The SERIES experiment!

I really want to dig in my nails and commit myself to this blog...it seems like it's easy to forget about and that things always seem to get in the way of my next post, so I'm trying this little experiment.

I have probably read THOUSANDS of books in my lifetime, and with a touch of OCD, I usually have to keep going with a series until it gets so horrendous, I have to stop for my sanity (ahem, Laurell K Hamilton).

So here goes my latest genius idea.  I'm going to take time, once a week, to review a series I'm still stuck on.  I'd love to hear some feedback, and maybe find something new to tickle my fancy.

WoW - Dragon's Oath

The first in an enthralling new mini-series of novellas from the #1 bestselling authors of the House of Night, Dragon’s Oath tells the story behind the House of Night’s formidable fencing instructor – the love that will transform him, and the promise that will haunt him

In early 19th century England, long before he’s a professor at the Tulsa House of Night, Bryan Lankford is a troublesome yet talented human teen who thinks he can get away with anything… until his father, a wealthy nobleman, has finally had enough, and banishes him to America. When Bryan is Marked on the docks and given the choice between the London House of Night and the dragon-prowed ship to America, he chooses the Dragon – and a brand new fate.

Becoming a Fledgling may be exciting, but it opens a door to a dangerous world.... In 1830’s St. Louis, the Gateway to the West, Dragon Lankford becomes a Sword Master, and soon realizes there are both frightening challenges and beautiful perks. Like Anastasia, the captivating young Professor of Spells and Rituals at the Tower Grove House of Night, who really should have nothing to do with a fledgling…

But when a dark power threatens, Dragon is caught in its focus. Though his uncanny fighting skills make him a powerful fledgling, is he strong enough to ward off evil, while protecting Anastasia as well? Will his choices save her—or destroy them all? 

Ohhhhh, sounds good to me!!  I always love books that take the time to go in depth on characters you'd like to know more about.  I've got to say, Dragon is one of those characters for me!!

Patiently waiting...



Book Blogger Hop - Just in time for EASTER

Blog Hop is hosted by Crazy for Books.

 

The question this week is:

 "If you find a book you love, do you hunt down other books by the same author?"

 

 

Answer: Heck yes!  Many of the authors I read have more than one series going on at once.  Because of this, I get recommendation for even more books that are similar to those I'm enjoying. 

 

I will say, sometimes I feel an author can continue publishing books that no longer have that same something that reeled me in and then I give up, and start with someone new.

Review - Dead Beautiful

Dead Beautiful by Yvonne Woon.

I have been depressed for a few months.  I received an email that my neighborhood Borders was closing and found myself in a slump.  I felt like it was the end of books altogether.  Even with the new Kindle, Nook and E-Readers, I find there is nothing better than buying another book to fill in my bookshelf, not to mention, laying in the tub with the latest steamy romance without the worry of electrocution. 

I am devastated that they closed, but out of the ashes...came discount books.  Now, I have two serious problems.  Those problems, are books and sales.  Now, imagine my pleasure finding out that all of my beautiful books would be on sale.  Somebody hand me a Valium.  YAYAAYYA!   Let's just say, by the time they closed, the staff knew me by name as I had visited twice a week for the last five they were in business.

When Borders was going out of business, I tackled old ladies and children for first grab at authors I knew well, attempting to complete collections and get my hands on a few I had been waiting for at the library.  After the novelty of that wore off, I returned as the store selection became more and more picked over, still choosing books in genres I like, hoping to come across something good. 

Dead Beautiful by Yvonne Woon.

I admit, I liked the cover so I added it to the stack.

I was pleasantly surprised.  Although I rolled my eyes after seeing yet ANOTHER YA book surrounding parents dying, moving in with a rich, unknown relative and attending a private school (yeah like I haven't heard that before), I certainly liked the take on supernatural events.

I found myself guessing the entire book and really enjoyed the twist at the end.  I don't think Ms. Woon is planning a sequel and I applaud her for that.  I'm so sick of authors wringing a book dry for it's royalties. 

Thanks for a solid book that had a conclusion.  I enjoyed!

WHERE HAVE I BEEN?

I know, I know.  I am a FAILURE when it comes to blogging.  In my defense, I've been without a computer since last year, relying solely on my phone for access to FB and my email!

So, I shall update you on my latest adventures...

I recently came back from a road trip with my BFF Straylights, where we drove almost six hours in the snow to FANGIRL Kim Harrison, whom I love very dearly.  :-)

We arrived early on release day to purchase our copies of Pale Demon (The Hollows, Book 9) and interrogate the bookstore staff for details; When should we arrive, how many people would be there, what's Kim really like?  SWOON.

Finally, we decided to leave Schuler Books & Music at a about eleven, go to our hotel, get a nap in (I was sooooo sick) and be fresh faced to meet our hero, Kim Harrison. 

There were tons of people who showed up, but we got a seat in the fourth row...close enough for me to take some pretty awesome pictures that I will upload shortly. 

Kim read from Pale Demon (awesome) and then proceeded to take pictures and sign for us.  I got to thank her personally for being my favorite author as well as tell her I got to read Pale Demon in November!  She was just as nice as I had hoped!

Seriously, this trip rocked, and I got to share it with my LOVER, who convinced me to go home with 10, count em', 10 new books.  Lord have mercy.  I'm really going to have to get going with this blogging thing!

Sorry for the long pause followers, I hope to be the proud owner of a functioning computer in NO time!

Review - Awakened

Exonerated by the Vampyre High Council and returned to her position of High Priestess at Tulsa’s House of Night, Neferet has sworn vengeance on Zoey.  Dominion over Kalona is only one of the weapons she plans to use against Z.  But Zoey has found sanctuary on the Isle of Skye and is being groomed by Queen Sgiach to take over for her there.  Being Queen would be cool, wouldn’t it?  Why should she return to Tulsa? After losing her human consort, Heath, she will never be the same – and her relationship with her super-hot-warrior, Stark, may never be the same either…

And what about Stevie Rae and Rephaim?  The Raven Mocker refuses to be used against Stevie Rae, but what choice does he have when no one in the entire world, including Zoey, would be okay with their relationship?  Does he betray his father or his heart?

In the pulse-pounding 8th book in the bestselling House of Night series, how far will the bonds of friendship stretch and how strong are the ties that bind one girl’s heart?
P. C. Cast, thank you.

You are the only thing that got me through a four hour plane ride to Vegas.  My BFF Straylights, certainly wasn't very supportive of my fear.  She's lucky I love her and let her borrow this on the way back.  I'm a quick reader, and it was done halfway home. 

I've got to say...I'm starting to not like Zoey very much, and she's kind of free with the love!  Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying I didn't like the book, but I feel the characters are changing and I'm becoming a bigger Stevie-Rae fan then I ever thought possible!

Some MAJOR changes occurred in this book and I've got to say, good job to the author for not being afraid to cut out some characters dramatically.  It makes me think you're a little crazy, and I like crazy .  :-)

All in all, I approve.  Bring on the next one!!!

Review - Last Sacrifice

Okay, so I feel like it's been FOREVER since I'm blogged and upon doing this review...I realized it HAS been forever!  Sorry I've been MIA, the holidays just stole me away from you!

So, Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead is the last lucky puppy I've gotten my hands on.  I loveeeeeee Ms. Mead's Succubus series so I started reading these also. 

I felt the book did a fantastic job of tying up loose ends and thoroughly explaining the way the story progressed.  I loved that Lissa became a bit more independent and was separate from Rose this book.  It showed what kind of person she can be. 

The ending was somewhat what I expected, but I would have liked to see it end just a LITTLE differently, I definitely don't want to give anything away...but for those of you who read it...I think you follow my meaning.

I heard there is going to be a spin-off.  I hope they don't ruin anything by trying to reintroduce a certain character as a love interest to someone else if you get me.