Review: Hostage to pleasure - Nalini Singh

 Psy-changelings 5

Genre: paranormal romance
Pages: 330
Published: 2008

Now, as the deadly Psy Council tightens its grip, a rebel Psy scientist finds herself at the mercy of a changeling who has sworn vengeance against her kind...

Ashaya Aleine was separated from her son, forced to create a neural implant that will forever enslave her psychically gifted Psy race. After fighting a desperate battle to save her child and escape the PsyNet, she’s lead not to safety, but into the lethal danger of a sniper’s embrace.

DarkRiver sniper Dorian Christensen lost his sister to a Psy killer. Though he lacks the changeling ability to shift into animal form, his leopard lives within. And that leopard's rage at the brutal loss is a clawing darkness that hungers for vengeance. Falling for a Psy has never been on Dorian's agenda. But charged with protecting Ashaya and her son, he discovers that passion has a way of changing the rules...

This is the reason why I should write reviews at once, this one was left behind not to mention that I started and finished it over some weeks since I had that crazy library loot.

But ok, here we have another psy and changeling falling in love. But this one was different because Ashaya was not like other Psy and therefore it worked better for me. Ashaya wants to save her kid, Dorian helps her, people hunt her, he lusts after her, and she is troubled. In this book another bad guy shows up, a human alliance that wants to take over and sure the Psy sucks but this new alliance is rotten.

What did I get from this book, well there is this rat shifter called Treyan or something, and the freaky thing is that I'd like to see more from him..a rat shifter, I must be crazy. But he sounds cool, the rats are so sneaky and great spies.

I liked Dorian, and here he finally gets saved or looses it since he is really angry with the Psy after his sister getting murdered. So of course he will fall for a Psy who saves him. And I liked her, even with that crazy sister of hers.

Not so much council politics in this one since there were many after them. An ok book and a world I do like. The world is truly the best thing about these books.

Tomorrow I will review Branded by Fire, and yes my fav so far :D

Blodeuedd's Cover Corner: Ok

Reason for reading: Borrowed

Final thoughts: Ok series

Review: Post Human - David Simpson

Genre: Futuristic, sci-fi
Pages: 188
Published: 2009

The future should have been perfect. Microscopic robots known as nans could repair any damage to your body, keep you young by resetting your cellular ...more The future should have been perfect. Microscopic robots known as nans could repair any damage to your body, keep you young by resetting your cellular clocks, and allow you to download upgrades like intelligence, muscle strength, and eyesight. You were supposed to be able to have anything you wanted with a simple thought, to be able to fly without the aid of a machine, to be able to live forever. But when a small group of five terraformers working on Venus return to Earth, they discover that every other human in the solar system has been gruesomely murdered. Now, James Keats and his four companions must discover what happened to the rest of humanity and fight back if they wish to avoid the same, horrifying fate. Welcome to the post-human era.

Little unsure about one thing, sometimes it had the feel of YA and sometimes not. But YA readers could definitely read this book, and especially boys.

This is the future and everyone is used to having everything served on a silver platter. They are all smart and getting smarter with each upgrade. They can fly (well not really but thanks to technology), wounds are healed, they live and live, and everything is just perfect.

But some resist, a group called the Purists, and they are us, we who live now that is. I got pretty irritated when the group came across purists and went all "gross, they eat things from the ground, and meat, and they operate on people to save them." I felt the post humans were pretty ungrateful, if people in the past hadn't invented things they would not be where they are now. So they annoyed me then. I wanted to shake the person and say, hey, your world is not perfect.

Cos that brings us to the story, a group is away on Venus terraforming and when they get back everyone is dead, yes everyone. Then they have to find who did it and they have to save themselves.

It had this futuristic matrix kind of feel to it. AI, robots and technology for everyone. I did wonder though, if everyone is so smart, then who has the more crappy jobs. I mean everyone on the planet has an IQ of 147 and wouldn't they all want good jobs? Their world seem to perfect but at the same time it was scary. It was too perfect, living forever, being smart, and I will not say what, but obviously it all went to hell.

A sci-fi thriller for those who enjoy these kind of books.

Blodeuedd's Cover Corner: Nah, not for me.

Reason for reading: Got asked  and since the file was in the email I accepted.

Final thoughts: This is gonna sound crazy but the ending was too happy! I would have liked another ending. Now where is this coming from?

You can check out his website here

Review: Nefertiti - Michelle Moran

Genre: Historical fiction
Pages: 528
Published: 2007

Nefertiti and her younger sister, Mutnodjmet, have been raised in a powerful family that has provided wives to the rulers of Egypt for centuries. Ambitious, charismatic, and beautiful, Nefertiti is destined to marry Amunhotep, an unstable young pharaoh. It is hoped that her strong personality will temper the young ruler’s heretical desire to forsake Egypt’s ancient gods.

From the moment of her arrival in Thebes, Nefertiti is beloved by the people but fails to see that powerful priests are plotting against her husband’s rule. The only person brave enough to warn the queen is her younger sister, yet remaining loyal to Nefertiti will force Mutnodjmet into a dangerous political game; one that could cost her everything she holds dear.

I read my first Michelle Moran book last year and enjoyed it, she has this way of bringing history to life. Ever since that I wanted to read her previous novels and now I finally got to read the first one.

This book is about a famous time in the history of Egypt. But it is not told through the eyes of the big players. No the main character here is Mutnodjmet who was the sister to the famous Nefertiti who married Amunhotep who would start a new religion and build a new capital. 

Mut was the younger sister and when Nefertiti got married she came with her. First there are court intrigues with Amunhoteps first wife Kiya, then there is the intrigues surrounding him wanting a new religion and by doing that getting all the money from the Amun priests. Mut watches her sister ensnare the pharao and trying to keep his attention, and giving him the son he needs. But Mut has a mind of her own and there comes a time when she wants to break free from her sisters hold.

I liked how Mut was portrayed. First as a young girl thrown in to the political game, then as a young woman falling in love. Her whole story is not told here, and the book ends before a new rule sets in. So yes, what did I do, of course I googled. By now you can see I am rather obsessed with that. I sat and read about Egyptian history and what happened later to Mut. And even if we can't know everything, Moran has followed what might be true. This is a great historical novel about a woman who stood near the throne at a turbulent time, and who isn't as well known as her famous beautiful sister. But that is what I liked, to get to know a lesser known historical figure who still stood at the centre of things then and afterwards.

Moran truly brings history come to life. I am there in ancient Egypt and everything feels so near. One thing that this book made me want is to read The Heretic Queen, the book that follows Ramsesses II who became Pharaoh near this period of time, a couple of Pharaohs down since much happened in a short period of time. Because she truly is a great historical author and I want more. Not to mention read her new book that is coming out.

If you are interested in Egypt then this is a book for you, or if you are a historical fan, or if you just want a good book.

Blodeuedd's Cover Corner: Love it

Reason for reading: My awesome library loot, missing that city now.

Final thoughts: I do want more.

Review: Painting Mona Lisa - Jeanne Kalogridis

Also published as: I, Mona Lisa

Genre: Historical fiction
Pages: 526
Published. 2006

My name is Lisa di Antonio Gherardini Giocondo, though to acquaintances, I am known simply as Madonna Lisa. My story begins not with my birth but a murder, committed the year before I was born…”

Florence, April 1478: The handsome Giuliano de’ Medici is brutally assassinated in Florence’s magnificent Duomo. The shock of the murder ripples throughout the great city, from the most renowned artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, to a wealthy wool merchant and his extraordinarily beautiful daughter, Madonna Lisa. More than a decade later, Florence falls under the dark spell of the preacher Savonarola, a fanatic who burns paintings and books as easily as he sends men to their deaths. Lisa, now grown into an alluring woman, captures the heart of Giuliano’s nephew and namesake. But when Guiliano, her love, meets a tragic end, Lisa must gather all her courage and cunning to untangle a sinister web of illicit love, treachery, and dangerous secrets that threatens her life. 

I picked up this book thinking to learn something more, and then I googled after having read for a little while and realized the story is total fiction. The people existed but she has re-invented history and put together this fictional story.

Young Lisa grows up in Florence where de Medici rule. Her father is a wool merchant and her mother is sickly. The de Medici family rules everyhting, even marriages and she is sent to be inspected so they can find her a husband. But she meets Giuliano de Medici and falls in love, when 12 or 13. But a preacher is preaching about hell fire and soon all of Florence will be turned into darkness. But Lisa has her love, and friendship in a painter known as da Vinci. She also has a thirst for revenge.

Yes, my biggest concern is how historically incorrect this book was. I mean she did a great job, really followed what happened but then she made some people disappear and re-shaped Lisa's life. It makes a good story but I would rather have seen more accuracy. I never really got the love story either, they met briefly, she gets a letter and then she is suddenly in love. Must I preach about lust again. I just never felt it. Later yes, but not then.

But I did enjoy Florence, how the de Medici worked, the city and later Savonarola. He was one scary guy and Florence really turned into a hell hole after he has preached for a while. No one was safe, well perhaps except for the pious sad ones. It was certainly an interesting time.

In the end an ok book, I guess I might have liked it better before I went to google.

Blodeuedd's Cover Corner: lovely

Reason for reading: Library loot, yes my final one! Last review up tomorrow

Final thoughts; Ok.

Review: On the way to the wedding - Julia Quinn

 Bridgertons, book 8

Genre: Historical romance
Pages: 320
Published: 2006

A FUNNY THING HAPPENED...
Unlike most men of his acquaintance, Gregory Bridgerton believes in true love. And he is convinced that when he finds the woman of his dreams, he will know in an instant that she is the one. And that is exactly what happened. Except...

She wasn’t the one. In fact, the ravishing Miss Hermione Watson is in love with another. But her best friend, the ever-practical Lady Lucinda Abernathy, wants to save Hermione from a disastrous alliance, so she offers to help Gregory win her over. But in the process, Lucy falls in love. With Gregory! Except...

Lucy is engaged. And her uncle is not inclined to let her back out of the betrothal, even once Gregory comes to his senses and realizes that it is Lucy, with her sharp wit and sunny smile, who makes his heart sing. And now, on the way to the wedding, Gregory must risk everything to ensure that when it comes time to kiss the bride, he is the only man standing at the altar..

I am gonna make this short, I have been reading like crazy and getting the reviews out of the way too ;)

Plot: 

The last of the Bridgerton siblings is looking for love, too bad he finds it in the wrong girl, and never sees his true love before him, before it's too late and she is walking to the altar with another man.

Characters:

Gregory, what should I say, I was rather annoyed that he believed to be madly in love with Hermione, and relentlessly pursued her. Even though she was on love with someone else.Then he was hit by lightning again, and didn't see who it was. Am I cynic when I say that is lust and nothing more. But to his defence, I loved how he believed in true love and wanted to find it, and when he finally understood what love was he was not letting her get away, even if she was to marry someone else.

Lucy, she was rather grey at times, and I am not sure I liked how she didn't want her friend to be with the man she loved, just cos he wasn't noble.

Love:

Gregory sure loves, and falls in love in this one. Lucy is more sensible so do I feel it? Dunno. There is some smexin too, I didn't expect that, the book looked so sweet.

Bad things:

How he fell for a pretty face and that was it.

Good things:

How much he believed in love and wanted it.

Final thoughts:

This was much first Bridgerton book, how funny I should read about the last sibling. Not a series one have to read in order. It was sweet and easy.

Cover thoughts: Cute

Reason for reading: Library

Review: Fallen - Lauren Kate

 Book 1

Genre: Paranormal romance YA
Pages: 452
Published: 2009

There’s something achingly familiar about Daniel Grigori.

Mysterious and aloof, he captures Luce Price’s attention from the moment she ...more There’s something achingly familiar about Daniel Grigori.

Mysterious and aloof, he captures Luce Price’s attention from the moment she sees him on her first day at the Sword & Cross boarding school in sultry Savannah, Georgia. He’s the one bright spot in a place where cell phones are forbidden, the other students are all screw-ups, and security cameras watch every move.

Even though Daniel wants nothing to do with Luce–and goes out of his way to make that very clear–she can’t let it go. Drawn to him like a moth to a flame, she has to find out what Daniel is so desperate to keep secret . . . even if it kills her.

This was the other book that I heard so much about last year and how so many loved it, again I wondered, and this time it proved right. This book was not that good.

Luce was in a fire and her boyfriend mysteriously died, now she is at a new school filled with troubled kids and those that has done really bad things. Here she meets Daniel, this strange boy she feels like she has met before, and then there is the other guy who also likes here and so it goes on.

Now why didn't I like it? Well it was really hard to get in to, I wanted to skim, but read on and hoped it would pick up..it didn't. Finally when I had read half the book something started to happening and I thought yes! Fallen angels and paranormal stuff! Sadly I was mistaken, it was this climax that ended in nothing. So I started reading again hoping for some paranormal stuff. Nope. Instead there was Luce stalking Daniel, hanging out with friends and meeting this other guy. Then finally, finally at the end some paranormal stuff happened and I hoped to get some answers, short answer..no. I learnt that there are fallen angels, well yeah, I read the back cover. And that there is reincarnation, yes I kind of guessed that in the beginning too. So in the end nothing at all was explained and it left me really frustrated. I had wanted some more paranormal action and explanations.

Now to my other objection that I have seen around. This is a school where some kids are dangerous and wears tracking bracelets. But everyone sneaks around, Luce goes swimming with Daniel who she doesn't know. They seem to do what ever they want. There is no security, well ok those cameras, but it's doesn't feel like anyone is actually watching the tape. It's just like any other boarding school.

This one felt too drama and teen for me in the end. I wanted explanations, I wanted something to happen, but there was nothing. People can like this one even if I didn't. It does have star crossed lovers and the eternal love triangle so some will go for that. But for me it was lacking. And it could have been awesome. Perhaps the next one has something more in it.

Blodeuedd's Cover Corner: I do love it, but in the book she has short hair cos of the fire.

Reason for reading: From that awesome library loot

Final thoughts: Some will love it, some might feel like I did.

Review: Hush, Hush - Becca Fitzpatrick + being interviewed today

Genre: Paranormal romance, YA
Pages:
Published: 2009

For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her...until Patch comes along.

With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment, but after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is far more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.

For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.

I had heard great things about this book and was a bit, scared really, so many times all this buzz is really nothing, and the book is utter crap. Well I am happy to say that I liked this book. It had me reading and reading.

Nora is a normal teenage girl who suddenly finds herself sitting next to a mysterious boy in class. Ok I do have to cut in here, come on! Roswell, Twilight, come up with something new. Aaanyway, she is fascinated by him even though he is rude and cold. She is also feeling that someone is stalking her, and she has met this other boy who may be hiding something too. Darkness is closing up on her.

You know, sometimes when I complain I do really like the book. So to my second complain, there is a part of the book where a certain older woman seems to be lusting and in love with a younger guy..perhaps it's just that angels are no age, but it was strange. And, are angels made to when they are young so they can grow up? Well I do get that she wanted a 16 or whatever old angel. Oh, shouldn't he fall for someone his own "age" then. There I go again.

Great, another complain coming up. She "feels" that he is a different and then he sees that he has a scar on his back...so what is the first thing she do. Well google fallen angels and realize he must be one..wow, wait what? Yes always when I feel a guy is different and has a scar he must be an fallen angel. There wasn't nothing leading up to that, nothing that made her think he should be one.

Back to business, this book won me over. All this angel talk, I did always like fallen ones, and who doesn't like doomed love. Danger and a good story going on.

It may not look that way when I over analysed it but I truly did enjoy this book, and I want to know what happens in book 2. I hope she keep her style and doesn't go all teen or drama. Instead keeping it a bit fresh. So in the end it must be a good book if I complained this much and still really liked it.

Blodeuedd's Cover Corner: I do like it, I liked it the first time I saw it

Reason for reading: One of my amazing library loot books, I am happy to have such an understanding friend ;)

Final thoughts: Makes me wanna read the next one.


Being interviewed over at Stacy's Place on Earth today, come over and say hi :D

Review: Mr Darcy presents his bride - Helen Halstead

Genre: Historical romance, regency
Pages: 320
Published: 2007

When Elizabeth Bennett marries the brooding, passionate Mr. Darcy, she is thrown into the exciting world of London society. She makes a powerful friend in the Marchioness of Englebury but the jealousy among her ladyship's circle threatens to destroy Elizabeth's happiness. Elizabeth is drawn into a powerful clique for whom intrigue is the stuff of life and rivalry the motive, and her success, it seems, can only come at the expense of good relations with her husband. This novel also continues the stories of other favorite Pride and Prejudice characters including Georgiana Darcy and Kitty Bennett, each of whom have amusing adventures of their own.

I truly can't get enough of these it seems. This book takes place after the wedding, Lizzy is to be introduced to society, Lady Catherine is furious, Kitty wants a man, Georgiana is to be presented, and all the rest are there too.

First I must mention that this book had some sadness, and that was sure unexpected, but it was a part of the story. Still made me sad.

Lizzy and Darcy is as loving as always, but I must confess that this book showed a side of him that I didn't like. He was jealous, got all grumpy, and I even thought he was a bit whiny. She still loved him, but this was not the Mr Darcy one meets at the end of the book. Sure the book showed an epilogue of 12 years later, but if it was like thsi in the beginning so how did they suddenly got really happy and content?

To the rest, oh my, this book wanted matches for all, I shall not say who actually married but in play were: Kitty Bennet, Georgiana Darcy, Anne de Burgh, Colonel Fitzilliam and Caroline Bingley. I must confess I enjoyed that, I wanted a HEA for all of them (ok not all, but it worked out ok.) I am sure if she had continued Mary had gotten a man too, but yes, Mary, she was rude and really unpleasant in this book.

An ok Austen sequel, but I just feel now afterwards that I didn't love Darcy as I should have.

For fans this could be a book to read, since I liked the fact that she went all matchmaker on the whole bunch. But I would have liked a happier Darcy and not that sadness part.

Blodeuedd's Cover Corner: Fitting

Reason for reading: Ok, you see I went to visit a friend and I went to her library and omg, omg! Big city library, in awe! I wish I could have stayed for 2 weeks and read and read. But I still managed to grab a few books,and will continue to read like crazy. Some cool books coming up this weekend. 

Final thoughts: An ok sequel.

Review: Starting Over - Sue Moorcroft

Genre: Women's fiction
Pages: 336
Published: 2009 Choc Lit

New home, new friends, new love. Can starting over be that simple? Tess Riddell reckons her beloved Freelander is more reliable than any man - especially her ex-fiance, Olly Gray. She's moving on from her old life and into the perfect cottage in the country. Miles Rattenbury's passions - Old cars and new women! Romance - He's into fun rather than commitment. When Tess crashes the Freelander into his breakdown truck, they find that they're nearly neighbours - yet worlds apart. Despite her overprotective parents and a suddenly attentive Olly, she discovers the joys of village life and even forms an unlikely friendship with Miles. Then, just as their relationship develops into something deeper, an old flame comes looking for him ...Is their love strong enough to overcome the past? Or will it take more than either of them is prepared to give

This was a nice book because it had this sort of honesty about it, and this natural flow of things.

It's about Tess who has been left at the altar; her fiancé broke up with her via email. The horror! What a bastard, she was angry, and she was ill. And now she is finally picking up the pieces of her life and has moved away to a small village somewhere in England. At once she meets Miles, or Ratty as he is called, and dislikes him. But there is something hidden beneath that surface, and he is so sweet to people he like. But it is not as easy, her ex is back (still an ass), but something is building up.

Of all the ways to break up, I disliked her ex Olly at once (email!!). And even more as I got to know Tess, because there are more things hidden, and one thing is for sure. She is so much better off without him. I really liked when Miles came and defended her at once time when Olly was being an ass.

Miles, oh he is a player, he enjoys his women, but there is still this sweet side to him when he is around his friends, and their kids. One has to like him, and he does want her, and as times go by, he understands how much he wants her.

There are no big things happening, there is just life. Tess trying to make a new living, getting new friends, trying to get away from her overprotective parents, and slowly trusting a man again. But like life, there is also hardship. She is still very vulnerable, and it shows.

It's a nice book about life, love and everything else. I know she has to be comfortable to let him in, and I wait for it to happen. They are such good friends, and I am sure they could be happy together. But I am never certain, Moorcroft does keep me on my edge, I do not know how she does it, but she does. She makes me doubt and then she makes me happy. I like that, because even if my soul knows that that HEA is coming, I still want to be surprised.

What I liked about this book was the honesty, the normal people living normal lives, and two people falling in love, slowly but with a certainty. People making mistakes, and in the end, true love. Sometimes you don't need more than that. No big gestures, no crazy anecdotes, just a great couple and their way, to love, or not to love. I can't go and spoil everything now can I.

Blodeuedd's Cover Corner: Nice, sweet, and simple.

Reason for Reading: From the Publisher. Oh and I do love their motto:

Choc Lit: Where heroes are like chocolate- irresistible

Final thoughts: I liked Ratty, Miles that is, and I want those drawings that Tess made.

3

Review: The White Queen - Philippa Gregory

Genre: Historical fiction
Pages: 417
Published: 2009 Simon & Schuster

The first in a stunning new series, The Cousins War, is set amid the tumult and intrigue of The War of the Roses. Internationally bestselling author Philippa Gregory brings this family drama to colourful life through its women, beginning with the story of Elizabeth Woodville, the White Queen. The White Queen tells the story of a common woman who ascends to royalty by virtue of her beauty, a woman who rises to the demands of her position and fights tenaciously for the success of her family, a woman whose two sons become the central figures in a mystery that has confounded historians for centuries: the Princes in the Tower whose fate remains unknown to this day.

I might have read a Philippa Gregory book way back, before the Tudor books, so I was very curious how she wrote when I started this one. And I liked what I read. I read a book about the War of the Roses not so long ago, but this story can sure be told again.

It's about the sometimes oh so confusing War of the Roses. Lancaster about York, cousin against cousin, brother against brother. Elizabeth Woodville was a young Lancaster supporting widow who asked the new York king to help her get back the land for her two sons. They married, and the story begin with her living it. Edward IV trying to hold his throne, Warwick resenting her, Henry VI trying to take his throne back, trouble with his brother George, and all those Lancaster and York supporters changing sides and rooting for new supporters.

This book made me google, a lot. A really interesting historical novel always makes me to that, I want to have a look at everyone involved, see what happened before, and what will happen. One thing I was happy about to see was the family tree in the beginning, because that was needed so see where the Lancaster house and The house of York really fought for, and of course to see where the house of Tudor started.

I came to like Elizabeth through this book, and she really loved her husband, even though he had bedded half the women in England, but he still loved her like crazy. And I liked him even if he slept around.

But there were some aspects that were a bit, I mean I had nothing against it, but felt it didn't have to be there. The house of Burgundy claimed that they were descendants from Melusina, this half woman, fish being that lives in lakes. There was magic in the women of the family. I am glad that she never said that it was magic; instead she just made Jaquetta and Elizabeth witches who thought they managed to make some things happen. Just because Jaquetta was accused of being a witch doesn't make her one. The best way to discredit a king is to call him a bastard, his wife a witch, and more. The reason why they surely married in the first place was lust, cos yes he got around. But in the end, I didn't mind really. Let them think they have powers.

She also took up the subject of Perkin Warbeck, and made him truly be Duke Richard, one of the princes of the tower. Interesting take on an age old question, but no, I to think they both were killed, one way or another. Who killed them is another matter.

Last is just a personal thing, Elizabeth of York (Elizabeth W's and Edward's daughter) was rather silly in the end. Come on, falling in love with her uncle, Richard III, gross. And he had killed her uncle, her half brother, and more. He might have killed her younger brothers. He stole the throne, and she liked him? Well at least she did in this book, the truth we will never know. But there was sure something fishy going on at that court. But anyway, I did not care of her in this book.

A good book about the War of the Roses, and of one fascinating woman. I hope the Red Queen is equally good as this one.

Blodeuedd's Cover Corner: very pretty.

Reason for reading: From Simon & Schuster

Final thoughts: She brings to life an era filled with war and backstabbing brothers. It's not an pretty era, but it is sure interesting.

4

Graphic Novel: Wasteland + New Fire Lord Winner

 Wasteland: the apocalyptic edition by Antony Johnston, ill: Chris Mitten
volume 1

Published:2009
Genre: Graphic Novel, apocalyptic
Pages: 384

The Harvey-nominated, critically acclaimed ongoing series gets the deluxe hardcover treatment with this new massive collection! Reprinting the first 1...more The Harvey-nominated, critically acclaimed ongoing series gets the deluxe hardcover treatment with this new massive collection! Reprinting the first 13 issues of Wasteland, including the fan-favorite "Walking the Dust" prose shorts, this impressive tome chronicles the opening adventures of Michael, a mysterious wanderer struggling to find the answers to both his past and his future.

100 years after the Big Wet, Earth has been left a broken, infertile world of rock and sand. The town of Providens is like many others on the post-Big Wet planet-small, mostly illiterate, and struggling for survival. When the town welcomes a stranger named Michael into its midst, will the quiet man lead them to a brave new world or shatter what little order still exists?

I liked and disliked this book. I liked this whole apocalyptic story, where something had happened and now people were scattered and broken. I liked the pictures and how the story was told, all in all a very good graphic novel, in a style I enjoy.

But then there was the dislike part that really ruined it for me. I reached a point where I saw this women and thought oh she looks like this other woman, and I totally didn't get the story. Then I realized they were the same and tracked back. It seems that suddenly a flashback had started, and even though I read it again I was confused by it all. The story was suddenly very confusing. It made me want it all written down in a book, that would have been great. Not so great now.

And since I never heard from one of the winners of The Fire Lord's Lover I had to go back to RG and the new winner is:

VampFanGirl

Congrats :)

Review: Mine to Possess - Nalini Singh

Psy-changeling, book 4

Genre: Paranormal romance
Pages: 328
Published: 2008

Clay Bennett is a powerful DarkRiver sentinel, but he grew up in the slums with his human mother, never knowing his changeling father. As a young boy without the bonds of Pack, he tried to stifle his animal nature. He failed...and committed the most extreme act of violence, killing a man, and lost his best friend, Talin, in the bloody aftermath. Everything good in him died the day he was told that she, too, was dead.

Talin McKade barely survived a childhood drenched in bloodshed and terror. Now a new nightmare stalks her—-the street children she works to protect are disappearing and turning up dead. Determined to keep them safe, she unlocks the darkest secret in her heart and returns to ask the help of the strongest man she knows...

Clay lost Talin once. He will not let her go again and hungers to possess her with a clawing need born of the leopard within. As they race to save the innocent Clay and Talin must face the violent truths of their past... or lose everything that ever mattered.

.

Go figure when this book turned out to be my fav so far. But like I realised it has to do with this was a changeling-human pairing, and less Psy drama.

Clay was all male, and he was a cat to watch. I liked him, and even with that darkness inside, all he wanted was to protect, so much that he ended up killing someone. What can I say about that, he saved a little girl, but he did go all primal doing that. But the love he felt for Talin all his life, that was something.

Then there was poor broken Talin, she is really screwed up cos of what happened when she was little, and she is afraid of Clay at one level. But she learns to trust him again, but she has this enormous walls built in. This is not an easy pairing cos of their pasts.

I liked how Clay slowly got through her walls and showed her what she was worth. He might just be my fav cat so far. Talin, well like I said, she was broken, but like Clay all she wanted was to protect. In her case, the kids she looks after. And that is what this book is about, kids gone missing, and she asking Clay for help. Insert Psy drama, but it was less, and different in a way, so I didn't mind.

I do enjoy Singh's world, a world where humans, changelings and Psy live side by side. The changelings are all heart and fierce protection. The Psy creep me out, and humans are humans. In this book there was some rat changelings too, and I do wonder if there are all sorts of changelings around, I guess so .

Blodeuedd's Cover Corner: I do like the UK covers better, BUT, I hate that they are all the same, so in that aspect the US ones are better. But meh.

Reason for reading: Borrowed from a friend

Final thoughts: Best so far.

Review: Caressed by Ice - Nalini Singh

 Psy-changeling, book 3

Genre: Paranormal romance
Pages: 361
Published: 2007

As an Arrow, an elite soldier in the Psy Council ranks, Judd Lauren was forced to do terrible things in the name of his people. Now he is a defector, and his dark abilities have made him the most deadly of assassins - cold, pitiless, unfeeling. Until he meets Brenna...

Brenna Shane Kincaid was an innocent before she was abducted - and had her mind violated - by a serial killer. Her sense of evil runs so deep, she fears she could become a killer herself. Then the first dead body is found, victim of a familiar madness. Judd is her only hope, yet her sensual changeling side rebels against the inhuman chill of his personality, even as desire explodes between them. Shocking and raw, their passion is a danger that threatens not only their hearts, but their very lives...

Sadly Judd didn't win me over, I mean he was yummy, but now think I know which books I may like from this series. The whole Psy are evil, and the council are making plans part, yes that part I find a bit boring. What I do love is the romance, and the changeling world.

In this we meet Brenna who was rescued from an evil Psy serial killer, but she is having trouble getting back into life, and fear she might be ending up evil. Then there is Judd, all ice and Psy calm. A former assassin who knows that Silence probably saved him from ending up a serial killer. And now a new killer is loose and Brenna is leaning on Judd, who is slowly leaning back.

Ok so yes my fav part is the love, but that depends, cos the slowly are so damn cold. Why anyone even bother beats me, Judd, him I could deal with, I think the guys work better for me. The problem here was that he was called ice-man now and again, and I had flashes of a certain Finnish former fomula 1 driver, and I went all ugh, noooo!

What I really enjoy about these books are the day to day changeling world, they are so sweet, but at the same time so aggressive if anyone hurts someone of theirs. In this book there was this cute scene about a little boy running and hiding, and doing that behind Judd, and then crawling his way up him. It was just adorable. Those are the best scenes.

But I did like this one better than book 2, yes mostly cos of Judd. Anyway, tomorrow I will post a review of book 4, and that one is my fav so far. Less psy drama, more love drama.

Blodeuedd's Cover Corner: If one of the books looked like this I could deal, but not when all do!

Reason for reading: Borrowed from a friend

Final thoughts: I wish there were changelings in this world.


Edit: Sandra Leesmith, contact me asap, or I have to draw another winner for The Fire Lord's Lover

Review: The Brothers of Gwynedd - Edith Pargeter

Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: 720
Published: May 2010 Sourcebooks Landmark


This book consists of 4 books in one.

Book 1 Sunrise in The West

Llewelyn, prince of Gwynedd, dreams of a Wales united against the English, but first he must combat enemies nearer home. Llewelyn and his brothers—Owen Goch, Rhodri, and David—vie for power among themselves and with the English king, Henry III. Despite the support of his beloved wife, Eleanor, Llewelyn finds himself trapped in a situation where the only solution could be his very downfall.

Book 2 The Dragon at Noonday

In this gripping sequel to Sunrise in the West, Wales is gloriously united, while England is torn in two by bloody strife. 

Book 3 The hounds of Sunset

Powerful Prince Llewelyn still treasures his vision of a Wales united against the threat of the English kings. The dream seems near fulfilment until Edward, vigorous, ambitious, and arrogant, takes old Henry's place on the English throne—and more than his share of power. Trouble also looms nearer home, where the youngest of the Welsh brothers, David—blue-eyed, charming, and deadly—is plotting Llewelyn’s downfall. Threatened on all sides, Llewelyn looks for comfort from the beautiful Eleanor de Montfort, the jewel in his crown and the only shining star as night falls on his dreams of power.

Book 4 Afterglow and Nightfall

A Burning Desire for One Country, One Love, and One Legacy That Will Last Forever.

I reviewed book one back in May and said that it was a heavy book to read, not cos it's so big, but because the language is a bit dry. And the first book lead up to things where Llewellyn finally got his throne.

In the second book there was more strife, and then the third book become more interesting. And this was my favorite part of this book. Llewellyn decided that he would marry Eleanor of Montfort, and he waited almost 15 years for her. 2 or 3 years of their married life she spent in the kings care when he did not want this marriage. But then they finally got to meet, and she had waited too. That is the part I like, they knew they should be together. I wondered if history would have looked differently if he had married 20 years before and had a bunch of kids, one getting away in the end and raising the banner later. 

I also enjoyed his brother David's story, he was truly handsome and all the women loved him, but at last his grey little mouse for a wife caught him and he loved her fiercely.

I think what i would have liked is to see the story through Llewellyn's eyes, instead it was through Samson's eyes, and as the prince's secretary he tells us this story. A rather dry story that seems like a chronicle from the Middle Ages, which is the point, but I would have loved to read a story instead. Now it is rather textbook like at times, well not when Samson mourns the woman he wants.

I think this book is for the hardcore Welsh fans, because here you really get the whole story. The brothers fighting each other, fighting the English and then sadly the fall of Wales. The dragon no more. We all know it will end like that, it is no spoiler, there is no principality of Wales. And Llewellyn is called the Last for a reason.

I would have liked a family tree, that I do confess, I did a lot of googling while reading this book, trying to see if anyone survived or how many kids they got.

For me it was too dry, I couldn't loose myself in the story like with other historical books, and I do love Wales, I mean I smiled big when they mentioned Mur-y-castell. But others do seem to enjoy these books, and they are one thing for sure, rich with a colorful history.

Blodeuedd's Cover Corner. You should see the silly hat on one of those guys ;)

Reason for reading: From sourcebooks

Final thoughts: An epic story about the struggle for Wales, and a prince that will be remembered forever.

Review: Renegade - Sarah Parr

* Previously posted over at Royal Reviews*

Genre: Historical romance
Copyright: June 2009
Pages: 320

Synopsis: Far from England, alone for too long, Captain Jonathon Barry is captivated the instant he sees Jaline - she is too magnificent not to notice. There is a grace to her movements, an elegance to her bearing, that sets her apart even before she lifts her exotic black eyes or speaks. Her voice is intoxicating, soft as velvet with a sweet, lilting quality, as she recounts an evil bargain made against her will. She is to be his mistress, and he may do with her as he pleases. Jonathon is deeply torn, for Jaline is indeed his by right. She is only a slave, the prize he has won in a Constantinople gambling den. Trembling, bared to him, body and soul - oh no - he can see how cruelly she has been treated. It is clear that Jaline is in danger still and he may well be her only hope. Yet even a renegade like Jonathon would risk anything to save so beautiful a woman...and to love her, if she will let him.

My Review: This book, well there is nothing wrong with the author's writing, her imagination and her willingness to explore other lands. But I had a problem with this book, and that was the story itself.

Jonathon, the hero, buys Jaline, sure he does it to save her, but he sure wants her too. Am I supposed to root of for a man who buys himself a mistress? But he grew on me, because he loved her and it showed through out the book. This was a love story, at least from his point of view. From his part I truly saw it.

But then there was Jaline. The way she came in to the relationship telling him that ok if I must I will be your mistress, and her being a virgin and all. And she kept on saying that even though he made it clear he would not force her, and he was willing to let her go. Still she wanted to stay, and that is the point I do not get. Stay as a slave when she didn't even love him then? All the decisions she made in this book were strange, and one part was her unwillingness to tell him about his accident that we learnt about early on. That she had raced horses, I never understood why she couldn't just tell him.

So there you go, that is why I had problems with this book. When it came down to it all I guess it was Jaline.

I am not telling you it was a bad book. No, I am sure many will be swept away with this book and the lovestory that slowly grows between these people. One who wants to love the other person, the other that is scared to be loved. It can be rather bittersweet.

Then there is the danger in the book, Jonathon buys exotic objects and now there seems to be someone after him, or is it after Jaline? The reader does not know for sure. There is some action, and a mystery concerning what really is going on.

I also liked that she started the book in Constantinople in the beginning, I like a romance novel that at lest to some parts takes place in another country, even if they later go to England. It gave more flavour to the book.

Some romance fans will love this concept, even if I didn't.

Blodeuedd's Cover Corner: Meh

Reason for reading: Own copy

Final thoughts: Can't really remember anymore I guess I was annoyed by some of Jaline's choices

Review: An enchanted season + I am guest reviewing

Genre: Paranormal romance
Pages: 352
Published: 2007

It's the time of year when dreams come true, miracles happen every day, and love is the greatest gift of all...

The holidays always seem to bring out the best in everyone, with heartfelt hugs for long-missed friends, sincere smiles in the spirit of the season, and a feeling of magic in the air.

Here, for the first time, is a collection of paranormal romances celebrating the holidays as never before. From a shape-shifting leopardess who wants a packmate to be her soulmate to a snowstorm that brings a surprise gift, these all-new tales by Maggie Shayne, Erin McCarthy, Nalini Singh, and Jean Johnson will stir your spirit in all the right places.

Beat of Temptation by Nalini Singh
Young Tamsyn has always held a special place in her heart for her powerful fellow pack-member Nate. But as a dominant male leopard in the pack, the more experienced Nate doesn’t want to trap Tamsyn into the fierce demands of the mating bond—a bond driven by the animal within—when she’s hardly had the chance to grow into a woman. But Tamsyn knows what she wants for Christmas, and she’s going to get it…

I wanted to read this book for this story, Tamsyn and Nate. They found out about the bond early on, but he was 10 years older, and he stayed away from her. He wanted her to live and she was just too young. But Tamsyn has reached her limit in this one and wants him bad. She will do anything to get him. It was the bes  story out of the 4, and I liked to see Tamsyn try to get him.

Melting Frosty by Maggie Shayne

About two people, one hating Christmas, one loving Christmas, stuck in a house together, and slowly feeling the passion build up. An ok read.

Erin Mcarthy

I read a story by her in my other xmas anthology and this one starts it all, witch sisters finding love. This first one is about a boy and a girl who has been friends forever, and secretly loved each other too. But this time it's time for them to get a push and just get together. Sweet story, I do like when friends fall in love.

Jean Johnson

Steve Bethel and his fiancée Rachel could use a few miracles right about now; the family bed-and-breakfast is mortgaged to the hilt, the biggest blizzard in half a century is ruining the shortest day of the year, the local bank manager is a stickler for bills being paid on time, and their guests are canceling right and left. But when three strangers show up at what seems like the darkest hour, looking for a place to stay for the holidays, the simple gifts of peace, knowledge, and comfort seem to be just the miracles they need.

Hm, this one was ok, but the together with Melting Frosty it shares place 3 out of these stories. It was just so sweet and hopeful, I mean that is good, but a bit too corny for me at the time.

Blodeuedd's Cover Corner. Bleh

Reason for reading: Borrowed from a friend

Final thoughts: I read it for the Singh story

On another note I am reviewing over at Royal Reviews

The Last Celtic Witch by Lyn Armstrong

Review: To Conquer a Highlander - Mary Wine

Genre: Historical romance
Pages:
Published: July 6 2010 Sourcebooks Casablanca

In this first in a trilogy of sexy Scottish Highland romance, Laird Torin McLeren kidnaps his neighbor’s daughter attempting to quell a treacherous plot sure to bring English retribution, only to find the lass he’s captured would serve him much better as an ally than as an enemy…

I liked this one. Must have been that whole bride stealing business, those highlanders are such barbarians ;)

This is set at the backdrop of a troublesome time in Scotland. The king is murdered and the heir in hiding. Shannon Boyd's father is rooting for the bad guy and wants to marry her off to him, but first he slaughtered some people on his neighbours land. On top of a clan war there could be a civil war coming. But Laird Torin McLeren kidnaps the bride to be and takes her away to his castle. Soon he realises that she is a wilcat.

Shannon has played the obedient daughter all her life but for that she has only got pushed around, her father does not care for her at all. She is at an age that she has started to feel she will never marry and leave his rule. Her lifer has not brought her to her knees. No, she has got spirit and a fiery tongue. But then she gets captured by a sexy highlander and starts thinking things she has never thought before. She is well aware his people hate for what her father has done, and that if her father is branded a traitor she hangs with him. Still through out the book she keeps that fiery tongue and is not afraid to stand her ground and not let anyone walk on her anymore.

Torin is the Laird, but with no heirs and a cousin breathing down his neck. Shannon was only meant to be a prisoner, one that would be treated fair, but not thought about until the time came. Of course the first time they meet words fly and he can see that she has got spirit. A lowland wildcat. Soon he also realises that she was not well treated at her father's home. She is not like other women that would throw themselves at home because he is laird, or to save their lives from the noose.

There is a dance between these two, with banter, but there is never mistrust. He wants her, she realises that she wants him, but can't have him. I love that he does not back down, he know what he wants, it may be difficult to achieve but hell he will fight for it. He is one sexy alpha highlander, sure there was one thing that got me a bit angry at him. But I understood it, and it was nothing bad, now he wanted to show that he cared. I will not say more, you will find out when you read it. Most of all I like how well he does treat her, and tries.

A strong woman, and man not backing down, and untamed passion when sparks fly. A stolen woman belongs to the capturer and this Highlander will fight for his love.

There was also this other guy, and my eyes went wide and I had to go and check the computer at once. Yes Connor is getting a book of his own. I am sure that one will be good too.

Blodeuedd's Cover Thoughts: Sword, yay.

Reason for reading: From sourcebooks

Final thoughts: A highland romance with a sexy Scot, and the bride he has stolen. Sounds like a good recipe for love.

3,5

Interview: Kathryne Kennedy + Fire Lord's Lover contest

Today I welcome Kathryne Kennedy, the author of The Fire Lord's Lover. This great historical fantasy romance.

At the bottom of this post is a giveaway for 2 copies.

Tell me something about yourself, so we get a better understanding about the woman behind the author.

I grew up in the Air Force, so we traveled quite a bit when I was younger. My only constant was family, so they are very important to me. I’ve been married over thirty years, have two sons in college, who I’m very proud of. I’m fiercely loyal, a bit of a control freak, and I love meeting new people. My mother is like one of those earth goddesses, very nurturing and caring, and my father (who I lost last year) was a businessman with a high level of ethics and morals, and loved giving to others (they are both heavily involved with the Lions Club). I’m fortunate to be able to say that I inherited a bit of both of their qualities.



Your newest book is called The Fire Lord’s Lover; can you tell me what it is about?It’s the first book in my new series, THE ELVEN LORDS, about a Georgian England that has been taken over by seven mad elves who use their magic, and humans, in their war games to win the king, who has become nothing more than a trophy. Humans and half-breeds have formed a Rebellion to free themselves from the oppression of elven rule, and In THE FIRE LORD’S LOVER, Lady Cassandra was trained as an assassin to murder the fire lord. In an arranged marriage to General Dominic Raikes, a general in the lord’s army, she gets close to the elven lord, but unfortunately, a bit too close to Dominic. Despite good reasons to keep their distance from one another, Dominic & Cassandra fall in love, imperiling not only the Rebellion’s cause, but also their very lives.


How come this mix of fantasy and romance?
I combine everything I love; historical, fantasy and romance. I find it exciting to create new worlds and new adventures, with that first rush of falling in love as an equally important part of the story.

I see that you have written a lot of other books. Could you tell me about those?
MY UNFAIR LADY, a Victorian romance of complete fun, was published a few months ago, and there may still be a copy or two on bookstore shelves. In December of this year, my first novel, BENEATH THE THIRTEEN MOONS, will be available in MM paperback, and this book takes place on a different world of magic and romance. I also wrote THE RELICS OF MERLIN series, which is another alternate magical England, about the descendants of Merlin in the Victorian era.

Who is your favorite hero or heroine from your books? What makes them so special?
For me, it’s always the h/h from the book I’m currently working on. I fall in love with them, and am always sad to say goodbye when the book is finished. And then I start a new one, and begin to fall in love all over again.

Which book of those you have written is your favorite, and what makes it so?
Again, it’s the book I’m currently working on. It takes me 7 months or so to write a book, so I have to be in love with what I’m doing in order to stay with it.

Are you working on something new and exciting right now?
I just finished up THE LADY OF THE STORM, book 2 in THE ELVEN LORDS series. I’ll be doing my final edits on it this week, which is always the fun part for me, as I get to revisit the story and characters once again. I think you’ll be able to guess whose story it is once you read THE FIRE LORD’S LOVER.


What kinds of books do you read? Any fav authors?
I read fantasy, and romance, and any combination of the two when I can find them. That’s not very often, and I think this is why I combine genres. It’s what I’d like to read.

Any advice for wannabe writers?
I’ve given advice several times on my tour, so I would like to add something new. Be aware of how you are marketing yourself. In your blogs, on your website, amongst your fellow authors. When you sell that first book, and you will, given enough persistence, you are launching your name, not just a book. Readers will want to know what to expect from you.

Thanks!

And thank you, Linda, for having me here! I will be popping in all day, and look forward to responding to any comments.

And thank you for coming by :)

THE FIRE LORD’S LOVER BY KATHRYNE KENNEDY—IN STORES JULY 2010
Kathryne Kennedy's historical fantasy romances have garnered awards and a growing readership. This exciting new series, set against the lavish backdrops of Georgian and Victorian England so beloved by romance readers, is deliciously dark and exciting.


Fighting for control of a kingdom that is split into seven domains, Elven warlords use their human slaves to breed an endless supply of soldiers for their armies. Dominic Raikes, the half-blood son of the Elven Lord himself is one such warrior. Betrothed to Lady Cassandra, who has been raised in a convent to keep her pure, he little suspects that she's been secretly trained as an assassin to murder his father. Dominic and Cassandra soon discover that each one is not what they seem, but the price of trust may be their very lives, and the destruction of the magical realm each is desperately trying to save…

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kathryne Kennedy is a multipublished, award-winning author of magical romances. She’s lived in Guam, Okinawa, and several states in the U.S., and currently lives in Arizona with her wonderful family—which includes two very tiny Chihuahuas. She welcomes readers to visit her website where she has ongoing contests at: www.KathryneKennedy.com.

Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Borders
BooksAMillion
Chapters/Indigo
Kathryne’s Bookseller Directory


GIVEAWAY:
Thanks to Sourcebooks I have 2 copies to give away today.


Rules: Open to US and Canada
Ends July 11th


So be free to ask Kathryne any questions any of you have, or comment on the book.

Or even ask me what I thought ;) (I gladly tell).

Review: The Fire Lord's Lover - Kathryne Kennedy

 Elven Lords, book 1

Genre: Historical Fantasy Romance
Pages:
Published; June 6th 2010 Sourcebooks Casablanca

If his powers are discovered, his father will destroy him...
In a magical land ruled by ruthless Elven Lords, the Fire Lord's son Dominic Raikes plays a deadly game to conceal his growing might from his malevolent father, until his arranged bride awakens in him passions he thought he had buried forever.

Unless his bride kills him first...
Lady Cassandra has been raised in outward purity and innocence, while secretly being trained as an assassin. Her mission is to bring down the Elven Lord and his champion son. But when she gets to court she discovers that nothing is what it seems, least of all the man she married...

Then Dominic and Cassandra together discover an unspeakable evil, one that threatens the destruction of the magical realm they would give their souls to save...

I really enjoyed this book, elves! Lol, do I need to say more. Well, ok I have to.

First there is Dominic, cold and lacking a heart, or at least that he plays at. He is the bastard son to The Fire Lord that rules London. Long ago some Elven Lords grew bored and conquered England. The world turned a blind eye when riches came from their reign and magic. They are cruel creatures that do not care for humans, those could just as well be cattle. Dominic is used by his father as a general and he does everything to try to hide his heart. Until..

..he meets his bride Cassandra. She has been sent to kill The Fire Lord and his bastard son. But she soon finds herself questioning things, and perhaps falling for the col hearted General.

First I have to say that i loved this word, it's this alternate world/history/timeline kind of story. What if there actually were elves before, but then the portals to that world closed? And some came back, and with some offspring here and there nobles now have magic too. Little, but still some. It's a world where England is divided into realms, there is a king, but he is just a prize that the Lords fight over. because they need their games, else they grow bored, and then they are as dangerous as they get. It was an England I would have loved to see, even if the country was ruled by dictators, beautiful dictators.

Dominic, oh he was such an ass, but he had to be. He has learnt that feelings, and friendship is dangerous to those he loves. So he is as cold as his father. Ice-cold to his new bride that melt under his fingers. I knew he was doing it for all the right reasons, but still I ached for her. Cassandra melts by this handsome elf, she feels passion, and slowly something is building up, while I scream, trust each other! She is not some nice little bride either, no, she has a mind of her own, pretty dangerous, but she wants freedom from this wicked rule.

Two people falling in love, one crazy Elven Lord who wants a new champion, some cool magic, jealousy, an England you have not seen before, and a world that has so much more to offer. What is there not to like, and oh yes, passion too.

As for which genre this is, hm, well historical romance fans will love it, paranormal romance fans will too, and those with an eye out for fantasy romance. Quite a win win.

Reason for reading: On my copy you couldn't see his eyes, kind of liked that, he looked more dark. Still love it, and look at those ears!

Reason for reading: Copy thanks to Sourcebooks.

Final thoughts: Why are there not elves and magic in England, I'd love to visit (if I could return home afterwards with my life intact afterwards.)

4

Review: Pride and Prejudice - The Graphic Novel

Genre: Historical, romance, classic, Graphic Novel
Pages: 120
Published: 2009

Author: Jane Austen
Adaptation: Nancy Butler & Hugo Petras

Tailored from the adored Jane Austen classic, Marvel Comics is proud to present Pride & Prejudice! Two-time Rita Award-Winner Nancy Butler and fan-favorite Hugo Petras faithfully adapt the whimsical tale of Lizzy Bennet and her loveable-if-eccentric family, as they navigate through tricky British social circles. Will Lizzy's father manage to marry off her five daughters, despite his wife's incessant nagging? And will Lizzy's beautiful sister Jane marry the handsome, wealthy Mr. Bingley, or will his brooding friend Mr. Darcy stand between their happiness?

I do not think I have to go through the story ;)

I like this one, it worked better than Jane Eyre. Why? Perhaps it was a better suited story for a Graphic Novel, perhaps it was because they did not put in every long, long, long 19th century sentence. They used all the important ones but it never felt like too much.

My fav scenes were there, and I enjoyed this Graphic Novel,, and yes it helped cos the pics were so cute and colorful. And he got the era with the clothes and such.

I will not ever love it as much as the movies, but to a beginner to the novel and movies this one could do just that. Make you interested to read the novel and see if anything was missing.

One thing to complain about, silly really, but the teeth looked really weird sometimes, freaky and like the person were angry all the time.

Blodeuedd's Cover Corner: Adorable! Made into a magazine and looking so cute.

Reason for reading: From the library

Final thoughts: A must for Austen fans, will it work for you or not...

Look, Mr Dacy in the corner!

Guestblog: Jackie Lee Miles + Cold Rock River contest

Today I welcome Jackie Lee Miles to my blog, I just today reviewed her book Cold Rock River.

At the end of the post there is a contest to win just this book

Jackie Lee Miles, Author of Roseflower Creek and Cold Rock River

All of my novels feature friendships. I think this goes back to my earliest memory of novels I loved.  I’m thinking of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. Who could not be enchanted by their friendship? And what of Jane Austin’s Sense and Sensibility? The Dashwood sisters, all of them—Elinor and Marianne and Margaret were great friends one to the other. And I have to mention John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men which broke my heart. But the friendship between Lennie and George is too dear to forget to mention.

In my novel Roseflower Creek, protagonist Lori Jean is thrilled when Carolee moves to town. Lori Jean says Carolee wasn’t stuck on herself like some girl’s at school. And she’s amazed at her kindness:

Carolee sure was pretty and a whole lot a fun, too. Me and her used to meet up before school and walk the rest of the way together.  She had herself a umbrella, too and when it rained she shared it with me ‘cause I didn’t have one.  That way I only got rained on part of the way.  And when it rained real hard, Carolee left early and come all the way to my house to get me, just so I wouldn’t get so wet running up to meet her.  That’s how special a friend she was ‘cause coming to get me was clear out of her way.

Wouldn’t we all love to have a friend like that! Sadly, Carolee’s in an accident shortly after her and Lori Jean’s friendship is firmly established. I won’t expound on the outcome in case you want to read the book. It’s on page 66 in you want to check it out. 

In my novel Cold Rock River, friendship plays a major role as well. Adie Jenkins, the protagonists gets pregnant before she gets married. Eventually she marries the father of the baby and settles down in his home town. There she meets Willa Mae, a mulotto women who was the mammy of Murphy Spencer, the man who owns the cabin she and her new husband Buck are renting. Willa Mae becomes a dear friend, helping to birth Adie’s baby and after they’re settled in even teaches her to cook. Adie, who is now chicken farming, meets the preacher’s daughter Margaret Mary, who captures Murphy’s attention. They become good friends, even though by now Adie realizes she herself is in love with Murphy. In one scene the young women are discussing whether Margaret Mary should marry Murphy since she’s convinced he really doesn’t love her like she loves him. Adie says:
“Who can say what love is anyway?”  I said.  “It ain’t what we read in books, I can tell you that.”

“I should marry him then, even though he doesn’t—?” she said.

“Be a fool not to.”

“Don’t want to be a fool,” she said.

“Surely not,” I said.  “Look where it got me.”

The wind shifted and sent us a good whiff of the chickens. “See what I mean?” I said.

We laughed, and while we did, more chicken smell floated into the room.  We laughed again.  Two more whiffs and we couldn’t stop.  We held our bellies and howled.  The more we laughed, the funnier it got.  Strips of girl giggles pealed out of our mouths and drifted out the same window the chicken odors floated in through.  Tears welled in our eyes and poured down our cheeks.  Still we laughed; laughed like we hadn’t had a good one in a very long time, like it might be even longer before we ever did again.  The chicken smells kept coming—real or imagined—they poured into the room.  My sides ached.  Guess hers did, too.  I rubbed at mine and she grabbed hold of hers, still we couldn’t stop howling.  The screen door squeaked open and Buck walked in.  What a fright we gave him.  There we sat, two girl hyenas laughing and crying, rocking our bellies, holding our sides, bound forever by coffee and babies and men and chicken shit.

Margaret Mary too meets a sorrowful end. Don’t want to give the story away so that’s all I’ll say, but you can pick up a copy and check it out for yourself.

In my novel All That’s True, debuting in January 2011, friendship also plays a major role. Protagonist Andi St. James and her best Friend Bridget discover that Andi’s father is having an affair with Bridget’s stepmother. This leads to some major sleuthing. In addition to being stunned by what they find they are also mesmerized by what they’re witnessing:

We haven’t told anyone, yet. We still can’t believe it ourselves. Besides, we’re not sure who to tell: her father, or my mother, or maybe a priest. It’s complicated. For now, we’re just watching them boff each other. It’s disgusting, but we can’t seem to help ourselves. Now that we know what they’re doing, we camp out in the bushes behind the cabana that’s behind Bridget’s house and just wait for them to show up. Mostly they do the same things to each other, over and over, but we watch like it’s the very first time.
© all passages, Jackie Lee Miles, Sourcebooks Landmark, 2010

Obviously my writing always includes friendship. I can’t help myself. Friends are everything to me, so I assume they are for my characters, too. And I’m a firm believer that a friend is never a coincidence in your life. They’re certainly not in my novels. I hope you’ll read and find out why.

All great best,
Jackie Lee Miles

Thanks for stopping by with this interesting post Jackie. I enjoyed Cold Rock River and the characters you created.

About the Author
Jackie Lee Miles lives in Georgia with her husband, where she is a featured speaker at book clubs, schools, and writer’s workshops. The author of three novels, Roseflower Creek was her first, published to critical acclaim. When not writing, Ms. Miles tours with the Dixie Divas, four nationally published book-writing belles. Her next novel, All That’s True, will be published by Sourcebooks Landmark in early 2011. For more information, please visit http://jlmiles.brinkster.net/. 

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