Foomy's bookshelf: all en-US Sat, 21 Oct 2023 11:02:24 -0700 60 Foomy's bookshelf: all 144 41 /images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg <![CDATA[The Killing Dance (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, #6)]]> 30244 368 Laurell K. Hamilton 0425209067 Foomy 1
I think I'm done with the series. I was forewarned by a friend that Anita degenerates into a hopeless nymphomaniac, and after the quality of the first few books it's so disappointing. I am seeing it start to happen in this volume, and I don't really want to read about a character I liked take such a dive.]]> 4.14 1997 The Killing Dance (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, #6)
author: Laurell K. Hamilton
name: Foomy
average rating: 4.14
book published: 1997
rating: 1
read at:
date added: 2023/10/21
shelves:
review:
I need more power, and I have the perfect solution: Hot Three-Way! Does anything more really need to be said?

I think I'm done with the series. I was forewarned by a friend that Anita degenerates into a hopeless nymphomaniac, and after the quality of the first few books it's so disappointing. I am seeing it start to happen in this volume, and I don't really want to read about a character I liked take such a dive.
]]> Dragon's Fire (Pern, #18) 20075
Pellar is an orphan taken in by Masterharper Zist. Though born mute, Pellar is a gifted tracker, and when Zist sets off to take over as harper for Natalon’s coal-mining camp, Pellar–along with his fire-lizard, Chitter–joins him on a secret mission of his to find out if reported thefts of coal are the work of the Shunned, criminals condemned to a life of wandering and hardship.

Halla is one of the children of the Shunned. Though innocent of their parents� crimes, these children have inherited their cruel punishment. Lack of food, shelter, and clothes is their lot; hope is unknown to them. And what future would they hope for? Without a hold to call their own, there will be no protection for them when the lethal Thread inevitably falls again. Life is even tougher for Halla. Her family gone, she must fend for herself. Yet despite the brutality of her surroundings, Halla is kind and gentle, devoted to those more helpless than she.

As depraved as Halla is good, Tenim is in league with Tarik, a crooked miner from Camp Natalon, who helps him steal coal in exchange for a cut of the profit. But Tenim soon realizes there is a lot more to be made from firestone, the volatile mineral that enables the dragons of Pern to burn Thread out of the sky. Tenim doesn’t care what he has to do, or whom he has to kill, in order to corner the market.

Cristov is Tarik’s son. Dishonored by his father’s greed and treachery, the boy must make amends somehow, even if it means risking his life by mining the volatile firestone, which detonates on contact with the slightest drop of moisture.

When the last remaining firestone mine explodes in flames, a desperate race begins to find a new deposit of the deadly but essential mineral, for without it there can be no defense against Thread. But Tenim has a murderous plan to turn tragedy to his own advantage, and only Pellar, Halla, and Cristov can stop him–and ensure that there will be a future for all on the world of the Dragonriders.]]> 384 Anne McCaffrey 0345480287 Foomy 1
The worse problem in my opinion is that none of the characters in this book seem to have any reason for the things they do or feel. Why does the main male lead take a liking to the girl he does, for instance? He has a fine speech about it at the end of the book but the words are coming from a place that doesn't exist on this plane of reality.

This is where I decided to stop reading novels of Pern, and from what I've seen on the shelves I'm not regretting it. The chief problem in the next two novels I saw was a plague. We had a plague in the last novel. That's three plagues in 4 books. Come on.]]> 3.98 2006 Dragon's Fire (Pern, #18)
author: Anne McCaffrey
name: Foomy
average rating: 3.98
book published: 2006
rating: 1
read at:
date added: 2014/01/07
shelves:
review:
Todd is really grasping to find problems for Pern to deal with that don't involve some form of lord holder misbehavior. This time it's firestone that explodes when it touches any amount of water (sweat included, yet the moisture in dragons' mouths doesn't make it erupt somehow). So they have to solve this problem somehow. That seems like a stretch to me, but I'm not prepared to reject this book on that reason alone.

The worse problem in my opinion is that none of the characters in this book seem to have any reason for the things they do or feel. Why does the main male lead take a liking to the girl he does, for instance? He has a fine speech about it at the end of the book but the words are coming from a place that doesn't exist on this plane of reality.

This is where I decided to stop reading novels of Pern, and from what I've seen on the shelves I'm not regretting it. The chief problem in the next two novels I saw was a plague. We had a plague in the last novel. That's three plagues in 4 books. Come on.
]]> <![CDATA[Hidden Empire (The Saga of Seven Suns, #1)]]> 898232 654 Kevin J. Anderson 0446610577 Foomy 4
The first volume introduces a lot of characters and factions (seven or eight factions so far I believe). It can be tough to wrap your head around, but the story is pretty compelling.

I'm going to compare this series to Ice&Fire for a moment, mostly because the chapters are focused on a single character's point of view, just like GRRM's. I absolutely adore Ice&Fire, but some chapters I just wanted to get through so I could get back to the characters I loved (See: any Catelyn chapter... bleh). With Anderson's series, however, that never happened to me. In fact, I never wanted a single chapter to end just so I could figure out what happened to that character, but as soon as another chapter started I found myself just as absorbed in that character as I was in the previous one. Each character is interesting in their own way.

Another good point about this series is that it's light on the technical details. Some heavy science fiction gets bogged down in the details of a technology to the point where it ruins the story, but Seven Suns never makes that mistake. It lets the reader know that there's a physical limitation with a fantastic technology or that this race has this capability, but doesn't give us more than we need to know to enjoy the story. We know that something can or can't be done, and that's enough. This is science fiction, but the core of the story is character interaction and the friction caused by cultural and racial differences.

I'd recommend this for fans of science fiction or fantasy, with an emphasis on those who like reading about people more than technology.]]> 3.82 2002 Hidden Empire (The Saga of Seven Suns, #1)
author: Kevin J. Anderson
name: Foomy
average rating: 3.82
book published: 2002
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2014/01/01
shelves:
review:
The beginning of a sprawling, seven-volume space opera. It's massive, but it's important to note that Anderson planned the entire story out ahead of time, and that the entire series is complete. It's not one of those series that just keeps growing because the author wants to milk the franchise.

The first volume introduces a lot of characters and factions (seven or eight factions so far I believe). It can be tough to wrap your head around, but the story is pretty compelling.

I'm going to compare this series to Ice&Fire for a moment, mostly because the chapters are focused on a single character's point of view, just like GRRM's. I absolutely adore Ice&Fire, but some chapters I just wanted to get through so I could get back to the characters I loved (See: any Catelyn chapter... bleh). With Anderson's series, however, that never happened to me. In fact, I never wanted a single chapter to end just so I could figure out what happened to that character, but as soon as another chapter started I found myself just as absorbed in that character as I was in the previous one. Each character is interesting in their own way.

Another good point about this series is that it's light on the technical details. Some heavy science fiction gets bogged down in the details of a technology to the point where it ruins the story, but Seven Suns never makes that mistake. It lets the reader know that there's a physical limitation with a fantastic technology or that this race has this capability, but doesn't give us more than we need to know to enjoy the story. We know that something can or can't be done, and that's enough. This is science fiction, but the core of the story is character interaction and the friction caused by cultural and racial differences.

I'd recommend this for fans of science fiction or fantasy, with an emphasis on those who like reading about people more than technology.
]]> <![CDATA[A Dance with Dragons (A Song of Ice and Fire, #5)]]> 10664113 Alternate cover edition of ASIN B004XISI4A

In the aftermath of a colossal battle, the future of the Seven Kingdoms hangs in the balance—beset by newly emerging threats from every direction. In the east, Daenerys Targaryen, the last scion of House Targaryen, rules with her three dragons as queen of a city built on dust and death. But Daenerys has thousands of enemies, and many have set out to find her. As they gather, one young man embarks upon his own quest for the queen, with an entirely different goal in mind.

Fleeing from Westeros with a price on his head, Tyrion Lannister, too, is making his way to Daenerys. But his newest allies in this quest are not the rag-tag band they seem, and at their heart lies one who could undo Daenerys’s claim to Westeros forever.

Meanwhile, to the north lies the mammoth Wall of ice and stone—a structure only as strong as those guarding it. There, Jon Snow, 998th Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch, will face his greatest challenge. For he has powerful foes not only within the Watch but also beyond, in the land of the creatures of ice.

From all corners, bitter conflicts reignite, intimate betrayals are perpetrated, and a grand cast of outlaws and priests, soldiers and skinchangers, nobles and slaves, will face seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Some will fail, others will grow in the strength of darkness. But in a time of rising restlessness, the tides of destiny and politics will lead inevitably to the greatest dance of all.]]> 1125 George R.R. Martin Foomy 0 to-read
It would be a crime to let a story with this much personality and creativity die.]]> 4.33 2011 A Dance with Dragons (A Song of Ice and Fire, #5)
author: George R.R. Martin
name: Foomy
average rating: 4.33
book published: 2011
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2012/01/16
shelves: to-read
review:
Online stores say it will be published April, 2009, but I'm positive that's just a guess. Martin can't seem to find the time to write, buried as he is under merchandising deals for his peerless creation. I wonder if anybody has suggested to him yet that if he doesn't finish, the series will be famous not as the best fantasy series in decades, but as the worst literary disappointment in decades.

It would be a crime to let a story with this much personality and creativity die.
]]> <![CDATA[The Gathering Storm (The Wheel of Time, #12)]]> 1166599
Tarmon Gai'don, the Last Battle, looms. And mankind is not ready.

The final volume of the Wheel of Time, A Memory of Light, was partially written by Robert Jordan before his untimely passing in 2007. Brandon Sanderson, New York Times bestselling author of the Mistborn books, and now Stormlight Archive, among others, was chosen by Jordan's editor--his wife, Harriet McDougal--to complete the final volume, later expanded to three books.

In this epic novel, Robert Jordan's international bestselling series begins its dramatic conclusion. Rand al'Thor, the Dragon Reborn, struggles to unite a fractured network of kingdoms and alliances in preparation for the Last Battle. As he attempts to halt the Seanchan encroachment northward--wishing he could form at least a temporary truce with the invaders--his allies watch in terror the shadow that seems to be growing within the heart of the Dragon Reborn himself.

Egwene al'Vere, the Amyrlin Seat of the rebel Aes Sedai, is a captive of the White Tower and subject to the whims of their tyrannical leader. As days tick toward the Seanchan attack she knows is imminent, Egwene works to hold together the disparate factions of Aes Sedai while providing leadership in the face of increasing uncertainty and despair. Her fight will prove the mettle of the Aes Sedai, and her conflict will decide the future of the White Tower--and possibly the world itself.]]> 824 Robert Jordan 0765302306 Foomy 0 to-read
Rand gets Aviendha pregnant before the last battle.

Elayne, harpy that she is, continues to take stupid risks knowing that Min viewed that her children would be healthy and strong, so Elayne won't die before the children are born. Oops, something kills her right after the children are born, while they are being born, or just before they are ready to be born so they can be cut out of her corpse. Rand, bonded to her, throws himself into the last battle with reckless abandon, getting himself killed yet somehow saving the world.

Aviendha gives birth to twins and also adopts Elayne's twins, fulfilling Min's viewing ("four of them at once! but something strange..."). I'm really rooting for this to happen, it all fits and it means one of my least favorite women in the series dies.

Lan dies and leaves Nynave a wallowing mass of depression and regret for being so awful (okay this is more of a hope on my part, but maybe Sanderson hates her as much as I do).

World saved, light wins, women left alive are miserable but at least the dark one isn't free.

----------

Here's what I'm hoping will happen, but probably won't.

Cadsuane and Sorleia, having made the vow to teach rand to cry, contrive to manipulate the situation to cause one of his loved ones to die. It happens to be Elayne. He finds out it was Cadsuane's fault, and goes insane (saidin-related or not, doesn't matter) with grief and rage. He joins with Taim, obviously an agent of shadow at this point, and kills the dark one only to take over his rule, ushering in a new era of despair and hopelessness for humanity.

All because aes sedai treated the world like a chessboard, manipulating events because ONLY THEY had enough information, ONLY THEY knew what was right, and ONLY THEY were fit to shape the world. Through their hubris they cause evil to claim the world for untold generations.

Tell me that wouldn't be the perfect ending.]]> 4.41 2009 The Gathering Storm (The Wheel of Time, #12)
author: Robert Jordan
name: Foomy
average rating: 4.41
book published: 2009
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2009/07/04
shelves: to-read
review:
I'm very hopeful that Sanderson can salvage what remains of this series. Knowing the kind of stuff he is capable of writing, here's what I think might happen.

Rand gets Aviendha pregnant before the last battle.

Elayne, harpy that she is, continues to take stupid risks knowing that Min viewed that her children would be healthy and strong, so Elayne won't die before the children are born. Oops, something kills her right after the children are born, while they are being born, or just before they are ready to be born so they can be cut out of her corpse. Rand, bonded to her, throws himself into the last battle with reckless abandon, getting himself killed yet somehow saving the world.

Aviendha gives birth to twins and also adopts Elayne's twins, fulfilling Min's viewing ("four of them at once! but something strange..."). I'm really rooting for this to happen, it all fits and it means one of my least favorite women in the series dies.

Lan dies and leaves Nynave a wallowing mass of depression and regret for being so awful (okay this is more of a hope on my part, but maybe Sanderson hates her as much as I do).

World saved, light wins, women left alive are miserable but at least the dark one isn't free.

----------

Here's what I'm hoping will happen, but probably won't.

Cadsuane and Sorleia, having made the vow to teach rand to cry, contrive to manipulate the situation to cause one of his loved ones to die. It happens to be Elayne. He finds out it was Cadsuane's fault, and goes insane (saidin-related or not, doesn't matter) with grief and rage. He joins with Taim, obviously an agent of shadow at this point, and kills the dark one only to take over his rule, ushering in a new era of despair and hopelessness for humanity.

All because aes sedai treated the world like a chessboard, manipulating events because ONLY THEY had enough information, ONLY THEY knew what was right, and ONLY THEY were fit to shape the world. Through their hubris they cause evil to claim the world for untold generations.

Tell me that wouldn't be the perfect ending.
]]> <![CDATA[White Witch, Black Curse (The Hollows, #7)]]> 3475268 New York Times bestselling author Kim Harrison returns to the sinister and seductive Hollows for the newest blockcuster adventure featuring Rachel Morgan, witch and bounty hunter.

White Witch, Black Curse

Some wounds take time to heal...and some scars never fade.

Rachel Morgan, kick-ass witch and bounty hunter, has taken her fair share of hits, and has broken lines she swore she would never cross. But when her lover was murdered, it left a deeper wound than Rachel ever imagined, and now she won't rest until his death is solved...and avenged. Whatever the cost.

Yet the road to hell is paved with good intentions, and when a new predator moves to the apex of the Inderland food chain, Rachel's past comes back to haunt her.

Literally.]]> 504 Kim Harrison 0061138010 Foomy 5
Now for some reason I have a feeling that Rachel not getting bound by Kisten's killer isn't just luck - that something in her biology makes her immune to being bound completely. That would be interesting, seeing as it would open up the blood sharing thing again without Rachel being afraid of accidentally getting bound. Just a guess on my part though.

My one fear is that Rachel will find some sort of cure for vampires losing their souls, because it's looking like it's going to involve that aura sharing stuff, which Rachel doesn't pull off with anybody but Ivy. And that means that Ivy may have to die to prove it and advance the subplot. I hope not, Ivy is my favorite character.]]> 4.34 2009 White Witch, Black Curse (The Hollows, #7)
author: Kim Harrison
name: Foomy
average rating: 4.34
book published: 2009
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2009/03/03
shelves:
review:
Great stuff as usual, with real character progression despite the limited time the series has covered. The whole thing with Rachel and Ivy falling back to their old abstinence vows doesn't feel like a cheat to drag out the subplot - it's not horribly disappointing because their relationship is developing on other levels (friendship, the aura thing, etc).

Now for some reason I have a feeling that Rachel not getting bound by Kisten's killer isn't just luck - that something in her biology makes her immune to being bound completely. That would be interesting, seeing as it would open up the blood sharing thing again without Rachel being afraid of accidentally getting bound. Just a guess on my part though.

My one fear is that Rachel will find some sort of cure for vampires losing their souls, because it's looking like it's going to involve that aura sharing stuff, which Rachel doesn't pull off with anybody but Ivy. And that means that Ivy may have to die to prove it and advance the subplot. I hope not, Ivy is my favorite character.
]]> <![CDATA[The Outlaw Demon Wails (The Hollows, #6)]]> 1225621
As Rachel searches for the truth behind a terrifying murder, an even greater menace threatens, for the demon Algaliarept will stop at nothing to claim her, and the discovery of a shocking family secret throws Rachel's entire life into question. If she is ever to live free, Rachel must first walk willingly into the demonic ever-after in search of long-lost ancient knowledge.

But when you dance with demons, you lay your soul on the line . . . and there are some lines that should never be crossed.]]> 464 Kim Harrison 0060788704 Foomy 4 4.38 2008 The Outlaw Demon Wails (The Hollows, #6)
author: Kim Harrison
name: Foomy
average rating: 4.38
book published: 2008
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2009/03/03
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[For a Few Demons More (The Hollows, #5)]]> 30259 456 Kim Harrison 0060788380 Foomy 4 4.33 2007 For a Few Demons More (The Hollows, #5)
author: Kim Harrison
name: Foomy
average rating: 4.33
book published: 2007
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2009/03/03
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[A Fistful of Charms (The Hollows, #4)]]> 30260
Now a mortal lover who abandoned Rachel has returned, haunted by his secret past. And there are those who covet what Nick possesses -- savage beasts willing to destroy the Hollows and everyone in it if necessary.

Forced to keep a low profile or eternally suffer the wrath of a vengeful demon, Rachel must nevertheless act quickly. For the pack is gathering for the first time in millennia to ravage and to rule. And suddenly more than Rachel's soul is at stake.]]> 510 Kim Harrison 0060788194 Foomy 5 4.27 2006 A Fistful of Charms (The Hollows, #4)
author: Kim Harrison
name: Foomy
average rating: 4.27
book published: 2006
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2009/02/22
shelves:
review:
This series is better than Anita Blake. It's more intense, more emotional, and the characters are more believable.
]]> <![CDATA[Every Which Way But Dead (The Hollows, #3)]]> 30263 There's no witch in Cincinnati tougher, sexier, or more screwed up than bounty hunter Rachel Morgan, who's already put her love life and soul in dire jeopardy through her determined efforts to bring criminal night creatures to justice.

Between "runs," she has her hands full fending off the attentions of her blood-drinking partner, keeping a deadly secret from her backup, and resisting a hot new vamp suitor.

Rachel must also take a stand in the war that's raging in the city's underworld, since she helped put away its former vampire kingpin - and made a deal with a powerful demon to do so that could cost her an eternity of pain, torment, and degradation.

And now her dark "master" is coming to collect his due.]]> 501 Kim Harrison 006057299X Foomy 4 4.29 2005 Every Which Way But Dead (The Hollows, #3)
author: Kim Harrison
name: Foomy
average rating: 4.29
book published: 2005
rating: 4
read at: 2009/02/21
date added: 2009/02/21
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Gardens of the Moon (Malazan Book of the Fallen, #1)]]> 55399 Vast legions of gods, mages, humans, dragons and all manner of creatures play out the fate of the Malazan Empire in this first book in a major epic fantasy series from Steven Erikson.

The Malazan Empire simmers with discontent, bled dry by interminable warfare, bitter infighting and bloody confrontations with the formidable Anomander Rake and his Tiste Andii, ancient and implacable sorcerers. Even the imperial legions, long inured to the bloodshed, yearn for some respite. Yet Empress Laseen's rule remains absolute, enforced by her dread Claw assassins.

For Sergeant Whiskeyjack and his squad of Bridgeburners, and for Tattersail, surviving cadre mage of the Second Legion, the aftermath of the siege of Pale should have been a time to mourn the many dead. But Darujhistan, last of the Free Cities of Genabackis, yet holds out. It is to this ancient citadel that Laseen turns her predatory gaze.

However, it would appear that the Empire is not alone in this great game. Sinister, shadowbound forces are gathering as the gods themselves prepare to play their hand...

Conceived and written on a panoramic scale, Gardens of the Moon is epic fantasy of the highest order--an enthralling adventure by an outstanding new voice.]]> 666 Steven Erikson 0765348780 Foomy 0 currently-reading 3.91 1999 Gardens of the Moon (Malazan Book of the Fallen, #1)
author: Steven Erikson
name: Foomy
average rating: 3.91
book published: 1999
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2009/02/20
shelves: currently-reading
review:
Talk about daunting. But the friend who told me about it has never steered me wrong before.
]]> Undone (Outcast Season, #1) 3596225
Cassiel earns her keep by assisting the Earth Warden Manny Rocha on his missions--which she finds much easier than coping with the emotions and frailties of her human condition, especially her growing affection for Manny's brother, Luis. But when Cassiel encounters a malevolent force that threatens the Rocha family, she discovers that her perceived human weakness may be her greatest strengths...]]> 305 Rachel Caine 0451462610 Foomy 5
It is a spinoff, so familiarity with the universe will help you get some of the references to the magic system. It isn't required though, as this one doesn't follow the main arc or characters of Weather Wardens.

If you liked reading about Joanne, you'll love following Cassiel.]]> 3.87 2008 Undone (Outcast Season, #1)
author: Rachel Caine
name: Foomy
average rating: 3.87
book published: 2008
rating: 5
read at: 2009/02/19
date added: 2009/02/19
shelves:
review:
Proof that short doesn't necessarily equal shallow. Surprisingly intense and emotional, the story takes a great stab at portraying what an utterly alien creature might go through if it suddenly found itself human. Yes, the personality progression happens more quickly than one might expect, but Caine seems to have the ability to be very vivid without many words.

It is a spinoff, so familiarity with the universe will help you get some of the references to the magic system. It isn't required though, as this one doesn't follow the main arc or characters of Weather Wardens.

If you liked reading about Joanne, you'll love following Cassiel.
]]> <![CDATA[The Good, the Bad, and the Undead (The Hollows, #2)]]> 30262 453 Kim Harrison 0060572973 Foomy 4
The story itself was a lot more exciting than the first book and frankly quite intense in places. I love the way the characters are developing, especially Ivy. There were some great emotional ups and downs. I'm definitely looking forward to getting my hands on additional volumes in this series.

I do have two nitpicks though. Harrison seems to have trouble wrapping things up. After the "big showdown" scene, she spends what I consider an inordinate amount of time on the aftermath section. This is really a very minor point though. The other problem is the sometimes ridiculous copy errors that appear. Some of them make me cringe; her editor needs to be a bit more careful.]]> 4.25 2005 The Good, the Bad, and the Undead (The Hollows, #2)
author: Kim Harrison
name: Foomy
average rating: 4.25
book published: 2005
rating: 4
read at: 2009/02/18
date added: 2009/02/18
shelves:
review:
I had a lot less trouble with the flow of this one. Either she cleaned up her writing some or I've mentally adjusted to filter out the speed bumps.

The story itself was a lot more exciting than the first book and frankly quite intense in places. I love the way the characters are developing, especially Ivy. There were some great emotional ups and downs. I'm definitely looking forward to getting my hands on additional volumes in this series.

I do have two nitpicks though. Harrison seems to have trouble wrapping things up. After the "big showdown" scene, she spends what I consider an inordinate amount of time on the aftermath section. This is really a very minor point though. The other problem is the sometimes ridiculous copy errors that appear. Some of them make me cringe; her editor needs to be a bit more careful.
]]> <![CDATA[Dead Witch Walking (The Hollows, #1)]]> 30264 Alternative cover edition of ISBN 9780060572969. Another edition can be found here

All the creatures of the night gather in "the Hollows" of Cincinnati, to hide, to prowl, to party... and to feed.

Vampires rule the darkness in a predator-eat-predator world rife with dangers beyond imagining - and it's Rachel Morgan's job to keep that world civilized.

A bounty hunter and witch with serious sex appeal and an attitude, she'll bring 'em back alive, dead... or undead.]]> 416 Kim Harrison Foomy 3
I liked this book overall. It wasn't as good as the first Anita Blake book, I think largely because of the aforementioned choppy writing problem. But I liked Rachel Morgan's character, coming from Harry Dresden, Joanne Baldwin, and Anita Blake as I did. She isn't a total badass, and threats against her life and scary monsters don't give her an infusion of stubborn power. They scare her out of her mind. It makes her more believable, and fact that she overcomes her problems more satisfying.

I hope Harrison refined her writing for her later books, because I'd like to continue with Morgan's story and it'd be nice if I wasn't yanked out of the storyspace quite so much.]]> 4.05 2004 Dead Witch Walking (The Hollows, #1)
author: Kim Harrison
name: Foomy
average rating: 4.05
book published: 2004
rating: 3
read at: 2009/02/16
date added: 2009/02/16
shelves:
review:
I can see what people mean when they talk about parts of the book being disconnected - the writing doesn't flow very well, and I found myself repeating paragraphs in places in order to figure out what just happened. This is Harrison's first book though, right? I don't have a problem with giving her slack about that particular problem, if she addresses it in her later novels.

I liked this book overall. It wasn't as good as the first Anita Blake book, I think largely because of the aforementioned choppy writing problem. But I liked Rachel Morgan's character, coming from Harry Dresden, Joanne Baldwin, and Anita Blake as I did. She isn't a total badass, and threats against her life and scary monsters don't give her an infusion of stubborn power. They scare her out of her mind. It makes her more believable, and fact that she overcomes her problems more satisfying.

I hope Harrison refined her writing for her later books, because I'd like to continue with Morgan's story and it'd be nice if I wasn't yanked out of the storyspace quite so much.
]]> <![CDATA[Crossroads of Twilight (The Wheel of Time, #10)]]> 113435 The Wheel of Time from the New York Times #1 bestselling author Robert Jordan, the world and the characters stand at a crossroads, and the world approaches twilight, when the power of the Shadow grows stronger.

Fleeing from Ebou Dar with the kidnapped Daughter of the Nine Moons, whom he is fated to marry, Mat Cauthon learns that he can neither keep her nor let her go, not in safety for either of them, for both the Shadow and the might of the Seanchan Empire are in deadly pursuit.

Perrin Aybara seeks to free his wife, Faile, a captive of the Shaido, but his only hope may be an alliance with the enemy. Can he remain true to his friend Rand and to himself? For his love of Faile, Perrin is willing to sell his soul.

At Tar Valon, Egwene al'Vere, the young Amyrlin of the rebel Aes Sedai, lays siege to the heart of Aes Sedai power, but she must win quickly, with as little bloodshed as possible, for unless the Aes Sedai are reunited, only the male Asha'man will remain to defend the world against the Dark One, and nothing can hold the Asha'man themselves back from total power except the Aes Sedai and a unified White Tower.

In Andor, Elayne Trakland fights for the Lion Throne that is hers by right, but enemies and Darkfriends surround her, plotting her destruction. If she fails, Andor may fall to the Shadow, and the Dragon Reborn with it.

Rand al'Thor, the Dragon Reborn himself, has cleansed the Dark One's taint from the male half of the True Source, and everything has changed. Yet nothing has, for only men who can channel believe that saidin is clean again, and a man who can channel is still hated and feared-even one prophesied to save the world. Now, Rand must gamble again, with himself at stake, and he cannot be sure which of his allies are really enemies.
]]> 704 Robert Jordan 0312864590 Foomy 1
Talk about losing a gamble. This one is over 800 pages but manages to cover a single day. I don't think I could write 800 pages about my entire week.

We're also seeing a lot of Egwyne acting entitled and superior for no logical reason at all. Did I mention all the women in this series are horrible yet?

Nothing happens in this book! Nothing!]]> 3.77 2003 Crossroads of Twilight (The Wheel of Time, #10)
author: Robert Jordan
name: Foomy
average rating: 3.77
book published: 2003
rating: 1
read at:
date added: 2009/02/14
shelves:
review:
This is the fourth book in a row that I have given a one-star rating in this series,and you may be wondering why I kept reading them if they were so awful. Well, I liked the story in the abstract, it's just that most of the characters are so difficult to like that it ruins much of it. So I guess I was hoping that I could just continue with the story and find out what happens to the world.

Talk about losing a gamble. This one is over 800 pages but manages to cover a single day. I don't think I could write 800 pages about my entire week.

We're also seeing a lot of Egwyne acting entitled and superior for no logical reason at all. Did I mention all the women in this series are horrible yet?

Nothing happens in this book! Nothing!
]]> <![CDATA[Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West (The Wicked Years, #1)]]> 37442 When Dorothy triumphed over the Wicked Witch of the West in L. Frank Baum's classic tale, we heard only her side of the story. But what about her arch-nemesis, the mysterious witch? Where did she come from? How did she become so wicked? And what is the true nature of evil?

Gregory Maguire creates a fantasy world so rich and vivid that we will never look at Oz the same way again. Wicked is about a land where animals talk and strive to be treated like first-class citizens, Munchkinlanders seek the comfort of middle-class stability and the Tin Man becomes a victim of domestic violence. And then there is the little green-skinned girl named Elphaba, who will grow up to be the infamous Wicked Witch of the West, a smart, prickly and misunderstood creature who challenges all our preconceived notions about the nature of good and evil.

]]> 406 Gregory Maguire 0060987103 Foomy 5 3.52 1995 Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West (The Wicked Years, #1)
author: Gregory Maguire
name: Foomy
average rating: 3.52
book published: 1995
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2009/02/14
shelves:
review:
It's like Hamlet... you may know the ending but you can still enjoy the story. I loved this book. It was very dark and emotional, and I don't mind saying that I got a little misty over Elphaba's story at some points. Heart-wrenching and utterly worth reading.
]]> <![CDATA[The Great Book of Amber (The Chronicles of Amber, #1-10)]]> 5367 Alternate cover edition can be found here

Roger Zelazny's chronicles of Amber have earned their place as all-time classics of imaginative literature. Now, here are all ten novels, together in one magnificent omnibus volume. Witness the titanic battle for supremacy waged on Earth, in the Courts of Chaos, and on a magical world of mystery, adventure and romance.
--back cover]]> 1258 Roger Zelazny 0380809060 Foomy 2
The idea of Amber, being the only "real" world, with countless other "shadow" worlds branching off (think alternate universes, but not quite), is a great concept. Unfortunately, I'm a big fan of strong characters and their growth, and I just didn't find that here.

None of the characters seem to have any reason for their actions at any point. There is one big overriding motivation for most of the characters, yes, but all the specific actions they take and decisions they make don't make sense in context. And no, they don't have these grand plans where eventually all their little quirks and unexplained actions come together in a giant epiphany at the end; they just do things. It feels like certain things had to happen for the plot to move forward, so the characters make these things happen regardless of how much sense it makes from their point of view.

I was very disappointed by the book, honestly. I feel like an ambitious author could take the setting of Amber and make a spinoff novel or series with strong characters that would make a better story than the original.]]> 4.31 1999 The Great Book of Amber (The Chronicles of Amber, #1-10)
author: Roger Zelazny
name: Foomy
average rating: 4.31
book published: 1999
rating: 2
read at:
date added: 2009/02/14
shelves:
review:
The name Zelazny is used in conjunction with words like "Classic" and "Quintessential" high fantasy. So I went into this dictionary-sized tome with high expectations of fantastic locations, rules, and characters. I got the first two.

The idea of Amber, being the only "real" world, with countless other "shadow" worlds branching off (think alternate universes, but not quite), is a great concept. Unfortunately, I'm a big fan of strong characters and their growth, and I just didn't find that here.

None of the characters seem to have any reason for their actions at any point. There is one big overriding motivation for most of the characters, yes, but all the specific actions they take and decisions they make don't make sense in context. And no, they don't have these grand plans where eventually all their little quirks and unexplained actions come together in a giant epiphany at the end; they just do things. It feels like certain things had to happen for the plot to move forward, so the characters make these things happen regardless of how much sense it makes from their point of view.

I was very disappointed by the book, honestly. I feel like an ambitious author could take the setting of Amber and make a spinoff novel or series with strong characters that would make a better story than the original.
]]> <![CDATA[Knife of Dreams (The Wheel of Time, #11)]]> 13888
The winds of time have become a storm, and things that everyone believes are fixed in place forever are changing before their eyes. Even the White Tower itself is no longer a place of safety. Now Rand, Perrin and Mat, Egwene and Elayne, Nynaeve and Lan, and even Loial, must ride those storm winds, or the Dark One will triumph.]]> 860 Robert Jordan 0812577566 Foomy 2
So the world's getting worse and things are starting to come to a head. I want to see how this series ends, if only so I can put it out of my mind.]]> 4.18 2005 Knife of Dreams (The Wheel of Time, #11)
author: Robert Jordan
name: Foomy
average rating: 4.18
book published: 2005
rating: 2
read at:
date added: 2009/02/14
shelves:
review:
Gets two stars by virtue of being better than Crossroads of Twilight. I think a napkin doodle could get two stars compared to that, though.

So the world's getting worse and things are starting to come to a head. I want to see how this series ends, if only so I can put it out of my mind.
]]> <![CDATA[Winter's Heart (The Wheel of Time, #9)]]> 13891
Mazrim Taim, leader of the Black Tower, is revealed to be a liar. But what is he up to?

Faile, with the Aiel Maidens, Bain and Chiad, and her companions, Queen Alliandre and Morgase, is prisoner of Savanna's sept.

Perrin is desperately searching for Faile. With Elyas Machera, Berelain, the Prophet and a very mixed "army" of disparate forces, he is moving through country rife with bandits and roving Seanchan. The Forsaken are ever more present, and united, and the man called Slayer stalks Tel'aran'rhiod and the wolfdream.

In Ebou Dar, the Seanchan princess known as Daughter of the Nine Moons arrives--and Mat, who had been recuperating in the Tarasin Palace, is introduced to her. Will the marriage that has been foretold come about?

There are neither beginnings or endings to the turning of the Wheel of Time. But it is a beginning....]]> 780 Robert Jordan 081257558X Foomy 1
The only instance I can think of where more than one woman is nice for any length of time to a man in the entire WoT series occurs in this book.

A good plot thread would have been if Rand had made no decision and then been punished by all three women saying "the hell with this." Way more believable, and also more consistent considering that all the women in this series are horrible man-hating serpents.]]> 3.94 1994 Winter's Heart (The Wheel of Time, #9)
author: Robert Jordan
name: Foomy
average rating: 3.94
book published: 1994
rating: 1
read at:
date added: 2009/02/14
shelves:
review:
I'm Rand Al'Thor and I'm in love with three different women. In a good story, I would have to make a hard choice, lose two women I loved and possibly gain one devoted lover/wife/confidant. In a move straight out of Love Hina, I refuse to make a decision and am rewarded by not one, but all three beautiful yet exotically different women desperate to bear my children.

The only instance I can think of where more than one woman is nice for any length of time to a man in the entire WoT series occurs in this book.

A good plot thread would have been if Rand had made no decision and then been punished by all three women saying "the hell with this." Way more believable, and also more consistent considering that all the women in this series are horrible man-hating serpents.
]]> <![CDATA[The Path of Daggers (The Wheel of Time, #8)]]> 140974
In Illian, Rand vows to throw the Seanchan back as he did once before. But signs of madness are appearing among the Asha'man.

In Ghealdan, Perrin faces the intrigues of Whitecloaks, Seanchan invaders, the scattered Shaido Aiel, and the Prophet himself. Perrin's beloved wife, Faile, may pay with her life, and Perrin himself may have to destroy his soul to save her.

Meanwhile the rebel Aes Sedai under their young Amyrlin, Egwene al'Vere, face an army that intends to keep them away from the White Tower. But Egwene is determined to unseat the usurper Elaida and reunite the Aes Sedai. She does not yet understand the price that others—and she herself—will pay.]]> 685 Robert Jordan 0812550293 Foomy 1
And hey, sea folk women, maybe they'll be dif.... nope that was way too much to hope for. They're all horrible.]]> 3.91 1998 The Path of Daggers (The Wheel of Time, #8)
author: Robert Jordan
name: Foomy
average rating: 3.91
book published: 1998
rating: 1
read at:
date added: 2009/02/14
shelves:
review:
At this point I'm really starting to get tired of the 2 paragraph description of what it's like to sieze/embrace saidin/saidar, every. single. time. I'm also getting tired of the description of each particular section of floor any random character's boot happens to land on. Do you understand? Nobody needs this level of detail. The next 4 books accomplish very little in the way of actual plot advancement.

And hey, sea folk women, maybe they'll be dif.... nope that was way too much to hope for. They're all horrible.
]]> <![CDATA[A Crown of Swords (The Wheel of Time, #7)]]> 13890
Let the Dragon ride again on the winds of time.]]> 880 Robert Jordan 0812550285 Foomy 1
I don't care if she was sorry immediately after. Elayne is worse than Faile at this point, and that's really saying something. I hope she dies in Memory of Light. It would almost redeem the whole series.]]> 4.05 1996 A Crown of Swords (The Wheel of Time, #7)
author: Robert Jordan
name: Foomy
average rating: 4.05
book published: 1996
rating: 1
read at:
date added: 2009/02/14
shelves:
review:
Okay, Elayne is all ready to tear Mat a new one when she thinks he forced himself on a queen. When she learns it's the other way around, she not only laughs, but outright makes fun of him. She had her knife to his throat, Elayne, it's still rape if it happens to a man!

I don't care if she was sorry immediately after. Elayne is worse than Faile at this point, and that's really saying something. I hope she dies in Memory of Light. It would almost redeem the whole series.
]]> <![CDATA[Lord of Chaos (The Wheel of Time, #6)]]> 35231
On the slopes of Shayol Ghul, the Myrddraal swords are forged, and the sky is not the sky of this world ...

In Salidar the White Tower in exile prepares an embassy to Caemlyn, where Rand Al'Thor, the Dragon Reborn, holds the throne -- and where an unexpected visitor may change the world ...

In Emond's Field, Perrin Goldeneyes, Lord of the Two Rivers, feels the pull of ta'veren to ta'veren and prepares to march ...

Morgase of Caemlyn finds a most unexpected, and quite unwelcome, ally ...

And south lies Illian, where Sammael holds sway ...]]> 1011 Robert Jordan 0812513754 Foomy 3 4.17 1994 Lord of Chaos (The Wheel of Time, #6)
author: Robert Jordan
name: Foomy
average rating: 4.17
book published: 1994
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2009/02/14
shelves:
review:
Oh yeah, finally the man strikes back against the women. Too bad we have to slog through 700 pages of men being spit on to get there.
]]> <![CDATA[The Fires of Heaven (The Wheel of Time, #5)]]> 13895
In The Fires of Heaven, the fifth novel in Robert Jordan’s #1 New York Times bestselling epic fantasy series, The Wheel of Time, four of the most powerful Forsaken band together against the Champion of Light, Rand al’Thor.

Prophesized to defeat the Dark One, Rand al'Thor, the Dragon Reborn, has upset the balance of power across the land. Shaido Aiel are on the march, ravaging everything in their path. The White Tower's Amyrlin has been deposed, turning the Aes Sedai against one another. The forbidden city of Rhuidean is overrun by Shadowspawn.

Despite the chaos swirling around him, Rand continues to learn how to harness his abilities, determined to wield the One Power--and ignoring the counsel of Moiraine Damodred at great cost.

Since its debut in 1990, The Wheel of Time® by Robert Jordan has captivated millions of readers around the globe with its scope, originality, and compelling characters. The last six books in series were all instant #1 New York Times bestsellers, and The Eye of the World was named one of America's best-loved novels by PBS's The Great American Read.

The Wheel of Time®
New Spring: The Novel
#1 The Eye of the World
#2 The Great Hunt
#3 The Dragon Reborn
#4 The Shadow Rising
#5 The Fires of Heaven
#6 Lord of Chaos
#7 A Crown of Swords
#8 The Path of Daggers
#9 Winter's Heart
#10 Crossroads of Twilight
#11 Knife of Dreams

By Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson
#12 The Gathering Storm
#13 Towers of Midnight
#14 A Memory of Light]]> 912 Robert Jordan 1857232097 Foomy 2
Lessons I learned from this trilogy.

1) It is always a man's fault. Always.
2) Women are always smarter than men.
3) It is okay to break your promises as long as they were to a man.
4) Hitting a man is a perfectly acceptable response to anything he says.
5) If a man proves you wrong, it is okay to lie about it and also hit him.
6) A man raping a woman is a horrible crime.
7) A woman raping a man is funny.
8) A man of his word is easy to manipulate.

The best part of this whole trilogy was the end of book 6 (Lord of Chaos) because we finally saw some turnabout in the men vs. women thing.

Seriously, what kind of women did Robert Jordan have in his life? He was utterly incapable of creating a strong female character without also making her a hateful, spiteful harpy. They are either spineless doormats or unbearable battleaxes. The only reason this one has a second star in its rating is because he actually moves the plot along in interesting ways.]]> 4.19 1993 The Fires of Heaven (The Wheel of Time, #5)
author: Robert Jordan
name: Foomy
average rating: 4.19
book published: 1993
rating: 2
read at:
date added: 2009/02/14
shelves:
review:
What I like to call Volume 1 in the "Women Hating Men" trilogy. At almost no point in these three books did women interacting with men consist of anything beyond: insulting men, assaulting men, sniffing at men, or thinking about how stupid men are compared to all the omniscient women. I almost didn't finish this book because of all the negative energy towards men.

Lessons I learned from this trilogy.

1) It is always a man's fault. Always.
2) Women are always smarter than men.
3) It is okay to break your promises as long as they were to a man.
4) Hitting a man is a perfectly acceptable response to anything he says.
5) If a man proves you wrong, it is okay to lie about it and also hit him.
6) A man raping a woman is a horrible crime.
7) A woman raping a man is funny.
8) A man of his word is easy to manipulate.

The best part of this whole trilogy was the end of book 6 (Lord of Chaos) because we finally saw some turnabout in the men vs. women thing.

Seriously, what kind of women did Robert Jordan have in his life? He was utterly incapable of creating a strong female character without also making her a hateful, spiteful harpy. They are either spineless doormats or unbearable battleaxes. The only reason this one has a second star in its rating is because he actually moves the plot along in interesting ways.
]]> <![CDATA[The Shadow Rising (The Wheel of Time, #4)]]> 9539
In Tar Valon, Min sees portents of hideous doom. Will the White Tower itself be broken?

In the Two Rivers, the Whitecloaks ride in pursuit of a man with golden eyes, and in pursuit of the Dragon Reborn.

In Cantorin, among the Sea Folk, High Lady Suroth plans the return of the Seanchan armies to the mainland.

In the Stone of Tear, the Lord Dragon considers his next move. It will be something no one expects, not the Black Ajah, not Tairen nobles, not Aes Sedai, not Egwene or Elayne or Nynaeve.

Against the Shadow rising stands the Dragon Reborn.....]]> 1007 Robert Jordan 0812513738 Foomy 3 4.27 1992 The Shadow Rising (The Wheel of Time, #4)
author: Robert Jordan
name: Foomy
average rating: 4.27
book published: 1992
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2009/02/14
shelves:
review:
A lot of Aiel in this book. While I find it silly how they assume everyone in the world is born knowing what Ji'e'Toh is, I tend to like the Aiel characters, I suppose because their ways are novel and thus amusing.
]]> <![CDATA[The Dragon Reborn (The Wheel of Time, #3)]]> 34897 The Dragon Reborn—the leader long prophesied who will save the world, but in the saving destroy it; the savior who will run mad and kill all those dearest to him—is on the run from his destiny.

Able to touch the One Power, but unable to control it, and with no one to teach him how—for no man has done it in three thousand years—Rand al'Thor knows only that he must face the Dark One. But how?

Winter has stopped the war—almost—yet men are dying, calling out for the Dragon. But where is he?

Perrin Aybara is in pursuit with Moiraine Sedai, her Warder Lan, and Loial the Ogier. Bedeviled by dreams, Perrin is grappling with another deadly problem—how is he to escape the loss of his own humanity?

Egwene, Elayne and Nynaeve are approaching Tar Valon, where Mat will be healed—if he lives until they arrive. But who will tell the Amyrlin their news—that the Black Ajah, long thought only a hideous rumor, is all too real? They cannot know that in Tar Valon far worse awaits...

Ahead, for all of them, in the Heart of the Stone, lies the next great test of the Dragon reborn....
]]> 624 Robert Jordan 0765305119 Foomy 3 4.27 1991 The Dragon Reborn (The Wheel of Time, #3)
author: Robert Jordan
name: Foomy
average rating: 4.27
book published: 1991
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2009/02/14
shelves:
review:
A little less whining about destiny (a little) and a little more ass kicking in this one. A major reason that I don't rate these higher is that the characters are almost universally unlikable.
]]> <![CDATA[The Great Hunt (The Wheel of Time, #2)]]> 233649
Rand cannot run for ever. With every passing day the Dark One grows in strength and strives to shatter his ancient prison, to break the Wheel, to bring an end to Time and sunder the weave of the Pattern.

And the Pattern demands the Dragon.]]> 705 Robert Jordan 0812517725 Foomy 3 Mostly consists of build-up. 4.25 1990 The Great Hunt (The Wheel of Time, #2)
author: Robert Jordan
name: Foomy
average rating: 4.25
book published: 1990
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2009/02/14
shelves:
review:
Mostly consists of build-up.
]]> <![CDATA[The Eye of the World (The Wheel of Time, #1)]]> 228665
Moiraine Damodred arrives in Emond’s Field on a quest to find the one prophesized to stand against The Dark One, a malicious entity sowing the seeds of chaos and destruction. When a vicious band of half-men, half beasts invade the village seeking their master’s enemy, Moiraine persuades Rand al’Thor and his friends to leave their home and enter a larger unimaginable world filled with dangers waiting in the shadows and in the light.]]> 800 Robert Jordan 0812511816 Foomy 3 4.19 1990 The Eye of the World (The Wheel of Time, #1)
author: Robert Jordan
name: Foomy
average rating: 4.19
book published: 1990
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2009/02/14
shelves:
review:
Despite the fact that this book largely consists of "Rand walks to a town, something happens, Rand walks to a town, something happens, repeat ad nauseam," I enjoyed the book. It sets the stage for what could have been an amazing, epic story.
]]> <![CDATA[Bloody Bones (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, #5)]]> 30241 336 Laurell K. Hamilton 0425205673 Foomy 3 4.13 1996 Bloody Bones (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, #5)
author: Laurell K. Hamilton
name: Foomy
average rating: 4.13
book published: 1996
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2009/02/14
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Lunatic Cafe (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, #4)]]> 30273 352 Laurell K. Hamilton 0425201376 Foomy 4 4.14 1996 The Lunatic Cafe (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, #4)
author: Laurell K. Hamilton
name: Foomy
average rating: 4.14
book published: 1996
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2009/02/14
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Circus of the Damned (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, #3)]]> 30274 336 Laurell K. Hamilton 0425201392 Foomy 4 4.18 1995 Circus of the Damned (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, #3)
author: Laurell K. Hamilton
name: Foomy
average rating: 4.18
book published: 1995
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2009/02/14
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Laughing Corpse (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, #2)]]> 15309
In The Laughing Corpse Anita will learn that there are some secrets better left buried-and some people better off dead...]]> 304 Laurell K. Hamilton 0425204669 Foomy 5 4.14 1994 The Laughing Corpse (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, #2)
author: Laurell K. Hamilton
name: Foomy
average rating: 4.14
book published: 1994
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2009/02/14
shelves:
review:
There is a hell of a lot of atmosphere in this one. Anita continues to be a badass, but there are parts where this one is genuinely scary. Probably the best one out of the first six books.
]]> <![CDATA[Guilty Pleasures (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, #1)]]> 30281 355 Laurell K. Hamilton 0425197549 Foomy 4
The book is an easy read, something you can pick up and find yourself finishing in one sitting if you're a power reader. If you aren't, it still won't take you very long. It's easy to get drawn in to this one.]]> 4.05 1993 Guilty Pleasures (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, #1)
author: Laurell K. Hamilton
name: Foomy
average rating: 4.05
book published: 1993
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2009/02/14
shelves:
review:
I have to say, as a human male it is vaguely embarrassing to have books with covers that consist of extreme closeups of female flesh (that also isn't porn) on my shelf, but what can I say? I liked this story. The lead is a strong woman without being a hopeless man-hater (I'm looking at you, every female character in Wheel of Time), and the idea of Vampirism being legal is a pretty interesting one. The chief draw to the story is Anita, though.

The book is an easy read, something you can pick up and find yourself finishing in one sitting if you're a power reader. If you aren't, it still won't take you very long. It's easy to get drawn in to this one.
]]> Thin Air (Weather Warden, #6) 28650 307 Rachel Caine 0451461630 Foomy 4
Also, important distinction between this one (volume 6) and Killing Dance (Anita Blake, volume 6, coincidentally): Joanne doesn't suddenly and disgustingly begin her descent into nymphomania in this book. See that, Hamilton? That wasn't so difficult, was it?]]> 3.96 2007 Thin Air (Weather Warden, #6)
author: Rachel Caine
name: Foomy
average rating: 3.96
book published: 2007
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2009/02/14
shelves:
review:
Starts to get really heavy, but you can still polish one of these off in an afternoon. You'll just get a little more emotional about it. =)

Also, important distinction between this one (volume 6) and Killing Dance (Anita Blake, volume 6, coincidentally): Joanne doesn't suddenly and disgustingly begin her descent into nymphomania in this book. See that, Hamilton? That wasn't so difficult, was it?
]]> Ill Wind (Weather Warden, #1) 86451 337 Rachel Caine 0451459520 Foomy 4
A word of warning though: DO NOT under any circumstances read the summaries, back covers, flaps or any advertisements of books that aren't the very next one on your list. The first sentence, if not the very first word (not an exaggeration), of some of these will utterly spoil the endings of at least the first three books for you. I don't know what the publishers were thinking, honestly. Boo to you, publishers.]]> 3.74 2003 Ill Wind (Weather Warden, #1)
author: Rachel Caine
name: Foomy
average rating: 3.74
book published: 2003
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2009/02/14
shelves:
review:
Replace Anita Blake with Joanne Baldwin (badasses both), Vampires and Zombies with Djinn, and pornography with tasteful innuendo and vague description (at the very worst) and you have the Weather Warden series. It's an interesting premise (Mother nature is a real, sentient, spiteful force that hates us, and only the weather wardens have been saving our race from extinction at her hands) and very light reading. Stretch out in your favorite chair on a lazy afternoon and read one cover to cover, no problem.

A word of warning though: DO NOT under any circumstances read the summaries, back covers, flaps or any advertisements of books that aren't the very next one on your list. The first sentence, if not the very first word (not an exaggeration), of some of these will utterly spoil the endings of at least the first three books for you. I don't know what the publishers were thinking, honestly. Boo to you, publishers.
]]> <![CDATA[Night Train to Rigel (Quadrail, #1)]]> 29455
It begins when a man delivers a message for former government agent Frank Compton--only to fall dead at his feet. The message is a summons from the Spiders, the exotic and mysterious creatures who run the Quadrail, an incredible transportation system connecting civilizations across the galaxy. The Spiders believe that someone or something is preparing to attack their entire network and the worlds it serves, by smuggling battleships through the Quadrail--something that should be impossible to do. Compton, with the aid of a beautiful but enigmatic agent of the Spiders, is their last hope.

Because nobody else has been able to find the elusive enemy who seeks to enslave the entire galaxy…and Earth is its next target.]]> 336 Timothy Zahn 0765346443 Foomy 4
The only reason I made the last part sound as cliché as it does is that the male lead of the story seems very similar to the main character in Icarus Hunt. He seems to know a little too much about a little too much (a lot of "a little-known fact about such-and-such is..") and he has a very accurate intuition. Coincidence also seems to favor him just a little too much to be entirely believable. If you can look past that (or if you haven't read Icarus Hunt), the story is a great read.]]> 3.90 2005 Night Train to Rigel (Quadrail, #1)
author: Timothy Zahn
name: Foomy
average rating: 3.90
book published: 2005
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2009/02/14
shelves:
review:
The different civilizations of the galaxy are connected by a train. You read that correctly. And apparently the conductors of said train have a problem, and it's up to Our Hero� to solve the mystery.

The only reason I made the last part sound as cliché as it does is that the male lead of the story seems very similar to the main character in Icarus Hunt. He seems to know a little too much about a little too much (a lot of "a little-known fact about such-and-such is..") and he has a very accurate intuition. Coincidence also seems to favor him just a little too much to be entirely believable. If you can look past that (or if you haven't read Icarus Hunt), the story is a great read.
]]> Manta's Gift 216441 416 Timothy Zahn 081258032X Foomy 4
The protagonist, the human who gets alien-ified, is a remarkably unlikable entitled trust-fund student who was paralyzed and had nothing to lose. It's frustrating to read about him, since he remains quite unlikable after, predictably, not fitting in well with the aliens' society. Fortunately, the character does grow, and it becomes more interesting when it happens.

He also seems to know a little too much. I can't say much more without entering spoiler country, but let's just say the resolution feels just a little too convenient for who the characters are.

Still, the overall story is rather fascinating, and there is some decent cloak-and-dagger stuff on the humans' side of things for those who like that. Overall a good read, though not the best Zahn out there.]]> 3.84 2002 Manta's Gift
author: Timothy Zahn
name: Foomy
average rating: 3.84
book published: 2002
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2009/02/14
shelves:
review:
Humans discover manta-ray type sentient aliens living in Jupiter's gaseous atmosphere. Humans and aliens collaborate to put a human brain in the body of a soon-to-be born alien. Talk about a cultural exchange program.

The protagonist, the human who gets alien-ified, is a remarkably unlikable entitled trust-fund student who was paralyzed and had nothing to lose. It's frustrating to read about him, since he remains quite unlikable after, predictably, not fitting in well with the aliens' society. Fortunately, the character does grow, and it becomes more interesting when it happens.

He also seems to know a little too much. I can't say much more without entering spoiler country, but let's just say the resolution feels just a little too convenient for who the characters are.

Still, the overall story is rather fascinating, and there is some decent cloak-and-dagger stuff on the humans' side of things for those who like that. Overall a good read, though not the best Zahn out there.
]]> The Green and the Gray 216455 560 Timothy Zahn 0765346451 Foomy 4
Pretty darn, actually. Okay, so we still have aliens and fantastic technology, so I suppose it's not too far out of Zahn's comfort zone, but it's still a pretty significant change from his usual fare. I was pleasantly surprised when I read through this one and found that it was just as good, if a little different, from Zahn's normal space mysteries.

The book opens with a mysterious girl about to be sacrificed by a mysterious group of people for the sake of peace, when a mysterious boy resuces her and dumps her into the lap of a couple of New York natives. It's all very mysterious. Most of the book is, as is normal for Zahn, the main characters trying to figure out what the heck is going on.

Zahn does a great job making you like the few characters the story deals with, and the whole thing is quite satisfying. Good sci-fi despite the lack of space travel.]]> 3.71 2004 The Green and the Gray
author: Timothy Zahn
name: Foomy
average rating: 3.71
book published: 2004
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2009/02/14
shelves:
review:
What's that you say? A novel by Timothy Zahn without spaceships? It's set entirely in New York City? How good can it be?

Pretty darn, actually. Okay, so we still have aliens and fantastic technology, so I suppose it's not too far out of Zahn's comfort zone, but it's still a pretty significant change from his usual fare. I was pleasantly surprised when I read through this one and found that it was just as good, if a little different, from Zahn's normal space mysteries.

The book opens with a mysterious girl about to be sacrificed by a mysterious group of people for the sake of peace, when a mysterious boy resuces her and dumps her into the lap of a couple of New York natives. It's all very mysterious. Most of the book is, as is normal for Zahn, the main characters trying to figure out what the heck is going on.

Zahn does a great job making you like the few characters the story deals with, and the whole thing is quite satisfying. Good sci-fi despite the lack of space travel.
]]> <![CDATA[Conquerors' Legacy (The Conquerors Saga, #3)]]> 192522 486 Timothy Zahn 0553575627 Foomy 5 4.00 1996 Conquerors' Legacy (The Conquerors Saga, #3)
author: Timothy Zahn
name: Foomy
average rating: 4.00
book published: 1996
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2009/02/14
shelves:
review:
An incredibly satisfying conclusion to a wonderfully crafted story in a believable universe.
]]> <![CDATA[Conquerors' Heritage (The Conquerors Saga, #2)]]> 192526 360 Timothy Zahn 0553567721 Foomy 4
The chief complaint I have in this book is that it has a touch of "we need a new word for no reason" syndrome (also known as Anathem-itis). It breaks the flow if you have to stop and mentally translate "beat" and "hunbeat" every other sentence, even if it only takes you a fraction of a second. The rest of the book is "translated" into english for our benefit, what was wrong with "seconds" and "minutes?"

Still, Zahn exercises his world-building muscles yet again in this one, and he crafts a whole believable society in a fairly short period of time. That alone makes this worth reading.]]> 3.96 1995 Conquerors' Heritage (The Conquerors Saga, #2)
author: Timothy Zahn
name: Foomy
average rating: 3.96
book published: 1995
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2009/02/14
shelves:
review:
This one is written from the Zhirrzh's (what's the possessive of 'Zirrzh' anyway?) point of view. It also takes place after the events of Pride, so you don't see what exactly what happened at every point during that time from this side, but you pick up the basic idea. The Zirrzh are interesting in that they have essentially conquered death, and that makes for some unique societal features.

The chief complaint I have in this book is that it has a touch of "we need a new word for no reason" syndrome (also known as Anathem-itis). It breaks the flow if you have to stop and mentally translate "beat" and "hunbeat" every other sentence, even if it only takes you a fraction of a second. The rest of the book is "translated" into english for our benefit, what was wrong with "seconds" and "minutes?"

Still, Zahn exercises his world-building muscles yet again in this one, and he crafts a whole believable society in a fairly short period of time. That alone makes this worth reading.
]]> <![CDATA[Conquerors' Pride (The Conquerors Saga, #1)]]> 192525 The New York Times best-selling Star Wars trilogy, blazes a spectacular new path across the sky in an epic original novel of star-spanning action adventure, mystery and intrigue.ĚýĚýA long era of peace and prosperity in the interstellar Commonwealth has suddenly come to an end.ĚýĚýFour alien starships of unknown origin have attacked, without provocation, an eight-ship Peacemaker task force, utterly destroying it in six savage minutes.ĚýĚýThe authorities claim there were no survivors.ĚýĚýBut Lord Stewart Cavanaugh, a former member of Parliament, has learned through back channels that one man may have survived to be captured by the aliens:ĚýĚýhis son, Commander Pheylan Cavanaugh.ĚýĚýA large-scale invasion appears imminent, and the strictest security measures are in effect . . . measures that Lord Cavanaugh has no choice but to defy.ĚýĚýHe recruits Adam Quinn, who once flew with the elite Copperheads--fighter pilots whose minds are literally one with their machines--to rescue his son.ĚýĚýQuinn assembles a crack force of Copperheads to steal out of the Commonwealth security zone and snatch Pheylan Cavanaugh from the conquerors.ĚýĚýDepending on the outcome, Quinn and his men will retum home as heroes or as the galaxy's most despised traitors--if they come home at all.]]> 389 Timothy Zahn 0553568922 Foomy 4
This novel is written from humanity's point of view. It focuses only on a few characters, but describes the conflict very well. This one mostly deals with tension and build-up, leaving out epic space battles and things of that nature.

I'm not being very descriptive, but it's a fairly complicated plot below the surface. Suffice it to say that the small sections of the conflict this book focuses on, and their characters, are worth reading about. Zahn makes nearly everything fun and interesting.]]> 3.91 1994 Conquerors' Pride (The Conquerors Saga, #1)
author: Timothy Zahn
name: Foomy
average rating: 3.91
book published: 1994
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2009/02/14
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review:
The first in a trilogy about a vicious war between humanity and an alien race who attacked the humans' first-contact fleet without warning, stooping even to destroying helpless escape pods.

This novel is written from humanity's point of view. It focuses only on a few characters, but describes the conflict very well. This one mostly deals with tension and build-up, leaving out epic space battles and things of that nature.

I'm not being very descriptive, but it's a fairly complicated plot below the surface. Suffice it to say that the small sections of the conflict this book focuses on, and their characters, are worth reading about. Zahn makes nearly everything fun and interesting.
]]> <![CDATA[The Icarus Hunt (The Icarus Saga #0)]]> 192528 459 Timothy Zahn 0553573918 Foomy 5
Also, Zahn's world-building is in top form in this book. I can't stress this enough. He created a whole universe, just for this book, and made it seem incredibly vast. With a couple sentences he can introduce a brand new race, social order, or law of astrophysics, and fit them perfectly into the story without bogging you down in details. This very paragraph is less concise, yet less explanatory than many of Zahn's descriptions of entire worlds in this novel.

This is the book I would hand someone who says anything to the effect of, "I don't read much science fiction, but it looks interesting. There is so much, though, where should I start?" Start right here, my friend. This is the sci-fi gateway drug.]]> 4.09 1999 The Icarus Hunt (The Icarus Saga #0)
author: Timothy Zahn
name: Foomy
average rating: 4.09
book published: 1999
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2009/02/14
shelves:
review:
A mystery, it just happens to be in space. I don't really have anything bad to say about this book. The characters are interesting, the premise and conflicts are fun, and you'll be trying to figure out what the heck is going on right up until the very end.

Also, Zahn's world-building is in top form in this book. I can't stress this enough. He created a whole universe, just for this book, and made it seem incredibly vast. With a couple sentences he can introduce a brand new race, social order, or law of astrophysics, and fit them perfectly into the story without bogging you down in details. This very paragraph is less concise, yet less explanatory than many of Zahn's descriptions of entire worlds in this novel.

This is the book I would hand someone who says anything to the effect of, "I don't read much science fiction, but it looks interesting. There is so much, though, where should I start?" Start right here, my friend. This is the sci-fi gateway drug.
]]> Angelmass 192524
The Earth-based Empire, the Pax, view the angels as an alien plot to subvert humanity. They dispatch Jereko Kosta, an innocent academic, to spy on the Empyrean and find out the truth about angels. With Chandris, a grifter who dogs his steps, he enlists on an "angel-hunting" ship. Close up, Kostas learns the angels may be more dangerous than the Pax fear.

Before he can react, the Pax dispatches their most powerful warship to confront the Empyrean. Now, Kosta and Chandris, among the few who know the truth about the angels, stand between the Empyrean, the Pax, and war.]]> 554 Timothy Zahn 081258418X Foomy 4
Still, the premise is interesting and fairly fresh, the characters are fun to follow, the twists are unexpected, and it's a standalone novel, so it's worth reading without requiring a huge commitment from the audience. Recommended for any Sci-fi fan.]]> 3.76 2001 Angelmass
author: Timothy Zahn
name: Foomy
average rating: 3.76
book published: 2001
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2009/02/14
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review:
I loved it, but it gets pretty technical in places. One of the main characters has what I assume is the equivalent to three PhD's, and a part of his role in the book is to do research on a particle, so I suppose "technical" is to be expected, but that still might turn some readers off.

Still, the premise is interesting and fairly fresh, the characters are fun to follow, the twists are unexpected, and it's a standalone novel, so it's worth reading without requiring a huge commitment from the audience. Recommended for any Sci-fi fan.
]]> <![CDATA[The Dolphins of Pern (Pern, #12)]]> 127567 All the Weyrs of Pern, two boys--one of them a dragonrider-- reestablish crucial contact with the wise dolphins, the legendary ""shipfish"" of Pern.]]> 352 Anne McCaffrey 0345419383 Foomy 3 3.98 1994 The Dolphins of Pern (Pern, #12)
author: Anne McCaffrey
name: Foomy
average rating: 3.98
book published: 1994
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2009/02/14
shelves:
review:
Not a lot of dragons in this book. Events are concurrent with the latter part of Renegades, All The Weyrs, and a little past. Mostly deals with a boy who loves dolphins and the reintroduction of their working relationship with the Pernese after centuries of neglect. Not what you normally look for in a Pern novel, really, but at least many of the main characters from the other books made an appearance (unlike in Nerilka).
]]> Nerilka's Story (Pern, #8) 61974
Nerilika had long ago abandoned the hope of marriage and a home of her own. Now she found happiness in being useful and appreciated---first the Healers and then Alessan made very clear that they were grateful for her help.

She had no idea that her new path would change the course of her life forever.]]> 182 Anne McCaffrey 0345419588 Foomy 0 did-not-finish 3.83 1987 Nerilka's Story (Pern, #8)
author: Anne McCaffrey
name: Foomy
average rating: 3.83
book published: 1987
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2009/02/14
shelves: did-not-finish
review:
I didn't finish this one. It's about a girl who raises (or at least likes, this was a LONG time ago for me) runnerbeasts. I simply did not care about her or her problems; maybe a story about horses just doesn't really cut it when you're talking about a world full of dragons.
]]> <![CDATA[Moreta: Dragonlady of Pern (Pern, #7)]]> 61958 286 Anne McCaffrey 034541957X Foomy 4 4.02 1984 Moreta: Dragonlady of Pern (Pern, #7)
author: Anne McCaffrey
name: Foomy
average rating: 4.02
book published: 1984
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2009/02/14
shelves:
review:
You may find yourself getting a little misty over this one. A great entry into the universe.
]]> Dragonsblood (Pern, #17) 61939 438 Todd McCaffrey 0593053613 Foomy 3
But honestly, I have some words for Todd at this point. Todd, listen. Your mother built this incredible world and wrote some incredible stories about the people in it. There are rules in this world. You can write new things with new characters, that's okay. But you can't change the rules of reality on a whim like you did in this book. You got time travel wrong. Not just wrong, but BACKWARDS. I'm talking about the effects it has on people, and if I say more we're getting into spoiler county, but you and those who have read this one know what I mean.

Don't change the rules, Todd. It makes people who look on the original works with fond nostalgia very angry. Worse, you seem to have done it in order to heighten the emotional impact of another event in the book. It would have been so much better if you had found another way to work that particular plot point.

When I read this I started to worry about the direction Todd was taking the Pern universe.]]> 4.02 2005 Dragonsblood (Pern, #17)
author: Todd McCaffrey
name: Foomy
average rating: 4.02
book published: 2005
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2009/02/14
shelves:
review:
Okay, the idea was interesting (a dragon plague), and I liked the way they tied the past to the present with the whole time travel thing. Also, pretty heart-wrenching in places. A good story overall.

But honestly, I have some words for Todd at this point. Todd, listen. Your mother built this incredible world and wrote some incredible stories about the people in it. There are rules in this world. You can write new things with new characters, that's okay. But you can't change the rules of reality on a whim like you did in this book. You got time travel wrong. Not just wrong, but BACKWARDS. I'm talking about the effects it has on people, and if I say more we're getting into spoiler county, but you and those who have read this one know what I mean.

Don't change the rules, Todd. It makes people who look on the original works with fond nostalgia very angry. Worse, you seem to have done it in order to heighten the emotional impact of another event in the book. It would have been so much better if you had found another way to work that particular plot point.

When I read this I started to worry about the direction Todd was taking the Pern universe.
]]> Dragon's Kin (Pern, #16) 24866
The son of a miner, Kindan has no expectations for any other life. He loves his lessons with the camp’s harper, but music isn’t part of a miner’s future. He also enjoys helping out with the camp’s watch-wher� a creature distantly related to dragons and uniquely suited to work in dark, cold spaces—but even that important job can’t promise a future above the ground. Then disaster strikes. In one terrible instant, Kindan loses his family and the camp loses its watch-wher. It will take a new friendship and a new responsibility to teach Kindan that even a seemingly impossible dream is never out of reach . . . and that light can be found in the deepest darkness.

“A guaranteed pleaser [in] one of SF’s most splendid and longest-lived sagas.”� Booklist

“Another delightful entry in the Pern series.”� Publishers Weekly]]> 298 Anne McCaffrey 0345462009 Foomy 3 3.93 2003 Dragon's Kin (Pern, #16)
author: Anne McCaffrey
name: Foomy
average rating: 3.93
book published: 2003
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2009/02/14
shelves:
review:
A story about watch-whers used like canaries in coal mines. Small-scale, like Menolly's story I suppose, and different enough to be enjoyable without feeling like he was reaching too hard for a plot line.
]]> Dragonseye (Pern, #13) 177927 join Weyrleaders, Holders, and Craftmasters in the creation of the legendary Star Stones and the teaching ballads of Pern!

It's been two-hundred years since the deadly Thread fell like rain upon Pern, devouring everything in its path. No one alive remembers that first horrific onslaught and no one believes in its return--except for the dragonriders. For two centuries they have been practicing and training, passing down from generation to generation the formidable Threadfighting techniques.

Now the ominous signs are the violent winter storms and volcanic eruptions that are said to herald the approach of the Red Star and its lethal spawn. But one stubborn Lord Holder, Chalkin of Bitra, refuses to believe--and that disbelief could spell disaster. So as the dragonriders desperately train to face a terrifying enemy, they and the other Lord Holders must find a way to deal with Chalkin--before history repeats itself and unleashes its virulence on all of Pern. . . .]]> 353 Anne McCaffrey 0517287773 Foomy 3 4.03 1996 Dragonseye (Pern, #13)
author: Anne McCaffrey
name: Foomy
average rating: 4.03
book published: 1996
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2009/02/14
shelves:
review:
Covers the beginning of the second pass since Landing, and the first where the residents of Pern don't have the technology of the original colonists at their disposal. Most of the tension comes from 1) Disbelief by the lord holders that thread is coming back (yes, exactly like in the very first book) and 2) Lifestyle changes brought on by failing technology. A decent entry in the saga, but not necessary.
]]> The Skies of Pern (Pern, #15) 127566 The long-awaited new Dragonriders of Pern® novel from bestselling author Anne McCaffrey

It is a time of hope and regret, of endings and beginnings. The Red Star, that celestial curse whose eccentric orbit was responsible for Thread, has been shifted to a harmless orbit, and the current Threadfall will be the last. Technological marvels are changing the face of life on Pern, and the dragonriders, led by F’lessan, son of F’lar and Lessa and rider of bronze Golanth, and Tia, rider of green Zaranth, must forge a new place for themselves in a world that may no longer need them.

But change is not easy for everyone. There are those who will stop at nothing to keep Pern and its people pure. And now a brand-new danger looms from the skies and threatens a catastrophe of unimaginable proportions. Once again, the world looks to the dragons and their riders to save the world. But now, as the friendship of F’lessan and Tia begins to bloom into something more, unforeseen tragedy strikes: a tragedy destined to forever change the future–not just of the two young lovers, but of every human and dragon on Pern . . .]]> 456 Anne McCaffrey 0345434692 Foomy 3
Unfortunately, this story focuses on their son, so you don't get much of them, and you don't get much of Jaxom either. Toric, that scwewy lord holder, is making trouble, again, so the dragonriders and the conclave have to outwit and outmaneuver him, again. There's also a new threat from the skies, because that's the only place real disaster can come from on this planet, apparently.

I'm being fairly caustic, but don't be put off too much. If you like McCaffrey's writing style and reading about events on Pern in general, you'll like this book. We've just seen it before, really, and since the primary problem that we've seen for 6 books is effectively gone, the tension isn't there the same way.]]> 4.08 2001 The Skies of Pern (Pern, #15)
author: Anne McCaffrey
name: Foomy
average rating: 4.08
book published: 2001
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2009/02/14
shelves:
review:
Okay, the primary threat (thread) has been dealt with, but we still want more stories about our favorite Weyrleader and Weyrwoman right? So we have to come up with a new problem. Enter Skies of Pern.

Unfortunately, this story focuses on their son, so you don't get much of them, and you don't get much of Jaxom either. Toric, that scwewy lord holder, is making trouble, again, so the dragonriders and the conclave have to outwit and outmaneuver him, again. There's also a new threat from the skies, because that's the only place real disaster can come from on this planet, apparently.

I'm being fairly caustic, but don't be put off too much. If you like McCaffrey's writing style and reading about events on Pern in general, you'll like this book. We've just seen it before, really, and since the primary problem that we've seen for 6 books is effectively gone, the tension isn't there the same way.
]]> <![CDATA[The Renegades of Pern (Pern, #10)]]> 20082
Then, from the ranks of the criminals and the disaffected, rose a band of renegades, led by the Lady Thella. No one was safe from Thella's depredations, and now her quarry was Aramina, reputed to have a telepathic link with dragons. But when Thella mistakenly vented her rage on Jayge's family, she made a dangerous mistake. For Jayge was bent on revenge . . . and he would never let her have the girl who heard dragons!]]> 384 Anne McCaffrey 0345419391 Foomy 3 3.89 1989 The Renegades of Pern (Pern, #10)
author: Anne McCaffrey
name: Foomy
average rating: 3.89
book published: 1989
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2009/02/14
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Masterharper of Pern (Pern, #14)]]> 24870
But Petiron, almost from the first day, had no time for his son, refusing to see the incredible talent the boy possessed, ignoring his achievements and maintaining a strict and disapproving vigilance over him at all times.

Carefully, secretly, the Harper Hall took over, training the greatest talent Pern had ever seen - a talent that was more than just musical, for Robinton was able to talk to the dragons of Pern.

As constant sadness beset his personal life, so a startling career sent him like a meteor through the Holds and Weyrs of Pern until, as MasterHarper, he became part of the great plan to rescue Lessa from the brutal rule of Holder Fax - Lessa, who was to be the saviour of the dragons of Pern.]]> 463 Anne McCaffrey 0552142743 Foomy 5 4.25 1998 The Masterharper of Pern (Pern, #14)
author: Anne McCaffrey
name: Foomy
average rating: 4.25
book published: 1998
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2009/02/14
shelves:
review:
If you Menolly's story, you'll love Robinton's. Covers his mother and father as well, which is nice considering Petiron's death opened Dragonsong.
]]> <![CDATA[All the Weyrs of Pern (Pern, #11)]]> 61926 Now, for the first time, it looked as if that dream could come true. For when the people of Pern, led by Masterharper Robinton and F'Lar and Lessa, Weyrleader and Weyrwoman of Benden Weyr, excavated the ancient remains of the planet's original settlement, they uncovered the colonist's voice-activated artificial intelligence system - which still functioned!
And the computer had incredible news for them: There was a chance - a good chance - that they could, at long last, annihilate Thread once and for all!]]> 404 Anne McCaffrey 0345419359 Foomy 4 4.19 1991 All the Weyrs of Pern (Pern, #11)
author: Anne McCaffrey
name: Foomy
average rating: 4.19
book published: 1991
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2009/02/14
shelves:
review:

]]> Dragonsdawn (Pern, #9) 465904 384 Anne McCaffrey 0893662135 Foomy 5 4.21 1988 Dragonsdawn (Pern, #9)
author: Anne McCaffrey
name: Foomy
average rating: 4.21
book published: 1988
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2009/02/14
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The White Dragon (The Dragonriders of Pern, #3)]]> 127586
Never in the history of Pern has there been a dragon like Ruth. Mocked by other dragons for his small size and pure white color, Ruth is smart, brave, and loyal—qualities that he shares with his rider, the young Lord Jaxom. Unfortunately, Jaxom is also looked down upon by his fellow lords, and by other riders as well. His dreams of joining the dragonriders in defending Pern are dismissed. What else can Jaxom and Ruth do but strike out on their own, pursuing in secret all they are denied? But in doing so, the two friends will find themselves facing a desperate choice—one that will push their bond to the breaking point . . . and threaten the future of Pern itself.]]> 468 Anne McCaffrey 0345341678 Foomy 5 4.19 1978 The White Dragon (The Dragonriders of Pern, #3)
author: Anne McCaffrey
name: Foomy
average rating: 4.19
book published: 1978
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2009/02/14
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Dragonquest (Dragonriders of Pern, #2)]]> 127584
But F'lar knew he had to find a better way to protect his beloved Pern, and he had to find it before the rebellious Oldtimers could breed anymore dissent... before his brother F'nor would be foolhardy enough to launch another suicide mission... and before those dratted fire-lizards could stir up any more trouble!]]> 350 Anne McCaffrey Foomy 4 4.08 1971 Dragonquest (Dragonriders of Pern, #2)
author: Anne McCaffrey
name: Foomy
average rating: 4.08
book published: 1971
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2009/02/14
shelves:
review:

]]> Dragondrums (Harper Hall, #3) 28553
Mischievous Piemur is used to getting away with a lot. He has one of the most impressive voices at Harper Hall and, in the world of Pern, there are few things more important than the ability to sing and write songs. But when his voice begins to change, Piemur loses all confidence and questions everything he thought he knew about himself.

No longer capable of singing, Piemur is sent on various errands by Masterharper Robinton, including the task of learning the complicated beats of the messenger drums. Piemur has no clue of the grand adventures that await him, and he’ll need to find the courage within himself to survive.]]> 243 Anne McCaffrey 0689860064 Foomy 3 4.08 1979 Dragondrums (Harper Hall, #3)
author: Anne McCaffrey
name: Foomy
average rating: 4.08
book published: 1979
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2009/02/14
shelves:
review:
Rated lower than the other two only because I don't care about Piemur nearly as much as I do about Menolly. The compelling part of Menolly's story is done, I understand that, but you want to read more about those characters you like.
]]> <![CDATA[Dragonsinger (Harper Hall, #2)]]> 28547
In the world of Pern, Harpers are more powerful than kings, for the music they play can control the minds of others. For young Menolly, her dreams of becoming a Harper have nothing to do with power, but rather her love of music. Now she is finally living out her musical dreams as an apprentice Harper, but it’s turning out to be more challenging than she thought. Formerly forbidden to study music because of her gender, Menolly quickly encounters hostility from a number of her male peers and masters.

With the help of new friends, teachers, and her nine tiny, colorful dragons, Menolly finds that her musical talents may be stronger than anyone could imagine.]]> 288 Anne McCaffrey 0689860072 Foomy 4 4.27 1977 Dragonsinger (Harper Hall, #2)
author: Anne McCaffrey
name: Foomy
average rating: 4.27
book published: 1977
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2009/02/14
shelves:
review:

]]> Dragonsong (Harper Hall, #1) 28541 Fifteen-year-old Menolly allies with magnificent dragons in the first book in the Harper Hall trilogy, set within science fiction legend Anne McCaffrey’s beloved and bestselling Dragonriders of Pern series.

For centuries, the world of Pern has faced a destructive force known as Thread. But the number of magnificent dragons who have protected this world and the men and women who ride them are dwindling.

As fewer dragons ride the winds and destruction falls from the sky, Menolly has only one to sing, play, and weave the music that comes to her so easily—she wishes to become a Harper. But despite her great talents, her father believes that a young girl is unworthy of such a respected position and forbids her to pursue her dreams. So Menolly runs away, taking shelter in a cave by the sea. Miraculously, she happens upon nine fire lizards that could possibly save her world...and change her life forever.]]> 192 Anne McCaffrey 141692499X Foomy 4 4.23 1976 Dragonsong (Harper Hall, #1)
author: Anne McCaffrey
name: Foomy
average rating: 4.23
book published: 1976
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2009/02/14
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Dragonflight (Dragonriders of Pern, #1)]]> 61975
To the nobles who live in Benden Weyr, Lessa is nothing but a ragged kitchen girl. For most of her life she has survived by serving those who betrayed her father and took over his lands. Now the time has come for Lessa to shed her disguise-and take back her stolen birthright.

But everything changes when she meets a Queen dragon. The bond they share will be deep and last forever. It will protect them when, for the first time in centuries, Lessa's world is threatened by Thread, an evil substance that falls like rain and destroys everything it touches. Dragons and their Riders once protected the planet from Thread and the blood-red star, but there are very few of them left these days. Only the gigantic, golden Queen can breed new dragons. And the Queen is fading... dying...

Now brave Lessa must risk her life, and the life of her beloved dragon, to save her beautiful world...]]> 299 Anne McCaffrey 0345484266 Foomy 4 4.09 1968 Dragonflight (Dragonriders of Pern, #1)
author: Anne McCaffrey
name: Foomy
average rating: 4.09
book published: 1968
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2009/02/14
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Hinterland (Godslayer Chronicles, #2)]]> 369645
But the Cabal is not the only danger. To mend a growing rift at Tashijan, Tylar returns to the Citadel of the Shadowknights. A mid much pop and ceremony, Tylar regains his knighthood—but it is a trap. Ravening forces out of Ice Eyrie launch a siege against Tashijan, trapping Tylar and the Shadowknights. More terrible is the threat rising out of the bowels of the Citadel—from an order of daemonic knights whose Grace has been corrupted.

To save the Nine Lands, Tylar must enter the Hinterland, the desolate territory beyond the blessed lands, where rogue gods roam and dark Graces flow—and from which no Shadowknight has ever returned....]]> 592 James Clemens 1841493031 Foomy 3 4.12 2006 Hinterland (Godslayer Chronicles, #2)
author: James Clemens
name: Foomy
average rating: 4.12
book published: 2006
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2009/02/13
shelves:
review:
This book gives us more character development, but just begins to introduce the "real" plot. It feels like necessary filler and an introduction to the third book. Still, the main character growth is worth reading about, and I have high hopes for the next volume.
]]> <![CDATA[Shadowfall (Godslayer Chronicles, #1)]]> 304940
Until now. For the impossible...the unthinkable...has happened. Meeryn, goddess of the Summering Isles, has been murdered.

The only witness was Tylar de Noche, a crippled and disgraced former Shadowknight who lives in agonizing shame of his past. He saw the dark entity that killed Meeryn. And as he held the dying goddess, her last breath bestowed a powerful blessing on him—a mark that healed his broken body. A mark that many see as proof that he killed a god. A mark that unleashed a powerful force of darkness within him.

Chased across Myrillia by enemies both human and ethereal, aided only by outcasts like himself, Tylar must uncover and face down a being powerful enought to kill an immortal—the true godslayer. If he fails, all of Myrillia will fall into shadow....]]> 513 James Clemens 0451460502 Foomy 4
The setting is that of a world inhabited by gods, substantial beings that people can see and interact with. The chief difference between gods and mortals, other than basic immortality, is that their bodily fluids are magical. ALL their fluids, including "yellow and black bile." In fact, most of the world's technology is based on the utilization of these fluids.

The story focuses on a very few key characters and settings, which is a nice break from sprawling epics that tend to have dozens to keep track of. The main characters all have major flaws and watching them deal with their problems is fairly entertaining, as is discovering what's really happening behind the scenes.

The one complaint I have about this book is that it spends a lot of time on all the gods' body fluids. Yes, it's important but after the fifth time you read about the stench emanating from the guy who has his hands smeared with "black bile" in order to do something magical, you don't need the imagery anymore.

Other than that, I enjoyed the book. The premise is interesting, and the magic system, while occasionally a bit nauseating, is quite unique. I look forward to reading more about the characters in future volumes.]]> 4.03 2005 Shadowfall (Godslayer Chronicles, #1)
author: James Clemens
name: Foomy
average rating: 4.03
book published: 2005
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2009/02/13
shelves:
review:
A man witnesses the murder of a god and is falsely accused of doing the deed. He must prove his innocence and, of course, uncovers a deeper, darker plot.

The setting is that of a world inhabited by gods, substantial beings that people can see and interact with. The chief difference between gods and mortals, other than basic immortality, is that their bodily fluids are magical. ALL their fluids, including "yellow and black bile." In fact, most of the world's technology is based on the utilization of these fluids.

The story focuses on a very few key characters and settings, which is a nice break from sprawling epics that tend to have dozens to keep track of. The main characters all have major flaws and watching them deal with their problems is fairly entertaining, as is discovering what's really happening behind the scenes.

The one complaint I have about this book is that it spends a lot of time on all the gods' body fluids. Yes, it's important but after the fifth time you read about the stench emanating from the guy who has his hands smeared with "black bile" in order to do something magical, you don't need the imagery anymore.

Other than that, I enjoyed the book. The premise is interesting, and the magic system, while occasionally a bit nauseating, is quite unique. I look forward to reading more about the characters in future volumes.
]]> <![CDATA[Chainfire (Sword of Truth, #9)]]> 43887 Wizard's First Rule and seven subsequent masterpieces, Terry Goodkind has thrilled readers worldwide with the unique sweep of his storytelling. Now Goodkind returns with a new novel of Richard and Kahlan, the beginning of a sequence of three novels that will bring their epic story to its culmination.

After being gravely injured in battle, Richard awakes to discover Kahlan missing. To his disbelief, no one remembers the woman he is frantically trying to find. Worse, no one believes that she really exists, or that he was ever married. Alone as never before, he must find the woman he loves more than life itself....if she is even still alive. If she was ever even real.]]> 748 Terry Goodkind 0765344319 Foomy 3 3.94 2005 Chainfire (Sword of Truth, #9)
author: Terry Goodkind
name: Foomy
average rating: 3.94
book published: 2005
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2009/02/12
shelves:
review:

]]> Phantom (Sword of Truth, #10) 43884 Bestselling author Terry Goodkind's epic Sword of Truth series continues with the next stunning installment, Phantom

On the day she awoke remembering nothing but her name, Kahlan Amnell became the most dangerous woman alive. For everyone else, that was the day that the world began to end.

As her husband, Richard, desperately searches for his beloved, whom only he remembers, he knows that if she doesn't soon discover who she really is, she will unwittingly become the instrument that will unleash annihilation. But Kahlan learns that if she ever were to unlock the truth of her lost identity, then evil itself would finally possess her, body and soul.

If she is to survive in a murky world of deception and betrayal, where life is not only cheap but fleeting, Kahlan must find out why she is such a central figure in the war-torn world swirling around her. What she uncovers are secrets darker than she could ever have imagined.]]> 587 Terry Goodkind 0765305240 Foomy 2 3.98 2006 Phantom (Sword of Truth, #10)
author: Terry Goodkind
name: Foomy
average rating: 3.98
book published: 2006
rating: 2
read at:
date added: 2009/02/12
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Confessor (Sword of Truth, #11)]]> 604803
Descending into darkness, about to be overwhelmed by evil, those people still free are powerless to stop the coming dawn of a savage new world, while Richard faces the guilt of knowing that he must let it happen. Alone, he must bear the weight of a sin he dare not confess to the one person he loves…and has lost.
Ěý
Join Richard and Kahlan in the concluding novel of one of the most remarkable and memorable journeys ever written. It started with one rule, and will end with the rule of all rules, the rule unwritten, the rule unspoken since the dawn of history.
When next the sun rises, the world will be forever changed.
]]> 603 Terry Goodkind 0765315238 Foomy 3 4.08 2007 Confessor (Sword of Truth, #11)
author: Terry Goodkind
name: Foomy
average rating: 4.08
book published: 2007
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2009/02/12
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Naked Empire (Sword of Truth, #8)]]> 43893
Richard Rahl has been poisoned. Saving an empire from annihilation is the price of the antidote. With the shadow of death looming near, the empire crumbling before the invading hordes, and time running out, Richard is offered not only his own life but the salvation of a people, in exchange for delivering his wife, Kahlan, into bondage to the enemy.]]> 725 Terry Goodkind 0765344300 Foomy 2 3.82 2003 Naked Empire (Sword of Truth, #8)
author: Terry Goodkind
name: Foomy
average rating: 3.82
book published: 2003
rating: 2
read at:
date added: 2009/02/12
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Pillars of Creation (Sword of Truth, #7)]]> 5038 Faith of the Fallen

New York Times bestselling author Terry Goodkind has created his most lavish adventure yet. Tormented her entire life by inhuman voices, a young woman named Jennsen seeks to end her intolerable agony. She at last discovers a way to silence the voices. For everyone else, the torment is about to begin.

With winter descending and the paralyzing dread of an army of annihilation occupying their homeland, Richard Rahl and his wife Kahlan must venture deep into a strange and desolate land. Their quest turns to terror when they find themselves the helpless prey of a tireless hunter.

Meanwhile, Jennsen finds herself drawn into the center of a struggle for conquest and revenge. Worse yet, she finds her will seized by forces more abhorrent than anything she ever envisioned. Only then does she come to realize that the voices were real.

Staggered by loss and increasingly isolated, Richard and Kahlan must stop the relentless, unearthly threat which has come out of the darkest night of the human soul. To do so, Richard will be called upon to face the demons stalking among the Pillars of Creation.

Discover breathtaking adventure and true nobility of spirit. Find out why millions of readers the world over have elevated Terry Goodkind to the ranks of legend.]]> 725 Terry Goodkind 0765340747 Foomy 2 3.69 2001 The Pillars of Creation (Sword of Truth, #7)
author: Terry Goodkind
name: Foomy
average rating: 3.69
book published: 2001
rating: 2
read at:
date added: 2009/02/12
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Faith of the Fallen (Sword of Truth, #6)]]> 121127 There is an alternate cover edition here.

As his beloved Kahlan lies close to death, Richard Rahl, who distrusts prophecy more than anyone, is confronted by a compelling vision - one that bears a terrible price. It would mean taking Kahlan away to safety while abandoning his people to a grim fate.

As savage hordes stand poised to invade their homeland, Richard and Kahlan's devotion, not only to each other but to their cause and their duty, is imperiled in the descending fury of war. Amid the turmoil, Nicci, a woman from Richard's past, haunted by her memory of him, makes a fateful decision. Despite Nicci's hunger to understand the source of Richard's indomitable will, her burning passion to destroy him commits her to the unthinkable.]]> 785 Terry Goodkind 081257639X Foomy 3 4.10 2000 Faith of the Fallen (Sword of Truth, #6)
author: Terry Goodkind
name: Foomy
average rating: 4.10
book published: 2000
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2009/02/12
shelves:
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]]> <![CDATA[Soul of the Fire (Sword of Truth, #5)]]> 761732
But their wedding is the key that unlocks a spell sealed away long ago in a faraway country. Now a deadly power pours forth that threatens to turn the world into a lifeless waste.

Separated from the Sword of Truth and stripped of their magic, Richard and Kahlan must journey across the Midlands to discover a dark secret from the past and a trap that could tear them apart forever. For their fate has become inextricably entwined with that of the Midlands—and there's no place so dangerous as a world without magic...]]> 788 Terry Goodkind 0812551494 Foomy 2 3.87 1999 Soul of the Fire (Sword of Truth, #5)
author: Terry Goodkind
name: Foomy
average rating: 3.87
book published: 1999
rating: 2
read at:
date added: 2009/02/12
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Temple of the Winds (Sword of Truth, #4)]]> 253058
The dangerous, fanatical Imperial Order, under the leadership of the power-mad Emperor Jagang and his multitude of demonic underlings, unleashes a deadly plague. To find a cure Richard Cypher and his beloved Kahlan Amnell must seek out the legendary Temple of the Winds, a fortress of evil sealed away for three thousand years. But the path of the Seeker of Truth is never an easy one—even if he can reach the Temple at all, there is no guarantee he'll ever return.]]> 822 Terry Goodkind Foomy 4 4.03 1997 Temple of the Winds (Sword of Truth, #4)
author: Terry Goodkind
name: Foomy
average rating: 4.03
book published: 1997
rating: 4
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date added: 2009/02/12
shelves:
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]]> <![CDATA[Blood of the Fold (Sword of Truth, #3)]]> 43892 There is an alternate cover edition here.

Richard comes to terms with his true identity as a War Wizard. The New World, and all the freedom of humankind, is under threat from the Imperial Order after he had brought down the barrier between the Old and New World. The Imperial Order has already sent delegations and armies into the New World. Richard's only option to stop the invasion is to claim his heritage and unite all free kingdoms and provinces under one rule and one command.]]> 623 Terry Goodkind 0812551478 Foomy 3 3.99 1996 Blood of the Fold (Sword of Truth, #3)
author: Terry Goodkind
name: Foomy
average rating: 3.99
book published: 1996
rating: 3
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date added: 2009/02/12
shelves:
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]]> <![CDATA[Stone of Tears (Sword of Truth, #2)]]> 234184 Wizard's First Rule, Richard Cypher's world was turned upside down. Once a simple woods guide, Richard was forced to become the Seeker of Truth, to save the world from the vile dominance of Darken Rahl, the most viciously savage and powerful wizard the world had ever seen. He was joined on this epic quest by his beloved Kahlan, the only survivor among the Confessors, who brought a powerful but benevolent justice to the land before Rahl's evil scourge. Aided by Zedd, the last of the wizards who opposed Rahl, they were able to cast him into the underworld, saving the world from the living hell of life under Rahl.

But the veil to the underworld has been torn, and Rahl, from beyond the veil, begins to summon a sinister power more dreadful than any he has wielded before. Horrifying creatures escape through the torn veil, wreaking havoc on the unsuspecting world above.

If Rahl isn't stopped, he will free the Keeper itself, an evil entity whose power is so vast and foul that once freed, it can never again be contained.

Richard and Kahlan must face Rahl and the Keeper's terrible minions. But first, Richard must endure the ministrations of the Sisters of the Light, or die from the pain of magic that is his birthright and his curse. While Richard undertakes the arduous journey to the forbidden city of the Sisters, Kahlan must embark upon a long and dangerous mission to Aydindril, citadel of the old wizards, where she hopes to find Zedd and the help only he can lend to their desperate cause.

War, suffering, torture, and deceit lie in their paths, and nothing will save them from a destiny of violent death, unless their courage and faith are joined with luck and they find the elusive...Stone of Tears.]]> 703 Terry Goodkind 0312857063 Foomy 4 4.10 1995 Stone of Tears (Sword of Truth, #2)
author: Terry Goodkind
name: Foomy
average rating: 4.10
book published: 1995
rating: 4
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date added: 2009/02/12
shelves:
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]]> <![CDATA[Wizard's First Rule (Sword of Truth, #1)]]> 43889
His world, his very beliefs, are shattered when ancient debts come due with thundering violence. In a dark age it takes courage to live, and more than mere courage to challenge those who hold dominion, Richard and Kahlan must take up that challenge or become the next victims. Beyond awaits a bewitching land where even the best of their hearts could betray them. Yet, Richard fears nothing so much as what secrets his sword might reveal about his own soul. Falling in love would destroy them—for reasons Richard can't imagine and Kahlan dare not say.

In their darkest hour, hunted relentlessly, tormented by treachery and loss, Kahlan calls upon Richard to reach beyond his sword—to invoke within himself something more noble. Neither knows that the rules of battle have just changed . . . or that their time has run out.

This is the beginning. One book. One Rule. Witness the birth of a legend.]]> 836 Terry Goodkind 0765346524 Foomy 5
This book is the start of a huge series, and this particular volume is excellent. The stakes are nothing less than the fate of all life in existence, and through it all there's this True Love That Can Never Be thing going on between the two main characters. It gets pretty syrupy, to the point where it stretches believability in some places, but that's such a minor detail compared to how well the story is told. If you are the type of reader who cries over books sometimes, I'd keep some tissues handy for this one.

The series as a whole is more of a disappointment, I'd say. The first four books are pretty good, and honestly Goodkind should have stopped after the fourth. With a minor change or two it could have been a great 4-book series.

Unfortunately, starting at around the 5th book in the series Goodkind transforms from "storyteller" to "preacher." He uses the series as a platform to rant on the evils of communism and doesn't really stop until the end of the final book (which is book 11 I think?). It's frustrating when all you really want is to read about Richard and Kahlan.

Still, the first four are highly recommended.]]> 4.12 1994 Wizard's First Rule (Sword of Truth, #1)
author: Terry Goodkind
name: Foomy
average rating: 4.12
book published: 1994
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2009/02/12
shelves:
review:
Primarily a love story, this one focuses on a backwoods man saving a mysterious woman from danger one day and being thrust into a world-saving adventure as a result.

This book is the start of a huge series, and this particular volume is excellent. The stakes are nothing less than the fate of all life in existence, and through it all there's this True Love That Can Never Be thing going on between the two main characters. It gets pretty syrupy, to the point where it stretches believability in some places, but that's such a minor detail compared to how well the story is told. If you are the type of reader who cries over books sometimes, I'd keep some tissues handy for this one.

The series as a whole is more of a disappointment, I'd say. The first four books are pretty good, and honestly Goodkind should have stopped after the fourth. With a minor change or two it could have been a great 4-book series.

Unfortunately, starting at around the 5th book in the series Goodkind transforms from "storyteller" to "preacher." He uses the series as a platform to rant on the evils of communism and doesn't really stop until the end of the final book (which is book 11 I think?). It's frustrating when all you really want is to read about Richard and Kahlan.

Still, the first four are highly recommended.
]]> <![CDATA[Wolf's Blood (Firekeeper Saga, #6)]]> 66313
One of the first things she learned in Hawk Haven was that magic was a thing to be feared and despised. Long ago, all the human kingdoms were ruled by powerful sorcerers. Then a plague came and the sorcerers died. Nobody misses them. Much was lost--but still, nobody misses them.

Yet as Firekeeper has travelled and grown wiser in the ways of human beings, she's learned that the true story was more complex. In coming to the country of the Liglim, she, Derian Carter, and Blind Seer discovered that magic is still working in the world, and that it isn't always the evil they'd been warned against. But it also turned out that the old plague specifically targeted magic users. And when Firekeeper and her friends learned to open the gates between worlds, the plague came back with them.

Firekeeper, Blind Seer, and Derian Carter survived the not unchanged, but still themselves. Now Firekeeper is determined to learn the nature of the plague--and if she can, to end it forever. What happens next will be the culmination of the remarkable fantasy epic that began with Through Wolf's Eyes.]]> 544 Jane Lindskold 0765314800 Foomy 0 4.10 2007 Wolf's Blood (Firekeeper Saga, #6)
author: Jane Lindskold
name: Foomy
average rating: 4.10
book published: 2007
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2009/02/12
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Wolf Hunting (Firekeeper Saga, #5)]]> 66311 Through Wolf's Eyes, Jane Lindskold introduced Firekeeper, the young girl raised by intelligent, language-using wolves. Abducted back into human society, Firekeeper found that, in the world of deadly human political intrigues, her training as a pack animal served her well.

Later, in Wolf Captured, Firekeeper and her lupine companion Blind Seer found themselves kidnapped and dragged overseas, to the unfamiliar land of Liglimon, where humans have a different relationship to intelligent animals. Now, still in Liglimon, Firekeeper and Blind Seer respond to a request for assistance from Truth, the soothsayer-jaguar.

Then, while helping Truth, Firekeeper and her companion come across evidence of elaborate investigations into kinds of ancient magics taboo in Liglimoshti culture. It appears more people in Liglimon are willing to flout this taboo than anyone cares to admit, and Firekeeper and Blind Seer decide their duty is to find out more.

But Truth knows more than she's telling. She can see and trace future timelines for particular individuals, which in the past has led her into madness. Since then, the Voice that guided her out of that madness has continued to speak to her, and it's not her friend.

Eventually Truth realizes that her Voice may well be a person the Liglimoshti call "The Meddler" -- a dangerous trickster figure. But Truth doesn't own up to this until far too late�

Compellingly told, rich with real people and real animals, WOLF HUNTING is the latest and strongest in an increasingly and rewarding sequence of fantasy epics.]]> 605 Jane Lindskold 0765351439 Foomy 0 4.10 2006 Wolf Hunting (Firekeeper Saga, #5)
author: Jane Lindskold
name: Foomy
average rating: 4.10
book published: 2006
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2009/02/12
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Wolf Captured (Firekeeper Saga, #4)]]> 66312
When Firekeeper and her Royal Wolf companion Blind Seer are kidnapped and dragged overseas, they must maneuver for their lives in an unfamiliar new society. Unlike other humans, their captors are quite aware that Royal animals like Blind Seer exist, are intelligent, and can speak to each other. They've kidnapped Firekeeper and Blind Seer because they want to learn to speak to their own Royal animals.

Increasingly, though, it appears that those Royal animals are being held in polite and unobtrusive bondage. Firekeeper wants to find out the truth -- and, if necessary, free them...]]> 722 Jane Lindskold 0765348233 Foomy 0 4.05 2004 Wolf Captured (Firekeeper Saga, #4)
author: Jane Lindskold
name: Foomy
average rating: 4.05
book published: 2004
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2009/02/12
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Dragon of Despair (Firekeeper Saga, #3)]]> 66314
Now Melina Shield, the beautiful, unscrupulous, and thoroughly discredited sorceress whose power-hungry intrigues have already made so much trouble for Firekeeper, has once more used her power to cloud men's minds, and has induced the ruler of New Kelvin to marry her. This is bad news on a lot of fronts.

It's particularly bad news for Firekeeper. Melina hasn't abandoned her schemes to gain power through the use of forbidden ancient sorcery. And the leaders of the royal beasts who watch over this world have given Firekeeper--and her intelligent wolf companion Blind Seer--the responsibility for stopping her.]]> 768 Jane Lindskold 0765341581 Foomy 0 4.03 2003 The Dragon of Despair (Firekeeper Saga, #3)
author: Jane Lindskold
name: Foomy
average rating: 4.03
book published: 2003
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2009/02/12
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Wolf's Head, Wolf's Heart (Firekeeper Saga, #2)]]> 363187
Raised by intelligent, language-using wolves, brought back to the human society at the court of Hawk Haven, young Firekeeper had to learn to cope with human society and its complexities . . . and discovered that, for someone raised in a wolf pack, the politics of a royal court were neither complex nor wholly unfamiliar.

But the happy ending of "Through Wolf's Eyes" has proved to have consequences. Hawk Haven and Bright Bay are unifying, but the power balance of the neighboring lands is threatened by this prospect. New intrigues abound. The rulers of Bright Bay, it transpires, have been hoarding a collection of forbidden magical artifacts . . . which Queen Gustin took with her when she abdicated, intending to use them to restore her power. Melina Shield is still scheming to obtain them, and she's older, smarter, and more devious than the Queen. And the even-more-devious civil service of neighboring New Kelvin would like to get their hands on that magic as well . . . .

Which will make life very hard for Firekeeper. Because the powers of the world have decided who'll be required to obtain those much-contended-for magical articles. It'll be her.]]> 754 Jane Lindskold 0812575490 Foomy 0 4.08 2002 Wolf's Head, Wolf's Heart (Firekeeper Saga, #2)
author: Jane Lindskold
name: Foomy
average rating: 4.08
book published: 2002
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2009/02/12
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Through Wolf's Eyes (Firekeeper Saga, #1)]]> 66317
Some of the humans think she may be the lost heir to their throne. This could be good-and it could be very, very dangerous. In the months to come, learning to behave like a human will turn out to be more complicated than she'd ever imagined.

But though human ways might be stranger than anything found in the forest, the infighting in the human's pack is nothing Firekeeper hasn't seen before. That, she understands just fine. She's not your standard-issue princess-and this is not your standard-issue fairy tale.]]> 579 Jane Lindskold 0812575482 Foomy 3
The story of Firekeeper (the girl) is pretty interesting, seeing how she learns about humans and finds her place in the world as something not wolf, but not human either. Unfortunately that story is surrounded by the story of a bunch of royal families vying for the throne of an aging king.

This part of the story is frankly boring. All the competition is about as civilized as it can be and still have it be called competition. It's all political marriages and maneuvering and leveraging family names, and ends up being completely uninteresting. It gets worse when they are teaching Firekeeper everything, because they spend chapters explaining to her the genealogy of all the different royal families. It's a big enough focus of the writing that, where most fantasy novels have maps printed on the flaps, these instead have a family tree.

It's a shame there is so much extraneous detail in these novels, because Firekeeper's story is fascinating. It's fun reading about the way she changes and grows into her humanity, while still remaining a wolf at heart. I wouldn't read this series unless you're patient, but if you can stand all the genealogy and polite medieval politics, some of the story is worth the time.]]> 3.98 2001 Through Wolf's Eyes (Firekeeper Saga, #1)
author: Jane Lindskold
name: Foomy
average rating: 3.98
book published: 2001
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2009/02/12
shelves:
review:
The first in a series about a girl raised by wolves. Sounds cliché but there is some magic in this world and the wolves are "royal" wolves which basically mean they are bigger and smarter and are able to teach the girl a bit more than regular wolves might be able to.

The story of Firekeeper (the girl) is pretty interesting, seeing how she learns about humans and finds her place in the world as something not wolf, but not human either. Unfortunately that story is surrounded by the story of a bunch of royal families vying for the throne of an aging king.

This part of the story is frankly boring. All the competition is about as civilized as it can be and still have it be called competition. It's all political marriages and maneuvering and leveraging family names, and ends up being completely uninteresting. It gets worse when they are teaching Firekeeper everything, because they spend chapters explaining to her the genealogy of all the different royal families. It's a big enough focus of the writing that, where most fantasy novels have maps printed on the flaps, these instead have a family tree.

It's a shame there is so much extraneous detail in these novels, because Firekeeper's story is fascinating. It's fun reading about the way she changes and grows into her humanity, while still remaining a wolf at heart. I wouldn't read this series unless you're patient, but if you can stand all the genealogy and polite medieval politics, some of the story is worth the time.
]]> <![CDATA[American Gods (American Gods, #1)]]> 4407
Together they embark on a profoundly strange journey across the heart of the USA, whilst all around them a storm of preternatural and epic proportions threatens to break.

Scary, gripping and deeply unsettling, American Gods takes a long, hard look into the soul of America. You'll be surprised by what - and who - it finds there...

This is the author's preferred text, never before published in the UK, and is about 12,000 words longer than the previous UK edition.

]]> 635 Neil Gaiman Foomy 3 4.10 2001 American Gods (American Gods, #1)
author: Neil Gaiman
name: Foomy
average rating: 4.10
book published: 2001
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2009/02/12
shelves:
review:

]]> Neverwhere (London Below, #1) 14497
"Neverwhere" is the London of the people who have fallen between the cracks.

Strange destinies lie in wait in London below - a world that seems eerily familiar. But a world that is utterly bizarre, peopled by unearthly characters such as the Angel called Islington, the girl named Door, and the Earl who holds Court on a tube train.

Now a single act of kindness has catapulted young businessman Richard Mayhew out of his safe and predictable life - and into the realms of "Neverwhere." Richard is about to find out more than he ever wanted to know about this other London. Which is a pity. Because Richard just wants to go home...]]> 370 Neil Gaiman 0060557818 Foomy 4
That sounds bad, but it's a great story. It's dark; that just adds to the atmosphere.]]> 4.17 1996 Neverwhere (London Below, #1)
author: Neil Gaiman
name: Foomy
average rating: 4.17
book published: 1996
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2009/02/12
shelves:
review:
This one could be described as a children's fairy tale that's crossed the line. Every time you, as a reader, get it into your head that the story is a whimsical, magical adventure, Gaiman plunges your head into the cold water. It's dark and spooky and makes you think of your childhood reading Alice in Wonderland, but that's only to lull you into complacency before it twists the knife again. You want to think to yourself, "I'm sure everything will turn out okay," but at the same time you don't want to get your hopes up.

That sounds bad, but it's a great story. It's dark; that just adds to the atmosphere.
]]> <![CDATA[A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, #1)]]> 13496
Sweeping from a harsh land of cold to a summertime kingdom of epicurean plenty, A Game of Thrones tells a tale of lords and ladies, soldiers and sorcerers, assassins and bastards, who come together in a time of grim omens. Here an enigmatic band of warriors bear swords of no human metal; a tribe of fierce wildlings carry men off into madness; a cruel young dragon prince barters his sister to win back his throne; a child is lost in the twilight between life and death; and a determined woman undertakes a treacherous journey to protect all she holds dear. Amid plots and counter-plots, tragedy and betrayal, victory and terror, allies and enemies, the fate of the Starks hangs perilously in the balance, as each side endeavors to win that deadliest of conflicts: the game of thrones.]]> 835 George R.R. Martin 0553588486 Foomy 5
I love the way Martin organizes chapters in this series, by character point of view. You get to see bits of who they are and why they do the things they do, which really enriches the story when you start seeing chapters from some of the "villains'" points of view. The political games are interesting, but the characters really drive this story.

I had a bit of an epiphany when I neared the end of this book. You know how in horror movies, sometimes the monster sneaks up behind an unsuspecting group of characters, and you want to shout at the screen "For the love of God, look behind you! Stop eating pizza and run!"? That's sort of what I want to do to the characters in these books. They're all busy maneuvering each other and moving their little armies around and trying to destroy their political enemies, meanwhile... ZOMBIES! Stop killing each other! You've got a 700-foot high wall of magical ice set up to block off an entire part of your continent for a REASON. Very bad things are going to come shambling out of that region and these people are going to be caught completely flat-footed because they're too busy trying to carve out lines on a map.

This is a great beginning to potentially the most entertaining fantasy series written in decades. I love the characters, and I love where the story is going. Martin just has to keep writing.]]> 4.44 1996 A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, #1)
author: George R.R. Martin
name: Foomy
average rating: 4.44
book published: 1996
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2009/02/12
shelves:
review:
Wow. Except for the prologue, you start off with pretty basic feudal factionism and political intrigue, and then you get to about the 80-page mark and realize this might be a little different than the standard sword/horse fare.

I love the way Martin organizes chapters in this series, by character point of view. You get to see bits of who they are and why they do the things they do, which really enriches the story when you start seeing chapters from some of the "villains'" points of view. The political games are interesting, but the characters really drive this story.

I had a bit of an epiphany when I neared the end of this book. You know how in horror movies, sometimes the monster sneaks up behind an unsuspecting group of characters, and you want to shout at the screen "For the love of God, look behind you! Stop eating pizza and run!"? That's sort of what I want to do to the characters in these books. They're all busy maneuvering each other and moving their little armies around and trying to destroy their political enemies, meanwhile... ZOMBIES! Stop killing each other! You've got a 700-foot high wall of magical ice set up to block off an entire part of your continent for a REASON. Very bad things are going to come shambling out of that region and these people are going to be caught completely flat-footed because they're too busy trying to carve out lines on a map.

This is a great beginning to potentially the most entertaining fantasy series written in decades. I love the characters, and I love where the story is going. Martin just has to keep writing.
]]> Elantris (Elantris, #1) 68427
Arelon's new capital, Kae, crouches in the shadow of Elantris. Princess Sarene of Teod arrives for a marriage of state with Crown Prince Raoden, hoping—based on their correspondence—to also find love. She finds instead that Raoden has died and she is considered his widow. Both Teod and Arelon are under threat as the last remaining holdouts against the imperial ambitions of the ruthless religious fanatics of Fjordell. So Sarene decides to use her new status to counter the machinations of Hrathen, a Fjordell high priest who has come to Kae to convert Arelon and claim it for his emperor and his god.

But neither Sarene nor Hrathen suspect the truth about Prince Raoden. Stricken by the same curse that ruined Elantris, Raoden was secretly exiled by his father to the dark city. His struggle to help the wretches trapped there begins a series of events that will bring hope to Arelon, and perhaps reveal the secret of Elantris itself.

A rare epic fantasy that doesn't recycle the classics and that is a complete and satisfying story in one volume, Elantris is fleet and fun, full of surprises and characters to care about. It's also the wonderful debut of a welcome new star in the constellation of fantasy.]]> 638 Brandon Sanderson 0765350378 Foomy 4
In the past, anybody could be chosen to be a god. Any person, no matter age or station, could wake up one day to find they had become a glowing, immortal, magic-using being. If this happened you could move to Elantris, the city of the gods, to live an unending life in what was essentially utopia.

Then something happened, and Elantris and its citizens changed. The city and its people began to wither and rot. The people were still immortal, but their injuries didn't heal; every scratch, stubbed toe, twisted ankle, and worse, burned forever like the moment it occurred, until one by one they succumbed to the pain and withdrew into themselves to become mindless husks. To top it off, any normal person could still be chosen to become an Elantrian, but it was now a curse.

The story that takes place in this setting focuses on a prince from one nation and a princess from another, betrothed as part of a political alliance. The princess is on her way to marry when the prince is suddenly cursed by Elantris. The story follows both of them as they try to figure out the secret behind Elantris and save their countries from being conquered by religious fanatics.

The premise alone was interesting enough to get me to try this book, but Sanderson does a great job of making all the characters interesting and easy to identify with, even some of the villains. The story is paced well, considering how much it focuses on political intrigue (which can be rather boring if not done well), and the overall plot is well constructed and satisfying. Not what I would call light afternoon reading, but well worth the time.]]> 4.16 2005 Elantris (Elantris, #1)
author: Brandon Sanderson
name: Foomy
average rating: 4.16
book published: 2005
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2009/02/12
shelves:
review:
This is Brandon Sanderson's first published novel, and it's a great read with a unique and interesting premise.

In the past, anybody could be chosen to be a god. Any person, no matter age or station, could wake up one day to find they had become a glowing, immortal, magic-using being. If this happened you could move to Elantris, the city of the gods, to live an unending life in what was essentially utopia.

Then something happened, and Elantris and its citizens changed. The city and its people began to wither and rot. The people were still immortal, but their injuries didn't heal; every scratch, stubbed toe, twisted ankle, and worse, burned forever like the moment it occurred, until one by one they succumbed to the pain and withdrew into themselves to become mindless husks. To top it off, any normal person could still be chosen to become an Elantrian, but it was now a curse.

The story that takes place in this setting focuses on a prince from one nation and a princess from another, betrothed as part of a political alliance. The princess is on her way to marry when the prince is suddenly cursed by Elantris. The story follows both of them as they try to figure out the secret behind Elantris and save their countries from being conquered by religious fanatics.

The premise alone was interesting enough to get me to try this book, but Sanderson does a great job of making all the characters interesting and easy to identify with, even some of the villains. The story is paced well, considering how much it focuses on political intrigue (which can be rather boring if not done well), and the overall plot is well constructed and satisfying. Not what I would call light afternoon reading, but well worth the time.
]]> <![CDATA[Princeps' Fury (Codex Alera, #5)]]> 2903736 From the New York Times bestselling author of Captain's Fury and the Dresden Files novels.

Tavi of Calderon, now recognized as Princeps Gaius Octavian and heir to the crown, has achieved a fragile alliance with Alera's oldest foes, the savage Canim. But when Tavi and his legions guide the Canim safely to their lands, his worst fears are realized.

The dreaded Vord - the enemy of Aleran and Cane alike - have spent the last three years laying waste to the Canim homeland. And when the Alerans are cut off from their ships, they find themselves with no choice but to fight shoulder to shoulder if they are to survive.

For a thousand years, Alera and her furies have withstood every enemy, and survived every foe.

The thousand years are over…]]> 386 Jim Butcher 0441016383 Foomy 2
Also, Butcher is making choices with some of his characters that I don't like, don't agree with, and don't add anything to the story. Still, the character development that was there was fairly interesting, especially that of Gaius Sextus and Attis.

Suggestion: Don't waste your money on the hardcover edition; purchase this one and the next one at the same time and read them back to back.]]> 4.37 2008 Princeps' Fury (Codex Alera, #5)
author: Jim Butcher
name: Foomy
average rating: 4.37
book published: 2008
rating: 2
read at:
date added: 2009/02/12
shelves:
review:
Pretty disappointed with this one, especially considering the quality of the other four. I don't even classify this as a full book; it's a prologue. Butcher should have condensed the events of this book and stuck it at the beginning of the next one. Its purpose (to build up the tension and hopelessness of the situation) would still have been served had it been part of the next book, and it wouldn't have been such a let-down.

Also, Butcher is making choices with some of his characters that I don't like, don't agree with, and don't add anything to the story. Still, the character development that was there was fairly interesting, especially that of Gaius Sextus and Attis.

Suggestion: Don't waste your money on the hardcover edition; purchase this one and the next one at the same time and read them back to back.
]]> <![CDATA[Turn Coat (The Dresden Files, #11)]]> 3475161 420 Jim Butcher 0451462564 Foomy 0 to-read 4.43 2009 Turn Coat (The Dresden Files, #11)
author: Jim Butcher
name: Foomy
average rating: 4.43
book published: 2009
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2009/02/12
shelves: to-read
review:
Whew, looking forward to this one. The potential for Harry to give a little back to Morgan is by itself enough for me to want to read this, considering how much of an ass he's been to Harry over the years.
]]> <![CDATA[Small Favor (The Dresden Files, #10)]]> 927979 THE New York Times Bestseller

Harry Dresden's life finally seems to be calming down -- until a shadow from the past returns. Mab, monarch of the Sidhe Winter Court, calls in an old favor from Harry -- one small favor that will trap him between a nightmarish foe and an equally deadly ally, and that will strain his skills -- and loyalties -- to their very limits.]]> 423 Jim Butcher 0451461894 Foomy 0 4.43 2008 Small Favor (The Dresden Files, #10)
author: Jim Butcher
name: Foomy
average rating: 4.43
book published: 2008
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2009/02/12
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[White Night (The Dresden Files, #9)]]> 91475
Someone is targeting the members of the city’s supernatural underclass—those who don’t possess enough power to become full-fledged wizards. Some have vanished. Others appear to be victims of suicide. But now the culprit has left a calling card at one of the crime scenes—a message for Harry Dresden.

Harry sets out to find the apparent serial killer, but his investigation turns up evidence pointing to the one suspect he cannot possibly believe guilty: his half-brother, Thomas. To clear his brother’s name, Harry rushes into a supernatural power struggle that renders him outnumbered, outclassed, and dangerously susceptible to temptation.

And Harry knows that if he screws this one up, people will die—and one of them will be his brother...]]> 407 Jim Butcher 0451461401 Foomy 0 4.38 2007 White Night (The Dresden Files, #9)
author: Jim Butcher
name: Foomy
average rating: 4.38
book published: 2007
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2009/02/12
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Proven Guilty (The Dresden Files, #8)]]> 91474
As Harry adjusts to his new role, another problem arrives in the form of the tattooed and pierced daughter of an old friend, all grown-up and already in trouble. Her boyfriend is the only suspect in what looks like a supernatural assault straight out of a horror film. Malevolent entities that feed on fear are loose in Chicago, but it's all in a day's work for a wizard, his faithful dog, and a talking skull named Bob....]]> 547 Jim Butcher 0451461037 Foomy 0 4.39 2006 Proven Guilty (The Dresden Files, #8)
author: Jim Butcher
name: Foomy
average rating: 4.39
book published: 2006
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2009/02/12
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Blood Rites (The Dresden Files, #6)]]> 99383
Harry is doubly frustrated because he got involved with this bizarre mystery only as a favor to Thomas, his flirtatious, self-absorbed vampire acquaintance of dubious integrity. Thomas has a personal stake in the case Harry can't quite figure out, until his investigation leads him straight to Thomas' oversexed vampire family. Harry is about to discover that Thomas' family tree has been hiding a shocking secret; a revelation that will change Harry's life forever.


Cover Art Lee MacLeod]]> 372 Jim Butcher 0451459873 Foomy 0 4.29 2004 Blood Rites (The Dresden Files, #6)
author: Jim Butcher
name: Foomy
average rating: 4.29
book published: 2004
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2009/02/12
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Dead Beat (The Dresden Files, #7)]]> 17683
Luckily, however, he's not alone. Although most people don't believe in magic, the Chicago P.D. has a Special Investigations department, headed by his good friend Karrin Murphy. They deal with the . . . stranger cases. It's down to Karrin that Harry sneaks into Graceland Cemetery to meet a vampire named Mavra. Mavra has evidence that would destroy Karrin's career, and her demands are simple. She wants the Word of Kemmler - and all the power that comes with it. But first, Harry's keen to know what he'd be handing over. Before long he's racing against time, and six necromancers, to get the Word. And to prevent a Halloween that would truly wake the dead.

Magic - it can get a guy killed.]]> 528 Jim Butcher 045146091X Foomy 0 4.41 2005 Dead Beat (The Dresden Files, #7)
author: Jim Butcher
name: Foomy
average rating: 4.41
book published: 2005
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2009/02/12
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Death Masks (The Dresden Files, #5)]]> 91479 432 Jim Butcher 0451459407 Foomy 0 4.28 2003 Death Masks (The Dresden Files, #5)
author: Jim Butcher
name: Foomy
average rating: 4.28
book published: 2003
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2009/02/12
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Summer Knight (The Dresden Files, #4)]]> 91478 For the 1st printing edition of this ISBN, see here.

HARRY DRESDEN -- WIZARD

Lost items found. Paranormal Investigations. Consulting. Advice. Reasonable Rates.
No Love Potions, Endless Purses, or Other Entertainment

Ever since his girlfriend left town to deal with her newly acquired taste for blood, Harry Dresden has been down and out in Chicago. He can't pay his rent. He's alienating his friends. He can't even recall the last time he took a shower.

The only professional wizard in the phone book has become a desperate man.

And just when it seems things can't get any worse, in saunters the Winter Queen of Faerie. She has an offer Harry can't refuse if he wants to free himself of the supernatural hold his faerie godmother has over him--and hopefully end his run of bad luck. All he has to do is find out who murdered the Summer Queen's right-hand man, the Summer Knight, and clear the Winter Queen's name.

It seems simple enough, but Harry knows better than to get caught in the middle of faerie politics. Until he finds out that the fate of the entire world rests on his solving this case. No pressure or anything...]]> 446 Jim Butcher 0451458923 Foomy 0 4.26 2002 Summer Knight (The Dresden Files, #4)
author: Jim Butcher
name: Foomy
average rating: 4.26
book published: 2002
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2009/02/12
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Grave Peril (The Dresden Files, #3)]]> 91476 This an alternate cover for 9780451458445

Harry Dresden - Wizard
Lost Items Found. Paranormal Investigations. Consulting. Advice. Reasonable Rates. No Love Potions, Endless Purses, or Other Entertainment.

Harry Dresden has faced some pretty terrifying foes during his career. Giant scorpions. Oversexed vampires. Psychotic werewolves. It comes with the territory when you're the only professional wizard in the Chicago-area phone book.

But in all Harry's years of supernatural sleuthing, he's never faced anything like this: The spirit world has gone postal. All over Chicago, ghosts are causing trouble - and not just of the door-slamming, boo-shouting variety. These ghosts are tormented, violent, and deadly. Someone - or something - is purposely stirring them up to wreak unearthly havoc. But why? And why do so many of the victims have ties to Harry? If Harry doesn't figure it out soon, he could wind up a ghost himself....]]> 378 Jim Butcher Foomy 0 4.14 2001 Grave Peril (The Dresden Files, #3)
author: Jim Butcher
name: Foomy
average rating: 4.14
book published: 2001
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2009/02/12
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Fool Moon (The Dresden Files, #2)]]> 91477 Harry Dresden � Wizard

Lost Items Found. Paranormal Investigations. Consulting. Advice. Reasonable Rates. No Love Potions, Endless Purses, or Other Entertainment.

Business has been slow. Okay, business has been dead. And not even of the undead variety. You would think Chicago would have a little more action for the only professional wizard in the phone book. But lately, Harry Dresden hasn't been able to dredge up any kind of work � magical or mundane.

But just when it looks like he can't afford his next meal, a murder comes along that requires his particular brand of supernatural expertise.

A brutally mutilated corpse. Strange-looking paw prints. A full moon. Take three guesses--and the first two don't count...]]> 424 Jim Butcher 0451458125 Foomy 0 3.98 2001 Fool Moon (The Dresden Files, #2)
author: Jim Butcher
name: Foomy
average rating: 3.98
book published: 2001
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2009/02/12
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Storm Front (The Dresden Files, #1)]]> 47212 HARRY DRESDEN � WIZARD

Lost Items Found. Paranormal Investigations. Consulting. Advice. Reasonable Rates. No Love Potions, Endless Purses, or Other Entertainment.

Harry Dresden is the best at what he does. Well, technically, he's the only at what he does. So when the Chicago P.D. has a case that transcends mortal creativity or capability, they come to him for answers. For the "everyday" world is actually full of strange and magical things—and most don't play well with humans. That's where Harry comes in. Takes a wizard to catch a—well, whatever. There's just one problem. Business, to put it mildly, stinks.

So when the police bring him in to consult on a grisly double murder committed with black magic, Harry's seeing dollar signs. But where there's black magic, there's a black mage behind it. And now that mage knows Harry's name. And that's when things start to get interesting.

Magic - it can get a guy killed.]]> 372 Jim Butcher 0451457811 Foomy 0 3.99 2000 Storm Front (The Dresden Files, #1)
author: Jim Butcher
name: Foomy
average rating: 3.99
book published: 2000
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2009/02/12
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Gale Force (Weather Warden, #7)]]> 2295830
Unfortunately, Joanne's pre-marital bliss is ended by a devastating earthquake in Florida. And she can't ask David and his kind for assistance. Because the cause of the quake is unlike anything Joanne has ever encountered, and a power even the Djinn cannot perceive.]]> 306 Rachel Caine 0451462238 Foomy 0 3.99 2008 Gale Force (Weather Warden, #7)
author: Rachel Caine
name: Foomy
average rating: 3.99
book published: 2008
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2009/02/12
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Firestorm (Weather Warden, #5)]]> 157572 292 Rachel Caine 0451461045 Foomy 0 3.96 2006 Firestorm (Weather Warden, #5)
author: Rachel Caine
name: Foomy
average rating: 3.96
book published: 2006
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2009/02/12
shelves:
review:

]]> Windfall (Weather Warden, #4) 157569
After losing her job as a Weather Warden (those with the ability to manipulate the weather and avowed to protect humankind), Joanne is finding life in the "real world" not as enticing as she once thought. Her job as a cheesecake weather girl is humiliating, especially with a lecherous head meteorologist (deliciously named Marvelous Marvin McLarty) who delights in devising new ways to embarrass her on camera. But with her supernatural Djinn lover slowly dying and a recently divorced, shopping-addicted sister camping out on her sofa, Joanne's problems couldn't possibly get worse -- or could they? Throw in a highly suspicious detective bent on arresting Joanne on murder charges, a Djinn civil war, and a monster of an approaching hurricane --and suddenly Marvelous Marvin's antics don't seem so bad!

Wildly unpredictable weather -- and women! -- and an extraordinarily entertaining female protagonist with enough sexy panache and irreverent attitude to make Laurell K. Hamilton's Anita Blake look like an octogenarian etiquette expert, Rachel Caine's Weather Warden saga (Chill Factor, Heat Stroke, et al.) is an absolute delight to read. You want guilty pleasures? Read these novels, which are a little romance, a little urban fantasy, and a whole lot of fun. Barometer not included.]]> 330 Rachel Caine 045146057X Foomy 0 3.94 2005 Windfall (Weather Warden, #4)
author: Rachel Caine
name: Foomy
average rating: 3.94
book published: 2005
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2009/02/12
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Chill Factor (Weather Warden, #3)]]> 157568
In Rachel Caine's Ill Wind and Heat Stroke, Weather Warden extraordinaire Joanne Baldwin, who protects the human race from monster storms, was killed, reborn as a Djinn, and then restored to her original form. She's been through a lot -- and stuck her neck out many times -- to save innocent lives. Now she's rolling the dice to stop an infinitely powerful, deeply disturbed kid from destroying the world....

A teenager named Kevin has holed up in style at a Vegas hotel with the most powerful Djinn in the world, planning who knows what kind of mischief. The Wardens' senior leadership is dead, Djinn are disappearing, and a secret society wants to help Joanne destroy Kevin, even if doing so kills her (again). But everybody in Vegas has a game going, and Joanne has to learn the rules fast because the stakes have never been higher -- and all hell is about to break loose....]]> 337 Rachel Caine 0451460103 Foomy 0 3.89 2005 Chill Factor (Weather Warden, #3)
author: Rachel Caine
name: Foomy
average rating: 3.89
book published: 2005
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2009/02/12
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Heat Stroke (Weather Warden, #2)]]> 157526
In Rachel Caine's tempestuous follow-up to Ill Wind--forecast as "a fun read" by bestselling author Jim Butcher--the Wardens Association still protects the human race from extermination by climatic extremes, when they're not turning on their own....

Accused of murder, Weather Warden Joanne Baldwin was chased across the country--and killed--by a team charged with hunting down rogue Wardens.

Five days later, Joanne had a lovely funeral and was posthumously cleared of all charges. Her human life was over, but she had been reborn into Djinnhood. Now, until she masters her enhanced powers, Joanne must try to avoid being "claimed" by a human. But when a hazard that only a Djinn could sense infiltrates Earth's atmosphere, Joanne must somehow convince someone to do something about it--or the forecast will be deadly.

So who said being all-powerful was going to be easy?]]> 335 Rachel Caine 0451459849 Foomy 0 3.84 2004 Heat Stroke (Weather Warden, #2)
author: Rachel Caine
name: Foomy
average rating: 3.84
book published: 2004
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2009/02/12
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[A Feast for Crows (A Song of Ice and Fire, #4)]]> 13497 Crows will fight over a dead man's flesh, and kill each other for his eyes.

Bloodthirsty, treacherous and cunning, the Lannisters are in power on the Iron Throne in the name of the boy-king Tommen. The war in the Seven Kingdoms has burned itself out, but in its bitter aftermath new conflicts spark to life.

The Martells of Dorne and the Starks of Winterfell seek vengeance for their dead. Euron Crow's Eye, as black a pirate as ever raised a sail, returns from the smoking ruins of Valyria to claim the Iron Isles. From the icy north, where Others threaten the Wall, apprentice Maester Samwell Tarly brings a mysterious babe in arms to the Citadel.

Against a backdrop of incest and fratricide, alchemy and murder, victory will go to the men and women possessed of the coldest steel and the coldest hearts.]]> 1060 George R.R. Martin 055358202X Foomy 0 4.16 2005 A Feast for Crows (A Song of Ice and Fire, #4)
author: George R.R. Martin
name: Foomy
average rating: 4.16
book published: 2005
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2009/02/12
shelves:
review:

]]>