Changes Review

Changes (The Dresden Files 12)

-       Jim Butcher

Publisher: Orbit

Meet Harry Dresden, Chicago's first (and only) Wizard P.I. Turns out the 'everyday' world is full of strange and magical things - and most of them don't play well with humans. That's where Harry comes in. But even a career of narrow escapes and supernatural shenanigans hasn't prepared Harry for this. A vampire with a grudge has kidnapped his daughter. A daughter he never knew he had. Furthermore, this vampire plans to use her blood in a violent ritual sacrifice - designed to kill Harry, his ex-partner Susan and their child. As allies are perilously thin on the ground, Harry must find a new source of strength. In the past, there had always been a line he wouldn't cross, and he's never given in to the full fury of his own untapped dark powers. But then, only his own life was at stake. Magic - it can get a guy killed.

First I have to confess that I am a HUGE Dresden files fan. These books just seem to get better and better as Harry’s character evolves and learns while his skills increase as does his enemies. This is the twelfth book in the series and if you haven’t yet discovered this series, start with Storm Front and you’ll have a fantastic journey ahead of you. Trust me. J

As such, Changes probably isn’t a book you can leap into without having read the previous books. Pretty much every friend and foe Harry has ever encountered over the last ten years either cameos or is mentioned at some point – which gives you a great feeling of the depth and range of Harry’s adventures thus far as well as how desperate he is now.

Usually Harry’s travels are limited to Chicago and parts of the Never-Never, but this time Harry travels to Mexico which adds to the scope of the story. While the adventure is bigger and bolder than before, this is also one of the most intensely personal stories with Harry struggling to contain his feelings from the beginning. He makes some tough decisions here that will impact his future and will break your heart. I can’t count the number of times I was on the edge of my seat while reading this – my heart was in my throat on numerous occasions and it was one of those occasions where I literally could not read fast enough.

The title says it all, this is where everything changes for Harry – and I really have no idea where it will go from here – but I am desperate to find out! If you like a white knight in a leather duster who has to make decisions of such morale greyness, then Harry Dresden is the wizard for you.

Recommended for fans of Ben Aaronovitch and Mike Carey. 10 out of 10.

Absent with leave + HOLIDAY GIVEAWAY!!!

This time tomorrow I will be sat on a plane flying over the Mediterranean on my way for a week of sun in Cyprus – I can’t wait! I’m going with my friend and guest reviewer, Sarah and fully plan to relax and recover from what has been a particularly difficult year so far. I will be test driving my kindle in another country for the first time and hopefully reading a few of those books I’ve had on there for a while!

But don’t worry - I’ve been busy reading hard for the last month to make sure I’ve got plenty of reviews and other tasty stuff waiting for you all over the next week. Plus I can hardly have a week of reading goodness without paying it forward to my lovely followers. So I’m offering two prize packs for two lucky readers – both consisting of books I’m planning to read in the next week.

Prize Pack #1 – YA Books

Forgotten - Cat Patrick + Firelight – Sophie Jordan

Prize Pack #2 – Urban Fantasy

Magic Slays – Ilona Andrews (or any Kate Daniels Book) + Hunted By The Others – Jess Haines (or any of the Others series)

Rules (cos otherwise they’ll be chaos!):

-          Open to anyone – you don’t have to be a follower

-          Competition is International – as long as The Book Depository ships to you.
-          Giveaway ends Thursday 21^st July 2011

-          There will be two winners which will be picked at random and emailed. They will have 72 hours to respond to my email before a new winner will be picked

-         <GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED>

Good luck everyone - and see you in a week!

The Quarry Review

The Quarry

-       Johan Theorin

Publisher: Doubleday

As the last snow melts on the Swedish island of Öland, Per Morner is preparing for his children’s Easter visit. But his plans are disrupted when he receives a phone call from his estranged father, Jerry, begging for help. Per finds Jerry close to death in his blazing woodland studio. He’s been stabbed, and two dead bodies are later discovered in the burnt-out building. The only suspect, Jerry’s work partner, is confirmed as one of the dead. But why does Jerry insist his colleague is still alive? And why does he think he’s still a threat to his life? When Jerry dies in hospital a few days later, Per becomes determined to find out what really happened. But the closer he gets to the truth, the more danger he finds himself in. And nowhere is more dangerous than the nearby quarry...

First I have to confess that I haven’t read many of the Scandinavian crime writers that seem to be appear on bookshelves – no reason really. This is only the second one I’ve read but I did enjoy the little hints that it was set in a different country. Such things as the celebration of 1st May and the frequent references to crisp bread and fish-roe gave the story some extra colour and made some of the everyday elements seem more exotic.

I have to confess to finding the first two thirds of the book slow going. It sets the scene introducing Per and his family as well as his new neighbours on the island. There were plenty of characters and it took me a while to remember who was who. However, Theorin created a spooky atmosphere on the island with frequent mentions of trolls, elves and changelings and even had me guessing at times how the supernatural played into the events of the past and the present. The quarry was a great setting and made the setting different from the numerous city set crime stories. Per is going through a tough time with his daughter seriously ill and he’s not sure how to deal with that. It makes him a very introverted main character and difficult to relate to. In fact I’m not sure if I really bonded with any of the characters as they were all stoic and reserved.

The final third the story picked up with the mystery element coming to the fore and Per starting to be more pro-active rather than reactive. The plot starts to move more quickly then and finishes in an exciting climax in the Quarry. The slow start spoiled the flow a little for me, but the different from normal setting and atmosphere that is built in the beginning pays off in the end. Worth a read if you fancy a visit to Sweden from the comfort of your armchair, but probably won’t be to everyone’s taste.

Recommended for fans of Stieg Larsson and Jo Nesbo. 6 out of 10.

My Book Haul/In My Mailbox

The Story Siren hosts a weekly meme where bloggers can share what goodies they've purchased/received this week. If you get a chance head over to The Story Siren and check out what everyone is up to!

Huntress - Malinda Lo

Publisher: Atom Books

Nature is out of balance in the human world. The sun hasn't shone in years, and crops are failing. Worse yet, strange and hostile creatures have begun to appear. The people's survival hangs in the balance. To solve the crisis, the oracle stones are cast, and Kaede and Taisin are picked to go on a dangerous and unheard-of journey to Tanlili, the city of the Fairy Queen. Taisin is a sage, thrumming with magic, and Kaede is of the earth, without a speck of the otherworldly. And yet their two destinies are drawn together during the mission. As members of their party succumb to unearthly attacks and fairy tricks, the two come to rely on each other and even begin to fall in love. But the Kingdom needs only one huntress to save it, and what it takes could tear Kaede and Taisin apart forever...

I've read so many positive reviews of Malinda Lo's work that I really wanted to try it and lo, and behold, the great book gods managed to arrange for me to win a copy from Atom books. I seem to be in a great run when it comes winning giveaways at the moment so I'm going to pay it forward with a special giveaway on Tuesday...

Fairy Bad Day - Amanda Ashby
Publisher: Speak

While most students at Burtonwood Academy get to kill demons and goblins, fifteen-year-old Emma gets to rid the world of little annoying fairies with glittery wings and a hipster fashion sense. She was destined to be a dragon slayer, but cute and charming Curtis stole her spot. Then she sees a giant killer fairy - and it's invisible to everyone but her! If Emma has any chance of stopping this evil fairy, she's going to need help. Unfortunately, the only person who can help is Curtis. And now, not only has he stolen her dragon-slayer spot, but maybe her heart as well! Why does she think it's going to be a fairy bad day?

I won this froom Lesley at My Keeper Shelf as part of the Midsummer Hop - so excited as this looks like a lot of fun. I plan to take this on holiday with me in a couple of weeks as it looks like a perfect beach read!

Hush, Hush - Becca Fitzpatrick

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her...until Patch comes along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment, but after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is far more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel. For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.

I know a lot of people really love this series. I've been a little reluctant to try it as I was disappointed with Fallen and this has a similar storyline. However, when it came up as a swap on readit-swapit, I thought it's worth a try! :)

What The Night Knows - Dean Koontz
Publisher: UK - Harper

Billy Lucas confesses to a shocking crime. He's only fourteen years old but he's a sadistic killer and proud of it. He's in the secure wing of the state hospital but … he seems too wise for his age, not crazy, too knowing. About the nature of evil, and whether it lives on beyond death. Too knowing about other crimes that took place before he was born …
Other murders from twenty years ago surface in the mind of Detective John Calvino as he interviews young Billy Lucas. Calvino carries away a signed confession … and a sense of great danger. That night he feels that somehow Billy has come home with him, to his family.
Over the next weeks, this haunted feeling does not go away. It only gets worse. Then another killing spree happens, just as and when John Calvino dreaded it would. Billy is safely locked away, but not the ghost, if the ghost exists, that links these murders with past crimes, and with John Calvino. Anything could happen, and surely will … again.

Dean Koontz is one of my automatic purchases - I may not read it for a while but I do always get round to it eventual when I feel like a comfortable new read. :)

So what did you get this week?

On My Wishlist #46

This is a meme from Book Chick City. There are so many books out there that I want to read that this is the only way I can keep track. Today I'm looking for a little demon action...

Hell's Belles - Jackie Kessler

Publisher: Zebra

Once upon a time, Jezebel was a powerful succubus, capable of seducing men and sucking out their souls. But that was before Hell put a bounty on her head. Now her only chance to escape a fate far worse than death is to live as a mortal, losing herself in a sea of unfamiliar humanity, in a place where sinners walk hand-in-hand with saints - a place like Belle's strip club in New York City.Working as an exotic dancer is a piece of cake for a former demon who once specialized in sex. Taking money from men? Please. It's like leading lawyers to the Lake of Fire. Plus the lingerie is great. But she hadn't counted on meeting sexy Paul Hamilton, a man haunted by his past. Good-bye, succubus; hello, love struck. Learning all about how complicated - and pleasurable - love can be, Jezebel thinks she's turned her back on Hell.But Hell hasn't stopped looking for her. The secrets Jezebel holds are the most dangerous of all, the kind every demon in the Underworld would do their worst to protect. Demons are closing in, which is enough to make Jezebel shiver in her G-string. But it's her love for Paul that's going to have deadly consequences...

This looks like a lot of fun - and who doesn't like Succubus?

Succubus Revealed - Richelle Mead

Publisher: Bantam (September 2011)

Georgina Kincaid has had an eternity to figure out the opposite sex, but sometimes they still surprise her. Take Seth Mortensen. The man has risked his soul to become Georgina's boyfriend. Still, with Lucifer for a boss, Georgina can't just hang up her killer heels and settle down to domestic bliss. In fact, she's being forced to transfer operations...to Las Vegas. The City of Sin is a dream gig for a succubus, but Georgina's allies are suspicious. Why are the powers-that-be so eager to get her away from Seattle—-and from Seth? Georgina is one of Hell's most valuable assets, but if there's any way out of the succubus business she plans to take it--no matter how much roadkill she leaves behind. She just hopes the casualties won’t include the one man she’s risking everything for...

The Georgina Kincaid series was the first one I read from Richelle Mead and I absolutely love it! I can't believe that this is the last one, so I'm hoping for a happy ending ending for Georgina and Seth...please... :-)

Blood Rites (House of Comarre) - Kristen Painter

Publisher: Orbit (September 2011)

Born into a life of secrets and service, Chrysabelle's body bears the telltale marks of a comarre - a special race of humans bred to feed vampire nobility and control their hungers. When her patron is murdered, she becomes the prime suspect, which sends her running into the darkness of the mortal world ...and into the arms of Malkolm, an outcast vampire cursed to kill every being from whom he drinks. Chrysabelle's secrets, though, are about to put her life - and those around her - in even greater jeopardy. She possesses a powerful ring, the key to unlocking an ancient prophecy destined to merge the mortal and supernatural worlds. A chaos unlike anything anyone has ever seen threatens to reign unless she and Malkolm can stop the noble vampire behind the merciless plot.

The cover is gorgeous and the plot is intriguing - I can't wait for this to come out!

So what are you wishing for this week?

Early Review: Lost Voices

Lost Voices

-          Sarah Porter

Publisher: Harcourt Books

Ecopy courtesy of netgalley & Harcourt Books

Fourteen-year-old Luce has had a tough life, but she reaches the depths of despair when she is assaulted and left on the cliffs outside of her grim, gray Alaskan fishing village. She expects to die when she tumbles into the icy waves below, but instead undergoes an astonishing transformation and becomes a mermaid. A tribe of mermaids finds Luce and welcomes her in—all of them, like her, lost girls who surrendered their humanity in the darkest moments of their lives. Luce is thrilled with her new life until she discovers the catch: the mermaids feel an uncontrollable desire to drown seafarers, using their enchanted voices to lure ships into the rocks. Luce's own remarkable singing talent makes her important to the tribe—she may even have a shot at becoming their queen. However, her struggle to retain her humanity puts her at odds with her new friends. Will Luce be pressured into committing mass murder?

 I’ve been really torn about Lost Voices. It is beautifully written with the descriptions of the sea and the mermaids voices mesmerising. The language was simple but elegant and I managed to read the story quickly. I also liked the unique twist on mermaids who are similar to Sirens, luring sailors to death with their song. They are also all the girls that were beaten, abused and unloved, who had nowhere else to go. I thought that was a great twist and I really felt for them, at least initially.

However, I struggled to connect to the main character, Luce. She had had a hard life and was without hope, yet there was some spark of defiance in her that I admired in the beginning. Yet, when she became a mermaid I found my sympathy for her draining away. She knew that drowning people was wrong, but she never stopped it. The other mermaids never seemed to have the same conscience so I can forgive them, but Luce carried on DESPITE feeling bad about it. She never expressed her qualms – just swam off alone occasionally. This really annoyed me as the spark in her in the beginning implied that she was more human. Overall mermaids are like any group of teenage girls and while I didn’t really connect to them, I did understand how they could act that with all they had been through.

I loved the idea of mermaids here and am curious at how the rest of the trilogy plays out, but I need more of a connection to the main character. However, the writing was enjoyable and story different from the usual supernatural Romeo and Juliet style story – that made a refreshing change!

Recommended for fans of Lauren Kate and Mean Girls. 6 out of 10

Throwback Thursday #14 - One Foot In The Grave

This is a great feature that Melissa at My World...in words and pictures has been doing for a while and I wanted to jump on board! There are plenty of books out there I desperately want...

But what about all those wonderful books that are ALREADY on my shelves?

 

One Foot In the Grave - Jeaniene Frost

Half-vampire Cat Crawfield is now Special Agent Cat Crawfield, working for the government to rid the world of the rogue undead. She's still using everything Bones, her sexy and dangerous ex, taught her, but when Cat is targeted for assassination, the only man who can help her is the vampire she left behind. Being around him awakens all her emotions, from the adrenaline kick of slaying vamps side by side to the reckless passion that consumed them. But a price on her head—wanted: dead or half-alive—means her survival depends on teaming up with Bones. And no matter how hard she tries to keep things professional between them, she'll find that desire lasts forever . . . and that Bones won't let her get away again.

I read Halfway to the Grave last year and enjoyed it so I asked for the next two books in the series for Christmas. One of my friends took pity on me and got On Foot In the Grave and At Grave's End for me. And yet...both books are sitting on my shelves still unread six months later! And I've heard there's some very hot action in this book between Bones and Cat! Why haven't I read it yet? Anyone? :-s