What...more books

Nameless: A Tale of Beauty and Madness (Tales of Beauty & Madness #1) by Lili St. Crow

2013-05-10T21:05:00.001-03:00

My Thoughts:

I bought this book from Kobo just after it was released. I really liked the premises of this story. I don't think I've ever read anything Lili St. Crow, i thought i would give this one a try.

Where do I start with this review?

There were so many things that bothered me about this book. First, the author introduces this brand new world of vampires (they are just called something else that I can not remember now) and they are divided into Families. There are other magical creatures and places mentioned. My problem with this was that no background story was given, no explanation as to what was what. What was given as a background was very brief and skimmed over. The author just assumes that I will know what the new term she came up with means.

Cami's was a weak character, she was scared of everything and very much sheltered. Yes as a child she was traumatised beyond normal and that is evident.  I believe author was trying to portray Cami as someone who suffered a great trauma and she is getting over it but also a strong character. The thing is Cami never struck me as a strong character, rather the opposite. She was scared of everything, I expected her to run at any moment. Her insecurities about her place in family, even though Papa Valtusino and Nico have never said or done anything otherwise. Which means she is also insecure. It would have been alright if this happened once or twice in the story and it was dealt with, but rather Cami thought of it pretty much every five minutes which translates to every page of the story. Bit annoying when you have to read over and over about her insecurity and her place in the Family.

This was suppose to be a retelling of The snow White fairytale. However I could not help and notice the similarity between this book's villain and Snow White and The Huntsman character played by Charlize Theron, the evil stepmother. How both of the characters attained their youth was very similar. Is this just me???

Last issue I had with this book, NOTHING HAPPENS for the better part of the story. There was no plot for more than half of the book other than Cami wondering what her dreams meant and going to school.   At the end of the book we see some action happen, nothing serious.

Overall this was a just not a good read for me and I did not like it. Writing was not bad, but there were too many things that did not work. There was nothing happening for the better part of the book. Weak character and weak supporting characters. World development non existent and what was there was confusing. Too tell you the truth I regretted buying this book.

I give this book 1/5 STARS - HAPPY READING!!!

Venom (Secrets of the Eternal Rose #1) by Fiona Paul

2013-05-06T22:23:00.002-03:00

My Thoughts:

I picked up Venom at the my local library last week and started to read it over my lunch hour. I couldn't even remember what the book was about its been so long since I put it on my To-Be-Read list. Anyways, I got into the book from the first page and sailed through. I enjoyed the book and the story line but I really didn't think that period setting, Renaissance Venice, was done well.

Cassandra (Cass) a rich young women from upper class of Venetian society. Rich and beautiful, also engaged to Luca, another rich boy whom she hadn't seen for number of years because he is away in France studding law. Cass's friend dies and she is buried in the cemetery near the house that Cass and her aunt live in. The night of the funeral Cass visits her friends grave and discovers that her recently dead friend's body was replaced by another body. Body of another women and body bares an X mark on her chest. As she is running away and screaming from fright, she runs into Falco, an artist. The story picks from here, Falco and Cass get together to try to solve the mastery of Cass's friend missing body and discovering who the woman with X on her chest is.

For the most part I liked Cass, she was smart, beautiful, independent, headstrong and resourceful young woman. Even though she was smart and independent, she doesn't think things through but rather she always jumps to conclusions. You can tell from the way she behaves, the way she sees the world around her that she was sheltered and that she lives in a world completely opposite of Falco's. While Cass never is in need of money, Falco had to work to earn money and that is why he does what he does. Regardless of all the differences, Cass and Falco were good together. They had a good chemistry. However I am not sure who I want Cass to end up with Falco or Luca. I like them both. We know more about Falco than about Luca. Luca shows up at the end all mysterious and knows more about murders than he is letting on.

Story line and mystery was good, interesting and entertaining. But I felt that not enough time was dedicated to the mystery and crime solving, the story focuses more on relationship between Cass and Falco and Cass's everyday life.

The only problem I had with this story is the period setting, Renaissance Venice. At least that is what we are told but there are not a lot of indicators throughout the story that tell the readers that this story is set if Renaissance Venice. For example clothing, it wasn't described in enough details to pinpoint the exact period. When I thing Renaissance Venice and men's clothing I think of colorful, flamboyant and so on but I never get this from the book. Another thing just because the book is set in Venice and few Italian words were used does not make it Renaissance period. The way people talked struck me more like I was reading a story set in present day rather than Renaissance Venice.

Overall this was a good read. It was fun, entertaining and intriguing. I read some reviews that stated that it was dark and bit creepy but I didn't find it that way at all. Book was well written and there was some good character building. I am looking forward to book two to see what happened next.

I give this books 3/5 STARS - HAPPY READING!!!

Book of Shadows (Sweep, #1) by Cate Tiernan‏

2013-05-03T17:17:00.001-03:00

My Thoughts:

Book Of Shadows was on my list of To-Be-Read for some time now. I came across this book at my local library and it sounded so good. Story sounded good and there were witches in it, all the things that I like. Once I started to read the book and made it through first four or five chapters I knew that this was not a book for me. It was nothing like I imagined.

The idea behind the story sounds great and interesting, the only problem it was not executed right. As I was reading the book I constantly had this feeling that parts of the book was missing. I felt like I was reading a summary of a very long book that was condensed into one hundred and sixty pages. It was rushed and I felt that the author wrote this book in one day. Another issue with this book is that there is no plot. Yes we are told what the story line will be in the description, but the problem is nothing happens. No action to speak of, no conflict, and no villain.

Morgan Rowland, a sixteen year old who all of sudden discovers that she is a witch and she also has some special powers. Oh and she does not know that she possesses these powers until a new boy moves into town and asks them to form a circle. He and his mother practice Wicca. Morgan joins the circle and OMG she is special and she also comes from a long line of witches. Beside the fact that all the members of the circle accept the Wicca so readily, without any questions. Not very believable.

Of course there is some romance, Morgan is interested in Cal Blaire. But the problem is, so is her best friend. There is some conflict between Morgan and her best friend over a boy – this is the only conflict in the book. As I was reading I hoped that Morgan would get a backbone and stand up to her best friend and others as well and not let people walk all over her.

Overall this was not a good read and I did not like it at all. There was nothing happening, no plot and the ending was crappy. I really do not understand how this book got 4.5 stars on Goodreads. I am giving this book 1 STAR because 0.5 STAR is not available on Goodreads. My library has a whole series of Sweep and I am thinking of giving book two a try, but I have not decided yet. I will give it some time. If you are looking for a fun and entertaining book about witches and Wicca religion, than this is not the book for you. I grant there were some interesting facts about Wicca but not a lot. Everything was grazed over and not a lot of time or effort was put into writing , researching and executing, this is true for Book Of Shadows at least, the plod that was promised on the back of the book.

I give this book 1/5 STARS – HAPPY READING!!!

Blood and Ice by Robert Masello‏

2013-04-29T07:39:00.001-03:00

My Thoughts:

I bought this book at the used book store some time ago, I forgot I even had it. I was going through my books, trying to organise my bookshelf, when I came across this book. I decided to read it. I really enjoyed reading this book, well for the most part. Only towards the end of the book did I start to get a bit bored but I think that was because I knew where the story was going. Also I had a feeling about its ending.

Journalist/photographer Michael Wilde goes on an assigned to Antarctica. Author takes his time to get to the heart of the story, I think it I was almost midway through the book before anything started to happen. There was a lot of time and effort put into the research of this book, and that is very evident through the writing. I felt I was there in Antarctica, I was able to picture the vast white planes covered with snow. I was able to imagine what it would be like to live there for any amount of time. Call me crazy but this book kind of made me want to visit Antarctica or even the North Pole. I am closer to north Pole lol.

It takes some time for the story to take up pace, but I did not mind it. I actually though it worked for this story.. IMO, it would not work if the author rushed the story, or did not take time to set the scene for the readers. Setting of the story was a big part of the story and brushing over it would not work. There were two stories being told here, one from Michaela point of view, present time and his experiences in Antarctica. While another story is story is being narrated, in parallel, about Eleanor and Sinclair. Two characters, lovers, who lived in 1800s and survived Crimea. Towards the end of the book the two stories converge and merge into one.

Michael Wilde and another scientist go out on diving trip in Antarctica, where Michael discovers a body frozen, encased in glacier in the ocean. As the story progress, bodies (yes turns out there are two) are recovered. As the ice melts away, unexpected thing happens that cause some mystery about their dead friends. I do not want to give much away and ruin the story for you. But as the Michael and other were trying to piece together what was happening.

Overall this was a great read and I enjoyed it a lot. But as I already said towards the end of the book, last hundred pages I wanted the story to be done and over with. Pretty much three quarters of the way through the book you could tell what the ending would be and it took the mystery away for me. So by the time I finished the book I was sighing in relief that it was over. Would I recommend this book to others? Definitely, I thought it was great. It was very well written, characters were very much realistic and likeable. World building was superbly done and I felt that I there in the cold Antarctica.

Also I will be looking for more books by Robert Masello.

I give this book 4/5 STARS – HAPPY READING!!!

Touched by the Alien (Katherine "Kitty" Katt) by Gini Koch‏

2013-04-19T18:06:00.001-03:00

Touched by an Alien

Katherine "Kitty" Katt series

Book # 1

Gini Koch

Goodreads link

My thoughts:

I had this book for some time now, I bought it because I read a review on one of the blogs. Can’t remember which one, it was too long ago. Book sounded interesting and I wanted to read it.

Katherine "Kitty" Katt our main female protagonist finds herself in a bit of a strange situation after she kills a superbeing. Superbeing are alien parasites which attach itself to human hosts and can control them. I have to say that I enjoyed reading this book to some extent, but on other hand I thought it was just a lot of fluff. I was expecting a bit more serious sci-fi romance novel. Maybe serious is not a right word, I was expecting less fluff. Some parts of the plot line were good but other were not to my liking.

I liked the fact that the story line moved along at a fast pace. For me it just depends on the book that I am reading, sometime I don’t mind if the book is fast paced and there is not a lot of time spend describing the world or environment in which a story takes place. But on other hand I sometimes like when the author takes him/her time is describing the world and characters. It all depends on the book that I am reading.

There were several things that bothered me about this book. First, the constant use of word “girlfriend”. You go girlfriend! I have nothing against use of this word, but when you use too many times I get annoyed and I roll my eyes. It just became too corny. Second, Kitty ability to discover everything that was wrong with Jeff Martini unit and how they did their jobs. Here she walks and glances around and she is able to tell them what is wrong. She able to tell them that the translation of the book (alien version of where they came from and why) within first hour. Than her ability or premonition on how to destroy the superbeings (bad guys). Third, all A-C (good aliens, Jeff Martini and etc) males are good looking and not as smarts as their woman. Woman are all scientists and thing that all the A-C man are dumb. I just found that some of this was hard to believe and not very realistic. I know that this is sci-fi book but it still has to have bases in reality. It needs to be believable. If you are as a writer trying to write something that most people would think unrealistic or unbelievable than it is your job as a writer to convince the readers out there that this is believable and realistic.

Romance between Jeff and Kitty was OK, not my favorite part. It moved way to fast for my liking. I mean Jeff decided that he is in love with Kitty the first minute he saw her and he already told her so. Talk about love at first sight! He told her he wanted to marry her an hour later. Again not very realistic basis for a relationship. Another fact hard to believe is Kitty’s parents who have these secret lives, mother is some kind of secret agent and father is a cryptologist who works secretly for NASA and so on.

Overall this was an OK read for me, but just OK. It started out fun and fast paced but I was starting to get bored midway through because I knew Kitty will be able to figure everything out. There were no obstacles thrown in her way. Rather she was able to kick some superbeings ass by playing loud music and hairspray. Will I read book two? Yes I have and I want to see if book two gets better.

I give this book 2/5 STARS – HAPPY READING!!!!

The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell by Chris Colfer

2013-04-13T14:54:00.000-03:00

The Land of Stories: The Wishing Well

Chris Colfer

The Land of Stories Series

My Thoughts:

I bought this book some time ago and I started to read it on my trip to Disney and I finished it while I was there.  I would read each night after we would return from the parks.

I loved this book, it was such great story that I did not want to put it down. It had everything that I love in a good story. Adventure, strange new world, secrets, friendship, magic, fairy tales, fairy godmothers, villains and etc. I was really surprised how well this book was written especially for someone who is a first time writer. Lets face a lot of YA and some children, but in my opinion mostly YA, are not that greatest of writers.   I should know I read a lot of YA, children and adult literature. I am not trying to categorise every YA author as "not that great writers" because there are some great writers out there.   Anyways I am getting of track, this book was great, story was awesome full of adventure and as a reader I was never bored. Story line was well developed and it made sense.

Alex and Conner, twins, were lovable characters each one in their own way. They were great, smart caring and funny. I loved reading about them and their life and adventure into The Land of Stories.  I loved how the author takes us from one fairy tale into another with each chapter.  Story flowed so smoothly, I never once said to myself this makes no sense.   I think I will be adding this to my favorite books of 2013.

Overall I was very impressed with this story and I can not wait to read next book in the series. I wonder what kind of adventure will the twins go on next? If you love reading books about fairy tales and it's characters than you will probably enjoy this story. Also it does not hurt that this book was written well and some great story telling.   Also I did not know this when I bought this book, but Chris Colfer is an actor from Glee. I do not watch the show but I know that there are a lot of people who love the show. So if you love Glee, you might be interested to read something by one the actors from the show.

I give this books 5/5 STARS - HAPPY READING!!!

Belated Blogoanniversery Giveaway

2013-04-11T17:21:00.000-03:00

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Everneath (Everneath #1) by Brodi Ashton‏

2013-04-08T20:27:00.000-03:00

Title: Everneath

Series: Everneath

Author: Brodi Ashton

My Thoughts:

I’ve had this book for some time but never got around to reading it. I finished the book some time ago but I was away on vacation and did not have time to write a review yet.

I have to say that I was bit surprised how this book started, it starts with Nikki returning from Everneath, also known as underworld. Writer slowly reveals what happened to Nikki and what is Evenneath and how she ended up there. It was an interesting story, interesting take on underworld. I liked Nikki, I liked the fact that she did not blame anyone for the mistakes she made but herself.

Another interesting thing about this book was the romantic aspect, it was different than what I expected. I liked the fact that Nikki did not go for Cole but rather still in love with Jack. Cole is the obvious choice because he is supernatural being and usually YA books author go for romantic relationship between a girl and supernatural.

Even though I liked the story I was not impressed with the writing and execution. I thought it could be better, there was something missing. I felt that author kept going in circles, we were constantly brought back to the same problems. There was not a lot of action or much happening, not till the end. Throughout the whole story we are given brief flashes into Nikki’s past and how she ended up where she is. The author was trying to tease the reader and build the anticipations, but it really did not work for me. One big problem I had is author actually telling you when there is a flash back by giving it a title “6 Months Ago” or something like that. I hate when authors do that. It tells me that the author does not trust me as a reader to tell a difference between the flashback and current event. Or maybe author is not skilled enough to incorporate the flush back into the chapter, so that it flows naturally. Either way, I have when the flashback is separated from the rest of the story.

Overall this was a good read, entertaining, fast read and interesting take on underworld. I will probably read book two to see what happens next and if the series gets better.

I give this book 3/5 STARS – HAPPY READING!!!

The Wicket Intent (The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein, #2) by Kenneth Oppel‏

2013-03-14T17:05:00.001-03:00

Title: The Wicket Intent

Author: Kenneth Oppel

Series: The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein

Beware some spoilers ahead.

My Thoughts:

I been greatly anticipating second book in The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein series. I have to say book two does not disappoint. Book two continues several month from where book one left off. Konrad is dead and Victor, Elizabeth, Henry and rest of the family are still grieving, all in their own way.

Victor comes across a book that has instructions on how to contact the dead in the spirit world. Elizabeth, Henry and Victor embark yet on another adventure, bit dark but that does not stop them, especially Victor. He will do anything to save his brother. Even though at times his intentions are not clear. Is he doing it because he wants his twin brother back or because he wants the power and knowledge? Victor was a complex character, at times I really liked him and other times I disliked him and was bit annoyed with him.

Elizabeth was the same, intelligent, resourceful, perceptive and dedicated. I started to feel bit annoyed with her because the way she was acting but once I found why, it all made sense. One thing I wanted from this book, to see Victor and Elizabeth get closer. But that did not happen, it seemed like they grew further apart. Of all the characters, Henry change the most, he was more confident in this book, he stands up to Victor.

Overall this was an excellent read, I enjoyed it very much. Story was interesting and engaging, characters were interesting, bit annoying at times. I felt that Victor or Elizabeth did not change much since the last book. They are the same, stubborn in their own right, Victor still seeks power and knowledge without thinking of the consequences. You would think they would learn from the previous experiences. But no! Neither of them really thought that anything could go wrong until it was almost too late. I am interested to see what will happen in book three. What adventure will Victor, Elizabeth and Henry embark on? Will we see Konrad again?

I give this book 5/5 STARS – HAPPY READING!!!

The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein Series:

1) The Dark Endeavor

2) The Wicked Intent

Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith by Deborah Heiligman

2013-03-10T22:08:00.000-03:00

Title: Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith

Author: Deborah Heiligman

Link to Goodreads for more information about this book.

My Thoughts:

I had this book on my to-be-read list for some time now. I was lucky that my local library had a copy of this book. I heard a lot of good things about this book.

Once I started to read I was not able to put it down. I read it pretty fast, in day or two I believe. I've always been interested in Charles Darwin, him as a naturalist or scientist and person. I read his work The Origin of Species but I never new much about his personal life or what kind of person he was. This book give a very good overview of Charles's life with Emma, his wife and their children. The more I read, the more I liked Charles Darwin as a person. Emma was also interesting character, mother, wife, and friend. She read all Charles's work before it was sent to publisher and she would offered her opinion. It was an interesting marriage, one that worked for the two of them. They valued each others opinions. It was rare for a man to ask an opinion of a woman on science, or anything for that matter that was male only professions.

The only bit that I was bit disappointed with was the religious aspect. We are told that Emma's belief in God would be a big dividing part between the two. However I never felt that there was much contentions about religion. Yes Emma was a believer and Charles was not. On several occasions there was a discussion about God and his role in evolution. But nothing serious that caused great problems between the two, at least not in this book. I will have to read a biography about Charles Darwin and see if there is more.

Overall this was a very good read and I've learned a lot about one of the most important man in history of science. In this book you see Charles's struggle to write about his discoveries he made while on Beagle. You see how he eventually comes to write The Origin of Species. Charles was a family man, and he put his wife and kids first, and everything else second (at least in this book he does). It was impressive book, it was concise, well written, Charles and Emma were realistic characters and it was very interesting.

I give this book 4/5 STARS - HAPPY READING!!!

Let the Dead Sleep by Heather Graham

2013-03-05T17:18:00.000-04:00

Title: Let the Dead Sleep

Author: Heather Graham

My Thoughts:

Another NetGalley book. Last year I read several books from her Krewe of Hunters series and I did not enjoy all of the ones that I read. I lie, I did enjoy the first two that I read but rest were not that great because they felt the same. However this did not stop me from requesting Let the Dead Sleep.

I liked the premises of the story, it sounded very mysterious and ghostly (is that even a word?). I have to say that I enjoyed reading this book. Story was interesting and entertaining, there was some mystery surrounding the story but nothing that could not be seen through from pretty much the beginning of the story. The people that I suspected of being involved in the ‘suspicious activities’, that the author did not mention, where the guilty people at the end. So if you are looking for hard core mystery that will keep you guessing who did it to the very end, his is not it, not even close.

Quinn and Danni were good together as friends or partners, but the romance part did not work for me. I felt that the author added the romantic aspect to the story because that’s what is expected from her. One good thing I liked that the story did not focus on romance between Quinn and Danni. But it did not focus on the rest of the story either, not really. At the end of it, story felt formulaic and for the most part I feel the same about all Graham’s books.

Overall this was easy and entertaining read. It was very light on mystery and romance, but it had some good points. Writing was OK, bit on a cheesy side, story was interesting and the topic was interesting. I just wish that the author dedicates more attention to the supernatural aspect of the story. It was just brushed over which was a let down for me.

I give this 3/5 STARS – HAPPY READING!!!

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce

2013-02-25T18:15:00.000-04:00

Title: The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry

Author: Rachel Joyce

Link to Goodreads for more information about this book.

My Thoughts:

I first requested this from NetGalley but never got around to reading it. It was archived before I was able to download it. Anyways, my local library had this book in their New Fiction collection. I was glad to see it there since I really wanted to read this books.

I really enjoyed reading this book, there such a beauty about Harold's pilgrimage. Harold Fry, is retired and living in a small English village with his wife Maureen. They have been married for long time, but now they are more like two strangers living together than husband and wife. They also have a son, David, but he no longer lives with them. One day Harold receives a letter from an old friend, Queenie, he used to work with at the brewery. Harold decides to go and see Queenie, but he decides to walk across England to see Queenie.

The story is about Harold and him coming to terms with his current life and past. As he walks across England Harold experiences kindness of strangers. But he also has time to think about his life, him as husband, father, friend, and son. As a reader you learn more about Harold and Maureen, and David and Queenie with each mile that Harold crosses. There are some surprises and things you did not expect.

Maureen on the other hand is left alone at home wondering about her life with Harold, or without Harold. This was the first time in a long time that they have been separated for a long time. As time goes by Maureen also goes through a self discovery. Rethinking her life with Harold over the last number of years and wondering were the things went wrong. Them sleeping in separate bedrooms, her always finding faults with everything that Harold does. But she does not realise how much she misses Harold until Harold is gone.

Overall this was an excellent story and I loved every moment of it. It is a story about regrets, persistence, self discovery, love and friendship. Writing was beautiful, author managed to capture and hold my interest through the entire book. Characters were interesting and multi-dimensional. I wonted to read more and get to know them, especially Harold. I loved Harold, even though at times I wished him to bit more forceful personality wise but at the end of the day I would not change him. Because Harold character was just beautiful.

I give this books 5/5 STARS - HAPPY READING!!!

Solstice Wood (Winter Rose #2) by Patricia A. McKillip

2013-02-23T23:12:00.000-04:00

Title: Solstice Wood

Series: Winter Rose

Author: Patricia A. McKillip

Link to Goodreads for more information about this book.

My Thoughts:

I've always wanted to start reading something by McKillip but never got around to it. I've hear a lot of good things about her books as well. Last time I went to the library I remembered to pick up some of her books. I picked Solstice Wood and read it without realising that it is book two in Winter Rose series.

Solstice Wood was fast and very entertaining read. I loved every page of it, it was fun, entertaining, mysterious and well written. Story line was very interesting and it kept me on the edge of my seat. I wanted to know what would happen next. I can not talk much about storyline because I do not want to give away too much.

Characters were interesting and I loved reading the story from five different POVs. Even though books is told from multiple POVs and it is a short book, readers still get a sense of what the characters really are like. But as a reader you do not get to know the characters in depth. Which was alright, not knowing the character in depth kind of worked for the story. It gives them that extra mystery that was present in the story.

Overall this was a great story and I am looking forward to reading more books by McKillip.

I give this books 4/5 STARS - HAPPY READING!!!

The Man Who Loved Books Too Much: The True Story of a Thief, a Detective, and a World of Literary Obsession by Allison Hoover Bartlett

2013-02-21T23:51:00.001-04:00

Title: The Man Who Loved Books Too Much: The True Story of a Thief, a Detective, and a World of Literary Obsession

Author: Allison Hoover Bartlett

Link to Goodreads for more information about this books.

My Thoughts:

A journalist, Allison Hoover Bartlett, comes into the possession of a rare book Kreuterbuch. It is a German tome written in 1603 by Hieronymus Boch, a book about plants. This takes her on the search and investigation into the world of rare book and rare book thefts.

When I first saw this book, I was intrigued by its title. Also, I like the description.  I enjoyed reading this book up to a certain point but once I was half way through I started to get bored. Story started interesting enough, it was interesting and intriguing.  On another level it was somewhat educational about rare books. For someone who loved books, I can tell you I know next to nothing about rare books and sale of rare books.

My first impression of Grilkey was exciting, but it did not stay that way. I started to lose interest into Grilkey as I read the book, actually I was more interested into the odd bits of information about rare books.

At the end of the book i felt that Grilkey was not a man who loved the books too much, but rather someone who stole just so he can have valuable books in his possession.  I might be wrong about this but this is what I think.

Here are few interesting facts that I learned while reading this book, well there were more facts but could not include all them.

For example, I never realised that first edition of Harry Potter and Philosopher's Stone, of which there were only five hundred printed costs $30,000.  I knew that it was not cheap but I never imagined this much.

Apparently according to the global police agency's statistics, book theft is more widespread than art theft - which I find quite surprising.

Another interesting fact, there are five types of book thieves according to the Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of America (ABAA):

the kleptomaniac
the thief who steals for profit
the thief who steals in anger
the casual thief
the thief who steals for his own personal use

I give this book 3/5 STARS - HAPPY READING!!!

Auntie Mame: An Irreverent Escapade by Patrick Dennis

2013-02-14T23:08:00.000-04:00

Title: Auntie Mame: An Irreverent Escapade

Author: Patrick Dennis

Link to Goodreads for more information about this book.

My Thoughts:

I came across this book while I was browsing through the new fiction section in my local library. I was intrigued by the title, it sounded interesting. I checked it out not knowing anything about this book, other than what it is on the back cover.

I started to read as soon as I got home; I new I was going to enjoy this book very much as soon as I finished the first chapter. My favorite part in the first chapter was the meeting between Patrick and his aunt Mame, it was funny. This was what Patrick's father told him about his aunt Mame before he died:

" He only said that you were a very peculiar woman and to be left in your hands was fate he wouldn't wish a dog but beggars can't be choosers and you're my only living relative."

There was a quite gasp. ""That bastard,' she said evenly.

I reached for my vocabulary pad.

"That ward, dear, was bastard," she said sweetly. "It's spelled b-a-s-t-a-r-d, and it means your late father! now get out of here and get dressed!"

It's been a while since I laughed so much while reading a book. This book was filled with numerous funny scenes that kept me laughing from beginning to the end.

“ Well, my dear, just this morning I heard the news. There’s a Mrs. Armbruster out in Southampton – she’s a widow, like me, buy years older – who’s taken in six adorable little English war refugees for the duration. And today my commanding officer in the A.W.V.S. called to say that poor dear Mrs. Armbruster had just dropped dead. Isn’t that marvellous!”

I loved Auntie Mame. My, what a character! I would love to have an aunt like her. She is not your every day woman, she is larger than life. She knows how to live and let nothing get into her way of living her life. She is kind, intelligent, dominating, interesting, funny and she doesn't even have to try. Patrick is also another lovable character, who loves his aunt but thinks she is too eccentric, and she is.

Overall this was an excellent read and I wish I read it before. If you want a book that will make you laugh from the start to the end, this is a book for you. Also it was well written and very interesting plot lines. Each chapter takes you on a different adventure in Auntie Mame's and Patrick's life. What an interesting life this woman had.

I give this book 5/5 STARS - HAPPY READING!!!

The Enchanted Castle by E. Nesbit‏

2013-02-12T17:28:00.000-04:00

Title: The Enchanted Castle

Author: E. Nesbit

Link to Goodreads for more details about this book.

My thoughts:

I’ve always wanted to read this book, but never got around to it, really. When saw that they had this ebook for a free download from Girlebooks, with cover, I downloaded and decided to read it.

Story starts with three siblings, Gerald, Jimmy and Kathleen are spending their summer holiday in a West of England private school near the fictional town or village at Liddlesby. The story takes the siblings and Mable to number of different adventures with the magic ring. It’s an episodic type of book, with each chapter there is a new adventure. For the most part their adventures were fun and interesting and I was interested to know what they would do next with the magic ring. My favourite part was how the statues in the garden come alive at night and only person wearing the ring at the time can see them.

I am bit on a fence with this book; I liked it for the most part but I found that towards the end I was getting bit bored and anxious for the story to finish. I think that it would have been better if the story was a bit shorter. As much as I loved the adventures the four were having I was getting bored with them as well, essentially they were very similar adventures overall just happening to the different kid I the group.

This book probably has a limited audience. Today readers might struggle with the antiquarian language that the author uses. I know that I did struggle through some of it. Characters were bit flat in my opinion. Also at times I felt that the kids acted more like adults than kids who were having an adventure, it ruined the story a bit.

Overall it was a good read, I enjoyed reading it but I don't think it had that wow factor that makes me fall in love with stories. Also it was different than what I imagined it to be. To me it lacked the magic. I know it's bit ironic that a book that is about magic ring and enchanted castle lacks magic, but it did IMO.

I give this book 3/5 STARS - HAPPY READING!!!

Shadow of Night (A Discovery of Witches, #2) by Deborah Harkness

2013-02-10T20:33:00.003-04:00

Title: Shadow of Night

Series: A Discovery of Witches

Author: Deborah Harkness

Link to Goodreads for more details about this book.

My Thoughts:

Oh I was so excited to get this book, I loved A Discovery of Witches. I can not tell you how much I love this series and I can only hope that book two does not disappoint. Guess what? it does NOT disappoint, it gets better. This is one of those book that I want to just sit down and read through in one sitting, but I had to force myself to slow down because I did not want to miss anything.

Matthew and Diana travel back into past, to Elizabethan London. There they meet some on Matthew's friends, Christopher Marlowe and few other familiar historical figures. I am very impressed with how Harkness handles the historical details from everyday life to small details. As you read the book you can tell that the author is very knowledgeable about the history and what life was like back then. Story takes us on the adventure across several towns in Europe, London, Village of Saint-Lucien, Prague and back to London.

Author takes time and effort to write this book and you can see all that effort as you read. The details to the history, places and historical figures that we meet throughout the story are amazing. Also Deborah Harkness knows how to write, she knows how to keep her readers fully engrossed into the story. I love her style of writing, there is something appealing and magical about it. Keeps your eyes glued to the page. It's one of the best written supernatural fiction books that I've read so far in the last several years.

I love the course that Diana's and Matthew's relationship takes. It was not an easy thing for them, but you can see their relationship build and shape itself throughout this book. It grows into something more than just your everyday romance. There is a new understanding between the two of them by the end. Understanding of who and what they are. As much as they discover who they are as a couple, they also do some soul searching as individuals as well. I am sure they will have ways to go and there will be more problems in the future they will need to face.

Overall this was EXCELLENT read and I can not tell you how much I love this series. As I've already stated above, book two does not disappoint in any shape or form. If you have not read any of the A Discovery of Witches series, you should. It has it all, vampires, witched, daemons, romance, good guys and bad guys. Also it has some of the best character build up and development; also some of the best writing in popular fiction.

I give this book 5/5 STARS - HAPPY READING!!!

A Discovery of Witches Series:

1) A Discovery of Witches (Reviewed)
2) Shadow of Night
3) Untitled - Coming in 2013

The World of Pooh (The Winnie-the-Pooh Series 1&2) by A.A. Milne

2013-02-06T20:34:00.001-04:00

Description:

The world of Pooh is a world of enchantment. It is a world forever fixed in the minds and hearts of countless children - a world where Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends Piglet, Eeyore, Tigger, Kanga, and the others share unforgettable adventures with Christopher Robin.
As he wanders through the pages of this book, Pooh remains the whimsical philosopher, the staunch friend, hampered at times by his over-weight but resigned to the futility of trying to control his appetite.
Although Pooh persists in thinking of himself as a Bear of Very Little Brain, the reader soon discovers that his whimsy inevitably leads to wisdom. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts:

I went to the library when I came across the classic, The World of Pooh (The Winnie-the-Pooh Series 1&2) by A.A. Milne. I've read this book as a child, actually I read it number of times. This used to be one of my favourite books as a child, I think it still is. Oh, how I love Winnie the Pooh stories.

Eeyore was and is my all time favourite character, I used to have a watch with Eeyore on it. I still have the watch but it no longer works. As a child I never new why I liked Eeyore so much, but as adult I think I like him because he is so depressing. You people probably think that's weird, but I don't think I would ever like happy Eeyore, it would not be the same Eeyore if you ask me.
Another character that I love, it's Pooh, bear with not much of a brain. I love Pooh because of his ability to compose poems that are so fun and catchy. Actually the truth is I love all the characters.

I think my favourite story is about Eeyore and him loosing his tail. I remember that story the best.

I love the simplicity of this book and it's characters. I love the magical ability of A. A. Milne to tell a wonderful story that has delighted number of kids and adults. And will delight number of kids who are yet to read it. If you haven't had a chance to read this classic children's story than you should. It's a wonderfully written story, with wonderful and lovable characters.

I am also looking forward to reading, Return to the Hundred Acre Wood, which was release back in 2009.

I give this book 4/5 STARS - HAPPY READING!!!

Upcoming Release(s) I'm Looking Forward Too, #1

2013-02-05T17:52:00.002-04:00

The Golem and the Jinni by Helen Wecker

Description:

A marvelous and absorbing debut novel, an enchanting combination of vivid historical fiction and magical fable about two supernatural creatures in turn-of-the-century immigrant New York.

An immigrant tale that combines elements of Jewish and Arab folk mythology, Helene Wecker's dazzling debut novel tells the story of two supernatural creatures who arrive separately in New York in 1899.

Chava is a golem, a creature made of clay, brought to life to by a disgraced rabbi who dabbles in dark Kabbalistic magic. When her master-the husband who commissioned her-dies at sea on the voyage from Poland, she is unmoored and adrift as the ship arrives in New York harbor in 1899.

Ahmad is a jinni, a being of fire, born in the ancient Syrian desert. Trapped in an old copper flask by a Bedouin wizard centuries ago, he is released accidentally by a tinsmith in a Lower Manhattan shop. Though he is no longer imprisoned, Ahmad is not entirely free-an unbreakable band of iron around his wrist binds him to the physical world. (for more details see Goodreads)

I was so excited when I read about this book on Goodread few days ago. I love the cover and I'm especially interested in the storyline. Everything about this book sounds awesome and can't wait to get my hands on it. What's not to like, it has a golem and jinni, and Jewisha nd Arab mythology. I am salivating right now.

I've never read anything by this author and I don't know what her writing style is like. But I'm going to be optimistic and hopeful at the same time that Helen Wecker does a excelent job in writing this book.

Release day, April 23, 2013 and can't wait.

A Glass of Blessing by Barbara Pym

2013-01-31T21:48:00.000-04:00

Description:

Well dressed and looked after, Wilmet is married to Rodney, a handsome army Major, working nine thirty to six at the Ministry. Wilmet's interest wanders to the nearby Anglo-Catholic church, where at last she can neglect her comfortable household in the company of three priests and Piers Longridge. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts:

I've never read any books by Barbara Pym. I am vaguely familiar with her works but never read anything by her till now. I was looking through the NetGalley catalog of available book when I came across this one. I new I wanted to read it right away. I was so happy when my request was approved; I started to read the book as soon as I finished Elemental: The First by Alexandra May. As you might not know I read several books at the time. Just something I like to do and always have done.

I went into A Glass of Blessing blind, I did not know much about the story line or about the writing style of Barbara Pym. What a pleasant surprise this book was. I think I'm in love with this author, I can not believe that I've never read her before.

Story revolves around Wilmet and her every day to day life in England in the fifties. Wilmet is a 29 year old, married to Ministry worker. They met in Italy during the War where she was a Wren worker. Wilmet is not your typical heroin that you see in today's books, but rather she is self-absorbed and bit on a shallow side. Despite of these shortcomings I like Wilmet because as the story progress she starts to learn more about love and herself as well. She is constantly getting herself involved into the lives of the three vicars from the church she is attending. Also fancies herself somewhat in love with Pier, her best friends brother. Maybe love is a bit of a strong word!

As a reader you can make endless observations. Women's day to day lives. Church gatherings that were more done for socializing rather than religious purposes. Pronounced gender differences, women at home and husband at work. Wilmet herself states that Rodney, her husband, does not feel it is right for a woman to work, unless she needed to financially. Racism is still an issue ( of course its the fifties, it still is today), in one passage Father Thames asks people to be nice to colored people.

I enjoyed and loved every page of this book and I will be seeking more of Pym books. I loved that the story was so real and characters were also realistic. Pym has a skill to take daily things in someones life and make them interesting and pertinent. In my opinion that is a hard thing to do. Also there is some dry British humour throughout the story which helps the story along.

If you like reading classic stories about England and about lives of every day people this book might appeal to you.

I give this 5/5 STARS - HAPPY READING!!!

If you are interested to learn more about Barbara Pym and her works you can go to Barbara Pym Society webpage

Elemental: The First (Primord #1) by Alexandra May‏

2013-01-29T19:57:00.001-04:00

Description:

Just who is Halíka Dacomé?

To Rose Frost, moving house every six months is normal. Another new town here, another new school there, her ability to adapt is as easy as breathing. But everything changes when her parents go overseas and Rose moves in with her grandmother. She enjoys meeting new friends and catching up with old ones from her childhood holidays — except now she must hide a precious secret from everyone, a gift from birth that defies modern day science.

Her dreams become riddled with a warrior woman called Halíka Dacomé, but are they visions or messages from the future? She starts her own investigation but encounters more questions than answers. Living right on the edge of Warminster in Wiltshire doesn’t help with its folklore and myths about strange lights in the sky and ghost stories of the Salisbury Plain

Not only that, her troubles really take hold one night when the mysterious Aiden Deverill with his alluring smile, his gorgeous dark looks and hypnotising blue eyes, saves her from a freak fire. Or did he?

For Rose, her new life is beginning but she soon realises that despite assurances people are not always what they seem. What she always believed to be a happy family and a friendly town soon turns on its head when she discovers that her family secret, Aiden Deverill and the truth behind Halíka Dacomé is at the heart of the whole conspiracy (Goodreads).

My Thoughts:

First I would like to thank NetGalley and Pauma Publishing for letting me read this book. When I first read the book description on NetGalley I was intrigued. It sounded interesting and fun read. I was surprised at how short this book was, only one hundred and fifty pages I believe.

I have to admit that I started off by liking the book, unfortunately it did not remain that way. Not even half way through I realized that the plot or characters were going nowhere, which was a bit disappointing because I really liked the premises of this story. I think the problem is that the book is so short that the author did not have time to develop the story or characters. Rather everything was rushed and bunched together.

Let talk about the ending, cliffhanger ending. I believe that the author was trying to achieve a cliffhanger ending but in fact ended up with unfinished first book. At least that is what it felt like to me. I don’t mind cliffhangers but I prefer them to be done well, they have to make sense too.

As I have already mentioned above I liked the premises of this story, but it was not fully developed. The author did not take the full advantage of her ideas and explored more. Rather readers get disjointed pieces of information here and there throughout the book. Also it’s not even fully finished first book, at least in my opinion. No proper ending masquerading as cliffhanger. I liked most of the characters in the book, Rose, Mira, Jaz, Morgan. Hanna (I think that was her name), even Aiden. They all seemed to be interesting characters and I would have liked to see more of them.

Overall this was not a good read, I will not bother with the second book in this series. I was deceived by the book description, book description makes it sounds so much better than it actually was.

I give this book 1/5 STARS – HAPPY READING!!!

Of Love And Other Demons by by Gabriel García Márquez, translated by Edith Grossman‏

2013-01-28T22:21:00.000-04:00

Description:

From the Nobel Prize-winning author of One Hundred Years of Solitude and Love in the Time of Cholera comes an extraordinary reading experience, the story of a doomed love affair between a twelve-year-old girl and a bookish priest, three times her age, who's been sent to oversee her exorcism. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts:

This is another library find. I’ve been wanting to read this book for a while now but every time I went to the library it was checked out. I got lucky this time around. I love anything written by Gabriel García Márquez. I love him for his ability to take a reader onto an adventure into a world that is real but in many ways surreal. He weaves the story of falling empire, family, romance, religion, slavery, superstition, social justice and politics.

Book begins with Preface written by the author, as a young journalist he reported on a story about young woman (or child’s) skeleton that was discovered in old church’s crypt. Story is about twelve year old Sierva Maria, daughter of aging Marquis in Columbia and Bernarda. It’s not an ideal life, she grew up with slaves after her mother through her out of the house, with no resistance from her father. She gets bitten by a rabies infected dog and everyone fears that she will go mad, from here story develops.

I love the authors ability to bring forth a 200 year corpse and make her so real and alive through his story. It story about love, mental illness mistaken for possession. Exorcism and Catholic church. I loved every moments of this book, I read it in one sitting, mind you it is a short book, hundred and fifty pages. Throughout the whole story author is in possession of his characters and the direction of the story and not once did I feel disappointed. In many ways it is a sad story, a young girl who endured so much and all she ever wanted was love. For a brief moment of her life she does experience love, but it so brief and tragic. You feel every emotion that she felt and what is not written on the page you imagine what she must have felt.

Overall this was excellent read, and I would recommend it to all readers out there. This book has it all, love, mental illness, possession, exorcism, religion and family. Not to mention some great writing and great characters.

I give this book 5/5 STARS – HAPPY READING!!!

A Fractured Light (A Beautiful Dark #2) by Jocelyn Davies

2013-01-26T14:49:00.001-04:00

Description:

When she wakes up in unfamiliar surroundings, Skye knows something terrible has happened to her. It's not until she hears Asher, the dark, rebellious angel she fell in love with, that the memories come flooding back. She tries to put the past behind her, but she knows she'll be forever haunted by the ruthless betrayal that almost took her life.

Skye returns home, but with the knowledge of who she really is, nothing can ever be the same. As she tests the limits of her newfound powers, Skye discovers that she's capable of far more than anyone could have imagined. Both the Order and the Rebellion want her for their side as war between the factions looms. She can't forget the terrifying truth she now knows about the Order, but something holds her back from embracing the Rebellion.

A Fractured Light picks up right after A Beautiful Dark's shocking cliffhanger ending and is perfect for fans of Lauren Kate's Fallen and Becca Fitzpatrick's Hush, Hush saga (Goodreads).

My Thoughts:

This is a book two in A Beautiful Dark series. I read and reviewed A Beautiful Dark while back and I though it was alright. I was at the library the other day when I spotted this book, I did not realise that book two was already out.

I read this book in one night, it was easy read. Book two picks up from where A Beautiful Dark left off, cliffhanger ending. I am bit disappointed with book two, I though that there was going to be more action and more of everything. I have to say it was a bit of let down. There was not much going on in this story, other than Skye having visions and some love interest problems.

Overall book two was a let down, there was nothing happening. There were few secrets revealed but nothing too shattering. Even ending was not that surprising too me, it was kind of obvious from the start.

If you are interested in reading this book, I would wait till it becomes available in the library or you can get it for free from someone.

I give this book 2/5 STARS - HAPPY READING !!!

A Beautiful Dark series:

1) A Beautiful Dark
2) A Fractured Light

Ironskin (Ironskin, #1) by Tina Connolly

2013-01-19T21:31:00.001-04:00

Description:

Jane Eliot wears an iron mask.

It’s the only way to contain the fey curse that scars her cheek. The Great War is five years gone, but its scattered victims remain—the ironskin.

When a carefully worded listing appears for a governess to assist with a "delicate situation"—a child born during the Great War—Jane is certain the child is fey-cursed, and that she can help.

Teaching the unruly Dorie to suppress her curse is hard enough; she certainly didn’t expect to fall for the girl’s father, the enigmatic artist Edward Rochart. But her blossoming crush is stifled by her own scars, and by his parade of women. Ugly women, who enter his closed studio...and come out as beautiful as the fey.

Jane knows Rochart cannot love her, just as she knows that she must wear iron for the rest of her life. But what if neither of these things is true? Step by step Jane unlocks the secrets of her new life—and discovers just how far she will go to become whole again. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts:

I requested this book from NetGalley last year and it took me a while to finish reading it.  I was experiencing a reading slump pretty much whole month of November and December 2012.  I am back into reading mood again and blogging. Woot!!!

As soon as I saw that this book is about Fey and Fey wars I new I had to read it. Plus description sounded interesting. At first I did not realise that this was fantasy retelling of Jane Eyre. I got even more excited once I clued in on Jane Eyre retelling part.

This was a very easy read.  Story was not too badly written, it was fast moving and I enjoyed most of the characters. Jane was interesting character I wish that the author took more time to let readers get to know Jane, Edward and Dorie. Story is told one POV, Jane's. I liked how Jane's character changes/grows throughout the book. She realises that she was wrong and that she needs to face her fears head on.

The only thing, I was hoping for was to learn more about Fey and war that happened between Fey adn humans. There are numerous references throughout the book to war and fey but as a reader we do not know much about what happened in the war. I guess I was looking for more background to the story.

Overall this was a good read and I am looking forward to book two in Ironskin series.  I am very interested to see how the author will handle book two. If you want something easy and fast to read this might be your book. It has Fey, curses, some romance, adventure and mystery.

I give this book 3/5 STARS - HAPPY READING!!!!

Ironskin Series:

1. Ironskin
2. Untitled - Coming September 2013

The Missing Manuscript of Jane Austen by Syrie James

2013-01-09T19:40:00.001-04:00

Description:

The minute I saw the letter, I knew it was hers. There was no mistaking it: the salutation, the tiny, precise handwriting, the date, the content itself, all confirmed its ancient status and authorship…
Samantha McDonough cannot believe her eyes--or her luck. Tucked in an uncut page of a two-hundred-year old poetry book is a letter she believes was written by Jane Austen, mentioning with regret a manuscript that "went missing at Greenbriar in Devonshire." Could there really be an undiscovered Jane Austen novel waiting to be found? Could anyone resist the temptation to go looking for it?

Making her way to the beautiful, centuries-old Greenbriar estate, Samantha finds it no easy task to sell its owner, the handsome yet uncompromising Anthony Whitaker, on her wild idea of searching for a lost Austen work--until she mentions its possible million dollar value.

After discovering the unattributed manuscript, Samantha and Anthony are immediately absorbed in the story of Rebecca Stanhope, daughter of a small town rector, who is about to encounter some bittersweet truths about life and love. As they continue to read the newly discovered tale from the past, a new one unfolds in the present--a story that just might change both of their lives forever (Goodreads).

My Thoughts:

I was so excited to see this on NetGalley and I wanted to read it right away. I have read few book by Syrie James and I loved each one. But I have to say this book did not do anything for me. I found myself bored half way through it; bit disappointing for me.

Story starts off in a moder day London where a young woman discovers a letter that Jane Austen wrote and in it she mentions a lost manuscript. This is basically story within a story, once Samantha finds were the manuscript is located story shits and we are reading secret manuscript through Samantha's eyes.

I was intrigued by the story and was excited to read it, but when I was half way through the book I realised that story was going nowhere and I was getting bored with it. The author was trying to emulate Jane Austen style of writing but it did not work.

I am sorry to say this was not that good of read for me. It was poorly done and there was not a lot going on in order to keep the reader engaged. Characters were boring and very one dimensional. It took me for ever to get through this book.

I give this book 2/5 STARS - Happy Reading!!!

Other books by Syrie James:

The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen by Syrie James

What...more books

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Venom (Secrets of the Eternal Rose #1) by Fiona Paul

Book of Shadows (Sweep, #1) by Cate Tiernan‏

Blood and Ice by Robert Masello‏

Touched by the Alien (Katherine "Kitty" Katt) by Gini Koch‏

The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell by Chris Colfer

Belated Blogoanniversery Giveaway

Everneath (Everneath #1) by Brodi Ashton‏

The Wicket Intent (The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein, #2) by Kenneth Oppel‏

Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith by Deborah Heiligman

Let the Dead Sleep by Heather Graham

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce

Solstice Wood (Winter Rose #2) by Patricia A. McKillip

The Man Who Loved Books Too Much: The True Story of a Thief, a Detective, and a World of Literary Obsession by Allison Hoover Bartlett

Auntie Mame: An Irreverent Escapade by Patrick Dennis

The Enchanted Castle by E. Nesbit‏

Shadow of Night (A Discovery of Witches, #2) by Deborah Harkness

The World of Pooh (The Winnie-the-Pooh Series 1&2) by A.A. Milne

Upcoming Release(s) I'm Looking Forward Too, #1

A Glass of Blessing by Barbara Pym

Elemental: The First (Primord #1) by Alexandra May‏

Of Love And Other Demons by by Gabriel Garcí­a Márquez, translated by Edith Grossman‏

A Fractured Light (A Beautiful Dark #2) by Jocelyn Davies

Ironskin (Ironskin, #1) by Tina Connolly

The Missing Manuscript of Jane Austen by Syrie James

Of Love And Other Demons by by Gabriel García Márquez, translated by Edith Grossman‏