Journey With A God

 

Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

My Review: 5 out of 5 stars

My Review on Goodreads

I am a Silvia Moreno-Garcia stan and I've only read two of her books. I will be grabbing more as soon as I can.

And can we get more fantasy books set in the 1920s-1930s please? And about non-European folklore/mythology/traditions? Set in Mexico? If you have been wanting read a book based on Meso-American mythology, than pick this up.

Casiopea is treated like unpaid servant by her mother's family. Her grandfather is ailing after a very long life, and her cousin is a spoiled rich boy who gets whatever he wants. She dreams of escaping and having an exciting life, but it's unlikely she'll ever get that chance. One day she opens a box in her grandfather's room and frees the imprisoned Maya god of death. They are bound together through her lifeforce, so she is obligated to help him regain his throne from the brother who stole it away. Casiopea is about to have the adventure she longed for.

This was like nothing I've read before. It's so lyrical and is rich with magical realism. Moreno-Garcia is a wordsmith. She writes such beautiful descriptions that immerse the reader in the world she has crafted through her books. The descriptions of the Maya underworld as vivid and as frightening as they are luscious. The sights and sounds of Mexico through the voracious eyes of Casiopea and the humorous insight of a thousands of years old god in the at the time modern world. And of course the luxurious clothing and decorations of the 1920s (Art Deco, Jazz Age) work together to make this book a feast for the sense.

I really enjoyed reading this. It feels like a longer fairy tale story which I find so appealing. Casiopea has the strong, enduring nature and the childlike belief of a fairy tale heroine. But she's also spunky and sassy and meets challenges heads on. Hun-Kamé's arrogance and godly presumptions don't stand a chance against her. No wonder he falls for her, even though what future do they have together?

I really enjoyed the experience of reading this book. It showcases the strong talent that Silvia Moreno-Garcia has. I love how she infuses the Latin-American cultures in her books and brings that underlooked perspective into speculative fiction.

Check Out My Goodreads Profile!

Safe Haven

Night's Honor by Thea Harrison

My Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

My Review on Goodreads

I am conflicted about this book. It was good, but not on the level with the others in the series for me. I get that it was an intro into the vampire world so that Julian's book could be next. But compared to the other books, it's definitely weaker. Does that mean I didn't like it? No. I did like it. Thea Harrison can't write a bad book.

She writes a compelling story. No doubt. She put a lot of time into worldbuilding and explaining the way the Nightkind demesnes works. We knew a little about it from Caris' book Serpent's Kiss, and from tidbits in other books, but we are invited in with this book. Some aspects reminded of Mercy Thompson and how she writes about vampires. They form their own little demesnes, where a powerful vampire has humans that he feeds from but also gives a longer life to. They pledge a certain amount of time to the vampire and can leave when they want (if I remember correctly). They actually have to interview for it, because there are only so many slots, and being a vampire attendant, can confer healing, strength and long life to the person who agrees to the relationship. Of course, there are many rules and being part of a vampire's household is quite a commitment. Tess auditions to join Xavier's household out of desperation. She's actually repulsed by vampires and doesn't do a good job of hiding it. But she is fleeing a deadly foe, so being in a vampire household will confer protection onto her. Xavier picks up on her fear (he's a predator after all), but he's also intrigued with her, and Xavier has a softspot for vulnerable people. He agrees to take her in. The book is about their relationship and that is a way to show more about the Nightkind. Tess is 100% human, so that definitely makes her stand out in the series. Grace from Oracle's Moon didn't count because she's an Oracle, so even though she's human, she's empowered.

While I found that interesting, and I liked Xavier a lot, I wasn't that drawn into the romance. My favorite parts were the rest of the story, finding about how Xavier was as a human and why he became a vampire. He has a reputation for being absolutely terrifying, and it's well-earned. But he's also very kind, so that was an interesting dynamic. I found Tess okay. I didn't dislike her. I just wasn't super interested in her. But I do like them as a couple.

The action was really good and the vampire intrigue was pretty great. If you like movies like Underworld or Blade, you would like this aspect of the book because there is a lot of vampire soap opera and hijinks. There are some really kick-ass action scenes that I absolutely loved. Watching Xavier tear off that gentlemanly demeanor and let the beast out was really entertaining. There's another thread that connects the books but I won't go into that because I don't want to spoil anything.

While I can't give this one five stars, it was a good book. I think writing my review gave me food for thought and I realize I liked more about it than I thought I did. It just doesn't measure up to the other ones on the romance scale. I do love me some Xavier. I'm a sucker for the gentlemanly type who is absolutely deadly. If I have a type, it's that. I think he's such a nice contrast to the Wyr and also to Julian, the Nightkind king. They tend to be quite hothead, but Xavier has an immense amount of self-control that is really appealing.

Check Out My Profile on Goodreads!

Femme Fatale

 

The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

My Review on Goodreads

I was legitimately going to give this book a three star rating, but damn, the romance part really got me. I know, I'm a sucker. I mean, honestly this is about the villains. Yes, the hero is a villain (sort of) and the heroine is a villain (sort of). The heroine Alessandra, has a Cruella de Vil (but without the puppy killing) or the wicked stepsister vibe. Maybe a little like real life Lucrezia Borgia. Some of their actions really bothered me. For instance, they throw this guy in prison and forget about him (for robbing from the rich and feeding the poor). In my mind, the guy was kind of a bore, but he was helping people. The King orders the deaths of people like it isn't a big deal. I like a possessive hero who will kill when the heroine is threatened, but he was really cold blooded about it. I'm glad he didn't order the peasants' deaths, but he comes off as a power mad dude who is bent on conquering other countries. I realize whether those villainous traits is up to interpretation, but I found it cringeworthy. I think that if the author wanted us to believe it was the influence of the Shadows, she didn't really make that clear, so it feels cringey.

One thing I really did like was that Alessandra is not an innocent sweet type. She's been around the block a lot. She's slept with dozens of men (and she was only 18), in her own words. I'm always torn about that a little. I like to think I'm enlightened, but still I am not pro-sleeping with a lot of people for lots of reasons. However, I do like that it has a good message about not judging women for who they sleep with (or don't). Also, it speaks about how our patriarchal society makes women so competitive with each other when it's not really necessary. Especially when no one judges men for doing worse. I liked her unapologetic nature and how she doesn't let what others think about her drive her. I also appreciated how goal-driven she is, although I didn't like some of her methods. It was so cool that she made her own clothing and everyone was following her fashion because she chose to stand out, and the King noticed her. And she was a badass.

I was confused about the setting. I wasn't sure if the writer was going from a Renaissance Italy kind of vibe or early 20th century. I felt like she needed to choose which one she was going for. I realize that this was a made up kingdom and world, but it just got weird when one part of the book seemed fairly modern and the other part had them going to a tavern, and they ride in carriages. It's not a major thing by any stretch, but It did stand out to me.

The fantasy aspect was very subtle. I mean, basically it was the fact that the King could manifest shadows. I would have liked a little more fantasy in the book. However, I thought that was interesting. I feel like it was not well-explained how the touch thing worked. I finally worked out what I thought was the mechanism. I think the story would have benefitted from a few more touches of magic to make the world-building a little more solid.

The romance was far and away the best part of this story. Quite frankly, I think this should be labeled as a paranormal romance. I loved how the relationship between Alessandra and the Shadow King builds so beautifully. I really enjoyed how they spent time together and talked a lot. Part of it was because they couldn't touch, but that was such a different dynamic for Alessandra as so many of her interactions (I hesitate to call them relationships) were physical. In this case, the not touching gave them time to build their feelings and that unconsummated tension really came through. Also, the King clearly respected Alessandra and valued her. She had gotten so little of that in her life. Alessandra's walls were coming down and she was finding it harder to remember she wanted to woo and marry the king so she could take his thrown. I really believed in their love for each other. And wow, the chemistry was so good between them. There aren't any on scene love scenes, but the author manages to keep things hot enough that I didn't even miss them.

The sucker punch of the mystery was very well done. I figured that things weren't going to be as easy as it seemed. While I had a feeling about what was going on, it wasn't a gimme. I like my mysteries to keep me guessing and wondering, and this fulfilled that for me.

I'm glad I hung in there with this book. I was turned off by the beginning, and honestly, I didn't like the narrator's voice for Alessandra at all. She wasn't a bad narrator, but I would have liked a deeper, more sultry narrator for Alessandra. I think it would have been more in keeping with her personality. However, I think the narrator did a good job with the male characters.

Yeah, if you are looking for a romance with morally questionable lead characters, you'll probably like this book. While I rooted for their romance, I was still queasy about some of their life choices (like ordering the deaths of people so casually).

Check Out My Profile on Goodreads!

Claws and Fangs

 

Kinked by Thea Harrison (Elder Races #6)

My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

My Review on Goodreads

I've been waiting for Aryal's story for a long time. I was not disappointed. She reminds me a lot of Xhex from JR Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood books, which is a huge complement as I am a Xhex stan. Rereading Dragon Bound, I can see how hard she was on Pia, but I think her rough, abrasive personality is very in character, as she is a harpy. I love the description of her with perpetually tangled glossy black hair. I did an ink sketch of her in my sketchbook. I hope to do a painting of her as well. Yes, I'm a little obsessed with Aryal. I love a badass heroine. I love me a grumpy hero, so why not a grumpy heroine? Very true to her nature.

Anyway, I had the suspicion that she would end up with Quentin, ever since he steps up as a future Sentinel, as they have a fierce hate but fierce desire dynamic. At the beginning of the book, I wasn't sure I was feeling it. But after trusting Thea Harrison on the journey, I was pleasantly surprised to see that they grow to love each other deeply. Their virulent relationship is causing issues for the Sentinels and others who work and live in Cuelebre Tower, and Dragos gives them an ultimatum. They have to work together on a mission, and if they don't work things out, then bad stuff is going to happen. Let's just say, you don't want to be threatened by Dragos. Also, Aryal gets a talking to by her good friend and boss, Graydon. Aryal knows she has to make it through this if she doesn't want to lose her status as one of Dragos' sentinels.

I was much more predisposed towards Aryal although she was pretty mean to Quentin. Although I liked him as Pia's boss, he comes off as pretty arrogant when he works his way into the inner circle of Dragos' empire. And his thoughts towards Aryal were really gross, in my opinion. I was legitimately worried that I would hate this book, and I was so looking forward to it and Graydon's books. Fortunately things change wonderfully.

As they work together, these hated foes develop a relationship of respect and trusting that becomes a genuine love. Their scenes of tenderness together touched me on a deep level. I am a big time fan of enemies to lovers, because of such a possibility.

I was glad that I was not disappointed. On top of the satisfying romance, the storyline of Aryal and Quentin exploring the elven lands decimated by the insane elven lord who committed atrocities in the last book was a great mystery and there was so much suspense. These are two highly capable warriors, and Aryal is an investigator. Solving crimes is what she does. But it's evident that they might be in over their head. And it's only working together that can keep them alive. She pegged Quentin as a pretty boy, and he was, but he proved himself as a powerful wyr. It totally makes sense what kind of shifter he is. I think it would be a spoiler to discuss what he is, but it fits. When he acknowledges her as his mate, it is a huge change, so great to see him tender and loving towards her. But also seeing Aryal's soft side that was only reserved for Peanut.

Thea Harrison is such a good writer. She is excellent at building in subtleties into the moments that mean something. I think this is why I like listening to them. I admit sometimes my eyes skip over words when I'm reading. But with an audiobook, you can digest every word.

I think this book has a very different vibe from previous books, even though every one is different. I feel like the story is crafted somehow on a more intimate scale, which this couple benefited from. If they hadn't had that time together, I think they would have gone on hating each other. Well, maybe they would have started sleeping together, but still hated each other, and may have eventually fallen in love. I think it would have taken a while. Since they are immortals, maybe fifty years. Who knows.

I ended up giving this five stars because I really was satisfied and happy with this romance. I was able to exhale.

Check Out My Profile on Goodreads!

Remember Me

 

Scritch Scratch by Lindsay Currie

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

My Review on Goodreads

I jumped at the chance to read this book because I love ghost stories, I love Middle Grade novels, and I am from Chicagoland originally. All that in one book was irresistible. Which is why initially I was kind of disappointed. I wasn't liking Claire that much at all initially. She seemed sulky and immature (and I chastised myself for thinking that. She is a 12 year old girl, after all). She resented her father deeply for starting a ghost bus tour company because it was embarrassing her and people were teasing her at school. It came off as kind of disrespectufl. When he asks (basically demands) her to help him with a tour one night, her life changes in terrifying ways. Claire is a stone cold empiricist and an avowed scientist. She doesn't believe in ghosts. However the ghost that follows her home demands for her to see and listen to him. He's a little boy and he's latched onto Claire as the human to resolve his unfinished business.

Although it had a rocky start, I ended up giving it four stars. That's because the way that character conflicts are set up and resolved was very organic and the reader is allowed to understand Claire and interpret why she is acting the way she does. I gained insight into what drove her. As it turns out, Claire was driven by fears and insecurity, and who among us doesn't have those same negative traits? Her relationship with her best friend Cassley (not sure how to spell it) is a huge part of her life, and some resolutions on this score is very satisfying.

I also enjoyed when Claire works along with help to figure out who the boy is. I love watching ghost shows and reading ghost stories. Growing up in the Chicago suburbs, I am not unfamiliar with the sights and sounds of the city, and have supernatural experiences in the building I grew up in. As the story goes along, she really evolves and her character is revealed.

Claire's mother is big on "teachable moments." This book has some good lessons for young readers as Claire and her friends navigate through difficult circumstances and face mortality head on (through interactions with the ghost of a young boy who died young).

I'm glad things turned around for me with this book. The ghost story was chilling in parts, but also very poignant. And there is an authenticity in the character interactions that I appreciated. Some parts might be a little scary for a younger reader, but I think a kid over eleven should be okay with this book.

Check Out My Profile on Goodreads!

Into the Fire

Lord's Fall by Thea Harrison (Elder Races #5)

My Review: 5 out of 5 stars

My Review on Goodreads

 Clearly, my brain was not it this past year. I read this book and I didn't even add it to my reading/read list. I was not really that into another book about Dragos and Pia. Hear me out! I love them so much, but I prefer to have a new set of characters and just hear about the previous characters. Having said that, this book knocked my socks off! It was so good.

I had no idea how deeply enthralling this would be. I should never have doubted Thea Harrison. I'm ashamed that I did. Quite honestly, with all that life has challenged me in lately, I just wasn't feeling that drawn in by romance novels over the past year or so. Rereading Dragon Bound really helped rekindle my love. I listened to these on Audible Escape before it went away, and I am so glad I did. The narrator is amazing. I believe her name is Sophie Eastlake, and I need to listen to more of the books she narrates. I think I will always hear her clear, emotive voice in my head when I think of the books from now on. Sadly, now I am in a fix because I think I will need to listen to them on audiobook. Incidentally, I've almost finished this series by the time of writing the book. I now just have the short stories to read (and the newer Pia/Dragos/Peanut stories).

Anyway, I went off on a tangent. I was transfixed by the deep dive into the Elven world of the Elder Races. Because of situations, Pia and Dragos get drawn into a terrible conflict involving the Elven Court and their homelands. This book has some major Lord of the Rings vibes too it, and I was not made at all. The storyline was wildly creative in my opinion. I felt as though I was reading a high fantasy novel in some parts. There are some seriously dark elements that I can't even go into without spoiler. Much like Kresley Cole, Thea Harrison's plotting and ability to keep track of her storylines and characters is flawless. She has built such a complex world that I think she really could just keep writing these books. I don't know if she'll do more than just the Pia and Dragos stories, but I hope she does more. (as I mentioned in my review of Oracle's Moon), I'm still hopeful for a book about Phaedra.

Sometimes I can get a little jaded with a continuing romance about the same characters, or I fear for something terrible happening to break them up. Thankfully that is not the case. Yet this was far from boring because there is so much going on in this book, and we also get to see this couple weather through it as a united front that is deeply in love. I am happy that I was pleasantly surprised. The end was so satisfying. It made me happy and peaceful and gave me a glow in my heart. If she ended the series with that ending, it would have been satisfying as far as Pia and Dragos story. I'm glad she didn't though.

I don't think I comment much more without veering into spoiler territories. In hindsight, I love how this book sets up later entries in the series so well.

Check Out My Profile on Goodreads!

 

Tripwire by Lee Child

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

My Review on Goodreads

Gosh. I read this almost a year ago. I still remember some things very well. The villain is really, really horrible. He's a cruel person, but also a sociopath. I think the two things in life he really enjoys is making money and hurting people. Lee Child has a way of incorporating some very brutal people into his work. His work feels very noir to me.

The mystery is very good. Jack Reacher is very Jack Reacher. He's a down to business kind of hero who knows what he does well. He is a huge guy and might give the impression of being a thug, but he's also intelligent and an excellent detective. I found it quite interesting that Jack was working as a ditch digger when the book begins. He's that kind of guy who has no problem with taking a job that is very "menial". I like that people often underestimate him. I haven't made my mind up about the romance yet (yeah, I know, a year later). I think it's because I've read some of the books out of order, and my brain doesn't see the happy ending between Jack and Jodie. I am a romance fan, but the romance angle was my least favorite part of the story. I did like seeing the softer side of Jack (if he has one).

My favorite thing about this book was the twisty mystery. I am the kind of reader who likes to guess what's going on the whole time. I thought this one was a gimme, but I was wrong. Very well plotted.

Just a note on the narrator. He was really good. He seems to have a very good time reading this book. He nailed all the characters.

Check Out My Goodreads Profile!