Aleksandra N

Wolf-Hawk Writing is now following Cady M. (see 97 more new follows)

Bookworm Dreams is now following Christina F.

Bookworm Dreams reviewed a book.

“Asia, especially China and Japan, have always been an interesting topic for me. Trips to these countries are too expensive, so the only way I can visit them is through books. The Sword Dancer immediately got my attention with a picture of a girl in a kimono wielding a sword on a cover. I haven't...”

“Asia, especially China and Japan, have always been an interesting topic for me. Trips to these countries are too expensive, so the only way I can visit them is through books. The Sword Dancer immediately got my attention with a picture of a girl in a kimono wielding a sword on a cover. I haven't heard about sword dancing before, but I was intrigued and ready to let Jeannie Lin tell me more about it.

The Sword Dancer's plot revolves around two characters: sword dancer Wen Li Feng and thief-catcher (kinda like western bounty hunter) Zheng Hao Han and they switch as narrators of the story. Han is searching for thieves who stole a large shipment of jade and he follows a lead to a traveling show. Han immediately notices that girl dancing with swords (Li Feng) has too much skill and that's how the chase begins. Over the rooftops and through various villages in China, our heroes try to outwit each other while also in the same time trying not to fall in love.

When I started reading The Sword Dancer I expected historical fiction similar to Pearl S. Buck's, instead I got a story that is much more focused on action and romance than on a historical details. It was like going to the cinema expecting to see The Last Emperor and viewing Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon instead. The chasing was fun and forbidden romance was intense, but the whole story did not leave any deeper impression on me and I didn't learn as much as I hoped about China in that time period.

Still I cannot say I did not enjoy The Sword Dancer. It was a pleasant surprise reading about a hero and heroine who are not typical and defy the usual cliches in romance novels. They are both average looking and always make the best of the cards that are dealt to them and strive to overcome their past problems and tragic family history.

As an action-packed historical romance set in China, The Sword Dancer is a recommended read for both lovers of historical romance or romantic suspense who would like a change of scenery. You will get kick-ass heroine, honorable hero, forbidden romance and a lot of chase and action scenes to entertain you. And with no strong ties to other books in Tang Dynasty series, The Sword Dancer can be read as a stand-alone novel.

Disclaimer: I was given a free eBook by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.”

Darlene reviewed a book.

“Why have I never picked up an Anne Bishop novel before this? [bangs head] I actually didn't even realize how long this book was until I started to write this review. The time just flew by, and it was really hard for me to put my iPod down!

Meg Corbyn is a cassandra sangue, which is a...”

“Why have I never picked up an Anne Bishop novel before this? [bangs head] I actually didn't even realize how long this book was until I started to write this review. The time just flew by, and it was really hard for me to put my iPod down!

Meg Corbyn is a cassandra sangue, which is a blood prophet. Her kind have been bred by The Collector, who treats these girls as property and are raised in an isolated environment where they learn all about the world around them but never experience it. Cuts are sold to the highest bidder and, as the blood is drawn, the cassandra sangue reveals a prophecy about the person who is in the room with her. Meg escapes and knows that the only place that she will be safe is in The Courtyard, a place where human law does not apply…a place ruled by “the Others” who are other-worldly creatures with special gifts of their own.

In Bishop’s urban fantasy world, the Others rule the earth’s resources and have a place called “The Courtyard” in many major cities where their kind live. Foolish humans who enter The Courtyard uninvited are eaten. The Lakeside Courtyard is a little bit different because its leader, Simon Wolfgard, not only employs humans in The Courtyard’s shops but also allows humans to enter The Courtyard to frequent the shops. When a woman named Meg applies for the job of Human Liaison, he is intrigued by her and hires her. Although she is human, his sensitive nose does not distinguish her as prey and that confuses him.

When the local police department issues a “wanted” flyer that shows Meg’s picture on it, Simon confronts Meg and asks her why the police are looking for her. She explains why she is on the run, and Simon discusses the matter with The Courtyard’s business council. They agree that they will protect Meg at all costs and, when Meg has a startling prophecy that involves one of their own, they become even more protective.

Meg’s job as Human Liaison involves receiving packages from drivers and sorting the mail, which will be taken by ponies to the various residential complexes. Some packages that are too large for the ponies can be delivered, although previous Human Liaisons have neglected to do so because of their fear in venturing away from the protection of the Liaison’s office. Meg loves her new-found freedom and does not appear to be afraid of the different species of Others. Many of them are shape-shifters, including: wolves, crows, owls, coyotes, bears, and hawks. There are also vampires and elemental witches. As Meg ventures forth into each territory on her package deliveries, she gets to know these creatures and befriends them. Many of the Others are at first very wary and cautious of her, and they find her lack of fear a little confusing. Meg is very kind and polite, and they are not used to being treated in such a way. Her thoughtfulness is what sets her apart from any other human they have ever encountered. She wins the hearts of all, and the Others soon come to think of her as one of their own.

I was truly enchanted with Bishop’s world-building. She has woven together an amazing array of unearthly beings, and Meg’s interactions with them taught me more about their kind. While the action was slow to develop, I was enthralled with learning more about The Courtyard’s inhabitants and each one of them won my heart over as Meg won theirs. The last quarter of the book was non-stop action, and I loved seeing all of the Others pull together to protect their own. I think my favourite creatures are the elemental sisters and their magical ponies.

I cannot wait to read more about the Others and am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series, Murder of Crows, which is expected to be released in March 2014. Until then, I plan to explore more of Bishop’s work.

Narrator Alexandra Harris is also new-to-me, and she did a great job conveying Meg’s innocence and kindness. The gruffness of her Simon characterization was a little overdone, but I appreciate her intent to give unique voices to each character. Overall, I thought she did a good job.

I received this audiobook from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I did not receive any compensation for my review, and the views expressed herein are my own. ”

James Jones added a book. (see 4 more books added to shelf)

James Jones rated a book.

• Rated 5 stars

James Jones rated a book. (see 3 more books rated)

• Rated 5 stars

Bookworm Dreams reviewed a book.

“Ember X is a new adult version of young adult paranormal novel Ember by Jessica Sorensen. Ember, our narrator, has an unorthodox ability. Whenever she touches or is touched someone, Ember has a death omen: premonition how and when that person is going to die. Tortured by these painful and...”

“Ember X is a new adult version of young adult paranormal novel Ember by Jessica Sorensen. Ember, our narrator, has an unorthodox ability. Whenever she touches or is touched someone, Ember has a death omen: premonition how and when that person is going to die. Tortured by these painful and horrific visions (since in her town obviously no one never dies peacefully or from old age) Ember shuns away from human contact. With dead father, alcoholic mother and crazy-artistic brother, Ember's only confidant is her best friend who is outgoing, slutty, questionably loyal and party-loving'.

To make it a little bit more cliche (like this was not enough) enters a romance part of a story. Of course it's a love triangle and it has something for everyone's taste: one blond and one dark hot guy both new to town and both attracted to our heroine. There will be a lot of smoldering glances and Ember's insides will be 'curving and cultivating with so much sweltering heat'. I personally could not feel any heat, but maybe it's better, that thing that happens to her insides does not sound comfortable. But Ember obviously liked it, because she sometimes nearly has an orgasm just from heated glares exchange.

Ember was tough heroine to relate to. She was usually mopping around either because of her love dilemma, family problems or because she can not deal with her ability. With constant complains and dramatic self-pity through the whole book, Ember sounded more like a teenager/young adult then like a grown up. Although adding more sexual content pushed Ember X into new adult genre, the psychology of characters needed more change and work too, because some behaviour that can be tolerated for ya book feels out of place and immature in novel targeted for older audience.

The one part of Ember X I liked was the (surprise surprise) paranormal part. The lore about angels and grim reapers that Jessica Sorensen made up was interesting and we got introduced to the whole history gradually. Ember X is easy to read because proverbial carrot on a stick, aka new info about something, is always dangling just a little bit out of reach, so you trod along hoping to catch it and finally figure out what is really happening. As always, since this is a series, a some things are left unanswered for the sequel but I think we had good back story for the start.

Although I liked the paranormal elements of the story, the characters were too immature and dramatic, so I doubt that I will be continuing Death Collectors series. Fans of ya paranormal books who want to increase the heat to new adult level and who like angels, love triangles and tortured heroines will probably like Ember X by Jessica Sorensen but I recommend that you check an excerpt either via Amazon or some other website before buying. Or grab a Kindle ebook while it is still free. ;)”

Darlene is now reading a book. (see 2 more books added to shelf)

Kenneth Balfour is now following Nancy Martin. (see 2 more new follows)

Darlene reviewed a book.

“The sixth book in the Agatha Raisin series is unlike the rest, in that the majority of the book takes place outside the Cotswolds.

This story picks up right where its predecessor, Agatha Raisin and the Murderous Marriage, left off: Agatha found a note from James Lacey, proclaiming his...”

“The sixth book in the Agatha Raisin series is unlike the rest, in that the majority of the book takes place outside the Cotswolds.

This story picks up right where its predecessor, Agatha Raisin and the Murderous Marriage, left off: Agatha found a note from James Lacey, proclaiming his love for her but advising that he needs some time and has left for North Cypress. Agatha heads off to Cypress to win James back. Not only do Agatha and James become embroiled in a murder investigation but are, in fact, prime suspects because they were in the company of the victim at the time that she was murdered!

Going into this book, it all felt a bit off to me. Agatha was not acting her usual self, chasing after James. She seemed a bit desperate in her behaviour, and since when does Agatha Raisin need a man?! Even more surprising was when Agatha hit the sheets with Sir Charles Fraith, who we met in Agatha Raisin and the Walkers of Dembley and was vacationing in Cypress as well! I have to say, though, thank heavens for Charles! He gave Agatha back her verve! James wasn’t around much, and I was initially disappointed but soon realized that I loved Charles’ influence on Agatha. Charles loves to goad James, as you can see here:

[in this scene, Agatha is speaking to James on the telephone]

Charles walked into the living room and called in his clear, carrying voice, "What about some lunch, darling, and then let's go to bed?"

Agatha flapped him angrily away, but the damage was done.

"Who was that?" asked James.

"Charles," said Agatha weakly.

"I am glad you are being well looked after," said James crisply. "You won't need me."

And he hung up.

In many ways, Agatha and James are perfect for each other but they have a love/hate relationship. Good on Aggie for not pining away for James while other men are making passes at her.

Overall, even though this one was a little bit different, taking place in Cypress and having Charles as Agatha’s sidekick instead of James, I still really enjoyed it! Beaton did include lots of history on the area, which added to the general feel of something a little bit different than the usual Agatha Raisin fare. Beaton seems to have shaken things up a bit, which makes me wonder what is in store for this series. I missed the villagers of Carsely, especially Bill Wong. I hope that he will be around more in the next one, and I hope Charles will as well!

Narrator Penelope Keith was spot-on as usual. She is always a pleasure to listen to, and the series wouldn’t be the same without her!

I received this audiobook from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I did not receive any compensation for my review, and the views expressed herein are my own. ”

Bookworm Dreams reviewed a book.

“As soon as I found out The Rules for Disappearing is about a Witness Protection program, I wanted to read it. I can not recall if I ever read a book that covers that subject and I thought that it was an opportunity for some great character development. When I started reading The Rules for...”

“As soon as I found out The Rules for Disappearing is about a Witness Protection program, I wanted to read it. I can not recall if I ever read a book that covers that subject and I thought that it was an opportunity for some great character development. When I started reading The Rules for Disappearing, very soon it was clear to me that I was right.

The story is narrated by 17-year-old Meg who talks to us about problems and experiences that her family encounters while being 'protected witnesses'. The strain and tension of constant moves, names changes, crappy living condition and tension of expecting an unknown trial date has taken it's toll on everyone. Her father, mother and young sister are all just shadows of their lovable perky past personalities. So what to do when you are moved to yet another strange town? The best is to keep everyone away and do not get involved. Meg learned that the hard way. But keeping people away is not so easy as it looks. I loved Meg's inner struggle, her monologues and thoughts, she sounded like real teenage girl.

Additional charm to the story is added with cute rules for disappearing that are written at the beginning of each chapter. They contain some lessons Meg had to learn the hard way and sometimes hints what is going to happen. If I am ever enlisted into the Witness Protection, those are going to come in handy.

RULES FOR DISAPPEARING BY WITNESS PROTECTION PRISONER #18A7R04M:
Only use public transportation. It's the one true way to look completely uninteresting. That is, unless, you have a hideous wood-paneled station wagon. That'll work, too.

Compared to strong family and personal drama both mystery and romance in The Rules for Disappearing seem secondary and somehow lacking. The final twist and bad guy are too predictable. The love story happens too fast and jumps from instant attraction into dreaded territory of insta-love. In fact, the whole second part of this book when romance starts to really grow and develop and mystery to unravel seems a little bit too easy and unbelievable. More like a Hollywood movie than a realistic life story. Because, where else will you see a teenage girl without any weapons and combat training go on a quest against bad guys? Only in movies. And even there it's usually some tough guy like Jason Statham or Liam Neeson.

Despite these flaws, I think that The Rules for Disappearing is going to find a wide range of fans in both lovers of realistic contemporary young adult fiction or fans of fluffy romantic suspense novels, if they do not set their expectations too high.

Disclaimer: I was given a free eBook by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.”

Bookworm Dreams reviewed a book.

“Erin McCarthy is already familiar to me. I read a couple of books in Vegas Vampires series, and although they were not life-altering, I found them great as palate-cleansers (I'm stealing this term from GR friend) meaning that they are light, fluffy and great break between books that are ... well...”

“Erin McCarthy is already familiar to me. I read a couple of books in Vegas Vampires series, and although they were not life-altering, I found them great as palate-cleansers (I'm stealing this term from GR friend) meaning that they are light, fluffy and great break between books that are ... well more. I started reading True expecting nothing more than that - relaxing summer read.

The plot of True is nothing new, I bet you read at least one book similar to this one. Rory, our heroine, is nerd who interacts better with mathematical formulas and logical problems than real people. She's brutally honest, average looking, does not care for fashion or makeup and she is still a virgin. Of course being 20-something-year-old virgin nowadays is a problem and as soon as her friends find out about it they decide to help her out. Sounds familiar?

You would expect that I will like Rory and feel connection to her, since I am a big nerd and I studied mathematics, but sadly even her sarcastic and sassy comments left me cold. She was portrayed as a freak and her slutty, perfectly-good-looking party-loving sex-without-relationship roommates were presented as picture of average girl on college. Yeah right. :/

And don't get me started on Tyler, the guy who is interested in helping Rory lose her virginity. I know I should be swooning over his bad-boy attitude, tattoos, perfect body, tortured and tragic family history, how he is compassionate and don't forget that he is a bookworm. But he, the same as Rory and her roommates, felt somehow over-the-top.

This whole novel is like a reality tv shows - they should feature real people and their problems but everything instead looks fake.

I know I am being picky, and maybe I would have given True 3 stars if I have read it a couple of months earlier, since I really could not say anything is wrong with Erin McCarthy's style of writing and this book was a quick read. But reading Losing It by Cora Carmack really upped my standards - that's how 'true' new adult contemporary romance set on college should feel imho. So, sorry True you and I are not meant to be.

Disclaimer: I was given a free eBook by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.”

Darlene is now reading a book. (see 7 more books added to shelf)

Darlene rated a book.

• Rated 3 stars

James Jones is now following Connar F. (see 8 more new follows)

James Jones finished reading a book. (see 3 more books added to shelf)

Kenneth Balfour is now following Megs. (see 27 more new follows)

Kenneth Balfour rated a book.

• Rated 5 stars

Kenneth Balfour is now following grant elder.