SnowNSew

I grabbed this book as a free promotion from Amazon. I read it after reading another book that was dripping with despair and needed something light to lift me up. I am very glad I read it. It was a very interesting book.

This book should completely be classified as urban fantasy - but it lacked werewolves and vampires, a complete 'win' to me. The novel reads like the old Dashiell Hammett detective stories - only the customer is a wizard and the detective is immune to magic. Jonathan consorts with a ghost and a magical warrior - one that heals quickly and does not feel pain. He also has a friend whose complete abilities are never quite revealed, only teased throughout the novel. In addition, he has a friend on the police force, as any good PI should have.

I did really enjoy this book. Right up until the end. I felt like it rushed to a climax and the end was more clicheish than it needed to be - almost like the author ran out of ideas. I typically like short, almost choppy, sentences and roll my eyes at any depth of description and detail. But, there is a happy medium. While I did not really feel any lack of detail, I did feel like the sentences could have been more fully developed. That being said, it was absolutely the only writing detail I found lacking. There were no heavy grammatical mistakes that jumped out at me and I felt it a very professional publication.

I am finding it really hard to write a review for this book. People seem to either love it or hate it. And, I get it. This is *definitely* a YA book. You need to know this before you jump in. And, you need to *accept* it. If you do not, you will *not* enjoy this book. If you *do*, you will more likely love it. It is a YA book, it makes no bones about it, and it was written for that group.

In addition to struggling with the review, I found myself veering from my traditional rating system. For the angstiness, I would roll my eyes and give the book 1 star. (The character Marion says it best, "Teenagers - everything is so apocalyptic.") But, I really did like the mystery and the path that the characters took - for that I would give the book 4 stars. In the end, I would give it 2.5 but I settled on 3.

In addition to the angst, I found the novel to be lacking in good grammar. Found lots of cases where the pronouns lacked agreement. I found lots of repetitiveness and thought the book could have been at *least* 100 pages shorter. The action *really* does not start until the final 100ish pages. At that point, the novel goes at break net speed yet still manages to keep the teenage angst.

While I did struggle with these issues a great deal, I found the characters very well drawn and wanted to know how they resolved their crisis. I also appreciated the mystery and the way in which the authors dropped little clues and unraveled the mystery a piece at a time. It was this that kept me from putting the novel aside and even just reading the final chapter to see how it was resolved. I actually wanted to go along for the ride.

I found the description of Gatlin, even though a bit stereotypical, to be fairly accurate - not just of a small Southern town, but of any small town. While this age of technology has made small towns just a little bit bigger, I definitely feel that the "high school" attitude very prevalent in this atmosphere. I feel that the authors portrayed this fairly well.

I did, however, feel their portrayal of the town's regard for the Civil War poorly done and lacking complete understanding of the depth of devastation and oppression felt by the south - and how much history was completely destroyed. Instead of any kind of sympathy and understanding and any real display of why the south feels the way it does, it took popular beliefs and expounded on them, portraying the southerners as simpletons with only one mind. (And, believe me, I completely understand that the South simply should and could NOT win that war.) Even though they represented Sherman's march to the sea and the burning and looting that accompanied it, they did not express the depth and breadth of the utter devastation - containing it to mostly a single plantation. To me, the authors completely blew this opportunity to show some compassion. Or, to avoid it all together.

First of all, do not do what I did. Do not read the sample of this book and then pick it up a couple weeks later to read. Unless you have a better memory than do I. Doing so caused me to take longer than I needed to get into this story. Because I was lost. Because I was lazy.

So. Starting over. This is either a political commentary, an exposition on racism, or another story about teenagers saving the world. Or all 3. I viewed it as the last.

The world created here contains several different species: Giants, a flying species and a vampire like (but definitely NOT vampires) species along with humans. Oh, yes, some of the humans are wizards. And dragonflies that breath fire. A very fascinating group of species. It did take me a while to separate the not-vampires from the flying species. They both start with 'S'. And are unpronounceable by me.

It did take me a few chapters to sort through this and the relationships of all the characters. But, I liked them all well enough to keep at it. And, I am glad I did. The interaction between the species was very interesting and out of the ordinary. The magic system was new to me and seemed to be well thought out.

My biggest irritation with this book is that it is the first in a series. Grrrr. I would have continued reading. And, not because it ends on a cliff hangar - the battle is complete with the novel - but the war is far from over. I have several predictions as to how the story will play out - and I want to know if I am right. Darn it!

As this is self-published - I feel come editing information is required. It seemed to be a very professionally produced book. I noticed no glaring grammar mistakes and only one "thrown" instead of "throne" (that one took me out of the story (very briefly) and made me laugh). I thought it was well done and very tightly written.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I really liked the urban fantasy twist that uses magic in one world with portals between that and this world.

The book is written in a very conversational style. There are few details - and lots of snark and conversation. My favorite kind of book! The love interest (at least that is my assumption) is an elf. I like elves. Much better than werewolves. Or vampires. So, I am tickled as punch with the use of an elf as the love interest.

Even though I strongly resist reading anything that involves vampires, I really liked the use in this book. There is not enough detail to be creepy. It is just kind of assumed that you realize vampires are creepy. When the breed does something beyond what is "understood" to be normal for them, the author explains why they are able to do so. (I.E. be out in daylight.) And, the word sparkle was never used in the same sentence.

I purchased this book on a free promotion. As such, I tend to be on the look out for grammar and other writing issues that might (or might not) remove one from the story. Not to nit-pick, but to review for others. I did find the use of the word "bring" instead of "take" which is a personal pet peeve, so it definitely jumped me out of the story. And that could honestly happen to any author. But, I found no other grammar related issues.

The book is written in a very conversational style. If one enjoys a great deal of description or detail, they would be advised to look elsewhere. (Easily explained when I read the author blurb - she writes plays.) The only writing element that really bothered me was the use of chapters. In a 263 page book, there are 44 chapters, with the last one being 13 pages (yes, I counted). The starting and stopping really annoyed me. That being said, each section did seem to be a perfectly logical place to chapter. I also did not like the use of the f-word. (All those who know me know the quickest way to cause me to tune out of any conversation is to use that word.) Therefore, it did make me laugh to see the author apologize to her family for its use in her acknowledgments.

Even for the current price of $2.99, this is a great, fun read.

I really wanted to love this book. Really. But, I did not. I did, however, want to know how it ended. And, I will freely admit that the end surprised me. But, I think that was as much because I did not care enough to contemplate the whos whys and wherefores - I only wanted to finish.

The Prologue started off very promisingly. I was anxious to learn what had happened, why it happened, and see the villain get his comeuppance. Lo, and behold, the story continues after many years have passed. The prologue is referred to. The actions contained therein have molded our heroine, but that is all we learn. And, from there our story continues. Into a new mystery. Totally unrelated from the prologue - except, of course, by the way said events have molded our heroine. (Is this confusing enough?)

Toby is a halfblood - which in Ms. McGuire's world means peon. Only the pure blood fae are worthy. Toby does, however, have pure blood almost friends. It seems a very caste system - or royalty if you will. I found the world actually boring and racist. But, then, as I am finding, fae to not really hold me thrall for very long. She is accidentally bound by one of her not quite friends to learn who has killed her. That is the mystery the book sets out to solve.

I spent the first half of the book depressed. This is never a good sign. But, the Toby's actions and feelings totally overwhelmed me - and made me sad. I do not read to be sad. I have the news for that. Toby moped around and would not even respond to her friends - who were really trying to be friends. She just stayed alone in her own little miserable world. (A big sign of depression there.) I did, however, care about her enough (or else, really, why would I be sad?) to want to know how the story finished. So, I finished it. Which is why it received 3 stars. I really do not think I will read further in this series. I like my heroines a little less depressing and a lot more snarky.

I just re-read this book in preparation for reading the final book in the series. I have a very hard time writing a book review on a re-read as I think having had the anticipation removed hinders (at least to some degree) the enjoyment of a novel. And, based on my set criteria, I rarely cannot put a book down when I know how it ends. That being said, I originally read this book when it first came out and enjoyed it enough to read each succeeding book. The final book in the series came out late enough that I wanted to remember the entire series more vividly before I finished it. (Is that enough qualifiers?)

I really like Timothy Zahn, though I refuse to read the Star Wars books. I really liked this book. And, I still liked it - even on re-read. I remember the first *gotcha* upon reading the very first clue. I totally forgot the 2nd gotcha - which is, I assume, where the next book goes. I have read it as well, but I do not remember it. (A short memory is a blessing when reading books . . . makes re-reads more interesting!) I am reading this series in a buddy read into which I dragged others along for the ride, so I am not continuing until March.

And let it be said . . the first book was published in 2006 - not so very long ago - and LOOK! 6 years later (and 5 books) the series is complete. It CAN be done.

I really struggled with the rating for this book. I have my own little criteria for how many stars I give to books, but I wanted to add 1 to this book - because it was free. But, in the end, I had to be true to my system. I was able to put down this book - the action frequently lulled - but I sure wanted to return to spend time with this little band of characters.

The heroine, Amaranthe, is quite unlike your typical heroine. She is not snarky. She does not kick butt. She is just honorable. And true. And decent. And, by just being who she is, she pulls in people to work around her and with her. And, oh, the characters with which she surrounds herself. Quite the merry little band she has gathered. The author also makes a little twist on the popular "thief" artifice because Amaranthe is forced to perform her deeds not while working for the enforcers, but by working more in the underground.

I know many have classified this as steampunk. The author herself dumps it into many classifications and calls it a mash up. To me, this book was just fantasy. It had elements of other genres, but, in the end, it is simply fantasy.

I really enjoyed the banter. It certainly was not constant, but happened very subtly in appropriate instances. Many times, I went back and re-read because I felt, "Did I read that right?" A couple times, I even laughed out loud. I suspect, as the characters are even more fully fleshed out in later volumes, it will happen more frequently.

I really, REALLY enjoyed this book. I am now fighting with myself over whether or not to start on the next one in the series. The battle wages not because I do not know whether or not I want to READ the next, but because I fear that I will get to the end of Book 5 and have a cliff hangar or other such nonsense that is so prevalent in fantasy today. I do really want to spend more time with this motley crew.

Somewhere between 3 and 4 stars. I simply cannot write a review for this book. So, instead, I am going to tell you why.

I really enjoyed this book as I read it, but as I thought about it in order to write a review, I actually found myself liking it less. There were many instances where belief just had to be suspended in order to move forward - I had no problem doing that as I read, but thinking back I am second guessing many of these instances.

So, I can either review it and risk liking the book less than I actually did, or not review it and remember I liked it. I choose to do the latter.

I really, really liked this book. While it is another in the 'our intrepid heroine must use all her wisdom and powers to save the world in jeopardy' type book, there is enough new and different here to make it an enjoyable read. I also appreciated the fact that the heroine was older (while, of course, still beautiful . . .) and already in tune with her powers.

I found the magic system fascinating. Increasing my wonder is the fact that it is tied together somehow religiously. Not really sure HOW? But I feel the terminology is important, and look forward to seeing how it develops. I also enjoyed the world. Loved the methods of transportation.

I did not feel that the book NEEDed to be longer . . . but I sure WANTed it to be. I am VERY annoyed (and I didn't think to look 'til halfway in) that the series is not completed yet. Knowing the final(?) book is only a few months away does help - and I will delay sequels until that time. That being said, I was at least appeased by the fact that this chapter was indeed concluded yet the reader knows that the story is not yet finished.

I gave this book 4.5 stars. It loses a point for the slowness of the beginning (surely there must have been some way of revealing the necessary information in a more exciting way) but it gains a point for the oh so awesome narration. I rounded down to 4 just because.

The beginning of my review can be found @ Silk Screen Views: Ready Player One Review

I have looked at this book I do not know how many times before I actually caved in and purchased it. My main resistance was the fact that it is published by Luna - a Harlequin publishing company. Didn't want to read a romance. I decided to read it based on the reviews. I am glad I did - it does, in no way that I could see, fill the "Harelequin" mold.

As usual, I had a bit of trouble getting into this book. I honestly cannot remember at what point it became a book I was unable to put down. Kaylin is a very passionate and feisty heroine. The mystery as to who she is and what makes her so kept me glued to the story. Unlike other stories where I just wanted to know the answer to the mystery, I really enjoyed the ride as it unfolded. After finishing the book, I still have unanswered questions - not the kind that make me angry in the "Why didn't the author address this?" way but the kind that go "I can't wait to read the next book to see what direction these questions take me" way.

I could not decide if I was angry or fascinated by the way the answer to Kaylin's relationship with Severn was revealed. I will say that it came as a complete surprise and I did not see it coming. Even a tiny bit.

I adored the different races in this book - and the characterizations that came with each. I will admit to picturing the Leotines a bit like the cowardly lion in The Wizard of Oz. And, who among us hasn't dreamed of having wings and the ability to fly?

The humor in this book is very subtle. In some (very few) instances I actually laughed out loud. Kaylin reacts to stress the way that I do: by making really bad jokes that cause those around her to question her sanity. Not a lot of romance here - but I can see it developing in future installments.

Indeed, I am annoyed that I have finished this. Now, I have to "get into" another novel.

I finished this book. And, that is the best thing that I can say about it. I read the other rave reviews people had written. I read the sample before I purchased.

It appeared, to me, to be mostly smut. The vocabulary used was vulgar and made me cringe. The character development was extremely poor. The driving point of the plot seemed to revolve around the bedroom. Had my sample lasted another 3 pages, I would not have purchased the book.

That being said, I did finish it. The dialog moved along at a fair clip and that is what kept me in the novel. I did find myself skipping large portions of it. While I do not mind a little sex in my fantasy, I do not enjoy a little fantasy with the sex. When the story was finished, I felt as if it just stopped. It did not come to a pleasing conclusion. I feel as if the story could have been so much more than it was had the author worked harder to develop her characters rather than their sexcapades. I felt extremely let down that there was not more there. In either story.

I am really struggling with this review. As I read, I didn't feel that I really loved it - but I never really hated it either. Yet, the overwhelming feel of the story continues to be on my mind.

I finished this book. But it took me 2 months. Or, rather, the first 200 pages took me 2 months - the last almost 400 pages (which I dove into because I had another book that I wished to read) took me 2 days. (I really wanted to finish it because I really like the author and she was involved in a group read.)

The beginning seemed quite slow to me. (I suppose this should be obvious as it took me so long to read.) That being said, I fell in love with Mykael very early on, which is another reason I stuck it out.

I am much more drawn to characters than I am to world building. This book seemed, to me, to have a very well crafted world, but not quite so much character building. The characters seemed, well, not quite one dimensional - but not 3d either - so lets call them two dimensional.

The action starts out very slowly - with a missing princess - and, as is expected, more questions than answers. During this time, the author slowly draws her world and crafts her characters. As the story progresses, the action picks up remarkably and leads the reader on a fascinating jaunt until the story concludes (and answers all the previous questions).

The writing style also slowed me down. And, I cannot put my finger on the how and why of that. It just did. When I devoured the last 400 pages, I didn't struggle nearly as much as I did with the first 200. Also, the author's vocabulary is HUGE. This is the first time I found myself using the "look up" feature on my e-reader. And, I found it very convenient as I read.

I believe this book to be very well written. The world building is beautiful. In the end, I think it is just not the type of book that was right for me at the time I read it.

Abandoned

I rarely do not finish a book. If I start it, I want to know how it ends. I will admit that sometimes I peek at the end to see if I really want to finish the journey. Sometimes, I don't. In those cases, I throw the book aside and just don't finish - or re-write it to suit myself. Rarely do I write a book review on a book that is unfinished. It just doesn't seem fair to me to rate a book that did not resonate enough with me to complete. There are, however, exceptions!

This story starts off in a grand fashion. It really takes off - and I was very excited to think I had found another good author. But, as I read, I kept having the feeling that I had already read this part. After about the fourth chapter I realized: the author began each chapter with a summation of what had happened in the previous chapters. You know, the ole, "thus far in our story . . . " It was just too repetitive. But, I could overlook that - No, seriously, I could just skim over the top and overlook it . . .

Then, *it* happens. Mental incest. I don't know how else to describe it. And, not in any *evil* kind of way . . . But, almost as an accepted practice. It was very creepy. I could not, in any way shape or form, continue caring or reading about these characters. I tossed it aside. (Figuratively - it *was* an ebook . . .)

Upon finishing this book, I was angry. I did enjoy the novel, and I really liked the characters and enjoyed spending time with them. I appreciated, understood and empathized with Joanna and her fears and her purse. But, the writing wasn't great to me - my mind wandered a lot while I read - and I didn't find it difficult at all to step away from the world. So, while I enjoyed the novel, and would have rated it a solid 3 stars, I was not completely sure I wanted to read the next in the series as I have other books calling me and I just wasn't thrilled. I was, however, encouraged by others to pick up the next one - and told it would be worth it. And, indeed, it was. So much so, that it brought my rating of THIS book up a star.

As an aside, I find it fascinating how many novels of this era compare computer programming and magic.

The first half of this book is really a set up for the second half, so movement is slow. The movement picks up a bit when our three heroes meet up with each other and they begin their journey together. I have wondered if I wouldn't enjoy the story more if this book and the next were not simply one novel, but, in the end, I agree with the decision to separate them. They are, indeed, two journeys taken by the same characters.

All in all, I did enjoy this story. But, be prepared with the second if you want to totally appreciate the book.