by Kay | Jul 17, 2010 | Reviews, Summer Shorts |
Summer Shorts is a weekly feature on Dead Book Darling, reviewing great short stories every Saturday through July-August 2010. I’ve been reading quite a few fabulous anthologies lately, and I want to share the love!
The Exterminator’s Daughter
by Meg Cabot
Meg Cabot / Goodreads / Librarything
Find it in: Prom Nights From Hell Anthology
Rating: 4 stars
Thoughts: I’ll admit it – I used to think Cabot was a writer for 12-year-old girls with learning disabilities. Harsh, I know. But hey, I come to you reformed!
The Exterminator’s Daughter was fun, fun, fun! The 50-page story kicks off when a stupid-but-sweet teenage girl is seduced by a rather evil vampire. Her BFF Mary (a.k.a. the Exterminator’s Daughter) just so happens to be a kick-ass vamp killer. Helping her swoop in to save the day is the awesome-and-totally normal Adam, and, oh yeah, they get to go to prom.
It is super funny, with a touch of rather adorable romance. But Cabot took the story one step further, writing some pretty well-rounded characters. Mary isn’t just charging to the rescue for the hell of it: she has suffered a pretty devastating personal loss and is on a pretty un-funny quest for revenge. It’s all rather tragic, but it made me connect with Mary about so much more than I would think possible in so few pages!
Bottom line? Cabot is certainly on my YA radar now – anyone who can leave me smiling and wishing for a sequel deserves to be read ASAP!
by Kay | Jun 24, 2010 | Reviews |
Some Girls Bite (Chicagoland Vampires, #1) by Chloe Neill
Bookdepository / Amazon UK / Amazon US
Librarything / Goodreads
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Pages: 368
Rating: 4/5 stars
Summary: Sure, the life of a graduate student wasn’t exactly glamorous, but it was Merit’s. She was doing fine until a rogue vampire attacked her. But he only got a sip before he was scared away by another bloodsucker—and this one decided the best way to save her life was to make her the walking undead.
Turns out her savior was the master vampire of Cadogan House. Now she’s traded sweating over her thesis for learning to fit in at a Hyde Park mansion full of vamps loyal to Ethan “Lord o’ the Manor” Sullivan. Of course, as a tall, green-eyed, four-hundred- year-old vampire, he has centuries’ worth of charm, but unfortunately he expects her gratitude—and servitude. But an inconvenient sunlight allergy and Ethan’s attitude are the least of her concerns. Someone’s still out to get her. Her initiation into Chicago’s nightlife may be the first skirmish in a war—and there will be blood.
Thoughts: Some Girls Bite was so much fun!
I had high expectations from Chloe Neill after reading Firespell and she certainly lived up to them. But before I start gushing, I’ll admit that Some Girls Bite is not the perfect book. The pacing is a bit off, and the villain’s not all that scary. But so many other things in this novel make up for that.
I loved the narrator Merit. In terms of character, she is probably my favourite heroine… ever. I just fell for her immediately, without having analyse why I liked her. I just agreed and trusted all of her decisions. I understood her love of academia, completely identified with her crazy daddy issues, and found her love interest, Ethan, just as frustrating she did.
While we’re on the topic, let’s talk about said “leading vamp” Ethan Sullivan. 340-years old, head of the Cadogan vampire fraternity house – and a complete douche.
Because it deserves repeating: Ethan is a serious douche. He’s demanding, exploitative, ruthlessly political, and distrusts anyone with the nerve to stand up to him. In the words of Merit’s BFF, he’s “Darth Sullivan”. Even Merit had to remind him, “It isn’t 1815!” I don’t care how gorgeous he is, he really needs to step up before he gets anywhere near a girl with self-respect.
But despite being a douche, Ethan is awesome. Because him being a somewhat-misogynistic dictator? It actually makes sense. C’mon, people. The guy was born 350 years ago and is used to people crawling at his feet in respect – of course, he expects the same from Merit! Just because they have some sort of chemistry doesn’t mean he will change.
That’s not to say I don’t want him to. I really do hope Ethan steps up… at some point. Merit is fierce, and totally deserving of a guy that appreciates her awesomeness. And I hope that it’s Ethan. But until then, it is so refreshing to read about an ancient vampire who doesn’t go: “Oh, you feisty 21st Century girls! I’ve never met a woman with self-respect before – I must fall in love!” Puh-leaze.
I’ve also discovered that Chloe Neill writes the best BFFs ever. I loved the bond between Scout and Lily in Firespell, but Mallory and Merit might just beat them out in the BFF department. Their conversations are the kind of funny that you can only have with someone who knows you well – they have that mix of comforting and hysterical. And while they are both forced into this crazy new supernatural world, they are always there for each other – usually with a sarcastic quip, a pint of Chunky Monkey and a hug. Awesome.
Bottom line? I loved this book! It’s fun and funny with a touch of gratuitous violence. I’ve already got Friday Night Bites on my TBR pile!
by Kay | May 9, 2010 | Reviews |
Succubus Blues by Richelle Mead
Series: Georgina Kincaid #1
Published by Kensington Publishing Corp. on August 1st 2010
Pages: 368
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Add to Goodreads
Rating:
Also in this series: Succubus DreamsWhen it comes to jobs in hell, being a succubus seems pretty glamorous. A girl can be anything she wants, the wardrobe is killer, and mortal men will do anything just for a touch. Granted, they often pay with their souls, but why get technical?
But Seattle succubus Georgina Kincaid's life is far less exotic. Her boss is a middle-management demon with a thing for John Cusack movies. Her immortal best friends haven't stopped teasing her about the time she shape-shifted into the Demon Goddess getup complete with whip and wings. And she can't have a decent date without sucking away part of the guy's life. At least there's her day job at a local bookstore--free books; all the white chocolate mochas she can drink; and easy access to bestselling, sexy writer, Seth Mortensen, aka He Whom She Would Give Anything to Touch but Can't.
But dreaming about Seth will have to wait. Something wicked is at work in Seattle's demon underground. And for once, all of her hot charms and drop-dead one-liners won't help because Georgina's about to discover there are some creatures out there that both heaven and hell want to deny...
Thoughts: Before I started Succubus Blues I had thought the following had to be true:
- Books with a sex-demon lead would never turn out to be about love.
- A succubus could never be
funny hysterical.
- I could never relate to a character that deals with sex casually.
Needless to say, Richelle Mead proved me wrong. Succubus Blues is nothing like the book I thought it would be. It’s hysterical and heart-breaking, filled with a thousand shades of ethical grey, and stars one of the most complex heroines I’ve ever read. Georgina is far from perfect – she can be superficial and self-serving. But she has so much potential for growth. Even after 400+ years on the planet, she still has a lot to learn.
Mead has also created one of my favourite love-interests ever in Seth. He’s your average best-selling novelist: introverted, smart, and extremely wity on paper. I never expected to fall so quickly for this beta-hero, but everything about him had me clutching my heart. The secondary characters in this book are stellar – complex characters who stride a blurred line between good and evil. Every single one of them I wanted to read more about – especially the angel Carter and his demon!BFF Jerome.
Demon BFF? I told you, seriously blurred lines.
Alas, this book didn’t get a higher rating from me because of one very unfortunate character *cough* Roman *cough* who I just couldn’t like – no matter how suave. And Georgina liking him made me want to shake her (and the book) in despair.
Bottom line? Succubus Blues is brilliant. Sitting firmly on the line between PNR and UF – it had me laughing, crying and occasionally disturbed by the paranormal evil. Everything you could want in a book!
by Kay | Apr 12, 2010 | Reviews |
Strange Angels by Lilith St. Crow
Series: Strange Angels #1
Published by Quercus Books, Razorbill
Pages: 293
Genres: Paranormal YA, Young Adult
Source: Gifted from someone with/without taste, Purchased myself
Add to Goodreads
Rating:
Also in this series: BetrayalsDru knows that The Real World - peopled with ghosts, suckers and zombies - is a frightening place. She's ready to kill first and ask questions later, so it's going to take her a while to work out just who she can trust.
Dru Anderson has been 'strange' for as long as she can remember, travelling from town to town with her father to hunt down things that go bump in the night. It's a weird life, but a good one - until in an icy, broken-down town, a hungry zombie bursts through her kitchen door. Dru is going to have to use every inch of her wit and training. Can she stay alive long enough to fall for one - or both - of the guys hungry for her affections?
The summary above sucks. It is the least spoilery one I could find (most give away the first half of the book). But it paints Dru in completely the wrong light. I mean, sure, she is capable of kicking ass – but she is not kick-ass. They made Dru sound like Rose from Vampire Academy – and she is so NOT ROSE.
A better summary? You know the show Supernatural? Well, imagine a less-cocky, teenage, girl!Dean – without the baby brother – hunting evil around the US with his Dad. There you have (at least the start) of Strange Angels.
Thoughts: Strange Angels is a really great addition to the YA Paranormal scene. Lili St. Crow paints a much more realistic picture of a teen living in an unreal world. Although absent, Dru’s parents play a big role in her life – and both they (and her safety) trump whatever guy she is supposed to mooning after. Strange Angels is violent, tragic, and really enjoyable – although it does go downhill towards the end.
I loved the first half of this book. But in it, Dru is miserable – I mean, I’m-almost-an-alcoholic-teenager!miserable – and her world thoroughly sucks. Despite the temptation to just curl up and die, she is trying desperately to plough through the misery. It was amazing to read, even though it was utterly tragic. Really made me appreciate her strength. I also loved her inner Dad!voice. She would constantly think of what her Dad would say or do in a particular situation (which often involved killing things). It made me love the guy without ever spending that much time with him.
Graves, the first boy she meets in this book – well, he’s ok. I haven’t quite worked out if I really like him, but I do appreciate how much he helps Dru. Graves has had a really hard-knock life – hell, the guy is practically homeless – but has amazingly managed to keep his head above water. I’d like to find out even more about his background in Betrayals.
Mid-way through the book, we are introduced to Christophe. He is tough, scary and not-so-human… and yeah, I really liked him! But as soon as Christophe came into the picture, Dru started to edge into the too-stupid-to-live category. There was one particular scene where Dru refused to do something for no apparent reason. I mean, it shouldn’t even have been an issue, but Dru decides it is the perfect reason to pitch a fit – and it completely blows up in her face. It was really frustrating, and I wanted to just reach through the book and shake her! (Although Graves I wanted to smack, as he agreed with her insanity.)
The last half? – maybe 3 stars. But the first half was just so great (well, actually it was miserable, but a great read) that I had to keep the rating up. I am looking forward to Betrayals and have a feeling Dru will straighten her head out a bit in that book… I am also looking forward to more Christophe!
Bottom Line? A great addition to the YA Paranormal Scene. If you are a fan of the Morganville series then this will be up your alley!
I read this for the Battle Royale New Author Mini-Challenge – Team Deadline Dames!
by Kay | Apr 8, 2010 | Reviews |
Need by Carrie Jones
Series: Need #1
Pages: 306
Genres: Paranormal YA, Young Adult
Add to Goodreads
Rating: Zara White suspects there's a freaky guy semi-stalking her. She's also obsessed with phobias. And it's true, she hasn't exactly been herself since her stepfather died. But exiling her to shivery Maine to live with her grandmother? That seems a bit extreme. The move is supposed to help her stay sane...but Zara's pretty sure her mom just can't deal with her right now.
She couldn't be more wrong. Turns out the semi-stalker is not a figment of Zara's overactive imagination. In fact, he's still following her, leaving behind an eerie trail of gold dust. There's something not right - not human - in this sleepy Maine town, and all signs point to Zara.
In this creepy, compelling breakout novel, Carrie Jones delivers romance, suspense, and a creature you never thought you'd have to fear.
Thoughts: I really, really enjoyed Need. I was grinning and clutching my heart for at least half of the book – it just sucked me in and refused to let me go until I was completely in love.
Need is a book about pixies – but there is also a lot more supernatural stuff going on in it. I don’t want to spoil the surprise (although Jones gives plenty of hints along the way.) Unlike Evernight, the surprise just made me love the book more. I literally jumped on my bed squeeing “I knew it!” when it came around!
Need has been compared to Twilight in many reviews. While I can see the similarity – new girl in a small, cold town discovers there is more to the world than what she sees – the difference is it the protagonist Zara. Although Zara is far from perfect. Her father’s death traumatised her into becoming pretty darn terrified of everything. She is extremely compassionate – she takes action to stop suffering, writes letters for Amnesty International, and genuinely cares about those suffering around the world.
The reason Need didn’t get 5 stars from me? The mechanical climax. Some of the characters veered too far out of character in order to get the plot moving. Even though Jones came up with a fascinating way to wrap up the plot, I wish she had been able to keep all the characters in tune with their previous behaviour. It was a bit of a let down.
Bottom line? Need is a beautiful book – classy writing, a stunning setting and believable characters. Need is a definite must for all YA fans!
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