Dead Reckoning, Charlaine Harris

Dead Reckoning by Charlaine Harris
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Hmm... well this latest installment of the Sookie Stackhouse series sort of left me feeling a little unfulfilled. It seemed to be lacking that charm, and sense of fun and familiarity that the other books have had. I didn't like the interactions between Sookie and Eric (which are usually great), and the entire plot felt too random and not cohesive at all. It seems like I'm not the only one who was a little less than thrilled by Dead Reckoning, so I truly hope that Mrs. Harris delivers something a little bit better next time, because these books have been such a pleasure to read.


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The Dragons are coming

I am so so so SO excited for A Dance With Dragons to finally come out! This fifth book in George R.R. Martin's epic series is one of the most eagerly anticipated releases in Fantasy this year (release date July 12, 2011). And, of course, HBO has produced the television version of Game of Thrones, which starts in the US on April 17. This series deserves all of the success that I know it will have with the new show. The depth of the characters and their complex relations and struggles for power is brilliant. I just hope HBO does it right (but if anyone can do it they can!)

For your viewing pleasure I will include the media tie-in cover for the first book, which includes the amazingly kick-ass Iron Throne. 

The Constant Princess, Philippa Gregory

The Constant Princess by Philippa Gregory
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I am giving The Constant Princess four stars simply because I think Philippa Gregory always does such a wonderful job giving a voice to intriguing historical characters. I had always felt that Katherine of Aragon was sort of a boring character, overshadowed by the much more dramatic and scandalous stories of Anne Boleyn and the rest of Henry VIII's life. But after reading The Constant Princess I have a greater appreciation for her fascinating life. I must say that the event of reading the book itself was not always 100% engaging (especially when compared to The Other Boleyn Girl and The Boleyn Inheritance), and I had actually put the book down for a very long time before finally finishing it. But overall, Philippa Gregory can always be counted on for well-researched, richly detailed historical fiction.


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Blameless, Gail Carriger (Parasol Protectorate Bk. 3)

Blameless by Gail Carriger
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The delightful world of Alexia and her Parasol Protectorate is one that I absolutely adore. Gail Carriger's development of her charming and quirky characters continues endear the reader to them in this third installment of the series. We are able to strike an emotional connection with many of the characters in the book... with Alexia's eventual acceptance of her "infant inconvenience," and the love between Lord Akeldama and his young drone Biffy. The sense of getting down to the essential nature of what the books are all about comes out as well. We have the phrase "Parasol Protectorate" used for the first time by the characters, and we are a little bit closer to understanding more about the life of Mr. Tarabotti, which may play a big role in future books.

What I love most about these novels is the way that Gail is able to suffuse propriety with a sharp dose of humor and wit. Blameless was a really fun read, endlessly hilarious with a laugh-out-loud quality to it (as are all of her books). For your enjoyment, I will share with you some of my favorite chapter titles and excerpts from Blameless...


In Which Lord Maccon is Likened to a Small Cucumber
Tea and Insults
How Not to Cross an Alpine Pass
Wherein Alexia Encounters Both Pesto and a Mysterious Jar
"The site was lovely, shaded with trees of various bushy Mediterranean inclinations that took being leafy and green quite seriously." (p. 274)









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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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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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