March 2014 Book Roundup

It's been a crazy month, so my roundup is a little slim. I hope you'll give me some new ideas for books now that I have some time to read again!

Barefoot Season by Susan Mallery
This is a novel of old friends torn apart and forced to find their way back together. While there are definite romantic elements, the women's relationship takes center stage. I found my self rooting for both women, who are forced to reexamine their pasts and what they will take forward into the future. Both women are far from perfect, but they acknowledge their faults (eventually) and really strive to be better people.

Steadfast by Mercedes Lackey
This is the ninth installment in Mercedes Lackey's Elemental Masters series, based on the story of the Steadfast Tin Soldier. All of the books are fabulous and this one is no exception. I have really enjoyed that the later books in the series have moved away from the all powerful Masters toward the less powerful Magicians. It means less reliance on power and more on wits to win the day, which I find refreshing in a fantasy novel.

Found any great books recently? Let me know in the comments!

January Book Roundup

The Book Roundup for January includes a couple of Science-Fiction/Fantasy thrillers great for a light read.

Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz

            Dean Koontz is known for his thrillers, but Odd Thomas is in a slightly lighter vein. The story of a fry cook with the ability to see the dead (they don’t talk, don’t ask him why), Odd Thomas was a very interesting read. The world building is well done, but left plenty to build on. The end is a little telegraphed, but made me very interested to read the next book in the series. Not a put-down-everything-you-are-doing-and-read-it-now sort of book, but I hope to continue enjoying the series.

Redshirts by John Scalzi

            In every episode of Star Trek, some nameless guy in a red shirt dies while the main characters miraculously survive, despite all odds to the contrary. Buy why do the redshirts continuously do stupid things that get them killed and why do the officers continuously put their ship in situations that make sure someone winds up dead? Redshirts does not take place in the Star Trek universe (they mention Star Trek as a TV show), but its inspiration is clear. The book felt a little off pace for me, since the main storyline finishes about two-thirds of the way through, leaving the wrap up to some oddly framed short stories. This is a book that will mildly mess with your head, as the characters become more and more self-aware. A good read for any sci-fi fan, but, in my opinion, not quite worth the enormous hype surrounding it.

 As always, I'd love to hear what you're reading and what you recommend.