Jace Scribbles

Rebels And Lovers by Linnea Sinclair

2010-02-10T17:02:00.010+08:00

An Advance Review

Category: Romance – SciFi

Series: Yes – Book 4 of the Dock Five Universe

Availability: March 2010

OUT OF OPTIONS…Devin Guthrie can’t forget Captain Makaiden Griggs even though it’s been two years since she was in his family’s employ. A Guthrie does not fall in love with a mere shuttle pilot. Going against his wealthy family’s wishes isn’t an option—not with the Empire in political upheaval, much of it caused by Devin’s renegade older brother, Admiral Philip Guthrie. The Guthries must solidify their standing—financially, politically and socially—or risk losing it all. But when a Guthrie heir—Devin’s nineteen-year old nephew—goes missing, Devin’s loyalty to his family’s values is put to the test. And suddenly the unthinkable becomes the only option available: Devin must break the rules and risk allying himself with the one woman he could never forget—and was forbidden to love.

I want to start this review with a word of “Thanks” to Linnea Sinclair for, once again, allowing Kat, Mel and I read her latest story ahead of its release date.

These are some of the pertinent details of this story:

1. Although it is the 4^thinstalment in the Dock Five Universe, it can be read on its own. However, I strongly recommend that you also read Gabriel’s Ghost (Book 1), Shades Of Dark (Book 2) and Hope’s Folly (Book 3) simply because they are tremendously good reads.

2. We get to know the Guthries – one of the oldest, wealthiest and most established families in the Empire – like we’ve never done before. It is this "family" aspect of the story that makes it somewhat different from the previous three instalments.

My discussion with Kat and Mel is as follows.

Overview/Plot

Kat: I liked the plot - it was action-packed and good. I also liked the characters very much.

Jace: I liked the action-adventure-mystery aspect of this story first and foremost, followed by the characters. The action-adventure was very well done – thrilling and fast-paced - yet it flowed naturally and seamlessly from one segment to the next. The whole story came together very well.

Mel: I very much enjoyed the non-stop heart pounding action that is Linnea's trademark.

Kat: I didn't see it coming as to the identity of the bad guy! The accomplice was also a surprise. This twist saved the story, but the end felt a little bit too rushed, in my opinion.

Jace: I suspected the traitor from the beginning so this part of the plot wasn’t too much of a surprise for me. However, I never expected who the accomplice turned out to be! And I agree – the end bits felt a little rushed.

Mel: I began to suspect the traitor early on too. I was floored, though, by the accomplice!

Kat: I have to say that Devin and Kaidee's love story was much better than Philip and Rya's. :)

Jace: I liked this love story more too. Devin had loved Kaidee for 7 years – this simply melted my heart. :)

Mel: I, too, thought Devin and Kaidee's love story was more romantic. I'm a sucker for unrequited love and it makes me melt when it's the man who loves first. :)

The Main Characters

Kat: Devin was a great sexy hero, but he was also a typical Linnea hero. Kaidee was great - I liked her right from the beginning - but I already saw heroines like her in Linnea's other books.

Jace: I agree – Devin was very sexy in his honour, decency and ordinariness.

However, I felt that Devin was quite a departure from the typical Linnea hero because (mainly) he wasn’t an “action” hero like Philip and Sully. He was a “passive” guy whose forte was number-crunching, data analysis, strategy, gadgetry – that kind of thing – rather than running around with guns blazing (although he certainly was no slouch in this area).

Mel: I adored Devin, but then I've loved all of Linnea's heroes. I loved that he was an accountant and not a star ship captain. :)

Jace: As for Kaidee, I do agree with you, K, as she reminded me of the heroine in Finders Keepers. Like the other Linnea heroines, she was a good and loyal person who would do what needed to be done to protect those she cared about.

Kat: I thought of Finders Keepers too when I read this book. Some parts somewhat reminded me of it.

Mel: I liked Kaidee as well and I agree with both of you about her being like the heroine in Finders Keepers.

The Lead Secondary Characters

Kat: Barty (the Guthrie steward) was great, but I couldn't see him as a man that old. There was always a picture of him of about 60 years old maximum in my head. Every time it was mentioned that he was older just didn't feel right to me.

Jace: I liked Barty very much. I also didn’t get the feeling he was very old. When he fell so sick after running around Dock Five, I was rather surprised to be reminded of his age. His range of skills was impressive and he was certainly an invaluable character.

Mel: I, too, liked Barty. For some reason, he reminded of the butler from Batman. :) He did come across as being a much younger man than he was.

Kat: The only character who felt fresh and not familiar was Trip (Devin's nephew). Oh my, I fell head over heels for that guy. :) I loved his attitude and courage, and I'm really looking forward to seeing more of him.

Jace: I thought Trip was well portrayed. I was quite tickled that he idolized Philip so much and wanted to fight with the Alliance. He certainly was a hero-in-the-making. That he took after Uncles Philip and Devin in character (and not stuffy like his father) only made him more endearing. :)

Mel: I totally hope Trip will get his own story. He needs a little growing but wow … what a great hero he'll make.

Characters From Previous Instalments

Jace: I was so pleased when Philip appeared towards the end. I love the guy! Having known him in the previous 3 books, this wonderful character felt like an old friend. I was very pleased to see him doing well.

Mel: I was thrilled to see Philip and crew. Captain Folly was still in charge of things onboard the ship! :)

Jace: The very brief mentions of Chaz and Sully comforted me. I know it’s silly to miss them so much.

(For those who are new to this series, Chaz and Sully are the lead characters of Books 1 & 2 – Gabriel’s Ghost and Shades Of Dark.)

Kat: I loved Sully, Chaz and Ren - I crave for at least a cameo appearance of them!

Mel: I missed seeing Chaz, Sully and Ren (oh, how I love Ren). I would so love to see one more Chaz-Sully story, if only to know how things turned out for them.

Jace: Shades closed with an open ending – there ought to be at least one more of them!!! I feel like we’re left hanging; there’s no closure. I know Linnea can’t write a direct Chaz-Sully sequel right now. *sigh*

What We Liked and What We Didn’t

Kat: I thought hard about why it took me so long to finish the book because I basically liked it very much. There were some things that bothered me.

I have to admit that I have high expectations where Linnea is concerned. For me, this story felt "been there, done that". The characters were new faces, but nothing else felt fresh.

Jace: I have to agree with you, K.

Mel: While I do agree that it wasn't a fresh story, I still liked it very much (as I do all of her books). I always know when I read a new Linnea story that I'm going to have a great time.

Jace: Oh, totally, M. I always look forward to reading something from Linnea. Heck, I even enjoy re-reading her books so much.

Kat: The writing was very good (as always), the characterizations too, but I missed the extra sparkle. It just didn't keep me and put me on a mad roller-coaster ride like GG or Shades. It was just very good.

Jace: This story bears the classic “Linnea touch” – fantastic characters, great dialogue and fast-paced action. She can move a story along so well. I have to say, though, it would be tough to match the brilliance of GG and Shades because they were exceptional.

Mel: It would be a very hard task to top GG or Shades. In my mind, those are her very best.

Kat: I know this is unfair, but I loved her winners so much that I'm desperately wishing there'll be another one! Bottom line - I liked this one and I didn’t. I'd rate it a 4 out of 5. Sensuality: warm.

Jace: Linnea is the standard by which I measure other SFRs (as both of you know well). I’ve enjoyed every one of her stories – some much more than others – and I’m looking forward to more from her in the tradition of GG, Shades, Games Of Command and An Accidental Goddess. My rating for this story is 4.5/Warm.

Mel: My rating is 4.5/Warm as well.

**************************

View the Rebels And Lovers video, brought to you by Linnea Sinclair.

Good Reads

2010-01-15T16:12:00.002+08:00

A quick update ...

I'm on Good Reads now. If you're there too, let's connect as friends. :) Here's my profile.

I'm still maintaining my Shelfari shelf but I'm over at Good Reads more these days.

More books!

2009-12-19T17:41:00.004+08:00

click to enlarge

I didn't buy these books - they're Christmas gifts from my dear, dear friends. These sneaky girls peeked at the wishlist on my bookshelf then had to keep their fingers crossed the entire time it took the books to reach me that I didn't go out and buy the same books! *grin* Thank you, L and M.

Yes, it's not Christmas yet ... and I've already read one of these and am in the midst of another. I'm bad, I know.

I'm delighted to report that I've just finished my 95th book of the year! This is the first time I've even come close to this many and I'm quite proud of it. I'm now aiming for 100. *grin*

I'm back :)

2009-12-07T19:20:00.012+08:00

Hi everybody,

Can't believe it's been six months since I put this blog on hiatus. Before I ramble further, I want to say "Thanks" to everybody who visited this blog, left comments, and still kept me in your feed-readers during that time.

These six months had been a productive time as far as reading is concerned. I read 69 books - a great achievement for me, that's for sure. I found some fantastic authors who've become auto-buys (Juliet Marillier, Jeaniene Frost) and developed a fondness for Young Adult fantasy (more about this in a later post).

I didn't manage to make much of a dent in the TBR pile because I was buying books almost as fast as I could read them! Six months ago, there were 140+ books in the TBR. Today, there are 127, which means I bought 56 books in that time (I'm just realizing this now)!!! And I was wondering where my money disappeared to.

Ok, let me show you some of those 56 books. I bought these at a recent book sale.

click on images to enlarge

There are 18 books in here. I love this bag. :)

My most-prized catch of this haul are the 2 Juliet Marilliers,
the 2 Chelsea Cains, the Victoria Holt
and that Carlos Ruiz Zafon. :)

I've already read 2 books from this pile. The rest should keep me quite happy into 2010.

Extended Hiatus

2009-05-30T21:34:00.004+08:00

I'm putting this blog on an extended hiatus while I mull some things over.

Thank you, Amy, for saying that I'm missed. You (and anyone who misses me *wink*) can still "see" me over at my craft blog.

Take care, everybody, and happy reading.

On hiatus

2009-04-14T13:31:00.005+08:00

I'm putting this blog on hiatus for the rest of this month - not because I'm running away to join a circus, not because I'm not appreciated here and not because there are no cheeseburgers (although I must say these are pretty compelling reasons).

I won't be here as I'd be busy with my online shop, having to attend to both the creative and business aspects of things. I'm having a Promotion at the shop from 24 to 26 April 2009 so I'm preparing for that as well.

Brie and Nath, I won't be able to fulfill my challenges for this month. I hope to resume in May. Ok?

Today's the 14th day of the month and I haven't even read one book so far. See how miserable my situation is?

Perhaps a cheeseburger will cheer me up.

See you in May.

The Laird by Juliana Garnett

2009-03-31T14:27:00.006+08:00

Re-Reading Challenge: March 2009

(hosted by Nath – full details here)

Category: Romance – Historical (Middle Ages)

Series: No

She is the enemy of his clan, the friend of his foe, and the most beautiful prisoner he has ever seen. She is Judith Lindsay, the brazen young beauty who’s bound by blood and honor to her beloved England – even now, as she’s bound by her captors in the Campbell family’s keep. As future laird of this proud Scottish clan, Robert Campbell knows he should treat the Lindsay woman with contempt. The feud between their people has claimed the lives of his brothers. But when he sees the quiet strength in Judith’s soul – and the fire in her eyes – his heart must surrender to a very different battle.

Juliana Garnett was one of the first romance authors I read and I want to say upfront that her books are comfort reads for me. I try to be objective with this commentary, but if I sound a bit biased, well, at least you’ll know why.

The time is 1327; the setting is Scotland. Robert’s father, the laird of the Campbell clan, is preparing to ride out with seven of his eight sons on a kidnap mission at the command of his overlord, the craven Earl of Argyll. They succeed in abducting not only the five-year-old heiress of Clan Caddel, but her aunt, Lady Judith, as well. However, this feat does not come without a cost, for all seven of Robert’s brothers died that day.

So Robert, nicknamed the Devil’s Cub, bears the guilt and his father’s ire of being the only son (and not one of his favourites) left alive. His sorrow, anger and animosity towards his father are well portrayed. He is a strong and honorable man and a laird in his own right. Despite his sorrow and anger over the senseless death of his brothers, he tries to make the hostages comfortable and shield them from his father’s maddened grief. This is a man who wants to be a scholar instead of a warrior, but circumstances leave him with no choice but to fight.

Judith is a sensible and stoic woman. Widowed and childless at age twenty-six, this English gentlewoman is wanted by neither her late husband’s clan nor her own father. She makes the best of things and doesn’t hope for too much. When she is kidnapped with Mairi (the heiress) by those dastard Campbells, she is determined to protect Mairi at all costs. Robert’s unexpected humanity gives her hope that she and Mairi will be safe as long as he’s around.

What makes this book so good for me are definitely Robert and Judith. Despite an early attraction, their love for each other grows through daily interaction, sharing of thoughts and kind gestures. They haven’t known each other for very long before they fall in love – and this is what’s so compelling for me – they are tentative with those new powerful feelings, yet they are willing to go ahead to trust and love, especially Judith. Her love for Robert is so complete and unwavering, and that’s so beautiful to read.

Forming the backdrop to Robert and Judith’s love story is an account of life of that time – clan wars, political alliances, allegiances. The author did a great job making this aspect interesting and didn’t bog it down with too many details. I had enjoyed reading about the pillaging clans who would stand together against common enemies, but as soon as those enemies were vanquished, would immediately go back to the business of pillaging each other’s livestock, etc.

All in all, this is a well-rounded, well-told highland tale.

4 out of 5. I like it. It’s compelling, a page-turner. Sensuality: Subtle

Update and Giveaways!

2009-03-30T01:15:00.005+08:00

Yes, I'm still around. *grin* Just been very busy with my online shop and my craft blog, which I had shamefully neglected for far too long.

I'm hosting a "Paying It Forward, Craft Style" giveaway over at my craft blog and everybody's invited to participate. Find out more here. Closing date is Saturday, 4 April 2009.

I'm also putting up links regularly to some awesome giveaways hosted by other craft bloggers. Now you have other gorgeous, functional items to try to win, besides books.

The best way to keep up with what's happening at my craft blog is simply to subscribe to its feed. Just saying. *wink*

Cold As Ice by Anne Stuart

2009-03-19T18:35:00.004+08:00

Contemporary Romance Challenge: March 2009

(hosted by Brie of Musings Of A Bibliophile – full details here)

Category: Contemporary – Romantic Suspense

Series: Yes – Book 2 of the Ice Series

The job was supposed to be dead easy – hand-deliver some legal papers to billionaire philanthropist Harry Van Dorn’s extravagant yacht, get his signature and be done. But Manhattan lawyer Genevieve Spenser soon realizes she’s in the wrong place at the wrong time, and that the publicly benevolent playboy has a sick, vicious side. As he tries to make her his plaything for the evening, eager to use and abuse her until he discards her with the rest of his victims, Genevieve must keep her wits if she intends to survive the night.

But there’s someone else on the ship who knows the true depths of Van Dorn’s evil. Peter Jensen is far more than the unassuming personal assistant he pretends to be – he’s a secret operative who will stop at nothing to ensure Harry’s deadly Rule of Seven terror campaign dies with him. But Genevieve’s presence has thrown a wrench into his plans, and now he must decide whether to risk his mission to keep her alive, or allow her to become collateral damage…

I read this book with Taja (of Books and Games blog) as both of us have the rest of this series sitting in the TBR pile, and it’s always nice to buddy-read with someone. Please join me in welcoming Taja, my very first guest blogger.

Please be aware there are spoilers sprinkled throughout our joint-commentary below.

Overall impression

Jace: The story started off very well. Both the leads were interesting characters and I was interested in the plot. Then about half-way into the story, I began to smile. Why? Because the characters, and events that unfolded, became somewhat absurd - the story felt almost like a cartoon – and it continued that way to the end.

Taja: I read Black Ice and I loved it. (Read Taja’s review here. Mine is here.)

I got my hands on Cold As Ice as fast as I could and read it a few days after Black Ice, also in a rush. I had one “huh?” moment and there were two things that annoyed me quite a bit (later in the story) which was the reason I rated it 4 out of 5. Overall, I thought the first-half/two-thirds stronger than the last chapters.

I re-read Cold As Ice for this joint-commentary, and my initial opinion has changed a bit. I guess I was still under the influence of Black Ice when I read Cold As Ice the first time. The “huh?” moment – which was at the back of my mind and which I barely registered the first time – grew considerably in proportion. And it's actually not just a moment, it's quite a lot … I thought the story was so contrived!

So after the second reading, my impression of what I thought was the stronger part of this story, suffered a lot.

Jace: You nailed it! I thought the story was "cartoony" but “contrived" is the better word for it.

The plot and characters

Jace: In the beginning, I totally believed in Peter’s and Genevieve’s characterization. He was inconspicuous and nondescript which totally fit his secret agent role. She was a nervy but smart woman – she put on a brave face and made the best of things. I was interested to continue reading.

Taja: I loved that Peter barely registered with Genevieve as an attractive male the first time she met him. He was a "gray ghost of a man". Totally right for his mission (and a welcome change from what usually happens when the hero and heroine meet). I liked Genevieve and agree with what you said about her. I also liked that she was tall and had to wear contacts because I thought it something different. I was especially intrigued by the first descriptions of her.

Jace: Then, my first problem with the story. Peter vacillated between getting rid of Genevieve and saving her. That man was supposed to be a stone-cold agent; he never failed in carrying out his assignment! Heck, he would even have sex with a man in order to do his job. For him to hesitate in sending Genevieve off the boat (in the first place) and getting rid of her (later) was uncharacteristic, and for me, simply unbelievable.

Taja: This part didn't really work for me either – all this waffling around about killing Genevieve! I think it was supposed to show his inner turmoil over Genevieve but I believed in neither his bestest-agent-evah persona nor in his lover persona, so on the whole, Peter's drama failed to really move me because his conflict seemed a bit out-of-the-blue.

Jace: Sure, he would not hurt an innocent bystander – but he also thought “too bad, she was at the wrong place at the wrong time”. This aspect of his characterization reminded me of 2 other Stuart heroes – in Moonrise and The Widow – both couldn’t decide whether to be cold and ruthless or helping/saving the heroines. However, Peter was a much-improved version of the other two, whom I couldn’t stand!

Taja: Yes, I got that he didn't want to kill an innocent but as bestest-agent-evah, he shouldn't really care about that or find a way to get her off the yacht before it was too late, so I agree with you there. The only saving grace is that I think of Cold As Ice as a romantic suspense so I'm a bit more lax about characterization.

Jace: Genevieve spent most of the story being thrown about, drugged and trussed up, didn’t she? Frankly, she became quite a joke. I also didn’t like how mouthy she was – and you know this is one of my pet peeves.

Taja: *grin* I know about your pet peeve. And I suspected this novel would trigger it - at least near the end. The two annoying things near the end that brought the grade down the first time that I mentioned above? It's because of her. Lord, Genevieve was mouthy just to be mouthy and still hadn't a clue later on. My opinion of her changed from rather intelligent to too-stupid-to-live during the later parts of the story.

Jace: Peter and Genevieve were dancing around each other verbally – this was irritating too. They talked and talked in circles, with no real communication between them.

Taja: I enjoyed most of their conversations and Genevieve's comebacks up to a point. But I agree … I, too, didn't see a real connection between them (which made the ending all the more incredulous).

Jace: I honestly couldn’t see why Peter fell for Genevieve, and she him. Which aspect of her made him fall in love? And what did Genevieve see in him?

Taja: On page 138 there's this sentence in Peter's POV … "He just didn't know if he could live without Genevieve Spenser in this sorry world." And I just didn't know where that came from. [I mean to go back and read his POV scenes up to that point to see what I missed.] On the whole, it was like Genevieve managed to get to him and that was it.

Jace: The villain became increasingly over-the-top as the story progressed. In the end, he reminded me of a cartoon villain.

Taja: I didn't care for the way Stuart established Van Dorn as the villain. As you said, totally over the top. What I did like … he reminded me of the villains in the older James Bond movies who had batshit crazy plans to take over the world. Van Dorn's Rule of Seven fits right in with that, IMO, and I liked that. LOL

Jace: Now that you remind me of those James Bond villains ... yes! LOL Entertaining, yes. Convincing, no.

And my final grouse … Madame Lambert. I seriously couldn’t believe her to be the LEADER of a group of stone-cold, hardass secret agents. Her wishy-washy and regretful thoughts had me cringing. I suppose Stuart purposely made her sympathetic and having a heart – after all, she was getting her own story later. But come on, her characterization was just pathetic.

Taja: Again, why did Madame Lambert worry over having Genevieve killed? She gave the order to start with the mission and if she was worried so much about Genevieve she could have waited. I can't remember reading an explanation why they had to up and leave right then and not wait until Genevieve had left the yacht. (It would have been better all around if I had known the reason why they needed to move just then because it would have helped to alleviate my impression that the whole story was really contrived.)

What worked and what didn’t

Jace: These aspects of the story worked for me:

1. When Peter decided to be ruthless and showed it – that was very good. Yes, he was a cold and ruthless SOB, but he was IN CHARACTER.

2. The writing was good – descriptive, brisk and restrained.

3. It was good to see Bastien and Chloe (of Black Ice) again.

4. I’m curious about the born and bred yakuza, Takashi. I’m looking forward to reading his story.

Taja: I agree with your points, especially 1, 2, and 4. In addition, I liked some of Peter and Genevieve's conversations and I liked their verbal dance around each other (all pre-rescue, and yes, even though I couldn't really see why they were attracted to each other, and I thought the whole situation on the island highly orchestrated).

What I didn't like:

1. I thought the story was really contrived as it got going.

2. Being told again and again how Peter was the most efficient and ruthless agent ever (the same goes for Van Dorn's evilness and Madame Lambert's worrying).

3. The danger was missing because the Committee had “gone soft” and Peter's inner turmoil over killing Genevieve couldn't make up for it since I wasn't really convinced of it.

4. I liked individual parts but the whole story just didn't come together.

5. (on a less grievous note) When Peter threw Genevieve glasses away … that was just plain cruel and unnecessary even if her vision wasn't actually all that bad. I just didn't understand why he did it. It didn't serve anything.

Our rating

Jace: Overall, this story was not so good for me.

A weak 3 out of 5. I’m ambivalent about this story. It’s an average read, veering towards problematic. Sensuality: Warm+

Taja: I’m definitely grading it lower this time around. I would go with 3 out of 5 also but for one thing – I remember I was really caught up in the story the first time and I wonder if I had trouble staying with this book this time because the first time I read it was only some weeks ago. So now it's 3.5 out of 5, which means it’s a decent read to me. Maybe I should read it in one year to see what I think then. LOL

"Vampire" skull found!

2009-03-15T13:10:00.004+08:00

Got your attention, didn't I?

Not a "real" vamp, no. Just the skull of a poor, unfortunate 16th-century Venetian woman who was a suspected vamp. This is a never-before-seen evidence of vamp exorcism.

See the pic and read more here.

Fabulous? Marvellous!

2009-03-14T04:42:00.024+08:00

I was equal parts humbled, flattered, delighted, grateful and tickled when I found out that Ann-Kat of Today, I Read honoured me with this recognition. Thank you very much, my dear. It’s very kind of you to remember me.

In accepting this award, I should do the following:

1. List 5 of my addictions (books and reading don’t count)

2. Give this award to 5 other bloggers

My addictions

1. Bags, bags and more bags

I like them in all their guises. Notice I say “like” and not “buy” … and thank goodness for that! I just enjoy looking at them and checking out the current trends. I do have my preferences in terms of colours, designs and brands, and when I see one that fulfils all these requirements, I find it hard to resist, I’m afraid. Lately, I’m hooked on those recycling/green tote bags … you know, those that you bring with you to the grocers or shopping so that you won’t have to use plastic bags – I’ve got quite a stash of them. My defence is “hey, I’m helping to save the environment!” I’m sad, I know. And to close this topic, I’ll leave you with hubby’s frequently-heard groan – “Not another bag, is it?"

2. Bookmarks … the unusual ones

I have quite a collection of unusual bookmarks. What I mean by unusual is anything other than the printed paper variety. Every time I travel, instead of buying magnets, keychains, t-shirts, postcards (etc.), I’ll search for bookmarks. I should put up my collection on Flikr … one day.

3. Chocolates … the darker, the better

Yes, dark chocolates. Sinful, rich, pure bliss. What more can I say?

4. Crafting and craft supplies

I enjoy making things with my hands. However, I’m not the adventurous crafter who wants to try every craft. I stick to what I like – crochet, cross-stitching, glass painting, origami. And I go a little crazy whenever I step into a craft store – it seems everywhere I look, there’s something begging to be bought. For the health of my bank account, I limit my shopping trip to once every two to three months.

5. Coffee

I like them all, but my favourites are cappuccino and Starbucks’s Iced Mocha. When I was working, I used to drink 4 to 5 cups a day, but have now cut back to 1 cup a day. I can drink coffee just before bedtime and still sleep soundly afterwards. I’d be miserable if I hadn’t had my coffee for the day.

The 5 bloggers I give this award to:

(I'm picking those who haven’t got it yet)

1. Brandy of BookMom

2. Christine of The Happily Ever After

3. Frances of Frances Writes

4. KristieJ of Ramblings On Romance, etc.

5. Taja of Books & Games

Let’s see your addictions, ladies.

The Warlord's Daughter by Susan Grant

2009-03-11T16:51:00.006+08:00

Category: Romance – SciFi

Series: Yes – Book 2 of The Borderlands series

She’s the most wanted woman in the galaxy.

The war is finally over. But Wren’s life is in tatters. The only living offspring of the notorious Drakken Warlord, her genes could very well start a new dynasty of terror. And the Coalition can’t have that.

She alone holds the key to finding a legendary treasure. Having seen enough bloodshed, shy, petite Wren vows to destroy it before anyone, Drakken, Coalition or Earth, can get their hands on it – but she’ll need help.

The Drakken’s ruthless evil turned Aral toward the Coalition years ago. War is all he knows, until he finds passion and love in the most unlikely of women – the Warlord’s daughter. But will trusting each other with their secrets risk not only their hearts, but their lives?

This is the 2^nd book of The Borderlands series but you need not have read the 1^st book, Moonstruck, in order to understand and enjoy it. However, I would strongly recommend that you read Moonstruck too, simply because it’s a fantastic story. Also, the heartfelt story of the secondary couple, Hadley and Bolivarr, continues from the 1^st book and it would be a shame to miss the first part of it.

I read this eagerly awaited book with Kat and Mel (my wonderful reading buddies) and our discussion is as follows. Please be aware it may include some mild spoilers.

Overall impression

Jace: I liked this story a lot. It was more complicated than Moonstruck in terms of the extensive plot, expanded world-building, and numerous secondary and minor characters. Despite of all the distraction, I thought Aral and Wren, and Bolivarr and Hadley, took centre stage as the primary and secondary couples.

Mel: I, too, liked this more than Moonstruck and for pretty much the same reasons you did. The multiple story lines didn't bother me at all and kept me interested.

Kat: I loved this book. I was hooked right from the start. I was so happy to see Hadley and Bolivarr again. I liked it that they got enough space to develop as secondary characters and theirs wasn’t just a random story.

The story and characters

The Drakken Horde are one of the inhabitants of the Borderlands world. Led by their leader, the Supreme Warlord, they are the fearless marauders and brutal killers who are hated and feared by all. For over a thousand years, they have waged war with the Coalition (which comprises other peoples who inhabit this world).

The Supreme Warlord has a daughter, Awrenkka, whom he keeps hidden away. On her thirteenth birthday, she is summoned to meet her father who, to her, is a terrifying stranger. The shy, scrawny and half-blind Wren meets not only her father that day, but a boy not much older than herself, Aral, who looks into her eyes and immediately she knows – a kindred spirit.

They share just that one look. It’s ten years later that they see each other again. The war has ended. The Supreme Warlord is dead. And it’s all due to one man. Wren’s protector and care-giver is dead too. Wren is on her own and on the run. Aral stops at nothing to find her, his promised bride, until she literally falls into his arms. The fugitive battlelord and the warlord’s daughter reunite.

Wren has to find Ara Ana – and make the galaxy whole. But who or what is Ara Ana? And where can she find her/it? And how can Wren make the galaxy whole? Aral is not going to leave Wren’s side; he’s determined to protect her and love her.

Jace: Was it believable to you that Aral met Wren only once while they were teenagers, and they only looked at each other, then he spent the next 10 years engineering everything so that he could claim her as his one day?

Mel: I felt that Aral saw a kindred spirit in Wren that day and that was what drew him to her in such a way that he focused all of those years toward the goal of getting her.

Kat: Usually I'd doubt that, but in this case it worked beautifully for me. I thought they were true soulmates and recognized each other in a heartbeat, so why not?

Jace: I agree. They recognized each other as victims – both sharing the same pain, alienation and oppression in the hands of their respective father. It was believable that Aral wanted to save Wren from his own father because Aral knew firsthand how evil that man was and what he would do to get what he wanted. Also, Aral himself was naturally a protector (as he protected his brother from his father all those years).

By the way, I love her full name – Awrenkka.

Kat: I like it too. It sounds strong.

Jace: I also like Aral’s name. (The author named him after the Aral Sea.)

What did you think of Wren’s transformation – from a timid, naïve girl to a strong woman who was willing to sacrifice herself for peace? Was that transformation believable?

Mel: Wren was so sheltered on that planet Barokk and was protected by her care-givers, that she never had the chance to become a stronger woman. Once she was on her own, she grew up fast.

Kat: She had led a very sheltered life and that made her insecure, but she was intelligent and strong and I loved how she grew into herself and didn't back down. I loved it too that she didn't really need a hero to rescue her but stood up for herself.

Jace: I believed in the growth of her character too. She had to learn very fast to survive by herself, and she was marvellous in her intelligence. You know, even if Aral hadn’t turn up in Zorabeta, she would have made it out of there somehow.

Captain Hadley Keyren has just taken command of her first ship. She is inexperienced and very determined to prove herself. She is to take her ship, Cloud Shadow, on an expedition to explore a remote and mysterious planet, rumoured to be the birthplace of the Goddesses. One of her crew members is Bolivarr, the amnesiac ex-Drakken wraith, also her lover.

On the way to their destination, Hadley rescues a ship in distress. There are four on board – Aral, Wren, Kaz (Aral’s second-in-command) and Keir Vantos (the pilot-blockade runner who is aiding Aral and Wren for a price).

Jace: Oh, I simply loved Bolivarr and Hadley’s story! It was so great to have the continuation of their story. They were such a great couple. I thought Bolivarr’s anguish and uncertainty over who and what he was (before his memory came back) was quite heartbreaking – he loved Hadley so much yet couldn’t totally commit to her. Hadley was so understanding and supportive of him, but she couldn’t help feeling disappointed that Bolivarr hadn’t asked her to marry him. Their emotions and conflict were well done.

Mel: Bolivarr and Hadley's romance really stood out for me. It was so nice to see their relationship grow.

Kat: I was so glad that they got their story. My heart bled for them both.

Jace: When Bolivarr regained his memory, and Hadley’s heart was breaking, my heart broke with hers. She had to stay strong and still be the captain despite all the anguish she was feeling. And she was willing to let Bolivarr go. I loved my heart being wrenched like this.

Mel: My heart was breaking right along with Hadley's! I thought it was good that Bolivarr was honest with her about his confusion in his feelings. I was also glad it worked out for the best.

Jace: Yes, the fact that he needed time to sort out his feelings made their relationship believable and their love all the deeper in the end.

Kat: I almost couldn't bear that moment. I felt so much for Hadley, when her heart broke into a thousand pieces. Thank you, Ms. Grant, for giving us moments like this!

Jace: And Ms. Grant didn't have to go all melodramatic about it either! Just a few simple sentences and we felt Bolivarr's joy and Hadley's anguish. That scene was fantastic!

Did you feel that, although this was essentially Aral and Wren's story, it was Bolivarr and Hadley's love story that was the stronger and more heartfelt one? I certainly thought so. I thought it was because we already knew them (and liked them) from Moonstruck, so they were familiar characters. Their story tied in seamlessly with the plot in this one through Bolivarr’s history.

Mel: To be honest, Hadley and Bolivarr were the more vivid couple for me. I fell hard for Bolivarr in Moonstruck so it was nice to get more from them. Usually, I dislike it when a secondary couple takes center stage but in WD it works.

Jace: What did you think about the Goddesses, Keys and Keepers? At first, they confused me a little. And what role(s) did the goddesses play in this world? They were worshipped, certainly, but did they have divine powers? So far, nothing was said about that, I think.

Mel: I was a little confused about that as well, but it was quite interesting. I hope we will find out more about the Goddesses in later books.

Kat: I wasn't confused by them but they made me curious. I’m really looking forward to read more of this world.

Jace: I thought this story was a good mix of great characters and thrilling action-adventure. I really liked all the planet-hopping and space battles.

Mel: I liked that too. They certainly did some traveling.

Kat: I was always a sucker for space adventure and I couldn't get enough of them!

WD is the first book by Ms. Grant that didn't take me some time to get into it. If one likes this genre, it's really easy to slip into her world. It took me longer to get into Moonstruck!

Jace: I thought the ending was a little anti-climactic and hurried. The elimination of the villain seemed too easy, and he was supposed to be a wily old hand at war. Wren fulfilling her destiny seemed too easy as well.

Mel: The ending was a little abrupt and I thought it could have used a few more pages to complete the story. Oh well, such is publishing and word counts.

Kat: The ending was satisfying and it left me curious for more stories. I hope that Keir will get his own too. Perhaps he and Kaz will get their happy ending in the next book?

Our rating

Jace: 4.5 out of 5. I really like it. It’s fantastic, a keeper. Sensuality: Subtle.

Kat: My rating is the same as yours, J.

Mel: I give it a 4. Sensuality: Mild.

Additional comments

Jace: K, I remember you mentioned some time back that one has to be of a certain emotional maturity to TRULY appreciate Ms. Grant's writing and the depth of her characters. I agree with you totally. One has to take the time to READ and take the journey with the characters. M, do you agree?

Mel: I do, J. Even though I haven't liked every one of her books I've read so far, I do think she's a very skilled, talented writer. Also a very gracious one. One of these days, I'll have to get through the rest of her backlist – I bought them all!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Read an excerpt of this story at the author’s website.

Read a great review of this book at ParaNormal Romance.

Read a Susan Grant interview at Harlequin’s Paranormal Romance Blog, where she gave us a hint of what to expect in the 3^rd Borderlands book.

Free e-book: Kimber Chin's Invisible

2009-03-10T13:25:00.006+08:00

To celebrate e-book Week, eBookGuru is hosting a free download of Invisible by Kimber Chin. Don't delay as this offer closes on 14 March 2009!

Sign up for this free download
Read a review of Invisible at eBookGuru
Read the write-up at Kimber Chin's site

Thanks, Kimber, for sharing this giveaway with us.

Reading Summary: February 2009

2009-03-06T02:35:00.006+08:00

I read a grand total of 4 books this month. Which is pretty much in line with my normal reading speed – leisurely.

Here they are, in alphabetical order:

1. Bound To Please by Hope Tarr

(3.5 out of 5)

read book info and excerpt at author’s site

The premise of this story is interesting. A female laird in 15^th century Scotland. Newly widowed and childless, Brianna MacLeod kidnaps the younger brother of a rival laird, Ewan Fraser, for the sole purpose impregnating her. However, the sexy man she has abducted isn’t a stranger. They had met when they were teenagers and made a pact to marry each other 7 years later, only, Brianna married someone else while Ewan waited for her.

This is a quick and undemanding read. While certain aspects of the story seem a little far-fetched, I nevertheless finished the book. The heroine tries very hard to be a good and fair leader while the hero has a hidden depth – all good things that contribute to the general readability of the story. I like the author’s writing-style and I’m glad I have two more of her books in TBR.

2. Open Season by Linda Howard

(4.5 out of 5)

reviewed here

3. Savor Me Slowly by Gena Showalter

(4 out of 5)

read book info at author’s site

This is the 5^th book of the Alien Huntress series, and my 1^st book by this author. Not reading the preceding books did not hamper my understanding and enjoyment of this story. This is a quick, fast-paced read helmed by a human hero and a half-human half-machine heroine. Their love story is touching amid all the action-adventure that goes on.

4. The Warlord’s Daughter by Susan Grant

(4.5 out of 5)

commentary coming soon

And that’s it for February.

A milestone

2009-03-03T01:39:00.005+08:00

I just realized that I had written my 100th full-length book commentary! Between sniffling (having a cold) and nursing a pounding headache, I give myself a pat on the back. For me, this is something not to be sneezed at (pun totally intended).

When I started this blog way back in June 2007, my whole intention was just to write, or rather, practise writing. I had stopped working to be a stay-at-home mom, and I found that the longer I didn't write, the harder it was to put my thoughts into written words. For a non-native English speaker, this is a real case of "use it or lose it".

But what to write about? Why not all those books that I've read? I never expected to write so much, and certainly never expected to stay so long in blogland. This has become a labour of love.

To everybody who has been reading and following my posts, I sincerely thank you. It means a great deal to me that you're still interested in what I have to say, when I often didn't even know if what I said was ever interesting.

So thanks, everybody, for your support. Perhaps the 200th book commentary is attainable, eh?

Open Season by Linda Howard

2009-03-02T02:42:00.003+08:00

Re-reading Challenge: February 2009

(hosted by Nath of Books, Books And More Books – full details here)

Category: Contemporary – Romantic Suspense

Series: No

Be careful what you wish for…

On her thirty-fourth birthday, Daisy Minor decides to make over her entire life. The small-town librarian has had it with her boring clothes, her ordinary looks, and nearly a decade without so much as a date. It’s time to get a life – and a sex life. The perennial good girl, Daisy transforms herself into a party girl extraordinaire – dancing the night away at clubs, laughing and flirting with abandon – and she’s declared open season for manhunting. But her free-spirited fun turns to shattering danger when she witnesses something she shouldn’t – and becomes the target of a killer. Now, before she can meet the one man who can share her life, first she may need him to save it.

This story is just pure fun. Although it deals with grim issues such as human trafficking and murder, it is nevertheless a fast, enjoyable read. The suspense aspect is light; it is the humour and human relationship that take precedence here.

I read it many years ago (can’t remember when exactly) and it is my favourite Linda Howard book then and now.

Daisy, the dowdy, spinsterish town librarian decided enough was enough. On her thirty-fourth birthday, she was going to start over – new clothes, new hairstyle, new makeup, new attitude, date, have fun and move out of the house she was sharing with her mother and aunt.

On that very same day, the town’s new Chief of Police, Jack Russo, decided to pay a visit to the library – and so the fun started. Almost immediately, the confident, brusque and arrogant Jack antagonized the polite and accommodating Daisy. She wrote him off as “Damn Yankee”.

Since this is a romance, we all know that Jack was actually attracted to Daisy, don’t we? He was having fun provoking Daisy, which was his way of getting her to notice him. Then, after Daisy’s transformation, he simply couldn’t stay away from her. Of course, to Daisy, he was just an irritant, forever getting underfoot and botching her chances of meeting other men. Their verbal sparring and encounters are seriously funny – the one involving a pack of condoms and the town’s biggest gossip is unforgettable. Jack’s dogged pursuit of Daisy soon paid off and they became a couple. And what a couple they make! Fabulous chemistry, both in bed and out.

While Jack was busy pursuing Daisy, someone was hunting her down. Daisy witnessed a murder so she must be killed. However, Daisy wasn’t aware that she saw a murder and it was by chance that Jack found out someone wanted her dead. With all his alarm and protective instincts coming to the fore, the tenacious Jack stopped at nothing until he solved the mystery of the murder, and the baddies got their comeuppance, thereby ensuring the safety of his lady love.

There are many engaging secondary characters who help enliven this story – Daisy’s mother and aunt, the man who transforms Daisy from a dowdy spinster to a ravishing beauty (who keeps everybody guessing as to his sexual orientation), the gossipy town folks, and even the assassin (I like the twist to his story at the end) – everybody has a part to play in this fast-paced, humorous, and dare I say, feel-good, tale.

4.5 out of 5. This fantastic story is a keeper.

Mission: Christmas by Lindsay McKenna & Susan Grant

2009-02-28T00:09:00.006+08:00

Contemporary Reading Challenge: February 2009
(hosted by Brie of Musings Of A Bibliophile – full details here)

Category: Contemporary Romance

Series: No

This is an anthology of two novellas.

The Christmas Wild Bunch by Lindsay McKenna

When pilot Mike Murdoch learns a woman has been sent in to tame his unruly task force, he’s prepared to hate her. But the more he flies with Dallas Klein, the more she gets under his skin… and into his heart. Can their love withstand a dangerous Christmas Day mission?

Major Dallas Klein has gained an impressive and impeccable reputation flying combat helicopters and serving with The Black Jaguar Squadron, an all-female team, stopping Peruvian drug shipments from entering North America. She is now assigned as the Executive Officer to the Nogales Border Patrol Unit, an all-men team, that’s also known as the Wild Bunch for their unruly antics and behaviour. It is hoped that her management style and woman’s touch will bring some semblance of order to this group of smart, gutsy but errant men.

Agent Mike Murdoch takes one look at his new X.O. and his scowl grows deeper. His Commanding Officer’s new weapon. A woman, and a very attractive one at that. As they invariably spend time together, he can’t help being attracted to her … not only is she beautiful, she is also intelligent, capable, warm and had flown drug flights in South America (something that shocks him) … how can he not fall in love with her?

Dallas and Mike’s feelings for each other blossom as they learn more about each other. Their love story is a natural progression - builds through daily interaction, the sharing of thoughts and secrets, and the danger of being wounded while hunting drug smugglers. While I appreciated that they took time to get to know each other before jumping into bed, I thought their love story was a little flat. Nice, but flat. There was no emotional upheaval to wrench my heart or make me truly care for the characters.

There is quite a bit of flying jargon, which clearly shows that the author knew what she was writing. I thought it got a bit in the way of the love story, but then I had no interest in planes and flying.

All in all, this is a pleasant, average read. 3 out of 5

Snowbound With A Prince by Susan Grant

On a humanitarian Christmas drop in Northern Europe, USAF pilot Kat Wallace reunites with Prince Alek, a rebel leader out to restore his people’s freedom. Cut off from the outside world, they join forces to survive…and battle a fiery attraction.

Aleksas Barons, the Crown Prince of Virsland, first met Kat about seven years ago, when he was sent by his ailing father to America to train as a pilot. Kat was one of his trainers. Nicknamed “Hell-Kat”, she was gorgeous, had a big spirit and an even bigger heart. A heart that was big enough to see through his antics and bad behaviour – he wasn’t called the “Playboy” and “Heartbreak Prince” for nothing – she saw his fear of failing, of not living up to expectations. She befriended him, encouraged him, and when he didn’t perform up to par in his tests, she didn’t hesitate to fail him and the USAF sent him packing. On his way home, he remembered everything that Kat ever said to him, for he was already more than a little in love with her.

Alek went home, expecting everything to be the same as before. He arrived in the midst of a military coup, was ambushed, then witnessed his father’s assassination. To the rest of the world, the King and Crown Prince of Virsland died that day.

Six years later, Kat, now a USAF Captain, was to fly humanitarian aid to … Virsland. She had never forgotten that handsome, charming bad-boy prince. She hadn’t forgotten how she was already half in love with him, but couldn’t and didn’t let that love show. Part of her still couldn’t accept that Alek had died. Then she came face to face with the leader of the freedom fighters of Virsland.

I love this story. I truly do. I read it about a month ago, and I still remember it vividly now. This story is only 114 pages long but the author managed to pack enough details – characterization, emotion, back story, ambiance, action – and made this short modern-day fairy tale come alive.

I love Alek and Kat. They are a great couple, each complementing the other. As with other Susan Grant couples, these characters take centre-stage. I love how six years hadn’t dim their love for, and memories of, each other and when they meet again, their love only grows stronger. This is heart-melting stuff.

I absolutely must mention the fictional kingdom of Virsland. The author painted such a beautiful, evocative picture of this place that it brings to mind the real Lapland in Finland.

This quick, fantastic read is a keeper. 4.5 out of 5

Read the author’s write-up and the excerpt of this story here.

*** Shout-out to my friend, K. Thanks very much for sending me this book, otherwise I would’ve missed Susan’s story and that would indeed be a shame.

Musings And Some New Stuff

2009-02-15T01:21:00.016+08:00

I was "talking" to Taja over at her blog about how I'm currently unable to write book commentaries. I sit and stare at both the computer screen and the book, type a few sentences, then stare some more. And I can continue with this ritual for another hour, if I allow myself the luxury. Like I said to Taja, why the heck do I torture myself so? Why do I even have to write book commentaries? Why do I still keep this blog going?

As I grapple with these deep questions, I did discover one thing ... that my crafting creativity doesn't mix with my writing creativity. Nope, they don't like each other. When I start making stuff with my hands, the words stay away. It's as if they are jealous of each other, and I'm caught right in the middle. Oy!

Anyway, I've been rather productive in the crafting department lately. I added these nifty little things to my online shop, and you can view more pics there if you wish. Any wonder why my words ran dry?

click on images for larger views

My Harlequin Romance

2009-02-12T23:35:00.002+08:00

I saw this My Story generator over at Taja's and couldn't resist finding out what my story is going to be. Here it is, in all its dramatic glory that only Harlequin can come up with. LOL

He was a poor, simple boy. She was a wealthy, modest young lady. Though they were worlds apart, their innocent friendship bloomed into a mutual admiration. Then suddenly Jordan was wrenched from Jace's life.

Now, years later, he has returned to Paris, the City of Lights society as an influential adventurer, determined to seek revenge on Jace's father—and Jace herself. But she is no longer the spoiled schoolgirl Jordan remembers. She is a carefree young super successful businesswoman of conviction and faith, raising a son on her own. Now Jordan must look deep into his heart. For only in abandoning his thirst for revenge can he finally become the man most worthy of her love.

Cool or what? LOL

Reading Summary: January 2009

2009-02-05T03:12:00.008+08:00

Recently, I toyed with the idea of posting a Reading Summary for each month. I figured they will help me keep track of the books I’ve read, but the main reason (and a more compelling one) is that I’m not going to post a full-length commentary for each and every book like what I’ve done thus far. (Frankly, I'd rather spend the time reading than writing commentaries!) Full-length commentary will be written for Good-Fantastic-Phenomenal reads only; my take on others will be included in the Monthly Reading Summary. Sounds like a good plan, if I may say so myself. *grin*

Ok, here are the books I’ve read in January, in alphabetical order:

1. A Year In The Merde by Stephen Clarke (4 out of 5)

2. Dark Desires After Dark by Kresley Cole (Did Not Finish)

read info at author’s website

I know many (let’s face it … countless) readers who strongly preferred Cadeon’s story to Conrad’s (#3 on this list). I read Conrad’s first and I liked it very much.

I read this book up to Chapter 5 and didn’t want to continue because (1) it was more of the same in the Immortals After Dark storyline – manic, over-the-top action and characters (2) I was disappointed with the heroine. When I first learnt that she was a human, I looked forward to the story (yay! something different!) … how would she fare against a rage demon and how would their love story pan out? Turned out she was a halfling. Damn.

I’m tired of this series. I quit.

3. Dark Needs At Night’s Edge by Kresley Cole (4 out of 5)

full-length commentary coming soon

4. McKettrick’s Luck by Linda Lael Miller (4 out of 5)

5. Mission: Christmas by Lindsay McKenna & Susan Grant (4 out of 5)

full-length commentary coming soon

6. The Tales Of Beedle The Bard by J. K. Rowling (4.5 out of 5)

7. Veil Of Midnight by Lara Adrian (4 out of 5)

read info at author’s website

I wasn’t going to read this book as Nikolai was unexceptional in the earlier books but Christine’s review and my reading buddy, Mel, stirred my interest and I ended up buying it.

I was pleasantly surprised by Nikolai. Turned out I liked him. Can’t say the same for Renata though. I just wasn’t drawn to her. She was a strong, smart woman … so how come she revealed her Achilles heel to the baddie, who used it to keep her submissive all those years? And a certain rash thing she did … it almost made me toss the book in exasperation.

I like the Midnight Breed storyline so far, and I will definitely read the next book – Andreas’s story – for I like this intriguing character.

8. Veiled Truth by Vivi Anna (4 out of 5)

read info at author’s website

3^rd book in the Valorian Chronicles series and I had high hopes. I liked Lyra in the 2^nd book but she was wishy-washy in this one. Theron was marginally better and I liked him more than Lyra.

This book wrapped up all the mysteries carried forward from the previous two books and loose ends were tied up.

The best thing about this book (and indeed the whole series) is the author’s writing – effortless, evocative, readable, addictive – just simply good story-telling.

9. Winter Kissed by Michele Hauf & Vivi Anna (3 out of 5)

read info at Fantastic Fiction

There are two novellas in this one.

1^st story – A Kiss Of Frost by Michele Hauf – was a strange tale and not a little ridiculous. Look what happened on page 13. It was a bitterly cold winter day, and the heroine traipsed down her driveway clad only in an unzipped hip-length coat, panties and snow boots, and that idiot had the presence of mind to mutter “Freezing”. Heh. Like it would be anything else?! Any surprise that the story went downhill from there? I did skim to the end – trust me, the ending was weird. (2 out of 5)

2^nd story – Ice Bound by Vivi Anna – happily, this one was rather entertaining. Short but packed with relevant details, well-portrayed characters and emotional punch … all these made it a satisfactory read and a testament to the author’s skilful writing. (3.5 out of 5)

That’s it for January.

A Year In The Merde by Stephen Clarke

2009-01-31T15:35:00.013+08:00

ReReading Challenge: January 2009

Category: Fiction

Series: Yes – Book 1 of the Paul West series

Paul West arrives in Paris to start a new job – and finds out what the French are really like.

They do eat a lot of cheese, some of which smells like pigs’ droppings. They don’t wash their armpits with garlic soap. Going on strike really is the second national participation sport after pétanque. And, yes, they do use suppositories.

Less quaint than A Year In Provence, less chocolatey than Chocolat, A Year In The Merde tells you how to get served by the grumpiest Parisian waiter; how to make amour – not war; and how not to buy a house in the French countryside.

First things first. Merde in the title means “shit” in French. I happen to like the title a lot. *grin* I read this book last year, but somehow didn’t write a commentary on it then, so I decided to re-read it for this challenge.

Here’s a little info on the author and what this book’s about:

Stephen Clarke is a British journalist and writer working for a French press group in Paris. A Year In The Merde is an almost-true account of things that may or may not have happened to him in the ten years he has lived in France, depending on who is asking the question.

This is the hilarious story of Paul West, an Englishman, who arrives in Paris to set up some English tea-rooms. (Eh … all those French cafés aren’t enough?) From his very first day at work, Paul’s account of life in France reads pretty much like a comedy of errors. He tells us how everybody kisses just about everybody else; how to watch out for, and avoid, dog-poop that fairly litters the streets of Paris; the best way to get the best apartment; how to order coffee the exact size you want – just to give a few examples.

The author’s writing style is breezy and very readable. I like his humour most of all. He pokes fun at the French and all things French – but not in a vindictive or mean way – and I could enjoy this because of his obvious affection for the French and France which comes through in his words.

I did find some aspects of this story to be blown out of proportion, where the author deliberately magnifies some events (dare I say, stretches the truth) to make them comical. For instance, the perennial dog-poop issue. If you were to believe Paul, you would think you couldn’t walk on the streets of Paris without stepping on those unpleasant stuff. And the women … you would think they would routinely walk around naked in their homes and wouldn’t even bat an eyelid about cheating on their men.

I’ve mostly enjoyed Paul’s story except for his sexcapades. He doesn’t seem very discerning as to who he beds, and his accounts in this area get tedious pretty quickly.

For the humour and writing-style alone, I’d rate this book 5 out of 5. However, the story does get a little boring in the middle, and I did find all the sexual encounters vexing (even though they are not graphically depicted).

4 out of 5. I like it. It’s compelling, a page-turner.

Since I like the author’s humour and writing-style, I want to read another book by him. Not another Paul West’s though (there are three more in this series). I think I will enjoy this one much more, and it's already in the TBR pile. *grin*

What type of blogger am I?

2009-01-29T17:53:00.008+08:00

I saw this cool Typealyzer over at Margot's Joyfully Re tired blog, which is supposed to be able to tell me what type of blogger I am. My interest was piqued, and my fingers involuntarily keyed in my blog URL. Ta-da ... the results. (Click on the images for larger views.)

I have no idea how the Typealyzer churns out these results in a matter of seconds, but I have to say that they are pretty accurate!

If you're going to try this, do share with us what type of blogger you are. *grin*

Gong Xi Fa Cai!

2009-01-25T13:57:00.005+08:00

Today's the eve of Chinese New Year! I can hardly believe how fast one year flies by. Tonight, my family and I will be sitting down for our reunion dinner (and hopefully, I won't forget to bring my camera) as I'd love to share some images of our CNY celebration with you.

Yes, I'm a Chinese, born and bred in Malaysia. Although Christmas is the biggie celebration for my family and I, we also celebrate CNY and the Mid-Autumn Festival ... we grab any excuse to gather together and have a good time. *grin*

As the Year of the Ox is about to make its entrance, I wish all my readers who celebrate CNY A Happy, Healthy And Prosperous Lunar New Year!

Aren't these views gorgeous?

2009-01-25T02:08:00.011+08:00

I've just came back from a trip to the beach that's about 2 hours' drive from the city of Kuala Lumpur. These are some of the views of the man-made lagoon and sea fronting the hotel that I stayed at. Click on the images for larger views.

View from my room on the 10th floor

Just added ... this is the section of the hotel that looks out to
the lagoon and sea. It's a huge, imposing building and I like staying
here for its airiness and space, not to mention the impressive
view of the sea. *wink*

The Tales Of Beedle The Bard by J. K. Rowling

2009-01-21T01:35:00.008+08:00

The Tales of Beedle The Bard contains five richly diverse fairy tales, each with its own magical character, that will variously bring delight, laughter and the thrill of mortal peril.

Additional notes for each story penned by Professor Albus Dumbledore will be enjoyed by Muggles and wizards alike, as the Professor muses on the morals illuminated by the tales, and reveals snippets of information about life at Hogwarts.

A uniquely magical volume, with illustrations by the author, J. K. Rowling, that will be treasured for years to come.

I’ve just finished this collection of wizarding fairy tales, and I must say this Muggle was quite entertained by them. I shall not elaborate on each of the tales (there are five) as there is already a great review written by Ann-Kat, so I’m taking the ~~lazy~~ expedient way by referring you to it.

I’m an unabashed fan of fairy tales. And I liked this collection very much. Each of the story, accompanied by the author’s illustrations, certainly exudes the fairy tale tone and feel. This is my favourite illustration, from my favourite story, The Fountain Of Fair Fortune. (Click on image for larger view.)

I’ve enjoyed Dumbledore’s notes at the end of each story too. They brought back fond memories of the remarkable late headmaster of Hogwarts.

4 out of 5. I liked it. It’s compelling, a page-turner.