Anita Blake

Guilty Pleasures by Laurell K. Hamilton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Aaah, Anita Blake. This series has sucked me in in the past, and then spit me back out again. At this point in time I have read up to about the ninth or tenth book in the series, but I had to take a break. Around book five and six I was really into it, but after a while all of the darkness, gore, and sadistic vampires sort of started to wear on me. But I love the fact that these books are such a staple of the urban fantasy genre, and ultimately I do think Anita Blake is one bad-ass heroine, even if she is an emotional mess.


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Night Huntress

Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

After reading all of the hype this series has I felt a little let down. 3/4 of the beginning was pretty lackluster in plot, it got semi-interesting by the end, but I wasn't terribly impressed. I will probably read the next book, just to see if the series gets any better.


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Warbreaker

Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was my first time reading anything by Brandon Sanderson, and I really enjoyed it. The balance of it's unique magic system, dark humor, and well thought out characters made it really hard to put down. And the last fifth, or so, of the book was very intense, told at break-neck speed. The plot twists were (for the most part) unexpected, and the character development was probably what truly made this book so good. My only complaint was the really clipped ending. It sort of left me wanting more, not fulfilled.

Overall, a great read, and I will definitely pursue reading his other series.


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Parasol Protectorate

Soulless by Gail Carriger
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Love this series by Gail Carriger. I picked it up because of the kick-ass cover [my absolute favorite covers at present], and the plot doesn't disappoint: Victorian England, a sarcastic protagonist, werewolves, etiquette, and parasols. It doesn't get much better than that. I enjoyed the second book in the series more than the first, but I look forward to anything this author produces. Her website has a wealth of Victorian customs, dress, Steampunk goodies, etc. My favorite feature of her website is the Victorian dress-up doll feature. Definitely worth checking out.

http://www.gailcarriger.com/index.php


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No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency

The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a charming read. I've really enjoyed the first book in the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency. Mma Ramotswe is a wonderful character. I found it incredibly heart-warming, honest, and clever. I loved the African sensibility and learning about Botswana, and would recommend this to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries, human nature, and overall goodness and compassion.


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Cat Star Chronicles

Slave by Cheryl Brooks


This was a free nookbook, and since these books were vaguely familiar to me since I'd seen them at work, I randomly started reading it. It is absolutely, hands-down, a total cheeseball story, horrible writing, outrageously sexual crap. I will only continue reading it until I just can't take it anymore. I'm only reading it now because it is mindless entertainment for my overworked brain. But this is why I don't read Romance. I hate that the plots are weak, and everything is completely unbelievable. And this coming from someone who loves fantastical stories. One good point for this book: it's made me want to read an actual science-fiction novel.


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Things that inspire me...

Old fashioned keys, clouds, music,
birds chirping,
color, cute stationery,
the scent of food cooking, pastries baking, and vanilla.
Thomas Kinkade paintings, trees with character, the state of Hawaii,
and sitting at the edge of the world and watching the clouds drift by.