Gateway to Freedom, by Eric Foner

Gateway to Freedom: The Hidden History of the Underground Railroad by Eric Foner
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

What should have been a cool book about a subject that interested me was too full of New York and not enough of the Underground Railroad :( It also came off very dry and academic feeling. I get it's non-fiction and history, but there's absolutely no reason it needs to be so dry.

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Marked Fur Murder, by Dixie Lyle

Marked Fur Murder by Dixie Lyle
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

I love paranormal books, but I have to be able to suspend disbelief by falling into a decent plot and getting caught up in the characters. This series, at least in this book, has gotten a bit outlandish (and by a bit, I mean absolutely crazy wack-a-doodle!).

Cast of characters in this book:
-Foxtrot, seemingly normal PA. Can see and interact with spirit animals.
-Sidekick 1: Whiskey, ghost dog who can change shape at will.
-Sidekick 2: Tango, reincarnated pet cat from Foxtrot's childhood, who speaks multiple animal languages.
-Love Interest/sidekick 3: Ben, a Thunderbird
-Kooky Employer: Wealthy old hippy who spends money like water
-Kooky Employer's Deadbeat son, who seems to exist merely as filler when things get dull.
-Secondary employer, an enigmatic Spirit Crow, seemingly the overseer of the Animal Crossroads.
-Mysterious animal graveyard with an important role in the animal afterlife.
-More Thunderbirds, another reincarnated cat, more spirit animals, a pet "psychic" with a painting pooch, a crazy writer with imaginary friends and on and on and on.

The previous book was a little over the top, but in this one the author is just trying way too hard. This book was just too out there even for me! If there's another book in the series I will borrow it from the library and give the WTF trio another try, but I'm not sure where in the heck the author could possibly go from here!

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To Die Fur, by Dixie Lyle

To Die Fur by Dixie Lyle
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

The first book in the series wasn't bad, but I'm starting to feel as though this series is getting a bit preposterous. Yes, it's fiction, yes, it's paranormal fiction, which means it's going to be a bit out there, but this one goes beyond just "out there."

Cast of characters in this book:
-Foxtrot, seemingly normal PA. Can see and interact with spirit animals.
-Sidekick 1: Whiskey, ghost dog who can change shape at will.
-Sidekick 2: Tango, reincarnated pet cat from Foxtrot's childhood, who speaks multiple animal languages.
-Love Interest/sidekick 3: Ben, a Thunderbird
-Kooky Employer: Wealthy old hippy who spends money like water
-Kooky Employer's Deadbeat son, who seems to exist merely as filler when things get dull.
-Secondary employer, an enigmatic Spirit Crow, seemingly the overseer of the Animal Crossroads.
-Mysterious animal graveyard with an important role in the animal afterlife.

(view spoiler)[The entire mob boss plotline seemed to be reaching, and the lions, tigers and bears, oh my, made me smh. (hide spoiler)]

I'm to the point where I'm not really even liking the characters. *sigh* But apparently, I am a glutton for punishment, as the next book in the series is waiting for me to pick it up. Maybe in a few days...

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Vision in Silver, by Anne Bishop

Vision in Silver by Anne Bishop
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I quite enjoyed this book, though the series is moving a bit slow for me. Maybe I am just impatient, but we know the confrontation between the Others and humans is coming, make it happen already! These little teasers/ clashes that are happening now just make me want to see the end of HFL! And now we know there are at least 5 books to the series, so I am just going to have to dial it back and enjoy the ride.

I like the relationships between Meg and the residents of The Courtyard, and I would have liked to see a bit more interaction between them. I flat out love Tess! Meg's human pack is finally learning just how dangerous the Others can be, but also learning that thanks to Meg, they're fair, unlike their other human neighbors.

I also liked the glimpse of the other Blood Prophets, and only wish more good had come for most of them. We are now getting a wider glimpse of the world and the more dangerous, elusive Terra Indigenes and I want to see more, NOW. Haha. March 2013 seems sooo far away.



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Gossamer Ghost, by Laura Childs

Gossamer Ghost by Laura Childs
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Thank god it's over! I'm done with this series. And really, who scrapbooks anymore, anyway? Lol.

I was barely two chapters in and I wanted to smack Carmela. Oooo, I heard something spooky so I am going to use my key and enter someone else's dark, spooky shop ALONE instead of calling for help. And then when she really should call for help, all she does is scream and figuratively wring her hands! Blech.

By the time I hit page 21 I already knew who the killer was. The rest of the book was just a slog to get through. I feel as though Childs is just phoning it in lately on all of her series.

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February Fever, by Jess Lourey

February Fever by Jess Lourey
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

I should have left this book on the shelf at the library. I missed the previous two books in the series, normally I would have looked for them first. Instead, I picked it up on impulse. This book just left me sad and unsatisfied, and wishing I had never read it.

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“DON'T THINK OF IT AS DYING,"

said Death. "JUST THINK OF IT AS LEAVING EARLY TO AVOID THE RUSH.” The world just became far less amusing :’( R.I.P Mr. Pratchett

Shaman Rises, by C.E. Murphy

Shaman Rises by C.E. Murphy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I had a hard time with this book. I was initially excited to bring it home, but then I just kept looking at it on the table, and walking away. Not because it was bad, but because I knew it was the last in the series, and I really didn't want it to end!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, once I made myself pick it up and start reading. I love Gary and Morrison and I was thrilled that they were back at Jo's side for everything. I'm thrilled to see Jo grow into her power.

(view spoiler)[I knew something was wrong with Coyote right after he showed up. He was too intent on Annie, and just not acting like the Coyote we knew and loved. I was pretty convinced he was the Raven Mocker before he managed to convince Jo to go into the Space Needle. (hide spoiler)]

All in all, it was a good end to a good series, and one that makes me want to go back and start all over again with Urban Shaman.

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The Good, the Bad and the Emu

The Good, the Bad, and the Emus by Donna Andrews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Not a hardcore mystery, and really rather absurd, but always fun! The goofy cast of characters always makes me smile and occasionally laugh out loud.

It's what I was needing after a streak of not really being able to get into anything I was picking up.

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Shattered

Shattered by Kevin Hearne
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Like the last book in the series, I had a tough time getting into this book, at first, picking it up and reading a few pages and then switching to something else. I liked Granuaile's separate plot line, though I felt as if her father was too easily disposed of.

But I could have done with less of Owen's POV. With three different views I got to feel like I was jumping back and forth a bit too much.

Not my favorite book in the series, I'm actually getting tired of the Loki mess. I'd like to see that wrap up soon.

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Money Grab!

Yarn Over Murder by Maggie Sefton
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

I've read all of Maggie's knitting mysteries, and after the last one I was left with a bad taste in my mouth, and this one wasn't much better. I only picked this one up from the library because as someone who lived in the area during the fires the summer of 2012 (I actually was at the Wool Market in Estes when I heard the news), I was curious as to how she would handle it.

Money grab. That's all I can say. Next it will be a book based on the deadly flooding we had last September.

I'm sick of "Ft. Connor" (but using the real names of Loveland and Estes Park are ok...) where every other named detail of the town matches Ft. Collins. Why bother to change it if you were going to use the local landmarks?? And why change LaPorte to Landport?

Enough of Lambspun, (I'd rather go to the Loopy Ewe anyway, they're much more friendly and helpful. The real shop Lambspun is based on seems very high school cliquey to me and nearly turned me off of knitting back when I was first learning!) enough coffee, for crying out loud.

As ditsy and distracted by coffee and the restaurant as Kelly seems lately, how in the world does she actually support herself, let alone solve crimes for the police? Why isn't she in jail for interfering with an investigation (disclosing details to a person of interest, for crying out loud!)?

After so many trips for coffee and one too many reference to Landporte, I finally just said to heck with it and skimmed through the rest of the book. I'm done with this series.

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Great Little Gifts to Knit

NOTE: I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book is gorgeously photographed and the patterns all look to be clearly written, with easy to follow instructions and charts in many of the patterns. There's a little something for everyone in this pattern book, from beginners to stuff like intarsia that makes me quake in my boots! Each pattern is clearly labeled with skill level and approximate time to complete. The techniques section at the back is especially helpful to someone like me who is ready to try new techniques/stitches.

There are some really cute patterns in this book.

 Deco Backpack: I will admit I am a bit addicted to knit bags. And I already have two knit backpacks. But the look and texture of this bag make me want to go stash-diving!

 Masham Scarf: The trick of using different sized needles to make a light and airy scarf is something I never would have thought of, but oh what a look! The Kidsilk Haze just begs you to reach out and touch it. I love that just by changing that you get two completely different looks.

 Baby Love Blanket: I don't want to make a whole blanket (just did that, took forever and not ready for that kind of commitment again, yet, haha), but I'm tempted to try the center square of the baby love blanket, just for practice at shadow knitting. And the booties from the Shower Set! I may have to make the blanket recipient some booties to go with it.

 On the other hand, I am not a fan of fingerless gloves, (especially froufrou ones!), wristbands or leg warmers (sorry, the 80s are over, I don't want to go back there!) and I don't have a smartphone to make a cozy for. And while I love the Feather and Fan pattern, the Fiesta Shrug that looks to use that pattern makes me cringe.

 All in all though, I would say I like enough of the patterns to make this book a thumbs up.

Where does the time go??

I've been reading as always, just can't seem to find the time to sit down and write about anything I've read!

So instead I'll list the books I am looking forward to reading in the (hopefully) near future. My To Read list at Goodreads has 59 books in it at the moment, but here are some highlights.

FANTASY:
-Shaman Rises, by C.E. Murphy. This one will be bittersweet. I want to read it really badly, but it's the last of the series :(

-Cast in Flame, by Michelle Sagara. Ah, I need more Kaylin!

-The Winter Long, by Seanan McGuire. I pretty much love anything by Seanan McGuire (well,except for Sparrow Hill Road, but that's a completely separate review!).

-Shattered, by Kevin Hearne. The newest Iron Druid book.

 MYSTERY:
-The Good, the Bad and the Emu, by Donna Andrews. Andrews' book are always a fun, light read.

-Festive in Death, by J.D. Robb. I always look forward to a new Eve Dallas mystery.

-Yarn Over Murder, by Maggie Sefton. I wasn't a huge fan of her last book, but this newest book is set during the High Park fire a few years back here in Northern CO, so I want to read it. Although, cynically, I can't help wondering if the next book will be set during the major flooding last fall!

ROMANCE: Only one on my To Read list at Goodreads, Blood Magick, by Nora Roberts. Book 3 of the O'Dwyer trilogy.

Still dry, for now.

Our first sign of serious trouble was when the school district sent everyone home at 11 am Thursday, due to concerns that roads would soon be impassible. Since then, we watched the river rise, first in Estes Park.

To the right is one of two main roads to Estes Park. Totally gone, thanks to flooding. The town of Estes is pretty much inaccessible, with the other 2 main roads crumbling as well. The only way in or out is over Trail Ridge Road, which the National Park Service is keeping open despite snowfall, just so emergency services have a way in and out. Unfortunately, that's one heck of a detour :(

Then they had to release excess water down the Big Thompson which combined with the constant rain, and things went even more wrong, as you can see by the photo of the Narrows part of the canyon.

From the canyon the water raced through Loveland itself, flowing over farmland and neighborhoods alike.

Eventually, the water overran I-25, just south of town this morning. This is the main route in and out of Loveland, Eventually, the entire interstate closed from Denver to the Wyoming border. Crazy when the interstate becomes a river! At that point, every route into Loveland from the south was cut off, due to topped or destroyed bridges.

The river continues to rush east, into Greeley, taking out a trailer park and heading for the Platte River, into which most of them eventually flow.

National Guard helicopters are evacuating residents from areas that are inaccessible.

And unfortunately, more rain is predicted for the weekend.

But thankfully, we are high and dry, safe and well. We send our positive thoughts to those that are out of their homes or have lost their homes, as well as our gratitude for the amazing fire & police, sheriff, State Patrol and National Guard folks out there rescuing people and keeping us safe. Also, a huge shout out for the Searcfh & Rescue folks that have come in from Nebraska & Utah to help out. Bless you all!

*Sigh*

Honestly, I think it must be my attention span right now. I'm reading Carniepunk at the moment, and of course I started with the Kevin Hearne Iron Druid short story. And guess what? I cruised right through it and enjoyed it. I'm going through a bit of a stressful time right now, and instead of being able to escape in to a book, I can't seem to turn off my thoughts for any length at all. So maybe Carniepunk is a good book for me to be reading right now, since it's all shorts.

And I do love compilations, they introduce me to new authors that may become favorites. Like Sword and Sorceress intro'd me to Mercedes Lackey, I still love Tarma and Kethry. And I first read a Michelle Sagara Cast In story in a book of novellas that I got for the Mercedes Lackey story and so on. I always pick up books like this with the hope that someone new will grab my attention and make me search out other works by that author. Seanan McGuire came to me through a Toby short story in Home Improvement, Undead Edition, as a result wanting to read shorts by several favorite authors in it.

Then again, sometimes I end up disappointed, because I love a short so much only to find out that it's a one off and the stuff the author normally writes is completely different, or the author doesn't have anything else published.

Of Two Minds

I just finished reading Tulle Death Do Us Part, by Annette Blair. It's the latest in a series that I've enjoyed over the years, although the last one, Cloaked in Malice, was a bit weak. With Tulle, I'm of two minds. 

Majors spoilers coming so stop now if you want to read it.

On one hand, I liked Nick. And in the last book he and Mad seemed to really commit to each other. So for him to totally blow Maddie off, and with the twit Paisley Sky of all people, yeah, not quite in character. Totally skeevy, in fact.

On the other hand, I do like Werner, and I truly like him and Mad together, so I am willing to overlook Nick's sudden case of MPS. (But only if somewhere along the way Ms. Blair gets rid of Paisley Sky!) All in all, I hope Ms. Blair continues to write this series so we can see more of Maddie/Lytton and Eve/Jay.

I'm alive!

And I've read many books since the last time I was here! So, last 10 books I've read, in no particular order:

1. Cast in Peril, Michelle Sagara. This one is a re-read, leading up to the release of Cast in Sorrow. One more freaking, "demonstrably" thrown in and I would have thrown the book. I love this series, but someone please give Michelle Sagara a list of synonyms!

2. Tarnished and Torn, Juliet Blackwell. I'm still finding this series a stretch. I love her Haunted Home Renovations series, this one I think is going to be a pass from now on. It just isn't doing it for me. Funny how you can love one series, and just not like another by the same author!

3. Magic Rises, Ilona Andrews. Honestly, I think I am in a slump reading-wise. I love this series, but this book just failed to grab my attention. It's technically not a "read" book, since I've yet to finish, but I don't think it will end up on the unfinished shelf. Eventually I will get back to it.

4.- 10. Cast in... Did I mention I re-read the entire series in the last few weeks? Cast in Courtlight is one of my favorites still. I love a series that is re-readable and I still enjoy most of these books.

Anyway, I really am in a reading slump. I've Kevin Hearne's Hunted waiting for me to read it, after months of waiting and now I am just sort of meh. I've got another book, with a short story from Seanan McGuire that I've been waiting ages to get my hands on, finally read it in a break at work today and felt kind of let down. Mind you, it's nice to have the background, but....

Next up is Carniepunk, another books of short stories, so maybe it will pull me out of my funk.

And maybe next post we'll talk about the series books that I've read lately that made me decide I was done with some favorite series for good.

The Queen's Governess

The Queen's Governess, by Karen Harper.

I highly enjoyed this book. It was an interesting peek at what life may have been like in Henry VIII's court and Elizabeth I's early reign, told from not the royal point of view, but from a servant's point of view. I liked the character that Harper developed Kat into, finding her likable, interesting and sympathetic.

I'm now reading The Last Boleyn, the story of Anne's older sister, the Boleyn who dared to break away from the court and marry for love.

Is it just me?

Or are more big list authors caring less and less about their readers and only writing what they want? Or is it they've just written the same characters for so long they can't come up with anything fresh?

I know at least a couple of authors who outright tell fans to bugger off if they don't like the direction their books are going (LKH and now Christine Feehan). Honestly, I used to love so many authors who wrote series, and yet their last few books have made me scratch my head and ask, "Why did I like this author again?"

There are some series that I will still read, Nora Roberts' J.D. Robb books for one. And I still enjoy the Kelley Flynn knitting mysteries. Mercedes Lackey is now revisiting Valdemar and I am thrilled, though many will say the last book was weak. I enjoyed it.

But LKH has disappointed for the last several books, CF is hit and miss, I stopped reading Sherrilyn Kenyon several books ago when she started focusing less on the Dark Hunters and more on the shifters.

I don't know, maybe I am just in a slump again, 'cause not a lot is keeping my attention lately. And what books have managed to do so lately have been totally random grabs at the library. I don't always (often?) seem to find another book by the same author that I like again. *Sigh*

Winter is coming, I guess it's time to pick up my knitting again and leave the books for a bit ;)

Books v. Movies

I've been reading Eat, Pray, Love this week and find it surprisingly good. Normally I give the super popular books a miss (Oh how I wish I had followed that pattern on the Twilight series. Why oh why did I waste my time on that drivel??) but I was at the library and it was on display, so I picked it up and read the back. Hmmmm.

It reminds me a bit of Under the Tuscan Sun so far, but then that could be because she's in Italy at the moment ;).

And of course they've just made it into a movie. Would I go watch it? Probably not. I tend to be very anti-movie when I've already read the book. Under the Tuscan Sun is one of the few movies I liked more than the book. But guess what? I watched the movie before I read the book! Same with the Mists of Avalon (despite the dreadful acting) I watched the movie, then struggled through the book. Despite a love for fantasy and for MZB's Sword and Sorceress books, I just can't say I feel the love for MZB herself.

But I couldn't even watch more than a few minutes of the second Lord of the Rings movie, and never bothered with the third. The first movie made me cringe all too often. Sorry, but there's a reason these books are classics, why change everything?? Oh, Liv Tyler is prettier than Glorfindel.... I get it. But I don't like it. And as a result I waited for the 2nd to come out on video, and boy was I glad!

Harry Potter started out well. But after Goblet of Fire I was so disappointed in the movies that I stopped watching. Actually, the disappointment may have begun with the limited Snape exposure in Azkaban. And the prime role of Snape in the book PoA is why I loved it so ;)

So what do you think? Read the book or wait for the movie?