Stacy’s Book Reviews

“A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire)”, by George R.R. Martin
“Spider-Touched”, by Jory Strong
“The Lovely Bones”, by Alice Sebold
“New Moon”, by Stephanie Meyer

Just out of curiosity: Do you ever read more than one book at a time?

Paperback: 356 Pages
Genre: Paranormal Romantic Thriller
Series: Dirk & Steele: Book 5

“Eye of Heaven”

by Marjorie M. Liu

Book Five: Dirk & Steele Series

“Liu’s screenplay-worthy dialogue, vivid action and gift for the punchy, unexpected metaphor rockets her tale high above the pack. Readers of early Laurell K. Hamilton, Charlaine Harris and the best thrillers out there should try Liu now and catch a rising star.”

—Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)

Back Cover Summary:

Dirk & Steele had a creed: Protect the innocent in secrecy. No member of the Agency was “normal”. Each was an outcast, a pariah, a beneficent shadow living under the sun but rarely in its warmth. “Blue” Perrineau was no different. And now, when it was clear that darker shadows existed in the world–people who followed no rule under heaven–every secret was a liability. Blue would soon see.

They came from all over the world to observe Iris’s lithe, catlike body and her affintiy for wild creatures. But beyond the celebrity of the Las Vegas footlghts, a blackness grew. All eyes were upon her, seeking, judging… coveting. But one gaze was that of a savior, a man of electricity and mystery–a mystery as deep and convoluted as her own. And together, they might yet see the dawn.

Excerpt:

“You always like to spy on girls while they sleep?” Iris asked the darkness. The shadow moved and walked toward the pen.

“I’m sorry,” said the man, quiet. “But I was only trying to help. You shouldn’t be here. Not like this.”

“And you’re my protector?” Iris tilted her head. “I can take care of myself.”

She thought he smiled. “I guess that means you’re bulletproof, then. Nice talent to have.”

“Yeah,” she replied, standing. “I’m remarkable that way.”

He was lean, with broad shoulders and narrow hips, garbed in clothers with dark clean lines that looked highly tailored and expensive. Good taste, if nothing else. A man who was primed and ready for a night in a high-end yuppie club, a martini–shaken, not stirred–in his large elegant hand.

Stacy’s Review:

This is the first of Marjorie M. Liu’s books that I have read; and even though I read this “Dirk & Steele” series out of sequence, I didn’t feel as though I missed a thing.

“When Blue, an electrokinetic and a member of the Dirk & Steele detective agency, is sent to Las Vegas to track down his half-brother, he finds himself embroiled in an organ smuggling plot—and protecting a young beauty who is more than she appears.”
–http://www.marjoriemliu.com/books.html

Liu grabbed me in and held my attention from the very first page. I did not want to put this one down until I had read the entire thing. It was that amazing! I love the way she writes: flawless rhythm, wonderful imagery, excitement, intrigue, and terrific dialogue! The action scenes are ‘on-the-edge-of-your-seat’ good. No. They’re outstanding! What a rush! I nearly forgot that I was reading a romance, and let me tell you… Marjorie M. Liu knows how to build the tension in that department as well.

Everything about “Eye of Heaven” was well worth the read, exceptionally entertaining with an original, interesting plot. Her characters come to life on the pages and will stay with you in your memories for some time to come. I have to say that I enjoyed this book immensely, and can’t hardly wait to read the rest in the Dirk & Steele series.

Heck! I want to read every single book that Marjorie M. Liu has written. I really like this author!

Technorati Tags: Paranormal Romantic Thriller, Eye of Heaven, Marjorie M. Liu, Book Five, Dirk & Steele Series, Review

Paperback: 544 Pages
Genre: Epic Fantasy
Series: The Saga of Recluse: Book Two

“The Towers of the Sunset”

by, L.E. Modesitt, Jr.

“A complex world based on a plausible system of magic.”
–Publishers Weekly

Summary

With the founding of the world of the Recluse and the rise in the discipline of Order Magic, battling wizards, love, and politics mix in a tale that climaxes in a final battle on land and sea.

Stacy’s Review

First of all, I have to say this: L.E. Modesitt, Jr. is a master at creating numerous descriptives for a smile. I had no idea there were so many different ways to do so.

The main character, Creslin, lives in a Matriarchal society high in the northern mountains of Westwinds, aptly named the Roof of the World. He is the male descendant of the last Marshall of the Westwinds. Poor Creslin is naught but a mere man, who’s only destiny, (it seems), is to suffer the fate of an arranged marriage–an arrangement made in the hopes of keeping the white Chaos wizards from ruling the world–errr, or the whole of the continent, that is.

Not willing to accept “becoming little more than a prize stud”, Creslin devises a plan to escape his fate. His journey of self discovery transforms into an all out tale of fascinating magic, high adventure, fantastic imagery, a splash of romance, compelling intrigue, life lessons, and lots of awesome, kick-the-bad-guys-ass moments! Creslin is killer with a sword! {grin}

But that’s not all. In becoming his own man, Creslin realizes his full potential as a powerful weather mage. He learns how to be a true leader of his people, a good friend, and a–

Oh, wait! I can’t tell ya that part, it’s a spoiler!

In conclusion: Although there were a couple of slow areas, all-in-all I truly enjoyed reading this book. Modesitt cares about his characters, and thusly, you’ll find yourself drawn into the story of their lives. An engrossing and fully entertaining read!

Technorati Tags: Epic, Fantasy, The Saga of Recluse, Book Two, The Towers of the Sunset, L.E. Modesitt, Jr.

I Remember Ireland

I would search for my Ireland
clothed in green, the grass I well remember,
yet not an eye is found, clear of tear
and smile to match an Irish heart that lives
within its shores and without fear.

She is gone, tumbled into the mist,
my memory a blur of peaceful days once seen,
so quill will write her epitaph, in words
to so fair a name, only found on Irish lass
and not on English cur.

A lilt of melody I still possess,
to hear in voice of tenor softly sung,
in straw thatched inn of peasants random
now gone with ships, of coffin sails
to die beneath the fathoms.

Her sweet and distant beating heart I seek,
to return the laughter in the meadow
where serf and gentry meet in caress so tender
and rebellion is forgotten tongue
in the Ireland I remember.

by Cheryl Harvey
(Cannonsfire)

Paperback: 240 Pages
Genre: Reference, Humor
Series: N/A

“ZOUNDS!”
“A Browser’s Dictionary of Interjections”

by Mark Dunn.

Back Cover Summary:

Often thought of as unnecessary verbal fringe or simply linguistic decoration, interjections (ahem, howdy, mamma mia, pshaw, tally-ho, whoop-de-do) may well be the most overlooked part of speech in the English language. ZOUNDS! A Browser’s Dictionary of Interjections focuses the spotlight on this most deserving (and sometimes most demented) grammatical group. A lighthearted look at more than five hundred interjections, ZOUNDS! explores the origins of these essential words and highlights the contributions of these previously unheralded parts of speech.

Perfect for both word lovers and the casual reader, ZOUNDS! brings together the linguistic talents of Mark Dunn, author of the award-winning novel ‘Ella Minnow Pea’, and the graphic hilarity of Sergio Aragonés, the legendary cartoonist and contributor to Mad Magazine, for a delightful romp through grammar, culture, and the English language.

Excerpts:

imbars bidbib

This has got to be one of the strangest interjections I have encountered. It was used by British soldiers during World War II, and is acronymic for “I may be a rotten sod, but I don’t believe in bullshit.” One would be foolish to risk insubordination by uttering the phrase in the presence of military superiors (especially the ones dishing the bullshit); otherwise, the interjection was expressed freely.

hell’s bells!

This interjection, which connotes impatience and irritation, has nautical origins. Back in the 1800’s it was part of the even more lustrous seaman’s imprecation hell’s bells and bucket of blood! Lost to us is what any of this meant at the time, although it is possible that the phrase simply sprung totally uncogitated from the lips of some very ticked-off sailor. Whereas pirates are generally limited to the growly gar and argh when displeased, legitimate seamen have always exercised a respectable command of the King’s English, notwithstanding their preference for sauce and color. Hell’s bells! is a fine example.

But how the expression got from salty sailor to salty-tongued irascible old ladies, I do not know.

Stacy’s Review:

From bah to en garde! and Gadzooks! Oy, veh! To Shalom, shanté and zoinks! This book shows you interjections like nothing I’ve ever read before!

There are “hip-hop” interjections, such as; fa’ cho, sho-nuff, and work it. A few family Southernisms, including; saints preserve us and lawzy mussy. Interjections by celebrities the likes of Fozzie Bear and Charlie Brown have also been listed; auggh!, good grief, rats, and wocka wocka. Then too, there is Mork from Ork’s nanoo nanoo and one of my personal favorites … shazbot!

There are plenty of well-known, oft used interjections, and quite a few that I had never heard of before. All complete with definition and history shorts. It’s 204 pages full of ‘em!

I absolutely love this book! {big-goofy-grin} If you are of mind to be silly like me, then you definitely need to add this book to your library! It’s great for writers too! Even if they’re not silly.

Technorati Tags: Reference, Humor, ZOUNDS!”
“A Browser’s Dictionary of Interjections, Mark Dunn., interjections, Sergio Aragonés, writers

Technorati Tags: BlogMad, Dorannes, Free Traffic

Paperback: 413 Pages
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Malory: Book 5

“Say You Love Me”

by Johanna Lindsey

Book Five: Malory Series

“A very romantic story to sigh over.”
–Heartland Critiques

Side note: I am covering the “Malory” series in proper sequence. To read the reviews for books one (1) through four (4), please click on the links below:
Malory Novel #1 - ‘Love Only Once’
Malory Novel #2 - ‘Tender Rebel’
Malory Novel #3 - ‘Gentle Rogue’
Malory Novel #4 - ‘The Magic of You’

Back Cover Summary:

Left penniless after her parents’ deaths, Kelsey Langton must now take responsibility for the well-being of her younger sister, Jean. But when circumstance and human frailty conspire to leave them homeless as well, Kelsey is forced to resort to drastic measures. Only by allowing herself to be sold at auction can she rescue her sister’s future–and so Kelsey enters the infamous House of Eros, resigned to becoming the plaything of some well-heeled gentleman.

Lord Derek Malory is the highest bidder for Kelsey’s charms–a dashing rakehell from a family of charming London rogues who draws the sensuous dark-haired maiden into a world of unparalleled pleasures and dangerous rivalries. But Kelsey must scrupulously guard the secret of her highborn past–even as her grace, wit, spirit and beauty entice her new “master” to renounce his scandalous ways …and take a chance on ture love, the most perilous and rewarding gamble of all.

Stacy’s Review:

First off, I have to say that, while I thoroughly enjoy every Malory novel, this one had a couple of different elements that I found quite refreshing. The hero and heroine are both gentle souls. Sure, their passion can heat up the pages, but all-in-all this was a sweet, romantic story that had me pleasantly entertained. Each time I write up my own review, I do a bit of research on what other reviewers have had to say. And sadly, in my opinion, I’ve noticed that some people have missed the true magic of this endearing story.

In “Say You Love Me”, Lindsey has given us a chivalrous hero with undeniable gallantry. Derek Malory has a gentle strength, coupled with a protective nature; thoughtful, romantic and caring. I would have liked for Lindsey to give us more of this character’s depth. But, of what she did offer, I would have to say that Derek Malory is definitely worth sighing over. {smile}

The heroine, Kelsey Langton, seemed to be the major focus of this novel, which put the rest of the characters, (including our hero), into the position of set dressing, (in my opinion). And here we have the portion of this story that spoke to me … Kelsey Langton, while naïve, was not foolishly so. She has an incredible inner strength, coupled with a kind-hearted, gentle nature; a sweet, witty, resourceful and intelligent heroine … very likeable indeed.

And now we come to the villain: Lord David Ashton is a sadistic woman-hater. His heart is as black as coal and his deeds against women are horrific. I think it was quite brilliant of Lindsey to throw this wickedly, sick cretin into the midst of such a sweet, romantic tale. It’s a dash of thrills amidst the romance.

Oh, and of course, we have plenty of humor too as Derek calls upon his uncles to assist him–the ever-witty James and Anthony Malory. Ya gotta love those two! If you don’t, then there’s something seriously wrong with your funny bone, mate.

I enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it–especially to fans of Lindsey’s Malory series.

Technorati Tags: Historical Romance, Say You Love Me, Johanna Lindsey, Malory Series, Kelsey Langton, Derek Malory

“The Chronicles of Narnia:
The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe”

by C.S. Lewis
Movie by “Walt Disney Pictures”

Review by BEN @ “The Path Less Traveled”

Excerpt:

… it’s definitely worth seeing. It’s definitely worth enjoying. It’s even appropriate for younger children, since the gore and blood is nearly non-existant. (There’s even a famous point in the book where Aslan instructs Peter to clean the blood from his sword on the skin of the wolf he just killed. In the movie, this scene is played out, but we never see the blood, never see the sword and never, indeed, do we see the dead wolf. Only after the blood is cleaned off the blade do we see the sword again.) …

Click Here to read Ben’s full review.

Technorati Tags: The Chronicles of Narnia, Walt Disney