September Reads

Don't judge. I've been in a novel/light/fun/escapism reading mood the past few months. Not much heavy or...real has made it into the pile of books on my bed. I've basically busted through Roben McKinley's and Patricia Briggs entire works...

- Deerskin by Robin McKinley

This one was very interesting. I like it. It took me awhile to buy it. I read a lot of reviews before reading a book to try and make sure it's not raunchy. The reviews kept talking about how the book starting off with a rape scene but that it's an amazing book so keep reading. I was leery. I read enough good reviews to give it a shot and I'm glad I did. It does have a rape scene but it's more emotional than graphic. It's nothing compared to Pillars of the Earth or that other one by Follett that everyone was raving about a while ago. I had to put those down there was so much graphic rape in them. 

Oops. Sorry. Soapbox. Done. 

I liked this story. Redeeming love, healing, happiness...

 - Sunshine by Robin McKinley

Interesting twist on a vampire love story. She doesn't pull any punches with the vamps. They are not insanely beautiful and they don't sparkle in the sun. But they are somehow still lovable. Her other books are all very clean and suitable for young people. This one is her first for a grown up audience. 

Actually though, it's almost like she forgot 3/4 of the way through that it's supposed to be a more grownup book. She chucks in a sex scene very randomly, totally could've been left out. 

Don't laugh. I liked the story enough that I did this:

I know. I'm a dork.

- Rose Daughter by Robin McKinley

Robin McKinley's second retelling of Beauty and The Beast. I actually like it even better than her first one. Wonderful story, fleshed out characters. I love Beast. 

- Beauty by Robin McKinley

Lovely retelling of Beauty and The Beast. 

- Raven's Shadow and Raven's Strike by Patricia Briggs.
Very entertaining. Strong heroine with a nice love story.

 

- Dragon Bones and Dragon Blood by Patricia Briggs

I liked this little duology. The hero is adorable, totally loved him. And i love dragons...so this was a no-brainer. 

 Okay. Preface -  I have really been liking Patricia Briggs. Fun fantasy stories without graphic sex or swearing. I wanted to read the Alpha and Omega series and was told I had to read the novella Alpha & Omega first. It's in On The Prowl with three other short stories. Alpha & Omega was good. DO NOT read the three other stories. I figured that the stories would all be similar. Not so. The second one was okay but a bit too graphic for my taste. The third was boring, I didn't get far enough to see if it was graphic...And the third...basically porn. This book went in the trash. I would say read Alpha & Omega if you can get it in standalone form but otherwise, skip it. 

The rest of the series I liked. 

OOHHHH! I did read a meaningful, useful book...with no werewolves, vampires, ensorcelled beasts or dragons...this month!

- Canine Body Language by Brenda Aloff

Loved this book. My dog trainer recommended it and now I recommend it as well. If you've ever wondered what you dog was trying to tell you...this is the rosetta stone. So interesting. I'm still learning but feel like I'm understanding my dog much better now.