As I read the last word in this book I had two successive reactions:  1.) no, she didn’t and 2.) um, excuse me, where was Eric in this book?

That’s right, mama wasn’t happy.

Technically speaking, the writing was great. It’s typical Sookie standard.  There was some laughs, some banter, some action – it’s just the plot was boring, it didn’t light my fire.  I also wasn’t pleased with the direction Harris took the story. More specifically, who Sookie will end up with. While this may seem trite, you know this is one of the only reasons we read this series. It’s all about the ‘teams’ and whose side you’re on.

Now I know Harris has been preparing us fans for years, saying things like Sookie will do what’s best for Sookie, she will live a nice long normal life and she will not be turned   – y’all, it’s one thing to be told this, but it’s quite different to read them in action.

I basically view this book (and Dead Reckoning) as filler books. Harris is tying up storylines and, unfortunately closing off much loved relationships. I’m not just talking Eric, I see her separating from all her supe friends sans Jason and Sam, and maybe Bill.

To wrap up my thoughts I will leave you with a few possible outcomes for book 13:

1. Using the cluviel dor has consequences, therefore causing someone Sookie loves to die. Eric. Sookie is distraught and falls into the arms of Barry the Bellboy, I mean Quinn. And they have beautiful, bald-headed babies together.

2. Eric will man up and kick the Oklahoma Queen to the curb; it will be fraught with actions and blood spillage. The body count will be high. The only down fall is the cluviel dor consequence will be Eric becomes mortal and Sookie will have to protect him with her killer survival skills the rest of their lives.

3. Eric marries the Queen of Oklahoma, Bill continues to pine for Sookie, Pam refuses to move to Oklahoma and opens up a women’s pant suite store all while Sookie and Sam hook-up. Eventually, they get married.  Sadly, the consequence of using the cluviel dor is that Jason is no longer handsome and Michele leaves him.

4. The consequence of using the cluviel dor is that one by one each of Sookie’s former lovers and friends die in a freak accident (Eric while racking leaves, Bill explodes while pumping gas while talking on his cell phone, Tara asphyxiates putting on spanx etc). However, a la Dallas and Bobby Ewing she wakes up one morning and hears the shower running, she quickly pads to the bathroom to find Gran lathering up. Everything was a dream.

If you’ve read this book, please let me know what you think! Did you like it? Am I in the minority?

XOXO, Stacy

*SPOILERS and as always you can find us on itunes*

The Twelfth Enchantment

from goodreads - Lucy Derrick is a young Regency woman of good breeding and poor finances: after the death of her father, she is forced to maintain a shabby dignity as an unwanted boarder with her unpleasant uncle, fending off marriage to the local mill owner, Mr. Olson. But her prospects of even that unwanted match are complicated by the appearance of a beautiful stricken man who appears on the family doorstep begging her not to marry Mr. Olson just as he collapses. This appearance seems to open the door to a series of increasingly strange occurrences surrounding Lucy. Soon it becomes clear that there is more at stake than her own happiness — and that she is caught between two forces, one ancient and one modern — and that the soul of her very country is at stake.

my thoughts – This is a charming, quick-witted novel that I couldn’t help but read while sitting at the dinner table. I love the paring of the Regency era with urban fantasy (my ideal read!). It’s a story of Luddites versus the Industrial Revolution, with a fantasy twist full of revenants, a golem, an order of Rosicrucian’s and Lord Byron.

When we first meet Lucy she is an amiable creature ready to please. She is quite reserved and willing to marry the awful Mr. Olson. Enter Lord Byron with a cryptic message and the magic and entanglement of betrothal with Mr. Olson (and sleuthing) begins.

Lucy is an ideal character. She is quaint, humble and so very naïve. Yet, she is determined, brave and just a bit magical to uncover a plot of the worst kind. I loved her sleuthing, her inner-thoughts and her ever constant worrying over her reputation.

If I could give Lucy a bff charm I would!

Not only has David Liss given us an interesting and unique plot, but he has created some very colorful characters that are, quite frankly, charming. Some of the best lines came from Lord Byron, which added great comical elements to the story. Then there was the ever elusive yet so knowledgeable Mrs. Emmett and my personal favorite, Mr. Morrison who made a perfect partner for Lucy.

I totally, without a doubt give this novel 5 STACKS

Stacy

From Harpercollins.com:  Condemned and shunned for black magic, Rachel Morgan has three days to get to the annual witches’ conference and clear her name, or be trapped in the demonic ever-after . . . forever after.

But a witch, an elf, a living vampire, and a pixy in one car going across the country? Talk about a recipe for certain disaster, even without being the targets for assassination.

For after centuries of torment, a fearsome demon walks in the sunlight—freed at last to slay the innocent and devour their souls. But his ultimate goal is Rachel Morgan, and in the fight for survival that follows, even embracing her own demonic nature may not be enough to save her.

When I read the synopsis, I was prepared to poke fun at “the road trip book” (doesn’t it sound like the beginning of a bad joke? “A witch, an elf, a vampire and a pixie get in a car to go cross country…”).  However, Ms. Harrison has produced a book that is one of the best in the series, IMHO.

There’s lots of action and adventure in this book – a nasty demon out to get Rachel, an elf quest, and a pixie kidnapping just for starters!  But for me, I think this book was satisfying because it gave me lots of new insights on the major characters and tied up some dragging plot lines, pushing Rachel in a new direction.  Rachel has had many romantic entanglements in this series, and finally ending the Ivy and Pierce questions (that have been dragging on and on) was good.  I’ve always hoped for a Trent/Rachel pairing, and in this book the sexual tension has ratcheted up several notches.  Rachel is starting to trust Trent a little more, since he has been friendlier the last couple books (ie, not trying to kill or indenture her anymore).   I always wondered if he didn’t have a soft spot for her that dated from their old childhood summer camp days.  

Jenks is slowly recovering from his wife’s death, but the pixie is still pretty feisty and funny and is a welcome bit of comic relief.  Even Al & Newt got a couple of funny bits.  Rachel is slowly coming to grips with her demonic side, but is still trying to figure out what exactly she is, and what it means for all witches, elves and demons.

Harrison keeps the action going, throws in some romance, drama and comedy and a scary demon villain.  Yep, this book is a keeper!  If you are a fan of this series, definitely pick this one up!

I give this book 4.5 STACKS!

See you in the STACKS,
Nancy – who hopes Rachel and Trent finally get together!

We love deleted scenes. I mean really, if we liked a book we surely can’t pass on reading more about it. It’s all about discovering those extra nuggets to deepen our fondness. (for our book review click here) 

——-

Brenna’s note:  To me, this one is pretty self-explanatory.  I was thinking I needed a shot of the Doyle family hanging out together, but then wound up with more interesting ways to show the same thing.

Also, this is from before I changed Mackie’s English assignment to Hawthorne.

the scene:

At dinner, Emma was quiet and pensive.  Usually, she made up for the fact my mom and I went entire meals without talking, but this time, she just kept her head down and stared at her plate while my dad made enough noise for the rest of us.

            He was all worked-up about buying new furniture, describing his ideal living room set in a hard, cheerful voice, like if he just talked louder, he could get my mom excited about pine end tables and neutral-colored couches.

            She listened and nodded, but her expression made it clear that she wasn’t getting rid of the old green sofa with its carved wooden feet.

            I flattened my carrots into a paste and used my fork to make little parallel rows, like a garden.

            My dad stared at me and when I made a set of rows going the other way, he reached across the table and put his hand on my wrist.  “Malcolm, stop playing with your food.  Sharon, I’m just saying that brocade is not typically the upholstery choice of married professionals.  Or people younger than seventy-five.”

            I put the fork down, but my mom just gave him a blank look.

            My dad sighed.  Then he leaned toward me, clasping his hands.  “So, how’s school going?” 

            “We’re starting Shakespeare on Monday.  Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

            As soon as I said it, I was sure he’d take some kind of issue with it, say that it was inappropriate or reckless, or that I needed to be especially inconspicuous until the Elizabethan unit was over. 

            But he just nodded.  “That’s a convoluted one.  The discussion should be fun, though.  Have you read it yet?”

            “I just started this afternoon.”

            “Keep an eye out for the reversals.  Characters who think they have more knowledge or more power, when really, everyone takes turns being in a position of power, and everyone looks ridiculous once in a while.  That’s part of what makes it a comedy.  The supernatural characters are just as shortsighted and as fallible as the human ones.”

            “I don’t think we should talk about this anymore,” my mom said abruptly.

            She was fidgeting with her napkin, twisting it into a crumpled wad.

            No one said anything for a minute.

            Finally, my dad touched his chin, which is this thing he does when he’s about to remonstrate with someone.  “We’re discussing literature.  It’s not like we’ve chosen to describe open surgery, unlike some people I could mention.”

            Across the table, my mom stopped picking at the napkin.

            She stood up and began to stack the plates.  She took mine, which looked like someone had been doing abstract sculpture, and put it on top.  Then, she turned around and walked into the kitchen.  My dad sat staring after her with the strangest look on his face.  She seemed to float for a second, silhouetted in the kitchen doorway, then she was gone.

            “Good work,”  Emma said, looking down at her placemat.  “You really bring out the best in each other.”

            I thought my dad would have something to say about that, but he didn’t say anything.  I wanted to tell him that I didn’t think it was his fault, that he wasn’t even wrong, really, but talking about supernatural fallibility was dangerous, and my mom loved that stupid, ugly couch. 

© by Brenna Yovanoff

 For the complete listing of The Replacement blog tour schedule and giveaways visit The Teen Book Scene.

From the publisher…Teagan Wyllston grew up hearing about Celtic mythology, night crawlers and banshees, and how the Irish Travelers have been at war with goblin kind since before time. … but it is just that . . . a story, and nothing more.

That is, until eighteen-year-old Finn comes unexpectedly into her life. Then, suddenly, the stuff of Irish legend doesn’t seem quite so fantastical. Could Finn be her hero, like his namesake in the stories? Or is Teagan destined to fight the forces of evil herself?

The plot was interesting and held my attention (at least it did from about page 70 on), but the back-story world building was so complex I honestly couldn’t keep up. It was too much. The only thing I really gleamed was goblins and Sidhe, which by the way is pronounced shee like banshee. Which I am glad to finally know, because that word has been driving me nuts since I read Maggie Stiefvater’s Lament.

This book had lots of dialogue and little on the description of the characters motives and actions, so at times it seemed the characters said random statements. It would have been nice to “read” their thought process, instead of trying to figure it out on my own. I also thought that there were extra characters that seemed out of place, and not really needed. I can only think that they will be used somehow in the next book.

The relationship between Teagan and Finn, I was not feeling the “love” in the beginning. Finn seemed too sure of himself when it came to his regards for Teagan, and this after he first met her.  However, somewhere along the middle of the book, both Finn and Teagan endeared themselves to me. I found myself rooting for them as a couple and for their selfless actions.

The ending, ugh! Really, that is how it ends? Don’t fear it’s not a bad ending, it actually was pretty happy and I think I know what Tea would say. I just wanted so much more, I wasn’t ready for the story to end. Though really that is how it goes with books in a series. You never really can be sure of anything till the last page in the last book is read…and then you have to wait for the next book.

I give this book 3 STACKS

See you in the STACKS,
Stacy – who has high hopes that the next book picks the pace up exactly were it left off on the first.

This is a story of friendship, a friendship between Mallory and Phoebe. It’s also about how love can completely change who you are and what it means to be ordinary or in this case extraordinary. Oh, and it’s also about faeries.

The girls. Mallory is the human with a large caring and giving heart. She is sweet and what every girl would hope for in a best friend, someone you can count on. She is also strong-minded. Phoebe is the faerie with the secret agenda. I liked seeing the progression of how the love she had for Mallory completely changed who she was and what her original purpose had been.

Ryland, Phoebe’s brother. Mallory was drawn to him and at times so was I (no idea why), but then I had to slap myself and remember he was a jerk. He may have added excitement to the story, but that was it. There were a few icky scenes between him and Mallory that made me want to reach in the book and grab her away from him.

Now to Benjamin, Mallory’s long time friend. I didn’t feel like he was properly introduced. He was mentioned early in the story but not really apart of the story till the end. I just didn’t groove with his character, and especially how he was one track minded on his ‘save Mallory kick.’

The plot is simple really and well played. The writing was clear and had a nice flow. By the end of the story I found myself straddling the fence. A promise was made and a debt had to be paid, that was the bargain. There was no meanness (except Ryland), hatred, trickery or threats.

If I had to pick the hero of the story I would say it was both Mallory and Phoebe. They both were willing to sacrifice themselves, which to me is the mark of a true hero.

I give this book 3 STACKS

See you in the STACKS,
Stacy – who purposely didn’t mention “extraordinary,” and what it meant.

The Replacement is deliciously dark and spooky, with a sensitive hero and absorbing story.

Mackie Doyle just wants to fit in, but he’s a replacement – left behind in the place of a human child.  It’s kind of an open secret – Mackie’s family and close friends know what he is, but it’s never talked about.  In fact, the whole town of Gentry has an open secret they never speak of; every seven years they must sacrifice a child in return for the town’s prosperity.   Then Tate, a girl from school, comes to Mackie after the death of her baby sister.  She wants to talk to him because she believes the baby who died was not her sister, but a replacement – and her sister was the latest sacrifice.

I really liked Mackie.  He is a stoic, sweet soul who tries to go unnoticed in a town where “others” like him are hated and feared (Yovanoff never calls them fairies, but we know that’s what they are).  It’s hard to fit in when he is so unusual – so allergic to iron that even the smell of blood sets off an attack, unable to walk on consecrated ground, eyes that are almost black.  When he meets one of his own kind and gets an introduction to the world he came from, he is repelled but curious.  Does he belong with them, or with the humans in Gentry?  The scenes involving the fairy courts under the slag heap are super creepy.

His family knew he was not their own flesh and blood, but raised and loved him anyway.  He and his sister Emma share a strong bond – so strong that when it becomes clear Mackie is dying (poisoned by the iron in the modern world), she goes to a fairy to find a cure.  I really liked how his family loved and protected him – it’s really unusual to find in a YA book.

This book has been described as Edward Scissorhands meets Catcher in the Rye.  It’s creepy with a sprinkle of sweetness and a dash of horror.  Love it (and Tim Burton)!

I give this book 4 STACKS!

See you in the STACKS,
Nancy, who wishes Johnny Depp could be in EVERY movie *sigh*.

 Armstrong writes most of her Otherworld Series as stand-alone mysteries, and this is the first time Savannah has been the lead character in one of these novels.  We first met Savannah in earlier Otherworld novels when she was age 12, and she has had small supporting roles in subsequent books, so it was nice to get to know her now she is an “adult”.  She has something to prove to Paige and Lucas since she’s made a few mistakes in the past.  She’s young and she has attitude, but she is also whip-smart and a powerful witch to boot (who rides a 1950 Triumph Thunderbird motorcycle!).  Even though Savannah is young, this is not a YA novel – so she does drink a little and reminisce about her sex life. 

 Armstrong is a strong writer, and the world she has crafted for her stories is a believable mix of warlocks and witches, demons and ghosts, and even werewolves and vampires.  You can enjoy this book even if you haven’t read the other books in the series; and if you have, you will enjoy the passing references to familiar characters and past incidents.  The mystery is pretty engrossing, and as the body count grows so does the suspense.  I liked this book and plan to keep reading this series – hopefully Armstrong has plenty more up her sleeve!

I give this book 4 STACKS!

See you in the STACKS,
Nancy - who wishes she had a cool 1950 Triumph Thunderbird motorcycle!

Linden is a tree faery, part of the Oakenfolk. Despite her young age she is chosen by the Queen to find a way to restore magic to the Oakenfolk. In her search for the lost magic she finds Timothy and together they find adventure, understanding and learn a lot about themselves along the way.

This really is a charming story, and that is mostly due to Linden, Timothy and the simple, yet interesting plot. Linden is a young, rather naive faery and one that had never left the tree before. Yet, after she was chosen to restore the lost magic she never gave up hope or her faith even when things looked bleak. She was confident in who she was and what she believed in. Timothy was the total opposite, he was very conflicted in his beliefs, who he was and what he wanted to be. Together, they are a perfect fit.

The plot was wholesome, nothing too harsh. It was simple, straightforward and had all the major parts (story arch, climax, ending) to make a good story. However, the only thing I wished it had more of was romance. It had some, but since I am a sucker for love I wanted more.

FYI: A prequel to this book is Faery Rebels: Spell Hunter.

I give this book 3 STACKS

See you in the STACKS,
Stacy – who thought the US cover was gorgeous.

Linger is the continuation of the relationship between Grace and Sam. Their story could not be told without Isabel, Cole or Grace’s parents…

I admit when I closed the cover on this book, I bounced on my bed and shrieked (bringing my dog and children running in to see what the heck was going on).  I just love the atmosphere, the mood she creates, the words she uses.  Her characters just seem to inhabit your mind and bring you right into their world.  Each character’s voice is so different, and yet each one is damaged and fighting an internal battle.  There’s so much going on emotionally as well as physically, and it’s not at all schmaltzy – just raw and genuine.  New character Cole is so fully integrated into the story I almost forgot we didn’t know him in the first book.  Maggie – your books are pure artistry! 

I give Linger 5 STACKS!
Nancy

We all know that I think that Maggie is an artistic genius! Well, Linger proves once again why I believe it.  Why do  I love Linger?  It’s swoonfully romantic, the writing is poetic, and it makes my heart feel the yearning for Grace and Sam to finally be together the same way I love Edward and Bella in love.  Something else I adore?  I love that Grace is older than 15, that Isabel and Cole are broken and find comfort in each other, and that Grace is smart with a good head on her shoulders.  Linger is a breath of fresh air that I keep thinking about even after I finished reading it. 

 I give Linger 5 STACKS!
Shannan

Wow, just when I thought it couldn’t get any better! This was an intense, dark romance read full of passion and real characters. The four person POV was stellar. Getting into the heads of Sam, Grace, Isabel and Cole was an emotional rollercoaster ride of depression, love, angst, and brutal honesty. The plot was simple and believable and literally had me biting my nails at the end. (Yikes, do we really have to wait a year for Forever?) Breakout stars are Isabel and Cole. Who doesn’t like broken people with passion? They are my new favs.

I give Linger 5 STACKS.
Stacy

(oh, look we all gave it 5 STACKS)

As always, SPOLIERS abound! Don’t forget you can download and listen directly from iTunes as well, just serah girlsinthestacks in the iTunes directory.

from the publisher…Everything about Jessie Gillmansen’s life changed when her mother died. Now even her hometown of Junction is changing.  Mysterious dark things are happening. All Jessie wants is to avoid more change. But showing a hot new guy around Junction High, she’s about to discover a whole new type of change. Pietr Rusakova is more than good looks and a fascinating accent—he’s a guy with a dangerous secret. And his very existence is sure to bring big trouble to Jessie’s small town.  It seems change is the one thing Jessie can’t avoid…

If I could label this book with a theme I it would be something like “new beginnings” and lying never changes or cures anything, it usually just makes things worse.

Jessie was a believable, real character. She was a hard worker, strong and selfless. (She also had some very funny thoughts!) She had a wonderful giving and genuine sprit and was very sympathetic almost to the point of nausea to her best friend Sarah and to me, really. I found myself giving her advice, out loud (yep, I got looks from DH doing that). As giving as she was she started telling lies, and they started piling up. While her intentions are from the heart, it’s deceitful, dishonest and eventually there are so many lies that she begins to believe them herself. Ugh! I hate characters that lie, however because of a realization she had at the ending I am giving her a “get out of jail free” card this time.

Pietr, what’s not to love about him? He’s handsome, has a strong presence, isn’t your typical teenage boy and is very mysterious. I totally buy into him being the mysterious male hero, but not his sudden interest in Jessie. I wish that part had been fleshed out a bit more.

Can someone say teen angst? It was over flowing. So much so that at times I wanted to reach into the book, plop out the characters and have a good talking to with them.

If you’re like me and wanted more at the end, the next book in the series, Secrets and Shadows, will hit the shelves February 2011.

I give this book 3 STACKS

Stacy

The Reckoning

Chloe Sanders is a genetically altered 15 year old who was created and held prisoner by an evil organization called the Edison Group.  She and three other altered teens – Tori and brothers Simon and Derek – have escaped, and as the book begins are hidden in a safe house hoping to find a way to return to Edison’s lab and rescue the remaining prisoners.  Chloe is a realistic teen, and I really liked her.  No super hip slang or kiss my patootie attitude, just an average girl (who has a really scary power to raise the dead and can talk to ghosts.)  She gets scared, has crushes, gets embarrassed, doesn’t always know exactly what she’s doing, and wishes she was prettier.  Her power is terrifying but not much help in a fight, so she knows when to hang back and when to jump into the fray.  I love the way Armstrong crafts such believable characters.

And the looooove triangle – I totally love that she has her first date and first kiss while in hiding (they sneak out for ice cream!)  Chloe is attracted to both Simon, a sorcerer, and his brother Derek, a werewolf.  She has feelings for them both but … figures out on her date which one she actually loves!

Armstrong keeps the suspense going too – you really don’t know whom to trust, and the poltergeists and scary ghosts provide plenty of chills.  The grownups the kids turned to seem like they want to help – but are they to be trusted?  Will that nasty ghost hurt Chloe?  Will Derek be able to keep from changing into a wolf? 

I really love Kelley’s writing and the story really held my interest. Usually when one picks up a book in mid-series, there is a whole lot of back-story you get to slog through in the first couple chapters.  The history was slipped in very smoothly and didn’t feel like a lecture.  I will be reading the first two books, The Summoning and The Awakening, this summer for sure!  Kelley has promised that while this is the end of the trilogy, the series continues with another book due out next spring, same world but new characters.  I hope someday she will return to this cast in future books.

I give The Reckoning 3.5 STACKS

STACKGirl Nancy – who usually does not read the ending first – that’s like peeking at your Christmas presents!

 In the Prom Nights from Hell short story, Madison Avery ditched her date on her prom night and left with a stranger, who was actually a dark timekeeper. He drove off a cliff and then, when she didn’t die from the crash, murdered her. Somehow Madison’s soul managed to steal his amulet, which kept her soul from moving on to heaven and gave her the illusion of a body in this world.

 
In Once Dead, Twice Shy, Madison wants to get her body (and her normal life) back. Madison is a Goth former troublemaker, and she seems like a pretty nice girl. I mean she says, “puppy presents on the carpet” and “son of a dead puppy” instead of cuss words! Josh is the hot, cool boy she ditched at the prom, who followed her that night and witnessed her die, and who now is “dreaming” about her (actually erased memories from that night). He’s initially skeptical about her story, but quickly believes and wants to help her in her mission to get back to normal. I liked Josh – honest, loyal and definite boyfriend material. Barnabas is the light reaper who was supposed to protect Madison the night she died, and failed. He is disillusioned with the light timekeeper, Ron, and is hanging around Madison trying to help her adjust to her new, um, death. Rounding out the cast is Grace, a Tinkerbell-like guardian angel, and Nakita, a rather haughty dark reaper.

 
In the next book, Early to Death, Early to Rise, Madison takes on the roll of dark timekeeper (on a trial basis) in order to change the way souls are reaped. She tries to prevent a boy from releasing a computer virus that accidentally infects a hospital system and causes the death of some of the patients. This book deals more with the changes Madison wants to make – she believes that she can influence a person’s choices to keep them from committing sins so great they lose their soul. It seems that traditionally, the dark timekeeper believes that fate is unalterable, but Madison believes in free will and wants to give humans the chance to change their path. The explanations kind of lost me a couple times, but I really loved the concept of this story, even if I was a little confused reading it (I felt like I was wading through a philosophy class.) I think my favorite character out of this book is Nakita – she is sort of a terminator with a conscience, trying to fit into high school and be friends with her boss, Madison.

I give Once Dead, Twice Shy 3 STACKS

I give Early to Death, Early to Rise 3 STACKS

sidenote: I recently had my “geeky fan” moment with Kim Harrison on the Supernatural Tour promoting her latest YA book Early to Death, Early to Rise. I HAD to go, since I own all the The Hollows Series books she has written and had to have her sign my copies. If you check out Kim’s blog, you can see us in all our geeky glory on her bunny cam page .

STACKGirl Nancy, who wants Kim H. to know I am not such a spaz in real life. Honest.

The Midnight Breed series by Lara Adrian combines romance and action with a new take on the vampire breed.  In this series we follow the members of The Order – an ancient organization of vampires that protect humans and vampires alike from blood addicted Rogue vampires.  Each novel follows along the trials and tribulations of The Order as they endeavor to battle against various evils.  Each book flows well into the next with little time passing between each story. 

What makes this series different and interesting to me is that each book is an individual love story.  We follow an individual member of The Order as the tough warrior is introduced to his eventual mate.  We are introduced to a uniquely strong woman that perfectly matches her mate early in the story and watch as the relationships form.  Each couple is wonderfully unique and entertaining.  Despite the fact that the series is compiled of (currently) 7 love stories – each book is excitingly different from the last.  We get to see glimpses of how the relationships that were formed in earlier stories are progressing and learn how vampires we come to adore finally bonded with their true soul mate.

 Book Review: Kiss of Midnight by Lara Adrian

What a fantastic introduction to the series!  The author does spend some extra time in this book explaining the history of The Breed, The Order and The Rogues.  This time is well spent though since she does not spend countless pages rehashing this information in later stories.   In this story we are introduced to each member of The Order, but our focus is on Lucan Thorne, the compassionate, dedicated, leader of this band of vampires.  Lucan has built his existence around The Order and its mission.  He is the stereotypical “married to his job” male until his job puts him squarely in the path of Gabrielle.

 I really enjoyed everything about this book.  The characters are compelling – you know the plan is for hero and heroine to end up together, but that doesn’t make the story and more predictable or any less enjoyable.  It is a nice change from the adolescent nature of Twilight and House of Night (which I am not knocking because I LOVE those).  These stories are definitely full of adult content without delving into the realm of full blown cheesy romance novel. 

 Book Review: Kiss of Crimson by Lara Adrian

If you are still reading reviews on this series then you were intrigued enough by Kiss of Midnight to at least keep reading this site for more.  Kiss of Crimson continues to follow The Order in their mission to keep the world (both homo sapiens and Breed) safe from Rogues and unknown evils.  While out on a mission Dante stumbles into trouble and finds himself injured and alone inside a Vet clinic in desperate need of medical attention.  Tess, the clinic’s veterinarian, is there working late when Dante sneaks in for supplies.  This is just the start of the whirlwind for both Dante and Tess.  As Dante moves through his daily life he begins to learn that that chance meeting with Tess was so much more, and he begins to discover how their lives have been destined to intertwine.

This is an amazing and compelling continuation of Kiss of Midnight.  While it is not imperative that you read the first book to appreciate this one, it certainly makes this one even more enjoyable.  Personally, I found this story as compelling as the first.  I had my doubts  that Lara Adrian would be able to create characters as  gripping as Lucan and Gabrielle (at least – not without simply retelling that same story with different character names), but she did not disappoint.  I found this story’s tale of destiny heart-warming and engaging without being predictable and cheap.

 Book Review: Midnight Awakening by Lara Adrian

The third book in The Midnight Breed series introduces us to a heroine unlike any of the other women we have met so far.  This woman is full of anger and vengeance.  She is a breedmate that has struck out on her own and working to avenge the loss of her son.  This is also the book that shows us that no warrior is immune to finding that one soul mate that makes him complete.  Tegan and Elise are brought together by a shared understand of what it means to live a life driven by anger and revenge. 

Again, I am struck by the author’s ability to tell a love story and have it be so different from the prior two.  I find myself amazed at how each character finds a love so complete that nothing else matters when it comes to their mate, but without compromising who they are.  Each warrior finds a mate that loves them for who they are and what they do.  I keep waiting for the story that has a warrior leaving The Order to satisfy his mate – and I am truly grateful that that book has not come out yet.  Lara Adrian stays true to her characters while finding them their true compliment, she matches each hero (and heroine) with such a perfect partner that you can’t help but cheer for another happy ending.

Love, GUESTGirl Sarah

The book starts off with a very morose Sookie, but who can blame her after being tortured, physically and mentally? Slowly, and thankfully, Sookie does return to her Sookie self. Just in time really, because all her friends are having family issues and Sookie being Sookie, she is there to help. Oh, and there is a mystery of the new corpse on her land.

Why I like Sookie in this book:

• She says crapanola, which I will probably use very often now.
• She loves Eric and tells him.
• Despite the company, she always offers tea or coke. She could never let Gran think she wasn’t hospitable.
• She is faithful to her family and friends 100%.
• Gradually (and with lots of Sookie spunk) overcomes her emotional and physical scars from the last book.
• Did I mention that she said (more than once mind you) that she loves Eric?
• She doesn’t play nice with bullies, i.e. FBI Agent Lattesta.
• She shows forgiveness (think Dermot.)
• She still babbles when nervous.
• She gives Eric special smiles.
• She eats Little Debbie’s, shouldn’t all heroines?

Why I like Eric in this book:

• He is honorable, for a vamp anyway.
• He loves Sookie and tells her.
• Concerned about the safety and well being of those in his territory.
• Tough and decisive, yet vulnerable when it comes to Sookie.
• His helplessness at the end of the book, shows his vulnerability.
• His house rule, no shoes.
• He calls Sookie, “my lover.” Cheesy, I know. Normally, I would hate this.
• He drives a corvette. Okay, so I really don’t like this. I think it is a trashy car, but it really fits the bill though.
• Did I mention that he tells Sookie he loves her?

Here are some things that I noticed in the book, in no particular order. Jason seems to have majorly matured since the last book, he even gives Pam some blood. Wonder what this will mean in the next book? Talking about blood exchange, there was none going on between Sookie and Eric, hmmm. The whole Alexei thing was creepy, due to his age. CH did explain it well, but I still found it gross. I also found the were political “thing” in congress and Eric’s explanation of vampire territory in the US boring. I can only think this is a set-up for the next book or so. Oh, and I am not sure what to think about Bill and his “sibling.” Finally, finally Sookie address the big question, immortality!

My only question, who was the vampire smelled in Sookie’s woods, and if it was Bill what does that mean? Has he been spying on her?

Overall, I think I expected too much from this book. I mean I really liked it. It was just not the best one in the series (think book 4.) There was not enough Eric/Sookie time, the political stuff was boring, and honestly the plot was a little yawn-ish.

I give this book 4 STACKS

Stacy – who now has to wait another whole year for the next book!

The rest of the story is a nice blend of action and emotional turmoil.  It seems that many in Adam’s pack are not happy about Mercy being able to magically insert herself into the pack bonds, including a jealous female werewolf.  The action comes as they try to dodge the lethal fae looking for the book, and end up in the court of the bad fae Queen.

So my one little bone to pick;  I just wish that the storyline involving Sam and his depression had been … more.  More convincing, more resolved at the end.  I realize this book needed to give Sam a reason to live, since he didn’t win Mercy.  So when it turns out that Phin’s grandmother is a fae woman who Sam knew and rescued from death centuries before, it’s implied that they maybe liked each other but circumstances kept them apart.  And Mercy is hoping that this woman will become Sam’s reason for living?  It seems a little too abrupt, coming at the end of the book.  I wish Samuel had gotten a grand adventure and a grand romance.  Team Sam bitterness, I guess.  Although I do love Adam and am glad that the story delves deeper into their relationship.  *** sigh, swoon ***

All in all, it’s a great story and very entertaining, and I highly recommend it.  I have loved Briggs’ Mercy Thompson stories from the beginning, and I can’t wait for the next installment.

I give it 4.5 STACKS!

STACKGirl Nancy – ugh, I don’t think I can wait a year for the next one…
————
other books in the Mercy Thompson series…

And we totally disagreed on our rating of this book, though we do agree that we can’t wait to read Linger. Hurry-up July 20th!!

In Night Runner we are introduced to Daniel Zachariah Thomson. Both parents dead, no relations and has lived the past 8 years in a mental ward because of his strange allergies. The only people that seem to care for him are Nurse Ophelia and his childhood best friend Charlie who visited once a week. Doesn’t it just break your heart?

Then one fateful night, his whole world comes crashing down. From that night on he is on a whirlwind of self-discovery and survival. Several firsts happen to Zack in the few short days after his escape from Nicholls Ward. He experiences driving, swimming, being chased by the police and other things, betrayal and something that is on the verge of being in love.

This book was pretty good, though I thought it strange that Daniel seemed content living his semi-solitary life at the ward. He had no friends (besides Charlie), never been to school, was allergic to the sun therefore had to sleep during the day and was allergic to almost all foods. What kind of life is that? Then when he did escape he was on the run constantly, not sure where he was going and no one to look after him.

Honestly, my heart bled for Zack most of the book. In the end, the book is about choices, forgiveness and redemption.

random thoughts: Turner does a fantastic job naming his characters in relation to their character traits. Look up their meanings and you will know what I mean, of course after you read the book. And I really like the book cover, who could resist those penetrating eyes?

Yes, there will be a sequel and it will be available September 2010.

I give this book 3.5 STACKS

STACKGirl Stacy, whose next book will be on her diet!

Lament (to me) was mediocre. I never really feel in love with the idea of Luke and Deirdre. I only decided to read Ballad because it just came out and because Maggie is huge now because of Shiver. I was actually worried that I would dislike Ballad more than I did Lament. What a pleasant surprise.

Ballad picks up after James and Deirdre transfer to Thornking-Ash, the music school for the gifted. However, this novel is from James’ perspective. Dee still has a role, but it is much different than what you might expect. She is more like a major character with minor speaking parts.

I loved Nuala (pronounced Noola). As a leanan faire she had a very human side, which makes her more enduring. Good or bad we all have choices to make, and I respect her for her choice, even thought it causes her pain.

James. He was one cool dude. I really dug his character.  He had some great witty one-liners and always true to himself throughout. He too made some decisions, choices that I respected and one in particular that was probably the toughest of his life.

Dee. Yuck. She spent her time pinning over Luke and ended up being duped by the Faire. I hope if there is another book Dee gets the chance to redeem her character.

I give this book 4 STACKS

FYI: Maggie states on her blog that she has lots more stories in mind for this series, however with her announcement of her 4-book deal I am afraid that it may be several years before we see another book.

Neither of us was disappointed, though we both had strong and very different feelings regarding characters and plot.

Listen and judge for your self. Really, just listen. We would love it if you did.

For more information on Lament and Maggie Stiefvater click here. Click on the book jacket to read our written review.

I am happy to say that I took the plunge.

Jessica is a bus riding, farm living, vegan eating, but a closet carnivore, mathlete (yea, I thought that was funny too) and above all a very average high school senior. That all changes the day she meets Lucius Vladescu, a Romanian vampire prince. Jessica scoffs at this and scoffs even more when he tells her that she too is vampire royalty, who has been betrothed to him since birth and that if they don’t marry then a vampire war will start in Romania. Take that senior year!

This book is great on so many levels. First, it has some snappy dialogue. I am a sucker for snappy talk. Second, Jessica is average and by that I mean an average size 10 and not a skinny mini. Thirdly, the banter between Jessica and Lucius actually made me think of the relationship between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, the whole Pride & Prejudice thing. You know I love all things Austen. Fourthly, she had caring and very loving parents who told her everything she needed to know about her past. Matter-of-fact, they probably would have told her about her real parents and family history before meeting Lucius but Jessica never wanted to talk about it. Fifthly, I loved how old school Lucius was. He kept using words like gala, elders and betrothed and he was chivalrous and when he called her by her real name Anatanasia, it made me melt.

In the end, it ended. I thought a bit to abruptly, though. I was left mourning the characters that I had become so attached to. I hate (but secretly love) when that happens.

I give this book 4 STACKS

STACKGirl Stacy, who is now going back on her vampire diet and by that she means a vampire free diet!

In the end I just could not help myself. I ran across this author through facebook, found out she was from Austin and my local library had a copy of the book. I mean, really how could I deny myself? It was as if I were meant to read it.

Well, I am glad I read the book. It is not your normal vampire in hiding, romance type book. These vampires are out and so are the were-creatures. It is also a bit grittier and not so dreamy like. Think more real. Alas, romance lovers there is a romance. Just don’t expect it between a doe-eyed teen girl and a dreamy vampire. It also is replete with a deranged homeless vampire, a crazy uncle, and even crazier vampire chef and a rogue were-person. All this centered around a family restaurant in Austin, TX. What more could one ask for?

Overall, this is a good read.

I give this book 3.5 STACKS

posted by: STACKGirl Stacy, who is now back on her vampire diet!

It has some interesting characters though and certainly some dilemmas but never had me wanting to read until 3:30 in the morning to finish it.  The romance is not as believable as the one between Bella and Edward (yes, I had to compare them.)  I didn’t see the build up and yearning for each other to endure what they did for each other. In fact, I don’t really like either character.

However, I do like Balthazar.  Isn’t it funny that the person I like is the one that is coming between the two “love birds”?  I am filled with so many questions.  Like, where are the feelings toward Bianca from Lucas?  He does what he darn well wants to do even though he knows she is a vamp.  He still goes along with his mother even though he is almost twenty!  Yeesh!  Why did her parents find the secret hideaway but didn’t save her when she was on the bus or in the hotel?  Why didn’t they figure out the relationship between them?

I had to read Stargazer, just hoping that it would redeem Evernight.  Maybe Stargazer was just an “informational” book.  I was wrong.  Stargazer strings along the relationship of Bianca and Lucas with still no needing of the other, although they sneak to see each other.  Again, the only thing I was interested in, and get this, actually flipped ahead to read about was the relationship between Bal and his sister!!  What will become of Bianca after she “joins” the Black Cross Vampire Hunters?  How will the relationship change between her and Lucas, Bal, Raquel, her parents, and that of the Black Cross?  What will her vamp parents and the school do to find her?

Vampires are IN!  I so want to read the next IN book, but these for me are not them.

I give both of these books 3 out of 5 Stacks.

Disappointed STACKGirl, Shannan

FYI: Hourglass comes out March 9, 2010.  There will be only one additional book in this series, titled Afterlife.