Chances are if you're reading this review it's because you're already familiar with the Hollows series and want to know if it's worth reading? YES. IfChances are if you're reading this review it's because you're already familiar with the Hollows series and want to know if it's worth reading? YES. If not, put this book down. DO NOT READ IT UNLESS YOU WANT TO RUIN THE RIDE!! But Kathy, it's a prequel! How will reading The Turn before Dead Witch Walking ruin anything? In order to understand The Turn one must get to know the characters and emotionally invest in them. So when the day comes to read The Turn you'll be able to connect all the events in the past to the people of the future. Throughout, the review I will be discussing Hollow spoilers.
The best way to show how The Turn made me feel:
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and this
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All readers know that the Hollows is a world where most of the humans were wiped out by genetically modified tomatoes allowing supernatural creatures to come out of hiding. But who made the tomatoes and why? The Turn addresses all these questions. But most importantly the reader learns who Trent's parents are and what they were like. The Turn is basically an experiment gone wrong followed by the collapse of humanity. No zombies. Just vampires, were-wolves, witches, elves, pixies, and demons.
Before I go any further I must get this off my chest. I FREAKING HATE TRENT SR. HE SUCKS TIMES INFINITY. He is a lazy spoiled brat. He believes that because his family has a part of high elf society he is allowed to do whatever he wants. He treats everyone like they are his slaves. Everyone is expendable. All the events that unfold are his fault. Yet he does not want to take responsibility for any of it. Why did he start the apocalypse? Because he was jealous of his revival, Trisk.
Trisk is a dark elf. Because she has a dark complexion and hair she is not seen as pure. Trisk is one of the smartest elf geneticists. Trisk discovered a way to save her species if only they would just give her a chance. The fact that she's a part of a lower class and a woman in her society are other factors that will not allow her to rise above. Racism and sexism. Even supernatural creatures aren't any better than humans. Trisk knows that the only way to get the elves attention is to work in a human lab. With the help of her human friend and co-worker Daniel, Trisk creates genetically modified tomatoes that will grow in any environment. Trisk's tomatoes become a hit because they can grow in any type of environment thus reducing poverty and world hunger. That is until Trent Kalamack is sent to oversee her project. And by oversee, Kal means to destroy Trisk's project so the elf Enclave gives all their funding to his project instead.
Once Kal ruins Trisk's tomatoes; Trisk and Daniel are on the run. They are hiding from supernatural and human authorities. Both feel responsible and want to save as many humans as possible. Kal only cares what the Enclave will do to him.
Kal and Trisk are Trent's parents. Everything makes sense now why every time Trent looks at Rachel he is reminded of his mother. Trisk had the same temperament as her. Trisk like Rachel will not let men control her. She is willing to fight for what she believes in. And worst of all because of elven custom a brilliant woman is now stuck with an awful man. Making Trent and healing Rachel was the only good thing that Kal ever did. Let's not forget he didn't even heal Rachel. He made her into a genetic demon. What happens to Trisk? Tent never says anything. It makes me wonder if she dies when he's a child or teen. I can't blame Trent for resenting his father and being jealous of Rachel for having two loving fathers.
Gally, the demon that Trisk's grandmother worked with is Al. Yes, that Al. Beloved chaos demon. Always sticking his nose where it doesn't belong. No wonder Al was pleased and proud of Rachel when she turned Trent into her demon familar. Al was the one who told Trisk that she was pregnant. Al wanted baby Trent in exchange for fixing everything, but Trisk refused.
But the saddest thing of all is that Quen and Trisk used to date. Quen always loved Trisk. But because he was doing security and she was a geneticist they could not be together. Now I understand why Quen loves Trent so much. Why he's always worried about Trent and why he doesn't want Rachel around him. I'm so glad that even if it was for a short time he had Ceri. Trent was the son that Quen could have had with Trisk.
Even better is that the reader gets to see Takata as a teenager. Rachel's rockstar biological dad as an innocent teen helping Trisk and Daniel escape. Trisk and Daniel meet with Piscary and Cormel toward the end of the book. Younger Piscary, as master vampires go wasn't that bad. He was the one who defended the idea to come out of hiding and help the humans. Of course he did it for his own benefit. Vampires depend on humans. But hey, the fact that Piscary wanted to keep Daniel and Trisk alive and away from harm made me view him in a different light. He definitely was not as kind to Ivy or Kisten.
Since every character in this book is connected it begs the question who is Orchid related to? I really hope that such a butt-kicking tiny warrior could be related to Jenks. Great-great grandmother? Orchid is a pixie and yet she let's nothing impede her from going on adventures or defending the weak. She even adopts Daniel in the same way that Jenks takes care of Rachel. To me Jenks has to be related to a fiery woman who has the same opinions about elves, especially about the Kalamacks. Did Orchid ever find a buck? Did she ever have all those children? I really hope so.
I need to know what happens to Daniel?! Yes, he's a human. But he's the only one who never got sick. And Trisk is always going on how he reminds her of an elf. Is it possible that he may have some elf blood?! Daniel's world was shattered in a day. Yet he never questions anything. He just accepts it and moves on. Daniel is the opposite of Kal. Daniel is kind, loving, and giving. He always ensures that Trisk is protected or cared for. Daniel could have died numerous times, but his mission is to save as many people as possible regardless of their species.
My favourite part though was when Trisk, Daniel, and Kal travel to Chicago. It was interesting to imagine werewolves, witches, and vampires in the CPD. Or the fact that Soldier Field was being used to hold all the human infected. Insert Bears joke here.
I hope there will be a sequel. I have more questions than answers. I never thought I'd be able to fall in love with a world or series all over again. Yet I have. I cannot get enough of the Hollows.
Favourite quotes
"She hated having to work twice as hard for half the credit, and she thought it telling that he went by his last name, shortening it from Kalamack to Kal in order to sound more human. To her, it meant he relied on his family rather than his own self for his identity." (3)
"Our only female demon is insane, but we still respect her." (169) It's funny because I love Newt. You'd go insane if you were constantly fighting off a selfish Goddess.
"'I know what I'm doing'. 'Said every demon summoner ever,' Gally mocked, his hands laced expectantly." (171) That's our sarcastic Al.
"Cages," the demon said slowly. "More fun than kraken in a bathtub, eh?" (290)
"Don't lecture me on morals. With men holding all the keys, women don't have a lot of choice but to whore themselves out for their bodies or whore themselves out for their minds." (296)
"Save me from fools and male egos." (313)
"Why would anyone put ketchup on their hot dog." (373) Even supernatural creatures think it's blasphemous to put ketchup on a hot dog. Making this Chicagoan proud.
"Takata slumped in his seat, long legs cramped. 'My mom is going to kill me.'" (475)
"Well you're troll turds, Kalamack." "Troll Turds on a stick!" ( 488)...more
Frostbitten is last book in the series told from Elena's perspective. Clay has always been the mercenary for their territory. While Elena is in chargeFrostbitten is last book in the series told from Elena's perspective. Clay has always been the mercenary for their territory. While Elena is in charge of making sure that the wolves act as human as possible. It has been Elena's mission to make sure the humans never discover that werewolves exist. But when rogue werewolves start killing humans it is up to Elena and Clay to put an end to it. Elena and Clay must not die on this mission because their children need them. Even though Kate and Logan are only little kids they're already developing their own opinions.
Throughout Frostbitten Elena has to deal with her emotions and expectations of being a mother. Elena is adopted and experienced the foster system. She is terrified of not being a suitable parent. Frostbitten also continues to explore Elena's past and her feelings towards her biological parents. Elena wants to be the mother she wished she had,but is uncertain if she can be one. Most mothers aren't werewolves. In addition, Jeremy has asked her to take over as Alpha in his place so he can retire and be with Jaime. Elena is scared that being higher than Clay on the werewolf hierarchy will ruin their marriage.
Clay is also struggling with his insecurities. He fears that he will not be able to protect his family like he could when he was younger. His strength is not as it used to be, especially now that he has a damaged arm. Clay also has to deal with his inherent sexism. He believes that having Elena as the alpha will make him look less threatening.
While in Alaska Elena and Clay run into people from their past. They must deal with them in the most precise manner that will not incite a war within the international werewolf packs. Through all the turmoil, one thing is clear, how much Elena and Clay love each other. Having something worth fighting for provides clarity for both Elena and Clay. They determine what is best for their family will be different than what is best for their pack.
I have been noticing a trend with urban fantasy in the recent years. Many author include real life issues in their urban fantasies stories. Kim Harrison did it with The Hollows. LKH with both Merry Gentry and Anita Blake. Now Kelley Armstrong is doing this as well.
One of the biggest issues addressed in Frostbitten is rape. The feelings that a rape victim feels and the events that occur after. How does one heal? How does one move on? Does one forgive or continue to let that anger and hatred provide inner strength? Both Elena and Clay have very sad childhoods. They seek solace in each other. I believe that their love and support comes from understanding what true sorrow and desolation means.
Moreover, they both have felt intense rage. They are both capable of murder and have done so in the past. Being a werewolf tests the limits of humanity. It takes control and discipline to not transform into the mutts they hunt. Armstrong addresses the ethics of murder? Is murder acceptable if it is to protect those one loves? Is it necessary in order to protect a secret? When does it transform into cold killing for the spite of it? Does being a werewolf transform you into a murder? Is the werewolf lifestyle in the end all about power? Can werewolves retain their "humanity" and raise children?
Who would have thought that an urban fantasy book would be so thought provoking? And here I was looking for an escape from my reality. Instead I was faced with a code of ethics that Elena must follow....more
As a poly person this book didn't bother me. It's a typical for poly couples to try to work on their emotions, being inclusive, and plan out sex. WhatAs a poly person this book didn't bother me. It's a typical for poly couples to try to work on their emotions, being inclusive, and plan out sex. What did bother me was the lack of any significant plot.
Jason left a lot to be desired. Hahah. Get it. Since it was all about sex.
The book is called Jason. I assumed it would be about Jason. Not about Anita dealing with her emotions and getting upset that people are pointing out her flaws. The older I get the less I like Anita to be honest. I don't understand her hangups. I don't understand how someone can say they're not bisexual when they are enjoying sex with another woman.
This could have easily been a short story. Why draw it out?
On the other hand, I'm glad Anita is realisng that it is not her responsibility to make anybody happy. There is not enough of her to go around. Yes it sucks, that these weres are bound to her because of the ardeu. But Anita is not obligated to love them. It's just a metaphysical bond. That's all. I just don't understand why Anita is so hard on herself. She never gives up on those around her. But when it comes to her well being, Anita always feels defeated.
Favourite quotes
"Sometimes I thought I'd been pushed so far outside my comfort zone that I'd break, and other times I realized that comfort zones were more like prison bars; they protected you, but they also trapped you. I didn't want to be trapped, not even by myself." (43)
"I think I'm trying to process that I'll never be able to meet all of Jason's needs." (121)
"Everyone told me that when I found the right person I'd be happy to be monogamous, but you're telling me that didn't work for you guys either." (125)
"I never understood why people try to marry that they want to change completely ." (135)
"Either you work your issues or they work you." ( 157)...more
"Oh, Dresden what have you involved yourself in today?" This is basically my thought process every time I read the Dresden Files. So many problems cou"Oh, Dresden what have you involved yourself in today?" This is basically my thought process every time I read the Dresden Files. So many problems could have been solved if he just swallowed his pride.
What I love about the Dresden Files is how every book is connected to each other. So if the reader does not read the books in order one will be confused and lost. DON'T SKIP AROUND THE TIMELINE. Leave time travel to the Doctor and his Tardis.
Having said that, Harry has to deal with the aftermath of his actions in the previous books. People he loves are hurt or lost because they're just as stubborn as Dresden. Harry being such a goody two shoes cannot leave anything alone. Forgetting that unlike his friend, Michael, he is not a knight. Resulting in having his nefarious godmother to constantly save him from dying. Dresden's godmother in one of the Sidhe. She wants Harry to be her slave. It also doesn't help that Harry's mother told this woman that her son belonged to her. So just like Rachel Morgan, Harry keeps making deals with the devil. This case the demons are faery.
Butcher's inclusion of faery lore as well as the accurate descriptions of Chicago neighbourhoods make this book fun to read.
Favourite quotes:
"Some words have a power that has nothing to do with supernatural forces. They resound in the heart and mind, they live long after the sounds of them have died away, they echo in the heart and soul. They have power, and that power is very real." (344-345) ...more
As the series progresses Sookie is becoming more wise and less of a naive idiot. That's what I love the most. Let the jadedness and sarcasm flow. The As the series progresses Sookie is becoming more wise and less of a naive idiot. That's what I love the most. Let the jadedness and sarcasm flow. The best part was that Bill was hardly in the book. I have finally realized that I despise that vampire and his hypocritical ways. Eric was precious like a newborn kitten. Alcide is still the noblest werewolf. Perhaps after what has happened to Jason he'll be smarter. Sure there are no lessons in this book or "controversial topics" like in other urban fantasy books, but it's still good. Sometimes you just need an easy story to read and escape into....more
A collection of stories from the world of Mercy Thompson. Every story is just as good as the next. Some of the stories give the reader a background t A collection of stories from the world of Mercy Thompson. Every story is just as good as the next. Some of the stories give the reader a background to further understand why certain characters are emotionally damaged. "Silver" made me cry. I'm pleased that eventually Sam and Ariana find each other again. "Ben" is another of my favourites featured in this book. All the reader needs to know about Ben is in the title of story, redemption. All in all, great writing.
Favourite quotes:
Love, like any other living thing, needs to be fed. Only if you starve it will it die." (54)
"...you knew a person by the books they read...or didn't read." (117)
"Bad dreams that held warnings of things to come were the worst." ( 137)
"But for witches, real power came from blood and death." (145)
"Change is neither good nor bad. It's just change. Frightening, but survivable." (402)
"And yet I have loved you." (444)
"You bring hope into my life when I thought there was none to find." (444)...more
Sookie is finally developing into the heroine I always thought she was. Whining is down to a minimum. She realises Bill is a selfish prick also anotheSookie is finally developing into the heroine I always thought she was. Whining is down to a minimum. She realises Bill is a selfish prick also another plus. I have finally reached my limit on him. In the show Bill is absolutely charming. In the books one truly understands what a hypocritical creature Bill is. Bill's behaviour is the reason why Eric dislikes him. Bill is a sanctimonious jerk. Eric may be sleazy, but he's still classy. He's like Galahad and a stripper combined. Hilarious. Eric is honest about his intentions. He sees Sookie as a person and not a possession like Bill. Eric understands Sookie better than Bill ever will. Alicide in the show is just like the book. So far, other than the fact that he is an emotionally confused guy he seems alright. Better looking than either vampire in my opinion and a better person too. I will have to see if that is the case in the next book.
Club Dead was all urban fantasy and no mystery this time. That's okay. Better than Living in Dallas, but not as good as the first one.
Favourite quote
'I don't think you can be too sure about that possessive pronoun.' (253) Eric schooling Bill on grammar and the English language is the best kind of snark in the world....more
Fool Moon is part mystery, part stupid choices done by a wizard who attracts chaos like nobody's business. Harry Dresden is a lovable idiot. EverythinFool Moon is part mystery, part stupid choices done by a wizard who attracts chaos like nobody's business. Harry Dresden is a lovable idiot. Everything that occurs to him is his fault, but that's what makes his life so interesting. This ideology is probably the same reason people don't like this series. I have a habit of loving books most people hate. I also love that this series takes place in the same city I live. Of all the Urban Fantasy books I own I can visualize this book the most.
Favourite quotes
"Were these killers? They looked more like a group of computer nerds geared up for Leather Night." (43) Hilariously enough that's exactly what they do. Hahahahahaa.
"It was a loss of identity. I was a wizard. It was more than just a job, more than just a title. Wizardry was at the core of my being. It was my relationship with my magic, the way I used it, the things it let me do that defined me, shaped me, gave me purpose." (237)
"Magic comes from the heart, from your feelings, your deepest expressions of desire." (332)...more
Bloodwork is the graphic novel version of the Hollows series. Bloodwork is a prequel. This graphic novel depicts how Rachel and Ivy first met. I'm go Bloodwork is the graphic novel version of the Hollows series. Bloodwork is a prequel. This graphic novel depicts how Rachel and Ivy first met. I'm going to assume the pixies in this graphic novel is Jenks and his family.
The art isn't stunning, but it works. Rachel's hair should be more red. Perhaps I'm just used to the image of her in my head. She also wasn't wearing her typical clothing that is described in the books. I thought Kisten would look better as well. He was a huge part of Rachel's life. I thought Kisten would look more like a punk or biker. Not someone one would meet on the street. As visuals go seeing Ivy's glamour or how the charms work was really cool. Since the story is still written by Kim Harrison it was worth reading. Blood Work ended on a cliffhanger. I'm assuming so the readers would buy the next volume. I know I did. I can't wait to see how Trent fits in all this and what he looks like....more
Sudden Backtrack is a short story about how Newt turned into the lovable, deranged, crazy -cat-demon lady from Al's perspective. The fact that Newt h Sudden Backtrack is a short story about how Newt turned into the lovable, deranged, crazy -cat-demon lady from Al's perspective. The fact that Newt has red hair leads me to believe that she is Rachael's ancestress. Canon accepted! I will not change my mind. I need more! I want to know what happened to Al's significant other?! And I would like to know more about the other demons....more
Living Dead in Dallas is very different from Season 2 of True Blood. This is where the series starts going seperate ways from its HBO version. Sookie Living Dead in Dallas is very different from Season 2 of True Blood. This is where the series starts going seperate ways from its HBO version. Sookie is still too innocent, it makes me sick. And one of my favourite character is dead. So that's pretty lame. Eric is developing as a character. It was a quick read and I enjoyed it. ...more
A Shiver of Light is another book that I have been waiting for a century( it seems) to read. I love the Merry Gentry series because the main characterA Shiver of Light is another book that I have been waiting for a century( it seems) to read. I love the Merry Gentry series because the main character is ruthless and kind. She just wants to be left alone (which I can relate to), but instead she has to fight for her life against her toxic family (can also relate). Merry is strong and has to be in order to survive. Unlike Anita, Merry never apologies for being herself. Merry fights to protect those she loves. A Shiver of Light is supposed to be Merry's happy-ever- after, but as usual it never turns out that way.
I didn't expect to be hit with an emotional brick. Some parts made me scream with indignation or grief that my significant other rushed to my side to inquire if I was alright. As usual when one is emotionally invested in a book series it feels like nothing will ever be okay. One has to understand I started this series when I was in high school. By the time I read A Shiver of Light I was 28. Several years of growth and experiences have gone by. I thought that I would never get to read Merry's fate.
The theme of unconditional love is one that I can relate to. I adore the fact that LKH addresses that there are different kinds and levels of love. A Shiver of Light also discusses the way motherhood shapes women physically, mentally, and emotionally. I thought it was interesting to see Merry go through pregnancy changes. Merry acknowledges that while she will be a mother, she still has sexual urges.
I hope this isn't the last book in the series because I want... I need... to know what happens to the babies. Part of me is hoping that LKH will write a spin-off based on Merry's children. Just like Tamora Pierce or Kelly Armstrong did for her character's children. I want to see them grow up and go on adventures with their hounds. I can't wait to read all chaos these little sidhe create.
Overall, it was worth the wait.
Favourite quotes:
"That's what no one tells you: that even when Deity takes a hand in your life, and you answer the call , your ordinary life doesn't go away." (7)
"If you are following Deity's plan for you, it isn't always the easy path; sometimes it's the hard one. So why follow? Because to do any less is to betray your own abilities and gifts, and the faith that Deity has in you." (7)
"...If she can control herself to that degree than she is not truly insane , she is simply cruel." (58)
"There is no loyalty in fear, only resentment." (122)
"I was learning that happy- ever -after was the beginning of the next chapter, not the end of the story." (129)
"...It is always hard to love more than you are loved." (313)
"Sometimes you have to lose a thing to value it." (338)...more
Storm Front is a quick read. The plot is set up quickly and it doesn't take chapters to understand where the story is going. The main character is a Storm Front is a quick read. The plot is set up quickly and it doesn't take chapters to understand where the story is going. The main character is a lovable jerk who is misunderstood and is always getting caught up in some kind of chaos. I'm going to be lame and say": "You're a wizard, Harry!" I love broody wizards named Harry. Well, Harry Dresden fits the bill perfectly. Finally urban fantasy that takes place in the city I live. I'm so down with this as well as having a spirit helper living in a skull. The description of McAnally's reminds me of the Underground Lounge or Livewire. Bonus points is that even though this book is urban fantasy as a Pagan I can also relate to the things Dresden says or does. Overall, fantastic start to a series.
Memorable quotes:
"The world's falling apart at the seams, Harry. I guess I just think people are pretty arrogant to believe we've learned everything there is to know in the past century or so." (23)
"They say wizards are subtle. But believe you me, we got nothing, nothing at all, on women." (55)
"The kind of things you see when you learned how to open your Third Eye could be blindingly beautiful, bring tears to your eyes-or they could be horrible, things that made your worst nightmares seem ordinary and comforting. Visions of the past, the future, of the true nature of things. Psychic strain, troubled shades, spirit-folk of all description, the shivering power of the Nevernever in all its brillant and subtle hues-and all going straight into your brain: unforgettable, permanent. (137)
"Magic came from life itself, from the interaction of nature and the elements, from the energy of all living beings, and especially people." (278)...more
Sometimes I do judge a book by it's cover and it turns out to be just as awesome as I thought it would be. I was at Half -Price books doing my rounds Sometimes I do judge a book by it's cover and it turns out to be just as awesome as I thought it would be. I was at Half -Price books doing my rounds and I found this lovely gem. Earth Thirst is a combination of urban fantasy, horror and science-fiction with some Greek mythology thrown in.
Earth Thirst is about eco-warrior vampires who try to save "Mother" (Earth) from the evil, humans. Silas discovers that Arcadians (vampires) aren't that different from humans and that their system is just as corrupt. Silas' world is falling apart. He begins to question everything he has ever learned in all his lives. The Arcadians are similar to the living vampires found in Kim Harrison's Hallows series.
Earth Thirst is action packed. The characters travel from Australia to South America. I have read countless of series and novels about vampires. But, never about ones who want to preserve the earth and are willing to kill humans to do so. This is a very original idea. I enjoyed it because it didn't have a contrite love story, indecisive obnoxious characters, or any of the usual suspects found with vampires. I cannot wait to read the other books in this series....more
Whoa! I'm in awe with this book. I know so many reviewers have complained for years about how the Anita Blake books have no plot or substance. Afflic Whoa! I'm in awe with this book. I know so many reviewers have complained for years about how the Anita Blake books have no plot or substance. Affliction proves all naysayers wrong. For an urban fantasy book this book takes on a slue of controversial issues from feminism, sexual orientation, gender constructs, reproduction rights, slut-shaming, and polyamory. For all these reason I adore this book!!
Affliction is like the typical Anita Blake books. There is a murder or mystery that needs to be solved. Anita takes care of it because she has no other choice. Emotions are expressed and dealt with. Sure, the plot was great, but the message was better. Don't be ashamed to be one's self. Anita finally embraces her necromancy and realises that her ability is not a curse.
Hamilton does a fantastic job describing the dynamics of a poly relationship. This also demonstrates that any kind of relationship experience the same problems or issues.
Polyamory. Poly as in more than one. Amor as in love. The ability to love more than one person at the same time. An investment of time, experiences, money, on a committed relationship with more than one person. APPARENTLY THIS IS A DIFFICULT CONCEPT FOR SOME PEOPLE. Page 267 even explains what it means.
Because polyamory is a main theme in Affliction and shaped by Anita's personal choices I have to write about it in my review. For the last time I'm so flippin' sick and tired of people complaining about how the Anita Blake books are now just porn on paper. Why isn't Anita happy with one person? Why does she have to sleep with all these men and one woman? Why? I'll tell you why? BECAUSE SHE FREAKING FEELS LIKE IT.
This is the 22nd book in the series and my fellow readers haven't figured out what kind of person Anita is? Or the kinds of men she is attracted to? If you haven't figured it out yet, let me clue you in: ANITA BLAKE IS POLY!!! STOP WHINING ABOUT THIS EVERY TIME A NEW BOOK COMES OUT! My fellow readers I hope that you're all mature enough to understand that people can be in committed relationships with more than one person if that is the choice they've decided to make. If Richard, Mr. Alpha couldn't make Anita monogamous and believe me he tried. He forced himself on her so hard she resented him for years. What dear reader makes one think that she'll suddenly "see the light". Even if Anita wasn't a succubus and has to feed the ardeur to stay alive she would still be poly.
Asking "isn't one person enough" is not only rude and condescending. It also implies that someone else's life choice should not be respected, just because it's not something that the reviewer would do. Some people are monogamous and some people are poly. That's just the way it is. Deal with it. If one is giving books bad ratings just because they don't agree with the topic than one is as bad as people who censor books. You could easily choose to not read the book and go on with life.
Having said that, no I do not think that Affliction is lacking or full of smut. No, I don't think it was weird for Anita to have a loving or a sexual moment with one of her guys when conflicts occur. No, I don't think the way any of these characters act is strange or takes away from the story.
The one thing that did bother me was Jean Claude. I used to love him when I was a teenager. Now that I'm an adult I'm so over him. He needs to go. That relationship is getting stale really fast. Anita should continue working with him, but that's it.
Favourite quotes:
"They think bisexual means you haven't made up your mind or won't admit the truth." (60)
"I make zombies rise from the dead the way some people are left-handed or have the recessive genes for blue eyes. It's just the way it is. " (112)
"If I were a man sleeping with as many women, would it bother you as much?" (124)
"Sometimes what you need to hear isn't comfortable." (181)
"...the worst monsters I've ever seen have all been human." (374)
“Real ghosts are so much easier to deal with than the kind we carry around in our heads. Most people haunt themselves more effectively than any spirit." ( I don't remember what page this is on.)...more
It finally happened I finished the last book in the Hallows Series. I thought if I read it carefully and slowly it wouldn't end. But, it did. I know It finally happened I finished the last book in the Hallows Series. I thought if I read it carefully and slowly it wouldn't end. But, it did. I know that's not logical. But, one must understand that I started reading this series when I was in high school and now I'm 27. Just like Harry Potter, Rachel Morgan became a part of me growing up. In turn, I saw Rachel blossom into an incredible woman. Rachel Morgan has saved the world so many times before she was 30. How will I ever compete with that? What am I doing with my life? Why can't my blood smell like sandalwood?! WHY IS THIS SERIES OVER?! WHY CAN'T I STOP CRYING! I know. I know. I'm being dramatic. The last time I cried this much about a book series I got a tattoo for it on my left ankle. It will also be like this when I read the last Merry Gentry book. So you've all been warned.
I'm thrilled that Ms. Harrison gave all her characters a realistic happy ending. I'm pleased that Newt who began as a minor character played a massive role in saving the world. She was always one of my favourites. Ellasbeth is the only character I hate. Ellasbeth was created to be despised. Or as Rachel says, "May the turn take her." She's immature and made Trent's life difficult for not marrying her. I love that Rachel and Trent stopped lying about their feelings for each other. I'm glad that after all the hardships Rachel faced she was able to find love. This brings me back to Harry Potter, “Do not pity the dead, Harry. Pity the living, and, above all those who live without love.” That is exactly what Rachel did. She took her fear and destroyed them. Rachel saves the world when she realises how much unconditional love surround her. Rachel's power comes from her ability to fight for a better future.
Favourite quotes
"Love shouldn't be scary,but whenever I fell in love , my life fell apart. I didn't want anything to change, but how could I stop it?" (101)
"Falling in love was the easiest thing in the world to do. Why was it always so hard for me to survive it?" ( 178)
The best way I can summarise my emotions is with this image of my favourite Timelord.
I miss the days when I could finish a book in a day. Now it takes me months to finish a 300 page book since I am always working, creating things, or eI miss the days when I could finish a book in a day. Now it takes me months to finish a 300 page book since I am always working, creating things, or exhausted. Teens if you're reading this review; read while you can, because it's almost impossible as an adult. This reflection is brought to you by my wish for this world to take chill the f out so I can get lost in more series and authors that I love.
Yasmine Galenorn is one of my favorite authors. It amazes me how many universes she creates. How many books she churns out every year. One can say Ms. Galenorn is a role model to me because like me, she has a plethora of diseases. I wish I had her energy. I've read her non-fiction books, the Otherworld series, the Whisper Hallows, and now her Fly by Night series. Jasmine knows how to make realistic and relatable characters. I've had yet to read a book by her that I did not relate to. In my typical fashion, I always like the series that have been put on hold because of how greedy publishers are. Support authors, not publishers. Publisher just want profits. Authors are the ones who are creating these worlds for us.
Flight from Death is a spin-off from the Otherworld series. Shimmer is a water dragon from the dragon reaches. Because she is an orphan Shimmer has no title, money, or pedigree. She had to survive by stealing. Survival is what causes Shimmer to be cast out. Alex is an Aussie vampire who runs his own private investigation office in Washington. The king of dragons asks Alex if he would watch over Shimmer while she is exiled, since they are friends. Alex unlike other vampires treats Shimmer like his employee and not his servant. They are hired by Alex's estranged best friend to resolve a haunting at his bed and breakfast. Alex and Shimmer think they will be able to crack this case in a day. They begin to learn how dangerous this entity truly is. All while, Shimmer is trying to understand her feelings for Alex. The reader is introduced to Chai, a djinn who is Shimmer's best friend, Ralph a werewolf who has a crush on Shimmer, Tonya who is a human witch and Degoba who is a spiritwalker. As per usual, chaos ensues.
If you like strong female characters because that's all Ms. Galenorn rights than this book is for you. ...more
I love the D'Artigo sisters. The bond that they all have is unbreakable. I'm really getting sick of urban fantasy with main characters who are all mooI love the D'Artigo sisters. The bond that they all have is unbreakable. I'm really getting sick of urban fantasy with main characters who are all moody lone wolves. It works for Harry Dresden of the Dresden Files by Jim Butcher, but that's about it. It's quite refreshing to see protagonists who are not scared to call for help or who are working hard to build a community out of nothing. Just when I thought the character development for Camille was at peak perfection Ms. Galenorn continues to surprise me. The events that follow in Courting Darkness are horrific. Camille goes through an ordeal that no person should ever go through, but she manages to survive. It blew my mind that instead of going with the independent woman trope Ms. Galenorn makes Camille address her trauma right away instead of bottling it all up. I absolutely loved that by making Camille realise her emotions she was able to not become a victim of her own thoughts or abuse. I found Courting Darkness to be empowering. But another person might be triggered by the abuse that Camille endures. I do think that this book could be skipped if need be. But, doing so would cause the reader to miss out on an important life lesson and major event in Camille's life. Added bonus I'm content that my favourite minor character, a Finnish house spirit by the name of Iris finally gets a happy ending. ...more
A collection of "modern" stories inspired by fairytales. Some of the stories would fall into the categories of erotica, fantasy, urban fantasy, horrorA collection of "modern" stories inspired by fairytales. Some of the stories would fall into the categories of erotica, fantasy, urban fantasy, horror, mystery, and fiction. All the stories have a dark and sensual tone to them in order to connect them to their original stories. Originally fairy tales were written for aristocratic adults as a way to entertain them. In the same way that television and films are used today. It wasn't until the Victorian Period when fairy tales were used to teach children morals. Each story is dark, "twisted",and sexual.
I have to say I also found the best line ever written in this book:
I had no doubt in my mind that I would enjoy Autumn Thorns because I've enjoyed most of Galenorn's writing. Both her urban fantasy and non-fiction bo I had no doubt in my mind that I would enjoy Autumn Thorns because I've enjoyed most of Galenorn's writing. Both her urban fantasy and non-fiction books are filled with a plethora of information. I knew that this new series was about a woman who works with spirits so that already piqued my interest. What I didn't know was that this book focuses on the Morrighan and Irish mythology. I'm Pagan and I also work with the Morrighan so my love for this book doubled.
I could relate to the main character because I know what it's like to have a dysfunctional relationship with one's family yet do ancestor work. Kerris ran away from home at 18. But her grandparents' sudden death forced her to return. Now Kerris must become the resident spirit shaman for Whisper Hallow. Kerris discovers that her parents never abandoned her and that everything she always suspected as a child is true. Autumn Thorns is about not being able to escape one's past, but also finding closure. I thought it was interesting that the "bad guys" call themselves the "Hounds of Cú Chulainn". Cú Chulainn was an arrogant jerk in the Irish sagas. He's supposed to be the best warrior and a hero for all of Ireland. But instead Cú Chulainn allows his hubris to destroy him. Galenorn also describes who these characters are if the reader isn't familiar with Irish mythology.
My only complaint is the awkward sex scenes featured in this book. I read Galenorn's book on Sex Magick so I know that she's not shy about sex. Some of the things the characters do with each other seem a bit odd for a shapeshifter who was born in the 1900's and a woman who's 33- years-old. But hey it's her world not mine. Whatever.
"All life feeds on life. Death is necessary to ensure life continues, whether it be the death of an apple off a tree or a cow for beef or whether it's us-to keep the world from being overcrowded." ( 148)
"Most people don't realize that there are differing lineages of humanity, and nobody has clocked every single strand of DNA on this planet." (239)...more
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