it in with me. I don't think it will fit in my handbag either!!

 

 

 

Thanks Weave

 

I hate that. I have to have two books on the go. Or read another one until I have the time to just sit and read the big book at home. Thats part of the reaon I have not started The Girl who Kicked the Hornets nest, does not fit in my bag and I just don't have the time to make even a tiny dent at home, so is always beside my bed with a differnt book on top every day.

[Charm]

Oh dear, I've left it way too long to update this again, I really should stay on top of it If I were to do this right there would be 7 full book reviews to follow. As it is, I'll just do little biddy short ones and give a general idea what I thought of each book. The Laurell K Hamilton books will all be bunched together since they are all part of the same series, cheating I know but a lot easier

 

Incubus Dreams ~by~ Laurell K Hamilton

An Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, novel 'The bride was a witch who solved preternatural crimes. The groom raised the dead and slew vampires for a living. It sounded like a Halloween joke, but it wasn't.' When I'm not up my elbows in sacrificial gore, I've got serious preternatural issues to deal with. Psychotic shape-shifters, duplicitous vampires and sexually deviant were-leopards. And that's just my friends. I'm Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter and Federal Marshall. My life is more complicated than ever, caught up between obligations to the living and to the undead. Now there is a vampire serial killer preying on strippers. And I've been called in to help the police.

 

Micah and Strange Candy ~by~ Laurell K Hamilton

MICAH 'Raising the dead is easy. Love is hard.' There are lots of reasons to raise the dead -- some private, some public. In this case, the feds have a witness who died before he could speak on the record. They want him raised so his testimony can be taken. So here I am, Anita Blake, necromancer, on a plane to Philadelphia, flying off to do my job. But I'm not alone: Micah, head of the St Louis wereleopards, is with me. I'm happy to have him at my side. Until he mentions that this will be our first time alone together. Just me and Micah. And all my fears and doubts...

STRANGE CANDY (a collection of short stories) Fantastical fairy tales that will leave you craving more: from the woman who marries into a family of wizards to a couple fleeing a gang of love-hungry cupids, readers will revel in these unique visions.

 

Danse Macabre ~by~ Laurell K Hamilton

'It was the middle of November, I was supposed to be out jogging, but instead I was sitting at my breakfast table talking about men, sex, werewolves and vampires. I should be concentrating on my dangerous situation -- the ardeur between me and Jean-Claude, Master Vampire of the City, and Richard, my werewolf lover, is reaching new levels, evolving into something altogether new, acting with a will of its own.' But instead Anita Blake, preternatural expert and feared executioner, is less interested in vampire politics than in the ancient, ordinary dread that women down the ages have experienced: am I pregnant? And, if so, is the father a vampire, a werewolf or someone else entirely. And being a Federal Marshall, known for raising the dead and hunting vampires, is no way to bring up a baby.

 

The Harlequin ~by~ Laurell K Hamilton

'They will play with us, then destroy us...They are what we fear in the dark.' The first warning is unexpected, calculated. The second warning is a gift: a plain white mask, carefully wrapped. But white is good -- white means we are only being watched. It seems the power that connects me, Anita Blake, with Jean-Claude Vampire Master of the City and Richard, leader of the werewolves, is attracting very unwelcome attention -- from creatures so feared no vampire will willingly speak their name. They are known as the Harlequin, and they have the authority to pass judgement upon me. It is forbidden to speak of the Harlequin unless you've been contacted. And to be contacted is to face a sentence of death.

 

I'm still enjoying the Anita Blake Vampire series. Anita's character is changing and adapting throughout the books while still holding on to that feisy nature that keeps us entertained. However, it is now starting to get a bit repetitive but I'm still liking it enough to finish the series, I have the next two books on the shelf waiting 7/10

 

Triptych ~by~ Karin Slaughter

When Atlanta police detective Michael Ormewood is called out to a murder scene at the notorious Grady Homes, he finds himself faced with one of the most brutal killings of his career: Aleesha Monroe is found in the stairwell in a pool of her own blood, her body horribly mutilated. As a one-off killing, it's shocking, but when it becomes clear, that it's just the latest in a series of similar attacks, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation are called in, and Ormewood is forced into working with Special Agent Will Trent of the Criminal Apprehension Team - a man he instinctively dislikes. But then, only twenty-four hours later, the violence Ormewood sees around him every day explodes in his own back yard. And it seems the mystery behind Monroe's death is inextricably entangled with a past that refuses to stay buried ...

 

I started this book with trepidation as I wasn't as keen on the latter Slaughter books in the Grant County series so I wasn't sure what to expect. I did end up enjoying this first book about Will Trent, I liked his character and the storyline moved along nicely. It was no secret who the bad guy was but it was interesting to see how he hid his identity throughout the book. A must read for all Karin Slaughter fans. 7/10

Generation Dead ~by~ Daniel Waters

All over the tri-state area, something strange is happening. Teenagers who die aren't staying dead. They are coming back to life, but they come back different - they stutter and their reactions to everything are slower. Termed 'living impaired' or 'differently biotic', there are lots of conspiracy theories to explain this new phenomenon. But as their numbers keep on growing, so does the discomfort of the living people in the community. When Phoebe falls for Tommy Williams, her best friend and star of the football team, Adam, has conflicting emotions. And when Tommy decides to try out for the football team, it sets off a chain of events that escalates into deadly violence.

 

I was a bit wary of reading this book as I really don't like zombies at all, they usually give me nightmares. However, I adored this read. The zombies were great, I even felt sorry for some of them and it is such a novel spin on the whole zombie ... sorry, that should be 'differently biotic' ... theme. Great characters and a good story. This is the first of a series and I will definitely be reading the next two. 8/10

The Lovely Bones ~by Alice Sebold

My name was Salmon, like the fish; first name, Susie. I was fourteen when I was murdered on December 6, 1973. My murderer was a man from our neighborhood. My mother liked his border flowers, and my father talked to him once about fertilizer. This is Susie Salmon. Watching from heaven, Susie sees her happy suburban family devastated by her death, isolated even from one another as they each try to cope with their terrible loss alone. Over the years, her friends and siblings grow up, fall in love, do all the things she never had the chance to do herself. But life is not quite finished with Susie yet.

 

I have the film of this ready to watch but wanted to read the book first of course It started off really well and I got into it pretty quickly. It's written in short snappy chapters which makes it easy to pick up and put down and although it should have been a relatively quick read for me, by the time I got half way through it I got a bit bored. Nothing was really happening, it's basically just the story of how Susie's family coped after her death and I also felt that the ending was a bit of an anti-climax. I'll still watch the film though and hope it's not as disappointing as the book. 6/10

[Weave]

Great reviews Charm

[Charm]

Thanks Weave I should really keep on top of this thread more

[Weave]

Thanks Weave I should really keep on top of this thread more

 

You are a busy gal hen, its nice to see so many reviews

[Charm]

Dexter is Delicious ~by~ Jeff Lindsay

 

Synopsis courtesy of Waterstone's:

Everything's changing for our friendly neighbourhood serial killer.

As if getting married wasn't enough to complete his nice-guy persona, Dex is now the proud father of a baby girl. And disconcertingly, he actually seems to care. But even if fatherhood is distracting Dexter from his midnight excursions to rid Miami of a few more lowlifes, there's no let-up at work.

Two young girls are missing - and it's not long before one of the bodies turns up, partially eaten. But as Dexter and Miami PD's finest investigate, Dex can't shake the feeling that somebody's watching him..

.At home, there's no rest for the wicked. His stepchildren are clamouring to learn how to control their bloodlust and Dexter must train up his young apprentices. But to do that,

he'll have to find the missing girl, find out who's tailing him and survive a dark journey into a underground community who really have a taste for death

 

I've inserted spoilers for anyone who hasn't read the previous books. It's so nice to see the delectable one still back on form in this book. His sarcastic wit is ever present, as is his dark passenger. In this installment he has to deal with cannibals, his bossy sister, a reappearance from an old aquaintance and of course his newly hectic family life. Add to that his strange hobby and you get a fast paced story with great characters and lots of action. Can't wait for the next one!

 

8/10

[Charm]

Waking The Witch ~by~ Kelley Armstrong

 

Synopsis courtesy of Waterstone's:

Columbus is a small, fading town, untouched by the twenty-first century. But when three young women are found dead - victims of what appear to be ritual murders - things start to get very dark, and very dangerous ...Private investigator Savannah Levine can handle 'dark and dangerous'. As the daughter of a black witch, she has a lot of power running through her veins, and she's not afraid to use it. But her arrival in Columbus has not gone unnoticed. Savannah may think she's tracking down a murderer, but could she be the killer's next target? Of course she could always ask her old friend (and half-demon) Adam Vasic for back up. But Savannah has her own - very personal - reasons for keeping Adam well away from Columbus. And in any case, she can rely on her own powers. Can't she ...?

 

This is the latest offering from Kelley Armstrong for her 'Women of the Otherworld' series which I couldn't wait to read - I wasn't disappointed. It tells the story of Savannah Levine's first investigation of a supernatural crime on her own. She hasn't had a great track record, so has a lot to prove. I got into it straight away, the story was compelling from the very beginning and it was great to see how Savannah has grown and matured into a very capable, powerful, if not headstrong witch. I did guess who the bad guy was, but it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book. Highly recommended. 10/10

 

 

[Weave]

Great reviews Charm, I can't wait to read 'Waking the Witch' now

[Charm]

Great reviews Charm, I can't wait to read 'Waking the Witch' now

 

Thanks Weave You'll love it!

[Peacefield]

Great review, Charm! It looks like the Women of the Otherworld series just keeps getting better and better . Can't wait to read more!

[Weave]

I agree peacefield, its a fab series

[Charm]

Thanks peacefield! it's a great series, one of my favourites. I haven't read a disappointing one yet

[Weave]

Thanks peacefield! it's a great series, one of my favourites. I haven't read a disappointing one yet

 

I agree hen Kelley Armstrong does keep the series fresh, she has so many ideas

[Charm]

Blood Noir ~by~ Laurell K Hamilton

 

Synopsis courtesy of Waterstone's:

An Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, novel 'The ardeur made me a sort of living vampire who fed off sex, but with the downsides came some interesting upsides.' Jason is a werewolf. He's one of my best friends and sometimes a lover. And right now he needs me, Anita Blake -- not to be a vampire hunter, or a Federal Marshall, or a necromancer, but because his father is dying. I can help make him look like an everyday guy, help him say goodbye to the abusive father he's never loved. How hard can it be? Really, by now, you'd think I'd know better. Because this is the weekend that Marmee Noir, ancient mother of all vampires, picks to make her move. I've got something she wants -- and now she's going to take it.

 

Blood Noir has to be one of my favourites of this series. This installment features Jason the werewolf, along with the weretiger element in Anita. We get to know a lot more about Jason's character and he still remains one of the most likable in the series. Not as much action & crime in this one as I would have liked, but thoroughly enjoyable nontheless. 9/10

Edited September 27, 2010 by Charm

[Charm]

One of the book shops in town was having a closing down sale and the ad in the shop said 'Fill a bag with any books £5'. Naturally I couldn't resist The bag held a whopping 35 books! It was a big bag and there was still room for more but I think I was a bit too embarrassed to put any more in The books I did get were:

 

Hard Times by Charles Dickens

Romeo & Juliet by William Shakespeare

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Dragonsdale by Salamanda Drake

The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman

The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman

Sir Thursday by Garth Nix

Talisker by Millar Lau

The Amazing Maurice & His Educated Rodents by Terry Pratchett

Shards of a Broken Crown by Raymond E Feist

Atherton The House Of Power by Patrick Carman

Viking; Sworn Brother by Tim Severin

Maggie's Curse by Debbie Poole

Plague House by Mary Hooper

Ways To Live by Sally Nicholls

Step V1 Dynasty Tong by Yu Yanshu

The Antique Gift Shop 2 by Lee Eun

The Antique Gift Shop 4 by Lee Eun

The Antique Gift Shop 6 by Lee Eun

The Vampire Plagues by Sebastian Rook

The Druids' Keep by Terry Brooks

The Scanner Darkly by Philip K Dick

Soul Eater by Michelle Paver

The Cunning Man by Celia Rees

I See You by Gregg Hurwitz

A Wedding In December by Anita Shreve

Emotional Geology by Linda Gillard

The Diamond Of Drury Lane by Julia Golding

Does My Bum Look Big In This by Arabella Weir

Lover Eternal by J R Ward

 

My OH also picked:

Ian Fleming biography by Andrew Lycett

Bravemouth by Pamela Stephenson

The Outer Limits by Stephen Law

Maestro by Bob Woodward

 

I then had to wait in the car for my OH while he had some errands to do (reading my book of course ) and when he got back to the car he had bought me a bookbag! It's like a medium size filofax but it's a case to carry your book in so it doesn't get damaged and it would fit into a decent sized hand bag. There's also wee compartments inside it for bookmarks etc. I felt so special today!

 

Edit: sorry about the huge pic sizes, I thought they were smaller

Edited September 23, 2010 by Charm

[Janet]

An amazing haul of books, Charm!

 

 

I then had to wait in the car for my OH while he had some errands to do (reading my book of course ) and when he got back to the car he had bought me a bookbag! It's like a medium size filofax but it's a case to carry your book in so it doesn't get damaged and it would fit into a decent sized hand bag. There's also wee compartments inside it for bookmarks etc. I felt so special today!

Wow, that's gorgeous!

 

Do want!

[Charm]

Aw thanks Janet! it was such a lovely surprise which rounded off a great morning

[Weave]

All hail Charm! what a book haul!, well done and I love your bookbag, its gorgeous, lovely colours

[Charm]

All hail Charm! what a book haul!, well done and I love your bookbag, its gorgeous, lovely colours

 

 

Thanks! I've never bought so many books at once in my life, I was buzzing all day!

[SaraPepparkaka]

What a lovely day you must have had!

 

 

[Charm]

I did Sara, it was the best! I think I should hold off a while before I buy more bookish things

[Weave]

Thanks! I've never bought so many books at once in my life, I was buzzing all day!

 

Its a great feeling!