Eternal Rider (Lords of Deliverance #1)

Author: Larissa Ione
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

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.

While this is the first book in a new series by Larissa Ione, it is a direct follow from her five book Demonica series (starting with Pleasure Unbound). Ione's fun and sexy characters and a well constructed world come together for a very entertaining romp. A perfect bit of escapism.

Holy moly... just look at that cover alone!

**Note: This book was purchased for my personal library.

Midnight Riot

Author: Ben Aaronovitch
Publisher: Del Rey

Probationary Constable Peter Grant dreams of being a detective in London’s Metropolitan Police. Too bad his superior plans to assign him to the Case Progression Unit, where the biggest threat he’ll face is a paper cut. But Peter’s prospects change in the aftermath of a puzzling murder, when he gains exclusive information from an eyewitness who happens to be a ghost. Peter’s ability to speak with the lingering dead brings him to the attention of Detective Chief Inspector Thomas Nightingale, who investigates crimes involving magic and other manifestations of the uncanny. Now, as a wave of brutal and bizarre murders engulfs the city, Peter is plunged into a world where gods and goddesses mingle with mortals and a long-dead evil is making a comeback on a rising tide of magic.

If you are a fan of English mysteries and dry as dust humor, this is the book for you! Originally published as "Rivers of London" the first installment in the new Peter Grant series was retitled for American audiences. Personally, I find that annoying...Rivers of London was a great title for the story.

Anyway, memorable characters, snappy dialogue, a nice twisty plot and a unique tour of English countryside makes this a great read. I'm ready for the sequel!

**Note: this book purchased for my personal library

A New Birth of Freedom: The Visitor

Author: Robert G. Pielke
ARC supplied by Publisher, Tribute Books

When a stranger carrying a shiny, metallic valise steps aboard a train carrying Abraham Lincoln home from a two year stint in Congress, everyone stares, wondering about the stranger's odd clothing and strange footwear with the word Nike emblazoned on them.

Thus begins the first novel in an alternative sci-fi history trilogy. The story is intriguing and interesting, but I will admit to two rather annoying aspects. The first is the focus on slavery as the primary reason for the War Between the States. Every character, it seems, makes this reference. I admit, I am married to a Southerner, but even so, I've had an interest in the war for years and was very surprised that neither Robert E Lee or Lincoln himself mentions the issue of States' Rights.

It's fiction, I know. But if you want to create a dramatic impact, keep the history as accurate as possible.... right?

The second annoyance was the main characters tendency to talk to himself to explain other people's actions. This quickly becomes a crutch, in my opinion, having the character (a history professor) constantly comparing historical figure's responses and actions to his knowledge from previous research in his own time. *Show* don't tell....

That said, there's a good chance I'll pick up the second installment just to see how things turn out and the author resolves the paradox of changing history...

Note: This Advanced Copy was supplied to me by the publisher, but I have received no other recompense for my review. As such, this is my honest opinion and has in no way been influenced by the method of acquistion.

10 on the 10th

Annette's Ten Books of 2011 (no particular order):

1 - Wise Man's Fear by Patrick Rothfuss - I can hardly wait for this sequel to The Name of the Wind! Happily, it's due in March and I've already gotten my pre-order in, so I'm ready!

2 - Ghost Story by Jim Butcher - Harry Dresden is my literary crush. I was not happy with the cliffhanger in Changes. Must know the resolution! How soon will April get here?

3 - Lover Unleashed by JR Ward - Payne and Manny's story arrives the end of March. I always look forward to another reason to visit the BDB world.

4 - River Marked by Patricia Briggs - The latest installment in the Mercy Thompson series is another March release.

5 - Anna Dressed in Blood - Kendare Blake - The cover caught my eye and then the synopsis kept my attention. A September release.

6 - Envy by JR Ward - The next adventure of Ward's Fallen Angels. October release date.

7 - Eternal Rider by Larissa Ione - A new series in Ione's popular Demonica world which I am definitely a fan of. End of March release (anyone else seeing a pattern here??)

8 - Deeper than Midnight by Lara Adrian - Book 9 in the Midnight Breed series is due out in June.

9 - Spellbound by Blake Charlton - I found a lot of promise in the first book in this fantasy series (Spellwright) and I'm looking forward to the next installment with a more mature hero. August release.

10 - Heart of Steel by Meljean Brook - Of all the books trying to find a place in the "steampunk" genre, only two that I've read come anywhere close. One of those is The Iron Duke and why I'm ready for the sequel. Sadly, I've got to wait until November!

The Quick and the Thread

Author: Amanda Lee
Publisher: Signet, August 2010

When Marcy Singer opens an embroidery specialty shop in quaint Tallulah Falls, Oregon, she throws a soiree and a Stitch-In. Soon, Marcy's sign- up sheet for embroidery classes fills up and everyone in town seems willing to raise a glass-or a needle-to support the newly-opened Seven Year Stitch.

Then Marcy finds the shop's previous tenant dead in the store-room, a message scratched with a tapestry needle on the wall beside him. Now Marcy's shop has become a crime scene, and she's the prime suspect. She'll have to find the killer before someone puts a final stitch in her.

The trouble with reading embroidery-themed cozy mysteries when one actually *does* embroider, is when the author sprinkles in the small details meant to add a little color and depth to the character and story and they get it wrong.... it's like a big speed bump in the narrative. These details aren't the focus of the story, nor do they play out in the solution of the mystery, but it's just something I find annoying... LOL

This is a very light, simple story. The resolution is a bit far-fetched, but the characters are likable enough to make it work. If you are a fan of Monica Ferris, you'll not regret spending a little time here.

Annette's Top 10 in 2010

1 - Lover Mine by JR Ward

2 - Shalador's Lady by Anne Bishop

3 - Changes by Jim Butcher

4 - Never the Bride by Paul Magrs

5 - The Way of Shadows by Brent Weeks

6 - Wicked Appetite by Janet Evanovich

7 - My Life in France by Julia Child

8 - Johannes Cabal, Necromancer by Jonathan Howard

9 - Happy Hour at Casa Dracula by Marta Acosta

10 - The Iron Duke by Meljean Brook

And an Honorable Mention (because I haven't actually finished it yet but it is great!)

11 - The Devil in White City by Erik Larson

These are the ten I picked last night and to be honest, today I may have changed a couple. There's something for everyone on this list :)