Starcrossed Review

Starcrossed

By Josephine Angelini

Summary

Helen Hamiliton has always tried to hide how different she is—no easy feat on an island as small as Nantucket, and only getting harder as she finds herself haunted by hallucinations and vivid nightmares.

It’s not until she crosses paths with Lucas Delos at school that Helen’s true heritage is finally revealed. Yet even as Lucas helps her awaken to her startling powers, they can never be together—not unless they can break free from the tragic destiny the Three Fates have in store.

What I Liked

Greek Mythology & Romeo and Juliet

Josephine beautifully wove our modern time with Greek mythology and the tale of star-crossed lovers of opposing feuding families. She took one of the most known legendary foolish lovers Helen and Troy and put their tragic love story into our modern time making it exciting, dramatic and wonderfully gripping. I love Greek mythology reading any story that uses mythology I always have to try it and this story I just devoured. I got it yesterday in the mail and now I'm done and left wanting MORE! The use of other Greek characters like Cassandra, Ajax, Hector, Jason, Castor and many more is very fun to find the similarities, but also the differences and to see where Josephine decided to insert her own creative genius into the story molding it into her own creation.

Star Crossed Lovers

I have always loved reading out these tragic tales, I can't help but love the dramatic pull of to love or not to love. Helen and Lucas do not disappoint with their love affair. They are both so gripping and you want them to be together so much, but there is so much at stake if they join, it is completely unbearable and I just want more.

I don't know what else to say, I don't want to ruin and spoil your own discovery of the story when you are reading it. I will also till tell you that all the characters are fantastic, the family dynamics are fun, the love interest is intense and the Fates are VERY cruel.

What I Didn't Like

Coming to the end of the book! Now I have to wait probably at least another year to find out what happens (if that is what Josephine's release contract is for the books) and I really don't want to. I'm being so whiny I know, but I completely love it!

The only other thing I had difficult with was at the beginning, I felt a little thrown in to Helen's world and it took me a little to figure out what was going on. The story took a few chapters for me to make sense of the world that Josephine has created, but once Helen met the Delos family the big picture started to come into focus.

Recommendation

Put this down in your planner, go get it the day it comes out or go pre-order it now! 

Amazon $11.21

Borders $17.99 plus 10% off if you are a plus member and use a 33% off coupon and you will get free shipping (around $11.93)

Barnes & Nobel $11.21

Release date it May 31, 2011 in Hardback

Information

This book series will be trilogy. She has finished up book 2 and is currently working on book 3. For more information you can go here

http://www.josephineangelini.com/frequently-asked-questions/

She will be doing a few of the stops with the Dark Days of Supernatural summer tour

Arizona and Michigan (I'm so sad she won't be coming to Oregon, can be petition the agent to send her to Oregon?)

Check out Facebook's page Pitch Dark Event for more information

Just start stalking her on her FB page, Twitter and follower her blogs, she will still be doing occasional contests for ARC's of the book.

Do you love Greek Mythology as much as I do? Any favorite stories?

Thank you Josephine for this copy, 

I will cherish it forever!

Kristina: 

Just keep in mind, I didn't copy Homer exatualy- There is a lot of the Orestes cycles in my plot.

Happy reading

Josephine

<3Books

Eon Review

Eon: Rise of the Dragoneye

By Alison Goodman

Summary

Eon is a potential Dragoneye, able to manipulate wind and water to nurture and protect the land. But Eon also has a dark secret. He is really Eona, found by a power-hungry master of the Dragon Magic in a search for the new Dragoneye. Because females are forbidden to practise the Art, Eona endures years of study concealed as a boy. Eona becomes Eon, and a dangerous gamble is put into play. Eon's unprecedented display of skill at the Dragoneye ceremony places him in the centre of a power struggle between the Emperor and his High Lord brother. The Emperor immediately summons Eon to court to protect his son and heir. Quickly learning to navigate the treacherous court politics, Eon makes some unexpected alliances, and a deadly enemy in a Dragoneye turned traitor. Based on the ancient lores of Chinese astrology and Feng Shui, The Two Pearls of Wisdom and its sequel The Necklace of the Gods are compelling novels set in a world filled with identities, dangerous politics and sexual intrigue.

What I Like About the Book

Character

Eon: I like this character very much, it is a Mulan story but with more risk and even greater peril. (Let's just refer to the character as he, since that is what is he is trying to be) Eon is really Eona, but Eona has been shoved down hidden from himself. In this book he is trying to disguise his female body from being discovered and killed. On top of that he has been crippled with a lame leg, so he is continually facing ridicule and evil signs. I like him because throughout the whole book he has hard choices to make, he has to prove his worth, muscle through his physical pains and at the same time not let anyone discover what he is. A strong young character. He does make some bad choices in the book, but he does his best to fix the issues. It is so awesome that he well she is the only person that can see the dragons without long meditations like all the other candidates and Dragoneyes (go girl power).

Lady Dela: I love this character, she is Eon's guide through palace etiquette. But she is really a he, a man with both sun (male energy) and moon (female energy) in one body. She is a very entertaining character and I really enjoy their interactions together. 

Action

Throughout the whole book something is always going on and something is always about to happen. There is very few slow moments with lots of gripping moments of anticipation and excitement. Many moments of anxiety and stress of what will happen to Eon, will he be chosen by the dragon and will anyone figure out he is really a she?

A Little Confusion and Frustration

Setting

The world is created from Imperial China and I don't know much about it so I did find somethings difficult. I did have some issues trying to figure out how the dragon system works. I got confused on how the 12 dragon leaderships work each year and names, there are so many different names I did get confused on remembering who was who. I also don't like the whole male supremacy thing, I know it is the time period, but I still don't like it.

Would I Recommend  This Book to Buy

Yes: But is isn't for everyone. If you are looking for a romantic story, you won't find it here. It is a good adventure action story. In my opinion a good break from romance.

Information

Book 1: Eon depending on what country it will also be titled Rise of the Dragoneye, The Two Pearls of Wisdom or Dragoneye Reborn

Book 2: Eona same thing Necklace of the Gods or Return of the Dragoneye

This would be a good reference before or after reading the book, it will explain a few things (just explore her website in general to get more information about the world she has created, I went in blind)

http://www.alisongoodman.com.au/research.html
She does have a few other published works

I will be reading Eona next, I got a copy for review from Literary Thing, YAY

Do you like books WITHOUT romance?

<3Books

In My Mailbox #2

(Rightfully Titled)

My Half Price Book Haul

In my mailbox is a meme hosted by The Siren Story. To find out how to participate and the official details check the IMM page. 

Anyone can participate in IMM and you are not limited to what you received in your mailbox. You can also share books bought or borrowed. 

From Half Price Books

They had coupons this past week so my friend and I went to 4 different locations and bought a bunch of different books and this is what I found...

These are the hardbacks I got

1) Swoon by Nina Malkin

 My friend that I was with told me this was a good book that I had to read

2) City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

3) City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare 

 Wanted to get the 1st 2 books in HB for when I get them signed

4) Cybele's Secret by Juliet Marillier

The 2nd book in the series, still haven't read the 1st book yet

The qualities paperbacks

1) Pulse by Kailin Gow

2) Bitter Frost by Kailin Gow

I have been seeing a lot about the Bitter Frost series, so I just decided to pick up what they had

3) An ARC of Moonlasgs by Jessi Kirby

I am intrigued by it  Releases May 3, 2011

4) Jimmy The Pickpocket of the Palace by Donna Jo Napoli

I love her YA line of retold fairy tales

5) Eon by Alison Goodman

Currently reading

6) Braced to Bite by Serena Robar

7) Fangs and Freaks by Serena Robar

They were signed copies and they sound interesting

I want to get all of these books for when I have kids, I loved them growing up. I already have Sleeping Beauty, Lion King, 101 Dalmatians, Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and The Prince and the Pauper. I still have many more to get.

1925 copy of Grimm's Fairy Tales, I love old copies of these books!

 And it has beautiful pictures, I just couldn't pass it up

From Amazon

Since I filled up my husband gas tank with premium gas he owed me, so I got 3 books (the other will be here on Tuesday)

A Touch Mortal by Leah Clifford

The Peach Keeper by Sarah Addison Allen

My only adult book I got this week :)

Did you see the video that Leah Clifford did of her books moving around using stop motion, it is so cool! She also has a contest going on her website, I would love to get a signed copy :)  

A Touch Mortal Assortment of Awesome Contest

Yes I did spend a pretty little penny, but it was all saved up tip money that I used. 

Is there any books that I got that you are interested in?

<3Books

City of Glass Review

City of Glass

By Cassandra Clare

Summary

To save her mother's life, Clary must travel to the City of Glass, the ancestral home of the Shadowhunters -- never mind that enter-ing the city without permission is against the Law, and breaking the Law could mean death. To make things worse, she learns that Jace does not want her there, and Simon has been thrown in prison by the Shadowhunters, who are deeply suspicious of a vampire who can withstand sunlight.

As Clary uncovers more about her family's past, she finds an ally in mysterious Shadow-hunter Sebastian. With Valentine mustering the full force of his power to destroy all Shadow-hunters forever, their only chance to defeat him is to fight alongside their eternal enemies. But can Downworlders and Shadowhunters put aside their hatred to work together? While Jace realizes exactly how much he's willing to risk for Clary, can she harness her newfound powers to help save the Glass City -- whatever the cost?

Love is a mortal sin and the secrets of the past prove deadly as Clary and Jace face down Valentine in the final installment of the New York Times bestselling trilogy The Mortal Instruments.

What I Liked

I really liked the pace of the book, there was always something happening and really never a dull moment. I found it hard to find a "good" stopping place, I really just wanted to keep reading through the whole book. A few people have stated that each book got better and better and I would have to agree with that statement. The 3rd book was the best out of the three. A lot of drama between characters, conflicts and new problems developed.

Conclusion

Initially this series was set up as a trilogy, so I did feel that the book was well summed up. I liked how everything ended with each character, but I'm glad there will be more to the series.  The ending was very dramatic and tense, I tried to not speed read through the last 1/4 of the book because I really didn't want to miss any last crucial tidbits.

Characters

Clary: I was really proud of her by the end of the book. She really stood up, took imitative and shinned brightly in a tough time.

Simon: I also like how he has developed throughout the books. I can't wait to find out how he will grow and come into his own person. 

A Little Predictable

I was able to figure out what the mirror was really early on  so I wasn't surprised with the reveal near the end. I did get the brother situation figured out as well, but if it had not been spoiled to me earlier I might not have.

Would I Recommend This Book to Own

Yes: Buy the full series.

Information
See my review of book 2 for information about the book series
My City of Ashes Review

I will be going to Cassandra Clare's book signing and I am really excited for it

If you could be any type of creature in Cassandra Clare's books what would you be? A shadow hunter, werewolf, fae or vampire? 

I would either like to be a werewolf or a shadow hunter.

Don't forget to mark your calenders for April 5th book 4 City of Fallen Angels will be released :)

 

<3Books

City of Ashes Review

City of Ashes 

By Cassandra Clare

Summary

 Clary Fray just wishes that her life would go back to normal. But what's normal when you're a demon-slaying Shadowhunter, your mother is in a magically induced coma, and you can suddenly see Downworlders like werewolves, vampires, and faeries? If Clary left the world of the Shadowhunters behind, it would mean more time with her best friend, Simon, who's becoming more than a friend. But the Shadowhunting world isn't ready to let her go -- especially her handsome, infuriating, newfound brother, Jace. And Clary's only chance to help her mother is to track down rogue Shadowhunter Valentine, who is probably insane, certainly evil -- and also her father.

To complicate matters, someone in New York City is murdering Downworlder children. Is Valentine behind the killings -- and if he is, what is he trying to do? When the second of the Mortal Instruments, the Soul-Sword, is stolen, the terrifying Inquisitor arrives to investigate and zooms right in on Jace. How can Clary stop Valentine if Jace is willing to betray everything he believes in to help their father?

;In this breathtaking sequel to City of Bones, Cassandra Clare lures her readers back into the dark grip of New York City's Downworld, where love is never safe and power becomes the deadliest temptation.

*Spoil alert* if you haven't read book 3 City of Glass yet tread carefully!

So I had initially started this book a year ago and got 80 pages into it, but I had to put it down because I couldn't get over the fact that Jace and Clary are now brother and sister, I loved them as a couple too much. One of my friends was reading the series and she told me just read the books, but I was whining about it so she decided to reveal, "they aren't brother and sisters, they hint throughout the books that they aren't, so just read them!!" When I decided to try reading Ashes again, I went in with the mind set, they are NOT related and that made it much more enjoyable and easier to read.

What I Like About the Book

Romance

It is so awkward and cute to see Jace and Clary try to not be attracted to each other, try to be brotherly and sisterly towards each other, but they completely fail. Their looks that they share, the unfailing concern for each others safety is their top priority. I can't wait till I ready City of Glass and figure out what Valentine was playing at with naming Jace his son. 

Clary and Simon are so weird together as a couple, they don't fit. They are perfect friends, but they have the relationship that doesn't transcend to the lovers level.

Drama

There is lots of good drama throughout the entire book. Where is Valentine? When will he strike next? When will Clary's mom wake up? The tension between Jace and Clary throughout the ENTIRE book. Lots of good action and some crazy twists in the story. Clary and Jace's new development in their abilities. What did Valentine do to them?

There is never a dull moment in the book, if it starts to get a little slow, BAM an attack and some new development is going on.

Slightly Annoying

Characters

Clary: She is a little too whiny, I wish she would start learning how to fight. I know she just now learned about this world she is apart, but she can't escape it and she is part of the magical community, she isn't a mundane.I don't like screaming characters.

Jace: He is very stuck up and very arrogant. But I love seeing those moments of his personality when he lets his guard down with the people he loves and cares about.

Jace and Clary aren't my favorite characters, they have traits that I'm not the biggest fan of, but they do shine through at the right moments. They are perfect for each other and I can't wait to read more in City of Glass.

Would I Recommend This Book to Own

Yes: Order it online or go out to the stores and buy the series.

Yes: I would give this book as a gift to a friend

Information

Mortal Instruments 

Book 1: City of Bones

Book 2: City of Ashes

Book 3: City of Glass

Book 4: City of Fallen Angels release date is April 5, 2011

Book 5: City of Lost Souls in May 2012

Book 6: City of Heavenly Fire in September 2013

Spin Off Series

Infernal Devices: prequel trilogy

Book 1: Clockwork Angel

Book 2: Clockwork Prince in September 2011

Book 3: Clockwork Princess in December 2012

She will be doing a tour for The City of Fallen Angels

Check here to see if she will be coming near you

http://www.cassandraclare.com/cms/appearances

She will be coming near me so I'll be there with my friend that spoiled the books for me, thankfully she did

Have you read the series? Are you part of the Mortal Instruments craze? 

<3Books

In My Mailbox #1

 My first IMM posting

In my mailbox is a meme posted every week by The Siren Story. To find out how to participate and "official details check the IMM Page

Anyone can participate in IMM and you are not limited to sharing your books that arrive via your mailbox. You can also share books that you have bought or borrowed. 

 My New Books

Row 1 are the books I bought at Half Price Books, I'm really excited for these 2 finds. 

Left is an ARC of  Karsten Knight's Wildfire debut author book releases on July 26, 2011
Right is an ARC of Angie Frazier's The Eternal Sea this is the sequel releases on June 1, 2011

Row 2 are books I bought from Borders (my bookstore of choice for new books)

Left is Angie Frazier's Everlasting book one to The Eternal Sea
Right is Carrie Vaughn's Steel just released on Tuesday

Row 3 won/received from Library Thing for review
Alison Goodman's Eona sequel to Eon releases on April 19, 2011
I will be getting book 1 shortly, hopefully I will find it on Tuesday when my friend and I do a Half Price Book run to 4 different locations. If I don't find it I will be buying it from Borders.


I'm really excited for all of my new books, I really can't wait. The Everlasting books I will probably read in May, Wildfire in July, and Eona I will be reading soon. My book list is too huge, I actually wrote down my list of books that I need to read by.

By mid April I need to have read Eon, Eona, City of Ashes, City of Glass, City of Fallen Angels, and Clockwork Angel. I'm going to Cassandra Clare's book signing event on April 14th. Also I can't forgot The Land of Painted Caves by Jean M. Auel, where I will also be going to her book signing on April 19th.

What did you get this week that you are super excited about?

<3Books

Angelfire Review

Angelfire

by Courtney Moulton

Summary

First there are nightmares.

Every night Ellie is haunted by terrifying dreams of monstrous creatures that are hunting her, killing her.

Then come the memories.

When Ellie meets Will, she feels on the verge of remembering something just beyond her grasp. His attention is intense and romantic, and Ellie feels like her soul has known him for centuries. On her seventeenth birthday, on a dark street at midnight, Will awakens Ellie's power, and she knows that she can fight the creatures that stalk her in the grim darkness. Only Will holds the key to Ellie's memories, whole lifetimes of them, and when she looks at him, she can no longer pretend anything was just a dream.

Now she must hunt.

Ellie has power that no one can match, and her role is to hunt and kill the reapers that prey on human souls. But in order to survive the dangerous and ancient battle of the angels and the Fallen, she must also hunt for the secrets of her past lives and truths that may be too frightening to remember.

What I liked about the book

Will: He is my favorite type of male character, mysterious, broody and handsome. He believes in Ellie's abilities and knows her like no one else does. He is a great guardian, only wanting to protect and serve her, putting Ellie's safe and happiness above his own. Completely self sacrificing and devoted to her alone. What is not to love about Will. I think he is a better male character than the charismatic Edward Cullen. 

Love Interest:

A great sweet innocent love, passionate feelings but neither willing to express nor show them. They are an amazing pair. I almost cried towards the end, I won't tell you what happens you have to read for yourself. I love the sweet inmate touches they share.

Conflict:

I love the issues Courtney has created between Ellie and Will as well as good vs evil. Ellie's human life span is very short just like Lauren Kate's Fallen character Luce, reincarnation over and over again, tragic dead and rebirth into another family only to regain her memories and fight again. A never ending cycle of violence for Ellie, poor girl.   

Evil:

The Fallen angels and their offspring of sorts. I got a little confused about what was what, I don't know much angel mythology so some things went over my head, but I just kept reading. Bad guys want to kill Ellie's soul for good and to help get the second war/apocalypse in motion. The reapers were monsters not to mess with, big, ugly things that just eat people and steal their soul for hell. :(

Action:

Lots of good action and fighting scenes throughout the whole book. The book never had a dull moment, someone or something was always getting bloodied. Ellie also has flashbacks of her past deaths, they are pretty gruesome and awesome, I love action!

Ellie's Twist:

I loved the information about Ellie that we get around the end of the book. Great stuff!!! Her identity gets revealed, no I won't tell you, you have to read it to find out who she is.

I'm still a little up in the air about

Ellie: I'm not completely in love with her character throughout the whole book. At first I really was getting annoyed with her and the whole "it was a dream" excuse. I really love strong female characters, whinny and vain characters drive me nuts. She goes back and forth throughout the book of completely willing to step into her role that she must play and then goes to being pathetic and scared. She is wicked powerful yet she isn't fully embracing herself, but then the next moment she does and I love her. I am really looking forward to herself fully awaking to her memories. I want to know what she will be like then!

What I didn't like

There wasn't really anything specific I didn't like, besides Ellie certain at points in the book.

Sad for the end of the book, now I have to wait another year, major bummer!! 

I want to know more about Will, but I have to wait for that as well.

Would I recommend this book to own

Yes: You need to buy it, put it in your online shopping cart or put in on your list to buy when you go book shopping next

Yes: I would also gift this book to a friend. 

Information 

Angelfire will at least be a 3 book series

Wing of the Wicked early 2012

Hymn of the Fallen early 2013

She is doing some events, with Dark Day of Winter Tour and after tours as well, check here to see if she is coming near you (sadly not near me yet )

http://www.courtneyallisonmoulton.com/appearances.html

Have you read Angelfire yet? If you have what did you like most about it?

<3Books

Review of Night Myst

Night Myst

By Yasmine Galenorn

Summary

Eons ago, vampires tried to turn the Dark Fae in order to harness their magic, only to create a demonic enemy more powerful than they imagined. Now Myst, the Vampiric Fae Queen of the Indigo Court, has enough power to begin a long prophesied supernatural war. And Cicely Waters, a witch who can control the wind, may be the only one who can stop her-and save her beloved Fae prince from the Queen's enslavement.

What I liked about the book

Characters

Cicely Waters: Main female lead through her POV. She was raised to take care of herself, street smart, self taught magical abilities and doesn't let others push her around. I like her strong female characteristics and the importance of family to her.

Grieve: Cicely's love interest. I'm still at a stand still with him, I want the next book to come out so I can learn more about him. He was a "good" guy, but he was forcefully turned to become one of the nasty Vampiric Fae and now he is fighting hard not to give into his darker nature.

 Evil Characters

Myst Queen of the Indigo Court and Mistress of Mayhem and the Vampiric Fae

These guys are scary as all hell! They were once Fae turned by vampires into this crazy cross breed. They are alive, not restricted my sunlight, super strong, shape shift into creepy monsters, and the worst part is they feed on the body and the soul while the victim is still alive thriving on mayhem. These are creatures to be afraid of! Get the hell out of dodge if these creatures invade your woods.

The world of The Indigo Court

Featured in a created town in Washington, love the setting! Fae, vampires, witches, shifters and humans all intermix. Not sure how well they meld together, if it is like her other series The Otherworld or different.

Sex Featured in the book

It is rather moderate compared to The Otherworld Series. There is still a good dose of sexuality, sexual tension and a few sex scenes, but nothing too outlandishly crazy.

Conflict

Things seem pretty impossible for the little rag tag bunch that Cicely has gathered as her force against the impeding evil. She is being used by two different group, the enemy of my enemy is my friend concept. Cicely has to save her friends, family, lover, the town and essentially the world from the evil. Yasmine also throws in a star crossed lovers tale, very unexpected and awesome.

What I didn't like about the book

I'm not sure about what part Lannan the Vampire will play in this series. Kinda weird him and his sister being lovers and mates. 

The book ended at a cliff hanger, now I have to wait for the next book :(

Would I recommend this book to own

Yes, you need to put it on your to buy list when you go out shopping next or put it in your online cart.

Yes, I would give this book as a gift

Information about the series

Indigo Court Series

Book 2: Night Veil July 5, 2011

Book 3: To Be Titled 2012

There will probably be more in the series

Yasmine doesn't do any touring, she does occasionally does local signings and I go to them when ever I can

Her other popular series is The Otherworld series or Sisters of the Moon series, currently nine books out 12 under contract but probably more. 

I LOVE both of Yasmine's series. They are fantastic, sexual, and crazy. I love the use of all sorts of paranormal creatures as well as the setting is in Washington, my home state :) I wouldn't recommend any of Yasmine's books to the faint of heart, you have to be able to handle all sorts of sexual relationships with the books she write

Have you read any of Yasmine Galenorn's books? What did you think of them?

I plan on finally reading Blood Wyne soon, book 9 of the Otherworld Series

Happy reading everyone

<3 Books

Patrica Brigg's Book Signing

Patricia Brigg's Book Signing

I went to her book signing last night with a friend of mine. It was her first book signing ever, I love taking newbies book signing it is a lot of fun. This is my second time attending Patricia Briggs events at the University Bookstore. She is very energetic, entertaining, super sweet and nice. The event started with her reading from page 12, when Mercy is getting Stefan to get out of the house to go to crazy movie night with her, Warren and Kyle. After the reading was the Q&A many different questions were asked and answers were giving with lots of energy, laughing and fun. 

*We got to learn that her husband is home sick and he would be feeling better had he just listened to her in the first place (typical men), the roof is being re-done while she is on tour, much to her delight! 

*There will be a movie, but she is unable to talk about it. She can only say that they will be doing a mini movie on the Homecoming graphic novel to promote interest.

*There are 9 contracted books in the Mercy Thompson series, so excited at least 3 more books!!! There could be more if we demand more and she has more crazy adventures for Mercy.

*She does base bits and pieces of characters off of some real life people. Zee is truly a grouchy old man mechanic VW that does have a funny side. She doesn't like to base much on real people, because the book shopkeeper was based off a person she knew and she had to call to tell him it wasn't based on him anymore because she was thinking she was going to have to kill him. 

*The cover art for the books she also talked about as well. The tattoos on Mercy's arms and body keep changing with each and every book, but they are themed and foretelling little about what will be in the book. For example, on River Marked the tattoos are all tribal tattoos since the book has a lot of Native American history. She will be meeting the artist for the 1st time at SpoCon this year, which she is super excited about. 

*There is talks about a collection of short stories being put together. She wants to tell about Sam and his mate and others. I hope this will happen!

*That is all I can remember that was talked about. There were a few random things said about other authors like Jim Butcher and we were told to ask him about him being cursed by a witch. I guess it is a really funny story when he tells it, he uses accents and all.

We only waited in line for about 40 minutes, not that bad of a wait, well worth it!

Yes, the 2 bags of hardback book are mine, the stack of paperbacks are my friends though. But to be fair 4 of those are my sisters who wasn't able to make it because she is studying. The other 8 are mine. What can I say I love getting my books signed, at least I didn't bring my WHOLE library of her books, I only brought the Mercy and Alpha & Omega series. Next time maybe I'll bring the other books ;)

It was a great event, very well managed, entertaining and lots of fun. I can't wait till I can go again. I do have my event listing on the right side bar of who I will be seeing next. Yeah for book signings!!

Have you been to any book signings? Do you have a favorite?

<3 Books

River Marked Review

River Marked by 

Patricia Briggs 

Review

Summary

 

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. She's never known any others of her kind. Until now.

An evil is stirring in the depths of the Columbia River-one that her father's people may know something about. And to have any hope of surviving, Mercy and her mate, the Alpha werewolf Adam, will need their help...

What I liked about the book

Characters:

~Mercy is one of my favorite female characters. She is strong, independent and stubborn. She may not be physically stronger then werewolves, vamps or other creatures, but she doesn’t let that hold her down and try to best to come out on top. She doesn’t let anyone push her around and she will push back even if it may not be the smartest tactical move on her part. And now she is currently married to the hot sexy alpha werewolf Adam.

Mercy’s heritage has been a mystery even to her throughout the book series and in this book we finally get to learn all about her. We get to learn the history of Walkers and her father as well. 

~Adam. What is not to like about him, he is dominate, passionate, protective, strong and sexy. 

Evil Character:

~Native American River Devil: Very creepy and I’m not sure I want to swim in rivers anymore. The creature makes you satisfied with death and wanting to do its bidding by bringing others to their death.

Conflict:

Adam and Mercy must figure out who is killing innocent boaters and swimmers. Without getting themselves killed in the process. Easier said than done. Mercy always gets herself into the strangest confrontations. 

Genre- Urban Fantasy:

Lots of Fae, evil trying to take over, a hot werewolf, a stubborn shifter, people being killed, crazy old men, Native American magic and stories, action at every turn, and passionate feelings all rolled into one book.

Sex/Relationship:

Since this book is Urban Fantasy, they tends have a side of romance with the action being the main storyline. I really enjoy getting a break from hard core romance, sweet, innocent love, and lot of descriptive sex. The book has sex off scenes, but the romance and love between Mercy and Adam is wonderful. They are possessive and passionate for each other and I’m so happy that they are finally married and mated.

My feelings:

The book has a wonderful ending that I’m very happy about. Most loose ends are tied up with no major cliffhangers and questions that have left me pondering with frustration. The book is very exciting and I couldn’t/didn’t want to ever put it down until I was finished with it. This is one of my favorite series.I'm look forward to the next book in the series, when ever that maybe.

What I didn’t like about the book

I did miss the other side characters having more time in the book like Jesse, Stefan and Warren. They only appear in the beginning, phones calls in the middle and at the end. But considering this book takes place during their honeymoon that wouldn't be good to have them there.

I wish it was longer, but I guess that is what series are for.

It did seem slightly odd having the book take place just over 10 days, with a few days before the wedding and a few days after the honeymoon. But what may contribute to that is that the last I read the series was when Silver Borne was released and the book picked up right after it.

Recommendation to own

You need to own this book, order it or go out and buy it. If you haven’t read the rest of the series you need to!

I will/have given this book as gifts to numerous people. It is at the top of my referring list.

Information about the series

Published March 1, 2011 Hardback

Mercy Thompson series, book 6 in the series

1.Moon Called (both hardback and paper)

2.Blood Bound (both hardback and paper)

3.Iron Kissed (only paper back, I’m guessing that it will be released in hardback around the next book release)

4.Bone Crossed (both hardback and paper)

5.Silver Borne (both hardback and paper)

6.River Marked (both hardback and paper)

Homecoming: is a prequel graphic novel

Unknown how many will be in the series

Spin of series called Alpha and Omega the main characters are Charles and Anna. Charles is Bran’s second son.

1.On the Prowl: short story introduction, paper only

2.Cry Wolf: paper only

3.Hunting Ground: paper only

She is touring from March 1st to March 8^th, with a France tour and a few different Con’s in 2011

Check out her tour dates to see if she is coming near you

http://www.patriciabriggs.com/Patty/appearances.shtml

She has other unrelated works as well, see the link below

http://www.patriciabriggs.com/books/ 

I will be going to her book signing on Monday with a friend (I lent her the 1st book to read and then she went out and bought the rest of the books and devoured them in days). Hopefully I will be posting about the event and any tidbits that she might have shared about the series, so stay tuned.

University Bookstore does send out signed books after the event and I believe they do ship outside the US so if you want a signed book check the website on Tuesday to order your own signed copy. They do free shipping over $20

(scroll down to March 7th date and press link add to bag)

http://www.bookstore.washington.edu/events/events.taf?page=201103

<3Books