Fool Moon

 Fool Moon by Jim Butcher, 401 pages

This is the second book in the Dresden Files series, starring wizard Harry Dresden, who operates as sort of a private investigator in modern-day Chicago. He also serves as a consultant to the Chicago Police Department when they need someone versed in the supernatural to help solve crimes that are clearly not run of the mill. 

This book, like the first one, started quickly with a lot of action and gore, as Harry is asked to investigate some grisly murders that appear to have been done by wolves (but we all know we're talking about werewolves - I mean, look at the title!). We get reintroduced to Karrin Murphy, a Lieutenant with the Chicago PD, who wants Harry's help on this case but is still ticked at how he handled the last case they worked together. Also making a comeback from the first book are Gentleman John Marcone, a crime boss, and Susan Rodriguez, who works for a tabloid paper and becomes something more than just a colleague for Harry.

What I really enjoyed about this book is the same as what I enjoyed about the first book: great characters (I very much like the character of Gentleman John and it looks like he'll be a recurring character), plenty of action, and a good plot. I find magic with complicated rules a distraction in a book and I'm glad that the magic described is simple and not the main focus of the story. I'm glad I found this series and I look forward to reading more!

Undead And Done

UndeadAnd Done by MaryJanice Davidson, 285 pages

“Vampire Queen Betsy Taylor continues her rule in Hell in the scorchingly funny finale to the Undead series from New York Times bestselling author MaryJanice Davidson.  It had been a well-kept secret for centuries, but now the existence of vampires is all over the news, thanks to Betsy Taylor's half sister (and the frustrated former Antichrist), Laura. Life for the undead will never be the same, and it's up to Betsy to do some damage control. But her interview on the local news doesn't exactly put out the fire. It more or less pours kerosene on it. With all the added attention on supernatural beings, the werewolves are more than a little agitated (never a good thing) and demand that Betsy gets her interview skills, and her family, in order. And while things go from bad to worse in the world, Hell continues to be hell--especially when Betsy's new parole program becomes about as complicated as you'd expect.  With a PR team launching a vampire-friendly campaign, the devil at large and out to make trouble, and mermaids on hand to see who falls--and how hard--the end isn't just near. It's here. And if anyone knows how to go out with a bang, it's the queen of Hell.” I really enjoyed this book.  I think it was one of the funniest in the series and I thought it did a great job of wrapping up the story.  I feel like this storyline really was done so I can’t even say that I’m going to miss the series.  I’m sure the author isn’t done writing and these characters may pop up from time to time so I probably won’t even miss them much either.  Anyone who likes supernatural humorous adventure and romance is going to love this author.

Manners & Mutiny

Manners & Mutiny by Gail Carriger, 326 pages

“If one must flirt...flirt with danger.  Lessons in the art of espionage aboard Mademoiselle Geraldine's floating dirigible have become tedious without Sophronia's sweet sootie Soap nearby. She would much rather be using her skills to thwart the dastardly Picklemen, yet her concerns about their wicked intentions are ignored, and now she's not sure whom to trust. What does the brusque werewolf dewan know? On whose side is the ever-stylish vampire Lord Akeldama? Only one thing is certain: a large-scale plot is under way, and when it comes to fruition, Sophronia must be ready to save her friends, her school, and all of London from disaster--in decidedly dramatic fashion, of course. What will become of our proper young heroine when she puts her years of training to the test? Find out in this highly anticipated and thrilling conclusion to the New York Times bestselling Finishing School series!” I love this entire series and anyone who likes adventure stories, especially steampunk needs to read it.  This was a very satisfying conclusion to the series, although I’m sorry to see it end.  However, Carriger is good at ending a series before it gets tiresome, so she’s probably right to stop where she did.

Jason

Jason by Laurell K. Hamilton, 292 pages

"’Enjoying pain with your pleasure is something you either get, or you don't. If you get it, then you don't really need it explained, because you know how good it feels, and if you don't get it then no amount of talking is going to convince you it makes sense.’ But sometimes you have to explain the unexplainable, especially if the love of your life needs to understand, or she'll leave you. Jason Schuyler is one of Anita Blake's best friends and favorite werewolves, with benefits. J.J. is his lady love, an old flame from childhood who dances at one of the top ballet companies in New York. She's accomplished, beautiful, and she's crazy about him, too. Neither of them wants to be monogamous, so what could go wrong? J.J. is enthusiastically bisexual, with an emphasis on the female side of things. She plans to keep sleeping with women, because Jason can't meet that need, just like she can't meet Jason's need for rough sex and bondage. J.J. doesn't understand why Jason isn't content to go elsewhere for a need she can't fulfil, so Jason asks Anita to help him explain. Anita is having her own relationship growing pains with her only female lover ever, Jade. Jason suggests that J.J. might be able to help Anita with her girl problem, while she helps him with his kinky explanations. With some encouragement from a few other lovers in Anita's life she reluctantly agrees, and J. J. makes plans to fly into town for an experience that none of them will ever forget.” Hamilton’s books have become less story and more sex with every new book, I think.  I still enjoy them, but people that are just looking for a good supernatural read will probably not be satisfied.  These books are a lot closer to erotica than anything else but people who like erotica are likely to love this book.

The first 10 books in The Hallows Series by Kim Harrison

Dead Witch Walking, The Good, The Bad and The Undead, Every Which way but Dead, Fistful of Charms, For A Few Demons More, Outlaw Demon Wails, White Witch Black Charm, Black Magic Sanction, Pale Demon, and Perfect Blood by Kim Harrison, 4722 pages in 10 books.


The Hallows follow the detective/bounty hunter work of Rachel Morgan, a witch, as she and her partners Jenks (pixie) and Ivy (vampire) tackle both human and supernatural threats.

Strangely enough I actually found The Hallows series through its graphic novel adaptation of Dead Witch Walking. I was intrigued enough by that graphic novel what I went looking for more, and despite there not being more graphic novels, I learned that this series exists.

There are a lot of interesting subplots that really add to The Hallows depth and make it great. There is the fact that Jenks is already old for a pixie, and how much longer he might have. There is the fact that Ivy wants to drink Rachel's blood, but won't without her "permission". There is conspiracy to have Rachel killed. And then there is Trent, a multimillionaire that cannot help but wiggle his fingers in everybody's pies. 

All of this makes this series good. Like Dresden Files good. I would recommend this series to anyone who likes the somewhat gritty urban fantasy.

Jane Yellowrock books 1-10

The Jane Yellowrock series books 1 - 10 by Faith Hunter, 3393 pages in ten books

This review covers the first ten books (Skinwalker, Blood Cross, Mercy Blade, Raven Cursed, Death's Rival, Blood Trade, Black Arts, Broken Soul, Dark Heir, and Shadow Rites) in the Jane Yellowrock series.

This series lives in a world were certain fantasy beasts like vampires, werewolves, and others exist, though are not in the realm of common knowledge. Only the vampires, witches, and to a lesser extent shapeshifters are on the public's radar. Vampire clan's have claimed large parts of the United States, though they do not really rule, just consider that area their hunting ground. There is also an accord that vampires will not hunt people and only take blood from the willing. When this accord is broken by rogue vampires people like Jane Yellowrock hunt them down.

Initially I was unsure if I would continue reading this series past the first book. I did not mind the books having a female protagonist, but does she have to develop a crush on every single guy she meets? The first couple I can live with, or even if it was one per book, but really every single good looking guy seems a little much. After accepting this, and to some extent just ignoring it, the series was quite good. It manages to avoid the "main character can do no wrong" cliches that seem to pop up all to often in urban fantasy, while not making the character seem completely useless.

In terms of protagonists this series is like Ilona Andrews's Kate Daniels series or Kim Harrison's Hollows with the main character being strong yet fallible, but it also avoids the heavy handed romance you would see with Sherrilyn Kenyon.

After Dead

After Dead by Charlaine Harris                     Audio Book: .75 hour   PaperBack Book:  208 pages          

This was like a letter from home.   The Bon Temps version of Garrison Keillor’s Lake Wobegon.    I have missed Sookie, Eric, Bill, Tara, Lafayette and all the wonderful characters that the imagination of Charlaine Harris dreamed up.   Characters so rich in detail they took on a life of their own to those of us who are devoted fans.    The reader can become attached to such vivid sensory imprinting and like baby ducks we want to follow all our favorite residents of Bon Temps, Louisiana.    Heck, we feel like we are now residents of Bon Temps we know everybody there so well and when Ms. Harris gave the death knell to the Sookie series it was as though a family member had died.   Our hearts were literally shaken.   We were ran out of town on a rail and even that dear Sheriff Andy Belflour couldn’t help us.   So, in many ways this book is a cool drink of water to a thirsty soul.   Some closure.   We aren’t just out there dangling in our shocked state any longer.     A few crumbs tossed and gobbled up hungrily.   I am happy that Ms. Harris wrote this.   It was a joy to get some news from home.   I would be greedy and wish Ms. Harris would miss Sookie, too, and want to bring her back, but, that is not likely.    I think by virtue of Sookie’s followers becoming over zealous that freaked the author/creator out.    Then, I think fans inundating her with requests or complaints or folk disputing something in the Stackhouse genealogy or the story timeline, maybe a new wrinkle in vampire lore really ticked Charlaine Harris off.   Having attended one of her lecture, I noticed two things: 1.) Fans writing stories using her characters and sending them to her in homage desperately meaning to please her and gain favor for their writing skills most certainly did not please her.   It peeved her off immensely.    There were HER characters afterall not theirs and she could do what she wanted to with them.   THEY ARE HER CHARACTERS.    She was not flattered by the fanfiction at all.   I bet she ripped them to shreds or burned them judging by her deep set reaction.   2.)  Charlaine Harris was totally pissed off that fans predominantly wanted to see Sookie end up with ERIC not BILL and BILL was who loved Sookie unconditionally and Bill Is who Ms. Harris had seen Sookie being with always to the end.  I could tell that Ms. Harris herself was in love with the Bill character and didn’t care much for Eric’s arrogance, always writing him as a disturbing, nasty, vile, out for himself above all others.   But, Eric was hot.   Eric didn’t need anybody, but, he loved Sookie and would do anything for her.   He mellowed so much after their tender moments together when she took care of him when the witch coven caused him to completely forget who he was.  My favorite book in the series I might add.   Besides, the bad boy is always the nonconformist that embodies that free spirit even the most inhibited of us wish they could let out to howl once in a while.   We may not like him, but we respect his toughness therein lies the attraction.   We want that wildness.    Bill is a highly loveable guy.   Old South, southern gentleman with impeccable manners, talk dark and handsome, also hot just in a more subtle subdued way.    Bill would be a wonderful protector and provider he would always see to his lover’s needs, always be there just a breath away.   Eric would keep his lover wondering all the time but it would be so worth it when he was in the moment.   But I honestly believe it angered Charlaine because Bill was her choice for Sookie (her stand-in) and the idea that fans preferred who she felt was the bad guy that infuriated her and she was Not going to let fans tell her how she was supposed to seal the deal.   So, I do feel that to let fans know they were not going to push her around, she quit writing Sookie stories.   Oh what a blow that was!  I just think in Charlaine’s mind that would put it all to rest and get the fans off her back and drop all the stress of keeping a team around her to keep her facts on point against the barrage of fan mail, tweets, email etc.   Like some rock stars who simply want to play their music, Charlaine simply wanted to write and to write her stories her way fans be damned it all got way too overwhelming so she stopped it so she no longer had to deal with it which left her able to persue new characters in new book series she was fond of and wanted to see develop more.  I admit I am crushed by the door slamming on Sookie’s house and story, but again, this tidbit of info on the citizenry of Bontemps, Hotshot,  Nial and the fairy folk, cousins from Shreveport and other points, Kings and Queens of states mentioned and characters big and small brought in to mention, if briefly, how the later years of their lives transpired.    Many endings are funny, or bittersweet or downright unfortunate, maybe a little catty in a retaliatory way.   It’s like when Queen Elizabeth did that quick dip/nod as Diana’s hearse passed, Charlaine did a quick dip/nod to the Sookie Stackhouse series fans and threw us a bone.   Thank you, Charlaine, I accept this bone gratefully.    Thanks for the news from home.   I am content if not satiated.

Imprudence

Imprudence by Gail Carriger, 352 pages

“Rue and the crew of the Spotted Custard return from India with revelations that shake the foundations of England's scientific community. Queen Victoria is not amused, the vampires are tetchy, and something is wrong with the local werewolf pack. To top it all off, Rue's best friend Primrose keeps getting engaged to the most unacceptable military types. Rue has family problems as well. Her vampire father is angry, her werewolf father is crazy, and her obstreperous mother is both. Worst of all, Rue's beginning to suspect what they really are... is frightened.”  This sequel is just as fun as all of Carriger’s other books.  This is for fans of steampunk fantasy.

How to Run with a Naked Werewolf

How to Run with a Naked Werewolf by Molly Harper, 317 pages

Tina has been on the run from her crazy husband for a couple of years.  When she's afraid he's getting close to finding her, she picks up and moves again, changing identities each time.  She recently had to leave a community of werewolves who she'd been treating as the pack doctor for some time and shortly after that, had to leave her situation again.  this time she ended up running with a werewolf, Caleb, who is from the pack she had left such a short time before.  The problem is, she thinks she might be falling in love with him.  If she can't fix her problem with her husband, or figure out how to tell Caleb the truth about her situation, she can't possibly stay.  I like Harper's stories a lot.  They're pretty formulaic but light, fun, and enjoyable.  Fans of the paranormal romances will want to read them.

Mercy Thompson Series

Moon Called, Blood Bound, Bone Crossed, Silver Borne, Iron Kissed, Frost Burned, River Marked, Night Broken, and Fire Touched by Patricia Briggs, 3111 pages (9 books)

Collectively these books all make up the Mercy Thompson series. The series follows the life of Mercedes Thompson who is a Volkswagen mechanic living in Washington. Blessed/cursed by her ancestry, she has the ability to change into a coyote. Much like the Coyote of legend she gets into and causes all sorts of trouble for her next door neighbor Adam, who happens to be a werewolf. Throughout the series there is also plenty of encounters with the fae, vampires, and other supernatural beasts and legends.

Brigg’s series is much like the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews. They both have a strong female protagonist, an underlying romance story, magic, werewolves, vampires, etc. Where the series really differ in the setting. Where Kate is in a dystopian future ravaged by magic, Mercy is set in everyday life. It looks at how the public would react if they found out fae and werewolves exist. Both are somewhat gory in their descriptions at times, but the Mercy Thompson series is less hard boiled.

The Mercy Thompson series is well worth the read and there are several short side novels and one off based around the same characters. While it is possible to read each book by itself, they do build upon each other and I would recommend reading them in order. Brigg’s also has another series (Alpha and Omega) that takes place in the same world she has built but follows different characters. I imagine eventually there will be a crossover.

The Art of Seducing a Naked Werewolf

The Art of Seducing a Naked Werewolf by Molly Harper, 336 pages

Maggie is the alpha werewolf of her pack.  She knows that she needs to mate with another werewolf because their lines are dying out.  When a handsome human stranger shows up asking questions about werewolves Maggie knows that she should run him out of town but Nick is funny and charming and Maggie finds herself falling for him, in spite of herself.  Determined to push Nick away, Maggie finds herself with other problems too.  Someone seems to be trying to kill her and possibly other members of the pack.  Until she can figure out who it is, and eliminate the threat, the whole pack is in danger.  The second book in the series is funny and sweet.  Fans of paranormal romances will enjoy this series.

Kate Daniels series continued

Magic Rises, Magic Breaks, and Magic Shifts by Ilona Andrews, 1078 pages, three books

I find writing about books late in a series, or towards the end to be quite difficult. How much can I say about characters and not give early stuff away? If two characters are falling in love the first four books and get finally married, can I say that? Should I operate under the assumption of anyone reading the reviews for these books have read the previous books as well? So many conflicting thoughts.

In the past I have resorted to extremely vague, but hopefully entertaining posts to hopefully encourage a reader to continue through a series, yet not ruin anything for those just beginning their journey. And as you might have guessed by now, this post will continue that tradition.

If you were to break down the Kate Daniels series into a set of subplots, you would have action, romance, supernatural, lurking doom, and magic. As you might have guessed, all of these are slowly ramping up as the series heads for its climatic finish. There is more action as it takes larger and deadlier things to scare or even challenge the combination that is Kate and Curran. Especially as Kate learns how to control her father’s blood magic. The supernatural and lurking doom elements have shot through the roof especially with the reappearance of Roland. And finally the romance, which has thankfully stayed about the same. I am not sure I be able to like this series if we hit Sherrilyn Kenyon levels of romance.

All of this makes for a great addition to an already great series. I would certainly recommend this series to anyone who likes supernatural dystopian fiction, but wants to pass on heavy handed romance. Similar reading would include Patricia Briggs Alpha and Omega novels or her Mercedes Thompson series,  

Monsterland

Monsterland by Michael Phillip Cash   208 Pages

Monsterland has been billed as the scariest theme park ever. It houses the things that people fear most: vampires, werewolves, and zombies. Much like Disneyland, the park is divided into three areas: Vampire Village, Zombieville, and River Run.

The brainchild behind the park is Dr. Vincent Conrad, who has spent years gathering the near-extinct populations of vampires, werewolves, and zombies. In addition to actually seeing the creatures, one of the lures of the park is that visitors can interact with them. 

Conrad not only gathered enough specimens for a park in Cooper Valley, California, he gathered enough to open six parks around the world in China, Australia, Brazil, France, South Africa, and Egypt.

As the story opens, opening day is near, and excitement is building, especially for three nerdy high school friends, Howard, Melvin, and Wyatt. The guys are desperate to get their hands on the most-sought-after tickets in the world. A chance encounter in a local burger joint with Dr. Conrad, and the teenagers not only get tickets, Conrad gives them exclusive behind-the scenes tickets. The same types of tickets world leaders, like the President of the United States, have.

Of course, something goes horribly wrong, which makes the entire plot predictable. And of course, what happens in California is happening around the globe.

Just for the record, I don’t usually read books that contain vampires, werewolves, and zombies. I read this book because I have enjoyed other books by Michael Phillip Cash, and he sent me a copy. 

Another area I had trouble with was confusion between the characters whose names were similar. For example, I kept getting Wyatt’s stepfather, Carter, confused with Conrad. There were other instances, but I forget them now. One of the boys kinda disappeared after they entered the park, which I found odd.

I give Monsterland 3 out of 5 stars. The plot flowed, the story has good structure. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t good either.

London Steampunk

Kiss of Steel, Heart of Iron, and My Lady Quicksilver by Bec McMaster, 437, 423, and 425 pages

All three of these titles are part of McMaster’s “London Steampunk” series. The series was recommended by Goodreads based on the fact that I liked the “Parasol Protectorate” series by Gail Carriger. While I can certainly see some similarities, both being steampunk, taking place in London, and with supernatural elements like vampires and werewolves, there is none of the silliness and lightheartedness that I was initially expecting.

However, this series was still worth reading on its own merits. I enjoyed the detailed portrayal of a subjugated human population always on the brink of a losing war with the vampires, the rich description of a Victorian London, and of course the fantastic steam inventions that somewhat define the steampunk genre.

Throughout the series we follow various people with the majority of them being strong willed women who are trying to make a better life for themselves without selling out their dignity or blood. Somewhat like a romance novel, they are always wooed by a strong vampiric figure who is not like the rest. Together they strive to change society’s ingrained mentality and struggle for equal rights. The books tend to contain wisps of erotica, and can get kind of heavy, but it is not as bad as Kenyon’s books.

I would encourage people who like the steampunk genre to give this series a try, but while it has those elements it is more of a supernatural/vampire series.

A quick after review note: My Lady Quicksilver was read online through Ovedrive, the page count was taken from Goodreads.

Vision In Silver

Vision In Silver by Anne Bishop, 400 pages

I'm still really enjoying this series.  This book continues story lines that began in the previous books, such as Meg and the terra indigene trying to figure out ways to help the other blood prophets, the girls who've been released, to survive in regular society.  We also get some new developments with food shortages, stolen items, and an interesting storyline about the officer who has become a liaison to the courtyard, Monty, and his family.  The Humans First and Last group has started to become a real problem for the Others, which could end up being a huge problem for the humans, if some of the wilder terra indigene start to deal with matters themselves.  I actually can't wait for the next book to come out.  I think this story just keeps getting better.

Waistcoats & Weaponry

Waistcoats & Weaponry by Gail Carriger, 298 pages

The third book in The Finishing School series has Sophronia helping her friend Sidheag get back to Scotland to help her werewolf pack.  With help from her best friend Dimity, her sooty friend, Soap and even from Lord Felix Mersey, her sometime love interest. They manage to hijack a train until they attract the attention of some flywaymen and Picklemen.  It will take all of their skills to navigate through their predicament but Sophronia and the others are up for the challenge.  I really enjoyed this latest book in the series and teens, especially girls, who like steampunk will enjoy it also.

Finishing School books 2 and 3

Curtsies and Conspiracies and Waistcoats and Weaponry by Gail Carriger, 298 and 310 pages

So far I have liked everything by Gail Carriger that I have read, this is no exception. It at times runs the gauntlet from silly to chaotic. There are Picklemen who are just part of the anti-supernatural movement and are known by the green ribbon on their hat, mechanical droids running a muck and of course vampires and werewolves as well.  There is less romance in this series then in the Parasol Protectorate but there are certainly some aspects of it.

This series falls directly into what I am now calling my guilty pleasure genre; Steampunk fiction or even as far as steampunk romance. I am not entirely sure why I like it, maybe its the ladies fainting for stupid reasons, or the ridiculous standards everyone has on who can date or see who. Either way expect to see more of this stuff.

City of... the rest of the Mortal Instruments

City of Glass, City of Fallen Angels, City of Lost Souls, City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare, 2225 pages (541, 424, 535, 725)

These 4 books conclude the Mortal Instruments series. To say that a lot happens in these novels would be a serious understatement. But despite all of this action and death looming around the corner for all the main characters it still ends pretty much exactly how I predicted way back in book one. Now don't read into that too much. I am not saying the ending was bad, just that it is quite predictable. But honestly most young adult fiction is. The budding romantic couple will face numerous trials and tribulations but persevere in the end. No matter how dire the situation is or how easily the villain could win if they would just stop gloating or actually kill the hero when they get the chance, the main characters always emerge triumphant. But that is how most of the young adult stuff works. Again not a bad thing, but certainly a handicap or limitation that young adult writers seem to have.

If you have read other books in this series, you should finish reading it. The demon killing that was sporadic at best in the first couple books really ramps up in these volumes. If you have not started this series and would like to, or are thinking to, then go and read my review of the first book and see if that describes something you would like, then see the first part of this paragraph.

Prudence

Prudence by Gail Carriger, 357 pages

Carriger’s new series, The Custard Protocol, follows Prudence, daughter of the Maccons, the protagonists from her last series, The Parasol Protectorate.  Rue and her friends, Prim, Percy and Quesnel are being sent to India by Rue’s vampire guardian, Lord Akeldama, to find out what has happened to his tea.  In Rue’s new dirigible, The Spotted Custard, the group encounters new types of were animals and find out that there is much more going on in India besides some missing tea.  Unfortunately, no one seems inclined to explain exactly what they are dealing with.  Although I thought this was pretty good and liked the characters, I’d agree with Ed W that it isn’t as good as the first series, or even the YA series.  The whole book seems more focused on character development than plot.  However, I liked the characters and I plan to read more in the series as they come.

Nice Girls Don’t Live Forever

Nice Girls Don’t Live Forever by Molly Harper, 324 pages

Our favorite undead librarian, Jane, is back.  She and Gabriel’s whirlwind trip to Europe was interrupted, first by mysterious notes that Gabriel kept receiving and then by a break-in at the shop back home.  Sure that Gabriel has been cheating on her, Jane leaves to check on the shop and refuses to see Gabriel when he refuses to explain.  Soon after, Jane starts to receive odd messages, presumably from the same person who was sending notes to Gabriel.  Combine all of this with her best friend’s werewolf wife expecting a baby any day and a craze Chamber of Commerce, Jane’s life is par for the course, that is to say, crazily out of control.  This was a fun book in the series and fans of the funny vampire stories will like this.