eyes.2c Reviews

Great read! I loved this novel so much I bought the rest of the series! Absolutely enjoyed this foray in the steampunk, paranormal world of the Gaslight Chronicles by Cindy Spencer Pape. In Moonlight & Mechanicals t here’s a dastardly plot afoot! The queen is in danger! On the streets of Wapping animals, and people between the ages of 15 and 30, are disappearing. But it’s Wapping. Who’s going to notice? Well, Wink does. Once more the Knights of the Order are called into action.   Are the circumstances, animals and people missing, linked? This is Wink and Liam’s story. The stories that began with Steam & Sorcery continue. I loved this title so much that I bought the rest of the series!                          A NetGalley ARC

…‘the truth is that Machu Pichu is always going to be something of a mystery’ Machu Pichu is on my ‘bucket list.’ My attention to this fabulous site was further piqued by the interview author Mark Adams did about his then, forthcoming book, Turn Right at Machu Pichu: Rediscovering the Lost City One Step at a Time , with Jon Stewart on the Daily Show. (I had already been talking to friends who had visited there and researched times to visit and costs.) When NetGalley had this title as an ARC I couldn’t resist it. As many have said Adam’s work is a factual, entertaining and sometimes humorous read that inspires at least me, to hasten a visit to this fascinating site. I would love to do it the way Adams did, in the footsteps of Hiram Bingham III. Alas for me, those days have gone. I can however benefit from Adam’s travels, by increasing my understanding of Machu Pichu from his book, and by planning a less rigorous but satisfying experience of the ‘mysterious’ Machu Pichu....

The Assassin’s Curse by Cassandra Rose Clarke This is a gem of a novel with all the desired accoutrements. A strong, coltish female lead, a disfigured deadly stranger of the shadows, deep running magical plots, self-centered attractive women of ethereal slenderness and magical mayhem, and attendant invasive worlds. Great! Our star is Ananna a pirate captain’s daughter who absconds rather than make a marriage of alliance with the son of a rival pirate clan. Strangely thoughtful, Ananna has all of a young adult’s attendant awkwardness as she strives to workout her destiny. I loved the description of her in her silk marriage dress and clunky pirate boots fleeing the wedding proposal with requisite camel. Her refusal to the marriage means death by assassin. ‘Oh really!’ seems to be Ananna’s response. She is a thief and a fighter who leaps from one situation to another, that she might later regret. Throughout the story we are treated to her internal dialogue, liberal...

Pearl in the Sand Set against the biblical background of the Battle of Jericho, Rahab the Canaanite’s story is written with grace, understanding and compassion. Rahab walks strongly across the pages of the book, and in doing so deepened my understanding of the biblical story. To take a well known tale as old as time, and to give a new and compelling vision to it is indeed a gift and Tessa Afshar is without doubt a gifted writer. Rahab as a young girl is sold into prostitution by her beloved father, yet rather than being annihilated by such a betrayal she demonstrates a vitality of spirit, an awesome strength and intrinsically honorable heart. Rahab hears the voice of God and responds. The tale of Rahab’s trials, her challenges and very human responses are given a new impetus in this retelling and places her squarely in the forefront of great women of the Bible. This is no woman of the past, of insubstantial being, but rather the story of one who represents the many faces of wome...

Cast in Peril   ‘The worst thing about having a roommate…was morning!’ (Well not counting a dragon for a roommate, an arcane bomb, and Dragons, the Barrani, and Hawk Headquarters in uproar). And just like that we’re thrown into life with Kaylin Neya. Sagara continues to delight us with the differing facets of the world of Elantra’s Chronicles. The ongoing story of assassin turned Hawk, Private Kaylin and her various acquaintances and companions, drawn from the races found in Elantra, is as exciting today as it was from the very first read. The wry and delightful humor that undergirds much of Kaylin’s interaction with her world is constantly present. Her relationship with the female dragon Bellusdeo, often bemoaned by Kaylin, is a treasure to be explored further. We revisit known and loved characters in this continuing and surprising episode of Kaylin. Old friends take on new dimensions, as do old enemies—including ex barrani, now fief Lord, Nightshade, the barra...

The Red Pole of Macau by Ian Hamilton. Excellent read. A fast paced modern thriller. The action moves from Toronto to Hong Kong to Macau. Ava, a forensic accountant, is drawn into her brother's affairs. Saving the situation will save the family. Ramifications of funds and face are not to be underestimated. Ava renews old acquaintances and makes new friends. Well worth reading. Ian Hamilton's website Loved The Red Pole so much that I read the 3 preceeding novels In fact I've walked over to Avenue & Yorkville to determine where Ava's apartment might be. I think I have it pegged. To get a further feel about Ava I looked at Brooks Brothers shirts online. If I were Ava's svelte build I'd invest. Also looked at Shanghai Tang Happiness bags online. Loved the range. Wan't one but don't need one. Re-lived times in Beijing. Hong Kong, Bangkok, Vancouver and London.