Michael's posts with tag: booktuesday
 Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Pub. Date: April 2001 ISBN-13: 9780061020407 Sales Rank: 21,689 400pp Series: Discworld Series Sam Vimes is a man on the run. Yesterday he was a duke, a chief of police and the ambassador to the mysterious fat-rich country of Uberwald. Now he has nothing but his native wit and the gloomy trousers of Uncle Vanya (don't ask). It's snowing. It's freezing. And if he can't make it through the forest to civilisation there's going to be a terrible war. But there are monsters on his trail. They're bright. They're fast. They're werewolves--and they're catching up. Sam Vimes is out of time, out of luck, and already out of breath... Other writers are now mining the rich seam of comic fantasy that Pratchett first unearthed, but what keeps Pratchett on top is--quite literally--the way he tells them. A beloved British author who genre-jumps from humorous fantasy to science fiction to young adult books, Terry Pratchett is perhaps best known for his series of novels set in the fantastical setting of Discworld. I've been reading this for a couple of days and it is great. Politics between different species and strange countries creat funny and dangerous situations. Great book
 So far this is a great book. Of course I love all the stuff Mercedes Lackey writes. This book is a new series that is based on events that occured in her Obsidian Trilogy which takes place 1000 years earlier. The new characters have an interesting and distorted view of their history. The rose colored glasses have hidden what really happened and now someone wants to regain balance to all things. Synopsis New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors Mercedes Lackey and James Mallory first teamed up to write The Obsidian Trilogy, set in a wondrous world filled with magical beings, competing magic systems, and a titanic struggle between good and evil. That world proved so popular with the creators and readers alike that Lackey and Mallory have returned to it with The Phoenix Unchained, Book One of The Enduring Flame, the opening volume of a new epic fantasy trilogy.
After a thousand years of peace, much Magick has faded from the world. The Elves live far from humankind. There are no High Mages, and Wild Mages are seen only rarely. Bisochim, a powerful Wild Mage, is determined to reintroduce Darkness to the world, believing that it is out of Balance.
Tiercel, a young Armethalian nobleman, is convinced that High Magic is not just philosophy. He attempts a spell—and draws the unwelcome attention of Bisochim. Tiercel survives Bisochim’s attack and begins trying to turn himself into a High Mage.
Next in line to be Harbormaster of Armethalieh, Harrier instead finds himself regularly saving Tyr’s life and meeting magickal people and creatures. To Harrier’s dismay, it seems that he must become a hero.
In The Phoenix Unchained, Harrier and Tiercel begin a marvelous journey to uncover their destinies. Along the way, they meet a charming female centaur, several snooty Elves, and the most powerful dragon their world has ever known.
More Reviews and Recommendations Biography Mercedes Lackey and James Mallory have written The Outstretched Shadow, named Best Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror by VOYA; To Light A Candle, a USA Today bestseller; and When Darkness Falls, a New York Times bestseller. Lackey lives in Oklahoma. Mallory lives in New York.
 I just started getting into Witch World. This is a fantastic book in the series that pits a brother and sister against another brother to save their country. Product Details ISBN: 0765345528
ISBN-13: 9780765345523 Format: Mass Market Paperback, 320pp Publisher: Doherty, Tom Associates, LLC Edition Description: Reprint Series: Witch World Chronicles Series From the PublisherDueling Magics Born into a family with magical powers, Aisling is a young witch who fights to protect her homeland of Kars. Unfortunately, the biggest threat to Kars is her older brother, Kirion, who has chosen to use his powers for evil, and years ago forced Aisling into exile. Since AislingâÂÂs departure, Kirion has tightened his hold on Shastro, the Duke of Kars. Through Shastro, KirionâÂÂs dark influence works to subjugate the entire realm. With her younger brother Keelan helping her, Aisling returns, in disguise, to undermine KirionâÂÂs power and defeat the evil duke. But as Aisling gets closer to Shastro, the Duke takes a liking to her, and she finds herself questioning her mission. But when a neighboring clan lays siege to Kars, Aisling and Keelan realize they must act, lest Kirion bring even more death and suffering to Karsâ loyal subjects than he has already caused. Using all the magic, persistence and ingenuity she can summon, Aisling must somehow find a way to avoid the attention of her dangerous older brother, save the people from his murderous sorcery, and return to their Dukedom the peace and prosperity it once knew. A main selection of the Science Fiction Bookclub SynopsisA Magical New Witch World Novel
 http://www.sff.net/people/JodyNye/ A college student trying to get a new library discovers a colony of elves live in the sub basements of the soon to be demolished library. Some very unusual characters interact each other. The elves need to stay hidden and find a way to survive in a world they haven't seen for over 40 years. I found this one at the flea market. I picked it up because I've read her stuff before. This is a fun book that brings up social issues.
 The Barnes & Noble Review
Who says stay-at-home moms can't also be demon-slaying superheroines whose sole mission is to save the innocent of the world from the minions of hell? Kate Connor is just that: a retired demon hunter who is now a full-time housewife and mother struggling to raise two kids -- Allie, a boy-crazed teenager, and a precocious two-year old named Timmy. But when monstrosities from the netherworld begin infiltrating the quiet suburban haven of San Diablo, Connor is forced back into duty -- and God help the demon that interrupts her Pampered Chef party!
In California Demon, the sequel to 2005's Carpe Demon, the Pottery Barn-chic demon hunter uncovers a potentially apocalyptic plot to free some frighteningly powerful demons from their ethereal bonds; and when Allie's life is threatened, Connor must use every weapon in her demon-hunting arsenal to save her daughter's life -- and her soul!
While there is a plethora of outstanding romance/dark fantasy sagas currently being released -- Laurell K. Hamilton's Anita Blake novels, the Sookie Stackhouse series from Charlaine Harris, Kim Harrison's Rachel Morgan sequence, et al. -- Julie Kenner's Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom novels are noteworthy in large part because of the author's wit and incredibly intuitive sense of humor. Lines like "Infiltrating a nest of vampires at dusk might be a tad on the treacherous side, but it's nothing compared to telling a fourteen-year-old that she's not allowed to wear eye shadow" will have readers laughing out loud from the first page to the last. If you've changed a leaky diaper, picked up a spilled sippy cup, or purchased a McDonald's Happy Meal within the last 24 hours, this fast-paced, delightfully irreverent amalgam of romance and dark fantasy is for you. Paul Goat Allen This is a great sequel. Julie has kept up the pace and the story without hurting the characters.
 The Barnes & Noble Review
Who says stay-at-home moms can't also be demon-slaying superheroines whose sole mission is to save the innocent of the world from the minions of hell? Kate Connor is just that: a retired demon hunter who is now a full-time housewife and mother struggling to raise two kids -- Allie, a boy-crazed teenager, and a precocious two-year old named Timmy. But when monstrosities from the netherworld begin infiltrating the quiet suburban haven of San Diablo, Connor is forced back into duty -- and God help the demon that interrupts her Pampered Chef party!
In California Demon, the sequel to 2005's Carpe Demon, the Pottery Barn-chic demon hunter uncovers a potentially apocalyptic plot to free some frighteningly powerful demons from their ethereal bonds; and when Allie's life is threatened, Connor must use every weapon in her demon-hunting arsenal to save her daughter's life -- and her soul!
While there is a plethora of outstanding romance/dark fantasy sagas currently being released -- Laurell K. Hamilton's Anita Blake novels, the Sookie Stackhouse series from Charlaine Harris, Kim Harrison's Rachel Morgan sequence, et al. -- Julie Kenner's Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom novels are noteworthy in large part because of the author's wit and incredibly intuitive sense of humor. Lines like "Infiltrating a nest of vampires at dusk might be a tad on the treacherous side, but it's nothing compared to telling a fourteen-year-old that she's not allowed to wear eye shadow" will have readers laughing out loud from the first page to the last. If you've changed a leaky diaper, picked up a spilled sippy cup, or purchased a McDonald's Happy Meal within the last 24 hours, this fast-paced, delightfully irreverent amalgam of romance and dark fantasy is for you. Paul Goat Allen This is a great sequel. Julie has kept up the pace and the story without hurting the characters.
 Here's what I'm reading this week: Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch This is a look at the comedic side of the end of the world. Basically what would happen if Monty Python was in charge of armageddon. Product Details ISBN: 0060853964
ISBN-13: 9780060853969 Format: Hardcover, 384pp Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Sales Rank: 21,127 From the Publisher According to The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch (the world's only completely accurate book of prophecies, written in 1655, before she exploded), the world will end on a Saturday. Next Saturday, in fact. Just before dinner. So the armies of Good and Evil are amassing, Atlantis is rising, frogs are falling, tempers are flaring. Everything appears to be going according to Divine Plan. Except a somewhat fussy angel and a fast-living demonâÂÂboth of whom have lived amongst Earth's mortals since The Beginning and have grown rather fond of the lifestyleâÂÂare not actually looking forward to the coming Rapture. And someone seems to have misplaced the Antichrist . . .
 I started this book last week. It's from Luna books, part of Harliquin Books. It is a romance novel set in the fantasy world of the 500 Kingdoms. Written by my favorite author Mercedes Lackey. Each novel in the series takes a look at a different fairy tale and puts a different spin on time worn tales. Check out the Witch on Tuesdays for more book ideas every uesday. Product Details ISBN: 0373802668
ISBN-13: 9780373802661 Format: Hardcover, 368pp Publisher: Luna Books Sales Rank: 2,611 Series: Five Hundred Kingdoms Series, #3 From Our EditorsThe Barnes & Noble Review New York TimesâÂÂbestselling author Mercedes Lackey spins a variety of fairy tales -- think The Little Mermaid and old Russian folktales -- into a satisfying romantic fantasy in this third installment in her Five Hundred Kingdoms series. Katya, the youngest daughter of the Sea King, is sent by her father on a spying expedition. It's a perfect assignment for one with the unique ability to transverse both land and water. Once on land, Katya encounters a spectacular battle between two mages, then meets Sasha. He is also of royal birth -- the seventh son -- destined to play the part of the Wise or Fortunate Fool and Songweaver. Their instant affinity and blooming romance is interrupted when Katya's father calls her back on business: Two magical maidens have gone missing from an island. Katya disguises herself and gets kidnapped by the Jinn who is keeping the others prisoner, but it will take all her cleverness and powers, as well as Sasha's magic, to get them out alive. Readers will admire Katya's spirit, and fans of the previous two books -- The Fairy Godmother and One Good Knight -- will welcome the return of the Little Humpback Horse. Ginger Curwen From the PublisherFrom a New York Times best-selling author comes a magical new novel. In the Five Hundred Kingdoms, never believe what your eyes are telling you . . . As the seventh daughter of the Sea King, Ekaterina had a wonderful lifeâÂÂbut also a lot of responsibility. Her special gift for moving around on land made her the perfect emissary from her father to check out interesting happenings on the surface. In short, she became the family spy. On one such reconnaissance mission, she encounters SashaâÂÂthe seventh son of the king of Belrus. Though everyone sees his talent at music, they also consider him a fool. Ekaterina suspects something more powerful lies behind his facade. But before she can find out what, Ekaterina is kidnapped! Carried off by a whirlwind and trapped in a castle with other kidnapped princesses at the mercy of a possessive Jinn, Ekaterina knows her chances of being found are slim. Which means that fortune, a fool and a paper bird are the only things she can count on. Oh, and of course her own clever mind and manipulative abilities . . .
 Star Wars on Trial: Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Debate the Most Popular Science Fiction Films of All Time I just got this on Sunday and I'm on page 88. Interesting idea; a bunch of writers stage a mock trial with Star Wars as the criminal. Various charge about the politics and message of the movies are discussed. Broad generalizations and extreme nit picking on minute details are discussed. Reading this can open your eyes about how writers think through a story. More Book Tuesday can be found here
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