Thursday, December 29, 2011

Book Review: Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder

Touch of  Power
Author: Maria V. Snyder
Publication: Mira; Original edition (December 20, 2011)


Description: Laying hands upon the injured and dying, Avry of Kazan absorbs their wounds and diseases into herself. But rather than being honored for her skills, she is hunted. Healers like Avry are accused of spreading the plague that has decimated the Fifteen Realms, leaving the survivors in a state of chaos.


Stressed and tired from hiding, Avry is abducted by a band of rogues who, shockingly, value her gift above the golden bounty offered for her capture. Their leader, an enigmatic captor-protector with powers of his own, is unequivocal in his demands: Avry must heal a plague-stricken prince—leader of a campaign against her people. As they traverse the daunting Nine Mountains, beset by mercenaries and magical dangers, Avry must decide who is worth healing and what is worth dying for. Because the price of peace may well be her life….


My Thoughts: Maria V. Snyder has created an extraordinary fantasy world filled with characters we can care about. Avry is on the run. She is a healer in a world that blames healers for the plague that devastated the world killing a huge number of the people and leaving the remaining people in a state of political chaos. When she heals a little girl and is turned in by the girl's father, she is scheduled to be killed by guillotine.

When she is broken out of jail by a group of men that wants her to heal someone, she is at first reluctant to go along. She had reconciled herself to dying and was just tired of the constant running. But her will to live kicks in and she goes with them. Than she finds out who they want her to heal. Ryne is the ruler of one of the realms. She has met him before when he tried to coerce her mentor into healing his sister and who spread the rumor that healers caused the plague when she refused. He is also the one who owned the mine where Avry's father and older brother worked until the mine collapsed killing them. She refuses to heal him.

The leader of the band who freed Avry from jail is determined to bring her to Ryne and is willing to do anything to get her to heal him. He doesn't know that healers don't survive healing someone with the plague. Avry does. Avry and Kerrick begin their relationship badly. She hates him and he doesn't care for her either beyond being a means to an end. They are constantly sparring verbally. But at the same time, Avry does become close to Kerrick's band of rogues. It is the first time she has allowed herself to care for anyone since the plague ruined her life.

Avry gradually becomes aware of the bigger political situation which she didn't care about when her only care was to survive. Now she becomes involved in the whole political mess. Kerrick supports Ryne who is opposed by Tolon. Tolon is using his magic to create an army of the dead and is a really scary sociopath. Kerrick, Ryne, Tolon and a few other characters have all known each other since they were sent to the boarding school where the children of rulers went to learn to rule. They were fierce rivals there and now the rivalry has gone beyond children's games to playing with real lives. Avry decides to heal Ryne even at the cost of her life because he is the best hope for the survival of the world.

The mystical aspect of this story has to do with some people with magical gifts - Avry who can heal by taking the illness or injury into herself, Tolon who can reanimate the dead, and Kerrick who has forest magic and the ability to sense anyone in a forest and to camouflage himself within it. It also has to do with some semi-sentient plants called Death Lilies and Peace Lilies whose role in the world is just beginning to be known.

I recommend this story to fantasy lovers and will be looking forward to Avry's second story - Scent of Magic - which is coming in 2013.


Favorite Quote:
"He said nothing to me," I said. "Why would I be upset?" Aside from the dozen soldiers behind us.

She pursed her full lips, considering. "Because I might steal him back."

I laughed. "Please do. He's been a pain in my ass for the past two months."
I bought this one. You can get yours at Amazon too


Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Midwinter's Eve Giveaway Hop Winners

I was pleased to take part in the Midwinter's Eve Giveaway Hop sponsored by Inspired Kathy from I Am a Reader, Not a Writer and Jessie from Oasis for YA and The Daily Harrell. I had two prizes to offer.
For my US followers, I had a surprise box of ARCs and other books I had received for review. I had 104 entrants. The winner chosen by Random.org is entrant #10:

Rachel Brooks from Texas

The International winner gets a book of their choice (up to $15 US) from The Book Depository. I had 78 entrants. The winner chosen by Random.org is entrant #64:

Biliana from Bulgaria

The winners have been notified. Thanks to everyone for participating in this hop.


Book Review: Magic Gifts by Ilona Andrews

Magic Gifts
Author: Ilona Andrews
Publication: Self-published as a Christmas gift to fans

Description: A dinner date after a hard day at work sounds heavenly. Of course, when that date is between the Beast Lord and Kate Daniels, things don’t go as planned. Before you know it, undead are running amok, heads are being chopped off, lawyers are deployed and used with extreme prejudice, and drunk vikings are calling people out.

My Thoughts: This was a great short novel about a dinner date that leads to all sorts of mayhem and conflict. Curran wants to take Kate to a Korean restaurant for a date. Also at the restaurant are two drivers of vampires out for a romantic date. When the young man gives the young woman a necklace, it kills her causing the vampires to run amok. Curran and Kate make short work of them but their troubles aren't over.

When the parents of the young woman who was choked by necklace come to the scene, the father reaches for the necklace only to have it snatched from him by his wife and clasped around her seven-year-old son's neck. Ghastek wants the necklace as compensation for the loss of his journeywoman and the vampires. Kate wants to protect the child and get the necklace off him. Kate and Curran win this one and start a search to find a way to remove the necklace and save the child that has them dealing with drunk vikings and an undead monster who loves human flesh.

You would think that would be enough on Kate's agenda but the problem with the lack of leadership in the Mercenary Guild is also looming. The Pack owns 20% and the inability of the Guild to choose a leader has made Kate the one who must break the tie. She has been avoiding the issue but is forced to confront it here.

This was a great story with all the romantic byplay between Kate and Curran that we have come to expect. Kate is her usual snarky and brilliant self. Curran is strong, sexy, supportive and more than willing to manipulate Kate for her own good.

This story provides a nice fix as we wait for Andrea's story - Gunmetal Magic - which is coming in the summer of 2012.

Favorite Quote:
Curran's blond eyebrows came together. "Does there have to be a special occasion for me to take you out to dinner?"

Yes. "No."
I downloaded this one from their website. Act quickly. This one is only available here until two weeks after Dec. 24.

2012 - Year of the TBR

I was planning to go challenge free this year and concentrate on reading my TBR mountain which has reached the overwhelming height of 1210 books. Subtracting the 189 young adult books in that tally leaves 1023 adult books on the stack.


Here is the view of the top of my entertainment center as of Dec. 22, 2011. These are mainly books that have arrived since the end of August. Older unread books are in baskets and crates in my office and on a variety of TBR bookshelves around my house.


But Rose City Reader alerted me to two challenges that I just can't pass up.
My Reader's Block is hosting the Mount TBR Reading Challenge 2012. Check her blog for all the details. Here are the Challenge Levels:
  • Pike's Peak: Read 12 books from your TBR pile/s
  • Mt. Vancouver: Read 25 books from your TBR pile/s
  • Mt. Ararat: Read 40 books from your TBR piles/s
  • Mt. Kilimanjaro: Read 50 books from your TBR pile/s
  • El Toro: Read 75 books from your TBR pile/s
  • Mt. Everest: Read 100+ books from your TBR pile/s
Not to overstretch myself, I am just signing up for the Mt. Vancouver level but am hoping to upgrade as the year goes on.
The second challenge I am signing up for is the Off the Shelf 2012 challenge hosted by Bookish Ardour. You can get all the details here


Challenge Levels

  1. Tempted– Choose 5 books to read
  2. Trying – Choose 15 books to read
  3. Making A Dint – Choose 30 books to read
  4. On A Roll – Choose 50 books to read
  5. Flying Off – Choose 75 books to read
  6. Hoarder – Choose between 76-135 books to read
  7. Buried – Choose between 136-200 books to read
Again, I am going to start small at the Make a Dint level (Shouldn't that be "dent"?) and hope to upgrade as the year goes on.


That is it for me. No more challenges! What challenges are you planning on joining in 2012?

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Midwinter's Eve Giveaway Hop

It's time for the second annual Mid-winter's Eve Giveaway Hop. Dates for this year's hop are Dec. 21st to 27th. This hop is hosted by Inspired Kathy from I Am a Reader, Not a Writer and Jessie Harrell from Oasis For YA & The Daily Harrell. 

I have two prizes for this hop. 

For my US followers, I have a box of ARCs and other books that I have recently received and reviewed. They have been gently read. There are three ARCs and two finished copies in the box. The exact contents are a surprise.

For my followers outside of the US, I am offering one book of their choice (up to $15 US) from the Book Depository. You must live in a country shipped to by the Book Depository to enter this one.

Here are the rules:
1. You must be a follower of this blog (New followers welcome!)
2. You must completely fill out the appropriate form.
3. You must enter before midnight Dec. 27.

Here are the forms:



Teaser Tuesday: Magic Gifts by Ilona Andrews

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!

Ilona Andrews gave their fans a Christmas gift this year. It is Magic Gifts which is a novella that takes place at the same time as Andrea’s book, right after MAGIC SLAYS, and the two stories intersect. It will only be free and available for download for two weeks from Dec. 24.

Teaser:
The jellyfish kept coming. It cleared the door, turned, and I saw Curran carrying it in his hands, as if the three hundred pound mass of flesh was no heavier than a plate of pancakes. It's good to be the Beast Lord.
Three hundred pound jellyfish? Don't you want to know more? 

Sunday, December 25, 2011

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? (Dec. 26, 2011)

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? is a meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey.

It’s Monday!  What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week.  It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.



Christmas Break has given me a chance to read more than usual. It also helps that three of the books I read this week were short and one was almost microscopic. Here is my list:
8 by Michael Mullin was the microscopic one. It was only 7 pages long. It is a novel (very short story?) in verse. It tells the story of a previously unknown 8th dwarf who saved Snow White from three different attacks by the Evil Queen but who got no credit. It was entertaining and very creative. My review is here.

Winterling by Sarah Prineas is a middle grade fantasy in a new series. I really liked the strong female heroine and thought that the story was very adventurous. This is realistic fantasy. Fer travels from her own home in middle America to the land of faerie where she has to defeat the evil Lady who killed her parents. My review will be posted on Jan. 29.
Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder is also the first book in a new fantasy series. This one is for adults or young adults. Again we have a strong, sympathetic main character acting in a well-drawn fantasy world where healers are blamed for causing a devastating plague. My review for this one will also be posted on Jan. 29.

Lawe's Justice by Lora Leigh is the most recent in her Breeds series. This one concerns lion Breed Lawe and his destined mate Diane. They are both fighting the mating. Diane wants to continue to be a warrior and Lawe wants to protect her from all danger. This was a good entry in the series. My review is here
Magic Gifts by Ilona Andrews was a free novella that was offered on their website as a Christmas gift to their fans. This is about a dinner date between Curran and Kate that has some very unexpected occurrences. My review will be posted on Jan. 28.
I am currently reading Cinder by Marissa Meyer. This is her debut young adult novel and is a retelling of the Cinderella story with a science fiction twist. I am enjoying it so far.

Next week I plan to alternate young adult books and adult books and review books with books from my TBR mountain. Here are the top candidates:
Future Perfect by Suzanne Brockmann is a reprint of one of her contemporary romances from the 90s. I think I missed it when it came out and look forward to catching up.

Jessica Rules the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey is a young adult review book that I got from the Amazon Vine program. It is the sequel to Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side which I enjoyed.

Only Forever by Linda Lael Miller is another one from my mountain. Again this is a reprint of one of her earlier contemporary romances that I seem to have missed the first time it came out.
Human Blend and Earth Blend by Lori Pescatore are young adult review books that I accepted from the author. These are sitting on my Kindle. 

Those are my plans for my week off. What do you have planned?

In My Mailbox (Dec. 25, 2011)

The weekly In My Mailbox post is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. It is fun to see what everyone else gets in their mailboxes, shopping bags, and library visits. Click on the link to The Story Siren's site to see the rules and join in the fun.
 
I guarantee that your TBR pile will grow when you see all the wonderful books everyone gets. You will discover lots of great blogs and lots of books that you won't be able to live without.



Bunches of books arrived at my house this week (and I can't even blame Santa)! There were a number of interesting choices in the Kindle Free store this week that I just couldn't pass up even though I have no idea when I will get a chance to read them.


Here are the free ones (or, they were free when I got them):
Lock Down by Sean Black is the start of a new series described as "high concept, high octane conspiracy thrillers featuring former military bodyguard, Ryan Lock."

Deadlock by Sean Black is the second in that same series. 
Cutting Edge by Robert W. Walker is "the shattering new thriller introducing officer Lucas Stonecoat and psychiatrist Meredyth Sanger." I have an unread print copy of this one somewhere but the cost was right and it is more convenient on my Kindle.

The White Angel Murder by Victor Methos sounded like an interesting murder mystery.
Vampire Dreams by Robert W. Walker is this thriller writer's take on vampires. It sounded interesting. I am eager to see how he makes the transition from thriller to paranormal.

Ballistic by Paul Levine is a thriller with this premise: "A Nuclear Missile... A Band of Terrorists... And Only Two People Who Can Prevent Armageddon." Sounds like an exciting story.

Then I got a couple of review books from the Amazon Vine program:
Witchful Thinking by H. P. Mallory will be released on Feb. 28 and features the sassy, self-deprecating witch Jolie Wilkins. I haven't read this series yet but I have been meaning to. 

The Thorn and the Blossom by Theodora Goss sounds like it might be more of a curiosity than a book. It is a two-sided love story on accordion folded pages that has to be read from each side. I thought it sounded unique.

Of course, I had to buy a few books too. These books indicate the range of my reading tastes.
I bought Courier Run by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller for my Kindle. This is their version of their annual Christmas Chapbook and contains two short stories - Kin Ties and Guaranteed Delivery. I have already read the stories online but wanted to own a copy to keep. These are science fiction stories in the Liaden Universe.

Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder is the first book in a new fantasy series. I am reading this one right now and loving it. 

Locked On by Tom Clancy is his latest and features Jack Ryan and Jack Ryan Jr. and a bunch of other characters from his long-running series. This is his usual long, complicated thriller. 

That was my haul for the week. What did you get?

BTW - Happy Holidays! May your day be filled with love and laughter!

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Christmas Present from Ilona Andrews

You have just two weeks from today to download the free novella entitled Magic GiftsThis novella takes place at the same time as Andrea’s book, right after MAGIC SLAYS, and the two stories intersect.

Here is the product description:
A dinner date after a hard day at work sounds heavenly. Of course, when that date is between the Beast Lord and Kate Daniels, things don’t go as planned. Before you know it, undead are running amok, heads are being chopped off, lawyers are deployed and used with extereme prejudice, and drunk vikings are calling people out.
Here is the link to the post so that you can download this ebook. The story is already sitting on my Kindle and will be the next thing I read. 

Join me, why don't you!


Friday, December 23, 2011

Book Beginning & Friday 56: Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder

Happy Friday everybody!!
Book Beginnings

Book Beginnings on Friday is now hosted by Katy at A Few More Pages 
Anyone can participate; just share the opening sentence of your current read, making sure that you include the title and author so others know what you're reading. 
If you like, share with everyone why you do, or do not, like the sentence.

The Friday 56
Rules:
  • Grab the book nearest you. Right now.
  • Turn to page 56.
  • Find the fifth sentence.
  • Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like) along with these instructions on your blog or (if you do not have your own blog) in the comments section of Freda's Voice
  • Post a link along with your post back to Freda's Voice
Don’t dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.


Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder arrived this week and didn't even get to the TBR Mountain. I set it on my couch to read next. This is the first book in a new fantasy series. Here is the description:
Laying hands upon the injured and dying, Avry of Kazan absorbs their wounds and diseases into herself. But rather than being honored for her skills, she is hunted. Healers like Avry are accused of spreading the plague that has decimated the Fifteen Realms, leaving the survivors in a state of chaos.

Stressed and tired from hiding, Avry is abducted by a band of rogues who, shockingly, value her gift above the golden bounty offered for her capture. Their leader, an enigmatic captor-protector with powers of his own, is unequivocal in his demands: Avry must heal a plague-stricken prince—leader of a campaign against her people. As they traverse the daunting Nine Mountains, beset by mercenaries and magical dangers, Avry must decide who is worth healing and what is worth dying for. Because the price of peace may well be her life….
Beginning:
The little girl wouldn't stop crying. I didn't blame her. She was dying, after all.
Friday 56:
Later that night as I curled up, I let the tears leak from my eyes.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Book Review: Lawe's Justice by Lora Leigh

Lawe's Justice 
Author: Lora Leigh
Publication: Berkley; Original edition (December 6, 2011)


Description: #1 New York Times bestselling author Lora Leigh returns to the world of the Breeds where animal instincts can bring a feral pleasure to every man and his willing female mate.


My Thoughts: This was another exciting entrant in Lora Leigh's Breed series. It was sexy and thrilling. I liked the relationship between Diane and Lawe even though I couldn't see at the beginning how they would ever be able to be together. Diane's need to be a warrior was completely opposite Lawe's need to keep his mate safe and protected. There was a lot of emotional pain for both of them as the fought for a way to compromise that would satisfy both of them.


I also liked the way this story fit into the whole of the series. Diane is looking for a way to find out what is going on with her baby niece after she was injected with something by evil scientist Brandenmore in a earlier novel in the series. Diane is trying to track down other people who were experimented on too and seem to have survived. However, these people are very well hidden. Also, someone on Diane's team is a traitor who is trying to keep her from her mission.


The story also deals with Gideon who is a rogue breed who is also on the trail of the same people that Diane wants to find. However, he wants at least one of them dead because they prevented him from dying in an early escape attempt from the labs. After he was recaptured and tortured again, he decided to make his life's goal finding that person and having his revenge.  It might be just cynical old me but I can see a romance coming when he finds out that she is his mate. It would make for a very high conflict romance.


It was nice to see some of the characters from earlier books in this series making their own appearances in this one too. 


This was a very sexy and exciting story and a "must read" for those following the series. I can't wait for the next book to find out what happens next.


Favorite Quote:
"Nothing rules me, Lawe. Not mating heat, not emotion or need. Not even you. I'll accept it willingly, or it will not be a part of my life. And I need to consider what I can and cannot accept." She stalked to the door and opened it slowly as he followed. "Please leave."

"We're not finished."

She took his parting words as a statement of intent.

"We haven't even started," she informed him. "And we won't, until I decide I'm ready."
I bought this one because I am a fan of Leigh's Breed stories. You can buy your copy here.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Book Review: Fate's Edge by Ilona Andrews

Fate's Edge
Author: Ilona Andrews
Publicaton: Ace; Original edition (November 29, 2011)


Description: Audrey Callahan left behind her life in the Edge, and she's determined to stay on the straight and narrow. But when her brother gets into hot water, the former thief takes on one last heist and finds herself matching wits with a jack of all trades...


Kaldar Mar-a gambler, lawyer, thief, and spy-expects his latest assignment tracking down a stolen item to be a piece of cake, until Audrey shows up. But when the item falls into the hands of a lethal criminal, Kaldar realizes that in order to finish the job, he's going to need Audrey's help...


My Thoughts: This was a great adventure and love story. Audrey is a con artist and uses her magic to open any lock. But she is trying to go straight and live life as a private investigator in the Broken (which is what our ordinary world is called). But, when her father comes to her and asks her for one more job, Audrey is sucked back into a life she hated. Unfortunately, the job is for the wrong people and, all of a sudden both the Hand and the Mirror are after her and neither is too concerned with her health and well-being.


Kaldar Mar is a con artist too. Only he works for the Mirror and is eager to get the missing object back and have his revenge on the Hand who was instrumental in killing two-thirds of his family and forcing them to flee their homes.

When the two meet, fireworks happen. The by-play between them is wonderful. Neither is prepared to trust the other and both are wary. Audrey isn't going to fall in love with another con man. She has been surrounded by them all her life and knows that they can't give up the con. Kaldar is determined to have his revenge no matter who he has to use and what he has to do. For him, only his family matters. Everyone else is just some kind of mark. Until he meets Audrey.


Also along on the adventure to recover the missing item are George and Jack who are the brothers-in-law of the Marshall of the Southern Lands and who are characters we met in previous books. George is fourteen and able to raise the dead. Jack is a twelve and a shifter who turns into a lynx. Audrey is determined to protect them even though they are both very competent and no strangers to danger.


The story was action-packed and the romance was wonderful. I love the characters and dialog in these stories. They are all interesting people with depth. I really recommend reading the whole series because the world is well-drawn and the characters are engaging. While this story stands alone well, you would find a richer reading experience if you begin with On the Edge. I think the series will hook any fantasy reader who likes adventure and romance.


Favorite Quotes:
The man turned.

Oh sweet Jesus.

He had a narrow, strong face, good cheekbones, and a full mouth. If she covered the top half of his face, she'd say he was a very handsome man. But his eyes, they were devil eyes. Light brown like clover honey, smart, and framed in long eyelashes, the man's eyes brimmed with wicked humor. They lit his whole face, changing him from a handsome man to the kind of man any woman with a drop of sense would stay away from. He toned it down almost right away. The only reason she saw it at all was because she had caught him off guard, but it was too late. Nice try. She'd spent her life in the Edge, among con artists, thieves, and swindlers. Don't you worry. I've got your number.
***************
She thrust the stout at him. "Why thank you, sir." Boom, a thousand watt smile. She couldn't possibly be trying to con him--all the cards were already on the table. It must've been force of habit.

He raised his hand, shielding his eyes. "Smile...too...bright."

"You're going to be a pain to work with, aren't you?"

"Oh, I don't know. I might grow on you."

She furrowed her pretty eyebrows. "Like a cancer?"

"Like a favorite vice."

"Don't count on it."
I bought this one because these people are on my "must buy" list. You can buy your copy here too.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Teaser Tuesday: Lawe's Justice by Lora Leigh

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!

Next up on my reading stack is Lawe's Justice by Lora Leigh. I really like her sexy, shifter romances. These books are formulaic - sexy shifter finds the woman who is his destined mate - but I love to go along for the ride. They are great escape books when you want to get away from the stress of real life.

Teaser:
She accepted everything he was, and there was nothing she wanted to change.

Nothing except his refusal to see who she was.