Thursday, January 5, 2012

A Storm of Swords [Martin]

Book: A Storm of Swords [A Song of Ice and Fire book #3]
Author: George R.R. Martin


Review: **This review contains spoilers**  After Stannis is defeated at Kings Landing, he retreats to Dragonstone to rebuild his troops and plan his next course of action. He is still being counseled by the Red Woman (Melisandre) but his Hand, the Onion Knight does not trust her. Meanwhile, Robb Stark, remains undefeated in battle but breaks a vow which leads to tragic results. Catelyn Stark releases the Kingslayer (with the intent of trading him for her daughters) without the consent of her brother (who was holding him hostage) or Robb, which leads to dissent at Riverrun. Jon Snow is still playing turncoat with the King Beyond the Wall (Mance) and his true loyalties are tested. Sansa is still being held hostage at King's Landing, while Tyrion finds himself cast aside for his father and not given any due for saving the city during the battle against Stannis. Meanwhile, Arya is still trying to find her way back to her mother, while across the sea Dani continues to conquer cities and groom her dragons.


This was an action packed adventure and I could not stop reading. Without question-this is the best book in the series so far. Excellent character development, several plot twists, several deaths (some anticipated, a few I did not see coming at all). A literary game of Risk-and I loved every battle.


Grade: A

Frenemies [Crane]

Book: Frenemies
Author: Megan Crane


Review:  Augusta 'Gus' has some goals she'd like to accomplish before age 30. Have a good job that she loves and be in a stable relationship. The good news? Gus loves her job as a librarian. The bad news? She recently caught her boyfriend (a friend she's known since college) kissing her freshman year college roommate. 'Frenemies' starts with Gus, newly single, having a hard time handling her ex dating her supposed 'friend' Helen. After Gus embarrasses herself in public after a few drinks too many, she tries to get her life back on track with the help of her girlfriends. But she keeps running into her ex boyfriend and ex friend, Gus is forced to deal with her feelings for both of them, while navigating a possible new love interest. 


I downloaded this from the library and was pleasantly surprised. I really enjoyed this book. It was funny (I laughed out loud a few times, a rarity for me when reading) and could relate with Gus. Although the ending was predictable, I read this in one sitting. Very fun chic-lit!


Grade: B+

Blue Moon [Hamilton]

Book: Blue Moon [Anita Blake #8]
Author: Laurell K. Hamilton


Review: After a lackluster 'Burnt Offerings' I was skeptical about this book, but Hamilton put the series back on track with this funny, fast paced, action packed installment. Anita travels to Tennessee when her ex-fiance Richard is arrested for rape. With her entourage of supernatural friends (including vampires, wolves and werepanthers), they battle the local vampire community, experience a power struggle with werewolves and try to solve a mystery involving trolls. Throw in some sexual tension between Anita and Richard, and we have a fun read!  


Grade: B+