Ahoy there me mateys! While drawin’ up me lists of 2016 for me log, I realized a curious thing – out of 134 books read, not a single one was a re-read. In me enthusiasm of discovery and taking suggestions from me crew, I did not revisit a single old port for plunder! And part of what I love about readin’ is re-visitin’ old friends. So I decided to remedy that and thus created me new category where I take a second look at a previously enjoyed novel and give me crew me second reflections, as it were, upon visitin’ it again . . .

arrows of the queen – Mercedes Lackey

Now I had touched upon this novel and the author in me previous log post, Broadside No. 8. This book was my introduction into her writing. As I said in that post “I finished the trilogy and forayed further into the Valdemar world. I am not sure how well this series would hold up now since I haven’t re-read any since I was a younger lass but me memory holds such fondness for them. I enjoyed her writing so much that eventually I delved into her other work.”

The answer about whether it stood the test of time is . . . erm . . . not so much. While this book did bring back some fondness for me, in general I found in more problematic than my memories would suggest.

Me primary problem be that the main character, Talia is such a special snowflake. I mean seriously, she is twelve or thirteen and out of a backwater province with no real education or experience and yet she can enter a new land with new politics, culture, etc. and somehow with her “wise beyond her years” personality suddenly become a trusted adviser to the Queen. Seriously her advice is common sense. Sigh. Of course young me would not find Talia’s talents to be unreasonable. I wanted them too!

On top of that the culture, politics, and education of Valdemar seem to be rather flat in execution. As was the plot. In actuality I found Talia’s beginning experiences in her homeland to be the most interesting part of the story. It felt more fleshed out than the later parts of the book. The story in general felt too simplistic and generic. And that ending was so ridiculous! I mean seriously the bad guys had no brains.

Plot aside, there were two aspects of this book that still make me heart happy. One of the things is the bond between horse and rider. It is a magical telepathic bond. This bond had way less page time or purpose than I remember but the concept still makes me happy. Even if I can’t have a telepathic horse on me ship for practical reasons, I still kinda want one.

The second aspect of this book concerns sexuality. In this book sex was not shameful. People could have no-strings-attached sex. There are also monogamous long term couples. And gay and lesbian couples. It is by no means graphic but I do remember my younger self’s brain being introduced to these different kinds of relationships and sex. I had no experience with knowing any types people with alternative lifestyles at that point. This wasn’t a major revelation or even one I thought a lot about at the time (late bloomer here) but as a child it did lead to thoughts of “hmm different” and also “cool.” As an adult reader, I appreciate that Lackey was writing about this options as a) normative; and b) doing so in 1987 when people didn’t advertise these lifestyles as viable, perfectly acceptable choices. So hurrah for that!

So while me second reflections of this novel seemed to point out the flaws in this book more than anything else, I still maintain me fondness for it. I don’t know if I will reread the second and third books of this trilogy because too many books and so little time. But I am actually glad I gave this book another look.

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Ahoy there mateys!  I received this murder mystery  eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  So here be me honest musings . . .

I have been avenged and vindicated!  I finally, finally got me grubby mitts on this here correct book!

For those new to me crew, a while back I suffered immense confusion and shock when I picked up a book expecting to find a time-travel fantasy and there was no time travel to be had. What I had meant to read was this book, called the seven deaths of evelyn hardcastle.  What I got instead was a book called the seven husbands of evelyn hugo - a wonderful historical fiction about the golden age of Hollywood with a LGBT twist!  Similar titles hence the confusion.

Side note:  Liz Laurin on Goodreads asked the author "Always been curious since I love both books, is the name any sort of homage to The Seven Hsubands of Evelyn Hugo, or just a weird coincidence? There wouldn't seem to be any sort of connection as they are very different books, but I LOVE both."  His glorious response, "Complete coincidence - that's why we had to change the US title to 7 1/2 Deaths."  Ha!

While I was delighted by the mischance, I did want to read the correct book.  It was described to me as Agatha Christie meets Groundhog's Day.  Fun stuff!  And goodness did this yarn deliver.  The main premise is that a man named Aiden Bishop has been doomed to repeat the same day over and over - the day that Evelyn Hardcastle is murdered at a gala party thrown by her parents.  The only way he can escape this dastardly day is if he can solve who murdered Evelyn and how.  But after hundreds of repeats of the day in question, is Aiden really any closer to discovering who-dun-it?

Basically this work be a genius of craft and cunning.  The complexities were many and the puzzles fascinating.  And I loved it.  I am in awe of the planning and vision of this work.  Me noggin spun pleasantly in possibilities while readin' it and spun satisfactorily in circles upon finishing it.  It is a book that deserves a second readin' now that the puzzle pieces have been revealed to me.  Because now that I can see the pieces, I want to take another look at how the parts interlocked from the beginning.  I will certainly be readin' Mr. Turton's next book.

I still recommend that the crew reads about evelyn hugo.  But I also recommend that me crew picks this one about evelyn hardcastle up too!  Savvy?

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Ahoy there me mateys! This here be a combined review of the Vatta’s Peace duology. While I try to post no spoilers, if ye haven’t read the Vatta’s War series and ye keep reading this log then ye have been forewarned and continue at yer own peril . . .

Ye think I would have enough of Ky Vatta after readin’ the 5 books in the Vatta’s War series. Well no, I wanted more! Luckily for me this companion series exists. Ever wonder what happens to the Admiral when war is over? Then this be for ye!

I loved book 1 so much plus there was a crazy cliffhanger so I just leapt straight into the remainder of the story. And was very satisfied by what I got.

This story follows Ky as she goes back to her home planet to quickly take care of some business and return to the fleet. Only she never gets to her destination. Sabotage finds her stranded in arctic conditions with a very small band of survivors. I adore survival stories especially when it involves treacherous seas, islands, and people! This aspect was me favourite part. I thought how the author chose to portray the timeline of the survival story was particularly lovely. The only minor quibble was the “rescue” was a little anti-climatic.

But of course after the survivors are saved, the pace gears back up. I certainly did not expect what happened to Ky and the others after that. Politics and chaos become the order of the day. It was super fun. Ky, Stella, and Grace all play their parts. And what was fascinating is that they continue to grow and change more in these two books. Like real people do. So that was fun.

While the Vatta story can end here, I will certainly take another companion series that looks into the unsolved mystery of this duology. Arrr!

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Ahoy there me mateys! This read is long overdue. Having loved other books by this author, I always wanted to read this book but never did. Then I read a post by me matey Jackie @ deathbysundoku back in October 2017. She be on the Great Newbery quest wherein she be reading all Newbery medal winners by January 2022 when the 100th Newbery Award happens! Worthy goal indeed. I meself had embarked on this journey many years ago before adverse winds and scads of other adventures sent me off course. So Jackie’s posts have rekindled me interest in finishing them all and so periodically I pick another one up.

I have to say that this one was not the best book in me view. This be a young adult historical fiction. The story follows eighteen year old Daniel bar Jamin of Israel. Daniel wants revenge on the Romans due to the death of his father. But he is torn between duty to his family and duty to the band of outlaws determined to wrest Israel from Rome’s control.

While I enjoy the characterization of Daniel and sympathized with him, it was the pacing of the plot that made this less than fun. This story takes place over many years and the action is slow. Most of the story involves Daniel’s inner struggles. I think the problem was that I, the reader, could see the path he should take and then had to hear all the silly reasons why he didn’t. I still thought Daniel was wonderful and was rooting for him.

It was also weird to read of Jesus as a side character who has conversations with Daniel and then saves the day. I didn’t mind the religion in the book outside of that quirk. I always enjoy readin’ about different perspectives and the book’s time frame with all the changes and upheaval in religion is fascinating. I do think this be the book’s strength.

I can see why it also won an award Hate not love be the message of the day. While I think that be a worthy sentiment, I just didn’t love the execution of it. I consider it just okay. No regrets about readin’ it though. I now want to reread the sign of the beaver. Arrrr!

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Ahoy there me mateys! I adored station eleven and so I thought I would read another book by this wonderful author. Jenny @ readingtheend stated in me comments section of me review of station eleven that “The Singer’s Gun is my other favorite of her books — it’s way way far behind Station Eleven in awesomeness, but it has a similarly intricate plot.” So I listened to Jenny and read this book.

And aye, I enjoyed it immensely. This was off the charts (i.e. a non sci-fi, fantasy, or YA title) and was described as a murder mystery. Well there is a murder and an investigator but this is not a who-dun-it tale. What ye do get is the same type of character exploration that made me fall in love with the author’s writing style in the first place.

This novel follows Anton Waker whose family is part of an organized crime scheme to sell stolen goods. All Anton has ever wanted was to clean up his act and have a normal job on the right side of the law. He is living this dream when his past comes back to haunt him and ruin his attempt at normalcy.

In watching Anton’s life dissolve, ye be introduced to an odd host of people. The story rambles in a delightful way wherein ye have no idea where the story is going, the people are kinda crazy and slightly unlikable, and yet it be mesmerizing. And of course, as Jenny says, it is an intricate plot. I loved how the strings were weaved together at the end.

Even though I was hesitant about all of the characters in the beginning, I eventually was won over enough to be happy for the consequences portrayed in the end. I found the ending more satisfying than I would have thought.

It was a quick read and I avidly turned the pages. I appreciate the detailed plot but it is the character portrayal that makes me want to read another book by this author. And the explanation for the title entertained me. I am glad I read station eleven first but am extremely grateful for me matey’s recommendation of this great book for me second read.

Side note: I still think the author’s name is delicious! Arrr!

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Ahoy there me mateys! I have always wanted to read Myke Cole’s work and just never seemed to get around to it. So when I saw this fantasy with a cool concept, I decided it was time.

The story follows a girl named Heloise in a medieval-like town. Very strict laws govern the world especially as it relates to magic. All magic is forbidden. It is said that over 1000 years ago, magicians opened a portal to hell and demons infested the world. After the war that ensued and the demons banished, the Order was founded to stop magic users at all costs. Heloise isn’t sure what to believe. All she witnesses is the Order abusing their power and common folk living in fear. Is magic really so bad?

So in terms of writing style and world building, I thought this was beautifully written. I loved the entire concept behind magic use and the manner in which the author keeps the reader guessing until the very end. I also loved the subplot of sexuality. There is some lovely language in that regard. There are cool things like war machines. The plot of this epic feeling story happens in one tiny village. That was cool. I thought the characters were interestingly written. I particularly loved the mysterious ranger, the magical mouse, and Heloise’s best friend, Basina.

Unfortunately I be in the minority when it comes to Heloise herself. She is young, feels like she is seeing the world better and clearer then everyone else, and acts like a spoiled brat. In general much of the plot was driven by her selfishness and stupidity. She made horrible decisions over and over again even when she knew she was in the wrong. So many people went out of the way to protect her and she did what she wanted – consequences be damned. And goodness there were consequences.

I did enjoy reading the story despite me major dislike of Heloise. I wanted to know the answer to the nature of magic. I thought the author’s choices in that regard were stellar and gripping. I did want to see what the results of Heloise’s actions would be. I even enjoyed the crazy ending though I felt Heloise’s part to be unrealistic. It certainly wasn’t what I was expecting. The world is fascinating and I do think I will read the next in the series. Arrr!

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Ahoy there me mateys! I received this fantasy eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  So here be me honest musings . . .

When I saw the heading "A Lady Pirates Novel" well of course I had to check this one out.  A pirate ship crewed by all women?  Well, now that floats me boat.  Arrr!!  This be a fun and fast little romp.

This story follows Grace Porter, the first mate of the ship, Lady Luck.  She has been searching for a way to avenge her mother ever since her mother was stolen away by denizens of the deep.  So when rumors of a magic map reach the ears of the ship, the women go off in search of adventure and treasure.  Only Grace has a different use of said map in mind.

This be light and fluffy.  The main character, Grace, is fun but rather obstinate and seemingly thoughtless at times.  I did like all the crew but found all of them to be rather shallow in depth.  I also wanted a story of women having adventures without men involved.  But of course forbidden men are brought on board from the very first page and a very probable romance begins to develop.  I did manage to get over it and become involved in the story.

The plot had some rather interesting elements.  Who doesn't love fighting sea monsters, a female Code of Conduct written by and for the women, and a mysterious map?  Add in some diversity in terms of sexual identity that, while not the focus, was nice to see.  Those were the highlights.  The plot also had some predictable points including many of the romance elements, some political/class issues, and pretty much everything about the bad guys.  Seriously the crew should have spotted the bad apples from a mile away.  But most of all it just felt underdeveloped.

But I didn't really mind as it was exactly the type of readin' I was in the mood for.  I even enjoyed the cliffhanger ending which normally makes me crazy.  So overall I grant this be a positive experience and I do want to read the next book to find out what happens to Grace next!

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Ahoy there me mateys! I received this sci-fi eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. So here be me honest musings . . .

Well ye landlubbers, this is how the mermaids of the deep truly be. Not some beautiful singing maiden longing to be on land but menacing fierce fighting and killin' machines that will rip yer face off and guzzle yer flesh. Arrrrr! Nasty creatures they be. Much thanks to Mira Grant fer giving up a better understanding of the denizens of the deep sea.

Mehaps it just be me but this took awhile to be engaging. Now don't get me wrong, I liked the science of it right fine. I enjoyed the characters in it. It just took too much time to get into the nitty-gritty of the beasts and action. I didn't get hooked onto the story until 63% and it only really gripped me until 85%. Plus I did not really enjoy the ending. But me mateys were chatterin' in excitement about this one and plus I adore the author's other work so I was determined to finish this.

I am glad I did. I loved the reality behind the mermaid myths. I loved the biology of the mermaids. I thought the killin' be awesome though I don't fancy fighting one of these beasties meself anytime soon. Many of the ideas in this novel float me boat. Sadly the execution just didn't thrill me.

But I wouldn't hesitate to give this one a go if ye be interested. As says some of me crew:

Lashaan @ bookidote - "this story does wonders in torturing my soul and scarring me from ever trying out deep sea exploration"

Kate @ forwinternights - "There are lots of surprises and shocks. And so much blood. I spent a fair amount of time while reading this novel shuddering. I love that!"

Chelsea @ thesuspenseisthrillingme - "her fiction has so many scientific "facts" to enhance the credibility of the story I almost forget this is fiction and not a documentary on the Discovery Channel."

So lastly . . .

Thank you Orbit Books!

Side note: And with that I be finished with the last of the 2017 Netgalley eArcs! Arrrr! Onto the 2018 bunch!

Ahoy there me mateys! I received this sci-fi eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. So here be me honest musings . . .

So this book was described as “Artemis meets Gravity in this gripping, adrenaline-fueled ride.” Nope, not for me. I actually tried to read this twice and gave up on it both times.

Now I have not seen the movie gravity so I can’t comment on that but I would consider this to be a bad version of Armageddon the movie where ye replace Bruce Willis with a not-quite-as-badass woman, have even cheesier dialogue, and no real tension.

As for artemis . . . umm no. Well both take place on the moon. That’s about all they have in common. Artemis made me feel like the author had been to the moon and experienced both its wonders and its problems. This novel’s moon seemed like a cardboard cutout of a Hollywood sound stage with all the cliché glory that entails. I did like the concept of a miserable moon-dust rampaged living space but this novel did not do it justice.

Add in really bad politics involving the middle east and an immigrant (moon-born) hating politician and it just added to the rip-off feeling. I wish I could have liked it but alas.

So lastly . . .
Thank you 47 North

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