08.07.11
LAST 5 GOODREADS BOOK REVIEWS
Just figured out that Goodreads has a convenient “cut and paste review” feature for blogs, so thought I would post the last 5 books I’ve reviewed from there here!
The Wise Man’s Fear by Patrick Rothfuss
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
FINALLY!!
How much can I rave about these books? The storytelling is so engrossing, the worldbuilding super immersive, and the characters pull all the stellar elements together in a series that truly defines epic fantasy. You want to KNOW these characters, you want to see them interact, and you definitely want to go on a journey with them.
After reading a lot of paperback UF novels, I felt so pleased that this book provided what felt like 4 books-worth of story and development and wonderfulness for the price. If you are a fantasy fan and haven’t read this series, please try it, because you will LOVE IT.
The Dark Enquiry by Deanna Raybourn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Well I have a HUGE soft spot for this series. The last book was a TAD off for me, but very excited that this one took it back to awesomeville. In fact, it might be my favorite since the first two! I am absolutely in love with Lady Julia and her point of view. The writing is so impeccable, it really sets the Victorian tone, but at the same time we enjoy the POV of a modern, liberated woman. Most people try to shove modern sensibilities into history and make it WHOLLY unbelievable, but with these characters I really to buy into it. Love love the subtle humor.
The mystery in this installment is really intriguing, I was offguard a lot of the time following the plot and was immersed in the crime solving throughout. I loved Brisbane in this, I felt like his mysterious affliction is a bit weird but author sold it and I was VERY invested in the relationship now that they’re together. The romance was subtle, no R rated scenes, but very well done. I root for them as a couple, for sure, which is rare after you get them together.
The ending twist was sad, I kinda wish that hadn’t happened, but oh well, can’t wait for the next!!
Spectyr by Philippa Ballantine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoy this author’s work! She’s pretty much on my must-buy list for well-done, light fantasy with a bit of romance that’s not too smutty (like Ilona Andrews). For those of you unfamiliar with the series, it’s sort of urban-fantasy-chick in a fantasy/slight-steampunk world with magic. Very cool combo. I think this series took a step up in world-building with this second episode, I was definitely interested in all the new stuff we learned through Merrick in particular. I enjoyed seeing Sorcha and Raed’s conflict/romance continue, I just love them together! Only criticism is that it felt short, I feel like I wanted more plot to happen with the Grand Duchess, and the end twist? But really, it was fun and I can’t wait for the next one!
Flirting With Danger by Suzanne Enoch
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I feel like the author is a good writer and I was compelled to buy the second book in the series to check it out, but it was a little light for my tastes, more chick-lit than I usually read, but still enjoyable.
It’s definitely total mind candy of the UBER kind, just like shamelessly reading the Bachelorette, which is not TERRIBLE, right? 
The problem is that this series suffers from comparison to Nora Roberts’ In Death series (which, especially the first 3, are some of my ABSOLUTELY faves). We have a sexy billionaire with washboard abs and a cat burglar here, compared to a sexy billionaire and a cop in In Death. I mean, let’s be honest, most billionaires are too busy doing their own thing to work out and look like a soccer player, for realz GUYS!
I did enjoy the detail of the break-in cat burglar stuff, the main character was a bit too much of being perfect and having every thing in the world drop in her lap perfectly. It just…well, it’s a light version of In Death. Basically I believe that Eve and Roarke exist in my head because for some reason the author makes it plausible, however ridiculous it is on paper, and I just had a hard time believing this one.
THAT SAID I think the author did the romance really well, and her writing is strong, and I read the second one just because I was interested in where it was going. I see she does a LOT of historical romance, which I LOVE, so I think I’m gonna try her out on that end, I anticipate great victory!
Don’t Look Down by Suzanne Enoch
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I can’t deny staying up SUPER late reading this and the previous book, it was really addictively page-turning brain candy, although I’m a bit mad at myself for it, haha. I got a bit annoyed that WAY too many times the main character was enjoying riding around in a Bentley, because I get annoyed at glamorizing rich people and their stuff. I did thing the emotional depth was way better in this installment from the first, and I liked where the relationship was going (but can we drop the whole romance trope of an unearthly amazing guy basically dropping everything in his life INCLUDING HIS BILLIONAIRE BUSINESS to chase after a lady? Oh, and then she wants her “freedom” and he struggles with it but ends up giving her everything she wants and then some, including amazing sex all the time and sinewy muscles. Oh and Bentleys. UGH.) I will pick up the next one prolly down the line, because the chemistry between the characters is really good.
The mystery was well put together, and I liked the bitchy rich wife, and I’m definitely thinking people might really like these books if you like the lighter chick-lit-y mystery/urban fantasy-type stuff. It’s just not normally my thing. In fact, I’m going to read a hard Sci-Fi book where people get blown up and don’t drive Bentleys.
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Goodreads also connects to Twitter with your individual reviews…. goodness I love that site.
Definitely going to check out the Rothfuss and Raybourn books – I’m always on the lookout for new series to indulge in. Goodreads is such a great way to become aware of what’s out there, I really should make an effort to use it more!
One quick question though (ergh, I feel like such a newbie to have to ask) – what is UF?
I trust Felicia’s reviews. She recommended the Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris and I absolutely loved them! I am especially interested in giving the Rothfuss book a try. Thanks Felicia!
By the way Renate, I believe “UF” refers to Urban Fantasy.
Oh, of course! Thanks so much, Gina.
A guilty Safeway novel every now and then is fun, but you need to broaden your horizons!
My horizons are pretty broad, check all my shelves out
Out of 754 novels, I have yet to locate one without a spaceship, wizard, vampire, or unlaced corset.
(I am a jerk)
I’m puzzled, you say that like it’s a bad thing…what more can you possibly want from books?
I concur with Philip
I can’t express enough joy that you love Nora’s aka JD Robb In Death series. I’m always trying to pimp it but as I’m not graced with the words, I don’t do the series justice. I have all of Nora’s books, save for approx 5 of her REALLY early ones, and I am constantly rereading any and all of the In Deaths.
I’m with you…Eve and Roarke exist in my head as well. When I read all books, I tend to go very visual in my head and it plays out while I’m reading. Sometimes the characters will look like celebs, sometimes they won’t. I will say, Eve and Roarke? NOT celebs.
September and October bring us new In Death stories. Jazzed!
I heartily second the recommendation for Patrick Rothfuss’ book. It’s one of those rare 1000 page books that you zing through, and in the back of your mind is that Oliver voice saying “please, sir, may I have some more?”.
I need to get Wise Man’s Fear, but $$ is tight. I may have to wait till it comes out in paperback. Pleased to know that you like it, Felicia, as well as some of the commenters.
I picked up Whedonistas at a con in Omaha a few weeks ago. I liked the book, but not as much as Chicks Dig Time Lords. I’m curious if you’ve seen it, Felicia, and have any comments about it.
I never heard of Patrick Rothfuss until you mentioned him in one of your tweets, amazing book, great read worth every cent, deep characters that draw you in, a story that is awesome, so again thank you Felicia for the heads up.
A book that I promise you will enjoy, that is in my view as good as Rothfuss is a book by Scotch Lynch call the “Lies of Locke Lamora.” A very well written book, very enjoyable characters, amazing story, and I assure you, one can’t but help get drawn in by the characters. I have read hundreds of Sci-fi & fantasy books, this is one of the few of a fantasy series I have read that truly got me emotionally tied in with its characters, so allow me to return the favor of a suggestion, and pay back your good kindness with my heads up to you about a book. ** A polite bow, exit stage left**
Have you read Terry Pratchett’s books? They seem like the type of books you’d like and they’re pretty durn awesome. Also, have you read any David Eddings? He wrote a while ago, but he was excellent. His first series, at least. He was my introduction into fantasy fiction. If you do take a look at his books, read the first series before any of his others. The Belgariad was his absolute best series. Characters are awesome. The world is so detailed. The plot is complex. Totally great.
Hmm, trying to think of any others. As far as sci-fi goes, have you read any of Heinlein’s books? Some of his later stuff isn’t that great, but his early stuff is awesome. One of the best sci-fi writers out there in his day.
I’m sure there are plenty of other great ones that I just can’t remember right now. :-/
And now my sci-fi/fantasy nerd rant ends.
Couldn’t help but read your comments, David Eddings is a fun writer, who can’t but remember “Silk” the bad ass rogue/assassin, his best work was in my view the series you mentioned, his other work (the later books) wasn’t as strong as The Belgariad.
Robert Heinlein a classic writer of course Star Ship Troopers comes to mind, if you like space military writers, might I suggest to you the Honor Harrington series, first four books are strongest in the series, also he has another two (or is it three) book series he co-wrote with Steve White called “In Deaths Ground” a series inspired by Heinlein, a very intense novel of a huge galactic war against Humans and hive-like species, the writing is bang on and the fight is brutal, no one is pulling punches, a great read.
Silk is my favorite book character. No other character in any book I’ve read has had as much personality as him. Absolute all-time favorite character.
I’ll definitely have to check those others by Heinlein. Thanks for the suggestion!
And now I’m remembering some more. Anne McCafferey, Mercedes Lackey, Larry Niven, Kevin J Anderson. Gosh, I wish I had a better memory. Also, not a famous guy, but R. L. Copple. He tends to write for a younger audience, so it’s not at an adult reading level, but it’s good.
After reading your book reviews, I’m wondering if you do any writing yourself?
Great. I already have spool many books to read and here you are adding to the list! Seriously though, love ya. TY for the recommendations.
Cheers
That should have read as “so many”… Got some pudgy digits. Lol.
Surely you are a fan of the Inheritance series? If not, a recommendation for a recommendation–read it! =)
Since we are all recommending books, here are a few cool books series to read that guarantee to please:
Series by Joe Abercrombie, Before They are hanged: The First Law, Last Argument of Kings, etc.. this is a talented writer who rocks, his books are written very well.
Elizabeth Moon: Paksenarrion Series, A story that follows the life of a very cool female Paladin, the series is a moving, richly laid out epic, this is a fantasy classic.
Memoirs of a Geisha, I try to branch out and read all types of books, the story, the writing in this book is awesome, this book has been out for a bit..but if you haven’t had a chance to read it..please pick it up, the author is a skilled writer. (This book is not a series but a one off)
Don’t want to hog too much space, I hope some one takes a chance to read any of the suggested books, I also hope I can come back here to see more recommendation from people here, a damn good book is treasure when found
I have to buy the Rothfuss in hard copy because the boys will want to read it, too, but I will check out the rest on my kindle…gotta love ebooks.
If we’re all recommending books, then I suggest Tom Holt. His general theme is “magic meets the real world”. His work is mostly comic fantasy with a touch of romance. I strongly suggest starting with The Portable Door.
Patrick Rothfuss rules, I just finished that one myself. Best fantasy novel I’ve read in AGES.
I just finished “Divergent” from Veronica Roth. It is a great book, I recommend it highly. I checked your Goodreads shelves, and I did not see it. It is a YA on the same level as Hunger Games. She is working on the second book now, but I read it the book in about 4 hours, because I just could not put it down.
Hello Felicia…I just met you last night in the Hyatt coffee shop where we discussed microwaves, manager pimping sex and existentialism wrapped around the River Kwai. Popcorn and chocoalte remember. Well hope to see you around Chicago comic con wizard world. I understand now…
Hey Felicia, I really hope you get to check out Ernie Clines stand at Chicago CC, get a copy of his Ready Player One book, you’ll love it I promise
Hi Felicia, I was wondering what your favorite type of genre is for novels? I also agree with Austin F about the Inheritance Novels, great series of books!
Okay so I just started reading Dark Enquiry and while I’m REALLY enjoying it, I feel like I prolly should’ve started ta the beginning of the series because…uh..DUH. I am so dumb sometimes.
AT. Not TA.
Anyway. I HATE TYPING.
Thanks a lot for this, I was searching around trying to decide what the next book I’m going to read is, and I’ve decided I will take your advice from the review of The Wise Man’s Fear and read the first book in the series.
Patrick Rothfuss’s series is the best I’ve read in a long while. Thanks for the pointer!
Hey Felicia, It looks like links don’t work on twitter, so we’re giving you a link to our remix on here. dft.ba/-tetrisremix
Man, some days the internet just seems SO awesome. Sorry for the mindless comment but as an urban fantasy author I think it’s great that so many people enjoy the genre and use so many different tools to find new works. Felicia, you’re a powerhouse like Oprah in this field.
Spectyr actually sounds really promising, I might have to look into it. Steampunk is always interesting, when it’s done right.
I don’t know if you even read these comments or not, but I’m curious if you ever read young adult fantasy. Rick Riordan is really talented, and I thoroughly enjoy his work. Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The lightning Thief was based on one of his books (though, as is usually the case, I thought the book was better), and he actually created a full 5-book series out of it.
Also, I took a quick look at your goodreads profile, and it’s good to see another person that has enjoyed Elizabeth Haydon and older David Eddings.
that’s nice.thanks for sharing.
Hey, just reading through some old posts and I especially like this one. Sorry I’m so late =0)
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I love your book reviews/recommendations (excellent taste). Please keep them coming! A while ago, I watched one of your flog videos and started the weather warden series. Love it and only have the last two books to go, which I’m saving for this weekend. In search of the next awesome series and welcome the ones you’ve posted! Thanks!