Book Review: Incognito by Micah Swanson Harris

Author: Micah Swanson Harris

Title: Incognito

Series: Agents of the Rune Stone Ring #4

Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Steampunk, Novella, Short Story

Format: Paperback

Pages: 114

Published: November 21, 2023

Where I Got It: My shelf (Given to me by the author/publisher for my honest opinion)

Amazon

Summary: 

A steampunk adventure of a kidnapped queen, an obsessed pirate king, and the ice-traveling battle brig that he has sailed over a multiverse-spanning glacier to claim her!

Now, Bulan, the dreaded "Hawk of the Ice," is headed with Queen Freyja for his alternative timeline with the royal navy and the vigilante Wurger Mendicant in hot pursuit.

What Bulan doesn't know is that the captive queen is also the Mendicant's partner in crime, the Winter Witch.

They thought their past was behind them. Now, they are forced once more to go...

Incognito!

Review:

This is a continuation of the series. I have loved the series and of course, I said yes to giving this a go even though it is steampunk-esque. I'm not crazy in love with that genre, but there are always exceptions. There have been books and games that I ended up loving because I took a chance. *fingers crossed*

Here we follow our epic duo. Queen Freyja is kidnapped by the Hawk of the Ice and he is heading towards his alternative timeline with the royal navy and the vigilante Wurger Mendicant in pursuit. Little does the Hawk of the Ice know...this captive queen is no damsel. She is the Mendicant's partner and lover....the Winter Witch. 

Now, you can read this as a standalone, but I do encourage reading the others. I feel like it would flesh out these characters a bit more and make you appreciate everything they've gone through. BUT again, this would do perfectly fine as a standalone. The author gives you enough info to enjoy but doesn't info-dump. 

This was a super, duper slow start for me. It took me some to warm up to this story. Don't get me wrong I LOVE Freyja and her man, but it was slow-moving for me. Once things really started getting going for me (maybe about page 50) I flew by and didn't want to stop reading. Not sure why it took me a little bit to become invested, but once I was.... I was hooked. 

I love pirates and sea battles. So much fun. Scary but I have always been a sucker for pirates and the sea. With a sprinkle of steampunk, it just added another interesting layer. I'm so glad the steampunk element wasn't overbearing but it did add an extra flair.

There were a lot of twists and turns here which kept it interesting. I had no idea what was going to happen or how anything was going to be resolved. 

The ending was intense but good!

Overall, I did end up liking this even with my hesitations. The steampunk elements were NOT overbearing and it worked well. The beginning was a little slow for me, but at a certain point, I couldn't stop reading. You can read this alone well enough, but I strongly suggest the other books of the series. This wasn't my favorite of the series, but I still had a lot of fun with it. In the end, I'll stamp this with 3 stars. I can't wait for more!!! *cheers* 

DNF - Deathmaker by Lindsay Buroker

Author: Lindsay Buroker

Title: Deathmaker

(Dragon Blood #2)

Genre: ScFi, Steampunk, Romance, Fantasy

Format: ebook

Pages: 241

Published: May 22nd 2014

Where I Got It: My Shelf (Amazon freebie)

Summary: 

When Lieutenant Caslin Ahn joined Wolf Squadron, she was prepared for the reality that she might one day be killed in the line of duty. She was less prepared for being shot down, assumed dead by her own people, and dragged off to the Cofah Empire as a prisoner of war. As if being thrust into a dungeon and interrogated wasn't bad enough, the sadistic commandant decides to give her a cellmate: the notorious pirate Deathmaker. Given the crimes he's committed against Iskandia, Cas owes it to her people to try and kill him.

Part warrior and part scientist, Tolemek "Deathmaker" Targoson has not only slain thousands with his deadly concoctions, but he has a special loathing for Iskandian pilots. It was Ahn's commander, Colonel Zirkander, who ruined his military career, forcing him to leave his country in shame and join a pirate organization. Years later, he uses his dreadful reputation like a shield to keep people away; all he wants is to be left alone to work in his laboratory. But when fate lands him in a cell with Zirkander's protégé, he sees a chance for revenge. Why kill the lieutenant when he can use her to get to his old nemesis?

There's just one problem: it's hard to plot against your enemies when you're in prison with them. Cas and Tolemek will have to work together if they hope to escape the Cofah dungeon. In the process, they may find that neither is what the other expects, and that they have far greater problems to worry about than ensnaring each other...

Review:

Book 1 was...okay-ish so I decided to try book 2 (who knows right?). PLUS that cover is sweeeeeet. Why does he kinda look like someone? He looks like a famous actor or something. Can't pinpoint who.....

So yes...this was book 2........I kinda liked book 1. It was meh, okay at best. This? Ugh. I got about halfway and had to give up sadly. My first DNF of the year! NOOOOOOOOO I was doing so well!!!! I tried soooo hard. 

I couldn't get into it. The main characters were bleh. I didn't like or even understand them or care about them. None of the side characters kept me hooked. The story was dry. 

Not for me. I am bummed because I have book 3 (it all came in a bundle).

Maybe I'll put this in the second chance "box" for 2022? Sighs. I do not know. 

In the end...not for me. DNF. 

Book Review: Balanced on the Blade's Edge by Lindsay Buroker

Author: Lindsay Buroker
Title: Balanced on the Blade's Edge
(Dragon Blood #1)
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, SciFi, Steampunk
Format: ebook
Pages: 224
Published: March 27th 2014 
Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)



Summary: Colonel Ridge Zirkander isn't the model of military professionalism - he has a tendency to say exactly what’s on his mind, and his record has enough demerits to wallpaper the hull of an airship - but as the best fighter pilot in the Iskandian army, he’s used to a little leniency from his superiors. Until he punches the wrong diplomat in the nose and finds himself issued new orders: take command of a remote prison mine in the inhospitable Ice Blades Mountains. Ridge has never been in charge of anything larger than a flier squadron — what’s he supposed to do with a frozen fortress full of murderers and rapists? Not to mention the strange woman who shows up right before he arrives...
Sardelle Terushan wakes from three hundred years in a mage stasis shelter, only to realize that she is the last of the Referatu, the sorcerers who once helped protect Iskandia from conquerors. Their subterranean mountain community was blown up in a treacherous sneak attack by soldiers who feared their power. Everyone Sardelle ever knew is dead, and the sentient soulblade she has been bonded to since her youth is buried in the core of the mountain. Further, what remains of her home has been infested by bloodthirsty miners commanded by the descendants of the very soldiers who destroyed her people.

Sardelle needs help to reach her soulblade — her only link to her past and her last friend in the world. Her only hope is to pretend she’s one of the prisoners while trying to gain the commander’s trust. But lying isn't her specialty, especially when the world has changed so much in the intervening centuries, and if Colonel Zirkander figures out who she truly is, he’ll be duty-bound to sentence her to the only acceptable punishment for sorcerers: death.

Review:
The cover drew me in and I was curious to know more. 

The story follows Colonel Ridge Zirkander who is very opinionated and is the best pilot in the Iskandian army. When he punches the wrong diplomat in the nose, he finds himself being sent to command the remote prison mine in the inhospitable Ice Blades Mountains. Sardelle wakes up from 300 years in a mage stasis shelter only to realize she is the last of the Referatu. Everyone she knows is dead except for the sentient soulblade she has been bonded to. Her only hope is to pretend she is one of the prisoners while trying to gain Colonel Ridge's trust. 

What an intriguing and different story. Sadly...it took 3/4 of the book for me to really get hooked. It seemed to move really slow. I liked Sardelle, but I was bored if I am being honest. The last 1/4 was fast-paced and I couldn't read it fast enough! So good! 

The romance element seemed....forced at times. I didn't feel the chemistry. Even in the ending after everything...it seemed like it would never, ever work between the two of them. There really was no trust between them. 

I am curious about book 2 and I already have it on my "shelf" so maybe someday. 

Overall...I was a little bummed that I did not like this as much as I wanted to. The last 1/4 was excellent...the rest? I felt like nothing was happening. The romance element was also a little unrealistic for me. I'll stamp this with 2 stars. Maybe I will like book 2 more if I ever read it. 






Challenge(s):

- #18 for Steampunk.

Audiobook Review: The Colonel and the Bee by Patrick Canning

Author: Patrick Canning 
Narrator: Mil Nicholson

Title: The Colonel and the Bee

Genre: Steampunk, Adventure, Historical Fantasy, SciFi
Pages: Audiobook
Published:  June 1st 2018
Where I Got It: My shelf (Given to me by the author/publisher for my honest and unbiased opinion)



The Amazing Beatrix works as an acrobat in a 19th Century circus, no home or family to speak of. When a daring escape from her abusive ringleader crosses Beatrix's path with that of the daring adventurer Colonel James Bacchus, the unlikely pair team up, fly to safety aboard the Colonel’s miraculous four-story hot air balloon, and begin a grand quest to find the most precious gem in the world, The Blue Star Sphinx. 

If the heroes can outmaneuver the deadly treasure hunters, escaped convicts, and double-crosses that await them, they may win the treasure they seek, or better yet, a sense of true belonging. 

This book had me hooked from the moment I read the title and then seen the book cover. I knew I had to read/listen to it. 

The story follows Beatrix/Bee. She was an acrobat in a circus with an abusive ringleaders. She decides its time to go after meeting Colonel James Bacchus. They team up and journey the world in the Colonel's amazing hot air balloon. Along with some friends they begin a grand quest to the find the Blue Star Sphnix. 

Normally books that are technically "steampunk" are out of my reading category. Not a huge fan. BUT this did not feel steampunk minus the hot air balloon that is pretty much the size of a house. Other then that I couldn't tell. It was perfect for the likes of me. I can't stand over-the-top steampunk novels. This had a splash of steampunk and it worked well for me. 

I liked Bee and the Colonel. Except the Colonel did have me worried. He seemed SO perfect at first. Smart, classy, funny, brave, adventurous, kind to everyone, proud, handsome, etc. I was worried, but then we got to see the real Colonel after a bit. The outside is perfect, but he has some flaws there. 

This was a fun adventure for sure. I had no idea how it was all going to end. Especially with the big twist and reveal. WOAH. Didn't see that coming! 

I enjoyed the humor and the writing style. I learned some new words for sure in this one! 

The ending was pretty good. It did make me happy how it all ended. 

I think my only complaint was how young Bee was. At first I thought she was older, but then I realized she is barely a teenager! I don't mind young characters, but I guess I assumed she was closer to being an adult. Like 16 or 17 or something of the like. It did work though. She was young and naive in a lot of things. 

The narrator was fun. She was a little old sounding for Bee (maybe this is why I thought she was a touch older). But I did enjoy her voice for the characters. She has an excellent way to bring the accents and the characters to life! Good pick overall there. 

In the end, I really enjoyed this story. It was full of life. I really want more adventures! The characters were a gem. The story was intriguing and fun. The narration was a charm. I adored this novel. And that cover???? Makes me want to go on a hot air balloon and travel the world! This novel was certainly a gem and I highly recommend it. I'll stamp this with 5 stars. 

Joint Review - Shadows of Asphodel by Karen Kincy

This month Blodeuedd and I will be discussing "Shadows of Asphodel" by Karen Kincy.

Author: Karen Kincy
Title: Shadows of Asphodel (Shadows of Asphodel #1)
Genre: SciFi, Steampunk, Historical Fiction, Paranormal Romance, & Fantasy
Pages: ebook
First Published: September 2013
Where I Got It: My shelf (ebook freebie)

1913. Austria-Hungary. Ardis knows better than to save a man on the battlefield. Even if he manages to be a charming bastard while bleeding out in the snow. She hasn't survived this long as a mercenary without some common sense. 

When she rescues Wendel, it isn't because he's devilishly handsome, but because he's a necromancer. His touch can revive the dead, and Ardis worries he will return from the grave to hunt her down. Besides, a necromancer can be useful in this world on the brink of war. 

A gentleman of questionable morals, Wendel drops to one knee and pledges his undying loyalty to Ardis. She resists falling for him, no matter how hot the tension smolders between them. Especially when she discovers Wendel's scars run much deeper than his skin, and it might be too late to truly save him from himself.

B: Let’s get started, and this time with a book I actually enjoyed. Omg, enjoyed. No snow child, but good.

 C: I have to agree! It was good. I didn’t really even notice that it was a Steampunk until I looked on Goodreads. hahaha but i’m not a huge fan of Steampunk, but I actually enjoyed this one! It wasn’t over-the-top and cheesy. 

 B: I do not need gadgets to be mentioned all the time, that is one bad aspect of some steampunk, but I also need some things to be mentioned cos else it’s just stupid. And I felt that this book walked that line well. Not too much, not too little. The perfect mix that made me believe in this world. And that is so important to me.

 C: It was a good mix and I think that’s why I really liked it. Plus I loved the time period. Not Victorian like most steampunks, but during the 1910s. 

 B: Someone mentioned dieselpunk somewhere, but to be honest, I am not really one that keeps track. it was good, it was a nice period, pre war and all (and war that might not come in this world, but come on, we all know it will.) And I liked the mix of magic and tech. That is always a good mix.

 C: I’ll be honest I’m not sure what dieselpunk is. 0_0 But yes, I loved the mix of historical, magic, and tech. It was nice. Did you like Ardis? 

 B: It’s not like I was all, I love her! She was tough as nails. I could respect that toughness. But yes I did like her. It just took me a while to warm up more to her. You then?

 C: At first I really did, but then she fell in love with Wendel and was kinda obsessed with him really quick. I was hoping that the romance aspect would take a little while then. After a while, I did warm back up to her again, but she was overall just okay. 

 B: You have a point there. I did not think of that, but yes I was actually kind of happy when this other thing happened, and I had hoped that would continue. Instead she just got more into him, and I never felt that he loved, or liked her. She was just means to an end. The romance part did lack. Those two were not meant to be together. Him and someone else, yes, she and someone else, yes. thinking if the same person too.

 C: I think he did like her...maybe not love. Honestly, I think she was something different and she was prolly the first girl/person to not judge him based on his ability. 

 B: I can settle for like, like is easy. But true love? No, not what I saw. That whole HE IS MAD part was really over the top too. I never saw any evidence, give me some evidence. Make it harder for me to like him, and then I will fall more deeply. Cos now he just seemed really nice. At least to me.

 C: He had his sarcastic moments and was ruthless because death means nothing to him. But yeah - he was such a gentlemen throughout the story. I liked it, but I do feel he should have been more bitter at his parents…..unless he’s good at hiding it? IDK. I didn’t mind him being kind of a nice guy. I think I liked Wendel more than the other dude (the mage? I can’t remember his name)

 B: I did really like Wendel, more than her. But I never felt the whole he is mad, and evil. I wish I had felt it a little bit at least. And yeah, sure he should be angry, but them they could never have kept them, maybe he grew to understand. He did hate the Asphodels more so maybe that took over.
That would be Konstantin ;) I liked him, nice side character. Oh oh, the twist, the person that shows up, that was weird. Her hint hint

 C: YES that is his name. I totally blanked. Yes, he was a nice side character, but if I had to pick between the two I would be Team Wendel. I do want to learn more about Konstantin. And the twist was nice! Weird, but nice! I really didn’t expect it. 

 B: Always Team Wendel, just not, sigh, I wanna FEEL it. I hope book 1 makes me feel it more, I need to feel the romance. But awww Wendel, gotta love him.

 C: :3 I loved how his ability was looked down upon by pretty much everyone - it was a nice. What did you think about the twist with Adris’ dad? I have mixed feelings….

 B: I am not sure about it either. It felt strange, and did not make sense for me in a way. It felt too much HAHA, look what I did here. Suffer!

 C: Honestly, I was hoping for something entirely different. It surprised me and I still can’t determine what I feel about that. I want to know more about how her parents got together now THAT would be a fun short story. ;)

 B: That would make an excellent short story! I’d be into that.

 C: :D Do you plan on reading the second in the series? I’m not sure myself. Like this was good and I do wanna find out what happens next, but for now I am still digesting this world and story. WHICH, again, I loved the world built in here.

 B: I’d like to, but it’s an ebook. I can only buy ebooks on amazon, and I have like 50 cents left on this GC I got 5 years ago! Yes, I saved and saved it. So I actually can’t read more. But I hope it will be free one day *fingers crossed*

 C: I think I would like to read especially if it is free or at the library (which...still free of course). 

 B: LOL. Well, to close this conversation. Would you recommend it? I would, it was an interesting world, sure it had a few faults, but still, interesting.

 C: I would. It was fun and I was addicted to the first half. The second half drifted off a little bit, but overall I do recommend this to even those who are not the biggest fans of steampunk like me. ;)

B: Your turn next then to pick a book. And hopefully I will get my war book as soon as someone gives it back to the library.

 C: I still really wanna read the war book. :D I’ll send some ideas ASAP!! The end?

 B: Das End

**Carole's Conclusion - I am not a huge fan of steampunk. Not at all. I honestly had no idea going in that this technically falls into the category. I didn't realize something was up until after the first chapters and then I checked Goodreads. This is not your a-typical steampunk. The technology isn't horribly advanced and the outfits aren't crazy and it takes place in the 1910s pre-ww1 (normally it takes place during Victorian era). Also, there seems to be more magic and supernatural aspects then technology advancements. The characters were fun. I liked Wendel. I just wish that Adris and Wendel would have taken their time falling in love/lust. It seemed too quick. I am curious about the next book and what is going to happen next. The world was entertaining and I liked it. 

I shall stamp this with 4 stars. 

Blodeuedd Reviews: Prudence by Gail Garriger

Blurb:

When Prudence Alessandra Maccon Akeldama (Rue to her friends) is given an unexpected dirigible, she does what any sensible female would under similar circumstances - names it the Spotted Crumpet and floats to India in pursuit of the perfect cup of tea.

But India has more than just tea on offer. Rue stumbles upon a plot involving local dissidents, a kidnapped brigadier's wife, and some awfully familiar Scottish werewolves. Faced with a dire crisis and an embarrassing lack of bloomers, what else is a young lady of good breeding to do but turn metanatural and find out everyone's secrets, even thousand-year-old fuzzy ones?

My thoughts:

I was thinking of giving this one an ok rating, but, did I think it as ok? Did I like a single thing about it?

Not really.

Every single character was an idiot. So freaking annoying. I would not want to be friends with any of them. I would not even want to be in the room with any of them. I did meet 3 previous characters, but even they had changed.

The book tried WAY too hard. WAAAAAAY! No, that is not funny. No, that is not cute. That is pushing it beyond. It was trying. It was exhausting to read.

There was no plot. Suddenly there was one. And I was all, this makes no sense. I do not like this. I would have DNFed if I had not loved Soulless, but even that series turned sour at the end.

I do not recommend this.

Paperback, 343 pages

Published March 19th 2015 by Orbit

The Custard Protocol #1

Steampunk

Own

Book Review: Seven for a Secret

Author:Elizabeth Bear
Title: Seven for a Secret (New Amsterdam #2)
Genre: Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Paranormal, Alternate History/What-If, and adventure 
Pages: 128
First Published: January 1st, 2009 
Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

"The wampyr has walked the dark streets of the world's great cities for a thousand years. In that time, he has worn out many names--and even more compatriots.

Now, so that one of those companions may die where she once lived, he has come again to the City of London. In 1938, where the ghosts of centuries of war haunt rain-grey streets and the Prussian Chancellor's army of occupation rules with an iron hand.

Here he will meet his own ghosts, the remembrances of loves mortal--and immortal. And here he will face the Chancellor's secret weapon: a human child."

Again I stumble upon a book and read it out of order. I checked the book and summary and etc but it said no where that this was the second book of the series. Granted it does stand alone alright. Some references and back-story went above my head, but I managed through with little confusion. 

Another what-if story has found its way to me. This what-if is the same as the last one: what-if England lost to the Germans (which are called Prussians in this world) in WWII. However, in this tale there are vampires/wampyrs, witches, and other supernatural beings. The Nazis have taken English girls and are training them to not only be soldiers, but super soldiers who have wolf like senses. Not were-wolves, but enhanced abilities. Very interesting concept. The cover drew me in and the summary had me hooked. 

I really liked it. It was a short novella I suppose, but it was done in a way were it didn't feel rushed.  I really wished that more detail and back-story went into the girls being trained; especially with Ruth. What is she? She is no simple human. I wanted more on her. Did she accomplish her true goal or did she fall into the "pack"? Meeeeeeeh! Maybe they go into a little more detail in the third book. I'll have to read to find out someday. The ending was left to be desired....

There are some talks of this being in the steampunk genre. I don't care for this genre (unless its the Bioshock games on PS3 haha), but this wasn't bad. It wasn't over the top and I didn't even notice it was until I read other reviews and that its placed in that genre. I feel that it doesn't truly belong...the world has magic and supernatural beings. Oh well, I guess.

In the end, this was pretty good. Even though its the second in the series I found myself not too confused. I wish that the author would have expanded this into a novel, because there is so much information lacking. The ending was an okay ending, but it didn't feel like it wrapped up much. I recommend this for those that like magic mixed with what-if tales. Well, I shall stamp this with 4 stars. 

Favorite Character(s): James (I want more back-story on him), Abby Irene (witty old lady), and Ruth
Not-so Favorite Character(s): The Prussians/Nazis/Germans 

Book Review: The Iron Duke

Author: Meljean Brook

Title: The Iron Duke (Iron Seas #1)
Genre: Steampunk, Sci-Fi, Paranormal Romance, Adventure, Fantasy
Pages: 378

First Published: October 5th, 2010
Where I Got It: Borrowed from Library

"First in an all-new series where seductive danger and steampunk adventure abound in the gritty world of the Iron Seas. 

After the Iron Duke freed England from Horde control, he instantly became a national hero. Now Rhys Trahaearn has built a merchant empire on the power-and fear-of his name. And when a dead body is dropped from an airship onto his doorstep, bringing Detective Inspector Mina Wentworth into his dangerous world, he intends to make her his next possession.

But when Mina uncovers the victim's identity, she stumbles upon a conspiracy that threatens the lives of everyone in England. To save them, Mina and Rhys must race across zombie-infested wastelands and treacherous oceans-and Mina discovers the danger is not only to her countrymen, as she finds herself tempted to give up everything to the Iron Duke."

This is my first novel by Meljean Brook and my first full novel in the steampunk genre. I've read the occasional short story, but this is my first technically. 

I asked B over at Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell, what would be a good book to read as an introduction (of sorts) to this genre, she steered me towards this deliciously covered book. Thanks B! 

Well, being new to the genre its going to be really hard for me to review this, so I'll divide and conquer this book review:

The Good
-Great set of characters! Meljean Brook certainly has a great mind of having her characters interact to each other and the situations in the book. They felt very 3D and real. I especially loved Mina, she was pretty bad ass. Rhys was a little annoying at points, but I still liked him. 

-The world was pretty cool. Just imagine if our world was like that? 

-Meljean Brook did a wonderful job with imagery. I really could see every zombie, the interesting half-human half-machine, I could hear every spout of steam from the machines, and etc. She did a wonderful bringing this world to life.

-The zombies and the kraken were neat! When I read that she was going to have zombies in this book, I was a little unsure how she would do it. Too be honest I felt like it be forced and sort of cheesy, but she did very well in avoiding that trench of cheesieness. 

-Loved the ending! This was my face below. I can't say more than how shocked I was, because I might spoil something! 

The Bad and the Ugly

Okay....ummmm.....let's see.....

-The romance seemed very forced at points. I really didn't FEEL that they wanted each other, except for Rhys, but I doubted his emotions for her very much. He's a super rogue-ish pirate who use to rape and pillage for the fun of it. Such characters rarely do a 180 and can dedicate himself to one "broad". 

-I wish Meljean Brook went more into detail on the Hordes. They are interesting and I really want to know how they gained such technology. Perhaps more information will be given in future books.

-I didn't understand the hatred of the other "infected" people had on Mina. Aren't the majority of them part Horde due to the Frenzys? Or wouldn't they be more understanding? Seeing a half-horde shouldn't be too surprising or ghastly. 

-Even though there was a lot of adventure going on, I felt....bored sometimes. It's odd, but it's just what I felt.

-Don't get me wrong, I love romances, but I felt the romance trumped over the adventure sometimes. I was more interested in the adventure aspects sometimes. Perhaps that's why I felt bored at points. Hahaha, I think I found my reason now. The romance aspect seemed to appear at wrong spots....in my opinion of course.

Conclusion

I liked this book. It's a great introduction to the world of steampunk for others that want to check out this new-ish genre. When I shut the book and read the last word, I took some time to think deeply about my feelings of this genre as a whole....should I read more? Did I really like? Did I hate it? Well...to some up my  reaction to this genre and this book, just look down:

Okay, okay....the steampunk genre seems legit and I'll check out some more in the future. I would recommend this book to those that love the genre and for those that want to take this genre for a test-drive, like moi. In the end I give this 3 stars. It would be like a 3.4, but I don't give decimals, so I rounded. I really want to read Yasmin's book! 

Favorite Character(s): Mina (epic heroine),Yasmin (cold-hearted, but a strong and complex character), Rhys (sometimes), Newberry (^.^ he reminds me of O'Bryon from the show Copper), and Anne.

Not-so-favorite Character(s): Mina's madre/mother (>.> *spoiler* I don't care that you were raped, there was no reason to gouge out your own eyes because your baby looks Asian/Horde-an. That's horrible and not excusable. *spoiler ended*) and Dorchester (meh).

===========================

<3CaroleRae