Due to my massive backlog of books in my TBR pile, I have been breaking one of my cardinal rules - I have let people borrow books before I have read them. This isn't usually that big a problem as even if they disclose information about the book, I don't really mind.
Until this time.
I had lent the third book in Richelle Mead's Succubus series, SUCCUBUS DREAMS, to a friend of mine to read on the plane. When he got back, he was desperate to talk about some of the developments in the book. Since it's not usually an issue to learn about events in a book I haven't read, I let him tell me about it.
The next day, I read it. And the whole time, his words were running through my head, ruining my enjoyment of the story. He told me the ending and inadvertently included information from the preview of the next book, due out in June.
I really did like the SUCCUBUS DREAMS, as I always love Ms. Mead's books. The story was really well done and the characters, as always, were fun to read about. I do wish I hadn't found out about some of the major plot developments beforehand, and now I know to no longer allow my friends to talk about a book before I read it.
Sherry Thomas ( Dec 08 ) Susan Elizabeth Phillips ( Dec 08 ) CJ Lyons ( Jan 09 ) Suzanne Brockmann ( Jan 09 ) Anne Stuart ( Feb 09 ) Karen Rose ( Feb 09 ) Linnea Sinclair ( Mar 09 ) Sophia Nash ( Mar 09 ) Catherine Asaro ( Apr 09 ) Teresa Medeiros ( Apr 09 ) Rachel Gibson ( May 09 ) Brenda Novak ( May 09 ) Alyssa Day ( June 09 ) Mary Jo Putney ( June 09 )
Last year at a sci-fi convention, I picked up an interesting sounding anthology, THE SECRET HISTORY OF VAMPIRES. Thirteen stories that are alternate versions of history "exposing" the truth of vampires long past, this anthology has it all: Harry Turtledove, Carrie Vaughn (of the Kitty series fame), Gregory Frost and many others.
Then, earlier this year, I picked up MISSPELLED. An anthology of 17 stories about spells gone wonky. I loved the premise and promptly added it to my growing pile of books and it included stories by Kristen Britain (the Green Rider series) and others. I realized this was an excellent way to learn about new authors, while enjoying a themed set of stories.
As I looked around, I realized there were lots of these themed anthologies out there, just begging to be read:
FAMILIARS, obviously with many stories about familiars by authors such as P.N. Elrod, Gary A. Braunbeck and Laura Anne Gilman.
THE MAGIC SHOP, about the various fates that can befall those who enter a magic shop. Includes a couple of the authors mentioned above, as well as the wonderful Susan Sizemore.
But the one I am reading now should appeal to those who love fantasy and those who love... shopping. ENCHANTMENT PLACE is centered on the idea that a mall, especially a magical mall, is chock full of surprising experiences. Not only are there stories by Ms. Weldon and Ms. Sizemore, but the book opens with an offering by Mary Jo Putney (a very funny story about a shoe shiner who learns the hard way that magical beings are people too).
While I often have limited patience for short story collections, I love to collect them anyway, with the idea that I could discover new-to-me authors, not that I need any more. But these collections continue to catch my eye and keep my attention, while reminding me why I have fantasy books scattered among my TBR shelves.
For our American readers: Have a very wonderful Thanksgiving!
January 09 issue book titles and ratings are now up on the site. Magazine subscribers have access to reviews online. Non subscribers can access January issue reviews on February 1st.
Go to "Current Issue" page and use "Book Reviews" drop down menu or see below.
I recently read the upcoming novel TO SEDUCE A SINNER by Elizabeth Hoyt. Second book in her Legends of the Four Soldiers series, I was expecting another story about a marriage of convenience. What I got was so much more.
The story seems simple: After Lord Vale gets dumped at the altar, he is propositioned by Melisande, who has loved him for years. She offers to marry him, thus rescuing his reputation and giving her what she wanted: him.
However, as the two get to know each other and learn about one another, their expectations change. Each one was expecting a marriage of politeness and possibly children, but little more. As they spend time together, however, Lord Vale begins to see the woman behind the plain facade.
Melisande loves him, but she vowed never to let him know. However, at night, she can't help but show him how she feels by seducing him (very creatively, I might add).
What got me about this book was that the romance was incredibly believable. Unlike in many books, where the relationship seems to grow in leaps and bounds, each scene between the two characters gradually moved their love for each other forward. I was touched, I laughed and I completely fell into the story.
TO SEDUCE A SINNER comes out November 25, and to find out more about Ms. Hoyt, check out the RT podcast.
We've just added a new feature on the site: RT Podcast. In the first episode, Morgan Doremus interviews historical romance author Elizabeth Hoyt. New episodes will be added monthly.
Amazon.com recently released their lists of the Best Books of 2008. When I looked at the Editors' List and the Customers' List, I found a few interesting tidbits:
On the Editors' List:
* Some books have no reviews. Of those, a couple have not been released. Some are just books that don't really appeal to the general masses, such as the PHAIDON ATLAS OF 21ST CENTURY WORLD ARCHITECTURE. And for the ones with reviews, there are quite a few with an average customer review of four stars or under.
* There is a lot more nonfiction on this list than you might find on other compilations that compare fiction and nonfiction. This, too, is more indicative of a different group of people than the average consumer.
On the Customers' List:
* Again, some books have no reviews. I realize there is such a thing as advanced reader copies and the like, but really, how can a book make a Best of 2008 Customer list when the average customer has not even read the book? Some of those are pre-orders, which makes me think this is slightly more based on orders than true preferences.
* One of the books that has not even been released actually appears on the list twice - THE TALES OF BEEDLE THE BARD by J.K. Rowling. I can't begin to understand the justification in including this book once (it has not been released and is famous for being read by very few people before publication), let alone twice.
* The nonfiction books on the list are to be expected, if annual bestsellers anyway. WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU'RE EXPECTING, SOUTH BEACH DIET, YOU: THE OWNER'S MANUAL all make appearances. But then there are complete surprises, such as a how-to on digital photography.
I don't know for sure how these list are compiled, if they are objectively based or include more subjective criteria, but I do know that I don't completely trust them. As many readers of RT would agree, Sherrilyn Kenyon'sACHERON should not be 99 on a list of 100. My recommendation when reading these lists is to enjoy seeing books that might be outside your usual choices, but don't trust the actual ranking to be the end all be all.
Our American Title V competition has officially begun. Be sure to vote for your favorite opening line. One contestant will be eliminated in this round based on the number of votes. At the end of the competition, the winner will receive a publishing contract with Dorchester.
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October 08 issue book reviews can now be accessed by general public (magazine subscribers can access November and December issue reviews). Go to October Back Issue page or see below.
It's been sometime since I had time to read one of my favorite types of romance: the historical. But I decided to take a break from the more dark books I have been reading of late and enjoy some fun books for a change.
My most recent pick was THE BRIDE PRICE by Anne Mallory. This book has one of the more original and intriguing plots I have seen in some time.
The central action takes place around a competition. 15 men who have been at the edges of society for most of their lives – third sons and bastards, mostly – play a series of games and amusements with the goal being a title, lands… and a wife.
The male protagonist is Sebastien Deville, a bastard who desperately wants to win the contest, if only to get back his mother's lands which are part of the winnings. He could care less for the woman who would be his bride should he win, but he is intrigued by her cousin and companion, Caroline Martin.
Caroline, recovering from running away with the wrong man, is determined not to let Deville get to her. He is just as determined to have her. However, he can't have her and the lands both.
I love impossible situations in books. I love wondering throughout the book just how the author plans to reconcile what appears to be two conflicting options. And this book handles it all very well. Even with a few hiccups regarding placement of limbs and bodies during a couple of scenes, the book is highly enjoyable and reminds why I love to read historical romance.
Melissa Marr ( Nov 08 ) Sherry Thomas ( Dec 08 ) Susan Elizabeth Phillips ( Dec 08 ) CJ Lyons ( Jan 09 ) Suzanne Brockmann ( Jan 09 ) Anne Stuart ( Feb 09 ) Karen Rose ( Feb 09 ) Linnea Sinclair ( Mar 09 ) Sophia Nash ( Mar 09 ) Catherine Asaro ( Apr 09 ) Teresa Medeiros ( Apr 09 ) Rachel Gibson ( May 09 ) Brenda Novak ( May 09 ) Alyssa Day ( June 09 ) Mary Jo Putney ( June 09 )
"Essential Pictures has launched development of "Outlander" as a potential franchise based on the Diana Gabaldonseries of fantasy novels. (Via variety.com, October 29, 2008)
There seems to be a wealth of books by celebrities coming out lately. I know creative people are often creative in more than one way, but can these people really write? Probably more accurate, can their ghost writers write?
The first one that caught my eye was the book written by the popular country duo, Brooks and Dunn. THE ADVENTURES OF SLIM AND HOWDY, a novel about their alter egos has several positive reviews on Amazon.com. I am curious about how much input they had in the novel (the third name listed as author is Bill Fitzhugh, called a collaborator). Either way, might be an interesting read.
Adding to the canon of country music stars writing a book, Tim McGraw (and Tom Douglas) wrote a children's book called MY LITTLE GIRL. This book was not as favorably received as the novel above, but is a cute concept. Basing the book on his vast experience as a father of daughters ages 11, 10 and 6, he is sure to have some good points in the book.
Mo'Nique, one of my favorite comediennes, has several books out. SKINNY WOMEN ARE EVIL and the related cookbook SKINNY COOKS CAN'T BE TRUSTED are based mostly on her own experiences. Venturing into fiction, along with Sherri McGee McCovey, she has recently released the young adult novel BEACON HILLS HIGH. I am more likely to believe Mo'Nique had a lot to do with these books, since, as a comedienne, she writes much of her own material. I admit, I would love to read her novel someday.
There are more, but I think I made my point. I am not saying the people above are not creative enough to write their own books. I am mostly just curious as to what induces famous people to produce books, on top of their other career.
Rebecca York's latest release is CHRISTMAS SPIRIT, in stores now:
More video interviews coming up. Stay tuned!
Marjorie M. Liu ( Nov 08 ) Melissa Marr ( Nov 08 ) Sherry Thomas ( Dec 08 ) Susan Elizabeth Phillips ( Dec 08 ) CJ Lyons ( Jan 09 ) Suzanne Brockmann ( Jan 09 ) Anne Stuart ( Feb 09 ) Karen Rose ( Feb 09 ) Linnea Sinclair ( Mar 09 ) Sophia Nash ( Mar 09 ) Catherine Asaro ( Apr 09 ) Teresa Medeiros ( Apr 09 ) Rachel Gibson ( May 09 ) Brenda Novak ( May 09 ) Alyssa Day ( June 09 ) Mary Jo Putney ( June 09 )
Harry Potter may have illuminated it, but there has long been a debate about what is appropriate for our young adults. Everyone who reads this blog or talks with me, knows I am a huge fan of YA novels. But knowing what to let our young children read is still a dilemma.
As I read books aimed at the YA crowd, I get concerned about whether it's really something I want to share with my nearly 14-year-old sister.
For instance, the book IDENTICAL by Ellen Hopkins, which I recently read. Ms. Hopkins in known for unconventional writing style and her subject matter often involves the darker side of being a teenager. IDENTICAL told the story of two sisters, whose family had been in a horrific car wreck, causing a ripple effect in their family. Their mother leaves to run for office, essentially abandoning her family. Their father drinks and sexually abuses one of the daughters. Binge drinking, marijuana use, indiscriminate sex and other things made me wonder if I really wanted to share this with an impressionable teenager. However, once I read the end, I considered the message and I might very well offer it to her.
In related books, is THIRTEEN REASONS WHY by Jay Asher, is another that focuses on the dark side of youth. Asher's debut novels has an interesting premise - a young woman commits suicide and leaves behind tapes explaining the thirteen reasons she killed herself. She leaves them to a friend, who by listening to the tapes, begins to realize the horrible things have happened to her.
Do I want my sister to read such dreary, possibly suggestive literature? The answer is yes, I do, within reason. She loves all the vampire and scary books and movies that are out right now. But it's the real life stories that seem to resonate more. I read GO ASK ALICE when I was a child and it did not lead me to suicide. It caused me to understand a culture I had no access to and was grateful I had experienced. It is still one of my favorite books.
I think YA books are wonderful books as a whole - the genre has only increased in quality and quantity since I was in that demographic. I do think knowing what your child is reading is important and I do not advocate censorship. But I hope that you discuss with your children what they are reading, and answer any questions they may have. Literature can be one of the best avenues to reach past that shell so many teen-agers seem to have.
December 08 issue book titles and ratings are now up on the site. Magazine subscribers have access to reviews online. Non subscribers can access December issue reviews on January 1st.
Go to "Current Issue" page and use "Book Reviews" drop down menu or see below.
In conjunction with "Adult's Guide to Teen Fiction" feature in November 2008 issue of RT, we've organized a giant giveaway to get you started on your YA reading.
It's known around the office that I am the one to go to when it comes to books. Want a recommendation, come to me. Want to hear some gossip about an author or a book-to-movie? I am your girl. So when a co-worker wanted to clear out some books, I got a wonderful surprise waiting for me the next year.
Bookshelves are wonderful mirrors to the soul. They can tell you a lot about the inner workings of the mind. Do they read a lot of classics? Lots of romances? Maybe a lot of books on the linguistic skills of monkeys? All of these indicate something about the character of the soul who reads them.
This box was a small mirror to that soul. Going through this box meant I got to learn a lot about this other person (the wife of a coworker). She buys most of her books from Wal-Mart. She loves the older-style covers of ripping bodices and manly men. She has a penchant for Victorians and Regencies, but with a few futuristics and contemporaries thrown in.
I went through the box with my best friend, pulling out the books we each wanted. She picked favorite authors like Christina Dodd, Nicole Jordan, Victoria Alexander and more.
My collection featured more Amanda Scott, Julia London and Connie Mason.
Even our picks say something about us, too. I am not going to analyze what any of it means, as they can often be very personal views into someone. But books do give one a window to the soul.
While traveling the last couple of weeks, I needed something to read, of course. Long waits at the airport, boring flights, nights in strange bedrooms (and not in a good way) - books were my constant companion.
Along with a couple of books on writing and my journal, I also brought the first two books in the Anna Strong series by Jeanne C. Stein. I had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Stein at the RT Book Fair (part of the annual convention) and picked up all three books offered: THE BECOMING, BLOOD DRIVE and THE WATCHER. When looking for something that might keep me engaged, this series jumped off my TBR pile.
I zoomed right through the first two books. I enjoyed the concept of a bounty hunter turned vampire. The characters were strong and the plot was planned well. I admit I peeked at the end of the first book to see how things resolved (a bad habit I try very hard to control). Her world-building was pretty smooth and I jumped right into the second book.
It took me a little bit longer to get to the third book (I accidentally left it at home), but again, I went through it pretty quick. For the most part, I liked the plot in this story as well, though I did feel it went into pretty strange territory towards the end. But even with that deviation, I picked up the fourth book in the series, LEGACY, and plan to read it soon.
I have seen some mixed reviews for this book, but I am looking forward to reading it (RT gave it 4.5 stars). I have plenty of paranormal series that I follow, however, I am happy to add Anna Strong to the list of heroes and heroines I will keep in touch with.
