Sky Dragons, Open Minds and Alien Sex!

Three reviews today:

Sky Dragons by Todd & Anne McCaffrey 5*
BLURB:From the New York Times bestselling mother-and-son team of Anne McCaffrey and Todd McCaffrey comes the final instalment in the riveting Pern saga that began with Todd’s solo novel, Dragonsblood. Now, with all of Pern imperilled by the after effects of a plague that killed scores of dragons and left the planet helpless against the fall of deadly Thread, the only hope for the future lies in the past. There, on an unexplored island, a group of dragonriders led by Xhinna, a brave young woman who rides the blue dragon Tazith, must battle lethal Mrrows and voracious tunnel-snakes to build a safe home for themselves and the dragons, whose offspring will one day—if they survive—replenish Pern’s decimated dragon population. But as the first female rider of a blue dragon, and the first female Weyrleader in the history of Pern, Xhinna faces an uphill battle in winning the respect and loyalty of her peers . . . especially after an unforeseen tragedy leaves the struggling colony reeling from a shattering loss. Amid the grieving, one girl, Jirana, blessed—or cursed—with the ability to foresee potential futures, will help Xhinna find a way forward. The answer lies in time . . . or, rather, in timing it: the awesome ability of the dragons to travel through time itself. But that power comes with risks, and by venturing further into the past, Xhinna may be jeopardizing the very future she has sworn to save.
My Review: Another time travelling trip on Pern. This time we get to know the people and dragons from an unconventional Weyr with a female blue dragon rider leading the way forward. The numerous problems they face lead to a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Have a tissue or two handy.

Open Mind (Mindjack Trilogy #1) by Susan Kaye Quinn 5*
BLURB: Sixteen-year-old Kira Moore is a zero, someone who can’t read thoughts or be read by others. Zeros are outcasts who can’t be trusted, leaving her no chance with Raf, a regular mindreader and the best friend she secretly loves. When she accidentally controls Raf’s mind and nearly kills him, Kira tries to hide her frightening new ability from her family and an increasingly suspicious Raf. But lies tangle around her, and she’s dragged deep into a hidden world of mindjackers, where having to mind control everyone she loves is just the beginning of the deadly choices before her.
My Review: What can I say about this book that won't sound overly gushing? Well I can tell you it's one of the best mind power stories I have read in a long time. The concept and execution were both new and fresh and I hope the following books continue this excellent start to the Mindjacker series.

Alien Sex 104 by Allie Ritch 4*
BLURB:Huv has always liked the ladies, but he’s getting to the age when he’s ready for more than one-night stands. After meeting Lexy, he finds it very easy to fall for the sexy alien in her female form, but that’s only half the equation. Lexy is Cedecian. Every month, her race changes genders. Huv suffers a sexual identity crisis as he struggles to accept that the woman he loves may also be the man he loves. For an Allurian who is used to being strictly straight, it’s an adjustment Huv isn’t sure he can make. Expecting Glynn to pop the question, Deina is shocked when he instead asks her to have his baby … or at least try. As a Semhym, Glynn must find a woman with just the right chemistry to help him spill his seed before it’s too late. He thinks Deina may be the one, but he wants to be sure. In order to win her over, he’ll have to gamble for the highest stakes of all: sex, love, and the rest of their lives
My Review: This was a prize won in a competion Even though I haven't read the previous three books I had no problems jumping into the series. I enjoyed the three couples featured in this book and I'm definitely going to get the others to find out more about the relationships touched on in this one

Simultaneous Reading Leads To Multiple Reviews!

Dragon's Time by Todd & Anne McCaffrey 5*
BLURB:For the first time in more than three years, bestselling authors Anne McCaffrey and Todd McCaffrey, mother and son, have teamed up again to do what they do best: add a fresh chapter to the most beloved science fiction series of all time, the Dragonriders of Pern. Even though Lorana cured the plague that was killing the dragons of Pern, sacrificing her queen dragon in the process, the effects of the disease were so devastating that there are no longer enough dragons available to fight the fall of deadly Thread. And as the situation grows more dire, a pregnant Lorana decides that she must take drastic steps in the quest for help. Meanwhile, back at Telgar Weyr, Weyrwoman Fiona, herself pregnant, and the harper Kindan must somehow keep morale from fading altogether in the face of the steadily mounting losses of dragons and their riders. But time weighs heavily against them until Lorana finds a way to use time itself in their favor. It's a plan fraught with risk, however. For attempting time travel means tampering with the natural laws of the universe, which could drastically alter history and destiny forever. Or so it has always been thought. But Lorana discovers that if the laws of time can't be broken without consequences, it may still be possible to bend them. To ensure the future of Pern, she's willing to take the fateful chance even if it demands another, even greater, sacrifice
My Review: As I mentioned previously I love anything Pern so I was predisposed to enjoy this book. The story is a direct follow on from Dragongirl and I wouldn't recommend reading it as a stand-alone. The Timing gets a little confusing if, like me, you are a fast reader but the logic is there. I look forward to reading Sky Dragons when my husband finishes with it.

Claimings, Tails, and Other Alien Artifacts by Lyn Gala 4*
BLURB:Liam loves his life as a linguist and trader on the Rownt homeworld, but he has ignored his heart and sexual needs for years. He won't risk letting anyone come too close because he won't risk letting anyone see his deeply submissive nature. For him, submission comes with pain. Life burned that lesson into his soul from a young age. This fear keeps him from noticing that the Rownt trader Ondry cares for him. Ondry may not understand humans, but he recognizes a wounded soul, and his need to protect Liam is quickly outpacing his common sense. They may have laws, culture, and incompatible genitalia in their way, but Ondry knows that he can find a way to overcome all that if he can just overcome the ghosts of Liam's past. Only then can he take possession of a man he has grown to love
My Review: I was sorry that this wasn't a longer story as the author did a wonderful job creating a believable alien culture and physiology. The interaction between the main characters was well written and rang true to how I believe an alien and a human would feel in these circumstances.

Be My Vampire by Myla Jackson 4*
BLURB:Elite Paranormal Investigative Agent Reggie Gallagher hates vampires. After thirteen beautiful women are kidnapped off the streets of Houston, Reggie and her sister set themselves up as bait to catch the kidnappers. The mission goes sour, her sister vanishes and Reggie is surrounded by a rabid pack of vampires only to be rescued by the most desirable vampire Reggie’s ever encountered. Captivated by his incredible magnetism, Reggie can’t deny her body’s response to the vampire’s nearness. When the sexy beast insists on providing protection and assistance in finding the missing women, Reggie can’t refuse. After the woman he loved turned Yuri Kovac into a vampire four hundred years ago, he swore he’d never trust another woman with his heart. Then he saved a sensuous hellcat from a band of vicious vampires only to find himself mesmerized by her curvaceous body, hot temper and fierce love for her family. Together Yuri and Reggie seek Reggie’s missing sister and face down the evil behind the disappearances while fighting their growing attraction for each other.
My Review: I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review so here it is: I loved the way the story opened straight into action and the way the author wove in all the background on the characters without detracting from what was happening. This was obviously part of a series and I will be looking for Madison's story to find out how she copes with the changes caused at the end of the story.

The Stable Boy by Megan Derr 3*
BLURB:On a journey to meet his fiancé and begin wedding preparations, Prince Diggory is betrayed by his bodyguard, who intends to steal Diggory's life. Left for dead in a river, the last thing Diggory expects is to live. But surviving is only half the battle, and Diggory will have to figure out how to work around the constraints of a terrible curse if he hopes to stop the man who betrayed him and gain back his life.
My Review: This is a free story written for the Sandy Relief Auction. Another clever m/m twist on a Fairytale. This one was based on The Goose Girl and was very close to that storyline. It was perfect as a sweet, short read.

Salome at Sunrise by Inez Kelley 4*
BLURB:Bryton Haruk sets out on a suicide mission to stop the bloodthirsty Skullmen from terrorizing the war-weary Land of Eldwyn. Consumed by guilt over the death of his wife, Bryton seeks revenge and reunion in the afterlife with his lost love. His purpose is determined, his bravery unmatched, until the queen casts a spell to save Bryton from himself.
Salome is that spell. A bird-shifter, she can harness the earth’s breeze and take the form of a beautiful, innocent woman. Her challenge is to harness Bryton’s pain and guide him to peace. She entrances and irritates him, tempting Bryton from his mission. Even as he gives in to the passion between them, Bryton insists on mounting a solo attack on the brigands’ compound, and Salome fears her love won’t be enough to save him
My Review: The magic of this story is created by the ability of the author to make the reader believe in a living spell. I was pulled into the problems and anguish of Bryton's fight against the evil that took his wife and his guilt at his growing feelings for Salome. By the end of the story I was emotionally drained but happy.

Review of Snatched by Vijaya Shartz 4*

BLURB:Snatched from a post-apocalyptic battlefield by galactic traders, Zania is sold to a clandestine ring of fighting Amazons on a planet lush with green jungles and teeming with deadly felines. She resents the gorgeous and overzealous Viking champion, Svend, who saves her life but too easily accepts his slavery. Adulated by a woman who claims to know her, hated by the jealous Amazon queen who fancies Svend, Zania seeks escape... But Svend knows the price of rebellion. And on this seemingly peaceful planet, ruled and defended by machines, nothing is what it seems... Among the rumbles of a volcano threatening to explode, insurrection is brewing, and no one is safe.

My Review: If you like your Science Fiction Romance with full on action and characters that are larger than life then read any book by this author.

I know - I eat books up!!

Review of Redoubt by Mercedes Lackey 5*
BLURB: Mags, a young Herald trainee in Haven, the capital city of the kingdom of Valdemar, has talents not commonly found in Herald trainees. Recognizing this, the King's Own Herald decides to train Mags as a spy in order to uncover the secrets of a mysterious new enemy who has taken an interest in Mags himself. Why is the even deeper mystery. The answers can only be found in the most unexpected corners of Mags' past...assuming he can live long enough to find them.

My Review: Just like a good Chinese meal this book fills you up but within a very short time you are ready for more. This 4th book in the Collegium Chronicles answered a lot of questions left for me from the previous book but left me asking a whole bunch more. Can't wait for book 5 to come out.

Two Reviews

Review of Tangle Of Need by Nalini Singh 5*

BLURB: Adria, wolf changeling and resilient soldier, has made a break with the past—one as unpredictable in love as it was in war. Now comes a new territory, and a devastating new complication: Riaz, a SnowDancer lieutenant already sworn to a desperate woman who belongs to another.
For Riaz, the primal attraction he feels for Adria is a staggering betrayal. For Adria, his dangerous lone-wolf appeal is beyond sexual. It consumes her. It terrifies her. It threatens to undermine everything she has built of her new life. But fighting their wild compulsion toward one another proves a losing battle.
Their coming together is an inferno…and a melding of two wounded souls who promise each other no commitment, no ties, no bonds. Only pleasure. Too late, they realize that they have more to lose than they ever imagined. Drawn into a cataclysmic Psy war that may alter the fate of the world itself, they must make a decision that might just break them both.

My Review: Nalini Singh has delivered another wonderful chapter in the continuing story of the Psy/Changelings and their world. Adria and Riaz’s relationship was nicely interwoven with the main story, where the culmination of the overall action takes one step closer to the climax. My only negative is that the last three pages made me want book 12 immediately instead of having to wait.


Review of Virgin by Cheryl Brooks 5*

BLURB: Dax valued his freedom more than any woman until he met Ava, a spunky half-breed Aquerei who holds the key to the salvation of her father's homeworld. Can they save the world and still hold on to one another

My Review: This was a book which could be read as a stand alone story full of humour, charm and a couple who are absolutely adorable, but also it continues the saga of the Zetithians and their need to repopulate their species. I loved reading about a Zetithian and his mate as well as all the secondary Characters, who were not just there as scenery but well rounded and as entertaining as the main ones.

Christmas reads

Review of The Bacchi by Belinda McBride 5*

BLURB: The Bacchi Lefi Dhrahn lives a life of luxury and decadence, but is tortured by memories of a lost love. He survives the pain by surrounding himself with sex, beauty and all forms of self-indulgence. When he meets the alluring Inspector Afton Teris, Lefi believes the detective will make a very nice addition to his string of conquests.
He doesn't count on falling in love.
Afton Teris is a Valoran hermaphrodite and like all members of his species, is stern, cerebral and disapproves of the frivolous prostitute. Afton orients as a male, but the beautiful Lefi Dhrahn stirs him sexually, making him question everything he knows about himself. To further confuse his emotions, Afton finds himself tempted by the forbidden pleasures surrounding the Bacchi.
When a kidnapping ring strikes close to home, the two go undercover on a brothel barge to investigate a slavery operation. There, Lefi is confronted by painful memories from his past, while Afton is faced with a horror that threatens his future, and perhaps his very life.
Their survival lies with one another, but only if Lefi can set aside his pain and listen to his heart.

My Review: This book is set in the same universe as An Uncommon Whore . It was nice to visit the same universe but end up meeting two very new characters who are as hot and interesting as Griffin and Helios. The insight into their inner feelings and the way they connect was all that I expected from Belinda's writing and she didn't disappoint. I look forward to reading anything else she writes in this sphere.

Review of Knight Errant by K D Sarge 4*

BLURB: From pickpocket and con artist to little brother and trusted comrade is a tough transition, but Taro is making it. His new sister, former Marine Eve Marcori, promised his dead mother she'd look after him. To her that means family, home--her interstellar freighter--and a solid future. In four years she has trained Taro extensively; the next step is college. Taro would rather be shot, but he never forgets his debt to Eve, so he means to honor her plans or die in the attempt.
When Eve rescues former joy-boy and current layabout Rafe Ballard, death seems the likely outcome. Rafe is so apparently useless that Eve calls him 'the baggage' and appoints Taro his custodian. Irritated into disobedience by his carefree charge, Taro tries to get rid of Rafe. Instead he gets them both kidnapped by the jealous husband Rafe was fleeing. Though they are off-planet before Taro can act, his training may be enough to bring them safely through--but now he has bigger problems. Forced into partnership--and freedom--with Rafe, Taro begins to see him differently. Kind, funny, and caring, Rafe is everything Taro never knew he wanted. And all he can't have. Eve's plans leave no room for a playboy boyfriend who can never measure up, and Taro can't let her down.
Caught between the sister he'd die for and the man he's beginning to live for, Taro decides it's time to start making his own plans. And if the new skills aren't enough, he'll give the old ones a try.

My review: This was both a sweet romance and a great adventure but it was also a story about family. Even though there are no blood ties between Eve and Taro, their relationship is very much big sister and little brother with big sister being oblivious that little bother isn't so little any more. Meanwhile Taro and Rafe have to try and learn to understand and accept each other whilst building a relationship that Eve is totally against. The love scenes are not too explicit so this is a book that can be read by younger readers who want to understand a little more about living with being gay.

Review of Be My Boy by Casey K Cox 3*

Blurb Devastated by the loss of his Master and long-time partner, Owen's life slips into a tailspin of loneliness and abuse. When he finally gives in and gives up, an angel pulls him from the filthy ground of a back alley.
Mitchell isn't in the market for a new boy, but he can’t bear to stand by and watch Owen's demise from the sidelines. He finds more than a companion in the older man when he takes him under his wing, and makes it his mission to show Owen it’s never too late to teach an old dog some new tricks.

My Review: This was a free download written for the M/M Romance Group's "Hot Summer Days" anthology at Goodreads. I downloaded it because it was set in my home city Cardiff. I was pleasantly surprised at how well the author wrote about the atmosphere and life of the city as the background to a lovely sweet story about a man who had lived as a companion all his adult life and was at a loss when his companion died. My only complaint and why I only gave it 3* was that it was a little too short and rushed.

This would make a great movie!

Review of The Gifted by Linda Mooney 5*

BLURB: After being banished from her own world because of the deep fear of the scope of her powers by the Judiciary, an anomaly shoots Sah'Reena toward Earth and the one man in the universe meant to be her soul mate -- Dr. Robin Dickenson.
No one, least of all Dr. Robin Dickenson, expected what they discovered when they opened the alien 'craft' captured by the Liberty while on a routine space mission. But from the moment he first sees the star girl, Sah'Reena, Robin is captivated.
Near death, expecting never to see anything again beyond the endless void of space, Sah'Reena isn't certain, at first, that her mind isn't playing tricks on her, but the handsome face of the stranger she sees gives her hope of life when she'd thought all hope was gone.

My Review: When I opened this book it was with the intention of reading the first chapter before sleeping. That was a big mistake, before I had realised it I had read to chapter 19 and it was very late!
The story was an intense read, with many situations between the alien heroine and the human scientists and military that rang so true they seemed to be factual not fiction. To make this a top-notch read the author added a romance that was out of this world.

REVIEWS!

Got a few more books read lately so here are the reviews for them. On the advice of a friend I am putting the blurbs before the reviews to save you all looking for the information.


Louder Than Sirens, Louder Than Bells by KD Sarge 5*

BLURB: When I first crossed paths with him at the library on campus, I didn't know what to think. Lip gloss, eyeliner, eye shadow, nail polish? Back in the small town where I grew up, a boy would have never dared to dress like him. When an assignment to create a video news segment from one of our professors places us both in the same group, personalities clash, and what started as fascination on my part turns into instant dislike, which he seems to immediately return.

He's smart, quick-thinking, creative…but also snarky, moody, defensive, and basically the complete physical opposite of every guy I've ever been attracted to. And yet, despite the fact that I think he needs an attitude adjustment, and he thinks I'm just a backward country hick, I've quickly come to realize that sometimes the line between love and hate really is paper thin.

My Review: I loved this story so much I was actually disappointed when I reached the end. I could so empathise with Alan and just loved Lucas’s reactions. The story was so full of human interest and mistakes and made the whole thing so real. I hadn’t read anything by this author before but will be on the look out for more by her as she writes in a very down to earth fashion that makes you realise you know people like the Characters she writes about.


Plague by H W ‘Buzz’ Bernard 5*

BLURB: In only a matter of days, 9/11 and the destruction of the Twin Towers will be rivaled by a lone-wolf terrorist attack on America. Atlanta is targeted as Ground Zero for the most horrifying plague in modern times.

Deep in the secret recesses of a Cold War lab, the Russians created tons of deadly bio-weapons. Now, decades later, a protégé of that Russian research is about to release weaponized Ebola into the heart of the South's most iconic city: Atlanta, where the symbols of American "decadence" range from a happily diverse population to the Coca-Cola museum and CNN building.

A preliminary test of the horrifying virus demonstrates the unspeakable suffering of its victims-and alerts the Centers for Disease Control that a terrible pandemic is in the making. CDC Virologist Dr. Dwight Butler begins a frantic effort to track down the source before it's too late.

For new BioDawn CEO Richard Wainwright, it quickly becomes clear that the "accidental" plane crash that killed the pharmaceutical company's entire executive hierarchy may have some connection to the evolving threat. Suddenly Richard is being stalked by a hit woman. He and Butler join forces to find the lone terrorist at the center of a plan that could unleash a modern Black Plague on the western world.

My Review: It took me a while to actually get around to reading this book and I wish I had read it a lot earlier . It was intriguing, informative (especially some of the facts about CDCs) and most of all a wonderfully interesting read. If you like Michael Crichton or Robin Cook then you will love this bioterrorism thriller as much as I did.


Dark Wolf Rising by Rhyannon Byrd 4*

BLURB: (Series: Bloodrunners, book #4): Eric Drake, a powerful Dark Wolf, has never trusted himself around human females-preferring to mate only within his pack. That is, until he encounters Chelsea Smart snooping around Silvercrest pack land in search of her missing sister. Secretly, Chelsea thinks Eric is the sexiest man she's ever seen, though she is wary of his potent Alpha energy. Then it's discovered that Chelsea's sister is being held by a pack of vicious Lycans, and Eric heroically leaps into action. Now, Chelsea will risk everything-her body and soul-to surrender to the passion that will mark her as Eric's woman for all eternity...if they survive

My review: Even though this is book four in the bloodrunner series it can easily be read as a stand alone. There is enough background information dotted within the story to put you up-to-date with the over all story-arc without boring those readers who have read the previous books. I really enjoyed the story and the interaction between Eric and Chelsea was interesting enough for me to keep reading even when I wanted to bash their heads together for being so stupid.


Alien Blood by Melissa Aires 4*

BLURB: (Series Diaspora Worlds, book # 2): Kellac is everything Gema secretly wants, but a future together is impossible.

Kellac, younger brother of Kaistril, HER CYBORG AWAKES, ends up on planet Toph in military prison. While not at fault, Kellac must wait for diplomatic solutions while the military keeps him in lock up.

Stranded on the planet Toph as a child, Gema is in the Women's Penitentiary for vagrancy. Not PureGen (lab perfected human), she cannot be a citizen and has no legal status.

They are chosen to be contestants on the wildly popular Survival Game, in which two prisoners compete to win credits and their freedom on a planet, soon to be open for immigration. With every moved recorded by a swarm of flying cameras, Kellac and Gema fight their attraction to each other and work together to earn credits.The competition goes well--until the spaceship carrying the show's production team crashes onto their wilderness planet. They are stranded and survival is no longer a game.

My review: I hadn’t read book one (but intend to get it soonest) and yet it didn’t spoil my enjoyment of this book at all. It was a well paced story that kept the relationship uppermost, without detracting from the Science Fiction storyline in any way. The relationship between Kellac and Gema was tense and rocky but overall the story still had plenty of action which as a Science Fiction fan I really appreciated (there were even a few hot sex scenes for those who like that in a story about love).

A Science Fiction Romp

Review of The Kassa Gambit by M C Planck 4*

This was an enjoyable romp in space with intrigue & action galore. I really liked the main characters & the way their relationship grew from mutual distrust to backing each other no questions asked.

I've been catching up on some reading lately and have read a fair few books. I will review three that were worthy reads but just list the really short ones as they all took less than half hour to read and I only give them 1 or 2* each.

You Don't need a Doctor by Julia Talbot 2*
Friction by Mychael Black 1*
Two GIs By Cheryl Dragon 1*
Master's Wish by Mychael Black 1*

However the following were longer reads that were worth the time they took.

Review of Outcast: Where Angels Dwell by Lucien Black 3*

This was a good story with a few editing errors that almost spoiled it. I liked the style of writing, with the Chapter headings giving details of when and where the action takes place, making it easy to follow who was doing what. The story concept was good and the author managed to keep me interested despite the poor editing.


Review of Silver/Steel (Arcada 2)by Belinda McBride 5*

The author has produced a story that hooked me from page one. I felt for Dylan and fell hard for Travis. The masses of action was never overdone and added to the love story immensely. This author is going on my auto buy list as her work just gets better with each new book.


Review of The Last Praetorian (The Redemption Trilogy) by Mike Smith 4*

I would have given this book a 5* but the very poor editing let it down badly. However I put up with it because the storyline was excellent. I was fully engaged with all the Characters and I fully intend to get the next books in this trilogy. I just hope they are better edited (would recommend using a freelance editor such as A J O’Donovan)

Review of Alpha Trine (The Valespian Pact #1)by Lexi Ander 5*

I loved this story. I liked the descriptions of all the different Aliens as they were both detailed and believable. The relationship between Zeus and his 'brothers' was great and had me felling warm inside. I especially liked the excellent writing in the portrayal of the romance between Zeus and Dargon/Alpha. Overall I am grateful to Lexi Anders for giving me a story worth escaping into.

Review of Simon, Sex and The Solstice Stone by Kay Berrisford

I received this book from the author as a win from a competition. I am so glad I didn't have to wait to read it when funds permitted, it was a great story. 4*

I loved the pagan aspects of the rituals Simon got involved in and I loved his love interest Aubrey. Both characters came across as entertaining and the whole thing was full of great imagery and emotion. Just a wonderful read all round.

5* Review of Lethal Rider by Larissa Ione

Well book three of Lord Of Deliverance was everything I have come to expect from Larissa Ione.

It had heartbreak, action, love and life (even though the Hero is Death!) and all in the right doses to make this an excellent read. I loved that all the old Characters were there but you found out so much more about the main two characters that hadn't been previously suspected (at least not by me :D). Although the rocky road to happy ever after was just a side road to the main story of the Apocalypse it was also the main focus of most of the story and made me eager to read book four when it comes out.

Reviews again

Review of Immortal Rider by Larissa Ione 5*

Arik has been a reoccurring character in Larissa Ione books and it was great to read his story. Not that it was his story alone! This book kept the main theme of the apocalypse on fast forward with lots of action and characters from previous books showing up.

Larissa Ione also brought a new dimension to sibling relationships with Limos having to admit to lots of stuff her brothers aren't to happy about. This is one book where it helps to have read the previous one though, as it is full on serial writing. I can't wait to read the next two in the series (even though book four isn't due until next week).

Review Of Bolos: Their Finest Hour 4*

I have been a lover of the stories about Bolos (giant war machines)since I read my first one many years ago. When I found this anthology of them by different authors I couldn't resist adding it to my collection.

Many of the stories in there can be found elsewhere but it was great having so many in one book. The foreword by David Weber summed up my own opinion about the stories and warns (for those who aren't in the know) that there is absolutely no continuity to the Bolo universe, not even by the original author Kieth Laumer. These things aside if you like military science fiction then this anthology is a must read.

Review of Knox's Irregulars by J Wesley Bush 3*

This was a well written war story placed in a slightly Science Fiction setting of another planet.However the Theological overtones throughout the book slightly spoiled my enjoyment of this over all fast paced action packed story.

The whole thing was full of wonderful technology and well written guerilla warfare and some really interesting characters. But the enemy of the Christian soldiers (who are the 'Heroes' of the story)are portrayed in a very stereotypical fashion as sadists and fanatics without any redeeming features.

Review of two more books

Embracing Eternity by Voirey Linger 5*

Voirey Linger did it again. In a short novel she gave me a large story full of emotion and action and just about everything I have come to expect from her writing.

In the beginning I couldn't see how she could make a romance work between an Angel and a Demon but somehow she not only did it, she made it unforgettable too. Can't wait to see what she does next!

Brush With Catastrophe by Tara Lain 4*

I don't know quite what I expected from the second Aloysius tale but I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this story. The mystery of Ryder and the honesty and modesty of Sammy were a complete contrast to the previous Heroes yet they soon enthralled me so that I didn't want to stop reading.

I really loved the background story of mystery and intrigue. Trying to figure out who Sammy would end up with was fun and kept me interested. But what really had me hooked was the way Sammy's witch powers manifested themselves (read the book yourself to find out - I'm not posting spoilers!).

Review of Cat Spell by Tara Lain

I've wanted to read this book for a while because the write up on it was so intriguing. I am glad to say it lived up to my every expectation.

Killian and Blaine are wonderful heroes and the back ground storyline was just fantastic. The use of a black cat familiar called Aloysius who causes Killian a few problems gave the touch of humour that lifted this book into one of my new favourites. I am so looking forward to reading book two.

A Five star read

Eternal Rider by Larissa Ione

In the last book of her Demonica series Ms Ione gives us a taste of this new series about the four horsemen of the apocalypse. In Eternal Rider she takes us on a roller-coaster of a ride with the first of the horsemen, Ares (aka War). This spin-off from the Demonica series can however be read as a stand alone story, with enough back story in it to cover the previous series without detracting from this one.

I loved this story and the interaction between the Four horsemen (even though one is actually a woman) and I especially liked the relationship conflicts and surprises between Ares and his Heroine Cara. An added bonus for me was the inclusion of animals, especially the Hellhounds. The fights between Demons, Angels, Fallen Angels and assorted beings were a lovely addition to turn this into an action packed read.

A birthday gift I REALLY liked

I was given some money to buy books for my birthday and bought Tara Lain's digital book Sinders & Ash. I loved it and here is my review of it:


Sinders & Ash by Tara Lain (4*)
I've read a few Tara Lain books now and can't get enough of her writing style. In this one Tara Lain has taken a classic fairytale and put a more modern twist on it.

I loved the whole concept of Cinderella with two males in the lead parts but couldn't see how it could be done without making it a farce. Tara showed me how with panache! The characters were never caricatures and the constant hint at the original fairytale ideas was excellent. I loved the way she had the Ash character grow more responsible and open and the Sinder character learn to trust others more.

If you like variants on fairy tales with a modern twist and down to earth characters then this is for you :D

Been reading!!

I've been so busy reading I've forgotten to keep up with my reviews so here are some from the books I most remember from the last few days.


A Company Of Swans by Eva Ibbotson
I really enjoyed this book. The historical details and the background of ballet dancing and it's hardship made a great foundation for a romance that was part tragedy and part ecstasy. The heroine was well written, as were the hero and all the secondary characters. The descriptions of the places (especially The Amazon area pre WW1)and the ballets added the seasoning to this wonderfully tasty book.

The Murray Leinster’s Mega Pack: 30 Complete Stories and Novels by Murray Leinster
I've been reading these stories in between other books as they are easier to read in pieces rather than all at once. For me it was a trip down memory lane as I had read them all as a child/teenager. I enjoyed them then and I was pleasantly surprised to find that I enjoyed them now too. Even though most of them no longer hold up with modern day science, and are very outdated in that respect, Mr Leinster's ability to write interesting and absorbing stories with great characters overrides the problems of the old fashioned ideas.

A Plain Jane (Book One) by Odette C Bell
I'm a huge Science Fiction fan and thought that I would give this book a try as the write up sounded intriguing. I am so thankful I did as it was a wonderfully written story. The characters and the world building were excellent and I can't wait until I get hold of book two to continue the saga.

Magical read

Review of Wizard's Bane by Rick Cook

I really liked the elements of this story. The use of computer programming to control magic was inspired and the characters are well rounded and interesting. I think anyone into computers and fantasy will enjoy this book (maybe not as much as I did but somewhat at least).

Some reviews from the last books I read

Review of Crusade by David Weber

Finished 17/10/12

I've been a fan of David Weber for a long time and have no idea how I missed this book. I was uncertain at first about it because of the religious aspects of the blurb but was quickly drawn in and couldn't put it down. I am now looking for the Starfire book 1 (which is for some bizarre reason chronologically after this one) because if it's as good as this one then I am in for another great read from an excellent author.

****

Review of Touched by Magic by Doranna Durgin

Finished 20/10/12

Ms Durgin has created a magical read in this book. She has produced a book I will remember for some time to come with her wonderful characters .
The story is all about obsession, and loyalty and mystery. It's topped by great action and the ability to make fantasy seem very real.

****

Review of His Dark Bond by Anne Marsh

Finished 26/10/12

Even though I hadn't read book one in this series it didn't spoil my enjoyment of this book (won this from author along with book 3)

The story world was easy to catch onto and the action was fast and intense. I really liked the main characters and the interaction between them too. I am looking forward to reading more from Ms March's Fallen series.

****

Review of Savage Bond by Anne Marsh

Finished 26/10/12

Even though this is a small book (only 100 pages or so) it had a very full storyline. As in her previous book, Ms March took me on a fast paced, action packed ride with a pair of Characters that leapt from the pages.