Monday, August 31, 2009

Bitten & Smitten [Rowen]

Book: Bitten & Smitten [Immortality Bites Book 1]Author: Michelle Rowen
Reason for Reading: for fun
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Review: Sarah Dearly just had the worse blind date-after her date bit her and told her she was a vampire, he was killed by a bunch of guys in a cemetery. Escaping them, Sarah meets a hot guy contemplating suicide. Turns out he is also a vampire and agrees to show her the ropes if she helps him kill himself at some point. She agrees and life becomes even more complicated. With vampire hunters trying to kill her at every turn, Sarah finds herself falling in love and trying to balance her new life.

Recommend: Extremely light and fun, this book is very "cutesy." If you are a fan of vampire stories, you'll enjoy this.

Book Junkie's Grade: B+

Blood Promise [Mead]

Book: Blood Promise [Vampire Academy Book 4]
Author: Richelle Mead
Reason for Reading: for fun
Genre: YA - Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Review: After her mentor and boyfriend Dimitri is turned Strigoi (evil immortal vampire who kills), Rose leaves school before graduation and travels to Russia to fulfill a promise they made to each other. As she embarks on her journey, she befriends Dimitri's family, rogue guardians and a human who guides her on her way. When the situation turns on Rose and all is not what is seems, she must make the ultimate decision about her future.

Fun, fast paced with witty dialogue, this book did not disappoint. While certain plot points were predictable, there was one revelation at the end that was a surprise and actually brought a tear to my eye. This is a must read for VA fans.

Recommend: yes

Book Junkie's Grade: B

Succubus Heat [Mead]

Book: Succubus Heat [Georgina Kincaid book 4]
Author: Richelle Mead
Reason for Reading: for fun
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Review: Georgina Kincaid, succubus to the greater Seattle area, is having a tough time. Her ex is dating her good friend, no one thinks her current boyfriend is good enough for her, and her boss outsourced her to Canada. When her boss disappears causing Georgina to lose her powers, she can't connect with her ex, the one man she truly loves. As Georgina sets off to find her boss and resolve her love life, readers are once again long for a fun, witty and emotional ride with Ms. Kincaid. This is one employee of hell I can get behind!


Recommend: yes

Book Junkie's Grade: B+

Stolen [Armstrong]

Book: Stolen
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Reason for Reading: for fun
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Review: Elena Michaels, a female werewolf, is captured by a wealthy businessman who takes supernatural beings hostage to study their behavior and then to hunt them. Elena must form bonds with fellow captives and try to escape before her boyfriend tries to rescue her and kill himself in the process.

The book started out great with a strong premise and intriguing characters. Drawn out scenes and stupid decision making by the lead character seemed to add to the length of the book but not develop the plot. With a 100 pages less, this book could have been a home run. Instead, it was too long and by the end-I didn't care what happened to Elena.

Recommend: no

Book Junkie's Grade: C

Monday, August 24, 2009

Bitten [Armstrong]

Book: Bitten
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Reason for Reading: for fun
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Review: After spending 10 years in upstate NY, Elena Michaels makes a new life for herself in Toronoto. She has a great job as a writer and seems to have a great relationship with her live-in boyfriend. The only problem...she's the only female werewolf in existence and no one in Toronto knows about her secret life. When she is called back to NY to help the pack deal with some issues, she must decide where her true home is and who she really loves.

This book has a great concept and Elena is fleshed out well as a the lead character. Some of the actions displayed by secondary characters was inconsistent with their personalities, but still made for an interesting read. This is a 400 page, small print book so only sci-fi fans should even consider reading it.

If you really like sci-fi stuff with a hint of romance and violence, this may be for you.

Book Junkie's Grade: B-

Succubus Dreams [Mead]

Book: Succubus Dreams [Georgina Kincaid Book #3]
Author: Richelle Mead
Reason for Reading: for fun
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Review: The third installed in Mead's succubus series is light and fun like its predecessors. Succubus Georgina Kincaid is busy managing a bookstore, trying to maintain a healthy (albeit celibate) relationship with her boyfriend Seth, and maintaining her life force when she is forced to mentor a new, inept succubus in town. She also starts having vivid dreams that suck all the energy out of her. Georgina meets up with Dante, a dream interpreter, who may or may not be a scam artist, and tries to figure out what is going on.

Faithful readers of the 'Succubus' series will love this read. Georgina is witty, fun, flirtatious and someone all women can relate to on some level. As before, Mead creates secondary characters who are charming, evil and all together interesting.

Recommend: yes

Book Junkie's Grade: B+

Thursday, August 20, 2009

The Time Traveler's Wife [Niffenegger]

Book: The Time Traveler's Wife
Author: Audrey Niffenegger
Reason for Reading: book club
Genre: Fiction

Review: 'The Time Traveler's Wife' is the love story of HenryDe Tamble, a time-traveling librarian and artist Clare Abshire. Told in alternating narratives, the novel starts off disjointed and confusing. However, readers who are committed to the story are rewarded halfway through when the pace picks up and there is more continuity between the narratives.

Niffenegger creates a haunting, beautiful love story between Henry and Clare. While the logical aspects of time travel are confusing at times, the overall result is inspirational and emotional.

Recommend: yes

Book Junkie's Grade: A-

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Succubus On Top [Mead]

Book: Succubus On Top [Georgina Kincaid book 2]
Author: Richelle Mead
Reason for Reading: for fun
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Review: Georgina Kincaid has a lot on her plate. She's essentially managing the book store while her bosses are out, her good friend and co-worker Doug is acting strange, and her relationship with sexy, author Seth is a challenge. Since Georgina is a succubus, they can't even kiss. As if this isn't enough, Georgie's old friend and incubus comes to town to try to seduce a well-known conservative talk-show host. Georgina agrees to help him while trying to juggle everything else on her plate, including trying to figure out what is going on with Doug.

Mead hits another home rum with this quick, funny, albeit predictable read that will leave you wanting more.

Recommend: yes

Book Junkie's Grade: B+

Succubus Blues [Mead]

Book: Succubus Blues [Georgina Kincaid book 1]
Author: Richelle Mead
Reason for Reading: for fun
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Review: The first book in her 'Succubus' series, Mead introduces us to a new heroine who is additively charming, funny and tragic. After selling her soul for immortality, Georgina Kincaid needs men to survive. But after years of seducing, Georgina is slacking. She is content with her job at a book store, her assortment of friends (both mortal and immortals) and only preys on losers. When Georgina unexpectedly meets her favorite author, who happens to be cute and single, as well as another potential suitor, she is at a crossroads. How can Georgina have a relationship when even a simple kiss takes time off someones lifespan? And when someone starts hunting immortals in town, will Georgina defy her archdemon Jerome (who bears a striking resemblance to John Cusak) and try to find the killer?

With an uncanny ability to infuse supernatural elements into the modern world, Mead succeeds in creating a dynamic group of characters. Readers of her Vampire Academy series will undoubtedly draw comparisons between Rose and Georgina (both have sharp tongues and quick wit), but there is enough depth of the character to separate them. While the mystery surrounding the story was rather predictable, I still can't imagine how the series will end.

Recommend: yes

Book Junkie's Grade: B+

Monday, August 3, 2009

Dead and Gone [Harris]

Book: Dead and Gone [Southern Vampire Mysteries/Sookie Stackhouse Book 9]
Author: Charlaine Harris
Reason for Reading: for fun
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Review: After locating survivors at the vampire summit disaster, the FBI has tracked down Sookie Stackhouse and wants to figure out if she truly has powers. Meanwhile, supes have made themselves known to the world at large and Sookie's sister-in-law, a were-panther, is murdered. Sookie tries to figure out who murdered her sister-in-law and finds herself in the middle of a fae war involving her grandfather and a fellow fae prince. Of course, she also has some romantic issues to figure out when Eric tricks her into a difficult situation, and Bill makes it known he will risk everything for her.

The darkest of the series thus far, this book almost had too many plot points-many subjects that were introduced appeared abandoned by the end of the book or never fully fleshed out. While there was some sharp dialogue and humor, as a whole the book felt rushed and was not properly edited. Characters names in previous books were somehow different in this installment and there were some major gaps in the plot. That being said-I still really enjoyed the book and cannot wait to see what happens next.

May 2010..I'm excited!

Recommend: yes

Book Junkie's Grade: B-

From Dead to Worse [Harris]

Book: From Dead to Worse [Southern Vampire Mysteries/Sookie Stackhouse Book 8]
Author: Charlaine Harris
Reason for Reading: for fun
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Review: Returning from the disastrous vampire summit, Sookie is back in Bon Temps working as a barmaid. Romantic tensions are high when Sookie doesn't hear from her were-tiger boyfriend Quinn, ex-boyfriend Bill is trying to win her back and vampire Eric, whom she now has a blood bond with, is making things even more confusing and complicated than ever before. Meanwhile, fresh on the heels of Katrina and a weakened Queen Sophie-Anne, Vegas vampires make a power move to overtake the state while a rival werewolf pack tries to start an internal war. Sookie does her best to help her friends, while she meets her long lost grandfather and deals with some issues relating to her brother.

Once again, Harris hits a home run with another Sookie novel. This book was the perfect balance of humor, romance and mystery. Well written and fun!


Recommend: yes

Book Junkie's Grade: B+

All Together Dead [Harris]

Book: All Together Dead [Southern Vampire Mysteries/Sookie Stackhouse Book 7]
Author: Charlaine Harris
Reason for Reading: for fun
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Review: Sookie Stackhouse, the telepathic barmaid from Bon Temps, LA, finds herself at the US vampire summit off the shores of Lake Michigan working for Sophie-Anne Leclerq, the vampire queen of Louisiana. Sophi-Anne's empire is weakened after hurricane Katrina and she is on trial for the death of her husband, the king. As the only human witness to the crime, Sookie knows the queen is innocent, but she is unprepared for the events that unfold. Some vampires are murdered while members of The Fellowship of the Sun have infiltrated the hotel and are planning some sort of attack. Sookie pairs up with Barry the Bel hop, a fellow telepath, and together they try to figure out the mystery before it is too late.

Darker than previous installments in the series, I enjoyed Sookie's character development and the various plots points. There are a number of romantic suitors vying for Sookie's attention and dedicated fans will not be disappointed.

Recommend: yes

Book Junkie's Grade: B+

Definitely Dead [Harris]

Book: Definitely Dead [Southern Vampire Mysteries/Sookie Stackhouse Book 6]
Author: Charlaine Harris
Reason for Reading: for fun
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Review: There's a new love in Sookie's life, were-tiger Quinn. After they are attacked on their first date, she isn't sure who the target was. Meanwhile, Sookie's estranged cousin has Hadley died and Sookie must travel to New Orleans to clean up her apartment, meet with Hadley's lover (the Queen of Louisiana), and try to figure out who killed Hadley.


The weakest of the series thus far, the pace of this book was slow and the dialogue was not as sharp as previous entries. While reading this book I discovered there are a few 'in between mini-books' which provided some background for this story (at many points I found myself asking-when did that happen?).

Recommend: if you've read the previous books and are committed to the series yes. If you want to start reading the series, don't start at this one.

Book Junkie's Grade: C+

Dead as a Doornail [Harris]

Book: Dead as a Doornail [Southern Vampire Mysteries/Sookie Stackhouse Book 5]
Author: Charlaine Harris
Reason for Reading: for fun
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Review: Life is tough for telepathic barmaid Sookie Sackhouse. There is a sniper trying to kill non-humans in her hometown of Bon Temps, her house almost burns down, her sexy boss Sam (who likes to hang out as a lovable collie sometimes) is shot, and her hot, single friend Alcide Herveaux wants her help in securing his father's bid to become the next leader of the local werewolf pack. Throw in Sookie's fairy godmother and we have one well-rounded story.

While this book doesn't focus as much on Sookie's love life as the previous books, there are enough subplots to keep any reader involved. Like previous books, there is sharp dialogue, laughter and a bit of mystery.

Recommend: yes

Book Junkie's Grade: B

Dead to the World [Harris]

Book: Dead to the World [Southern Vampire Mysteries/Sookie Stackhouse Book 4]
Author: Charlaine Harris
Reason for Reading: for fun
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Review: After Bill takes off for a trip to South America, Sookie finds vampire Eric running naked and scared down a rural road near her house. His memory has been wiped clean by a powerful witch and there is a huge reward to find him. Sookie attempts to hide him in her house while her brother Jason accidentally sees Eric and then disappears. Sookie quickly finds herself in a dangerous world between vampires, witches, supes and werewolves, but still has time for fun banter and romance.


Smartly written and engaging, this is another 'hit' in the Sookie series. Harris makes the reader want to be in Bon Temps and be Sookie's friend.

Recommend: yes

Book Junkie's Grade: B+

Club Dead [Harris]

Book: Club Dead [Southern Vampire Mysteries/Sookie Stackhouse Book 3]
Author: Charlaine Harris
Reason for Reading: for fun
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Review: Vampire Bill has been working on a secret project when he is called away for a special trip. Sookie is feeling neglected when she doesn't hear from him and later learns he has been kidnapped. Once again-Sookie's telepathic skills are needed as she tries to find Bill with the help of werewolf Alcide (a character I cannot wait to see in the tv show). Alcide is young, handsome, and single.

After Sookie is betrayed by Bill, she must decide if she will save him or move on. Funny, mysterious, romantic, this is also a page turner and one of the best books in the series. Another must read!

Recommend: yes

Book Junkie's Grade: B+

Living Dead in Dallas [Harris]

Book: Living Dead in Dallas [Southern Vampire Mysteries/Sookie Stackhouse Book 2]
Author: Charlaine Harris
Reason for Reading: for fun
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Review: After a vampire goes missing, Eric Northman, Bill's vampire sheriff, enlists Sookie's help. He believes an extreme church group, The Fellowship of the Sun located in Dallas, is behind the kidnapping. Sookie travels to Dallas with Bill and goes undercover to try to solve the mystery. Her only stipulation-the vampires cannot harm the humans.


Like book 1, there is lots of romance, funny dialogue and a touch of mystery.

Recommend: yes

Book Junkie's Grade: B+

Dead Until Dark [Harris]

Book: Dead Until Dark [Southern Vampire Mysteries/Sookie Stackhouse Book 1]
Author: Charlaine Harris
Reason for Reading: for fun
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Review: The book that inspired the hit show True Blood, this is a must read! After Japanese develop synthetic blood, vampires 'come out of the coffin' changing the landscape of society as we know it. When telepathic barmaid Sookie Sackhouse meets vampire Bill in the small town of Bon Temps, LA, her once boring world is turned upside down.

Harris does a nice job blending vampires, supernatural beings (supes), romance, mystery and humor in the first book of this series.

Recommend: yes

Book Junkie's Grade: B+

Always Dakota [Macomber]

Book: Always Dakota [Dakota book 3]
Author: Debbie Macomber
Reason for Reading: for fun
Genre: Romance

Review: The two characters at the forefront of the third book in the Dakota series, ranchers Margaret Clemens and Matt Eilors, have an unrealistic story line and are never fleshed out as sympathetic characters. Margaret decides to marry Matt even though she knows he doesn't love her, while he is drawn to Margaret for her work ethic, honestly and the land she inherited from her wealthy father. A revelation toward the end of the book threatens their marriage, but the reactions of both characters doesn't ring true. Luckily, Macomber dedicates more time to wrapping us secondary relationships from the two previous books which left me satisfied.

Recommend: if you've read the other two, yes. Otherwise, skip this one.

Book Junkie's Grade: C+