Hexed

Hexed is the second book in the Iron Druid Chronicles and it was just as full of action as Hounded.

Atticus just wants to live a quiet life running his bookstore and playing fetch with his dog. That does not seem possible though, having slain a God Atticus is now on every God's radar and they all want him for something. Minding his own business Atticus is pulled into yet another issue when someone tries to burn him alive if not for his special amulet he would not have survived. Forced into a new battle Atticus must call upon new and old allies as he learns even more about what it means to be known.

Everything so far about the Iron Druid series is action and I love it, each chapter is packed full of adventure. While I do not know much about the Gods and Goddesses that Atticus deals with Hearne does a wonderful job providing information on them and also provides a handy pronunciation guide that usually mentions who the person is. My only complaint about Hexed is that it sort of felt like two stories in one with a hint of a third story starting. I was able to keep things straight but with so much lore in the story I did get concerned about mixing things up. I have Hammered downloaded on my Nook and ready to read tonight. 

Where the Light Falls

I have always loved history and it is fun to read about different historical periods even if the characters are made up characters. Where the Light Falls was beautifully researched and clearly well done for a collaboration between two authors.


While the description speaks of four main characters I really only connected with two. The dashing captain Andre and the upcoming lawyer Jean-Luc. Both men have their own battles to face as their fates become intertwined. 

Andre came off as a strong man with a determination to protect everyone around him through force. Fresh off his victory for France's liberation Andre is riding on cloud nine until the chaos of the revolution hits close to home.

Jean-Luc dream of justice and the revolution allows him to provide justice to the countless people the wealthy took advantage of. Known for taking any case even if pay is not possible Jean-Luc has a kind heard and a strong sense of what is right. 

While I liked the overall story the writing at times was too much. Too much detail, too much fluff, I wanted more hard core plot to move the story along. While I do not want to read another story about the French revolution I would consider reading another book by the authors as long as it was another historical event.

Janie Face to Face

Janie Face to Face is the fifth and final book in the Janie Johnson series. Like a lot of book series I read the story just went downhill quickly. The part that intrigued me was Hannah's point of view. I have always wondered what she was thinking when she took tiny Janie from the shopping mall.

Janie finally has her life in order and is attending college. Happy to be away from people who do not know her as the "milk carton" girl she is living life as a normal person until she meets a boy who wants to know her past. Determined now to share anything she shuts him down each and every time he asks questions about her family. The story was repetitive and felt overly done as the book progressed.

Without a doubt the most interesting part was the story from Hannah's point of view. It is clear she has some sort of mental disorder and that part was written splendidly. I found myself skimming the chapters that dealt with Janie to just get to the Hannah part.

The writing sort of went downhill. I was bored with a lot of the story and just wanted it to end. The transitions were not smooth at all between the different characters. One moment it is Janie and the next it is a sibling and I was like whoa what is going on. All in all the series just drug on way too long. A novella would have been a better solution for Hannah's point of view and  a quick epilogue to sum up the part about Janie and Reeve.

Hounded

Despite a dozen people or more recommending The Iron Druid Chronicles over the years I had been putting it off. Finally I saw the library had a copy of Hounded in and finally grabbed it. I should have immediately signed up to be on the waiting list the moment I received the first recommendation.

Atticusis the last of the druids and has lived far past his time. Enjoying his quiet life of pruning the widow down the street's tree and running his bookstore Atticusis is happy to go on living in his quiet bubble of happiness. That bubble is about to break though, an old enemy has found his location and if playing for keeps. Determined to stay alive and keep everyone he cares about safe Atticusis walks a fine line as he draws upon his ancient knowledge and power. 

Despite Atticusis being the main character I felt like everyone in the story had a clear voice and wonderfully rich personality. The research was well done and despite the different language barriers among some of the mythical creatures and old Gods the writing was flawlessly woven together. I cannot wait to see what other adventures and mishaps await Atticusis and his mythical team of friends. I already have Hexed downloaded on my Nook and ready to go for this evening.

Gimmy Moon

Ginny Moon was a story recommended by a friend. Finally a recommendation I enjoyed

Ginny is an autistic child who has found her forever family or so she thinks. Determined to get back to her abusive mother, Gloria, Ginny causes more problems fro her adoptive family then they can seem to handle. Constantly worried about her "baby doll" Ginny is frustrated that no one can understand or seems to want to understand that she needs to take care of her "baby doll." Pleas from her adoptive parents to but her a new doll fall on deaf ears or send her into a fit. With no one listening Ginny has to take things into her own hands.

The writing was well done, smooth, and while different I could see the autistic parts come into the writing well. I enjoyed the story and it pulled at my heart strings along with making me annoyed and frustrated at times just like Ginny. I would gladly read another story by Benjamin Ludwig.

Geisha, A Life

Geisha, A Life was put on my to read list after I saw it while browsing the library and wanting to read about more modern Japanese traditions. I really do not know what to say about Geisha, the writing style was a bit odd. Sometimes it read like a story and other times more like a report.

Mineko Iwasaki certainly had an interesting life and was clearly determined to live her life her own way. While I liked Iwasaki I also felt like I did not really see her despite reading her biography. Taking into account that Japanese people would understand the culture Iwasaki is a bit naive in approaching other cultures. I constantly got traditional words and names mixed up. Even with the word having a definition the first time it appeared a glossary was sorely needed. Despite the flaws I did enjoy Geisha and was happy for more insight into Japanese culture.