T5W - Characters I Want to Cosplay #AllHallowWeek

Cosplay is a really cool expression of fandom. I dream of doing it for real, but today I'm sharing my dream with you. If I could cosplay any five characters, I would choose these. Enjoy!

Review - Burn for Me by Ilona Andrews #AllHallowsWeek

 

Series: Hidden Legacy #1
Genre: Paranormal
Age Group: Adult
Mass Market PB -400 pgs
Source: Scribd Audiobook
Published - October 2014

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Rating: 3/5

Nevada Baylor is faced with the most challenging case of her detective career—a suicide mission to bring in a suspect in a volatile case. Nevada isn’t sure she has the chops. Her quarry is a Prime, the highest rank of magic user, who can set anyone and anything on fire.

Then she’s kidnapped by Connor “Mad” Rogan—a darkly tempting billionaire with equally devastating powers. Torn between wanting to run or surrender to their overwhelming attraction, Nevada must join forces with Rogan to stay alive.

Rogan’s after the same target, so he needs Nevada. But she’s getting under his skin, making him care about someone other than himself for a change. And, as Rogan has learned, love can be as perilous as death, especially in the magic world.

When I say mixed bad, I mean it for this book. There were things I really enjoyed like our narrator Nevada. She is a strong female character who has really interesting magic. The Houston in this world has a fascinating political dynamic and the origins of magic are interesting too. 

However, I had quite a few issues with this book as well. The pacing is a little slow and the story takes a while to get started. I think this was accentuated because I was listening to the audiobook. The villain is a little flat too. He wasn't very complex and I wanted more explanation about why he was doing what he was doing. 

Most of my issues were with the male lead of this book. First of all, there was a consent problem. "Mad" Rogan continues to pressure Nevada for a romantic/sexual relationship with Nevada after she rebuffs him. He is aggressive and ignores her boundaries which was very frustrating. My other issues were more about how Rogan was written instead of him. His interest in Nevada seems to develop overnight. He is nice to her and he works with her, but things go from vague to intense very quickly. It was such a quick pivot that I didn't buy into it. 

I also didn't believe his anti-hero personality. Even though Curran (the romantic lead in Kate Daniels) is an asshole, I believed he wore a mask in public from the very beginning. I didn't believe this with Rogan. He was too much of an asshole too often. Overall, he was very frustrating. I expected to like him and I did not connect with him. He had some redeeming qualities, but the constant asshole behavior overshadowed everything.

Since the entire trilogy is already published, I am interested in Nevada and the world enough to keep reading.

My Last Review: Iron and Magic by Ilona Andrews

Top Seven Spooky Books I Forget to Recommend (but are amazing)

As always at this time of year, I'm recommending spooky books and spooky media, but I know there are books I overlook because I'm recommending the ones that come to me immediately. Today for Top Ten Tuesday I wanted to talk about a few I forget to mention most of the time either because I talk about the same author or I read it a while back.

The Strange Case of the Alchemist's Daughter by Theodora Goss - Though I posted a review for this book over the weekend, I've forgotten to recommend it to many people over the course of October. It is creepy and has just the right vibe for the fall season

Mercy Thompson: Hopcross Jilly by by Patricia Briggs,  Rik Hoskin (Artist), Tom Garcia (Artist) - The art style in this graphic novel isn't my favorite. The story, however, is scary! It freaked me out. You could read this without the context of the Mercy Thompson series but it would help. 

Friends with Boys by Faith Erin Hicks - I often forget about this cute little story. It isn't exactly creepy, but it has a few elements of the supernatural involved. Super cute art too.

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater - I talk about The Raven Cycle all the time, but I forget to mention this lovely little creepy story too. Not creepy, it just has unsettling elements. I love this book and am hoping to start a reread on Thursday on the first!

 

Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout - This book gets dismissed a lot because it is a paranormal romance story, but it holds a special place in my heart. I love Katy and Deamon. Their banter is hilarious and the two of them make a great team. 

Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake - Everyone knows the Three Dark Crowns series by now, but this was my first venture into Blake's stories. Just like a few others on this list it is creepy and unsettling and contains the perfect blend of paranormal elements. 

The Magpie Lord by KJ Charles - This adult M/M romance is extra creepy. The magic system is sinister and the bad guys are willing to do some gruesome stuff. I often forget how creepy this is because I think of it as romance.

Review: Iron and Magic by Ilona Andrews #AllHallowsWeek

Series: The Iron Covenant #1

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Age Group: Adult 
Hardcover - 406 pgs
Source: Borrowed then Purchased

Published - June 2018
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Rating: 4/5 

Hugh d’Ambray, Preceptor of the Iron Dogs, Warlord of the Builder of Towers, served only one man. Now his immortal, nearly omnipotent master has cast him aside. Hugh is a shadow of the warrior he was, but when he learns that the Iron Dogs, soldiers who would follow him anywhere, are being hunted down and murdered, he must make a choice: to fade away or to be the leader he was born to be. Hugh knows he must carve a new place for himself and his people, but they have no money, no shelter, and no food, and the necromancers are coming. Fast. 

Elara Harper is a creature who should not exist. Her enemies call her Abomination; her people call her White Lady. Tasked with their protection, she's trapped between the magical heavyweights about to collide and plunge the state of Kentucky into a war that humans have no power to stop. Desperate to shield her people and their simple way of life, she would accept help from the devil himself—and Hugh d’Ambray might qualify. 

Hugh needs a base, Elara needs soldiers. Both are infamous for betraying their allies, so how can they create a believable alliance to meet the challenge of their enemies? 

As the prophet says: “It is better to marry than to burn.” Hugh and Elara may do both. 

Upon starting this book I wasn't convinced I could be won over to like Hugh let alone root for him. He is vile in the Kate Daniels Series and, even though he was a great foil for Kate, wanted him out of the books for good. Once again though, the Andrews have done what I thought was impossible. They won me over with Hugh story and his actions in this book. He does real penance for his actions and Andrews' came up with a very interesting twist to show he isn't the same person he was while working for Roland. It was clever.

Hugh still isn't an angel. He and Elera both have their issues, but their relationship is very interesting and they play on the same level. They are both powerful and are leaders in their own right. They bicker and remind each other of their faults OFTEN. Personally while I enjoyed the sexual tension, it still felt a little over the top. I would have preferred more plot tension rather than so much sexual tension especially since the sexual tension was resolved so quickly.

Even so, the world building and back stories of both characters are well done.  I really enjoyed the twists and turns we went on throughout the book. I really enjoyed all the references to the Kate Daniels Series. I'm really glad I read this before the final book in that series. It gave me a few hints as to what was coming in that final book.

My Last Review: Silver Borne by Patricia Briggs

Reading Vlog: Costume Party & Maggie Stiefvater Signing #allhallowsweek

Last week on Monday I randomly decided to start a reading vlog since I was reading a bunch of different things. I knew I wouldn't finish them all by the end of the month so I wanted to capture some of my feelings about them in the moment. So often by the time I do a wrap up at the end of the month, I've forgotten some of my immediate feelings about the books I read. Anyway I also had an exciting week since I was planning to go to a costume party and go to a local book event. One of my favorite authors, Maggie Stiefvater, was coming to my area for Celebrate the Book which is a local library event. I was so excited, but I forgot to film a lot of the event because there was so much happening. In the end it was a fun and productive reading week!

Review: Silver Borne by Patricia Briggs #AllHallowsWeek

Series: Mercy Thompson #5

Genre: Urban Fantasy 
Age Group: Adult
Hardcover - 342pgs
Source: Purchased (used)
Published - March 2010
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Rating: 3.5/5

TW: Mentions of past rape, mentions of child abuse, mentions of torture, attempted suicide, discussion of suicide. 

Mercy Thompson, car mechanic and shapeshifter, never knows what the day - or night - may bring in a world where "witches, vampires, werewolves, and shapeshifters live beside ordinary people" (Booklist). But she is about to learn that while some secrets are dangerous whose who seek them are just plain deadly...

Mercy is smart enough to realize that when it comes to the magical fae, the less you know, the better. But you can't always get what you want. When she attempts to return a powerful fae she previously borrowed in an act of desperation, she finds the bookstore locked up and closed down.


It seems the book contains secrets - and the fae will do just about anything to keep it out of the wrong hands. And if that doesn't take enough of Mercy's attention, her friend Samuel is struggling with his wolf side - leaving Mercy to cover for him lest his own father declare Samuel's life forfeit.

Another Mercy Thompson book, another time Mercy gets herself in a heap of trouble. Even though I know this book in the series was important, I've forgotten most of the details. What I do remember is appreciating Mercy's strength as a character. Already in this series she's been through a lot and even though the trauma is over, it is never forgotten. Briggs continues to show how Mercy's assault impacts her life and relationships.  She helps people constantly throughout the series and this is one more time it gets her in over her head.

In this volume there is even more world building and details about the mysterious fae. We learn even more about Mercy's werewolf family and Mercy herself. Adam is, as always, supportive and protective of Mercy which I continue to appreciate. I missed Stephan in this installment though. Even so, there's nothing to quibble about in this book and I remember enjoying it. This book just didn't stick with me as much as some of the others have.

My Last Review: The Strange Case of the Alchemist Daughter

Review - The Strange Case of the Alchemist's Daughter by Theodora Goss #AllHallowsWeek

Series: Extraordinary Adventures of the Athena Club #1

Genre: Historical Fiction/Fantasy

Age Group: YA/Adult 

Hardcover - 402

Source: Purchased

Published - June 2017 

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Rating: 4/5

Mary Jekyll, alone and penniless following her parents’ death, is curious about the secrets of her father’s mysterious past. One clue in particular hints that Edward Hyde, her father’s former friend and a murderer, may be nearby, and there is a reward for information leading to his capture…a reward that would solve all of her immediate financial woes.

But her hunt leads her to Hyde’s daughter, Diana, a feral child left to be raised by nuns. With the assistance of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, Mary continues her search for the elusive Hyde, and soon befriends more women, all of whom have been created through terrifying experimentation: Beatrice Rappaccini, Catherin Moreau, and Justine Frankenstein.

When their investigations lead them to the discovery of a secret society of immoral and power-crazed scientists, the horrors of their past return. Now it is up to the monsters to finally triumph over the monstrous.

Though I have a few quibbles with this book, overall I really enjoyed it and will definitely be reading book two. These ladies find one another and protect themselves while the world tries to tear them apart. They are all different and have their own strengths. I really enjoyed how they fell in together and became a found family. Their arguments are in the vein of sibling disagreements rather than "cat fights." The dynamic between all of them is quite refreshing. There are girls using reasoning and science to solve crimes with other girls so of course I loved this! 

Onto my issues: 

First of all the pacing in this book doesn't fit. The last third of the book felt like a drawn out conclusion. The story was disjointed and several elements could've been reorganized to help alleviate this problem. For example, one of the girls' origin stories happened after what I considered the climax of the novel. This didn't fit after the events and would've created more suspense before the scene with the most drama. Th

I think there were a few word choices that, while they fit with the time period, could have been left out in modern times. There is a specific passage where Cat refers to America and Australia having "savages" that didn't add anything to the story. 

My last complaint was the choice to use the asides between our main characters in the text. The extra dialogue between characters was amusing and gave us a glimpse into what might be coming in more books so I did like the idea. However, in practice these extra conversations stripped all the tension out of the story! The girls are talking about this adventure in the past tense. They've all survived! It took some of the wind out of my sails when 
I realized this. 

My Last Review ⇒ The Language of Thorns by Leigh Bardugo

Finally Fall Book Tag (2018) #AllHallowsWeek

Two tags in one week! I wasn't planning on posting these back to back, but sometimes things happen and the video you planned doesn't turn out well. This tag is a really fun one. I love making this tag and the Fall Time Cozy Time Tag each year. The two of them have fun questions!

Review - The Wicked Deep by Shea Ernshaw

Series: Standalone

Genre: Paranormal

Age Group: Young Adult

Hardcover - 308 pgs

Source: Purchased 

Published - March 2018

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Rating: 3/5

Where, two centuries ago, three sisters were sentenced to death for witchery. Stones were tied to their ankles and they were drowned in the deep waters surrounding the town.

Now, for a brief time each summer, the sisters return, stealing the bodies of three weak-hearted girls so that they may seek their revenge, luring boys into the harbor and pulling them under.

Like many locals, seventeen-year-old Penny Talbot has accepted the fate of the town. But this year, on the eve of the sisters’ return, a boy named Bo Carter arrives; unaware of the danger he has just stumbled into.

Mistrust and lies spread quickly through the salty, rain-soaked streets. The townspeople turn against one another. Penny and Bo suspect each other of hiding secrets. And death comes swiftly to those who cannot resist the call of the sisters. 

What do you do when a book set in June has the perfect vibe for October? You recommend it to people in October of course! The Wicked Deep is a wicked mix of rainy coastal towns and 200 year old curses. It is a fun read to help with the witchy feel of this time of year.

The best part of this book for me was the atmosphere. Ernshaw did an incredible job of putting me in the town of Sparrow and on the island with Penny. I could see this book playing out as a movie in my mind. I read it on the beach in mid-July with sun shining down on me, but in my mind I was on the west coast shivering in the damp rain. The first half of the book was perfect in its set up and feel for me. I was sold when I heard this described as a mix of Practical Magic and Hocus Pocus. The first half of the book was that for me. I did question if magic was real like in Practical Magic and the three sisters that return to haunt the town felt a lot like Hocus Pocus.

Though the scenery was great, the plot was lacking. Especially in the second half of the book, a lot of the reveals were predictable. There wasn't much tension and the romance didn't compel me to keep reading even though it was a big part of the story. For a book that I had such high hopes for the execution really disappointed me. (Obviously I don't want to spoil the end, but if you've read this I'd love to discuss the end with you.) To me all the elements were there, but they didn't meld together well.

Throughout the book there were flashbacks to the three sisters who's deaths caused the curse. I really enjoyed these chapters and I wanted to read more from them. In the end their story was the really compelling one and I would have been interested to see a whole book about their lives. 

Overall several parts of this book were really good while others were just ok. I had a really hard time deciding on a rating for this since I wanted to love it so much. In the end I think coming down right in the middle at three starts is the way to go.

Halloweeny Comic & Graphic Novel Recommendations

Thanks to Hoopla and my amazing library, I've picked up quite a few graphic novels and comic book series over the years. I've been reading a lot of comics this month in particular, since I seem to have an obsession with Batman this year, and I wanted to read more superhero stories before Halloween. To me, Halloween isn't just witches and ghosts I also think about fantasy, mystery, and superheros. Anything that could inspire a Halloween costume is in my wheelhouse as we approach the 31st!

These are just a few recommendations based on my perusal through comics over the past few years. the first three Nimona, Zita the Spacegirl and Lumberjanes are all relatively light-hearted and fun reads. The second row, featuring Monstress and a couple of those before-mentioned Batman comics, would be in the adult realm. So depending on what you are looking for this fall, I have a few bases covered!

 

 

Review - The Language of Thorns by Leigh Bardugo #AllHallowsWeek

Series: Standalone Collection

Genre: Fantasy

Age Group: Young Adult

Hardcover - 281 pgs

Source: Purchased

Published - September 2017

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Rating: 4.5/5

Travel to a world of dark bargains struck by moonlight, of haunted towns and hungry woods, of talking beasts and gingerbread golems, where a young mermaid's voice can summon deadly storms and where a river might do a lovestruck boy's bidding but only for a terrible price.

Inspired by myth, fairy tale, and folklore, #1 New York Times–bestselling author Leigh Bardugo has crafted a deliciously atmospheric collection of short stories filled with betrayals, revenge, sacrifice, and love.

Perfect for new readers and dedicated fans, these tales will transport you to lands both familiar and strange—to a fully realized world of dangerous magic that millions have visited through the novels of the Grishaverse.

This short story collection is fantastic. Not only are the stories beautiful and dark, the illustrations throughout add life to each page. If you are familiar with Jan Brett, the illustrations remind me of the side bars to her stories. This collection can be enjoyed by Grishaverse fans or by anyone who enjoys fairytales. If you've read Bardugo's series you may enjoy these stories a little more, but they stand alone without her works.

My favorite part of these stories is you can see what sparked the story, whether that be a story or a fairytale from the real world, but Bardugo twisted and shaped it into something totally different than the original. The stories are unique, dark and twisty which I found fascinating and they felt like true childhood stories. Each felt like it had a warning or a lesson like true fairytales were meant to.

I really enjoyed each story and would love to read more if Bardugo ever puts together another collection.

My Last Review --> The Wicked Deep by Shea Ernshaw

Media for Your Autumnal/Spooky Mood

Fall is the time of year I want to listen and watch things. Over the summer months I consistently drop my favorite shows and youtube channels in favor of time outside or plans with friends. Then in the fall I'm ready to snuggle up on the couch to read or watch something that spooks me a little bit! If you are looking specifically for Spooky Audiobooks, check out my post with my recommendations!

ASMR Rooms - These are actually less spooky and more atmospheric. I never thought I would enjoy ASMR. It gives me chills most of the time, but this channel has amazing videos that relax me. Most of them are Harry Potter themed and very relaxing. I play them at work when I'm alone in the office or at home when I'm trying to wind down for bed. A few weeks ago I even played them while I was sick and they put me right to sleep. The two I've listed seem especially appropriate for this time of year. One is the creator reading the Halloween chapter from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone and the other is a rain storm in Hagrid hut.

 

Spooky Shows: I really enjoy ghost hunting shows and they are fun to watch this time of year. For me they deliver just the right amount of spooky and scary without stepping into the horror genre. I also like the bits about the history of the place they are investigating. Right now there are a few I've been watching. Ghost Adventuers is a lot of DUDE and Bro but I find them amusing. Most Haunted scares me out of my skin a little bit. 

  

Buzzfeed Unsolved: This could fall under the ghost show category, but it is too silly compared to the others. This is on the light side of spooky. Buzzfeed has a series where two guys wander through a "haunted" property. One is a believer and one is a skeptic. Fun to watch and I giggle even though there is some spooky stuff involved.

Podcasts!

Haunted Places: In this Podcast the narrator walks the listener through different haunted locations. In many of the episodes the narrator covers legends and events that happened in the locations as well as the stories of the people who lived there. The narration is quite scary and some of the content is disturbing Personally, I enjoy this podcast, but I recognize it may not be for everyone. I suggest selecting your episodes with caution.

Saw Bones: A husband and wife talk about historical medical topics. This is not really a spooky recommendation, but it always feels appropriate at this time of year. They cover many different people, diseases, and medical practices from history.

Stuff You Missed in History: This podcast is good any time of year. I tend to binge it for a few weeks then save up episodes for a while. Two women discuss a topic from history that you probably didn't learn in school. This podcasts covers a lot of different topics, but they have a focus on women's history, people of color throughout history, and LGBT+ history. 

  

There you have a few recommendations for media that will fit the #FallMood

Review - Hunting Prince Dracula by Kerri Maniscalco

Series: Stalking Jack the Ripper #2

Genre: Historical Fiction/Mystery

Age Group: Young Adult

Hardcover - 434 pgs

Source: Purchased

Published- September 2017

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Rating: 4/5

Following the grief and horror of her discovery of Jack the Ripper's true identity, Audrey Rose Wadsworth has no choice but to flee London and its memories. Together with the arrogant yet charming Thomas Cresswell, she journeys to the dark heart of Romania, home to one of Europe's best schools of forensic medicine...and to another notorious killer, Vlad the Impaler, whose thirst for blood became legend.

But her life's dream is soon tainted by blood-soaked discoveries in the halls of the school's forbidding castle, and Audrey Rose is compelled to investigate the strangely familiar murders. What she finds brings all her terrifying fears to life once again.

The first installment of this series was fantastic and I think this one measures up quite well.  Personally I find Jack the Ripper more appealing and interesting than Dracula so book one appealed to me a little more, but the books are both interesting and well written.

Our two main characters, Audrey Rose and Thomas, continue on their journey. Their dynamic is a lot of fun to follow and I enjoy their banter very much.I love each of them especially Audrey Rose and her fierce independence. Her anxiety of being trapped by her father or a future husband is written so well and her desire to be an equal in any relationship is extremely relatable.

The only issue I had with this book was it’s repetitive nature. Throughout the book there were times when the characters had the same conversations or went through the same motions several times before anything new was discovered. Even so, I enjoyed the mystery and the setting of Dracula’s castle was quite creepy. The atmosphere of these books is perfect for fall and Halloween. I’m excited to read the third book soon so I can enjoy it during the spooky season.

A+ to Maniscalco for avoiding a love triangle. I hope this continues. Though Audrey Rose is unsure about her feelings about Thomas, she doesn’t spend time pining over him or turn to another boy. She is busy with her life goals and solving a mystery! Plus Thomas isn’t jealous or controlling when Audrey Rose engages with the boys in their class. He is fabulous and I adore him even though he can be petulant at times.

An excellent second installment and I’m anxious for book three.

Magic Triumphs by Kate Daniels 

Review: Magic Triumphs by Ilona Andrews #AllHallowsWeek

Series: Kate Daniels #10 (Final) 

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Age Group: Adult

Hardcover: 336 pgs

Source: Purchased

Published: August 2018

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Rating: 4.5/5

Kate has come a long way from her origins as a loner taking care of paranormal problems in post-Shift Atlanta. She's made friends and enemies. She's found love and started a family with Curran Lennart, the former Beast Lord. But her magic is too strong for the power players of the world to let her be.

Kate and her father, Roland, currently have an uneasy truce, but when he starts testing her defenses again, she knows that sooner or later, a confrontation is inevitable. The Witch Oracle has begun seeing visions of blood, fire, and human bones. And when a mysterious box is delivered to Kate's doorstep, a threat of war from the ancient enemy who nearly destroyed her family, she knows their time is up.

Kate Daniels sees no other choice but to combine forces with the unlikeliest of allies. She knows betrayal is inevitable. She knows she may not survive the coming battle. But she has to try.

For her child.

For Atlanta.

For the world.

The first time I read Magic Bites I had no idea this series would become one of my favorites and spark a search for Urban Fantasy with as intriguing characters. I have had conversations with my IRL friends about these characters and their motivations. It has been a book series that I’ve reread and enjoy each installment. I love it dearly and I was not ready for it to end. So, I put off reading the final book for a month.

In the end I was happy I didn’t keep putting it off. The series finale was very satisfying. I enjoyed the conclusion of the story. Most the characters we met throughout the series had a piece of the story and each one had an ending. I feel like Kate’s story was wrapped up nicely while we still have plenty of world to explore and other character stories to dive into. I’m hoping there will be more in this world eventually!

The conclusion was more than I anticipated and took the series in a different direction I was expecting. Even though Iron and Magic gave me hints as to who the ending would involve, I was surprised throughout the book by the solutions Kate and her crew came up with. Overall, the only part of the book I was unsatisfied with was the epilogue. It felt out of character for both of characters involved. I know they used the epilogue to keep the future open, but I wasn’t happy with it.

One of my favorite parts of this series has been Kate’s journey as a person. She is a completely different women from book one based on her experiences. She’s learned a lot and made a lot of difficult choices throughout the series. I am very happy with where her story arc ended. It was excellent. She and Curran are the best and their relationship has grown and changed over the series. 

I’m just gushing now and it’s time for me to end this review before I give too much away. I hope if you’ve read this series you enjoyed the conclusion as much as I did. I’d love to hear all your thoughts!

Paranormal Series I Want to Read