Which Character Are You?

So I've been in hiding again for the last couple of days (and experiencing technical difficulties... reading too much is that right?). Anyway... I was wondering around all my usual spots and lookie what I found at Lisabea's (Nose in a Book)! So of course I had to do it and here is my Star Trek character:

Your results:
You are Jean-Luc Picard

Jean-Luc Picard 95% Spock 64% Data 62% Beverly Crusher 60% Geordi LaForge 55% Will Riker 55% Leonard McCoy (Bones) 45% An Expendable Character (Redshirt) 45% Chekov 40% Worf 40% Deanna Troi 40% James T. Kirk (Captain) 35% Mr. Scott 30% Mr. Sulu 20% Uhura 15%

A lover of Shakespeare and other fine literature. You have a decisive mind and a firm hand in dealing with others.

Click here to take the Star Trek Personality Quiz

HA! I knew I was captain material (just not that overly dramatic one!) . Not digging that I'm 45% Expendable. I am SO not fodder!

Who are you?

Its My Birthday

It's my birthday!!!

Oh Happy Birthday to ME
Happy Birthday to ME
Happy Birthday dear ME
Happy Birthday to ME!

I am now celebrating my... uh... Twenty-fifth (yup that's right!) Anniversary of my birthday!!! Here's to blowing out the candles and wishing for some luck.

TBR Challenge 2009: The Down Home Zombie Blues & An Accidental Goddess

Since I was a slacker last month, I'm doing two review this month to make up for it.

So first up is...
Title: The Down Home Zombie Blues

Author: Linnea Sinclair

Published: 2007 by Bantam Books

Number of Pages: 516

Genre: Sci Fi Romance

Stand Alone/Series: Stand Alone

Why This Book: It was the only Linnea Sinclair book I hadn't devoured yet.

From the Author Site:In this steamy, suspenseful new thriller from RITA award-winning author Linnea Sinclair, a dangerously sexy space commander and an irresistibly earthy Florida police detective pair up to save the civilized galaxy…but can they save themselves from each other?

Bahia Vista homicide detective Theo Petrakos thought he’d seen it all. Then a mummified corpse and a room full of futuristic hardware sends Guardian Force commander Jorie Mikkalah into his life. Before the night’s through, he’s become her unofficial partner—and official prisoner—in a race to save the Earth. And that’s only the start of his troubles.

Jorie’s mission is to stop a deadly infestation of bio-mechanical organisms from using Earth as its breeding ground. If she succeeds, she could save a world and win a captaincy. But she’ll need Theo’s help, even if their unlikely partnership does threaten to set off an intergalactic incident.

Because if she fails, she’ll lose not just a planet and a promotion, but a man who’s become far more important than she cares to admit.

Cast:
Sergeant Theo Petrakos: A recently divorced homicide detective for Bahia Vista Police Department in Florida. He is trying to get his life back together while avoiding all the helpful people intent on getting him a date. While investigating an unusual homicide, he get involved with the Guardian Force, who were also investigating the same homicide. Since "nils" - people from low tech worlds - aren't supposed to know about the Guardian Force, he is kidnapped and is placed on the transfer list to Paroo (a paradise planet). Theo doesn't want to leave earth, and his friends and family, so he makes a deal that allows him to help out in the current investigation.

Commander Jorie Mikkalah: Being a Guardian is all she wants to be and she enjoys her work. She has been promised a promotion to captain if she successfully solves this Zombie problem. With the death of her contact on the ground, she turns to Theo to get the information on about local.

Review: I've really enjoyed all of Linnea Sinclair's stories, so I had high hopes for this one. Even though the plot devise is not one I generally enjoy. The whole advanced aliens from out space come the earth and fall in love with an earthling. And it didn't work for me here either, I'm sad to say. Most of the time there is some translation do-hicky or something that allows everyone to understand (minus the idioms of course) but in this version, one of the numerous alien languages is almost like english to allow communication between the Guardians and the locals.

The worlding building was okay. There are two factions in space, one that naturally wants to obliterate the other. Zombies were created as border guards. But someone from the enemy faction stole the operating codes and now are breeding a superior Zombie breed as a first line of attact. And they've chosen the love state of Florida in which to do their breeding tests. Because it's an out of the way world with the perfect temperature for breeding Zombies and has very litte interglactic travel.

The Zombies aren't the fleshing-eating-living-dead zombies that most would automatically think about. Instead these zombies suck all the juice of their victims leaving mummies with moist eyeballs. And a person cannot be converted into a zombie. Since the zombie is a genetically engineered being. All zombies are a part of a herd, each herd is control able the C-Prime zombie. Reprogramming or killing the C-Prime zombie is the best way to kill the herd.

What I liked best: There really wasn't much I like about the story. It was well thought out but none of the characters really clicked for me. I think it asked me to suspend my belief and bit too far for it to be truly enjoyable.

What I least liked: The over use of the word "bliss". Couldn't the aliens learn the word nice, good, delicious, and happy so that "bliss" didn't have to take the place of those words. *sigh*

Keeper?: No

Recommendation: I would recommend Linnea Sinclair to all readers, just not this book!

Grade: D


Next...
Title: An Accidental Goddess

Author: Linnea Sinclair

Published: 2006 by Bantam Books

Number of Pages: 434

Genre: Futuristic Romance

Stand Alone/Series: Stand Alone

Why This Book: I picked the book up originally due to a review I read on The BookSmugglers blog.

From the Author Site: Being divine has never been more dangerous...

Raheiran Special Forces Captain Gillaine Davré has just woken up in some unknown space station, wondering where the last three hundred years have gone. The last thing she remembers is her ship being attacked. Now it seems that while she was time-traveling, she was ordained a Goddess…

Gillaine’s only hope of survival rests with dangerously seductive Admiral “Mack” Makarian, who suspects her of being a smuggler—or worse. But he can’t begin to imagine the full extent of it. For Gillaine is now Lady Kiasidira, holy icon to countless believers, including Mack—a man who inspires feelings in her that are far from saintly…feelings she knows are mutual. But when their flirtation is interrupted by a treacherous enemy from the past, Gillaine’s secret—and secret desires—could destroy them both….

Cast:
Gillaine, Kiasidira, Ciran Rothalla Davre: She wakes up in the sick bay of Cirrus One after her ship had suffered some damages during her last battle with the Fav'lhir which inadvertantly threw her 342 years to the future. Where she discovers, much to her dismay, that she has been elevated to goddesshood, with temples, worshipers and the like. And all she had ever wanted to be was "just Gillie" who likes Devil Breath neat with a twist and a good game of billards at the local pub. But she is a Kiasidira, a high ranked Raheiran sorceress, which comes with a lot of responsibilities. One of which led her into that faithful battle. Now that no one know who she truly is, she tries to build a life as "just Gillie Davre", feighter captain. But fate is not done with her, just when things seem to be settling down and working for Gillie, old enemies appear that puts Gillie in a difficult position.

Sentient Integrated MObile Nanoessence aka Simon: Gillie's sentient ship, teacher and friend.

Admiral Rynan "Mack" Makarian aka "Make it Right" Makarian: Admiral of the Khalaran Fifth Fleet and responsible for converting Cirrus One from a civilian station into a military station. Nothing is going well for Mack. First the civilian run operations are making it difficult as possible for him and his team to make the necessary upgrades, he has parrots flying all over his atrium, he's been giving an office that doesn't allow him to interface with any of the stations systems and he has a mysterious (a beautiful, even though he does want to think about it) woman in his sick bay that may be a pirate. On top of that, he has to deal with the Temple of the Lady Kiasidira which seems to have it agenda.

Lieutenant Tobias Finch: Mack's right hand man and a devoted worshiper of the Lady Kiasidira.

Review: Linnea Sinclair has once again created and wonderfully colorful world and engrossing story where a not so average woman ambassador, who just wants to have fun and share technological knowledge, saves the galaxy as they know it by sacrificing herself and her ship. But she didn't die. She's thrown into the future where to her great disgust and dismay, she is now a Goddess. Lucky for her they didn't get her name right. Unlucky for her there is someone on the station that can identify her and it seems that the enemy was not complete defeated.

The world building is done seamlessly. Althrough there was a lot information to portray, nothing got lost in the translation. All the historical bits were well woven through the "present" day facts. All the lovely world making details are there so there is no need to fill in the gaps. This world has a bit of magic thrown in with all the usual space exploring technologies. A bit of Sword and Sorcerer mets Star Trek.

What I liked best: Simon. He's smart and a bit of a smarty-pants too. All those teasing remarks, the humming of the wedding song in the background. The banter between Gillie and Simon are a crack up.

What I least liked: The really strange teenage fashions. But then I don't care for them much in the real world either.

Keeper?: Yes

Recommendation: If you've enjoyed other Linnea Sinclair books, you will definitely enjoy this one. It a lite and witty story about

Grade: A

DIK Hero Draft!!!

Hi all!

You all probably remember (or not, for original draft check here) the silliness that was the Hero Draft hosted by seven jailers hostesses. This in turn became the springboard for the Desert Island Keepers' blog. So in fond remembrance, a new draft has started (we're adding more cabana boys!). Come check out the funniness that is the Hero Draft!

Blogversary!!!

It's my first Blogversary!

It all started last year due to the Desert Island Keepers heroes draft which led to the founding of the Heroes Liberation Organization. The HLO is now a part of DIK (we have our own little corner of the DIK island) and all is well in the land of heroes.

For me, it's been a strange year spotted with work and many months of non-volutary vacation. Here's to hoping for a better personal year!

Yay! Had phone interview. Should know next week if I'm moving along to a face-to-face interview. *fingers crossed* *toes crossed* *eyes crossed* *heck cross everything* *good thoughts*

Movie Review: Star Trek

Movie: Star Trek

Genre: Science Fiction

Rating: PG-13

Movie Summary: The greatest adventure of all time begins with “Star Trek,” the incredible story of a young crew’s maiden voyage onboard the most advanced starship ever created: the U.S.S. Enterprise. In the midst of an incredible journey full of optimism, intrigue, comedy and cosmic peril, the new recruits must find a way to stop an evil being whose mission of vengeance threatens all of mankind.

The fate of the galaxy rests in the hands of bitter rivals born worlds apart. One, James Tiberius Kirk (Chris Pine), a delinquent, thrill-seeking Iowa farm boy, a natural-born leader in search of a cause. The other, Spock (Zachary Quinto), grows up on the planet Vulcan, an outcast due to his half-human background, which makes him susceptible to the volatile emotions that Vulcans have long lived without, and yet an ingenious, determined student, who will become the first of his kind accepted into the Starfleet Academy.

Kirk and Spock could not be more different. Yet, in their quest to figure out who they really are and what they have to give to the world, they soon become competitive cadets-in-training. With their drastically opposite styles, one driven by fiery passion, the other by rigorous logic, they also become defiant, contentious adversaries, each equally unimpressed with the other, each going all out to be among the special few chosen to join the crew of the most advanced starship ever created, the U.S.S. Enterprise.

The crew is headed by Captain Christopher Pike (Bruce Greenwood). Joining him are the ship’s Medical Officer Leonard “Bones” McCoy (Karl Urban); the man who will become the ship’s Chief Engineer, Montgomery “Scotty” Scott (Simon Pegg); Communications Officer Uhura (Zoë Saldana); experienced Helmsman Sulu (John Cho); and the 17-year-old whiz kid Chekov (Anton Yelchin). All will face a harrowing first test that will set in motion the loyalty, camaraderie, daring and good humor that will bind them forever.
In the midst of it all, Kirk and Spock will come face-to-face with an undeniable destiny: a need to forge an unlikely but powerful partnership, enabling them to lead their crew to boldly go where no one has gone before.

From left to right: Pavel Chekov (Anton Yelchin), James T. Kirk (Chris Pine), Montgomery 'Scotty' Scott (Simon Pegg), Dr Leonard 'Bones' McCoy (Karl Urban), Hikaru Sulu (John Cho), and Nyota Uhura (Zoe Saldana).

See trailers here.

Review: J.J. Abrams did a wonderful job in bringing the old flavor of the original Star Trek while updating it for a new generation. The ship, the cast and even the costuming was flawless (there is even a scene of Kirk sans shirt!). Everything that made Star Trek the phenomenon it is was maintained. The humor, the adventure, the villain and the ship (Majel Barrett Rodenberry was still the voice of the ship's computer), it was all there.

The cast was did a spectacular job in bringing to life and maintaining the mannerisms and quirks of the original cast. Many times when an actor reprises a role that was played by another, there is something missing. But here there were no mistake. The one that shines brightest is Zachary Quinto. He had Nimoy's Spock down perfectly right down to the the raise eye brow in query and the inflection of "fascinating". But the character I loved most was Chekov. Yelchin did a superb job of bringing Koenig's Chekof to life. The heavily accented english, the difficulty in dealing with the computer because of it and his enthusiasm in figuring out the puzzle at hand.

What I liked best: The cast. They did a superb job in bringing the original crew back to life.

What I least liked: There was nothing that I didn't like about the movie.

Rating: A+, Must see for all trekkies!

Review: Burning Alive by Shannon K Butcher

Title: Burning Alive

Author: Shannon K. Butcher

Published: May 2009, Onyx (Penguin)

Number of Pages: 358

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Stand Alone/Series: The Sentinel Wars #1

Why This Book: Read the excerpt (here) because I saw the pretty cover on Kmont's blog and next thing I know I'm buying it! *dang kmont*

From the Author Site: They are the Sentinels. Three races descended from ancient guardians of mankind, each possessing unique abilities in their battle to protect humanity against their eternal foes--the Synestryn. Now, one warrior must fight his own desire if he is to discover the power that lies within his one true love...

For too long, Helen Day has been haunted by visions of her own death, surrounded by flames as a dark-haired man watches her burn. So when she sees the man of her nightmares staring at her across a diner, she attempts to flee--and ends up in the man's arms. There, she awakens a force more powerful and enticing than she could ever imagine.

The instant the Theronai warrior Drake touches Helen, the anguish he has borne for years fades away. He is determined to know why this beautiful, fearful woman has such power over him. The answer lies in his very blood--and in Helen's as well. For together, they may become more than lovers--they may become a weapon of light that could tip the balance of the war--and save Drake's people...

The Cast:
Theronai: One of the Sentinel races. All Theronai men absorb magical energy but cannot channel it. A Theonai woman can channel the power from their bonded man. The build up of power slowly kills the men's souls over several centuries and when their souls die they loose the ability to tell right from wrong. The rate of soul death in different for each man. The men are also are born with a lifemark, a giant tree tattoo, which a visual gauge of their souls health, the more leaves the tree has the better the soul's health. Two centuries ago most of the Theronai women were killed and the men became sterile. Zach, Thomas, Nicholas, Paul, Angus are some of the Theronai warriors. Jacob Rayd is their leader. Gilda aka Lady Grey is a Theronai woman.

Sanguinar: One of the Sentinel races. They blood drinkers and cannot be in sunlight. They are also the most powerful healers among the Sentinel races. They have been starving for centuries because the strength of the blood they have had access to is not strong enough to satisfy their needs. They are working on a mysterious project called Lullaby. Logan is one of the Sanguinar. Tynan is their leader.

Gerai: Not sure if they are the third Sentinel race or not. They are basically descendants of humans and Athanasians. Athanasia is the world the Sentinels are protecting and earth is the only gateway to Anthanasia.

Synestryn: Monsters, demons, whatever you want to call them. They are the bad guys that want to conquer Anthanasia. They come in many different forms. Each has its own strength and weakness. They can only come out after sunset and usually den in caves, abandon mines, etc.

Helen Day: All her life she has had a vision of her death. That of being burned alive while a man watches her with a smile. One day she meets him in a diner and is promptly kidnapped by him and his friends.

Lexi: Waitress at diner and Helen's friend with a mysterious past.

Miss Mabel: An unfortunate senior citizen. Helen's friend and fellow abductee.

Drake Asher: A Theronai warrior. While on a hunt he meets Helen and when he touches her the all his pain disappears. When he stops touching her all his pain returns. He doesn't know why this happens so he kidnaps her.

Review: The story grabs you at the beginning with the chance meeting of Helen and the man who Helen thinks will be her murder, Drake, in a diner. But rest of the book just didn't seem to be as engaging. As far as plots go, it was okay. Hero meet heroine who is his "savior". Hero abducts heroine because he needs her. Heroine learns she is "gifted" and "saves" hero. And as far as the greater plot, it isn't all that original either: supernatural warriors, with problems, must keep supernatural monsters from invading/taking whatever they are protecting. But all that taken into account, the story was still interesting enough to keep me entertained.

The world building was okay. There is a lot of information to convey. But the way it was presented was a bit confusing since we get bits and pieces from each character and that made it a bit disjointed. I felt like I was missing something. There is a lot going on and there are definite mysteries that I hope will be explained in the future. Given all that, I'm not sure how it could have been better presented. Maybe if the story hadn't skipped around to so many different points of view it would have been easier to absorb.

What I liked best: I think its the Lexi subplot. Lexi is one cool customer. A petite package of dynamite waiting for her fuse to be lit. She has a mysterious past and it involves the Sentinels somehow. I hope we see more of her in the future.

What I least liked: Sibyl the foreseer. I really hate the whole child prophet route. I also hate the mysterious prophet too.

Keeper?: Yes

Recommendation: An interesting read once you get your head around all the information presented. I'm looking forward to the Zach/Lexi story.

Grade: B

Challenged!!

Orannia has thrown down the gauntlet.

Like many, I picked up Broken Wing by Judith James due to Kristie's glowing recommendation. And now its been a year and it is still languishing in my TBR. For some reason or another I just haven't read it yet.

While discussing what to do about TBRs and reading order over at Orannia's (Traffic Jam) it came to light that many have yet to read Broken Wing. Due to our fear respect for the wrath of Kristie, no one wanted to confess to this omission (much hiding). But Orannia has challenged us to read it before the end of June/July (still discussing the due date). We are still discussing the particulars (where to review/discuss).

Join us if you dare! (sign up at Orannia's).

Review: Eve of Darkness by SJ Day

Title: Eve of Darkness

Author: SJ Day

Published: April 2009

Number of Pages: 344

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Stand Alone/Series: Marked #1

Why This Book: Heard lots of good things about from one of my favorite book dealers *whispers "KB"*.

From the Author Site: Cursed by God, hunted by demons, desired by Cain and Abel... All in a day's work.

For Evangeline Hollis, a long-ago fling with a bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks just became a disaster of biblical proportions. One night with a leather-clad man of mystery has led to a divine punishment: the Mark of Cain.

Thrust into a world where sinners are drafted to kill demons, Eve knows her learning curve must be short. A longtime agnostic, she begrudgingly maneuvers through a celestial bureaucracy where she is a valuable but ill-treated pawn. She's also become the latest point of contention in the oldest case of sibling rivalry in history...

But she'll worry about all that later. Right now she's more concerned with learning to kill while staying alive. And saving the soul she'd never quite believed she had.

The Cast:
Alec Cain aka Cain: The bible's first murderer. Marked and doomed to roam the earth because he killed his brother, Abel. He was God's first bounty hunter, or Mark, who hunts rouge demons or Infernals. Now he is bounty hunter number #1 who takes order only from God himself unlike the other Marks, who take their orders from the archangels. Cain doesn't like rules and has been on his own for a really long time and he had no weakness until he met and fell in love with Eve, gave into the temptation and slept with her. He has made a deal that has him assigned as Eve's mentor.

Reed Abel aka Abel: The, not so innocent, victim of the first murder. Now an angel working under an archangel and is Eve's handler, one responsible for her training and assignments. Abel loves the rules, has always toed the line and followed orders. A company man through and through. Enter Eve. Here's something bad brother Cain wants so natural Abel has decided that he has to take her away from Cain. But now he too is finding Eve a temptation and wants her for other reasons than to annoy Cain.

Raguel Gadara aka Archangel Raguel: Runs the firm that controls all the Marks in North America. Abel's boss and therefore Eve's boss. He has motives of his own and he needs Cain in order to achieve them, so he must have and keep Eve under his control.

Evangeline Hollis aka Eve: She slept with Cain when she was eighteen (and, well, stupid) and this altered her destiny forever. Talk about really bad first dates. Cain takes her virginity, ruined her for any other man, because the sex was out of this world good, then disappeared from her life. Enter Abel ten years later, he lures her into a stairwell, screws her blind, brands her and basically ruins her life. Talk about bad luck. Here she was minding her own business and is quite successful as an interior designer when her number gets called and she is branded with the Mark of Cain and is now one of God's bounty hunters. Except that she's special because Cain is in love with her. This makes her a target for just about everyone.

Review: SJ Day's first book in her Marked series. She has taken the biblical story of Cain and Abel and gave it a new twist. Abel doesn't really "die" and Cain's punishment isn't the end for him either. Cain can earn his redemption by slaying rouge demons (Infernals). But, as he's not so good at following the rules, he's sins keeps pace with his earned indulgences (atonement for his sins). While Abel, the good brother, is an angel, he isn't "good" and Cain, the muderer, isn't "bad".

Day's world building is good. Nothing too wild. Everything fits neatly into the story. And all the nifty little details are there and everything is consistent. She has worked the biblical story and histories nicely into her world. I like that she's taken into consideration that the Bible was written by men thus not everything in it is the full truth and that it is mostly allegorical. Day's archangels are highly competitive and are in constant competetion with each other and man, God's greatest creation. Sure they love God and are devoted servants and curry God's favor, but they each want to be first in God's eye. And God... well he is all-knowing and all-seeing but he doesn't always pay attention. *g*

In Day's world's history, the number of rouge Infernals out pace Cain's ability to control, God creates the Marked system. Some sinners are marked with the mark of Cain becoming Marks and allowed earn indulgences by working for the archangels. Each Mark is assigned a role depending his or her skill set. This system has increased until to the current state where Marks work for firms run by archangels. There are seven firms and each headed by a different archangel. Each firm is located on one of the continents. Cain doesn't belong to any firm, since he is doom to roam he has no "home" base. Abel works for the North American firm.

What I liked best: Cain. What a sweetie. Yeah he's bad ass but he really loves Eve and only wants to be with her. And he's willing to do anything to stay with her, even follow orders and deal with Abel, whom he despises even after all these years.

What I least liked: After the first chapter (you can read it here), everything is a flashback. It starts with circumstances of Eve's marking up to the events in Upland that was mentioned in first chapter with more flashbacks of Eve's initial encounter with Cain. So the book basically leaves you hanging and wondering what the hell happens after chapter one. We know how she ended up in that situation but nothing after. Total cliff hanger! Ick! The good news is that Book 2 is out in early June so we hope there will be some resolution.

Keeper?: Yes

Recommendation: Yes. A good read. Would probably recommend that you wait until Book 2, Eve of Destruction, is out to read this if you are like me and don't like loose ends at the end of your story.

Grade: B

Review: Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews

Title: Magic Strikes

Author: Ilona Andrews

Published: March 2007

Number of Pages: 310

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Stand Alone/Series: Kate Daniels #3
Book 1: Magic Bites
Book 2: Magic Burns

Why This Book: It's Kate Daniels!!! How can you pass it up?!

From the Author Site: Drafted into working for the Order of Merciful Aid, mercenary Kate Daniels has more paranormal problems than she knows what to do with these days. And in Atlanta, where magic comes and goes like the tide, that’s saying a lot.

But when Kate’s werewolf friend Derek is discovered nearly dead, she must confront her greatest challenge yet. As her investigation leads her to the Midnight Games - an invitation only, no holds barred, ultimate preternatural fighting tournament - she and Curran, the Lord of the Beasts, uncover a dark plot that may forever alter the face of Atlanta’s shapeshifting community…

Heroine: Kate Daniels is still the sword wielding manic that we have all come to love! She's still mouthy and has problems with authority figures (mostly Curran), but she is certainly learning all those codes and regulations. I guess that happens when you are a civil servant and lets face it working for the Order of Merciful Aid is definitely working in law enforcement. You know: bad pay, horrible hours, and doing things that no one in there right mind would actually volunteer to do. And on top of all that she's still the Order representative for all things mercenary or Pack related. AND she has to deal with Saiman! Poor thing! (*grins with glee*)

Review: This is another action packed page turner!! Ilona Andrews takes us back into Kate's world, the post-magic wave Atlanta, where all thing are not well. This story opens a few months after the events of Magic Burns. The post flare months were a bit slow, but with magic back in the swing of things, everything picking up. Once again, Kate's having to stick her neck, and sword, out to protect her friends and the world at large.

Once the action starts there is no stopping right up to the last page. The story is fast pace, the dialog is witty (still snickering at some of Kate exchanges with Jim and Curran) and well thought out. All those lovely details required for the story are filled out just enough to make every understandable and enjoyable. The world building in relation to Roland continues smoothly and it makes me eager to see the "final" battle/show down between Kate and Roland! This is what the whole series is building towards and I really love that about a series. An overall "goal" or outcome that the story it building towards. It helps keep all the stories in continuity with each other and makes for a great series.

Kate with her brash, no nonsense, kick ass attitude makes it a fun read. Since all is told from her perspective, we get all her inside thoughts and feeling. Which still a hoot! I just love the way her mind works (or doesn't at times). Though Kate doesn't want friends or responsibilities she's got them and she goes the extra mile and then some for them. She is definitely a great friend to have, especially if you need to kick some ass!

I honestly couldn't put it down. In fact I read it then pulled out books 1 and 2 and read right on through book 3 again! It was great! All that's missing is MORE! More Kate and her wicked sword skills, more Kate and Curran, more Roland, more, more, more! Ilona Andrews leaves us with tantalizing teaser which just makes me snicker then yell for MORE.

On Kate's relationship with Curran: I just love their banter! Their whole relationship has me laughing myself silly every time I thing about them. So let's sum up their relationship to date.

Magic Bites: At their very first meeting, she greets him with:

Here, kitty, kitty, kitty.

And he's response, after trying to wrap his head around her greeting, is:

What kind of woman greets the Beast Lord with 'here, kitty, kitty'?

Magic Burns: As their relationship starts to be more than just work, at least in Curran's eyes. Kate's whole take on it is:

If we were the last two people on Earth, I'd find myself a moving island so I could get the hell away from you.

To which he responds with:

We'll see

Magic Strikes: Curran is still is pursuit and Kate is, well, being Kate and is still evading and denying that anything at all exists. Kate:

I think you're confused as to the nature of our relationship ship. You and I don't get along. You're a psychopathic control freak. You order me around and I want to kill you. I'm pigheaded insubordinate ass. I drive you mad and you want to strangle me."

And Curran:

Once! I did it once!

LOL... I can't wait to see what happens. Especially with that tantalizing note at the end of the book!

What I liked Best: I have to say it's Curran's little note to Kate at the very end of the book. In fact it on the very last page of the book. It so totally makes me drool for the next book! And it's not out until March 2010!!! *sigh* And the best line in the whole book:

Er. I was sitting atop the Beast Lord in my underwear, holding a knife to his throat. What the hell was my next move?

What I found Most Annoying: Nothing! I love it. I think the only thing that bothers me is that I need MORE Kate! And now I have to wait until March 2010!! Good thing that whole Mayan end of the world thing isn't until December 2010 so there should be no trouble in getting the book! *grin*

Keeper?: YES!!! Must have!

Recommendation: I highly recommend this series. Although each book stands well on its own, in order to fully enjoy all of Kate's on-going relationship you should read the series in order.

Grade: A+
Series Grade to Date: A+

Magic Bites Winner(s)

Since we had so few enter to win I've decided to give Magic Bites (Kate Daniels #1) to both people who want a copy! That would be...

ORANNIA

CHERRY

Congrats guys and I know you will enjoy it! One is brand new and one is like new (used but only has penciled in discount price first page, otherwise looks new, if you have a strong preference let me know otherwise I'll do a coin toss to see who gets what!)

Please e-mail me with where to send your books at:

totally2aymless at yahoo dot com

Book & Movie Review: Twilight

I thought I would do something new. A combined book and movie review. I'm going to try to do this on the first of each month, we'll see how it goes... So for the very first Book and Movie review...

Title: Twilight

Author: Stephanie Meyer

Published: October 2005

Genre: Young Adult

Stand Alone/Series: Twilight #1

From Amazon: Bella Swan's move to Forks, a small, perpetually rainy town in Washington, could have been the most boring move she ever made. But once she meets the mysterious and alluring Edward Cullen, Bella's life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn. Up until now, Edward has managed to keep his vampire identity a secret in the small community he lives in, but now nobody is safe, especially Bella, the person Edward holds most dear.

Hero: Edward Cullen is a gem. Complete hero material, an old fashion hero with gentlemanly manners from a time long ago. As a vampire, he thinks of himself as a monster and tries to repel Bella every way he can, from leaving town to being rude and telling her that they shouldn't be friends. But he can't help but be drawn to Bella, not only is she irresistible to him as prey but she is also a mystery since she has the only mind he can't read. Once he gives into temptation, he is quite funny and delightful.

Heroine: Bella Swan is typical teenager with many common teen angst but with unusually sensitivity. She moves from sunny Arizona, where she was mostly satisfied with her life to Washington, where her life suddenly becomes the opposite of what she is used to, from being one in the crowd to being in the spotlight. She is not used to being popular and doesn't quite know how to handle her sudden popularity and Edward's unusual responses. At first she can't believe that someone could dislike her so much to being determined to solve the mystery that is Edward.

Book Review: This is a great love story. Very Romeo and Juliet, where the hero and heroine are naturally incompatible but are helplessly attracted to each other. He's a predator and she's his natural prey. It's also a story of true love and has all the angst involved with being the first love as well. All told in the first person, Bella's, and it highlights all her teen insecurities. At times her continuing insecurities and continued descriptions of Edward's flawless exterior are annoying but I didn't find it too much of a distraction from the overall story.

While some have compared this series with Harry Potter, I find it to be a comparison of apples to oranges. I think Harry Potter probably has a greater base audience than this series, I really find it hard to believe this series would be of interest to adolescent boys while I would think it would be wildly attractive to the average adolescent girl. Perhaps that's stereotyping, but it's like imagining my brother reading Sweet Valley High books, quite mind boggling. This is truly a teen fantasy romance with all the drama of first love and those difficult years in between childhood and adulthood.

Movie Rating: PG-13

Movie Trailer: Here.

Movie Review: The movie followed the book for the most part and there weren't any great diversions from the overall plot. But as with most books turned movies, there are some leaps/short cuts that have to be taken.

For the most part it was quite enjoyable but I had issues with the casting. Jasper in particular, I thought he was particularly wimpy and sissy looking. I thought the actor who played James would have been a better fit for Jasper. James was delightful. Both wickedly evil but absolutely scrumptious. But I have to say Charlie was my favorite. His portrayal was dead on for me. The whole small town sheriff who's used to living alone who is suddenly the primary parent of a teenage girl and doesn't quite know how to deal with this strange species.

Keeper?: The book is definitely worth re-reading and a keeper. As for the movie, its worthwhile to rent for those who really enjoyed the book but not a must buy. Director Catherine Hardwicke did a good job of bringing the book to the big screen but there were some hick-ups in the storyline that I found distracting.

Recommendation: An excellent read. Anyone who enjoys a well crafted story will enjoy this book. The movie is good and worth seeing but, as always, I enjoyed the book infinitely more than the movie.

Book Rating: A-
Movie Rating: B-