Review : Dark Prince by Christine Feehan

Title : Dark Prince Author : Christine Feehan Reading Dates : 22 Sep - 2 Oct 2010
Dark Series
This is the first book in the series. You can see the series reading order on the author's website : Dark Series Reading Order
From Amazon :
Prince of the Night. He came to her in the night, a predator - strength and power chiseled his features. The seduction was deep and elemental; he affected her soul. She craved the dangerous force of his body - and he had only touched her with his mind. Lady of the Light. She came to him at dawn, his bleakest hour. As the beast raged inside him, threatening to consume him, he vented his centuries-old despair and she answered, a ray of light, piercing his darkness.

Book Review of Dark Prince.
Dark Prince was another book I couldn't get into.

Not because of the writing which was very beautiful especially in describing the Carpathians' shape-shifting abilities and their bond to the world around them. But unfortunately this was the only part of the book that I enjoyed.

There were no surprises in the plot or the Carpathian's talents. While I might have overlooked that, my dislike of the main protagonists and the relationship they shared overrode everything.

Raven and Mikhail are supposed to be an equally strong couple but I felt that their relationship was too unequal. Most of the time, it feels as if Raven is the one who must give way when their wishes or needs collide. Mikhail will tolerate Raven's needs if he can. And if he cannot, he simply does it his way and Raven forgives him later.

Besides this, Raven's irritating habit of getting into trouble through her impulsiveness reminds me too much of some of the rather idiotic heroines I sometimes come across. The ones that are supposed to be spunky, but who just end up getting into situations where they need to be rescued constantly.

My conclusion : Paranormal romance fans who like or don't mind extremely alpha male protagonists might like this.

Read another review on the book by :

• Geeky Blogger's Book Blog
• Supernatural Bookworm

Science Fiction Challenge II

The Science Fiction Challenge II is hosted by Stage and Canvas. The guidelines are as described below :

Timeline : 28 August 2010 - 8 August 2011.

1. Sign up for the challenge at the challenge post.
2. You do NOT need a blog to participate.
3. Read 4 or 8 science fiction books (or audio books). Some suggestions are posted on the challenge post.
4. Overlaps with other challenges are fine.
5. To learn more, go to the challenge post.

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Wrap-Up :

The books I read for the challenge are :

1. Lewis, Jon: Invasion (Review)
2. Preston, LM: ARC of Bandits (Review)
3. Preston, LM: The Pack (Review)
4. Preston, LM: Explorer X-Alpha (Review)

My favourite read of the 4 is :

On My Wishlist #9

On My Wishlist is a weekly meme hosted at Book Chick City.

Do you have any books that you desperately want but haven't bought yet? The books can be old, new or forthcoming.

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Books I've added to my wish list in October:

From Amazon:

Not even death can save her now. As a grave witch, Alex Craft can speak to the dead-she's even on good terms with Death himself. As a consultant for the police, she's seen a lot of dark magic, but nothing has prepared her for her latest case. When she's raising a "shade" involved in a high profile murder, it attacks her, and then someone makes an attempt on her life. Someone really doesn't want her to know what the dead have to say, and she'll have to work with mysterious homicide detective Falin Andrews to figure out why...

From Amazon:

First in an all-new series where seductive danger and steampunk adventure abound in the gritty world of the Iron Seas. After the Iron Duke freed England from Horde control, he instantly became a national hero. Now Rhys Trahaearn has built a merchant empire on the power-and fear-of his name. And when a dead body is dropped from an airship onto his doorstep, bringing Detective Inspector Mina Wentworth into his dangerous world, he intends to make her his next possession. But when Mina uncovers the victim's identity, she stumbles upon a conspiracy that threatens the lives of everyone in England. To save them, Mina and Rhys must race across zombie-infested wastelands and treacherous oceans-and Mina discovers the danger is not only to her countrymen, as she finds herself tempted to give up everything to the Iron Duke.

Review : A Quick Bite by Lynsay Sands

Title : A Quick Bite Author : Lynsay Sands Reading Dates : 12 Sep - 21 Sep 2010
Argeneau Vampires
A Quick Bite is the first book in the Argeneau series. You can check out the reading order from the author's website : Lynsay Sands - Argeneau series
From Amazon :
That hot guy tied to Lissianna Argeneau's bed? He's not dessert—he's the main course! Lissianna has been spending her centuries pining for Mr. Right, not just a quick snack, and this sexy guy she finds in her bed looks like he might be a candidate. But there's another, more pressing issue: her tendency to faint at the sight of blood . . . an especially annoying quirk for a vampire. Of course it doesn't hurt that this man has a delicious-looking neck. What kind of cold-blooded vampire woman could resist a bite of that? Dr. Gregory Hewitt recovers from the shock of waking up in a stranger's bedroom pretty quickly—once he sees a gorgeous woman about to treat him to a wild night of passion. But is it possible for the good doctor to find true love with a vampire vixen, or will he be just a good meal? That's a question Dr. Greg might be willing to sink his teeth into . . . if he can just get Lissianna to bite.

Book Review of A Quick Bite.
I liked A Quick Bite the first time I read it but unfortunately the story wasn’t as interesting during this re-read.

One of the reasons for this is because I found it hard to believe that the heroine did not realize that her vampire identity might have been compromised. There were so many obvious clues that someone was after her life, all using classic anti-vampire weapons, yet she never had any idea that something was up until the end.

The other reason was the explanation for vampirism in the story. It somehow took away the paranormal element of these creatures of the night and made them seem rather normal. While this is intentional, I just could not get into the idea of vampires being no different than mortals.

Overall, the only part of the story that I enjoyed were the characters. The Argeneaus are an intriguing bunch and their loyalty to each other very sweet. It was certainly fun to watch how each of them tries to help Lissianna.

My conclusion : Borrow this for some light reading. While I enjoyed the book, I do not have a strong urge to re-read it or pick up the next book.

Read another review on the book by :

• Escape Between the Pages

Review : Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

Title : Beautiful Creatures Author : Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl Reading Dates : 10 Sep - 12 Sep 2010
Caster Chronicles
The books in the series so far: Beautiful Creatures Beautiful Darkness
From goodreads :
Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she’s struggling to conceal her power and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps, and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever. Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town’s oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them. In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything.

Book Review of Beautiful Creatures.
My initial disappointment was because I had rather unreasonable expectations after all I’d heard about the book. However once I let go of my expectations, I found myself enjoying it.

The first thing I liked about the story was how Ethan and Lena’s relationship progress. Their dreams might have drawn them together but it is the time they spend together talking and trying to understand each other which matters. This is infinitely better than if they’d just ended up together because it was fated. Being fated might sound romantic but having to build a relationship is much more difficult.

Another aspect I liked and found amusing was when Ethan learns how closely linked the Caster and Mortal worlds are. Finding out the things he does with Lena, he has a lot of his misconceptions shattered. Even the ones he initially forms regarding the identities of Mortals who are aware of the Casters.

Still the best part for me was that both main protagonists are very strong people. They both play their parts to save and support each other. Lena’s Caster powers aren’t just for show and Ethan is the one constantly keeping up Lena’s spirits. There’s nothing more annoying than having the characters not live up to their potential.

The only grouse I have with the book is regarding the identities of the main antagonist and traitor in their midst. I really don’t understand why Lena and Ethan’s self appointed protectors had such a hard time finding Evangeline. I figured it out almost as soon as she made her first personal appearance. As for the traitor, I got that too without the big revelation. The only suspenseful part was how Lena would overcome her family curse.

My conclusion : One of my choices for a re-read when looking for a light read.

Want to read another review on the book by :

• Bookish in a Box
• Good Books & Wine
• Heaven, Hell and Purgatory
• Lauren's Crammed Bookshelf
• Novel Thoughts
• StoryWings
• The Fiction Enthusiast
• The Ninja Librarian
• The Story Siren
• Under the Boardwalk
• YA Addict

I won this book from Books Love Me!.

Thursday 13 #4 : Why I Love The Keys to the Kingdom series

Choose a theme. Then list 13 things that fit that theme.

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13 things I loved about the Keys to the Kingdom series.

1. Arthur Penhaligon
2. Suzy Turquoise Blue
3. The House
4. The Compleat Atlas of the House and Immediate Environs
5. The Improbable Stairs
6. Midnight Visitors
7. Captain Tom Shelvocke, The Mariner
8. Raised Rats
9. The Great Maze
10. Winged Servants of the Night
11. Banneret Ugham
12. Sorcerous Supernumeraries
13. Parts 5 and 6 of the Will

Review : The Skin Map by Stephen R. Lawhead

Title : The Skin Map Author : Stephen R. Lawhead Reading Dates : 10 Oct - 16 Oct 2010
Bright Empires
The Skin Map is the first volume in the 5-book Bright Empires series.
From Book Sneeze :
Enter the ultimate treasure hunt--with a map made of skin, a playing field of alternate realities, and a prize that is the greatest mystery of all. Kit Livingstone's great-grandfather has re-appeared with an unbelievable story--the ley lines throughout Britain are not merely the stuff of legends but truly are pathways to other worlds. So few people know how to use them, though, that doing so is fraught with danger. But one explorer knew more than most. Because of his fear of being unable to find his way home, he developed an intricate code and tattooed his map onto his skin. But the map has since been lost and rival factions are in desperate competition to recover it. What none of them yet realize is that the skin map itself is not the prize at the end of this race . . . but merely the first goal of a vast and marvelous quest to regain Paradise.

Book Review of The Skin Map.
The Skin Map was an absolute disappointment.

Reading the premise I had expected an exciting and thrilling adventure where the hero goes on a quest spanning several worlds. Instead the main protagonist spends more time sitting around waiting for everyone else to make decisions than doing anything. The most exciting part of the story was waiting to see what disaster might be caused by his girlfriend, Mina when she sets out to open her coffee house. In short, the slow build up to the mystery at the end and the almost non-existent use of the leys to travel made for a rather boring story.

Then, there are the characters in the book. It is seriously troubling when I find myself rooting for the bad guys to actually finish them off. I supposed Cosimo and Sir Henry are meant to be gentle, wise men. Unfortunately, all I could see were two men too puffed-up with their own self-importance playing at being on a great quest. It is no wonder the villain was way ahead of them.

The worst of the lot though was Kit. He's an absolute jerk and an idiot as well. Right at the start of the story, we learn that he'd be more than happy to dump Mina if he had a choice notwithstanding the years they've been together. Then when he accidentally gets her stranded in an unknown world and time, he easily forgets about her until his companions reminds him of it. And when they land in a dangerous situation while attempting to help him find her, he doesn't even see anything wrong with abandoning them to their fates.

While the ending of this book seems to signify a possible change in Kit's character and the start of his quest for The Skin Map, it came a little too late. Whatever interest I had for the story had been killed by then.

My conclusion : If you must read this, I'd suggest borrowing rather than buying and regretting it.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I am not required to write a positive review; the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC regulations.

Review : Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen

Title : Northanger Abbey Author : Jane Austen Reading Dates : 5 Sep - 9 Sep 2010
From Amazon:
Catherine Morland lives for much of her time in a fantasy world of romance and mystery based on the Gothic novels of her time, the early 1800s. But a stay in Northanger Abbey leads her into a series of misjugdements and a farewell to her Gothic world, only to be dealt a cruel blow in the real one.

Book Review of Northanger Abbey.
This was another enjoyable read by Jane Austen.

While Catherine Morland is not the epitome of the usual heroine, being rather plain and silly, I still liked her. I suppose it is because I believe life might be simpler if we all could be like her. Absolutely unpretentious and never having to worry about any meaning beyond exactly what is said, even such things as little white lies. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we all could be like the Morlands who are able to assume that no one they meet has ill intentions until proven otherwise ?

The other reason I like this particular story is the romance between Catherine and Henry Tilney. It certainly doesn't progress like any of the romance books I have ever read; the reasons for their falling in love with each other is in fact rather funny. Certainly I doubt if any other book has ever had the male protagonist fall in love with the heroine for the same reason that Henry does. At least, not stated so plainly.

And Henry is another of Austen hero that I find interesting. For the choice that he makes at the end, he obviously has principles. But there is enough playfulness in his character to ensure that he isn't a boring main character either. I've also realized while re-reading Jane Austen's books that I much prefer less than perfect characters. What about you ?

My conclusion : One of my choices for a re-read when looking for a light read.

Want to ...

• read the book for free?
• purchase a copy of your own from Amazon?
• read another review by Reading with Tequila
• read another review by The Allure of Books

Which versions of Northanger Abbey below have you seen ?

Review : Undead and Unwed by MaryJanice Davidson

Title : Undead and Unwed Author : MaryJanice Davidson Reading Dates : 1 Sep - 5 Sep 2010
The Undead Series - Betsy
Check out the link to the reading order of the series. The Undead Series - Betsy
From goodreads :
First Betsy Taylor loses her job, then she's killed in a car accident. But what really bites is that she can't seem to stay dead. And now her new friends have the ridiculous idea that Betsy is the prophesied vampire queen, and they want her help in overthrowing the most obnoxious power-hungry vampire in five centuries.

Book Review of Undead and Unwed.
I enjoyed re-reading Undead and Unwed immensely.

In fact, I liked it so much that I wondered why I didn't before, the first time I read it. It took me nearly half way through the story before I remembered the reason. Eric Sinclair, the male protagonist. He isn't as irritating this time round but I still had a hard time warming up to him, at least until nearly the end. As the story is told from Betsy's perspective, most of Eric's actions seem really high handed. Even a bit untrustworthy. So, it is kind of hard to like him. Until the very end of the story when readers are given a glimpse of what he's thinking that is.

What I do love about the book is the way it was told from Betsy's perspective. Seeing things from her point of view is really hilarious as she makes a mockery of all the vampire cliches. Plus it puts me firmly in her corner as I get to see all her flaws and good points. It is really hard to dislike someone who knows her own faults and is not ashamed of it.

My conclusion : Light and relaxing read to fill in the time. Emphasis on humour rather than the paranormal or romance elements.

Read another review on the book by :

• Book Chick City
• Geeky Blogger's Book Blog

A-Z Wednesday : For the Roses by Julie Garwood

A-Z Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Reading at the Beach.

To join all you have to do is go to your stack of books and find one where the author's first or last name starts with the letter of the week.

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First or Last Name of Author starts with "J".

From goodreads:

Mary Rose Clayborne is as well-protected by her four adoptive brothers as any woman in Blue Belle, Montana could be--until Lord Harrison Stanford MacDonald comes to town and she finds herself falling in love. How can Mary Rose keep her family together and learn to accept Harrison's questionable past? This story of love and adventure in the Old West will keep you turning the pages.

Read my review of For the Roses by Julie Garwood

In My Mailbox #5

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted at The Story Siren. Anyone can participate. IMM is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week.

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Bought :

• Bad Moon Rising by Sherrilyn Kenyon (A book on my wish list)
• Lover Revealed by J.R. Ward

Borrowed :

• Hammer of God by Karen Miller

From Amazon:

A stunning and suspenseful new landscape emerges in the thrilling Dark-Hunter world—a world where nothing will ever be the same again. . . Fang Kattalakis isn't just a wolf. He is the brother of two of the most powerful members of the Omegrion: the ruling council that enforces the laws of the Were-Hunters. And when war erupts among the lycanthropes, sides must be chosen. Enemies are forced into shaky alliances. And when the woman Fang loves is accused of betraying her people, her only hope is that Fang believes in her. Yet in order to save her, Fang must break the law of his people and the faith of his brothers. That breech could very well spell the end of both their races and change their world forever. The war is on and time is running out...

From goodreads:

In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York there's a war raging between vampires and their slayers. There exists a secret band of brothers like no other-six vampire warriors, defender of their race. But now an ally of the Brotherhood is about to encounter his own dark desire... Butch O'Neal is a fighter by nature. A hard living, ex-homicide cop, he's the only human ever to be allowed in the inner circle of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. And he wants to go even deeper into the vampire world to engage in the turf war with the lessers. He's got nothing to lose. His heart belongs to a female vampire, Marissa, an aristocratic beauty who's way out of his league. If he can't have her, then at least he can fight side by side with the Brothers... Fate curses him with the very thing he wants. When Butch sacrifices himself to save a civilian vampire from the slayers, he falls prey to the darkest force in the war. Left for dead, he's found by a miracle, and the Brotherhood calls Marissa to bring him back. But even her love may not be enough to save him...

From Amazon:

In Ethrea, Rhian sits upon a precarious throne. Defiant dukes who won't accept her rule threaten the stability of her kingdom. Dexterity has been banished from her court in disgrace. The blue-haired slave Zandakar, the man she thought was her friend, has been revealed as the son of a woman sworn to destroy her world. And Rhian's husband, King Alasdair, is unsure of her love. The trading nations refuse to believe Mijak is a threat, and promise reprisals if she dares protect her realm. Only Emperor Han of mysterious Tzhung-tzhungchai knows that the danger from Mijak is real. But is he an ally, or an enemy in disguise? As she struggles to learn the truth, and keep her embattled crown, the murderous warhost of Mijak advances ... THE HAMMER OF GOD is the stunning finale in the Godspeaker trilogy, the new fantasy blockbuster from an author who is taking the fantasy world by storm.

Review : Lord Sunday by Garth Nix

Title : Lord Sunday Author : Garth Nix Reading Dates : 31 Aug - 31 Aug 2010
Keys to the Kingdom
The books in the series include : Mister Monday Grim Tuesday Drowned Wednesday Sir Thursday Lady Friday Superior Saturday Lord Sunday
From goodreads :
Arthur has seized the Sixth Key from Superior Saturday, but has fallen from the Incomparable Gardens; fallen not to the Upper House, but to somewhere completely unexpected. Alone in enemy territory, as his mind and body are further transformed by the power of the Keys, Arthur must struggle with himself as much as with his many enemies. The tide of Nothing continues to rise, destroying everything in its path, and Lord Sunday makes his move...

Book Review of Lord Sunday.
While I enjoyed The Keys to the Kingdom series, this last book left me feeling a bit depressed.

Although it isn't exactly a sad end, it isn't a happy one either. Arthur regains a part of what he lost but not in the way he expects. I had already suspected some treachery due to the Will's behaviour in the earlier books but the ending was still a major surprise. Yet when I think back on all the clues, the revelations that come and the solution is pretty obvious. But while the ending is apropos, that doesn't mean that I have to love it.

Another reason I didn't like Lord Sunday, was how everyone seemed to be waiting for Arthur to save the day, especially Leaf. She really annoyed me with her unwillingness to play a part unless forced to it. I thought it very unreasonable of her that she expected Arthur to solve all the problems because she was tired of adventuring but never considered that Arthur might have the same thoughts or bigger problems on his hands.

What I did like though was Arthur's never give up attitude and the help he conjures up for himself. Even captured by Lord Sunday and terrified, he refused to give in or simply wait for someone else to save him. Instead, he continued to try to think of a means to escape from Lord Sunday. Having his childhood toy come to live was kind of sweet and there is an innocent charm in it.

What I love about the end though is the new role Suzy will play in the scheme of things. With her involvement, the future definitely promises to be an interesting place to be around.

My conclusion : An exciting read with plenty of action as all out war breaks out between the opposing sides.

Book Beginnings on Friday and The Friday 56 : Night Lost by Lynn Viehl

From goodreads:

Abandoned by his fellow Darkyn, Gabriel Seran is in continual torment as a prisoner of the religious zealots known as the Brethren. His only hope for rescue lies in Nicola Jefferson, a thief seeking a holy relic-and connected to Gabriel in more ways than she can possibly imagine...

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Book Beginnings on Friday is hosted at Page Turners.

Anyone can participate; just share the opening sentence of your current read, making sure that you include the title and author so others know what you're reading. If you like, share with everyone why you do, or do not, like the sentence.

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Pass through. Curled up on the inn's narrow, lumpy bed, Nicola Jefferson slept, her closed eyelids moving slightly.

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The Friday 56 is hosted at Storytime With Tonya and Friends.

Share the fifth sentence (plus one or two others) from page 56 of the book nearest to you.

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There was only one problem, and it was not the namecalling or the chain dragging. Anyone who had read Dickens enough times would attribute the same sounds to any unhappy spirit.

Review : Superior Saturday by Garth Nix

Title : Superior Saturday Author : Garth Nix Reading Dates : 30 Aug - 31 Aug 2010
Keys to the Kingdom
The books in the series include : Mister Monday Grim Tuesday Drowned Wednesday Sir Thursday Lady Friday Superior Saturday Lord Sunday
From goodreads :
Arthur Penhaligan has wrested five of the Keys from their immortal guardians, the Trustees of the Will. But gaining the Sixth Key poses a greater challenge than any he has faced before. Superior Saturday is not just one of the Trustees – she is also the oldest Denizen and the most powerful and knowledgeable sorcerer within the House. She has tens of thousands of sorcerers at her command, and she has been preparing her forces all along for the Will’s escape and the activities of the Rightful Heir. As Saturday’s schemes become evident, Arthur is beset on all sides. The House is being destroyed, and only the power of the Keys can hold back the tide of destruction. Arthur’s home city is under attack. His allies are unreliable. He can’t even get into the apparently impregnable Upper House . . . and even if he does, finding the Sixth Part of the Will and gaining the Sixth Key might not be enough to counter Saturday’s bid for ultimate power. Can Arthur survive?

Book Review of Superior Saturday.
Superior Saturday is an okay read but it doesn't quite live up to my expectations.

What with having hundreds of sorcerers at her disposal and the constant problems she's been giving Arthur, I had expected a more exciting read. But while Arthur and Suzy do meet with some problems in the Upper House, their attempt to free the Will is relatively easy to accomplish. So, this part of the story is a bit of a let down.

The other disappointment was how the Will was imprisoned here. It didn't take more than a hint for me to guess what was going on and having the mystery solved so easily makes it kind of hard to believe that Arthur didn't get it much sooner.

The most interesting part of the story is Arthur's transformation into a denizen. This change seems inevitable now and it is kind of sad that he can't avoid it if he's to save the House and the universe. And the worst part isn't even the physical transformation. Now, Arthur has to struggle with his denizen-self a personality that is very different from his usual kind and modest self.

But not all is doom and gloom. Suzy who is as incorrigible as ever supplies most of the fun to the story. There is definitely something to be said for simply enjoying the moment rather than worrying about the future.

My conclusion : An okay read within The Keys to the Kingdom series.

Teaser Tuesdays : Night Lost by Lynn Viehl

Teaser Tuesdays is hosted at Should Be Reading.

Share 2 teaser sentences from your current read. Be careful not to include spoilers

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Butterflies and moths erupted around Nick as she rose from the stone. The dream shifted, its colors darkening and melting away into a void of black, with nothing to guide her through the emptiness.
From Amazon:
Abandoned by his fellow Darkyn, Gabriel Seran is in continual torment as a prisoner of the religious zealots known as the Brethren. His only hope for rescue lies in Nicola Jefferson, a thief seeking a holy relic-and connected to Gabriel in more ways than she can possibly imagine...

Review : Lady Friday by Garth Nix

Title : Lady Friday Author : Garth Nix Reading Dates : 30 Aug - 30 Aug 2010
Keys to the Kingdom
The books in the series include : Mister Monday Grim Tuesday Drowned Wednesday Sir Thursday Lady Friday Superior Saturday Lord Sunday
From goodreads :
Four of the seven Trustees have been defeated and their Keys taken, but for Arthur, the week is still getting worse. Suzy Blue and Fred Gold Numbers have been captured by the Piper, and his New Nithling army still controls most of the Great Maze. Superior Saturday is causing trouble wherever she can, including turning off all the elevators in the House and blocking the Front Door. Amidst all this trouble, Arthur must weigh an offer from Lady Friday that is either a cunning trap for the Rightful Heir or a golden opportunity he must seize - before he's beaten to it!

Book Review of Lady Friday.
I alternated between loving and disliking this book. This is primarily because I enjoyed the parts involving Arthur but the ones involving Leaf were rather boring.

I suppose the reason I didn't enjoy Leaf's story is because I can't like or understand her. Her character seems to be more for convenience, a character who is needed to carry out certain actions outside of the House and who is not bound by any of its restrictions. So, the parts of the tale involving Leaf always feels like a distraction which could have been avoided. And so, I usually skip these parts of the story whenever possible.

Arthur's part of the tale on the other hand, I enjoyed. One of the reasons for this is his personality. Rather than attacking or suspecting everyone, Arthur prefers to use peaceful means to gain his way and it is wonderful to read a story where the nice guy wins because he is nice. An example are the telephone operators going against their orders and choosing to help Arthur simply because unlike most denizens, Arthur is polite when talking to them.

It is this part of Arthur's character that gains him unexpected assistance whenever he's in trouble. He makes a temporary alliance with Banneret Ugham, a Newnith assigned to watch Suzy Turquoise Blue and gains an understanding of the Newniths which could be important for the future. He also manages to take over Friday's domain with little problem due to his willingness to help Friday's Dawn and the Winged Servants of the Night.

The part I liked best though was meeting the fifth part of the Will who espouses moderation. So far, the Will is usually impractical, choosing to focus more on trivialities even during dangerous times. It was nice to meet a part of it which showed good sense for once.

My conclusion : An enjoyable read for fantasy fans.

Book Blogger Hop #12, Follow My Book Blog Friday #7 and Friday Finds #2

The Book Blogger Hop is hosted at Crazy For Books while Follow My Book Blog Friday is hosted at Parajunkee's View.

The Book Blogger Hop and Follow My Book Blog Friday are places for book bloggers and readers to connect and find new book-related blogs. Grab the button, post about the meme and follow as many book blogs as you like.

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This week's question from the Hop :How do you spread the word about your blog? (e.g. Social Networking sites, Book Blog Directories, comments on other blogs...)

I haven't really thought about it but I've joined a few blog directories and recently signed up for Twitter. But mostly it's been through commenting on other blogs.

Since I last hopped ...
New blogs I'm following :

• A Bookish Wonderland
• Candace's Book Blog
• Confessions of a Teen Bookaholic
• Escapist, RN
• In the Hammock
• Romance Book Junkies

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Friday Finds is hosted at Should Be Reading.

Share the great books you heard about or discovered this past week.

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Here are a couple of books that I've found while browsing bookstores recently. I haven't bought them yet (only because I've already exceeded my monthly book budget), but am certainly considering it. What do you think ? I've not read any of the author's books before but the premise certainly sounds interesting.