Monday, March 25, 2013

INTO THE WOODS KIM HARRISON

Into the Woods by Kim Harrison ~V^^^V



BLURB:  For centuries, the woods have been a pivotal part of the wonder and danger of fairy tales, for once you enter anything can happen. Elves, druids, fairies - who knows what you will find once you dare step into the forest?
And now, New York Times bestselling author Kim Harrison ventures into these mysterious, hidden lands of magic and mystery in her first short-story collection. Into the Woods brings together an enchanting mix of brand-new, never-before-published stories and tales from Harrison's beloved, bestselling Hollows series.
The tales her include an original Hollows novella, Million-Dollar Baby, about Trent Kalamack's secret elven quest in Pale Demon; two original short stories, "Pet Shop Boys" and "Temson Woods," that explore just what happens when humanity and the supernatural collide; and two novelettes, "Spider Silk" and "Grace," set in new worlds of imagination and adventure. Into the Woods also contains all of the previously published Hollows short stories - together in one volume for the very first time.
Step into the woods and discover the magic for yourself. Original.



MY THOUGHTS:  I read some of these anthologies in their previous releases and some I read for the first time. I am going to give a review of all the Hollows stories old and new but I am skipping the other stories for now. 

The Bespelled- This was the story of how Ceri came to be in Algaliarept's keeping for such a long time. I enjoy a peek into Al's mind as well as the little glimpse as to how it all went down. This was quite short and still enjoyable. 

Two Ghosts for Sister Rachel (Holidays are Hell)- This story gives us insight into young Rachel's family relationship. We see how she interacted with her brother and mother. We are also first introduced to Pierce, who has many appearances in later stories. The setting is Christmas and a bit whimsical and light for Rachel Morgan really. I liked this one.

Undead in the Garden of Good & Evil (Dates from Hell)- This story is an Ivy story, her life as an investigator with the I.S before she left with Rachel. Though I really am easily confused by the vampires in this series, I liked this story. The glimpse into Ivy's life and with her voice was very interesting, it really opens up a new level of understanding in her and Rachel's relationship. 

Dirty Magic (Hotter Than Hell)
This is the first introduction to the Mia, the banshee. She is struggling to raise her baby, Holly. Its really a rather sad story and to be honest it really didn't do to much for me. 

The Bridges of Eden Park (For a Few Demons More)- This was just a little side story of Kisten and Rachel together. They try to help Kisten's sister with an ex-boyfriend who is trying to get custody of their son. There really wasn't a whole lot to this story, just felt like a side note. 

Ley Line Drifter (Unbound)- Who doesn't love a Jenks story? This is merely a side story with some insight into Jenks beyond Rachel and Ivy. It was a fun story.

Million Dollar Baby (Pale Demon)- This is the story of Jenks and Trent going to recover Trent's daughter. The story takes place along side Pale Demon and is really more of a deleted scene. Nonetheless I felt that this story really added depth to Trent's character and was very heartfelt. I would almost say it is a must read. ~ MICHELLE 

Sunday, March 24, 2013

Lord's Fall

Lord's Fall (Elder Races #5) by Thea Harrison ~V^^V



BLURB:  In the latest Novel of the Elder Races, two mates find themselves on different paths, torn between their duty to the Wyr and the passion that binds them…

Before she met Dragos, half-human/half-Wyr Pia Giovanni was alone and on the run. Now she’s mated, pregnant and heading south to repair the Wyrs’ frayed relationship with the Elves. Being separated from Dragos is painful, but for the good of the Wyr demesne they need to figure out how to be partners—in more places than just the bedroom.

In New York to preside over the Sentinel Games, Dragos is worried about his mate, but knows that finding two replacement sentinels is essential to show the rest of the Elder Races just how strong and brutal the Wyr demesne can be. But as the Games heat up, Pia’s negotiations with the Elves take a turn for the dangerous, straining her bond with Dragos and threatening everything they hold dear.



MY THOUGHTS:  This book has REALLY high ratings and almost all the reviews are gushing but I have to say I am not seeing it.


Well after completion I can say that I found it disappointing. Pia and Dragos are not together for the first half of the book and then after that it was really just blah. There were two different stories happening and it was just not working. I could have really cared less about either. I really would rather have had more Pia and Dragos living life together, not dealing with everyone else. I also found the birth of "peanut" to be very short and not as good as it could have been. 2 stars at best. ~MICHELLE 

Saturday, March 23, 2013

PORTLANDIA: A Guide for Visitors

PORTLANDIA:  A Guide for Visitors by Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein ~V^^^^V 



BLURB:  Thinking of visiting Portlandia? Discover all that this magical, dreamy city has to offer with PORTLANDIA: A Guide for Visitors. Inside you'll find:


A comprehensive guide to all restaurants and food carts, including extensive use of symbols to signify Vegan, Freegan, Sea-gan, Wheelchair-Accessible, Skateboard-Accessible, Segway-Accessible, Clothing Optional, Polyamorous, LGBTQ, Dog-Friendly (No cats), Cat-Friendly (No dogs or mice) Mouse-Friendly (No cats or elephants), For Dogs (only), Regionally-Sourced Food, Regionally-Sourced Waitstaff, and House-Sourced Food (Born/dies on plate).
A guide for dogs and dog owners, including a detailed map of the numerous dog parks the city has to offer. Very numerous and passionately maintained.
An up-to-date guide to shopping, schools, and entertainment.
A city activities guide for older adults who are stuck in perpetual early twentysomething-dom.
A guide for getting around, either by foot, or by bicycle, the official car of Portlandia. Featured also are the 9 official bicycle rules of the road, drawn up by Spyke and his bike comrades. Not to be ignored!
Come see Portlandia for yourself and see what inspired the hit show currently airing on IFC!

*Please note, and point out to your best friend, that this book is printed on 130% recycled paper in a peanut-free, smoke-free plant by local workers in a friendly and fair environment, free of sudden noises and unnatural light.


MY THOUGHTS:  Exactly like the television program. I love the show, one of few that I actually make an effort to watch in fact. This book covers all the same topics and has the same humor. Notes and recommendations from show characters are also included. I can't tell you the number of times I laughed out loud. ~Michelle 

Friday, March 22, 2013

Twice Tempted Available Tuesday


3/26/13

Highly anticipated break off series from Jeaniene Frost. I have been a Vlad fan since the first pages, hell since I was a pre teen. ;-) Twice Tempted comes out on Tuesday, March 26. I find myself torn though. On his own, Vlad's story was a bit blah for me. Perhaps its Leila. Maybe she doesn't do it for me. What ever the cause the result is the same, disappointed. I truly hope that this next book shows Vlad and Leila hitting their stride and giving us a new "Cat & Bones" to root for. Although I don't think anyone will ever be the same as those two. ;-)

So who is getting it?

Lover at Last, FINALLY on Tuesday




3/26/2013



SOOooooo Lover at Last comes out on Tuesday.... not sure if I will be reading ti right away. It appears as though a whole lot of people got early releases on it for Nook or something, there are plenty of reviews online already. I was looking at one of JR's pictures and the book looks huge again. Frankly that concerns me because I suspect there will be a whole lot of other side stories. I am anxious for this book but I am NOT paying hardcover prices nor will I pay that much for it in ebook. At this point I am going to request it from the library and wait it out. I do have high expectations but to be honest the last several books in this series have let me down. I don't know, what are your feelings?


Tuesday, March 19, 2013