"The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" by Robert Louis Stevenson

I wasn't sure I was going to finish this one after reading the first ten percent, but something about the book kept drawing me further into it- despite the fact that I know the basic plot. The title of the book has become a sort of catch phrase for multiple personalities, sudden personality changes, and inevitable mood swings. In a way, it's unfair that this classic has been absorbed into modern lingo, instead of being read like a book (as it should be). It's impossible to say what my impression of this book would've been if I'd been uninformed about the plot, but I think I would've enjoyed it more.

This book follows Mr. Utterson on his quest to inform Dr. Jekyll, an upstanding pillar of the community, that the man who benefits from his goodwill, Mr. Hyde, is a no-good scoundrel. It never seems to occur to Mr. Utterson that it is absolutely no business of his what happens to Dr. Jekyll's estate, but I think we've all seen the tabloid melodrama that occurs every time a celebrity passes on. It's curious to ponder why we care about such things- and it likely has something to do with greed and envy. Still, Mr. Utterson AKA busybody of the year must go about his busy-ness, otherwise, the plot of this book would go nowhere fast.

The Plot (As Seen on Goodreads):
'In this harrowing tale of good and evil, the mild-mannered Dr. Jekyll develops a potion that unleashes his secret, inner persona—the loathsome, twisted Mr. Hyde.'

I don't think I've read any of Robert Louis Stevenson's writing before, and I was impressed with the turns of phrase he crafted throughout this novel. Sometimes good writing can draw you deeper into a book, and I think that was the case with The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde for me- I knew the plot, but somehow I still remained interested. It's worth noting that I skimmed some passages due to an abundance of over-emotional, drawn-out plot combustion (AKA, the plot was coming to fruition, and there were several, "but wait, there's more"-type paragraphs). True, other Gothic novels I've loved have done the same thing, but this one didn't get off scot free for it.

My favorite section of conversation, Mr. Enfield telling Mr. Utterson to watch himself:

"You start a question, and it's like starting a stone. You sit quietly on the top of a hill; and away the stone goes, starting others; and presently some bland old bird (the last you would have thought of) is knocked on the head in his own back garden and the family have to change their name. No sir, I make it a rule of mine: the more it looks like Queer Street, the less I ask."

      ~The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson, 8% Kindle edition

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde had some great moments, but in the end it felt like an overlong short story. True, I may feel that way due to knowing the plot beforehand, but a book blogger must always give an honest impression, and mine is this- this is a good book, but I won't mourn long if I forget everything about it a few months from now (unless, of course, it comes up as a question on Jeopardy!- then I'll be sad). If you want a quick, classic horror book to read prior to this year's Halloween festivities, this one might fit the bill- just don't anticipate Mr. Hyde to reach out and scare you overmuch.

Rating: 3 of 5 Stars for a enticingly written horror classic.

Age Advisory: Ages 14+ for violence, dark themes, and sudden personality changes.

Page Count: 144 pages

"Shifting Dreams (Cambio Springs #1)" by Elizabeth Hunter

About a month ago the author (who is one of my favorites) emailed me about perhaps reading and reviewing her newest addition to the Cambio Springs series. The problem was, I hadn't read it yet, although when I looked it up, it wasn't the genre I thought it was. I'm not sure why, but I'd gotten the impression this was a contemporary romance series rather than a paranormal/urban romance and fantasy series. So when the first two books in this series came up as a super cheap Kindle Daily Deal, I snagged both of them.

Fast forward to when I actually picked it up: I was pretty much hooked from the start. It always seems like there is a static heroine for paranormal romance books: independent, but down on her luck, single, usually (and boringly) of European descent, and usually pretty alone in the world, so the vampires/shifters/paranormal beings can scoop her up into their weird version of the world. With this book, the heroine, Jena, is already part of the paranormal world, when an outsider arrives to become their sheriff. She also has children (two boys), family, and friends who all live in the small town of Cambio Springs. Jena has a more varied ancestry than your usual heroine, along with more responsibilities- and it makes her so much more interesting because of it.

The Plot (As Seen on Goodreads):
'Somedays, Jena Crowe just can’t get a break. Work at her diner never ends, her two boys are bundles of energy, and she’s pretty sure her oldest is about to shift into something furry or feathery. Added to that, changes seem to be coming to the tiny town of Cambio Springs—big changes that not everyone in the isolated town of shapeshifters is thrilled about.
'Caleb Gilbert was looking for change, and the quiet desert town seemed just the ticket for a more peaceful life. He never counted on violence finding him, nor could he have predicted just how crazy his new life would become.
'When murder rocks their small community, Caleb and Jena will have to work together. And when the new Chief of Police isn’t put off by any of her usual defenses, Jena may be faced with the most frightening change of all: lowering the defenses around her carefully guarded heart.'

Caleb, being the token outsider in an insider town, had much more to adjust to. He realizes something fishy is going on in the town, but isn't certain what until he starts drinking the Kool Aid, so to speak. After he drinks said Kool Aid, everything becomes much clearer, even as what he thought he believed gets turned upside down. He was easy to relate to but I didn't find him as interesting as Jena, maybe because he wasn't already embedded into the culture of Cambio Springs.

Some of my favorite characters in this book weren't even really a part of the main storyline, which makes me want to pick up the next book right now and cross my fingers that their number didn't come up. Joe Quinn, who we meet on the first page, reminded me of quite a few 'characters' in my own family. There is an obvious set up for the next book within this one, but really it only gives you something to look forward to. I can't really put my finger on why this book hasn't made it to the four stars ranking, but despite the charm and excellent characterization, I felt something was missing.

Shifting Dreams is a genre-bending paranormal romance that has a wide range of appeal to niche readers. So you like small towns? Mysteries set in small towns? But with some romance? How about some outside the box elements? Perhaps some paranormal aspects? And add in some kids for 'aww' moments? If you answered yes to all of those queries, this will be an ideal read for you.

Rating: 3.5 of 5 Stars for a great, mysterious shifter romance!

Content: Ages 18+ for violence and steamy scenes.

Page Count: 260 pages

MMRM: "The Body Snatcher" by Robert Louis Stevenson and "A Terribly Strange Bed" by Wilkie Collins

'Tis the season for the unearthly, the undead, and the downright macabre. Not everyone can read an entire book in time for Halloween- some of us are too busy with other books, or even other things (gasp). For those poor souls, I offer these reviews: I will be writing my thoughts on some of my favorite short stories for this spooky season, either one at a time or in pairs.

This Year's MMRMs:
#5: "The Wendigo" by Algernon Blackwood

"The Body Snatcher" by Robert Louis Stevenson

Available to read for free, online here.

Rating: 3.5 Stars (Great)
Content: Ghoulish imagery and death (Ages 13+)
Page Count: Approximately 20 pages
Year Published: 1884

Although this one covers events that were most likely to happen in the 1800s, there is now a modern day equivalent for the practice that is a bit more macabre. However, back in 1800s, body snatching was a necessity of the medical practice- how else could one learn how to be a surgeon, if there weren't sufficient corpses available to science?

The Plot: Old acquaintances meet again by happenstance, still haunted by their mutual secret...

What I liked about this story was the ghoulishness. It probably wouldn't survive past a modern day editor, as it is a tad overlong and wandering, but at its core lies a plot worthy of my favorite short fiction author, Edgar Allan Poe. Unlike last week's MMRM, this one doesn't feature any quotes I can use without spoiling, so I'll omit them. Also unlike last week's edition, there is no racism in the story... but I highly doubt any of the characters are remotely diverse.

I recommend "The Body Snatcher" to those who don't mind a story that takes a while to get to the point, but is great for Halloween and the month of October nonetheless.

"A Terribly Strange Bed" by Wilkie Collins

Available to read for free, online here. 

Rating: 3.5 Stars (Great)
Content: Dastardly plots (Ages 13+)
Page Count: It says 48 pages on Goodreads, but I think it's shorter.
Year Published: 1852

What a terribly strange story! It is rather predictable, since you know from the start something will be wrong with the bed, even if you can't predict what or how it might occur. The writing was of a better caliber than "The Body Snatcher", and there wasn't near as much plot lollygagging, which appeals to me as someone who likes instant gratification.

The Plot: A man visiting Paris wins big at a gambling house, but when he stays the night, strange things begin to transpire...

This reminded me of a certain story that predates this fiction (which I will disclose if you highlight [due to possible spoilers]: Sweeney Todd), but it isn't exactly identical, so I wasn't too put off by the resemblance. The story did make me want to read more of Wilkie Collins's work, as this was my first impression of his storytelling ability. 

I also learned a new word in the course of reading this short story: lachrymose- tearful or given to weeping.

Overall, this was a great little short story that didn't have as much of the gothic elements and surprises as I am used to. However, if you like a well-rounded short story that doesn't have any serious deficits, this is one to read. Just don't expect to be too astonished when the big reveal happens.

Mini Macabre Review Monday Link-up (For Those Who Wish to Participate in this Feature)

"First of Spring (Gardinian World #2)" by Kelsey Jordan

Disclaimer: I was given a free advanced e-copy of this book from a book promoter in exchange for an honest review. My opinion remains as forthright as ever.

The setup of this book is fairly traditional in paranormal romance, but the rest of First of Spring is not. You may need a refresher course of The Lycan Hunter (*raises hand*) to get back into the intense mythology of the series. I had to make sure the heroine was who I thought she was before starting the book, as well as puzzle over the cover.

The cover, it should be noted, makes more sense when you finish the book than when you start it. Because of this, it's my favorite cover yet of the Gardinian World series.

The Plot: (As Seen on Goodreads)
'Caution: Contains sizzling otherworldly romance between two people trying to exist in a world where two races battle for superiority and the gods who find new ways to add more chaos to the mix.
'Forged from a childhood filled with bloodshed and death, Trent had been raised with a blood-soaked blade in his hands. He lives the life of a warrior—an unspoken act of redemption for his mother’s ultimate sacrifice. As the acting Mikko of the Order of Rockys, Trent leads the most dominant Lycans in the world. For that reason alone, he has no use or understanding for those who embrace their vulnerabilities rather than rally against them.
'Aryana doesn't dream of love everlasting. Her life is ruled by a song that echoes from the halls of Oblivia, a fate that came to her under the thundering hooves of the Mares of Night. She is going to die, but with no clue as to when or why. Aryana is forced to do everything she can to negate the haunting words of fate:
'Weakness dies and you are weak.
'In a battle against circumstances carved from the whispered words of fate, how far will Trent have to fall to protect Aryana from meddlesome gods and their merciless disregard for mortals?'

It's almost inevitable that even your most favorite authors will write characters you don't particularly like- unless your favorite author regurgitates past characters and passes them off as 'new'. Although I did like Trent and Aryana, Aryana was a bit too easily put in her place, but also a little stubborn over the simple things. Near the end of the book, Trent put Aryana in her place with a display that was a bit of a blurred line for me, and had me narrowing my eyes especially the amount of time this strange display took place. I'm not a fan of the overbearing alpha male (unlike most other romance readers), so I doubt anyone else will be raising their eyebrows as far as I did, but for those who dislike some of the 'pack hierarchy' I-must-prove-my-dominance displays, it may make you twitch a little.

I still found a favorite quote, despite my ambivalence towards the protagonists:

'"One day, you'll beg me to kiss you. I might like you then."'

The best part of this book for me is undoubtedly the worldbuilding. While Heart of a Rocky did have some worldbuilding in it, it wasn't quite to the extent of The Lycan Hunter or this book, which builds heavily on the already unique world. While we did see some god-play in The Lycan Hunter, this book blows it out of the water. I can't say more without spoiling, but really- if you were a fan of the mythology in the first novel of the series, grab this book to read.

First of Spring continues the tradition of action-packed, mythology-rich paranormal romance that is indicative of the Gardinian World series. Even though the characters weren't my favorites, there was a lot to like about them and their interesting entanglement. I recommend First of Spring to anyone who read and loved The Lycan Hunter, especially if you're a fan of alpha males.

Rating: 3.5 of 5 Stars for a great I-didn't-see-the-plot-coming second book in the series!

Content: Ages 18+ for sexual content, violence, and a lot of 'game of gods'.

"Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley

Caution: This review reads a little like a sex ed. manual- due to the large amount of genetic engineering going on in the book. If you have especially delicate sensibilities, scroll on.

If you've ever thought much about the various (and sometimes near miraculous) ways people can use to get pregnant in this modern world, it becomes amazing to know that when Brave New World was written, IVF and other modern means of conception weren't even invented. In fact, Robert Edwards, the man who developed In Vitro Fertilisation, was only seven years old when this book was published. I open with these factoids because most of the people of Brave New World were born without use of a female body- essentially, literal test tube babies developed only with use of sperm and eggs, but never ever know the people who those sperm and ovum came from. The word 'mother' in this book is used as a derogatory curse.

So imagine yourself starting out as a baby with no parents- trained in a government facilities to the dictates of your class (Alpha = Smarter, better educated to continue to rule the world, Epsilon = Stunted growth in the plastic womb, trained to be maintenence workers). You are taught to only socialize with your peers, and dislike any other class but your own, except to respect your betters- but how to cram that much social engineering in without the prospect of rebellion? You have machines dictating to you in your sleep. That is the basis of society in Brave New World.

The Plot: (As Seen on Goodreads)
'Far in the future, the World Controllers have created the ideal society. Through clever use of genetic engineering, brainwashing and recreational sex and drugs, all its members are happy consumers. Bernard Marx seems alone harbouring an ill-defined longing to break free. A visit to one of the few remaining Savage Reservations, where the old, imperfect life still continues, may be the cure for his distress...'

As you may be able to tell, I loved the ideas in this book. Some of them even have modern day correlations- the Epsilons were basically under-nurtured from the start, which reminded me of a recent report on the severe lead poisoning that is still impacting the people who lived in Freddie Gray's neighborhood in Baltimore, Maryland. Luckily, there weren't many more dystopian parallels I found between our world and the one of Brave New World, but this book certainly makes you think about the ones you come across.

The great weaknesses of this book revolve around the fact that it's mostly an idea book. Although some characters are likable, some have a tendency to change their mind on things they'd previously held dear. Other characters are difficult to get to know due to the fact this is, in part at least, a satire. The female characters really aren't anything to celebrate, as they're all very similar- focused on work and changing up the men they're with because being monogamous is bad for you (there's the satire). There isn't much depth to the plot, but you usually don't notice it because your mind is busy taking in the upside down morals and before-its-time ideas.

One of many favorite quotations:

'"But I don't want comfort. I want God, I want poetry, I want real danger, I want freedom, I want goodness. I want sin."'

    ~Brave New World by Aldous Huxley, 92% Kindle edition

Brave New World is filled with wondrous medical technology ideas. It also uses those ideas to fuel the plot of the book, rather than having much of a cohesive story progression. But, if you look beyond the lack of 'normal' storytelling and character development, it truly has a style all its own, that makes you read on, even when you aren't drooling over the characters. I recommend Brave New World to those who love science fiction, with an emphasis on the science.

Rating: 4 of 5 Stars for an excellent idea book that's a little short on the usual trappings of fiction.

Content: Ages 16+ for violence, as well as drug (Soma) and sexual references (Zip-Zip, Orgyporgy, you name it). Also, racial slurs.

Page Count: 268 pages

Preview Review: "When the Heavens Fall" by Marc Turner

Disclaimer: I was given a free advanced preview of this book from NetGalley/the publisher (Tor) in exchange for an honest review. My opinion remains as forthright as ever.

To Be Released: May 19th

This will be a fairly short review, as so far there isn't much to discuss, since I only got to read the first five chapters, but they went by quickly. I saw this advertised on NetGalley being for 'fans of Patrick Rothfuss', and decided to request it, since I'm a bit of a superfan of his (I stalk him on all social media platforms, and weep over the fact Doors of Stone doesn't appear to be coming soon enough). Although I was getting a mild Rothfuss vibe, it's too soon to tell if I will love it as well as my precious, the Kingkiller Chronicle.

The Plot: (As Seen on Goodreads)
'The first of an epic swords & sorcery fantasy series for fans of Patrick Rothfuss, When the Heavens Fall features gritty characters, deadly magic, and meddlesome gods.
'If you pick a fight with Shroud, the Lord of the Dead, you had better make sure you end up on the winning side, else death will mark only the beginning of your suffering.
'A book that gives its wielder power over the dead has been stolen from a fellowship of mages that has kept the powerful relic dormant for centuries. The thief, a crafty, power-hungry necromancer, intends to use the Book of Lost Souls to resurrect an ancient race and challenge Shroud for dominion of the underworld. Shroud counters by sending his most formidable servants to seize the artifact at all cost.
'However, the god is not the only one interested in the Book, and a host of other forces converge, drawn by the powerful magic that has been unleashed. Among them is a reluctant Guardian who is commissioned by the Emperor to find the stolen Book, a troubled prince who battles enemies both personal and political, and a young girl of great power, whose past uniquely prepares her for an encounter with Shroud. The greatest threat to each of their quests lies not in the horror of an undead army but in the risk of betrayal from those closest to them. Each of their decisions comes at a personal cost and will not only affect them, but also determine the fate of their entire empire.'

As far as I have read at this point, I can't say I love any of the characters, but I do seem to have some favorites. As usual, the heroines are soaking up all the love, although one is annoying the hell out of me with her use of 'sirrah'. Luker is another who annoys me, but mostly because I keep internally bullying him in my head (you're such a looker, Luker!). They have all proven their valiant fighting skills, but I tend to look for a little more in my protagonists than their physical strength. But, as I've said, it's hard to judge a book on the first few chapters, especially with epic fantasy (which often keeps you guessing about motivations, etc. until the final page of the book).

The first five chapters of When the Heavens Fall have me intrigued. Although I have no idea how I'll feel about the whole book, because the little I read made me yell at my Kindle when I came to the end of the last chapter (Not Really a Spoiler: it ended on a cliffhanger- make sure you buy/borrow the entire book before reading), I feel it's very promising. I can't recommend it yet entirely, but I put my stamp of approval on the first five chapters, and hope the book will live up to my expectations whenever I manage to snag the completed edition.

Preview Edition Rating: 4 of 5 Stars for an excellent beginning that makes one want the whole tamale.

Content: So far, just blood and guts, with a touch of meddlesome gods/magicians.

Chapter Count: I've read the first five!

O.o.O.C.: "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency (No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency #1)" by Alexander McCall Smith

I received this book unexpectedly when my mother brought home That '80s Motorhome. I had heard of this book, but had assumed since it was a 'mystery' it would probably be set in the US or UK, as most mysteries seem to be placed in either region. To my surprise, I found it was set in Botswana, which was mostly why I read it almost immediately after I received it- my Travel the World in Books Challenge needed a boost.

Despite most assumptions, this book's main genre doesn't seem to be 'mystery'. In fact, it's more contemporary fiction than mystery because it really doesn't keep you guessing. The mysteries (there are multiple) make the book feel almost like you're reading a collection of short stories instead of a complete book- although they are based on one woman P.I.'s adventures, they aren't exactly riveting. Instead, you are taken on the ups and downs of a woman's first foray into small business, with a little (job-related) stalking on the side.

The Plot: (As Seen on Goodreads)
'Precious Ramotswe in Botswana sits in the shade and ponders the wisdom of her cattle farmer father, observes her neighbors, and cares for employers and subjects with humor. A clinic doctor has two different personalities depending on the day of the week. A Christian sect member vanishes. A witch doctor may have the bones of a kidnapped boy in his magic kit.'

To give you fair warning, Precious's life story is also part of this book. Her life isn't all that rosey, as she deals with difficult issues like domestic abuse and finding out what you really want out of life. But, during the course of her story, you grow to admire and respect her character, even if she isn't your favorite character ever penned by the end of the story.

Beyond her character, a lot of the story is character-driven by a series of Precious's clients. You get to see some of Botswana circa 1990s, but it really didn't take me there as much as I expected it to. One of the stories involves Precious driving over a snake in the road, which most people from my grandparents' old stomping grounds would know/deal with in Montana, so I was a little disappointed. The most interesting case is summarized in the synopsis- it deals with witchcraft, but still... I guess I wanted details of more African wildlife, like I watch on PBS. (I'm a bit of a nature addict). Botswana didn't come alive in this book for me, unfortunately.

By now, you should know that The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency wasn't my favorite book ever. That's okay, because if every book (even those not in my genres) were my favorite, I'd be a little worried about how objective I can be while still being a book blogger. However, if you like contemporary fiction with a little mystery set in an exotic locale, it wouldn't hurt to try this book, as long as you aren't looking for anything to make you fall head-over-heels in love with a new genre.

Rating: 3 of 5 Stars for a good read with an interesting setting.

Content: Ages 16+ for mild sexual references, violence, and witchcraft.

Page Count: 235 pages in my secondhand paperback edition

"The Perfume Collector" by Kathleen Tessaro

Although this book isn't entirely set in Paris, France and/or England, I think it qualifies for the Travel the World in Books Challenge because the vast majority of it does.

I was searching for a historical fiction book in my piles to read and came across this one. Despite its length, the synopsis sounded intriguing enough (along with the pretty cover) that I picked it up.

The first thing I noticed about this book once I began reading it was that the pages flew by swiftly. Maybe it's due to the mysterious plot, but despite areas of reminiscence and chunks of description did nothing to slow this book's progress. It's rare that I devour a 400+ page historical fiction in a few days, and yet with this book it was possible.

The Plot:
Grace Munroe receives notice of an inheritance bequeathed to her- the only problem? She has never heard of or met the stranger before, the stranger whose name is Eva d'Orsey. Traveling to Paris without her husband, Grace meets with the lawyers in charge of the bequeathal, but refuses to disband Eva's estate before she learns who she is, and how she knew Grace. Will Eva d'Orsey's secrets be revealed, or go with her to the grave?

The best part of this book was its characters and setting. I've always sought to find books that give me a feel of an era or a city (in this case, Paris) and I think The Perfume Collector really makes you feel (and smell) like you're in Paris circa 1955. Grace is immensely relatable because of her imperfect relationships and her slightly outsider-ish status. This book also provides flashbacks into Eva's life, and although I didn't exactly relate to her, I feel like she is one of the more real characters in the book. The things she suffers and the choices she makes build on her personality as she ages into the woman she was before she died.

One of the aspects in this book that made it easy (as pie) to guess the plot was one of the character's traits. I won't say more about it, but I can't imagine many people went the entire book without having some clue as to why Eva would leave everything to Grace, as the plotline of this book isn't hard to come by, even in general fiction.

The Perfume Collector is the book I'd sell alongside perfumes. Although it isn't really a love story, it's deeply romantic and makes you wish you were in Paris in 1955. If you want a surprisingly fast-paced historical set in vintage Paris for your next read, I'd strongly suggest The Perfume Collector.

Rating: 4 of 5 Stars for an excellent set of characters in a not-so-remarkable plot.

Content: Ages 16+ for brief sexual content (and insinuations), and lots of perfume descriptions.

Page Count: 464 pages

"Magic Strikes (Kate Daniels #3)" by Ilona Andrews

This review features a book that is the third in the Kate Daniels series, and may have minor spoilers for those who have not read Magic Bites and Magic Burns. My review of the first book can be found here.

The trouble with the Kate Daniels series is: once you devour the first two, the addictive drug laced in the pages forces you to read all the rest of them. I swear, even though I read these on my Kindle, that there is some sort of drugging going on (subliminal messaging? Alien mind melding? Incredibly snarky dialogue?). Each book gets incrementally better, until you are forced to stop because... the eighth book isn't quite published yet. Fiddlesticks.

Carrying on, this is the defining book of the Kate/Curran dynamic. If you were lukewarm about their dealings before, Magic Strikes will strike you like Eros's arrow. No joke. I've warned you. If you don't have enough money to pick up the next book (or the rest of the series) than don't read this one... just step away while you still can.

The Plot (As Seen on Goodreads):
'When magic strikes and Atlanta goes to pieces, it’s a job for Kate Daniels…
'Drafted into working for the Order of Merciful Aid, mercenary Kate Daniels has more paranormal problems than she knows what to do with these days. And in Atlanta, where magic comes and goes like the tide, that’s saying a lot.
'But when Kate's werewolf friend Derek is discovered nearly dead, she must confront her greatest challenge yet. As her investigation leads her to the Midnight Games—an invitation only, no holds barred, ultimate preternatural fighting tournament—she and Curran, the Lord of the Beasts, uncover a dark plot that may forever alter the face of Atlanta's shapeshifting community…'

Other than being illicitly addicting, this book also takes a closer look at Kate's past, answering the burning question: how did she become so badass? The Midnight Games (think Gladiator with Russell Crowe) bring out some unusual flashbacks, as well as some interesting characters she hoped to avoid. And also, some fresh mythology I haven't seen used before (ever) in a book.

The Midnight Games also bring out plenty of subterfuge on the account of some of Kate's friends. I use the italics because it seems to suit me in this review, and also because who Kate thinks of as friend and foe gets a bit muddled in this book. In other words, I can't tell you more without spoiling, but I will leave you with my favorite bit of banter from the book:

'I sighed and put Slayer between the front seats. "Stay here. Guard the car."
'Saiman shut the door. "Is the sword sentient?"
'"No. But I like to pretend it is."'

    ~Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews, page 56 Kindle edition

Magic Strikes made me grin and immediately reach for the next in the series, or in my case, desperately swipe with my finger until I found it on my bloated Kindle Fire carousel. While certainly exceptional, it didn't quite breach the ultra exclusive five star rating, probably because I was left wanting more. I recommend Magic Strikes to anyone who has read the first two books in the series and is willing to read several more (or all the rest) of Kate Daniels's adventures.

Rating: 4.5 of 5 Stars for an honestly addictive third book in the series!

Content: Ages 18+ for hot tubs, vicious violence, and more choice cursing. Also, sexual content.

Page Count: 310 pages

"Interview With The Vampire (The Vampire Chronicles #1)" by Anne Rice

Sometime during my thrift store jaunts, I started noticing a lot of old hardcover books that were languishing on the shelves. I have an interest in vintage fiction, and was shocked to find first editions in that section of both Anne Rice's Interview With The Vampire and Steven King's The Stand. I wasn't sold on either genre or author at the time, but picked them up because I've never had first editions of any book published prior to 2005.

This October I'd planned to read the Interview, but didn't finish it until early December and have been procrastinating on my review of it ever since. This book is very emotional, highly descriptive, and I often found myself staring into space while reading it. These are Anne Rice's famous vampires? They're kind of strange... maybe even stranger than me.

The (Basic) Plot:
A vampire named Louis offers to have an interview to a budding journalist, who becomes enthralled with Louis's story.

I think one of the things that threw me off the most is that the entire book is a dialogue, and sometimes the moody Louis stops and stares into space (just like me). He is pretty angsty for a vampire, which I understand (immortality would be kind of boring after a hundred years or so), but Louis isn't exactly what I expected of the vampires in this book.

But there was something about those darn vampires that unsettled me- I didn't see them as the least bit scary, despite all their antics. It's true I don't get scared about much anymore beyond the inhospitable environment of hospitals (the U.S. healthcare system is positively medieval), but I still expected to fear at least one of the vamps. Instead, I watched their petty rivalries and quests for knowledge play out with fascination, not fear.

My favorite character in this book, despite all the rest of the characters being well drawn out, was Lestat. The guy reminds me greatly of Joffrey of A Game of Thrones, in that he's an insufferable brat, but there's something very lovable about his brattiness (while nothing is lovable about Joffrey). Lestat does as he pleases: taunting, terrorizing, and manifesting crocodile tears to get exactly what he wants. When I see Lestat- I don't see Tom Cruise, I see Jack Gleeson.

I know why Interview With The Vampire is a classic: there's something in the way Rice spins the story, and her wordsmithery is evocative. But it was also easy for me to put it down and not pick it up until a week later, even in the midst of reading an action scene. The strength of this book lies heavily in its outstanding characters, and so I recommend this for anyone who likes character-driven vampire tales.

Rating: 4 of 5 Stars for an excellent vampire classic!

Content: Ages 18+ for violence and sexual content.

Page Count: 310 pages in my hardcover first edition.

"Magic Burns (Kate Daniels #2)" by Ilona Andrews

This review features a book that is the second in the Kate Daniels series, and may have minor spoilers for those who have not read Magic Bites. My review of the first book can be found here.

I completed my Goodreads challenge of 100 books a little early this year, and the reason why is: the Kate Daniels series. I kid you not, once I began the second book (for the second time), I was enthralled, addicted, and kept swiping the pages of my ereader like a madwoman. So far I've read #2-4, plus the short stories up to #5 from Curran's perspective. So yes, if you don't have time to read the next few in the series, I would advise you not to pick Magic Burns up.

What changes in this book? Although we are briefly reminded of the world in which it's set, this book packs more action scenes and banter in instead of world-building. Kate may be one of my favorite heroines ever due to her incessant snark. Gods and goddesses also play a bigger role in this book, somewhat reminiscent of the Dresden Files.

The Plot (As Seen on Goodreads):
'Down in Atlanta, tempers – and temperatures – are about to flare…
'As a mercenary who cleans up after magic gone wrong, Kate Daniels has seen her share of occupational hazards. Normally, waves of paranormal energy ebb and flow across Atlanta like a tide. But once every seven years, a flare comes, a time when magic runs rampant. Now Kate’s going to have to deal with problems on a much bigger scale: a divine one.
'When Kate sets out to retrieve a set of stolen maps for the Pack, Atlanta’s paramilitary clan of shapeshifters, she quickly realizes much more at stake. During a flare, gods and goddesses can manifest – and battle for power. The stolen maps are only the opening gambit in an epic tug-of-war between two gods hoping for rebirth. And if Kate can’t stop the cataclysmic showdown, the city may not survive…'

I love Irish mythology, even though most of it I've had to learn from the internet. Most books tend to use Greek/Roman myths anymore, and while I think they're incredibly enthralling myths, they are also incredibly overused in books. Magic Burns introduces you to the myth of one particular god/goddess who I cannot reveal without spoiling, and I definitely learned more that myth while reading it.

Kate is less of a hardass in this book, showing her softer side more often (like anyone knew she had one in the first book). She has someone you might call a friend: Andrea, a sharpshooter and knight of the Guild, which is an experience she isn't quite used to. Although Curran takes to the background more in this book, the Beast Lord is still one of the driving characters in this book, and his unusual relationship with Kate comes to play in a fantastic ending.

Magic Burns is a hell of a sequel. Usually with me, the second book of a series is almost always a let down, and this is one of the rare cases (like Words of Radiance) where it outrates its predecessor. I recommend the Kate Daniels series to anyone looking to get caught up in an action-packed and surprisingly snarky urban fantasy series.

Rating: 4.5 of 5 Stars for an exceptional second book in the Kate Daniels series!

Content: Ages 18+ for violence, sexual reference, and choice swearing.

Page Count: 260 pages

"The Thirteenth Tale" by Diane Setterfield

This book has been on my want-to-read list for ages, and when I recently came across it in a thrift shop I was ecstatic. It's sometimes difficult to come across the books I want most, even if they're as prolific as this one was.

The Thirteenth Tale has all the elements I love in books: a mansion, a ghost, an eccentric family, more than a passing mention of books, as well as quotable quotes. My expectations of it were more than a little high due to all of my favorite elements being in place- I was sure this would be one of the favorite books I read this year.

The Plot:
Margaret Lea receives a letter from famous author Vida Winter asking her to come and stay at her house while writing her biography. The problem? Vida Winter is infamous for spinning tales about her life that ultimately end up fiction. Will Margaret be able to get to the truth, or will Vida Winter remain a mystery?

This book had everything going for it, and yet... something was missing when I finished it. I had been able to predict many of the plot twists, the characters weren't my favorites, and the writing style left me wanting. The main part of the problem, as I see it, was this: Vida Winter is supposed to be the best storyteller in England. And although it took me no time at all to finish this, having a world famous author for a character may have sabotaged my enjoyment... because the writing wasn't my style.

The best element of this book is its story- even when I was able to see things coming, I still wanted to read it and be sure I was right. Although most of my hunches did come to pass, there was a twist to the story I didn't see which was very far-fetched. I may like fantasy and the sudden reversals authors are able to make in fiction, but to me it made little sense- I was disappointed with the big reveal of it, and it left me raising a brow in silent protest.

The Thirteenth Tale is about the vagaries in our own lives and how we are prone to embellishing them. I finished this book in two nights after making little progress in any of my other books for a week, so the pacing is clearly well done. In all honesty, this book disappointed me most because my expectations of it were so high. If you like a compelling story with gothic elements, this book might be more your cup of coffee.

Rating: 3.5 of 5 Stars for a great yarn that left me a bit disappointed.

Content: Ages 18+ for sadism, implied rape scenes, and violence.

Page Count: 406 pages in my hardcover edition

"Trinity (The Koldun Code #1)" by Sophie Masson

Disclaimer:
I received this ebook for free via NetGalley, but in no way did it affect my literary taste buds. This critique is my honest opinion.

Book One of The Koldun Code Series

Expected Publication: November 13th, 2014

I have to say this is the first book I've obtained to review that I've seriously considered DNFing- the beginning just rubbed me the wrong way. This book has main characters that kind of have a 'love at first sight' connection: it isn't instalove, per se, but something close to instant emotional bond. As a plot-motivated reader, I was more interested in the mysterious deaths of the Trinity leaders than I was the romance, and usually I don't mind romance- it just wasn't my type of romance.

Another thing I noticed in the beginning were the strange conversation patterns between the two lovers- I've never been to Russia, but in America, when you say "Oh, Alexey," in a conversation, it begets images of black and white movies or soft-focus-lens soap operas. With the heroine swooning in a full-skirted dress, in the hero's arms. And soft violin music swirling in the background. Those are the images that came to mind that made me want to DNF.

The Plot: (Synopsis from Goodreads)
'I am in a world deeply strange and strangely deep, a world as different from my old life as it's possible to be, and it feels completely natural.
'An unexpected encounter with a handsome stranger in a Russian wood changes the life of 22-year-old traveler Helen Clement forever, catapulting her into a high-stakes world of passion, danger, and mystery. Tested in ways she could never have imagined, she must keep her own integrity in a world where dark forces threaten and ruthlessness and betrayal haunt every day.
'Set against a rising tide of magic and the paranormal in a modern Russia where the terrifying past continually leaks into the turbulent present, Trinity is a unique and gripping blend of conspiracy thriller, erotically charged romance and elements of the supernatural, laced with a murderous dose of company politics. With its roots deep in the fertile soil of Russian myth, legend, and history, it is also a fascinating glimpse into an extraordinary, distinctive country and amazingly rich culture.'

As I said, I more than considered DNFing due to the characters not being my type- but I read on (past 30%) and became more invested in the plot once it actually thickened. All three of Trinity's previous leaders had been mysteriously killed in ways that defied the laws of nature, but Alexey takes up the mantle of leader to help keep the loyal employees at their jobs despite the obvious danger. Usually I find fault with the heroes of romance-infused books, but this time there was nothing not to like- but Helen and his insta-connection never made sense to me, and I couldn't see what really zinged them together.

Helen reminded me of a heroine (who will remain anonymous) from an uber-popular series for the first half of the book. She seemed very open to love despite having come to Russia to escape memories of an awful relationship, and fell for Alexey hard. I understand the merits of their relationship, I just don't understand why she would place her trust so easily in the mysterious Alexey's hands after that bad a breakup. She isn't the strongest heroine, but I can see changes for the better in her by the end of the book.

It should be noted I learned a bit about Russian folklore by reading this, a treat in any novel set in a foreign country. Bears seemed to feature strongly, for reasons not divulged until the end. Many of the twists the story took I did not predict, which also makes this a more interesting read.

Trinity may start slowly, but the last fifty percent flew by with no conscious effort on my part. The ending. while not a cliffhanger, does to some extent leave you hanging and wanting more. If you're looking for a paranormal-infused romantic thriller set in Russia, this may be the book for you.

Rating: 3 of 5 Stars for a good story, once it begins.

Content: Ages 18+ for violence and non-explicit sex scenes.

Page Count: I cannot find a mention of page count as of now- I guess it's a mystery.

"The Historian" by Elizabeth Kostova

Tilt your head to the right- see the face?

It's interesting that I never saw the face on the cover of this book until I was packing it away for the move to Idaho. Whenever I thought of this book I always saw the red curtains with a piece of parchment in between- perhaps it was meant to look like that? Anyway, I found this cover more intriguing when I finally saw the face- I had actually read it and never saw that.

The Historian was one of my first vampire reads, besides the ubiquitous Twilight. I had planned to reread this when I first started book blogging back in April, but never got around to it until now. Something about it struck a note with me when I read it as a teen, and I hoped to relive that by rereading it.

The Plot: (As Seen on Goodreads)
'To you, perceptive reader, I bequeath my history…
'Late one night, exploring her father’s library, a young woman finds an ancient book and a cache of yellowing letters addressed ominously to ‘My dear and unfortunate successor’. Her discovery plunges her into a world she never dreamed of – a labyrinth where the secrets of her father’s past and her mother’s mysterious fate connect to an evil hidden in the depths of history.'

In a way, this is almost a travel book- you get to see a lot of tourist destinations in Europe through the diplomat's daughter's eyes, something many books lack. The settings are what I think appealed most to me, as a native Montanan teenager with who took only brief excursions to neighboring states and constantly dreamed of other places. Although I liked it and still see the benefits of this as an adult, a lot of what bogs this book down is the constant travelling and descriptions that don't really play into the plot.

It should also be mentioned that the events of this book takes place during the Cold War Era, despite much of the research that Sophia and her father do covering the medieval period when Vlad the Impaler was alive and/or buried. There are certain times when it's pertinent to the story, but in the beginning we learn Sophia is looking back on these events after more than a few years. So, a lot of time plays into this book- due to the lives of various historians and their work overlapping.

I think what makes this book a four star read, for me, is the ending. It's rare for a reader to find such a satisfying one that gives you both a glimpse of the future and of the past. Although the journey is riveting once past a certain point, there are areas that could have been condensed or thrown out altogether. The destination is almost a bit better than the journey in this book's case- a rarity indeed.

The Historian is an immense historical conspiracy with an ending that supersedes its vast page count. Even though it lulls at points, it would prove an interesting read for anyone who'd like a historical fiction on Vlad the Impaler or Dracula. If you like vampires, historical fiction, and conspiracy theories, and don't mind a bulky book, The Historian may be your kind of read.

Rating: 4 of 5 Stars for an excellent, if a bit long-winded, historical fiction of Dracula.

Content: Ages 16+ for violence and bloodsucking.

Page Count: 642 pages in my weighty hardcover edition

Some of the Locations in this Book:
Amsterdam
Oxford
Istanbul
Budapest
Sophia

Happy Halloween! I hope squirrels didn't eat your jack-o-lanterns, like they did my best one:

Before:
My cute Cheshire cat Jack-o-Lantern.

After:
My ugly squirrel-eaten Cheshire cat grin Jack-o-Lantern with no eyes or nose. See top Jack-o-Lantern.

"Poe" by J. Lincoln Fenn

I think you have to be a certain kind of reader to love this one as much as I did. A lot of people went into this book thinking, "Young Adult" but I have to disagree- my teen self would've liked it, but mainly thought it too weird and gorey. I would compare this with Odd Thomas- if you liked Odd, you'll probably enjoy meeting Dimitri.

The aspects that made this book perfect for me were the fact that Dimitri is a writer/journalist/sleuth- he has a book he's written that was a thousand pages and still going strong, he writes obituaries for the local paper, and has a droll humor/sarcastic personality. Other than the obituaries, that's pretty much me.

Also: an abandoned mansion, ghosts, and some Halloween mischief. I read this at the right time of year.

The Plot: (Synopsis As Seen on Goodreads)
'It’s Halloween, and life is grim for 23-year-old Dimitri Petrov. It’s the one-year anniversary of his parents’ deaths, he’s stuck on page one thousand of his Rasputin zombie novel, and he makes his living writing obituaries.
'But things turn from bleak to terrifying when Dimitri gets a last-minute assignment to cover a séance at the reputedly haunted Aspinwall Mansion.
'There, Dimitri meets Lisa, a punk-rock drummer he falls hard for. But just as he’s about to ask her out, he unwittingly unleashes malevolent forces, throwing him into a deadly mystery. When Dimitri wakes up, he is in the morgue—icy cold and haunted by a cryptic warning given by a tantalizing female spirit.
'As town residents begin to turn up gruesomely murdered, Dimitri must play detective in his own story and unravel the connections among his family, the Aspinwall Mansion, the female spirit, and the secrets held in a pair of crumbling antiquarian books. If he doesn't, it’s quite possible Lisa will be the next victim.'

This is one of the most quotable books I've ever read- I was highlighting a lot while reading this on my Kindle. I think, for me, some of the best quotes are general thoughts I have had myself, and the author expressed perfectly:

"I have watched enough cheesy detective television shows in my young life to know that when one is presented with an inexplicable mystery, the first order of business (after procuring good donuts and coffee--check) is to create a wall of clues with photos of suspects and article clippings, preferably in an artistic yet seemingly random fashion."

     ~Poe by J. Lincoln Fenn, page 96 Kindle edition

""There was a day when writers actually read," he grumbles. "They could quote Keats and Socrates. Now anyone with a keyboard and a fifth-grade education can call themselves a writer.""

     ~Poe by J. Lincoln Fenn, page 284 Kindle edition

Especially that last one- nowadays it seems like writers themselves read fewer and fewer books, books that could (and can) shape them into better writers. If you plan on being a professional author, it only makes sense that you should support your profession by buying and reading books.

What really made this a standout for me was a combination of things: the characters, the plot, the fast pace, and that quotable writing. Usually with books, I have a lot of things I would change about them, but this one proves itself to be my ideal as far as horror/urban fantasy/ghost stories.

Poe is simply my new favorite Halloween read. It's spooky and my kind of funny, even if I had predicted some of the plot long before Dimitri had a clue. If you want a book that is both scary and contemporary to devour before this Halloween, consider Poe for your next read.

Rating: 5 of 5 Stars for an extraordinary seasonal read!

Content: I advise Ages 18+ for swearing, graphic violence, and overall creepiness.

Page Count: 381 pages in the paperback edition

"The Spirit Guide" by Elizabeth Davies

Disclaimer:
I received this e-book for free from the author, but in no way did it affect my literary taste buds. This critique is my honest opinion.

When I'm looking for a book to read, one of the main things I like is something different- the storyline has to be intriguing, but also more than a tad original. As it turns out, many of the mainstream romance novels don't deliver- they are often part of a formula, with plot twists I can guess at the beginning and an ending that is exactly as I predicted, if not cornier. So when I was offered the chance to read this book- a book that is both historical and paranormal romance, I was hoping it wouldn't be like the many other similar genre books I've read.

It wasn't. I made many predictions during the course of reading this book- about who a character was, what plot twist was coming up next, how it would end - and most of them were completely wrong. In this scenario, I was happy to be wrong, and glad I'd agreed to review this book.

The Plot:
Seren is the daughter of a lord, who happens to see, and sometimes interact with, spirits of the dead. The trouble with this gift is that she often mistakes ghosts for actual people, as well as when she touches them, she relives the last moments of their death, leading to rumors of her being a witch. But when she becomes the lady-in-waiting of Lady Matilda de Braose, she finds she has a similar reaction to Lady Matilda's advisor Vaughan fitz Maddock, even though he's very much alive. Will Seren, with the help of a friend, be able to uncover the source of Vaughan's power?

As you can imagine, having a gift like Seren's would be an absolute disaster in the medieval age- especially since she happens to be highborn and in the public eye. All believed witches were given tests of their witchcraft that were impossible to survive, and usually concluded with burning at the stake. Seren tries her best to hide her abilities, but gets into many sticky situations.

The love story in this book is one of forbidden love, and so naturally things aren't as clean cut as they are in other romances I've read. Although Seren doesn't know what kind of situation she's stepped into at the beginning of her relationship with George, she is inexplicably drawn to him, but it never felt like an instalove scenario.

The Spirit Guide is anything but predictable. I had entire plotlines mapped out in my head of how the story would progress, yet they remained largely unfulfilled by the end of the book. If you're searching for a book that blends strong historical and paranormal elements into a tale of forbidden love, this may be the book for you.

Rating: 4 of 5 Stars for a book with plenty of unexpected twists.

Content: Ages 18+ for sex scenes, violence, domestic abuse, and adultery.

Page Count: 278 pages (estimated) for ebook edition.

"Embers" by Sándor Márai

Alternate Title: A Conversation that Lasts 139 Pages

Expectations? I thought this would be a rather tame old classic- it was published back in 1942 in Hungary. I was a bit kerfuffled when things took a strange turn at 60% (page 131), but I'm getting ahead of myself. My expectations, thank goodness, weren't the reality of this book.

Recently I've been reading a lot of books about friendship (Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, rereading Remarkable Creatures by Tracy Chevalier for this blog), but I think this one takes the cake as far as friendship problems. The friends are both elderly males who grew up together- one comes from a wealthy, titled background (he owns a castle), the other one has struggled with poverty and guilt over his parents paying his room and board at military school. Recipe for disaster? Not necessarily, in my opinion, but what I thought about them at the start of the book changed completely once past the infamous page 131.

The Plot:
Two men, the General and his best friend forever Konrad, had a falling out 41 years ago, and haven't heard, seen, or written to each other since. But the General has heard Konrad is finally on his way to see him- and prepares a dinner almost identical to the one they had after they had their argument, and plots his revenge, as well as how to get the answers he needs. Will their friendship be able to survive the night?

What I liked about this book is it keeps you guessing. I had theorized some of what had broken their contact, but not all of it, and that is what is essential to the mystery part of this book. There would be absolutely no enjoyment in reading this book if you read the spoilers, something I'm happy to report I didn't do.

My personal bone of contention with this lovely classic is... little to no closure. I mean, when it finally ended, I was pissed off- I realize the author did give us some closure, but not enough for me, and not in the way I wanted it. It was as if the author (now deceased, rest in peace) was either winking at me or flipping me off by the last page of the book. I can respect that, but I kind of wanted what I wanted (which is incredibly hard to speak about without spoiling it), and I didn't get it. He left this poor book devourer hungry, and I can't even demand answers at a book signing or in stalkerish emails.

Embers is truly a masterful classic. It takes you into the inner sanctum of bromance and leaves you wanting more, even if the main characters do wax poetic for a little longer than I'd like. If you're desiring a classic that proves it's anything but bland, Embers is my recommendation for you.

Note: My original rating was 3ish Stars, but I'm left thinking about this book three days later, hence the...

Rating: 4 of 5 Stars for a classic that broke my brain for a few days...

Content: Ages 16+ for themes of... I can't really tell you. Mild violence and unsatisfying revenge, in addition to racial slurs and minor sexism (i.e. there's a part that says "A feeling known only to men. A feeling called friendship." which makes no sense).

Page Count: 213 pages in my paperback edition