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Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: The Captive Ryan Reynolds, Scott Speedman, Rosario Dawson (DVD); Brand: ; Review: very exciting; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Carnivale: Season 2; Brand: Michael J. Anderson; Review: very good; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Deadwood: Season 3; Brand: Timothy Olyphant; Review: liked it verry much; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Boardwalk Empire: Season 2; Brand: Steve Buscemi; Review: we enjoy the season; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dawn of the Dragon Slayer [Region 2]; Brand: Richard McWilliams; Review: not bad; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Nighttime Beaches for sleep; Brand: Jim Wilmer; Review: very soothing; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Legend of Longwood; Brand: Lorcan Bonner; Review: not bad; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Bram Stoker's Way Of the Vampire; Brand: Rhett Giles; Review: n g; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Torchwood: Season 1; Brand: John Barrowman; Review: most epesodes are good; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dying of The Light; Brand: ; Review: not bad; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Torchwood Miracle Day anglais; Brand: ; Review: very good; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Wire: Season 1; Brand: Dominic West; Review: i like it; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Across The Line; Brand: Brian Bloom; Review: it was good; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Wire: Season 5; Brand: Dominic West; Review: verey good; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Legend of Tarzan; Brand: Alexander Skarsgrd; Review: very exciting; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Whitechapel: Season 4; Brand: ; Review: exciting; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_Movies_and_TV |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Chaco Women's Hipthong Two Ecotread-W Sandal; Brand: Chaco; Review: Well made.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: RYKA Women's Hydro Sport Water Shoe Cross-Training Shoe; Brand: Ryka; Review: Good in the pool.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Chaco Women's Hipthong Two Flip Sandal; Brand: Chaco; Review: Gave as gift, good feedback from recipient.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Port Authority Men's Core Soft Shell Vest; Brand: Port Authority; Review: good quality and price; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Adar Universal 39" Scrub Lab Coat with Inner Pockets; Brand: Adar Universal; Review: what expected, but buttons loose, one button fell off before wearing; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Adar Universal 39" Scrub Lab Coat with Inner Pockets; Brand: Adar Universal; Review: what expected, but buttons loose, one button fell off before wearing; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Villa Sampaguita; City: Valleandona Asti Province of Asti Piedmont; Review: One of the highlights of our recent 2 week Italian vacation was saying at this charming country B & B with owners Tim and Rina! They provided us with warm, welcoming and attentive service in a converted farm house that had a wonderful atmosphere. The accomodations were great and included a large king bedroom with beautiful furniture and french doors that open up to a terrace overlooking a great mountain view. The bathroom was modern and large. Rina proved to be a fabulous cook and we were glad that we accepted her gracious offer to make us dinner on the evening of our arrival. The 4 couse dinner was delicous and included wine for the reasonable price of $25 per person. When we inquired if we could use the laundry facilities, she insisted to do our laundry for us! Tim provided valuable info from assisting with suggestions and reservations for the top restuarants in the area as well as connections for wine touring or any other interests one has. He even wrote out detailed maps for us for each of our destinations. Each restaurant that he suggested was a winner! We were glad that we chose Villa Sampaguita as our place to stay in Asti and you will as well!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Roma Boutique Hotel; City: Rome Lazio; Review: THRILLED WITH OUR CHOICE TO STAY HERE! First time in Rome and could not have selected a better hotel! Roma Boutique Hotel has a Bed and Breakfast feel to it. Our room as well as the entire hotel was immaculate and elegant. Best part of our stay was the wonderful, warm and gracious hospitality of each person who works there. They showed that they were truly concerned about our wellbeing and were happy to offer numerous helpful suggestions. When I phoned to confirm our reservation, they offered to arrange our transport to Hotel. They recommended outstanding restaurants to us where the Romans go and where there own family are patrons instead of the many tourist traps. We enjoyed the best food in Rome because of this! We also enjoyed the spacious, comfortable and lovely room that we stayed in. The bathroom was also spacious and had a large shower. They provide a lovely continental breakfast with a choice to have it delivered to your room or eat in their breakfast room. Breakfast consisted of high quality pastries, yogurt, cereals, juices, coffee, tea or cappuccinos. Great location around the corner from the Excelsior Hotel, near the Embassy and Hard Rock Cafe. Was a short walk to Barbieri Square.About a 10 minute walk to the Spanish steps. This is the only place to stay in Rome and we will return for any future trip there for sure! What a fabulous experience!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mission Inn Resort Club; City: Howey in the Hills Lake County Florida; Review: Pleased with our choice of Mission Inn for an enjoyable golf getaway! We found El Campion was the best of their two golf courses. Beautiful grounds on this golf course were well maintained and special. We had a lovely spacious room on the fourth floor with a large bathroom overlooking the golf course. The front desk attendant provided us with friendly and efficient check in service. Only negative was poor quality food at Nicker's restaurant which is adjacent to the pro shop. Their Seafood Buffet was a total disappointment with most offerings very overlooked and not edible. Front desk manager was understanding and proactive about our complaint when brought to her attention. The breakfast in the main building restaurant was delicious and well prepared with attentive service. We look forward to return to this great golf resort and spa!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Le Meridien Tampa; City: Tampa Florida; Review: Upscale, modern and elegant boutique style Hotel. Enjoyed our stay here. Comfortable bed, large shower with great shower head. Inviting Lobby and quick check in with nice welcome. Bizou restaurant upscale eatery and we enjoyed breakfast there. Recommend veggie omelet with brie cheese.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: South Point Hotel Casino and Spa; City: Las Vegas Nevada; Review: Perfect choice close enough to strip yet far from traffic and high prices. Nice spacious rooms with great service. Good central location for Hoover Dam,Boulder City and the strip. If you do not have a car you can keep busy at the movies, spa, fines center, bowling alley and lots more. Wide variety of dining options : Michaels for fine dining, Silverado Steak House, Don Vito's for Italian with Wine Spectator award winning wine lists in both. Primarily Prime Rib, Asian and Mexican places too. There is also a Deli, Seattle Best coffee, Ice cream and Smoothie spot , Oyster Bar and a Garden Buffet truly fabulous choices for all. Another advantage to stay here is their free shuttle service to the strip and to the airport which is a great convenience and a big savings.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Quality Inn I 75 at Exit 399; City: Alachua Florida; Review: Close to Ichnatucknee Falls where we go tubing down the river - about 1/2 hour away.! Best choice for this area. Right off I 75 so very convenient. Nice large pool. Clean and nice Motel. We will return next time in area.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Homewood Suites by Hilton New Braunfels; City: New Braunfels Texas; Review: Loved staying here! One year old contemporary Hotel that looks brand new! Spacious suite with all comforts. Enjoyable good quality hot breakfast buffet. I liked their cooked oatmeal with all the fixings plus fresh fruit. Friendly and welcoming front desk staff. Immaculate Hotel.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hotel degli Artisti; City: Rome Lazio; Review: Terrific location near Spanish Steps. Fabulous and attentive service by Sandra at front desk. She could not have provided better service and was most accommodating to our group of 23! She was warm, welcoming , professional and efficient. Lovely rooms. This is a charming and quaint small hotel. Breakfast was basic. We would gladly return here when in Rome.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Aloft Tampa Downtown; City: Tampa Florida; Review: Lobby unimpressive and not inviting. Although minimalistic is the new rave, here it did not work. Nothing nice looking about it. Very blah. Good and quick service at check in and check out. Once upstairs more appealing as far as hallways . Room also modern and minimalistic yet nicer than lobby total lack of decor. Did like large stall shower and very comfortable king size bed. AC was set and although could make it colder no ability to make it warmer. Was too cold for us so we shut it off. Would not return.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Park Lane Hotel; City: New York City New York; Review: Wish Hotel looked as good in person as it did in their photos. Service at front desk and bellhop stand was attentive. Hotel looked dated, and upstairs hallway had stained carpet. While our room was quite spacious it could use a refresh to make it look better. $350 for one night should have a better looking more up to date place. Location great for easy access to Central Park and Columbus Circle .; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Cambria Hotel New York Times Square; City: New York City New York; Review: Very accommodating and attentive staff. Received request of early check in. Room was perfectly appointed with upscale and large bathroom . Contemporary style room. Deluxe room with street view perfect for us. Location very central near Rock Center plaza, theater district , shopping and great eats. Will return for sure!; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with businesses as follows:
Title: Animal Oasis; City: Reno, NV; Review: I really love this place, from the workers on up. I have only taken my babies to one other place in town and they were just ok. But Animal Oasis from the moment I got on property, I was greeted before I even opened my door to the car. My babies were very excited to see the staff who are very good with animals. They are very friendly, organized and its a very clean environment. When I asked about the flyer at the door about the Kennel cough they were very helpful on how to prevent it and what signs to look for and even checked to make sure my babies were up to date on shots and this was just a precaution. I have not seen this done by other places to be PROACTIVE. This place was clean, friendly, helpful and my babies were very content. I have been back several times and will continue to go back. From the Management on down, everyone there seems to love the animals that come in and it seems they all want to take EXCEPTIONAL care of them and treat them like their own. Makes me feel very happy that my dogs are loved and cared for by professionals. I have and will continue to recommend this place to my friends, co-workers and family that have animals. Good Job Animal Oasis, keep up the good work.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Macho Tequila's; City: Sparks, NV; Review: My girlfriend and I found this place by accident driving down a side street. Boy what a find. From the moment we walked in the door, it was fabulous. Service was spot on and the food, oh don't get me started.. Ok I will start anyway... The food was the best Authenitc Mexican Food I have had in a long time. Macho Tequila's is my new favorite restaurant in Reno/Sparks area. The Food was fresh, homemade and most awesome. Good flavors all the way around. I had the Steak Fajita's and it was enough to feed me dinner and lunch the next day. Would I recommend this? Oh heck ya! I will be bringing my friends and family here frequently. Good Job! No Great Job!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Meineke Car Care Center; City: Reno, NV; Review: Ok these guys are the bomb. I have been going to them for a couple of years now and they never disappoint. You pay for good service, quality service and overall great customer care. They might be a little higher, but for the safety of my family and myself its well worth it. They tell you exactly how much its going to cost and the are willing to provide you with directives on how to maintain your car. Awesome service. Would recommend this to everyone.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Tires Plus; City: Reno, NV; Review: Horrible service. More concerned about football game. Told us double booked. Won't go back there every again.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Best Buy - Sparks; City: Sparks, NV; Review: All I can say is Whoohoo! The Geek Squad at this location came through on a very stressful situation. Last night, at the very last moment in a very heated moment, the gentleman, a former Army Soldier Vet was able to get us in and out in less then 30 minutes with a super outcome. After spending several minutes on the phone with Best Buy and only to be redirected several times, I was able to get my son's computer down to this branch, right before closing, where a glorious gentleman was able to assist my son with ease. Kudo's for employing a Vet, and Kudo's for such wonderful service. Keep up the good work Best Buy. I will definitely tell all my friends and everyone that will listen what a great service you provide. Thank you to that most awesome Army Vet to help us out on what could of been a very explosive situation. You handled that well kind sir. Thank you for your time and for your Customer Service. But most important thank you for your Service in the Armed Forces.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Break Through Reno; City: Reno, NV; Review: Ok I went in with low expectations. But, I have to say I actually had fun. The staff needs to have better communications among themselves as there seemed to be some confusion on our group being there and our reservation. Also if they explained the expectations a little better it might of been an outstanding time. Overall the experience was fun and it was def team motivating and that was the goal. A good time by the team and that was a plus. Once they iron out the staffing and reservations and get it together it will be a great place to take friends.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: BJ's Nevada Barbecue; City: Sparks, NV; Review: Huge fan! I have been a Dave's BBQ girl for some time, but was able to go last night and have the (2) meet platter with a side of Cole Slaw and HOMEMADE applesauce. All I can say is BRAVO. Menu was awesome, service was awesome and the food... Well lets just say OUTSTANDING! My new favorite BBQ place (Sorry Dave!); Rating: 5.0/5.0 | yelp |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Ford Racing M9424P46 Intake Manifold; Brand: Ford; Review: If you have a leak at the front of your intake this will fix the problem. I put it on a 2000 GT and the only mod was on the alternator top mounting bracket. Drill one hole through and it worked like a champ.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Kleinn Air Horns 6126 Direct Drive Dual Air Horn Kit - Chrome; Brand: Kleinn Air Horns; Review: The pump works, but the reed for the horn seized or broke after four months. Air blows, but no noise is made. Pretty frustrated over this. The horn is loud, but a little high pitch. I wouldn't buy again since it didn't last at compared to similar items.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: National 614093 Clutch Release Bearing Assembly; Brand: National; Review: Started clicking as soon as I installed it. The unit feels solid, I'm sure I received a faulty unit. I'm not sure when I'll drop the Trans again, but when I do I'll post pictures of the issue.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Bushwacker 10918-07 Jeep Flat Style Fender Flare - Set of 4; Brand: Bushwacker; Review: these look great, but install was tough if you're saving your liners.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: JDM ASTAR Extremely Bright 48-EX Chipsets 569 578 211-2 212-2 1.72" LED Bulbs, Xenon White; Brand: ; Review: I have this as the back light in my Jeep and it's really bright.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 2x Custom Black Anodized Aluminum Xenon 4.5W SMD LED Eagle Eye Lamps Back Up Backup Reverse Parking Light For Car; Brand: Buyme; Review: The lens fell off of one. Luckly it was on the ground under my vehicle and I glued it back on. They are more pink than red, but work for 3rd brake light.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Power Stop K2798 Front and Rear Z23 Evolution Brake Kit with Drilled/Slotted Rotors and Ceramic Brake Pads; Brand: POWERSTOP; Review: Have these on my jeep. A year into them with12k miles and they squeal like a stuck pig. Stop well, but squeal.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Wolo (619) Big Bad Max Air Horn - 12 Volt; Brand: Wolo; Review: After a year it started squealing. After 1/2 second it changes its original low tone to an extremely high pitch sound which is embarrassing. Factory lasted 8 years and I got 1 out of this upgraded version.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Xprite 2007-2017 Jeep Wrangler JK Front Black Hard Mount Solid Steel Grab Handle Bar - Pair; Brand: Xprite; Review: The fronts are great. The rear flex when using. I don't see a way to stop if from flexing as it is currently made.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Eyourlife 2PCS 18W Spot LED Work Light Bar Driving Fog Light Cree Flush Mount LED Lights Light Pods for SUV; Brand: Eyourlife; Review: I thought they were a spread pattern, but they are more of a beam. Not good for backup lights; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: ABN | Mechanic’s Stethoscope – 2 Piece Automotive Stethoscope Kit Car Stethoscope Automotive Engine Diagnostic Tool; Brand: ABN; Review: The extension wouldn't screw to it. The male "screw" was too small and I had to stuff it with aluminum to make it work.; Rating: 2.0/5.0 | amazon_Automotive |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: The Dante Club: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Matthew Pearl Page; Review: Read the book in our book club after reading Dante's Inferno - enjoyed the parallel comparisons along with the historical facts after the Civil War.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fifteen Minutes Outside: 365 Ways to Get Out of the House and Connect with Your Kids; Author: Rebecca Cohen; Review: I purchased this book for my niece who has two very active children - a boy five and a girl three. Great ideas to keep them entertained.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rick Steves France 2016; Author: Rick Steves; Review: Rick Steves' guide books are a wealth of information. Not only does he "walk" you through areas to see - he also saves you money.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Angelina and the Princess; Author: Katharine Holabird; Review: My 6 year old niece loves to dance and just recently started taking ballet lessons. This is the perfect book for her.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Dance of Friendship (Angelina Ballerina); Author: Visit Amazon's Katharine Holabird Page; Review: My four year old niece is taking ballet lessons and loves Angelina. This is a sweet story that teaches the value of friendship and sharing.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lonely Planet Italy (Travel Guide); Author: Lonely Planet; Review: Lots a great information presented in a short and easy to read guide; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Guesthouse Phil house; City: Seoul; Review: the place was clean and big for 2 people. they have everything including washing machine if you're planning to stay longer. The staff was friendly, they even provide us with universal charger for free (since we forgot to bring ours). Worth every penny! :); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Alam Mimpi Boutique Hotel; City: Senggigi Lombok West Nusa Tenggara; Review: Owned by a foreigner. He invested well in this hotel. It's a new hotel with clean, nice room and bathroom. The staff were nice and friendly. The place is a bit secluded from the town. They provide bike rent as well. the pool area is so instagrammable! ;); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Chatchada Antique House; City: Ao Nang Krabi Town Krabi Province; Review: We got the room for 100Baht cheaper! The house run by a friendly Thai lady and her son. They're both helpful and friendly. The son even gave us 100baht discount without us asking for it! (original price is 1000baht/night) . Our room has no window though. But they do have rooms with balcony. Breakfast is not included in the price, you have to order every morning from their breakfast menu (should you wish to dine there) All and all, it's cheap, clean and a nice place! :); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Boutique Village Hostel; City: Ao Nang Krabi Town Krabi Province; Review: It's so quiet and peaceful, you feel like you have to whisper all the time, literally. Ok maybe not all the time. Only at night. Staff and owner were friendly and very helpful. The owner even picked us up when our bus driver from the airport didn't know the exact location of the place (this place seems new I think). It's abit far from aonang town and beach. But for those who are looking for a quiet relaxing place, I'd suggest to come here. :); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Railay Great View Resort and Spa; City: Railay Beach Krabi Town Krabi Province; Review: Even though went with my lady friend, the room feels more like a honeymooners type. The bathroom is massive, the view is breathtaking (overlooking the beach and trees), The room itself is super nice! [only one downside, since it's all made of wood, had to battle against a cockroach one of the nights in the room :-( Luckily they have mosquito net to protect us from the evil insect with their vicious wings and legs ] p/s: I despise cockroach. Other than that, it's a really nice hotel with perfect view, perfect room with tranquility (as it is a bit far from other resorts).; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Pentahotel Hong Kong Kowloon; City: Hong Kong; Review: Really cool, young, fresh concept and nice chillax spot within the hotel. And super affordable! They provide shuttle bus to the k11 mall and diamond hill station. The place is abit hidden and away from the city, but train station is only 8min walking (Diamond Hill station); Rating: 4.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Dr. Seuss's ABC An Amazing Alphabet Book! (Bright and Early Board Books Super-Sized Edition); Author: Visit Amazon's Dr. Seuss Page; Review: My friend's one year old son absolutely loves this book when we rent it from the library, so I bought him his very own copy! Dr. Seuss is absolutely amazing!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Perks Of Being A Wallflower (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition); Author: Visit Amazon's Stephen Chbosky Page; Review: This book is absolutely amazing. After reading it, I decided all of my friends have to read it, so I bought all of them a copy of it! Cannot wait for christmas so they can enjoy this book too! Everyone should read this book!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Ghost Hunter's Field Guide: Over 1000 Haunted Places You Can Experience; Author: Visit Amazon's Rich Newman Page; Review: My friends and I love ghost hunting, so I bought this for one of my best friends for christmas. She is goin to love it!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Nightmare Before Christmas: The 13 Days of Christmas (Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas); Author: Visit Amazon's Steven Davison Page; Review: oh my gosh, this book is amazing!!!! and my nephews love it :) definitely a must-have for NBC fans :); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Little Nicky; Author: Adam Ddthe N5160 Sandler; Review: This movie always makes me laugh!! So I am glad I bought it as a christmas present for my boyfriend :); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas: P/V/G (Piano Vocal Series); Author: Visit Amazon's Danny Elfman Page; Review: I LOVE THIS! I am so thrilled that I got this :); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Chobits, Vol. 1; Author: Visit Amazon's Clamp Page; Review: I thought this was supposed to be the first manga of the series. I mean, it says that it is Volume 1. Instead, I received a huge book that is a collection of half the series. This is not what I wanted! Now I have to figure out where it ends and get the rest of the books. Or I might sell this and get the correct item that I wanted in the first place!; Rating: 2.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: VEAMI Women's Kimono Robe, Short; Brand: VEAMI; Review: Beautiful color. Fits great.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: var aPageStart = (new Date()).getTime(); var ue_t0=ue_t0||+new Date(); window.ue_ihb = (window.ue_ihb || window.ueinit || 0) + 1; if (window.ue_ihb; Brand: Tieguys; Review: Arrived quickly, package great. Fabric is nice and it looks great too.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Solid White Satin Necktie; Brand: Romario Manzini; Review: Arrived quickly, package great. Fabric is nice and it looks great too.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Solid Ties / Multi color Formal Tie by Tieguys; Brand: Tieguys; Review: Arrived quickly, package great. Fabric is nice and it looks great too.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Gold Toe Boys' Wide Rib Dress Crew, 3-Pair; Brand: ; Review: Great and comfortable socks! I always purchase Gold Toe dress socks, they hold up very well!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: SleepytimePjs Family Matching Sleepwear Knit Striped Pajamas PJ Sets; Brand: SleepytimePjs; Review: These are adorable pajamas! Material feels just right, comfortably soft and will keep child warm without overheating. Colors are beautifully brilliant.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Richie House Girls' Long Dress or Bolero with Pearls Size 3-12Y RH0918; Brand: Richie House; Review: This dress was a big disappointment. The fabric does not have a finished edge on the upper side of each ruffle layer, it will fray, and it looks bad. Fabric is just there, not even sewn under. Could have overlooked that, at least until fraying started, but worst of all was the shoulder straps. One strap was sewn twisted (sewn right side up on the back, and twisted to sew the wrong side up on the front), and the other strap had a seam on the front where they had added more material instead of using a piece long enough to begin with! Looks terrible and tacky. And, like others mentioned, there are no pearl beads on the flower (had already figured there might not be from the other reviews). The overall quality was terrible. I will not purchase from this company again, and do not recommend it to others.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Lucita Jan 14Km Little Girls Rhinestone Heel Platform Dress Sandals; Brand: Lucita; Review: These young girls high heels are beautiful!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cherokee Tooniforms by Unisex V-Neck Mickey Mouse Print Scrub Top; Brand: Tooniforms; Review: The colors are great and wash great too! Love this scrub top.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ariat Men's Hybrid Rancher Steel Toe Western Boot; Brand: ; Review: This is my sons second pair of these boots. He loves them!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Gold Toe Big Boys' 3 Pack Microfiber Dress Sock; Brand: ; Review: Great quality socks. They stay up and are comfortable.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Just Love Women's Scrub Tops/Scrubs/Nursing Scrubs; Brand: ; Review: Comfortable and soft fabric. Washes well. Looks great.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sterling Silver 3 Row Adjustable Toe Band Ring; Brand: Metal Factory; Review: This is the most comfortable toe ring I have ever worn! It is beautiful too! Great quality.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Leveret Kids & Toddler Pajamas Matching Doll & Girls Pajamas 100% Cotton Pjs Set (Toddler-14 Years) Fits American Girl; Brand: ; Review: Comfortable and soft. Washes well with no fading.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sterling Silver Hawaiian Plumeria Flower Adjustable Toe Band Ring; Brand: Metal Factory; Review: Fits great and looks beautiful!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: N'Ice Caps Girls Ombre Shaded Waterproof Thinsulate Winter Snow Ski Gloves; Brand: ; Review: These are great gloves. They keep hands warm and look great too.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Reamde: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Neal Stephenson Page; Review: Escapist? Certainly. Worth while? Definitely? The best fiction of the twenty of so things I've read so far this year.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hammerhead; Author: Visit Amazon's Jason Andrew Bond Page; Review: It's unfortunate that the plot device in Hammerhead is so completely unbelievable. It spoiled some fine tactical combat writing in the first half of the book. Sadly, the second half made me wish I had the portion of my life spent reading it back to do over again.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Excalibur Alternative; Author: Visit Amazon's David Weber Page; Review: Perhaps it was his first book, but this one should never have seen print. Superficial, slow paced and not at all credible - a 12 year old's idea of a story.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Woman Before Wallis: Prince Edward, the Parisian Courtesan, and the Perfect Murder; Author: Visit Amazon's Andrew Rose Page; Review: May be the worst book i have tried to read in the last ten years. Perhaps 20% content and 80% irrelevant filler.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Natural Consequences; Author: Visit Amazon's Elliott Kay Page; Review: Feels like it was originally part of the first novel. Character after character is introduced by first name without context. I was fifty pages in before I realized that the one I thought was an angel was actually a devil and vice versa. And much as I like sex, there is no reason for page after page of it except to bulk up the book. Virtually a complete waste of time.; Rating: 1.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Teva Women's Original Suede Braided Ankle-Strap Sandal; Brand: ; Review: My foot flops around in this shoe a bit...if you have wide feet, it may fit you perfectly.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Merrell Women's Emery Ankle Boot; Brand: Merrell; Review: I agree with the other reviews that the shoe could have more arch support...but I use a shoe insert anyway, so with the addition of one of those, the shoe fits perfectly.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Soybu Women's Surf Swim Beach Bottom; Brand: Soybu; Review: Perfect fit...enough coverage but not too much.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Nine West Women's Ovidia Fabric Heeled Sandal; Brand: ; Review: So pretty...goes with everything.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Joe's Jeans Women's Ex-Lover Boyfriend Crop; Brand: ; Review: Will love these jeans when I get the right size. I'm a size 10 and usually get a 29 or 30. Could have easily got a 27 or 28.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: The Three Stooges T-Shirt Rushmorons American Legends; Brand: Trenz Shirt Company; Review: Love this shirt, fit just right.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A&E Designs Three Stooges Faces Fine Embroidered Black Hat; Brand: A&E Designs; Review: Love it; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A&E Designs Three 3 Stooges Curly T-shirt - Big Face Adult Tee Shirt - White; Brand: A&E Designs; Review: Got lots of compliments; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dead Kennedys Men's Cambodian Skeleton T-shirt Black; Brand: Unknown; Review: Love it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Kerusso - He Died so That we May Live - Cotton Mens Christian T-Shirt Black; Brand: Kerusso; Review: Got compliments first day worn; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: LSA Apparel I'll BE Back Jesus Christ Christian god - Mens Cotton T-Shirt; Brand: LSA Apparel; Review: Fantastic shirt; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: var aPageStart = (new Date()).getTime(); var ue_t0=ue_t0||+new Date(); window.ue_ihb = (window.ue_ihb || window.ueinit || 0) + 1; if (window.ue_ihb; Brand: ; Review: Fit and price are great; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Levi's Men's 550 Relaxed-fit Jean; Brand: ; Review: Fit and price are great; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Levi's Men's 550 Relaxed-fit Jean; Brand: ; Review: Fit and price are great; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Trevco Men's Three Stooges Shernyuk Holmes Heather Adult T-Shirt; Brand: Trevco; Review: Love my stooges shirt; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: FEA Merchandising Men's Rage Against The Machine Skeleton Heads T-Shirt; Brand: FEA Merchandising; Review: Fits great, looks great; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: U.S. Polo Assn. Men's Classic Polo Shirt; Brand: U.S. Polo Assn.; Review: Looks great, feels great.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: FEA Men's Led Zeppelin Hermit T-Shirt; Brand: FEA; Review: Great looking shirt; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Because Of The Times; Brand: Kings of Leon; Review: It's Kings of Leon at their best. This is one of the better albums they created. Subsequent albums have been really good but this one is a classic in terms of the new stuff they have. Well worth the $6 I payed for it; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Day & Age; Brand: The Killers; Review: A good album with some catchy songs and a couple forgettable ones. All in all I'd give it 4 and a half. Worth the price! I'd pay double for it!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: MTV Unplugged in New York; Brand: Nirvana; Review: Love this. Great session some of the best hits; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Greatest Hits; Brand: Al Green; Review: It's AL Green!!! Fantastic Vinyl with all of his most known hits. This is perfect for me and my girlfriend. I'm not the biggest AL Green fan but these are just great songs. This whole Vinyl record is something to pop on and feel good for 45 minutes.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Turn On the Bright Lights; Brand: Interpol; Review: This is my all time favorite record by Interpol and in my top 5 of all time favorite records. Every song on this album is just so damn good it's insane. This record is what made me fall in love with Interpol and it's crazy because it's there first major hit record (debut) and its better then many bands who have put out multiple records. The vinyl is great though I did get alot of static and pop when playing it. Play this record front to back and you won't be dissapointed. Get it! TRUST ME!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends; Brand: Coldplay; Review: This was the album that I think really put Coldplay on the map. Though for me they were already huge and one of my favorite bands (seen them 5 times - twice for this album alone). This was a matured coldplay, a different coldplay one that you knew was no longer slow mellow songs. Though it has a handful of those songs on this album you can hear they were slowly finding a new sound a more electronic, happier sound as was noticeable in there follow up Mylo Xyloto (my 2nd favorite album though close tie with A Rush Of Blood To the Head.) I got the album and have yet to play it but I already know what lies ahead of me. Great peaceful happy time.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mechanical Bull; Brand: Kings of Leon; Review: Its KOL!!! Great album; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 25; Brand: Adele; Review: The vinyl is just perfect. This album is fantastic. Funny enough I bought the Vinyl after seeing her in concert in August. She's amazing on disc,vinyl whatever but if you love her then you will die in person. It's hard for many artist to replicate there album voices but Adele is one that not only does it but she even improves. She was even sick during our show! (August when she had throat problems). This album is amazing and all you need to do is let it play front to back. So good!; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_CDs_and_Vinyl |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Fair Ball; Author: Visit Amazon's Bob Costas Page; Review: This slim volume of Bob Costas' observations is really two books. When he's talking about the DH, divisional play or the wildcard, Costas is an eloquent, informed fan whose opinions are as valuable as any and more informed than most. But when he's talking about the economics of baseball, Costas is on far shakier ground. He favors greater revenue sharing among the owners (a relatively uncontroversial recommendation), but also demands that the players accept a hard salary cap, and says that if he ran MLB he'd force another prolonged strike if necessary to get the players to yield on this issue. As economists have noted, greater revenue sharing would alone reduce the disparity among club payrolls without a nasty, destructive labor dispute. Costas also insists that the gulf between "large market" and "small market" teams has never been greater. Tell that to anyone who rooted for the Athletics, Phillies, Browns, Senators or Pirates during the so-called "Golden Age" of baseball, when those teams went decades without contending. Costas's laments are the latest in a long line of "sky is falling" predictions. 25 years ago, Commissioner Bowie Kuhn predicted that free agency would mean "bankruptcies, sharp retrenchment of franchises and great dissatisfaction among the players themselves as the money gravitates to the top -- to the super stars -- at the expense of the majority of the players." Less than 10 years ago, Bill James lamented that the Cleveland Indians would never again be able to afford a competitive team. There's no reason to believe that Costas is any more prescient, or more accurate.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Route 66 Traveler's Guide and Roadside Companion; Author: Visit Amazon's Tom Snyder Page; Review: 10 years ago, Tom Snyder compiled the first modern guide to driving Route 66. For this third edition, Snyder has thoughtfully separated the driving directions ("Traveler's Guide") from his trove of 66-related anecdotes ("Roadside Companion"), making the book more useful. The guide's most distinctive features are reproductions of period maps from the Automobile Club of Southern California, over which the route of the modern Interstate has been superimposed. Snyder's book is a fun read and quite helpful for planning a Route 66 drive. But once you're on the road, BY FAR the most useful navigational aid is Bob Moore and Patrick Grauwels' *The Illustrated Guidebook to the Mother Road*, which unlike Snyder's book provides turn-by-turn directions and mileage.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: How We Know What Isn't So: The Fallibility of Human Reason in Everyday Life; Author: Visit Amazon's Thomas Gilovich Page; Review: This book teaches one of the most important lessons anyone can learn: that we all make mistakes. Most of us overestimate the frequency of events which receive wide media coverage, like plane crashes. We strain to find significance in random data, and believe things we want to believe even if there's no evidence to support them. "How We Know What Isn't So" explains why, and shows us how to overcome the factors which produce such systematic error. Until very recently, many of the most egregiously false claims never reached a broad audience. Now that the Web allows anyone with rudimentary skills to create an impressive-looking, authoritative-sounding Web site, the lessons of this book are more important than ever.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Past Time: Baseball as History; Author: Visit Amazon's Jules Tygiel Page; Review: In the nine essays comprising this volume, historian Jules Tygiel demonstrates his mastery of 150 years of baseball history. But rather than attempt a comprehensive treatment of the topic, he focuses on key issues which often slip through the cracks of broader histories and biographies: the evolution of baseball statistics, the men whose personalities dictated the evolution of the game from 1900-20, the effect of mass media on the game and its fans, the rise of fantasy games and adult fantasy camps in recent decades. This shouldn't be the first baseball history book in your library. If you have a shelf-ful of books on the topic, though, "Past Time" should be among them. No matter how many you've read, you'll learn something new here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cy Young: A Baseball Life; Author: Visit Amazon's Reed Browning Page; Review: This well-researched, competently written biography suffers from one major flaw: its subject. Cy Young may have won more games than any pitcher in major league history, but that doesn't mean he led an especially interesting life. Browning does the best he can with the colorless, unreflective Young, and fans of turn-of-the-century baseball will enjoy this biography, but I can't really recommend it to the casual fan.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Tales From the Coral Court: Photos & Stories from a Lost Route 66 Landmark; Author: Shellee Graham; Review: Before its unfortunate demolition in 1995, the Coral Court Motel enjoyed dual renown. The Streamline Moderne marvel was both the most beautiful motel along Route 66 and the most notorious "hot sheet" motel in metropolitan St. Louis. Shellee Graham's tribute to the Coral Court honors both sides of the legacy. (The text is rated PG, though I suspect the author would have little difficulty producing an R- or X-rated version.) Ms. Graham, a noted Route 66 photographer, combines her own images with period shots and numerous interviews to trace the birth, life and death of the Coral Court. Highly recommended to fans of Route 66 or roadside architecture -- as well as anyone who ever took advantage of the covered garages attached to each unit for an hour or two of private, er, "rest."; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Joe DiMaggio: The Hero's Life; Author: Visit Amazon's Richard Ben Cramer Page; Review: This biography is Joe DiMaggio's worst nightmare come true. Richard Ben Cramer, a Pulitzer Prizewinning journalist, has stripped the layers of myth from an image DiMaggio spent 65 years creating. Joe did a spectacular job -- who else could have inspired major works by both Ernest Hemingway and Paul Simon? -- but the truth is now out. Cramer depicts DiMaggio's air of Olympian detachment as the product of shyness coupled with an iron determination never to be humiliated or ridiculed. Nobody worked so hard to make baseball look so easy, and, regrettably, few have followed Joe D.'s example of retiring as soon as he couldn't be "Joe DiMaggio" any more. Cramer's especially effective describing the worlds in which DiMaggio moved, from a poor Italian community in the Bay Area through the Yankees, a show business community from which he tried to rescue Marilyn Monroe, and finally to lucrative decades as a Living Icon marketed to all comers by the loathesome Morris Engelberg. Many of the unflattering characterizations were first aired in Gay Talese's "The Silent Season of a Hero," which David Halberstam has called "the best magazine piece I have ever read." Cramer has fleshed out the story with exhaustive research that proves, once again, that our heroes are flesh and blood like the rest of us. Unfortunately he fails to provide source notes or other documentation, which ultimately drags the book down below five-star status. Nonetheless, this is a well-written biography which will give any reader more insight into DiMaggio -- more insight, in fact, than many hard-core DiMaggio fans will want.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Alternative Women'ss Long Sleeve Thermal Tee; Brand: ; Review: Impartial towards and unfamiliar with most brands, I sorted through a number of possibilities when looking to replenish my supply of thermal shirts for the winter. Based on the price and the picture I took a chance on this style/brand, and I wasn't disappointed. Many cotton thermals that I have owned in the past tended to be rather scratchy and rough. While this shirt has yet to endure multiple washes, I'm quite pleased with the initial softness of the fabric and my first impression is that it will not wear into sandpaper. I am also very happy with the length of the sleeves (I have long arms and this shirt reaches comfortably to my wrists, and with a little extra tug, is able to partially cover my hands) and the length of the shirt from shoulders to hips. Since it doesn't have the tendency to "ride-up" it insulates my mid-section a great deal better than others I've owned. While only time will reveal its durability, I am impressed enough with the initial product that I just purchased two more. Hope this helps.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: ASICS Women's Gel-Game Point Tennis Shoe; Brand: ; Review: I purchased these shoes because they were on a couple of lists for the best women's shoes for tennis for 2016. They were repeatedly the least expensive of the options on the lists, so I thought I would give them a shot. I have only played on them a couple of times, but I have been really impressed. For me at least, they seemed to fit good immediately without the need to break them in. I also tend to use arch supports in my shoes, and while I think I will still add a separate arch support, I do feel that these shoes provide better arch support than most of the other shoes that I own. Time will tell how they hold up, but as for my initial impressions, I am extremely happy with these. I think they are the best shoe purchase that I have made in a while.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Under Armour Storm Recruit Backpack; Brand: Under Armour; Review: This is a great backpack in a fun color (I purchased the yellow one).; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fruit of the Loom Women’s Underwear Cotton Bikini Panty Multipack, Assorted.; Brand: ; Review: I like the fit, style, and colors, but these are poorly made. Of my six pairs, two have come out of the dryer torn down the seam after only a couple of washes.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: adidas Performance Women's Vigor 5 TR W Trail-Running Shoe; Brand: ; Review: I love these shoes (Vigor 5's). I use them for outdoor grass volleyball and they provide great traction, even in the rain. If anything, I sometimes stick too well. I own quite a few pairs of these and hope that Adidas never stops making them. I do purchase a separate arch support that I add to the shoe, but besides that, I can't think of anything else to complain about.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with movies/shows as follows:
Title: An Ideal Husband (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Importance of Being Earnest (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Talk to Her (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: About Schmidt (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Emperor's Club (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Harvey (1950); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Adaptation (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The World According to Garp (1982); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Office Space (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lethal Weapon 4 (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Matrix (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: White Oleander (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Pilot's Wife (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Wedding Planner (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Recruit (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ghost (1990); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rain Man (1988); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sleeping With the Enemy (1991); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Miss Congeniality (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Pretty Woman (1990); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sister Act (1992); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dirty Dancing (1987); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Net (1995); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Kiss the Girls (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Runaway Bride (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Passenger 57 (1992); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Maid in Manhattan (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lethal Weapon 2 (1989); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Double Jeopardy (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Two Weeks Notice (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: It's a Wonderful Life (1946); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Client (1994); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Patriot (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Sweet Home Alabama (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Green Mile (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Fugitive (1993); Rating: 4.0/5.0 | netflix |
Given the interaction history of a user with news articles as follows:
Title: America's largest auto retailer sells customers defective used cars, report says; Abstract: A new report found that one in nine used vehicles sold from AutoNation contained defects.; Category: news
Title: Yanks' Hicks gets 1st start since Aug. 3 in Game 3 of ALCS; Abstract: Aaron Hicks returns to the New York Yankees' starting lineup for the first time since Aug. 3 and Giancarlo Stanton remains out for the second straight game when the American League Championship Series resumes with the teams tied 1-all.; Category: sports
Title: 'Wheel Of Fortune' Guest Delivers Hilarious, Off The Rails Introduction; Abstract: We'd like to solve the puzzle, Pat: Blair Davis' loveless marriage? On Monday, "Wheel of Fortune" welcomed as a new contestant trucking business owner Blair Davis, who offered a biting introduction for himself. When host Pat Sajak asked the man from Cardiff, California, about his family, Davis plunged into one of the darkest personal summaries the show has likely ever heard. "I've been trapped in a loveless marriage for the last 12 years to an...; Category: tv
Title: Off to the World Series, these Nationals have proved everyone wrong; Abstract: This unexpected joyride of a season could hold more promise yet.; Category: sports
Title: ALCS Game 4 postponed for rain, Yanks-Astros resume Thursday; Abstract: Game 4 of the AL Championship Series scheduled for Wednesday night has been postponed because of rain in the forecast.; Category: sports
Title: Felicity Huffman Is Scheduled to Be Released from Prison on October 27 After Serving 13 Days; Abstract: Felicity Huffman's Release from Prison Set for Oct. 27; Category: news
Title: 20 Funny Things People in the 1970s Were Totally Guilty of Doing; Abstract: Here are 25 things that we all thought were perfectly acceptable back in the 70s that most of us wouldn't even dream of doing today.; Category: lifestyle
Title: Senate to try to override Trump emergency declaration veto Thursday; Abstract: The Senate on Thursday will attempt to override President Trump's veto of a resolution nixing his emergency declaration on the border wall. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) set up a veto override vote for Thursday at 1:45 p.m., as he wrapped up the Senate's work on Wednesday and set the schedule for Thursday. The vote will come less than two days after Trump vetoed the resolution, which passed the House and Senate last month. ...; Category: news
Title: AP source: Phillies agree to hire Joe Girardi as manager; Abstract: A person familiar with the deal says the Philadelphia Phillies have agreed to hire former Yankees manager Joe Girardi to replace Gabe Kapler.; Category: sports
Title: Warren opens up 7-point lead over Biden nationally: poll; Abstract: Sen. Elizabeth Warren has opened up a 7-point lead in the 2020 Democratic presidential primary, according to a Quinnipiac University poll.; Category: news
Title: Emily Ratajkowski Is Being Sued for $150,000 Over an Instagram Photo; Abstract: What's more? The photographer is also asking for all of the profits the model made off of his work.; Category: movies
Title: Eric Tse, 24, just became a billionaire overnight; Abstract: A 24-year-old business school graduate has just become an overnight billionaire.; Category: finance
Title: Kyoto's Gion neighborhood cracks down on photography; Abstract: Kyoto's historic Gion neighborhood is banning photography in certain areas in response to ongoing issues with bad tourist behavior.; Category: travel
Title: Prosecutors want black judge who criticized incarceration rates of African Americans removed; Abstract: Iberia Parish judge Lori Landry has questioned the large number of black Louisianans incarcerated by the district attorney's office; Category: news
Title: NFL Week 9 Power Rankings: More ammo for Belichick as greatest coach ever; Abstract: Doug Farrar offers up myriad surprises in Touchdown Wire's Week 9 NFL Power Rankings.; Category: sports
Title: Jets GM defends CEO's 'hopefully the team will actually show up' crack to fans; Abstract: "Frankly, he deserves better than 1-6," general manager Joe Douglas said Tuesday.; Category: sports
Title: 5 charged in alcohol poisoning death of UC Irvine fraternity brother; Abstract: Five young men have been charged in connection with the death of their fraternity brother, who succumbed to alcohol poisoning after a booze-soaked party this year.; Category: news
Title: Surfing executive sentenced to prison in college admissions scam; Abstract: Federal prosecutors in Boston said Wednesday that surfing executive Jeffrey Bizzack has been sentenced to two months in prison for participating in the massive college admissions scheme.; Category: news
Title: Former NBA first-round pick Jim Farmer arrested in sex sting operation; Abstract: Farmer, 55, was booked for trafficking a person for a commercial sex act.; Category: sports
Title: She fought for human rights on a tiny island that banned guns. Then she was shot dead.; Abstract: Rachelle Bergeron had been the only prosecutor in Yap, a Micronesian island about 550 miles southwest of Guam.; Category: news
Title: Possibility or pipe dream: How close are we to seeing flying cars?; Abstract: Drivable aircraft would require batteries that aren't ready. Then there are the legislative and infrastructure hurdles that could take a decade or longer to clear.; Category: news
Title: Here Are the Biggest Deals We're Anticipating for Black Friday; Abstract: The Black Friday deals for 2019 have already begun leaking out. Get a sneak peek at what to expect from popular retailers like Costco, Walmart, and Best Buy. Browse our guide and use it to plan your attack for the biggest shopping event of the year.; Category: lifestyle
Title: Stocks close higher on optimism over China trade deal; Abstract: Stocks ended at record highs Thursday after the world's two largest economies reportedly agreed to remove existing trade tariffs, sparking a huge rotation into equities and out of bonds.; Category: finance
Title: A New Zealand man accidentally bought 1,000 chickens online for $0.96; Abstract: Steve Morrow was initially only looking to buy "a couple more" hens for his bed and breakfast but accidentally won an online auction for 1,000 birds.; Category: news
Title: Beshear vs. Bevin: Kentucky governor's race could be decided by state legislature; Abstract: After Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin refused to concede to Andy Beshear, Senate President Robert Stivers said the legislature may get the final say.; Category: news
Title: Missing college student's parents meet with mother of Natalee Holloway; Abstract: Investigators did not call the man a suspect, but said they wanted to identify him and speak with him in connection to Aniah Blanchard's disappearance.; Category: news
Title: LA firefighter banked $360,010 in overtime pay in one year, city audit finds; Abstract: Eighteen employees of the Los Angeles Fire Department earned more than $200,000 in overtime pay last fiscal year, with one firefighter making $360,010 in overtime alone, according to an audit released Wednesday by City Controller Ron Galperin.; Category: news
Title: Aaron Rodgers hints that lack of rest was the issue in L.A.; Abstract: After Sunday's shocking loss to the Chargers in Los Angeles, Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers used his post-game press conference to express his displeasure with the result and presumably to send a message to one or more members of the organization. "We've got to be honest with our routine and the decisions we made in [more]; Category: sports
Title: Why You Shouldn't Ever Go for the Cheapest Brake Pads; Abstract: Brakes are the most important part of your car. Here's why you shouldn't cut costs on them.; Category: autos
Title: Porsche launches into second story of New Jersey building, killing 2; Abstract: The Porsche went airborne off a median in Toms River, causing it to crash into a red brick building.; Category: news | mind |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Hanes Men's 7-Pack Black/Gray Full-Cut Briefs; Brand: Hanes; Review: My husband loves the way these fit and that he was able to get all dark colors...no bright blue or green....real men's colors he calls them. Thank you!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: var aPageStart = (new Date()).getTime(); var ue_t0=ue_t0||+new Date(); window.ue_ihb = (window.ue_ihb || window.ueinit || 0) + 1; if (window.ue_ihb; Brand: ; Review: Love the quality and look, just what I needed!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mock Camisole - Snappy Cami - NO LACE (Solid) - Set of 3; Brand: Snappy Cami Snap-To-Bra-Camisole; Review: Love that they work like they should but unsnapping these are very difficult and takes so much exertion that I feel the snap will rip through the material. They haven't yet so have to say I love that they fix the problem that I bought them for.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bali Women's Comfort Revolution Seamless High-Cut Brief Panty; Brand: ; Review: Came almost too small but is the same size I wear in other brands; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Bali Women's Comfort Revolution Seamless Hi Cut, Black Diamond, 8/9; Brand: ; Review: Came almost too small but is the same size I wear in other brands; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Warner's Women's Cloud 9 Underwire Contour Full Coverage Bra; Brand: Warner's; Review: Love the quality and smoothness.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Maverick Men's Relaxed-Fit Jean; Brand: ; Review: Great for casual or dress wear.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Targus Versavu Rotating Keyboard Case and Stand for iPad 3 and 4, Bone White (THZ171US); Brand: Targus; Review: This is a very good product very easy to handle . No issues delivered on time as well .; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: amFilm iPad 2 Screen Protector HD Clear for Apple iPad 4/3/2 and iPad with Retina Display (2-Pack); Brand: amFilm; Review: Works great; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: FYY Case for iPad Air 2 - Premium PU Leather Case Smart Auto Wake/Sleep Cover with Hand Strap, Card; Brand: FYY; Review: Very nice; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fintie iPad 2/3/4 Case - Slim Fit Folio Stand Case Smart Protective Cover Auto Sleep/Wake Feature for Apple iPad; Brand: Fintie; Review: good look and feel have been using it for more than 3 months; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fourcase Earphones Headphones Compatible with IP 7,Bluetooth Earbuds Headset Wired with Microphone and Remote Control Stereo Noise Cancelling Compatible with; Brand: Fourcase; Review: excellent Product have been using it for a month no problem; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Vilros Arduino Uno 3 Ultimate Starter Kit Includes 12 Circuit Learning Guide; Brand: Vilros; Review: Great product with ease to use documentation; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Electronics |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Aille River Hostel; City: Doolin The Burren County Clare; Review: Nice, clean and quiet (we stayed there mid-week, so this may explain it). It has an idyllic setting and is in close proximity to restaurants, pubs, and the tourist information center where you can book for your tours to the Aran Islands, Cliffs of Moher etc. We stayed in one of the private ensuite rooms and windows opened out onto the river, so you were constantly treated to the sound. One bed was a double and one a single, and the stairs to climb to the room were very steep, so mind your step! Overall, for a hostel it was certainly better than most and it afforded us some privacy (if you are so inclined and do not want to share rooms with anybody else, then this is an option).; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: InterContinental Abu Dhabi; City: Abu Dhabi Emirate of Abu Dhabi; Review: The service was impeccable! I honestly cannot complain about the overall friendliness of the staff and the standard of service that was delivered. I stayed in room 1724 which offered a lovely view of the city skyline. It offered a king size bed, an espresso capsule machine and a lovely bathroom. However, I was silly enough to hasten the concierge away before he showed me around my room. If I had allowed him to give me a tour of my room, I would have known how to switch off my lights when it was time for bed. As such, I managed a full two nights sleep with glaring luminescence before I found the panel that controls the lights- BESIDE the bed, should anyone wish to know. But allow them to give you a tour of your room. I only figured out where the espresso capsules were kept on day 3...; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Westin City Centre Bahrain; City: Manama; Review: We were in Bahrain for the weekend from Abu Dhabi. The Westin Hotel is joined to the mall so it's convenient. We stopped in for brunch at 2pm. It runs from 12 to 4pm, so we were there a good 2 hours- definitely need more time to digest and enjoy! Cost- 18 Bahrain Dinars for non alcoholic and 30 for alcoholic (includes sparkling wine and pretty much anything you want). Food selection is the biggest I've had at a brunch! Definitely need a bigger stomach to try each dish! But it is good value for money for what they serve. I would recommend the chocolate fondant at the desert station and the butter chicken. Personally I would prefer a smaller selection of food. There is just so much, especially the desserts! But the staff were so friendly and welcoming and the music is a live band. It was great. Good service and good quality. Go early is all I can say :); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Al Falaj Hotel; City: Ruwi Muscat Governorate; Review: Where to be begin??? A friend and I reserved a room for 3 nights at the hotel during our stay in Oman. Overall, the stay wasn't too bad and the service in the restaurant was great... that's about where it ends. 1. Our toilet leaked in the bathroom. 2. Housekeeping did not replenish toilet paper. We had to ask restauranr twice before someone assisted us. 3. The biggest problem? The last night of our stay there was no warning that a huge party would be thrown with loud LOUD music playing until 2am and beyond (very disheartening when one has to get up at 5am for a flight). When I stayed at the Tilal Liwa in Abu Dhabi and a similar thing happened they offered guests rooms away from the noise and advised guests via email prior to arrival and upon arrival at reception that there would be high noise levels on that evening. Upon calling reception to enquire when the music would be turned down, I enquired about earplugs, none of which could be provided. I'm pretty sure that I won't return.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Spaander; City: Volendam North Holland Province; Review: Let me start by saying that this is an entirely personal experience and the review will be based as such. My sister who had also stayed in the hotel had absolutely no problems and a pleasant room. I wish the same could be said for me. I made the booking through booking.com and opted not to choose a deluxe room because the classic room seemed pleasant enough if the pictures were accurate. They were not. I have never stayed in a hotel with rooms of this poor quality before and I have been travelling for most of my life and this hotel formed part of a 2 week Europe holiday and has been unfortunately the worst place I've stayed in for the most amount of money. Now, If they had put the realistic representations up on booking.com or any other platform about what their classic rooms ACTUALLY look like, I would have forked out the extra 20 euros and gotten a deluxe room. Honestly these rooms were not worth the 74 euro and 90 odd euro I paid for them. Real pictures displayed below. Firstly, we stayed a night on a Thursday and the room they gave us was so abysmal I believe it had actually been an old storage room they merely converted. It was tiny and shabby and not at all the room I thought I had booked. I honestly cannot justify spending the amount of money I did on that room. It was noisy! I stayed in room 51 and it looked right onto the street where there were restaurants and constant foot traffic. On top of that you can hear quite eloquently what your neighbours are doing beside and around you. My mother was unable to sleep in the room so we requested a bed to be made for her in my sister's room, which was fine. After complaining twice, They agreed to move us to another room but only on the second night of our stay as the hotel was fully booked. Fine ok... The second nights room was only marginally more livable than the first room. This room was 113. Also not an accurate representation of the room I had booked. But rather that cause any more stress and get upset over something management and staff clearly cared nothing for, I left it and counted down the hours till I could be rid of this hotel. In the end I paid the same amount of euros that my sister did for her deluxe room. Yes, that's right. The same amount. I did pay some extra fees in case of cancellation on booking.com but unfortunately the experience was definitely not worth 200+ euros (including an average breakfast for 2 people). Oh wait, the coffee was good. And the view when you aren't in you room... because those don't have any views. Well ours didn't. My advice? If you HAVE to stay in the hotel, bring earplugs and get a room upgrade. Otherwise opt for a hostel- it's pretty much the same for less money.; Rating: 1.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Whisper...He Might Hear You; Author: Visit Amazon's William Appel Page; Review: This was an excellent read!!! It kept my interest and the ending was exciting. I would recommend this author and this book.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: After 2012; Author: Visit Amazon's R H Politz Page; Review: the story idea was great but the writing was kind of childish. but i enjoy this type of story line; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Widow of Larkspur Inn (The Gresham Chronicles, Book 1); Author: Visit Amazon's Lawana Blackwell Page; Review: this was a good story. it told some of the ways they lived back then. it helped to see how this lady and her family had to make there life over,i would read another by this author; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Callis Rose; Author: Visit Amazon's Mark Tufo Page; Review: this one had you feeling sorry for the killer and yet she was a terrible person. this story was to confusing.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Mind Games; Author: Visit Amazon's Polly Iyer Page; Review: this was a nice little read. i enjoy the storyline,chacters and the ending was good too.i would read another by this author; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Lady Dearing's Masquerade (Signet Super Regency Romance); Author: Visit Amazon's Elena Greene Page; Review: this story had heart. i enjoyed the story line and the characters weren't bad at all. im glad i didn't live back in those times i would of been ruined by my actions and i was a good girl; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Marti Talbott's Highlander Series 1 (Anna, Rachel & Charlet); Author: Visit Amazon's Marti Talbott Page; Review: really enjoyed this story, it is a highlander so that is the era i like to read about. good story and nice explanation of the history.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Ghosts of Varner Creek; Author: Michael L Weems; Review: this wasn't what i expected. i enjoyed it and it kept my interest. the mystery when it was solved wasn't what i thought so that made it a great mystery. i will read more of hers but i hope not so sad.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rafe's Redemption; Author: Visit Amazon's Jennifer Jakes Page; Review: this may have been a good story but every other page they were having sex and that lasted for several pages,needs more story to keep my interest.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Redemption: 2022 (2020 SERIES) (Volume 2); Author: Visit Amazon's Ever N Hayes Page; Review: I don't care for series that don't finish each book with closure. I don't understand Danny at all. seems out of character to me.a lot of confusion while reading this,not sure, who was telling the story.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Mazie Baby; Author: Visit Amazon's Julie Frayn Page; Review: My aunt suggested I read this,she said it made her cry several times. She was right. Such a good read,I'm glad I took her advice.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: EMP (The Districts Book 1) (Volume 1); Author: Visit Amazon's Orion Enzo Gaudio Page; Review: Nice start to this series. I am looking forward to the next one. I like how the author tells each story giving just enough of the background. Some parts are left untold. But I can use my imagination.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Defiant: Grid Down (Volume 1); Author: Visit Amazon's John W Vance Page; Review: Really good start to this series. I am looking forward to reading the next one. How soon. Till that happens.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Meek (The Meek Shall Inherit The Earth) (Volume 1); Author: Visit Amazon's Brad Poynter Page; Review: To much still unknown. A really good premises but still feel like I've been left out in the cold. Shirley; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Enigma Strain (Harvey Bennett Thrillers) (Volume 1); Author: Visit Amazon's Nick Thacker Page; Review: This kept me going right along. The story was exciting all throughout the book. It took a few idea's and expanded on the idea's to make a great story. Good character's, good thought lines,exciting read. Thanks so much. I look forward to reading more of your books.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The China Pandemic (Graham's Resolution Series) (Volume 1); Author: Visit Amazon's A. R. Shaw Page; Review: This is an interesting story. It takes you on a journey with full characters and believable folks. I enjoy reading about normal folks who suffer from fear, consequences of there actions and aren't super heros. I am looking forward to checking more from this author.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fire Country (The Country Saga); Author: Visit Amazon's David Estes Page; Review: I found this pretty good. It was interesting to see the similarities between our world and there's. I will try and read another one. I hope it is one from the library. Looking forwar to second book.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Consequences; Author: Visit Amazon's Aleatha Romig Page; Review: Damn...this book made me sick,I hated Anthony..I stll am not quite sure I understand all that happened to claire or anthony...was catharine a friend to claire or loyal to him. Will emily and john turn around their lives? What about Erick? Was he poisoned or was that a scam? I am going to read the 2nd one...I need to know... Really enjoyed this read; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Since The Sirens: Sirens of the Zombie Apocalypse, Book 1 (Volume 1); Author: Visit Amazon's E E Isherwood Page; Review: Nice read. I am excited to read the next one. The story is about a family that wants to stay together.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Dead Years - ABSOLUTION - Book 8 (A Post-Apocalyptic Thriller) eBook; Author: Visit Amazon's Jeff Olah Page; Review: The story was really good. I enjoyed the story with sadness,laughter and very moved by the characters. I would encourage others to read this series and anything else this author writes.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Storm Orphans; Author: Visit Amazon's Matt Handle Page; Review: I enjoyed this read. It wasn't the run of the mill zombie story. The characters were believable and I learned enough to have a feeling for them. The story moved right along and I liked that it wasn't impossible to kill these monsters. I would read his next read.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: My Dead World; Author: Visit Amazon's Jacqueline Druga Page; Review: I enjoyed this story alot. The characters were well written and I want more story...take them onto the next step.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: After It Happened: Society: Book 3: Society (Volume 3); Author: Visit Amazon's Devon C Ford Page; Review: This was an interesting series,it was refreshing to read an end of the world book that didn't include zombies. Intelligent characters and real things that made sense to me. I enjoyed the story line, the ways they gathered together and banded towards one goal. Survival. I will recommend this to my family. Oh family, heres a good read.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Scattered Seeds (A Changed World) (Volume 2); Author: Visit Amazon's Alice Sabo Page; Review: A real good 2nd in a series. The characters continue to grow as I expected. The story had some surprises and kept me coming back for more. I have suggested it to my aunt as I am sure she would enjoy the story. Keep writing new stories, you are doing very well.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Gleanings (A Changed World) (Volume 3); Author: Visit Amazon's Alice Sabo Page; Review: Such a nice way to end it. There were several loose ends tied up. Nick and Jean, so glad he made time for her. So happy all the living brothers are back together, in a safe place. Alice, you wrote a great series and I've enjoyed all 3 e books. I will try more of your books. Thank you so much for the entertaining books.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Shoot Like a Girl: A Post-Apocalyptic Thriller (The SHTF Series) (Volume 2); Author: Visit Amazon's L.L. Akers Page; Review: I enjoyed the characters. A cast of each and every kind of peoples. Ive read both books, they tell a good story. Fleshing out each person,their ideas, thoughts and none are perfect, it makes a good story. Im hoping some of the towns people wise up and join the family. Great writing and im looking for the next installment.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: What is Amazon Prime?: The Complete Guide to Amazon Prime; Author: Visit Amazon's Lynda Warwick Page; Review: I thought what the heck, I might learn something about my prime membership. Which did, its gotta lot more than I thought .I still have to reread a few pages but am looking forward to using more prime.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Maui Eldorado; City: Lahaina Maui Hawaii; Review: My husband and I stayed at the Eldorado for 6 nights and were disappointed. We booked a studio on the Outrigger website, which was well priced for Maui. Our unit was roomy and well equipped, but the decor and furnishings were very dated. The daily maid service was haphazard. There are extra daily charges for parking, using the safe, and coffee. The beach was nice, but quite a hike(through muddy areas) from the condo. The entire property seems to be in need of a facelift. Our biggest complaint was the unfriendly attitude of the staff. They were downright rude! During our 2 week Hawaiian vacation, the Eldorado staff were the only people we encountered who were not friendly. No aloha spirit here! We spent a week at the Outrigger Waikiki before we went to Maui and the staff there went out of their way to be friendly and gracious. If you're looking for budget accomodations, this property is ok. Next trip to Maui, I'll pay more to stay at a nicer property.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Hyatt Place Secaucus Meadowlands; City: Secaucus New Jersey; Review: Spent 2 nights here and was very pleased. Hotel staff is very friendly and helpful with area information. Room was large, well appointed and very clean. Our king room had a recently remodeled bathroom, living area with couch, flat screen TV, desk, and coffee/wet bar. Plenty of room to relax and spread out. Our only complaint was that the mattress could have been firmer. The bus to NYC picks up directly across the street from the hotel. It was only a 15 min. ride to the Port Authority. Very convenient. The hotel has free parking in the adjacent garage. Lots of shopping and good restaurant choices nearby. The hotel's continental breakfast was good, but they had no bagels early Sunday morning. Hotel is good value and I plan to stay here again when I'm visiting the area.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Mela; City: New York City New York; Review: I chose this hotel based on location for a theatre week-end. When booking, I requested an early check in and a king bed. Neither were available when I checked in and the hotel had not communicated this to me. When I checked in a few hours later, I was given keys that didn't work. I went back to the reception desk and was given a second set of keys that didn't work. I had to go back down to reception and they changed me to another room where the keys finally worked. On Sat. the hotel boiler broke and there was no hot water all day. Nothing like a cold shower in the morning! The clerk at the reception desk said that the manager would be adjusting my bill due to the inconvenience. This didn't happen. The room was nicely decorated and clean, but extremely small, even for NYC standards. There was no place in the room to put suitcases. I didn't feel that Hotel Mela was a good value and didn't appreciate all of the inconveniences I experienced. I won't stay here again.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Fairfield Inn Suites Venice; City: Venice Florida; Review: We spent 4 nights at this hotel last week. The hotel is nice and front desk staff is very friendly. However we had continuos problems during our stay. The first morning the power was out when I awoke. Had to get dressed in total darkness and went to a cold, limited breakfast with only a couple of flashlights illuminating the breakfast room. I can't believe that the hotel has no generator and am lucky that I was able to walk down the stairs, as the elevator wasn't operating. The next morning I slept in and was awakened at 9:30 am by hammering above my room. There was very loud construction going on. I gave up trying to sleep and left the hotel. When I returned later in the afternoon, I went out to use the pool and found it closed. No note on the front door or in the lobby to let us know that it was closed (due to construction). The following day we were sightseeing all day and returned to the hotel at 3:30 pm to find that our room hadn't been cleaned. I called the front desk and was told that it would be cleaned by 5:00pm. We went to the pool to wait so that we wouldn't be in the housekeepers way. The entire time we were there, a maintenance worker was leaf blowing around the pool, causing very loud noise and gasoline fumes. I returned to the room at 4:45 pm to find that the room had been cleaned, but the door had been left propped open. I was very concerned about the lack of security at the hotel. Someone could have been in the room when I entered and our valuables could have been taken. When I went to the front desk and asked to speak to the manager, I was told that she was off that day and to come back the next morning. I went again the next morning and was told that there was no manager that I could speak to. I checked out and later got an email saying they were crediting my Marriott Rewards account with 5000 points, which I find to be insulting. I then contacted Marriott and just got a standard apology. Fairfield Inn supposedly has a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee, which I is a joke. If you are looking for a peaceful and stress free stay, you many want to look at another hotel. There are many other chain hotels close by and I wish I had chosen another brand.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Antica Casa Coppo; City: Venice Veneto; Review: We stayed at this hotel for two nights at the end of September. Location is good, between the Grand Canal and St. Mark's Square. The hotel is difficult to find, down several narrow alleyways, even with detailed directions that were sent to us. Our room was extremely small with no room to open a suitcase. The room could have used updating, but was clean. There was no view or outside space, but the hotel is very quiet. However, the hotel owner and the staff were extremely unfriendly. No greeting or smile ever (except for one young woman who worked in the afternoon) and no offer to assist. We had to get our suitcases up 3 flights of narrow stairs on our own. Breakfast was not included in our rate. We purchased it one day for 10 euros each. It was a decent continental breakfast, but the breakfast room was very cramped and the server was extremely unfriendly. The owner sits in the breakfast room all morning working on her computer and not speaking to anyone. I wouldn't stay here again. I don't think it unreasonable to expect a hotel owner in a resort city to be friendly. She should not be in the hospitality business.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: A Bed of Roses Bed Breakfast; City: Asheville North Carolina; Review: We chose this Bed and Breakfast to stay in New Year's Eve based on the good reviews it has received on Tripadvisor. We were very disappointed in our stay. We booked the Turret Room on the second floor which had a separate sitting room. Our "suite" had totally inadequate heat for the cold weather that Asheville was experiencing. We had to have the space heater in the bedroom and the electric fireplace in the sitting room running at high in order not to freeze. When I opened the shades the next morning to look out, I was unable to see anything because all of the windows were totally iced over. Both the bedroom and sitting room had very old TV's with very small screens. The TV in the bedroom was an ancient tube TV and the TV in the sitting room had no remote control and was difficult to use. The screen was so small that it was very difficult to watch the NYE festivities on it. During our entire stay we had no wifi. When I spoke to Emily, the owner, she didn't seem to care. She said it was a router problem and refused to call tech support to get it fixed. The Victorian sofa in the sitting room had springs coming through and was extremely uncomfortable. There wasn't a comfortable chair to sit on anywhere in our suite. Breakfast was ok. We were served a southwestern egg dish, spicy cornbread, & chorizo sausage (which neither my husband or I eat). I would have appreciated more selection and breakfast pastries such as sweet bread, muffins, scones, etc. The Victorian decor was a bit overdone for my taste, with fake roses everywhere. The highlight of our stay was chatting with the other guests at breakfast. I feel that this B & B is very overpriced for the condition and would not stay there again. It's unacceptable to have inadequate heat and no wifi for guests.; Rating: 3.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Agriturismo Cretaiole di Luciano Moricciani; City: Pienza Tuscany; Review: We stayed 4 nights at Cretaiole. We arrived after what seemed like a long drive (no GPS etc) and loved what we saw. Cretaiole is a well kept farmhouse/ agritourismo, it oozes laidback tuscan charm and is an amazing place to be in if you visited Pienza. There are many farmhouses along the way which I'm sure are good too, but I'm glad we visited Cretaiole. Imagine lazing on the deckchairs, drinking fresh milk and eating apricots for breakfast while overlooking the tuscan hills, while one of the many farm cats spy on you. Cretaiole overlooks lush rolling hills, which give it a breathtaking postcard view from your chair. A cosy hammock for a lazy summer afternoon will do you good too! If you are always raring to go and can't sit around doing nothing, Isa, the walking GPS/owner of the farm, has written a few thick folders on what to do in the area. If you fancy something delicious, she can even recommend a great restuarant in Pienza (depending on your taste). It was a pity we only stayed for 4 days because we missed the pici making class!! But we did participate in some activities Isa planned for all her guests. The wine tasting session in Trequanda was great, as was the viewing of their private Etruscan tomb. The only offside we felt about Cretaiole was that it was much more expensive staying for 4 nights, as compared to staying for a week. I guess this is the same in most farms though. If breakfast was provided, it would have been great, rather than us having to rush to the co-op in Pienza before it closed to buy supplies for breakfast. However, Isabella does come every morning with fresh eggs (still warm!) to distribute to whoever wants them! It was a great holiday! Thanks Isa!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Residenza Il Maggio B B; City: Florence Tuscany; Review: Il Maggio was a great place to be in, coupled with a great host- Roberto, we had a blast in Florence. Despite the fact that we were late, Roberto waited patiently for us. During our short stay, he gave advice on where to go, what to do, and when we finally had to drive off to our next destination, he gave us good directions as well. Roberto was beyond helpful and extremely obliging. He allowed us to leave our luggage behind while we collected the car from the terribly inaccessible Borgo Ognisanti and gave directions on how to navigate Florence's many one way streets that nearly drove us crazy! The bed and breakfast itself was lovely. It was always clean and tidy, and the location was great too! Just behind the American Embassy, where you'd have no troubles sleeping because of the peace and quiet that other hotels could not offer. And just a short walk away from everything! Thanks Roberto! - your friends from Singapore!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Park Hotel Apartments; City: Dubai Emirate of Dubai; Review: Somerset Jadaf feels like home. The apartments there are cosy, with plenty of space. The service was excellent as well. Everyone at the hotel was friendly, right down to the wait staff at the breakfast cafe. By the third morning, the waitress was bringing me my usual cup of tea without me having to ask for one! Their eye for detail is unrivalled! We arrived in the same week they had a residents' night- that aimed at bonding amongst residents. Somerset spared no expense at the food, the entertainment for the night (a pretty good singer, and also a henna artist) for their guests. Even though Jadaf is a pretty new area, it is near the airport (excellent for getting to the airport in case there are traffic jams) and getting around is easy with a taxi. Plus points for it being near the Dubai Mall, and Wafi City (where there was Wafi Gourmet and Paul- yum!). Shuttle service was also available to the Jumeriah Beach Park. Having always been a Somerset guest as best as possible, I would say, go for Somerset, they never fail to impress. Thanks guys!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Heritance Tea Factory; City: Nuwara Eliya Central Province; Review: Views from all over were stunning, and service was excellent. Interesting concept without being overly tacky and touristy. My only complaint is that the hotel website boasted of accommodation to be provided for drivers/ guides of guests. However, this was subpar as we heard that the accommodations provided were not well heated at all, and given that the temperatures in the area are pretty low, this meant that conditions for guides and drivers were not ideal. Given how ethical and conscious this hotel has made itself out to be, it is crucial that living conditions for drivers and guides are improved upon. The spa was not tended to when we were there, but I guess that wasn't too big a problem.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hilton Colombo; City: Colombo Western Province; Review: We arrived late at night, check in was rather busy and it took quite a while for staff to attend to us. There was limited food options in the hotel bar close to midnight even thought there was a restaurant that was supposed to be in operation for room service. Even though we were on a non smoking floor, the floor reeked of cigarette smoke. No use having a non smoking floor no? When we said we were planning to use the mini bar, reception dispatched staff to PADLOCK OUR MINIBAR. Seriously, what if we changed our minds?? Finally, for the prices charged and supposedly being a premier hotel in Colombo, rooms were rather dated- hotel definitely needs an upgrade! Breakfast and wifi should be included in all packages!; Rating: 3.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Elysium (Bilingual) [DVD + UltraViolet]; Brand: ; Review: Most annoying thing about "Elysium" was the bad guy. I read he was in "District 9" and the director loves him. But I honestly could not understand a word he said? Who new South African accent is worse than Cockney! I was a $3,99 credit from Amazon!; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Moodtapes: Pacific Surf; Brand: ; Review: Just as I believe all high school students should see "Band of Brothers" to get a taste of WWII. They should also have to watch "The Pacific"...or maybe 2-3 episodes dealing with Guadalcanal Campaign and Palau Islands campaign. I have talked to Marines who fought in some of these battles...and it was dirty, nasty and brutal. Should not be forgotten by any American.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Walking Dead, The Ssn 5; Brand: ; Review: JSS best episode yet...this season.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Band Of Brothers (DVD); Brand: Damian Lewis; Review: One of the best...if not "the best" WWII programs bar none.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Band of Brothers(Elite SC/BD+DCExp12-21); Brand: Various; Review: One of the best...if not "the best" WWII programs bar none.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Invasion; Brand: Nicole Kidman; Review: Cannot replace the original "Invasion of the Body Snatchers"...original and 1978 version. And the ending was very sanctimonious.; Rating: 2.0/5.0 | amazon_Movies_and_TV |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Sloggers Women's Waterproof Rain and Garden Boot with Comfort Insole, Midsummer Blue, Size 10, Style 5002BL10; Brand: Sloggers; Review: These boots were intended to become my gardening boots but fate decreed otherwise. My big high-arched feet could not get in. Luckily I know this incredible young lady (about 10 years old) who lives on my street. I gave her the boots and since then pandemonium has broken out among the fashion-forward pre-teens in the area. I am certain that I am not on the "happy-list" of a number of parents anymore. Everybody has fallen in love with these boots and even some of the mothers have asked where they were obtained. In short, they have been a SMASHING SUCCESS!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Travelers Choice Luggage Rolling Shopper Tote, Orange, Standard; Brand: Traveler's Choice; Review: OK for a trip to the store if you are looking for a shopping bag on wheels but do not think you have a travel bag that qualifies as a free carry-on. The sad part is that the bag itself is fine and meets the dimensions of the carry-on but the wheel base DOES NOT. It does not fit under the seat in front of you. Believe me I experienced this problem just recently travelling to my daughters wedding. Actually purchased this luggage to avoid having to pay the out-of-sight fees charged today for overhead storage. Anyway, this inexpensive bag turned into a very, very troublesome and costly piece of luggage during an already involved and long, long trip. I could have saved money by buying a much more expensive bag which did fit under the seat in front of me. Well, lesson learned. Just beware travelers!!; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Color 216/220 Flashy Fuchsia; Brand: Sally Hansen; Review: Great stuff. Yes, it does dry very fast so do not sit near a fan while doing your nails, it will dry as you are putting it on. The nicest thing about this insta-dri is that touch-ups are a snap. Now own a number of shades of this wonderful product.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Evelots Gold/Silver ClipOn Spring Hoop Earring-Pinch Free-No Piercing-4 Size Set; Brand: ; Review: These spring hoop earrings are great. They "sit right" on the ear lobe and they do not pinch or hurt. Unlike the magnetic earring I have which after an hour hurt due to the very strong magnets, these hoops stay comfortable and secure. Great addition to the jewelry box.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Round Solitaire Pink CZ Clip On Bridal Stud Earrings 8mm; Brand: ; Review: Great earrings. Very comfortable to wear and oh so versatile. They are just the right size to be understated but you sure will not overlook them. They go with literally everything from casual jeans to evening wear. A really great find.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Timberland PRO Men's Gorge MPO ESD Steel-Toe Oxford; Brand: ; Review: My fiance loves these!! Wears them all day. Have steel toes, but very comfortable and durable. A must for anybody who works in the construction biz!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Columbia Men's North Plains Mid Water Proof Wide Trail Shoe; Brand: ; Review: Fiance loves these, but perhaps just a bit too warm!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Allegra K Dark Gray Fingerless Elastic Winter Thick Arm Warmers Gloves for Ladies; Brand: Allegra K; Review: nice looking; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bundle Monster 5pc Mix Design Boys Formal Wear Pre-Tied Polyester Necktie Set; Brand: Bundle Monster; Review: These are great! Easy to use, cute designs and stretchy, so no choking! My nephew just turned 5 and is on a tie kick... he insisted on wearing one but only had a couple from when he was one or two so they were hysterically short... I got these for his birthday and he was thrilled! One of his favorite gifts- he planned on wearing one to bed! He would have put them all on right then & there if he wasn't already in a pirate costume for his themed birthday party and mommy didn't take them away from him ;); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: King Will TYRE Men's 8MM Domed Grooved Tungsten Carbide Ring Brushed Wedding Band; Brand: King Will; Review: Nice and solid... fiance just went with a different design.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Caperci 8mm Contemporary Comfort Fit Tungsten Wedding Band Rings for Men; Brand: Caperci; Review: Nice and solid design. Fiance purchased and returned many different rings (both more and less expensive). He narrowed it down to two rings, this one ($79) and another ($220). He chose this ring since it was so much less expensive but had a comparable design and was just as solid as the more expensive version.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Timberland PRO Women's Rockscape Mid Steel-Toe Industrial Hiking Shoe; Brand: ; Review: I ordered these larger than my size after having read other reviews and having purchased other Timberland Pro steel toed shoes in the past. I have foot problems & plantars fasciitis... These boots are great! Most supportive & comfortable work shoes I have ever owned & the mid rise gives me the support I need without rubbing on my heels & achilles!; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Metra TYTO-01 JBL Amplifier Interface Harness; Brand: Axxess; Review: doing my dear ole dads radio install n i think he might have a jbl amp /system just wondering if there were any toyota rav 4 installs using this harness again for a 2006 toyota 2.4L rav 4 thanks; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: JBL GTO608C 6-1/2" 2-Way Grand Touring Series Component Car Speakers System; Brand: JBL; Review: these speakers do sound great...however for some reason the jbl tweaters on the entry level set ups are made of harsh & hard materials....ive yet to find some silk doam tweeters from jbl-silk doam are the best because they won't hurt your ears and sound sweet to the harmony....these are described as harsh when really there just right outa the way I have mine in custom factory replacement kickpanels from ebay from q*labs just type in kickpanels+vehicle type and search threw there they are like abs plastic and u have to cut your own holes but good thing jbl comes with speaker gaskets....they also have a space for tweeters and come with polly fill & HAVE PLENTY OF ROOM FOR THE CROSS OVER TO FIT TOO but these sound great down there the tweeters blare I might put a bass blocker inbetween them or just hook up 2nd tweeters to them as this harshness can be caused by too mutch power dirty power or uninsoulated power aswell as the probability that the crossover is component missing -to-quality of what should be....all in all bass blockers are cheep on here fierce seams ok for about $4-5!!! or performance teckeaque silk doams are about $15 update:THEESE ARE SO CLEAR LOUD AND QUITE POSSIBLY SOME OF THE BEST COMPONENTS IVE EVETR HERD HOWEVER ~THEESE AR 2OHM SPEAKERS WITCH IN MY EXPERIENCE MEANS U BRIDGE DOWN THE 4OHM AMP TO AQUIRE THAT 2 OHM IMPEADENCE SO U GOT 8 HOLE RIGHT 4 POSITIVE 4 NEGITAVE(ON YOUR 4 CHANEL AMPLIFIER AS U ALL SHOULD HAVE THEESE WIRED UP TO NOT FACTORY OR DECK POWER BUT AFTERMARKET QUALITY RMS) WELL LOOK AT UR BOOK -USE (USUALLY) THE OUTSIDE TOP POSITIVE AND THE OPOSITE OUTSIDE BOTTOM NEGITIVE ON UR 4CH ESENTUALLY MAKING IT A 2 CH HOWEVER THIS INCREASES POWER GREATLY AND THE IMPEADENCE OF YOUR 4CH IS NOW 2OHMS INSTEAD OF 4 - I GOT THE 804 EZ HOOKED UP TO TWO SETS OF THEESE NOW-SOME OF THE BASSHEADS THAT GOT ALOT OF MONEY USUALLY TOSS THE CROSSOVERS AND USE A SEPERATE AMP FOR THE TWEATERS -THATS OK BUT U NEVER KNOW THE IMPEDIANCE AND THE POWER AND THE HRTZ Exactly ur getting to each high-; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Kicker 09GT1 1/0-4AWG ROHS Compliant Ground Termination Block; Brand: Kicker; Review: ur saving a bunch n getting much more,and its kicker. not 1 but two grounds ,use it for your accsessories use it for clairity on ur amps 4ch's too lights its a great clean ground & a profeshonal look that can be easaly hidden out of site if needed and no worry about arcing because of its hard plastic casing to shield it,GREAT QUALITY BUY 1 OR 2 OR 3.....; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dragonpad none 1.5m HDMI Male to 3 RCA Video Audio AV Cable; Brand: Dragonpad; Review: i just hope i can make it work conecting a bunch of things in my car ,i orderd two....1 for converting my rear view(back up) camra into a hdmi setup & 1 for converting my 3.in-1.out hdmi switch box w/ remote(to switch things on my main in dash tv in my truck(like my xbox360,or the rear view,or (i left an option open with this setup!)ALL via remote) but 7 out of ten say it doesent work,thats horrible news,1 said its easy to brake by bending it another said"U CAN ONLY TRANSFER 1 WAY" WICH would make it usless but......well see(i cross my fingers because i got more work to be done with theese than all of you); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Car Stereo | BOSS Audio 612UA Single Din, MP3/USB/SD AM/FM (NO CD/DVD Player); Brand: BOSS Audio Systems; Review: i bought 1 of theese in my opinion compleatly crappy boss cd/mp3 usb yadda yadda the buttons are just loose and are only just that the actual electronics are all apart of the radio the faceplate is just a peice of plastic with a metal conection & the looks a simple radio..... again in my opinion boss ssl pyle tview dp hifonics poweracustic,all other acustic blah blahs and any company claiming to be the cheepest n best for your money are selling you again in my opinion junk-however there is no shame in just wanting somthing and not haveing money....theese COMPANYS HAVE made a few good products i bought a dp 15" flipdown for its hdmi capabilities and hifonics owns a couple of companies such as MB-QUART- relitivaly awsom speakers im rocking 4 12"s in seperate bandpass box's(oldschool first gen dual bandpass boxs with 4 topo ports) man ive been waiting for theese subs to blow since i bought em back 7-8 years ago pushing a 2kw (2,000watt)~powerbass~(every1 seams to put powerbass in the class of companies ive mentiond b4 when actually id put em in that blaupunk mbquart soundstreem class)my buddy had a 1500watt boss amp in highschool i let him barrow my subs cuz we took them on a trip to oklahoma-he scratched the plexyglass pritty bad kinda sad at that but i might be able to buff them out.... so though theese companyies make awful products,there will always be somthing they make worth buying!!! howeverIN MY BESTEST OF CHOICE OPINIONATION ~I BUY PIONIER~HEAD UNITS they are the absoulute best and best priced aswell as the most popular fetured divises on the planet PIONIER has the cleanest output watt and rca wise out of any deck in that wall your looking at rms ratings are true power & clean eq's are excelent PIONIER is at the same quality as nokamitchee or macentosh...as for boss my g/f radio sucks but it still works after 1 year output in watts is a lie!!! >>>>>>update:THIS INN....MY GF BOSS DECK I BELIEVE STOPED WORKING ON TWO CHANELLS that or she meraculously blew two brandnew dual 5.25's doubtfull ill tear into it to resolve the issue but I BELEAVE THE DECKS CHANNELS BLEW OUT THE REARS WORK BUT EVEN WHEN NEW THE DP 6X9'S SOUNDED LIKE POOP...THE 5.25 DUALS WERE AMAIZING I HAD HIGH HOPE WHEN I REALIZED THIS DECKS POTENTIAL OF DISTORTING AT HIGH VOULUMES AND BEING BUILT IN USA MEANS ITS PASSED ITS TRUE 240W INSPECTION BUT ILL REUPDATE IF DIFFERENT ISSUE!!!; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Pioneer DEH-80PRS CD Receiver with 3-Way Active Crossover Network, Auto EQ, and Auto Time Alignment; Brand: Pioneer; Review: dont buy a pionier if u like buying decks that break don't buy a pionier if u think alpines or kenwoods are better don't buy a pionier if you like shoping for radios everytime you get a new car,becuase PIONIER HEAD UNITS ARE HANDS DOWN THE ABSOULUTE BEST CD/DVD ECT HEADUNITS MONEY CAN BUY & EARS CAN ENJOY don't get me wrong i love jble you have no idea how hard it was to choose between jbl and pionier speakers n tweeters for my system,eventually i will have a ls400/ls430 lexis and that set up will be all pionier just for the diversity,i got 2 pairs of jble 6.5"s 2 jbl 6x9"s 2 fusion audio johna lumma series 2" silk doam compitition tweeters a jbl 640watt 4 channel and powerbass 2,000w bass amp i bought A PIONIER DECT FOR ITS CLARITY AND THE ABSOULUTLY ASTOUNDING EQ'S AGAIN NOTHING IS BETTER THAN A PIONIER(its a sham i am not using the 200w rms power from myavh-p3100dvd) i watched my friend romp his truck filthy in dirt dirts was every whare,the windows were down doing dounuts the dirt coverd the dash the seats us the deck was clogged FULL OF DIRT,it still worked cutting out though,we pulled over &, WE TOOK A (NOT RECOMENDED TO ANY OF THIS)3M DUSTOFF CO2 CAN THINGY N SPRAID FOR 2 MINUTES THE AMOUNT OF DUST N DIRT CAME OUT WAS UNREAL -GUESS WHAT THE DECK STILL WORKS ~7 YEARS LATER haha buy 1 n forget about the others!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pioneer 12" 1300W Peak Single 4-Ohm Champion Series Component Car Audio Subwoofer; Brand: Pioneer; Review: Well let's start with the 400watt rms & 1,300watt ratting now I have tried this 12" in a single sealed box probably a bit to small for this subwoofer, and ive had Rockford fosgate 300.1. Bassy but not clear Alpine 400watt 2ch the v12 series clean but not alot of bass, a massive audio 250.4 2ohm stable sounded great loud clear but a 4ch amp is ment for doors ect A jbl 501ez & it hit HARD idk if the amp was struggling to push 1,300watts as it's only capable of 879watts peak rms or if I didn't let it adjust fully as it is a eztune amp Finally it's on a ALPiNE 220.2 440watt 2ohm stable little but ALPiNE..... this thing sounds like it wants to blow apart the logic box & I fiberglass reinforced the inside and added polly fill & it's a great box no rattling.... but you can feel the box is almost allowing the sub to hit so hard because it has very little room so the hi's & mids are extremely clear & full but from 80-60 you can't hear it & it plays the 30hz range best for lowz & 45-60 is a very accurate sharp hart jabbing hi Ive been doing car audio for 13+ years now and this is by far the best subwoofer next to a duel 2ohm .... And for those who think that 1,300 is bs I put it on my power bass 1ohm by itself so watt 2ohms & it definitely took every watt but it was like pushing a fast car to its limits you never know what & when somthing can break so after 20 minutes it started to get hot but no smell really these will definitely pop running them at or above 1,300watts rms id say get a 750watt ish name brand or a 1,000 watt if you don't care about it & just want a super amount of bass from a resonably priced subwoofer Update 1 year and still sounds as great as the fist week..... Pioneer is among the best of brand's & choices; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: JBL GTO804 Reduced Depth 8-Inch Subwoofer; Brand: JBL; Review: ima have to custom weld a metal basket for this sub bolting it to the door ad the speaker ring (wood) to the frame you cant just fiber glass n wood stilt this thing in...itd fall out if not on its own then when you close the door....my gf could barly pick it up ha....this is the baddest beefy est 8 (shallow/reduced depth) ive ever seen its awsome about 3x more than what i expected!!!update:just orderd a second 1 hope it gets here fast...today and tomarrow my friberglassing starts they fit perfect width wise in the door of my tundra,THAT HUDGE MAGNET I HOPE IS NOT A PROBLEM,THOUGH I MAY NEED TO MAKE THE 6.5 SPACER HOLE A BIT BIGGER...ITS LIKE 4-1/2" DEEP MABEY MORE AND IST BY AN ITCH OF GIVE OR TAKE SHELL MAKE IT,i might do somthing never befor done by making a bandpass/plexy glass cover/doam/grill replacment cover so it has its seal not sure just wingin it now....worse comes to worse and it doesent work ill let yall know...then my 6x9 will go there but i want theese to fit so ill try hard....cant wait to here 2; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dual Electronics BP1204 12 inch illumiNITE High Performance Studio Enclosed Car Subwoofers with 1,100 Watts of Peak Power; Brand: Dual Electronics; Review: my system consists of 2 of these so 4 12's in the two seperate bandpass boxs a POWERBASS 2,000WATT 1000.1 MONOBLOCK 1 OHM STABLE AMP RUNNING 8 AWG ROCK/FOS WIRING 4AWG GROUND & CANDENCE 8 AWG FOR THE SPEAKER WIRES USING A TWIN-SEPERATE 2-4AWG IN 8-8 AWG OUT BLOCK AND A 12V SUPLY FOR THE LIGHTS USING ALL GOLD CONECTORS MADE EM ALIL BRIGHTER I USED THE FACTORY GROUND A 4AWG ASWELL AS A 4AWG ROCKFOS BRADED COATED CABLE & 1/0DB ALL FOR GROUND ASWELL AS 1/0 JUST FOR NOW TO MY POPBOX/FUSEbraker/BOX THE REST IS 6.5JBL UPFRONT(BEING CHANGED TO TWO 8"S REDUCED DEPTH) 2 6X9"S ON THE REAR FLOOR JAMMED UNDER THE SEAT CUSION THAT STICKS OUT ALL POWERD BY A 640W JBL 4CH USING R/F 14AWG FOR SPEAKER WIRE3 MADE BEAUTIFUL BY A P3100DVD PIONIER 6" TOUCHSCREEN WITH DOLBY PARAMETRICS AND MORE IM REDOING MY SYSTEM AS I HAVE A BABY AND HE NEEDS TO SIT N THE BACK AND WATCH MY 15"DP FLIPDOWN WITH HDMI IN ON THE XBOX OR PS3 UNDER HIS SEAT ASWELL AS 2 REDUCED DEPTH 12'S CUSTOM GOING IN BUT FOR NOW THEESE BANG DOWN THE BULAVARD IVE HAD COPS IN #S TRYING TO FIND ME FOR POUNDING AND WHEN I SNIFF EM OUT N OUTSMART THEM(IN THE PAST)AND SPOT THERE CARS FROM A FAR I KILL THE BASS COMPLEATLY TO WHARE THEY WONT GET IT RUNNING AND ON A DB IM ATLEAST 140 I HAve no clue do to the max of 130 on the cheep decible reader 1's ill find out using impeedence and multi meter method but ive been told i have rattled shit off my budies shelf a light away(about 1/4 mile) thats how loud i would crank it trying to blow my speakers and for 8 years now been threw 3 good amps & on its 3rd car theese things are supurb....btw i would strongly recomend using a name brand amp not a cheep 1 that starts with a b or 1 that ends with a yle or a zer or a unworthy ss badge but theese particular subs are the cherry sinking in wipcream on ur favorite dessert people ITHER HAVE NO CLUE N THINK THERE AWSOM KNOW THERE SOLD CHEEP BUT EVEN THE HATERS DROP THERE JAWS N RUB THERE CHEST WHEN THEESE DROP BOTTOM; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: MTX TN10-04 10-Inch Single 4-OHM Subwoofer 150-Watt RMS; Brand: MTX; Review: proper instalation is key im doing a budget build and using my wifes car as a gini pig (its a exterra S.E) SO ITS EASY TO THROW AMPS N SUBS BACK THERE N SWITCH EM OUT I HAVE THIS THING IN A BOX I HAD LAYING AROUND SINGLE 2 PORT BOX WITH A TWEETER THATS REALLY LOUD APERENTLY JUST HOME AUDIO REDBLACK ELCHIPO WIRE SO I SAID WHAT THE HEY ITS A 10 ITS LIKE 14-16AWG SO ITS NOT HORIBLE PLUSS I JUST WANTED TO DO A TEST FIT OF THE SUB N IT BARLY FIT IN THE BOX THE POS SUB I TOOK OUT WOULD OF FELL OUT BUT THIS ALMOST NEEDED LUBE BUT IN IT WENT I SCREWD IT DOWN I THREW IT BACK THERE IN THE SUV I HAD MADE A TRADE -MY OLD NEVER USED ROCK/FOS CAPACITER FOR A USED 540W MAX 290W RMS 2CH DUAL AMP I LIKE DUAL THERE MAKING GREAT AMPS AND VERRY RELIABLE AND SQ GOOD SUBS THAT ALSO BANG DB'S BUT I WAS SUPRISED IT,its about the exact same posibly posibly more than the 1 12" pioier & 300w rms 600pk jbl amp set up...the dual amp has a great crossover hi/low pass and relitivly simple 1 allen wrench fits all setup the mtx has lost of screw holes making a tight clean seal i love this sub...the rubber ring is a favorite whare the screw holes are it is forgiving and needless to say the setup rocks!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Canon Powershot A410 3.2MP Digital Camera with 3.2x Optical Zoom (OLD MODEL); Brand: Canon; Review: this camra is almost 10 years old why is it even for sale let alone at over $100 its only 3.2megga pixxle that's less than my phone from 7 years ago - mine I just found and it has a dead battery -so I was just wondering to look it up and wow over $100 for a camra almost ten years old man I was gona use it as a cheep gopro incase it got smashed or lost for under my Baja truck project!!!! not saying don't buy just saying its almost 10 years old and its 3.2mp u can find better in walmart for like $20 but-but it might have a better pic # don't mean anything now days that's just a selling point so idk -personally id buy newer personaly-; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Q-power QTW12 Single 12-Inch Sealed Subwoofer Box Enclosures (Pair); Brand: Q Power; Review: I RECOMEND USING SMD SUNFLASH FIBERGLASS RESIN ON THE INSIDE OF THE BOX GIVE IT A REAL THICK COAT ON EVERY BIT OF BARE WOOD AND EVEN THE RING AND LIP SLIGHTLY TOUCHING THE FABRIC BY 1/8 OR LESS OF A INCH TO ENSURE PROPER SEALMENT FROM MOISTER RENFORCES THE BOX ASWELL AS MAKES IT SOUND BETTER I ALSO USED REAL POLLY FILL AND A CAN OF ADHIESIVE FOR CARPET OR FABRIC(VEHICLE FABRIC OR CARPET GLUE) TO ADHERE THE POLLY FILL IT LOOKS LIKE A JIANT COOTON CANDY BAG BUT ITS WHITE- ITS GOOD STUFF CHEEP!!!; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Pioneer FH-X700BT In-Dash Double DIN CD/MP3/USB Car Stereo Receiver w/ Bluetooth, Pandora Link, MIXTRAX & iPod Support; Brand: Pioneer; Review: I bought and installed for my parents I had to say I as jelouse of the amenities - this is the deck every1 should buy nothing else for under $180 I have a avh3100 that has a lot less features as far as new technology goes but no parametric eq there is a gread eq for entry level systems though; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: JBL GTO 804EZ 80-Watt X 4 High-Performance 4-Channel Amplifier; Brand: JBL; Review: I am powering my new sets of jbl components and this amps doing great the speakers are 2ohm and I believe there wired in 4ohm so mabey that's why the clarity is there but the mid sucks- again this amp from my last gto 640 4ch is a night and dayas I could only goto 23-24 on my avh3100 dvd pionier and now I can goto 40 but I still want louder and more that's the addiction- this 1 is a auto tuner so u just adjust to the lights accordingly its 940 I believe peak but may be more according to smd 501ez amp dino test this is 1.5x wider and in every other aspect identicle to the 501 or 4 ez it displaces 2 separate crossovers the end plated are remove able and real heat shrink metal the screws are short n small be carful u mount it by removing these it may take 4 awg I believe I ran 8awg from r/f; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: SoundBox Connected 4 Gauge Amp Kit Amplifier Install Wiring Complete 4 Ga Installation Cables 2200W; Brand: SoundBox Connected; Review: very cheep as in reasonable very good quality love the goldplated items fuse holder top notch 4awg is accurate for cca chepo brand and this is a very good kit; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Audio Control EPICENTERINDASH Bass Restoration Processor; Brand: AudioControl; Review: Waiting on the rca's modofing my 02tundra glove box adding sound dedner strips to the bolt down area(u c hang it aswell or dash/radio din) - closer to the passenger winshield/dashbordtop side for the best result; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Alpine MRV-M500 Mono V-Power Digital Amplifier; Brand: Alpine; Review: I have a used ALPINE 2ch m220.2 & upgraded to a m450.2, they look exactly like one another, but the m450.2 is up at 12eeee unchanged c guff the only oneeee3 Terry/2 gain with the hz @ 75ish no cc-1 ,& the smaller m220.2 has a high pass or low pass filter/via a switch....the m450 idk if it's older or what but no switch just a dial tune, & 12db is the only way to get bass out of it & it's almost half as loud as it was with the m220.2 witch is at 3/4 gain but gets hot.... my question is why with 8awg pure copper MONSTER CABLE OFC cable+&- & with Rockford fosgate OFC 12awg subwoofer speaker wire, a 60amp gold plated fuse & fuse holder and with everything being exactly the same just different watts is the 22.2 louder than the 450.2 regardless of the 220.2 getting hot after an hour n a half; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Genuine 2012 Subaru Impreza Tweeter Kit; Brand: Kicker; Review: Many of today's car's ect. Have a basic & upgrade radio- even if you think it sounds good or great, your hearing good mid range bass- the tweeters are harsh the bass becomes artificial when increased because the speakers & tweeters are starving for power they handle very poorly, there is no crossover points, nothing beyond a 4band that is junk- even when they put a name brand on there, it's still junk to the real deal- & they make it so very complicated and expensive for you to try & chang it, I would bet money really that the cheapest silk doam tweeters on Amazon you can find^^^ will be 4x louder and cleaner than this junk, no aftermarket amp required your obviously tapping into the same wire GoiNG to the mid bass woofer & they will last on a 2ohm load for years especially if you are going to use bass blocker's use the ones for tweaters, & might aswell upgrade those 5x7" or whatever is in there with a simple bass blocker for midrange speaker's...you can also add more sound deadner & coppy the outer diameter of the speakers baffel & cut that out of wood 2x & get a whole saw & cut a round speaker adapter for high end or even good quality mid bass & even add extra tweaters or a bullet possibility's are endless -warranties are not; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: ION Audio Party Starter MK II | Pocket-Sized Bluetooth Speaker with Built-In Beat-Sync Light Show (3W); Brand: ION Audio; Review: This is the best bt speaker I've ever used....I'm a picky bass head....this is ion a very high quality well known dj/stage type brand & the name HOLDS TO....doesn't disappoint THIS THING WILL HIT LOW HZ LIKE 20 & 25HZ & VERY CLEAR UP TO AROUND 10KHZ VERY DECENT WOOFER MUST HAVE LOADS OF EXCURSION....LIKE A MINI SUNDOWN IMO IT IS VERY EASY TO USE ONCE YOU KNOW YOUR FONE & KEEP THIS LINKED OR REMEMBERED I TURN IT ON & BAM IT DETECTS BT FROM MY PHONE....HIGHEST QUALITY... I BOUGHT MINE USED & ITS BEEN DROPED 6FT(ACIDENTALLY) STILL WORKS....SOMETHING INSIDE IS RATTLING BUT VERY STRONG STILL WORKS GREAT ACTUALLY... I INTEND ON BUYING A NEW ONE BRAND NEW as this one i have is for my garage & it doesn't need to be nice n shiny....; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Electronics |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Red Sands Hotel; City: Torrey Utah; Review: We stayed in a pet friendly room and the room wasn't dirty, per se, but it wasn't very clean either. I found a long, curly, dark brown hair in the bed, and I have short, straight, light brown hair. Gross! The breakfast was terrible. I travel a lot and generally am quite happy with the make your own waffles, but even those were not good there. I probably would stay again if the breakfast was better, but there was nothing redeeming about our stay to make us want to come back. On our next weekend getaway to Torrey, we will try some place else in hopes of something slightly better.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Hampton Inn Suites Rochester Victor; City: Victor Finger Lakes New York; Review: Hampton's are usually nice, but this one is even nicer than most. Honestly, it's beautiful. The locatio was perfect. The layout of the hotel was nice and allowed us to park near our room, which I appreciated, as I was traveling with my senior mom. I had a little issue with a fee, but the manager was quick to fix it for me, which I greatly appreciated. The room was immaculate and the shower was superb. Breakfast was amazing, and I even noticed the manager trying to find extra seating and make space since there was an entire tour bus full of cute old ladies eating at the time we were and it was quite busy. I would not hesitate to stay here again when in the area.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Comfort Inn Ellsworth Bar Harbor; City: Ellsworth Maine; Review: The room was good, clean, and comfortable. The breakfast was good too. Really, the thing I liked best about this hotel was that everyone was really nice! They made me feel welcome and kept asking how things were and if they could help me in any way. They were very welcoming to my dog too, and didn't act like it was an inconvenience that she was staying with me. I really appreciated that. I would stay again when in the area.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Comfort Inn; City: Iron Mountain Upper Peninsula Michigan; Review: I stayed here while traveling across the country with my mom and my dog. Our room was very clean and the location was convenient. The breakfast was fabulous! Most of all, everyone was very kind and accommodating. I'd definitely stay here again when in the U.P.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Swiss Chalets Village Inn; City: Intervale Bartlett New Hampshire; Review: We were welcomed with super friendly service, and that didn't stop throughout our stay. You'll never meet nicer people, of that I'm sure. The room was well kept and clean, but it really needs updating. Based on other reviews, I thought it would be much nicer, but truthfully it's a budget hotel, so as long as you know that and are okay with it, this is a good place to stay for you. I am a bit more high maintenance, so I would probably stay somewhere a bit nicer when in the area again.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Best Western Plus Kelly Inn Suites; City: Billings Montana; Review: I stayed here recently on a trip across the country with my mom and dog. The room was very nice and clean. Honestly, everything was great and I'd definitely stay here again, but I have a couple suggestions that might help turn this place from a 4 to a 5. First of all, the lady at the front desk who checked us in was a bit unfriendly. Just smiling and acting like you are glad we are here makes a much better first impression of the place. Second, the waffle iron needs spray so the waffles don't stick. Also, it may be user error on my part, but I couldn't figure out how to fit the waffle under the syrup dispenser so that the syrup actually got on my waffle and not all over the counter.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Best Western Plus Kelly Inn Suites; City: Fargo North Dakota; Review: This place was awesome! Everyone was super kind, especially the guy who checked us in. We felt super welcome and glad to be there from the minute he greeted us. The room was clean, the beds were comfy, and they didn't charge me for my furry friend. I loved that we could park in front of our room, that was very convenient!! The big whirlpool tub was a nice surprise. Breakfast was delish! I would absolutely stay here again when in the area.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Drury Inn Suites Columbus Dublin; City: Dublin Ohio; Review: We stayed here because it was pet friendly. It was nice and clean and everyone was friendly. They had a great breakfast that they kept stocked and there was plenty of room for everyone. This was impressive, especially considering how many people they needed to accommodate. I'd definitely stay again when in the area.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Quality Inn Suites; City: Hannibal Missouri; Review: We stayed here on a cross country road trip with our dog. The room was large, clean, and nice. The staff was extremely friendly. They served a dinner buffet in the eating area, but we ordered a meal to be brought to our room since we had the dog. It was delicious and inexpensive. Breakfast was better than most and even had real plates, which was nice. I would actually go out of my way to stay here again. It was a very nice stay, that stuck out (in a good way) among the approximately 20 hotels we stayed in this summer.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Holiday Inn Express Coventry S West Warwick Area; City: Coventry South County Rhode Island; Review: I wouldn't hesitate to stay here. It was an excellent stay for us. If we are back in the area, we will stay here again. The staff was incredibly kind to us and our dog. The location was perfect, near plenty of restaurants and right off the freeway. Breakfast was excellent as well.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Holiday Inn Express Suites Salamanca; City: Salamanca New York; Review: This hotel was great! It was clean and conveniently located off the freeway. The breakfast was a bit better than most and there was ample seating. The only thing I found odd, was that I had to put a sign on my door informing other guests that I had a pet in my room. It wasn't a bit deal, just kind of weird. We would definitely stay again when in the area. One thing to note is that there is not many places to eat in the area except a casino. We wanted to get take out and bring it back to the hotel, and it was Sunday. The only thing we found was McDonald's or Burger King. Bleh. Not the hotel's fault by any means, just be aware of that.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Holiday Inn Express Suites Ontario; City: Ontario Oregon; Review: We had reserved a suite with two queens and a sofa bed, and we were traveling with a pet. They assigned us a pet friendly room, but it just had one king, which was not nearly enough for all of us. So they gave us another room, in addition to the one we had. It was a large suite with another king and a sofa bed. They did not charge us for the additional room. They were super accommodating and kind. I travel through here a lot and have stayed in lots of hotels in Ontario and Boise and everywhere in between. However, from now on I will always stay here. It's also nice and clean and has everything you need. Don't hesitate to stay here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Theatricals Adult 2" Heel Character Shoes T3200; Brand: Theatricals; Review: Very comfortable shoes, but a little on the large side. I am normally a size 6.5-7, but these are just a bit bigger than a 7. Hoping a shoe insert will fix this.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: CHOiES record your inspired fashion Women's Pink/BlackBlue/White Solid High Waist Trumpet Midi Skirt (10 Colors); Brand: CHOiES record your inspired fashion; Review: I am IN LOVE with this skirt! The color is as pictured, it fits WONDERFULLY (no muffin top), and the length comes right to above the knee! I will be ordering more in other colors!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bella Marie Stacy-33 Women's round toe nubuck mary jane squeaky upper strap flat dancing shoes; Brand: Bella Marie; Review: The other reviews on this really helped me. I am normally a size 6.5-7 (moreso on the 7 side lately) and after reading other reviews that said order a 1/2 size up, I ordered a 7.5. They fit PERFECTLY. Thank you!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Adult Starlite 1.5" Glitter Character Shoes T3115; Brand: Theatricals; Review: I am normally a size 6.5-7, and lately more on the 7 side. These fit a bit big, but I am hoping a shoe insert will fix this.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Jellypop Women's Blake Ankle Bootie; Brand: Jellypop; Review: I ordered a size 7, and they fit perfectly! I am sometimes between a 6.5-7, and the 7's were perfect as I wear socks with them. These are SUPER comfortable and cute, and I can wear them all day with comfort!; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with movies/shows as follows:
Title: Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: G3: Live in Concert (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hudson Hawk (1991); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Year of the Horse: Neil Young & Crazy Horse Live (1997); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Grateful Dead: View from the Vault (1990); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Emperor's New Groove (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Men in Black II (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Spy Kids (2001); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Goldfinger (1964); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Jefferson Starship: The Definitive Concert (1983); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Armageddon (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Beauty and the Beast: Special Edition (1991); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Fifth Element (1997); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Monsters (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Men in Black (1997); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Shrek (Full-screen) (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Matrix (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: XXX: Special Edition (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Grateful Dead: Ticket to New Year's (1987); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Jaws (1975); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Braveheart (1995); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Predator: Collector's Edition (1987); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ice Age (2002); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Caddyshack (1980); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Scrooged (1988); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Tigger Movie (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Ghostbusters (1984); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Strange Brew (1983); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Aspen Extreme (1993); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Lady and the Tramp II: Scamp's Adventure (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Bug's Life (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dr. No (1962); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island (1998); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Scooby-Doo and the Ghoul School (1988); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Minority Report (2002); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Tom and Jerry's Greatest Chases (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble: Live at the El Mocambo 1983 (1991); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cats & Dogs (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Return of the Pink Panther (1975); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Notting Hill (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Shanghai Noon (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Reign of Fire (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bandits (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Melissa Etheridge: Live ... and Alone (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Princess Bride (1987); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Classic Albums: The Who: Who's Next (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Signs (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: I Spy (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Two Weeks Notice (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Rolling Stones: Gimme Shelter (1970); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Cult: Live Cult: Music Without Fear (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pokemon: The First Movie (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Alanis Morissette: Jagged Little Pill (1997); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Ski Movie II: High Society (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court / The Emperor Waltz: Double Feature (1948); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Grateful Dead: View from the Vault 4 (1987); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Spy Kids 2: The Island of Lost Dreams (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Antz (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Grateful Dawg (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Ghost and Mrs. Muir (1947); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Who (2003); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Dokken: One Live Night (1996); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Classic Albums: The Grateful Dead: Anthem to Beauty (1997); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Flubber (1997); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: James and the Giant Peach (1996); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cheap Trick: Live in Australia (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Van Halen: Video Hits: Vol. 1 (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Who Framed Roger Rabbit?: Special Edition (1988); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Filth and the Fury: A Sex Pistols Film (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Tuxedo (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Treasure Planet (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Jungle Book 2 (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Led Zeppelin: The Song Remains the Same (1976); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sweet Home Alabama (2002); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: A Guy Thing (2003); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Spirited Away (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Punch-Drunk Love (2002); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Shanghai Knights (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Hot Chick (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rock 'n' Roll High School (1979); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dracula (1931); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Tom and Jerry: Whiskers Away! (1952); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lethal Weapon 2 (1989); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure (1989); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Scorpion King (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mission: Impossible (1996); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Die Another Day (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fathom (1967); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Challenge of the Superfriends: Attack of the Legion of Doom (1978); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Amazon Women on the Moon (1987); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Ghost Ship (2002); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Daredevil (2003); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Atlantis: Milo's Return (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dave Matthews Band: Listener Supported (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Woodstock: 3 Days of Peace & Music (1970); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Van Halen Live: Right Here (1993); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Agent Cody Banks (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Alanis Morissette: Feast on Scraps (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Quest for Camelot (1998); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Isle of Wight Festival: Message to Love: 1970 (1970); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Josie and the Pussycats (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Complete Monterey Pop Festival (1968); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Bulletproof Monk (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars: The Motion Picture (1973); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Sex and the City: Season 2 (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sheryl Crow: Rockin' the Globe Live (1999); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Haunting (1999); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Vertigo (1958); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Anger Management (2003); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Beverly Hills Cop (1984); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Stitch! The Movie (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Legally Blonde 2: Red (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sleepless in Seattle (1993); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sixteen Candles (1984); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The In Crowd (2000); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Stripes (1981); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Analyze That (2002); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Monkeybone (2001); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Romancing the Stone (1984); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Jewel of the Nile (1985); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: My Best Friend's Wedding (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mission: Impossible II (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Wallace & Gromit in Three Amazing Adventures (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Crimes of Passion (1985); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Lost Boys: Special Edition (1987); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: View from the Top (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Last Waltz (1978); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Blue Crush (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Man Who Knew Too Little (1997); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bruce Almighty (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Underworld (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Going Greek (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Live and Let Die (1973); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Scooby-Doo (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Casper: A Spirited Beginning (1997); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: It Had to Be You (2000); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Down With Love (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Running Man (1987); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Movie (1990); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Who: The Kids Are Alright (1979); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pokemon Heroes: The Movie (2003); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Freaky Friday (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Elizabeth (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lost in Space: Season 1 (1965); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Charlie's Angels: Season 1 (1976); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Head of State (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sexual Predator (2001); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Twins (1988); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Goo Goo Dolls: Live in Alaska: Music in High Places (2002); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Beatles Anthology (1995); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Sex and the City: Season 1 (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Groundhog Day (1993); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Secret Agent A.K.A. Danger Man (1960); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Breakfast Club (1985); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Haunted Mansion (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The School of Rock (2003); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Lost in Translation (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Kim Possible: A Sitch in Time (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Where the Buffalo Roam (1980); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Pretty in Pink (1986); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Kim Possible: The Secret Files (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Martin Scorsese Presents: The Blues: A Musical Journey (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Femme Fatale (2002); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: 50 First Dates (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Brother Bear (Theatrical Widescreen Version) (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mystic Pizza (1988); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Alice's Restaurant (1969); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Happy Gilmore (1996); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Forrest Gump (1994); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Desperately Seeking Susan (1985); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Betsy's Wedding (1990); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: St. Elmo's Fire (1985); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Winter Break (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey (1991); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Daddy Day Care (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mystic River (2003); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Pitch Black (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Agent Cody Banks 2: Destination London (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Wayne's World 2 (1993); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Outfoxed: Rupert Murdoch's War on Journalism (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Shipping News (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: National Lampoon's Animal House (1978); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Swiss Family Robinson (1960); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Doctor Dolittle (1967); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Warren Miller's: Storm (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: X-Men (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: H.R. Pufnstuf: The Complete Series (1969); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Kill Bill: Vol. 2 (2004); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Love Actually (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes (1969); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Warren Miller's Journey (1990); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: About a Boy (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Warren Miller: Bloopers (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Witches of Eastwick (1987); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Warren Miller's: The Power of Snow: Fifty (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Peter Pan (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Crossroads (1986); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Absent-Minded Professor (1961); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Van Helsing (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Wacky Races: The Complete Series (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Garfield: The Movie (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope (1977); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Napoleon Dynamite (2004); Rating: 5.0/5.0 | netflix |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Planters Dry Roasted Peanuts, Dry Roasted, Lightly Salted, 16 Ounce (Pack of 12); Brand: Planters; Review: Love these nuts. Very fresh. Price right. Good for all nut lovers. Have bought several since my first order. I am happy with my purchase.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Planters Peanuts, Honey Roasted & Salted, 52 Ounce Canister (Pack of 2); Brand: Planters; Review: Love these nuts. Very fresh. Price right. Good for all nut lovers. Have bought several since my first order. I am happy with my purchase.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Quaker Natural Granola Oats, Honey, Raisins and Almonds - Two 34.5oz Bags; Brand: Unknown; Review: Excellent taste with Quaker Granola. I eat this cereal on a regular basis. Price is right. Have already purchased several orders.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Planters Flavored Peanuts, Sea Salt & Vinegar, 2.25 Ounce Single Serve Bag (Pack of 10); Brand: Planters; Review: Love these nuts. Very fresh. Price right. Good for all nut lovers. Have bought several since my first order. I am happy with my purchase.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Celestial Seasonings Wellness Tea, Sleepytime Sinus Soother, 20 Count; Brand: Celestial Seasonings; Review: Love the taste. Helps to relax me at night.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Kellogg's Raisin Bran with Cranberries - 13.5 oz (Pack of 2); Brand: Kellogg's; Review: Love this cereal. My favorite. Nice and fresh. Lots of cranberries. This is my 3rd order.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Wolfgang Puck Jamaican Me Crazy 24 Single Serve Cups (Pack of 4), Compatible with All Keurig K-Cup; Brand: Wolfgang Puck; Review: Love this coffee. My favorite. Nice taste, a little bite to it. Not to bold or heavy. No bitter taste. This will be my primary coffee from now on. Well worth the money.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Stonewall Kitchen Sour Cherry Jam, 12.5 Ounces; Brand: Stonewall Kitchen; Review: So yummy. Nice balance of flavors. Good size cherries. No skimping on the cherries. You can really taste them. I will buy again. I LOVE this jam.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Wolfgang Puck Coffee Single Serve Capsules, Breakfast in Bed, 24 Count; Brand: Wolfgang Puck; Review: Breakfast in bed is a nice smooth coffee blend.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Chef Paul Prudhomme's Magic Seasoning Blends ~ Magic 7-Pack, Qty. 7 2-Ounce Bottles; Brand: Magic Seasoning Blends; Review: A great vareity of Magic Blends. Each one brings a nice flavor to the meat that is recommended. The vegetable blend is used daily on just about every vegetable I eat. Very flavorful and tasty. Does not overpower the meat or vegetables.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Chef Paul Prudhomme's Magic Seasoning Blends No Salt & No Sugar, Lemon and Cracked Pepper, 2-Ounce; Brand: Unknown; Review: I love this Cracked Lemon Salt Free Blend. I love it on all types of fish. I don't even miss the salt. It is full of flavor. One of my favorite blends. I use it at least 3 x a week.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Original Donut Shop Regular Keurig Single-Serve K-Cup Pods, Medium Roast Coffee, 24 Count; Brand: The Original; Review: Love the taste. I like stronger coffee. Will order again soon.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Caza Trail Coffee, Dark Roast, 100 Single Serve Cups; Brand: Caza Trail; Review: I was buying coffee every 3 weeks for $58.00. I no longer could do that. I wanted good quality coffee under 50 cents a cup. Based on the reviews of Caza Trail Dark Roast I decided to try this brand over the other 10 I was looking at. I love this coffee. Nice and strong, just the way I like it. No bitter after taste. I was very surprised with the quality and 48 cents cheaper than my other coffee. This is now my regular daily coffee. If you like a strong cup this is it. For people liking light tasting coffee this may not be the right one.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Caza Trail Coffee, Creamy Hazelnut, 24 Single Serve Cups; Brand: Caza Trail; Review: CAZA TRAIL HAZELNUT COFFEE IS VERY SMOOTH. NO AFTERTASTE. WILL BUY AGAIN. A GREAT TASTING COFFEE AT A GREAT PRICE.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: KIND Healthy Grains Clusters, Peanut Butter Whole Grain Granola, 10g Protein, Gluten Free, Non GMO, 11 Ounce; Brand: KIND; Review: Love the taste. Quality product. Great crunch. Will buy again.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Kashi, Breakfast Cereal, Organic Indigo Morning, Gluten Free, Non-GMO Project Verified, 10.3 oz; Brand: Kashi; Review: Love this cereal. Nice berries, great tasting flakes. Will buy again. My first purchase of a organic cereal.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Grocery_and_Gourmet_Food |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Revenge of the Mantis (Society for Paranormals Book 3) - Kindle edition; Brand: Visit Amazon's Vered Ehsani Page; Review: Dear Ms. Ehsani, As one of your gentle readers, might I endeavour you to rely on paranormals to assist you in making ready Book 4 of your series? August is much too far away for readers such as ourselves to breathlessly await the next installment. The indomitable yet enchanting Mrs. Knight, as well as her sturdy and fantastical cohorts, are ever in our minds. Please do consider our plight. Perhaps the assistance of a certain lightning god would be in order? With the utmost highest regards, Mrs. C. Meehan; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Gods and Monsters: Book three in the Metamorphoses series - Kindle edition; Brand: Visit Amazon's V.R. Christensen Page; Review: Such an enjoyable story! I am now a confirmed fan of Ms. Christensen, having read this book and also The Cry of the Peacock. Her characters are given depth, and believable, well-crafted dialogue. I highly recommend Gods and Monsters, and look forward to reading Of Moths and Butterflies next.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Courting Scandal (Fairchild Regency Romance Book 3) - Kindle edition; Brand: Visit Amazon's Jaima Fixsen Page; Review: Did you ever read a book that was so wonderful, you were apprehensive about reading the next one in the series because you were anticipating disappointment? Just the thought of wondering if the next book might not be as moving, if the characters weren't as engaging, and didn't have your heart in your throat with their humanness? Well, this series put me through that apprehension not once, but twice - and both times, I am quite glad to report, I was not disappointed in the least. Jaima Fixsen writes beautiful and well-crafted stories about damaged characters who struggle in their lives with situations that are overwhelming, yet they persevere with no small amount of grace. I love her use of cleverness, humor, wit, tenderness, anger, and jealousy - making dialog devastatingly real. Courting Scandal brings back all of the beloved Fairchild and Incognita characters/family members, much to my delight. Jasper, who plays brooding and moody vs. sweet and loyal, oh-so-well, finds his match with Laura Edwards, aka, well - it's complicated. At any rate, being an actress both on stage and in real life makes things difficult for Laura, her beloved brother Jack, and of course, poor Jasper. Throw in an evil relative bent on destroying any happiness Laura has found, the tug-of-war between intimates where heartfelt sincerities are left unsaid, plus the drama of everyday life, and you have an intricate and beautiful story. I do hope there are more books in this series on the horizon, because after three fabulous stories, I know I do not have to worry that the next one(s) would not be up to snuff. Ms. Fixsen is a gifted writer, and we are fortunate to have her in our literary world. I received a free advance copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. Honestly!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Something Shady (Small Town Swains) - Kindle edition; Brand: Visit Amazon's Pamela Morsi Page; Review: Fabulous author - and her Small Town Swains series (all stand-alone books) is one of my favorites. This is such a beautifully written story.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: My Dirty Detour: An Alpha Male Mafia Comedy Romance - Kindle edition; Brand: Visit Amazon's Grace Risata Page; Review: Grace Risata has a wonderful, twisted imagination and I am her newest fan. Ive read several of her books and will definitely read the rest, and future books. The scenarios go from hilarious, to adventurous, to hot, to dangerous, to tender, to emotional, to wicked, all in a matter of minutes, and I truly enjoyed the ride. If you like bawdy rom com, this is for you, too. Highly recommended!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Game of Persuasion: Extended Prologue for The Art of Ruining a Rake (Scandalous Spinsters Book 3); Brand: Visit Amazon's Emma Locke Page; Review: ...to The Art of Ruining a Rake. Fleshes out the feelings and actions both before and after "the incident" that changed both the heroine's and hero's lives. I also loved reading more about Celeste & Ash (Trestin), who are still coming to terms with their relationship, or lack thereof, in this book. Their story, The Trouble With Being Wicked, is another great read.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Sport of Baronets (Romance of the Turf Book 0) - Kindle edition; Brand: Visit Amazon's Theresa Romain Page; Review: I enjoyed the story, the characters, the romance, and the excitement of the race. Looking forward to the rest of this series by one of my favorite authors.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Kindle_Store |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: iTouchless 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Automatic Trash Can with Odor-Absorbing Filter, Wide Opening Sensor Kitchen Trash; Brand: iTouchless; Review: This is the second can I will have. The first one lasted over five years and we absolutely loved it. Finally the little piece that helps it to open broke and we miss this can so much. We stand over the garbage waiting for it to open LOL. When we go to other peoples homes it is the same thing you really get used to it. I highly recommend this product and hope this one lasts as long as the first.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: NINESTARS DZT-42-1 Automatic Touchless Infrared Motion Sensor Trash Can, 11 Gal 42L., Stainless Steel Base (Rectangular, Black Lid); Brand: Ninestars; Review: I love this it works great and is sanitary. I had one before but my cat jumped up and broke the lid and it was hard to keep the batteries in.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: HOME SOLUTIONS 7" Touchless Soap Dispenser - 8 Ounce; Brand: Home Solution; Review: I love it , works so good I ordered one for my daughter in law don't know why there are negative reviews , so far it is excellent; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Flash Furniture Vibrant Orange and Chrome Swivel Task Chair with Tractor Seat; Brand: Flash Furniture; Review: This is just what I needed to get around my kitchen as I have a bad back and needed something with wheels to help me.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hamilton Beach 76700 Electric Can Opener; Brand: Hamilton Beach; Review: Love it works great looks good; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Home Basics Splatter Screen Set, 3 Pieces - 8", 10" & 12" Screen (Assorted Handle Color); Brand: Home Basics; Review: Love it , fits so many different size pots and pans.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: iTouchless Handheld Heat Bag Sealer (2-Pack) for Airtight Food Storage, Reseals Snack Bags, Heat Seals Plastic Aluminum Bags; Brand: iTouchless; Review: I had one like this before don't know what ever happened to it . Gave one to my daughter and I kept one we both love them.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Marshmallow Furniture, Children's Foam Comfy Chair, Hello Kitty, by Spin Master; Brand: Marshmallow Furniture; Review: My Great Granddaughter loves this chair. It's compact and light so she can pick,it up and put it where she wants. I bought her the couch for her house and she loves it also; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Home_and_Kitchen |
Given the interaction history of a user with movies/shows as follows:
Title: Doors, The (1991); Genres: Drama; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Down Periscope (1996); Genres: Comedy; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982); Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: 13th Warrior, The (1999); Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Deep Blue Sea (1999); Genres: Action, Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: Nightmare on Elm Street, A (1984); Genres: Horror, Thriller; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: October Sky (1999); Genres: Drama; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: 101 Dalmatians (One Hundred and One Dalmatians) (1961); Genres: Adventure, Animation, Children; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rocketeer, The (1991); Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Welcome to the Dollhouse (1995); Genres: Comedy, Drama; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954); Genres: Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Frighteners, The (1996); Genres: Comedy, Horror, Thriller; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Indian in the Cupboard, The (1995); Genres: Adventure, Children, Fantasy; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Vanilla Sky (2001); Genres: Mystery, Romance, Sci-Fi, Thriller; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: General's Daughter, The (1999); Genres: Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Mission to Mars (2000); Genres: Sci-Fi; Rating: 2.5/5.0
Title: Rounders (1998); Genres: Drama; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Whole Nine Yards, The (2000); Genres: Comedy, Crime; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Wolf (1994); Genres: Drama, Horror, Romance, Thriller; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Amelie (Fabuleux destin d'Amélie Poulain, Le) (2001); Genres: Comedy, Romance; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: City of God (Cidade de Deus) (2002); Genres: Action, Adventure, Crime, Drama, Thriller; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Godfather, The (1972); Genres: Crime, Drama; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Schindler's List (1993); Genres: Drama, War; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Shawshank Redemption, The (1994); Genres: Crime, Drama; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Usual Suspects, The (1995); Genres: Crime, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Last Horror Movie, The (2003); Genres: Horror, Thriller; Rating: 1.5/5.0
Title: Clerks II (2006); Genres: Comedy; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Mr. Holland's Opus (1995); Genres: Drama; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Time to Kill, A (1996); Genres: Drama, Thriller; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Gladiator (1992); Genres: Action, Drama; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968); Genres: Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: 21 Grams (2003); Genres: Crime, Drama, Mystery, Romance, Thriller; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 25th Hour (2002); Genres: Crime, Drama; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: 28 Days Later (2002); Genres: Action, Horror, Sci-Fi; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: 39 Steps, The (1935); Genres: Drama, Mystery, Thriller; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: 400 Blows, The (Les quatre cents coups) (1959); Genres: Crime, Drama; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Adaptation (2002); Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Airplane! (1980); Genres: Comedy; Rating: 3.5/5.0
Title: Akira (1988); Genres: Action, Adventure, Animation, Sci-Fi; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Akeelah and the Bee (2006); Genres: Drama; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Alien (1979); Genres: Horror, Sci-Fi; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Aliens (1986); Genres: Action, Adventure, Horror, Sci-Fi; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: All the President's Men (1976); Genres: Drama, Thriller; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Almost Famous (2000); Genres: Drama; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: American Beauty (1999); Genres: Drama, Romance; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: American History X (1998); Genres: Crime, Drama; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: American Movie (1999); Genres: Documentary; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Amores Perros (Love's a Bitch) (2000); Genres: Drama, Thriller; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: American Splendor (2003); Genres: Comedy, Drama; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Animal House (1978); Genres: Comedy; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Annie Hall (1977); Genres: Comedy, Romance; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Apocalypse Now (1979); Genres: Action, Drama, War; Rating: 4.5/5.0
Title: Apollo 13 (1995); Genres: Adventure, Drama, IMAX; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Army of Darkness (1993); Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Horror; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: As Good as It Gets (1997); Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Audition (Ôdishon) (1999); Genres: Drama, Horror, Mystery, Romance, Thriller; Rating: 3.5/5.0 | movielens |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Chanthapanya Hotel; City: Vientiane Vientiane Prefecture; Review: I'm currently in the lobby of this hotel typing this! Chanthapanya is a very romantic, sweet place. Our room is facing the street but is surprisingly quiet. The staff here are incredibly friendly and helpful. The breakfast is very good and included in the price. Our bed would easily fit 6 people - it's massive! I highly recommend the Chanthapanya and would stay here again. It's worth the 400,000 kip price.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Grand Sakura Hotel; City: Medan North Sumatra Sumatra; Review: We walked into the smoky lobby (you can see the smoke) and were greeted with glum unfriendly faces at the front desk. We were checked in and were surprised at the room, which was spacious and well appointed rooms. Imagine a Hyatt room. The next morning we tried to shower and discovered the water pressure was next to nil and there was no hot water. When I called the front desk to let them know, the woman didn't speak English and hung up on me. The breakfast was very disappointing, with nothing appetizing except the omelette that was made to order. Expect to smell like smoke even if you spend minute in the lobby. The wifi in the lobby was reliable. Stay here if you're only passing through 1 night. Too bad the rest of the hotel did not live up to the promise of the room.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Centro Bajo Hotel Resto; City: Labuan Bajo Flores East Nusa Tenggara; Review: This hotel is about a 15/20min walk from the centre of town so not convenient. But the rooms were nice and the front desk staff were nice. The open air restaurant has good food and friendly service and even a trail you can hike to watch the sunset. The hotel does offer a free car service into town and to/from the airport but when we booked the car to take us to town to go on a liveaboard dive boat, the driver had taken off with other people, even though we booked the car a day in advance. That was very inconvenient and annoying. When the driver did come back and take us to town, he went to the wrong dive shop even though he was repeatedly told the name of the place. He was not apologetic and instead arrogant about it. I would not stay at this hotel again due to the location and unreliable car service.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The ONE Legian; City: Legian Kuta District Bali; Review: My partner and I traveled through Southeast Asia for 6 weeks and this was my favourite hotel. The 101 feels like a boutique high-end hotel and for the price we paid through agoda, it was a steal. The staff are friendly and helpful. The lobby has 3 computers you can use for free, including a printer, which was helpful. The rooms are a bit small but spacial design was very functional. Due to the great location (it's in the middle of all the action) don't expect complete quiet - maybe some white noise from the city. The rooms decor is contemporary and light. The breakfast is varied and served on the lovely rooftop deck. A couple things that could be improved are the restaurant menu - it wasn't very extensive and the price was high I thought. Also the spa is in the basement and I could hear construction and people dragging furniture around during my massage, which wasn't peaceful. Also the pricing at the spa is high compared to what's offered in other places in the neighbourhood. We never used the gym but it looked great. We used Bali as our jumping off point to go to Ubud, the Gili Islands and to Labuan Bajo (to see Komodo Dragons) and stayed at the 101 three times and each time the service and experience was great and consistent. Overall, I loved this hotel and would definitely recommend it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Loews Hotel Vogue; City: Montreal Quebec; Review: Loved Loews Hotel Vogue. When we got there, the front entrance was under renovations so it wasn't appealing but that's only temporary. Once we were inside, the front desk person was friendly and helpful and we got into our room quickly. We were tired after the long drive. Our room was quiet and away from the main street that the hotel is on. The contemporary mixed with vintage decor makes for a romantic room. The bathroom was massive. The bed was very comfortable to sleep on and I really have no complaints about our experience at Loews. If you want an intimate but cool vibe, you need to stay here. We didn't dine here, have room service or use the amenities so I can't review those things.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Amaranto Bed and Breakfast; City: Cozumel Yucatan Peninsula; Review: Amaranto B&B has an incredible rustic elegance. I stayed here for 4 nights in a bungalow on the main level at the back and it was a truly unique space. I loved the open air shower with the sun beaming down on me and all the little details, like the hammock and the high thatched roof and ceiling fan and decorative art pieces. When I came back from my morning dives and opened the door to the bungalow, the air inside was much cooler because the thatched roof had openings to let the hot air out and the ceiling fan circulated the air. There was an air conditioner in the bungalow, but I turned it off when I left to conserve energy. The bed was a massive king size and could easily fit 5 of me! It was very comfortable for me because I like my beds on the hard side. Having a microwave and kitchenette in the room was great because I often could not finish my meals and brought them back to keep in the fridge until I was hungry again. As a diver, having a rinse sink in the patio and a covered area to hang my wetsuit was very helpful. Jorge (pronounced Hore-hey) was a delight to talk to. He's well read, well traveled and cheerful. I loved his sweet dog as well. One thing to take into consideration is, since the bungalows are not completely air tight, make sure you bring insect repellent. But don't worry, there's a mosquito net that completely covers the entire bed and then some. The breakfasts are great thanks to Manuela. The B&B is in a great location. Just a few minutes walk to the waterfront and there's nice restaurants and a spa (get a massage here - trust me!). I traveled as a solo female and felt completely safe. The locals were so gracious, always greeting me as I passed. I did hear some dogs barking as other reviewers mentioned, but it was during the day and when the AC and ceiling fan was on, you could hardly hear any outside noise at all. Thank-you Jorge for making my stay so lovely.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hotel El Colony; City: Isla de la Juventud Cuba; Review: I spent almost two weeks at this hotel in Feb 2013 for diving. The Hotel: The hotel is spacious, in a REMOTE location on a remote island. Don't expect a lot of action here. There are no other bars or places to go to. The hotel has a bar that overlooks the pool. The drive from the ferry to the hotel was about 45mins. The main town is where the ferry dock is so once you get to the hotel, you're stuck there unless you get them to call you a cab to take you to town. There are no available taxis on site so you have to ask reception to call them for you. When we were there, there were only a handful of guests at the hotel so it was very quiet. We stayed in one of the bungalows away from the pool area and closest to the beach. The views were lovely and the grounds are well maintained. We had horses grazing on the grass in the mornings and lizards and little crabs. The water pressure in the shower was fine, hot water, no problem. The AC worked fine and wasn't loud. There was a medium sized fridge to store your drinks. The bungalow was spacious with a large closet to hang your clothes and a nice porch with chairs to enjoy the view. The bungalow and views were the best part of this resort. The hotel rooms are cheaper than the bungalows but they looked old and very run down so I would suggest staying in a bungalow. There are mozzies and sand fleas at the hotel and on their beach so bring repellent. I wouldn't go to the beach at night cause the sand fleas will eat you alive. The sunsets are spectacular. DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT get a massage here. I get a massage every two months in Canada so I like to think of myself as a someone who knows about massages. The room is tiny, cramped and no windows and the bed (which looks like a narrow hospital cot) is not comfortable. The room is by the pool where they're playing dance music so no relaxing. The 'masseuse' had the longest nails and I wondered 'how in the world can she give me a proper massage with such long nails?' And I was right. The 'massage' felt like someone gently rubbing suncreen on my body in tiny circles. There was no pressure or technique. She obviously had zero training. I can't believe they even offer this. It's a complete waste of $20 USD. The Food: Terrible. Since there weren't many guests when we were there, we ordered a la carte instead of having a buffet. We had the breakfast and dinner plan since there is no where else to go to eat unless you want to take a 45min cab ride to town. We were there for diving so we knew we would be eating on the boat for lunch (see notes below). The vegetables are all canned peas and carrots. They; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Solymar Cancun; City: Cancun Yucatan Peninsula; Review: Michelle's condo 2410 was great. Driving up to the building, the outside looks outdated but don't let the outside fool you. Unit 2410 was really well laid out and Michelle thought of everything you could possibly need. All the little details were taken care of. There were even robes in the unit! The towels were incredibly soft. The shower is big and even has a big ledge you can sit on or put your toiletries. There's even a cord you can pull across the shower to hang your stuff to dry. The mattress and comforter were very comfortable and the kitchen had the basics I needed. It was a nice touch that Michelle will sat me down and talked to me about the property and restaurants in the area. She even had a map handy for me, which was helpful. One thing about the building... it's takes a while to get your bearings and find your unit the first couple of times because the hallways all look the same and there aren't proper signs to tell you which way to go and the numbers are consecutive - they jump. But after you figure that out you're good to go. It's a minor detail and Michelle has no control over that. The Mexican people I ran into in the hallways were friendly and helped me find my unit, even though they didn't speak English and I didn't speak Spanish. It was sweet of them to take the time to help. I never used the tv in the room but there's a flat screen there. I loved having a ceiling fan with AC as well. The AC hums when it's on, but that was fine with me. White noise. There's a swimming pool as part of the amenities of the building but I was busy diving so didn't get to use it. The bus to get to downtown or the other hotels/resorts runs extremely frequently so that's convenient. You literally go to the street and flag it down. There is no bus stop. When you get on, just tell the driver where you want to go and he'll announce it when you get there so you can get off. One bonus of visiting Cancun in July is that the turtles come right up onto the beach at night to lay their eggs. Michelle told me about this (thank-you!) so my first night I went to the beach at 9:30pm and 20 minutes later I saw my first turtle making it's way onto the beach. I sat down in the sand and watched it, while 3 other turtles also came up onto the beach. Down the beach there was a big group of people watching 1 turtle so I felt lucky having 4 all to myself. The turtle conservation people were out thankfully to keep the people away from the turtles. It's exciting to see them but it's important to be respectful of their space and let the mothers dig and lay their eggs in peace. No snapping pictures with flashes either! That's stresses them; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Paamul Hotel; City: Playa del Carmen Yucatan Peninsula; Review: If you want tranquility and nature, this is the place to be! No loud blaring music, not too many people, just iguanas, birds and a gorgeous beach. I stayed in a hotel room on the main floor and loved my three nights there. The room was spacious and beautifully decorated. The porch had lovely contemporary furniture to enjoy the gorgeous ocean which was literally 7 steps from the porch. The beds were very comfortable and they even had full comforters which are needed if it's a rainy/windy day without sun. I never used the AC but the ceiling fans were helpful and quiet. The hotel property is very safe, which as a single female traveler, was important to me. I even left my porch doors unlocked when I went exploring along the beach or swimming. My laptop, iPad and everything were fine. The gentleman who cleaned the room was so friendly and did a great job. The kitchenette was nice to have but it lacked the cutlery and utensils. I borrowed stuff from the restaurant. The bathroom was great except the shower head sprayed water everywhere and the water got on the floors. The cleaner was nice enough to leave me two floor mats to soak up the water. The restaurant food could've been better. I ordered a grilled dish once and got it fried. The restaurant will bring your meal to your porch if you want, which was nice. I went on one dive with the onsite dive shop - ScubaMex. I will review them separately. The wifi in the rooms is great! If you want action, don't come here. But if you want to listen to the waves, read a book, dive, snorkel, soak up the sun with the iguanas, then this is the place for you! I would definitely come back here again.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Chichi s n Charlies; City: Isla Mujeres Yucatan Peninsula; Review: I didn't enjoy my stay at Chi Chi and Charlies. This place is a bar/restaurant first and a hotel a distant second. The owner was nice at check in and check out but I didn't see him much other than that. The restaurant staff were not friendly. Even when it wasn't busy, they would be on their phones and completely ignoring you. I sat at a table... no other customers were there and there were 3 waiters around. No one came to me. I had to get up and ask for a menu and then waited 15 minutes for someone to come and ask what I wanted but no one came so I had to go to the bar and order. The bartender told me the waiter had to take the order, hahaha! The food was alright. My room was on the first floor and was the corner unit closest to the beach walkway. It wasn't great for privacy because if I left my curtains open, all the people at the bar and on the beach would see right into my room. The room is very basic as is the bathroom. The fridge worked and so did the hot water and air conditioning but the water pressure in the shower could be improved. I showered in the afternoons so I had hot water but other guests who showered in the morning said they ran out. It would be nice if they left a small broom on the shared porch/walkway so that you could sweep the sand off. The cleaning lady did a good job and after my first night she changed the thin, white sheet curtains (which let light in) to heavy dark curtains so I had more privacy. I was told when I booked my room that loud music wouldn't be a problem here, day or night. The truth is the bar blares music at all hours. There is no set time when they turn it off. One night they might turn it off at 7pm and another night it might be on until 1am. If people are hanging out at the bar, even if there's no music, you will hear them talking because the bar is very close to the hotel rooms. The music was the same everyday. I love Lorde and her song Royals but I swear, I heard it every hour. The location is great if you want to be right on the beach, but next time I go to Isla Mujeres, I will stay in the town and walk to the beach when I want to. If you're a hotel guest you can use their beach chairs for free (otherwise it's 200 pesos!!!) but they don't want you to sit in the front row but the water, they want you further back, which is completely ridiculous! I would not stay here again nor would I recommend it.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort Spa; City: Huntington Beach California; Review: I was at this hotel for a conference and it really felt like a getaway. The facilities, the view and location were perfect. Only a 15min walk along the beach to get to downtown. The staff were incredibly helpful and sincere. The property is large so I had a bit of a walk to get to my room from the lobby but I didn't mind because the property is gorgeous so it was a pleasant walk. I had an ocean view room and even though I faced the street and ocean, I didn't hear traffic noise at night. The food here was great and the conference rooms were good for what we needed. Even though I was there for work, it really felt like a getaway.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Quality Hotel Oceans Tutukaka; City: Tutukaka Northland Region North Island; Review: The room and hotel is good. We had a harbor view, which they upgraded us to, without us asking for it, so that was nice. The free Wifi is great but you have to get a code from reception and it only lasts for an hour at a time. The water pressure was awesome and nice and hot when needed. The beds were comfortable. The restaurant is delicious! The BEST seafood chowder we had in New Zealand. We had it everyday we were there. The staff were friendly and the continental breakfast was worth the cost.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Maravu Taveuni Lodge; City: Matei Taveuni Island; Review: We stayed in lodge 11. The layout and size was great and the big bed was comfortable, although they didn’t have a mosquito net on it when I arrived so I had to ask and they provided a teeny tiny one for camping and then the next day provided a bigger one, although it still was small for the bed. We only had an outdoor shower, which I wasn’t expecting. I booked the lodge on Booking.com and they never mentioned and outdoor shower. An outdoor shower is nice when the sun is shining but when it’s pouring rain, and windy it’s pretty useless. Our hot water never worked the entire week we were there. Someone came to look at the problem a few times but it never got resolved. We were there for scuba diving so coming back to the hotel and having a hot shower was very important to us and unfortunately we couldn’t do that. We often would come back to the lodge and it would be cloudy and windy while we were showering in cold water. Not pleasant! When we arrived our bathroom didn’t have a light bulb in it so the first night we had to use our iPhone flashlight app. The second day they installed a light bulb so that was great. The next 3 nights the light bulb didn’t work so it was back to using our iPhones again. The grounds are beautiful and well maintained. I participated in the Kava circle one night, which was nice and very laid back. The pool was small – we never used it but other enjoyed it. The free in Wifi in the common area was nice to have albeit slow or didn't work sometimes. The staff are very friendly and treat you like family. The food was good and the curry of the day was my favourite. As a scuba diver, I wouldn’t come back here again, but this place is great if you’re a backpacker.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Elements of the Island; City: Isla Mujeres Yucatan Peninsula; Review: I really enjoyed my 5 night stay here right before xmas. It was one block from the beach and shops and restaurants were right there. Elements of the Island has a casual elegance to it. Casual enough that you feel at home but with enough elegance that makes it feel special. All the little details counted. The restaurant attached is delicious and all the staff are incredibly friendly and helpful. Having beach chairs, sun umbrellas and rain umbrellas for guests is a nice touch. I loved the friendly, little black and white cat that would come sun on my balcony too. Madjid was easy to communicate with and when I wanted to buy some of the organic coffee to take to friends of mine staying at the condos on the beach, he provided a big thermos to take there, which was super helpful. It can be a bit noisey at night since the main drag is one street away and there’s music coming from that street, but you can’t avoid that if you’re staying in town. The WIFI is great. The bed is huge and incredibly comfortable. I wanna get the same sheets - they were so soft! Thank-you Madjid for a lovely stay.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Posada d Margo; City: Playa del Carmen Yucatan Peninsula; Review: We only stayed here for one night and we were thankful for that. The hotel's location is right by the beach and in a great location except it's loud at night time with club music. The woman working at the check-in was more concerned about finishing her personal phone call then checking us in. We waited patiently. There's a nice terrace with hammocks for people to hang out in. The hotel could use a good updating in every way. Wires hanging from the wall.... it seems whoever owns this place is using it as a cash cow and puts zero care into the place or training the staff. I would not recommend this place.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Plaza Independencia Hotel; City: Villahermosa Central Mexico and Gulf Coast; Review: We stayed at this hotel for 4 nights. The staff are very friendly and helpful. The front desk is resourceful - they use Google Translate if you don't speak Spanish. I've never seen a hotel front desk do that! The first room they showed us felt cramped and dark so we asked for another one and they moved us to the room facing the front of the hotel with windows overlooking the front entrance, which was much better. The neighbourhood is safe and it's about a 15min uBer from the ADO station. The continental breakfast that is included could use some work.; Rating: 3.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Flogg Women's Fantastic Ankle-Strap Sandal; Brand: FLOGG; Review: This is the second pair of Floggs I've purchased and, like the Cassie, the shoe bed of the Fantastic is fantastic. The height of the shoe isn't too high, the ankle straps are comfortable, and the cushion on the shoe bed is exceptionally supportive, yet structured. I have very narrow feet and a high arch and wear a 9.5 or 10 (got the 9.5 in patent leather.) The bed of the shoe is great but the part of the shoe that goes over the foot feels as though it's going to dig into the top of the foot. I adjusted the large buckle to make that part bigger, but it still digs in and ends up being too lose around the sides of foot. I have a feeling this wouldn't be an issue if the shoes were leather and I love them so much I may just give a leather pair a try. In all, comfortable, (I live in Manhattan and walk at least 3 miles every day), well-proportioned, and a great value!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dolce Vita Women's Shandy Wedge Sandal; Brand: Dolce Vita; Review: LOVE! I live in NYC and walk everywhere. Last year, I purchased these shoes in leather and although they're comfortable the suede version has a little more give and no break-in period. I love these shoes so much, I bought a second pair to keep at work as go-to, going-out shoes. Please keep in mind, these shoes run narrow for a standard shoe but are "regular" for Dolce Vita; my heel is very, very narrow and I didn't have to put a half-moon in the back of these.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Invicta Women's Sapphire Lady Diver 7067; Brand: Invicta; Review: This watch just isn't for me. The materials seem a little skimpy on the face but the band is nice and if you're looking for something narrow but heavy (in look and weight) this might be the watch for you.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Nixon Women's Kenzi Stainless Steel Watch with Leather Band; Brand: NIXON; Review: Great watch! The strap is on the small side but so far it's wearing well and quite comfortable.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Levi's Womens Classic Trucker-Jackets; Brand: ; Review: Looks great, feels great, genuine Levi's brand. The jacket has a little more stretch than I'd anticipated but it makes the fit a more feminine. I'm 5'9", 34DD, generally a size 10 US, and I ordered a large in this jacket.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Calypso Basics by Reston Lloyd Melamine Utensil Set, 4-Piece, Black; Brand: Reston Lloyd; Review: Perfect for our RV. Happy yellow color.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hamilton Beach 25460A Panini Press Sandwich Maker, Medium, Stainless Steel; Brand: Hamilton Beach; Review: Got this as a Christmas present. Love it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Deconovo Room Darkening Rod Pocket and Back Tab Curtains Thermal Insulated Blackout Curtains for Bedroom 52x84 Inch Dark Grey Set; Brand: Deconovo; Review: As far as being black out, they are about 98%. However the color is not yellow nor is it a gold. It is more of a dirty mustard color.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Deconovo Super Soft Home Decorative Pillowcase Cushion Cover with Invisible Zipper for Chair 18 x18-Inch, Dark; Brand: Deconovo; Review: Color was too bright.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: IKEA 903.078.40 Malinda Chair Cushion, Light Beige; Brand: IKEA; Review: Just what I was looking for. Color matches exactly to the chairs I currently have. Will buy from this seller again.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: YOUR SMILE Pure Brown Square Decorative Throw Pillows Case Cushion Covers Shell Cotton Linen Blend 18 X 18 Inches; Brand: YOUR SMILE; Review: Good quality, durable material and great toasted yellow color.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_Home_and_Kitchen |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Pan Pacific Melbourne; City: Melbourne Victoria; Review: I work for Hilton in cairns and staying at South wharf was my first experience on a team member rate. I chose to stay at this Hilton instead of Hilton on the park because I was in awe over the pictures on Hilton.com When we arrived the staff at front desk were very welcoming and as I am from Melbourne myself, in mention that my boyfriend had never been to Melbourne before, they moved our room to one on a higher level with a magnificent view of the city for us to take in. I especially liked the fit out of the rooms.. A refreshing surprise from what I am used to, working in cairns which is 23 years old. I also loved the block out blinds! They were Amazing! I enjoyed waking up to find hot air balloons flying over the city! A slight wait on our meal in the restaurant but the waiter was onto it quickly and gave us a comp drink. I would like to thank the staff for treating me just like any other guest to walk through the door and not losing the Hilton service we are known for just because I work for the company. Would DEFINATELY stay here again and look forward to the possibility of becoming a part of the team down there in the future :) as I; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: BreakFree Cosmopolitan; City: Surfers Paradise Gold Coast Queensland; Review: Stayed here after plans to stay at Hilton on staff rates fell through. (I work for Hilton) the place is a great location, right on cavill avenue amongst the night life, shops and restaurants. the street noise is a but annoying in the morning but you get that with city life.... The property itself is in need a of major refurb! When we were here they were upgrading 1 of their pools... They should be spending money on the rooms! Nothing like the pictures on the website, and very dated and dirty... Rubbish on the balcony (inc someones old underwear!) yuk! Bench and cupboard tops peeling off, mould in the shower, curtains falling off the railings (they don't block out the sun too good anyway) the fan paint was completely peeling off, our toilet roll holder was stuck on the wall with a suction ring!? And the couch was not comfortable at all, it was more suited as an outdoor piece then a proper couch. If you need somewhere to stay where you won't spend much time in the room becuase you're at theme parks etc, then you might not mind the room, but I'm still not happy with what I've paid for it with the state it's in... And it add salt to the wound, Hilton is right across the road :( what a shame. Lol Oh and please mr general manger don't tell me your taking my comments into consideration and talking with cleaners and maintainence men because you have been saying that to trip advisors since 2009!; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Orange Village Hostel; City: San Francisco California; Review: Hotel is a short walk to Powell st shops/cable car/BART. Good selection of eateries around the area. Rooms are clean, neat and tidy. I had a private room that had cable tv, desk, fridge, microwave. Towel and linen inc in my rate too. Great security and decent facilities. (Kitchen and cheap laundry) Would be nice to see a bigger lounge area to hang out and some cheap dinners or games or something. Hostel appears to offer nothing but a 'wine night' on Fridays. Bathrooms are a plenty on each floor and always clean. Staff were friendly although I did come across one rude guy. I'd consider staying here again if it was a couple of nights. Needs more of that 'hostel feel' that I read so much about on the Internet. Didn't really feel it was worth what I paid.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: PK s Jungle Village; City: Cape Tribulation Daintree Region Queensland; Review: I came here for the first time with my partner and 2 friends for one night. The venue is large and has a laid back atmosphere and amenities are clean. We had a double cabin each for $95. Having worked many years myself in hospitality it is my opinion the price for the room is too expensive. It was extremely basic, just a bed with a hard mattress and 2 x bedside tables, though it did have AC. The venue claims their liquor licensing doesn’t allow you to bring alcohol into the resort even if it’s in your car or room and if found it will be confiscated. I think this is a rought to have you spend more money at their in house bar. (Note: Minimum eftpos is $20!) The Manager yelled at me when we put money into the pool table and it didn’t dispense all the balls so he then had to put money in to get the last ball out for us. He was very rude to me. He then had a go at my partner for standing too close to the pool table with a beer in his hand. Mind you, none of us were intoxicated, we were just having a quiet Sunday night. Given his attitude we decided to go back to our rooms instead and on the way out my friend voiced his concerns for the managers attitude to us. The manger apologised and offered us a voucher a free nights accomodation. We declined based on the fact if the manager was friendly and kept his cool, he would have made his $3 back from the pool table as we would have stayed to buy more drinks and enjoy our night. After reading other online reviews it seems this attitude is a regular occurrence. A real shame as the location is great, the other backpacker staff are friendly and helpful. If you are only in the area for 1-2 nights this is a suitable choice. Just obey all the rule and regulation signs around the place. The management need to re think if hospitality is the right job for them.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Theoxenia Boutique Hotel; City: Fira Santorini Cyclades South Aegean; Review: I rate this hotel a 3.5 if I could. The hotel is in a fantastic location, very central to the winding street of Fira with many shops, boutiques, eateries of all budgets and basic necessities (super market, pharmacy, bank etc) near by. Check in was quick. The staff are attentive and eager to ensure you have a comfortable stay. Our rate included breakfast and we had the choice of it on the roof top (communal space with communal jacuzzi) or in our room. I’ve not experienced this option before with bed and breakfast rates so thought this was a nice touch. The rooms are clean and have all your basic needs, any easy place to come back to for a shower and welcome rest with the addition of double glazed windows to block out the street noise at night- though I found it quite nice listening to with the windows open before bed- As the hotel has no pool, they offer guests the use of their ‘sister hotel’ Aressana Suites which was lovely on a hot afternoon and a 3-5 minute walk away. What let’s this hotel down is the room are dated and it offers little in house amenities. The roof top area could be ‘jazzed up’ a bit as it’s lacking atmosphere and is actually a great spot to see the sun go down but overall, a pleasant stay.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Piccolo Paradiso; City: Massa Lubrense Province of Naples Campania; Review: We (2 people) stayed here as part of a tour group. The hotels isn’t central to town but we had the bus to take us on a few trips and dinners. I’ve read other reviews that say you can get the local bus where needed. Rooms are dated though spacious and clean. The Air conditioner was set on 24 and could not be changed, I don’t think any air came out at all during our stay so the room was quite stuffy. The French doors onto the balcony/terrace have shutters which was great to block the light but the beds were hard and pillows flat. Breakfast has a small variety of items to choose from, lots of pantries and cakes. The staff, lovely and welcoming. The restaurant looks out over the ocean which is nice.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: HHB Hotel; City: Florence Tuscany; Review: We (2 people) stayed here for 2 nights as part of a tour group. The hotel is dated with European charm but clean and in a great central location. Staff are friendly. It’s Easy to walk to the main square, train station and plenty of restaurants around. The rooms are quite small but have a TV, small fridge and AC. Some of the tour group members advised their AC did not work and staff made no attempt to rectify. The shower pressure in our room was excellent though the bathroom is also small. The bed was quite comfortable but I would have liked an extra pillow to be provided. Breakfast was the usual choice of cereals, breads, cakes and coffee/juice. Overall, if you are not Spending a lot of time in your room because you’re out exploring Florence then this place is quite suitable.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Polo Hotel; City: Rome Lazio; Review: We (2 people) stayed at the start and end of a 12 day tour through Italy. Though the hotel isn’t central as you may expect, it doesn’t take long to stroll or catch the metro one stop to the main area of shops and restaurants, and tourist attractions. Check in was pleasant and a map provided for us. The rooms are clean and tidy with AC, mini bar and Tv. The addition of shutters to the windows was welcomed for a good night sleep. Breakfast was an American style with bacon, eggs, fruit, cereals, pastries and coffee. The hotel has some lovely character about it. Overall a pleasant stay and good nights sleep was had.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Margie Mykonos Hotel; City: Mykonos Town Mykonos Cyclades South Aegean; Review: We stayed at Margie hotel for 2 nights before heading to Santorini. On arrival, check in was pleasant and the staff helpful. They gave us a map and pointed out the pedestrian walkway to town, bus stops, supermarkets and near by restaurants. Being 10-15 minute walk (downhill) to town means this hotel isn’t as central as some would like but for us, it was perfect. We were ungraded to a pool view room which was very spacious and clean. The bed was comfy and the room included AC and Breakfast. The views from this hotel are lovely, we didn’t even bother booking dinner at fancy beach restaurants when we could sit on our terrace and watch the sun set. Note: The pedestrian walk to town is not surfaced and steep in some parts. (Burns off the extra calories consumed) the hotel would benefit from being open for dinner but perhaps it is in high season, I’m not sure.(we travelled shortly before); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Holiday Inn Venice Mestre Marghera; City: Marghera Veneto; Review: We (2 people) stayed here as part of a tour group for 2 nights. The staff are friendly and bilingual. The check in was fast. The rooms are large and clean. The room had AC and TV but didn’t have a fridge. The shower had good pressure and the bed was comfortable. Breakfast was American style with coffee machine and OJ. The location is just off the motor way but it’s very quiet to sleep and easy to get around. Overall a pleasant stay.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Chatby Lane Lorne; City: Lorne Victoria; Review: Stayed here for a night on a whim, after deciding to go away for the weekend to Lorne. Staff were friendly, hospitable and gave us heaps of info on the area upon arrival. The studio room was spacious and featured a shower over spa bath, full size fridge, microwave, tv and sliding doors onto a patio (ground floor) with outdoor setting. The room was very clean and just what we needed for one night. It was lovely to sit and admire the ocean from our room. The location is close to the Main Street where you will find lovely shops and cafes. Would stay here again for sure!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Light Villas; City: Seminyak Kuta District Bali; Review: My partner and I visited Bali for the first time. With so many villas to choose from it’s quite overwhelming. So, we set a nightly budget and settled upon The Light Villas. The staff are extremely welcoming and friendly and nothing is of any trouble to them at all. There is a shuttle to take you from the Villas to Seminyak Square upon request. We never had an issue using this service as someone was always available but note it is a short walk none the less to some lovely restaurants and cafes. A Taxi from the main area to the Villas is about AU$1 depending on traffic. The Villa itself was private and quiet, lovely to relax in after a long day of walking and seeing sights. Rooms are VERY spacious and clean - good value for money! The breakfast food was tasteful, particularly the omelet which is made fresh on request and was perfect every time! The restaurant itself lacks some atmosphere. Overall these Villas were very accommodating and perfect for what we needed whilst we explored Seminyak.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Sankara Suite Villas; City: Ubud Gianyar Regency Bali; Review: Our 3 night stay from Check in to Checkout was amazing in every way. From the welcome tour of the hotel facilities on arrival, to the delicious food and cocktails by the pool that overlooks the jungle tropics. The rooms are immensely spacious and opulent and feature a balcony as well as personal touches like bath salts for the free standing bath that awaits. Relaxing here whilst listening to the river flow past is Devine. There is plenty of choice at breakfast and a frequent free daily shuttle service into Ubud. (10-15 minutes away) there is plenty on offer in the region that the staff can arrange for your time in Ubud and the staff are always at your ready to help and make sure your stay is enjoyable. The on-site spa is open air yet private and tranquil and nothing seals a holiday more than a full body massage whilst listening to the local birds and river. We can’t thank you enough for such an enjoyable stay! I am truely in love. We also really appreciate that you made us comfortable and allowed us to have a shower even after we checked out due to a very late flight home— thank you! My only critique of this hotel is: 1) The block out curtains need to be darker as they still let light in though this is personal preference as I like very dark rooms to sleep in. 2) The tall spacious corridors are loud and eco at night so other doors opening or neighbouring rooms can be heard. 3) recommend installing fly screen doors on the balcony so you can sleep listening to the river with the doors open.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Star Trek: Enterprise: Daedalus; Author: Visit Amazon's Dave Stern Page; Review: This is a cool classic type Star Trek story. Too bad the series got cut short just as they were starting to come into their own. This would have been a great one to see on screen, highly recommend it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Daedalus's Children (Star Trek: Enterprise); Author: Visit Amazon's Dave Stern Page; Review: This is a very good story, enjoyed it, could not put it down. It is a real shame that the series got cut just as it was getting much better. Great ending, good classic Star Trek type story; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Hunger Games (Book 1); Author: Visit Amazon's Suzanne Collins Page; Review: I did not read the first books but this one I did because I wanted to know what happens. It is a little long but well written. I did not like the end as much as I thought I would but hey, the author can do what he wants with his characters. Still good and entertaining if not some disappointment for the reader.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mockingjay: The Hunger Games; Author: Collins; Review: I did not read the first books but this one I did because I wanted to know what happens. It is a little long but well written. I did not like the end as much as I thought I would but hey, the author can do what he wants with his characters. Still good and entertaining if not some disappointment for the reader.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates: The Forgotten War That Changed American History; Author: Visit Amazon's Brian Kilmeade Page; Review: History repeats mostly. All that is left today is for the U.S. And its Allies to put a end to Islamic Tyranny once again. Obama, wake up and do what has to be done!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Zero Sum Game (Star Trek: Typhon Pact #1); Author: Visit Amazon's David Mack Page; Review: This book weaved an exciting and fast moving story. It is well done. As usual there are a bit too many convenient coincidences but they do not detract too much from the story.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Pillars of the Earth; Author: Visit Amazon's Ken Follett Page; Review: I truly enjoyed the entire series especially this last book. It was expertly written captivated the reader and kept one engaged all the way to the end. I am sad that it is over and I only wish that he had written a fourth book because there is so much of the story that could have been expanded.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Pillars of the Earth; Author: Ken Follett; Review: I truly enjoyed the entire series especially this last book. It was expertly written captivated the reader and kept one engaged all the way to the end. I am sad that it is over and I only wish that he had written a fourth book because there is so much of the story that could have been expanded.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Prey: Book Three: The Hall of Heroes (Star Trek); Author: Visit Amazon's John Jackson Miller Page; Review: A rip roaring story that plays out over the 3 books with a series of twists and turns. I highly recommend this and the first two books.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Dunfire Colorful Replacement Clip Holder Fitbit One Wireless Activity Plus Sleep Tracker; Brand: Dunfire; Review: Works just fine.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dunfire Colorful Replacement Clip Holder Fitbit One Wireless Activity Plus Sleep Tracker; Brand: Dunfire; Review: Works just fine.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dunfire Colorful Replacement Clip Holder Fitbit One Wireless Activity Plus Sleep Tracker; Brand: Dunfire; Review: Works just fine.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dunfire Colorful Replacement Clip Holder Fitbit One Wireless Activity Plus Sleep Tracker; Brand: Dunfire; Review: Works just fine.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dunfire Colorful Replacement Clip Holder Fitbit One Wireless Activity Plus Sleep Tracker; Brand: Dunfire; Review: Works just fine.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dunfire Colorful Replacement Clip Holder Fitbit One Wireless Activity Plus Sleep Tracker; Brand: Dunfire; Review: Works just fine.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dunfire Colorful Replacement Clip Holder Fitbit One Wireless Activity Plus Sleep Tracker; Brand: Dunfire; Review: Works just fine.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Sports_and_Outdoors |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Wii Fit Plus; Brand: by
Nintendo; Review: Figures, I buy this one and I find my old one. lol thanks to this game i lost 30LBS; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: CTA Digital Wii Sports Resort 8-in-1 Sports Pack (White); Brand: by
CTA Digital; Review: works for what i need it too ! thanks !; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: DTOL Wii Motion Plus Adapter (White); Brand: DTOL; Review: works for what i need it too ! thanks !; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Wii Sports Resort; Brand: by
Nintendo; Review: the disk was damaged, they exchanged it for money back; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Evil Within - Playstation 3; Brand: by
Bethesda; Review: works for what i need it too ! thanks !; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Video_Games |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: TaoTronics LED String Lights 33 ft with 100 LEDs, Waterproof Outdoor & Indoor Decorative Lights for Bedroom, Garden, Patio,; Brand: TaoTronics; Review: These are gorgeous. We wove them in with flowers into the arch for a wedding.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Headlamp YKS Adjustable Beam Focus LED Headlamp with 4 Modes and 300lm Lamp Bulb; Brand: YKS; Review: I gotta say, I'm pretty dang impressed with this budget headlamp. The beam is easy to adjust, and at it's tightest setting you can literally see the shape and design of the LED on whatever surface you're illuminating. It's actually significantly brighter than the expensive headlamp that I have, but I noticed that it burns through the batteries more quickly than more expensive ones do. The only reason that I can't give it the full 5 stars is 2 reasons. The first being that the elastic is slightly too tight even at it's largest setting, and the second reason being that the mechanism that keeps the adjustable "up/down" arm feels pretty cheap. My gut tells me that I'll eventually end up gluing it in a permanent position. If this were an more than $15 I would have to drop another star. For just being $15 though, it's a pretty good deal. Item was sent to me at no cost in exchange for testing and providing an honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Selfie Stick,with free len,Kengadget monopod with adjustable holder fit for iphone 5,6,6 Plus,android phone,samsung galaxy s6,s5.built-in Bluetooth Remote Shutter easy; Brand: Kengadget; Review: This is a pretty nice selfie stick in the wide angle lens is a nice touch! My only issue is that d border of the image is distorted when using the lens. Other than that this is a great kit. The extender arm is very solid and doesn't feel like it's going to bend or break easily and the grippy at the end is extremely easy to use and holds my phone in place very securely. Bluetooth pairing was a snap and the battery life seems pretty decent. I left it paired with my phone all day on accident and it was still charged in working in the evening. 5 stars! Sample provided at no cost for testing and review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: InaRock Bluetooth Smart LED Light Bulb Speaker Dimmable Multicolored Color Changing LED Bedside Desk Lights Bar Sinks; Brand: InaRock; Review: This thing is way cooler than any other color changing LED bulb I've tested so far. The speaker function doesn't have the greatest bass in the world but it's better than what I expected and much louder too. Range on the remote and phone is pretty impressive and the spectrum of color is much greater then the other bulbs I've tried. Fits securely into standard light socket and is only just warm to the touch after many hours of being turned on. The only aspect of this item that I could see needing some improvement is the music app itself on the phone. It didn't pick up most of my music and the functionality is very limited. The light functionality aspect of the app is flawless and dead simple to use. I'm impressed. Item received at no cost for testing; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: [Big 44; Brand: InaRock; Review: I've tested a lot of solar lights and this one is by far the brightest. I use it by my back door so that I can tell when my dog is ready to come inside. For whatever reason he doesn't bark or scratch which is nice but it also means that I have to keep checking to see if he's done doing his thing or not. This light is bright enough that I can see it from the window inside without having to stand by the back door which is attached my laundry room. I did have it installed above the door but it wasn't getting enough Sun due to my gutter overhang so I ended up hot gluing it to the bricks just to the right of my back door. Its sensitive enough even off to the side to slip on with my dog comes up to the door which is awesome. Item received at no cost for testing; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Helotex K1 Key Chain Flashlight; Brand: Helotex; Review: This thing is insanely bright! Seriously, I have an old flashlight in my garage that uses DD batteries that isn't even nearly as bright as this thing... I use it literally every day, multiple times a day. From getting in/ out of my car at night, to crawling around in the crawlspace for repairs without a lot of extra room to carry a large flashlight... this little guy comes in so incredibly handy for numerous situations. The only downside is that it tends to burn though batteries rather quickly. If you're only using it for a few seconds at a time (getting into your car in a dark parking lot or garage), then the battery will last several months. But if you use it like I do, (for everything) then the battery is likely to only last a week or so. The upside is that it only takes one AAA battery. I use rechargeable, so it's not a problem at all! One last thing I wanted to mention is how durable this thing is. I've left it out in the backyard on more than one occasion and it even survived a rain. It's been with me on multiple camping trips and I use it every day at work. On top of everything else, I was fortunate enough to score a discount on this bad boy during a promotional sale in exchange for testing and review, and can confidently say that it far exceeds all my expectations. I highly recommend this product.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Tools_and_Home_Improvement |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Vintage Women Swimsuit High Waist Bikini Set Demin Bottom, X-Large; Brand: PANDA SUPERSTORE; Review: Lovely suit, bottoms are cut wonderful, but the top is definitely for a b-cup or smaller. Looks lovely on the wearer.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Doublju V-Neck Handkerchief Hem Long Tunic Shirt Top For Women With Plus Size; Brand: ; Review: material is very clingy to what you are wearing on the bottom half.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Modern Sleek Black Stainless Steel Magnetic Bracelet for Men with Magnets and Free Link Removal Tool; Brand: ; Review: purchased for husband. He has not taken it off since Christmas. Looks very nice, lays flat, and does not show any affects of water.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: VIV Collection Best Selling Printed Brushed Leggings Plus Size (L - XXL) Listing 1; Brand: ; Review: i purchased the scattered flowers pattern, and loved how soft and roomy they were for my size (26) (5'5" and all tush). I could bend and move with no binding or skin showing. Would easily fit a 28/30 a bit more snugly. However, I purchased the Winter to Spring pattern (pink roses) and they are skin tight, and sit low in the back. I was able to wear them, but only in the house as they were too tight for public and i was afraid I might split a seam. There is good coverage with the fabric regarding not being see through at all, and if they were all like the first pair, i might never take them off! I am keeping them both and will use the one pair for workouts in the house.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: ACEVOG Cocktail Dress 1950's Floral Vintage Christmas Party Dress Plus Size; Brand: ACEVOG; Review: Beautiful!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Another Summer 7 Colors Men & Women LED Shoes USB Charging Shoes Light up Shoes Colorful Glowing Shoes; Brand: Another Summer; Review: super cute and very bright. Can't wait for the summer festival season to begin!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Timy Retro Beads Decorated Multi Strand Leather Rope Bracelet Wristband Oval Pattern; Brand: Timy; Review: really really cute. Only drawback is the latch is hard to maneuver one handed to put on by myself. I get lots of compliments; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fruit Of The Loom Women's Plus-Size 5 Pack Fit For Me Breathable Brief; Brand: ; Review: nice fit and very comfortable; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Hotel Restaurant Le Dauphin Le Spa Du Prieure; City: Caen Calvados Basse Normandie Normandy; Review: Booked deluxe room for extra 50 euro/night & nothing deluxe about it. Dark room up 3 flights of treacherous stairs. Could not close door to WC while using! When I expressed concerns, I was basically told "too bad." Well located with lovely public spaces, but would never recommend it to stay.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Villa Reine Hortense; City: Dinard Ille et Vilaine Brittany; Review: Room # 2/3 is an unusual suite with two bedrooms, a single bath & a fabulous sitting room opening to both bedrooms,s on the second floor fronting the beach & channel. Spectacular views. Great location, walk able to restaurants & venues.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Gateway Canyons Resort A Noble House Resort; City: Gateway Colorado; Review: Really not much in Gateway Colorado except the Gateway Canyon Resort. Spectacular location. Arrive via the Paradox Valley from Mosb. Beautiful resort with every amenity. Lovely spa. Vintage automobile museum that really depicts American history of the past century. Destination resort. Don't miss it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Red Cliffs Lodge; City: Moab Utah; Review: Lovely suites with patios. Ours looked at the red cliffs & overlooked the Colorado river. Good beds. Nice patio. No ambient light, so star gaze! We saw the Milky Way! Great location near Canyonlands. We cycled, hiked & rafted the river. Beautiful horses. Breakfast was very good. Go for the cinnamon toast.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Gonzo Inn; City: Moab Utah; Review: Best location in town. Walkable to everything, on the bike path. Great, spacious rooms, all with deck or patio. Breakfast included, & don't bypass the cookies in the lobby. Bike friendly. The beds are great!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Villa Victor Louis; City: Bordeaux Gironde Nouvelle Aquitaine; Review: Worn dirty lobby smells of mildew. Basement “studio” has no sitting area. Hopelessly stained bedspread. Smells of perfume disguised mildew. Terrace with butt filled ashtray. Staying a single night or we would have left. Not recommended.; Rating: 2.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: The Stirling House; City: Greenport North Fork Long Island New York; Review: After reading all the outstanding reviews of The Stirling B & B I decided to surprise my husband with a stay there for his birthday. The price seemed high, at $300/nt for Mon & Tue stay, but I figured there was great value according to all the reviews so I was happy to pay it. We stayed in the Shelter Island room; simple room with minimal amenities and needs met. For the price, and to be deserving of such high praise, I would have expected higher quality of amenities. The room a/c barely kept the room at 74-75 degrees, the bathroom was always warmer since it had no a/c. The shower was small, had one of those rain shower heads that really doesn't provide much pressure, personally I'd prefer a handheld shower head in such tight quarters. The only other interior room that we were allowed access was a small dining/living room. It contained a round table that seats four, and a wicker loveseat. Not much room to relax, especially if all three rooms are occupied. I wonder what you'd do in colder months when you wouldn't be sitting on the front porch. The picture of the room with the piano in it was not accessible to guests, so I don't know why this picture is shown. The breakfast was the only thing I'd agree deserves the high praise received by The Stirling House, they were very delicious! The only owner we met, Clay, was very pleasant, very helpful, and very knowledgeable about so many things. In the end, it was okay, we won't be going back, just not what we expected from all the hype.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Quality Inn Suites South San Francisco; City: South San Francisco California; Review: Excellent service!! Very friendly staff, run by family members. We met the mom and son. Extremely pleasant people, very happy to help with anything you might need. I used Uber for the first time and the son showed me how to use it, even offered to help setup for pick-up if I wanted. The room was fine, clean, quiet. The breakfast was nice too; they bring in real eggs and fresh muffins from Costco each day! You can even order an omelet made-to-order. Would definitely recommend! We stayed here to be close to the airport, for our flight the next day.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Comfort Inn Suites San Francisco Airport WEST; City: San Bruno California; Review: The hotel is very close to the airport, but no worries about noisey planes at night, it was quiet. The staff were extremely helpful with train and bus information. Also, when I complained about the bathroom lights being on motion sensor (I didn't want them coming on when I/my husband used the bathroom during the night), the manager came up and changed the setting! Very nice, I really appreciated it! The room was very clean and comfortable. The only thing that was different was the toilet and tub/shower were in a separate room. The sink area was open to the bedroom. This was slightly odd to me, others may prefer it. I didn't inquire, but it's possible not all rooms are configured this way. I would definitely stay here again.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hampton Inn Clinton; City: Clinton New Jersey; Review: We were staying at the Clinton (Hunterdon County), NJ location on a weekly basis. Typically staying at least 2 nights each week. We had been advised to call the hotel directly in order to get "the room" we wanted. So, the following week that's exactly what I did. I spoke to Lindsay, and she went out of her way to accommadate my request for a room on the first floor, down a hallway, that would be a quieter location away from any elevator and the back door. She even put a note on the reservation, "DO NOT Change this room". Thank you Lindsay! Okay, all sounds great until the following day when my husband went to check-in and he was told our original reservation was given to someone else, what! My husband called me to confirm the discrepancy, and yes, I confirmed for him that I had reserved room 142, and Lindsay put the note on it not to change the room. I called the hotel when I hung-up with him to try and find out what had happened. I spoke to Valerie, a supervisor. She told me that a "Diamond" member came in with a dog and they only allow dogs on the first and fourth floors. Room 114 was available, but it wasn't clean. And, she "couldn't keep a diamond member waiting", so she gave them our room. I asked her why she gave our room away when it had the note to specifically NOT change to room. She just kept repeating that she couldn't keep a diamond member waiting, and that there was a room available, our room! I suggested she could have called housekeeping and have them come immediately to clean room 114, I mean it is for a diamond member after all. She again repeated that she couldn't keep a diamond member waiting. She added, "I've been doing this for 20 years, and I'm good at it!" Hmmm? That's one opinion, not mine. And not very professional to say to a customer. The one thing she did say, that was of value, is that if you want to truly guarantee a specific room, than you should do an early check-in. I thought by giving a credit card to hold the room, it was a done deal, but that's not the case. So, at least I come away with some additional knowledge. My husband asked for the Manager, Pat, to give him a call, but he never heard from her. Another negative for this hotel. Whether Pat got the message or not, I can't say, but either way it doesn't speak well of this hotel's customer service.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Il Nocchiero City Hotel srl; City: Soverato Province of Catanzaro Calabria; Review: I had booked this hotel throught tripadvisor. They offered a great price for a great location to do genealogy research. They are located just across the street from the Municipal Office where the records are kept. Perfect location for many reasons, but that was important to me. We were scheduled to arrive May 3rd, but on May 1st I broke my ankle and was unable to make it to Soverato for the 3rd. I stayed in Sicily for surgery, and stable removal (two weeks), before I was given the okay to continue my travel. We phoned the Il Nocchiero to reserve a room for our May 18th arrival. Long story short, they were wonderful, couldn't be more helpful in so many ways. When we arrived on the 18th we were hungry, but everything was closed. They found the one place in town that was open, even walked down to make sure before sending us. Offered to drive us in their own car (I was on crutches). They made three phone calls to try and help me find relatives. But, the biggest surprise was when we went to check-out, they wouldn't let us pay, said we had paid for days earlier in the month and that was sufficient, really!? Wow, I was amazed. Very good, excellent customer service! The room was nice, had a balcony too. Continental Breakfast was excellent, offered much more than typical continental breakfast. Elevator to upper floors.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Asia Divers Resort; City: Koh Tao Surat Thani Province; Review: We arrived in Koh Tao from Bangkok with no where booked and took our chances. 2 of us went to a hostel and 2 of us paid a little bit more and stayed here as it had a pool. The room rate was very reasonable too! We had a twin room which was spacious and clean, it had a tv and fan which was quite powerful and did a good job of cooling us down. The pool area was clean and although it was used to train divers, wasn't as busy as I thought it would be. Staff were friendly enough. Great location too, just a 5 minute walk to the beach. Koh Tao was my first Thai island and is my favourite. It is so much more than just a diving island! Amazing scuba diving to be done of you can't afford the other diving on offer.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Diamond Cave Resort; City: Railay Beach Krabi Town Krabi Province; Review: We originally booked rooms at the sister hotel, The Diamond Private Resort but it was so bad we asked to be moved. The Diamond Private Resort was a very steep climb up some very unstable and poorly maintained steps. Once at the top, there was a lovely view but that was the only thing lovely about it. The Resort looked like it was deserted! The pool was dirty and hadn't been maintained very well. The rooms smelt of mould and stagnant water - our bathroom had a leak, water all over the floor so I asked to be moved to another room and that was just as bad. The walls were covered in marks and the sheets stained. Disgusting! I understand that it is low season but if you knew you had guests staying, you'd at least inspect the rooms first?! I complained and was moved to the sister resort that was 5 minutes walk away. From the outside it looked quite nice, and the rooms at the front of the complex were nice. We were put in 2 bungalows at the back and they were terrible! About the same standard as the one's we had just left! Broken toilet, Blown bedside lamps with black scorch marks up the walls, wires hanging down.. it was a 1 star rating maximum. We had travelled all day so I didn't have the energy to complain again so we just stayed there for 2 nights then moved to Krabi. The staff were rude and unhelpful, were talking in their local dialect to each other about us complaining - made me feel very uncomfortable. Railay is a lovely little place with lots of things to see and do and you need a few days there to enjoy it to it's full potential but I suggest that anyone who thinks of going to plan ahead! Check reviews on where you stay in advance and before you pay for your room - INSPECT! They can't charge you to look!; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Beds and Dreams Inn ChinaTown; City: Singapore; Review: I really enjoyed my stay here! Small, trendy and modern.. Staff were really nice and helpful. Mac's for use in the reception area, a nice touch! The common room had a tv with hard drive and loads of films, Nintendo wii with guitar hero and cosy bean bags. The dorms were clean and comfortable and the beds were really comfy - I slept well there. Showers were tiny though - changing in them was interesting! Location was brilliant. 2 minute walk away from Chinatown MRT station. This was a little bit more than some of the hostels but worth it for the location and it was really comfortable. 5 stars from me!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Amari Don Muang Airport Bangkok; City: Bangkok; Review: I paid way over the odd's for thid room. It cost me £35! Air Asia changed the destination airport in Bangkok when I flew in from Singapore so I had no choice but to stay here as I had 13 hours to wait for my next flight. The room was massive - the size of 2 hostel dorms put together which made me laugh a bit! The bed was really comfy but when I pulled back the sheets the bed linen was moth eaten. Not impressed! The bathroom too on first appearances looked clean as a whistle but when I got into the shower it had loads of long black hairs in it. YUK! I was also under the impression I had breakfast included in the price but they insisted I didn't. I was too tired to argue and just left it. When I got home I checked my emails and I did have it included so that was annoying! Apart from that the staff were polite and check in and out was quick. They also helped me organise the shuttle bus to the international airport. Shame about the room though, the housekeeping staff need training perhaps; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Backpackers SG; City: Singapore; Review: Good location, close to Lavender MRT and a hawkers market. The dorms were a decent enough size, the beds were really uncomfortable though. The mattress on the bed was so thin I could feel the wood underneath! The hostel was clean and tidy but I didn't like the fact that the showers were off the kitchen - very strange.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Stalbridge Guest House; City: Liverpool Merseyside England; Review: I have just returned from an overnight stay with 3 friends. We paid for a quad room which was 65 quid for 1 night. When we arrived, I thought we'd taken a wrong turn and ended up in some derelict ghost town - borded up shops & houses, it looked like this place hadn't had a visitor in years! Booking.com said that it was ten mins walk to the city centre. Must be a giant walking that because a taxi cost £15 and took 20 mins! The room reminded me of an episode of prisoner cell block H. Lumpy beds with the headboards hanging off, massive cracks in the walls and looked like it hadn't been decorated In about 30 years. Vile The owner was ok with us. We arrived at 7.30pm. 40 mins later while we were in our rooms, we heard some shouting from outside. There were 3 women who had pre paid a room online and had turned up 10 minutes late - maybe because of traffic? Because of this he refused to open the door and charged them for the room anyway leaving them with nowhere to stay on a bank holiday weekend. Lovely. He told them that the doors locked automatically after 8pm and he couldn't let them in but that was a pack of lies because we went out for a cigarette and it was opening fine then! Check out was 10am which was really early - I suspect he does this because he knows a lot of people will be hungover from a night out and sleep in so he can charge them for that. We came down at bang on 10am. He must have been fuming haha! So all in all - it's awful. No breakfast, no towels. Don't turn up late to check in and don't stay later than 10am. Sounds like a halfway house!! Spend the extra and get a premier inn Avoid avoid avoid; Rating: 1.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Kalithea Sun Sky Hotel; City: Kallithea Rhodes Dodecanese South Aegean; Review: We have just got back from a week at the Sun & Sky. I was really impressed with the cleanliness of the room, It looked a bit like a travel lodge room. Simple, white and clean. The bathroom could do with an update (cracked green tiles, grubby bath) but the shower was good and more powerful than I expected. The air conditioning worked a treat, thankfully, because we really needed it! There was a small fridge in the room too which came in handy for stocking up on water. The only thing I was disappointed in was the food. It started off great, there is a different buffet cuisine each night, Greek, Italian, Mexican etc. This was good to start with, but then after a few days we got a bit tired of the same ingredients appearing. Breakfast included chunks of a smoked bratwurst/mattessons type sausage, this also appeared on BBQ night, in Fajitas on Mexican night, on pizza and in pasta on Italian night, and on the lunch menu nearly every day. On BBQ night there was a nice burger, but this returned again for lunch the next day. There was a make your own muesli section which included currants, banana chips, bowl of oats, a bowl of oats with some cornflakes mixed in & and a bowl of oats with some bran flakes mixed in! A bit cheeky as It looked like a wide selection at first glance. The Greek yoghurt to go with it was always warm, as was the milk. The ice cream seemed good, until it was all used apart from banana flavour by day two and they didn't bother to fill it up again for the rest of the time we were there. We were half board, you get breakfast, and they allow flexibility to choose whether you would like to have lunch or dinner each day. I thought that was a nice idea so we were less restricted. There is quite a long time slot for each meal, dinner is available up to 9pm which is great if you are going out on trips and returning late. As half board we were not allowed to have any drinks other than water with our lunch or dinner, so I cant really comment on the drinks available other than at breakfast. The 'juice' was awful. Some kind of dilute concentrate that tasted vaguely like a melted icepop. Lots of other guests brought their own cartons of juice to breakfast each day. The scrambled egg must have been powdered as it had no specific flavour of anything, It's certainly one of the stranger things I've ever eaten. To be honest I'm not sure how much I paid per night to say here as it was part of a package. People are saying you get what you pay for so I'm assuming its cheap! It was a really good location if you are happy to get on the local bus which was every half an hour to either Faliraki or Rhodos and cost 2.20 each way, a taxi into; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Jurys Inn Prague; City: Prague Bohemia; Review: We stayed here for four nights, unfortunately when we arrived we were informed that they had overbooked and we would have to go to another hotel for the first night. We were tired and didn’t really want to be bringing luggage back and forward so this wasn’t ideal and a disappointing start , never mind, these things happen. We did get two vouchers for a beer or soft drink at the bar each, but I don’t drink so a free coke for the trouble wasn’t very appealing. The rest of our stay was trouble free, the rooms are very clean and the shower had a good pressure, (the one at the nearby Hilton was terrible.) I found it odd that a double bed would have two single duvets on it and the pillows were a bit sad and flat, but we got a good sleep so no real issues there. Free Wi-Fi is always a bonus. Breakfast had a good selection but was rather manic, even though we looked on the list in the lifts telling you when breakfast would be most busy and avoided those times. There were not enough tables or room to move around. It was not set out in a thoughtful way which created traffic jams and people bumping into each other. The cereal area had no spoons so you had to go back to the coffee section, the bread area had no butter so you had to go back to the hot food section. It just didn’t flow very well and wasn’t a relaxing start to the day. We had breakfast at the bar on one day because the breakfast area was too full. The food selection was nice, the layout just needs to be thought through more carefully. The location was good, I thought we would have to get the metro into the centre of town but it was a short walk in a straight line to Namesti Republiky, where there are lots of shops and restaurants and you can walk to all the main areas of the city. Overall, there were only minor things I would improve and these did not affect our trip, this is a good value hotel and I would recommend it.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Union Creek Resort; City: Prospect Oregon; Review: We loved staying here. The setting is stunning, really quiet, lovely trail on site and creek across the road. Handy little shop for everything you might need and a diner and ice cream shop across the road. The cabin (16) was cosy and rustic and we enjoyed using its own picnic table outside for breakfast. Shower was good, bed comfy, we got some limited Wi-Fi which I wasn’t expecting so I could load up the sat nav before we left. We had a lovely stay, After lots of big cities, it was a fun outdoorsy experience sleeping 'in the woods' and we really enjoyed it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Tipi Hotel; City: Paris Ile de France; Review: I stayed for one night because it was near to the train station. I paid 40 euros so I was expecting very little and was plesantly suprised. The room was very small but clean and comfortable. There is a supermarket and lots of places to eat nearby, free wifi and shampoo. You can't complain for that money. I wouldn't expect many visitors to spend much time in their rooms so it's perfect for a cheap weekend away.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Globales Pionero; City: Santa Ponsa Calvia Majorca Balearic Islands; Review: I was irritated on arrival as I booked the Globales Santa Ponsa Park and was told to go the the Pionero reception next door as we had been booked in there instead. As far as I could tell it seemed very smiliar though so I wasn't too bothered in the end. The room was small but very clean, the shower was lovely, good power and a scenic photo as a background. Our room faced another hotel so sadly our view was a roof and the side of a building. The beds were singles pushed together, I expected that, but they were on wheels, so you couldn't even attempt to get close without one of you drifting across the room. We were half board, but I think everyone else there was all inclusive. The canteen was really clean and food was well presented and tasty. There was a nice selection of salad and fruit every day, the other food options were good but did get repetitive. I'd recommend getting to dinner early. It starts to get a bit manic as the time slot goes on. The staff were really working hard but we spent a lot of time faffing about looking for a table that was cleared, glasses, forks, napkins, etc if we went in after 7.30pm. The free internet is useless outside of the lobby, I couldn't even get google to open in our room. Faster internet is 6 euros a day. They also charge 26 euros for a fridge. I felt like those should have both been included for a four star hotel. All areas of the hotel were modern and fresh looking and nicely decorated. All in all we had a great stay, these are minor points and I would happily recommend and would stay at a Globales hotel again.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with Wikipedia articles as follows:
Title: percentage point; Description: unit for the arithmetic difference of two percentages
Title: Jigme Dorji National Park; Description: National park of Bhutan
Title: Bhutan–Nepal relations; Description: International relations
Title: Bhutan–India border; Description: Separates territories of India and Bhutan
Title: list of geometers; Description: Wikimedia list article | wikirec |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Apartamentos Leonor; City: Torremolinos Costa del Sol Province of Malaga Andalucia; Review: We stayed in a studio apartment overlooking the square, perfect location. Yes there was a little noise from the restaurant but it adds to the charm. The apartments are spotless, comfortable beds and it has everything that you would need. Most definately stay here again ( soon i hope). Manuel and his wife are very helpful and friendly, would recommend them .There is also a lift for us older generation..; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Manchester Marriott Victoria Albert Hotel; City: Manchester Greater Manchester England; Review: We stayed here for one night, the hotel is in an ideal location 10min walk to Castlefield, and a 5min walk to Spinningfields and Deansgate. We stayed in room 224, it was excellent really nice decor and the most comfortable beds, very quiet at night. The staff on reception were brilliant very helpful especially Rana .All the staff were very good. The breakfast was more than ample everything you needed. Valet parking if needed for £17.00 for 24hrs.We shall must definitely stay here again.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Castle Hotel; City: Conwy Conwy County North Wales Wales; Review: We stayed here for two .nights, couldn't fault anything. Hotel is situated in a perfect location a couple of minutes walk to the harbour, bus stops, and trains .The staff are so helpfully and friendly. We wouldn't hesitate to recommend staying at this Hotel.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Crowne Plaza Manchester Airport; City: Manchester Greater Manchester England; Review: Excellent hotel for an overnight stay before you begin your holiday, easy access from train station, curtesy transport from the station to the hotel, also curtesy transport to take you to the airport terminal the next day no charge for this service. Really quiet at night for a good night's sleep and very comfortable beds.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Travelodge Manchester Central; City: Manchester Greater Manchester England; Review: Perfect location just off Deansgate ideal for shopping, bars restaurants etc. We stayed on Sunday for one night for the bargain price of £43 B/B. where else can you stay for that price. I must say the hotel was so quiet at night both inside and outside, very comfortable beds, you can open a window {some hotels don't give you the choice.).We had a room overlooking the river.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Doublju Stretch Cotton Spaghetti Strap Long Cami Tank Top (Plus Size Available) Aqua Small; Brand: ; Review: Color is great but the fit is just frumpy; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: BEARPAW Hunter; Brand: BEARPAW; Review: Got them for my mom and she loves them. I didn't realize it was men's sizes until they came but I just switched them for a smaller size. The stretchy top is perfect for people who need support but have difficulty finding shoes that fit or have feet that swell; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lugz Women's Convoy Winter Boot; Brand: Lugz; Review: I really like these but I have just a little bit of space behind the ankle that makes my foot slide. I just put something in to keep my feet in place but it was kind of a disappointment for having the boot be amazing otherwise; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: adidas Performance Women's Mana Bounce Running Shoe; Brand: ; Review: I really like these shoes, but almost returned them because they were smaller than I expected. My toe was right at the end of the shoe and was a little uncomfortable but the material is stretchy and after walking around my house (keeping them clean incase I needed to return them) for a couple hours they fit perfectly. Now the comfy shoes I wanted; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: LifeStride Women's Crisscross Dress Sandal; Brand: LifeStride; Review: I really love these shoes because these are the only pair of that I can actually wear and walk in that has a heel. For those too clumsy for heels but who want to have that extra inch in height these are definitely for you. I do however have on complaint and that is the strap that goes over the toes can rub and cut into the skin and I needed to put a small piece of material there to keep me from getting blisters.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Darceil Women's Black Short Sleeve Rock Band Queen Print T Shirt Top; Brand: Darceil; Review: The shirt is great and super comfy. I would say though that the extra large was smaller than I expected (Just fit better than expected) so know that if you order and want the shirt big or loose you should go up a size. The material is super thick so not great for summer but still amazing; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: KOGMO Womens 3/4 Sleeve Solid Basic Drape Top Side Shirring Tunic (S-3X); Brand: ; Review: Good shirt; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: HyBrid & Company Womens Butt Lifting Super Comfy Stretch Twill Shorts; Brand: HyBrid & Company; Review: Good but still not a great fit; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Pretty Attitude Womens Embroidered Elephant Black Loose Fit Yoga Tank Top Muscle Tee; Brand: Pretty Attitude; Review: Love this top! Very long and the material is thick enough that you don't have to worry about someone seeing your bra through it; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Begonia.K Women's 2 Piece Swimsuits Floral Print Halter High Waisted Bikini Sets; Brand: Begonia.K; Review: Love this bikini but I do wish the bottoms were a little higher for that retro swimsuit look; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: eVogues Plus size Brushed Silver Eyelet Locking Elastic Fashion Belt; Brand: eVogues Apparel; Review: Awesome for waist definition but I wish it came in black; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dressystar Vintage Polka Dot Retro Cocktail Prom Dresses 50's 60's Rockabilly Bandage; Brand: Dressystar; Review: For the curvy women who want to channel those vintage beauties this is the dress for you. I would recommend buying something the make the skirt flare out a little but that is really the only negative I have here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Emmalise Women Basic Built in Bra Spaghetti Strap Layering Cami Top Tank - Sml to 3XL; Brand: ; Review: Nice tank top but loose in awkward places (stomach and top of back); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Awesome21 Women's Cute Line Stripe Spaghetti Strap Cami Tank Tops; Brand: Awesome21; Review: The tank is very long which is awesome for a girl with hips and a butt, but the length and material can be a little loose on the stomach; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Nikibiki Long Tank Top NS5178; Brand: Nikibiki; Review: Nice top; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: PattyBoutik Women's Halter Ruched Sides Top; Brand: ; Review: Not flattering; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Women's Solid Short Sleeve Oversize Open-Front Kimono Style Cardigan; Brand: Made by Emma; Review: Go at least two or three sizes down. The material is very nice though and it's very cute.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Maidenform Women's Comfort Devotion Tailored T-Back; Brand: ; Review: Love it; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: MBJ Womens 3/4 Sleeve Drape Top with Side Shirring - Made in USA; Brand: ; Review: Order a size smaller than you normally wear; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: HyBrid & Company Women's Perfectly Shaping Stretchy Denim Bermuda Short; Brand: HyBrid & Company; Review: Not flattering; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: LL Womens Everyday Racerback Tank Top - Made in USA; Brand: Lock and Love; Review: Could have gotten away with a size smaller than I normally wear; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: WingsLove Lady’s Bra Extender Bra Band Breathing room 3pcs-Pack Multi-size; Brand: ; Review: must haves; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Beachcoco Women's Sweetheart Short Dress; Brand: Beachcoco; Review: Very nice; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: HyBrid & Company Women's Butt Lift V2 Super Comfy Stretch Denim Skinny Jeans; Brand: HyBrid & Company; Review: Not a fan; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: HyBrid & Company Women's Perfectly Shaping Stretchy Denim Bermuda Short; Brand: HyBrid & Company; Review: Not flattering; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Twinth Flared Dress Sleeveless Summer Beach Casual; Brand: TWINTH; Review: Color pretty true to picture (just slightly paler) and the material is thick but not heavy.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bbonlinedress 1950's Bowknot Vintage Retro Polka Dot Rockabilly Swing Dress; Brand: Bbonlinedress; Review: Very cute dress but I had to alter the straps because they were too long. It's an easy enough fix so I don't have an issue with it but take into account you may need to do some minor sewing or this dress to be the best.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Champion Women's Reversible Mesh Short; Brand: ; Review: Took forever to get here but worth the wait.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Aeropostale Women's Dark Wash Cuffed Denim Midi Shorts 16 Dark Wash; Brand: ; Review: For women with big bums and wide hips these are comfortable and flattering. I would recommend these to any curvy women and I am going to order more.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Shamaim Womens Solid Modal Tank Top; Brand: Shamaim; Review: nice top; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: MSBASIC Women's Sleeveless Adjustable Strappy Summer Beach Swing Dress; Brand: MSBASIC; Review: nice; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fashion Stream Women's Plus & regular Size Solid 3/4 Sleeve Tunic Mini T-shirt Dress MADE IN USA; Brand: Private Label; Review: Love the dress and will reorder it in a size larger. Only downside is the hem has no stretch to it so getting it on and off means you risk ripping it; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Active Basic Womens Plain Basic Deep Scoop Neck with Cap Short Sleeves; Brand: Active Products; Review: Nice basic top; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: LA BASIC Women V-Neck Loose Fit Tie-Dye Tunic Top; Brand: LA BASIC; Review: Not for me; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: BILY Women's Plus Short Sleeve Jersey Tunic Top for Leggings with Side Pockets; Brand: B.I.L.Y; Review: Returned it, not for me; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: DRESSIS Womens Sleeveless Round Neck Hi-Lo Loose Fit Flared Tank Top; Brand: DRESSIS; Review: Very thin, almost sheer material. Returned; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Skechers Women's Woodsy Engineer Boot; Brand: ; Review: These boots are perfect for me. I have skinny, flat feet and these are great to me and true to size.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Angerella Women Retro Vintage 50s Halter High Waisted Bathing Suits Bikini; Brand: Angerella; Review: Bust too large, even being adjustable you need to have at least a d cup for the top; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Zenana Women's Rayon Stripe V Neck Short Sleeve Shirt Top; Brand: Zenana Outfitters; Review: Very cute but longer than expected; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: VOGTORY Women's Vintage Plus Size Summer Floral Print Strap Dress Beach Slip Dress,Braces Dress; Brand: VOGTORY; Review: Straps and bust area are too big even though the rest is perfect. I can alter it though.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Just My Size Women's Plus Size Shaper Panty Hose; Brand: ; Review: received a used pair; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Maidenform Flexees Women's Shapewear Smoothing Hi-Waist Boyshort; Brand: Flexees; Review: I'm 40-33-48 and these were perfect on the bottom but the higher it got on the waist the looser it got. If you are looking to control your stomach these will be great but if you just want hip/bum control these might not work.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Jockey Women's Skimmiesâ Slipshort Light Boy Shorts; Brand: ; Review: I returned them because they were longer than in the picture, but they are great quality.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Fifth Parallel Threads FPT Womens Basic Jersey Mini Skirt (S-3XL); Brand: Fifth Parallel Threads; Review: Really like the material and considering I am all butt and hips this skirt was still conservative and not revealing.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: J.TOMSON Women's Elastic Waist Stretch Bodycon Pencil Mini Skirt; Brand: J.TOMSON; Review: I would have loved this skirt if it had been cotton and not polyester. The pattern is super cute and the skirt is still long and modest enough for a person with large hips and bum. The seller fully refunded me and was very nice. I'm really hoping they will make this particular skirt in cotton (none of the pattern ones are) and I wouldn't hesitate to buy; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: ToBeInStyle Women's Skater Cami-Dress; Brand: ToBeInStyle; Review: Super cute and flattering for extra curvy girls.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lookatool Women Sexy Hot Pants Summer Casual Shorts High Waist Short Beach; Brand: Lookatool; Review: These were super cute and I wanted to love them, but they just weren't for me.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Najia Symbol Womens Summer Casual Long Sleeve Sheer Chiffon Shirts; Brand: Najia Symbol; Review: didn't like the sheer and scratchy material so I returned it; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Eliacher Women Sleeveless Blouse Comfy Stretch Loose Casual Shirts; Brand: Eliacher; Review: The material is very comfortable and not sheer but the shirt was so long I had to cut off three inches and correct the hem.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: S.LOVE Women Leather Wallet Purse Large Capacity Bifold Checkbook with Phone Pocket; Brand: S.LOVE; Review: The wallet it very cute and I wanted to like it but the material bulges too much and makes it hard to close when you use the card slots.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: 32Degrees Women's Heat Scoop Neck Thermal Top; Brand: 32 DEGREES; Review: Love the color and fit but thinner than expected and needs to be worn with a t-shirt bra or it will show.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Agiato Women's Long Modern Knit Button Front Cardigan; Brand: Agiato Apparel; Review: A little shorter and thinner than I thought it would be, but it is super cute and I'm excited to use it for layering.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Azules Women`s Rayon Spandex Fold Over Maxi Skirts; Brand: Azules; Review: Color is as pictured, these are flattering for a girl with large hips (48'') and butt without being too clingy or loose, and I like being able to adjust the length of the skirt. My only issue is that it is a little thin and even though it is not see through, it is probably a gamble if you get a lighter color.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Doublju Long Raglan Sleeve Scoop Neck Flare Tunic Dress Top for Women with Plus Size; Brand: ; Review: Very nice and flattering on a plus sized figure, but I probably will order a size down next time.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: WHITE APPAREL 2ND Date Women's Tummy Tuck High Waisted Fleece Leggings; Brand: ; Review: For 12 buck it was worth the gamble and totally paid off. These are true to size and color and are well made considering how cheap they are. The quality exceeded my expectations and are nice and warm. I wouldn't recommend doing anything exercise related in them or put them in the drier but I am hoping to have these for a while.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: VIV Collection 3/4 Length Sleeve Dressy TopMADE in USA; Brand: ; Review: cute; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: DOBREVA Women's Padded Underwire T-Shirt Push Up Demi Bra Convertible Straps; Brand: ; Review: good bra; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lina & Lily Floral Flower Print Women's Infinity Scarf Lightweight; Brand: Lina & Lily; Review: It's the same as pictured but not an infinity scarf; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Meaneor Women's Drape Lightweight Boyfriend Pocket Open Cardigan Shrug; Brand: Meaneor; Review: a little baggy but okay; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Bozzolo Women's Junior & Plus Adjustable Spaghetti Strap Lace Trim Tunic Tank Top; Brand: Bozzolo; Review: Not the color I expected at all; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Women's Plus American Indian Aztec and Stripe Pattern Printed Leggings - Navajo Tribal Canadian Maple Shape Form; Brand: Expert Design; Review: Weird material; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Alexander + David Womens Thin Dolman Long Sleeve Top Knit Pullover Blouse Top; Brand: Alexander + David; Review: See through; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Forever Womens Long Sleeves Plain Fishnet Knitted Baggy Jumper Sweater; Brand: Forever; Review: There were threads coming loose; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Made by Emma MBE Women's Basic V-Neck Stripe Sweater Top Various Colors; Brand: Made by Emma; Review: Nice shirt; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Jockey Women's Activewear Cotton Stretch Bootleg Pant; Brand: ; Review: returned, way too big; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Buxton RFID Wizard Wallet; Brand: Buxton; Review: too bulky so I returned it; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Isadora Paccini Women's Ribbed Knit Leg Warmers; Brand: Isadora Paccini; Review: good for large calves; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: World of Leggings Plus Size Sexy Fashion Leggings - Shop Over 28 Styles; Brand: World of Leggings; Review: velvet feel to them; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Credit Card Holder Rfid Blocking for Women, Small Leather Debit Bank Card Holder Travel Purse Business Card Protector; Brand: Artmis; Review: would have gotten 5 stars but the smell is horrible; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Oops Outlet Women's Gypsy Bow Tie Knot Ruched Off Shoulder Tee Vest Top; Brand: Oops Outlet; Review: somewhat awkward; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Zando Printed Warm Casual Winter Fall Crew Socks Soft Wool Mid Calf Socks for Women Girls; Brand: Zando; Review: not any thicker than normal socks; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dlames Women's Organizer Wallet Large Capacity Soft Leather Smartphone Zipper Clutch Purses Shoulder Crossbody Wrislet Bag (8.4 Inch; Brand: Dlames; Review: there was only one hook so you couldn't use the cross body strap. returned it; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: J. Adams Kaden Rain Boot - Casual Chelsea Low Heel Jelly Slip On Ankle Bootie; Brand: J. Adams; Review: The toe is tight and the top rubs on my legs and after only 20 minutes of wear I have huge blisters and cuts on my ankles and shins; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Legendary Whitetails Ladies Lost Ridge Shorts; Brand: ; Review: nice material and big butt approved; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: St James s Club Morgan Bay; City: Choc Gros Islet Quarter St Lucia; Review: This was a great value for us to get our family to St. Lucia. The food was super! It is not a huge resort like a riu or iberostar, but just right for us. our room was beachfront and literally 25 feet from the beach. easy access for us to run in and out. the watersports were great also. it was not a fancy modern resort, but typical island resort and very clean. must go to the plum tree grill by tennis courts for some fried acra. our room had a patio and it was nice to sit and watch the sunset. the only downside to this resort is that the water is not the typical clear blue caribbean water-for that reason only, i would not stay there again.. which is sad, because everything else there was perfect for us....we are snorklers, and we were unable to see through the water....; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Iberostar Cozumel; City: Cozumel Yucatan Peninsula; Review: Left there this morning- the whole island is terrible with mosquitos currently. We doused ourselves with spray and ti are literally covered in bites. Take spray the hotel sold out and no hydrocortizone for relief. Will cost u $40 for cab to and from a store. Too miserable to be on the beach:( Hotel: nicely landscaped, beautiful grounds , nice pools, beach is clean Rooms; moldy smelling and small bathrooms r updated! Food: dont know if it is Iberostar or Mexico... But wont stay at an Iberostar again. They r not as forward thinking as Rius. Service: i am a diy girl but it is my opinion that Iberostar doesnt pay their employees very well. Not many smile and unwilling to give u information. Beach: we went knowing the beach wasnt great , and thought snorkeling at the pier would make up for it- nah, after a cruise down the shore, the allegro and occidental beaches were beautiful with the blue water Food- just like the Iberostar Playa de Praisio- 2.5 :( Dressel divers- way less to do than the one at Playa, and they didnt really care Hope this helps. Weather was beautiful but too itchy to enjoy!; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Edgewater Beach and Golf Resort; City: Panama City Beach Florida; Review: I have been here about 10 years ago and about 10 before that...not much has changed! The location on the beach is awesome and the restaurant at the main pool is very good. You don't really have to leave the property. However, they might want to updated their property as this one is not quite as shiny as the new ones. If you get a good rate..check vrbo go for it!; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach An All Inclusive Resort; City: Bayahibe La Altagracia Province Do; Review: PROS: beautiful beach, water is not too rough, water is perfect for swimming and snorkeling.. great pools, food I'd give 3.5 stars, not too big, but big enough...room is not fancy, but good enough; 4 of 5 shows were very good; Mediterranean rest good....la pizzeria has great pizza...over behind building 33.. CONS: BEWARE...STANDARD room is only 1 queen bed, no fridge in room, be careful when booking a room...there are some rooms far away and some rooms on a rocky beach....also, people speak Spanish, French and Italian...very little English, difficult to communicate needs if you have any! ask FOR A room with an ocean view and close to a sandy beach... I WILL RETURN TO THIS PROPERTY....GREAT VALUE FOR WHAT I PAID...; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sheraton Grand Seattle; City: Seattle Washington; Review: Very nice hotel, full service. However, multiple knocks on the door from housekeeping and staff. Great location to Pikes mkt, waterfront and all.downtown. Berny at the concierge was very helpful to us. Ask for a room away from elevators...kind of noisy.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Azul Beach Resort Negril by Karisma; City: Negril Westmoreland Parish Jamaica; Review: I am reading these reviews and am totally shocked! We are here right now and find this to be the best all inclusive we have visited. Our room is fantastic and we just returned from Vegas where the rooms are super nice! Everyone here is super friendly and the security is TIGHT! Jamaica's beaches are public, and we have been approached from afar maybe twice, we just say no. Hawking in Ocho Rios was way worse! And then, the service is wow... I mean, when a server randomly comes up with champagne, who can complain?? So more on this later, but currently loving this resort!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Holiday Inn World s Fair Park Knoxville; City: Knoxville Tennessee; Review: Fyi..great hotel..100 ft from Neyland...here for the KY game..AND had to bring child to hotel..NO SEC channel...for $300 a night, this is super disappointing. Too bad..otherwise..super clean, nice restaurant..good and not too expensive, indoor pool, only $12 parking.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Azul Beach Resort Negril by Karisma; City: Negril Westmoreland Parish Jamaica; Review: We ate breakfast each day in the buffet with AC! It was great...mimosas, omlette station, bacon, lots to choose from. For lunch, we often ate at the grill station right on the beach, in our swimsuits and barefoot...bar, and try meat was freshly grilled in front of you. At night we tried each of the restaurants....they were all pretty good with the Italian probably being our favorite. There are ton of little pop up bars and a lil cafe too. So be sure and try them all!; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Prosperity: Spiritual Secrets to an Abundant Life (Dover Empower Your Life); Author: Visit Amazon's Charles Fillmore Page; Review: A positive addition to your spiritual library.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Teach Us to Pray (Unity Classic Library); Author: Visit Amazon's Charles Fillmore Page; Review: Very pleased with my order :) fast shipping, good condition, very VERY informative and enlightening- a book for the Spiritually attuned :) highly recommended!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Credit Secrets Bible; Author: Alliance Publishing Corporation; Review: ..........Never!; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Pendulum Magic for Beginners: Tap Into Your Inner Wisdom; Author: Visit Amazon's Richard Webster Page; Review: ..Gave this as a gift to my twenty year old, and she was very touched.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cup of Destiny: A Traditional Fortune-Teller's Cup & Saucer plus Illustrated Book; Author: Jane Lyle; Review: Cute set. Love it! My recipient was very touched and this was right up her alley.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Linda Goodman's Star Signs; Author: Visit Amazon's Linda Goodman Page; Review: Love it! Where is she today? arrived in good condition.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Your Invisible Power; Author: Visit Amazon's Genevieve Behrend Page; Review: :); Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Lava the Original 14.5-Inch Silver Base Lamp with Yellow Wax in Blue Liquid; Brand: Lava Lite; Review: It takes about an 1 to 1.5 hours to warm up, and it works really well. The light is not too bright, so it works well as a night-light. However, the bulb seems to make it a little too hot, making the wax float up to the top more than it should (not an even flow). After a while, it can also get really hot to touch. I have it set on a 3 - 6 hour timer (purchased separately), and it works great with that so it's not on constantly.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Compac’s Sink Daisy, Scented Kitchen Sink Strainer - Infuses and Freshens Your Sink With Crisp, Clean, Exciting; Brand: Compac; Review: Smelled really nice for about 2 days and then it became unnoticeable. The strain itself doesn't actually strain anything; it's just kind of... there.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: "Aiqite" "Rabbit and Plant on the Wall" LED Night Light with Photosentive Switch (Plant and Flower); Brand: Aiqite; Review: Very cute but the light sensor being on the bottom is a bit of a design flaw. If there was something else plugged in under it, the sensor would be blocked and it would constantly stay on even in a lit room. Then again, it worked in some rooms and didn't work so well in others (Lighting issues). Either way, for the cost, it's worth it and it's really bright. The color fades very smoothly, and only the middle light changes colors -- Which is nice because it doesn't overdo it. Would buy again!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hallomall™ Clover Style 6 Led Wireless Led Stick Anywhere Night Lights, Human Body Sensor Light, Light Control Wall Lights; Brand: iHoan; Review: A really good size and good price. Would buy again when needed.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Waterpik AST 233CC/20008439 AquaScape Dual Mode Oval Showerhead, Chrome; Brand: Waterpik; Review: I love this showerhead Excellent spray radius, very easy to install and setup.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Single Port Power Adapter for Outlet with On/Off Switch to be Energy Saving - 3 Pack; Brand: BindMaster; Review: Love these. They're convenient and small and can be used with everything.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Effimero Vanity Light Fixture – Brushed Nickel w/Clear Cylinder - Linea di Liara LL-WL31-BN; Brand: Linea di Liara; Review: Looks really nice and classy even though I've never seen them lit up yet because they cut off my electricity during renovations.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Kwikset 91550-002 Halifax Slim Square Privacy Bed/Bath Lever in Polished Chrome; Brand: Kwikset; Review: Very nice and sleek looking handle. You don't need to push down on the lock too hard so sometimes I feel like the lock doesn't work -- but at the same time I like that it's a nice simple-looking button.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Delta Dryden 17 Series Dual-Function Shower Trim Kit with Single-Spray Touch Clean Shower Head, Venetian Bronze T17251-RB (Valve Not; Brand: DELTA FAUCET; Review: I really like the shower head itself but I had a lot of problems with the handle. The inside of the handle had a defective/wrong part that our plumber could not get to fit or work. We called Delta and while they were very helpful in sending us a replacement part-- they sent us the exact same part that was wrong... By the time we were working on it, it was too late to return, so we had to get another handle all together.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: KES A7063H4 Bathroom Lavatory Self Adhesive Coat and Robe Hook Rack/Rail with 4 Hooks, Brushed Stainless Steel; Brand: Kes; Review: Stuck it on tile and it is staying on strong. It looks great with its subtle design. Just wish you had the option to use the removable 3M stickers. You kind of only get one chance to put it on and luckily I got it aligned right the first time.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: KES SUS 304 Stainless Steel Bath Towel Holder Hand Towel Ring Hanging Towel Hanger Bathroom Accessories Contemporary Hotel Square Style; Brand: Kes; Review: Easy to install and looks great. Feels very sturdy and I like the material. I thought the ring itself could swing, but I'm glad it doesn't.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Modern Contemporary 36 inches Round Bar Shape Ladder Stainless-Steel Door Handle Pull Shower Glass Barn Entry Exterior Interior Push Shop; Brand: KeyTiger Door Pulls & Handles; Review: Love how sleek and sturdy these are and how there were many different size options. Really matches our decor and exactly what we were looking for.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: TOGU TG-6017 18 inches Length Square/Rectangle H-shape Heavy-duty Stainless Steel 304 Push Pull Door Handle/Barn Door Pull Handle/Glass; Brand: Togu; Review: Looks really nice, sleek, and sturdy. Good for the price and would recommend.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: KES SUS 304 Stainless Steel Coat Hook Single Towel/Robe Clothes Hook for Bath Kitchen Garage Heavy Duty Contemporary Hotel Style; Brand: Kes; Review: Easy to install and looks good. I thought it was a bit bulky at first, but after putting a towel over it, it's not like I can tell anyway. What's important is that it's sturdy and it works well -- and it does.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cyalume SnapLight Yellow Glow Sticks – 6 Inch Industrial Grade, High Intensity Light Sticks with 12 Hour Duration; Brand: Cyalume; Review: Haven't exactly used them yet, but I like that they're individually packaged and come neatly packaged in a box. The size seems good and I'm keeping them for emergency purposes.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Gatco 1431SN Latitude II Modern Square Base Tissue Holder Stand, 22.25", in Satin Nickel, inch; Brand: Gatco; Review: I was worried the base wouldn't be heavy enough, but was surprised upon receiving it. It is actually very sturdy and looks amazing. I wanted something nice and minimal and this was perfect. Definitely a difference between the lower-cost ones that feel lighter and hollow.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: KES Toilet Paper Holder RUSTPROOF Stainless Steel Bathroom Tissue Paper Towel Roll Holder Hanger Wall Mount Polished Finish 2; Brand: Kes; Review: Very nice, easy to install, and is sturdy. We installed it vertically by preference and it is holding up well.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Minimalist Solid Wood Table Lamp Bedside Desk Lamp; Brand: Surpars House; Review: Excellent light and works very well with the hue bulb, just as all the other reviewers have mentioned! I was skeptical when I took it out of the box, since the paper was a very yellow color, but once the light was in and working, it was perfect. I don't even notice the yellow color and it doesn't affect the color of the light either! The colors are also very vivid from this and very bright; brighter than the bloom I have on the other side of the room. For the cost, this light is amazing and I would recommend!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Tripp Lite Standard Power Extension Cord 10A, 18AWG (NEMA 5-15P to NEMA 5-15R) 1-ft.(P022-001); Brand: Tripp Lite; Review: Very good, seems sturdy and reliable.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Philips Hue Bloom Works with Amazon Alexa; Brand: Philips Hue; Review: Amazing accent light and was very easy to set up. The wire seems a bit flimsy and thin, but it is holding up well and it's not too noticeable. Wish it came in black though to blend in with my decor. The light seems bright enough by itself, and the colors are very nice and accurate.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: First Alert AF400 Tundra Fire Extinguishing Aerosol Spray; Brand: First Alert; Review: I hope I don't have to use it, but I did test it out a bit and it works fine. Also seems easy enough to clean up, but who cares about that when your house is on fire?; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Tools_and_Home_Improvement |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Fredericton Inn; City: Fredericton New Brunswick; Review: I have stayed at the Fredericton Inn on numerous occasions and have also used their banquet facilities on numerous occasions. Some of the older rooms may be dated (as commented) and this family business continues to up-grade these. Other rooms at this Inn are extremely spacious and quite luxurious. From banquet services, to their Brass Rail Restaurant, fine dining in their Regency Dining Room, in-door pool, exercise room, etc:.... this facility certainly offers "a breath of Maritime Hospitality". Their banquet and conference rooms are nicely decorated and the Ballrooms are hard to beat. Great food, great service! This facility is hard to beat in value and quality.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Inn at the Pier; City: Stanley Bridge Prince Edward Island; Review: For being in the Cavendish area, this facility does not have a guest BBQ on site and there is no fire-pit. Group reservations had been made for a wedding party and other wedding guests several months in advance and this hotel chose to have other guests in close proximity of the wedding guests which were not located in one spot. There was no music being played and no property damage occurring, however, because some the wedding guests were converged in a room with conversation, another guest complained and the unprofessional front desk employee threatened to call the Police on this group who were spending in the area of 10K at this facility. For being at 11 p.m., the noise was NOT excessive and the incompetent desk clerk was politely told to call the Police if he felt that it was required. Separate from this, the 'TV' reception is terrible. Restaurant was good as was the continental breakfast. If you're planning a wedding, this place is not recommended !! Weddings are stressful enough without having to put up with an 'ignorant' desk clerk.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Country Inn Suites by Radisson Aiken SC; City: Aiken South Carolina; Review: Great accommodations for a fair price. Very clean with great outdoor pool. Included breakfast is nice, although during our last morning of a five day stay, the coffee containers were empty for over a half hour.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Lakes Campground; City: Margaree Harbour Cape Breton Island Nova Scotia; Review: I stayed at 'The Lakes' standard cabin 25 years ago and not much has changed since then and my visit this past week. (3 nights) They advertise pedal boats and there aren't any. (All Broken). The site picture advertises water bumper tubes which are no longer there. The exterior of the cabins needs to be sprayed for the large amount of spiders and moths that attack after dark. On the first day, I reported that the BBQ tank valve would not turn and that the tank appeared to be empty since you could lift it with one finger. The owner's response was "it was working OK before". To the owner........ I could care less what it was like 'before' I arrived, I just needed to be fixed. Provincial fire ban was on during our stay so that sucked......but I'm not certain if this place even sold fire wood since I did not see any on the grounds. The registration area and gift shop needs to be renovated. It has a musty smell and there is very little selection of anything in the gift shop. In comparison to other restaurants in the area, we found the prices to be a little high. Because of this, we never ate there but we did love to eat at the 'Red Barn', 25 km up the road. We did not have someone come around to give us clean towels and empty the garbage until after our second night. This place has great potential but needs to be customer serviced a little better.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Grand Bahia Principe Turquesa; City: Punta Cana La Altagracia Province Dominican Republic; Review: Very well run resort. The General Manager (Juan) is very 'hands on' and this is reflected on the total operation of this resort. Very clean and food was great. A little distant from the beach but the trolly system is great or about a 15 minute walk. The resort pool is large and very relaxing. No long waits at any of the bars. There is a great shopping area and you can go to neighboring Bahia Principe resorts for additional shopping, bars, pools and entertainment. All included with your stay at Turquesa. Children's activity pool is great as well. We had requested a pool view ground floor room which we got and it was the best. Very close to the main buffet dining area, the pool and the lobby / lounge. We would absolutely go back to this resort.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Stanley Bridge Country Resort; City: Stanley Bridge Prince Edward Island; Review: A bit pricey........but that is PEI in the summer time. Pool is nice and well maintained. Grounds are nice. For the price, this property should offer a breakfast buffet or at least a continental breakfast....all included in the price.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bangor Inn Suites; City: Bangor Maine; Review: A bit pricey for a two star but accommodations are very clean. Breakfast is good but is the same every morning. Have corned beef hash every now and then :) Staff are very friendly. Hot coffee and donuts in the lobby area throughout the day is a nice touch.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Shadow's Edge: The Night Angel Trilogy, 2; Author: Visit Amazon's Brent Weeks Page; Review: Look, I'm a huge fan. So the review is obviously overwhelmingly positive. I'm an avid fantasy reader. And this had me hooked from start to finish. Brilliant trilogy.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Beyond the Shadows: The Night Angel Trilogy, 3; Author: Visit Amazon's Brent Weeks Page; Review: Look, I'm a huge fan. So the review is obviously overwhelmingly positive. I'm an avid fantasy reader. And this had me hooked from start to finish. Brilliant trilogy.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Way of Shadows: The Night Angel Trilogy: Book 1; Author: Visit Amazon's Brent Weeks Page; Review: Look, I'm a huge fan. So the review is obviously overwhelmingly positive. I'm an avid fantasy reader. And this had me hooked from start to finish. Brilliant trilogy.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Way of Shadows; Author: Visit Amazon's Brent Weeks Page; Review: Look, I'm a huge fan. So the review is obviously overwhelmingly positive. I'm an avid fantasy reader. And this had me hooked from start to finish. Brilliant trilogy.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Way of Shadows (Night Angel); Author: Visit Amazon's Brent Weeks Page; Review: Look, I'm a huge fan. So the review is obviously overwhelmingly positive. I'm an avid fantasy reader. And this had me hooked from start to finish. Brilliant trilogy.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Way of Shadows (Night Angel Book 1) eBook; Author: Visit Amazon's Brent Weeks Page; Review: Look, I'm a huge fan. So the review is obviously overwhelmingly positive. I'm an avid fantasy reader. And this had me hooked from start to finish. Brilliant trilogy.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Way of Shadows: The Night Angel Trilogy: Book 1; Author: ; Review: Look, I'm a huge fan. So the review is obviously overwhelmingly positive. I'm an avid fantasy reader. And this had me hooked from start to finish. Brilliant trilogy.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Blades Of Magic (Crown Service Book 1) eBook; Brand: Visit Amazon's Terah Edun Page; Review: Flowing story, you'll quickly feel attached to Sara and feel happy or sad as story unfolds. Leaves you with a taste of - More.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Thorn Fall (Rust & Relics Book 2) eBook; Brand: Visit Amazon's Lindsay Buroker Page; Review: The plot is slowly developing, but just like a small snow ball down a hill - slowly gathering momentum and near the end it comes crashing down with all the action you want.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hunting Season (The Twenty-Sided Sorceress Book 4) - Kindle edition; Brand: Visit Amazon's Annie Bellet Page; Review: Great book in an Awesome series - can't stop reading until I finish; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Once Bitten Twice Smitten; Brand: Visit Amazon's Ariana Hawkes Page; Review: It's fun to read, but I would have liked some more build into the story; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Little Ships (Alexis Carew Book 3) eBook; Brand: Visit Amazon's J.A. Sutherland Page; Review: Awesome book. J. A. Sutherland's knowledge and use of history is amazing, insightful and superb. When I realized he was describing a "Dunkirk among the stars" I was awed - even knowing history as I do, I was so into the story that it took me to the start of the evacuation to see it. Can't wait to read the next one, because if anyone can find trouble commanding a cutter - it's Alexis Carew.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Alphas: Origins - Kindle edition; Brand: Visit Amazon's Ilona Andrews Page; Review: This is an Ilona Andrews book - anyone who ever loved one of their books will love this one too. Since it appears to be a new series, I hope they will hurry and release more books in it - It's an interesting wold they have described there.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Magic Kingdom (Dragon Born Alexandria Book 3) - Kindle edition; Brand: Visit Amazon's Ella Summers Page; Review: Great series - can't wait to get any of the Dragon Born books. The plot manages to surprise you a little every time and the supporting characters are enjoyable in their own right.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Moon Tortured (Sky Brooks Series Book 1) - Kindle edition; Brand: Visit Amazon's McKenzie Hunter Page; Review: It's not an easy read, the story makes you read it until the end. Characters are live flawed and interesting; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Tooth and Claw (The Harry Russo Diaries Book 2) - Kindle edition; Brand: Visit Amazon's Lisa Emme Page; Review: The story continues. No cliffhangers per se but you are left with wanting more. Captivating storytelling - read it in less then a day.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dragon-Ridden (Dragon Ridden Chronicles Book 1) eBook; Brand: Visit Amazon's T.A. White Page; Review: Couldn't stop reading - just got sucked right in. I can't wait to have the story continued, hopefully very soon.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Unveiled; Brand: Visit Amazon's Lysa Daley Page; Review: I just love it when a story sucks me in. It's never just one thing that does it, the aythor has to hit a combination of likeable character(s), the right pace and of course the story itself. My guess is that it's different for everyone but with this one Lysa Daley hit it rught on - the world (both the hidden and normal) is believable, the characters are enchanting and the story isn't too fast or too slow.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Kindle_Store |
Given the interaction history of a user with movies/shows as follows:
Title: Dogma (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Igby Goes Down (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Being John Malkovich (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: About a Boy (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: About Schmidt (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Memento (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Saturday Night Fever (1977); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Babette's Feast (1987); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Monster's Ball (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: In the Bedroom (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Royal Tenenbaums (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: As Good as It Gets (1997); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Happy Accidents (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pulp Fiction (1994); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Swordfish (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Adaptation (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Boys Don't Cry (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Life Is Beautiful (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: You Can Count on Me (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Hours (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: La Femme Nikita (1990); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bread and Tulips (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Unhook the Stars (1996); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bridget Jones's Diary (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Tape (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Girl (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Good Girl (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mrs. Dalloway (1997); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: sex (1989); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 21 Grams (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: My Wife is an Actress (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Dancer Upstairs (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pieces of April (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Whole Wide World (1996); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Thirteen (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Living Out Loud (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Crying Game: Collector's Edition (1992); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Remains of the Day (1993); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sylvia (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Woman Under the Influence (1974); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Faces (1968); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: In the Cut (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Rushmore (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Tom & Viv (1994); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Moonlight Mile (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Raising Arizona (1987); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Run Lola Run (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Evelyn (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lonesome Dove (1989); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Game (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: American Beauty (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Wedding Planner (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: An Officer and a Gentleman (1982); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Sixth Sense (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Right Stuff (1983); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cool Hand Luke (1967); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Pretty Woman (1990); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Salton Sea (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Apollo 13 (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Roger Dodger (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Man From Elysian Fields (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 13 Conversations About One Thing (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Me Without You (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Primal Fear (1996); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 9/11 (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Matrix (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Magnolia (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Requiem for a Dream (2000); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Stranger than Paradise (1984); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Man Who Wasn't There (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Unfaithful (2002); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sunset Boulevard (1950); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mona Lisa Smile (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Confessions of a Dangerous Mind (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Perfect Storm (2000); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: America's Sweethearts (2001); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Pollock (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Anniversary Party (2001); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Unfaithful Wife (1969); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Boogie Nights (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Virgin Suicides (1999); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: House of Sand and Fog (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ever After: A Cinderella Story (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: To Die For (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Starsky & Hutch (2004); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Do the Right Thing (1989); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Girl with a Pearl Earring (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: There's Something About Mary: Special Edition (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mystic River (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Monster (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Leaving Las Vegas (1995); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Japanese Story (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Postman Always Rings Twice (1981); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Cold Mountain (2003); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Witches of Eastwick (1987); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mrs. Brown (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Anger Management (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Monsters (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0 | netflix |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Senri Hankyu Hotel; City: Toyonaka Osaka Prefecture Kinki; Review: I stayed with my family at this hotel while attending a conference in Osaka. It is a very nice, friendly, economical and comfortable hotel. The rooms are big and clean. The hotel staff is friendly and helping. The location is well connected to nearest tram and train stations. It is also close to a big shopping center so that you can do shopping and have variety of meals. Overall the hotel is good and I recommend others to stay there.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Amarys Simart; City: Paris Ile de France; Review: We stayed at this hotel during our stay in Paris. The hotel is located at one end of Paris but well connected by train. The location appeared to be not so very safe, although no such incident happened to us. The hotel does not have an elevator or escalator so you have to carry your luggage yourself to the floor assigned to you. The triple room was really small but clean. The hotel staff misleads you if you ask for route to the airport by train. They might say that today the trains are delayed or not so frequent, so take a taxi. But in reality the trains are good and convenient; they are just trying to make you hire a taxi to get some tip from the taxi. So beware! Rest was fine.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Vasa Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western; City: Gothenburg Vastra Gotaland County West; Review: I stayed in this hotel while attending a conference in Gothenburg , Sweden. The hotel is located close to the convention center. There are many nice restaurants nearby to have some good food of all flavours. It is also located close to the station. The staff was friendly and the room was small but comfortable. There are some nice sight seeing areas nearby.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Comfort Inn Kings Cross; City: London England; Review: We stayed there during our sight seeing trip to London. The hotel is located at a nice location but its old. The staff is friendly and helping. The rooms are really small. There is a subway station close to this hotel so it is well connected by train. The area nearby is very crowded and noisy. There are some good options to have food at nearby restaurants. Overall the hotel is economical and good for a stay for few days but not more.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Sheraton Grand Seattle; City: Seattle Washington; Review: We booked this hotel during our stay at seattle to attend a scientific conference. The location was just adjacent to the convention center and to the nearby shopping streets. We stayed for about a week and the stay was really nice. They also arranged a baby-sitter for our daughter and this made our trip very convenient. The rooms were large, quiet and clean. The hotel staff was also very friendly and room service was efficient. We would like to stay there again and it is good value for money.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: PUMA Men's Drift Cat 5 Leather Sneaker; Brand: ; Review: I ordered half size up based on a previous review, and that is what I would also recommend. Snug around the ball of your food (width wise), but I imagine they will break in very nicely. The puma stripe has a very slightly raised checker pattern which I'm sure will be a pain to clean, but I love everything else about these shoes. Very lightweight and flexible. I'm very happy with the purchase.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Gino Valentino Men's Two Button Side vents Jacket 2 Piece Modern Suit; Brand: ; Review: Incredible suit for a $170. I will need to get my jacket taken in around the waist, but the shoulders and arms fit perfectly (6' 180lbs). Pants are slightly snug but by no means too tight. I typically wear 34 pants (AE and Gap) with a little room left, but if you wear anything larger it may be uncomfortable.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Standard Comfort Fit Palladium Wedding Band, 4mm; Brand: Amazon Collection; Review: The ring is significantly more polished and lustrous than the image shown. However, I still like the ring very much. I have not had the ring for very long so I cannot attest to how it holds up over time, but I am defiantly happy with the purchase so far. In my opinion it looks very similar to white gold, and unless you're holding them side by side or talking to a jeweler I would imagine people would just assume it is white gold. Plus you get to say your ring is Palladium!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Stunning Engagement Cherrywood Ring Box with Dome Top Design; Brand: Little Kid in Vee; Review: Bought this box to really make the occasion. I got several boxes from the jeweler, one was a tiny black felt box which is incredibly handy, but this cherrywood box really made the whole thing beautiful. You've spend a ton of money on the ring, buy a nice $10 box!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Saucony Originals Men's Bullet Classic Sneaker; Brand: Saucony; Review: These are my favorite sneakers. Incredible light weight and are comfortable with a fair amount of walking around (around 10000 steps a day) anything more and your feet will get sore, but that't to be expected. I got two pairs because I liked these shoes so much.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Bruno Homme Moda Italy Major-2 Men's Light Weight Casual Driving Moccasins Loafers Shoes; Brand: DREAM PAIRS; Review: These are great shoes. There is a texture on the outside akin to a wrinkled leather instead of a smooth leather finish, but that does not detract from the shoes at all. They fit well and are comfortable being worn all day.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with news articles as follows:
Title: 37 Things Americans Do That Confuse the Rest of the World; Abstract: What's up with those bathroom stalls?; Category: lifestyle
Title: Why it's so hard for planes to land on water; Abstract: When US Airways Flight 1549 landed in the Hudson river all 150 passengers survived. Landing a plane on the water is called ditching. Ditching is more common in smaller private planes, not large planes from companies like Boeing or Airbus. But the Miracle on the Hudson isn't the only time an aircraft has been ditched. And despite that success, landing a plane on the water can be extremely dangerous.; Category: video
Title: Cell Phone Forces Flight Diversion to Ireland; Abstract: When no one could identify the owner of the phone, the captain diverted the flight.; Category: travel
Title: Chick-fil-A Apologizes to Customers for Promoting National Sandwich Day Which Is on a Sunday; Abstract: Chick-fil-A Apologizes for Promoting National Sandwich Day; Category: foodanddrink
Title: Man who advocated caning for adultery gets caned for adultery; Abstract: An Indonesian man has been publicly flogged for adultery, under a draconian law he helped create.; Category: news
Title: For the first time ever, a US cheese is named best in the world; Abstract: Forget the American love affair with Cheez Whiz, blocks of Velveeta and pasteurized processed cheese food slices. An organic blue cheese from Oregon has been named the world's top cheese.; Category: foodanddrink
Title: Video captures terrifying moment woman slips at Grand Canyon; Abstract: Emily Koford was visiting the national park with her mom when a step backward left her clinging to the rocks.; Category: video
Title: Anthony Mackie and wife quietly divorced last year: Report; Abstract: The actor filed for divorce in 2017, but the filing went under the radar.; Category: movies
Title: Popular Selena tribute singer from San Fernando Valley detained by ICE in Texas; Abstract: ; Category: music | mind |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Sanita Women's Riot Clog; Brand: Sanita; Review: These were beautiful shoes. The length was right, but they were much too roomy, so I had to return them. I purchased another style that fits much better. Santa's are the best fitting shoe I have worn. Love them.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sanita Women's Professional Cabrio Clog; Brand: Sanita; Review: I wear these shoes all day, up to 10 hours, walking most of the day. My feet and legs are not tired at all, unlike with athletic shoes. I love them!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fitkicks Flexible Flats - Grey/Lavender - Small; Brand: FitKicks; Review: I use these for my low impact cardio workouts and weight training, They are handy to have in my workout bag, are lightweight, but have firm grips for the resistance and cardio machines. I do not use these for outdoors, but I love them for my intended use.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Clarks Women's Brinkley Lonna Fisherman Sandal; Brand: ; Review: The only reason I rated these as a 4 instead of a 5 is because they are not sold in half sizes. As a half-sizer, most often I have to size up. I should have sized down on this pair, as the length is a bit longer than I like. These fit very well (not clumsy, in spite of the longer length) and have excellent arch and heel support. I wear these all day on ceramic tile floors. They are my "indoor shoes" at my daughter's house in Florida. I love Clarks!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Clarks Women's CloudSteppers Sillian Wonder Wedge Sandal; Brand: ; Review: I have plantar fascitis and these sandals have become my indoor shoes. I can slide these on and walk without pain or limping. I am seriously considering a second pair to wear outdoors (except that I purchased a different style of Clark's a few weeks earlier for wearing outdoors). These are very comfortable, easy to wear, and fit the foot well. I wear a half-size, but these come only in full sizes. I ordered the smaller full size and they fit perfectly, not too small or too tight. I made a very minor adjustment with the Velcro strap over my arch and haven't adjusted them since. I love these!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Clarks Women's Muckers Ruck Rain Shoe; Brand: ; Review: These fit exactly as I had hoped and expected. I plan to wear them through the winter to work and back--not through deep snow. They are very comfortable, with a great insole and arch support. Easy on and off.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Red Tomato Chef Vegtable Novelty Timer Kitchen Cooking Ring Alarm; Brand: Fantasycart (USA Seller); Review: Inexpensive, but works great. I got three and they are all good, with no problems. Ring is loud, ticking audible.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Happy Sales Silicone Garlic Peeler Peeling Press Tube Tool Random Color; Brand: Happy Sales; Review: No more jar garlic for me. This thing amazingly works. You just roll the garlic clove in it and it's peeled.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Anova Culinary Sous Vide Precision Cooker | Bluetooth | 800W | Anova App Included; Brand: Anova Culinary; Review: Really good, but get the WIFI version.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Smart Weigh High Precision Ultra Slim Digital Portable Pocket Scale with Counting Feature,Jewelry Scale,Food Kitchen; Brand: Smart Weigh; Review: Loses tare, weigh something three times, get three different weights. If a unit has grains as a measurement it needs to be able to weigh things that are 13 grains. This scale might be fine for weighing food, but not for anything where the precise weight really matters.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Blue Hill, 52"x90"; Classic Red Tavern Check, Flannel Backed, Vinyl Tablecloth; "Made in the U.S.A"; Brand: Blue Hill Products; Review: We use it every day. Covers our table successfully. Wipes clean with sponge. What else could you want from a tablecloth?; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sealing Ring - Silicone (Pack of 2) - BPA Free, Fits IP-DUO60, IP-LUX60, IP-DUO50, IP-LUX50, Smart-60, IP-CSG60 and IP-CSG50; Brand: Impresa Products; Review: They fit. Dishwasher safe.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dash Rapid Egg Cooker: 6 Egg Capacity Electric Egg Cooker for Hard Boiled Eggs, Poached Eggs, Scrambled; Brand: DASH; Review: If you like eggs, buy this now. Poached, omelet, hard or soft boiled are perfect and quick every time. Doesn't really do an over easy, but poached are better anyway.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: UltraSource Honing Steel, Smooth, 10", Orange Handle; Brand: UltraSource; Review: This is what you want in a steel. Smooth, hangable, indestructible, inexpensive. You should use this every few hours of cutting. Don't wait for your knife to get dull.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Best Price Mattress New Innovated Box Spring Metal Bed Frame, Queen; Brand: Best Price Mattress; Review: Works great - you can stow boxes underneath! Easy to move without a mattress on it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Home_and_Kitchen |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: First Alert 3060F Steel Wall Mount Key Cabinet; Brand: First Alert; Review: Key Box mounts great and holds all the keys needed and more. Thank You; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Zak Tool Pocket Key - Aluminum Grip - No. 13-BLU: Blue Finish; Brand: Zak Tool; Review: Handcuff key works great and stores easy. Thank You; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: LiftMaster 890max Mini Key Chain Garage Door Opener Remote, 2.5" Long x 1.25" Wide x 1/2"; Brand: LiftMaster; Review: Great product works fine. Thank You; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Worbest LED Flush Mount Ceiling Light, 16-Inch 24W (100W Equivalent), 3000K (Soft White); Brand: worbest; Review: Nice LED light but am having problems with it after about 6 days of use. does not fully illuminate. Thank You; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: LB72122 LED Flush Mount Ceiling Light, 16-Inch, Antique Brushed Nickel, 23W (180W equivalent) 1610 Lumens 3000K Warm White, ETL; Brand: Light Blue USA; Review: Very Bright, Nice Styling. Thank You; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Eagle America 401-1220 Deluxe Shelf Pin Jig; Brand: Eagle America; Review: Great template!! Worked Great!! Thank You; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Shelf Support, Bracket-Style, Nickel, 1/4" (100); Brand: Hafele; Review: Works Great!! Thank You; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kreg P-PIN Pine Plugs for Pockets, 50-Pack; Brand: Kreg; Review: Great Product. Thank You; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_Tools_and_Home_Improvement |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Holiday Inn Express Manchester East; City: Manchester Greater Manchester England; Review: I had a days trip to Manchester with my three kids and decided to stay at the Holiday Inn Express East.Some staff in this hotel chain in others I've been were not particularly friendly,so,I was shocked when at check in,not only were we warmly welcomed,the staff on duty,Moez Romdhani, went out of his way to give us maps showing us how to get around town and places we could visit!!! Our room was welcoming,so so clean,warm and comfortable!!My children loved it absolutely!!! nothing like clean sheets and a warm bath after a days trip!!! Having slept late,we came down a bit late for breakfast,but this same staff on duty(an angel I believe walking the face of earth) still made sure my children and I had a sound healthy breakfast!!!And extended our check out time till 2pm!!!!! Was so blown away by the extras the staff offered! One of them actually helped bring up our dinner!!! and they just kept asking if we were ok and if we needed anything!!! We were just pampered and would have loved to stay longer!!! Bless you all! Keep up the good work!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Exe Panorama; City: Paris Ile de France; Review: Great location,near the metro.Nice little place. Room was quite small,but being alone,it really didn't matter. The ladies at the reception were great help,took their time guiding me through the transport system and how to get to different locations in Paris! Nice clean hotel,just found it a bit tight but a decent place to lay your head down after a day out!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Convention Montparnasse; City: Paris Ile de France; Review: We got this apartment rental at Hotel Convention Montparnasse and from the outside you could get a bit worried. It is actually a two minutes walk away from the hotel itself. With Carrefours and lots of lovely shops all around, you can comfortably do some shopping while looking around. The metro is right infront of the hotel itself and also 2minutes walk from the apartment and cabs are always available. It was a lovely well furnished two bedroom apartment with all the necessary essentials. you are really left alone, no service and all but all you need is provided, like more than enough towels, cookware, cutleries, toiletries et al . My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our stay and so did our children. It is indeed a little home away from home. Mon aime Paris!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hilton London Metropole; City: London England; Review: It is always convenient and fun staying at the Hilton Metropole due to location access to shops,restaurant and tube,but this time,it was not as pleasant! Travelling with my whole family- five of us and having to wait over four hours to be checked into our room was the most disconcerting experience I had throughout our holiday after a long trip across Europe and looking forward to a good meal and some rest! Graciously enough we were given access to the executive lounge were we waited it out till the room was ready by then we were all really exhausted and ready to drop off! A lot has been done really to improve the outlook of this hotel but I dare say they may be overwhelmed by the magnitude of guests they have. Either that or there seem to be a new hype that seem to have come with this new status which seem to overlook the details that made it tops for me. Otherwise,it is generally ok, the pool was clean like wise the gym, the restaurant too and the food-excellent as always.Not bad at all and like I captioned still very ok!!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hispanos 7 Suiza; City: Barcelona Catalonia; Review: This beautiful place is tucked away just 5mins from Sagrada familia! It is clean and the apartments have all you need in a home away from home. Well equipped kitchen,lovely clean rooms and bathroom,though the rooms are ok they are a bit small but still cosy and lovely! The staff at the reception was awesome ever ready to help with all the necessary information. Check in was done before we could even exhale! Fast and prompt! We had our room changed as we did not like the view where we were checked into initially. Great supermarket just round the corner for all your grocery shopping.Lots of souvenir shops around and restaurants too. Do be weary of cab drivers especially at Catalonia square,one actually ran away with our 50 euros without giving us our change!Nearly soured our visit to Barcelona ,and we were quite disappointed! The hotel does have a great loction and by the way ,lovely vintage cars in the restaurant area.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Discovery Dock Zen Apartments; City: London England; Review: We stayed in the apartment at canary wharf E14 9RZ. We were on the 20th floor which had a glorious view of London. Clean apartment with a well equipped kitchen. The rooms were clean and well ventilated . There's a gym in the building and we had access to this facility. A very secure apartment, you must have a key hob or the concierge has to let you in. We had a beautiful balcony complete with a barbecue stand and a set of dine out chairs, great for a quiet morning breakfast or dinner with the view all around.. Surprisingly there was fire works display every night from some location on the far left of the neighborhood a bonus for staying at the 20th floor! Oh and not forgetting the free wi-fi. A 2 min walk by the river gets you to South Quay station, you can easily get on the train to canary wharf in case you want to do some shopping. Beautiful environment ,with a Tesco express neatly tucked in the corner opposite the apartment and an Asda a 7-10 mins walk from there as well. The bathroom in the master bedroom could do with a touch up and the bin Shute next door to the apartment can really be smelly if not properly attended to, otherwise it was a lovely experience! Thanks to Elina for her help and kindness,checking us in and ensuring we got a good apartment.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lake Buena Vista Resort Village Spa; City: Orlando Florida; Review: Oh how we loved this place! So so amazingly beautiful and convenient!this lovely resort is a 10-15 mins drive from Disney parks. With an outlet mall sprawling right next to it! The location is perfect! With Pizza Hut and a pub right there not forgetting a grocery shop attached for your quick shopping. If you want larger scale shopping there is a 24 hour Walmart 5 mins drive down the road with gas stations around just incase you need to top up on gas. The resort is clean, with well maintained grounds. Two swimming pools and a gym if you are a fitness freak! Not forgetting the spa as well! The rooms are spacious , clean and airy with a good supply of toiletries and extra towels and bedding and the well equipped kitchen,and a jacuzzi in the master bedroom ! Apartments facing the entrance gives you a beautiful view! With nights of fireworks from the parks! We enjoyed our stay so much it was hard to leave! We will definitely go back! Thanks to Denise G.Hundley-Buscaglia and all the front desk staff ! They were always of great help from checking us in promptly to whatever info we needed! All thumbs up! Thanks again and again! We had a wonderful holiday!; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Teenaged Pussies From Outer Space; Brand: Visit Amazon's Rob Loughran Page; Review: Completely disgusting and hilarious!!!! Seriously how does someone come up with this? So warped but a good, "feel good" story. I really don't know what else to say I'm still laughing so hard.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: BELTERRA (Time After Time Book 2) eBook; Brand: Visit Amazon's Carol Ann Kauffman Page; Review: I admit I didn't read the entire book. I couldn't get past the first few chapters. It seemed more like an outline of a story though I admit a good storyline. Very disjointed and vague voice. I gave it an extra star because maybe it got more detailed later on and i didn't stick with it.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: On a Wing and a Dare (Flying Horse Books Book 1) eBook; Brand: Visit Amazon's Linda Ulleseit Page; Review: I love horses. I've always loved horses so when I came across this book about horses with wings, I was ecstatic! On a Wing and a Dare is an easy read about these magnificent creatures. Although they are in the story a lot, there is also a large focus on relationships. While the biggest relationship struggle is a love triangle between Emma and two brothers, Ms. Ulleseit also tugs at the heart strings while she delves into parent/child, parent/parent, and friendships. Of course, none are easy. This book is an easy read with great descriptions of the winged horses and flying, but I would not say it is a light read. A plague among horses and people is the main antagonist and there is quite a bit of death and sorrow. But you know the author did her job when you can feel the fatigue of the people working tirelessly to save the village. The only thing that bothered me, and this is just personal taste, is the point of view switching. The book begins with the POV hopping from Emma to David almost paragraph by paragraph. While I completely understand why Ulleseit chose to go this route (she's trying to get all angles of a super action packed beginning), it was a bit distracting. The good news is for POV sticklers, it doesn't continue that way, and the POV switches happen less frequently throughout the rest of the book. Because of the themes of loss and kissy romance, I would definitely suggest this for older YA. You would have to determine if your child is ready. I know my 14 year-old could read it just fine, but I will let my 11 year-old wait another year because of the romance scenes. Their not explicit by any means, but my child is just not ready for some of the detail. Or rather I'm not ready for her to read that level of detail. Overall, this is a great book and easy read. I'll definitely be reading the squeal, In the Winds of Danger.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Taken By Surprise (Taken Trilogy Book 1) eBook; Brand: Visit Amazon's Jessica Frances Page; Review: I received a copy of this book for an honest review. It's very rare when a book can make me cry. Jessica Frances manages to do just that in the first couple of chapters of Taken By Surprise. Her ability to draw a character and make you feel a situation is astounding. But don't think this is some heart wrenching melodrama. Taken By Surprise is a heart pumping action-adventure, science-fiction, thrill ride. Not to mention a little romance. At first glance, a first person, multi-point-of-view book didn't appeal to me, and when we changed POV the first time, I was sad to leave the protagonist. However, I was soon drawn into the next character's world, and when it changed again, I got kind of mad! Each new switch had me longing for the previous characters world because I fell in love with all of them. I must sayWell done Ms. Frances! So don't let that throw you off this book. The plot is fantastic. I love me some time travel and trying to wrap my mind around it. I enjoyed delving into this particular theory and the outcomes. I won't spoil it. Add into that super powers, an origin story, secret rogue government agencies, and "make you want to punch the author" cliff hanger ending, and you have one exciting first installment of a series. I have two nitpicks. First, about halfway through the book I started noticing the American characters saying things like, "straight away" and "proper". I looked up the author and verified that she was from Australia. (Love Australians! Go Cats!) From then on the language difference was a hilarious distraction. Especially when the Texan did it. I'm Texas bornwe don't talk like that. But that is minor. My biggest beef is my disappointment in the protagonist. I don't mind when the main female character starts out frail, afraid, and needing saving. But by the end of the story, I need to see her come into her own. I understand this is a series and she has plenty of time to become the heroine, but the ending fell flat for me when she remained the victim and never had one moment of self discovery or act of valor. Even with that, I immediately looked up the author to see when the next book will be out. I can't wait to see what happens next! While there is no bow-chicka-wow-wow in this book, there are some steamy (well done) scenes that are probably best left for older teens and up to read. (If the protagonist had become strong by the end, I might have even let my 12 year old read it. Im always looking for a book with female heroes for her). There is very little cursing, but lots of violence and blood, but not gore. All in all a fantastic read that will keep me watching this author.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hers To Cherish (Verdantia Book 3) - Kindle edition; Brand: Visit Amazon's Patricia A. Knight Page; Review: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I picked this book to review because I love romance, and I love futuristic! But let's make no bones about it, this is erotica. Just because it's erotica doesn't mean it's badly written. On the contrary, the characters were well developed, the plot was exciting and made sense, and the writing was good. I particularly enjoyed the author's portrayal of dominant and submissive sex and the way she juxtaposed it with the misconceptions of the practice by creating a world based on those fallacies. She did a great job of showing that dominate/submissive sex is not about a weak person and a strong person, but rather two strong people learning to trust and care on a deeper level. I also loved the worlds Ms. Knight created. They are full of. fantastic gadgets and cultures that are believable and at times cruel. The plot was fast paced and action packed, but a little predictable. One thing caught me off guard though, and I laughed out loud for a good minute at the end of the book. I won't spoil it, but it was perfect. While the writing was good, there were many distracting places that could have used some looking over; lots of repetitive words and some awkward phrasing. Overall not enough to garner a negative review though. This book is for adults only because of detailed and graphic sex scenes. There is also violence and blood as well as some themes of rape. While these parts of the story are not too detailed, it is a caution for specific readers. Overall an entertaining and easy read.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Succubus Tear (Triune promise Book 1) - Kindle edition; Brand: Visit Amazon's Andreas Wiesemann Page; Review: I was given a copy of this book for my honest review: It's hard to know where to start with Succubus Tear. It is truly unlike anything I've ever read. When I started the book, I thought it would probably be the same old spin on a Paranormal Romance. But I was so wrong in such a good way. Succubus Tear is about the struggle of a man to understand love and and "all loving" creature to come to terms with the love she feels she can not attain. Together, Cain and Al'bah embark on an action filled journey. Through the adventure, readers are given a glimpse of their souls. Not only are these two characters drawn exquisitely, but all the supporting characters are vibrant and believable as well. It is fast paced and thought provoking. I always like to give pros and cons of a book, because there are always cons, but I can't seem to find any for Succubus Tear. I wasn't fond of some of the less developed sketches I guess, but that really doesn't reflect on the story! This book is for older YA and up as there is some language, sexual themes, and some pretty heavy duty soul searching that younger kids either need guidance or would just find boring. But any fantasy, paranormal junkie will enjoy Succubus Tear. While there are theological themes in this book, I think both religious and non can enjoy the story for the story itself. It poses some questions that will have both sides of the abyss thinking. Succubus Tear is a well written, unique story that will stay with you for quite a while.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Kindle_Store |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Island Inn Hotel; City: Bridgetown Saint Michael Parish Barbados; Review: It really is the bees knees, everything we expected and more. If we ever go back to Barbados I would'nt consider going anywhere else. The staff from the 'Boss' Tora, to my mate on the bar 'Rooney' (not real name) were really freindly and helpful.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Vine Hotel; City: Stafford Staffordshire England; Review: We have stayed a few times, and it suits us down to the ground, lovely caring staff, food/drinks are of good choice and quality, rooms are good. We always try to book at the Vine before anywhere else.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Premier Inn Bournemouth Central Hotel; City: Bournemouth Dorset England; Review: My group stayed here for the 3rd year running, and the level of service is getting worse, and don't be fooled by the fact that it is cheap, it certainly is not. The bar arrangements were a farce, two bars but only one open at a time ! we held a quiz night for about 60 people on one evening and were told to use the smaller bar with seating for 50 ! Rooms were all priced the same, but some of my group had balconies while another had steel shutters in front of his window ! Not response from the hotel manager about these issues which made it worse, I won't be staying there again.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Milford Hall Hotel Spa; City: Salisbury Wiltshire England; Review: I will cut to the chase, we had a flaming great 'Plug and go' Air-Con unit stuck on the wall next to the bed at head height, we didn't need to use it and just as well as it was very noisy, no need to make an issue but it detracted from what was otherwise a lovely stay.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica; City: Gulf of Papagayo Province of Guanacaste; Review: Secrets has taken over this resort from Hilton and are clearly spending serious money to upgrade it, it is now adult only and as such has a 'mature' feel. The staff are fantastic, very polite and helpful, the relaxed atmosphere was exactly what we wanted but some people complained it was too quiet 😚 It is only 25 minutes from the airport, but some distance from some of the natural attractions Costa Rica has to offer, so if you intend to sight see then maybe this is not the ideal base. We did take in many excursion as our two weeks allowed us time to enjoy the resort and the wonderful trips on offer. The accommodation was exceptional, the food was first class, drinks were international 'top shelf' brands and room service (which we did'nt use much) was amazing. Down sides.....the beach was 'only' OK, getting around the resort was not for anyone with mobility issues, and it is very quiet. I suspect that when Secrets complete their renovations this resort will be become expensive, we paid a 3.5 Star price but got 4.5 Star treatment.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Princess St Hotel; City: Manchester Greater Manchester England; Review: Too Expensive, and not told about refurbishments going on throughout the day. workmen with loud machinery were present throughout my 2 day stay, a gesture of complimentary breakfast/meal/drink would have appropriate.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Regency Country Club; City: Chayofa Arona Tenerife Canary Islands; Review: My partner and I really needed a break from work, we like sunshine (in December)! peace and good accommodation , we got this and more. Easy transfer from the airport, the resort runs a courtesy bus to take you into Los Christianos and Playa Americas as well as its sister hotel/resorts. You receive a welcome drink a reception and complimentary bottle of bubbly in your room. The decor in the rooms is a bit dated, but contained everything required for self catering (we chose the breakfast option) Not much to do on the doorstep but as Tenerife is relatively small with great activities all year round there is plenty to do so I would recommend a car hire, which I think a lot of people did.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Beaumond Cross Inn; City: Newark on Trent Nottinghamshire England; Review: We only spent one night here and did'nt spend much time other than to sleep, would stay again if stopping off in Newark. The Breakfast was great, you can basically have anything you ask for, with hindsight we should have has an evening meal there too but we chose to visit the local indian.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Royal Bath Hotel Spa; City: Bournemouth Dorset England; Review: Just returned from a 5 day stay and despite its grand appearance and reputation it's one of the worst hotels I've stayed at, on arrival they weren't expecting us, the staff couldn't tell me where my room was, the lift was broken, and despite informing them we had someone with mobility issues, nothing was done. When I did 'find' my room (807) I had no window only a skylight with no way of keeping the room dark, so the room was light at dawn with no way of solving it. In the morning we were denied breakfast as it was claimed we had only booked on a 'room only' basis, (this may be an issue with booking.com) but nevertheless reception did not know how to resolve it (we eventually paid extra) which brings me to my next issue, the walk-in price was only 60% of the price we pre-booked, breakfast was in fact easily forgettable, the food was tasteless, small issues but the red & brown sauce was economy standard, there was little choice, no continental option, budget sliced bread only etc etc, The staff although pleasant, and no doubt working under instruction, were not very professional, they appeared to be under great pressure to clean rooms as early as possible, hoovering up in the main lounge while relaxing as examples. One of our rooms (we booked 8 in total) required a change of occupant and obviously a change of bedding, this was requested 3 times but still did'nt happen. We were astonished to discover the bar closed at 11 each night, bang on time and no exception, we were offered access to alcohol from reception but the price was extortionate and restricted to bottles and cans, one evening following a quiz night to raise funds for charity, there were over 50 people in the bar area hoping to continue drinking, they still closed. My room apart from the light issue, was 'OK' although not very warm, during one night I became cold and sought to get an extra blanket, I thought the linen in the wardrobe was for that purpose, the 'linen' was in fact 2 extra pillows. The decor is tired and dated, I continually stumbled on uneven floors, and it wasn't because of drink, I couldn't get, or afford one ! I won't stay there again at any cost.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Winchester Hotel spa; City: Winchester Hampshire England; Review: We stayed at this hotel as we wanted to celebrate a birthday by visiting the Xmas market and Winchester Cathedral, this is a four star hotel and virtually everything was indeed 4 star, two things let the place down for me, the young male staff, and quint for breakfast ! To explain, the hotels bar staff and waiters seemed to be predominantly young males, not all of them but most lacked basic skills in customer relations, our thoughts were that although they were dressed well and looked smart, it was at the expense of more important trates. Queuing for breakfast, believe me I am serious, in our room there was a note suggesting that we avoid eating breakfast at 'peak' time, as we are early risers we got to the breakfast room before 8 o'clock, we were 4th in the que to be seated, it took about 10 minutes to be seated which was too long in my opinion, as we helped ourselves to the buffet breakfast , which was very good, we could'nt but notice the que growing, we rushed our breakfast more out of symphony for those who had not eaten than anything else, I counted the que as we left which was 23 strong, further to that some people had sat themselves in the lobby area adjacent to reception to take breakfast, there was no obvious concern from the previously mentioned staff despite the obvious unrest. It would be unfair to focus on just those issues as we found everything else to our satisfaction, one note to the management would be to keep the spa open for longer.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Pheasant; City: Brill Aylesbury Aylesbury Vale Buckinghamshire England; Review: I have passed through Brill many times without stopping, however on this occasion I had time on my hands and was feeling hungry so we stopped at The Pheasant, it must be a lovely place for the locals to meet, the staff were very friendly and attentive, there was an open fire on the go and in all essence it was the quintessential english country pub. We were shown the 'specials' board which must have been popular as some items had sold out, there was a bit of a delay as it was obvious the food was being freshly prepared, it didn't matter at all as we thoroughly enjoyed the relaxing atmosphere. We had no complaints with the food, although if given the choice I would have paid slightly less than those advertised.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: South Shore Gravity Collection 5-Drawer Dresser, Ebony with Satin Nickel Handles; Brand: South Shore; Review: took forever to put together but looks nice.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Whitmor Underbed Boot Bag, 4 Section; Brand: Whitmor; Review: It's floppy, not stiff but I guess it still gets the job done.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Superior 100% Brushed Microfiber Pleated Bed Skirt, Twin XL, Burgundy; Brand: Superior; Review: Does not look like the picture. It's more ruffled looking, not sleek flat. My bed frame is pretty high up so I was surprised to see that it drags the ground which means we are always stepping on it. It also flows quite a bit so the cat thinks it's a new toy. Overall not too thrilled with it but not dissatisfied enough to go through the hassle of sending it back.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: O2COOL Deluxe Necklace Fan; Brand: O2COOL; Review: works great. blows pretty well. ordering them for my whole family to take on our New Orleans trip in June!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Westclox 70045 Smart Backlight Alarm Clock, Silver; Brand: Westclox; Review: The color of the digits are not dark enough to see it well in the dark. The blue over powers the black.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: MyGift Set of 3 Modern Square Black Ceramic Artificial Succulent Planter/Mini Faux Potted Plants; Brand: MyGift; Review: Super cute and small so you can put them anywhere. Especially good for window sills.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Home_and_Kitchen |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: SCOSCHE X2WFH Single ANL Fuse holder; Brand: Scosche; Review: OK; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: CRAFTSMAN C3 BATTERY PACK 19.2-Volt Lithium-Ion Compact Model# PP2011; Brand: Craftsman; Review: look good; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Craftsman C3 19.2-Volt Lithium-Ion Compact Battery & Charger Starter Kit; Brand: Craftsman; Review: look good; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: uniquegoods AC 50-220V 2000W(max) 25A SCR Constant Voltage AC Motor Speed Controller LED Dimmers; Brand: uniquegoods; Review: good price; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: WINOMO Nema 17 Stepper Motor Mounting Bracket w/ M3 Screws 2 Pack; Brand: WINOMO; Review: OK; Rating: 3.0/5.0 | amazon_Tools_and_Home_Improvement |
Given the interaction history of a user with news articles as follows:
Title: Boris Johnson Has a Brexit Deal. Now He Needs Parliament's Support.; Abstract: Britain and the European Union on Thursday agreed on the draft text of a Brexit deal, setting up a fateful showdown in the British Parliament on Saturday, where it was not clear that Prime Minister Boris Johnson could marshal the votes to nail down his plan after three anguished and politically damaging years of debate.; Category: news
Title: All The Ways Life As A Teen Is Different Than It Was 50 Years Ago; Abstract: The times they have a-changed.; Category: lifestyle
Title: What it takes to be a first-class flight attendant for Emirates; Abstract: The over 22,000 flight attendants working for Emirates get free housing and a chance to travel the world. But is it worth it? We spoke with a first class flight attendant to find out what her job is really like.; Category: travel
Title: California's legal weed profits going up in smoke; Abstract: Nearly three years after California legalized marijuana, the profit outlook for this budding business looks cloudy.; Category: finance
Title: As Hong Kong protests spread to United States, colleges see a growing divide; Abstract: As the protests in Hong Kong enter their 21st week, the conflict is spilling onto campuses across the United States and highlighting rising tensions between Hong Kong-born students and their classmates from mainland China.; Category: news
Title: Explosive new wildfire drives thousands from homes near Los Angeles; Abstract: The Maria fire ignited in Ventura County early Thursday night and raced westward, consuming 4,000 acres in just three hours.; Category: weather
Title: California authorities found and destroyed $1 billion worth of marijuana plants; Abstract: A tip about supposedly legal hemp production led California investigators to fields of marijuana plants. About 10 million of them.; Category: news
Title: 2 murder suspects escape from jail, still on the run; Abstract: Santos Fonseca and Jonathan Salazar were being held in Monterey, California.; Category: news
Title: Why I Stayed in An Abusive Relationship; Abstract: Leaving an abusive relationship is harder than you think.; Category: health
Title: Scores injured, one critical in chaotic weekend of Hong Kong protests; Abstract: ; Category: news
Title: Shia LaBeouf Thanks Officer Who Arrested Him in 2017 for 'Changing My Life' in Emotional Speech; Abstract: Shia LaBeouf Thanks Cop Who Arrested Him for 'Changing My Life'; Category: movies
Title: Nor'easter to grind at US East Coast this weekend; Abstract: High winds, heavy surf and drenching rain will pound part of the southern Atlantic coast this weekend, but some impact from the storm will expand to the coastal Northeast later this weekend to early next week.; Category: weather | mind |
Given the interaction history of a user with movies/shows as follows:
Title: The People vs. Larry Flynt (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Wanda Sykes: Tongue Untied (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sleepless in Seattle (1993); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sister Act (1992); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Stepmom (1998); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mr. Deeds (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Die Hard (1988); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Twister (1990); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Rock (1996); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lethal Weapon 2 (1989); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Twister (1996); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Coyote Ugly (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Independence Day (1996); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Green Mile (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Fugitive (1993); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Maverick (1994); Rating: 3.0/5.0 | netflix |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Hotel Opera; City: Munich Upper Bavaria Bavaria; Review: One of the most convenient locations in Munich on a quiet street but central to everything.. we walked everywhere! The staff were second to none.. Special mention to Andi who every evening was a delight and the morning breakfast staff also made our stay, especially being so accomodating of my very bad german and letting me practice.. The rooms were more than comfortable, all in all i couldnt fault them and would definitely stay again!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Die Hirschgasse Heidelberg; City: Heidelberg Baden Wurttemberg; Review: After travelling around almost all the south and east germany and switzerland we ended in Heidelberg staying at this little gem. I look for hotels that can give me an insight or experience in the local culture somehow without being touristy. I was let down by previous hotels on this trip that were just old not engaging, authetic or offering any local insights. Upon arriving we learnt the beautiful, romantic history of the hotel with genuine passion from the hostess. The romantic suite that they kindly gave us for my birthday celebrations was yes, older furniture but that made it classic! If you want new and modern then i'd suggest visiting asia pacific not historic central europe. The important things like a decent freshly made menu breakfast included, very comfortable beds & pillows, room temperature, a good shower, toilet and bathroom with good doors so you dont invade personal space if youre a couple who doesnt share everything (!), ample towels for girls who have long hair, quality bath products (nothing worse than bad shampoo!) - all coupled with personal touches that i wont spoil and let them be a surprise for you as they were for us. My only disappointment is we came when the restaurant with a michelin star was closed :( i could absolutely imagine it being a treat if the service and attention to detail is the same as the hotel. A big thank you to "Hostess M" who made us so very welcome! PS even in middle of winter the 2600 steps to old town from the hotel are delightful.. keep an eye out for the pad locks on the bridge and share in the hotels and heidelbergs romance!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Grand Mercure Phuket Patong; City: Patong Kathu Phuket; Review: This hotel was a great location to the markets, bangla road and all amenities you need. Naturally their star rating is as you would expect a top hotel to be. My one insight is to try their buffet special, for 1300 baht it is so worth it! I don't like buffets but this one won me over. The seafood cooked fresh was great, the steaks (albiet from my motherland australia) were delish and the chocolate foundation made my day.... picture Homer Simpson skipping through candyland!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Railay Bay Resort Spa; City: Railay Beach Krabi Town Krabi Province; Review: The sunset was truly amazing.. The activities around the area - rock climbing, monkeys, beautiful beaches, boxing and more were adventurous and fun The rooms were great, comfy bed, properly amentities and the outdoor shower was to die for! I like pressure and temperature and this had it! Could i offer feedback? The ONLY thing is their check out process.. now we were in a group of 50 so maybe that's why but they wanted to check each room for the mini bar before we left. It would have been easier to ask us and if we didn't tell the truth just to use our credit cards like another hotel would do than wait an hour for the process to be done. A small piece of feedback for an overall wonderful hotel and destination!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ramada by Wyndham Phuket Deevana Patong; City: Patong Kathu Phuket; Review: Its a great value hotel but out of the way. When you need a cab they can never arrange and expect you to walk 500m down to the main road, when in heels for special occasions and its 35 degrees heat it's a little much! Not sure why such a simple thing as calling a taxi is so hard?!; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Ilkeliani Camp; City: Maasai Mara National Reserve Rift Valley Province; Review: As two 30 something corporate females from Australia, we enjoyed our 3 day stay at Ilkeliani a lot but unfortunately we had just previously had two amazing experiences in Samburu and Lewa so the bar was set high and the Mara fell a little short in some aspects. The national park was not respected, with farmers accessing it and rubbish frequently in clear sight. This was a little off putting. Our previous guides in Samburu and Lewa stopped and picked rubbish up when they saw it. The cars didn't have eskies for the water and from the moment we got in the car the water was warm. I suggest you bring a water flask like we were given at Lewa and prefill with cold bottled water before each drive, unless you like hot water! Our driver James didn't tell us much although we wanted to learn. When i asked questions he gave 1 or 2 word answers, used words like "probably" even though he's meant to be the expert and yawned at one point. This made me give up asking because he was clearly not as passionate or educated as our other park guide experiences. The Mara guides all call in the animals and drive quickly to each making it feel very staged and touristy as there will be half a dozen or more cars crowding the animals. Other parks have rules as to how many cars can approach an animal at one time and teach you how to spot the animals without relying on the radio which makes it that much more exciting. We did however see some great feeding moments of lions, cheetahs and hyenas and all the other expected animals so if you just want to see them and not learn more than how to take a photo then you will love the experience. We changed it up after we realised our assigned guide was not our style and did hot air ballooning the next morning which was a great experience. And then an impromtu walking game tour the following morning. This was the highlight! Joel our guide was brilliant. He had a good sense of humour and informative about the Maasai people, the animals and the bush. We were lucky enough to walk into elephants who took us to a watering hole in the dry river of which warthogs, eland, dik dik, babboons and the elephants were all milling around together less than 25m away from us. We saw lots of birds including an african scops owl and bush hyrax too which were nice sightings you don't get via car. I highly recommend going by foot if you've done a few drives already. You may not see as many animals and can't get as close (obviously) but it does give you a different perspective and experience. Wilson, one of the main hosts for the camp, was exceptional and very willing to please. The chef was also very very accomodating for my best friend who only eats very specific foods. The staff and warriors who protect the camp at; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Canelands Beach Club and Spa; City: Salt Rock KwaZulu Natal; Review: The view and access to the beach is definitely a highlight but shouldn't overshadow the friendly accommodating staff, great breakfasts and comfortable rooms. Only feedback is the shower could be a little better for someone with a mane for hair, otherwise couldn't fault our stay at Canelands. Thank you to the staff for making my cousins wedding day perfect - especially Wendy!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Valdior; City: Umhlanga Rocks KwaZulu Natal; Review: As a single female I stayed 2 nights at Valdior whilst visiting family. The welcoming was 5 star, the house is utterly beautiful as are the staff. It's a 10min walk to Umhlunga Rocks in a very nice street. I felt perfectly safe walking down myself- albiet the cheeky vervet monkeys chased me down the street! Highlights were the enormous and comfy bed and very lush bathroom with a great shower to help revitalize half way through my travels. This was an unexpected delight and would definitely stay again given the chance!; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Web Development and Design Foundations with HTML5 (8th Edition); Author: Terry Felke-Morris; Review: Great; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Windows 10 Step by Step; Author: Visit Amazon's Joan Lambert Page; Review: Great; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Becoming an Architect: A Guide to Careers in Design; Author: Visit Amazon's Lee W. Waldrep Page; Review: great; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: From Far Away, Vol. 8; Author: Kyoko Hikawa; Review: Love it!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: ServSafe CourseBook with Online Exam Voucher (6th Edition) (MyServSafeLab Series); Author: National Restaurant Association; Review: Good book for school.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Thinking with Type, 2nd revised and expanded edition: A Critical Guide for Designers, Writers, Editors, & Students; Author: Visit Amazon's Ellen Lupton Page; Review: Good book for school.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Adobe Dreamweaver CC Classroom in a Book (2014 release); Author: Visit Amazon's James J. Maivald Page; Review: Good book for school.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Game Design Workshop: A Playcentric Approach to Creating Innovative Games; Author: Visit Amazon's Tracy Fullerton Page; Review: Good book for school.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: A Guide to SQL (Available Titles Skills Assessment Manager (SAM) - Office 2010); Author: Philip J. Pratt; Review: Good book for school.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Today's Health Information Management: An Integrated Approach; Author: Visit Amazon's Dana C. McWay Page; Review: Good book for school.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: California Master Gardener Handbook, 2nd; Author: Dennis Pittenger; Review: Good book for school.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Adobe InDesign CC Classroom in a Book (2017 release); Author: Visit Amazon's Kelly Kordes Anton Page; Review: Good for class.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Web Style Guide: Basic Design Principles for Creating Web Sites; Author: Mr. Patrick J. Lynch; Review: Good.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Exam 70-642 Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure Configuration, Lab Manual; Author: Microsoft Official Academic Course; Review: Good.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Microsoft Office 2010: Illustrated Fundamentals (Available Titles Skills Assessment Manager (SAM) - Office 2010); Author: Barbara M. Waxer; Review: Good for class.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Street Food; Author: Visit Amazon's Clare Ferguson Page; Review: Good.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Web Designer's Roadmap: Your Creative Process for Web Design Success; Author: Visit Amazon's Giovanni DiFeterici Page; Review: Good.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Killer UX Design: Create User Experiences to Wow Your Visitors; Author: Jodie Moule; Review: Good.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: From Far Away, Vol. 11; Author: Kyoko Hikawa; Review: Love it very much!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Graphic Design: The New Basics; Author: Visit Amazon's Ellen Lupton Page; Review: Good for class.; Rating: 3.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Perky-Pet 8108-2 Green Antique Bottle 10-Ounce Glass Hummingbird Feeder; Brand: Perky-Pet; Review: We bought two feeders, one for ourselves and one as a present for friends. The one we kept would not draw properly for some reason. We had to to out and tap it every day to release the sugar water and refill the basin. We contacted Perky-Pet and they were absolutely great about it. Shawn Green in customer service immediately sent us a replacement, and the replacement feeder works fine. Any company that stands behind its products and fixes a problem without any hassle or fuss is OK in my book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Zodiac W70472 Baracuda G2 Automatic Pool Cleaner; Brand: Zodiac; Review: I have had this for less than a year, and now I have to junk it. It has utterly failed to live up to expectations. It routinely gets caught on our pool steps, fails to vacuum the entire pool (it seems to cover the same lines repeatedly and misses parts of the pool consistently). It has also worn a hole in the plastic pipe above the "steering wheel" bumper that is supposed to keep it from getting trapped, but doesn't work. When the Baracuda gets stuck, it keeps jerking around without moving, and rubs up against the cement stairs. It did that for several months, until the plastic pipe eventually wore through. Now it works for about a half hour, and then just stops. I shake it, and it goes for another little while and stops again. I tried replacing the plastic diaphragm, but no luck, so I am through. It's an expensive lesson, but lesson learned. We had a Hayward PoolVac, and that had some issues, too, but the ones we had usually lasted a couple of years before they began to wear out. At least they cleaned the entire pool and rarely, if ever, got stuck. I know that I am throwing out the Baracuda; I do not know what I am going to get to replace it, but I suspect I'll go back to the Hayward.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Outdoor Interiors Resin Wicker and Eucalyptus Rocking Chair, Brown and Grey; Brand: Outdoor Interiors; Review: We love these chairs. They are comfortable, sturdy, and, in short, they rock. We liked the first one so much we ordered a second. We use them mostly indoors, but drag them outside when we have company and want to sit on the patio. In spite of what some reviewers said, these chairs are easy to assemble, and do not require any additional drilling, special tools, or anything like that. I am no handyman, so if they were at all difficult to put together, I would have been among the first to suffer and possibly die. One of the chairs has a small sharp edge where a small piece of wood has splintered off. It is on the underside of one of the armrests, so it isn't a big deal for us, but I thought that I should note it for the record (I think that eucalyptus tends to do this more than some other hardwoods).; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Makita UC4051A 16" Electric Chain Saw; Brand: Makita; Review: It is still pretty new, but so far, it's fantastic. Plenty of power to do around-the-yard cutting (we have 70 year-old pine and elm trees). Reliable, clean, and the need for a power cord has not been a limitation or an irritant to date. Our last gas chainsaw was a complete pita, and this has been the opposite of that so far.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Glorden Heavy Duty Thumb Control Garden Hose Nozzle Adjustable High Pressure Spray Gun; Brand: GLORDEN; Review: Excellent nozzle, well built and sturdy, with lots of choices to control the water stream. The thumb-controlled on/off lever is a bit harder to use than a trigger, but it is not difficult to use and hopefully it will last longer.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: ProTuff Pool Net Leaf Skimmer Rake - 19.5" - Unlimited Free Replacement Guarantee - Professional Grade Medium Fine Mesh; Brand: ProTuff; Review: I bought this net in 2014 and loved it-- it was the best pool net I have ever had. I did not treat it very well, and left it outside in the California sun, and by 2017 it had started to develop lots of small holes across one side. I decided to see if ProTuff honored their warranty, and what do you know? They do. In response to my e-mail to the company, I got a quick, personal, and very nice note from Mike, who immediately offered to replace the net, and even to expedite delivery if it was an emergency. It wasn't urgent, so I said no to expedited shipping, but even so the replacement got to my house within the week. Great product, excellent customer service, and they live up to their promises when it comes to their no questions asked warranty. You can't ask for much more-- I am very happy that I bought this pool net.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Patio_Lawn_and_Garden |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Spigen Air Skin iPhone 6 Plus Case with Semi-transparent Lightweight Material for iPhone 6 Plus - Azalea Pink; Brand: Spigen; Review: No protection! Material is like plastic paper. You can rip this case like you do with regular paper :(; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: iPhone 6S Plus Case, Incipio DualPro Case [Shock Absorbing] Cover fits both Apple iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6S Plus; Brand: Incipio; Review: Gets dirty quick.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: iPhone 6S Case, Incipio DualPro Case [Shock Absorbing] Cover fits both Apple iPhone 6, iPhone 6S - Red/Gray; Brand: Incipio; Review: Description says it is for an iPhone 6 but the features and detail section have a measurement of an iPhone 6 plus. Received wrong case size; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: ChefzBest Screen Protector Charger Cord Cable; Brand: ChefzBest; Review: Didn't fit well. Was told after I purchased that the covers will not fit the entire screen. They should have explained that in the description; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: iPhone 6s Case, Spigen [Capsule] SOFT-FLEX [Crystal Clear] Premium Flexible Soft TPU / Extra Grip Case for iPhone 6; Brand: Spigen; Review: Does not fit right the case comes off every time I put the phone in my pocket or my purse. Also the case seems to be stretching out. The case doesn't hold its shape. Better off getting the cheap ones on eBay.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: iOttie Easy View 2 Car Mount Holder for iPhone 7 7 Plus, 6s Plus 6s 5s; Brand: iOttie; Review: Does not stay on :(; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: OtterBox COMMUTER SERIES Case for iPhone 5/5s/SE - BUBBLEGUM WAY (BUBBLEGUM PINK/SEASHELL PINK); Brand: OtterBox; Review: Keeps phone secure.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Cell_Phones_and_Accessories |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Villa Sumbing Indah; City: Borobudur Magelang Central Java Java; Review: If it's not for the location of the villa, I might not give a score for th villa. Unstable hot water, rats on the roof.....perfect...:( I booked via booking.com, and have some misscomm with the FO.....that's not all. When I about to pay I'll use my Visa because they put "We accept mastercard and visa", I got charged 3% for Visa payment. Overall, I don't recommend that for your stay; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Somerset Berlian Jakarta; City: Jakarta Java; Review: Worth the price. My husband booked 2 bedroom apartment with fully furnished just like home. Spacious unit, good environment, helpfull staff. Please provide water dispenser since we only had 4 small bottle for drink; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Puri Casablanca Serviced Apartment; City: Jakarta Java; Review: I stay for 3 nights in 2 bedrooms unit. Rooms 305. With similar price, I wont recomend this apt for stay. Poor staff, management also. I have to sign inventory sheet prior check in yet I dont know whether the things stated true or not. I booked rooms with breakfast, front office men acknowledged that. The next day I am heading to restaurant I asked about the voucher, the front office didn't gave me the voucher from the very first day my arrival. The amenities were so poor, got only 1 toothbrush in masterbathroom. Cant ask for extra towel 🤨. Didn't get tea set too in the room on the first day. Ok, I can only give good mark on the landscape. Looks nice for your kids (since I dont have times to have my kids played around); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Alana Solo Hotel Convention Center; City: Solo Central Java Java; Review: Stay for 2 nights in deluxe room (wo breakfast). Spacious room and bathroom. 2 large single bed plus 1 sofabed. Located nearby the city, easily access to parking area. If you're looking for traditional food don't bother to book bed and breakfast, find outside the hotel.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Elaf Taiba Hotel; City: Medina Al Madinah Province; Review: Dear management From almost all the reviews I read about el taibah, they do have similar (I should say expectation) hence of the strategic location of the hotel. It is wise to consider the good inputs for the hotel's improvements in the future. Serving guests better would reflect good akhlaq of Islam too, right? May all of us be blessed by Allah SWT..; Rating: 3.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Sterling Silver White Freshwater Cultured A Quality Pearl Necklace (6.5-7mm); Brand: Amazon Collection; Review: I bought the pearls for our son's wedding. I'm very happy with the weight and color. The clasp is the old fashion style where you thread and then push or pull. It took me awhile to figure out how it works, so be careful you don't break it in the process. It would be nice if they included a small diagram explaining how it works. It's just a tiny bit wavy, but when it's on the neck it's not noticeable. For under $25.00 they are a good bargain.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sterling Silver A-Quality White Freshwater Cultured Pearl Necklace; Brand: Amazon Collection; Review: I bought the pearls for our son's wedding. I'm very happy with the weight and color. The clasp is the old fashion style where you thread and then push or pull. It took me awhile to figure out how it works, so be careful you don't break it in the process. It would be nice if they included a small diagram explaining how it works. It's just a tiny bit wavy, but when it's on the neck it's not noticeable. For under $25.00 they are a good bargain.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Stormy Kromer Mercantile Petal Pusher Cap - Women's; Brand: Stormy Kromer; Review: I love my SK hat! It will be nice to wear a stylish hat for the colder months. I have a small head and ordered a 6 5/8. It's tricky to get the right size. I also ordered another hat directly from SK. It's 1 size smaller 61/2 which is the smallest they come. This one fits really nice around the head. The bigger one is great for over the ears.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Kalso Earth Shoe Women's Black Pace 10 B(M) US; Brand: Kalso Earth Shoes; Review: I bought these shoes because of my planters fascitis. There is absolutely no arch support built in. If you have custom orthotics they may be great for you. I had to return them.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Fifth Parallel Threads FPT Womens Basic Racerback Rayon Tank Top (S-3XL) Aquamarine; Brand: Fifth Parallel Threads; Review: I'm 5 feet 110 lbs. and I ordered a small. I wish there was an extra small to choose from. I also wanted it to be a tighter spandex. It was too loose and too long. I'm keeping and giving it to my Daughter. Cost wise it made no sense to return it.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Indrah Women Emboridery Corset Top Sexy Lingerie Sets Underwear with G-string; Brand: Indrah; Review: It's really beautiful and I love it but I would recommend going a size up unless you really want your corset to take your waist. Im a medium top but I had to loosen mine like crazy to adjust it. But overall amazing and happy with my purchase.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kadiya 31.5" 80cm Straight Cosplay Costume Wig Black Flat bangs; Brand: KADIYA; Review: My wig was beautiful long thick and full it had weight to it didn't feel light or plastic. It's amazing the bangs were on point and e everything and no shedding I'm very pleased with my order.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: ROPALIA Women Bodycon Floral Illusion Bandage Two Piece Crop Top and Skirt Set; Brand: ROPALIA; Review: amazing love it; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Allegrace Women Sexy Luxury Lace Halter Neck Banquet Cocktail Prom Party Dresses; Brand: Allegrace; Review: It's really nice but came with this horrible smell idk if it's the dye or fabric but REALLY smells crazy other then that it's just like the picture; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cozylife 26 Letter Pendant Girls Black Velvet Choker Necklace for Women Kids Best Gifts; Brand: Cozylife; Review: super cute cant wait to wear it hopefully it won't break only rated it 4 because i haven't worn it yet lol; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Pink Queen Women's Removable Strap Wrap Pad Cheeky High Waist Bikini Set Swimsuit; Brand: Pink Queen; Review: Loved it just didn't like the padding lol but i got a lot if compliments on it and it was exactly as i expected it.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: WearAll Women's Lace Camisole Crop Top; Brand: WearAll; Review: Hook broke off almost immediately I was disappointed because I had loved this shirt; Rating: 2.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Capelli New York Diamond Printed Knit Boot With Fold Down Ladies Indoor Slippers; Brand: Capelli New York; Review: He's 10 and has been asking for "booties" for the longest time. Finally found these and he wears them around the house all the time just like I wear mine.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hello Kitty Women's Printed Plush 13 Inch Boot With Sherpa Detail; Brand: Hello Kitty; Review: I wear a size 7 wide and got the right size but the more I wear them the bigger they seem to get. Other than that they are great! EDIT: 2 months later, these things have gotten so big I can no longer wear them. I've fallen down the stairs a couple of times, even fell up the stairs, they are now dangerous. But guess what? I'm ordering another pair, this time I'll get small as opposed to medium. They're so warm and you can't beat the price.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Hanes Boy's X-Temp Camo Thermal Set; Brand: Hanes; Review: The 10 year old loves them. Comfortabel. Fit great!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Nike Mens Prime Hype DF Basketball Shoes Grey; Brand: ; Review: My son lives these and wears them for his basketball games.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Women's Knee Length Waffle Weave Kimono Bathrobe, Short Spa Robes; Brand: Turkish Linen; Review: Wish it had the inside tie that a lot of robes do for added security, but it's pretty cute.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: NIKE Men's Zoom Without A Doubt Basketball Shoe; Brand: ; Review: My teen son loves these. Bought them for basketball.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hanes Men's 10-Pack Crew Socks; Brand: ; Review: Bought for my teen son. Perfect.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: NIKE Men's Prime Hype DF II Basketball Shoe; Brand: ; Review: My boy LOVES these.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Chinese Laundry Ladies POM POM Plush & Knit Slipper Boot; Brand: ; Review: These are super comfy and are keeping their shape nicely.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Maidenform Women's One Fab Fit Extra Coverage Lace T-Back; Brand: ; Review: Very comfie. Fits just as expected. Will buy more.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Saucony Women's Triumph Iso 3 Running Sneaker; Brand: Saucony; Review: Very comfortable.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Arctix Men's Snow Sports Cargo Pants; Brand: Arctix; Review: 14 year old loves them. Fits well, great price.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Alla Lighting H16 (Type; Brand: Alla Lighting; Review: One of the lights came broken the one on the right you can see the micro chip and wires; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: SiriusLED Super Bright White and Amber Switchback 3030 Chipset SMD LED Bulbs with Projector for Car Turn Signal Lights DRL; Brand: SiriusLED; Review: Came broken!!!!!; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Dorman 901-120 Driver Information Switch; Brand: Dorman; Review: Doesn't light up :/; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Dorman 901-122 Driver Information Switch; Brand: Dorman; Review: Doesn't light up:/; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Bangbangche 2X; Brand: Bangbangche; Review: Only came with 8 lights; Rating: 1.0/5.0 | amazon_Automotive |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Rigid Industries 40190 Wiring Harness for 40" to 50" Light Bar; Brand: Rigid Industries; Review: Bought harness for my light bar. Decided to buy a good brand "rigid" since they are well known for great quality led light bars so I assumed the wiring harness would be great. I was wrong it's a subpar quality for a harness. You get good connectors, good size wire but extremely cheap vinyl sleeve for the wires. I was expecting rigid quality like braided wire loom sleeving, not the extremely cheap vinyl you would expect for "cheap" wiring harness from fleabay.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Auxbeam LED Light Bar Wiring Harness Kit with Fuse Relay ON/Off Switch for LED Off-Road Driving Light Fog Light Work; Brand: Auxbeam; Review: Auxbeam light bar is the best so far. Great quality, great light output. I ordered the 12" auxbeam for my jeep. I've had previous ebay lights that the leds burned out with in a month of use as well as condensation in the lense. Not auxbeam light. Never had issue with condensation or anything. The brackets alone are thicker material then others I've seen. So if your in the market for a lightbar please don't go for cheaper ones and sacrifice quality. Give auxbeam a try. You won't be disappointed; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Gorilla Automotive 1921SDKEY Standard Small Diameter Lug Nut Key; Brand: Gorilla Automotive; Review: Great replacement for lost key; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Schumacher SE-1555A 12V Automatic Wheeled Battery Charger with Engine Start; Brand: Schumacher; Review: Bought this charger for my small needs around the house. Had it for 2 months before I had the chance to use it. Worked great for about two times. Then I set it to charge a battery, came back and heard it hum but the display was off. Turned it off and back on...nothing. Unplugged unit for 20 to 30 minutes. Came back turned unit back on and the display was lit. Everything seemed normal. Went to charge a lawn mower battery. Hooked up cables. Started charging process and the display went blank but still a hum. Junk. I have always used the older style manual timer ones and thought I would give this one a try. Waste of money. Looks brand new only used a couple times and can't return to amazon.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: YUMSEEN Super Bright LED Headlight H1 Bulbs Conversion Kit w/Clear - 72W 6000K 7,200Lm Philips Chip; Brand: YUMSEEN; Review: Bright light. Looks great. Brighter than any other led lights ive tried. Fan is silent. I find that led technology is almost there. Granted these are better than halogen. Makes the car look like 100k vehicle.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Automotive |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Novotel Hong Kong Nathan Road Kowloon; City: Hong Kong; Review: We were upgraded to a premier room on the 15th floor and I would recommend you go for one of these rooms. The staff were lovely and very helpful and the hotel spotless . The facilities on the premier floor superb!! We were very sad to leave the hotel because it helped to make our stay in Hong kong a memorable one. We would love to return to the hotel and Hong kong!!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Sands Sea Front Apartments; City: Scarborough Scarborough District North Yorkshire Englan; Review: Don't really want to say too much because these apartments are fabulous- don't want people to know this!!! We go at least twice a year and could happily live there. The staff are so friendly and helpful. The apartments are spotlessly clean and the beds so comfortable. The views are amazing of the sea and beach. You really need to choose a sea view apartment. Free car parking in secure car park.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Doubletree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld; City: Orlando Florida; Review: This is a lovely friendly relaxed hotel. The staff are excellent and eager to help. The bed was so comfortable and the room although slightly dark in decoration is of a very good size and has everything you would want. The hotel is in an excellent position with easy access to seaworld and courtesy bus to Disney parks. Wonderful cookies on arrival and departure!! Would definitely recommend and would love to return.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Best Western Hotel Kantstrasse Berlin; City: Berlin; Review: The hotel staff were all fabulous, very polite and professional. The room was very clean and comfortable. The breakfast was excellent with a huge choice of hot and cold items. Very handy for subway and close to shops and a decent Italian restaurant along the street. Lovely big bed and good shower - all in all a very good choice. The only slight negative is that the hotel doesn't have air conditioned rooms but I do know they will lend you a fan for the room if asked. I fact they will helped in any way if asked!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Bon Repos; City: Santa Ponsa Calvia Majorca Balearic Islands; Review: This is a small boutique hotel in quiet part of santa plans. Our room and the whole hotel was fresh, clean and spacious. The pool area is fabulous and the bar sells reasonably priced drinks. All the staff were lovely and the breakfast has a good choice of cold buffet. Would love to go back!!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Seaside Inn; City: San Francisco California; Review: We stayed here at the beginning of March. The inn is in an excellent position and you can walk to many places or easily catch a bus. The beds were the most comfortable we have ever slept in and the room was very clean. Lots of towels and toiletries refreshed daily. The breakfast was limited but ok as a start to the day and there is a coffee machine,microwave and fridge in the room.Would definately recommend this inn. A great place to stay in San Francisco!; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: DeWalt DWST20800 Mobile Work Center Rolling Workshop; Brand: DEWALT; Review: Very creative piece of storage equipment; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dremel 7700-1/15 MultiPro 7.2-Volt Cordless Rotary Tool Kit; Brand: Dremel; Review: This is a great tool for many things, and no cord.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Vent Motor Assembly Part # 85598000; Brand: Nutone; Review: Great part, fit perfectly.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 2x4 Basics Workbench Kit, Model# 90158MI [Misc.]; Brand: 2x4 Basics; Review: Makes a great workbench easy.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dremel 710-08 All-Purpose Rotary Accessory Kit, 160-Piece; Brand: Dremel; Review: Everything you need.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Striker Adjustable Garage Parking Sensor - Parking Aid; Brand: Striker Concepts; Review: Doesn't stay on the wall. Malfunctions all the time.; Rating: 2.0/5.0 | amazon_Tools_and_Home_Improvement |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Tumbling Waters Retreat; City: Stanwell Tops New South Wales; Review: A small group of 50 guests were invited to a wedding in early January. The TWR have only 4 guest rooms, perched on a cliff (Stanwell Tops) , embraced by plush vegetation. ROOM : much nicer than expected, great bed, shower is separate but over bath, great mirror, iron and board, blow dryer, even came with air freshener, mortein, bottle of sparkling wine. For the price you pay, I was hoping for a little more, maybe some olives, gourmet dips?? FOOD: again, very surprised at quality and service for the wedding service. Top notch! Note that TWR do have restaurant though you need to advise them in advance if you wish to dine with them. SERVICE : non intrusive, yet helpful when needed The only down note that I could say is that we felt the wedding service was a little rushed, we HAD to be out by 11pm. The waiters were clearing stuff from the tables even though some had not finished. Their strict cerfew is due to the surrouding neighbours which is understandable. All in all - a great get away, just an hour's drive from Sydney. And a lovely spot if you're thinking of getting married. The cost - minimum 2 night stay which sets you back just under a grand!!!!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Laurin Small Charming; City: Selva di Val Gardena Val Gardena Province of South Tyrol T; Review: Hoteliers Gregor and Astrid manage this perfect sized boutique hotel that oozes warmth, personal service, and run like a well-oiled machine! They claim to be "small" but to me, they are BIG on everything. We had an arduous journey from Gatwick to the hotel, we called from Innsbruck airport to inform Greg of an ETA, and we were told not to worry, they were expecting us, and that they had prepared a late supper in our room (we arrived at 10pm). The moment we walked in, we were warmly greeted by the two, our luggage immediately taken to our rooms, a quick check in formality and we were shown to our room. Hotel Laurin is uniquely positioned between the 2 main ski lifts, only a snow balls throw away. They have parking on site, ATM, ski hire, ski school, bus shuttle and taxi across the road. Breakfast and dinners are an event to remember! Breakfast is buffet style with choices such as scrambled or boiled eggs, sausages, bacon, too many choices for cereals, juices, breads and pastries, cold meats, cheeses, fruit, conserves, coffee, tea. Dinner menu changes every night, so eat lightly at lunch to enjoy the 4 or 5 courses in the evening- believe me (and the other reviews) it is a fine dining feast! Obviously alcohol is not included. They have a small choice of wine grown in the region, and they also have a wine cellar if you feel the need to splurge. The wine we had every night was 30 euros (about AUD 45). Reliable and fast WiFi connection in the lobby only will set you back 8 euros for the week. Bar service is open all day if you feel like a hot, cold or alcohol beverage. Our junior suite was very roomy, TV in both sitting area and bedroom. Loads of channels though none in English. Decor is not to everyone's taste, though it is far from sterile and soulless like some newer and hip hotels in the area. Huge bathroom with tub, great firm bed, great pillows, loads of room for clothes, luggage and toiletries. Rooms are efficiently and meticulously cleaned daily, pillows fluffed, towels re-hung. Turn down service discretely actioned behind the scenes while you're feasting over dinner! One other thing, the correspondence between Astrid and myself by email prior to paying my deposit, was another credit to them. Astrid answered all of my (probably annoying) questions courteously and professionally, which to me, first impressions matter so much these days. Our 6 day stay was truly a memorable one. Being a traveler in search of the best, indeed we found the best here at the Laurin. This is definitely 5 STAR!!!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Leloma Bed Breakfast; City: Orange New South Wales; Review: A group of 2 couples decided to head to Orange before the mad rush of the Food and Wine Festival that commences in October. Ornage was very pleasant 4 hour drive from sydney (stopped at the famous Gourmet Cafe at Leura Village for a coffee fix). We planned our trip so that we were at Belgravia Union Bank Pub for lunch. Awesome place, great prices, service, & wine! Left the car there and walked to the B&B. A note from owner Neil explaining how to let ourselves in. The B&B: a whole solid house to yourself which comfortably accommodates 2 couples, each with it's own private entrance and ensuite. 2 decent sized private bedrooms set at the back of the house, very well presented. Aircon, towels, Austar, great bed, sheets & pillows, tea coffee facilities, there's also washing machine, iron/ironing board if you need it, hot brekky thrown in, all for $175 per room per night. National St is very wide, quiet, leafy and borders a gorgeous park. Owner Neil was very professional yet casual, we all felt very relaxed in his home. He stays in the 3rd bedroom (separated by a door and hallway). He gave us great ideas as to where to go in terms of wineries and food. He suggested that we try Lolli Redini for dinner. Tip - try not to each too much for lunch coz this place is seriously rich, & we are 4 fit men who love to eat good food! There are LOADS of great places to eat here and we bought cases of wine from 2 wineries. Give this B&B a go, it's a fraction of the price than the surrounding places, with more room, intimate service, without invading one's privacy. The ONLY recommendation I would suggest is having underfloor heating in the bathrooms (the bathroom does have overhead heating lamps). We will definately come to Orange again next Autumn, it's a change from the Hunter Valley where its getting quite pricey and way too commercial.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Leura House; City: Leura Blue Mountains New South Wales; Review: If you’re looking for contemporary elegance with 5 star amenities, this is not your getaway abode. As my partner & I like privacy, I called to book the Priest’s Cottage, but I was told it would only be let out for groups of 4, or small families. I completely understood and asked for the most private room upstairs in the main house instead. While checking availability, Denise regrettable advised all those rooms were booked out. I thanked her and was about to end the call, when she offered the Cottage for the two of us AND for the same price! I was pleasantly surprised! We allowed 2 hours drive from Sydney to Leura as road works still on-going. We had spent lunch at Solitary and checked in at the House at 2.30pm. We were greeted so warmly by Denise (and the handsome two Labradors) and she showed us our Cottage. Very friendly yet not intrusive. Basic accommodation – firm queen bed in both rooms with perfectly ironed crisp white sheets, great pillows, fridge stocked with some beers, milk, coffee, tea, kettle, iron & board, oil heaters, TV, cosy lounge, thick drapes, good hot shower, clean towels, soap. We had booked Silks for dinner (recommended!!!) so this B&B was very convenient. The ex-convent is set back from the main freeway, being a light sleeper, I didn’t hear any traffic noise. It was completely peaceful. Cold & hot breakfast was served between 8.30 – 9.30am. Self serve continental brekky – cereals, toast, fruit, percolated coffee, tea, followed by choice of poached or fried eggs, bacon, roasted tomatoes. No communal tables here thank goodness. Check out was a breeze; we had paid upfront so we just slid the keys under the main reception door on leaving. Thanks Denise for a great stay, we’ll try & come back with a group of four next time just to return the generous favour you had offered us! Take care.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Eagle Peaks at Freycinet; City: Coles Bay Freycinet Glamorgan Spring Bay Tasmania; Review: My partner and I hired a Rav from Launceston and drove down the east coast to Freycinet, stopping off at a few picturesque towns along the way. When we arrived, Belinda was there to show us to our studio. This spot is truly spectacular. A well planned out layout, stunning king bed and great shower. Everything you need. It's well placed to Freycinet and 7-10 mins drive to Coles Bay. This standalone self contained studio ticks all my boxes. Just a 5 minute drive down the road you'll find the Oyster Marine Farm. I recommend you pick up a few, go back to the studio, ask Belinda and Iain for their wine list, sit back and savour THAT view! Thanks guys, you've got great thing going! Tip: dinner at The Edge was fantastic!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Milton Park Country House Hotel Spa; City: Bowral Southern Highlands New South Wales; Review: We had originally booked a one bedroom apartment at the Gibraltar when we were called the night before (Friday night) from a very apologetic staff member advising that they had overlooked a wedding function on the day that we were meant to check in (Saturday night) and offered to shift us to the Milton and they would happily pay for the difference - a generous $150 gap. We were happy with that. When we arrived in Bowral 1pm on a very cold Saturday, the cafes were packed, so we called the Hotel to see if they were still open for lunch. Reception said that she’d make a booking for us for 1.30pm A seven minute pleasant drive from Bowral central, we passed its grand driveway. Greeted warmly & swift check. We were shown to our Garden Room which I was told was at the extended bit of the Hotel. Lunch. We stood at the “wait to be seated sign” eyed the waiter who looked surprised to see us standing there and asked “can I help you?” We said we had made a booking for lunch. Surprised, he showed us to a table, the place had only 2 people. He’s face was emotionless, no smile…no exchange of any sort of pleasantry. We sat next to the huge glass windows that had a great 180 degree view of the gardens. The food arrived, & better still, our glasses of Shiraz - very good I must say. But like some of the reviews on Trip, the first thing I said to my partner was that it reminded me of the movie The Shining – sans murder though. It’s a massive mansion, cold corridors and hallways, soulless, bland, very tired and needed of a complete revamp. There were log fireplaces in the wine bar, sitting area, and dining but none were lit which was bizarre. That would have at least added some warmth to the dank place. Beds were great, bathroom was ok. For the price tag you’d expect underfloor heating, at least a separate shower (the bath tub was fully enclosed by a shower screen), water pressure was so so. Breakfast was all buffet style if you’re into that kinda thing, queuing, food kept warm in steel trays etc. For those coffee nazis out there, coffee was percolated, in huge steel canisters, camping style. We later drove to Bowral and had a proper coffee. Book a room without brekky and go to Red Tree Café instead – FANTASTIC place. (And see my review for Biota Dining & Centennial Vineyards). I wouldn’t go back to Milton, but try for yourself, it might be the kind of place that knocks your socks off!; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Palazzo del Corso; City: Gallipoli Province of Lecce Puglia; Review: Great service, beautiful room faced the back street so very quiet. Lovely buffet breakfast with all the things you can think of. Very well located too. The Dolce Vita restaurant was lovely end to our stay, perfect food. Recommended.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Palazzo Gattini Luxury Hotel; City: Matera Province of Matera Basilicata; Review: We stayed here because Sextantio was beyond our budget. Getting there - our google maps insisted that we go down a cobbled road which was unfortunately closed off by huge pot plants. Two calls to Reception & we were guided to the hotel. The piazza is beautiful. Cafe Duomo looked like a great place to sit and watch the world go by but the tranquility was somewhat disturbed by the constant noise of restoration work going on opposite the hotel. Reception service was flawless. Our room 206, the deluxe room, a little dark for me & as you can see by the pic, it looks out on to a brick wall. We didn’t care as we knew most of the day would be spent walking around, and there is that roof top view of the Sassi!!! The air con was set at 24, a wee bit too hot when outside was 36. One could manually override it by only 2 degrees, so i asked Concierge to lower it which they did to 20 degrees, i was able to manually override this to 18. The hotel may be saving on costs, who knows…..i found the corridors and hallways struggling to keep the premises cool. We went up to the rooftop for aperitifs on both our nights (5 - 6pm) , nicely presented with candles etc, but it was empty & lacked any kind of ambiance, the view however, breathtaking. As others have said, the restaurant is actually a few doors down, we did not try it. Breakfast on the other hand was a degustation FEAST. The meal put us in good stead to brace the 35 degree heat. Pina's pretty smile, genuineness & pride in what she did made our stay very memorable indeed - she was the host, the cook, the coffee barrister, never became flustered or nothing was too much trouble - a true GEM. All in all a terrific stay. (oh, & good wi fi! ); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Jonah s; City: Whale Beach Pittwater Greater Sydney New South Wales; Review: The busiest time for Jonah's - Easter long weekend. Had booked the room and brekky package. We arrived at 2pm to check in. Room was ready. The Terrace Bar was full and staff busy serving lunch at the restaurant so we opted for champagne and oysters in our room overlooking the pristine ocean. By 4pm, we managed to get a spot in the beautifully manicured garden, ordered some cocktails and watched the sun go down. Dinner was faultless, for entree we had the rabbit spinach linguine & the moreton bay tagliatelle with matched wine. The sommelier explains each wine while we marvel at the plate. For mains we opted for roasted duck and wagyu beef, both quite rich and full of tasting elements. Disappointingly, too full for dessert, we had coffee and petit fours. I could see the desserts being eaten all around me, all looked amazing. Highly recommend, dress for the occasion as it's a pretty classy place!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Elements of Byron; City: Byron Bay Byron Shire New South Wales; Review: We escaped the chaos of Sydney from Friday night for a weekend getaway to Byron. We had a Jaycar booking transfer ready at Gold Coast airport ($118 each way) The Banksia villa was beautiful, everything thought of, luxury. Bed was way too soft for my liking but that is subjective. The grounds itself is huge. Main pool can get a little rowdy with kids, so go to the adults pool - so much better! Caught the solar powered train to Byron town which was nice ($3 each way). Had lunch at The Beach which was fantastic. Brekky as they say, is pricey - $25 for continental buffet, add an additional $10 if you want a hot brekky + barista-made coffee. They do have filter, Nespresso coffees & teas included in the paid brekky. Had a pre-dinner drink at the bar. Our martinis took ages to make, but arrived with a smile. Dinner at Graze was ok, given there's pretty much no other option.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: No culpes al karma de lo que te pasa por gilipollas (No culpes al karma, #1); Author: Laura Norton; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: Entretenido y divertido!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Un monstruo viene a verme; Author: Patrick Ness; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, comics, children, crime, paranormal, graphic, fantasy, fiction; Review: La idea, la historia, es buena... lo malo es que no se le saca partido. El libro es demasiado corto, la historia merece un mejor y mas extenso desarollo de los personajes y situaciones... aun asi, se deja leer y te entretiene un rato.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Querido Dexter (Dexter, #2); Author: Jeff Lindsay; Genres: thriller, crime, mystery, fiction; Review: Pues si, igualmente entretenido, como el anterior libro y como la serie televisiva...Pero quiero recalcar que el libro no tiene practicamente nada que ver con la serie de television. Asi que si tenias interes en este personaje, te recomiendo que no te pierdas ni los libros ni los capitulos de TV!!!Un saludo!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Los vampiros de la mente; Author: Dan Simmons; Genres: history, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Demasiadas paginas para tampoca "chicha"...; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Yo No Tengo La Culpa De Haber Nacido Tan Sexy; Author: Eduardo Mendicutti; Genres: fiction; Review: Prometia al principio, pero a mitad ya se hacia aburrido y repetitivo...; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Una noche de perros; Author: Hugh Laurie; Genres: thriller, crime, mystery, fiction; Review: Humor fino en muchas ocasiones, pero estropeado con una trama mal narrada a mi parecer. Es facil despistarse con personajes y situaciones.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Para Ana; Author: Nuria Roca; Genres: fiction; Review: Una lectura ligera y rapida. Con algunas frases ingeniosas, y una historia que te engancha con la suficiente fuerza como para "merendarte" su lectura de una sentada! Si esperas simplemente un buen rato de entretenimiento, este libro lo consigue perfectamente!; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Guerra Mundial Z: una historia oral de la guerra zombi; Author: Max Brooks; Genres: history, young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Se trata de un libro basado en entrevistas a diferentes personajes... Tropecientos capitulos cortos donde cada uno cuenta una situacion. Nunca se llega a contar alguna historia personal bien desarollada, el unico dialogo es el del entrevistador con el entrevistado... dialogo practicamente inexistente, por cierto. No digo que este mal escrito. Y he de reconocer que ciertas situaciones te hacen pensar en como se comporta el ser humano y tal, pero lo dicho, se me ha hecho pesado e insulso. No se, quizas este formato de escritura iria bien para publicarlo por entregas en un periodico o algo asi. En una novela se hace pesado y aburrido. Despues de un 40% de su lectura lo abandono, puesto que prefiero una buena historia bien contada, que decenas de ellas contadas de pasada. Saludos!; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: American Psycho; Author: Bret Easton Ellis; Genres: thriller, crime, mystery, fiction; Review: Realmente te hace sentir dentro de esa mente enfermiza que ostenta el protagonista...; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: El código Da Vinci (Robert Langdon, #2); Author: Dan Brown; Genres: history, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Lo lei en su dia simplemente para poder comparar antes de ver la peli...Mi veredicto... un libro malo, y una peli aun PEOR!!!; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Momo; Author: Michael Ende; Genres: young-adult, children, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Uno de esos libros que lees cuando peque y que se quedan en tu memoria como algo bueno! ;); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Apocalipsis Z (Apocalipsis Z, #1); Author: Manel Loureiro; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Diez mil veces mejor que "Septiembre Zombie", aun asi el libro se hace a veces repetitivo. Ademas al ser una primera entrega y no un "relato completo", al final te quedas sin conclusion alguna.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: El ángel más tonto del mundo; Author: Christopher Moore; Genres: comics, paranormal, graphic, fantasy, fiction; Review: Pues eso, en la linea de Moore! Me lo he pasado pipa leyendo este libro.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: ¡Guardias! ¡Guardias! (Mundodisco, #8); Author: Terry Pratchett; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, comics, crime, paranormal, graphic, fantasy, fiction; Review: Si senor! Este si es un libro genuinamente "Mundodisconiano".Quede algo decepcionado con el anterior volumen, Piromides, pero este libro vuelve al buen camino! Desternillante desde el principio al final!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: En llamas (Los juegos del hambre, #2); Author: Suzanne Collins; Genres: young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: La protagonista a veces parece super listisima, y a veces parece "tontadelculo". La trama en esta segunda novela es predecible al 100%, y ademas se hace repetitiva respecto al primer libro. En fin, me ha decepcionado muchisimo. Aunque solo por el hecho de haber leido estos dos primeros, creo que terminare leyendo el tercero y ultimo de esta serie. Saludos!; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Salvajes; Author: Don Winslow; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: La peli me han dicho que es mas mala que un dolor, pero el libro me ha resultado de lo mas divertido!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Enano Rojo 2º Edicion; Author: Grant Naylor; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Tan genial como la serie de television que veia de pequeno!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Metro 2034 (METPO, #2); Author: Dmitry Glukhovsky; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: El libro en cuestion es capaz de absorverte de tal manera que no puedes dejar de leer. Eso es lo positivo, lo negativo es que toda esa trama, tan bien narrada, deja un sabor un poco amargo al final. Me dejo la sensacion de que termina de manera precipitada...; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: El segador (Mundodisco, #11); Author: Terry Pratchett; Genres: mystery, thriller, comics, crime, paranormal, graphic, fantasy, fiction; Review: Quizas porque su protagonista, "La Muerte", es uno de los personajes que mas me gustan del universo Mundodisco.En fin, totalmente recomendable!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: El Guerrero De Gor / Tarnsman Of Gor & Outlaw Of Gor (Cronicas De La Contratierra / Chronicles Of Counter Earth); Author: John Norman; Genres: paranormal, fantasy; Review: No se, la unica explicacion que le encuentro a este libro, es que el autor lo escribiera con 10 anos. Como libro para adolescentes no sirve, ya que la carga machista que tiene es la hostia. Como libro para adultos tampoco sirve, ya que tanto la historia como los recursos narrativos llegan a ser ridiculos. Tenia intencion de leer la saga completa. Pero despues de este primer titulo tengo claro que no merece la pena perder ni un minuto mas en su lectura!; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Dexter en la oscuridad (Dexter, #3); Author: Jeff Lindsay; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: En esta tercera entrega el personaje de Dexter aparece totalmente desdibujado, no parece el mismo ni de lejos. Y para colmo se mezcla con un argumento terriblemente flojo e incoherente que sobre todo al final termina por precipitarse en un desproposito chapucero!; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Ritos iguales (Mundodisco, #3); Author: Terry Pratchett; Genres: young-adult, comics, paranormal, graphic, fantasy, fiction; Review: Este tercer libro de la serie "Mundodisco" cambia radicalmente de historia y personajes con respecto a los dos anteriores libros. Eso no es ni malo ni bueno, en este caso la historia me parecio algo mas floja, pero aun asi ha sido una lectura realmente agradable y entretenida! ;); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: El encuentro (Saga Heechee, #3); Author: Frederik Pohl; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Aun asi, estoy enganchado y dispuesto a seguir con el cuarto libro! ;); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: El diario rojo de Carlota; Author: Gemma Lienas; Genres: fiction, children, young-adult, romance; Review: Recomendable para chicos y chicas adolescentes. Mas que una novela es un manual.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Hija Del Sepulturero; Author: Joyce Carol Oates; Genres: history, fiction, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, romance, mystery; Review: Me ha enganchado de principio a fin. Y una de las cosas que mas valoro en un libro es su final, en este caso me ha parecido brillante!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Seda; Author: Alessandro Baricco; Genres: history, poetry, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Si tuviera que describir este libro con una sola palabra seria... delicioso!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Brujerías (MundoDisco, #6); Author: Terry Pratchett; Genres: young-adult, comics, paranormal, graphic, fantasy, fiction; Review: Despues de haber leido estos seis primeros libros de la saga, tengo una gran familiaridad con ciertos personajes. Algunos de los cuales he echado de menos en esta entrega, pero no por ello me lo he pasado peor ni mucho menos!Este libro gira alrededor de tres brujas tan particulares como el resto del universo creado por Pratchett! No es que recomiende este libro, es que recomiendo los cinco anteriores tambien, y a poder ser leerlos en el orden correspondiente! ;); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: La carretera; Author: Cormac McCarthy; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Un libro totalmente "plano", en el que no ocurre nada, y tampoco tiene a penas dobles lecturas. La narrativa simple y repetitiva, y un final que te deja igual que estabas.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Muerto y enterrado (Sookie Stackhouse, #9); Author: Charlaine Harris; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery; Review: Una historia demasiado simple, tanto en la linea argumental como en la vida de los personajes. Algun que otro giro llegando a lo ridiculo. Y carente de la accion/intriga/sexo/violencia, que siempre son buenos aderezos en este tipo de novelas. En fin, me ha decepcionado mucho, y no me deja muchas ganas por ahora de seguir con la saga...; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Eric (Mundodisco, #9); Author: Terry Pratchett; Genres: young-adult, comics, paranormal, graphic, fantasy, fiction; Review: Pues eso, se me hizo realmente corto este libro, parece escrito con prisas. Aun asi resulta entretenido eso si! Un saludo!; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Tokio blues (Norwegian Wood); Author: Haruki Murakami; Genres: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Una simple historia de amor/desamor mezclada con unos personajes desequilibrados.Una vez leido me ha quedado una sensacion de haber perdido el tiempo, desde principio a fin encuentro este libro totalmente vacio y carente de interes.Un saludo!; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: De como me pagué la universidad; Author: Marc Acito; Genres: history, young-adult, comics, graphic, biography, historical fiction, non-fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Pues eso! Un libro muy divertido y recomendable!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: La sombra del viento; Author: Carlos Ruiz Zafon; Genres: history, fiction, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: El amigo Zafon ha dado en el clavo! Esta junto con su reciente novela, "El Juego del Angel", consiguen engancharte desde principio a fin!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Los hombres que no amaban a las mujeres (Millennium, #1); Author: Stieg Larsson; Genres: thriller, crime, mystery, fiction; Review: Solo es una opinion personal...No me ha enganchado para nada este libro, y aguantado hasta leer una cuarta parte del mismo pero ya he decidido no perder mas el tiempo con el.Cosas como la no traduccion de frases hechas y el hecho de especificar marcas y modelos de un monton de cosas, han hecho que aborrezca por completo esta novela.Mas que un libro de intriga y suspense parece un catalogo de marcas!!!En fin, lo dicho, infumable!; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Cartero; Author: Charles Bukowski; Genres: history, comics, poetry, graphic, biography, historical fiction, non-fiction, fiction; Review: No se realmente que me atrae mas, si lo que escribio este hombre o lo que fue. Sea como sea este libro es lectura obligada!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: El juego de Ender (Ender's Saga, #1); Author: Orson Scott Card; Genres: young-adult, children, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Una obra maestra de la Ciencia Ficcion! ;); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Los anales de los Heechee (Saga de los Heechee, #4); Author: Frederik Pohl; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Hasta ahora el peor de los cuatro primeros. No creo que aporte nada de interes a la saga, obviando el final del libro, que me parecio algo decepcionante.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Tierra De Vampiros; Author: John Marks; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Que verguenza que un libro asi copie tantas cosas de "Dracula", y que el resultado sea tan rematadamente malo.Por mas que lo intente no pude llegar mas alla de la mitad del libro. Que perdida mas grande de tiempo! :/Una sarta de descripciones rudimentarias, personajes incompletos y situaciones predeciblemente aburridas.Un saludo!; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Neuromante; Author: William Gibson; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: No se si es cosa de la traduccion, pero el libro se hace pesado, incomprensible, plano, falto de descripciones que ayuden a meterte en situacion... No ahonda nada en la personalidad y mundo interior de los personajes... Su narrativa es totalmente caotica y desordenada... Y todo esto para presentar una historia bastante simple...; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Asfixia; Author: Chuck Palahniuk; Genres: thriller, crime, mystery, fiction; Review: Aun asi esta novela no esta ni mucho menos al nivel de "El Club de Lucha". De todas formas es un buen libro para pasar el rato, si te gusta el estilo Palahniuk claro! Saludos!; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: El asombroso viaje de Pomponio Flato; Author: Eduardo Mendoza; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, fiction; Review: Que risas de relato! Nunca me ha defraudado un libro de Eduardo Mendoza, y en este caso la combinacion de hechos historicos, fantasia, intriga, y humor, hacen de este libro un pasatiempo realmente ameno!Totalmente recomendable! Un saludo.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: El amante; Author: Marguerite Duras; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, non-fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Por momentos me recordo, por la sensacion de toston, a Tokio Blues... eso si, este es mejor porque es mas corto! Dios mio que pesadez de relato!; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Los santos inocentes; Author: Miguel Delibes; Genres: fiction; Review: Y el libro tiene la misma escencia que se percibe en la pelicula, con algunas diferencias, eso si. Una lectura imprescindible! ;); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: El experimento terminal; Author: Robert J. Sawyer; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Pero al final me ha dejado sabor amargo. Es como si hubiera tenido prisas en terminar el libro! :(; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: El niño con el pijama de rayas; Author: John Boyne; Genres: history, young-adult, children, biography, historical fiction, fiction; Review: Me he leido este libro porque en el "cole" se lo han mandado leer a mi sobrino de 12 anos.Me ha parecido un libro estupendo en cuanto al enfoque de un tema tan delicado tratado de tal forma que un pequeno pueda leerlo y no solo no quedar traumatizado, sino ademas poder aprender ciertos valores.Un libro muy ligerito para un adulto, pero de indudable valor para pequenos que se inician en la lectura! ;)Un saludo!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Jackie Brown - Cocktail Explosivo; Author: Elmore Leonard; Genres: thriller, crime, mystery, fiction; Review: Pues eso, diferente a la pelicula en algunas cosas, pero igualmente bueno!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: La reina de los condenados (Crónicas Vampíricas, #3); Author: Anne Rice; Genres: history, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Hasta el punto de parecerme ridiculo. El hecho de que la vampira mas antigua tenga unos razonamientos tan infantiles esta totalmente fuera de lugar...; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: El oscuro pasajero (Dexter, #1); Author: Jeff Lindsay; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Difiere en cuanto al guion de la serie televisiva! No dejes de leerlo! ;); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Septiembre Zombie (Autumn, #1); Author: David Moody; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Pues eso, se ve que al autor le faltaban ademas de recursos, inspiracion. Durante toda la novela se tiene la sensacion de que se vuelve una y otra vez a lo mismo. Incluso el final hace que tengas exactamente la misma sensacion. Ha sido mi primer libro de tematica Zombi, y por mucho tiempo creo que sera el ultimo. No lo recomiendo para nada!; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Ensayo sobre la ceguera; Author: Jose Saramago; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Que capacidad imaginativa la de Saramago! Un libro realmente sorprendente!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lamentaciones de un prepucio; Author: Shalom Auslander; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, non-fiction, fiction; Review: Uno de los libros mas divertidos que he leido en muuuuuuuucho tiempo! Cien por cien recomendable! ;); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: De ratones y hombres; Author: John Steinbeck; Genres: history, young-adult, biography, historical fiction, fiction; Review: Entretenida lectura, aun asi. Pero es tremendamente corto y se ahonda poco en los personajes...; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Piramides (Discworld, #7); Author: Terry Pratchett; Genres: young-adult, comics, paranormal, graphic, fantasy, fiction; Review: Pues eso, nada que ver en cuanto los anteriores libros de "Mundodisco".La cosa es que me han sorprendido las criticas favorables que lei con anterioridad a su lectura...Para mi ha sido el libro mas flojo de los siete que llevo leidos sobre Mundodisco. Una disparatada historia, como todas las de la serie, pero en este caso tejida entorno a unos personajes nada desarrollados en cuanto a personalidad he historias propias, y una linea argumental simplona y a veces "cogida con pinzas".Este volumen siete me ha hecho decidirme por hacer una pausa en la lectura de la saga Mundodisco. No se, quizas este un poco saturado. Voy a leer algo diferente y pronto volvere a retomar la saga! ;)Un saludo!; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: El mundo sumergido; Author: J.G. Ballard; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Una historia absurda, sin pies ni cabeza. Al principio parece prometer algo, pero despues, y eso que el libro es corto, su lectura se hace eterna y aburrida. Una decepcion en toda regla!; Rating: 1.0/5.0 | goodreads |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Fallen (Fallen, #1); Author: Lauren Kate; Genres: young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: This book was one of the first books I've read that no one ever recommended it. Now I know why. The start was very intriguing, I was expecting a lot more from this book, unfortunately I made the terrible mistake of not asking for opinions. I'M SORRY IF SOMEONE HERE LIKES IT, BUT I DIDN'T. When I was on page 200 or so, it became less and less interesting, and the last pages didn't fascinated me either. Finally, I didn't like the characters, or the writing either, I don't post such bad reviews, but this book only maintained me entertained because I don't like books in my shelf being unread.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Queen Song (Red Queen, #0.1); Author: Victoria Aveyard; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Ok, so I loved it! It was a very well written story, it was quite different from Red Queen, because it was explained on third person, we could see more about Elara as well, certainly the story isn't about Elara, but described as well as in Red Queen the type of person she is. The character development was simply awesome. I would've liked a few more entries from the diary, but still liked it. Victoria Aveyard has an unique way of telling stories.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Glass Sword (Red Queen, #2); Author: Victoria Aveyard; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Okay, so, can we just talk about this beautifully written book? I gave it 5/5 stars for the following: The world was well described, I could imagine everything while reading it. The story picked up where it was left, and that was a very important thing to me. Even though I know Red Queen's plot line, everything took me by surprise. The storyline was beautiful. The characters were well introduced, and every personality was different, which I really appreciate. So there's another infinite reasons I gave this book a 5/5 stars, but well, both you and whoever is reading this would be stuck here forever. This book was a great sequel,one of the bests I've ever read,and the end, wow! It made me want more! Why do we have to wait for so long!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Six of Crows (Six of Crows, #1); Author: Leigh Bardugo; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: NO MOURNERS, NO FUNERALS THE WRAITH IS AMAZEBALLS , DEFINITELY MY FAVE CHARACTER IN THE ENTIRE SERIES MY POOR BABY KAZ IS SUFFERING AND I CANT DEAL WITH THIS Review to come. Bye; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: An Ember in the Ashes (An Ember in the Ashes, #1); Author: Sabaa Tahir; Genres: history, young-adult, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Clearly I thought : This book was just being read because everyone was talking about it. So I decided to read it, I discovered that I was completely wrong. I couldn't put this book down! It made my heart wrench and whenever the characters had to face something I became completely hysterical. The character development was completely awesome, the writting was beautiful. This book is really worth it! 5/5 stars! I can't wait for teh second book to come out!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ice Like Fire (Snow Like Ashes, #2); Author: Sara Raasch; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: This book kept me in the edge of it's pages! It was a brilliant sequel! No book will ever be as good as this one!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Heart of Betrayal (The Remnant Chronicles, #2); Author: Mary E. Pearson; Genres: history, young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 4.5/ 5 stars Review coming soon/ maybe not; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: After (After, #1); Author: Anna Todd; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: 0.5/5stars this book was absolutely horrendus and yes I have changed my opinion, 0.5 stars isnt even enough! If Goodreads permited people to add 0 stars to it I would give it 0 stars! I really don't recommend this to annyone! This book is for horny teenagers who don't have anything better to do. This was a really sickening relationship and if we could say it has a plot it would go like this: Good girl meets bad boy and falls in love, they hate each other, they fight, they have s*x and they fight again, and we just go on and on like this until the end of the book. I'm glad I didn't even waste my time reading the whole book! This relatiopnship was totally abusive! How can someone write this now a days?!? The writing style was rude and badly-written, there's nothing WOW about it. Tessa just lets everyone talk and treat her like she is a piece of crap. What kind of stories are they publishing now? Just beause it has a fair amount of reads on Wattpad doesn't mean its good! And it is not. Girls think that just because Hardin is a bad boy he is cute, he is not, he is a Macho men trying to control the relationship and just looking for someone to have s*x with. This book has nothing that we can teach to younger children. Or do you think is cute to read how a guy mistreats a girl? Or just uses her for plesasure? I dont think so! I don't intend to offend anyone who likes this book as I say IT'S JUST MY OPINION. So this book is a disappointment for humanity.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: The Wrath and the Dawn (The Wrath and the Dawn, #1); Author: Renee Ahdieh; Genres: history, young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: This book was completely beautiful! It just tore my heart again and again! It made me feel sad, hate,love! It made me live with the characters throughout the story. This book is my love! This book deserves 1000000000 stars, sadly Goodreads only has 5.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass, #5); Author: Sarah J. Maas; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Okay! So I'm not recovered and don't think I'll ever be so ill just write my review now! SPOILERS BELOW SPOILERS BELOW SPOILERS BELOW SPOILERS BELOW LAST CHANCE OKAY LETS START! This is GOING TO BE JUST FANGIRLING Can we just talk about the character growth in Aelin? It was phenomenal! Plus how she starts having a deeper relationship with Rowan and I just loved this so much! MANORIAN GUYS! THAT MANORIAN SMUT WAS COMPLETELY AMAZING AND I JUST CANT! I thin Manon has been through a lot and she completly deserves some love from baby Dorian! And my favorite chapters where from both Manon and Elide,mostly Elide tho, and when she finds Lorcan OMG! Okay I get that he's there in Queen Bicth Maeve orders but he did the right thing cuz!!... Elide had a wyrdkey and he didn't took it away from her! Those last chapter specially when they whip Aelin break my heart. " Where is my wife?" NO MORE SECRET WEDDINGS PLEASE I JUST CRIED WAY MORE CUZ I DIDNT GET TO SEE MY OTP GETTING MARRIED My complaints: NOTHING EVERYTHING WAS PERFECT AND IM SUCH A TRASH FOR THIS BOOKS Lorcan giving Elide his shirt for her period and saving her from his uncle is unforgettable and I had to just write this cuz *squeals* "Where are our allies Aelin?" When all this ships get to the shore and Aelin is just gone and Aedion looks at them and starts crying NOOO THOSE POWERS SHE USED EVERYTIME THERE WAS DANGER WHERE JUST BADASS And Aedions father was just so cruel to him in their first meeting ever! Like why would he do that? And then Aedion replying back and it just hurt me so much. Lysandra shifting into a sea dragon! And just doing what she had to do for her queen and her loyalty is COMPLETELY bloody amazing, and when she emerged from the water and just stayed there full of blood after the battle *cries* I think that's all! If there's anything more I'll just write it soon; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Outlander (Outlander, #1); Author: Diana Gabaldon; Genres: history, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: I liked the storyline, it was a very entertaining book, and Jamie is now one of my favorite male characters! I gave it 3.5/5 stars, because there were some things that I didn't like, also the supporting characters were very well explained. Good job Diana!; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (Chronicles of Narnia, #1); Author: C.S. Lewis; Genres: young-adult, children, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: The writing was easy to understand, I really enjoyed it!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Slated (Slated, #1); Author: Teri Terry; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery; Review: Ok... So this was a very entertaining book, the reason why I'm giving it 4/5 stars is because sometimes I found it confusing, not to say sometimes the characters weren't quite likable. The rest of the book was completly mind blowing, it was a very well written book and coukd get easily into the story. I truly recommend it!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Orphan Queen (The Orphan Queen, #1); Author: Jodi Meadows; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: This book has a slow pace but as the book drags on there begins to be more action. So this book is about a queen who is left orphaned after her parents are murdered by the Indigo Kingdom. She is determined not only to reclaim her throne but to take revenge, that's when Patrick ( leader of the Ospreys) sends her to a mission which consists of disguising herself as a Liadian Lady. She must complete some tasks Patrick has given her, but then she finds herself trying to investigate more about the wraith ( a magic disease) to protect her kingdom once she claims it. There's a little of romance in this book and believe me it's so cute! But I won't tell between who cause that would be a spoiler *cries* The writing was beautiful and we could see clearly through the characters emotions and character development as well. AND THAT ENDING HAS ME CRYING! REAS THIS BOOK IF YOU HAVENT!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: ¿Quién mató a Alex?; Author: Janeth G.S.; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, mystery; Review: Esta historia la lei hace algunos anos, es un thriller totalmente unico, me llevaba el celular a mis clases para poder seguir leyendo! Me encanto la narracion y la trama especificamente estuvo increible!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices, #1); Author: Cassandra Clare; Genres: history, young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Oh GOD! I CAN'T EVEN TYPE IN COMPLETE SENTENCES AFTER THIS, THIS BOOK IS MY LIFE! BYE; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lady Midnight (The Dark Artifices, #1); Author: Cassandra Clare; Genres: young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: This book was so freaking good! I would want to make a review, but my head isn't clear at the moment ;); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Heir of Fire (Throne of Glass, #3); Author: Sarah J. Maas; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 4.5/5 stars! This book was hilarious! I can't even describe my feelings towards it! At first I was doubtful to read it, because I tried once but out it down, but then, I just heard fantastic things about it, and picked it up again! It was worth it! Manon was an awesome secondary character, well described, every intention, battle, etc! In my opinion I needed more Dorian. Rowan was one of my favorite characters! We could see a little more of Celaena's life in this book. Quite interesting! It was well-written, and I really enjoyed it! Awesome job Sarah! You deserve the best! I can't wait to pick up the fourth book!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Assassin's Blade (Throne of Glass, #0.1-0.5); Author: Sarah J. Maas; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: OMG this was a wonderful book. I loved the history behind the Throne Of Glass series. We could see a lot more of Celaena's character, and there was a very good character development, the writing was wonderful! By the Wryd! I wish there was a continuation of this! It was so well written! The betrayals were so raw and even though I knew of the last one it didn't make it any easier! Please if you haven't read it GO AND READ THIS RIGHT NOW!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Clockwork Princess (The Infernal Devices, #3); Author: Cassandra Clare; Genres: history, young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Wow! This book! I can't explain you how I feel after reading this!! SOOOOO GOOD!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Clockwork Prince (The Infernal Devices, #2); Author: Cassandra Clare; Genres: history, young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Beautiful!! This book killed me! I wish I could told you how awesome this book is, if you haven't read it yet, GO ON MY FRIEND!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Of Fire and Stars; Author: Audrey Coulthurst; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 3.5/5 STARS; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Darker Shade of Magic (Shades of Magic, #1); Author: V.E. Schwab; Genres: history, young-adult, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: 4.5/5 STARS!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Everything, Everything; Author: Nicola Yoon; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: ** spoiler alert ** Okay! I'm having so many mixed feelings But I mean the diverse characters were awesome I just can't find the whole logic of this. I'm sorry. If you haven't read this I recommend you to stop reading. So, Maddy lives in a bubble because she's sick, but at the end she ends up not being sick? I'm sorry but that plot twist doesn't make a lot of sense. A lot of things weren't explained correctly. For example: Everyone had to do this wash wash thingy before seeing her. But her mom just didn't. Or I never read that she did. This book doesn't have a lot of research about illness in my opinion. The romance was cute and I loved the little illustrations that come with it! It was refreshing. Overall 2.5/5 stars; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Rose & the Dagger (The Wrath & the Dawn, #2); Author: Renee Ahdieh; Genres: history, young-adult, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: OMG I'm so emotional at this moment! But it doesn't matter! I'm doing the review right now! Omg you guys this book was so perfect, Khalid was so perfect! And the freaking epilogue GAHHHH! The character development was beautiful and so was the writing! Thank you Renee Ahdieh for this wonderful story!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Crown & the Arrow (The Wrath and the Dawn, #0.5); Author: Renee Ahdieh; Genres: history, young-adult, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: This book was short I agree, but every passing moment was just beautiful! After all this story is from The Wrath and The Dawn, it deserves 5 stars no matter what! Khalid is totally cute [?]; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Court of Wings and Ruin (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #3); Author: Sarah J. Maas; Genres: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: What you saying? Would I ever give a SJM book a 1 star? NOOO NEVER IN MY LIFE. REVIEW TO COME; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Flame in the Mist (Flame in the Mist, #1); Author: Renee Ahdieh; Genres: history, young-adult, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 4.5/5 stars; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: These Broken Stars (Starbound, #1); Author: Amie Kaufman; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 3.5/5 stars; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Walk on Earth a Stranger (The Gold Seer Trilogy, #1); Author: Rae Carson; Genres: history, young-adult, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: 3.5/5 STARS; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Young Elites (The Young Elites, #1); Author: Marie Lu; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: This book was awesome! It dragged me right away! I couldn't put this book down, seriously I brushed my teeth with it. It made me so emotional and the characters were just WOW. The opening line is great! Adelina is a character super dark and OMG I love dark books! I NEED THE ROSE SOCIETY RIGHT NOW; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Queen of Shadows (Throne of Glass, #4); Author: Sarah J. Maas; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: No words for this book! IT WAS FANTASTIC; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Infinite Sea (The 5th Wave, #2); Author: Rick Yancey; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: With no doubt this is one of my favorite books!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Jewel (The Lone City, #1); Author: Amy Ewing; Genres: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: SPOILERS BELOW: OMG ALL THOSE PLOT TWISTS! And Ash No my wonderful Ash what the heck is happening?!? JUST NOT OK. GARNET: I DID NOT EXPECT THAT FROM YOU, YOU ROCK AND NOW YOURE MY SECOND FAVE CHARACTER VIOLET: YOURE SO STUPID! HOW COULD YOU GIVE YOUR ESCAPE TO SOMEONE ELSE? I MEAN I UNDERSTAND BUT IDK RAVEN WHAT? Okay so I found this book a little disturbing but this book is definitely worth if!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Last Star (The 5th Wave, #3); Author: Rick Yancey; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: I'm so sorry but I'm just going to my room and cry for the rest of my life! This book was my most expected release of the year! And it didn't disappoint me! This book was an epic and solid conclusion to the series!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rebel of the Sands (Rebel of the Sands, #1); Author: Alwyn Hamilton; Genres: history, young-adult, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 3.5/5 stars; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe (Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, #1); Author: Benjamin Alire Saenz; Genres: history, young-adult, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: BYE READ THIS BOOK. NOW; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Beginning of Everything; Author: Robyn Schneider; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: This book was literally everything!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Rose Society (The Young Elites, #2); Author: Marie Lu; Genres: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: *THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS!! READ KNOWING ITS RISK! This book is tremendously good! It was written in a way that just drags you in from its first pages! The character development was awesome! IF YOU HAVENT READ THE YOUNG ELITES YOU NEED TO READ IT! You can feel all of Adelina's darkness and hatred and need for revenge! This book is so full of surprises! MAGIANO OH MY SWEET PRECIOUS MAGIANO! How can I love you more than I already do? You've become one of my favorite characters, not just because of the joy you gave me while reading this book, but also because you care about Adelina,and that's the sweetest thing I've ever seen. ENZO: I don't know what to think of you right now, I was so happy when they revived you! Your connection to Adelina , then my sadness when you decided to return to The Daggers; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #1); Author: Sarah J. Maas; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 4.5/5 stars; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: King's Cage (Red Queen, #3); Author: Victoria Aveyard; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: ** spoiler alert ** WHAT THE HELL DID I JUST READ?! SPOILERS AHEAD SO DONT READ UNLESS YOU FINISHED ALL THE RED QUEEN BOOKS SRSLY NOT RESPONSIBLE SO! First 300 pages were kind of flat but I loved seeing how Mare developed a purpose through this book! The new characters were absolutely amazing and I just can't even with the author references in this book (they're so amazing ) MY BABY MAVEN! I KNEW IT! My lovely MAVEN was in love with Thomas Seriously we get to see why he is so twisted but It isn't enough to justify what he's done. THOSE NEW ALLIANCES ANS POLITICAL DRAMA AND INTRIGUE HERE AND THERE! We have 3 POVS! MARE, EVANGELINE and Cameron! Seriously I don't hate EVANGELINE so much, like in some kind of way she was manipulated, so I understand some things about her! She also has a relationship with a new female character which is really interesting to see! THE ALLIANCE MAVEN DID WITH THE LAKELANDS! WHAT? That wedding was the most disastrous wedding I've ever read! But hey! They rescued MARE so that counts! The way they manipulated Cal's mind to almost kill MARE and the backwards had me on edge, but when all this is finished and the whisper is killed I loved seeing them United again! WE GET TO SEE A LOT OF MARECAL OKAY? OKAY! FARLEY having the baby! I just *sobs* When they fight in corvium those final scenes *cries again* And OFC the ending but I don't wanna talk about that ending...; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Darkest Minds (The Darkest Minds, #1); Author: Alexandra Bracken; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: ONE BILLION AND TRILLION STARS FOR THIS BOOK! Alex Bracken is an amazing author! MY BABY LIAM YOU ARE AMAZING! YOU CAN CALL ME DARLIN WHENEVER YOU WANT! Why did it end like that?! CHUBS: I like you! A lot! You're super freaking beautiful and super loyal *heart eyes* RUBY: YOU ARE A SUPER STRONG CHARACTER! BUT I CANT FORGIVE YOU WITH WHAT YOU JUST DID TO MY BOYFRIEND ZU: I WANT YOU AS A SISTER OR AT LEAST AS A BEST FRIEND GUYS: If you haven't read this book drop all your current reads and read this one!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: In The Afterlight (The Darkest Minds, #3); Author: Alexandra Bracken; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: BEST TRILOGY IVE EVER READ IN MY ENTIRE LIFE! OMG IM CRYING; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: After You (Me Before You, #2); Author: Jojo Moyes; Genres: young-adult, romance, fiction; Review: Ok so I feel so bad for giving this book 2.5/5 stars but it felt necessary. I felt the book was forced, I didn't really have the same feeling when i was reading Me Before You. I think this sequel was unnecessary, it doesn't have much of a point without the main reason this whole book existed: Will. Now as much as I love guys in books this new love interest was really forgettable and I didn't feel he and Lou had any chemistry at all, I felt the relationship forced as well. Now what can I say about the group? UHHH it was like watching an eighty year old widow lady complain about her life all the time. Louisa did not had the same personality as in Me Before You I understand why, but it was a lot of depressing thoughts, I even felt depressed while reading it, so nope, I'm sorry, I loved Me Before You but it doesn't go with this book :/; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Bone Season (The Bone Season, #1); Author: Samantha Shannon; Genres: history, young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: "Knowledge is dangerous. Once you know something, you can't get rid of it. You have to carry it. Always." WOW. Where to start? I understand why a lot of people don't like this. But this book IS A TREASURE. There are a lot of info dumps, yes. But for me it was completly necessary to be able to understand the world in which the character is living. NOTE: There's a glossary at the back in case you dont understand some words. The Bone Season was well written and incredibly well developed. Our main character Paige is a ninteen year old Irish girl who left after a tragedy in Dublin, moving to London with her father. She joins a criminal syndicate after she discovers she's one of the most powerful clairvoyants. There she works for Jaxon Hall a powerful mime- lord in the syndicate. Now. Things start to get interesting when Paige is captured when she's on her way to see her dad and kills two NVD Underguards by accident. She's taken to a penal colony named Sheol I and is chosen by the blood consort Warden seeig that she has potential to be more. "There was no normal. There never had been. "Normal" and "natural" were the biggest lies we'd ever created." Now my opinion: Yes, this book is hard to get into I'm not denying it as much as I love this book, there are a lot of info dumps and we're inmediately thrown into a world we know nothing of. Dont let that scare you. Its eventually explained. Now besides that, I loved the idea of The Rephaim, The Netherworld, Clairvoyance, a penal colony, The Emim. Its fabulous! Paige is just so well developed and throughout the story she starts thinking less of herself and more about the others. THIS WORLD IS BRILLIANT AND I WILL NEVER GET TIRED OF IT. Now if you wanna stay for incoherent fangirling: SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS IF YOU HAVENT READ THIS BOOK LEAVE NOW IM WARNING YOU LAST CHANCE Okay it still breaks my heart that Nick didn't loveher but I'm so happy he found true love with Zeke (who also happens to be mexican as me so EEEE I LOVE THAT) PAIGE AND WARDENS RELATIONSHIP IS EVERYTHING WARDEN PLAYING MUSIC AND HIS GRAMOPHONE IS EVERYTHING MOLLY RIOTS WAS SO HEARTBREAKING AND I CRIED WHILE PAIGE REMEMBERED THAT MEMORY. WARDEN BEING ABLE TO SEE YOUR DREAMS EEEE BONE SEASON 18 OKAY GOODBYE THATS ALL; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Hate U Give; Author: Angie Thomas; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: AMAZING; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Mime Order (The Bone Season, #2); Author: Samantha Shannon; Genres: history, young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: MY REVIEW: The book starts right were the other was left off! She's now on the train on her way to the Scion Citadel of London. She just quit her job with Jaxon Hall and now she's desperately trying to put all of the fugitives into safety. Paige is now trying to survive on her own, but there's no way she can do it without turning her back on her mime lord Jaxon Hall who will do anything to get her back. He starts spreading rumors about Paige not longer being his mollisher. Paige is forced to return to Jaxon Hall's service and continue with the revolution behind his back while she's searching for Warden. A tragedy happens and now all the Unnatural Assembly is forced to have a meeting. Which is where things start to get good! Now, that is all I can say without spoiling of course! I will just say that this book is so well developed and since you are already familiar with the terms of The Bone Season there isn't as much confusion as with the first book. Some new terms are introduced, of course these also appear on the glossary at the back! Now if you HAVE read The Mime Order, read on little dreamers! SPOILERY REVIEW Now my little dreamers let's start: I cannot believe the way Paige handled things! I loved how even though her mime lord Jaxon Hall banned her from continuing with the revolution because she couldn't't keep "focused" she still continued doing so. She eventually finds Warden in The Rag and Bone Man's section which leads her to start having suspicions of him. There are little survivors after her escape from the Tower which absolutely breaks my heart. Being Michael one of those survivors, but he is lost during the escape. ( I just hope he is okay). The scene in which Paige goes and visits the left survivors and doesn't find them EEE breaks my heart, but of course Paige never gave up and continued searching for them, when she does find them, she discovers the terrible secret that The Abyss might me in league with The Rag and Bone Man. Haymarket Hector is later assassinated as well as all his allies. Paige is the first one to find out and of course blamed guilty of his murder. We start to see from then on the true nature of Jaxon Hall, since he threatens Paige that if she continues she will expose the poltergeist mark that was left on her during the night of Hector's murder. The Unnatural Assembly now calls everyone to present themselves as possible candidates for being the new ruler of it. Jaxon Hall is between those candidates, and Paige sees the opportunity to compete against her mime lords back, so she can create the army she desperately needs to continue with the attack against Scion. During the Scrimmage, Paige protects her mime lord but at the very end she announces herself as an individual candidate known as the Black Moth ( Which MADE ME SCREAM). Jax; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pedro Páramo; Author: Juan Rulfo; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Tbh if this is a book i had chosen, i would have called it a DNF at 30%, the thing is: I really wanted to like this book! Why not? The authors mexican I am mexican, sadly i just couldn't. I felt stupid for not understanding what was happening and honestly I don't like books that make me feel stupid,so. I sincerely wish i could like it and i feel sad bc i didn't, But just no; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Graces (The Graces, #1); Author: Laure Eve; Genres: young-adult, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: 3.75/5 stars; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Tonight the Streets Are Ours; Author: Leila Sales; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: "I used to think that loving somebody meant sacrificing anything for them. I thought it meant writing them a blank cheque. I thought it meant that you would die without each other. But it turns out that death and a broken heart are not he same." See, as I was sitting down ready to read another book I had the sudden urge to review this book. Now, as for my rating... you'll see the reasons very soon I shall think. SO, this book basically centers around a girl named Arden. What's supposedly so special about her? Well... *sighs deeply* She is supposed to be the caring, sacrificing type of girl. While I loved the idea of THAT in particular, I just can't bring myself to see the positive thing in this. NOW. Don't get me wrong, people who are willing to sacrifice what they want in order to make other people happy is deeply valuable and an amazing trait, but I found myself thinking: THERE ARE LIMITS. While Arden is such a sweet girl, I just can't bring myself to understand how she tolerates that people use her all the time. Anyways back to the point: Arden also has a best friend named Lindsey ( I honestly don't remember her name properly RN) and a boyfriend ( who I deeply hated and so I can't remember his name, sorry) and a caring family. She suddenly realizes that people "don't love her as much s she loves them" (cry me to tears) so she decides to search this on Google ( which I doubt many people would even think to do) and she comes up to this page called "TONIGHT THE STREETS ARE OURS". Of course what she finds is a blog, which tells the story of a guy named Peter, whose family is a supposedly mess. Now. Our main character feels "OH SO IDENTIFIED" with this dude, which even gets her to not pay attention to her friends or her boyfriend, and even makes her stalk him through all NY libraries to find him( THATS WHAT I CALL PROFESSIONAL STALKING BTW). Finally she meets him, and this so called guy is not what he appears to be while Arden and him are talking. Now, this is all I can say without spoiling the book. I'm just going to say that when I first saw this book in the library I was so excited to have it in my hands, not just because of the pretty cover but because of the premise. BUT NOPE. Now onto a more spoiler kind of section... What I liked: 1. Arden's best friend is part of the LGBTQ community and that made me seriously so happy. 2. Arden's loyalty (because yes, I said I didn't't like that part of her because she let people use her, but I still find that as a good trait, IN MODERATION) 3. At the end of the story she FINALLY UNDERSTANDS that most people will never give her back what she gives. 4. That this isn't the typical love story. Now; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (Millennium, #1); Author: Stieg Larsson; Genres: thriller, crime, mystery, fiction; Review: "Everyone has secrets. It's just a matter of finding out what they are." DAMN. Okay this is a more positive review because WOW. See, I read this book as a part of a deal. I would read this in exchange that my grandpa would read The Bone Season (small sponsoring there EEE) Anyways! When I started this I didn't't think for at least a second that I would like it. DAMN I WAS SO WRONG. This review will have spoilers because I know myself and I know its going to be more of a rant of feels and favorite parts than a proper review. "I can be a regular bitch. Just try me." The book starts off with an interesting scene. Henrik Vanger receives a flower each year for his birthday, now see, the flowers were given to him by his granddaughter, who disappeared more than forty years ago. So for Henrik that means one thing: That her granddaughter was murdered and that her murderer is mocking him by sending him flowers. He decides to offer a job to Michael Blomkvist: in exchange for him to investigate his granddaughters disappearance the old man will give him access to a series of files of the the Wennestrom group, that is seemingly important to Michael not only to prove that he was right when he wrote the article about them, but to save his magazine from disappearing because of this group. So after a series of discussions with Henrik, Michael finally agrees. Henrik shows him the island he's going to be investigating in, introduces his family and gives him a background of every one of them. At first, things seem completely hopeless, but as the weeks go by, Michael finds a series of clues no one's ever found before. He continues searching, and finds a notebook belonging to Harriet with some numbers and names in it. They turn out to be an incredible asset with the case, but finally, Michael gets some help. This is were our formidable Lisbeth Salander makes everything more interesting! See, Lisbeth is a pupil of the state, catalogued as "unpredictable" and "crazy". She has a job (not that she cares much for it anyway) as an investigator in a security group, and is sent to aid Michael in the investigation of Harriet. Lisbeth finds more clues regarding Harriets disappearance, and this in some way causes one of the inhabitants of the island ti get a bit violent, causing a series of terrifying events while the investigation is happening. "It doesn't matter how good the enemy's weapons are. If he can't see you, he can't hit you. Cover, cover, cover. Make sure you're never exposed." At the end of the story, Lisbeth finally discovers a series of murders leading to the Vanger industries, which leas her to believe that someone of the family murdered Harriet. While this happens of course, Michael also cracks the code, and decides to talk to the murderer (which ends up being a terrible idea but anyways). We do have a stressful scene at that point; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Testing (The Testing, #1); Author: Joelle Charbonneau; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 3.5/5; Rating: 3.0/5.0 | goodreads |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: SYMA X12S Green 4CH 2.4G Nano Quadcopter; Brand: SYMA; Review: Stopped working after 2 weeks. Disappointed; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Mega Bloks Hot Wheels Super Race Set (8 Cars Pack); Brand: Hot Wheels; Review: PERFECT birthday present! my son love this.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Shopkins Season 3 (12-Pack) - Characters May Vary (Discontinued by manufacturer); Brand: Shopkins; Review: PERFECT! arrived just as described. 100% recommended.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Shopkins Season 3 (2-Pack & Basket) (Discontinued by manufacturer); Brand: Shopkins; Review: arrived just as described. perfect.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Project Mc2 Ultimate Spy Bag; Brand: Project Mc2; Review: I received this product free from viewpoints to receive and review. first off, this is one of the cutest little play sets. my 4 year old daughter was ECSTATIC! she loves it and hasn't put it down. there's lots of fun things to do, such as looking for fingerprints and the 'spy gear' HOW COOL! I would totally buy something like this in the store, this is our type of toy. this is way more creative than a lot of toys we have purchased in the past! I would recommend this for any littles that like to play 'spy' or any kind of creative play like that!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hatchimals Penguala - Teal/Pink; Brand: Hatchimals; Review: Hatchimal didn't hatch on its own :( very sad my kids were super upset.; Rating: 1.0/5.0 | amazon_Toys_and_Games |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Indoor/Outdoor Moisture Sensor Meter, soil water monitor; Brand: Niagara Conservation; Review: Seems to tell me what I want to know. I like not getting my finger dirty and being able to sample multiple spots in the planter.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: CRC 2105 Smoke Test Brand Liquid Smoke Detector Tester, 2.5 oz Aerosol Can, Clear; Brand: CRC; Review: It works as best I can tell. Easier and safer than burning a piece of paper. I later had a man from ADT check out an unrelated problem and he used something quite similar. My only reservation is that it is such a small car for the money.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kidde KA-F Smoke Detector Quick Convert Adapter from Firex to Kidde (900-0149); Brand: Kidde; Review: snug fit but works well. Don't force it, but steady pressure wins the match.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Firex AC Hardwired Combination Carbon Monoxide & Photoelectric Smoke Alarm KN-COPE-IC; Brand: Kidde; Review: I hope this is worth 5 stars. More importantly, I hope I never need it. It was easy to install and appears to do the job. Works with canned-smoke (available online).; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Kidde KA-F Smoke Detector Quick Convert Adapter from Firex to Kidde (900-0149); Brand: Kidde; Review: snug fit but works well. Don't force it, but steady pressure wins the match.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Tools_and_Home_Improvement |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Bakugan Dragonoid Destroyer; Brand: Spin Master; Review: my 6 year old son (and all of his friends) love this toy. it does a few more things than smaller backugans. I think it is pricey (at least from Amazon) and not educational. But I am an older nerdy mom and my husband says sometimes "kids just gotta have fun."; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Bakugan Dragonoid Destroyer; Brand: Spin Master; Review: my 6 year old son (and all of his friends) love this toy. it does a few more things than smaller backugans. I think it is pricey (at least from Amazon) and not educational. But I am an older nerdy mom and my husband says sometimes "kids just gotta have fun."; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Bakugan Dragonoid Destroyer; Brand: Spin Master; Review: my 6 year old son (and all of his friends) love this toy. it does a few more things than smaller backugans. I think it is pricey (at least from Amazon) and not educational. But I am an older nerdy mom and my husband says sometimes "kids just gotta have fun."; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Bakugan Dragonoid Destroyer; Brand: Spin Master; Review: my 6 year old son (and all of his friends) love this toy. it does a few more things than smaller backugans. I think it is pricey (at least from Amazon) and not educational. But I am an older nerdy mom and my husband says sometimes "kids just gotta have fun."; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: DreamWorks Dragons Defenders of Berk - Action Dragon Figure - Toothless Night Fury (Catapult Tail); Brand: SpinMaster; Review: My 8 year old has been playing with this for days. We love riders of Berk and he is forever drawing Night Furies. The toy is well made and not that expensive given the prices of toys these days. Now he wants the rest of the series, of course. Boys and their collections.....; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: LEGO Coast Guard Patrol; Brand: LEGO; Review: This is fascinating to build and has provided hours of playing fun. One of the best Legos ever and worth every penny.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Uncle Milton Moon In My Room; Brand: Uncle Milton; Review: A terrific night light. My son and daughter have used them for several years and we bought an extra set for grandma's house.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hot Wheels T-Rex Takedown Playset; Brand: Mattel; Review: This is cheaply made and does less for the money than other hot wheel track toys. And my expectations are pretty low.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Disney Frozen Sparkle Anna of Arendelle Doll; Brand: Mattel; Review: Bought this doll as a valentines day gift for my 8 year old daughter. She is inseparable from it. The dress is beautiful and she also puts on other costumes. A winner especially for the price.0; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hot Wheels T-Rex Takedown Playset; Brand: Mattel; Review: This is cheaply made and does less for the money than other hot wheel track toys. And my expectations are pretty low.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Hot Wheels T-Rex Takedown Playset; Brand: Mattel; Review: This is cheaply made and does less for the money than other hot wheel track toys. And my expectations are pretty low.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Hot Wheels T-Rex Takedown Playset; Brand: Mattel; Review: This is cheaply made and does less for the money than other hot wheel track toys. And my expectations are pretty low.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Hot Wheels T-Rex Takedown Playset; Brand: Mattel; Review: This is cheaply made and does less for the money than other hot wheel track toys. And my expectations are pretty low.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Hot Wheels T-Rex Takedown Playset; Brand: Mattel; Review: This is cheaply made and does less for the money than other hot wheel track toys. And my expectations are pretty low.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Hot Wheels T-Rex Takedown Playset; Brand: Mattel; Review: This is cheaply made and does less for the money than other hot wheel track toys. And my expectations are pretty low.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Hot Wheels T-Rex Takedown Playset; Brand: Mattel; Review: This is cheaply made and does less for the money than other hot wheel track toys. And my expectations are pretty low.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Hot Wheels T-Rex Takedown Playset; Brand: Mattel; Review: This is cheaply made and does less for the money than other hot wheel track toys. And my expectations are pretty low.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Hot Wheels T-Rex Takedown Playset; Brand: Mattel; Review: This is cheaply made and does less for the money than other hot wheel track toys. And my expectations are pretty low.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Hot Wheels T-Rex Takedown Playset; Brand: Mattel; Review: This is cheaply made and does less for the money than other hot wheel track toys. And my expectations are pretty low.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Hot Wheels T-Rex Takedown Playset; Brand: Mattel; Review: This is cheaply made and does less for the money than other hot wheel track toys. And my expectations are pretty low.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Hot Wheels T-Rex Takedown Playset; Brand: Mattel; Review: This is cheaply made and does less for the money than other hot wheel track toys. And my expectations are pretty low.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Hot Wheels T-Rex Takedown Playset; Brand: Mattel; Review: This is cheaply made and does less for the money than other hot wheel track toys. And my expectations are pretty low.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Totally Gross The Game; Brand: University Games; Review: The concept is good, but the game is complicated, certainly above the experience of 8 year olds. However, we read the cards and have a good laugh at the questions and answers. The science is informative. And there are so many cards and multiple questions on each card that there is years of learning here. Of course, what 8 year old child does not want to learn about boogers and other gross body facts. This is true for my 8 year old girl, as well as the boy.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Totally Gross The Game; Brand: University Games; Review: The concept is good, but the game is complicated, certainly above the experience of 8 year olds. However, we read the cards and have a good laugh at the questions and answers. The science is informative. And there are so many cards and multiple questions on each card that there is years of learning here. Of course, what 8 year old child does not want to learn about boogers and other gross body facts. This is true for my 8 year old girl, as well as the boy.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Totally Gross The Game; Brand: University Games; Review: The concept is good, but the game is complicated, certainly above the experience of 8 year olds. However, we read the cards and have a good laugh at the questions and answers. The science is informative. And there are so many cards and multiple questions on each card that there is years of learning here. Of course, what 8 year old child does not want to learn about boogers and other gross body facts. This is true for my 8 year old girl, as well as the boy.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Totally Gross The Game; Brand: University Games; Review: The concept is good, but the game is complicated, certainly above the experience of 8 year olds. However, we read the cards and have a good laugh at the questions and answers. The science is informative. And there are so many cards and multiple questions on each card that there is years of learning here. Of course, what 8 year old child does not want to learn about boogers and other gross body facts. This is true for my 8 year old girl, as well as the boy.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Pressman Toys Giant Pick Up Sticks 9 3/4 long; Brand: Pressman Toy; Review: I was told by my daughters second grade teacher that research showed playing pick up sticks helped with math skills. I was skeptical but it turned out to be true. We played this a lot over the winter holidays when she received them as a gift and on and off since then. The old stand buys are the best. And so much fun for so little money.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: LEGO Monster Fighters Haunted House 10228; Brand: LEGO; Review: We got this set for spring recess. My 8 year old daughter wanted it very much. My 8 year old son is the Lego master. He agreed to help and she agreed to finish the project. We just finished the first floor and it is awesome. 2100 pieces is hours and hours of fun. You have to be v careful because the house is intentionally crazy and it is easy to misalign a section and have to redo it. This is particularly true of the eaves. It is v expensive but well worth the bonding time and challenge for fine motor skills and thinking strategically. It is extremely stable and will provide hours of playtime when finished (by Halloween)!!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Gund Sesame Street Peek A Boo Elmo Animated 15" Plush; Brand: Gund; Review: My daughter loves everything Elmo. But not this one. The blanket is somewhat fragile and I have had to reattach it twice. I should have thought about the fact that it would be still and fragile therefore cannot be slept with. It is not cuddly.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Gund Sesame Street Peek A Boo Elmo Animated 15" Plush; Brand: Gund; Review: My daughter loves everything Elmo. But not this one. The blanket is somewhat fragile and I have had to reattach it twice. I should have thought about the fact that it would be still and fragile therefore cannot be slept with. It is not cuddly.; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Gund Sesame Street Peek A Boo Elmo Animated 15" Plush; Brand: Gund; Review: My daughter loves everything Elmo. But not this one. The blanket is somewhat fragile and I have had to reattach it twice. I should have thought about the fact that it would be still and fragile therefore cannot be slept with. It is not cuddly.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Gund Sesame Street Peek A Boo Elmo Animated 15" Plush; Brand: Gund; Review: My daughter loves everything Elmo. But not this one. The blanket is somewhat fragile and I have had to reattach it twice. I should have thought about the fact that it would be still and fragile therefore cannot be slept with. It is not cuddly.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Gund Sesame Street Peek A Boo Elmo Animated 15" Plush; Brand: Gund; Review: My daughter loves everything Elmo. But not this one. The blanket is somewhat fragile and I have had to reattach it twice. I should have thought about the fact that it would be still and fragile therefore cannot be slept with. It is not cuddly.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Gund Sesame Street Peek A Boo Elmo Animated 15" Plush; Brand: Gund; Review: My daughter loves everything Elmo. But not this one. The blanket is somewhat fragile and I have had to reattach it twice. I should have thought about the fact that it would be still and fragile therefore cannot be slept with. It is not cuddly.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Gund Sesame Street Peek A Boo Elmo Animated 15" Plush; Brand: Gund; Review: My daughter loves everything Elmo. But not this one. The blanket is somewhat fragile and I have had to reattach it twice. I should have thought about the fact that it would be still and fragile therefore cannot be slept with. It is not cuddly.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Gund Sesame Street Peek A Boo Elmo Animated 15" Plush; Brand: Gund; Review: My daughter loves everything Elmo. But not this one. The blanket is somewhat fragile and I have had to reattach it twice. I should have thought about the fact that it would be still and fragile therefore cannot be slept with. It is not cuddly.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Gund Sesame Street Peek A Boo Elmo Animated 15" Plush; Brand: Gund; Review: My daughter loves everything Elmo. But not this one. The blanket is somewhat fragile and I have had to reattach it twice. I should have thought about the fact that it would be still and fragile therefore cannot be slept with. It is not cuddly.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Gund Sesame Street Peek A Boo Elmo Animated 15" Plush; Brand: Gund; Review: My daughter loves everything Elmo. But not this one. The blanket is somewhat fragile and I have had to reattach it twice. I should have thought about the fact that it would be still and fragile therefore cannot be slept with. It is not cuddly.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: LEGO Technic Tracked Crane 9391; Brand: LEGO; Review: This is v tiny. It works but does not stay together anywhere near as well as Lego city or Lego creator. My son built it but was not excited about it and does not play with it. The coast guard boat, all airplanes, all cars are the opposite. Spend your money on those.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Disney Frozen Sparkle Princess Elsa Doll; Brand: ; Review: A dream for any girl who loves frozen (and who doesn't) and as compared to other offerings medium priced. Never thought I would say that about a 45 dollar doll. Yes target and many other places will post a 15 dollar price. And I did have my daughter wait more than 2 months before I paid this much. But at 15 dollars the doll is never available on line. I work more than full time and cannot run from store to store on the off chance the doll will be on the shelf. So we combined some of her savings and some of mine to purchase it. She plays with Elsa every day. And she is not a "doll" girl. This type of play is important to social skills. I regret almost all of the Barbie purchases at 15 dollars but not this purchase at 3 times the price. I also do not regret hunky ken with the "pack" (6 pack abs) as he is a wonderful playmate for all dolls and stuffed animals.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Don't Say It Game; Brand: Pressman Toy; Review: This is a terrific game for inserting stealth learning. It helps a child read or build vocabulary by learning synonyms. Hours and hours of fun and so many cards it does not get boring. Plus the price is right.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Toys_and_Games |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Elba Carlota Beach and Convention Resort; City: Antigua Fuerteventura Canary Islands; Review: Just returned from Fuerteventura and what a clean island it is. When we arrived at the airport to collect our luggage, we waited and waited and sure enough ours was the last case to appear. So that wasn't a good start. But from then on things got better and better. After a short journey we arrived at our hotel. On first seeing it, we were pleasantly suprised. The check in staff were very friendly and explained everything we needed to know. We had to leave a deposit of 10 euro's for our pool towels. I would suggest bringing your own as the towels were quite thin and well used. We were allowed to change them twice while we were there. Our room was on the -1 floor, room 124. it was situated very close to the pool and restaurant. Fortunately it was a lovely quiet room. The pools were spotless and there were plenty sunbeds. We were all inclusive so we just had to walk into the restaurant and help ourselves to the buffet. The food was very nice and all freshly cooked. We walked into town a few times which took about 30 minutes. We went to Piero's Music Club which is well worth going to, with different entertainment every nite. The hotel has different entertainment every nite as well and the Animations Team are really friendly, they come around to see you and have a chat everyday. Luckily the weather was fantastic, so with plenty memories we also had a good tan. All in all I would definitely recommend this hotel.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Quinta do Lorde Resort Hotel Marina; City: Canical Madeira Madeira Islands; Review: We stayed in this hotel in May. The hotel itself is beautiful, all the fixtures and fittings are top class. The downside, no shop, spa or kids club. Also the gym had the equipment but it wasn't plugged it. We were quite isolated as well, one day we went for a walk to the next town, it took 2 hours. Although the hotel is advertised as All Inclusive we found it wasn't. There were 3 pools, again beautiful, but not heated. We ate in the Lords restaurant as it was my birthday. The hotel gave us 30 euro's each toward the meal which only got you the starter. Although the food was nice it was grossly over priced.The courtesy bus only ran once a day at 10.30am and returning from Funchal at 4.30pm. That was the only transport that was free. Maybe when the hotel is finished it will be better. Personally we won't be visiting it again.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rendezvous Resort; City: Castries Castries Quarter St Lucia; Review: We have just returned from St Lucia with fantastic tans and wonderful memories of our stay at The Rendezvous, as soon as we arrived we were greeted by Tony, he took us to the Terrace Area,gave us drinks and we were told all about things that were happening and where to go. Our room was beautiful and faced onto the garden and beyond was the sea. I think it was newly refurbished, it was kept spotless by the maids. ALL the restaurant staff were so friendly and helpful. When we went to the pool we got an abundance of drinks served to us by Trevor. He was always there when you needed a drink and bought us one even if we forgot to ask him for one. We were not located far from Point Seraphine where the cruise ships docked and Castries, the capital. One day we walked into Castries, it took us 30 minutes. As it was so hot we opted to get the local bus back. They come every couple of minutes. They only house about 12 people but it is so friendly and the driver will put you off nearly anywhere. We thoroughly recommend this hotel,as I have bright red hair at the moment,I was always getting comments about it,the locals are so friendly we would have loved to have stayed there longer. The only downside to the holiday was that there wasn't a TV in the room. it would have been nice to know what was happening in the world outside.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Iberotel Palace; City: Sharm El Sheikh South Sinai Red Sea and Sinai; Review: We arrived at the hotel on 2nd December. We were shown into a room where we were given a drink and a wet towel. We had our passports checked and told about the hotel and resort. We were then shown to our room. What a pleasant surprise we had. The room was lovely. It was situated by the bottom pool. Unfortunately this was the cold pool but it didn't matter. All we did was sunbathe all week. The pool nearer the hotel was heated and was lovely to swim in. There was a duet that sang most nights. The restaurant was beautiful and the food was excellent. All the staff were ready to help you all the time. We had a problem with our safe and somebody came to put it right within 5 minutes. We took a trip to the Sinai Desert where we sat with the Bedouins smoked the shisha pipe, had a meal and star gazed. We also went to Soho Square where the Christmas lights were turned on, it was well worth the trip. Also while there we went to the only Ice Bar in Asia and there are only 3 in the world. It was an experience not to be missed. I would totally recommend this hotel.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pandanus Resort; City: Mui Ne Phan Thiet Binh Thuan Province; Review: Having travelled 6hrs in a mini bus from HoChiMinhCity we arrived at the Pandanas resort. First impressions were good. The reception area was small but open both ends. Showing 2 ponds full of fish and water lilies. We were situated in " Jasmine" all the areas were named after flowers. Our room was a Deluxe Junior Suite at the beginning of an open corridor. It was a lovely room with a guest area as you come in with a table and chairs, then the bedroom and a bathroom with 2 sinks a separate toilet and shower in 2 separate cubicles. A door in the bedroom opened out onto a terrace and the garden area of the property. The pool was a good size with a jacuzzi and there were plenty sunbeds. The restaurant was big with a buffet breakfast and a menu for Western and Asian food at lunch and in the evening. Everything we had was beautifully cooked and always hot. We had lunch on the Sun Terrace with a menu as well. There was a spa,games area disco and openair massage. In the evening there is a group called "The Stardust Group from the Phillipines". They were really good and would sing anything you requested. If we had a problem it was sorted out straight away. All the staff were very friendly and couldn't do enough for you. The only draw back was that the hotel was a bit out of the way, the local buses came every 30minutes and you were back in the hub of it very quickly. We were sorry to leave after 7 days but would recommend this hotel to anyone.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Saigon Prince Hotel; City: Ho Chi Minh City; Review: We have just returned from our holiday in Vietnam which was fascinating. The Duxton Hotel is beautiful. Although we only stayed for 3nights it was a lovely start to our holiday. After a very long time travelling there, we were greeted by a young man ready to open the door to a lovely hotel. After checking in we went to our room which was really nice. We were on the 4th floor and looking out the lobby window was the swimming pool, we didn't take advantage of it though as we wanted to see as much of Saigon as we could. The next morning we went down to breakfast in a lovely big room. There was plenty to choose from with Western and Eastern food alike. All the staff were really friendly and if you asked for anything to be done it was taken care of straight away. I would definitely recommend this hotel .; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Premier Inn London Stratford Hotel; City: London England; Review: We have just returned from a few days away in London. This property was suggested by my daughter. We arrived in the afternoon to lovely hot sunshine. The reception area is up on the first floor. There are 2 desks and we were seen quite quickly. There are also machines where you can check in manually. Our room was on the 10th floor and down a long corridor. The room itself was spotlessly clean and looked out onto a vast area of London. We had booked for breakfast as well, so down we went to the first floor next morning to a good selection of food and drink. The staff were really friendly and always ready to help. As the hotel is only a few yards from the largest shopping centre ever, we always had plenty to spend our money on. Checking out was very simple, we just handed in our room keys. The hotel is only about 2years old so the furniture and surroundings are spotless. I would recommend this hotel to anyone.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Georgian Guest House; City: Alnwick Northumberland England; Review: We decided to stay here as we were going to a wedding reception at Alnwick Gardens. We weren't disappointed, we were greeted at the door by a lovely lady who helped my husband reverse our car through a small archway to the car park. She also took our cases to our room. Luckily we were on the ground floor, number 4. The room was spotlessly clean, well decorated with tea, coffee, biscuits and chocolates. The next morning we went for breakfast along the corridor. There was a good choice of food and a nice lady served us. The only down side was our bathroom. It was very small and the shower had little pressure. Apart from that, our stay was very enjoyable; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Db Seabank Resort Spa; City: Mellieha Island of Malta; Review: We arrived back home last Tuesday from our wonderful week away at this lovely hotel and Island. Our check in was at 1am in the morning and was still as good as any other time of the day. We were on the 6th floor with a partial view of the bay and view of the allotments and Mellieha Town. Our room was very nice and it was kept very clean for our stay. The buffet restaurant had plenty of food to choose from and the waiters- waitresses were very friendly. We booked the Italian restaurant and although the food was delicious it was still a buffet. There are also 4other restaurants to dine in. There was a large swimming pool and a smaller one just for adults, this was lovely and quiet. Unfortunately both pools were very cold so we didn't get to get a swim. The entertainment was excellent, a different act each night. So all in all I would really recommend this hotel.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ibis Frankfurt Messe West; City: Frankfurt Hesse; Review: We arrived at this hotel last Friday and was greeted by a nice young lady on reception who gave us all the information we needed. Our room was nice and clean. We stayed until Monday. We didn't have the breakfast but the restaurant looked okay. There was an incident with the cleaning staff which was sorted out on departure, this ruined our lovely weekend away.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Grange Beauchamp Hotel; City: London England; Review: We have just arrived home from 3 lovely days in London. Our hotel was one stop away from Kings Cross Station on the tube. First impressions on arrival were very good, the staff were very friendly and the reception area nice and clean. Our room was on the second floor right near the lift. Although the room wasn't very big it had everything we needed. The view out our window was a small grassed area. Further away was "Centre Point". We were on a Continental Breakfast booking. It was really nice with plenty of choice. The waitresses were very helpful. I would definitely recommend this hotel. On our departure there was a member of staff waiting with an umbrella so we wouldn't get wet getting into our taxi. That's what you call good service.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Divi Aruba All Inclusive; City: Oranjestad Aruba; Review: We have just returned from a wonderful holiday on this beautiful island. Having flown from London Gatwick Airport on the Dreamliner, sitting in Premium Club we were very relaxed, even after a 9 ish hour flight. Having found our bags we were told which coach to board, Reps were on our coach ready to give us our all inclusive bands and give us safe keys and info about the hotel. This was a lovely change from having to queue when we arrived. The whole process took about 30 minutes from disembarking from the aircraft. About 20 minutes later we were at the hotel. First impressions were very good. We went straight to our room after a short walk. We were in room 334 which was like a bungalow, there are 7 lines of these typ properties which are called "Casita Rooms". The room it self was very large with 2 double beds, a table , two chairs, big chest of draws and walk in wardrobe. The bathroom was a good size but the property needed a bit of a refurb. It looked as if it had been started but not finished. There is an A la Carte restaurant called the Red Parrot which you have to book but the service and food are excellent. The buffet restaurant is outside and in an air conditioned room, there is plenty of very well cooked food to choose from. There are two pools but the pool further back of the property is small. There is a bar by the bigger pool with very quick service and a sandwich, pizza and drinks bar at the other end of the pool. The lobby area seemed to be the only place you could pick up Wi-Fi. A little way along the beach is The Sandpiper Bar which served snacks and drinks. Every night there was entertainment usually two different acts. Some were very good others not so good. They were always in the outdoors as the property isn't that big. Along the road is a casino and a small arcade of shops.All in all this is a beautiful place to visit, but it needs a few tweaks here and there to bring it up to a 4 * standard.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hotel Riu Nautilus; City: Torremolinos Costa del Sol Province of Malaga Andalucia; Review: We arrived by taxi from the airport, the hotel looked very inviting on first glance. The people on reception were very helpful and told us everything we needed to know. Our room was on the ground floor, which was just down a sloping floor down a corridor. We were in room 122, the room was very spacious and spotlessly clean.the whole hotel looked reasonably new and well decorated. The dining room was down some stairs or you could get the lift there. We were sat at the same table every evening but were told we could sit anywhere at breakfast. The food was buffet style and there was a great deal of choice. Also the A La Carte restaurant was next door. It was a smallish room tastefully decorated. There was a buffet style starter buffet and the choice of 3 main meals. Upstairs on the ground floor was the entertainments room. There were different acts on every night. Also there was an outside and indoor pool and a spa.The poolside of the hotel is on the promenade and a door leads you straight to it. The only downside I could find was the towels, they were very thin. But that is a very minor gripe. I would definitely recommend this hotel to anyone.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: GF Fanabe; City: Costa Adeje Adeje Tenerife Canary Islands; Review: We landed after a 4 hour ish flight and a short transfer to our hotel. It was just after 9pm and the restaurant closed at 9.30pm. Having half checked in, we went to the restaurant, we were shown to a table and asked what we wanted to drink. The food was help yourself and there was plenty to choose from, when we were finished we took the slip of paper with our drinks order on to the lady at the door to pay. All drinks were paid for before leaving the restaurant. On returning to reception we finally checked in and was told everything we needed to know. Our room was on the 2nd floor facing the road. It was nicely furnished with a mirror behind the bed that was about 10 feet wide, plus another smaller mirror on the other side of the room. This made the room look really big, it was very spacious anyway and the sun bleached in every morning and stayed there for most of the day. The next day at breakfast we chose our own table and again there was a wide choice of food on offer. Jewellery stalls etc come into the hotel of a morning and left by lunchtime. There were a few shops in the reception area which housed a bar and many chairs to relax in. Outside were chairs and at night there was entertainment there. The pool area had entertainment as well in the evening. The pool was quite big with a shallow end for the little ones. While we were there, there was a foam party at the pool which everybody seemed to enjoy. On the roof is a sunbathing area, bar and 2 small pools. It has astro turf down so it makes for a pleasant area to relax in. There are plenty trips to go on and the hotel is near a lot of shops, just a walk down the hill gets you to the promenade where there are restaurants, bars and other hotels. All the staff are very friendly and eager to help, there is an animation team who have events going on all day. The guests are from young to old so the hotel caters for everyone.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Premier Inn Glasgow City Centre Charing Cross Hotel; City: Glasgow Scotland; Review: After travelling by train from Newcastle we were eager to find this hotel. We didn't have long to wait, Having arrived at Charing Cross Station we looked right and there was the hotel right in front of us. The reception area was small but the receptionist was very friendly. After giving us all the information we needed we got in the lift to floor 10. We found our room and was pleasantly surprised as it was very airy and being on a corner we had two very large windows with a lovely view . The room was very basic but clean. The bathroom was small and needed a refurb but was clean. We had breakfast the first morning but was very dissapointed with it, there was very little to choose from and everything needed filling up. We didn't bother with eating there again but as there are so many restaurants round about it wasn't a problem. Housekeeping was very poor but it was mentioned to the receptionist on checkout so hopefully it will get sorted out. This hotel is very close to Sauchiehall Street where there are loads of shops and eateries. Buchanan Shopping Centre is about a 15 minute walk away.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Premier Inn London Stratford Hotel; City: London England; Review: We stayed here about 3 years ago and it hasn't changed, it's just as good if not better, this time we were on the third floor, our room was spotless and looked liked it had been refurbished not long ago. We decided to have our breakfast here as it was very nice last time. We weren't dissapointed, all the cooked food was freshly made and very hot, I had the continental breakfast which was very plentiful. We didn't stay for the dinners as we were meeting friends both nights of our stay. This hotel is very convenient for the Westfield Centre. You just turn right outside the hotel and there it is. Every time we come to London we always stay here. The Central Line tube gets you directly into the centre of London.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Grand Memories Santa Maria; City: Cayo Santa Maria Villa Clara Province Cuba; Review: We have just returned from our two week holiday in this hotel, firstly we arrived on the Dreamliner which was lovely, We got through customs etc very quickly, it took 1 hour 45 minutes to get to the hotel along the motorway then along the causeway to the island. This was very pretty. When we arrived at the hotel there was singing and dancing for our arrival. We were taken to our room after a welcome drink by Yagniel who with Walter were our " butlers" for our holiday. Our room was on the 3rd floor which is the top floor. Our room looked nice when we went in, but on looking closer we didn't have a plug in the sink or in the bath, plus the bath handle was coming off the wall. After 5 days we managed to get our room changed. Luckily it was 2 doors away. We were in the Adults area which is called the Sanctuary,which was lovely and quiet as there weren't many people there, the pool was very big with many many loungers, these were nearly all empty all the holiday so you didn't have to come down early to get a bed. We had our own restaurant and lobby bar, unfortunately the food wasn't very good so we went down to Grand Memories buffet to eat most of the time. There was a vast selection of food there to choose from. Most of the entertainment was down there at the " Theatre" but the Sanctuary had a few people to entertain us. There is also another part of the the complex called Memories Paraiso. I can't comment on that as we never went down there. The whole time we were there they did not have any diet drinks, so after many complaints they got me some as I am diabetic, this was just a simple request but as a large hotel they should have had these drinks as they were on the drinks list. There were many complaints about these Memories hotels while we were there and I think they were genuine, we have a complaint in progress as well. Unfortunately I wouldn't recommend this complex of hotels unless something is done to improve things. This is a frank an honest opinion of what I thought of the hotel.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Grange Clarendon Hotel; City: London England; Review: We arrived last Tuesday and was greeted by a very friendly receptionist. We have stayed once before so knew the hotel well. Having checked in we got the lift to the 3rd floor. Our room was just along from there. It was very clean and the view was of the gardens. There was a cupboard on the wall which housed a kettle and all you needed for a cuppa. The wardrobe housed a safe and there were plenty drawers for clothes. The bathroom was very small but space is at a premium in London. Unfortunately there wasn't anywhere to put our wash things by the sink, so they had to go on the top of the toilet shelf. The room had good furniture in, but needed a refurbishment. We had breakfast next morning in a pleasant room downstairs with big windows. The food was laid out on a long table, it consisted of plenty of fruit, cereal, jams, cakes, meat ,cheese and yoghurts. The staff were very efficient and offered to get toast, coffee or tea straight away. We didn't have lunch or dinner there so I can't review the food but I'm sure it was nice. We needed our TV sorting out, so having mentioned it to staff it was sorted straight away. That's good service.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Centara Ceysands Resort Spa Sri Lanka; City: Bentota Galle District Southern Province; Review: After 2 long flights and a long taxi journey we arrived at the start of our hotel. We were greeted with a cold cloth and a drink. To get to the hotel you had to cross the river in a small rocky boat. ( I hate boats ) anyway we managed it, over on the other side we were greeted with the reception staff. After checking in we were shown to our room. It was very nice, quite large and airy. Unfortunately we didn't have a shower door. This was eventually sorted out 12 days into our holiday. We went to an A La Carte restaurant once, the hotel give you 2000 rupees per person towards the bill. Unfortunately when you take the service charge and tax away, that money didn't cover much. The food was lovely and the staff very nice. Cafe Bem is the buffet restaurant, the choice of food was vast but the majority of it was spicy. As me and my husband don't eat spicy food we ended up eating lots of desserts and cakes. They were delicious. The staff there were always ready to serve you with a smile. Nallin served us many times and always knew when we wanted something. Every night there was entertainment with a different person or group playing. During the week there were Sri Lankan dancers on, a beach party and a beach barbeque as well. The pool was very large and you could always find a sunbed.The pool towels were the biggest I have seen at any hotel. You didn't need to pay a deposit either. Indika, one of the pool men was always there to help us and he would come over for a chat as well. Unfortunately the downside was our rep,. There was a mix up and we didn't get to meet him until the second week of our holiday. We asked about booking a trip at the reception and they told the wrong rep to come and see us, he said to come to his welcome meeting as well. When we did meet our rep he did his very best to help us for the rest of our holiday. All in all I would definitely recommend this hotel as all the staff give you 5 * service; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Good, The Bad, and Casey Jones; Brand: Megan Fox; Review: I'm so glad I didn't waist my money taking my kids to see this at the movies, but I wish I just rented it instead of buying it.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: True Blood: The Complete Season 7; Brand: Various; Review: What can I say?, it just got weirder each season and I was very disappointed with the final episode. But I can defiantly see why they are not gong to make a season 8, they ran out of any good ideas.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Equalizer; Brand: Denzel Washington; Review: Denzel always delivers in each movie he makes. This was a great action movie and I would defiantly recommend it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Walking Dead, The Ssn 5; Brand: ; Review: Much like True Blood each season is just getting more and more out there and it seems like they are running out of good ideas. I'm really hoping they will get better again because I do like The Walking Dead.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Corpse Bride; Brand: Johnny Depp; Review: Tim Burton's movies are never a disappointment.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Supernatural: Season 7; Brand: Jared Padalecki; Review: Love it!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Supernatural: S8 (DVD); Brand: Jared Padalecki; Review: Always a good series to watch!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Aloha; Brand: Bradley Cooper; Review: I would not tell any of my friends to watch this..; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Last Kingdom, The; Brand: Alexander Dreymon; Review: This has really good potential, I hope it doesn't get dropped.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_Movies_and_TV |
Given the interaction history of a user with movies/shows as follows:
Title: Analyze This (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Haunting (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Six Days (1998); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Runaway Bride (1999); Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Fallen (1998); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Air Force One (1997); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Full Monty (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Sixth Sense (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mimic (1997); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (1997); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dr. Strangelove (1964); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Deep Blue Sea (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: A Simple Plan (1998); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Blade (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Edge (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Rugrats Movie (1998); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Alice in Chains: Unplugged (1996); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Stir of Echoes (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: What Dreams May Come (1998); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Pleasantville (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Thomas Crown Affair (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Matrix (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Babe (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: City of Angels (1998); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Gattaca (1997); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Shakespeare in Love (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Enemy of the State (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dogma (1999); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Dark City (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sleepy Hollow (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Erin Brockovich (2000); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Mission to Mars (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Lost in Space (1998); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Armageddon (1998); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Horse Whisperer (1998); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: 8MM (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Galaxy Quest (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Contact (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Rock (1996); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Player (1992); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Video Essentials (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Leaving Las Vegas (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Three Kings (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Vertigo (1958); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: American Beauty (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Green Mile (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Perfect Storm (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Fried Green Tomatoes (1991); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mission: Impossible (1996); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Billy Madison (1995); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Eraser (1996); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Mission: Impossible II (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Blade Runner (1982); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Interview with the Vampire (1994); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: U-571 (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Bicentennial Man (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Traffic (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Titan A.E. (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Almost Famous (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fight Club (1999); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Magnolia (1999); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Meet the Parents (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Billy Elliot (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Chicken Run (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Babe: Pig in the City (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Unbreakable (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Crouching Tiger (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Spy Kids (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Along Came a Spider (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Simon Birch (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Enemy at the Gates (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Chocolat (2000); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Score (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Ocean's Eleven (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Planet of the Apes (2001); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Spider-Man (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mulholland Drive (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Titus (1999); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Others (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Royal Tenenbaums (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Time Machine (2002); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Bourne Identity (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Insomnia (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Thirteenth Floor (1999); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Treasure Planet (2002); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Signs (2002); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Finding Forrester (2000); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Aliens: Collector's Edition (1986); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Men in Black II (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Resident Evil (2002); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Tommy Boy (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: L.A. Confidential (1997); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Looney Tunes Golden Collection: Vol. 1 (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Depeche Mode: The Videos '86-'98 (1998); Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Sopranos: Season 1 (1999); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Reservoir Dogs (1992); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Alien: Collector's Edition (1979); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: This Is Spinal Tap (1984); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Monty Python's Life of Brian (1979); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Apocalypse Now (1979); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Blazing Saddles (1974); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: There's Something About Mary: Special Edition (1998); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Monty Python's The Meaning of Life: Special Edition (1983); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Italian Job (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Usual Suspects (1995); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Godfather (1972); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Lost Boys: Special Edition (1987); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Batman (1989); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Peter Pan (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Shawshank Redemption: Special Edition (1994); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: GoodFellas: Special Edition (1990); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rear Window (1954); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Superman: The Movie (1978); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Last Samurai (2003); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Holes (2003); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971); Rating: 4.0/5.0 | netflix |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Don't Look Twice; Author: Visit Amazon's Andrew Gross Page; Review: Thanks; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Call to Joy: Living in the Presence of God; Author: Visit Amazon's Matthew Kelly Page; Review: Thanks; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Robert Ludlum's The Bourne Legacy; Author: Visit Amazon's Eric Van Lustbader Page; Review: Thanks; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Power Down (A Dewey Andreas Novel); Author: Visit Amazon's Ben Coes Page; Review: Thanks; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Final Warning: A Maximum Ride Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's James Patterson Page; Review: Thanks; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fang: A Maximum Ride Novel (Book 6); Author: Visit Amazon's James Patterson Page; Review: Thanks; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: School's Out - Forever (Maximum Ride, Book 2); Author: Visit Amazon's James Patterson Page; Review: Thanks; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Angel Experiment: A Maximum Ride Novel (Book 1); Author: Visit Amazon's James Patterson Page; Review: Thanks; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Maximum Ride Saving The World And Other Extreme Sports; Author: Visit Amazon's James Patterson Page; Review: Thanks; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Christmas Train; Author: Visit Amazon's David Baldacci Page; Review: Thanks; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Winner; Author: Visit Amazon's David Baldacci Page; Review: Thanks; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Bourne Ultimatum: Jason Bourne Book #3; Author: Visit Amazon's Robert Ludlum Page; Review: Thanks; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Bourne Supremacy: Jason Bourne Book #2; Author: Visit Amazon's Robert Ludlum Page; Review: Thanks; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Kill Artist; Author: Visit Amazon's Daniel Silva Page; Review: Thanks; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Robert Ludlum's (TM) The Bourne Objective (Jason Bourne); Author: Visit Amazon's Eric Van Lustbader Page; Review: Thanks; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Robert Ludlum's The Bourne Betrayal; Author: Visit Amazon's Eric Van Lustbader Page; Review: Thanks; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Basic Economics: A Common Sense Guide to the Economy; Author: Visit Amazon's Thomas Sowell Page; Review: Thanks; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Economic Facts and Fallacies; Author: Visit Amazon's Thomas Sowell Page; Review: Thanks; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Percy Jackson Complete Library, Books 1-5 (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Volumes 1-5); Author: Visit Amazon's Rick Riordan Page; Review: Thanks; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Crossing the Threshold of Hope; Author: Visit Amazon's Pope John Paul II Page; Review: Thank you; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Takedown; Author: ; Review: Thanks; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Rhythm of Life: Living Every Day with Passion and Purpose; Author: Visit Amazon's Matthew Kelly Page; Review: Thanks; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Consent to Kill: A Thriller (Mitch Rapp, No. 6); Author: Visit Amazon's Vince Flynn Page; Review: Thanks; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Extreme Measures (A Mitch Rapp Novel); Author: Visit Amazon's Vince Flynn Page; Review: Thanks; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: State of the Union: A Thriller; Author: Visit Amazon's Brad Thor Page; Review: Thanks; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Path of the Assassin: A Thriller; Author: Visit Amazon's Brad Thor Page; Review: Thanks; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Last Patriot; Author: Visit Amazon's Brad Thor Page; Review: Thanks; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Foreign Influence: A Thriller (The Scot Harvath Series); Author: Visit Amazon's Brad Thor Page; Review: Thanks; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Full Black (Scot Harvath); Author: Visit Amazon's Brad Thor Page; Review: Thanks; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Pursuit of Honor: A Thriller (Mitch Rapp); Author: Visit Amazon's Vince Flynn Page; Review: Thanks; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Apostle (The Scot Harvath Series); Author: Visit Amazon's Brad Thor Page; Review: Thanks; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The First Commandment (The Scot Harvath Series); Author: Visit Amazon's Brad Thor Page; Review: Thanks; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Kill Shot (The Mitch Rapp Series); Author: Visit Amazon's Vince Flynn Page; Review: Thanks; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: My Other Self in Which Christ Speaks to the Soul on Living HIS Life; Author: Clarence J. Enzler; Review: Thanks; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Athena Project: A Thriller (Thorndike Press Large Print Basic Series); Author: Visit Amazon's Brad Thor Page; Review: Thanks; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Max: A Maximum Ride Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's James Patterson Page; Review: Thanks; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rediscover Lent; Author: Visit Amazon's Matthew Kelly Page; Review: Thanks; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rediscover Advent; Author: Visit Amazon's Matthew Kelly Page; Review: Thanks; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mustard Seeds: Daily Thoughts to Grow with; Author: Visit Amazon's Matthew Kelly Page; Review: Thanks; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Don't Look Twice: A Novel; Author: Visit Amazon's Andrew Gross Page; Review: Thanks; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Angel Experiment: A Maximum Ride Novel; Author: James Patterson; Review: Thanks; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Blood Red Road (Dust Lands, #1); Author: Moira Young; Genres: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: An enjoyable read with a very distinctive voice. Saba is tough and capable and I loved her developing relationships with Jack and her sister Emmi. My only quibble was the lack of quotation marks in dialogue, which I found distracting. I will definitely be looking for the sequel when it comes out.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Forest of Hands and Teeth (The Forest of Hands and Teeth, #1); Author: Carrie Ryan; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Wonderful world-building here, quite spooky. A village surrounded by a fence alone in the middle of the forest, ruled by a religious Sisterhood, menaced by the "Unconsecrated". Who are zombies. I will definitely be looking for book two.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Quicksilver (Looking Glass Trilogy #2); Author: Amanda Quick; Genres: history, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: I've been a little disappointed in Amanda Quick's books lately, but this one was back up to par. Yay!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Den of Thieves (Ancient Blades, #1); Author: David Chandler; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery; Review: Good world-building and excellent action scenes, but the in between bits dragged a bit for me. I think my problem may be that I like heroes better than rogues, even when there as stupidly-noble as Sir Croy is. I never quite warmed up to Malden, the main character.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Captives: The Druids Saga Book Two; Author: Barbara Galler-Smith; Genres: history, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Very well-researched book. Favourite scenes: Mallec jumping overboard to save the ex-slave, and Modlen and Almeida's perilous journey through a snowstorm while Modlen in in labour--with twins.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Tempering of Men (Iskryne World, #2); Author: Sarah Monette; Genres: history, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: I stayed up until 1 am finishing this one. I loved Companion to Wolves, the first book in the series. This one suffered a little from middle novel syndrome, without a real conclusion. I also missed Isolfr's POV, though I did like Brokkolfr's chapters.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Many Sins of Lord Cameron (MacKenzies & McBrides, #3); Author: Jennifer Ashley; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Delightful characters and lots of steamy scenes. 3rd book in an equally excellent series.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hounded (The Iron Druid Chronicles, #1); Author: Kevin Hearne; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: A good, fun read. The main character's conversations with his dog are hysterical (I especially loved it when Oberon decided he wanted to be like Genghis Khan and have a harem of french poodles...) and there's a lot of action and fun magic. I'll definitely be buying book two.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Chime; Author: Franny Billingsley; Genres: history, young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: After sitting on my to-read shelf for over two weeks, I finally picked this one up because it was due at the library. It didn't really get rolling for me until I'd crossed page 100, but then I stayed up til midnight to finish it. Briony is a complicated character, full of self-hate (in chapter one she confesses to witchcraft and asks to be hanged). I really liked her relationship with Eldric. One of the two revelations at the end was dead obvious, but the other one was a nice twist.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: One Salt Sea (October Daye, #5); Author: Seanan McGuire; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: The fifth October Daye novel! I'd been waiting for this one, and it didn't disappoint. Fave moment: Danny the Bridge Troll questioning the box of rocks as witnesses.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Archangel's Blade (Guild Hunter, #4); Author: Nalini Singh; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: I loved the other books in this series about Elena and Raphael, but I'd never been a big fan of Dmitri's (what can I say, I like angels better than vamps) so I was pleasantly surprised by how enjoyable I found this one. Honor was great character and she brought out a different side of Dmitri. There were almost two plots going, one dealing with each character's backstory, and inevitably I liked one better than the other.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Drummer Girl; Author: Karen Bass; Genres: young-adult, children, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: I bought this book at the launch at Audrey's last night--and finished reading it at 11:20pm. I really felt for Sid the tomboy character who just wants to drum. I don't read much mainstream/non-genre, but this one was excellent. Make sure to have kleenex on hand though...; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Summer of Fire; Author: Karen Bass; Genres: history, young-adult, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Two storylines, one present-day one WWII. Although I liked Del, it was Garda's story that truly compelled me. By the end I was a little tired of Del always running away.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Hour of Dust and Ashes (Charlie Madigan, #3); Author: Kelly Gay; Genres: paranormal, romance, fantasy, fiction; Review: I'm still enjoying this series, especially the scenes with Charlie and Hank as their cop partnership turns romantic. Also some very cool backstory for Hank, building up for book four. I wouldn't have minded spending a bit more time on Charbydon, seeing more world-building. I'm interested to see what Elysia will be like in the next book.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: I Shall Wear Midnight (Discworld, #38); Author: Terry Pratchett; Genres: young-adult, romance, comics, children, paranormal, graphic, fantasy, fiction; Review: I usually breeze through Terry Pratchett books in a couple of days, but this one really got off on the wrong foot with me and has dragged for over a week. I found the first 100 pages especially, too depressing with Tiffany doing unpleasant witch jobs and not much beyond the kelda's forebodings in the way of plot. The plot did pick up after that point for a good 150 pages, then I hit another slow spot, before finishing quite well. Some interesting characters were introduced: Letitia, Preston and Mrs. Proust, but both the villain and Miss Spruce were vile. My lukewarm reaction is probably more to do with the book differing from my expectations of straight comedy, than anything actually wrong with the book.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Envy (Fallen Angels, #3); Author: J.R. Ward; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: 3rd book in the series with a strong central romance as always. I love J.R. Ward's writng style. I found it interesting that this angel/demon series crossed over slightly with her vampire series. Some cool developments in the overarching series regardng Jim and Sissy and Devina. Makes me wonder if she has something planned for Adrian, too.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Angels Of Darkness (Alphas, #0.5; Guild Hunter, #3.5; The Guardians, #7.5; Samaria); Author: Ilona Andrews; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Ilona Andrews, Alphas: Origins 5 stars, Sharon Shinn: Nocturne 4 stars, Nalini Singh: Angel's Wolf 4 stars, Meljean Brook, Ascension 3 stars; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The High King of Montival: A Novel of the Change; Author: S.M. Stirling; Genres: history, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: I'm still enjoying this series, though I was a little disappointed that this was another travel book. Oh, well, we'll be set up for the war next book. I love the interaction with Rudi/Artos and the Sword of the Lady. Chilling. Plus, some nice Canadian action scenes (mounties and cowboys!) with Ritva.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Exiled Queen (Seven Realms, #2); Author: Cinda Williams Chima; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: A good book. Raisa and Amon Byrne are cadets at military school, while Han Alister, Micah and Fiona Bayar, and Dancer are at wizard school. I love trying to figure out who all the different teen characters are going to end up with. I did get annoyed with Han a couple of times, but it sounds like his recklessness may have been imposed on him by his amulet so I'll forgive him. Cliffhanger ending.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Delirium (Delirium, #1); Author: Lauren Oliver; Genres: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Killer concept: a dystopia in which people have surgery at age 18 to "cure" them from falling in love. A strong beginning and ending, but a bit of a saggy middle. I kept wanting to shake the main character and say, "Wake up! You're running out of time. You need to make plans to escape, now!"; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Turn It Up (Turn It Up, #1); Author: Inez Kelley; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: I really liked Bastian and Charlie. Very steamy.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hexed (The Iron Druid Chronicles, #2); Author: Kevin Hearne; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Second book in the series. Lots of action and still getting a kick out of the 2500 year old druid and his dog sidekick. Fave scene: having Mary bless his arrows.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Magebane; Author: Lee Arthur Chane; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: I've been wanting to read this book ever since Ed Willett posted the first sentence on Facebook. (Like a chick in its egg, Jenna lay curled within a bubble of ice half-buried in muck at the bottom of Palace Lake.) It didn't disappoint. Cool world with magic and steampunk tech colliding. The middle portion is full of plot twists as the co-conspirators Lord Falk and Mother Northwind strive to balk the other's Great Plan, while putting their own forward. My only quibble is that the younger protagonists Karl, Brenna and Anton remained pawns for a bit longer than I would have liked.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Heart of the Dragon (Atlantis, #1); Author: Gena Showalter; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: A fun paranormal romance and a quick read. I've heard Gena Showalter's name a lot, but had never read one, so when I saw they were reissuing book one of her Atlantis series I bought it. I'll probably buy book two soon.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Gathering (Darkness Rising, #1); Author: Kelley Armstrong; Genres: young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Good pacing, mystery and characters, but the ending seemed to come a little out of nowhere. I'll definitely be watching for book two. I'm dying to find out who the twin is among other little mysteries.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Troubled Waters (Elemental Blessings, #1); Author: Sharon Shinn; Genres: history, young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Good world-building, cool magic and I enjoyed the romantic subplot, BUT overall I was disappointed in this book. The plot was not nearly as strong as the books in the Twelve Houses series.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Tempted by His Target; Author: Jill Sorenson; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: I don't usually buy category romance (or even that much contemporary) but I like Jill Sorenson and this one was a good quick read. The romance was steamy and I liked the two main characters. The Mexican setting was interesting and well-researched. My only quibble was that the pursued-by-bad-guys plot was a little repetitive.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Raised by Wolves (Raised by Wolves, #1); Author: Jennifer Lynn Barnes; Genres: young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Good world-building with a definite sense of werewolf culture, a strong female character, and a quick read.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Truth of Valor (Confederation, #5); Author: Tanya Huff; Genres: young-adult, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: After a slower-than-normal start, this book really took off and kept going strong until the end. One of those books where you sit there grinning in anticipation, in this case of Torin (the main character) taking down the pirates. Plus some nice relationship stuff between Torin and Craig.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Risky Christmas: Holiday Secrets\Kidnapped at Christmas; Author: Jill Sorenson; Genres: thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: Okay, I confess, I only read the Jill Sorenson novella. I tried one chapter of the other novella and decided it wasn't for me.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Master and Apprentice (Gavyn Donatti, #2); Author: Sonya Bateman; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery; Review: Even better than book one. Not only action-packed, but the stakes kept ratcheting upwards as the plot thickened.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Deeper than the Dead (Oak Knoll, #1); Author: Tami Hoag; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: I don't read many thrillers, but I like Tami Hoag and this one was very good. Strong suspense as you try to figure out which kid has a murderer for a dad.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hammered (The Iron Druid Chronicles, #3); Author: Kevin Hearne; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Action-packed as usual. I found this one funnier than books one and two (especially the squirrel). What was lacking was stakes. No public stakes whatsoever, in fact, Atticus is warned killing Thor is a bad idea, and the private stakes (while high for minor characters) for Atticus is solely keeping his sworn word and loyalty to his friends.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Iorich (Vlad Taltos, #12); Author: Steven Brust; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: It's nice to see Vlad back in Adrilankha City and visiting the old gang (Aliera, Cawti, Morrolan, Daymar, Kragar and Sethra all make appearances) but... there can be such a thing as too much dialogue, even when you're as good at dialogue as Steven Brust is.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Scandalous Desires (Maiden Lane, #3); Author: Elizabeth Hoyt; Genres: history, children, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: I've been waiting for Silence and Charmin' Mickey to have their own romance since they were introduced in book one. Elizabeth Holt is rapidly becoming my favourite historical romance author, second only to Lisa Kleypas.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kiss of Snow (Psy-Changeling, #10); Author: Nalini Singh; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Another strong entry in the Psy-Changeling universe. Not only do we finally get to see Sienna and Hawke's romance, but the war between the Psy council and the changelings heats up and we get a sweet bonus romance between Sienna's uncle, Walker, and the healer Lara.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Guardians of the West (The Malloreon, #1); Author: David Eddings; Genres: paranormal, young-adult, fantasy, fiction; Review: Just reread this one to my twelve year old son. Man, oh man, it takes a long time for the story to get going.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Ghost Messages; Author: Jacqueline Guest; Genres: history, young-adult, mystery, thriller, children, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Cool historical background detailing the laying of the transatlantic cable between Ireland and Newfoundland in 1865. I loved the morse code messages at the beginning of every chapter.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Eona: The Last Dragoneye (Eon, #2); Author: Alison Goodman; Genres: history, young-adult, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Excellent! The author really knows how to create tension. Cool magic, good world-building and characters with depth. Just as good as book one.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hunted; Author: Cheryl Rainfield; Genres: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Read this one because it is a finalist for the Monica Hughes Science Fiction and Fantasy Award (as if my own YA novel Dreamline). Gripping beginning and high tension throughout. Caitlyn is a strong character, and I liked her relationships with Rachel and her mom. Nicely believable ending, positive without being too much change too fast. A few places where I would've liked to have seen more world-building, but all in all a good read.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Farthing (Small Change, #1); Author: Jo Walton; Genres: history, fiction, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Interesting dystopian world set in 1949 in an England that made peace with Hitler and is sliding into fascism, and a solid mystery. I enjoyed Lucy's chapters a lot more than police inspector Carmichael's. I will look for the next two books in the series.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Desert Warrior; Author: Nalini Singh; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Straight contemporary (if you don't count Zulheil rose stone and a made up sheikdom). Tension from the very first page as Jasmine runs toward (not away!) from Tariq, the man she loved and hurt four years before.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Green Rider (Green Rider, #1); Author: Kristen Britain; Genres: history, young-adult, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Great story concept and good world-building. I found the plot a little uneven with some strong action bits and some clanging coincidences.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Guardian (Dark-Hunter, #20; Dream-Hunter, #5; Were-Hunter, #6; Hellchaser, #3); Author: Sherrilyn Kenyon; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: A fun and blessedly fast read with a very appealing hero. I usually like urban fantasy bette than paranormal romance because the magic in paranormal romance often seems too easy (i.e. with no price). I think the reason why I like Kenyon's paranormal romance is because her characters do pay a price (usually a horrible past). You don't get picked to be a Dark-Hunter if your life was sunshine and roses.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Silent Blade (Kinsmen, #1); Author: Ilona Andrews; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Delighted to discover this SF novella by one of my favourite authors. Read it all in one sitting last night.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Silver Shark (Kinsmen, #2); Author: Ilona Andrews; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Same world as Silent Blade, but different characters. Very good!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Heart of the Druid Laird; Author: Barbara Longley; Genres: history, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: A parnormal romance not a historical. All the yumminess of a Scottish druid laird (born 1600 years ago and cursed with immortality) paired with the very modern heroine, Sideney. There was also a secondary romance between Thomas, another cursed Scotsman, and Sidney's friend Zoe. I found Thomas enormously appealing, a light-hearted rogue.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Iron King (The Iron Fey, #1); Author: Julie Kagawa; Genres: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Starts off with a few weird things happening in the real world to doesn't-know-she's-a-princess Meghan, then really hits its stride at around p.50 when her brother is replaced by a changeling and she has to travel to faery to rescue him. A nice twist with the new Iron fey threatening the oldbloods promising lots of conflict to come. I'll definitely be looking for book two.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Chase (Fast Track, #4); Author: Erin McCarthy; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: A new romance author for me and one I'm glad I picked up. The author deftly avoids tired cliches by having the characters TALK about the bad break up they had in chapter two. I will definitely be buying another book in the series; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fate's Edge (The Edge, #3); Author: Ilona Andrews; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: I gave myself the evening off to curl up with this one. Loved the characters and the world. It was especially nice to see George and Jack from book one again, now teenagers.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Justice (Jessica Ford, #2); Author: Karen Robards; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Robards is very good at mixing romance with woman-in-jeopardy stories. For the first time tht I remember, this is a sequel with the same two main characters as Pursuit, Jess (a lawyer) and Mark (Secret Service).; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Flat-Out Sexy (Fast Track, #1); Author: Erin McCarthy; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: Another enjoyable romance. The race car driver hero, Elec, (weird name I know) is both sweet and sexy, and I really rooted for him and Tamara (widow of another driver) to get together.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lord of the Wolfyn (Royal House of Shadows, #3); Author: Jessica Andersen; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: I found this one uneven. I liked the heroine, but kept putting the book down during the hero scenes. I don't get how an author can be skilled enough to hook me in chapter one where the most interesting thing to happen is the buying of a book and then write an attack by a three-headed ogre that was totally ho-hum.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Pale Demon (The Hollows, #9); Author: Kim Harrison; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery; Review: I stayed up until 12:30 last night reading this. Excellent new entry in the series with some very interesting things happening in the ever-after and the promise of change to come in future books.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Twisted Tale of Stormy Gale (Stormy Gale, #1); Author: Christine Bell; Genres: history, young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Steampunk romance. A quick, fun read--almost a little too short. I would've like the surprise twist in chapter four to be foreshadowed instead of coming out of nowhere.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Zoe's Tale (Old Man's War, #4); Author: John Scalzi; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: The 200th book I read this year! Zoe's Tale parallels The Last Colony, something the author admits in the Acknowledgements is a hard thing to pull off. While I enjoyed the story and Zoe is an appealing narrator (excellent zippy dialogue full of teenage snark) I found the plot a little uneven.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Darkest Night (Lords of the Underworld #1); Author: Gena Showalter; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Interesting start to a series with lots of intriguing secondary characters who deserve their own books.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Smokin' Seventeen (Stephanie Plum, #17); Author: Janet Evanovich; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: Still enjoying this series. Cars stolen: 2 Cars blown up: 1 Cars with dead bodies: 1 Your typical Stephanie Plum adventure. Not quite sure where Evanovich was going with the ending though. Is Stephanie really going to choose between Morelli and Ranger? As much as I like Ranger, Morelli gets my vote.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: When the Saints (The Brothers Magnus, #2); Author: Dave Duncan; Genres: history, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Interesting magic system, as always from Duncan. This time the magic itself had little cost so the people set up a system of checks and balances. I liked Wulfgang but found some of the other POV chapters dragged.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: A Beautiful Friendship (Honorverse: Stephanie Harrington, #1); Author: David Weber; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: A good first contact with aliens novel. I'd read the novella version of this in a previous collection and enjoyed it. The new second half was interesting, though I wish Weber had chosen to include Scott MacDallan and Fisher's story, which takes place in between.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Winning the Wallflower (Fairy Tales, #2.5); Author: Eloisa James; Genres: history, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Found out on twitter that one of my favourite authors was offering a free e-novella for a limited time and quickly clicked through. A fun romance with two enjoyable characters who start out by becoming un-engaged.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Second Skin (Skinned, #2); Author: Judith Graves; Genres: young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: A good read. Likeable narrator, a creepy monster du jour and an awesome 60 page climax. I liked how Eryn had to accept her wolven side, and the subplot with Paige. I hope there will be more progress on the over-arching plot in the next book and, please, no Love Rectangles.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Magic Gifts (Kate Daniels, #5.4); Author: Ilona Andrews; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: FREE for a short time on the author's website. An enjoyable Kate Daniels adventure. Fun moments with Curran, getting the better of Ghastek, and the mercenary guild. Looking forward to the next book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Darkest Kiss (Lords of the Underworld #2); Author: Gena Showalter; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: I loved Anya, the goddess of Chaos. She was great fun. Unfortunately, I was a bit lukewarm to Lucien and his death demon. A bit too much of the saying-hurtful-things to each other, even if their motives (keeping Cronus/villain from realizing they care) were believable.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Gods of Amyrantha (Tide Lords, #2); Author: Jennifer Fallon; Genres: paranormal, romance, fantasy, fiction; Review: New favourite character: Tiji. Best plot twist: last chapter featuring Declan Hawkes. I did not see that one coming AT ALL. Shaking my head over Cayal: why do you believe Lukys? I shall definitely have to pick up book three.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Black Bottle Man; Author: Craig Russell; Genres: history, young-adult, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Aurora nominee. I love the concept: Rembrandt and his uncles seek a champion to beat the devil, save their aunts souls (and their own) while only allowed to stay in one place for twelve days at a stretch. A fast-read. I wasn't quite sure about the YA designation--one of the plotlines features Rembrandt as a 90 year-old man.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Counterfeit Magic (Otherworld Stories, #10.4); Author: Kelley Armstrong; Genres: young-adult, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: My first read of the new year! Some interesting relationship stuff with Paige and Lucas and how their dealing with the whole Cabal thing.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Until There Was You; Author: Kristan Higgins; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: Kristan Higgans made me laugh and cry--again. I sympathized intensely with both Posey and Nick (a widower).; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Collision Course (8th Wing #1); Author: Zoe Archer; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: A hot romance novella, and some nice piloting scenes, but the SF world didn't particularly intrigue me.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Way of Shadows (Night Angel, #1); Author: Brent Weeks; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: This book ate Friday; all I did was read. An excellent, gritty fantasy series about an assassin apprentice with lots of cool fight scenes and complicated characters.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Shadow City (Horngate Witches, #3); Author: Diana Pharaoh Francis; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Third book in an excellent urban fantasy series. (Bitter Night was the first one.); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: King of the Murgos (The Malloreon, #2); Author: David Eddings; Genres: paranormal, young-adult, fantasy, fiction; Review: Reread this to Simon. I still like the whole Silk's brother plotline, and I was impressed by the shipwreck scene, but some of the plot makes me shake my head.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Lord of the Abyss (Royal House of Shadows, #4); Author: Nalini Singh; Genres: history, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: I really liked the romance between Liliana and Micah, very sweet. The fantasy elements felt a bit rushed, probably becauseof the limited word count for Nocturne's. Definitely a cut above book 3 in the series.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Unknown Book 13382320; Author: Unknown Author 321; Genres: ; Review: A light, humourous story. I love how something simple (a tourist ad campaign for a small town in Wales) swiftly snowballs into something much more outlandish involving saints, rare birds, and (let's-not-forget) dynamite.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Tower In The Crooked Wood: A Novel; Author: Paula Johanson; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, young-adult; Review: A very cool idea--the evil wizard Krummholz is stealing people from their beds and forcing them to build a tower. Jenia, now awake, seeks to find his tower in the real world. Jenia is nicely competent and as an arborist has an affinity with trees. The book was a touch heavy on world-building in a few chapters, but built to a satisfying conclusion.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Lady's Secret; Author: Joanna Chambers; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Spent my whole evening reading this one. Excellent historical romance, with an interesting perspective into gender issues as Georgiana takes on the male role of valet.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Duke Is Mine (Fairy Tales, #3); Author: Eloisa James; Genres: history, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: A bit uneven. I enjoyed Olivia and Quin's romance, but had trouble with the beginning of the book (60ish pages before the main character's meet) plus IMO the book could easily have ended 100 pages earlier.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Sins of the Demon (Kara Gillian, #4); Author: Diana Rowland; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Still loving this series. And the ending! Cannot _wait_ for the next book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Scent of Shadows (Signs of the Zodiac, #1); Author: Vicki Pettersson; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery; Review: Lots of high tension and plot twists racing toward the reader in the first third of the book. The middle slowed slightly, but the ending was good.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Howl's Moving Castle (Howl's Moving Castle, #1); Author: Diana Wynne Jones; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, children, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Light-hearted and amusing fantasy, with lots of people going around under spells or in disguises. I loved the moving castle concept, but the wizard Howl never quite gelled for me.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: A Date with the Other Side (Cuttersville, #1); Author: Erin McCarthy; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Matchmaking grandmas and ghosts make me tired. What kept me reading this one was Shelby's character. I liked her solidness and honesty and the choice she had to make between safety and passion felt authentic.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Managing Death (Death Works Trilogy #2); Author: Trent Jamieson; Genres: paranormal, romance, fantasy, fiction; Review: Almost didn't buy book two, but now glad I did. Very cool Death magic and less-worn Australian setting. The main character (Steven de Selby) shaped up since the first book (though he did backslide a few times especially in the first couple chapters). In book one, I felt like he spent all his time reacting/on the run. This time he took more action, which was nice. A lovely plot twist at the Death Moot took me by surprise, and the sample excerpt from book three looks great.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Priestess of the Nile (The Gods of Egypt, #1); Author: Veronica Scott; Genres: history, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: I enjoyed this take on Egyptian mythology. Merys and Sobek (the Crocodile God) were sympathetic characters. I welled up during the Dark Moment, and I loved the scene where Sobek leads an army of crocodiles down the Nile. As is often the case with novellas, I do wish a little more time had been spent building the romance.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dark Awakening (Dark Dynasties #1); Author: Kendra Leigh Castle; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: A good read. I've been kind of off paranormal romance lately, preferring straight urban fantasy (except for a few fave authors) so it was nice to find a new author that I enjoyed. Tynan, a Cait Sidhe vamp (!) and his struggle with the 'gutterblood' label pinned on him by highblood vamps really made the book.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lucky Penny (Keegan-Paxton #5); Author: Catherine Anderson; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Very sweet, heart-strings-a-tugging romance. Gave myself the night off to read it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Soul Mirror (Collegia Magica, #2); Author: Carol Berg; Genres: history, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Awesome second book in the Collegia Magica series. The author switched narrators and it was so the right choice. Book one was Portier, book two is Anne de Vernase, the daughter of the traitor uncovered in The Spirit Lens. Lots of intrigue, magic and danger leading up to an exciting climax.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Chance to Dance for You; Author: Gail Sidonie Sobat; Genres: romance, children, young-adult, fiction; Review: A strong contender for the Alberta Reader's Choice Award nominee. I read this one in an afternoon. Ian is a highly sympathetic character and the tension of his situation--an openly gay high school student secretly dating the school jock--really pulled me in. My only quibble is with the first five pages, which focussed on setting and theme; the hook didn't come until the last half-page of chapter one.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bound by Vengeance (Sentinel Wars, #5.5); Author: Shannon K. Butcher; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: Marked this one's release day on the calendar and bought it at breakfast, finished it before noon. Made Luke's dentist appt. so much more pleasant. I'm often disappointed in novellas (lack of development due to length), but this one hit the mark. A solid entry in the series, can't wait until the next one!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Dead Girls' Dance (The Morganville Vampires, #2); Author: Rachel Caine; Genres: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Strong tension throughout, solid, likeable characters, and an interesting take on the vampire world (think mafia Protection).; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Slow Ride (Fast Track, #5); Author: Erin McCarthy; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: Another enjoyable romance. I'm almost caught up in the series now. Tuesday and Diesel were both appealing characters, though the 'dark moment' really made me wince.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Prehistoric Clock (The Steam Clock Legacy, #1); Author: Robert Appleton; Genres: history, young-adult, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Great world-building, likeable characters and dinosaurs rampaging through steampunk London. What else can you ask for? I'll be waiting for book two.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: In Fire Forged (Worlds of Honor, #5); Author: David Weber; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: I enjoyed Jane Lindskold's novella "Ruthless" despite the very bad pun. It was nice to see Prince Michael and Judith again. Similarly the Honor Harrington novella "Let's Dance!" was fun to read--fun to watch Honor stomp on evil pirates. But I am officially giving up on the middle novella "Act of War" as I do not care what happens to the main character or whether or not he's a spy or a con man. I'm also skipping the tech manual at the end. Not my cuppa tea.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Iron Daughter (The Iron Fey, #2); Author: Julie Kagawa; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: I found the first three chapters slightly slow (a lot of teen angst), but things picked up after that. Great world-building and decent action. I loved the complication of Virus taking control of Ash. The Winter Formal seemed a little purposeless--I would have liked to see Meghan confront Scott. Still waiting for Meghan to realize the truth about her powers.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Midnight Reckoning (Dark Dynasties #2); Author: Kendra Leigh Castle; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Another fast read. Excellent world-building and romance. I'll look for book three in June.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Shatter Me (Shatter Me, #1); Author: Tahereh Mafi; Genres: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Excellent novel. Strong tension throughout and wonderful characters: Juliette, Adam and Warner (the villain) are nicely complex. Good writing.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Taste of Night (Signs of the Zodiac, #2); Author: Vicki Pettersson; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery; Review: Good beginning with some great twists, a few Joanna-is-not-a-team-player painfulness in the middle, mitigated by an excellent last 50 pages...; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Chain Reaction (8th Wing, #2); Author: Zoe Archer; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: I liked the romance between hot pilot Celene "Stainless" Jur and NerdWorks/engineer Nils Calder. This is the second novella in a science fiction romance series, the first was Collision Course which I also enjoyed, but... I'm left with a few nagging questions about the science end of things like 1/ FTL travel is never mentioned, we just seem to arrive at different solar systems (which have not only planets with life but moons too) after a few days travel 2/ the plot revolves around tracing down a device which can disable military ships, which seems to have been used only once, but which our engineer can trace back to its source presumably lightyears away (even though its not powered up) Really? In one hundred years, human radio waves have travelled only 200 lightyears. 3/ the villain is a former NerdWorks engineer who quit because he wasn't being paid enough and who is in the process of marketing his disabling device, so how did he afford his military compound complete with robot sentries? On the other hand, I did like the world-building thought that went into the jungle-and-bugs scenes.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Quest Begins (Seekers, #1); Author: Erin Hunter; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, children, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Started reading this series to my nine-year-old just after Christmas. So far I'm enjoying it better than the last few Warriors books (I found Jaypaw's chip on his shoulder very tiresome). Ujurak is quite intriguing, and it's cool that it takes place in Canada.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Anna Dressed in Blood (Anna, #1); Author: Kendare Blake; Genres: young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Read this one in a day. A good ghost story with an excellent opening chapter. It was nice to see a male narrator in a YA paranormal. I saw one of the plot twists coming, but not the second one. I had very high expectations of this one based on the awesome title/cover/quotes, which it didn't quite live up to. I think I expected a bit more romance than there actually was.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Darkest Pleasure (Lords of the Underworld #3); Author: Gena Showalter; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: I enjoyed the romance between Reyes (Pain) and Danika, but the rest of the plot bored me. Hunters attack, again, the Lords search for more plot coupon items, yawn. I doubt I'll read on in this series.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Future Perfect; Author: Suzanne Brockmann; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: This is early Brockmann and it shows. It took me over fifty pages to get hooked, but after that the characters pulled me in. I especially loved the secondary plot with Liz and her country star husband, very sweet.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Cloud Searchers (Amulet, #3); Author: Kazu Kibuishi; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, comics, children, crime, paranormal, graphic, fantasy, fiction; Review: It almost feels like cheating to add these ones to my 2012 reading challenge...; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Famous Heroine (Stapleton-Downes, #5); Author: Mary Balogh; Genres: history, comics, graphic, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: So glad I took a chance on this book. Older books by authors I like are always a crapshoot, but this one came up roses. Cora was delightful and it was nice to see Francis get his happy ending.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Invisible Ring (The Black Jewels, #4); Author: Anne Bishop; Genres: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Bought this at Chapters yesterday and spent all evening reading it. The ingrained tension and distrust between the male and female characters of her Black Jewels world really sucks me in every time.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Black Ties and Lullabies (Playboys, #3); Author: Jane Graves; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: The female bodyguard and the millionaire, but *not* the same-old romantic suspense plot. Thumbs up.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Heartstrings and Diamond Rings (Playboys, #4); Author: Jane Graves; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: I don't usually read two books by the same author in a row, for good reason. This one slowed down for me a bit in the middle (I could have done without the entire Justin plot) but the ending made up for it. I really liked Alison, a character I first encountered in Tall Tales and Wedding Veils.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Fallen Queen (The House of Arkhangel'sk, #1); Author: Jane Kindred; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Cool world-building: Heaven itself with its Powers, Dominions, Virtues, 'angels' and 'demons' as well as a near-analogue of St. Petersburg, Russia. The story starts strong, with the fall of the House of Arkangel'sk. The sole remaining survivor, Anazakia, flees to Earth with the help of Belphagor and Vasily, fire and air spirits. A little too much time passes with Anazakia merely waiting on Belphagor's schemes, but things pick up again in the second half once the action returns to heaven and there is MUCH JEOPARDY.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Margaret and the Moth Tree; Author: Brit Trogen; Genres: young-adult, children, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Charming middle-grade novel. It reminded me a little of Roald Dahl, humourous with an orphan protagonist. I loved Margaret's Listening 'super-power'. I read this to my 10-year-old son. We started off doing two chapters a night, but by the three-quarter mark he was asking for more chapters.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Shot in the Dark (Jesse James Dawson, #2); Author: K.A. Stewart; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Quite enjoyed this one, book two in a series. I'd read book one, but missed this one when it came out in July. Nice world-building, likeable male (and married!) narrator, excellent action scenes.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fair Game (Alpha & Omega, #3); Author: Patricia Briggs; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: I loved the interaction between Charles and Anna in this book. Listened to a Once and Future podcast interview with Patricia Briggs this morning in which she said fans should read Fair Game before the next Mercedes Thompson book Frost Burned and I can totally see why. Charles and Anna's timeline is now synced up with River Marked/Mercy and the ending to Fair Game is a major world-changer.... Love both of these series!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Unbroken (Outcast Season, #4); Author: Rachel Caine; Genres: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: This is the last Weather Warden book (sniff) Cassiel's story overlaps with that of the last Joanne Baldwin novel (Total Eclipse) I will miss this series, but where can you go as a writer after you've done Armageddon? Lots of action, good characters... Sometimes it seemed as if Armageddon was getting in the way of the Pearl plot, but I think that's because of the overlapping nature of the two series.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dying Wish (Sentinel Wars, #6); Author: Shannon K. Butcher; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Loved. It.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Twilight's Dawn (The Black Jewels, #9); Author: Anne Bishop; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: I quite enjoyed this novella collection, but definitely only for fans who have read the whole series.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Copper Beach (Dark Legacy, #1); Author: Jayne Ann Krentz; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: The usual Krentz fare: well-written, good characters, cool paranormal element and interesting family dynamics. Tension could have been higher. The carjacking scene had possibilities, but was over too quickly IMO.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Destiny of the Light (Shadow Through Time, #1); Author: Louise Cusack; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: What I liked: Very original world (no animals including insects, brown sky), and the romance between the two main characters. I'll definitely be on the lookout for book two. Quibbles: lots of POV shifts; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Discount Armageddon (InCryptid, #1); Author: Seanan McGuire; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery; Review: Things I loved about this book: The main character: Verity Price is both competent, smart and a lot of fun. And she ballroom dances. The chapter sub-headings: "Upside down in a really short skirt somewhere on the rooftops of Manhattan: The religious mice (a cryptid): especially their Feast of I Swear Daddy, I Will Kiss the Next Man Who Walks in That Door The supporting characters: the cuckoo, the Covenant boy and the dragon princess The writing (sample sentence): "The perfect recipe for a golddust milkshadke turns out to be two tablespoons of golddust to two scoops of vanilla ice cream, a cup of vanilla soy milk, and either a sizeable quantity of Hershey's Syrup (if you're a reasonable human being) or a quarter cup of leftover chunky Prego with mushrooms (if you're a cuckoo).; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Scorpio Races; Author: Maggie Stiefvater; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: I loved the water horses, equal parts danger and speed. A rather moody island setting and a fascinating moody hero. Quibbles: why did Puck/Kate need two names? George Holly subplot had no resolution.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Wild Cat (Shifters Unbound, #3); Author: Jennifer Ashley; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Really enjoyed the romance, a little ambivalent about the plot, which veered off a couple of times.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Wreck of the Nebula Dream; Author: Veronica Scott; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: I'm a sucker for disaster stories and this re-imagining of the Titanic sinking in space hit all my buttons. A voyage where everything goes wrong--tech, greedy corporations, panicked mobs, pirates and alien enemies, plus a hero and a touch of romance.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Betrayer (Foreigner #12); Author: C.J. Cherryh; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Excellent entry in one of my favourite series. The last half of the book was non-stop action and tension, plus some VERY COOL man chi info regarding Cajeiri and Bren. It did take me a couple of chpters to get back up to speed on all the names/politics because of the year break since I read the last one.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Born to Darkness (Fighting Destiny, #1); Author: Suzanne Brockmann; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: This book ate my Sunday. I was a little thrown at first because, despite what the cover copy says, this was two romances in one: Shane/Michelle and Elliot/Diaz, plus plenty of scenes setting up the ?next? book with Anna/Bach. Both were enjoyable and the gritty dystopian world is interesting. I would've liked to have seen more details of the neural integration training.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Motor City Mage (Urban Arcana #4); Author: Cindy Spencer Pape; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: A paranormal romance (in case you didn't pick that up from the bare-chested cover). A hot romance between a female werewolf and a mage. Good world-building, set partly in Detroit with some cool salt mines and some dangerous interdimensional travel. I won a copy of this by commenting on a blog, got pulled in by the first chapter and broke my usual rule about reading series in order. While the author does a good job explaining what's happened in previous books, I now wish I'd started with book one, as the ensemble nature of the climax was mostly lost on me.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Angels' Flight (Guild Hunter, #0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 3.5); Author: Nalini Singh; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Very much enjoyed Angel's Dance and Angel's Judgment. Angel's Pawn doesn't resolve the romance--I assume the author intends to give them an entire book of their own at some point. I read Angel's Wolf in a different collection--okay, but it didn't stick with me.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Price of Freedom (Out of the Bottle, #1); Author: Jenny Schwartz; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: I enjoyed this djinn/angel crossover. My only quibble is that I wish it had been longer!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Caught in the Act (Border Patrol, #1); Author: Jill Sorenson; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: A hot romance, an original plot and a strong subplot that could easily lead to a sequel. Well-researched with strong likeable characters--Maria was my favourite, but even the villains had depth.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Plumed Bonnet (Stapleton-Downes, #6); Author: Mary Balogh; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Though he redeemed himself by the end, the hero behaved too thoughtlessly toward the very appealing heroine for the first half of the book for my taste.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Stellarnet Rebel (Stellarnet, #1); Author: J.L. Hilton; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Excellent world-building, both of the future human colony of Asteria and the alien Glin. Engaging characters and plot. A nice build from a lone alien standing on a soapbox, to achieving the freedom of his world. Fave quote, Duin to the human children: "Shall I do the Tempest? Or do you want to hear The Little Lost Eel again?"; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fuzzy Nation; Author: John Scalzi; Genres: paranormal, young-adult, fantasy, fiction; Review: A "reboot" of H. Beam Piper's fuzzy novels. Fast-paced and quite enoyable with an excellent courtroom trial climax.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Canvas Thief; Author: P. Kirby; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Cool premise: two comic book characters that have come to life and want something from their creator. I liked the two MCs Maya and Benjamin and the magic was interesting. It did take a little while to get going though.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Crucible of Gold (Temeraire, #7); Author: Naomi Novik; Genres: history, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Very strong suspenseful section starting with the scene on the cover, an interesting look at dragon culture in South America and I was happy to see Laurence stand up for his principals at the end, in the face of all Hammond's hand-wringing. Plus a downright funny scene with Temeraire and Iskierka... bought this the day it came out, but restricted reading to one chapter every two nights to my son Simon.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Canyons of Night (Arcane Society #12; Harmony #8; Looking Glass Trilogy #3); Author: Jayne Castle; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: I liked the two main characters Charlotte and Slade, and the Rainshadow setting was interesting. Krentz spent a lot of time building up the island setting and the Rainshadow Preserve to the point where the regular mystery seemed neglected.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Timeless (Parasol Protectorate, #5); Author: Gail Carriger; Genres: history, young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: I shall miss Alexia Tarabotti. As wonderfully witty as always. Travel slowed the plot down at times, but each scene was so amusing I didn't care. The series tied up nicely with all major and minor characters settled, except for Madame Lefoux. I especially admire the way the very last word managed to be an "oh" revelation.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dead Reckoning (Sookie Stackhouse, #11); Author: Charlaine Harris; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Started the book at about 4 pm and finished at 11:15, a good read. The plot was mostly vamp-oriented, but Sookie finds out some interesting info about her faery relatives too (perhaps setting up for the next book); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Magic Unchained (The Nightkeepers, #7); Author: Jessica Andersen; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Still enjoying this series. The mage/winikin pairing of Sven and Cara made a nice change of pace on the usual mage/mage formula. Fave chapters 10-13, excellent tension throughout. Wasn't as keen on the Rabbit subplot... And, oh my, the twist at the end! Now I know who Anna's going to end up with. Can't wait for the finale.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Demon Crossings (Twilight of the Gods, #1); Author: Eleri Stone; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: What I loved about this book: Characters: I loved Grace, she was good at her job, tough, yet with hidden vulnerabilitie, and I sighed over Aiden, (love that strong, silent type) Romance: both hot and well-developed, with issues that were faced Excellent setting: alternating between small-town Iowa and a cool merged together Asgard/Nifflheim The secondary characters: I really hope Fen gets his own book. Fave scene: The cover shot; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Altered Destiny; Author: Shawna Thomas; Genres: history, young-adult, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: An enjoyable read. Nice world-building, with a strong fantasy feel though technically a dystopia. The book's main conflict between human and Svistra is echoed in the understate romance between human Selia and Svistra Jaden.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Exclusively Yours (Kowalski Family, #1); Author: Shannon Stacey; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: Read in one evening. All around good read. Will pick up more in this series.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Tricked (The Iron Druid Chronicles, #4); Author: Kevin Hearne; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Excellent series continues. Lots of action, magic and humour. Fave line: "their menace was simply concentrated, like frozen orange juice fortified with Vitamin Evil"; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Second Circle: Aftershock (The 10th Circle Project #2); Author: Eileen Bell; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: I enjoyed the second installment of this serialized shared-world anthology--especially the novella Victim 18, a hard-boiled heist story by Eileen Bell, that both gave clues to the continuing plotline and was a satisfying story in its own right. A Man of Quality by Ryan McFadden had a cool solution to the character's beset-by-monsters problem; One Horrible Day by Randy McCharles went off in an unexpected direction--but had the best ending line. After Harry's story installments and The Call, I am seriously rooting for him and Nydia to get back together.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Arctic Thunder; Author: Robert Feagan; Genres: children, young-adult; Review: A book with a lot of heart. Excellent sports action scenes. When I first glanced at the cover I thought this was a hockey book, but it's actually lacrosse. Mike moves from Alberta to Inuvik and has to make new friends and adapt to life in the North. A bit slow paced in spots, but good characters. I really liked Mike, Donnie and Gwen.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Scottish Prisoner (Lord John Grey, #3); Author: Diana Gabaldon; Genres: history, fiction, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery; Review: Fave scenes: Jamie with Willie, the duel, and Lady Isobel's elopement; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Carnelians (Saga of the Skolian Empire, #14); Author: Catherine Asaro; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Read this one in one day. Despite the cover, this isn't a Del-Kurj foccussed book (though he does get a little POV). It's mostly focussed on the continuing shaky peace between the Skolina and Eubian empires and how Kelric, Dehya, Jaibriol and Tarquine fight off assassination attempts. Plus a great subplot featuring a new character Aliana.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Yours to Keep (Kowalski Family, #3); Author: Shannon Stacey; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: It took until the two-thirds mark to really pull me into the story. I liked Sean, but found Emma a bit uptight and the premise rather far-fetched. Sweet ending though.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Mercy (Lost City Shifters, #1); Author: Eleri Stone; Genres: history, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy; Review: Devoured this one in an afternoon. Hot romance and strong, sympathetic characters. Iada was raised in the jaguar-shifter culture by her evil uncles and learned to be distrustful. Gabriel was raised human and is much warmer. The difference in cultures makes for strong tension on both the political/plot level and the romance level as they have to learn to trust each other. Added the sequel, Redemption, to my wish list.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Lover Reborn (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #10); Author: J.R. Ward; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Stayed up until 2 am reading this. Was not expecting the twist at the end--a sudden up in tension when I thought things were mostly wrapped up. Wow.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Random Acts; Author: Alison Stone; Genres: thriller, crime, romance, mystery; Review: A heart-warming Christian romance. Patrick and his daughter Ava were both total sweeties and easy to fall in love with. Strong opening, but I found the pacing a little slow in the middle.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Forged in Fire (Red-Hot SEALs, #1); Author: Trish McCallan; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: A SEAL hero with psychic flashes meets his soulmate in the middle of a plane hijacking plot. Strong opening chapter, lots of action throughout, and hot romance scenes. Will definitely pick up book two when it's released. Minor quibble: It was never explained why Beth, the non-psychic, had a precognitive dream for the first time in her life about the hijacking.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Shadowborn (Darkborn Trilogy, #3); Author: Alison Sinclair; Genres: history, young-adult, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Excellent series. Loved the lightborn/darkborn world, loved the characters, especially the complex relationships between Balthasar, Telmaine, Ishmael and Floria. Great action in the first third of the book during the Shadowborn attack. Loved the scenes with Bal and his Shadowborn nephew. Satisfying solution to the mystery. Only quibble: the timelines got a bit hard to follow in spots.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Quarter Square (Wild Times, #1); Author: David Bridger; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, mystery; Review: Strong opening scene really hooked me in and made me care about Joe. An interesting setting, featuring Plymouth (UK), Quarter Square itself a kind of gateway and The Wild. I liked Joe's 'wood' magic and am hoping we find out a bit more about Min's music magic in future books. The plot was quite original, but defintiely meant to be the first in the series.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Duke's Perfect Wife (MacKenzies & McBrides, #4); Author: Jennifer Ashley; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: 4.5 Most of this book was a 5--I loved the two characters and the intensity of their feelings--but the last fifty pages wobbled a bit. I could see what the author was trying to do, but the reasons for keeping Hart and Eleanor apart seemed weak IMO.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: DarkShip Thieves (Darkship, #1); Author: Sarah A. Hoyt; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Action-packed. First 115 pages and the last 150 pages were pretty much non-stop. A very appealing heroine, Athena Hera Sinistra, an intereesting world and a touch of romance made this a winner for me. I missed this book when it first came out, but am glad I special ordered it.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Last Slayer (The Heartstone Trilogy #1); Author: Nadia Lee; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Very enjoyable urban fantasy with dragons and dragon-lords. Good world-building, magic and action made it a fast read. The romance between Ashera and Ramiel is of the built-over-the-whole series type typical of urban fantasy. I'll definitely be watching for book two to come out.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Temporary Wife; Author: Mary Balogh; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Another older one of Balogh's. Though I quite enjoyed the second half of the book--unconventional heroine warms the hearts of chilly family with past quarrels (think Slightly Dangerous and A Summer to Remember)--it took me awhile to warm up to the at-first-chilly hero.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Steam & Sorcery (Gaslight Chronicles, #1); Author: Cindy Spencer Pape; Genres: history, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Excellent world-building and strong likeable characters combined with a steamy romance made this an enjoyable read. I especially liked the orphans and their various paranormal talents and hope they show up in later books in the series. What with the orphan plot and the romance plot, the vampire/mystery element got a bit of the short end of the stick. Too many people made the final fight scene feel muddled.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: No Longer a Gentleman (Lost Lords, #4); Author: Mary Jo Putney; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Good premise. I liked how Grey had to re-adjust to life after spending ten years locked in a dungeon and Cassie's transformation from drab spy to lady.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Coming Up Roses; Author: Catherine Anderson; Genres: history, children, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Don't read the author's note--it contains a spoiler. And older one of Anderson, re-released. Not my favourite.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Redemption (Lost City Shifters, #2); Author: Eleri Stone; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Treated myself to this one for my birthday and read in one day. Hot romance between Sophie and jaguar-shifter Adriano plus a fun Indiana Jones-style action plot. Good character development. Gabriel, the jaguar king from book one mercy makes a brief appearance. Interesting to see him from Adriano's POV.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Photographs & Phantoms (Gaslight Chronicles, #2); Author: Cindy Spencer Pape; Genres: history, fiction, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Free novella that gives a great taste of Pape's steampunk/paranormal world introduced in the excellent Steam & Sorcery. Because of the short length the romance moves very fast, but the plot was cool and I was happy to see the orphans from book one make a cameo. Book three Kilts and Kraken comes out soon.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Undeniably Yours (Kowalski Family, #2); Author: Shannon Stacey; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: Book two in the Kowalski series. I really liked the hero, Kevin, and he and Beth's impediment to romance was well-thought out. The subplot between Paulie and Sam seemed a bit undeveloped.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Acceptable Risks; Author: Natalie J. Damschroder; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Strong beginning and a cool premise. The hero, Jason, comes back from a near fatal injury with lots of muscles and extra-sensitive skin, side effects from the untested drug therapy. Nice action sequences, but I had trouble buying into the plot.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Sorceress of Darshiva (The Malloreon, #4); Author: David Eddings; Genres: paranormal, young-adult, fantasy, fiction; Review: Rereading this series to my son. I still love the snappy dialogue and the world-building, but there's not enough tension in the plot for my tastes.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Bewitching Tale of Stormy Gale (Stormy Gale, #2); Author: Christine Bell; Genres: history, young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: 2nd in series. Another enjoyable steampunk novella. Stormy Gale is a great character and the story zipped along. This time Stormy and her husband time travel back to Salem in the 1600s to save her brother, Bacon Frogs. Wasn't quite sure about the twist at the end.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Prince of Wolves; Author: Dave Gross; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Entertaining adventure tale that starts off with an excellent prologue (and I don't say THAT very often) then alternates between half-elven noble Varian and his hellspawn bodyguard Radovan. As a Pathfinder, Varian unravels clues while Radovan's chapters tended more to straight action. It took me a couple chapters to warm up to Varian, but after Senir Bridge I was hooked on the mystery of his missing days. I've never played Pathfinder, but the magic system had some cool innovations.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Prey; Author: Linda Howard; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: LOVED IT. Excellent mix of thriller and romance, Linda Howard at her best. The dialogue between Angie and Dare made me laugh. The cover art doesn't go with the book at all.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Costume Not Included; Author: Matthew Hughes; Genres: comics, paranormal, graphic, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Sequel to the Damned Busters, featuring Chesney Arnstruther. Hard to describe: fun comic-book type action with a nerdish/austistic hero, who really grew on me, but at the same time it continues to explores the idea/premise, "What if God were writing a book?"; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Council of Shadows (Shadowspawn, #2); Author: S.M. Stirling; Genres: paranormal, romance, fantasy, fiction; Review: Quick read, well-plotted with some nice twists, good action. Looking forward to book three. Quibbles: lots of gourmet food and wine scenes which don't mean much to a plebe like me. The cop plotline took a long time to join up (it starts six months out of sync with the main plot) and I wasn't sure what it really added.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Retribution (Dark-Hunter, #19); Author: Sherrilyn Kenyon; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Loved the hero, immortal hero Jess Brady. Plenty of action, a Cherokee-inspired pantheon and yet, I fear I'm going stale on Kenyon. She's still a fast, easy read for me, but I no longer love the series the way I did. [pout]; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Promise of Spring (Web, #4); Author: Mary Balogh; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Wonderful characterization. Balogh can put more tension into family drama than many authors can into end-of-the-world stakes.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ten Ruby Trick (Pirates of Estovan, #1); Author: Julia Knight; Genres: history, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy; Review: Swordfights, magic, pirates, romance, scams... This one had it all. Van Gast and Josie were enormously appealing characters, and Holden as the unwilling antagonist was very well-developed. Oodles of plot twists. Can't wait for the sequel.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Secrets to the Grave (Oak Knoll, #2); Author: Tami Hoag; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: Good thriller, excellent pacing, lots of twists and turns and credible suspects. Nice to see Anne and Vince from book one again.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Goblin King (Shadowlands, #1); Author: Shona Husk; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Cool premise: warrior cursed (wrongfully) to turn into a goblin. I liked the Shadowlands/Summerlands world. Made a nice change from the usual run of vamps/werewolves/demons. The human villain Steve worked better for me than the evil druid.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Heroes at Odds (Hero, #6); Author: Moira J. Moore; Genres: young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: I found this book a little slow to get into, but the second half picked up with some interesting magic tidbits and had a satisfying conclusion. Lee has a unique point of view that makes her fun to read.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cry Wolf; Author: Angela Campbell; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: I loved the opening scene with Andrea literally hanging upside in a trap. Good pacing throughout, and I liked the tension between Andrea and her old college crush/nemesis Sean. NOT a paranormal romance with a werewolf, but rather a romance between two reporters investigating the so-called Woodbine Werewolf. Is it a hoax, a previously unknown animal species or something supernatural? A nice balance between the romance and mystery plotlines.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Don't Bite the Messenger (NIght Runner, #0,5); Author: Regan Summers; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Pure fun. Fast cars, vampires, a feisty heroine, hot romance, lots of action, and an unusual setting. I loved the idea of mobster vampires who migrate from pole to pole to catch those longer days.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Feet of Clay (Discworld, #19); Author: Terry Pratchett; Genres: young-adult, thriller, comics, crime, paranormal, graphic, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Amusing, as always, but the plot in this one took a while to reach the tipping point for me--when I wanted to keep reading to find out what happened next. The Cheery/Cheri Littlebottom female dwarf subplot was my favourite.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Blackout (Newsflesh Trilogy, #3); Author: Mira Grant; Genres: young-adult, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Book three. Hard SF zombies. Not much I can say without giving away major spoilers other than I really liked it. I was worried about the ending, but it satisfied.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Player (The Moorehouse Legacy, #2); Author: Jessica Bird; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: Older rereleased novels by authors I love (like J.R. Ward) often disappoint so I went into this one with low expectations and was pleasantly surprised. The hero had issues, but the intensity of both Gray and Joy's emotions pulled me in to the point where I read the whole book in one evening.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Master of Devils; Author: Dave Gross; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Half-elf noble Jeggare and his hellspawn bodyguard Radovan go to fantasy China. Book two in the series, but can definitely stand alone. Lots of cool kung fu fighting combined with magic--even purchasing clothes occasions a fight scene. I especially loved that Arnisant the wolfhound got his own plotline. Some interesting hints about Radovan's infernal nature that I hope we'll find out more of in the next book.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Jacked Up (Fast Track, #6); Author: Erin McCarthy; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: Sizzling hot romance. The heroine Eve is difficult but the author keeps us firmly in sympathy with her. The laid-back Nolan is the perfect match for her. He gets her sense of humour and makes her happy.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Thief of Shadows (Maiden Lane, #4); Author: Elizabeth Hoyt; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Excellent historical romance with a complex and *gasp* non-aristocratic hero. Winter Makepeace is a headmaster of an orphanage by day and the Ghost of St. Giles by night.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Pirate's Lady (Pirates of Estovan, #2); Author: Julia Knight; Genres: history, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Sequel to Ten Ruby Trick. Highly enjoyable romp blending magic, romance and a heist story with lots of twists and turns. The hero Van Gast is pure fun with his "do the stupid but exciting" motto, and I was rooting for him to get back together with Josie. Small quibble: I don't like the title. While Josie and Van Gast are both pirates, they prefer to be known as racketeers and very little of the action takes place on board ship. Find the Lady would have worked better IMO.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Scandal Wears Satin (The Dressmakers, #2); Author: Loretta Chase; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Another great Regency from Loretta Chase--I love her voice. Read it in an afternoon. Wonderful characters and an original plot.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Icebound; Author: Julie Rowe; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, non-fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery; Review: Fascinating Antarctic setting and a good romance. Both Emilie and Tom were strong, sympathetic characters who grew and changed, working out their problems. The medical scenes provided lots of tension.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Discovery of Longitude; Author: Joan Marie Galat; Genres: history, children, biography, historical fiction, non-fiction; Review: Non-fiction picture book. Interesting both for the history and the science involved.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Andy Nebula: Double Trouble (Andy Nebula, #2); Author: Edward Willett; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, young-adult; Review: A fast read with good world-building. The plot really took off at the end of chapter four, and Kit stayed in jeopardy from there until the end. I was happy to see Meta take a role in bringing down the bad guys, too.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Last Olympian (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, #5); Author: Rick Riordan; Genres: young-adult, romance, children, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: My boys LOVE these books. I've been a bit slower at reading them (I prefer YA to MG), but this one was excellent. Lots of action and a satisfying conclusion to the series plots and subplots. Everybody got a role in the battle.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Edge of Light; Author: Cynthia Justlin; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: Well-written romantic thriller set in the jungles of Cambodia. A prologue that surprised and plenty of tension and jeopardy. Both main characters, Josie and Oliver, were well-developed AND SO WERE THE VILLAINS. So nice to see.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Leaping Hearts; Author: Jessica Bird; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: J.R. Ward's first novel. Liked the characters, well-researched horse-jumping background, good romance, but... found the last 70 pages a bit painful when A.J. kept lying to Devlin. Wanted to shake her.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: 47 Echo; Author: Shawn Kupfer; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Military SF. Premise: U.S. at war with China, fighting on U.S. soil with convict troops. Read this one in a day. Likeable main character, lots of action, well-done military background. Looking forward to the sequel Supercritical. Minor quibble: the word smirk was overused; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Keeper of the Isis Light (Isis, #1); Author: Monica Hughes; Genres: young-adult, romance, children, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: In honour of Dreamline being named a finalist for the Monica Hughes Science Fiction and Fantasy Award (CCBC) I thought I'd review some of my favourite Monica Hughes books. I read the Isis books during my junior high years--and read them and reread them many times. I loved Olwen, the orphaned child lightkeeper on a distant planet, who grew up in the care of a robot, and is bewildered and excited when a colony from Earth lands on her planet. The revelations at the end about her pet and Olwen herself always bring me to tears. The ending is bittersweet, but oh so right. I'm going to read this book to my son. It is a Canadian classic.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hit List (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter #20); Author: Laurell K. Hamilton; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Even though I read the hardcover from the library last year, I bought the paperback yesterday and ended up spending all evening rereading it. This was very much an Anita-and-Edward-working-as-marshals plot with lots of action. I love the complex friendship between Anita and Edward, but really all of the relationships are complex. Laurell K. Hamilton seems incapable of writing a flat character. Even spear-carriers like Newman, Tilford and Donny come through as real people and some, like Ethan and Karlton, turn into much more. Awesome plot twist with Olaf at the end that has me excited to read future books.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Even White Trash Zombies Get the Blues (White Trash Zombie, #2); Author: Diana Rowland; Genres: young-adult, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Well-paced and well-plotted with rising complications, a good read. I liked it better than I did the first book, perhaps because although Angel still continued to grow during the novel, she didn't start at the terrible low point that she did in book one. Quibbles: I'm lukewarm toward the love interst Marcus. I find this disappointing since I love Ryan and Rhyzkahl from Rowland's urban fantasy series. My four-year-old was FASCINATED by the cover.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Elfhome (Elfhome, #3); Author: Wen Spencer; Genres: paranormal, romance, fantasy, fiction; Review: Really enjoying this series. Tinker is a fun main character: girl genius turned into an elf. Nice to see her cousin Oilcan get a plotline (and a romance!); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rogue's Pawn (Covenant of Thorns, #1); Author: Jeffe Kennedy; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Strong-willed, sympathetic female main character. Lots of tension as Gwynn is thrown off the deep end into a land ruled by the mostly amoral fae, and she is forced to make several dangerous bargains, including one with the mysterious, attractive Rogue.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Stubborn Dead (Lost Souls #1); Author: Natasha Hoar; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: There's a lot crammed into this novella. Interesting world, not just the Rescue Mediums that Rachel belongs to, but a romantic interest who's a fae mob boss. I was especially impressed by Sylvia's characterization. Lots of loose plot threads left danging for book two, The Ravenous Dead.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ravishing the Heiress (Fitzhugh Trilogy, #2); Author: Sherry Thomas; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: I loved it. Make sure you have kleenex handy, though.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Wondrous Strange (Wondrous Strange, #1); Author: Lesley Livingston; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Changelings, faerie magic and the Wild Hunt in NY's Central Park. Good premise and likeable main characters.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Grave Memory (Alex Craft, #3); Author: Kalayna Price; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Very good plot with escalating complications and peril. Things that happened in the two previous books have serious consequences in this one.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Viking's Sacrifice; Author: Julia Knight; Genres: history, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Good characterization; I especially felt for Einar. The odds were so stacked against Wilda and Einar I kept wondering how the author would pull off the happy ending (no fears, she did). Well-researched historical background, both in how the Vikings lived and how their religion contrasted with the Christian Saxon culture. Quibble: I wish the fantasy element had been played up a bit more in the first half of the story.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Name of the Wind (The Kingkiller Chronicle, #1); Author: Patrick Rothfuss; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Awesome--and this is from someone who doesn't usually like books that start with the character as a child. Kvothe is a great character.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Zero Gravity Outcasts; Author: Kay Keppler; Genres: paranormal, romance, fantasy, fiction; Review: I really liked the friendship between Minka and her crew, Anjali and Tex. The junker/low tech space hardware was interesting (if rather implausible IMO) I would've liked to see more sparks between Minka and Reyne.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Gunmetal Magic (Kate Daniels, #5.5); Author: Ilona Andrews; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Andrea's book. A worthy entry in a great series. Also contains Magic Gifts, a Kate and Curran novella. Quibble: I wish the novel and the novella hadn't both faced the same monster.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: That Thing Called Love (Razor Bay, #1); Author: Susan Andersen; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: The romance was a little slow to build, but had an excellent second half. The first half of the book had some excellent scenes developing relationships with the hero's son and half-brother.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cinder (The Lunar Chronicles, #1); Author: Marissa Meyer; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: A nice twist on an old story: Cyborg Cinderella. Good world-building. Plot moved well. Quibbles: The plot twist I figured out on p. 114 wasn't revealed to the main character until the very last chapter. Also not sure I bought the bio-electric magic illusions.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: New York to Dallas (In Death, #33); Author: J.D. Robb; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Despite the title this is an "in Death" book with Eve and Roarke. I love how the writer makes the case so personal for Eve and puts her through the wringer.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Night to Surrender (Spindle Cove, #1); Author: Tessa Dare; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Wonderful from p.1 to the end. Light humour mixed with excellent, emotional characterization. Reminds me of Loretta Chase (whose books I love). I picked this one up from the library because it won the RITA. I will definitely buy it and look for more books from Tessa Dare.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Week to Be Wicked (Spindle Cove, #2); Author: Tessa Dare; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Great characters, gentle humour and passion. The very best kind of historical romance.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dragon Bound (Elder Races, #1); Author: Thea Harrison; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Another well-deserved RITA winner. Excellent paranormal romance, with great characters and dialogue. (I have a soft spot for dragon shifters) The book starts off with a compelling chase/kidnapped section then changes tone during the amusing romance stuff of the middle. Can't wait to read book two.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Hunt (The Hunt, #1); Author: Andrew Fukuda; Genres: young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Awesome. Great concept--world is full of vampires and teenage boy has to disguise himself as one of them. Good characters, tension on every page. I read it in an evening, when I ought to have been packing.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Shadows Before the Sun (Charlie Madigan, #4); Author: Kelly Gay; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: I've been dying to find out what happened after the cliffhanger ending to Hour of Dust and Ashes (bk 3). The middle section with Charlie and Hank vs the Circe was excellent, to the point where the actual ending facing off with Sachath felt anti-climactic.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Spell Bound (Women of the Otherworld, #12); Author: Kelley Armstrong; Genres: young-adult, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Enjoyable read, definitely setting up for the last book in the series Thirteen.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: How Firm a Foundation (Safehold, #5); Author: David Weber; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Latest installment in the Safehold series. This book basically ate yesterday; I read 600 pages. I couldn't stop reading it. I have trouble explaining to non-Weber fans exactly why I find these books so compelling. Weber does complex politics and religion and great battle scenes, but often info dumps when it comes to the technology and has a ton of minor character POV. I think it ultimately comes down to stakes. The public stakes are so high I have to keep reading.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kitty Steals the Show (Kitty Norville, #10); Author: Carrie Vaughn; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery; Review: An easy read, but not my favourite. I hope the whole Long Game vamp plot will be resolved soon, I'm tired of it.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Two Weeks' Notice (Revivalist, #2); Author: Rachel Caine; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery; Review: First four chapters were a touch slow. After that things picked up, and then WHAM! the last 100 pages were awesome with tons of actions and two fantastic plot twists.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sleepwalker; Author: Karen Robards; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: Lots of action, tension and heat. It was interesting to see a cop heroine, something I don't remember Robards doing before, and which broke her usual woman-in-jeopardy mold a bit. Quibbles: the sleepwalker revelation was built up and built up, then fizzled at the ending IMO; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Secret Mistress (Mistress Trilogy #3); Author: Mary Balogh; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Delightfully different characters, chatterbox Angeline and dull-seeming Edward, make for an enjoyable historical romance.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Chosen; Author: Edward Willett; Genres: ; Review: A strong conflict, between the Chosen and the Technos, drives this plot forward. The religious fanatic Chosen blame technology for the plagues and disasters that ended the Before Days, while the Technos seek to resurrect it. Beth, the teenage daughter of the Chosen's leader, tries to stop the budding war between the two groups, with the help of Thomas, a boy from the Technos. Good world-building with fast-paced chapters. I appreciated that Beth held to her faith in God without buying into her father's fanaticism, and that the Technos had their own spectrum of radicals and moderates. My twelve-year-old son also read and enjoyed the book.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Lady by Midnight (Spindle Cove, #3); Author: Tessa Dare; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Definitely a keeper. Loved the characters, strong taciturn Corporal Thorne and orphaned music-teacher Kate. And then the twist: Thorne knows something of her origins that she's trying so hard to discover.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Blood Rights (House of Comarré, #1); Author: Kristen Painter; Genres: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Excellent world-building. The gold-tattooed comarre are specially bred to feed the vampire nobility, but have their own secret society with emphasis on the secret. Anathema vamps, curses, prophecies, varcolai/shapeshifters and various types of fae make an interesting tapestry. I liked the difficult relationship between the two main characters and am interested to see where the next book will take them.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Stranger's Touch (Psychic Heat Book #1); Author: Roxy Boroughs; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: The basic storyline gripped me. From the first chapter on I needed to keep reading to find out what happened to Davie, the abducted child. Having recently spent time in High Level and having toured the waterfalls in NWT, I enjoyed the setting. However, Maggie was so stressed (and rightfully so!) over the kidnapping of her son that the romance elements didn't work as well for me. I found her constant flip-flopping of belief/disbelief in Stafford's psyhometric powers a little wearing--not because it wasn't believable, but because as a reader I saw from Stafford's POV that he was legit, making it a non-issue.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Monster in My Closet (Monster Haven, #1); Author: R.L. Naquin; Genres: young-adult, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Enjoyable, light fantasy with an intriguing world and a great main character. Zoey is quirky, fun and an empath. I loved her stunned realization that most people don't instantly know each other's feelings the way she does and the development of her mental shields/powers. Hoping to find out more about Zoey's mom's disappearance in future books. Quibble: I'm lukewarm toward Riley.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: North of Heartbreak; Author: Julie Rowe; Genres: romance; Review: Another sweet romance from the author of Icebound. Sympathetic main characters, an exotic Alaskan setting, and plenty of medical drama kept me turning the pages. I read this in one sitting.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Forget Me Not; Author: Shannon K. Butcher; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Interesting new world and a hot romance. My only complaint (and I say this about almost every novella I read, so take it with a grain of salt) is that it felt too short.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: White Tiger (Dark Heavens, #1); Author: Kylie Chan; Genres: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: It took me ages to read this one. It started off well: exotic Hong Kong setting, original Chinese fantasy elements, cool magic, sympathetic main character (Emma, an Australian nanny) and then I started to notice something annoying. SPOILER WARNING. The same conversation would repeat. For the first 90 pages Emma would ask various people what her employer (John) did for a living. No one would tell her. "Later, Emma." No additional clues, no forward progress. By the time the truth was revealed both Emma and I as reader had long figured it out. I kept reading. And then it happened again. Emma started to fall in love with John. He seemed to reciprocate her feelings, but everyone assured her the relationship would never happen. Over and over. Yet no one would tell her why FOR TWO HUNDRED PAGES. When the truth is revealed, Emma says, "Why didn't you tell me sooner?" And there WAS no reason other than that the author desired it so. Every so often demons attack, but we also eat endless meals, do lots of martial arts training, go to the beach and buy swimwear... There was some tension at the climax when Emma and the little girl are kidnapped, but it lasts for only 5 pages (out of a 484 p. book) and it's ruined by a deus ex machina ending.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: The Third Circle: Election (The 10th Circle Project #3); Author: Eileen Bell; Genres: paranormal, fantasy; Review: I liked how the novella and short stories in this third installment of the 10th Circle saga were thematically linked to Hope's election of a new police chief (the old one having bit the dust in the 2nd Circle). Election-- A lovely twist in the Harry vs. the Satin Veil Killer continuing plotline. The Sign-- Hilarious. They take their election lawn signs seriously in Hope. In the Blink of an Eye-- We return to Jack and Molly from the 1st circle novella. Good action, plus a telepathic 80 lb psycho named after yours truly. What more could you want? Best Laid Plans-- Intros a new character whom I hope will return. Shimmer is a survivor. Good tension throughout this story as she escapes Hope for an uncertain future in Glory. Mitigating Circumstances-- Continues One Horrible Day in 2nd circle, joining up the disparate plotlines.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Fourth Circle: Course Correction (The 10th Circle Project #4); Author: Eileen Bell; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: The plot thickens! Course Correction: Harry Stafford -- We don't spend a lot of time with Harry this installment, but an interesting new development there. Do It For the Kids -- Characters from three separate stories by Billie Millholland interacted in this novella. It feels like the storylines are really coming together. Disciple of the Transformation -- Another Molly novella, but introduces an interesting new character and crosses over with the Satin Veil Killer plotline. Loved the action scenes and development of the secret police organization and gadgetry. Mod Squad -- Olivia the psychic has joined Tony and Howard as agents of Glory mayor Jimmy Wentworth in another high action plot. Win Win -- The return of Nydia! Harry's ex-wife develops a juicy plotline and secret backstory of her own. Course Correction: Corp. Hothi & Norma Jean & Redux -- Interesting development, but I was left wondering how exactly members of the Triumvirate are selected.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Storm's Heart (Elder Races, #2); Author: Thea Harrison; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Loved it eery bit as much as Dragon Bound. Can't wait to read more in this paranormal romance series.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Summoner (Chronicles of the Necromancer, #1); Author: Gail Z. Martin; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: The beginning hooked me and I loved the ghost magic. If there was a scene with a ghost in it, I was there. The world-building was pretty good, Tris, the main character sympathetic, the struggle epic in size, but... I never connected to one of the other POV characters Vahanian (a rogue/Han Solo type). And I found the Library scenes at the end a little too reminscent of the part of the D & D campaign where everyone gets training and goes up a level.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Sevenfold Spell (Accidental Enchantments, #1); Author: Tia Nevitt; Genres: history, young-adult, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Refreshing new take on Sleeping Beauty from the POV of one of the spinners whose livelihood was lost when all the spinning wheels were burned. The plain heroine, Talia, is very appealing and I enjoyed the way her story wove in and out of the classic fairytale.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Serpent's Kiss (Elder Races, #3); Author: Thea Harrison; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Third book in a series. I really like how unique and fresh the heroines have been, each very different from the other, and that the plots aren't following the same formula either. Carling was a very interesting character and the mystery of her "episodes" was well done.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ashes of Honor (October Daye, #6); Author: Seanan McGuire; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery; Review: Still. Awesome. Read this series! Loved the Tybalt plotline.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Oracle's Moon (Elder Races, #4); Author: Thea Harrison; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: What can I say? Really enjoying this series. I don't usually read a series so close together, but I couldn't resist and it didn't disappoint.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Tears of the Sun (Emberverse, #8); Author: S.M. Stirling; Genres: history, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Enjoyable read. As always great battle scenes, detailed world and intricate politics. Plotlines: Ritva's back with the Dunedain Rangers, she has a love interest and a rescue mission. We see some Ingolf, and a lot of Tiphaine, who as Grand Constable, is directing the fight against the CUT. However the backstory plotline of Mary Liu's fate (which involves both Tiph and some new viewpoint from her daughter Yseult) is threaded throughout the book and actually provides the book's climax, which I found a little weird. Very little Rudi, Matti, Edain and Fred. Quibble: the first sentence was lame. I mean really, a ham sandwich?; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Archangel's Storm (Guild Hunter, #5); Author: Nalini Singh; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: I was a little disappointed in this one, not sure why. I liked both Jason and Mahiya, but somehow their romance didn't quite convince me. The plot was rather gory, but had a nice twist around the 2/3 mark.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Wildcatter; Author: Dave Duncan; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: A fast read and a fun adventure, wildcatting on a newly discovered planet with horrendous weather. Well-drawn characters and world-building. The plot had some nice twists and turns and a satisfying ending.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: This Dark Endeavor (The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein, #1); Author: Kenneth Oppel; Genres: history, young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Loved the premise. A lovely Gothic feel and an action-packed ending. In fact, if not for the last 60 pages I would've given this a three. As one would expect, young Victor Frankenstein was both hot-headed and an egotist, which made annoying reading at times.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: How to Date a Henchman; Author: Mari Fee; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Light-hearted and fun superhero novella. I loved the premise and wanted to read this as soon as I heard the title. Gina and Burke had good chemistry, though the romance doesn't go beyond a kiss and a first date. Best of all is the Canadian setting and a very Canadian attitude toward superheroes.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Blaze of Glory (Blaze of Glory, #1); Author: Sheryl Nantus; Genres: romance, mystery, thriller, comics, crime, paranormal, graphic, fantasy, fiction; Review: Interesting premise: superheroes and villains fight rigged battles until some aliens come to Earth and they need to save the world for real. Likeable main character and a fast-moving plot. The flashbacks revealing Jo and Mike's relationship were especially well-done. Quibble: I would've liked to have seen more of the aliens' culture.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Running in the Dark (Night Runner, #1); Author: Regan Summers; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: Sequel to Don't Bite the Messaenger. Another fast-paced urban fantasy adventure featuring Syd, a courier who works for vampires. This one's set in Chile instead of Anchorage, and has a mostly new set of characters. I enjoyed the developing relationship between Syd and Malcolm, and I liked the new developments with Syd's vampire-resistant power. I'll definitely be on the lookout for book three.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Saving the Rifleman (War Girls, #1); Author: Julie Rowe; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: A fast read with an interesting, under-used historical background: a WWI Belgium during the German occupation. Great hook and high tension from scene one on. Likeable characters, who felt as if they belonged in their historical period. (I get cranky when historical characters have modern mores.) Looking forward to more in the War Girls series.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Indulgence in Death (In Death, #31); Author: J.D. Robb; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: I loved Eve's reaction to Ireland, so funny. The usual cracking good story. Loved the Clue references. Quibble: Roarke seems to spend at least half his time helping Eve. How does his multi-million dollar empire stay afloat?; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Queen of Thorns (Pathfinder Tales #11); Author: Dave Gross; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Another fun, fast Radovan and Varian adventure. Great interplay between the two main characters, plus a host of new faces as the action moves to the land of the elves. The Pathfinder world is cool and detailed. Some interesting revelations about both Varian and Radovan's backstory.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Flesh and Blood (House of Comarré, #2); Author: Kristen Painter; Genres: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Good action scenes and world-building, but I didn't feel much forward momentum in this book from about p. 60 until the last hundred pages. I think it suffers a little from the 'middle book' syndrome where there is a lot of set-up for things further down the road (Katsumi, Aliza and Evie, and Preacher). Book one ended on a real things-are-worse complication, but the main plot of the ring of sorrows stayed more status quo at the end of book two, and I found the Doc subplot annoying. I liked Creek and the introduction of the Kubai Mata. He's definitely a hero, though I would've preferred for him to get his own girl than be the third in a love triangle.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Embers (Anya Kalinczyk, #1); Author: Laura Bickle; Genres: young-adult, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Fascinating world: ghosts, salamanders, dragons and Lanterns running around a very gritty Detroit. Oh and demons, too. (You know you're in trouble when exorcising the demon possessing you is your secondary priority.) Well-plotted, with a strong, if lonely, heroine. I'll definitely be looking for book two.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Gray Wolf Throne (Seven Realms, #3); Author: Cinda Williams Chima; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Hooked on this excellent YA fantasy series and have succeeded in getting my son hooked, too. Can't say much more without spoilers for earlier books.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Selection (The Selection, #1); Author: Kiera Cass; Genres: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: I loved the premise and have invested in the characters, America, Maxon and Aspen. I'll definitely be looking for book two. Quibble: the rebel attacks were dull.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Shadow Rising (Dark Dynasties, #3); Author: Kendra Leigh Castle; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Good world-building. I like how each vampire caste has a different origin; this time around in book three we explored the Grigori. I found the heroine, Ariane, very appealing. It took me awhile to warm up to Damien, who is something of an anti-hero: a rude, jaded assassin. However, once he fell in love it was great fun to see him scramble around, out of his depth, trying to deal with his feelings.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Natural Evil (Elder Races, #4.5); Author: Thea Harrison; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Thea Harrison is rapidly becoming one of my favourite paranormal romance authors.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Wolf at the Door (Jesse James Dawson, #3); Author: K.A. Stewart; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Appealing hero, interesting world and lots of action scenes make this a good, fast read. I missed the book's Aug. release; glad I ordered it in.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rosemary and Rue (October Daye, #1); Author: Seanan McGuire; Genres: young-adult, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Reread. This was the first Seanan McGuire I ever read and I was pretty much hooked from the end of the prologue when Toby turns into a fish for fourteen years and her life blows up.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Island of Shadows (Seekers: Return to the Wild, #1); Author: Erin Hunter; Genres: young-adult, children, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Read this to my son. Even he was getting tired of Nanulak by the end.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Pack and Coven (Pack and Coven, #1); Author: Jody Wallace; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Hot romance. I especially liked the secret identity twist and how Harry loved both June and Sandy in different ways. Some nice world-building re werewolf and coven culture . Quibble: the magic itself is just mortar and pestle 'potpourri'; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Perfect Blood (The Hollows, #10); Author: Kim Harrison; Genres: history, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Book ten of the series. Rachel's trying to cope without her usual powers, which leads to some nice character development. Loved the bonus chapter at the end from Trent's POV.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Starved for Love (Lake City Stories, #1); Author: Annie Nicholas; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: Pia's vulnerability really made this book work. I'm a bit leery of books with succubi/incubi characters, but Pia had real relationships, both with her family and her 'food' as well as a budding romance with Valerio. My main quibble was that the ending felt incomplete--several hanging plot threads and a happy now instead of a happily ever after--but the author's website lists it as book one, so that's fine.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Legion (Legion, #1); Author: Brandon Sanderson; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Cool premise: a genius with multiple personality-type hallucinations and a missing camera that can take photos of the past. A short, fun read.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: What Happened to Serenity; Author: P.J. Sarah Collins; Genres: young-adult, children, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Excellent dystopia with a society focused on Community at the expense of Individualism. Impossible not to empathize with the young heroine, Katherine, who is punished for the mere act of asking questions, and the villain is similarly well-drawn.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Tempting the Bride (Fitzhugh Trilogy, #3); Author: Sherry Thomas; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Really enjoyed this whole trilogy. Nicely unique plot. Sooo glad David told Helena (crucial plot thing) instead of keeping it a secret.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ready Player One; Author: Ernest Cline; Genres: young-adult, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Online treasure hunt with a billion dollar prize... A lot of fun, especial for a dystopia. Characters you can cheer for.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Giant Thief; Author: David Tallerman; Genres: paranormal, romance, fantasy, fiction; Review: This book got off to a great start: a hanging, a battle, an audacious theft of a *giant*, and some chase scenes. Unfortunately, I bogged down in the middle. I will say straight out that thief/rogue characters are a hard sell for me. They have to be audacious and charming and clever for me to like them, and Easie fell short--especially on the cleverness. Thieves shine best in a heist/scam story; Easie seemed uncomfortable and out of place with the gritty rebellion plot. The giant was my favourite character.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Sparks (Anya Kalinczyk, #2); Author: Laura Bickle; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Spontaneous combustion, salamanders, Pandora's jar, ghosts and astral planing... Delightfully different urban fantasy series. I especially enjoyed the development in Sparky's plotline and the revelation in Anya's past.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Hallowed Ones (The Hallowed Ones, #1); Author: Laura Bickle; Genres: young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Quite enjoyed this one. News of a world-wide disaster filters slowly into an Amish community. Katie is at first crushed at the postponement of her dreams of Rumspringa--the Amish custom of teens trying out the outside world before returning to be baptized into their full faith. But her problems soon grow much deeper. I loved how the tension built in this one and the glimpse of the Amish way of life.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Girl of Fire and Thorns (Fire and Thorns, #1); Author: Rae Carson; Genres: history, young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: I liked the magic and the main character, Elisa. She is the Chosen One but is shy, overweight and forced into a political marriage with a handsome, but weak king. There's a nice plot twist around p. 150. I was expecting to like this one more than I did. Maybe I'm still just mad about p. 334.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Devil's Gate (Elder Races, #4.6); Author: Thea Harrison; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: I liked the characters, Seremela and Duncan, and their romance. It was cool to find out more about medusae. The plot felt a little thin, with only one complication, and no real obstacles for the couple to overcome in order to be together either.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Aftershock (Aftershock, #1); Author: Jill Sorenson; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: Excellent opening hook with strangers trapped together by an earthquake. Strong suspense all the way through and a hot romance. A twist at about the one-third mark that I did NOT see coming at all, and a realistic ending that rang true.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Blood of the Pride (Blood of the Pride, #1); Author: Sheryl Nantus; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Well-written urban fantasy with a strong, appealing heroine. Rebecca is an exile from the shifter Felis tribe, but gets called back in to help solve a murder. Politics and a shifter society focussed on secrets make for dangerous waters. I also liked the romantic subplot between Rebecca and tabloid reporter, Brandon.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kilts & Kraken (Gaslight Chronicles, #3); Author: Cindy Spencer Pape; Genres: history, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Novella. A fun read set in a Victorian steampunk world where magick also works. I liked the kraken and the "island" magick. Quibble: I had trouble keeping the minor Order characters straight.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Bait (Angler, #1); Author: Annie Nicholas; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Excellent pacing and a plot with lots of twists and turns. Slayers vs. several different vamp factions with Connie, The Bait, caught in the middle.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Diamond in the Window (Hall Family Chronicles, #1); Author: Jane Langton; Genres: history, young-adult, thriller, children, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: One of my favourite books as a child, one that I reread and reread and now had the pleasure of reading to my children. Good characters, interesting background (town of Concord) and a wonderful treasure hunt plot with lots at stake. Just found out there's more in the series and planning to start book two soon.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Cipher (Crosspointe Chronicles, #1); Author: Diana Pharaoh Francis; Genres: history, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Fascinating world full of magic: sylveth, ciphers and the Pale. Excellent plot, especially the last 100 pages. Lucy's trouble got bigger and deeper... and deeper. My only problem was the Marten POV chapters... Although he redeemed himself by the end, his downfall in the middle was painful to read.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fatal Affair (Fatal, #1); Author: Marie Force; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: Excellent romantic suspense story. Reminded me a lot of J.D. Robb's Eve and Rourke books, except set in present-day Washington (but with fictional politicos). Strong characters, and a good balance of mystery and romance. Read in one day.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lord's Fall (Elder Races, #5); Author: Thea Harrison; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Unusual in the world of paranormal romance: a sequel featuring the same couple from Dragon Bound, book one of the series. (This book is chronologically number five.) I loved Dragon Bound and it was great to see Pia and Dragos again and how they're handling their new relationship.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Iced (Fever, #6); Author: Karen Marie Moning; Genres: young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Awesome Christmas present from my hubby. Though this is the first book in the series about Dani, I'd definitely recommend reading the Mackayla Lane/Fever series first as there are many continuing characters and plotlines. Lots of action/magic/world-building. Dying to know what's going to happen with Christian...; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Blood Winter (Horngate Witches, #4); Author: Diana Pharaoh Francis; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Latest in an excellent urban fantasy series. Strong female characters, interesting magic-apocalypse world, cool magic (Shadowblades, Sunspears, witches, angels, trolls, etc), a little romance and lots of action. I've been looking forward to reading this for months and it didn't disappoint!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Spellfire (Nightkeepers,#8); Author: Jessica Andersen; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Rabbit and Myrinne's story plus the climax of the eight-book Doomsday plot mostly delivered. A first chapter that really grabbed me and strong tension throughout made this a quick read. I liked Anna's romantic subplot and the tie up of Patience and Brandt's story (they're my favourites). Quibbles: The switch to Egyptian mythology REALLY didn't work for me.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Captain Vorpatril's Alliance (Vorkosigan Saga, #15); Author: Lois McMaster Bujold; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Totally awesome. I love this series and Ivan's book was such FUN. I spent most of the book with an ear to ear grin. Just one scene with Miles (which is good, or he would have taken over) but some lovely character moments with Lady Alys and Simon Illyan, plus the reappearance of Byerly Vorrutyer. And, OMG the scene with Count Falco... And the ending, and, and, it's killing me not to give spoilers. Loved this book. If husband wasn't reading it, I'd probably be rereading my fave scenes right now.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Ugly Duchess (Fairy Tales, #4); Author: Eloisa James; Genres: history, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: I bought this book because I enjoy Eloisa James's writing, then avoided reading it for a month because the back cover blurb put me off. I should have just trusted the author. James and Daisy were fun characters and I enjoyed their romance. Quibble: the main characters were separated for a LONG time in the middle; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Stellarnet Prince (Stellarnet, #2); Author: J.L. Hilton; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: A good read. Both plot and characters build on book one in satisfying, logical way. I enjoyed the interactions of the three main characters--J'ni, Duin and Belloc--and the two aliens reactions to Earth. There were two plot twists I totally did not see coming. The small sliver of Tikati POV was very cool. Side note: This book made travelling so much more pleasant... I read it in the airport, on the plane, waiting for my shuttle, at a restaurant and finished it off in my hotel room, when I really ought to have been doing my own writing.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Still Life with Shape-Shifter (Shifting Circle, #2); Author: Sharon Shinn; Genres: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Very character-driven. Instead of urban fantasy adventures, it's a exploration of how Melanie deals with her sister Ann's shape-shifting abilities. Plus a nice romantic subplot.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Silvered; Author: Tanya Huff; Genres: history, young-adult, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Stayed up late reading this, then immediately dove back into the story this morning. A high fantasy with magic and werewolves. Lots of conflict, great characters and one seriously creepy evil villain. Both Mirian and Reiter had great character arcs.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Steel's Edge (The Edge, #4); Author: Ilona Andrews; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Great book, spent all afternoon reading it. Action, cool magic, romance, well-developed main characters, and Jack and George return as secondary characters. I love this series every bit as much as the Kate Daniels one.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Trapped (The Iron Druid Chronicles, #5); Author: Kevin Hearne; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery; Review: Atticus, Oberon and Granuaile return in another fun adventure against a veritable plethora of villains. For a nice guy, Atticus sure does have a habit of making bad enemies. It was nice to see Granuaile fighting beside Atticus now that she's fully trained as a druid. As always, Oberon's doggy commentary steals the show.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cold Days (The Dresden Files, #14); Author: Jim Butcher; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: I bought this book as a reward for winning nanowrimo and spent all day reading it. This series just gets more and more awesome. As Harry moves up the power grid, the villains have become ever more powerful and the magical battles more epic. I loved the revelations about Demonreach. It was great to see Harry reconnect with all his friends--especially the first scene with Thomas, who basically says, "Deal with it. I am." And the ending... man, the ENDING. It kills me that Aaron is only on book six or seven of the series so I can't discuss it with him. Reread June 2016. Personal Notes (including spoilers) --introduction of Sarissa (Maeve's twin) --Outsiders as villains. We see the epic battle scene and find out why Rashid is the Gatekeeer. --death of Lily & Maeve --kiss between Murphy and Harry --introduces Lacuna, Toot's female opposite --no Maggie --existence of parasite in the brain but not why of it (actually parasite is mentioned in demonreach/mab scene at end of ghost story, but now Harry finds out about it) --appearance of Erlking and Kringle in Wild Hunt that Harry takes control of; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cast in Secret (Chronicles of Elantra, #3); Author: Michelle Sagara; Genres: young-adult, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Book 3: I liked the magic and the new world-building bits that were revealed: the Tha'alani culture, the Hall of Oracles, the Keeper's garden. Quibble: I found some sections dialogue-heavy and slow going.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Celebrity in Death (In Death, #34); Author: J.D. Robb; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: An interesting mystery but as usual it is Eve's POV who makes this so utterly readable. I was musing lately on how much I like the fact that Eve's competence as a detective means she usually figures out whodunit around the 2/3 marks and the climax is getting the proof and often outwitting the murderer.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: How Beauty Met the Beast (Tales of the Underlight, #1); Author: Jax Garren; Genres: history, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Excellent re-imagining of Beauty and the Beast, with beauty as a rich-girl burlesque dancer and the beast as an injured war vet. I loved Hauk and Jolie and their chemistry. Though this is definitely only part of the tale (two more novellas to come), the world feels fresh and interesting, and I can't wait to read more.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Shape of Desire (Shifting Circle, #1); Author: Sharon Shinn; Genres: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Very character-driven, more a werewolf version of Time Traveller's Wife than the usual action-oriented urban fantasy. Still a good read, but my tastes run towards more plot.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: How Beauty Saved the Beast (Tales of the Underlight #2); Author: Jax Garren; Genres: history, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: I must rave about this series. I loved part one How Beauty Met the Beast, and I devoured part two How Beauty Saved the Beast last night. Cannot wait for part three *bounces with excitement* in May. Both Jolie and Hauk are great characters. Hot romance, cool Underlight world-building with both an evil organization (the House of Ananke) and a touch of magic (we find out what's up with Hauk's rages). Quibble: A bit coincidental that both their exes show up the same evening.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hunter's Season (Elder Races, #4.7); Author: Thea Harrison; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: I liked Xanthe a lot. Her romance with Aubrey made me smile.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mr. Real (Code of Shadows, #1); Author: Carolyn Crane; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Highly amusing romance with an original set-up. Mad-cap in many ways and yet I really felt for both Alix and Paul and the Kendall POV added a lot of tension. Well-written.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Book of Tongues (Hexslinger, #1); Author: Gemma Files; Genres: history, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: While I liked the blend of the Old West and 'hexslinger' magic, this one was too dark and gory for my taste, going over the line into horror. Chess Pargeter is a facinating main character, and despite being a vicious killer I couldn't help but like him. Quibble: some of the sentences are so highly polished it becomes difficult to parse their meaning.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Blood Cross (Jane Yellowrock, #2); Author: Faith Hunter; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery; Review: Really enjoying this series. Jane and her Beast are great characters. Lots of action and some very cool vampire history this time around.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Once Upon a Winter's Eve (Spindle Cove, #1.5); Author: Tessa Dare; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Everything I look for in historical romance: a heroine to cheer for, an amusing premise, and steamy scenes. A fun, fast read.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Food for the Gods (Epikurean Epic, #1); Author: Karen Dudley; Genres: history, young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Light-hearted Iron Chef meets Greek myth premise. The book has a wealth of fascinating historical detail about everyday Greek life. High personal stakes as Chef Pelops faces off against poverty, loan sharks, cooking rivals, the Kindly Ones, and some too-helpful gods...; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Team Human; Author: Sarah Rees Brennan; Genres: history, young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: A fun fast read. Mel was a great character. I loved the town founded by vampires idea, and the boy adopted by vampires.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Getaway (Gavyn Donatti #1.5); Author: Sonya Bateman; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Free novella that goes between book one and book two of the series. Interesting to see Jazz's POV.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Tiassa (Vlad Taltos, #13); Author: Steven Brust; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: More a collection of novelettes and short stories concerning Vlad, Khaavren and a silver tiassa made by the gods than an actual novel. Fun characters and great dialogue, but the constant POV shifting and a murky plot made it feel jerky. Quibble: What does Steven Brust have against dialogue tags? Pages of talking heads.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Hard Mated (Shifters Unbound, #3.5); Author: Jennifer Ashley; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Novella. I loved how Spike reacted to finding out he was a father: "my cub". From that moment on it was easy to see how and why Myka fell for him.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Gone (Gone, #1); Author: Michael Grant; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: In chapter one everybody over age 15 mysteriously disappears leaving a town full of children surrounded by an impenetrable barrier. And the author does not stop there, piling on complication after complication. Very tense, lots of action, well-drawn characters. I could not put this one down.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Goddess of the Hunt (The Wanton Dairymaid Trilogy, #1); Author: Tessa Dare; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Read in one day.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Three Nights with a Scoundrel (Stud Club, #3); Author: Tessa Dare; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: I just read three Tessa Dare books in a row; obviously I'm really enjoying them.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Black Ship (Crosspointe Chronicles, #2); Author: Diana Pharaoh Francis; Genres: history, young-adult, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Interesting world, cool magic and a complex main character, Thorn, who really grew on me. An exciting plot that piled complication on complication. Can things get worse? Oh, yes, they can...; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Turning Tide (Crosspointe Chronicles, #3); Author: Diana Pharaoh Francis; Genres: paranormal, romance, fantasy, fiction; Review: Happy to have finally located a copy of this book and return to the fascinating world of Crosspointe with its dangerous tides of magical sylveth, the mere touch of which turns a human into Spawn. Except sometimes the change can be controlled and majicars created. One such change lies at the heart of this novel and its effect on three friends. The books in this series share a setting and an over-arching struggle between Jutras and Crosspointe but each have their own set of .main characters. High magic, strong action sequences.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: How the Glitch Saved Christmas; Author: Stacy Gail; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Read in an afternoon. A little mystery, an SF setting, and a hot romance. Great chemistry between the two main characters, and a believable solution to their initial friction. Novellas often feel too short to me, but this one satisfied.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Galileo's Holiday; Author: Sasha Summers; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Interesting setting on Galileo and a likeable and very competent heroine--a mechanic. I liked the contrast between 'tugger' and 'station' culture and the food scenes were funny. Quibble: No hero POV. I missed this.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Winter Fusion (Perma, #1); Author: Anna Hackett; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: A pleasing mix of romance, SF and action. The two main characters are from different worlds: Brinn from a struggling ice-world, and Savan from a high-tech but sterile city-world. I liked how Savan was seduced almost as much by the warmth of Perma's family-oriented culture and holiday traditions as by Brinn herself.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Tangle of Need (Psy-Changeling #11); Author: Nalini Singh; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Interesting to see a Changeling couple to get together _without_ the mating bond. Also lots of Sienna and Hawke from Kiss of Snow, showing how they handle the age difference and married to an alpha issues. The scene with Kaleb at the end is driving me crazy!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Unspoken (The Lynburn Legacy, #1); Author: Sarah Rees Brennan; Genres: young-adult, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Awesome gothic YA by the awesome Sarah Rees Brennan. Great characters, I loved Kami and Jared and the complexity of their bond, the dialogue made me laugh out loud. The ending had a goodly number of twists and turns (only one of which I foresaw). I can't wait to read the next book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Heart of the Dragon's Realm; Author: Karalynn Lee; Genres: history, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy; Review: Great first sentence, "Her brother traded her for peace, a hundred swords and ten thousand arrows." Princess Kimri is likeable, and I enjoyed her low-key romance with the mountain-king. Quibble: I found the pacing in the middle of the book rather slow.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Lost Night (Rainshadow, #1; Ghost Hunters, #9); Author: Jayne Castle; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Rainshadow Island and Preserve is a very cool SF setting, and I loved Rachel's missing time, but the story leaned too heavily to the mystery and too light on the romance for my tastes.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Faerie Blood (The Free Court of Seattle #1); Author: Angela Korra'ti; Genres: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Great opening hook with a troll attack. Interesting fey and Warder magic; I especially liked the magical connection between the two main characters. The descriptions of music, Seattle and computer programming felt authentic. Looking forward to the promised sequel! Quibble: I wanted Kendis and Christopher to kiss long before they actually did.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Don't Care High; Author: Gordon Korman; Genres: children, young-adult, fiction; Review: A pleasure to reread this childhood favourite to my son. Like all Gordon Korman books it does a great job of ramping up from the simple premise--Paul and Sheldon nominate weird kid Mike Otis to be student body president on the apathetic Don't Care High--to the finale of 2600 students all dressed like their bewildered hero at a rally to reinstate him. By the end my son was saying Mike Otis's famous line along with me "There are a lot of things at this school I don't understand."; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Matter of Class; Author: Mary Balogh; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: A sweet, light historical romance between two characters of different social classes.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Crimson Crown (Seven Realms, #4); Author: Cinda Williams Chima; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Twists, turns, dark moments, magic, romance, character growth, pacing... every element that I like was there. A satisfying end to a great series. Cinda Williams Chima is my favourite YA fantasy writer.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hunger (Gone, #2); Author: Michael Grant; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Not quite as gripping as book one, but still pretty good pacing. Read the second half in pretty much one go. Poor Sam, he lurches from one crisis to another. Diana is a bit of a mystery throughout book one and book two, I was happy to get a tiny piece of her backstory at the end.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Alloy of Law (Mistborn, #4); Author: Brandon Sanderson; Genres: young-adult, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: A lot of fun. Awesome gun battles reminiscent of my favourite Westerns (minus the magic, of course). I really liked the evolution of the Mistborn world, both in its technology and its mythology. Strong opening hook and good pacing throughout. A hard-to-kill villain, great dialogue and a mystery made for an entertaining read, less dense than the original (excellent) Mistborn trilogy. Quibble: Main character Waxillium and his sidekick Wayne. Wax and wane. Really?; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Mercy Blade (Jane Yellowrock, #3); Author: Faith Hunter; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Still catching up on this excellent series. Lots of new critters coming out of the woodwork to interact with Jane and vampire society: were-cats and werewolves, a grindylow and the very mysterious 'mercy blade' of the title. Some very interesting developments in Jane's love life will have me rushing off to buy book four soon.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bloodring (Rogue Mage, #1); Author: Faith Hunter; Genres: paranormal, romance, fantasy, fiction; Review: Fascinating world: angels, an ice age, neo-mages and very cool stone magic. The fact that Thorn has to hide what she is made for a lot of tension. The book started out strong, but unfortunately the plot never quite came together for me and by the end new things and characters kept turning up leaving me confused instead of satisfied. I was also disappointed that more didn't happen with the mage-heat plot, but perhaps that's still coming in books two and three.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Killer's Instinct; Author: Dawn Dalton; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, mystery; Review: High creepiness/gore factor in this YA monster-hunters-in-training novel. Despite what the back cover implies the story in told from the POV of four teens--Hope, Hyde, Kain and Caddoc--the freak, the rebel, the geek and the jock. Each cadet has there own designated monster specialty (Ex. Hope is Spades which covers all the undead) It took me awhile to be invested in some of the characters, but the story really picked up at the halfway mark and finished on a strong note.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Endless Blue; Author: Wen Spencer; Genres: paranormal, romance, fantasy, fiction; Review: Treated myself by rereading this one cuz my current read is not pulling me. I pretty much love all Wen Spencer's novels. This is a stand-alone SF with a very cool setting, great characters and a little romance. Several interesting issues explored: the difficulty of translating alien languages, and prejudice against 'adapted' humans.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Playing Doctor (Bandit Creek, #26); Author: Julie Rowe; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: Great dialogue, a quirky heroine and a hot military hero. A fun, fast read. Quibble: No hero POV. Pout.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Rapture (Fallen Angels, #4); Author: J.R. Ward; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: 4th in J.R. Wards hardcore angel series. Brilliant call in giving Matthias amnesia, this gave him a more-or-less clean slate to start from--which was essential since I pretty much hated his character when he appeared in book two. While Matthias and Mels (Melissa) were center stage, I actually found Jim's story arc more compelling: his feelings for Sissy, the scenes with Devina and the decision at the end really ratchet up the stakes for the next book. Again, brilliant. Also liked the development with Adrian.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Memory of Light (Wheel of Time, #14); Author: Robert Jordan; Genres: paranormal, romance, fantasy, fiction; Review: Epic. My husband and I have been saying all along that the Last Battle would take an entire book--and we were pretty much right. 700 pages of battles. Some twists and turns, a few unexpected deaths, all those plot threads tied together and nemeses banished... Mat's plotline is my favourite. (IMO Sanderson nailed his voice more than the other characters); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Touch of the Demon (Kara Gillian, #5); Author: Diana Rowland; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: This series keeps on getting better! Strong tension, excellent plotting, interesting new characters, tons of revelations, and lots of cool magic as the series shifts to the demon world.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Daemon Prism (Collegia Magica, #3); Author: Carol Berg; Genres: history, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Book three. A complicated hero, lots of danger, new facets of the magic system and world explored = a rewarding read.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Threads of Desire (Spellcraft, #1); Author: Eleri Stone; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Read in an afternoon. Fantasy romance with the plot falling mostly on the romance side of the line. An interesting world with magic channelled into the arts and ruled by guilds. Lots of tension and heat between the two main characters, Kal, a rich merchant with opaque motives, and Ily, a master weaver who's outcast from her guild. Quibble: The villain was dispatched a little easily.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Under the Never Sky (Under the Never Sky, #1); Author: Veronica Rossi; Genres: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Strong opening hook: Aria is trying to contact her mother and her troubles quickly worsen. Good world-building with Smarteyes, rendering and the Aether pulled it up from yet-another-dystopian-dome story. It took me a few chapters to warm up to Peregrine--I liked him better once he med up with Aria for the second time. Quibble: I could buy the Aud/Scire/Seer mutations, but Cinder's seemed too super-power-y.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Claws Bared (Blood of the Pride, #2); Author: Sheryl Nantus; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: Book two, urban fantasy. Rebecca is an outcast Felis who can't shift. When she's called out of town to solve a murder, she quickly finds herself in murky water with a large Felis clan that has permeated both the police and town council. A good mystery, but it was the developments in Rebecca and Bran's relationship that I really enjoyed.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Treachery in Death (In Death, #32); Author: J.D. Robb; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Another solid entry into the Eve and Roarke In Death series. Faveoutrite scene: Eve with toddler Bella. I think Roberts is so smart to slowly acclimate Eve to kids this way.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Wizard and Glass; Author: Stephen King; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: The first section of this novel really should've been the end of The Wastelands. It took me a long time to get through the middle section, to get invested in Roland's story of his first love especially since we're told up front that she's doomed. Once the plot did get rolling the last 300 pages or so went fast. Good gunfights and cool wizardy. Quibble: did we really need two characters one named Susan and the other Susannah?; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Stepsister Scheme (Princess, #1); Author: Jim C. Hines; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Light-hearted fantasy about Cinderella, Snow White and Sleeping Beauty AFTER their fairy tale endings. Good-world-building. I especially enjoyed how Danielle (Cinderella), who originally seems the most underpowered of the Charlie's-Angels-type trio, proves her worth in courage, smarts and stubbornness.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Seduction Of Elliot McBride (MacKenzies & McBrides, #5); Author: Jennifer Ashley; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Traumatized Scottish hero saved by his childhood sweetheart. Swoon. Quibble: The title is misleading.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Magnetism (Planetary Bodies, #1); Author: Kim Knox; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Hot SF romance with two crewmates locked in together and finally acting on their long-term attraction. Novella. Quibble: the explanation for why they were locked in her quarters made me roll my eyes. Seriously?; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Red Pyramid (Kane Chronicles, #1); Author: Rick Riordan; Genres: history, young-adult, mystery, thriller, romance, children, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Read this to my 10 year old son. As always, Riordan blends mythology, action and humour into a pleasing whole. Unlike his Percy Jackson series, this one alternates between Sadie and Carter's POVs (brother and sister). I love the chapter titles. Favourite chapter: We Go Into the Salsa Business; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Unravel Me (Shatter Me, #2); Author: Tahereh Mafi; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Intense YA. It's impossible not to sympathize with Juliette. Her emotions are very well done, and I liked the crossed out notebook writing style (reminiscent of what Stephen King does with his bracket italics). Warner continues to be a fascinating villain. Quibble: The battle scenes sucked. Even I know you need more of a strategy than 'go out and fight'.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Etiquette & Espionage (Finishing School, #1); Author: Gail Carriger; Genres: history, young-adult, mystery, thriller, romance, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: YA steampunk. Delightful characters, including some younger versions of minor characters from the Parasol Protectorate series, fun action scenes, good world-building and Carriger's amusing turn of phrase. A lot of fun. Quibble: Sophronia never really had much at stake, so I had trouble caring about the mystery prototype.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lord of Darkness (Maiden Lane, #5); Author: Elizabeth Hoyt; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Another lovely historical romance from Elizabeth Hoyt. I really enjoyed reading about Megs bring Godric back to (figurative) life. Tender and hot by turns. I'll be eagerly awaiting the next book int he series.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Prey (The Hunt, #2); Author: Andrew Fukuda; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, children, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: I loved book one, The Hunt, and this one continued the thrill-ride. Lots of interesting twists at the end, can't wait for the conclusion.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Journey of Awakening (The Triune Stones, #1); Author: Shawna Thomas; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: Beautiful description and strong character development in this coming-of-age fantasy. I thought Sara's grief was especially well done. The magic element, three Triune Stones, was cool. Sara's stone, Ilydearta, is known as the Waymaker because it can find paths to success. The holder of Crioch, Dominion, lurked in the background as the villain. I anticipate seeing more of it in book to Journey to Dominion. Quibble: The pacing was too slow for my tastes.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Rulebreaker; Author: Cathy Pegau; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery; Review: Strong opening that hooked me. Though Liv is a con woman, her bad luck and screwed-up relationship with her mother made her easy to sympathize with. Lots of conflict in her relationship with her mother, her ex, her untrustworthy criminal partners, her growing feelings for the 'mark' (Zia) kept me reading. And then the law puts the squeeze on her, and Liv is boxed in from all side with some tough choices to make. Quibble: I wish more had been done with the SF setting.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Academ's Fury (Codex Alera, #2); Author: Jim Butcher; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: My third read-through of this book. I love this series even more than Butcher's Harry Dresden novels I think because of the epic plot arc: the Aleran realm descending toward civl war while beset with enemies on all side, especially the new vord threat--which grew from such small seeds in Furies of Calderon. I love how Tavi overcomes his magical disability and his growing relationship with Kitai. Quibble: Isana's plotline seems a bit thin compared to Tavi's and Amara's.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Flip This Zombie (Living with the Dead, #2); Author: Jesse Petersen; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Light, quick read. Decent action scenes, but nothing too original zombie-wise. One nice plot twist near the end.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Scandalous, Dissolute, No-Good Mr. Wright; Author: Tessa Dare; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Frothy, fun novella with an appealing heroine--and a hero who truly understands her. Devoured in a morning.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Midnight Riot (Peter Grant, #1); Author: Ben Aaronovitch; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Fascinating London/Metropolitan police setting, interesting magic system and some cool plot twists around the halfway mark and the tension really ratcheted up in the last 100 pages. Also, yay!, a mixed race/black wizard. We don't see enough of those. I also really liked the Thames and tributaries genius locus, who I hope will be returning characters.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dark Dealings; Author: Kim Knox; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Steamy fantasy twist on the let's-make-our-exes-jealous trope. Cool magic and a main character with a dark power who's struggling to control it made for compelling reading.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Midnight Blue-Light Special (InCryptid, #2); Author: Seanan McGuire; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery; Review: Another madcap InCryptid adventure with Verity Price and cohorts. Amusing writing, interesting world, good action scenes. I still love Toby best, but this is a good series, much more light-hearted in tone. I especially enjoyed the last 100 pages and the Sarah POV sections. I'm intrigued by the author's note at the end that said the series will continue with Verity's brother as the main character.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Raven Cursed (Jane Yellowrock, #4); Author: Faith Hunter; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery; Review: Almost caught up in this excellent series. Lots of action, complex relationships, more magic, ever-increasing enemies and a GREAT complication near the end. Also a change of scenery from New Orleans to North Carolina.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Time Thief (The Anomaly, #1); Author: Anna Hackett; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Fast-paced paranormal romance novella. Cool superpower-the heroine can freeze time. Likeable characters and some steamy bits. Quibble: I didn't realize this was a novella when I downloaded it. I would've loved to see a longer treatment.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Broken Blade (Fallen Blade, #1); Author: Kelly McCullough; Genres: thriller, comics, crime, paranormal, graphic, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: I loved the magic, especially Aral's shadow familiar. Add in his traumatic past as a former Blade of Justice to a now-dead Goddess and a fast-paced plot and you have an involving story. I shall be onthe lookout for book two.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sins of the Angels (Grigori Legacy, #1); Author: Linda Poitevin; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: A good story, but not to my taste. The angel fantasy element felt generic at first (guardians, powers, dominions, seraphs) but developed some interesting twists and politics in the second half of the novel. The main character, police detective Alex Jarvis, was well-drawn and sympathetic, but her denail of the supernatural (while absolutely in character given her background) gave the book a different flavour than most urban fantasy. Since one of the things I love about UF is the main character's immersion in the fantasy world, her constant doubt wearied me. I had a hard time connecting to Aramael/Trent because he was so angry all the time, and the romantic connection between Aramael and Alex didn't quite ring true for me.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Magic Mirror and the Seventh Dwarf (Accidental Enchantments, #2); Author: Tia Nevitt; Genres: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: I loved the twin concepts for this faerie tale twist: that Snow White's prince is ALSO the magic mirror, and that the seventh dwarf is a woman. The ins and outs of the mirror magic curse and how Prince Richard fought against them were very interesting. I enjoyed Gretchen and Lars' romance. Quibble: in such a short novella it was hard to get equally invested in both romances.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Legend (Legend, #1); Author: Marie Lu; Genres: young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: I'm too sick to write much of a review right now, other than to say the book had two strong main characters (boy=Day, girl=June) and a good inherent conflict between June's privileged military upbringing and Day's poor-boy-turned-rebel.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Frost Burned (Mercy Thompson, #7); Author: Patricia Briggs; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Still loving this series. Great characters, lots of tense scenes, plus some Adam POV! Quibble: the last plot twist regarding the villain's identity seemed to come out of thin air.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Wild Invitation (Psy-Changeling, #0.5, 4.5, 9.5, 10.5); Author: Nalini Singh; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Four novellas in the Psy-changeling universe. Beat of Temptation -- Sentinel and healer leopards. I'd read this before in an anthology and enjoyed it. The second time around (perhaps because I skimmed too much) I had a hard time sympathizing with Nate--he was too much of a butthead to Tammy. Interesting to read the backstory of this long-time series couple and see Lucas as a teen. Stroke of Enticement -- leopard and human pairing. Very readable, but also quite light with few obstacles. Declaration of Courtship -- dominant and submissive wolf. This one was my favourite. Loved the characters. Hot romance. Texture of Intimacy -- Psy and healer wolf. Ongoing characters Walker and Lara adjusting to their mating bond. I totally want to go back and reread the rest of their romance now.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mate Claimed (Shifters Unbound, #4); Author: Jennifer Ashley; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Hot romance. Iona and Eric made a good couple and her long-denied shifter heritage made for some interesting scenes. I was especially happy with the non-cliche resolution between Graham and Eric. Quibble: the problems with Eric's collar only peripherally tied into the plot; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Intruder (Foreigner, #13); Author: C.J. Cherryh; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Loved the Cajeiri plotline, but the Bren one seemed a touch too easy--nobody even shot at him.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Liam's Gold; Author: Jody Wallace; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: I had to buy this book. I could not resist the idea of a leprechaun paranormal romance hero--and I'm happy to report the author pulled it off. (For one thing, he's not short when in the human realm. Plus, I loved the shamrock eyes.) A fun, hot read. Quibble: I wish we could've seen a bit of the leprechaun realm.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Obsidian (Lux, #1); Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout; Genres: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: I really liked the main character, Katy, and her bantering love/hate relationship with Daemon. I liked how he drew her out of her shell, and how she called him on the running hot/cold thing. Quibble: the aliens seemed too super-power-y and Katy's 'plan' at the end was too stupid.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Shadows in Flight (Ender's Shadow, #5); Author: Orson Scott Card; Genres: paranormal, young-adult, fantasy, fiction; Review: The last Bean book. A fast read with POV alternating between Bean and his three antonine kids. Some interesting discoveries about the aliens.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Valor of the Healer (Rebels of Adalonia, #1); Author: Angela Highland; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: The book starts with a bang as Julian tries to assasinate the evil Duke and ends up escaping only thanks to the wild magic healing power of Faanshi, a half-elven slave. It's impossible NOT to root for Faanshi as she strives for freedom and to overcome a lifetime of being told she's worthless. This was one of those books where one plotline, Julian and Faanshi's, appealed to me more strongly than the secondary one involving Kestar--though I did like the magic link. Quibble: Did we really need to know the names of ALL of the horses? I had enough trouble keeping the elves straight.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kitty Rocks the House (Kitty Norville, #11); Author: Carrie Vaughn; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery; Review: Kitty remains a very readable character, but the plot strands for this one never quite wove together in a way that satisfied me. An unexpected ending which will no doubt have interesting repercussions on future books.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Shadow's Edge (Night Angel, #2); Author: Brent Weeks; Genres: history, young-adult, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: I started reading this one kind of slowly--I think because I didn't want to see Kylar's happiness at the end of book one put in jeopardy--but was soon hooked. Awesome scenes. Great characters--not just Kylar and Logan, but Vi and Sister Ariel and many more. Great epic fantasy.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Throne of Fire (Kane Chronicles, #2); Author: Rick Riordan; Genres: young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, children, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Finished reading this to my 10-year-old son tonight. The fun adventures of the Kane siblings continue, chockful of magic, action and humour. Rick Riordan rocks. We'll probably go straight on to book three.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Perfect Timing (Kendrick/Coulter/Harrigan, #11); Author: Catherine Anderson; Genres: history, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: A time travel romance, (with the woman coming forward to our time). While technically a paranormal romance, it's of the old-fashioned kind where one member of the couple disbelieves and has to slowly become convinced that magic is real. Ceara's mishaps with technology and misunderstandings with slang were often amusing and her romance with Quincy was quite sweet. I put the book down for a while in the middle, fearing a certain complication, but happily the author went a different way. The last hundred pages read quickly and as usual, Catherine Anderson, had me in tears before delivering the HEA.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Death's Rival (Jane Yellowrock, #5); Author: Faith Hunter; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery; Review: Action-packed urban fantasy. I really like Jane Yellowrock; she's both kick-ass and complicated. This book had some cool revelations regarding her past, and some nice plot twists. Quibble: I haven't read the short stories that fit between the novels and feel like I'm missing bits, which is annoying.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Wolf's Surrender; Author: Kendra Leigh Castle; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: Strong opening chapters and decent world-building. I really liked Mia, the main character. She was quiet, but not timid or weak. Quibble: I wanted to know more about how Mia's magic worked beyond 'glowing'. I found the Kenyon/suitor/jealousy subplot annoying.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Pooka in My Pantry (Monster Haven, #2); Author: R.L. Naquin; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Fun, light-hearted urban fantasy, the sequel to Monster in my Closet. Zoey is a treat to read. I loved the Leprechaun Mafia, luck algebra, and Zoey's madcap dates. It was really nice to see Zoey 'level up' from empath to Aegis. Some interesting developments in both the Rily-romance plot and the mystery of Zoey's mother that hopefully will come to fruition in the next book or books.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ill-Conceived Magic (Monster Haven, #1.5); Author: R.L. Naquin; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery; Review: Fun and FREE urban fantasy short. I get a kick out of Zoey and her pal Maurice, the muffin-cooking closet monster. Add dryads, satrys and a crossbreed baby and you get a quick, fun read.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows (Outlander, #8.5); Author: Diana Gabaldon; Genres: history, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: A good story, about Roger's parents, but too short to satisfy my tastes.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Drynn (Last of the Shardyn, #1); Author: Steve Vera; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Fast-paced urban fantasy, first in a series. Magic AND guns as a human police chief, warriors from another world, and a psychopath all converge to take down the newly-escaped Lord of the Underworld. Well-written, suspenseful and engaging. I really liked the banter between Amanda and Gavin. Quibbles: lots of POV changes, plus Skip is so accomplished that it raised my eyebrows; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rising Darkness (Game of Shadows, #1); Author: Thea Harrison; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Read in one day. An intense page-turner: magic, reincarnation, soulmates, cool world-building and two strong main characters to root for. I will be eagerly anticipating book two. Though filed in the romance section because of the author's (excellent) Elder Races novels, the book really straddled the line between paranormal romance and urban fantasy and could just as easily have been shelved there IMO. I love both genres so it didn't matter to me.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Rebellion (Lost City Shifters, #3); Author: Eleri Stone; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Hot paranormal romance. I really liked the werewolf hero, Cole. His directness and honesty made him a great foil for jaguar-shifter and warrior, Taya, who is cool and somewhat closed at the beginning of the story, showing only flashes of her true self. Interesting contrasts between wolf and jaguar society. Quibble: I lost interest in the treaty plot for a bit in the middle.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Clockwork Prince (The Infernal Devices, #2); Author: Cassandra Clare; Genres: history, young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: My goodness. Jem loves Tessa. Will loves Tessa. Tessa loves them both. Sophie loves Jem. Gideon likes Sophie. Jessamine thinks she's in love with Nate. Lots of YA drama and a compelling love triangle. Too often with love triangles, I want to slap the heroine up-side the head, but I can honestly see what Tessa is drawn to in both boys. Quibble: I would've liked to see more progress on the Mortmain plot. Only his minions are encountered in this middle volume of the trilogy.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mindlink; Author: Kat Cantrell; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Loved the premise of this SF romance: aliens ask Earth to send ten scientists and an ambitious actress replaces one of the scientists. Ashley is an appealing heroine, both vulnerable and courageous. It took me a while to warm up to ZXQ-1/Sam, but I loved how the mindlink opened up his mind to emotions and colour. The romance was well-developed and satisfying with real obstacles between the hero and heroine that were believably overcome. Quibble: Some sagging between the escape and when they reach the river--a lot of walking.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Silver (Silver, #1); Author: Rhiannon Held; Genres: young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, comics, crime, paranormal, graphic, fantasy, fiction; Review: A heroine fighting her way out of madness and a reluctant hero, both werewolves. Strong world-building. I liked the werewolf mythology of Death and the Lady. Enough seeds to make me want to go on to book two without the ending being in any way a cliff-hanger.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Wise Man's Fear (The Kingkiller Chronicle, #2); Author: Patrick Rothfuss; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Still really enjoying Kvothe's adventures: his brilliance in multiple fields is nicely off-set by his tendency to be too smart for his own good. I read the university and Maer sections quickly, but got a little bogged down in the Felurian and Ademi bits which felt like side plots... I was also a bit disappointed that they're weren't very many developments in the Chandrian over-arching plot. Excellent world-building: loved the hand-talk, the magic used in the bandit fight, the symbolism of the various rings in the Maer's court... Eagerly looking forward to book three.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cursor's Fury (Codex Alera, #3); Author: Jim Butcher; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: I think this book may be my favourite in this excellent series. Tavi, who's undercover posing as Subtribune in charge of latrines, gets a sudden promotion to acting captain when 60,000 Canim invade. Great action, great scenes, two lovely twists in the epilogue alone.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Silent Warrior (Dragon Kings, #0.5); Author: Lindsey Piper; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Hot romance with two intriguing main characters: the manic Hark makes a nice contrast with the quiet Silence. A fresh new paranormal world with Dragon Kings, who have different powers depending on which House their born into, Cage fights and the Ritual of Thorns. Interesting setting: the seamy side of Hong Kong. Quibble: Because it's a novella everything is compressed. Even expecting that, the ending felt very abrupt with a number of plot threads dangling--presumably these will be taken up in the next book of the series.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Deviants (Dust Chronicles #1); Author: Maureen McGowan; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Read in one day. The stakes are high as Glory seeks to conceal her own 'deviant' power and provide for her younger brother in a dystopian future where discovery will mean death. Strong conflict and good pacing pulled me rapidly through the story. Both Glory and Burn fear their own powers, which provided lots of tension, and put an interesting twist on their attraction to each other. The ending left us well set up for more high stakes and danger in book two. Quibble: I'm feeling a bit jaded about dystopian worlds. Dome, check. Mutants, check. Though the dust and Management made for a few new twists.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: In the Dark (Children of Night, #1); Author: P.G. Forte; Genres: history, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy; Review: Vampire family drama. Vampires are made, not born--except for twins Julie and Marc Fischer. One plotline was set in 1968 and dealt with the twins' mother's relationship with master vamp Conrad, while the second plotline concerned a search for the missing Conrad in the present. I found this book highly addictive and will definitely be picking up book two in the series.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Headed for Trouble (Troubleshooters, #16.5); Author: Suzanne Brockmann; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: Romantic suspense short story collection by one of my favourite authors. I'd read most of these before, but couldn't resist picking it up. Happy to get the second half of Arlene and Jack's story. I think my favourite is the character interview with Gillman, Jenks, Lopez and Zanella.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Bridge of Dreams (Ephemera, #3); Author: Anne Bishop; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Ephemera is one of the coolest worlds out there--a broken world tended by Landscapers and connected by Bridges that lead you to places that resonate with your heart, dark or light. It was nice to get Lee's story and I found the Tryad interesting, but for some reason I didn't find this book as compelling as many of Anne Bishop's other books.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Voice (Ephemera, #2.5); Author: Anne Bishop; Genres: paranormal, romance, fantasy, fiction; Review: Novella set in Ephemera. Fascinating/disturbing setting, a small town with a type of magical scapegoat...; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Serpent's Shadow (Kane Chronicles, #3); Author: Rick Riordan; Genres: young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, children, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Another read-aloud to my 10-year-old son. Both he and I enjoyed this series a lot. Lots of action, magic and humour. Sadie is a hoot to read.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Moon Over Soho (Peter Grant, #2); Author: Ben Aaronovitch; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Urban fantasy. Wizard's apprentice, Peter Grant, doubles as a police constable in London. Very appealing narrator and an enjoyable mystery with lots of cool dtails about London and jazz music. Interesting twist at the end with the villain. Happy to see more of Lesley.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Mage in Black (Sabina Kane, #2); Author: Jaye Wells; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: A quick, high-action, fast-paced read. Sabina Kane is still not my favourite character (she was raised by vamps and her morality is a little askew) but I found her more sympathetic this book.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: How Beauty Loved the Beast (Tales of the Underlight, #3); Author: Jax Garren; Genres: history, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Hands down the best retelling of Beauty and the Beast I've ever read. Loved this story, loved Hauk and Jolie. I cannot rave about it enough. Just to give you an idea: I pre-ordered the book and was waiting impatiently for it to release on Monday--and was thrilled to discover it released at midnight eastern time and I could start reading it at ten last night. If you like romance or fairy retellings, try this series. Book one is How Beauty Met the Beast.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Spirit War (The Legend of Eli Monpress, #4); Author: Rachel Aaron; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Delightful light-hearted fantasy with a cool magic system, engaging characters and great action scenes. This time around we get more of Josef's backstory.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Old Sins, Long Shadows (Children of Night, #2); Author: P.G. Forte; Genres: history, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Read this in one day. Excellent vampire family drama continuing on from where In the Dark left off. I really enjoyed the interweaving of past and present plotlines, and I care about all the characters and want to know what happens next.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Whispers Under Ground (Peter Grant, #3); Author: Ben Aaronovitch; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Still enjoying this series, a nice mix of wizardry and police procedural with a London setting.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Blood Trade (Jane Yellowrock, #6); Author: Faith Hunter; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: It took me a touch longer to get into this story, as Jane starts out the book depressed from previous events and then takes an out-of-town job, but once the plot got rolling it was the usual high action/cool magic adventure that I love.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Oz, #1); Author: L. Frank Baum; Genres: young-adult, children, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Just read this to my son and daughter (ages 10 and 5). Not my favourite of the Oz books, but I still enjoy the inventiveness of the world and the population of colourful characters. Quibble: The Tin Woodman gets a little axe-happy sometimes, and the whole travel from Emerald City to Glinda's castle is very anti-climactic.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Lady Most Willing... (Lady Most..., #2); Author: Julia Quinn; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Not sure the 'novel in three parts' really worked. Though all shared characters and circumstances--people forced together by a snowstorm--there wasn't much character interaction beyond Marilla. All three romances happened chronologically, one settled before the next began, with no interweaving of plot threads. All three had slow openings, but picked up later. I bought this because I like Connie Brockway and Eloisa James' writings. Still not sold on Julia Quinn.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Deadlocked (Sookie Stackhouse, #12); Author: Charlaine Harris; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery; Review: Smoothly readable as always. I've heard the Sookie series ends with the book after this and it certainly felt as if a number of plotlines were closed--though Sookie's love life is definitely still up in the air. She was also a touch depressed this book.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Throne of the Crescent Moon (The Crescent Moon Kingdoms, #1); Author: Saladin Ahmed; Genres: history, young-adult, mystery, thriller, romance, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Wonderful world-building. An Arabic-inspired setting and cool magic: spells and shape-shifters and girls turning into lions to fight 'ghuls'. Quibble: Of the five point of view characters I like Zamia (the girl who turned into a lion) the best; Adoulla was a little too crotchety for my taste, and Raseed too pious. Litaz and Dawoud made little impression.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Die on Your Feet; Author: S.G. Wong; Genres: history, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Excellent noir mystery. Lola Starke is one tough chickie: she can take a beating and dish it out. Good pacing, a twisty plot and a worthy adversary, Lola's old schoolmate Amber Jade, kept the book ticking along. Set in an alternate history Chinese-dominated 1930s Hollywood, the fantasy element at first seemed to be fairly light--many people, including Lola herself, have Ghosts tethered to them--but as the plot rolled forward we learned about Conjurers and Wards. And the end had some Very Interesting revelations.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Falling Blind (Sentinel Wars, #7); Author: Shannon K. Butcher; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: I really liked Rory; Cain was nice, but I didn't fall for him as hard as I have other heroes. As usual a strong romance with many interesting sideplots and characters I hope will get their own book sometime soon. (Joseph and Lyka, Torr and Grace, Nicholas and Tori, Ronan and Justice, Sibyl + ?, etc.) quibble: Made me sad when the traitor killed a character I liked.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Now Comes the Night (Children of Night, #3); Author: P.G. Forte; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Third installment of my favourite vampire family drama. Another quick read and I'm having to restrain myself from immediately buying book four. This time around the flashback plot focuses on the sweet-but-doomed romance between Damian and Paul, while the present plotline mostly concerns Marc. Quibble: I really thought the author was leading up to the revelation of what went wrong between Damian and Conrad centuries before, but we got only a piece of the puzzle, not the whole thing. Also hoping for more Julie next book.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Against the Light; Author: Dave Duncan; Genres: paranormal, young-adult, fantasy, fiction; Review: A tale of three siblings in a fantasy world of clashing religions... I really admire the way Dave Duncan balanced the plotlines so that the success of one sibling meant the failure of another. He also used the 'frustrated reunion' quite effectively.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Any Duchess Will Do (Spindle Cove, #4); Author: Tessa Dare; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Another excellent historical romance from Tessa Dare. I really admire the way she successful blends fun light banter, steaminess, and emotional intimacy. Read in one day.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Beauty and the Blacksmith (Spindle Cove, #3.5); Author: Tessa Dare; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Another delightful historical romance from Tessa Dare. Diana Highwood and Aaron Dawes are long-time series characters and it was great to see them get their HEA. Plus, blacksmiths are hot!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ashes of the Day (Children of Night, #4); Author: P.G. Forte; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: I'm officially addicted to this vampire family drama series. I usually make myself wait between books, but I bought and downloaded book four mere hours after finishing book three and read Ashes of the Day just as quickly as the others. And now I'm caught up and will have to wait for the next book. Some very cool developments for Marc and Julie and Georgia in this one.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Heart of Obsidian (Psy-Changeling, #12); Author: Nalini Singh; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: I really loved this romance between two Psy, one broken, one with a heart like obsidian. Strong opening, great characters, plus some big events with the ongoing Silence plot series arc. And Ghost's real name is finally revealed. If you're a fan of the series, you're already dying to read this one. If not, book one, Slave to Sensation introduces the wonderful Psy-Changeling universe.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Marvelous Land of Oz; Author: L. Frank Baum; Genres: young-adult, children, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: I like the second Oz book with Tip, Old Mombi, Jack Pumpkinhead and the Sawhorse better than the first one. I reread it many a time as a kid and I'm now reading the series to my kids. Quibble: General Jinjur's Army of Revolt is meant to be funny, but grates a little on my adult feminist sensibilities. Though at least Glinda the Good and her girl army balances things out a bit.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Journey of Dominion (The Triune Stones, #2); Author: Shawna Thomas; Genres: paranormal, fantasy; Review: Even better than book one! Beautiful writing throughout this epic fantasy novel. I really enjoyed the banter/camaraderie between Ilythra and Mohan in part one. Lots of tension in the last hundred pages as Ilythra struggles to free herself from Bredych's insidious trap, which built to a satisfying climax. Looking forward to book three.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kiss the Dead (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter #21); Author: Laurell K. Hamilton; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: This one focuses on Anita's police work. Lots of tension, both of the danger and the inter-personal relationship kind. Quibble: Not sure the police work and the Anita's home life plotline really meshed until the last few chapters.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Green-Eyed Demon (Sabina Kane, #3); Author: Jaye Wells; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Book three. Good action scenes and a thrilling conclusion. I like the way Sabina's character has evolved over the course of the series.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Spirit's End (The Legend of Eli Monpress, #5); Author: Rachel Aaron; Genres: young-adult, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Awesome end to a great series. Left me smiling. Such fun characters, lots of action and plot twists, never a dull moment. (Especially the twist at the end of chapter 18. Ack!) I loved how the series built, with the first three adventures being fairly light-hearted romps centered around Eli Monpress, the self-proclaimed Greatest Thief in the World, who is obsessed with the bounty on his head. The last two volumes have been more epic in scope, but didn't sacrifice any of the adventure and sheer fun of the writing. My thirteen-year-old son also loved them. When I bought book 4, I encouraged him to read book 1. He tore through them so fast, he actually finished book 5 before me.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Freefall (Aftershock, #2); Author: Jill Sorenson; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: Wow, talk about action-packed! Mountain-climbing, river rapids, car chases, near-drowning, bad guys with guns and, of course, hot sex scenes. I loved both Hope and Sam's romance as well as Faith's subplot. It was nice to see Owen again (he and Sam first appeared in Aftershock which I also loved). Can't wait for Owen's book next year.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Captain's Fury (Codex Alera, #4); Author: Jim Butcher; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Just reread this one. You know it's a good series when it's just as involving the second time around.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lover at Last (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #11); Author: J.R. Ward; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: This is a thick book and I read it in one day. It consumed most of yesterday. I've always had a soft spot for Qhuinn (I welled up in the prologue) and was glad to see him get his happy ending. Blay I still don't feel like I know as well Quibble: J.R. Ward's subplots are getting away from her. Don't get me wrong, I was happy to read about Xcor and Layla and see some background info on Trez and the mysterious Shadows as set up for the next books down the line (hopefully). But did we really need Assail and Sola too? I barely remembered who Assail was and for the first half of the book their subplot felt like an annoying interruption, pages I had to plow through before I could find out what was happening in the main plot.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Tiger Magic (Shifters Unbound, #5); Author: Jennifer Ashley; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: A were-tiger romance this time. I found Tiger, which his strange background, to be enormously appealing and Carly was the perfect heroine for him. This series just keeps getting better.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Silence (The Queen of the Dead, #1); Author: Michelle Sagara; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Ghosts and necromancy. Stayed up past midnight finishing this one--the whole last third of the book was climax. Loved the characters, Emma and her group of friends including autistic Michael that she can't lie to and mysterious newcomers Eric and Chase. Also refreshing to see a YA without a romance (though there are possibilities for book two).; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: War Maid's Choice (War God, #4); Author: David Weber; Genres: paranormal, romance, fantasy, fiction; Review: Great battle scenes, well-done politics, lousy dialogue. One of those books where the second half is way better than the first. Quibble: We got an early POV chapter from Sharlessa, which made me think she would have her own subplot, but she's barely mentioned again until the epilogue and even then she's off-screen.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ozma of Oz; Author: L. Frank Baum; Genres: young-adult, children, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: My beloved favourite among the Oz books. I reread this one countless times. I'm happy to say it held up well during the reread to my kids, with a stronger plot than many Oz books. Not only is Dorothy reunited with the Tin Woodman, Cowardly Lion and Scarecrow, but she meets Ozma from book two and several new characters are introduced: Tiktok, Princess Langwidere of the many heads, and the Nome King.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Hunted (The Iron Druid Chronicles, #6); Author: Kevin Hearne; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery; Review: Lots of action and some good humourous moments, but I didn't find the plot as engaging this time. Not really sure why... Maybe because it felt like a middle with Atticus and company already on the run at the beginning and things unresolved at the end.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Witch Bound (Twilight of the Gods, #2); Author: Eleri Stone; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Stayed up late finishing this one. Excellent blend of paranormal and romance. Cool Norse-magic--demons, other dimensions, both Hounds and crow shape-shifters, runes--set in Ragnarok, Iowa. I was intrigued by Fen's character in book one Demon Crossings (which I also loved) and happy to see him get his own book. His romance with Raquel was both tender and hot--he'd never kissed anyone before Raquel *swoon*. Hope there's more coming in this series as there are a ton of interesting secondary characters: Christian, Elin, Rane, Kamis...; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Terminated (Revivalist, #3); Author: Rachel Caine; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Action-packed ride. Great plot twists involving the consequences of being nearly indestructible. I really like Bryn's character development and fear of becoming a monster. The ending felt right for the series.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Last Victim (Dr. Charlotte Stone, #1); Author: Karen Robards; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Serial killers, FBI and ghosts, oh my. So glad I didn't read the backcover blurb for this one--it would've sucked a lot of tension out of the first 100 pages. Much better to have the story unfold.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Enticing the Spymaster (War Girls, #2); Author: Julie Rowe; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Judith is a WWI nurse in occupied Belgium risking her life to spy on the Germans, Michael is the British agent sent by her father to rescue her--and the man who broke her heart two years earlier. World War I Belgium makes for an interesting setting and gives the story strong tension. Fave scene: the operation, of course.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Beast Behaving Badly (Pride, #5); Author: Shelly Laurenston; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Funny shifter romance with amusing characters, great dialogue and over-the-top-cartoony violence. This was an impulse buy and comes in the middle of the series. There were a few things/characters I didn't really get, but for the most part it read smoothly.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rainshadow Road (Friday Harbor, #2); Author: Lisa Kleypas; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: I liked Lucy and Sam's story, but it took awhile for the romance to get off the ground. Lisa Kleypas's contemporaries seem to hover between romance and women's fic sometimes. Quibble: the magic element seemed superfluous.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Family Pride (Blood of the Pride, #3); Author: Sheryl Nantus; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: Enjoying this series. This time the plot revolves around Bran's family instead of Rebecca's Felis clan which made for an interesting change of pace. Lots of character conflict and a lovely plot twist at the end of chapter two that really cranked up the tension. Strong ending. quibble: The names Brayton and Brandon were too close, I kept reading one as the other.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War; Author: Max Brooks; Genres: history, young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Epic in scope and very well-thought out What if story. Though engrossing at times (I like the survivor stories best), the 'oral history' style often seemed disjointed and full of info-dumping, plus a little too much horror for my tastes. It took me almost two weeks to finish this novel, which is a huge amount of time for me.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Crossed Blades (Fallen Blade, #3); Author: Kelly McCullough; Genres: young-adult, comics, paranormal, graphic, fantasy, fiction; Review: Great fight scenes, cool magic, and a complicated main character = good fantasy. Quibble: the stuff with the Son of Heaven at the end felt a little anti-climactic... though it did tie off the Kelos plotline a bit more...; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Crystal Gardens (Ladies of Lantern Street, #1); Author: Amanda Quick; Genres: history, fiction, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: If I'd never read any Amanda Quick/Jayne Ann Krentz/Jayne Castle before, I probably would have rated it higher. It's well-written, well-paced with engaging characters and an interesting setting. Unfortunately, I've read so many books by this fine author that I've become a touch jaded. Spooky paranormal gardens? Seen it before in Canyons of the Night. Hero whose paranormal abilities make him fear he is too dangerous? Read it in Zinnia and Burning Lamp and even Absolutely Positively. It seems lately that the mystery element has begun to overpower the romantic one in Quick/Krentz/Castle's work. There was too little impediment between the hero and heroine's relationship to have much tension.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Road to Oz (Oz, #5); Author: L. Frank Baum; Genres: young-adult, children, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Reading this series to my children. I'd read this one as a child, but barely remembered it. The Shaggy Man, Button-Bright and Polychrome the Rainbow's Daughter all rang faint bells, but the only part I vividly remembered was the two chapters featuring the evil Scoodlers. Some charming bits, but the adventures were mostly forgettable and Ozma's birthday party at the end dragged on.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Fire Season (Honorverse: Stephanie Harrington, #2); Author: David Weber; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: A young adult spin-off series from David Weber's well-known SF space opera Honor Harrington series. Alien treecats, wildfires and a group of scientists trying to determine if treecats are sentient made for an interesting plot and both Stephanie Harrington and Anders were sympathetic characters.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Delusion in Death (In Death, #35); Author: J.D. Robb; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Strong first half with a high-stakes mass murder, but it felt like Eve solved it a bit too quickly without any real reason to single X out as her suspect. I liked the character bits of Eve dealing with the emotional fallout from New York to Dallas.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Mane Squeeze (Pride, #4); Author: Shelly Laurenston; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Highly-entertaining shifter romance, laid-back bear Lock + high-maintenance ligon Gwen. Lots of fun.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Wicked (Elder Races, #5.5); Author: Thea Harrison; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: As a former library tech, I admit to being a sucker for the librarian trope in romances. Olivia is not only a librarian, but one who specializes in magical library collections, which is way cool. Sebastian is an Owl Wyr suffering under a curse. The two had great chemistry, though as is usual in novellas, everything runs its course at a fast clip without much in the way of complications. I also loved the glimpses we got on Phaedra, the djinn introduced in Oracle's Moon, and hope to see more of her character.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hunger Awakened (Vampire Hunger #2); Author: Dee Carney; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: Half-vampire suffering from a strange debility plus homeless waif equals hot paranormal romance. I enjoyed the mystery of Sebastian's illness. I also liked how Sebastian's need for Alice levelled the playing field between these two disparate characters and made their love feel believable.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Eight Million Gods; Author: Wen Spencer; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: So cool. An author with hypergraphia discovers that the scenes she's writing are real--after getting arrested for the murder of one of her characters. I loved the storyline and enjoyed the detailed Japanese setting. I loved the way Nikki learns to turn her disorder into a superpower. quibble: The goddess's choice at the end could've used more foreshadowing.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Mermaid's Madness (Princess, #2); Author: Jim C. Hines; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: The kickass trio of Cinderella, Snow White and Sleeping Beauty (first seen in Stepsister Scheme) are back this time in a retelling of the Little Mermaid. I especially enjoyed the Snow POV sections and the magic--hope Snow gets a HEA in book 3!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz (Oz, #4); Author: L. Frank Baum; Genres: young-adult, children, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Dorothy and the Wizard (plus Zeb, Eureka the kitten, Jim the cab-horse, and nine tiny piglets) fall through a crack in the earth during an earthquake and enter a strange new fairyland. Better than I remembered. The Mangaboos are probably my favourites. Quibble: why did they take the buggy with them up the stairs?; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Shiver; Author: Karen Robards; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: Great initial setup: undercover cop Danny is bound in the trunk of a BMW that single mom, Sam, repossesses. Sam and her 4-year-old son Tyler are swept into danger; matters are complicated by the undercover role Danny plays. Solid romantic suspense from Karen Robards.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: On the Scent (Psychic Detective, #1); Author: Angela Campbell; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Hilarious and wacky contemporary romance. Ellie left $10 million to her cat and dog and made Hannah their guardian. After a pet-napping attempt, Hannah hires Zach to provide security. Zach once played a psychic detective on TV, and now, to his shock, he's hearing Hannah's cat and dog--to hilarious effect. The first chapter started strongly with lots of dangling hooks that made me curious about the characters. The pets Abbott and Costello were a riot. Hannah and Zach were both believable and sympathetic. The mystery of Ellie's past had some nice twists and turns.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Magic Rises (Kate Daniels, #6); Author: Ilona Andrews; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Read in one day. Another great book in a one of my favourite series. Great fight scenes, interesting developments in Kate and Curran's relationship and especially interesting stuff in the long-going arc of Kate and her father. Still jazzed a day later.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Princeps' Fury (Codex Alera, #5); Author: Jim Butcher; Genres: history, young-adult, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Trademark Jim Butcher high adventure fun. All three plotlines (Isana, Amara and Bernard, Tavi) felt equal and had awesome climaxes.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Proposal (The Survivors' Club #1); Author: Mary Balogh; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: I usually love Mary Balogh's books and I was eagerly waiting for this one. The Survivor's Club is a great series concept and I've been waiting for Gwen's book since reading One Night for Love years and years ago. However, I found the first 100 pages slow going. The hero seemed rude and uncharming. Hugo is not the typical Balogh hero; his title is a courtesy one awarded for war heroics and his roots are middleclass. Fortunately he grew on me, once I realized his bluntness was due to social ineptitude not rudeness, and I happily read the last two hundred pages in an evening.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Lies of Locke Lamora (Gentleman Bastard, #1); Author: Scott Lynch; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Finally finished this book! My husband highly recommended it, but I stalled out after the first 150 pages and literally didn't pick the book up for a month and a half. Once I got a couple chapters further in the story took off again. The world-building is excellent, the heists thought up by the Gentlemen Bastards are amusing, there are a number of good plot twists and the last 150 pages sped by. Quibble: The flashbacks slowed the main story too much for my taste. I actually had to skip ahead at one point. There were thirty pages (two flashbacks and a subplot) between the cliffhanger end of chapter eight and when we got back to Locke's present timeline at the beginning of chapter 10.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Warriors: Part Three of the Druids trilogy; Author: Barbara Galler-Smith; Genres: history, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy; Review: Rich in historical detail and epic in scope: the Celtic tribes battle the Romans. I now really hate Julius Caesar! I liked how the magical element--woadsleep--was used in this book. I liked the romance between Arienne and Dunn, though Rhonwen remains my favourite character. Quibble: The impediment between Tegan and Borwyn's romance was very similar to the impediment between Arienne and Dunn's romance.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Tattooed Witch (The Tattooed Witch #1); Author: Susan MacGregor; Genres: history, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Strong opening hook: Miriam Medina and her father are accused of poisoning the High Solar. To save her father Miriam uses a dangerous resurrection spell. The fantasy world was an interesting mix of Spain during the time of the Inquisition and Romany culture. Plus, cool tattoo-based magic, flamenco dance, and a strong romantic subplot. I will definitely be watching for the sequel. Quibble: The villain kind of disappeared in the middle.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: White Trash Zombie Apocalypse (White Trash Zombie, #3); Author: Diana Rowland; Genres: young-adult, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: A fast read, plus lots of interesting developments that make me eager to read the next book in the series--especially the Phillip stuff. Angel is still growing and changing as a character. I liked the introduction of Heather and Dr. Nikas. Fave scene: the flood. Warning: there is a certain gross-out factor in having a main character who's a zombie. Quibble: The GED plotline was unresolved.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Redshirts; Author: John Scalzi; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Highly amusing, fast read, riffing on Star Trek's 'expendable' redshirt characters--and showing how they fight back against the dreaded Narrative. Very meta, especially the codas. Quibble: The characters were rather undeveloped (maybe that was the point?) and did he really have to introduce all five in the first chapter? I had trouble keeping Dahl and Duvall straight.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Some Like It Hot (Razor Bay, #2); Author: Susan Andersen; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: Susan Andersen is one of the few contemporary romance writers I still read--cause she's just that good. Another hot romance with wonderful relationship building not just between the main characters Harper and Max, but between Max and his brother, and Harper and Jenny and Tasha and the Cedar Village boys.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Emerald City of Oz (Oz #6); Author: L. Frank Baum; Genres: young-adult, children, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: This one starts off promisingly with Dorothy and her aunt and Uncle coming to live in Oz and the Nome King vowing to invade. However, the middle turns into a travelogue and the ending came rather out of nowhere.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Crystal Cove (Friday Harbor, #4); Author: Lisa Kleypas; Genres: history, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: While the other books in the series had a smidgen of magic (a ghost in Dream Lake) this one IMO did a much better job of the paranormal element. The plot is thrown into motion when Justine discovers she's lived her whole life under a geas to never fall in love. She breaks the geas--and there are CONSEQUENCES. And efforts to fix the problem made it worse, to the point where, with 50 pages to go, I was seriously worried about the fate of the main characters. Something that hardly ever happens in a romance with its guaranteed HEA.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Hunger Like No Other (Immortals After Dark #2); Author: Kresley Cole; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: My first Kresley Cole book. Judging by how quickly I gobbled it down, probably not my last. Half-vampire half-Valkyrie Emma + Scottish werewolf king Lachlain = hot paranormal romance.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Puzzle Box; Author: Eileen Bell; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Four fantasy novellas about a puzzle box, all with different takes, but fit into a framing story. The Awakening of Master March - A would-be musician gets involved with a giggling coven. Good opening and some nice humourous moments. (Holy. Serious. Crap.) Autumn Unbound - Interesting take on the Pandora myth. Sadly, I had trouble connecting to the main character in this one. Angela and Her Three Wishes - Twentysomething video store clerk gets three wishes, but things prove more complicated when the djinn turns out to know her mother. Angela really rang true as a character and the plot moved well. Favourite line: "Quiet, Minion!" Ghost in the Machine: A slow start, but around p. 7 there was a real sit-up-straight holy-crap-what-happened moment, and after that the story took off. I was briefly confused in the middle, but had it straightened out by the (satisfying) end. Framing story: Again, I never really connected to the character and the sudden revelation in the Fourth Piece of the Puzzle seemed to come out of nowhere.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Warlord Wants Forever (Immortals After Dark #1); Author: Kresley Cole; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Valkyries and vampires together. Need I say more?; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Affliction (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter #22); Author: Laurell K. Hamilton; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Stayed up past midnight to finish this one... I'd read the sample chapter and knew we were going to meet Micah's family in this one, but the book ended up being less about that than I expected. The last two thirds flipped over to a more action-y Vampire Executioner type plot. Quibble: hated the choking scene; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Midst Toil and Tribulation (Safehold, #6); Author: David Weber; Genres: history, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Book six in the Safehold series. The war continues to grow in scope, now moving into Siddarmark. Still very much enjoying it: epic scope, real battles with ups and downs and differing tech levels on each side, (though the flip side of epic is too many characters to truly keep track of...) For some reason I get a kick out of the shifted-spelling of the names and really enjoy puzzling them out (Taisyn = Tyson, Paityr = Peter, Sharleyan = Sharlene, Zhon = John etc.); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Vengeance Born (The Light Blade, #1); Author: Kylie Griffin; Genres: history, young-adult, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Excited to see a paperback labelled fantasy romance. Hope this trend continues. The world-building was good and the story starts off with an exciting escape sequence. I really felt for Annika the half-demon half-human heroine who's treated with suspicious by both sides. Quibble: I found the hero a touch bland. (Book two's hero seems much more interesting); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Kitty in the Underworld (Kitty Norville, #12); Author: Carrie Vaughn; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery; Review: I really enjoyed the middle of this book--which is not something I say very often. Often middles sag. This one had a bit of a slow start but an excellent middle. And the ending? The ending was fine, just not as good as the middle. For some reason I'm not enjoying the Long Game/Dux Bellorum over-arching plot in the Kitty novels as much as, say, the Roland over-arching plot in the Kate Daniels books. Not sure why. Maybe because Kitty's strength is communication not fighting. As series characters face greater and greater evil it's usual to see the main character Power Up so to speak, gain new powers, acquire new skills. Kitty's made some alliance and taken over as Alpha, but is still basically, well, Kitty. And that's a good thing; it's part of what I like about the series. She just doesn't seem to fit with the Big Evil plot IMO.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Arrangement (The Survivors' Club #2); Author: Mary Balogh; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Book two in the Survivor's Club. In a romance it's really all about the characters, and I was quickly invested in both the blind hero, Vincent, and the self-proclaimed 'mouse' heroine, Sophie. A lovely story.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Untold (The Lynburn Legacy, #2); Author: Sarah Rees Brennan; Genres: young-adult, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Gobbled this up in half a day and still on a reader's high. Great characters, great dialogue along with cool magic, plot twists, teen angst, a Gothic sense of horror and cliffhanger ending. Love Sarah Rees Brennan's books.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Enchanter Heir (The Heir Chronicles, #4); Author: Cinda Williams Chima; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Compelling characters, good pacing and some new twists on Chima's Weirstone magic system. Unlike the other more stand-alone Heir books, this one ends on a cliffhanger. Lots of mysteries unresolved and, of course, the two main characters are far from together. Will have to watch out for the sequel!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Duke of Midnight (Maiden Lane, #6); Author: Elizabeth Hoyt; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Another great historical romance from Elizabeth Hoyt. I loved the interactions between Artemis and Maximus (both as himself and as the Ghost of St. Giles) and the hot sexy scenes. Very intrigued by Artemis's twin Apollo, hope he gets his own book, and, of course, still waiting for Lady Phoebe's book.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Patchwork Girl of Oz (Oz, #7); Author: L. Frank Baum; Genres: young-adult, children, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Enjoyed reading this one to my kids. I remembered the characters--the Crooked Magician, the Patchwork Girl, the Glass Cat--fairly well, but had forgotten most of the plot.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Glamour in Glass (Glamourist Histories, #2); Author: Mary Robinette Kowal; Genres: history, young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Jane Austen with magic. Book two in the series continues with Jane and Vincent now married and working as glamourists. Well-done historical background, well-drawn sympathetic characters and interesting magic made this a quick read. Exciting climax. Quibble: I knew what Vincent was up to LONG before Jane did.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Triggers; Author: Robert J. Sawyer; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: A thriller plot (a terrorist strike against the President) marches alongside a SF plot (a daisy chain of 21 people share memories, not with everyone but only the next person in the chain). I thought I knew how the book would end, but I was wrong. quibble: there were so many POV characters, some didn't have much depth.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Chimes at Midnight (October Daye, #7); Author: Seanan McGuire; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery; Review: One of my favourite series. Awesome plot twists especially at the end of chapter three and chapter eleven and an excellent climax. Despite the direness of the plot, Toby never loses her sense of humour: "Toby, what happened to you?" "I was hit by a pie." "What?" "It was an Evil Pie."; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fairies in My Fireplace (Monster Haven, #3); Author: R.L. Naquin; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Zoey's quirky adventures as Aegis to the Hidden continue. A nice, quick read. As usual, the humorous writing shines with lines like, "By lunch, I was more like myself again and less like a monkey who fell asleep in a tree and awoke in Siberia with all her bananas replaced by pickled herring." Some interesting developments in Zoey's mom's plot in this installment.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Mane Attraction (Pride, #3); Author: Shelly Laurenston; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: This paranormal romance series is a real hoot. Larger than life shifter characters make for entertaining reading and hot romance. Pure fun.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Releasing the Hunter; Author: Vivi Anna; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Good pacing, strong characters and hot romance made this a fast read. Demon huntress Ivy is searching for her lost brother and teams up with cambion (human turned demon) Ronan, who has his own murkier motives. I especially liked the 'demon stickers' Ivy invented.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Peacemaker (Arcane West, #1); Author: K.A. Stewart; Genres: history, fiction, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Arcane magic, the Old West plus a few steampunk elements made for a cool setting. An enjoyable adventure featuring travelling lawman Caleb, a wounded veteran of Little Bighorn, and his jackalope familiar Ernst. Good pacing and action scenes. Will definitely look for more in this series!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lord of Mountains (Emberverse, #9); Author: S.M. Stirling; Genres: history, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: 2/3 of the book is the big battle with CUT that the previous book led up to. As always, great battle scenes, and a heavily researched and fascinating setting. Unique series. Quibble: Not sure why we had POV from squires Huon and Lioncel. Maybe they'll grow in importance next book.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Wolves of the Calla; Author: Stephen King; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Aaron's been nagging me to read this one for awhile, and it was worth it. I really enjoyed the main Wolves plotline wherein Roland, Eddie, Susannah and Jake strive to save the town's children. quibble: The backstory of Pere Callahan, alcoholic ex-priest vampire-killer hobo, was WAY TOO LONG; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Tik-Tok of Oz (Oz, #8); Author: L. Frank Baum; Genres: young-adult, children, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: The Shaggy Man tries to rescue his brother and the evil Nome King takes another turn as the villain. I hadn't read this one before and while it has a plot it's strictly average.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Grimspace (Sirantha Jax, #1); Author: Ann Aguirre; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Strong hook in the opening chapter and good pacing. Very memorable characters: loved both Jax and March and the way their relationship built. Quibble: The Hon-durren bit seemed like a sideplot to me, never really tied in.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: First Grave on the Right (Charley Davidson, #1); Author: Darynda Jones; Genres: young-adult, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: I've been hearing good things about this series for awhile but had read plenty of grim reaper/can talk to ghosts paranormal mysteries so didn't initially pick it up. Charley Davidson is a great character, love her ADD and attitude. To be frank, the mystery element isn't what pulled me through this book, but rather the ultra-mysterious and very hot Reyes and the romance between him and Charley. I will be on the lookout for book two.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: First Lord's Fury (Codex Alera, #6); Author: Jim Butcher; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Epic fantasy. Great conclusion to a wonderful series. When you have an epic fantasy series, you need an epic ending and this one has it in spades. I bought this in hardcover when it first released and just finished rereading it my son. Fave scene: Invidia and Isana eating croach with the vord queen.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Perdition (Dred Chronicles, #1); Author: Ann Aguirre; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: So happy to find another SF author I enjoy. Lots of action, intense setting (prison ship) and complex characters. I gather the hero, Jael, appeared in the Sirantha Jax series too, but I've only read Grimspace so far so...; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ghost Planet; Author: Sharon Lynn Fisher; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Fantastic premise: everybody who goes to the planet manifests an alien who's the ghost of someone they used to know. Good pacing. Quibble: I was expecting more of a science fiction answer to the mystery than I got. Plus, the declaration of love came a little early.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night (Immortals After Dark #4); Author: Kresley Cole; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Hot paranormal romance, witch + werewolf, the catch this time being the werewolf's Mate died centuries before and he has trouble trusting his instincts. Still enjoying this series. Quibble: Most of the book is set in a hot jungle, the 'winter's night' doesn't occur until the last 20 pages or so.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: King of Chaos; Author: Dave Gross; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: The return of roguish bodyguard Radovan and Pathfinder Varian--and, uh, Oparal, an elven paladin who was apparently in Queen of Thorns. I confess I didn't remember her and thus was a tad disconcerted by her receiving POV every third chapter. Cool setting: the Worldwound, an opening to demon realms, and the tainted monster-filled lands surrounding it. Lots of action and some cool magic and character developments (Varian and Radovan both level up). Some nice humour, too, especially between Radovan and the unicorn. Fave chapter: The Five Devils.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Mane Event (Pride, #1); Author: Shelly Laurenston; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Larger than life shifters (wolf + lion), lots of humour and hot romance.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Silent Summer of Kyle McGinley; Author: Jan Andrews; Genres: young-adult, fiction; Review: Intriguing premise: Kyle, a foster kid on his nth placement, decides to stop talking. The opening chapters had me blinking back tears, as did the ending ones. Definitely a character novel without much in the way of action. Quibble: a lot of internal monologue.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Secret World of Og; Author: Pierre Berton; Genres: young-adult, children, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: The only Pierre Berton book I've ever read. Just finished re-reading this wonderful children's fantasy story to my kids. A lot of fun, though I sometimes got tangled up in all those names: Penny, Pamela, Patsy, Peter and Pollywog.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Calculated in Death (In Death, #36); Author: J.D. Robb; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Smooth fast read with great dialogue, but except for the football catch scene, my pulse never really picked up.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Wicked Deeds of Daniel Mackenzie (MacKenzies & McBrides, #6); Author: Jennifer Ashley; Genres: history, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: A wonderfully straight-forward (and Scottish) hero and a tormented heroine. Usually its the hero who's tormented by his past, so it was interesting to see this reversal. Fave scene: the balloon ride. Plus any scene with Ian in it--he remains my favourite Mackenzie.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Vanish; Author: Karen Spafford-Fitz; Genres: young-adult, thriller, children, crime, fiction, mystery; Review: A suspenseful, fast read. I'm having a hard time writing this review without giving away the plot! Let's just say that Simone is a sympathetic character, who reacts in a believable way, when she is drawn into the troubled life of her Kinderbuddy, Lily.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: King of Swords (The Starfolk, #1); Author: Dave Duncan; Genres: history, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Rigel Halfling is a trademark Dave Duncan hero: brave, smart, resourceful and appealing. Half-human half-starborn(Elven) Rigel has always lived on the fringes of Earth. When he goes to the Starlands, he's still an outsider but a famous one on account of the defensive amulet-that-manifests-into-a-sword that's been attached to his wrist since birth. Adventure, assassins, forbidden love and the mystery of Rigel's birth kept me reading almost all day yesterday. A great new series.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Agamemnon Frost and the House of Death (Agamemnon Frost, #1); Author: Kim Knox; Genres: history, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: First novella of a three novella series. Steampunk mixed with aliens--Martians intent on taking over the British Empire. Though the story is told from the POV of Edward Mason, retired military man turned valet, Agamemnon Frost is the central character, a seeming fop who's actually an agent of the crown and has a gay Sherlock Holmes vibe. Quibble: It took me a while to get past the first chapter, but once I did the pace picked up considerably.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Wanderlust (Sirantha Jax, #2); Author: Ann Aguirre; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Book two of Sirantha Jax. I had a little trouble getting into this one. It's very much a consequences-of-book-one and leading up to book-three plot. I still like the characters and will keep reading the series. Fave bit: the Emry station action sequence. P.S. I really regret reading Perdition before the Sirantha Jax series, as it contained a spoiler for one of the characters.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Wild Justice (Nadia Stafford, #3); Author: Kelley Armstrong; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: This one came in the Sunburst Award box, but has been ruled ineligible because it is a mystery/thriller, not SF/fantasy. Solid thriller with plenty of action and plot twists. Nadia Stafford (ex-cop, part-time hitwoman) and her enigmatic mentor Jack delve into the cold case of her cousin's long-ago rape and murder. I really liked the relationship between Nadia and Jack.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: My Notorious Gentleman (The Inferno Club, #6); Author: Gaelen Foley; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: I liked the main characters--a preacher's daughter and a world-weary ex-spy--but wasn't as keen on the secondary romance. Things picked up nicely at the end, though Marianne's plotline seemed a tad contrived. Picking up a later book in a series is always something of a gamble, but I didn't have any trouble following the plot of this one.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Trancehack (Magic Born, #1); Author: Sonya Clark; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Loved the premise: a futuristic fantasy world where the Magic Born are identified at birth and sent to segregated magic zones. Talk about building in inherent conflict! The main characters, a cop and a witch, are initially at odds but soon involved in a hot romance. Calla is bold and passionate, Nate is strong and steady--very swoon-worthy. Quibble: It took Calla and Nate ages to figure out one of the plot points. Fave line: "Trying to make me jealous, calling some other guy a**hole."; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Beyond the Shadows (Night Angel, #3); Author: Brent Weeks; Genres: history, young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Excellent conclusion to a great trilogy. Lots of action, cool magic, complex characters... everything you could want in an epic fantasy series. I enjoy epic fantasy, but they often take a long time to read. This one zipped along.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Realm Walker (Realm Walker, #1); Author: Kathleen Collins; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Urban fantasy with cool magic, lots of action and an intriguing cast of characters. Juliana is a kickass Realm Walker with a special ability to see people's signatures: fae, vamp, etc. She also has a mysterious ability to die and then wake up again. And her ex, a hot vamp, has just come back into her life after a seven-year absence...; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Second Grave on the Left (Charley Davidson, #2); Author: Darynda Jones; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Whipped through this one in record time. Charley Davidson, ADHD P.I. and grim reaper is hilarious. Loved the Reyes plotline. Okay, I'm a sucker for Reyes period. Fave scene: When 3 goons break into Charley's house and her first reaction is to have coffee...; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ever After (The Hollows, #11); Author: Kim Harrison; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery; Review: Excellent fantasy series with cool magic, great world-building and a headstrong main character. As expected from the title, this one featured a lot of ley magic, demons and Trent. Looks like the next book will be more vampire-y. Quibble: because a death happened off-screen I kept hoping it was a fake-out. It wasn't.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Blood of Tyrants (Temeraire, #8); Author: Naomi Novik; Genres: history, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: More Temeraire! Napoleonic Wars with dragons. Always happy to read a new installment in this series, but I feel like anything I could say about the book would be a spoiler for those who haven't read the earlier volumes, so...; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Scarecrow of Oz (Oz, #9); Author: L. Frank Baum; Genres: young-adult, children, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Kids and I are still enjoying this series. I didn't think I'd read this one before but it turned out I had. I definitely remember the whirlpool and the Ork and the berries, if not much of the Jinxland plot.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Through the Door (The Thin Veil, #1); Author: Jodi McIsaac; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: An engaging urban fantasy with portals, Celtic gods and magic, Tir na nOg, and Merrow. Cedar just wants to rescue her daughter. Everyone else wants to keep her in the dark. Quibble: The relationship between Finn and Cedar could have been better developed.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dragos Takes a Holiday (Elder Races, #6.5); Author: Thea Harrison; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Enjoyable novella, featuring Pia and Dragos, and meant for those who've read Dragon Bound and Lord's Fall. Especially loved the Peanut POV. What a sweetie!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Battle Scars (Blood of the Pride, #4); Author: Sheryl Nantus; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Stayed up until midnight to finish this one. Fourth in an urban fantasy series about Toronto P.I. and outcast Felis shifter Rebecca and human investigative reporter Brandon. This time the plot had shades of Romeo and Juliet as well as an interesting look at teen runaways on Toronto streets. Very readable with some nice plot twists. I like how Rebecca and Brandon's relationship has developed across the series as well as Rebecca's uncomfortable push-pull relationship with Jess, a Felis leader.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: No One Lives Twice (Lexi Carmichael Mystery, #1); Author: Julie Moffett; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: Shades of Stephanie Plum... Lexi Carmichael, geek girl extraordinaire, gets pulled into a world of spies and hot guys when her best friend sends her a mysterious package. A fun, light read with an appealing main characters. I really liked Lexi's resilience, and the situations she got into made me giggle (not wince, as sitcom humor often does). Fave scene: When the guy who broke into her apartment listens in on the demonstration of her new security system. Quibble: I expected Lexi to have more hacking skills, instead she relies on the Zimmerman twins in that area.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Big Bad Beast (Pride, #6); Author: Shelly Laurenston; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Another fun paranormal romance from Shelly Laurenston. Two wolf shifters this time, one Tennessee hillbilly military the other a rich chef. I delayed reading this book, because I wasn't a big Dee Ann fan from other books in the series, but the author pulled it off, making her sympathetic without changing her basic anti-social nature.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: No Rest for the Wicked (Immortals After Dark #3); Author: Kresley Cole; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: A paranormal scavenger hunt with a Valkyrie vying to win and a vamp who wants to win her.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kinked (Elder Races, #6); Author: Thea Harrison; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Spent all yesterday evening reading this one. Aryal, the harpy, and Quentin start out as serious enemies, but are forced to work together and sparks soon fly. I loved watching these two great characters get closer. Aryal's harsh nature is balanced by her wild joy in life, while Quentin is trying so hard to be a better man and pay for a mistake in his past. Love this series.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Third Grave Dead Ahead (Charley Davidson, #3); Author: Darynda Jones; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Charley Davidson, grim reaper, private detective a portal, is hilarious. A fun, fast read with some great developments in the Reyes plotline. I bought book four already...; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Blade Reforged (Fallen Blade, #4); Author: Kelly McCullough; Genres: paranormal, young-adult, fantasy, fiction; Review: Book four in a series. This one picks up some plotlines from book one: we see both Maylien and Devin again. I like Aral's evolving character throughout the series as he drags himself back up to being a good man (with the help of his shadow dragon familiar Triss). Good pacing, great fight scenes with the Kitsune and some nice plot twists. Fave scene: the efik scene. Nicely foreshadowed by the rowboat scene earlier. Inner conflict at its best.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Elf and the Ice Princess; Author: Jax Garren; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: Fun Christmas novella with a sympathetic heroine recovering from a nasty divorce and a real sweetheart of a hero. (A six-foot tall hero, in case the title misleads you.) It takes real courage for Carrie to take a chance on love again. I really liked the way the whole Is he an elf or isn't he? question was answered. Quibble: the lawyer bit didn't seem to fit.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet (Charley Davidson, #4); Author: Darynda Jones; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: My 200th read of 2013! I'm really zipping through this series. Lots of action, cool world-building, romantic tension, and EXCELLENT voice/characters.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rogue's Possession (Covenant of Thorns, #2); Author: Jeffe Kennedy; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Book two in Covenant of Thorns. A blend of fantasy and romance, set in Faerie, but with a heroine from our world. I love Gwynn's scientific method approach to Faerie. She doesn't take anything for granted including True Love. Rogue, with his thorn tattoos and links to the Black dog, makes for a complex and fascinating hero, and it was nice to see Gwynn rescue him. Quibble: The Walt plotline seemed like a bit of a sidetrack, but perhaps he will show up again in book three.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Ehrich Weisz Chronicles : Demon Gate; Author: Marty Chan; Genres: history, young-adult, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Love this concept: steampunk young Harry Houdini + demons. (Nicola Tesla is also a major character, but has more of a mentor role.) Lots of chase scenes, fisticuffs, daring escapes and misdirection made for a fun plot with short high-action chapters. An interesting setting: an alternate history steampunk New York. I will definitely be on the lookout for book two. Quibble: The time and place jump between chapter one and chapter two confused me at first. I had to resort to reading the back cover blurb to figure out what was going on.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Something Wicked (Psychic Detective, #2); Author: Angela Campbell; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Psychic medium, Alexandra, is in Charleston at the request of a ghost who wants to reunite her estranged sons. When a serial killer starts recreating famous ghost killings, Alexandra gets pulled into the investigation. Cop, Dylan, is skeptical but attraction flares... Likeable characters and some chilling moments. Quibble: One of the things I like about new-style paranormal romance and urban fantasy is that both main characters are already immersed in a fantastical world so we don't have to go through the whole song and a dance of one character convincing the other that ghosts/vamps/demons/etc are real. In real life, yes, a cop like Dylan would ABSOLUTELY be skeptical of a psychic, but in a PNR I found it annoying simply because, I, the reader knew Alexandra was genuine from her POV sections. Many readers would probably find it annoying and unrealistic if Dylan had accepted her powers without skepticism so regard this as a personal peeve.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Graffiti Knight; Author: Karen Bass; Genres: history, young-adult, mystery, thriller, children, crime, biography, historical fiction, fiction; Review: Top-notch characterization, complicated relationships and an interesting (and unfamiliar to me) setting of post WWII Soviet-occupied Germany made this YA well worth the read. Wilm's emotions and actions are utterly believable--even if I did want to shake him a few times.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fifth Grave Past the Light (Charley Davidson, #5); Author: Darynda Jones; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Highly entertaining paranormal mystery. I read book one of this series Sept. 29th. I've now blasted through all five books in under two months and will have to wait until May for the next installment to be published (sad face).; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Shadow Woman; Author: Linda Howard; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: Romantic suspense at its best. Loved the three-way cat and mouse game between Lizzy, Xavier and the villain.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Deception Cove (Rainshadow, #2; Ghost Hunters, #10); Author: Jayne Castle; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: While I'm really liking the Rainshadow Island setting--there were some genuinely spooky moments in this one and the first one--the romance side of the equation felt a bit neglected to me. Not that there weren't sparks in plenty, but it didn't feel like Drake and Alice had much to overcome to get their HEA. Nor did Drake really come alive for me as a hero. However an average Krentz is still a good read: well-written, strong pacing, etc. For instance, I really appreciated the fact that Alice DIDN'T get locked in the freezer.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Archangel's Legion (Guild Hunter, #6); Author: Nalini Singh; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Singh's Archangel series is a blend of urban fantasy and paranormal romance with some books falling on either side of the line (at least IMO). This volume I would put in urban fantasy (though there is plenty of hot romance scenes as well as some challenges to their relationship). It's the 4th Elena and Raphael tale. It starts with an attack on New York in which hundreds of angels fall from the sky and ends with a big battle. A fascinating world with lots of characters I'd love to see get HEAs.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rinkitink in Oz (Oz, #10); Author: L. Frank Baum; Genres: young-adult, children, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Reading this series to my children. I've read most before, but not this one. Despite the title, the main character is Prince Inga who lives in a kingdom nearby Oz. One of Baum's better plotted ones: instead of random adventures Prince Inga has a goal (saving his parents) which he pulls off using the magic of three pearls. Quibble: the Oz stuff at the end wasn't truly needed; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Seduced by a Pirate (Fairy Tales, #4.5); Author: Eloisa James; Genres: history, children, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Fun novella featuring a spin-off character from The Ugly Duchess. The hero is a reformed pirate coming home to his estranged wife of many years.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Passion and Peril: Scenes of Passion\Scenes of Peril; Author: Suzanne Brockmann; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, mystery; Review: I read the Suzanne Brockmann book years ago, so bought this for the Jill Sorenson novella, Scenes of Peril. A quick, hot read. The beginning and ending were action-packed, and the middle had the snowbound-with-a-hot-guy trope going for it. I especially enjoyed the photography scenes.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Possession (Fallen Angels, #5); Author: J.R. Ward; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: I thought the ending for book four in this series was brilliant, and this book follows through on the consequences of Jim's decision. I saw one plot twist coming early, but two others blew me away. (Especially Nigel's and what it will mean down the line!) Annndd there's not much more I can say without giving stuff away.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sometimes a Rogue (Lost Lords, #5); Author: Mary Jo Putney; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Strong start to this historical romance, as Sarah lets herself be kidnapped in place of her pregnant twin sister (who's a Duchess). The plot takes an unexpected turn at about the 1/3 mark. The characters are believable and sympathetic and the romance is very sweet.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Through the Black Veil; Author: Steve Vera; Genres: paranormal, fantasy; Review: High-action fantasy with both magic and guns. Book one, Drynn, took place on earth, book two is set on Theia as the last of the Shardyn and three human companions pursue Asmodeus and try to stop him from opening the Pale Gate. Vivid descriptions, big battles and characters to cheer for make for a fun fast read. I liked the development of of Donovan's character and am very curious as to what his final fate will be in book 3.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: No Money Down (Lexi Carmichael Mystery, #0.5); Author: Julie Moffett; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: Prequel novella telling how Lexi met the Zimmerman twins. Klutzy, social awkward, geek girl Lexi is a fun narrator and I appreciated how she got out of trouble by using her brain.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Aiding the Enemy (War Girls, #3); Author: Julie Rowe; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: WWI historical romance. The heroine is based on real-life nurse Edith Cavell--only in fiction Rose gets a much happier ending. Rose works in a hospital in Belgium and, in addition to saving many German soldiers, also smuggles British soldiers to safety. The wartime setting and the cross-the-lines romance between Rose and a German doctor made for strong tension. A quick read.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Wanted: Dead or Undead (Zombie West #1); Author: Angela Scott; Genres: history, young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Cool alternate history premise: what if there had been a zombie outbreak in the Old West? It took me a couple of chapters to warm up to the main characters. Red has learned to guard her heart and her secrets well, and Trace's motivations were very self-serving at first. Lots of action and zombie gruesomeness. The ending was satisfying, but left plenty of loose threads dangling to make me want to go on to book two. I received a copy of the ebook in return for an honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Beast in Him (Pride, #2); Author: Shelly Laurenston; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Geeky wild dog shifter girl + slow Southern werewolf = fun paranormal romance; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Red Hood's Revenge (Princess, #3); Author: Jim C. Hines; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: The third book in this fun fantasy series focuses on Talia (Sleeping Beauty) and the assassin, Roudette (Red Riding Hood). An interesting take on both faerie tales, with plenty of magic and adventure to speed the story along.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Children of Amarid (Lon Tobyn Chronicle #1); Author: David B. Coe; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Cool magic and an interesting world, but the pacing was too slow for my taste, with lots of travelling and description. At the beginning it felt like Jaryd would be our central character, but by the end it felt like Baden had taken over a bit. The author's first novel.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Magic Casement (A Man of His Word, #1); Author: Dave Duncan; Genres: paranormal, romance, fantasy, fiction; Review: I read this series years ago when it first came out and am happily rereading it to my teenage son. the story starts off a bit slow, but hooks in as soon as Rap uses his far-sight to cross the causeway. Rap is a great character and I love the word-based magic system. Andor's secret is fascinating.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Stalking Evan (Felidae, #2); Author: Jody Wallace; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: Excellent paranormal romance with a take I hadn't seen before: Cooley is a panther shape-shifter, but since the death of her parents she's been all alone. Enter Evan, her new neighbor, who's a recently turned were-panther with some trust issues. I really liked Cooley's Southern sweetness and determination. Some interesting world-building developments at the end that I hope mean future books in the series. Note: Cooley's Panther is a free short story prequel for Stalking Evan.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Witch Interrupted (Pack and Coven, #2); Author: Jody Wallace; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, mystery; Review: Witch Interrupted returns to the unique world of Pack and Coven. Marcus is a witch turned werewolf who wants his powers back and Katie is the infamous convex witch he believes can help him. Through science! It's not often you see scientist werewolf hero. Marcus managed to be both endearingly inept at relationships and a believable hero, a match for Katie's strength of will. Interesting magic and good action scenes.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Love and Other Scandals (Scandalous, #1); Author: Caroline Linden; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: A thoroughly enjoyable historical romance from beginning to end. Caroline Linden is a new author to me, whom I shall seek out more books by. I loved the interactions between the impertinent unfashionable Joan and rakish but lonely Tristan.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Clean Sweep (Innkeeper Chronicles, #1); Author: Ilona Andrews; Genres: young-adult, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: I've been waiting impatiently for this to come out on Kobo. It finally showed up yesterday and I read it in one day. I love the premise of neutral-territory magic inns for aliens and paranormal critters. Fun magic/tech, lots of action, a hint of romance and likeable characters: innkeeper Dina, werewolf Sean and vampire knight Arland.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dangerous Women; Author: George R.R. Martin; Genres: history, fiction, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Great story that takes place between Ghost Story and Cold Days, told from Molly's POV, with the Fomor as villains. Molly proves she's both a bombshell and a dangerous woman (story is in the Dangerous Women anthology). Has appearances from Justine, Thomas, Butters, Andi, Leanansidhe and the svartelves.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Howl For It (Pride, #0.5); Author: Shelly Laurenston; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Confession: I only read the Shelley Laurenston Like a Wolf with a Bone novella in this 2 in 1. This one is set in the seventies and details the courtship of Dee Ann Smith's werewolf parents. Watching the infamous cold killer Eggie woo a sweet southern belle is quite amusing.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Shadow of Malabron (Perilous Realm, #1); Author: Thomas Wharton; Genres: young-adult, children, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: A 13-year-old boy from our world enters a dangerous fantasy realm of fable and story. Cool world-building and good writing. The quest seemed a little aimless at times; Will was told to 'let the story find him' and thus chose his path at random sometimes. Favourite scene: the storyshard; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Masks (Masks of Aygrima, #1); Author: E.C. Blake; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: So excited to finally get to read this now that it's out in paperback. Excellent YA fantasy with an interesting magic system (coloured magic, black lodestones and magic wells), a plucky heroine (15-year-old Mara) and lots and lots of tension, peril and action. I especially liked the way the plot took a sudden turn for the worse in chapter eleven, subverting my expectations. Looking forward to the rest of the series!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Lost Princess of Oz (Oz, #11); Author: L. Frank Baum; Genres: young-adult, children, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Another read aloud to my kids. I had read this one before, but only once and remembered very little of the plot. There's a certain amount of tramping about odd corners of Oz in the middle, but the book has a solid quest and a villain and fairly satisfying conclusion.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Badlands (Aftershock, #3); Author: Jill Sorenson; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: Strong romantic suspense featuring two characters Penny & Owen whom I've been waiting impatiently to get together since Aftershock. The initial setup sounds a little blah--political hopefuls daughter is kidnapped along with her bodyguard--but the characters are far from stereotyped. Penny is a single mother, desperate to protect her five year old son, who's also been kidnapped. Owen is an ex-con who fears he'll never be good enough for Penny and who has a complicated relationship with one of the kidnappers--his brother, Shane. I also found the setting unique: the desert badlands around Salton Sea California. Jill Sorenson is an auto-buy for me. Read in one day.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Pack Challenge (Magnus Pack, #1); Author: Shelly Laurenston; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: This is an early Shelly Laurenston and it shows. While still entertaining, it isn't up to her later hilarious standards. Also, the trash talk had me blinking a bit.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: One Night in London (The Truth About the Duke, #1); Author: Caroline Linden; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Edward is the middle brother, the quiet, responsible one--until a scandal in the family jars him out of his ways. I loved how Francesca brought out his passionate side. So happy to have found another historical romance author with fresh plots!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Journey of Wisdom (The Triune Stones, #3); Author: Shawna Thomas; Genres: paranormal, fantasy; Review: My favourite book in the series so far. Great banter between Mohan and Ilythra and some very tense pursuit scenes, especially when Ilythra is wounded and running on fumes. The action in the third part slows down a trifle, but--big plus--we finally get to meet the mysterious Siobani and the holder of the third stone, Wisdom. Looking forward to the conclusion of the series in February.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Blame It on Bath (The Truth About the Duke, #2); Author: Caroline Linden; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Love finding a new author whose books I enjoy and then hunting down their backlist! Another excellent historical romance with a straight-forward hero and heroine who comes out of the shadow of her previous unsatisfactory marriage.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dark Needs at Night's Edge (Immortals After Dark #5); Author: Kresley Cole; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Crazy vampire + ballerina ghost this time around. Enjoyable paranormal romance with over-the-top characters. The solution to the ghost-dilemma at the end felt a wee bit convenient.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Survivor Roundup (Zombie West #2); Author: Angela Scott; Genres: history, young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: I received a copy of the ebook in return for an honest review. More zombies in the Old West. Good pacing with short punchy chapters alternating between Red (Elisabeth) and Trace. Book one was them finding each other and learning to survive, book two tackles Red's arch-nemesis John Gatherum, the doctor who cruelly experimented on Red. I liked how Red's zombie-fighting ability evolved and changed from book one and I liked the complicated relationship between her and her captor Nash. On the other hand, Aponi's crush on Trace struck me as unnecessary and annoying.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Way to a Duke's Heart (The Truth About the Duke, #3); Author: Caroline Linden; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Another read in one day. I've been gobbling down this series like candy.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fury of the Demon (Kara Gillian, #6); Author: Diana Rowland; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Loving this series. Kara Gillan and her posse return to Earth for most of this adventure. Lots of action and magic, plus some developments in the ongoing Ryan-Szerain plot-thread, kept me turning the pages.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Tin Woodman of Oz (Oz, #12); Author: L. Frank Baum; Genres: young-adult, children, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Another read-aloud to my kids of a book I read as a child. I mostly remembered the Tin Soldier and the evil giantess Mrs. Yoop.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Steelheart (The Reckoners, #1); Author: Brandon Sanderson; Genres: young-adult, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: My 14-year-old son bought this one and read it--and then reread it for the next week. yesterday I finally got a chance to pick it up and was wowed. A prologue that both rocked and really needed to be in the book, a ton of high action scenes, a gritty world of supervillains/Epics with no balancing superheroes only ordinary joes who've had enough (the Reckoners), some very nice plot twists, and a touch of humor in the form of the narrator's horrible use of metaphor. Excellent novel.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Trap (The Hunt, #3); Author: Andrew Fukuda; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Awesome finale. Loved this whole YA series with its world of vampires and only a few surviving humans. High stakes, unrelenting suspense, plot twists and turns aplenty--especial the biggie at the end. I even liked the love triangle--a device I usually roll my eyes at it, but Fukuda used it to heighten the tension even more. Stayed up late reading it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Willing Sacrifice (Sentinel Wars, #8); Author: Shannon K. Butcher; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: I've been waiting for Grace and Torr's story for awhile... In the hands of a newbie writer there wouldn't be much of a story since they fell in love several books ago, but a new setting/world and Grace's healing amnesia upped the tension nicely. Read in one day.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Rising Thunder (Honor Harrington, #13); Author: David Weber; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Manticore vs. the oh-so-arrogant Solarian League and Mesa. On the surface Manticore is in trouble, having just suffered serious shipbuilding losses in the previous book and with their economy threatened, but watching the lumbering giant of the Solarian League have its mistakes snowball is like watching a train wreck in slow motion. High stakes, politics, space battles--and tons of secondary characters and exposition.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Angeli (Maelstrom Chronicles, #1); Author: Jody Wallace; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Read in one evening. This SF romance was just the change of pace I needed and had me smiling from the dedication on (For Hal. You were misunderstood.) A Latina heroine and an 'enhanced' Shipborn hero masquerading as an archangel fight daemons and shades from an inter-dimensional portal. All the fun action of a disaster story with a hot romance thrown in. Great riffs on Space 2001 and Mars Needs Women. Looking forward to the sequel, where presumably we will find out what's up with Niko and the AI Ship.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Calling (Darkness Rising, #2); Author: Kelley Armstrong; Genres: young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Book one was unraveling the mystery, but book two is all action. Great beginning and the pace pretty much never slackens. Why did I wait so long to read this?; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Silver-Tongued Devil (Sabina Kane, #4); Author: Jaye Wells; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: 4th book in the series. I found this one a touch uneven. I was interested in Maisie's troubles, and Sabina and Adam's relationship woes and the cool Liminal magic, but found the murder plot less compelling.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Trouble With Fate (Mystwalker, #1); Author: Leigh Evans; Genres: young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: This one hovers right on the line between paranormal romance (as the spine is marked) and urban fantasy (it has a fantasy cover). Both were equally strong--which makes it just my kind of book. A unique world with not just Fae and Weres, but Mystwalkers and living amulets. Looking forward to book two--which is in my Sunburst packet.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Black Arts (Jane Yellowrock, #7); Author: Faith Hunter; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Still really enjoying this series. Chapter one starts off with a bang and Jane is soon buried in problems: missing best friend, missing neighbours, security to arrange for a shindig and vampire politics... which all tie together in the end. Jane and Beast's relationship continues to grow and stretch.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Into the Dreaming (Highlander, #8); Author: Karen Marie Moning; Genres: history, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Enjoyable paranormal romance. Highland warrior, time-travelling lass, Unseelie king villain. As is often the case with novellas, the storyline felt a bit thin/undeveloped/compressed to me.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Magic of Oz (Oz, #13); Author: L. Frank Baum; Genres: young-adult, children, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: An Oz book I missed reading as a child. This one has the Nome King as the villain again (this is what, his 4th appearance?) and a magical word that can be used to transform anything.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Fathomless Fire (Perilous Realm, #2); Author: Thomas Wharton; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, young-adult; Review: This is book two and it shows. While some cool stuff happened (I especially enjoyed the skyships), there was little resolution. Most of the plot is building towards book three.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Viscount Breckenridge to the Rescue (Cynster, #16; The Cynster Sisters Trilogy, #1); Author: Stephanie Laurens; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: This one started out as a 4 star and then slid to a three. I really liked the tension of the kidnapping plot, however since the mystery of it is meant to continue for two more books, it was unresolved in this one. The romance plot was good--my problem was that it felt too similar to the many many other Stephanie Laurens books I have read. I'm afraid I'm going stale on this author. Sigh.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Faery Lands Forlorn (A Man of His Word, #2); Author: Dave Duncan; Genres: paranormal, romance, fantasy, fiction; Review: Rereading this series. Lots of interesting world-building and magic revealed in book two, but Inos's plotline is a little slow. Great climax with Rap, Gathmor and the anthropophagi. Looking forward to reading book three.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Romancing the Duke (Castles Ever After, #1); Author: Tessa Dare; Genres: history, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Read this in one evening, a delight from start to finish. Tessa Dare creates a perfect blend of humour and passionate romance with two great characters: the blind and lonely duke and the penniless plain Izzy Goodnight of the famed Goodnight Stories written by her father. Loved the geeky Moranglians. The scene with Duncan and Rothbury at the end made me tear up.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Reaper's Touch (Reaper, #1); Author: Eleri Stone; Genres: history, young-adult, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Ranger + Reaper = Tension. I really enjoyed this book, but it's a bit hard to categorize, part romance, part Western, part zombies and even a little steampunk. Reapers are similar to zombies but with some interesting twists: they are not undead and rotting, but actually heal faster than regular humans, they've been infected with a parasite and, while younglings behave in the usual zombie fashion, older Reapers can control their parasitic 'riders'. Abby is a Ranger; Rangers fight the Reapers and have immunity to a Reaper's bite. Female rangers are rare, and she has to guard her soft heart. Jake is a sentient Reaper who has precarious control over his rider and is desperate for a cure--so desperate he goes so far as to kidnap Abby for a group of scientists. Cue romantic tension as Abby struggles to overcome her distrust of Reapers, and Jake battles his 'rider' not to hurt her. Add in good pacing and a well-developed world, including Scraper cities and dirigibles along with Western-style forts, and you have a winner!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Walking On Air (Valance Family, #1); Author: Catherine Anderson; Genres: history, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: I liked the hero, Gabe, a gunslinger trying to reform and the basic story, though it got a little sugary at times. For some reason, I never really connected with Nan the heroine. Can't really pin down why.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Tarnished (Silver, #2); Author: Rhiannon Held; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, comics, crime, paranormal, graphic, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Strong urban fantasy with lots of action and pack dynamics as we go to a Convocation of werewolves. Silver's injury and otherworldliness make her a fascinating character and Dare is a solid hero. I was also interested in Susan's plotline of a human learning about werewolf culture. Quibble: too many names starting with S! Silver, Susan and two pack leaders are referred to by their cities Seattle and Sacramento. Confusing.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Twice Tempted by a Rogue (Stud Club, #2); Author: Tessa Dare; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: I'm catching up on Tessa Dare's backlist. If there's such a thing as a blue-collar Lord, Rhys would be it. Former soldier, builds a house with his own hands, no good with words, big, muscular guy who thinks of himself as 'indestructible'-but not in a good way. The setting is the wild moors and heroine is also very down to earth: an innkeeper. Definitely not your average set-in-London at glittering balls romance.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Starling (Starling, #1); Author: Lesley Livingston; Genres: young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Fencers, Norse Gods, plus a few other pantheons, Ragnarok, and a little romance... An enjoyable read. The story started with a bang and had quick, short chapters. I'm a sucker for amnesia stories and enjoyed solving the mystery of Fennrys's past. I liked the idea of the Gosforth Academy being more than a posh private school, but neutral ground for various pantheons' helpers' offspring. Quibble: Apparently Fennrys also showed up in the author's previous urban Faerie trilogy. Since I hate reading series out of order, this annoyed me slighty.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Glinda of Oz (Oz, #14); Author: L. Frank Baum; Genres: young-adult, children, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: I loved this one as a child and read it over and over. it didn't quite hold up to my memories upon reread, but was still pretty good. The Flatheads, Queen Coo-ee-oh and the Magical Isle that can be lowered to sit on the bottom of the lake were all wonderfully original.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Darkship Renegades (Darkship, #2); Author: Sarah A. Hoyt; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery; Review: I loved book one. This one wasn't quite as exciting though I did enjoy the Kit/Jarl subplot.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: A Few Good Men (Darkship, #3); Author: Sarah A. Hoyt; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Awesome prison-break beginning and strong pacing through the first 150 pages. I really liked Lucius, the main character. I bogged down a bit in the middle--too much rhetoric for my tastes. (Not that I disagreed with the rhetoric, inalienable rights are GOOD things.) The overlapping ending with Darkship Renegades didn't quite work for me.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Broken Homes (Peter Grant, #4); Author: Ben Aaronovitch; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Still really enjoying this series. British police and wizards. The Faceless Man is back, plus architecture magic and a twist ending I really didn't see coming.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Written in Red (The Others, #1); Author: Anne Bishop; Genres: history, young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: A great read. I really enjoyed Anne Bishop's Blood Jewels novels and her new venture into urban fantasy is just as good. Excellent world-building, where humans in North America live in towns surrounded by and dependent for resources on the Others. I liked the magic of the cassandra sangue, and Meg was a highly sympathetic main character. I loved her interactions with the various Others, especially wolf-pup Sam. Can't wait to read the next book!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Night Broken (Mercy Thompson, #8); Author: Patricia Briggs; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: This excellent series continues to delight. There aren't many books that I will shell out for the hardcover. I bought it after supper last night and finished just before midnight. Good pacing, great action scenes, cool magic... What really impressed me however are the relationships, between Mercy and Adam, Mercy and Christy and various members of the Pack. So well done. Fave scene: when the Pack is watching the Garage Cam video and cheering like it's a sports event.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: No Coins, Please; Author: Gordon Korman; Genres: children, young-adult, fiction; Review: An old favourite I reread to my eleven-year-old son. I still love Artie's money-making schemes.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Luckiest Lady in London; Author: Sherry Thomas; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: I stayed up way too late reading this last night. I loved the tension between the hero and heroine and how with each other their usual public persona was stripped away.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Knight at Dawn (Magic Tree House, #2); Author: Mary Pope Osborne; Genres: history, young-adult, mystery, thriller, children, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Read this series to my sons, now it's my daughter's turn. A nice blend of history and time travel adventure.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Little Brother; Author: Cory Doctorow; Genres: young-adult, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Near-future thriller with 17-year-old student Marcus taking on the over-zealous Department of Homeland Security. The tech/security/crypto stuff was interesting (though some of it went over my head). Amidst the fun jamming and vampmob scenes are a lot of thoughtful talk about the war on terror, the U.S. constitution and if stringent safety measures really make us safer.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Perilous Seas (A Man of His Word, #3); Author: Dave Duncan; Genres: history, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery; Review: Rereading this series. Rap's adventures really pick up here. Love the dragon and the elf scenes.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dead Ever After (Sookie Stackhouse, #13); Author: Charlaine Harris; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery; Review: Ending a long-running series like Sookie Stackhouse's is hard. I think the author did a great job of tying up most of the loose ends. Many secondary characters came by to lend Sookie a hand beating a murder rap and took part in the story instead of the mere cameos that often annoy me in romance series. I was happy with Sookie's romantic choice.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Way We Fall (Fallen World, #1); Author: Megan Crewe; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Absorbing YA read about an island falling prey to an epidemic. Stayed up until 11:30 to finish it and picked up the sequel this morning--though perhaps not the best choice to read while dealing with a bad cold.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Protector (Foreigner, #14); Author: C.J. Cherryh; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: It's always great to read another book in C.J. Cherryh's atevi series. (I think this is book 14) Complicated politics, high tension and good action scenes told from the POV of Bren Cameron, a human integrated into atevi culture, and Cajeiri the almost-nine-year-old atevi heir. I was especially delighted to see some of the human children from books 3-6 show up again for Cajeiri's birthday party and to hear hints about rising tension up on the space station. Hopefully next book will wrap up the atevi traitors plotline and we can go back up into space again and the looming threat of the kyo.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: I Want to Go Home!; Author: Gordon Korman; Genres: children, young-adult, fiction; Review: Reread this one to my 11-year-old son. Great humour and hijinks as Rudy and Mike try various schemes to escape Camp Algonkian. My favourite chapter is when Rudy gets to be camp director for a day.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: No Good Duke Goes Unpunished (The Rules of Scoundrels, #3); Author: Sarah MacLean; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: I picked this up from the library because of its RITA nomination, but now I want my own copy. An original plot, a strong heroine and a swoon-worthy hero... a delight from start to end. I really liked how Mara's reasons for what she did were only slowly revealed and how she never tried to rationalize away her guilt.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Nightmare Ink (Living Ink, #1); Author: Marcella Burnard; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Very cool magic system, with people getting tattoos of 'Live Ink' and then integrating their personality with the tattoo. Isa own a tattoo shop and is the only person who can Bind Live Ink when it goes bad. I don't want to give away any spoilers but there was a pretty awesome complication at about chapter seven that really heightened both tension and the character arc. I'm putting book two on my Want to Read list!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Mark of the Tala (The Twelve Kingdoms, #1); Author: Jeffe Kennedy; Genres: history, young-adult, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Refreshingly, this first book in a series features the middle sister of three princesses. Andi is neither a warrior like her elder sister or a beauty like her younger sister, but often feels invisible--until she discovers she carries the Mark of the Tala, which means she can do the wild shifter magic of her mother's people. Cool magic, a sympathetic heroine, a well-paced plot and some romance, too. I will definitely read on in this series! Quibble: the ending felt a little too rushed for my tastes.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Investments (Dread Empire's Fall, #3.5); Author: Walter Jon Williams; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Nice quick read. A novella following after the events of the Dread Empire's Fall series featuring Lord Gareth on his homeworld Laredo. A tense game of tingo, a space accident, a fraud investigation and a threat to a new colony world... Fun space opera.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: This Can't Be Happening at MacDonald Hall! (MacDonald Hall, #1); Author: Gordon Korman; Genres: young-adult, thriller, children, crime, fiction, mystery; Review: Onto the Bruno and Boots series! Rereading these Korman books to my son is a pleasure.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Wild Wolf (Shifters Unbound, #6); Author: Jennifer Ashley; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Graham was far from my favourite character going in, but falling in love with Misty brought out his sweet side without white-washing his basic hardheadedness.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Do or Die (Reluctant Heroes #1); Author: Suzanne Brockmann; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: Brockmann is back! More wonderful, well-plotted, high-action, intense romantic suspense. This book made my 4-hour bus trip pass in a pleasant blur.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Problem with Promises (Mystwalker, #3); Author: Leigh Evans; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Awesome urban fantasy series! Strong pacing, great action scenes, a main character who's conflicted but coming into her own and some romance, too. Can't wait for the next book!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Beware the Fish! (MacDonald Hall, #3); Author: Gordon Korman; Genres: children, young-adult, fiction; Review: Rereading this hilarious series to my 11-year-old. I love the running joke of Miss Scrimmage and "I never get caught" Bruno Walton.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hunted; Author: Karen Robards; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: Strong romantic suspense. Cop-turned-hostage-taker and cop-negotiator leads made for some great tension. Karen Robards always writes sexual tension that's off-the-charts. Quibble: There could have been more twists and turns in the plot during the middle section.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hero Duty (Jardin Bay, #2); Author: Jenny Schwartz; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: Read in an evening. I don't read much contemporary romance these days, but the premise for this one caught me: Jessica unexpectedly inherits a billion-dollar company and hires Brodie, an ex-sergeant, to be her 'emotional bodyguard' and keep her from giving in to the demands of her unpleasant stepmother and stepbrother. I liked the heroine's vulnerability and how she grew better at standing up for herself, and Brodie was a total sweetheart, strong without being overpowering or pushy. Quibble: The revelation at the end could have been better foreshadowed. As it was I didn't quite buy Jessica's decision.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Baby, It's You (Rainbow Valley, #2); Author: Jane Graves; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: Another heart-warming romance from Jane Graves. Runaway bride meets vineyard owner when she crashes her car a mile down the road. Very sympathetic characters. Quibble: Even though it was foreshadowed the *spoiler* at the end seemed very coincidental. Twice, to one guy? On the other hand, it was the worst thing that could have happened to Marc, and that's always a good thing to do to your main character, sooo....; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Backwoods (Aftershock, #4); Author: Jill Sorenson; Genres: thriller, children, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: Strong romantic suspense. When their respective exes drop out of a hiking trip, Nate and Abby step up. In addition to the hot romance and exciting plot, I loved the complex family dynamics with ex-ball player Nate trying to reconnect with his 19-year-old son Leo, and Abby trying not to smother her daughter Brooke. I'd love to see Leo and Brooke get their own book someday! Read in one day.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: It Takes a Scandal (Scandalous, #2); Author: Caroline Linden; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: A fresh, original romance with two likeable leads, neither of whom (shockingly!) is titled.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: One Good Earl Deserves a Lover (The Rules of Scoundrels, #2); Author: Sarah MacLean; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: This is one of those books where I only liked half the couple. I liked the heroine, the scientific-minded Philippa, who's ready to marry a man because he doesn't think she's odd. The hero, sadly, did little for me.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Indigo Time; Author: Sally McBride; Genres: paranormal, fantasy; Review: Fascinating world, an SF colony with a mix of low-tech ordinary citizens and a handful of Immortals with strong psychic powers. Time vortexes herald the birth of a powerful psychic, whom some fear and others see as a pawn. When a beautiful purple horse, also Immortal, is stolen, matters come to a head. Complex characters who are not always likeable.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Coral Were His Bones (Tempest trilogy, #1); Author: Barbara Geiger; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: OMG. My heart went out to Finn in the first chapter and stayed with him. After all the abuse he's been through at the hands of Paul, I really want to see him get his HEA with Devon. (This is the first book in a series, so no HEA yet.) Finn is selkie and I really appreciate the thought and research the author put into this; Finn doesn't think quite like a human. Too often in paranormal romances the characters 'were' ability is only skin deep. Quibble: I was a little surprised that Devon didn't get any POV. I'm more accustomed to romances with both main character's POVs. As a result I don't feel I know Devon as well.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bronze Gods (Apparatus Infernum, #1); Author: A.A. Aguirre; Genres: history, young-adult, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Two steampunk detectives take on a ritual murder case featuring a rebellious young noblewoman. Mikani and Ritsuko were likeable characters with a well-balanced partnership, and Mikani's magic ability was well-done. Cool world-building, with a different feel than the usual Victorian London, more of a what-if-Vikings-invaded-Faerie history. The romance element was low-key (no kissing) but felt very solid, two partners who rely on each other unsettled by their developing deeper feelings. Quibble: The Phantom of the Opera bits never really fit with the rest of the plot. Perhaps the characters are seeds for book two?; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Blue Diablo (Corine Solomon, #1); Author: Ann Aguirre; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Corine can do psychometry; Chance can bend luck his way. Chance is Corine's ex, come to beg her to work with him again to save his kidnapped mother. I liked the magic and the Southern/Mexican setting and the relationship dynamics between the two main characters. (Though don't expect a HEA, this is book one of series) Quibble: the names Chuch and Chance were too easily confused.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Under Saint Owain's Rock; Author: Josh Langston; Genres: romance; Review: A light, humourous story. I love how something simple (a tourist ad campaign for a small town in Wales) swiftly snowballs into something much more outlandish involving saints, rare birds, and (let's-not-forget) dynamite. Note: for some reason my original review of this disappeared into an Unknown book by Unknown author cover, so I'm reposting it.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: 1636: The Kremlin Games (Assiti Shards, #13); Author: Eric Flint; Genres: history, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Fascinating alternate history in the long-running Grantville series.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fatal Justice (Fatal, #2); Author: Marie Force; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: Solid romantic suspense. In book one Samantha, a police officer, & Nick, a politician, fall in love. I was a little worried that further books in the series would turn into more straight mysteries J.D. Robb's In Death series, but the romance elements remained strong: Sam deals with some issues from her previous marriage while Nick gets a taste of what its like to love someone with a dangerous job.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fatal Consequences (Fatal, #3); Author: Marie Force; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: Still enjoying this series.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fatal Destiny (Fatal, #3.5); Author: Marie Force; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: A novella about Sam and Nick's wedding.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The War with Mr. Wizzle (MacDonald Hall, #4); Author: Gordon Korman; Genres: children, young-adult, fiction; Review: Rereading this series to my son. My favourite of the Bruno & Boots books--I like the greater involvement of Miss Scrimmage's girls.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Skin Game (The Dresden Files, #15); Author: Jim Butcher; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: I rushed out and bought this book yesterday morning as soon as it released. In hardcover. Yes, the series is that good. Magic, action, inner conflict, humour and one emotional scene that made me cry. Also, for writers out there, it's like a tutorial on how to raise the stakes.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Journey of the Wanderer (The Triune Stones, #4); Author: Shawna Thomas; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: Last book in the epic fantasy series that started with Journey of Awakening. War has come to Anatar and we get see the final showdown between Bredych, keeper of the stone Dominion, and Ilythra, keeper of the stone Waymaker. There's also a very nice romantic subplot between Ilythra and Prince Ryliann (a new character). Quibble: I wish we'd seen more of Mohan.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Emperor and Clown (A Man of His Word, #4); Author: Dave Duncan; Genres: history, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Great cap on a great series; rereading this to my son.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hogfather (Discworld, #20; Death, #4); Author: Terry Pratchett; Genres: young-adult, comics, paranormal, graphic, fantasy, fiction; Review: If Reaper Man was Death takes a Holiday, this one is Death Fills In for Santa Claus. Great scenes with Death, Susan and the wizards at the Unseen University, as well as the mystery of how exactly Mr. Teatime assassinates the Hogfather. Both madcap and deep, a tricky combination that perhaps only Terry Pratchett can pull off.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Vixen in Velvet (The Dressmakers, #3); Author: Loretta Chase; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Another delightful historical romance from Loretta Chase full of both humour and heat. In addition to seeing Leonie, the last of the Noirot sisters, fall in love, there was also a nice romantic subplot with sharp-tongued Gladys and the poetic Swanton. *happy sigh*; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Pia Saves the Day (Elder Races, #6.6); Author: Thea Harrison; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Yay, more Pia and Dragos! I love Thea Harrison's writing. I feel like everything I have to say about the novella is a spoiler. Like, I'm a sucker for *SPOILER* stories, or my favourite part was when Dragos felt jealous of *SPOILER*; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Rithmatist (Rithmatist, #1); Author: Brandon Sanderson; Genres: history, young-adult, thriller, children, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: A cool and very detailed math-and-chalk magic system, an archipelago in place of a the North American continent and a few steampunk elements make for a memorable world. Two likeable main characters, Joel, who attends school on scholarship, and the dramatic Melody, a Rithmatist taking remedial classes, solve the mystery of their disappearing classmates. Some very nice plot twists in the latter part of the novel. I will happily read further books as they come out.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Shadow (Paper Gods, #0.5); Author: Amanda Sun; Genres: young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Prequel novella. Interesting, but definitely better to read book one, Ink, first.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dangerous Refuge; Author: Elizabeth Lowell; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: The pacing for most of the book was a little slow--but the last hundred pages made up for it. Very tense conclusion. Nice banter between the two romantic leads.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Written in My Own Heart's Blood (Outlander, #8); Author: Diana Gabaldon; Genres: history, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Just spent two days reading this non-stop and stayed up past midnight to finish it. It's so hard to say anything about an ongoing series without being spoiler-y... Strong tension in the first two-thirds of the novel, and, as always, wonderful character scenes. I was amused by the off-hand mention of a Heughan family... Quibble: I wish I hadn't read A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows before reading Written.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Words of Radiance (The Stormlight Archive, #2); Author: Brandon Sanderson; Genres: paranormal, romance, fantasy, fiction; Review: Fabulous world-building... so many hints and clues! (Ex. Why does Wit mention rabbits?) Shallan really got a chance to shine this book as she came into her magical abilities. I found Kaladin's character arc a little frustrating, but he pulled out by the end. Lots of forward momentum and lovely plot twists and Moments of Awesome for Adolin, Shallan and Kaladin. Epic fantasy at its best.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dead Plains (Zombie West #3); Author: Angela Scott; Genres: history, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: I received a free ebook copy in exchange for a fair and honest review. Zombie West, book 3. Red, Trace and an ever-changing crew resume their quest for a safe place in the zombie-infested Old West. Only this time they have a deadline: they must find shelter before Red gives birth. Lots of zombie action and a few plot twists I did not see coming. Quibble: Not sure why this volume needed to be so much longer than the others; some plot parts began to feel repetitive. Plus, I'm still mad about chapter seven.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Silence for the Dead; Author: Simone St. James; Genres: history, fiction, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Historical ghost story set in 1919 mental institution. I was hooked from the second scene onward, in which we find out Kitty isn't really a nurse, but Matron decides to hire her anyhow because only 'desperate girls' don't quit after a few days. Great atmosphere and tension and a tough-but-vulnerable heroine. I love how the author blends elements of mystery, horror, historical and romance together into a delicious whole.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Tomorrow's Kingdom (The Gypsy King #3); Author: Maureen Fergus; Genres: history, young-adult, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: High-action opening took me right back into the thick of the story. Persephone excels in getting herself out of seemingly impossible situations. The pace slowed a little at the halfway mark when armies started getting involved, but on the whole a good conclusion to the series.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Noah's Boy (Shifters #3); Author: Sarah A. Hoyt; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery; Review: Book three in a series I'm enjoying. Despite the back cover blurb's emphasis on Rafiel, the storyline is more heavily about Tom, Kyrie and the Great Sky Dragon. Some interesting developments in the origin of shifters. Recommended, but start with book one, Draw One in the Dark. Quibble: I don't get the title reference.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Delia's Shadow (Delia Martin, #1); Author: Jaime Lee Moyer; Genres: history, young-adult, mystery, thriller, romance, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Set in 1915 San Francisco at the time of the Expo, this novel is both a ghost story and a mystery. Delia fled the city and the ghosts from its earlier fire, but has now been drawn back by another ghost, whom she dubs her shadow. It quickly becomes apparent that Shadow was murdered and the murderer is stalking San Francisco's streets again. Quibble: I think it might have been more interesting if Isadora and Delia's characters had been combined. Sometimes Delia didn't have enough to do, and I found Isadora to be the more compelling character.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: A Walk in the Thai Sun; Author: G.J.C. McKitrick; Genres: thriller, crime, mystery; Review: What I found most interesting about this book was the glimpse of Thailand and the clash of cultures and religions (Christian/atheist/Buddhist). It's one of those books that's a little hard to describe, literary with inspirational and mystery elements. Quibble: I didn't like how Chiang's plot arc ended.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Prince of Thorns (The Broken Empire, #1); Author: Mark Lawrence; Genres: paranormal, young-adult, fantasy, fiction; Review: It took me three tries to get past the opening chapters of this novel because the main character, Prince Jorg, is a monster. However, he is also brilliant and insanely daring and after those opening chapters the author cleverly pits him against equally despicable foes. Moreover, Jorg is a boy of fourteen that was broken--not damaged, broken--by an event in his past and while I cannot like him, he is compelling. Add in a broken empire, a Hundred Year War, evil wizards and necromancers and hints of a post-apocalyptic past and this is a series I want to continue reading. Fave scene: Jorg talking to the AI; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Afternoon on the Amazon (Magic Tree House, #6); Author: Mary Pope Osborne; Genres: history, young-adult, mystery, thriller, children, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Reading this series to my daughter.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Golden Rendezvous; Author: Alistair MacLean; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, fiction; Review: My umpteenth rereading of this taut though-somewhat-dated thriller set aboard a hijacked cruise ship and featuring the indomitable First Officer Carter. Alistair MacLean does not hesitate to have his characters get beat up.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Night of the Ninjas (Magic Tree House, #5); Author: Mary Pope Osborne; Genres: history, young-adult, mystery, thriller, children, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Reading this series to my daughter.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Great Escape; Author: Amanda Carpenter; Genres: romance; Review: First read this one years ago. I love Dee's character and how she continually escapes from the P.I./love interest. Read in an evening. Quibble: Dee was so smart for most of the book, I found it hard to believe she didn't immediately realize what was going on after the second attempt on her life.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Shiver of Light (Merry Gentry #9); Author: Laurell K. Hamilton; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Stayed up later than I should reading this last night.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Turn of Light (Night's Edge, #1); Author: Julie E. Czerneda; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Awesome world-building. The village of Marrowdell seems ordinary at first with only a hint of magic, but as the book progresses the magic and mystery deepen, adding more wonders. It's also a gentle coming of age story, with Jenn Nalynn turning 19 and torn between two suitors. There are no battles, but the stakes ratchet up as the truth about 'turn-born' Jenn and her magic is revealed. Quibble: I found the pacing a bit slow. Did it really need to be 800 pages long?; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dragon Bones (Hurog, #1); Author: Patricia Briggs; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Reread this for probably the third time. I love the character of Warwick of Hurog, a giant of a man who pretends to be stupid to keep his abusive father from killing him--and is bewildered by who he really is when his father dies and he need pretend no more. Also, lots of cool magic and some very evil villains.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Between (The Between, #1); Author: Kerry Schafer; Genres: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Awesome world-building: many dreamworlds, Between and Wakeworld. I liked the main character, Vivian, a doctor and Dreamshifter. The Isobel POV chapters were eerie and well-done. The action scenes moved well. I think I've gotten a little spoiled by the usual drop-you-right-into-it style of urban fantasy, because the passages spent convincing the characters that magic is real made me impatient. While the door is ajar for possible sequels, the book had a satisfying ending. Still bemused by the penguin.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Peanut Goes to School (Elder Races, #6.7); Author: Thea Harrison; Genres: young-adult, romance, children, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: A sweet story about Dragos and Pia's young son Liam. What a sweetheart.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Snake in the Grass (Jesse James Dawson, #4); Author: K.A. Stewart; Genres: history, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: So glad the author decided to continue this series and not leave readers hanging! Jesse James Dawson fights demons, wagering his own soul to win back those who sold theirs. The events of last book have left him with the ability to sense magic for the first time, which makes for some cool scenes. This book also has a change of setting as Jesse and his Scooby gang travel to Mexico, the home of Jesse's protege Esteban. There are some very interesting developments in the long-arc foretold-demon-war plotline.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Nice Dragons Finish Last (Heartstrikers, #1); Author: Rachel Aaron; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Pure fun! Cool world-building: magic has come back, Detroit is a Free Zone ruled over by the lake monster Algonquin, there are mages and, of course, bickering ambitious dragon clans. Julius is the only nice dragon and his ruthless mother has Sealed him to human form and pushed him off the deep end with no money and a hopeless task to complete. He teams up with Marci for a plot rife with action, magic and a sprinkling of romance. Can't wait for the next installment! Favourite bits: any conversation with Bob the seer.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fortune's Pawn (Paradox #1); Author: Rachel Bach; Genres: young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Action-packed space opera in a fully-fleshed out world, featuring ambitious mercenary Devi and a tour of duty on a ship that isn't what she seems. While it doesn't quite end on a cliffhanger this is NOT a standalone and really whetted my appetite for books 2 & 3. Lots of mysteries still left to clear up.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Silver Mirrors (Apparatus Infernum, #2); Author: A.A. Aguirre; Genres: history, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: I enjoyed this book, but I must say it went in a very different direction than book one. The main characters Mikani and Ritsuko are police detectives. They spent book one solving a mystery, a missing girl case which led to rather more epic stakes. Book two starts with higher stakes and takes the detectives out of their familiar city: fighting pirates, battling elementals and signing treaties. It all felt a bit over their heads. A good read, just unexpected. Fave scenes: the impassable mountain road; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Haunting of Maddy Clare; Author: Simone St. James; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: I'm now caught up on Simone St James's backlist. Darn. The first 50 pages didn't grab me as strongly as her other ones and I feared it was going to be a case of first-novel-itis, but then Matthew Ryder burst onscreen and boom! I was hooked. Mystery, ghost story, historical and a satisfying romance all in one.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sixth Grave on the Edge (Charley Davidson, #6); Author: Darynda Jones; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Devoured in an evening. The Charley Davidson awesome brand of craziness continues. I really admire the way the author weaves multiple plotlines together. So many hooks and ongoing mysteries! Who's Duff? Who's Mr. Wong? What's going to happen now that Charley changed one of Rocket's predictions? Can't wait for the next installment. Fave moment: the vanishing wall; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: MacDonald Hall Goes Hollywood (MacDonald Hall, #6); Author: Gordon Korman; Genres: children, young-adult, fiction; Review: I think I enjoyed this one more the second time around, reading it to my son. While I remembered the basic plot about a movie filming on campus and Bruno's animosity towards the star, Jordie Jones, I'd entirely forgotten the Die-in-the-Woods wilderness survival trip at the end.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The King (Black Dagger Brotherhood #12); Author: J.R. Ward; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: This book pretty much consumed both yesterday evening and all morning today. J.R. Ward's vampires are the best paranormal romance vampires around IMO. This book is NOT a stand-alone, but rather the latest installment in an ongoing saga. The series started out more stand-alone but has evolved into more of an ensemble cast. (As did Suzanne Brockmann's Troubleshooter series) This book we got scenes from five couples and six subplots. 1/ Wrath and Beth. The main plot revisits their relationship from book one Dark Lover with some angst over Wrath's kingship and Beth's desire for a child. 2/ Assail and Sola. When they were introduced last book, I found their plotline interruptive and annoying, but they had a strong, tense plotline in The King and I'm now cheering for them. 3/ A flashback to scenes with Wrath's parents, Wrath and Anha. Loved their first meeting especially, very sweet. 4/ Xcor and Layla. I'm dying for their book, please let it be up next. 5/ Trez and Selena. Again, their plotline was introduced one or two books ago and I wasn't impressed; Trez is too skeezy for my taste. But this time we find out some cool things about Shadow culture and the sword of Damocles hanging over Trez's head made me like him a little better. Selena also developed an interesting plot/character twist. 6/ John Matthew's seizures. When, when, when will everyone find out the truth about this? We, the readers, have known pretty much since he was introduced in book two. In short, still hooked on this excellent series.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: King of Thorns (The Broken Empire, #2); Author: Mark Lawrence; Genres: paranormal, young-adult, fantasy, fiction; Review: Excellent world-building, good action scenes and Jorg continues to be a compelling character. I liked him a little better in this book two--probably because he's carrying some of his memories around in a copper box--though I remain a little afraid of just what he'll do next. I also liked new character Miana. At age 12 she could easily have been a cypher, but she has spirit.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: One Plus One; Author: Jojo Moyes; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: Not sure whether this is women's fic or contemporary romance... One of those several-tissue books that had my heart breaking for the characters before they got there HEA.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: In Pursuit of Eliza Cynster (Cynster, #17; The Cynster Sisters Trilogy, #2); Author: Stephanie Laurens; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: This one started off strong: the heroine is kidnapped and the hero, a scholarly-type (unusual for a Stephanie Laurens novel, and a refreshing change) comes up with a clever plan to rescue her. However, I got stuck in the middle for a week during a rather endless journey across Scotland, as the tension decreased, both in the chase and in the romance, as it was quickly obvious the couple was falling in love. Oddly, once the chase was ended and we delved into what would normally be the denouement, the romantic tension increased again, and the novel ended up a higher note.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Escape (The Survivors' Club #3); Author: Mary Balogh; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: More Survivor's Club! This time around we get Ben, who can only walk with the aid of two canes. The heroine is Samantha, a recent widow, though her first marriage was unhappy. She is struggling to get out from under the oppressive supervision of her in-laws and ends up travelling to Wales with Ben and meeting her estranged family. Balogh excels at drawing sympathetic characters. Still most curious to see Imogen's story, but am growing intrigued by Flavian as well.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Adventures of Cassius Flynn and Molly McGuire; Author: Eleri Stone; Genres: history, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Fun, flirty steampunk heist novella featuring ex-lovers Molly and Flynn. Lots of sizzle and strong pacing. Hoping to see more of these characters so they can get their HEA! Note: Though in the same world as Reaper's Touch, this novella doesn't have any zombies and explores a different part of the world, the Scraper Cities. currently a free read on the Carina Press website [url]...; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sunset of the Sabertooth (Magic Tree House, #7); Author: Mary Pope Osborne; Genres: history, young-adult, mystery, thriller, children, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Reading this series to my daughter.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: When We Wake (When We Wake, #1); Author: Karen Healey; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Great premise: girl wakes 100 years in the future having been cyrogenically frozen. The army wants to use her as a spokesperson, a religious cult wants her to commit suicide because she's 'soulless' and the paperazzi plague her. Likeable main character and a well-thought-out if rather depressing future. Good pacing.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Queen of Stars (The Starfolk, #2); Author: Dave Duncan; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Book two in the Starfolk series. I always enjoy Dave Duncan's fantasy novels and was happy to pick this one up. Cool world-building, good pacing and a clever ending. By introducing a new-to-the-Starlands character Avior, the reader is smoothly reacquainted with the magical rules of the realm. Rigel is a great hero, both strong and clever, and I also have a soft spot for Imp Izar. Important note: the Knave of Imps section at the end is part of the novel (its conclusion) despite starting with chapter one again. It is NOT a sample chapter from another novel, but the actual end of Queen of Stars.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dream Eyes (Dark Legacy, #2); Author: Jayne Ann Krentz; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Another paranormal romance from Krentz. Wow, does Krentz ever know how to start off a novel! She writes the best openings. Well-written, good pacing, likeable characters and some new paranormal twists--really enjoyed the mirror engine. Quibbles: there wasn't much keeping the two characters apart; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Silver Chair (Chronicles of Narnia, #4); Author: C.S. Lewis; Genres: young-adult, children, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Rereading this to my daughter. I loved this book as a child and I'm happy to say it holds up pretty well. Eustace and Jill have a solid quest and I love the scenes with both the giants and later the witch. Puddleglum is an awesome character.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Havoc (Dred Chronicles, #2); Author: Ann Aguirre; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Book two. Lots of action as things get even worse for Dresdemona and Jael on the prison space station Perdition. Now in addition to Silence and Mungo's factions there are a company of well-armed mercenaries charged with ridding the station of its prison population. I really liked the growing romance between the characters and the fact that there was a consequence for what Jael did to save Dred in book one.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Forgotten Sins (Sin Brothers, #1); Author: Rebecca Zanetti; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Genetically engineered supersoldier + accountant. Lots of sizzle and action in this one. Will probably pick up book two!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Magic Breaks (Kate Daniels, #7); Author: Ilona Andrews; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: The latest (but not last) in an excellent urban fantasy series. Kate and Curran are back and its showdown time with the Big Bad! We've been waiting for this for quite awhile. Action, magic and a touch of romance. Some nice surprises and I enjoyed the fleshing out of Ghastek's character.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Joke's On Us; Author: Gordon Korman; Genres: young-adult, thriller, children, crime, fiction, mystery; Review: The latest/last MacDonald Hall book featuring Bruno and Boots. More madcap humour. I especially enjoyed Elmer Drimsdale's idea of courtship.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Not Quite a Wife (Lost Lords, #6); Author: Mary Jo Putney; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Strong beginning and ending, but I found myself losing interest in the middle. Kirkland was very intense at the beginning and his attempt to be 'civil' watered him down too much in the middle (though he came back strong at the end!); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: My Beautiful Enemy (The Heart of Blade Duology #2); Author: Sherry Thomas; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: A lovely, fresh-feeling historical romance set in Victorian England and Chinese Turkestan. As Sherry Thomas excels in doing there are two plotlines, one in the past when two spies meet while undercover, fall in love, but are torn apart by conflicting loyalties, and the present plotline in which they meet again in England years later. Delightful.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dust and Light (The Sanctuary Duet, #1); Author: Carol Berg; Genres: history, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Excellent fantasy novel, first in a new series, but set in the same world as Berg's Lighthouse series. Lucian is a pureblood with a rare dual 'bent' that endangers him. His once proud House has fallen on poor times and Lucian finds himself contracted to help a coroner identify the dead, a job he finds beneath him, yet at the same time that he exults in the blending of his two magics for portraiture and history. The twin mysteries of Lucian's dual bent and that of a dead royal child pulled me strongly through the story. Great tension. Looking forward to the sequel!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Visions (Cainsville, #2); Author: Kelley Armstrong; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Book two of the series. I liked book one (Omens) but ended up wishing the murder plot had had tied into the fantasy setting more. With book two, I got my wish! Visions, spookiness, a murder mystery, plus developments in Olivia's love life and several long-arc plots made this a compelling read. The best part of the series remains Olivia's friendship with the very complex Gabriel.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Tattooed Seer (The Tattooed Witch Trilogy, #2); Author: Susan MacGregor; Genres: paranormal, fantasy; Review: Book two starts off with a good hook: Miriam lost in the caves as the Diaphani flee. I'm really enjoying this series' strong world-building: a fantasy-Spanish setting in the time of the Inquisition only with real magic. A new plot thread is introduced in the person of Fra Francisco, a Papal Nuncio with his own secret agenda. Lots of twists and turns at the end, which leave me eager to read on. Quibble: I disliked the Inez subplot.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Undead Chaos (The Shifter Chronicles, #1); Author: Joshua Roots; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Fun urban fantasy. Good opening, authentic action sequences, and some fun secondary characters (ex. Steve the minotaur, Forlorn Jones the drunken Oracle). I was also charmed by the bees--not a critter one sees much of in fantasy. Quibble: Quinn felt a bit underdeveloped.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Alien Taste (Ukiah Oregon, #1); Author: Wen Spencer; Genres: history, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: I love Ukiah Oregon, P.I tracker who was raised by wolves! Book starts off with a bang and the plot just keeps getting more twisted from there. Awesome read. I've reread this one at least four times.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Emperor of Thorns (The Broken Empire, #3); Author: Mark Lawrence; Genres: paranormal, young-adult, fantasy, fiction; Review: Book three in a strong (but very bloody) fantasy series. There's not much I can say without being spoiler-y... As the pages crept down to the end, first 35 then 15, I kept wondering how on earth the author could successfully wrap everything up into a satisfying series ending--but he did. Fave scene: a tie between Jorg rolling another 2, and the moment with Gorgoth and the baby, or maybe... okay I can't pick a favourite. There were a number of great scenes.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Midnight On The Moon (Magic Tree House, #8); Author: Mary Pope Osborne; Genres: history, young-adult, mystery, thriller, children, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Rereading these to my daughter. Going into the future and to a moon base makes a nice change of pace.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Breakpoint: Nereis; Author: Alison Sinclair; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Cool premise: decades after a plague devastates the colony worlds, a medical team is sent to make re-contact. But the planet Nereis is torn by civil conflict between one cultural group that believes in Obligation/indenturing/slavery and one that doesn't. By charter the medical team must be neutral, but that's much easier to do in theory than in practice... Quibble: Each of the three sides has their own set of characters with multiple POV. Since I only connected with about four of the POV characters, I found the other sections slower going.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Trace of Magic (Diamond City Magic, #1); Author: Diana Pharaoh Francis; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: New Diana Pharaoh Francis series! Yay! Cool magic system. Riley is a tracer, one with extraordinary power who's been hiding her light under a bushel to prevent attracting the attention of the Tyet mobs who run Diamond City. All that changes when her sister's lover goes missing. Lots of magic, action, a nice change of setting with heavy snowfall in a mountain climate, and a steamy-and-complicated romance subplot.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Thirteen (Women of the Otherworld, #13); Author: Kelley Armstrong; Genres: young-adult, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Hail, hail the gang's all here! Although told primarily from Savannah's POV just like the previous two books, this final volume smoothly fits in all the series characters and even includes one chapter from the POV from each "women of the otherwolrd" (Eve, Jaime, Hope, Paige, Elena). Despite this challenge, the novel reads smoothly and kept me turning pages. An exciting conclusion to a series I've enjoyed very much.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Shield of Winter (Psy-Changeling, #13); Author: Nalini Singh; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Still loving this series. Silence is broken but the consequences are still ringing through the world. I love seeing characters who've been Silent awaken to life. Read in one day.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Last Kiss Goodbye (Dr. Charlotte Stone, #2); Author: Karen Robards; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Karen Robards writes excellent romantic suspense and in this series has added a paranormal element as well (ghosts). Lots of tension and heat. Can't wait to read more Michael and Charlotte.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Blood Sworn; Author: Steve Vera; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Action-packed fantasy, final book in a trilogy. Loads of adventure and sheer fun: guns, swords, magic, great world-building, a Big Bad to fight along with heroes to cheer for. A nice twist in the revelation of Donovan's origins. I liked Donovan's continuing character development--though I'm glad the author didn't push it too far. Quibble: the treasure troves of magical weapons felt very RPG; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: How the White Trash Zombie Got Her Groove Back (White Trash Zombie, #4); Author: Diana Rowland; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: This series keeps getting better! I love how Angel is evolving, making friends and becoming more competent as the series progresses--the author took a real risk starting with a 'white trash' loser character. I enjoyed seeing Angel's reactions to big city New York. Marcus was barely in this book--and I didn't miss him at all. Good pacing and a strong climax. Quibble: Angel's decision in the last few pages (tho foreshadowed) breaks my heart.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Honor's Knight (Paradox #2); Author: Rachel Bach; Genres: young-adult, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Bought this book and the third book in the series as a reward to myself for doing school supply shopping--and pretty much spent the weekend reading them. Awesome series. Kickass heroine, mercenary Devi who loves her armored suit, mysterious and intense hero Rupert, lots of action scenes, aliens, a Big Bad... Loved it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Heaven's Queen (Paradox #3); Author: Rachel Bach; Genres: young-adult, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Bought this book and the third book in the series as a reward to myself for doing school supply shopping--and pretty much spent the weekend reading them. I usually like to space out series, but I read books two & three back-to-back. Awesome series. Kickass heroine, mercenary Devi who loves her armored suit, mysterious and intense hero Rupert, lots of action scenes, aliens, a Big Bad... Loved it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Golem in My Glovebox (Monster Haven, #4); Author: R.L. Naquin; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery; Review: Latest in the charming Monster Haven series. Zoey and Riley go on a road trip, putting out fires for the decimated Board and, of course, searching for Zoey's mom. The villain this time around is delightfully creepy and so are some of the settings. I liked the golem/Pinnochio character and the fact that Zoey really uses her empathy powers. Looking forward to the next book in the series!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians (Alcatraz, #1); Author: Brandon Sanderson; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, children, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Excellent middle-grade fantasy. An amusing world in which Librarians are villains and breaking things and being late are considered valuable Talents. Lots of action. My boys loved it. Quibble: While some were humourous, I started to get a little tired of Alcatraz's authorial intrusiions.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sweet Revenge (Sin Brothers, #2); Author: Rebecca Zanetti; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Supersoldier + bartender with secrets. Sympathetic characters, sizzle and plenty of action scenes. I will definitely read on in this series. Quibble: I saw one of the plot twists coming a mile away. (Some others surprised me); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Snow Queen's Shadow (Princess, #4); Author: Jim C. Hines; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Cool magic, lots of action and a nice wrap-up to the series!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Who is Bugs Potter?; Author: Gordon Korman; Genres: children, young-adult, fiction; Review: It was a pleasure to reread this childhood favourite to my son. Bugs is a great character and I love the weaving of the rock music plot with famous actress Bibi and the cursed Falusi emerald and the two hapless thieves after it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fatal Flaw (Fatal, #4); Author: Marie Force; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: Read in one day. Really enjoying this ongoing series with its blend of romance and suspense. Set in Washington D.C. it focuses on newlyweds Nick and Sam, a senator and a police lieutenant, but also has a number of romantic subplots with minor characters. Quibble: The villain reveal came out of nowhere.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Summoned Chaos (The Shifter Chronicles, #2); Author: Joshua Roots; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: Likeable main character and a fair amount of action. Mysterious rifts open and dangerous creatures come out... There was also a lot of council politics in this one, both infighting and a larger picture of Normal/Skilled relations, which I was less invested in.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Winter Long (October Daye, #8); Author: Seanan McGuire; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery; Review: SO AWESOME! The first chapter is merely reconnecting with favourite characters and some nice banter, but the end of chapter two--WHAM! Then two chapters later another WHAM! Then the mid-point WHAM! In the acknowledgements the author says she's had this book in mind for a long time and I believe it. In many ways it feels like a direct sequel to Rosemary & Rue, with the books in between (which I also loved) in some ways there only so Toby could move up the power grid.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Witchlight (Magic Born, #2); Author: Sonya Clark; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Cool series premise: the Magic Born are stripped of citizenship, forcibly separated from their families and sent to live in Freaktown. When Vadim, who runs the underground railroad, finds out Councilwoman Elizabeth is secretly Magic Born, he, of course, decides to blackmail her--but things quickly heat up between them. Having read Trancehack I was a little skeptical of Vadim's potential as a romance hero, but I'm happy to say the author pulled it off.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Winterkill (Winterkill, #1); Author: Kate A. Boorman; Genres: history, young-adult, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Spooky, atmospheric YA dystopia set on the Prairies just as winter is about to descend. I loved the mix of French, English and First Peoples--so Canadian! Impossible not to sympathize with Emmeline, trapped in a repressive society, who wants to prove she's worthy and remove the Stain on her family and yet longs to explore the secret woods. Favourite scene: the half-frozen river.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Gun Shy; Author: Eleri Stone; Genres: history, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy; Review: Another fun blend of Western, zombie, and steampunk with a strong romance at its heart. Jane is a woman with secrets, Lyle is a Ranger and born protector. Together they must hunt down some stolen serum. I really liked the way the world first established in Reaper's Touch opened up from just forts and plains into Scraper cities and airships and mining towns. And how the cure found in book one changed the world but didn't magically solve all its problems. Most zombie or plague stories end at that point. This one promises to go on for several more books.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Thieftaker (Thieftaker Chronicles, #1); Author: D.B. Jackson; Genres: history, young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Excellent historical fantasy with a thieftaker in Boston in the years leading up to the American Revolution. Ethan is a conjurer who finds himself up against a much stronger and less scrupulous villain. Solid world-building, likeable characters, perilous magic duels and a good mystery. I especially liked the character of Ethan's nemesis Sephira Pryce, who is both kickass and villainous and DEFINITELY NOT a love interest. Note: As a Canadian I don't know that much about American History and can't always tell the real historical figures from the invented one--which just gives me more suspects!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Firelight (Darkest London, #1); Author: Kristen Callihan; Genres: history, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Excellent historical paranormal romance. A bit of a beauty and the beast flavour--though this Beauty can both handle a sword and is a firestarter, and what lay under Archer's mask was NOT what I was expecting. All the scenes with the hero and heroine together were chock-full of sexual tension and romance. Really, the only reason I'm not giving the book a five is because I found the way Archer often avoided Miranda irritating.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Bad Beginning (A Series of Unfortunate Events, #1); Author: Lemony Snicket; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, children, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Read this to my 12-year-old. I liked the humour, but on the whole the book just wasn't to my taste.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Furnace (The Tanner Sequence, #1); Author: Timothy S. Johnston; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery; Review: Murder mystery on a science station orbiting very close to the sun. The setting really captured my imagination: the immense sun, the dangers of radiation and the claustrophobic sense of being trapped with a killer on a small windowless space station. Lots of plot twists and turns and action scenes kept me turning the pages. Quibble: the narrator wasn't that engaging.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rock Addiction (Rock Kiss, #1); Author: Nalini Singh; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: An enjoyable, and very sexy, romance. And hey, rocker + librarian = bonus points. I will probably go on to the rest of the series and Ms. Singh diabolically put in hooks for three other couples that I now want to see get their HEA. My only problem (and it's MY problem, not anything to do with the writing or the book) is that I prefer paranormal romance, which the author also writes beautifully.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Oblivion's Wake; Author: Jonathan Sean Lyster; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Intense near-future SF psychological thriller--the kind of story with loads of tension and nary a car chase. As a teen David had Shimmerman's disease which wiped out his memories. All he has are a few notebooks written while the disease was in progress. Since then he's gone on to marry, have kids and live a relatively normal life until a cure for Shimmerman's is discovered. But when David takes the cure his wife is warned that David's notebooks are lies, a past he invented for himself, and he soon develops fractures in his psyche as he integrates the disturbing new memories. Nigh-unbearable tension in spots. I had to set the book aside and pick up a lighter one at times. I really enjoyed the backstory of how David and Ariel met and was heavily invested in both characters.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Night's Honor (Elder Races, #7); Author: Thea Harrison; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Strong opening hook, with Tess forced to audition at the Vampyre Ball. I liked the fact that it took Tess a while to overcome her fears and enjoyed the building relationship between Tess and Xavier. I read this in one afternoon and am already anticipating the next book in the series. Quibble: Tess is a computer hacker/geek, yet seems okay with six weeks of purely physical training. A week without a computer would drive my husband nuts.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Royal Airs (Elemental Blessings, #2); Author: Sharon Shinn; Genres: young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: I loved the world-building and the mystery of Rafe's 'ghost coins'. The romance between Princess Josetta and Rafe is sweet and gentle. Quibble: The pacing was too slow for my tastes.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Ancillary Justice (Imperial Radch, #1); Author: Ann Leckie; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Fascinating character: One Esk is the sole surviving 'ancillary' of AI troopship Justice of Toren and 'her' thinking is quite alien. I also loved the way everyone is referred to as 'she' because the Radchaai culture makes no distinction between genders and One Esk has a hard time distinguishing the two. (And at the end of the novel I have no idea if One Esk's body is male or female because 'she' simply doesn't think that way.) The plot alternates nicely between One Esk's past as an AI with many ancillaries and her present. I can totally understand why this won the Hugo.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Beginnings (Worlds of Honor, #6); Author: David Weber; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Collection of novellas set in the Honorverse. By the Book - Despite a promising action beginning, this was my least favourite. Heavy on the politics, light on the characters and the climax was a letdown. A Call to Arms - Set in the years before Manticore became a power. Good action and battle scenes. Two weeks later I can barely remember the characters though. Beauty and the Beast - Bit of a slow start, but ramped up to a great conclusion. How Honor Harrington's parents met. Best Laid Plans - Interesting to see how Nimitz and Honor first bonded, but too short for my tastes. Oblgated Service - My favourite of the bunch, featuring a Grayson woman from straitened circumstances and facing prejudice in the GSN.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Tainted Trail (Ukiah Oregon, #2); Author: Wen Spencer; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Reread this book for the nth time. I love Wen Spencer's writing: great characters, lots of action, and a twisty plot. This is book two in the series.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Wood Sprites (Elfhome, #4); Author: Wen Spencer; Genres: history, young-adult, children, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 9-year-old twins, siblings of Tinker with the same manic genius = look out world! Louise and Jillian were a hoot, their minds working at warp speed on projects ranging from the class play to saving their sisters. In some ways this book is almost a secret history of the first two Tinker books, as it takes place during the same timeline, but in New York instead of Pittsburgh. (Though I definitely recommend reading the books in order. Wood Sprites references events in Tinker and Wolf Who Rules and cameos characters from Pittsburgh Back Home & Garden.) Favourite moment: When the twins are speaking random Elvish to screw up the policeman's translator.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Last Council (Amulet, #4); Author: Kazu Kibuishi; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, comics, children, crime, paranormal, graphic, fantasy, fiction; Review: Reading this series to my daughter. Great art, a good storyline, and a mix of amusing and heroic characters.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Seeing The Light; Author: Eileen Bell; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, mystery; Review: A gritty paranormal mystery set in Edmonton. Marie Jenner has just landed a new job--unfortunately her office building is haunted by the ghost of its former handyman. Ghosts are the family business, one that Marie has been trying to get away from, but she reluctantly agrees to help Farley solve the mystery of his death. There are plenty of twists and turns, plus an explosion. The set up for book two looks intriguing.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Demons in My Driveway (Monster Haven, #5); Author: R.L. Naquin; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery; Review: Zoey and the gang are back! This series generally features the more rare of the Hidden: brownies, chupacabras, closet monsters, etc. In this book we finally get to see the more cliche vamps, demons, and werewolves--with, of course, a wacky spin. This book has a bit darker a tone than the earlier books as we build toward the final novel in the series. I was taken aback by Zoey & Riley's (off-screen) break-up, but there are some cool developments in Sara's plotline and I loved the businesspeople zombie apocalypse.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Drawn Blades (Fallen Blade, #5); Author: Kelly McCullough; Genres: paranormal, young-adult, fantasy, fiction; Review: Still enjoying this series. Lots of magic & action following Aral, former assassin of the God of Justice, his shadow familiar Triss and apprentice Faran around. This time they leave the city of Tien for the highly magical lands of the Sylvani.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Broken Soul (Jane Yellowrock, #8); Author: Faith Hunter; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Lots of action in the latest Jane Yellowrock adventure, including sword fighting. Plus some interesting new developments with Jane + Bruiser. Best of all, it feels like the world is still expanding, as the author adds more paranormal creatures and delves deeper into European vampire politics. In short, still very much enjoying this series and anticipating where it's going.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rules for a Proper Governess (MacKenzies & McBrides, #7); Author: Jennifer Ashley; Genres: history, children, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Two very appealing characters make this romance. Former pickpocket, cheerful Whitechapel girl turned governess, Bertie + widowed barrister Scotsman Sinclair. I really enjoyed how Bertie woke Sinclair back to life after his years of grief.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Sorcerer Heir (The Heir Chronicles, #5); Author: Cinda Williams Chima; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Apparently, it had been too long since I read the Enchanter Heir, because the beginning of this book confused me. Once I got past that bump, the book was solid. I enjoyed the revelations about the mystery of massacre and the ending was quite strong.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Burn for Me (Hidden Legacy, #1); Author: Ilona Andrews; Genres: history, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Devoured this one. Bought it yesterday, read it all evening, finished early this morning--and just spent my noon hour rereading my favourite bits. An exciting new world with magic following inheritance lines and head of House Primes with near-infinite scary power. High-stakes plot. An awesome heroine with human lie detector skills and a quirky family to support. Great scenes with witty banter and lots of heat between Nevada and 'Mad' Rogan. Quibble: Not entirely sure why this is being classified as paranormal romance instead of urban fanasy. Yes, there is a stronger romance element than in other Ilona Andrews books, but it's still a subplot and IMO the book fits better as UF. (First person POV, characters don't meet until p. 90, series with continuing characters and no HEA in book one. THIS IS NOT IN ANY WAY MEANT AS A COMPLAINT--I'm greatly looking forward to seeing Nevada and Rogan earn their HEA as the series continues.); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Archangel's Shadows (Guild Hunter, #7); Author: Nalini Singh; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: We finally get Ashwini and Janvier's book! These two have been flirting for awhile now and I enjoyed their romance, along with updates on all my series favourites. I am now longing for Naasir to get his own romance. Quibble: SPOILER ALERT: I was somewhat bemused that the only thing keeping these two apart was the lack of an immortal ever after. Being mortal myself I had a little trouble relating to this problem.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Maze Runner (Maze Runner, #1); Author: James Dashner; Genres: young-adult, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: The movie ads persuaded me to finally pick this one up. Fantastic premise: kids with no memory trying to solve a giant maze inhabited by monsters. Good tension and lots of plot twists. My kids ripped through this one. I struggled slightly in the opening chapters. The constant we-can't-tell-you-yet responses to all Thomas's questions annoyed me.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rogue's Paradise (Covenant of Thorns, #3); Author: Jeffe Kennedy; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Cool magic, great characters and swoon-worthy romance! Book three ties everything up in a bow. We finally get to see Gwynn and Rogue stop circling each other and get together (though the road is often rocky). The book is first person POV from Gwynn, a scientist from our world, but the author does a great job of showing us how much Rogue loves her. I loved how their wedding vows sounded a declaration of war against Titania.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Undead Pool (The Hollows, #12); Author: Kim Harrison; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Another good entry in a great series. This one focuses mostly on elves and vamps, with wild magic and the elven Goddess causing magical misfires and the undead to fall into an unnatural sleep. Since we pretty much despise all the undead vamps (as opposed to living vamps like Ivy) you would think this would be a good thing, but instead it creates havoc and disaster and renewed tension between humans and Inderlanders. Also the long-anticipated romance between Rachel and Trent finally happens! Yay!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Takedown Twenty (Stephanie Plum, #20); Author: Janet Evanovich; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: Another madcap Stephanie Plum novel. So light and funny that reading it is effortless. I sometimes have trouble remembering which number/title goes with which plot, so I hereby dub this The One With the Giraffe.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Wrinkle in Time (A Wrinkle in Time Quintet, #1); Author: Madeleine L'Engle; Genres: young-adult, children, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: I loved this book as a child--I sympathized so with Meg and loved the strangeness of Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who and Mrs. Which as well as the scariness of IT. Just reread it to my son and am happy to say it holds up to my memory.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Shifting Shadows: Stories from the World of Mercy Thompson (Mercy Thompson #0.1, #0.6, #0.8, #1.5, #4.5, #5.5, #7.4); Author: Patricia Briggs; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: I'm not usually much for short stories, but I've been eagerly awaiting this collection because I love Patricia Brigg's writing. My favourite was, of course, Alpha and Omega which I had already read in a different collection, but I enjoyed all the stories. Silver - How Bran and Samuel became werewolves and how Samuel first met Ariana Fairy Gifts - featuring Thomas a Chinese vampire who I believe also shows up at the end of Frost Burned. I like Thomas, but the ending felt a little abrupt, perhaps squished down due to word constraints. Gray - I really liked this story about a vampire who deliberately buys the condo haunted by her dead husband. Seeing Eye - How Tom and Moira Meet. Tom, a werewolf, and Moira a white witch also appear in a Charles and Anna book Hunting Ground. At a convention Patricia indicated she was playing with the idea of a full novel for these two. I would happily read it. Alpha and Omega - Charles and Anna (swoon) Star of David - featuring werewolf David Christiansen's reunion with his grown daughter. Roses in Winter - I've been dying to know what happened to Kara since her father first came to Mercy for help. Also some nice Asil scenes. In Red, With Pearls - a Warren and Kyle detective story with some nice twists. Redemption - A Ben story, loving his character arc Hollow - A Mercy ghost story. We also get a closer look at Zack the new submissive wolf introduced in Night Broken.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Court of Conspiracy (The Tudor Enigma, #1); Author: April Taylor; Genres: history, fiction, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: I've had an interest in the Tudors ever since reading The Six Wives of Henry VIII in junior high, so when I found out someone had written an alternate history in which Anne Boleyn outlived her husband and had a son I jumped on it. The main character is Luke, an apothecary charged by the queen to uncover a conspiracy to kill young Henry IX. Luke is also, secretly, an elemancer and there's a strong thread of magic running through the novel. The history was well-done and the magic interesting (especially the spirit dogs). Quibble: I found Luke a bit misogynistic (although his attitude improves over the course of the novel); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Treecat Wars (Honorverse: Stephanie Harrington, #3); Author: David Weber; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: YA SF novel set in the Honorverse recounting early relations between humans and the alien telepathic treecat species. Kinda puzzled by this one. Although Stephanie Harrington was our main character for books one and two, in this book she's off-planet and gets the less interesting plot.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Tangible (DreamWalkers, #1); Author: Jody Wallace; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Fast-paced urban fantasy. Some dreamers can manifest their nightmares, and it's the job of the Somnium to locate and then mentor such dreamers, who range in ability from L1 to L5. The magic element was unique and well-thought out. Loved the way they distinguished between 'Whedon' vamps and 'Nosferatus'. Zeke and Maggie were fun and had oodles of sexual tension. I'll be cheering for them to get together in book two.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dragonslayer (Twilight of the Gods, #3); Author: Eleri Stone; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: Take one wildlife biologist and one Aesir-blooded warrior and add a dragon... It was a delight to return to Ragnarok, the little town in Iowa where descendents of Asgard guard a portal that spews demons into our world. But the portal also acts as a chain. The hero, Christian, physically cannot leave the confines of a small magic-rich area around the town. He knows its a bad idea to fall for Jacey, the wildlife biologist who's only in town for a few days, but he can't help but be attracted to her capability and shyness. I'd love to read more in this series and hopes the author writes Kamis's story next. Quibble: How did someone with such strong Norse roots end up named 'Christian'?; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Song of Susannah; Author: Stephen King; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Volume six of the Dark Tower. Stayed up until midnight to finish this one and am already contemplating adding volume seven to my To Be Read pile. Bit of a cliff-hanger ending, though not as bad as The Waste Lands. I am in awe of Stephen King's imagination and talent. Fave scene: When Roland hypnotizes 'Steve'; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: An Artificial Night (October Daye, #3); Author: Seanan McGuire; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Continuing my reread of this excellent series. This book is one of my favorites: the eerie nursery rhymes, the three roads Toby takes to Blind Michael's land, the high stakes.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Late Eclipses (October Daye, #4); Author: Seanan McGuire; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Enjoying my reread of this series. NOT INTENDED AS A REVIEW PERSONAL NOTES ABOUT THE SERIES WITH SPOILERS FOLLOWING SERIOUSLY, STOP READING NOW UNLESS YOU'VE ALSO READ THE BOOK -I totally forgot Lily died in this book. I kept hoping there was a way to magically undo it... but nope. -Luna is also poisoned, doesn't die, but loses her Kitsune form -Amandine shows up & rebalances Toby's blood enough toward the fey that she survives being elf-shot. Toby learns she's Dochas Sidge not Daoine Sidhe and her mom's a first-born, sister to the Luidaeg -Oleander is the villain and dies at the end. She says intriguing things that, after Brightest Fell, I mostly understand. -Rayseline also a villain but escapes at the end. Her marriage to Connor is dissolved. -Toby becomes Countess of Goldengreen; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Shattered (The Iron Druid Chronicles, #7); Author: Kevin Hearne; Genres: paranormal, young-adult, fantasy, fiction; Review: Still very much enjoying this series, a pleasing mix of magic, action/adventure and humour. Oberon the dog makes me laugh. In the previous (or previous two?) book in the series, the author added in Granuaile's POV. In this volume we get POV from another druid, Owen, 'the man who put the tank in cantankerous' as well. Although I like Granuaile's character, for some reason I often don't find her POV as compelling, but Owen's was quite good--perhaps because of the inherent funniness of a druid being dropped into modern times. Fave scene: the Yeti hockey rink, of course. I AM Canadian.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Night Shift (Kate Daniels, #6.5; SPI Files, # 0.5; Psy-Changeling, #12.5; Barbarian, #1); Author: Nalini Singh; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: A four novella collection with a mix of genres: one paranormal romance, two urban fantasy and a fantasy romance. Magic Steals by Ilona Andrews - This is the novella I bought the collection for and I devoured it first. Set in the Kate Daniels world, featuring Dali, an Indonesian magical white tiger shifter and Jim, alpha of Clan Cat. The couple first started dating in a previous novella Magic Dreams that I enjoyed. After reading the shocker ending to Magic Breaks my first thought was, What is this going to mean for Jim & Dali? Although Magic Steals is set prior to Magic Breaks, it still managed to reassure me. Jim & Dali definitely grow stronger as a couple as they solve a magical mystery and fight evil. Secrets at Midnight by Nalini Singh - Nalini Singh is another favourite author of mine so I read this one second. I was intrigued by Kirby's half human, half-shifter scent and her romance with Bastien, one of the DarkRiver cats, was both hot and sweet. Lucky Charms by Lisa Shearin - I'm not as familiar with Lisa Shearin's work, having only read one novel of hers previously. While the gray-skinned seductive goblins seemed familiar, the setting was totally different. This urban fantasy novella read like the start of a new series. Seer starts a new job working for a magical government agency that deals with otherworldly crime, meets two possible love interests, lot of quirky characters and hijinks ensue. In fact the whole novella essentially builds toward the crazy situation outlined in the hook. The Beast of Blackmoor by Milla Vane - This author is new to me. I had to push myself a little to get into this one--I didn't get truly hooked until chapter three. (This may have been due in part to trying to read it in a doctor's office while helping my six-year-old sound out the words in her Barbie book.) But I am so glad I kept going, because after that it totally rocked! Sword and sorcery vibe with a land suffering under an evil tyrant, cruel goddesses, demons, a sword-wielding heroine and blazing hot sex scenes.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Future Falls (Gale Women, #3); Author: Tanya Huff; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Read in one day. Another Gale Girls book is a wonderful thing. If you haven't read this series, do start with Enchantment Emporium. Its urban fantasy with a Canadian setting, charms, dragons, magic circles and lots of family dynamics. Book three follows Charlie (Wild Power and bard) again, this time facing a non-supernatural problem, to wit an asteroid about to hit the earth. Magic must save what science cannot.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Falling from the Light (Night Runner, #2); Author: Regan Summers; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Sydney and Mal are back! This time around the flamboyant can-drive-anything ex-courier and her vamp lover are in Arizona, hunting down the makers of a vamp drug and, more importantly, trying to get out from under the thumb of Master vampire Bronson. The whole second half of the book had me one the edge of my seat. Great ending to this urban fantasy series. Some interesting world-building bits regarding Sydney's abilities.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Vengeance of the Hunter (Rebels of Adalonia, #2); Author: Angela Highland; Genres: paranormal, fantasy; Review: Book two takes up immediately after the events of Valor of the Healer. I started off the novel a little confused, wondering who the heck Dulcinea was, but Julian's first POV scene blew me away. Very well done. Faanshi remained my favourite character. There are some great healing scenes and I loved her bewilderment at being hailed "Saint Faanshi". A very nice twist at the end as one of the villains meets their just desserts and some intriguing revelations about the Anreulag. Quibble: I found the plethora of POV frustrating at times, as I was mostly interested in Faanshi, Julian and Kestar (though Margraine won me over); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Wind in the Door (A Wrinkle in Time Quintet, #2); Author: Madeleine L'Engle; Genres: young-adult, children, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Just reread this to my son. Meg, Calvin and, unexpectedly, Mr. Jenkins return and must save Charles Wallace. Wonderfully imaginative with cherubim, farandolae, kything and the evil Echthroi.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Unmade (The Lynburn Legacy, #3); Author: Sarah Rees Brennan; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: I LOVED this book! The whole series really. I think Sarah Rees Brennan may now be my favourite YA author. Cool magic, great pacing, detestable & powerful villains, good actions scene, witty banter--and two great characters in the very pro-active Kami and tormented Jared. The combination of humour and heart-racing danger reminded me of Buffy in the best way.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Polar Bears Past Bedtime (Magic Tree House, #12); Author: Mary Pope Osborne; Genres: history, young-adult, mystery, thriller, children, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: My daughter's favourite part was when Jack & Annie acted like flying polar bears.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Reptile Room (A Series of Unfortunate Events, #2); Author: Lemony Snicket; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, children, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Reading this to my son. I liked it quite a bit better than book one (perhaps because the orphans weren't in Count Olaf's power this time). We'll probably continue with the series.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dare: Sensual Tales of Fantasy & Suspense; Author: Jenny Schwartz; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: Up in Flames -- Charmingly humorous novella involving a mage and a Secret Service bodyguard to the President. Loved the magical To Do list that included items such as Save the President and Fall in Love, and the salamander scenes were HOT. Denying the Dragon -- A dragon who's a real estate agent plus a water dragon working together to save a goblin. Also a visit to the Statue of Liberty. Embracing the Ghoul -- I would never have guessed that a ghoul could work as a main character in a romance, but the author pulled it off. Carla works in the ER where her species' ability to thrive on chaos keeps her from burning out. She and a dragon cop work together to defeat a demon. Release the Djinni - A newly-freed djinn + a guardian angel. (I believe this one is in the same world as the author's Out of the Bottle Djinn series.) There were also some interesting short stories, which I'm not going to comment on individually. As a reader, I strongly prefer longer works to shorter one.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Martian Conquest (Adventures of Mari Shu, #2); Author: Jody Wallace; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: Snort-out-loud funny science fiction romance parody. How can you go wrong with a main character named 'Mari Shu Three Million Even'? Authorial intrusions galore, snark, all the cliches, and raunchy sex. It's also interactive fiction with a number of different endings, but somehow things never went in the direction I thought I'd picked. Fave bit: the unicorn.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Binding Ties (Sentinel Wars, #9); Author: Shannon K. Butcher; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Still very much a fan of this series. Not only is the world still expanding with last book happening off-world and this book featuring a Slayer, but the villains, the Synestryn demons, are also changing and evolving. It was great to see Joseph, the leader of the Theronai, get out from behind his desk and I liked his relationship with fire-brand half-Theronai half-Slayer Lyka.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Midnight's Kiss (Elder Races, #8); Author: Thea Harrison; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Loved Julian and Melisande's story. These two were such opposites: Julian is a former Roman gladiator, a Vampyre and the Nightkind King. Melisande is an actress and a Light Fae princess. Yet they complemented each other so beautifully. My favourite kind of paranormal romance book which blends action, magic and romance so well. The story starts off strongly with Melisande kidnapped and held as a threat against Julian her estranged ex-lover. Julian pretty much won me over as soon as he deliberately stepped into a trap to save Melisande even though she'd broken her heart. And I cheered for Melisande as soon as she picked the lock.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dead Heat (Alpha & Omega #4); Author: Patricia Briggs; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: I don't buy much hardcover, but I make an exception for Patricia Briggs. I love both her Mercy Thompson and her Alpha & Omega series and reread them often. Having just read Dead Heat, there are already scenes that I know I'll want to reread soon. Loved it. Extra Squee Points: Beautiful cover.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Say Yes to the Marquess (Castles Ever After, #2); Author: Tessa Dare; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: I love the freshness of Tessa Dare's historical romances. Instead of the usual titled aristocrat and lady, we are treated to a prizefighter and a woman wanting to get un-engaged to his absent brother. (Okay, he does have a title but it's a courtesy one, his brother is the Marquess) I loved Rafe's brashness and physicality and Clio's emerging independence. Their romance was just plain fun. I hope very much there is a romance in the works for Clio's unusual sister Phoebe down the line.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Plain Kate; Author: Erin Bow; Genres: history, young-adult, children, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Plain Kate sounds like a contemporary novel, but is in fact a very good YA fantasy. After its fable-like beginning--"A long time ago, in a town by a looping river, there lived an orphan girl called Plain Kate"--Kate's already marginal life falls into terrible trouble when a stranger turns the villagers against her and she is forced to give him her shadow. The vaguely Russian fantasy setting is well-done and includes lucky carvings, a talking cat, Rom, and a rusalka. There is a great complication a little after the halfway point, when Kate's trouble, which had alleviated a little, suddenly comes crashing back, twice as bad. I really liked the way we started with just Kate in trouble and by the end the entire countryside and a city were at stake. I was upset when I reached the last chapter, thinking that the ending had been too dark and I was definitely NOT going to recommend this one to my son, after all. Frankly, I wanted to throw the book against the wall. Fortunately, I kept reading and things did come to a much more satisfactory conclusion by the final page. Whew!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Hidden Stairs and the Magic Carpet (The Secrets of Droon, #1); Author: Tony Abbott; Genres: thriller, children, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Reading this series to my six-year-old.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dearest Rogue (Maiden Lane, #8); Author: Elizabeth Hoyt; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Read it one day. Excellent opening with a kidnapping attempt. I always enjoy Elizabeth Hoyt's historical romances and I've been waiting for Phoebe's romance for a while now. Blind heroine + wounded former dragoon turned bodyguard. It was nice to see the stoic Captain Trevillion open up as they travel to Cornwall. Two kleenexes. Happy sigh moment: when he wore the cologne for her so she would be better able to identify him.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ancillary Sword (Imperial Radch, #2); Author: Ann Leckie; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Sequel to the brilliant Ancillary Justice. I stayed up late reading this last night, then immediately dove back in this morning and finished it. I find the point of view fascinating: once part of an AI ship with thousands of human-bodied ancillaries, Breq is decidedly not human, and yet capable of great caring. I liked the introduction of Lt. Tisarwat. Looking forward to more in this involving series. Quibble: the ending was more of a pause in a larger tale. I don't mind having the larger elements hanging--the Presger threat and the splintering Radch empire--but I was expecting the Athoek Station plot to be more resolved than it was.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Vacation Under the Volcano (Magic Tree House, #13); Author: Mary Pope Osborne; Genres: history, young-adult, mystery, thriller, children, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: The eruption of Mt. Vesuvius made for exciting reading.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Seventh Grave and No Body (Charley Davidson, #7); Author: Darynda Jones; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Best. Narrator. Ever. Charley Davidson, P.I., Grim Reaper, Val-eth, and caffeine addict and her affianced Reyes face off against the Twelve hounds of hell. Tons of subplots, lots of humour and sexual tension. I love this series.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Wide Window (A Series of Unfortunate Events, #3); Author: Lemony Snicket; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, children, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Okay, after a literal Bad Beginning, this series is growing on me. Sunny's baby talk, to which the narrator ascribes whole sentences and her ability to bite through anything. Aunt Josephine and her love of grammar. Cold lime stew. Names like Damocles Dock, Curdled Cave and Captain Sham. Who could doubt Captain Sham is who he says he is and not Count Olaf? HE HAS A BUSINESS CARD.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Only Enchanting (The Survivors' Club, #4); Author: Mary Balogh; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: I've been a little up-and-down on this series, but quite enjoyed this one. In the earlier books Viscount Ponsonby is shown with little more than a stutter, but we quickly find out his trauma from the war is much deeper and more interesting: he has holes in his memory.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Shards of Hope (Psy-Changeling, #14); Author: Nalini Singh; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Loved the romance between Aden and Zaira, two Psy Arrows. Strong beginning hook with Aden & Zaira captured. This is the second Post-Silence book in this long-running series and lots of adaptations have to be made, as well as a new enemy to fight.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Elite (The Selection, #2); Author: Kiera Cass; Genres: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: I'm a little ambivalent about this one. On the one hand, it was a smooth read and America is a well-drawn and believable character. On the other hand, here in book two the constant back-and-forth of the love triangle started to wear on me (to be fair, I am not the book's intended audience age range wise) and the action scenes lacked tension and felt repetitive. (Rebels attack, they hide in a safe room until it`s over.) I did like the developments with Marlee and the revelation about Maxon near the end, so I`ll probably finish the series some day.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Libriomancer (Magic Ex Libris, #1); Author: Jim C. Hines; Genres: young-adult, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: A pleasure to find a good, new, original urban fantasy series. The magic is really cool: the hero Isaac can literally reach into SF/fantasy books and pull out magic swords and blasters. Lots of good action scenes and the stakes keep getting higher, especially for Isaac as he has to pay magic's price... Fire-spiders, dryads, automatons, vampires (of various subspecies) as well as a few historical figures (Gutenberg and Ponce de Leon) keep the world interesting.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Black Dog (Hellhound Chronicles, #1); Author: Caitlin Kittredge; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: A strong opening that carried me a hundred pages into the book. The plot took a slight left turn that threw me for a couple of chapters, but ended up tying nicely back in. I really liked the main character Ava, a hellhound, who was both kickass and mouthy but had her vulnerable spots. The descriptions were so vivid I feel grimy--the problem being that I don't like feeling grimy. Very well-written, but sadly too dark for my personal tastes.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Dark Tower; Author: Stephen King; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Finished! As a whole the Dark Tower series is very impressive with characters and scenes that I will remember forever. I found this particular volume a little uneven. Loved the whole section with the Breakers (almost a book in itself), liked The Artist and the confrontation with the Crimson King, but was not a fan of the Mordred plot. Also, it was a really BAD idea to start reading this at Christmas.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Miserable Mill (A Series of Unfortunate Events, #4); Author: Lemony Snicket; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, children, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: I found the first half of the novel too unbelievable--the orphans working in a mill required too many stupid adults--but things picked up nicely once Klaus visited the optometrist. I also really appreciated the reversal in the pattern of the ending with Klaus and Violet forced to do things outside their comfort zones.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Fortunately, the Milk; Author: Neil Gaiman; Genres: young-adult, comics, children, paranormal, graphic, fantasy, fiction; Review: Imaginative and amusing story of why a father was late returning from the store with milk for his kids' breakfast cereal (hint think spaceships and dinosaurs and time machines). Lovely illustrations.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Burned (Fever, #7); Author: Karen Marie Moning; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: A bad cough kept me up until 3:30 am--which is coincidentally the time when I finished reading this book. Burned is the latest release in a dark, intense urban fantasy series. While Iced was mostly from Dani's POV, this one was mostly from MacKayala's. In the first half of the novel Mac is frustrated by being unable to take action--and so was I. The second half was great: tons of awesome plot twists and character revelations. Still a big fan of this series and can't wait to find out what happens next.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Firefight (The Reckoners, #2); Author: Brandon Sanderson; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Dystopian superhero YA... 2nd in a series, following the equally awesome Steelheart. Both my boys read the book before I was allowed to take my turn. Just as action-packed as book one and (I really appreciated this) the world keeps expanding and growing taking interesting twists and turns that make me excited about book three.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Codex Born (Magic Ex Libris, #2); Author: Jim C. Hines; Genres: young-adult, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: To succeed for me the 2nd book in a series has to have everything book one did--appealing characters, cool magic, exciting action scenes--and yet still feel fresh. This one did. Deepening character as we learn more about Lena's past and dryad abilities. Cool magic as clockwork bugs and Chinese book magic are added to the mix. Just as big of a showdown with the bad guys at the end--plus one heck of a personal complication for Isaac.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Black Prism (Lightbringer, #1); Author: Brent Weeks; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Fantastic book. Awesome world-building, cool color-based magic, characters I care about, tense action scenes, and plot twists including one OMG revelation. I love the tightrope the seemingly all-powerful Prism has to walk. Fave scene: Brightwater Wall; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Slow Regard of Silent Things (The Kingkiller Chronicle #2.5); Author: Patrick Rothfuss; Genres: paranormal, young-adult, fantasy, fiction; Review: Aurielle is one of my favourite characters from the Kingkiller Chronicle so I was happy to see this novella featuring her. The viewpoint is absolutely brilliant, giving us a glimpse into how Auriele thinks, her strangeness and the mystery of Underthing, the hidden place below the university. Beautifully written. Odd, but in the best way. Read in one day.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Danger of Destiny (Mystwalker, #4); Author: Leigh Evans; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Exciting end(?) to the excellent Mystwalker series. I've been hooked on this urban fantasy/romance series since book one and the quality remains high. It's one of those books that where you list the things that still have to be accomplished at the mid-point and wonder if it will all fit in one novel, but it did. Lots of twist and turns, action and magic, perilous danger, and a smidge of romance. There's something about an imperfect heroine that makes them seem more real. I really felt for Hedi and rooted for her. Even more I liked how Hedi evolved over the novels, growing into her role as Alpha.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Mysterious Island (The Secrets of Droon, #3); Author: Tony Abbott; Genres: paranormal, children, fantasy, fiction; Review: Reading this series to my daughter. Cool setting with lots of magic and action, but except for Neal I'm having trouble telling the characters apart. It seems almost random whether a line of dialogue is assigned to Eric, Julie, Max or Keeah.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Phoenix in My Fortune (Monster Haven, #6); Author: R.L. Naquin; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery; Review: Final book of the excellent Monster Haven series. Shadow Man made for a creepy villain with a fascinating history. Lots of favourite characters return for the showdown--like Gris from Golem in my Glovebox--and there were still plenty of laugh out loud moments to break the tension. I especially enjoyed Zoey's last job as wedding planner.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Runner and the Wizard (Ivor of Glenbroch, #1); Author: Dave Duncan; Genres: history, young-adult, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy; Review: Runner, Ivor, is sent by his thane to fetch the mysterious Rorie of Ytter--who may be a wizard or a saint but is definitely under a curse. Ivor is soon caught up in politics far over his head. The fantasy element was more slight than I was expecting, but the historical details were well-done and Ivor is both likeable and clever.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Like a Mighty Army (Safehold, #7); Author: David Weber; Genres: history, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: An absorbing read, as always, with wonderful battles. One side has better tech, one side has higher numbers. I was, however, rather disappointed by some of the POV choices. Favourite characters are relegated to mostly sideline commentary by the fact that the battles are mostly taking place Siddarmark. I understand that, but I can barely tell Baron Green Valley apart from Duke Eastshare from dozens of others. In fact the POV character I became most attached to ended up being one of the antagonists, Ahlverez, a Dohlaran. (On the plus side, I was very happy about the introduction of a new PICA character.); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Thieves' Quarry (Thieftaker Chronicles, #2); Author: D.B. Jackson; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Fast-paced historical fantasy about a thieftaker/conjurer in Colonial Boston. The pressure is on Ethan Kaille to solve the mystery of the death of 97 British soldiers during the occupation of Boston before the town boils over, before his nemesis Sephira Price gets to the prize, and before the lieutenant governor goes on a witch hunt. All for a reward of five pounds.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Desperate Game (Guinevere Jones, #1); Author: Jayne Castle; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: A quick read. Good banter and chemistry between the two leads, Guinevere and Zac--enough to make me willing to read more in the series. (Note: though recently rereleased the book was originally published in 1986 and it's best to read it as set in that time period); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Without a Summer (Glamourist Histories, #3); Author: Mary Robinette Kowal; Genres: history, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: This book was my Valentine's gift. The soft romance and Regency setting of Jane Austen plus magic too! Glamour, of course, but in this third volume the fantasy element expanded to include coldmongers. I'd heard of the Year Without A Summer, but for all the many Regencies I've read had never actually read a book set in it.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Chilling Deception (Guinevere Jones, #2); Author: Jayne Castle; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Krentz is always readable, but this second book felt more focussed on the mystery element and less on the romance. Since I was reading for the romance, I wasn't as pulled in as book one.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Ravensblood; Author: Shawna Reppert; Genres: history, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Read in one day. I was strongly hooked from chapter two on, basically from the moment Raven stepped onto the page. (Not that I didn't like Cassandra, too, but I found Raven fascinating.) A complex character struggling for redemption and instead pushed into the gray world and hard moral choices facing a spy. Strong tension, lots of plot twists and turns, and an interesting world with three communities Art, Craft and Mundane intersecting. The romance element was of the slow-burn type as Cass and Raven learn to trust each other again. Looking forward to the sequel Raven's Wing! **I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Low Midnight (Kitty Norville, #13); Author: Carrie Vaughn; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery; Review: I was quite intrigued when I found out Cormac was going to get his own book. Unfortunately, the book never quite gelled for me. Cormac wasn't an interesting as I thought he would be and the plot is a mere side adventure. The subplot I was interested in, with Molly, fizzled out without a resolution. I did quite like the curveball at the end though.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Clockwork Gold; Author: Jenny Schwartz; Genres: history, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Unique setting: a steampunk version of Western Australia during the Goldrush. Well-described. The heroine, Becky, is a plucky engineer/inventor/pilot of her own dirigible and the hero Nathan is an agent of the British Crown. Quibble: the barriers to the romance were dealt with two swiftly for my tastes (one of the perils the novella) leaving the only tension in the spy plot.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Bitterblue (Graceling Realm, #3); Author: Kristin Cashore; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: A compelling fantasy, sequel to Graceling, in which a country struggles to recover from the horrific wounds inflicted on it by the evil King Leck. The prologue is heart-breaking and Queen Bitterblue, Leck's daughter, is both highly sympathetic and well-developed.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Austere Academy (A Series of Unfortunate Events, #5); Author: Lemony Snicket; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, children, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: The Quagmire Triplets really made this book for me. Finally some non-horrible characters and some nice hints at an ongoing mystery.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Blood Runs in the Family (The Order of the Stick, #5); Author: Rich Burlew; Genres: comics, paranormal, graphic, fantasy, fiction; Review: Always a pleasure to catch up with the Order of the Stick again. (The rest of my family reads the strips as they come out, but I like to wait for the books.) I am very impressed with Rich Burlew's ability to tell long story arcs with good character arcs and lots of humour.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Iron Duke (Iron Seas, #1); Author: Meljean Brook; Genres: history, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Steampunk romance. Former pirate turned duke + female police inspector. Loved the world-building: the background of the Horde having enslaved England by infecting them with nanobugs and controlling them with radio signals made the steampunk feel fresh and new. Quibble: The hero came on too strong for my taste in the first third of the novel. Fortunately, this turned around nicely in the middle when he was very patient with Mina's Frenzy-caused hangups.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: No Mortal Business (Tempest trilogy, #2); Author: Barbara Geiger; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: My heart goes out to Finn... he's endured so much that its hard for him to hope. Some cool magic/selkie revelations (and hints of revelations to come), but this middle book is focused mostly on Finn's relationship with Devon.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Foxglove Summer (Peter Grant, #5); Author: Ben Aaronovitch; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: In this installment of the wizardry-meets-policework series, Peter Grant is out of his element, out of London and without his mentor Nightingale as backup when things go wrong. Not much in the way of ongoing plot re the Faceless Man (though what there is, is very interesting) but a solid missing persons case all on its own. Very enjoyable read. Quibble: I would have liked a little more denouement. The ending left a few plot threads hanging (and no I don't mean the ongoing plot--I expect that one to hang); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hard Time; Author: Cara McKenna; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: Despite the basic setup--librarian gets involves with an incarcerated felon--the hero was very sweet. Lots of hot scenes interspersed with thoughtful feelings and working through the problems of being involved with someone in prison/out on parole. Quibble: Maybe this is because I'm not used to contemporary romance anymore, or maybe this is erotic romance, but for me there was a weird lack of subplots. I kinda wanted to know more about her prison book club...; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Blue-Blooded Vamp (Sabina Kane, #5); Author: Jaye Wells; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Finished! (I'm in the middle of so many series, it feels like an accomplishment to actually finished one.) Action, magic and some very cool world-building/setting in the last half of the book when we get to see Irkalla, the underworld realm.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Grave Peril (The Dresden Files, #3); Author: Jim Butcher; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Rereading this series and enjoying it just as much the second time around. Great tension and wonderful long action scenes full of reversals, dire consequences and, well, grave peril. I was interested to see that this volume not only introduces Michael, but Thomas as well and Harry's godmother Leanansidhe. Plus, of course, the start of the Red Vampire Court plotline. Harry himself is a little younger and rasher than in later books (which is as it should be); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: City in the Clouds (The Secrets of Droon, #4); Author: Tony Abbott; Genres: young-adult, children, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Droon is a wonderfully inventive world. This time round our heroes visit the flying city of Ro which is only visible for one day per year and the Tower of Memory in which a magic Quill writes everything that's ever happened and sometimes the future. Quibble: I wish more had been done with Neal One & Two; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Immortal (Fallen Angels, #6); Author: J.R. Ward; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Yay! Jim and Sissy's book, finally! Great buildup and suspense throughout, including some lovely twists and turns; J.R. Ward is a wonderful writer. I think I've said this before, but I really like the way Devina is both evil AND insecure--with her OCD and her collections.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Clockwork Princess (The Infernal Devices, #3); Author: Cassandra Clare; Genres: history, young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Conclusion to a trilogy. I really enjoyed this steampunk fantasy romance. Plenty of action and plot twists to go with the love triangle (not to mention all the subplots). Jem, Will and Tessa's emotions are beautifully portrayed as they deal with their feelings and Jem's impending death. And can I just take a moment to sigh over that truly gorgeous cover? Quibble: The novel had a rather long denouement. At p. 514 (of 568) I was like, why isn't this the ending? The feeling persisted until I hit the Epilogue and I suddenly got it. There was a Very Important Fact from an earlier book that I had forgotten that came into play.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: No Refuge (Known Universe #1); Author: Annie Nicholas; Genres: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Science fiction romance novella. I've been trying out some SFR lately and liking it. This one has a great premise with a lot of inherent tension: humans have been made almost extinct by an alien species called the Ko and live in disguise. Lucy and Brody have only one another and each would do anything to save the other...; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rock Courtship (Rock Kiss, #1.5); Author: Nalini Singh; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Super-quick and very hot read. Drummer David, the shyest of the band, and their publicist Thea. It's not every romance that starts off with an exchange of memos...; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Night Sky (Night Sky, #1); Author: Suzanne Brockmann; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, children, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Good pacing and a likeable main character in Skylar. Dana and Calvin made for interesting secondary characters. If I hadn't read Brockmann's other books, especially Born into Darkness, my rating for this probably would have been higher. As it was, the plot seemed recycled and Sky seemed extremely gifted.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Blind Faith (Sin Brothers, #3); Author: Rebecca Zanetti; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Strong tension between supersoldier Nate and Audrey, the daughter of the psychotic Dr. Madison. All their scenes together were great, but I found my attention wandering during the scenes when they were apart. The entire subplot with Protect just didn't work for me. It was great to see one of the Gray brothers finally confront the commander though.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Murder of Crows (The Others, #2); Author: Anne Bishop; Genres: young-adult, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Read in one day. Absorbing sequel to Written in Red. Tensions continue to be high between the humans and the terra indigene and Meg Corbyn, a cassandra sangue, continues to endear herself to Others and readers alike.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Tonight on the Titanic (Magic Tree House, #17); Author: Mary Pope Osborne; Genres: history, young-adult, mystery, thriller, children, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: (Dictated by my daughter) I liked it when Jack and Annie met the two children William and Lucy. I did not like it when Jack couldn't find the treehouse.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Raven's Wing (Ravensblood Book 2); Author: Shawna Reppert; Genres: history, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Stayed up late last night to finish this. Sequel to the excellent Ravensblood. I was a little surprised that two years have passed since the end of book one. Cass & Raven have had time to settle into a relationship and Cass into her new job at Guardian International--which makes things more painful when the Ravensblood is stolen and Raven quickly becomes the chief suspect. Raven's character is a large part of why I'm enjoying this series so much: difficult childhood, past life as a dark mage, aristocratic upbringing. Raised to be rational, he is uncomfortable expressing his feelings--yet nonetheless cares deeply for Cass. Fave scene: the pink rabbit of course. quibble: The middle sagged a bit, with the investigation hitting a lot of dead ends.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Touched by an Alien (Katherine "Kitty" Katt, #1); Author: Gini Koch; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Light-hearted, action-packed SF, Men in Black style. Lots of twists, turn and revelations. I liked the romance between Kitty and Jeff. I will definitely read more of this series!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Shape of Temptation (Spellcraft, #2); Author: Eleri Stone; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: A true fantasy romance--what do I mean by that? A romance set in a well-developed (secondary) fantasy world. Kind of like Sharon Shinn only hotter. I liked how the main character's relative statuses reversed over the course of the novel. In the opening Kailey is a runaway and Benim is soldier who catches her. Only once Kailey accepts her place as a mage her status is higher and Benim's that of a servant. I also liked how the romance began with kindness and friendship before heating up. Quibble: Tark's role in the ending needed more foreshadowing.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Bone Walker; Author: Angela Korra'ti; Genres: paranormal, fantasy; Review: Bone walkers, dragons, kitsune, Warders and Sidhe magic abound in this sequel to Faerie Blood. One of the signs of good urban fantasy is that the world and magic continue to expand in later books, instead of just retreading the same ground. It was great to see both Christopher and Kendis 'go up a level' strengthwise, and I really enjoyed their deepening relationship. Quibble: I found the names Melorite and Melisanda too close and confusing.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Stolen Luck; Author: Shawna Reppert; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: Some heavy themes explored here: how does owning a slave, even reluctantly, even trying to treat them well, affect a person? Can friendship exist in such an unequal situation? Quibble: Not enough magic for my tastes.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dark Alchemy (Dark Alchemy, #1); Author: Laura Bickle; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Very original contemporary fantasy (I can't call it urban, because it's set in Yellowstone Park and ranch country) featuring a woman geologist (yay!) searching for her long-lost father. Alchemy, weird birds, meth heads, coyote familiars, clairvoyants, and calcified skeletons add up to a very intriguing world. The gut-punch ending already has me anticipating book two.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Pocket Apocalypse (InCryptid, #4); Author: Seanan McGuire; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery; Review: More cryptid fun with Alex and Shelby. Though the book is set in Australia, the primary threat is werewolves not bunyips. Fast-paced with lots of action, twists & turns, betrayals & discoveries. As well, there's plenty of people conflict as Alex gets off to a bad start with Shelby's parents.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rock Hard (Rock Kiss, #2); Author: Nalini Singh; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: Charlie-mouse vs. T-rex. Instead of rock stars, this time around we get a rugby player turned ruthless businessman and his shy but very smart personal assistant. Great banter between this seemingly mismatched pair. Then as the romance progresses and we learn the reason behind Charlie's crippling shyness things turn more intense...; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Total Surrender (Sin Brothers, #4); Author: Rebecca Zanetti; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: The supersoldier and the hacker... A good balance between romance and suspense and some nice plot twists along the way. I liked the way the kill chips were dealt with--after four books of build-up it needed to be hard to do. As the last book (at least for now) about the Dean brothers, we got a few glimpses of earlier couples, but they didn't take over the plot. Quibble: After Audrey being Dr. Madison's daughter, it felt like a rehash to have Piper be the commander's daughter.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Blinding Knife (Lightbringer, #2); Author: Brent Weeks; Genres: paranormal, romance, fantasy, fiction; Review: Thick book, fast read. Some lovely twists in turns. Feeling whiny that I'll now have to wait until August-ish for book three to come out in trade paperback. It's not just the cliffhangers, it's the buzzing questions about the world and magic. What is up with the blinding knife? Andross Guile? The cards? Quibble: I quite liked Liv Danavis in book one. Her plotline in this book disappointed me.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Sword-Edged Blonde (Eddie LaCrosse, #1); Author: Alex Bledsoe; Genres: history, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Likeable hero, 'sword jockey' Eddie LaCrosse and good world-building. A solid mystery plot in a sword & sorcery setting. High points for the very original Epona Gray storyline. Quibble: The first three chapters were only there to establish setting and character, the plot didn't start until chapter four, and the flashback went on forever.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Bite Me (Pride, #9); Author: Shelly Laurenston; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Shelly Laurenston writes shifters like no one else, with lots of different animal clans and over-the-top cartoon violence. This romance features Livy, a honey badger, and Vic a bear/tiger hybrid and (I think) the final winding down of the humans-hunting-shifters plotline.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mission to Mahjundar; Author: Veronica Scott; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Stayed up late to finish this one. I'm a sucker for blind characters, so I've been eyeing this science fiction romance between a blind princess and a Special Forces operative for a while. (And don't be turned off by the princess part, Shalira is NOT spoiled. Her culture believes deformities and imperfections mean weakness, and she's been struggling to survive in a poisonous imperial court.) Cool world-building and lots of action, especially in the second half of the novel. I was a little surprised to find a mystical/magical element along with the spaceships and blasters, but Shalira's connection to her goddess balanced the characters nicely, giving her strength and agency. (Plus it was amusing to see Mike's reaction to the 'spooky' stuff.) Quibble: the romance plotline seemed settled by the midway point, instead of coming to a peak at the same time as the rescue/action plotline.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Vile Village (A Series of Unfortunate Events, #7); Author: Lemony Snicket; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, children, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Hoping to uncover the mystery of V.F.D. the Baudelaire orphans arrange to be adopted by the village of V.FD. Unfortunately, the initials stand for something different than what they seek--Village of Fowl Devotees. Count Olaf, Esme Squalor and the Quagmire triplets put in appearances, but the mystery only deepens.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Tooth and Claw; Author: Jo Walton; Genres: history, young-adult, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Wonderful world-building, a sort of What-if-dragons-behaved-like-Regency-historicals? Except, of course, they are still dragons red in tooth and claw... Quibble: I found the pacing a bit slow.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Summer Knight (The Dresden Files, #4); Author: Jim Butcher; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Continuing the reread of one of my favourite series. Magic, action, heroes. Love how the pressure on Harry and the stakes gets higher and higher in the opening third of the book. We meet Ebenezar for the first time in this book, along with the Gatekeeper and rest of the White Council, and of course this is the book where a lot of the Faerie political structure is laid out: the knights, ladies, queens and mothers. Very cool to reread this knowing what I know about later books in the series.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Goblin Emperor; Author: Katherine Addison; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Gripping. This book pretty much consumed my day. In the first few pages, Maia, an 18-year-old half-goblin boy, in thrown off the deep end when his estranged father and half-brothers die in an airship accident and he in suddenly Emperor of the Elflands. He has nobody to trust and is in no way prepared to govern or deal with the political intrigue of the court. And he tries so hard and bravely to do the right thing. Character-driven in the best way.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Undercity (Major Bhaajan, #1); Author: Catherine Asaro; Genres: romance, thriller, children, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Read in one day. A new Skolian book is always a pleasure. This one falls just after Skyfall in the timeline and starts off a new series, with a new character, Bhaajan, a P.I. hired by the high-ranking Majda family to find a runaway prince. The catch is, Bhaajan had to return to the childhood slums she escaped. In doing so, Bhaajan comes to see and remember the unique culture of the Undercity. I was a little startled when the prince plotline ended about 1/3 of the way through. (Apparently, that section was originally published as a novella.) But the plot soon picks up again without a hitch. The book ends with a very powerful scene (which I don't wish to spoil).; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents (Discworld, #28); Author: Terry Pratchett; Genres: young-adult, comics, children, paranormal, graphic, fantasy, fiction; Review: Reread this book to my kids. I remembered that I'd liked it, but had forgotten large portions of the plot. Maurice the cat and the talking rats (Dangerous Beans, Peaches, Darktan, Hamnpork, Nourishing) make great characters, though the human girl Malicia who believes Very Strongly in stories was my favourite. Entertaining and fun, but with deeper themes underneath.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Alien Tango (Katherine "Kitty" Katt, #2); Author: Gini Koch; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: This was one of those can't-tear-myself-away books. Wonderful narrator (Kitty Katt), aliens on earth, lots of action and plot twists, plus some hot romance. Book twos can be tricky, especially since the Big Bad was killed in book one, but this one pulled it off flawlessly. I especially liked the plot twist with Serene. I did raise my eyebrows a little over Brian being in love with Kitty, too. (So far the list includes, Jeff, Christopher, Chuck and Brian) But I've decided it's more in the nature of a running gag than a Kitty-is-Perfect thing. And the best thing is, there are lots more books in the series to glom! Yay!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Ophelia Prophecy; Author: Sharon Lynn Fisher; Genres: history, young-adult, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Awesome world-building, a dystopia with humanity having lost a war against the genetically-engineered Manti. Strong opening with a great hook: Asha is missing part of her memory and is kidnapped by Paxton, son of the Manti amir. I liked the growing relationship between the two main characters and appreciated that both human and Mantis weren't portrayed as all good or all evil, but shades of gray. Quibble: The ending felt rushed as if a chunk of Paxton's POV was missing.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Alien in the Family (Katherine "Kitty" Katt, #3); Author: Gini Koch; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: I am glomming this series. Love Kitty & Jeff and the plot twists and action-high plots. I bought this book on purpose to get through a long stint in a waiting room and it delivered. I expect I'll be purchasing book four real soon...; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Reformed Vampire Support Group; Author: Catherine Jinks; Genres: young-adult, romance, thriller, children, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: A fresh and very entertaining take on vampires, as reformed, in therapy, weak and sick. Nina has been stuck in a rut for fifty years since she was turned. Everything changes when one of their support group is murdered. Oh, and did I mention it's set in Australia?; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms (Inheritance Trilogy, #1); Author: N.K. Jemisin; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Lovely world-building and an original story. Yeine is called to the capital to be made one of three heirs to her dying, estranged grandfather. I expected the book to be mostly political intrigue but, while there is some, most of the book is concerned with the enslaved gods and demigods and the intrigue is on that level. Great characters in Nahadoth, the terrifying seductive Nightlord, and Sieh, a lovable mischievous child god. Very tiny quibble: I don't get the altarskirt rose bit.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ride to Ruin; Author: Eleri Stone; Genres: history, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy; Review: What starts out as a rebound romance for Ellie, an independent rancher, with a hot Ranger, Garrett, quickly turns into something sweet and strong as the two partner up to save their respective sisters. Ride to Ruin is the third book in this enjoyable series. Though a romance at its core, I love the strong world-building and depth of this world that combines elements like Western cowboys, parasitic zombies (Reapers) and airships. I appreciate how each story has been different and expanded the world we have been shown. I liked how the zombie cure discovered in book one has not been a `magic bullet` but has had repercussions to the world, resulting in this book`s menace: a zealot preacher founding a town with former Reapers called the Redeemed. The story also features Molly and Flynn as secondary characters. I cannot wait for them to get their own book! Note: I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Valour and Vanity (Glamourist Histories, #4); Author: Mary Robinette Kowal; Genres: history, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: I think this is my favourite of the series (so far!) Two good plot twists early on which led to strong tension for the remainder of the novel. As always, I enjoyed the gentle romantic love between Jane and Vincent as well as the inventive magic (glamour). This time around we leave England for Murano, Italy and Lord Byron has a cameo. The heist plotline made for a great finale.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Alien Proliferation (Katherine "Kitty" Katt, #4); Author: Gini Koch; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Continuing to speed-read through this highly-addictive series. All the usual elements were there: action, humour, plot twists, romance. As is obvious from the title and cover, Jeff and Kitty now have a baby. I really liked the way this new element was handled, i.e. the baby wasn't shuffled off to the side. I also really liked how Kitty ended up partnered for half the book with the Pontifex; it was great to see a new side to this regular character. Favourite line: I'm Wolverine with boobs!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Best Served Cold; Author: Joe Abercrombie; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Strong beginning and ending, but it took me a long time to get through the middle. It was just too grim for my tastes (yes, I know, not a surprise, as this is grimdark fantasy). I stopped caring about the main character and I hated Shivers' downward trajectory.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Alien Diplomacy (Katherine "Kitty" Katt, #5); Author: Gini Koch; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Still speeding through this series. Kitty is a great narrator. This time round she and Jeff and the rest of the crew are in Washington, trying to be diplomats (and having a hard time), and stumbling over various conspiracies as usual.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dark Heir (Jane Yellowrock, #9); Author: Faith Hunter; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Wow. The villains are really getting insanely tough to beat in this series. Fortunately, Jane Yellowrock (who is soul joined to Beast) also has some new skillz. Lots of action scenes. There wasn't quite as much Beast scenes as I would have liked, but there were some nice character moments between Jane and her partner Eli.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Vengeance of the Demon (Kara Gillian, #7); Author: Diana Rowland; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: A number of jaw-dropping secrets are revealed this book as the series stakes rise ever higher. Kara did NOT have things easy this book (not that she ever does) which made for an intense second half of the story. With Ryan/Szerain and Zak out of the picture for most of this novel it makes sense that Kara would need a new member of the posse but, wow, I was not expecting Pellini. Great deepening of both his character and Boudreux's. Quibble: I'm just not as invested in the Kara/Mzatal romance as I was in Kara/Ryan so one scene fell a little flat for me.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Other Side of Midnight; Author: Simone St. James; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, romance, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Simone St. James continues to make me turn the pages with her unique blend of ghosts, mystery and romance set in England during the 1920s. This time around, our main character Ellie Winters is a medium, who prefers to find lost items and avoid talking to the dead--until her estranged best friend and fellow medium Gloria Sutter is murdered. Lovely historical detail, well-drawn characters and strong tension.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Contagion: Eyre; Author: Alison Sinclair; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: After the Great Plague, the lost colony world Eyre is ruled by a medical order turned religion that's obsessed with removing Stain, both physical diseases and spiritual heresy. Into this comes the medical re-contact team from the New Confederation who walk a tight rope between interfering with the colony's beliefs and their own mission... Strong tension between the various groups kept me turning pages. Quibble: Phi's recklessness annoyed me.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Edge of Dreams (Diamond City Magic, #2); Author: Diana Pharaoh Francis; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Loving this urban fantasy series. I really appreciate a magic system and world that deepens and expands as the series progresses. Not only does Riley's tracer talent takes some unexpected turns, but we also get to see her brother Leo's metal talent at work. Of course, Riley's true talent is for getting into trouble (usually to save other people). Mix in a truly heinous villain, lots of magic, action and a passionate reunion between Riley and Price and I was turning those pages as fast as I could. The book made some definite progress on the series-arc mystery of Riley's murdered mother and missing father plot as well.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Royally Ever After; Author: Loretta Chase; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Two delightful historical romance short stories. Thematically linked, but not part of a series.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Darkened Blade (Fallen Blade #6); Author: Kelly McCullough; Genres: paranormal, young-adult, fantasy, fiction; Review: A pleasing mix of action, magic and a complex main character. Although the cover doesn't say "Thrilling conclusion" anywhere this felt like the final book in a series. A lot of loose threads were wrapped up, including dealing with the Big Bad AKA the Son of Heaven, as well as a lot of character issues dating from the death of Aral's Goddess. Fave moments: the sailjump and the Blade dedication scenes; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Eye of Strife; Author: Dave Duncan; Genres: paranormal, fantasy; Review: Read in one day. According to legend, the god Strife gave the conqueror Quarn his own eye, which made Quarn indefeatable in battle. Centuries later, the Eye has been seen again and seven witnesses are called to give their interweaving testimony.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Hollow Chocolate Bunnies of the Apocalypse; Author: Robert Rankin; Genres: thriller, comics, crime, paranormal, graphic, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: I wanted something light-hearted to read to contrast with the grimdark book I was stuck in the middle of and chose this one because of the timely title. Jack is a clever lad on his way to the city to seek his fortune... except the city he finds is Toy City, which is filled with talking toys: teddy bears, dolls, wind-up cars and clockwork men. Jack soon hooks up with Eddie Bear and the two try to solve a string of Nursery Rhyme Murders, starting with the death of Humpty Dumpty. Good dialogue, amusing world and characters. Quibble: the ending seem to come out of nowhere.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Alien vs. Alien (Katherine "Kitty" Katt, #6); Author: Gini Koch; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: More fun with Kitty! Especially enjoyed the Peregrines, Poofs, parrot and Kitty's new Dr. Doolittle power. Hacker Central also made a nice new addition.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Southern Belle's Guide to Witchcraft; Author: Loribelle Hunt; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: Satisfying paranormal romance between werewolf sheriff Jake and witch/Guardian Scarlet. Once burned twice shy means its not easy for Scarlet to trust any man--her ex impregnated her younger sister and Scarlet is raising the twins. Jake struggles with his protective instincts when it comes to letting Scarlet act as Guardian, but they need to work together to stop a string of ritual murders that are targetting Scarlet's family. I enjoyed the Deep South setting and concept of a town near a portal inhabited by various supernatural types. Quibble: The book spent a little too much time in the heads of non-main characters for my taste. I don't mind some set up for the next books in the series, but I kept wanting to get back to Scarlet and Jake!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Hostile Hospital (A Series of Unfortunate Events, #8); Author: Lemony Snicket; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, children, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: This book marks the switch from the Baudelaires being passed from terrible guardian to terrible guardian to being on the run and wanted for murder. I'm enjoying the hints about the ongoing mystery of VFD etc. Fave bit: Singing the Volunteers Fighting Disease song to my kids.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Peacemaker (Foreigner, #15); Author: C.J. Cherryh; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Book 15 in Cherryh's atevi series. Lots of political intrigue, a strong middle action sequence and high tension leading up to Cajeiri's felicitous ninth birthday. I love the premise of this series with Bren as often the lone human on a continent of atevi (though in this book he's joined by long-running character Jase and three human children); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Death Masks (The Dresden Files, #5); Author: Jim Butcher; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Continuing my reread of this excellent series. The poignant return of Susan, a duel with Duke Ortega of the Red Court vampires, a search for the Shroud of Turin that quickly turns into a battle with the Denarians... Notes: Not only do we meet the often-recurring-villains the Denarians for the first time this book, but also the Knights of the Cross Sanya and Shiro, Susan's annoying partner Martin, thief Anna Valmont, Ivy the child Archive, her bodyguard Kincaid, and morgue doctor Waldo Butters. Fave bit: the duck hold-up maybe? or asteroid Dresden?; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Alien in the House (Katherine "Kitty" Katt, #7); Author: Gini Koch; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery; Review: This one had more of a mystery feel, as Kitty, Jeff and the gang investigate a number of deaths in the 'House' of Representatives. Also includes Jamie-Kat's first birthday.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fallen Embers (Children of Night, #5); Author: P.G. Forte; Genres: history, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy; Review: Latest installment in this addictive vampire series. So happy to see Julie coming into some of her Infragilis powers! In addition to the present timeline, each book has a past plotline. This time around we get Georgia and Conrad's backstory, when they first meet in Brittania in the twelfth century. Secrets on both sides are revealed, but there are plenty of ongoing plot threads to keep me on tenterhooks waiting for the next book. Quibble: Still waiting to find out how/why Conrad and Damian broke up in the 1800s.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Talon of the Hawk (The Twelve Kingdoms, #3); Author: Jeffe Kennedy; Genres: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Ursula is the eldest princess, a warrior, and the loyal heir of High King Uorsin. Her deep loyalties, divided between her father and king and her beloved sisters, are causing cracks in her fearless facade and make for riveting and at times heart-wrenching reading. A true hero's journey. I also really enjoyed the romantic subplot with Captain Harlan. Quibble: The pacing slowed down a little in the middle. Why, exactly, didn't Uorsin send pursuers after them?; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Midnight Crossroad (Midnight, Texas, #1); Author: Charlaine Harris; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: I'm feeling a bit lukewarm about this one. On the one hand, it was a quick read and I liked the town of Midnight and the quirky/mysterious characters who lived there. I'm curious about the secrets still to be revealed (What's up with the Rev? What is Olivia's job? Do Joe and Chuy have wings?) But on the other hand it started off with an incredibly dull prologue, and the book only truly gripped me during one chapter. One of the narrators, Manfred was familiar to me from reading the Harper Connelly books. He's a psychic--but he only had one vision during the book of little import, which I found disappointing. I liked the witch character, Fiji, better. I gather the third narrator, Bobo, is also a side character from the author's Lily Bard series which I haven't read.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Golden Wasp (The Secrets of Droon, #8); Author: Tony Abbott; Genres: young-adult, children, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Still reading this inventive fantasy series to my 7-year-old. I enjoyed the fact that Eric's dad got to play a small role in this one--even if he did get his memory erased at the end.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Sleeping God (Dhulyn and Parno, #1); Author: Violette Malan; Genres: history, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Great world-building in this fantasy. I liked the concept of the Mercenary Brothers (who BTW could be women, too) and their Partners who were "together in Battle or in Death". I liked the different categories of the Marked (Finders, Healders, Menders and Seers) and the naming customs in Imrion. I loved how a lot of separate things came together in the ending to wake the Sleeping God and defeat the Green Shadow. Quibble: The pacing was a bit slow in places, and Dhulyn's visions sometimes telegraphed what was going to happen next a bit too much.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Eighth Grave After Dark (Charley Davidson, #8); Author: Darynda Jones; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Can't get enough of Charlie! Love the humour in this series. While the books always have a mystery plot, there's also a long fantasy story arc which has really come to a head in the last two books. (And since I enjoy the Grim Reaper + son of Lucifer plot the best, this is good news for me.) BTW, the ending makes it quite clear that this is NOT the last Charlie books, so BIG sigh of relief.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Uprooted; Author: Naomi Novik; Genres: history, young-adult, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Excellent fantasy novel (and that rare creature, a stand-alone) with a vaguely Russian medieval feeling. The Wood was very well done, malevolent and deeply strange. Although the magic is the standard chants and potions, I really liked the way Agnieszka's character did hers differently and less formally than the other wizards. Strong pacing throughout.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Only a Promise (The Survivors' Club, #5); Author: Mary Balogh; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Ten tissues gave their lives so that I might read this story... All the things I love in a Mary Balogh historical romance: a damaged hero, a heroine with a past, and a marriage of convenience that turns into something more. Fave scene: the haircut; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Secret Country (The Secret Country, #1); Author: Pamela Dean; Genres: young-adult, children, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Reread this to my kids. Portal fantasy with an interesting twist: the secret country is a game the kids made up and therefore they know the story and what's going to happen. But Ted doesn't want to have to kill Lord Randolph, so they try to change the story.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Hidden Land (The Secret Country, #2); Author: Pamela Dean; Genres: young-adult, children, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Reread this to my kids. This is very much the middle book in the series. Except for the last chapter, it's spent entirely in the Hidden Land. I like the push/pull between the kids' expectations from the game they played, and what actually happens. Note: Since all five main characters are teens or younger, I'm sorting this as young adult, but some of the language has a Shakespearean flavor that requires some effort to follow. You could just as easily count it as written for adults.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dragonsong (Harper Hall, #1); Author: Anne McCaffrey; Genres: young-adult, children, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Reread this beloved favorite of my teen years to my kids. I'm pleased to report that it held up well. Menolly is drawn with so much sympathy that her treatment at the Sea Hold always brings tears to my eyes. But she is more than a victim, she is brave, living hold-less during Threadfall and working hard to save the fire lizards. Quibble: It struck me this time around how many pages were devoted to dove-tailing Menolly's story with the events of Dragonquest. Several chapters were spent on Menolly observing the Hatching and learning about people at Benden Weyr after Menolly had her dramatic climax outrunning Thread. It works fine for readers like me who've read the other series, but bewildered my kids who haven't.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dragonsinger (Harper Hall, #2); Author: Anne McCaffrey; Genres: young-adult, children, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: An old favourite that I reread to my kids. It held up well. The music bits feel authentic and I loved seeing Menolly find her rightful place at Harper Hall. The plot still overlaps with Dragonquest, but doesn't feel as shoehorned as some of the parts in book one.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Talon (Talon, #1); Author: Julie Kagawa; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Ember is an engaging heroine, a dragon-shifter eager for a summer of freedom before finding out what her role will be in Talon--a sort of dragon corporation/tyranny. I enjoyed the unfolding mystery of Talon, and the budding romance between Ember and the human Garret, who is spying for the Order of St George. Quibble: Ember's assignment as a [Spoiler] seemed to come out of nowhere. I wish we'd seen a little more of her being successful at her training to foreshadow this.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Second Olympus; Author: K.A. Stewart; Genres: paranormal, fantasy; Review: I'm a bit torn about this one especially since I really enjoyed the author's other books. Pluses: Great world-building. A war between the gods caused the fall of the original Olympus. Artemis (who is frankly crazy) rules Second Olympus, a walled off section of the Elysian fields, with a steampunkish World Pillar and clock. The remaining humans toil in the Dark (because Apollo's dead so no sun) in poverty and work in the Factory. The disabled hero, Geoffroi, is also quite likeable. Minuses: As superpowers go, being a muse sucks. Geoff can inspire others to create and innovate, but does little of it himself. Also the plot felt very villain-driven, with Geoff mostly reacting or being dragged along by others, until close to the end.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Uncertain Soldier; Author: Karen Bass; Genres: history, young-adult, mystery, thriller, children, crime, biography, historical fiction, fiction; Review: Fascinating window on Alberta history: some German POWs were sent to northern Alberta to work in a logging camp. Needless to say tensions were high, with many Canadians having relatives still fighting or dead in the war and angry at the "Jerries" as well as factions within the POWs themselves. I sympathized both with Erich (a young German soldier but no Nazi) and twelve-year-old Max, a German-Canadian boy, but Max especially got under my skin to the point where my reading slowed down a little because I hated reading about him being bullied. A chilling climax set against the backdrop of spring breakup on the mighty Peace River.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Alien Research (Katherine "Kitty" Katt, #8); Author: Gini Koch; Genres: romance, thriller, children, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Another installment in this Men-in-black style SF series. Less Washington politics this time around. Still lots of twists and turns and kicking butt. We finally get to meet Gladys and the A-C Elves (or rather Elf). The plot took a bit more serious turn this time and Kitty's team experiences some losses. Looking forward to the next book in the series!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Breakout (Dred Chronicles, #3); Author: Ann Aguirre; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Satisfying end to the trilogy. Plenty of action as the few surviving criminals and mercs from last book try to get off Perdition station--by building a ship--while still trying to evade Silence and her insane assassins. Quibble: The denouement was longer than usual.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Carnivorous Carnival (A Series of Unfortunate Events, #9); Author: Lemony Snicket; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, children, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Violet, Klaus & Sunny are finally taking action, trying to uncover the mystery of VFD, instead of merely reacting to Count Olaf's evil plans. The story is both more dynamic and more peril-filled than other volumes and ends on a cliff-hanger. Fave part: Kevin's ambidextrism. Quibble: As always all adult characters are either stupid or loathsome.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: One Good Dragon Deserves Another (Heartstrikers, #2); Author: Rachel Aaron; Genres: young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Love this series! Not only do we get plenty of action and magic scenes, but they're fun to read. We meet more dragons, both Heartstrikers and a few from other clans. Some very interesting developments with Marci's Ghost cat and I loved the history of the dragon home world. And the epilogue left me eager for the next book. So. Cool! Fave running joke: A-melia?; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Shadow of Freedom (Honorverse: Saganami Island, #3); Author: David Weber; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Some space opera made a refreshing change from my usual diet of fantasy. This book, while in the Honorverse, features more side characters such as Honor's friend Michelle (Admiral Gold Peak) and some ensigns we met in Shadow of Saganami, Helen Zilwicki and a Grayson girl, Abigail Hearns. It is definitely NOT a stand-alone. The book had the usual Weber strengths: high stakes, intense battle scenes, complex politics and the satisfaction of winning against some pretty vile villains. (I'd also like to say how much I appreciate the fact that in Weber's future the military is 50/50 male and female, not just with a few 'token' strong females scattered around) It also had the usual Weber drawbacks: tons of staff meetings, secondary characters I didn't care about and lots of tech jargon.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Alien Collective (Katherine "Kitty" Katt, #9); Author: Gini Koch; Genres: romance, thriller, children, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Snappy dialogue, action-adventure, aliens, sarcasm knobs, steamy scenes... must be another Gini Koch book. Kitty Katt-Martini is an awesome heroine, and I'm having to fight my impulse to go straight to the next book in the series and spread them out a little more... I'll probably last about a week. Favourite part: Sloshy/Sandy! And can I just say how much I love the cover?; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Victory of the Hawk (Rebels of Adalonia, #3); Author: Angela Highland; Genres: paranormal, fantasy; Review: Conclusion to the Rebels of Adalonia trilogy. The Anreulag is on the loose and wreaking havoc at the same time as the people of Nirrivy rebel and the elves are fighting for their lives against the Hawks. Good world-building and lovely description. Faanshi and Julian remain my favourite characters and it was nice to see them get together. I raised my eyebrows a little at the 'magic sword', but appreciated the twist on the trope. Quibble: It took a few chapters to get back to main characters POV (Kestar/Faanshi/Julian) Part of being epic, I suppose.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Fighter and the Fallen Woman; Author: Pamela Cayne; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Big points for originality--I love historical romance, but one does get tired of dukes. I loved the character of Lady--her smarts and grit and heart let her survive being the mistress of Mr. Adams, an abusive London underworld kingpin, and King, a boxer with a gentle side, made a great match for her. Though the abuse itself was largely off-screen, the story was very dark and intense. If Lady and King are caught together, they'll both be killed, and there are possible betrayers lurking on every side as Lady and King make plans to run away at the end of the boxing tournament. The secondary characters were also well-drawn, particularly Mrs. Nesbitt, who is both Lady's best friend and a spy for Mr. Adams, and Jonathan and not-quite-right-in-the-head boxer.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Tower of the Elf King (The Secrets of Droon, #9); Author: Tony Abbott; Genres: young-adult, children, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Another fantastical adventure, this time without Sparr as the villain, and somewhat sillier. Fave bit: meeting the Ninn females; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Tithe (Modern Faerie Tales, #1); Author: Holly Black; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: I somehow missed reading any Holly Black before this, so wanted to make up the lack... Kaye's had an unusual life, following her mother (a musician) from bar to bar. While she verges on being a delinquent at some times, she remains sympathetic. Her brushes with magic grow stronger and more deadly as she moves back to her home town in Jersey. Great description of the faery and the Seelie and Unseelie courts. I liked Kaye's odd friendship with Corny. Quibble: Has no one heard of CPR?; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Tracker (Foreigner, #16); Author: C.J. Cherryh; Genres: history, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Awesome! So, so, happy to get back into space in this volume of C.J. Cherryh's excellent long-running atevi series. (To give you some idea, Bren and company were in space in books 4-6, they came back to the atevi homeworld to find it in turmoil... and nine books passed resolving that.) The book has steadily rising tension as we learn of problems on the space station between ship-humans, Reunioner-refugees, and Mosphei humans. And then... the kyo. And the pressure is on! Cherryh has arranged her series into loose trilogies and plot-arcs within the overall series. Tracker is first in a new plot-arc, so don't expect everything to be resolved by the end. Can't wait to find out what happens next!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dragos Goes to Washington (Elder Races, #8.5); Author: Thea Harrison; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Read in a single evening. I'm always happy and excited to revisit Pia and Dragos (who first fell in love in Dragon Bound and have since starred in Lord's Fall and two other novellas). Strong tension. I was quite worried about Pia, even before the event on the blurb took place.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Shadows (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #13); Author: J.R. Ward; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Still enjoying this series, but for pete's sake don't even try to start reading if you haven't read the previous titles. Many, many plotlines (it reminded me of Suzanne Brockmann's last two Troubleshooters books) ranging from small updates (Assail) (Throe) (Luchas) to subplots (Xcor & Layla) (Rhage) (Paradise) plus two actual full romances for the Shadows (Trez & Selena) (iAm and maichen). I found Rhage's subplot very poignant and it made an excellent counterpoint to Trez & Selena's storyline. I was also interested in the details about the s'Hisbe culture. Fave bit: the rollercoaster Very much looking forward to Paradise's upcoming book in the Blood Legacy spin-off series and am dying to know who's next for the main series. Hoping for Xcor & Layla!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Witch With No Name (The Hollows, #13); Author: Kim Harrison; Genres: history, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: End of a series. I will miss Rachel, Ivy and Jenks. Their last adventure ties together epic things for the vampires, elves and demons. High stakes, lots of action and magic. Quibble: a bit too much relationship angst for my taste; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Vision in Silver (The Others, #3); Author: Anne Bishop; Genres: history, young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: I indulged myself by skim-rereading books 1-2 yesterday and then diving into this one today. Though urban fantasy, this world is very different from our own, with strong tensions between humans and terra indigene shapeshifters and elementals. Meg's cassandra sangue character links them and her innocent friendships with the Others may well be humanity's only hope.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Three-Body Problem (Remembrance of Earth’s Past, #1); Author: Liu Cixin; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Fascinating premise, that China set out to contact aliens during the Cultural Revolution--and succeeded. This is very much an Idea book and chock-full of hard science. I can see why it received a Hugo nomination. An interesting story, but it fell down for me regarding characters.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Aeronaut's Windlass (The Cinder Spires, #1); Author: Jim Butcher; Genres: paranormal, young-adult, fantasy, fiction; Review: Exciting new steampunk/fantasy series by one of my favourite authors! Excellent world-building: Spires and airships, power crystals and gauntlets, etherealists and intelligent cats... Lots of characters to invest in, from the warrior-born Benedict to awkward Bridget, steam-roller Gwen, mad Folly and Captain Grimm--and of course Rowl, our favourite cat. (Loved the Rowl POV! Hilarious!); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Prince of Fools (The Red Queen's War, #1); Author: Mark Lawrence; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Prince Jalan is a rogue. He can be an arrogant jerk at times, but his wit and self-honesty about his faults make him appealing. Frankly, I found him to be a relief after the sociopathic darkness of Prince Jorg in Mark Lawrence's earlier series. (BTW the two series are set in the same world at roughly the same time and the two princes briefly cross paths during the story.) Jalan is yoked by a curse to a rather better man, Snorri, a huge Viking with an axe, and it's Snorri's strong drive to rescue his family that drive the novel. How the two meet and come to be under the curse were what really hooked me on the story. There's a little too much journeying in the middle, but the book comes to a strong conclusion in a fight at the Black Fort close to the Bitter Ice. Book two, is called Liar's Key and I really liked the double-meaning to this phrase--both a physical key, fashioned by Loki to open any door, even the Door to Death--and that the key to being a good liar is to half-believe your own lies. I loved the way Jalan turned out to be lying to himself. I will definitely pick up book two once it's out in paperback.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Blood Rites (The Dresden Files, #6); Author: Jim Butcher; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Continuing my reread of this excellent urban fantasy series. Magic, action, high stakes and great characters. Just plain old fun. Although we met Thomas back in book three, this is the book where we find out his secret and all about the White Court vampires and how they operate. The book also makes several revelations about Harry's mother, including the fact that she was an apprentice of Ebenezar's. And we learn something about Kincaid which I had totally forgotten from my previous read.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Slippery Slope (A Series of Unfortunate Events, #10); Author: Lemony Snicket; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, children, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: I seem to be enjoying this series more as they go along. The later series books are longer and have more of a connecting plot (V.F.D!) and the Baudelaires have become pro-active instead of merely victims. Fave bit: The Snow Scout pledge; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Thief of Glory; Author: Sigmund Brouwer; Genres: history, young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Read it one day. Once I got past the banyan tree metaphor beginning, I found this utterly gripping. Set in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) during WWII, it follows ten-year-old Jeremiah Prins and his family through their hellish years in Jappenkamp. It is a tale of both survival and the indomitable human spirit. There is tragedy aplenty, but Jeremiah is no passive victim. Quibble: I didn't like the jump forward in time to Jeremiah as an old man at the end.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Quest for the Queen (The Secrets of Droon, #10); Author: Tony Abbott; Genres: young-adult, children, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: This one didn't work for me... The kids and new villains Tarok and Slag are competing in a race with a Greatest Wish prize. Magic isn't allowed, but Tarok of course cheats--and there were no consequences. Which bugged me. Also, when did Demither become evil? Confusing.; Rating: 2.0/5.0
Title: Spell Blind (Justis Fearsson, #1); Author: David B. Coe; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: New urban fantasy series with a cool magic system: weremystes are vulnerable to the full moon. It doesn't turn them into wolves, but muddles their thinking. "Twice the power, half the control." The main character, Justis Fearsson, is a former cop turned P.I. He's investigating the newest of the Blind Angel killings and the murderer is both another weremyste and one much stronger than Justis.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Far Galaxies: The Adventures of Mari Shu, Vol 3; Author: Jody Wallace; Genres: paranormal, fantasy; Review: I have picked all the paths of this latest installment of Mari Shu's adventures. (I think my favorite decision tree was: What should Mari Shu do next? a/ Die b/ Don't die) Much spoofing of SF and SFR and boinking occurred (of Dred, Bed, Carl, Zane, Zule, Veh, Meh and Maybe and probably others I've forgotten), along with lots of snort-out-loud funny bits and dozens of wickedly funny authorial intrusions like: "You're using the substance known more commonly as astroglidium instead of the slower but more stable infinityandbeyondium. That's real slim shady," Mari Shu exclaimed in shock, as did the author, who just realized what time it is and the kids are almost home from school and she still has a crash landing to write. Mari Shu and probably the author would never have sabotaged the engine if she'd known that!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Radiance (Wraith Kings, #1); Author: Grace Draven; Genres: history, young-adult, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Quite enjoyed this slow-building romance set in a secondary-world fantasy. Two lesser royals are forced to marry to cement an alliance between their peoples. Brishen's people the Kai are gray-skinned, sharp-teethed and nocturnal. Although he and his human bride Ildiko are friendly from the start, she has quite an adjustment to make. I really liked how they each came to see the other's beauty. I shall be on the lookout for book two!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Master of Crows (Master of Crows, #1); Author: Grace Draven; Genres: history, young-adult, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Perfect blend of fantasy and romance. The god Corruption has chosen Silhara, the Master of Crows, as his avatar. Frantic to escape being made the god's puppet, Silhara writes to his enemies, the priests of the Conclave, for an apprentice to help research how Corruption was banished in the past. They send Martise, a slave with a powerful but locked Gift, and offer her freedom if she brings them proof that Silhara has been corrupted. The romance between Silhara and Martise grows slowly and feels genuine. A well-told tale.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: When a Scot Ties the Knot (Castles Ever After, #3); Author: Tessa Dare; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Delightful. An amusing premise and an engaging hero and heroine, an orphaned veteran and a cripplingly shy naturalist. I especially liked how instead of hating Logan for blackmailing her, Maddie's big problem was keeping her feet on the ground and not indulging in romantic fantasies. (Which, of course, didn't work because Logan was so Squish) Fave part: the Highlanders babysitting Maddie's lobsters...; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cold-Hearted Rake (The Ravenels, #1); Author: Lisa Kleypas; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: I have a special fondness for Lisa Kleypas's historical romances and am glad that she's started writing them again. This one starts off a new family series and I'm already anticipating Pandora's book. Cold-hearted rake Devon is shocked to find himself falling for his cousin's widow... Devon worked hard to earn his happy ending with Kathleen. Definitely swoon-worthy.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Universal Alien (Katherine "Kitty" Katt, #10); Author: Gini Koch; Genres: children, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: I raced through this one. Loved the parallel world concept. It was great to see both Kittys out of their element and/or without their ever-largening support team. I also enjoyed the What-if-Kitty-had-married-Chuckie-instead-of-Jeff scenario. Only one more to go and I will be all caught up in this series!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: White Hot (Hidden Legacy, #2); Author: Ilona Andrews; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Devoured this yesterday. These books really put me in my happy place. Love the world, love the characters (including a number of fascinating secondary characters), love the action-packed plot. I especially liked the emerging powers of Nevada's siblings and cousins. Can't wait for book three!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Deadly Descent (Bagram Special Ops, #1); Author: Kaylea Cross; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: Hot military romance. Devon is a female helicopter pilot and Cam is a pararescue jumper stationed together in Afghanistan. The military bits felt very well-researched and authentic (not that I am an expert). Suspenseful second half of the book. Quibble: All the action seemed to be in the second half of the book.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Terms of Enlistment (Frontlines #1); Author: Marko Kloos; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Boy from the slums enlists and goes into the army in a futuristic setting... I read this in one day, and yet I feel like I spent most of the book waiting for the plot to happen (It finally kicked in around the 3/4 mark.) Lots of world-building and set up for further books in the series, but the main character has little agency in the first half of the book. Which probably makes it much truer to a real military experience: grunts go where they're told and follow orders or else.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: In the Black (Tales from the Edge, #1); Author: Sheryl Nantus; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Firefly-esque SF romance with a mystery plot too. When a murder takes place aboard a courtesan ship visiting a mining station, the ship captain Samantha Kellar teams up with Marshal Daniel Leclair to solve it. Likeable characters and a good balance between the mystery and romantic elements. Quibble: The names Daniel and Dane were too similar/easily confused.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Alien Separation (Katherine "Kitty" Katt, #11); Author: Gini Koch; Genres: history, romance, children, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Another high-action SF adventure. This time around Kitty and crew get teleported away from earth to a cool planet called Beta Twelve in the Alpha Centauri system. I just love Kitty's style, her way of thinking and how she outwits the bad guys. Happy/sad to be all caught up in this series.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Wild for Him (Wild, #2); Author: Jill Sorenson; Genres: romance; Review: Quick hot read. I love Jill Sorenson's Aftershocks romantic suspense series. However this entry, being a novella, has stripped out most of the 'suspense' part except for the initial earthquake scene. Tattoo artist, Gwen, ends up falling for her best friend's ex-boyfriend, Mitch.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Martian; Author: Andy Weir; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Compelling. A survival story that starts with the main character in jeopardy on page one and doesn't let up until the end. A quick read, despite all the math and science. Despite his dire straits, Mark Watney never gives up. He is tenacious, smart and capable--and wryly funny. Quibble: Most of the novel is first person point of view in the form of log entries from Mark with some third person point of view of NASA personnel. Both worked well, but I found the occasional lapses into omniscient voice during some action scenes to be horribly jarring.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Wild (Wild, #1); Author: Jill Sorenson; Genres: thriller, children, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: Earthquake at the San Diego Zoo... I'm a sucker for disaster stories so that plus a hot romance between elephant keeper Helena and zoo security Josh really kept me turning the pages. One of the those books where the setting added a LOT to the tension. I also really enjoyed the subplot with Josh's sister Chloe who was on the Coronado Bridge when the quake hit.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Local Habitation (October Daye, #2); Author: Seanan McGuire; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Continuing my reread of this excellent series. April is a favorite character, and it's cool to see the evolution of Toby's longterm relationships with Quentin, Tybalt and the Luidaeg.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Unfinished Muse (Mt. Olympus Employment Agency: Muse #1); Author: R.L. Naquin; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Great start to a new series, full of Naquin's trademark wit. Wynter Greene quits three things in one day and has her life change around when she's sent to the Mt. Olympus Employment Agency. Assigned to be a bubble-blowing Muse, Wynter the quitter must now inspire others to keep trying. Cool magic, and interesting world and lovable characters. I'm itching to read the next book and maybe (?) solve the mystery of Wynter's Greek God parentage. Fave part: Phyllis the talking philodendron; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Not Always a Saint (The Lost Lords, #7); Author: Mary Jo Putney; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Take one dedicated doctor with a new title and one twice-widowed beauty desperate to save her child and add a lightning strike of passion and you have Putney's newest novel. As always, the characters sucked me in. Quibble: There were an awful lot of skeletons in Jessie's closet.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Escape From Zulaire; Author: Veronica Scott; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: More SF romance--I'm on a bit of a kick right now. The story fits within the author's Sectors universe, but introduces new characters and a new planet. Zulaire was three main clans: the Obati, the Shenti and the Naranti, who usually play the role of peacemaker. But now a group of rebel Naranti have decided they want to rule and begin a series of bloody slaughters, beginning at High Lord Tonkiln's daughter's wedding. Off-worlder businesswoman Andi is attending the wedding; her first inkling that something is wrong comes when Sector Special Forces Captain Tom Deverane shows up to take her to safety. Things, of course, go very wrong, resulting in them being on the run, trying to get to the Capital, for the rest of the book. I especially enjoyed the mysterious monastery and the raft ride down the river. Quibble: I've grown used to having POV from both sides of a romance. It felt strange to be only in Andi's head.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Chaos Station (Chaos Station, #1); Author: Jenn Burke; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: "Felix Ingesson is dead." Zed is shocked to find his ex-lover, pronounced Killed in Action during the late war, alive and working as a mechanic on the ship he hires for a rescue mission. A moving, believable romance between two war veterans. The emotion is still there but their separate experiences during the war, Felix as a prisoner-of-war, and Zed as an altered super-soldier not experiencing potentially deadly side effects stand in their way. Good world-building: The war with the alien stin is over--but neither side won. Instead the ultra-advanced Guardian race stepped in and ended it. There's also a third alien race, the friendlier ashushk, representing by Qek the pilot.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Hawk Bandits of Tarkoom (The Secrets of Droon, #11); Author: Tony Abbott; Genres: young-adult, children, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Still reading this series to my daughter. After not enjoying the last two Droon books as much, this was an uptick again. A cool setting with the ancient city of Tarkoom coming back to life. I also liked the tangfruit and Galen Shortbeard.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Shadows (Masks of Aygrima, #2); Author: E.C. Blake; Genres: history, fiction, young-adult, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery; Review: Satisfying second installment in the series that began with Masks. Mara continues to be an interesting heroine, with both agency and vulnerability and some very hard choices. I liked how she "leveled up" magic-wise and how the world expanded. While still focussed on Aygrima and the ovethrow of the evil Autarch, we find out about other lands from the new character, Chell, a young man who washes up on the shore and has his own secrets. Some nice plot twists, especially the one at the end.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Penric's Demon (Penric and Desdemona, #1); Author: Lois McMaster Bujold; Genres: history, young-adult, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Penric's life changes forever when he stops to help a dying woman on the road--for she is a Divine and a sorcerer and her demon jumps into him, making Penric a sorcerer too. I love Bujold's writing and I read this novella with a smile on my face. It was great to get back to the Chalion universe.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Change; Author: S.M. Stirling; Genres: history, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Anthologies always take me a long time to get through... The usual up-and-down experience wherein I really like some stories and others not so much. While I enjoyed the widening of the Emberverse and tales of how other communities survived, a number were crippled by the weight of their own backstory. My favourites of the stories were Against the Wind (sailing in Alaska), The Seeker: A Poison in the Blood (a fun Wild West flavour), and The Soul Remembers Uncouth Noises (how special needs kids dealt with the Change).; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Shirt on His Back (Benjamin January, #10); Author: Barbara Hambly; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, fiction; Review: Benjamin January, a free man of color, is out of his element in this book. To help his friend, Lt. Abishag Shaw, avenge the death of his brother, he travels (along with Shaw and Hannibal, but not Rose) to the Rocky Mountain Rendezvous where the fur trappers trade in their wares and get drunk.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dead and Buried (Benjamin January, #9); Author: Barbara Hambly; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, fiction; Review: Excellent historical mystery with the two elements seamlessly woven together. The backdrop of New Orleans society in the 1830s is both sad and fascinating, and Benjamin January is a great viewpoint character. As a 'free man of colour' he walks a knife-point, knowing how fragile his freedom is and how easily stripped away, yet compelled to risk it for justice for others.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Twister on Tuesday (Magic Tree House, #23); Author: Mary Pope Osborne; Genres: history, young-adult, mystery, thriller, children, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Jack and Annie travel to pioneer times on the prairie and encounter a sod-house, a one-room schoolhouse, a wagon train and a tornado. This book made me nostalgic for my Laura Ingalls Wilder books.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Her Last Whisper (Dr. Charlotte Stone, #3); Author: Karen Robards; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Romantic suspense with a ghost element. Third in the series. This one really sucked me in. I had to force myself to put it down at midnight last night and it just ate half my afternoon. Whoops. I really like the tension between Charlotte's feelings for Michael and her knowledge that the relationship is hopeless (because he's a ghost.) As well as a tense serial killer main plot, we also got tantalizing hints at the series arc plot of Michael's backstory (why he was in prison), which I trust the author will get to in a few books. Spooksville and Charlie's psychic powers are also developing nicely.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Traitor (Maelstrom Chronicles, #2); Author: Jody Wallace; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Strong SF-romance with plenty of action, steam and the author's trademark humour. Book two in a series. Now that the Terrans know the Shipborn aren't angeli, the alliance between them is crumbling and Niko has been falsely labelled a traitor. Niko and Sarah, a doctor, must solve the mystery of the Shipborn's reproductive problems and convince the others not to abandon Terra to the inter-dimensional daemons. I especially enjoyed the AI Ship's enigmatic behavior.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making (Fairyland, #1); Author: Catherynne M. Valente; Genres: young-adult, children, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: I picked this one up for the wonderful title, but found it a little uneven. Some parts were utterly charming like the Wyverary, whose mother was a wyvern and father was a library, called A-through-L because he's read everything in those encyclopedias. Or the hundred-year-old tsukogami. Other parts left me confused and I found the narrator intrusive.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Lord of Runes; Author: Dave Gross; Genres: young-adult, children, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Another fun sword & sorcery adventure with Count Varian Jeggare and his bodyguard (and part Hellspawn) Radovan in the Pathfinder world. This time around they were up against necromancers, a dangerous grimoire and a curse. The epilogue made me go "Aww". Quibble: The stakes started off rather low as Varian's curse initially appeared to be more amusing than life-threatening.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Spirited Away (Psychic Detective, #3); Author: Angela Campbell; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Geek/gamer/hackergirl Emma is a very engaging--and capable!--heroine. While pet-setting for her boss, she gets caught up in the ghost troubles of her hot next door neighbour, Noah. And, of course, Noah has secrets of his own... Some genuine chills, some laugh out loud antics, some romance and a mystery all wrapped up in one. Fave moment: when Emma is trying to bribe the cat not to tell on her to her boss (who's a psychic who can talk to animals).; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dead Beat (The Dresden Files, #7); Author: Jim Butcher; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Continuing my reread of this excellent series. Necromancers searching for the Word of Kemmler converge on Chicago to perform the Darkhallow. Harry, of course, must stop them. I love the way a minor character, Butters, is Harry's main sidekick for this book and how Butters gets his own character arc. Ooh, and Bob had some great scenes too. The Lasciel temptation kicks into gear this book. And I love the final battle. And the scene with Corpsetaker. And many other spoilerific stuff.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Top Secret Twenty-One (Stephanie Plum, #21); Author: Janet Evanovich; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: Chihuahuas, Russian assassins, Grandma Mazur's bucket list, and bond enforcement make for a madcap adventure with all the usual suspects. I really admire the way the Stephanie Plum books zip along. A pleasure to read.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Deceptions (Cainsville, #3); Author: Kelley Armstrong; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Strong pacing. Lots of spooky omens, visions and ghosts mixed into the mystery plot. Olivia makes definite progress on the over-arching plot/mystery involving her parents who are in jail for serial murder. A bit of a love triangle going on with Olivia, Ricky and Gabriel--but that has mystical elements too.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kitty Saves the World (Kitty Norville, #14); Author: Carrie Vaughn; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery; Review: I had trouble getting into this one. If it wasn't a series and a character I'd invested in for over ten books, I might have stopped reading at the halfway mark. After that, it did pick up and the series came to a satisfying conclusion. I don't want to give too much away, but I did really like Kitty's encounter with the 'Caesar' behind Dux Bellorum and the setting for the climax.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Last Time I Saw Her (Dr. Charlotte Stone, #4); Author: Karen Robards; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Romantic suspense with a ghost/paranormal element. Some very tense moments in this one (plus the usual hot romance scenes) as Robards bring this series to a close.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Irona 700; Author: Dave Duncan; Genres: history, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Strong start with Irona, a girl from a backwater fishing village, suddenly becoming one of the yearly chosen Seventy who make up the nation's government. Top-notch world-building. The story encompasses several decades, basically following Irona 700's career and the growing conflict against the Maleficence.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: His Father's Eyes (Justis Fearsson, #2); Author: David B. Coe; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Second novel in a series. Strong opening chapter from the POV of Justis's dad, a weremyste who's losing his grip on reality. Lots of action and the mystery has some nice twists. Lots of plot threads left hanging for future novels.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Sword of the South (War God, #5); Author: David Weber; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Good battle scenes, nice description of the magic, and I liked the mystery of Kenhodan's identity. The plot seemed a bit simple to me: heroes travel toward quest location, evil sorceress sends different forces to attack them along the way. Wencit, Bahzell and Kenhodan and SO competent it's hard to get worried about their survival. However, I'm quite curious as to where the Gwynna plotline is going and Chernion's fate. Quibble: The omniscent POV bugged me. Just a personal preference.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Outside (The Hallowed Ones, #2); Author: Laura Bickle; Genres: young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Book two in a series. Tense. Katie and Alex have been forced outside the Amish community in which Katie was raised and they struggle to survive amidst the vampire apocalypse. The 'date' scene at the department store made me go Awww.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Magic Shifts (Kate Daniels, #8); Author: Ilona Andrews; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Loved it! I made a special trek to the bookstore to buy this in hardcover on release day and it was so worth it. Not only did I spend a delightful afternoon and part of the evening reading it, but as soon as I finished I started flipping through it and rereading my favourite parts (which were many). Great voice, characters I love, lots of magic and action. Super excited about the development with Julie.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Memories of Ice (Malazan Book of the Fallen, #3); Author: Steven Erikson; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: A doorstopper of an epic fantasy book that took me a month to get through. Great world-building--loved the magic with its warrens and gods and Mortal Swords and Moon's Pawn and Dragnipur and the Master of the Deck and Year of Burn's Sleep, etc. The characters always seemed to be undergoing some weird magical transformation. So why did it take me so long to read? Very unpleasant villains doing very unpleasant thin and tons of POV characters, very few of whom I cared about.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Entreat Me; Author: Grace Draven; Genres: history, young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Lovely blend of fantasy and romance, a unique retelling of the Beauty and the Beast fairytale, with the curse affecting a father and son. Two very different sisters take on the role of Beauty.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Brush of Black Wings (Master of Crows, #2); Author: Grace Draven; Genres: history, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: A blend of fantasy and romance, sequel to Master of Crows. A trip to gather mushrooms goes awry, when Martise accidently triggers an old, dark magic among some ruins, and in so doing awakens her own missing magic as well. Gorgeous description. Quibble: I wish it had been longer! (I almost always say this about novellas.); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Natural History of Dragons (The Memoirs of Lady Trent #1); Author: Marie Brennan; Genres: history, young-adult, mystery, thriller, romance, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Charming. The premise, that the book is a memoir about natural historian Lady Trent instead of a straight up fantasy novel, worked well. Though set in a fantasy world with dragons and different geography and religions, the novel had a definite Victorian-era feel to it. The natural history/scientific study of dragons instead of a epic quest made for an original story. I also found the tension in the "Lady Trent" authorship, when the narrator from chapter three on is a Mrs. Camherst, made for a strong dramatic question that kept me reading.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Tropic of Serpents (The Memoirs of Lady Trent #2); Author: Marie Brennan; Genres: history, young-adult, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: The memoirs of Lady Trent continue... Isabella is off on another natural history expedition to study dragons, this time as the lead historian. The new fantasy country visited has an African feel. I didn't find this volume quite as absorbing as the first one, perhaps because Isabella had less going on in her personal life. Looking forward to the next volume.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mercury Retrograde (Dark Alchemy, #2); Author: Laura Bickle; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Really enjoying this fast-paced series. Unique Yellowstone setting combined with alchemy, a heroine who's a geologist, the spooky Hanged Men, snake cultists and a basilisk.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lock In (Lock In, #1); Author: John Scalzi; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Cool premise teamed with a twisty, even labyrinthine, murder investigation. I find Scalzi's writing super-smooth, no bumps that is, and thus a very fast read. Frankly, this world feels deep enough to support a series of mysteries. Side note: the mystery starts out rather intellectual, but at about the 2/3 mark I got very angry on behalf of the (fictional) victim and really invested in seeing his murderer put away Fave bit: How Shane goes through threeps like Stephanie Plum goes through cars.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Grim Grotto (A Series of Unfortunate Events, #11); Author: Lemony Snicket; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, children, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: The Baudelaires are rescued from the Stricken Stream by Captain Widdershins on the Queequeeg submarine. There they also meet mycologist Fiona and are reunited with Phil the optimist from the Lucky Smells Lumber Mill. Some revelations about one of Count Olaf's minions, but not that much in the way of progress re the series plot. Favorite bit: Carmelita Spats as a tap-dancing ballerina fairy princess veterinarian Least favorite bit: the water cycle that went on and on; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sparrow Hill Road (Ghost Stories, #1); Author: Seanan McGuire; Genres: history, young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: A rich world of hitchers, homecomers, phantom riders and dozens of other type of ghosts travelling the layered ghostroads, truck stops and diners of America. Rose Marshall is the Girl in the Diner, the Phantom Prom Date and the Spirit of Sparrow Hill Road. Her nemesis is Bobby Cross who traded his soul for immortal life at the crossroads. My beef is that this isn't a novel but rather a series of connected short stories. Every time the overarching plot would gather a little momentum, I'd slam into the wall of exposition that starts every single story/chapter.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (Chronicles of Narnia, #1); Author: C.S. Lewis; Genres: young-adult, children, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Rereading this to my kids. The five stars may be partly nostalgia--I took the Narnia books out of the library so many times that my parents bought me a boxed set for my birthday one year--but the book holds up pretty well to my adult eyes.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Desert Hunt (The Wolves of Twin Moon Ranch #0.5); Author: Anna Lowe; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Hot paranormal romance with werewolves. Zack is half-coyote half-wolf and Rae has a mysterious new moon thing going on that I don't want to spoiler. I particularly liked Zack's vulnerability. He is a rising Alpha who doesn't particularly want to be a leader, but is chafing under the control of the old pack Alpha. The author did a good job of balancing his alpha tendencies with an outsider-loner vibe.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Star Cruise: Marooned; Author: Veronica Scott; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Loved the premise: a luxury cruise is marooned on a dangerous planet while war breaks out overhead. Both Meg and Red were strong, capable characters and I was rooting for them to get together. A fast read, which was just what I was looking for.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Red-Rose Chain (October Daye, #9); Author: Seanan McGuire; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery; Review: Read in one day. As soon as another October Daye book releases, I pounce on it. In some ways this felt like a side-adventure--Toby, Tybalt, Quentin and May go to the nearby Kingdom of Silences on a diplomatic mission (if you know Toby, you're laughing right now)--but the book ends with an almost cleansing-of-saidin-level game-changer in how magic is used. The villains, King Rhys and the former Queen of the Mists, were quite despicable, and it was a pleasure watching Toby take them down.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Archangel's Enigma (Guild Hunter, #8); Author: Nalini Singh; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: This series seems to alternate between paranormal romance and urban fantasy volumes about lead/continuing characters Raphael & Elena. (Not a complaint, I'm happy to read either.) This time out we get Naasir, a one of a kind shifter-vampire, who is more than half-feral, and Andromeda, a scholar angel, who can sword-fight and has a taken a vow of chastity. Lots of action and loads of sexual tension and I really loved Naasir's unique way of looking at the world. Quibble: there's little tension in some of the fight scenes where Naasir is so good he's going for the knock-out punch instead of fighting for his life.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Drafter (The Peri Reed Chronicles, #1); Author: Kim Harrison; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Peri can "draft" and replay a few minutes of time--but her ability comes with a high price: memory loss. Lots of action, corruption and conspiracies as both Opti and the alliance vie for her talents. With holes in her memory and no anchor, Peri must trust her intuition. Some nice twists. Quibble: The paperback starts off with a prequel novella Sideswiped that I read first. I think the mystery might have unfolded better without the prequel.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ender's Game (Ender's Saga, #1); Author: Orson Scott Card; Genres: young-adult, children, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Reread this to my son. Still a darn good book, even if I find the lack of girls in Battle School more annoying these days.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Dukes Prefer Blondes (The Dressmakers, #4); Author: Loretta Chase; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: A new Loretta Chase novel to read is always a pleasure. Barrister "Raven" Radford is cool and logical, except when it comes to Lady Clara... Lots of witty dialogue and steamy romance and two characters with genuine problems to overcome before their HEA. Quibble: the title is something of a misnomer; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Indexing (Indexing #1); Author: Seanan McGuire; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Cool premise: fairy tale narratives keep trying to impose their (often horrific) storylines on the modern world and there's a government agency that stops them. With a team consisting of Snow White, a Wicked Stepsister, a Cobbler and a mundane human (plus another that they recruit along the way) there's a lot of snark flying around. A fun, quick read. Note: This one was also released as a Kindle Serial, but unlike Sparrow Hill Road, it read like a novel to me and thus I found it much more satisfying.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Golden Princess (Emberverse, #11); Author: S.M. Stirling; Genres: history, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: With this book we move into the third generation from the characters in Dies the Fire. Thus a lot of the book is devoted to introducing Princess Orlaith's friends and companions, building a strong friendship between Orlaith and Reiko the Empress of Japan, and setting up the quest to come. Frankly, I was hoping for a bit more plot, but there were some very satisfying battle scenes and as always the world-building is fantastic. Fave bits: the hippomotive and the Dunedain among the redwoods. Quibble: Why only one chapter set in Australia?; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Only a Kiss (The Survivors' Club, #6); Author: Mary Balogh; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: It took me an extra week to get through the first half of this novel. This perplexed me as I've been dying to here Imogen's story since the Survivor's Club series first started. I think perhaps it was because I had trouble connecting to the hero. He is rather rude to the heroine several times. There's a reason for this: Imogen is so enclosed in her shell that if he hadn't been so provocative the story wouldn't have gotten anywhere, politeness would have just bounced right off her, but still. The second half of the novel was up to Balogh's usual high level. I especially liked how Imogen's tragic past intertwined with the present-day plot and, of course, I cried when her secret is fully revealed.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Proven Guilty (The Dresden Files, #8); Author: Jim Butcher; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Such a pleasure to reread this series! Trademark Dresden humour, action & magic. NOTE: The first time I read these books I read them quite close together and sometimes have trouble remembering what happens in which book. So this is less of a regular review and more of a personal list for myself, i.e. it contains spoilers and you should stop reading NOW. Thomas moves out, but his new job is a mystery. Main plot is fetches from faerie terrorizing a horror movie convention SPLATTERCON!!! Start of the Molly-as-apprentice plotline. Yay! Visit to Arctis Tor. Leanansidhe frozen and insane.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Zeroboxer; Author: Fonda Lee; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Zero-gee boxing! Great fight scenes in the Cube and an interesting world. Carr Luka is a strong, believable character. I loved the way the pressure on Carr kept mounting as his fame grew! Quibble: The ending was a bit more open than I personally prefer.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Penultimate Peril (A Series of Unfortunate Events, #12); Author: Lemony Snicket; Genres: young-adult, thriller, children, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: The Baudelaires go undercover as concierges (and flaneurs) at the Hotel Denouement where they meet up with many villainous and noble people from previous books.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mercy Thompson: Hopcross Jilly; Author: Patricia Briggs; Genres: romance, mystery, thriller, comics, crime, paranormal, graphic, fantasy, fiction; Review: Great Mercy Thompson story with a very creepy fae villain. I really enjoyed getting to see some Jesse POV in addition to Mercy.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Broken Eye (Lightbringer, #3); Author: Brent Weeks; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Awesome epic fantasy--still reeling from the twist at the end. Action scenes, complex characters, cool magic, villain to hate... Basically, everything I like. Will be waiting on tenterhooks for the next book!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: By Hook Or By Crook; Author: Eleri Stone; Genres: history, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: It's finally Molly & Flynn's turn! Born rich, then a smuggler, now trying to go straight, Flynn is a classic rogue hero. He's loved Molly for years and can't understand why she keeps running from her feelings for him. Molly can't understand how a street rat like herself can possibly fit in Flynn's world. I really love the world-building in this series. The setting is a really cool mashup of Western, steampunk and zombies (or rather Reapers, a variant on zombies); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Leviathan Wakes (The Expanse, #1); Author: James S.A. Corey; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: The book starts with an awesome prologue that totally hooked me. I liked the world-building: it's space opera but earlier in the timeline than most genre in that humanity is still in the Solar System with three distinct groups: Earth, Mars and the (asteroid) Belt. It was one of those stories where I enjoyed one storyline/POV more than the others (idealist space captain Holden over depressed cynical ex-cop Miller), but a good story overall.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rock Redemption (Rock Kiss, #3); Author: Nalini Singh; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: The characters, bad-boy rock-star Noah and actress Kit, really grabbed me in the this one. I spent all morning reading it when I should have been working. My favourite of the series so far.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ancillary Mercy (Imperial Radch #3); Author: Ann Leckie; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Final book in the award-winning SF trilogy. A fascinating world, with a fascinating non-human main character. Highly recommended. Fave part: All the conversations with the Presger translator.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: An Apprentice to Elves (Iskryne World, #3); Author: Sarah Monette; Genres: history, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: The passage of fifteen years for the characters and several years since reading book two for me meant I was a little overwhelmed in the early chapters, trying to sort out who was a new character and who was a returning one, and the plethora of Old English-style words. The first two books focus around Isolfr and the mostly male wolfhealls so it was nice to get the woman's side of things this time around: Alfgyfa (Isolfr's talented daughter), Tin (a svartalf), Otter (a former Roman slave) and Fargrimr (a woman who as her father's heir has taken on a male role as a 'sworn-son').; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Swords and Scoundrels (Duelists Trilogy, #1); Author: Julia Knight; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Brother and sister duellists, Vocho and Kacha, are on the run and have resorted to highway robbery. They steal a locked chest that the king and his magician want back, badly. Well-drawn characters, sword-fights and chases, snark, and excellent world-building. I loved the world. The city of Reyes is built over giant clockwork mechanisms that actually change the geography of the streets every third day at the 'change o' the clock'. Looking forward to book two!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: An Ancient Peace (Peacekeeper, #1; Confederation, #6); Author: Tanya Huff; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Military-flavor SF. Ex-Gunnery Sergeant Torin Kerr returns in a spin-off series. Fun adventure and some archaeology/tomb type puzzles to solve. I especially enjoyed the feeling that the world has deepened as we visited the Core Worlds (and their aliens who dislike the Younger Races) for the first time. Quibble: The villain sections dragged a bit for me.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Darkthaw (Winterkill, #2); Author: Kate A. Boorman; Genres: history, young-adult, romance, thriller, children, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Beautifully written. Just like the first book, Winterkill, I was quickly sucked into the world of this frontier prairies gone wrong alternate history. Emmeline and her companions leave their settlement on an important journey to Matisa's First Peoples, but things quickly go wrong... Emmeline's feeling are well-portrayed and gripping.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Brighter Than the Sun (Charley Davidson #8.5); Author: Darynda Jones; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: This one is definitely for fans of the series only. No new ground is covered, but we see things from Reyes' often heart-breaking point of view. (I am a big fan and enjoyed this novella); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Shadows of Self (Mistborn, #5); Author: Brandon Sanderson; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Guns and magic... Fast-paced 2nd book in the 2nd Mistborn series. Wax and Wayne continue to be highly entertaining. I liked Steris rather better this book. In book one I was frankly rooting for Wax and Marasi to get together but that seems less likely now--and Marasi has grown nicely into her new role working for the constables. Man, oh man, the ending. Poor Wax.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Reflected (Silver, #3); Author: Rhiannon Held; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 3rd book in a series. I find Silver's character fascinating--a werewolf who was almost driven mad by silver poisoning and can no longer shift, who believes in the Lady (moon), who talks to Death, yet who is strong enough to be alpha. This books was a bit of departure in that the other series main character, Dare, was off-screen for most of the book. (The book revolves around how Silver deals with two challenges to her leadership, so this makes sense, but I missed Dare.) Instead of Dare, we got secondary POV from Felicia, Dare's teenage daughter. While I occasionally felt impatient with Felicia, the author managed to have her remain sympathetic throughout--no mean feat.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Owl and the Japanese Circus (Adventures of Owl, #1); Author: Kristi Charish; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Engagingly different fantasy story mixing supernaturals like dragons and vampires with an antiquities thief. Lots of globe-trotting, good action scenes and a strong-but-flawed main character. Quibble: Worst. Endearments. Ever.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: In For A Pound (Lola Starke #2); Author: S.G. Wong; Genres: history, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Lola's back! This time trust-fund P.I. takes on a more personal case involving the murders of a comedian and her schoolgirl crush. Set in Crescent City, an alternate-history of a Chinese-dominated 1930s Hollywood, the book is filled with rich description. Family secrets, abusive ghosts and magic rituals gone awry...; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lonely Shore (Chaos Station, #2); Author: Jenn Burke; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: This sequel picks up about 4 weeks after the end of book one. Zed is involuntarily Zoning more and more to the distress of the whole crew, but especially his lover Fixer... The personal stakes kept going up and up. Heart-wrenching. We also get to visit the Ashushk homeworld and learn a little more about Qek which was cool! Quibble: the subplot with Agrius felt a bit anti-climactic; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Brown-Eyed Girl (Travis Family, #4); Author: Lisa Kleypas; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: Avery, the once-burned twice-shy plus-size heroine, made a great heroine, both totally capable in her career as wedding planner and clueless in love. The hero, Joe Travis, was a total sweetheart. The epilogue was all shades of Awwww.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Little House in the Big Woods (Little House, #1); Author: Laura Ingalls Wilder; Genres: history, young-adult, children, biography, historical fiction, non-fiction, fiction; Review: This is another book I reread to pieces as a girl, that I'm now sharing with my daughter. I was afraid she wouldn't like it, but after a couple of chapters she really got into it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Untamed MacKenzie (MacKenzies & McBrides, #5.5); Author: Jennifer Ashley; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Novellas are a tricky length. I almost always find myself wishing they'd been longer, but this one hit the sweet spot. Lady Louisa is suspected of murder and Inspector Fellowes must find the real killer and keep her out of jail. The hero and heroine were both appealing and the mystery kept me guessing.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Prince Caspian (Chronicles of Narnia, #2); Author: C.S. Lewis; Genres: young-adult, children, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Rereading this series to my daughter. I read it many times as a child, but it didn't hold up as well to my adult tastes. I like the beginning bits with the Pevensies being pulled back to Narnia and the mystery of the island and Caspian finding out the secret of Old Narnia, but after that my interest waned. Peter's duel with Miraz is good, but doesn't hold a candle to the climax of the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, and the stuff with Bacchus just made me shake my head.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dark Secrets: A Paranormal Noir Anthology; Author: Rachel Caine; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: HEART'S BLOOD - by Jeffe Kennedy I bought the collection for this novella and really enjoyed it. A straight-up fantasy retelling of the Goose Girl fairytale (one which I was very unfamiliar with). MARION, MISSING by Rachel Caine Probably the most noir entry. A little hard to get into because of the depressed main character, but a standout finish. THE DJINN IN THE MIRROR by Mina Khan A new author to me and one I will look for again. Very much enjoyed the romance between the innocent witch and the djinn. Quibble: the djinn backstory plotline annoyed me. I wanted to get back to the 'real' story FEMME FATALE by Cynthia Eden The romance scenes were hot, but the plot and world didn't interest me as much. The two other novellas sadly were, DNFs for me. Novellas are tricky.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Voyage of the Basilisk (The Memoirs of Lady Trent, #3); Author: Marie Brennan; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Still enjoying this series, following dragon naturalist Isabella Camherst, this time in a Darwin-like voyage to observe numerous species of dragons. I'm intrigued by the introduction of an archaeologist character Suhail (about whom I have a theory, but will have to wait for the next volume to find out if I'm right). Because of the nature of a voyage the book was slightly episodic at first, but the expedition's time shipwrecked on Keonga island (the last half of the book) was stronger. Some very fun stuff that I don't want to spoil!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The End (A Series of Unfortunate Events, #13); Author: Lemony Snicket; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, children, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: I have mixed feelings about The End. On one hand I am happy to be finished this series--I have been reading it to my son for over a year. While its been obvious from the beginning that A Series of Unfortunate Events couldn't have a rah-rah-rah happy ending, the castaways on a coastal shelf didn't work that well for me. In some ways this whole volume felt like an epilogue... And part of me is still wondering what happened to the sugar bowl.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Touch (The Queen of the Dead, #2); Author: Michelle Sagara; Genres: young-adult, children, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Great characters. I loved the interaction between Emma, Allison, Michael, Chase and the others. As with the best fantasy, it feels like every book expands the world and how the Necromancer magic works. Looking forward to book three! Quibble: Too many names that start with the same letter. Emma, Eric, Ernest. Allison, Amy. Michael, Mark, Margaret, Merrick.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: White Night (The Dresden Files, #9); Author: Jim Butcher; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Continuing my reread of this excellent series. Once again this is less of a review than notes for myself about what happens in each book so proceed with caution. We see the return of Elaine (last seen in book 4) and Helen Beckitt (last seen in book one). The book centers around the White Court, this time introducing House Malvora and House Skavis, who feed on fear and despair, instead of lust. Loved the slow-time bit between "Lash" and Harry. Awesome (and probably 100 page long) climax in the Deeps. Marcone signs the Unseelie Accords. Harry also solves the mystery of Thomas's new job. Fave scenes: A toss-up between Harry getting the VIP treatment at Marcone's "health spa" and Harry in the force-bubble with Lara; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Sweep in Peace (Innkeeper Chronicles, #2); Author: Ilona Andrews; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery; Review: Fun, fast read. Cool world-building: Dina is an Innkeeper of a magic inn (the walls rearrange themselves and grow new rooms when needed) and the inn's clientele are various aliens. In this book the inn is hosting a peace summit between three warring species (vampires, otrokars, and the fox-like Merchants). And the Arbitrators for the peace summit? George Camarine and crew from the author's Edge series! So happy to get a peek at them again.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Pia Does Hollywood (Elder Races, #8.6); Author: Thea Harrison; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Bought and read in one evening. Dragos and Pia remain one of my favourite paranormal romance couples and I will keep buying their novellas as long as the author cares to write them. Some very interesting Elder Races developments (and possible new villains) that I look forward to seeing more of in future books.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Jeweled Fire (Elemental Blessings, #3); Author: Sharon Shinn; Genres: young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Lots of intrigue kept me turning the pages of this one, plus I really liked Corene, the main viewpoint character. Her 'sweela' nature meant she was outspoken and a bit impetuous which works well in a novel. Both her friendships and her budding romance felt genuine.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Legends and Liars (The Duellists Trilogy #2); Author: Julia Knight; Genres: history, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Evil mages, cool world-building, complex characters and lots of sword-fighting. Vocho and Kass, brother and sister, duellists return in book two. This time around we get to see some of Ikaras, the enemy city. Whereas Reyes is a city of giant clockwork, Ikaras has strange half-understood solar-collecting glass roofs.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Drowning in Amber (Marie Jenner Mystery #2); Author: E.C. Bell; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Favourite bit: the book club. OMG, I can't even--You have to read it yourself. Priceless. Marie Jenner, an amateur detective who can see ghosts, is in her twenties and struggling to make ends meet. (She takes the bus. Somehow that detail really nailed it for me--I remember those years.) I like the alternating viewpoint between Marie and the ghost (the ghost is different for each book) and I like that it still feels like Marie is learning about ghosts and the world is still expanding. Awesome ending.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cursed: Black Swan (A Fixer, #1); Author: Ryan T. McFadden; Genres: paranormal, fantasy; Review: Gritty world-building and lots of action. A heist job to steal an epic magic sword --the Black Swan of the title--goes badly wrong and leaves Nathan scrambling to get it back. Some amusing bits, some gory bits. What I liked most and kept me turning pages was the mystery of The Dark, a lethal force which resides inside of Nathan and is always trying to get out...; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Wind Through the Keyhole; Author: Stephen King; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: I'm not a big fan of the story-within-a-story-within-a-story format, but this one worked well. We start off with a glimpse of Roland and his ka-tet travelling, then, while trapped by a storm, Roland tells two stories. One from his youth as a newbie gunslinger fighting a Skin Man and the other a beloved tale from his childhood The Wind Through the Keyhole.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Bourbon Kings (The Bourbon Kings, #1); Author: J.R. Ward; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery; Review: I love J.R. Ward's paranormal romances, but I felt a bit wary about her foray into contemporary. However The Bourbon Kings soon won me over. It's more of a family drama (or possible a potboiler?) than a straight up romance. Lots of tension between this very dysfunctional but fascinating family as they teeter on the edge of financial disaster. Quibble: I ended up more invested in Edward's story than I was in Lane/Lizzie, whom this book focussed on.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Blood Kiss (Black Dagger Legacy, #1); Author: J.R. Ward; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Spin-off series for the Black Dagger Brotherhood, featuring somewhat younger characters. Paradise is the daughter of the king's advisor and struggles against the sticky bonds placed on women in the glymera. She wins a place in the Brotherhood training program on sheer guts. Craeg is a commoner with a burning need to ahvenge his parent's death. I really liked both new characters (not always a given with J.R. Ward's more extreme heroes) and the plotline with Butch and Marissa.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cauldron of Ghosts (Honorverse: Wages of Sin, #3); Author: David Weber; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Good battle scenes and I continue to find Victor Cachat, Havenite agent, a fun character to follow. However, this series is losing traction for me. It took a long time just to get to Mesa where most of the action was. Quibble: the disguises and cover stories that took chapters to set up was just blown off without being used more than once.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Too Far Gone (Thunder Road, #3); Author: Chadwick Ginther; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Conclusion to the trilogy. Norse gods, magic, and unlikely hero Ted Callan, tattooed oilpatch worker, all return for a rematch with fire god Surtur. The epic battle at the end was especially fun to read because it took place in downtown Edmonton, which I know well. This series has one of my favourite depictions of Loki the trickster. Quibble: I wish Jenny's subplot had ended differently.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Semester in the Life of a Garbage Bag; Author: Gordon Korman; Genres: children, young-adult, fiction; Review: Hilarious. Reread this to my son. The combination of Jardine's bad luck, Sean's irascible Gramp, the ill-fated poetry assignment on Gavin Gunhold in which Jardine and Sean end up having to compose the poetry themselves and then analyze it, the argon-neon laser and the windmill make for non-stop fun. I love the ending twist. A little dated in some respects, but still hugely fun to read. On registration day, at taxidermy school, I distinctly saw the eyes of a stuffed moose Move --Gavin Gunhold Gavin Gunhold is a long-running joke of Gordon Korman's whose name appears in numerous books, beginning with the War with Mr. Wizzle.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: River Road; Author: Jayne Ann Krentz; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Smooth, quick read, with all of Krentz's trademarks: likeable hero and heroine, strong mystery element and an emphasis on family ties. Quibble: the romance went quite smoothly as there wasn't much keeping the couple apart; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Demon Hunter (The Collegium, #1); Author: Jenny Schwartz; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Strong tension in the opening chapters as burned-out demon hunter, Fay, confronts her father, who is President of the magical Collegium. I really liked that the girl got to be the demon hunter, with were leopard and love interest Steve Jekyll in the support position. The portal magic was cool. Quibble: Steve disappeared for a couple too many chapters in the middle.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Kiss the Bride; Author: Jody Wallace; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: Fresh, original friends-to-lovers romantic comedy: when Caroline asks her best male friend, Heck, to be maid of honor at her wedding hijinks ensue.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: To Curse the Darkness (Children of Night, #6); Author: P.G. Forte; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: As the twins' power increases, their secret is starting to get out... I eagerly devoured this latest installment in the vamp family drama that began with In the Dark. More of Conrad's tortured past, the return of Elise, and an unexpected new power for Julie. Already looking forward to the next one.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Liam Takes Manhattan (Elder Races, #9.5); Author: Thea Harrison; Genres: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Liam's growing up so fast! (It almost feels like one of those soap operas, where babies swiftly grow to school age, are sent off to boarding school for two years and emerge at sixteen-year-olds with their own plotlines.) Pia and Dragos are handling it much better than I would. Still, an interesting development and I look forward to more stories.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Lord Dashwood Missed Out (Spindle Cove, #4.5); Author: Tessa Dare; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: A fast, fun read. Tessa Dare's writing always delights.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Alien in Chief (Katherine "Kitty" Katt, #12); Author: Gini Koch; Genres: history, romance, children, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Kitty's back--in top form. 500+ pages flew by as Kitty and the Mastermind go head to head. I especially enjoyed the train action sequence (every bit as awesome as the cover illustration). Quibble: I'm starting to lose track of some of the secondary characters in Kitty's ever-growing entourage.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ash and Silver (The Sanctuary Duet, #2); Author: Carol Berg; Genres: history, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Political intrigue, treachery, lost magical lands, Danae, war, evil, magic, a sister in peril... and struggling in the midst of it all a Knight of the Ashes, he who was once proud Lucian de Remeni with a double magical bent, born again with no memory of his past. Amazing. The plot twists and peril come thick and fast in this one.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Vicious Circle (Persephone Alcmedi, #1); Author: Linda Robertson; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: First book in an urban fantasy series about witch Persephone Alcmedi and here waerewolf friends. Very strong middle--and how often can you say that about a book? Solid characterization and so many intriguing hints for further books in the series... I think I may feel a glom coming on.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Shadow's End (Elder Races, #9); Author: Thea Harrison; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Graydon and Beluviel fell in love 200 years ago. A mismatch from the start--one of Dragos' Wyr Sentinels, a gryphon, with the Elven Lady of the Wood--further tragic circumstances prevent them from being together. Graydon managed barely to stave off the Wyr Mating Bond but he and Bel have been locked in a kind of stasis since. So nice to see solid-as-a-rock Graydon get his happy ending. I think the resolution of the death omen worked. Anything less would have felt like a cheat.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Here Be Magic Box Set: 8 Magical Tales From The Realm Of Paranormal And Fantasy; Author: Rebecca York; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: Collection of diverse novellas with a fantasy element. Ranging from romantic suspense with a psychic character (Terror Mansion, Gorgeous Nightmare and Devil of Bourbon Street), to fantasy romance (Nightgazer, Tall Tall Trees and Saved by the Trickster), to urban fantasy (Raven's Song) and historical paranormal romance (Healer of the Nile) there's something here for everyone. I don't have time to do write reviews of all of them, but here are my faves: Gorgeous Nightmare by Angela Campbell Newbie FBI agent Dakota meets up with her teenage crush Tyler while stalking (and being stalked in turn) by some dangerous killers. It made for a neat reversal to see the girl with the gun and the guy with the psychic talent, and I really liked the strength Dakota showed at the end. Nightgazer by Joely Sue Burkhardt The fantasy romance subgenre often misses the mark for me on the magic side of the equation, but this one had a satisfying world and a unique magic system as well as some hot scenes! Healer of the Nile by Veronica Scott Eqyptian gods and a well-researched historical setting. A sweet romance between poor healer Mehyta and the high family's son who's been brought home from war in a coma and who's expected to die--but, of course, doesn't due to Mehyta's strength.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Stranded; Author: Anne Bishop; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Three novellas inspired by the theme 'Stranded'. All with teen protagonists. A Host of Of Leeches by James Alan Gardner A girl wakes alone on a space station. Strong beginning with good tension throughout and an interesting setting full of talking robots. I enjoyed Gardner's Expendable series and it was nice to read something new by him. A Strand in the Web by Anne Bishop. A student project to restore life to a planet grows into something more as the Restorers city-ship begins to fail around them. Very sympathetic main character. Stranded by Anthony Francis Very idea dense with lots of far-future tech so fantastic it acts like magic. Story momentum suffered a little when we suddenly switched from crashing spaceship to angsty girl centaur, but recovered once the two plotlines met up.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: White Trash Zombie Gone Wild (White Trash Zombie #5); Author: Diana Rowland; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: I confess I found the first 115 pages rather painful to read. Angel made some wrong decisions that had me really wincing, but it was a necessary character arc for her and I understand why the author chose to do it. After that I got back on board with the plot and really enjoyed Angel's brash personality and the climax. I was happy to see both Allen and Nick's characters deepen.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Atrocity Archives (Laundry Files, #1); Author: Charles Stross; Genres: history, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: A weird mashup of Lovecraft entities, bureaucracy, computers and physics geekdom. And Nazis. Likeable nerd hero. I got a little lost in the physics and British acronyms at times, but enjoyable overall.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Magic Stars (Kate Daniels, #8.5, Grey Wolf, #1); Author: Ilona Andrews; Genres: young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: So happy this finally showed up on Kobo last night. I immediately sat down and read it straight through (it's a novella). So much fun to get a glimpse into two secondary characters from the Kate Daniels series: Derek and Julie. Some interesting revelations...; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Small Favor (The Dresden Files, #10); Author: Jim Butcher; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Continuing my reread of this excellent series. Once again this is less of a review than notes for myself about what happens in each book so proceed with caution. Denarians kidnap first Marcona, then the Archive. Three Billy Goats Gruff. First appearance of the island. First appearance of soulfire. Beginning of Harry + Luccio. Harry gets the second sword.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Time Salvager (Time Salvager #1); Author: Wesley Chu; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Awesome premise: far-future dystopia is pillaging resources from the past, but being careful to preserve the chronostream. Only of course our hero is driven to break the rules. Lots of action and fun SF gadgets--and only one WWII raid. Setting it so far future gives James plenty of interesting settings to visit. I will be on the lookout for book two.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Son of Interflux; Author: Gordon Korman; Genres: children, young-adult, fiction; Review: Rereading this to my son. Really enjoyed Querada's painting classes and the Antiflux/Interfluc plot. Lots of fun s tuff: the student who always paints a camel in his picture, the student who keeps being shuffled from art department to art department, Simon's inexplicable attractive to Wendy who hates him, the Omni movie, Montrose the Flake...; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Feverborn (Fever, #8); Author: Karen Marie Moning; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: I was going to say it's always a delight to read another KMM book, but that's not quite true. I found her switch from PNR to UF/PNR back at the beginning of the Fever series a little bewildering, but am oh-so-glad I stuck with it as all the books from book three on have been awesome! Interesting things going on with Mackayla on a personal level this book, including a very unexpected plotline. And I loved the developments with Jada/Dani and the glimpse into her missing years. As always, these installments leave me hungry for more, not just the main characters but the minor ones too.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Dinosaur Lords (The Dinosaur Lords, #1); Author: Victor Milan; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: I love the premise behind this one: a fantasy world where humans and dinosaurs co-exist and dinosaur knights ride two-tonne war-hadrosaurs. The book started well with an exciting battle scene, but slowed down for me around the halfway mark. As this is book one, a lot needs to be done to set up the future books (the hints about the Grey Angels are very cool), and I ended up not being as invested in the obviously preliminary battles.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: 1636: The Devil's Opera (Assiti Shards, #14); Author: Eric Flint; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: This one was a bit of a slog for me--though things picked up a lot in the last 200 pages. (At 683 pages in paperback, this is a long book) A boxer, a crippled boy, an uptime singer doing a a downtime opera, industrial sabotage and some policemen made for a large cast. Because we had POV chapters from the saboteurs I never got that interested in the police plot as there was no mystery. I did really like the "Samson" ending.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Unamused Muse (Mt. Olympus Employment Agency: Muse #2); Author: R.L. Naquin; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: Light and frothy fantasy, a quick read. Muse Wynter Greene is temping in the Underworld for six weeks. Lots of amusing characters and, of course, Wynter gets herself into several scrapes. I enjoyed the author's reimagining of Hades and am looking forward to further books.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ran Away (Benjamin January, #11); Author: Barbara Hambly; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, fiction; Review: Historical mystery. As a long-time reader of the series I was fascinated by the storyline with Benjamin and his first wife Ayasha in Paris, but at the same time, including it left so little space for the New Orleans storyline to develop that I had a hard time keeping all the characters/suspects straight.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Bands of Mourning (Mistborn, #6); Author: Brandon Sanderson; Genres: young-adult, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Wild West shoot-'em-up action mixed with a wonderful magic system and a surprising amount of humour. It felt like Steris's character finally came into her own this book, with her overpreparedness coming in very useful a number of times. The plot took a few turns I wasn't expecting, widening the world considerably, and I'll be interested to see if Sanderson manages to wrap everything up in only one more book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Dirt on Ninth Grave (Charley Davidson, #9); Author: Darynda Jones; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: This series continues to delight. Charley's amnesia was amusing and poignant by turns, and I loved how all her friends rallied around her. Quibble: the metaphysical plot at the end seemed to come out of thin air.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Eidolon (Wraith Kings, #2); Author: Grace Draven; Genres: history, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Great to revisit Brishen and Ildiko, the Kai and human couple who met in book one (Radiance) and grew to love each other despite an arranged marriage and being different species. The plot of Eidolon was more epic in scope than book one--a demon horde has invaded and threatens both Kai and human lands--but there was also a strong romantic subplot. The plots meshed very well, with each putting pressure on the other. Quibble: I wanted more resolution to the Necos-Kirgipa subplot; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Staked (The Iron Druid Chronicles, #8); Author: Kevin Hearne; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: I get a kick out of this series: magic, humor and lots of action. The druids are very powerful--but they're fighting gods and vampires who are even more powerful. As with the previous entry in the series, we get first-person POV from not only Atticus but also Grainuaile and Owen (though for some reason only Atticus is in past tense) with the storylines only converging at the end. Because I skipped reading A Prelude to War (its not available on Kobo) I found Grainuaile's plotline a little hard to get into--plus her voice isn't as humourous as the other two. I did enjoy her showdown with her stepfather. Fave bit: Nigel in Toronto; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Hook; Author: Donald E. Westlake; Genres: thriller, comics, crime, graphic, fiction, mystery; Review: Strong hook (pun intended). A psychological thriller that cleverly parallels the lives of the two writer main characters, one a bestseller with writer's block and one a mid-list writer who's career is dying... One of those books with no real hero to root for, but very compelling.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Line in the Sand; Author: K.A. Stewart; Genres: history, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Fast read. Jesse James Dawson is an engaging character, a swordsman who challenges demons to win back the souls of those who sold them. This the fifth book in the series and ties up a major plot point that has been dangling since book 3, I believe, while still building toward the climactic confrontation to come.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Dark Days Club (Lady Helen, #1); Author: Alison Goodman; Genres: history, young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: YA fantasy set in Regency London--not steampunk. Richly detailed--I've read a lot of Regency romances, and am quite familiar with things like Almacks, Vauxhall Gardens and Gunter's ices, but this book had lots of cool details that I hadn't known before. Lady Helen is an engaging character and her choice at the end felt very real and hard. Quibble: for such a long book, the plot was mostly set up for further books in the series: learning about the Deceivers and her own Reclaimer powers.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lady Friday (The Keys to the Kingdom, #5); Author: Garth Nix; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, children, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Wonderfully imaginative world-building. Each Day and House is different again from the last. This time around Arthur is up against Lady Friday and is in competition with both the Piper and Superior Saturday to get the fifth key. Leaf also gets a plotline.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Superior Saturday (The Keys to the Kingdom, #6); Author: Garth Nix; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, children, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Excellent world-building. I really admire the way each Day's realm is markedly different from the other Day's and how each is skewed and half-mad. Saturday's realm is one of constant tower-building, rain, and has a lot of sorcerers. I also liked the way Arthur is struggling to stay human. Quibble: definitely a cliff-hanger ending in this the penultimate book of the series; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Darkwood; Author: Janni Nell; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, mystery; Review: Read in one day. Paranormal mystery. A mysterious shadow is stalking Ellie Oxrider, who comes from a family of witches (though, disappointingly, she has no talent herself). The shadow appeared at the same time that Saxon Darkwood moved into town--and the Darkwoods are traditional enemies of the Oxriders... I really enjoyed the living shadow element of the story; I liked how it evolved and became freakier as the story went along.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Incubus Job (Mission: Magic #1); Author: Diana Pharaoh Francis; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Devoured this one. Excellent mix of urban fantasy and paranormal romance. Cool world-building: demons and ghosts and sorcerers blood bound to protect hotels and goats that can walk through walls. Mallory and Law have a history and there's instant tension when they meet up again when Mallory's job to track down a thieving incubus crosses over with the hotel Law is working at. Quibble: While the romance plotline came to a satisfying conclusion, the urban fantasy one left quite a few plot threads dangling for book two.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Spell for Susannah: A Middle Kingdoms Fairy Tale Romance; Author: Jody Wallace; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: An entertaining retelling of the Twelve Dancing Princesses fairytale--with the bad fairy from Sleeping Beauty mixed in. Susannah, the oldest princess, is no air-headed miss, but a 35-year-old woman trying to save herself, her sisters and her kingdom from a curse. Susannah also has a secret: she can do magic. Quibble: I've grown accustomed to reading POV from both the hero and heroine. I would have liked to see more of the story from Jon Tom's POV.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Sycamore Row; Author: John Grisham; Genres: history, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, fiction, mystery; Review: Legal thriller involving a trial over a contested will. This was a change of pace from my usual reading. I found the story interesting, but Grisham's habit of reported dialogue and summarized action wore on me.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Mirror Empire (Worldbreaker Saga, #1); Author: Kameron Hurley; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Incredible world-building, to the point where I felt like I had to read every word in the first few chapters carefully so I didn't miss something. Ambitious, epic plot about one dying world invading a parallel world. I really liked Lilia and her Moment of Awesome and the complexity of Zezili's character. Dying to find out what happens to Anavha. Quibble: One of those books where I was far more invested in some of the plotlines than others.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Lady Hellion (Wicked Deceptions, #3); Author: Joanna Shupe; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Sophia is convinced she'll never marry so takes little care with her reputation, going around investigating crimes while dressed as 'Sir Stephen'. Quint has been in love with her for years, but has his own troubles (he's a recluse). Very likeable characters and a hot romance. Quibble: I never really got interested in the mystery element.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Calamity (The Reckoners, #3); Author: Brandon Sanderson; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Fast-paced and fun, plus lots of plot twists in this dark superhero series. I get a real kick out of David's horrible metaphors. Strongly recommend this YA series, which starts with Steelheart.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Grave Visions (Alex Craft, #4); Author: Kalayna Price; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Excited to return to this urban fantasy world (it seems like a lot of the UF series I was reading either got dropped by their publisher or the series is over). Good pacing and an interesting world. Alex has 'grave sight' and can call up shades, usually at the behest of the police. She also recently found out she might be a 'planeweaver'--which makes her of great interest to the faerie courts. (This world draws on both reapers and fae.) Quibble: I was cheering for the other guy in the love triangle. Oh well.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rogue (Talon, #2); Author: Julie Kagawa; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Strong pacing, cool world and premise, interesting character (dragon and non-dragon). A three-sided struggle between the ruthless Talon corporation, the Order of St. George (who want to kill all dragons) and the rogue dragons who want freedom. The struggle is echoed in Ember's choices between the human boy she has a crush on and a former St. George soldier, the rogue dragon who calls to her dragon half and her twin brother who's working for Talon. Quibble: The book has first person POV from all the principles: Ember, Garret, Riley and Dante. This mostly works well, but I found myself getting disoriented as to who's head I was in during the more action-packed sections.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Gentleman Jole and the Red Queen; Author: Lois McMaster Bujold; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Read in one day. I treated myself to taking a day off and reading this book yesterday. I love Cordelia and it was great to have another book focussing on her. The basic plot is rather quiet, what happens to Cordelia after the events of Cryoburn? but always interesting. Like Shards of Honor, the book is set on Sergyar, where Cordelia has been Vicereine of the small colony for years. The book also introduces a character previously only seen in the shadows Admiral Oliver Jole. I also loved the glimpse we got of Miles's children.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Luminous; Author: A.E. Ash; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: A sweet, gentle story with an older heroine. Jyothi has been alone on a planet for nine years. Her routine never varies, she makes her report despite the silence that answers, and continues conducting scientific sampling. Until a man crash-lands on the planet and upsets her life in the best way possible. To be honest this story wasn't what I was expecting. I somehow missed the fact that it's novella-length. (My bad.); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Scorpion Rules (Prisoners of Peace, #1); Author: Erin Bow; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Stayed up late to finish this AND went through a number of tissues. Excellent YA SF (with AIs even). Yes, it's a dystopia, but it went in a different direction than the standard Vive le revolution. Happily anticipating the next book in the series.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Turn Coat (The Dresden Files, #11); Author: Jim Butcher; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: ** spoiler alert ** My reread of this excellent urban fantasy series continues. Once more this is less of a review than reminder notes to myself as to what happens in each volume. So SPOILERS AHEAD Great opening page. The naagloshii! Binder character, one-trick wizard who can summon endless grey men from the Nevernever Wonderful running joke of Mouse, Molly and Morgan The main climax of the novel is once again of the island, Demonreach, which Harry now gains a link to Brief appearance by Rashid, the Gatekeeper Very bad things happen to Thomas (similar to how very bad things happened to Michael at the end of last book) end of Anastasia relationship Death of Morgan, Madeline Raith and Kirby; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Unbound (Magic Ex Libris, #3); Author: Jim C. Hines; Genres: paranormal, young-adult, fantasy, fiction; Review: Isaac is reeling from the events of last book: the attack by Meridiana, Jeneta, and most of all the loss of his libriomancer magic. Desperation drives him to some questionable choices as he seeks to solve a centuries-old puzzle. Some startling plot twists and a satisfying ending. Bring on book four!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Losing Joe's Place; Author: Gordon Korman; Genres: children, young-adult, fiction; Review: Another nostalgic reread to my son. I had a great time voicing Mr. Plotnick, the irascible landlord and deli owner. Chocolate Memories, hubcaps, and serial hobbyist/tough guy Rootbeer Racinette = lots of shenanigans as Jason and his two friends spend the summer in Toronto.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Parasite (Parasitology, #1); Author: Mira Grant; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Audacious premise that Mira Grant makes work: millions of people have a genetically modified tapeworm (called, amusingly, an Intestinal BodyguardTM) to keep them healthy. Only, of course, something has gone wrong... Sally Mitchell is an amnesiac whose life was saved by her parasite after a car crash and at the center of coming storm. Quibble: There's one big coincidence that bugs me.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: WWW: Wake (WWW, #1); Author: Robert J. Sawyer; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: An engaging main character: sixteen year-old Caitlin is blind, good at math and has genuine interactions with her family and friends. The novel deals with the idea of consciousness (in fact MANY of Sawyer's novels deal with consciousness), this time using the "bicameral mind" theory to show how an artificial intelligence might arise from the internet. Caitlin's "websight" is cool. I also invested in the bonobo subplot.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Soul of Smoke (Dragonsworn, #1); Author: Caitlyn McFarland; Genres: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Good world-building. I quite liked Kai, a mountain climber who gets swept up into the world of dragons against her will. Rhys was nice if perhaps a little bland--perhaps we'll get to know him better in later books. Lots of fascinating secondary characters: Ashem, Juli, Cadoc, Deryn. Julie, especially, was a hoot. SPOILERS PAST THIS POINT. Which brings me to my quibble: the book is halfway between urban fantasy and paranormal romance and thus managed to fall a little short for me on both counts. For a PNR I would have liked to see at least a HFN ending and the next book focussed on say, Cadoc. For a UF I would have liked to see magic to have more of a price.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Shepherd's Crown (Discworld, #41; Tiffany Aching, #5); Author: Terry Pratchett; Genres: young-adult, comics, children, paranormal, graphic, fantasy, fiction; Review: Reading the Shepherd's Crown really drove home the fact that Terry Pratchett is dead. It very much feels like the last book--both of Tiffany Aching's subset of stories and Discworld as a whole. While perhaps not as polished as other works, Shepherd's Crown is a good story. I very much enjoyed the introduction of Geoffrey, who wants to apprentice as a witch, and has a very intelligent goat. I think all the other witches make an appearance in this volume for the final showdown with the fairies.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Play of Shadow; Author: Julie E. Czerneda; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: Charming, original world. We return to Marrowdell, a village like no other because of its proximity to the Verge, as well as travel to the fascinating city of Channen. I enjoyed meeting more of Bannan's magically-talented family. The mirror bits were spooky. Quibble: the pacing was a bit slow.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Turning Season (Shifting Circle, #3); Author: Sharon Shinn; Genres: young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Strong beginning hook. Like the other books in this series, the story is character-oriented rather than the epic-danger-race-to-save-the-day-from-evil plot. Karadel is a very likeable main character and I enjoyed her romance with Joe as well as her relationships with her fellow shapeshifters and a few close human friends. Being a shapeshifter is no easy thing for Karadel and the disability and the burden of keeping it secret has shaped her life. Quibble: I hate the cover.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Firelight (Amulet, #7); Author: Kazu Kibuishi; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, comics, children, crime, paranormal, graphic, fantasy, fiction; Review: Another imaginative installment, following Emily and Navin through separate plotlines. An intriguing plot twist and a big character setback. Gorgeous pictures. Both my son and daughter are really enjoying this series.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fire Touched (Mercy Thompson, #9); Author: Patricia Briggs; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: One of my favorite series. I bought this in hardcover on the day of its release and finished before bedtime. Love this world and these characters. Long-time readers of the series will know that the stakes became a lot higher at the end of Fair Game and this book continues that plot-thread with human/fae/werewolf tensions. Some great fight scenes and character scenes and just-plain-funny scenes. I'm also quite intrigued by the introduction of the Sherwood Post character.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Chaos Choreography (InCryptid, #5); Author: Seanan McGuire; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Fun, fast read. Cryptids and ballroom dancing and reality television. Dialogue that zings and characters who are simply fun to be with. At the same time, Verity's struggle between her cryptozoology and ballroom dancer career/personas felt quite real. Really enjoying this series.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Six Degrees of Scandal (Scandalous, #4); Author: Caroline Linden; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Enjoyable historical romance featuring two characters, who fell in love as teens but were separated by greedy parents and youthful mistakes, getting another chance. Impossible not to root for James and Olivia. This novel made a nice change of pace for me as I've been reading mostly fantasy lately.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Darkness; Author: Karen Robards; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: All about the plane crashes... One of those books where the setting--the Alaskan island of Attu--really added a lot to the story: harsh climate, blizzards, cold oceans, WWII era buildings, mountains, caves, lots of cool stuff. Strong tension throughout, both the how-will-we-survive and the sexual kind. Quibble: What was the art department thinking giving a book called Darkness a pink cover? ????? No glamor here.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Road to Hell (Multiverse, #3); Author: David Weber; Genres: history, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: I've been waiting a long time for the third book in this series; I was a bit worried I would have forgotten too much of books one and two, but between reminders in the text and the large glossary at the back, I was fine. I still really enjoy the premise behind these books: two worlds who are exploring parallel universe chains bump into each other and end up at war. One world uses dragons, griffins, unicorns and magic-based technology, the other is steam-powered but the brilliant addition of psychic Talents keeps them from feeling too much like human history. The book had three basic plotlines. I found myself more invested in the goings-on and characters in both home worlds than I am in the random-trooper POV sections and oh gawd the logistics chapters about killed me, but on the whole I enjoyed it and intend to read on in the series.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Of Noble Family (Glamourist Histories, #5); Author: Mary Robinette Kowal; Genres: history, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Last book in this Jane-Austen-with-magic series and possibly my favorite. Very well plotted with some excellent twists and complications. This one is set in the West Indies and deals with some of Vincent's backstory and family as well as racial tensions.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Wolfsbane; Author: Rhiannon Held; Genres: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Fast read. Dare and Silver, alphas of the North American packs, are suspicious when Russia sends an envoy--and rightly so. Silver and Dare are given wolfsbane, a drug which can be deadly or give visions from the Lady. Point of view is divided between Silver and Dare in their separate visions and Tatiana, the Russian envoy, in the reality. I found the differences in the Russian wolves culture fascinating and the ending felt satisfying.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Flashback; Author: Amanda Carpenter; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: Read in a single evening. First off, make no mistake this book was first published in 1984 and republished in Samhain's Retro line. It is not the same as a current-day Thea Harrison book. But neither is it AT ALL like a regular Harlequin of its day. I love the way the author took the usual romance format and twisted it like a pretzel. Dana is a telepath. Her new neighbour is a Vietnam vet with PTSD. Dana starts to experience his intense flashbacks--and its driving her to the brink of insanity. Very intense. Quibble: The three main characters names all start with the same letter, Dana, David and Denise.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Little House on the Prairie (Little House, #2); Author: Laura Ingalls Wilder; Genres: history, young-adult, children, biography, historical fiction, non-fiction, fiction; Review: Another childhood favorite I read to my daughter. This one didn't age as well for me. While all the scenes that I loved as a child were still there--the wolves, the prairie fire, digging the well--and one I didn't remember but found delightful--Mr. Edwards Meeting Santa Claus--I found myself very bothered by the fact that the Ingalls were illegal settlers on Indian Territory. I was constantly stopping and trying to explain the issues, tensions and prejudices of the times to my daughter and how I disagreed with things some of the characters said or did.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Unleashing (Call of Crows, #1); Author: Shelly Laurenston; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Strong beginning hook and lots of fascinating characters in this first-book-in-a-new-paranormal-romance series. Former Marine Kera doesn't quite fit in with the chaotic Crow girls at first. Fortunately, Vig's there to help her adjust.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Magician's Nephew (Chronicles of Narnia, #6); Author: C.S. Lewis; Genres: young-adult, children, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Another childhood favorite I'm rereading to my daughter. I love the row houses sharing an attic, the magic rings, the Wood Between Worlds and all the stuff that happens on Charn. I like how this book explains some of the things encountered in the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe. All in all, it held up well.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Pillars of the World (Tir Alainn, #1); Author: Anne Bishop; Genres: paranormal, romance, fantasy, fiction; Review: Happy I stumbled over this series--I thought I'd read all of Anne Bishop's books, but apparently I missed this one. The roads between Tir Alainn (the home of the Fae) and the human world are failing and the Clan Houses of the Fae are vanishing into the mist one by one. The mystery, together with an incredibly vile villain, kept me turning pages. Certain Anne Bishop tropes like Treat the Land Well or Suffer was there in abundance, but this story's hero different than her usual run. I bought book two at the same time--we'll see how long I can hold off reading it too.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Broken Kingdoms (Inheritance, #2); Author: N.K. Jemisin; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Back to the very cool world of the Hundred Thousand Kingdoms, ten years after the events of book one. Enough time had passed since I read book one, that I didn't immediately guess one of the plot twists. Oree is a very interesting character: a blind artist who can only see magic, and I loved seeing her come into her powers. The plot unfolded very nicely. I will definitely have to hunt down book three. Quibble: the narrative conceit/technique of having Oree telling a story to someone didn't work for me; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Shadows and Light (Tir Alainn, #2); Author: Anne Bishop; Genres: paranormal, romance, fantasy, fiction; Review: A good read but definitely the middle book in a series with much left unresolved at the end. The witch finders are spreading their evil and far too many of the Fae aren't heeding the warnings of Aiden and Lyrra, the Bard and the Muse. Favorite part: Minstrel the Horse; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lord Sunday (The Keys to the Kingdom, #7); Author: Garth Nix; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, children, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: End of a series! (I'm in the middle of so many open-ended series right now, sometimes it feels like a real achievement to finish one.) This series is a big favorite of my son's, one that he's read and reread many times. I enjoyed the endlessly-creative world-building and Arthur, Leaf and Suzy Turquoise Blue's adventures. Fave bit: Elephant, of course.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Twinkie Squad; Author: Gordon Korman; Genres: children, young-adult, fiction; Review: Reread this to my kids. Douglas Fairchild is the underachieving son of a U.S. Ambassador. His insistence that he is a Pefkakian citizen gets him a slot in Special Discussion Group AKA the Twinkie Squad--which he promptly takes over and renames the Grand Knights of the Exalted Karpoozi. Shenanigans ensue. Since I'd earlier read them A Semester in the Life of a Garbage Bag they thought the references to Pefkakia and Gavin Gunhold were pretty funny. Fave moment: the school play; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Raging Passion; Author: Amanda Carpenter; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: A reread. Dated now of course, but the main character is so vibrant and feels things so passionately it's easy to get caught up in the story. The older Harlequin tradition was to tell things exclusively from the heroine's point of view, which just feels so limiting to me now. I did enjoy how it demolished the Other Woman stereotype.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Symbiont (Parasitology, #2); Author: Mira Grant; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Suffered a little from middle book in a series, but ended on a strong note. The apocalypse continues and everyone wants to capture Sal... Fave minor character: Fishy Quibble: the number of times Sally faints or is sedated into unconsciousness in this book is ridiculous; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Changes (The Dresden Files, #12); Author: Jim Butcher; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Continuing my reread of this excellent series. This book is devastating. I am in awe of how the stakes, which have always been sky-high, ratcheted up again. The hook of the first sentence alone... (which BTW is a major series spoiler) Just wow. Again the rest of this is not so much a review as reminder notes for myself so SPOILERS AHEAD STOP NOW --Leanansidhe reappears again, sane --reappearance of Susan and Martin --reappearance of Sanya --Final end to the Red Court Vampire war begun in book three --reappearance of Rudolph --reappearance of Erlking --Molly soulgazes Thomas --Murphy loses her job --Harry becomes Winter Knight after injury --Harry loses everything (office, apartment, staff, girl, life); Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Waters of Versailles; Author: Kelly Robson; Genres: history, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Interesting mix of historical and fantasy: French palace of Versailles + nixies. I don't if I've ever run across a fantasy story concerned with plumbing before... Unique and charming.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: WWW: Watch (WWW, #2); Author: Robert J. Sawyer; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Artificial intelligence, consciousness, vision, mathematics all woven into an engrossing story. In book one Caitlin, a formerly-blind girl, formed a relationship with emerging-A.I. Webmind. Now, the government has found out about Webmind... Interesting to read something anti-Orwellian.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Healer of the Nile (The Gods of Egypt, #6); Author: Veronica Scott; Genres: history, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy; Review: Egyptian gods and a well-researched historical setting. A sweet romance between poor healer Mehyta and the high family's son who's been brought home from war in a coma and who's expected to die--but, of course, doesn't due to Mehyta's strength.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Tell the Wind and Fire; Author: Sarah Rees Brennan; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Cool retelling of A Tale of Two Cities, set in the twin cities of Light & Dark New York with magic, doppelgangers and YA protagonists. It's been a long time since I read the Dickens original, but I suspect Lucie's character has been considerably strengthened. Lucie is fierce, can do Light magic and has torn loyalties. I loved Carwyn's sarcasm. Bring tissues.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Warlord and the Nightingale: A steampunk fairy tale; Author: Jeannie Lin; Genres: history, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: I've been meaning to give this author a try for awhile so I couldn't resist picking up this free novella. Plus, Japanese steampunk! Too cool. Well-written, but told in the fairytale style. The warlord in the title is actually the villain and the hero is a lowly karakuri (spelling?) maker of clockwork puppets who falls in love with the beautiful singer kept by the warlord.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lost Among the Living; Author: Simone St. James; Genres: history, fiction, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Creepy ghost story, set three years after WWI in Britain, in the home of a very unhappy family. Jo's character and circumstances drew my sympathy strongly from the first. To be honest, around the middle of the story I was starting to think the book was a little under par, but it really kicked into gear at the two-thirds mark. So. Much. Tension. And, and, spoiler-stuff I can't mention but so good! I am once again glad of my habit of never reading the backcover blurbs of authors I trust.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Red Seas Under Red Skies (Gentleman Bastard, #2); Author: Scott Lynch; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Really enjoyed this second entry into the Gentleman Bastards series. Epic fantasy quality world-building with a heist plot, or rather plots within plots within plots. Some of the scenes were so perfect they belong in a textbook for How to write a scene. Sidenote: I also really appreciate that women's roles weren't limited. It's actually unlucky to sail on a ship without women in this world, so we have female pirates in roughly equal numbers to male pirates. Women also got to be master artificers, high ladies, surgeons, casino employees, guards, spies and furniture makers among others. Tiny quibble: The prologue seemed unnecessary. Why, yes, I am prejudiced against prologues which merely show an exciting scene from much later in the novel. To me, they're a cheat.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Beast (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #14); Author: J.R. Ward; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: One of my birthday presents! I continue to very much enjoy this UF/paranormal romance series, but DO NOT start with this book. Not only is it book 14 in the overall series, it's the second book featuring Rhage and Mary as the main characters (Lover Eternal being when they fell in love). Even true love can hit rough spots and this book is about Rhage and Mary dealing with her cancer-caused barrenness. Plus subplots because this is J.R. Ward. We also have an Assail-trying-to-redeem-himself arc, Layla's pregnancy and interesting developments in the metaphysical realm. I am intensely interested in the Scribe Virgin question and how Layla/Xcor will play out in future books.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Flamecaster (Shattered Realms, #1); Author: Cinda Williams Chima; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: I always enjoy Cinda Williams Chima's books and am happy to start a new adventure with the next generation of the seven realms series. Plenty of heartbreak, tension and lovely plot reveals have me eager to read book two.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Every Heart a Doorway (Wayward Children, #1); Author: Seanan McGuire; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Novella with a wicked cool premise: a home for wayward children who slipped through portals into various underworlds and fairylands as a child and now as teens must cope with the real world. Some of the worlds were a little more tilted toward horror than I prefer, but that's on me, not the author. Overall, a good story.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: In the Labyrinth of Drakes (The Memoirs of Lady Trent #4); Author: Marie Brennan; Genres: history, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Latest book in Lady Trent's Memoirs. We finally find out how she became Lady Trent, which I've been very curious about from the first. This volume gives us a new country to visit, new dragons to observe, some interesting discoveries, someone trying to kill her and the return of a favorite character from a previous book. Quite enjoyable.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Shadow Rites (Jane Yellowrock, #10); Author: Faith Hunter; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Strong opening hook. This time around the villains are some black witches who are trying to stop the upcoming Witch Conclave and proposed peace accords with the vamps and witches. Jane Yellowrock continues to be a great character--snarky, badass, and absolutely loyal to her 'clan'. Fave bit: Beast watching the cow meat go round and round in the microwave; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Crown Jewels (Maijstral, #1); Author: Walter Jon Williams; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Amusing SF novel about Maijstral, an Allowed Burglar. Detailed world-building, with several alien species, the Diadem (a type of high society with peculiar rituals like ear-sniffing), fancy burglar tech and dead people who still somehow send letters... I very much enjoyed the partner-swapping dance in the beginning and ending chapters and the mid-book rescue was hilarious.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: WWW: Wonder (WWW, #3); Author: Robert J. Sawyer; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Done! I ripped through this series pretty fast. I really enjoyed Caitlin's POV and how the AI Webmind changed the world.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Disciple; Author: Jody Wallace; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: Back to the world of the Somnium, an organization that protects the waking world from nightmare incursions. Great world-building. Maggie is an L5 dreamer, but her training isn't going well and is complicated by her attraction to her mentor Zeke. Then a psychotic coma patient (and ex-lover of Zeke's) wakes up and starts raising hell... Plus, there's a mysterious (and crotchety) curator on the scene. Likeable characters and lots of action.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Blood Maidens (James Asher, #3); Author: Barbara Hambly; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, romance, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Because of a change in publishers, I only recently became aware that there were more books in this series. I enjoy the combination of historical setting (Russia and Germany in 1911 pre-Great War) and vampires. Strong characters, cool settings, great plot twists. A pleasure to read.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: On Stranger Tides; Author: Tim Powers; Genres: history, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: I confess I picked this up mostly because I really liked the mermaid plot in the Pirate of the Caribbean movie and hoped the book would go into more detail--alas, there are no mermaids in the book at all. There are, however, swordfights, pirates and voudoun and the Fountain of Youth. I especially liked the scenes where reluctant pirate Jack Shandy use his puppeteer/theater skills. Quibble: The romance was unconvincing.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Emperor's Arrow; Author: Lauren D.M. Smith; Genres: history, young-adult, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Read in one day. There aren't that many secondary world fantasy romances out there, so as soon as I heard this one won the SYTYCW contest I added it to my list. Good world-building and a strong heroine. I really enjoyed Evony's take on the palace and the conspiracies surrounding the bridal candidates for the emperor. Quibble: I would've liked to have seen more Galen POV.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Horse and His Boy (Chronicles of Narnia, #5); Author: C.S. Lewis; Genres: young-adult, children, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Another childhood favorite I read to my daughter. Shasta and Aravis's story held up fairly well: the talking horses, Shasta being mistaken for Prince Corin, the flight across the desert, etc. Some of the Aslan bits seem heavy-handed to my adult eyes--but flew right over my daughter's head.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Alliance Rising: The Martian Alliance Chronicles 1 - 3; Author: Gini Koch; Genres: paranormal, fantasy; Review: A collection with three novellas. A light, quick read about a spaceship crew of different aliens. The part I found most interesting was DeeDee's shape-shifting powers and the ways she used them.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Children of Earth and Sky; Author: Guy Gavriel Kay; Genres: history, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Historical fantasy with strong characters. Guy Gavriel Kay is excellent at building up to exciting scenes--often with surprising outcomes. I also loved revisiting several of the places/elements from his much earlier but linked Sarantium series. Quibble: the opening chapter with the ambassador is dull and the omnipotent POV bits dragged.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dirty Magic (Prospero's War, #1); Author: Jaye Wells; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: A tough female cop protagonist trying to outrun her only past "cooking" dirty magic in the Cauldron, a magical slum. I liked Kate, especially her relationship with her brother Danny, and the scope of the world introduced here.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Swindle (Swindle, #1); Author: Gordon Korman; Genres: young-adult, thriller, children, crime, fiction, mystery; Review: Reread this to my kids and it was a hit. A clever heist performed by a team of quirky 11-year-olds and a villain who deserved to be robbed. On to Zoobreak!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: House of Shards (Maijstral #2); Author: Walter Jon Williams; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Far future SF set in a decadent society. Maijstral is an Allowed Burglar. In this, book two, he's pitted against Fu George the top-ranked burglar and Mr. Sun the overzealous head of security on a fabulous asteroid resort. Hijinks ensue. A fun heist.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Whisper of Shadows (Diamond City Magic, #3); Author: Diana Pharaoh Francis; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: 3rd book in an awesome series, a combination of UF and PNR. Lots of danger, action, new revelations and MAGIC. Riley's 'tracer' abilities continue to evolve and this book we get to see some new powers, including her stepbrothers very cool abilities with metal. Lots of juicy hints at conflict for books to come.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Marrying Winterborne (The Ravenels, #2); Author: Lisa Kleypas; Genres: history, children, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Delightful historical romance. Rhys, the self-made rich man, and Helen, a sheltered young lady, first meet in Cold-Hearted Rake (which I loved).; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Duke of Sin (Maiden Lane, #10); Author: Elizabeth Hoyt; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Keeper. I'm surprised by how much I liked this one. The book is dedicated to readers who fell in love with the Villain--and that's not really me. And Val is a Villain, make no mistake. And vain. And has trouble with the concept of right and wrong. He has the requisite traumatic past, but more than that I found him funny and I loved the sheer unpredictability of what he would do next. Fave scene: When he asks the heroine, Mrs. Crumb, if she's absolutely positive her name is Bridget.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Troublemaker; Author: Linda Howard; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: Oh, man, the dog made this book. Tricks (a golden retriever) is hilarious. What a diva! I really liked the fact that it took Morgan actual time and work to recover from his injury. Too often this is glossed over in fiction, especially TV. Bo's change of heart was also very well done and believable. As always, in a Linda Howard book, the love scenes were hot.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Pages of the Mind (The Uncharted Realms #1; The Twelve Kingdoms #4); Author: Jeffe Kennedy; Genres: history, young-adult, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: A librarian heroine, how could I resist? Dafne, a favourite secondary character from the Twelve Kingdoms books, returns in a fourth novel this time as the main character. Her talent for languages and research serves her well as she travels to a volcanic island. Lots of magic and romance, plus a dragon. Quibble: The first hundred pages set up a diplomatic mission, which then gets derailed, and will presumably be resolved in book 5.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Camp Alien (Katherine "Kitty" Katt, #13); Author: Gini Koch; Genres: history, children, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Another action-filled adventure with plenty of kicking butt, banter, aliens and androids. Kitty is hilarious as First Lady, and as usual friends and foe alike scramble to keep up with her. A great series.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Visitor (Foreigner, #17); Author: C.J. Cherryh; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Loved it. I always enjoy C.J. Cherryh books, but these last two Foreigner ones have really hit all my happy buttons. Complex politics. Tension. Well-drawn aliens who really think differently than humans. Happy sigh.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Blackout (All Clear, #1); Author: Connie Willis; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: WW II: the London Blitz, Dunkirk, the child evacuees and VE-Day. Three history students from Oxford time travel to observe WW II England--only, of course, things go wrong. Fascinating historical detail and strong tension throughout. MUST buy book two All Clear soonest!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: All Clear (All Clear, #2); Author: Connie Willis; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: For such a thick book, I really raced through this one. As with book one, lots of fascinating historical detail about WWII in Britain--the Blitz, Ultra, inflatable tanks. Strong tension as the time travellers keep trying desperately to get back to the future, and Alf and Binnie for comic relief. I can definitely understand why this, along with book one Blackout, won a Hugo.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Warlords and Wastrels (The Duellists Trilogy #3); Author: Julia Knight; Genres: paranormal, romance, fantasy, fiction; Review: One of those books where I found the first half a bit slow (characters recovering from the trauma of books one and two, lots of villain POV flashbacks), but like a rollercoaster once it hit the halfway point the plot really engaged and clicked along to the finish. I really liked Vocho's character arc.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Fatal Deception (Fatal, #5); Author: Marie Force; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: Quick read. Samantha and Nick make a great couple (police lieutenant and U.S. senator) and the mystery was engaging. Lots of intriguing secondary characters, who are becoming more fully-fleshed out as the series goes on. (Plus two that I'm totally 'shipping: Hill and Shelby); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fatal Mistake (Fatal, #6); Author: Marie Force; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: Book six. I find this romantic suspense series very fast reads: snappy dialogue, characters I care about and an intriguing mystery. I really liked how Sam and Nick's newly-adopted son Scotty was woven realistically into the story without becoming either too large a plotline or too light.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Zoobreak (Swindle, #2); Author: Gordon Korman; Genres: history, young-adult, mystery, thriller, children, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Reread this to my kids. More fun with The Man With the Plan, eleven-year-old Griffin Bing, as he and his classmates rescue some abused zoo animals. Some amusing twists and turns.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The House of Gaian (Tir Alainn, #3); Author: Anne Bishop; Genres: paranormal, romance, fantasy, fiction; Review: Book three in a series. A bit grim for my tastes, though I did enjoy seeing the incredibly vile villains get their comeuppance at the end.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Whole Truth; Author: Jody Wallace; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: Engaging concept and likeable main character. Cleo can 'see' when people lie and sometimes hear the truth. Nor is she the only one with "supra senses": there are also pushers, lickers, erasers and chamelons at Cleo's new job. Cleo struggles to fit in, find a saboteur and pursue a little office romance. Quibble: I wish the plot had had higher stakes.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Riders (Riders, #1); Author: Veronica Rossi; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Four teens become the four horsemen of the apocalypse: War, Famine, Death and Conquest. Under the guidance of Daryn, a seeker, who has visions of the future, the boys meet, learn to use their powers and fight demons. I loved the freshness of the premise for this book. I also thought the dual timelines worked really well together, both adding tension to the earlier chapters and allowing us to go straight from the fight in Norway to the end battle. POV is from Gideon (War) and is nicely nuanced. Quibble: Shouldn't it be Pestilence, not Conquest? Oh, well.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Blood Mirror (Lightbringer, #4); Author: Brent Weeks; Genres: paranormal, romance, fantasy, fiction; Review: I am a big fan of this series (and thus not unhappy that this isn't the last volume after all). Magic, action and complex characters being pushed to their limit. Gripping and man, some of the plot twists left me breathless.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Only Beloved (The Survivors' Club, #7); Author: Mary Balogh; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Two lovely characters who receive a mid-life new chance at love. The slow pace in the middle section of the novel frustrated me a little--but this is Mary Balogh so I kept reading. And received a lovely emotional payoff that had me tearing up multiple times.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dead Ice (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, #24); Author: Laurell K. Hamilton; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: One of the things I really like about this series is how the magic keeps changing and the world keeps expanding: some very interesting new developments with Anita's powers. Lots of character/relationship tension (there are no spear-carriers in this series; all characters are developed) though my favorite part of the novel was the Warrington scenes in the middle. Quibble: after all the build-up, it felt like the villain was dealt with too easily. Also, I have no idea why the title is Dead Ice or who the frozen chick on the cover is.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Framed (Swindle, #3); Author: Gordon Korman; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, children, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Read this to my kids. In the first two books, Griffin gets off lightly with the police. This time around there's a backlash as Griffin finds himself framed for a theft he didn't commit: stealing a Super Bowl ring. Higher stakes and hijinks at the school play...; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Hanging Tree (Peter Grant, #6); Author: Ben Aaronovitch; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Still enjoying this series. Detailed policework and magic with a background of London history and diversity sets it apart from the regular run of urban fantasy. (Not that I don't enjoy that, too.) Some definite progress on the long-running plot arc of the Faceless Man, and we meet some intriguing new characters, who I hope will show up again.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ghost Story (The Dresden Files, #13); Author: Jim Butcher; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: ** spoiler alert ** Continuing my reread of this great series. Once again, this is less of a review than notes on what happened in each particular book,, so continue to read at your own peril.... Fave scenes: Molly's training by the Leanansidhe, and the Star Trek bridge crew scene in Molly's mind Very Interesting Scene: Flashback to Harry fleeing Justin du Morne and encountering He Who Walks Behind Character reappearances: Mort Lindquist, ectomancer Villains: Evil Bob and the Corpsetaker Butters has the real Bob at this time and makes a spirit radio to talk to ghost Harry. Not my favorite of the novels as being a ghost severely hampers Harry's badass abilities, but the revelation of who murdered Harry is very well done; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fatal Jeopardy (Fatal, #7); Author: Marie Force; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: Sam gets another tough case, as her niece is involved in a grisly murder. Great banter between Sam and her police team and her husband, Senator Nick Cappuano. I find this series to be very quick reads.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Frozen; Author: Meljean Brook; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Paranormal romance. Half-Frost Giant Erik is under a curse--and so avoids Olivia until circumstances force them together on the Solstice. Original world-building and steamy romance.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Showoff (Swindle, #4); Author: Gordon Korman; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, children, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Reading this series to my kids. The Man With the Plan tries to save Luthor by entering him in a dog show. Some funny bits--especially Dmitre Trebezhov--but the 'reveal' on the bad guys identity didn't work for me.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Doppelgangster (Esther Diamond, #2); Author: Laura Resnick; Genres: romance, thriller, comics, crime, paranormal, graphic, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Struggling actress Esther Diamond is making ends meet by doing a stint as a singing waitress at a local restaurant frequented by the mafia. Add in magic, doppelgangsters, and a hunky detective and Esther has her hands full. Light-hearted fun with some very nice plot twists.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Allegiance of Honor (Psy-Changeling #15); Author: Nalini Singh; Genres: romance, mystery, thriller, children, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Very much a book for fans. Anyone unfamiliar to the series who picked this up would be utterly lost. Nalini Singh did something very daring with this one, and for the most part pulled it off. While Lucas and Sascha anchor the book, there really isn't a main character or couple. Instead, as the three plot strands unwind (a threat against Sascha and Lucas's daughter, the rescue of a kidnapping BlackSea changeling, and a new threat to the NetMind) the POV is tossed back and forth allowing long-time readers to revisit favorite couples and see how they're (happily) faring. As a writer, I'm very impressed by how the author pulled this off. As a reader, I liked the book but didn't love it. That's okay. The next book Silver Silence looks like it will be back to the regularly structure paranormal romance.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: League of Dragons (Temeraire, #9); Author: Naomi Novik; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Read this aloud to my son, a chapter or so every second night, which makes for a very stretched out reading experience. It was very nice to see Laurence made Admiral in this final book and amusing to see how he handled the dragons. Temeraire also took on some more leadership responsibilities this round, even--gasp!--parting with some treasure for the collective good. I love these characters so it's sad to know there are no more Temeraire books coming, but the series had a satisfying end. Quibble: It irritated me that the author skipped over the final battle between Temeraire and Lien.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Once a Soldier (Rogues Redeemed, #1); Author: Mary Jo Putney; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: A good beginning, that introduces the heroes for Putney's new subseries Rogues Redeemed. Likeable hero and heroine and an interesting non-English setting: the fictional mountain valley kingdom of San Gabriel just after Napoleon's defeat. The story slowed for me toward the middle but picked up satisfyingly at the end. Quibble: the secondary romance was too skimpy for me to get invested in; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Republic of Thieves (Gentleman Bastard, #3); Author: Scott Lynch; Genres: history, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery; Review: Strong beginning as Locke and Jean deal with the consequences of the end of book two. And then at long last we get to meet Sabetha, the only female Gentleman Bastard, both in the flashback storyline and the present. I think this was the first time I was equally interested in the flashbacks as I was in the present storylines. My enthusiasm for this series remains high.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Uninspired Muse (Mt. Olympus Employment Agency: Muse #3); Author: R.L. Naquin; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: Happy to return to this series, which was on hiatus last year. This book gives a satisfying end to Wynter Greene's story, but the author has hinted that she has plenty more stories in the Mt. Olympus Employment Agency to tell. If you like humour, talking plants, trips to the Underworld and bubble wands of artistic inspiration, give this series a try!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Faces (Masks of Aygrima, #3); Author: E.C. Blake; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, young-adult; Review: Mara Holdfast returns in book three of this YA-ish fantasy trilogy. I liked how Mara finally learned how to control her magical Gift and her new wolf, Whiteblaze. Since book one set up a despot--the Autarch--book three was all about taking him down and shattering the tyranny of the Masks. I liked the way the action still stayed very personally tied to Mara instead of large-scale battles. Quibble: Mara was a bit willfully blind in the first 100 pages IMO; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ink and Bone (The Great Library, #1); Author: Rachel Caine; Genres: history, young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Fantastic read. I enjoyed this one from start to finish. Great worldbuilding--the year is 2025 but the world's technological progress has been stunted by the stranglehold on knowledge kept by the Great Library of Alexandria and has a steampunk Victorian feel. Jess comes from a family of book smugglers but loves books and is striving for a position at the Great Library. He's in competition with a bunch of other teens, many with secrets of their own. Quibble: Be prepared for a first-book-in-a-series ending.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Good Man Friday (Benjamin January, #12); Author: Barbara Hambly; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, fiction; Review: Another change of setting (I think the third in a row...) as Benjamin travels to Washington, DC. We get a look at the 1837-era politics, attitudes toward slavery, and the town's passion for baseball as Benjamin investigates the disappearance of a mathematician. I was especially charmed by the appearance of Edgar Allan Poe in the story. Deft characterization, unflinching historical accuracy and strong plotting made this a swift read.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: This is Not a Game; Author: Walter Jon Williams; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Interesting story about an ARG puppetmaster who uses the social network from the game to escape from a country undergoing revolution and later to solve a murder. The plot revolves around four college gaming friends who mostly went into business together afterward.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Marked in Flesh (The Others, #4); Author: Anne Bishop; Genres: history, young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: This was definitely a Things Get Worse entry in the series. Big plot changes and with a wider focus. I was very interested in Meg and the prophecy decks plotline. Quibble: I kept getting confused between Joe and Jackson and which group/town/plotline they belonged to.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hideout (Swindle, #5); Author: Gordon Korman; Genres: history, young-adult, mystery, thriller, children, crime, biography, historical fiction, fiction; Review: Swindle, the original villain from book one of the series, is back with a new nefarious plan. The team has to hide Luthor at camp. I liked how the plot rotated through three camps and paired up different team members.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Armada; Author: Ernest Cline; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Fun, quick read about video gamers being conscripted to fight off an actual alien invasion.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Wrong Side of Hell (The DeathSpeaker Codex #1); Author: Sonya Bateman; Genres: young-adult, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Strong pacing and short chapters made this a quick read. I liked Gideon's unique DeathSpeaker magic and the bogeyman. Teeny-tiny Quibble: I was a little bothered by the way Gideon just suddenly "knew" some crucial magic at the end--this is the kind of thing that might be explained in the next book, but it annoyed me that he never wondered where this convenient knowledge came from.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Liar's Key (The Red Queen's War, #2); Author: Mark Lawrence; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Some great scenes--and a few places where I wanted to strangle Jalan for being a self-centred greedy jerk. As always, it's the world and the magic that make these books work for me. I also really enjoyed the flashbacks to both Jalan's childhood and the Red Queen as a girl.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Firewall (Magic Born, #3); Author: Sonya Clark; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Tuyut and Hayes have a history. They worked together as part of an elite Rangers unit, often undercover as man and wife. When Magic Born Tuyut ran she asked Hayes to come with her--and he refused to give up his career. Now the military wants Hayes to track Tuyut down and capture her, but those old feelings get in the way. I quite enjoyed the romance between Tuyut and Hayes. The movement to end the segregation of the Magic Born that started brewing in the previous books Trancehack and Witchlight comes to a head. I had a harder time getting into the rebellion plot--no fault of the author, I've simply read too many YA dystopias with a similar three-book plot arc--but I liked how the couples from all three books came together at the end to help bring down the Magic Laws.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Penric and the Shaman (Penric and Desdemona, #2); Author: Lois McMaster Bujold; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Read in one evening. It's no secret that I'm a big Bujold fan. I reread both Penric's Demon and The Hallowed Hunt before the release of this one (not necessary, just because I wanted to). Great characters, fascinating magic and a puzzle to solve. The POV is divided between Penric, Inglis (the shaman) and Oswyl, a temple locator. While I wish there had been more from Penric's POV, it was very amusing to view Penric through Oswyl's bewildered eyes.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Jackpot (Swindle, #6); Author: Gordon Korman; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, children, crime, biography, historical fiction, fiction; Review: Reading this series to my kids. Griffin's revenge on Darren Vader goes badly... Some of the chapters were a little painful to read as Griffin ends up on the outs with his usual gang of friends.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Emperor's Soul; Author: Brandon Sanderson; Genres: paranormal, young-adult, fantasy, fiction; Review: Sanderson excels at cool magic systems. In this world Forgers can make plain furnishings into replicas of historic art with a 'soulstamp' and one particular Forger, Shai, can do the same to people. When she's imprisoned, Shai is forced to work on a Forgery of huge scope--the emperor's soul--while at the same time planning her own escape before the corrupt officials kill her.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Thorn of Dentonhill (Maradaine, #1); Author: Marshall Ryan Maresca; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Good beginning hook. Veranix is a lot of things: a mage, a university student, an acrobat, a secret vigilante and a hothead. This leads to lots of enjoyable action and magic scenes in his quest to bring down drug-boss Fenmere. I also enjoyed the mystery of the stolen magical artifacts. Quibbles: Every time the book hit a section from Colin's POV, it slowed down to a crawl for me. I just didn't care about him. There also weren't enough female characters to my taste. The only one with any number of scenes and development was Kaiana. There's mention of a girl's college, but all the university students, professors, most of the gang members and bad guys are all male. Boo.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Undying King; Author: Grace Draven; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Fantasy romance novella. Imogen is cursed. Before her mother dies, she tells Imogen to travel to the fabled city of Tineroth and seek help from the Undying King. But to an immortal longing for death, Imogen's touch is no curse... Wonderful setting and a rewarding romance.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Crown of the Queen (Twelve Kingdoms, #3.6); Author: Jeffe Kennedy; Genres: paranormal, romance, fantasy, fiction; Review: Novella set between Talon of the Hawk and Pages of the Mind. A pleasant read for fans of the series like me, concerning Ursula's coronation and setting up things to come, but if you're looking to test drive the author's writing, I'd advise going for the same-world-but-complete-on-its-own novella Heart's Blood.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Angels' Share (The Bourbon Kings, #2); Author: J.R. Ward; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: Addictive family drama/romantic suspense. Great opening chapter with plenty of twists and turns as the drama continues. I especially liked how Gin, Lane and Edward all grew a little this book. I will be waiting for book three. And I want to go on record now as saying I do not believe the "confession" at the end for one second!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Rock Wedding (Rock Kiss, #4); Author: Nalini Singh; Genres: romance, fiction; Review: Bought and read in one day... Cried my way through a lot of tissues. Sarah and Abe didn't have many scenes in the previous books in the series, so I was a bit lukewarm on them when I picked up the book, but Nalini Singh quickly grabbed my heartstrings and had me rooting for them. Quibble: Pacing was a bit uneven; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Hidden Oracle (The Trials of Apollo, #1); Author: Rick Riordan; Genres: young-adult, children, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: A fun read. I really loved the voice for this one: vain, self-important Apollo trying to deal with being a mortal teenager with *gasp* acne was hilarious. Rick Riordan specializes in awesome chapter titles--in this book because Apollo is the god of poetry we get terrible haikus. Lots of action as various creatures of Greek myth take a turn coming alive.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fatal Scandal (Fatal, #8); Author: Marie Force; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: Read in one day. The fantastic dialogue in this romantic suspense series really pulls me along. In addition to the main plot of the homicide case Sam in investigating which involves a member of her department, we also get to see Nick's first day as VP, some development on the Shelby/Avery front and Scotty's adoption. Edge of your seat climax with some very nice twists.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hallowed Circle (Persephone Alcmedi, #2); Author: Linda Robertson; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: 2nd book in an urban fantasy series. It's the characters that are drawing me into this one, especially Persephone, Johnny and Demeter. Persephone is roped into competing to be High Priestess of her local coven, but her real problem is coming to grips with her new role as Lustrata, Lady justice.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Unleashed (Swindle, #7); Author: Gordon Korman; Genres: history, young-adult, mystery, thriller, children, crime, biography, historical fiction, fiction; Review: Reading this series to my kids. Griffin, Melissa and Darren Vader enter the Invent-a-Palooza, a new paranoid neighbor moves in and Luthor starts chasing trucks. Hijinks ensue.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Palace Job (Rogues of the Republic, #1); Author: Patrick Weekes; Genres: young-adult, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: I seem to be on roll with heist SF/fantasy novels these days... This one has all the required elements: a gallery of interesting rogues (including a unicorn and a talking hammer), a loathsome villain to steal from, lots of action and magic and solid world-building. Short scenes keep the pace moving well.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Because of Miss Bridgerton (Rokesbys, #1); Author: Julia Quinn; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: This is the first full-length Julia Quinn novel I've read and I enjoyed it considerably more than the novella I'd previously tried. Well-drawn, interesting characters (tomboy Billie and eldest son George) and a lovely slow building romance. Fave scene: the game of Pall Mall.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Unsympathetic Magic (Esther Diamond #3); Author: Laura Resnick; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Trying to catch up in this amusing urban fantasy series. The fact that the heroine Esther Diamond is a struggling actress gives this a fresh feel for me and I'm quite enjoying her on-again off-again romance with Detective Lopez.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Wakeworld (The Between, #2); Author: Kerry Schafer; Genres: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Since it has been so long since I read book one (Between) it took me the first quarter of the book to reconnect with the characters and remember what happened previously. Good pacing, short chapters and a strong middle pulled me forward. I will be on the hunt for book three.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Nothing (The Between, #3); Author: Kerry Schafer; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: End of an imaginative series with both cool dreamworlds and the very dangerous Between connecting them. High stakes and lots of action leading to a satisfactory conclusion. Lots of difficult choices faced by Vivian and Zee.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Planetfall; Author: Emma Newman; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: A character with secrets--secrets that are slowly crushing her--and an alien planet. Very well written. Bring tissues.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lonen's War (Sorcerous Moons, #1); Author: Jeffe Kennedy; Genres: history, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: It took a few chapters for me to get into this one, and since its the first installment of at least four or five, the romance element (a strong part of the author's appeal) was also just getting started. I liked the world-building and the magic-with-gender-roles and Oria's 'sensitivity' problem. Quibble: Two sets of characters, supposedly from different cultures, with very similar names: Nat and Natly, and Alva and Alby.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Thousand Names (The Shadow Campaigns, #1); Author: Django Wexler; Genres: history, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Flintlock fantasy. Very military-oriented. It reminded me slightly of Steven Erickson, but with a much narrower character focus (a good thing). I appreciated that one of the main characters was a woman soldier (masquerading as a boy). Good battle scenes and believable character conflicts. I shall have to look for the next one in the series. Quibble: After a brief mention in the prologue, the magic element didn't show up again until mid-way through the book which made me a bit impatient.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Vamparazzi (Esther Diamond, #4); Author: Laura Resnick; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: I'm officially glomming this series now. Esther Diamond, struggling actress, has a great voice. Funny, light urban fantasy that is tackles a different 'monster' every book. This time around it's vampires and we finally get to find out what's up with Max and Lithuanians.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Nightgazer (The Wellspring Chronicles Book 1); Author: Joely Sue Burkhart; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: The fantasy romance subgenre often misses the mark for me on the magic side of the equation, but this one had a satisfying world and a unique magic system as well as some hot scenes!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Ocean at the End of the Lane; Author: Neil Gaiman; Genres: young-adult, children, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Deeply weird, by turns scary and full of wonder. Also quite short. One of those books where the framing story is from adult viewpoint, and the heart of the story is from a child's point of view, but it's meant for adult readers. Quibble: the first sentence of chapter one was so heart-breaking a full month passed before I could make myself go on to read the first of it.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Project Elfhome (Elfhome, #4.5); Author: Wen Spencer; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery; Review: Read in one day with a big smile on my face. I am a big fan of this series (well, of anything Wen Spencer writes, really.) I would have bought this for the Pittsburgh Backyard & Garden novella alone, but we get so much more than that: a second PB&G novella, two Bare Snow and Laws novellas, two stories about Olivia and Forest, plus other assorted other stories and character glimpses... Happy sigh. Okay, enough fangirling, what's the book about? Series premise: every 30 days the city of Pittsburgh travels to Elfhome due to a hyperphase gate malfunction. The main series follows mad genius Tinker, who is an 18 year old girl. Pittsburgh Backyard & Garden: Jane is the producer of a TV show that shows Pittsburgh residents how to deal with the very dangerous flora and fauna now invading their backyards. Hal, the host, likes to blow things up... And that's just the premise. Terrific novella and Chased by Monsters takes up Jane's story immediately afterward. Bare Snow Falling on Fairywood: the author says her inspiration for the story was a lesbian, an elf and a porcupine walk into a hardware store... She pretty much had me right there. Threads that Bind and Break features the same characters. Peace Offering/ Price of Peace: two stories about a new character Olivia. Pregnant, broke and fleeing a cult, Olivia sees an opportunity to save herself in Forest Moss, an elf who was driven crazy by the Skin Clan. Her empathy for him makes the story. If you haven't read the series before start with either Tinker or Pittsburgh Backyard & Garden. If you love the series, check out Wen Spencer's FB page, where she sometimes posts snippets of the next book Harbinger.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ghost Talkers; Author: Mary Robinette Kowal; Genres: history, young-adult, mystery, thriller, romance, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Great premise--during WWI Great Britain used mediums to get intelligence information from the dead. The heroine, Ginger, is hit with a huge complication around the one-quarter mark as has to use her skills to find a traitor and solve a murder. Interesting magic and the plot moves well. One caution: the story has a definitely darker and grimmer feel to it than her Glamourist Histories series.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Blood of the Earth (Soulwood, #1); Author: Faith Hunter; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Good start to a new series. Nell is fascinating but very different from Jane Yellowrock (the heroine of Faith Hunter's other series) having grown up in God's Cloud of Glory church, an anti-government survivalist cult that allows polygamy. She also has very cool green thumb/druidic powers. Seeing her come a small ways out of her shell was a pleasure. Both the world and some characters (such as Rick and Paka) overlap with the Jane Yellowrock series. I will definitely be on the watch for book two.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Wild Embrace (Psy-Changeling #2.5, 5.1, 11.5, 12.1); Author: Nalini Singh; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Four novellas from one of my favorite paranormal romance authors. Echo of Silence: A deep-sea station and a telekinetic Psy whose Silence is breaking... Really loved these characters. My favorite of the novellas. Dorian: This didn't really work as a novella, but gave some background on one of the heroes of the early books and allowed us to see him explore his leopard. Partners in Persuasion: a submissive wolf and a dominant leopard changeling hit some bumps on the road to romance. Sexy and fun. Tiny quibble: who would name a wolf Felix? Flirtation of Fate: a changeling who'd nobly given up his true love is thrown back into her company during a murder investigation. My heart went out to Kenji.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: No Good Dragon Goes Unpunished (Heartstrikers, #3); Author: Rachel Aaron; Genres: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Still loving this series... Nice dragon, Julius Heartstriker, is trying to change his clan's structure without either getting killed or having to kill anyone--something that isn't easy in an enormous family of violent, back-stabbing dragons. In the meantime, governments and spirits are fighting to get control of the next Merlin: Marci. We also get some very intriguing hints about Chelsie's past. I love it when at book three the world still feels like its opening up and we're still learning about its magic. Looking forward to book four!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Coraline; Author: Neil Gaiman; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, comics, children, crime, paranormal, graphic, fantasy, fiction; Review: Reread this to my son. It's held up very well. A creepy story with a clever and capable young heroine. The simple device of the other mother with black button eyes and the parallel world that isn't right works so well.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dark Vow (Arcane, #1); Author: Shona Husk; Genres: history, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy; Review: I was impressed with the level of world-building in this alternate Western fantasy: the vampire horses, the Ten Lords who each have an hour of the day and people swear to (Brewer, Carpenter, Smith, etc), the Dead Heart Gun and even the small detail that freckles are considered the height of beauty. When her husband is slain by an Arcane Bounty Hunter with the very gun she helped engrave, Jaines Cord swears revenge--an impossible goal since Arcanes cannot be killed with regular guns.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Polterheist (Esther Diamond, #5); Author: Laura Resnick; Genres: romance, thriller, comics, crime, paranormal, graphic, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: I like the way the setting changes from book to book in this series, due to Esther's career as a struggling actress. This time around she plays Dreidel, the Jewish elf at a department store's Solsticeland display. The feuding family running the department store, the sheer number of Santas (Moody Santa, Diversity Santa, Drag Queen Santa, etc) and the tight spots Esther gets into while trying to stop Evil make for a fun read. Fave moments: meeting Lopez's parents, or maybe his Santa phobia... the whole Lopez subplot basically.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Shadow Throne (The Shadow Campaigns, #2); Author: Django Wexler; Genres: paranormal, romance, fantasy, fiction; Review: A big change of scene from book one, which was set in a foreign desert, to book two which sees our heroes back in their native land, in the capital. More intrigue and fewer battles. I really liked the introduction of Raesinian the princess with a secret, and how both Marcus and Winter's plotlines delved into their backstories. A quick read, despite being 600 pages in paperback. I shall definitely pick up book three soon.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Troll (Troll, #1); Author: Ashley C. Harris; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: YA fantasy set in Florida with a unique take on Trolls. I really enjoyed the magic element in this one: the trolls gem eyes and tattoos and magical bargains. I liked that there were no clear cut good guys between the knights and the trolls, and how Wilhelm struggled between his troll heritage and his growing feelings for Abby. Fave moment: when the teachers all win the lottery Quibble: The pacing was a little uneven, with the second half of the novel going faster than the first.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Seal of Throkar: The Sundered Tree: Book One; Author: Marniy Jones; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: Great world-building based on gods and avatars and a spear that can kill or create a god. Each avatar also has a first lieutenant and it is two of these, Quinthian and Dalanar, whom the story follows. They begin as enemies, who are accidentally linked, and the story is as much about their changing perceptions of each other and them changing each other as it is about the spear.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Black Water (Jane Yellowrock #6.3, #0.3, #7.5 ); Author: Faith Hunter; Genres: paranormal, romance, fantasy, fiction; Review: A collection of three Jane Yellowrock stories, including the one where Jane meets Nell. I never enjoy short stories as much as novels, but it helps a lot when the characters are ones I already know and sympathize with from novels.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Starship's Mage: Omnibus (Starship's Mage, #1); Author: Glynn Stewart; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Cool premise--I liked the way the jump mages worked together with the space opera setting. The story was originally published as five short novellas, but (unlike others I've tried) also worked well as a book, the plots building on each other rather than feeling episodic. The world-building and technology was well-thought out. Characters were a little underdeveloped. Quibble: Some of the names were too similar. Not only were did the two main POV characters names start with the same two letters, David and Damien, there were four characters whose names started with Kel (Kellers, Kelly, Kelzin, and Kelsier) and six minor characters whose first name was James.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Fatal Circle (Persephone Alcmedi, #3); Author: Linda Robertson; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: I missed this series when it first came out, but have been gradually buying the ebooks (this is book three). Well-paced and plotted in an interesting world. The stakes were higher this time, with the fey threatening war, and all three supernatural races, witches, waerewolves and vampires involved in the fight. We learn more about Menessos as Persephone is forced to move onto his turf, but there are still plenty of Johnny scenes.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Misfortune Cookie (Esther Diamond, #6); Author: Laura Resnick; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Fun, quick read. Still catching up in this light-hearted urban fantasy series. Curses, cookies, Chinatown, indie films and of course more of Esther's up-and-down relationship with skeptic Detective Lopez.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Trixie Belden and the Secret of the Mansion (Trixie Belden, #1); Author: Julie Campbell; Genres: young-adult, thriller, children, crime, fiction, mystery; Review: Reread this to my daughter. I loved the Trixie Belden mystery series as a kid and I remember my mother reading some of them to my sister and me. The book didn't quite hold up to my memory--a lot of time is spent doing kid things--swimming, biking, riding horses and weeding the garden-- rather than following the mystery plot. But Trixie remains a very engaging character and my daughter has asked to continue on in the series.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Bloodbound (Bloodbound, #1); Author: Erin Lindsey; Genres: history, young-adult, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Action start and an appealing heroine who can both sneak around scouting and swordfight with her magical bloodbound blade. The stakes are high: not only is her country being attacked by a stronger army, but the king's brother just betrayed him and civil war threatens. And then there's Alix's rather complicated lovelife... Quibble: the solution at the end came out of nowhere and could have been better foreshadowed.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Just Like Heaven (Smythe-Smith Quartet, #1); Author: Julia Quinn; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Delightful historical romance. Witty banter, entertaining characters, real emotion.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Burning Sky (The Elemental Trilogy, #1); Author: Sherry Thomas; Genres: history, young-adult, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Loved it! Good world-building--the Domain and its connections to 19th century Britain, otherwise spells, the Crucible, elemental magic, mind magic, blood oaths--were all richly detailed and hung together. I especially enjoyed the relationship between Iolanthe and Titus. I must hunt down book two.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Perilous Sea (The Elemental Trilogy, #2); Author: Sherry Thomas; Genres: history, young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Excellent! Lately, I've been disappointed by a lot of middle books in a YA series, so I'm delighted to report that this one lives up to the promise of the first volume. More cool magic and wonderful characters in peril. I quite liked the way the author used the two timelines to increase suspense. Great banter and emotion between Titus and Iolanthe and some revelations and twists about various other characters. So glad I don't have long to wait for book three to come out in paperback!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Magic Binds (Kate Daniels, #9); Author: Ilona Andrews; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Magic, action, humor... you just can't go wrong with an Ilona Andrews book. Read in one day. When prophecy shows disaster looming at Kate and Curran's wedding, Kate has to think outside the box. Way outside. Expect interesting revelations to do with Julie and with Christopher.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Once Broken Faith (October Daye, #10); Author: Seanan McGuire; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery; Review: Bonus novella included at the back of Once Broken Faith and taking place chronologically immediately after. It was interesting to have viewpoint (first person no less) from someone other than Toby--in this case Arden Windermere, new queen and former bookstore clerk. So, interesting, with lots of little tidbits for long-time read, but the ending seemed a bit too easy. Merged review: Always a pleasure to read about fae-changeling Toby and her highly-eclectic gang of friends. I like the way the book took a previously established magic--"elf-shot" which puts purebloods to sleep for a hundred years--and explored it in depth. In the previous book in the series, a cure for elf-shot was discovered. Now there's a conclave of kings and nobles (ruled over by the High King and Queen) about whether or not the cure should be distributed. Murder and intrigue follow, with the stakes ratcheting up nicely as the story goes along.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Do You Want to Start a Scandal (Spindle Cove, #5, Castles Ever After, #4); Author: Tessa Dare; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Wonderful. Tessa Dare has the perfect light touch for writing amusing scenes and banter while at the same time showing real intimacy grow between the mismatched characters: innocent, intrepid Charlotte and world-weary spy Piers.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Swan Riders (Prisoners of Peace, #2); Author: Erin Bow; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Tense. At the end of book one (IF YOU DIDN'T READ BOOK ONE, STOP HERE) Greta became an A.I. But making the transition from human to A.I. is full of dangers. Too much emotion overloads her and ends in seizures, but most of the A.I.s are crazy by human standards and trying to find the balance in between adds a great deal of tension to the novel. Wonderful depth of character, both main and secondary, and solid world-building make this a stand-out YA.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Crosstalk; Author: Connie Willis; Genres: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Likeable characters with a strong plot that kept not only ticking along but escalating. I think the author has said she was inspired by screwball comedies and you can see it in the humour. One of Connie Willis's trademarks are the fascinating historical tidbits dropped into the plot: J.B Rhine, Bridey Murphy, etc.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Price of Valor (The Shadow Campaigns, #3); Author: Django Wexler; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Still enjoying this series: strong battle scenes, strong female characters, and the magic element is deepening as we see more of the Pentitent Damned. The narrative is divided between the exploits of the army and the home city of Vordan, whose bloody revolution echoes the French Revolution and the Terror. Having caught up on all three books currently out in paperback, I now have to wait for volume four to release in paperback...; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Shadow of Elysium (The Shadow Campaigns #2.5); Author: Django Wexler; Genres: history, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Set in the same world as The Shadow Campaigns series, which I am an avid reader of, with different characters: Abraham and Alex. Strong premise: they are being taken as prisoners to Elysium because of their demons and must escape. Alex's backstory is told in a separate short story The Penitent Damned which I read online, and the novella deals with Abraham's backstory and the present escape. I found the ending a bit unsatisfying. Perhaps the author intends to continue their story later? Quibble: one of those books where I felt misled by the back cover blurb--which often isn't the authors fault at all; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Kiss Me in the Rain (Tanner Family, Book 1); Author: Sarah Kades; Genres: romance; Review: Enjoyable romance with lots of sensual tension between the two leads: Savannah and Gabe. I liked the background of the Alberta tar sands and archaeology. The author's love of nature really shines through. Quibble: The coincidence that Gabe knew Savannah's dad, in addition to the connection between Gabe's dad and Savannah's aunt, kinda bugged me.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Star-Touched Queen (The Star-Touched Queen, #1); Author: Roshani Chokshi; Genres: history, young-adult, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: An original story and wonderful world-building based on Indian mythology. There are many things to like about this debut novel--and yet I found myself constantly stalling out while reading it. Why? Mostly, I think it came down to a matter of style preference. For me pacing is king. I like to race through stories, pulled along to the end. This novel started well: girl cursed with a terrible horoscope is picked on by the other women of the harem. Things get worse: her father tells her she has the marry. And then she's plucked from the building war in her kingdom by a prince of the Otherworld and taken away to live in his realm. Mysterious and fantastic things happened, but a lot of the tension went away. And the big complication at the two thirds mark happened when the main character did something stupid. The novel has what Brandon Sanderson calls "soft magic" without a lot of rules. I prefer hard magic. I like to understand how the characters do magic. I did love Kamala the demonic horse. The novel also has beautiful and vivid writing. Many readers consider this a big plus. Here's the thing: when I read a prettily written sentence Writer Me says "Cool!" Reader Me is less enthused. Reader Me likes clarity above all else. When I read a sentence like "the knife growled across the floor", I don't know if "growled" is a pretty metaphor or a literal meaning. In a fantasy novel with jewel fruits and shadows that have a life of their own a magically alive knife isn't much of a stretch. So when I read it I have to stop and think about whether the sentence is literal or metaphorical. And if there are dozens of these types of sentences in a single chapter, I am constantly bumped out of the story. I start to get grumpy. So while this story wasn't for me, it may well be for you. It all depends on what kind of story and writing you like.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Rosetta Man; Author: Claire McCague; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Intriguing alien first contact story--with non-verbal aliens. The story starts out in New Zealand, but soon travels. Every nation wants the aliens and since Estlin (an empath who's mental shininess often attracts small animals) is the only one who can communicate, he gets dragged everywhere along with them. Very well-researched with lots of small details that give the story authenticity. Quibble: Since Jeannette had a past romantic connection with Estlin, when their paths finally crossed after hundred pages, I expected more to happen. Instead... fizzle.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Prodigal; Author: Jody Wallace; Genres: romance, thriller, children, crime, paranormal, fantasy, mystery; Review: Science fiction romance. I'm a sucker for a character with amnesia, especially where it gives the character motivation to change. Adam Alsing is a very different man than the Hollywood playboy who disappeared three years before (in book one) and was presumed dead. Claire Lawson, as a grumpy sheriff during the alien apocalypse, made for a strong heroine. Lots of action, some humour, and cameos from the other couples in the series. (Ship is still my favorite) Quibble: While most things were resolved by the end, I was left with one unanswered question.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Duke and I (Bridgertons, #1); Author: Julia Quinn; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: This is an older one of Julia Quinn's and, as is often the case, I didn't like it quite as well as her newer ones. Still enjoyable with two likeable main characters.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Hell's Foundations Quiver (Safehold, #8); Author: David Weber; Genres: history, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: It took me awhile to get through the first half of this book (it's a LONG book.) As per usual with Weber fare it is very tech and battle heavy. I like the battles, but my eyes glaze over during the technology/weaponry chapters. This is the eighth book and it feels like we're finally getting close to the end (and the next book is called At the Sign of Triumph). As with book seven, I wish our main characters had had more to do than just observe secondary character action--one of the problems with the sheer scope of the series. Highlights: The chapter that starts "She was cold" was extremely well-written. The Kauhdzho Narrows battle was also a standout.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Alcatraz Versus the Scrivener's Bones (Alcatraz, #2); Author: Brandon Sanderson; Genres: young-adult, children, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Fun, high action, middle-grade fantasy. Brandon Sanderson excels at creating unique magic systems and worlds. I get a particular kick out of the Smedry family talents, which sound so useless at first--such as arriving late, getting lost and breaking things--but prove to be hilariously helpful. All three of my kids are reading this series too, which is kind of cool.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Black Wolves of Boston; Author: Wen Spencer; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Bought this in hardcover the day after its release and stayed up past midnight to finish it. It. Was. Awesome! I follow the author Wen Spencer on FB and had read lots of tantalizing snippets already from the work-in-progress. Wonderful, funny characters, a unique world and a story chock-full of delightful scenes that I'm already dying to reread.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: A Study in Scarlet Women (Lady Sherlock, #1); Author: Sherry Thomas; Genres: history, young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Loved this. So far I've followed Sherry Thomas from historical romance to YA fantasy and now to historical mystery and enjoyed them all. To be honest, the premise of a Lady Sherlock didn't excite me that much (not a big Holmes or mystery fan) but I'm very glad I gave this a try. The story grabbed me early on and I read it in one day. The author made an interesting choice (and I think the right one) in first showing us Charlotte through the eyes of her sister Livia so that we could see both how extraordinary she is--and how hemmed in by 19th century society. I want to know what happens to her next!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Legacy of the Demon (Kara Gillian, #8); Author: Diana Rowland; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Wow, this series has changed a lot over the course of eight books! It started with Kara as lowly police officer who summoned in her spare time, and now she's arcane commander and fighting epic battles to defend the earth. Kara makes a great heroine: loyal to her friends, snarky and above all capable. Note: I was glad to see the glossary at the back, because after eight books we've accumulated a lot of secondary characters whom I don't always remember.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Crimson Death (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter #25); Author: Laurell K. Hamilton; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: This is a thick book. The first half is all Circus of the Damned, relationships, character conflict (only Laurell K. Hamilton could spend two chapters walking to a shower and make it readable), sex and triumvirates. The second half when we got to Ireland (about p. 400) was the more early-series-style police investigation and vampire hunting. I enjoyed both halves, but if you're only in it for the vampire hunting, read chapter one and skip to page 400. Quibble: The sheer number of characters one is required to remember is growing difficult in such a long-running series.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lady of the Star Wind; Author: Veronica Scott; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Fun adventure which successfully mixes SF and fantasy. After going through a mysterious portal, Mark and his old love Sandy are thrown into a new world with chariot-level technology, magic artifacts and visions (though his blaster still works fine). Sandy becomes the Lady of the Star Wind and Mark her warrior consort as they get caught up in local political power struggles. Quibble: Because this is marketed as SFR I was expecting equal POV from Mark and Sandy. Instead Mark dominated, including some scenes that IMO would have worked better from Sandy's--especially in the final chapter. Also, some of the chapters were REALLY long.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Red Trailer Mystery (Trixie Belden, #2); Author: Julie Campbell; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, children, crime, fiction; Review: Rereading this series to my daughter. Wow, I think I only remembered one thing from reading this as a kid: Trixie noticing the imprint in the dust of Jim's christening cup. Why only that is a puzzle: it happens during a very tense scene with the trailer thieves. The pacing is a little slow for my adult tastes, but my daughter quite enjoyed it and has asked for more. I'm also shaking my head over the way Miss Trask lets them roam all over the countryside alone...; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Moonshadow (Moonshadow, #1); Author: Thea Harrison; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Read in one day with a big grin on my face. Although part of the Elder Races world, this is the start of a new subseries, set in England featuring a conflict between the dark and light courts of faerie. Nikolas is Dark court and he and his dwindling cadre of knights have been trapped in England, cut off from their faerie realm, for decades. He's driven and desperate and hardened. Sophie's arrival hits him like a bomb. So. Fun. I love Sophie, and her brand of Crazy TM, and how she calls out Nikolas on his behaviour.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Desert and the Blade (Emberverse, #12); Author: S.M. Stirling; Genres: history, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Post-apocalyptic fantasy. We were introduced to a whole new set of characters last book (the next generation) and I'm still getting used to them. As always, fantastic battle scenes and some very cool magic ones as well. The length of the book (830 pages paperback) and a busy weekend made it seem like I've been reading this one forever... S.M. Stirling describes everything--something I like in the battle scenes, but bog down a bit in the sections about flora and fauna and food.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Justice Calling (The Twenty-Sided Sorceress, #1); Author: Annie Bellet; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Quick, fun read. Enjoyable characters: sorceress-in-hiding/gamer nerd Jade Crow, a leprechaun antiquer next door and a number of shifter friends and a tiger-shifter love-interest. (Though this is clearly urban fantasy not paranormal romance) Quick-moving, high action plot with plenty of magic, just the way I like it. Note: Bought this as a four-books-in-one-volume trade paperback called Level Grind.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Leopard King (Ars Numina, #1); Author: Ann Aguirre; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Paranormal romance. A grieving hero plus a gutsy heroine who's always been overlooked because she lacked the ability to shift made for a very emotionally satisfying love story. Lots of secondary characters with potential and a looming war make me eager to read on in the series.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Murder of Crows (The Twenty-Sided Sorceress, #2); Author: Annie Bellet; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery; Review: Second novella in a series... Strong pacing, high-action and lots of magic, plus this time around we get to explore some of Jade Crow's past: she was raised by a 'cult' of crow-shifters who kicked her out at 14 for being unable to shift. Needless to say she isn't happy about being asked for a favour by them.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Immortal Heights (The Elemental Trilogy, #3); Author: Sherry Thomas; Genres: history, young-adult, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: End of a series. I came late to this trilogy and thus had the pleasure of reading all three books relatively close together instead of impatiently waiting a year between books. A very satisfying end to the series, with the villain defeated, several tiny mysteries solved and prophecies neatly fulfilled. The epilogue tickled my funny bone. I hope the author writes more YA fantasy!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dragonsbane (Winterlands #1); Author: Barbara Hambly; Genres: paranormal, romance, fantasy, fiction; Review: An old favorite I reread to my son. So many cool things in this story: a heroine who is middle-aged and has little power, a hero who is half-scholar half-warrior and comes from a poor Northern land, a dragon who is not the true villain, a prince who grows up, gnomes... Looking forward to rereading book two. Quibble: reading it aloud, I really noticed how the author loves to describe light hitting different surfaces. The number of times she described the lint glinting off John's or Gareth's spectacles!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Pack of Lies (The Twenty-Sided Sorceress #3); Author: Annie Bellet; Genres: young-adult, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Still enjoying these novellas about a gamer geek sorceress and her shifter friends. The plot moves well and I liked the world development/reveals about the Council of Nine and shifter politics.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hunting Season (The Twenty-Sided Sorceress, #4); Author: Annie Bellet; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Last of the short novels/novellas in the Level Grind omnibus. Some interesting Irish/druidic magic (plus unicorns!) and a big step forward on the overarching series plot. While Jade doesn't fight Samir in this book, she does meet two of his apprentices. Nice buildup! As with the previous novels, there's lots of magic and action scenes, and Jade makes a nicely-conflicted heroine.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Abracadaver (Esther Diamond, #7); Author: Laura Resnick; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: A fun, quick read. I've been glomming the Esther Diamond books this year and now I'm all caught up! Sad/glad. This one picks up immediately after the events of The Misfortune Cookie. Favorite moment: When Esther sics Nolan on Lopez--for his own good,of course. So funny.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Planet Song (The Fahr Trilogy, #1); Author: T.K. Boomer; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Original story of an aquatic alien race (the Fahr) who have travelled to Earth to collect humpback whales as "pets"--the whales being highly valued for their song. Short chapters made for quick pacing and the world-building was very good. I'm looking forward to book two. Quibble: There were very few women characters.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Alcatraz Versus the Knights of Crystallia (Alcatraz, #3); Author: Brandon Sanderson; Genres: young-adult, children, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: I'm the last person in the household to read this book. My husband and sons read this years ago and my 8-year-old daughter read it last week. It's so fun to be able to talk to it with her. All the things I want in a middle-grade novel: high-action, lots of humour, a cool world and even cooler magic system. This time around we got to meet Folsom Smedry, whose talent is dancing badly. We also got to see more of Alcatraz's parents and meet Bastille's family, since we finally made it out of the Hushlands to Nalhalla. My daughter's reading book four now, but once she's done...; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dallas Fire & Rescue: Emergency Cupid (Kindle Worlds Novella) (Mt. Olympus Employment Agency: Cupid #1); Author: R.L. Naquin; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: Delightful UF about a Cupid who needs to learn to let a little chaos--and love--into her ordered life. A quick, fun read. I always get a kick out of R.L. Naquin's characters and world-building.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Archangel's Heart (Guild Hunter, #9); Author: Nalini Singh; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: This series seems to alternate between paranormal romance and urban fantasy, with some books following Raphael and Elena the central series couple and some showing other angels or guild hunters finding love. This is one of the UF/Raphael & Elena books, which I'm not enjoying quite as much as the PNR focussed ones. I was happy that the plot took us to Morocco instead of yet another showdown with Lijuan.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Duke of Pleasure (Maiden Lane, #11); Author: Elizabeth Hoyt; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Top-notch historical romance. We finally get a female Ghost of St. Giles! I loved Alf's boldness and her fear of taking off her disguise as a boy. Despite the differences in their rank--street urchin and duke--she and Kyle were a good match for each other. Fun!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Operator (The Peri Reed Chronicles, #2); Author: Kim Harrison; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: SF premise, thriller-style plotting and action, book two in a series. I love how the author gave the character what amounts to a superpower--the ability to jump in time and rewrite history by 'drafting'--and then piled on a bunch of limitations. Not only can Peri only go back in time for 45 seconds, but when she drafts she loses her memory of both versions of events and must a rely on her 'anchor' to reorient herself. Moreover she is vulnerable to her anchor, who can erase years of her memory. Then there are separate rules for when two drafters are caught up in a draft at the same time... Corruption and double-crosses are rife, and all the characters have believable, concrete motivations that make them act against each other.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Curse on the Land (Soulwood, #2); Author: Faith Hunter; Genres: history, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Mystery, magic, rising stakes and a fascinating narrator. Very much enjoying this spinoff series of the author's Jane Yellowrock novels.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Heartfire (Winterkill, #3); Author: Kate A. Boorman; Genres: history, young-adult, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Strong ending for the trilogy. The last half of the book whipped by. Emmeline is a great character, capable and strong yet emotionally vulnerable. I love how she learned to ride a horse this book (which made for a great cover!) Quibble: The initial chase scene felt like a bit of a cheat.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Front Lines (Front Lines, #1); Author: Michael Grant; Genres: history, young-adult, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Alternate-history YA: what if women were drafted in WWII? Well-researched, with well-drawn characters from diverse backgrounds. The plot swept me along and I will eagerly look forward to book two.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Shades of Treason (Anomaly #1); Author: Sandy Williams; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Great tension between the two leads as Rykus struggles to discover if Ash, formerly a cadet under his command, is a traitor. Well-plotted with lots of twists and turns. More, please!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Stalking the Dead (Marie Jenner Mystery #3); Author: E.C. Bell; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: We get to meet Marie's dysfunctional family in this third mystery, as she returns home to Fort MacMurray. Only, of course, the ghosts won't leave her alone and this time the dead is Marie's ex-boyfriends Arnie. Short chapters make for quick pacing as we switch between Marie and the ghost and a bang-up climax. A good Halloween read.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dreamer's Pool (Blackthorn & Grim, #1); Author: Juliet Marillier; Genres: history, young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Compelling characters make this story. Blackthorn is bitter and all but lost to vengeance at the story's start--nor is she healed by story's end. Then there's Grim: big, ugly, terse, devoted to Blackthorn and with his own mysterious past. An interesting world and a good story. I especially liked how the author twisted things twice near the end, putting the characters under pressure.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Penric’s Mission (Penric and Desdemona, #3); Author: Lois McMaster Bujold; Genres: paranormal, romance, fantasy, fiction; Review: Gobbled this one up last night. A new work from Lois McMaster Bujold is always a joy and I am enjoying these series of novellas about Penric and his demon Desdemona. A strong beginning and some very interesting new characters. I especially liked how the way Penric spent the years between the last novella and this one was glossed over at first, with its importance gradually revealed.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Tower of Thorns (Blackthorn & Grim, #2); Author: Juliet Marillier; Genres: history, young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: The second Blackthorn & Grim novel. Wise woman (and escaped prisoner) Blackthorn is torn between her desire for vengeance and her promise to the fey to help all who ask her. A monster in a tower, a land under a curse, mysterious encounters with the fey and monks keep Blackthorn and Grim busy. I was happy that we got a chunk of Grim's backstory, too. The ending was perfect. Happy sigh.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Wyvern; Author: Grace Draven; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: An older fantasy romance novella from Grace Draven. A good story, but unsurprisingly not as involving as her later full-length novels. A fiddler, a wyvern, a lost love... Quibble: the heroine was a touch dense regarding one point.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Sum of All Kisses (Smythe-Smith Quartet, #3); Author: Julia Quinn; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Read in one day. A heroine with a penchant for drama and a hero who limps and is better with numbers than people... A lovely historical romance. So glad I discovered Julia Quinn's books this year.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dragonshadow (Winterlands, #2); Author: Barbara Hambly; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: A reread. Favorite characters Jenny, John and Morkeleb all return, this time around fighting the demons that have captured Jenny and John's son Ian. The huge complication around the two-thirds mark still impresses me with its audacity. Note: The first book in the series Dragonsbane has an ending, but Dragonshadow's ending is more of a pause, as the plot is much more closely linked to book three Knight of the Demon Queen and thus the book has a darker feel.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Gatehouse Mystery (Trixie Belden #3); Author: Julie Campbell; Genres: young-adult, thriller, children, crime, fiction, mystery; Review: Reading this to my daughter--I can't remember for certain if I read this one as a child. Books one and two had familiar bits, but nothing in this one truly rang a bell. I think the best part of this book was the addition of Trixie's brothers to the mix. Mart is quite funny and we got to see more of Bobby, too. The kids form their secret club the Bob-whites in this book.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Tricky Twenty-Two (Stephanie Plum, #22); Author: Janet Evanovich; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: Pure fun. Great dialogue, funny scenes, a highly original plot and terrific pacing make the pages fly. Fave bit: Lula's bedazzled flea collars.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Stories of Your Life and Others; Author: Ted Chiang; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: I don't read many short story collections as I generally find them less involving than novels. I picked this one up only intending to read Story of Your Life (which I was curious about because it's the basis for the movie Arrival), but ended up reading all of them. Some of the science and math was over my head, but the ideas were fabulous. I very much enjoyed the engineering approach that was taken to the more fantasy ideas: the Tower of Babylon and Seventy-Two Letters. Story of Your Life was my favourite as the main character felt more developed to me.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: One Fell Sweep (Innkeeper Chronicles, #3); Author: Ilona Andrews; Genres: young-adult, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Very much enjoying this series: science fiction with inventive (sometimes wacky) technology and interesting aliens. I like that its set on earth at a special inn that grows from a seed and bonds with an innkeeper instead of on a space ship. Fresh and original. While mostly its own adventure, this (book three) makes progress on both the romantic Dina-and-Sean plotline and the long-term arc of finding Dina's parents. I loved meeting Dina's sister and niece.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Alien Nation (Katherine "Kitty" Katt, #14); Author: Gini Koch; Genres: romance, children, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Another fun adventure with Kitty and Jeff. More aliens are coming to earth--this time as refugees fleeing a greater threat. I was very happy that Jeff got to participate in the action instead of being shuffled off to a bunker (since he's now the President). Quibble: By this point in the series the size of Kitty's entourage and the number of villains is getting ridiculous. I wish the author had focused down a little instead of including everyone in every book. Or at least included an index of characters.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Edge of the Blade (The Uncharted Realms #2; The Twelve Kingdoms #5); Author: Jeffe Kennedy; Genres: history, young-adult, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Jepp is awesome! Such a fun, larger-than-life humourously-flawed character, who's in over her head on a diplomatic/spying mission. Great scenes with her and Kral. I also enjoyed the change of scene fro the Twelve Kingdoms to the oppressive empire of Dasnaria.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Courier (San Angeles, #1); Author: Gerald Brandt; Genres: young-adult, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: High-action SF in a stand-out setting: the mega-city of San Angeles where corporations rule and what level you live on dictates your wealth. Kris makes a good heroine: smart and capable but (at 16) very much in-over-her-head. Fave part: The hidey-hole on Level One.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Eocene Station; Author: Dave Duncan; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Intriguing premise: time travel, not to the usual Jurassic/dinosaur period, but to the largely unknown Eocene epoch. Two larger than life characters--a hotshot auditor and his movie-star wife--quickly sucked me into the story and strong pacing pulled me through.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Darker Shade of Magic (Shades of Magic, #1); Author: V.E. Schwab; Genres: history, young-adult, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Fascinating world of Grey London, Red London, White London and Black London. Lively characters, especially thief Lila Bard. The plot took a while to get going but the world was so cool I didn't mind and once it did get going, things ratcheted up nicely.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Chimera (Parasitology, #3); Author: Mira Grant; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Final book in the Parasitology trilogy. A strong beginning with Sal a prisoner of the military. The middle slowed a little before picking up again... I didn't enjoy this one as much as the first one and I'm not really sure why... Maybe I'm tired of apocalypses. Maybe it was the fact that Sal, as one of the few non-scientist characters, ended up being a Macguffin that all three groups of scientists were fighting over. Maybe it was all the philosophical arguments about whether a parasite can be a person... Fave character: Fishy, who decided to deal with the apocalypse by treating everything as a video game; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Damselblossom; Author: Barbara Hambly; Genres: history, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Novelette (12,000 words) For fans (like me!) of Hambly's Dragonsbane/Winterlands books starring Lord Aversin and Jenny Waynet. Pleased to discover this story. I was tickled by the idea of pig magic.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Gorgeous Nightmare; Author: Angela Campbell; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, mystery; Review: Newbie FBI agent Dakota meets up with her teenage crush Tyler while stalking (and being stalked in turn) by some dangerous killers. It made for a neat reversal to see the girl with the gun and the guy with the psychic talent, and I really liked the strength Dakota showed at the end.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Lotus Palace (The Pingkang Li Mysteries, #1); Author: Jeannie Lin; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: I haven't read many historical romances set in China so this made a fascinating change of pace. The characters were well-drawn: maidservant Yue-ying with her unwavering loyalty to her mistress and her tragic past, aristocratic Bai Huang who hides his serious side behind that of a playful buffoon. I liked the way the noble/servant dilemma was solved at the end. Quibble: the mystery element didn't grab me.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Bloodforged (Bloodbound, #2); Author: Erin Lindsey; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Strong second book in a series--middle books in trilogies are hard to pull off, but the pacing was quite strong across all three plotlines. In addition to Erik, Alix and Liam's diplomatic troubles, we also get POV from Rig, Alix's brother and general of the beleaguered army. The ending took me by surprise and sets up the plot of book three.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Secrets of Sir Richard Kenworthy (Smythe-Smith Quartet, #4); Author: Julia Quinn; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Good dialogue, likeable characters... this one wasn't quite as light and frothy as the rest of the series, due to the serious nature of the "secret", but still enjoyable. Quibble: In the book's middle the secret dragged on for about four chapters too long. I was getting impatient by the time it was revealed. (And I'd already guessed it); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Devil Take the Hindmost: A Lola Starke Novel; Author: S.G. Wong; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, mystery; Review: I had a little trouble getting traction in the first half of the novel, but the second half made up for it. Lots of good plot twists and gritty action that had me on the edge of my seat. I'm especially interested in new character and fellow gumshoe Alejandro Yee, who has a complex relationship with Lola and, based on the epilogue, will be a continuing character.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Curse of Tenth Grave (Charley Davidson, #10); Author: Darynda Jones; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Read in one day. Charley is such a fun narrator. This time around she has three mysteries to solve, a murder, the curse from the title and something more personal. And on the supernatural side, the revelations keep coming! So. Cool. Can't wait for the next book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Dark Talent (Alcatraz, #5); Author: Brandon Sanderson; Genres: young-adult, children, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: The Smedry talents aren't working right and glass is behaving strangely--so, of course, now is the perfect time for an assault on Highbrary (this world's version of the Library of Congress.) Shenanigans ensue. And then there's the ending, which was foreshadowed all the way back in book one, page one, but still shocks. All I can say is MAKE SURE YOU READ THE WHOLE THING, INCLUDING THE SECRET NOTE AT THE END. My daughter has been urging me to read this so we could discuss... Even with the secret note at the end this one was definitely darker in tone than the following volumes.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Feversong (Fever, #9); Author: Karen Marie Moning; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Book eight ended on a cliffhanger so Feversong started out with a bang. High tension especially for the first half. Lots of character growth. As I understand it, this book wraps up the second phase of the Fever series--and with so many characters that meant a lot of pages. Fave bit: Shazam, of course.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: To Catch a Stolen Soul (Djinn Haven, #1); Author: R.L. Naquin; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Read in one day. I always enjoy R.L. Naquin's lighter-side-of-fantasy novels and was delighted to find out that Kam, one of my favorite secondary characters from the Monster Haven books, was getting her own series. I especially enjoyed Kam's friendship with Ash, an almost-eighteen hitchhiker, and their undercover stint running a food truck--since Kam can't cook, they sell... (wait for it)... toast.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Boss Fight (The Twenty-Sided Sorceress #5-7); Author: Annie Bellet; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Like Level Grind, an omnibus of several novellas, however the ending of the first one (the aptly-named Heartache) was such a cliff-hanger that I pretty much read all three together as one novel. The evil ex sorcerer who lurks in the background of Level Grind arrives in Boss Fight. Strong tension, likeable characters, quick pacing and both shifters and sorcerer magic made for a quick read.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Dark Days Pact (Lady Helen, #2); Author: Alison Goodman; Genres: history, young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Excellent second book. The series combines young adult (maybe verging into new adult, since Lady Helen is of marriageable age for the time period), Regency and fantasy genres (three things I like) in a delicious way. I was especially impressed with how the tension and stakes kept rising in the second half of the book. Some lovely plot twists too.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Eleventh Grave in Moonlight (Charley Davidson, #11); Author: Darynda Jones; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Read in an afternoon. Still loving this series. Lots of cool developments in the overall plot arc. I really enjoyed seeing Charley come to use her powers a bit more.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Knight of the Demon Queen (Winterlands, #3); Author: Barbara Hambly; Genres: history, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Continuing my reread of this series. I love Hambly's writing: the depth of characterization, strong pacing and a depth of world-building. For instance, John spends most of his plotline on a different world. At first I thought Oh, it's our world, but no, it's much more subtle than that: an urban landscape and dystopia that runs on etheric relays and is slowly drowning. Great stuff. Since this is part of a larger story arc it ended on a big cliffhanger, to be continued in Dragonstar.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Blood Vow (Black Dagger Legacy, #2); Author: J.R. Ward; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: The first scene gave me some trepidation--J.R. Ward has a fondness for extreme "bad boy" heroes that I don't always share--but once Axe met Elise I was caught up in their romance. I also quite enjoyed Mary, Rhage and Bitty's plotline. Basically, if you usually like J.R. Ward's books, you'll like this one too. She's an amazing writer. Quibble: I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop regarding Axe's mother, but it never did.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Happy Valley Mystery (Trixie Belden, #9); Author: Kathryn Kenny; Genres: history, young-adult, mystery, thriller, children, crime, biography, historical fiction, fiction; Review: Reread this to my daughter. The mystery plotline felt a little haphazard, mixed with the kids just having fun visiting Iowa, but I really loved the tense scenes with the flood at the end. Any scene that sticks in your head for thirty years is pretty good.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Shadowed Souls; Author: Jim Butcher; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: A strong collection of UF stories--usually with these types of anthologies I don't read all the stories, (I prefer novel-length) but I read all of these. The gem of the collection was, no surprise, the Jim Butcher story about Molly. Really, that's why I asked for the book for Christmas. So, Cold Case by Jim Butcher: Awesome! Interesting setting, lots of magic and fun action. A deeper look at two minor characters from the Dresden series, Molly and Ramirez. And man, that ending! A gut-punch. Sleepover by Seanan McGuire: interesting new Incryptid character Elsinore, well-plotted, lighter in tone than the theme If Wishes Were by Tanya Huff: great to revisit Vicky Nelson, the series which first hooked me on this author. A good, standalone story with emotional resonance. Solus by Anton Strout: I haven't read the Simon Canderous novels so the first-day-with-a-new-partner didn't really resonate with me Peacock in Hell by Kat Richardson: Also new-to-me-author. My second favourite of the stories, interesting world-building and a strong heroine. Eye of Newt by Kevin Anderson: New-to-me author. I've been curious about his Dan Shamble P.I. series so was happy to try this. Interesting and fun world-building, but the character didn't really grab me. The story felt too light for the theme of the anthology. What Dwells Within by Lucy Snyder: New-to-me author and thus a lot of backstory. Interesting character. Hunter, Healer by Jim Hines: Cool concept of double-souled people. Would have liked to read a longer version of this. Erik Scott de Bie: New-to-me author and thus a lot of backstory. Interesting character. Sales. Force. by Kristine Katherine Rusch: New-to-me author. I sometimes read her blog and have been meaning to try some fiction by her for awhile. Well-plotted story with a character in emotional pain. Impossible Monsters by Rob Thurman: I may have read a story by this author in a different anthology... but this one made more of an impression. First two pages were a bit confusing. A dark character (Caliban) but with touches of humour. My favorite part was the list of Do's and Don'ts from his brother.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hostage to the Stars; Author: Veronica Scott; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Science fiction romance with a great premise: Sara doesn't have Kidnap & Ransom insurance and is taken by space pirates. Johnny is the Special Forces guy sent to rescue her. Fun, fast-paced adventure and some romance too. Quibble: This was a short novel, and thus the world and characters weren't as developed as I would have liked.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Shades of Honor (Anomaly #2); Author: Sandy Williams; Genres: young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Spaceships, telepaths, spies and soldiers, plus a forbidden romance. Book two in the Anomaly series starts up soon after the events of book one. War is looming and the Coalition is seeking allies. Strong pacing and compelling characters.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Parts 1 & 2 (Harry Potter, #8); Author: J.K. Rowling; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, children, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: I have mixed feelings about this one. Basically, I wish Rowling had chosen to do this as a novel instead of a play. Beyond that, the story was engaging--I mean, this is J.K. Rowling!--and I had a hard time forcing myself to go to bed on time last night and not stay up and finish. Albus had my sympathy from his first scene with Scorpius. I don't think I can say more without getting into spoiler territory...; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Gilded Cage (Dark Gifts, #1); Author: Vic James; Genres: history, young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Great premise: those with magic The Skilled demand 10 years of slavery from those without. I found Luke's plotline at Millmoor quite absorbing. And OMG the climax! I can't even. Yes, I will be avidly awaiting the next book. Quibble: The romance element between Abi and Jenner was barely there. (Which is only a problem for me because the backcover blurb promised differently); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fatal Frenzy (Fatal, #9); Author: Marie Force; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: This series is always a fast read for me, but this one totally derailed my morning. Emotionally, this book was just more. I went through a lot of tissues. Sam is recovering from her horrific ordeal last book, Nick is losing sleep, and then the homicide department's case becomes all too personal as one of their own is killed... The ending was perfect: Sam's takedown of the villain felt spot-on, proving her recovery.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fatal Identity (Fatal, #10); Author: Marie Force; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: Read in one day. The mystery had a goodly number of twists and turns, with a conclusion I hadn't seen coming. On the personal side, Sam, Nick and Scotty deal with the flu, Sam's suspension and her first speech as Second Lady.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Swiftly Tilting Planet (A Wrinkle in Time Quintet, #3); Author: Madeleine L'Engle; Genres: young-adult, children, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: This is at least the third time I've read this book, this latest out loud to my son. As a young reader I adored the drama of Patrick's rune and memorized it. Now a teen, Charles Wallace goes off on a mostly solo adventure, travelling through time on a unicorn's back to prevent nuclear war. Meg stays home but gives him a lifeline by "kything" with him. Each time weaves into the main story by staying in the same Where (the star-watching rock in Charles Wallace's backyard) and following the Welsh and native American bloodline on one family--a family that Meg's new not very likeable mother-in-law belongs to.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Arcanum Unbounded: The Cosmere Collection; Author: Brandon Sanderson; Genres: paranormal, young-adult, fantasy, fiction; Review: A mix of short stories and novellas, all set in Sanderson's extremely large playground: the Cosmere, which includes multiple planets. I imagine every reader will have different favorites. I had a bit of a hard time getting through Mistborn: Secret History, I think because of the long time frame and the fact that I knew some of what was going to happen. The collection also included two novellas I'd previously read and enjoyed: Emperor's Soul, and Shadows for Silence in the Forests of Hell. My hands down favorite was Edgedancer, the Stormlight novella from Lift's POV. I adore her. Sixth of Dusk was also very good, and the White Sands excerpt convinced me that I need to go looking for the graphic novel.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Bloodsworn (Bloodbound, #3); Author: Erin Lindsey; Genres: history, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Final book in a fantasy trilogy. Strong beginning scene. I struggled a bit with the opening eighty pages, but I think that was more because of my circumstances--five hours into working cashier at a charity, being constantly interrupted, and sitting in a very uncomfortable chair--than any fault of the author's. Certainly, when I picked it up again last night, the pacing pulled me along quite strongly. I really like the main character, Alix. Former scout and bodyguard to the king, she's now married to the king's brother, and off behind enemy lines on a secret mission. (This time the girl gets the magic sword!) The relationships between Alix, her husband Liam and King Eric were well-drawn and they all had to make hard choices, which made for gripping reading. Quibble: the side mission for Wraith irritated me a little as it only peripherally affected the main story. Hmmm, though I suppose it did foreshadow something else...; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Trapped on Talonque; Author: Veronica Scott; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Another fun, SF adventure, this time featuring a primitive planet with a nasty Aztec-like cult. When two military Special Forces agents crashland they're taken prisoner and escape with the help of an alien Sleeping Beauty, who's been stuck in stasis for hundreds of years. Bithia's sense of disorientation from the years she's missed in stasis was well-done.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Devil in Spring (The Ravenels, #3); Author: Lisa Kleypas; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: I love the intensity of emotion in Lisa Kleypas' writing. Pandora made a great heroine: eccentric, wounded, outspoken. It's no wonder Gabriel fell for her so hard. It was great to revisit Evie and Sebastien from the Wallflower series (Gabriel is their son). Now I want to go back and reread all the wallflower books... Quibble: No sample chapter from the next novel! Sniff. I am forced to speculate on who her next book will be about as there are so many secondary characters deserving of their own story. Will it be Pandora's sister Cassandra? Ransom and the female doctor? Is it finally West's turn? Or, there are a few teasing mentions of Gabriel's brother Raphael?; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: White Sand Volume 1 (White Sand, #1); Author: Brandon Sanderson; Genres: young-adult, comics, paranormal, graphic, fantasy, fiction; Review: Just to be clear, this is not a complete novel, but rather chapters 1-6 of White Sand . (It does say volume one, but in rather small print inside.) More of Sanderson's excellent world-building and a fun magic system with an underpowered main character Kenton. Lots of plot threads in motion. I'll be waiting for volume two.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Hollow Crown (Crosspointe Chronicles, #4); Author: Diana Pharaoh Francis; Genres: young-adult, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Princess Margaret made for a fascinating main character... a spy adept at hiding behind masks, a sometime assassin, ruthless enough to do almost anything to save Crosspointe from the evil Jutras and their blood magic. Well-plotted with strong pacing and high stakes.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dragonstar (Winterlands, #4); Author: Barbara Hambly; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Finished my reread of this series--well worth it. High stakes, tension, wonderful world-building and at the center of it all two mature characters, married couple John Aversin and Jenny Waynest.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Promise of Fire (Kingmaker Chronicles #1); Author: Amanda Bouchet; Genres: history, young-adult, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Interesting world-building: made-up geography but uses our world's pantheon of Greek gods. A reckless heroine, plenty of magic and action as well as banter and sexual tension. Cat was tad over-powered (three magic talents, favored of Poseidon and good at knife-throwing) BUT she pays a steep price for her magic. Book two is already out in stores and I imagine I will pick it up soon.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Revisionary (Magic Ex Libris, #4); Author: Jim C. Hines; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: This magic system holds a special place in my heart: the main character Isaac is a libriomancer who can pull objects out of fiction books. How cool is that? Lots of adventure, mayhem and magic in this series. Just plain fun.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Marshland Mystery (Trixie Belden, #10); Author: Kathryn Kenny; Genres: history, young-adult, mystery, thriller, children, crime, biography, historical fiction, fiction; Review: Reread this to my daughter. I owned this book as a kid so I must have read it, but I remembered nothing of the plot and now I know why. This one is a bit of a disappointment, redeemed from a 2 star by the middle section when a young girl goes missing and Trixie finds her. The actual "marshland" mystery is barely a mystery at all and what could have been an exciting ending is condensed into a single paragraph of Trixie remembering something after the danger had passed. Grrr. Next up in Missing Heiress which I do remember certain scenes quite vividly.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Portal of a Thousand Worlds; Author: Dave Duncan; Genres: history, comics, paranormal, graphic, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: The secret society of Gray Brothers and Sisters (assassins) was fascinating, as was the Dalai Lama-like reincarnated character, Sunlight. The book had four different plot threads. As is often the case with this kind of structure, I ended up more invested in two of the plotlines (Sunlight and Horse's) and wishing we'd spent a little less time with the others (Silky and Bamboo's). Strong plotting with lots of surprises. And yes, this is a stand-alone. By the last fifty pages I was beginning to doubt it could all be wrapped up, but it was.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Nine of Stars (Dark Alchemy, #3); Author: Laura Bickle; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Pleased that this series is in paperback! Contemporary fantasy--it's set in Yellowstone Park, so you can't really call it urban fantasy. A splendid blend of alchemy, werewolves, Hanged Men, and spirits set against a harsh winter backdrop. I'll be watching for the next book in the series.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Ella Enchanted; Author: Gail Carson Levine; Genres: history, young-adult, children, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: My nine-year-old daughter took this book out from the library and chattered to me about it's plot. She got a copy for her birthday and I decided to read it, too. A charming retelling of the Cinderella fairytale. If you ever (like me) wanted Cinderella to have a bit more backbone this book is for you. The premise is brilliant: Ella is under an obedience curse.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Hawk (Vlad Taltos, #14); Author: Steven Brust; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Complicated plans and double-crosses and a chance for Vlad to finally be free of the Jhereg death hunt for him... Amusing, with a fair amount of action and lots of banter.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Gathering of Shadows (Shades of Magic, #2); Author: V.E. Schwab; Genres: history, young-adult, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Great first chapter. Delilah Bard is an awesome larger-than-life character--she always makes the reckless, interesting choice. I also liked the deeper look into what the bond between adoptive brothers Kell and Rhy means for them both. However, I never got that invested in the Essen Tasch plotline. I kept waiting for the White London plotline to kick in--which didn't happen until quite close to the end.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Conjuring of Light (Shades of Magic, #3); Author: V.E. Schwab; Genres: history, young-adult, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: One of those novels where the second half went much faster than the first half--though that was due in part to my life being busy. V.E. Schwab is a master of scene writing and her characters are very vivid (Lila's my favorite). Red London has fallen to black magic and the Antari and royal family fight to the death to win it back. Very cool magic stuff. Quibble: I was a little non-plussed when the main characters left the city under attack to go off on a quest. On a voyage. For four days. Huh.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Magic for Nothing (InCryptid, #6); Author: Seanan McGuire; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Though book six in the InCryptid series, this is the first from Antimony (Annie's) POV. Boy, is she mad at Verity! Lots of tension as Annie goes undercover with the Covenant of St. George and then is sent on a mission at a circus. An engaging character, fun Cryptids, a budding romance, and strong pacing made this one a quick read. Not quite sure why Annie has magic pyro powers, but maybe they'll come into play more in the next book. (For some reason, despite the presence of dragons etc, this series files in my head as SF, not fantasy, because of the scientific treatment of the Cryptids, and the later addition of ghosts and magic powers doesn't quite work for me.) Quibble: I found it jarring to go from third person Annie POV in the prologue to first person Annie POV in the rest of the novel.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Mira's Last Dance (Penric and Desdemona, #4); Author: Lois McMaster Bujold; Genres: paranormal, romance, fantasy, fiction; Review: An amusing, enjoyable read, though not as action-packed as Penric's Mission, with our fugitives having to take refuge in a brothel. Whereas the first two Penric novellas are more stand-alone, this one(#4) is a direct sequel to Penric's Mission (#3)--nor does the story feel entirely finished. The plot came to a resting place, but the Penric and Nikys's budding romance has yet to be resolved. They are still being tested by the challenges that come hand-in-hand with the multiple personalities (one of them the Mira of the title) that Penric lives with as Temple sorcerer.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Breath of Fire (Kingmaker Chronicles #2); Author: Amanda Bouchet; Genres: history, young-adult, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Feisty heroine, lots of action and magic, interesting world, but I didn't like this one as much as book one. I think the main reason was that I wasn't as invested in the plot. SPOILERS AHEAD The first two-third of the book is a quest to get some Ipotane (centaurs) to guard their country from a looming threat. (Note: the threat hasn't actually materialized yet, so it's hard to get too anxious). Before embarking on the quest they first go to a Wizard, whose prophecy tells them what plot coupons they need to collect and who gives them a magic weapon that they'll need later. The action scenes themselves were full of tension, but the quest just seemed dumb to me. And any time the heroine got into real trouble the gods intervened. Literally. She's drowning and Poseidon gives her gills. I know this is the way the old Homeric epics worked--lots of deus ex machina--but really? Gills? it feels like cheating. The final third of the plot was a bunch of gladiator team fights in the Agon Games, with a goal of getting them into the same room of the Tarvan royal family so they can fight it out for the crown. Again, the fight scenes themselves were interesting, but the villains faced at the end were pretty much introduced on the spot instead of being an antagonistic force throughout the novel. The author clearly spent ages honing the fight scenes, but it feels like she threw the overall plot together over a weekend.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Silence Fallen (Mercy Thompson, #10); Author: Patricia Briggs; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: As if my practice with this author's books, I bought it in hardcover on release day and finished it before midnight. I adore this series. (I spent the last week happily rereading most of it in anticipation of Silence Fallen's release.) This one has a bit of a different feel in that Mercy and Adam each have a separate plotline and POV. While Adam meets the Lord of Night in Milan, Mercy ends up in Prague and (in addition to vamps and werewolves) encounters the Golem of Prague, which was pretty cool. There is a also a well-executed surprise at the end that instantly made me want to go back and reread certain scenes in the book. You'll know when you hit it.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Wheel of Osheim (The Red Queen's War, #3); Author: Mark Lawrence; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Anti-hero Jal grows up a bit in this one--he's still a liar and a coward, but he shows a fair bit of grit when his back is against the wall and I liked him a bit more. Book two left off with a cliffhanger, Snorri and Jalan's time in Hel/Hell is slowly revealed in well-crafted flashbacks, while the main plot sees Jalan back in his home country fighting off armies of the dead, before reuniting with the others and finishing his journey at the Wheel of Osheim. While it's not necessary to read the Broken Empire trilogy, featuring Jorg Ancrath, before this series, doing so does let you appreciate a number of in-jokes as the two very different anti-heroes cross paths occasionally.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Still and Bitter Grave; Author: Ann Marston; Genres: paranormal, fantasy; Review: Half aviation tale, half ghost story. Colin has always been haunted by a dream of flying, but after his marriage disintegrates the dream turns to a nightmare, and a mystery that he must solve. The flashbacks went on a little too long for my non-aviation tastes, but my strong sympathy for the main character and the well-written prose pulled me through the story.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Invisible Library (The Invisible Library, #1); Author: Genevieve Cogman; Genres: history, young-adult, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Another in the mini-trend of library fantasies. Great world-building, a capable heroine and lots of magic and action made this an enjoyable read. The chaos infestation of the alternate London where most of the action takes place made for some lovely, amusing twists, that would have been too improbable in most books. Some interesting hints at the end, for where the series may be going.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Masked City (The Invisible Library, #2); Author: Genevieve Cogman; Genres: history, young-adult, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Still enjoying this highly original series. Most of the book is spent in a high-Chaos (thus high Fae and story) world modelled partly on Renaissance Venice, with masks and a sinister Council of Ten. Irene has a nearly impossible task ahead, which she achieves by keeping a cool head and acting decisively. The book slowed slightly in the middle but had a very strong ending sequence. I like it when we learn more about a series magic and world with every book and that was definitely the case here. Fave part: Irene talking to the Horse.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Snapshot; Author: Brandon Sanderson; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Rewarded myself with this (and three other ebooks) last night. Awesome premise, quick read and some very nice plot twists.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Chosen (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #15); Author: J.R. Ward; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Read in one day--my birthday indulgence. Lots of plotlines going--Layla and XCor of course--but also lots of Quinn and Blay and a surprise Trez one and Vischous too. And the answer to the Scribe Virgin's replacement! (Not who I was expecting.) Still hooked on this long-running series.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Within the Sanctuary of Wings (The Memoirs of Lady Trent #5); Author: Marie Brennan; Genres: history, young-adult, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Satisfying end to the series. Another expedition, this time to harsh mountains, more peril and scientific discovery.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Convergence (Foreigner, #18); Author: C.J. Cherryh; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: I love this world. Most of the action is set on the human island of Mospheira where we haven't been for books and books. Bren reconnects with old friends and confronts old enemies. There's also a Cajeiri plotline (yay!). I especially enjoyed the mecheiti riding. With such a long-running series (this is book 18) the plot arcs can stretch out for books. One such arc (the kyo) ended (?) very satisfyingly in the previous novel Visitor, another longtime arc (the Reunioners) was in play during Bren's plotline and an old political one was revived in Cajeiri's. As a result this book felt like it merely came to a temporary stopping place rather than had a true conclusion. On the plus side, it put paid to my fear that the series might be ending. I look forward to the next book.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Demon Prince (Ars Numina, #2); Author: Ann Aguirre; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: I'm so happy to have found a new paranormal romance series that I dig, with both hot romance and strong world-building. It's easy to fall for Alastor, the ill, haunted prince, and Sheyla's prickliness hides a good heart. This is book two. Book one gave us an overview of all the species: Shifters, Eldritch and Golgoth, but of course focussed more on the cat-shifters. Since Alastor is a Golgoth, we got to find out more about his culture that some others hate and revile as demonkin. I love series where the world deepens with every book.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Skin Deep (Legion, #2); Author: Brandon Sanderson; Genres: young-adult, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Light-hearted novella about a character with dozens of "aspects" (a cross between hallucinations and multiple personalities) which each specialize in one subject, allowing Stephen genius-level perception as he solves unusual mysteries. I really liked the quandary Stephen found himself in at the climax. A quick, fun read.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Empire Ascendant (Worldbreaker Saga, #2); Author: Kameron Hurley; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: This book was a bit of a challenge for me. Enough time had passed since reading book one, that I only remembered the main five characters--who were now all in separate plotlines with their own supporting cast. I used the glossary a lot. Also these are grimdark characters: they are complicated and conflicted and oftentimes just plain awful. They are not likeable. (Also I was adjusting to progressive lenses which gave me headaches.) The world-building is wonderful. The action sequences (particularly some of Zezili's) are great. The middle hundred pages had everyone in jeopardy and were great.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Mystery of the Missing Heiress (Trixie Belden #16); Author: Kathryn Kenny; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, children, crime, fiction; Review: Reread this to my daughter. It was, I think, my favourite of the series as a child, and it held up pretty well. This was probably the first time I encountered an amnesia plot, and the mystery is well-written. Fave scene: the cliff rescue of course.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Star Survivor; Author: Veronica Scott; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: SFR. This is pretty much a direct sequel to Wreck of the Nebula Dream (which I thoroughly enjoyed--think Titanic in space!) with minor characters Twilka and Khevan getting their own story. Read in a day. Strong opening chapter that really let me reconnect with Twilka. Her evolution from neglected rich girl socialite to business-savvy fashion designer seemed very believable. Good pacing and a strong ending. My only real quibble is that the internal problem keeping the characters apart was solved within a few chapters, leaving only external forces (the Red Lady) keeping them apart.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Plunder of Souls (Thieftaker Chronicles, #3); Author: D.B. Jackson; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, poetry, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Still enjoying this historical/mystery/fantasy series. I really liked the handicap the main character was faced with this book: his magic is no longer working reliably and his enemy knows it. Lots of tense stand0ffs with rising stakes.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Etched in Bone (The Others, #5); Author: Anne Bishop; Genres: history, young-adult, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: After the epic events of the last few books, this one felt a little quieter, centred more fully on the Lakeside Courtyard with its mix of terra indigene and humans. Trouble comes to the courtyard in the form of one of the cops ne'er-do-well brother. Though I still enjoyed it, I was a little disappointed by how little time was spent with Meg. It looks like book six will feature new characters in the same world. I'm okay with that. Book five leaves Meg et al in a good place.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Curtsies & Conspiracies (Finishing School, #2); Author: Gail Carriger; Genres: history, young-adult, mystery, thriller, romance, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: This is a fun series to read aloud. Victorian steampunk + a finishing school for spies. My kids were giggling madly as I read the final chapter. I love how capable Sophronia, the main character, is. The first chapter puts Sophronia at odds with all the friends she made in book one, neatly applying pressure on her while the mystery is slowing starting up.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Someone to Love (Westcott, #1); Author: Mary Balogh; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: I had a little trouble getting into this one, but there's a lovely twist in about chapter three that sets up not only this book but the rest of the series, and after that things moved smoothly. Mary Balogh excels at well-drawn characters; I loved Anna's dignity and Avery's facade.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Dragon Blood (Hurog, #2); Author: Patricia Briggs; Genres: paranormal, romance, fantasy, fiction; Review: Reread of a favorite. Wardwick of Hurog is a great character and I love his interactions with Tisala. The asylum scenes are very tense.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Masterminds (Masterminds, #1); Author: Gordon Korman; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, children, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Clever and fun story about a too perfect town and the mystery behind it. Favorite part: the Purple People Eater trading cards.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: To Your Scattered Bodies Go (Riverworld, #1); Author: Philip Jose Farmer; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Very cool premise and a fascinating world. I can see why this won the Hugo award, but it was published the year I was born and it hasn't aged well IMO. The main character, the resurrected Richard Francis Burton (linguist, writer and adventurer), is quite arrogant and one of the other characters Peter Frigate is a blatant Mary Sue (or Gary Stu if you prefer). In some ways the book felt like an attempt by the author to reconcile his admiration for the historical figure after finding out some of his less savory aspects (such as his Anti-semitism). The female characters were pretty much only there for the men to sleep with.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Undoing (Call of Crows, #2); Author: Shelly Laurenston; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: I was in the mood for something fun yesterday, and this PNR hit the spot. Nobody does PNR quite like Shelly Laurenston. The main character, Jace, was an introvert after my own heart: someone who did a combat-roll out of a vehicle to escape the horrors of small-talk. It was great to see her find her own place with the Protectors clan.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Shadow's Blade (Justis Fearsson, #3); Author: David B. Coe; Genres: history, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Strong beginning with a mother and children in jeopardy. Sucked me right in. I really enjoy the magic and gripping action scenes (often magical duels) in this series. The new character, Gracie, was very well done, prickly and believable--to the point where Billie started to look a bit bland... I also really like Justis's relationship with his troubled weremyste father. Quibble: I had a bit of trouble investing in the mystery element--magic weapon, blah, blah, blah. Seen this so many times before.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Dark Prophecy (The Trials of Apollo, #2); Author: Rick Riordan; Genres: young-adult, children, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: More high-action humourous fantasy from master Rick Riordan. LOVE Apollo's haikus.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Seeker (Riders, #2); Author: Veronica Rossi; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: The emotional life of the two main characters Daryn and Gideon was very well done. The romance between the two of them felt real and sweet. The plot took awhile to get going--I read two other books after getting to p. 100 before picking Seeker up again. I liked the second half better and there was a very nice escalation at the three-quarter mark--but the ending didn't ring true for me.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Girl with the Make-Believe Husband (Rokesbys, #2); Author: Julia Quinn; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: A quick, fun read. The premise is a little silly but for the most part it worked--primarily because Edward and Cecilia had already fallen partway in love via letter. I also enjoyed the change of setting. Rather than England, it's set in 'the colonies' New York during the War for Independence--though the war is peripheral, with the main focus is on the romance.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Alien Education (Katherine "Kitty" Katt, #15); Author: Gini Koch; Genres: romance, comics, children, paranormal, graphic, fantasy, fiction; Review: Stayed up until midnight to finish the latest Kitty installment. Action, megalomaniacs, conspiracies, robots, bake sales, hockey games and the coolest First Lady ever penned! Kitty for the win!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: All Systems Red (The Murderbot Diaries, #1); Author: Martha Wells; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: I took advantage of living in a different time zone and bought this last night the day before it officially released. Yes, that's how much I wanted to read it after trying the sample chapter tor.com put up. I just couldn't wait. How can I resist a main character who thinks of itself as 'murderbot' even as it competently saves two people's lives? Great character, good story, hoping to read further adventures soon!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Radio Fifth Grade; Author: Gordon Korman; Genres: young-adult, thriller, children, crime, fiction, mystery; Review: Reread this to my kids. It makes a great read-aloud book--funny books are always funnier out loud. Radio, a talking parrot who's favorite saying is 'This parrot is a rip-off', and homicidal kitten Fuzzy and Puffy, make this one memorable. Fave moment: Mark "I blow-dried a puddle!"; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Criminal Destiny (Masterminds, #2); Author: Gordon Korman; Genres: young-adult, thriller, children, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: If book one was the escape, this one is fugitives on the run. Pretty much end-to-end action with some nice twists. A quick easy read. My kids enjoyed it too.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society; Author: Mary Ann Shaffer; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: One of those books I would never have picked up by myself (my mother lent it to me) but made for a charming read. I found the WWII Guernsey island historical tidbits fascinating (the channel islands were occupied by Germany) and the main character, Juliet, witty. And yes, I did shed a few tears.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Crocodile Virgin: A Short Story; Author: Jenny Schwartz; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: I enjoyed the romance between Nadia and Paul, but couldn't quite wrap my mind around the robot subplot.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Inside Job; Author: Connie Willis; Genres: history, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Interesting What-if story of professional skeptics trying to debunk a scam-artist "channeler" and running into a twist... Quick read.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Payback (Masterminds, #3); Author: Gordon Korman; Genres: young-adult, thriller, children, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Quick read, the conclusion to an engaging, clever series with some nice twists. I was expecting something a little more complex at the ending, more on par with the prison break at the end of book two. Plus more confrontation between the parents and the kids. (This simplicity is probably why I usually read YA instead of middle-grade...); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Waistcoats & Weaponry (Finishing School, #3); Author: Gail Carriger; Genres: history, young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Enjoyable third entry in the steampunk/spy series. Read it aloud to my kids. Happy to see more of Soap this book and less of the finishing school (most of the action is onboard a train). The usual hijinks ensue.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Cold Reign (Jane Yellowrock, #11); Author: Faith Hunter; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Action-packed! The looming threat of the European vamps finally arrives. I love how Jane's magic continues to evolve. A strong entry in a great series. Quibble: too many acronyms; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Cloud Roads (Books of the Raksura, #1); Author: Martha Wells; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Read in one day. Fabulous world-building with lots of different fantasy species and cultures and a rapacious enemy. The main character, Moon, really pulled at me. He'd been alone among strangers for so long that when he does finally find his people he doesn't know how to act. Also, I love the cover art!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Danger in the Stars: (The Sectors SF Romance Series); Author: Veronica Scott; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Strong premise featuring an enslaved telepath and the dangerous man who comes to be her protector--or rather, partner since they take turns saving each other. The beginning hooked me and the pacing pulled me swiftly along. While part of the author's Sectors universe, it stands well alone. Quibble: I wish Mirielle's powers had been spelled out a little more, what she could and could not do.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Tattooed Queen (The Tattooed Witch Trilogy #1); Author: Susan MacGregor; Genres: history, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy; Review: Well-researched historical fantasy. Book two left off with a cliff-hanger: Joachin in serious peril, he and Miriam separated, Miriam under a spell and evil Tomas in pursuit. About two-thirds of the book is spent on board ship (or rather three different ships), sailing to the New World. I confess I had trouble getting invested in some of the on-ship plotlines--I was impatient to arrive. I quite enjoyed the magical landscapes and the new twist on Joachin's powers. Favorite moment: dolphins!; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: White Tiger (Shifters Unbound, #8); Author: Jennifer Ashley; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Strong beginning with a shoot-out in a diner and waitress Addie getting swept into the Shifter world. One of those books where I have trouble pinning down why I didn't like it more. Sympathetic characters, check. Hot romance, check. Interesting secondary characters, check. High-action ending, check. I think the problem for me is that after seven or eight books I'm getting bored with this world; it hasn't opened outward with new magic or major affecting-the-entire-world plot twists. It feels stagnant. On the other hand, the next book is about 'crazy' healer Zander so we'll hopefully get to see some new magic...; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Serpent Sea (Books of the Raksura #2); Author: Martha Wells; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: I really enjoy the freshness of the world-building in this series with many races of "groundlings" plus the Raksura who have both aerial and groundling forms. Moon's struggle to fit in to his new colony keeps early scenes tense until the plot takes off. Looking forward to reading book three.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Inside the Inferno: A Firefighter's Story of the Brotherhood that Saved Fort McMurray; Author: Damian Asher; Genres: history, non-fiction, biography, historical fiction; Review: I'm an Albertan so this in-depth look at the Fort MacMurray fire was fascinating for me. A disaster story that the incredible work of firefighters kept from being so much worse. I read very little non-fiction (mostly writing handbooks) but have been meaning to read more, so this was a bit of an experiment for me--and I'm happy it was so successful!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Paper and Fire (The Great Library, #2); Author: Rachel Caine; Genres: history, young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Strong second entry in the Great Library series. Lots of suspense and twists and turns. Often with second books, it takes me awhile to remember who the characters were from book one because a year has passed. The author did an admirable job of smoothly reintroducing everyone in a dynamic way. Looking forward to book three!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Dragon's Playlist; Author: Laura Bickle; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, young-adult; Review: This one didn't have a strong enough fantasy element to hold my attention. I think of this as old-style contemporary fantasy, where everyone starts as an unbeliever and has to be gradually wooed over to belief in the fantasy element through several incidents spread over multiple chapters. I strongly prefer the newer-style urban fantasy where the main characters usually know about the fantasy element from the get go (Sparks or Embers by the same author for instance.) That's why this is a three for me personally, despite the high writing quality. The main character, Di, is college-age and on that seesaw of adult to teen. Her struggle with being pulled back to the mining town she'd just escaped from is portrayed quite well, and so are the different sides of the mining issue.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Jingo (Discworld, #21); Author: Terry Pratchett; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, comics, crime, paranormal, graphic, fantasy, fiction; Review: While the theme is rather heavy-handed, there are still many laugh-out-loud moments in the book. I especially enjoyed both the Leonard of Quirm scenes and Vime's pocket-watch-demon.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: In Other Lands; Author: Sarah Rees Brennan; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: I stayed up very late finishing this book last night. Portal fantasy that makes fun of other portal fantasy... A main character who is very intelligent and rather obnoxious about it and yet wholly sympathetic... My kids kept asking why I was laughing so hard--then twenty minutes later I would be crying. Elliott, Eliiott, Elliott... Elliott doesn't get people and thus what is blindingly obvious to the reader never enters his head. A wonderful book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ninefox Gambit (The Machineries of Empire #1); Author: Yoon Ha Lee; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: The opening chapters were a bit challenging: dropped into a complex future society with lots of unfamiliar concepts. I loved the can-she-trust-him tension between Cheris and crazy dead general Jedaeo. And the servitor POV bits were fascinating.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Betrayals (Cainsville, #4); Author: Kelley Armstrong; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Excellent pacing and a solid mystery plot backbone with plenty of cool visions and fae magic... but I confess it is mostly Gabriel and Olivia that has me addicted to this series. I love the way Gabriel painfully inches toward trying to change, and Olivia's complicated relationship with her birth parents.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Bear and the Nightingale (The Winternight Trilogy #1); Author: Katherine Arden; Genres: history, young-adult, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: I loved the fairy-tale feeling and the medieval Russian winter setting of this novel. It was nice to see a Russian fairy tale instead of the usual Grimm fare. However, it's also one of those books where the main character is born in chapter one and is thus a child throughout most of the book AND DOESN'T HAVE ENOUGH AGENCY until very close to the end. (SPOILER Just as an example, at one point her father decides to marry her off to someone Vasilisa doesn't like, and she doesn't fight this. She doesn't make plans to run away. If not for a runaway horse, she would have married him. Gah!); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Siren Depths (Books of the Raksura, #3); Author: Martha Wells; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Loved it. More Moon coping with Raksuran society, more tragic past, more Fell? YES, GIMME. Some tears were definitely shed.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: On the Way to the Wedding (Bridgertons, #8); Author: Julia Quinn; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: A quick, light read that pokes fun at the "love-at-first-sight" trope. Quibble: a character named Hermione Watson? Really?; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Scar (Bas-Lag, #2); Author: China Mieville; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Tremendous world-building: detailed world populated by lots of different creatures, but also pages and pages of description in which the plot took a back seat. In the MICE equation this is definitely a milieu book--and I prefer plot. And the plot for this one could have been a humdinger: an epic quest to catch an avanc and visit the Scar. Unfortunately, the book is primarily from the point of view of Bellis Coldwine, who doesn't want to be there and opposes the quest and has very little agency. Sadly, not to my tastes.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Quantum Night; Author: Robert J. Sawyer; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Another Aurora read. Thought-provoking, as always. Thank goodness it's fiction; otherwise it would be terrifying. Lots of science, an enthralling mystery and a developing world crisis, made for a page-turning read. Quibble: one of the premises seems very elitest to me.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Company Town; Author: Madeline Ashby; Genres: young-adult, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: An Aurora read and a strong contender for my vote. Unique setting, on a rig off the coast of Newfoundland in a gritty, near-future SF. I really liked Hwa--the kind of heroine who, seeing a friend tied up in the trunk of a moving car jumps in with them and kicks the hell out of the would-be kidnapper. I often find dystopias too gritty for me, but this one never crossed the line, maintaining enough likeable characters to balance the nasty ones. Quibble: The ending was very action-packed (which I liked) but things happened so fast I started to get lost as to which bad guy was doing what. I'm still not quite sure what happened with the Tower. It felt like it was missing an explanatory scene somewhere.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Nature of a Pirate (Hidden Sea Tales, #3); Author: A.M. Dellamonica; Genres: history, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Aurora Award finalist. I've quite enjoyed this series and would be happy to read more if the trilogy ever gets extended. Good pacing, cool world and magic, complicated relationships and an engaging main character had me racing through this one.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Heir to the Sky; Author: Amanda Sun; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: A+ for world-building. The main character was a little naive, but brave and likeable. Some nice plot twists and a nice low-key romantic subplot--Griffin was a sweetie. These days it's a bit of a rarity to find a stand-alone fantasy novel--there was a lot packed into one book. Some bits went by awfully fast... but the conclusion satisfied.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dark Passage (Dark Mirror, #2); Author: M.J. Putney; Genres: history, young-adult, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: It's been awhile since I read book one, but I had no trouble getting back into the magic-and-time-travel story. I liked the developments in Cynthia's character arc and backstory the best. My one quibble, that the magic is a bit too easy, was addressed when a character is 'burned out'.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Manners & Mutiny (Finishing School, #4); Author: Gail Carriger; Genres: history, young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Finished this charming YA steampunk series! More adventures of Sophronia, Soap and friend as the Picklemen reveal their dastardly plot and the dirigible school goes down in flames.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Wildfire (Hidden Legacy, #3); Author: Ilona Andrews; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Read in an afternoon, and then spent part of this morning rereading my favorite bits. I love this series and very much hope there will be more books to come (though this one ties off both the plot and romance arcs, there's lots of rooms for secondary characters to get their own stories).; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Grave Ransom (Alex Craft, #5); Author: Kalayna Price; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Strong pacing and an engaging mystery made this a quick read. I like the different feel of the magic in this series and the large price Alex pays to wield it--temporary blindness. Quibble: the personal stakes didn't get high until the final chapters.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Besieged (The Iron Druid Chronicles, #4.1, 4.2, 4.6, 4.7, 8.1, 8.2, 8.6, 8.7, 8.9); Author: Kevin Hearne; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Anthology of stories. Most are Atticus's point-of-view but there's one from Grainuaile and two from Owen as well and they range in both time and place. All were solid--nothing really stood out. Oberon remains my favorite character. To my sadness, the Purloined Poodle is NOT part of this collection.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Spellbinder (Moonshadow, #2); Author: Thea Harrison; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: Excited to read this one at last! The hero is Morgan (of Merlin/Camelot fame) who is under geas to obey Queen Isabeau. The heroine is Sidonie, a musician. I was impressed with how Sidonie still had agency despite being fully human with no magic in a very unpleasant situation. A fast read with lots of tension.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Dragon of a Different Color (Heartstrikers, #4); Author: Rachel Aaron; Genres: young-adult, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: FINALLY got to read this (it came out two months ago as an ebook, but I held out for print.) Despite its much larger size than previous books in the series, I found this to be a fast read. I read it over Thanksgiving and passed it on to my eldest son this morning. Marci and Julius have separate storylines until pretty much the last hundred pages of the book, fortunately, I was equally interested in both. The over-arching series plot is ramping up and some of our questions (such as what a Nameless End is) have been answered. Lots of magic. Lots of dragons and Julius being Nice. I do hope there's more Bob next book, but the very nature of being a seer means he has to lurk in the background a bit. Now begins the wait for the next book.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Fatal Threat (Fatal, #11); Author: Marie Force; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: Strong beginning, with Sam grabbed by Secret Service agents and put in lockdown. The mystery developed nicely and the romance straddled a fine line of showing the tension between the married couple without in any way putting their love for each other in doubt.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Stillhouse Lake (Stillhouse Lake, #1); Author: Rachel Caine; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, mystery; Review: Very suspenseful, not so much in the constant action way (though there's plenty of that at the end) but in the who-can-you-trust psychological manner. I loved Gwen's rising-from-the-ashes-of-Gina character, her fierceness and grit. She felt very raw and real--and I *need* to find out what happens to her and her kids next.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Edge of Worlds (The Books of the Raksura, #4); Author: Martha Wells; Genres: paranormal, romance, fantasy, fiction; Review: Continuing my glom of this addictive series. I'm amused that book five will release the day after I finished reading book four (this one) especially since book four definitely ended on a To Be Continued note. What can I say? Rich world-building, characters I've come to love, an implacable enemy and an Indiana-Jones-with-magic expedition plot.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Harbors of the Sun (The Books of the Raksura, #5); Author: Martha Wells; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Read in one day. More high adventure in the fantastic world of the Raksura, continuing the plot started in Edge of the World. When I hit page 300 (out of 400) I was surprised there were still so many pages left as the main conflicts seemed to be over. What happened instead was that the character arc was crammed into the last 100 pages. Not a bad thing, just unusual.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dark Destiny (Dark Mirror, #3); Author: M.J. Putney; Genres: history, young-adult, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Further adventures of Merlin's Irregulars, a group of time-travelling teenage magelings, some from 1940 and some from 1804. While I found the Napoleonic invasion of Wales interesting, this one didn't pull me as strongly as book two. Things that went wrong, either plot-wise or character conflict-wise, were resolved too easily.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Child of a Hidden Sea (Hidden Sea Tales, #1); Author: A.M. Dellamonica; Genres: history, young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Strong beginning to this portal fantasy: Sophie is literally tossed off the deep end into danger and a new world. I loved Sophie's spirit of scientific curiosity. While the main plot came to a satisfactory conclusion, there are plenty of threads left that left me wanting to read book two. Fave scene: diving for the heart. I loved how the author used the threat of the bends to heighten an already tense scene.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: A Daughter of No Nation (Hidden Sea Tales, #2); Author: A.M. Dellamonica; Genres: history, young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Couldn't resist going straight on into book two. This is a large world with lots of room to expand--lots of fun. This time we get a closer look at the magic as well as the deep schism between the island nations that have slavery and those that do not. I liked the emotional see-saw of Sophie's developing relationship with her birth father Cly.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Spirit's Oath (The Legend of Eli Monpress, #0.5); Author: Rachel Aaron; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: For fans of Rachel Aaron's The Legend of Eli Monpress series: an entertaining, short novella about how Miranda got her ghosthound.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Raven Stratagem (The Machineries of Empire, #2); Author: Yoon Ha Lee; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: I quite liked book one in this series, but the change in POV for book two really threw me. Part of the joy of reading a series is revisiting a character I liked, so I found it annoying to be stuck in two new POVs when the character from book one was right there, in the scene. Still, it's a cool world and the plot has some nice twists.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Unyielding (Call of Crows, #3); Author: Shelly Laurenston; Genres: young-adult, romance, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Erin Amsel is a troublemaker, a Crow who loves to poke at people and stir them up, and who can't sit still for a minute, but her ability to laugh at herself and not take things seriously makes her appealing. This series is practically in a category of its own, full of larger than life characters, over-the-top cartoon-y violence and sex.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Devil's Cut (The Bourbon Kings, #3); Author: J.R. Ward; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: I think this series might be what's known as a 'pot-boiler' --lots of family drama and secrets with a Kentucky bourbon setting as well as romance. The characters and plot quickly sucked me in. I was right about one secret, but dead wrong about another. The ending took me a bit by surprise, it felt somewhat rushed. I had assumed we would be getting at least one more book, perhaps focussing on prodigal Max, but from the way everything wrapped up in a neat bow, I guess not.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Duchess Deal (Girl Meets Duke, #1); Author: Tessa Dare; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Snatched up my bookstore's only ordered copy (what were they thinking?) before it even hit the shelves. Read it in a day. Loved it. The witty conversation, the deep characters, the steamy romance... pretty much everything I want in a historical romance book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Golden Age and Other Stories; Author: Naomi Novik; Genres: history, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Lovely artwork. I love the Temeraire novels and reading these stories was like revisiting an old friend. My favorites were: The Golden Age (a re-imagining of how Temeraire and Laurence might have first met), Planting Season (set in colonial America), and Dragons and Decorum (a mashup of dragons at Pride & Prejudice).; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Some Kind of Hero (Troubleshooters, #17); Author: Suzanne Brockmann; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: Yay! The Troubleshooters are back! This one focuses down on Navy SEAL Peter and Shayla a romance writer. It was fun to see Shayla use her book problem-solving skills on the real-life problem of Pete's runaway daughter. Lots of steam, lots of suspense. Quibble: Harry's voice didn't work for me and felt unresolved.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Alex and the Ironic Gentleman (Alex and the Ironic Gentleman, #1); Author: Adrienne Kress; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, children, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: (My daughter who is in the targeted age range for the book rates it four stars.) There's a lot to like about this book: engaging and intrepid main character, humour, lots of fun side characters and a pirate treasure plot at the heart. It was the middle section of this book that down-graded it to three stars for me. It took WAY TOO LONG for Alex to reach Port Cullis and return to the pirate plot. (Though, admittedly, this was exacerbated because I was reading it to my daughter, one chapter every second night. It literally took a month to get through this section, whereas if I'd been reading it myself it would have taken an afternoon.) It's not that the side adventures weren't interesting--they were, and in fact the MakeCool6000 talking fridge is my favorite part of the novel--but the fact that it had nothing to do with the main plot and could have been cut without damaging the story DROVE ME NUTS. My mind is trained to look for patterns and there weren't any. End of rant.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: When Dimple Met Rishi; Author: Sandhya Menon; Genres: fiction, young-adult, romance; Review: A bit of a departure from my usual reading, but quite enjoyable. A sweet romance between two teens, with both of them also struggling with parental expectations as they move into college. Dimple is more rebellious and Rishi more conforming. I liked the way their romance let them each see the other side of things.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Diamonds in Black Sand; Author: Ann Marston; Genres: paranormal, fantasy; Review: Engaging tale of a fantasy country suffering under an oppressive regime and religious zealotry. The world-building is well-grounded and feels utterly real. Iain is a sympathetic character, young but competent. Good pacing with lots of nice plot twists that keep things from going too easily for the hero.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Heroine Complex (Heroine Complex, #1); Author: Sarah Kuhn; Genres: young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, comics, crime, paranormal, graphic, fantasy, fiction; Review: Superheroines, fast-pace, humour, romantic subplot, and a main character to root for. This one checked all the boxes for me--I will be on the lookout for book two!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Alexander Outland: Space Pirate; Author: G.J. Koch; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Light-hearted SF adventure. Gini Koch's trademark short chapters and action-heavy plot made this a quick read. Just plain fun.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Stories of the Raksura, Volume 1: The Falling World & The Tale of Indigo and Cloud; Author: Martha Wells; Genres: paranormal, romance, fantasy, fiction; Review: Two novellas and two short stories in the Raksura world. Treated myself to this yesterday afternoon while I wait for book five to come in. Quibble: I kind of wish the second novella had been from Indigo and Cloud's POV instead of Cerise's.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sorcerer to the Crown (Sorcerer Royal, #1); Author: Zen Cho; Genres: history, young-adult, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: While the opening chapters with Zacharias had high stakes and a number of intriguing plot hooks, I didn't truly get invested on this novel until Prunella came on the scene in chapter four. Zacharias, a freed slave and the Sorcerer Royal, has been conditioned by life to be cautious and circumspect. Prunella is neither; she is a complete delight: amusing, full of life and reckless in pursuit of her goals. The magic in this book was wildly inventive from the rule-bound English version to the wilder Fairy magics and that of foreign countries (I especially liked the secondary character Mak Genggang.); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Penric's Fox (Penric and Desdemona, #5); Author: Lois McMaster Bujold; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Quick read. Bujold's writing is smooth and sprightly. Penric and Desdemona help Oswyl investigate the murder of a Temple Sorcerer. Definitely should be read after Penric's Demon, and Penric and the Shaman for continuity.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Two Past Midnight: Secret Window, Secret Garden; Author: Stephen King; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Note: this review is for the novella in Four Past Midnight, not the audio CD. I like to review novellas separately and this is the only separate entry I could find on Goodreads. :) It took me quite awhile to get through this novella. Not because its badly written--King is a master--but because I found it painful to watch the main character go through what he did and by the halfway point I had a strong suspicion where the story was going... Yeah, this is why I don't read much horror.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Spider's Bite (Elemental Assassin, #1); Author: Jennifer Estep; Genres: young-adult, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: I feel rather late to the party with this one. I've been hearing about the series for years, but only just got around to picking it up. You don't see many female anti-heroes. Gin is an assassin and is unapologetic about it. She's cold on the job, but has enough soft spots to keep me reading and the requisite traumatic, mysterious past. Gin kills people, but they're generally despicable, so its a moral gray area. High action, a revenge plot and a romantic subplot keeps the pace ticking nicely. Quibble: the elemental magic was interesting, but didn't have much of a price. Gin's barrier to using it was mostly mental.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Shadowbaby (Dragonsbane series); Author: Barbara Hambly; Genres: paranormal, fantasy; Review: I recently reread the Dragonsbane/Winterlands series and was delighted to discover that Hambly has a number of novelettes with the Further Adventures of John and Jenny. I've been slowly picking them up. I devoured this last night: changelings, stubborn farmers, murder and menacing attacks in the mist.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Tomorrow City; Author: Monica Hughes; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, children, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Reread this childhood favorite to my daughter. Considering how long ago it was published and that it was about an A.I. this held up pretty well. Lots of tension as Caro had to stand up for what was right to the brainwashed adults.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Guardian's Mate (Shifters Unbound, #9); Author: Jennifer Ashley; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance; Review: I liked the characters, especially 'crazy' polar bear shifter/healer Zander. He and Rae had good chemistry. The plot rather perplexed me... It seemed overly complicated and for most of the book I couldn't see what it had to do with Rae's goal of learning to be a Guardian.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Rock of Ages (Maijstral, #3); Author: Walter Jon Williams; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Another fun caper, but this time instead of Maijstral doing a heist, he's been framed and must find out by whom. The first half had a lot of Maijstral reacting to things, but the second half was much better as he turned the tables. I loved the scenes with his departed father and the return of Ronnie Romper--especially the epiphany at the end.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Unquiet Land (Elemental Blessings, #4); Author: Sharon Shinn; Genres: young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: I like how the main character of this series changes from book to book (and thus we get a new romantic subplot with each book). In this, book four, our heroine is Leah, a capable spy/shopkeeper whom we met in book three, who's going home to Welce to face the problem she ran away from five years before. I like how the fantasy world still feels like there's room for expansion and we learn new things with each book. This time around we got some particularly twisted villains from a culture of extremes who added a whole new level of menace to the usual intrigue. The ending was perfectly foreshadowed with all the pieces coming nicely into play.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Heart's Blood; Author: Juliet Marillier; Genres: history, young-adult, romance, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: I found this one a little uneven. I liked Caitrin and her struggles to be braver after she runs away from a terrible situation. I liked the cursed host and the ghosts who became more real when Caitrin treated them with respect. But I could never quite see why Caitrin was so certain early in the story, without any evidence, than Anluan was a good leader when he frequently lost his temper and pouted. (Though he does improve as the story goes on.) Also, it took Caitrin FOREVER to figure out who the evil villain was.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Shift of the Tide (The Uncharted Realms #3; The Twelve Kingdoms #6); Author: Jeffe Kennedy; Genres: history, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: Zynda's book! I really liked the details about shapeshifting: the struggle to shake off the animal brain, First Form and Final Form, etc. I liked that the impediment to the romance felt real--a choice between personal happiness and the good of Zynda's people, the Tala. Character, romance and world-building are the author's strengths. There was a great plot twist at the end of Act One. In contrast, the last task went a little TOO easily.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Archangel's Viper (Guild Hunter, #10); Author: Nalini Singh; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: I was a little leery about this one because it had two vampire characters (I like angels better) but Holly quickly won me over. I quite enjoyed Holly and Venom's enemies-to-lovers story. Strong pacing and great banter.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Brightest Fell (October Daye, #11); Author: Seanan McGuire; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery; Review: I broke down and bought this is hardcover, because Toby! And I'm glad I did. Some of the series books are mostly stand-alone side adventures but some, like this one, deal with long-running plot arcs and those tend to be my favourites. All I'm going to say is: Amandine. (As always, I followed my standard practice of not reading the blurbs of books by authors that I trust so the plot unfolds for my at the same time as it does for the characters.) The hardcover also comes with a bonus novella from April's POV, which I will review separately.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: White Trash Zombie Unchained (White Trash Zombie, #6); Author: Diana Rowland; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery; Review: Plenty of action (plus zombie gore) and science. I love how Angel's character has grown and evolved over this series, surviving so much and turning into an optimist. I think her real super-power is being able to talk to anyone. I'm wondering if this is the last book in the series. The denouement had a real tying-off-all-plot-threads vibe to it.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Prince of Outcasts (Emberverse #13); Author: S.M. Stirling; Genres: history, romance, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction; Review: I'm not sure how to rate this one. John's plotline was 4 star, Orlaith's was a three at best. As usual, S.M. Stirling excels at battle scenes and world-building (even if he does spend far too much time describing food IMHO). John's plotline starts with a huge storm--and the adventure is off. I just wish Orlaith had had more to do.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Master Shark's Mate (Fire & Rescue Shifters, #5); Author: Zoe Chant; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, romance; Review: An impulse buy. The blurb sounded hilarious and the book had me snort-laughing. It's hard to imagine two creatures more different than a shark and a coyote, but the author makes it work. Funny, sweet and hot by turns. Also short. Read in an afternoon.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Ultimatum (The Guardian, #1); Author: Karen Robards; Genres: thriller, crime, fiction, romance, mystery; Review: High action thriller about a thief, with plenty of cool heists, plot twists and conspiracies to unravel. It's the start of a series so there's no HEA, but nonetheless has a juicy romantic subplot. I will definitely be on the lookout for book two!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: The Queen of Blood (The Queens of Renthia, #1); Author: Sarah Beth Durst; Genres: young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Strong beginning. I was hooked from the rhyme that spells out the world premise: that the world is full of elemental spirits bent on destroying humankind. The middle slowed a bit for me--I'm getting jaded about magic schools--but once Daleina was chosen by a Champion and left school the second half picked up nicely and ended on a strong note. I was very interested to read in the afterword that the author first wrote book two in the series The Reluctant Queen and then wrote this prequel book at the suggestion of her editor.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: vN (The Machine Dynasty, #1); Author: Madeline Ashby; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Fresh take on intelligent robots, from the POV of one: innocent Amy, who grows from kindergartener to adult-sized in one terrible day. Good pacing. Gritty world. I like the way Amy changed Javier. Quibble: Just like with Company Town I got a little confused during the ending. Not sure what happened.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Silver Silence (Psy-Changeling Trinity, #1; Psy-Changeling, #16); Author: Nalini Singh; Genres: romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Strong opening, with wonderful characters to carry forward. I think this was the first time Nalini tackled bear changelings and I found Valentin a perfect mix of humourously unsubtle, strong, loyal and sexy. Reading about him and cool Psy Silver was a treat. The twist of the last hundred pages worked quite well.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Three Past Midnight: The Library Policeman; Author: Stephen King; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Note: This review is for the novella in Four Past Midnight, not the audio book. I just like to review novellas separately. This one was slightly slow to get going, but once it had some momentum it was very good. The mystery of Ardelia Lortz was quite suspenseful and I liked how Dave and Naomi, who at first seem to be quite minor characters, weave back into the story.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Once a Rebel (Rogues Redeemed #2); Author: Mary Jo Putney; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Strong beginning chapter leading into a lovely friends-to-lovers romance. Putney's novels are usually set in Britain so it was interesting to see one mostly set in America during the War of 1812. (I had the Star-spangled Banner stuck in my head while reading parts and the main character actually meets Francis Scott Key) There was a bit of a disconnect after the America chapters wrapped up, with the British plotline coming in very late. (The British villain literally only has one scene besides his defeat.); Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Burning Page (The Invisible Library, #3); Author: Genevieve Cogman; Genres: history, young-adult, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Strong pacing throughout. A fun magic system and world with dragons (order) on one side and fae (chaos) on the other with humans and librarians in the middle. Book three dives back into the over-arching Alberich plot. Happy to be caught up in this series--at least temporarily. Book four releases soon!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Stories of the Raksura, Volume 2: The Dead City & The Dark Earth Below; Author: Martha Wells; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Two novellas and some short stories set in the fascinating world of the Raksura. I liked how the adventures were set at times when Moon was going through something character-wise.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Lagoon; Author: Nnedi Okorafor; Genres: paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: So nice to read a first contact story that isn't set in the U.S. but instead takes place in Lagos, Nigeria. The aliens arrival causes chaos and destruction but it ultimately hopeful. I can see why the author chose omniscent POV--to show the scope of the event--but unfortunately the constantly changing cast kept me from truly connecting with the characters. On the other hand, it also allowed for my favourite bits: The prologues from the POV of a swordfish, a spider and a bat.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Of Things Unknown (October Daye, #11.5); Author: Seanan McGuire; Genres: romance, thriller, poetry, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: It was very cool to get a novella from the POV of April, a computer dryad, who I imagine is rather difficult to write. I recently reread A Local Habitation so not only were all the characters familiar to me, but I was glad to see some dangling plot threads from it tied up.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Four Past Midnight: The Sun Dog; Author: Stephen King; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, fiction; Review: Note: Once again, my review is for the novella in Four Past Midnight, not the audiobook. I just like to review novellas separately. King get a lot of mileage out of a fairly simple premise. The sleazy Pop Merill and his machinations ramp up the tension, taking away the easy solution to the problem.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Four Past Midnight; Author: Stephen King; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: I read the Langoliers years ago and loved it: the suspense of the plane in jeopardy, the creepiness of the world and the balls. I skipped the other three until this year (2017) when I decided to give them another try. Secret Window, Secret Garden didn't do much for me, but I enjoyed both the Library Policeman (after a slow start) and The Sun Dog, all of which I reviewed separately.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Sea of Shadows (Age of Legends, #1); Author: Kelley Armstrong; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: I am quite impressed with the pacing in this novel. Things went very wrong early in the story and stayed wrong for the rest of the book. An intriguing world with interesting characters. I shall definitely read on. Note: My son got this book for his 15th birthday and read the rest of the series in under a month.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Duke of Desire (Maiden Lane, #12); Author: Elizabeth Hoyt; Genres: history, mystery, thriller, crime, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: Strong beginning and a tormented hero. (I'm a sucker for tortured heroes.) Steamy romance. Everything I've come to expect from an Elizabeth Hoyt novel.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Forbidden (Old West, #1); Author: Beverly Jenkins; Genres: history, biography, historical fiction, romance, fiction; Review: An original premise: since the Civil War, Rhine Fontaine, once a slave, has been "passing" as White. But now he's falling in love with a woman of Color (Eddy) and must choose between the two. His dilemma is heightened in that not only would he be giving up his life privilege but also his ability to do good for the Colored community--as a member of the city council he votes against school segregation. Interesting historical background of a mining city in Nevada and the split between the White and Black Republican parties.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Cast in Fury (Chronicles of Elantra #4); Author: Michelle Sagara; Genres: young-adult, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: I'm so far behind in this series... First book is still my favorite, but Elantra is a very cool world with lots of corners to poke around in. This book primarily dealt with Leontine culture, but we did dip back into the fiefs and see Lord Nightshade again! I felt like the pacing was a bit slow in this book, but honestly it may have been because I was spending my days intensely editing and had a bit of a problem turning that part of my brain off when I picked up the book.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Turbo Twenty-Three (Stephanie Plum, #23); Author: Janet Evanovich; Genres: mystery, thriller, crime, romance, fiction; Review: Another fun mystery-adventure in the life of Stephanie Plum, bond enforcement agent. These read so fast and effortlessly, I'm in awe of Evanovich's skill. Read in one day.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Priceless (Rylee Adamson, #1); Author: Shannon Mayer; Genres: young-adult, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Short chapters, lots of action, strong enough pacing that I read it in one day. A likeable lead, some cute moments with her pet werewolf, an excellent romantic subplot... so why didn't I like this better? The book is shorter than the norm for urban fantasy, which worked well with the pacing, but gave the characters little time to react and the novel a bit of an undeveloped feel. (As an example, the first time we meet her friend Milly, Milly is saying goodbye to Riley. Riley's upset about it but Milly is just a word on a page to me, so I don't care.) Similarly some of the world-building and plot felt random. (Let's add ogres! And harpies! And unicorns!); Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Hound and Key; Author: Rhiannon Held; Genres: paranormal, romance, fantasy, fiction; Review: Interesting mythology based on a folklore tale I was unfamiliar with. A strong mystery hook to start with, then, wham, a wonderful plot twist at about the one quarter mark. Well-written characters. I liked how they didn't take the easy way out of their problems. Quibble: I wished the fives powers had been a little less alike.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Empire of Night (Age of Legends, #2); Author: Kelley Armstrong; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: 2nd book in the series. Monsters, magic and political intrigue! Strong pacing and a plot with lots of setbacks and twists--including one on the very last page. It was nice to see the twins use their powers a bit more. I'll probably pick up book three soon.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Dying on Second (Marie Jenner Mystery #4); Author: E.C. Bell; Genres: thriller, crime, paranormal, fantasy, mystery; Review: Read in one day. Yay! We finally get a female ghost! I found the softball diamond setting unique and loved the new tidbits about how the ghost thing works. Marie is understandably frazzled this book and I felt for her. And the ending left me super-curious about the next book...; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Chasing The Falconers (On The Run, #1); Author: Gordon Korman; Genres: young-adult, mystery, thriller, children, crime, fiction; Review: Rereading this to my kids. Sympathetic characters, even Miguel,and a high-action non-stop plot. I really like how sibling Aiden and Meg have different strengths.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Den of Wolves (Blackthorn & Grim, #3); Author: Juliet Marillier; Genres: history, young-adult, romance, thriller, crime, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fiction, fantasy, mystery; Review: Based on a fairytale I'd never heard before. A slowly revealed mystery forms the plot, but it's Blackthorn's choice at the heart of the story. I was a little startled when the last hundred or so pages resolved the over-arching plot of the series (including the romantic subplot). For some reason I'd expected this to be a longer-running series, but that felt like an ending.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Updraft (Bone Universe, #1); Author: Fran Wilde; Genres: paranormal, fiction, fantasy, young-adult; Review: Wonderful world-building: towers of bone that grow ever upward, invisible skymouths, wings of silk and the secretive Singers. The plot held my attention most strongly in the middle section when Kirit was apprenticing as a Singer.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: The Element of Fire (Ile-Rien, #1); Author: Martha Wells; Genres: history, paranormal, biography, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, fiction; Review: Continuing my glom of Martha Wells' backlist. Political intrigue, swordplay, lots of magic and a lovely slow-burn romantic subplot, too. Happy sigh. Very impressed with the way the plot escalated. Quibble: I still have no idea why it's titled The Element of Fire. Neither fire nor elementals figured into it very much. A head-scratcher.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | goodreads |
Given the interaction history of a user with books as follows:
Title: Powersat; Author: Visit Amazon's Ben Bova Page; Review: Ben Bova always spins a very enjoyable yarn. This one stretched things just a bit though. Another "double-damn" and my head would have exploded. Another MAJOR problem with this book is the way it was laid out on my new #359 Kindle I just purchased from Amazon. Many times the 2-5 paragraph for a new chapter would come out of the blue and be at the end of the previous chapter. Then you "flip the page" and read the first paragraph, "Ohhhh, that's how it goes." Then you start reading the second paragraph and it picks up where it is supposed to.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Primani; Author: Visit Amazon's Laurie Olerich Page; Review: This book, the first in a series by newcomer Laurie Olerich, will grab your interest and not let go until the final page. At that point you will be ready to start the next in the series. Very well crafted, easy to read - exactly what I look for. While I may not be the target demographic for this love story between Mica and Sean, even a guy like me finds a lot to make Primani worth reading.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Stone Angels: Primani Book Three (Volume 3); Author: Visit Amazon's Laurie Olerich Page; Review: Well, not literally, but this installment of the Primani series is an exciting read. I took my time with this one and savored all the delicious plot twists. This is the coming together of all the books prior to this one. I'm not one to get deep into an "urban fantasy" or "love story" or whatever you want to call this book, but as a 56 year old man it had plenty of excitement to keep me on the edge of my seat. I wish Laurie Olerich all the success she deserves. Good job!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Call the Lightning (Primani) (Volume 2); Author: Visit Amazon's Laurie Olerich Page; Review: Laurie has nailed it again with this second installment of the Primani story. What I really like about this book is how easy it is to read. She doesn't throw big words in when simple more concise ones will do. The story moves along quickly and you find yourself wrapped up in the lives of all the characters. I'm looking forward to the next book.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Broken Souls: Primani Book Four (Volume 4); Author: Visit Amazon's Laurie Olerich Page; Review: Laurie keeps getting better and better at this writing thing. This series has keep me on the edge of my seat. I loved the emphasis on Rori in this installment. I have a feeling that we will be seeing a lot more of this amazing girl. The convergence of romance and action is what makes this series irresistible to me. Guys, take a look at this first series. Even James Bond movies have an element of romance to them. The action is what makes this such an enjoyable read.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_books |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: True; Brand: Avicii; Review: I enjoyed this release from Avicii. I wasn't expecting this album to be very experimental, but I was wrong. It's interesting to mix bluegrass with dance. He seems to make it work. The album reminds of some of David Bowie's stuff from his 80s dance pop era. Too bad, i didn't get to see his him in concert (only 20 bucks) on my college campus. Hey Brother, You Wake me Up, and Edom are pretty interesting. Also reminds of Zedd, I really enjoyed that release last year as well.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: ; Brand: Beyonce; Review: Better than I expected. It wasn't as bad as her release from a few years ago. This is probably best album to date imo. I've been pleasantly surprised at some of the tracks. It reminds me of great rnb albums from the 90's. Worth a listen. XO,Partition, and Mine are pretty good. It reminds of Janet Jackson's early 90's album that featured that's the way love goes.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Ultraviolence; Brand: Lana Del Rey; Review: One of the best albums of the year. I really enjoy good lyrics, song writing, and actual video production on an album. You really don't see that too much anymore. This album got a nice pace to it, and is good to relax to. Love Shades of Cool and Brooklyn Baby. It's defiantly worth a listen.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Cheek to Cheek; Brand: Tony Bennett; Review: Lady Gaga's last pop album was bad. I was shocked since most of her stuff was pretty edgy and good up until that point. I'm glad she decided to keep pushing forward. This is a great substitute imho. I'm glad she decided to not care what people think and release this. Tony Bennett's a legend and this is a great pairing. I have seen Lady Gaga live, and she's got great vocals. It's nice to see a current pop star appreciate great vocal jazz.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Songs Of Innocence White Colored; Brand: U2; Review: I came in with low expectations, but this is pretty good. Bono's vocals are on point, and this is a really good album. Is it their best? I'm not sure. But the songs are great and if you're looking for a new rock album. Which really seems few and far between at this point... Then you should defiantely get this!; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Pure Heroine; Brand: Lorde; Review: This album's definitely something that grows on you. At first, I thought she was a ripoff of Alanis Morressette, but she's definitely grown on her own. Tennis Courts, Royals, and Buzzcut are all really good. This album takes a while to get into. I will say that this album's definitely one for a more mature listener. It'll be interesting to see where she's goes in a few years.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: ; Brand: Jennifer Hudson; Review: One of my favorite releases all year. I'm quite shocked at how much I love this album. I watched her feature on The Breakfast Club Morning Porgram. I decided to give this a chance. This is my favorite from Jennifer Hudson to date. Walk it Out, her feature with R Kelly are really two standout tracks. If you like contemporary RnB then you'll love this release. This and Beyonce's album were my two favorites.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_CDs_and_Vinyl |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Fun Express Assorted Sticky Stretchy Toys (100 Piece/Unit); Brand: Fun Express; Review: NOT AS ADVERTISED AT ALL!!! Everything in packaged is the size of my thumbnail, NO large items AT ALL! Says "100 ct" NOT 100 ct (yes I counted when opened 90 items total)..No wall climbers. DO NOT BUY YOU WILL BE DISAPPOINTED!!! Bought for game prizes for kids carnival games they will NOT work even for older children..WILL be returning!; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: 3 x Fun Express Assorted Sticky Stretchy Toys (100 Piece/Unit); Brand: Fun Express; Review: NOT AS ADVERTISED AT ALL!!! Everything in packaged is the size of my thumbnail, NO large items AT ALL! Says "100 ct" NOT 100 ct (yes I counted when opened 90 items total)..No wall climbers. DO NOT BUY YOU WILL BE DISAPPOINTED!!! Bought for game prizes for kids carnival games they will NOT work even for older children..WILL be returning!; Rating: 1.0/5.0
Title: Microphone Inflate, assorted colors, Pack of 12; Brand: Fun Express; Review: Smaller than expected, we are using them for make them work..Do not look like picture; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Fun Express Two Dozen (24) Mini Glow-in-the-Dark Award Rubber Ducks; Brand: Fun Express; Review: Smaller than I hoped but carnival prizes so hopefully kids won't mind; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Flashing Spike Bracelets - 12 per unit; Brand: Rhode Island Novelty; Review: exactly as described we will be hanging out at a festival this weekend. if they go well we will be purchasing more for halloween; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Set of 12-Flashing Mouth Piece; Brand: YMCtoys; Review: kids loved them; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: GeoCentral Gemstone Collection Box; Brand: GeoCentral; Review: A LOT smaller than posted. Was NOT worth the $9 each I paid for them (And of corse today they are dropped down to 6.99 each). I got them for my son and neice. I am sure they will like them but having a bit of buyers remorse after seeing. Stones are even smaller than the ones in customers pictures for reveiws. But the kids will still like them so we will keep them, though I am sure they will be lost after a few times of them looking at them.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Windy City Novelties LED Assorted Colors Glow in The Dark Kids Light Sabers (12 Pack) Bulk; Brand: Windy City Novelties; Review: would have been a 5 star but 2 came with no battery covers. We used them as game prizes for our carnival . Kids loved them; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: Joyin Toy 6 Pcs LED Light-up Devil Horns Hair Clips for Halloween Dressing and Night Events Party Favors; Brand: Joyin Toy; Review: kids loved them; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Toys_and_Games |
Given the interaction history of a user with news articles as follows:
Title: Miguel Cervantes' Wife Reveals Daughter, 3, 'Died in My Arms' After Entering Hospice Care; Abstract: Miguel Cervantes' Wife Reveals Daughter 'Died in My Arms' After Hospice Care; Category: tv
Title: 'Wheel Of Fortune' Guest Delivers Hilarious, Off The Rails Introduction; Abstract: We'd like to solve the puzzle, Pat: Blair Davis' loveless marriage? On Monday, "Wheel of Fortune" welcomed as a new contestant trucking business owner Blair Davis, who offered a biting introduction for himself. When host Pat Sajak asked the man from Cardiff, California, about his family, Davis plunged into one of the darkest personal summaries the show has likely ever heard. "I've been trapped in a loveless marriage for the last 12 years to an...; Category: tv
Title: Miley Cyrus and Cody Simpson Get New Tattoos Hers of a Dagger Through a Bleeding Heart; Abstract: Miley Cyrus and Cody Simpson Get New Tattoos; Category: music
Title: Ancient 'lost city' of the Khmer Empire discovered in Cambodia; Abstract: Researchers have identified the elusive ancient "lost city" of Cambodia for the first time, according to a report published Tuesday.; Category: travel
Title: Body of missing Alabama girl found; 2 being charged; Abstract: Investigators searching through garbage found the body of a 3-year-old girl who was missing more than a week, and authorities are charging two people with murder, police said Tuesday.; Category: news
Title: The most haunted roads in the US and the chilling stories behind them; Abstract: Here are 10 creepy roads said to be haunted by ghosts and paranormal activity. Drive them if you dare.; Category: travel
Title: Is Ben Affleck Dating Musician Katie Cherry?; Abstract: The pair has been photographed hanging out in recent weeks, but are they just friends?; Category: movies
Title: Katharine McPhee Shares New Wedding Photo in 70th Birthday Tribute to Husband David Foster; Abstract: Katharine McPhee Wishes David Foster a Happy Birthday; Category: music
Title: 'Sons Of Anarchy' Star Ron Perlman Files for Divorce After 38 Years of Marriage; Abstract: According to documents obtained by ET, the actor filed papers for a dissolution of his marriage on Tuesday.; Category: tv
Title: America's Largest Home Also Has the Most Amazing Christmas Decorations; Abstract: Over 13,000 ornaments are deployed around the Biltmore Estate in NC.; Category: lifestyle
Title: Eerie photos of an abandoned airport that hasn't been touched in 25 years; Abstract: The airport in Abkhazia a disputed region of Georgia was built in the 1960s, but was abandoned after a violent war in the early 1900s.; Category: news | mind |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Nautica Men's Pennant Passcase Wallet; Brand: ; Review: This is a very nice high quality wallet. Good leather, not too stiff, fits well in hip pocket. Has slide out photo section and can be added to for more stuff. (included) Two bill pockets nice for keeping your "mad" money apart from every day funds. I would buy it again.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Polo Ralph Lauren Mens Knit Logo Waistband Boxers; Brand: Polo Ralph Lauren; Review: Very nice men's boxers. I find them much better in quality than some others. I will continue to purchase more as needed.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Polo Ralph Lauren 6-Pack Athletic Sports Long Socks; Brand: Polo Ralph Lauren; Review: They are simply the best crew sock I have owned. Very good quality and I will get some more later. Do yourself a favor and try them, you will not be disappointed.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Merrell Men's Traveler Rove Slip-On Shoe; Brand: Merrell; Review: nice shoes , However I had to return them due to being narrow wider sized were not offered; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Access Men's Heavyweight Long Sleeve Thermal Crew Neck Top Aqua Large; Brand: Access; Review: I find the product to be very well made and they are warm. They fit as expected and hold their shape after washing. I will buy additional ones as needed.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Costa Del Mar Fantail Sunglasses; Brand: Costa Del Mar; Review: I have owned many other top quality sunglasses. These are the Very best. Great fit, Great quality, Great vision. I will be making more purchases from Costa Del Mar.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with products as follows:
Title: Salomon Women's Toundra Mid Waterproof Winter Boot; Brand: Salomon; Review: I buy their trail running shoes! This is the first time I have had their boots. They are roomy in the toe box and warm. I wear them in Alaska, too. They are not high enough for a true rugged need, but they are like wearing one of their trail running shoes....I love them. I am a loyal Salomon fan, and have tried many others brands!; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: 8460 ECW GI Black Polar Fleece Beanie Skull Watch Cap; Brand: Government Issue; Review: It is nice looking. I use to like these types of hats, but after buying remembered why I quit buying them. It does not cover the earlobes, and in fact allows for air to contact ear canal.; Rating: 3.0/5.0
Title: Kidorable Girls' Ballet; Brand: Kidorable; Review: Our daughter loves these and they were affordable. Cute. Yes, it is getting hot, but these will come in handy on rainy days through the summer. She is tough on them, and uses them in the mud and around the chicken yard. So far, so good.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Merrell Jungle Moc (Toddler/Little Big Kid); Brand: Merrell; Review: Waterproof too. Our daughter loves these shoes. We normally purchase at least one pair a year, and will keep coming back to them.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Merrell Kids' Jungle Moc 2; Brand: Merrell; Review: Waterproof too. Our daughter loves these shoes. We normally purchase at least one pair a year, and will keep coming back to them.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: TowelSelections Women's Super Soft Plush Bathrobe Fleece Spa Robe Made in Turkey; Brand: ; Review: We are pleased with our purchase.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: OTBT Women's Rexburg Wedge Pump; Brand: ; Review: They were too small but I loved them so much so returned and ordered the next size up. Waiting for those to come. Stay posted.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: V.H.O. Funky Hawaiian Blouse Women Short-Sleeve Front-Pocket Beach Palm Multi Colors; Brand: V.H.O; Review: button fell off after first wear and washed on delicate but otherwise good.; Rating: 4.0/5.0 | amazon_Clothing_Shoes_and_Jewelry |
Given the interaction history of a user with hotels as follows:
Title: Courtyard New York Manhattan SoHo; City: New York City New York; Review: Great spot to stay to enjoy NYC. Looks small but big on service. Best starbucks in lobby I have been too. Full service menu. Perfect for families going to NYC for vacation. Next to subway station. Very nice staff.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Driftwood Shores Resort Conference Center; City: Florence Oregon; Review: I chose Driftwood because it was only hotel on the beach in Florence. It is really a motel by the beach. Unfortunately, gale force beach winds prevented anyone from going on the beach. We were driving down the coast from Seattle to Sonoma. I cannot complain as was a motel price with a pretty view, I would recommend it for those driving through for a one night stay.; Rating: 4.0/5.0
Title: The Gingerbread Mansion Inn; City: Ferndale Humboldt County California; Review: This was by far the best Bed and Breakfast we have ever stayed in on both coasts. Beautiful, felt like it was 1885 but with great hot food and shower. This is the coolest town, like a travel back in town. Perfect location if you are traveling anywhere in the area. Skip Eureka and stay here.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Courtyard by Marriott Birmingham Homewood; City: Homewood Alabama; Review: This was a very nice motel/hotel for the price. Stayed here with family on college tour. Very nice, clean room. Staff friendly, adequate exercise room. Great little coffee breakfast area for quick bite. Very close to nice shopping and rating.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Fairmont Mara Safari Club; City: Maasai Mara National Reserve Rift Valley Province; Review: Went here for weekend stay while doing medical mission trip and was phenomenal. Beautiful grounds on high river bank with large viewing platform overlooking large heard of Hippos, watch them as long as you want. Very nice tents, that are just like luxury rooms. Great food. Safari location right out side gates so no wasted time. Saw the big 5, our guide Richard, was fantastic, did special Leopard search the last day, found one and got up close and personal. This is our second safari and by far the best. So many animals. Bucket list place to visit. This picture is from our safari, not the internet.; Rating: 5.0/5.0
Title: Planters Inn; City: Charleston South Carolina; Review: Southern charm and hospitality at it finest. Breakfasts in courtyard were perfect. Rooms large and comfortable. Romantic with large gym complimentary 2 blocks away. Perfect location near everything you would want to do.; Rating: 5.0/5.0 | hotelrec |
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