Greek Gods, Beauties, and Beasts

Casting!

P.C Cast, taken from her blog

Today's post is going to be all about one author: the amazing P.C Cast. Now, if anyone doesn't know about Ms. Cast, let me enlighten you. Cast is from mid-west American and is a huge fan of horse and mythology - both are a serious components to her novels. She's won a bunch of amazing writing rewards and she definitely deserves each and every shiny one! Not to mention she's one of New York Times Best-Selling authors. She has over 20 million fans world wide. She's wrote several mythological based series, including the House of Night which she co-writes with her daughter Kristin Cast. She's basically a goddess of the Romance genre!

So, which series will I be spamming at you? 

Firstly, it shall be the Divine Series: 

1st in the series

This was the first series I read by P.C Cast and I completely fell in love with it and her world. I wanted to be Shannon and be in the mythological world of Partholon. I mean, who wouldn't want to be married to a hot centaur and ruling your own Ancient Greek-esque realm? Not to mention that the love scenes in this 576 pager is hot-hot-hot. I honestly don't think I breathed through the entire *spoiler* ClanFintan/Shannon bath scene ohmygawedIdied.

Let me give you the blurb:

I get this bizarre mirror world filled with a horse/guy who I have the serious hots for, creatures who are terrorising civilisation, deodorant-less armpits that probably stink and no toilet paper. This sucks. The only excitement Shannon Parker expected while on holiday was a little shopping. Finding herself flung through fire into the world of Partholon (and left with a massive headache, thank you very much), she’s now being treated like a goddess. Somehow Shannon has stepped into another’s role in another world. And while there’s an upside – who doesn’t love lots of pampering? – it also comes with a ritual marriage to a centaur and threats against her new people. Can Shannon survive this new world and ever find her way home?

I have no idea why she'd want to go home, but it makes a good premise! The entire world of Partholon made me want to jump into a toga and go on a centaur hunt myself. The way Cast portrays her worlds are just unbelievable in their beauty. Cast always has a certain way with words that just draws the reader in fully and completely willingly into the story that when you turn that last page, it hurts. I think this series consumed my life for a while after reading it, and, I think, that's when you know you've found a good one. Like I said, Cast has a way with words, but if one things certain about Cast, it's that she's going to hit your funny bone and hard. I mean, 21st century girl trying to figure out life in a ancient/mythological land... what's not to laugh at? One of my weaknesses is watching people from another time figure out the complicated machinations of turning on the TV or figuring out how to use a toaster. So to read about a women of my time trying to navigate the ancient world was refreshing!

Suffice to say, I loved it. 

It's not only the writing though: it's the characters. Shannon is hilariously lovely. Her witty and charismatic turn of phrase is always going to make you smile. She's caring, understanding and eventually takes her duties seriously while standing in. Not to mention, she's pretty much a feminist, which makes some of the conversations between her and ClanFintan (stoutly male/horsey man) all the more entertaining. I love strong female characters and the juxtaposition between her and her horsey love interest is always a good thing to read about.
 ClanFintan is also an exceptionally well written character. He's the guy everyone secretly (yes, even you heterosexual males!) fantasies about! He's moody, he's commanding, he's loyal and he has secrets... Shannon and Clan's repartee is always top notch throughout the entire book.  Plus, he's a warrior and if I'm completely honest, there were parts in the book - like the fantastic battle scenes - where I wanted to be him. Charging into the oncoming enemy, my hooves clicking into the mud and the wind in my braids - well, who wouldn't want to do that?


Come on, give the Divine Series a chance... you won't regret it!

Secondly, let's talk about the Goddess Summoning series: 

I'm going to be skipping a few in the series, but you can check the rest of the series here, if you're interested! I really need to talk about number 4 - it's my ultimate favourite and I have to broadcast it to the world (see what I did there?).

Number 4 - Goddess of the Rose

Piatkus Cover

Blurb: 

It's not green fingers that have kept the Empousai family's roses blooming for centuries - it's the drops of blood that their women secretly sacrifice for their gardens. But Mikki would rather forget this family quirk and lead a normal life. Until the day she unwittingly performs a ritual and ends up in the strangely familiar Realm of the Rose. As its goddess, Hecate, reveals to her, Mikki has the blood of a high priestess running through her veins. And the realm has been waiting for her . . .

In a long ago flash of temper, Hecate cursed her Guardian beast with a slumber that only her priestess can undo - and Hecate is counting on Mikki to set things right. At first the beast terrifies Mikki - but soon he intrigues her more than any man ever has. But the only way he and the realm can be saved is for Mikki to sacrifice her life-giving blood - and herself . . .

When I saw the Goddess of the Rose in Waterstones, I knew I had to have it. based of the classic fairy tale Beauty and the Beast, Cast injects some mythological magic into the story and breathes new life into the somewhat over done tale. Cast also injects a sense of intelligence into her writing. She pulls the romance genre out of the bodice rippers I love bodice rippers and channels it into an accessible genre - one that you wouldn't be ashamed to read on the bus. This series is fun, intelligent, sophisticated and of course, raunchy. 

Mikki Empousai has magic in her blood. A gifted gardener, she knows a few things about roses and so when Mikki ends up in the Realm of the Rose and priestess to the goddess Hecate, she feels like she's came home. Not to mention that the realm's beastly guardian intrigues Mikki to no end. 

 In the end, this story is basic in it's principles: girl, beast, gods, priestesses, dinner, love. Simples. The way Cast portrays Mikki and her beastly boyfriend is a great bow to the original story, but also a great spin on it too, bringing it quite literally into another dimension. As always Cast brings it fiercely with the contrast between 21st century girl and the ancient world brilliantly in this book. Her scenes are woven with majesty and have real attention to detail, which should always be expected in a Cast novel. However, there is something about Goddess of the Rose that keeps me coming back. Somehow Cast has made me intimately attached to the characters in the book. It has a permanent place on my bookshelf and it always will!

Is it a bit late to say 'Happy New Year'?

So far, my schedule has been humped and I haven't had too much time to write reviews until now! Luckily, I have been able to read in the time I've been away and I have two lovely, heart-warming books on the line up for you. These two came in a 3 for £10 bundle on Amazon, which have some seriously feelgood fiction up for grabs right now. Click here to see the full range!

Firstly, we have The Vintage Girl by Hester Brown. 

Quercus UK cover, 2014

Rating: M - chit-lit, light and happy

Post feels - Content with life

Blurb:

When Evie Nicholson is asked to visit Kettlesheer Castle in Scotland to archive the family heirlooms, she jumps at the

chance. Evie's passion for antiques means that, for her, the castle is a treasure trove of mysteries just waiting to be uncovered.
But in each heirloom lies a story, and in the course of her investigations Evie stumbles upon some long-buried family secrets. Add handsome, gloomy heir Robert McAndrew and a traditional candlelit gala to the mix, and Evie's heart is sent reeling with an enthusiasm that may just extend beyond the
Kettlesheer silver...  

Now, I'm pretty sure this has been published under 'Swept Off Her Feet' too, however, I just bought my copy and the seemingly new cover and name seems to be a change of publisher. The picture on the left is the most recent publication. The change is understandable if you read the book. In my opinion, the old cover doesn't really relate to the story, as most of the dancing is nearer the end. 

I really enjoyed this quick read with likeable and real characters. I'm always drawn to books with quirky settings and people to match and The Vintage Girl certainly delivered. The story itself is all about Evie and her obsession with all things old, tatty and historical. She particularly likes coffee stained photographs of lacy weddings and the lives which they represent, much to her antique dealer boss's dismay. At the beginning of the novel, we meet Evie who's job is already in jeopardy and when the opportunity to go to Kettlesheer Castle in the Scottish borders, she jumps at the chance. Imagine the historical possibilities! And Evie does imagine...a lot. She has an overactive imagination. From fancying unattainable men my favourite past time to recreating the steps and actions of the old Lady of the Manor, Violet, Evie is certainly a likeable character. 

However, this book is jam-packed with them: Alice, Evie's over-organized, control-freak of a sister, Fraser, Alice's lovely and dutiful tweed wearing boyfriend and Evie's secret crush, but also the people of Kettlesheer, from the nosy neighbours to the debt ridden owners of the castle and their anti-clutter son, Robert... 

Browne really gets it right with the spirit of the community and family in this book which really gets your feeling warm and fuzzing just thinking of it. Of course, its not a book for long drawn out plot lines, instead its short and snappy, aiming to give the reader as much satisfaction that it's 352 pages can offer. There's romance, history, nosy neighbours, and handsome heroes - everything you need from a chic-lit book. So, how about you grab that cup of coco and sit with your feet up and dive into the world of Hester Browne and see how you like it?

I promise you won't regret it.

 

Next up! 

 

It's The Oyster Catcher by Jo Thomas. 

Headline Review, 2014

Rating: M - sea, rain and warm fuzzing feeling! y

Post feels - "Where's my passport, I'm off to Galway!"

Blurb:
Dooleybridge, County Galway. Population: 482 (or thereabouts). The last place Fiona Clutterbuck expects to end up, alone, on her wedding night. But after the words 'I do' have barely left her mouth, that's exactly where she is - with only her sequined shoes and a crashed camper van for company.

One thing is certain: Fi can't go back. So when the opportunity arises to work for Sean Thornton, the local oyster farmer, she jumps at the chance. Now Fi must navigate suspicious locals, jealous rivals and a wild, unpredictable boss if she's to find a new life, and love, on the Irish coast. And nothing - not even a chronic fear of water - is going to hold her back.

Join Fi on her romantic, unpredictable adventure as she learns the rules of the ocean - and picks up a few pearls of Irish       wisdom along the way...


Now, I have literally just finished this book just last night and lets just say, I slept like a milk-filled baby. I felt so warm and happy after reading The Oyster Catcher that I'm actually considering blowing everything off and running away to Galway! You know when a book comes along and you just instinctively know that you're going to love every minute of it? Yes? Well, that was me with The Oyster Catcher. I knew instantly. That, my friends, is what we call 'the book of love' don't kill me because of that terrible pun!. Anyhoo, it was just what I needed on a cold, snowy Glaswegian night to cheer me up and transport me to a happy place in my head. 

The Oyster Catcher follows Fiona Clutterbuck, a.k.a Fi English, who after having the worst wedding of the century, she jumps into the first car she can find and manages to end up crashing it in a small oyster farming town, Dooleybridge. Like any off-the-beaton-track town, it's slightly rundown due to the lack of oyster farming in the area and full of nosy locals wondering who and why this mysterious women in a jumper and tatty gown has just landed on their doorstep. I was honestly surprised that for a bunch of loveable but inquisitive bunch they weren't more suspicious of Fi and her arrival in town, but perhaps for the sake of a story, the locals were tamed slightly. Enter Sean Thornton, local oyster farmer looking for an out of town blow in to be a Girl Friday. With no money and no home, Fi takes the job and begins working for the tempestuous oyster farmer. However, there is one hiccup - Fi is terrified of water. So with nosy locals, oyster pirates, jealous rivals and a two love sick donkeys to contend with its a miracle Fi even finds her footing, let alone love. 
 

I would definitely give this book a shot if you happen to see it. It's not only written precisely and easily, but the story is lovely and utterly heartwarming. I know it's going on my bookshelf, waiting for those cold, winter nights when I need a cozy story to get me through the night.

Neander..what?

 The Clan of the Cave Bear

This week's book is first in the Earth's Children series, The Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean M. Auel. I know this one is a bit of an oldie (and I'm not just talking about the cro-magnon characters) and I had always been aware of Auel's prehistoric series from various Amazon recommendations and so forth clogging up my dashboard, but, as a archaeology student, I was always reluctant to read them fearing that for the entire book I would be pointing out out-dated concepts and flaws in the science. However, it wasn't until a very good friend of mine (and fellow archaeologist) demanded that I give it shot.  

*shout out to Maggie*

Bantam Cover, 2011

So, why don't I give you some stats?

Rating: M - death, violence, animal killings, distressing scenes and those damn emotional feels. 

Post feels - Noooooooo. Need more.

What's the plot you might ask?


A natural disaster leaves the young girl wandering alone in an unfamiliar and dangerous land until she is found by a woman of the Clan, people very different from her own kind. To them, blond, blue-eyed Ayla looks peculiar and ugly--she is one of the Others, those who have moved into their ancient homeland; but Iza cannot leave the girl to die and takes her with them. Iza and Creb, the old Mog-ur, grow to love her, and as Ayla learns the ways of the Clan and Iza’s way of healing, most come to accept her. But the brutal and proud youth who is destined to become their next leader sees her differences as a threat to his authority. He develops a deep and abiding hatred for the strange girl of the Others who lives in their midst, and is determined to get his revenge.

So, here I am. And how happy I am that I took my friend's word for it. Although there isn't a lot of romance in this first one, there is an amazing story of a young human's journey through the Last Ice Age. It's a story of self discovery, heartache, family and love. And, god damn it, it gets your right in the gut. At times I found it difficult to read - Auel is brilliant at writing distressing scenes which makes the audience relate easily to the character suffering. But, there was also times that I had to re-evaluate my own modern perspective. Although, I don't agree with some of Auel's male-hierarchy dominated world in which she places the Neanderthal clan, it makes the reader leave their modern attitudes at the front cover and really feel the constricting and dangerous nature of the book and world. However, if I could give one criticism - and I don't think its that harsh - it would be this: do not take this work of fiction as reality. We cannot know and we don't have the evidence for Auel's society - Neanderthals are complex and beautiful people, who created amazing tools and works that were on par with modern humans at that time. Try not to think that Auel's representation of Neanderthal society as a primitive, male dominated and female suppressing one, as truth. Evidence shows that homo sapiens and Neanderthals were pretty much intellectual equals in terms of tool production and art. Therefore, we cannot know what it was like and we can only speculate on their society. So, please, don't take this representation as fact and please, try not to judge them too harshly. They were people, just like me and you.

And, after my little prehistoric moral rant, I'll get back to the writing. Obviously in fiction, the realm of reality is always pushed and the idea of Neanderthals having a collective conscious might be far fetched, but in the bounds of fiction, the idea actually seems to work in favour of showing Ayla as an outsider. I was also thankful that Jean M. Auel hadn't just jumped to the conclusion of humans-slaughtered-everyone-in-their-path storyline. Honestly, my relief was tangible when I realised that A LOT of research had been placed into this work. For example, the lack of vocal ability that Neanderthals are thought to have, was played out and acted beautifully in the book. 

Not only that, but the journey that Ayla struggles through is truly beautiful. You follow her from being a small, chubby five year old girl wandering naked after a disastrous tectonic shift, to a blooming woman, watching as she faces perils and emerges herself into a culture which is not her own. Ayla is a perfect character, full of innocence, defiance, gall and intelligence. She instills fear, pride and hatred into the tribe causing a number of interesting relationship dynamics which never let your eyes wander from the page. Even after 500 pages, you'll crave more. Not only from Ayla, but from the secondary characters Auel writes perfectly into the story. Each come alive throughout the book, painting strong images across the page of their love, their hate, their loyalty and their fierce pride in their home.

All in all, it's a fantastic beginning to an already widely known and read series which makes you never want to leave Auel's clan.

The Firebird

The Firebird, by Susanna Kearsley 

 I have to say that as an author, Susanna Kearsley is definitely up there as one of my favourites. There is always some magical about picking up one of Kearsley's books and diving straight into the story. Its a warm homecoming feeling that her writing generates that always makes me come back for more, like you've just walked back into your childhood home and seen the welcoming smile of your family greeting you with arms open wide and a cup of tea brewing in the kettle.

UK cover

The Firebrid was no exception. Not only does Kearsley bring back one of her most beloved character, Robbie, the physic child from The Shadowy Horses, but the world she builds is a familiar to anyone: it's about family, love, and finding out about your true self. It's a journey of self discovery for each and everyone of the characters, past and present, that lights up this book and shows you the true meaning behind the title. 

Rating: T - emotional feels, minimal violence, political intrigue and romance. 

Post feels - I cried. Literally. Cried. She gets me every damn time!

Blurb: 

Whoever dares to seek the Firebird may find the journey — and its ending — unexpected.

Nicola Marter was born with a gift. When she touches an object, she sometimes sees images; glimpses of those who have owned it before. It’s never been a gift she wants, and she keeps it a secret from most people, including her practical boss Sebastian, one of London’s premier dealers in Russian art.

But when a woman offers Sebastian a small wooden carving for sale, claiming it belonged to Russia’s first Empress Catherine, it’s a problem. There’s no proof. Sebastian believes that the plain carving — known as “The Firebird” — is worthless. But Nicola’s held it, and she knows the woman is telling the truth, and is in desperate need of the money the sale of the heirloom could bring.

Compelled to help, Nicola turns to a man she once left, and still loves: Rob McMorran, whose own psychic gifts are far greater than hers. With Rob to help her “see” the past, she follows a young girl named Anna from Scotland to Belgium and on into Russia.

There, in St. Petersburg — the once-glittering capital of Peter the Great’s Russia — Nicola and Rob unearth a tale of love and sacrifice, of courage and redemption…an old story that seems personal and small, perhaps, against the greater backdrops of the Jacobite and Russian courts, but one that will forever change their lives.

What I really admire about Susanna Kearsley is the amount of historical detail she places within the fictional realm. With exception of the main protagonists, each character around them are all real historically factual people. The combination of history and fiction has always been an interest of mine and to see it played out so well, is remarkable for me. Any historical fiction lovers out there should pay attention to Susanna Kearsley's work. Especially any Jacobite enthusiasts out there. Susanna Kearsley is your gal! 

We start our journey with Nicole Marter, a gifted and reluctant psychometrist. Nicole is a great character and has a lot of similarities to the past protagonist, Anna. She's caring, kind and most importantly, she's afraid. Of her gift and of herself. Her Russian family history has some part to play in her fears, due to her eccentric grandfather, but its those roots and abilities that are put to the test when Nicole comes into contact with the Firebird. Nicole knows that the link between Empress Catherine of Russia - Peter the Great's wife - and the carving are real. However, she has no proof. The only person she knows who can help her with this dilemma is Robbie - who also happens to be an old flame of Nicole's. Now, smush faces together!

Through their journey to the past, they come across Anna. First, we seen Anna as a small child in Scotland, living near the Earl of Errol's home. She is the women who first acquires the Firebird. And she is where the story begins. Flung into a world of political machinations, bonds of family and kinship, in a world divided by the claims of two kings, Anna will face dangers untold, but most importantly, through all her traveling, Anna will find herself. She will find that she is in face somebody. 

What I loved about this story (not just all those teeth grinding moments when you just NEEDED those two particular characters to smush their lips together and end their angst-y agony) is the message it portrays. You are never a no body. You might not have family near you. You might be alone in the world. But you are never unimportant, you are never alone. Now, how many people can say that they can never relate to this? Everyone, at some point in their lives, feels this way. They feel the need to re-discover themselves, and this is what Susanna Kearsley portrays so well. We have all done things we regret: rejected someone we actually loved, hurt someone who didn't deserve it...or ran off to Russia without telling anyone *ahem*, but we can all learn from it and find ourselves again. We just need a little push. Once in a while, we all have to chase the Firebird in our lives. No matter where it takes us.

Halloween Treats Part 2

Halloween Treats Part 2!

Back with some Halloween treaties for you all. I'm going to continue the Lords of Deliverance Series in this post, but please, if you have any requests just leave me a comment and I'll get around to reviewing. And if they're Halloween-y then, I better pull me socks up!

Okay, so where were we?

3# - Lethal Rider 

UK cover

And he is lethal indeed! 

Rating: M - mature themes, sexually explicit, questionably moral interactions and violence. 

Post Feels: ALLL THE BABIES!

Blurb:

They're here. They ride. The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

Born of a match between good and evil, four siblings stand between hell's minions and everything they want to destroy. They are the Lords of Deliverance, and they have the power to ward off Doomsday...or let it ride...

LETHAL RIDER

Thanatos, the most deadly Horseman of the Apocalypse, has endured thousands of years of celibacy to prevent the end of days. But just one night with the wickedly sexy Aegis Guardian, Regan Cooper, shatters centuries of resolve. Yet their passion comes with a price. And Thanatos must face a truth more terrifying than an apocalypse-he's about to become a father.

Demon-slayer Regan Cooper never imagined herself the maternal type, but with the fate of the world hanging in the balance she had no choice but to seduce Thanatos and bear his child. Now, as the final battle draws closer and his rage at being betrayed is overshadowed by an undeniable passion for the mother of his child, Thanatos has a life-shattering realization: To save the world, he must sacrifice the only thing he's ever wanted-a family.

 Okay, so I can't really spoil the last book for you... but the blurb kinda does that for you unfortunately. We have Thanatos, aka Death, who is somewhat of a sweetie wrapped in a delicious layer of tattoos which he uses to summon death spirits - or they are the spirits (I was never too sure). After some seriously questionable activity from baby mama Regan Cooper, which may or may not break his seal, Thanatos looses his virginity and now, he's going to be a father. Impending Apocalypse and imminent responsibilities are about to hit Thanatos in the gut. Scary stuff right? 

So, we pick up with 8 months after the previous books events and Regan is very much pregnant...and Thanatos is frozen in hell. Lovely. Regan fears over both her life and the baby's due to some devious machinations that have placed Thanatos there (not that she know that!). And rightly so, Thanatos escaped and finds out about all the baby duties to come. However, Thanatos has luckily always wanted a family but has never been able to, since he feared his virginity was his agimortus. Yay, sex all around! However, now they have learnt that the baby is his agimortus and the weapon to destroy the Horseman's dastardly brother, Pestilence. 

The interaction between Thanatos and Regan is actually rather sweet and you get some major bump-hand action which is always welcome in romance novels. Regan however is uncertain in keeping the child. Her background isn't the happiest one and she's determined that she will be a terrible mother. That decision to give a child away, even in this realm of fiction, is always a hard thing to write about and I can honestly say there where times when I actually got upset about the possibility. There's major character development here which is always a pleasant thing to see. 

Thanatos and Regan's relationship is actually probably my favorite out of the series. Its definitely one that both the characters have to develop through and come to terms with. Plus, with the added pressure of parenthood on the horizon it gives a really interesting dynamic to the couple's relationship. 

I don't want to give too much away with this one. SOOO many things happen in this book that it's hard to write about it without giving too much away. But, overall, Lethal Rider is jam-packed full of great action scenes, the occasional love scene and tonnes of pre-apocalyptic fun that its definitely not to be missed! 

4# - Rogue Rider

UK cover

 I wonder which Horsemen this is about...?

Rating: M - traumatic scenes, violence, sexually explicit and major hot guy alert. *Caution: rippling chest muscle*

Post Feels: WHYYYYY?

Blurb: 

The prophecies were there but no one listened. Until now. 

They are the Lords of Deliverance and they have the power to ward off Doomsday - or let it ride. Jillian Cardiff came to this remote mountain town to forget the demon attack that almost killed her. She rescues a gorgeous stranger who has no memory of anything other than his name.

 Technically this is the last of the Horsemen's stories, however there are an extra two Lords of Deliverance novels (which I have yet to read) that focus on their Watchers. I shall be reading them soon, but I can't really comment on them right now. So anyway, back to Reseph/Pestilence. 

This is a toughie to review because its the last in the series and you can't give away the plot! So I'm going to make it brief, but trust me, you need to read it just for the ending! Heaven above. That left me wanting more so much that it hurt. 

Okay, so we have Jillian Cardiff, a self proclaimed loner after a horrible demon attack in a car park one night. Jillian wears the scars of her attack both physically and emotionally. Now, she lives in the middle of nowhere, relying on little to survive except her gun and Chevy. Jillian doesn't tend to trust people, apart from her best friend, and so, when a random naked NAKED!!! man turns up, face down in the snow outside her cabin, Jillian is forced to confront the world again. 

Annnnnnd, that's all I'm giving you.

  

Trust me, you'll thank me later! Overall, this book gives a great partial send off to a great series. It's full of all the great puns, witty characters and full on action that Ione always delivers. That, as well as some amazing chemistry between the two main characters. Definitely worth a read over the wintry season! 

 READ THEM ALLLLLLL! :D

Here's Larissa Ione's website if you want to check it out here

Kilts Galore!!

Outlander

The 'Outlander' Series, UK covers

Right now I am loving the Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon. I'm currently in the middle of the series, just starting on 'Voyager'  but I thought I would review the series nevertheless. There's something about the world Gabaldon builds up and describes that is utterly breathtaking; from bonny highland mountainous terrain of Scotland to the high society dinners of France, Gabaldon creates a world in which anything is possible.

All in all, there's several books in the series. I unfortunately only have three so far help me I'm poor, and there are currently 8 in the series! So I better get reading!

Rating: M - includes mature, sexuality explicit scenes, graphic scenes of violence, includes rape and torture.

Post-read feels: NEED MORE. 

So whats the premise?

Claire Randall is leading a double life. She has a husband in one century - and a lover in another.

In 1945, Claire Randall is back from the war and reunited with her husband on a second honeymoon in Scotland. Innocently she walks through a stone circle in the Highlands, and finds herself in a violent skirmish taking place in 1743. Suddenly she is a Sassenach, an outlander, in a country torn by war and by clan feuds.

A wartime nurse, Claire can deal with the bloody wounds that face her. But it is harder to deal with the knowledge that she is in Jacobite Scotland and the carnage of Culloden is looming. Marooned amid the passion and violence, the superstition, the shifting allegiances and the fervent loyalties, Claire is in danger from Jacobites and Redcoats - and from the shock of her own desire for James Fraser, a gallant and courageous young Scots warrior. Jamie shows her a passion so fierce and a love so absolute that Claire becomes a woman torn between fidelity and desire, and between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives.
  

I can say wholeheartedly that Claire is one of the few heroines that I actually admire or would want to be. She's a strong character that knows her own mind and can truly look after herself. As a WWII veteran nurse on the front line, she knows danger, death and loss all too well. She's also adaptable. When she becomes stuck in 1843, Claire has to make some hard decisions and choices which would possibly leave her old life behind, but she doesn't mope about it, she holds her head high and carries on with a wartime mentality that should be admired. It is also that experience which enables her to play 19th century Scottish politics so well. For a modern Englishwoman in the politically unstable Scottish Highlands, she does really well to keep herself alive. That is Claire's main goal - to survive.

Now, enter Jamie Fraser. Redheaded, hot-blooded, kilt wearing Scotsman. He sounds like the stereotypical historic figure, however, there's nothing typical about Jamie Fraser. He's an outlaw in his own right, stubborn as a mule when it comes to physical punishments, caring and protective, but he also gives Claire the freedom she desires as a modern woman. Hallelujah. There's something refreshing about Jamie - he has an almost childlike innocence about it that although he's been beaten, whipped and arrested by Redcoats, Jamie never seems to give up being all in all happy. He laughs when there should be no laughter, he's joyous when there's no hope of joy. And that's what makes him a great character. He's not the almighty 'Alpha male' types of heroes you see in other novels. He's sweet, innocent and caring but that in no way, shape or form diminishes his masculinity.

One of my favourite examples: 

"When I woke, I was trussed up in the wagon wi' the chickens, jolting down the road toward Fort William."
      "I see," I said quietly. "I'm sorry. It must have been terrible for you."
      He smiled suddenly, the haze of fatigue gone. "Oh aye. Chickens are verra poor company, especially on a long journey." 

(Chapter 4: I Come to the Castle, pg. 90)

 The love scenes are, as always, beautifully written. From the awkwardness of first touches, to the undiluted passion in the Scottish countryside, Gabaldon writes each scene with an emotional understanding and superiority that makes the characters actions leap out onto the page and grasp you in an intense focus that your eyes won't lift from the page until its done. In all, Gabaldon understands her creations, she knows their wants, their needs, their dislikes and their thought processes so thoroughly that the love scenes are, quite honestly, unbelievable. For a writer, it shows high caliber when you can write a explicit scene so beautifully, that the reader hardly knows their own thoughts, but instead is so focused on the characters that they can't see anything beyond them.  

In the course of the first book, Jamie and Claire face hardships and traumas that any other couple in that period would have broke down over. But not them. Jamie and Claire are stronger with each other, no matter what they face. There are some harrowing scenes and stories that honestly turned my stomach while reading it, however, they are written so well and orchestrated so carefully, that they really make you feel the raw emotion in each line. I truly love Gabaldon's writing. Each time I open one of her books I'm right in the middle of the story, smelling the scent of heather rolling on the hills, seeing the MacKenzie dinner hall alight with candles and music, and watching her characters, seeing their movements in detail, focusing on their expressions and how they interact. It's a truly magnificent series that should not be missed. Again, what's good about Gabaldon is the amount of historical research she invests in her writing. As a history student, you can tell Gabaldon has done some serious research in order to make the world as real as possible. This also includes, the Scottish Gaelic translations. I double checked them with a native Scottish Gaelic speaker I know, and although they aren't completely correct, they are certainly close. Depending on which copy you buy, the translations have been altered, as presumably she'd been notified of the small -- tiny -- errors in the grammar. Just shows you how dedicated she is to the books, Gaelic is difficult to follow let alone write in!

Jamie and Claire from the Starz series, 'Outlander'

ALSO!

So please, do give this series a try. It's an excellent read. But also, after you enjoy the books, check out the TV series, 'Outlander'. Its fairly new and its currently on a mid-season break so you guys have plenty of time to read the first book before it airs, but it's well worth the watch if you loved the books. It's extremely true to the books!

Here's Diana Gabaldon's official website if you want to check out more...

Halloween Reads!

Halloween Time!

Since the season of Trick or Treat is upon us, I thought I'd share with you some Halloween reads, which will get you in the mood for some romantic scary time. 

 I would like to point out the 'Lords of Deliverance' Series by Larissa Ione. If you have ever read her 'Demonica' series, then this little series is a spin off from the original series, so you'll be familiar with the characters. Set around the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse trying to save the world from the impending battle between Dark and Light (what can be more halloweeny than eternal doom?!), the Lords of Deliverance series are the perfect reads to get you through the cold autumn nights and right up until Halloween. As there's four siblings, there's four books. Ares, Limos, Thanatos and Respeh.

Let's start with 1# - Eternal Rider.

This is the US cover, the UK cover is a bit different...

Rating: M - mature themes, sexually explicit and violent. 

Post Feels: craved more! 

Blurb: 

They are here. They ride. The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

His name is Ares, and the fate of mankind rests on his powerful shoulders. If he falls to the forces of evil, the world falls too. As one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, he is far stronger than any mortal, but even he cannot fight his destiny forever. Not when his own brother plots against him.

Yet there is one last hope. Gifted in a way other humans can't-or won't-understand, Cara Thornhart is the key to both this Horseman's safety and his doom. But involving Cara will prove treacherous, even beyond the maddening, dangerous desire that seizes them the moment they meet. For staving off eternal darkness could have a staggering cost: Cara's life.

DUN DUN DUNNNN! Now, if that isn't a good blurb, then I don't know what is.

Okay, so Ares. Obviously named after the God of War - or maybe he IS the God of War - is a hulk of  a immortal man, who is the First Horseman of the Apocalypse and has a craving for all things bloody, violent. Let's just say, you won't like him when he's angry. The first book essentially starts with Ares in a lovely, quaint Demon brothel - yup, a demon brothel.  Says it all really. 

   Now we have Cara. She's cute, she's sassy and has some crazy power that makes her super-friends with about every animal she touches thanks to some bonding time with a Hellhound called Hal. And no, definitely not in that way. Because of the bond with Hal the friendly Hellhound, Ares gets pushed into the scene. Not to mention the meddling of some angels place a could-possibly-end-the-world apparatus called the agimortus into Cara means a whole lot of trouble for Ares and his siblings. 

The way Ione writes is and always will be fun. Her writing is punchy, funny and straight to the god damn point, that sometimes the language makes you flinch. However, its also realistic. There have been too many books over the years that make their characters sound stuffy because of their choice of language. They all sound like they've stepped straight out a Sherlock Holmes novel, when actually, they're in the 21st century fighting some sort of mythical being - in the 21st century, there's bound to be a few choice words thrown into the equation. Ione makes her writing real, but it also shows off the personalities of the characters she's chosen to voice. And after all, isn't that the whole idea of writing?

  

Now, the romance. Both Ares and Cara have had a bad time of it. Ares is a damaged immortal, dreading ever making an emotional connection with a sock, let alone a person of the opposite sex. He's been hurt, his life has been torn to shreds over the millennia that he doesn't want to love or commit. Tough cookie eh? Cara, however, has had a string of terrible men lead her on and she's only now allowing herself to emotionally open up and figure out her life. Cara's is a lovely story of belief and finally finding something that you didn't expect to find. *sobs* Cara is the balm to Ares wounds. And likewise, he unleashes a part of her that she's never been able to have before.

So the sex/love scenes are good? You may ask. Well, if you count some rather adventurous scenes upside down pinned against a tree and some mind-blowing orgasms on Cara's part - then yes. Yes it is. Like always Ione delivers on the smut. Taking her time to really get into the finer details and make the most unimaginable things seem imaginable. They are beyond the realm of steamy and go straight into the halls of unforgettable.

Even though Eternal Rider has a majority of dark scenes and undertones, the chapters which are lighthearted are well worth it. Ione manages to blend fantasy, love and despair all into one to create a couple who you know would last til the end of time, and beyond. 

2# - Immortal Rider

UK Cover

Rating: M - mature themes, some sexually explicit content and violent (again). 

Post Feels: uuuuuuuugghhhhhhhh

Blurb:

The prophecies were there but no one listened. Until now. They are the Lords of Deliverance and they have the power to usher in Doomsday . . . or prevent it.
Sexy, powerful and immortal, Limos is on a crash course with destiny. She's been marked as Satan's bride and her jealous fiancé wants her all to himself. The only way this Horseman can keep herself - and everyone else - safe to keep her distance. But not even Limos can save herself from the secrets she's kept . . . or resist the seductive allure of one very brave human.
Arik Wagner knows the saying 'love hurts' better than most, yet he never thought stealing a kiss from Limos would land him in hell. Literally. It takes all his military training to survive the demon torture, but once he's topside, Arik realises that the agony has just begun. With the Apocalypse looming and Satan demanding his bride, will Arik and Limos surrender to the dark desire smouldering between them? Or will giving in to their passion unleash hell on earth?

Now, where to start?  I love Limos. Not only is she a bloody badass, she's also not always thinking about her beau, Arik. She isn't a heroine who thinks about men constantly, which is somewhat of a relief. Plus, she's got the End of the World to think about. That's pretty important. Anyway, Limos once her seal is broke would be Famine - unlike her brother Ares, she's drawn to all things hunger. Her fiancé, Satan (but not Lucifer, interestingly enough) wants Limos to turn into Famine, but Limos isn't quite ready to be the blushing virgin bride to Satan's evil kingdom. 

  

Arik Wagner (great name) works for the sometimes oppositing, sometimes not organization for the Aegis, who are meant to keep the Horseman's seal intact - bad luck for them really because (this isn't a spoiler) one of the seals has. Reseph's. ANNNYHOOOO... Arik fancies Limos and Limos fancies Arik and then one night two and two add to four and they kiss. Arik lands in hell. And all things go pair shaped. In all honesty, as much as I love Limos and the other Horsemen, Arik annoyed me to no end. I wouldn't say he was the best choice for Limos...but if it was either him or Satan, I'd probably make the same choice. Arik reminded me too much of those guys from Jersey Shore - he was all hair gel and no substance. But, if that's what my girl Limos wants then that's what she can have. As for the love scenes, it's somewhat lacking, but what it lacks it makes up for in raw emotional intensity that Ione writes so well. 

However, Larrissa Ione never really disappoints with her writing. The pace of the book was brilliant and it never stopped. I was never bored or fed up with a particular scene, although Arik talked too much for me. (But, as you know, I just have a person grudge against him. Even though, you know, he endures months on end tortures just for Limos, I still can't like him. It's like I'm overprotective reviewer, or something....weird.) The action scenes were amazing and left me clinging to the pages of my book for dear life! There's an intense moment half way through the book, that even now, when I'm reading it, I can feel my heart speeding up with adrenaline. To have an effect on the reader in that way is definitely a credit to Ione. Not only did the book centre around Limos and Arik like all of Ione's couple centric books, but you also get in touch with some familiar faces and some new ones too. Not to mention the major cliff hanger that Ione ends on, which I can still not get over!

All in all, this series is a really good way to kick off the world. It was the first series I read from Larissa Ione and it got me reading many more of her writings after completion!

For the next two reviews of the Lords of Deliverance Novels, stay tuned!