Well, as the title says, this the 19th book in the series, and they are still a great deal of fun. Yeah, Stephanie doesn't grow much, and her cars being blown up can get a bit old, but the humor is still there, and I don't know, I just like these books. They are carefree fun.
In this one, Stephanie as usual is trying to apprehend some slippery characters with her usual assortment of ultra competent (and sexy) and incredibly incompetent friends and associates. This time a hawaiian Tiki, that may or may not be talking to Stephanie, is involved and encouraging her to eat way to much junk food and to do things that she knows better than to do. And there is a wedding!! Sort of.
I did like that in this book for the first time, Stephanie does admit that even though her life is a mess and her job isn't the best, she likes it that way. She is rather addicted to the whole mess of it. She is still torn between Ranger and Morelli. Lula is still the plus sized ho who actually shows a bit of brains in this book, not her usual shoot first and not care later attitude. Even Grandma Mazur shows some modicum of decorum, but hilarity still ensues.
These books still manage to make me laugh out loud, which is surprising in a series that has been going on this long. I think the wacky characters do it for me, and they are wacky. Nothing in these books is plausible, but that is part of the fun. This is definitely not an intellecutal adventure. In fact, I may lose a few IQ points every time I read one of these, but the pure fun is worth the ride.
So here is to many more of Stephanie's adventures!
Monday, November 26, 2012
Thursday, November 22, 2012
The Weight of Blood - David Daglish
I picked up this book because a few years ago when I got my first Kindle, I became hooked on the free books available. A lot are by independent authors trying to get their writing out there, and offer a book or two as loss leaders. If you read my review of the game Of Orcs and Men, you know that I have a fascination for Orcs, so this book drew me like the proverbial moth to a flame.
This is the first book in the series, and it pulled me in. Here are two half-Orc brothers, Harruq and Qurrah, who are very flawed. Qurrah is a necromancer of great power, and Harruq is his strong, warrior brother. Harruq is really the focus of this book. Harruq is Qurrah's strength and is often treated as the stupid muscle, but as the book unfolds, I found that Harruq is not as dumb as one would think, but is torn between his love for his brother and what is right.
Not instantly redeemable or likeable characters - they start out killing children, which Harruq does at Qurrah's bidding, but feels horrible about at the same time; Harruq believes Qurrah that they are doing the right things.
Once the gods in their world are understood a little better, it was easier for me to accept the brutality of these characters and to a certain degree find some empathy for them, especially Harruq who eventually repents for what he has done, and tries his best to be a better person. He pays for his sins later, but that is in the subsequent books in the series.
I am usually not drawn to such dark characters, but the writing sucked me in, and the character development was fascinating to me. So despite my initial horror, I found I really, really enjoyed this book and the subsequent entries into the series, and was a bit sad to see the series end.
This is the first book in the series, and it pulled me in. Here are two half-Orc brothers, Harruq and Qurrah, who are very flawed. Qurrah is a necromancer of great power, and Harruq is his strong, warrior brother. Harruq is really the focus of this book. Harruq is Qurrah's strength and is often treated as the stupid muscle, but as the book unfolds, I found that Harruq is not as dumb as one would think, but is torn between his love for his brother and what is right.
Not instantly redeemable or likeable characters - they start out killing children, which Harruq does at Qurrah's bidding, but feels horrible about at the same time; Harruq believes Qurrah that they are doing the right things.
Once the gods in their world are understood a little better, it was easier for me to accept the brutality of these characters and to a certain degree find some empathy for them, especially Harruq who eventually repents for what he has done, and tries his best to be a better person. He pays for his sins later, but that is in the subsequent books in the series.
I am usually not drawn to such dark characters, but the writing sucked me in, and the character development was fascinating to me. So despite my initial horror, I found I really, really enjoyed this book and the subsequent entries into the series, and was a bit sad to see the series end.
Aftermath (Sirantha Jax) - Ann Aguirre
The final installment of the Sirantha Jax series.
I loved this series - it featured a strong female lead, which is something I look for in books, who was by no means perfect, another thing that I enjoy in books. Jax is tough, a bit selfish at times, very devoted to those she cares about, but she grows and changes. Jax started out as a very self-involved, egocentrical character who saved the universe by accident, but she becomes a much more balance character in the end. It is something that annoys me in so many series when the characters never seems to learn or grow from their experiences, and yet, Jax does that. Yes, like so many leads in series she does end up saving the universe, but she does it in the most backhanded fashion.
After surviving an attempt that to take her life, and managed to take the life of her lover, her holding in a psychiatric facility, her break from said facility, her involvement in a war, the bringing down of the universes corrupt government, the chaos that reignes, the creation of a new government, preventing the Morgut invasion, and imprisonment for mass murder, Jax is back to save the Lehengri from their slavehood to keep her promise to her friend, Loras, and she does it in typical Jax fashion. She tries to do it the right way, but everything ends up cocked up, and civil war is the result.
I have to say, I identify well with characters who are very flawed, and not a little broken. I enjoyed Jax's journey, and feel that this is a strong entry, and it had what I like in books, a happy ending. Not a perfect ending, just happy.
Another thing I enjoy in books is when all the lose ends are tied up, and I felt this was done very well in this book I always wonder after watching a movie, and everything was blown up, or massive destruction happens, and it ends, well what then? What about the consequences? Does the hero have to face legal consequences, explain to the police, retain a lawyer to explain the destruction and deaths? Well, each subequent book in this series is dealing with the fallout and consequences from the previous book.
I highly recommend this series.
Below, I have linked to both the this book and the first book in the series.
I loved this series - it featured a strong female lead, which is something I look for in books, who was by no means perfect, another thing that I enjoy in books. Jax is tough, a bit selfish at times, very devoted to those she cares about, but she grows and changes. Jax started out as a very self-involved, egocentrical character who saved the universe by accident, but she becomes a much more balance character in the end. It is something that annoys me in so many series when the characters never seems to learn or grow from their experiences, and yet, Jax does that. Yes, like so many leads in series she does end up saving the universe, but she does it in the most backhanded fashion.
After surviving an attempt that to take her life, and managed to take the life of her lover, her holding in a psychiatric facility, her break from said facility, her involvement in a war, the bringing down of the universes corrupt government, the chaos that reignes, the creation of a new government, preventing the Morgut invasion, and imprisonment for mass murder, Jax is back to save the Lehengri from their slavehood to keep her promise to her friend, Loras, and she does it in typical Jax fashion. She tries to do it the right way, but everything ends up cocked up, and civil war is the result.
I have to say, I identify well with characters who are very flawed, and not a little broken. I enjoyed Jax's journey, and feel that this is a strong entry, and it had what I like in books, a happy ending. Not a perfect ending, just happy.
Another thing I enjoy in books is when all the lose ends are tied up, and I felt this was done very well in this book I always wonder after watching a movie, and everything was blown up, or massive destruction happens, and it ends, well what then? What about the consequences? Does the hero have to face legal consequences, explain to the police, retain a lawyer to explain the destruction and deaths? Well, each subequent book in this series is dealing with the fallout and consequences from the previous book.
I highly recommend this series.
Below, I have linked to both the this book and the first book in the series.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
It Says Here You Shot A Puppy - Elbow Jobertski
This is definitely a book for those who like dark humor, but beware there are some very serious issues dealt with in this book, which in my opinion, gives the story depth.
This book is about the trials and travails of the fictional lawyer, Elbow Jobertski, a public defender in rural West Virginia. Elbow starts out as a rather niave young lawyer who progresses to a more jaded viewpoint in about 300 pages.
It was interesting to me how dealing with defending some of the lowest members of our society, many who prey on the most defenseless, that I found myself feeling more compassion for these people than I thought possible. Reading this book gave me a lot of insight into the subjective nature of the law, and a greater respect for those who defend those accused of horrible crimes. I really left this book with a new perspective.
There are some gramatical issues - this is a the first book for Elbow, and it was self-published, but once you get past the comma issues and the unreferred pronouns, it is well worth a read.
More of Elbow's writings can be found on his website: Elbow Jobertski, Legendary West Virginian Lawyer
The book can be purchased either hardcopy or electronically at Amazon.com
This book is about the trials and travails of the fictional lawyer, Elbow Jobertski, a public defender in rural West Virginia. Elbow starts out as a rather niave young lawyer who progresses to a more jaded viewpoint in about 300 pages.
It was interesting to me how dealing with defending some of the lowest members of our society, many who prey on the most defenseless, that I found myself feeling more compassion for these people than I thought possible. Reading this book gave me a lot of insight into the subjective nature of the law, and a greater respect for those who defend those accused of horrible crimes. I really left this book with a new perspective.
There are some gramatical issues - this is a the first book for Elbow, and it was self-published, but once you get past the comma issues and the unreferred pronouns, it is well worth a read.
More of Elbow's writings can be found on his website: Elbow Jobertski, Legendary West Virginian Lawyer
The book can be purchased either hardcopy or electronically at Amazon.com
I Am Chani, Chani Am I
I love reading - always have. From the first time I picked up a book, I was hooked. Reading has been my constant companion for most of my life, and it brings me joy. It has been my friend, my solace and my joy and sometimes my frustration.
I love the smell of books, but I adore the convenience of my e-reader which allows me to carry my library with me where ever I go.
So, here you will find my take on the things I read. I am an eclectic reader, and will read lots of different genres from classics to fantasy to mystery to young adult. I love a good tale, and am not that picky about the genre most of the time. I do find myself drawn to dystopian fantasies, such as the young adult trilogy Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Of course I go through stages - where I will read nothing but fantasy, then nothing but mysteries, then nothing but young adult, and then a mix of anything and everything.
But reading is not all I do. I do also enjoy games, video and real time and those items will pop up as well on this blog. In the video game arena, I do prefer RPG's. Dragon Age: Origins and Elder Scrolls are some of my favorites, athough I do like a good building game as long as it isn't hinged on war - not a lot of them out there, but Caesar III and Tropico are still favorites that I go back and play from time to time. Oh and cats - also my friends, my solace, my joy and sometimes my greatest frustration. But they are warm, soft and cuddly, rather like a good book.
If there is a book or game that you think I might like, drop me a line. You may see your suggestion as a review!
Enjoy!
Chani
I love the smell of books, but I adore the convenience of my e-reader which allows me to carry my library with me where ever I go.
So, here you will find my take on the things I read. I am an eclectic reader, and will read lots of different genres from classics to fantasy to mystery to young adult. I love a good tale, and am not that picky about the genre most of the time. I do find myself drawn to dystopian fantasies, such as the young adult trilogy Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Of course I go through stages - where I will read nothing but fantasy, then nothing but mysteries, then nothing but young adult, and then a mix of anything and everything.
But reading is not all I do. I do also enjoy games, video and real time and those items will pop up as well on this blog. In the video game arena, I do prefer RPG's. Dragon Age: Origins and Elder Scrolls are some of my favorites, athough I do like a good building game as long as it isn't hinged on war - not a lot of them out there, but Caesar III and Tropico are still favorites that I go back and play from time to time. Oh and cats - also my friends, my solace, my joy and sometimes my greatest frustration. But they are warm, soft and cuddly, rather like a good book.
If there is a book or game that you think I might like, drop me a line. You may see your suggestion as a review!
Enjoy!
Chani
Room: A Novel - Emma Donoghue
This is a book written from the perspective of a 5 year old boy, who has lived his whole life in one 11x11 room, where his mother who had been kidnapped has been kept for years.
This book will not be an easy read for many people. I think the perspective of coming from the child, whose mother kept very sheltered and protected despite the circumstance, made this easier to read. Due to the perspective, we miss much of the horror that the mother had to go through over the years, but we do see it echoed gently in the boy's narrative.
To the boy, the room is normal. His life is normal. His mother loves him. He is safe, he is warm, and he has almost enough to eat. His mother tries her best to assure that her captor gives them healthy foods and vegetables, which is a struggle for the mother, who has to beg for everything from her captor. The mother insures that the little boy has regular activities and as normal a routine as possible.
Due to the limited mobility of the mother, she has portrayed the outside world as a fantasy to the boy, which makes sense becuase to have him believe it was real, would have caused the boy to feel dissatisfaction with his life and realize something was wrong. It is apparent that the mother loves this little boy very much, and is doing the best she can in the circumstances she is given, which basically isn't that what most parents who love thier children do?
I loved the soften edges of the mother's trauma portrayed through the boy's eyes: It makes it her experiences and sacrafices all the more poignant, and strangely enough sharper than if it had been from her perspective.
I really enjoyed this book, and recommend it highly.
This book will not be an easy read for many people. I think the perspective of coming from the child, whose mother kept very sheltered and protected despite the circumstance, made this easier to read. Due to the perspective, we miss much of the horror that the mother had to go through over the years, but we do see it echoed gently in the boy's narrative.
To the boy, the room is normal. His life is normal. His mother loves him. He is safe, he is warm, and he has almost enough to eat. His mother tries her best to assure that her captor gives them healthy foods and vegetables, which is a struggle for the mother, who has to beg for everything from her captor. The mother insures that the little boy has regular activities and as normal a routine as possible.
Due to the limited mobility of the mother, she has portrayed the outside world as a fantasy to the boy, which makes sense becuase to have him believe it was real, would have caused the boy to feel dissatisfaction with his life and realize something was wrong. It is apparent that the mother loves this little boy very much, and is doing the best she can in the circumstances she is given, which basically isn't that what most parents who love thier children do?
I loved the soften edges of the mother's trauma portrayed through the boy's eyes: It makes it her experiences and sacrafices all the more poignant, and strangely enough sharper than if it had been from her perspective.
I really enjoyed this book, and recommend it highly.
Of Orcs and Men
I like Orcs, and a friend knowing my fascination with Orcs recommended to me Of Orcs and Men, so the other day I picked it up from Amazon. I tried playing it last night, and was so frustrated, I quit not very far in.
1) It starts out with a tutorial, which is great, but in the tutorial, it stops the action and tells you how to do something, like pull up the combat action screen. Here is what the tutorial says: "Press to bring up the combat actions to change your action and to slow down the fight so you can pick different actions" (not exact wording). Yep, doesn't tell you WHAT to press. Nope. So I decide because there is no back or replay button on the tutorial that I will quit the game, and start again, maybe thinking I missed something....
2) The game so far has almost non-stop conversations: You can not quit during these conversations, so I kept trying to speed through them to get to a place that allowed me to quit the game, no such luck...
3) The game would not allow me to bring up the menu screen at all at any time that I could see - I tried ESC and the F1, which is what the tutorial told me would bring up the menu screen. So, the only way I could actually quit the game was to either force it to close by rebooting my computer or going in through the task manager...
4) Guess what? The task manager is pushed to the background so even if you open it, it wouldn't allow me to get to it. The game kept popping up in front. I finally finageled (used the windows key) it so I could get to the task manager.
5) It annoys me intensely when I can't choose the gender of my character and must accept what they give me, which is basically a male Orc. Great, I get the Orc part, but it is inherent bias in game designers to make one only able to pick male. Hello Game Designers: Women also play video games. I know, hard to believe, but we do. Consider that when making your game environment because it doesn't make sense to alienate a good portion of your audience.
6) It also mildly irritates me that I can't pick how my character looks, not that big of a deal, but still.
7) The Orc's look odd - in that their skin texture looks weird, like a beat-up suite case died green. Also, surprisingly the graphics are pretty basic in this game: pretty cartoonish and rough. I guess Skyrim and Dragon Age spoiled me with beautiful graphics.
8) As the other reviewer states, the voice acting could be much better.
9) The download from Amazon was incredibly slooooooooowwwwww. It said it would take about 30 minutes to 1.5 hours. It actually took more almost 12 hours. Granted our DSL internet is not the best, but still, it was very slow.
I will probably try the game again, afterall, I did spend $40 on it, but so far, not even 10 minutes into the game, and it has frustrated me beyond belief.
1) It starts out with a tutorial, which is great, but in the tutorial, it stops the action and tells you how to do something, like pull up the combat action screen. Here is what the tutorial says: "Press to bring up the combat actions to change your action and to slow down the fight so you can pick different actions" (not exact wording). Yep, doesn't tell you WHAT to press. Nope. So I decide because there is no back or replay button on the tutorial that I will quit the game, and start again, maybe thinking I missed something....
2) The game so far has almost non-stop conversations: You can not quit during these conversations, so I kept trying to speed through them to get to a place that allowed me to quit the game, no such luck...
3) The game would not allow me to bring up the menu screen at all at any time that I could see - I tried ESC and the F1, which is what the tutorial told me would bring up the menu screen. So, the only way I could actually quit the game was to either force it to close by rebooting my computer or going in through the task manager...
4) Guess what? The task manager is pushed to the background so even if you open it, it wouldn't allow me to get to it. The game kept popping up in front. I finally finageled (used the windows key) it so I could get to the task manager.
5) It annoys me intensely when I can't choose the gender of my character and must accept what they give me, which is basically a male Orc. Great, I get the Orc part, but it is inherent bias in game designers to make one only able to pick male. Hello Game Designers: Women also play video games. I know, hard to believe, but we do. Consider that when making your game environment because it doesn't make sense to alienate a good portion of your audience.
6) It also mildly irritates me that I can't pick how my character looks, not that big of a deal, but still.
7) The Orc's look odd - in that their skin texture looks weird, like a beat-up suite case died green. Also, surprisingly the graphics are pretty basic in this game: pretty cartoonish and rough. I guess Skyrim and Dragon Age spoiled me with beautiful graphics.
8) As the other reviewer states, the voice acting could be much better.
9) The download from Amazon was incredibly slooooooooowwwwww. It said it would take about 30 minutes to 1.5 hours. It actually took more almost 12 hours. Granted our DSL internet is not the best, but still, it was very slow.
I will probably try the game again, afterall, I did spend $40 on it, but so far, not even 10 minutes into the game, and it has frustrated me beyond belief.
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