Charming by Elliott James

Charming is the first book in the Pax Arcana series by author Elliott James.  I got this ARC from NetGalley and Orbit Books/Hachette Book Group.  Charming comes out next week, September 24th. 

John Charming isn't your average Prince… the tag line brings me in instantly because let's be honest who doesn't love a good fairy tale story with a Prince Charming.  So a book called Charming with an attractive man on the cover wearing a leather jacket and carrying a sword, I have to check it out.  The style of the book is different, it's from John's POV and he is critical of everything as he is telling us what is going on. 

He comes from a line of Charmings, not really a Prince, but a family of knights dating back centuries.  Trained by a modern day version of the Knights Templar, monster hunters who have updated their methods from chainmail and crossbows to Kevlar and shot guns, he is one of the best.  That is also why he is an abomination and his own brotherhood of Knights what him dead.  On the run from his own people yet sworn and compelled to keep to his mission to protect the Pax he lives a life on the move, trying to find a quiet and peaceful life.  That is until a vampire and a blonde walk into his bar.

Yes it has jokes and cheesy lines but that is the appeal.  It is through John's perspective and he has been around a long time, long enough to know that sometimes you just have to make a joke out of things to keep from cracking.  He has been on his own for so long and feels if he does get close to anyone they die, which is good incentive to stay alone, if you ask me.  That doesn't matter though when he ends up pulled into a misfit band of monster hunters to bring down a particularly devious vampire coven who are disrupting the Pax.  It also doesn't help that he is drawn to the attractive and powerful blonde that walked in, trouble is she's taken but someone who could bring the Knights down on his head.  However, what makes him an abomination, also makes him very useful for their purpose. 

I liked this story.  It was a quick read and I finished it in a couple of days reading on lunch breaks (I am no longer able to read at work sigh) and a little at night.  It does not get bogged down in anything and does speed along.  The action scenes are very well thought out and choreographed.  I also got the distinct feel of being in a mans head, I think the author being a male is able to portray the thoughts and feelings of one in a way that women writing from a mans prospective are unable to do with such ease.  Though they say right what you know right. 

I enjoyed Charming and his jokes and sarcasm.  His paranoia, though really is it paranoia if people are out to kill you, and his hidden fears and feelings.    The rest of the gang are very interesting as well, each with their own story as well.  Sig, and her secrets and dilemma, Dvornik, and his psychic abilities and his anger issues.  Parth, Cahill, Choo, and Molly all with their unique stories and attributes.  I have to say Molly and her fascination with Christmas as a de-stress/calming effect in the middle of the year made me laugh and send a caption to my friend who despite the 100+ temperature is always chilly and wanting to sing Christmas music. 

Then you have the world.  It's just like the world we all know, only that’s because of the Pax.  It is like a mental barrier, us normal folks just don't see what is really happening in the world and if we catch a glimpse of something not right, we rationalize it away or blame the lighting, lack of sleep, etc.  It was an interesting concept and I have to admit I enjoyed it.  I also like how the Knights came to be, not the typical brotherhood of demon hunters, but I won't give it away. 

Overall I enjoyed this book and am interested to see how the story continues in the next book.  Again Charming comes out next week on September 24th.  If you like witty banter, inner struggle, and demon fighting, drama, and action I say check it out.  I give it 3.5 Kantanas.

The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones

               

I saw this movie last Friday (opening weekend) with a great group of ladies.  I was so beyond excited for this, hours of time lost to youtube watching clips, trailers, interviews, anything to get my fill while trying to read the books for the first time.   I was on overload.  Then this week orders, work, vehicle complications, finishing book 5 (had finished the first 4 before movie).  In all the madness I never got to put my thoughts down about this movie to share with my readers.

My thoughts about this movie:  Simply put…IT WAS AMAZING AND I LOVED IT!!!

                The book was fresh in my mind having just finished 1-4 in the 2 weeks before the movie and was excited to see how they would work it.  How much they would change.  Most important…Jace & Clary.  Some of my group had some reservations about the people cast for the main roles, as they were not what they expected/pictured.  I, on the other hand, say the trailer prior to reading the books so as I was reading I had their faces plugged in.  I will say when we left the theatre they had all come around and felt the actors they were leery of had wont them over for the roll. 

 

                I personally really liked Lilly Collins as Clary, she is able to work the balance of strong and vulnerable that is vital.  Clary is a brave character who rushes forward into things she doesn't understand, sometimes this could be seen as stupid, but she is rushing forward to save or protect those she cares for.  She is also weak in the sense that her whole world has turned upside down and she has moments of breaking down and trying to process it.  Jamie Campbell Bower was what I pictured as Jace because I saw him before reading but I as I read I can't think of a single person who could play this character.  Jace is cocky, witty, confident, and lets face it hot (and he knows it), but when it comes to Clary you see a bit of vulnerability there as well.  Plus he is tall and lean and he has beautiful eyes and a soothing voice.  I would be here all day and this would be a very long post if I went through every character so I will only add one more for pure fun.  Magnus.  He wasn't a huge role in this first one, but he was great with those eyes and glitter, and clothes, or lack there of, were great.  I giggled when he first came in.  His brief time you got to see the fun crazy party host and the deeper compassion.

                As with any movie based on a book there are some changes.  As much as us book nerds wish they would just make a 4 hour movie and put it just like the book, Hollywood doesn't seem to be in agreement.  Not everyone would sit through that, sadly.  Thy change things in some parts and speed the time line along (again time is an issue to consider), but a lot of the stuff they changed was more so that they brought things from other books into this movie.  Things we don't learn until book 2 or 3 was in movie 1.  Again I think this was to spare time and give more action.  Trust me there is lots of action and cool fight scenes.  One in particular is The Hotel scene.  It does change with the reason for being there, all of them show up, and for me a sad point, there was no conversation with Raphael.   We get no insight into the Vampires and they are not just Downworlders living with the Accords but they are more pure evil.  I hope we see more on them later.  Another thing that changed was the back story.  There is no mention of the Uprising or the Accords so I am curious how they are going to work it out as the other movies go.  It was close in a sense that they can still make it work.

  

              The romance is a big part of the series but like in the books there is more going on and sometimes even when you want to have the romantic conversation to explain things you can't because well there is the whole save the world from demons thing to contend with.  They live a life of fighting and early death but as Shadowhunters they know to squeeze in their time when they can.  Jace even takes her to celebrate her birthday, something no one else does.  The banter between them is beautiful and the spark is there.  The greenhouse is beautiful and so romantic (also warning I have the Heart by Heart song stuck in my head since seeing this movie).  There is also the connection between Clary and Simon, her best friend for as long as she can remember.  Always there for her and knows her so well, it is clear to everyone but her that he has feelings for her beyond friendship (which fyi I get because there is an event I plan to write and post about in my own life in which I realize how blind we can be about people in our lives). 

                So I mentioned the greenhouse was beautiful but that doesn't do it any justice.  The whole Institute is amazing, from the door locks (not going to lie I would sit there and lock and unlock my door just to play with it), to the simple yet ornate rooms, to my favorite the library.  The Library was just like I pictures it, multiple levels around the walls but high ceilings and spiral metal stairs (I totally did these, not for practicality but because they look awesome), to the designs on the floor.  The Hotel was also super creepy in the grand turned to ruin kind of way.

                That is about it without giving too much away.  I loved this movie and am saddened to see it is only at #3 this week.  I am happy that they have already scheduled to start filming number 2, and I plan to see this one at least one more time before December when it's expected to arrive on DVD.  In the mean time I have my books and the soundtrack to hold me over.  I highly recommend this movie. 

Rating:  5 Steles

2 Delayed Reviews

                                                       The Reaper’s Novice- Cecilia Robert

                Another book thanks to NetGalley.  The Reaper’s Novice, is the first book in a series and came out on January 8^th.  Reaper’s Novice takes place in Vienna (Austria), I always wanted to visit and the place sounds amazing.  The culture and the life, sound beautiful and diverse.  However, there were some phrases and such I needed to look up to help my understanding.  I had a slight hiccup with the names and what I assume is the way people are properly address at first (Herr, Fraulein, Frau,etc) until I got into the flow of it.  That was my only really problem with the book and I think if you are not familiar with that to just prepare and make sure you pay attention, once I understood it I was fin.

                Now the story itself.  Ana and her family have issues and she wants to fix them, but before the bonding family trip, her family dies before her eyes.  Enter Grim, though he prefers Ernest, who offers to save her family in exchange for her eternal service, she is to be his novice.  She agrees without hesitation to save her family.  Next thing she knows things are better than before with the family, but she slowly realizes she is part of something much bigger.  Now she must try to balance her normal teenage life with a boyfriend who is acting strangely and oh yeah her new novice responsibilities. 

                To help her with those is Zig, suave ladies man who is full of himself.  Zig does grow on you as you get to know him.  He is more than he appears at first.  It is always fun to explore new worlds through the eyes of main characters who is also seeing things, like you, for the first time.  I liked the characters and how they were flushed out, some way out there but others down to Earth.  I think there is a balance there.  Though with our heroin I have her a bit of slack in some area where she seemed to change from strong and determined to…well something completely different but a boy and love was involved so I let it slide on the acceptance that estrogen is a hardcore thing that makes the best of us crazy at one time or another. 

                The pacing of the story does jump around, some moments its very slow then right after an event it just ahead.  The book covers a full year as his Novice and she has to pass the final test in order to pass and secure her families souls which Grim is holding onto.  She learns that this may not have been random and she may have been destined to be part of something much larger.  She has questions but the answers seem to be held just out of reach for her.  Can she save souls?  An entire race?  Her family and friends?

                The Reaper’s Novice, lets you take a hard look at sacrifice.  A new look on souls and what happens after.  I’m excited for book 2 to see where it goes and what happens with the characters I got to know. 

Now as I am behind…here is another book review for you to sink your teeth into. 

                                                       A Night to Forget- Jessica Wood

                This is a book from NetGalley of course and the wonderful publisher All Night Reads.  This is book of Emma’s Story.  I don’t have too much to say about this book without giving the story away.  It was an adult style book geared towards a slightly older/mature audience.  A Night to Forget came out June 20th.

               

                The story is of a woman who is finishing up college and goes on spring break with her girlfriends after breaking up with her boyfriend the day before where she literally meets the man of her dreams, steamy ones at that.  She lives out her dream and never hears from him again until she goes to start her new career and finds he is her new boss, and worse yet he doesn’t seem to even remember her or their night together. 

             I enjoyed the book and read though it in an afternoon and I’m looking forward to the other half of the story to see what happens.  It was just what one would expect, slightly predictable but I was okay with that and seeing not the final destination but how they got there.  The characters were pretty believable and not outlandishly out there which I appreciate in any non sci-fi/fantasy/alternate universe stories.  I think Wood did a good job at keeping the story moving along and not dragging in any spot for any long period, as I said I read through it quickly in one afternoon.  I would even call this a good beach read, though as I am rocking the Casper look it’s clearly good for any afternoon or evening.

Forbidden to Love - Debbie Davies

                Forbidden to Love was an ARC I received after it came out, I was still excited to get it and check it out.  Debbie Davies' mythical love story came out on March 14th, and is ready to be picked up.

                This is book one in the series that centers around Acacia, the 3rd of the Erosions Zeus created to appease Eros and keep him from causing more trouble.  The first two attempts, Allana and Amora did not do the trick either.  Eros is still upset and the three women created for him, he wants nothing to do with them, accept take pleasure in commanding they shall never love another.  He's an ass, pure and simple.  Sure heartbroken but spiteful.  The story intrigued me and I love mythology based story lines and seeing a new spin on something so old.  The cover was simple, a bit cheesy but so boldly bright it does make you look.

                Acacia is set in her life of helping others find what she is not allowed.  As the youngest looking she is to work to help high schoolers find their sweethearts.  She is reserved and unsure what will happen when the deadline is reached.  Eros also made threats.  Everything is pretty normal as far as she's concerned until she gets this feeling of not being able to breath, everything aches and something is wrong and it all centers around a fellow student she'd never seen before, Josh.  Clearly he must be an agent from hell sent to torture her, or a pawn in a cruel game by her 'sister'.  She can't possibly be in love.  The fates can't be that cruel could they?  Acacia must figure out her head and her heart while the whole world, everything she's knows is questioned.  Can one made to create love handle it for herself or the possibility of losing it?

                I liked the story, I read through it pretty quickly.  My one main thing would be the last part of the book.  I won't give it away, but it feels like the last say…20% of the book was a different story.  I am hoping it was the beginning of the next story in the series, to let you know where the story is going but it also felt slight out of place and rushed for me.  I still liked the book overall and give it 3 stars, and I am curious to see the next story and find out more about the Luca situation and what that means for Acacia and the war.

                Forbidden to Love is ready for you to pick up.  

The Siren's Secret by Heather Ostler

               The Siren's Secret is book 3 in The Shapeshifter's Secret series.  NetGalley and Cedar Fort let me review both, here is my link to my first review.  Book 2 picks up pretty much where book 1 left off so if you haven't read it then beware spoilers.

                Julia is happy with her life, strange as it is.  She isn't so fond of the hiding and threats from her evil and deranged mother Alexis and The Guild but looking on the positive side she loves her werecat form (a white tiger if you didn’t remember is my favorite), her friends, and of course the Terrance.  Overall she's feeling pretty good.  Then she learns a truth about herself, one no one dreamed of, one that threatens everything.  She's part Siren!

 

                Yep, if the title wasn't clear.  Not a big deal right?  Oh well there is a curse on Sirens and the whole political aspect where everyone thinks sirens are evil, untrustworthy creatures.  Feel free to insert your own joke about most politics being sirens then.  Julia struggles to understand her place in Ossai if she is a siren or a werecat.  Is she truly cursed or is she destined for something else entirely and what does that mean for her relationships.

Book 1

                The Siren's Secret is a wonderful sequel and quick read.  As a reader you learn more about Julia and all of her relationships, with family, friends, enemies, and unknowns, as well as Ossai itself.  It also gives more bread crumbs into things to come in the series.  The new world of Ossai is ever expanding and we explore deeper into it, as it changes.  I enjoyed the way Ostler showed the characters changing to what was happening around and to them.  Even if you want to scream and strangle them at times you know they are reacting to the information or situation they have or are in. 

                This book came out June 11th, I know I'm behind again.  I give it 4 solid mystical orbs.  Check it out and always please tell me what you think!

Up next:  Forbidden to Love by Debbie Davies

Outcast by Adrienne Kress

              Another ARC from NetGalley and Diversion Books.  Now I know there are a few different books on angels, I have read some, others are on my infinite TBR list.  Though Outcast was handled in a way that felt completely unique which I think is key in writing a book in a 'hot' area.

                First I have to say I love the cover.  It's simple but beautiful.  A dark stary night sky with wings picked out of the stars all framed with trees and Spanish moss or willow switches, I can't be sure, and 2 people on a motorcycle.  It made me want to go look at the stars and the beauty they hold when you just take a moment to look.  Yep I saw cover love.  Now what can I say about the book? 

                It has a very self conscious, awkward, and kick butt female lead in Riley and a sexy, confident, bad boy with a lot of 50's charm with Gabe.  From the very start we see who they are, Riley always unsure but fed up and pushed too far.  She snaps and shoots the 'angel' taunting her right in the face.  Then when she goes to get rid of the body, this is a religious town in the south, and shooting an 'angel' probably wouldn't go over well.  Only to her surprised instead of the huge and creepy looking creature she shot she finds an unconscious, very sexy, and oh yeah very naked boy.  What to do now?  Tie him up in the shed to get answers of course. 

                Come on admit it, that is pretty funny and intriguing right?  I thought so.  Things take an even crazier turn when they realize he doesn't remember being an 'angel' or being shot in the face, hell he still thinks it's 1956.  Yep, now what?  They must work together to figure things out.  Even if Gabe is more focused on the second chance at life he has been given than looking for answers as to how he stumbled upon this.  Riley on the other hand is confused, part of her likes that Gabe is around and has a connection to him, but the other part of her misses her best friend and first kiss, Chris, who had been taken by angels the year before.  All of this while trying to deal with normal teenage stuff.

                I really enjoyed this book and I read through it pretty quickly.  I did find that it had some parts that did seem a bit drawn out at one point but it was easily overlooked and it fit the story so much better.  The status of the relationship that starts out as captive and captor turns into a friendship beyond anything you would think is possible.  Then again when you stay in a town that willingly accepts that angels come down once a year and take people, well all bets are off.  Watching them unravel the mystery and grow as people was well worth it.  I had a bittersweet moment towards the end and I just couldn’t decide if I liked it or not but once my emotions settled down I knew I did really like it.

                Outcast came out yesterday, June 11th.  So it's available to check it out!  I give it 4 solid handcuffs.  The book was left in a way that I could be a stand alone book but there was also more to draw on should it be a series and if that is the case I look forward to reading the next installment.  

A Pirate's Wish by Cassandra Rose Clarke

                My latest ARC from NetGalley and Strange Chemistry.  Here is a link to my review of the first book in the series The Assassin's Curse.  So yes this is a sequel, that means there are spoilers ahead from book 1.  You have been warned and should proceed at your own risk oh and if you haven't read book 1 check it out you scally wags!

 

That would be the manticore I assume!

                We left Ananna and Naji on the mysterious Island of the Skyes with no way off other than a promise from a good woman Marjani to return for them.  Recap, they went to this place to find a cure for the curse.  You see Ananna and Naji have to stay together, she sort of saved his life when he was trying to kill her (yep strange huh), and activated a curse put on him.  Now they have to find a way off of the island and a way to complete the 3 impossible tasks.  Naji feels the task is truly impossible, given one of the tasks, however, Ananna knows they aren't she already knows one is practically completed, 'experience true loves kiss'.  Some say cheesy, I say classic, especially with characters with such insecurities as these. 

                If you read my previous review you already know my thoughts on the main characters.  I like Ananna and Naji, the last book really set the stage but this book, in The Pirate's Wish we really get to see them grow and develop and gave you lots to devour.  We also get a more in depth look at Marjani who I really was sad we didn't get to know as well in the previous book.  We also get more action from pirates, and even new magical creatures like the manticore, a lion like creature with wings, a tale that shoots out poisonous spines, and a taste for human men.  I really enjoyed the balance, Naji and Ananna go back and forth many times, but with Marjani and Ananna it is always a strong bond of understanding and feminine strength that keeps them on the same page. 

             

Book 1 because it was also pretty!

   The world in this one is the same, we do get much more of life at sea and being a pirate, much to Naji's displeasure.  They are on a mission to break the curse and they make other discoveries along the way and fight battles on the sea and within themselves.  The book flew off the pages and I couldn't stop reading and then when it was over I was left both happy and sad.  Clarke does a wonderful job of building and expanding on what she already had created.  Sure I loved the plot, even when I was a bit leery of one small part, but it did lend a very interesting turn and interpretation which I am hoping will be used and expanded on more in the next book. 

                I am giving this book 5 Manticore Spines, because I liked it and the manticore.  The Pirate's Wish comes out tomorrow.  I suggest you check it out and get your dose of magic.