Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Nazi Germany: History in an Hour (Audio Version)

Nazi Germany: History in an HourNazi Germany: History in an Hour by Rupert Colley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Nice informative digest.

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Blade Song by J.C. Daniels

Blade SongBlade Song by J.C. Daniels
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 Stars! J.C. Daniels, alter ego of Shiloh Walker, pens a dark yet fun urban fantasy. She brings plenty of fresh material to the table to make it her own world. Blade Song is, without a doubt, the beginning to an exciting series!

Kit Colbana is a half human investigator, living in a world where every step can get you into trouble. And she is walking trouble, or so it seems. Talented with her blade, strong in her mind, clever with her investigative skills, she is one kick-ass heroine. She is coerced to take on a job working for a shifter clan leader who is known to be ruthless. The Alpha’s nephew has gone missing. Fail at the job? Death. Meanwhile, Kit is also battling Jude, a vampire who keeps invading her dreams. Everyone knows not to trust a vampire...

She sets out to begin her research with her “bodyguard,” Damon, in tow, or rather the shifter forced upon her to ensure she does her job, courtesy of of the Alpha who hired her. As she delves deeper into the disappearance of the boy, bodies of young people start showing up. Who is killing off the young? And how much have they had to suffer before death brings relief? As Kit follows the dirty trail, she gets to know her bodyguard a wee bit better. And although he works for the Alpha, and is not to be trusted, she can’t help but notice how sexy he is;-)

Blade Song is an edge of your seat read, chock full of characters you will want to see again. The ending was nail biting powerful. Looking forward to the next book!

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Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Shadowfell by Juliet Marillier

Shadowfell (Shadowfell, #1)Shadowfell by Juliet Marillier
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4 1/2 Stars!! As a huge fan of Marillier’s Sevenwaters trilogy, I was thoroughly excited to get my hands on this book. Shadowfell sucked me in, held my breath, and didn't give it back until the very end. Marillier is queen of her genre.

Neryn’s life is always in danger. She has a canny ability that requires her and her drunken/gambling father to traverse the land, hiding from the King’s men who have been sent after her and others with any canny strengths. After a night when all she has left is lost, Neryn decides that the only way to survive any longer requires her to find Shadowfell. A whispered about place that tales say welcome those with canny skills.

The world is very dark and brutal. Throughout Neryn’s quest, it really seemed as if there was no hope for her, no light at the end of the tunnel. Through this feeling of constant doom, the story is propelled. Neryn gets by from sheer wit and a little help from some shorter friends and a tall, curious stranger. One is led to wonder continuously whether they are all really “helping,” or if they have an ulterior motive.

I enjoyed this roller coaster of a fantasy. I wished it was longer. There were people/creatures Neryn met along the way that I would have like to see more of. Perhaps Marillier will revisit them over the course of the next two books in the trilogy. I can’t wait!:-)

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Monday, August 13, 2012

Just got back from our trip to Isle Royale. Lake Superior was indeed superior to our boat during the trip. One day the waves were peaking at 9 feet. So, after realizing that we needed a bigger boat, we headed back to shore and found a calmer lake to spend the rest of our vacation. Looking forward to going back and being able to explore the island in a few years!