Violet Bent Backwards Over the Grass - Book Review

 

Violet Bent Backwards Over the Grass

by Lana Del Rey

What is it about:

“'Violet Bent Backwards over the Grass' is the title poem of the book and the first poem I wrote of many. Some of which came to me in their entirety, which I dictated and then typed out, and some that I worked laboriously picking apart each word to make the perfect poem. They are eclectic and honest and not trying to be anything other than what they are and for that reason I’m proud of them, especially because the spirit in which they were written was very authentic.” (Lana Del Rey)

What did I think of it:

I love Lana Del Rey's music, so I decided to give her poetry a try as well.

The book is beautiful just how it looks alone. The poems are printed in a typewriter-style font and the book is filled with photographs Lana made herself. 

As for the poetry: I loved most of them. Some are long and winding, others just short observations. I liked how with some of the poems earlier versions were included, so you could see Lana's thought process in creating them. There were a few poems that clearly were inspirations for later songs as well.

All in all this is a beautiful book that I can advice to fans of Lana Del Rey.

Why should you read it:

It's a wonderful collection of poetry and photographs.

Teaser Tuesdays - Infinity Bell

 

"Do not make me knock you both out and drag you through this tunnel. Are we gold" i shoved back my sleeves so I'd have better reach to wrestle them.

(page 124, Infinity Bell by Devon Monk)

---------

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, previously 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!

Grave War - Book Review

 

Grave War (Alex Craft #7)

by Kalayna Price

What is it about:

Grave witch Alex Craft has forged an uneasy truce with the world of Faerie, but she’s still been trying to maintain at least some semblance of a normal life in the human world. So it’s safe to say that stepping up as the lead investigator for the Fae Investigation Bureau was not a career path she ever anticipated taking.

When an explosion at the Eternal Bloom threatens to upend the fae who make their home in our world, Alex finds herself in charge of the most far reaching investigation she’s ever tackled. And it’s only her first week on the job. With the threats mounting and cut off from half her allies, Alex can’t wait on the sidelines and hope the fae’s conflicts stay contained within their borders.

What did I think of it:

Yup! I finished my challenge! I bet regular readers doubted me after seeing how long it took me to finish the Charley Davidson series by Darynda Jones.

And this last book is awesome!

Some storylines seemed to have be dropped in favor of the epic conclusion of this series, but I can't say I minded as those weren't my favorites anyway.

The events in this book had me captivated. I worried and cheered Alex on. And the ending was not what I had expected, but it was most satisfying in my opinion. 

You bet this series ended up on my keeper shelves!

Why should you read it:

It's awesome!!!

Serpentina - Book Review

 

Serpentina (a Societies Novella)

by Sydney Reames

What is it about:

When Sarah, the meekly obedient daughter of a domineering billionaire, is sent into space and forced to join the wild, harsh life of the desert-dwellers on the planet Rover, she’s confronted with a choice. Keep her head down, as her father expects, and gather useful information about the strange planetary Societies that have recently made contact with Earth. Or, welcome the power that comes with her scaly-skinned Assimilation and reinvent her life, free at last from her oppressive family.

As she grows to care for those around her on this strange new planet, Sarah learns of a threat to them all, a shadowy group called the Spear. Her new abilities offer the chance to rescue not only herself, but many others. The question how far is she willing to go to protect this way of life?

What did I think of it:

After I got over the the strange world building in Assimilation, the first book in this series, I actually loved it. So I picked up the novella when it released (Yes, I'm seriously behind on my reviewing and reading).

And this novella is a lot of fun.

I really liked how this novella shows more about one of the other societies and their initiation. I didn't much care for Sarah in Assimilation, but she really grew on me in this novella. I liked seeing her grow and change,

Near the end of the novella her story catches up to the ending of Assimilation and it was cool to see those events from another angle as well.

All in all a very enjoyable read. I'll try to pick up book 2 in the series soon.

Why should you read it:

It's a cool and fun SF novella

Teaser Tuesday - Dark Currents

 

Okay, that's a terrible comparison, but the point is, he was gorgeous.

He was also a motherfucking ghoul. 

(page 58, Dark Currents by Jacqueline Carey)

---------

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, previously 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!

House Immortal - Book Review (repost/reread)

 

House Immortal (House Immortal #1)
by Devon Monk

What is it about:
Matilda Case isn’t like most folk. In fact, she’s unique in the world, the crowning achievement of her father’s experiments, a girl pieced together from bits. Or so she believes, until Abraham Seventh shows up at her door, stitched with life thread just like her and insisting that enemies are coming to kill them all.

Tilly is one of thirteen incredible creations known as the galvanized, stitched together beings immortal and unfathomably strong. For a century, each House has fought for control over the galvanized. Now the Houses are also tangled in a deadly struggle for dominion over death—and Tilly and her kind hold the key to unlocking eternity

The secrets that Tilly must fight to protect are hidden within the very seams of her being. And to get the secrets, her enemies are willing to tear her apart piece by piece...

What did I think of it:
This is a really cool read.

I very much liked the idea of the galvanized, immortal beings who are stitched together like Frankenstein's monster. The whole society in this book is very intriguing as well. It's complex and full of backstabbing intrigue and drama.

Matilda is a great heroine, she's resourceful, headstrong and loyal to those she cares about. At times I thought she was just being stubborn for stubbornness sake though. I mean: She knows she's in a dangerous situation, with all kinds of people gunning for her, and she leaves a safe place to go out for coffee?!

There were some really cool other characters as well. I especially loved Neds, Matilda's two-headed farmhand.

The story is just as complex as the world building. There are lots of different factions involved and interested in Tilly, and I had to keep paying attention to keep up with what was going on.

Some plot lines were resolved near the end of the book, but a new one was introduced, leaving me with a cliffhanger ending. I will most certainly get my trotters on the next book once it releases.

Notes on rereading:

I read this back in 2015, so a reread before picking up book 2 was in order.

I'm surprised by what things I remembered and what I forgot. The start of the book made the most impression on me it seems, as did Neds and Tilly's grandmother. Everything that happens after she leaves her farm I couldn't remember. My previous review still stands though.

Why should you read it:
It's a cool Alternate History/Dystopian read

With Love, from Cold World - Book Review by Voodoo Bride

 

With Love, from Cold World

by Alicia Thompson

What is it about:

She has a to-do list a mile long and falling for her coworker isn't on it--yet somehow he's become her top priority in this romantic comedy from the national bestselling author of Love in the Time of Serial Killers.

Lauren Fox is the bookkeeper for Cold World, a tourist destination that's always a winter wonderland despite being located in humid Orlando, Florida. Sure, it's ranked way below any of the trademarked amusement parks and maybe foot traffic could be better. But it's a fun place to work, even if "fun" isn't exactly Lauren's middle name.

Her coworker Asa Williamson, on the other hand, is all about finding ways to enliven his days at Cold World--whether that means organizing the Secret Santa or teasing Lauren. When the owner asks Lauren and Asa to propose something (anything, really) to raise more revenue, their rivalry heats up as they compete to come up with the best idea. But the situation is more dire than they thought, and it might take these polar opposites working together to save the day. If Asa thought Lauren didn't know how to enjoy herself, he's surprised by how much he enjoys spending time together. And if Lauren thought Asa wasn't serious about anything, she's surprised by how seriously he seems to take her.

As Lauren and Asa work to save their beloved wintery spot, they realize the real attraction might be the heat generating between them.

What did Voodoo Bride think of it:

I will confess I had this one pre-ordered even before buying and reading Love in the Time of Serial Killers. And while I really enjoyed that one, it was a bit silly at times. So I had mixed feelings when picking this one up.

It was so good!!!

It's much more serious while still being romantic and sweet. I clicked with Lauren right away. I could understand why she keeps her distance from people, and rooted for her to see what a fun guy Asa is. Asa has his hangups as well, and I loved seeing them both work through things.  

All in all this is a great Romance with a nice Christmassy feel as a bonus. I'll be keeping an eye out for more by Thompson.

Why should you read it:

It's a really cool and enjoyable Contemporary Romance.