Nerdy Werewolf

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling My rating: 4 of 5 stars “Why spiders? Why couldn't it be "follow the butterflies?” Why do fantasy authors have a habit of not only making spiders the big boss, but making them the giant big boss? I always have to turn away when they put them in films. Terrifying. So, I'm carrying on with the Stephen Fry audiobooks and they're still downright delightful. This is the book where you start to realize that there is so much more to the story than just a really unlucky kid going on adventures that involve magic and creatures. I feel like this volume also solidifies everyone's roles...at least, for now. View all my reviews

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling My rating: 5 of 5 stars “Don't play," said Hermione at once. "Say you're ill," said Ron. "Pretend to break your leg," Hermione suggested. "Really break your leg," said Ron. I listened to the audio version read by Stephen Fry this time around. He's wonderful. I know he would be, but it's worth saying anyway. It's amazing how these books stick with you and how you can be utterly enchanted by them no matter what age you were when you first read them. I mean, knowing everything that's going to happen in this book and beyond and still laughing out loud and sighing wistfully? It's a gift, and I'll take it. View all my reviews

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...

Fairest, Volume 5: The Clamour for Glamour by Mark Buckingham My rating: 2 of 5 stars "I've never seen that before. I swear! It's a plant!" "No, dear. You're a plant. That's a book." So....this series is kind of pissing me off. Yeah. This installment ( again ) does not focus on any female Fables characters. Why? I just...don't understand. I will reiterate the tagline printed on the back of each graphic novel in this series: THE WOMEN OF FABLES IN A SERIES ALL THEIR OWN. But...no? ::sighs:: This volume is dedicated in the most part to the Fables that are not human and forced to live on "The Farm" out of the mundies' line of sight. They all revolt and want spells created to turn them human so they can leave the farm and the characters featured the most are Reynard the Fox and Mr. Sunflower. Neither of which are women. Again. I'm not even going to research which characters appeared because I'm still...

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

Fairest, Volume 2: The Hidden Kingdom by Lauren Beukes My rating: 3 of 5 stars "You can't see the path in front of you. Only the one behind. You need to own it. Seize the future with both hands and eyes wide open." This story features an agony-torn Rapunzel in the search for her lost children that people have been trying to convince her are fictional for years. Switching back and forth between a modern, present-day timeline and flashbacks from feudal Japan, this story features many yokai, including kappas, kirin, tengu and tanuki. We also get Frau Totenkinder (the wicked witch from both the Rapunzel and Hansel & Gretel stories), a kitsune with hidden foxfire named Tokomo, Jack of the Fables universe, Mayumi, the slit-mouthed woman, and a whole lot of war. At the end, there's a short featuring Reynard the Fox at the Farm and a pretty Dryad named Princess Alder. Then, it ties into the Fables story in a really big way! View all my reviews...

Wildfire by Ilona Andrews My rating: 5 of 5 stars "Vincent rolled his eyes. “I can’t believe I have to say this. You there, dashing male secretary! Drop the frying pan.” Mad Rogan continues to be the ultimate alpha male with a heart of gold. Yes, IA has a type they write about. And while I agree with almost everyone on that point, Mad Rogan is still completely different from other IA alpha males. ::cough, cough CURRAN cough cough:: I love that. We finally found out more about both Catalina and Arabella. The Baylors are finally coming up in a world full of magical politics, Primes and Houses. We get more about Bern and Leon (the cousins) as well and I continue to love Rogan's adoption of Bug and his dog and how loyal his people are in general. So much progression in this installment! And even though the main plot is probably going to continue into Catalina's series (!!!) , I'm good with it. I feel like what needed to be resolved was and I'm st...