6 New Covers (deLaney, Grant, Keaton, Knight, Marr)

[REVIEW] Reaper – Rachel Vincent

Rachel Vincent
Reaper (Soul Screamers) [prequel novella]
Harlequin Teen (US: 1st December 2010)
Buy (US)

Like most Soul Screamers fans, my favourite character is Tod Hudson. This novella provides back-story, and best showcases the reaper’s humour. His brother, Nash, is bloody annoying, but on the bright side we get reacquainted with Tod’s boss, Levi, whom I’d forgot.

Probably not the best starting point for readers new to the series, Reaper confirms Tod’s awesomeness. Also, a casual mention has sparked my imagination: “…the coroner was one of our reanimators.” I would LOVE to read about them in this series, so fingers crossed the author plans to write about them!

[REVIEW] Like Clockwork – Bonnie Dee

Bonnie Dee
Like Clockwork [novella]
Harlequin Carina Press (US: 13th December 2010) [eBook]
Buy (US)

A serial killer, automatons, and a potential uprising in a steampunk novella – what’s not to like? But the murderer’s motive feels a bit half-arsed, and the uprising doesn’t really explode on the page like it should. The rich woman/poor man relationship is enjoyable until the completely unnecessary epilogue, which thus seems rather gratuitous. Otherwise, the story doesn’t overextend its stay, and is a great way to fill an evening.

[REVIEW] Exit Light – Megan Hart

Megan Hart
Exit Light
Harlequin Carina Press (US: 7th June 2010) [eBook]
Buy (US) Buy (UK)

Okay, so the protagonist’s friend’s obsession with a TV show and its lead actor is rather grating, and it’s what holds back this book from being a five-star read. But you must read this – it’s bloody good!

Megan Hart has crafted a beautiful novel, a heart-breaker that’s so realistic it hurts. Normally books about dream worlds don’t interest me, but psychology is a major part of Ephemeros and what makes it so intriguing. Tovah Connelly is a likeable character with very real-world problems, but the eight-year-old boy’s story will make you cry. A unique, mature, and graceful tale, Exit Light deserves your reading.

[REVIEW] Wired – Liz Maverick

Liz Maverick
Wired (Wired, Book 1)
Dorchester (US: 3rd July 2007; 1st March 2011 [re-release])
Buy (US) Buy (UK) Buy (CA) Buy (Worldwide)

Time-travel, alternate realities, wire splices…you don’t have to understand any of these things in order to enjoy Wired. I still don’t get all the little details, but it’s nonetheless a cracking good read, sparking with intrigue plus an unexpected emotional hard-hit. Generally speaking, escapist fiction doesn’t tend to have heroines with psychological disorders, so L. Roxanne Zaborovsky is surprisingly relatable. She loves spy pop culture, but living the espionage life isn’t as glamorous as she hoped. Still, she takes to it rather easily, and that she remembers previous reality splices is rather “speshul snowflake”, but the novel is as entertaining as it is incongruous. The banter between Roxy and Kitty is fun, and their Girls’ Own adventure in the future is a delight. I love the way Liz Maverick’s weird and wacky creativity works!

December 2010 Releases

Done with November 2010 Releases? Here are December 2010 Releases. To see further into the future, check Reading Wishlist.

[REVIEW] Hunger – Jackie Morse Kessler

Jackie Morse Kessler
Hunger (Horsemen of the Apocalypse, Book 1)
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Graphia (US: 18th October 2010)
Buy (US) Buy (UK) Buy (CA) Buy (Worldwide)

Knowing the novel tackles the issue of eating disorders, you’d expect to be in tears within the first three chapters. Instead, Jackie Morse Kessler thankfully makes her heroine sassy rather than emo. Lisabeth Lewis is still very much damaged goods who doesn’t know her own strength, but when she accepts her power, she uses it for good instead of evil. But before she seeks help to become a healthier, happier person, she must face Death, Pestilence, and War.

It’s not an easy read at times, and it must’ve hurt a lot to write, but this could be the book that saves readers from themselves. Lisa’s denial and bitchy treatment toward those who care for her are bloody annoying, but they’re necessary for her character arc – and all too frequently an unfortunate part of addiction and other disorders.

But with Lisa’s trusty steed by her side, she can’t fail. We all could do with a Midnight of our own.

I read this in one sitting via NetGalley on my computer, and I rarely make the effort to do that. Hunger is worth it, and is one of 2010′s finest releases. Not just for teens and those with food issues, it’s a story with depth I won’t soon forget. Though I am craving pralines.

[REVIEW] Mercy – Rebecca Lim

Rebecca Lim
Mercy (Mercy, Book 1)
HarperCollins Children’s (UK: 28th October 2010; AU: 1st November 2010; CA: 8th November 2010)
Buy (US) Buy (UK) Buy (CA)

The only suburbs included in this book are fictional (as far as I know), and there’s no reference to country, state or whatnot. The author is based in Melbourne, by the way. But because the series has already sold to the US, UK and Canada – as well as Australia – the story feels like it could be set anywhere. And that’s not a good thing. I need certainty! Not vagueness in order to appeal to all countries equally! Internationals aren’t put off by Australian novels, right?

But enough of that particular rant…

We need to talk about marketing – particularly mismarketing. The publisher seems to be targeting fans of Becca Fitzpatrick’s Nora Grey series, but this book is really best matched to readers of Kim Wilkins’ Gina Champion series. Remember that one, or am I being esoteric? Anyhoo, the summary (Australian edition) refers to “angels, mystery and romance”. Well, the middle one is correct. I don’t think angels are ever specifically mentioned in the novel, but we know what Mercy is. As for the romance…maybe that develops over the series (three or four books), but doesn’t really feature here, except for mentioning how good-looking some characters are. That’s not romance – that’s angel horniness. Splitting hairs, eh?

As for the “host of angels out for Mercy’s blood”, they’re very minor here. Really, the antagonist is human, I’m pretty sure. So what is the story about? A missing girl, petty bitchiness between choir members, and singing.

Oh, and Mercy glows in the dark. Just thought you should know.

But for all my ranting, Mercy is actually rather readable. It’s a short, fast trip with little-to-no character development for our narrator, but is still a fun little venture. The publisher may be pushing it as “major”, but the story’s really quite laid back.

4 New Covers (Metcalf, Mitchell, Rowen & Saintcrow)

Behind the cut.

[REVIEW] Bones of Faerie – Janni Lee Simner

Janni Lee Simner
Bones of Faerie
Random House (US & CA: 26th January 2010; AU: 1st December 2010)
Buy (US) Buy (UK) Buy (CA) Buy (Worldwide)

On my wishlist or not. Three stars or four stars. Bones of Faerie still has me in a state of indecision, but it has some cracking good ideas with interesting execution. Downright spooky at times, this story doesn’t feel quite complete – there’s more to be said about the effects of war and prejudice – and the lyrical prose may leave readers feeling a little distanced, but the refreshing lack of romance makes the story all the more focused for a tight, taught experience.