Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Drums of Autumn


Title: Drums of Autumn
Author: Diana Gabaldon
Series: Outlander (Book 4)
Genre: Historical Romance/Time Travel



Jamie and Claire make their way north and carve out a little part of the wilderness for themselves calling it Fraser's Ridge. Their story of learning to live off the land in a new place reminds me of reading Little House in the Big Woods when I was younger. I loved hearing about how they built their new home and all of the trials that went along with it.

Even though it didn't happen until halfway through the book - the meat of it to me was Brianna. She finds out that Jamie and Claire die in a house fire and decides to go through the stones and tell them. She meets everyone at Lollybroch and eventually meets her father and is reunited with her mother. I thought that it was beautiful and felt a little misty-eyed at her moments with Jamie.

Roger realizes what she's done and hops through the stones after her. His journey to Clair/Jamie/Brianna isn't nearly as easy as Brianna's. Again there seems to be problem after problem, although this time mostly in regards to Brianna and Roger. It was nice to see the story slightly shift focus to them without loosing the focus on Jamie and Claire.

I did feel, however, that something was left out. Brianna went back because of the fire, yet I feel like that date never came around in this book. It left it a little open ended for me. Hopefully that will be rectified in the next book. Perhaps it was mentioned and I just missed it?

Monday, May 17, 2010

To Desire A Devil


Title: To Desire A Devil
Author: Elizabeth Hoyt
Series: The Four Soldiers (Book 4)
Genre: Historical Fiction



Reynaud has been thought dead for the past 7 years. The three main male characters from the three previous books in the series were positive they saw him burned alive while they were captured by the Indians. Come to find out - they were only lead to believe that.

Beatrice is the niece of the current Earl of Blanchard and has spent many a night dreaming about the handsome rogue who has a painting in the study downstairs. Imagine her surprise when he comes crashing through the door during tea and passes out at her feet.

The two are essentially thrown together from the beginning - Beatrice taking care of Reynaud. Reynaud wants his title back from Beatrice's uncle and will stop at nothing to get the title back, including finding himself a proper English wife.

When I first started this book - I had no idea what series it was from and had to come back here to look it up. I have had it on hold for so long I forgot about it. Once I started it, however, it came back quickly. I enjoyed the story between the characters as well as hearing where Reynaud has been the past seven years. Again the actual Spinner's Fall mystery seems to take a backseat and I felt like it was rather anticlimactic after waiting to hear who the traitor was for four books. Another quick and rather fluffy read.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

The Phoenix Charm


Title: The Phoenix Charm
Author: Helen Scott Taylor
Series: The Magic Knot (Book 2)
Genre: Paranormal Romance



Michael, Niall's twin brother from The Magic Knot, is a quick talking ladies man. His charm just draws the women to him. Although she wouldn't like to be as entranced by him as she is, Cordelia can't seem to get him out of her mind.

Michael and Cordelia are left in charge while Niall, the pisky King, and his wife (From the Magic Knot) are on vacation. Things go awry when one of Niall's twin sons is kidnapped and locked in the Underworld.

Michael and Cordelia have to learn to work together and rely on each other more than either of them are use to to get the son back. They travel to the Underworld and learn many things about each other and those they love.

As with The Magic Knot, I liked some of the magical references, such as the Magic Knot. I found it interesting that Cordelia was bonded to a cat in mind and soul. I enjoyed this story more than the Magic Knot, but still don't think that it was too spectacular. Something about the world that was created didn't totally capture my attention and sometimes I felt confused about things.

If there is a next book in the series, I'll probably read it to see where the story goes, but so far both of the books in this series were semi-difficult to get through.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

The Van Alen Legacy


Title: The Van Alen Legacy
Author: Melissa De La Cruz
Series: Blue Blood (Book 4)
Genre: Young Adult



Schuyler and Oliver are running from the NY Blue Bloods. They think that Schuyler killed her grandfather and are afraid of what might happen if they are caught.

Mimi is traipsing around the world with Kingsly, looking for the Watcher who can inform them on what is going on.

Jack is a Venator as well and looking for Schuyler.

Bliss is battling the demon that is inside of her and trying to gain some part of her life back.

I usually enjoy the Blue Blood series, but had a hard time getting into this one. I think that it's been too long since I last read one. There are always so many spoilers that it's hard to write a review on these books. You are always kept guessing and wondering.