(UN) Book Review: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Around the House
I am currently on the road traveling.  I am missing the family a lot tonight, since this week long trip is the longest I have been on since the Jerry and the Boyos came to live with me.  I am thinking of them a lot especially as I curl up to sleep and look at the edits for Cursed sitting next to me on the desk of my hotel room.  It doesn't help that the temperature in Houston is so unbelievably hot right now.  I do  not recommend spending August in Houston when you are not out having fun.

My Thoughts
I had to think hard about how to right this review.  Would I right a review on the play I haven't seen, the script I just read, or a book that is the next installment in the Harry Potter franchise.  That is when I thought of something my Editor said to me when I first talked about getting this book, "Shakespeare should be seen and not read."  He of course is not the only person that has ever said this to me.  I have had teachers and professors say the same.  They always recommended after reading the work in class that we watch the movie or play version that they recommended so that we could full understand what we had read.  Now I find my self thinking about the same thing as I look at the book sitting on the night stand of my hotel room.

Like many of you, the first book I feel in love with and opened the door to literature for me was Harry Potter.  While unlike most it was Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets since I had just seen the first movie.  I had not wanted to see the movie, but my best friend and fellow author Katrina Rue insisted that I see it.  So I finally gave in.  I remember asking her questions through out the movie until I had annoyed her so much that she looked at me and said "Just read the damn book I bought you."

Now here I am looking at that last installment and thinking about how to review it for everyone.  Like many of the world that have read the script without seeing the play, I felt a bit disappointed and lost.  I was also annoyed to see that people other than J.K. Rowling had touched my favorite character.  Then I realized that what I read is meant to be watched, so I need to look at it with new eyes.  As a reader I had to realize that we are missing what makes the world of Harry Potter so wonderful, Rowling's fantastic way of describing the world through the eyes of the character we have loved.  We truly got to see inside each of the characters.  As I realized this I remembers something I read about the play, "Based on an original story written by J.K. Rowling."  Now I want to see where that story is, what it says, and how it meets with the play, because the way she writes a world is what we need for the final tale of Harry's adventure.  We need to see how all the characters work to bring the story together that we don't get from watching the movie, reading the script, or watching the play.  We need to see it through the words as they flow from her.

So I find that I can not rate this book as I would any other.  I must rate it in the media that it is.  As a script, I can see how this is an amazing story that like the rest of the books touch parts of the story that we thought did not really matter.  We see a return to the Tri-Wizard Tournament, the weird relationship Voldemort had with his followers, and the use of a magical item that is unexpected since Granger was always such a good girl.  The part of the story that truly touched me the most was the theme that even a good character is flawed and a bad character isn't just evil they are real people.

As a reader I am going to reach out to J.K. Rowling and ask for the following, please give us the book or three that the Cursed Child is meant to be.  Bring us deeply into the world of Hogwarts and the Ministry again by having us meet the characters we love, see with in their heads, and feel what they feel through how you have them react to the most beautiful scenes you craft.  When adding to the Wizarding World in the future with the new movies on Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, remember we want the story in the way you would have told it on paper and ink.  Give your devoted readers what they desire most.  A book to wrap out hands around and hold though out the day and night.

Rating: 3 out 5 (script)

Book Review: Dead Ever After

Around the House
I'M BACK!  I can't believe how quiet I have been for 8 months.  Yes I am working very hard on the last section of For the Love of Brimstone finally.  I am also creating expanded scenes for the complete volume.  So get excited tell your friends that you are dying to read more of the dirty sexy time.  Until this final volume hits the shelves this month enjoy my new book Pandora's Last Breath.

My Thoughts
Sadness fell on my house when I closed the book on the Sookie Stackhouse Series.  It took me a month to write this review because I couldn't believe that it was finally over; that Sookie and I would not be spending any more summer days laying in the sun enjoying a glass of iced tea.  Then I found that another was coming for this fall ... What Happened Next in the World of Sookie Stackhouse!  I got excited that I would get to see where all of my favorite characters ended up.  How there lives would turn out, and what would happen next.  While the last couple books have been okay this book was stellar, amazing, and an unsung ending to everything that is Sookie.  If you are reading from this point on beware of the spoilers that are coming.  Just go get the book NOW!

I have read a lot about the harsh critics that Charlaine Harris has received for bringing Sam and Sookie together as part of the ending of the Sookie Stackhouse Series.  Of course that is how it had to end up.  She had to have a long life of happiness with a man she would grow old with.  I can understand why you might have pulled for Alcide, but the vampires were never an option for our sun loving part fairy hero.  Now just shut up and enjoy the way the story was told.  Open the past books and reread their first date.  Find the love for Sam again and enjoy that this is how it had to happen.  If it didn't I think I would have been mad.

Rating: 5/5

Book Review: The Crimson Crown

Around the House
See my other post from today.

My Thoughts
I just closed another book during my vacation.  I at first just wanted to read old favorites until I saw that Cinda Williams Chima put out the next and last book in her Seven Realms Series, The Crimson Crown.  We reach the end of the twist and turns that is the love story of Raisa ana' Marianna and Hanson Alister.  I must say I am sad to this series come to an end since there is so much more to their growing story.  While this book closed the start of their love story and brought the Queendom together, it leaves the reader wondering what will happen next to all of the people currently living in the Fells.  While Cinda does an excellent job of cleaning up the loose ends of the Bayars, Hanela and Alger, and the fight of the Clan and Wizards it leaves us wondering how her reign will shape up.  Will they repeat the love story of their ancestor or will they manage to unit the Queendom and stop the Fells from being encroached on my the enemies of Arden.  If you have not had a chance to read this series I highly recommend you pick it up.  It will bring the fun and excitement to a new world.

Rating: 5/5

Book Series Review: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Around the House
Oh hell what do I say about this week.  I have family issues from a divorce, a wedding, an engagement, and trying to juggle life.  It is a bit rough trying to figure everything out at times.  My aunt says I should take a lot of the more interesting family stories and make them my own.  Let the events of my family inspire stories for the world.  She is convinced that I will make something special.  I am not sure if this is something I want to do, but if I was to do it I know how I would start it.

"It started with a lie.  It was a simple innocuous little lie, but that lie is what started a series of events that made everyone think this life is fiction."

What do you think?  Would you like some family inspired stories to follow.  It actually reminds me of the crazy relationships in the Hunger Games.  I don't know if it is something I want to venture into.  Inspire me that you want to read about a family gone wrong because of the lies of one, and I will start putting it all together for you.

My Thoughts
So in just over the last week or so plowing through the Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins while dealing with a two corporate visits.  As of this afternoon I finally closed the final pages of Mockingjay with a slight bit of sadness to let go of a fun  and moving series.  The first book of the series and the movie held to each other so that I was constantly riveted by new information of her father and the pin while neither were turned down by falling short of expectations.  By the end of the book I wanted to reach out and hug Peeta and Prim for everything they had experienced in the arena.  By the end of Catching Fire I was screaming with rage and terror by the unexpected horrors that Katniss and Peeta where continued to force to endure.  Finally my excitement over flowed when I ripped open the pages of the Mockingjay.  The series itself was masterful written, but the ending left me with an unsatisfied finished.  The series ended on a slightly anticlimactic note.  I wish the final book had held the fun, intensity, and emotion of the first two book.  Definitely a must read series, with just a hint at disappointment.

Rating: 3/5

Book Review: The Last Apprentice Lure of the Dead by Joseph Delaney

Around the House
I can't help thinking about Hunger Games AHHH!  I also learned recently that the Ronin Warriors have dvd set that is out of stock everywhere cause it is older.  I loved that cartoon series, and now I can not find it anywhere.

My Thoughts
I alway get distressed as a series reaches an end.  I tend to fall in love with characters and Alice and Tom are no exception.  I was surprised after the last one that I fell in love with Grimmalkin as well.  I am surprised as the realist way this work shows the undercurrent of magic that the normal person fails to see while he still manages to address the other "Old Gods" that could have been loved by people in England.  Now we have only two books to go, one from Alice's perspective and the last one from Tom.  I am interested to see how Joseph will tie up all the loose ends of this world.

This portion of the tales focus on the Spook's need to revive his ruined library while the dark are working to restore the head of the Fiend.  This book is the complete set-up for the end of the series,
while most authors that touch this subject to close a series this author as always makes a fun tale that allows you to learn the information while just waiting to get to the next book.  I look forward to seeing how Tom will now deal with the aftermath of dealing with the Vampyre God and stepping into his new role as the Spook of Chippendale.

Rating: 4/5

Book Review: The Demigod Diaries by Rick Riordan

Around the House
Not much to say.  I spent th'is weekend plowing through the first two books of Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games.  I must say I am completely in love.  I just can not put the books down.  I am sitting here staring at the last book in the series.  It is taking everything not to grab another cup of tea and curl up in bed.  I am hoping that Project Runway will distract me.

My Thoughts
I am wondering where Rick Riordan is going next in his mythogical series.  We have all heard the rumors of a Norse Book down the line and Egyptian Book has reached its close.  I am curious were we are going to end up next.  So when I ran across a Percy Jackson and the Olympians and Heroes of Olympus cross over book of Short Stories I was excited.  After going through the table of contents of this short fun book I was shocked to see that he allowed his child to actually write a story that fits into his world.  This is always something that worries me since it takes a leap that the reader will loose the voice they love.  Surprisingly enough while the voice is differnent the perspective is perfect for a new voice to speak in the world, and this story was actually the perfect tie in to bring the series together.

I spent a fun afternoon reading this group of stories as we get ready for the release of the Mark of Athena.  While this collect did not have the fun of Demigod Files, it held the dark tones of the other Heroes of Olympus books.  I look forward to the day when I can sit down and spend the afternoon reading both series front to back including the fun short stories and the dark shifts of the new stories.  Finding more of the backstory of Annabeth is perfect as we lead into the next book.  While this is not a show stopping book it is a great teaser for the rest of the Heroes of Olympus series.  While this book is not a must read to follow the series it does enhance the feeling of the Heroes by reminding you of where all the characters came from.

Rating 3/5

Book Review: Grimalkin the Witch Assassin by Joseph Delaney

Around the House
I am listening to Katrina and her rants about "Making Sex" with the Guy who moved to Portland, her next date, and work.  Yea we have really excited lives over here.  I am taking time out of my editing (and before my workout) to update my blog on the next book I have read.  I am getting a bit sad knowing that my favorite series are starting to make their way to an end. Sookie Stackhouse has only one book left. The Last Apprentice (The Wardstone Chronicles) has only three books left which is only about another year.  The Kane Chronicles are over.  At least I still have four more Percy Jackson related books to look forward too!  I am actively looking for suggestions and what to read next.  I like to be ahead of the curve, unfortunately I am not when I start adding the Hunger Games to the shelves this summer.

My Thoughts
I was not expecting this book to fall into the narrative of the main series The Last Apprentice (The Wardstone Chronicles) by Joseph Delaney, but the change of perspective by following Grimalkin was refreshing and fun for the reader.  It actually lent itself to giving the reader a chance to follow what happened behind the scenes.  Additionally, I know that the main character Tom has the last name of Ward, but I have to wonder what the title of the series Wardstone has to do with the ending.  I am wondering if this something to do with the end of the Fiend.

Grimalkin is on of the most interesting characters that Joseph Delaney has introduced into the series.  While I am still surprised I love this series since I have a love for witch mythology and most true witches in his world are evil, I find the character of Grimalkin has enough of the good to counterbalance the darkness in the character.  You can't help but love her, feel for her, and wish her well in her endeavors.  This book while a fast read opens the gates to the end of the series.  It will make you think deeply of Tom's relationship to the dark from his mother, Alice's role in Tom's life, and what will happen after the end of the Fiend - if they are able to fully end him.  You won't be able to put this book down!

Rating: 5 our of 5

Book Review: Deadlocked by Charlaine Harris

Around the House
You know they say in Chicago you can have all the seasons in one day.  Well that is how yesterday and today felt.  It started out blissfully warm and has turned into cold and rainy.  The upside is that their is no snow in the forecast.  And yes it has rained out here in May before.  Last week sucked so I didn't most of my work outs in.  I let life get in the way.  That is not happening this week.  Actually after this I am going to head out for cardio.

My Thoughts
I have been worried about how the tales of Miss Sookie Stackhouse were going to find their way to an end.  The last two books have lost some of the fun and mystery, like Charlaine Harris was just trying to tie things up, so when the second to last Sookie Stackhouse book was published, Deadlocked, I was not excited to read it.  Now I could just kick myself.

Deadlocked by Charlaine Harris brought back the joy and the mystery to the Sookie Stackhouse series.  While you can feel the wind down to the final conclusion of this fantastic series you get that old joy of twists and turns that you can and can't expect to happen.  Every reader has been dying to know how the Eric and Queen of Oklahoma situation was going to turn out, what the aftermath of victors death was going to be, and why the hell are their so many fae in Bon Temps.  You will get all those answers and few more to the body count that you didn't expect.  Now where is that next book?  It is supposed to be called Dead Ever After.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Book Review: The Shadow of the Serpent

Around the House
Nothing to say!

My Thoughts
The Shadow of the Serpent is the last book of the Kane Chronicles by Rich Riordan.  I have been looking forward to this growing fun tale of Sadie and Carter Kane as they learn to be Egyptian Magicians in the modern world.  They have reached the final battle in there quest to restore the Gods, House of Life, and Ma'at to the modern world by sending the Serpent of Chaos on a permanent vacation.  Who would have thought we got  a few more back handed Percy Jackson references at the end?  I can't wait to know head back to long Island to see what my favorite Greeks are up to.

Unfortunately, I was disappointed.  While the series as a whole was great with the entertaining spin on Egyptian Mythology in the modern world I feel that it lost something at the end.  Everything worked out a bit to perfectly.  I came into this novel expecting them to win, I expected Carter to take over, and I expected a few deaths, but when no one died it almost seemed like it was too easy of a battle.  It was missing the true sense of danger that his books usually have for the reader.  It felt safe which is not what I have come to expect from Rick Riordan.  Now is that because this really isn't the end of the series?  I am not sure, but I have the distinct feeling we are going to eventually see a Kane, Jackson, and Norse combination series showing on Hell of a God War.  I just hope he keeps the danger real, so the reader is expecting everything to get tied up nice and neatly.

Rating: 3/5

Book Review: Black Heart

Around the House
I am so running behind on getting all my updates up. I forgot to publish this last week, so I had to alter the whole blog. I only noticed it after my Body for Life Update. 

My Thoughts
The thrilling and twisted conclusion to Holly Black's The Curseworkers Series: Black Heart.  While this series falls under the category of Urban Fantasy the way Holly Black tells her tales makes you truly believe the world she weaves is real and just waiting for you just outside of the pages of the book.  You sit on the edge of your seat wondering how Cassel is going to get himself out of trouble again, but you are always hoping that it will be a happy ending.  Holly Black has an amazing talent for telling her tales as if you are watching the chocolate covered reality TV while being swept into a fun furry of excitement.

I can only hope that this is not truly the end of the Curseworkers.  I am constantly intrigued about a world where a touch can change your life even if it is illegal.  The power of luck, death, love, and transformation all within the palms of your hands.  This story reminds me of bringing the old world Chicago Gangster into the modern world with a magical twist.  I highly recommend this for everyone.

Rating: 4/5

Book Review: Red Glove

Around the House
The job hunt continues as does the writing.  Yes I am not just talking about my edits I am actually doing them for a change.  I am excited for a date tonight.  I hope it goes well, but if it doesn't their is always more fish in the sea right?  At least this will give me something to do.  I was actually worried that I was going to get blown off.  Well surprised never cease to amaze.  So after this review I am going to curl up in a hot shower and get ready to put the show on the road.  I don't know if I will get through another chapter of edits tonight, but I am going to try.  This round is just making small revisions and handling notes before my next read through to rework the wording and bring my engaging voice back to this almost over worked piece.

My Thoughts
The dark twisting turns of Holly Black's latest installment of the Curse Workers: Red Glove surprised even this most jaded of reader.  Just when I thought I knew what was going to happen next she shoved another piece of information at me that threw me for a loop.  Reading the Curse Workers is like reading someones private journal full of dark and sweet candy coated gossip.  This amazing book will keep you riveted until the end.  Expect a sleepless night or two as you plow through the world of Cassel Sharpe in the Curse Workers.

The Red Glove is the follow up to White Cat, where we are rethrusted back into the twisted life of Cassel Sharpe.  Loving a girl that cannot love him back, a family damaged by the power of the curse, and secrets and lies makes this world of fantasy better than anything on T.V. tonight.  Cassel is the most superbly written Anti-hero of not only the year but of the decade.  As a reader, you will want everything to turn out okay for him, but you will wonder how it can when he has to make choices that can ruin his life, his family, and his friends just to keep himself going.  Holly Black is amazing at translating the outsider feel of the teenager into a fantasy character where he is trying to be what he will never be - like everyone else - but could really succeed in living the con of his life if he could only let go of Lila.  She makes every writer jealous of her talents.

Rating: 9 out of 10

Book Review: The Last Apprentice Rage of the Fallen

Around the House
Still playing catch up with my book reviews.  This is the last one that I haven't gotten too.  Also, I am itching to get my hands on the new Sookie Stackhouse book that just came out.  I preordered it, so I am waiting for it along with the next Charliane Harris Anthology.  Till then I will continue to edit and work my way through the books I am dying to read.  I am still job hunting since I am not happy at work.  I have decided to really open myself up to new paths.  You never know where the world will take you.  I am also very excited by the CDs I forgot I owned.  I am looking forward to filling my nook with my favorite songs for car rides and trips to the gym.  Yea it is time to start working out and getting all hot for the summer.  I have really let myself go a bit.

My Thoughts
Joseph Delaney had done it again with the latest installment of the Last Apprentice Series: Rage of the Fallen.  He has managed to add another depth to his world of magic and mystery by graying up the edges the Spooks have held for generations.  It is especially nice to see this graying since Tom is as gray a character as you can get.  You can't help love the young apprentice Tom Ward as he makes his run to fight evil.  Joseph Delaney does a great job of finally closing up some plot holes while leaving more unanswered questions for the readers.  I wonder how far he will take Tom and if he will really live up to the Prophecy made by his mother.  I only hope that in the end Alice does not follow her mother in the dark.

Rating 7 out of 10

Book Review: The Lost Gate

Forgot to post this last month sorry!

Around the House
I need a few drinks.  This last couple weeks have been really rough.  I haven't been sleeping anywhere near enough, but I have been reading a lot as a method of distracting myself.  So I will keep job hunting and ignoring my writing because I am not in the mental space to look at my works.  Hopefully next month.

My Thoughts
I recieved this book as a free copy, and I was very apprenesive to read it.  I wasn't sure the Lost Gate by Orson Scott Card was the type of fantasy story I was looking for.  I was afraid I was going to be sucked into a world of traditional fantasy with elves, dwarfs, and other mythical characters.  I was completely wrong.  The story was an amazing peice of fantasy work that would be a prefect compliment to anyone that is in love with the current works of Rick Riordan.

The Lost Gate is the first of a series of books that looks at mythology in a new and fun way.  Instead of symply placing the old gods into modern society he has explained there exsistance in a fun and exciting way.  The Mithermages is a great tie in to the upcoming Thor movie as well because it primarily focuses on the Old Norse Gods.  It is a great look at how people with magical abilities are currently living in society while struggling to regain their status as gods.  That the names of the gods we know from Mythology are just names given to individuals with a particular aptitude to a certain set of powers.  While the break down of the individual powers can be confusing at first following Danny on his adventure to find himself with the forbidden powers he possesses is a fun and fast paced tale that makes the reader crave more.  I recommend everyone run out and enjoy this book today.

Rating 9 out of 10

Book Review: Gunn's Golden Rules

Around the House
Well I got the official rejection email today, so I am back to job hunting and writing today as you can see.  I have been drowning myself in a couple new stories, so you can expect a couple book reviews to hit pretty quickly over the next week.  I am also working on ripping all of my CDs onto my computer so that I don't have to pack them up and move them again.  I figured since October is coming up I need to start spending the time condensing my life.

My Thoughts
Tim Gunn's conversation on life lessons through personal stories, comments on life, and thoughts on society are not only funny but an inspiring way to look at life.  His conversational tone kept me smiling while making me evaluate how I personally behave in society.  Tim Gunn is full of great advice for every man and a keen look into the mind of the fashion industry for everyone.  The reader will especially love the commentary about characters from Project Runway as well as a further tearing of the fashion industry veil. 

Rating 9 out of 10

Book Review: Twilight's Dawn

Around the House
Not to much to say right now that is happening around the house.  I haven't been writing like I should be which is why my blog posts have been quiet.  I have been harassing Editor Tim though on a regular basis regarding my notes.  I have been thinking about my current projects and the direction they are going in.  I do have some inspiration for updates and new projects as always, so my new project file is always growing.

My Thoughts
I just finished reading Anne Bishop's continuation of the Black Jewels Trilogy/Series, Twilight's Dawn.  I enjoy the twisted and reverse roles the male/female relationship takes through out the series, so I was extremely excited to start reading this new book.  I have actually, been waiting for it.  This is the second installment of short stories which support missing pieces in the Black Jewels Series with the first two taking place between Tangled Webs and The Shadow Queen, and the last two taking place after the events in Shalador's Lady.  As the book progresses, I have to say that I am worried we have seen the last installment of the Black Jewel's series, or at least the last book that deals with all the characters we have fallen in love with.

I have to say that this edition to the series reminds me a lot of Tangled Webs.  It seems just like events in the characters life that do not add to much to the series as a whole.  Too much is left unsaid, and the actual events wrap up too easily for my liking.  There is not enough danger for the characters I love.  On a whole the tales where enjoyable and would have been better read in context with the rest of the stories in the series.  I think taking the individual tales in the order of the books would have added another layer to the events of the books as opposed to reading this novel as a sit down book.  The part that disappoints me the most is that she seems to have used the tales to wrap up the lives of her most beloved characters.  That was hard to swallow since that could mean this is the final installment to the series.  I do hope to see more of what is happening with Lady Cassidy in future books.

Rating 4/5

Book Review: Dead in the Family

Around the House
I am an avid reader, so most nights I find myself curled up with a book before bed.  While I am absolutely in love with the digital age and Ereaders now that I have a Nook, there is just something about a hard cover book that I can't let go of for a favorite read.  They are always my go to books when I want something to curl up with.  I find reading to be a great escape, a writing inspiration, and a constant in an every changing world.

My Thoughts
No this isn't my first time reading the Sookie Stackhouse Series or even Dead in the Family.  This is one of those series that I run to every time that I feel the need to curl up with something familiar.  On a whole I give the series a nine out of ten.  It is fun, pleasurable, and interesting every time you read it.  Charliane Harris is a master craftsman for her world including the short stories that support the books which can be found in a variety of Anthologies and a companion book.  Having said that, I am sad to know that she is in the process of winding down the series.

When reading Dead in the Family the first time and then again now I can tell that many of the choices Charliane Harris made in this novel where to begin the wrap up of the series.  This novel seems a bit disjointed when compared to the rest of the series, almost like an extended short story.  While seeing all of our favorite characters is great, it feels like it could have been added to the last book and broken into a short story.  Even reading her new short story "Two Blondes," we get the feeling that this book is missing some of the magic the series has held.  While I understand story lines have to eventually be wrapped up; I wish Dead in the Family had the meandering yet cohesive plot lines that you feel in her other novels.  Placing all of that aside it is still an excellent novel and a great addition to the the series.  I just wish it had been three short stories.

The parts I love of this novel are they she continues to deal with the past and how it affects Sookie's future.  Nothing is just swept under the rug and forgot; it still affects this young telepath every day.  With the abrupt feeling ending of this tale I am curious where the next tale is going to take us.  I am actually itching to get my hands on it.  What I wouldn't give to get a review copy especially after reading the chapter excerpt on her website, http://www.charlianeharris.com/.   I know we are going to continue to see the fun, and have a blast as the series comes to an end.  I just hope she keeps the magic going and leaves us an opening for more short stories and novels for the future.  I always like having hope.

Rating: 6 out of 10 as a novel but 9 out of 10 if they were short stories

Book Review: Dreams Made Flesh

Around the House
Well I got back into town from a work trip last night to find several messages from Mrs. Vladimir.  During the weekend Mr. Vladimir had Cousin Jerry come over to help with setting up the new home office.  The main part of the message I got was Mrs. Vladimir screaming at someone, "NO WEB IN BOX?  How I do Blog?  What you mean no web in box!"  So, they have lost their internet connection, and you will have me this week or until the Internet Company can get out to fix the situation.  We all know how long that can take, especially since during the last visit Mr. Vladimir yelled at him for being late.  I hope you all enjoy the book reviews I'll be blogging about.

D.J. Cappella

My Thoughts
Dream's Made Flesh is the follow-up novel to the Black Jewels Trilogy by Anne Bishop.  It is a fantastic completion of short stories that fill in the gaps of your favorite characters.  This novel can be read in tandem with the trilogy or to follow-up after the joys run through the dark passion of the blood.  The great part of this novel is that the short story Kaleer's Heart closes up the trilogy by telling the aftermath story of Janelle, Damon, and the SaDiablo Family.  As a stand alone novel I feel it lacks the thrill and pull of the trilogy, but as a companion to the trilogy this completion enhances the fantastic twists of the Realms of Blood.

Rating is a 8 out of 10
Buy the Book at http://www.outandaboutadventures.com/Book_Recommendations.html

Book Review: The Black Jewels Trilogy

Around the House
Katrina Rue came by for coffee this afternoon, well actually she had Diet Coke and I had tea. We get together once or twice a week to discuss our projects, go shopping, or have dinner/lunch. To see her new shopping blog visit http://myownonehundred.blogspot.com/ or to learn more about her visit http://katrinarue.blogspot.com/. Several months ago she recommended The Black Jewels Trilogy to me. Well as you can see by my webpage I fell in love with the series, but more of that below. www.outandaboutadventures.com/djcappella.html. As always, when she comes to visit we stop by Mrs. Vladimir to see how she is doing. We didn't actually get in the house today because Mrs. Vladimir was screaming at Mr. Vladimir about the Demon Gold again. So we figured it would be better to let them sort out their issues with out and audience.

D.J.  Cappella

My Thoughts

A Review of The Black Jewels Trilogy by Anne Bishop
The Black Jewels Trilogy combines magic, love, and the dark side of humanity in a way that tantalizes the tongue like the sweetest chocolate covered cherry gossip that you just can't put down. Anne Bishop handles a world as rich and complex as our own like she has walked the streets of Dharo, run through the fields of Scelt, or shopped in a Shalador Village with all the friends we meet as the tangled web of this story is cast around us. You will find yourself up late following the lives of the Blood forgoing sleep for this sensual treat. This fantastic tale of fantasy, romance, and dark desires of humanity is highly recommended read.

Rating is a 9 out of 10
Buy the Book at http://www.outandaboutadventures.com/Book_Recommendations.html

Book Review: Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Darkside

Around the House
Hey All, Mrs. Vladimir is going to be out for the week getting the house ready for Thanksgiving.  She had tea with me yesterday to tell me about what Mr. Vladimir did to the house.  Appearently, while getting ready for Halloween he sprayed gray silly string on the walls trying to make webs for his large scale plastic spiders.  Unfortunately, Mr. Special Needs ruined the paint job in the hallway with the 20 foot foyer.  Let's just say she is very crabby while overseeing the repaint.  From, what she is saying Mr. Vladimir is not allowed out of his basement office.  So, I will be your guest blogger for the week while she has the house on lock down.

D.J. Cappella

My Thoughts
A Review of Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Darkside by Beth Fantaskey
A dark twisted tale of finding love on the darkside that will delight the most hardened fantasy reader and engage the most giddy teen.  This story brings together vampires, love, and family in a way that allows for a believeable young adult fantasy story a step above The Twilight Saga and in line the Sookie Stackhouse Series.  In the blink of an eye Jessica finds she has an arranged marriage to vampire, is adopted from Romania (and you see why Mrs. Vladimir loved this book), and upon her first bite will become the Vampire Princess.  With nothing but the Guide Book from to lead her into the new life she doesn't want; Jessica must find out who she really is.  I would highly recommend enjoying Jessica's battle to be an All-American Girl in a Vampire World.

Rating is an 8 out of 10
Buy the Book at http://www.outandaboutadventures.com/Book_Recommendations.html