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Powell's Staff:
Five Book Friday: In Memoriam
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Every year, the booksellers at Powell’s submit their Top Fives: their five favorite books that were released in 2023. It’s a list that, when put together, shows just how varied and interesting the book tastes of Powell’s booksellers are. I highly recommend digging into the recommendations — we would never lead you astray — but today...
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Brontez Purnell:
Powell’s Q&A: Brontez Purnell, author of ‘Ten Bridges I’ve Burnt’
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Rachael P.:
Starter Pack: Where to Begin with Ursula K. Le Guin
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Customer Comments
Brooke Reviews has commented on (9) products
Strangely Beautiful Tale Of Miss Percy Percy Parker
by
Leanna Renee Hieber
Brooke Reviews
, August 24, 2009
ecause I can't write a Summary that will do this Victorian Gothic tale justice this is from Leanna Renee Hieber's website: What fortune awaited sweet, timid Percy Parker at Athens Academy? Considering how few of Queen Victoria’s Londoners knew of it, the great Romanesque fortress was dreadfully imposing, and little could Percy guess what lay inside. She had never met the powerful and mysterious Professor Alexi Rychman, knew nothing of the growing shadow, the Ripper and other supernatural terrors against which his coterie stood guard. She knew simply that she was different, haunted, with her snow-white hair, pearlescent skin and uncanny gifts. But this arched stone doorway offered a portal to a new life, an education far from the convent—and an invitation to an intimate yet dangerous dance at the threshold of life and death…. My take: The Guard is a group of six who were given special powers so they could protect London from the supernatural, or at least evil spirits that lurk about causing trouble. When they were given these powers there was also a prophecy about a seventh member that would be added to their group. There were many clues that would lead them to this seventh member, and it just so happens there are two women that almost fit the prophecy. The group must chose, and if they chose incorrectly, well, very bad things will happen. Miss Percy Parker is a lovely tale. Whenever I try to describe this book I always go back to the words "lovely" or "beautiful". Beautiful is quite fitting as it's in the title of the book, right? Percy Parker is a great heroine to follow. She knows nothing of the prophecy, and nothing about her past or the powers she holds. She only knows that she's odd, in that she sees ghosts and that she somewhat resembles them with her pale skin, hair, and eyes. When I say she is a great heroine to follow, I mean that she grows through the whole story - with the help of her Professor - and it's very nice to see this shy young lady grow stronger and into more of a woman. Professor Alexi Rychman is a very mysterious man to those on the outside, but on the inside he's lonely, and desperate to find this seventh member. One who he believes he is supposed to be in love with. He has tough choices to make in this book, and the whole time I'm screaming to myself, "Come on Alexi! You know what to do!" It was hard to sit on the "outside" of this book. I just wanted to jump in and help these characters out. I guess wanting to be involved in the story is a good thing right? There are more characters than Percy and Alexi, and all have their separate quirks and personalities. While reading, you can get a good feel for each one, and their likes/dislikes, desires, and powers. Another aspect of the story was that of The Ripper. I love this twist, I've always been interested in Jack the Ripper, and had the privilege of learning more about him in a class over the summer. That's besides the point though. This part was a great addition to the story. Leanna Renee Hieber's education on everything Victorian shines in this tale, and it was a pleasure to watch it all unravel. I look forward to many more LOVELY books from her in the future. The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker is alluring and haunting and should NOT be missed. You can visit Hieber's website for a trailer, excerpts, and prologue.
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Demon Inside
by
Stacia Kane
Brooke Reviews
, August 22, 2009
It's been three months since Megan Chase learned that she has part of a demon inside of her. Three months since she became the leader of a demon "family". Three months since meeting Greyson Dante, and she still doesn't know what to do about any of these things. What she does know is that her demons are being killed, and by killed I mean brutally destroyed by something more powerful than she. Although her and Grey have great chemistry, she's still unsure of his feelings towards her. Are they purely physical or something more? Him being secretive and unable to share personal information as well as telling her exactly what is going on, lead her to be afraid to share her own personal information, and definitely doesn't want him to know about her failure in keeping her demons alive. When Megan returns to her hometown, Grant Falls, for the reading of her father's will, the force that is killing her demons follows her there not only leading her to find out just who is responsible for the way she is now (only human without a personal demon on her shoulder, part of demon inside of her), but what she has to do to get her demons back and gain control of her "family" once again. Thoughts: There is no way I would tell you to pick this book up if you haven't read the first. It'd be near impossible to figure out everything that has happened. Plus, the first book is so damn good that it's worth it. This one started off with action, action, and more action. I wasn't prepared for things to start that way, but it was a welcome surprise. Megan is such a likable character, she's someone that I would want to be friends with. IF I wasn't afraid of getting killed just by going shopping with her. Her only downfalls are not being able to communicate with Greyson, and not wanting to punish her demons the way they need to be. She's obviously head over heels for the Greyson, but she fails to let him know how she is feeling and that she needs help because she is scared/nervous. I guess not wanting to punish your demons doesn't seem like a downfall, but if she wants them to stay happy, and to stay with her she needs to be able to do so. It was great to travel to Grant Falls with Megan, but it wasn't great to meet her AWFUL family and other people in town. YIKES! What a bunch of judgemental, snobby, and rude people! It's no wonder she left to make it on her own. Kudos to Stacia Kane for making me HATE Megan's mother. Seriously, I don't often just HATE characters, not even bad guys. This woman takes the cake. Every page of Demon Inside is filled with greatness, and I don't really have any complaints about this book. It was fun to read just like Personal Demons, and Stacia Kane sure knows how to weave an exciting tale! Also, don't let these covers fool you. They may look like romance covers, but they are so much more than this. Although the romance in them is quite nice... :D
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Witch's Pawn
by
Toni Lotempio
Brooke Reviews
, August 22, 2009
Charity Jordan is the producer for one of the most popular soap operas on daytime television. But she has a past that haunts her. Many years ago her sister was murdered in front of her, but she doesn't remember it happening. She has blocked the event from herself, and doesn't know if she is responsible for the death or if there was another unknown force involved. When Charity's head writers come up with a new Gothic storyline for their show, they decided to shoot on location in Bender's Crook, Massachusetts, her hometown and where the events of her past will come unraveled and send her life and soul on a downward spiral. When Charity and crew arrive at the mansion where they intend to shoot, she finds a portrait of Estelle dela Bordeaux, who is said to be a witch that set a curse on the descendants of the ones who took part in her murder 200 years before. As people begin to turn up dead, her friends, co-workers, and towns people start to suspect Charity. But has Charity simply gone mad or is there something more vile and evil at work in Bender's Crook? When I was asked to review Witch's Pawn, I was excited to read this storyline. It's no secret that I've watched soaps with my mom since I was a kid, and I've always wished for more dark and Gothic storylines. I think the plot and ideas behind Witch's Pawn are interesting and fun. But I had a few problems while reading it. It seemed like the story could have been tightened up with a bit more editing. The way the plot unraveled could have had better flow, the characters wouldn't be so vapid, and the witch could have been more evil. The characters were pretty one dimensional, and I didn't feel attached to any of them, not even Charity the main character. If the characters who got killed off were more likable I might have cared more. I feel like the pull between Estelle and Charity's souls battling for the same body could have been taken further, and I was just left wanting more, and not in a good way. Overall I would say I was disappointed with this book, and my one wish would be for better writing to back up the authors great ideas.
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Magic Bites Kate Daniels 01
by
Ilona Andrews
Brooke Reviews
, August 22, 2009
Kate Daniels lives in urban Atlanta. Magic is unpredictable here, as it's always fluctuating. This is how Kate, a mercenary, makes her living. Killing or capturing the bad guys who wreak havoc during the magical disruptions. When Kate learns of the death of her guardian she takes it upon herself to find the killer. This sticks her right in the middle of the two power structures in the city. The People and the Pack. Fighting whatever darkness is loose in the city will be tough with everyone breathing down her neck, and staying alive long enough to find the killer will be even tougher. *** It took me a while to read this book. I've had it on my shelf for a long time. Which is a shame! The world building is rich and dark, and sucks you right into this alternate Atlanta. I love the spin on the different power structures of "the People" and "the Pack". Andrew's vampires are frightening, not the kind you want to run into in a dark alley or in broad daylight, that's for sure. They are disgusting creatures, that are controlled by The Masters of the Dead from afar. The best part though is the Magic. The fluctuations, and not being able to do something as simple as drive a car, people having to ride on horseback, not being able to turn on an electric lamp, and unable to use guns! Magic and technology are battling against each other in Magic Bites, but for people who know how to channel that magic, like Kate, and use it to their advantage, this battle can be a good and bad thing. Lets get to Kate. Daring, smart, brave, strong, fierce, I could use so many words to describe her and all would be deserving. She's also got a sharp tongue, bad temper, and issues in her romantic life. I'd have to say she's a "well-rounded" character who won't fail to be exciting for readers. The romance is there in this book, but it doesn't take a front seat. It's mostly hidden in the small moments...a look here, a teasing remark there. I'm interested to see where and what Kate ends up doing in book two, Magic Burns. Maybe she'll even explore the options for romance that surrounded her in this book, in future books. This one had a slow start for me. Not boring, just not very attention getting. Kate sitting and drinking by herself in her kitchen didn't really grab me. But once I got to know her better, and the world created, I was hooked!
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Unshapely Things
by
Mark Del Franco
Brooke Reviews
, August 22, 2009
In The Weird, a neighborhood in Boston, fairy prostitutes are turning up dead. Their hearts have all been taken and left in their place - magical stones. There are two groups that cover crimes in Boston & The Weird: The Guild, who are the fey run law enforcement, and then the human law enforcement. The Guild, uninterested in these murders leaves the solving up to the humans. Working with the humans is Connor Grey, a druid who was left crippled when he lost almost all of his powers in an accident with a radical terrorist elf. He was taken off The Guild, and put on disability. Connors got a lot to deal with while trying to solve this case: Not being respected by the fey community, not being liked by the humans, and not having his full magical abilities to put to use. By trading information with a few of his close allies Connor figures out that these aren't random murders, that the dead prostitutes are a part of a ancient ritual that will open a portal and destroy the world. My thoughts? First of all this book was released in 2007, and it has taken me this long to catch up on it! I love getting a taste of a guys perspective in Urban Fantasy, a genre where women reign supreme. Mark Del Franco has something great going on in The Weird, and that's hero Connor Grey. You gotta love him. He's on the outs without his powers, and many times hearing how he acted previously when he had his powers make it nice to see him knocked down a peg. He's surrounded by a great cast of characters. All three ladies he is FRIENDS with are intriguing and strong. Maybe a possible love interest in one? I vote for Meryl. Also, his friend Stinkwort, aka Joe, a Flit, is one of the best characters. What is it with small characters and their fantastic attitudes. Absolutely loved him Joe! His human partner and friend Murdock is straight forward, and is content to put Connor in his place whenever necessary. The case, hearing the back story on the Fae races, and about Connor's past were all interesting. Although, sometimes the descriptiveness got to be a bit much. I'm on the side where there is such a thing as TOO much detail, and it seemed like since this was the first book in a series Mark wanted to set up The Weird so that he didn't have to do it in future books. At least I hope that's what he did. I'd compare the characterization in this series to the Dresden Files, and the world building to Kim Harrison's Hollows. Both very good series, so Connor Grey is in good company, but maybe not on the same level yet. Overall this was an enjoyable read for when I found myself in a reading slump. Now I'm back on the reading train and chugging right along!
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Killer Unicorns 01 Rampant
by
Diana Peterfreund
Brooke Reviews
, August 22, 2009
Astrid is 16 and has been told since she was younger to fear unicorns. That they are evil beasts. Her mother has shared tales of her ancestors fighting them, and ultimately leaving them to extinction. Astrid always thought her mom was nuts, until one night her boyfriend, and prom date hopeful, is stabbed by a Zhi (a tiny unicorn about the size of a goat) and would have died without her mother's elixir that saves his life. Astrid doesn't want to believe that these creatures are real, and she tries to make up excuses as to what that really was that mauled her date. She doesn't realize the gravity of the situation until she is sent to a convent in Rome, where her and other young girls will train to fight and slay the monsters that are attracted to them BECAUSE they are slayers. I hear ya. I was thinking the same exact thing when I read the blurb for this one. Evil UNICORNS? Are you kidding me? But Diana Peterfreund has almost changed how I see them. From beautiful, magical, and majestic creatures, to horrible beast that will kill anything that gets in their way. Oh yeah, and only a female warrior, virgin, and direct descendant of Alexander The Great can kill them. These unicorns are extremely fast, vicious, and deadly predators. Peterfreund did some major research or she put a whole new spin on them and made them her own. Either way I commend her for taking this risk. I can't imagine it will be easy for people to pick this book up after seeing what it's about. Astrid was an interesting character, she shows tremendous growth through the story. Although, in parts I wanted to strangle her for being so hardheaded! I liked the type and amount of detail, I enjoyed the dialogue, and the characters were pretty good. There were quite a few girls to keep track of in the convent, and I'm not sure if when they were all introduced if I caught who each one was, who they were related to, and what their specialties were, but I caught on soon enough. I enjoyed going through Astrid's struggles and different stages like disbelief in the beasts, realization after seeing and killing one, the sadness that she might not be good enough, being desperate to get out of the convent, and her feelings of strength and responsibility she gains from being a slayer. The setting in Rome gives the story a great visual backdrop. As well as a place for Astrid to find a little romance. Astrid's chance at a boyfriend is hindered by the fact that wherever she goes...the unicorns hunt her out. The romance is believable and is sprinkled throughout the story, so it's not over done or too in your face. Overall I went into this book very skeptical and came out the other end an ALMOST believer. I'm interested in a sequel when the time comes, but I'm not sure Rampant will work for as many people as other YA fantasy titles.
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A Circle of Souls
by
Grandhi, Preetham
Brooke Reviews
, July 16, 2009
Shock ripples through the town of Newberry when a little girl goes missing, only to turn up dead several days later. The police are desperate to find the killer, so they call in FBI Special Agent Leia Bines to track him/her down. Once in town Leia discovers that the little girl, Janet, has been brutally murdered, and displayed in such a way that it leads her to believe it is a sacrifice. In the same town, Naya, a child who has nightmares and sleepwalks, is hospitalized after almost walking off a balcony in her sleep. Dr. Peter Gram, a child psychiatrist, is called to help her, but what he finds out is more disturbing than anything he expected. Peter decides to try and help the FBI and Police when he finds out that Naya has been conversing with Janet, who she doesn’t know in person and doesn’t know is dead, in her dreams. She also draws images of the murdered girl, and of places she’s never been before - having only been shown them in these dreams. Naya’s pictures turn out to be the only clues that the police and FBI have to help them hunt down Janet's killer. A Circle of Souls is Preetham Grandhi’s debut novel, and the time, passion, and hard work that went into piecing together this story are evident. The characters are all well developed. The story has fantastic flow – even with multiple points of view, and the medical side is intriguing – never boring. Dr. Peter Gram and Agent Leia Bines are great lead characters, they are easy to like, and make you care about the children they work for. I’m always skeptical when the point-of-view of children is entered into adult books, but it is pulled off flawlessly. Never once did I feel like Janet or Naya sounded too childish, and I believe this is because it’s told in the third person. The chapters are short which I feel add to the easy flow of the book. I felt like I was just breezing through the story! This paranormal/murder-mystery is definitely staying in my collection, and I applaud Grandhi for taking on such an intense and thorough tale for his first novel One thing that bothered me was I wasn’t too surprised about who the killer was. This part wasn’t mysterious enough for me, but it didn’t take away from the story at all. Each character’s role in the unraveling of the case is interesting, and it was nice to get all sides of the story – even the killers. I’ll be looking forward to anything Preetham Grandhi dishes out in the future, and know that it will only get better from here.
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Prey
by
Rachel Vincent
Brooke Reviews
, June 29, 2009
What's it about? After being separated for nine weeks Faythe and Marc finally get to see each other again. Except while traveling through the free territory they (as well as Ethan, Vic, Manx, Baby Des, and stray Dan Painter) are ambushed by a massive group of strays working together. They make it out injured but alive, and continue on their way to take Manx to her trial. After returning home, Faythe and her family learn that Marc is missing. Not only does Faythe need to find Marc and fast, but her pride is under attack by Calvin Malone. The council member who had a hand in Marc being exiled in the first place, and Faythe's father losing his role as leader of the territorial council. Finding Marc is one thing, but Faythe also has to help raise Kaci, whose health is spiraling downword, and help Manx with her newly born son. All while trying to deal with her love life, being an enforcer, and making decisions no matter how right or wrong they may be. What did I think? Prey is an excellent follow up to Pride. The series only gets better the farther along we get into it. This one is intense and you can feel all the emotion that went into writing it. Rachel Vincent does a terrific job of writing believable story lines that make the reader care about this Pride as if it were their own family. You just want to reach out and help them or fight with them. Although Marc is missing through most of the story his presence is still felt in Faythe's thoughts and actions she takes to get him back. Her brother Ethan and fellow enforcer Jace play huge roles in this one, and Jace shows so much growth and potential for greatness. I always worry about political issues in books because they tend to be overwhelming, overly worked, and boring. But the politics in Prey are concisely written, and definitely have you rooting for Faythe and her family. I have to stay as far as consistency in series, Rachel Vincent is a winner with her Werecats. I expect many great new releases from her, and look forward to diving in when they are available. I'd also just like to add that...it has been a LONG time since I've sat through a book and cried like a little baby. Well played Rachel...well played.
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Strange Angels 01
by
St Crow, Lili
Brooke Reviews
, May 07, 2009
Dru's mom died when she was young, and she ended up spending a lot of time with her grandmother and father. When her grandmother passes away, Dru must scour the country with her dad, a hunter, looking for paranormal beings to kill. With Dru's help using "the touch" her dad's hunts have been very successful, until one night when he goes without her on a hunt, and she fails to tell him about her bad feelings. With her father dead, Dru has to figure out how to survive on her own, decide who she can trust, and find the monsters responsible for her father's death. All this while watching her own back for whoever is hunting HER. I really enjoyed Strange Angels, there is nonstop action which I love! Dru is a strong protagonist, but she also has her weaknesses like all teenage girls should have. She's scared and is determined not to let that show, even when she begins to feel vulnerable around her new friend Graves. St. Crow is a genius when writing intense and heavily emotional scenes. Her descriptions of the "real world" (no, not the reality show), which are shown through Dru's eyes, are dark, scary, and vivid. She has built a world full of intriguing creatures including; Zombies, Weres (werewulfen), Vampires (suckers), and all kinds of big and small monsters. The only part that sort of got old was that Dru likes to repeat a lot of the same phrases or lines. Which I'm going to go ahead and say is because of the traumatic death of her father. Overall Strange Angels was a very exciting book, and fans of Lilith Saintcrow's adult series will also enjoy her YA. I'm anxiously waiting to see what happens in book two of the Dru Anderson series.
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