Heroes Adrift by Moira J. Moore

Well, the cover art has shifted finally. Though it's more of a lateral than an upward move. *sigh* Could they not have come up with something actually pertaining to the book? Say, perhaps, Lee bench dancing?? Now, that would be a good cover. In any event, cover art aside, I am three books into this great series now and feeling positively antsy for book four to come out.

In Heroes Adrift, Moira J. Moore takes Lee and Taro out of their respective comfort zones and into a culture and environment wholly unfamiliar to them. Just when Lee allows herself to hope things might be settling down in High Scape, the Empress calls she and Taro in for a little chat. She is sending them on a mission to the Southern Islands to find and bring home a long lost heir to the throne. The heir's existence has been kept a secret from everyone but the Empress. Now it is our favorite Pair's duty to find said mysterious personage and tote s/he home. Once in the Southern Islands, Lee and Taro are forced to reexamine their roles as friends and partners in a land where such roles are reversed and suddenly Lee's talents are highly valued and nobody seems to think much of Taro. Except, of course, Lee.

This is definitely a transition book in the middle of the series and I, for one, thoroughly enjoyed it. As I said before, events and character development in these books are not rushed. As a result, the reader is able to sit back and enjoy the ride. Secure in the feeling that the author has everything well in hand. Things will unfold as they will. And it will be good. That is not to say that things don't proceed apace. One event, in particular, that preyed on my mind for two and a half books is deliciously played out in this installment. Of course, it in turn spawns a host of other problems. But I have no doubt they will be dealt with in depth in the coming book(s). This series was such a wonderful find and I recommend it to anyone looking for fun, character-driven fantasy with a sense of humor.

Links
Chroniques d'Azhure Review
Speed-Reading Book Nerd Review

Darkest Mercy Cover Art

I know you've likely seen this cover already, but it's frankly too pretty not to post. Also, it's Donia. And I love Donia. This is the cover for Darkest Mercy --the fifth and final book in Melissa Marr 's Wicked Lovely series. And just for fun, I thought I'd post all five covers side by side here now, both to show the arc of truly lovely cover art for a series, and to try to determine which one is my favorite. First of all-- so pretty . This series has just had consistently gorgeous covers and I love seeing that, especially for a series I've followed and enjoyed (I should say that has inspired the full range of human emotions in me--which can only be a good thing--even when I'm railing against some bit of nonsense Keenan got himself up to). Second, as far as my favorite goes, it's definitely down to either the cover of Ink Exchange or the one for Darkest Mercy . I love them both. But I think, I think , I'm gonna have to go with Ink Exchange . Bec

Bibliocrack Review | The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood

Hi. Hey. Hello there. It's been a . . . well, you know what it's been. We're all still living this together. So I will simply skip to the fact that I couldn't not review this book here. Because reading it was something special. I knew nothing about Ali Hazelwood 's debut novel except that it involved women in STEM and that the cover made me smile. I decided to set it aside for myself as a reward. Work has been . . . punishing . . . for the last year, and I have been so exhausted every hour of every day. And so I determined to buy The Love Hypothesis on release day knowing nothing about it. But when I went to the bookstore to get my copy, none were available. In fact, none were available anywhere for love nor money, in store or online. At first I was moderately disappointed. Then I told myself maybe it's not that great after all and I didn't necessarily need to feel this preemptive sense of loss. But it kept gnawing at me. The loss. And so I paused work an

Such a Rush by Jennifer Echols

I can't quit Jennifer Echols . Not that I really try that hard, but I read her new ones and often feel as though I'm still searching for that one in possession of that certain something that will make me feel the way Going Too Far did. Like I couldn't put it it down. And definitely like I didn't hate either of the main characters after the fact. Well, I found it with Such a Rush . I read this 300+ pager in a single night, which clears up the question of whether or not I couldn't put it down. And I finished it definitely not hating either of the main characters. I didn't finish it loving them both unreservedly, though. I loved Leah with my whole heart from page one and that never changed. My feelings regarding one of the Hall brothers remain complicated. More to come on this in a bit. On a side note, I'm delighted that Such a Rush is Ms. Echols' hardcover debut. It's a meticulously designed book, a pleasure to hold in my hands as I stayed up way

jaredelizabeth12:55 PM
You are right, the cover art on at least the first two looks pretty cheesy, but I think you've sold me. I'll put them on my to-read list.
Angiegirl1:55 PM
You won't regret it, Liz. They're so not cheesy. :)
Ann Aguirre6:23 PM
No, they're not!

I think the cover art is really detrimental to this particular series. I mean, they're not gritty fantasy, but neither are they as silly as the covers make them seem.

What did you think about the, eh, "resolution", Angie? Poor Lee is so sure she's just a passing thing for Taro. I think she's dense! But that's consistent with her character, actually.

I can't wait for the next book.

I also think the girl they rescued is going to play a huge role to come. Source AND shield in one?
Angiegirl9:54 PM
Yep, the covers are a big turn-off. And you're right. They do such a disservice to these great books! I wonder if the cover for the fourth book will match the third or be totally different again?

I read and reread "that scene" several times now, to make sure it really did happen and I didn't just dream it after so long wishing it would.

I'm torn over the "resolution." But I agree, it fits with Lee's personality. I didn't feel like the characters were untrue to themselves at all (as some people appear to think). Lee still has more to learn. I'm glad she let herself have a piece of happiness in this book and in the next book I want her to talk to Taro. Tell him what she wants and what she's afraid will happen. Then he can tell her she has nothing to be afraid of! :-) There are a lot of words that need to be said, explicitly. And I can't wait to hear them!
Anonymous2:14 PM
The covers for the first two books were awful. This one is much better, but still rather misleading IMO - it's not a ship-based adventure by any means!

I'm thinking she needs covers more similar in style to Lisa Shearin's covers...
Angiegirl2:20 PM
Hi Li! I agree. It's not a pirate book, for crying out loud.

I haven't read any Lisa Shearin. Do you recommend her?
Anonymous1:45 PM
Ermmm I asked for that, didn't I? :-) Recommend with reservations, I think. I didn't fall in love with "Magic Lost, Trouble Found", but I liked it enough to be getting the second book, which is out later this month. It's light fantasy, with a hint of romance as well.

Here's her website - she has some excerpts up:
http://www.lisashearin.com/books.cfm
Angiegirl3:30 PM
Ok, thanks. Hm, I may take a look at the first one to see what I think.

Angieville

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