Dec 31, 2013

Mini Review--Two Ravens and One Crow by Kevin Hearne

Atticus O’Sullivan is back in an all-new, action-packed, laugh-out-loud novella from the author of The Iron Druid Chronicles. Two-thousand-year-old Atticus may have outwitted and outfought everyone from Odin to Bacchus, but in this eBook original, he’s about to discover what comes around when you go around messing with gods.

Six years into the training of his beautiful apprentice, Granuaile, a large crow swoops down and transforms into none other than the Morrigan, a goddess who insists that Atticus come with her at once. He must leave his apprentice behind, along with his Irish wolfhound, Oberon—and he must also leave his sword. The Morrigan has always taken extreme pleasure in pronouncing the Druid’s mortal danger and imminent doom, so the fact that she won’t reveal the purpose of their journey makes him very nervous. Of course, any time the Celtic Chooser of the Slain drops in unannounced, it’s never good. When she does let slip that she’ll be saving his life in the near future, Atticus is left to wonder . . . will he soon be giving his legions of enemies something to crow about?


Kevin Hearne's Two Ravens and One Crow came free with the purchase of Hunted in paperback format! 1 book and 1 novella for whatever it was that I paid back in June! What a deal! Although, downside is that I had to backtrack with this one. This is story 4.5, so we're in the midst of Granuaile training when Atticus is called away by Morrigan to "help" her out with something.

Turns out she wanted Atticus to meet with Odin so that they could work out a compromise. Things have been pretty heated between them after book 2, Hammered, and all. Those details were a bit lost to me, but the general concept was there! This also explained to me why Odin and Atticus were amicable with one another in Hunted! See, reading novellas really does help!

As I said, reading novellas does help with understanding little tidbits of info here and there. And that is very true. Things that took place in Hunted make sense to me now. Anyway...this one basically is what I said it was, Odin and Atticus come to a truce of sorts. We also learn how Atticus came by with his ImmortaliTea--not sure I spelt that right--and basically how he became to be the never aging Druid that he is. I love a good backstory and sometimes you don't always get that in the novels, so that's where novellas come in.

This was a nice, fast-paced little read. It's also kind of fun at times to backtrack and see how "frustrated" Atticus was before he and Granuaile get together. And of course Oberon is always to die for with his doggie wisdoms and all. Sadly, he and Granuaile weren't there for the majority of the story, but did make an appearance at the beginning and end.

I would recommend reading this one anyway, no matter where you are in the series, if you can read it accurately, great! If not, still give it a go! Novellas are meant to be devoured in one sitting and this one definitely fits the bill in that regard, plus it's another amazing adventure of one, Atticus O'Sullivan!


Overall Rating 4/5 stars



Review--Hunted by Kevin Hearne

For a two-thousand-year-old Druid, Atticus O’Sullivan is a pretty fast runner. Good thing, because he’s being chased by not one but two goddesses of the hunt—Artemis and Diana—for messing with one of their own. Dodging their slings and arrows, Atticus, Granuaile, and his wolfhound Oberon are making a mad dash across modern-day Europe to seek help from a friend of the Tuatha Dé Danann. His usual magical option of shifting planes is blocked, so instead of playing hide-and-seek, the game plan is . . . run like hell.

Crashing the pantheon marathon is the Norse god Loki. Killing Atticus is the only loose end he needs to tie up before unleashing Ragnarok—AKA the Apocalypse. Atticus and Granuaile have to outfox the Olympians and contain the god of mischief if they want to go on living—and still have a world to live in.




Kevin Hearne's Hunted is the latest in his Iron Druid Chronicles--and ironically the last paperback we'll have since he's going hardcover in June--and it was one wild read! There's always action and adventure in this series which is why it's one I keep reading! Instead of the traditional Urban Fantasy with vampires or werewolves or some other such supernatural being, here we get Druids and a whole lot of Irish folklore! Seriously, every book teaches me something new about it! And there are still a few vamps and weres in the story too, so never fear, our faves are still there!

Lately, Atticus, Granuaile, and Oberon have been busy running for their lives from Diana and Artemis. (Yup, both Roman and Greek goddesses!) Kevin really knows how to interweave all different kinds of folklore and culture into these books. They are a bit "angry" with Atticus for his past actions and want to kill him to exact their revenge. And Atticus isn't about to take that lying down.

There was a good deal of action in this one! Truly, never a dull moment as the three are constantly running and trying to stay ahead of the vengeful goddesses. It's funny too, because when I first learned about Greek mythology in 7th grade--oh god, where do the years go?--Artemis was my favorite. Not sure why, guess I just thought she was cool from what aspects I was taught about her. Seeing her here as a villain definitely shakes things up a bit. Of course, those are the only enemies Atticus and crew have to deal with. There's still Loki and trying to stop the end of days from happening.

I think one of the hardest things about this series is definitely the abundance of culture and mythology from all different kinds of countries. It gets bit overwhelming at times, especially with all the different kinds of names. There is a pronunciation guide in the beginning, but it's still hard to know what all these names and things are. And not all names get included in that. Now I said I enjoyed all the new tidbits of culture and mythology info, and I do, but it is pretty overwhelming. There's just so much! They don't teach us anything like that in school anymore. Unless they started to now.

The characters are by far my favorite aspect of this story. This was probably one of my first--of course I tend to say that a lot it seems!--series I read where there's a hero vs heroine. Atticus is quite fun and very guy like. He's like crazy smart; perks of being a Druid. Granuaile, newly turned Druid and finished with her apprenticeship is a good character as well. She's strong and fierce, like many classic Urban Fantasy heroines, although I don't feel like we know her very well. Of course, the same can be said of our heroes from female-led reads, so it's manageable I guess. But my favorite character continues to be Oberon, Atticus' faithful Irish wolfhound! He's too funny and brings in much comedic relief with his doggy ways!

The series continues to grow in intensity as it moves along. For the first four books we were concerned with Granuaile and her starting her apprenticeship--among other chaotic things--and since last time, we've had the pressing issue of Loki roaming about and the looming threat of the end of the world coming about. That continues to be a pressing threat and now Atticus and crew are going to need a bit of help in order to accomplish that frightful task. And help does come at the end of this one, in a most unusual way.

Hunted was another freaking fantastic read by Kevin Hearne! This series is just so awesome, it's hard to really describe in words. And you can even learn new things from this one! And teachers like to say these kind of books are "junk books"! Ha! They obviously don't realize how much thought and process goes into writing fiction! It's a learning experience all on its own!

If you haven't yet started this series, please do! It's incredibly awesome and cannot be said enough! And let's again mention that here we have a hero instead of heroine. Tines are definitely changing in the Urban Fantasy world and it's all good for us readers!


Overall Rating 4/5 stars



Teaser & Top Ten Tuesdays

http://shouldbereading.wordpress.com/
Here are the rules:
1. Grab your current read
2. Open to a page
3. Pick out 2 lines that are SPOILER FREE
4. Name the title, author, etc.

"'We run naked in plain sight with severed heads? A murder streak?'" p 112

















TITLE: Hunted
AUTHOR: Kevin Hearne
PUBLISHER: Del Rey
GENRE: Urban Fantasy
RELEASE DATE: June 25, 2013




Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. This feature was created because we are particularly fond of lists here at The Broke and the Bookish. We'd love to share our lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!

Each week we will post a new Top Ten list  that one of our bloggers here at The Broke and the Bookish will answer. Everyone is welcome to join. All we ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND add your name to the Linky widget so that everyone can check out other bloggers lists! If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment. Have fun with it! It's a fun way to get to know your fellow bloggers.


This week's topic is: Top Ten Books I Read In 2013


*in no particular order
**CLICK TITLES FOR MY REVIEW 

 







Dec 30, 2013

It's Monday! What are You Reading?

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is hosted by Sheila at Book Journey. It's a fun meme where we gather to share what we've read last week and our reading plans for this week.
 
 
Last Week I Read:
 
 
Flamebound by Tessa Adama (5 stars)
Hush, Hush (Graphic Novel) by Becca Fitzpatrick and Ill. by Jennyson Rosero (4 stars)
After Dead by Charlaine Harris (3 stars)
Captivate by Vanessa Garden (ARC) (3.75 stars)
Fire & Flood by Victoria Scott (ARC)--Review to come at a later date


Reviews That Were Posted:

Taste of Darkness by Maria V. Snyder (ARC) (5 stars)
The Sharpest Blade by Sandy Williams (ARC) (5 stars)


About to Start Reading:

Hunted by Kevin Hearne


What I Plan to Read this Week:

Death and the Girl He Loves by Darynda Jones


Other Posts of Interest:





Dec 29, 2013

Wrap-Up Post for 2013 Challenges




 


   


      2013 Reading Challenge
   


       


          2013 Reading Challenge

       

     


        Jessica has

            completed her goal of reading 150 books in 2013!
     

     


       

hide

     

     


        206 of 150 (100%)

     

       


          view books

       

 

   



Well my first challenge was with Goodreads to read first 100, then 150 books. Nailed that one by reading 206 books! Likely to be 207 before the year is done. I think I can squeeze in one more before we hit Jan 1!




Then in March I participated in a TBR challenge in trying to demolish or dent my TBR mountain! Here's what I accomplished that month! I didn't set a goal for this one. Just aimed to read as many TBR books as possible!

1. Sealed with a Curse by Cecy Robson (12/31/12)  
2. Big Bad Wolf by Christine Warren (9/29/09)
3. Prince Charming Doesn't Live Here by Christine Warren (11/2/10)  
4. Tiger's Quest by Colleen Houck (6/7/11)  
5. Deadly Descendant by Jenna Black (4/24/12)  
6. Sins of the Demon by Diana Rowland (1/3/12)  
7. Touch of the Demon by Diana Rowland (12/31/12)  
8. Violet Eyes by Debbie Viguie (2/23/10)
9. Tempest's Fury by Nicole Peeler (6/26/12)   
10. The Isis Collar by Cat Adams (3/13/12)   
11. Flight by Alyssa Rose Ivy (8/13/12)  
12. Haunted by Jeanne C. Stein (8/28/12)  
13. Carnival of Souls by Melissa Marr (9/4/12)   
14. Blood-Kissed Sky by J.A. London (12/26/12)   
15. A Beautiful Evil by Kelly Keaton (2/21/12)   
16. Tiger's Voyage by Colleen Houck (11/1/12)



Then for the 2013 TBR Reading Challenge I was going for the big leagues and and read 41-50 Married with Children. I knocked that one out of the park and read 89! My OCD side would love to make that a nice 90 but not sure if that's possible. Unless I change my next read...

1. The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead (6/12/12)  [January]  
2. Darkness Before Dawn by J.A. London (5/29/12)  [January]  
3. One Bite with a Stranger by Christine Warren (9/30/08)  [January]  
4. Cinder by Marissa Meyer (1/3/12)  [January]   
5. What a Ghoul Wants by Victoria Laurie (12/31/12)  [January]
6. The Iron Legends by Julie Kagawa (8/28/12)  [January]  
7. Forgiven by Jana Oliver (3/27/12)  [January]  
8. Foretold by Jana Oliver (12/11/12)  [January]  
9. Deadlocked by Charlaine Harris (5/1/12)  [January]  
10. The Savage Grace by Bree Despain (3/13/12)  [January]  
11. Black Lament by Christina Henry (10/30/12)  [January]  
12. The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson (9/29/11)  [January]  
13. Angel's Ink by Jocelynn Drake (10/16/12)  [February]   
14. Onyx by Jennifer L. Armentrout (8/14/12)  [February]   
15. Opal by  Jennifer L. Armentrout (12/11/12)  [February]  
16. Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins (3/22/11)  [February]  
17. Spellbound by Rachel Hawkins (3/13/12)  [February]  
18. Blue-Blooded Vamp by Jaye Wells (5/22/12)  [February]  
19. The Last Echo by Kimberly Derting (4/17/12)  [February]   
20. Sealed with a Curse by Cecy Robson (12/31/12)  [March]  
21. Big Bad Wolf by Christine Warren (9/29/09)  [March]   
22. Prince Charming Doesn't Live Here by Christine Warren (11/2/10)  [March]  
23. Tiger's Quest by Colleen Houck (6/7/11)  [March]   
24. Deadly Descendant by Jenna Black (4/24/12)  [March]   
25. Sins of the Demon by Diana Rowland (1/3/12)  [March]  
26. Touch of the Demon by Diana Rowland (12/31/12)  [March]   
27. Violet Eyes by Debbie Viguie (2/23/10) [March]   
28. Tempest's Fury by Nicole Peeler (6/26/12)  [March]   
29. The Isis Collar by Cat Adams (3/13/12)  [March]  
30. Flight by Alyssa Rose Ivy (8/13/12)  [March]  
31. Haunted by Jeanne C. Stein (8/28/12)  [March]  
32. Carnival of Souls by Melissa Marr (9/4/12)  [March]   
33. Blood-Kissed Sky by J.A. London (12/26/12)  [March] 
34. A Beautiful Evil by Kelly Keaton (2/21/12)  [March]   
35. Tiger's Voyage by Colleen Houck (11/1/12)  [April]  
36. Existence by Abbi Glines (12/13/11)  [April]  
37. Predestined by Abbi Glines (3/29/12)  [April]   
38. Ceaseless by Abbi Glines (9/18/12)  [April]   
39. Black Magic Woman by Christine Warren (4/26/11)  [April]   
40. Not Your Ordinary Faerie Tale by Christine Warren (11/1/11)  [April]
41. On the Prowl by Christine Warren (4/24/12)  [April]   
42. Tiger's Destiny by Colleen Houck (9/4/12)  [April]   
43. Vanquished by Nancy Holder & Debbie Viguie (8/28/12)  [April]
44. Hot Blooded by Nancy Holder & Debbie Viguie (12/6/12)  [April]
45. Drive Me Wild by Christine Warren (11/27/12)  [April]  
46. The Shattered Dark by Sandy Williams (10/30/12)  [April]  
47. Wicked as They Come by Delilah S. Dawson (3/27/12)  [May]  
48. Vengeance Moon by Lee Roland (6/5/12)  [May]  
49. Hexed by Kevin Hearne (6/7/11)  [May]   
50. Hammered by Kevin Hearne (7/5/11)  [May]   
51. Tricked by Kevin Hearne (4/24/12)  [May]  
52. Trapped by Kevin Hearne (11/27/12)  [June]  
53. Wrong Side of Dead by Kelly Meding (1/31/12) [June]   
54. Back from the Undead by D.D. Barant (3/27/12)  [June]   
55. Undead to the World by D.D. Barant (11/27/12)  [June]   
56. Darkness Devours by Keri Arthur (6/26/12)  [June] 
57. Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion (11/1/11)  [June]   
58. Darkness Hunts by Keri Arthur (11/6/12)  [June]    
59. In a Witch's Wardrobe by Juliet Blackwell (7/3/12)  [June]   
60. Blackhearted Betrayal by Kasey MacKenzie (6/26/12)  [June]   
61. Kitty Steals the Show by Carrie Vaughn (7/31/12)  [June]   
62. Soulless: The Manga Vol. 1 by Gail Carriger & Rem (3/1/12)  [June]   
63. Soulless: The Manga Vol. 2 by Gail Carriger & Rem (11/20/12)  [June]  
64. Destined by Jessie Harrell (11/17/11)  [June]   
65. Girl of Nightmares by Kendare Blake (8/7/12)  [July]   
66. Blood Fever by Veronica Wolff (8/7/12)  [July]   
67. Of Poseidon by Anna Banks (5/22/12)  [July]
68. Angelfall by Susan Ee (8/28/12)  [July]   
69. Angel Fire by L.A. Weatherly (10/1/11)  [July] 
70. Changeling by Kelly Meding (6/26/12)  [July] 
71. Two Weeks Notice by Rachel Caine (8/7/12)  [July]   
72. Archangel's Storm by Nalini Singh (9/4/12)  [August]   
73. Hourglass by Myra McEntire (6/14/11)  [August]   
74. The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan (2/9/10) [August]  
75. Enchanted by Althea Kontis (5/8/12)  [September]   
76. Timepiece by Myra McEntire (6/12/12) [September]  
77. Murder on the House by Juliet Blackwell (12/4/12)  [September]  
78. Candle Bay by Tamara Thorne (8/1/01)  [September] 
79. Grave Memory by Kalayna Price (7/3/12)  [September] 
80. Insurgent by Veronica Roth (5/1/12)  [September]   
81. Moonglow by Kristen Callihan (7/31/12)  [October] 
82. Fate by Amanda Hocking (4/25/10)  [November]   
83. Flutter by Amanda Hocking (5/29/10)  [November]   
84. Wisdom by Amanda Hocking (8/23/10)  [November] 
85. A Shade of Vampire by Bella Forrest (12/14/12)  [November]   
86. Blood Born by Jamie Manning (4/24/12)  [November]   
87. Greta and the Goblin King by Chloe Jacobs (12/11/12)  [November]  
88. Blood Crime by Kim Harrison & Gemma Magno (10/30/12)  [November]   
89. Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick & Jennyson Rosero (3/20/2012)  [December]


Then I also participated in the 2013 YA Challenge. Here the books could be new or old, just had to be YA! I set out to do the Mega size YA Reading Challenge by reading 50+ books. I accomplished that by reading 86!


5. Forgiven by Jana Oliver 
6. Foretold by Jana Oliver
7. The Savage Grace by Bree Despain  
8. The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson
9. Onyx by Jennifer L. Armentrout  
10. Opal by Jennifer L. Armentrout
11. Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins 
12. Spellbound by Rachel Hawkins 
13. The Last Echo by Kimberly Derting 
14. Rise by Andrea Cremer 
15. The Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead 
16. Tiger's Quest by Colleen Houck 
17. Violet Eyes by Debbie Viguie 
18. With All My Soul by Rachel Vincent
19. Carnival of Souls by Melissa Marr
20. Blood-Kissed Sky by J.A. London  
21. A Beautiful Evil by Kelly Keaton
22. Apollyon by Jennifer L. Armentrout 
23. Tiger's Voyage by Collen Houck
24. Dead Silence by Kimberly Derting
25. The Collector by Victoria Scott 
26. Existence by Abbi Glines 
27. Predestined by Abbi Glines 
28. Ceaseless by Abbi Glines 
29. Chosen at Nightfall by C.C. Hunter
30. The Rising by Kelley Armstrong 
31. Tiger's Destiny by Colleen Houck 
32. The Eternity Cure by Julie Kagawa
33. Vanquished by Nancy Holder & Debbie Viguie 
34. Hot Blooded by Nancy Holder & Debbie Viguie
35. School Spirits by Rachel Hawkins 
36. The Girl with the Iron Touch by Kady Cross  
37. Phoenix by Elizabeth Richards
38. Tempest Revealed by Tracey Deebs 
39. Elegy by Tara Hudson 
40. Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion 

41. Weather Witch by Shannon Delany 
42. Hidden by Marianne Curley 
43. Awaken by Meg Cabot   

44. Destined by Jessie Harrell 
45. Girl of Nightmares by Kendare Blake  
46. Blood Fever by Veronica Wolff
47. Replica by Jenna Black 
48. The Keep by Veronica Wolff 
49. Of Poseidon by Anna Banks  
50. Of Triton by Anna Banks
51. Goddess by Josephine Angelini  
52. Strands of Bronze and Gold by Jane Nickerson
53. Angelfall by Susan Ee 
54. Angel Fire by L.A. Weatherly 
55. Into the Dark: The Shadow Prince by Bree Despain (ARC)  
56. Hourglass by Myra McEntire
57. The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan 
58. Origin by Jennifer L. Armentrout   
59. Enchanted by Alethea Kontis
60. Timepiece by Myra McEntire 
61. The Clockwork Scarab by Colleen Gleason  
62. Through the Zombie Glass by Gena Showalter  
63. Insurgent by Veronica Roth
64. Antigoddess by Kendare Blake 
65. The Wicked Within by Kelly Keaton  
66. Thornhill by Kathleen Peacock
67. Hero by Alethea Kontis 
68. After Daybreak by J.A. London  
69. The Iron Traitor by Julie Kagawa (ARC)
70. The Beautiful and the Cursed by Page Morgan 
71. Allegiant by Veronica Roth
72. The Lovely and the Lost by Page Morgan (ARC)  
73. Death, Doom, and Detention by Darynda Jones
74. Fate by Amanda Hocking  
75. Flutter by Amanda Hocking
76. Wisdom by Amanda Hocking 
77. World After by Susan Ee (ARC) 
78. A Shade of Vampire by Bella Forrest  
79. Blood Born by Jamie Manning
80. Pawn by Aimee Carter (ARC) 
81. Greta and the Goblin King by Chloe Jacobs 
82. Sentinel by Jennifer L. Armentrout  
83. After the End by Amy Plum (ARC)
84. The Liberator by Victoria Scott 
85. Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick & Jennyson Rosero 
86. Captivate by Vanessa Garden (ARC)


My last challenge of the year was the Clean Out Your E-Reader Challenge. My e-reader definitely had quite a few Kindle deal books that I bought had yet to read. So I set out to read more than 10 e-books and I ended up reading 15! And I think I've added maybe 1 or 2 that haven't been read. I've added more than that but I read those puppies! There are a few left on there, some might be more novels than the traditional ebook. So not sure if I will be doing it again March next year.


1. Unchained by J. Lynn
2. Focus by Alyssa Rose Ivy
3. Found by Alyssa Rose Ivy
4. Requiem for the Dead by Kelly Meding  
5. Dead Suite by Wendy Roberts   
6. Drop Dead Beauty by Wendy Roberts   
7. Fate by Amanda Hocking   
8. Flutter by Amanda Hocking 
9. Wisdom by Amanda Hocking   
10. A Shade of Vampire by Bella Forrest   
11. Blood Born by Jamie Manning 
12. The Wild Adventure of Jasper Renn by Kady Cross   
13. Home for the Holidays by Jeaniene Frost 
14. Greta and the Goblin King by Chloe Jacobs   
15. Soar by Alyssa Rose Ivy 

Another mini Challenge that I almost forgot was that I read With All My Soul by Rachel Vincent when it first came out. [Fikt]shun had this simple little challenge, so I thought, I can do that! No problem! And I did! I read this book within the timeline given easy peasy!