Review: Fire Study by Maria V. Snyder

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PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS FOR THE STUDY SERIES AS FIRE STUDY IS THE THIRD BOOK IN THE SERIES.

Fire Study by Maria V. Snyder (UK cover)

Title: Fire Study (Study #3)
Author: Maria V. Snyder
Genre: Sword and Sorcery, Young Adult
Publisher: Mira (29th February 2012)
Blurb:

THE APPRENTICESHIP IS OVER
NOW THE REAL TEST HAS BEGUN

When word that Yelena is a Soulfinder – able to capture and release souls – spreads like wildfire, people grow uneasy. Already Yelena’s unusual abilities and past have set her apart. As the Council debates Yelena’s fate, she receives a disturbing message: a plot is rising against her homeland, led by a murderous sorcerer she has defeated before.

Honour sets Yelena on a path that will test the limits of her skills, and the hope of reuniting with her beloved spurs her onward. Her journey is fraught with allies and enemies. Yelena will have but one chance to prove herself – and save the land she holds dear.

Rating: ****  (4 stars)
Review:

Fire Study is the third book in the Study Series, and in it we see Yelena finally come to terms with what she is and what that means for her. Like the previous two books in the series, Fire Study is packed with intrigue and adventure. Once started I found it hard to put the book down.

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Bout of Books 7.0

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Bout of Books
The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, May 13th and runs through Sunday, May 19th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 7.0 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. – From the Bout of Books team
Thanks to Kelsey @ Kelsey’s Cuttered Bookshelf for encouraging me to take part in this.

Top Ten Tuesday (18)

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Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. This feature was created because they are particularly fond of lists at The Broke and the Bookish. They’d love to share their lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!

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This weeks Top Ten topic is …

Top Ten Eight Words/Topics That Instantly Make Me Buy/Pick Up A Book

I’m going to list the top eight topics that make me pick up a book, as to be honest there aren’t any words or topics that guarantee that I will buy a book. Even if a book uses a topic that intrigues me, if the blurb doesn’t work for me then I’m not interested.

  1. WEREWOLVES – or well, were-anything. I find how different authors interpert what it means to be a werewolf quite interesting. If you’re interested in some good Young Adult books then I recommend: DEADLY HEMLOCK by Kathleen Peacock and THE BLOODING by Patricia Windsor. If you’re looking for some good Adult books then I recommend: BITTEN by Kelley Armstrong, STRAY by Rachel Vincent, and MOON CALLED by Patricia Briggs.
  2. VAMPIRES – I like vampires for much the same reason that I like werewolves; how an author portrays them is interesting. If you’re interested in some good Young Adult book then I recommend: BLUE BLOODS by Melissa de la Cruz, VAMPIRE HEART by J. B. Calchman, and FALLING TO ASH by Karen Mahoney. If you’re interested in some good Adult books then I recommend: THE INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE by Anne Rice, GUILTY PLEASURES by Laurell K. Hamilton, DEAD UNTIL DARK by Charlaine Harris, and SOME GIRLS BITE by Chloe Neill.
  3. WITCHES – ditto above. How witches are seen in literature can differ vastly, like it can for werewolves and vampires, and I find the different ways they are written quite interesting. If you’re interested in some good Young Adult books then I recommend: THE INITIATION by L. J. Smith, BORN WICKED by Jessica Spotswood. If you’re interested in some good Adult books I recommend: A FISTFUL OF CHARMS by Kim Harrison.
  4. DRAGONS – there’s just something about dragons, whether they speak or not that draws me to them. If a character in a book is a dragon then I am instantly curious. If you’re interested in some Young Adult books then I recommend: EON by Alison Goodman and DEALING WITH DRAGONS by Patricia C. Wrede. If you’re interested in some Adult books then I recommend: DRAGON BOUND by Thea Harrison and TEMERAIRE by Naomi Novik.
  5. THE FAIR FOLK – faeries in all their different guises, be they pookas, goblins, or anything really can make some really interesting characters. I like the way that certain authors take the folk/fairy tales and twist them and re-imagine them. If you’re interested in some Young Adult books then I recommend: WICKED LOVELY by Melissa Marr, WONDROUS STRANGE by Lesley Livingston, THE IRON KING by Julie Kagawa, and IRONSIDE by Holly Black. If you’re interested in some Adult books then I recommend: A KISS OF SHADOWS by Laurell K. Hamilton.
  6. KNIGHTS – I like the idea of chivalry. I especially like it when writers include both male and female knights, and honestly I wish there were more books like that. If you’re interested in a Young Adult book then I recommend: ALANNA: THE FIRST ADVENTURE by Tamora Pierce.
  7. MAGIC – this is going to sound quite broad, but if a book even hints that there might be magic involved I’m curious. Magic can be such a game changer. If you’re interested in Young Adult books then I recommend: FLEABAG AND THE RING FIRE by Beth Webb, HOWL’S MOVING CASTLE by Diana Wynne-Jones, HARRY POTTER AND THE PHILOSOPHER’S STONE by J. K. Rowling, and SABRIEL by Garth Nix.  If you’re interested in Adult books then I recommend: DAUGHTER OF THE BLOOD by Anne Bishop, PAWN OF PROPHECY by David Eddings, and THE MAGICIAN’S GUILD by Trudi Canavan.
  8. SCHOOL – this might sound odd, but having never been to one I find the concept of boarding schools to be quite interesting. It seems like a completely new world, especially American High School. If you’re interested in Young Adult books then I recommend: NIGHT SCHOOL by C. J. Daugherty, GOING VINTAGE by Lindsey Leavitt, PUSHING THE LIMITS by Katie McGarry, and ANNA AND THE FRENCH KISS by Stephanie Perkins.

What topics make you pick up a book to find out more? Let me know in the comments below, or link back to your Top Ten post so I can see what makes your list.

Review: Eona by Alison Goodman

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PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS FOR THE EON SERIES AS EONA IS THE FINAL BOOK IN THE DUOLOGY.

Eona by Alison Goodman

Title: Eona (Eon #2)
Author: Alison Goodman
Genre: Sword and Sorcery, Young Adult
Publisher: FIREBIRD (29th March 2012)
Blurb:

Once she was Eon, a girl disguised as a boy, risking her life for the chance to become a Dragoneye apprentice . .  .

Now she is Eona, the Mirror Dragoneye, her country’s savior – but she has an even more dangerous secret. She cannot control her power. Each time she tries, she opens herself to the ten spirit dragons whose Dragoneyes were murdered, and her ability twists into a killing force. Worse, more destruction is on her tail, for she and her friends are on the rune from High Lord Sethon’s army. They must find Kygo, the young Pearl Emperor, who needs Eona’s power if he is to wrest back his throne. But to help, she must drive a bargain with an old enemy, which could obliterate them all. Eona, with its pulse-pounding drama, unforgettable fight scenes – and many surprises – brings to a close an epic story.

Rating: *** (3 stars)
Review:

Eona brings to a conclusion the story started in Eon, where a girl disguises herself as a boy for the chance to become a Dragoneye. Eon had everything I love in a good sword and sorcery fantasy, so I was really looking forward to reading Eona. However, Eona didn’t quite live up to my expectations.

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Sunday Post (1) and In My Mailbox (22)

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The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer.  It was inspired in part by the In My Mailbox meme. It’s a chance to share News. A post to recap the past week, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up for the week on our blog.
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What happened on The Flutterby Room this week?

What’s going on at The Flutterby Room next week?

  • 29th April – review of Eona by Alison Goodman
  • 3rd May – review of Fire Study by Maria V. Snyder

Any new books?

Well, technically these aren’t new books as they arrived last week BUT as I already had plenty of books for my In My Mailbox post, I thought I would post these this week.

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In My Mailbox is hosted by The Story Siren, it is a weekly meme where people record what books they received that week.

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Sooo this week I got…

  • The Secret of Ella and Micha (The Secret #1) by Jessica Sorensen [Goodreads]
  • With All My Soul (Soul Screamers #7) by Rachel Vincent [Goodreads]
  • Walking Disaster (Beautiful #2) by Jamie McGuire  [Goodreads]

I’ve heard good things about The Secret of Ella and Micha on several blogs, so I thought I’d give it a try. I’ve also finally caught up with the Soul Screamers series, and I’m curious about how things will end. I’m looking forward to seeing how Rachel Vincent will end things in With All My Soul. I read and enjoyed Beautiful Disaster, so when I heard there was a sequel I was curious – so I got Walking Disaster.

That’s it from me this week. Hopefully there will be more than two posts on The Flutterby Room this week, but I’m not willing to make promises I might not keep. Let me know in the comments what you got this week and what happened on your blog and I will try and reply.

See you next week.

Review: Frost Burned by Patricia Briggs

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PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS FOR THE MERCY THOMPSON SERIES AS FROST BURNED IS THE SEVENTH BOOK IN THAT SERIES.

Frost Burned by Patricia Briggs (UK edition)

Title: Frost Burned (Mercy Thompson novel, 7)
Author: Patricia Briggs
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Publisher: Orbit (5th March 2013)
Blurb:

MECHANIC. SHAPESHIFTER. FIGHTER.

Now that she’s the mate of Alpha werewolf Adam, Mercy Thompson’s life finally seems to be calming down – but not for long. After a traffic accident, Mercy suddenly can’t reach Adam or the rest of the pack. All she knows is that Adam is angry and in pain.

If Adam’s disappearance has anything to do with the werewolves’ fight for public acceptance, it means the entire pack is in serious danger. Outclassed and on her own, Mercy will have to seek help from an unlikely ally – no matter how grave the consequences.

Rating: **** (4 stars)
Review:

Patricia Briggs’s Mercy Thompson Novels is one of my favourite urban fantasy series, so when the seventh book was published I snapped it up. One of the things I most enjoy about the Mercy Thompson Novels is the way Briggs uses humour: Mercy (or, to use her full name, Mercedes) is a Volkswagen mechanic. That just makes me smile.

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Review: Amarok by Angela J. Townsend

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Amarok by Angela J. Townsend

Title: Amarok
Author: Angela J. Townsend
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Young Adult
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press (20th November 2012)
Blurb:

Emma’s life has been hell since she moved from sunny California to a remote Alaskan town. Abandoned by her father and living with the guilt caused by her mother’s death, she makes a desperate dash for freedom from her abusive stepfather. But when her car skids off the icy road, her planned escape leads to further captivity in a world beyond her imagining.

Dragged across the tundra by an evil mountain man and his enormous black wolf, she learns that love can be found in the most unexpected places. Amarok, as she’s nicknamed the wolf, is a young man from the gold-rush era enslaved by an ancient shaman. Emma’s gentle touch and kind heart win his love and devotion.

When a vicious madman – trapped in bear form by the same Shaman – attacks the travelers and injures Amarok, Emma must find the strength to face her fears and free the wolf she’s come to love. But that means she must face down the evil shaman, a Siberian mammoth hunter from the ice age, and he has no intention of giving up his power to her.

Rating: ** (2 stars)
Review:

I first heard of Amarok through the Waiting on Wednesday meme, and I thought that the cover looked amazing and the blurb sounded interesting and like there was a lot of potential for the story. It’s a pity that the book didn’t live up to my expectations.

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In My Mailbox (21)

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In My Mailbox is hosted by The Story Siren, it is a weekly meme where people record what books they received that week. As I don’t receive books every week, I do the meme as and when I can.

This weeks books are because I spent Monday (15th April) in London to go to The London Book Fair, and on the way I home I “just happened” to drop by Foyles and pick up some books. This was the first time I had ever gone to TLBF and it was an interesting experience. Definitely more of an event to go to if you’re an aspiring author or illustrator, which was pretty much what I thought. Does anyone know of a similar event in the UK that is hopefully more fan/blogger orientated? If not, any thoughts on why not? I would love to know your thoughts.

Anyway, to continue this post on its original subject…

Thanks Mum & Dad for a great day, and some brilliant books.

  • Varmints (Part One) by Helen Ward & Marc Craste [Goodreads]

This is the last book I picked up in Foyles. I’d already paid for the others and was on my way out. I saw this and fell in love. Beautiful picture books are a guilty pleasure of mine 😉

  • Red Shed bag which I picked up at TLBF13 from the Egmont stand, along with a guide and map, my badge, a book with some future Electic Monkey publications, and a publicity flier.

  • Debutantes by Cora Harrison [Goodreads]
  • Angel Dust by Sarah Mussi (signed) [Goodreads]
  • Natural Born Angel (Immortal City #2) by Scott Speer [Goodreads]
  • The Raven Boys (The Raven Cycle #1) by Maggie Stiefvater [Goodreads]
  • Everneath (Everneath #1) by Brodi Ashton [Goodreads]
  • A Witch Alone (Winter Trilogy #3) by Ruth Warburton [Goodreads]
  • Demon Eyes (Witch Eyes #2) by Scott Tracey [Goodreads]
  • The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making (Fairyland #1) by Catherynne M. Valente [Goodreads]

This was a BIG haul for me. It was a lot of fun hauling it from Foyles to the train station, but at least it proves I really wanted them. I’ve wanted to read all of them for a while. I even promised Sarah Mussi that I would read her book when it came out – sorry! It’s on my shelf now.

Recently I’ve been taking part in IMM every week, but I’ve not really been happy. I totally understand Kristi is a bit busy at the moment, which is totally understandable and reasonable given the situation. But the IMM meme no longer seems to be happening in a timely fashion. So I’ve deciding to change. I will still be taking part in IMM when I have books, but from next week to cover the weeks when I don’t have books but still want to post I’m going to start taking part in Kimba the “Caffeinated Book Reviewer”‘s The Sunday Post. If you what to find out more, or take part yourself you can find more info here.

So that was what’s in my mailbox this week. Leave a comment and let me know what’s in yours.

Review: Written in Red by Anne Bishop

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Written in Red by Anne Bishop

Title: Written in Red (A Novel of The Others, 1)
Author: Anne Bishop
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Publisher: ROC (5th March 2013)
Blurb:

No one creates realms like New York Times bestselling author Anne Bishop. Now, in a thrilling new fantasy series, enter a world inhabited by the Others, unearthly entities – vampires and shape-shifers among them – who rule the earth and whose prey are humans.

As a cassandra sangue, or blood prophet, Meg Corbyn can see the future when her skin is cut – a gift that feels more like a curse. Meg’s Controller keeps her enslaved so he can have full access to her visions. But when she escapes, the only safe place Meg can hide is at the Lakeside Courtyard – a business district operated by the Others.

Shape-shifter Simon Wolfgard is reluctant to hire the stranger who inquires about the Human Liaison job. First, he senses she’s keeping a secret, and second, she doesn’t smell like human prey. Yet a stronger instinct propels him to give Meg the job. And when he learns the truth about Meg and that she’s wanted by the government, he’ll have to decide whether she’s worth the fight between humans and Others that will surely follow.

Rating: **** (4 stars)
Review:

Having read Anne Bishop’s The Black Jewels series and loved the first books, but been left pretty ambivalent about the later ones, and read her The Tir Alainn Trilogy and thought it was okay when I heard the first whispers of Written in Red I was intrigued. Once I read the blurb I knew I wanted to read to read the book, and I was not disappointed.

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Review: Dragon Bound by Thea Harrison

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Dragon Bound by Thea Harrison

Title: Dragon Bound (A Novel of the Elder Races, 1)
Author: Thea Harrison
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Piatkus (3rd May 2012)
Source:  Lucy @ Moonlight Gleam’s
Blurb:

The first novel of the elders races begins a groundbreaking paranormal romance series from a talented new voice in the realm of dragons, faeries, danger and desire.

Half-human and half-Wyr, Pia Giovanni spent her life keeping a low profile among the Wyrkind and avoiding the continuing conflict between them and their Dark Fae enemies. But after being blackmailed into stealing a coin from the hoard of a dragon, Pia finds herself targeted by one of the most powerful – and passionate – of the Elder races.

Feared and respected among the Wyrkind, Dragos Cuelebre cannot believe someone had the audacity to steal from him, much less succeed. And when he catches the thief, Dragos spares her life, claiming her as his own to further explore the desire they’ve ignited in each other. Pia knows she must repay Dragos for her trespass, but refuses to become his slave – although she cannot deny wanting him, body and soul . . .

Rating: **** (4 stars)
Review:

Dragon Bound is the first book in the Elder Races series, and what a first book it is. Harrison starts things with a real bang. Dragon Bound is very definitely a book – and a series – aimed at an adult audience, and one I really enjoyed reading.

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