Author Archives: karenjvjohnson

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Ghoul Goblin

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18955395

Jim Butcher’s The Dresden Files: Ghoul Goblin, Volume 1 (The Dresden Files Graphic Novels)

by Mark Powers, Jim Butcher (Goodreads Author), Joseph Cooper (Illustrator)
What can I say, I’m a sucker Harry. This one took him out of the city and made him have to work a little harder. It fits perfectly within the world of Harry because he is always managing to end having to save someone from something mystical. The art work is good and depicts the characters well. The dialogue is pure Dresden and keeps you wanting more.

A deputy from Boone Mill Missouri has come a long way to see Harry about some strange deaths in his town. It seems that a local family, the Talbots are cursed and keep dying in horrific ways. Because he believes that Harry is a wizard he wants him to come and help. But many in the town do not believe and would be just as happy if he would go away.

Nice diversion while we wait for next book. Anything Dresden is better than nothing Dresden. If you are a fan then you have to read it. 🙂

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
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The Malthus Protocol

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28364006

The Malthus Protocol (The Last Peak, #1)

I received this book with the original title from the author for an honest review.
The name was later altered to The Darwin Protocol.

Have you ever read something that you both liked and disliked? That is where I am with this one, I liked the book but it did not totally grab me but I was still compelled to keep going because of the things I liked. Things started very slowly for me and took quite a while to heat up to the point I could not put it down. I am not a fan of lots of short chapters that jump from place to place and in this case to an earlier time period. I do like that the story was told from multiple perspectives which made it easy to follow the action.

The Good:
Great characters with lives that are totally believable who you cannot help but love or hate.
A location that works for me because I know exactly where most of them are.
A complex story that makes you work to understand what is happening.
Nice family drama

The Bad:
105 chapters in a book of 400 pages.
No action pertaining to the virus or whatever that is supposed to hit L.A. until chapter 49.
Too many war flashbacks, when one or two could have told the story.

The United States is not what it used to be and does not wish to go down without a fight. To that end they bring in Dr. Anton Reshenko who has a plan that is intended to bring us back to the glory days. What they do not seem to comprehend is that Reshenko is your typical egomaniac scientist who sees nothing wrong in sacrificing the many to benefit a few.

In Los Angeles we meet Mason West, ex military and his family, who have no idea of the crazy about to come their way. Mason has also sworn to take care of the son of one of the men who did not make it back, the kid and his mom are both making that difficult. Elizabeth West is a veterinarian at the L.A. Zoo who has a thing for Bili chimps. Theresa West is their 15 year old daughter who is growing up and growing away from her parents in typical ways. Then there is Elio Lopez, the boy Mason has tried to protect is about to join a gang whose leader is a killer. With a life so full what else could possibly go wrong?

I have to say that it is worth your time to read this book. The characters make it more than worth it because they come to life in a very real way. While you do not get what is promised here I think it will be coming with the second book now that we have been fully introduced to the players.

My rating: 3.5 stars
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Fool Moon

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13543656

Fool Moon (The Dresden Files #2)

by Jim Butcher (Goodreads Author), James Marsters (Narrator)

 

When it comes to Harry Dresden I always have a great time reading about him and his misadventures in the world of magic. He is a wizard who does not always see things as they are. The characters are all likable in one way or the other, even the criminals seem to have some type of redeeming quality. The bad guys are always dark and menacing in the best possible way. The world inhabited by these characters is so obviously ours but with a twist that makes it special.

There have been several murders that Murphy has not told Harry about until it becomes obvious that they are not just animal attacks. When he finally gets involved he lets her know that werewolves or some flavor of shifter has come to town and is doing damage to innocents and criminals alike. Murphy has called in the FBI and they are pushing her out of the investigation for their own reasons. The real question comes down to whether Harry can figure out who is doing the killing and keep himself on the right side of a jail cel.

The Alphas make their first appearance here as college students. Susan and Harry are still circling each other but not committing to a relationship. Karrin and Harry are still trying to find common ground for their friendship and working relationship. This is a good series that makes reading more than once a fun venture.

James Marsters or Spike if you are a Buffy fan is Harry Dresden. When he starts to speak you will be pulled to Chicago and the trouble that happens when is around.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
“There’s more magic in a baby’s first giggle than in any firestorm a wizard can conjure up, and don’t let anyone tell you any different.”
― Jim Butcher, Fool Moon

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Whodunnit? Murder on Mystery Island

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23588779

Whodunnit? Murder on Mystery Island (Whodunnit #2)

I have always liked a good mystery and this was a very good one. I probably liked it even more because I managed to figure out who the killer was after the the second murder, though I could have easily been wrong. The set up is the same as the first book and works perfectly well even if you know how things are going to play out. The pace is fast and just right for what is going on. You get to know the characters just enough to give insight into the type of person they are, which helps you to decide who the murderer is. The murders themselves are pretty inventive and not your normal slasher type killings. The victims are likable for the most part with your usual annoying character thrown in for contrast.

Giles has decided that he would like to avoid the usual places a butler would work after his last experience being used by a killer. He cannot believe that the curse placed on him by Jacqueline Boussard could really follow him. Yes, it has happened twice but here on a tropical Island he should be safe along with the guests. Then he is told that a company has booked the Island for a retreat for their employees, but they will be bringing only 11 people and that seems strange.

Before Giles knows it he finds himself participating in a killing game once again and he helped to bring some staff with him. He knows what the stakes are and soon so do those who arrive thinking they are about to have an enjoyable vacation in paradise.

This does remind me of “Ten Little Indians” a murder mystery I have loved for years. We still have ten since the killer hides among his prey. You can get a few laughs, and try to figure out Whodunnit.

My rating: 4 of 5 killer stars
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Faded Steel Heat

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Faded Steel Heat: A Garrett (Garrett Files, #9)

Faded Steel Heat (Garrett Files #9)

I have always liked Garrett because he reminds me so much of the noir detectives of the 40’s who were tough guys who had a thing for the ladies but also had a soft spot that they had to hide. That is totally the world Garrett lives in, his just also happens to have ogres and elves and dwarves and trolls just to name a few of the nonhuman denizens who live there too. Sometimes the stories are exciting with plenty of action and sometimes they are like this one with a plot you have to follow closely to keep the characters straight.

Things are going downhill in Tunfaire with the Call still on their mission to get all the non-humans out of town by any means necessary. The problem for Garrett is that they seem to want to drag him into the middle of the mess and he would prefer not to have to get involved. When he gets a visit from Tinnie, Alyx, and Nicks asking him to go to work for Max Weider, whose brewery he is on retainer to, has been targeted for ‘protection money’ by men claiming to be from the Call, he has no choice but to get involved. If they are moving into the rackets to fund their racist agenda he wants to find out and stop them.

There are always so many players when it comes to these stories that if you are new to them you can get lost. The stories while not always super exciting are always interesting and make you think because they do mirror our world and what is or has happened in it. I am kind of over the rioting and beating of non-humans though and am ready to move on to something more interesting. Still well worth the time.

My rating: 3 of 5 stars
“Relway mused, “Now that it’s happened I’m not so sure I’m happy with the outcome. Spared their racial theories The Call would’ve been good for TunFaire.” He would appreciate their interest in law and order and proper behavior. “Here’s a challenge you still need to meet. Glory Mooncalled. He’s weak now but he’s still out there somewhere. If you don’t get him now he’ll try to put something back together someday. He can’t help himself.” “It’s still great day for TunFaire, Garrett. One of pure triumph.” I don’t know if he meant that or was being sarcastic. You never quite know anything with Relway. And he wants it that way. “I liked the way you put it, Garrett. Faded steel heat.” I’d mentioned that to him the night he’d discovered the tanks in the old Lamp brewery. “But the war goes on.” “The war never ends. Tell you what. Send me a note when you do decide to roast that pigeon. I’ve got dibs on a drumstick.”
― Glen Cook, Faded Steel HeatGlen Cook
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Slade

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17694765

Slade (Tales of the Were: The Others #2)

I really love the Tales of Were series and am always glad to get a chance to get back to it. It took me longer than usual to read but that is no reflection on the writing or the story being told. The characters are interesting and help to push the story forward because you believe in them. The attraction between the mains is believable if you give yourself over to the concept of fated mates and not just love/lust at first sight. The language is pitch perfect because you know they talk like you would expect someone from their part of the country to speak. Everything that happens helps to further the bigger story that plays in the background about the evil that is trying to surface.

Kate is a priestess of the Lady who has come to live in the territory of the Redstone Clan and been welcomed by their matriarch. While welcoming the Sun one morning she feels a great evil close by that shatters the hearts of the Redstone brothers. When their mother is killed they go all out to find the culprit and in their grief could expose all shifters to humans.

Slade does security for the Lords and other special assignments as needed. He is sent by Rafe and Tim to Nevada to make sure that Griffon Redstone and his brothers do not expose them all. Slade has secrets which he has kept even from the Lords which he shares with Grif in order to get him to trust him. When he meets Kate the assignment takes on a whole new dimension for the usually loner cat.

I loved the heat level since it built up before they got to indulge in anything physical. The romance is sweet and Slade is good kitty to have around the house. Kate is a strong woman who can hold her own even though she has had a hard life. Everything to love and nothing to hate here. Enjoy it!

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
“Slade lowered his head to kiss her lips once, very gently. “They will love you because you’re the only woman in the world who can complete me. They will love your kind heart and gentle ways. Your fierce courage and Goddess-given magic. How could they not, when I love you with all my being? They’ll see what I see when I look at you.” He kissed her again, this time with more passion. “They will see a bright and loving future for not only us, but for the Clan. Great-grandmother will especially love the fact that you are a priestess.” “I hope you’re right.” She bit her lip nervously, but Slade kissed her again, taking her lip between his own teeth for a quick, painless nip before letting her go again. “Trust me, kitten. I know them as well as I know myself. Eventually, you will too. Snowcats live a very long time. You’ll have centuries to get used to them.”
― Bianca D’Arc, Slade
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Swordfights and Lullabies

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17833758

Swordfights & Lullabies (A Modern Witch #6.5)

This was short and sweet detailing what happened to Cassie, Morgan, and Marcus as they were on the road. This story takes place directly after the events in A Celtic Witch and just serves to bring closure.
More sweetness, a little fun, and three people who need each other.

“A bachelor curmudgeon, a Celtic witch, and an adorable wee girl with lavender eyes. Join them in the last days of the Swordfights & Lullabies tour – and see what love has wrought.” from the blurb.

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
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A Celtic Witch

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21472166

A Celtic Witch (A Modern Witch #6)

This book had everything I have come to expect from Debora Geary and the witching community that she has created. The characters are always interesting and could step right off the page fully realized and start living their lives. The language is never to complicated but makes you feel at ease as you read. The landscapes are so vivid that you can see yourself walking the roads or sitting in someone’s kitchen or parlor.

Cassidy ‘Cassie’ Farrel is a famous Irish (Celtic) fiddle player who has taken three weeks to recharge and find her center before she starts her next set of concert tours. She is told about Fisher’s Cove (by the rocks, as in earth) and decides to take some time in the quiet fishing village not knowing that a large number of the inhabitants are witches. Marcus Buchanan has finally settled into his role as a father to Morgan and a part of the community. He has no desire to share Morgan, any more than he already does, and Cassie makes that very hard for him.

I really loved getting to spend more time in Nova Scotia as opposed to California, though we still have a visit from the Walker clan no matter where things are happening. This is a fun, light, romantic story that will enchant anyone. Enjoy this and the entire series.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
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A Different Witch

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17161939

A Different Witch (A Modern Witch #5)

This is a another good entry of witch central with a group of witches who have a community that tries to bring other witches in who may not have anyone to take care of them. The characters are all well defined and complete as individuals so they make you feel like you know them. The dialogue is perfect for the characters and helps to keep you involved in their lives and world.

Almost two years ago Jamie went to Chicago to evaluate Lauren when she was fetched by their program that identifies witches. He and Lauren ended up crashing a coven meeting and totally destroying what they had by telling them they were doing it wrong. While he left and forgot about what he had done, Beth Lander, the leader of the coven could not forget and felt abandoned after his show of arrogance. While thinking about Jamie and preparing to go online she is accidentally teleported to Witch Central with no warning. Things do not get much better after that. This is a very different witch than any of them have ever dealt with and it is going to bring some bad feeling to light.

This is basically a light urban fantasy with plenty of humor, a touch of romance, and some characters that are unforgettable. If you want something that can be enjoyed without a lot of thought or fuss then this is perfect. I recommend this series to everyone!

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
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Naughty or Nice

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19523854

Naughty or Nice (Ella Reynolds #2.75 (Dark Christmas))

After averaging out the stars my rating comes to 3.6 stars for the book. The stories in it are very diverse and all thankfully are about the holiday season.

‘The Santa Call’ by J.R. Rain is a bit of a weird one that I gave 3.5 stars because it is so different you can’t help but keep reading. Santa calls a radio show run by the Love Doctor who gives romantic advise. Santa calls because Mrs. Claus has left him and he needs someone to tell him how to get her back or Christmas will be ruined. I liked it but was not wowed by it.

‘Disco Angels’ by Danielle Younge-Ullman got a rating of 4 stars. Sarah is visiting her family for the holidays which means she has to put up with her less than sweet sister Meli. She loves being there but is still sad about the loss she had 2 years earlier, it has affected everything in her life. The story was good but very sad in so many ways with hopeful undertones for the season.

‘One Stormy Christmas’ by Toni LoTempio I gave 3 stars for being alright. This used characters from a book I had never read and so they were not important to me. Abraham Adams has bought a shop from his cousin and thinks that he will find something worth a lot of money. Abraham finds a box that seems to speak to him. The box somehow ends up on the shelves and is purchased by Autumn, a writer on the show “Stormy Seas”, who proceeds to let out a bit of evil into the world. It actually took me a minute to get into the story but it picked up nicely near the end.

‘Fortune Cat’s Visit’ by Heather Massey got 2 stars. This was my least favorite of all the stories in the book. It did not seem to be about anything more than a woman finding love during Chinese New Year. I did not care about the characters and therefore did not care about the story itself. They mention aliens but you never see them.

‘Real Elves’ by Helen Smith received 3 stars for being cute. Miranda is an artist who has created an enchanted forest for a department store. She just needs to have a dry run before they open it to children. Emily helps by asking her neighbor to bring his granddaughter to walk through and see how she feels about it, things do not go smoothly. This story was cute and had a feeling of magic. I actually liked the characters.

‘Carol’ by J.W. Becton gets 3 stars for a nice story. Calla Hawthorne was at a Christmas party when she was told to go pick up a revenant. It is her job to make sure that souls or the pieces of them get to where they are going, but nobody told her this was a murder victim, they are a little more trouble. The story was interesting and the characters were also interesting.

I gave ‘Krampus Klaus’ by Christiana Miller 4 stars because this story caught my imagination. Jessica and her kids find themselves in witness protection for the holidays and it is nothing like they have experienced before. Her husband is not a nice man and brought his mistress into witness protection and spends most of his time with her. The children make a find when they cannot sleep on Christmas Eve that makes their lives and their mothers better. I loved the ending to this it was just what I would have wanted.

This I gave 5 stars because I like a good mystery just like our heroine, ‘Dark Christmas’ by Liz Schulte. Ella is a recluse with good reason, her husband was murdered in their home and she was the prime suspect. Now however she lives with one of the detectives in the town and writes true crime novels, one about her own experiences and the town. There seems to be something more going on when a dead body is found on her front porch during a holiday party. I think this one was excellent and had me on the edge of my seat.

‘Santa Stole My Ghoulfriend’ by Rose Pressey gets 4 stars because I already liked the character. Larue Donavan sees ghosts and speaks with them because they seek her out for help. A ghost shows up and asks for help in bringing the Christmas spirit to a new arrival in town. Deanna Snow hates Christmas and does not decorate her shop like everyone else. This was a bit short and did not build like it could have but still gave me a smile.

This was a long tale and I gave ‘The Perfect Gift’ by Barbra Annino 4.5 stars. Dane Caulfield finds the perfect gift for his wife in an antique shop but believes he has left it at his place of business. On Christmas Eve the gift is found by his wife and he does not want her to open it because it could bring back bad memories. Julia starts to act strange after opening the gift and Dane begins to think she may not be the wife he needs. But more is happening than either of them are aware of. This was a mystery with a subtle paranormal element. Definitely worth reading.

Some of the stories are good some are bland but all have something interesting to tie it to Christmas.