Review: Pale Demon by Kim Harrison

Book Blurb: Condemned to death for black magic and shunned, Rachel Morgan has three days to somehow get to the annual witches convention in San Francisco and clear her name. If she fails, the only way she can escape death is to live in the demonic ever after . . . for ever after.

     Banned from the flight lists, Rachel teams up with elven tycoon Trent Kalamack, headed for the West Coast for her own mysterious business. But Rachel isn't the only passanger along for the ride. Can a witch, an elf, a living vampire, and a pixy in one car survive for over 2,300 miles? And that's not counting the assassin on their tail.
     A fearsome demon walks the sunlight, freed after centuries of torment to slay the innocent and devour souls. But his ultimate prey is Rachel Morgan. While the powerful witch with nerves of steel will do whatever it takes to stay alive, even embracing her own demonic nature may not be enough to save her.    

 New York Times bestselling author Kim Harrison was born and raised in the upper Midwest, but has since fled south. When not at work in the Hollows series, she spends her time tending orchids, cooking with some guy in leather, and training her new dog. Her current vices include good chocolate, and exquisite sushi. Her bestselling novels include Dead Witch Walking; The Good, The Bad, and The Undead; Every Which Way But Dead; A Fistful of Charms; For a Few Demons More; The Outlaw Demon Wails; White Witch, Black Curse; and Black Magic Sanction.

My Thoughts:

     I will not put up the video of me doing a happy dance, but I had to stop often to slip into my dancin' shoes! Jenks will forever be my favorite, but that cookie sniffing shoe maker is making a play for my heart! Trent plays a HUGE role in this book, and I say it's about time. He and Rachel have a marvelous chemistry, and their interactions are always my favorites, regardless of the book. To have an entire book of the two of the squaring off against each other, even while working together. Heaven.

     For those of you who have not read this series yet, and are wondering what my fan-girl silliness is all about, I have a challenge for you. Go read the books. What makes them enjoyable is not only the misadventures, the mishaps, misunderstandings and myriad of good-looking men that make Rachel's life crazy, it's Rachel herself. She is the 'everywoman' - who cannot see why her friends see her as special and love her. She looks in the mirror and sees what we all see when we look at ourselves, her own flaws and mistakes. And then she tries like mad to overcome them. Comes to grips with her limits, pushes at them, does her damnedest to what's best and beats herself up when her best doesn't quite do what she hopes, or when she fails to foresee something and things go wrong. Rachel is, in a word, human. And in her rollercoaster of self-doubt and self-discovery, these books full of wonderous fantasy take on an element of reality that balances it all.

Publisher: Eos                                               More Info: goodreads

Release Date: February 22, 2011                 Series: #9 in The Hollows series

This book was read as an e-book ARC from Netgalley.com

Review: Staked by J.F. Lewis

Review by Jax

Book Blurb: Murder is a fact of life for the vampire Eric, owner of the DemonHeart strip club in Void City, but when he kills a werewolf in self-defense, things get wildly out of hand. Though the local Alpha and his pack of born-again lycanthropes are out for holy retribution, they're the least of Eric's worries when he finds himself caught between his girlfriend Tabitha, who has always wanted to be a vampire, and her sexy little sister Rachel, a tantric witch with a hidden agenda.

Why can't unlife be easy? All Eric wants to do is run his club, drink a little blood and be left alone. In his quest to discover who is trying to end him and why, he must survive car crashes, embalming, sunlight, tantric magic, and werewolves on ice as well as his own nasty temper, forgetfulness, and mistakes. More diamond in the sewer than diamond in the rough, Eric is willing to take on the world in Staked, a book where love just might conquer all, even if it is twisted, evil, and undead.

My Thoughts: Ok, Eric...oh, poor Eric. Never date sisters. Ever. I don't care if one of them thought the other was dead! Or that you didn't know that. LMAO. Eric lives his life by one law.

Murphy's.

He's a magnet for trouble: jealous friends causing problems, jealous girlfriends messing with his head, and psychotic vampire daughter. He just wants to be this average guy and live his life. Turns out he has phenomenal cosmic powers and itty bitty memory.

It's a light hearted book, for all Eric's mayhem. It flips from his POV to Tabitha, his newly turned girlfriend. It keeps the story moving, even if I sometimes lose track of who's talking. (I don't always pay attention to the chapter titles. An enjoyable quick read that kept me grinning, if not actually giggling.

Publisher: Pocket Books

Release Date: Reprint edition June 30, 2009

This book was lent to the reviewer by a friend                                                                      

Calling All Smuthounds!!

     Now that I have your attention. :D I need your help. Earlier today I was sharing quotes from a paranormal romance that I was reading ( I finished it) over on Twitter and facebook, and someone on Twitter suggested that I do a post on hot quotes. I liked that idea so here I am, soliciting your help.

     I want you to send me hot quotes, your favorite ones. They can be from any book, any genre, and they don't have to  be sexual in nature. If it strikes you as hot, send it along. Whatever you send, please  include a brief note on why it's hot, what do you find hot about it. Also, I will need the name of the book and the author of the book, plus your name. You can be anonymous if you choose, or give me  your blog name, Twitter name, board name, etc., just something that I can refer to you as besides "hey you". :P

     PLEASE do not post your quotes in the comments, they will be deleted. Email me at baconnors AT gmail DOT com and put "blog quotes" in the subject line. I'd like to have your replies by Friday evening 5:30 PM EST so I can write up the post and publish it on Saturday. *note to self: stock up on ice and cold water*

     Oh, and if you are curious, the book that started this is "Undertow: Building Sanctuary" by the awesome writing team of Moira Rogers (two women writing together under one name).

Adventures at Arisia, part 2 Kelley Armstrong, Laura Anne Gilman & Seanan McGuire

     So when last we met, I had stopped just as Kelley, avangyline and I made plans for dinner. Now, as excited as I was about seeing Kelley and possibly spending time with her, and as awesome as the con panels sounded, Saturday was as much about spending time with avangyline and Just X as it was the other stuff. Hanging with them was first priority. avangyline was all excited and nervous about meeting Kelley. What all that means was, we were perfectly willing to blow off any and all workshops and panels for the chance to hang with one of our favorite authors, Kelley Armstrong.

     I had contacted Kelley previously on the board to ask about the possibility of getting together, thinking maybe a few minutes over a cup of coffee. At book signings and other conventions Kelley has often gotten together after hours with any attending board members and I was hopeful that would hold true for Arisia. She suggested that I catch up to her after one of her panels and we'd work something out. So when avangyline and I approached her and she asked if we had dinner plans, we were both like "Nope! We're free!" :D As I said, we were both willing to blow off any panel in favor of some Kelley time. Hmmm, that sounds a little...needy. :P I had met Kelley before and knew she was a lot of fun; avangyline had not met her. Anyway, we arranged to meet later that afternoon.

     By this time we were hungry but didn't want to pay hotel prices so Just X used his cell phone to find a Dunkin Donuts within walking distance. Once we got there we realized that South Station, which had a food court, was 2 blocks over, so we went there. While we were eating Just X had to head home to tend to the dog but he was back in time for dinner. :)

     After our meal, avangyline and I split up for different panels but agreed to meet and hunt up Kelley for dinner afterwards. (LOL, that makes us sound cannibalistic) We hooked up with Kelley and decided, for simplicity's sake, to eat in the hotel as there were three restaurants on the premises and it was frigging cold outside. (Winter in New England, blargh) The first one we tried was closed for a private party, the next had a wait and the last could take us right away. We ate there but honestly, I don't remember much about the food. Dinner was fun and relaxing; speaking just for myself it was low key, relaxed and comfortable. We chatted, discussed books (not just Kelley's) and of course, discussed writing. avangyline and Just X both write (neither is currently published) and they are part of the writers group on Kelley's board. I enjoyed sitting there, listening to them discuss problems they were having and suggestions for working out those problems, writing processes, etc.Afterwards, we took some pics then avangyline, Just X and I headed for the metro to go home.

     The next day, Sunday, the three of us got a later start to the day. I got there first (taking the easy metro route this time) and attended a very lively panel on sexuality in SF/F which quickly turned into a discussion of erotica and sex in SF/F. Although it wandered off track ocasionally, there was some good discussion. The next workshop was on retelling fairy tales and was a wonderful look at the use of fairy tales in fantasy and sci fi. avangyline arrived towards the end of it and we went to a workshop on writing reviews. The attendance was small but those of us who attended had lots to say and it was fascinating to hear the panelists talk. They were a nice mix of people who review books, movies and tv, all of whom work for a major publisher in their field. They all had different approaches, partly due to professional constraints and partly due to their own personal styles. It was fascinating and gave me lots to think about. You may see some gradual changes in how I do my reviews as I decide what to incorporate and then see what works.
 
     avangyline and I split up after this, she went for coffee and I took my pile of books off to where Kelley was signing books. I was surprised, but pleased,to see that the line was short. Kelley gave a little laugh when she saw me in line and I joked that I just couldn't stay away. As always she was pleasant and we chatted for a few minutes before I moved on so the next person could go. I wandered around the dealer area for a bit and madly texted avangyline to come rescue me before I spent all of my money. Fortunately I was able to hold onto my money until I met up with her again. Just X had arrived by now and we made plans. He went off to watch some trailers for upcoming movies and tv shows and we went to hear Laura Anne Gilman read from her newest book, released just this week.

     As we walked into the signing, we were talking about possibly going to a book release party which was scheduled to start during the reading. We joked about sitting near the door and one of the authors scheduled to read gently ragged on us for planning to duck out. It was a small group in attendance in a small room so there was no sneaking out. :P Gilman also teased about us about planning to escape so we chose seats far away from the door :D Despite having a cold, Gilman did a very nice job of reading and I appreciated the sneak peak at the book. All of the authors did a nice job of reading and we ended up staying for the whole thing.

     By now it was almost eight in the evening and we were starting to drag. However, next on our agenda was the comedy team of Seanan McGuire and Cat Valente. Ok, ok, technically they are authors not a comedy team. However, they are very good friends and when together have a schtick they do; it's a free for all question and answer period, fopr adults only. Here's the description from the program: "

Seanan McGuire Talks With Catherynne Valente — 1hr 15min — Burroughs (3E)

Seanan McGuire and Catherynne M. Valente bring their popular Q & A show to Arisia! It's like "An Evening With Kevin Smith", with twice the fantasy authors and ten times the random literary references. You bring the questions and these authors of fantasy and horror will bring their wit and banter for this off-the-cuff, take-no-prisoners monster of spec fic punk rock snarkapalooza. Warning: will contain adult language, adult concepts, concepts, language, and very odd people. Seanan McGuire, Catherynne M. Valente"

The description did not do it justice. They are two incredibly funny, snarky, smart-mouthed ladies who seemed willing to tackle anything. When avangyline and I walked in, I almost crashed into avangyline as she stopped suddenly upon seeing Kelley Armstrong in the audience. When I saw her, I got all embarrassed and silly. I had joked earlier about "stalking " Kelley at the con but seeing her there made me feel as if we really were! As we stood at the back, trying to hide behind each other, Kelley saw us and gestured for us to some sit with her. Despite our embarrassment, we did. Towards the end of the show, someone asked Seanan and Cat to list their 5 favorite authors. Seanan named Kelley as one. :) I looked at Kelley but her face was unreadable. After Cat and Seanan were done, we said goodbyes again and avangyline, Just X, and I headed out to go home.

    Overall, I really enjoyed Arisia. It had so much to offer, there really was something for everyone. Just X, avangyline and I have tentative plans to go again next year but rent a room together at the hotel so we can fully partake of the offerings. Kelley won't be there but I think we'd have fun anyway.

Adventures at Arisia with Kelley Armstrong Part 1 Saturday

     I enjoy fantasy, and the occasional sci-fi.  I'm a long-time Star Trek fan, I watched it as a very little girl and have watched all of it's incarnations. I started attending SF/F conventions in college, primarily because of my interest in ST. Over the years, I've attended eensy weensy itty bitty ones and lots of medium-sized ones. Arisia is neither of those. It's  huge. It also is near me, in Boston MA in the US so when one of my very favorite authors, Kelley Armstrong, posted that she would be attending as the Guest of Honor, I immediately went to their site. Now, I found their site a nuisance to navigate; it took me several tries and multiple clicks on what looked like the right links to find the information on cost and registration. Now, in my opinion, that is very basic info and should be plainly and clearly posted. I ended up finding it with the help of another Kelley Armstrong board member, avangyline. Now avangyline happens to live in the Boston area also, though we'd never met. We chatted and made tentative plans to get together at the con if we both ended up going. So, last week we spoke and made plans to go on opening night, Friday night. Here in the US, it was a three-day weekend due to the Monday holiday in honor of Martin Luther King Jr's birthday and the con was running from Friday afternoon to Monday afternoon. We ended up going Saturday, not Friday which worked well for me as I wasn't feeling well.

     So, during the week last week, I looked at their site, trying to see what the schedule was, what panels and workshops there were, etc. Again, this information is buried; you click on one link which takes you to another link which takes you to another and eventually you get what you are looking for. Now, the website for the 2011 Arisia is very large and contains a lot of information. Unfortunately, you have to work at finding the information that you want or need. It was kind of like a treasure hunt. Since I have limited computer and internet access, a treasure hunt was NOT what I needed. Nonetheless, I finally found both the schedule and the program descriptions and began plotting what to attend. I found myslef in serious want of quick and easy cloning as just about every time frame had at least two panels or workshops that I wanted to attend; there was one time period where there were FOUR that I wanted to attend **cries**. They also had some workshops that started late at night, at 11PM. That struck me as odd until it occurred to me that the con was being held at a hotel and it was the hotel that they'd arranged for discounts for attendees who stayed there. Then it made perfect sense.

     I didn't attend any of the late night ones, although there were several that I wanted. Although I live within driving distance, I hate driving in Boston. I was going to take public transpo, primarily the metro. Because I was doing public transpo, I had to work within their time constraints.  Then I looked at the site, and compared their driving directions to their metro directions and decided to chance driving. Arisia folks - next time, have a local write up the directions, ok? Please? And it if it was a local who wrote them this year, shoot them ASAP. I naturally made a wrong turn driving in but accidentally found myself at South Station, which I recalled from the directions as being a hop, skip and a jump from the hotel so I parked.

     The site directions said that South Station was within walking distance of the hotel so I activated my cell phone's GPS system. Yeah, that didn't work so well. :P It kept telling me to go to the street that I was already on and when I would walk down that street, the street the hotel was on (if I could just find it!), it would tell me, snarkily, that it was re-calculating my route. I surrendered, went back to South Station, and took the T to the hotel. Sigh. As I was waiting for my train, I looked at the metro map and discovered that my initial plan was in fact the better one. The T directions were a whole lot less complicated than the Arisia site had said and it would have been basically a straight shot for me. Double sigh.

      Eventually I arrived. avangyline and I had been texting each other throughout the morning and we found each other fairly quickly., Her husband, Just X, also a Kelley board member, was there too. avangyline and I squealed and hugged; Just X and I said "hello". :D 

     After the greetings, we sorted out what we wanted to attend. Never a cloning machine around when you need one. :P Just X wandered off and avangyline and I went to a panel on vampires and sexuality. Kelley was on the panel. It wasn't bad but I found myself checking my email during it. Afterwards, we spoke to Kelley and made arrangements to meet for dinner that night. SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hmmm, I have talked way more than I expected and I need to head out so, To Be Continued! :D

Dark Hunter Series Pt. 1

I have always loved reading series. Sci-fi, fantasy, romance - I love being able to follow the life of a character, or find out more about the 'supporting cast' of the books that I read. There are a few series that just jump up and grab me. Several of them will have new books out this year. I'm going to start posting reviews of series, a few books at a time, once a week. In some cases this will lead up to the review of a new release, in others I will hopefully help someone find a new world to delve into.

First up: Dark Hunter series by Sherrilyn Kenyon. I know, not a new series, but it's new for me. I'm starting with Fantasy Lover, even if it doesn't say Dark Hunter on the front. Julian shows up too often to not be in this review. I have not yet read the WHOLE series, but I'm on book 6 and still having fun. The series blends pure fantasy with Greek mythology, in such a way that I actually wait until I'm done with a book before I go look up my myths so see what is what. (That's a good thing. I have been known to put down a book to research the mythology woven into the story. Then forgot that I was reading something.) I do like this series. The characters have issues, the guys are hot, and none of it is meant to be taken seriously. It's a perfect for fun read. Whether your at the beach, or in the tub, or just curled up in your favorite chair, it's a purely pleasurable set of books read to escape real life.

Quick overview: There are Dark Hunters, who have traded their souls to Artemis in exchange for one final act of revenge. They have some extra powers, can live forever if not killed, but cannot be in each other's presence or they weaken. And no sunlight for them. They also take up the task of saving the world from Daimons. Another group of soulless individuals. Only they need to feed off of human souls to stay alive. Unpleasant bunch. Basically, a Dark Hunter's existence is that of a lonely warrior. Good thing most of them were used that that before that whole sell your soul thing. *grin*
Ok, onto the books!

Book Blurb:
Dear Reader,
Being trapped in a bedroom with a woman is a grand thing. Being trapped in hundreds of bedrooms over two thousand years isn't. And being cursed into a book as a love-slave for eternity can ruin even a Spartan warrior's day. As a love-slave, I knew everything about women. How to touch them, how to savor them, and most of all how to pleasure them. But when I was summoned to fulfill Grace Alexander's sexual fantasies, I found the first woman in history who saw me as a man with a tormented past. She, alone, bothered to take me out of the bedroom and into the world. She taught me to love again. But I was not born to know love. I was cursed to walk eternity alone. As a general, I had long ago accepted my sentence. Yet now I have found Grace-the one thing my wounded heart cannot survive without. Sure, love can heal all wounds, but can it break a two thousand year old curse? Julian of Macedon

My Thoughts: Grace Alexander is a skeptic, perfectly balanced by her friend's new age and somewhat bizarre beliefs. Like the notion that the ultimate lover is trapped in a book, just waiting to be called out. That would get a big fake smile and nod from me too.

Some days, it's so fun to be proven wrong.

Julian of Macedonia - an old world general trapped into a book by an angry godling for sleeping with the wrong woman, Julian can only be called out of his prison for a month at a time. By a woman. For the last 2,000 years, he's been summoned countless times to repeat his mistake. Until Grace, who makes him put on some damn clothes and behave like the head on his shoulders is in charge. (Really not sure if I should applaud her, or smack sense into her.)

What kept the book going was Grace's practicality. Not interested in casual sex, Grace pushes him away. (Which is not to say she's not interested in him!) But she can't get rid of him, not for a whole month. Gives them a nice amount of time to learn about each other, with a bit of self discovery tossed in there for good measure.

This was something that made the book for me. When you deal with fantasy, the story needs a bit of reality to balance it, especially the first in a fantasy series. Grace didn't just jump into bed with the gorgeous naked man that magically appeared in her life.She maintained her lovely skeptical self, kept some distance and that let the romance of the tale outshine the curses and Greek gods that help move the story along and make it fun. This book set a nice balance between the two, as well as laying the ground work for the what follows.

Publisher: St. Martin's

Released: February 1, 2002

This book was lent to the reviewer by a friend

Book Blurb: Have you ever wanted to know what it's like to be immortal? To journey through the night stalking the evil that preys on humans? To have unlimited wealth, unlimited power? That is my existence, and it is dark and dangerous. I play hero to thousands, but am known to none. And I love every minute of it.

Or so I thought until one night when I woke up handcuffed to my worst nightmare: a conservative woman in a button-down shirt. Or in Amanda's case, buttoned all the way up to her chin. She's smart, sexy, witty, and wants nothing to do with the paranormal-in other words, me.

My attraction to Amanda Devereaux goes against everything I stand for. Not to mention the last time I fell in love it cost me not only my human life, but also my very soul. Yet every time I look at her, I find myself wanting to try again. Wanting to believe that love and loyalty do exist.

Even more disturbing, I find myself wondering if there's any way a woman like Amanda can love a man whose battle scars run deep, and whose heart was damaged by a betrayal so savage that he's not sure it will ever beat again.

Kyrian of Thrace

My Thoughts:

Ah, our heroine is another glorious unbeliever! (Seriously, if I promise to not believe in magic, myths and make-believe, will someone send me a buff, eternally youthful, nearly naked man with centuries of experience? Please?) Amanda Devereaux grew up in a family of believers, which only made her resist all the more. Unfortunately for her, they were right! And her twin being up to her eyeballs involved with the supernatural world gets Amanda kidnapped.

Our hero, Kyrian is the first Dark Hunter we meet. Aloof, snarky and handcuffed to a woman that compares him to Buffy the Vampire Slayer. In cuffs made by Hephaestus. What a lovely way to start an evening! Which sends them to Julian and Grace's place - Amanda is the little sister of the friend who dropped J's book in G's lap as a birthday present. (Confused? Don't be. Read the books. It'll make sense. Promise. I can get people lost in towns they grew up in.)

This book introduces a bunch of characters that you'll see reappear often, especially Nick. Who is Kyrian's wonderfully sarcastic human Squire. There are as many laughs in it as there are sad tales to tug at the heart. Mr. "Do Me" Gorgeous Man (Amanda's description) is in much need of a woman who loves him, and a family. He was overdue to find one too.

Published: St Martin's

Released: October 13, 2002

This book is owned by the reviewer

Book Blurb: Life is great for me. I have my chicory coffee, my warm beignets, and my best friend on the cell phone. Once the sun goes down, I am the baddest thing prowling the night: I command the elements, and I know no fear. For centuries, I've protected the innocent and watched over the mankind, making sure they are safe in a world where nothing is ever certain. All I want in return is a hot babe in a red dress, who wants nothing more from me then one night.

Instead, I get a runaway Mardi Gras float that tries to turn me into roadkill and a beautiful woman who saves my life but can't remember where she put my pants. Flamboyant and extravagant, Sunshine Runningwolf should be the perfect woman for me. She wants nothing past tonight, no ties, no long-term commitments.
But every time I look at her, I start yearning for dreams that I buried centuries ago. With her unconventional ways and ability to baffle me, Sunshine is the one person I find myself needing. But for me to love her would mean her death. I am cursed never to know peace or happiness-not so long as my enemy waits in the night to destroy us both.
--Talon of the Morrigantes


My Thoughts: I giggled through a lot of Night Pleasures, but I was laughing outright from this book. In a good way! (I know some people just giggle at the ridiculousness of romances, and sometimes I do, but not this one.) Sunshine is spectacularly spacey. Does not have a cordless phone, because she always loses them. Gets lost in her hometown. (Without my crazy directions!) Paints on anything that will stay still long enough. Eats soy cheese. (Sorry to the vegans out there, but not my thing.)

She washes and dries Talon's leather pants. Just the image had me choking on my tea. Poor Talon. Coffee chugging, "where's the junk food?" Talon gets hit by a runaway Mardi Gras float and wakes up lost in Sunnyland. Where his 'savior' is quite frankly discussing his aura, whether he's human, and his *ahem* assets with her mother.

It just gets better from there. There is, of course, also lots of Daimans, deities and danger involved the Sunny and Talon finding their way to happily ever after. Plus new cast members that pave the way for more books.

Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks

Released: July 13, 2006

This book is owned by the reviewer

So this is the first of the Dark Hunter Reviews. There are MANY books in this series, so I will be putting several in each post. See ya' here next week. :)

100 Books in a Year Reading Challenge 2011

     Ok, I mean it this time. :D THIS is the last reading challenge that I'm signing up for in 2011. We're only a week into the new year and I already have 4 books under my belt so I should be able to accomplish this one. Particularly as now and then, I'll take a weekend to blow off everything, and just curl up and read. On those weekends I have read as many as 5 books. So I have a very good chance of actually finishing this challenge, especially as the books I read for my other challenges will count toward this one.

     The nitty gritty details:

It's hosted by Book Chick City, so go there to sign up. You can join anytime between Jan. 1, 2011 and Dec. 31, 2011.

• Rules - Read 100 or more books in 2011

• All books can crossover into other challenges you have on the go.

• Only print books and ebooks count (no audiobooks).

• You can join anytime between now and the later part of next year.

• At the beginning of Jan 2011, I will add a link so you can add your reviews but this is not obligatory.

• You don't have to have a blog to join in - for those without a blog just FILL IN THIS FORM and I will add you to the list - just join the discussion in the comments section to let us know when you've read a book and what you thought of it! :)

• You can also follow each other's progress and chat about the VC books you read on twitter too - just use #100BooksInAYear :)

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Books read:

1) Tempest's Legacy by Nicole Peeler
2) Heart's Sentinel by PJ Schnyder

3) A Safe Harbor by Moira Rogers
4) Counterfeit Magic by Kelley Armstrong
5) The Grinrose Path by Rob Thurman
6) The Radleys by Matt haig
7) I Thought It Was You by Shiloh Walker
8) The Search by Nora Roberts
9) Flesh and Fire by Laura Anne Gilman

Review: The Radleys by Matt Haig

Book Blurb:  Meet the Radleys

Peter, Helen and their teenage children, Clara and Rowan, live in an English town. They are an everyday family, averagely dysfunctional, averagely content. But as their children have yet to find out, the Radleys have a devastating secret

From one of Britain’s finest young novelists comes a razor-sharp unpicking of adulthood and family life. In this moving, thrilling and extraordinary portrait of one unusual family, The Radleys asks what we grow into when we grow up, and explores what we gain – and lose – when we deny our appetites.

My Thoughts: I had a hard time getting into this book, it just didn't capture my attention. I probably would have put it down and moved onto another book if I hadn't agreed to write a review of it. The book isn't awful, though it is a bit dry. The humor is understated, which is fine; subtle can be good. But it felt at times as if there was nothing for me to sink my teeth into. That's not to say that the book is light and fluffy. Just the opposite in fact, it tackles such weighty topics as secrets and lies and the damage they do even when well-intentioned, relationships (familial, romantic and communal), and the consequences, both forseeable and unforseeable, of our decisions. Most books have something that catches my attention - humor, the characters, the storyline, etc. This book...not so much.

     For instance, I never really cared about the characters or what happened to them. I did come close with the teenagers, Rowan Radley and his sister Clara Radley (actually, I kept envisioning teenage Clara as a grown-up version of the 2 year old Clara in my pre-school class :D) I could empathize with their peer trouble. But for the most part, it didn't matter to me what happened.  
    
     I think part of the problem, for me, was that the author tried to tackle too much. In addition to the above mentioned topics, we also have Mr & Mrs Radley's mid-life (so to speak) crisis, and a mystery or two. Stylewise, there are multiple narrative view points. Actually, that last worked reasonably well; there were only a few instances where it was unclear which character was narrating. I know some readers don't like multiple narrators but it usually doesn't bother me and it didn't in this book. However I do think that the lack of focus on one narrator, as well as the broad focus on multiple characters, helped contribute to my inability to connect with the book.

     Overall, for me, this book was "meh".

Publisher:        US: Free Press                     UK: Cannongate Books Ltd.

Release Date: US: December 28, 2010      UK: July 1, 2010

More Info: goodreads

This paperback was received from the publisher for review.