Review: Black Wings by Christina Henry

Book Blurb:

As an Agent of Death, Madeline Black is responsible for escorting the souls of the dearly departed to the afterlife. It's a 24/7 job with a lousy benefits package.

Maddy's position may come with magical powers and an impressive wingspan, but it doesn't pay the bills. And then there are her infuriating boss, tenant woes, and a cranky, popcorn-loving gargoyle to contend with.

Things start looking up, though, when tall, dark, and handsome Gabriel Angeloscuro agrees to rent the empty apartment in Maddy's building. It's probably just a coincidence that as soon as he moves in demons appear on the front lawn. But when an unholy monster is unleashed upon the streets of Chicago, Maddy discovers powers she never knew she possessed. Powers linked to a family legacy of tarnished halos.

Powers that place her directly between the light of Heaven and the fires of Hell...

My Thoughts:  This is the first in a new series, and although definitely an urban fantasy, it's roots are in Christian mythology. It uses stories that are not are an official part of the bible, though they have been around just as long, and tweaks them. That caught my eye, and my interest, right off the bat.

The story starts off fast and never lets up the pace. In short order Maddy has a new mysterious tenant (though, for me, the name was a dead giveaway), her job goes awry, other Agents of Death start dying themselves when it's not their time, and Maddy comes up against her mother's murderer. Before she knows it, she's neck deep in mysteries and plots both old and new, finds herself attracted to her tenant Gabriel (who I keep wanting to call Gabe), and discovers powers hidden within her. She also discovers her father and his somewhat dysfunctional family. Interspersed with all this, she finds herself having visions that she comes to realize are actually seeings of past events.

Although a lot is going on, Henry doesn't forget about the character development. I particularly liked when she had Maddy realize that however chaotic things were, she really needed to slow down and look, really look, at what's happening instead of just jumping from one crisis to the next. Too often, that's what the lead character in urban fantasies (and other genres) do and it gets old very quickly. I also liked that Maddy wasn't quick to trust Gabriel despite her attraction to him. She realizes that something is not right with him and pursues that before pursuing him. Maddy is no shrinking violet, she has backbone in spades, yet is also compassionate and likable.

I was less thrilled with the obstacles thrown up in the path of the possible relationship between Maddy and Gabriel, though Maddy's newfound fiance is one of those obnoxious guys you enjoy not liking. He thinks he's better than she is but he's just starting to see what she's really made of. The other obstacle, though it follows from what Henry has already established, still felt a bit fake to me.

I got a bit confused at times, and occasionally had to go back and reread sections but overall I really enjoyed this book and am ready for the next one to come out.

Publisher: Ace

Release Date: November 30, 2010

The book was provided by the author in paperback form. This review originally appeared at Book Lovers Inc.

Review: Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

Review by Jax
Book Blurb:

In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees . . . .

Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what that is, though, isn't easy.
Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place—and out of place at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side.
As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make—between honesty and deceit, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?
Unearthly is a moving tale of love and fate, and the struggle between following the rules and following your heart.


My Review:
Do you believe in Divine Intervention? Clara Gardner does. But then she's part angel looking to fulfill her purpose. Just as soon as she figures out what it is. Visions from God should come with a manual.

At 16, how many people know what they are supposed to do with their life? Clara handles the notion of having her fate decided incredibly well.Until her heart takes her in another direction. Will she become one of the sorrow filled Black Wings? Or is it possible that destiny is not as immutable as one might believe?

I love books that leave you with deep questions, ones that make you think about the nature of life, as well entertain. This book did that. It also leaves plenty of room for sequel, which I do hope is fated to come out quickly.

Publisher: Harperteen

Release Date: January 4th, 2011

The reviewer received this book as an eARC from NetGalley.

Aphrodite: A Memoir of the Senses

Review by Jax

Book Blurb: In Aphrodite, the internationally acclaimed writer Isabel Allende brings her magical storytelling powers to a highly personal and charmingly idiosyncratic look at the intertwined sensual arts of food and love. Blending personal reminiscence with folklore from around the world, historical legends, and memorably moments from literature - erotic and otherwise - Allende spices her narrative with equal portions of humor and insight.

Assembling a feast of fascinating facts about the aphrodisiac powers of food and drink, Allende serves them up with both convincing admiration and due irreverence. She offers suggestions, both ancient and modern, for luring a lover, kindling sexual ardor, prolonging the act of love, and reviving flagging virility. Dipping into the cauldron of history, she reports on the lascivious appetites of everyone from the emperor Nero to Catherine the Great to France's notorious Madame du Barry.

A personal ode to the pleasures of food and sex, Aphrodite celebrates the sensual life with joy and imagination. Allende's exuberance, storytelling powers and naughty sense of fun make this memoir an irresistible treat for the senses.





Back of Nude, painting by William Merritt Chase,

 just one of many beautful pieces to be found



My thoughts: this book isn't just a memoir of the senses, it's a delight to them. I could wax poetic about the prose in this book, but it's hard to add to the blurb! It is a magnificent read, Allende's own tale well seasoned with quotes from poems, stories, plays, novels and erotica. I love the way she describes not just the foods, but the settings - a glorious reminder that setting the mood means as much as serving the meal. In reading this book, I was reminded to savor more than the flavor of what is offered. In everyday life, it is so easy to simply go through the mechanics of eating. Usually on the go. Allende encourages you to truly partake of what's offered. The house slowly filling with mouthwatering scents. The careful preparation and presentation of the meal. The slow unveiling of the dishes. It's not just the ingredients that act as an aphrodisiac, it's the process. And she shares that so well. 

Aphrodite is also a cornucopia of art from the world over. It's like having an art gallery in your hands. If that isn't enough, there are these darling nymphs and satyrs that dance through the pages - sketches contributed to the feast by her friend Robert Shekter.

And lest you think this book is all talk - there are fabulous recipes to try at the end. So gather a group of your most daring friends and see what the evening brings!

Publisher: HarperCollins

Release Date: March 24, 1998

This book is owned by the reviewer.



Review: Lady Cottington's Pressed Fairy Book by Terry Jones

Review by Jax

Book Blurb: This perennial bestseller never loses its charm. It really happened-a hoax perpetrated by two girls who claimed to have photographed actual "fairies"; among the people caught up in the popular hysteria were Arthur Conan Doyle (who fell for it) and Harry Houdini (who did not). This remarkable parody, written by a former member of the Monty Python troupe, takes a riotously witty, visually extraordinary, and wildly original look at what went on. In every respect, this "handwritten diary" captures the look of the age-though the fairies, it is true, do sometimes have a more malevolent aspect than one might expect...
A fresh-and funny-take on the true story that inspired two movies.

My Thoughts:  I was gifted this book YEARS ago, and it became an instant favorite. It's written by Terry Jones of Monty Python and Brian Froud, who's art inspired the movies Labyrinth and Dark Crystal.  

It is the facsimile of Lady Angelica Cottington's Journal - complete not with pretty flower pressings, but of fairies. It tells us the triumphs of a young girl who can now prove her stuffy Nanna how wrong she was. But is smart enough not to do so.

Fairies, being the mischievous and delightfully naughty creatures they are, tease and torment the dear girl throughout her life. (Speaking of naughty, there is even a section of pressings "sealed for the protection of the innocent." Don't worry, the seal slides off easily enough.) Nowhere is sacred. There's a reason she began bringing her pressed fairy book to church!

This book is whimsical, and morbid. It is dark and silly. To me, it has what makes fairy tales, true fairy tales, compelling and fun. Tricks, treats, rhymes and riddles - it's all there. 

Publisher: Sterling

Release Date: September 2, 2004

This book is owned by the reviewer.  

Welcome New Reviewer!

     Please welcome Jax, from Tangled Yarns. She will be filling in for me while I am computerless. I have known Jax for several years, she's a good friend of mine. Despite being a very busy lady, she has agreed to post some reviews here while I shop for a new laptop and sort out my internet connection issues.

     Jax is a a student, a mother, a wife, a knitter, a blogger, a reader, a writer, a woman of many talents. She will post one to two times a week, mostly reviews but she may also post some book news or other book topics too.

     Thank you Jax for helping me out, and I hope you all will enjoy reading her posts. :)

Bea

Winners! And an update

1. WOW! The response to the Spooktacular giveaway was amazing. There were over 130 people entered and many people had more than one entry. I hope you all had fun discovering new blogs (including this one!) and that you will keep coming back and reading.

The winners for the giveaway are yllektra and Courtney. I've sent them an email and am waiting on their replies.

It was very interesting to see what scared people. Some fears were very tangible ie spiders, aliens, etc while others were less tangible but no less terrifying ie losing a loved one. One did make me laugh but then, I'm easily amused. :P The one that made me laugh said they were afraid of axes. Now that's not really all that funny, except....I mod on two author discussion boards and my mod weapon is an axe. So, if that person were on my board, all I'd have to do is threaten them with my axe to them to behave. :D Yes, I'm a little weird.

Anyway, thanks for entering and I hope to see you again. :)

On that note, here's an update on my computer situation. I'm on a computer at the town library right now. In a little while, I'm taking my laptop to a store to be looked at. Depending on the estimate, I'll get it fixed. The store I'm taking it to usually keeps computers for about a week. What is really frustrating for me, is that not only do I lack internet access without my laptop, but all of my ebooks  are unavailable too. Currently, all of my books to be reviewed are ebooks so I'm way behind now. I have been reading some paper-and-ink books that I bought for my own use and I may be able to write and post reviews for a couple of those in the meantime.

So, thanks for your patience. I should see you soon. - Bea

Review: Tarnished Knight by Shiloh Walker

Book Blurb: The mind forgets, but the body remembers. Everything.

Grimm’s Circle, Book 4

One look at Jack Wallace and Perci knows he’s going to be trouble. Even surrounded by soul stealers, he’s a one-man wrecking crew. What does he need Grimm training for? He’s already hell on earth, a warrior bent on destruction. And something…more.

He’s too strong and fast to be a mere mortal. Even covered in blood, he makes her forget she’s only here to do a job and get out. It’s twisted. Sick. She hasn’t felt this alive in three centuries.

Born with a natural talent for killing unnatural things, Jack has always known things he shouldn’t. The fact that Perci is one of them glows all over her. Giving him an unholy urge to see just how far he can push her before don’t touch me melts into touch me there.

When they come together, it isn’t careful or cautious. It’s heaven and hell, exposing all their raw and wounded places to healing heat, resurrecting memories of a destined love from the distant past. But the evil that destroyed them once before has tracked them here, threatening their second and last chance at forever. Demanding a sacrifice no one—Grimm or human—should ever be asked to make…

Warning: Dark, sexy, a little bit scary—this fairy tale is only for grownups and is best saved for bedtime.


***Warning: Mild Spoilers Below***


My Thoughts:  Ok, first a confession. Prior to reading this book, I had read only one book by Ms. Walker. Actually, I tried to read a book, Through the Veil, but I couldn't even finish it. A friend had recommended it so I got it from my library and once I started it, had zero interest in it. Then some acquaintances at Goodreads suggested the Grimm series and when I looked it up, it sounded right up my alley. Then, last week, when I was logged into Twitter, Ms Walker tweeted that she was looking for some people to review Tarnished Knight, provided that they could read it and get the review up before it's release tomorrow, the 26th. (Yes, I know, I squeaked in under the wire). I eagerly responded and to my surprise I was one of the reviewers that she picked. I was surprised because my blog is so new, so small, and not at all well known. Still, I was very happy.

      I'm still happy. I really enjoyed this book. Walker has taken Grimm's fairy tales, updated them, and given them her own spin. I've always loved fairy tales, and I'm a sucker for a well-done update. Many readers don't realize or have forgotten that the original fairy tales were not in the least "child friendly" as we in this century would define it. They were bloody, gory, sometimes erotic tales that were usually meant as cautionary tales. Ms Walker has kept that spirit.

     The Grimm are supernatural beings,who fight demons and who, some of them anyway, were humans in  a prior life. Walker takes a fairy tale, tweaks it, and brings those characters into her world, making them Grimm. For this book she has used Rapunzel, or more accurately, an older lesser known version, called Persinette. I wasn't familiar with it but it has commonalities with some versions of Rapunzel that I've read.

     Perci, AKA Persinette survived her fairy tale, as did her husband, and they became Grimm. They did not, however, get an HEA. Enter Jack, who is not  Grimm but who has some of their abilities and is aware of their existence. Perci is emotionally broken and her pain feels very real. She is smart, sexy, and strong in some ways while weak in others. Jack is also not emotionally whole. Together, sparks fly but they connect emotionally as well as sexually. The story is sexy and fast paced, the characters well-written and believable. I hadn't read the preceding stories which was not a problem; Ms Walker does a very nice job of keeping it a stand alone story while smoothly working in series details and background without doing the dreaded info dump.

I enjoyed this story very much and will be adding the others to my TBR pile.

Publisher: Samhain


Release Date: 10/26/2010


This book was received as a PDF from the author.

Bea

MIA for a while

Unfortunately, my laptop has developed problems and I am unable to use it. My computer access, as well as internet access, is utterly dependent on my local library. They have almost a dozen computers with internet access available to the public. However, they are not, of course, open 24 hours, 7 days week, and the computers have a one-hour time limit. So, barring one post that I had previously written and have set to publish this coming Monday, the 25th, and a review that I hope I can get written and posted this weekend by stalking the library computers, there will be no new posts until I get my laptop fixed. I don't know when that will be.

I am having some withdrawal anxiety; I have become amazing connected, and dependent on, my computer and the internet. Thank goodness I have some net access via my cell, or I'd be utterly insane by now. (No comments from the peanut gallery :P)

My apologies to you all and I will try to be back soon. The one advantage? I'm getting more reading done. :)

Bea