Brittle Midnight - Book Review

 

Brittle Midnight (City of Magic #2)

by Helen Harper

What is it about:

Who ever thought that life after an apocalyptic event would be easy?

Charley is under pressure. The demands of her new community are piling on stress after stress and, even with her developing magical skills, she's finding it hard to cope. Things aren't any better for Monroe - his grief and guilt over what happened to his werewolf pack are overwhelming him. When dead bodies start to appear across the city, they're going to have to work together to prevent more killings. But whether they'll be able to survive together too is anyone's guess.

What did I think of it:

I very much enjoyed the first book in this series, but somehow this second book ended up an orphan. I decided to pick it up at the start of this month.

And what a fun read! I made sure to ask for the third book for my birthday, so I can read that one soon as well.

After all the wackiness of the first book things have settled down somewhat and everyone is trying to get used to the new situation. But then there's a murder!

I loved seeing Charley and Monroe working together and to see how both of them try to get to terms with what happened. They make a great team even though they don't want to admit it.

There's tons of other cool characters as well, and the murder mystery kept me guessing. I raced through this book and I'm eager to see how this trilogy will end. Book three won't go dusty, I can tell you.

Why should you read it:

It's a fun and cool Urban Fantasy read. 

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In my TBR - Stay or Go? - Truthwitch

 

This book has been in my TBR since January 2017. I've tried to read the first book in another series by this author and DNFed that one because the male lead was of the 'look at me being so cool and witty' variety. So that makes me hesitant to pick this book up. What are your thoughts? Should this book stay or go?

Truthwitch (The Witchlands #1)

by Susan Dennard

In a continent on the edge of war, two witches hold its fate in their hands.

Young witches Safiya and Iseult have a habit of finding trouble. After clashing with a powerful Guildmaster and his ruthless Bloodwitch bodyguard, the friends are forced to flee their home.

Safi must avoid capture at all costs as she's a rare Truthwitch, able to discern truth from lies. Many would kill for her magic, so Safi must keep it hidden - lest she be used in the struggle between empires. And Iseult's true powers are hidden even from herself.

In a chance encounter at Court, Safi meets Prince Merik and makes him a reluctant ally. However, his help may not slow down the Bloodwitch now hot on the girls' heels. All Safi and Iseult want is their freedom, but danger lies ahead. With war coming, treaties breaking and a magical contagion sweeping the land, the friends will have to fight emperors and mercenaries alike. For some will stop at nothing to get their hands on a Truthwitch.

The Golden Gryphon and the Bear Prince - Book Review

The Golden Gryphon and the Bear Prince (Heirs of Magic #1)

by Jeffe Kennedy

What is it about:

Follows The Long Night of the Crystalline Moon in the UNDER A WINTER SKY fantasy holiday anthology.

A Legacy of Honor

Crown Prince Astar has only ever wanted to do the right thing: be a credit to his late-father’s legacy, live up to his duties as heir to the High Throne of the Thirteen Kingdoms, and cleave to the principles of honor and integrity that give his life structure—and that contain the ferocious grizzly bear inside. Nowhere in those guiding principles is there room for the fierce-hearted, wildly free-spirited, and dizzyingly beautiful shapeshifter, Zephyr. Still, even though they’ve been friends most of their lives, Astar is able to keep Zephyr safely at arm’s length. He’s already received a list of potential princess brides who will make a suitable queen, and Zephyr is not on it.

A Longtime Obsession

Zeph has wanted the gorgeous, charming, and too-good-for-his-own-good Astar for as long as she can remember. Not that her longing for him—and his perfectly sculpted and muscular body—has stopped her from enjoying any number of lovers. Astar might be honorably (and foolishly) intent on remaining chaste until marriage, but Zeph is Tala and they have no such rules. Still, she loves Astar—as a friend—and she wants him to at least taste life before he chains himself to a wife he didn’t choose. There’s no harm in him having a bit of fun with her. But the man remains stubbornly elusive, staving off all of her advances with infuriatingly noble refusals.

A Quest to Save the World

But things change when a new terror threatens the Thirteen Kingdoms. Following prophecy, Astar and Zeph—along with a mismatched group of shapeshifter, warrior, and sorceress friends—go on a quest to stop a magic rift before it grows beyond anyone’s ability to stop. Thrust together with Zephyr, Astar finds himself increasingly unable to resist her seductive invitations. And, in the face of life and death battles with lethal monsters, he begins to lose sight of why having her, just once, is such a terrible idea.

What did I (and Voodoo Bride) think about it:

This is the first book in a new series that is set in the same world as The Twelve Kingdoms and Uncharted Realms series. But instead of the heroines and heroes from those series it's the next generation that shines!

This is a delightful and delicious Fantasy Romance. Zeph being the daughter of our favorite hero Zyr she immediately stole our hearts. And then they traveled to the country that has the lake that's named after me!! And yes: the lake is in this book!

We were hooked from the start and loved seeing how Zeph and Astar both reacted to their feelings for each other and we rooted for them to get together. I loved how kind and honest Astar is: he knows what is expected of him and doesn't want to play games or make promises he can't live up to.

And then there's the monsters and nasty critters! Wow. There is something seriously wrong in The Thirteen Kingdoms and I'm eager to find out what it is and if this next generation of heroes and heroines can save the day.

Bring on the next book!

This book can be read without reading the previous series, but seriously: why wouldn't you read them, especially as you'd miss out on Zyr, the most sexy hero ever according to Voodoo Bride.

Why should you read it:

It's a delicious and wonderful Fantasy Romance.

buy links

 

Forget - Quick Book Review

 

Forget

by Amy Laurens

What is it about:

Simon Baker, 86, aging rapidly in an aged care facility. Just an ordinary man, coming to the end of an ordinary life…

Except something else tickles the edges of his mind—of his memory. If only he could remember his real identity. Before time runs out.

A quiet science fiction tale about the importance of memory, that resonates with anyone who’s ever watched a loved one fade away.

What did I think of it:

This is a nice enough short story, but I think I'd probably have enjoyed it more if I knew more about the world it is set in. I felt like I was missing important information.

Still a nice read if you don't have a lot of time.

Why should you read it:

It's a nice quick read.

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Teasing on a Thursday - Starsight

 

"It's just blackness," Rodge said from the side of the group. "Spin? There's nothing else there. I don't even see any stars."

(page 42, Starsight by Brandon Sanderson)

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

The Artist as a Young Girl - Quick Book Review

 

Yes, I know, I've been very irregular in my blogging here, but Cyberpunk 2077 still has me in its grasp. I did read some short stories and even a whole novel though.

The Artist as a Young Girl

by Liana Brooks

What is it about:

Young Sophie dreams of being an artist. Of painting her mother’s dreary, monochrome existence with color. But art? It’s the one thing forbidden by her mother.

Can clandestine art lessons lead Sophie to finding her dream—and her true self?

A whimsical story about longing for your place in the world, not matter what the cost.

What did I think of it:

This short story is a very satisfying read.

Brooks can set up and deliver a story in just 22 pages. This one is fantastical and atmospheric. I really need to pick up more by Brooks.

Why should you read it:

It's a quick and satisfying read.

buy from Amazon

Cyberpunk 2077: Trauma Team #1 - Book Review

 

Cyberpunk 2077: Trauma Team #1 (Cyberpunk 2077: Trauma Team #1)

by Cullen Bunn, Miguel Valderrama (Cover Art), and Jason Wordie (Colorist)

What is it about:

New series based on the highly anticipated game! Nadia, an assistant EMT for a privately-owned business known as Trauma Team International, is the sole survivor of a failed rescue mission turned shootout. After she agrees to continue work for an upcoming extraction mission, Nadia and her new team find themselves in an even more dangerous and life-threatening situation.

What did I think of it:

I'm loving Cyberpunk 2077, so I decided to give this comic a try.

And it's a nice comic. The artwork isn't as slick and lifeless as most superhero comics, and I loved looking at the panels. The story however didn't really grab me, and it felt very short. Now this is the first part of a four part story, so I might be a bit harsh here. I might wait until all four parts are released together in a print bundle and then give it a second try.

Why should you read it:

It's a nice and cool looking comic.

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On McPig's Wishlist - Remote Control

 

Remote Control

by Nnedi Okorafor 

"She’s the adopted daughter of the Angel of Death. Beware of her. Mind her. Death guards her like one of its own."

The day Fatima forgot her name, Death paid a visit. From hereon in she would be known as Sankofa­­--a name that meant nothing to anyone but her, the only tie to her family and her past.

Her touch is death, and with a glance a town can fall. And she walks--alone, except for her fox companion--searching for the object that came from the sky and gave itself to her when the meteors fell and when she was yet unchanged; searching for answers.

But is there a greater purpose for Sankofa, now that Death is her constant companion?

Releasing January 19, 2021

buy from Amazon

Delivering Evil for Experts - Book Review

 

Delivering Evil for Experts (The Guild Codex: Demonized #4)

by Annette Marie

What is it about:

I promised to avenge my parents.

But their killer is still on the loose, and he's stolen more than my parents' lives. Now, as he draws closer to his mysterious goals, he's poised to destroy what little I have left.

I promised to translate an ancient grimoire.

But it holds the secrets of my family—and the secret history of demon summoning. I fear its answers as much as I need them. Who was the foremother of Demonica…and who am I?

I promised to send my demon home.

But the way he watches me, the way he protects me, the way he touches me⁠—how can I cast him away forever? I swore I would do this for him, but can I? Should I?

But I promised—and I will keep my promises even if they cost me my heart, my soul, and my life.

What did I think of it:

This is a nice conclusion to this four book series.

It might be that I'm more in the mood for playing games at the moment, but this book felt a bit bloated. It seemed that some things could have been condensed or left out. I skimmed some fight scenes I'll confess. If you read the Spellbound series it also rehashes some scenes from that series.

That aside, there's lots of goodness in this book as well. I loved seeing Robin finally admitting to herself and others what Zylas means to her. But as they finally get closer the moment where Zylas has to return to his own world draws near. I was rooting for them to find a better solution.

All in all a fun book and series. I might read more books by Annette Marie if I'm in the mood for a fun Urban Fantasy read.

Why should you read it:

It's a very entertaining UF read.

buy from amazon

Teaser Tuesdays - Brittle Midnight

'What-' I cleared my throat and hoped I wasn't being too forward. 'What species are you?'

Alora gave me a look to suggest I was particularly dim-witted. She might well have been right. 'Bogles, of course.'

(page 50, Brittle Midnight by Helen Harper)

buy from amazon

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

 

All I Want For Christmas Is A Reaper - Book Review

 

All I Want For Christmas Is A Reaper

by Liana Brooks

What is it about:

Meet Meredith Kriesmas, forensic accountant who sharpens numbers the way killers sharpen knives—Chicago's very own Grim Reaper of the business world. Whole divisions close in her wake, and her clients pay handsomely for it. But ten minutes into a three-day weekend, Merri craves a new job to sink her teeth into.

A call from an old friend saves Merri's sanity. Can she visit the winter wonderland at Cozy TV studios—known for its heart-warming holiday movies—and take a look at the books? Horror movie mill Slasher Corp just bought the studio—and Cozy might not make it to the final credits.

Merri must dodge the mistletoe, dismember the finances, and disappear before dawn—all while avoiding the Cozy Curse, where no one gets off set single.

No problem there. For Merri, business always comes first. At least, until she meets hot horror hipster CEO Seth Morana, and uncovers the secret he hides...

A sensual stand-alone paranormal romance for everyone who believes people should be loved exactly as they are.

What did I think of it:

In 2019 I read All I Want for Christmas is a Werewolf, and I enjoyed it so much I had to get this one as well.

And this is yet another fun Paranormal romance that's not just for Christmas.

I was hooked from the start and was invested in Merri finding out what was going on at Cozy studios, and to get together with Seth. The two of them start working together and before they know it they're in over their heads.

All in all a very enjoyable read. I hope Brooks keeps them coming.

Why should you read it:

It's a fun and enjoyable Paranormal Christmas Romance.

buy from amazon

Teaser Tuesdays - Three Blind Mice

She heard the rattle of the side door. The stranger stood there in the open doorway, shaking off snow, a strange man, walking into the empty house.

(page 5, Three Blind Mice and other stories by Agatha Christie)

buy from bookdepository

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

 

How did I do in 2020

 

I have read 154 books in 2020.

This includes rereads, novellas, and short stories.

34 of the books I read were by authors of color, and 14 books were on my shelves for more than 3 months before picking them up.

I still didn't finish the Charlie Davidson series, but I read two books in that series and have just two more to go.

Overall a great year when it came to reading.

My goals for 2021:

Finish the Charley Davidson series, and read at least 12 books that have been on my shelves for more than 3 months.