Error message

  • Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type int in element_children() (line 6592 of /home1/montes/public_html/books/includes/common.inc).
  • Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type int in element_children() (line 6592 of /home1/montes/public_html/books/includes/common.inc).
  • Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type int in element_children() (line 6592 of /home1/montes/public_html/books/includes/common.inc).
  • Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type int in element_children() (line 6592 of /home1/montes/public_html/books/includes/common.inc).
  • Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type int in element_children() (line 6592 of /home1/montes/public_html/books/includes/common.inc).
  • Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type int in element_children() (line 6592 of /home1/montes/public_html/books/includes/common.inc).
  • Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type int in element_children() (line 6592 of /home1/montes/public_html/books/includes/common.inc).
  • Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type int in element_children() (line 6592 of /home1/montes/public_html/books/includes/common.inc).
  • Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type int in element_children() (line 6592 of /home1/montes/public_html/books/includes/common.inc).
  • Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type int in element_children() (line 6592 of /home1/montes/public_html/books/includes/common.inc).
  • Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type int in element_children() (line 6592 of /home1/montes/public_html/books/includes/common.inc).
  • Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type int in element_children() (line 6592 of /home1/montes/public_html/books/includes/common.inc).
  • Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type int in element_children() (line 6592 of /home1/montes/public_html/books/includes/common.inc).
  • Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type int in element_children() (line 6592 of /home1/montes/public_html/books/includes/common.inc).
  • Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type int in element_children() (line 6592 of /home1/montes/public_html/books/includes/common.inc).
  • Deprecated function: implode(): Passing glue string after array is deprecated. Swap the parameters in drupal_get_feeds() (line 394 of /home1/montes/public_html/books/includes/common.inc).
  • Deprecated function: The each() function is deprecated. This message will be suppressed on further calls in menu_set_active_trail() (line 2405 of /home1/montes/public_html/books/includes/menu.inc).

http://mcpigpearls.blogspot.com/

Subscribe to http://mcpigpearls.blogspot.com/ feed
Sullivan McPighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15133432350331782496noreply@blogger.comBlogger3555125
Updated: 1 day 12 hours ago

Teaser Tuesdays - The Drowners

Tue, 02/18/2025 - 13:00

 

Last night, I dreamt of a windowless room with pale green walls and blank clock faces without numbers. Where time had vanished, and no doors existed.


(First 2 sentences of The Drowners by David A. Anderson)This is an uncorrected ARC, so text and cover might be different on release: March 17, 2025.
---------
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, previously hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their  TBR Lists if they like your teasers!


Categories: Fantasy Books

Taken by an Immortal Elf - Book Review by Voodoo Bride

Fri, 02/14/2025 - 13:00

 

Taken by an Immortal Elf(Elves Among Us: Forbidden Love #0.5)by L.E. Sunwick
What is it about:My captor sees me as one of those destroying his sacred forest. I see him as the most gorgeous male on earth.So handsome. Those muscles. That athletic self-confidence. He is an immortal elf more than a century older than I. He calls me a lioness because I stand up to my wealthy uncaring parents - and him. Ours is a forbidden attraction. He is an elf of legend. I am a mortal duchess and a human he does not trust. We cannot be together.But I would sacrifice my happiness to save his sacred lands from my parents’ greed. My brief time with him was a lifetime’s worth. If I don’t do something, lives - and our budding love - may be lost. Even the courage and prowess of a hundred real lionesses may not be enough. But for a tiny chance at true love, I am willing to find out.
What did Voodoo Bride think of it:I recently participated in one of those 'Stuff your Kindle' events, and got signed up for tons of newsletters because of it. One of them was the newsletter of L.E. Sunwick. When there was a call for ARC/early readers for a rewritten book 1 in this series I got curious, signed up, and dug through my Kindle app what story of L.E. Sunwick I downloaded. It turned out to be this prequel story, so I decided to immediately give it a try.
And this turned out to be such an enjoyable read, that has several things I can't resist in my romances.
Hunky immortal elf: check!Heroine I liked from the start: check!Forbidden Love: double check!
This is a short story (82 pages), but it feels complete, and has romance, action, steam, and sacrifice. I finished this in no time at all, and you can be sure I'm already looking forward to reading more in this series. Each book can be read as a standalone as well I've been told, so I might check out book 2 soon.
Why should you read it:It's a very enjoyable Fantasy Romance read

Categories: Fantasy Books

On McPig's Radar - A Web of Obsidian

Thu, 02/13/2025 - 13:00

 

A Web of Obsidian(The Obsidian Sisterhood #1)by Lydia M. Hawke
At 69 years old and with two martial arts black belts to her name, Sister Monica Barrett has never been one to back down from a fight. But the one that just landed on the ragged front lawn of the women’s shelter she runs may be more than she’s equipped to handle.
At first glance, the assailant in pursuit of a young woman seems like an all-too-familiar story. But this attacker has powers—he moves with uncanny speed, strikes with brutal accuracy, and isn’t after the woman at all. Instead, he wants what she has: a flat, black stone with a spider’s web embedded in it.
The instant Monica touches the stone, her world is turned upside down. Power surges through her and destroys her adversary—the kind of supernatural power that should belong only to the God she serves. A horrified Monica is determined to rid herself of the stone and whatever it holds, but with more attackers coming after her and the women she shelters, she needs to move fast.
Can Monica find where the stone came from before it falls into the wrong hands? Will it be safe to return it to its rightful place? Or has a nun of a certain age just inadvertently become the keeper of a dark power no human should wield?

Expected publication February 25, 2025
Categories: Fantasy Books

Wolf Games - Book Review by Voodoo Bride (repost + reread)

Wed, 02/12/2025 - 13:00

 

Wolf Games (Granite Lake Wolves #3)by Vivian Arend
What is it about:

After seven years of total denial, Maggie Raynor s body and her inner wolf are in full revolt. Weak and shaky, she literally falls into the very large and capable arms of the Granite Lake Beta, Erik Costanov. The last thing she wants is a mate, particularly when just looking at another wolf scares her to death. And one as big and sexy as Erik? Really bad idea, no matter what her libido says.
Erik expected to meet Maggie in Whitehorse to escort her to the home of her sister, his pack s Omega. Sheer chance puts him in the right place at the right time to catch her, but the realization that hits him with the force of a full body shot is no accident. She s his mate. An even bigger shock? She wants no part of him not until she resolves her issues.
She ll have to work fast, because they re both selected to represent the pack during the premier sporting event for wolves in the north. Not only will she have to work as a team with Erik, she ll have to face down her fear of wolves. Let the Games begin."

What did Voodoo Bride think of it:This is the third story in the Granite Lake Wolves series and so far my favourite! It's got all the thing that I liked in the first two stories and more. Where in the first two stories the romance won out over the action storyline, here it's a perfect balance and the characters are even more defined than in the earlier stories. There's also more interaction with other characters and that makes the world that Arend build even more lifelike. All in all I can't wait for the last story in this series.
Thoughts on rereading:I still love this story the most out of the Granite Lake Wolf series. There's just something about big, strong, but gentle men that I can't resist. And I really like learning about the bigger world that's painted in this story. I'd also forgotten about TJ, who is a really fun character, and gets his own romance in book 4. Time to dig up my print version of book 3 & 4, as the ebook version of book 4 is probably on my old ereader.
Why should you read it:Romance, action and one big, hunky werewolf!


Categories: Fantasy Books

Teaser Tuesdays - The Unseelie Throne

Tue, 02/11/2025 - 13:00

 

“You…you know?”“Not in as many words. He has not said it to me.” She broke off a piece of bread on her plate and fiddled with it idly.


(page 99, The Unseelie Throne by Kathryn Ann Kingsley)
---------
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, previously hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their  TBR Lists if they like your teasers!


Categories: Fantasy Books

A Sorceress Comes to Call - Book Review

Fri, 02/07/2025 - 13:00

 

A Sorceress Comes to Callby T. Kingfisher
What is it about:A dark retelling of the Brothers Grimm's Goose Girl, rife with secrets, murder, and forbidden magic
Cordelia knows her mother is unusual. Their house doesn’t have any doors between rooms, and her mother doesn't allow Cordelia to have a single friend—unless you count Falada, her mother's beautiful white horse. The only time Cordelia feels truly free is on her daily rides with him. But more than simple eccentricity sets her mother apart. Other mothers don’t force their daughters to be silent and motionless for hours, sometimes days, on end. Other mothers aren’t sorcerers.
After a suspicious death in their small town, Cordelia’s mother insists they leave in the middle of the night, riding away on Falada’s sturdy back, leaving behind all Cordelia has ever known. They arrive at the remote country manor of a wealthy older man, the Squire, and his unwed sister, Hester. Cordelia’s mother intends to lure the Squire into marriage, and Cordelia knows this can only be bad news for the bumbling gentleman and his kind, intelligent sister.
Hester sees the way Cordelia shrinks away from her mother, how the young girl sits eerily still at dinner every night. Hester knows that to save her brother from bewitchment and to rescue the terrified Cordelia, she will have to face down a wicked witch of the worst kind.
What did I think of it:I've read several book by T. Kingfisher and loved them all. Still I kept mostly to her more horror-like books, with A Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking the exception. I also had two more of her horror titles in my TBR when I received this book as a present. It had been on my radar (even had it in my greedy trotters when birthday shopping, but decided on another book), and the copy that I got was so pretty, and it had geese on the end-papers! So I immediately moved this to the top of TBR mountain.
And what a gorgeous, beautiful, amazing read!
This is a re-imagining of the faerie tale The Goose Girl. And it certainly has things that I recognize from the faerie tale, but mostly this is so much its own totally amazing story!
You get the story told from a couple of different viewpoints, mainly Cordelia and Hester. 
I really liked Cordelia and felt for her. Her mother is a character I disliked and grew to hate the more I learned. I wanted Cordelia to find happiness. 
I totally loved Hester! In her early 50's she has to deal with people thinking she's old, a bad knee, and her own insecurities. She also used to breed geese! I rooted for her even more than for Cordelia I can tell you.
(Voodoo Bride again wants me to add she really loved one of the male characters, and she says she wants a Richard of her own. Everyone needs someone like him in her opinion.)
There were several really cool other characters, and with how things were going I feared for a lot of them with good reason. This might be a retelling and not a horror story, there were enough bad things happening to keep me on edge.
After finishing this I had to take a breather before picking up my next book as I was still full of this one. You bet this will be reread and treasured! I will pick up one of the other Kingfisher books in my TBR soon.
Why should you read it:It's Absolutely Amazing!

Categories: Fantasy Books

On McPig's Wishlist - Paladin's Grace

Thu, 02/06/2025 - 13:00

 

Paladin's Grace (The Saint of Steel #1)by T. Kingfisher
Stephen's god died on the longest day of the year…
Three years later, Stephen is a broken paladin, living only for the chance to be useful before he dies. But all that changes when he encounters a fugitive named Grace in an alley and witnesses an assassination attempt gone wrong. Now the pair must navigate a web of treachery, beset on all sides by spies and poisoners, while a cryptic killer stalks one step behind…
From the Hugo and Nebula Award winning author of Swordheart and The Twisted Ones comes a saga of murder, magic, and love on the far side of despair.

Categories: Fantasy Books

Party Planning Can Be Murder - Early Book Review

Wed, 02/05/2025 - 13:00

 

Party Planning Can Be Murder: A Party Planner Mysteryby Kerry Schafer/Kerry Anne King
What is it about:Wish List: pick up my pills from the pharmacy, plan my party, be there when I die…
Despite a few harrowing incidents with nervy Bridezillas, Addy Winters’ small town party planning business has been murder free – until now. But then, she’s never before been hired to throw a star-studded after-death party for a client who has their death scheduled on their calendar.
When Leno Masterson—former classmate, now legendary rocker with a flair for drama—turns up dead four days earlier than he’d planned, Addy suspects that someone helped him along. Sure, he left a melodramatic goodbye letter and his right-to-die paperwork is all in order, but even when the coroner rules natural causes, Addy isn’t buying it.
Addy’s family and friends – and Leno’s smolderingly hot brother Owen – warn her that she’s diving in over her head, and they’re right. She’s woefully unprepared for either the media onslaught or the secrets the people she thought she knew are hiding. But nothing is going to stop her from getting justice for Leno – and throwing a killer party while she’s at it.
If you love your mysteries with humor, heart, and a side of romance, this is your next must-read. Perfect for fans of Finlay Donovan and The Thursday Murder Club!
What did I think of it:There are some authors you follow to whatever genre they decide to write next. Kerry Schafer is one of those authors. When she switched from Urban Fantasy & Paranormal Thrillers to Women's Fiction as Kerry Anne King, I followed and loved those books as well. Her next release will be by both pen names and is a Murder Mystery!
You bet I jumped on the chance to be an early/ARC reader and let me tell you I devoured this book!
I was drawn in and emotionally invested from the first chapter. I fell in love with Addy and wanted her to succeed in everything she does. (I also thought some very not nice things about her family, apart from her brother and grandmother.)
I was already enjoying myself very much with this story when Leno turns up dead and the mystery begins. And I can tell you: there's tons of things Addy has to figure out to discover what happened to Leno. I couldn't stop reading: I needed to know who or what caused Leno's death.
The writing (as with every book Kerry has written) is so good in my opinion. There's lots of humorous situations and the writing fits those perfectly.  
Voodoo Bride wants me to mention Owen: according to her Owen was the dreamiest and coolest character in the book. I myself can't say if he is indeed the dreamiest, but he for sure was a character I really didn't want to see ending up as the killer.
I'm not going to spoil the ending of course, but you can bet I want more books in what I hope will become a long series. I'll also grab the print version to hug and reread once this releases next month.
Why should you read it:It's an awesome Mystery read!
Expected publication: March 11, 2025

Categories: Fantasy Books

Teaser Tuesdays - The Spellshop

Tue, 02/04/2025 - 13:00

 

Kiela never thought the flames would reach the library. She was dimly aware that most of the other librarians had fled weeks ago, when the revolutionaries took the palace and defenestrated the emperor in a rather dramatic display.


(page 1, The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst)
---------
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, previously hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their  TBR Lists if they like your teasers!


Categories: Fantasy Books

Wizard of the Pigeons - Book Review

Fri, 01/31/2025 - 13:00

 

Wizard of the Pigeonsby Megan Lindholm/Robin Hobb
What is it about:Seattle: a place as magical as the Emerald City. Subtle magic seeps through the cracks in the paving stones of the sprawling metropolis. But only the inhabitants who possess special gifts are open to the city's consciousness; finding portents in the graffiti, reading messages in the rubbish or listening to warnings in the skipping-rope chants of children.
Wizard is bound to Seattle and her magic. His gift is the Knowing -- a powerful enchantment allowing him to know the truth of things; to hear the life-stories of ancient mummies locked behind glass cabinets, to receive true fortunes from the carnival machines, to reveal to ordinary people the answers to their troubles and to safeguard the city's equilibrium. The magic has its price; Wizard must never have more than a dollar in his pocket, must remain celibate, and he must feed and protect the pigeons.
But a threat to Seattle has begun to emerge in the portents. A malevolent force born of Wizard's forgotten past has returned to prey upon his power and taunt him with images of his obscure history; and he is the only wizard in Seattle who can face the evil and save the city, his friends and himself.
What did I think of it:This is a reread. First time reading it has to be between 2001 and 2009 somewhere. I borrowed it and now finally have my own copy.
And even though I mainly remembered atmosphere and vibes, this is indeed as beautiful a read as I remember. The writing is beautiful and vivid, painting a clear picture of a Seattle full of magic. This is as much an ode to the whimsical history and hidden places of this city (which I hope are all real) as it is a powerful, emotional story about a man who when down on his luck discovers he's a wizard.
I loved Wizard, and I could understand him when things start getting dicey and he stumbles. I will say I had forgotten about one character he encounters, and how super annoying I found this character, but it all fits perfectly. 
It was wonderful to revisit and rediscover this story, and you bet I will reread this again, especially now that I have this beautiful copy of it on my Keeper shelves.
Why should you read it:It's a beautifully written and emotional read.

Categories: Fantasy Books

On McPig's wishlist - Night's Master

Thu, 01/30/2025 - 13:00

  

Night's Master (Flat Earth  #1)by Tanith Lee

A DARK FANTASY CLASSIC: 18 seductive stories inspired by fairy tales, mythology, and the Arabian Nights, starring Azhrarn, Prince of Demons.
“Storytelling at its best and fantasy in its purest and strongest essence”—(SFSite)!
Rediscover master fantasist and World Fantasy Award winner Tanith Lee’s classic dark fantasy series, Tales from the Flat Earth, where demons and gods grant wonders and wreak havoc. Visit the Upperearth, where dwell the gods; the Underearth, the realm of nightmarish demons; the Innerearth, domain of the dead; and the Flat Earth itself, the home of mortals.
Supreme amongst them all is the demon god Azhrarn, Night’s Master, whose deadly whims could change the lives of those in the Flat Earth. Azhrarn holds in his heart a mystery which could alter the very existence of the Flat Earth forever.
Nominated for the World Fantasy Award for Best Novel, the first Flat Earth epic fantasy introduces a fascinating world reminiscent of the Arabian Nights.


Categories: Fantasy Books

The Chaos Weaver - Book Review

Wed, 01/29/2025 - 13:00

 

The Chaos Weaver (The Chaos Chronicles #1)by Aubrey Winters
What is it about:A dragon took my brother.I’m going to get him back.
My entire world changes when a scheme-gone-wrong results in my brother being taken by a dragon.
I’ve followed them into a strange and dangerous world filled with magic and enemies, but its handsome king has promised to help me hone powers I never knew I had.
Can he help me find my brother, or will I lose my heart—and everything I ever knew—in the process?
What did I think of it:So on social media the author was giving people the opportunity to sign up for an Advance Reader Copy. At her mention of necromancy and a mysterious king, I immediately signed up. And I got an ARC!
This is a really cool read!
I loved Everly from the start. She and her twin brother had a bad start in life and are surviving by conning people and stealing. I didn't really like her brother, but to Everly he is the world. So I could understand she follows and wants to do anything to get him back when a dragon drags him off to another world.
I really enjoyed getting to know this other world together with Everly. She immediately lands in trouble, manages to get out of it, to fall in the next mess. At times she is a bit too trusting, but as the world she landed in has very different rules and she's on her own for the first time in her life, I could understand .
And then there's the mysterious king! 
Without giving away too much I can tell you he was my favorite character (although long time blog followers might be fearing for his life now, I know I do). 
The ending although not a complete cliffhanger was exciting, leaving lots of questions, and made me hungry for more!
I might need to get this in print when it releases (ebook releases January 31st, go preorder!), and I already got a book from another series by this author to try soon.
Why should you read it:Necromancy and a Mysterious King!Need I say more?!

Categories: Fantasy Books

Teaser Tuesdays - The Queen's Blade

Tue, 01/28/2025 - 13:00

 


Our realm, splintered and broken, yearned to be united under a single ruler. The Witches may have won and put one of their own on the throne, but even they had suffered.


(page 1, The Queen's Blade by Evelyn Ward)
---------
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, previously hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their  TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
Categories: Fantasy Books

The Teller of Small Fortunes - Book Review

Fri, 01/24/2025 - 13:00

 

The Teller of Small Fortunesby Julie Leong
What is it about:Tao is an immigrant fortune teller, traveling between villages with just her trusty mule for company. She only tells "small" fortunes: whether it will hail next week; which boy the barmaid will kiss; when the cow will calve. She knows from bitter experience that big fortunes come with big consequences…
Even if it’s a lonely life, it’s better than the one she left behind. But a small fortune unexpectedly becomes something more when a (semi) reformed thief and an ex-mercenary recruit her into their desperate search for a lost child. Soon, they’re joined by a baker with a knead for adventure, and—of course—a slightly magical cat.
Tao sets down a new path with companions as big-hearted as her fortunes are small. But as she lowers her walls, the shadows of her past are closing in—and she’ll have to decide whether to risk everything to preserve the family she never thought she could have.
What did I think of it:This is such a good read!
I will confess I fell in love with the cover, and that's why I bought tis book. It turned out to be a Cozy Fantasy: as if your read is giving you a hug by being mostly nice, comforting, and happy.
I loved Tao and the people she meets and befriends. Especially Mash, the ex-mercenary is so awesome (and bearded mostly, although he should stop shaving entirely Voodoo Bride wants me to add).
There are of course some stakes to keep everyone moving, but I never worried, trusting that this book wouldn't disappoint me by suddenly being mean to me. 
All in all a wonderful read, and I immediately bought an extra copy to gift a good friend for her birthday (because nobody gets to borrow mine!).
Why should you read it:Cozy Fantasy! So nice and huggable!

Categories: Fantasy Books

On McPig's Radar - Never the Roses

Thu, 01/23/2025 - 13:00

 

Did I already read this? Yes!
Am I still totally looking forward to getting this beauty in my eager trotters? YES!
Believe me: you want this book! It's utterly amazing and beautiful in and out! 
Go preorder: I totally did.

Never the Rosesby Jennifer K. Lambert
UNSTOPPABLE WAR. UNSPEAKABLE SINS. IMPOSSIBLE LOVE.
Genevieve Gornichec’s The Witch’s Heart meets Madeline Miller’s Circe in this epic and deeply emotional romantic fantasy debut by Jennifer K. Lambert. The hardcover edition features beautiful stenciled edges.
The Dread Sorceress Oneira has retired. She’s exhausted from fighting the endless wars of kings and queens, and has long accepted that her death is near. Alone at last but for a few uninvited companions―a near-mythical wolf, a goddess’s avatar, and a feline that embodies magic itself―Oneira realizes that she’s bored. On a whim, or perhaps at the behest of fate, she makes an unlikely trip to the most extensive library in existence: the home of her most powerful rival, the sorcerer Stearanos.
By recklessly stealing a book from him, Oneira inadvertently initiates a forbidden correspondence. Taunting notes and clever retorts reveal a connection neither has found―nor could ever find―in any other.
But Oneira soon learns that Stearanos, bound to a vile king, is tasked with waging war on the queen she once served. A relationship with him is far too dangerous to pursue despite their mutual desire―and yet, Oneira can’t seem to stay away.
A bond with Stearanos could alight the long-extinct flame of life within her… or it could destroy her entirely.

Expected publication July 8, 2025

Categories: Fantasy Books

Teaser Tuesdays - Wizard of the Pigeons

Tue, 01/21/2025 - 13:00

 

This is a reread. First time reading it has to be between 2001 and 2009 somewhere. I borrowed it and now finally have my own copy.I mostly remember atmosphere, vibes, and that I loved it. Starts out promising, the writing is so good!

He swallowed queasily. The footlocker seemed to swell to fill his room, muttering its ugly secrets to itself.


(page 35, Wizard of the Pigeons by Megan Lindholm/Robin Hobb)
---------
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, previously hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their  TBR Lists if they like your teasers!


Categories: Fantasy Books

Locked Out - Book Review

Fri, 01/17/2025 - 13:00

 

Locked Out (Zombie Bedtime Stories #2)by Thea Isis Gregory
What is it about:Doctor Anna Lewis administrates a team of researchers who find their facility co-opted by the military, with a very special project. They're charged with looking for a medical cause to the sudden outbreak of violence and riots in the capital, which have begun spreading to neighboring cities. They must struggle to assimilate new equipment and talent, while searching for a scientific explanation.

What they discover challenges their sense of ethics, and draws them together while simultaneously tearing them apart. As the unrelenting enemy draws closer, their research is superseded by the need to survive long enough to report their chilling discoveries to the world.
What did I think of it:This second story in this zombie series is a bit longer at 51 pages and just as cool as the first one.
Told from the perspective of a scientist who gets roped in to find out what's going on, it's engaging and suspenseful. I really liked Anna and rooted for her and for the army major who has been send to oversee her lab and the research.
It soon is clear things are bad and maybe getting close too quickly. Some things I could see coming, but this short story did have some surprises hidden in its 51 pages. 
You bet I'll be reading the next one soon.
Why should you read it:Zombie Goodness!


Categories: Fantasy Books

On McPig's Wishlist - The Farmhouse

Thu, 01/16/2025 - 13:00

 

The Farmhouseby Chelsea Conradt
Every woman who has lived on this farm has died. Emily just moved in. 
When Emily Hauk's mother dies, it's time for her and her husband, Josh, to finally leave San Francisco. A farm in rural Nebraska is everything they want for a fresh clear skies, low costs, and distance from the grief back home. 
They should have asked why the farm was for sale. 
Three years ago, a teenage girl went missing from the farm. Soon after, the girl's mother mysteriously died. The deeper Emily digs, the more stories she finds of women with a connection to her new home who've met their own dark ends.
The farmhouse was meant to be Emily's fresh start, but with each passing day, her sanctuary slips further away. The barn seems to move throughout her property, as though chasing her. Her mother's favorite music drifts across the corn. She swears she saw blood in one of the farmhand's trucks. And the screams that wake her are not foxes, no matter how many times her husband says otherwise.
Despite Josh's skepticism, Emily feels the darkness that has seeped into the soil of her farm. And if she wants to claim this place as her own, she'll have to find the truth before whatever watches from the cornfield takes her too.

Expected publication June 17, 2025

Categories: Fantasy Books

Locked In - Book Review

Wed, 01/15/2025 - 13:00

 

Locked In (Zombie Bedtime Stories #1)by Thea Isis Gregory
What is it about:Haley is enjoying her new job as a paramedic on a beautiful summer’s day. Not even her dour and sullen partner, Frank, can deflate her enthusiasm for life. Responding to a routine call near her former high school, she is excited to see her old hang-out spot, the park. On arrival, something is clearly wrong, and Haley is attacked by one of her old friends. Soon, she begins to experience disturbing changes in her personality and food preferences, until she wakes up a zombie. Her consciousness is suspended in a body that she can't control, and she needs to find a way to escape.
What did I think of it:I'm always on the lookout for a good zombie story, so when I encountered the author on Social Media and she mentioned zombies I immediately got hold of her Zombie Bedtime Stories series and read the first book as it's only 18 pages.
And what a cool read!
It's told from the perspective of someone who has been infected and it's so well done! I was immediately hooked and wondering how this could and would end. Those 18 pages flew by. I was very glad I immediately got the whole series of short stories, because this one tastes like more!
You bet you can expect a review of the secons book real soon!
Why should you read it:This is an amazing zombie read! 

Categories: Fantasy Books

Teaser Tuesdays - The Teller of Small Fortunes

Tue, 01/14/2025 - 13:00

I'm still reading this one. So far this is a really fun read, but I got stuck somewhere without physical book, so started on an e-book and read that first before continuing with this book.



But here with two unwanted escorts of dubious reputation, it had become something loud and unfamiliar. But not, thought Tao as their small party clanked on, entirely unpleasant.


(page 38 The Teller of Small Fortunes by Julie Leong)
---------
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, previously hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their  TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
Categories: Fantasy Books

Pages

Recent comments