For paranormal romance — it’s Super Tuesday! May 1, 2012
Posted by Diana McCabe in Book lists, News.Tags: Black Dawn, Deadlocked, Insurgent, Sparks Fly
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I’m traveling but still trying to blog! Inspired by Twitter chatter between my gal pals from Last Bite Podcast, here’s a list of books coming out Tuesday that we were talking about. We can’t figure out how we’re going to read them all. Figure this will just be added to our TBR lists! I’m going to try and get through DEADLOCKED – who else is going for it? Let me know if you’re reading any of these books — or others being released — on Tuesday!
DEADLOCKED — By Charlaine Harris (Sookie book No. 12)
INSURGENT — By Veronica Roth (Book No. 2 in the Divergent trilogy)
BLACK DAWN — By Rachel Caine (Book No. 12 in the Morganville Vampire series)
SPARKS FLY – By Katie MacAlister (Book No. 3 in the Light Dragons series)
Book pick: ‘River Marked’ — slow first half but second part makes up for it April 17, 2011
Posted by Diana McCabe in Book lists.Tags: Mercy, Patricia Briggs, River Marked
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Who doesn’t love the Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs? But I think only her diehard fans will like the latest installment – RIVER MARKED – because it is such a disjointed novel.
The book’s title refers to an ancient evil monster that Mercy doesn’t even learn about until the second half of the book. And that’s the problem with the overall novel. Nothing really happens in the first part of the story.
We meet up with Stefan. who we haven’t seen since the horrifying events of BONE CROSSED. Mercy visits him and learns that he and his band are wasting away in some sort of weird apathy. And Mercy is determined to shake him out of it. Then we have Adam and Mercy’s long delayed wedding and honeymoon. We see just about every character important to Mercy. It was pleasant but in no way did it propel me toward the story in the second half of the book. And it just made me not want to read it. I had to force myself to keep going! (And I’ve never done that with a Mercy book.)
But then, the second half of the story emerges and it is exciting. We finally get more info on Mercy’s father, her Native American heritage. Coyote, Hawk and Wolf return. And we find out why Mercy is always in the middle of trouble and change. We learn why she is able to do things others around her cannot. And we learn more about her strength and abilities.
Finally, we get to a great battle with the river monster — who shouldn’t be in the river but is and is causing death and destruction — and only Mercy and her friends can kill it. The lore and world building behind this part of the story is great. (And the magic fae walking stick makes an appearance and it plays a crucial part in the story. I wonder what will happen to it in the next story?)
I also like that Adam is with Mercy for most of this story. And while he wants to go alpha — and does a few times — he’s definitely married and cares for Mercy in a way we haven’t seen before.
Of all the books in the series, this one misses the mark in the first half, but than Patricia Briggs brings us right back into the thick of things later in the book with rich lore and great storytelling. (Where did she think up those creepy river otters?) I’ll be curious where she takes the next book. I’d hate to see Adam and Mercy fall into a boring domestic bliss. (We’ll know next spring!)
Now what? An Amish/vampire novel? Yes — ‘Forsaken’ March 9, 2011
Posted by Diana McCabe in Book lists, Fun stuff, News.Tags: amish, Forsaken, Leanna Ellis, vampires
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When I first saw a reference on Twitter to an Amish/vampire novel, I thought it was a joke. How little do I know. There is a book coming out in August – FORSAKEN by Leanna Ellis. (I’m not even gonna mess with the “Plain Fear” line.) Here’s the book description that’s posted on amazon.com
Hannah Schmidt pines for Jacob, the boy who saved her life. But Jacob is gone, buried. Levi Fisher loves Hannah. But he knows how much Hannah loved his brother Jacob. He also knows the troubling event that took Jacob out of their lives. So when a stranger named Akiva comes into their community, he carries with him two secrets: he is, in fact, Jacob. And he is now a vampire. When secrets are revealed, Hannah must choose between light and dark, between the one she has always loved and the new possibility of love-a decision that will decide the fate of her soul.
Ellis has written other books, including FACELIFT, ONCE IN A BLUE MOON and ELVIS TAKES A BACK SEAT. I’ve never read any of her novels, so can’t tell you anything about her writing but you can check out her site, bio, books etc. at her site HERE. The Amish and vamps — seems an odd — almost irreverent — combination. A bit over the top. But what the heck — you never know.
And you can check out the book trailer to FORSAKEN below.
What were the best paranormal romance novels for 2010? November 7, 2010
Posted by Diana McCabe in Book lists.7 comments
Amazon.com
Let the lists and discussions begin! What were the best paranormal romance reads for 2010?
We’ll start with Amazon.com, which lumps paranormal romance in with all of the other romance novels, but they’ve included a few on their Editors Top 10 list:
BURNING LAMP (An Arcane Society Novel) by AMANDA QUICK
PLEASURE OF A DARK PRINCE (Immortals After Dark book 7) by KRESLEY COLE
SIN UNDONE (Demonica, Book 5) by LARISSA IONE
(To read their whole romance list, CLICK HERE.)
***
And among Amazon.com readers? Here were the paranormals on their Top 10 list:
LOVER MINE: A NOVEL OF THE BLACK DAGGER BROTHERHOOD by J.R. WARD
BURNING LAMP (An Arcane Society Novel) by AMANDA QUICK
DARK PERIL (Carpathian) by CHRISTINE FEEHAN
To read the rest of the readers’ picks CLICK HERE.
***
My Twitter avatar @mcdiana
What did I like? (Click on the titles to read my reviews):
THE BODY FINDER by KIMBERLY DERTING
DEMON FROM THE DARK and PLEASURE OF A DARK PRINCE (Immortals After Dark series) by KRESLEY COLE
GONE (the last book in the WAKE trilogy released this year but I read the whole series this year) by LISA MCMANN
BLOOD OATH (This is my Q&A with the author) by CHRISTOPHER FARNSWORTH
SHADE by JERI SMITH-READY
SILVER BORNE (Book No. 5 in the Mercy Thompson series … my story/video of her from book signing) by PATRICIA BRIGGS
Here are Dot’s picks. (Dot contributes a lot of cool reviews to the PR blog!) She says not all of the are new. Some are “delightful, older discoveries.” (OK — I don’t know why my links are now showing up in purple — but click on them to see Dot’s reviews!)
1. Twilight Hunger by Maggie Shane
2. Ravenous by Aharon Ashwood
3. Shades of Midnight by Lara Adrian
4. Moon Called by Patricia Briggs
5. Kate Daniels Series by Ilona andrews
Magic bites
Magic strikes
Magic Bleeds
6. Graceling and Fire by Kristin Cashore (YA)
7. Mind Games by Carolyn Crane
8. Twice Bitten by Chloe Neill
9. Rajmund by D.B. Reynolds
10. On The Edge by Ilona Andrews
11. Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (YA)
12. Unmasked by C.J. Barry (SyFi Romance)
13. Haunted Honeymoon by Marta Acosta
14. Jane Bites Back by Michael Thomas Ford
And — tell us what you liked!!!! What were your fave PR books for 2010?!
Book pick: Oh Fae! Bleep! ‘Paranormalcy’ one rocking YA romance! November 3, 2010
Posted by Diana McCabe in Authors, Book lists.Tags: Evie, Kiersten White, Lend, Paranormacly, Reth
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Oh, Bite Me.
That’s the title of the first chapter in Kiersten White’s flirty, action-packed PARANORMALCY, and it sets the tone for the whole story about Evie, a 16-year-old girl who can see through the glamours of paranormal creatures. That makes her a valuable asset of the IPCA — the International Paranormal Containment Agency — where she uses her pink “rhinestone-studded Tasey” to bag and tag paranormals, who are later made into useful members of society. Apparently Evie, is the only human on the planet who can see through paranormal glamours.
With Evie, a kind of fashion-obsessed (think zebra-print dresses, pink boots), slightly whiny but witty teen — who actually thinks like a teen — White has taken a typical YA theme about girl vs. bad paranormals and given it a fresh spin with some interesting characters. For starters, there’s Evie, who has worked for the IPCA since she was 8. It’s really the only home she’s ever known. But she longs for the normal things a teen has, including a driver’s license, her fave TV high school drama (Easton Heights) and true love. But while Evie might long to be normal and go to school — she really wants her own school locker — she’s no dummy.
She’s not falling for Reth, her sexy, charismatic ex-Fae boyfriend who is obsessed with Evie. Like stalker obsessed. He, too, works for the IPCA, but those Fae — no one can control ‘em and Evie knows it. And there’s so much Fae lore woven into this book that you’re trying to figure out if Reth is good or bad or how Evie is involved in some strange Fae prophecy.
But beyond the world of the Fae, White presents kooky paranormals of all types. From your standard weres to child-eating hags. the classic vamps to water spirits and a mermaid who talks to Evie via a computer-generated voice.
Kiersten White/Courtesy her site
Even with her job and odd friends though, Evie is lonely. And she soon meets a new friend — a shapeshifter named Lend, who is trying to figure out who is killing paranormal creatures. That’s how he meets Evie. He “breaks” into the IPCA and takes on different identities until he’s captured. Lend is the opposite of the intense Reth. He’s easy-going and gentle and –well — kind of like a normal shy teen boy. He and Evie strike up quite a relationship — the kind of fumbling romance that isn’t lurid or oversexed but charming.
Together — and with Reth’s kind of helpful interference — they sort of figure out the paranormal killer puzzle and Evie’s connection.
I liked this story because it started with a riddle, involves the weird world of the fae, and heroine isn’t some mopey teen, but a kid with attitude and sass. I do think there’s a lot crammed into this first book, which made it interesting but sometimes confusing. The bagging and tagging of paranormals, Evie’s relationship with Lend, the prophecy that somehow includes her and the fae — who are probably up to no good but we won’t know until the next book. And then the cool description of life inside the IPCA and Evie’s desire to be a normal teen and go to school.
But it’s a really fun read. And if you do pick it up, you’ll have to let me know if you thought the ending was a bit abrupt. Guess that sets us up for the second book — SUPERNATURALLY -- due out next fall. On her site White simply says this about the next book:
Evie, Lend, Reth, Arianna, Raquel, David . . .
And Jack.
Life’s never fair when faeries are involved.
Check out her cool book video for PARANORMALCY:
3 books on my “to read’ list that come out in last part of 2010 September 26, 2010
Posted by Diana McCabe in Book lists.Tags: Crown of Crystal Flame, Devoured by Darkness, Wolfsbane
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What three books being released in the final quarter of the year am I hoping to polish off? I was feeling kind of deflated now that Karen Marie Moning’s final book in the Fever series has been pushed back to next year. But after my buddies at www.sookiestackhouse.com asked me for my picks, I discovered I shouldn’t be so bummed. There are lots of good books being released. Here are my three picks. I will update this with a link to the recommendations from the sookiestackhouse.com site (they have a good book selection/author interviews and reviews) when they post their list!
Crown of Crystal Flame by C.L. Wilson — Oct. 26
This if the final book in the 5-part series about Ellysetta Baristani and Rain Tairen Soul — the Fey king who finds his true mate in Ellysetta. She is the key to saving his immortal race. And the final story tells of their battle against the evil Eld Mages. This is more of a fantasy-romance series but it has so many elements of magic that I include it on my paranormal romance list. In the first novel, we learn that the Fey king , Rain Tairen Soul, lost the woman he loved in battle. In his rage, he wiped out half the world. But thousands of years later, his immortal race is in danger and the evil Eld Mages are beginning to gain power. But then Rain hears the call of his true soul mate, Ellysetta, a woodcarver’s daughter with special powers. Yup — there’s a scandal because she is not “nobility ” and her existence rouses the interest of the evil Elds.
Why I want to read it? Sometimes the stories drag a bit, but it’s a great world that Wilson builds. And I want to see how Ellysetta’s special powers and connections are resolved. If you like fantasy romance — this might be for you.
Here’s a book blurb on the final book from Amazon.com:
Seers had long foreseen an extraordinary destiny for Ellysetta Baristani. Already she had won the heart of the Fey King—the magnificent Rain, ever her ally, eternally her love. She had saved the offspring of the magical tairen and fought beside her legendary mate against the armies of Eld. But the most powerful—and dangerous—Verse of her Song had yet to be sung. As the final battle draws nigh and evil tightens its grip upon her soul—will Ellysetta secure the world for Light or plunge it into Darkness for all eternity? As she and Rain fight for each other, side by side, will they find a way to complete their truemate bond and defeat the evil High Mage of Eld before it’s too late, or must they make the ultimate sacrifice to save their world?
Wolfsbane (Aralorn) by Patricia Briggs — Nov. 2
I like everything I’ve read by Briggs, especially her Mercy Thompson series. WOLFSBANE is the sequel to MASQUES, which Briggs wrote 15 years ago and recently revised. It tells the story of Aralorn, a shapeshifter and a spy, who has a friend named Wolf, who helps her out of a lot of jams. But then she learns about Wolf’s past and finds out he’s a powerful sorcerer and shifter — and the two of them have to work together to save the royal family and people of her country from an evil sorcerer. The sequel picks up the rest of the story. Here’s a blurb from Amazon.com:
Shapeshifting mercenary Aralorn leads a dangerous existence. Now she must return home for her noble father, the Lyon of Lambshold, has passed away. But when Aralorn and her companion Wolf arrive, they find he’s not dead, but ensorcelled by the ae’Magi, using him as a conduit to destroy Aralorn and Wolf. She must overcome this mysterious mist or fall to the blackest of magic.
Why I want to read it? Because everything by Briggs is good. Her characters have a sense of humor, she’s great at building romantic tension without getting graphic — and she’s one of the best creators of worlds and beings without going overboard.
Devoured by Darkness by Alexandra Ivy — Nov. 30
The Guardian of Eternity series by Ivy is one of my guilty pleasures. She writes about vampires, shifters and other odd creatures but tosses in a lot of heat and romance. I’ve read all of the books in her series — each one follows a different heroine and hero — and they’re just fun. OK — yes — some of them might seem a bit formulaic with the spunky heroine and the alpha male — but they’re fun reads. In book No. 7 — we learn about Tane, a character who popped up in her previous novels. Here’s a blurb from Amazon.com:
Tane is a Charon, sworn to hunt and kill rogue vampires. His new assignment seems like a waste of his talents – until he catches up with the jinn he’s been sent to capture. Half human, half demon, Laylah has a vulnerable streak that strikes right through to Tane’s cold heart. He should be furious when she uses her powers to bind them together, preventing him from dragging her before the Commission. Instead he welcomes any reason to stay close enough to touch, to taste, to seduce … Laylah doesn’t know why she was chosen to protect a child who may be the catalyst in a war between good and evil. But the mysteries of her past pale compared to the dangers approaching. Tane is devastatingly strong, breathtakingly sensual. And Laylah will have to trust in every ounce of that strength, because her enemies are drawing near, eager to destroy them both…
Why I want to read it: Because Ivy’s books are great for an afternoon or evening of escape, and Tane is one hot alpha male!
These are my picks. So what are your top 3 picks for the end of the year?
Meet 4 YA authors at Supernatural Summer Tour in San Diego June 3, 2010
Posted by Diana McCabe in Book lists, Fun stuff.Tags: Ellen Schreiber, Kelley Armstrong, Kim Harrison, Kimberely Derting
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Meet four fab young adult fantasy writers Sunday at 2 p.m. in San Diego at the Mysterious Galaxy bookstore at 7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.#Suite #302. (CLICK HERE for website and more info.)
Kelley Armstrong concludes her first Darkest Powers trilogy with THE RECKONING. Teen Chloe Saunders aspires to be normal – a stretch for a necromancer torn between her attraction to a werewolf and a sorcerer. Kelley is also the author of the Otherworld paranormal suspense series (set in the same universe as Darkest Powers, but without overlapping characters) and Nadia Stafford thrillers. WAKING THE WITCH is due in August, and her collection, MEN OF THE OTHERWORLD, benefits World Literacy of Canada
Kimberley Derting’s March debut, THE BODY FINDER, received a Best Fiction for Young Adults nomination from the Young Adult Library Services Association. High school student Violet Ambrose has inherited her grandmother’s ability to hear the “echo” left behind by those who have died violently. When a series of young women meet violent ends in her town, she is determined to find the killer. The next book, DESIRES OF THE DEAD, is due in early 2011.
Madison Avery, introduced in PROM NIGHTS FROM HELL , is back in her second novel, EARLY TO DEATH, EARLY TO RISE. Upon her death, Madison discovered her destiny as a timekeeper, in charge of Heaven’s dark angels. When she decides to form a rogue band and bend the celestial rules, things quickly escalate beyond her control. Kim Harrison is also the author of the popular novels set in The Hollows, including February’s BLACK MAGIC SANCTION, pitting Rachel Morgan against another witch.
Ellen Schreiber’s VAMPIRE KISSES series exists in two complimentary incarnations – as novels, and as manga. VAMPIRE KISSES 7: LOVE BITES, continues the love affair between vampire obsessed, goth girl Raven and her favorite mysterious dark-eyed hottie, Alexander Sterling. Raven hopes to find out from Alexander’s visiting BFF, Sebastian, the key to getting Alexander to make her a vampire as well and helping her escape Dullsville. Early 2011 promises ONCE IN A FULL MOON, her “New Series about a Hot & Heroic Werewolf!”
This is a numbered event. Numbers for the signing line are available with purchase of any of the Supernatural Summer authors’ most recent book from Mysterious Galaxy. Tickets will be issued to customers with receipts from your March and April purchases of Kimberly and Kelley’s books.
March Madness: Paranormal romance books due out March 30! March 27, 2010
Posted by Diana McCabe in Book lists, Releases, Reviews/summaries.Tags: Alexandra Ivy, DD Barant, Patricia Briggs, Rhyannon Byrd, Richelle Mead
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I’m still preoccupied with March Madness hoops, but I did remember that several authors will release some good reads at the end of month. Here are a few I’m hoping to pick up. Did I leave anything out? Let me know. Also, next up this week: A book pick from Dot!
Books coming out March 30!!!!
BEYOND THE DARKNESS (GUARDIANS OF ETERNITY BOOK) BY ALEXANDRA IVY
Book blurb listed on Amazon.com: Salvatore Giuliani is not a happy werewolf. It’s his duty as leader to track down the pureblood females who can keep his people from extinction. But the moment he catches scent of Harley, a pureblood held by a pack of mangy curs, his savage need for her obliterates all other instincts. And the only thing worse than being captured is finding that beautiful, independent Harley defiantly refuses to become his mate. Harley has been taught to distrust all Weres, especially their arrogant king. She won’t be used for breeding or bonded against her will, not even to a man who makes every nerve tingle with awareness. Yet Salvatore is her key to saving the family she never knew she had – if she dares to succumb to his dark, predatory desire, and face a vicious enemy sworn to destroy them both…
Read my interview with Alexandra Ivy HERE!
DEATH BLOWS: THE BLOODHOUND FILES BY DD BARANT
Book blurb listed on Amazon.com: FBI profiler Jace Valchek was pulled into this parallel realm to hunt for Aristotle Stoker, a human serial killer who preys on vampires and werewolves. Now she works for the National Security Agency of the Unnatural States of America—and her boss is a vampire. At a bizarre crime scene, Jace finds a bloodsucker murdered by magic, fried to the bone and dressed in the costume of the comic book hero the Flash—a character who isn’t supposed to exist here. Comic books have been outlawed for their powers, including crossover spells like the one that transported Jace to this world. Soon, she’s following a trail of dead bodies into the sinister underworld of black-market comics—where a deranged madman gives new meaning to the term “super-villain”…
Read our writeup on the first novel in DD Barant’s series — DYING BITES — HERE.
SILVER BORNE (MERCY THOMPSON BOOK 5) BY PATRICIA BRIGGS
Book blurb listed on Amazon.com (Publisher’s Weekly): Coyote-shifting garage mechanic Mercedes Thompson, now mated to Adam, the Alpha of the local werewolf pack, embarks on her exciting fifth dark fantasy adventure (after 2009′s bestselling Bone Crossed). Three subplots—Mercy’s attempt to return a magical book to a fae friend-of-a-friend, her difficulties integrating into Adam’s pack, and her roommate Samuel’s misery over being a lone Alpha—come together seamlessly, and excitement builds as Mercy and her loved ones go through ever more intense experiences, including a house fire, a suicide attempt, a death sentence, and a reunion between long-ago loves. Briggs creates both well-rounded characters and a complex mythology, resulting in a rich read that’s far more than a series of action adventures strung together. Fans of the series will be thrilled; new readers should start at the beginning or risk drowning in the immersive world-building.
SUCCUBUS SHADOWS (GEORGINA KINCAID BOOK 5) BY RICHELLE MEAD
Book blurb listed on Amazon.com: Georgina Kincaid has formidable powers. Immortality, seduction, shape-shifting into any human form she desires, walking in heels that would cripple mere mortals–all child’s play to a succubus like her. Helping to plan her ex-boyfriend’s wedding is a different story. Georgina isn’t sure which is worse–that Seth is marrying another woman, or that Georgina has to run all over Seattle trying on bridesmaid dresses. Still, there are distractions. Georgina’s roommate, Roman, is cluttering her apartment with sexual tension. Then there’s Simone, the new succubus in town, who’s intent on corrupting Seth. But the real danger lies in the mysterious force that’s visiting her thoughts, trying to draw her into a dark, otherworldly realm. Sooner or later, Georgina knows she’ll be too weak to resist. And when that happens, she’ll discover who she can trust, who she can’t — and that Hell is far from the worst place to spend eternity …
TOUCH OF SEDUCTION BY RHYANNON BYRD
Book blurb listed on Amazon.com: Sold into slavery as a child to a cruel taskmaster, tiger-shifter Aiden Shrader trusts no one. Not even his own kind. Yet as a member of the Watchmen — the organization of shape-shifters who keep watch over the ancient nonhuman race — Aiden is fiercely protective of the helpless. Never more so than when he’s asked to guard a little girl with witches’ blood — and her beautiful human aunt. A woman who arouses all of Aiden’s primal urges … urges he must resist. To small-town schoolteacher Olivia Harcourt, the massive tiger-shifter with the glowing amber eyes is as much a dark mystery as the enemy stalking her. Yet Aiden is her only hope of surviving. Until their intense passion unleashes her own inner tigress with a ferocity that will make the evil Casus rue the day they messed with her family … and will take Aiden by seductive surprise.
For anyone who wants to time travel & meet that hunky guy in a kilt March 21, 2010
Posted by Diana McCabe in Authors, Book lists, Fun stuff.Tags: Lynn Kurland, One Enchanted Evening, time travel
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Lynn Kurland’s novels are cool because she whisks her heroines/heroes back in time — usually to medieval England — and she’s got a wicked sense of humor when it comes to ghosts, chocolate and romance. So I was jazzed when I found she was releasing the next book in her De Piaget family series: ONE ENCHANTED EVENING. On her message board, Kurland says the novel tells the story of Montgomery and will be released April 27. (Montgomery De Piaget is the son of Rhys and Gwennelyn. He’s Amanda’s younger brother in DREAMS OF STARDUST. Think he holds Sedgewick.) Here’s what the book blurb says:
“A duty-bound knight has taken on the task of rebuilding the most dilapidated castle in all of England. A costume designer gets her chance to shine by showcasing her fairy-tale designs at an upscale party in an authentic medieval castle. And the magic that whispers along the castle’s hallways is about to orchestrate an improbable happily-ever-after.”
Kurland’s stories are light-hearted romances and just great “I wanna escape” reads. (Lots of people complain she’s not Diana Gabaldon. Hey — get over it. Kurland’s got her own niche and it’s fun.) I like how she plays with time travel. In some books, it’s the traditional “back through time” concept. In others, her characters move back and forth between time periods. She throws in a bit of magical whimsy, too, so us time-travel purists won’t get too bogged down in dissecting the theoretical! Here are a few of my favorites:
STARDUST OF YESTERDAY: Heroine inherits haunted castle and falls in love with ghost.
THE MORE I SEE YOU: Woman who wishes on a star and finds herself with a 13-century knight.
A DANCE THROUGH TIME: A New York writer dreams about a mysterious Scottish laird and then finds herself face-to-face with the man from her dream.
You can check out all of her titles at her Web site by CLICKING HERE.
For a cool fan site that has links to a lot of nifty Lynn Kurland book stuff, including a character list, list of known time gates, location directory and transcripts of chats with Lynn, CLICK HERE. (I’m not sure how often it’s updated but it’s a great archive for fans.)
After Diana Gabaldon series, what would you recommend next? February 4, 2010
Posted by Diana McCabe in Book lists.Tags: Jack Finney, Lynn Kurland, time travel, Traitor to the Crown
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I’ve often wondered if there’s anything else out there that’s sort of like Diana Gabaldon’s sweeping series. And then a visitor to the blog — Petra — asked the same question. What would you recommend after reading that series? What might possibly hold a small candle to the saga of Jamie and Claire?
That’s a tough one! I don’t think there is anything quite like Diana Gabaldon’s books! So I’ll post a couple of suggestions and then see what you have to say!
--Lynn Kurland’s time travel or historical series
These are light-hearted romances. Characters usually travel back in time to medieval England. (Sometimes it’s switched and the knight lands in present day USA!) But Kurland has a wicked sense of humor (where is that chocolate bar or cup of coffee in the 13 century when you need it!) and adds a little bit of romance to keep things interesting. Plus — some nifty historical details. She also has a slew of books so you might want to try STARDUST OF YESTERDAY (heroine inherits haunted castle and falls in love with ghost. Or THE MORE I SEE YOU, about woman who wishes on a star and finds herself with a 13-century knight. Web site: http://www.lynnkurland.com/reading.html
–C.C. Finlay’s Traitor to the Crown series
You want fantasy? American history tinged with some magic? Check out this well-researched trio of stories that begin with Proctor Brown — minuteman and witch. He’s got a loyalist girlfriend. But he wants to fight for the American cause and use his special talents. And he’s not the only witch fighting the American Revolution. (THE PATRIOT WITCH, A SPELL FOR THE REVOLUTION, THE DEMON REDCOAT.) Web site: http://www.ccfinlay.com/index.html
--Jack Finney on time travel
Probably the book I like the best is TIME AND AGAIN. Simon Morley, an illustrator, agrees to participate in a secret govenment project to hypnotize himself into 1880s New York. It works and he goes back to investigate a mystery. Morely finds himself falling in love with his landlady’s daughter in the past. He also has to deal with threats both in the past and present. Finney also has a collection of short stories – ABOUT TIME – that includes “The Third Level,” about a mysterious platform in Grand Central Station that leads into another world (well before the “Level Nine and Three-quarters” in “Harry Potter”). And “The Coin Collector,” about alternate realities, where “a Woodrow Wilson dime” reveals that “every once in a while something from one of these worlds . . . will stray into another one.”
So what would you recommend? Let us know!
