“My name is Maeve Fly. And I work at the happiest place in the world.”
This book was such a trip! The cover really sets the tone for what is an absolut“My name is Maeve Fly. And I work at the happiest place in the world.”
This book was such a trip! The cover really sets the tone for what is an absolute psycho of a main character.
Leede does a great job with this novel on multiple levels. First of all is the pacing of the narrative. Changing up the lengths of the chapters, the sentence construction, sometimes long and flowing, others with abrupt and heavy starts and stops. Still others feeling like it is rambling - every change in direction based on Maeve’s state of mind, and this really allows the reader to connect with her.
The backdrop of Maeve working at A MOUSE-BASED THEME PARK contributed to the creepiness of the story. As Maeve descends into complete psychosis, the existence of the princesses and park rides around her brings the whole thing to another level.
A word of warning, the story gets VERY gorey. And there is some really weird, gross sex stuff. (Not judging. Do you.)
There was a time when I thought I might not continue with this book. I was not sure if it was for me, and then in the second half the author really pulls it off, puts everything together (while simultaneously taking it apart) and the ending is phenomenal.
MAEVE FLY is a really good horror read for the season. I definitely recommend picking it up if you are looking for something that will raise your heart rate.
I was into this book for the first 25% of the story, as it gets off to a decent start setting up the narrative with“We are lost in a tale. Or a saga.”
I was into this book for the first 25% of the story, as it gets off to a decent start setting up the narrative with compelling reasons to keep reading; but, unfortunately, it never reached the peak I had hoped. I honestly felt like very little happened along the way, and when there were actually THINGS happening the storyline repeats itself continuously.
This was a DNF candidate for me, except I kept asking myself “but where are they taking her”? It just did not pay off in the end.
Upon looking at this, again, I realize Lilith Saintcrow is a pen name. This is the same author who wrote the HOSTAGE OF EMPIRE series under the name S.C. Emmett. If I had known that, I probably would not have picked it up because I DNF’ed that series very early into the first book.
That series, at least, had some political intrigue to hang on to (if you like that kind of thing - I do, sometimes, but it depends on how it’s done). I am going to say if you did not like that series, you probably will not like this one.
In sum, this book was not for me, and I will not continue with the series. If you have read it and liked it, please let me know why in the comments. I would love to give readers something to look forward to with this series....more
“Cego didn’t care about proving himself to anyone. He just wanted control of himself again. He needed to know he was the master of his path, his dest “Cego didn’t care about proving himself to anyone. He just wanted control of himself again. He needed to know he was the master of his path, his destiny.”
When people told me the second book of this series was better than the first, I was unsure. The first book was really good, and it was hard to imagine a sequel that would match it. But I can confirm that is true, at least for me.
The two biggest aspects of COMBAT CODES that made it so good for me are not only still present in book 2 but ramped up a bit. It is very action-y with lots of great fight scenes. Darwin clearly knows his way around a ring (and if you know anything about him that is not a surprise). The other big piece is how compelling the storyline is. The sociopolitical situation brings a ton of suspense to an already-intense situation.
There is also the addition of a new character. And Solara trailing her own path. Add in a few big reveals, and you have the recipe for a great book.
If you like martial arts and characters with rebellious intent, read THE COMBAT CODES. GRIEVAR’S BLOOD is indicative of a series that is only getting better. The stakes have never been higher, and I am really excited for the third and final installment. There is still so much to accomplish!...more
“Two fucking murder scenes at the same time. And the two of you all wrapped up in both of them. Shit.”
Tracy is right for feeling this way. Why is it a“Two fucking murder scenes at the same time. And the two of you all wrapped up in both of them. Shit.”
Tracy is right for feeling this way. Why is it always Clay Wolfe and his crew putting themselves right in the middle of things? The obvious answer: because that’s how they roll.
PIRATE TRAP is the fifth in veteran mystery writer Matt Cost’s CLAY WOLFE/PORT ESSEX series; and, once again, Cost has produced a book that is interesting and fun, not to mention an easy read.
I love books like this because they give me a chance to break from my norm of insanely epic books with 35 perspectives and 18 storylines. Cost always finds some interesting catalyst to jump the narrative and things always take off from there.
In this book, it happens to be forgotten pirate treasure. When a couple hires Clay et al to find gems from 100 years ago that may or may not reside in Port Essex everything starts popping off. All the while Baylee is working a separate case. Is it related to case Clay caught? Maybe (YES, BECAUSE THEY ALWAYS ARE BUT DON’T TELL ANYONE OKAY??)
For the most part, PIRATE TRAP includes all the same aspects of the previous books. Loyalty and bravery from Clay’s crew. A fun and exciting mystery to solve. And a slow-burn romance (more on that below). I think that is what I like the most about this series: the more things change, the more they stay the same. It has tent poles that I can ways expect to be there.
There are a few aspects that have changed, notably the death of Clay’s grandfather. And this takes a prominent role in the storyline.
The other big difference? Well, Clay and Baylee’s relationship. Let’s just it… evolves.. you know, boom boom! Not just boom boom, because readers of this series know there are BIG FEELINGS, which finally begin to come to life.
A quick note of warning when reading this book, there are descriptions of rape and instances of child death along with extreme grief. While the author attempts to keep the writing light, these are issues that do pop up.
Should you read PIRATE TRAP? I will let the foul-mouthed Crystal convince you.
“You got La Femme Nikita, that wispy Irish lass, the sex doll guy, and the buccaneers all looking for a piece.”
“The sack remembered, because the sack wanted to remember. And the first wrong has been out right, the first of many. And the first drop of blood has “The sack remembered, because the sack wanted to remember. And the first wrong has been out right, the first of many. And the first drop of blood has been spilled, the first of many… the prelude to a flood.”
First of all, thanks to Scarlett for turning me on to this book. Her posts about it last year inspired me to read it this year during Christmas.
I am really glad I did, too, because I think it is great alternative holiday reading. The unique story and characters make it a fun compliment to all the regular holiday stuff.
I don’t know anything about KRAMPUS lore, so I don’t know if the Yule Lord is represented accurately, but I do know that Brom took liberties with the portrayal of Santa Claus (swipe to see illustrations from the book). A badass, jacked Santa shirtless with a top bun ready to fight to the death at a moment’s notice? I am here for it.
The actual story of Krampus is really fun, too, and it is easy to see how that situation gets sanitized and morphed into current day Santa. The author makes everything about it more fantastical, even Santa’s sack and sleigh. There is even a connection made to Norse mythology! Mix all of that in with 21st Century events and a man who is really down on his luck, and you have quite a compelling story.
Overall, KRAMPUS is a very fun and interesting book with a cool story. It’s a solid read if you are looking for alternative holiday reading. And remember, whether or not you pick it up: make sure to put your shoes out with treats or feel the wrath of Krampus....more
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