A Hard Day for a Hangover by Darynda Jones

A Hard Day for a Hangover
by Darynda Jones

Genre: Sci-fi & fantasy

I missed book one and maybe that’s why I found this one a struggle. I loved the second book, love Darynda’s writing and the fabulous Grave series, and I felt there were strong echoes of the characters, which I adored. This time though it felt almost manic, we seem to lurch from one crisis to the next without really understand ( well, I didn’t) what was going on, what had been resolved, what was left hanging and it got for me a bit muddled. Like I said, maybe if I’d read book one – my bad, I acknowledge that.
Its still a fun read, with some terrific characters, lots to mentally swoon at, lots of excitement, crises, plenty of those, and the humour is fabulous, very understated – which it was I love. I don’t want humour where I’m mentally seeing a clapboard coming up Laugh Now! Applause!
Its not one I’ll reread like Grave, that’s been through several rereads now, always stays fresh and fun, but I am glad to have had the chance to read this. Maybe one day I’ll get round to book one and give it another go, see if that changes how I feel. I did enjoy it, just didn’t love it. We all enjoy different things though, and its a terrific read for many people.

Stars: Three, a fun read but for me a little manic and rushed.

ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers

This Charming Man (The Stranger Times 2) by C. K. McDonnell

This Charming Man
(The Stranger Times 2)
by C. K. McDonnell

 

Genre: General fiction, mystery and thrillers, fantasy

Book two, Please, please read book one first or you’ll be lost, and that would be such a shame.

This series has wonderful characters, peculiar and quirky stories, and the most fabulous dry humour. Real blink and you miss it stuff. Its one of those that on second and third readings you’ll find gems you missed first time round.

Its a continuation from book one, though a complete story in itself. The characters understand a bit more about the world they’ve been dropped in, but its confusing….and scary for them. And of course they now know the autonomy they thought they had over their lives is an illusion, they can do as they want, so long as its in line with what the Founders want. And doesn’t upset the Folk. And doesn’t get them in trouble they can’t explain with the human police….
They’re kind of being controlled in that they’d directed what to investigate, but it lies in line with what The Stranger Times publishes, so Bancroft is happy.

As before its a weird and wonderful journey through to the conclusion, and I’m really getting to like Bancroft. Obnoxious through he is, he’s a sharp and scary intellect, and has a wonderful turn of phrase. All the characters have a distinct role and fit so well together, I’ve singled him out but they are all incredible and have a distinct role…
It’s a very different kind of fantasy read, nothing is as it seems, no-one has a traditional fantasy role, its a very unique story-line but such fun to read.

Stars: Five, another cracking read, full of sharp humour, snappy one liners, puzzles, weird and wonderful creatures and I’m off to read book three now.

ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers

Shield Maiden by Sharon Emmerichs

Shield Maiden
by Sharon Emmerichs

Genre: Sci-fi and Fantasy, historical fiction,

I was so intrigued to see this book, I love historical fiction and was really keen to read more of Beowulf, Grendel and that period.
Sadly I found the story just didn’t interest me, I didn’t connect with either the characters or plot, or even really understand what was actually happening.
I restarted a couple of times thinking maybe that would help but….its just not a story for me. At a different time maybe I’ll enjoy it, I’ve not given up on it but right now its just not interesting me.
As always that’s just my view, others will and do love it, and it may be the perfect read for you.

Stars: Two, not one for me right now, maybe at another time?

ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers