Nightingale's Lament (Nightside, #3) by Simon R. Green

Nightingale's Lament by Simon R. Green

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


In the Nightside, the hidden heart of London where it's always 3 AM, Detective John Taylor must find an elusive singer known as The Nightingale. Her silken voice has inexplicably lured many a fan to suicide--and Taylor is determined to stop her, before the whole neighborhood falls under her trance. But to catch the swift-winged Nightingale, he'll have to hear the deadly music--and survive.

~~~~~


This was another interesting tale of the Nightside. A few new characters. I loved Dead Boy!! Overall an interesting series that I look forward to continuing!



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Agents of Light and Darkness (Nightside, #2) by Simon R. Green

Agents of Light and Darkness by Simon R. Green

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


The New York Times bestselling author takes readers back to the Nightside.

A quest for the Unholy Grail-the goblet from which Judas drank at the Last Supper-takes private eye John Taylor deep into the secret, magical heart of London...called the Nightside.

~~~~


I am definitely enjoying getting to know that characters better. We learn a lot about Shotgun Suzie as well as Razor Eddie in this book.

Very much enjoying this series!



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Something from the Nightside (Nightside, #1) by Simon R. Green

Something from the Nightside by Simon R. Green

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


The Barnes & Noble Review
Something from the Nightside is the first book in Green's Nightside sequence, a hard-boiled mystery that chronicles the life of John Taylor, a down-and-out private detective with supernatural abilities who specializes in finding lost things in Nightside. The realm of Nightside is "the secret, hidden, dark heart" of London, a subterranean world where time and reality have no meaning, a place where it's always three o'clock in the morning and something dangerous is most definitely lurking right around the corner.

When a desperate blonde comes to John searching for her runaway daughter, he takes the case, although it means returning to his place of birth, Nightside. John has been living in "the real world" for five years, and returning to Nightside means being reacquainted with old friends like Razor Eddie, Punk God of the Straight Razor, and Shotgun Suzie, a leather-clad bounty hunter. But the first rule in Nightside is never trust anyone…

Like Green's popular Deathstalker novels, Something from the Nightside is thoroughly enjoyable. John Taylor and his group of homicidal friends are guaranteed to entertain (and terrify), and although this novel has a satisfying ending, it's obvious that Green is setting the table for a much bigger, more complex conclusion.

~~~~~

This was a quick, enjoyable start to a new series for me. Little bit mystery, little bit fantasy, little bit horror. All my favorite genres mixed into one. I like the characters and look forward to reading more about John Taylor and figuring out just who he is.



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The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman (Goodreads Author), Dave McKean (Illustrations)

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Another great Gaiman read even if it is aimed at a younger audience.

The story starts out a bit dark with the murder of a family with the exception of a baby who just through a string of coincidences manages to toddle off to the local graveyard. When the killer realizes that his true target has escaped he goes looking for him only to be waylaid by the occupants of the graveyard who want to protect the baby. He is adopted by a set of ghostly parents and raised by an entire graveyard full of guardians.


After the grisly murder of his entire family, a toddler wanders into a graveyard where the ghosts and other supernatural residents agree to raise him as one of their own.

Nobody Owens, known to his friends as Bod, is a normal boy. He would be completely normal if he didn't live in a sprawling graveyard, being raised and educated by ghosts, with a solitary guardian who belongs to neither the world of the living nor of the dead. There are dangers and adventures in the graveyard for a boy. But if Bod leaves the graveyard, then he will come under attack from the man Jack—who has already killed Bod's family . . .

Beloved master storyteller Neil Gaiman returns with a luminous new novel for the audience that embraced his New York Times bestselling modern classic Coraline. Magical, terrifying, and filled with breathtaking adventures, The Graveyard Book is sure to enthrall readers of all ages.

~~~


We get to follow along as Bod -- short for Nobody Owens -- grows up in the graveyard. Along the way he realizes that he is not quite like the other occupants. We follow him through to 'adulthood' and it is quite the adventure.

Highly recommended for all Gaiman fans as well as anyone who wants a little light, fun reading with a bit of a dark edge.



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Gregor the Overlander (Underland Chronicles, #1) by Suzanne Collins

Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


When eleven-year-old Gregor follows his little sister through a grate in the laundry room of their New York apartment, he hurtles into the dark Underland beneath the city. There, humans live uneasily beside giant spiders, bats, cockroaches, and rats—but the fragile peace is about to fall apart.

Gregor wants no part of a conflict between these creepy creatures. He just wants to find his way home. But when he discovers that a strange prophecy foretells a role for him in the Underland's uncertain future, he realizes it might be the only way to solve the biggest mystery of his life. Little does he know his quest will change him and the Underland forever.

Rich in suspense and brimming with adventure, Suzanne Collin's debut marked a thrilling new talent, and introduced a character no young reader will ever forget.
~~~~~~


Reading this series along with my 12 year old. Since it is by the author of 'Hunger Games' I was expecting a great read. I was not disappointed. Both my daughter and I enjoyed this first book in the series.

Keeping in mind that this is a children's book, the adventure that Greogor finds himself involved in is quite enthralling. I found that I wanted to keep reading to find out what happens next. What a fantastical world Collins has created in Underland. With talking roaches, spiders, bats and rats. As Gregor realizes that he is the prophesied Warrior who can save the humans from war with the rats, he also has to worry about taking care of his baby sister Boots and discovering that his father who disappeared over 2 years ago is in Underland and being help as prisoner by the rats. All in all a very emotional journey that we get to join the questors on. I am very much looking forward to the next book in the series as soon as I can get it from my daughter.



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Goblin War (Jig the Goblin #3) by Jim C. Hines

Goblin War by Jim C. Hines

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


If you think it’s hard being a hobgoblin or a human, try living a goblin’s life for a while. In fact, try imagining what it’s like to be the runtiest goblin in the caves, the lone worshiper of a god who’s been forgotten for a good reason, and the target everyone points to at the first hint of trouble. Try picturing yourself as Jig Dragonslayer, and see how you like it… Despite impossible odds, Jig was still alive. He’d survived an adventurer’s quest against a dragon and a necromancer, a pixie invasion that had ogres and trolls dropping like flies, and, most frightening of all, the threat of being made chief of the goblins. He wasn’t sure how much more he could stand. Naturally, he was about to find out. War was brewing in the world outside the Mountain, and when the goblin’s lair was invaded by human warriors in search of the Rod of Creation, Jig knew it was just the start of another really bad day…

~~~

Very much enjoyed this third novel in the Jig the Dragonslayer series. We got to learn about Tymalous Shadowstar and who he is, how he got involved with Jig, and what becomes of him (maybe?). Jig saves the day again and finally brings peace to the mountain (as much peace as possible with a mountain full of monsters). Plus I see potential for a new Jig novel in the future!!! Overall a great series of books and I would happily read more.



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Goblin Tales (Jig the Goblin short stories) by Jim C. Hines

Goblin Tales by Jim C. Hines

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



A vengeful ghost trapped in a goblin's ear ... a flaming spider who must help stop a goddess from conquering a science fiction convention ... a goblin nursery worker who finds herself trapped in the middle of a war. This collection features five humorous short stories that explore the fantasy realm from the perspective of the lowest of the low, the unlikeliest of unheroes: the goblins.

Includes the following stories from the author of the GOBLIN QUEST trilogy:

Goblin Lullaby
The Haunting of Jig's Ear
Goblin Hunter
School Spirit
Mightier than the Sword

Each story includes an afterward by the author.

~~~

I loved this book of short stories. I am in the midst of reading the Jig the Goblin series and this was a wonderful jaunt to take. I don't think that I can pick a favorite out of the stories. I really enjoyed them all. From baby Jig, to finding out what Veka does after her part in Goblin Hero to Smudge being a hero at a modern day fantasy can. All great fun reads and I especially enjoyed the author's afterwords with each story. Well worth the 2.99 spend to purchase the eBook.



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**Kindle Edition

Goblin Hero (Jig the Goblin #2) by Jim C. Hines

Goblin Hero by Jim C. Hines

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



After barely surviving an adventure he never wanted, the scrawny little nearsighted goblin called Jig is now known as Jig Dragonslayer, and has the power of healing, thanks to the forgotten god he worships. But being a hero isn't all it's cracked up to be. Not when the goblin leader wants him dead, and everyone else actually expects him to keep doing heroic-and incredibly dangerous-things.

~~~



Another fun read in the Adventures of Jig the Goblin, Reluctant Hero. lol I loved the new characters -- Grell, Veka, Braf and Slash. As the somehow managed to stop the Pixie invasion and survive enchanted Ogres. I am very much looking forward to Jig's next adventure since we all know that they come in threes.



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The 19 Dragons by S.M. Reine

The 19 Dragons by S.M. Reine

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


There are nineteen provinces in the Land held aloft by nineteen pillars. Above the earth there is sky, and nobody knows what goes below except the Nineteen Dragons.

That is all you need to know, but that is not all there is to be known.

The Device has been stolen and the godlike Dragons have been rendered mortal. Someone is murdering them one by one, and each death brings the world closer to its end. Unless the Device is somehow restored to its deceased owner, the Dragons are doomed to destruction-- and the human world will go with them.

~~~

Interesting storyline. Not something that I would normally pick up and read, but I grabbed it free from Amazon for my Kindle. Glad that I did. I rather enjoyed it, although it did seem like it was just a portion of something bigger.







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***Kindle edition

Scar Night (Deepgate Codex, #1) by Alan Campbell

Scar Night by Alan Campbell


An insane angel, a bitter young assassin, a drunkard desperate to enact a father's revenge, and a naive boy angel wrapped in a dark steampunk setting...

In the city of Deepgate, suspended by chains over a seemingly bottomless abyss, there are two angels: one, an untested boy, the last of his line, forbidden to fly and unable even to wield the great heirloom sword of his legendary ancestors; the other, a psychotic murderess mad for revenge - or redemption.
When one of the city's own turns against its people, bringing enemies to its doorstep, both seek a powerful magic at the bottom of the chasm - and learn that what lies below is far more sinister than they've been taught to expect.


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This was an interesting read. Different than my typical read and I am looking forward to reading the next in the series, but I do have a couple of complaints. This book was mostly about world building, but I still have trouble imagining what Deepgate is. We get the basics, but there seems to be a lot missing. How and why was Deepgate created? What is the abyss? I just feel like the author spent a lot of time getting us acquainted with the world, but did not go into any depth.

The characters are well developed and likable. I really want to read more about what happens with Dill, Rachael and Carnival.

For me the books was just getting good when it ended. So I am looking forward to the next book which I hope to be able to get to soon.

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A Host of Dragons: Dragon Delasangre #4 by Alan F. Troop

A Host of Dragons: Dragon Delasangre, 4 by Alan F. Troop


A vessel bearing twelve mysterious passengers arrives at a marina near Peter DelaSangre's secluded island home, heralding the arrival of more sinister events-including the kidnapping of Peter's daughter and a corporation's attack against the family fortune. Now, Peter must uncover the ties that binds these misfortunes together, before it's too late.



My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Enjoyed this book of the Dragon DelaSangre series, just as I enjoyed the previous 3. I am kind of sad to think that there may be no more.

Peter find himself under attack, both personally and professionally, but has no idea who is behind the attack. Of course Derek, his wayward brother in law is involved. In his search for a mate Derek manages to bring the wrath of the European Dragons to Peter's doorstep. When a Host of Dragons attack Peter and his family he has no choice but to use all of his resources to fight back.

I actually begin to like Derek in this book and really would love to see more of what happens to the DelaSangre family in the future. Maybe the author will consider writing another book in the future.


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The Perfect Princess (The Dragon Nimbus #2) by Irene Radford

The Perfect Princess by Irene Radford

The throne of Prince Darville is threatened by rogue magicians who try to take advantage when his dragon protectors depart, and the prince realizes that he and his bride are threatened by dark magic that threatens his kingdom and their lives.


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Loved this second book in the Dragon Nimbus series. The characters are much more fully developed, the storyline runs much smoother than the first book, and the plot was a great read. I enjoyed getting to know Yaakke as he seems to be the focus of the next book in the series. Looking forward to reading more in this series as well as other series that this author has written.

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The Glass Dragon (The Dragon Nimbus #1) by Irene Radford

The Glass Dragon by Irene Radford


Finding the much-needed magic in their world dwindling with the depopulation of dragons, journeyman wizard Jaylor and witchwoman Brevelan begin a quest to discover who is destroying the dragons and why.


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a good read. The characters were not as well developed as they could have been but the storyline was interesting enough to keep me reading. I will read the next in the series and also look into picking up some of the authors other books as well.

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Growing Wings by Laurel Winter

Growing Wings by Laurel Winter


When 11-year-old Linnet discovers she is growing wings, her bewilderment is confounded by her mother's obvious distress. As it turns out, her mother also grew wings on the cusp of adolescence, only to have them cut off by her mother. Linnet's life seems to speed up rapidly after her shocking discovery; she soon finds herself alone on her estranged grandmother's doorstep, and shortly thereafter, at a type of secret residence for winged people like herself. As she tries to adapt to a life she never expected, Linnet struggles with desires common to anyone who has ever wanted desperately to fit in, while simultaneously seeking to embrace uniqueness.

This unusual novel will strike a chord with young readers who long to both blend in and stand out. Linnet is a sensitive, strong, fallible girl, easy to relate to (in spite of her unusual physical traits). Her adventures as she tries to learn how to fly (just having wings isn't enough--it takes hard work and practice), make friends, find her mother, and, with her winged community, avoid being noticed by the media, make for an entirely new kind of science fiction-fantasy story--one that soars. (Ages 9 to 12) --Emilie Coulter

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is an enjoyable story about a young girl, Linnet, who suddenly starts to sprout wings. She finds out that her mother also had wings when she was young, but they had been cut off by her mother, making her a 'cutwing'. When the Linnet begins to quesiton her mother it is more than her mother can take and she takes Linnet on a journey that ends up at a hideaway in the mountains where other winged people, as well as other cutwings, are living in seclusion. Here Linnet explores her newly grown wings as she experiments with flying and tries to deal with the impact that the wings have on her life and her future.
>
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The Lost Ones (The Veil, #3) by Christopher Golden

The Lost Ones by Christopher Golden


Bestselling author Christopher Golden brings his epic, innovative trilogy, the Veil, to an astonishing conclusion as the mythic realm of heroes and monsters becomes the site of humanity’s last—and greatest—showdown.

In the world of the legendary, every myth and folktale is real. That is what Oliver Bascombe learned on the other side of the Veil, where humanity's legends have hidden away for centuries. But even legends have legends, and Oliver has learned of a prophecy that many believe he and his sister, Collette, have come to the Two Kingdoms to fulfill. Before they can discover the truth, the Bascombe siblings must help to stop an apocalyptic war that threatens to destroy the Two Kingdoms, unravel a conspiracy, and prevent a powerful sorcerer from severing the world of humans from the realm of the legendary forever.

But first Oliver will have to plot an escape from an impregnable palace dungeon where he and his allies have been imprisoned . . . for regicide.

As old heroes and friends ally themselves for one last battle, even older enemies stand arrayed against them. Is humanity ready to face its legends head-on? For Oliver Bascombe, the price may be dearer than even he could ever imagine.

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a good ending to the trilogy. Most of the book is about the war between the Borderkind/Legends and the Atlanteans. The gathering of forces and actual battle. Oliver and Collette also come into their magical abilities and see themselves for the legend-born that they are. All in all a satisfying end.

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The Borderkind (The Veil, book 2) by Christopher Golden

The Borderkind by Christopher Golden


For centuries they lived amongst us. The frightful and wondrous, the angelic and bloodthirsty. Living in a reality just beyond the Veil, humanity’s myths and legends are caught in a struggle for their very survival—against hunters far more powerful than they are.

Into this struggle has stepped a New England lawyer who once wanted to be an actor—a man who both longs for the mortal woman he was to marry and is desperate to rescue the sister who’s been taken hostage. Neither hero nor warrior, Oliver Bascombe now finds himself brandishing a magical sword, walking in the company of a woman who sometimes appears as a fox and a man made of pure ice, and dueling with albino giants and winged killers. For in the world of the Borderkind—and the realms that exist beyond it—Oliver is discovering just how vulnerable are humankind’s myths, the dire consequences of their extinction, and the reason he was chosen to save them.…

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
This second book in the Veil series was a wonderful continuation of the story that we began in 'The Myth Hunters'. We follow Oliver Bascombe as he continues on his journey to survive and try to figure out what his place is on this side of the veil. He joins Frost and the other Myths in their attempt to discover who has sent the Hunters out to kill the Borderkind. Oliver discovers that his sister has been kidnapped by the Sandman and is being held as bait. But why is Oliver so important to this battle? We learn more about Oliver and his sister and the place they have in this epic battle.



Looking forward to finishing the story with 'The Lost Ones' which went on sale April 2008.


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The Mammoth Book of Comic Fantasy by Mike Ashley

The Mammoth Book of Comic Fantasy by Mike Ashley


Synopsis
The very best in whimsical and hilarious fantasy writing, this collection features specially commissioned stories by such masters of the fanciful imagination as Rabelais and Swift, Lewis Carroll and Edward Lear, P.G. Wodehouse, and James Thurber.


Includes stories by

Neil Gaiman
Tom Hold
Terry Jones
Terry Pratchett
Jane Yolen

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
Let me start by saying that this is a huge book. There are only 512 pages, but it seems to go on forever. I think that this book would be enjoyed most if it was placed on a coffee table in your living room and picked up every now and again when you are in the mood for a short read. But to sit down and read it straight through was quite a chore.



I originally picked this book up solely for the Terry Pratchett Discworld story 'Troll Bridge'. But there are quite a few great stories in here. My favorite was probably 'A Fortnight of Miracles' by Randall Garrett -- but there were quite a few others worth mentioning --



Pizza To Go by Tom Holt

Death Swatch by Esther Friesner

Alaska by John Morressy

The Return of Mad Santa by Al Sarrantonio

Ruella in Love by Molly Brown



I know that there were others that I enjoyed as well, but these stick out.



Overall a fun read, but one that probably needs to be savored in small bites.


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The Myth Hunters (The Veil, book 1) by Christopher Golden

The Myth Hunters by Christopher Golden


From the Publisher
In this enthralling new tale from bestselling author Christopher Golden, one man is drawn into a realm just across the veil from our own, where every captivating myth and fairy tale is true, the vanished exist–and every fear is founded….

Yielding to his father's wishes, Oliver Bascombe abandoned his dream of being an actor and joined the family law firm. Now he will marry a lovely young woman bearing the Bascombe stamp of approval. But on the eve of his wedding, a blizzard sweeps in–bringing with it an icy legend who calls into question everything Oliver believes about the world and his place in it….

Pursued by a murderous creature who heeds no boundaries, Jack Frost needs Oliver's help to save both himself and his world–an alternate reality slowly being displaced by our own. To help him, Oliver Bascombe, attorney-at-law, will have to become Oliver Bascombe, adventurer, hero–and hunted. So begins a magnificent journey where he straddles two realities…and where, even amid danger, Oliver finds freedom for the very first time

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was okay. It takes a while for the story to develop but it does finally come together and right about where the book ends it gets interesting. lol Now I have to read #2.



Oliver is a lawyer from a very wealthy family on the eve of his wedding. He is having doubts about rather he really wants to get married when he encounters Jack Frost (yep the one and only) who has been attacked by a Myth Hunter and needs Oliver to help him. In helping Frost escape the Hunter, Oliver is transported with Frost through the Veil, which keeps the world of the Borderkind (our myths and legends come to life) separate from our world.



This leads to quite and adventure as Oliver attempts to find a way to circumvent that automatic death sentence given to all Intruders, while he joins up with several Borderkind in an attempt to discover who has given the order for all of the Borderkind to be killed and why.



In the meantime The Sandman has escaped into our world and his first victim is Oliver's father. He abducts Oliver's sister to use as bait to lure Oliver to his death.



I am looking forward to reading the second book in the series 'The Borderkind' just to see what happens next.


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Legends: Short Novels by the Masters of Modern Fantasy, Vol. 1

by Robert Silverberg, Stephen King, Orson Scott Card & Raymond Feist

FROM THE PUBLISHER
Synopsis
New bestselling short novels by master storytellers are highlighted in this first of three volumes of a "stellar compilation" (Booklist) series sure to delight their fans as well as introduce new readers to the writers' world of fantasy and science fiction. Authors include Stephen King, Orson Scott Card and Raymond E. Feist.

Orson Scott Card's "Grinning Man," set after Heartfire, seems like it could be an extract from the forthcoming sixth Alvin Maker novel. Opening with Alvin and Arthur Stuart travelling through Kennituck, the two come upon a man who is grinning down a bear. Letting the grinning man get ahead of him, the travelers come to a small village where they meet up with some inhospitable villagers who had heard about Alvin from the grinning man. Card's tale is good, but it relies on more knowledge of Alvin, Arthur and their circumstances for it to be fully effective.

Raymond Feist has already shown how slavery exists on Kelewan in both the original Riftwar Saga and the Daughter of Empire series he wrote with Janny Wurts. In "The Wood Boy," Feists tells the story of a noble house on Midkemia which is captured by the Tsurani and has slavery imposed upon them. Feist's tale is told through the eyes of Dirk, a young woodgatherer who hopes to escape his servitude and live his own life once again.

Also included in this volume--

Stephen Kings Dark Tower -- The Little Sisters of Eluria
Robert Silverberg Majipoor -- The Seventh Shrine

My Opinion
I totally enjoyed this book.

Before each story there is a brief introduction that introduces us to the world that the author has written the story about. The only one that I have already read is Stephen King's Dark Tower. I have only read the first few books in the series but that made Stephen King's story my favorite as we travel with Roland on his journey and encounter what we can only describe as a form of vampire.

I have Card's books on my TBR mountain so his story was a nice introduction to his work and was enjoyable. Kind of makes me think of an American version of DiscWorld. lol

I also enjoyed Feist's Riftwar story as I also have some of his books on my TBR pile.

I have to admit that I did not read Silverberg's story as the introduction did not lead me to believe that I would care for the series.

Overall though a nice read with some great introductions, or additions to some wonderful series.

#54 -- Entertain the End (Everworld #12) by KA Applegate

*From the Publisher*
Finally, the answers to all the mysteries start to fall into place in the last volume of K.A. Applegate¹s best-selling young adult series. David, April, Christopher, and Jalil will now learn the truth.

*My Opinion*
Fantastic ending to a great series of books. I really enjoyed this series.
While this last book ties up a lot of loose ends and brings about a great ending, there is a little shimmer of a hope that Applegate could one day decide to revisit EverWorld. There is plenty left to write about and I for one would welcome more of this series.