Book Number 45

Another book done, whoot!

The Novel: Sweet and Deadly
The Author: Charlaine Harris
Link: http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/h/charlaine-harris/sweet-and-deadly.htm

Charlaine Harris's first novel. Not bad. She's certainly improved with her Sookie Stackhouse series, but this stand alone novel was pretty well done.
A nice basic mystery with appropriate plot twists. Charlaine Harris does a good job with the character details.
This isn't a book that I'd necessarily, call up my mum and tell her she HAS to read it, but it's a pretty good book and a good way to pass the time.

I give "Sweet and Deadly" a rating of 3.5 out of 5.

As of this date I've read everything Charlaine Harris has to offer. I'm pretty excited for the next Harper Connelly book out on October 27th. I also can't wait for the next Sookie Stackhouse novel, whenever that comes out.

Book Number 37

Back to the familiar with book #37.

The Novel: Shakespeare's Trollop
The Author: Charlaine Harris
Link: http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/h/charlaine-harris/shakespeares-trollop.htm

This is another book of Charlaine Harris's that I knew what to expect so I wasn't surprised when I enjoyed this book.
I am still slightly put off by the character Lily Bard, she's just kinda cold...but that's the way she is....and I don't always have to love the main characters.
The book was as well written as the other 3 in the Lily Bard series. The plot was interesting enough to keep me reading (I finished it in a few hours).
The only issue I have is that it was fairly predictable. I find with some of Charlaine Harris's other series (ie: Sookie Stackhouse) she adds new elements to each book to spice it up a bit. The Lily Bard series doesn't really change much with each book. Although I still find it interesting enough to have the next book in the series sitting on my shelf waiting for me to read.

I give "Shakespeare's Trollop" a rating of 3.25 out of 5.

Pretty good, but not great.

Book Number 33

Charlaine Harris again, Yay! I really love most of her writing.

The Novel: A Secret Rage
The Author: Charlaine Harris
Link: http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/h/charlaine-harris/secret-rage.htm

I was really happy to read a "stand alone" book of Charlaine Harris's. As her second novel published, it's a good one.
I enjoy a good mystery with a dark subject matter. This story was written in the first person POV and deals with a harsh crime (Rape).
We see this horrific experience through the main characters eyes and watch how she deals with it, as well as how she strives to find the rapist.
I was right there along with the character trying to figure out whodunit, and was cheering her on when she had some nasty violent vigilante thoughts.
There isn't the usual humour that you find in most of Charlaine Harris's books, but that's ok because the story was well done and humour was not needed at all.
This was a strong book with a strong central character. Charlaine Harris did a wonderful job navigating this painful and delicate subject.

I give "A Secret Rage" a rating of 3.75 out of 5.

I recently read that Charlaine Harris herself is a rape survivor. I admire her strength and I hope writing this novel was cathartic for her.

Book Number 24

The last Charlaine Harris novel I've read recently, but don't despair....I've got another Charlaine Harris book sitting on my book shelf just waiting for me (but I've got about 4 or so more books to read before it, so there should be a nice gap)

The Novel: Shakespeare's Christmas
The Author: Charlaine Harris
Link: http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/h/charlaine-harris/shakespeares-christmas.htm

I liked this Lily Bard book a lot better than the first, and it was even better than the second in the series. I find I am liking Lily a lot more than I did to start. Each book I read in the series I develop a better understanding of Lily and I get more emotionally involved.
This book takes us even further into Lily's past life. We "meet" her family and find out their little quirks.
I like how this book was set in a different town with different characters.
The plot was really entertaining. I couldn't put this book down until I knew who the bad guy was, and when I found out who it was I was looking forward to the ass-kicking he was sure to get.
I liked it. I am glad I stuck with the series.

I give "Shakespeare's Christmas" a rating of 3.5 out of 5.

I've got the next 2 books in the series on hold, and I am looking forward to them arriving at my library.

Book Number 23

I'm sitting here trying to think of what to say, how to start this blog post...I can't think of anything, so I guess I'll just get right to it then.

The Novel: Shakespeare's Champion
The Author: Charlaine Harris
Link: http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/h/charlaine-harris/shakespeares-champion.htm

Well this book was a lot better than the first in the Lily Bard series. It was still a little hard to get into, but it improved a lot after a bit (about 1/3 into it).
I found myself understanding Lily's motivation for her attitude and I was a lot more understanding. The Character is still kinda dry, but I can see why she's like this now and I can empathize.
Other than some continuity issues with this book (the name of Lily's sister is different than in the first book) I enjoyed it.
It was suspenseful. Well written. I enjoyed the fight scenes, the were descriptive and I could picture it in my head no problem.
The plot in the novel can be a bit touchy (racism) But Charlaine Harris navigates this subject well and it's easy to be rooting for the good guys and actively hating the bad guys.

I give "Shakespeare's Champion" a rating of 3.25 out of 5.

I'm glad I stuck with this series. I feel redeemed.

Book Number 22

Another Charlaine Harris, you can't say I didn't warn you.....

The Novel: An Ice Cold Grave
The Author: Charlaine Harris
Link: http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/h/charlaine-harris/ice-cold-grave.htm

Book 3 in the Harper Connelly series. I enjoyed this book. The first book in the series I was like "meh, it's okay" But now I'm really getting into these novels. I know more about Harper and her "brother" and I am fascinated by their relationship. I find myself being more empathetic towards Harper and her talents and the repercussions of such.
The story itself was interesting. I find myself wondering "why does this stuff always happen to them (the main characters), I know they go to these places doing what they have to do, but why do they always seem to have more bad shit happen to them"
I enjoyed the quirks of the minor characters.
I know I like a book when I want to peek at the end and see whodunit.

I give "An Ice Cold Grave" a rating of 4 out of 5.

I am glad that the Harper Connelly series has improved from the first book. I'm glad I decided to stick with the series and see what happens next.....now I'm just impatiently waiting for Grave Secret to come out October 27th. Hurry up already.

Book Number 21

I'll admit I have read A LOT of Charlaine Harris in the last while (you'll see the next 3 book reviews after this one are all Charlaine Harris) Sorry 'bout that. It just seemed like I could get through these books faster, and as you know I'm on a deadline.....
anyway....

The Novel: Shakespeare's Landlord
The Author: Charlaine Harris
Link: http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/h/charlaine-harris/shakespeares-landlord.htm

This novel is the first in the Lily Bard series. I started this series all excited thinking it's going to be as entertaining as the Sookie Stackhouse series or even the Aurora Teagarden series.....
Yeah, it's not.
This novel starts out really dry. Lily Bard is a character I don't really like. I'm not emotionally invested in this book or the characters until 2/3's of the way through.
The book does get a bit better, but I can't help but compare this novel to other books that Charlaine Harris has written.
I did enjoy the plot and the suspense, Charlaine Harris didn't go wrong there.
The scene description is pretty well done as well.....I guess I find that a novel is only as good as the characters involved??? I don't know....
This book was ok, not great, just ok. Will I read the rest in the series? Yes, because I feel compelled to see if it improves.

I give "Shakespeare's Landlord" a rating of 2.75 out of 5.

Now I feel bad that I've given a bad review to a pretty good writer.....ah well it's not as if she's going to ever see this blog.

Book Number 16

Again with a Charlaine Harris novel....who knew.....
Could it be that I had a bunch on hold at the library??? yep.

The Novel: Grave Surprise
The Author: Charlaine Harris
Link: http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/h/charlaine-harris/grave-surprise.htm

Grave surprise is the 2nd novel in the Harper Connelly series. I found this novel to be slightly more enjoyable than the first in the series. I found myself becoming more invested in the characters now that I know them better.
The plot is interesting and well written. Some parts of the novel were predictable, but still entertaining. Again a novel were I spent a lot of time trying to figure out who the bad guy was, I was right again! yay, me!
There were parts of this novel where I was asking the characters(in my head, obviously) "what the heck are you doing? don't do that, idiots, you'll just get into trouble, arrrggggg....okay go ahead, but just wait and see...." and sure enough I was right. But not all characters can be as smart as me, and if they followed common sense then it wouldn't be as interesting to read.
There's an undercurrent of sexual tension between the main characters that I hope will be explored in the next novel (on hold at the library, yay!)

I give "Grave Surprise" a rating of 3.75 out of 5.

I'm invested now, there's just enough character tension that I have to read the next novel......and that's how she sucks you in.......good on ya Ms. Harris, well done.

Book Number 15

I've read a lot of Charlaine Harris lately. I almost feel guilt for not having a more diverse selection of books to review.....but too farkin bad, I enjoy these novels and Charlaine Harris's writing so I'll continue to read her stuff until I've read it all.

The Novel: Grave Sight
The Author: Charlaine Harris
Link: http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/h/charlaine-harris/grave-sight.htm

Grave Sight is the 1st novel in the Harper Connelly series. I've just started this series, and like other novels by Charlaine Harris, I like it.
I was quickly sucked in by the story. I like the concept a lot. I don't like the main character Harper as much as I like the main characters in other novels by Ms.Harris. I found Harper to be a bit dry, but otherwise interesting.
This novel didn't have the humour to accompany the dark theme, that Charlaine's novels usually have. That being said I still really liked this novel. It may be lacking in some elements that I am used to with Harris's writing, but Grave Sight still made a good story. I spent a lot of time trying to figure out whodunit, and was pleased to find that I was somewhat right. I don't think the "bad guy" was predictable, however, I am just really good at figuring out the antagonist in novels (or making many guesses and then being so pleased with myself that I was right)

I give "Grave Sight" a rating of 3.5 out of 5.

Although this novel lacked some of the elements that I come to know and love from Charlaine Harris, I still really enjoyed this novel and I'll read the rest of the series because I have to know what will happen next. Maybe I'd like it even better if I quit comparing this novel to other novels by the same author. I am really bad for that.

Book Number 8

Book # 8 was a quick and easy read for me. I enjoyed every minute of my reading time with this book and I'm only sad that it finished so quickly and now I'm going to have to wait forever for the next in the series to be published.



The Novel: Dead And Gone
The Author: Charlaine Harris
Link: http://charlaineharris.com/bibliography/bibliog-sookie.html

Novel Summary: From the Publisher
Now an HBO original series, "True Blood"-the "New York Times" bestselling Sookie Stackhouse series continues. Except for Sookie Stackhouse, folks in Bon Temps, Louisiana, know little about vamps-and nothing about weres. Until now. The weres and shifters have finally decided to reveal their existence to the ordinary world. At first all goes well. Then the mutilated body of a were-panther is found near the bar where Sookie works-and she feels compelled to discover who, human or otherwise, did it. But there's a far greater danger threatening Bon Temps. A race of unhuman beings-older, more powerful, and more secretive than vampires or werewolves-is preparing for war. And Sookie finds herself an all-too human pawn in their battle.

I always enjoy books written by Charlaine Harris. Dead and Gone is the most recent book of her Sookie Stackhouse/ Southern Vampire series. She stayed true to the characters and theme. I found the book very entertaining. It wasn't the "same old same old" with Dead and Gone. Charlaine Harris ups the stakes with this book.
I enjoyed her expanding on the fairy component in this book. I don't want to spoil the book, but I enjoyed how the novel wasn't just central to vampires, all sort of other "supes" were being represented in this book.
Eventhough Dead and Gone is the ninth book in the Sookie Stackhouse series, it wasn't lacking in character description or plot twists. Some of the novel surrounded past events (the explosion at the Pyramid of Gizeh hotel, Sookie's brothers marriage) But Charlaine Harris gives enough description that someone who might not have read the previous novels would still be able to keep up. (but as you know, I am an advocate of reading books in order. Therefore I recommend reading the previous novels first...if only to develop a true love of the characters)

I enjoyed this novel because it had several elements that I look for in a novel; steamy romance, violence, drama, mystery, humour, and some supernatural happenings.
The characters in this novel are easy to either love or hate, or have conflicted feelings about others (Sookie's brother).

I give "Dead and Gone" a rating of 4 out of 5.

My only regret about reading this book is that I'm going to have to wait so long for the next one in the series. I am fully caught up in the Sookie Stackhouse series and I am not a patient person this is going to be a sad time for me to not get my Sookie fix. I am planning to watch the True Blood series on dvd, so I guess that will keep me entertained for a few days anyway. I just hope the TV adaptation is true to the novels. There is nothing worse than a crappy book to movie/tv adaptation.

Book Number 6

Read another book, good job Nix. Pats myself on the back (since no one else will do it)

I knew what I was getting into with this book. I've read the previous 7 in the series. I was not surprised with this book, but that's okay, because it was as good as the previous 7 and kept me quite entertained.

The Novel: Poppy Done To Death
The Author: Charlaine Harris
Link: http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/h/charlaine-harris/poppy-done-to-death.htm

I suppose you could read this book and enjoy it without reading the previous 7 in the series (but that would be dumb, why would you do that...especially knowing it's a peeve of mine)
The characters are well developed....but maybe my judgement is clouded, as I already "know" the characters from the previous books.
Ah what the H...I might as well give you the full book list in the series so that you can read them in sequence.
go here: http://charlaineharris.com/bibliography/bibliog-aurora.html
and while you're there check out the other books, because Charlaine Harris is awesome. Ever see the show True Blood?(not me, I don't get HBO...sad) It's based on her Sookie Stackhouse/ Southern Vampire series.

Anyway, the plot is intriguing with the main character finding yet another dead body (she's always coming across corpses, or getting tangled up in some sort of mystery)
The novel was very descriptive and I found it easy to get engrossed in the story. It didn't take me long to finish this novel as I was always wondering what was going to happen next. I enjoy mystery books a lot and Poppy Done To Death didn't disappoint.
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series, whenever Charlaine Harris finishes it. (Hurry up already!)
I guess that's the problem in reading the last book in that series thus far, I'll just have to wait until the next book is released to find out what is going to happen with the main character. I am not a patient person, this will be a hard time for me.

At any rate I recommend reading the whole Aurora Teagarden series to get a full appreciation for the 8th novel in the series.

I give "Poppy Done To Death" a rating of 4 out of 5.

Charlaine Harris doesn't disappoint. She's sharp and concise, her characters are interesting, and I enjoy all of her novels I've read thus far.