Thursday, October 12, 2006
So good, I read it twice! LOL. Really, I like this story. A lot. The plot is good, the development of the characters solid and the action hooks you from the beginning. I like the way the heroine is gradually introduced to her new world and the mostly male inhabitants.
Now I know this particular criticism has nothing to do with the book, but what's with the cover? I mean, I like the cover. Don't get me wrong. It's a good composition. But it doesn't seem to fit with the story. This is an adventurous futuristic, but the cover doesn't say "futuristic" to me. This cover is more generic in feel to me and would probably work well for any number of stories. Sorry, but I've been thinking a lot about covers just lately and this sort of bothered me enough to mention. It doesn't detract from my enjoyment of the story, but it does kind of make me go "huh?"
This is the third book in the Xylon Warriors series. I really enjoyed the first two and the plot thickens even more here in this third installment. The first book was hot, hot, HOT. The second book was just as hot, but had a lot of plot threads that left you hanging. This third book resolves a lot of the plot threads and is very hot, but it jumps around a bit and if you haven't read the first two books, it probably won't make a whole lot of sense to you.
Still, there's a big payoff here for folks who've been following this series from the beginning. The character of Kam has been involved in the previous books and there have been more questions revolving around him than answers. Until now.
Kam is a great character. The heroine Halah also kicks butt and is fun to read. The entire series is somewhat complicated, but well worth sticking with it. This book ends somewhat openly so you can tell there's going to be big things coming next in this series. I'll be waiting (im)patiently to see what happens!
Monday, October 02, 2006
5 Stars! This book ROCKS! A contemporary menage tale with deep emotion and lots of action - both in the bedroom and out. I really liked the way Maya Banks handled the emotional aspects of this odd relationship and the rather suspenseful storyline was an excellent compliment.
The heroine was fragile from her headlong flight, but tough when it counted. The supporting characters had dimension and caught your interest, and the heros... well... the heros were fantastic! Each distinct, each totally hot and very alpha. I love the way Maya wrote these men!
Kudos to Maya Banks on a book that I'm sure will be a huge success!!! If you like a hot, romantic, menage tale with a dash of danger, this one is most definitely for you!
Saturday, September 30, 2006
You may notice, I've started posting a few "reviews" on this blog and changed the template a bit. I intend to do more as time allows. The books I talk about here are not really intended to be formal reviews, just my impressions of some books that I particularly liked. If you're an author and want me to read your book I'll do so, if I have time, but I try to be fair about my little "reviews." I won't completely trash books here - it's just not my style - but I also won't falsely praise books I don't like. So be forewarned.
I'm going to be adding a lot of reviews of books that stand out in my mind as I play catch-up with this blog. I'll also be talking about a few new books I've read or am reading as time allows. Feel free to comment and let me know what you think of any books I mention, whether you agree or disagree with my opinions, and let me know what's on your mind. I love reading and I love talking books, so this is my little corner of the internet where I get to be a fan and talk about the books I enjoy. Won't you join me?
- Bianca
Friday, September 29, 2006
I first read this series last year or the year before and it's a total keeper! A man with a tail - now that can boggle the mind. LOL. I find this series inventive and really entertaining, not to mention totally HOT!
I like the way this story ties back to Earth, and I like the way the rich cultures of the alien races are explored after the initial "close encounter." This is more than just an abduction story. It may start with an alien abduction type scenario, but it quickly becomes much, much more.
I highly recommend all in this series!
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
This one is on my "keeper" list. I absolutely love this series, the characters, the plot, the unique attributes of these aliens... everything! This was one of the first Ellora's Cave titles I ever read and it's one of the reasons I kept going back for more.
Annie Windsor's writing style is easy and flowing, her world easy to understand, yet complex in an enchanting way. She doesn't use overly difficult terminology that I feel is sometimes the downfall of many otherwise good SF&F stories. She doesn't get too bogged down in "telling" rather than "showing," and the characters become your friends and people you really want to get to know in-depth.
It's an all-around excellent story and I highly recommend this one and the entire series.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
I loved, loved, LOVED Love Partner!!! I don't know Robie Madison -- I'm assuming Robie is a woman, but if I'm wrong please forgive me -- but I'm really looking forward to reading more of her work. This book stands out in my mind as one of the very best I've read this year and makes Robie an "auto-buy" for her next book, regardless of what it is.
I'm hoping it'll be a sequel to this rich, interesting tale. This book has nods to "little green men" though there's nothing little about these aliens, even though they're green. I love the quirky traits she's added and the cultural behaviors that make the aliens very authentic. I also love the way the relationship develops.
There's a fair amount of action to keep the story moving and I think a perfect balance between the love story and the plot. Altogether an excellent read, and I'm definitely looking forward to reading more by this author! Huzzah!
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Having studied several forms of the martial arts in my youth, I found Ciar's nods to various philosophies and teachings both entertaining and intriguing. I love the way she alludes to facts in the setting or scenes without delving into tedious detail. She keeps the prose moving with an effervescent pace that makes this a fun and stimulating read.
It's a complicated world of wood elves, Trueborn (which I'm assuming are regular humans) and were. But somehow the complex is easy to follow in this fantastical tale. Such is Ciar's gift at storytelling. This is a definite page turner and I loved the ups and downs of this fantastic ride. You don't have to be a martial artist or student of Eastern philosophy to "get" the intricate world Ciar's built here. It's beautiful, simple, complex and stunning.
And the love story will warm your heart. All in all, this is a very complete tale -- it speaks to your imagination, your soul, and most of all... your heart. 5 Stars! All the way!!!
