[I know what I said in my last post. Just consider this a Wow, She's Experiencing a Lucid Moment In The Midst Of Her Avengers Induced Haze post.]
Playing blog catch-up, I came across a meme at Charlotte’s Library that seemed entirely doable (and, if jumped on with enthusiasm, would begin to wind this blog back into the bookish fold). I’m going to have to agree with Charlotte in that, like her, I have no need for new books (between my ongoing reading slump and the avalanche-ready pile of library books currently waiting on a strong breeze, someone should really take my wallet away from me when I walk into a bookstore), but who can resist the lure? So, here are my seven most recent book purchases:
Fire and Hemlock, A Tale of Time City, Dogsbody – Diana Wynne Jones
I adore Wynne Jones’ writing. Her characters – the ones I’ve met, at least – are imperfect, generally in possession of thriving self-will, don’t always learn their lesson the hard way (or, you know, the easy way – if there is such a thing), and I love them. And her world-building? Immersive. I get lost in her books from the moment I begin them straight through till the end. When I discovered that three of her backlist titles were being republished, well, suffice it to say, I hounded the local bookstore until they were mine.
Shadows Before the Sun – Kelly Gay
Pre-orders count, right? Oh, good. (Because this one – and the three that are a mere scroll away – are just that.) This is the, er…fourth? yes, fourth book in Gay’s Charlie Madigan series. Did I scoop up the first book with eager hands just after its release? Yes. Did I then drop the ball, watch it roll down the hill, and forget about it only to come back to the series after two additional books had come out? Why, yes. But when I once again noticed that ball, let me tell you, I raced full tilt with it. And in both of the resulting reviews I made a promise to jump on the ball when it – the next book (why did I start with this metaphor again?) – was released. And look at me! Making good on my promise with a preorder. (Now, I do realize that reading it right away is another matter altogether, but there’s hope, my thinking-she’s-out-of-her-mind-friends, because even in my current state of slumpiness series books have managed to break through. And, yup, I’m owning up to the laziness this implies – no, I don’t have to work as hard to get into the story; yes, I already know and, presumably, love the characters – but as I’ve said before, reading-slumpers can’t be choosers. If that’s what works, WAHOO!)
Chasing Magic – Stacia Kane
Lordy, I do love Chess and Terrible. Their insane chemistry. And the fact that this series works so remarkably well for its unabashed portrayal of a drug addicted witch and a brutal gang-enforcer. Upon receiving it, I immediately read – but have to cop to not having the motivation to review it yet – the just released Sacrificial Magic, and can’t wait to find out what’s next for one of my favorite couples.
Once Burned – Jeaniene Frost
Vlad. No. Seriously. VLAD.
Ashes of Honor – Seanan McGuire
Tybalt. No. Seriou–Okay, I probably can’t pull that off twice. Fine. My reviews of the first five books in the series can probably be seen from space (or, at the very least, from down the street), what with the way they glow and all, and this series is, without a doubt, in my top five. Probably top three. If the series continues in the same vein – getting better and better with each new release – it just might manage to be in my top one. After all: TYBALT. (And Toby. And Quentin. And Raj. And May. And…Every single other character to ever live in one of these books.) Have you read these yet? If not, please do. This series is all it’s cracked up to be and then some.
So. What books have you recently found yourself unable to resist owning?
