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drey

drey's library

reviews, interviews, and giveaways from an eclectic reader...

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In the Courts of the Sun
Brian D'Amato
Gideon Smith and the Mechanical Girl
David Barnett
The Bone Palace

Hot Wheels and High Heels

Hot Wheels and High Heels - Jane Graves Poor Darcy. She’s been dumped, and quite humiliatingly — her husband sold the house and absconded with all of their money while she was on vacation. Now, she has nowhere to go other than back to her parents’ trailer home, her beloved car is getting repossessed, and she finds out that not only did he leave with all of their money, he also took some of his employer’s.What a fall from the lofty heights she’d perched at, with her mansion and her luxuries and her cosmetic surgeries… Which ticked me off, actually. A thirty-nine year old with cosmetic surgery? Really? And don’t get me started on her mother. Holy wow.But when you’re at rock bottom there’s nowhere to go but up, and Darcy starts off with a new job, and eventually a new apartment… Her attempts at being more than just a receptionist-slash-filing-clerk brought to mind Stephanie Plum’s foray into bond enforcement, and was just as entertaining. Her clashes with her boss Jack is like flint striking stone, complete with sparks flying. And her run-ins with her husband’s former boss, Jeremy, brought on the willies. Not just because he’s trying to lure her to his bed with promises of the luxuries she no longer has access to, but because Darcy actually considers it. *Shudder* Ick.Overall, though, Hot Wheels and High Heels is a fun and entertaining way to lose a few hours. I didn’t love the ick-factor, but enjoyed the back-and-forth between Darcy and Jack. And things eventually work out in the end, but I could’ve made the journey just as well without the icks.drey’s rating: Pick it up!

Dinner With a Vampire

Dinner With a Vampire - Abigail Gibbs I really looked forward to checking out The Dark Heroine, I love the cover, and was intrigued by the blurb… The beginning didn’t disappoint, as we meet Violet Lee and witness her abduction and subsequent stay with a clan of vampires. She’s antagonistic and feisty, which is to be expected, but then quickly warms up to some of the vampires.Except, of course, for the constantly-smirking, always-arrogant, ever-annoying Kaspar Varn. Not even if he’s a Prince. Now, we know where this is heading, don’t we? Because as much as I wanted The Dark Heroine to be fresh and new, it’s really a regurgitation of quite a few cliches. I guess I should’ve paid more attention to the part of the blurb that said “For lovers of Twilight and A Discovery of Witches…”. This was definitely more reminiscent of the former than the latter.I wanted Violet to be strong, wanted to see how she overcame her distaste for the vampires’ way of life (she’s a vegetarian!), what her role was going to pan out to be, what she would (or could) do to get out of her situation. Violet is sassy, yes, but also angsty and flighty and do-nothing day-dreamy. She’s more Bella than Katniss, and y’all know how I feel about Bella…And instead of moody, broody Edward, we have Kaspar, who seems to go out of his way to make Violet’s life miserable, like a grade-schooler pulling the hair of the girl he (shhh! secretly) likes. And what YA novel would be complete without a third to make it a triangle? But Fabian doesn’t even have the courtesy to be true through one book, much less three.The saving grace here is the Prophecy of the Dark Heroines — though we don’t know much about it’s purpose — and the where-vampires-come-from background. If Gibbs would’ve spent more time on the world-building and plot instead of the daisy-petal-picking does-he-love-me-or-not hand-wringing, I probably would’ve enjoyed The Dark Heroine a lot more than I did.drey’s rating: Ok.

Gossip: A Novel

Gossip: A Novel - Beth Gutcheon I love women’s fiction that deals with friendship – especially life-long ones – which is why Beth Gutcheon’s Gossip piqued my curiosity. And now I’ve read it, I have to say I quite enjoyed the story, though I’m not terribly fond of any of the characters…Lovie and Dinah met and became friends while in boarding school. Avis was there too, but wasn’t a part of Lovie’s life until they run into each other years (and years) later. I thought Avis was quite alright, faults and all. She’s one of those people who aren’t easy to like on the surface, it’s endearing though how she means well but doesn’t quite know how to translate thought into action.I found Dinah quite annoying, and it seemed as though she had no redeeming qualities once she quit her job over principles, which made me sad because she’s such a larger-than-life kind of person. but her petty behavior had me wondering why Lovie put up with it…And Lovie, friends with both, trying to not let on to one how much the other dislikes and dismisses her. Lovie, who loves unconditionally – even when it may not be for her own good. Lovie, whose voice tells this story of friendship and the burdens it places on you – along with the benefits. Lovie, who didn’t annoy me, but also didn’t garner affection.All in all, Gossip was an entertaining way to pass a few hours. I didn’t love it, because I didn’t care about the characters – but who’s to say you won’t? drey’s rating: Pick it up!
Bloodline - Mark Billingham I cannot believe that here I am, starting another engrossing mystery-slash-police-procedural series, with a pile of precursors to read up on. o.O But now that I’ve had a taste of Mark Billingham’s writing, I don’t know that I can not pick them up…Bloodline starts with a prologue that leaves you hanging, wondering what happened, and who the people are. Then it takes you right into Thorne’s personal life, and while you’re (he’s) still reeling from that revelation, the first body shows up. Which you expect, Thorne being a cop and all… But you sure don’t expect the next one to show up as soon as it does. Nor do you expect to witness how easily the killer strikes next. This is one of those races against time, and you’re rooting for the cops to figure out whodunnit before all that’re left are the bodies.The plot kept me turning the pages, and Britishisms kept me entertained even as the body count added up. Billingham does a great job building up the suspense, and piques our curiosity with peeks at a killer’s thoughts. And the ending had me happy at how he wrapped it all up. A must-try for police-procedural fans.drey’s rating: Excellent!
Heart of Ice - P.J. Parrish I enjoyed the previous two Louis Kincaid novels, and was looking forward to Heart of Ice where I’d hoped for more of Louis and Joe, or at the very least a forward movement of some sort for Louis. I’m happy to say I got both, and having it wrapped up in a twenty-year-old cold case just makes this a sundae with a cherry on top.We start out in the past, with a boy who’s wondering how to get out to the island when the ferry’s not running. And switch to the present with Louis and Lily exploring Mackinac Island and finding a pile of bones. That’s a great kid-friendly vacation right there, folks! *shudder*When Louis is asked to help with the investigation, he can’t refuse, even if it means his vacation with Lily is cut short. On the bright side, Joe shows up to help out for a few days. Before you know it, he’s almost a cop again.Heart of Ice isn’t as gory and creepy as the previous two Louis Kincaid novels I read, but you’re still bouncing on your toes while waiting for Louis et al to figure out whodunnit, and better yet, what was done… This series should be on all crime-fiction fans’ lists.drey’s rating: Excellent!
The Girl of Fire and Thorns - Rae Carson The Girl of Fire and Thorns tells the story of Elisa – Princess Lucero-Elisa de Riqueza of Orovalle – who’s been “special” since she was born. Not every child born is gifted with a Godstone, after all. So Elisa is Chosen, and meant to DO GREAT THINGS. But at sixteen, Elisa doesn’t feel so special. She has no real skills or abilities, having been cosseted and closeted with holy books all her life. She also eats away her doubts, which doesn’t help said doubts because the only result is weight gain.Then her parents arrange for her to be married to the ruler of a neighboring kingdom, and all Elisa can pray for is that he is old, fat, and ugly — because then maybe her weight (heavy), looks (plain), and lack of abilities won’t be remarked upon. Unfortunately for Elisa, King Alejandro is gorgeous and kind. And wants to keep their marriage a secret…Thus Elisa’s journey begins. As she navigates her new life, she’s drawn into political battles and fights against the perceptions based on her weight. Then Elisa is kidnapped, and the girl whose life has been quiet and calm up to now goes through yet another upheaval.There’s a lot in The Girl of Fire and Thorns — a young and insecure heroine, adventure and growth opportunities aplenty, and a diverse cultural landscape. Each trial and tribulation Elisa survives has her maturing and opening her eyes to the world around her. Each chapter introduces another element to the story, until the cast of characters is complete and the plot revealed. This is a story with many parts, and Carson fits them all together nicely by the time we get to the last page.The Girl of Fire and Thorns is a fabulous read for those who enjoy their fantasy a little lighter on the magic and heavier on the coming-of-age. The third book, The Bitter Kingdom comes out in August, so I have time to grab The Crown of Embers and get caught up!drey’s rating: Excellent!
The Shadow Wars - Rod Rees Oh Norma. Not only does she know she never should have gone into the Demi-Monde, now she’s not sure she can get out. And to make matters worse, her “savior” seems to have developed an alternate personality — one that’s not really friendly, or very interested in saving Norma’s hide. So what’s a girl to do?Save herself, that’s what. And if that means turning into a revolutionary, then Vive la révolution! Fitting, as she’s now in the Quartier Chaud, wondering what Aaliz Heydrich is doing with her life in the real world.The Shadow Wars is as cheeky (and mayhap as offensive too) as The Demi-Monde, and sometimes even more so. We spend time with a few more characters, learn a little bit more of the politics, and find out that there’s nefarious purposes afoot — that’s planned, not the surprise that is Ella Thomas… I quite enjoyed it, and am looking forward to the next installment, to see where Norma goes with her new role, and (hopefully!) how it all shakes out.drey’s rating: Excellent!
Why Can't I Be You - Allie Larkin Jenny Shaw is not having a great day. She’s in Seattle — which isn’t so bad — but without her luggage, left behind in the trunk of her ex-boyfriend’s car. The very recently ex-boyfriend who dumped her when he dropped her off at the airport. Classy.She’s a basket case by the time she checks in at her hotel, and doesn’t know why she responds when she hears someone calling her “Jessie”… But that response gets her started on the most rewarding journey she’s ever had. Only thing is, the further along she gets, the harder it is to fess up. And fess up she must, because as much as she wishes she were, she’s not Jessie…Why Can’t I Be You is a heart-warming and entertaining story about a girl who thought her life was all planned out, everything was in control. And then life throws her a curve ball. Good thing that curve ball came with a mitt…Jenny faces a lot of hard truths — about her life, and her self. And she finally finds the courage to admit to what she wants, and the courage to actually go for it, regardless of outcome. Jenny, by being Jessie, finally finds herself.If you’re in the mood for a warm-fuzzy escape of a read, pick up Why Can’t I Be You — and live vicariously through Jenny for a few hundred pages. This one goes great with chocolate, or a martini. drey’s rating: Excellent!
Dark Tide - Elizabeth Haynes I’ll start by saying that Dark Tide didn’t spook me like Into the Darkest Corner did, which isn’t a bad thing at all because Into the Darkest Corner gave me the heebie-jeebies! But just because Dark Tide didn’t do the same, doesn’t mean it’s not good…Genevieve Shipley lives aboard a houseboat she’s rehabbing, which is totally neat. She’s given up a life of high-pressure sales in London, and throws a “housewarming” (boatwarming?) party for her friends. Then she finds a body floating in the water next to her boat. And the freak-out begins.What follows is told from current-day and before-the-houseboat points of view, and we learn more about Genevieve’s past and how that past may now be back to haunt her. Not that she got into anything really bad, mind you, but sometimes it’s what you think that gets you in trouble… She’s scared, she’s worried, and she doesn’t know who she can trust.Even without the heebie-jeebies, Dark Tide gets in your head, and you worry along with Genevieve as you wait for the other shoe to fall – which takes its own sweet time doing so but Haynes keeps you entertained with the story and the characters, so you don’t mind… This one’s another hit from Haynes, and I cannot wait to see what she has up her sleeves for us next!drey’s rating: Excellent!
Virus Thirteen - Joshua Alan Parry Virus Thirteen is a medical thriller set in a future world, one where cancer’s been cured – along with other diseases, gene-doping (messing with your genes by adding stuff) is illegal, and the world’s largest genetics firm – GeneFirm, Inc. – is owned and controlled by a clone of its original founder. This is also a world where the government controls healthcare costs by sending the non-healthy to “health rehab,” because people live longer lives, and they don’t want to foot the bill for your irresponsible behavior forever. Literally.It’s in this world that James Logan, a scientist working at GeneFirm, has a seizure and it’s discovered that he has cancer. CANCER. In a supposedly cancer-repelling body. Apparently all things are not as they seem…The world is interesting in its premise – if people lived longer, what’s the impact? Parry throws out the largest ramification: overpopulation, which causes over-taxing of Earth’s resources, among other problems. But it’s just glossed over briefly. The focus of the book is split between James trying to find out why he got cancer, and two health-rehab escapees who eventually make their way to GeneFirm’s compound.The plot is simple (imagine the Brain telling Pinky “We’re going to take over the world!”), which lets you focus on the story, which unfortunately has potholes. The characters are a little stiff, like marionettes at a puppet show. James was the most “real” of them, and even then he had a tumor in his brain and DIDN’T NOTICE the effects on his health? Really? And the crew sent to health rehab were stereotypical, as were the staff. I think Parry would’ve been better served by spending less time at rehab and more on the story getting us from James-had-cancer to thwarting-the-powers-that-wanna-be, and everything in between. A lot of it seemed to jump from one point to the next, without the gradual-revelation sort of thing that thriller-readers love – because it gives them the chance to go “Ah ha!” and wait to find out if they’re right.drey’s rating: Ok!

The Office of Mercy: A Novel

The Office of Mercy - Ariel Djanikian Natasha Wiley is twenty-four and lives in a post-apocalyptic world where the fortunate live in protected underground bunkers, have never known sickness or hunger, are gainfully employed, and realize every single minute of every day how lucky they are. She serves her community in the Office of Mercy, where her job is to monitor the tribes Outside. Kinda like Big Brother in the sky, a Big Brother whose task it is to determine the fates of those not of their own…The Office has its reasons, of course. Why let a whole tribe of people suffer, from hunger and disease, from the uncertainty of survival? When the hope is slight and the obstacles seem insurmountable? And, don’t those more fortunate have a duty to watch over those less so?But then Natasha starts to slowly realize that maybe, just maybe, it’s not ok to systematically track – and wipe out – entire tribes of people, not matter what the reason, no matter what the justification. It is especially not ok to then add the number of those wiped, to a tally – one that’s shared – that’s broadcast, even. One that’s a competition against other such enclaves, for who’s more “merciful”…I enjoyed the premise of the story, the world Djanikian built, and the moral question that’s asked. I did find the telling a bit dry and I wanted Natasha to be more fleshed out, but overall I liked The Office of Mercy.drey’s rating: Pick it up!

Blood's Pride

Blood's Pride - Evie Manieri Evie Manieri’s debut is a pretty fast read, even at 500-plus pages. It’s neither convoluted nor complicated, but don’t let that fool you into thinking this is a piece of fluff. Rather, Blood’s Pride hooks you in with its characters and story — beginning with the Prologue, when the Norlanders show up on the shores of Shadar bringing war and occupation. And the Shadari watch in horror as their religious leaders commit suicide rather than pray to the Gods for salvation…Fast forward a few decades. The Norlander Governor is dying, and his daughter Frea picking up the reins of control – bucking tradition that says the oldest inherits, which would be Eonar, who’s more interested in… Well, I haven’t figured that out yet, but never mind. Their younger sister Isa gets anxiety attacks when she’s stressed, which does nothing for someone who belongs to a race of fierce warriors. Who burn in the sun. And live in a desert, to boot. Has anyone gone “huh?” yet? Hold on to that thought.We have better luck with the Shadari, who’ve been subjugated into slave labor. There’s a resistance, led by a man crippled in a mine accident. His twin sister is hiding from everyone, and I haven’t decided if it’s for a good reason, or misguided vanity. Tempers are hot between the villagers (and miners) and the palace servants. And there’s only one Shadari asha – priest – left, and he’s not teaching himself out of a position. Phew.But wait! We’re not done. There’s also the Nomas, a band of roving nomads whose lifestyle might raise a few eyebrows, and whose King escorts – personally! – a mercenary to Shadar. A mercenary the Shadari hire to help their resistance. Though they have no real plan, no real numbers, no weapons, and no true leader.Given all of the above, Blood’s Pride could have been a real mess but somehow it isn’t and I think that’s because Evie Manieri makes you care enough about these characters that you worry about them, and wonder what’s going to happen to them, and cross your fingers that they make it through the chaos in one piece. There’s plenty of action, plenty of confusion, and plenty of good-intentions-gone-awry. There’s also a nice wrap-up at the end, and a lead-in for the next story in this trilogy.If your fantasy interest lies in the vein of George R.R. Martin’s Song of Ice and Fire series, this isn’t the story for you — it doesn’t have the breadth of vision, character, or political intrigue. But if you like a well-told story with flawed characters who do the best they can with what’s at hand, then give Blood’s Pride a whirl. I’ll be picking up the next book, to see where Manieri takes this.drey’s rating: Pick it up!

Along Came Trouble: A Loveswept Contemporary Romance

Along Came Trouble - Ruthie Knox Life isn’t all fun and games in Camelot. Especially not for divorced, single-mother Ellen Callahan, and especially not when her famous-pop-star brother’s girlfriend — who happens to be pregnant — lives right next door. And having Caleb Clark showing up on her doorstep? Prattling on and on about security arrangements? Sticking his nose into her routine? Totally. Not. Fun.And why does he have to be so bloody hot, anyway? And patient? And nice? Can’t the guy just take a hint and go away?Of course not, because if he did, we wouldn’t have this gem of a love story. Or should I say 1.5 love stories? Because even if theirs isn’t the focus of Along Came Trouble, Jamie and Carly’s story brings on the “awwww”-inducing warm-fuzzies, too. But let’s get back to Caleb and Ellen. I loved Caleb. Like, loved loved. He’s strong, smart, patient, kind — all wrapped up in a hunky outer layer that reflects his inner beauty. (Yes, I’m gushing. Get over it already.) And Ellen, who’s all prickly and wary, loves her brother and her son unreservedly, and doesn’t want a man around — she grows on you. Before too long you’ll want these two to have their happily-ever-after, never mind what hoops they have to go through to get there. And hoops there are, because hey, this is a romance novel after all — we can’t make it too easy for them, can we?Ruthie Knox’s sense of humor shines throughout Along Came Trouble, as it did in Ride With Me and About Last Night. The love story is as mushy as in her other books and as steamy as well, and I love that Ruthie balances mushy + steamy + characters you care about and want more of, as well as she does. I cannot wait for the next Ruthie Knox book!drey’s rating: Excellent!

Geek Girl and the Scandalous Earl

The Geek Girl and the Scandalous Earl - Gina Lamm Jamie Marten is a geek girl after my own heart. Ok, she’s a geek girl I wanna be – my reflexes don’t respond as quickly as they need to for me to be an awesome gamer. At least, not anymore — I was much much faster when online RPGs were text-based green words on a black screen. Yup, I just told y’all how old I am…Anyway, back to Jamie. We barely get to know how much of a gamer she is, before she’s yanked through time and dumped two hundred years earlier, across the pond. Apparently she’s intended as a bride for the Earl of Dunnington – who happens to be gorgeous, and confused as heck by her speech, her dress, and her utter lack of propriety.Not the best circumstances to make an impression, and Jamie’s not even sure she should try. Well, except for how yummy the Earl is. And how nice. Even if he is a tad grumpy. But she wants to go home, to her own time, her own home, her own friends. Or does she?I enjoyed reading The Geek Girl and the Scandalous Earl and appreciated the sense of humor liberally sprinkled throughout. Jamie is funny and darling, as she tries to navigate this world that’s so alien to her and figure Micah out. And Micah, well, I wish I knew why he had that stick up his ___. I know the stated reason, but still. I kept thinking there’s got to be something more there…All in all, this is a fun and light read that you’ll enjoy if you love romance novels.drey’s rating: Pick it up!

Free Fall

Free Fall - Catherine Mann Free Fall is a bit different from previous military romances I’ve read. Usually, the hero’s in the service, and the heroine’s on the periphery. But here, Stella’s as kick-ass as Jose – she’s an Interpol agent after all. AND she’s just saved his hiney at their first meeting… The chemistry between the two burns hard and fast, and quickly burns out, because men are oftentimes dumber than they want to let on. And women are usually more stubborn than is good for them. But there’s still a story to be told, so Stella and Jose meet up again. And this time, it’s Jose’s turn to rescue her.There’s a lot of unresolved issues to get through before they can even contemplate getting together again. Not that either would admit to that contemplation, partly due to pride, and mostly due to a tight timeline as they try to unravel a plot to strike at the United States.I enjoyed the plot as much as the romance, though I did want more of the action than I got, and I wished for Jose to come to his senses sooner than he did. Then again, isn’t that what romance novels do? Fans of the genre should give Free Fall a whirl!drey’s rating: Pick it up!

Stray Souls

Stray Souls - Kate Griffin I have to start by saying that Stray Souls was initially a little hard to get into the swing of. It’s very British — in speech, language, and sense of humor. But once I did get into the swing of it, I couldn’t put it down.Sharon Li is a barista in a so-so coffee shop with a crappy boss, who’s eventually told she’s a shaman, but has trouble believing it. Her mentor is cranky and not so much into the whole teaching thing. And when Sharon is told she has to find the missing souls of London, she has no clue where to start.So she turns to Magicals Anonymous, a self-help group she’d started for those with extra “abilities”. And we meet a cast of characters who put the quirk in quirky…Stray Souls is wickedly funny, totally modern, and spot-on in its social commentary. I loved that Sharon uses Google and facebook to try to find some answers. I loved that her Magicals Anonymous group worry equally about the fate of the world, and adequate dental care for vampires. I loved that even the big bad villain turns out to have a heart after all.Most of all though, I love the sense of humor that permeates this urban fantasy. Not that it’s all laughs and marshmallows, because the story has its dark parts. I’m off to wait for the next installment in this series, and am considering picking up Griffin’s Matthew Swift series – I’ve read good things about it! drey’s rating: Excellent!