Hippity Hopping Holidays, Batman!

John Scalzi has posted another interview on his blog. This time he talks to...the Christmas Bunny?

Go to http://whatever.scalzi.com/2010/12/22/an-interview-with-the-christmas-bunny/

I love this guy :-)

Away in a Manger

If you want a little holiday cheer, head on over to John Scalzi's blog where he interviews the innkeeper from Bethlehem: http://whatever.scalzi.com/2010/12/21/an-interview-with-the-nativity-innkeeper/

Big cats and pumpkins...just because

 

Marta Acosta's Haunted Honeymoon at Casa Dracula

Haunted Honeymoon at Casa Dracula by Marta Acosta

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A fabulous end to a terrific series! Ms. Acosta has written a very satisfying conclusion to her popular Casa Dracula series. At the end of book 3 (The Bride of Casa Dracula), Milagro ends her engagement to Oswald and finally explores a relationship with the Dark Lord, Ian. Unfortunately for Milagro, her attraction to Ian has always scared her a little, so she never seems to be able to fully commit to him. Ian, being all Dark Lordish, does nothing to ease Milagro's fears. Mostly because she never tells him about them, so, even though he's the Dark Lord, he's not a mind reader. To be perfectly fair to Milagro, Ian doesn't go out of his way to reassure her and confirm her place in his life, either. So when Ian starts flirting with the neighbours, Milagro sees red. Or rather, green. She breaks it off with Ian and takes off for the UK, where she indulges in a flirtation of her own. Her hunky flirtation follows her back to the US, where he promptly becomes a murder victim. Milagro freaks out, goes all sixes and sevens, bangs herself on the noggin, and wakes up with amnesia. Her last memory is from right before she meets Oswald for the first time. Yes, that's right, all the way back to the beginning of book 1 (Happy Hour at Casa Dracula).

I really enjoyed reading this story. Ms. Acosta brilliantly uses Milagro's amnesia to resolve issues in Milagro's life. In the end we are left with a much wiser and happier Milagro, one who can at last commit freely and fully in a romantic relationship. Brava, Marta! You've done yourself proud. And while I know that Haunted Honeymoon at Casa Dracula marks the end of the Casa Dracula series, I hope that we will run into Milagro in the future, perhaps in a short story?

Dean Koontz's Frankenstein: City of Night

City of Night by Dean Koontz

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

New Orleans, Dean Koontz's City of Night. Home of the blues, jazz, and Anne Rice's vampires. And Victor Helios (nee Frankenstein). Police Detectives Carson O'Conner and Michael Maddison have encountered Victor's latest attempt at creating life, and with the help of Frankenstein's original monster, now calling himself Deucalion, they managed to stop (or at the very east slow down) Victor's run at world domination. (See book 1: Prodigal Son)

While Victor has managed to create life from lifelessness, he also restricted them by making them subservient to him, and unable to hurt themselves or Victor. He is the master, and all must obey. But some of his creations are self-destructing. And some are changing.

At the end of book 1, Deucalion, Carson, and Michael chase after one of these changelings, only to have it disappear into the city. Now they must find it and any others who might be out there, while trying to expose Victor's ultimate plan. And Victor, who has been oblivious to the changelings until now, must try to learn why his perfect creations are going so very wrong. Events are spiraling quickly out of control. We can only hope that our heroes can save the day, New Orleans, and the world.

This 2nd volume of Dean Koontz's Frankenstein series was co-written with Ed Gorman, an incredible thriller/horror writer in his own right (click on his name to learn more about him). Between the two of them they have continued Frankenstein's legacy and actually managed to make us feel sympathy for Victor's monsters. Victor remains, however, the quintessential villain, and readers will have no trouble rooting for our heroes in their quest to stop his machinations. This is another excellent tale and a fabulous continuation of the series. Stay tuned for my review of book 3: Dead and Alive.

Cross posted at Sleepless eReader. Comment here or there.

The Friday 56: Deadly Desire by Keri Arthur

1. Grab the book nearest you. Right now
2. Turn to page 56.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like) along with these instructions on your blog or (if you do not have your own blog) in the comments section of this blog.
5. Post a link along with your post back to this blog.
6. Don’t dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.

Today, my closest was Deadly Desire by Keri Arthur. This was #7 in her Riley Jensen Guardian series, and I loved it—both the series and this particular book.

Hell, we cleaned up the rogues, and that had once been the council's job.

Jennifer Rardin 1965-2010

Jennifer Rardin, author of the popular Jaz Parks series, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, September 20. You can learn about her on her web site at http://jenniferrardin.com/. My sincere condolences to her family and friends. Rest in peace, Jennifer. We'll miss you.

Dean Koontz's Frankenstein: Prodigal Son

Prodigal Son by Dean Koontz

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This has to be one of the spookiest stories I've read in a long time. Dean Koontz and Kevin Anderson have taken the classic Frankenstein story and continued it into the modern day. In other words, Victor Frankenstein is still alive. When our heroine, Carson O'Connor, a police detective, stumbles across evidence of Victor's current experiments, she opens up a kettle of fish that puts her, her partner, and her family in peril. Cue the cavalry! But, surprise! The cavalry is none other than Victor's original monster. The monster calls himself Deucalion now, and no one is more surprised than he that Victor has managed to survive all these years. Deucalion teams up with Carson and Michael Maddison, her partner, to try to stop Victor's evil machinations before the city goes straight to hell in Frankenstein's handbasket. If you enjoy your stories complete with evil mad scientists bent on world domination, you can't go wrong with Prodigal Son, the first in Koontz's Frankenstein series. Stay tuned for a review of Book Two: City of Night.

Link to where you can buy the eBook

Marta Acosta's The Bride of Casa Dracula

The Bride of Casa Dracula by Marta Acosta

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Book 3 of Milagro De Los Santos' adventures pulls you in from page one and doesn't let you go until you turn the last page. I was so absorbed by the book that I read it in one sitting.

At the end of Midnight Brunch, Oswald proposes to Milagro. Cheers are heard across the land. Except for inside the Council. Or from his Mother. Oh, and Ian isn't very happy about it, either. But, our Milagro knows what she wants and is determined to get it. So she dutifully heads off (alone—Oswald has to work, of course!) to the east coast to meet with the Council and get their approval. She arrives at the hotel to find her reservation has been cancelled and her college friend Toodles is down with the flu. Then, in a shocking turn of events (she said knowingly), Ian just happens to be in the city as well. He comes to her rescue (again) by providing a place to stay and taking her out for supper. Fortunately, Ian's new girlfriend Ilena is there, so Milagro is not about to jump all over him (even though she really wants to). When she returns to Casa Dracula, it's with the news that the Council is still deliberating and they want her and Oswald to practice celibacy until the wedding, which is not for 3 more months! Oh, and they want her to swear loyalty and fealty to the Vampire Nation and renounce the USA. O.o

You've got to wonder how Milagro gets herself into these fixes. Needless to say, she is very unhappy about the whole celibacy thing. And there's no way she's going to give up her American citizenship. And really, this kind of stress is the last thing she needs, what with her writing career going nowhere fast and poor Daisy, her beloved dog, dying. But she soldiers on, because that is what our Milagro does, and even though fate seems to keep shoving her back two steps for every three she takes forward, she is bound and determined to make this wedding come to pass. Or is it fate? Some of these supposedly coincidental coincidences seem awfully convenient. And the more they happen, the more it appears that poor Milagro has gone 'round the bend.

I thoroughly enjoyed this instalment of the Adventures of the Miracle of the Saints at Casa Dracula. Marta Acosta has proven yet again that she knows what she is doing—and that's write an engaging, funny, appealing, and memorable romantic comedy. This series is a definite keeper.

A Gentleman's Duel - Vancouver Film School

This is absolutely brilliant!

Scott Nicholson's Kindle Giveaway Blog Tour

KINDLE GIVEAWAY BLOG TOUR

Author Scott Nicholson and Amazon are giving away two Kindles as part of his fall book blog tour from September through November. A Kindle DX will be given away through the participating blogs, and a Kindle 3 will be given away through the tour newsletter. A Pandora's Box of free ebooks will be given away through Nicholson's "hauntedcomputer" Twitter account. No purchase necessary, and the contest is international.

"The digital era coincides with Act II of my career," Nicholson said. "The Kindle has broadened many people's horizons and given readers more power than ever, and this is an opportunity to celebrate them and the book bloggers who spread the word."

Nicholson is author of 12 novels and five story collections, as well as four comics series and six screenplays. His paranormal thrillers The Red Church, Drummer Boy and Speed Dating with the Dead have all hit #1 in the Kindle "Ghosts" category, and his new releases are the sci-fi thriller Forever Never Ends and the multiple-personality romp As I Die Lying.

As a bonus, if Nicholson hits the Top 100 in the U.S. or U.K. Kindle Store during the tour between Sept. 1 and Nov. 30, he will give away an extra Kindle 3 through the blogs. Sign up for the newsletter at scottsinnercircle-subscribe@yahoogroups.com to get daily links to the participating blogs. Winners will be selected at the Watauga County (NC) Public Library in December. Co-sponsored by Kindle Nation Daily and Dellaster Design. Details at www.hauntedcomputer.com.

Kelly Gay's The Darkest Edge of Dawn

The Darkest Edge of Dawn by Kelly Gay

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Charlie Madigan must now face the consequences of what she wrought in The Better Part of Darkness. Her daughter has turned the hellhound into a pet. Her partner Hank's voice mod is fused to his throat restricting his siren power in a way that was never intended. And her ex-husband's deal with a revenant has just added another level of stress into her life. Because, not only has darkness fallen over the city (and everyone is blaming her for it), but her DNA is slowly being re-written, and no one has any idea what the end result will be (except Kelly Gay, hopefully!). Oh, and her sister Bryn is now involuntarily addicted to ash, the off-world drug of choice. Charlie certainly has her work cut out for her in this, the second book in the series.

Ms. Gay has done a fantastic job with this book. I zoomed through the story and can't wait to see where she will take the characters next. In this installment we learn a little more about ash and how it affects humans, as well as about the history of the Adonai and Charbydons, and—holy smokes!—if she continues Charlie's evolution in this direction...eek!

I loved this story. Way to go, Kelly!

Marta Acosta's Midnight Brunch

Midnight Brunch by Marta Acosta

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Milagro de los Santos is feeling left out because boyfriend Oswald is keeping secrets. True, they are family secrets, and Oswald's family of not-vampires have accepted Milagro into their home (and hearts), but she's feeling insecure and thinks that if only Oswald would include her, she would be much more sure of their love. In the mean time, Oswald is trying to juggle a demanding career, a demanding family, and a demanding girlfriend. He's understandably frustrated and lashes out at the one he loves the most—Milagro.

Milagro meets more of Oswald's family at a dinner party celebrating the birth of Oswald's cousin Sam's daughter. Sam is married to Winnie, Oswald's ex-fiance, whom we met in Happy Hour at Casa Dracula. After sneaking a peek at the secret family ritual she was not invited to attend, Milagro runs off to the city feeling more insecure than ever. While there, she meets up with one of the previous night's dinner party guests, who seems quite willing to tell Milagro anything and everything she wants to know about the secretive clan. Little does she know that he has much more than talk on his agenda...

Book 2 of Marta Acosta's Casa Dracula series doesn't disappoint. Milagro worms her way deeper into our hearts by proving to be vulnerable, sweet, funny, and loyal. Marta's characterizations are totally believable and we find it easy to like, or despise them, as the case may be. The storyline at the desert spa is fabulous and you can just see Milagro getting herself into this kind of fix—and getting herself out of it again. In the end, we are left with a more self-assured Milagro—one we will certainly keep rooting for as her adventures continue.

Marta Acosta's Happy Hour at Casa Dracula

Happy Hour at Casa Dracula by Marta Acosta

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Milagro impulsively kisses a handsome stranger. During the embrace his lip gets cut and she accidentally ingests some of his blood. Oswald, our handsome stranger, is NOT a vampire, but he does have a rare genetic disorder that makes him crave blood and causes a photo sensitivity, which sounds suspiciously like vampirism.

What follows is a hilarious comedy of errors and a look into a fascinating world where not-vampires exist and are being hunted by corporate baddies. Marta Acosta has written a splendid tale in the best tradition of romantic comedies, and I can't wait to dive into the next Milagro tale: Midnight Brunch.

If you'd like to learn more about Marta, check out her blog: Vampire Wire.

J.K. Beck's When Blood Calls

When Blood Calls by J.K. Beck

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sara Constantine, prosecuting attorney, meets Lucius Dragos while she's out celebrating a recent court win. They end up at her condo together for a night of passion. Sara thinks she's found a man who just might be worth keeping. Then her boss (the District Attorney) offers her a job with the Division, the department that deals with Homeland Security cases, or so she's been told. As it turns out, the department actually deals with paranormal cases, and Sara is introduced to a whole new world filled with vampires, werewolves, and ghosts (oh, my!). It seems the head of the Division has been following her career and he thinks she'll be perfect to prosecute the high-level murder case they've just landed. The suspect has been brought in and is none other than...you guessed it...Lucius. Turns out Lucius is a vampire and the evidence against him is pretty solid. So now poor Sara has to reconcile the fact that she's fallen for a vampire who might also be a stone-cold killer.

I really enjoyed this book. Sara and Lucius are well-developed and believable, as are the secondary characters. The storyline is tight and fast-paced. There is a plot twist I didn't see coming at all, which makes figuring out "who done it" much more difficult. The world J.K. Beck (a.k.a. Julie Kenner) has created is fascinating as well. It's much grittier than her usual fare (demon-hunting soccer moms and superhero central). She's added an interesting twist to vampires I have not read about anywhere else. It's sort of a paranormal Law and Order, and I'm looking forward to reading book two to see where she takes the series. Personally, I think it's off to a terrific start. Well done, Julie!

When Pleasure Rules: Book 2 (Release date: 28-Sep-10)

When Wicked Craves: Book 3 (Release date: 26-Oct-10)

Friday 56

From "Steamed" by Katie MacAlister

"You should take up jogging," I told her, turning to scan the opposite direction. "Does wonders for your cardio."

About the Friday 56:
1. Grab the book nearest you. Right now
2. Turn to page 56.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like) along with these instructions on your blog or (if you do not have your own blog) in the comments section of this blog.
5. Post a link along with your post back to this blog.

Andy Remic's "Kell's Legend"

Kell's Legend by Andy Remic

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This sword and sorcery epic sweeps you away to the side of an aged hero and his granddaughter. Kell, hero of legend, is tired and wants to be left in peace to watch his granddaughter succeed at university. But the clockwork vampires, the vachines, have other plans for Kell's homeland. They strike at night with blood magic and overtake the town. Kell manages to flee with his granddaughter and her schoolmate. They soon meet up with a thief also bent on escape, and together they stay one step ahead of the invading forces.

This is the first book in a trilogy and has certainly snagged my attention enough so that I will be waiting impatiently for parts two and three. I really enjoyed the fast paced action in this story. The author sometimes over-describes things (he rarely uses less than three descriptors), but that's easy enough to overlook. All-in-all, it's a fine start to a heart-pounding action tale, complete with quests and durance vile. Oh, and a bad guy you can really hate. I like it!

Friday 56

From "The Lives of Dalhousie University: Volume One 1818-1935" by P.B. Waite

"There must not be, he said, four or five colleges in the province—if so, their degrees would become a laughing stock."

About the Friday 56:
1. Grab the book nearest you. Right now
2. Turn to page 56.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like) along with these instructions on your blog or (if you do not have your own blog) in the comments section of this blog.
5. Post a link along with your post back to this blog.

Lori Handeland's "Any Given Doomsday"

Any Given Doomsday by Lori Handeland

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Nephilim, demons, witches, seers, and shifters. Throw in a vampire or two and you've got the makings of a great story.

Elizabeth Phoenix is an ex-cop barmaid who can see the future. She's an ex-cop because she blames herself for her partner's death. She's a barmaid because she doesn't want to be a P.I. She can see glimpses of the future, but she doesn't want that either. When her foster mother is murdered, she's thrown into a whole lot of what she doesn't want. Now she has to face her past and accept her future, or the world as she knows it will end.

I picked up Any Given Doomsday because I was browsing Ms. Handeland's site (http://www.lorihandeland.com/) and found a link to download a free short story called In the Beginning. After I read that story, I just knew I had to buy this book to find out what happens to Lizbeth. I'm really glad I did. The story is intriguing and engaging. Ms. Handeland has created a very interesting world and peopled it with characters you can like, some you will absolutely hate, and some that you won't be able to make your mind up on, at least, not yet.

Lilith Saintcrow's "The Demon's Librarian"

The Demon's Librarian by Lilith Saintcrow

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Chess Barnes is a librarian who hunts demons in her spare time. When the "real" demon hunters show up looking for some special books, all hell breaks loose.

This is a really excellent story. The characters are all well-developed and the world Ms. Saintcrow created is fascinating. While it is quite satisfying as a stand-alone story, we can only hope that one day Ms. Saintcrow will return to this world and these characters.

Christie Craig's "Shut Up and Kiss Me"

Shut Up and Kiss Me by Christie Craig

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It's not often I find a book that actually makes me laugh out loud, but Ms. Craig has managed it. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story about PR consultant Shala Winters and her exploits in Precious, Texas. It's funny and sweet and romantic and irreverent. And what Christie puts poor Jose through...well...let's just say that eau d'skunk is not a good choice for anyone. If you enjoy your comedies romantic, or your romances comedic, this is a story for you. You won't regret it!

Keith R.A. DeCandido's "Bone Key"

Bone Key by Keith R.A. DeCandido

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Excellent story. Mr. DeCandido has captured the tone of the series perfectly. It's a great Supernatural adventure, with ghosts (famous ones!) and demons (of course) and a mystery to solve. If you're a fan of the series, you will love this. If you're not, you'll probably become one.

Seth Grahame-Smith's "Pride, Prejudice, and Zombies"

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Seth Grahame-Smith

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, but somehow Seth Grahame-Smith has managed to maintain the integrity of Pride and Prejudice while adding zombies to the cultural and social history of Regency England. Amazing! Lizzie is her much-loved, feisty self, as well as a kick-ass, zombie-slaying heroine. In fact, Mr. Bennett insisted that all 5 of his girls receive training from Shaolin masters so that they can help fight the "unmentionables" that rise in their community. How can any of this be amusing, you ask? Read it and find out! you won't regret it.

Mark Henry's Amanda Feral

Happy Hour of the Damned by Mark Henry

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What did I learn from this book? Never go to Seattle if you're homeless. On the other hand, a visit there would probably be great. The nightlife sounds pretty lively...

Amanda Feral was breathed on by a zombie. Moments later she dies in a slip-and-fall. When she first rises, she doesn't even know she's dead. So begins the adventure. There are vampires, shifters, incubi & succubi, and a vast assortment of other supernaturals she meets and befriends along the way. There are also bad guys trying to take over the world. It's all very much a zombie version of Pinkie and the Brain. With better shoes.

Mark Henry has written a funny, witty, fast-paced story about a newbie zombie and her BFF. This series promises to be a hilarious romp through urban fantasyland.

---

Road Trip of the Living Dead by Mark Henry

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second installment of Amanda's post-life memoirs. Gil's latest client in his new "vamping" business--"Gil's Luxury Vamping: Creating Quality Bloodsuckers Since 2007"--takes offense at an unexpected extra service while crawling from his grave. Gil, Amanda, and Wendy decide it would be prudent to leave town for a while. Fortunately(?) a destination is easily chosen as Amanda's mother is in a hospice in South Dakota. The trio take off for the funniest road trip you've ever read about. With werewolves, ghosts, and neo-nazis to play with along the way, you just know that the glam-girls of zombie-dom are in for nothing but good times. Amanda is truly the reigning queen of the bitch-zombies.

Road Trip is an excellent sequel to Happy Hour. Mark Henry is a fine writer and has managed to make the shallow, fashion-driven, self-centred Amanda into a completely likable character. Be careful where you read this, because you will laugh out loud, snort, giggle, and snicker your way through the book. Amanda Feral is my hero. If I ever wake up dead, I want to be just like her.

---

Battle Of The Network Zombies by Mark Henry

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A splendid conclusion to this irreverent series about a fashionista zombie and her BFF. Amanda tries her hand at mystery-solving when the host of American Minions, wood nymph Johnny Birch, is found murdered. Much mayhem and hilarity ensue in the now trademark Mark Henry style. This is a great read and I look forward to learning what Mr. Henry comes out with next.

Georgia Evan's Brytewood

Bloody Good, Bloody Awful, and Bloody Right by Georgia Evans

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It's World War II and those sneaky Germans will use anything to win, including vampires! Fortunately, the Pixies and assorted Others of Brytewood are there to save the day.

This is a fun and scary romp through the WWII English countryside. I thoroughly enjoyed the Brytewood Trilogy and can only hope that Ms. Evans will one day return there to give us more stories from this quaint English village.

Georgia Evans is the pseudonym Rosemary Laurey uses for her fantasy books. You can find out more about Brytewood at http://www.brytewood.co.uk and about Rosemary Laurey at http://www.rosemarylaurey.com.

Nicole Peeler's Jane True

Tempest Rising by Nicole Peeler

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This debut novel is off to a great start. The main character, Jane True, is half-selkie, half-human. Not that she knew that. She just thought she was a good swimmer.So good, in fact, that her swimming was kept a deep, dark secret. Well, swimming in the North Atlantic in late fall is a little...odd. As the story unfolds, however, Jane learns about her self and gets her eyes opened to the world of the paranormal, but not in a good way, really. She's embroiled in a murder mystery and the next victim just may be her!

I really enjoyed this look into Jane's world. Nicole Peeler has written a fun, witty, fast-paced novel that got me hooked from page one and hasn't let go yet. Bravo, Nicole! I'm already jonesing for book 2.

---

Tracking the Tempest by Nicole Peeler

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is book 2 of Jane True's Life and TImes. First, I have to say !!!!!!! This is a fabulous story. It might even be better than book 1. Jane does a lot of growing in this story and she comes out much better for it. The truly bad part is that there are only 348 pages. Now we have to wait until January to find out what happens next. :(

Tracking the Tempest continues where Tempest Rising left off. Jane is now fully immersed in the supernatural world. She's learning to use her magic and she's in a long distance relationship with Ryu, her vampire boyfriend. The supernatural community is busy playing deep games and Jane is struggling to keep herself and her loved ones safe.

This is such a fast-paced book, I just know I'm going to have to read it again in a couple of weeks to pick up on all the finer details I zoomed through on the first reading. Jane has quickly become one of my favourite urban fantasy heroines and I send out a loud hip-hip-hoorah and congratulations to Nicole for her imagination and skill. You keep writing them, Dr. Peeler, and I will keep reading them! Oh, and Nicole, Ryu's last name (guffaw-giggle-snort) sheer brilliance!

Gail Carriger's Alexia Tarabotti

Soulless (The Parasol Protectorate #1) by Gail Carriger

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Alexia Tarabotti (Italian father, not at all her fault!) is all that is proper in a Victorian gentlewoman. Yes, she's a spinster, but she has fully accepted her lot in life. Her days are made more exciting, however, by her run-ins with Lord Conall Maccon, London's Alpha werewolf and Queen Victoria's go-to guy for all things supernatural (and preternatural). Unfortunately for Maccon, the more he tries to keep Alexia out of his investigation, the deeper she becomes involved. In the end they must work together to solve the mystery and save the day.

This is one of the best renderings of a Victorian Lady that I have read in a very long time. Gail has created a wonderful heroine that she keeps true to her upbringing and heritage, IMO. The mystery is mysterious and exciting; the romance is charming, sweet, and exciting; and the characters are likable as well as believable (and exciting). Even though this is only book one of the Parasol Protectorate I am already a huge fan. I can't wait to read what happens in Changeless!

---

Changeless (The Parasol Protectorate #2) by Gail Carriger

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The newly-wed Alexia has started her job as Queen Victoria's muhjah on the Shadow Council. The Council, consisting of the potentate (a vampire), the dewan (a werewolf), and the muhjah, advise the Queen on supernatural and preternatural matters within the empire. As she leaves Woolsey Castle for a Council meeting, she stumbles over a regiment or two's worth of werewolves setting up a bivouac on her front lawn. As it turns out, werewolves serve in the Queen's Army, and this particular crowd has just returned from India by way of Eqypt. Past practice has them meeting at Woolsey Castle before being dismissed to return home. Alexia meets her husband's 3rd (Major Channing), who doesn't recognize her for who she is, and nearly has to take up her parasol to defend herself before saner heads (specifically Professor Lyall) intervene. Alexia no sooner sends the werewolves off to set up their camp in the back garden when her best friend Ivy Hisselpenny arrives in a great to-do, bursting to tell Alexia her splendid news. All of which happens in Chapter One and before Alexia can even get off her property!

So begins the 2nd book in the Parasol Protectorate series by Gail Carriger, and I couldn't have asked for a better sequel. Alexia is blooming in her role on the Shadow Council. Add to that a husband who understands her well enough to commission a very special parasol for her and she feels herself a lucky woman indeed. But what's life without a few challenges, eh? Alexia certainly has her work cut out for her what with Conall slipping off to Scotland without a word to her, a mysterious phenomenon that renders the supernaturals in London super-less, and an female inventor/scientist who dresses like a man and sets Alexia's instincts buzzing. What choice does she have but to follow Conall to Scotland (by dirigible!) so that she can warn him that the phenomenon seems to be mobile and has preceded him to Scotland? And what choice do you have but to read this and find out what happens. You won't be disappointed, I promise you!

A new beginning

I'm switching over from LiveJournal. No real reason, just because :-)

To start me off right I am posting one of my reviews from Goodreads...

Dracula's Heir: An Interactive Mystery by Sam Stall

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A wonderful "what happens next" story. Sam Stall does an excellent job of continuing the Dracula saga and what occurs in the lives of Dr. Van Helsing and Dr. Seward. The interactive mystery is a nice little twist that just made it all the more enjoyable.