Changes by Jim Butcher

 

Long ago, Susan Rodriguez was Harry Dresden's lover-until she was attacked by his enemies, leaving her torn between her own humanity and the bloodlust of the vampiric Red Court. Susan then disappeared to South America, where she could fight both her savage gift and those who cursed her with it.

Now Arianna Ortega, Duchess of the Red Court, has discovered a secret Susan has long kept, and she plans to use it-against Harry. To prevail this time, he may have no choice but to embrace the raging fury of his own untapped dark power. Because Harry's not fighting to save the world...

He's fighting to save his child.

Starts with a bang and it finishes with a boom!

Finally, this wasn’t just a case story. On the first page of the book, Harry gets a call from Suzan saying they have a daughter.

This wasn’t one like the latest books, where the villains and story just kept going in circles. I loved this book, and I can’t wait to see how Jim will go on with the next book.

Rating: 5 of 5

Small Favor by Jim Butcher

Another episode in this fabulous series.I love the Dresden Files Series, and it grows on you with each book.

Again, I listened to James Marsters fabolous voice. I don’t know what I will do when I finish this series.
Small Favors is one of those books that Harry just goes through the same motions as before.

All elements common to the series were there. Fun dialogues, favourite characters, magic, vampires, faries and demons. Though, I've been expecting Harry to grow more into his powers, into what he was born to do, or to find a love interest, anything. No, Small Favors were full of adventures, which all in all, is a very enjoyable read. I just hope Mr. Butcher is not growing too comfortable in the "Get Harry nearly smitten until he saves the day" plot.

Mr. Butcher's writting quality is absolutely brilliant, and I love bookmarking his books for future reference.

Rating: 4 out 5 Stars

Would-be Witch by Kimberly Frost

The family magic seems to have skipped over Tammy Jo Trask. All she gets are a few untimely visits from long-dead, smart-mouthed family ghost Edie. But when her locket-an heirloom that happens to hold Edie's soul-is stolen in the midst of a town-wide crime spree, it's time for Tammy to find her inner witch.

After a few experiences with her dysfunctional magic, Tammy turns to the only person in small-town Duval, Texas, who can help: the very rich and highly magical Bryn Lyons. He might have all the answers-and a 007 savoir faire to boot-but the locket isn't the only heirloom passed down in Tammy's family. She also inherited a warning: stay away from Lyons.

From the beginning I expected a very light story. It's funny and it's well written.

What was missing? Well, when reading from a first POV, you expect the character to be as smart as you, or smarter. Tammy Jo is just so bluh. I didn't like the main character, and I didn't like how every supernatural being was thrown into the mix so quickly.

I just can't take her serious, and the story is not very realitisc in terms of events. Shooting a shot gun is bound to call attention. If someone drugged you, you wouldn't just walk away and forget about it.

Her ex-husband treats her really nice and at the same time condenscending.

Reading Tammy Jo just wasn't as fun as the funny lines in it. It was very frustrating, and I found myself skipping pages and pages at a time.

I don't think I will read the other books in this series.

Rating: 2 out of 5

First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones

A smashing, award-winning debut novel that introduces Charley Davidson: part-time private investigator and full-time Grim Reaper.

Charley sees dead people. That’s right, she sees dead people. And it’s her job to convince them to go into the light. But when these very dead people have died under less than ideal circumstances (i.e. murder), sometimes they want Charley to bring the bad guys to justice. Complicating matters are the intensely hot dreams she’s been having about an Entity who has been following her all her life...and it turns out he might not be dead after all. In fact, he might be something else entirely.

This is a thrilling debut novel from an exciting newcomer to the world of paranormal romantic suspense

Charley Davidson is the Grim Reaper. The Grim Reaper.

Yes, I know what you're thinking. This is another 'I see ghosts stories'. But it's a damn good one! The way I see it, there are many ways to tell a story. And Darynda Jones does a spectacular job. I was hooked from the first chapter.

Charley is funny, and doesn't take herself serious. She has a bad case of ADD, that makes me laugh out aloud.

Somethings in the story didn't make sense to me, as in, how can she have a crush on someone who threatened to rape her. But then I figure, she is so weird and different, that it became understandable why she doesn't see things quite the way I would.

The story is sexy, sometimes light, sometimes just damn roll-on-the-floor-laughing-and-other-people-look-at-you-funny funny.

Congratulations to Darynda Jones for start out a series with a BAM!

Rating: 5 stars

White Night by Jim Butcher

I have been listening to the audiobooks of the Dresden Files Series, and I, being an aspiring author, feel more and more inadequate after every book.

The only cons that I have while listening to it, is that I also want to read the book, to see how Jim manages to construct his sentences so vividly, and sophisticated and at the same time maintaining the snarky sense of humour. I have had been in horrible situations that I listened to the book, while pausing and looking up pages to see how he did it.

I have tried to reading the books from beginning to end, and James Marsters voice continues to sound in my head, and I end up craving more of his voice. Thus, swicthing back to the audiobook.

Harry Dresden is a wizard in Chicago who can't stay away from trouble. This time he is brought in by a Murphy to investigate deaths of young witches in Chicago, and soon he finds himself in midst of the Vampire Courts power struggles.

At this point in the series, I have grown to love all the characters in it. Thomas, Murphy... I love Bob, a spirit that resides in a human skull, and loves to read romantic novels. I think he is hilarious. If anyone has read this series, and has reached this far out, they are bound to be an addict.

I usually read Urban Fantasy, with a touch of romance. I enjoy a first person POV. Usually a tough heroine going soft over a guy. The Dresden Files is the only series that I enjoy which doesn't fit my victim profile. Though, I have to say, I'd recommend it to anyone. Jim is an excellent writer, and he has created a world full of myths, and loving and hateful and livid characters.

I want to be just like Jim Butcher when I grow up. Just whithout the hair... and the beard, and the manly parts... Well.. I mean, I want to write just like Jim when I grow up.

Rating: 5 Stars