Nerdy Werewolf

Sapphire Flames by Ilona Andrews My rating: 4 of 5 stars “Catalina,” Grandma Frida called out behind me. “When you’re done cutting up the body, call me. I’ll help you hide it.” I turned and looked at her. Grandma flexed her arm. “Ride or die.” I already really liked Catalina going into this. I liked her before I read Diamond Fire . I was actually pretty eager to delve more into her and Arabella's story and man, was I not disappointed! This is probably my favorite family/extended family in the UF genre. The only others that come close are the Price clan (from Seanan McGuire's Discount Armageddon series) and I really don't even want to compare them. The Baylors are so much fun . They are all strange and lovable in very different ways and honestly, I'd read a book starring any of them. I love how everyone in this universe has unique-to-them powers and the politics between Houses. It's like the romanticized Mafia with supernatural abilities and no law enforcement. ...

Diamond Fire by Ilona Andrews My rating: 4 of 5 stars "Arabella moaned and dramatically slammed her head on the table. Mom and Grandma Frida put down their utensils and clapped." I adore the Baylor clan. This novella is about Nevada's wedding, but we're also getting our first look at Catalina's perspective. I love the Andrews' because every time I read something they've written, I kick myself for not reading it sooner. I always have a good experience. I'm glad I started with the Kate Daniels series, because you could kind of watch them perfect their art (storytelling) and by the end, it was all worth it. Now, it's like they've got it nailed down and you know what? They don't seem to have character molds. It's like they're all really separate people and that's just worth appreciating. We got to meet Mad Rogan's mom and extended family in this one, as well as get to know Catalina. We also get lots of wedding tantrums from...

Enna Burning by Shannon Hale My rating: 4 of 5 stars "I think you’re one loop short of a knot, Enna. A little tug, and you’re undone.” So, tone-wise, this was almost completely different from the first book in the series and it makes sense that it would be. The first book was a spin on the Grimm fairy tale "The Goose Girl" , and it read like a fairy tale. This installment read more like high fantasy. It's the same kingdom, now at war, featuring a heroine that was introduced in the previous book. In fact, the majority of background characters shift to the forefront, so enjoying the first installment almost guaranteed you'd already be invested no matter how the tale went. The author took the world she'd embellished upon and just ran with it and the result was something just as captivating, but in a different way altogether. I really enjoyed watching everyone from the first book develop and evolve. Especially our MC, Enna. She was all over the place and she w...

Clean Sweep by Ilona Andrews My rating: 3 of 5 stars "My magic rolled from me in a powerful wave. The inn creaked in alarm. Nice going. I was scaring the house." Overall, this book was very, very good. It definitely has the potential to grow into an un-put-downable series. While I was reading it, I was hooked, but not completely sold. It wasn't until after I'd finished it and started thinking about all of the ( new! ) concepts introduced that I got really excited about reading the next one. The heroine, Dina, is not your typical ass-kicking queen, but rather a very down-to-earth (heh) , rational, normal, adult woman. Except for the magic, or...science or...stuff. You'll just have to read it. I'm not giving anything away! I'll leave you with this. It has introduced several species of supernatural creatures (werewolves, vampires) in a refreshingly different way with mythologies that are surprising and new. It's given me at least four chara...

Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J. Maas My rating: 5 of 5 stars "Things from legends—that’s who surrounded him. The witches, the spider … He might as well have been a character in one of the books he’d lent Aelin last fall." "She was no helpless princess. She had never been." Do you love a good epic fantasy? If so, read this series! This thing was more satisfying and enthrallling than it had any right to be. That goes for this book and the story as a whole. The character the whole story revolves around is for the most part unlikeable. She's brave and intense and self-sacrificing, but she's a terrible person, too. I freaking love that. On top of all that, she's young and naive and thinks about all of her problems like some really long game of chess that she refuses to lose. She's not a Disney princess, y'all. And the assortment of characters we pick up along the way? MAN. Each of them is so unique and some you instantly feel prote...

Magic Triumphs by Ilona Andrews My rating: 4 of 5 stars “Where is the fight?” Douglas demanded. “I already killed everybody,” I said. “You gotta be faster next time.” And....we're back. I have to admit, this was difficult to continuously read because I didn't want it to be over. I kept finding things to do that I normally wouldn't just to put it off a bit longer. So many things I feel. -Happiness because the book was awesome. There was enough random callbacks to remind you of situations that were relevant or funny without overtaking what was happening now . -Sadnesss because it really looks like the Kate Daniels chapter of this story is over. Rightfully so and well done, but over nonetheless. -Eagerness because there are clearly more stories from this world in our future based on Hugh's previous book and the way this one ended. Mainly, though, I think I feel satisfied. When I was at 90% in the book I was having a mild panic-attack because th...

Star Witch by Helen Harper My rating: 4 of 5 stars "Did I want a torrid love affair or did I want to catch an evil murderer? Both, of course, but given the choice between the two it was a tough call." Oh, man, I am really enjoying this series! It's not one of those dense ones you feel like you're asked to read for a school assignment. It's fun to read. The mystery was a quirky little thing, taking place during the filming of Ivy's favorite reality TV show in Scotland. Again, she's in The Order's crosshairs and even though she'd rather be at home dozing, she can't just let everything fall to pieces. I continue to enjoy her interactions with Winter, the Ipsissimus, Iqbal and of course, Brutus the talking cat. View all my reviews

White Hot by Ilona Andrews My rating: 5 of 5 stars “Does anybody else find this whole idea of a ferret heist mildly absurd?” Augustine looked around the room. I freaking love these books. The politics, the magic, the intrigue...the humor! Honestly, it was the covers that put me off but I'm starting to see I can't judge those bare-chested dudes. Thank you to everyone who recommended these to me. This one has a couple really subtle twists and references that I just adored. We learn a tad more about Nevada's wacky family and of course, there's epic fighting going down. We gain a few allies and make a few nasty enemies. Oh, and the romance is really, really top-notch. I love a slow burn. View all my reviews

Slouch Witch by Helen Harper My rating: 4 of 5 stars "One minute you are almost tolerable, the next I want to throttle you.’ ‘Most people feel that way about me,’ I said cheerfully. This book was a blast to read. The heroine is absolutely self-aware and constantly making decisions based on how she actually feels rather than trying to please everyone. It's refreshing. The mystery was a light except the few instances where it got a little intense, but it wasn't dense or hard to follow. I like how there are several different personalities and her talking cat is hilarious. I've already started the next one! View all my reviews