The Perilous Gard

This is something I read at the beginning of March. It takes a historical setting in the time of Queen Mary and Princess Elizabeth, then throws in the fairy folk. How does a literal young woman deal with a turn of strange events? Elizabeth Marie Pope delivers an amazing story one that Blue would like very much if she got around to reading it yet.

Brown

Eolyn

Eolyn by Karin Rita Gastreich was an amazing read.

I like to predict how a story will go as I begin reading it and at first I had some pretty predictions, that then happily were off. Karin Gastreich took a fantasy story and gave it fresh life. Eolyn is wonderfully human, so we can all relate to her. She's stubborn, willful, hopeful, and loves life. Her adventure was so realistic to me that I really loved to not be able to guess the ending.

Here's a link to her blog about Eolyn and its upcoming companion novel due out next year.

Brown

Crimson Crown

I've been looking forward to the last book in this series for a long time. I had to wait months to get one of the libraries two copies.

It is amazing to see how Cinda Williams Chima's writing has changed over this series. I kept being wowed by it. Also, how the plot logically builds on itself appropriately according to the personalities of the characters. I loved it.

I just loved this book, it will definitely be going in my home library as soon as I have a permanent base of residence.

I love Raisa and Mellony's relationship and how Mellony isn't just the bratty little sister. I love how Raisa tried to have a relationship with her. That's how I feel about mine and Blue's relationship. It's something we worked on to be friends. A lot of people don't understand that you can be friends with your family.

I will say Raisa is my favorite character, but you'll have to read the book to find out why.

Brown

Skulduggery Pleasant: Dark Days

Brown called (waking me up, which is just about possible at any time of day), and insisted I read Skulduggery Pleasant. Once I was conscious enough, I logged onto my library's website and requested it. As Brown said, it's quirky and funny. It's also the first of what is to be a nine part series.

Just one problem.  The series isn't finished yet. My library had through the fifth book (Mortal Coil), but Dark Days is where I stopped reading. 1) Safety issues. It ends on a fairly safe note (which is more than I can say for #3, The Faceless Ones), and I am satisfied to perch there until I can gather all nine volumes around me and devour them. I don't want to be driven insane waiting for the next few years. 2) I think #1 is sufficient.

Dark Days is a thoroughly good book. I read it, picked up the fifth book, put down the fifth book, and re-read it. And then re-read my favorite bits all over again.

I love the characters, their wit and banter, and how Landy delves deeper into their psyche. I found out just how much it hurt to laugh with a broken sternum because of these books.


Blue

A Curse Dark as Gold

Elizabeth C. Bunce's A Curse Dark as Gold takes on the Rumpelstiltskin tale in a new way. 

Charlotte, our heroine and eldest of two recently orphaned girls, inherits a mill that may be cursed. but she scoffs at the curse, at the idea of the curse, and tries to carry on with determination and hard work.

Bunce's characters are well developed, but some of them, quite often Charlotte, do things that made me want to reach in and strangle them. There's only so many times weird and bizarre things can happen and a character can ignore them.

But the book isn't bad. Rumpelstiltskin is perhaps my favorite fairytale, if only for the many opportunities to fracture it so thoroughly. The Rumpelstiltskin character is presented not without compassion, and it's not Charlotte's firstborn he's asking for. And Charlotte's love interest (husband) is not a stupid, greedy king.

Good job, Bunce, it was a fun read.



Blue

A fun, quirky, mystery with magic, hidden worlds, and obviously skeletons. This book was thoughtful, funny and intelligent. I enjoyed reading this. The characters were believable and complex. Their sarcastic humor made me happy and made me giggle. Sorry I'm not giving more information about this book, but I want you to approach as I did, with no prior knowledge. So go read it.

Brown

This is the fourth book in the famous Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan. This book revived my interest in the series. It may sound negative, but it is true. I liked the first one, the second was okay, but after I read the third one I said 'that is enough of that series'. Then Goodreads stepped in.

So I picked up the fourth book. And it might have helped that my husband is a huge fan of the series. I was skeptical as it started in the White Tower. I'll admit it. I don't like the Aes Sedai. I like Elayne, Nyneave, and sometimes Egwene and Moiraine. But all the rest I don't like. I had forgotten that Min had been sent as a messenger their and I was pissed when she got pressed/forced into staying after delivering that message. Not a good way to start the book.

But I kept plodding. And half way through the book the story lines diverge as people go their own way. And then things got really interesting. Bad guys showed up and they weren't exactly determined to destroy everyone that particular moment. That gave the villains flavor and a dash of reality. Especially when the villains also made mistakes.

I don't want to give spoilers away to those who are interested in reading this series, so while Jordan's writing can be Tolkienesk, his characters have blossomed and become beautiful and I want to read the next book.

Brown