Audio: Storm cursed - Patricia Briggs

Audible Audio, Unabridged, 10 pages

Expected publication: May 7th 2019 by Penguin Audio

Series: Mercy Thompson #11, Mercy Thompson World - Complete #16

UF

Own

My Thoughts

Hey, look at me! I did a Mercy audiobook! It did not feel as strange as when I did the last Kate Daniels in audio. I do not know why,  but here, well I felt this was Mercy's voice. This was Mercy's world. It was also my first Lorelai King and I liked everything she did.

And this was such a palate cleanser after another audiobook I read before. I needed this which felt quick and light. 

Trouble is brewing as always. There are goblins, zombies (not your usual kind) and a political meeting. And she will save the day as she always do. Thank to friends. And there are also some consequences this time.

Fun all the way through. Action, sadness, abit of loving with Adam (hey I liked Adam, maybe the narration made me finally truly  warm up to him. Even if my heart is always Bran's- Speaking of him, no Bran! Gods I hate his wife. Rant over).

Great add to this series. This one has not disappointed me so far.

Narration

My first King book! I liked everything she did. Yay

Blurb

My name is Mercedes Athena Thompson Hauptman, and I am a car mechanic.

And a coyote shapeshifter . . . And the mate of the Alpha of the Columbia Basin werewolf pack.

Even so, none of that would have gotten me into trouble if, a few months ago, I hadn't stood upon a bridge and taken responsibility for the safety of the citizens who lived in our territory. It seemed like the thing to do at the time. It should have only involved hunting down killer goblins, zombie goats, and an occasional troll. Instead, our home was viewed as neutral ground, a place where humans would feel safe to come and treat with the fae.

The reality is that nothing and no one is safe. As generals and politicians face off with the Gray Lords of the fae, a storm is coming and her name is Death.

But we are pack, and we have given our word. We will die to keep it.

Burn Bright - Patricia Briggs

They are the wild and the broken. The werewolves too damaged to live safely among their own kind. For their own good, they have been exiled to the outskirts of Aspen Creek, Montana. Close enough to the Marrok’s pack to have its support; far enough away to not cause any harm.

With their Alpha out of the country, Charles and Anna are on call when an SOS comes in from the fae mate of one such wildling. Heading into the mountainous wilderness, they interrupt the abduction of the wolf–but can’t stop blood from being shed. Now Charles and Anna must use their skills–his as enforcer, hers as peacemaker–to track down the attackers, reopening a painful chapter in the past that springs from the darkest magic of the witchborn… 

Paperback, 308 pages
Published March 6th 2018 by Orbit
Alpha & Omega #5, Mercy Thompson World - Complete #15
UF
Own

My thoughts:

Briggs is still an awesome writer so it does get a good grade, but...

honestly the book was kind of dull. Nothing happened and for a light book it moved so slowly.

Yes I do confess Anna and Charles has never been my fav couple. I did love book 3? though, but here again...eh.

Leah still sucks ass and I will always hate her. I guess we are supposed to feel sad for her since he does not love her but come on, she has been such a  bitch. No love is not an excuse.

So something is going on and the whole story leads up to this big revelation that seemed to be thrown together all the sudden.

Still a good book since it is the character that makes this series, and I like getting to know them all, and meeting Asil again, I really like Asil. The best part was near the end where he says two words and damn, chills!

But, it felt thrown together.

TMST: Low ratings and Silence Fallen

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.

This week's conversation starter: 

July 25th: When you first started blogging were you hesitant to give out a low rating? Has that changed?

Omg yes!! It was SO HARD. I still remember this crappy book I gave a good grade cos I just did not dare give the author a bad rating. It took a year and then I went back and gave that piece of crap a 1 mowuahahahahah. Seriously, it was a really really bad book. Trust me, SO bad.

Most times I was afraid to be honest. Authors were big and scary. Books I read on my own I could give low ratings but those authors scared me. And not only because I did not want to disappoint. I said yes to a lot of crap and the authors were not that nice. I have talked about it before but they got mad for 4s and wtf. It also gave me a really bad picture of self publishing. Which sucks, but I still have those feelings.

Now I am not afraid anymore. If a book is bad, then I am going to give it a low rating. I would hate to read a book that had all 5s and then hate it. I want all ratings. The good and the bad. So I am not afraid to give out the bad ones, they are needed. If they were not around then hell, I'd stop reading reviews! I'd just go back to trusting my gut and honestly buying less books cos it is hard to trust your gut.

I am happy I got over that bump. Now I am more stingy with good ratings instead ;)

A sunny day in April

Attacked and abducted in her home territory, Mercy finds herself in the clutches of the most powerful vampire in the world, taken as a weapon to use against alpha werewolf Adam and the ruler of the Tri-Cities vampires. In coyote form, Mercy escapes only to find herself without money, without clothing, and alone in the heart of Europe...

Unable to contact Adam and the rest of the pack, Mercy has allies to find and enemies to fight, and she needs to figure out which is which. Ancient powers stir, and Mercy must be her agile best to avoid causing a war between vampires and werewolves, and between werewolves and werewolves. And in the heart of the ancient city of Prague, old ghosts rise... 

My thoughts:
Wooo, finally :D I wanted to wait for the US pb  but could I could not stand it any longer.

I liked seeing Mercy on her own. It was a nice change for once, and yes sure I missed Adam and the pack. We still got Adam's pov as he searched for her. But yes it was nice seeing her do her own thing.

She gets kidnapped and then she escapes. All alone in Europe. Who to trust? We meet some new people, learn some new truths? Nah, not really. But she does it on her own because she is cool like that.

I do not have a lot to say. I mean it is book 10. It was a good one and I liked the new setting. I would actually have preferred more Mercy and less Adam, haha, well he was just trying to find her and she was exploring.

It did not take a long time to read,  mostly cos I wanted time to fly by, and I really wanted to finish it.

Conclusion:
Another good Mercy book

Cover
I do not like the UK ones

Paperback, 371 pages
Published March 9th 2017 by Little, Brown Book Group
Mercy Thompson #10, Mercy Thompson World - Complete #14
Urban fantasy
Own

Shifting Shadows - Patricia Briggs

Mercy Thompson’s world just got a whole lot bigger…

A collection of all-new and previously published short stories featuring Mercy Thompson, and the characters she calls friends…

Includes the new stories…

“Silver”

“Roses in Winter”

“Redemption”

“Hollow”

My thoughts:

Some good, some meh, like all anthologies then ;)

“Silver”

I always loved Sam, I did want Sam and Mercy to be together. I know I know, he was desperate and she and Adam was so meant to be.

Back to the story....this is about Sam way way back when he was trapped by his evil grandmother and met Ariana for the first time.

“Roses in Winter”

A story about Asil and Kara. This was a good one. And we got Bran! Any story with Bran is a good one ;)

“Redemption”

I really like Ben. He is funny in his scary weird way.

“Hollow”

Mercy hunts a ghost.

“Fairy Gifts”

Since I did just read the last book I had Thomas and Margaret in mind. But the best part was the FInnish mythology

“Gray”

Some vamp and a ghost. Meh

“Alpha and Omega”

I re-read it. I remember not liking it the first time, and it did take me until book 3 to like this couple But suddenly this time around the story of how Charles and Anna met was so good.

“Seeing Eye”

I had totally forgotten this one even though I just read it...not a good sign

“The Star of David”

A wolf helps his daughter.

“In Red, with Pearls”

Warren does some investigating. Good but still eh

Conclusion:

Made me want to re-read the series

Hardcover, 450 pages
Published September 2nd 2014 by Ace
Mercy Thompson 0.1/0.6/0.8/1.5/4.5/5.5/7.4, Mercy Thompson World - Complete, Alpha & Omega 0.1, 0.5 .....
Urban fantasy
Own

Fire touched - Patricia Briggs

Tensions between the fae and humans are coming to a head. And when coyote shapeshifter Mercy and her Alpha werewolf mate, Adam, are called upon to stop a rampaging troll, they find themselves with something that could be used to make the fae back down and forestall out-and-out war: a human child stolen long ago by the fae.

Defying the most powerful werewolf in the country, the humans, and the fae, Mercy, Adam, and their pack choose to protect the boy no matter what the cost. But who will protect them from a boy who is fire touched? 

My thoughts:

Truth be told I have not a lot to say...and not in a bad way! It's just, I have said it all before. I love this series.

Mercy is kick-ass

Adam FINALLY steps up.

Jesse is becoming really kick-ass

I still want his ex to BURN

I want more Bran, I always want more Bran

I missed some others too.

There is a troll. There is politics. There are after shocks from events. There are Fae, good and bad. In some ways the book is kind of low-key. Yes things happen, but not a lot. And still the things that does take place will have a lot of impact in everything.

Conclusion:

I read it reeeeeeeeeeeeally fast. 

Cover

The UK ones are soo meh

Paperback, 352 pages
Published March 8th 2016 by Orbit
Mercy Thompson #9, Mercy Thompson World - Complete #13
Urban fantasy
Own

Dead Heat - Patricia Briggs

For once, mated werewolves Charles and Anna are not traveling because of Charles’s role as his father’s enforcer. This time, their trip to Arizona is purely personal. Or at least their visit starts out that way... 

Charles and Anna soon discover that a dangerous fae being is on the loose, replacing human children with simulacrums. The fae have started a cold war with humanity that's about to heat up—and Charles and Anna are in the crossfire. 

My thoughts

This reminded me once again  that I wanna read Fire touched *checks, omg so expensive, fine I will wait until 2017 noooooooo*

I miss Bran, he was not in it enough...I like Bran. Yup ;)

But I must say, I can never remember where I stand with people, but Charles, yes, I like that wolf. Did I always? Who knows, I am too tired to check my old reviews. Brother wolf is a softie too.

Charles and Anna go to meet an old friend.

Oh uh, the Fae are up to no good. Stuff is going down! They are in the middle of something so they investigate.

I do think the previous book was stronger, I remember that one as amazing, so this one is not equal to that one. But it is Briggs, which means it is good. She is good, always.

Conclusion:

I have not really said anything when I come to think of it. ..oh how I ramble on.

Anyway, yes read the book, but you HAVE to read them in order. SO no starting with this one.

Cover

eh. Not bad, not amazing either

Mass Market Paperback, 305 pages
Published February 2nd 2016 by Ace
Urban fantasy
Own

Night Broken - Patricia Briggs

When her mate’s ex-wife storms back into their lives, Mercy knows something isn’t right. Christy has the furthest thing from good intentions—she wants Adam back, and she’s willing to do whatever it takes to get him, including turning the pack against Mercy.

Mercy isn’t about to step down without a fight, but there’s a more dangerous threat circling. As the bodies start piling up, she must put her personal troubles aside to face a creature with the power to tear her whole world apart. 

Mass Market Paperback, 292 pages
Published January 27th 2015 by Ace (first published March 11th 2014)
Mercy Thompson #8, Mercy Thompson World - Complete #12
Urban fantasy
Own

My thoughts:

The book was definitely better than book 6 and 7. But still not up to par with earlier books...just almost. Slowly getting there you know. So close.

The ex drama in this one, omg, I hate stupid bitches. Arghh, I wanna kick Christie. What is her problem!? You left him. Mercy is chill (even if stressed out of her mind). I would totally just have left cos that is more drama than one woman needs. Christie, Adam's ex wife shows up after her loved started stalking her and she tries to get everyone to turn against Mercy. It was stressful even to read about. Christie has never been a fav (how could she) but I truly hate her now.

So the bad guy in this one is the guy who is stalking Christie (I would totally have kicked her out and let him have her, damn she was mean.) He was insane, in a good way. Just out of his mind, raging, and wanting to tear the world apart. I also liked who he was...

And now I have to wait a year for book 9! BUT, since I am not gonna buy hardback (do you KNOW how many paperbacks that is?!) I have to wait 2 years since I want it in print. God damn me.

Conclusion:

I started reading this one morning and finished it a few hours later ;) 

Cover

Awesome

Wolfsbane - Patricia Briggs

Shapeshifting mercenary Aralorn leads a dangerous existence. Now she must return home for her noble father, the Lyon of Lambshold, has passed away. But when Aralorn and her companion Wolf arrive, they find he's not dead, but ensorcelled by the ae'Magi, using him as a conduit to destroy Aralorn and Wolf. She must overcome this mysterious mist or fall to the blackest of magic.

My thoughts:

Yay Briggs, soon, soon I will be finished with her entire backlist.

---

Edit: August 3rd, this review was written months ago so all done with that backlist now.

----

Right, Aralorn is back home, something is wrong and she must fix it. Wolf/Cain is with her, they are in love, but there is the whole my dad was evil, everyone think I am evil cloud over them.

I think I actually will manage to keep this short. I find myself not with a lot to say. Not in a bad way mind you, just..not much to say.

A nice little story that is better read after you have read book 1 ;) As things went down in that one. I quite like Brigg's light fantasy stories. They are set in an interesting world. Too bad I only got 2 more about another character and then no more fantasy :/

Conclusion:

For the Briggs fan, or anyone who likes light fantasy

Cover

nice

Paperback, 304 pages
Published November 2nd 2010 by Ace
Sianim #4, Aralorn #2
Fantasy
Own

Steal the Dragon / When Demons Walk - Patricia Briggs

A former slave girl gambles with her freedom to return to the land of her bondage--a world of deadly magic and deception.

My thoughts:

I am slowly going through Brigg's backlist and I am almost done now. This one is part of a series, but at the same time it's a stand alone. It's about a former slave called Rialla, she was a dancer, she ran away. She trained horses and now she has to spy.

When I started the book I thought the next book would be about her too, but now, this is a one deal book. Rialla has to figure out and protect someone who wants to end slavery. It will be dangerous as she has to pretend to be a slave again. She has help (I liked her help). And then in the end they will have figured it all out and everyone has a sort of happy ending. Everyone is happy, it's, something is still growing.

Conclusion:

A really light fantasy, short, quick and enjoyable

Cover

Works, she pretends to be a slave dancer after all

Mass Market Paperback, 288 pages
Published by Ace (first published November 1995)
Sianim #2
Fantasy
Own

Sham had spent most of her young life as a sorceress and thief, stealing from Southwood's nobility to survive. Now she must face the greatest test of her skills...

A killer has struck Southwood, claiming the lives of nobles. Lord Kerim, Reeve of Southwood, turns to Sham for help. Posing as his mistress, she delves behind castle walls to find the killer. But this murderer is no mortal--and Sham must use all of her magical wisdom to send the demon away. Because the city of Southwood has nowhere to hide--and no time to run...

My thoughts:

This one was fun, light, and made me wish it there were more books. This one is a stand alone too. Yes it connects to Dragon, but it takes place years after it. In another part of the world and with other characters.

Sham is a thief who gets asked to help when people are dying left and right. She is also a sorceress and knows a demon is loose. Her country has been taken over by invaders and now she must help them. Tricky. Not to mention I kept hoping she and Kerim would hook up. 

She pretends to be a mistress (quite good at it),  and she hunts for a demon. We get the understand a bit what has happened and then it ends. Sad sad day. Yes the story ends, no loose threads. But what happens then to everyone? I feel like Briggs needs to finish the UF books I love, and then write another Sianim story too.

Conclusion:

Light fantasy

Cover

She wears something like that so it works

Mass Market Paperback, Reissue, 272 pages
Published by Ace (first published January 1st 1998)
Sianim #3
Fantasy
Own

Best of 2013

Now where did 2013 go? Anyway, before we start with the best of I will give some stats from a year of blogging :)

I read 211 books last year + 10 short stories

I dnf 9 books (or so)

I listened to 9 audio books (all this fall, I am quite smitten, but I do have a hard time finding good ones)

And now to the Top 5 of 2013, in now real order as that would be too hard

I had planned to make another book best book of the year, but when I had a look back I of course remembered this one from early 2013. I was so caught up in this book and when I finished it I was all o_O Fantastico! Never ever have book 2 in a series made me feel like this. It was an awesome book.

This one was meant to be the best, but then in a way it was still the best book of the year cos I really can't compare The Kingdom and this book. The Kingdom was a masterpiece of emotions while Promise of Blood was a masterpiece of writing. The best fantasy book of this year and a chunkster I could not put down. I fell in love.

And the rest are in no real order

The first 150 pages I was all holy F this is exciting! Omg Hugh!!! Squeeee. Best Kate book so far.

This was epic fantasy at it's best, it was just so bloody epic. Never have there been a city like this city.

This series had NOT compared to Mercy and when I started book 3 I did not really have any hopes for it. But it showed to be the best in the series so far and I do love this series now. This is was Briggs rule.

And here are some of the other good books I have read this year, all awesome 4 stars

Series started this year: Too many
Series finished: Too few

Most read Author this year: Karen Miller
Fav genre of the year. Still Fantasy













Best covers of the year, I can't decide between these 3:

Here is to hoping 2014 will be awesome too!

Review: Dragon Blood - Patricia Briggs

As the rebellion grows against High King Jakoven, Ward, ruler of Hurog, realizes he must join with the rebels. However, Jakoven can crush his enemies with dragon's blood. The very blood that courses through Ward's veins.

My thoughts:

Ok so I started this one right after having finished book 1 and it takes place 4 years after the events in book 1. The book was not as good, but then all the things that were new and shiny then, were not new and shiny here anymore. But hey it was still a good book that I read in a day.

Ward is rebuilding Hurog and is staying away from the wicked king Jakoven. But  the king is the baddie in this one so he comes after Ward. Civil war is close to breaking out and things are not good...*music of doom*

Ward is a true hero, and then I mean hero as in the word hero. If someone is on trouble he will help them. He is the best Lord there can be. Well after they got over the Ward is not simpleton thing ;)

People are finding their way in this book. The land around Hurog is free from the curse and I kept waiting for Jakoven to get thrown down. An icky king. Icky is too sweet a word but I do not wanna give away any spoilers.

Conclusion:

And now I want the rest of Brigg's fantasy books. I am slowly going through them all. Only 3 more now.

Mass Market Paperback, Reissue, 275 pages

Published by Ace Fantasy (first published December 31st 2002)

Hurog, #2

Fantasy Own

Review: Dragon Bones - Patricia Briggs

Ward of Hurog has tried all his life to convince people he is just a simple, harmless fool...And it's worked. But now, to regain his kingdom, he must ride into war-and convince them otherwise.

My thoughts:

I have not have the best of luck with Brigg's fantasy books. I did like the Hob, it was light. Raven was good, then turned worse. Wolf was gone, it just showed it was her work early on. But Dragon, I was hooked from page one. It's still light fantasy somehow, but there is a true darkness in it too. I am not saying that makes it more fantasy, I am just saying here she was not afraid to talk about things that I might not want to know, but that makes it so much better.

Ward started to act like he was simple so his father would not kill him. His father was cruel, liked to beat his children and wife and rape the servants. It was difficult to read about Ward and how everyone looked down at him for being an idiot. They said he was nice, but an idiot. Which made it the more interesting to read about him. He had played the act for so long so when it was time to let go who would believe it. 

This was a troubled land. A king who grow more disturbing the more I learned about him. And then there is Hurog and Ward would not be allowed to Lord over it if he is a simpleton. War is brewing from the south too, well actually most people are pissed they just hide it. I do like conflict in fantasy and here after the book ends, well one battle done but there are more to come and I wanted to read book 2 at once. I did start it at once too. Things are never simple.

Ward, him I liked. Oreg who met was nice too. Ward's sister, well she was not really in focus. Then there are other men (and women) who were interesting to to read about. Some I did not know whether to like or not, but that is the good part. Everyone plays a role.

Conclusion:

It was short, but I liked it. I will still call it light cos it does not have the epicness, it would have, but does not. Totally recommend it too.

cover

ok

Mass Market Paperback, , 295 pages
Published by Ace Fantasy (first published February 26th 2002)
Hurog, #1
Fantasy
Own

Review: Masques - Patricia Briggs

After an upbringing of proper behavior and oppressive expectations, Aralorn fled her noble birthright for a life of adventure as a mercenary spy. 

Her latest mission involves spying on the increasingly powerful sorcerer Geoffrey ae'Magi.  But in a war against an enemy armed with the powers of illusion, how do you know who the true enemy is-or where he will strike next?

My thoughts:

I meant to write a review yesterday, oh well.

I did like this one more than Briggs' other old fantasy romance novels. But yes of course it could have been much better. It was also rushed and could have been dragged out to a thick trilogy. Sure there is a book 2, but this book ended with the bad guy beaten.

Aralorn was a cool kick-ass woman. Wolf was an enigma, and yes I wished the secret who he was would have been left longer. Now it was all, maybe, and aha. Ok that's it then.

There is action, danger, a bad guy and a king to be helped. A nice little book, the first she wrote (even if she did edit a bit later on). But still it was nice and I want to see what happens next. But I did read the blurb and was all come on, told you so peeps.

Cover

Nice

Sianim #1
Light fantasy
Mass Market Paperback, 294 pages
Published September 28th 2010 by Ace (first published December 1st 1993)
Own

Briggs x2: Frost Burned and Fair Game

Shapeshifter Mercy Thompson's life is calming down, at least enough that she can focus on mundane matters like Black Friday sales. But on her return, Mercy is unable to contact her mate, Alpha Adam Hauptman, or the other members of their pack. All she knows is that Adam is angry and in pain. With the werewolves fighting a political battle to gain acceptance from the public, Mercy fears Adam's disappearance may be related - and that he and the pack are in serious danger. Outclassed and on her own, Mercy may be forced to seek assistance from the most unlikely of allies: the vampire seethe.

My thoughts:

 I do not think it was as good as the rest of the series, but it sure was better than River Marked. But then I was really disappointed in River marked.

Anyway, the book starts with a bang as all the wolves are missing. Why and who is behind it? Therefore I do think the book lacked a bit of Adam even if we got his POV too. But I wanted more Mercy and Adam time.

We did get Stefan and Ben, and I really like Ben more and more. Not much of Sam but then he has moved on and then I am just not interested anymore ;)

As many times before I do not know what to say. Action, tense moments and conspiracies. All good things, but after having read Fair Game and compared they were just not the same. Fair Game was better. Hopefully it will get better again by the next book. Something is just missing.

Conclusion:

But, it was a good book :)

Cover: SUCKS. Why are these UK covers so ugly?

Mercy Thompson #7
Urban fantasy
342 pages
Published March 5th 2013 by Orbit

It is said that opposites attract. And in the case of werewolves Anna Latham and Charles Cornick, they mate. The son—and enforcer—of the leader of the North American werewolves, Charles is a dominant Alpha. While Anna, an Omega, has the rare ability to calm others of her kind.

When the FBI requests the pack’s help on a local serial-killer case, Charles and Anna are sent to Boston to join the investigation. It soon becomes clear that someone is targeting the preternatural. And now Anna and Charles have put themselves right in the killer’s sights.

My thoughts:

I usually spend these reviews talking about what a hottie Bran is. But not this time. I have not liked the Alpha and Omega series as much as the Mercy books, not before now. This book was awesome, it made me love and hate! It made me love Anna and Charles as couple, now I truly saw it. And it made me hate humankind. Ignorant asses all of them. We are the real monsters.

Charles is having trouble with his job. Anna is fearing for him and the Marrok sends them both on a mission. A serial killer is loose. Fae, were and humans have tried to live together, but it will surely all come crashing down. If we can't tolerate each other then how could we tolerate other beings? As they search for the killer I sit in the edge of my seat, and when the ends grows close I fear. Because Briggs is not kind to her characters.

But the end, what an ending. It made me cheer and fear.

Conclusion:

I do hope there will be more, I finally love the ALpha and Omega books.

PS: Oh and Bran, well even if we did not see him much I still love him and hate his wife. He needs someone else, pleeeease Briggs.

Cover: much better

Series: Alpha and Omega #3
Genre: Urban fantasy
Pages: 280
Published: 2012 by Ace
Source: Own

Review: Hunting Ground - Patricia Briggs

Anna Latham didn’t know how complicated life could be until she became a werewolf. And until she was mated to Charles Cornick, the son — and enforcer — of Bran, the leader of the North American werewolves, she didn’t know how dangerous it could be either...

Anna and Charles have just been enlisted to attend a summit to present Bran’s controversial proposition: that the wolves should finally reveal themselves to humans. But the most feared Alpha in Europe is dead set against the plan — and it seems like someone else might be too. When Anna is attacked by vampires using pack magic, the kind of power only werewolves should be able to draw on, Charles and Anna must combine their talents to hunt down whoever is behind it all — or risk losing everything...

My thoughts:

Edit: Now this is the problem with actually posting the review here later, this review is one of those from last week when reviewing and I just did not seem to work. I think there is one or two more to come ;)

I am feeling the loss of my reviewing mojo at the moment, I just do not know..it feels like I have nothing to say. Like I have said it all before. Like the same old style just wont cut it anymore.

Characters:
Anna, I just do not know. I know she has been hurt, I know she is an omega. But even if she flashes her teeth she still feels like a little rabbit. She is so tame.

Charles, no I just can't fall for him like I did with Bran *sighs* Bran, mmmm nom nom. Or like with Sam. Charles I do like, but I do not fancy him and I would not like to be his friend.

Love:
These two have issues, that I do like. How he tries to take it slow. As a couple I get them more. As a couple I like them.

Story:
The wolves are coming out and are having a summit. There were bad wolves, good wolves and the hunt to find killers. Throw in a few surprises, a few phone calls to Bran (damn it, I want more BRAN!) and you got quite an exciting story.

Final verdict:
The book was good and so short and easy. Just what I need as my reviewing mojo has decided to leave. Still I like it nowhere as much as the Mercy series.

Series: Alpha & Omega #2
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Pages: 286
Published: 2009 by Ace
Source; My own

Review: Raven's Strike - Patricia Briggs

Series: Raven #2
Genre: Light fantasy/romantic
Pages: 381
Published: 2010 (2005)
Publisher: ACE
Source My own

The Traveler Seraph must use all her cunning and ability as a Raven mage to track down an unimaginable force of destruction known as the Shadowed. 

My thoughts:

I liked it, but at the same time I was really confused. It seems that some books I can pick up years afterward and just go with the flow. But this one suffered even though it had only gone a year since I read book 1. It was like I was trying to find my way to the dark, and the same thing happened throughout the entire book. So I would say that if you read book 1 then read book 2 fast, that could have saved it for me.

Still, I liked it cos it is Briggs. Sure it is not my kind of epic fantasy. It is very light, but sweet can be nice too. The world is not as built as it could be, she focused more on the orders and magic.

I guess there had to be something about it if I liked it even though I was lost a few times. The people were just so nice. I liked Jes, I liked that the Emperor was a new kind of man. Seraph seemed harsher though, and Teir softer.

Conclusion:
And of course I only read it cos it was by Briggs ;) her earlier stuff is fun too.

Cover
I like it

Review: Wolfsbane and Mistletoe anthology

Genre: Urban fantasy 
Pages: 384
Published: 2010
Publisher: Penguin
Source: I won it :)

The holidays can bring out the beast in anyone- particularly lycanthropes. Charlaine Harris and Toni L. P. Kelner have harvested the scariest, funniest, saddest werewolf tales by an outstanding pack of authors, best read by the light of a full moon with a silver bullet close at hand. 

Whether wolfing down a holiday feast (use your imagination) or craving some hair of the dog on New Year's morning, the werewolves in these frighteningly original stories will surprise, delight, amuse, and scare the pants off readers who love a little wolfsbane with their mistletoe.

Giftwrap 
Sookie finds a wounded shifter in the forest, it's Christmas and she is all alone and takes him home. This one had a little heat in it, a tiny bit. But it was a good and surprising story.
Edit: I read this one last year actually in another anthology

The Haire of the Beast by Donna Andrews 
This was a short one (but then they all are short) and I liked what the heroine did...and I am not telling you ;)

Lucy, at Christmastime by Simon R. Green 
Not much happened in this one except for a surprise that was thrown in, and which made me like it.

The Night Things Changed by Dana Cameron 
I am not sure about this one. A vampire sister and brother tracks down a baddie, but I was just not that interested.

The Werewolf Before Christmas by Kat Richardson 
Poor reindeer, lol. A werewolf starts munching on them and Santa is not happy. Good enough.

Fresh Meat by Alan Gordon 
I liked this one and mostly because at first I did not know what to make of it.

Il Est Ne by Carrie Vaughn 
Would this one make me read the Kitty books...ok perhaps not, but still ok.

The Perfect Gift by Dana Stabenow
I was a bit confused but this one, it should be fleshed out more.

Christmas Past by Keri Arthur 
Eh, boring.

SA by J.A. Konrath 
This one was freaky, and you know I like freaky...it also got poop in it..yup, poop.


The Star of David by Patricia Briggs 
Perhaps cos I always expect so much I got disappointed.

You’d Better Not Pyout by Nancy Pickard 
I had not guessed that about Santa, I liked the twist and yes I could see it ;)

Rogue Elements by Karen Chance 
I'd read a book by her, enough said.

Milk and Cookies by Rob Thurman 
At first I was not sure but the end, oh that messed up ending was the best. Christmas joy.

Keeping Watch Over His Flock by Toni L.P. Kelner 
And I can't remember a single thing about this one...

Some good ones, some not so good ones. But that is me and anthologies, I never like all the stories. Because in the end I want long stories and things are never really fleshed out in these and it is hard to connect. But as an xmas anthology it works well.

Review: Cry Wolf - Patricia Briggs

Series: Alpha & Omega #1
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Pages: 294
Published: 2008
Publisher: Ace
Source: Bought

Anna never knew werewolves existed, until the night she survived a violent attack... and became one herself. After three years at the bottom of the pack, she'd learned to keep her head down and never, ever trust dominant males. Then Charles Cornick, the enforcer- and son- of the leader of the North American werewolves, came into her life. 

Charles insists that not only is Anna his mate, but she is also a rare and valued Omega wolf. And it is Anna's inner strength and calming presence that will prove invaluable as she and Charles go on the hunt in search of a rogue werewolf- a creature bound in magic so dark that it could threaten all of the pack.

My thoughts:

I am giving it a 4, but is is not a full 4. Mostly because I did not love it as much as the Mercy books, but I still really enjoyed it. 

The funny thing was that it was not Charles and Anna I liked the most. Sure they were ok, poor Anna all scarred from her horrible time in an evil pack, and Charles being a good little assassin. Together they tried to find a way to be together since she had lots to work through. But here it comes, when Bran showed up now and then I forgot all about these two. I was totally crushing on the Marrok in this book. And I demand he gets a series of his own and a good woman so that he is happy and so that she is happy, cos like it is now it is just sad. 

So what have we learnt then, I love Bran, oh right about the book. Well it was a nice little mystery about who is going around killing in the mountains. I liked Asil, the old wolf who longs for death and there was a nice backstory. 

And yes do read the short story before reading this one. 

Conclusion:

I will continue this series of course, Briggs rocks and Bran, now look there I go again, major crush alert.

Cover: 

Nice

x2: Silver Borne, River Marked - Patricia Briggs

Series: Mercedes Thompson5
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Pages: 352
Published: 2010

Being a mechanic is hard work. Mercy Thompson, for instance, just spent the last couple of months trying to evade the murderous queen of the local vampire seethe, and now the leader of the werewolf pack - who's maybe-more-than-just-a-friend - has asked for her help. A book of fae secrets has come to light and they're all about to find out how implacable - and dangerous - the fae can be. OK, so maybe her troubles have nothing to do with the job. But she sure could use a holiday .

My thoughts:

This book was just as awesome as it should be. I love this series, UF at its best. I will make it short, cos how many times can I say how kick-ass Mercy is ;) Ok, in this one there is trouble in the pack, not all like a coyote mated to an alpha werewolf. And then someone targets Mercy, the Fae are up to their usual shifty business.

How to make it short then...Mercy kicks ass. She is such a wonderful heroine, tough but at the same time vulnerable after everything she has gone through. What made me care so much for this book was Samuel, my heart was breaking a bit because I really care for his character, and I do confess to wanting him and Mercy together. Yes Adam is nice, perfect really, but I just love Sam.

This book had me reading like crazy. I could not put it down! At times I had to because it was just too much. I wanted to finish it, but I just could not handle it. It was just too good if that makes any sense at all. And at the end something happens, and oh no spoilers from me, but yes for the best, and I guess I could smile about it.

Conclusion:

My final word is that you read this series because it is just simply the best.

Rating:

Awesome

Cover:

ok

River Marked

Series: Mercedes Thompson 6

Pages: 352

Published: Feb  2011

Car mechanic Mercy Thompson has always known there was something different about her, and not just the way she can make a VW engine sit up and beg. Mercy is a shapeshifter, a talent she inherited from her long-gone father. And she's never known any others of her kind. Until now. As Mercy comes to terms with this new information, an evil is stirring in the depths of the Columbia River. Something deadly is coming, facts are thin on the ground and Mercy feels ill at ease. However, her father's people may know more. To have any hope of surviving, Mercy and her mate, the Alpha werewolf Adam, will need all the resources the shifters can offer. Or death will be the least of their worries.

My thoughts:

The sixth book, ok you know the drill, kick-ass heroine and hunky werewolves, and lots of other things.

This one was not as good as Silver Borne, but it was better in another way. I learned more about her Indian heritage and folklore, and we met old Coyote, a weird being that is not of this world.  You just have to read it to figure it out. He is a spirit warrior, and he create the first walker, and Mercy thinks she is all alone in the world. So I sure liked all that.

But on the other side there was less suspense and danger..ok not really, there is one BIG danger and that sure gets scary. Still the book had another vibe to it, and it all took place around a campsite. Oh and it was their honeymoon, yay. So that was fun cos now they finally is one.

The monster, good one, can't say more.

Conclusion:

Even if I did not love as much as the previous book I still loved it, and I love this series so if you have not started it then it's about time.

Rating:

What are you waiting for?!

Cover.

I do not like it and it has a urban background and the whole book takes place at a campsite.

Review: Raven's Shadow - Patricia Briggs + winners!

For many years, the city of Colossae was a haven of magical study. As generations of wizards pushed the limits of their abilities, an evil entity was unleashed that could only be contained by the sacrifice of their city. From the ashes of Colossae, the Travelers emerged - roaming the world to ensure that the Stalker would remain imprisoned forever...

Seraph is a Raven mage and among the last of the Travelers. Unwelcome among those who fear magic, the wizard clans have been decimated by the very people they've sworn to protect. But Seraph is spared a similar fate by the ex-soldier Tier - and together they build a life where she is no longer burdened by her people's responsibility. But now Tier is missing - or dead - and Seraph's reprieve from her duty is over. Using her magic to discover her husband's fate, Seraph realizes the Stalker's prison is weakening - and only she can fulfill her ancestors' oath to protect humanity from destruction... 

I had meant to wait with this review until I read book 2 so I could make it  a 2 in 1. That is why I wrote it shorter, and simple. But  I will just post it now, it has been sitting around for over a month ;)

My thoughts:

I like the fact that this fantasy has a mature heroine. Seraph is a traveler and she is rescued by a soldier named Tier. Travelers are not liked, they have magic, they are said to steal babies and all sorts of other stupid things. They are feared. Seraph and Tier gets married and 20 years later the real story starts.

A mature heroine with 3 kids, and a missing husband. Seraph was strong, and I liked her. Tier too, he was all nice. The kind you just want to hug.

I did get angry at all silly peasants and alike. They do not like the travelers, but the travelers are trying to protect these ignorant idiots. But I liked that. There are always some people at the bottom of the pecking order. And it makes you wonder what will happen when all travelers have been killed.

There was fantasy, magic and real life too. I liked that the book had an ending. So a good stand alone novel, but things are not solved so book 2, here I come.

Info:

Series: Raven Set, 1

Genre. Fantasy

Pages: 334

Published: 2010 (2004)

Source: My own shelf

WINNERS:

Only Mr Darcy Will do

Melissa (Books and things)

Kiss Me, Kill Me 

(I am late with this one, the winners already have their e-books ;)

Anachronist

Lisa

Lucky Leprachaun hop

Wild Desire Mishel PS (email staring with mish)

Wild Desire JHS

Kiss me, kill me  Danielle

A night of secrets Redd

Mind Readers   Lexie (email start shakes)

The ghost hunter Tyraa 

Heard from

Will email you lucky leprachauns today or tomorrow, or if you see this then email me first.

Edit: Lexie and Mishel, please email me back