Category: Book Recommendations

What I am reading in June

On By MikaelaIn Book Recommendations, Writing

I have had some troubles finishing books lately, but I have read some really good ones.

Shaman Rises by C. E Murphy

I devoured Shaman Rises by C. E. Murphy.  It is the last book in the Walker Papers series *sob*, and it was so good. It wrapped up all the loose threads, and was filled with unexpected twists.  Go and read it!

High Seduction by Vivian Arend

I love Vivian Arend’s contemporary romances, but I was a bit slow in buying this one.  But I’m glad I bought it, since I was craving a good contemporary romance. And it didn’t disappoint.  It was sizzling, fast paced, and filled with action.

An Aria of Omen by Patrice Greenwood

I love, love this series. The setting is intriguing, the characters are well crafted, the plot is solid. The only drawback is that there is so long between releases. *sulks* But she also writes fantasy as Pati Nagle, and I haven’t read those. I’m planning to , though.

 

 

Must read summer releases

On By MikaelaIn Book Recommendations

This summer is packed full with books that I’m itching to read.

To begin with, there is Shield of Winter by Nalini Singh. Which was the reason I re-read the series now. Mmm.  ( I’ll admit that I’m crossing my fingers that my book store makes the same mistake they did last year. *cough*)

Then in July  Shaman Rises by C.E Murphy releases. *sob* I’m still struggling with the fact that it is the last Walker Paper novel.

Also in July the third book in Patricia Rice California Malcolms trilogy releases. I’m having my fingers crossed that she writes more, though. If not… well… I’ll nag her until she changes her mind. 🙂

And Wen Spencer’s next Elfhome novel releases in July! Perfect for some fun, fastpaced summer read.

Oh! Magic Breaks by Ilona Andrews is out  July too.  This book wraps up this series arc, although there will be more books. And Michelle Sagara’s Cast in Flames are out in July.

And in September, Ghost Layer by Robin D Owens is out.  The first book was so good.  But then all Robin’s books are really good. 🙂

So many books. So little time. 🙂 What books are you looking forward to read this summer?

 

 

What I’m reading: April

On By MikaelaIn Book Recommendations

The last week or so I have been glomming on Nalini Singh’s Psy-Changeling series.  It is far from the first time I read this series.  I love it.  I love the complex and rich worldbuilding, but most of all I love the characters.

They are Changelings, Psy and human, but what I also appreciate is that all of them has a past that have affected them and that affects the plots in the books.

But what I appreciate the most is how all the books in the series builds up  to the climax of the story arc.  It is also interesting to see the changes in the world, from Slave to Sensation ( book one) to Heart of Obsidian.  While I suppose you can read the books out of order, I recommend you read them in order. At least the first time  🙂

Oh, and if you are looking for diverse books? I definitely recommend these.

The only draw back is that I need to find another series to glom on. Maybe Patricia Rice Malcolm Ives series? After all, I just replaced my copy of Merely Magic, which I bought when she originally selfpubbed her backlist, with the Sourcebooks edition.

The 2014 Edition: 5 Women SF/F Writers to read

On By MikaelaIn Book Recommendations

Close to a year ago, I wrote a blog post about my top 3 female SF/F writers.  With the recent hubub about the Waterstone list, I thought it might be a good idea to write a new  list.   Unlike last year when it was solely unknown authors, it is a mix of wellknown and less well known writers.

Chrysoula Tzavelas:

18243141I pledged the Matchbox Girls Kickstarter solely on C.E. Murphy’s blurb. And I haven’t regretted it since.  Since the moment I finished reading Matchbox Girls, Chrysoula Tzavelas have been on my autobuy list.  She writes great Urban Fantasy set in an intriguing world.

 

 

Nalini Singh:

15808767Nalini Singh is a NYT bestseller so she isn’t unknown, but since her novels contains romance, I suspect that a lot of SF/F readers haven’t read her.  And they are missing out.   Yes, Nalini Singh’s novels contains romance, but they are have amazing worldbuilding, intriguing characters and plots that hooks you. So do give her books a try.

Lisa Shearin:

Lisa Shearin is one of those authors I didn’t buy until I got an e-reader.  Once I bought the first book, though, I was caught.   She writes Fantasy and Urban Fantasy novels that are packed with snark,  action, great characters and romance.  And I wouldn’t want it otherwise.

J. C. Daniels:

BrokenBlade72-1-200x300J. C. Daniels ( aka Shiloh Walker) writes Urban Fantasy of the dark and gritty kind. And I love how she pushes her characters until they crack. And then deals with the aftermath.  The only thing I *don’t* like is that she only publish one book per year.     Cause  her books are addictive.

 

Maria E. Schneider

I’m very picky when it comes to self published books. In fact, there are only a handful of self published authors that I have put on my autobuy list.    While the list fluctuate a bit,  Maria E. Schneider is firmly on the list for her Adriel novels.  They are well plotted, set in an refreshing setting and have unique characters.  Oh and whatever you do, don’t read Under Witch Ghost first. It is slightly spoilery.

 

I could go on for a long time, listing many other fine writers but I think I’ll stop here.  But I would love if you added your recommendations in the comments!

 

 

My 2014 Re-reading challenge: January round up

On By MikaelaIn Book Recommendations, Writing

I know. This is a bit late, since it is already February 10th.

In January I glommed on Lisa Shearin’s Raine Benares Novels.  It was nice to be back in this world, and follow Raine’s adventures as she tried to rid herself of the Saghred. The plot were engaging, the characters interesting.  Just like before, the last book was my least favorite. Probably because I really don’t want the series to end.

I also re-read the Moon series by Maria E Schneider.  I really like this series. It has an down to earth view on magic, and I like how it shows the trial and error it sometimes is.  The characters are interesting, and so is the mysteries Adriel and her friends are solving. The only drawback is that the next book isn’t out until  Dec 2014. *grumps* It is especially hard to wait since there is a free short story available, that feels more like the first chapter.

So what am I re-reading in February?

I am slowly savoring the Memory Sorrow Thorn series by Tad Williams. All 12 (!) parts of them, since the Swedish publisher decided to split each book in three parts.

 

My 2014 Re-reading challenge:

On By mikaelalindIn Book Recommendations

I have 200 books marked as unread in Calibre, most of them written by authors that I have wanted to give a try for a long. And yet, none of them spark my interest.

Normally, I would have shrugged it off, and assumed that it would change soon. Except that I have been in a reading slump since October. Which is very frustrating, when you like me used to  read 1 book/ day, if not more.. But then I started to think about why I have been in a reading slump. I don’t think it is a coincidence that the reading slump started roughly around the time I decided to focus on my writing career.

Which made me sit down, and think hard. It is unheard of for me to read as few books as I currently do. I also know that some authors simply cannot read new books and/ or books in the same genre that they are writing in.

And add to the fact that the only books I haven’t DNF’d have been re-reads, I have decided to focus on re-reads this year. I am not sure which books I’ll re-read, but I look forward to browse my library, and pick up old and newer faves that I want to re-read. 🙂

Friday Bargains: Black Friday/ Cyber Monday deals

On By MikaelaIn Book Recommendations

The Trouble with Magic by Patricia Rice is 1.99 right now. If you haven’t read her Malcolm and Ives novels yet, this a great price. ( Each book stands alone.)

Google Play is having a sale this weekend, and a lot of bestsellers are steeply discounted.  Amazon is price matching some of them.

Amazon is offering 30 % off on paper books with this coupon_BOOKDEAL  ( tip: Buy a book that’s in Kindle Matchbook, so that you can gift a copy to someone ( either print or e-book).

BN also offers 30% off: BFRIDAY30.

Kobo offers an multiuse 50% off. BLACKFRIDAY50. ( They have done that so often, that I cannot get excited any more. What can I say, I’m spoiled!)

No details, but Samhain has hinted that they are running a sale on Monday. I’m hoping that ARe will run one of their rebate sales.  Their #areblast campaign isn’t impressing me. Lots of books, though!

 

I’m probably missing lots of sales, but I hope you have a great weekend! :).

Friday Bargains: A little bit of everything

On By MikaelaIn Book Recommendations

 

Midnight ink is 0.99 right now, and contains stories from 9 authors I think. I’ll admit it. I’m often wary of multiauthor bundles, but since all the stories are interlinked, I decided to buy it.

TheDuchess warby Courtney Milan has been on my wishlist for awhile, and it is just 0.99 right now, and the sale ends TODAY. So grab it while you can.

For the Honor of the Hunt by Lazette Gifford

This is a short story collection, with 3 interconnected and is 1.99 right now. No idea if it is the ordinary price, or not, but I love Lazette Gifford books, so I’m buying it. If you haven’t tried Lazette Gifford yet, this is a good place to start.

Carina Press still has a bunch of titles on sale, among them is Defiance by Stephanie Tyler.

 

Kobo has another, unlimited coupon code 50% off: Unlimited50.

 

A bit sparse, this week but next Friday is Black Friday. I expect a lot of sales then, or on Monday.

( Do they still use Cyber Monday?)

 

 

WWW Wednesday Nov 20

On By MikaelaIn Book Recommendations

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To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…


• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you’ll read next?

 

I know I have been quiet this month, but I have been in an reading slump. Sigh. But I think I am finally crawling out of it. Anyway, here is what I have read this month.

Currently reading:

I love Wen Spencer’s novels, but I am struggling with this one. I think the main problem is that I read it recently enough that I still remember what happens to the characters.

 

 

This was one of the free books at World Fantasy Con.  And it is another one that I am struggling with. I think it is because it is an omnibus of the three Bookman novels, so even if I have read 70 pages it feels like I haven’t read anything.

 

 

 

Recently read:

 

A Fistful of Sky by Nina Kiriki Hoffman. This is one of my favorite novels. I love the LaZelle family, I love the magic. It felt like I slid on an old, comfy sweater when I read it. 🙂

 

 

 


I have had this in my TBR pile for years, and I regret that I didn’t read it earlier. It was really good, but I wish I had realised it was No 2 in a trilogy. It was surprisingly stand alone.

 

 

Reading next:

I am not sure. Probably some more fantasy from the TBR pile. Or maybe some mystery. 🙂

Review: Prince of Shadows by Curt Benjamin

On By MikaelaIn Book Recommendations

 

The Particulars: Epic Fantasy, DAW, available in print and as e-book

The Source: The Bookshelf

The Grade: B

The Blurb

Llesho was only seven years old when the Harn invaded Thebin, slaying his father and selling the boy into slavery. On Pearl Island, he was trained as a diver — until a vision changed his life completely. The spirit of his newly-dead teacher revealed the truth about Llesho’s royal family — his six brothers were still alive, but had been sold into slavery in distant lands.

Now, to free his brothers — and himself — Llesho must train as a gladiator…

He must go face to face with sorcerers….

And gods….

And more.

 

The Review:

I love Curt Benjamin’s epic fantasies, and this is the book that started the love. ( I wish I knew who he is a psedonym for, though, since he is writing Contemporary Fantasy under another name.)

This book take place in  a setting that is heavily based on East Asian history and mythology. And I loved the care that Mr Benjamin had taken to make the book feel fresh, yet at the same time believable.

At the core, this is a quest novel, which means they travel a lot. Mr Benjamin manages to weave in enough unexpected events during the travel portions, to avoid the dullness that creeps into many fantasy novels. I liked following Llesho’s journey, from his life at the oyster beds, and to the Shan Empire. It was interesting to see how he struggled with his nightmares, and his past, as he and his companions travelled toward the capital of the Shan Empire.

 

On the way, he met a lot of people, and most of them wasn’t what they seemed to be. It was interesting to see how Llesho slowly realised that he was travelling in the company of immortals and witches. I liked the sense of loyalty that arose between Llesh, Bixei, Lling and Hmishi, as they travelled together.

That said, I had a couple of niggling things.  First, I struggled a bit with how Lleck knew Llesho was alive? I know that the probable answer was that he probably had help from the Goddess.

The other niggling thing was that I would have loved a map. They travel a lot, both in this book and the other books of the trilogy. A map would have been really helpful.