Review: Kindling the Moon

Kindling the Moon (Arcadia Bell #1) by Jenn Bennett

My first thought when I finished this book: I should have read this earlier. I'm still kicking myself over it, to be honest.

This is definitely my kind of story. Strong female lead, great magic system, believable relationships, good supporting cast - if you are an urban fantasy fan you should read this book.

In fact, I know many of you are thinking about books to read this summer. If you have not grabbed it yet, put Kindling the Moon on your list.

Arcadia Bell has been hiding out. Her parents were infamous suspects in a cult murder spree and they have all been in hiding for years. Their fake deaths are unmasked when her parents are spotted back in the states, and  it is up to Cady to prove their innocence. She needs the help of Lon, a photographer/rare book collector who happens to rub her the wrong way at first... 

The twists and turns this story takes. Just damn. DAMN. I was surprised by some of it, and that doesn't usually happen. Well done, Ms. Bennett.

The magic system with mages and earthbound demons was really interesting. 

There is a romance and I thought it was done really well. The dynamic between Lon, his teenage son, Jupe, and Cady felt so very true. I'm looking forward to how that all progresses.

I can't wait to read the next book and see what Bennett cooks up for us next.

Review: The Lives of Tao

The Lives of Tao by Wesley Chu

I crave fun books almost as much as I crave coffee every morning (and I can't function without my java, so that is saying something). When a book makes me escape the real world, laugh, thrill at the fantastic situations, leads me on a whirlwind chase and at the end, leaves me wanting more, why that is just gold.

Chu's Tao is fun. Lots and lots and lots of fun. There's also snarky aliens, kickass action, a secret history and an endearing lead character.

Definitely on my summer reads rec list - it's like a spy movie mashed with an alien flick and you don't have to spring for overpriced popcorn.

We start with a James Bond-ish character with a twist - the dashing spy is also inhabited by an alien, Tao. Things happen and soon Tao is in the body of Roen, an overweight office drone who whines about his life but does nothing to change it. Tao, who had inhabited Genghis Khan and Lafayette among many others, has a mission to bring Roen up to speed and prepare him for the war he is now fighting - a war with other body possessing aliens for the fate of humanity.

I really loved the world with it's secret history of alien, Quasling, influence. It's not all Invasion of the Body Snatchers, though. While the Quaslings can influence their hosts and share their millions of years of experience, they can't actually make them do much. Just as humanity has been greatly influenced by the Quaslings, they in turn have been changed by their human hosts. Tao has to get Roen to agree to this new life. It adds another dimension and I really enjoyed the interaction between Quasling and unprepared host. When you really think about the Quaslings influence on the world and the resulting war between the two factions, you are left with a lot of grey areas. Roen has to navigate those moral dilemmas. I like that.

The book spans a long period of time, so Roen's transformation is more believable. He doesn't become an ass-kicker overnight. He has a lot of learning to do.

I believe I mentioned snark - Tao has that in spades. Roen does all right, but Tao does have a few million years on him.

Funny and bittersweet too, The Lives of Tao left me wanting more.

[received a review copy]

Working....

After a hectic 2 weeks filled with various appointments and helping family members move, I am at working on some reviews for you. These are on the docket, and although very different from each other, all were enjoyable reads:

The Jessica McClain Ultimate Swag Giveaway!

Amanda Carlson is hosting the Jessica McClain Ultimate Swag Giveaway to celebrate HOT BLOODED (and get you ready to continue Jessica's adventures in COLD BLOODED, out in October).

Take a look at the loot:

Signed copies of FULL BLOODED and HOT BLOODED, a t-shirt, bookmarks, and more.

Enter using the Rafflecopter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Links for Amanda Carlson:

website: http://www.amandacarlson.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/amandaccarlson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authoramandacarlson

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5049521.Amanda_Carlson

HOT BLOODED Amazon | B&N | Kobo | Powell's

COLD BLOODED Pre-order Amazon | B&N

Thanks for the giveaway, Amanda!

A Reader's Pledge

Too many examples of bad author and bad reader behavior lately. You would think we could all just agree not to be dicks, but...

So here is my promise, my pledge as a reader.

I will not tell any author how to write their book. I will have my own thoughts on a series, will speculate with friends, and have my opinions on the execution of any story. My reaction belongs to me. The creation belongs to the author.

I will not send nastygrams to authors.

I will not be a flying monkey sent forth to harass anyone who dislikes any book, author, whatever that I love. We don't have to agree, and we're allowed to have our own feels.

I will not threaten any author nor will I threaten harm to myself if a book doesn't end the way I want it to.

I will not be an asshole. Or at least I'll try. Hard to reign in the snark sometimes.

In general, I will try to follow the golden rule and treat others the way I want to be treated. I'm pretty sure we all learned that in kindergarten, along with how to tie your shoes and keep your hands to yourself. Seems some people only remember the tie your shoes part.