Not So Closet Geek Reviews

The Calling by Kelley Armstrong

2012-05-18T09:09:00.000-04:00

The Calling by Kelley Armstrong
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Summary

Maya Delaney's paw-print birthmark is the mark of what she truly is—a skin-walker. She can run faster, climb higher, and see better than nearly everyone else. Experiencing intense connections with the animals that roam the woods outside her home, Maya knows it's only a matter of time before she's able to Shift and become one of them. And she believes there may be others in her small town with surprising talents.

Now Maya and her friends have been forced to flee from their homes during a forest fire they suspect was deliberately set. Then they're kidnapped, and after a chilling helicopter crash, they find themselves in the Vancouver Island wilderness with nothing but their extraordinary abilities to help them get back home.

In The Calling, the sizzling second book in the Darkness Rising trilogy, New York Times bestselling author Kelley Armstrong pumps up the romance, danger, and suspense that left readers of The Gathering clamoring for more.

Review
I've been a huge Kelley Armstrong fan ever since I first discovered Bitten in 2008. And I've been very pleased with her transition into YA since then. While I always have the lingering feeling that I would have enjoyed her YA more while I was a younger teen, this is at no fault of the author. Her YA books are always well-written and consistent, if slightly subdued.

The Calling is a strong sequel and perhaps an altogether stronger book than it's predecessor. One thing that truly impressed me is that I'm not recognizing her characters from other series. With time, certain authors become bland because while their characters change in appearance and background, they essentially remain the same in personality. This is not a problem with Kelley Armstrong. Her characters are truly different. I don't automatically recognize the romantic interest as a poorly veiled repeat from a previous novel. The romantic interest isn't always the handsome guy, the nice guy, the misunderstood guy, or even the dangerous guy. Every character is a stranger at first. And it's always a pleasure to make their acquaintance.

My only complaint with this novel is that its setting is limited in scope. Her Women of the Otherworld series (originally, at least) is very much rooted in Jeremy's house, but we also get a nice sense of Elena's world away from the Pack. We feel the contrast between civilization with all its technology- and the Pack with its natural wilds. In the Darkest Powers series, the portrayal of the Lyle House is creepily excellent.

The Darkness Rising series has a lot of movement and nature to comprise its setting, but very little depth and sense of direction. I understand that this is partially due to the nature of the kids' escape, but I felt the setting was handled much better in Darkest Powers where kids were also on the run.

The Calling is another success for Armstrong. I'd recommend (re)reading The Summoning before reading The Calling as I found that I often needed to refresh my memory.

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Triple Shot Bettys in Love by Jody Gehrman (review)

2012-05-17T17:23:00.000-04:00

Summary

Geena's life tangles up rapidly in Triple Shot Bettys in Love. She's completely out of her comfort zone with the way things are heating up with her first boyfriend, Ben, and she's having difficulty keeping up. Then there's Sophie, Ben's "old friend" who is back in town with the appearance of having every intention of stealing Ben away. At school, things aren't any less simple when the gorgeous and profound new English teacher steals away all the female hearts, including that of Geena's best friend, Amber. Amber gets Geena's help to put on a sophisticated front to capture his interest. Geena, a bit besotted herself, agrees to compose messages and texts to be sent to him. In great contrast to Geena's muddled relationship with Ben is her mother's stable relationship with her new boyfriend. Nothing seems to be going right for Geena as her life grows more intricate and abstruse.

Review

Though this book is a sequel to Gehrman's earlier Confessions of a Triple Shot Betty, reading the first book is not a necessity for enjoying Triple Shot Bettys in Love, though it may prove helpful. I found this novel to be one of the most delightful I have read in months and was extremely pleased. For one thing, Geena had an impeccable taste in reading (in my opinion), with Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre ranking amongst her favorite books.
I loved the dynamic relationship between Geena and Ben and watched in horror as Sophie sabotaged it. And Sophie was truly the boyfriend stealing demon from every girl's nightmares. She proved a fashionable, sleek, and provocative opponent for a not-so-fashionable, slightly insecure skater girl like Geena. At first, readers may be unsure of Geena's views of Sophie stem from Geena's insecurities or from actuality. But by the end, readers will have no doubts of Sophie's true motives. Though Sophie may add to the problems between Geena and Ben, the greatest enemy is Geena's insecurity which is magnified when the Sophie-catalyst is added to the equation. Her feelings of inadequacy are emotions thousands of teenage girls can empathize with.

Gehrman's presentation of the steamy physical aspect of Geena and Ben's relationship was flawless. She aptly described how awkward and almost amusing certain moments can be with one's first boyfriend while other moments are delightfully intense. I felt Amber and Geena's fascination with the new English teacher a little over the top, but not so much that it distracted overly much from the general tone of the novel.

Reader's who decide to pick up Gehrman's Triple Shot Bettys in Love should not be disappointed.
~bella aire~

Triple Shot Bettys in Love (released in late January) can be preordered here:
http://www.amazon.com/Triple-Shot-Bettys-Love-Gehrman/dp/0803732481/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1226615477&sr=1-2

and the first book, Confessions of a Triple Shot Betty, can be bought here:
http://www.amazon.com/Confessions-Triple-Shot-Betty-Gehrman/dp/0142412686/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1226615454&sr=8-1

Invisible Lines by Mary Amato (Review by Jeannie Jones- MG)

2012-05-15T20:43:00.000-04:00

Review

Invisible Lines by Mary Amato was one of the most awesome, entertaining books I’ve ever read. It’s about a boy named Trevor, but everyone calls him Trev. His family is not very wealthy. Trev lives with his mom, his little sister Tish, and his little brother Michael. Trevor is going to a public school and meets some rich, awesome, soccer-playing boys. Meanwhile Trevor is very good at soccer himself. The boys that become his friends are Xander and Langley. But when Trev threatens Xander’s repudiation as the best soccer player, Xander makes trouble for Trevor.

As a middle school student, it is easy to relate to Trevor. The storyline was strong as well as the author’s writing. Amato understands how the minds of middle schoolers work and never talks down to us because of our age.

I would recommend this fun, realistic fiction novel to any person 5-8 grade. 5 stars.

JEANNIE JONES

Buy Invisible Lines from Amazon here.

Jeannie Jones is in sixth grade.

Arrows of the Queen by Mercedes Lackey

2012-05-14T20:59:00.000-04:00

Arrows of the Queen by Mercedes Lackey

Summary
Talia, a young runaway, is made a herald at the royal court after she rescues one of the legendary Companions. When she uncovers a plot to seize the throne, Talia must use her empathic powers to save the queen.

Review
Mercedes Lackey is a well-known name in the fantasy genre, and after reading Arrows of the Queen, I am beginning to understand why. This book has some rough edges and could use a bit more polish and development, but it has the bones of a truly excellent fantasy novel. And, from what I am given to understand, Lackey has honed her craft since the publishing of this first novel (Arrows of the Queen).

Lackey's world-building is excellent. I'm hoping to see a bit more development, but I suspect that this may be filled out in the sequels in this series. Her main character, Talia, is likable if slightly distant. Some of her supporting characters blend together- and it's a pity since all of them have potential as round characters. On the other hand, there were a few characters who were truly stand out. Jadus and Skif are subtle stars in this novel, each characterizing underrepresented relationships in the publishing industry.

In my own life, I have often bonded with older people. It was refreshing to see Talia and Jadus create such a relationship. Skif is a charming character in and of himself--however, his thwarted romance turned friendship is highly relatable and lovely to see in a novel. Books are too often filled with instant passion and eternal love. Skif provides a realistic comfort.

Overall, Lackey was an absolute pleasure to read. It is no wonder that her work has inspired devotion in so many readers throughout the decades.

Purchase Now

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Dark Kiss- Michelle Rowen

2012-05-01T18:31:00.000-04:00

Dark Kiss by Michelle Rowen
My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars

Summary

I don't do dangerous. Smart, über-careful, ordinary Samantha-that's me. But I just couldn't pass up a surprise kiss from my number-one unattainable crush. A kiss that did something to me...something strange. Now I feel hungry all the time, but not for food. It's like part of me is missing-and I don't know if I can get it back.

Then there's Bishop. At first I thought he was just a street kid, but the secrets he's keeping are as intense as his unearthly blue eyes. If he's what I think he is, he may be the only one who can help me. But something terrifying is closing in, and the one chance Bishop and I have to stop it means losing everything I ever wanted and embracing the darkness inside me....

Review

I’m a cautious fan of Rowen’s adult urban fantasy series, so I’m sorry to say that I found Dark Kiss rather predictable and unoriginal. I anticipate that Dark Kiss will do well in the young adult market despite my lack of confidence in the volume- chiefly because while I found the characters uninspiring, Dark Kiss is well written, and it’s about angels and the like. Paranormal romance is extremely popular in the young adult market right now, so I think sales will be fine.

Michelle Rowen’s adult series has something that Dark Kiss is lacking: a spark. Her adult series kept readers on there toes; Dark Kiss feels like something I’ve read many times. I wonder if reading Kagawa’s Immortal Rules prior to Dark Kiss influenced my opinion of it. Immortal Rules had extremely strong world-building, and Dark Kiss fell flat in comparison.

I probably will not read any sequels to Dark Kiss. But I will still recommend it to anyone interested in Paranormal Romance for YA. Maybe the problem is that I’ve always been an urban fantasy girl, and Dark Kiss isn’t exactly in that genre.

The Immortal Rules- Julie Kagawa

2012-04-21T10:21:00.000-04:00

The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Release Date: April 24

Summary
In a future world, Vampires reign. Humans are blood cattle. And one girl will search for the key to save humanity.

Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten.

Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them. The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked—and given the ultimate choice. Die or become one of the monsters.

Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad.

Then Allie is forced to flee into the unknown, outside her city walls. There she joins a ragged band of humans who are seeking a legend—a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike.

But it isn't easy to pass for human. Especially not around Zeke, who might see past the monster inside her. And Allie soon must decide what—and who—is worth dying for.

Review
I was really impressed with The Immortal Rules. Originally I was rather worried that this might be more typical vampire YA fanfare, but Kagawa's Iron series displayed a level of talent that gave me faith in this new series. Kagawa proved me right. Her latest novel is edgy and original. She presents us with a true dystopian vampire world. While this may have been done before in adult genres, it is very new to the YA genre, successfully combining two YA trend favorites: vampires and dystopian fiction.

Kagawa's world-building is magnificent. Her world has many different layers, a variety of tones, contrasting notes. Layers of humanity, religious tones, and notes of character development. I was truly impressed. While I felt distinct moments of adolescence in the Iron series, the Immortal series is fully developed, delving into complicated subjects.

I was pleased by the Iron series.
But I admire the Immortal series.

The first book closes with a bit of a poignant cliff-hanger but nothing too cruel.

Highly recommended. I look forward to Kagawa's Immortal sequels.

More Than You Know- Penny Vincenzi (review by Diana)

2012-04-20T21:31:00.001-04:00

More Than You Know: A Novel by Penny Vincenzi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Summary
It all comes down to love or money in a harrowing custody battle over a little girl, set against the glossy backdrop of the magazine and advertising worlds in 1960s London.

A privileged girl from a privileged class, Eliza has a dazzling career in the magazine world of the 1960s. But when she falls deeply in love with Matt, an edgy working-class boy, she gives up her ritzy, fast-paced lifestyle to get married.

By the end of the decade, however, their marriage has suffered a harrowing breakdown, culminating in divorce and a dramatic courtroom custody battle over their little girl. Also at risk is Eliza's gorgeous family home, a pawn in the game, which she can't bear to give up.

True to form, Penny Vincenzi introduces a devious cast of characters seemingly plucked from the pages of sixties- and seventies-era magazines, as she deftly maneuvers between the glamorous, moneyed worlds of fashion and advertising, and a heart-wrenching custody battle going on in the courtroom where the social mores of the time are on full display.

Review
This was my first Penny Vincenzi novel, and I've found reading it to be a rewarding, if not pleasant, experience.

More Than You Know follows two people from different worlds as they stumble into love and later crash out of it. It elegantly shows how a marriage with so much love can go so wrong. This is the first time I've read an up-close portrayal of a divorce and found it successful in it's representation. The pain in this novel is vivid and intense. Readers will come to understand how two people, neither of them 'bad', can be so bad together.

However, I will warn forward-thinking females that Matt, our male protagonist, will drive you mad with his neanderthal values towards the role of women in a marriage. His antiquated views, however, were not uncommon in the setting of this novel: 1960s London.

Which brings me to my final point. I felt Vincenzi could have done so much more with this setting. There is so much opportunity for literary art in such a memorable setting. I felt Vincenzi's setting did not live up to its potential.

Overall, More Than You Know is a novel whose strength lies in its characters and their dynamics. This is much more than a fluffy beach read. This is a novel for a summer storm.

View all my reviews

In My Mailbox (3)

2012-04-18T15:41:00.000-04:00

Release Date: April 24

In this irresistible memoir, the New York Times bestselling author and winner of the Pulitzer Prize Anna Quindlen writes about looking back and ahead—and celebrating it all—as she considers marriage, girlfriends, our mothers, faith, loss, all the stuff in our closets, and more.

From childhood memories to manic motherhood to middle age, Quindlen uses the events of her own life to illuminate our own. Along with the downsides of age, she says, can come wisdom, a perspective on life that makes it satisfying and even joyful. Candid, funny, moving, Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake is filled with the sharp insights and revealing observations that have long confirmed Quindlen’s status as America’s laureate of real life.

It’s hate at first sight.

Jasmine Farah and Rocco di Angelo are competing for the same job in a dusty office in a secret Federal agency run by the mysterious, menacing Jefferson Davis Crawley – “Creepy” Crawley, as he’s known.

When Crawley is murdered in front of them after their first day on the job, Jasmine and Rocco are left to figure out who killed their new boss, and exactly what a job in the so-called Department of Magic entails. And magic, it seems, is nothing like it seems in children’s books; it’s dark and bloody and sexual.

What follows is a nightmare gallop through a world of ghosts, spooks, vampires, demons, and the minions of South American and Voodoo gods hell-bent on destroying the world and subjugating all America in the year 2012.

Only Rock and Jazz, in the company of a ragtag team of urhobos – homeless guardians of the District of Columbia– can prevent it by resurrecting “Goddess America” in a mystical ceremony on the Fourth of July, as the story reaches its bittersweet and unforeseen climax.

Release Date: April 24

After her father loses the family fortune in an insider-trading scheme, single mom Parker Welles is faced with some hard decisions. First order of business: go to Gideon's Cove, Maine, to sell the only thing she now owns—a decrepit house in need of some serious flipping. When her father's wingman, James Cahill, asks to go with her, she's not thrilled -- even if he is fairly gorgeous and knows his way around a toolbox.

Having to fend for herself financially for the first time in her life, Parker signs on as a florist's assistant and starts to find out who she really is. Maybe James isn't the glib lawyer she always thought he was. And maybe the house isn't the only thing that needs a little TLC.

Paula Brandon’s epic and captivating trilogy continues as magic and mystery wreak havoc with the very fabric of existence.

Reality is wavering. Soon its delicate balance will shift and an ancient force will return to overwhelm the Veiled Isles. Now those with the arcane talent forge an uneasy alliance in hopes that their combined abilities are enough to avert an eerie catastrophe. Yet it may be too late. The otherworldly change has begun. The streets of the city are rife with chaos, plague, and revolt. And it is here that Jianna Belandor, once a pampered daughter of privilege, returns to face new challenges.

The dead walk the streets. The docile amphibian slaves of humanity have taken up arms. Jianna’s home lies in ruins. Her only happiness resides in her growing attraction to Falaste Rione, a brilliant nomadic physician whose compassion and courage have led him to take dangerous risks. Jianna, stronger and more powerful than she knows, has a role to play in the unfolding destiny of her world. But a wave of madness is sweeping across the land, and time is running out—even for magic.

Deceived by the Others by Jess Haines

2012-04-14T19:02:00.000-04:00

Summary
They're here, and they're real. . .werewolves, vampires, mages, and other creatures of the night. For New York P.I. Shiarra Waynest, taking care of Others business started out as a way to stay solvent. But now business is getting very, very complicated. . .

Shiarra's relationship with sexy werewolf Chaz may be somewhat unconventional. Still, after a few bumps, Shia is finally ready to get serious. That means meeting family—or in this case, bringing Chaz's entire werewolf pack along for a rollicking full-moon weekend in the Catskills.

Soon after they arrive, threatening notes appear, warning Chaz to go home. Then their cabin is ransacked. Shia starts digging to find out whether it's the work of upstart teenaged werewolves or something more sinister. Yet as rumors about her vampire connections arouse the pack's hostility, Shia has to contend with other dangers. Not just from an adversary about to make his fatal intentions known, but from a threat that's even closer than she knows. . .

Review
I suppose the first thing I can say is that I picked up the first book of Jess Haines' series yesterday. And right now I'm freaking out because the fourth book doesn't come out until July. I'm having a total spazz meltdown. And I think that sentence proves it.

Because I am incapable of writing a review without a little context, I want to mention that I really enjoyed Jess Haines' first book in this series, Hunted by the Others. It stood apart from all the urban fantasy I've read recently. Lately, I've enjoyed a number of urban fantasy series, but they all seemed a little off. One descended into romantic drivel in book 3. Another lagged in book 2. Some felt rushed. Others had dialogue issues.

So while I really enjoyed Haines' book 1, I had some reservations about book 2. But book 2 was a strong sequel where my only complaint was some character discontinuity. As in I felt that a character didn't stay true to the author's original portrayal.

Well. Book 3 put everything into perspective and made Haines a contender for my favorite authors list. Absolutely incredible! I had some doubts at times, I will admit. The earlier 'villains' in book 3 are non-traditional to say in the least. But the way Haines used them to weave two plots together was absolute genius.

I really can't say much more without a generous helping of spoilery, so I'm going to wrap up this review.

Deceived by Others is a brilliant show stopper in a solid urban fantasy series brimming with endless potential. I look forward to seeing what Haines does with this series in the future.

Quotes for Today (2)

2012-04-06T11:34:00.001-04:00

Europe was created by history. America was created by philosophy.

Rita Mae Brown

-Margaret Thatcher (Random)

The statistics on sanity are that one out of every four people is suffering from a mental illness. Look at your 3 best friends. If they're ok, then it's you.
― Rita Mae Brown (Random)

In spite of illness, in spite even of the archenemy sorrow, one can remain alive long past the usual date of disintegration if one is unafraid of change, insatiable in intellectual curiosity, interested in big things, and happy in small ways.
-Edith Wharton (QOTD)

It's easier to go down a hill than up it but the view is much better at the top.
-Henry Ward Beecher (Brainyquote)

Quotes for Today (1)

2012-04-05T09:13:00.000-04:00

No one ever told me I was pretty when I was a little girl. All little girls should be told they're pretty, even if they aren't.
-Marilyn Monroe (Random)

Hollywood always wanted me to be pretty, but I fought for realism.
- Bette Davis (QOTD)

Tell me who admires and loves you, and I will tell you who you are.
-Antoine de Saint-Exupery (Brainyquote)

Despite my ghoulish reputation, I really have the heart of a small boy. I keep it in a jar on my desk.
- Robert Bloch (Goodreads)

In My Mailbox (2)

2012-04-05T06:54:00.000-04:00

Dark Kiss by Michelle Rowen
I don't do dangerious, Smart, über-careful, ordinary Samantha-that's me. But I just couldn't pass up a surprise kiss from my number-one unattainable crush. A kiss that did something to me...something strange. Now I feel hungry all the time, but not for food. It's like part of me is missing-and I don't know if I can get it back. Then there's Bishop. At first I thought he was just a street kid, but the secrets he's keeping are as intense as his unearthly blue eyes. If he's what I think he is, he may be the only one who can help me. But something terrifying is closing in, and the one chance Bishop and I have to stop it means losing everything I ever wanted and embracing the darkness inside me.... NIGHTWATCHERS When angels and demons must work together, something beyond evil is rising...

Goddess Interrupted by Aimee Carter
Kate Winters has won immortality. But if she wants a life with Henry in the Underworld, she'll have to fight for it.Becoming immortal wasn't supposed to be the easy part. Though Kate is about to be crowned Queen of the Underworld, she's as isolated as ever. And despite her growing love for Henry, ruler of the Underworld, he's becoming ever more distant and secretive. Then, in the midst of Kate's coronation, Henry is abducted by the only being powerful enough to kill him: the King of the Titans.As the other gods prepare for a war that could end them all, it is up to Kate to save Henry from the depths of Tartarus. But in order to navigate the endless caverns of the Underworld, Kate must enlist the help of the one person who is the greatest threat to her future. Henry's first wife, Persephone.

The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa
Publication Date: April 24, 2012
Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten.

Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them. The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked—and given the ultimate choice. Die or become one of the monsters.

Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad.

Then Allie is forced to flee into the unknown, outside her city walls. There she joins a ragged band of humans who are seeking a legend—a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike.

But it isn't easy to pass for human. Especially not around Zeke, who might see past the monster inside her. And Allie soon must decide what—and who—is worth dying for.

Hunted by Others by Jess Haines
(I was actually really pleased with this book. Positive review forthcoming. Edit: Promptly read entire existing series, so the review will actually be of the most recent book in the series.)
Shiarra Waynest's detective work was dangerous enough when her client base was strictly mortal. But ailing finances have forced her to accept a lucrative case that could save her firm - if it doesn't kill her first. Shiarra has signed on to work for a high-level mage to recover an ancient artifact owned by one of New York's most powerful vampires. As soon as Shiarra meets sexy, mesmerizing vamp Alec Royce, she knows her assignment is even more complicated than she thought. With a clandestine anti-Other group trying to recruit her, and magi being eliminated, Shiarra needs back-up and enlists her ex-boyfriend - a werewolf whose non-furry form is disarmingly appealing - and a nerdy mage with surprising talents. But it may not be enough. In a city where the undead roam, magic rules, and even the Others aren't always what they seem, Shiarra has just become the secret weapon in a battle between good and evil - whether she likes it or not...

Teaser Tuesday (2)

2012-04-03T23:25:00.002-04:00

It's barely Tuesday, but I've made it!

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along!

Just do the following:
Grab your current read
Open to a random page
Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Goddess Interrupted by Aimee Carter

"I looked away, refusing to let her see my eyes fill with tears. Losing would mean destruction beyond anything I could comprehend."

Teaser Tuesday (1)

2012-03-27T15:07:00.001-04:00

It's Sacrificial Magic's release day! So excited.

"Her discomfort grew with every step. Which made sense, seeing as how every step took her closer to playing no-you-don't with a pair of homicidal crazies."

In My Mailbox (1)

2012-03-26T15:01:00.003-04:00

More Than You Know- Penny Vincenzi

Publication Date: April 3, 2012

It all comes down to love or money in a harrowing custody battle over a little girl, set against the glossy backdrop of the magazine and advertising worlds in 1960s London.

A privileged girl from a privileged class, Eliza has a dazzling career in the magazine world of the 1960s. But when she falls deeply in love with Matt, an edgy working-class boy, she gives up her ritzy, fast-paced lifestyle to get married.

By the end of the decade, however, their marriage has suffered a harrowing breakdown, culminating in divorce and a dramatic courtroom custody battle over their little girl. Also at risk is Eliza's gorgeous family home, a pawn in the game, which she can't bear to give up.

True to form, Penny Vincenzi introduces a devious cast of characters seemingly plucked from the pages of sixties- and seventies-era magazines, as she deftly maneuvers between the glamorous, moneyed worlds of fashion and advertising, and a heart-wrenching custody battle going on in the courtroom where the social mores of the time are on full display.

Royal Street- Suzanna Johnson

Publication Date: April 10, 2012

As the junior wizard sentinel for New Orleans, Drusilla Jaco’s job involves a lot more potion-mixing and pixie-retrieval than sniffing out supernatural bad guys like rogue vampires and lethal were-creatures. DJ's boss and mentor, Gerald St. Simon, is the wizard tasked with protecting the city from anyone or anything that might slip over from the preternatural beyond.

Then Hurricane Katrina hammers New Orleans’ fragile levees, unleashing more than just dangerous flood waters.

While winds howled and Lake Pontchartrain surged, the borders between the modern city and the Otherworld crumbled. Now, the undead and the restless are roaming the Big Easy, and a serial killer with ties to voodoo is murdering the soldiers sent to help the city recover.

To make it worse, Gerry has gone missing, the wizards’ Elders have assigned a grenade-toting assassin as DJ’s new partner, and undead pirate Jean Lafitte wants to make her walk his plank. The search for Gerry and for the serial killer turns personal when DJ learns the hard way that loyalty requires sacrifice, allies come from the unlikeliest places, and duty mixed with love creates one bitter gumbo.

The Origins of Sex- Faramez Dabhoiwala

Publication Date: May 1, 2012

A man admits that, when drunk, he tried to have sex with an eighteen-year-old girl; she is arrested and denies they had intercourse, but finally begs God's forgiveness. Then she is publicly hanged alongside her attacker. These events took place in 1644, in Boston, where today they would be viewed with horror. How--and when--did such a complete transformation of our culture's attitudes toward sex occur?

In The Origins of Sex, Faramerz Dabhoiwala provides a landmark history, one that will revolutionize our understanding of the origins of sexuality in modern Western culture. For millennia, sex had been strictly regulated by the Church, the state, and society, who vigorously and brutally attempted to punish any sex outside of marriage. But by 1800, everything had changed. Drawing on vast research--from canon law to court cases, from novels to pornography, not to mention the diaries and letters of people great and ordinary--Dabhoiwala shows how this dramatic change came about, tracing the interplay of intellectual trends, religious and cultural shifts, and politics and demographics. The Enlightenment led to the presumption that sex was a private matter; that morality could not be imposed; that men, not women, were the more lustful gender. Moreover, the rise of cities eroded community-based moral policing, and religious divisions undermined both church authority and fear of divine punishment. Sex became a central topic in poetry, drama, and fiction; diarists such as Samuel Pepys obsessed over it. In the 1700s, it became possible for a Church of Scotland leader to commend complete sexual liberty for both men and women. Arguing that the sexual revolution that really counted occurred long before the cultural movement of the 1960s, Dabhoiwala offers readers an engaging and wholly original look at the Western world's relationship to sex.
Deeply researched and powerfully argued, The Origins of Sex is a major work of history.

The Self Illusion- Bruce Hood

Most of us believe that we are an independent, coherent self--an individual inside our head who thinks, watches, wonders, dreams, and makes plans for the future. This sense of our self may seem incredibly real but a wealth of recent scientific evidence reveals that it is not what it seems--it is all an illusion.

In The Self Illusion, Bruce Hood reveals how the self emerges during childhood and how the architecture of the developing brain enables us to become social animals dependent on each other. Humans spend proportionally the greatest amount of time in childhood compared to any other animal. It's not only to learn from others, Hood notes, but also to learn to become like others. We learn to become our self. Even as adults we are continually developing and elaborating this story, learning to become different selves in different situations--the work self, the home self, the parent self. Moreover, Hood shows that this already fluid process--the construction of self--has dramatically changed in recent years. Social networking activities--such as blogging, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter--are fast becoming socialization on steroids. The speed and ease at which we can form alliances and relationships are outstripping the same selection processes that shaped our self prior to the internet era. Things will never be the same again in the online social world. Hood offers our first glimpse into this unchartered territory.

Who we are is, in short, a story of our self--a narrative that our brain creates. Like the science fiction movie, we are living in a matrix that is our mind. But Hood concludes that though the self is an illusion, it is an illusion we must continue to embrace to live happily in human society.

Conquering the North Face- Hap Klopp (with Brian Tarcy)

Conquering the North Face: An Adventure in Leadership is about a new kind of leadership in business and in life. Founder and 20-year CEO of The North Face, Klopp presents an irreverent and iconoclastic challenge to conventional ideas about leadership, and offers an invitation to create a wide-open, have-fun approach to business. Using stories and metaphors from his personal involvement in the world of adventure, Klopp explains not only how to lead but why you should. Designed to be read in no more than a single cross country airplane flight, this uplifting, refreshing book provides memorable tools and strategies for leaders everywhere to employ to conquier their own personal mountains, and to have fun while scaling the peak.

Speed Reviews- Recent Urban Fantasy

2012-03-24T13:18:00.000-04:00

*Please note that 'Speed Reviews' are reserved only for self-purchased books. Books from publishers get full length reviews.

Blood Rights- Kristen Painter (Book 1)
This book should've been really good; it had tons of potential. However, there is an inexplicable disconnect in the characterization. Something is missing. I still hold hope for it's sequels.

One Salt Sea- Seanan McGuire (Book 5)
Absolutely brilliant. So far I've been reading this series for its potential to be something incredible. Finally my hopes have been realized.

Speed Reviews- Recent YA

2012-03-23T15:41:00.003-04:00

*Please note that 'Speed Reviews' are reserved only for self-purchased books. Books from publishers get full length reviews.

Shatter Me- Tahereh Mafi (Book 1)
This book had potential. But I just couldn't shake the feeling that this author is young. She made some errors in her writing craft such as experimenting with artistic writing not quite successfully. It made me wish she had waited a few more years to publish this novel...or that she had a better editor.

Overall, a solid YA dystopian novel. I look forward to seeing this author grow in her future work.

The Decoy Princess- Dawn Cook (Book 1)
How is it that not every one gave this book 5-stars? It's definitely an extremely strong novel in it's genre. The characters are captivating. Also, an interesting note: Dawn Cook is a pseudonym of Kim Harrison!

The Demon King- Cinda Williams Chima (Book 1)
Read it. Now. That is all.

Upcoming Release: Sacrificial Magic by Stacia Kane

2012-03-22T17:09:00.001-04:00

Sacrificial Magic is fourth in Stacia Kane's Downside Ghosts series. This series is one of my all-time favorites, and I really cannot recommend it enough. Since Sacrificial Magic will be released this coming Tuesday, I've decided to share the book description with you here. Get excited! You have just enough time to catch up with the series before publication day.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
When Chess Putnam is ordered by an infamous crime boss—who also happens to be her drug dealer—to use her powers as a witch to solve a grisly murder involving dark magic, she knows she must rise to the challenge. Adding to the intensity: Chess’s boyfriend, Terrible, doesn’t trust her, and Lex, the son of a rival crime lord, is trying to reignite the sparks between him and Chess.

Plus there’s the little matter of Chess’s real job as a ghost hunter for the Church of Real Truth, investigating reports of a haunting at a school in the heart of Downside. Someone seems to be taking a crash course in summoning the dead—and if Chess doesn’t watch her back, she may soon be joining their ranks.

As Chess is drawn into a shadowy world of twisted secrets and dark violence, it soon becomes clear that she’s not going to emerge from its depths without making the ultimate sacrifice.

Speed Reviews- Recent Urban Fantasy

2012-03-22T16:17:00.000-04:00

*Please note that 'Speed Reviews' are reserved only for self-purchased books. Books from publishers get full length reviews.

Magic in the Blood- Devon Monk (Book 2)

This barely made the cut, but hints of an intricate future plot tip this book into the four star category.

Blood Lust- Michelle Rowen (Book 2)
This book is good. It could have been a four star- the plot had incredible twists and turns and momentum. However, the book felt rushed in the character and emotional aspect.

Overall, I would recommend that you read this. I hold hope that future books in this series will increase in strength.

*NOTE*
Because the first book felt so short, this review is actually for the first and second book in this series.

Mind Games- Carolyn Crane (Book 1)
A solid idea, a solid execution...but there is something missing in characterization. Where Packard is concerned, I feel like the problem might be telling, not showing.

Stacia Kane on the "Friend Zone"

2012-03-22T10:33:00.000-04:00

This is an excellent post by author Stacia Kane on the ‘Friend Zone’. Important for both men and women to read. Click here for full article on her website.

I'd also love to hear any feedback that you have.

Speed Reviews: Recent Urban Fantasy

2012-03-21T01:18:00.004-04:00

*Please note that 'Speed Reviews' are reserved only for self-purchased books. Books from publishers get full length reviews.

The Isis Collar- Cat Adams (Book 4)
I really was hoping for more development in this novel.

Bad Blood- Kristen Painter (Book 3)
I feel like some of the characters weren't quite true to their original personalities. I also seem to forgotten (during all the character ambiguity) why I originally really liked Chrysabelle. Gorgeous cover, though.

Shadow City- Diana Pharaoh Francis (Book 3)
Even though I truly loved the previous two books, the alternating viewpoint in this one drove me mad. Every time I got into a storyline, I was yanked out and thrust into a new one. Also, I'm frustrated by losing some more beloved characters.

Speed Reviews- Recent Urban Fantasy

2012-03-17T11:01:00.000-04:00

Here are some quick reviews for some of my recent urban fantasy reads!

Urban Shaman- C.E. Murphy (Book 1)
I'm not really sure why some people were harsh with this book. The heroine was likable, the plot was well-paced, and there was so much room left for development later on in the series.

And best of all, while this wasn't exactly urban fantasy (I'd call in modern fantasy), it didn't turn out to be a sneaky paranormal romance. Hate it when that happens.

A Sliver of Shadow- Allison Pang (Book 2)
Wow. I thought the first book was so-so, so I was surprised by how incredible this one was! If you are on the fence about continuing with this series, I highly recommend that you keep reading.

Vicious Circle- Linda Robertson (Book 1)

Despite occasional lapses in writing quality, this book really picks up at the end. Overall, a strong opener in a series despite it's uneven writing.Vicious Circle- Linda Robertson (Book 1)

Undone: Outcast Season Book One by Rachel Caine (Review by Bella Aire)

2012-03-01T17:05:00.000-05:00

Cassiel was once Djinn. But when she refused to do what she was asked, she became human.

Cassiel doesn’t like or understand humankind. To live, she has to use the power of the human Wardens, so she is partnered with the Warden Manny. Manny is somehow different from what she expected. He gives her a chance when no one else will, and he trusts her enough to introduce her to his family. As Cassiel watches Manny and his family, her views of the human race begin to change. She can no longer observe humankind distantly; now Cassiel is a participant. She forms a bond with Manny’s young daughter, Isabel, and a different sort of connection with Manny’s intense brother, Luis.

Cassiel is content to remain distant from it all until a tragedy occurs, and she is forced to partner up with Luis to prevent an unknown disaster from occurring.

I loved Cassiel’s fresh perspective as a human who doesn’t like…humans. She begins as a very cold protagonist, but that changes as the novel progresses. The longer she is human, the more kind and caring she becomes. This is especially apparent as Cassiel’s understanding of right and wrong develops, and her feelings for her fellow humans form. I loved the contrast shown between the early and late Cassiel. What surprised me was how much I liked her throughout. She doesn’t come off as the likeable sort, but I understood the choices she made in Undone.

The world Rachel Caine created, full of Wardens and Djinn, had a tremendous amount of depth and her characters were extremely convincing. Undone started off fast and never really slowed down. Putting down this book was near impossible and with good reason. A question is formed in the reader’s mind during the first few pages that isn’t answered until the closing few. Though some questions are answered, Undone doesn’t really reach a true resolution. Instead, the novel wraps up with a classic cliffhanger. One thing is for sure- Rachel Caine knows how to keep her fans reading.

It is clear that Rachel Caine knows what she’s doing where writing is concerned. When the rest of the series comes out, I will be reading them. I’m excited to have come across such superb series recently…particularly since some of my old favorites (Gemma Doyle Trilogy, Twilight Series, etc.) came to a close this past year.

Order Undone here: http://www.amazon.com/Undone-Outcast-Season-Book-1/dp/0451462610/ref=pd_bbs_sr_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1232504963&sr=8-4

Check out Caine's website here: http://www.rachelcaine.com/

Speed Reviews- Recent YA

2012-02-21T14:10:00.000-05:00

Quick reviews of my recent YA reads.

Reckoning- Lili St. Crow (Book 5)
I'm not going to lie- the ending was rather lackluster. I often enjoy not-quite-resolved conclusions, but I needed some more closure from this ending. I suspect many readers won't feel quite satisfied with the way this 5-book series ends.

Hallowed- Cynthia Hand (Book 2)
If you liked the first book, you'll definitely like this one! The choice she made in the end killed me.

Daughter of Smoke and Bone- Laini Taylor (Book 1)
Very highly recommended. There is something very mysterious, delicious, and fragile about this book. The author has a true talent.

Girl in the Arena by Lise Haines (review by Bella Aire)

2012-02-15T17:41:00.000-05:00

Synopsis:
Lyn is a neo-gladiator’s daughter, through and through. Her mother has made a career out of marrying into the high-profile world of televised blood sport, and the rules of the Gladiator Sports Association are second nature to their family. Always lend ineffable confidence to the gladiator. Remind him constantly of his victories. And most importantly: Never leave the stadium when your father is dying. The rules help the family survive, but rules—and the GSA—can also turn against you. When a gifted young fighter kills Lyn’s seventh father, he also captures Lyn’s dowry bracelet, which means she must marry him... For fans of The Hunger Games and Fight Club, Lise Haines’ debut novel is a mesmerizing look at a world addicted to violence—a modern world that’s disturbingly easy to imagine.

Review:
This book was certainly one to pique my interest. The premise was a promising one, and it possessed a theme that I suspect will hit a wave in young adult popularity in these next few years (not unlike the popularity seen with pirates and vampires in this age group).

Girl in the Arena has a wonderful idea...but a poor execution. The violent dystopian spin on this novel is reminiscent of great works such as 1984 and, as the inside cover boasts, Fight Club. Like those novels, Girl in the Arena makes a reader pause to think..what if? Books such as these serve as a reminder to our culture to be wary of the direction in which we are heading, and, for that reason, these novels are always useful.

This novel didn't stop at creating a warning through the plot; it proceeded to issue warnings through the characters. For example, Lyn's mother has married seven times and no longer knows how to keep her life together without a man's presence in it. As the novel progresses, we learn that her seven husbands weren't exactly strong candidates for that role (with her second husband perhaps being the sole exception). The only interruption in her role as a wife is her role as a mother. Unfortunately, this interruption is not strong enough to fight her identity as a wife. In addition, Lyn's mother has to follow a strict set of rules as the wife of a gladiator and holds little, if any, freedom in life. This character makes it obvious that no woman should live for a man...nor should she be completely reliant on him.

Other than the strong social commentary, Girl in the Arena proved to be a rather weak novel. The writing was choppy and uneven in certain places, and the book ended somewhat abruptly. But what bothered me most was the lack of connection between the author and Lyn. This author/protaganist connection is vital to any strong novel. This does not mean that the author has to like their character (some of the greatest classics in literature have some of the most unlikable protaganists). Rather, the author has to fully understand their character. I didn't get the feeling that Haines reached out and truly felt what Lyn was thinking, feeling, or seeing.

Still, despite its lack of finesse in certain areas, Girl in the Arena serves as a good compare-and-contrast novel against the world we live in today. I particularly recommend it to anyone interested in dystopia and the decline of humanity. However, if a reader really wants a strong, modern, Young Adult novel in this catergory, I would have to reference them to The Hunger Games, the first in Suzanne Collins' brilliant trilogy.

always,
~bella aire~

Check out this amusing Girl in the Arena YouTube video here.
Or stop by Lise Haines' site.

Finally, you can purchase Girl in the Arena here.