My Rating: 4 out of 10 stars
Dora thought summoning a demon lord would be the answer to her prayers, helping her escape the wrath of her evangelical preacher father, and equally uptight mother. But things never quite work out the they should....
I had a difficult time getting into this book, and very nearly didn't finish it. However, since it's a NetGalley review book, I wanted to at least try. So I told myself I'd read the first 25% and if I still couldn't stand it, then I'd stop.
Fortunately, it was right around that 25% point, with Dora's arrival in Hell, that things started to get a little more interesting. It was still stupid, but at least it was a bit more silly stupid now, and the writing seemed not as juvenile as it had starting out--though I still thought it sounded like that of a 14 year old girl. So if you can put up with all the teenage angst and stupidly cliched behavior of the first 9 chapters, you may actually get a giggle or two out of the remainder of the book.
I didn't find myself particularly drawn to either of the main characters however. Dora was entirely too whiny and always putting herself down. How can you like a character who doesn't even like herself?? Is this what teenage mentality has come to these days... hating on oneself 24/7? Though it was a recurring theme throughout the book, it was lessened somewhat in the latter half as other more interesting events began to take place. I could've cared less about Kieron as well. The one character I did like was Pooey, the brown, scraggly-furred demon with the squashed face that Dora won at the carnival. He was a hoot!
Friday, August 22, 2014
Buy @ Amazon
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
REVIEW: Hammer of Witches by Shana Mlawski
My Rating: 9 out of 10 stars
Fourteen-year-old Baltasar Infante is a simple bookmaker's apprentice in fifteenth century Spain. Or so he once believed. Now he's discovered that his parents aren't who he thought they were, and that his skills as a Storyteller allow him to bring characters and settings from his stories to life, to materialize in the here and now. As exciting as this skill sounds, it unfortunately puts him on the radar of the Malleus Maleficarum, the radical witch-hunting arm of the Spanish Inquisition.
Soon, Baltasar finds himself heading west on-board the Santa María, serving as translator to the ship's captain, in order to escape the corrupt arm of the law, track down his true father, and attempt to fulfill the prophecy of the Baba Yaga.
This was an amazing read!! A fantastic debut novel from author Shana Mlawski, lush with historical references--and a bit of fiction thrown in--made for a spellbinding story. With such rich and vivid imagery, I found myself pulled into the world of 15th century Spain, and Columbus' voyage to the new world, all while keeping the story fresh, fast-paced, and exciting. The author does an impressive job using of historical facts and figures, and weaving a wonderfully magical tale around them. I'd definitely love to read more from her in the future.
Buy @ AmazonFourteen-year-old Baltasar Infante is a simple bookmaker's apprentice in fifteenth century Spain. Or so he once believed. Now he's discovered that his parents aren't who he thought they were, and that his skills as a Storyteller allow him to bring characters and settings from his stories to life, to materialize in the here and now. As exciting as this skill sounds, it unfortunately puts him on the radar of the Malleus Maleficarum, the radical witch-hunting arm of the Spanish Inquisition.
Soon, Baltasar finds himself heading west on-board the Santa María, serving as translator to the ship's captain, in order to escape the corrupt arm of the law, track down his true father, and attempt to fulfill the prophecy of the Baba Yaga.
This was an amazing read!! A fantastic debut novel from author Shana Mlawski, lush with historical references--and a bit of fiction thrown in--made for a spellbinding story. With such rich and vivid imagery, I found myself pulled into the world of 15th century Spain, and Columbus' voyage to the new world, all while keeping the story fresh, fast-paced, and exciting. The author does an impressive job using of historical facts and figures, and weaving a wonderfully magical tale around them. I'd definitely love to read more from her in the future.
Monday, August 18, 2014
REVIEW: Peregrine Harker & the Black Death by Luke Hollands
My Rating: 5 out of 10 stars
It's the year 1908 in London and Peregrine Harker, an enterprising young reporter, is sent on a mission to uncover the cause behind the rising price of tea in England. But with his knack for turning up clues, what Harker discovers is so much more: smuggling rings, murdering lords, and a mysterious brotherhood called the Black Death. Can Harker get to the bottom of the story before he finds himself six feet under?
I received this book in exchange for an honest review and for the most part, I enjoyed it enough to continue reading, even though at times it seemed to get bogged down in details. In addition, there were several incidents which seemed to happen purely for the sake of the storyline, and then all of a sudden everything would turn around and one of the characters would have this grand explanation for why things went down the way they did. It made the story seem a bit too forced at times. (I know there's a proper term for such phenomenon but for the life of me, I can't recall it right now.) Suffice to say, I realize that's probably a common shortcoming of any new writer, one that can easily be overcome with practice and more writing.
Beyond some of these minor annoyances, I found the plot interesting, and when it moved along at a steady pace, was able to hold my interest. Despite the subject matter, I think it's definitely geared towards a younger audience due to the simplistic way certain events unfolded and then were quickly wrapped up.
Buy @ AmazonIt's the year 1908 in London and Peregrine Harker, an enterprising young reporter, is sent on a mission to uncover the cause behind the rising price of tea in England. But with his knack for turning up clues, what Harker discovers is so much more: smuggling rings, murdering lords, and a mysterious brotherhood called the Black Death. Can Harker get to the bottom of the story before he finds himself six feet under?
I received this book in exchange for an honest review and for the most part, I enjoyed it enough to continue reading, even though at times it seemed to get bogged down in details. In addition, there were several incidents which seemed to happen purely for the sake of the storyline, and then all of a sudden everything would turn around and one of the characters would have this grand explanation for why things went down the way they did. It made the story seem a bit too forced at times. (I know there's a proper term for such phenomenon but for the life of me, I can't recall it right now.) Suffice to say, I realize that's probably a common shortcoming of any new writer, one that can easily be overcome with practice and more writing.
Beyond some of these minor annoyances, I found the plot interesting, and when it moved along at a steady pace, was able to hold my interest. Despite the subject matter, I think it's definitely geared towards a younger audience due to the simplistic way certain events unfolded and then were quickly wrapped up.
Saturday, August 16, 2014
REVIEW: Slimy Underbelly (Dan Shamble, Zombie PI #4) by Kevin J. Anderson
My Rating: 8 out of 10 stars
The Unnatural Quarter is bubbling, right up through its manhole covers, as all manner of amphibious creatures work to concoct all sorts of nefarious plots right beneath the surface. As the sewers literally explode with all the nasty effluent, and a gang of thieving lawn gnomes terrorizes several local businesses above, Dan Shamble, Zombie PI, must successfully get to the bottom of all the muck before the half-breed son of a Senior Citizen God from another dimension brings down the entire Quarter.
If you follow my reviews, you'll notice I quickly read through all the previous books and short stories in this remarkable urban fantasy series in order to catch up to this latest up-and-coming release (which I received an advance copy of in exchange for an honest review). Though the author definitely provides enough background story and sprinkles interesting little facts throughout for this book to stand on it's own, I always gain a certain satisfaction reading a series from the beginning so as to develop a stronger bond with its characters. And Slimy Underbelly certainly did not disappoint. If you haven't yet checked out this extraordinary series, I highly recommend you do so, fans Jim Butcher's Dresden Files books also highly encouraged. :)
Buy @ AmazonThe Unnatural Quarter is bubbling, right up through its manhole covers, as all manner of amphibious creatures work to concoct all sorts of nefarious plots right beneath the surface. As the sewers literally explode with all the nasty effluent, and a gang of thieving lawn gnomes terrorizes several local businesses above, Dan Shamble, Zombie PI, must successfully get to the bottom of all the muck before the half-breed son of a Senior Citizen God from another dimension brings down the entire Quarter.
If you follow my reviews, you'll notice I quickly read through all the previous books and short stories in this remarkable urban fantasy series in order to catch up to this latest up-and-coming release (which I received an advance copy of in exchange for an honest review). Though the author definitely provides enough background story and sprinkles interesting little facts throughout for this book to stand on it's own, I always gain a certain satisfaction reading a series from the beginning so as to develop a stronger bond with its characters. And Slimy Underbelly certainly did not disappoint. If you haven't yet checked out this extraordinary series, I highly recommend you do so, fans Jim Butcher's Dresden Files books also highly encouraged. :)
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
REVIEW: Naughty & Nice (Dan Shamble, Zombie PI #3.5) by Kevin J. Anderson
My Rating: 7 out of 10 stars
Santa Claus has come to the Unnatural Quarter, and he's enlisted Dan Shamble's help in tracking down his stolen Naughty and Nice list. One of the prime suspects is an oddly garish elf in a rhinestone studded jacket and blue suede shoes named Elfis, who plans to undercut Santa by delivering gifts to all children, both naughty and nice, and do it much earlier too, by Christmas Eve Eve. Dan is sure that Elfis is behind the stolen list, as well as all the children that have recently gone missing in the Quarter, all he has to do is prove it in time to save Christmas for Santa!
This short holiday story comes between books 3 and 4, Hair Raising and Slimy Underbelly, in the Dan Shamble, Zombie PI series. At only 43 pages, it's a quick read, but fast paced and fun nonetheless. :)
Buy @ AmazonSanta Claus has come to the Unnatural Quarter, and he's enlisted Dan Shamble's help in tracking down his stolen Naughty and Nice list. One of the prime suspects is an oddly garish elf in a rhinestone studded jacket and blue suede shoes named Elfis, who plans to undercut Santa by delivering gifts to all children, both naughty and nice, and do it much earlier too, by Christmas Eve Eve. Dan is sure that Elfis is behind the stolen list, as well as all the children that have recently gone missing in the Quarter, all he has to do is prove it in time to save Christmas for Santa!
This short holiday story comes between books 3 and 4, Hair Raising and Slimy Underbelly, in the Dan Shamble, Zombie PI series. At only 43 pages, it's a quick read, but fast paced and fun nonetheless. :)
REVIEW: Hair Raising (Dan Shamble, Zombie PI #3) by Kevin J. Anderson
My Rating: 8 out of 10 stars
The fur has really started to fly as a serial scalper is taking the top off several full-time werewolves in the Unnatural Quarter. But Dan Shamble, Zombie PI is on the case, and if he can get to the bottom of the endless pile of clues thrown at his feet, he just might figure out who's skimming off the tops in time to prevent a gang war between the Hairballs and the Monthlies.
Of course, Shamble runs into the most unusual cast of characters along the way: a voodoo vampire tattoo artist, a mad scientist, a grossly obese zombie crime lord, and an assortment of Hairballs, both the kind that clog up drains and the ones walking around on two feet howling at the moon. And with the Worldwide Horror Convention in town as well, the hilarity just never stops.
This was another fun, fast-paced read in what is turning out to be a fantastic series!
Buy @ AmazonThe fur has really started to fly as a serial scalper is taking the top off several full-time werewolves in the Unnatural Quarter. But Dan Shamble, Zombie PI is on the case, and if he can get to the bottom of the endless pile of clues thrown at his feet, he just might figure out who's skimming off the tops in time to prevent a gang war between the Hairballs and the Monthlies.
Of course, Shamble runs into the most unusual cast of characters along the way: a voodoo vampire tattoo artist, a mad scientist, a grossly obese zombie crime lord, and an assortment of Hairballs, both the kind that clog up drains and the ones walking around on two feet howling at the moon. And with the Worldwide Horror Convention in town as well, the hilarity just never stops.
This was another fun, fast-paced read in what is turning out to be a fantastic series!
Monday, August 11, 2014
REVIEW: Road Kill (Dan Shamble, Zombie PI #2.5) by Kevin J. Anderson
My Rating: 7 out of 10 stars
Another wild ride with Dan Shamble, Zombie PI! This short story, which takes place between books 2 and 3, Unnatural Acts and Hair Raising, was a quick read but highly entertaining nonetheless.
When Dan awakens to find himself nailed into a coffin in the back of a semi truck, not recalling any of the details of what went down and how he got there, he knows it's going to be another one of those days!
Buy @ AmazonAnother wild ride with Dan Shamble, Zombie PI! This short story, which takes place between books 2 and 3, Unnatural Acts and Hair Raising, was a quick read but highly entertaining nonetheless.
When Dan awakens to find himself nailed into a coffin in the back of a semi truck, not recalling any of the details of what went down and how he got there, he knows it's going to be another one of those days!
Sunday, August 10, 2014
REVIEW: Unnatural Acts (Dan Shamble, Zombie PI #2) by Kevin J. Anderson
My Rating: 8 out of 10 stars
Action in the Unnatural Quarter is a bustling business for zombie detective Dan Shamble and his human lawyer partner Robin. While unnaturals are being threatened with impending legislation from the Unnatural Acts Act, Dan and Robin have their hands full with a slew of unusual cases of their own, like the ghostly production of Shakespeare in the Dark going up in flames, and the mummified madame who needs security for her unnatural brothel. To make matters worse, his favorite watering hole is under new management and the place is drying up. All just another day in Shamble's unordinary existence.
I'm really enjoying this series. Extremely likeable characters, a captivating story line, and a well drawn world that sucks you right in. Dan and his BHF McGoo are definitely a couple characters I'd like to sit down and have a beer with at the Goblin Tavern for sure! :)
Buy @ AmazonAction in the Unnatural Quarter is a bustling business for zombie detective Dan Shamble and his human lawyer partner Robin. While unnaturals are being threatened with impending legislation from the Unnatural Acts Act, Dan and Robin have their hands full with a slew of unusual cases of their own, like the ghostly production of Shakespeare in the Dark going up in flames, and the mummified madame who needs security for her unnatural brothel. To make matters worse, his favorite watering hole is under new management and the place is drying up. All just another day in Shamble's unordinary existence.
I'm really enjoying this series. Extremely likeable characters, a captivating story line, and a well drawn world that sucks you right in. Dan and his BHF McGoo are definitely a couple characters I'd like to sit down and have a beer with at the Goblin Tavern for sure! :)
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