The Death of Dulgath - Michael j Sullivan

When the last member of the oldest noble family in Avryn is targeted for assassination, Riyria is hired to foil the plot. Three years have passed since the war-weary mercenary Hadrian and the cynical ex-assassin Royce joined forces to start life as rogues-for-hire. Things have gone well enough until they're asked to help prevent a murder. Now they must venture into an ancient corner of the world to save a mysterious woman who knows more about Royce than is safe and cares less about herself than is sane.

Kindle Edition, 1 edition, 432 pages
Published October 15th 2015 by Riyria Enterprises, LLC
The Riyria Chronicles #3, Riyria #3
Fantasy
Own

My thoughts:

All I could think about was how I could not remember how the Heir of Novron ended! I remember..no, I can't. I need to re-read. SO yes I know these take place before that. But I have forgotten things so this one revelation was all, I did not remember all of that. I knew about Royce, but the rest was lost in time.

Anyway. Royce and Hadrian are hired to protect...well sort of...the Lady of Dulgath. I do feel like this one can be read on it's own. He creates a nice tale that makes you want more, but you also feel fine just jumping in. I only wanted more since I know something happened at the end of Novron but that is years ahead of this story.

Royce is awesome, I love him.

Hadrian is more the happy shiny people person. Yes you are a nice friend Hadrian, but Royce ;)

So they have an adventure. Get into trouble and on to new adventures! A good story, and I need more! I still have not read the series taking place 3000 years in the past ;)

Good fantasy

The Painted Bridge - Wendy Wallace

'I am more sane than I have ever been in my life. And yet, I look like a madwoman'

Behind a high stone wall on the outskirts of London lies Lake House, a private asylum for women. Tricked by her husband, Anna Palmer becomes its newest patient just weeks into her marriage.

Ravaged by the cruel treatments of the time, Anna struggles to prove her sanity, despite some surprising allies: Talitha Batt, a longtime inhabitant who seems to be as sane as she is; Lucas St Clair, a visiting physician who believes that photography may reveal the state of a patient's mind; and Catherine Abse, the proprietor's highly-strung daughter. Yet the longer Anna remains at Lake House, the more she realises that no one and nothing is quite as it appears. Not her fellow patients, her husband, her family -- not even herself.

Will Anna discover the freedom she seeks, or plunge so far into the recesses of the mind that she might never escape? 

My thoughts:
Omg, poor woman. Men are such asshats!

Anna did not make the best of choices, but she just wanted to help. And for that, and cos he was embarrassed her husband sent her to an asylum! Because he does own her after all. And asylums in those days, well let's just say I would go insane there. Any sane human would go insane by their treatments.

I did wonder in the beginning, is she a bit mad after all? Who knows. Her husband sure kept saying it, but then you saw her and she just wanted to go home.

And we do learn things about the husband. Asshat!
And we do learn more things that made me wonder about her.

In the asylum we meet other women too. And hey they are not crazy either. Stupid era! Arghhhh!!!! Women are people too, not property.

Conclusion:
A good book. A slower pace that let's you get into her head.

Paperback, 386 pages
Published 2013 by Simon & Schuster UK (first published May 24th 2012)
Historical fiction
Own

TMST: Debut Authors

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post on Rainy Day Ramblings where Rainy discuss a wide range of topics from books to blogging. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog.

November 28th: Who were the best debut authors you read this year?

Oh this is too hard! I have no idea who is a debut author or not. I do know that Katherine Arden is one so I guess her book goes up here. I really liked her take on fairytales. SO worth it

Ohhh, now I remember! Jennie Melamed. Damn! That book was awesome. SO freaking awesome and dark so effing dark. Just thinking of it gives me chills again.

Spellslinger - Sebastien de Castell

There are three things that earn you a man’s name among the Jan’Tep. The first is to demonstrate the strength to defend your family. The second is to prove you can perform the high magic that defines our people. The third is simply to reach the age of sixteen. I was a few weeks shy of my birthday when I learned that I wouldn’t be doing any of those things.

Magic is a con game. 

Kellen is moments away from facing his first mage's duel and the start of four trials that will make him a spellcaster. There's just one problem: his magic is gone. As his sixteenth birthday approaches, Kellen falls back on his cunning in a bid to avoid total disgrace. But when a daring stranger arrives in town, she challenges Kellen to take a different path. Ferius Parfax is one of the mysterious Argosi - a traveller who lives by her wits and the three decks of cards she carries. She's difficult and unpredictable, but she may be Kellen's only hope... 

Paperback, 400 pages
Published May 4th 2017 by Bonnier
Spellslinger #1
Fantasy YA
Own

My thoughts

This one has me hooked from the start. Easy, light and fun to read. And that is so what I need when I am busy with Baby S.

Kellen sucks at magic, sad but true. He just can't seem to have enough power and will totally fail his trails. And when you fail, well you end up a servant and your family forgets you. I did not say it was a nice society even if they think they are. They sure look down on those without magic and those who fail. I liked Kellen, and he seemed to notice things others did not.

Then a fascinating stranger shows up, with secrets and a deck of cards. I did not see that coming...but I liked it. Spoilers ;) Ferius was full of secrets but she was kick-ass.  And some sure deserved to get their asses kicked by her.

There are dangers are the prince is dead and a new will be chosen. There are enemies (that deserves to get their asses kicked!). And secrets, gotta love secrets! But most of all it's a light easy book that you will just start reading and not be able to stop.

The book ends with, well it ends, and yes there will be more. But there is no cliffie and I was happy to leave Kel and his world like this. But I totally need more, I need to know what happens! Must read more.

Omg, I did not even talk about the world! Yes, I want more from this world. They live in their little magic town and out there is the frontier with gunslingers and more.

I recommend it

Carole's Sunday Review: A very country Christmas

Author: Zara Stoneley
Title: A Very Country Christmas (Tippermere #2.5)

Genre: Historical Romance and Short Story

Pages: ebook

Published: October 2015

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon freebie)

A short Christmas story of three courses.

Love is in the air in Tippermere as Lottie dreams of a white Christmas with no trimmings – other than her hot and hunky eventer, Rory. But things are never quite that simple on the Tipping House Estate.
Festive fervour takes over and it isn’t all seasonal peace and goodwill as expectations rise and it soon escalates from cosy dinner for two, to all the trimmings for ten!

With missing turkeys, loose horses, troublesome terriers and randy huntsmen, Lottie is hard pushed to find time for a kiss under the mistletoe, let alone find the opportunity to woo Rory with her sexy Santa costume.

But there is only one thing Lottie really wants for Christmas, and only one man can deliver it…

Here I go again reading a book in the middle of a series. At least this one was pretty decent as a standalone, so I don't feel I missed a whole bunch. There were some references and back story I could tell I was missing, but the story still did well without it. 

This story follows Lottie and her family. I liked her and her beau Rory a lot. I was rooting for him to give her the one thing she really wants!

The story was fun a few slow parts that seemed to drag on and on. I had to skim a couple of times for my sanity. After a while I did get used to the occasional lull in the story, it seemed to be a part of the author's writing style. 

Honestly? This made me in the mood for Xmas. LOL It was very Christmas-y, but done in a good way where it wasn't obnoxious. I may put up my tree a little sooner than I normally do this year ;) So yes...this is a good way to start your Xmas reading for sure. 

There were some lulls, but I enjoyed the story and the characters a lot, so I found it was worth the read. It helped that this was a freebie lol! I loved that this was a quick read even with the lulls here and there. 

If you need a good, quick Xmas book this is the one for you. Fun characters and a fun story to get you in the holiday mood. I'll stamp this with...mmmmmmm....3 stars.

Movie Review. The Beguiled

Three years into the senseless American Civil War, in 1864, the dilapidated mansion of Miss Martha Farnsworth's Seminary for Young Ladies is still running, occupied by the matriarch, a teacher and five students in Spanish moss-draped Virginia. However, when a young student stumbles upon Corporal John McBurney, a wounded Union deserter on the verge of death, the already frail balance of things will be disrupted, as the hesitant headmistress decides to take him in to heal from his injury. Little by little, as the unwelcome guest arouses an uneasy sexual excitation among the women of the secluded boarding school, it is not before long that they will find themselves competing for the alluring man's favour. Undoubtedly, this handsome devil is a manipulator, nevertheless, will the ladies stay forever beguiled by his charm?

Director: Sofia Coppola

Writers: Thomas Cullinan (based on the novel by), Albert Maltz (based on the screenplay by) | 

Stars: Nicole Kidman, Kirsten Dunst, Elle Fanning 

1h 33min | Drama, War 

My thoughts:

Yes, another slooooooooow one. Women being bitchy. Women and children falling over themselves cos someone new is in the house.

Never any real drama even though was was just outside. I guess they got lucky.

All playing their parts well-

I really do not have a lot to say. I watched it with a friend and it was good for that, and yes I would watch it myself too a lazy day and would not mind if I went and made myself a sandwich and missed things. So I can not really recommend it then ;)

Audio Review: Sweet Haven - Shirlee McCoy

In Benevolence, Washington, the Lamont family's irresistible handmade chocolates are a cherished tradition--and always a reason to celebrate. And now they're giving the three Lamont sisters, one by one, delicious chances to start again, make a change, and have their sweetest dreams come true...

Neighbors who care, a peaceful routine--accountant Adeline Lamont is glad some things about her beloved hometown never change. But when her grandfather is injured, she has to run the family store, Chocolate Haven, and make its legendary fudge. Trouble is, she can't get the recipe right to save her life--or Chocolate Haven. And she doesn't need her ornery new tenant, Sinclair Jefferson, stirring up the pot with his help--and daring Addie to taste her wild side…

Once Sinclair gets his hapless brother back on track, he's leaving Benevolence for good this time. He's made his life far away from his irresponsible family and their scandals. Trouble is, he can't quite stay away from Addie's optimism, enticing plus-size curves, and kindness to those who need it most. But they don't seem to have a thing in common--except that Addie's passion for chocolate, and for Benevolence, is just as contagious as Sinclair's passion for her. Maybe small-town life has its charms after all… 

Audio CD, 9 pages
Expected publication: November 21st 2017 by Tantor Audio (first published February 23rd 2016)
Home Sweet Home #1
Contemprary romance/Romantic fiction
For review

My thoughts:

Please someone, give me some fudge! Or chocolate! All the times fudge and chocolate was mentioned. All the times she threw some in the trash cos it was not great, only good and I was all, I want to eat that trash! 

Addie has way too many things to do. Take care of her grandfather's Chocolate shop (and learn to make the best fudge in the world), get ready for a wedding. Take care of her puppy that has way too much energy. Find time for her actual job! Avoid her matchmaking mother and well the list goes on and on. Poor Addy, I get that she wants to please everyone but the woman needs to learn to say no. But that is why I liked her, she was so sweet.

Sinclair wanted away from this small town but now he is back. A successful businessowner. And I did like him, and I got why he was not always a fan of small towns, before he looked deeper and saw the beauty too. But he sure was judgey at times.

They meet, they keep running into each other. They like each other and they will slowly fall in love. All good things.

There is also a mystery involved, why are lights on in her grandad's flat?

Conclusion:

A very nice small town and a fun story.

Narrator Vanessa Daniels

One of her voices, one of a 90 year old man was just awesome. I so wanted to listen to his stories. I could even hear his false teeth. Lol.

But her other voices were pretty similar at times.

Still, she was good at what she did and had me enjoying this story.

The Hidden Face - SC Flynn

A face without a face - an unmasking that leaves the mask.

Once every few hundred years the sun god, the Akhen, takes on human form and descends to earth. Each Unmasking of the Face of the Akhen ends one era and begins another; the last one created the Faustian Empire. Where and when will the Face next appear, and who will he - or she - be?

Dayraven, son of a great hero, returns to Faustia after years as a hostage of their rivals, the Magians. Those years have changed him, but Faustia has changed as well; the emperor Calvo now seems eccentric and is controlled by one of Dayraven's old enemies. Following the brutal murder of his old teacher, Dayraven is drawn, together with a female warrior named Sunniva, into the search for an ancient secret that would change the fate of empires.

ebook, First, 350 pages
Expected publication: November 25th 2017 by The Hive
The Fifth Unmasking #1
Fantasy
I received this title for free in exchange for an unbiased review.

My thoughts:

I reviewed his previous novel on audio, and do think this one might be better in audio than in print. The talking ones often are.

I did enjoy it at first. We meet Dayraven who has come back to his homeland after being sent away as pawn in  politics when young. I liked how their God comes to earth every 500 years and that country and culture blossoms. And how this country seems to be in decline now. Evil priest behind an aging king and all.

But then Sunniva showed up and it just got so talkey. Clues, clues, more clues, really more clues? And that is where it lost me, half way in. It started well enough but then it changed. Those eternal clues that they solved so fast. Evil people after them. No one bothering to talk about these things before...these things happen. Now that is just silly. 

Good start. Mediocre second half.

Audio Review: Some boys - Patty Blount

Some boys go too far. Some boys will break your heart. But one boy can make you whole.

When Grace meets Ian she's afraid. Afraid he'll reject her like the rest of the school, like her own family. After she accuses the town golden boy of rape, everyone turns against Grace. They call her a slut and a liar. But...Ian doesn't. He's funny and kind with secrets of his own.

But how do you trust the best friend of the boy who raped you? How do you believe in love?

A gut-wrenching, powerful love story told from alternating points of view by the acclaimed author of Send. 

Audio CD, 8 pages
Expected publication: November 21st 2017 by Tantor Audio (first published August 5th 2014)
YA Fiction
For review

My thoughts:

Another  book with rape culture and slut shaming. Why do everyone always believe the boy! Ugh, i want to hit so many people in the face.

She was drinking

She was wearing revealing clothes.

They had dated before

Was she a stripper? Ehm, no, why even ask her that! 

It is a month later and Grace has lost all her friends and people call slut and liar after her. The boy who raped her is the school hero and no one believes he could do anything like that. While she has to be afraid, alone, deal with panic attacks and wish someone would take her side.

The book is told from two POVS. Hers and Ian's. The boy she has to spend time with, the boy who is Zach's bestie. And yes obviously this is a romance too. That is actually something I could have been without. It felt like she fell too fast, yes she had been in love with him, but after something like that I just feel it should take more time to even think about kissing a boy. But then I changed my mind, we need happiness too! This is a book after all. In real life no one would have believed her and that boy would have had a happy ending while she would have gone to therapy. Instead she will get a happy ending and hey, I needed that. We all need that.

But there was still the issue with Ian. But, there is the but again, he is a teen. Why would he believe that of the friend who he has known for years, who has helped him, who is awesome? To believe the word of a girl who does like, but....he is a teen, so yes he is a coward, yes even spineless at time, but no one else was there. There is no evidence after all. I did want to kick him at times, but do not worry he gets it in the end and I liked him for it.

Conclusion:

'A tough emotional book.

Narrators.

Em Elridge  and Joe Hempel

I liked that they had Em doing Grace's POV and Joe Ian's. They both did a good job, I do think Joe was the better one though cos he had a good range. While women do not always make men sound that manly...or too manly ;)

It was great listening too and it sure made me want to go there and scream at people.

TMST: Thankful

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post on Rainy Day Ramblings where Rainy discuss a wide range of topics from books to blogging. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog.

 November 21st: What are you thankful for?

I am thankful this year for my beautiful baby girl. She is six months now :)

I am thankful for a speedy recovery, always a good thing.

I am thankful for books (duh), I am thankful for my audiobooks. They have been awesome these last 6 months.

I am thankful for all of you. You all make blogging great :D Blogging would not be fun without all of you!

Arcanum Unbounded: The Cosmere Collection - Brandon Sanderson

An all-new 40,000-word Stormlight Archive novella, “Edgedancer,” will be the crown jewel of Arcanum Unbounded: The Cosmere Collection, the first book of short fiction by #1 New York Times bestselling author Brandon Sanderson. A must read for fans of the series.

These wonderful works, originally published on Tor.com and elsewhere individually, convey the expanse of the Cosmere and tell exciting tales of adventure Sanderson fans have come to expect, including the Hugo Award-winning novella, “The Emperor’s Soul” and an excerpt from the graphic novel “White Sand.”

Finally, this collection includes essays and illustrations for the various planetary systems in which the stories are set. 

Hardcover, 672 pages

Published November 10th 2016 by Gollancz

Stormlight Archive #2.5, The Cosmere

Fantasy

Own

My thoughts:

“The Emperor’s Soul” (Elantris)

I did not read it as I have read it before. Check my thoughts there.

“The Hope of Elantris” (Elantris)

I guess ok. Nothing special. A short story. I did feel like I should have read Elantris before and no years before.

“The Eleventh Metal” (Mistborn)

Eh, nothing special here either. Kelsier training...yup

“Allomancer Jak and the Pits of Eltania, Episodes 28 through 30” (Mistborn)

I do not seem to be a fan of his short stories. They just feel ok all of them. Though this one would have worked as a graphic novel.

"A secret history" Mistborn

A long one, and I thought it would be meh, but it seems shorts one are eh, but long ones are better. Kelsier's story behind the scenes.

“White Sand” (excerpt; Taldain)

Ohhh a graphic novel. Very cool.

“Shadows for Silence in the Forests of Hell” (Threnody)

I have read this one before. Check it there.

“Sixth of Dusk” (First of the Sun)

This was an interesting world, I would like to see more from it.

Edgedancer

I liked this story and I reeeeeally makes me want to read Oathbringer

Conclusion:

As they got longer they got better. Sanderson needs to write long ones cos he needs his world. He excels there.

Joint Discussion: Juliet in August

Happy November ya'lls!

This month Carole and I read and discussed "Juliet in August". I am in black and C is in black. 

Author: Dianne Warren

Title: Juliet in August

Genre: Fiction

Pages: 336

First Published: 2010 

Where I Got It: My Shelf (Dollar Tree)

Juliet, Saskatchewan, is a blink-and-you-miss-it kind of town dusty oasis on the edge of the Little Snake sand hills. It’s easy to believe that nothing of consequence takes place there. But the hills vibrate with life, and the town’s heart beats in the rich and overlapping stories of its people: the rancher afraid to accept responsibility for the land his adoptive parents left him; the bank manager grappling with a sudden understanding of his own inadequacy; a shy couple, well beyond middle age, struggling with the recognition of their feelings for each other. And somewhere, lost in the sand, a camel named Antoinette.

Damn girl, this was pretty boring.

I knooooooooooow! Gah. It sounded SO good.

It did have promise. I did feel her writing was good, but aghhhh, the story itself was sooooo dull.

Really? I feel like her writing was just meh. The story was okay. I feel like she should’ve stuck with one or two families/people.

I felt like I could roll with her writing, there was something there. And yes one of 2 families would have been excellent. And for something to actually HAPPEN in that dang book.

It did feel like there was ALL this build-up like Antoinette was going to save a small child or something. There was all this tense and build-up and then it just….ended.

Yes! Why even mention Antoinette, when nothing happened? It was just so boring. That town sounded boring. The people sounded boring. Take a story and make something of it. Like Lee’s real parents. Who? I wanted to know. Now I got nothing. And make him find love or something too. And that woman who bought the horse...what? Make a story from it.

I wanted to like this book SO much, but...sighs...I could barely get through it! The people were boring, but they had potential. I felt like I was just waiting and waiting. Honestly...I felt like I was at the airport just waiting and then I was miserable.

Lol. That is a good way of putting it. I’d say waiting at the Bank. Nothing happens. They are late as always. Your phone is dying. And the people around are all grandmas who look sleepy.

Yess. The phone is dying and you just want it to be over and go home. LOL

And you are hungry! And too cold, or too warm. Nothing is quite right. Might throw in a headache there too.

So much misery but you have to do it. I had to finish the book because I kept thinking that SOMETHING has to happen. I also wanted to see if the camel came back. But then it was just over.

Or at least find the camel’s corpse! Like the Lee story, I thought something would happen, but he just rode that horse.

Yesss! I did like Lee a lot, but he was boring too. He was an interesting boring though...if that makes sense

He was pretty boring, but he had the story with potential. But like with everything, nothing happened.

Nope. I wanted Lee to be a hero or something. Save a little kid or save Antoinette...or something. But again...nothing.

And that sums up the book. You keep waiting for something to happen and it never does.

Oo! I was intrigued by Hank and his wife (*blanking on name*). He had cheated on her in their youth and now she thinks he is cheating again. I wanted to find out more about them. See...I really think she should’ve stuck with a couple of people to follow. There was a lot of stuff happening, but nothing happening at the same time. I felt like I was in the Twilight Zone.

You know what I do not even remember them. Was that the couple with too many kids? They all melt together in my head now.

No - he was the rodeo guy and now they are old and he doesn’t do it anymore, but she suspects he is cheating.

Lol, still nothing. Wait the couple with the preggo daughter?

I think their daughter is preggo. I can’t remember. LOL! We are bad people. xD

Because we do not care….

Valid, valid.

I do not have a lot more to say. I skimmed towards the end so the book would END.

Neither do I. All I can say is that I am sorry! LOL! And do not read this book unless you want to sleep. I nodded off 4 times. It is a small book and it took 5 days for me to read it. Too long. Anything else for you?

Lol, nodded off. I struggle all week. The first day went fine then it went slooow and slooower. So yes do not read this book.

Unless you need a nap. ;) LOL Well….your book is next! Hopefully it will be a good one!

Nope, it is that book from NG. That is your book next then ;)

Oh noes! I am excited to read the next one though! It should be good….*fingers crossed*

The end?

The end

About the Authors

Carole and Blodeuedd have been blogging a long while now. The last couple of years the epic duo have been discussing books, watching movies, and even wetting the pen and sharing their stories with the worldwide web. They both love cats, chocolate, and a good story.

Saturday Movie Review: Hacksaw Ridge

WWII American Army Medic Desmond T. Doss, who served during the Battle of Okinawa, refuses to kill people, and becomes the first man in American history to receive the Medal of Honor without firing a shot.

Director: Mel Gibson

Writers: Robert Schenkkan (screenplay), Andrew Knight (screenplay)

Stars: Andrew Garfield, Sam Worthington, Luke Bracey 

Lenght: 2h 19 min

Drama/History/War

2016

Musings:

Another one I should have written at once, never wait....

Ok, so I have no idea how much was true in the movie. Like some of the stuff at the end. But never mind.

So this guy joins the army but does not want to fight. I did not get it. Ok so you want to help others, but you do not want to touch a gun? You are on your way to a mega disaster. Just think of the first enemy soldier coming at you and you are all, ok I will die. But at least I saved someone else.

So he becomes a medic, people are cruel. All, you are a coward! Hey, back off, he just does not want to touch a gun.

I kept waiting for the fighting to start. It took a while, but then they finally got to Hacksaw Ridge. All Americans were awesome guys, all enemies were totally evil...yeah, wtf was up with that.

A good movie.

A conjuring of light - VE Schwab

The precarious equilibrium among four Londons has reached its breaking point. Once brimming with the red vivacity of magic, darkness casts a shadow over the Maresh Empire, leaving a space for another London to rise.

Kell - once assumed to be the last surviving Antari - begins to waver under the pressure of competing loyalties. And in the wake of tragedy, can Arnes survive?

Lila Bard, once a commonplace - but never common - thief, has survived and flourished through a series of magical trials. But now she must learn to control the magic, before it bleeds her dry. Meanwhile, the disgraced Captain Alucard Emery of the Night Spire collects his crew, attempting a race against time to acquire the impossible.

And an ancient enemy returns to claim a crown while a fallen hero tries to save a world in decay. 

Paperback, 666 pages
Published February 21st 2017 by Titan Books Ltd
Shades of Magic #3
Fantasy
Own

My thoughts

I started this the day baby S was born, I did manage 100 pages and then there was a a looong break until now, almost 6 months later. I mean I read other books but could just not get back to this one. 

But then I did, and I am glad to finally have finished this series.

I still do not like Lila, I just do not know. Lila, nope I just never fell for her. She is so perfect.

Kell, oh him I like, I mean I still want him and Lila to end up together even if I never did like her ;)

Rhys and Alucard, poor Rhys.

So the big bad is in Red London. And it is closing in. Off to the rescue. There is magic, danger and then it ends and, damn, I want more. 

Conclusion:

Good series. Watching tv...can not write more, this Picklerick ep is awesome.

Wolf Blood - NM Browne

A Celtic warrior girl is held captive and enslaved by a rival tribe. When fever takes her only friend, she knows she must escape, but she runs straight into the path of two Roman foot soldiers. Thinking they will kill a warrior instantly, the girl disguises herself as a beggar and asks to share their fire. Using her gift as a seer she discovers that one of the soldiers is not what he seems. Celtic blood courses through his veins too, but there is something else. He is a shapeshifter - a Versipellum. He shares his soul with that of the wolf. The girl needs to reach the leader of her dead friend's tribe, and the boy must escape the Romans before they discover his true nature. Their only chance of survival is to help each other. But what will happen when their powers are combined? 

Paperback, 282 pages
Published February 14th 2012 by Bloomsbury USA Childrens (first published July 4th 2011)
Historical fiction / YA / paranormal
Library

My thoughts:

I really want to try to write a short one, like those twitter ones, but oh it is hard!

So, not the best of books, but, it was easy and nice and I just kept on reading. It was good, nothing dramatic and the end felt open in a way. Mostly cos I know the Romans will win so, sucks being you guys.

Why they let their Seeress into battle I do not know. Shouldn't she be protected? And couldn't she have used that status as a slave?

Then there is Morcant, who is a shapeshifter, ha, yes he sure did that thing...man, that was weird. But yes with him it does go into a more fantasy side of history. But it never felt like that. It just felt like those things were around back then and then the Romans wipes it all out.

FIne, I can not do really short.

So two people fleeing. Romans everywhere. Clans fighting. I would have liked a deeper depth into this world, and maybe an adult version of it as it now was pretty tame. But it was good.

Cover

Where is the wolf

Audio Review: A companion to wolves - Monette and Bear

A Companion to Wolves is the story of a young nobleman, Isolfr, who is chosen to become a wolfcarl -- a warrior who is bonded to a fighting wolf. Isolfr is deeply drawn to the wolves, and though as his father's heir he can refuse the call, he chooses to go. 

The people of this wintry land depend on the wolfcarls to protect them from the threat of trolls and wyverns, though the supernatural creatures have not come in force for many years. Men are growing too confident. The wolfhealls are small, and the lords give them less respect than in former years. But the winter of Isolfr's bonding, the trolls come down from the north in far greater numbers than before, and the holding's complaisance gives way to terror in the dark. 

Isolfr, now bonded to a queen wolf, Viradechtis, must learn where his honor lies, and discover the lengths to which he will to go when it, and love for his wolf, drive him. 

Audio CD, 12 pages
Expected publication: November 14th 2017 by Tantor Audio (first published October 16th 2007)
Iskryne World #1
Fantasy
For review

My thoughts:

This was a really good book, and the narrator put so much emotion into it. But it was also a book that dealt with a strange world where consent...yeah, I will get into that.

Think Vikings with mega wolves. Wolves they communicate telepathically with. They all live together and protect the rest of the land from trolls. And I get where the authors are coming from with their we do as wolves do. Still it makes for hard reading.

The story is about Isolfr, a Jarl's son who becomes a wolfcarl. About his companionship with his wolf Viradechtis and how they explore this to him new world of wolves and men. And lots of troll hunting.

And this is where the spoilers about consent starts. Highlight to see

So, the main character goes through the entire book being afraid of the rapes that will come. He thinks about it and is all She is worth it. I will make this sacrifice for her. But srsly man, you are gonna get raped! And he does have 2 encounters before that to make him more comfortable, but I never get the impression that he ever likes men. Or will...

To the rape then. See, when his wolf is in heat everyone gets on edge, as they always do. All the male wolves wants to sire pups on her  and he feels this. And those bonded with male wolves feels the need to. The need to take him. And so they do. As they always do with those bonded with female wolves.

I was all, damn, I would not bond a female wolf. BUT, I sure would not bond a male then if they go all barbaric. Still, not all do. One is nice, then it gets brutal and he is in bed for days after it. Wtf is wrong with this world. Can't they just go easy?

I also did not like the whole this is my sacrifice thing. Yes I would have liked it so much more if he had been attracted to men. And if they men they had been nice and not all we are wolves. Hey Viradechtis did not suffer as he did! SO men are worse.

It is their way. Still the dread he felt...

Conclusion:

But it is a good book. I liked the world. I would read more from this world, and I would wish someone would change the ways things are done.

Narrator Chris Chambers

I really felt Isolfr through his voice. He did a great job with getting in all the emotions Isolfr felt. He sure made it easy listening to it.

TMST. Fav surprise book of the year

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post on Rainy Day Ramblings where Rainy discuss a wide range of topics from books to blogging. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog.

 November 14th: What were your favorite surprise books of the year?

I think instead of picking a book here and there I will just say that Audio was my surprise book of the year. Yes I listened to audio before. I went from 1 a year, to 1 that took 6 months, down to 1 a month. But it was not before Baby S was born that I really started to enjoy audio. And for the last few months my favorite book of the month has been an audiobook! The experience is just different. And even a book that I knew might just be good if I had read it, turns out to be great when listening. Because of that little extra something.

I mostly listen when I take her out for a walk. And since I want to get a lot of listening time in those walks are at least 50 min long. And at last 2 walks a day. I am also terribly hooked on listening to at least 1.7 speed. Omg the slower ones drives me insaaaaaaane. I just can not anymore.

arghhhh something is wrong with GR! I can't  remember stuff like this on my own! Books read show as unread. Sigh. I will give you one book then.

A recent surprise as I usually like contemporary, but they are never great. Just good. Which is good

Audio: Third son's a charm - Shana Galen

Fiercely loyal to his friends and comrades, Ewan Mostyn is the toughest in a group of younger sons of nobility who met as soldiers and are now trying desperately to settle back into peaceful Society. Ewan trusts his brawn more than his brains, but when he's offered a job watching the Duke of Ridlington's stubbornly independent daughter, he finds both are challenged. Lady Lorraine wants none of her father's high-handed ways, and she'll do everything in her power to avoid her distressingly attractive bodyguard-until she lands herself in real trouble. Lorraine begins to see Ewan's protectiveness in a new light, and she can only hope that her stoic guardian will do for her what he's always done-fight for what he wants. 

Audio CD, 11 h
Published November 7th 2017 by Tantor Audio
The Survivors #1
Historical romance
For review

My thoughts:
I have never wanted to kick a villain so much! Francis was the worst kind of bully and I wanted to break his nose. I really felt it as Ewan looked back at things and experienced things now as an adult. That poor child! That poor man! I loved Ewan so much.

Ewan is nothing but a big dumb brute. Or so say his family. The only real friends he has are the men he fought with. He is loyal, protective and does not say a lot. You just have to love him.

Lorraine says too much. She talks and talks. But she is sweet, and nice, and omg, totally in love with the wrong man. Francis! Grrrrrr. Well she thinks she is in love and I can forgive her. He is a charmer, and the worst man that has ever lived!

And Ewan has to protective this annoying chit, who seems very cute. Yes, the way there is sort of long, and I liked how they slowly became friends and more. But both had issues to work out. Like her liking Francis, ugh!

Conclusion:
It was a fun one. I enjoyed it and I would like to read more in this series.

Narrator Victoria Atson
I liked her proper accent, honestly anything sounds awesome with that accent. I liked her voices and the way she told the story. It made me like Lorraine cos she sounded so fun.

Sample

Carole's Sunday Review: Fanny Newcomb and the Irish Channel Ripper

Author: Ana Brazil

Title: Fanny Newcomb and the Irish Channel Ripper

Genre: Mystery and Historical Fiction

Pages: 319

Published: Oct 2017

I Got It: My shelf (Given to my by the author/publisher for my honest and unbiased opinion)

Gilded Age New Orleans is overrun with prostitutes, pornographers, and a malicious Jack the Ripper copycat. As threatening letters to newspaper editors proclaim, no woman is safe from his blade.

Desperate to know who murdered her favorite student, ambitious typewriting teacher Fanny Newcomb launches into a hunt for the self-proclaimed Irish Channel Ripper. Fanny quickly enlists the help of her well-connected employers--Principal Sylvia Giddings and her sister Dr. Olive--and together the women forge through saloons, cemeteries, slums, and houses of prostitution.

Fanny's good intentions quickly infuriate her longtime beau Lawrence Decatur, while her reckless persistence confounds the talented police detective Daniel Crenshaw. Reluctantly, Lawrence and Daniel also lend their talents to Fanny's investigation. 

As the murderer sets a date for his next heinous crime, can Fanny Newcomb and her crew stop the Irish Channel Ripper before he kills again?

I couldn't resist this book due to the title. Like many people I am fascinated by the Ripper, so when I saw this I had to give it a go. I was even more intrigued that the hero is a woman with a crew of fellow women to help track down this killer. 

Poor Nora. She was a good egg even though she was a prostitute on the side. She didn't deserve to be murdered like that!

Fanny was okay. I really respected her and I applauded her courage, but she annoyed me. She was SO pushy and I feel like she is playing Lawrence. Lawrence is a good egg for a lawyer, so I really feel bad for him because he really seems to love Fanny, but she just uses him. Yes, there is a part of her that likes him a lot, but she doesn't want to marry him because she doesn't want to give up her freedom. 

Olive was my favorite. Sylvia was okay; I do want to learn more about her. 

I must give major kuddos to the author...I was not sure who the murdered was. I had my main guesses, but I really had no idea. So yayy! 

It is so hard to say what happened without giving away much. But the ending just exploded!! So, so good. 

I can't wait to see what happens next! I want Fanny to marry Lawrence and stay being an investigator!

The story was fun and I loved the Jack the Ripper mania. So scary.Fanny was an interesting heroine. I respected her but I didn't really care for her much. In a way...it made the story more interesting. The side characters were interesting too. This was a good mystery and I highly recommend it. 5 stars is what I shall stamp this with.